Monumental disregard? Indian government ignores suggestions en masse and moves ahead with law to governing 7,500-km coastline | Photo: The Indian Express

Indian govt ignored 90% objections to new coastal zone law

An IndiaSpend investigation found that the Indian government disregarded 90% of the objections raised by environmental groups and citizens to the draft of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification and pushed the final notification in 2019 without publishing the draft in the official gazette, which is compulsory by law.

The law, which opens up India’s 7,200-km coastline to commercial activity, was pushed through without taking into consideration the concerns of coastal communities such as fisherfolk, those objecting say.

Bundle renewable energy with thermal power for 24-hour power supply: Draft policy

India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has come up with a draft policy that aims to provide 24-hour power supply to Indian distributors by attempting a mix of renewable energy and electricity from coal power plants. In other words, this will be ‘reverse bundling’ – costlier thermal energy mixed with cheaper renewable energy.

For the source, the draft suggests a power generating firm will have to provide electricity annually in such a manner that at least 51% of it is from renewables and the rest from a thermal source.

MP govt proposes law to fast-track clearances for industries

The Madhya Pradesh government has proposed a law that will issue 25 types of clearances and licences within a day to investors interested in setting up shop in the state. Ten other clearances will be granted in seven days and five in 15 days through an online platform.

Climate activists score big win, UK court blocks Heathrow expansion plans

Britain’s commitment towards the Paris Agreement was used as grounds by the London Court of Appeal to block the UK government’s controversial plans to build a third runway at the Heathrow International airport. The case, brought to the court by environmental groups, is likely to have wider implications on planning and other climate-related litigation that has surged over the past year around the globe. While the Heathrow Airport has responded to the verdict by announcing intentions to appeal, the government has appeared less than keen to pursue the expansion any further.

Japan plans to tighten restrictions on its export of coal power to developing nations 

In a move aimed to get Japan one step closer to carbon neutrality, its environment minister Shinjiro Koizumi spoke of tighter restrictions on the country’s export of coal power to developing nations. This export is one of the major criticisms of Japan’s national energy policy. This is also part of Japan’s efforts to align itself with the Paris goals.