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PCS ParikshanMadhya Pradesh Switch to Hindi
NGT Orders Probe into Toxic Waste Discharge from Chhatarpur Brewery
Why in News?
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has initiated suo motu proceedings against a brewery in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, over grave allegations of environmental damage and public health risks caused by its discharge of toxic wastewater.
Key Points
- Environmental Contamination: The brewery's chemical waste has polluted water sources within a 1 km radius and caused a foul stench affecting a dozen villages up to 5 km away.
- Severe Health Impact: Local residents are reporting serious health issues, including headaches, eye irritation, breathing difficulties, and vomiting, with long-term risks of kidney disease and other serious health problems due to contaminated water and air.
- NGT's Judicial Response: An NGT bench has formed a joint committee comprising the Chhatarpur District Collector and the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board (MPPCB) to investigate and submit an action-taken report within six weeks.
National Green Tribunal
- Origin: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) was established under the NGT Act, 2010 to adjudicate environmental cases and ensure effective and speedy disposal of disputes related to environmental protection and conservation.
- Powers: The Tribunal has the powers of a Civil Court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908. However, it is not bound by the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 or the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, and functions based on the Principles of Natural Justice.
- Members: The members of the NGT hold office for a term of five years/until age of 65 and are not eligible for re-appointment.
- Eligibility: The Chairperson of the NGT must be a Judge of the Supreme Court or a Chief Justice of a High Court.
Madhya Pradesh Switch to Hindi
Bhavantar Scheme
The ‘Bhavantar’ Scheme in Madhya Pradesh has witnessed a threefold surge in farmer registrations, reaching 9.36 lakh, reflecting strong participation and trust in the government’s price protection initiative.
Key Points
- About: The Bhavantar Scheme is a price deficit payment scheme aimed at bridging the gap between market prices and the Minimum Support Price (MSP) to prevent financial losses for farmers.
- Mechanism: Farmers must register their details and crop area with state authorities before sowing and sell their produce in government-notified mandis.
- The government fixes a Minimum Support Price (MSP)/Model Price and calculates a Model Rate based on average market prices, recording the actual sale price received by the farmer.
- The Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) is the difference between the higher of MSP/Model Price or Model Rate and the actual sale price, which is directly credited to the farmer's bank account.
- Advantages:
- Price Risk Mitigation: Protects farmers from market volatility and ensures a fair price.
- Reduces Fiscal Burden: Avoids costs of procurement, storage, and transport.
- Promotes Market Freedom: Farmers can sell to any buyer in notified mandis.
- Transparency: DBT ensures direct, timely payments, reducing corruption.
- Challenges:
- Implementation Hurdles: Delays in registration, payments, and technical glitches.
- Data Accuracy: Model Rate may not reflect true market prices, causing inadequate compensation.
- Trader Collusion: Risk of mandi traders keeping prices low.
- Limited Crop Coverage: Scheme often covers only specific oilseeds and pulses.
Soybean (Glycine max)
- About: Soybean is a major crop grown for oil and protein, with a world production of about 176.6 million tons over 75.5 million hectares.
- Growing Conditions: Mainly grown under rainfed conditions, though supplemental irrigation is increasingly used.
- Adapted to tropical, subtropical, and temperate climates. Growth slows above 35°C and below 18°C.
- Top Producers: The major producing states in India are Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. Brazil, the United States, and Argentina are the top global producers of soybeans.
