Category: Environment

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93 lives lost in Maui Wildfire, deadliest US fire in a century

The death toll surpassed 2018’s Camp Fire in California, which killed 86 people…reports Asian Lite News

The raging wildfire that swept through Lahaina town on the Hawaiian island of Maui this week has killed at least 93 people, making it the most deadly US fire in a century.

Maui County officials said early Sunday that firefighting crews are continuing to extinguish flare-ups in the Lahaina and Upcountry Maui fires. In the Upcountry Maui fire, three structures in Olinda and 16 structures in Kula were destroyed, CBS News reported. 

Earlier on Saturday, Hawaii Governor Josh Green warned that the death toll could rise “significantly” as forensic work continues to identify the victims, the BBC reported.

“It will certainly be the worst natural disaster that Hawaii ever faced…We can only wait and support those who are living. Our focus now is to reunite people when we can and get them housing and get them health care, and then turn to rebuilding,” Green reportedly said Saturday as he toured the devastation site.

It is thought that more than 2,000 buildings have been damaged or destroyed since the fires broke out. The majority of these were homes in the Lahaina area, the British news broadcaster reported.

The death toll surpassed 2018’s Camp Fire in California, which killed 86 people.

Multiple media reports said that the Hawaii emergency management records do not indicate the warning sirens sounded before the fire hit the town.

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-Top News Environment USA

Death toll rises to 80 in Hawaii wildfires 

The fires have become the deadliest natural disaster in Hawaii’s history…reports Asian Lite News

The death toll from Hawaii’s Maui wildfires surged to 80 as the search teams sifted through the smoking blazes of Lahaina town. The officials are determined to find out how the inferno spread so rapidly through the historic resort area with so little warning, reported Al Jazeera.

Hawaii’s Attorney-General on Friday said that she will conduct a probe into how the authorities responded and acted to the deadly wildfires that have taken the lives of at least 80 people and have left 1,418 people at emergency evacuation shelters.

The office of Attorney-General Anne Lopez said in a statement, “The Department of the Attorney-General will be conducting a comprehensive review of critical decision-making and standing policies leading up to, during, and after the wildfires on Maui and Hawaii islands this week.”

The fires have become the deadliest natural disaster in Hawaii’s history and have surpassed the Tsunami that killed 61 people on the Big Island of Hawaii in 1960, reported Al Jazeera.

This week at least three fires have erupted, caused by dry conditions, hot temperatures and strong winds from a passing hurricane.

However, for the first time, the residents of Lahaina were permitted to return to their homes to assess the damage caused by fires.

Moreover, according to the officials, the search teams with cadaver dogs could still find more dead from the fire that burnt 1000 buildings and left thousands homeless. They added that it will require many years and billions of dollars to rebuild, Al Jazeera reported.

Further information revealed that the victims of the fire had died while trying to rescue them from the fast-moving blaze.

The island however includes emergency sirens which are supposed to warn of natural disasters and other threats but they did not work during the fire.

Even after three days of the disaster, it is still unclear whether some residents got any warning before the fire blazed their homes.

Referring to the warning sirens, Hawaii Governor Josh Green told CNN, “I authorised a comprehensive review this morning to make sure that we know exactly what happened and when.”

US President Joe Biden spoke with Hawaii Governor Josh Green on Friday after the latter completed a survey of destruction across Maui.

White House in a statement said, “The Governor provided the President with a firsthand update and assessment of Hawaii’s latest needs, and thanked the President for the support of FEMA and other federal agencies,” CNN reported.

On Thursday, US President Joe Biden declared Hawaii wildfires a “major disaster” and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas impacted by the wildfires since August 8. Biden’s action makes federal funding available to impacted people in Maui County.

A White House statement said, “Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Hawaii and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by wildfires beginning on August 8, 2023, and continuing.”

The assistance announced by Biden includes grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help people and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster, according to the White House statement. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Bezos, Sanchez Announce $100 Mn Pledge to Aid Hawaii’s Wildfire Recovery Efforts

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-Top News Environment USA

Bezos, Sanchez Announce $100 Mn Pledge to Aid Hawaii’s Wildfire Recovery Efforts

More than 1,000 buildings had been destroyed in Lahaina, a coastal town with a rich history that attracts some two million tourists a year….reports Asian Lite News

Billionaire Jeff Bezos and his girlfriend Lauren Sanchez have announced a $100 million fund to help with recovery efforts for the wildfires in Maui, Hawaii.

Eighty people were confirmed to have been killed by wildfires on the Hawaiian island of Maui, according to officials, making it the deadliest natural disaster in the state’s history.

In an Instagram post late on Friday, Sanchez wrote that they “are creating a Maui Fund and are dedicating $100 million to help Maui get back on its feet now and over the coming years as the continuing needs reveal themselves”.

“Jeff and I are heartbroken by what’s happening in Maui. We are thinking of all the families that have lost so much and a community that has been left devastated.

The immediate needs are important, and so is the longer term rebuilding that will have to happen – even after much of the attention has subsided,” she added.

According to earlier reports, Bezos purchased a 14-acre estate on La Perouse Bay for an estimated $78 million last year. The bay is less than 20 miles south of fires in South Maui.

In May, Bezos, 59, and Sanchez, 53, got engaged and threw engagement parties. They started dating in 2018 and reportedly went public with their relationship after the Amazon billionaire divorced his first wife MacKenzie Scott in 2019.

Meanwhile, West Maui, where Lahaina is located, is still without power and water. Search crews are still in the area looking for wildfire victims.

More than 1,000 buildings had been destroyed in Lahaina, a coastal town with a rich history that attracts some two million tourists a year.

Wildfires on Hawaii’s Maui island and Big Island began on Tuesday night. The cause is still not known but once lit, hurricane winds and dry weather helped fuel the flames.

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-Top News Environment India News

G20 ministers agree on blue economy principles

The theme of India’s G20 Presidency is ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future…reports Asian Lite News

The Group of 20 (G20) environment and climate ministers “resolve[d] to pursue environmentally sustainable and inclusive economic growth and development” in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Agreement on climate change, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), the objective of achieving land degradation neutrality (LDN) by 2030, and commitments to address pollution. They also adopted a set of voluntary principles on sustainable and resilient ocean-based economy.

In an outcome document, the ministers express their determination to avoid siloed actions to address environmental crises and challenges and “acknowledge the urgent need to strengthen policies and mobilize financing.” They further underscore that “eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty, is indispensable for sustainable and climate resilient development pathways.”

On accelerating climate action, the ministers emphasize the importance of the first Global Stocktake (GST) at the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 28) to assess collective progress towards achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement.

They underscore the need for “enhancing action and support towards achieving the global goal on adaptation (GGA)” and commit to “work to successfully implement” funding arrangements on loss and damage. Highlighting the continued importance of public, grant-based, and concessional finance to enable climate action, they also call for accelerated, adequate, and additional mobilization of climate finance from Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), International Financing Institutions (IFIs), the private sector, and other sources.

Annexed to the outcome document are the ‘Chennai High Level Principles for a Sustainable and Resilient Blue/Ocean-based Economy’ that, ministers agreed, “may be implemented by the G20 members on a voluntary basis, based on national circumstances and priorities.” Guided by these principles, the G20 members will: prioritize Ocean health; acknowledge and address the links between the Ocean and climate; promote social and intergenerational equity and gender equality; and promote the use of marine spatial planning. They will also: leverage science, technology, and innovation; recognize, protect, and utilize Indigenous and traditional knowledge; establish and implement monitoring and evaluation mechanisms; strengthen international cooperation; and enhance ocean finance.

The theme of India’s G20 Presidency is ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future.’ The G20 members are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, the Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, the UK, the US, and the EU.

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Environment Lite Blogs

Health and sustainability drive adoption of organic farming in India

Organic farming in India holds immense potential for organic producers. A report by IMARC Group reveals that India’s organic food market has witnessed substantial growth, reaching US$ 1,278 million in 2022…writes Maninder Singh

Sustainability has emerged as the prevailing trend across industries, and it is equally making waves in the agricultural sector through the adoption of organic farming practices.

With Indian consumers becoming conscious of sustainable lifestyle choices, the nutritive value of food items is emerging as their primary concern. Consequently, organic farming is gaining traction across the country as a feasible alternative to traditionally grown food cultivated using pesticides, artificial growth hormones, and other harmful chemicals.

Organic Farming- a holistic approach towards sustainable food production

Organic farming is a sustainable agricultural practice based on ecologically friendly methods. It involves growing crops naturally, without using chemical pesticides, synthetic fertilisers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

It embraces the use of organic waste, biofertilizers, bio-boosters, and bio-pesticides to foster ecologically sustainable agricultural practices and create an environment that allows diverse plant and animal species to flourish. It also incorporates practices like crop rotation and organic manure to facilitate sustainable farming.

The growing awareness of health hazards associated with pesticides and chemical fertilisers is catapulting India’s organic farming sector to new heights. Furthermore, the increased nutritional content found in organic food, coupled with the reduced exposure to pesticides, is driving the popularity of organic farming among health-conscious consumers in India.

Organic Farming: a thriving sector in India

Organic farming in India holds immense potential for organic producers. A report by IMARC Group reveals that India’s organic food market has witnessed substantial growth, reaching US$ 1,278 million in 2022.

It will likely expand and reach US$ 4,602 million by 2028, exhibiting a CAGR of 23.8% from 2023 to 2028. Another report by IFOAM Organics revealed that India was one of the top three countries in 2020 to experience significant growth in the land area dedicated to organic agriculture.

Furthermore, as India takes on the G20 presidency, it shoulders the crucial task of addressing food insecurity, with a strong dedication to promoting organic and natural farming practices for the betterment of farmers and the agricultural sector.

To that end, the Central Government is set to unveil a novel initiative known as the PM PRANAM (Prime Minister’s Promotion of Alternate Nutrients for Agriculture Management Yojana) scheme.  This innovative program aims to save the soil and promote the balanced use of traditional fertilizers, alongside bio-fertilizers and organic fertilizers.

With a substantial budget of Rs 370128.7 crores, this endeavour will not only ensure food security but also prioritise environmental sustainability by optimising agricultural practices. Hence, forward-thinking farmers in India are capitalising on sustainable farming by tapping into its potential.

India’s gradual transition towards organic farming is driven by several positive health impacts. Below are some of the factors motivating the shift towards organic agricultural practices:

Organic foods are toxin-free. Chemical fertilisers composed of antibiotics and hormones can cause severe health disorders in the long run, which may also prove fatal. For instance, pesticide residues in urine may cause ADHD in children. It may also reduce sperm count in males.

Organic farming, on the other hand, is free of toxins, as it employs natural and cost-effective alternatives known as biofertilizers. The living microorganisms in bio fertilisers enhance the soil’s health and fertility, besides providing plants with the required nutrition.

Furthermore, research indicates that organic food consumption reduces exposure to approximately 700 harmfulchemicals found in traditionally cultivated fruits and vegetables. Scientific studies also reveal that organic foods are 50% less likely to contain toxic heavy metals such as cadmium, which is a known carcinogen.

Organic foods contain high antioxidants: Organic foods are abundant in antioxidant compounds that protect our cells from free radicals, known for accelerating chronic conditions such as cancer and heart ailments.

Research from Newcastle University reveals that organic foods have approximately 60% higher levels of antioxidants compared to conventionally cultivated crops. Additionally, the absence of chemical fertilisers and pesticides makes organic foods rich in phytochemicals that reduce the risk of many health disorders.

Environmental impact of organic farming: Mankind’s overall well-being is significantly impacted by environmental health. Organic farming relies on healthy practices for safeguarding our planet. It plays a crucial role in enhancing biodiversity and conserving soil to foster a sustainable and diverse ecosystem. Furthermore, organic farmers leverage soil-building practices, such as crop rotation and composting, to effectively mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, while concurrently enhancing soil quality and minimising erosion.

Besides creating healthier soil, organic farming techniques increase carbon sequestration, thus, promoting overall environmental well-being. Moreover, it contributes to water conservation by utilising methods such as mulching and cover cropping, which help retain soil moisture, thus reducing the reliance on irrigation.

In an era marked by growing environmental concerns, organic farming shines as a beacon of sustainability. Furthermore, the exponential surge in India’s population poses significant challenges in ensuring an adequate food supply for everyone. Consequently, prioritising sustainable food cultivation methods to meet the country’s growing food requirements, is the pressing need of the hour.

Nevertheless, the higher production costs make organic foods expensive. That said, the personal and environmental benefits of organic foods make them an attractive option among health and eco-conscious consumers.

ALSO READ-Through organic farming, Mirzapur brothers help 1500 farmers

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-Top News Environment Environment and WIldlife

Amazon nations miss agreed deforestation Goal

While Colombian President Gustavo Petro wants other countries to match his pledge to ban new oil exploration, Brazil is considering exploring new areas at the mouth of the Amazon river….reports Asian Lite News

The eight countries that share the Amazon basin have fallen short of an agreed goal to end deforestation, leaving each nation to pursue its own conservation goals.

Delegates from Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela have assembled in the Braziliancity of Belem for a two-day summit on the issue, the first such gathering in 14 years, reports the BBC.

A joint statement on Tuesday, named the Belem declaration, created a new alliance to combat deforestation, but left each country to pursue its own conservation goals. 

It also said the new alliance would aim to “prevent the Amazon from reaching a point of no return”.

The statement also included commitments to enhance co-operation on issues like water management, health, sustainable development and common negotiating positions at global climate summits.

Addressing the “severe worsening of the climate crisis” in his opening speech at the summit on Tuesday, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said “the challenges of our era, and the opportunities arising from them, demand we act in unison”.

“It has never been so urgent,” the BBC quoted the President as saying.

Differences in opinion however, was witnessed at the summit.

While Colombian President Gustavo Petro wants other countries to match his pledge to ban new oil exploration, Brazil is considering exploring new areas at the mouth of the Amazon river.

The summit came less than a week after it was revealed that the level of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil has dropped to its lowest since 2017.

According to the data shared by the Brazilian space agency Inpe on Aug 3, 500 sq km of rainforest were cleared the country last month which was 66 per cent less compared to July 2022, reports the BBC.

Inpe said that the area of forest cut down in the first seven months of 2023 was smaller than that razed in the same period in 2022.

When President Lula took office in January, he had promised to halt the damage done during his predecessor Jair Bolsonaro’s four-year term.

Bolsonaro had promoted mining in indigenous lands in the Amazon and forest clearances soared at the same time as resources to protect the forest were cut.

Preserving the Amazon is a central part of efforts to tackle climate change.

The rainforest is a crucial buffer in the global fight against climate change and 60 per cent of it is located in Brazil.

The billions of trees that make up the Amazon, often called “the lungs of the planet”, hold vast amounts of carbon, accumulated over centuries, and every year their leaves continue to absorb carbon dioxide that would otherwise remain in the atmosphere and contribute to the rise in global temperatures.

ALSO READ: Missing children found alive after 40 days in Amazon forest

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Environment Environment and WIldlife USA

Extreme heat kills 147 people in US

The three states have been the most-affected by the worst of this summer’s extreme heat…reports Asian Lite News

A total of 147 people have died in the US states of Arizona, Nevada and Texas this month as a result of the excruciating summer heat wave that has swept major parts of the country.

The three states have been the most-affected by the worst of this summer’s extreme heat, reports CNN.

Of the 147 fatalities, Arizona’s Pima and Maricopa counties accounted for 64 and 39, respectively; while 26 deaths occurred in Clark county, Nevada; and 11 and seven in Texas’s Webb and Harris counties.

Several heat-related deaths were also reported in California, parts of the South and the Midwest, though the tolls have not been as high as those in the five counties mentioned above. 

Maricopa county, which is home to the city of Phoenix and has officially tallied at least 39 heat-related deaths, has 312 more fatalities still under investigation.

The fatalities came as temperatures soared to record-breaking levels at the end of June, and continued to bake much of the South and Southwest through July, reports CNN. 

Phoenix logged the hottest month of any US city on record, with 31 consecutive days at or above 43 degrees Celsius from June into July.

The death toll from extreme heat to-date is far higher than tornadoes and flooding combined. 

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Environment Fashion Lite Blogs

Designer creates unique prints with botanical inks

Considering the fact that this part of the country does not boast of being a fashion centre, finding the right people to help with the botanical printing process was quite a task…writes Sukant Deepak

Not the fad of ‘sustainable’, but long everyday walks in Chandigarh’s forested areas is what drove her towards it. Stumbling upon eco-printing not just as a designer’s tool, but an art form during her travels is what drew Chandigarh-based fashion designer Jasmine Bains towards launching her first official capsule in March 2023 this year.

“The intimacy with forests is what got me ‘naturally’ interested in the idea of how to print leaves and flowers onto fabrics especially silk in order to create unique leafy patterns and prints. Post extensive research and DIY experiments with different natural dye recipes and botanical printing, reaching various combinations and conclusions led me to the collection — ‘Sustainably Sexy’.”

Stressing that so far in India, one mostly witnesses fabric dyers experimenting with natural dye techniques, including dyeing with onion, turmeric, beetroot, indigo, and other similar eco-friendly inks and dyes, however, they may not consider the entire life cycle of their products.

“I even use sustainable packaging and have dedicated a programme for educating my clients,” says the designer who started her label ‘Jasmine Bains’ in 2016.

While Eco-printing or Eco-dyeing is essentially printing leaves and flowers on fabric with help of a mordant, it is a process of transferring the colours and patterns of plants onto fabrics or paper using heat and pressure.

Botanical printing uses the natural pigments found in plants such as leaves, flowers and bark. These pigments are then transferred to the fabric or paper using steaming a boiling process.

Considering the fact that this part of the country does not boast of being a fashion centre, finding the right people to help with the botanical printing process was quite a task.

“It needs to be understood that sustainability, despite it being the buzzword nowadays cannot be just about commerce. So, not only did we need skilled crafts people who could handle the steaming and boiling process, but also those who understood and appreciated the philosophy behind it. It took some time to find the right team, but we are so happy with the people we found.”

Pleased that within a few months, her eco-printed garments have found clients across the world, including the UK and the US, besides India, she adds, “It is clear that there is a huge demand for sustainable fashion, and the same will continue for a long time.”

Someone whose body of work is a blend of fine art and functional design, she says feels it would be unfair to push her clothes into a genre.

“Fitting into a style or genre limits the possibilities of a drape. What is important is the fact that they should be eye-catching and provoke complementation.”

Right now, Bains would like to continue to innovate and experiment with new techniques and fabric materials.

“I could also consider expanding my line of products and continue to grow my brand by collaborating with other designers,” she concludes.

ALSO READ-From tradition to innovation: Yamini Reddy’s journey in Kuchipudi

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Economy Environment India News

World Bank Officials Laud Namami Gange

Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga has given presentation on Namami Gange to World Bank Executive Directors during an impact assessment meeting in Agra….reports Asian Lite News

During their visit to Agra, Uttar Pradesh earlier this month, the World Bank’s Executive Directors convened to comprehend the transformative impact of the Bank’s projects within India. G. Asok Kumar, Director General of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), presented an elaborate overview of the Namami Gange initiative to the global cohort of World Bank Executive Directors. The event was also attended by Auguste Kouame, Country Director of the World Bank for India.

In the meeting, discussions were held with the World Bank EDs on various aspects of river rejuvenation and the role of the World Bank. The EDs appreciated the development across water sector enabled by transformational reforms and private sector participation, especially under Namami Gange Mission, in India’s pursuit of becoming water-secured nation. They appreciated that NMCG has started a new chapter of public participation with multiple stakeholders including people, educational institutes, social organizations and civil society become part of Namami Gange becoming a global name to reckon with in river rejuvenation. The EDs appreciated the clarity of vision of the leadership and were especially impressed by the HAM model, One City One Operator Model, Arth Ganga initiative and Public Participation efforts put under Namami Gange mission.

Nine EDs of the World Bank Group were present during the meeting: Jack Kurski, Poland; Khalid Bawazier, Saudi Arabia; Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, Nigeria; Junhong Chang, China; Erivaldo Gomes, Brazil; Ernesto Acevedo, Mexico; Cecilia Nohan, Argentina; and Robin Tasker, United Kingdom. Bhaskar Dasgupta, ED, Finance, NMCG and D.P. Mathuria, ED, Technical, NMCG were also present. A tour to the iconic Taj Mahal was also organised. 

Giving a detailed presentation to the dignitaries on the Namami Gange Programme, the Mr. G. Asok Kumar said that water has been recognized as one of the most important component for India’s economic growth and a lot of initiatives have been taken up the water sector in the past 7-8 years. In 2019, under the leadership of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, Jal Shakti Ministry was created by bringing together various departments to enable quick decision-making without conflict. Some of the major initiatives in the water sector include Jal Jeevan Mission, that aims to provide household tap connections to all by 2024, Atal Bhujal Yojana for effective management of groundwater through participatory approach and Swachh Bharat Mission as part of which more than 100 million toilets were built, taking the burden off the world in the direction of sanitation for all.

DG, NMCG informed that dignitaries about Catch the Rain: Where it Falls, When it Falls campaign that was launched for decentralized storage of rainwater (in-situ storage of water) as part of which lakhs of rainwater harvesting structures were constructed.

Giving an overview of the Namami Gange Programme, he said it is a holistic and integrated river rejuvenation programme not just to clean River Ganga but restore its entire riverine ecosystem through public participation. Namami Gange is premised on the five important pillars of – Nirmal Ganga (unpolluted river), Aviral Ganga (unrestricted flow), Jan Ganga (People’s Participation), Gyan Ganga (knowledge and research based interventions) and Arth Ganga (people-river connect through the bridge of economy). “442 projects worth around 4.5 billion US $ have been sanctioned out of which 193 pertain to sewage management,” he informed, adding, “The funding is also sourced from organisations like the World Bank, JICA, Asian Development Bank etc.” Explaining the 5-tier structure of NMCG, he talked about the National Ganga Council meetings headed by the Prime Minister held in Kanpur (2019) and Kolkata (2022) and emphasized on the unwavering political commitment to the Namami Gange Programme.

He said that Namami Gange was chosen as one of the world’s top ten restoration flagships to revive the natural world. Namami Gange, selected from over 160 eco-restoration programmes around the world, was awarded at Montreal, Canada during the UN Conference on Biological Diversity (COP15) on 13th December 2022. NMCG was the only entity from India to participate in the United Nations World Water Conference held in New York in March 2023.

He said that the increased sightings and thriving of aquatic species like Gangetic Dolphins and local fishes is indicative of improved water quality in the Ganga River. “In 2014, there were two polluted stretches in Category V and one each in Category II and III. In comparison, in 2023, two stretches (Haridwar to Sultanpur and Buxar to Bhagalpur) are now ‘unpolluted’ and the remaining two in Category V (Kannauj to Varanasi and Triveni to Diamond Harbour) are exceeding the accepted range by minor points,” he said.

DG, NMCG explained in detail the Hybrid Annuity Model used for sewage management projects in the Ganga Basin under Namami Gange. Under this model, the development, operation and maintenance of the STP is undertaken by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) at the local level. As per this model, 40% of the Capital cost would be paid during construction while the remaining 60% of the cost will be paid over the life of the project as annuities along with operation and maintenance cost (O&M) expenses for the next 15 years. The Annuity and O&M payments are linked to the performance of the STP. This will ensure continued performance of the assets created due to better accountability, ownership and optimal performance. There are total 32 projects sanctioned HAM, out of which 7 are funded by the World Bank. “It ensures performance-based contracting and improved governance,” DG, NMCG added.

Shri Kumar also spoke on the River-Cities Alliance (RCA) initiative under Namami Gange which was launched in November 2021 with 30 members. Now, with 142 members, including the international city of Aarhus, RCA has become a desirable platform to ideate, discuss and exchange information for sustainable management of urban rivers. RCA Global witnessed participation of high ranking officials from Embassies. Cities of Manchester, Arhus, Copen Hagen and Hamberg made presentations on their efforts to use rivers flowing by them as growth engines.

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New Delhi to aid clean water project in Tuvalu with $700k

India's Permanent Representative Ruchira Kamboj speaks at the United Nations Security Council on Monday, April 24, 2023. (Photo Source: UN)

The proposed concrete water cistern, with a capacity of 760 metric cubes will store and provide clean water to students, teachers and school staff promoting hygiene…reports Asian Lite News

India will be providing support worth 700,000 USD from the India-UN Development Partnership Fund to the project in Tuvalu to store and provide clean water in school, India’s Permanent Mission to the UN said in a statement.

Notably, ‘Motufoua Secondary School’ is Tuvalu’s only public school. The proposed concrete water cistern, with a capacity of 760 metric cubes will store and provide clean water to students, teachers and school staff promoting hygiene and reducing water-borne diseases.

“India will provide funding support of 700,000 USD from the India-UN Development Partnership Fund for the project, “Motufoua concrete water cistern” as requested by the Government of Tuvalu,” the statement read.

In May this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the “Sagar Amrut Scholarship” scheme for the Pacific Island countries, at the Summit of the Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation.

He had also announced a 12-point action plan focusing on health, wellness and community development sectors as per priorities of the Pacific island countries. The water cistern project in Tuvalu is in pursuance of these initiatives focused on the importance of high-impact community development projects in areas of choice by the Pacific countries.

The Permanent Representative of India, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, said that India’s philosophy views the whole world as one family and this project is another step towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

“Indian philosophy has always viewed the world as one family. India remains engaged with the Pacific island countries on issues of common concern, such as climate change and sustainable development, capacity building and training, health and well-being, infrastructure and economic development. This project, like many others, is another step as India moves along with fellow developing countries towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,” she stated.

The India-UN Development Partnership Fund, established by the Government of India in June 2017, provides support to projects in developing countries that aim to contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Fund adheres to the principles of South-South cooperation and places a priority on national ownership and leadership, equality, sustainability, development of local capacity and mutual benefit.

A total of 150 million USD over the next decade has been committed by the Government of India for the Fund. Till date, 75 development projects across 56 countries have been supported through the Fund. (ANI)

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