The Gujarat high court has stayed the construction of a jetty by Essar Oil off Vadinar coast in Jamnagar district and posted the matter for further hearing to May 6. A division bench comprising S D Dave and J R Vora in an order recently also issued notices to the environment ministry, the chief wild life warden and Essar Oil on a public interest petition filed by Halar Utkarsh Samiti. The petition submitted that the project was in violation of the environment legislation and wild life (Protection Act), 1972. The petitioners submitted that the jetties were being proposed to be constructed by Essar Oil in the areas declared as marine national park and national sanctuary.

MP Housing Board to provide better facilities

The Madhya Pradesh Housing Board would spend Rs 250 crore this year to provide better housing facilities in the state, especially to lower income groups. A meeting of its board of directors held here under the minister andchairman of the board, Indrajit Kumar, passed the budget for the purpose. A sum of Rs 100 crore would be spent on construction of houses for the lower income groups, development of residential plots and providing infrastructural facilities.

Seminar on energy management, indoor air quality

A three-day seminar beginning in New Delhi from Monday would focus on the indoor air quality, energy management in buildings and environment sustainability through architecture. To be inauguarted by deputy chairman of Planning Commission K C Pant, the seminar would deliberate on better energy management and finding ways to reduce power shortages.