• Down To Earth

New Report: 2024 Was Africa’s Warmest Year on Record, Driving Mass Migration and Food Insecurity

Africa is grappling with an unprecedented climate emergency, with 2024 confirmed as the continent’s warmest year on record, according to a major new report released today. The State of Africa’s Environment 2025 report details a continent under siege, from devastating marine heatwaves encircling its coasts to a looming crisis of climate-induced migration that could displace up to 100 million people by 2050. The report, researched and published by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and Down To Earth magazine, paints a dire picture of the human and economic toll. It reveals that the period from 2021-2025 has been the most devastating five-year stretch in Africa’s history for weather and climate-related disasters. This has triggered a catastrophic 18% decline in agricultural production and a sharp rise in climate-sensitive diseases like cholera and malaria. The report presents a set of thoroughly researched and analysed data. Climate-induced migration, for instance, is a matter of concern. By 2050, says the report, up to 5 per cent of Africa’s population of some two billion people could be forced to be on the move due to climate change. “Africa, in fact, would have the highest rate of displacement or migration due to impacts of climate change,” says the report. Food insecurity is looming. Climate change, combined with land degradation, is causing an 18 per cent decline in agricultural production. In fact, the report points out that cocoa production in West and Central Africa (which produces 70 per cent of the world’s cocoa) would be severely hit. If the world warms up to 2oC, it would put 50 per cent of the continent’s population at risk of undernourishment. In terms of health, the report points out that the global burden of cholera has shifted to Africa – there was a 125 per cent increase in cases in 2023 compared to the previous year. There was a 14 per cent rise in malaria transmissions as well in the same year. Speaking at the launch of the report, Professor Kassahun Tesfaye, Director General, Bio and Emerging Technology Institute, Ministry of Innovation and Technology, Government of Ethiopia, said: “The data in this report, while alarming, also points the way forward. It shows that our greatest liability – our natural resources and land – is our most powerful asset to build a sustainable bioeconomy. The solution lies in not simply trying to mitigate a crisis we did not create, but in pioneering a new model of development altogether – that model is the African bioeconomy.” Explaining what he meant by ‘bioeconomy’, Professor Kassahun said: “This is an economic system that uses renewable biological resources to produce food, materials and energy. It is a circular economy where waste is not an endpoint but a new beginning. It is an economy that is inherently sustainable, regenerative and tailored to our continent’s strengths.” In her address, CSE Director General Sunita Narain said: “Change is taking shape in Africa. Across the continent, countries are adopting policy measures and crafting programmes to adapt to and mitigate climate change. Starting from rolling out a national strategy to become net-zero in carbon emissions to adopting indigenous knowledge to fight impacts such as drought and extreme weather events, every African nation now has some adaptation programmes to showcase. Addressing the assembled audience, UNESCO’s Dr Rita Bissoonauth said: “This report from CSE is more than a scientific assessment. It is a moral compass. It comes at a pivotal moment. Africa is on the frontline of a climate emergency it did not create. Estimated average direct economic losses are to the tune of US $1.18 billion per year in northern Africa and US $1.25 billion per year in sub-Saharan Africa. The message of the 2025 State of Africa’s Environment report is clear – the current trajectory is not sustainable.” Highlighting the steps taken by Ethiopia, Nigussu Lema, Deputy Director General of the Ethiopian Environment Protection Authority, said: “Ethiopia’s climate adaptation efforts focus on strengthening climate resilience through its National Adaptation Plan (NAP-ETH), which integrates adaptation into its development strategies.” The communicator’s and journalist’s briefing will continue till September 19, 2025, and will cover three subjects – conflicts, migration and climate change; agriculture, food security and climate change; and adaptation. About 20 journalists from across Africa are participating.

• Solid Waste Management and Circular Economy

17000 गाड़ियां, 6600 सिलेंडर... कूड़े के पहाड़ से बन सकती है CNG गैस, दिल्ली भी हो जाएगी प्रदूषण मुक्त, कमाल का है ये आइडिया

देश की राजधानी दिल्ली में कूड़े के कई पहाड़ बन चुके हैं. ये कूड़े के पहाड़ एक नहीं, बल्कि तीन जगहों पर हैं, जिसमें भलस्वा, ओखला और गाजीपुर हैं. इन्हें लैंडफिल साइट भी कहा जाता है. यह कूड़े के पहाड़ एमसीडी समेत दिल्ली सरकार के लिए सिर दर्द बन गए हैं, क्योंकि इससे वातावरण पूरी तरह से प्रदूषित हो रहा है और वायु प्रदूषण भी फैल रहा है. कई बार ये कूड़े के पहाड़ आसपास की गाड़ियों पर भी गिर चुके हैं, जिससे कई बार हादसे हो गए हैं. बता दें कि कई दशकों से इन्हें खत्म करने का प्रयास किया जा रहा है, लेकिन आज तक ऐसा नहीं हो सका है, लेकिन अब सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरमेंट (सीएसई) की नई रिपोर्ट आई है, जिसमें कहा गया है कि दिल्ली में मौजूद कूड़े के पहाड़ों का अगर सही इस्तेमाल किया जाए, तो इससे दिल्ली की 17000 गाड़ियां चल सकती हैं. साथ ही यहां के प्रदूषण को भी रोका जा सकता है और इसी कचरे से जैविक खाद भी बनाई जा सकती है. इस पर लोकल 18 की टीम ने विस्तार डॉ. जेपीएस डबास से बातचीत की. जो कि पूर्व प्रधान वैज्ञानिक भारतीय कृषि अनुसंधान संस्थान पूसा के रह चुके हैं. भारतीय कृषि अनुसंधान संस्थान पूसा के पूर्व प्रधान वैज्ञानिक डॉ. जेपीएस डबास ने बताया कि दिल्ली से रोजाना 5210 तन गीला कचरा निकलता है. इस कचरे से 174 टन यानी एक लाख सात हजार किलो बायो सीएनजी गैस तैयार की जा सकती है. उदाहरण के लिए अगर एक कार दिनभर में औसतन 10 किलो सीएनजी खर्च करती है, तो इस हिसाब से 17400 कारों के लिए ईंधन की जरूरत यह कचरा पूरा कर सकता है उन्होंने बताया कि इस कचरे से एलपीजी बनाई जाए, तो 94 टन एलजी तैयार होगी, जिससे हर रोज 6600 सिलेंडर भरे जा सकते हैं. उन्होंने बताया कि इसके लिए दिल्ली में 3 बड़े कूड़े के पहाड़ हैं. उनका इस्तेमाल करने के साथ-साथ घरों से जो सुख और गीला कचरा निकलता है, उसका सही प्रबंध किया जाए, तो इससे भारत सरकार को भी फायदा होगा और पर्यावरण को भी काफी फायदा पहुंचेगा. उन्होंने बताया कि भारत के इंदौर में ऐसा प्रयोग किया जा रहा है, जो की सफल है. इसके अलावा जर्मनी यूनाइटेड स्टेट ऑफ अमेरिका के अलावा कनाडा में भी प्रयोग किया जा रहा है. जैविक क्षेत्र घोषित हो सकता है दिल्ली एनसीआर पूर्व प्रधान वैज्ञानिक डॉ. जेपीएस डबास ने बताया कि कूड़े को कूड़ा हम बनाते हैं, जबकि अगर इसका सही प्रयोग किया जाए तो बायो वेस्ट को एनर्जी में कन्वर्ट किया जा सकता है. जब इस कचरे से एनर्जी बनेगी तो देश में बीमारियां भी कम होंगी. यानी कचरा और गंदगी से ही मच्छर और मक्खी से होने वाली बीमारियां फैलती हैं. उनको नियंत्रित किया जा सकता है. उन्होंने बताया कि इस कचरे से मीथेन गैस निकलती है. जो पर्यावरण को बड़ा नुकसान पहुंचाती है. ग्लोबल वार्मिंग के लिए भी यही गैस जिम्मेदार है. जबकि इसे जलाने पर 28 गुना तक इससे होने वाला नुकसान को कम किया जा सकता है और इससे एनर्जी जनरेट की जा सकती है, जिससे हमारे देश का तेल, डीजल, पेट्रोल और एलपीजी की बचत होगी. इससे मिलने वाली एनर्जी से जीवनशील गैस बनाई जा सकती है, जिससे हमारा खाना बनेगा, गाड़ियां चलेंगी, बिजली बन सकती है और इसके अलावा जैविक खाद भी तैयार हो सकती है. उन्होंने बताया कि इससे हमारे देश के किसानों को बड़ा मुनाफा होगा. उनकी फसलें खराब नहीं होंगी. उत्पादन अच्छा होगा. फसल अच्छी होगी और फसलों में दवाई डालने की जरूरत भी नहीं पड़ेगी, जिससे आने वाले वक्त में लोगों को कैंसर समेत तमाम बीमारियों से बचाया जा सकता है. इसका सिर्फ एक ही उपाय है कि देश की सरकार ज्यादा से ज्यादा बायोगैस प्लांट बनाए, जिससे कूड़े का सही इस्तेमाल किया जा सके.

• Down To Earth

State of Africa’s Environment Report 2025 Launched in Ethiopia

The Centre For Science and Environment (CSE) in New Delhi, lndia has with its partner organizations in Africa have launched the state of Africa's Environment Report for 2025 in Addis, Ababa, Ethiopia today on 18 September, 2025 at a book release and briefing for Journalists and Communicators from the African continent. The launch event has been jointly organised by CSE, the Alliance For Science - Ethiopia (AFS-E) and the Media for Environment, Science, Health and Agriculture (MESHA) Kenya. The objective of the two day conference is to release the report and to build understanding and capacity of journalists and other stakeholders on issues of environment and development in Africa. The launch event has been attended by experts from the African Union Commission (AUC), (UNESCO, Ethiopia Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and other non-governmental organizations. The report, prepared by experts, researchers and writers of the Down To Earth, the magazine that CSE helps publish, as well as journalists from all over Africa offers carefully collated perspectives on Africa and its environment-development issues, concerns, victories and setbacks. Some of the issues highlighted in the report include conflicts, migration and climate change, agriculture, food security and climate change, agriculture, food security and climate change including adaptation.

• Down To Earth

State of Africa’s Environment Report 2025: CSE Warns of Africa’s Rising Climate Crisis

‎The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), India, has released the “State of Africa’s Environment Report 2025”, highlighting the scale of Africa’s escalating climate emergency. ‎ ‎The report shows that over the past 60 years, the continent has experienced a sharp increase in heat waves, with temperatures rising faster than the global average. It identifies 2021–2025 as Africa’s most devastating five-year period, marked by record deaths from weather, climate, and water-related disasters. ‎ ‎The release took place on September 18 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during a two-day conference and media briefing hosted by the Alliance for Science–Ethiopia in partnership with CSE and Media for Environment, Science, Health and Agriculture (MESHA), Kenya. The sessions aimed to equip journalists and stakeholders with a deeper understanding of environmental and development challenges in Africa. ‎ ‎The 152-page report examines critical themes including climate change, migration, food security, water, health, climate debt, carbon markets, and adaptation. ‎ ‎It reveals that 412 million Africans have been affected by extreme weather over the past 15 years, with more than half impacted in the last five years. At least 41,549 lives were lost, most since 2021, while droughts alone affected 178 million people. ‎ ‎Speaking at the event, Sunita Narain, Director of CSE, emphasized that climate change has become the “new normal,” and stressed the need for concrete action: “Stakeholders who already know what must be done should take responsibility, fulfill their commitments, and invite others to join the fight against global environmental challenges cause by the climate change crisis.” ‎ ‎Representing UNESCO, Dr. Rita Bissoonauth, Director of the Addis Ababa Liaison Office to the AU and UNECA, highlighted that the crisis is not only environmental but also deeply linked to inequality. ‎ ‎She urged journalists to humanize climate stories, track financing, and highlight local solutions. The report underscores how the crisis is reshaping communities, warning that Africa could face the world’s highest rates of climate-related displacement if urgent action is not taken. ‎ ‎Nearly 265 million people were forced to move internally in the past year alone, and by 2050, an additional 200 million could become environmental migrants. Conflict-prone countries such as Ethiopia, Sudan, and Somalia are already reporting the heaviest burdens of displacement, with disaster-related deaths three times higher than those recorded between 2016–2020. ‎ ‎Africa’s carbon and food systems are also under stress. By 2024, the continent accounted for roughly one-fifth of all carbon credit projects globally, attracting around $5.9 billion in voluntary carbon market investments between 2013 and 2023,primarily funding forestry, land-use, and community-based initiatives. ‎ ‎Meanwhile, climate change and land degradation have driven an 18% drop in agricultural production, affecting key crops like cocoa in West and Central Africa, and disease transmission, including malaria, is on the rise. ‎ ‎Experts at the summit highlighted solutions. Professor Kassahun Tesfaye, Director General of Ethiopia’s Bio and Emerging Technology Institute, stressed that Africa’s vulnerable natural resources could become its greatest strength through a sustainable bio economy, harnessing crops, forests, animals, and microorganisms in a circular, regenerative system. ‎ ‎Negus Lemma, Deputy Director General of the Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority, underscored that the most vulnerable populations—rural communities, women, children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and those living in poverty—bear the heaviest climate burdens. ‎ ‎The State of Africa’s Environment Report 2025 concludes that Africa is at a critical juncture: while the continent bears the heaviest costs of a crisis it did little to cause, it is uniquely positioned to lead with solutions. The choice is clear: act now with urgency, equity, and innovation, or risk a future defined by climate catastrophe. ‎

• Solid Waste Management and Circular Economy

Delhi’s growing population and garbage mountains: What’s the solution?

India now has the world’s largest population. Among the country’s metro cities, Delhi is the most populous. A significant reason for this is the steady stream of migrants arriving each year. The fact is, very few of them return to their hometowns; most choose to stay back and work in the national capital. As a result, the growing population continues to put immense pressure on Delhi’s basic infrastructure. Despite the construction of flyovers to ease traffic, congestion remains a daily nightmare. Yet, even more daunting are the garbage mountains located at three corners of Delhi. They have repeatedly featured in election promises, with governments pledging to remove them. Although some work has been done and the height of these mounds has reduced marginally, they are far from gone. This article looks at whether a solution is possible at all. The Federal visited all three landfill sites and also spoke with experts for ground-level insights. Dr. Tribhuvan Bisht from the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), who has researched dumping sites, stresses that political will and community participation are critical to eliminating garbage mountains. Some Indian cities, like Bhubaneswar (Odisha), and Indore (Madhya Pradesh), have managed to do it successfully. In Delhi, residents were urged to segregate waste at source — wet and dry separately. However, in practice, this hasn’t worked. Waste still reaches landfills mixed, making treatment far more time-consuming. According to Dr. Bisht, Delhi’s three dump sites together hold an estimated 160,000 tonnes of waste — about 16 crore kilograms. Treating (remediating) a single tonne costs Rs 600-800. By this estimate, the total expense would exceed Rs 100-130 crore. The government has ramped up efforts, especially under Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0, but a fundamental problem persists: for every tonne processed daily, about 1.2 tonnes of fresh waste arrive. Unless households truly begin segregation — wet waste separate from dry — these mountains will never disappear. If wet waste doesn’t reach the landfills, remediation can accelerate dramatically. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has contracted private firms to handle the treatment of landfill waste. Generally, the waste is processed into compost for agricultural use, or the residue is used for road and construction fill. However, Dr. Bisht warns that compost from decades-old mixed waste is risky. While it contains nitrogen, which benefits soil, it is also laced with hazardous contaminants — biomedical waste, chemical residues, and more. Over time, such compost can harm soil health instead of improving it. Health hazards for residents Dr. Ajay Lekhi, who has studied the Ghazipur landfill site, says groundwater within a three-kilometre radius is severely contaminated. Tests revealed carcinogenic substances at alarming levels. Residents of Kondli, Ghazipur, and Gharoli Dairy Farm face high health risks, including cancer. Lead levels in the water were found so high that even RO purification cannot remove them. Bathing in this water can cause skin diseases. Though the government has banned hand pumps in the area, illegal borewells remain.

• Down To Earth

'अगर तापमान 2 डिग्री सेल्सियस और बढ़ा तो...', CSE ने जारी की रूह कंपा देने वाली रिपोर्ट

Climate Change: अफ्रीका के लिए जलवायु परिवर्तन एक गंभीर चुनौती बनकर उभर रहा है. सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरमेंट की ताजा रिपोर्ट ‘स्टेट ऑफ अफ्रीकाज एनवायरमेंट 2025’ ने चेतावनी दी है कि यदि वैश्विक तापमान दो डिग्री सेल्सियस से अधिक बढ़ता है, तो अफ्रीका की खाद्य सुरक्षा पर भयंकर संकट मंडराएगा. 18 सितंबर 2025 को इथियोपिया की राजधानी अदीस अबाबा में जारी इस रिपोर्ट में बताया गया कि अफ्रीका की 70% आबादी छोटे किसानों और बारिश पर निर्भर है, जो जलवायु परिवर्तन से सबसे अधिक प्रभावित हो रही है. कृषि पैदावार पर खतरा रिपोर्ट के अनुसार, 2050 तक सहारा के दक्षिणी हिस्सों में मक्का उत्पादन 22% तक गिर सकता है, जबकि जिम्बाब्वे और दक्षिण अफ्रीका में यह गिरावट 30% से अधिक हो सकती है. गेहूं की पैदावार में 35% तक की कमी आने की आशंका है. हालांकि कुछ फसलों में अल्पकालिक वृद्धि संभव है, लेकिन अनाज और बागवानी फसलों में होने वाली हानि इस लाभ को निष्प्रभावी कर देगी. कोको उत्पादन में संकट पश्चिमी और मध्य अफ्रीका, जो विश्व का 70% कोको उत्पादन करते हैं, में जलवायु परिवर्तन कोको की खेती को प्रभावित कर रहा है. शोध के अनुसार, 2050 तक कोको के लिए उपयुक्त क्षेत्र आधे हो सकते हैं. आइवरी कोस्ट और घाना में 12% तक, नाइजीरिया में 10% और कैमरून में 2% उत्पादन गिरावट की आशंका है. कोको उत्पादन का केंद्र भविष्य में पूर्वी देशों की ओर खिसक सकता है. पानी और मत्स्य संसाधनों पर प्रभाव जलवायु परिवर्तन साफ पानी की उपलब्धता को भी प्रभावित करेगा. बढ़ती आबादी के साथ ताजे पानी का संकट गहरा सकता है. समुद्रों का गर्म होना और अम्लीयकरण तटीय क्षेत्रों के मत्स्य संसाधनों को नुकसान पहुंचा रहा है, जिससे लाखों लोगों का पोषण खतरे में है. पश्चिमी अफ्रीका में मत्स्य संसाधनों की कीमत 20% तक घट सकती है. जैव विविधता और वनों की चुनौती रिपोर्ट में कैमरून जैसे देशों में कोको उत्पादन बढ़ने की संभावना के साथ-साथ जंगलों और जैव विविधता पर खतरे की बात कही गई है. वर्षावनों को बचाने और कोको उत्पादन को बढ़ाने के बीच संतुलन बनाना एक बड़ी चुनौती होगी. अफ्रीका को इस संकट से निपटने के लिए तत्काल कदम उठाने होंगे.

• Down To Earth

स्टेट ऑफ अफ्रीका’स एनवायरनमेंट 2025

18 सितंबर, 2025 को इथियोपिया की राजधानी अदिस अबाबा में साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट सेंटर (CSE) ने अपनी वार्षिक रिपोर्ट ‘स्टेट ऑफ अफ्रीका’स एनवायरनमेंट 2025’ (State of Africa’s Environment 2025) जारी की। स्टेट ऑफ अफ्रीका’स एनवायरनमेंट 2025 के बारे में यह अफ्रीका के पर्यावरणीय संकट पर आधारित रिपोर्ट है जिसमें जलवायु परिवर्तन के प्रभाव, आर्थिक हानि एवं अनुकूलन की आवश्यकता पर शोध केंद्रित है। यह रिपोर्ट विश्व मौसम विज्ञान संगठन (WMO) की ‘स्टेट ऑफ क्लाइमेट इन अफ्रीका 2024’ पर आधारित है, जो दर्शाती है कि वर्ष 2024 अफ्रीका का सबसे गर्म वर्ष था। यह अफ्रीका महाद्वीप की भूमि एवं आसपास के समुद्रों की ऊष्मा, चरम मौसम व स्वास्थ्य संकट को उजागर करती है। रिपोर्ट के अनुसार, अफ्रीका वैश्विक जलवायु आपातकाल का प्रमुख केंद्र बन गया है। रिपोर्ट के प्रमुख निष्कर्ष तापमान वृद्धि : अफ्रीका का औसत सतह तापमान 1991-2020 के औसत से 0.86 °C अधिक रहा। उत्तरी अफ्रीका में यह 1.28 °C अधिक रहा। शताब्दी के अंत तक तापमान वृद्धि 3-6 °C तक हो सकती है। समुद्री हीट वेव्स : वर्ष 2024 में अफ्रीका के आसपास के समुद्रों में रिकॉर्ड समुद्री हीट वेव्स देखी गईं। जनवरी-अप्रैल में 30 लाख वर्ग किमी. क्षेत्र प्रभावित रहा, जो वर्ष 1993 के रिकॉर्ड से अधिक था। यह समुद्री जीवन, उष्णकटिबंधीय चक्रवातों और दक्षिण-पूर्वी देशों (मलावी, मोजाम्बिक, मेडागास्कर) को प्रभावित कर रहा है। घातक संकट : वर्ष 2021-2025 में 22.1 करोड़ लोग प्रभावित हुए तथा 28,759 मौतें हुई जो वर्ष 2016-2020 से तीन गुना अधिक है। बाढ़, सूखा, चक्रवात, भूस्खलन एवं हीट वेव वर्ष 2011 से अब तक 41 करोड़ लोगों को प्रभावित कर चुकी हैं। बीमारी का बोझ : मलेरिया के मामले वर्ष 2023 में 14% बढ़े, वर्ष 2030 तक 14.7-17.1 करोड़ अतिरिक्त जोखिम। कॉलरा के मामलों में 125% की वृद्धि हुई। जलवायु परिवर्तन से ऊँचाई वाले क्षेत्रों में मच्छरों के प्रजनन में वृद्धि हुई। खाद्य एवं जल संकट : 2 °C ग्लोबल वार्मिंग से 50% आबादी कुपोषण का शिकार हो सकती है। जल तनाव से वर्ष 2030 तक 70 करोड़ लोग विस्थापित हो सकते हैं। कोको उत्पादन व मत्स्य पालन प्रभावित होगा और मीठे पानी की कमी होगी। विस्थापन : अफ्रीका सर्वाधिक ‘जलवायु सक्रिय’ बनेगा। वर्ष 2021-2025 में संघर्ष एवं चरम मौसम से विस्थापन में वृद्धि हुई और नाइजीरिया में 87 लाख प्रभावित हुए। आर्थिक हानि : उत्तरी अफ्रीका में वर्षिक 11.8 अरब डॉलर, उप-सहारा में 12.5 अरब डॉलर की हानि हुई।

• Down To Earth

CSE Brings Africa’s Environmental Challenges to the Forefront in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa is this week hosting a major gathering of African journalists and communicators for the release of the groundbreaking report, State of Africa’s Environment 2025: Africa and Climate Change. The event, which spans two days, brings together voices from across the continent to engage with the report’s critical findings and discuss the urgent environmental challenges facing Africa. The report highlights pressing issues such as: The accelerating climate emergency and its far-reaching impacts Migration and conflicts linked to environmental pressures Food security and the future of African agriculture Water scarcity and public health concerns Adaptation strategies that communities and governments can adopt The potential of biotechnology to enhance sustainable agriculture, improve crop resilience, and address food security challenges By convening journalists, the event seeks to strengthen media engagement in driving awareness, accountability, and solutions around climate change, biotechnology, and environmental sustainability in Africa. The briefing and book launch are jointly organized by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), Down to Earth, Alliance for Science Ethiopia, and Media for Environment, Science, Health and Agriculture (MESHA). Participants can expect in-depth discussions, expert analysis, and storytelling opportunities that bring the data and challenges to life. Over the coming days, live updates and insights will be shared to ensure that this vital conversation reaches audiences across Africa and beyond.

• Down To Earth

New report highlights Africa’s climate crisis, sparks urgent calls to act

A new report has laid bare the scale of Africa’s climate emergency, revealing that the period between 2021 and 2025 has been the most devastating five-year stretch in terms of human toll from weather, climate, and water-related disasters. The State of Africa’s Environment 2025 report—produced by the India-based Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and Down To Earth—was released Thursday, September 18 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during a media briefing that brought together journalists from across the continent. The 152-page report shows that about 412 million people in Africa have been affected by extreme weather events in the past 15 years, with more than half of them (53.77%) impacted in just the last five years. At least 41,549 people lost their lives, the majority between 2021 and 2025. Droughts were by far the most significant hazard, affecting 178 million people in that period.

• Down To Earth

Melting Peaks, Thinning Margins: A New Water Reality Is Arriving

A fresh environmental report released in Addis Ababa has a blunt message for East Africa: the water calculus is changing, and faster than most plans assume. The State of Africa’s Environment 2025 warns that climate-driven shifts in the water cycle are intensifying stress across the continent and could force mass displacement by the end of the decade. For East Africa, the signal is stark on the region’s signature peaks—Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Mount Kenya, and the Rwenzori ranges in Uganda—where ice fields are retreating quicker than global averages. Glaciers on these mountains are small in volume but large in meaning. They store high-altitude water, regulate seasonal flows, and anchor tourism economies. When they shrink, nearby communities feel it first: springs weaken, dry-season buffers thin, and downstream irrigation schemes face tighter rationing. The report’s headline figure—a projection that up to 700 million Africans could face displacement linked to water stress by 2030—doesn’t land evenly, but it illustrates the scale of risk planners must price in. East African governments have expanded dams, boreholes, and rural water points. Yet the new reality calls for a different rhythm: faster groundwater mapping, aggressive leakage control, and conservation agriculture that keeps moisture in the soil instead of losing it to heat. Cities must catch more stormwater when it falls and reuse more wastewater when it doesn’t. Tourism boards will also need to diversify the draw—less “snow on the equator,” more culture, trails, biodiversity—so visitor numbers don’t hinge on disappearing ice. The report’s authors lean on earlier climate assessments to show how hotter, longer dry spells and erratic rains now bookend the calendar. Floods and droughts increasingly arrive as back-to-back shocks rather than isolated events, eroding household savings and stressing public works built for gentler cycles. That makes early-warning systems and micro-insurance less of an add-on and more of a core service for farmers and informal businesses. There is a route through this. East Africa’s energy build-out—geothermal in Kenya, hydropower across the region, nascent wind and solar corridors—can power desalination pilots on the coasts and big-lift pumping inland, while climate-smart farming raises yields per drop. The harder part is governance: keeping water allocations transparent, maintaining pipes before they fail, and treating catchments like living infrastructure. Symbols matter. If the white cap on Kibo fades, the image will sting, but the practical work remains the same: protect headwaters, price losses honestly, and help communities adapt without losing their homes or their livelihoods. The melt is a warning; the response can still be a plan.

• Solid Waste Management and Circular Economy

Over 3,500 SWaCH Waste Pickers in Pune Lose Jobs as PMC Moves to Mechanised Waste Collection

Experts such as Atin Biswas of the Centre for Science and Environment have warned that shifting to a contract-driven, mechanised system threatens to dismantle Pune’s progressive legacy while risking a spike in landfill waste. Over 3,500 SWaCH waste pickers in Pune face sudden unemployment after the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) introduced large mechanised vehicles and phased out the decentralised, doorstep model from September 2025. Despite prior assurances, SWaCH workers, mainly women, were allegedly excluded from the new system, leading to widespread distress, unanswered promises, and growing protests. PMC claims inclusion is possible, but affected families remain sceptical. Livelihoods Upended: Stories from the Ground Many waste pickers, previously earning ₹25,000–30,000 a month from citizen fees and recycling, now struggle to repay loans and maintain basic living standards. Despite a recent meeting promising inclusion, PMC vans have replaced SWaCH workers overnight, leaving families financially and emotionally devastated. Protests have erupted across the city, with thousands of waste pickers demanding fair treatment and warning of mass unemployment. Some now wear black bands as a silent protest against delayed contract renewals and uncertain futures, while senior SWaCH members urge the PMC to honour commitments made during official meetings. Undermining a Green and Inclusive Legacy The SWaCH–PMC partnership, recognised as a national model, enabled nearly 4,000 waste pickers to serve over 900,000 Pune households through direct household fees and recycling. SWaCH’s user-fee structure not only delivered financial autonomy but also high rates of segregation and recycling at low cost, saving the city an estimated ₹110 crores annually. Experts such as Atin Biswas of the Centre for Science and Environment have warned that shifting to a contract-driven, mechanised system threatens to dismantle Pune’s progressive legacy while risking a spike in landfill waste. SWaCH members argue their system is more transparent and accountable than the alternatives, pointing to their collection of over 70,000 tonnes of waste per year and their role in sustainable urban development. Despite these tangible benefits, the new policy appears to prioritise mechanisation and privatisation, raising concerns over environmental impacts and social exclusion. Stakeholder Responses and Calls for Action According to TOI, PMC officials maintain that SWaCH workers could be included in the new setup if they adapt their skills, with Solid Waste chief Sandip Kadam stating, “If they can drive a vehicle, they would be appointed in related roles. We want the process as mechanised as possible”. However, SWaCH representatives argue that communication has been lacking and that assurances have not materialised in practice. Union leaders and activists have backed the waste pickers, holding the government accountable for protecting a sustainable, inclusive model. Experts urge a dialogue between PMC, SWaCH, and citizens to preserve the city’s green legacy and promote livelihoods for all. In a report by HT, Suman More, chairperson of SWaCH, puts it, “Our commitment to the city remains unwavering. We will keep expressing dissent until all concerns are addressed”. The Logical Indian’s Perspective This episode reflects a larger urban dilemma: how should cities balance efficiency with empathy and justice? The Logical Indian advocates for a harmonised system in which waste pickers’ expertise, dignity, and environmental stewardship are protected, not undermined. By encouraging local governments and citizens to dialogue and defend sustainable models, Pune can set a precedent for socially just and green urbanisation.

• Down To Earth

Explained: Why Is Monsoon So Unusual This Year In India

Extreme weather is taking a growing toll on India, affecting lives, livelihoods, and the economy. A new report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) reveals that in 2024, extreme weather events—floods, cyclones, heatwaves—occurred on nearly 9 out of 10 days across the country. The impact was devastating: almost 3,000 lives lost, 2 million hectares of crops destroyed, and over 80,000 homes damaged. The report paints a stark picture of a nation increasingly at the mercy of climate-linked disasters, with serious consequences for public health, rural communities, and long-term development goals. The 2025 Indian monsoon has turned into a season of extremes — devastating floods in some regions, parching deficits in others. From Punjab’s worst deluge in nearly four decades to cloudbursts in Uttarakhand and flash floods sweeping through Manipur, the country is grappling with a monsoon that's both unpredictable and unforgiving. Entire villages have been cut off, crops destroyed, and thousands displaced. And it shows no signs of letting up, even as we enter mid-September. Just a few days ago, five people were swept away in Uttarakhand’s Dehradun district after overnight rainfall triggered flooding and landslides. Experts warn that the crisis is not just a climate emergency but also a man-made disaster. The recklessness of unchecked growth and development is worsening the situation, with deforestation playing a major role. This explainer unpacks what’s gone wrong—and why this year has been especially destructive. Extreme weather is taking a growing toll on India, affecting lives, livelihoods, and the economy. A new report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) reveals that in 2024, extreme weather events—floods, cyclones, heatwaves—occurred on nearly 9 out of 10 days across the country. The impact was devastating: almost 3,000 lives lost, 2 million hectares of crops destroyed, and over 80,000 homes damaged. The report paints a stark picture of a nation increasingly at the mercy of climate-linked disasters, with serious consequences for public health, rural communities, and long-term development goals.

• Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

Haryana sets 2030 target to end farm fires: Electric buses to STPs, govt lists measures to fight bad air till 2040

Gurgaon: Chief minister Nayab Singh Saini unveiled the govt's new environmental plan, aiming to eliminate stubble burning by 2030 and implement clean-air measures in a phased manner up to 2040. It outlined a series of interventions to improve air quality — from transforming its transport sector to setting up sewage treatment plants and ensuring accountability. First Steps The plan's immediate focus is on Gurgaon and Faridabad, where the rollout will begin this year itself. According to officials, key measures will include complete electrification of bus fleets, phasing out old three-wheelers in favour of electric models, and establishing automated vehicle testing stations. Air quality monitoring will be enhanced through new stations, mobile laboratories, and upgraded district facilities. Suppression of dust and construction waste management are also being prioritised, especially in pollution hotspots. Till 2030, the two districts will serve as the testing ground for these measures before interventions are scaled up statewide. Electrification of transport Despite the promise, Haryana's progress on electrification of transport has remained painfully slow. According to recent data, Gurgaon has over 18 lakh registered vehicles, but less than 0.5% of them are electric, which underscores the enormity of the challenge ahead. The govt has announced a Rs 3,600-crore clean air project with World Bank support, which includes procurement of 500 electric buses for Gurgaon, Faridabad, and Sonipat. However, of the 375 buses currently under procurement, only 50 have arrived, with another 105 expected soon. Over 370 electric vehicle charging stations have been installed so far, but private vehicle electrification lags far behind. Experts pointed out that if there was no rapid expansion of the electric bus fleet, the shift away from polluting cars would be sluggish at best. Anumita Roy Chowdhury, executive director of research and advocacy at the Centre for Science and Environment, emphasised the need for a holistic approach. "It's not enough to just electrify buses. The fleet itself has to expand to meet travel demand. Only then can we induce a real shift from cars to public transport. The strategy has to be a win-win solution for all. This means more buses — all of them electric — supported by reliable services and better infrastructure," she said. "At the same time, the govt must adopt legally binding, zero-emission vehicle regulations with clear targets for 2030, 2035, and 2040. Loose intent won't help, we need enforceable timelines, incentives, and infrastructure to scale up electrification. For farm fires too, targets are fine, but success will depend on ensuring all farmers have access to in-situ machinery and ex-situ linkages with industry so crop residue is absorbed into the economy," she added. Wider reforms Beyond air quality, the plan outlined the establishment of 13 integrated solid waste management plants and e-waste collection centres in every district. Real-time air quality monitoring will be operational by 2030. Of the state's 63 pollution hotspots, 48 have already been converted into green zones, according to official data. "The environmental plan is not the responsibility of just one or two departments. Rather, it requires the coordinated efforts of multiple offices. To facilitate this, a high-level committee will be constituted to coordinate between various departments and monitor the progress. The committee will ensure that all departments operate in a mission mode, move forward with full transparency and accountability, and actively involve public participation," Saini said at the event. Community role According to officials, the involvement of local residents will be as crucial as govt action. "We realise that the environment cannot be protected by govt action alone. Industry, local bodies, and communities must actively participate in this mission. The department will provide guidance, support, and oversight, but the responsibility to protect natural resources is one that must be shared. With this plan, we have an opportunity to demonstrate Haryana's commitment to sustainable growth. Let us collectively work towards building a cleaner, greener, and more resilient future," said Sudhir Rajpal, additional chief secretary for environment, forest, and wildlife. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has proposed Rs 150 crore in environment protection charges for clean air activities. Gurgaon alone will receive nearly Rs 35 crore for anti-smog guns, mechanised road sweepers, EV charging stations, construction and demolition waste facilities, and road work. Accountability Vineet Garg, the chairperson of Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), acknowledged the importance of accountability in implementing the policy. "For HSPCB, the environmental plan is not simply a policy exercise — it is a practical roadmap for action. The pollution board's role will be to ensure that progress is measured through data, that compliance with environmental norms is enforced, and that stakeholder departments and industries are supported in fulfilling their responsibilities. At the same time, transparency and accountability will have to be built into every stage of monitoring, reporting, and ensuring that progress is visible and credible," he added. The road ahead The govt's goals are clear — zero stubble burning by 2030, adoption of clean fuel by all NCR industries, and a gradual expansion of clean air initiatives statewide. Yet, the real test will be in closing the gap between vision and reality — especially in the transport sector, where the transition to electric vehicles has barely begun.

• DTE - Web

Fluoride contamination found in surface water of Arunachal Pradesh

The National Green Tribunal (NGT), September 17, 2025 directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to file its reply on the matter of fluoride contamination found in surface water of Arunachal Pradesh. The NGT directed the authorities to file their response on the matter before the eastern bench of the NGT. The next date of hearing has been scheduled for November 11, 2025. In addition to the CPCB the other authorities directed to file their response included the Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board; Deputy Commissioner, Tawang District and North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology. The application was registered suo-motu on the basis of the news item titled “Alarming levels of fluoride contamination found in surface water of Arunachal Pradesh raising health concerns" appearing in Down to Earth dated August 26, 2025. The news item related to the discovery of alarming levels of fluoride contamination in the surface water of Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang district. The article mentioned that in 2022, scientists from DRDO Tezpur reported fluoride concentrations as high as 21.86 mg/L in surface water samples taken from rivers and high-altitude lakes in the region—a figure that exceeds the World Health Organization’s safe limit of 1.5 mg/L. In a 2024 study, researchers from NERIST, Itanagar, reported that Sangetsar Tso (Madhuri Lake), a well-known tourist destination, contained fluoride levels of 7.11 mg/L, which is over four times higher than the WHO’s permissible limit.

• DTE - Web

Extremely heavy rain flood Punjab, over hundred killed, 2.5 million forced to flee

This monsoon season, “the western disturbances seem to have developed a fever. Instead of the occasional one or two which would come during the southwest monsoon, there have been 19 till the first week of September this year. These winds are literally colliding with the winds of monsoon,” wrote Sunita Narain of DTE. 100 people have been killed in Pakistan and at least 55 in India, in Punjab floods. Punjab Revenue Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian said 2,303 villages required urgent relief and resettlement, PTI reported The Hindu reported people were anxious after suffering massive loss of farm produce and jobs. Around 2.5 million people have been forced to flee in Pakistan’s Punjab province, reported TOI and the Dawn. The newspapers reported that the whole province is on the move. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has deployed “1,500 boats …to rescue stranded families living along the Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej rivers,” the report said. Down to Earth analysed data for 33 days (August 1 to September 3) and found that rescue and relief started only after huge losses occurred and pressure increased on officials. In India, farmers will get compensation of Rs 20,000 per acre, exemption on loans for 6 months and they can sell soil and silt deposited in their fields, the state government said. Punjab, Himachal, Uttrakhand: Extreme weather batter north India this monsoon, data from states reveal Punjab has averaged 400% more rainfall in the last fortnight of August than its normal, reported Down to Earth. The outlet said “Himachal Pradesh broke all records as heavy and extremely heavy rain lashed” the Himalayan state for over 90% of the days in the past three months. “Himachal Pradesh, which is upstream of Punjab, has experienced incessant rains and between August 28 and September 3, the state saw over 300% more rainfall than the weekly average…wiping out livelihoods, property and years of developmental investments,” the report said. This monsoon season, “the western disturbances seem to have developed a fever. Instead of the occasional one or two which would come during the southwest monsoon, there have been 19 till the first week of September this year. These winds are literally colliding with the winds of monsoon,” wrote Sunita Narain of DTE. Cloudbursts are being made “scapegoats” for India’s floods Heavy rains that triggered flash floods and landslides in the Himalayan states were wrongly identified as cloudbursts in the media, the phenomenon has been made a scapegoat to mask systemic failures ignoring the role of “fragile slopes, deforestation, road-cutting and unregulated construction,” reported Dialogue Earth. The outlet explained: “Unplanned and rampant infrastructure development in the region plays a significant role in these disasters…When rains flow down from the hills, they bring with them mud and stones, mixed in with construction waste from road-building projects. Such waste is often dumped in rivers and along slopes in the Himalayas. This combination can cause devastating flash floods in areas surrounding the rivers.” Simplifying the cause of these disasters as cloudbursts or landslides isn’t good enough, “every heavy rain of less than 100 mm in one hour occurring in 2-3 hours can cause these flash floods, this is especially true with rain in the mountains.” The report said quoting scientist. Mohd Farooq Azam, scientist at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) Disasters in the region points out: In recent years, the South Lhonak glacial lake outburst flood in 2023 and the Til village flash flood in May 2025 were primarily caused by permafrost-linked landslides. The Chamoli disaster (2021) in Uttarakhand was variously called a cloudburst and a glacial lake outburst flood. But the real trigger had been a massive rock-ice avalanche, starting at 5,500 metres and cascading into two rivers, ICIMOD explained. The 2013 Kedarnath flooding, one of India’s worst disasters, with over 6,000 deaths, was initially labelled a cloudburst, a descriptor denied by the IMD days later. Subsequent studies found the event to be a combination of extreme, sustained rainfall linked to snowmelt and overflow from an upstream lake. The lack of automatic rain gauge or hourly measurements meant the occurrence of cloudburst could not be determined. The flood’s impact was exacerbated by debris from landslides and collapsed riverbanks rushing Apples rot in hundreds of trucks as landslides and heavy rain block key Kashmir highway Excessive rainfall and landslides triggered by rain in Kashmir blocked major highways unleashing huge losses on Kashmir’s apple industry. Hundreds of apple trucks were stranded after the closure of Srinagar-Jammu National Highway at Qazigund. 1,500 apple laden trucks, right from Anantnag outskirts up to Qazigund tunnel are lined up waiting for a green signal, HT reported. There is no railway cargo service for Kashmir fruit produce. The newspaper said the growers have already suffered losses worth ₹500 to 700 crore because of blocked roads. Usually in September and October around 2,000 to 2,500 apple trucks are dispatched across the country. The highway condition has forced farmers to delay harvest and close wholesale markets in Kashmir. J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah assured a delegation of fruit dealers that the introduction of Railway Cargo Service for fruit produce of Kashmir has already been raised with the Union Railway Ministry. ‘Landmark’ report’s grim warning: Rising sea levels will threaten 1.5 million Australians by 2050 A “horrifying” climate report warned that “one and a half million Australians living in coastal areas are at risk from rising sea levels by 2050”, reported The Sydney Morning Herald. BBC said: “Australia’s first National Climate Risk Assessment predicted more frequent and severe climate hazards like floods, cyclones, heatwaves, droughts and bushfires. The study looked at three global warming scenarios – above 1.5°C, above 2°C and above 3°C. The 72-page report – released days before the government announces its emissions reduction targets for 2035 – found that no Australian community will be immune from climate risks that will be ‘cascading, compounding and concurrent’.” The country’s climate change minister Chris Bowen used the report to call for a “strong 2035 emissions reduction target, The Guardian reported. News.com.au also carried the news, warning that “property values could dive by up to A$500bn by 2050 as homes become uninsurable and floods, cyclones and bushfires lay siege to Australia, according to a grim new climate risk assessment.” Protect Arctic from ‘dangerous’ climate engineering, scientists warn Attempts to tackle climate change by “manipulating the Arctic and Antarctic environment are dangerous, unlikely to work and could distract from the need to ditch fossil fuels”, BBC News reported. The report is based on findings of a group of “more than 40 researchers”. The report noted that polar “geoengineering” techniques designed to cool the planet through artificially thickening sea-ice or releasing reflective particles into the atmosphere have “gained attention”. The Guardian also covered the research and said polar geoengineering schemes are “so flawed that no amount of research could resolve them and that they treat only the symptoms and not the causes of the climate emergency”. The Times report on the study said the UK government is spending £10m to see if Arctic ice could be thickened by pumping seawater onto the surface over winter months.

• Industrial Pollution

Reduce and Reuse: Efforts to improve water efficiency in TPPs

Centre for Science and Environment’s report, “Water Inefficient Power Implementing Norms and Zero Discharge in India’s Coal Power Fleet”, highlights that many thermal units under-report water consumption by omitting cooling or ash-handling volumes from official figures. Among water-intensive industries, the thermal power sector, with a share of 87.7 per cent, stands out as the single largest consumer, with far-reaching implications for both resource security and electricity gener­ation. As a result, thermal power plants (TPPs) that are located in water-stressed regions face risks during operation and often face complete shutdowns during an acute shortage. According to the World Resources Institute (WRI), India had lost about 14 TW hours of thermal power generation due to water shortages in 2016. As India’s economy grows further, we are likely to witness rising demand for water from agriculture, industry and urban centres. This underscores the need for a systematic approach to water management in TPPs such that there is an integration of technological innovation and best practices in oper­ational performance. Regulatory landscape In December 2015, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) first issued specific water consumption (SWC) norms for TPPs, with the mission to curb freshwater use in the sector. As per these rules, plants that were commissioned before January 1, 2017 were required to limit SWC to 3.5 cubic metres per MWh by December 2017. New plants installed after January 1, 2017 faced a tighter limit of 2.5 cubic metres per MWh and were mandated to achieve zero liquid discharge (ZLD). In 2018, the ministry revised these stan­­d­ards and increased the limit for post 2017 plants to 3 cubic metres per MWh, while keeping the ZLD requirement. In January 2025, the MoEFCC streamlined the environmental consent process by replacing multiple parallel applications with a common consent mechanism, covering “consent to establish”, “consent to operate” and “hazardous waste authorisation” under the air and water acts. For TPPs, the changes are expected to tighten compliance oversight through integrated reporting and higher compliance costs. This shift could potentially enable faster adoption of water-efficient technologies. Current consumption patterns Water use in TPPs is driven primarily by the requirements of cooling systems, ash handling and steam generation. It also encompasses a range of auxiliary processes such as coal handling, firefighting and cleaning. Of these, cooling systems account for the largest share, particularly in coal-based stations, where circulating water is needed to condense the steam exiting the turbine. Plants also use once-through cooling to withdraw a large amount of water, much more than those with closed-cycle systems, in ­order to reduce evaporative losses. Steam generation also requires high-purity demineralised water in water treatment and conditioning systems. Furthermore, auxiliary uses are in smaller proportion and include service water for equipment washing, potable water for plant personnel and firefighting reserves. Technological measures for water efficiency In order to improve water efficiency in TPPs, the process requires a combin­ation of process optimisation, technology upgrades, and systematic reuse and re­cycling. Cooling system optimisation offers the highest savings potential due to its dominant share in overall consumption. Plants have achieved notable reductions in water consumption by increasing their cycles of concentration (COC) in cooling towers, which allows water to be recirculated more times before blowdown. Replacing conventional wet slurry disposal with high-concentration slurry disposal or fully dry systems helps reduce water use, while improving operational efficiency. In the short term, recirculation of water in ash handling systems can also save up to 70 per cent in ash-related water use. Wastewater treatment and reuse are central to meeting ZLD requirements. Modern plants employ a mix of sewage treatment plants, effluent treatment plants and specialised systems for flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) wastewater. The best practices for FGD wastewater management include controlling impurities at source through coal quality monitoring, optimising operational parameters to prevent overloading filtration systems and introducing advanced treatment processes such as forward osmosis to handle high-chloride effluents. One of the key technologies for reducing freshwater use is the air-cooled condenser (ACC), which replaces water with air for condensing exhaust steam. Although ACCs involve higher capital costs and slightly lower efficiency in hot climates, they can reduce cooling water requirements more when compared to conventional wet cooling. In India, the adoption has been limited but recent projects such as NTPC’s North Karanpura supercritical plant have demonstrated the feasibility of large-scale deployment. Additionally, the ash water recirculation system (AWRS) is designed to reuse decanted ash water and toe drain water collected from the ash pond. This recovered water is then pumped back to the plant in a closed-loop cycle, where it is utilised for ash slurry preparation. By recycling ash pond water in this way, AWRS significantly reduces freshwater withdrawal for ash handling. Digital solutions are also being deployed to track and optimise water use in real time. Supervisory control and data acquisition systems, combined with AI and machine learning analytics, help detect early leak detection and enable predictive maintenance of water systems. Monitoring water consumption Several utilities have begun adopting on-ground measures to monitor and reduce freshwater use in their operations, with a focus on recycling and reuse of wastewater. For instance, NTPC Limited has undertaken several initiatives to strengthen water efficiency across its plants. At its Rihand plant, water-cooled couplings in the coal handling plant were replaced with air-cooled alternatives, resulting in estimated savings of 15.3 cubic metres per hour. The plant has also optimised jetting nozzles in bottom ash handling and diverted treated sewage water for horticultural use. At the Mouda plant, a ZLD system has been implemented, with complete reuse of STP-treated water for greenery development. Challenges and bottlenecks While the technical potential for water savings in TPPs is substantial, implementation faces several persistent challenges. It is still expensive to fit older units with advanced systems such as dry cooling or ZLD and in many cases, even technically complex. In addition, the economics of large-scale upgrades are unfavourable when plants are nearing the end of their design life, which makes them less efficient systems. Even when capital is available, operational risks can be slow to adopt. Increasing the COC in cooling towers raises the risk of scaling, corrosion and biological fouling. Additionally, there are data related issues that compound these operational challenges. Furthermore, the Centre for Science and Environment’s report, “Water Inefficient Power Implementing Norms and Zero Discharge in India’s Coal Power Fleet”, highlights that many thermal units under-report water consumption by omitting cooling or ash-handling volumes from official figures. There is no widely accepted standard in India for defining or reporting water withdrawal versus water consumption in the power sector. In the absence of clear, mandatory reporting guidelines, benchmarking will be inconsistent and progress difficult to track. Finally, enforcement capacity varies significantly among different states. While some integrate specific water consumption limits into environmental clearance and consent conditions, others rely on periodic self-reporting by operators, which can lead to underreporting or data gaps. Outlook and the way forward According to TERI’s (The Energy and Resources Institute’s), report titled “Enhancing water-use efficiency of thermal power plants in India” highlights the need for mandatory water audits, specific water consumption across Indian thermal plants ranges from 1.9 cubic metres per MWh to 6.5 cubic metres per MWh, which is driven by cooling system design, ash handling methods and operating practices. In the short term, TERI recommends recirculating about 70 per cent of the ash water, raising COC in cooling systems to six, and implementing aggressive reuse and recycling toward zero discharge. These interventions can save approximately 10 million cubic metres of water annually and generate around Rs 3 billion per year in monetary benefits.