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Cse In News

World Environment Day: Indian Financial System Funding Infrastructure Projects In The Hills Faces A Himalayan Challenge

The State of India’s Environment 2024 report by the Centre for Science and Environment reveals that nearly half (44 per cent) of all climate-related events recorded in India between 2013 and 2022 took place in the Himalayan region. The Indian financial system is quite literally facing a Himalayan challenge. As the Himalayan region veers down the climate precipice with rising temperatures, unprecedented rains, floods, landslides, avalanches and threateningly expanding glacial lakes, it has become a critical site for what bankers refer to as climate-related finance risks. All big investments such as dams, tunnels, highways, solar parks and transmission lines dotting the mountain region, and those at the planning stage, are at risk of physical destruction owing to climate-related extreme events. As a result, investing institutions are staring at rising costs and possible losses. How should Financial Institutions (FIs) such as banks and non-banking financial institutions take into account climate-induced risks while extending big credit for projects in the increasingly vulnerable Himalayan region? This is the question that looms large as we observe yet another World Environment Day today. The numerous guidelines issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to banks and other FIs on how to incorporate ‘climate-related financial risks’ face the Himalayan test, especially when India is on a building spree on its seismically sensitive mountains. The Rising Graph of Himalayan Vulnerability The recent spurt of disasters—unprecedented rain episodes, floods and landslides—witnessed in the Himalayas are highlights of the grim futures prophesied by science. The State of India’s Environment 2024 report by the Centre for Science and Environment reveals that nearly half (44 per cent) of all climate-related events recorded in India between 2013 and 2022 took place in the Himalayan region.

Data and statistics point to difficult times ahead for the nation: CSE

Releasing the analysis in the form of an e-compendium of data and statistics titled State of India’s Environment in Figures 2025 , CSE director general Sunita Narain said: “Numbers usually give us the truth, and what we are unveiling on this eve of this year’s World Environment Day – based on data that the government itself has generated and which is available publicly — clearly indicates that this is not the time for complacency, nor for chest-thumping.” She added: “Take just one indicator. India’s most populous states – Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh – that are together home to 49 per cent of the country’s population, rank low on the themes that our analysis has focused on. This means large segments of the country’s population remain vulnerable and exposed to multiple threats.” Speaking at the launch, Richard Mahapatra, managing editor of Down To Earth , said: “This is the 10 th year of publication of this seminal analysis and data compendium from CSE and Down To Earth. We have used 48 indicators clubbed under 12 sub-categories to assess all the 36 states and UTs. Though data gaps remain a major concern, the report is important because it joins the dots and interprets whatever data is available and existing to make a factual statement on environment and development.” Mahapatra adds: “Besides this, the report also brings out the key trends, such as the occurrence of extreme weather events and declining landholdings in agriculture.” State of the states: Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim and Goa bag the top spots None of the states are emerging as complete winners, says Mahapatra. Andhra Pradesh tops the rankings in the ‘environment’ category, having excelled in managing its forests and biodiversity and for its efforts to contain the impacts of climate change. “However,” Mahapatra points out, “it continues to struggle with its sewage treatment and management of polluted river stretches.” In ‘agriculture’ , Sikkim scores the highest with its strong performance in agricultural inputs and sustainable land-use practices; but it lags behind in farmer welfare and agricultural economy. Goa is at the top spot in the thematic areas of both ‘public health’ and ‘human development and public infrastructure’ . It is the only state – says the CSE report – where all registered deaths are medically certified with a known cause of death. At the same time, Goa has a shortage of hospital beds per 1,000 people, and also lags behind in per capita power availability and the number of women in its labour force. State of climate change and extreme weather: Dire prognosis 2024 was the warmest year on record for India; it was also the period in which 25 states recorded their monthly highest 24-hour rainfall in the last 123 years. Presenting the CSE- Down To Earth analysis, Rajit Sengupta, associate editor of the magazine and one of the authors of the study report, said: “Extreme weather events occurred on 88 per cent of the days in 2024, marking a sharp rise in both frequency and impact since 2022. Natural disasters induced by extreme weather and other reasons emerged as the primary drivers of internal displacement.” India recorded 5.4 million internal displacements across at least 27 states and UTs in 2024, with Assam alone accounting for nearly half of them. This was the largest internal displacement in volume due to weather and geophysical disasters since 2013. In terms of disaster types, floods accounted for 64 per cent of the displacement. The country’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions had declined in 2020 for the first time since 2011, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, India accounted for 7.8 per cent of global GHG emissions — the highest level since 1970. In 1980, the country’s contribution had stood at just 3.3 per cent: its share has since risen by roughly 1 percentage point each decade. Sengupta points out that this growth has accelerated in recent years: between 2020 and 2023 alone, India’s share increased by 0.84 percentage points. All signs point to a future that will continue to be severely taxed by changing climate. The first quarter of 2025 stands out as one of the wettest starts to a year in recent memory. Compared to the same period in the past three years (2022–24), India witnessed an alarming spike in heavy rains, floods and landslides, reported on 80 out of 90 days. The toll has been significant: 122 lives lost — the second-highest after 2023 — and 24,807 ha of cropped area affected. State of energy, agriculture and forests: Hits and misses Despite comprising 36 per cent of the installed capacity, new renewable sources (solar, wind, bio-power and small hydro) currently generate only 14 per cent of our total electricity – Sengupta says that this points to severe under-utilisation of capacity. Rajasthan, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu lead in adapting new renewable sources, which account for over 20 per cent of the power generation in these states. The analysis report notes that population growth, rapid urbanisation and industrialisation have led to a steady decline in the share of agricultural land in India: from 62.33 per cent in 1952-53 to 58.69 per cent in 2022-23. This shift has contributed to unsustainable farming practices, including an over-reliance on groundwater and the cultivation of water-intensive crops in regions where they are ill-suited. Tubewell irrigation has surged dramatically — from just 0.55 per cent in 1960-61 to 43.34 per cent in 2022-23 — with over half of the irrigated land in Punjab and nine other states now dependent almost completely on tubewells. India added 16,630 sq km of forest cover between 2013 and 2023, but 97 per cent of this increase was outside officially recorded forests. At the same time, the country approved the diversion of 29,000 hectare of forestland in 2023-24, the highest since 2014-15. Five states including Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh, recorded decade-high diversions. Says Kiran Pandey, programme director of CSE’s Environmental Resources unit and an author of the report: “These diversions, which disrupt wildlife corridors, are one of the factors behind increasing incidences of human-animal conflicts in the country. In 2023-24, human deaths due to elephant attacks rose by 36 per cent compared to 2020-23. Tiger attacks caused 82 human deaths during this period, marking the second highest toll since 2020.” State of air pollution and public health: Lower life expectancy, higher costs Since 2021, residents of 13 Indian capital cities, including Delhi, have faced polluted air on at least one out of every three days, says the report. The impact is severe, with 18 of 28 state capitals experiencing greater life expectancy loss from air pollution than their state averages. For instance, in Lucknow, the average life expectancy loss has been six years and five months – this is six months more than Uttar Pradesh’s state average of five years and 11 months. In 2022, the average life expectancy of an Indian was estimated to have shortened by three years and six months due to air pollution. The National Capital Territory of Delhi faces the worst scenario: its population loses seven years and nine months of life expectancy. In terms of public health, the report notes that nearly five years after the pandemic began, its impact still lingers in the country. Government data estimates 3.06 million excess deaths in 2020 and 2021 — over six times the official COVID-19 toll. India continues to grapple with weak health infrastructure, needing 36 per cent more Community Health Centres, which face an 80 per cent shortfall in specialist doctors. Out-of-pocket healthcare spending (direct payment for healthcare by individuals which may or may not be reimbursed) rose 24 per cent to Rs 2,600 per person in 2021-22, making up 45.1 per cent of health costs – thus surpassing government spending and highlighting the heavy financial burden on individuals. Residents in five out of 21 states spent more than 50 per cent of their total health expenditure from their own pockets in 2021-22. Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest share, with out-of-pocket payments accounting for 63.7 per cent of the per capita total health expenditure. Kerala and West Bengal also showed significant reliance on out-of-pocket spending, at 59.1 per cent and 58.3 per cent, respectively. State of water and waste: Twin trauma Pandey says that “water quality remains a major concern across both surface and groundwater sources. This is compounded by significant data gaps in monitoring, making accurate assessments difficult.” For instance, in 2022, India monitored only 37 per cent of its river quality stations — and nearly half of these detected toxic heavy metals at hazardous levels. While India’s overall reliance on groundwater increased slightly in 2024, some 16 states and UTs face critical over-extraction. As a result, districts where groundwater is available at depths of over 40 m rose from 75 in 2014 to 135 in 2024. In waste management, with just 18 months left to meet its 2026 target, India has remediated only half of its legacy waste. Meanwhile, generation of most other kinds of waste has jumped up. E-waste generation surged by 147 per cent in seven years, rising from 0.7 million tonne (MT) in 2017-18 to 1.75 MT in 2023-24. Hazardous waste generating industries have had a 25 per cent rise since 2017-18, pushing waste generation up by 66 per cent to 15.66 MT. Plastic waste had reached a record 4.14 MT in 2022-23, despite the ban on certain single-use plastics. Fifteen states and UTs saw plastic waste generation increase by more than 50 per cent between 2018-19 and 2022-23. State of employment: A ferment in the making The report indicates that India’s workforce is facing a rapidly deepening economic stress. Between 2017-18 and 2022-23, incomes for both salaried and self-employed workers have declined when adjusted for inflation. Over 73 per cent of India’s workers are in the informal sector, where job security is rare. More than half of the country’s regular employees lack basic social security like contracts, paid leave, or pensions. Gender disparities persist in the work force: while 60.8 per cent of men work nearly eight hours daily, only 20.7 per cent of women are engaged in employment, and even then, for fewer hours. Says Narain: “The report does not discount the enormous strides that India has made in many fields. What it essentially does is hold up a mirror and make us acquainted with the fact that we need to sit back and take note of the trends, make sense of them, and initiate corrective actions. As we step into June 5, the State of India’s Environment in Figures reminds us that there is work to be done.” In her closing remarks, Narain made a strong case for data: “We have to understand our world as it is changing. We have to see what others are doing and what is working and what is not. We do not deny the problem and its scale, but we must also applaud the good work that is happening and what it can tell us. And to do that, data is critical. Data is not about the problem – it is about the solution. Unless we have clear, credible data, there can be no solutions or policies. Our strong plea therefore is that we need more – not less – data.”

दिल्ली में साफ हवा के लिए और क्या किया जा सकता है? पद्मश्री सुनीता नारायण ने Exclusive इंटरव्यू दिया ये जवाब

नई दिल्ली: देश में पर्यावरण पर कहीं सबसे अधिक काम हुआ है तो राजधानी दिल्ली में हुआ है। 2015 से पर्यावरण को बचाने की लड़ाई लगातार मजबूत होती दिख रही है। दिल्ली को इस लड़ाई के कई सुखद नतीजे भी मिले हैं। सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरमेंट (CSE) की डीजी पद्मश्री सुनीता नारायण ने इस पर पूनम गौड़ से बात की: दिल्ली को बीते कुछ साल में पर्यावरण के प्रति सबसे बड़ा बदलाव क्या देखने को मिला है? दिल्ली ने पर्यावरण बचाने और प्रदूषण कम करने की लड़ाई में कई मिसाल कायम की हैं। सबसे बड़ी बात तो यह है कि लोग पर्यावरण को लेकर अवेयर हुए हैं। उनके दबाव और सवालों की वजह से दिल्ली सरकार पर दबाव बना है कि वह पर्यावरण के लिए काम करें। चाहे वह आम आदमी पार्टी की पिछली सरकार हो या बीजेपी की मौजूदा दिल्ली सरकार, दोनों ने ही पर्यावरण की अहमियत को समझा और इसके एक्शन प्लान बनाए और उन पर काम भी किया। पहली बार ऐसा हुआ कि दिल्ली के चुनावों में सभी पार्टियों के एजेंडे में हवा का प्रदूषण के अलावा कूड़ा और यमुना तीनों मुद्दे दिखे। पीएम और गृहमंत्री अमित शाह दिल्ली में यमुना प्रदूषण को लेकर मीटिंग ले रहे हैं। दिल्ली में रिज की हालत पर कई बार सवाल उठते रहे हैं। रिज दिल्ली के लिए कितनी जरूरी है? दिल्ली ऐसा शहर है, जहां अतिक्रमण बहुत तेजी से बढ़ रहा है। इस शहर का जो स्वरूप है, उसमें रिज को काफी हद तक बचाए रखना बहुत बड़ी बात है। बीते कुछ साल में रिज से काफी अतिक्रमण हटाया गया है। रिज में हरियाली बढ़ाई गई है। एक और बड़ी बात, दिल्ली पेड़ों की अहमियत समझ रही है। यहां पर सबसे बड़ा लाभ ग्रीन कवर के तौर पर सामने आया है। यह कई गुना बढ़ा है। मान सकते हैं कि यह सब जगह समानांतर नहीं है, ईस्ट में पार्क काफी कम है तो लुटियंस और साउथ दिल्ली में पार्क काफी हैं। इसके बावजूद दिल्ली में ग्रीन कवर बढ़ रहा है। कूड़ा प्रदूषण के खिलाफ लड़ाई को कमजोर कर रहा है? इस समस्या को कैसे दूर किया जा सकता है? ऐसा कहा जा सकता है कि लखनऊ, इंदौर जैसे शहर जब साफ सुथरे हैं तो दिल्ली गंदी क्यों? लेकिन यह भी समझना होगा कि दिल्ली की आबादी बहुत अधिक है। यहां कई अवैध सेटलमेंट हैं, जहां कूड़े का कुछ अता-पता ही नहीं है। ऐसे में यहां चुनौतियां बहुत अधिक हैं। जोनल स्तर पर इस लड़ाई को लड़ने की शुरूआत की जा सकती है। कचरे की छंटाई जरूरी है। वेस्ट टु एनर्जी प्लांट के लिए भी यह जरूरी है। फिर हम ऐसा नियम बना सकते हैं कि एक दिन एमसीडी गीला कूड़ा उठाए और एक दिन सूखा कूड़ा उठाए, ताकि गाड़ियों में ऐसा कूड़ा आए ही नहीं। अभी तक कूड़ा उठाने के लिए टिपिंग फीस देते हैं। यानी जितना कूड़ा उठाया उसके हिसाब से पेमेंट करते हैं, लेकिन होना इसके उलट चाहिए। कम कूड़ा उठाने पर प्रोत्साहन राशि मिलनी चाहिए। लेकिन इसके लिए मॉनिटरिंग जरूरी करनी होगी, ताकि कम कूड़े के चक्कर में कूड़ा सड़कों या यमुना में न जाए। दिल्ली में साफ हवा के लिए और क्या किया जा सकता है? सीएनजी, इलेक्ट्रिक बसें, ईस्टर्न वेस्टर्न पेरिफेरल एक्सप्रेस-वे जैसे ऐतिहासिक काम राजधानी ने उठाए हैं। इनके रिजल्ट भी मिले हैं। सरकार एक्शन प्लान भी लाई है जो काफी मायनों में अच्छा है। लेकिन अभी प्राइवेट गाड़ियों को कम करने की दिशा में दिल्ली को काम करना बहुत जरूरी है। यह समझना होगा कि ईंधन कहां जल रहा है। यह गाड़ियों, किचन और फैक्ट्रियों पर चल रहा है। गाड़ियों से सबसे अधिक प्रदूषण आ रहा है और इस पर अभी जरूरत के मुताबिक फोकस नहीं हो रहा है। यमुना बीते काफी समय से सुर्खियों में है। यमुना आरती शुरू हुई है। रिवरफ्रंट के तहत कुछ पार्क बने हैं। इन्हें किस तरह देख रही हैं? यह लोगों को यमुना से जोड़ने का बहुत अच्छा प्रयास है। पर्यावरणविद् के तौर पर मैं कहना चाहूंगी कि शिव की जटाओं से गंगा निकलती है और वह धीरे धीरे बहती है। हिमालय शिव है और वहां के पेड़, चट्टानें, इकोलॉजी गंगा के प्रवाह को कम करती है और गंगा तबाही नहीं लाती। इन प्रोजेक्ट के जरिए जब लोग यमुना का हाल देख रहे हैं तो उन्हें दुख हो रहा है और यमुना साफ करने की मुहिम जोर पकड़ रही है। रिवरफ्रंट बनाने में कोई बुराई नहीं है, लेकिन इनमें कंक्रीट का इस्तेमाल न हो। नदी अविरल बहे यह प्रयास करने हैं। यमुना को साफ करने के लिए भी लोगों की यही अवेयरनेस काम आएगी।

World Environment Day: India’s Perennial Plastic Problem

According to a 2022, report by Centre for Science and Environment, a leading environmental research organisation, Delhi contributes the most, with around 690 tonnes each day. As World Environment Day 2025 is observed today with the theme ‘Ending Global Plastic Pollution’, India stands at a critical juncture. Now the world’s largest plastic waste producer, the country faces a deepening crisis marked by rising plastic consumption, micro plastic contamination and widespread environmental and health impacts. A 2024 study published in Nature, a scientific journal, revealed that India is now the world’s largest plastic waste producer, accounting for nearly 20 pc of the global total. According to the study, India generates approximately 9.3 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, more than any other nation, including China and the United States, which had long been the largest contributors to global plastic waste. The issue takes centre-stage on June 5 as the world observes World Environment Day 2025 with the theme Ending Global Plastic Pollution, India finds itself at the centre of a worsening environmental crisis. This crisis is the result of rapid urbanisation, industrial growth and a surge in consumption driven by the expanding middle class. While India’s per capita plastic usage remains relatively low at 0.12 kg per day, the overall volume of waste is overwhelming. In urban areas alone, more than 6,500 tonnes of plastic waste are generated daily. According to a 2022, report by Centre for Science and Environment, a leading environmental research organisation, Delhi contributes the most, with around 690 tonnes each day. The most alarming aspect of India’s plastic crisis is what cannot be easily seen. Micro plastics, which are plastic particles smaller than 5 millimetres, have now permeated almost every ecosystem across the whole system. Micro plastic: Invisible but omnipresent poison A 2025 report by Swiss non-profit EA Earth Action showed that as many as 217 countries would have released 3.15 million tonnes of micro plastics into the world’s waterways by the end of 2024. Among these, China, India, the United States and Japan will account for 51 pc of the volume. The report said India will release 391,879 tonnes of micro plastics and will be the second leading polluter of the water bodies after China, with 787,069 tonnes, in the world. Numerous studies have also detected micro plastics in 100 pc of sampled coastal waters in India. These tiny particles are making their way into drinking water, soil and food systems. This has direct consequences for human health. Micro plastics have been found in salt, honey, fruits, vegetables, bottled water, and even in human blood and placenta. While research is still emerging, micro plastics are believed to interfere with hormone regulation, respiratory function and digestive health. In India’s urban slums and industrial areas, where plastic is often burned or left to rot, exposure to plastic toxins is particularly high, impacting marginalised communities the most. Plastic pollution is also severely damaging India’s rivers and freshwater systems.

विश्व पर्यावरण दिवस पर तोहफा... आज दिल्ली के लोगों को मिलेंगी 200 इलेक्ट्रिक बसें, पीएम मोदी करेंगे रवाना

दिल्ली में प्रदूषण के खिलाफ लड़ाई मजबूत: सुनीता नारायण विश्व पर्यावरण दिवस के मौके पर सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट (CSE) की डीजी सुनीता नारायण का कहना है कि दिल्ली की सबसे अहम बात ये हैं कि पर्यावरण को बचाने और प्रदूषण कम करने की लड़ाई के मामले में दिल्ली ने मिसाल कायम की हैं। सबसे अहम तो यही है कि लोग जागरूक हुए हैं। ग्रीन कवर बढ़ा है। सरकारें इस दिशा में प्लान बना रही हैं। हालांकि, गाड़ियों से होने वाले प्रदूषण पर अभी उतना फोकस नहीं हो रहा, जितना होना चाहिए। विश्व पर्यावरण दिवस के अवसर पर आज दिल्ली के लोगों को नई इलेक्ट्रिक बसों का तोहफा मिलने जा रहा है। प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी नई इलेक्ट्रिक बसों को हरी झंडी दिखाकर रवाना करेंगे। दिल्ली सरकार के सूत्रों से मिली जानकारी के मुताबिक, गुरुवार सुबह पीएम मोदी 200 नई इलेक्ट्रिक बसों को हरी झंडी दिखाकर रवाना करेंगे। वह बसों का निरीक्षण करके उनमें मौजूद सुविधाओं के बारे में भी जानकारी लेंगे। संभव है कि वह कुछ दूर बस में ट्रैवल भी करें। पीएम मोदी लॉन्च करेंगे ये बसें पीएम मोदी जिन बसों को लॉन्च करेंगे वे सभी DEVI स्कीम (दिल्ली इलेक्ट्रिक वीकल इंटरकनेक्टर) के तहत चल रहीं ग्रीन कलर की 9 मीटर साइज वाली मिनी इलेक्ट्रिक बसें होंगी। इस अवसर पर दिल्ली की मुख्यमंत्री रेखा गुप्ता समेत कई मंत्री और सांसद मौजूद रहेंगे। ये बसें कुशक नाला, द्वारका, ईस्ट विनोद नगर और गाजीपुर डिपो से ऑपरेट होंगी और साउथ दिल्ली, ईस्ट दिल्ली, वेस्ट दिल्ली, साउथ-वेस्ट दिल्ली और सेंट्रल दिल्ली के कुछ प्रमुख रूटों पर चलेंगी। दिल्ली में प्रदूषण के खिलाफ लड़ाई मजबूत: सुनीता नारायण विश्व पर्यावरण दिवस के मौके पर सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट (CSE) की डीजी सुनीता नारायण का कहना है कि दिल्ली की सबसे अहम बात ये हैं कि पर्यावरण को बचाने और प्रदूषण कम करने की लड़ाई के मामले में दिल्ली ने मिसाल कायम की हैं। सबसे अहम तो यही है कि लोग जागरूक हुए हैं। ग्रीन कवर बढ़ा है। सरकारें इस दिशा में प्लान बना रही हैं। हालांकि, गाड़ियों से होने वाले प्रदूषण पर अभी उतना फोकस नहीं हो रहा, जितना होना चाहिए।

2024 में 25 राज्यों में मासिक बारिश ने 123 सालों का तोड़ा रिकॉर्ड, रिपोर्ट में खुलासा

सीएसई ने वर्ल्ड एनवायरमेंट डे पर स्टेट ऑफ इंडियाज एनवायरमेंट इन फिगर 2025 जारी कर दी है। रिपोर्ट के अनुसार कोई भी राज्य कंपलीट विनर बनकर नहीं उभरा है। आंकलन से मिल रहा संकेत, आने वाला समय जलवायु के लिहाज से मुश्किलें बढ़ाएगा। आंकलन संकेत दे रहे हैं कि आने वाला समय जलवायु के लिहाज से मुश्किलें बढ़ाने वाला होगा। देश के सबसे ज्यादा आबादी वाले राज्य उत्तर प्रदेश, महाराष्ट्र, बिहार, पश्चिम बंगाल और मध्य प्रदेश सीएसई के विश्लेषण से काफी खराब स्थिति से गुजर रहे हैं। यह कहना है सीएसई की डीजी सुनीता नारायण का। रिपोर्ट के अनुसार, 2024 इतिहास का सबसे गर्म साल रहा, इसके बावजूद 25 राज्यों में मासिक बारिश के औसत ने भी 123 सालों के रेकार्ड को तोड़ा है। सीएसई ने वर्ल्ड एनवायरमेंट डे पर स्टेट ऑफ इंडियाज एनवायरमेंट इन फिगर 2025 जारी कर दी है। रिपोर्ट के अनुसार कोई भी राज्य कंपलीट विनर बनकर नहीं उभरा है। 2024 सबसे गर्म रिपोर्ट के अनुसार देश में 2024 सबसे गर्म साल रहा। वहीं यह ऐसा साल है जहां 25 राज्यों में एक महीने के दौरान 123 सालों की बारिश का रेकार्ड तोड़ दिया। सीएसई के रजित सेनगुप्ता ने बताया कि 2024 में 88 प्रतिशत दिन तीव्र मौसमी घटनाएं हुई। वहीं 2013 से 2023 तक देश का फॉरेस्ट कवर 16,630 स्क्वायर किलोमीटर बढ़ा है, लेकिन 97 प्रतिशत वृद्धि आधिकारिक जंगलों के बाहर हुई है। सीएसई की प्रोग्राम डायरेक्टर किरण पांडे ने बताया कि 2023-24 में हाथी के हमले में होने वाली इंसानों की मौत 2020-23 की तुलना में 36 प्रतिशत तक बढ़ी। तुंदओं ने 2023-24 में 82 लोगों की जान ली। यह 2020 से अब की सबसे अधिक मौतें हैं 21 राज्यों में से 5 के लोग आमदनी का 50% हेल्थ पर खर्च रहे हैं रिपोर्ट में कहा गया है कि 21 में से पांच राज्यों के लोग अपनी आय का 50 प्रतिशत हिस्सा हेल्थ पर खर्च कर रहे हैं। उत्तर प्रदेश में प्रति व्यक्ति आय के हिसाब से व्यक्ति 63.7 प्रतिशत हेल्थ पर खर्च कर रहा है। केरल में 59.1 प्रतिशत, बेस्ट बंगाल में 58.3 प्रतिशत तक खर्च किया जा रहा है।

World Environment Day 2025: पर्यावरण संरक्षण में भारतीय महिलाओं का योगदान, चिपको आंदोलन में निभाई अहम भूमिका

आधुनिक महिला पर्यावरण योद्धा आज की महिला पर्यावरण कार्यकर्ता आधुनिक तकनीक और जागरूकता के माध्यम से भी बड़ा बदलाव ला रही हैं, सुनिता नारायण पर्यावरण और नीति के क्षेत्र में अग्रणी हैं। वह सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट (CSE) की निदेशक हैं। मेडा पाटकर नर्मदा बचाओ आंदोलन की प्रमुख हैं, जो विकास और पर्यावरण के संतुलन की वकालत करती हैं। तुलसी गौड़ा कर्नाटक की 'फॉरेस्ट वुमन' के नाम से मशहूर हैं। इन्होंने हज़ारों पेड़ लगाए हैं। उन्हें पद्मश्री से सम्मानित किया गया। विश्व पर्यावरण दिवस हर साल 5 जून को मनाया जाता है। इस दिन का उद्देश्य न केवल धरती को बचाना है, बल्कि उन लोगों को सम्मान देना भी है, जो प्रकृति की रक्षा के लिए निरंतर कार्यरत हैं। इस कड़ी में भारतीय महिलाएं सदैव अग्रिम पंक्ति में रही हैं। चाहे वो गांव की जंगलों को बचाने वाली महिलाएं हों या शहरी जीवन में हरियाली की अलख जगाने वाली, हर स्तर पर महिलाओं ने पर्यावरण रक्षा में प्रेरणादायक भूमिका निभाई है। भारतीय महिलाएं सदियों से पर्यावरण की सच्ची संरक्षक रही हैं, कभी जंगलों से लिपटकर, तो कभी बीज बोकर। आइए जानते हैं पर्यावरण संरक्षण के लिए हुए चिपको आंदोलन में महिलाओं की भूमिका के बारे में। चिपको आंदोलन उत्तराखंड के रैणी गांव में 1973 में जब जंगलों की कटाई शुरू हुई, तब पुरुषों के बाहर होने पर गांव की महिलाओं ने पेड़ों से लिपटकर उनका बचाव किया। इस आंदोलन की अगुवाई गौरा देवी ने की, जो आज पर्यावरण के क्षेत्र में महिलाओं के नेतृत्व की प्रतीक बन चुकी हैं। "पेड़ हमारी मां जैसे हैं, इन्हें हम कटने नहीं देंगे।" गौरा देवी का ये नारा आज भी पर्यावरणीय आंदोलनों का प्रेरणा स्रोत है। चिपको आंदोलन सिर्फ पेड़ों को बचाने की मुहिम नहीं था, बल्कि यह महिलाओं के आत्म-सशक्तिकरण और सामुदायिक नेतृत्व का उदाहरण भी था। ग्रामीण महिलाओं की हरियाली में भूमिका भारत के कई हिस्सों में महिलाएं जंगल संरक्षण समितियों की प्रमुख होती हैं। वे जल संरक्षण, जैविक खेती, बीज बैंक, और सोलर ऊर्जा को अपनाकर पर्यावरण मित्र जीवनशैली को बढ़ावा दे रही हैं। राजस्थान, महाराष्ट्र, ओडिशा, उत्तराखंड और उत्तर-पूर्व भारत की कई ग्रामीण महिलाएं वनों की देखरेख, जल स्रोतों की सफाई, और स्थानीय जैव विविधता को संजोने का कार्य कर रही हैं। आधुनिक महिला पर्यावरण योद्धा आज की महिला पर्यावरण कार्यकर्ता आधुनिक तकनीक और जागरूकता के माध्यम से भी बड़ा बदलाव ला रही हैं, सुनिता नारायण पर्यावरण और नीति के क्षेत्र में अग्रणी हैं। वह सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट (CSE) की निदेशक हैं। मेडा पाटकर नर्मदा बचाओ आंदोलन की प्रमुख हैं, जो विकास और पर्यावरण के संतुलन की वकालत करती हैं। तुलसी गौड़ा कर्नाटक की 'फॉरेस्ट वुमन' के नाम से मशहूर हैं। इन्होंने हज़ारों पेड़ लगाए हैं। उन्हें पद्मश्री से सम्मानित किया गया।

State of India’s Environment in Figures

he Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has brought into light a critical situation in India as World Environment Day approaches. The 2025 report, “State of India’s Environment in Figures,” reveals alarming trends in environmental degradation, public health, and economic stability. The report uses 48 indicators to assess the performance of all 36 states and Union Territories. It paints a grim picture of a nation facing extreme weather and inadequate infrastructure. Environmental Management Andhra Pradesh leads in environmental management, driven by efforts in forest and biodiversity conservation. However, it struggles with sewage treatment and river pollution. Sikkim excels in agriculture through organic farming but faces challenges in farmer welfare. Goa ranks highest in public health and infrastructure but suffers from a shortage of hospital beds. Impact of Extreme Weather The year 2024 was a turning point, marked by unprecedented weather patterns. Twenty-five states recorded record rainfall. Extreme weather events occurred on 88% of days, leading to internal displacement. Floods caused two-thirds of the 5.4 million displacements, with Assam being the most affected. Greenhouse Gas Emissions India’s greenhouse gas emissions reached a historic high of 7.8% of global emissions. The growth rate of emissions has accelerated, increasing nearly one percentage point from 2020 to 2023. This trend raises concerns about India’s climate commitments and environmental sustainability. Water and Waste Management Groundwater depletion is critical, with 135 districts extracting water from depths exceeding 40 metres. Toxic heavy metals contaminate almost half of monitored river sites. E-waste surged by 147% in seven years, and plastic waste reached an all-time high of 4.14 million tonnes. The government’s legacy waste remediation efforts remain inadequate, with only half completed by the 2026 deadline. Human-Animal Conflict Forest clearances for development reached a decade-high, disrupting wildlife corridors. This has led to increased human-animal conflicts, with a 36% rise in human deaths due to elephant attacks. Tiger attacks also contributed to fatalities. Public Health Crisis Air pollution continues to be a severe health issue. Residents in major cities experience unsafe air quality frequently. Life expectancy in Delhi is reduced by nearly eight years due to pollution. Public health systems are overburdened, with shortfall in community health centres and specialists. Economic Challenges The economic landscape is precarious. Real incomes for workers have declined since 2017. More than 73% of the workforce is informal, lacking basic protections. Gender disparities in employment are stark, with men dominating full-time positions while women’s participation remains low. Call for Action CSE’s report urges the government to enhance data collection and transparency. Reliable data is essential for formulating effective solutions and policies. The report serves as important reminder of the urgent need for corrective actions across various sectors.

India not witnessing temperature rise as other countries: Why it's bad news

Anumita Roychoudhury, Executive Director of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), explains, “The sources of aerosols and greenhouse gases are the same. While Western countries and others have aggressively reduced both, aerosol levels have not fallen similarly in South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Here, pollution from coal-fired power generation and industry remains high.” When we talk about global warming and the resulting changes in weather patterns, could a slower rise in the Earth’s temperature actually be a cause for concern? Surprisingly, while many parts of the world are experiencing unpredictable increases in surface temperature, the South Asian landmass, particularly the Indian subcontinent, is warming at a slower rate. At first glance, this might seem like good news for the residents of this region. However, the reasons behind this slower warming are in fact more worrying for our part of the world. How India has warmed less compared to other regions? Data shows that South Asia’s rate of warming over the past few decades is slower than the global average. The region’s temperature has risen by approximately 0.09C per decade over the last 40 years, which is significantly lower than the global average of 0.30C per decade, and below the 0.23C recorded for regions at similar latitudes. Considering this area has one of the highest population densities globally and has seen significant reductions in green cover, which normally buffers warming, the slower rise in temperature seems unusual. Therefore, understanding the causes behind this phenomenon in India and neighbouring areas is important. Pollution causing slower warming in South Asia, including India It is beyond doubt that India, especially the Indo-Gangetic Plain, stretching from Punjab and Haryana to Bangladesh, is among the most polluted regions globally. When discussing global warming, greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as carbon dioxide come to mind, with atmospheric lifetimes ranging from centuries to millennia. Global efforts have led to significant reductions in GHG emissions. Anumita Roychoudhury, Executive Director of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), explains, “The sources of aerosols and greenhouse gases are the same. While Western countries and others have aggressively reduced both, aerosol levels have not fallen similarly in South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Here, pollution from coal-fired power generation and industry remains high.” How aerosols like sulfates mask warming in India? South Asia’s temperature trends, as well as the 2024 Berkeley Earth heat map showing global temperature anomalies, highlight the role of cooling aerosols such as sulfates in masking warming. Aerosol pollutants include particulate matter like PM10 and PM2.5, which pose health risks and are subject to various government reduction policies. Beyond particulates, aerosols comprise sulfates, nitrates, fluorinated gases, and methane in the atmosphere. Sulfates, a major aerosol component, have a reflective power akin to a mirror—they scatter sunlight in the upper atmosphere, thereby reducing warming at the Earth’s surface. This “masking effect” means sulfates reflect sunlight and increase cloud reflectivity, effectively hiding the full extent of greenhouse gas-induced temperature rises. Sulfate and other aerosols’ masking effect The 2024 heat map shows South Asia’s temperature anomaly at 1-2C above the 1951-1980 baseline, less severe than anomalies of 4-6C in the Arctic or 2-4C in northern Europe. Sulfates not only scatter incoming solar radiation back into space, reducing sunlight reaching the surface, but also serve as condensation nuclei, increasing cloud droplet numbers and making clouds brighter and more reflective. The South Asian region, including northern India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, is a global hotspot for air pollution, with sulfate levels often exceeding 20 g/m annually in cities such as Delhi. Sulfates are not the sole aerosols masking temperatures: organic carbon (OC) from biomass burning (e.g., wildfires, agricultural fires) and fossil fuel combustion, often called brown carbon, also scatters sunlight and cools the atmosphere. Similarly, oxides of nitrogen, sea salts, and mineral salts contribute to sunlight scattering, helping keep the Earth cooler. Will India face delayed global warming and more extreme events? Following global policies, South Asia is also reducing sulfate emissions through initiatives like India’s clean air programmes. However, as the masking effect weakens over coming decades, the full impact of long-lived GHGs will become apparent. Recent projections suggest that by 2050, under a moderate emissions scenario (SSP2-4.5), South Asia could experience warming of 1.5-2C above pre-industrial levels, primarily driven by CO and oxides of nitrogen. While methane reductions (e.g., via improved waste management) may slow near-term warming, the long atmospheric lifetime of carbon dioxide means its effects will persist for centuries, heightening risks such as heat stress, with wet-bulb temperatures nearing 35C, and flooding, as seen recently in several Indian states.

CM presents Environment Leadership Awards on World Environment Day

Under the Green School Programme run by the Centre for Science and Environment, several awards were conferred. District Solan received the Best Green District Award, Bhoomi Prabandhan Award went to GHS Kanah, Solan and Parivartan Nirmata.. On the occasion of World Environment Day, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today distributed the Environment Leadership Awards to eight individuals and institutions for their outstanding contributions in the field of environmental conservation The awards ceremony was held at Hotel Peterhof in Shimla. The first and second prizes carried a cash award of Rs. 50,000 each, while the third prize carried Rs. 25,000. Rajkiya Kanya Mahavidyalaya (RKMV), Shimla was awarded the first prize in the academic institution category. Other first prize winners included Nature Park Bakhli and JICA-supported project in Nachan, M/s Pidilite Industries Ltd., Baddi Centre for Science Learning & Creativity under HIMCOSTE and the Block Development Office, Chopal. The second prize was awarded to the Himalayan Research Group, Shimla, PM Shri Govt. Model Sr. Sec. School, Chauntra, Mandi and M/s Luminous Power Technologies Pvt. Ltd. Various competitions were also organised to mark the day and winners were honoured during the event. In the painting competition (junior category), Dhruv from Government Senior Secondary School Kanger, Una secured the first position, followed by Aruhi from Government Middle School Sultanpur, Chamba in second place and Nami from HAPS, Heera Nagar, Hamirpur in third. In the senior category, Roshni from Government High School Navbahar, Shimla won first place, Mahak Preet from St. Luke’s Senior Secondary School, Solan stood second and Ayush Negi from Government Senior Secondary School Pangi, Kinnaur secured third place. In the slogan writing competition for the junior category, Harshita from Government High School Kanah, Solan stood first, followed by Soonakshi from GHS Bheetlu, Kangra and Divya Jyoti from GSSS Barang, Kinnaur. In the senior category, the first prize went to Deeksha from GSSS Luddu, Chamba, while Palak from GSSS Chauri, Hamirpur and Parul from GSSS Khalyani, Kullu were awarded second and third prizes respectively. For the Best Eco-Club Report, GSSS Balkrupi, Kangra received the first prize, followed by Shivalik Valley Public School, Solan in second place and GSSS (Girls) Ghumarwin, Bilaspur in third. In the photography competition, Abhinav from Jindal Vidya Mandir, Sholtu, Kinnaur bagged the first prize, Vikas from GSSS Saur, Solan came second, Ikshita from GSSS Bhutti, Shimla secured the third position and Sakshi from GSSS Tharas, Kullu was awarded the fourth position. In the declamation competition, Ishita from GSSS Kotla, Solan won first prize, while Komal Mehta from GSSS Ghanahatti, Shimla and Aradhana Thakur from Nurpur Public School, Kangra won third place. The fourth prize was awarded to Anshika Sharma from TR DAV School, Kangu, Hamirpur. Under the Green School Programme run by the Centre for Science and Environment, several awards were conferred. District Solan received the Best Green District Award, Bhoomi Prabandhan Award went to GHS Kanah, Solan and Parivartan Nirmata Vidyalaya GSSS Baldeyan in district Shimla, Doon Valley Public School was honoured with Urja Prabandhan Award, GSSS Bhaleth (Hamirpur) received the Apshisht Yodha Puruskar, Sarvshresht Navagantuk Puruskar was presented to GSSS Sarog, Shimla and Jal Sanrakshan Puruskar was bagged by Shivalik Valley Public School, Solan. These awards recognized exemplary initiatives undertaken by the winners to protect and promote the environment. On this occasion, the Chief Minister also launched the “Plastic Challenging Mobile App". It was a significant step towards digitizing enforcement of environmental laws. With this app, officials from 13 departments will now be able to issue challan directly through their mobile devices which would eliminate the need for paper-based processes and promote environmental protection. The Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of the participating students, teachers and institutions for their dedication to protecting nature and for spreading awareness about the importance of sustainable practices in daily life.

VERY VERY IMPORTANT NEWS RECEIVED FROM DIRECTOR PUBLIC RELATIONS SHIMLA FOCUSING CM THAKUR SUKHVINDER SINGH AND HIS ASSOCIATES

Under the Green School Programme run by the Centre for Science and Environment, several awards were conferred. District Solan received the Best Green District Award, Bhoomi Prabandhan Award went to GHS Kanah, Solan and Parivartan Nirmata .. SHIMLA-5 June, 2025-Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today flagged off a cycle run from Oak Over, Shimla with the aim of eliminating plastic pollution on the occasion of World Environment Day. The event was jointly organized by the Department of Environment, Science, Technology & Climate Change and HP Council for Science, Technology & Environment (HIMCOSTE). He also launched the Plastic Neutral Himachal- 2030 awareness campaign and the Clean Shimla Drive. Students, volunteers, home guard Jawans and people from various sections of society participated in this initiative. On this occasion, the Chief Minister also administered a pledge to the gathering to make Himachal Pradesh plastic-neutral. Extending his greetings on World Environment Day, the Chief Minister emphasized that everyone must contribute towards making Himachal plastic-free. He stated that protecting the environment from plastic is a shared responsibility. He further said that serious and consistent efforts are required over the next five years, not only to free Himachal from plastic but also to raise awareness on the issue. Protecting nature is an integral part of our culture and identity, he added. The Chief Minister said that Himachal’s natural beauty gives the state its unique identity, and to preserve this, we must continue working with a positive and proactive approach. MLA Harish Janartha, Mayor Surinder Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh, Director Environment, Science, Technology & Climate Change D.C. Rana, Municipal Commissioner Bhupender Atri, Additional Director Praveen Gupta, Chief Scientist Dr. Suresh Atri, and other dignitaries were present on the occasion. ===================================== SHIMLA- 5 June, 2025 CM presents Environment Leadership Awards on World Environment Day On the occasion of World Environment Day, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today distributed the Environment Leadership Awards to eight individuals and institutions for their outstanding contributions in the field of environmental conservation The awards ceremony was held at Hotel Peterhof in Shimla. The first and second prizes carried a cash award of Rs. 50,000 each, while the third prize carried Rs. 25,000. Rajkiya Kanya Mahavidyalaya (RKMV), Shimla was awarded the first prize in the academic institution category. Other first prize winners included Nature Park Bakhli and JICA-supported project in Nachan, M/s Pidilite Industries Ltd., Baddi Centre for Science Learning & Creativity under HIMCOSTE and the Block Development Office, Chopal. The second prize was awarded to the Himalayan Research Group, Shimla, PM Shri Govt. Model Sr. Sec. School, Chauntra, Mandi and M/s Luminous Power Technologies Pvt. Ltd. Various competitions were also organised to mark the day and winners were honoured during the event. In the painting competition (junior category), Dhruv from Government Senior Secondary School Kanger, Una secured the first position, followed by Aruhi from Government Middle School Sultanpur, Chamba in second place and Nami from HAPS, Heera Nagar, Hamirpur in third. In the senior category, Roshni from Government High School Navbahar, Shimla won first place, Mahak Preet from St. Luke’s Senior Secondary School, Solan stood second and Ayush Negi from Government Senior Secondary School Pangi, Kinnaur secured third place. In the slogan writing competition for the junior category, Harshita from Government High School Kanah, Solan stood first, followed by Soonakshi from GHS Bheetlu, Kangra and Divya Jyoti from GSSS Barang, Kinnaur. In the senior category, the first prize went to Deeksha from GSSS Luddu, Chamba, while Palak from GSSS Chauri, Hamirpur and Parul from GSSS Khalyani, Kullu were awarded second and third prizes respectively. For the Best Eco-Club Report, GSSS Balkrupi, Kangra received the first prize, followed by Shivalik Valley Public School, Solan in second place and GSSS (Girls) Ghumarwin, Bilaspur in third. In the photography competition, Abhinav from Jindal Vidya Mandir, Sholtu, Kinnaur bagged the first prize, Vikas from GSSS Saur, Solan came second, Ikshita from GSSS Bhutti, Shimla secured the third position and Sakshi from GSSS Tharas, Kullu was awarded the fourth position. In the declamation competition, Ishita from GSSS Kotla, Solan won first prize, while Komal Mehta from GSSS Ghanahatti, Shimla and Aradhana Thakur from Nurpur Public School, Kangra won third place. The fourth prize was awarded to Anshika Sharma from TR DAV School, Kangu, Hamirpur. Under the Green School Programme run by the Centre for Science and Environment, several awards were conferred. District Solan received the Best Green District Award, Bhoomi Prabandhan Award went to GHS Kanah, Solan and Parivartan Nirmata Vidyalaya GSSS Baldeyan in district Shimla, Doon Valley Public School was honoured with Urja Prabandhan Award, GSSS Bhaleth (Hamirpur) received the Apshisht Yodha Puruskar, Sarvshresht Navagantuk Puruskar was presented to GSSS Sarog, Shimla and Jal Sanrakshan Puruskar was bagged by Shivalik Valley Public School, Solan. These awards recognized exemplary initiatives undertaken by the winners to protect and promote the environment. On this occasion, the Chief Minister also launched the “Plastic Challenging Mobile App". It was a significant step towards digitizing enforcement of environmental laws. With this app, officials from 13 departments will now be able to issue challan directly through their mobile devices which would eliminate the need for paper-based processes and promote environmental protection. The Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of the participating students, teachers and institutions for their dedication to protecting nature and for spreading awareness about the importance of sustainable practices in daily life.

World Environment Day: Himachal CM Sukhu honours green trailblazers

Under the Green School Programme by the Centre for Science and Environment, Solan won the Best Green District Award, GHS Kanah (Solan) received the Bhoomi Prabandhan Award and GSSS Baldeyan (Shimla) earned the Parivartan Nirmata Vidyalaya Award. On World Environment Day, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu honoured eight individuals and institutions with the Environment Leadership Awards for their remarkable contributions to environmental conservation. The first and second prizes carried a cash award of Rs 50,000 each, while the third prize included Rs 25,000. The Chief Minister also launched the “Plastic Challenging Mobile App”, calling it a major step towards digitising enforcement of environmental laws. He appreciated students, teachers and institutions for their efforts to spread awareness about sustainable living. Rajkiya Kanya Mahavidyalaya (RKMV), Shimla secured the first prize in the academic institution category. Other top winners included Nature Park Bakhli, JICA-supported project in Nachan, M/s Pidilite Industries Ltd., Baddi, Centre for Science Learning and Creativity under HIMCOSTE and Block Development Office, Chopal. Second prize winners were Himalayan Research Group, Shimla, PM Shri Govt. Model Senior Secondary School, Chauntra (Mandi), and M/s Luminous Power Technologies Pvt. Ltd. The event also featured multiple competitions. Under the Green School Programme by the Centre for Science and Environment, Solan won the Best Green District Award, GHS Kanah (Solan) received the Bhoomi Prabandhan Award and GSSS Baldeyan (Shimla) earned the Parivartan Nirmata Vidyalaya Award. In the Best Eco-Club Report category, GSSS Balkrupi (Kangra) won first prize, followed by Shivalik Valley Public School (Solan) and GSSS (Girls) Ghumarwin (Bilaspur). In the declamation contest, Ishita (GSSS Kotla, Solan) secured the top spot, with Komal Mehta and Aradhana Thakur taking third place. 15,000 schools participate in sapling plantation drive Shimla: Approximately 15,000 schools, including government, private, Jawahar Navodaya, and Eklavya, participated in the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0’ campaign, launched on the World Environment Day. The ambitious plantation drive aims to plant 1.1 million saplings across the state, with a target of 70 plants per school. The programme seeks to not only promote environmental conservation but also raise awareness among students about the importance of nature and the environment. The campaign will run for three months, concluding on September 30. Programme officer Nandni Kanwar said the plantation activities were conducted in almost all schools, educating students about environmental protection. This initiative is expected to contribute significantly to making Himachal Pradesh greener and cleaner. — TNS Chamba’s dual approach to environmental conservation Chamba: Chamba district administration and local civic body on Thursday organised a special cleanliness drive to mark World Environment Day at Hardaspura Park in Chamba town. Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal was present as the chief guest at the event. Officials and employees from various departments, including the Chamba Municipal Council, actively participated in the campaign. A thorough cleanliness drive was carried out in the MC Park near Hardaspura Chowk, Revenue Colony and nearby areas. Speaking on the occasion, Repaswal said for the past week, continuous cleanliness drives have been taking place across various wards under the Chamba and Dalhousie Municipal Councils and the Chowari Nagar Panchayat. As part of this initiative, today’s large-scale drive was conducted at Hardaspura Park. He further announced the launch of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, under which approximately one lakh saplings will be planted across the district in collaboration with the Forest Department, including in educational institutions and public spaces. — OC 133 Eco Dogra Battalion leads statewide activities Shimla: The 133 Infantry Battalion (TA) Eco Dogra, a pioneer in afforestation and environmental conservation, observed World Environment Day 2025 with a series of impactful events across Himachal Pradesh from June 3 to 5. Activities were conducted at various locations including Kufri, Tattapani, Aut, Larji and Sunni. The battalion organised plantation drives, cleanliness campaigns, plastic waste removal efforts, and awareness lectures to promote environmental consciousness. Col Deepak Kumar, Commanding Officer of the 133 Eco Task Battalion, along with other senior officers, addressed students and locals, emphasising the importance of protecting nature. “The 133 Infantry Battalion (TA) Eco Dogra is committed to protecting the environment and encouraging public participation in building a cleaner and greener Himachal Pradesh,” he stated. In Sunni, a programme was conducted at ITI where students and faculty actively participated in lectures and tree plantation activities. A similar effort was carried out in Larji at the Government Middle School where students, teachers, Mahila Mandal members, health officials and local representatives joined the plantation drive. At Kufri, troops along with the local community undertook plantation and cleanliness drives at Chinni Bangla and the Himalayan Nature Park. — TNS Cleanliness drive in Dhalli Shimla: Government Senior Secondary School, Dhalli, in collaboration with Forest Department staff, organised several awareness activities including slogan writing, painting, essay writing and declamation competitions on World Environment Day. A cleanliness drive was also carried out in the nearby forest area, during which 10 sacks of waste (plastic bottles, glass bottles, and wrappers) were collected. — TNS Cooperative societies lead ‘Environment Walk’ Hamirpur: Highlighting the critical need for public awareness and community participation in tackling environmental pollution, Dr RK Puruthi, Registrar of Cooperative Societies, flagged off an ‘Environment Walk’ organised by the Cooperative Department to mark World Environment Day on Thursday. Speaking at the event, Dr Puruthi emphasised that every member of society must support efforts to protect the environment. “Public awareness and mass participation are essential tools in combating pollution. Everyone has a role to play,” he said. He also noted that with over 300 cooperative societies operating in the district, similar awareness programmes are being held at the sub-divisional level as well. The walk commenced at 7.30 am from the DC office complex, covering a 5-km route that passed through Anu, Hiranagar and Dang Quali, before concluding at the starting point. More than 140 participants from various cooperative societies joined the initiative. Deputy Commissioner Amarjit Singh, who was also present, described environmental protection as one of the biggest challenges of our time. He urged citizens to completely refrain from using plastic, highlighting that although the government has banned small plastic water bottles, several other harmful, non-biodegradable products continue to be used. “True environmental change begins with individual choices,” he added. — OC

Can Ambitious Green Wall Project Save The Aravallis? What Expert Said

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will plant the first saplings of the Aravalli Green Wall Project in Delhi's Ridge, launching a 1,400 km-long green belt to heal this ancient guardian. NDTV spoke to Anumita Roychowdhury, Executive Director of Research and Advocacy at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), to explore whether this ambitious vision can triumph over the Aravallis' mounting crises. The Aravalli range, made up of India's oldest fold mountains, is bleeding. Stretching 692 km from Delhi to Gujarat, this range stands as a vital shield, holding back the Thar Desert, guiding monsoon winds, and cradling over 300 plant and 120 bird species in its vibrant ecosystem. But relentless deforestation, illegal mining, and creeping desertification are ripping apart its ecological core, threatening rivers, biodiversity, and millions of livelihoods. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will plant the first saplings of the Aravalli Green Wall Project in Delhi's Ridge, launching a 1,400 km-long green belt to heal this ancient guardian. NDTV spoke to Anumita Roychowdhury, Executive Director of Research and Advocacy at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), to explore whether this ambitious vision can triumph over the Aravallis' mounting crises. The Aravallis' Wounds The range's green cloak is tattered. Forest cover fell 0.9% from 1999-2019, with the central range losing a staggering 32% since 1975 to urban sprawl and mining. Illegal mining has obliterated 25% of Rajasthan's Aravalli hills since 1967-68, despite Supreme Court bans in 2002 and 2009. Of 4,150 mining leases for copper, zinc, and marble, only 288 have environmental clearance. Desertification also looms: 8.2% of Haryana's land turned arid by 2018-19, and 8% of the Aravallis-5,772.7 sq km-was lost by 2019, with 22% more at risk by 2059. These assaults have dried rivers like the Sahibi and Luni, eroded soils, depleted groundwater, and slashed biodiversity, undermining the region's climate resilience. A Green Wall of Hope The Aravalli Green Wall Project, launching June 5, 2025, aims to weave a 1,400 km-long, 5 km-wide green belt, inspired by Africa's Great Green Wall. Starting with 24,990 hectares in Haryana's Gurgaon, Faridabad, Nuh, Rewari, and Mahendergarh, it will plant native species, revive 75 water bodies, and bolster soil conservation, targeting 1.1 million hectares by 2027. "The Aravalli Green Wall Project is a very critical step forward. Since our childhood, we have seen massive degradation of the Aravallis. This project will restore confidence that we can protect, conserve, and expand this essential resource." Aligned with India's UNCCD (United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification), CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity), and UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) commitments, it promises to curb desertification, boost biodiversity, and create jobs while cooling the region and filtering dust that fuels Delhi-NCR's air pollution crisis," said Ms Roychowdhury. "The wall will act as a wind and dust barrier," Ms Roychowdhury explained, "consistent with global best practices for green walls, addressing the intersection of clean air challenges and climate change," she added. Eco-Tourism: Opportunity or Threat? The project's eco-tourism push-safaris, nature parks, and trekking routes-aims to fund restoration and engage local communities. But could increased human activity harm this fragile ecosystem? "The Aravallis are a fragile ecosystem," Ms Roychowdhury warned. "Tourism can't take over or disrupt the local ecological balance. We have to be respectful and sensitive to the communities and species that depend on this region." She stressed that unregulated tourism risks habitat disruption, pollution, and wildlife displacement. To counter this, CSE recommends robust safeguards: "We advocate for strict regulatory frameworks-limiting visitor numbers, enforcing waste management protocols, and ensuring low-impact, non-invasive infrastructure. Species introduced for reforestation must be native to avoid ecological imbalances," she said. On the risk of over-commercialisation, Ms Roychowdhury is clear: "The Aravallis are a buffer between Delhi, Haryana, and expanding urban areas. Unregulated development, like stone quarrying or encroachments, must stop for the green wall to succeed. Community involvement is essential, but it must prioritise ecological restoration over commercial interests." Advertisement She emphasises enforcement and scale: "The clean air agenda cannot succeed on a small scale. We need speed of implementation, but it must integrate local needs without allowing tourism to dominate. Conservation must always come first," she said. As PM Modi plants saplings tomorrow, the Aravalli Green Wall signals a fierce resolve to heal this ancient range. But, as Ms Roychowdhury underscored, "The green wall will work only if we stop urban pressures. It's a matter of enforcement and implementation."

कैपिटल सिटी ऑफ लेपर्ड: जयपुर में एक और सफारी का शुभारंभ, देश का एकलौता शहर बना - BEED PAPAD LEOPARD SAFARI

पर्यावरण सुधार को लेकर हुए समझौते: राज्य प्रदूषण नियंत्रण मंडल और सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट, नई दिल्ली के बीच क्लाइमेट चेंज अडैप्टेशन प्लान 2030 को लेकर एमओयू किया गया... राजधानी जयपुर ने देशभर में एक नया पर्यावरणीय और वन्यजीव संरक्षण कीर्तिमान स्थापित किया है. विश्व पर्यावरण दिवस के अवसर पर मुख्यमंत्री भजनलाल शर्मा ने वर्चुअल माध्यम से बीड पापड़ लेपर्ड सफारी का उद्घाटन कर जयपुर को भारत का पहला ऐसा शहर बना दिया है जहां अब तीन लेपर्ड सफारी संचालित हो रही हैं. इससे पहले झालाना और आमागढ़ में लेपर्ड सफारी शुरू की जा चुकी थीं. अब नाहरगढ़ वाइल्डलाइफ सेंचुरी में बीड पापड़ लेपर्ड सफारी के जुड़ने से जयपुर वन्यजीव पर्यटन और संरक्षण का एक मजबूत केंद्र बन गया है. साथ ही जयपुर अब एकमात्र ऐसा जिला बन चुका है जहां तीन लेपर्ड सफारी के अलावा एक-एक लायन, टाइगर और एलिफेंट सफारी भी हैं. यह पहल राज्य में वन्यजीवों की सुरक्षा और इको टूरिज्म को नई दिशा दे रही है. नाहरगढ़ सेंचुरी में तैयार हुई तीसरी लेपर्ड सफारी: वन एवं पर्यावरण राज्य मंत्री संजय शर्मा ने इस अवसर पर बताया कि नाहरगढ़ सेंचुरी क्षेत्र के बीच विकसित बीड पापड़ लेपर्ड सफारी लगभग 5240 हेक्टेयर क्षेत्र में फैली हुई है. इसमें करीब 19 किलोमीटर लंबे ट्रैक बनाए गए हैं जो सफारी संचालन के लिए उपयुक्त हैं. जंगल के करीब 30 प्रतिशत क्षेत्र को सफारी के लिए चिह्नित कर बाउंड्री वॉल भी बनाई गई है. इसके अलावा वन्यजीवों के लिए 12 वाटर पॉइंट विकसित किए गए हैं, जहां नियमित रूप से जल की व्यवस्था की जाती है. इस क्षेत्र में वर्तमान में 21 लेपर्ड हैं. इनके अलावा सेंचुरी में सांभर, नीलगाय, हाइना, सियार, सेही, जंगली सूअर जैसी विभिन्न प्रजातियों के वन्यजीव और 200 से अधिक पक्षियों की प्रजातियां देखी जा सकती हैं. इनमें कई दुर्लभ पक्षी भी शामिल हैं. इस क्षेत्र में धोक, सफेदा, सालर, बबूल जैसी प्रमुख वनस्पतियां भी पाई जाती हैं जो जंगल की जैव विविधता को और समृद्ध बनाती हैं. लेपर्ड संरक्षण का मजबूत कॉरिडोर: राज्य सरकार ने लेपर्ड संरक्षण के तहत जयपुर में एक विस्तृत और प्रभावी कॉरिडोर भी विकसित किया है. यह कॉरिडोर झालाना लेपर्ड रिजर्व से शुरू होकर आमागढ़ होते हुए नाहरगढ़ अभयारण्य और दिल्ली रोड स्थित अचरोल तक फैला है. इस प्रयास से लेपर्ड के प्राकृतिक आवागमन और सुरक्षित निवास को मजबूती मिली है. झालाना लेपर्ड रिजर्व करीब 700 हेक्टेयर क्षेत्र में फैला है जहां 40 से अधिक लेपर्ड हैं. आमागढ़ लेपर्ड रिजर्व 1524 हेक्टेयर क्षेत्र में विकसित किया गया है जिसमें 20 लेपर्ड हैं. अब नाहरगढ़ में 21 लेपर्ड के साथ इस श्रृंखला को और भी सशक्त किया गया है. इस तरह जयपुर में लेपर्ड संरक्षण का एक ऐसा मॉडल तैयार किया गया है जिसे पूरे देश में अपनाया जा सकता है. बाघों की संख्या पहुंची 140: राज्य सरकार की ओर से किए जा रहे संरक्षण प्रयासों के कारण राजस्थान में बाघों की संख्या बढ़कर 140 तक पहुंच गई है. मुख्यमंत्री भजनलाल शर्मा ने बताया कि सरकार का लक्ष्य है कि वर्ष 2030 तक राजस्थान को वन्यजीव पर्यटन के क्षेत्र में देश का अग्रणी राज्य बनाया जाए. उन्होंने कहा कि प्रोजेक्ट लेपर्ड की शुरुआत झालाना लेपर्ड रिजर्व से हुई थी और आज यह मिशन सफलतापूर्वक आगे बढ़ रहा है. झालाना आज देश के सबसे पसंदीदा लेपर्ड रिजर्व में से एक बन गया है. आमागढ़ और अब नाहरगढ़ जैसे क्षेत्रों में भी लेपर्ड रिजर्व का सफल विस्तार हुआ है. 'कैपिटल सिटी ऑफ लेपर्ड' का खिताब: तीन लेपर्ड सफारी, एक लायन, एक टाइगर और एक एलिफेंट सफारी के साथ जयपुर अब 'कैपिटल सिटी ऑफ लेपर्ड' के नाम से जाना जा रहा है. झालाना, आमागढ़ और अब बीड पापड़ लेपर्ड सफारी के जुड़ने से जयपुर देश का एकमात्र ऐसा शहर बन गया है जहां इतने व्यापक स्तर पर लेपर्ड संरक्षण और पर्यटन की व्यवस्थाएं हैं. झालाना में विकसित लेपर्ड रिजर्व मालवीय नगर औद्योगिक क्षेत्र के पास स्थित है और पर्यटन के लिए विशेष रूप से लोकप्रिय है. आमागढ़ और नाहरगढ़ भी इसी दिशा में तेजी से विकसित हो रहे हैं. मुख्यमंत्री की अन्य पर्यावरणीय सौगातें: विश्व पर्यावरण दिवस के अवसर पर मुख्यमंत्री ने अन्य कई परियोजनाओं की शुरुआत भी की. इनमें पांच लव कुश वाटिकाएं, उदयपुर में माछला मगरा नगर वन, रिसाला ग्रीन लंग्स जैसी परियोजनाएं शामिल हैं. इसके अलावा सर्कुलर इकोनॉमी इन्सेंटिव स्कीम, ऑटो रिन्यूअल सिस्टम, मैनेजमेंट इन्फॉर्मेशन सिस्टम 2.0, सांगानेर में जीरो लिक्विड डिस्चार्ज आधारित सीईटीपी का जीर्णोद्धार, और छह प्रमुख अस्पतालों में सीवेज ट्रीटमेंट प्लांट का लोकार्पण भी शामिल रहा. पर्यावरण सुधार को लेकर हुए समझौते: राज्य प्रदूषण नियंत्रण मंडल और सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट, नई दिल्ली के बीच क्लाइमेट चेंज अडैप्टेशन प्लान 2030 को लेकर एमओयू किया गया. इसके अलावा इमिशन ट्रेडिंग स्कीम पर राज्य प्रदूषण नियंत्रण मंडल, ईपीआईसी और जेपीएएल एसए के साथ त्रिपक्षीय समझौता हुआ. अलवर और भिवाड़ी के लिए अर्ली वॉर्निंग सिस्टम के तहत आईआईटीएम पुणे और प्रदूषण नियंत्रण मंडल के बीच भी एक अहम समझौता हुआ है. लेपर्ड कंजर्वेशन में जयपुर की भूमिका राष्ट्रीय मॉडल: जयपुर में झालाना से शुरू हुआ लेपर्ड संरक्षण अब देश के लिए एक मिसाल बन चुका है. शहर का घना जंगल, सुनियोजित ट्रैक, जल प्रबंधन, सुरक्षित सीमाएं और व्यापक कॉरिडोर व्यवस्था ने लेपर्ड संरक्षण को व्यवहारिक बनाया है. इन पहलों के परिणामस्वरूप जयपुर को 'कैपिटल सिटी ऑफ लेपर्ड' का दर्जा मिला है और यह अब वन्यजीव पर्यटन का राष्ट्रीय केंद्र बनकर उभर रहा है. बीड पापड़ लेपर्ड सफारी का शुभारंभ इस दिशा में एक और महत्वपूर्ण कदम साबित होगा.