It further mentioned : "Protecting the natural features like the river, natural nullah and the ponds from these (industrial effluents) eminent threats will be the city's top priority leading to sustainable development."

It may be recalled that the Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board (CECB) will be making available all pollution measuring data of the State online, the Board had announced in December last year in a day-long workshop on monitoring and quality test of pollution measuring equipment organised jointly by CECB, CSIR- National Physical Laboratory at ParyavasBhavan in Naya Raipur.

Notably, Chhattisgarh is among four other states which has submitted Detailed Project Report (DPR) for funding under the National Adaptation Fund on Climate Change (NAFCC) at a total cost of approximately Rs 108 crore for implementation in these states. Also the ninth meeting of the National Steering Committee on Climate Change (NSCCC) was held recently.

The Committee further approved the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) on adaptation submitted by governments of Telangana, Mizoram, Jammu & Kashmir, Meghalaya and Chhattisgarh .

India became the 56th signatory State to sign the 'Raptor MoU' that was concluded on October 22, 2008 and came into effect on November 1, 2008 on conservation of birds of prey in Africa and Eurasia.

The 'Raptor MoU' extends its coverage to 76 species of birds of prey, out of which 46 species, including vultures, falcons, eagles, owls, hawks, kites, harriers, etc. also occur in India.

The Union Environment Ministry released new categorisation of industries. Based on pollution scores, which had Red, Orange, Green and White indicators

Chhattisgarh is among 16 other states in the country which had also implemented advanced automated solutions to deal with environmental and pollution related applications and approvals, the Central Government has informed.

These solutions provide hassle free, 24 X 7 'e-access' to businesses to apply online, track applications, file returns and statements and get online permissions under various Acts and regulations.

The states include-- Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal.

Online pollution monitoring systems have been installed in 17 types of industries totaling 45 units which are located near Raipur city in August month last year, Informed Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board (CECB) officials to Chief Secretary VivekDhand who had chaired a meeting at the Mantralaya here for reviewing pollution control measures taken in and around Raipur city.

In the meeting, Chief Secretary issued directives to begin implementation of the government subsidy scheme for conversion of diesel auto-rickshaws into CNG operated ones soon, so as to promote use of clean fuel.

Decision to launch a helpline number for lodging complaints regarding violation of noise/air pollution standards has also been taken, officials informed.

The officials concerned were also directed to inspect private hospitals and take necessary action for safe disposal of bio-medical waste.

It may be recalled that Chhattisgarh government is already set to ban commercial vehicles which are more than 10 to 12 years old -mainly autos, trucks and buses.

Buses plying on long-distance routes which are more than 12-years-old are already denied permits. The trucks which are more than 10 years old will not be given permits to ply on the roads, officials informed.

Chief Minister Raman Singh had convened a meeting of senior government in a meeting of Chhattisgarh Environment Protection Board at his official residence here in June last year. Singh, during the meeting had stated that the State Government would undertake stern measures to control pollution in the interest of the people of the State.

The truck owners will be given one-year period to buy new vehicles. Registration of more than 8-year-old vehicles will also not be done in Chhattisgarh. No permits will be given to autos which are more than 10 years old in Raipur, Durg, Bhilai and Bilaspur, the meeting was informed.

The auto owners will be given one-year period to convert the autos to e-Rickshaws. After this expiry period, the owners will not be given permits.

It may be recalled that a two-member team of experts from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mumbai will study pollution levels in 25 kms periphery of the city.

It must be recalled that the IIT team comprising Prof Anil K .Dixit and IndrakantJha had visited Raipur on June 13 last year. The experts then had an interaction with the local industrialists and the officials of the Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board (CECB) at new Circuit House here after their arrival.

Stating the meet as a preliminary one the experts handed over a proforma to local industrialist to seek necessary information for conducting the study

During the meeting, CECB Member Secretary Devendra Singh had appealed to the industrialists to carry out as much plantations as possible by planting at least 1,000 saplings in one acre of land.

The IIT team informed in the meeting that the study would be carried out in three phases- In the first phase- 5 kms of city's periphery will be studied followed by 10 kms and then 25 kms of the periphery.