<keyword id="22472631" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Yamuna-floodplain" source="keywords">Yamuna floodplain</keyword>, an <keyword id="19949334" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="eco-sensitive-zone" source="keywords">eco-sensitive zone</keyword>, has to be zealously protected from <keyword id="19995463" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="encroachment" source="keywords">encroachment</keyword> and no structure, <keyword id="20282715" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="religious" source="keywords">religious</keyword> or otherwise, can be permitted to stand there and has to be necessarily removed, the <keyword id="19895875" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Delhi-High-Court" source="keywords">Delhi High Court</keyword> has said. A division bench headed by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan refused to interfere with an order of a single judge allowing <keyword id="19988335" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="demolition" source="keywords">demolition</keyword> of '<keyword id="22472633" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Prachin-Shiv-Mandir" source="keywords">Prachin Shiv Mandir</keyword>' — which was built near the river in Geeta Colony area, noting that the appellant, '<keyword id="22472634" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Prachin-Shiv-Mandir-Avam-Akhada-Samiti" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Prachin Shiv Mandir Avam Akhada Samiti" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Prachin Shiv Mandir Avam Akhada Samiti">Prachin Shiv Mandir Avam Akhada Samiti</keyword>', did not have even a "single scrap of a document" to show any legitimacy. "(The appellant) does not dispute that the said temple was on a site which is located within the Restoration and Rejuvenation of <keyword id="20076776" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="yamuna" source="keywords">Yamuna</keyword> River Floodplain Asita, East U.P. land (86 Hectares) from ITO Barrage to old Iron Railway Bridge.. It is apparent that the temple has been constructed unauthorizedly on encroached land in an eco-sensitive zone area. If that is so, no structure, religious or otherwise, can be permitted to stand and have to be necessarily removed. More so, the Yamuna River Floodplain has to be zealously protected from such encroachment and unauthorized constructions," said the bench, also comprising Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, in its order passed on July 10. Observing that the entire structure comprising the temple had already been demolished by the DDA, the court said even otherwise, nothing survived for further consideration. The appellant claimed that it was established as a society by a distinguished priest, renowned for founding 101 Shiv Lingas, and the temple stood on one of such revered Shiv Lingas. It assailed the demolition order on the grounds that it received no formal notice from the authorities and the land belonged to the State of Uttar Pradesh (UP) and not the DDA. The appellant also alleged that no opportunity was granted by the Religious Committee before it recommended the demolition. In its order, the court stated that the appellant has no document to show its ownership over the site where the temple was built and although the land belonged to the State of UP, the DDA was conferred with the task of removal of any type of encroachment from the land required as per an MoU. The court also rejected the allegation of violation of principles of natural justice by the Religious Committee, saying a "rank encroacher on public land carrying out unauthorized construction cannot make a grievance of the same". "There is not even a single scrap of a document placed on record by the appellant/society to show any kind of legitimacy it exercises, either over the land or the illegal structure built thereon. Thus, this argument is noted only to be rejected," the court stated. "Looked at in any which way, the construction of temple over the said land was not only unauthorized but also the DDA had proper authority to remove any such unauthorized construction or pre existing structures," the court said. On May 29, the single judge had refused to set aside the order for demolition of 'Pracheen Shiv Mandir', while also refusing to make the deity a party to the petition. The court had said that Lord Shiva did not need anyone's protection and would be happier if the Yamuna river bed and flood plains areas were cleared of all encroachments and unauthorised construction.

No unauthorised structure, religious or otherwise, permitted on Yamuna floodplain: HC

Unplanned and uncontrolled construction in the name of development in Uttarakhand has brought <keyword id="65619" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="joshimath" source="Orion">Joshimath</keyword> on the brink of sinking, experts said here, demanding that the Himalayas be declared an eco-sensitive zone. In a resolution passed at a roundtable organised by the <keyword id="6448655" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="swadeshi-jagran-manch" source="Orion">Swadeshi Jagran Manch</keyword> (SJM) on Saturday, experts termed as "inadequate" the steps taken to deal with the prevailing situation in subsidence-hit Joshimath. They also asked the government to consider taking long-term measures to address the problem, saying a similar situation may arise in Nainital, Mussoorie and other areas of Garhwal as well if the "so-called development driven by human greed" is not checked in the hill state. "Declare Himalayas as an eco-sensitive zone. Regulate big projects causing devastation," the resolution said. While the width of the road under the <keyword id="804754" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="char-dham" source="Orion">Char Dham</keyword> road widening project must be regulated to intermediate standard to minimize the damage to the terrain, the Char Dham railways project should be reassessed, it added. "Chardham railways is an over ambitious project that will cause much devastation and will further overburden the tourist centric state of Uttarakhand. This project should be reassessed and re-looked at," the resolution said. A detailed carrying capacity assessment of Uttarakhand should be done to ensure that the number of tourists visiting these places is accounted for and also to ensure that the tourist flow does not cause environmental overburdening, it added. The roundtable, organised to deliberate on the topic 'Imminent <keyword id="3088975" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="himalayan-crisis" source="Orion">Himalayan Crisis</keyword>', was attended by former chairperson of a Supreme Court-appointed committee on the Centre's Char Dham project Ravi Chopra, its former member <keyword id="4951084" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="hemant-dhyani" source="Orion">Hemant Dhyani</keyword> and others, SJM co-convenor <keyword id="16283224" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="awshwani-mahajan" source="Orion">Awshwani Mahajan</keyword> told PTI. "Sri Adi Shankaracharya founded the city where the holy Jyotirlinga is located in the eighth century, which is known as Joshimath (Jyotir Math). Today, this math is at the brink of collapse. The news of the sinking of Joshimath has shaken the whole country," Mahajan said. "Even though some steps have been taken in view of the current crisis, experts believe that the sinking of this first Jyotir Math established by Adi Shankaracharya cannot be stopped," he added. Terming the steps taken by the government to deal with the prevailing situation "inadequate", the resolution noted that while on one hand a large number of people are going to be displaced due to the sinking of Joshimath, on the other, the solution is being sought only by way of rehabilitation of affected residents. "Currently work on the mega projects in this area - the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) hydropower project, Helang bypass road construction which is part of Chardham road widening project and ropeways project, has been stopped by the district administration succumbing to the local protests," it noted. It can be seen that areas such as Bhagirathi ESZ, where large scale mega projects have not been implemented and the local ecology has not been tampered with, land subsidence, landslide incidents and devastating disaster events are minimum to none, it underlined. "This is proof enough that the indiscriminate, unplanned robust construction everywhere else in Uttarakhand has directly or indirectly impacted and aggravated the disaster like situation," it added. It is worth mentioning that the way the mountain was cut at the foothills of Joshimath for the construction of Chardham Marg and how without a proper hydrogeological study, the NTPC dug a tunnel in the middle of the mountain, this fragile mountain was destroyed," the resolution noted. "It is also noticed that due to robust and unplanned construction of high-rise hotels and buildings, there is inadequate arrangement for sanitation, which makes Joshimath more unstable and burdened," it said. "Due to all this, today the entire area of Joshimath is sinking and there is no way we can save it," it added. In the name of development, the resolution noted, construction work and tampering with nature is going on continuously all over Uttarakhand. Due to the massive deforestation, there is hardly any greenery left on the mountains; and due to this, landslides have become a common feature in these youngest fold mountains, it claimed. "Disastrous construction in the name of development without assessing the expected impact is becoming the cause of today's and earlier tragedies. This crisis can be avoided only by curbing this indiscriminate construction," the resolution said. "In view of this type of rapid destruction in the past, it has become necessary to consider that the so-called development driven by human greed cannot be allowed to continue. It is necessary that long-term measures are taken to deal with this problem," it demanded. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/state-bank-of-india-defends-exposure-to-the-adani-group-as-short-selling-report-roils-markets/articleshow/97391208.cms">State Bank of India defends exposure to the Adani Group as short-selling report roils markets</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/an-app-that-wants-to-turn-fear-of-stock-markets-into-fun-raises-75-lakh-from-sharks/articleshow/97378121.cms">An app that wants to turn fear of stock markets into fun raises ₹75 lakh from sharks</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/news/nows-the-best-time-to-see-the-green-comet-passing-earth-for-the-first-time-since-the-ice-age-heres-how-where-and-when-to-see-it-/articleshow/97107825.cms">We could be the last humans to see the green comet passing Earth for the first time since the Ice Age. Here's how, where, and when to watch it.</a>

Steps taken in subsidence-hit Joshimath inadequate, declare Himalayas eco-sensitive zone, say experts

Union <keyword id="19895370" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Environment-Minister" source="keywords">Environment Minister</keyword> Bhupender Yadav responded on Sunday to Congress general secretary in-charge communications <keyword id="20035989" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jairam-Ramesh" source="keywords">Jairam Ramesh</keyword>'s concerns about the <keyword id="22910239" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="great-nicobar-mega-infrastructure-project" source="keywords">Great Nicobar Mega Infrastructure Project</keyword>. In a letter dated August 21, Yadav assured that "exemplary mitigation measures" have been put in place to reduce the environmental impact of the project while considering "strategic, national, and defence interests." Congress MP Jairam Ramesh, in a post on X on August 8, said that the above-mentioned project envisions a calamitous destruction of forests--home to the <keyword id="21361491" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Shompen-tribe" source="keywords">Shompen tribe</keyword> — and a vast array of wildlife — on <keyword id="19979117" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Great-Nicobar" source="keywords">Great Nicobar</keyword> Island — for a project that has not gone through the due process of environmental and legal consultations with all stakeholders. In his reply, Yadav noted that despite the diversion of forest land for the project, 82 per cent of the Great Nicobar area remains under <keyword id="20700262" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Protected-forests" source="keywords">protected forests</keyword>, eco-sensitive zones, and biosphere reserves, exceeding the standard requirement of maintaining two-thirds of the area under forest cover. He further explained that due to the unavailability of areas for plantation on the Great Nicobar Island, efforts are being made to plant native species in non-notified forest land, arid landscapes, and urban vicinities, which, according to him, would offer greater ecological benefits. Jairam had claimed that the <keyword id="20662309" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Compensatory-afforestation" source="keywords">compensatory afforestation</keyword> planned for the project could not compansate is no substitute whatsoever for the loss of natural forests. The Congress leader also said on X that in view of the numerous violations of due process, legal and constitutional provisions protecting <keyword id="20129620" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tribal-communities" source="keywords">tribal communities</keyword>, and the project's disproportionate ecological and human cost, they had demanded an immediate suspension of all clearances accorded to the project and the conduct of a thorough impartial review of the proposed project, including by the parliamentary committees concerned.

Environment Minister responds to Jairam Ramesh's concerns over Great Nicobar mega infrastructure project

New Delhi, As global layoffs deepen, Indian startups are not far behind and have sacked thousands of employees in the past 3-4 months, with many more to be given pink slips in the coming months amid deepening funding winter. In <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword>, more than 21,000 employees have been laid off by more than 70 startups to day, including from unicorns like BYJU'S, <keyword id="6354720" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="ola" source="Orion">Ola</keyword>, MPL, Innovaccer, Unacademy, Vedantu, Cars24, <keyword id="2808667" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="oyo" source="Orion">OYO</keyword>, Meesho, Udaan and many more. The edtech sector has laid off the most employees, with 16 edtech startups laying off more than 8,000 employees to date. With the onset of January, more and more Indian companies are slashing jobs across the spectrum. The new year has already seen more than 16 homegrown startups sack employees in the country. Social media company <keyword id="3358959" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="sharechat" source="Orion">ShareChat</keyword> (Mohalla Tech Pvt Ltd) has laid off 20 per cent of its workforce due to uncertain market conditions. Backed by Twitter, Google, Snap and <keyword id="526777" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="tiger-global" source="Orion">Tiger Global</keyword>, ShareChat has about 2,300 employees, and the layoff impacted about 500 people at the company, Healthtech unicorn Innovaccer has sacked nearly 245 employees, or about 15 per cent of its workforce, across teams in India and the US. Innovaccer cofounder and CEO Abhinav Shashank cited an "uncertain macroeconomic environment" as the reason behind the job cuts, according to an internal mail sent to employees and accessed by leading startup news portal Inc42. This was the second layoff at the company in around 4-5 months' time amid the deepening funding winter and recession fears. In September last year, Innovaccer laid off nearly 120 employees, or less than 8 per cent of its workforce. Online food delivery platform <keyword id="6358977" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="swiggy" source="Orion">Swiggy</keyword> confirmed that the company is laying off 380 employees as food delivery growth slows. MediBuddy, an end-to-end digital healthcare platform in India, has laid off 8 per cent of its workforce, around 200 people, across all departments as a restructuring exercise. Homegrown online vehicle repair platform GoMechanic, backed by <keyword id="563136" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="sequoia-india" source="Orion">Sequoia India</keyword>, has laid off 70 per cent of its workforce as the startup struggles to raise funds amid serious concerns of accounting troubles. The company has asked the remaining staff to work without pay for three months, according to reports. Software-as-a-service (SaaS) voice automation startup Skit.ai has asked more than 115 employees to go, mostly from its India team, as part of the "restructuring process" amid the deepening funding winter. Even IT giant <keyword id="10862" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="wipro" source="Orion">Wipro</keyword> has laid off more than 400 fresher employees for poor performance in internal assessment tests. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/budgeting-for-climate-change/articleshow/97378027.cms">Budgeting for the fifth C</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/an-app-that-wants-to-turn-fear-of-stock-markets-into-fun-raises-75-lakh-from-sharks/articleshow/97378121.cms">An app that wants to turn fear of stock markets into fun raises ₹75 lakh from sharks</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/steps-taken-in-subsidence-hit-joshimath-inadequate-declare-himalayas-eco-sensitive-zone-say-experts/articleshow/97411665.cms">Steps taken in subsidence-hit Joshimath inadequate, declare Himalayas eco-sensitive zone, say experts</a>

70-plus Indian startups show exit door to 21K techies, more pink slips coming

A Supreme Court order to stop commercial activities within 500 metres of the <keyword id="6355354" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="taj-mahal" source="Orion">Taj Mahal</keyword> has triggered a huge controversy that could create tension and uncertainty affecting the revival of tourism in the post-pandemic era. The apex court has directed the Agra Development Authority (ADA) to stop all business activities within 500 metres from the periphery of the World Heritage Site. The order came while disposing of a petition by a group of shopkeepers who had been shifted from their original location to a new site close to the parking area. They complained that while they had moved out, a large number were still continuing commercial activities in the restricted area. The order is likely to affect at least 500 shops, handicraft outlets, restaurants, hotels in the <keyword id="2336407" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Taj-Ganj" source="Orion">Taj Ganj</keyword> locality. A rough estimate suggests around 50,000 people could be rendered jobless. Sources said the affected people were contemplating on moving a review petition in the apex court, while politicians were also being contacted. But a BJP MLA said the party could do nothing as the matter was before the apex court. Meanwhile, the ADA has started a survey and listing of establishments in the 500-metre zone. Clearly, there is lack of unanimity at the local level. Green activists pointed out that in December 1996, the Justice Kuldip Singh bench of the Supreme Court had ordered the closure of all polluting industries in the Taj Trapezium Zone. Industries that agreed to switch over to natural gas were however spared later. This action followed acceptance of the high powered Dr S. Vardharajan Committee report that had made a number of suggestions to contain high pollution level in the 10,000 sq.km eco-sensitive Trapezium Zone. The Taj Ganj market, and the shops on the eastern, southern and western gates of the monument carried on with commercial activities. Vehicles had to be permitted though there is a ban on movement of petroleum based automobiles. "The whole area is congested, stinking and full of people who are accused of fleecing tourists. Unauthorised or freelance guides are called Lapkas in the local lingo," a tourist guide said. The 'Catch 22' situation is not easy to resolve. If the apex court goes by the 1996 precedent, then there should be no hope for relief, but if the Uttar Pradesh government takes up the case and is able to persuade the apex court of the grim implications of the order, some relief may be forthcoming, a senior advocate said. The 17th century monument of love is annually visited by more than seven million tourists and is India's star tourist attraction. Lakhs of local people earn their living from tourism. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/can-india-continue-to-outperform-global-markets/articleshow/94506544.cms">Can India continue to outperform global markets?</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/us-and-uk-visa-heres-all-you-need-to-know-about-applying-for-visa/articleshow/94505440.cms">Here’s all you need to know about applying for the UK and the US visa</a>

Stormy start to tourist season as SC order leads to tension around Taj Mahal

The <keyword id="47209" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="finance-ministry" source="Orion">Finance Ministry</keyword> will move ahead with the already-announced and planned privatisation of state-owned companies in the next fiscal, and the chances of the new addition to that list of CPSEs in the <keyword id="6358021" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="budget" source="Orion">Budget</keyword> for 2023-24 is unlikely, sources said. The disinvestment target outlined in the Budget for the next fiscal is likely to be a scaled-down and realistic one, as the budgeted PSU sell-off target is going to be missed for the fourth year in a row this fiscal. In the current fiscal, the government had budgeted to collect Rs 65,000 crore from disinvestment. However, so far, it has realised only Rs 31,106 crore by selling minority stakes in public sector companies. After tasting success in privatising loss-making Air India in 2021, the progress of PSU sell-off has not been very impressive over the past year, and experts say that with the general election around the corner in 2024, no major disinvestment announcement is expected in this Budget either. "The plan is to move ahead with the strategic sale of the companies for which the Cabinet approval is already in place," an official told PTI. This means that the government will go ahead with the privatisation of companies like Shipping Corporation of India, NMDC Steel Ltd, BEML, HLL Lifecare, Container Corporation of India and RINL or <keyword id="221747" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="vizag-steel" source="Orion">Vizag Steel</keyword>, as well as the big ticket IDBI Bank. Considering that strategic sale or privatisation takes at least a year, and in some cases even more, to conclude, a high budgeted disinvestment target may not be achievable. Nangia Andersen LLP, Partner- Government and Public Sector Advisory, Suraj Nangia said: "The privatization process often takes time, depending on the type of privatization and the economic, social, and political context, emphasizing the importance of a medium-term plan, a solid regulatory framework, and competitive markets". "A multi-year strategic plan for privatisation can be formulated to ensure there is a concrete timeline and a well-designed sequencing and strategy for privatisation," Nangia said. EY India, <keyword id="665532" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="associate-partner" source="Orion">Associate Partner</keyword>, Tax and Economic Policy Group, Rajnish <keyword id="6356160" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="gupta" source="Orion">Gupta</keyword> said the privatisation programme may see an uptick after the 2024 general elections. "Maybe this year's Budget is going to be a little muted and we may see announcements around disinvestment and sale of minority stakes. After 2024, we may see an acceleration in the privatisation programme again," Gupta said. In the past year, the government had called off a couple of strategic sales, including BPCL, due to a lack of investor interest. Experts feel that the private sector will be more keen on buying state-owned companies if their deal is sweetened with tax incentives and regulatory exemptions. Nangia said private sector participation is more likely to be successful when the required information is accurate, such as that of the operating performance, the condition of assets etc. "An important factor considered by investors as they decide on bidding in privatisation programme is a 'predictable regulatory environment and absence of undue administrative impediments to business in general'. Other relevant factors include sufficient and accessible resources, including the presence of relevant infrastructure and human capital, tax incentives, financial subsidies and regulatory exemptions," Nangia added. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/budgeting-for-climate-change/articleshow/97378027.cms">Budgeting for the fifth C</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/an-app-that-wants-to-turn-fear-of-stock-markets-into-fun-raises-75-lakh-from-sharks/articleshow/97378121.cms">An app that wants to turn fear of stock markets into fun raises ₹75 lakh from sharks</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/steps-taken-in-subsidence-hit-joshimath-inadequate-declare-himalayas-eco-sensitive-zone-say-experts/articleshow/97411665.cms">Steps taken in subsidence-hit Joshimath inadequate, declare Himalayas eco-sensitive zone, say experts</a>

Finance Ministry to stick to privatisation of already announced CPSEs next fiscal

Come July, all government departments in the state will go full steam launching pompous plantation drives, but the net result hints at an alarming reduction in green cover across <keyword id="6357713" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="uttar-pradesh" source="Orion">Uttar Pradesh</keyword>. This year, more than 35 crore saplings are to be planted in different areas of the state involving as many as 30 government departments. To set a new Guinness World Record, UP's deputy chief minister has announced opening of 150 new high tech nurseries, two in each district. An amount of Rs 150 crore has been earmarked. Taj city, <keyword id="6356295" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="agra" source="Orion">Agra</keyword> has been given a target of planting 51 lakh saplings. In 2018, the city planted 20 lakh, in 2019 the number was 28 lakh, in 2020 they planted 38 lakh, and in 2021, 45 lakh saplings were planted. DFO Akhilesh Pandey claims 70 per cent plants have survived. Interestingly, Agra mayor Navin Jain had planted some 12,000 saplings on the <keyword id="6354936" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="yamuna" source="Orion">Yamuna</keyword> river bed, which were all washed away when the water level rose in August last year. An inquiry is still going on. In the past years, huge plantation drives have been ordered by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister <keyword id="43254" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="yogi-adityanath" source="Orion">Yogi Adityanath</keyword> and also by his predecessor <keyword id="6355031" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="akhilesh-yadav" source="Orion">Akhilesh Yadav</keyword>. However, the green activists remarked that these are "paper trees to be found only in government files." In the last year of his term in office, former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav set a Guinness World Record for planting 50 million saplings in a day. Next year Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath set a target of nine crore saplings. "Trees rich in medicinal properties and of religious significance will be planted across the state," it was claimed. Despite such herculean efforts, the green cover in Uttar Pradesh remains a dismal 9 per cent, against the national target of 33 per cent. Green activists in Agra doubt the government claims. "These are paper trees to be found only in government files. The ground reality is different," said activist Harendra Gupta of River Connect Campaign. "For 90 million saplings, we need 2,25000 hectares of land, if the distance between two saplings is kept 5 metres. The Akhilesh Yadav government planted 50 million. So now where's the space," wonders Pandit Jugal Kishor. If so many trees have been planted over the years, why are they not visible? Environmentalist Dr Devashish Bhattacharya explains, "The eco-sensitive Taj Trapezium Zone, spread over 10,400 sq km, has seen continuous denudation of forest cover due to massive construction activity. The Yamuna and Agra-Lucknow expressways, dozens of flyovers, the inner city ring road and widening of the national highway to Delhi have gobbled up acres of green cover, exposing the Taj Mahal to dust-laden winds from Rajasthan desert." The Supreme Court had directed that a green buffer be created to insulate the historical monuments from air pollution. "But there has been no significant improvement in the conditions around the Taj Trapezium Zone. Even the area around the protected Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is being gobbled up by colonisers and business interests. The dense cover at Keitham Lake is continuously being reduced," Bhattacharya added. Green activists in Agra have warned of a steadily diminishing green cover in the Taj city, with one expert blaming monkeys for it. The Supreme Court has been repeatedly asking the authorities since 1996 to intensify efforts to develop a green belt to contain air pollution in Agra, India's most popular tourist destination. Green activists have expressed concern over the latest trend of developing concrete jungles where once green forests had existed. "From Vrindavan to Agra, there were 12 big forests in the Braj area. But now only their names remain. The green patches have turned brown, yellow and grey," says Vrindavan activist, Jagan Nath Poddar, convener of Friends of Vrindavan. The activist said, "the builders and corrupt government officials had colluded to gobble up huge chunks of forest land. Illegal felling of trees continues along the Yamuna. Also, the continuous construction of roads, expressways, flyovers and other projects has taken a heavy toll on green cover, specially trees." Eco Club president, Pradip, noted that instead of increasing the forest cover area, the percentage had fallen to around 7 per cent against the national standard of 33 per cent. "The loss of green cover had affected the rainfall pattern, reducing the number of rainy days in the whole Braj Mandal. Agra was being ruined by so-called development. The alarming fall in the green cover due to negligence and corrupt ways of the bureaucracy will prove suicidal and hasten the ecological apocalypse," he said. Most green activists of Braj Mandal said monkeys too were to blame. "The monkeys are a big nuisance. We keep planting saplings all over but find the next day that the monkeys have uprooted them all. To promote green culture in the city, we will need to contain the monkey population," they stated. "Every year, just before the monsoon sets in, all the state government agencies, NGOs, green-warrior outfits and nature lovers join the ritualistic tree plantation drive with tall claims about the number of saplings planted. They just get photographed and then forget about the saplings totally," the activists said. "If you add up all the claims of tree plantation work each year since 1990 by successive state governments, there would be hardly an inch of space left for planting new saplings. UP's green cover is hardly 10 percent and with new mega projects coming up everywhere, film city, international airport, expressways, residential urban clusters, shopping complexes, the space for extending green cover is severely limited," they claimed. A group of green activists in Agra has demanded an independent audit of the green work done so far. "The real problem with such over-hyped campaigns is that these are not backed by adequate support services that can take care of the plants for three years at least," says green activist, Padmini Iyer from River Connect Campaign. 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Green space in UP is shrinking despite significant tree planting campaigns each year

Come July, all government departments in the state will go full steam launching pompous plantation drives, but the net result hints at an alarming reduction in green cover across <keyword id="6357713" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="uttar-pradesh" source="Orion">Uttar Pradesh</keyword>. This year, more than 35 crore saplings are to be planted in different areas of the state involving as many as 30 government departments. To set a new Guinness World Record, UP's deputy chief minister has announced opening of 150 new high tech nurseries, two in each district. An amount of Rs 150 crore has been earmarked. Taj city, <keyword id="6356295" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="agra" source="Orion">Agra</keyword> has been given a target of planting 51 lakh saplings. In 2018, the city planted 20 lakh, in 2019 the number was 28 lakh, in 2020 they planted 38 lakh, and in 2021, 45 lakh saplings were planted. DFO Akhilesh Pandey claims 70 per cent plants have survived. Interestingly, Agra mayor Navin Jain had planted some 12,000 saplings on the <keyword id="6354936" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="yamuna" source="Orion">Yamuna</keyword> river bed, which were all washed away when the water level rose in August last year. An inquiry is still going on. In the past years, huge plantation drives have been ordered by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister <keyword id="43254" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="yogi-adityanath" source="Orion">Yogi Adityanath</keyword> and also by his predecessor <keyword id="6355031" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="akhilesh-yadav" source="Orion">Akhilesh Yadav</keyword>. However, the green activists remarked that these are "paper trees to be found only in government files." In the last year of his term in office, former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav set a Guinness World Record for planting 50 million saplings in a day. Next year Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath set a target of nine crore saplings. "Trees rich in medicinal properties and of religious significance will be planted across the state," it was claimed. Despite such herculean efforts, the green cover in Uttar Pradesh remains a dismal 9 per cent, against the national target of 33 per cent. Green activists in Agra doubt the government claims. "These are paper trees to be found only in government files. The ground reality is different," said activist Harendra Gupta of River Connect Campaign. "For 90 million saplings, we need 2,25000 hectares of land, if the distance between two saplings is kept 5 metres. The Akhilesh Yadav government planted 50 million. So now where's the space," wonders Pandit Jugal Kishor. If so many trees have been planted over the years, why are they not visible? Environmentalist Dr Devashish Bhattacharya explains, "The eco-sensitive Taj Trapezium Zone, spread over 10,400 sq km, has seen continuous denudation of forest cover due to massive construction activity. The Yamuna and Agra-Lucknow expressways, dozens of flyovers, the inner city ring road and widening of the national highway to Delhi have gobbled up acres of green cover, exposing the Taj Mahal to dust-laden winds from Rajasthan desert." The Supreme Court had directed that a green buffer be created to insulate the historical monuments from air pollution. "But there has been no significant improvement in the conditions around the Taj Trapezium Zone. Even the area around the protected Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is being gobbled up by colonisers and business interests. The dense cover at Keitham Lake is continuously being reduced," Bhattacharya added. Green activists in Agra have warned of a steadily diminishing green cover in the Taj city, with one expert blaming monkeys for it. The Supreme Court has been repeatedly asking the authorities since 1996 to intensify efforts to develop a green belt to contain air pollution in Agra, India's most popular tourist destination. Green activists have expressed concern over the latest trend of developing concrete jungles where once green forests had existed. "From Vrindavan to Agra, there were 12 big forests in the Braj area. But now only their names remain. The green patches have turned brown, yellow and grey," says Vrindavan activist, Jagan Nath Poddar, convener of Friends of Vrindavan. The activist said, "the builders and corrupt government officials had colluded to gobble up huge chunks of forest land. Illegal felling of trees continues along the Yamuna. Also, the continuous construction of roads, expressways, flyovers and other projects has taken a heavy toll on green cover, specially trees." Eco Club president, Pradip, noted that instead of increasing the forest cover area, the percentage had fallen to around 7 per cent against the national standard of 33 per cent. "The loss of green cover had affected the rainfall pattern, reducing the number of rainy days in the whole Braj Mandal. Agra was being ruined by so-called development. The alarming fall in the green cover due to negligence and corrupt ways of the bureaucracy will prove suicidal and hasten the ecological apocalypse," he said. Most green activists of Braj Mandal said monkeys too were to blame. "The monkeys are a big nuisance. We keep planting saplings all over but find the next day that the monkeys have uprooted them all. To promote green culture in the city, we will need to contain the monkey population," they stated. "Every year, just before the monsoon sets in, all the state government agencies, NGOs, green-warrior outfits and nature lovers join the ritualistic <keyword id="62575" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tree-Plantation" source="Orion">tree plantation</keyword> drive with tall claims about the number of saplings planted. They just get photographed and then forget about the saplings totally," the activists said. "If you add up all the claims of tree plantation work each year since 1990 by successive state governments, there would be hardly an inch of space left for planting new saplings. UP's green cover is hardly 10 percent and with new mega projects coming up everywhere, film city, international airport, expressways, residential urban clusters, shopping complexes, the space for extending green cover is severely limited," they claimed. A group of green activists in Agra has demanded an independent audit of the green work done so far. "The real problem with such over-hyped campaigns is that these are not backed by adequate support services that can take care of the plants for three years at least," says green activist, Padmini Iyer from River Connect Campaign. 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UP's green cover is reducing at an alarming pace in spite of tree plantation drives

New Delhi, June 25 (IANS) The National Green Tribunal on Thursday imposed a heavy fine of Rs 25 crore on Oil India Ltd for causing damage to the environment, humans and wildlife, over its failure to stop the fire at its oil well in Assam's Baghjan. Enormous volume of inflammable natural gas which was releasing from the Baghjan-5 oil well since May 27 caught fire on June 9, thus claiming lives of two fire-fighters. Baghjan is one of the 23 oil wells set up by OIL to tap the large gas reserves in the Brahmaputra basin and located near the Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park. A bench comprising Justice S.P. Wangdi and expert member Siddhanta Das pulled up the company and said: "We direct the OIL to deposit an initial amount of Rs 25 Crores with the District Magistrate, Tinsukia District, Assam and abide by further orders of the Tribunal." The tribunal also constituted an eight-member committee headed by former high court judge B.P. Katakey to look into the matter and submit a report in 30 days. The committee has been asked to probe the cause of the gas and oil leak, extent of loss and damage caused to human life, wildlife, environment, damage and health hazards caused to the public and whether any contamination has been caused to water, air and soil of the area of the oil well and its vicinity. The blow-out left behind mixture of chemical compounds that are toxic for land and vegetation. It is not only hazardous to the health of the people but also severely affects their livelihood, mainly agriculture, fishing, and animal rearing. The plea filed by activist Bonani Kakkar pointed fingers at the failure of the OIL authorities in preventing the blowout, resulting in a massive fire causing irreparable loss to the entire biodiversity of the region and loss of lives and property. "Due to the negligence and lack of concrete effort to control the spread of the oil and gas leak, enormous fire broke-out in the area which continues to rage causing displacement of more than 1600 families," Kakkar said. The matter will now come up for further consideration on July 29, the NGT said. --IANS aka/vd

Baghjan fire: NGT imposes Rs 25 crore fine on Oil India Ltd

Mumbai, May 16 () The Bombay High Court on Saturdayaccepted a decision taken by a committee set up by the UnionMinistry of Environment and Forests permitting a goods tempoto ferry food and other essential items to Matheran hillstation, some 80 kilometres from Mumbai.Matheranwas declared an eco-sensitive zone by theUnion Ministry of Environment and Forest in 2003 and novehicles are allowed beyond Dasturi Point, except ambulancesas well as fire brigade and solid waste management vehicles.Justice S J Kathawalla was hearing a plea filed byformer MLA Suresh Narayan Lad seeking relaxation on vehicularrestrictions inMatherantown so that essential goods can beprovided to the residents in view of the lockdown for thenovel coronavirus outbreak.The plea sought directions to the MoEF and the Raigaddistrict collector to relax norms to enable small tempos andtrucks to enter the town with essential commodities.An interim monitoring committee was set up under thechairmanship of Shivaji Daund, Divisional Commissioner, Konkanto hear the petitioner and take appropriate decision.The court was on Saturday informed that the committeehad permitted the Municipal Council of Matheran to hire agoods tempo to ferry essential items and food once a week tothe town.The court, while accepting the recommendation,however, directed for the vehicle to be deployed thrice a weekinstead of once.The court also accepted another recommendation of thecommittee by which a proposal would be submitted to CentralRailway for approving goods transport by attaching dedicatedgoods coaches with the Dasturi Naka-Matheran train.The petition had stated that nearly 4,500 residentsofMatheranand around 25,000 from neighbouring villages,including tribals and cattle farmers, are dependent on thetown for their livelihood and daily supply of essential items.As per the petition, even during normal conditions,vehicular traffic in Matheran was restricted and goods weretransported into the town through hand-pulled or horse carts.However, since the lockdown was imposed, many of thehandcart-pullers and horses are not available.Residents, meanwhile, are buying essential items atinflated prices, many of them being forced to pay Rs 250 extraper gas cylinder and Rs 10 to 15 more per kg for vegetablesand fruits, the petition said.The court accepted the decision of the committee anddisposed of the petition. SPBNM BNM

Maha lockdown: HC allows vehicle for Matheran essential items

New Delhi, July 3 (IANS) The National Green Tribunal has deferred its direction for deposition of Rs 25 crore interim fine by the Oil India Ltd, following the gas well leakage and fire in Assam, till the actual amount and its disbursement plans are worked out. The incident happened in Baghjan in Assam's Tinsukia district. Enormous volume of inflammable natural gas which was leaking from the Baghjan-5 oil well of the company since May 27 caught fire on June 9, claiming lives of two fire-fighters. On June 25, the tribunal had imposed a heavy fine of Rs 25 crore on OIL for causing damage to the environment, human and wildlife and over its failure to stop the oil well fire. An eight-member committee was also constituted to look into the matter. On July 2, the tribunal deferred the direction after senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for OIL, assured that the company has itself taken several measures for rehabilitation of the displaced families and deposited a sum of Rs 4.83 crore with the District Magistrate as an interim relief. He submitted that the committee is 'unnecessary' and so is the direction to deposit the amount of Rs 25 crore as the OIL is committed to compensate the victims and restitute the environment. It will pay whatever amount required on its liability being ascertained, he said. A bench of NGT Chairman Adarsh Kumar Goel observed: "In view of this assurance, we defer our direction for deposit of Rs 25 crore till the actual amount and its disbursement plan are worked out in the light of the report of the committee after considering viewpoint of victims as well as the OIL." However, adequacy of steps taken by the OIL will have to be looked into by the committee and then by this tribunal following due process of law, it added. The tribunal said that the OIL is stated to have set apart more than Rs 25 crore and Rohtagi also categorically assured that OIL being a public sector undertaking, there will be no difficulty in promptly making available whatever amount is required for discharge of its liability. Baghjan is one of the 23 oil wells set up by OIL to tap the large gas reserves in the Brahmaputra basin located near the Eco Sensitive Zone of the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park. The blow-out left behind mixture of chemical compounds that are toxic for land and vegetation. It is not only hazardous to the health of the people but also severely affects their livelihood, mainly agriculture, fishing, and animal rearing. The plea filed by activist Bonani Kakkar had pointed at the failure of the OIL authorities in preventing the blowout, resulting in a massive fire causing irreparable loss to the entire biodiversity of the region and loss of lives and property. "Due to the negligence and lack of concrete effort to control the spread of the oil and gas leak, enormous fire broke-out in the area which continues to rage causing displacement of more than 1600 families," Kakkar said. The matter will now come up for further consideration on July 29, the NGT said. --IANS aka/vd

Assam fire: NGT defers deposit of Rs 25 crore fine by OIL

By Durba Ghosh Guwahati/Tinsukia, Jun 12 () The raging fire at an oil well in Assam's Tinsukia district has caused irreversible damage to the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park and the Maguri Motapung wetland area besides jeopardising livelihood of people dependent on the land, conservationists said on Friday. The blowout at the Oil India Ltd well occurred on May 27, which has been spewing gas "uncontrollably" for nearly two weeks, and a massive fire engulfed the site, following an explosion at the well on June 9. The spewing of gas from the well and the subsequent fire have forced people to leave their homes. The damage to the biosphere reserve, Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, and the Maguri-Motapung wetland was immense and perhaps irreparable, Tinsukia-based environmentalist Ranjan Das told . More than 1,500 families from nearby areas have been evacuated, rendering nearly 7,000 people homeless, while their paddy fields were destroyed and it is unlikely that the affected-land would be cultivable again, he said. Most villagers in the area are small tea growers and their gardens have been completely damaged, the expert said. "We have not been able to assess the damage in real terms as the fire is still raging on and the authorities are not letting us go near the affected areas. People have, however, reached out to us with stories of irreparable damages," Das said. The blaze at the well was so massive that it was seen from a distance of more than 30 kilometres with thick black smoke going up several metres high. The fire that killed two persons is still raging on, while the state-owned company was rushing experts from Singapore to bring the situation under control. The spewing of gas and the subsequent fire with the pollutants releasing from the smoke will have lasting health hazards and come to the fore in days to come, Das said. The wells at Baghjan are close to the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park and Maguri-Motapung wetland and the damage caused to both is a "matter of great concern", said Bibhab Talukdar, secretary-general of Aaranyak, an environmental organisation. "The unabated fire, which spread horizontally, has made a severe impact on human habitation, agricultural fields, wildlife and wetland. We urge the OIL and the government agencies to act immediately to control the fire for the well-being of the local people and to save the environment," he said. Talukdar, however, expressed doubt about the capability of the PSU to stop such a fire, saying they have "failed miserably" to prevent leaking of gas. "It is time for the government to be more cautious and have a full understanding of the capabilities of user agencies before granting them permission in the greater interest of safeguarding people and properties from such mishaps," he said. Wildlife biologist Udayan Borthakur said the damage that has already been caused to property, livelihood, security and ecology within the eco-sensitive zone of the national park is "irreversible". "Any monetary compensation cannot bring back the lost biodiversity of Dibru-Saikhowa and Maguri wetland," he said. Another matter of concern is that few days before the Baghjan well explosion took place, the PSU had received environmental clearances from the Centre for extension of drilling and testing of hydrocarbons at seven more locations under Dibru-Saikhowa National Park Area. "Some of these locations are less than a kilometre away from the boundary of the national park," he said. Dibru-Saikhowa National Park has a core area of 340 sq-km, while the biosphere reserve spreads across an area of 765 sq-km. The park has a variety of tree species ranging from deciduous, semi-evergreen, wet evergreen, salix swamp to riverine grasslands. There are at least 36 mammal species including Royal Bengal tiger, sloth bear, Chinese pangolin, Asian elephants, Asian water buffalo and feral horses in the national park, he said, adding that presence of more than 440 bird species has been reported. Maguri, a large wetland, is an Important Bird Area (IBA) with the presence of nearly 300 species, said Borthakur who is also chief editor of the econNE, a conservation magazine of the northeast region. "Now the question is whether Oil India will continue with its drilling extension project in Dibru-Saikhowa area, particularly after the Baghjan incident or not. Will the authorities allow them to continue without a thorough investigation into the adherence of precautionary standards," he asked. DG BDC DV DV

Assam gas fire to have long-term impact on biodiversity hotspot

<ul><li>The <keyword id="61873" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="EIA">EIA</keyword> draft notification is seeking to overhaul the norms governing environmental clearances granted to all kinds of development and industrial projects in the country. </li><li>Nearly 50 environmental groups and activists from Himachal Pradesh have opposed this draft notification. </li><li>Experts argue this notification has been amended several times in the last two decades in favour of 'easing the norms' for business. </li></ul>The threat of climate change is real and it is here. However if one has to go by the latest proposal of the <keyword id="401027" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Environment-Impact-Assessment">Environment Impact Assessment</keyword> (EIA) draft, we are setting ourselves up for a severe crisis. This new proposal, if it goes through, will bring about a landmark change in the way that clearances are obtained in India, and dilute environmental protection in the country. With the deadline to submit suggestions for the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) policy just a day away, we take a look at why this proposal is at the centre of many controversies and why critics want the government to withdraw it. What is draft EIA 2020 proposing? The EIA notification, first issued in 1994, makes it mandatory for project developers not only to study the socio-economic, ecological and other impacts of a proposed project but also place them in front of the affected communities for their opinions and objections. The latest draft has raised concerns because it will render the EIA process as a mere formality. Here are some of the proposals that have raised a red flag: <ul><li>To allow for post-facto approvals, for projects that have been started illegally </li><li>Over 40 industries have been exempted from public consultation and the EIA process. This includes petroleum, mines, dams, highways etc. </li><li>Restricts the role played by experts and scientists in the clearance process </li><li>To allow digital environmental clearances that could compromise the due diligence process </li><li>No wildlife clearance is required for projects which do not need environmental clearance </li><li>Prior wildlife clearance will be required by projects located within 10 km of national park/wildlife sanctuary where eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) has not been notified and which need environmental clearance. </li><li>It also said that NBWL's standing committee approval will be required for projects that are located in areas linking one protected area to another like tiger reserves. </li></ul>However, experts argue, this notification has been amended several times in the last two decades in favour of 'easing the norms' for business. They also reckon that this draft misuses the power given to the central government by the Environment Protection Act, to take any measures to “protect and improve the quality of the environment.” Draft EIA 2020: The arguments against it Congress leader <keyword id="5268" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rahul-Gandhi">Rahul Gandhi</keyword> on Sunday urged people to protest the new Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) 2020 draft, saying it was "dangerous" and if notified, the long term consequences will be "catastrophic". Gandhi alleged that the aim of the EIA 2020 draft was clear — "loot of the nation". <div type="twitter" handle="RahulGandhi" handlename="Rahul Gandhi" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/974851878860312582/O-Zn2b72_normal.jpg" favoritecount="33152" retweetcount="9724" status="EIA2020 ड्राफ़्ट का मक़सद साफ़ है - #LootOfTheNationयह एक और ख़ौफ़नाक उदाहरण है कि भाजपा सरकार देश के संसाधन लूट… https://t.co/fkvc5aNgEQ" createdat="1597028662000" id="1292658017167523841"></div> "This (EIA) is another dreadful example of what the BJP government has been doing for its select suit-boot 'friends' who loot the resources of the country," Gandhi alleged. The turf between the government and critics got ugly when local authorities in Delhi <a href="https://thewire.in/environment/fridays-for-future-website-block-eia-prakash-javadekar-uapa">blocked the content of the website Fridaysforfuture.in</a> — an Indian version of the global youth campaign run by Greta Thunberg — citing that the website is “dangerous for the peace, tranquillity and sovereignty of the (sic) India.” The Fridays for Future India had launched a virtual campaign against EIA norms — which allowed people to send their argument to Union Minister Prakash Javadekar. These are not the only people criticizing EIA. <a href="https://india.mongabay.com/2020/03/indias-proposed-overhaul-of-environment-clearance-rules-could-dilute-existing-regulations/">Environment Lawyer Ritwick Dutta told Mongabay India</a> that the draft is not in line with the principles of environmental protection. “Instead of focusing on ensuring the protection of the environment, the draft EIA 2020 undermines the orders of the National Green Tribunal which had ruled against post-facto approvals. The purpose of this notification is to legitimise illegalities done by industries. It seems to be emphasizing that an industrial project that has violated environmental rules will have a right to seek approval for it as long as that project is permissible in the area. It is a mockery of the law,” Amar Patnaik, Rajya Sabh MP and CAG official, too criticised the law saying “this new draft would come as a major embarrassment to the country in the international stage,” “India must draw inspiration from countries like Singapore and Denmark that consistently top the charts in both ease of doing business and environment performance indices,” <a href="https://www.newindianexpress.com/opinions/2020/may/20/many-problems-with-draft-green-impact-assessment-2145552.html">he wrote.</a> Apart from that, nearly 50 environmental groups and activists from Himachal Pradesh have opposed a draft environmental impact assessment (EIA) notification, saying that it was an attempt to dilute the environmental regulations to facilitate ease-of-doing-business. "The reduction of the time prior to public hearing from 30 to 20 days is also highly objectionable. In the given 30 day period itself, the information about public hearings does not reach all the affected people which are often spread out widely in case of mountains with some project-affected communities residing in remote and inaccessible terrains," Green activists wrote in a letter to the government. Another activist, Prakash Bhandari of Himdhara Collective said it was shocking that the amendments include allowing post-facto clearance, which means that the project proponent can start work before they have obtained environmental clearance. Assam Congress president Ripun Bora too urged the Centre to withdraw the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) 2020, saying that it exempts a long list of projects from public consultation. “Linear projects such as roads and pipelines in border areas will not require any public hearing and this would cover much of the Northeast India, which is a repository of one of the country's richest biodiversity,” Bora said in a letter to the Secretary of the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest What is EIA? Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process of evaluating the likely environmental impacts of a proposed project or development, taking into account inter-related socio-economic, cultural and human-health impacts, both beneficial and adverse. On March 23, this year, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) published a draft notification on Environmental Impact Assessment and sought objections or suggestions from members of the public. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the government extended the notice period until June 30 initially. This was further extended till August 11, after much deliberation by the Environment Ministry. (With PTI and IANS) SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/these-are-the-tabletop-airports-in-india-two-of-them-have-seen-major-plane-crashes-in-last-10-years/articleshow/77427972.cms">These are the tabletop airports in India – two of them have seen major plane crashes in last 10 years</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/how-karan-bajaj-sold-his-less-than-18-month-old-startup-white-hat-jr-to-byjus/articleshow/77415329.cms">A WhatsApp message, six weeks of talks and a $300 million deal – how Karan Bajaj sold his less than 18-month old startup White Hat Jr to Byju’s</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/mukesh-ambani-is-now-the-worlds-fourth-richest-person-after-he-beat-louis-vuitton-owner-bernard-arnault/articleshow/77431776.cms">Mukesh Ambani is now the world’s fourth-richest person after he beat Louis Vuitton owner Bernard Arnault</a>

India’s Environment Impact Assessment draft is vexing a lot of people — these are the arguments against it

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One reason why the company continues to stay ahead of the competition is its focus on customer feedback and incorporating it into upgrades to its <keyword id="6503675" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="mattress">mattress</keyword> product line.The startup recently updated a few popular models and added two completely new mattresses: the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/casper-element-mattress-review" target="_blank" rel="noopener">budget Element</a> and the plush <a href="https://casper.5ad6.net/c/196318/396851/7235?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcasper.com%2Fmattresses%2Fcasper-nova%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Nova Hybrid</a>. Casper recently sent me the <a href="https://casper.5ad6.net/c/196318/396851/7235?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcasper.com%2Fmattresses%2Fcasper-nova%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Nova Hybrid</a> for free to test, and I was impressed with its balance of support and comfort. After testing all five of the mattresses, it's by far my favorite one. <h2>Specs</h2><div type="image" title="Casper Nova 4" height="900" width="1200" msid="76720088" hostid="261"></div>In addition to a layer of individually-wrapped springs that aid in airflow and support, the <a href="https://casper.5ad6.net/c/196318/396851/7235?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcasper.com%2Fmattresses%2Fcasper-nova%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Nova Hybrid</a> has four foam layers. The proprietary foam of the top two layers is called "AirScape" because it's designed to help prevent overheating. The plush topmost layer has small perforations that are designed to increase airflow to cool you down at night. The next layer features three ergonomic zones for pressure relief and spine alignment. The third layer works with the above layer to provide more zoned support, relieving pressure under the shoulders and supporting the hips, lower back, and waist. And, the base layer surrounds the coils to offer firm edge support.Casper doesn't use ozone-depleting materials in the making of the foam for the <a href="https://casper.5ad6.net/c/196318/396851/7235?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcasper.com%2Fmattresses%2Fcasper-nova%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored nofollow sponsored">Nova Hybrid</a>, and it's CertiPUR-US certified. Plus, the cover is made of upcycled cotton, rayon, lycra, and recycled polyester (which is partially composed of recycled bottles).Casper has brick-and-mortar stores in <a href="https://stores.casper.com/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">every major US city</a>, though certain stores have restrictions given the novel coronavirus pandemic so call ahead first. Usually, at the stores, you can schedule a 30-minute sleep trial to try before you buy. If you shop at Target, more than 1,000 Target locations across the US sell Casper mattresses too.<h2>Set-up process</h2>The process of unboxing and setting up the mattress was similar to other beds that arrive at your door in a box. Casper provided some simple instructions, but the process is intuitive. First, you remove the vacuum-sealed mattress from the box onto your foundation. Any foundation will do. I used a cheap <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D7HBR76/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biipf_062520_casper-nova-hybrid-mattress-review-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07D7HBR76&amp;linkId=e46da97859d9449f07d5168429bcd08059d9449f07d5168429bcd080" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored nofollow sponsored">Zinus</a> bed frame. Next, unwrap the outer layer of plastic. Then, unfold the mattress. At this point, I was annoyed that the mattress unfolded upside down. So, I had to flip it before removing the inner layer of plastic. But overall, the whole operation was relatively painless and took about five minutes.You can skip this whole step by choosing Casper's in-home setup service. For a fee, Casper will contract with a local company to deliver your bed, set it up, remove the packaging, and remove your old mattress and foundation if you want. However, due to the novel coronavirus, the in-home setup has been suspended for now. We'll update accordingly once it resumes.<h2>Review of the Casper Nova Hybrid</h2><div type="image" title="Casper Nova 1" height="900" width="1200" msid="76720090" hostid="261"></div>The number one best way to choose a mattress that is right for your body and sleeping style is to actually sleep on it for up to two weeks so your body adjusts to a mattress. This makes a risk-free home trial imperative. Casper gives you 100 nights to try out the <a href="https://casper.5ad6.net/c/196318/396851/7235?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcasper.com%2Fmattresses%2Fcasper-nova%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Nova Hybrid</a>.If the mattress isn't right for you, contact Casper, and the company will work with a local recycling center or charity to remove the bed. You will then get a full refund within two weeks. Casper's refund is impressive because it doesn't have any hidden costs, like a shipping or restocking fee, so you get all of your money back.By design, this is a very soft mattress, and I absolutely loved it after tough workout days. I mainly prefer to sleep on my side, and the seven support zones of the <a href="https://casper.5ad6.net/c/196318/396851/7235?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcasper.com%2Fmattresses%2Fcasper-nova%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Nova Hybrid</a> cradled my body perfectly to give me one of the deepest nights of sleep I've ever had. The <a href="https://casper.5ad6.net/c/196318/396851/7235?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcasper.com%2Fmattresses%2Fcasper-nova%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Nova Hybrid</a> does a great job of dissipating heat. I'm a hot sleeper, and I was mainly sleeping in a room that was hotter than I generally like, but I never felt like I was overheating while testing this mattress. In fact, when I would return from middle-of-the-night bathroom trips, I'd notice that the spot where I was sleeping had cooled significantly. This made it easier for me to fall back asleep. The bed's edge support is also better than average. When putting on my socks and shoes in the morning, the mattress didn't sink much. And as I rolled my body progressively closer to the very edge of the bed, I was able to get pretty far off before I finally fell. Good edge support is helpful when you have a partner who seeks to conquer the entire bed as her territory. <a href="https://casper.5ad6.net/c/196318/396851/7235?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcasper.com%2Ffaqs%2Fthe-mattress%2Fdo-you-need-to-flip-the-bed%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Casper recommends</a> rotating your mattress every three to six months. At 89 pounds, the Nova Hybrid is heavy, making this a difficult task. Plus, it tends to flop around a bit when you try to move it. Fortunately, Casper installed helpful handles under each corner of the mattress. All Casper beds, including the <a href="https://casper.5ad6.net/c/196318/396851/7235?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcasper.com%2Fmattresses%2Fcasper-nova%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Nova Hybrid</a>, are backed by a 10-year limited warranty. If your mattress has deterioration, physical flaws, major indentations, or manufacturing defects, the company will either replace or fix it. You must handle your bed properly, use a supportive bed frame, and use the mattress "normally" for the warranty to remain valid.<h2>Cons to consider</h2><div type="image" title="Casper Lifestyle 4" height="900" width="1200" msid="76720092" hostid="261"></div>Though hybrids with individually-wrapped pocket coils tend to offer outstanding motion dampening properties, this was not the case with the <a href="https://casper.5ad6.net/c/196318/396851/7235?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcasper.com%2Fmattresses%2Fcasper-nova%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Nova Hybrid</a>. Perhaps due to its softness, the bed flunked our motion transfer test. We repeatedly dropped a 15-pound bowling ball onto the mattress so that it would 12 inches from a pop can. The can fell over every time, which means the Nova Hybrid is lacking in the motion isolation department. I could also feel when my wife or dog laid down on or got up from the bed.Since the mattress is so soft, I would not recommend it for back or stomach sleepers. I occasionally like to sleep on my stomach, but when I tried to do it with this mattress, I found that it put my neck at a weird angle. I couldn't get as comfortable as I wanted. Back sleepers might fare a little better. Out of the packaging, the <a href="https://casper.5ad6.net/c/196318/396851/7235?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcasper.com%2Fmattresses%2Fcasper-nova%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Nova Hybrid</a> had a distinct "new bed smell." This is common, and it's why I usually unbox mattresses in the morning. It gives them time to expand and get rid of their odor before I go to bed. However, the Nova Hybrid has continued to hold onto its odor. I've grown used to it, but individuals who are sensitive to scents might want to be proactive and use odor-removers to neutralize the smell.<h2>The bottom line</h2><div type="image" title="Casper Nova 3" height="900" width="1200" msid="76720094" hostid="261"></div>I've tested dozens of mattresses, and the <a href="https://casper.5ad6.net/c/196318/396851/7235?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcasper.com%2Fmattresses%2Fcasper-nova%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Nova Hybrid</a> ranks among the top three or four most comfortable that I've slept on. It's rare for me to sleep much past sunrise, but with this mattress, sleeping in was not a problem. And, I appreciated that when I woke up during the night, I fell right back asleep because the heat dissipated quickly. <h3>Should you buy it?</h3>When determining if others should buy a mattress, I assess whether I would buy it with my own money if I weren't testing it. At $2,000 for the Queen, the <a href="https://casper.5ad6.net/c/196318/396851/7235?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcasper.com%2Fmattresses%2Fcasper-nova%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Nova Hybrid</a> is expensive but not unreasonable. And, it's hard to put a price on a good night's sleep. But, let's do just that. Over the course of an assumed 10-year lifespan – the length of the warranty – you would spend less than 55 cents a night on this bed. I think we'd all agree a good night's sleep is worth some pocket change. Plus, Casper offers buying options that start at 0% APR.However, this mattress isn't for everyone. As a side-sleeper of average weight who sleeps hot, this mattress perfectly cradled my body and kept me cool. But I think it would be too soft for stomach sleepers and most back sleepers. <a href="https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/best-mattress-for-lower-back-pain#1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Though there's no research to support it</a>, the prevailing wisdom is that firmer mattresses are better for back pain. My chronic back pain did not flare up at all while I was testing the Nova Hybrid. So, it could be a good option for back pain sufferers, but it's hard to say so check with your doctor for medical advice first.<h3>What model should you get?</h3>The right mattress size for you will depend on your <keyword id="58401" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="60" keywordseo="Bedroom">bedroom</keyword>, your build, and your sleeping partner's size. If you are small and sleep alone, the Twin might work. If you're on your own and taller, go with the Twin XL, and if you're bigger, try the Full. If you want extra room or you sleep with someone, a Queen, King, or Cal King will be ideal. The Queen should suffice for your average couple. Bigger couples might want to upgrade to a King or Cal King. My wife, dog, and I felt a little crowded on the Queen and usually sleep on a King.<h3>What are your alternatives?</h3>I've tested all of Casper's new mattresses, and the <a href="https://casper.5ad6.net/c/196318/396851/7235?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcasper.com%2Fmattresses%2Fcasper-nova%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Nova Hybrid</a> is my favorite. The <a href="https://casper.5ad6.net/c/196318/396851/7235?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcasper.com%2Fmattresses%2Fcasper-original%2F%3Fsize%3Dqueen" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Original Hybrid</a> was runner up at $700 cheaper (for the Queen) and has a similar construction to the <a href="https://casper.5ad6.net/c/196318/396851/7235?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcasper.com%2Fmattresses%2Fcasper-nova%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Nova</a>, only it lacks the zoned support layer. If you're on a budget and pressure relief isn't a major concern, the <a href="https://casper.5ad6.net/c/196318/396851/7235?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcasper.com%2Fmattresses%2Fcasper-element%2F%3Fclickid%3DwSiSCaWgUxyOWkA0MdV3iVCmUkiyupwvj1Zq2o0%26irgwc%3D1%26utm_medium%3Daffiliate%26utm_source%3DBusiness%2520Insider.%26coupon_code_amount%3D100%26utm_campaign%3Dap_ir%26coupon_code%3DINSIDER%26partner_hero_name%3DINSIDER%26utm_content%3DCLI_INSIDER%26utm_term%3Dupper%26promo_code%3DINSIDER" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Element</a> is only about $600 for a Queen, though it isn't very dynamic in its support. And, if you are looking for non-Casper recommendations, give <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-mattress" target="_blank" rel="noopener">our guide to the best mattresses</a> a gander. I thoroughly tested dozens of mattress models to come up with the recommendations in the guide.Pros: Soft comfort ideal for side sleepers, excellent heat dissipation properties, great edge support, 100-night risk-free trial, 12 inches thick with four pressure-relieving foam layers and supportive coils, made with eco-friendly materialsCons: Failed motion transfer tests, not ideal for back or stomach sleepers, never really got rid of new bed smell<iframe src="https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5e8cc98015ea4b539733c417&amp;type=button&amp;live=true" width="100%" height="150%" frameborder="0" style="position:absolute; top:0; left: 0"></iframe>

I tested all of Casper's new mattresses and the Nova Hybrid is my favorite, thanks to its heat-dissipating properties and soft feel

When you buy through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. <a href="https://www.insider-inc.com/commerce-on-insider-inc/">Learn more.</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/home" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a><ul class="summary-list"><li>A good <keyword id="6503675" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="mattress">mattress</keyword> topper makes your mattress more comfortable, stays in place, and is made of high-quality materials.</li><li>I like the <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=999&amp;u=1088116&amp;m=88336&amp;urllink=amerisleep.com%2Fbedding%2Flift-mattress-topper%2Fss-topper%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Amerisleep Lift Mattress Topper</a> because its soft cushion and cooling abilities are ideal for my hot, side-sleeping ways, the microgrips keep the pad from sliding around, and the memory foam is CertiPUR-US-certified to be free of harmful chemicals.</li></ul><iframe src="https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5ed00dca1918241e213e37d5&amp;type=small&amp;live=true" width="100%" height="150%" frameborder="0" style="position:absolute; top:0; left: 0"></iframe>Table of ContentsMattress toppers aren't a magic fix for all your bed woes. If you have an old mattress that is sagging or lumpy, a mattress topper won't make up for the lack of support. However, the right topper can give you extra cushioning to relieve pressure points, and the right pad can correct for a bed that sleeps hot.Arizona-based Amerisleep recently sent me their top-of-the-line Lift Mattress Topper for free to test. I was impressed with its ability to up the comfort level of my mattress and keep me cool. Read on to learn more about why this topper won me over.<h2>Design</h2>The <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=999&amp;u=1088116&amp;m=88336&amp;urllink=amerisleep.com%2Fbedding%2Flift-mattress-topper%2Fss-topper%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Amerisleep Lift Mattress Topper</a> utilizes "HIVE technology" in its foam. HIVE is an acronym for "harnessing intelligent ventilation and energy." The foam features a pattern of hundreds of hexagons with five different comfort zones that are meant to provide more support around the head, back, and feet, as well as more cushioning around key pressure points, such as the hips and shoulders.The topper is made with breathable materials, including a Celliant cover (more about that below) and an open-cell foam for improved airflow.Additionally, there are two layer types: Comfort and Support. The two styles cost the same and both feature cooling, open-cell technology and HIVE technology. The main difference is that the Comfort Lift has Bio-Pur foam for extra cushioning, while the Support Lift uses Affinity material, which is firmer and delivers better support. I tested the Comfort Lift in Queen.<h2>Cost</h2>The Lift is available in all of the standard bed sizes and ranges in price from $199 for the Twin to $349 for the King and California King. While that is significantly more expensive than most mattress topper options, its high quality and five-year warranty make it a solid investment. <h2>Set-up process</h2>The set-up process for most mattress toppers is pretty basic: flop it onto your bed and you're good to go. The <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=999&amp;u=1088116&amp;m=88336&amp;urllink=amerisleep.com%2Fbedding%2Flift-mattress-topper%2Fss-topper%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Lift Mattress Topper</a> is a little more involved. First, you spread the foam out and put the Celliant cover on it. Next, you flip it over and zip the microgrip bottom on. Then, you flip it one more time and adjust the topper so it is even on your mattress. The whole process took about 10 minutes.There was a slight odor when I unboxed the topper. It's your standard "new bed smell" that comes with any memory foam product. If you are particularly sensitive to odors, I suggest letting the comfort layer air out for a while before you zip it into the Celliant cover. <h2>What makes the Lift Mattress Topper stand out</h2><div type="image" title="Amerisleep mattress topper" height="900" width="1200" msid="76098042" hostid="261"></div>In general, I prefer mattresses with medium to average firmness. So, I didn't have high hopes for a mattress topper that made my bed softer. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it worked well with my sleeping style and body frame. I generally sleep on my stomach and side. While I much preferred sleeping on my side with this topper, stomach sleeping was also pleasant.As a runner with occasional lower back issues, my sore muscles let me know when a mattress doesn't provide the pressure relief I need. The <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=999&amp;u=1088116&amp;m=88336&amp;urllink=amerisleep.com%2Fbedding%2Flift-mattress-topper%2Fss-topper%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Lift Mattress Topper</a> left my body feeling refreshed and ready to put in some miles in the morning.At 250 pounds, I carry a little extra insulation and tend to sleep hot. The Lift topper did an outstanding job of absorbing my heat and sending it elsewhere for a cool night's sleep. This is a common effect I've noticed with <a href="https://celliant.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Celliant</a> covers thanks to their breathable material. The open-cell memory foam also allows for airflow for added cooling. This was especially useful since the mattress I was sleeping on ran hot.As an added plus, the topper is made of <a href="https://amerisleep.com/biopur-memory-foam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bio-Pur memory foam</a>. This material is CertiPUR-US-certified, which means it's made without harmful chemicals, like heavy metals, PBDEs, ozone depleters, and formaldehyde. Additionally, Bio-Pur uses eco-friendly, plant-derived oils rather than petro-products.The cover of the mattress topper is easy to clean. I used a mild detergent run on a cold, gentle cycle and then let it air dry. However, Amerisleep recommends using a protector with the Lift to ensure a longer lifespan and to protect the foam, which isn't washable.<h2>Cons to consider</h2>The Lift Mattress Topper is expensive. It's the priciest model I've tested and is more than any of the brands included in <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-mattress-topper" target="_blank" rel="noopener">our mattress topper guide</a>. However, it's also better quality than the other brands I've tested and is backed by a five-year warranty.You might want to get some help with the set-up process since flipping the topper was a pain due to its floppy construction and 42-pound weight. Positioning the topper was also hard due to the microgrip bottom, which wanted to adhere to the mattress right away.Removal can also be tricky. Make sure your mattress doesn't have loose threads. Mine did, and when it came time to remove the topper, it pulled at the threads and made an unsightly mess that required scissors.As with most mattress toppers, you may need to get new fitted sheets with deep enough pockets to cover the topper and your mattress. At three inches thick, the Lift isn't inordinately thick, but if paired with a thicker 14+-inch mattress, you'll have trouble getting a standard fitted sheet to stay put.<h2>The bottom line</h2>Despite some minor downsides, the Amerisleep Lift is the best mattress topper I've ever slept on. But, is it worth the $300 price tag?<h3>Should you buy it?</h3>I wouldn't recommend spending less than $900 for a mattress. If you have a mattress that's only a few years old but just doesn't feel right for your body, the Lift is an affordable alternative to completely replacing your mattress. But, if your mattress is old, lumpy, or sagging, the Lift won't rejuvenate your bed. And, of course, if you are perfectly happy with your mattress, the Lift doesn't have much to offer you.This topper is for people who want more cushion or support out of their current mattress. It also offers the additional benefit of keeping you cooler, so it is a good option for hot sleepers.If money isn't tight, then go with the best — and that's the Amerisleep Lift in my opinion. But, if frugality is of importance, then consider an alternative like the Sleep Innovations topper (more on that below), or choose one of the models in <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-mattress-topper">our guide to the best mattress toppers</a>.<h3>What are your alternatives?</h3>As mentioned above, the Lift is the best mattress topper I've ever tested. My previous favorite – and the only other topper I've tested that I'd recommend - was the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sleep-Innovations-4-Inch-Mattress-Topper/dp/B00CEMH3C0/?imprToken=33aTBhLDHn0TXzF7jT1t0Q&amp;slotNum=17&amp;creativeASIN=B00CEMH3C0&amp;imprToken=6fwdCvNL-1sTvQZ08HjWag&amp;slotNum=19&amp;&amp;_encoding=UTF8&amp;tag=biipgf_060917_best-mattress-toppers-20&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;linkId=a76777404132a7b90f466724d58f4e35&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=93256724d58f4e35&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325">Sleep Innovations 4-inch Dual Layer Gel Memory Foam Topper Set</a>. If I were playing with my own money, I'd be willing to give up the targeted pressure relief and support of the Lift to save $170 with the Sleep Innovations model. Pros: HIVE technology offers targeted pressure relief and support, Celliant cover and open-cell foam allow for airflow and cooling, made with CertiPUR-US-certified memory foam, microgrip bottom holds the topper in place, five-year warranty.Cons: One of the most expensive toppers on the market, there are other good options that come in significantly cheaper, set up and removal can be difficult and may require two people due to weight and microgrip bottom<iframe src="https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5ed00dca1918241e213e37d5&amp;type=button&amp;live=true" width="100%" height="150%" frameborder="0" style="position:absolute; top:0; left: 0"></iframe>Read the original article on <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/amerisleep-lift-mattress-topper-product-review">Business Insider</a>

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I tested all of Casper's new mattresses and the Nova Hybrid is my favorite, thanks to its heat-dissipating properties and soft feel

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The Amerisleep Lift is the best mattress topper I've ever slept on — it's only significant con is the $300 price

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