Print this articleIndia is the third biggest emitter of carbon dioxide (Co2) in the world, with state-owned NTPC topping the list of companies belching out the deadly gas, according to new data released by a Washington-based think tank that advocated an “energy revolution” based on solar power.
The Center for Global Development (CGD) said India figured third in the list of biggest Co2 emitters through power generation after China and the United States.
When contacted, NTPC officials in Delhi said: “We are among the most efficient producers of power using fossil fuels. NTPC is the second best in the world, emitting only 800 grams of Co2 per kwh of electricity generation.”
Out of 63,80,00,000 tonnes of Co2 emission by India every year, NTPC alone contributed 18,60,00,000 tonnes, which constituted about 30 per cent of the total gas release, the data said adding that the Talcher power plant in Orissa operated by the company emitted the biggest quantity of Co2.
“Red alert” category
As many as 16 power plants operated by NTPC were in the CGD’s “red alert” category for spewing out the deadly gas in the country.
The findings, part of a recent report by the CGD on “China surpassing the U.S. as the world’s biggest emitter of Co2 from power generation,” also name Russia, Germany, Japan, the U.K., Australia, South Africa, and South Korea among the world’s top 10 power sector emitter in absolute terms.
‘Cause of serious concern’
Describing the recent data as a “cause of serious concern,” the CGD said the climate scientists have warned that the amount of Co2 and other greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere must be quickly stabilised to avert climate a catastrophe, which would hit first and worst in developing world, with declining agricultural productivity, droughts, floods and rapid sea level rise hitting densely populated, low-lying regions.
“A number of power companies have expressed the desire for national policies to limit emissions and promote alternative energy,” Kevin Ummel, who manages the CGD’s Carbon Monitoring for Action (CARMA) database, told PTI.
“But without financial incentives for big emitters to change their behaviour, they will continue operating and building carbon-intensive plants — and the earth’s climate moves closer to the breaking point,” Mr. Ummel said.
Need to cut emissions
The data showed that emissions from power generation were racing in the wrong direction, said CGD senior fellow David Wheeler. “We urgently need to cut power-related Co2 emissions and to very rapidly bring down the price of proven, zero-carbon renewable power sources, such as wind and solar.”
The NTPC officials said coal was being used as a main fuel, so Co2 emission was natural “but our effort is that it is produced in an efficient manner to produce minimum Co2.”
Pointing out that India and other developing countries have not presented any specific emission targets or timetable in last month’s climate-themed G-8 Summit, Mr. Ummel said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had given a promise of pooling all scientific, technical and managerial talents in the country, with financial sources, to develop solar energy as a source of abundant energy to power India’s economy and to transform the lives of people there.
Scientists have made a genetic breakthrough that they claim can prolong human life and remove cancer threat. A team at the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre in Madrid has based its conclusion on tests on rodents, which made them live nearly 45 per cent longer and also left them free from tumours. The scientists say that if the experiments on mice can be replicated in people, human lifespan could also be extended as the genes involved exist naturally in both rodents and humans and perform similar roles. “The elixir of eternal youth is now not a utopian dream. The discovery opens the door to [the possibility] that humans could live 125 years and without cancer,” the Daily Mail quoted lead scientist Maria Blasco as saying. In fact, the scientists achieved the results by inserting an extra copy of three genes, called telomerase, p53 and p16 — known to be important for longevity and suppressing tumours — into the stem cells of mice. Inserting an extra copy improved their function in the body because they produced more protein, making them more active. This in turn helped telomerase to protect chromosomes from shrinking, a process which normally happens as all living creatures age.
TASO KAR
The communal madness that the VHP goons started in Orissa on Monday continues in many areas like Kandhamal district. It was unpardonable on Day 1; it is inexcusable after all these days. The blame squarely lies at the door of the Naveen Patnaik government, which is not handling the situation with the ruthlessness that it deserves. Since the BJP — a member of the Sangh Parivar — is a partner in government, this is bound to be seen as more than simple apathy. Right now, the peace has returned only in curfew-bound areas. That shows that if the security forces step in firmly, the rampaging criminals who are targeting Christian majority villages can be caught and punished. The message must go loud and clear to all of them that the government would not bear this nonsense even for a second. If need be, the help of the Army and para-military forces should be sought forthwith.
It cannot be imagined that the Sangh parivar does not understand the magnitude of the damage that this frenzy is causing to society and the country. But all of them are keeping silent, as if the communal violence has their tacit approval. All the more unpardonable is the silence of men like BJP chief Rajnath Singh and the party’s prime ministerial candidate L. K. Advani. Their record during the Babri demolition and Gujarat riots has been equally questionable and divisive. It is high time they decided once for all whether they were leaders of the people or of Hindu zealots only.
The Centre should also not look the other way. What happens in Orissa is a state matter only as long as it does not militate against national values and ethos. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has himself described the inhumanity as a “shame on the nation”. His government should not be a silent spectator to this naked, shameful orgy of violence. It is an attack on Christians, Indian society and the entire country which must protect all citizens, irrespective of religion, caste or creed. Messrs Advani and Rajnath Singh must make it clear where they stand on this issue. It does no honour to the country that Christians all over the land have to protest for safety.
KINNER KAILASH CIRCUIT
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute :- Darjeeling [ W. Bengal ] www.himalayanmountaineeringinstitute.com
Nehru Institute Of Mountaineering- Uttarkashi [ Uttarakhand ] http://www.nimindia.org
Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports - Manali [ HImachal Pradesh ] http://www.dmas.gov.in
Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports - Batot [ Jammu and Kashmir ]
The states of India with much tourism potential are Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Kerala and Rajasthan. Goa is another tourist which is very popular.
Madhya Pradesh is popular for Khajuraho Temples and Indian tiger reserves. Apart from these is Ranchi and places of interest near Ujjain, Bhopal and Indore. Kanha and Bandhavgarh tiger reserve. Indian wildlife and tiger makes its last stronghold in this state.
Delhi and Agra offers historical places to visit. Taj Mahal and Delhi fort, Kutub Minar are well known. Delhi is capital of India and bustling metro with excellent cuisine, culture and hectic civic life. DO not forget to visit AKSHARDHAM TEMPLE.
Kerala is God's own country with unique landscape, culture and back water paradise which is responsible for the popularity of this state. It offers excellent festivities and public ceremonies.
Rajasthan is ful of desert kingdoms of Rajputs. It is well known for its forts, palaces of Maharajas and desert life. It is well known for wildlife as well, namely Ranthambhore and Sariska tiger reserves.
Goa a union territory is a beach paradise well known for its culture, cuisine and beaches. Beach parties are important events for vacation seekers from USA and UK and from the rest of Europe.
Apart from all these states whole of India has tremendous tourism to offer. It is for those traveling in India decide what to see and where to see...tiger safari..cultural tour...historical tour..religious tours or just to experience India sub continent.
Kanha National Park: is situated near Jabalpur it is one of the finest National Park in India. Offers best tiger sighting and other Indian wildlife and birding. It is large park with scenic landscape and dense Sal forests (Shorea Robusta). It is most famous for tigers and Hard ground Barasingha.
There are many hotels in Kanha and offer both luxury and budget accommodations. The park can be reached from Jabalpur which is well connected by air and rail with Delhi.
Bandhavgarh National Park: is situated near Jabalpur it is one of the finest tiger reserve Park in India. Offers highest tiger sightings and wildlife as deer and other carnivore like the leopard and Indian wolf and it is good place for birding.
There are many resorts at Bandhavgarh and which offer varied accommodations starting from budget resorts to luxurious accommodation. The park can be reached from Jabalpur city which is connected by air lines and railways with Delhi.
Khajuraho: is situated in the district of Chhatarpur in MP it is Worlds most popular destination thanks to the 10 century erotic temples carved out of rocks. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Khajuraho has Kama Sutra encripted in the walls of the ancient temples.