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LATEST
NEWS |
14th
March 2010 / Times of India / Mumbai Edition
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 IIT-B to assess eco-impact of proposed Navi Mum airport
Mumbai: Union environment and forests minister Jairam Ramesh said the airport coming up in Navi Mumbai has raised serious environmental concerns, such as destruction of mangroves and diversion of rivers.
“Scientists from IIT-Bombay, who are studying the issue, will submit the environmental-assessment report in August. The environmental clearance for the project will be looked into only after the report comes in,’’ Ramesh said.
Ramesh, who was speaking at a climate change meet at IITBombay, urged Indian scientists to take the lead in environmental research. “We can’t allow the West to dictate the terms to us.” He urged the pollution control boards to crack the whip on erring industrial units. “Units that don’t comply with norms should be served showcause notice. If necessary, closure notices can also be issued,” said Ramesh. “During my visit to Chandrapur, the fourth most polluted area in the country, I received many complaints from residents about pollution from refineries,” he said.
The ministry is setting up a pan-IIT initiative in which researchers and PhD students from seven IITs will chart out environmental research programmes. “Ten professors below 35 years of age and seven students will be granted fellowship,” said Ramesh.
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