In India, there has been an ever-widening gap between individuals who have benefitted from the economic growth and the vast group of the underprivileged who have been left out of the process. This report examines if the usage and break up of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) funds by industries in Tamil Nadu supports the needs of those likely to be left behind.
By Aakanksha Tiwari, Researcher-Environment and Climate Action
By Aakanksha Tiwari, Researcher-Environment and Climate Action
Ancient India had few environmental regulations that can be read in Kautilya’s ‘Arthashastra’ and on the fifth pillar edict of Emperor Ashoka. In the era before Indian independence in 1947, though there were no laws, there were cultural boundaries and respect for nature in the hearts of people of all ages and gender.
The Draft Environmental Impact Assessment Notification 2020, was uploaded in the MoEF&CC Website on March 12, 2020, with a view to receive public comments within 60 days. In this letter CAG requests the MoEFCC to withdraw the draft from public domain in light of the country-wide lockdown to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus Covid 19. The draft can be put out again for public comments once normalcy resumes, and when all stakeholders can afford the required time, access and resources to respond effectively to this Notification.
This is the letter to the Expert Appraisal Committee - Thermal Power recommending a site visit to the Ennore Thermal Power Station - Expansion Project, about possible violations of its directive to TANGEDCO to refrain from any construction work after the expiry of Environmental Clearance for the project.
In this letter to TANGEDCO, CAG appeals to move to decarbonised energy plan for Tamil Nadu. Plan for realistic growth in electricity demand. Improve performance of existing coal plants instead of building new plants. Solarise the state through rooftop solar and agrivoltaics.
TANGEDCO has requested the Power Finance Corporation and Rural Electrification Corporation, for funding thermal power projects of a combined capacity up to 5,300 MW, and hydro power projects to the tune of 500 MW. To fund these projects, both funding organisations have asked for guarantees from Government of Tamil Nadu. CAG has written to the Finance Secretary requesting that the guarantee not be extended.
by Bhagyashree Rath, Researcher - Environment and Climate Change
State power utility TANGEDCO recently sought amendment in the Terms of Reference issued for its 660 MW expansion project in Ennore. The utility, which failed to submit a feasibility study for the project, demanded an exemption from the public hearing process, and asked for construction work to be allowed even as its Environmental Clearance process was ongoing. CAG shared its concerns regarding the need and development of this project with the Epxert Appraisal Committee, which scheduled this project for discussion in March.
Water Consumption pattern for the year 2016 - 17 is compared with the data from CTO (for the period 2016 -2021) and the actual quantity of water to be permitted under MoEF & CC, 2015 Notification.