Centre Reaffirms Mining Support at Guwahati Conclave

30 Jun 2025 CW Team

At the 2nd North-East Mining Ministers鈥� Conclave in Guwahati, Union Minister for Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy reaffirmed the Centre鈥檚 commitment to bolstering mining infrastructure, accelerating approvals, and ensuring sustainability in the North East. The region鈥檚 eight states鈥擜ssam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim鈥攑resented detailed strategies for advancing mining and coal sectors.

Ministers and advisors from these states shared progress in block auctions, exploration of critical minerals, coal mine revival, and sustainable models. Reddy highlighted the role of enhanced Centre-State coordination in attracting investment and driving inclusive economic growth. The Minister also inaugurated a new Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) regional office in Guwahati to boost regulatory and technical support. Additional Secretary Sanjay Lohiya urged key agencies to adopt modern and targeted exploration practices to capitalise on the region鈥檚 vast potential.

Infrastructure Urban

30 Jun 2025

Centre Releases Model Rules to Boost Agroforestry

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued Model Rules for tree felling in agricultural lands to support agroforestry and simplify regulations. The rules aim to enhance rural livelihoods, promote sustainable agriculture, and reduce dependency on natural forests. Under the new system, farmers must register plantations on the National Timber Management System (NTMS) portal by submitting land data, GPS locations, and tree species. Geotagged images and updates will enable traceability. Verified applications will lead to tree felling permits by designated agencies. ..

Infrastructure Energy

30 Jun 2025

CEA Marks Electrical Safety Day with 鈥楽uraksha Shakti鈥� Launch

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA), in partnership with BSES, observed Electrical Safety Day 2025 in New Delhi on 26 June. Minister of State for Power Shripad Yesso Naik launched the mascot 鈥楽uraksha Shakti鈥� and a new Electrical Safety Handbook at the event. This year鈥檚 theme, 鈥淪mart Energy, Safe Nation,鈥� highlighted the growing importance of safety amid rising use of EV charging, battery energy storage systems, and rooftop solar. Over 300 participants, including officials from utilities, RWAs, and prosumers, attended in person, with more than 25,000 viewers joining online...

Infrastructure Energy

30 Jun 2025

MNRE Issues Updated Guidelines for WtE Projects

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has revised its guidelines for Waste-to-Energy (WtE) projects under the National Bioenergy Programme to enhance operational performance and streamline financial assistance. Key changes include simplified paperwork, performance-based CFA disbursal in two stages, and pro-rata CFA eligibility if plants achieve over 50% but under 80% generation. Developers can claim 50% CFA after receiving the Consent to Operate from State Pollution Control Boards and furnishing a bank guarantee. The remaining assistance will be released based on actual generati..