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Cse In News

Cse In News

Hotter days and nights ahead as temperature touches 39 degrees Celsius in TN

Chennai and Tamil Nadu are grappling with an intensifying heat stress as maximum temperatures are climbing above normal. As per the temperature forecast by the regional meteorological centre here, there will be a gradual rise in day time temperature by 2°C during next 5 days and maximum temperature is likely to be 2-3 degrees above normal in isolated pockets of Tamil Nadu. Tirupattur recorded the highest temperature in the state at 38.8°C. This comes amid warnings of an unusually harsh summer ahead. On March 3, maximum temperatures ranged between 34 - 39°C across the plains of North Interior Tamil Nadu, 33-34 degrees in South Interior Tamil Nadu, and 30-35 degrees along the coastal areas, including Chennai, Puducherry and Karaikal. Nighttime conditions offered little respite, with districts like Dharmapuri (3.8 degrees above normal), Ooty (3.6 C), Coimbatore (3 C), and Chennai (2.2 C) recording unusually high minimum temperatures. Although, on Tuesday, the mercury dropped slightly, the majority of districts continued to record above normal temperatures. A recent report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) - Urban Heat Stress Tracker: Chennai - highlights a decadal rise in summertime average ambient air temperature of 0.4°C - from 30.3°C (2001-2010) to 30.7°C (2014-2023) - coupled with a 5% increase in relative humidity. This combination has driven a 5% rise in Chennai’s Heat Index (HI), with days exceeding the dangerous HI threshold of 41°C tripling since the early 2000s. Last year, March-April temperatures were 1°C hotter than the 2014-2023 average, a trend continuing into 2025. Experts attribute this escalation to the urban heat island effect, worsened by Chennai’s rapid urban expansion.

Industrial waste circularity can make a huge difference to the way we manage waste and reduce carbon emissions: CSE

Building and practising a circular economy is not just about managing waste efficiently – it has a potential to lead to substantial conservation of natural resources as well as reduction in carbon emissions, says a new report on industrial waste circularity by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). The report – Good Practices in Industrial Waste Circularity — has estimated the potential of circularity of different industrial wastes in various applications by 2030 and the associated benefits in terms of natural resource conservation, reduction in carbon emissions and cost economics. According to it, there is a potential for utilising about 750 million tonne (MT) of various types of wastes in industries (steel slag, RDF, flyash, red mud, biomass, hazardous waste etc). Circularity can also help conserve more than 450 MT of natural resources like coal and gypsum, while the potential of reduction in carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2 e) lies in the range of 50-90 MT . Speaking at a National Dialogue based on the CSE report on the subject here today, CSE director general Sunita Narain said: “Industries contribute over 30 per cent of India’s GDP, and are significant consumers of natural resources and generators of waste. They are also major sources of pollution and carbon emissions. Circularity has emerged as a critical focus area globally and nationally, emphasising on the principle that waste is not merely waste, but a valuable resource. This model promotes the sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling of existing materials and products to extend their lifecycle.” Narain went on to say: “A new approach is needed in management of industrial waste. We must avoid simply transferring toxins from one place to another. Instead, waste from one industry should become a resource for another. Industrial activity should not contribute to pollution but instead follow a path of responsible circularity. CSE’s work in this field highlights that it can be a game-changer, making a significant impact on resource use in the country.” Nivit K Yadav, programme director, industrial pollution, CSE said: “The Dialogue has been organised to explore how circularity can serve as a tool not only for effective waste management but also for achieving co-benefits such as decarbonisation, cleaner air, resource conservation, and cost optimisation. The event has highlighted the current state of industrial waste management, showcased the best practices, and outlined a future vision for industrial waste circularity in India.” The other speakers at the Dialogue included K Murugesan, member secretary, Orissa Pollution Control Board; S Ramarao, chief operating officer of Adani Cement; Satish Upadhyay, mission director, National Mission on Use of Biomass in Power Plants and Ulhas Palikar, director, Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI). Presenting the findings of the CSE study, Shobhit Srivastava, programme manager, industrial pollution, CSE said: “Many Indian industries are already taking steps to improve circularity – they have a number of good practices that need to be scaled up. States like Gujarat, Goa and Karnataka have taken initiatives towards circularity, but more states need to follow their example.” Highlighting the circularity potential of industrial wastes, the CSE report says that out of 52.5 MT of steel slag estimated to be generated by 2030, about 35.3-41 MT can be used in cement making. Similarly, out of 437 MT of fly ash expected to be generated by 2030, roughly 208-231 MT can be used in the cement sector. Using refuse-derived fuel (RDF) in cement industries and co-firing biomass in thermal power plants can help reduce CO 2 emissions in the range of 46.6 to 85.6 MT of CO 2 e by 2030, says the report. Says Srivastava: “Biomass co-firing in thermal power plants has the potential to be one of the key pathways for decarbonisation. Both RDF and biomass circularity in industries is expected to be improved with the recently introduced notification for Solid Waste Management Rules, 2024.” Pointing to the challenges, K Murugesan from Odisha said: “One of the biggest roadblocks towards scaling up industrial circularity practices is the absence of attractive taxation policies for industries utilising waste.” According to Satish Upadhyay, “we need a strong economic case to drive funding and make circularity viable. A ‘push’ strategy is ineffective for circularity – we need a ‘pull’ strategy. Demand must drive the market, ensuring maximum utilisation of resources to achieve full circularity.” Yadav points out: “There is an urgent need for India to have a national vision and mission towards industrial waste circularity. A national circular economy action plan is the need of the hour, and it should include sectoral action plans for industries.” The CSE report says it is critical that India maps and inventorises the industrial waste generated in the country. Incentivisation for industries is another pathway to enhance and encourage the practice of circularity of waste — government should come up with circularity-driven policies or industrial waste for different industries.

Tata Motors begins trials of hydrogen-powered trucks for long haul transportation

Union ministers Nitin Gadkari and Pralhad Joshi on Tuesday flagged off the first-ever trials of hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks launched by Tata Motors to assess their viability for long haul transportation solutions. Gadkari, the road transport and highways minister, complimented the company for taking the lead in this significant step towards enabling hydrogen-powered green and smart transportation, “Hydrogen is the fuel of the future with immense potential to transform India’s transportation sector by reducing emissions and enhancing energy self-reliance. Such Initiatives will accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility in heavy-duty trucking, and move us closer to an efficient, low-carbon future,” he said. Tata Motors was awarded the tender for this trial, which is funded by the ministry of new and renewable energy under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The trial phase will continue for up to 24 months and involves deployment of 16 advanced hydrogen-powered vehicles with different configurations and payload capacities. These trucks, equipped with new age Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engines (H2-ICE) and Fuel Cell (H2-FCEV) technologies, will be tested on India’s most prominent freight routes, including those around Mumbai, Pune, Delhi-NCR, Surat, Vadodara, Jamshedpur and Kalinganagar, a government statement said. The first batch of three hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks will operate on the Faridabad–Delhi NCR and Ahmedabad–Surat–Vadodara routes. Joshi, the new and renewable energy minister, said hydrogen was an important fuel for India’s transition to a sustainable and zero-carbon future. The launch of hydrogen-powered truck trials mark a radical shift in India’s mobility sector, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and enhancing energy security, he said. Vehicular pollution is a significant contributor to PM 2.5 levels in urban areas. Diesel vehicles, a major chunk of which are heavy vehicles, in particular, are known to be major sources of PM 2.5 emissions due to their higher levels of particulate matter compared to petrol vehicles and other relatively cleaner fuels such as CNG. A 2016 study by Centre for Science and Environment and Shakti Foundation had found across India, trucks contribute about 66% of PM (particulate matter) pollution and 62% of NOx emissions.

तमिलनाडु में तापमान 39 डिग्री सेल्सियस तक पहुंचने से दिन गर्म

चेन्नई और तमिलनाडु में गर्मी का प्रकोप बढ़ता जा रहा है, क्योंकि अधिकतम तापमान सामान्य से ऊपर चढ़ रहा है। यहां क्षेत्रीय मौसम विज्ञान केंद्र द्वारा तापमान पूर्वानुमान के अनुसार, अगले 5 दिनों के दौरान दिन के तापमान में धीरे-धीरे 2 डिग्री सेल्सियस की वृद्धि होगी और तमिलनाडु के अलग-अलग इलाकों में अधिकतम तापमान सामान्य से 2-3 डिग्री अधिक रहने की संभावना है। तिरुपत्तूर में राज्य में सबसे अधिक तापमान 38.8 डिग्री सेल्सियस दर्ज किया गया। यह असामान्य रूप से कठोर गर्मी की चेतावनी के बीच आया है। 3 मार्च को, उत्तरी आंतरिक तमिलनाडु के मैदानी इलाकों में अधिकतम तापमान 34 - 39 डिग्री सेल्सियस, दक्षिणी आंतरिक तमिलनाडु में 33-34 डिग्री और चेन्नई, पुडुचेरी और कराईकल सहित तटीय क्षेत्रों में 30-35 डिग्री के बीच रहा। रात के समय की स्थितियों ने थोड़ी राहत दी, धर्मपुरी (सामान्य से 3.8 डिग्री अधिक), ऊटी (3.6 डिग्री सेल्सियस), कोयंबटूर (3 डिग्री सेल्सियस) और चेन्नई (2.2 डिग्री सेल्सियस) जैसे जिलों में असामान्य रूप से उच्च न्यूनतम तापमान दर्ज किया गया। हालांकि, मंगलवार को पारा थोड़ा कम हुआ, लेकिन अधिकांश जिलों में सामान्य से अधिक तापमान दर्ज किया गया। सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट (सीएसई) की एक हालिया रिपोर्ट - अर्बन हीट स्ट्रेस ट्रैकर: चेन्नई - गर्मियों के औसत परिवेशी वायु तापमान में दशक भर में 0.4 डिग्री सेल्सियस की वृद्धि को उजागर करती है - 30.3 डिग्री सेल्सियस (2001-2010) से 30.7 डिग्री सेल्सियस (2014-2023) तक - साथ ही सापेक्ष आर्द्रता में 5% की वृद्धि हुई है।

Power demand surge isn’t just a sign of development. Heatwaves sparked 41% spike in summer consumption

India saw a whopping 41 percent surge in average electricity demand in the summer of 2023 when temperatures touched 50 degrees Celsius in some parts of the country. Extreme temperatures are the biggest culprit, according to a new report by the think tank Climate Trends. Analysing consumption patterns across the country, the think tank found a direct correlation between heatwaves and peak power demand. The trend will continue, considering the country, this year, recorded the hottest February since 1901. Increased use of cooling appliances for residential and industrial purposes is the prime driver of power demand during the summers, defined as April-June in the report. Most of the 2023 electricity demand was fulfilled by fossil fuels, with a three percent overall increase in the consumption of fossil fuels, according to the report. It also pointed out how India’s expected power demand rise in the coming years needed to account for not just development and population growth but also climate change-induced rise in temperatures. “We’ve been misunderstanding the sudden increase in power demand as a sign of only economic development,” said Manish Ram, lead analyst of the study, in a press release. “While there has been development, our analysis shows that rising temperatures are causing an additional surge in peak power demand.” India’s power demand has steadily increased over the past few years, reaching an all-time high of 250 GW in 2024. The year before, i.e., in 2023, the highest demand or what is known as peak demand was 220 GW, and the year before that, it was 215 GW. According to a 2022 report by the India Environment Portal, India’s power demand is increasing faster than its electricity generation—the peak power demand almost doubled between 2011 and 2022.

India Can Reuse Up to 750 Million Tons of Industrial Waste

India has the potential to reuse up to 750 million tons (MT) of industrial waste, such as steel slag and fly ash, by 2030. This shift could also cut carbon dioxide emissions by 50–90 MT, according to a report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). “Circularity has become a major focus globally and in India. It challenges the idea that waste is simply waste-instead, it is a valuable resource,” said Sunita Narain, Director General at CSE. Circularity ensures that waste materials from production processes are reused in various ways, making economic systems circular rather than linear. This approach minimizes waste and promotes sustainability. Government Push for a Circular Economy India has recently increased its efforts to promote circularity. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted its importance in the 2025 Budget speech. Several initiatives, such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the 2022 ban on single-use plastics, and the E-Waste Management Rules, reflect the country’s commitment to a circular economy. India Lags Behind in Recycling Despite these efforts, India still has a long way to go. The CSE report reveals that India’s industrial material consumption could double from seven billion tons in 2015 to 14.2 billion tons by 2030. While European nations recycle up to 70% of goods, India recycles only about 20%. Globally, the circular economy remains limited, with just 7.2% of the world’s economy classified as circular. Industry and States Must Scale Up Circularity Efforts Some Indian industries have already started implementing circularity practices, but these efforts need to expand. “Many industries are making progress, but we need to scale up these initiatives,” said Shobhit Srivastava, Industrial Pollution Programme Manager at CSE. Certain states, including Gujarat, Goa, and Karnataka, have launched initiatives to improve circularity. However, more states must adopt similar measures to ensure sustainable industrial growth. As reported by theprint.in, by expanding these efforts, India can turn its industrial waste problem into an opportunity for resource efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Assam development claims questioned: State lags in key SDG targets

Guwahati: Assam is significantly lagging in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), failing to meet even half the target in 42% of assessed indicators, according to the Centre for Science and Environment’s (CSE) recent State of States report. According to the recently released report, Assam has not reached even half of the SDGs target in 44 of the 105 assessed indicators, representing 42 percent. These low-scoring indicators are spread across 12 of the 15 SDGs, with the highest concentration in SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). Specifically, in SDG 1 (No Poverty), Assam ranked 14th with 75 points. However, in SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), the state ranked 24th with an alarming 47 points nationwide.

Warmest winter yet: How all major Indian cities are getting hotter by the year

Delhi’s winter chill is fading. This January was warmer than usual, and February felt even less like winter. Decades of climate data show a steady rise in temperatures across Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. Is this the new normal? January 2025 marked the highest yearly minimum global surface temperature in 1,20,000 years. India experienced even more heat, with the national January 2025 mean reaching 19.02°C, nearly 0.1°C above the 1991-2020 baseline. Delhi's January 2025 temperature averaged 13.62°C, 0.35°C above the 1991-2020 baseline. Other major Indian cities — Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai—show similar warming trends. In-depth: India had more extreme weather in 2024 than in 2022 and 2023. In the first nine months, extreme weather hit India on 255 days. This affected 3.2 million hectares of cropland, 74 per cent more than in 2022, according to the Centre for Science and Environment’s State of India’s Environment 2025 report. In Delhi, February was also warmer than usual, with high daytime temperatures and warm nights. The average minimum temperature was 11.6°C, the highest since 2017. This year's monthly minimum average was 1°C above the long-term average of 10.6°C. February's monthly maximum average was 26.7°C, 2.5°C higher than the long-term average.

साफ हवा को लेकर भारत की जरूरत और उसकी करनी में अंतर

राष्ट्रीय स्वच्छ वायु कार्यक्रम के ज़रिए वायु प्रदूषण को कम करने में देश की प्रगति के दावों के बावजूद भारत लक्ष्य से बहुत पीछे है, और पिछले साल दुनिया के 10 सबसे ज्यादा प्रदूषित देशों में से एक था. लेकिन यह समस्या पिछले कुछ वर्षों में सरकारी समितियों, गैर-सरकारी संगठनों और शोध संस्थानों द्वारा की गई कई सिफारिशों को लागू नहीं किए जाने से और भी जटिल हो गई है. उदाहरण के लिए, विज्ञान और प्रौद्योगिकी, पर्यावरण, वन और जलवायु परिवर्तन पर संसदीय स्थायी समिति की एक रिपोर्ट ने 2023 में केंद्र को एनसीएपी के निगरानी ढांचे पर फिर से विचार करने की सिफारिश की थी. इस रिपोर्ट में परिमाण के डेटा के अलावा गुणात्मक डेटा की ज़रूरत, और मापदंडों के रूप में सार्वजनिक अनुभव और सामाजिक ऑडिट को शामिल करने की महत्ता पर रोशनी डाली थी. लेकिन इन मापदंडों में बदलाव लाया जाना अभी बाकी है. न्यूज़लॉन्ड्री ने अधिकांशतः 2022 के बाद की गई ऐसी कई सिफारिशों का ऑडिट किया, और पाया कि कई को अभी भी लागू किया जाना बाकी है. #1: वायु के गुणवत्ता मानकों की जस की तस स्थिति 2022 में केंद्रीय विज्ञान और प्रौद्योगिकी मंत्रालय की देखरेख में, सीएसआईआर-राष्ट्रीय विज्ञान संचार और नीति अनुसंधान संस्थान ने राष्ट्रीय परिवेशी वायु गुणवत्ता मानकों में सख्त संशोधनों की सलाह दी थी. लेकिन वे 2009 से बदले नहीं गए हैं, और 2021 में संशोधित डब्ल्यूएचओ वायु गुणवत्ता मानकों की तुलना में बहुत ढीले-ढाले हैं. मसलन, एनएएक्यूएस के तहत PM2.5 कणों का मानक 40 µg/m3 है जबकि डब्ल्यूएचओ इसे 5 µg/m³ तक सीमित रखना चाहता है. इस रिपोर्ट में ग्रामीण क्षेत्रों में निगरानी स्टेशनों के दायरे को फैलाने की भी सिफारिश की गई है. लेकिन केंद्रीय प्रदूषण नियंत्रण बोर्ड की वेबसाइट नवंबर 2024 तक, 26 गांवों में 26 स्टेशनों का ग्रामीण नेटवर्क ही दिखाती है. लोकसभा में पूछे गए एक प्रश्न के उत्तर के अनुसार, 2020 में भी यह संख्या 26 ही थी, जो इनके विस्तार की धीमे होने की तरफ इशारा करती है. सेंसर व्यापक वायु गुणवत्ता मॉनिटर या (एसएएक्यूएम यानी - सेंसर परिवेशी वायु गुणवत्ता मॉनिटर) नदारद हैं. इनकी सिफारिश, आईआईटी दिल्ली के सेंटर फॉर एटमॉस्फेरिक साइंसेज एंड सेंटर ऑफ एक्सीलेंस फॉर रिसर्च ऑन क्लीन एयर द्वारा 2022 की रिपोर्ट में और 2023 में एक निजी थिंक टैंक सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट एनालिसिस द्वारा की गई थी. महाराष्ट्र में एक पायलट प्रोजेक्ट के तहत नवंबर 2020 से मई 2021 के बीच, मौजूदा निरंतर व्यापक वायु गुणवत्ता निगरानी स्टेशनों के साथ-साथ चार भारतीय कंपनियों द्वारा निर्मित कुल 40 एसएएक्यूएम लगाए गए थे. इस परियोजना और एसएएक्यूएम मॉनीटरों को 2023 में अस्वीकार कर दिया गया. पिछले साल आईआईटी दिल्ली के ट्रिप-सेंटर की एक रिपोर्ट में बताया गया कि अधिकांश शहरों में निगरानी स्टेशनों की संख्या, अनुशंसित संख्या से कम है. सीपीसीबी की वेबसाइट पर बताए गए देश भर में लगे 562 एसएएक्यूएम स्टेशनों में से, सेंट्रल कंट्रोल रूम फॉर एयर क्वालिटी मैनेजमेंट के अनुसार केवल 473 ही पूरी तरह से चालू हैं. इतना ही नहीं, 186 शहरों में केवल एक निगरानी स्टेशन उपलब्ध है. 2019 में, 15वें वित्तीय आयोग ने एयरोसोल ऑप्टिकल डेप्थ की निगरानी की सिफारिश की थी, जो कि हवा के एक कॉलम के भीतर धुएं और समुद्री नमक जैसे एरोसोल का एक माप होता है. 2023 में, केंद्रीय पर्यावरण मंत्री अश्विनी कुमार चौबे ने लोकसभा को बताया कि एओडी डाटा का उपयोग “नियामक उद्देश्यों के लिए” नहीं किया जा सकता है. #2: उज्ज्वला योजना में लंबित आवेदनों की संख्या बहुत ज्यादा है जहरीली हवा से निपटने के लिए स्वच्छ ईंधन एक अहम रणनीति है. प्रधानमंत्री उज्ज्वला योजना शुरू किए जाने के पीछे यह भी एक कारण था, जिसका उद्देश्य गरीब परिवारों को एलपीजी सिलेंडर उपलब्ध कराना है. ताकि लकड़ी, कोयला और गोबर जैसे खाना पकाने के पारंपरिक ईंधनों के इस्तेमाल से जुड़े गंभीर जोखिमों को कम करके, परिवारों के स्वास्थ्य की सुरक्षा की जा सके. लेकिन इसमें आवेदनों की संख्या बहुत ज्यादा है. 2022-23 में पेट्रोलियम और प्राकृतिक गैस पर स्थायी समिति की एक रिपोर्ट में 8.4 लाख लंबित आवेदनों की ओर इशारा किया गया था. 1 जनवरी 2025 तक, देश भर में 29.02 लाख आवेदन लंबित थे. राज्यसभा में दिए गए एक उत्तर के अनुसार इन लंबित आवेदनों को निपटाने के लिए कोई समय सीमा तय नहीं की गई है. #3: गैस आधारित संयंत्रों का कम उपयोग एनसीआर क्षेत्र में गैस आधारित बिजली क्षमता का फ़िलहाल उपयोग कम हो रहा है. सीआईआई-नीति आयोग की स्वच्छ ईंधन रिपोर्ट के अनुसार, इन संयंत्रों में दिल्ली की बिजली की 50 फीसदी मांग को पूरा करने की क्षमता है, लेकिन फिर भी वे फ़िलहाल केवल 20 फीसदी आपूर्ति ही करते हैं. सरकार के अनुमानों से पता चलता है कि इस समय भारत भर में केवल 62 गैस-आधारित बिजली संयंत्र हैं. और पिछले साल, केंद्रीय मंत्री आरके सिंह ने मनी कंट्रोल को बताया था कि इनमें निवेश बढ़ाने की कोई योजना नहीं है. बिजली पैदा करने के लिए स्वच्छ ईंधन की आवश्यकता को 2019 में नीति आयोग की रिपोर्ट में भी दोहराया गया था, जिसमें स्वच्छ उद्योग जगत के लिए एक एक्शन प्लान पर जोर दिया गया था. 2019 में, 15वें वित्तीय आयोग ने बिजली उत्पादन के लिए डंपसाइट्स पर मीथेन गैस, जो कचरे की बड़ी मात्रा से निकने वाली एक हानिकारक गैस है, को जमा की सिफारिश की थी. पर दिल्ली में फ़िलहाल कोई बायोमीथेनेशन संयंत्र नहीं है, साथ ही पूरे भारत में ऐसे केवल 126 संयंत्र ही हैं, जिनकी संयुक्त क्षमता केवल 4,338 टन प्रतिदिन है. #4: कचरे की 30 फीसदी से कम डंपसाइट, उसका उपचार कर रही हैं दिसंबर 2022 में, NGT द्वारा गठित एक पैनल ने सिफारिश की थी कि कचरा के प्रबंधन में कचरे के उत्पादन को सही ढंग से मापने, अलग किए गए कचरे को 100 प्रतिशत घर-घर जाकर इकट्ठा करने को सुनिश्चित करने, कचरे से उपयोगी तत्व निकालने और पुनर्चक्रण को बढ़ावा देने, लैंडफिल में नए कचरे के डाले जाने को कम करने और पहले के कचरे का पूरी तरह से निवारण या उपचार करने पर ध्यान केंद्रित करना चाहिए. लेकिन सरकारी अनुमानों के अनुसार, देश भर में 2,425 डंपसाइटों में से केवल 697 में ही निवारण का काम पूरा हो पाया है. #5: थर्मल प्लांट समय सीमा से चूक जाते हैं थर्मल पावर प्लांट वायु प्रदूषण का एक और प्रमुख स्रोत है. हालांकि नीति आयोग द्वारा समर्थित राष्ट्रीय पर्यावरण इंजीनियरिंग अनुसंधान संस्थान की दिसंबर 2024 की रिपोर्ट कहती है कि वर्तमान में भारत में कोई वायु गुणवत्ता निगरानी नेटवर्क नहीं है, जो सही तरीके से से टीपीपी से होने वाले उत्सर्जन के असर का आकलन करने के लिए डिज़ाइन किया गया हो. रिपोर्ट में एक अतिरिक्त नेटवर्क स्थापित करने, या मौजूदा राष्ट्रीय वायु गुणवत्ता निगरानी कार्यक्रम में कुछ मापदंडों को जोड़ने की सिफारिश की गई थी. इन मापदंडों में मौलिक सल्फर, पार्टिकुलेट सल्फेट और नाइट्रेट शामिल थे, लेकिन इन्हें अभी तक राष्ट्रीय वायु निगरानी कार्यक्रम सूची में नहीं जोड़ा गया है. रिपोर्ट में यह भी सुझाव दिया गया कि "संबंधित प्राधिकरण द्वारा टीपीपी में एफजीडी (फ्लू गैस डिसल्फराइजेशन) की स्थापना के बारे में उचित निर्णय लिया जा सकता है, यह देखते हुए कि परिवेशी एसओ2 सांद्रता निर्धारित सीमा से काफी कम है.” 2015 में नरेंद्र मोदी सरकार ने भारत भर में सभी कोयला-चालित संयंत्रों में फ्लू गैस डिसल्फराइजेशन, जो कि एसओ2 उत्सर्जन को नियंत्रित करने की एक प्रक्रिया है, को स्थापित करने के लिए दो साल की समय सीमा तय की थी. लेकिन अब तक ऐसे प्रतिष्ठानों के लिए निर्धारित कुल 537 इकाइयों में से केवल 44 में ही एफजीडी को स्थापित किया जा सका है. #6: निगरानी प्रकोष्ठ मौजूद नहीं कम कार्बन प्रौद्योगिकी पर कई मंत्रालयों की समिति की 2022 में जारी रिपोर्ट में, मध्यम, छोटे और सूक्ष्म स्तर के औद्योगिक स्टील क्षेत्र की ऊर्जा कार्यक्षमता और CO2 उत्सर्जन की निगरानी के लिए ऊर्जा निगरानी प्रकोष्ठ स्थापित करने की सिफारिश की गई थी. यह निगरानी प्रकोष्ठ भी अभी तक चालू नहीं हुआ है. #7: इलेक्ट्रिक चार पहिया वाहनों पर यू-टर्न ईवी उद्योग पर संसदीय स्थायी समिति की 2023 की रिपोर्ट में सिफारिश की गई, कि केंद्र द्वारा चौपहिया वाहनों की श्रेणी में मंजूर इलेक्ट्रिक वाहनों की संख्या बढ़ाए. साथ ही भारत में इलेक्ट्रिक वाहनों के तेजी से अपनाने और विनिर्माण 2 (FAME II) योजना के तहत, निजी इलेक्ट्रिक चार पहिया वाहनों को शामिल किया जाए, जिसमें वाहन की लागत और बैटरी क्षमता के आधार पर सीमा तय हो. समिति ने यह भी बताया कि FAME II के अंतर्गत शुरुआती लक्ष्य, 55 हजार इलेक्ट्रिक चौपहिया वाहनों में मदद करना था. लेकिन इसमें बदलाव करके इसे 11 हजार कर दिया गया. इसके बाद पिछले साल FAME II की जगह PM E-DRIVE योजना ने ले ली, जिसमें एक श्रेणी के तौर पर इलेक्ट्रिक चौपहिया वाहनों का कोई ज़िक्र ही नहीं है. इस योजना में इलेक्ट्रिक दोपहिया, तिपहिया, एंबुलेंस, ट्रक और अन्य उभरती हुई ईवी श्रेणियों के लिए सब्सिडी और मांग की हौसला अफ़ज़ाई जैसे घटकों का ज़िक्र है. पर्यावरणविद् जय धर गुप्ता का कहना है, "ईंधन जलाकर चलने वाले वाहनों के समर्थक इसमें भूमिका निभा सकते हैं, क्योंकि वे नुकसान नहीं उठाना चाहते. इससे पहले कि यह एक महत्वपूर्ण मुकाम पर पहुंच पाता, इलेक्ट्रिक चौपहिया वाहनों के लिए प्रोत्साहन को बहुत जल्दी वापस ले लिया गया." #8: बायोमास पेलेट लक्ष्य से पीछे 2023-24 में, ऊर्जा पर स्थायी समिति की रिपोर्ट में उल्लेख किया गया है कि भारत में बायोमास पेलेट, ईंधन के रूप में इस्तेमाल होने वाला संपीड़ित कार्बनिक कचरा, के लिए ज़रूरी विनिर्माण करने की क्षमता 1 लाख टन प्रतिदिन है, लेकिन इस समय यह लगभग 7 हजार टन प्रतिदिन ही है. 1 लाख टन प्रतिदिन का लक्ष्य भी 2023 में संशोधन के बाद भारत की बायोमास नीति के हिसाब से तय किया गया है. अक्षय ऊर्जा मंत्रालय द्वारा बायोमास पेलेट निर्माण संयंत्रों की स्थापना पर ज़ोर देने वाले बायोमास कार्यक्रम के बावजूद हालात ऐसे हैं. सेंटर फॉर रिसर्च ऑन एनर्जी एंड क्लीन एयर के शोधकर्ता मनोज कुमार ने कहा, "दिल्ली में भी कई पार्टियां प्रदूषण को किसी भी प्रतिशत तक कम करने का दावा करती हैं, लेकिन ये सब फ़िलहाल सिर्फ़ एजेंडा है. ये सभी सिफारिशें राजनीतिक एक दूसरे पर इलज़ाम लगाने के खेल में कहीं खो जाती हैं. अगर आपने कुछ वादे किए हैं, तो आपको उन पर अमल करना चाहिए."

Next generation to endure a much hotter world

Generation Alpha is set to inherit and will be forced to put up with a much warmer planet. This was the warning highlighted by the annual publication, State of India’s Environment, released last month. Published by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and the Down To Earth (DTE) magazine, the report has sections dedicated to plastics, biodiversity, health, climate change, rivers, water, heat, air pollution and waste. And this does not bode well for India. The CSE’s assessment indicates that India saw more frequent and intense extreme weather events in 2024, compared to the previous two years. In the first nine months of 2024, India witnessed extreme weather events on 255 of the 274 days as against 235 days for the same period in 2023 and 241 days in 2022. The events drastically impacted agriculture, with 3.2 million hectares of cropland affected in 2024 – 74% more than in 2022. The report is a comprehensive documentation of the year’s major developments and happenings in a wide range of subjects and issues, ranging from climate change, waste management to air and water pollution, industrial contamination and food, according to a DTE press release. There are special segments focusing on 40 years of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, antimicrobial resistance, the Western Ghats, India’s 500 GW renewable energy dream, migration and displacement, the Great Nicobar Islands and climate change’s impact on the Thar desert. One major alarming highlight by the report — the first generation of the 21st century is enduring a much warmer planet. “For the first generation of the 21st century — Generation Alpha — it is an inheritance of profound loss. For their predecessors, climate change has been an unfolding planetary emergency. But Generation Alpha — which will comprise an estimated two billion people by 2025, making it the largest generation in history – is enduring a climatologically changed, warmer planet,” the report’s authors wrote, as quoted in the release. The report quoted the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, which says that 2024 was the first calendar year with a global average temperature “clearly exceeding” 1.5°C above the pre-industrial level. The year 2024, in fact, was the warmest year on record, with the average global temperature at 1.60°C above the pre-industrial era (1850-1900) average. The year 2024, in fact, was the warmest year on record, with the average global temperature at 1.60°C above the pre-industrial era (1850 —1900) average. The DTE press release quotes Kiran Pandey, CSE programme director, environmental resources, who said, “2024 will be remembered as the year that divided the pre- and post-climate change eras. She added, “Given the fact that atmospheric moisture levels rise by 7 per cent for every one degree rise in global average temperatures, this is a perfect brew for planetary disruptions in terms of extreme weather events.” An EBNW analysis of the report says that environmental consciousness among the public is on the rise, influencing political discourse. In response, governments have introduced various environmental initiatives, but the report critiques their limited scope and the structural weaknesses in institutional responses. The analysis adds that the report serves as a crucial wake-up call, highlighting the escalating environmental challenges India faces. While awareness and policy measures are gaining traction, stronger institutional commitment and proactive strategies are imperative to safeguard the country’s ecological and climatic future. The findings emphasize the urgent need for collaborative efforts to ensure a sustainable and resilient environment for future generations. A feature by EnergytrackerAsia highlights five major environmental issues in India. First, climate change is a global concern that creates and exacerbates existing environmental issues in India. Second, air pollution in India is a critical issue, with major cities like Delhi frequently recording some of the worst air quality levels globally. Third, water pollution remains a significant challenge, with nearly 70% of the country’s surface water considered polluted due to a combination of industrial discharge, untreated sewage, garbage and agricultural runoff. Fourth, soil erosion from deforestation, overgrazing, changing rainfall patterns and poor land management practices. And, fifth, waste management. India generates approximately 62 million metric tonnes of waste annually, and this figure is expected to rise significantly in the coming years due to rapid urbanization and population growth.

This startup is fighting plastic waste with innovative, sustainable cleaning tablets

The Indian cleaning industry is dominated by a few large players, leaving little room for innovation. Most products in the market rely on chemical-heavy formulations and plastic-intensive packaging, with little focus on ingredient transparency. According to the Centre for Science and Environment, 60-70% of cleaning products in India do not disclose their chemical compositions, posing potential health and environmental risks. Additionally, an average Indian household generates approximately 500 grams of plastic waste every month from cleaning products alone. Against this backdrop, TABBSZ is offering eco-friendly cleaning solutions. Founded in 2024 by Shashank Noronha, Mumbai-based TABBSZ offers multi-surface, floor, toilet, and glass cleaners, along with laundry wash, dishwashing tablets, washing machine descalers, and moisturising foam washes. Specialising in cleaning tablets that eliminate the need for single-use plastic bottles, TABBSZ offers tablets that can be dissolved in water, significantly reducing both plastic waste and carbon emissions from transportation. “By removing water from the equation, we’re reducing product weight by 90%, leading to lower logistics costs and a smaller carbon footprint,” Noronha tells YourStory. Unlike conventional cleaning products, TABBSZ uses food-grade ingredients and plant-based surfactants, offering formulations that are free from harmful substances like phosphates, parabens, and artificial fragrances. Most household cleaners contain toxins that linger on surfaces and in the air. We’ve eliminated these, making our products safe for children and pets," Noronha says. The journey Noronha has over 12 years of experience in the cleaning industry. He began his entrepreneurial journey at the age of 21 with a 400 sq. ft. factory under the Sunnex brand, focusing on home care, disinfecting products, and cosmetics. Over the years, he expanded it into a 22,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility, producing 450 SKUs. “The industry has remained stagnant in its approach to packaging and formulation. We needed a solution that was effective, cost-efficient, and environmentally responsible,” he explains. This realisation led to the creation of TABBSZ, a brand committed to 100% toxic-free and plastic-free cleaning solutions. Manufacturing and product testing Before launching in October 2024, TABBSZ underwent five years of rigorous product testing involving over 20,000 individuals. The brand sources all raw materials and packaging components locally within India. Unlike brands such as Harpic and Lyzol that rely on traditional liquid-based solutions, TABBSZ differentiates itself with its waterless, compact format. According to the founder, the products are formulated with sodium bicarbonate for effective cleansing, a pH buffer for stability, and coconut-derived surfactants to ensure a gentle, chemical-free composition. Glycerine provides moisturising benefits in hand washes, while IFRA-certified fragrances enhance safety. Additionally, chelating agents improve cleaning efficiency, and food-grade colors and preservatives ensure the products remain non-toxic. TABBSZ also stands apart from sustainablebrands like Koparo and Better Home by completely eliminating plastic packaging. To minimise energy consumption and generate employment, the brand employs manual packaging, with fully compostable materials that decompose within 180 days. “We ensure sustainability at every stage—manufacturing, packaging, usage, and disposal,” says Noronha. Beyond its products, TABBSZ runs initiatives like tree plantations and hygiene donations. For every Rs 300 spent by a customer, one tree is planted with geotagging for tracking. Additionally, through the ‘Hygiene for All’ program, every floor cleaner or foam wash tablet sold results in a donated product to underprivileged communities. “Sustainability isn’t just about materials; it’s about creating a larger positive impact,” he says. The founders have invested about Rs 1.2 crore in the startup. Growth and expansion Since its launch, TABBSZ has garnered 15,000 users and delivered products to approximately 4,000 customers, with a repeat purchase rate of 12%. The products, priced between Rs 25 and Rs 299, are available for purchase on the website. The brand currently manufactures two lakh units per day, experiencing an impressive month-on-month growth of 80%. To scale operations, TABBSZ is expanding its warehousing beyond Mumbai to Delhi and Bengaluru. While the brand primarily operates through its website, it has initiated offline partnerships, particularly within the Indian defence sector. “Defence personnel require high hygiene standards but face portability challenges. Our tablets solve this issue efficiently,” Noronha explains. The brand, with about 40 people in its team, claims to have no direct competitors but sees indirect competition from two categories—traditional homecarebrands and sustainable brands. In the traditional segment, it considers Harpic and Lyzol as competitors, given their strong market presence and consumer trust. “They have been in the market for decades and are widely trusted, but they operate with a completely different approach compared to us,” he says. The second category includes sustainable brands like Koparo and Better Home, which focus on eco-friendly homecare products but continue to rely on plastic packaging. “We don’t put other sustainability brands in the same bucket as us because they still rely on plastic packaging. If a brand truly wants to position itself as sustainable, it has to go beyond just the product—it has to look at sustainability from the pre-use level as well,” Noronha explains. Future roadmap According to Research and Markets, the India Eco-Friendly Home Hygiene Products Market, valued at $13.98 million in 2023, is projected to experience substantial growth with a CAGR of 33.01% through 2029. With a 45% month-on-month growth rate, TABBSZ is planning offline expansion and optimising its supply chain for faster deliveries. “Our mission is to make sustainable cleaning mainstream without compromising affordability or performance,” he says. International expansion is also on the horizon in the coming months, with plans to enter the USA, Canada, and Europe. In North America, the focus will be on Amazon and D2C channels, with potential distribution partnerships. In Europe, the brand will target eco-friendly retail chains and online marketplaces while ensuring compliance with EU sustainability standards. To fuel its growth, TABBSZ is introducing four new eco-friendly cleaning products such as coffee machine descalers, dishwasher tablets, biodegradable water bottle cleaning tablets, and disposal cleaner tablets. Additionally, the brand is investing in R&D to enhance biodegradability, develop chemical-free formulations, and explore subscription models for high-repeat-use products.

Get the transition right: How govt is pushing for a clean-energy shift

Let’s not be in any delusion that our world has not changed. This is the age of Donald Trump in the time of climate risk. There is already pushback against action to mitigate climate change, which will grow even as the impacts of a warmer world intensify, the rich suffer devastating losses, the insured are not able to cover these catastrophes as costs rise, and insurance companies withdraw. I write this not to state the obvious but to reaffirm the need to focus on action that will reduce climate risks while improving livelihoods and economies in our world. The challenge is to achieve the co-benefits of inclusive development with sustainability, while staying on the decarbonisation paths that work for us, the countries of the South. Take the issue of clean-energy transition. India’s imperative is to provide electricity to millions for livelihood security. Even today, large numbers of households in the country are burdened by excruciating energy poverty; electricity supply is either unreliable, unavailable or is expensive. People do not have the luxury of switching on lights and women still cook with dirty biomass. Industry is similarly hit, and this is when the cost of energy determines competitiveness. This is also why Indian industry prefers its own electricity-generation systems — captive power — using fuels like coal. So, we need strategies for more energy, clean energy, and affordable energy. If we get this transition right, we can move towards low-carbon growth, which will work for us and reduce the emissions that are leading the world towards catastrophe. This is why the Union government’s 500 Gw of clean-energy plan by 2030 is laudable. It has deliberately planned not to replace coal, which today provides 75 per cent of India’s electricity generation, but to displace coal. Its plan to do this is by increasing the capacity of clean-energy sources, including solar and wind, which can generate 44 per cent of the electricity demand by 2030. This would require a more than doubling of clean energy even as India doubles its electricity consumption in this period. The government has been clear on its commitment to move the needle on a clean-energy transition. However, we need to be clear that this is still a work in progress — we need a careful review of what works and what does not. I am saying this, mindful of the fact that it is easy to be a cheerleader, to continue to hold on to the fact that India has increased its installed capacity of renewables — both old (hydroelectricity) and new (solar and wind). And this is indeed a fact; India today has some 200 Gw of installed clean-energy capacity, which was 45 per cent of the power-generation capacity in the country in March 2024. But it is not enough. This non-fossil power capacity generated less than a quarter of the electricity in this period. If you consider only new renewables — solar and wind — which have seen impressive year-on-year growth in terms of investment and installation, then it is a meagre 13 per cent. This is just not adding up to the energy transition, which is so desperately needed. To displace coal, in accordance with the government’s own proposal, these two sources of clean energy need to generate some 30 per cent of the required electricity by 2030. Is there a mismatch between the installed and generation capacity of solar and wind? If so, why? The question requires tracking the capacity-utilisation factor of the commissioned plants. But this data is available only for the plants owned by central public-sector units, not for private wind and solar plants. In fact, there is no public database of the units commissioned in the country, generation of electricity, or where it is being sold or supplied. Ironically, this is available for thermal-power plants, but not for new energy. There is a pact of silence, it seems, in this private industry-investor driven business. The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) website shows that by June 2024, a large portfolio of projects had not been commissioned way past the date of the effective power-purchase agreement (PPA). It is important to note that in accordance with the current system, projects are awarded tenders only after the PPA has been signed — meaning, the purchase of the generated power at a pre-determined rate has been agreed upon. This also is done after the project proponent has cleared, stating that it has investment and other facilities, including land. According to SECI, these add up to 34.5 Gw of solar, wind, and hybrid projects. Then projects adding up to another 10 Gw or more (there is no official data on this but this is what is reported by industry) are still awaiting PPAs — these are stranded because state power-purchase agencies are reluctant to sign against the price that is offered. This is all happening at the time when the cost of delivered power from a new coal project is higher than that from a solar project. One reason that is bandied about is that solar and wind are intermittent sources of energy — they are available when the sun shines and the wind blows. The answer then is to build what is commonly known as round-the-clock projects — where either battery storage or a combination of higher capacity provides assured power. But these projects are also seemingly “stuck” and not commissioned, according to SECI. We need to fix these shortcomings to ensure that India achieves its goal of 500 Gw of clean power. This is critical and essential. The author is at the Centre for Science and Environment sunita@cseindia.org, X: @sunitanar

तापमान, आर्द्रता और शहरी विस्तार में वृद्धि के कारण चेन्नई में गर्मी का तनाव और बढ़ गया

सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट (CSE) के हालिया विश्लेषण के अनुसार, चेन्नई में गर्मी के बढ़ते तनाव का संकट बढ़ रहा है, जो बढ़ते तापमान, बढ़ती आर्द्रता और तेजी से बढ़ते शहरी विस्तार के कारण है। शहरी गर्मी तनाव ट्रैकर: चेन्नई रिपोर्ट से पता चलता है कि जलवायु परिवर्तन और शहरी गर्मी द्वीप प्रभावों का एक परेशान करने वाला संयोजन शहर को थर्मल असुविधा में धकेल रहा है। अध्ययन से पता चलता है कि गर्मियों में दशकीय औसत परिवेशी वायु तापमान में 0.4°C की वृद्धि हुई है, जो 2001-2010 में 30.3°C से बढ़कर 2014-2023 में 30.7°C हो गई है। इसी अवधि में सापेक्ष आर्द्रता में भी 5 प्रतिशत की वृद्धि हुई है, जिससे गर्मी का तनाव काफी बढ़ गया है। पिछले साल, मार्च-अप्रैल की अवधि 2014-2023 के औसत से 1°C अधिक गर्म थी, जो एक तेजी से बढ़ते रुझान का संकेत है। इस साल भी कुछ अलग नहीं है। तापमान सामान्य से अधिक है और आने वाले गर्मियों के महीनों के बेहद कठोर होने के शुरुआती संकेत हैं। भारतीय मौसम विभाग (IMD) ने इस गर्मी में सामान्य से अधिक तापमान का पूर्वानुमान लगाया है। उच्च आर्द्रता विशेष रूप से बोझिल साबित हुई है, जिसने शहर के हीट इंडेक्स (HI) में औसतन 6.3°C का योगदान दिया है - यह माप है कि जब आर्द्रता को शामिल किया जाता है तो यह कितना गर्म लगता है - जिसके परिणामस्वरूप कुल मिलाकर HI में 5 प्रतिशत की वृद्धि हुई है। इसका परिणाम यह है कि दैनिक हीट इंडेक्स वाले दिन 41°C से अधिक हो गए हैं - जिसे मानव स्वास्थ्य के लिए खतरनाक माना जाता है - जो 2001-2010 की अवधि से तीन गुना हो गया है। यह उछाल तापमान और आर्द्रता के संयुक्त प्रभाव को दर्शाता है, जिससे गर्मियाँ असहनीय होती जा रही हैं। प्री-मानसून (मार्च-मई) और मानसून (जून-अगस्त) दोनों मौसमों में HI में लगभग 2°C की वृद्धि देखी गई है, जिससे इन अवधियों के बीच तापीय अंतर मिट गया है। चेन्नई के निवासी अब नवंबर से जनवरी तक उत्तर-पूर्वी मानसून के महीनों को छोड़कर, पूरे साल समान रूप से गर्म और उमस भरे हालात झेलते हैं। सीएसई के सस्टेनेबल बिल्डिंग एंड हैबिटेट प्रोग्राम के प्रोग्राम डायरेक्टर रजनीश सरीन ने कहा कि समस्या यह है कि रात का समय बहुत कम राहत देता है।

State spending on relief from natural disasters has declined during last decade: MC Analysis

During 2024-25, states are set to spend just 0.13 percent of India's GDP on relief from natural calamities, compared with 0.24 percent spent a decade ago, and 0.19 percent allocated just before the pandemic. While the pandemic saw a rise in spend arising out of natural calamities at 0.3 percent of national GDP, this has declined in subsequent years. State spending on relief from natural calamities has declined not only as a percentage of GDP but also as a proportion of the total budgetary allocation. In 2024-25, at 0.9 percent of the total budget, states' spending was nearly a third lower than the 1.4 percent spent in 2019-20, and half of the 1.8 percent spent a decade ago in 2015-16. The relief on account of natural calamities is paid out of the National Disaster Relief Fund and State Disaster Relief Funds. India Climate Report released by Centre for Science and Environment said that over 3,200 people had died in 2024 owing to extreme weather events seen during 255 of 274 days in the first nine months of the year. In 2023, India recorded 235 days of extreme weather events out of 273 days, with 2,923 people dying that year.

हर इलाके का होगा अलग मौसम पूर्वानुमान, कहां-कहां बनेंगे ऑटोमेटिक वेदर स्टेशन?

जलवायु परिवर्तन के प्रभाव से बढ़ती चरम मौसमी घटनाओं और बदलते मौसम चक्र को समझने के लिए हर तीन किलोमीटर पर एक स्वचालित मौसम केंद्र (एडब्ल्यूएस) की जरूरत है। वजह यह है कि जब तक यह नेटवर्क नहीं होगा, न तो सही आकलन हो पाएगा और न ही पूर्वानुमान। मौसम विभाग के पूर्व अतिरिक्त महानिदेशक आनंद शर्मा ने यह सुझाव सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरमेंट (सीएसई) की ओर से नीमली में आयोजित पर्यावरण सम्मेलन के दौरान दिया। पूर्व चेतावनी के लिए माइक्रो प्लान की जरूरत सफदरजंग को बेस स्टेशन बनाकर पूरी दिल्ली में हीट वेव घोषित करने पर उन्होंने कहा कि हमारे पास सफदरजंग का 100 साल पुराना रिकॉर्ड है। उस रिकॉर्ड से तुलना संभव है। इसलिए यह बेस स्टेशन है। लेकिन पूर्व चेतावनी के लिए माइक्रो प्लान की जरूरत है।

India's Climate Fight: Is Action Matching Intent?

India's fight against pollution and climate change requires urgent, transformative action. Directors of Centre for Science and Environment, Sunita Narain, and Anumita Roychowdhury, at the 'Anil Agarwal Dialogue', 2025 highlight key priorities, including massive energy transitions, sustainable mobility, and circular economy practices. While progress exists, gaps in execution remain. Public awareness must shift from problems to solutions, with government support driving change.