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SC seeks details of Rs 1 lakh crore of eco-protection funds
New Delhi, April 10 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to provide the details of various funds created for environment protection and how it intends to utilise the funds worth nearly Rs one lakh crore.
An advocate, who is assisting the court as an amicus curiae in the matter, said on a rough estimate, there was about Rs one lakh crore lying with the Central government and states in various funds created after the top court’s orders.
Taking into note the advocate’s submissions, a bench of Justice Madan B. Lokur and Justice Deepak Gupta asked the Ministry to make a compilation of total amount in various funds.
“Considering the huge amount, we expect the Ministry Secretary to take up the matter with due sincerity,” the bench added.
The court also asked the Delhi government to inform it of the plans it has for utilisation of Rs 1,301 crore it has received under Environment Compensation Charge (ECC) upto March 26.
The apex court had earlier imposed ECC on commercial vehicles entering Delhi in addition to the toll tax.
The bench also asked the Central Pollution Control Board to apprise it about Rs 70.5 crore collected and lying with it under the cess levied on vehicles having engine capacity of more than 2,000 cc.
The bench slammed the Central government and states for not being able to utilise the funds and diverting it for other purpose.
It noted that around 10 to 12 funds were created after the apex court orders on environmental matters. “It is very clear that the amount was used for other purposes…”
Additional Solicitor General A.N.S. Nadkarni, appearing for the Ministry, asked the bench to tell the Central government as to where and how these funds should be used and where it cannot be used.
The court replied: “This money can’t go for any other government project.”
“How far you want the court to go? We trusted the executive but they say they will do whatever they want. First, we have to catch them that you have diverted the money and betrayed the trust. Are we policemen or investigating officers? We are not talking about a small amount… It is very, very frustrating.”
The court pulled up the Odisha government after taking into note the affidavit filed by the Chief Secretary that the money was being used for construction of roads, renovation of bus stands and science laboratory in colleges.
“This money is to be utilised for the benefit of the people. It is not for repairing roads or bus stands and installing streetlights. Construction of road is part of your job, governance. You can’t do it from people’s fund. This money is for benefit of people and not for benefit of the government,” the bench told the counsel appearing for Odisha.
The court sought presence of Odisha’s Chief Secretary before it on May 9, the next date of hearing, and asked the state to file affidavit with more details.
It also slammed Meghalaya for keeping the funds meant for welfare of the people only in the bank and asked the state’s Chief Secretary to remain present before it.
The court was hearing a PIL filed in 1985 by environmentalist M.C. Mehta relating to issues of air pollution in the Delhi-National Capital Region.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.