CAG slams government over ultra mega power projects

The Comptroller Auditor General's report on ultra mega power projects (UMPPs) has slammed the government for letting project developers dictate terms to it. The report points out that the government’s role has been reduced to merely monitoring the progress of the projects while the developers have been getting away with large scale violations. The report identifies lack of transparency and fair play from the time of awarding contracts and appointment of consultants to the time of execution of these projects, which are ostensibly aimed at providing cheap electricity.

Municipalities get thumbs down on solid waste management

A study by a non-profit working with waste pickers, says civic bodies across the country are not recognising the role of the informal sector in recycling waste. The report, titled Failing the grade, by environmental research and action group, Chintan, is an evaluation of implementation of solid waste management rules in the country with special focus on the integration of waste pickers.