Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday visited Bihar's Muzaffarnagar district, where 81 children have died due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in the past fortnight.

Health Minister Harsh Vardhan reaches AES-hit Muzaffarnagar

The death toll has climbed to 57 due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Bihar's Muzaffarpur. "Out of the total number, 47 children have died in Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) while 10 succumbed at the private Kejriwal Hospital," state health minister Mangal Pandey told the media persons on Friday.

He added that more beds are being provided in both hospitals. The state government has constituted a team comprising one professor, three associate professors, four assistant professors, nine senior residents and 15 junior residents are looking into the crisis.

Union health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan held a meeting with Pandey and assured all support and assistance to the state government. "I have held two meetings with the Bihar health minister and assured him of providing of all possible help," said Vardhan.

He further added that a team of doctors from the Centre visited both hospitals where children are being treated and has been advising the state government in management and containment of the cases.

He pitched for an extensive awareness campaign. The union health minister said people should be sensitised to the need for taking their children for timely treatment to nearby primary health centres (PHCs) before the child gets critical. "Timely identification of the symptoms of hypoglycemia shall hugely contribute to timely and effective treatment. The children should be brought to the PHC as soon as these symptoms are noticed," he said.

Encephalitis is a viral infection which causes mild flu-like symptoms such as high fever, convulsions, and headaches.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

The death toll has climbed to 57 due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Bihar's Muzaffarpur. "Out of the total number, 47 children have died in Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) while 10 succumbed at the private Kejriwal Hospital," state health minister Mangal Pandey told the media persons on Friday.

The death toll has climbed to 57 due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Bihar's Muzaffarpur. "Out of the total number, 47 children have died in Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) while 10 succumbed at the private Kejriwal Hospital," state health minister Mangal Pandey told the media persons on Friday. He added that more beds are being provided in both hospitals. The state government has constituted a team comprising one professor, three associate professors, four assistant professors, nine senior residents and 15 junior residents are looking into the crisis. Union health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan held a meeting with Pandey and assured all support and assistance to the state government. "I have held two meetings with the Bihar health minister and assured him of providing of all possible help," said Vardhan. He further added that a team of doctors from the Centre visited both hospitals where children are being treated and has been advising the state government in management and containment of the cases. He pitched for an extensive awareness campaign. The union health minister said people should be sensitised to the need for taking their children for timely treatment to nearby primary health centres (PHCs) before the child gets critical. "Timely identification of the symptoms of hypoglycemia shall hugely contribute to timely and effective treatment. The children should be brought to the PHC as soon as these symptoms are noticed," he said. Encephalitis is a viral infection which causes mild flu-like symptoms such as high fever, convulsions, and headaches. (With inputs from agencies)

Encephalitis toll climbs to 57 in Bihar; Union health minister Harsh Vardhan assures all assistance to state government

A day after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal ruled out implementing Centre's Ayushman Bharat scheme in the state, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan in a letter asked the Delhi CM to be part of Centre's flagship programme for the larger good of Delhi.&nbsp;

"I invite you to work together with us for the larger good of people of Delhi and be a part of Ayushman Bharat," Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan reportedly said in a letter to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

Delhi CM on Friday in his response to Union health minister's request to implement the Centre's flagship Ayushman Bharat programme said that Delhi government's health scheme is "ten times bigger and comprehensive" than the Centre's flagship Ayushman Bharat programme. &nbsp;

Kejriwal said if the AAP government's health scheme is closed and the Ayushman Bharat is implemented in Delhi, it will be a loss for the citizens of the national capital.

The AAP chief's comments come a week after Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain had said that the AAP dispensation would not implement Ayushman Bharat scheme in the city as it seeks to provide equitable treatment to all residents.

Jain had also said if the Centre's Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is so good, why people from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh are "forced" to seek treatment in government hospitals in Delhi. 
His comments came days after Harsh Vardhan wrote to the chief ministers of Delhi, Odisha, Telangana and West Bengal, urging them to join the Centre's flagship health insurance scheme.

In his two-page letter in Hindi to Harsh Vardhan, Kejriwal said despite Ayushman Bharat being in place in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, lakhs of patients from these two states come to Delhi every day to get medical treatment.

Hardly any citizen of Delhi goes to Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to get treatment, which indicates that Delhi's health scheme is functioning well, Kejriwal said.

A day after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal ruled out implementing Centre's Ayushman Bharat scheme in the state, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan in a letter asked the Delhi CM to be part of Centre's flagship programme for the larger good of Delhi.

A day after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal ruled out implementing Centre's Ayushman Bharat scheme in the state, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan in a letter asked the Delhi CM to be part of Centre's flagship programme for the larger good of Delhi. "I invite you to work together with us for the larger good of people of Delhi and be a part of Ayushman Bharat," Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan reportedly said in a letter to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. Delhi CM on Friday in his response to Union health minister's request to implement the Centre's flagship Ayushman Bharat programme said that Delhi government's health scheme is "ten times bigger and comprehensive" than the Centre's flagship Ayushman Bharat programme. Kejriwal said if the AAP government's health scheme is closed and the Ayushman Bharat is implemented in Delhi, it will be a loss for the citizens of the national capital. The AAP chief's comments come a week after Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain had said that the AAP dispensation would not implement Ayushman Bharat scheme in the city as it seeks to provide equitable treatment to all residents. Jain had also said if the Centre's Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is so good, why people from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh are "forced" to seek treatment in government hospitals in Delhi. His comments came days after Harsh Vardhan wrote to the chief ministers of Delhi, Odisha, Telangana and West Bengal, urging them to join the Centre's flagship health insurance scheme. In his two-page letter in Hindi to Harsh Vardhan, Kejriwal said despite Ayushman Bharat being in place in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, lakhs of patients from these two states come to Delhi every day to get medical treatment. Hardly any citizen of Delhi goes to Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to get treatment, which indicates that Delhi's health scheme is functioning well, Kejriwal said.

Harsh Vardhan writes to Kejriwal, asks him to be part of Ayushman Bharat

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/repolling-in-chandragiri-naidu-says-election-commission-decision-unethical-unconstitutional-219249">Election Commission of India</a> ordered on Thursday re-poll at a polling booth in Chandni Chowk parliamentary constituency.

The poll body declared re-poll at polling station no. 32 of Chandni Chowk Assembly Segment after the presiding officer forget to delete the test votes before the actual polling on May 12.

The re-poll will be conducted on Sunday. In Chandni Chowk, sitting BJP MP and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/union-minister-harsh-vardhan-hits-out-at-congress-for-promising-to-repeal-sedition-law-214273">Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan</a> is contesting against four-time Lok Sabha MP and Congress leader Jai Prakash Agarwal and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Pankaj Gupta. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

&nbsp;

The Election Commission of India ordered on Thursday re-poll at a polling booth in Chandni Chowk parliamentary constituency. The poll body declared re-poll at polling station no.

The Election Commission of India ordered on Thursday re-poll at a polling booth in Chandni Chowk parliamentary constituency. The poll body declared re-poll at polling station no. 32 of Chandni Chowk Assembly Segment after the presiding officer forget to delete the test votes before the actual polling on May 12. The re-poll will be conducted on Sunday. In Chandni Chowk, sitting BJP MP and Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan is contesting against four-time Lok Sabha MP and Congress leader Jai Prakash Agarwal and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Pankaj Gupta. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Re-polling in one Chandni Chowk booth on Sunday

Union minister and BJP candidate from Chandni Chowk Harsh Vardhan hit out at the Congress on Sunday for promising to repeal the sedition law and said the people of Delhi would never forgive such a party.

The Union minister of science and technology, who held ''jan sabhas'' and foot marches in the constituency, said Delhi had always been a bastion of nationalist ideologues and their supporters.&nbsp;

"The citizens of Delhi will never ever tolerate an anti-national element and that is why they are all out to strengthen nationalist elements. The voters of Delhi will never forgive the party promising to repeal the sedition law and those who openly sided with the JNU student leaders associated with the 'tukde, tukde' gang," he said.

The incumbent MP said for the BJP, the country and nationalism were its topmost priority, while personal interests were at the bottom.

He accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government headed by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/how-can-full-statehood-be-given-to-kejriwal-with-dubious-character-says-harsh-vardhan-214051">Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in Delhi of sitting over a file</a> that dealt with grant of permission to take the matter to the court of law in respect of the main student leader directly involved in the "tukde-tukde" rhetoric.

"The BJP would never allow such forces to damage the unity and integrity of the country. In case such forces create further trouble, the country will face chaos," the Union minister said.

Vardhan lambasted the Congress for promising to repeal the sedition law in its election manifesto.

"Looks like both the AAP and the Congress are in league on the issue of weakening the country and its unity. Their priority is to safeguard their political interests. These parties will not be able to face the BJP in the current and future elections because Delhiites are fully committed to nationalism," he said.

Vardhan is pitted against the Congress's Jai Prakash Aggarwal and the AAP's Pankaj?Gupta in the Chandni Chowk constituency. Delhi will go to the polls in the sixth phase on May 12.&nbsp;

Union minister and BJP candidate from Chandni Chowk Harsh Vardhan hit out at the Congress on Sunday for promising to repeal the sedition law and said the people of Delhi would never forgive such a party.

Union minister and BJP candidate from Chandni Chowk Harsh Vardhan hit out at the Congress on Sunday for promising to repeal the sedition law and said the people of Delhi would never forgive such a party. The Union minister of science and technology, who held ''jan sabhas'' and foot marches in the constituency, said Delhi had always been a bastion of nationalist ideologues and their supporters. "The citizens of Delhi will never ever tolerate an anti-national element and that is why they are all out to strengthen nationalist elements. The voters of Delhi will never forgive the party promising to repeal the sedition law and those who openly sided with the JNU student leaders associated with the 'tukde, tukde' gang," he said. The incumbent MP said for the BJP, the country and nationalism were its topmost priority, while personal interests were at the bottom. He accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government headed by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in Delhi of sitting over a file that dealt with grant of permission to take the matter to the court of law in respect of the main student leader directly involved in the "tukde-tukde" rhetoric. "The BJP would never allow such forces to damage the unity and integrity of the country. In case such forces create further trouble, the country will face chaos," the Union minister said. Vardhan lambasted the Congress for promising to repeal the sedition law in its election manifesto. "Looks like both the AAP and the Congress are in league on the issue of weakening the country and its unity. Their priority is to safeguard their political interests. These parties will not be able to face the BJP in the current and future elections because Delhiites are fully committed to nationalism," he said. Vardhan is pitted against the Congress's Jai Prakash Aggarwal and the AAP's Pankaj?Gupta in the Chandni Chowk constituency. Delhi will go to the polls in the sixth phase on May 12.

Union minister Harsh Vardhan hits out at Congress for promising to repeal sedition law

Refuting the ruling AAP's demand for full statehood to Delhi, Union minister and BJP's Chandni Chowk candidate Harsh Vardhan wondered whether statehood could be given to a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/bjp-lodges-complaints-with-election-commission-against-delhi-cm-arvind-kejriwal-214025">chief minister like Arvind Kejriwal</a> with "dubious and questionable character".&nbsp;

In an interview to PTI, Vardhan, who is contesting for the second time from Chandni Chowk Lok Sabha seat, asserted that the national capital was suffering due to the AAP government's "negative mentality".&nbsp;

He said the Kejriwal-led government has done nothing for the people, except "wasting time in abusing the Prime Minister".

"Delhi is suffering because of the negative mentality of its government and the chief minister in particular. They have hardly done anything in the last four years. You can see their 70 promises and find there is hardly any promise that has been delivered," the minister said.&nbsp;

"They have not done anything except wasting their time and abusing the Prime Minister day in and day out. What has Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal done? Nothing. This is the same chief minister who felt proud in calling himself an 'anarchist' ahead of the Republic Day parade a couple of years ago.&nbsp;

"Now he (Kejriwal) is shouting about statehood. Do you think statehood can be given to a chief minister who is dubious and is of questionable character?" he said.

The AAP supremo had during a protest on January 20, 2014 in the city called himself an "anarchist". He had raised the demand of bringing Delhi police under the city government.&nbsp;

Vardhan, who holds the portfolios of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Science and Technology and Earth Sciences ministries, also blamed the AAP government for not cooperating in several developmental projects, including the Shahjahanabad redevelopment project.

"I initiated the Shahjahanabad redevelopment project a few months after taking over. The project was also started. Unfortunately, the chief minister (Kejriwal) refused support to the project. I am sure if we have the government in Delhi along with the central government, which we will get&nbsp;next month, we will be able to complete it," he asserted.

The project aims at creation of pedestrian-oriented space in Chandni Chowk, seen as a catalyst for revitalising economic, infrastructure and tourism potential of Shahjahanabad.&nbsp;

Highlighting his achievements in Chandni Chowk in the last five years, Vardhan said he gave people Rani Jhansi flyover which was lying incomplete for 10 years.

"Look at the Rani Jhansi flyover, it was lingering on for almost 10 years. I took up this project and every 15 days, I used to have a meeting and visit the project site. When there was some difficulty, I got Rs 86 crore sanctioned from the government to ensure that the municipal corporation does not run out of money," he said.&nbsp;

"I also delivered the road at Kishanganj. So many schools have been constructed in my constituency and community centres have been built.&nbsp;Over 200 gyms and 700 play apparatuses have been constructed. Several projects were also sanctioned by Union Road and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari," he added.

The four-time MLA from east Delhi's Krishna Nagar assembly constituency also lambasted the AAP for not providing support to municipal corporations of the city.&nbsp;

"Despite the fact that we do not have a government in Delhi, our road and surface transport minister (Nitin Gadkari) got Rs 46,000 crore worth schemes sanctioned for Delhi," Vardhan said.&nbsp;

"Whether it is east and west corridor or eastern and western peripheral expressway, we have given new metro lines and for every scheme, the government of Delhi is being supported.&nbsp;

"On the contrary, despite the massive support the Delhi government receives from the Centre, it does not pass on the same kind of support to the municipal corporations of Delhi (MCDs)," he said.

The senior BJP leader also hit out at the ruling AAP for its handling of 'safai karmachaaris' of the municipal corporations.&nbsp;

"You saw how badly people suffered when there was a strike by the safai karmacharis due to non-payment of salaries. They could not get the pay because money was not given by the government of Delhi. Unfortunately, the rules are such that the Centre cannot directly give money to the corporations and it has to be routed through the state government," he&nbsp;said.

Vardhan exuded confidence of a clean sweep, like the 2014 Lok Sabha poll verdict, in the national capital.&nbsp;

"I am pretty sure that like last time, we will win all seven seats in Delhi and with better margins," he said.&nbsp;

The incumbent MP from Chandni Chowk will be facing AAP's Pankaj Gupta and Congress candidate J P Agarwal.&nbsp;

Delhi will vote on May 12 and the results will be announced on May 23.

Refuting the ruling AAP's demand for full statehood to Delhi, Union minister and BJP's Chandni Chowk candidate Harsh Vardhan wondered whether statehood could be given to a chief minister like Arvind Kejriwal with "dubious and questionable character".

Refuting the ruling AAP's demand for full statehood to Delhi, Union minister and BJP's Chandni Chowk candidate Harsh Vardhan wondered whether statehood could be given to a chief minister like Arvind Kejriwal with "dubious and questionable character". In an interview to PTI, Vardhan, who is contesting for the second time from Chandni Chowk Lok Sabha seat, asserted that the national capital was suffering due to the AAP government's "negative mentality". He said the Kejriwal-led government has done nothing for the people, except "wasting time in abusing the Prime Minister". "Delhi is suffering because of the negative mentality of its government and the chief minister in particular. They have hardly done anything in the last four years. You can see their 70 promises and find there is hardly any promise that has been delivered," the minister said. "They have not done anything except wasting their time and abusing the Prime Minister day in and day out. What has Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal done? Nothing. This is the same chief minister who felt proud in calling himself an 'anarchist' ahead of the Republic Day parade a couple of years ago. "Now he (Kejriwal) is shouting about statehood. Do you think statehood can be given to a chief minister who is dubious and is of questionable character?" he said. The AAP supremo had during a protest on January 20, 2014 in the city called himself an "anarchist". He had raised the demand of bringing Delhi police under the city government. Vardhan, who holds the portfolios of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Science and Technology and Earth Sciences ministries, also blamed the AAP government for not cooperating in several developmental projects, including the Shahjahanabad redevelopment project. "I initiated the Shahjahanabad redevelopment project a few months after taking over. The project was also started. Unfortunately, the chief minister (Kejriwal) refused support to the project. I am sure if we have the government in Delhi along with the central government, which we will get next month, we will be able to complete it," he asserted. The project aims at creation of pedestrian-oriented space in Chandni Chowk, seen as a catalyst for revitalising economic, infrastructure and tourism potential of Shahjahanabad. Highlighting his achievements in Chandni Chowk in the last five years, Vardhan said he gave people Rani Jhansi flyover which was lying incomplete for 10 years. "Look at the Rani Jhansi flyover, it was lingering on for almost 10 years. I took up this project and every 15 days, I used to have a meeting and visit the project site. When there was some difficulty, I got Rs 86 crore sanctioned from the government to ensure that the municipal corporation does not run out of money," he said. "I also delivered the road at Kishanganj. So many schools have been constructed in my constituency and community centres have been built. Over 200 gyms and 700 play apparatuses have been constructed. Several projects were also sanctioned by Union Road and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari," he added. The four-time MLA from east Delhi's Krishna Nagar assembly constituency also lambasted the AAP for not providing support to municipal corporations of the city. "Despite the fact that we do not have a government in Delhi, our road and surface transport minister (Nitin Gadkari) got Rs 46,000 crore worth schemes sanctioned for Delhi," Vardhan said. "Whether it is east and west corridor or eastern and western peripheral expressway, we have given new metro lines and for every scheme, the government of Delhi is being supported. "On the contrary, despite the massive support the Delhi government receives from the Centre, it does not pass on the same kind of support to the municipal corporations of Delhi (MCDs)," he said. The senior BJP leader also hit out at the ruling AAP for its handling of 'safai karmachaaris' of the municipal corporations. "You saw how badly people suffered when there was a strike by the safai karmacharis due to non-payment of salaries. They could not get the pay because money was not given by the government of Delhi. Unfortunately, the rules are such that the Centre cannot directly give money to the corporations and it has to be routed through the state government," he said. Vardhan exuded confidence of a clean sweep, like the 2014 Lok Sabha poll verdict, in the national capital. "I am pretty sure that like last time, we will win all seven seats in Delhi and with better margins," he said. The incumbent MP from Chandni Chowk will be facing AAP's Pankaj Gupta and Congress candidate J P Agarwal. Delhi will vote on May 12 and the results will be announced on May 23.

How can full statehood be given to Kejriwal with 'dubious' character, says Harsh Vardhan 

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bharatiya-janata-party-releases-list-of-candidates-for-delhi-punjab-mp-212380">Union Minister Harsh Vardhan</a>, Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari and sitting party MP Parvesh Verma filed their nomination on Monday for the Chandni Chowk, Northeast Delhi and West Delhi constituencies respectively.

They also organised road shows which saw the participation of Union ministers Nitin Gadkari, Nirmala Sitharaman, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Vijay Goel.&nbsp;

The BJP had announced candidates for four seats in the national capital late on Sunday evening and had retained sitting MPs including Ramesh Bidhuri from South Delhi.

During the road show, Vardhan who filed his nomination for the Chandni Chowk constituency was accompanied by Gadkari and Naqvi while Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman joined the road show organised by Parvesh Verma who is the sitting BJP MP from West Delhi.&nbsp;

During his road show, which culminated at the office of Returning Officer, Northeast, Tiwari was accompanied by Goel.&nbsp;

Haryanvi singer-dancer Sapna Choudhary and rebel AAP MLA Kapil Mishra also accompanied Tiwari.&nbsp;

Union Minister Harsh Vardhan, Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari and sitting party MP Parvesh Verma filed their nomination on Monday for the Chandni Chowk, Northeast Delhi and West Delhi constituencies respectively.

Union Minister Harsh Vardhan, Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari and sitting party MP Parvesh Verma filed their nomination on Monday for the Chandni Chowk, Northeast Delhi and West Delhi constituencies respectively. They also organised road shows which saw the participation of Union ministers Nitin Gadkari, Nirmala Sitharaman, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Vijay Goel. The BJP had announced candidates for four seats in the national capital late on Sunday evening and had retained sitting MPs including Ramesh Bidhuri from South Delhi. During the road show, Vardhan who filed his nomination for the Chandni Chowk constituency was accompanied by Gadkari and Naqvi while Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman joined the road show organised by Parvesh Verma who is the sitting BJP MP from West Delhi. During his road show, which culminated at the office of Returning Officer, Northeast, Tiwari was accompanied by Goel. Haryanvi singer-dancer Sapna Choudhary and rebel AAP MLA Kapil Mishra also accompanied Tiwari.

Lok Sabha polls: Harsh Vardhan, Manoj Tiwari and Parvesh Verma file nominations

India is among the first five countries in the world, the first in Asia and the first among the biodiversity-rich mega diverse nations, to have submitted Sixth National Report (NR6) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Environment Ministry said Saturday.

The report was submitted online to the CBD Secretariat by Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan during the inaugural session of the 13th National Meeting of the State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) organised by the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA).

"While globally, biodiversity is facing increasing pressure on account of habitat fragmentation and destruction, invasive alien species, pollution, climate change and oversuse of resources, India is one of the few countries where forest cover is on the rise, with its forests teeming with wildlife.

"I am also happy to note that India is on track to achieve the biodiversity targets at the national level and it is also contributing significantly towards achievement of the global biodiversity targets," he said.

The submission of national reports is a mandatory obligation on parties to international treaties, including the CBD.&nbsp;

"As a responsible nation, India has never reneged on its international commitments and has earlier submitted on time five national reports to the CBD. The NR6 provides an update of progress in achievement of 12 National Biodiversity Targets (NBT) developed under the convention process in line with the 20 global Aichi biodiversity targets," he added.

The report highlights that while India has exceeded/ overachieved two NBTs, it is on track to achieve eight NBTs and with respect to two remaining NBTs, the country is striving to meet the targets by the stipulated time of 2020.&nbsp;

According to the report, India has exceeded the terrestrial component of 17 per cent of Aichi target 11, and 20 per cent of corresponding NBT relating to areas under biodiversity management.&nbsp;

"India has been investing a huge amount on biodiversity directly or indirectly through several development schemes of the central and state governments, to the tune of Rs 70,000 crores per annum as against the estimated annual requirement of nearly Rs 1,09,000 crore.

"India has nearly two-thirds of the population of wild tigers in the world. Lion population has risen from 177 in 1968 to over 520 in 2015, and elephants from 12,000 in 1970s to 30,000 in 2015," the report said.

India is among the first five countries in the world, the first in Asia and the first among the biodiversity-rich mega diverse nations, to have submitted Sixth National Report (NR6) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Environment Ministry said Saturday.

India is among the first five countries in the world, the first in Asia and the first among the biodiversity-rich mega diverse nations, to have submitted Sixth National Report (NR6) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Environment Ministry said Saturday. The report was submitted online to the CBD Secretariat by Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan during the inaugural session of the 13th National Meeting of the State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) organised by the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA). "While globally, biodiversity is facing increasing pressure on account of habitat fragmentation and destruction, invasive alien species, pollution, climate change and oversuse of resources, India is one of the few countries where forest cover is on the rise, with its forests teeming with wildlife. "I am also happy to note that India is on track to achieve the biodiversity targets at the national level and it is also contributing significantly towards achievement of the global biodiversity targets," he said. The submission of national reports is a mandatory obligation on parties to international treaties, including the CBD. "As a responsible nation, India has never reneged on its international commitments and has earlier submitted on time five national reports to the CBD. The NR6 provides an update of progress in achievement of 12 National Biodiversity Targets (NBT) developed under the convention process in line with the 20 global Aichi biodiversity targets," he added. The report highlights that while India has exceeded/ overachieved two NBTs, it is on track to achieve eight NBTs and with respect to two remaining NBTs, the country is striving to meet the targets by the stipulated time of 2020. According to the report, India has exceeded the terrestrial component of 17 per cent of Aichi target 11, and 20 per cent of corresponding NBT relating to areas under biodiversity management. "India has been investing a huge amount on biodiversity directly or indirectly through several development schemes of the central and state governments, to the tune of Rs 70,000 crores per annum as against the estimated annual requirement of nearly Rs 1,09,000 crore. "India has nearly two-thirds of the population of wild tigers in the world. Lion population has risen from 177 in 1968 to over 520 in 2015, and elephants from 12,000 in 1970s to 30,000 in 2015," the report said.

India among first five nations to submit Sixth National Report: Environment Ministry

A five-storey building collapsed in northwest Delhi on Wednesday killing at least six people including four children and two women.

According to reports, the incident occurred weeks after 20-year-old "weak" structure was inspected by a municipal team following the complaints.

Union Minister Harsh Vardhan conveyed his condolence to the deceased as he visited the site.

"It is indeed painful that they lost their lives in the most tragic manner. I have conveyed my deep condolences to the families of the dead and shared their grief", he said.

The minister also said that the search-and-rescue operation was complete and some of the injured have been taken to GB Pant Hospital.

Meanwhile, police have registered a case under IPC Section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), punishable with a maximum jail term of 10 years, against the owner Dharmender, who had rented out the building in Ashok Vihar.

According to a report by news agency PTI, a complaint was lodged about the building being dangerous on August 16, 2017, and a team of civic body had inspected the building around 20 days ago.

Two teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were mobilised for rescue operations.

 
&nbsp;

A five-storey building collapsed in northwest Delhi on Wednesday killing at least six people including four children and two women. According to reports, the incident occurred weeks after 20-year-old "weak" structure was inspected by a municipal team following the complaints.

A five-storey building collapsed in northwest Delhi on Wednesday killing at least six people including four children and two women. According to reports, the incident occurred weeks after 20-year-old "weak" structure was inspected by a municipal team following the complaints. Union Minister Harsh Vardhan conveyed his condolence to the deceased as he visited the site. "It is indeed painful that they lost their lives in the most tragic manner. I have conveyed my deep condolences to the families of the dead and shared their grief", he said. The minister also said that the search-and-rescue operation was complete and some of the injured have been taken to GB Pant Hospital. Meanwhile, police have registered a case under IPC Section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), punishable with a maximum jail term of 10 years, against the owner Dharmender, who had rented out the building in Ashok Vihar. According to a report by news agency PTI, a complaint was lodged about the building being dangerous on August 16, 2017, and a team of civic body had inspected the building around 20 days ago. Two teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were mobilised for rescue operations.

Four children, two women killed in building collapse in northwest Delhi

The Environment and Forest ministry today roped in the National Geographic group to raise awareness over the single-use plastic and its harmful effects on the environment.

As part of the partnership, Environment minister Harsh Vardhan unveiled the first ever plastic free edition of the magazine, said a statement from the prominent environment based channel and magazine.&nbsp;

"National Geographic and the Ministry of Environment joined forces to support each other's initiatives aimed at addressing the perils of single-use plastic," it said.

In a country where more than 40 per cent of plastic waste remains uncollected, it is critical to understand just how severe the continued use of single-use plastic could become for the sustainability of the ecosystem," said Swati Mohan, Business Head, National Geographic and Fox Networks Group India.

As part of the partnership, Environment minister Harsh Vardhan unveiled the first ever plastic free edition of the magazine

The Environment and Forest ministry today roped in the National Geographic group to raise awareness over the single-use plastic and its harmful effects on the environment. As part of the partnership, Environment minister Harsh Vardhan unveiled the first ever plastic free edition of the magazine, said a statement from the prominent environment based channel and magazine. "National Geographic and the Ministry of Environment joined forces to support each other's initiatives aimed at addressing the perils of single-use plastic," it said. In a country where more than 40 per cent of plastic waste remains uncollected, it is critical to understand just how severe the continued use of single-use plastic could become for the sustainability of the ecosystem," said Swati Mohan, Business Head, National Geographic and Fox Networks Group India.

World Environment Day:  Environment ministry partners with Nat Geo to create awareness over single-use plastic

Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan has claimed that the high level of dangerous pollution surrounding Delhi is no cause for alarm.&nbsp;

According to reports, Vardhan has said that with just &#39;routine precautions&#39; the situation can get under control and there is no such <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/watch-pollution-hits-dangerous-level-doctors-declare-health-emergency-6544">&#39;emergency&#39; which doctors have declared</a>.&nbsp;

He has further gone on and justified that the &#39;Bhopal gas tragedy&#39; was, in actuality, an emergency and the situation right now is nothing close.&nbsp;

Bhopal Gas tragedy, the world&#39;s worst industrial disaster took the lives of 25,000 people in 1984.&nbsp;

He said in an interview with the media that &nbsp;&#39;the Bhopal situation was a real crisis, where you have to panic and see what to do&#39;&nbsp;

&quot;I&#39;m not saying we shouldn&#39;t do anything about it, everyone has to respond to what he is supposed to do. But there is no need to spread panic among the people,&quot; Vardhan told the media.&nbsp;

People took to Twitter in rage and expressed their thoughts.&nbsp;

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Science &amp; environment minister Harsh Vardhan says don&#39;t spread panic on foul air, it&#39;s not like Bhopal gas leak, so no emergency. Take routine precautions. Yes sir, when your house develops cracks and begins to shake, be calm. Remember, it&#39;s not an earthquake
&mdash; Subhendu Mukherjee (@subhendujee) <a href="https://twitter.com/subhendujee/status/930621985641529344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2017</a></blockquote>
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No death certificate has the cause of death as pollution. No need to spread panic. Benchmark for an emergency is the Bhopal gas tragedy. And ladies and gentleman, this statement comes from Dr Harsh Vardhan, who was a former Health Minister. Slow Claps ??
&mdash; Aayush Sharma (ANI) (@AayushPrime) <a href="https://twitter.com/AayushPrime/status/930500942960648192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2017</a></blockquote>
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In Delhi on Tuesday, levels of PM2.5 - the tiny harmful particulates which can cause health issues were around 400 according to the US embassy website, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/delhi-choking-government-calls-emergency-meeting-over-alarming-pollution-levels-8400">deep in the &quot;hazardous&quot; level.</a>

Delhi is said to be the world&#39;s most polluted capital according to the WHO, exceeding pollution levels in Beijing.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

According to reports, Vardhan has said that with just 'routine precautions' the situation can get under control and there is no such 'emergency' which doctors have declared.?

Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan has claimed that the high level of dangerous pollution surrounding Delhi is no cause for alarm. According to reports, Vardhan has said that with just 'routine precautions' the situation can get under control and there is no such 'emergency' which doctors have declared. He has further gone on and justified that the 'Bhopal gas tragedy' was, in actuality, an emergency and the situation right now is nothing close. Bhopal Gas tragedy, the world's worst industrial disaster took the lives of 25,000 people in 1984. He said in an interview with the media that 'the Bhopal situation was a real crisis, where you have to panic and see what to do' "I'm not saying we shouldn't do anything about it, everyone has to respond to what he is supposed to do. But there is no need to spread panic among the people," Vardhan told the media. People took to Twitter in rage and expressed their thoughts. Science & environment minister Harsh Vardhan says don't spread panic on foul air, it's not like Bhopal gas leak, so no emergency. Take routine precautions. Yes sir, when your house develops cracks and begins to shake, be calm. Remember, it's not an earthquake — Subhendu Mukherjee (@subhendujee) November 15, 2017 × No death certificate has the cause of death as pollution. No need to spread panic. Benchmark for an emergency is the Bhopal gas tragedy. And ladies and gentleman, this statement comes from Dr Harsh Vardhan, who was a former Health Minister. Slow Claps ?? — Aayush Sharma (ANI) (@AayushPrime) November 14, 2017 × In Delhi on Tuesday, levels of PM2.5 - the tiny harmful particulates which can cause health issues were around 400 according to the US embassy website, deep in the "hazardous" level. Delhi is said to be the world's most polluted capital according to the WHO, exceeding pollution levels in Beijing.

'No need to panic, it's not Bhopal gas tragedy', says Harsh Vardhan on Delhi pollution

As air pollution surged to severe levels in Delhi, Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan on Tuesday&nbsp;asked state governments in the national capital region to take steps to mitigate it and effectively implement the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

Vardhan, who is currently in Germany to attend a crucial climate change conference, said several meetings with all the state governments including Delhi have been held and measures required to deal with the issue have been agreed upon and reviewed regularly.

The NCR includes the whole of Delhi and certain districts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, covering an area of about 53,817 sq kms.

&quot;(The minister) has requested all the state governments in the NCR region to take effective steps for mitigating the levels of air pollution and bring them to acceptable levels.

&quot;He has also requested for the effective implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan, as well as other steps identified in various meetings held by the central government with the state governments to improve the situation,&quot; an official statement quoting him said.

&quot;Every possible step required to tackle the situation has been already identified and the need of the hour was to put them into action at ground level, which will yield significant results,&quot; the statement quoting him said.

The minister also requested the governments of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to implement the ban related to stubble burning.

&quot;The current high levels of smog in some areas are the result of adverse meteorological conditions,&quot; he said.

He has also requested the Supreme Court-mandated Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) to effectively implement the identified steps in a practical manner so that visible improvement is seen on the ground.

A combination of smoke from stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana and moisture turned Delhi into a &quot;gas chamber&quot; today, prompting authorities to announce a series of preventive measures including a four-fold hike in parking fees and slashing of metro fares.

The smog brought down visibility levels, affecting flight and train operations. The heavy air permeated living rooms and even the underground metro stations in the city making it difficult to breathe, turning eyes watery.

The air quality index was in the &#39;severe&#39; category, with a score of 448 on a scale of 500, for the second time this year.

In pursuance of the Supreme Court order dated December 2, 2016 regarding air quality in the NCR, the Graded Response Action Plan was prepared for implementation under different Air Quality Index (AQI) categories namely -- Moderate and Poor, Very Poor and Severe, as per the National Air Quality Index.

The NCR includes the whole of Delhi and certain districts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, covering an area of about 53,817 sq kms.

As air pollution surged to severe levels in Delhi, Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan on Tuesday asked state governments in the national capital region to take steps to mitigate it and effectively implement the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Vardhan, who is currently in Germany to attend a crucial climate change conference, said several meetings with all the state governments including Delhi have been held and measures required to deal with the issue have been agreed upon and reviewed regularly. The NCR includes the whole of Delhi and certain districts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, covering an area of about 53,817 sq kms. "(The minister) has requested all the state governments in the NCR region to take effective steps for mitigating the levels of air pollution and bring them to acceptable levels. "He has also requested for the effective implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan, as well as other steps identified in various meetings held by the central government with the state governments to improve the situation," an official statement quoting him said. "Every possible step required to tackle the situation has been already identified and the need of the hour was to put them into action at ground level, which will yield significant results," the statement quoting him said. The minister also requested the governments of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to implement the ban related to stubble burning. "The current high levels of smog in some areas are the result of adverse meteorological conditions," he said. He has also requested the Supreme Court-mandated Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) to effectively implement the identified steps in a practical manner so that visible improvement is seen on the ground. A combination of smoke from stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana and moisture turned Delhi into a "gas chamber" today, prompting authorities to announce a series of preventive measures including a four-fold hike in parking fees and slashing of metro fares. The smog brought down visibility levels, affecting flight and train operations. The heavy air permeated living rooms and even the underground metro stations in the city making it difficult to breathe, turning eyes watery. The air quality index was in the 'severe' category, with a score of 448 on a scale of 500, for the second time this year. In pursuance of the Supreme Court order dated December 2, 2016 regarding air quality in the NCR, the Graded Response Action Plan was prepared for implementation under different Air Quality Index (AQI) categories namely -- Moderate and Poor, Very Poor and Severe, as per the National Air Quality Index.

Take effective steps to mitigate air pollution: Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan

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