Population explosion biggest challenge: June 8, The Hindu
Dr. S. Balaji, I.F.S., Director, DoE said at a seminar on "India's Environmental Challenges and Possible solutions" that population explosion was the biggest challenge that engendered poverty, migration and pollution. Professor Paul P. Appasamy, Member Secretary, MSE said poverty, industrialization and consumptive urban lifestyle that caused environmental exploitation.

Loyola College set to install recycling plant: July 5, The Hindu
Loyola College, Chennai will soon have its own recycling system to treat and reuse grey water. This project was funded by U.S. Consulate under the United Nations Asian Environmental Partnership has the capacity to process 50,000 liters of water per day. The wastewater will be treated using aerobic and anoxic techniques to neutralize the toxins. The technology will ensure 95-99% reduction of BOD and COD.

Coimbatore generates maximum hazardous Waste: July 5, The Hindu
A pollution status report says that out of 11,01,522.66 tonnes of hazardous waste generated in the state every year, Coimbatore contributes 8,33,365.75 tonnes-nearly 76 percent. Karur comes second with 82,263 tonnes, followed by Namakkal with 51,407.62 tonnes and Vellore with 15, 775.32 tonnes.

Biodiversity Boards set up in eight states:
Dr. S. Kannaiyan, Chairman, NBA said that Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Kerala, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Nagaland, Punjab, and West Bengal had notified the formation of State Biodiversity Boars. The Biodiversity Board will advise the State on Conservation of Biodiversity, sustainable use of resources and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of biological resources. It will also perform other functions in accordance with the provision of the Biodiversity Act 2002.

City building Bags Green Building Award: Indian Express, July 27, 2005
Hallmark IT Park in Guindy Industrial Estate has bagged the prestigious Indian Building Congress award for excellence in built environment for 2004. This building is energy efficient and minimum glass has been used to cut down the air conditioning costs and punch windows have also been used to have artificial lighting.

Chennai Chosen for Pollution Studies: Hindu, June 13
A pioneering time series analyses of observation data over a period of time for estimating health impacts related to air pollution in Chennai will be studied by Sri Ramachandra Medical College in collaboration with TNPCB and the Directorate of public health. This study will answer whether air pollution can cause acute effects or mortality in the population. The baseline data expected from this study will help in future planning of pollution reduction measures

Tsunami destroyed Mangrove Forests: The Hindu, July 31
At a two day international conference on "Tsunami Disaster Management and Coastal Management" the Union Minister for Environment and Forest said that over 4,000 hectares of mangrove forests on the Andaman and Nicobar islands was obliterated and 8,000 hectares of land had been damaged caused extensive damage to coral reeves and marine organisms by the recent Tsunami. He said mapping of coastal regions and creating bio shields with soft engineering tools are some of the measures being taken to prevent disaster.

Green Building Award: The Hindu, August 1
Grundfos Pumps on the Old Mahabalipuram Road has been awarded Gold Rating by the U.S. Green Building Council under its leadership in Energy and Environmental design Programme. The salient features includes zero waste discharge and recycling, 25 percent energy saving, 50 percent reduction in potable water use, use of treated grey water for landscaping, use of cavity wall to minimize heat ingress in the building and eco friendly housekeeping practices.

State forests mapped: The Hindu, August 13
Mr. C.K. Sreedharan, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest said that the State Forest department has come up with "District Forest Atlas" using Geographical Information System (GIS) and remote sensing technology. GIS and remote sensing data are integrated; a lot of information is generated, which can be used for better management of the existing natural resources.

Environment Court in States likely: March 16, Indian Express
The Centre is seriously considering a proposal to set up 'Environment Court' at the state level mainly to deal with environmental disputes and to have appellate jurisdiction in respect of appeals under the various pollution control laws. The court would have judicial and scientific experts in the field of environmental conservation.

Bio-medical Waste Training Manuel released: March 9, Indian Express
A training manuel on bio-medical waste handling has been released by Toxic Link, a NGO campaigning for a toxic free environment. The manual equips trainers to understand waste flow in the hospital by conducting waste audits and surveys and describes the various kinds of biomedical waste like sharps and cyto-toxic waste and their storage and safe disposal. Also it outlines various acts and prescribed standards which the hospital ought to follow.

Compost Plants require Pollution Board Clearance: February, 28, Hindu
Tmt. Girija Vaidyanathan, chairperson, TNPCB said while answering the queries during an online chat organized by ENVIS, Department of Environment that compost plants require environmental clearance from the pollution Control Board because they too discharge emission, she also said every municipality should have a proper solid waste disposal plan, including recycling, composting and land filling and it should comply with the Municipal Solid Waste Handling Rules.

Fortune in Sea Weed Cultivation: February 21, The Hindu
Dr. Sakthivel, President, AFI, Said that the shallow waters of the Gulf of Mannar and the Pak Strait have the potential of producing one million tones of seaweed. This could provide livelihood to one lakh fisherfolk in ten districts, including Ramanathapuram, Tuticorin, Kanyakumari, Pudukottai and Nagapattinam. A total of 122 algal species have been recorded in Tamil Nadu. He also said seaweed provide shelter for a large number of marine organisms and could enrich biodiversity.

Rs. 8,000 Crores needed for River Conservation: February 17, Indian Express
The Union Environment and Forest Minister said, India might require a whoopping Rs. 8,000 crores during the 10th Five Year plan to under take river and lake conservation Programmes. He also said there is a need for adopting a holistic and integrated approach by addressing not only river pollution, but other issues like internal sewerage, solid waste.

Eco Bio Blocks (EBB): February 10, Indian Express
Dr. S. Balaji, I.F.S., has participated in launching a new Japanese product Eco Bio Block (EBB) in Cheenai on 9th February, 2005. The EBB promises to remove organic pollutants and bad odour from water and kill mosquito larvae providing ray of hope for the polluted water ways and water bodies in and around the City. Mr. S.V. Rayen, Product Manager said EBB are manufactured by mixing effective microbes with volcanic porous stones, alkaline cement and water could be used for effective cleaning of City's water ways. A sample study was done at river Cooum. Mr. Koga Masayuki, President of Koyoh corporation, the Manufacturers said EBBs have an effective working life of seven years if placed in running water and have been successfully tested in Japan.

National Environmental Policy Soon: February 8, Indian Express
The Union Environment and Forest Minister said that Center is likely to release "National Environment Policy" sustainable to domestic needs and incorporating the declarations signed by the Centre at various International conventions. The new policy would be an integrated one, taking into consideration various recent developments in the area of environment and regulations on Pollution

India Ranks 101 on Environmental Sustainability Index: February 2, Hindu
India is ranking 101 out of 146 countries analysed in the recently released Environmental Sustainability Index (ESI). Using 21 indicators and 76 measurement, including natural resources endowments, past and the present pollution levels and policy efforts, the report creates "Sustainability score for each country, with high score indicating better Environmental Sustainability. Dr. S. Balaji, I.F.S said increase environmental awareness may be the key to improving environmental sustainability

Farm school for Technology Transfer: January 11,
The National Commission on farmers has recommended the setting up of 50,000 farm school all over the country, Launching the MSSRF-WEP Technical resource Centre for addressing UNMDG of alleviating poverty and hunger here today, Prof. Swaminathan said the aim of the programme was to use the knowledge of outstanding farmers for betterment ofother farmers and to replicate their success stories. The programme would cover horticulture, aquaculture and other forms of farming oerations. In setting up the schools, selected progressive farmers would be provided necessary infrastructure, including building and fund.

Strategies for "Coastal Eco-Security": January 10, The Hindu
Prof. M.S, Swaminathan said the strengthening of the ecological foundations for sustainable livelihood security in Coastal areas would be given priority. The rehabilitation of the degraded mangrove forests and erection of "bio-shields" along the coastline would get due attention. The unique "bio-shields" will consist of planting appropriate Mangrove species as well as other salt tolerant plants, including Salicornia atriplex, Casuarina, Thespesia and some species of bamboo. Other strategies such as setting up Coastal bio-village and establishing a net work of coastal village knowledge Centre to provide early warning and location specific information on health, water, Sanitation, market and wealth will also be looked into by the Commission.

GSI to Identify Tsunami Zone: January 10, Indian Express
Geological Survey of India (GSI) would identify low lying coastal area and notify them as Tsunami risk zones. Mr. S. Pawar, Deputy Director General, Southern Region said Teams of scientists had stated surveying the impact of Tsunami on the geology and geomorphology of the coastal areas. He said the study would also stress the need for reworking of Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ).