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भारत के पास वैश्विक आपूर्ति श्रृंखला में महत्वपूर्ण भागीदारी का बड़ा अवसर: अमिताभ कांत

अलवर (राजस्थान), 26 फरवरी (भाषा) भारत के जी-20 शेरपा अमिताभ कांत ने बुधवार को कहा कि वैश्विक स्तर पर अस्थिरता ने दुनिया के व्यापार को खंडित कर दिया है, ऐसे में भारत के पास इस खालीपन का लाभ उठाते हुए स्वच्छ प्रौद्यागिकी विनिर्माण और आर्थिक वृद्धि में तेजी लाने की दिशा में काम करने का बड़ा अवसर है। उन्होंने यहां सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट के वार्षिक अनिल अग्रवाल संवाद कार्यक्रम को संबोधित करते हुए कहा कि भारत के पास बैटरी विनिर्माण, इलेक्ट्रिक दोपहिया और तिपहिया उत्पादन और पर्यावरण अनुकूल अन्य उद्योगों में अपना दबदबा कायम करने की क्षमता है। कांत ने कहा, ‘‘यूरोप में 1,000 दिन से अधिक से युद्ध चल रहा है। इसलिए, द्वितीय विश्व युद्ध के बाद जो स्थिरता बनी थी, समाप्त होती दिख रही है। और आपके पास दुनियाभर में वैश्विक आपूर्ति श्रृंखलाएं टूट गई हैं।’’ उन्होंने कहा, ‘‘लेकिन जो कुछ भी हो रहा है, मेरा निजी तौर पर मानना ​​है कि यह भारत के लिए एक बहुत बड़ा अवसर है, क्योंकि इन सबसे एक खालीपन उत्पन्न हुआ है।’’ कांत ने कहा कि जब डोनाल्ड ट्रंप (पहली बार 2016 में) पेरिस समझौते से बाहर निकले, तो चीन ने कदम बढ़ाया और अब दुनिया के 80 प्रतिशत महत्वपूर्ण खनिजों पर उसका नियंत्रण है।

भूराजनीतिक बदलावों के बीच ‘गंदा शब्द’ बन गया है आपराधिक न्याय :पर्यावरणविद सुनीता नारायण

अलवर (राजस्थान), 26 फरवरी (भाषा) पर्यावरणविद सुनीता नारायण ने बुधवार को कहा कि वैश्विक व्यापार संघर्षों और राजनीतिक बदलावों के कारण जलवायु न्याय की अवधारणा कमज़ोर हो रही है। सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवॉयरमेंट (सीएसई) के वार्षिक अनिल अग्रवाल संवाद को संबोधित करते हुए, सीएसई महानिदेशक ने कहा कि अमेरिका के राष्ट्रपति डोनाल्ड ट्रंप की नीतियों और आर्थिक विवैश्वीकरण (डीग्लोबलाइजेशन) ने जलवायु न्याय को ‘गंदे शब्द’ में बदल दिया है। नारायण ने कहा कि 1990 के दशक से ही अमीर देशों ने औद्योगिक उत्पादन को चीन और भारत जैसी उभरती अर्थव्यवस्थाओं में स्थानांतरित कर दिया, जिससे अमीर देशों को अपने उत्सर्जन में कटौती किए बिना उच्च उपभोग स्तर बनाए रखने की अनुमति मिल गई। अब, जब देशों को अंततः जलवायु परिवर्तन पर कार्रवाई करने के लिए मजबूर किया जा रहा है, तो प्रतिक्रिया बढ़ रही है। उन्होंने कहा, ‘‘सरकार के खिलाफ, नवीकरणीय ऊर्जा के खिलाफ, विद्युतीकरण के खिलाफ गुस्सा है। ट्रंप ने केवल इस गुस्से को भुनाया है।’’ नारायण ने कहा, ‘‘वे अपनी नौकरियां वापस चाहते हैं। वे कहते हैं कि वे विनिर्माण वापस चाहते हैं। लेकिन श्रम कहां से आएगा? और सबसे महत्वपूर्ण बात यह है कि क्या विनिर्माण को वापस लाने से उनके अपने देशों में अधिक उत्सर्जन नहीं होगा?’’ उन्होंने कहा कि इसका वैश्विक कार्बन बजट पर गंभीर प्रभाव पड़ेगा, जो कि कार्बन डाइऑक्साइड की वह मात्रा है जिसे दुनिया 1850 से 2030 तक तापमान को 1.5 डिग्री सेल्सियस से नीचे रखने के लिए उत्सर्जित कर सकती है। सीएसई महानिदेशक ने कहा, ‘‘अमेरिका, जिसका बजट में 24 प्रतिशत हिस्सा था, उसे घटाकर 22 प्रतिशत करने की उम्मीद थी। लेकिन ट्रंप के आने से, उसका हिस्सा वास्तव में बढ़ जाएगा। चीन 13 प्रतिशत पर था और उसके बढ़कर 16 प्रतिशत होने की उम्मीद थी। इससे बाकी दुनिया के लिए कोई जगह नहीं बचती।’’ उन्होंने कहा कि घरेलू मोर्चे पर अच्छी खबर है जहां 2025 के दिल्ली विधानसभा चुनाव में, सीएसई द्वारा किए गए एक सर्वेक्षण से पता चला है कि मतदाताओं ने यमुना की स्थिति, वायु गुणवत्ता और कचरे जैसे मुद्दों को आप सरकार को बाहर करने के अपने फैसले में प्रमुख कारक बताया। उन्होंने कहा कि यह एक बदलाव का संकेत है, क्योंकि पर्यावरण संबंधी चिंताएं अब केवल कुलीन, मध्यम वर्ग के इलाकों तक सीमित नहीं हैं। उन्होंने कहा कि आबादी का एक बड़ा हिस्सा अब इन समस्याओं को महत्वपूर्ण मानता है, यह दर्शाता है कि वे मुख्यधारा के राजनीतिक मुद्दे बन गए हैं।

Climate justice has become a 'dirty word' amid geopolitical shifts Environmentalist Sunita Narain

Environmentalist Sunita Narain said on Wednesday that the concept of climate justice is being undermined as global trade conflicts and political shifts reshape climate action. Addressing the Centre for Science and Environment's annual Anil Agarwal Dialogue here, the CSE director general said that US President Donald Trump's policies, coupled with economic deglobalization, have turned climate justice into a "dirty word". Narain said that starting from the 1990s, rich countries shifted industrial production to emerging economies like China and India which allowed rich nations to maintain high consumption levels without cutting their emissions. Now, as countries are finally forced to act on climate change, backlash is growing. "There is anger against the government, against renewable energy, against electrification. Trump has only capitalized on this anger," she said. "They want their jobs back. They say they want manufacturing back. But where will the labour come from? And more importantly, will bringing back manufacturing does not lead to more emissions in their own countries?" Narain said that this has serious implications for the global carbon budget, which is the amount of carbon dioxide the world can emit from 1850 to 2030 to keep temperatures below 1.5 degrees Celsius. "The US, which had a 24 per cent share of the budget, was expected to reduce it to 22 per cent. But with Trump, its share will actually increase. China was at 13 per cent and was expected to rise to 16 per cent. This leaves no space for the rest of the world," she said. "The appropriation that was done ... There are no apologies about it. The word 'climate justice,' the word 'climate equity' has become a dirty word. But what happens to us? We need to grow, we need to develop, we need more energy. Where will that come from?" She said there was good news on the domestic front, pointing out that in the 2025 Delhi Assembly election, a survey by CSE revealed that voters considered issues like the Yamuna's condition, air quality, and garbage as key factors in their decision to vote out the AAP government. She said that this marked a shift, as environmental concerns were no longer limited to elite, middle-class neighbourhoods. A large section of the population now recognized these problems as important, showing that they had become mainstream political issues, she said.

Global trade shifts open doors for India, it’s time to lead cleantech: Amitabh Kant

Geopolitical instability has disrupted global trade, creating a vacuum that India must use to boost its cleantech manufacturing and economic growth, former NITI Aayog CEO and India’s G20 Sherpa, Amitabh Kant said on Wednesday. In his address at the annual Anil Agarwal Dialogue organised by the Centre for Science and Environment, Amitabh Kant highlighted India’s potential to become a global leader in battery manufacturing, electric two-wheeler, and three-wheeler production, and other sustainable industries. “It’s a huge opportunity for India to do battery manufacturing. If you do not do this, we will become a colony importing goods from China and our imports in all these clean tech manufacturing will become huge, much more than what we do in terms of oil,” he said. He recalled how China stepped up when US President Donald Trump withdrew from the Paris Agreement in 2016. As a result, China now controls 80 per cent of the world’s critical minerals. Amitabh Kant believes a similar opportunity is emerging, and India should seize it to strengthen its clean-tech sector. However, he also pointed out weaknesses in India’s municipal governance, stating that poor management has worsened pollution and urban challenges. “If 42 of the cities in India are amongst the 50 worst polluting cities in the world, then there is a huge failure of municipal governance,” he said. He added that it has nothing to do with finances or the Central government. He stressed the need for better pricing of water and electricity to prevent wastage, contending that free electricity has led to excessive groundwater extraction. He suggested a pricing model where those who consume less should pay lower rates, while heavy consumers should pay significantly more. “I entirely agree that water needs to be priced because India, with 17 per cent of the world’s population, has just 4 per cent of water,” he noted. He added that 90 per cent of water is being consumed by agriculture. “That means rice and sugar cane are consuming all your water. And we are actually exporting virtual water in the name of basmati rice,” he noted. Citing Singapore’s transformation from a per capita income of $600 in 1965 to $90,000 today, he said India can achieve similar success through governance and economic reforms.(Agency)

The clean air gap: What India knows it needs vs what it’s actually doing

Despite India’s claims of progress in reducing air pollution through the National Clean Air Programme, the country is far behind targets and even ranked among 10 most polluted nations last year. But this is a problem compounded by many unimplemented recommendations – made by government committees, non-government organisations, and research institutions over the years. For example, a report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, Forests and Climate change had in 2023 recommended the Centre to revisit its monitoring framework for NCAP. It had highlighted the need for qualitative apart from quantitative data, and the inclusion of public experience and social audit as parameters. But those parameters are yet to be revised. Newslaundry audited several such recommendations, most of them made after 2022, and found that many are yet to be implemented. #1: Air quality standards status quo In 2022, CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research, under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Science and Technology, had suggested a stringent revision of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. But they remain unchanged since 2009 and are much more lenient as compared to the WHO air quality standards which were revised in 2021 – for example, the PM2.5 standard under NAAQS is 40 µg/m3 while the WHO wants it limited to 5µg/m³. The same paper also recommended expanding the scope of the monitoring stations in rural areas. However, the Central Pollution Control Board’s website only shows a rural network of 26 stations in 26 villages as of November 2024. The number stood at 26 even in 2020, as per a response to a Lok Sabha query, suggesting a slow pace of expansion. Sensor ambient air quality monitors are absent. They were recommended in a 2022 report by IIT Delhi’s Centre for Atmospheric Sciences and Centre of Excellence for Research on Clean Air, and in 2023 by private thinktank Centre for Science and Environment Analysis. Between November 2020 and May 2021, a total of 40 SAAQMs, manufactured by four Indian companies, were installed alongside the existing continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations under a pilot project in Maharashtra. This project and SAAQMs were rejected in 2023. Last year, a report by IIT Delhi’s TRIP-Centre had pointed out that most cities lacked the minimum recommended number of monitoring stations. Of 562 CAAQM stations across the country as per the CPCB website, only 473 are fully operational, according to the Central Control Room for Air Quality Management. And 186 cities have just one monitoring station each to themselves. In 2019, the Fifteenth Financial Commission had recommended monitoring aerosol optical depth – a measure of aerosols such as smoke and sea salt within a column of air. In 2023, Union Environment Minister Ashwini Kumar Chaubey told the Lok Sabha that the AOD data cannot be used “for regulatory purposes”.

BMC to impose garbage tax soon

MUMBAI: Mumbai’s residents may have to pay a ‘user fee’ on solid waste management – a garbage tax – to fund the massive process of collecting, transporting and processing the city’s trash. The fee proposed to be collected – ₹687 crore a year from residential properties alone – would help the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) enhance its waste-management systems, invest in modern technology and improve overall service delivery. “The BMC had sought legal opinion on introducing the user fee. Having received the go-ahead for this, we will begin stakeholder consultations – calling for suggestions and objections – in a few days,” said a senior official with the BMC’s solid waste management department. Introducing the user fee would mean revising Mumbai’s solid waste management bye-laws, which haven’t been amended in almost 20 years. After 2006, when the BMC rolled out its Greater Mumbai Cleanliness and Sanitation Bye-laws, there has been an evolution in the solid waste management laws governing the country. The Centre had issued the overarching Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, followed by the Maharashtra government’s Solid Waste Management Bye-laws, 2019, under the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act, 1949, for urban areas of the state. The 1949 Act applies to all municipal corporations for all larger urban areas – except the BMC, which is governed by the Greater Mumbai Cleanliness and Sanitation Bye-laws, 2006, under the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1888. In addition, there have been a host of laws dealing with specific kinds of waste – plastic, biomedical, construction and demolition waste, and e-waste. The upcoming draft bye-laws will incorporate all the above into a comprehensive set of rules for Mumbai, said the senior civic official. According to the new draft rules, the BMC proposes to charge the following monthly fees for residential units: ₹100 for a unit up to 50 sq m; ₹500 for areas up to 300 sq m; and ₹1,000 for those over 300 sq m. Commercial establishments, clinics, cottage industries and event halls, will be charged at different rates, starting with a minimum ₹500. The senior civic official said the new user fee is being imposed due to the city’s increasing population and the growing volume of solid waste Mumbai produces – 7,500 tonnes a day, at present. The city’s per capita expenditure for SWM is ₹3,141, far higher than other cities – Pune ₹1,724, Kolkata ₹1,584 and Bengaluru ₹1,335. “These other cities already charge a fee for SWM, in line with the central act,” the official said The new draft bye-laws will also raise the penalties for offences such as littering, spitting, urinating, defecating and bathing in public, delivering unsegregated waste, delivering segregated waste not as per specifications, unauthorised dumping of construction and demolition waste, hawking without a waste bin, not keeping a house gully clean, etc. With the more stringent rules focusing on individual responsibility, complaint redressal mechanisms are also being introduced; any aggrieved person will have the right to complain before the ward’s assistant commissioner within 30 days. After the stakeholder hearings and the incorporation of objections and suggestions, if needed, the new draft bye-laws will be tabled in the state legislative assembly for an amendment to the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1888. “It is surprising that Mumbai does not have a SWM user fee yet,” remarked Atin Biswas, programme director, Solid Waste Management and Circular Economy, at the Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). “Collecting waste from households’ doorstep is a service offered by the municipality, which then goes on to process it at no cheap cost. There is no reason for this to be free and the civic body is completely within their legal rights to impose a fee, although the rates can be questioned. In fact, Mumbai is lagging as the SWM Rules, 2016, mandated urban bodies to incorporate the Act within a year.”.

GRAP-II curbs lifted as air quality stays moderate for 6 days

New Delhi: Commission for Air Quality Management has revoked Stage II of Graded Response Action Plan, which included restrictions on the entry of interstate buses from NCR running on non-cleaner fuel to Delhi, enhanced parking fees, and restricted use of diesel-generator sets. GRAP's Stage II was in force in Delhi-NCR since Oct 22. However, it was lifted with immediate effect on Monday as Delhi's air quality stayed moderate for the past six days. The GRAP system categorises air quality into four stages: Stage I (poor: AQI 201–300), Stage II (very poor: AQI 301–400), Stage III (severe: AQI 401–450), and Stage IV (severe plus: AQI above 450). "Owing to improvement in mixing height and ventilation coefficient and much favourable meteorological conditions for the dispersion of pollutants, the air quality index of Delhi has since shown a significant improvement. The AQI was recorded as 186 for Feb 24, which is 114 points below the 300 mark to implement Stage II as per the extant directives of the Supreme Court," said CAQM. The commission added that the forecasts by IMD and IITM indicate the average air quality of Delhi to stay in the ‘moderate' or ‘lower end of the poor category' in the coming days. The measures that have been revoked include the restriction on inter-state buses from NCR states, other than EVs/CNG/BS-VI diesel, to enter Delhi. Other measures include restricted use of DG sets, enhanced vehicle parking fees to discourage private transport, and augmenting public transport services through CNG/electric buses and metro services by inducting additional fleet and increasing the frequency of service. A New Delhi Municipal Council official said, "The parking fee will be brought down to normal rates as the GRAP Stage II has been lifted. The parking rates were increased in Oct last year when a public notice was issued informing the public about increasing parking fees." CAQM modified Stage II on Dec 13 last year. Following the Supreme Court orders, some measures, which were earlier part of Stage III, were included in Stage II. Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, research and advocacy, Centre for Science and Environment, said, "Air pollution is expected to come down now with the dissipation of the adverse meteorological conditions of winter. But this is the time to build the momentum for round-the-year multi-sector action to ensure that the next winter can avoid emergency situations and health-threatening smog." Currently, GRAP's Stage I, which has no restrictive actions but focuses on stringent implementation of guidelines, is in force since Oct 15. Meanwhile, the maximum temperature in Delhi was 27.5 degrees Celsius, two notches above normal, on Monday as against 26.1 degrees Celsius a day earlier. The minimum temperature was 10.7 degrees Celsius, one degree below normal. The day temperature is predicted to stay in the range of 27-29 degrees Celsius on Tuesday and 28-30 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. "However, the city may receive very light to light rain on Feb 27 and 28 under the influence of a western disturbance. Rain is likely to be accompanied by a thunderstorm or lightning," said an IMD official.

Air quality is not great so learn to live with it

Everyone loves a breath of fresh air. Unfortunately, too often our air is anything but fresh. While air quality varies dramatically, 99 percent of the global population is exposed to air at some point that doesn't meet the strict standards set by the World Health Organization, the agency says. Polluted air, laden noxious gases or tiny, invisible particles that burrow into human bodies, kills seven million people prematurely every year, it says. The Standard Channel More>> And for the millions living in some of the world's smoggiest cities - New Delhi, Dhaka, Bangkok and Jakarta - bad air might seem inescapable. But there are things people can do, starting with understanding that the air isn't only polluted when it looks smoggy, said Tanushree Ganguly of the Energy Policy Institute of Chicago. "Blue skies can't guarantee you clean air," she said. What are the most dangerous kinds of air pollutants and their sources? Pollutants often come from people burning things: fuels such as coal, natural gas, diesel and gasoline for electricity and transportation; crops or trees for agricultural purposes or as a result of wildfires. Fine, inhalable particles, known as particulate matter, are among the most dangerous. The tiniest - PM 2.5 that are less than 2.5 microns in diameter - can get deep into lungs and are mostly created by burning fuels. PM 10 particles are linked to agriculture, roadways, mining or the wind blowing eroded dust. Other dangerous pollutants include gases like nitrogen or sulfur dioxide, also produced from burning fuels, said Center for Science and Environment expert Anumita Roychowdhury in New Delhi. The sources and intensity of pollution varies. Old motorbikes and industrial boilers are major contributors to bad air in Jakarta while burning of agricultural waste is a main reason for air pollution spikes in Thailand and India. Brick kilns that burn coal add to pollution in Dhaka. What health problems can air pollution cause? Air pollution is the second-largest risk factor for early death globally, behind high blood pressure, according to a recent report by the Health Effects Institute. Short-term exposure can trigger asthma attacks and increase heart attack and stroke risks, especially in the elderly or people with medical problems. Long-term exposure can cause serious problems that can lead to death, including heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung infections. A recent analysis by the UN children's agency found that more than 500 million children in east Asia and Pacific countries breathe unhealthy air and the pollution is linked to the deaths of 100 children under five every day. June Kunugi, Unicef regional director for east Asia, said the polluted air compromises growth, harms lungs and impacts their cognitive abilities. "Every breath matters, but for too many children every breath can bring harm," she said. What's the best way to tell if air is safe? Over 6,000 cities in 117 countries now monitor air quality, and many mobile apps include information on it. But trying to gauge how bad the air is by looking at these numbers can be confusing. To help people understand air quality levels more easily, many countries have adopted an index - a numerical scale where larger numbers mean worse air. They are also often assigned colors to show whether the air is clean or not. Countries have different standards. India's daily PM 2.5 limit is more than 1.5-times higher than Thailand's and four-times higher than WHO standards. This means that they calculate AQIs differently and the numbers aren't comparable with each other. This is also why sometimes AQI scores by private firms using stricter standards may be different from those calculated by countries. What are the best ways to protect yourself from air pollution? The goal, of course, is to limit exposure when air quality is bad, by staying inside or wearing a mask. Staying inside isn't always possible, especially for people who must live or work outside, said World Resources Institute researcher Danny Djarum. Pakaphol Asavakomolnant, an office worker in Bangkok, wears a mask every day and avoids riding a motorcycle to work. "I get a sore throat when I go to work and forget to wear a mask," he said. People also need to be aware of indoor air pollution, often caused by common household activities like cooking or even burning an incense stick. What are the benefits - and limitations - of air purifiers? Air purifiers can help reduce indoor pollution, but they have their limitations. They work by pulling air from a room, pushing it through a filter that traps pollutants before circulating it back. But they're most effective when used in small spaces and when people are nearby. They can only clean a certain amount of air, said Rajasekhar Balasubramanian at the National University of Singapore. "If we have a tiny air purifier in a large room it won't be effective," he said. They are also too expensive for people in many developing countries. "The majority of people who are affected by air pollution can't really afford air purifiers," said Djarum.

BMC's Garbage Tax: Mumbaikars Have To Pay For Waste Collection; Check The Fees Inside

Mumbai's residents may soon have to pay a new 'user fee' on solid waste management, often referred to as a garbage tax. This fee aims to fund the extensive processes of collecting, transporting, and processing the city's waste. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) proposes to collect Rs 687 crore a year from residential properties to improve waste management systems, invest in modern technology, and enhance overall service delivery, according to a Hindustan Times (HT) report. A senior BMC official from the solid waste management department stated, "The BMC had sought legal opinion on introducing the user fee. Having received the go-ahead, we will begin consultations with stakeholders in a few days, inviting suggestions and objections." If approved, this user fee would require revising Mumbai's solid waste management bylaws, which have not been updated in nearly 20 years. Since the introduction of the Greater Mumbai Cleanliness and Sanitation Bye-laws in 2006, solid waste management laws in India have evolved significantly. The Centre established the Solid Waste Management Rules in 2016, followed by the Maharashtra government's bye-laws in 2019, under the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act of 1949. Notably, the BMC is governed by its own by-laws under the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act of 1888. The proposed draft bylaws will create a comprehensive set of rules for Mumbai, addressing various waste types, including plastic, biomedical, construction and demolition waste, and e-waste. Fee Structure According to the new draft rules, the BMC suggests the following monthly fees for residential units: Rs 100 for units up to 50 square metres, Rs 500 for areas up to 300 square metres, and Rs 1,000 for those over 300 square metres. Commercial establishments, clinics, cottage industries, and event halls will face different charges, starting at a minimum of Rs 500. As per the HT report, the senior official explained that the user fee is necessary due to Mumbai's increasing population and the rising volume of solid waste produced, currently at 7,500 tonnes a day. The city's per capita expenditure for solid waste management is Rs 3,141, which is significantly higher than other cities like Pune (Rs 1,724), Kolkata (Rs 1,584), and Bengaluru (Rs 1,335). "These cities already charge a fee for solid waste management, as per the central act," the official noted. The new draft bylaws will also increase penalties for offences such as littering, spitting, public urination, and unauthorised dumping of waste. Stricter rules will emphasize individual responsibility and a complaint redressal system will be established, allowing residents to file complaints with the ward's assistant commissioner within 30 days. Following stakeholder hearings and potential amendments based on feedback, the new draft bylaws will be presented to the state legislative assembly for an amendment to the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act of 1888. Atin Biswas, programme director for Solid Waste Management and Circular Economy at the Centre for Science and Environment in Delhi, expressed surprise that Mumbai does not already have a solid waste management user fee. According to the same report, he stated, "Collecting waste from households is a service provided by the municipality, which incurs significant costs in processing it. There is no reason for this service to be free, and the civic body is within its rights to impose a fee, though the rates may be debated. Mumbai is lagging behind, as the SWM Rules of 2016 mandated urban bodies to adopt these changes within a year."

BMC Introduces Garbage Fee Amid Growing Waste Challenges

Mumbai’s Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to introduce a garbage tax in a bid to streamline and enhance the city’s waste management infrastructure. The proposed user fee, set to generate ₹687 crore annually from residential properties alone, aims to address the increasing volume of waste generated by the city’s ever-growing population. The funds will be directed towards improving waste collection, transportation, and processing systems, while also modernising the technology and service delivery mechanisms. The BMC’s proposal follows a significant revision of Mumbai’s solid waste management (SWM) laws, which have remained largely unchanged since 2006. With the city currently producing 7,500 tonnes of waste daily, the need for a comprehensive and financially sustainable waste management system has never been more urgent. The planned fee structure outlines monthly charges based on the size of the residential property, ranging from ₹100 for units under 50 square meters to ₹1,000 for properties exceeding 300 square meters. Commercial establishments and other institutions will face different charges starting at ₹500 per month. The introduction of this user fee is seen as a response to the growing strain on Mumbai’s SWM system, which is already one of the most expensive in the country. At ₹3,141 per capita, Mumbai’s waste management costs far exceed those of other major cities like Pune, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, where similar fees are already in place. The BMC’s new draft bye-laws, which aim to incorporate national and state-level regulations, will also increase penalties for offences such as littering, improper waste segregation, and unauthorised dumping. While the BMC’s decision has been met with mixed reactions, experts argue that the move is necessary to ensure the financial sustainability of waste management services. Atin Biswas, Programme Director at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), notes that many urban centres across the country already charge for waste services, in line with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. “There is no reason for waste collection to be free of charge, and the civic body is well within its legal rights to impose a fee,” he said. Despite this, concerns have been raised about the affordability of the proposed fee, especially for low-income households. In addition, the BMC is preparing to introduce stricter penalties for non-compliance with the city’s waste management rules, including higher fines for unsegregated waste and public sanitation violations. With the aim of further reinforcing individual responsibility, new complaint redressal mechanisms will be put in place to ensure accountability. Stakeholder consultations are underway, and once feedback has been incorporated, the new rules will be tabled in the state legislature for approval. However, given Mumbai’s escalating waste management challenges, the implementation of this garbage tax seems increasingly inevitable as the city looks to secure a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Green Guardians: The Women Leading India’s Environmental Revolution

Abstract This chapter delves into the pivotal role of women in India’s environmental movement, focusing on the exemplary contributions of Sumaira Abdulali, Kinkri Devi, Mamta Soni, Vandana Shiva, and Sunita Narain. These women have spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives in environmental protection, sustainable agriculture, and policy advocacy, shaping the narrative of India’s environmental consciousness. Sumaira Abdulali’s advocacy against illegal sand mining has raised awareness about coastal environmental degradation. Kinkri Devi’s legal battle against illegal mining in Himachal Pradesh has underscored the vital role of local communities in conservation efforts. Mamta Soni’s promotion of organic farming has not only empowered local farmers, particularly women, but also fostered sustainable agricultural practices. Vandana Shiva’s pioneering work on seed sovereignty and sustainable agriculture has challenged industrial agricultural norms and advocated for the preservation of indigenous seed varieties. Sunita Narain’s leadership at the Centre for Science and Environment has catalyzed significant policy reforms in air and water pollution, waste management, and sustainable development. These women’s remarkable efforts have not only reshaped environmental policies in India but also inspired a global environmental movement. Their contributions highlight the crucial role of women in driving environmental conservation and sustainability. As environmental challenges persist, the impact of these women continues to serve as a beacon of hope, illustrating the transformative power of women in leading India’s environmental revolution.

Chennai’s waterbodies marred by waste disposal

Chennai’s water bodies, including lakes and canals, and their banks continue to be face open dumping. A conservancy worker with Urbaser Sumeet, said, “The canal behind ESI hospital in Ashok Nagar is cleaned frequently. But people continue to throw waste around it. Sometimes, when the motorists throw the waste, it hits us and our uniforms are soiled. If even 75% of source segregation in done at the ward level, this can be reduced drastically.” The issue persists even in core areas like Kotturpuram near the bridge close to the Adyar River, Virugambakkam Canal, Kodungaiyur Lake, and in canals of Saidapet, he says. M. Radhakrishnan of Arappor Iyakkam said lack of awareness of segregation and unchecked bulk waste from offices, restaurants, industries, and gated communities contribute to the issue. He urged inspections at meat shops and markets like M.G.R Nagar Market, where unsegregated waste is dumped by vendors near a canal. Bins near Alapakkam and Ramapuram lakes lead to waste falling into water bodies. Waste in stormwater drains clogs canals, especially during rains, he said and suggested piloting solid waste management in one ward and replicating Kumbakonam municipality’s model, recognised by NITI Aayog and the Centre for Science and Environment (CSC). Vamsi Shankar Kapilavai, senior researcher at Citizen consumer and civic Action Group, said most of the waste is single-use plastic items and the harmful effects of these are known for all now. To plug usage, the factories manufacturing these items must be closed as no amount of monitoring can stop people from easily getting rid of plastic, he said. S.Mohan, President of Environment Awareness and Protection Association said the Chennai Corporation should have a micro-level plan for recycling and composting in every area. “When the Corporation sets an example by setting up a dumpyard close to a water body, people would follow suit. The unauthorised vegetable vendors occupying the bunds of the Pallikaranai marshland indulge in open dumping and open defecation close to the water body. They must be shifted to a market. The freshwater marshland and all waterways leading to it must be monitored to avoid such incidents as this problem will endanger the life of the rare species,” he said. D.Neelakannan, president of the Federation of Madhavaram Residents’ Welfare Associations, said the officials do not monitor the areas well. Compound walls were only recently added to the Puzhal Lake and Retteri Lake. “Fish market vendors close by dump the waste into the Retteri Lake directly often. An official with a team can keep an eye on the water bodies and canals,” he suggested. A resident in Saidapet noted that the Adyar river bank close to the Madras Boat Club is clean while the banks near a Chennai Metro Water park in Ward 122 are ridden with household garbage and garden waste. This is due to a lack of monitoring, he added. Wall against dumping According to Mayor R. Priya, “It is the Chennai Corporation’s duty to clean the city, but it is the citizen’s responsibility to refrain from dumping in open areas. Even furniture and bathroom utilities were retrieved from canals while desilting.” The Mayor stated that imposing fines is also tricky since people discard waste from higher floors which is tough to spot and impose penalties. “GCC is planning to raise walls and use a fencing closure in resident-heavy spots such as Virugambakkam canal, Otteri Nullah and internal canals of these water bodies. But they cannot also be completely closed as desilting will be tough. Corporation has identified canals close to residential areas where these infra need to be constructed and the file submitted by the Storm Water Drains Department is under processing for implementation after feasibility is checked,” she said.

प्रदूषण पर पर्दा न डालें, सही जानकारी दें... एक्सपर्ट्स ने बताई दिल्ली पल्यूशन की पूरी कहानी

2017 में GRAP (ग्रेडेड रिस्पॉन्स एक्शन प्लान) लागू होने के साथ उम्मीद दिखी थी कि अब दिल्ली एनसीआर में प्रदूषण कम करने के लिए ठोस कदम उठाए जाएंगे। दिल्ली एनसीआर की सरकारों के बीच एक आयोग (CAQM) के बनने से तालमेल बढ़ेगा। एक्सपर्ट्स के अनुसार करीब आठ साल बाद भी प्रदूषण के नाम पर पाबंदियों और पड़ोसी राज्यों पर आरोप प्रत्यारोप अधिक देखने को मिल रहे हैं। हालांकि कई चीजों पर काम भी हुआ है और उसका असर भी देखने को मिला है। पंजाब व हरियाणा में पराली जलाने के मामले काफी कम हुए हैं। इलेक्ट्रिक बसें दिल्ली में बढ़ी हैं, डीजल बसों की दिल्ली में एंट्री कम हुई है। इसके बावजूद दिल्ली एनसीआर में प्रदूषण के खिलाफ मुहिम का असर उतना नहीं है जितना होना चाहिए। मंजिल अब भी काफी दूर नजर आ रही है। पीएम 10 की बजाय पीएम 2.5 पर हो फोकस NCAP से तहत मिलने वाले बजट को सही दिशा में और सही तरीके से खर्च करना जरूरी है। सीएसई (सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरमेंट) की रिपोर्ट के अनुसार दिल्ली में NCAP (नैशनल क्लीन एयर प्रोग्राम) के तहत 2019-24 के दौरान मिले कुल बजट का महज 37 प्रतिशत ही खर्च किया गया। सीएसई की एग्जीक्यूटिव डायरेक्टर अनुमिता रायचौधरी के अनुसार NCAP में पीएम 10 और पीएम 2.5 दोनों के लक्ष्य तय हैं। इसके बावजूद अधिक फोकस पीएम 10 पर किया जा रहा है। जबकि स्वास्थ्य पर सबसे अधिक असर पीएम 2.5 डाल रहा है।

Talking Shop: Choking On Its Legacy

The National Capital of Delhi has a new Government, its people having reposed flickering hope and faith in fresh eyes and a cleaner approach. The hope carries a massive burden of responsibility for the new lot at the helm, that of living up to their promise of making the city a better place. ‘Flickering’ is not trite or being used lightly, it is a desperate optimism expressed by people living in despair. This quail has been catalysed by a succession of political dispensations that have let the people of the city down. Delhi was enticing enough for the Mughals and British to understand its cultural, strategic and historical opulence, and for those who settled after India achieved independence. The former magnanimity that this city boasts, though, is what kindled its ruination. It has been repeatedly exploited by invaders and power-seekers. Milked and browbeaten by those who came for business, but ended up ruling. Manipulated and misused by many a political hob-nob. Hygiene is alarmingly absent, pollution from traffic and industries spew poison into the air makes it difficult to breathe, exploitation is a daily occurrence in the name of development, and corruption is rampant in the garb of benevolence. Together, these have run Delhi to the ground. Today, the streets of the city I grew up in are pale shadows of their once-haughty past. Except for some swathes (‘oases’ if you will) in the central and southern parts, the city is smelly, dirty and besieged by overflowing drains and filth. The grandeur is craftily showcased when friends and guests arrive from other cities and nations, the reality cunningly draped and hidden away from majestic vision, such as that sported by Donald when Namaste Trump came a-visiting in 2020. And when the G20 brouhaha happened. The challenges are many. City infrastructure is creaking under pressure—roads overwhelmed, sewage lines antiquated and the once-majestic Yamuna now an open sewer. Corruption continues to gnaw at municipal efficiency. A report by Transparency International revealed that “70 per cent of Delhi residents have encountered bribery in civic services.” This is a rot that needs cleansing at various fronts and levels. Given this backdrop, the question in every Dilliwalah’s mind is “will the city get any real change, or just lip service?” The BJP has promised ambitious solutions. Plans include reducing landfill waste by 75 per cent within three years, deploying more electric buses, expanding the Metro network and implementing stricter emission norms. A smog tower has been inaugurated in Connaught Place, though its effectiveness remains debatable. Experts remain cautious. “Delhi’s pollution and waste crisis require systemic changes, not token gestures,” says Sunita Narain, D-G of the Centre for Science and Environment. “Policy enforcement is weak. Unless there is stringent regulation of vehicular emissions and solid waste management, nothing will change.” Citizens have a role to play too. The culture of littering, encroachment and rampant illegal construction has exacerbated the problem. Any government’s efforts will be meaningless if Delhiites themselves do not adopt responsible civic behaviour. The Good & The Bad For those who have lived here long enough, the decay is not merely statistical; it is visceral. I remember the days when Delhi’s air was crisp in the winters and summer evenings carried the scent of mogra, not burnt plastic. The Yamuna, which now resembles a putrid drain, was once a life-sustaining artery. Connaught Place is plagued by smog and illegal encroachments; it once resonated the essence of British imperial charm, pulsating with the vibrant energy that only a city of consequence can offer.

CEPT University Hosts Three Day Global South Academic Conclave on WASH and Climate 2025

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], February 24: The second edition of the Global South Academic Conclave (GSAC) on WASH and Climate 2025 commenced on February 21 at CEPT University. Organized by the Center for Water and Sanitation (CWAS) at CEPT Research Development Foundation (CRDF) and the Faculty of Planning at CEPT University, with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Viega Foundation, the three-day conclave brought together experts and stakeholders to address critical challenges in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) amidst changing climates. * Participants from 30 countries on CEPT campus from February 21 to 23, 2025 The key highlight of the opening day was the launch of the PAS@15 report, celebrating 15 years of the Performance Assessment System (PAS). This digital platform for urban WASH performance assessment in India, developed by CWAS, has become a vital tool for data-driven improvements in water, sanitation, and climate resilience. Since its launch in 2009, PAS has expanded its reach from 414 to over 800 cities in the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Assam and Sikkim, covering a population of 115 million, making it the country's largest WASH and climate-linked database for urban areas. With climate change exacerbating water scarcity, sanitation challenges, and waste pollution, data-driven solutions such as PAS are critical for climate-resilient urban planning. By tracking water efficiency, sanitation infrastructure, and solid waste management, PAS empowers cities to build a sustainable and climate-smart future. PAS has shown that measuring performance can lead to measurable impacts. As cities face climate uncertainties, data-driven governance will be the foundation for sustainable, resilient, and equitable urban development. CEPT University Hosts Three Day Global South Academic Conclave on WASH and Climate 2025 Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], February 24: The second edition of the Global South Academic Conclave (GSAC) on WASH and Climate 2025 commenced on February 21 at CEPT University. Organized by the Center for Water and Sanitation (CWAS) at CEPT Research Development Foundation (CRDF) and the Faculty of Planning at CEPT University, with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Viega Foundation, the three-day conclave brought together experts and stakeholders to address critical challenges in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) amidst changing climates. article_Author ANI Updated At : 03:32 PM Feb 24, 2025 IST fb twitter whatsapp Follow us Follow us Connect with us Connect with us featured-imgfeatured-img Advertisement PRNewswire Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], February 24: The second edition of the Global South Academic Conclave (GSAC) on WASH and Climate 2025 commenced on February 21 at CEPT University. Organized by the Center for Water and Sanitation (CWAS) at CEPT Research Development Foundation (CRDF) and the Faculty of Planning at CEPT University, with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Viega Foundation, the three-day conclave brought together experts and stakeholders to address critical challenges in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) amidst changing climates. * Participants from 30 countries on CEPT campus from February 21 to 23, 2025 Advertisement The key highlight of the opening day was the launch of the PAS@15 report, celebrating 15 years of the Performance Assessment System (PAS). This digital platform for urban WASH performance assessment in India, developed by CWAS, has become a vital tool for data-driven improvements in water, sanitation, and climate resilience. Since its launch in 2009, PAS has expanded its reach from 414 to over 800 cities in the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Assam and Sikkim, covering a population of 115 million, making it the country's largest WASH and climate-linked database for urban areas. With climate change exacerbating water scarcity, sanitation challenges, and waste pollution, data-driven solutions such as PAS are critical for climate-resilient urban planning. By tracking water efficiency, sanitation infrastructure, and solid waste management, PAS empowers cities to build a sustainable and climate-smart future. PAS has shown that measuring performance can lead to measurable impacts. As cities face climate uncertainties, data-driven governance will be the foundation for sustainable, resilient, and equitable urban development. Read More Flowers Business Sameer Kanodia, MD and CEO of Lumina Datamatics Honored with the CEO of the Year Award at the 23rd Edition of The Business Leader of the Year' View More right-arrow Advertisement Post the launch of the report, faculty members and Heads of CWAS, Prof Dinesh Mehta and Prof Meera Mehta reflected on the 15-year journey of the initiative and shared the report's key findings. CWAS has been working on urban water and sanitation-related action research since 2009. CWAS began its work when CEPT University received a grant from the Gates Foundation for Performance Assessment System (PAS) Project. Over the past decade, the project has developed an online system, methods, and processes for performance assessment and improvement for urban water supply and sanitation in India. Delivering the opening address, Professor Barjor Mehta, President, CEPT University, highlighted the importance of academic gatherings focused on climate change. He stressed the power of academia to bring diverse stakeholders together to build consensus and drive action. "We, the academia, are the custodians of knowledge, experience and the drive towards addressing the issues of climate change. We must document the developments and foster an active community so that we can continue contributing towards policymaking in the years to come," he said. Over the next two days, the conclave featured discussions on a wide range of topics, including WASH outcome monitoring, governance and financing for climate-resilient WASH, and the intersection of WASH, climate, and urban planning. Keynote addresses were delivered by K Srinivas, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India; Ms. Sheela Patel, Society for the Promotion of Area Resource (SPARC); Ms. Sunita Narain, CSE; Rakesh Mohan, Centre for Social and Economic Progress; Rick Johnston, World Health Organization (WHO); Ashok Khosla, Development Alternatives and Kalanithy Vairavamoorthy, International Water Association (IWA).