The Orissa State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) is going to form a committee to create an inventory of e-wastes following frequent failure to collect these wastes in the state.

One of the notable details of Monday's landmark ruling to ban the use of some neonicotinoid pesticides across the European Union was Germany's vote in favour.

A flame-retardant chemical used in building materials and textile products such as curtains will likely be added to the list of toxic substances banned under an international treaty to protect huma

The Endosulfan Peedhitha Janakeeya Munnani (EPJM) will convene a ‘Jagratha’ (Vigil) convention here on Friday to urge the authorities concerned to implement the promised package in a time-bound manner to the affected families of endosulfan victims..

The meeting will be inaugurated by poet and green activist Sugatha Kumari at the Municipal Conference hall at 10 a.m. on Friday, EPJM convener Ambalathara Kunhikrishnan told a press conference here on Wednesday.

The Endosulfan Victims Relief and Remediation Cell has been functioning effectively in Kasaragod district, an affidavit filed by the State government in the Kerala High Court said.

The affidavit was filed in response to a petition seeking a directive to the government to take follow-up actions on the welfare and rehabilitation measures of endosulfan victims.

The work of the Rs.200 crore worth projects funded by the National Bank for Rural Development (NABARD) aimed at infrastructure development in the endosuflan-affected localities in the district will be inaugurated at Bovikkanam near here on April 5.

The function would be inaugurated by Social Welfare Minister M.K. Muneer and Agriculture Minister K. P. Mohanan, P. Karunakaran, MP, said at a prèss conference here on Tuesday.

Panchayat-level monitoring cell to be floated

Having received clear cut assurances from the State government on majority of issues pertaining to the complex relief and rehabilitation package, the Endosulfan Peedhitha Janakeeya Munnani (EPJM) is now trying to evolve a mechanism to ensure that the authorities implemented the decisions in a time-bound manner.

Endosulfan Peedhitha Janakeeya Munnani has announced that it will go ahead with its agitation following failure of talks held with Chief Minister Oommen Chandy here on Thursday.

The Munnani convenor Ambalathara Kunhikrishnan told The Hindu that the Chief Minister had conceded hardly any of their demands. Regarding conduct of another medical camp to identify fresh victims, Mr. Chandy had only promised a decision at the next round of talks on Monday.

Environmentalists in the city have urged the state government to take immediate steps to save the life of Mohan Kumar who is on a hunger strike at the High Court Junction demanding a comprehensive compensation package for victims of endosulfan in Kasargod district.

Inaugurating a protest meeting at the High Court junction, environmentalist M K Prasad said the government could not back track from the responsibility of providing protection to the victims.

Formal discussion on Monday

As the indefinite hunger strike seeking swift and comprehensive rehabilitation of endosulfan victims in the district entered 31st day on Wednesday, a five-member delegation of agitating activists will hold preliminary talks with Chief Minister Oommen Chandy in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday ahead of the formal talks scheduled on Monday.