environment

Activist Urges Andhra Government to Protect Visakhapatnam's Green Spaces, Continue 'Operation Lungs 2.0'

Published on: 20 Jul 2026, 02:11 PM

Bolisetty Satyanarayana, National Convenor of Jal Biradari, has called on the Andhra Pradesh government to take immediate measures to protect Visakhapatnam's green spaces, water bodies, hills, forests, and catchment areas from environmental degradation and encroachments. He urged the government to continue its 'Operation Lungs 2.0' initiative aimed at safeguarding the city's natural resources.

In a petition submitted through the Public Grievance Redressal System to the Chief Secretary, Satyanarayana sought action against what he described as the 'destruction' of urban green spaces, including Erra Matti Dibbalu, the Simhachalam forest, the Mudasarlova catchment, natural storm-water channels, and wetlands.

He alleged that several hillocks designated as green parks were being converted into construction zones. Citing revenue records dated July 8, he stated that approximately 5.02 acres in Rushikonda village were classified as a natural watercourse (gedda), but permanent structures had been built on the land.

Satyanarayana demanded a government inquiry into land records, building permissions, land-use changes, and compliance with applicable laws. If violations are found, he called for the restoration of the natural watercourse.

Source: The Hindu

Latest in Environment 10

environment

Sewage Threat to Chennai's Chembarambakkam Reservoir Prompts WRD Action

The Water Resources Department has taken action to protect the Chembarambakkam reservoir from sewage pollution after residents reported untreated sewage entering the Cooum River and its channels. The department has sought help from the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board and local bodies to identify pollution sources and ensure proper wastewater treatment.

The Hindu 20 Jul 2026, 06:36 PM

environment

Illegal Sand Mining in Bagalkot: Lokayukta Orders Inquiry, 25 Cases Filed

The Karnataka Lokayukta has ordered an inquiry into illegal sand mining in Bagalkot district after inspections found only 9 of 41 sites operating legally. Twenty-five criminal cases have been registered, and the report recommends stricter surveillance and legal action.

The Hindu 20 Jul 2026, 07:08 PM

environment

Supreme Court Bans Commercial Activity in Fragile Segur Elephant Corridor

The Supreme Court has upheld a ban on commercial activity in the Segur plateau, an elephant corridor in the Nilgiris, dismissing pleas from resort owners. The court directed the Tamil Nadu government to implement High Court guidelines for protecting the corridor while ensuring tribal rights are respected.

The Hindu 20 Jul 2026, 05:07 PM

environment

Delhi Cabinet Approves PARIVARTAN: Scrap Old Trucks, Buses for Cleaner Vehicles

The Delhi government has approved the PARIVARTAN scheme, incentivizing the replacement of old trucks and buses with cleaner BS-VI CNG or electric vehicles. Owners of old LGVs can get tax exemptions, interest subventions, and OEM discounts. The scheme aims to curb vehicular pollution in the NCR.

Indian Express 20 Jul 2026, 03:27 PM

environment

How a colonial-era hunting club became India’s pioneering conservation force

The Nilgiri Wildlife And Environment Association, born from a colonial hunting club, played a pioneering role in Indian conservation. It helped create protected areas, identify the Sigur Elephant Corridor, and introduce electric fences.

The Hindu 20 Jul 2026, 10:26 AM

environment

Ken-Betwa Project: Madhya Pradesh Police Clear Tribal Protest Over Rehabilitation Concerns

Madhya Pradesh Police cleared a protest by hundreds of tribal villagers against the Ken-Betwa River Link Project, detaining activist Amit Bhatnagar. The protesters demand improved rehabilitation and compensation for families displaced by the Daudhan dam. The project aims to transfer water from Ken to Betwa rivers to alleviate drought in Bundelkhand.

The Hindu 20 Jul 2026, 08:03 AM

environment

Yamuna's floodplains in Delhi shrank by a third in a century, study finds link to higher flood risk

A study by DU and IISER Bhopal finds that the Yamuna's floodplains in Delhi have shrunk by about one-third over a century due to barrages, embankments, and urbanisation. This has reduced the river's capacity to handle floods, making the city more vulnerable to high water levels even during less intense rainfall.

Indian Express 20 Jul 2026, 02:43 AM

environment

Flash floods, landslides kill 14 in J&K's Poonch, Rajouri; several missing

Flash floods and landslides triggered by heavy rain killed at least 14 people in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch and Rajouri districts. Eight members of a family were among the dead. Rescue operations are ongoing, with the chief minister and lieutenant governor personally monitoring relief efforts.

Times of India 20 Jul 2026, 12:41 AM

environment

Tiruvannamalai Villagers Raise Concerns Over Proposed Stone Quarry Near Cheyyar

Villagers in Tiruvannamalai district oppose a proposed stone quarry near Cheyyar, citing risks to groundwater, agriculture, and roads. A public hearing was held by TNPCB, and concerns will be sent to SEIAA for a decision.

The Hindu 19 Jul 2026, 06:37 PM

environment

Kerala Fishermen's Union Demands Withdrawal of Permit for Large Fishing Vessels

The All India Fishermen's Federation (AITUC) has demanded the withdrawal of permits for large fishing vessels off Kerala, warning of depleted marine resources and threats to traditional livelihoods. The federation also called for protection of Vembanad Lake and withdrawal of development projects like the Port City Project.

The Hindu 19 Jul 2026, 05:56 PM

→ View All Environment News