Delhi's new landmark

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India's first green office building using solar power comes up in Delhi

Vishwa Mohan,TNN | Feb 25, 2014, 09.04PM IST 

NEW DELHI: Stepping in to join a global trend of adopting green technology for running office premises through harnessing renewable source of energy, the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday dedicated India's first 'zero net energy' building to the nation.

With an installed capacity of 930kw peak power, the building - called Indira Paryavaran Bhawan -- has the largest roof top solar system among multi storied buildings in India.

Located here on Jorbagh Road, the building has provision to accommodate about 600 officials of the ministry of environment and forests. It was constructed at the cost of Rs 209 crore.

The zero-net energy building - also called Net Zero Building - is a structure with zero net energy consumption where the total amount of energy used in the premises on an annual basis is more or less equal to the amount of renewable energy created on the site.

Many countries in Europe have been using green technology to cut their 'carbon foot-prints' for the sake of cleaner environment.

The solar system at the roof-top of the Indira Paryavaran Bhawan has been generating power since November last year. The electricity, generated there, is being fed to the local grid of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC). The building is designed in such a way that 75% of natural daylight is utilised to reduce energy consumption.

"Total energy savings of about 40% has been achieved by adoption of energy efficient 'Chilled Beam' system of Air Conditioning. This is an innovative air conditioning system, where air conditioning is done by convection currents rather than air flow through diffusers and chilled water is circulated right up to the diffuser points unlike the conventional systems", said an official statement.

The building has an earthquake resistant structure with a total plinth area of 31,488sqm. The building covers only 30% of the plot area.

More than 50% area, outside the building, is a soft area with plantation and grassing. Even circulation roads and pathways are a soft area to enable ground water recharge.

Will El Niño conditions hit India this summer?

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Govt to come up with contingency plan to tackle possible El Nino effect

Vishwa Mohan,TNN | Feb 25, 2014, 04.38AM IST 

El Nino, which refers to the warming of the central and east Pacific and cooling of the West, occurs every four to 12 years.

NEW DELHI: Amid grim prediction that El Nino conditions may possibly impact Monsoon this year, triggering drought in parts of India, the government plans to ask agricultural institutions, farm scientists, water resource managers and policy makers to come out with a contingency plan to tackle below-normal rain situation during June-August.

Government's precautionary approach for the next season will be articulated by the Union agriculture minister Sharad Pawar during a two-day national conference on 'Kharif Campaign 2014', beginning here on February 26.

Though India is set to report record food-grain production with an estimate of 263 million tonnes during 2013-14 and there is adequate buffer stock to continue government's food security scheme, the recent prediction on El Nino has put the policy makers on the edge.

El Nino, which refers to the warming of the central and east Pacific and cooling of the West, occurs every four to 12 years. It had last hit India's Monsoon in 2009, leading to the worst drought in the country in nearly four decades.

The Australia's Bureau of Meteorology, the US Climate Prediction Center and other global weather institutions have already predicted possibility of less rain in India during Monsoon this year due to El Nino effect.

Although the intensity of the El Nino condition is still being debated among scientists, the policy makers can certainly not take a chance.

"El Nino conditions may or may not hit India. But, government institutions and policy makers cannot afford to ignore the prediction," said Pramod K Aggarwal, senior scientist, engaged with research programme on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS).

He said though India had enough food-grain stock to meet any drought situation, there was a need to take precautionary measures to protect the vulnerable farmers. Extending effective insurance cover, timely availability of weather information and proper distribution of water, seeds and other ingredients are some of the measures which will help the country in adverse situation, he said.

The Conference, which is to chalk out strategies for the coming season in the backdrop of the recent prediction, will take stock of the water reservoir position and preparedness for timely distribution of seeds and fertilizers and other inputs during the coming Kharif season.

Overall strategy for enhancing crop production, adoption of improved technologies for use of water and fertilizers and issues relating to marketing of pulses, oilseeds and coarse cereals will also be discussed during the two-day meet.

"States will be advised to promote scientific use of water, nutrients and pesticides. The progress of monsoon will be closely monitored and immediate action as per the contingency plan will be made operational in advance," said an official...................http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=Q0FQLzIwMTQvMDIvMjUjQXIwMTUwMA==&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom 

Eco-Sensitive Zones in Sikkim

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Mining, quarrying banned near Sikkim wildlife sanctuary

Vishwa Mohan,TNN | Feb 23, 2014, 02.42AM IST 

NEW DELHI: Human activities including mining, quarrying or setting up new 'major' hydro-electric projects will not be allowed around areas up to 200 meters from the Khangchendzonga National Park and four wildlife sanctuaries in Sikkim from April.

Union environment ministry has notified these areas as 'eco-sensitive zone' in order to create some kind of "shock absorber" around the identified stretch to protect environment and wildlife.

Besides the lone national park of Sikkim, the other four wildlife sanctuaries which are to be covered under the order include Fambonglho (west of Gangtok), Kyongnosla Alpine and Pangolakha (east district) and Shingba Rhododendron (north district).

The ban order will, however, not affect the ongoing agriculture and horticulture practices, organic farming and cottage industries including village artisans in those identified zones.

The extent of eco-sensitive zone, under the notification, varies from 25 meters to 200 meters from the existing boundary of the national park and sanctuaries, depending on topography of the region and its proximity to international boundaries of Nepal and China.

Issuing the notification on Friday, the ministry of environment and forest sought public opinion on this move within 60 days so that the ministry can look into suggestions and complaints, if any, relating to extent of the eco-sensitive zone during the period. The proposed ban under the order will come into force after expiry of the 60-day deadline.

It is expected that the notification may draw ire of environmentalists who have been demanding earmarking of the 'eco-sensitive zone' up to 10 kilometers from the protected areas under Supreme Court order on perimeter of such stretch.

The apex court's order, however, empowers the state and central government to notify the perimeter of the zone based on scientific assessment, taking into account local factors including livelihood issues of local population.

Though the ministry's order will ban construction of new major hydropower projects and expansion of the big existing projects in the eco-sensitive zones, it will not affect 'micro' hydel power projects (up to 100kw) or 'mini' hydel projects (from 101 to 2000kw) which would serve the energy needs of the local communities in Sikkim.

The notification, however, emphasized that such micro or mini hydel projects would be allowed "subject to consent of the concerned Gram Sabha (village committee) and all other requisite (environmental, forest and other) clearances".

Sikkim has total eight protected areas including one national park and seven wildlife sanctuaries, covering 2,183 sq km area of the state.................http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=VE9JS00vMjAxNC8wMi8yMyNBcjAxNDAx&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom

India Show in Pakistan ..... Indian products make buzz in Lahore

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AND

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NDMA issue to be sorted soon, says Pak commerce minister

Vishwa Mohan,TNN | Feb 15, 2014, 05.05AM IST 

LAHORE: Pakistan's commerce minister Khurram Dastgir Khan on Friday expressed confidence that the issue of granting non-discriminatory market access (NDMA)- a euphemism for MFN status- to India would be resolved soon. He said it was not anti-India sentiment, but the people's collective wisdom and desire to give peace a chance that brought Nawaz Sharif back in power in 2013.

Khan sought liberalization of the visa regime to take the sentiments forward and enable people from both sides to explore various aspects of the relationship. "The truth is that visa restrictions are the biggest non-tariff barriers. People and businessmen are not able to travel to each others countries. That is the great barrier to trade."

"Trade cannot happen in vacuum...trade cannot solve all the problems... The fact is that the composite dialogue is suspended as of today instead of the two foreign ministers calling each other their valentine," said the minister as he invoked the Valentine's Day spirit on the sidelines of the 'India Show' - an event to showcase Indian products.

Speaking of the potential of the bilateral trade to nudge the peace process forward, Dastgir rued that efforts of commerce ministries from the both the sides could not get the desired results due to differences in other spheres.

"What we are really hoping is that the trade dialogue can go forward in an atmosphere in which our larger dialogue is resumed and we are able to discuss these issues. There are no preconditions on trade talks," he said.

Asked about granting NDMA to India, he said, "I have great confidence. We will be able to resolve it soon." He didn't give any timeline.

India's commerce minister Anand Sharma, who was scheduled to be present at the inauguration of 'India Show', cancelled his visit at the last moment as Pakistan had not responded to New Delhi's letter on expeditious implementation of three issues- allowing trade of all goods through Wagah-Attari border, dismantling of the negative list of 1,209 items and bringing down the sensitive list of items to 100 under the South Asia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) over a period of five years.

At present, only 137 items can be traded through Attari- Wagah land border. Pakistan had already missed the deadline to eliminate the negative list. Dismantling of the list would automatically lead to grant of NDMA to India, though India for long has insisted on Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status as a reciprocal measure.

Asked about Pakistan's non-response, Dastgir said, "We are going after a much larger aim ... We are working on it and we are hoping to make good progress in the coming days".

The India Show is being organised by FICCI in partnership with the India's ministry of commerce and industry. The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and Trade Development Authority of India (TDAP) are supporting the event which is aimed at showcasing the "best of India in the 21st century".

"A vibrant commercial cooperation will result in prosperity and wealth of our nations. It is heartening that both India and Pakistan are moving towards that enhanced regional cooperation," said Jyotsna Suri, senior vice president of FICCI.......................http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=Q0FQLzIwMTQvMDIvMTUjQXIwMjIwMA==&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom

Government makes Shah Commission inquiry report on Odisha illegal mining scam public

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Odisha mining scam: Centre mum, state keeps CBI away

Vishwa Mohan,TNN | Feb 11, 2014, 04.56AM IST 

The Centre's stand came out as part of its action taken report (ATR) on the commission's report, tabled in Parliament on Monday. 

NEW DELHI: Going against the recommendations of the Shah Commission which looked into the Rs 60,000 crore illegal mining scam in Odisha, the Centre kept quiet on the need for a CBI probe while the state said there was no need for an investigation by the central agency, arguing that local police was already probing it and chargesheets would be filed within a month.

The Centre's stand came out as part of its action taken report (ATR) on the commission's report, tabled in Parliament on Monday.

The report also listed what the state government had been doing to take action against illegal miners and to recover over Rs 59,200 crore from mining companies as suggested by Justice (retired) M B Shah in his findings.

The commission, in its report, named companies like Tata Steel, SAIL, JSPL and Aditya Birla Group, accusing them of being allegedly involved in unlawfully mining minerals worth around Rs 60,000 crore during 2008-2011. Names of the companies figure in the list, showing year-wise iron and manganese ore produced illegally or without lawful authority and without having environment clearance (EC). It includes production beyond the cap fixed in the EC.

Since the state has already denied handing over the probe to the CBI, it's now up to the Supreme Court - which is hearing a related matter -- to take a call. If the court decides in favour of handing over the probe to CBI, the state will have no option but to transfer the case. The petition seeking CBI inquiry into the Odisha mining scam is listed for March 3.

It is learnt that the Centre kept mum over handing over the probe to CBI, taking in view the existing rules which only allow the state to transfer the probe to the central agency. Alternatively, the probe can be handed over to the CBI on court order.

Recommending CBI probe, the commission said since there was involvement of mighty lesses, big traders of state and outside state, political entities and officers at higher rank, it would not be possible by state police to find the facts and realities and there would be no justice done for quantum of illegalities took place.

Stating that most of most of the mining activities in the mineral-rich state were carried out in disregard to rules, regulations and environmental norms, the first of the commission's report said, "Value of the unlawful extraction of iron and manganese ore comes to Rs 59,200 crore.... Let the state government recover the said amount, by finalising the proceedings on the basis of the notices as early as possible".

Disagreeing with commission's observation that there was a collapse of the state machinery during 2008-11, Odisha government said: "The investigations are more or less complete.... chargesheet will be filed within the next month....Some accused are absconding... There appears to be no need to hand over investigation of these cases to any other agency."

Denying charges of involvement of political persons in illegal mining, the state said that since no specific complaint against any political leaders was received, cases had not been registered against them.

On the commission's suggestion that iron ore exports should be banned, the Centre in its reply said it was not in favour of "blanket ban" on export of iron and manganese ore as it has the national interest in mind. The Odisha government, on the other hand, said that it has decided to cap production in some areas of the state in order to reduce impact of large scale mining on environment...................http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=Q0FQLzIwMTQvMDIvMTEjQXIwMTMwMA==&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom 

COP20 ..... How will you contribute to fight climate change? .... go to Lima with an answer if you want to make Paris (COP21) a success in 2015

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Nations will face big political question in Lima over climate change

Vishwa Mohan,TNN | Feb 8, 2014, 11.29PM IST 

NEW DELHI: President of the Warsaw climate conference (COP19) and Poland's secretary of state, Marcin Korolec, has said the "nature of contributions" from countries to deal with menace of global warming would be the "main political questions" in Peruvian capital Lima where leaders/negotiators from across the globe assemble for the next marathon meeting in December.

In first and only interview to Indian media over outcome of the last climate conference (COP19), Korolec told the TOI that the road to Paris for universal climate deal in 2015 may not be easy, but the Warsaw round made the global community confident about the process of negotiations which will certainly lead the nations to a final decision.

Korolec, who visited India to participate in the TERI's 14th Delhi Sustainable Development Summit (DSDS), also emphasized that the rich nations would not be able to dilute the differentiation between developed and developing countries and they will have to contribute to deal with the challenges of climate change under the principle of 'common but differentiated responsibilities' (CBDR) - which puts onus of corrective measures primarily on developed countries.

Elaborating on the CBDR, he said, "I think, we have to go back to the Durban meeting where we had decided that we as a community will negotiate a global agreement applicable to all and the finish of those negotiations should take place in 2015 "In the Durban language, there is also a statement that this new agreement applicable to all should be negotiated under the convention. It means that the principles linked to the convention and also with the principle of CBDR and respective capabilities" He said, "I think the outcome of Warsaw (November, 2013) is very positive in that sense because it says all countries will start preparing for contributions. Those contributions will obviously be determined by the countries presenting it. So in that sense, the principle of CBDR is possible to be realized". On the question as to who will decide those contributions from developing countries, the Polish secretary of state and his country's plenipotentiary for climate policy said, "The nature of contribution is another story. We have to discuss this in Lima. It will, in fact, for the individual country to define it. I think that will be the main political question for the Lima meeting". On the fate of the Green Climate Fund, Korolec said, "The GCF will be the cornerstone of the climate finance in the future. The real operationalisation of the fund will take place soon. I hope, there will be a full-fledged functioning fund by the end of the year". He was nominated to the Board of the Fund in December last year.

Excerpts of the interview: 

Q. What you think is the outcome of the Warsaw climate conference (COP19) which held under Polish presidency in November last year? 

A. I think we managed to achieve all goals of Polish presidency during Warsaw conference. We managed to arrive at four different technical decisions including the very difficult one like road map for the new agreement which will happen in Paris in 2015. It also includes finance climate constitution, package for decision on REDD plus on forestation, decision to set up institutional mechanism on 'Loss and Damage' and number of other very technical decisions. This is one part of achievement of COP19. But, we had also another objective which has great importance for the process. One of the main objectives of the Polish Presidency during Warsaw conference was to show confidence in the process. In the last four five years, every conferences ended with some dramatic situation. We saw it in Doha, we saw it in Durban, Cancun and Copenhagen. So if we have to go to Paris for final agreement, we should have confidence in this process. That's why we were so focused on the transparency, trust building and other activities of the Presidency to restore the confidence in the process. And, we managed that to a limit.

Q. How will the process help negotiators in future climate conferences?

A. We invented the concept of troika from our European Union experience...troika presidency. So in every meeting, Peru and France were invited to the presidency to show them what kind of challenges and what kind of difficulties the presidency has to face to let them learn from our conference and to have an additional channel of communication with the members in the room. There were 194 countries. Those channels of the communication were extremely important. So, we managed to achieve the outcome of the COP19. This is also a great achievement of the Warsaw conference. We show that this process may be transparent, may be inclusive and this is not necessarily contradictory to the outcome of the meeting and that was one of the goal before the meeting. I am proud that we managed to achieve this.

Q. What was the most difficult situation during the negotiation? 

A. Obviously, the final negotiation was most dramatic...that was after two weeks and that was also after sleepless night and we were extremely tired due to the whole process. It appeared at one stage that the negotiation was heading for a very fragile end. So, the very end was the challenging point of those negotiations. We had to finish it on Friday afternoon but we could finish it on Saturday. We negotiated whole night. So, I think that night was difficult and also the very end of the final two hours was most difficult

Q. What is the status of the Green Climate Fund (GCF)? Will it be a reality before Lima meeting?

A. Green Climate Fund is an institution which is extremely important. That will be the cornerstone of the climate finance in future. I think, everybody is admitting that. I personally took initiative to be a part of the Board of the GCF. I was elected as president of the committee of audit and evaluation. I truly believe that this fund will play a very important role in future. Capitalization of the fund and the real operationalisation of the fund will take place soon. I hope, it will be a full-fledged functioning fund by the end of the year.

Q. It is commonly believed that the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR) between the developed and developing countries has been further diluted at Warsaw. All countries, including the poor ones, will now have to submit nationally determined contributions to tackle climate change. But there is no mention that the contributions will be based on CBDR or equity?

A. I think we have to go back to the Durban meeting where we decided that we as a community will negotiate a global agreement applicable to all and the finish of those negotiations should take place in 2015. But in the Durban language, there is also a statement that this new agreement applicable to all should be negotiated under the convention. It means that the principles linked to the convention and also with the principle of CBDR and respective capabilities. So, the challenge we are facing as a global community is how to design a global agreement applicable to all but this different participation in it coming from different countries and I think the outcome of Warsaw is very positive in that sense because it says all countries will start preparing contributions. So, all members will start preparing contributions.

Those contributions, from the obvious point of view, will be determined by the countries presenting it. So in that sense, the principles of CBDR is possible to be realized.

Q. Who will decide those contributions from developing countries? What will be the nature of those contributions?

A. It is not a principle which excludes developing countries. The nature of contribution is, however, another story. We have to discuss this in Lima. It will, in fact, for the individual country to define it. I think that will be the main political question for the Lima meeting.

Q. Are you confident that the global community will arrive at the final climate deal in Paris in 2015?

A. I think we cannot lose the opportunity. We cannot lose the slot we have in the coming two years for hard negotiations. In meeting in Lima this December and meeting in Paris next year, we will push and invite parties to do utmost possible to achieve this very challenging but important goal.

Q. Polish government had decided to drop you as the country's environment minister during the Warsaw conference while you were heading the COP19? What is your take on this unusual decision?

A. It was the decision of the Polish government to make some changes in the government. The big change had happened. Seven ministers had left the government. You have to remember that I was in a privileged situation in a sense that the Prime Minister had offered the post of the environment minister to Maciej Grabowski but he invited me also to be as a secretary of state and as government's plenipotentiary for climate negotiations. So, in fact I have today more time to dedicate on climate negotiations. I think, from that point of view, the challenges linked to the presidency of COP, challenges linked to internal EU discussions about our preparation for the COP in Lima and in Paris, I am now completely focusing on it. In that sense, the Prime Minister gave me more time to work and focus on the global climate negotiation.

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PM pitches for GM crops ..... brings smile on the face of agriculture scientists

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PM indicates change in Centre’s stand on GM crops

Vishwa Mohan,TNN | Feb 4, 2014, 01.23AM IST 

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh delivering the inaugural speech at the 101st Indian Science Congress (ISC) in Jammu. 

NEW DELHI: In a remark which may cheer agriculture scientists and farmers across the country and signal a change in stance, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday said the government should not succumb to "unscientific prejudices" against genetically modified (GM) crops.

Responding to anti-GM activists who have been opposed to even scientific field trials of genetically engineered crops, Singh said his government remained committed "to promoting the use of these new technologies for agricultural development".

His remark, while delivering the inaugural speech at the 101st Indian Science Congress (ISC) in Jammu where he announced a number of R&D projects with an outlay of around Rs 9,000 crore, may bring a sense of relief to scientists who have developed many transgenic seeds over the years but could not go for field trial due to moratorium on such activities.

The PM, however, insisted on adhering to the safety aspect of transgenic crops before releasing it for cultivation.

"While safety must be ensured, we should not succumb to unscientific prejudices against Bt crops. Our government remains committed to promoting the use of these new technologies for agricultural development," Singh said.

He, at the same time, urged the scientific community to increase communication and engagement with society in explaining socially productive applications of technology alternatives and for improving the productivity of small and medium enterprises.

The statement also showed possible change in the stand of Centre towards GM crops. The ministry of environment and forests (MoEF) has already indicated that the government is not averse to the idea of allowing field trial of transgenic food crops in the country.

Concurring with the view of agriculture ministry, the MoEF may file a joint affidavit in Supreme Court which could go in favour of scientists who argued that the safety aspect of GM crops could not be known unless they are allowed to go for scientific field trials. They also, time and again, argued the importance of transgenic food crops for increasing agriculture productivity in the country to achieve larger goal of food security.

In the backdrop of such concerns and debate over the use of GM food crops in the country, the PM emphasized use of bio-technology in promoting climate-resilient agriculture. He said, "Use of bio-technology has great potential to improve yields."

At present, India allows commercial production of Bt Cotton while there has been moratorium on scientific field trials of other genetically modified crops. The matter concerning decision to allow field trials for GM food crops has been pending in the Supreme Court.

The PM also announced various measures which his government intends to take to improve scientific research. It includes National Mission on High Performance Computing with an outlay of Rs 4,500 crore, a National Geographical Information System with an estimate of Rs 3,000 crore and a National Mission on Teaching to enhance the esteem of teachers.......................http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=VE9JUFUvMjAxNC8wMi8wNCNBcjAwNzAw&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom 

Message to 'babus' who dare to challenge the wrongdoings .... system has enough provisions to protect honest officers

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Centre takes path-breaking decision to protect whistleblower

Vishwa Mohan,TNN | Feb 1, 2014, 04.42PM IST 

The decision will help the officers to work without fear of being downgraded in their 'Performance Appraisal Reports' (PARs) if they act honestly and diligently while performing their official duties.

NEW DELHI: After insulating officers of three premier All India Services -- IAS, IPS and IFoS -- from political interferences in the matter of transfers, the Centre has now come out with a path-breaking decision to protect the interest of whistleblowers who had to face adverse remarks or lesser grade in their 'annual performance appraisal' report just for taking on high and mighty in the system on corruption issues.

Such officers can now get redressal of their grievances by approaching the respective cadre-controlling authorities which are well within their rights to correct the anomalies by upgrading the upright 'babus' through changes in their 'Performance Appraisal Reports' -- a key for future promotion and central deputation.

The decision will help the officers to work without fear of being downgraded in their 'Performance Appraisal Reports' (PARs) if they act honestly and diligently while performing their official duties.

Such decision came in the form of an order on Friday which upgraded the PARs of the Haryana whistleblower Sanjeev Chaturvedi -- Indian Forest Service (IFoS) officer of 2002 batch -- who had to face the wrath of his superiors for blowing the lid off many forest scams in the B S Hooda-led Congress government. Chaturvedi is currently posted as deputy secretary and chief vigilance officer in AIIMS, New Delhi.

Union environment and forest ministry - which is the cadre controlling authority of all IFoS officers - on Friday upgraded Chaturvedi's PARs from 'zero' to 'outstanding' taking into account the 'objective' analysis of his year-wise performance while he was posted in Haryana.

Unlike the earlier system of 'Annual Confidential Reports' (ACRs) which used to be a perception-based 'subjective' method of analysing the performance of babus, the PARs take into account the targets archived by officers in a particular year. Though the system was introduced by the UPA-I government in 2007, it lacked the clarity till Chaturvedi dared to approach the President of India through his official representation and got the negative remarks finally "expunged" through the order on Friday.

This move of central government, which went against the state's decision, is expected to send a clear message to officers of the elite All India Services that the system can protect them if they continue to be upright and performing members of the bureaucracy.

Chaturvedi had to face those adverse remarks and 'zero' grading in his PARs during two consecutive years before he was brought in here on central deputation as the Haryana government did not like his ways of highlighting the forest scams in the state.

The order pertains to his PARs' up-gradation is the second such move by the Centre within the last four days which will protect such officers from the threats of their political masters who generally use ACRs/PARs and transfers as tools to force them to toe their lines.

Earlier on Tuesday, the government came out with an order allowing officers of the three premier services to spend a minimum of two years at each posting. The order made it clear that any exception in the form of transfers or new appointments would only be done upon the recommendation of a civil services board.

The Centre stood by Chaturvedi on earlier occasions as well. It had in October last year quashed the Haryana government's departmental charge-sheet against him. The state government had charge-sheeted Chaturvedi and wanted his termination from service on the basis of fabricated charges against him.

The ministry of environment and forest (MoEF) had, however, intervened and finally got the charge-sheet against him quashed by ignoring wish of the Hooda government -- a stand which may also go in favour of another upright officer Ashok Khemka who has more or less been facing similar kind of harassment from the state for bringing in public domain many issues relating to corruption in land deals.

It may be noted that while Chaturvedi had to face 12 transfers in five years during 2005-10, the Haryana-cadre senior IAS officer Khemka had been transferred 44 times in the past 20 years.

Chaturvedi had become uncomfortable for Haryana government when he, while posted as divisional forest officer in Jhajjar, had in January 2009 detected a multi-crore plantation scam wherein funds from international donor agencies were embezzled. He had exposed the scam when he found that the plantation existed only on papers and got 40 field staff including five forest range officers suspended.

The move had, however, put him in trouble as most of those - involved in the plantation scam - had their protectors inside the government. He had to face numerous charges. He in his representation to the MoEF alleged that the charges were simply fabricated to harass him.

The ministry had got all such claims verified through independent inquiry and found Chaturvedi innocent. He was subsequently brought on deputation to the Centre.

The Friday's intervention was the fourth one from the Centre to rescue Chaturvedi and send a clear message to all such upright officers. The first intervention had come in January, 2008 when the President of India quashed the suspension order of the Haryana government against him. After that, the Centre in January, 2011 quashed the departmental charge-sheet issued to him.

The Presidential orders on both these occasions also passed severe strictures against the state government noting that the charge-sheet was deliberately kept pending by the authorities for more than three years to block the prospect of promotion, central deputation or study leave....................http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=VE9JTS8yMDE0LzAyLzAyI0FyMDA5MDE=&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom