In Short

MAKING ROOM: The 'Guidelines for Master Plan for Delhi-2021' were recently tabled in the Rajya Sabha. Prepared by the Union ministry of urban development and poverty alleviation, the suggested measures favour vertical expansion, flexible land use, redevelopment of unauthorised areas and greater role for the private sector in the capital's housing segment. They have been forwarded to the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), which is working on the draft master plan. The guidelines can be accessed at http://www.ddadelhi.com/docs/310703-GuidelinesMPD2021.htm

PACT IN PLACE: The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB), a treaty on international trade in genetically modified organisms (GMOs), will come into force on September 11, 2003. The small Pacific island state of Palau recently became the 50th nation to ratify the protocol, thus paving the way for its implementation. The pact aims to ensure an adequate level of protection in the field of safe transfer, handling and use of living modified organisms resulting from modern biotechnology.

IN SELECT GROUP: Meghalaya's capital Shillong has been brought within the ambit of the eco-city scheme of the Central Pollution Control Board under the Union ministry of environment and forests. The city will now be eligible for a 50 per cent central grant on projects approved under the scheme. Projects that have already been given the green light include a localised drainage and sewerage system, slaughterhouse with treatment facilities, flood control programme, Laitumukhrah market renovation, biogas plant and green belt creation.

Subscribe to Daily Newsletter :

SUPPORT US

We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.