NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Steps by Government for Door-to-Door gas supply through pipeline

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 03 FEB 2025 5:09PM by PIB Delhi

    Providing Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections is a part of the development of City Gas Distribution (CGD) network and the same is carried out by the entities authorised by Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB). PNGRB has authorized 307 Geographical Areas (GAs) covering almost 100% of total geographical area of the country spread over around 733 districts in 34 states/UTs for the development of CGD network. PNGRB has authorised 11 Geographical Areas (GAs) (including 3 GAs spread over Bihar and Jharkhand) covering entire state of Jharkhand for development of CGD network.

    Government has taken various steps to enable growth of CGD sector in the country. These interalia include

    • allocating domestic natural gas to CGD sector
    • notification for supply of domestic gas through available mode (including cascade mode) for PNG purpose.
    • Grant of Public Utility Status to CGD Projects.
    • Guidelines for the use of PNG in Defence residential area/unit lines.
    • Guidelines to Public Sector Enterprises to have provisions of PNG in their respective residential complexes.
    • CPWD and NBCC to have provisions of PNG in all Government Residential Complexes.

    In addition, Government conducts regular interactions and meetings with State Governments for the development of CGD network in respective States and address challenges in this regard.

    This information was given by THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS SHRI SURESH GOPI, in a written reply in Raya Sabha today

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    MONIKA

    (Release ID: 2099188) Visitor Counter : 44

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION FROM RUSSIA CALLS ON THE PRESIDENT

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 FEB 2025 5:28PM by PIB Delhi

    A parliamentary delegation from the Russian Federation, led by H.E. Mr Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, called on the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (February 3, 2025).

    Welcoming the delegation to India, the President said that exchanges of this nature among public representatives not only foster stronger cooperation but also allow the partnership to remain contemporary and updated. She stated that the positive impact of regular contacts is also evident in the broader ‘India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership’, which continues to benefit significantly from the ongoing interaction at various levels.

    The President noted that at the leadership level, there is regular interaction between Prime Minister Modi and President Putin. The level of cooperation between our parliaments has also been very good. She said that mechanisms like the Inter-Parliamentary Commission have played an important role in facilitating cooperation. She emphasised on special attention to closer interaction between women and youth parliamentarians of India and Russia.

    The President shared with the delegation that she had inaugurated the New Delhi World Book Fair, where Russia is the Focus Country. She said that this Fair gives Indian readers a wonderful opportunity to get to know the rich literary heritage of Russia. She urged for stronger engagements in cultural and artistic domains. 

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    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2099200) Visitor Counter : 54

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Measures by Government for Promoting Biofuel

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 03 FEB 2025 5:08PM by PIB Delhi

    The National Policy on Biofuels-2018, as amended in 2022, has identified various feedstocks for biofuels production, these inter-alia include C & B – Heavy Molasses, sugarcane juice, sugar, sugar syrup, biomass in form of grasses, agriculture residues (rice straw, cotton stalk, corn cobs, saw dust, bagasse etc.), sugar containing materials like sugar beet, sweet sorghum, etc. and starch containing materials such as corn cassava, rotten potatoes, agro food / pulp industry waste, etc., damaged food grains like broken rice, food grains unfit for human consumption, food grains during surplus phase as declared by National Biofuel Coordination Committee (NBCC), industrial waste, industrial waste off-gases, algae and sea weeds, non-edible oilseeds, used cooking oil, animal tallow, acid oil, short gestation non-edible oil rich crops, municipal solid waste, plastic waste etc.

    The Government has taken several measures to encourage investment in biodiesel production which inter-alia include prescribing indicative target of blending of biodiesel in diesel / direct sale of biodiesel under the National Policy on Biofuels, notifying of “Guidelines for sale of biodiesel for blending with high speed diesel for transportation purposes-2019”, reduction of GST rate for procurement of biodiesel for blending programme from 12% to 5%, etc. Further, “Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN (Jaiv Indhan – Vatavaran Anukool fasal awashesh Nivaran) Yojana” 2019 has been amended in August 2024 for granting financial assistance for setting up Advanced Biofuel Projects.

    This information was given by THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS SHRI SURESH GOPI, in a written reply in Raya Sabha today

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    MONIKA

    (Release ID: 2099187) Visitor Counter : 65

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Coal Sector Achieves Highest Growth Among Eight Core Industries in December 2024

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 03 FEB 2025 5:03PM by PIB Delhi

    The coal sector has shown the highest growth of 5.3% (provisional), reaching 215.1 points in December 2024, compared to 204.3 points in December 2023, among the eight core industries as per the Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) (Base Year 2011-12), released by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. During the period of April to December 2024, the coal industry’s index rose to 177.6 points, up from 167.2 points during the same period last year, marking a robust growth of 6.2%, the highest among all eight core industries.

    The ICI measures the combined and individual performance of production across eight core industries: cement, coal, crude oil, electricity, fertilizers, natural gas, refinery products, and steel.

    The Combined Index of Eight Core Industries showed 4.0% growth in December 2024 compared to the same period in the previous year. The index for the period April to December 2024 increased by 4.2% compared to the same period of FY 2023-24, emphasizing the coal sector’s substantial contribution to overall industrial expansion.

    This remarkable growth is largely attributed to a significant increase in coal production during April-December 2024, which reached an impressive 726.31 million tonnes (MT), up from 684.47 MT during the same period of last year. This surge underscores the sector’s ability to meet the growing demand from the energy and manufacturing industries.

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    Shuhaib T

    (Release ID: 2099183) Visitor Counter : 27

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Coal mine workers

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 FEB 2025 4:50PM by PIB Delhi

    The total number of persons engaged in coal/lignite companies under Ministry of Coal i.e., Coal India Limited (CIL), NLC India Limited (NLCIL) and Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) are as under:

    Company

    Total Manpower engaged

     

    CIL

    3,30,318

    SCCL

    40,893

    NLCIL

    20,811

    All coal mines are governed by the Mines Act, 1952, Rules, regulations framed thereunder. Mines Act, 1952 is administered by the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) by way of development of suitable legislations, Rules, Regulations, standard and guidelines, inspections, investigation of accidents, awareness activities, formulating risk management plans.

    Apart from compliance of the statutory provisions under the Mines Act, 1952, the Mines Rules- 1955, the Coal Mine Regulations- 2017 and Bye Laws & Standing Order framed there under the following steps are being taken to reduce occurrence of such accident in mines to provide adequate safety. Additionally, coal companies administer mines through following safety measures:

    1. Preparation and implementation of Site Specific Risk Assessment based Safety Management Plans (SMPs), Principal Hazards Management Plans (PHMPs), Formulation and compliance of Site-specific Risk Assessment based Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

    2. Training on Mine Safety, Conducting Safety Audit of mines through multi-disciplinary Safety Audit teams as per guidelines issued by the Ministry of Coal in December 2023, adoption of the state-of-the art mechanism for Strata Management and Monitoring of mine environment.

    3. Specific Safety measures for opencast (OC) mines and underground UG) coal mines such as

    • Use of eco-friendly Surface Miners for blast free safe mining.
    • Formulation and implementation of Mine-specific Traffic Rules.
    • Training on Simulators to HEMM operators.
    • Dumpers fitted with Proximity Warning Devices, Rear view mirrors and camera, Audio-Visual Alarm (AVA), Automatic Fire Detection & Suppression system etc.
    • GPS based Operator Independent Truck Dispatch System (OITDS) and Geo-fencing in some large OCPs for tracking movement of HEMMs inside OC mine.
    • Lighting arrangement using high mast towers for increasing level of illumination.
    • Elimination of basket loading by introducing semi mechanized technology in UG mines.
    • Replaced the cement capsules with resin capsules for effective roof control system with bolting by pneumatic /hydraulic roof bolting system.
    • Wherever geology permits, Continuous Miner technology is adopted
    • Emergency Response & Evacuation Plans (ER & EP) prepared as per Coal Mine Regulation 2017 etc.

    4. Mine Safety Inspection: Round-the-clock Supervision of all mining operations by adequate number of competent and statutory Supervisors, mine Officials, regular Inspection by Workmen Inspectors, back shift mine Inspections by senior officials and regular mine Inspection by officials of the Internal Safety Organization.

    Further, in coal companies under Ministry of Coal extensive healthcare services are provided to the coal mine workers in the country through a network of hospitals, dispensaries, and medical professionals.

    Coal mine workers may develop Coal workers Pneumoconiosis, silicosis and breathing issues due to their prolonged exposure to airborne coal dust, but no case of Coal workers Pneumoconiosis and silicosis has been notified in the recent years in coal companies under Ministry of Coal with the existing control measures.

    The following measures are taken for the prevention of various health issues due to prolonged exposure to coal dust and heat:

    • Regular health check-ups and screenings are conducted for employees, especially those in high-risk mining roles, to monitor and prevent occupational diseases
    • Pre-employment medical examination is done for all new recruits. Periodic Medical Examination (PME) for all the employees is conducted as per the Statutes laid in The Mines Rules, 1955.
    • Annual PME of employees having age group 51-60 years in active mining work is in practice including pre-retirement PME (59-60 years) for superannuating employees.
    • Chest X-Ray and sputum AFB for employees engaged in food handling and stemming material, Stool examination, Eye refraction test are done at periodic interval.
    • Statutory health surveys for notifiable diseases and diseases of importance is conducted.
    • Regular Campaigns and training sessions are being organised on Climate change impacts on health and preventive measures.

    This information was given by Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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    Shuhaib T

    (Release ID: 2099176) Visitor Counter : 14

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Chintan Shivir 2.0

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 FEB 2025 4:48PM by PIB Delhi

    Chintan Shivir 2.0 was organised by the Ministry on 07.01.2025. The deliberations were on making the coal sector a key contributor to the Nation’s energy transition, focusing on enhancing production, integrating cleaner technologies and safeguarding the environment. It was highlighted that the need to align coal mining practices with global sustainability goals, including reducing carbon emissions through innovative technologies like coal gasification and adopting best practices for sustainability by adopting state-of-the-art technologies with rigorous safety standards to safeguard the lives of workers and ensure the well-being of the workforce.

    The importance of safety in mining operations was deliberated in Chintan Shivir 2.0, emphasizing it as a non-negotiable priority for all stakeholders. Coal PSUs and industry partners were urged to adopt state-of-the-art technologies and implement rigorous safety standards to safeguard workers’ lives and ensure their well-being.

    Apart from compliance of the statutory provisions under the Mines Act, 1952, the Mines Rules- 1955, the Coal Mine Regulations- 2017 and Bye Laws & Standing Order framed thereunder are implemented to reduce occurrence of such accident in mines. Additionally, coal companies administer mines through following safety measures:

    1. Preparation and implementation of Site-Specific Risk Assessment based Safety Management Plans (SMPs), Principal Hazards Management Plans (PHMPs), Formulation and compliance of Site-specific Risk Assessment based Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

    2. Training on Mine Safety: Initial and Refresher training, On-the-Job training as per statute, training on Simulators to HEMM operators, skill up-gradation of frontline mine officials, sensitization of all employees including members of safety committee, contractual workmen and training on Risk Management by SIMTARS accredited executives.

    3. Conducting Safety Audit of mines through multi-disciplinary Safety Audit teams as per guidelines issued by the Ministry of Coal in December 2023.

    4. Adoption of the state-of-the art mechanism for Strata Management and Monitoring of mine environment including compliance of safety measures applicable in Opencast and underground coal mines

    5. Mine Safety Inspection: Round-the-clock Supervision of all mining operations by adequate number of competent & statutory Supervisors and mine Officials, Regular Inspection by Workmen Inspectors, back shift mine Inspections by senior officials and regular mine Inspection by officials of the Internal Safety Organization.

    This information was given by Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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    Shuhaib T

     

     

    (Release ID: 2099174) Visitor Counter : 21

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ranbhoomi App

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 FEB 2025 4:35PM by PIB Delhi

    As informed by the Ministry of Defence, the Ranbhoomi App and the Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan initiative have been launched to open areas of historical importance and valour, for the citizen of India, which signify the sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces.

    State-wise details of 77 Shaurya Gantavya sites are attached as Annexure.

    The Indian Army in collaboration with the State governments and Ministry of Tourism, has put in place risk mitigation and safety measure to ensure the well-being of visitors to these sensitive and remote locations as follows:

    1. Military Point of Contact and Assistance- In high-risk border zones, visitors are required to coordinate with army units for safety and clearances, facilitated via single window, in high altitude areas, precautions to be adopted and acclimatization protocols are also being advised.
    2. Controlled Access and Permits- Entry to certain high-altitude locations is regulated and special permits are issued to ensure security.
    3. Emergency Response and Medical Aid- Incidental availability of district hospitals in the area. Emergency evacuation protocols by the Army are in place to provide immediate medical assistance.
    4. Weather Advisory- Weather advisories are issued to prevent mishaps in extreme conditions.
    5. Tourism and Environment Guidelines- Sustainable tourism practices are promoted to protect fragile ecosystem and ensure responsible travel.

    Infrastructure Enhancement and Amenities Development:

    1. The “Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan” initiative serves as an awareness and digital engagement’ platform.
    2. Currently these places have war memorials/museums and some facilities for refreshment etc. Infrastructure enhancement is done through respective state-led Schemes.

    This information was given by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    ***

     

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari    

    E-mail: – tourism4pib[at]gmail[dot]com                                                             

    ANNEXURE

    State-wise details of 77 Shaurya Gantavya sites

     

    STATE

    SHAURYA GANTAVYA SITES

    TOTAL NUMBER OF SITES

    Jammu & Kashmir

    Gurez Sector

    11

    Bangus Valley

    Aru Vally

    Yusmarg Valley

    Warman Valley

    Chandigram

    Keren

    Machil

    Teetwal

    Baramulla

    Uri

    Himachal Pradesh

    Spiti Valley

    04

    Kinnaur Valley

    Kalpa Valley

    Sangla Valley

    Rajasthan

    Longewala

    07

    Tanot

    Ramgarh

    Sundra

    Munabao

    Gadra Road

    Bhakasar

    Gujarat

    Koteshwar

    05

    Suigam Rann Reigon

    Kutch Region

    Lakhpat

    Bhuj

    Ladakh

    Galwan Valley

    14

    Kargil

    Siachen Base Camp

    Karakoram Pass

    Pangong TSO

    Demchok

    Padum Valley

    Hanle

    Chushul

    Hunder

    Tayakshi

    Turtuk

    Tasking

    Panamik

    Sikkim

    Doklam

    07

    Gurudongmar

    Thangu Region

    Lachung Region

    Geyzing

    Yuksom

    East Sikkim Reigon

    Arunachal Pradesh

    Tawang

    21

    Walong

    Dirang

    Bum La

    Sungetsar

    Zemithang

    Gorsam

    Lumpo

    Bomdila

    Lohit

    Kameng Region

    Bishum Valley

    Dibang Region

    Anini

    Menchuka Region

    Siang Region

    Yingkiong

    Gelling

    Upper Subansiri Valley

    Tsari Chu Valley

    Tuting Valley

    Uttrakhand

    Lipulekh Pass

    08

    Pithoragarh

    Harsil Sector

    Mana Sector

    Malari Sector

    Kumaon Region

    Dharchula

    Gunji

    *****

    (Release ID: 2099162) Visitor Counter : 76

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PPP Model in Hotel Management Institutes

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 FEB 2025 4:34PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Tourism acknowledges the potential of Public Private Partnership (PPP) in addressing skill development challenges in the hospitality sector and has taken the following steps:

    1. The Ministry of Tourism constituted a Task Force comprising of industry leaders and IHM academia to review the courses curriculum of Hospitality Institutes and other matter related to branding and marketing of hospitality courses.
    2. For achieving the objective of developing individuals & professionals who become practitioners of the highest standards of hospitality, service, and care, Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) were signed between 21 Central Institute of Hotel Management with 08 leading hospitality groups, these groups included Indian Hotels Company Ltd, IHG Hotels and resorts, Marriott Hotels, Lalit Hotel Group, ITC group of Hotels, Lemon Tree Hotels, Apeejay Surender Park Hotels and Radisson Hotel group.

    The industry-academia collaboration is a pilot project with intent to expand it further including more hospitality chains as part of MOU. The MOU includes the component of supporting innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives within the institutes.

    This information was given by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    ***

     

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari 

    E-mail: – tourism4pib[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2099161) Visitor Counter : 68

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Pilgrimage Sites Transformed Under Prasad Scheme

    Source: Government of India

    Ministry of Tourism

    Pilgrimage Sites Transformed Under Prasad Scheme

    Posted On: 03 FEB 2025 4:32PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Tourism under the “Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive” (PRASHAD) provides financial assistance to the State Governments and Union Territories Administrations for development of tourism infrastructure at identified pilgrimage and heritage destinations.

    Components of Infrastructure development admissible under the scheme includes development/upgradation of destination entry points viz. passenger terminals (of road, rail and water transport), basic conveniences like tourism information/interpretation Centres with ATM/ Money exchange counters, improvement of road connectivity (last mile connectivity), procurement of equipment for eco-friendly modes of transport and equipment for tourist activities such as Light & Sound Show, renewable sources of energy for tourist infrastructure, parking facilities, toilets, cloak room facilities, waiting rooms, construction of craft haats/bazars/souvenir shops/cafeteria, rain shelters, watch towers, first aid centers, improvement in communication through establishing telephone booths, mobile services, internet connectivity, Wi-Fi hotspot among others.

    The details of the projects sanctioned along with major components developed under the scheme is given in the annexure.

    Under the scheme, three sites have been identified for development in Maharashtra namely, Shri Ghrushneshwar Shivalaya, Tuljapur and Shre Kshetra Rajur. Receiving proposals from the State Governments/UT Administrations for financial assistance for tourism projects is a continuous process. The proposals received are examined with reference to the prescribed guidelines and financial assistance is extended for such projects subject to fulfilment of the stipulated conditions and availability of funds.

    This information was given by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    ***

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    E-mail: – tourism4pib[at]gmail[dot]com

    ANNEXURE

    List of projects sanctioned under PRASHAD Scheme                                                    (Rs. in Crore)

     

    State/UT

    S.

    No.

    Project Name

    Major components

    Sanction Year

    Approved

    Cost

    Andhra Pradesh
    1.  

    Development of Pilgrim Amenities at Amaravati

    •  Development at AmaralingeshwaraSwamy Temple (Tourist Amenities, Beautification- Land hardscape &softscape, Infrastructure provision & management)

    •  Mahachaitya Stupa & ASI Museum (Tourist Amenities, Infrastructure provision & management, Safety & security)

    •  Dhyana Buddha Site Development (Beautification, Infrastructure provision & management)

    •  Ghat Development

    •  Urban Infrastructure Development (Enhancing mobility, Entry gate to Amravati, Eco-friendly vehicles)

    2015-16

    27.77
    1.  

    Development of Srisailam Temple

    •  Development at Main temple (Illumination, Sound & Light show, Amphitheatre, Brass queues)

    •  Sikharam (Tourist amenity centre, changing room, lighting of sikharam area, viewing deck, parking)

    •  Tourist Amenity Centre at Hatakeswara

    •  PanchaMathas (pathway, lighting)

    •  Development works at Patalaganga (jetty, changing room)

    •  Common Toilet Complexes including Drinking water facility at 8 locations

    •  Road Improvement Works

    •  Tourist facilitation centre

    2017-18

    43.08
    1.  

    Development of Pilgrimage Amenities at Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narsimha Swami VariDevasthanam at Simhachalam

    •  Pilgrimage Facilitation Centre

    •  Ghat road development (Viewpoints & parking with watch towers, Upgradation of steps)

    •  Temple Amenities and infrastructure with Amphitheatre (Illumination, Development of steps, Parking, Yagyashaala)

    •  Kitchen mechanization

    •  Multipurpose hall

    •  Pan area Development (Multimedia center with Augmented Reality (AR) setup, Electric mini vans, Signage, Baggage screening)

    2022-23

    54.04
    1.  

    Development of Pilgrimage Tourism Infrastructure in Annavaram Temple Town
    • Queue Complex
    • Annadanam Building
    • E-vehicles
    • Male and Female Toilets at Satyagiri hill

    2024-25

    25.33

    Arunachal Pradesh
    1.  

    Development of Parshuram

    Kund

    •  Pilgrimage Facilitation Centre

    •  Ghat road development (Viewpoints & parking with watch towers, Upgradation of steps)

    •  Temple Amenities and infrastructure with Amphitheatre (Illumination, Development of steps, Parking, Yagyashaala)

    •  Kitchen mechanization

    •  Multipurpose hall

    •  Pan area Development (Multimedia center with Augmented Reality (AR) setup, Electric mini vans, Signage, Baggage screening)

    2020-21

    37.88

    Assam
    1.  

    Development of Pilgrimage amenities at Kamakhya Temple

    •  Development of existing 3Nos of foot tracks to Kamakhya Temple from foothill

    •  AmbubachiMela Ground Development

    •  Multistoried car parking (Parking, cloak room, Baby care & senior citizen rest centers, public toilet)

    •  Construction of viewpoints

    •  Site development & retaining wall

    2015-16

    29.80

    Bihar
    1.  

    Development at Patna Sahib

    •  Development at Patna Sahib (Illumination, dustbin, CCTV)

    •  Linked infrastructure (City wide signage, Tourist information centre at Railway centre, External Street lighting, Illumination at Gaighat&Handisahab)

    •  Development at KanganGhat (TFC, River ghat development, sitting area, upgradation of Kanganghat)

    •  Development at Guru KaBagh (Sound & light show, Illumination)

    2015-16

    29.62
    1.  

    Development of basic facilities at Vishnupad temple

    •  Public Conveniences

    •  Yatri Sheds

    •  Development of Temple Fore Court

    •  Area Illumination

    •  Street Scaping& Parking

    •  Development of SitaKund and GayatriGhat (Changing room, toilet block, pilgrimage shed, drinking water kiosk, solar high mast light)

    2014-15

    3.63

    Chhattisgarh
    1.  

    Development of Pilgrimage amenities at MaaBamleshwari Devi Temple

    •  Development of MaaBambleshwari Devi Temple (hand railing & shed along the steps, Rest areas, Medical room, Solar lights, Parking, Development of lake front)

    •  Development of Pragyagiri (Meditation center, Cafeteria, Solar illumination, Parking)

    •  Development of Pilgrimage facilitation centre (Shri Yantra building, Solar illumination, Landscaping, Boundary wall, CC road)

    2020-21

    48.44

    Goa
    1.  

    Development of Bom Jesus Basilica

    •Parking

    •Interpretation Centre

    •External / Street Lighting

    •E-Auto

    •Monument facade Illumination

    •CI Park Bench

    •Informational & Directional Signage

    •Dust Bins

    •Visitor footfall counting device

    2024-25

    16.46

    Gujarat
    1.  

    Development of Dwarka

    •Development at Dwarkadhish Temple (Queue complex, Illumination, Temporary shading device)

    •Development at New GomtiGhat (Drinking water facility, Landscaping)

    •Development at Old GomtiGhat (Drinking water facility, Illumination of temple, Flooring, Temporary shading device)

    •Development at Rukshmani Temple (Toilet, Illumination, Parking & Pathway)

    •City-wide Interventions (Directional & Informational Signage)

    •Interventions at Railway Station (Tourist reception centre, Drinking water facility, Landscaping, CCTV)

    •Interventions at Bus Stand (TRC, Drinking water facility, Landscaping, CCTV)

    2016-17

    10.46
    1.  

    Development of Pilgrimage Amenities at Somnath

    •Parking Area development (Toilet, Cloak room, cafeteria, signage, public address system)

    •Tourist Facilitation Centre (TFC, Campus & site development, electrification works)

    •Solid Waste Management System

    2016-17

    45.36
    1.  

    Development of Promenade at Somnath

    •Excavation & ground improvement

    •Rubble

    •Walkway Pavement

    •Tetrapod

    •Kiosk, Seating Arrangements, Drinking water, Dust bin

    •High Mast Light

    •Electric Pole with music system and area

    2018-19

    47.12
    1.  

    Development of Pilgrimage Facilities at Ambaji Temple

    •Intervention at Ambaji temple (TFC, Approach Road, Pathway, Parking, Toilet block)

    •Approach road to Gabbar Hill (Toilet block, Stone pathway, Drinking water facility, Shaded resting areas, Electrical work, Signage)

    2022-23

    50.00

    Haryana
    1.  

    Development of Mata Mansa Devi Temple and Nada SahebGurudwara

    •Development at Gurudwara Nada Saheb (Façade illumination, Surface parking, Toilet block, STP, Covered pathway, Multilevel car parking, Entrance gate, Landscaping)

    •Mansa Devi Temple Area Development (Façade illumination, Plaza development, Gazebo, First aid facility)

    •Parking Area Development (TFC, Parking, Cultural activity area, Roads)

    •Integrated area development (Pathways, Benches, Signage, Toilet block)

    2019-20

    48.53

    Jammu and Kashmir
    1.  

    Development at Hazratbal Shrine

    •Development of existing inner approach road to the shrine

    •Site development (Boundary wall, Improvement of ghats and Devri Paths, Landscaping, Illumination)

    •Public convenience block and entrance gateway

    •Tensile structure for shading

    •Prefabricated shopping kiosks

    •Tourist Facilitation Center

    •Multi storied car parking

    2016-17

    40.46

    Jharkhand
    1.  

    Development of Baba Baidya Nath

    Dham

    •Shivganga Pond Development (Paving with footpath, Street furniture, Mandapas, Retaining wall, Entrance Arch, High mast & area lighting)

    •Jalsar lake front Development (Jalsar waterfront development, Walkway, Mandapa, Pergola, Retaining wall, City entrance gateways)

    •Kanwaria Path Development (Spiritual congregation hall, Community toilet, First aid centre, Landscape & paving, Drinking water kiosk)

    •Approach Pathways (Paving of approach roads, CCTV cameras, people counting system for temple, Control & command center and Jyotirlinga theme walk)

    2018-19

    36.79

    Karnataka
    1.  

    Development of Pilgrimage Amenities at Sri Chamundeshwari Devi Temple

    •Development at Chamundi Temple Premises (Queue Mandapam Stretch, Multipurpose Area & Stage, Cloak room, Illumination)

    •Pilgrimage Facilities development at Mahisasura plaza (Amenities block, Entrance stone arch, Illumination)

    •Development at Devikere (Handrails for entire steps, Steps and mandapa beautification)

    •Nandi Statue Pavilion Development (Queue Mandapam, Paver area development)

    •Devi Pada Redevelopment (Steps and mandapa beautification, Handrails for entire steps)

    2023-24

    45.71

    Kerala
    1.  

    Development at Guruvayur Temple

    •Tourist Facilitation Centre

    •Tourist Amenity Centre

    •Multi-Level Car Parking (MLCP)

    •CCTV Network Infrastructure

    2016-17

    45.19

    Madhya Pradesh
    1.  

    Development of Amarkantak

    •Development around Narmada Mandir (Gateway, Waiting pavilion, Dining & kitchen for prasad distribution, Kiosks, Street furniture)

    •Illumination of Temples

    •Development of Indra Daman Lake, Ma kiBagia, KapilDhara

    •Development of Ghat at South Bank, Sonmuda

    •Development of Mela Ground, Ped Street

    •Development of Tourist Facility Centre

    •Development of Public Amenities

    2020-21

    49.99
    1.  

    Development of Omkareshwar

    •Development works at Omkareshwar  Temple (Darshan hall, Waiting hall,  Foot bridge on river side with retaining wall, Medical room, Prasad counters)

    •Development of GauGhat (Renovation & extension of ghat, food court & day shelter, security booth, changing room, florist shops)

    •Development of JP Chowk (Uniform façade elevation, entrance public plaza)

    •Pilgrimage Walk (covered walkway, entrance gate, parikrama path, steps from Brahmeshwar temple to Gaughat, Renovation of existing steps, widening of existing pathway)

    •Sound & Light Show

    •Linked Infra (Development of sheds for shopping streets, day shelters, watch tower, security booth cum information kiosk, signage, toilet, solid waste management)

    2017-18

    43.93

    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Development of Trimbakeshwar

    •TrimbakeshwarParikrama (Holy Pond/lake development, Landscaping, Junction improvement)

    •Tourism/ Pilgrimage Infrastructure, Trimbak Town (TFC, Parking, PFC at Sangam)

    •Pilgrimage Parikrama of Anjaneri- Trimbak- Brahmagiri (Camping & waiting area, Community Hall, Changing room, Toilet)

    •Development Work at Shri NivruttinathMaharaj Samadhi Temple (Queuing complex, administrative block, Cloak and waiting rooms)

    2017-18

    42.18

    Meghalaya
    1.  

    Development of Pilgrimage Facilitation at Nongswalia Church, NartiangShakti Peeth, Aitnar Pool and Charantala Kali Temple

    •Development at Nongswalia Church (Entrance gates, Welsh history interpretation centre, pathway, parking, public convenience, Pilgrimage walk, Illumination)

    •Development at Nartiang Shakti Peeth (Pilgrimage facilitation center, pathway, illumination, parking, signage)

    •Development at Aitnar Pool (Festival gallery area development, Behdeinkhlam festival facilitation centre, AR-VR at facilitation centre)

    •Development at Charantala Kali Temple (Vehicular cross bridge, Approach Road, Retaining wall, PFC)

    2020-21

    29.29

    Mizoram
    1.  

    Development of Infrastructure for Pilgrimage and Heritage Tourism at ChiteVang, Zuangtai, Reiek and Aizawl

    •Heritage Congregation Centre, Aizwal

    •Prayer Mountain, Zuangtai (PFC with viewing gallery, signage, Multipurpose Hall & kitchen)

    •Development at Khuangchera Cave (PFC, Safety equipment required for visiting the cave)

    •Development at KalvariTiang, Aizwal (Protective railing, PFC, Lighting, Rain shelter, Signage, Wooden benches)

    2022-23

    44.89

    Nagaland
    1.  

    Development of Pilgrimage Infrastructure at Molungkimong, Noksen Church, Aizuto, Wokha and Kohima

    •Development at Molungkimong (Church gate, Toilet, Interpretation centre, Illumination, Signage, Approach Road)

    •Development at Noksen Church (Pilgrimage arrival centre, Illumination, Parking, Approach Road, Retaining wall)

    •Development at Mission Compound, Aizuto (Sacred Pond edge lining area development, Illumination, PFC, Approach Road, Signage, Rain Shelter)

    •Development at Cathedral of Kohima (Entrance gate, Illumination, Interpretation centre, Signage, Parking, Retaining wall)

    •Wayside amenity-Wokha

    2018-19

    25.20
    1.  

    Development of Pilgrimage Tourism Infrastructure at Zunheboto

    •Naga Entrance Gate

    •Pilgrimage Facilitation Centre

    •Illumination of Sumi Baptist Church

    •Multilevel Car Parking

    2022-23

    18.18

    Odisha
    1.  

    Infrastructure Development at Puri

    •Tourist Facilitation Centre at Puri

    •Development of Beach at Shree JagannathDhamPuri (Benches, Drinking water facilities, Public convenience, signage, watch tower, food court)

    •Development of Ramchandi Temple

    •Development of Shree JagannathVishramsthali and Amphitheatre

    •Development at Gundicha temple (Dustbins, landscaping, pathways, signage, illumination)

    •Development at Prachi River Front (Drinking water facilities,Entrance gate, prayer hall, bridge to connect temple campus, steps, walkway)

    •Development at MaaMangla Temple (Drinking water facilities, dustbins, pathways, public convenience, signage)

    2014-15

    50.00

    Punjab
    1.  

    Development of KarunaSagar Valmiki Sthal at Amritsar

    •External sewerage

    •Water Supply

    •Toilet blocks & cloak room

    •Landscaping

    •Solid Waste collection & management

    •Main gate structure

    •Road widening and beautification

    2015-16

    6.40
    1.  

    Development of Chamkaur Sahib

    •Tourist Facilitation Centre at Puri

    •Development of Beach at Shree JagannathDhamPuri (Benches, Drinking water facilities, Public convenience, signage, watch tower, food court)

    •Development of Ramchandi Temple

    •Development of Shree JagannathVishramsthali and Amphitheatre

    •Development at Gundicha temple (Dustbins, landscaping, pathways, signage, illumination)

    •Development at Prachi River Front (Drinking water facilities,Entrance gate, prayer hall, bridge to connect temple campus, steps, walkway)

    •Development at MaaMangla Temple (Drinking water facilities, dustbins, pathways, public convenience, signage)

    2021-22

    31.57

    Rajasthan
    1.  

    Integrated Development of Pushkar/

    Ajmer

    •Development at Ajmer Sharif Dargah (Refurbishment of façade, Tensile fabric structure, Shading devices)

    •Improvement of Delhi gate and Dargah gate chowk (Illumination, Refurbishment work)

    •Tourist information kiosk at railway & bus stand Restoration & development works at Pushkar Sarovar, Pushkar Market Street

    •Development work at Brahma temple, Savitri Mata temple &Parikrama Path, Pushkar

    2015-16

    32.64

    Sikkim
    1.  

    Development of Pilgrimage Facilitation at Four Patron Saints, Yuksom

    •Coronation Throne of Norbugang (Approach Road, Traditional gate, Illumination)

    •Pilgrimage facilities near helipad (PFC, parking and entrance gate, Landscaping)

    •Pilgrimage stopover facility at Rimbi

    2020-21

    33.32

    Tamil Nadu
    1.  

    Development of Kanchipuram

    •Bus terminus upgradation (Tourist information centre, cloak room, RO plant)

    •Pilgrimage walk (Pathway, pedestrian guard rail, signage)

    •Ekambareswarar temple (Parking platform, Security room, Compound wall)

    •Rangaswamy tank rejuvenation (Entrance Arch & Gate, Seating facilities, Pathway)

    •Illumination of monuments

    2016-17

    13.99
    1.  

    Development of Velankanni

    •Velankanni beach (Paver block road)

    •Bus stand (Toilet block)

    •Improvement of Oorani-MariammanKulam

    •City level interventions (CCTV, Wi-Fi, Control room, Street lighting)

    2016-17

    4.86

    Telangana
    1.  

    Development of Jogulamba Devi Temple

    •Connectivity Node (New bus stand, Cultural haat)

    •Pilgrimage Facilitation Node (Pilgrim facilitation cum Cultural centre, Public amenity complex, Pathway)

    •Approach Level Intervention (Rain shelter, High mast lighting, Signage)

    •Jogulamba Temple Premises (Parking complex, Lightng& illumination, Alternate access road, Shower & changing room, Solid waste management)

    •Tungabhadra Ghat (Floating jetty, Landscaping, Cruise boat, Illumination)

    •Other ASI Sites (Proposed new access to Sangamedhwara temple)

    2020-21

    38.90
    1.  

    Development of Pilgrimage and Heritage Tourism Infrastructure at Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple

    •Interpretation Centre

    •Amphitheater

    •4D Movie Hall

    •Sculpture Park

    •Lakefront Development

    •Bus and car Parking Area

    2022-23

    62.00
    1.  

    Development of Pilgrimage Infrastructure at Bhadrachalam

    •Development works at Main Temple (Change of flooring, MS roofing structure, Mechanization for Prasadam production)

    •Development around Main Temple (Approach Road, Pilgrim amenities centre, Ghat area development- Changing room, Toilet, Jetty)

    •Town Entrance (Entrance bridge, Washroom & canteen complex, Compound wall, Chain link fencing, Battery operated cars)

    •Development works at Parnasala and SeethammaVaagu (Pilgrim amenities centre, Street light, Kiosks, Foot over bridge, Toilet)

    •Allied development works (Street lighting, Signage, CCTV)

    2022-23

    41.38

    Tripura
    1.  

    Development of Tripura Sundari Temple

    •Development of Main Temple area (Food court, Meditation Hall, Illumination, Pooja shops)

    •Covered Aastha Path (Flooring, Railing, Roofing)

    •External Development works (Foot over bridge, STP, Signage Entrance gate, Toilet)

    2020-21

    34.43

    Uttar Pradesh
    1.  

    Development of Varanasi –Phase –I

    •Sound & Light show

    •Integrated development of MarkandeyMahadev temple (Shade for pathway and railing, Gantry signage, campus illumination)

    •SarangNath Pond Rejuvenation (Retaining wall, ghat development, viewing deck, gazebos, pathways)

    •Buddha Theme Park, Sarnath (Gazebos, feature wall, parking)

    •Conservation and development of Gurudham temple (Softscape, Hardscape, New gate, Toilet, Illumination)

    2015-16

    18.73
    1.  

    Development of Mathura-Vrindavan as Mega Tourist Circuit (Ph-II)

    •Krishna Sarovar, Baad, Mathura (Landscaping, Chain link, Pathway, Information centre, Kund rejuvenation centre, Toilet, Open air stage, Sitting place, Ghat development)

    •Jai Kund, Jait, Mathura (Landscaping, Chain link, Pathway, Kund rejuvenation, provision of fountain for movement of Kund water, ghat development)

    •Chandra Sarovar, Chaumuha, Mathura (Landscaping, Chain link, Construction of bore well, Kund rejuvenation, ghat development)

    •Akbar kataal Mathura (Kund rejuvenation, Entry gate, Toilet, Open air stage)

    2014-15

    10.98
    1.  

    Development of River Cruise Tourism at Varanasi

    •Passenger cum cruise vessel

    •320 sq. m. HDPE modular system Jetty (pontoon)

    •Aesthetics & vernacular exterior finish of the cruise vessel & jetty

    •Audiovisual intervention (Story board)

    •Surveillance & security

    •CCTV surveillance

    2017-18

    9.02
    1.  

    Construction of Tourist Facilitation Centre at Vrindavan

    •Cost of building (Souvenir shops, Tourist assistance counter, Tourist waiting area, Toilets, driver lunge, covered parking)

    •Internal development cost (Boundary wall, Rainwater harvesting, Electrification)

    2014-15

    9.36
    1.  

    Development of Varanasi – Phase II

    •Godowliachowk to DashashwamedhGhat (Street pedestrianization& footpath, Façade development)

    •Varanasi by Night (Lighting of ghats, Raj ghat to bridge- Toilts, Road improvement, TIC, Parking, River boat platform)

    •Revitalization of PanchkoshiParikarma (Road development, PFC, Signage)

    2017-18

    44.60
    1.  

    Development of Infrastructure facilities at Govardhan

    •Development at Govardhan Bus Station (Car stand block, Cloak room, Toilet, Boundary wall)

    •Development at GovardhanParikrama (Street Furniture, CCTV, WiFi)

    •Development at Chandra Sarovar (Toilet, Ticket counter, Pathway, bench, Landscaping, Solar light)

    •Development at KusumSarovar (Illumination, Toilet, Paved pathway)

    •Development at Mansi Ganga (Pilgrim amenities, Lighting of ghats, Connecting bridge from temple to amenity block)

    2018-19

    37.59

    Uttarakhand
    1.  

    Integrated Development of Kedarnath

    •Development at Rudraprayag (Eco-log interpretation centre, Snaanghat, Signage, Sitting arrangement, Parking, Viewpoint)

    •Development at Tilwara (Parking, Sitting arrangement, Signage)

    •Development at Augustmuni (Rest shelter, Viewpoint, Toilet, Approach Road, Tourist information/Assistance centre& souvenir shop, Parking)

    •Development at Ukhimath (Approach Road, Eco-log interpretation centre, Multilevel parking)

    •Development at Guptkashi (Toilet, Signage, Parking, Solid waste management, Solar LED streetlight)

    •Development at Kalimath (Retaining wall, Approach Road, Solar LED streetlight)

    •Development at Sitapur (TIC, Sitting arrangement, Solar LED streetlight)

    2015-16

    34.77
    1.  

    Development of Infrastructure for Pilgrimage Facilitation in Badrinath Ji Dham

    •Temple complex and surrounding area (Illumination, Waste management, Storm water drainage)

    •Development at Aastha Path (Solar lights, Dust bins, Benches)

    •Pilgrimage Facilitation Centre

    •Parking Complex, Tourist management system, Tourist arrival plaza

    2018-19

    56.15
    1.  

    Augmentation of Pilgrimage Infrastructure Facilities at Gangotri and Yamunotri

    Dham

    •Development at Gangotri Temple (PFC, Rejuvenation of temple verandah, Entry gate, LED illumination, public amenities Pilgrimage registration & dynamic crowd management system, Alarm system at ghat, Parking)

    •Development at Yamnotri (Entry gate, LED illumination, Development of ghat, Pilgrimage information centre, public convenience)

    •Trek from JankiChatti to Yamnotri (Rain shelter &parademiccentre, Publlic convenience, Benches, Signage)

    •Development at Kharsali (Approach Road, Entry gate, Illumination, Landscaping)

    2021-22

    54.36

    West Bengal
    1.  

    Development of Belur Math

    •Solid Waste Management

    •Signage & giant LED display

    •Provision of pathway

    •Drinking water kiosks and hand washing facility

    •Tourist reception center, Gangway & jetty

    •Multi-level car parking

    •Installation of roof top solar panels

    2016-17

    30.03

     

     

    ****

    (Release ID: 2099160)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Tourism Ministry has set up an Incredible India Pavilion in Mela area to provide information

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 FEB 2025 4:30PM by PIB Delhi

    The Maha Kumbh 2025, is taking place in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Organization, Enhancement of infrastructure and facilities is subject of the State Government.

    The Ministry of Tourism is promoting Maha Kumbh 2025 through various initiatives. Ministry has set up an Incredible India Pavilion in Mela area to provide information, and to engage tourists, media, influencers etc. New creatives, a Digital brochure of various tour packages, flight options, accommodation options etc. for Maha Kumbh have been prepared and circulated. Additionally, a dedicated Maha Kumbh Tourist Infoline (1800111363) has been established for tourists.

    The promotion of Maha Kumbh is also being done through social media handles of Ministry of Tourism.

    India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), a PSU of Ministry of Tourism has setup 80 Luxury tent accommodation at Tent City, Prayagraj.

    Ministry of Culture has set up a cultural village viz. Kalagram in Mela Area through North Central Zone Cultural Centre, which features Anubhut Mandapam, Artists performances, Food zone, display and sale of traditional Indian Handicrafts and Handlooms etc.

    As per the information received from Ministry of Railways, to cater the needs of passengers and to facilitate their journey to/from Prayagraj, 16 train services (including 05609/05610 Jabalpur-Bargawan Kumbh Mela Special) are being operated on the Beohari -Katni sector. For onward journey to Prayagraj, passengers may changeover at Katni and avail the 176 trains (including 32 Special trains) serving the Katni-Prayagraj sector.

    This information was given by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    ***

     

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari  

    E-mail: – tourism4pib[at]gmail[dot]com                                                               

    (Release ID: 2099159) Visitor Counter : 68

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government sanctioned 40 projects under SASCI Scheme in 23 States for ₹3295.76 Crore in the Financial Year 2024-25

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 FEB 2025 4:27PM by PIB Delhi

    Government of India under its ‘Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) – Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale’ sanctioned 40 projects in 23 States for ₹3295.76 Crore in the country in Financial Year 2024-25, with the primary objective to comprehensively develop iconic tourist centres in the country, branding and marketing them at global scale. The details of the sanctioned projects under this scheme are annexed.

    The Ministry of Tourism issued operational guidelines to all States for submission of project proposals. On receipt of the project proposals from the State Governments, the same were evaluated on the given parameters such as connectivity to the site, tourism eco-system, carrying capacity, sustainability measures, sustainable operation and management, project impact and value created, tourism marketing plans etc. While the implementation of projects sanctioned under SASCI scheme is being undertaken by the State Implementing Agencies, the Ministry of Tourism has also formulated mechanism to review the progress of sanctioned projects from time to time, in order to ensure seamless implementation of the sanctioned projects. 

    Ministry of Tourism promotes various tourist destinations and products of the country including lesser-known destinations in domestic and international markets through its various promotional initiatives such as website, social media promotions, participation in events, assistance to State Governments for organizing fairs and festivals, etc.

    The Ministry of Tourism did not receive any proposal from the State of Haryana within the time lines stipulated for submission of proposals for consideration under SASCI scheme. As of now, there is no provision to include the Bhiwani-Mahendergarh Lok Sabha constituency under this scheme.

    This information was given by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    ***

     

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    E-mail: – tourism4pib[at]gmail[dot]com

    ANNEXURE

    List of Projects sanctioned under ‘Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) – Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale

    (Amount in ₹ Crore)

    S.

    No.

    State

    Project Name

    Cost

    		  
     
     

    Andhra Pradesh
    • 1. Gandikota – Enriching the Fort and Gorge Experience

    77.91

    		  
    • 2. Akhanda Godavari: (Havelock Bridge & Pushkar Ghat), Rajamahendravaram

    94.44

    		  
     

    Arunachal Pradesh
    • 3. Siang Adventure & Eco-Retreat, Pasighat

    46.48

    		  
     

    Assam
    • 4. Assam State Zoo Cum Botanical Garden, Guwahati

    97.12

    		  
    • 5. Beautification of Rang Ghar at Sivasagar

    94.76

    		  
     

    Bihar
    • 6. Development of Matsyagandha Lake, Saharsa

    97.61

    		  
    • 7. Karamchat Eco-Tourism and Adventure Hub

    49.51

    		  
     

    Chhattisgarh
    • 8. Development of Chitrotpala Film City

    95.79

    		  
    • 9. Development of Tribal & Cultural Convention Centre

    51.87

    		  
     

    Goa
    • 10. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum, Ponda

    97.46

    		  
    • 11. Proposed Townsquare, Povorim

    90.74

    		  

    Gujarat
    • 12. Ecotourism Destination at Kerly (Mokarsagar), Porbandar

    99.50

    		  
    • 13. Tented City and Convention Centre, Dhordo

    51.56

    		  
     

    Jharkhand
    • 14. Eco-Tourism Development of Tilaiyya, Koderma

    34.87

    		  
     

    Karnataka
    • 15. Ecotourism & Cultural Hub at Roerich and Devika Rani Estate Tataguni, Bengaluru

    99.17

    		  
    • 16. Development of Savadatti Yallammagudda, Belgavi

       100.00

    		  
     

    Kerala
    • 17. Ashtamudi Biodiversity and Eco-recreational Hub, Kollam

    59.71

    		  
    • 18. Sargaalaya: Global Gateway to Malabar’s Cultural Crucible

    95.34

    		  
     

    Madhya Pradesh
    • 19. Orchha A Medieval Splendour

    99.92

    		  
    • 20. International Convention Centre for MICE in Bhopal

    99.38

    		  
     

    Maharashtra
    • 21. Ex-INS Guldar Underwater Museum, Artificial Reef, and Submarine Tourism, Sindhudurg

    46.91

    		  
    • 22. Development of “RAM-KAL PATH” at Nashik

    99.14

    		  
     

    Manipur
    • 23. Loktak Lake Experience

    89.48

    		  
     

    Meghalaya
    • 24. MICE Infrastructure at Mawkhanu, Shillong

    99.27

    		  
    • 25. Re-development of Umiam Lake, Shillong

    99.27

    		  

    Odisha
    • 26. Development of Hirakud

    99.90

    		  
    • 27. Development of Satkosia

    99.99

    		  
     

    Punjab
    • 28. Development of Heritage Street, SBS Nagar

    53.45

    		  
     

    Rajasthan
    • 29. Development at Amber-Nahargarh and surrounding Area, Jaipur

    49.31

    		  
    • 30. Development at Jal Mahal, Jaipur

    96.61

    		  
     

    Sikkim
    • 31. Skywalk, Bhaleydhunga, Yangang, Namchi

    97.37

    		  
    • 32. Border Experience, Nathula

    68.19

    		  

    Tamil Nadu
    • 33. Nandavanam Heritage Park at Mamallapuram

     99.67

    		  
    • 34. Garden of flowers at Devala, Ooty

    70.23

    		  
     

    Telangana
    • 35. Ramappa Region Sustainable Tourism Circuit

    73.74

    		  
    • 36. Somasilla Wellness & Spiritual Retreat Nallamala

    68.10

    		  

    Tripura
    • 37. 51 Shakti Peethas Park at Banduar, Gomati

     97.70

    		  
     

    Uttar Pradesh
    • 38. Development of Bateshwar, District- Agra

    74.05

    		  
    • 39. Integrated Buddhist Tourism Development, Shrawasti

    80.24

    		  
     

    Uttarakhand
    • 40. Iconic City Rishikesh: Rafting Base Station

    100.00

    		  

    TOTAL

    3,295.76

    		  

    ***

     

    (Release ID: 2099157) Visitor Counter : 71

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Rejuvenation of Religious Sites

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 FEB 2025 4:26PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Tourism under the “Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive” (PRASHAD) scheme provides financial assistance to the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations for development of tourism infrastructure at important pilgrimage and heritage destinations. A total of 47 projects has been sanctioned in 27 States/UTs with estimated cost of Rs.1594.40 crore.

    Details of the projects sanctioned under the PRASHAD Scheme is given in the annexure.

    As per information received from the State Government of Uttar Pradesh, there is substantial increase in religious tourism to Ayodhya after construction of Ram Mandir. As per tourism statistics of Ayodhya, the total number of visitors to the district has risen from 6,022,618 in the year 2020 to 164,419,522 in the year 2024.

    This information was given by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    ***

     

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari  

    E-mail: – tourism4pib[at]gmail[dot]com

    ANNEXURE

      List of projects sanctioned under PRASHAD Scheme 

                                                                                                                          (in Rs. Crore)

    State/UT

    S.

    No.

    Project Name

    Sanction Year

    Approved

    Cost

    Andhra Pradesh
    1.  

    Development of Pilgrim Amenities at Amaravati

    2015-16

    27.77
    1.  

    Development of Srisailam Temple

    2017-18

    43.08
    1.  

    Development of Pilgrimage Amenities at Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narsimha Swami VariDevasthanam at Simhachalam

    2022-23

    54.04
    1.  

    Development of Pilgrimage Tourism Infrastructure in Annavaram Temple Town

    2024-25

    25.33

    Arunachal Pradesh
    1.  

    Development of ParshuramKund

    2020-21

    37.88

    Assam
    1.  

    Development of Pilgrimage amenities at Kamakhya Temple

    2015-16

    29.80

    Bihar
    1.  

    Development at Patna Sahib

    2015-16

    29.62
    1.  

    Development of basic facilities at Vishnupad temple

    2014-15

    3.63

    Chhattisgarh
    1.  

    Development of Pilgrimage amenities at Maa Bamleshwari Devi Temple

    2020-21

    48.44

    Goa
    1.  

    Development of Bom Jesus Basilica

    2024-25

    16.46

    Gujarat
    1.  

    Development of Dwarka

    2016-17

    10.46
    1.  

    Development of Pilgrimage Amenities at Somnath

    2016-17

    45.36
    1.  

    Development of Promenade at Somnath

    2018-19

    47.12
    1.  

    Development of Pilgrimage Facilities at Ambaji Temple

    2022-23

    50.00

    Haryana
    1.  

    Development of Mata Mansa Devi Temple and Nada SahebGurudwara

    2019-20

    48.53

    Jammu and Kashmir
    1.  

    Development at Hazratbal Shrine

    2016-17

    40.46

    Jharkhand
    1.  

    Development of Baba BaidyaNathDham

    2018-19

    36.79

    Karnataka
    1.  

    Development of Pilgrimage Amenities at Sri Chamundeshwari Devi Temple

    2023-24

    45.71

    Kerala
    1.  

    Development at Guruvayur Temple

    2016-17

    45.19

    Madhya Pradesh
    1.  

    Development of Amarkantak

    2020-21

    49.99
    1.  

    Development of Omkareshwar

    2017-18

    43.93

    Maharashtra
    1.  

    Development of Trimbakeshwar

    2017-18

    42.18

    Meghalaya
    1.  

    Development of Pilgrimage Facilitation at Nongswalia Church, Nartiang Shakti Peeth, Aitnar Pool and Charantala Kali Temple

    2020-21

    29.29

    Mizoram
    1.  

    Development of Infrastructure for Pilgrimage and Heritage Tourism at ChiteVang, Zuangtai, Reiek and Aizawl

    2022-23

    44.89

    Nagaland
    1.  

    Development of Pilgrimage Infrastructure at Molungkimong, NoksenChurch, Aizuto, Wokha and Kohima

    2018-19

    25.20
    1.  

    Development of Pilgrimage Tourism Infrastructure at Zunheboto

    2022-23

    18.18

    Odisha
    1.  

    Infrastructure Development at Puri

    2014-15

    50.00

    Punjab
    1.  

    Development of KarunaSagar Valmiki Sthal at Amritsar

    2015-16

    6.40
    1.  

    Development of Chamkaur Sahib

    2021-22

    31.57

    Rajasthan
    1.  

    Integrated Development of Pushkar/Ajmer

    2015-16

    32.64

    Sikkim
    1.  

    Development of Pilgrimage Facilitation at Four Patron Saints, Yuksom

    2020-21

    33.32

    Tamil Nadu
    1.  

    Development of Kanchipuram

    2016-17

    13.99
    1.  

    Development of Velankanni

    2016-17

    4.86

    Telangana
    1.  

    Development of Jogulamba Devi Temple

    2020-21

    38.90
    1.  

    Development of Pilgrimage and Heritage Tourism Infrastructure at Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple

    2022-23

    62.00
    1.  

    Development of Pilgrimage Infrastructure at Bhadrachalam

    2022-23

    41.38

    Tripura
    1.  

    Development of Tripura Sundari Temple

    2020-21

    34.43

    Uttar Pradesh
    1.  

    Development of Varanasi –Phase –I

    2015-16

    18.73
    1.  

    Development of Mathura-Vrindavan as Mega Tourist Circuit (Ph-II)

    2014-15

    10.98
    1.  

    Development of River Cruise Tourism at Varanasi

    2017-18

    9.02
    1.  

    Construction of Tourist Facilitation Centre at Vrindavan

    2014-15

    9.36
    1.  

    Development of Varanasi – Phase II

    2017-18

    44.60
    1.  

    Development of Infrastructure facilities at Govardhan

    2018-19

    37.59

    Uttarakhand
    1.  

    Integrated Development of Kedarnath

    2015-16

    34.77
    1.  

    Development of Infrastructure for Pilgrimage Facilitation in Badrinath Ji Dham

    2018-19

    56.15
    1.  

    Augmentation of Pilgrimage Infrastructure Facilities at Gangotri and YamunotriDham

    2021-22

    54.36

    West Bengal
    1.  

    Development of Belur Math

    2016-17

    30.03

     

    *****

    (Release ID: 2099155) Visitor Counter : 62

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DH calls for influenza vaccination as influenza activity increases in Hong Kong and northern hemisphere

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    DH calls for influenza vaccination as influenza activity increases in Hong Kong and northern hemisphere
    DH calls for influenza vaccination as influenza activity increases in Hong Kong and northern hemisphere
    ******************************************************************************************

         ​The Controller of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health, Dr Edwin Tsui, today (February 3) reminded members of the public that the seasonal influenza activity in Hong Kong and many other countries and regions in the northern hemisphere remains at a high level. All sectors of the community should heighten their vigilance and enhance personal protection measures against influenza, including receiving seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) to protect their health and that of their family members. Those who plan to travel should stay alert to the situation of infectious diseases in their destinations, and observe strict personal and environmental hygiene.           “Hong Kong entered the influenza season in early January. The CHP has recorded 199 adult cases of intensive care unit admissions or deaths due to influenza in the first four weeks, as compared with 127 cases in the same period in the last influenza season. Among them, there were 122 deaths and over 70 per cent of these severe or death cases did not receive SIV. For the deaths, nearly 90 per cent involved persons aged 65 or above. For children, the CHP has recorded nine cases of severe paediatric influenza-associated complications. Seven of them were unvaccinated,” he said.           Dr Tsui said that as the influenza activity in many parts of the northern hemisphere (including the Mainland, Japan, Korea, as well as Europe and North America) remains at a high level, people who are going to travel should pay attention to the influenza situation at their destinations before departure and take appropriate personal protective measures, including receiving SIV as soon as possible and consider wearing a surgical mask when staying in crowded places. Regardless of whether in Hong Kong or abroad, if people develop respiratory symptoms, even if mild, they should wear surgical masks and seek medical advice promptly.            “With reference to previous surveillance data, virus activity will continue to increase for a period of time after the start of the influenza season before peaking. Currently available data indicate that the influenza activity level is still on the rise. In view of the high levels of influenza activity locally and in the northern hemisphere in the coming weeks, all persons aged 6 months and above (except those with known contraindications) who have not yet received SIV, particularly the elderly and children who have a higher risk of becoming infected with influenza and developing complications, should act immediately to minimise the risk of serious complications and death after infection,” Dr Tsui said.           As of February 2, a total of about 1 932 000 doses of vaccines were administered under the various vaccination programmes, representing an increase of about 6.4 per cent over the same period last year and an all time high, surpassing the total number of doses administered under the various vaccination programmes in year 2023/24 (i.e. about 1 873 000 doses). The number of schools participating in the SIV School Outreach has also increased significantly this year. About 1 030 kindergartens/child care centres (98 per cent), about 640 primary schools (98 per cent) and about 490 secondary schools (98 per cent) have completed or are arranging the SIV school outreach activities. This is higher than last year’s participation rate (80 per cent of kindergartens/child care centres, 95 per cent of primary schools and 70 per cent of secondary schools). The SIV coverage rate for children aged 6 months to under 2 years remained relatively low at about 21.0 per cent. Although slightly higher than that of the same period a year ago, the coverage rate was still lower than that of other age groups of children. To enhance relevant vaccination services and boost the vaccination rate, the Government has opened the DH’s Maternal and Child Health Centres (MCHCs) to all children aged 6 months to under 2 years. Parents may book an appointment for their children to receive vaccinations at designated MCHCs via the online booking system.           For the latest information, members of the public can visit the CHP’s seasonal influenza and COVID-19 & Flu Express webpages. 

     
    Ends/Monday, February 3, 2025Issued at HKT 19:13

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: E-Shram: One Stop Solution for Unorganised Workers

    Source: Government of India

    E-Shram: One Stop Solution for Unorganised Workers

    Over 30.58 Crore Unorganised Workers Registered on e-Shram Portal

    E-Shram Portal Registers Over 1.23 Crore Workers in 2024, Averaging 33,700 Daily Enrollments

    12 Schemes of Different Central Ministries/Departments Integrated/Mapped with e-Shram

    E-Shram Portal has Become Multilingual, Accessible in 22 Indian Languages

    Posted On: 03 FEB 2025 4:24PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Labour and Employment launched eShram portal (eshram.gov.in) on 26th August 2021 for creation of a comprehensive National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW) seeded with Aadhaar. e-Shram portal is meant to register and support the unorganised workers by providing them a Universal Account Number (UAN) on a self-declaration basis.

    As on 28th January 2025, over 30.58 crore unorganised workers have registered on e-Shram portal.

    During the last year, i.e., from 1st January 2024 to 31st December 2024, the e-Shram portal recorded over 1.23 crore registration with an average of 33.7 thousand registrations per day.

    The e-Shram facilitates to provide welfare cover to the unorganised workers through its following key features:

    (i) E-Shram has been integrated with National Career Service (NCS) Portal. An unorganised worker can register on NCS using his/ her Universal Account Number (UAN) and search for suitable job opportunities. An option/ link has also been provided to registrants’ on e-Shram portal to seamlessly register on NCS.

    (ii) E-Shram is integrated with Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM). PM-SYM is a pension scheme for unorganised workers who are aged between 18-40 years. It provides a monthly pension of Rs. 3000/- after attaining the age of 60 years. Using UAN any unorganised worker can easily enrol under PM-SYM. In the scheme 50 percent of the contribution is borne by the Government of India and the rest is being contributed by the worker.

    (iii) Provision has been added in e-Shram to capture family details of migrant workers.

    (iv) Provision has been added in e-Shram to share construction workers’ data with States/ Union Territories to facilitate their registration in respective Building and other Construction Workers (BoCW) boards.

    (v) To provide skill enhancement and apprenticeship opportunities to unorganised worker, e-Shram has been integrated with Skill India Digital portal of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

    (vi) E-Shram is also integrated with myScheme portal. myScheme is a National Platform that aims to offer one-stop search and discovery of the Government schemes. It provides an innovative, technology based solution to discover scheme information based upon the eligibility of the citizen.

    In keeping with the vision of the Budget Announcement recently on developing e-Shram as a One-Stop-Solution for unorganised workers to have access to various social security schemes, Ministry of Labour and Employment launched the e-Shram– “One-Stop-Solution” on 21st October 2024. e-Shram– “One-Stop-Solution” entails integration of different social security/ welfare schemes at single portal i.e., e-Shram. This enables unorganised workers registered on e-Shram to access social security schemes and see benefits availed by them so far, through e-Shram.

    So far, 12 schemes of different Central Ministries/Departments have already been integrated/ mapped with the e-Shram including Pradhan Mantri Surakhsa Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, Prime Minister Street Vendors AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM-SVANidhi), PM Awas Yojana- Urban (PMAY-U), PM Awas Yojana- Gramin (PMAY-G), Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

    To enhance the accessibility of the e-Shram portal, the Ministry of Labour and Employment launched multilingual functionality on the e-Shram portal on 7th January 2025, using the Bhashini platform. This enhancement now allows workers to interact with e-Shram portal in 22 Indian languages, improving accessibility and promoting inclusivity for all.

    This information was given by Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    *****

    Himanshu Pathak

    (Release ID: 2099153) Visitor Counter : 84

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Benefits Accorded to Classical Language

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 FEB 2025 4:23PM by PIB Delhi

    The support available to the languages notified as classical languages include awards in Classical Languages, centers of excellence for studies in classical languages, and creation of professional chairs in central universities.

    The Government of India had earlier notified the following languages as Classical Languages:

    Tamil, 2004

    Sanskrit, 2005

    Telugu, 2008

    Kannada, 2008

    Malayalam, 2013

    Odia, 2014

    The Ministry of Education, through the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysuru, works towards the promotion and development of all Indian languages, including Classical Languages. Various institutions and Centres of Excellence have been established to support research, documentation, and scholarly activities related to these languages:

    Tamil: The Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT), Chennai, established in 2008, is dedicated to the promotion and development of Classical Tamil.

    Sanskrit: The Government of India promotes Sanskrit through three Central Universities—Central Sanskrit University (New Delhi), Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri National Sanskrit University (New Delhi), and National Sanskrit University (Tirupati). These universities were granted Central University status in 2020 to strengthen Sanskrit education and research.

    Telugu: The Centre of Excellence for Studies under the in Classical Telugu functions at Nellore, Andhra Pradesh.

    Kannada: The Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Kannada is located in Mysuru, Karnataka.

    Malayalam: The Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Malayalam operates from Tirur, Malappuram, Kerala.

    Odia: The Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Odia is based in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

    Furthermore, very recently, The Government notified 5 more languages such as Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali as Classical Languages vide Gazette Notification dated 04.10.2024.

    This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    ***

     

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    E-mail: – pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2099152) Visitor Counter : 75

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Measures To Support Young Artists

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 FEB 2025 4:21PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Culture is implementing a financial grant Scheme by the name of ‘Scholarships to Young Artists in Different Cultural Fields (SYA)’ to support young artists specializing in various cultural fields such as classical dance forms, indigenous artwork and other traditional art-forms for undergoing advanced training in their respective fields. Under this scheme component, a Scholarship of Rs. 5,000/- per month is provided upto a maximum of 400 Scholars for a period of 02 years in four equal six monthly installments. The selected scholars should be in the age group of 18 years to 25 years and have been undergoing training under any Guru or Institution for a minimum of 5 years. The Scholars are selected on the basis of their performance in a personal interview / interaction before an Expert Committee constituted by the Ministry.

    The number of beneficiaries awarded scholarship in the aforesaid scheme during last 03 batch years is given below:-

    2019-20

    2020-21

    2021-22

    400

    400

    400

               

     

               

     

    In addition to above, the following number of artists (including young artists) have also been benefited under the scheme of Guru Shishya Parampara (Repertory Grant) during last 3 financial year: –

    2021-22

    2022-23

    2023-24

    9326

    10140

    10497

     

     

     

     

    Ministry of Culture is administering, inter-alia, a Central Sector Scheme by the name of ‘Scheme of Scholarship and Fellowship for Promotion of Art and Culture’ of which ‘Scholarships to Young Artists in different Cultural Fields’ is one of the components. Funds are allocated for the said ‘Scheme of Scholarship and Fellowship for Promotion of Art and Culture’ having no separate further component wise allocation of funds. Details of budget allocated and utilised under the Scheme of Scholarship and Fellowship for Promotion of Art and Culture (including scheme component of Scholarships to Young Artists in different Cultural Fields) during the last three and current financial years are given as under: –

          

    Sl. No.

    Financial Year

    Budget Allocated

    (Rs. in crores)

    Budget Utilised

    (Rs. in crores)
    1.  

    2021-22

    21.25

    20.24
    1.  

    2022-23

    23.68

    14.80
    1.  

    2023-24

    16.22

    15.71
    1.  

    2024-25

     (as on 28.01.2025)

    16.46

    12.56

     

    The Ministry of Culture is promoting study on different aspects of Indian Culture for undertaking research on Indian Culture, including the indigenous culture, in different fields viz. Indology, Epigraphy, Sociology of Culture, Cultural Economics, Structural and Engineering Aspects  of Monuments, Numismatics etc. through its two scheme components namely (i) Award of Senior/Junior Fellowship to Outstanding Persons in the Field of Culture (ii) Tagore National Fellowship for Cultural Research.

    Ministry of Culture is administering, inter-alia, a Central Sector Scheme by the name of ‘Scheme of Scholarship and Fellowship for Promotion of Art and Culture’ having following three scheme components:-

           (i)   Scholarships to Young Artists in different Cultural Fields.

           (ii)  Award of Senior/Junior Fellowship to Outstanding Persons in the Field of Culture and

           (iii)  Tagore National Fellowship for Cultural Research

     

    Funds are allocated for the said ‘Scheme of Scholarship and Fellowship for Promotion of Art and Culture’ having no separate further component wise allocation of funds. Details of budget allocated and utilised under the said scheme (including all its scheme components) during the last three and current financial years is mentioned above at Sl. No. (c).

    This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    ***

     

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    E-mail: – pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2099149) Visitor Counter : 67

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Property

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 FEB 2025 4:20PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government is taking necessary steps towards the prevention of illicit trafficking of cultural property. Besides regular watch and ward staff, Private Security Guards and Central Industrial Security Force have been deployed as per requirement at monuments, sites and museums. Whenever any theft of antiquity is reported, FIR is lodged and ‘Look Out Notice’ is issued to law enforcement agencies including Custom Exit Channels to keep vigil to trace stolen antiquity and prevent its export. A Cultural Property Agreement (CPA) has also been signed with USA on 26th July 2024 that will make easy retrieval of antiquities. 

    Exhibitions and workshops are organized for public awareness. Recently, exhibitions titled, “Re(ad)dress: Return of Treasures” was held during the 46th Session of World Heritage Committee Meeting at New Delhi and exhibition titled, ‘Journey beyond the Borders: Return of Treasures’ was organized in Chennai as a part of the workshop on ‘Antiquities Trafficking Prevention’. India was also represented during UNESCO Regional Capacity Building Workshop on ‘Fighting Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Property’.

    Archaeological Survey of India is committed to the protection of cultural property. Government has retrieved 655 antiquities from foreign countries from the year 1976 to 2024, of which 642 antiquities have been retrieved since 2014.

    This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    ***

     

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    E-mail: – pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2099147) Visitor Counter : 66

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Guru-Shishya Parampara Scheme

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 FEB 2025 4:16PM by PIB Delhi

    Ministry of Culture implements a Central Sector scheme by the name of ‘Financial Assistance for Promotion of Guru-Shishya Parampara (Repertory Grant)’. Under this scheme, financial assistance is provided to eligible cultural organizations engaged in performing arts activities like music, dance, theatre, folk art, etc. for imparting training to artists/shishyas by their respective Guru on regular basis in line with Guru–Shishya Parampara across the country. The details of scheme are given at Annexure – I.

    As per the scheme guidelines of Guru-Shishya Parampara (Repertory Grant), the organizations seeking grants are required to submit their applications/proposals every year, for its renewal as well as fresh selection. The applications / proposals, complete in all respect are reviewed by the Expert Committee constituted by the Ministry for the purpose. The Expert Committee gives its recommendations taking the provisions of scheme guidelines, cultural performances / activities / resources of the organizations, justification for financial support, interaction with the Guru/representative of the organization, etc. into consideration.

    The Guru-Shishya Parampara (Repertory Grant) has been encouraging artists in the field of dance, music and theatre by providing financial assistance to shishyas of age 3 year and above. Further, every year, along with Renewal category, applications are also invited from new organizations under ‘Fresh category’ to encourage budding artists in the field of performing arts including traditional art styles.

    The state-wise details of number of Gurus and Shishyas provided with financial assistance including Uttar Pradesh and Haryana state under Guru-Shishya Parampara (Repertory Grant) scheme during last three years is given at Annexure – II.

    This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    ***

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    E-mail: – pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

    Annexure – I

    Financial Assistance for Promotion of Guru-Shishya Parampara (Repertory Grant)

    Scheme: Financial Assistance for Promotion of Guru-Shishya Parampara (Repertory Grant) is a Central Sector Scheme of Ministry of Culture. This scheme is a sub-scheme of an Umbrella scheme ‘Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana (KSVY).

    Objective: The objective of this scheme is to provide financial assistance to cultural organizations working in the field of performing arts activities like dramatic / theatre groups, music ensembles, children theatre, Dance groups etc. for imparting training to shishyas by their respective Guru on regular basis in line with ancient Guru–Shishya Parampara.

    As per the scheme, financial assistance is provided to 1 Guru and maximum 18 Shishyas in the field of theatre and 1 Guru and maximum 10 Shishyas in the field of music & dance.

    Quantum of Assistance: Assistance for each Guru/Director is @ Rs.15,000/- (Rupees fifteen thousand only) per month whereas in respect of each Shishya/Artist the same is as under: –

     

    Sl.

    No.

    Categories of shishya/ artist

    Age Group

    Amount of assistance/ honorarium per month
     

    (a) Adult shishya/artist

    (18 years age and above)

    Rs.10,000/- (Rupees Ten thousand only)
     

    (b) ‘A’ category child shishya/ artist

    (12-<18 years age)

    Rs.7,500/- (Rupees seven thousand five hundred only)
     

    (c) ‘B’ category child shishya/ artist

    (6-<12 years age)

    Rs.3,500/- (Rupees three thousand and five hundred only)
     

    (d) ‘C’ category child shishya/ artist

    (3-<6 years age)

    Rs.2,000/- (Rupees two thousand only)

     

    Annexure – II

    Sl.

    No.

    State/UT

    Financial Year

    2021-2022

    2022-2023

    2023-2024

    Number of

    Guru

    Number of Shishya

    Number of

    Guru

    Number of Shishya

    Number of

    Guru

    Number of Shishya
    1.  

    Andhra Pradesh

    13

    30

    19

    38

    20

    51
    1.  

    Arunachal Pradesh

    –

    –

    –

    –

    1

    2
    1.  

    Assam

    35

    256

    37

    256

    44

    272
    1.  

    Bihar

    76

    488

    94

    516

    116

    582
    1.  

    Chandigarh

    5

    62

    7

    65

    11

    74
    1.  

    Chhattisgarh

    3

    19

    3

    19

    4

    16
    1.  

    Delhi

    95

    830

    105

    791

    125

    798
    1.  

    Gujarat

    8

    52

    12

    42

    13

    46
    1.  

    Haryana

    15

    90

    18

    93

    20

    97
    1.  

    Himachal Pradesh

    4

    52

    4

    52

    6

    57
    1.  

    Jammu & Kashmir

    25

    134

    29

    143

    44

    177
    1.  

    Jharkhand

    10

    69

    15

    78

    14

    80
    1.  

    Karnataka

    133

    801

    152

    822

    214

    954
    1.  

    Kerala

    22

    187

    23

    189

    27

    176
    1.  

    Madhya Pradesh

    61

    590

    96

    658

    110

    662
    1.  

    Maharashtra

    49

    414

    82

    465

    96

    509
    1.  

    Manipur

    149

    980

    172

    1017

    202

    1009
    1.  

    Mizoram

    1

    8

    2

    10

    2

    5
    1.  

    Nagaland

    4

    12

    3

    10

    6

    17
    1.  

    Odisha

    66

    353

    103

    415

    119

    477
    1.  

    Pondicherry

    3

    43

    4

    45

    3

    21
    1.  

    Punjab

    8

    59

    8

    60

    9

    64
    1.  

    Rajasthan

    15

    103

    22

    115

    26

    117
    1.  

    Sikkim

    1

    2

    1

    2

    1

    3
    1.  

    Tamil Nadu

    16

    91

    12

    82

    13

    84
    1.  

    Telangana

    18

    147

    16

    120

    20

    123
    1.  

    Tripura

    3

    26

    6

    31

    9

    36
    1.  

    Uttarakhand

    13

    80

    17

    87

    18

    91
    1.  

    Uttar Pradesh

    66

    419

    82

    436

    95

    448
    1.  

    West Bengal

    231

    1781

    348

    1991

    331

    1730
                       

     

    ***

    (Release ID: 2099145) Visitor Counter : 70

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Special traffic arrangements for Hong Kong Marathon 2025

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Police will implement special traffic arrangements on Hong Kong Island, Kowloon West and New Territories South to facilitate the Hong Kong Marathon 2025 on February 9 (Sunday).

    Hong Kong Island
    —————-
     
    A. Road closure and traffic diversions

         The following will be implemented by phases on February 9 until the roads are safe for reopening, except for vehicles with permit:

    Phase I (from 1.15am to about 10.30am)

    Road closure

          Eastbound Central-Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel between Wan Chai and Island Eastern Corridor (IEC) will be closed, eastbound Central-Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel between Central and Wan Chai will be reopened at about 1.30pm.

    Traffic diversions

          Traffic along eastbound Connaught Road West flyover heading for eastbound Central-Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel, eastbound IEC and Eastern Harbour Crossing will be diverted via eastbound Connaught Road West at-grade, eastbound Connaught Road Central at-grade, Man Kat Street, Connaught Road Central, Gloucester Road, Victoria Park Road, Gordon Road, Electric Road and Java Road.

    Phase II (from 1.15am to about 1.30pm)

    Road closure

    – Eastbound Connaught Road West flyover between Shing Sai Road and Rumsey Street;
    – Man Po Street;
    – Yiu Sing Street;
    – Eastbound Lung Wo Road;
    – The slip road from Connaught Road West flyover to Man Po Street;
    – The slip road from Connaught Road West flyover to eastbound Central-Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel;
    – The slip road from Man Kat Street to the exit at Wan Chai on eastbound Central-Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel;
    – Eastbound Central-Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel between Central and Wan Chai;
    – The exit at Expo Drive on eastbound Central-Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel;
    – Expo Drive;
    – Expo Drive Central between westside Expo Drive and eastside Expo Drive;
    – Southbound Expo Drive East; and
    – Northbound Expo Drive East between Expo Drive and the northern cul-de-sac.

    Traffic diversions

    – Traffic along northbound Hill Road flyover will be diverted via eastbound Connaught Road West at-grade;
    – Traffic along eastbound Shing Sai Road will be diverted via eastbound Connaught Road West;
    – Traffic along Lung Wo Road cannot turn to westbound Yiu Sing Street;
    – Traffic along Man Yiu Street cannot turn left to eastbound Lung Wo Road; and
    – Traffic along Man Yiu Street cannot turn left to eastbound Yiu Sing Street.

    Phase III (from 1.30am to about 10.30am)

    Road closure

    – Eastbound IEC between Victoria Park Road eastbound and Tung Hei Road slip road; and
    – The slip roads of Hing Fat Street, Man Hong Street and Taikoo Wan Road leading to eastbound IEC.

    Phase IV (from 1.30am to about 11.30am)

    Road closure

    – Westbound IEC between Tung Hei Road slip road and westbound Victoria Park Road;
    – The slip roads of Nam On Street, Chai Wan Road, Tai Hong Street, Oi Shun Road, Hong On Street, Taikoo Wan Road, westbound King’s Road junction with Healthy Street Central, Tong Shui Road and Wharf Road leading to westbound IEC;
    – The slip roads leading from the exit of Eastern Harbour Crossing to westbound IEC. The section up between the exit of Eastern Harbour Crossing and the down ramp slip road leading to Man Hong Street will be reopened at about 10.30am;
    – Westbound Oi Shun Road between Oi Tak Road and Tai On Street;
    – Westbound Central-Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel between IEC and Wan Chai; and
    – The slip road leading from Tsing Fung Street vehicular flyover and Hing Fat Street to westbound Central-Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel.

    Traffic diversions

    – Traffic along eastbound Victoria Park Road and Hing Fat Street heading for eastbound IEC and Eastern Harbour Crossing will be diverted via Gordon Road, Electric Road and Java Road;
    – Traffic along Java Road and Man Hong Street heading for eastbound IEC and Eastern Harbour Crossing will be diverted via King’s Road;
    – Traffic along Taikoo Wan Road heading for eastbound IEC will be diverted via King’s Road and Shau Kei Wan Road;
    – Traffic along Java Road and eastbound King’s Road can access Eastern Harbour Crossing via Hong On Street;
    – Traffic from the exit of Eastern Harbour Crossing heading for eastbound IEC will be diverted via Tai On Street and Shau Kei Wan Road;
    – Traffic along westbound IEC will be diverted via Nam On Lane and Shau Kei Wan Road;
    – Traffic along Nam On Lane and Nam Hong Street heading for westbound IEC will be diverted via westbound Nam On Street, Sun Sing Street and Shau Kei Wan Road;
    – Traffic along Chai Wan Road heading for westbound IEC will be diverted via Shau Kei Wan Road;
    – Traffic diverted to westbound Shau Kei Wan Road can access Eastern Harbour Crossing via Tai Ning Street, Sai Wan Ho Street and Tai Hong Street;
    – Traffic along Tai Hong Street will only be allowed for access to Eastern Harbour Crossing and Lei King Wan. Traffic heading for westbound IEC will be diverted via Tai Hong Street, Hong Cheung Street, Tai On Street and Shau Kei Wan Road;
    – Traffic along westbound Oi Shun Road heading for westbound IEC will be diverted via Oi Tak Street, Oi Kan Road, Tai On Street and Oi Shun Street;
    – Traffic along Hong On Street will only be allowed for access to and from Eastern Harbour Crossing. Traffic heading for westbound IEC will be diverted via westbound Hong On Street and King’s Road. Except for vehicles heading for Eastern Harbour Crossing, traffic along Hong Yue Street will be diverted via westbound Hong On Street;
    – Traffic along Taikoo Wan Road slip road heading for westbound IEC will be diverted via Taikoo Shing Road and King’s Road;
    – Traffic from the exit of Eastern Harbour Crossing heading for westbound IEC will be diverted via Man Hong Street and King’s Road (until 4am);
    – Traffic on the slip road at the junction of westbound King’s Road and Healthy Street Central heading for westbound IEC will be diverted via westbound King’s Road;
    – Traffic on the slip road at the junction of westbound King’s Road and Tong Shui Road heading for westbound IEC will be diverted via westbound King’s Road;
    – Traffic along Tong Shui Road heading for westbound IEC will be diverted via Java Road, Kam Hong Street and King’s Road;
    – Traffic along Wharf Road slip road heading for westbound IEC will be diverted via westbound Wharf Road, North Point Road, Java Road, Tong Shui Road and King’s Road; and
    – Traffic along Tsing Fung Street vehicular flyover and northbound Hing Fat Street heading for the slip road of westbound Central-Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel will be diverted via the remaining lanes on Victoria Park Road.

    Phase V (from 3am to about 8.30am)

    Road closure

    – Eastbound Harbour Road between Harbour Drive and Tonnochy Road; and
    – Northbound Tonnochy Road between Hung Hing Road and Harbour Road.

    Traffic diversions

    – Traffic along northbound Tonnochy Road flyover will be diverted via westbound Harbour Road;
    – Traffic along eastbound Harbour Road will be diverted via northbound Fleming Road; and
    – Traffic leaving from car parks along eastbound Harbour Road will be diverted via westbound Harbour Road.

    Phase VI (from 3am to about 1.30pm)

    Road closure

    – Man Kwong Street;
    – Man Fai Street;
    – The slip road between Rumsey Street and Man Kwong Street;
    – Southbound Man Yiu Street between Man Kwong Street and Lung Wo Road; and
    – Northbound Man Yiu Street between Man Po Street and Man Kwong Street.

    Traffic diversions

    – Traffic along eastbound Chung Kong Road will be diverted via Connaught Road Central;
    – Traffic along eastbound Connaught Road Central cannot turn left to Man Kwong Street; and
    – Traffic along northbound Man Yiu Street will be diverted via westbound Finance Street.

    Phase VII (from 3am to about 2pm)

    Road closure

    – Eastbound Hung Hing Road between Expo Drive East and Wan Shing Street;
    – Westbound Hung Hing Road between Wan Shing Street and Tonnochy Road;
    – The fast lane of eastbound Harbour Road between Harbour Drive and Tonnochy Road;
    – The fast lane of northbound Tonnochy Road between Hung Hing Road and Harbour Road;
    – Southbound Tonnochy Road between Harbour Road and Gloucester Road;
    – Marsh Road flyover between Hung Hing Road and Lockhart Road;
    – Northbound Marsh Road between Hung Hing Road and Gloucester Road;
    – Eastbound Lockhart Road between Marsh Road and Percival Street;
    – Southbound Percival Street between Lockhart Road and Hennessy Road;
    – Percival Street (except the middle lane) between Jaffe Road and Lockhart Road;
    – Southbound Canal Road East between Lockhart Road and Jaffe Road;
    – Northbound Canal Road West between Lockhart Road and Jaffe Road;
    – Southbound Marsh Road between Lockhart Road and Jaffe Road;
    – Marsh Road between Hennessy Road and Lockhart Road;
    – Eastbound Hennessy Road between Percival Street and Yee Wo Street;
    – Eastbound Yee Wo Street;
    – Sugar Street;
    – Southbound Gloucester Road between Great George Street and Causeway Road. Access to the southbound Tai Hang Road flyover is allowed after 10.45am; and
    – Northbound Gloucester Road between the U-turn slip road beneath Tai Hang Road flyover and Great George Street.

    Traffic diversions

    – Traffic along northbound Fleming Road cannot turn right to eastbound Hung Hing Road and will be diverted via southbound Fleming Road or westbound Lung Wo Road;
    – Traffic along northbound Wan Shing Street must turn right to Hung Hing Road flyover;
    – Traffic along northbound Marsh Road will be diverted via Gloucester Road service road or turn to southbound Marsh Road for access to Jaffe Road;
    – Traffic along eastbound Lockhart Road will be diverted via northbound Marsh Road at grade;
    – Traffic along eastbound Jaffe Road will be diverted via northbound Percival Street;
    – Traffic along southbound Percival Street will be diverted via eastbound Lockhart Road;
    – Traffic along eastbound Hennessy Road cannot turn left to Marsh Road;
    – Traffic along Tin Lok Lane cannot go straight to northbound Marsh Road, and must turn left or right to Hennessy Road;
    – Traffic along eastbound Hennessy Road heading for Causeway Road will be diverted via southbound Percival Street, Leighton Road, Pennington Street and eastbound Yee Wo Street;
    – Traffic along eastbound Yee Wo Street cannot turn left to Sugar Street;
    – Traffic along Great George Street heading for southbound Gloucester Road will be diverted via southbound Tai Hang Road floyover; and
    – Traffic along southbound Victoria Park Road flyover will be diverted via Gloucester Road service road. Access to southbound Tai Hang Road flyover is allowed after 10.45am.

    Phase VIII (from 3.45am to about 9am)

    Road closure

    – Hing Fat Street between Causeway Road and Victoria Park Road;
    – Electric Road between Yacht Street and Park Towers;
    – Lau Li Street between Hing Fat Street and Electric Road; and
    – Tsing Fung Street between Hing Fat Street and Electric Road.

    Traffic diversions

    – Traffic along eastbound Causeway Road heading for Hing Fat Street will be diverted via eastbound King’s Road;
    – Traffic along westbound King’s Road heading for Hing Fat Street will be diverted via westbound Causeway Road;
    – Traffic along southbound Electric Road must turn left to Yacht Street (except for access to Park Towers);
    – Traffic leaving the Park Towers car park will be diverted via Electric Road and Yacht Street;
    – Traffic on Electric Road heading for Tsing Fung Street will be diverted via Yacht Street; and
    – Traffic along southbound Hing Fat Street must turn left to eastbound Gordon Road.

    Phase IX (from 4am to about 10.45am)

    Road closure

    – Part of the traffic lanes of westbound Victoria Park Road between the down ramp of westbound IEC and westbound Gloucester Road, except the slow lane leading to Gloucester Road service road and the second slow lane leading to westbound Gloucester Road; and
    – The flyover leading from northbound Gloucester Road to westbound Gloucester Road.

    Traffic diversions

    – Traffic along Tsing Fung Street flyover will be diverted via the remaining lanes of westbound Victoria Park Road; and
    – Traffic along northbound Gloucester Road flyover heading for westbound Gloucester Road will be diverted via Gloucester Road service road.

    B. Pedestrian precincts

         The commencement time of the following pedestrian precincts will be postponed to 3pm on February 9, or when the major roads on Hong Kong Island are reopened:

    – Pedestrian precinct at Lockhart Road between Cannon Street and East Point Road;
    – East Point Road pedestrian precinct; and
    – Pedestrian precinct at Great George Street between East Point Road and Paterson Street.

    C. Suspension of parking spaces
     
    – 29 parking spaces in Hing Fat Street public car park (metered parking spaces No. 1619 to 1629 and 1641 to 1644) will be suspended from 3pm to 10pm on February 8;
    – All parking spaces in Hing Fat Street public car park will be suspended from 10pm on February 8 to 3pm of the following day, except for disabled parking spaces; and
    – The parking spaces at the following locations will be suspended from 00.01am to 3pm on February 9:
        – Pick-up/drop-off areas at Expo Drive East;
        – Coach parking spaces at Expo Drive;
        – Disabled parking spaces at Jaffe Road between Percival Street and Cannon Street;
        – Motorcycle parking spaces at Marsh Road between Lockhart Road and Hennessy Road;
        – Disabled parking spaces at Gloucester Road near Sugar;
        – Rumsey Street near Rumsey Street Multi-Storey Car Park;
        – Westbound Yiu Sing Street between Lung Wo Road and Man Yiu Street;
        – Goods vehicles parking spaces at westbound Man Kwong Street near Central Ferry Pier No. 3;
        – Goods vehicles parking spaces at westbound Man Kwong Street near Central Ferry Pier No. 8;
        – Disabled parking spaces outside Central Ferry Pier No. 4 and Central Ferry Pier No. 5;
        – Motorcycle parking spaces outside Central Ferry Pier No. 6 and Central Ferry Pier No. 7; and
        – Wan Shing Street opposite to Wanchai Station Building.

    Kowloon
    ——-

    A. Road closure and traffic diversions
     
           The following will be implemented by phases on February 9, until the roads are safe for reopening, except for vehicles with permit:
     
    Phase I (from 00.45am to about 1.15pm)
     
    Road closure

    – Southbound West Kowloon Highway between Mei Ching Road Roundabout and Western Harbour Crossing;
    – The slip road leading from northbound Lin Cheung Road near Civil Aid Service Headquarters to southbound West Kowloon Highway;
    – The slip road leading from northbound Nga Cheung Road elevated road to southbound West Kowloon Highway;
    – The slip road leading from westbound Jordan Road flyover to southbound Western Harbour Crossing;
    – The slip road leading from southbound Lin Cheung Road near Yau Ma Tei Interchange to southbound West Kowloon Highway; and
    – The slow lane of northbound Lin Cheung Road lowest level underpass between Austin Road West underpass and exit of Lin Cheung Road.

    Traffic diversions

    – Traffic along northbound Lin Cheung Road cannot turn to the slip road leading from northbound Lin Cheung Road near Civil Aid Service Headquarters to southbound West Kowloon Highway;
    – Traffic along southbound Lin Cheung Road will be diverted to the slip road heading to Tsim Sha Tsui; and
    – Traffic along eastbound Mei Ching Road cannot turn to the slip road leading from southbound Lin Cheung Road to southbound West Kowloon Highway.

    Phase II (from 1am to about 9am)

    Road closure

    – Eastbound Salisbury Road between Star Ferry Pier and Canton Road; and
    – Westbound Salisbury Road between Star Ferry Pier and Kowloon Park Drive.

    Traffic diversions

         Traffic along westbound Salisbury Road will be diverted via northbound Kowloon Park Drive.

    Phase III (from 1.40am to about 10am)

    Road closure

    – Northbound Nathan Road between Austin Road and Salisbury Road;
    – Southbound Nathan Road between Kimberley Road and Middle Road;
    – Westbound Kimberley Road between Nathan Road and Carnarvon Road;
    – Westbound Granville Road between Nathan Road and Carnarvon Road;
    – Eastbound Cameron Road between Nathan Road and Cameron Lane;
    – Humphreys Avenue;
    – Westbound Carnarvon Road between Nathan Road and Bristol Avenue;
    – Mody Road between Nathan Road and Bristol Avenue;
    – Haiphong Road between Lock Road and Nathan Road;
    – Peking Road between Lock Road and Nathan Road;
    – Middle Road between Hankow Road and Nathan Road; and
    – Westbound Salisbury Road Underpass.

    Traffic diversions

    – Traffic along southbound Nathan Road will be diverted to eastbound Kimberley Road;
    – Traffic along Salisbury Road cannot turn to northbound Nathan Road;
    – Traffic along northbound Carnarvon Road cannot turn left to westbound Granville Road and westbound Kimberley Road;
    – Traffic along eastbound Haiphong Road will be diverted to southbound Lock Road; and
    – Traffic along westbound Salisbury Road cannot enter westbound Salisbury Road Underpass near Chatham Road South.

    Phase IV (from 2.30am to about 10.45am)

    Road closure

    – The slip road leading from eastbound Lai Po Road to southbound Lin Cheung Road;
    – The slip road leading from westbound Tsing Sha Highway to southbound Lin Cheung Road;
    – Southbound Lin Cheung Road between Lai Po Road and Hoi Fai Road;
    – Southbound Lin Cheung Road between Tonkin Street West and Yau Ma Tei Interchange; and
    – Westbound Yen Chow Street West between Sham Mong Road and Lin Cheung Road.

    Traffic diversions

    – Traffic along eastbound Lai Po Road cannot turn left to the slip road heading to southbound Lin Cheung Road;
    – Traffic along westbound Tsing Sha Highway will be diverted to the slip road leading from southbound Lin Cheung Road heading to Cheung Sha Wan;
    – Traffic along eastbound Tonkin Street West cannot turn right to southbound Lin Cheung Road heading to Yau Ma Tei;
    – Traffic along southbound Lin Cheung Road will be diverted to the slip road leading from southbound Lin Cheung Road to Sham Shui Po (near Tonkin Street West);
    – Traffic along westbound Tonkin Street West cannot turn left to southbound Lin Cheung Road;
    – Traffic along northbound Sham Mong Road cannot turn left to westbound Yen Chow Street West;
    – Traffic along southbound Sham Mong Road cannot turn right to westbound Yen Chow Street West; and
    – Traffic along westbound Yen Chow Street West cannot turn to the slip road leading to southbound Lin Cheung Road.

    Phase V (from 3.30am to about 10.30am)

    Road closure

    – Westbound Argyle Street between Nathan Road and Tong Mi Road, except the following lanes:
         – The first lane of westbound Argyle Street between Portland Street and Shanghai Street;
         – The first lane of westbound Argyle Street between Reclamation Street and Tong Mi Road; and
         – The fifth lane of westbound Argyle Street between Shanghai Street and Reclamation Street.
    – Westbound Cherry Street between Tong Mi Road and Lin Cheung Road, except the following lanes:
         – The first lane of westbound Cherry Street between Tong Mi Road and Hoi Wang Road; and
         – The third and fourth lanes of westbound Cherry Street between Hoi Wang Road and Cherry Street Underpass.
    – Southbound Lin Cheung Road between Hoi Fai Road Roundabout and southbound West Kowloon Highway;
    – Southbound Hong Lok Street between Argyle Street and Fife Street; and
    – Northbound Hoi Wang Road between Hoi Ting Road and Cherry Street.
     
    Traffic diversions

    – Traffic along westbound Argyle Street must turn to southbound or northbound Nathan Road;
    – Traffic along the first lane of westbound Argyle Street must turn left to southbound Shanghai Street;
    – Traffic along southbound Shanghai Street must turn right to the fifth lane of westbound Argyle Street;
    – Traffic along the first lane of westbound Argyle Street must turn left to southbound Tong Mi Road;
    – Traffic along southbound Tong Mi Road must turn left to eastbound Argyle Street;
    – Traffic along northbound Reclamation Street must turn left to the first lane of westbound Argyle Street;
    – Traffic along northbound Tong Mi Road must turn left to westbound Cherry Street;
    – Traffic along westbound Cherry Street must turn left to southbound Hoi Wang Road;
    – Traffic along eastbound Hoi Ting Road cannot turn left to northbound Hoi Wang Road;
    – Traffic along westbound Hoi Ting Road cannot turn right to northbound Hoi Wang Road;
    – Traffic along northbound Hoi Wang Road must turn left to westbound Hoi Ting Road;
    – Traffic along southbound Tai Kok Tsui Road cannot go straight to southbound Hoi Wang Road;
    – Traffic along westbound Cherry Street cannot turn to southbound Lin Cheung Road;
    – Traffic along westbound Hoi Fai Road cannot turn left to southbound Lin Cheung Road;
    – Traffic along Hoi Fai Road Roundabout cannot turn to southbound Lin Cheung Road;
    – Traffic along southbound Hong Lok Street must turn right to westbound Fife Street;
    – Traffic along southbound Tong Mi Road must turn left to eastbound Bute Street;
    – Traffic along eastbound Anchor Street must go straight to eastbound Mong Kok Road; and
    – Traffic along southbound Oak Street must turn left to eastbound Anchor Street.

    Phase VI (from 3.45am to about 9.15am)

    Road closure

    – The fast lane of northbound Kowloon Park Drive between Peking Road and Middle Road;
    – Ashley Road;
    – Hankow Road;
    – Lock Road;
    – Haiphong Road between Canton Road and Lock Road;
    – Ichang Street;
    – Peking Road between Kowloon Park Drive and Lock Road;
    – Middle Road between Kowloon Park Drive and Hankow Road;
    – Southbound Nathan Road between Salisbury Road and Middle Road; and
    – Middle Road between Nathan Road and Salisbury Road.

    Traffic diversions

    – Traffic along southbound Canton Road cannot turn left to eastbound Haiphong Road;
    – Traffic along eastbound Salisbury Road cannot turn left to northbound Hankow Road and northbound Middle Road; and
    – Traffic along northbound Kowloon Park Drive cannot turn right to eastbound Peking Road.

    Phase VII (from 4.15am to about 10am)

    Road closure

    – Southbound Nathan Road between Gascoigne Road and Kimberley Road;
    – Northbound Nathan Road between Austin Road and Argyle Street;
    – Eastbound Kimberley Road between Nathan Road and Carnarvon Road;
    – Eastbound Austin Road between Pilkem Street and Cox’s Road;
    – Westbound Austin Road between Cox’s Road and Nathan Road;
    – Hillwood Road;
    – Pine Tree Hill Road;
    – Tak Shing Street between Nathan Road and Tak Hing Street;
    – Tak Hing Street;
    – Bowring Street between Pilkem Street and Nathan Road;
    – Westbound Jordan Road between Cox’s Road and Pilkem Street;
    – Eastbound Jordan Road between Parkes Street and Chi Wo Street;
    – Chi Wo Street between Gascoigne Road and Nanking Street;
    – Ning Po Street between Parkes Street and Chi Wo Street;
    – Mau Lam Street;
    – Eastbound Pak Hoi Street between Woosung Street and Nathan Road;
    – Westbound Pak Hoi Street between Chi Wo Street and Nathan Road;
    – Kansu Street between Nathan Road and Temple Street;
    – Westbound Gascoigne Road between Jordan Road and Nathan Road;
    – Public Square Street between Nathan Road and Arthur Street;
    – Wing Sing Lane between Arthur Street and Nathan Road;
    – Man Ming Lane between Nathan Road and Arthur Street;
    – Eastbound Waterloo Road between Portland Street and Nathan Road;
    – Hamilton Street between Portland Street and Nathan Road;
    – Dundas Street between Portland Street and Nathan Road; and
    – Changsha Street between Portland Street and Nathan Road.

    Traffic diversions

    – Traffic along northbound Carnarvon Road must turn right to eastbound Kimberley Road;
    – Traffic along westbound Austin Road must turn right to northbound Cox’s Road;
    – Traffic along eastbound Austin Road must turn left to northbound Pilkem Street;
    – Traffic along southbound Cox’s Road must turn left to eastbound Austin Road;
    – Traffic along northbound Cox’s Road must turn right to eastbound Jordan Road;
    – Traffic along northbound Pilkem Street cannot turn right to eastbound Bowring Street;
    – Traffic along westbound Jordan Road must turn left to southbound Cox’s Road;
    – Traffic along eastbound Jordan Road must turn left to northbound Parkes Street;
    – Traffic along northbound Parkes Street cannot turn right to eastbound Ning Po Street;
    – Traffic along eastbound Pak Hoi Street must turn right to southbound Woosung Street;
    – Traffic along southbound Woosung Street cannot turn left to Pak Hoi Street;
    – Traffic along westbound Gascoigne Road must turn left to southbound Cox’s Road;
    – Traffic along southbound Queen Elizabeth Hospital Road cannot turn right to westbound Gascoigne Road;
    – Traffic along southbound Nathan Road must turn left to eastbound Gascoigne Road;
    – Arthur Street between Public Square Street and Wing Sing Lane will be re-routed one-way southbound;
    – Traffic along Arthur Street must turn right to westbound Public Square Street;
    – Traffic along southbound Arthur Street cannot turn left to eastbound Wing Sing Lane;
    – Traffic along westbound Waterloo Road must turn left to southbound Nathan Road;
    – Traffic along eastbound Waterloo Road must turn left to Portland Street;
    – Traffic along eastbound Hamilton Street must turn left to northbound Portland Street;
    – Traffic along northbound Portland Street cannot turn right to eastbound Hamilton Street;
    – Traffic along eastbound Dundas Street must turn left to northbound Portland Street;
    – Traffic along northbound Portland Street cannot turn right to eastbound Dundas Street; and
    – Traffic along northbound Portland Street cannot turn right to eastbound Changsha Street.

    B. Suspension of on-street parking spaces

    – The on-street parking spaces at Kimberley Road between Carnarvon Road and Observatory Road will be suspended from 00.01am to 10am on February 9; and
    –  The on-street parking spaces at Arthur Street between Wing Sing Lane and Public Square Street will be suspended from 00.01am to 10am on February 9.

    C. Temporary closure of Western Harbour Crossing (Hong Kong bound tube)

         The Hong Kong bound tube of the Western Harbour Crossing will be closed from 00.45am to about 1.15pm on February 9, or until the reopening of all connecting roads after the marathon. The Kowloon bound tube will maintain open to normal traffic.

    New Territories
    —————

        The following will be implemented by phases between February 8 and 9, until the roads are safe for reopening, except for vehicles with permit:

    Phase I (from 11.30pm on February 8 to 1.15pm of the following day)

         The slip road leading from Tuen Mun Road to southbound Ting Kau Bridge will be closed.

    Phase II (from 11.45pm on February 8 to 1.15pm of the following day)

    Road closure

    – Southbound carriageways of Tsing Kwai Highway, Cheung Tsing Tunnel, Cheung Tsing Highway and Ting Kau Bridge;
    – All exits from Lantau Link to southbound Cheung Tsing Highway;
    – The slip road leading from Tsing Yi South Bridge, Kwai Chung Road and Tsuen Wan Road to southbound Tsing Kwai Highway;
    – Eastbound carriageways of Tsing Sha Highway between the access road of Cheung Tsing Tunnel and West Kowloon Highway, Stonecutters Bridge and Nam Wan Tunnel;
    – The slip road leading from Tsing Yi Hong Wan Road to eastbound Stonecutters Bridge;
    – The slip road leading from Container Port Road South to eastbound Tsing Sha Highway (Ngong Shuen Chau Viaduct);
    – The slip road from Mei Ching Road leading to southbound West Kowloon Highway, except for vehicles leaving Container Port via Roundabout 6 to Mei Ching Road and Tsing Kwai Highway (New Territories bound);
    – The North West Tsing Yi Interchange U-turn slip road leading from eastbound Tsing Yi North Coastal Road to westbound Tsing Yi North Coastal Road; and
    – The slip road leading from southbound Cheung Tsing Highway to Tsing Yi Road West.

    Traffic diversions

    – Traffic from Lantau to Kowloon will be diverted via North West Tsing Yi Interchange, Tsing Yi North Coastal Road, Tsing Tsuen Road, Tsuen Wan Road, Kwai Chung Road, Cheung Sha Wan Road and Lai Chi Kok Road;
    – Traffic from Ma Wan to Kowloon will be diverted via North West Tsing Yi Interchange, Tsing Yi North Coastal Road, Tsing Tsuen Road, Tsuen Wan Road, Kwai Chung Road, Cheung Sha Wan Road and Lai Chi Kok Road;
    – Traffic from Tuen Mun Road and Tai Lam Tunnel intending to use Ting Kau Bridge to go to the Airport, Lantau and Ma Wan will be diverted via Tuen Mun Road, Tsuen Wan Road, Tsuen Tsing Interchange, Tsing Tsuen Road, Tsing Yi North Coastal Road and the slip road leading to Lantau Link before reaching Lantau Link (airport bound);
    – Traffic from Tuen Mun Road and Tai Lam Tunnel intending to use Ting Kau Bridge to go to Kowloon will be diverted via Tuen Mun Road, Tsuen Wan Road, Kwai Chung Road, Cheung Sha Wan Road and Lai Chi Kok Road;
    – Traffic from Tsing Yi South intending to use Tsing Sha Highway to go to Kowloon will be diverted via Tsing Yi Road, Kwai Tsing Road, Kwai Tsing Interchange, Tsuen Wan Road, Kwai Chung Road, Cheung Sha Wan Road and Lai Chi Kok Road; and
    – Traffic from Kwai Chung Container Port intending to use Tsing Sha Highway to go to Kowloon will be diverted via Container Port Road South, Hing Wah Street West and Lai Po Road.

         The above measures will not affect traffic from Kowloon or New Territories East via Route 3 or Route 8 to destinations including the Airport, Lantau, Ma Wan and New Territories West.

         All vehicles parked illegally during the implementation of the above special traffic arrangements will be towed away without prior warning, and may be subject to multiple ticketing.  

         Depending on the actual traffic and crowd conditions, appropriate traffic arrangements and crowd safety management measures will be implemented. Members of the public are advised to use public transport to visit the above areas and exercise tolerance and patience, and to take heed of instructions of the Police on site.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: Progress in achieving Climate Goals

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 FEB 2025 3:43PM by PIB Delhi

    The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its Paris Agreement does not subscribe to financial year wise reporting. India subscribes to its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), submitted in 2022, as per the Paris Agreement under the UNFCCC.

    As per India’s 4thBiennial Update Report (BUR-4) submitted to the UNFCCC on 30thDecember, 2024, between 2005 and 2020, India’s emission intensity of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reduced by 36% as against the NDC target of 45% to be achieved by 2030. Regarding status on achievement of target under NDC related to the share of non-fossil fuel-based sources, the share in India’s total installed electricity generation capacity is 47.10% in December 2024 as against the target of 50% to be achieved by 2030. As compared to the base year of 2005, India has reached 2.29 billion tonnes of additional carbon sink as against the target of 2.5 to 3.0 billion tonnes by 2030 through additional forest and tree cover.

    The Government of India amended the Energy Conservation Act, 2001 (52 of 2001) in the year 2022 to facilitate the development of carbon market in the country. Subsequently under the act, the Government has notified the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) vide notification S.O. 2825(E), dated 28th June 2023 and amendment notification S.O. 5369(E), dated 19thDecember 2023.

    The CCTS provides for two mechanisms namely, compliance mechanism and offset mechanism. In the compliance mechanism, the obligated entities are required to comply with the prescribed GHG emission intensity reduction norms in each compliance cycle of CCTS. The obligated entities which reduce their GHG emission intensity below the prescribed GHG emission intensity are eligible for issuance of Carbon Credit Certificates. ln the offset mechanism, the non-obligated entities can register their projects for GHG emission reduction or removal or avoidance for issuance of Carbon Credit Certificates.

    The Government of India has also developed a plan to smoothly shift energy-intensive sectors and Designated Consumers (DCs) from the Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) Scheme to the compliance mechanism under the CCTS. This plan ensures continuity, consistency, and alignment with national climate goals while avoiding duplication of targets. To initiate the transition, the Government has identified nine energy-intensive sectors for inclusion under compliance mechanism of the CCTS, namely, Aluminium, Cement, Steel, Paper, Chlor-Alkali, Fertiliser, Refinery, Petrochemical, and Textile. Under the offset mechanism, ten sectors have been approved, which include energy, industries, waste handling & disposal, agriculture, forestry, transport, construction, fugitive emissions, solvent use and Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage.

    The Government has also notified the National Designated Authority for the Implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement (NDAIAPA), vide Gazette Notification, dated 30thMay, 2022. The Authority has updated and finalized the list of 14 activities under Green House Gas (GHG) mitigation activities, alternate materials, and removal activities, which are eligible for trading of international carbon credits under bilateral/ cooperative approaches, under Article 6.2 and Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement.

    The Government collaborates with other countries in the field of Renewable Energy sector and mitigating the environment degradation through mechanisms such as Memorandums of Understanding, Letters of Intent, Joint Declarations of Intent, Energy Dialogues and Partnerships.

    The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), at its Sixth Session held in Nairobi, Kenya, on 1stMarch, 2024, unanimously adopted the resolution on sustainable lifestyles. The resolution based on the precepts of Mission LiFE was moved by India and co- sponsored by Sri Lanka and Bolivia and is a significant step forward in the globalisation of the concept of Mission LiFE or Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE).

    India hosted the 3rdVoice of Global South Summit on 17thAugust, 2024 with the overarching theme “An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future”. In the Environment Ministers’ Session, 18 countries and 1 bank from Global South participated. India emphasized the importance of encouraging sustainable consumption and production patterns, promoting sustainable lifestyles, reducing waste, and fostering a culture of conservation and respect for natural resources. The deliberations highlighted the call for climate justice and developing countries’ demand for climate finance, technology transfer and capacity building.

    Presently, India has cross border interconnections with Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar. An Agreement between India and Bhutan concerning Cooperation in the field of Hydroelectric Power was signed on 28thJuly, 2006. India and Nepal signed an agreement on 04.01.2024 which will facilitate export of 10,000 MW of electricity from Nepal to India in the next 10 years.

    This information was provided by UNION MINISTER OF STATE FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE, SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

    *****

    VM

    (Lok Sabha US Q134)                                                                     

                 

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: Compliance of End-of-Life Vehicles Rules, 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 FEB 2025 3:42PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) notified the Environment Protection (End-of-Life Vehicles) Rules, 2025 vide S.O. 98(E) dated 06th January, 2025 for environmentally sound management of end-of-life vehicles. The rules are based on the principle of extended producer responsibility (EPR) where producers of vehicles are given mandatory EPR targets for scrapping of end-of-life vehicles. The rules cover all types of transport and non-transport vehicles, except agricultural tractor, agricultural trailer, combine harvester and power tiller.

    Under the said rules, producers have been mandated to fulfil the obligation of Extended Producer Responsibility for the vehicles that the producer has introduced or introduces in the domestic market, including vehicles put to self-use to ensure the specified scrapping targets. Producers have been provided annual targets for scrapping of End-of-life vehicles starting from the year 2025-26 for the vehicles put in the market 15 years ago in case of transport vehicles and 20 years ago in case of non-transport vehicles.

    Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs) have been mandated to receive unfit vehicles or End-of-Life vehicles for scrapping and must carry out treatment, depolluting, dismantling, segregation and scrapping activities. They are required to send all the recovered and segregated materials from End-of-Life vehicles to the registered recyclers or refurbishers, co-processors for recycling and reuse of components or materials, in case RVSF does have recycling or refurbishing facility. They are further required to send all non-recyclable or non-refurbishable materials and non-utilizable hazardous materials to Common Hazardous Waste Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facility authorised under Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016.

    Designated Collection Centres by producers are required to handle the End-of-Life Vehicles in an environmentally sound manner and send them to Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility. Registered owner of the vehicle or bulk consumer is required to deposit the End-of-Life vehicle at any of the producer’s designated sales outlet or designated Collection Centre or Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility within a period of one hundred and eighty days from the date the vehicle becomes the End-of-Life vehicle.

    Under the rules, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in case of producer and State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) in case of RVSF and bulk consumer may, after giving an opportunity of being heard, suspend or cancel their registration, in case of violation or non-compliance of any provisions of these rules. Returns in respect of obligations provided under the rules are required to be filed by producer, bulk consumer and RVSF on centralised online portal.

    CPCB has been mandated to undertake periodic inspection and audit of the producer to ensure that such facility is complying with the requirement under the provisions of these rules. CPCB may undertake or cause to be undertaken by an authorised agency the periodic inspection and audit of the Registered Vehicle Scrapping facility. CPCB may take necessary actions against violations or for non-fulfilment of obligations under these rules against a producer or Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility or any other person.

    Similarly, SPCB has been mandated to undertake periodic inspection and audit, or cause to be inspected by an authorised agency, of the RVSF to ensure compliance of the rules. SPCB is required to undertake periodic inspection and audit, or cause to be inspected by an authorised agency, of the Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility to ensure the compliance of these rules and may take necessary actions against violations or for non-fulfilment of obligations under these rules against a Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility or bulk consumer or any other person.

    In case, producer or Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility or bulk consumer fails to comply with the provisions relating to handling and scrapping of End-of-Life vehicles in environmentally sound manner under these rules, are liable to pay environmental compensation for causing loss, damage or injury to environment or public health.

    Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has formulated the Vehicle Scrapping Policy for creation of an ecosystem to phase out older unfit and polluting vehicles. The policy targets scrapping of unfit and polluting vehicles strictly based on their fitness. Under this policy, a network of Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs) is envisaged across the country. As on January 2025, 84 RVSFs are operational in the country.

    MoRTH notified the Motor Vehicles (Registration and Functions of Vehicle Scrapping Facility) Rules, 2021 prescribe for registration of Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility (RVSF), criteria for scrapping vehicles, scrapping procedure, audit and certifications for functioning of RVSFs. In addition, RVSF is required to comply with the guidelines ‘Environmentally Sound Management of End-of-Life Vehicles’ issued by CPCB.

    MoRTH notified the Central Motor Vehicles (Twenty Third Amendment) Rules, 2021 vide GSR 714 (E) dated 04.10.2021, which provide that if a buyer of a new vehicle submits ‘Certificate of Deposit’ of an end-of-life vehicle then the Registration fee on the new vehicle will not be levied. Further, MoRTH under the Central Motor Vehicles (Twenty fourth Amendment) Rules, 2021 vide GSR 720 (E) dated 05.10.2021 provides for concession in the motor vehicle tax upto twenty five percent in case of non-transport vehicles and fifteen percent in case of transport vehicles.

    In addition, MoRTH has issued the following notifications or advisories to promote adoption of Electric Vehicles and eco-friendly alternatives:

    1. Vide S.O. 5333 (E) dated 18.10.2018, granted the exemption to the Battery-Operated Transport Vehicles and Transport Vehicles running on Ethanol and Methanol fuels from the requirements of permit.
    2. Vide GSR 525 (E) dated 2.8.2021 exempted the Battery-Operated Vehicles from the payment of fees for the purpose of issue or renewal of registration certificate and assignment of new registration mark.
    3. Vide GSR 302 (E) dated 18.4.2023 to issue All India Tourist permit for Battery Operated Vehicles without payment of any permit fee.
    4. Vide GSR 749 (E) dated 7.8.2018 to issue registration mark for the Battery-Operated Vehicles to be in Yellow colour on Green background for the transport vehicles and for all other cases, in White in colour on Green background.

     

    Further, Ministry of Heavy Industries launched ‘PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme’ on 29th September, 2024 for promotion of electric mobility in the country with and outlay of Rs 10,900 crore over a period of two years. The scheme provides subsidies or demand incentives worth Rs.3,679 crore to e-2Ws, e-3Ws, e-ambulances, e-trucks and other emerging EVs. It will support 24.79 lakh e-2Ws, 3.16 lakh e-3Ws, and 14,028 e-buses.

    This information was provided by UNION MINISTER OF STATE FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE, SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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    VM

    (Lok Sabha US Q3)

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: Nano Bubble Technology

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 FEB 2025 3:41PM by PIB Delhi

    Nano bubble technology is a method of water treatment that uses tiny bubbles to improve water quality. The important ecological benefits are to remove contaminants, increase dissolved oxygen content, help in the removal of phytoplankton (algae), reduce biofilm, and ultimately improve the properties of water suitable for aquatic animals. The nano bubble technology can lead to a more homogeneous distribution due to the minuscule size and persistence of the bubbles in the water bodies. On the other hand, traditional systems may exhibit less uniformity in distribution, which can result in variable oxidation and disinfection performance across the water volume.

    The Management of National Parks and Sanctuaries, including those Protected Areas having aquatic animals, is done as per the Management Plan prepared under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. These include maintaining water level, water circulation and dilution, silt removal, aeration, establishing STP along the water bodies and aquatic weed removal through mechanical and manual methods.  The Central Zoo Authority, in fulfilment of the functions assigned, implemented the standard and norms, inclusive of proper hygiene and health of all captive animals in zoos including aquatic animals, as prescribed in the Recognition of Zoo Rules, 2009 notified by the Central Government under section 63 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. Further, the Central Zoo Authority has issued guidelines to zoos time to time for proper hygiene and health of all captive animals in zoos.

    As nano bubble technology has been used in India for water treatment recently only on a pilot basis, the long-term impact of this technology on water quality and animal health can be known in due course of time.

    This information was provided by UNION MINISTER OF STATE FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE, SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

    *****

    VM

    (Lok Sabha US Q24)

    (Release ID: 2099129) Visitor Counter : 37

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: Changes in Environmental Clearances Policy

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 FEB 2025 3:40PM by PIB Delhi

    The Central Government has amended Section 21 of Air (Prevention and control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and Section 25 of Water (Prevention and control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and exempted certain categories of industries from obtaining consents. Consequently, notifications [G. S. R. 702 (E) dated 12-11-2024 under section 21(1) of the Air Act and G. S. R. 703 (E) dated 12-11-2024 under section 25(1) of the Water Act] have been issued to exempt white category of industries completely from consent mechanism and other categories from Consent to Establish if the project or activity has obtained environmental clearance under the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986. In view of the above, the project / activities requiring prior EC as per the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006 (as amended from time to time) under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 are exempted from obtaining previous Consent To Establish (CTE) separately.

    Subsequently, the Ministry has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) dated 14thNovember 2024, which has been partially modified vide OM dated 14thJanuary 2025, for implementing the notifications mentioned above.  In the SOP, it has been, inter-alia, directed that, for the projects / activities requiring prior EC, the exemption provided from obtaining CTE is subject to obtaining necessary EC and the environmental safeguards related to the establishment of industries, as may be required, will be integrated in the conditions of EC itself. The above-mentioned OMs provide for seeking the comments of the respective SPCBs on the project site, the feasibility of the project and the environmental safeguards for the concerned project, which will be integrated in the conditions of EC. Further provision for payment of requisite fees to the SPCBs has also been made.  

    The Ministry has undertaken systemic and policy reforms to streamline and expedite the Environment Clearance process by taking into account the imperative need for development while balancing the same with due environmental safeguards in line with the concept of sustainable development. This exemption will not only reduce compliance burden on industries but also promote Ease of Doing Business by reducing duplication of approvals since the criteria for environmental clearance and consent were overlapping. 

    Exempting certain categories of industries will not have any adverse impacts on environment, since the above notification effectively integrates the two procedures.  As mentioned above, the SPCBs will have opportunity to put forth their comments/conditions during environmental appraisal process, which will be included in the EC conditions. Also, the existing mechanism of ‘Consent to Operate’ will continue as such and the SPCBs will continue to regulate and monitor the potential environmental implications by projects through the mechanism of Consent to Operate.

    This information was provided by UNION MINISTER OF STATE FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE, SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

    *****

    VM

    (Lok Sabha US Q50)

    (Release ID: 2099128) Visitor Counter : 45

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: NATIONAL METADATA STRUCTURE (NMDS 2.0) is designed to uniformly represented data and information

    Source: Government of India

    NATIONAL METADATA STRUCTURE (NMDS 2.0) is designed to uniformly represented data and information

    NATIONAL METADATA STRUCTURE (NMDS 2.0) is to provide clarity on data sources and collection methods

    Posted On: 03 FEB 2025 3:31PM by PIB Delhi

     

    The National Metadata Structure (NMDS 2.0) is designed with the objective that data and information are uniformly represented, provide clarity on the data sources, collection methods and enhance discoverability of data sets. It is to bring in improved understanding of various data sets in public domain such as census, surveys, administrative and those from other sources.

     

    The NMDS 2.0 has been shared with Ministries/Departments for implementation. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation regularly interacts with the Statistical Advisors of Ministries/Departments on various issues, including this.

    This information was given by the Minister of State (I/C) for the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Ministry of Planning and Minister of State in the Ministry of    Corporate Affairs, Rao Inderjit Singh in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

     

    ********

    Samrat/Dheeraj@: pibmospi[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2099124) Visitor Counter : 65

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AI Action Summit

    Source: France-Diplomatie – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development

    From February 6 to 11, 2025, Paris will become the artificial intelligence (AI) capital of the world on the occasion of the AI Action Summit. This event will bring together heads of State and Government, international organizations and companies of all sizes, representatives from academia, researchers, non-governmental organizations, artists and other members of civil society from across the globe.

    Check on a roundtable discussion on artificial intelligence that will take place at the Embassy of France in the US on February 5, 2025.

    Artificial intelligence, which is developing faster and faster, is completely transforming our societies and economies. This breakthrough technology is opening up unprecedented opportunities that could revolutionize key sectors, including health, education and labour. Its rapid deployment also creates major challenges in terms of the reliability of information, the protection of basic rights and accessibility. It is the international community’s responsibility to maintain balance in our societies and to craft AI that respects universal values.

    France, a global leader in artificial intelligence

    France has emerged as a major artificial intelligence player thanks to:

    A national strategy deployed in 2018, built on the excellence of French research, the development of computing capacities (Jean Zay and Alice Recoque supercomputers) and the massive adoption of AI in the economy;

    • An ecosystem of 600 start-ups specialized in AI, which receive increasing amounts of financing;
    • A fully mobilized diplomatic apparatus, France being one of the seven countries participating in all landmark international AI initiatives;
    • Albert, an administrative model designed for government employees.

    What is the AI Action Summit?

    The AI Action Summit, to be held on February 10 and 11, 2025 at the Grand Palais in Paris, aims to collectively establish scientific foundations, solutions and standards for more sustainable AI working for collective progress and in the public interest.

    Co-chaired with India, the event builds on the advances made at the Bletchley Park Summit in November 2023 and the Seoul Summit in May 2024 and will draw on the expertise of a steering committee bringing together some 30 countries and international institutions to ensure inclusive and diverse contributions.

    The Summit, together with the AI Action Week, will be an important opportunity to showcase ecosystems fostering the development and deployment of AI and to promote concrete initiatives by a wide range of actors who contribute to this collective effort.

    The participants will seek to achieve three major objectives:

    • Provide access to independent, safe and reliable AI to a wide range of users
    • Develop AI that is more environmentally friendly
    • Ensure global governance of artificial intelligence that is both effective and inclusive

    A programme based on 5 strategic focuses

    Summit discussions will focus on five major themes:

    • Public Service AI
    • Future of Work
    • Innovation and Culture
    • Trust in AI
    • Global Governance of IA

    More information on the AI Action Summit

    More than 800 participants (public and private sector partners, researchers, NGOs from around the world) have taken part in contact groups, meeting regularly from summer 2024.

    AI Action Week

    A series of Road to the Summit events helped prepare this major event. At some 100 events around the world, participants took part in discussions on the Summit’s themes.

    These international efforts will come to fruition in an AI Action Week in Paris from February 6 to 11, culminating in the Summit.

    February 6 and 7: International AI, Science and Society Conference at the Institut Polytechnique de Paris (IP Paris)

    Find the Conference programme on the AI, Science and Society Conference website

    February 8 and 9: A series of events dedicated to culture and AI in Paris, open to the general public

    Find the programme for the AI Cultural Weekend on the Ministry of Culture website

    February 10: The Summit will begin in the Grand Palais with a forum bringing together many stakeholders from around the world (including representatives of governments, businesses and civil society, researchers, artists and journalists).

    February 11: Summit of the heads of State and Government on the major common AI actions on the occasion of the plenary session

    February 11: More than 100 events will be held in the margins of the Summit, including a Business Day at Station F, with participants from businesses and companies of all sizes, financial institutions, and investors.

    Side events to be held on the closing day of AI Action Week in Paris will include events dedicated to artificial intelligence and democracy and the environmental impact of these technologies at the École Normale Supérieure (ENS) and the Ministry for the Ecological Transition, respectively.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Warns Federal Employees about Questionable Buyout Offer

    Source: US State of California

    Monday, February 3, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    Latest attempt to sow chaos amid federal workforce and for Americans that rely on a functioning government

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today joined a coalition of 12 attorneys general warning federal employees about the Trump Administration’s questionable “deferred resignation” program, which purports to offer federal employees pay through September 30, 2025, if they resign by February 6, 2025. Following the Trump Administration’s proposal, unions representing federal employees warned their members against accepting the offer, adding that employees who accepted the offer were not guaranteed its benefits. California is home to nearly 150,000 federal workers who provide vital services to Americans nationwide. 

    “Federal employees provide vital services that Americans rely on every day, and are an essential part of the California economy and communities across the state,” said Attorney General Bonta. “The Trump Administration’s so-called buyout offer is a pointed attack aimed at dismantling our federal workforce and sowing chaos for Americans that rely on a functioning government. I urge federal employees to heed warnings from their unions to be very cautious of any buyout offers.” 

    On January 28, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) sent an email to millions of federal employees detailing a new deferred resignation program. Employees were told that if they accept the offer and resign, they would continue receiving all pay and benefits, and be exempt from in-person work requirements until September 30. OPM sent another email to federal employees on January 30 reiterating the offer and urging them to find “higher productivity” jobs outside of government. The OPM emails instructed employees that they have until February 6 to decide to remain in their position or resign under the deferred resignation program and warned that those who did not resign were not guaranteed to keep their jobs. 

    Immediately following OPM’s email, unions representing federal employees warned their members against accepting the offer. The American Federation of Government Employees, the largest federal employees union, released information for its members warning them that employees who accepted the offer were not guaranteed its benefits. The National Federation of Federal Employees similarly warned its members against accepting the offer. 

    Joining Attorney General Bonta in issuing the warning to federal employees are the attorneys general of Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, and Washington.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Operation Waitangi well underway

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Operations for a memorable and safe Waitangi Day are well underway in Northland, with Police and partner agencies gathering for one of the biggest events of the year.

    Together, Police are working with a number of communities and partners as annual events take place in the lead up to 6 February.

    Northland District Commander, Superintendent Matt Srhoj, says planning for Waitangi involves a massive effort, which takes place over a number of months.

    “Police have been working with Iwi and the Waitangi National Trust to ensure they are able to deliver safe and enjoyable Waitangi celebrations.

    “Planning involves understanding the environment and sentiment and ensuring we have appropriate contingencies in place.”

    “We are expecting large numbers of people to attend the week’s commemorations.”

    Waitangi Ltd Chief Executive, Ben Dalton, says the atmosphere ahead of Waitangi Day is relaxed as people from near and far make their way to the area.

    “A lot of work goes into strengthening and building key relationships and interactions with Iwi and other partners prior to Waitangi, including Police.

    “All these teams are integral in an event of this size and it’s great to have everyone’s support.”

    Superintendent Srhoj says Police are reminding people to be safe and patient on the roads and within Waitangi as it gets busier during the lead up.

    “With people travelling around this beautiful region, we are asking everyone to take care and to take extra steps to mitigate risks while driving by wearing seatbelts, driving to the conditions and following speed limits.

    “There will be an increase in traffic, so please be patient.

    “Our aim is for the community to arrive and get home safely and to celebrate Waitangi 2025 in a safe and respectful manner.”

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Operation Waitangi well under way

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Operations for a memorable and safe Waitangi Day are well under way in Northland, with Police and partner agencies gathering for one of the biggest events of the year.

    Together, Police are working with a number of communities and partners as annual events take place in the lead up to 6 February.

    Northland District Commander, Superintendent Matt Srhoj, says planning for Waitangi involves a massive effort, which takes place over a number of months.

    “Police have been working with Iwi and the Waitangi National Trust to ensure they are able to deliver safe and enjoyable Waitangi celebrations.

    “Planning involves understanding the environment and sentiment and ensuring we have appropriate contingencies in place.”

    “We are expecting large numbers of people to attend the week’s commemorations.”

    Waitangi Ltd Chief Executive, Ben Dalton, says the atmosphere ahead of Waitangi Day is relaxed as people from near and far make their way to the area.

    “A lot of work goes into strengthening and building key relationships and interactions with Iwi and other partners prior to Waitangi, including Police.

    “All these teams are integral in an event of this size and it’s great to have everyone’s support.”

    Superintendent Srhoj says Police are reminding people to be safe and patient on the roads and within Waitangi as it gets busier during the lead up.

    “With people travelling around this beautiful region, we are asking everyone to take care and to take extra steps to mitigate risks while driving by wearing seatbelts, driving to the conditions and following speed limits.

    “There will be an increase in traffic, so please be patient.

    “Our aim is for the community to arrive and get home safely and to celebrate Waitangi 2025 in a safe and respectful manner.”

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Supercharging literacy & numeracy achievement through te reo Māori

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is driving better outcomes for Māori students by providing kura and schools high-quality structured literacy and numeracy resources in te reo Māori.

    “My aspiration is for all tamariki Māori to flourish and be successful in their learning. This is the first time children learning through te reo Māori are being taught using structured approaches in a way designed specifically for them. We’re ensuring tamariki and their teachers have access to the tools they need to succeed and learning isn’t left to chance,” Education Minister Erica Stanford says.

    From Term 1, all 310 kura and schools from Years 0 to 8 using Te Marautanga o Aotearoa will begin receiving Rangaranga Reo ā-Tā (structured literacy) kits and Poutama Pāngarau (numeracy) workbooks and Pāngarau resources. These resources have been purposely created based on the science of learning and will benefit 27,000 students across the country.

    “Packs have a book for each phase of learning that provides yearly guidance, lesson plans and activities. Digital versions of the resources will also be available online to ensure flexibility for schools and parents. Professional learning and development will continue to be available for teachers throughout 2025, ensuring they have the confidence to teach in a structured way.”

    Schools can also use Hihira Weteoro, a purpose-built phonics check to understand how a child’s reading and oral language learning through te reo Māori. Checks will happen at 20, 40 and 55 weeks of schooling and will help identify those who need extra support earlier.

    “Parents can have confidence this Government is putting the foundations in place so their children can strive to do their best at school. I am committed to lifting achievement for Māori learners and close the equity gap that has persisted for too long. We will ensure every child gets the very best start so they can grow the New Zealand of the future,” Ms Stanford says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: RECOMMENDATION on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Protocol (2024-2029) implementing the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cabo Verde – A10-0004/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

    on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Protocol (2024-2029) implementing the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cabo Verde

    (11267/2024 – C10‑0087/2024 – 2024/0133(NLE))

    (Consent)

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to the draft Council decision (11267/2024),

    – having regard to the draft agreement (11026/2024),

    – having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Article 43(2) and Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a)(v), and Article 218(7), of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C10‑0087/2024),

    – having regard to the budgetary assessment by the Committee on Budgets,

    – having regard to Rule 107(1) and (4), and Rule 117(7) of its Rules of Procedure,

    – having regard to the opinion of the Committee on Development,

    – having regard to the recommendation of the Committee on Fisheries (A10-0004/2025),

    1. Gives its consent to the conclusion of the agreement;

    2. Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States and of the Republic of Cabo Verde.

    EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

    The Fisheries Partnership Agreement (FPA) between the European Community and the Republic of Cabo Verde (FPA) offers fishing opportunities for 56 EU vessels for tuna and related species in Cabo Verde’s waters.

    The new agreement covers a period of five years and will offer EU vessels the possibility to fish 7 000 tonnes of tuna and tuna-like species in Cabo Verde’s waters. In return, the EU will pay Cabo Verde a financial contribution of 780 000€ per year (EUR 3 900 000 for the entire duration of the Protocol), from which 350 000€ is related to a reference tonnage of 7 000 tonnes, and 430 000€ to support for developing Cabo Verde’s sectoral fisheries policy.

    The rapporteur highlights the strategic importance of Cabo Verde, as a relevant player in the Atlantic Ocean, remembering that the EU and Cabo Verde have developed a cooperative relationship for more than four decades, with respect and political dialogue. Currently, Cabo Verde and the EU share common values such as democracy, respect for Human Rights and the Rule of Law, the promotion of multilateralism, and Cabo Verde is part of a regional group, called Macaronesia, which includes the Azores, Madeira, Canaries and Cabo Verde. The evolution of relations in these fields led to the creation of the EU-Cabo Verde Special Partnership in 2007, which continues to evolve.

    The rapporteur stresses the importance of the EU-Cabo Verde SFPA for the EU fleet fishing for tuna and related species in the Atlantic Ocean, following strict EU criteria with regard to fisheries management, resource conservation and environmental sustainability, while at the same time strictly respecting the human rights and contributing for local socioeconomic development.

    The rapporteur considers that this is a balanced Agreement, in which the remuneration for the fishing opportunities is lower than the EU contribution to support the development of Cabo Verde fisheries sector. This Protocol puts special emphasis on promoting decent working conditions for fishing activity, scientific capacity building, observation and management of the marine environment and marine protected areas. It promotes sustainable fisheries management, fisheries control and the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU). It also contains new provisions to improve vessel monitoring, the management of fishing authorizations and enhanced management measures for shark stocks. The Protocol responds to Cabo Verde’s desire to strengthen the industrialization and competitiveness of its fishing sector.

    In accordance with Article 218(6) TFEU, the consent of the European Parliament is required in order for the Council to adopt a decision on the conclusion of the Agreement.

    In the light of the above, the Rapporteur recommends to Parliament to give its consent to the conclusion of the Agreement.

     

    ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT

    The rapporteur declares under his exclusive responsibility that he did not receive input from any entity or person to be mentioned in this Annex pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure.

     

     

    BUDGETARY ASSESSMENT OF THE COMMITTEE ON BUDGETS (22.11.2024)

    for the Committee on Fisheries

    on the proposal for a Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Protocol (2024-2029) implementing the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cabo Verde

    (COM(2024)0236 – C10‑0087/2024 – 2024/0133(NLE))

    Rapporteur for budgetary assessment: Hélder Sousa Silva 

     

    The Committee on Budgets has carried out a budgetary assessment of the proposal under Rule 58 of the Rules of Procedure and has reached the following conclusions:

    – having regard to Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 September 2024 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union[1],

    – having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement (IIA) of 16 December 2020 between the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management, as well as on new own resources, including a roadmap towards the introduction of new own resources[2], and in particular point 20 thereof,

    A. whereas the financial contribution for the entire duration of the Protocol is EUR 3 900 000 (i.e. EUR 780 000 per year), based on:

    (a) a reference tonnage of 7 000 tonnes, for which an annual amount linked to access has been set at EUR 350 000;

    (b) support for developing Cabo Verde’s sectoral fisheries policy, amounting to EUR 430 000 per year;

    B. whereas the implementation of the Protocol requires the use of operational appropriations, as explained below:

    EUR million (to three decimal places)

    DG MARE

     

     

    Year
    2024

    Year
    2025

    Year
    2026

    Year
    2027

    Year
    2028

    TOTAL

    □ Operational appropriations

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Budget line 08.05.01

    Commitments

    (1a)

    0.780

    0.780

    0.780

    0.780

    0.780

    3.900

    Payments

    (2 a)

    0.780

    0.780

    0.780

    0.780

    0.780

    3.900

     

    C. whereas the annual amount for commitment and payment appropriations is established during the annual budgetary procedure, including for the reserve line for protocols not yet having entered into force at the beginning of the year;

    1. Notes that the support allocated to the Protocol should meet the objectives of cooperation in the fields of sustainable exploitation of fishery resources, aquaculture, sustainable development of the oceans, protection of the marine environment, and the blue economy; considers that this should be thoroughly scrutinised to ensure that this is done effectively during the implementation of the Protocol; notes that the support has a direct link to the principles of the Samoa Agreement[3] reinforcing the Union’s external action towards African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries and taking account, in particular, of the Union’s objectives with regard to democratic principles and human rights, strengthening EU presence in the region and the cooperation with an important strategic partner;

    2. Recommends that, for future agreements, an impact assessment of the added value and socio-economic benefits derived from the previous agreement be taken into account; considers that this assessment should guide the negotiation and renewal of subsequent agreements to ensure that they align with the objectives of sustainable development and efficient use of the EU’s financial resources;

    3. Notes that the Protocol implementing the Fisheries Partnership Agreement with Cabo Verde had not yet entered into force at the beginning of this year;

    4. Recalls that the IIA requires that amounts provided for in the budget for the renewal of fisheries agreements that enter into force after 1 January of the financial year concerned be put in the reserve;

    5. Recalls that the use of the appropriations in the reserve requires a transfer in accordance with Article 31 of the Financial Regulation for the amount concerned from reserve line 30 02 02 to operational line 08 05 01;

    6. Recalls that the Financial Regulation requires the Commission to only sign a protocol with financial implications when appropriations are available on the operational line;

    7. Notes that the Protocol with Cabo Verde was signed on 23 July 2024;

    8. Expresses its concern that no request for a transfer was submitted to the Committee on Budgets before the signing of the Protocol;

    9. Takes note of the information from the Commission that for 2024 part of the unused appropriations for the implementation of the fisheries agreement with Greenland was available on operational line 08 05 01 and would be used for the implementation of the Protocol with Cabo Verde;

    10. Considers that this practice does not respect the provisions of the IIA; furthermore, maintains that appropriations are to be used for the purpose for which they have been entered into the budget;

    11. Notes the relatively small amount linked to the implementation of the Protocol with Cabo Verde, which might explain why the Commission has deviated from the required procedure; considers this to be a special situation that can be accepted by way of an exception;

    12. Demands that the Commission act in compliance with the provisions of the IIA for any future fisheries agreement regardless of the amount involved;

    13. Stresses that the financial programming of line 08 05 01 needs to be enough to cater for the financial obligations for 2025-2027, subject to the decision of the budgetary authority in the annual budgetary procedures; in this regard, notes that line 08 05 01 in the 2025 Draft Budget and in the Council Position on the 2025 Draft Budget includes an amount of EUR 150 560 000 in commitment appropriations and EUR 135 275 000 in payment appropriations; calls for scrutiny regarding the financial programming of line 08 05 01 in the annual budgets of 2026 and 2027;

    14. Concludes that the Committee on Budgets is in a position to advise the Committee on Fisheries, as the committee responsible, to recommend approval of the proposal for a Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Protocol (2024-2029) implementing the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cabo Verde.

     

     

    ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS
    FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR FOR BUDGETARY ASSESSMENT HAS RECEIVED INPUT

    The rapporteur for budgetary assessment declares under his exclusive responsibility that he did not receive input from any entity or person to be mentioned in this Annex pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure.

    PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR BUDGETARY ASSESSMENT

    Title

    Conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Protocol (2024-2029) implementing the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cabo Verde

    References

    11267/2024 – C10-0087/2024 – 2024/0133(NLE)

    Committee(s) responsible

    PECH

     

     

     

     Date announced in plenary

    BUDG

    19.9.2024

    Rapporteur for budgetary assessment

     Date appointed

    Hélder Sousa Silva

    16.9.2024

    Discussed in committee

    14.10.2024

     

     

     

    Date adopted

    21.11.2024

     

     

     

    Result of final vote

    +:

    –:

    0:

    26

    5

    0

    Members present for the final vote

    Georgios Aftias, Isabel Benjumea Benjumea, Tomasz Buczek, Tamás Deutsch, Angéline Furet, Thomas Geisel, Jean-Marc Germain, Sandra Gómez López, Fabienne Keller, Janusz Lewandowski, Giuseppe Lupo, Ignazio Roberto Marino, Fernando Navarrete Rojas, Matjaž Nemec, Danuše Nerudová, Ruggero Razza, Bogdan Rzońca, Hélder Sousa Silva, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Joachim Streit, Carla Tavares, Nils Ušakovs, Auke Zijlstra

    Substitutes present for the final vote

    Moritz Körner, Tiago Moreira de Sá

    Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote

    Christophe Bay, Udo Bullmann, Andrzej Buła, Gheorghe Falcă, Ştefan Muşoiu, Jan-Christoph Oetjen

     

    FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL
    IN COMMITTEE ASKED FOR BUDGETARY ASSESSMENT

    26

    +

    ECR

    Ruggero Razza, Bogdan Rzońca

    NI

    Thomas Geisel

    PPE

    Georgios Aftias, Isabel Benjumea Benjumea, Andrzej Buła, Gheorghe Falcă, Janusz Lewandowski, Fernando Navarrete Rojas, Danuše Nerudová, Hélder Sousa Silva

    PfE

    Tiago Moreira de Sá

    Renew

    Fabienne Keller, Moritz Körner, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Joachim Streit

    S&D

    Udo Bullmann, Jean-Marc Germain, Sandra Gómez López, Giuseppe Lupo, Ştefan Muşoiu, Matjaž Nemec, Carla Tavares, Nils Ušakovs

    Verts/ALE

    Ignazio Roberto Marino, Nicolae Ştefănuță

     

    5

    –

    PfE

    Christophe Bay, Tomasz Buczek, Tamás Deutsch, Angéline Furet, Auke Zijlstra

     

     

    Key to symbols:

    + : in favour

    – : against

    0 : abstention

     

     

    OPINION OF THE COMMITTEE ON DEVELOPMENT (5.12.2024)

    for the Committee on Fisheries

    on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Protocol (2024-2029) implementing the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cabo Verde

    (11267/2024 – C10‑0087/2024 – 2024/0133(NLE))

    Rapporteur for opinion: Rosa Estaràs Ferragut

     

    SHORT JUSTIFICATION

    The Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cabo Verde (FPA) entered into force on 30 March 2007 for a period of 5 years, being tacitly renewable. A previous 5-year Protocol to the FPA entered into force on 20 May 2019 and expired on 19 May 2024.

    With a view to adopt a new Protocol to the FPA, the European Commission conducted negotiations with the Republic of Cabo Verde. Following these negotiations, a new Protocol was initialled on 15 April 2024. This new Protocol covers a period of five years, allowing Union vessels to access Cabo Verde’s fishing zone and to fish for tuna and associated species there, in compliance with the measures adopted by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). The aim is also to enhance cooperation between the EU and Cabo Verde, thereby creating a partnership framework within which to develop a sustainable fisheries policy and the responsible exploitation of fishery resources in Cabo Verde’s waters, in the interest of both Parties.

    The EU’s financial contribution allocated to the Protocol is EUR 780 000 per year. This total is broken down into an annual amount of EUR 350 000 for access to fishery resources and another EUR 430 000 for the development of Cabo Verde’s sectoral fisheries policy, which represents an increase for sectoral support in comparison with the previous protocol. 

    Cabo Verde’s economy heavily relies on fisheries, which plays a crucial role in food security and employment for local communities. Artisanal fishing is vital for the livelihoods of many coastal communities. However, commercial fishing operations are also prominent targeting high-value species like tuna, which can affect local resources. Challenges such as overfishing, illegal fishing and climate change pose significant threats to fish stocks, marine ecosystems, and the livelihoods of local communities that depend on fishing. Furthermore, while women play a vital role in the fisheries sector of Cabo Verde, social norms and institutional barriers reinforce their marginalisation especially in rural areas. Overall, fisheries in Cabo Verde are a vital part of the economy and culture, and, therefore, there is a pressing need for sustainable management to ensure the long-term health of marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.

    Your rapporteur takes the view that the Protocol promotes the responsible and sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources and the development of the national fisheries policy in Cabo Verde and is in the interest of both Parties. For this reason, your rapporteur is proposing that the protocol be approved.

    *******

    The Committee on Development calls on the Committee on Fisheries, as the committee responsible, to recommend approval of the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Protocol implementing the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cabo Verde (2024-2029).

    ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS
    FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT

    The rapporteur for the opinion declares under her exclusive responsibility that she did not receive input from any entity or person to be mentioned in this Annex pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure.

     

    PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

    Title

    Conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Protocol (2024-2029) implementing the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cabo Verde

    References

    11267/2024 – C10-0087/2024 – 2024/0133(NLE)

    Committee(s) responsible

    PECH

     

     

     

    Opinion by

     Date announced in plenary

    DEVE

    19.9.2024

    Rapporteur for the opinion

     Date appointed

    Rosa Estaràs Ferragut

    15.10.2024

    Date adopted

    4.12.2024

     

     

     

    Result of final vote

    +:

    –:

    0:

    15

    0

    0

    Members present for the final vote

    Barry Andrews, Robert Biedroń, Udo Bullmann, Rosa Estaràs Ferragut, Niels Geuking, Charles Goerens, György Hölvényi, Murielle Laurent, Reinhold Lopatka, Isabella Lövin, Lukas Mandl, Tiago Moreira de Sá, Kristoffer Storm, Marco Tarquinio

    Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote

    Monika Hohlmeier

     

    FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL IN COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

    15

    +

    ECR

    Kristoffer Storm

    PPE

    Rosa Estaràs Ferragut, Niels Geuking, Monika Hohlmeier, Reinhold Lopatka, Lukas Mandl

    PfE

    György Hölvényi, Tiago Moreira de Sá

    Renew

    Barry Andrews, Charles Goerens

    S&D

    Robert Biedroń, Udo Bullmann, Murielle Laurent, Marco Tarquinio

    Verts/ALE

    Isabella Lövin

     

     

     

    Key to symbols:

    + : in favour

    – : against

    0 : abstention

     

     

    PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

    Title

    Conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Protocol (2024-2029) implementing the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cabo Verde

    References

    11267/2024 – C10-0087/2024 – 2024/0133(NLE)

    Date of consultation or request for consent

    26.7.2024

     

     

     

    Committee(s) responsible

    PECH

     

     

     

    Committees asked for opinions

     Date announced in plenary

    DEVE

    19.9.2024

     

     

     

    Rapporteurs

     Date appointed

    Paulo Do Nascimento Cabral

    19.9.2024

     

     

     

    Discussed in committee

    4.9.2024

    4.12.2024

     

     

    Date adopted

    28.1.2025

     

     

     

     

    BUDG

    21.11.2024

     

     

     

    Result of final vote

    +:

    –:

    0:

    22

    4

    0

    Members present for the final vote

    Sakis Arnaoutoglou, Thomas Bajada, Stephen Nikola Bartulica, Asger Christensen, Carmen Crespo Díaz, Ton Diepeveen, Paulo Do Nascimento Cabral, Siegbert Frank Droese, Nicolás González Casares, Anja Hazekamp, France Jamet, Isabelle Le Callennec, Isabella Lövin, Giuseppe Milazzo, Francisco José Millán Mon, Jessica Polfjärd, André Rodrigues, Bert-Jan Ruissen, Sander Smit, António Tânger Corrêa, Emma Wiesner

    Substitutes present for the final vote

    Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Mélissa Camara, Sofie Eriksson, Sebastian Everding

    Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote

    Kinga Kollár

    Date tabled

    30.1.2025

     

    FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL BY THE COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

    22

    +

    ECR

    Stephen Nikola Bartulica, Giuseppe Milazzo, Bert-Jan Ruissen

    PPE

    Carmen Crespo Díaz, Paulo Do Nascimento Cabral, Kinga Kollár, Isabelle Le Callennec, Francisco José Millán Mon, Jessica Polfjärd, Sander Smit

    PfE

    Ton Diepeveen, António Tânger Corrêa

    Renew

    Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Asger Christensen, Emma Wiesner

    S&D

    Sakis Arnaoutoglou, Thomas Bajada, Sofie Eriksson, Nicolás González Casares, André Rodrigues

    Verts/ALE

    Mélissa Camara, Isabella Lövin

     

    4

    –

    ESN

    Siegbert Frank Droese

    PfE

    France Jamet

    The Left

    Sebastian Everding, Anja Hazekamp

     

     

    Key to symbols:

    + : in favour

    – : against

    0 : abstention

     

     

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