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Yamuna Action Plan: यमुना सफाई को लेकर एक्शन में BJP सरकार, सीएम रेखा गुप्ता ने वासुदेव घाट पर की आरती... क्या है नदी में प्रदूषण का इतिहास

दिल्ली में यमुना का इतिहास हमेशा से ऐसा गंदला नहीं रहा है. यहां का पानी अंग्रेजों के दौर में भी पीने और नहाने लायक था, बल्कि मुगल सल्तनत के दौर में तो.. दिल्ली में यमुना के प्रदूषण का इतिहास इतिहास के इस हिस्से को पर्यावरण और जल मुद्दे पर काम करने वाले अनिल अग्रवाल और सुनीता नारायण ने अपनी किताब (बूंदों की संस्कृति) में दर्ज किया है. किताब बताती है कि, शाहजहां ने लाल किला बनाने के साथ शाहजहानाबाद शहर की भी नींव रखी थी. तब उन्होंने एक आर्किटेक्ट अली मर्दन खां को खासतौर पर सिर्फ इस काम के लिए लगाया कि वह यमुना का पानी शहर से होते हुए किले तक पहुंचाए. 

महाकुंभ को लेकर एनजीटी ने पूछे सवाल, केंद्रीय प्रदूषण नियंत्रण बोर्ड ने जारी की थी रिपोर्ट - FECAL COLIFORM BACTERIA

द नेशनल ग्रीन ट्रिब्यूनल (NGT) ने प्रयागराज में गंगा और यमुना नदियों में फेकल कोलीफॉर्म बैक्टीरिया के हाई लेवल पर चिंता जताई है, क्योंकि महाकुंभ के दौरान लाखों लोग संगम में डुबकी लगा रहे हैं. यह रिपोर्ट 3 फरवरी को केंद्रीय प्रदूषण नियंत्रण बोर्ड (CPCB) द्वारा दायर की गई एक रिपोर्ट के बाद आई है, जिसमें प्रयागराज के संगम के पास दोनों नदियों के किनारे विभिन्न बिंदुओं पर, विशेष रूप से शाही स्नान के दिनों में फेकल बैक्टीरिया के उच्च स्तर का संकेत दिया गया था. सीपीसीबी की रिपोर्ट में कहा गया है कि नदी के पानी की क्वालिटी बायो कैमिकल ऑक्सीजन डिमांड (BOD) के संबंध में स्नान के मानदंडों के अनुरूप नहीं थी. इतना ही नहीं फेकल कोलीफॉर्म के संबंध में भी यह नहाने के लिए प्राथमिक जल गुणवत्ता के अनुरूप नहीं था. वहीं, इस संबंध में उत्तर प्रदेश के मुख्यमंत्री योगी आदित्यनाथ ने कहा कि संगम का पानी न केवल डुबकी लगाने के लिए बल्कि पीने के लिए भी उपयुक्त है और सीपीसीबी की फेकल बैक्टीरिया रिपोर्ट के बाद महाकुंभ को बदनाम करने के लिए कथित दुष्प्रचार किया जा रहा है. उल्लेखनीय है कि अमेरिका स्थित जल शोध कार्यक्रम, नो योर एच2ओ (KnowYourH2O) का कहना है, "अनुपचारित मल पदार्थ पानी में अतिरिक्त कार्बनिक पदार्थ जोड़ता है जो सड़ जाता है, जिससे पानी में ऑक्सीजन की कमी हो जाती है." साथ ही यह भी कहा कि यह एक्वेटिक इकोसिस्टम के लिए खतरा है. इसमें कहा गया है कि फेकल कोलीफॉर्म के उच्च स्तर कई स्वास्थ्य जोखिमों से जुड़े हैं, जिनमें टाइफाइड, गैस्ट्रोएंटेराइटिस और पेचिश शामिल हैं. गौरतलब है कि सीपीसीबी द्वारा उल्लिखित जल गुणवत्ता की निगरानी 12-13 जनवरी को की गई थी और सीवेज ट्रीटमेंट प्लांट (STPs) चालू थे. NGT के वकील ने क्या कहा? इस बीच नेशनल ग्रीन ट्रिब्यूनल (NGT) के वकील गौरव बंसल ने मंगलवार को कहा कि गंगा जैसी पवित्र नदी का पानी साफ करने में सरकारें विफल रही हैं. हालात ये है कि नदी का पानी काफी दूषित है. सीपीसीबी की एक रिपोर्ट के जरिए सोमवार को एनजीटी को सूचित किया गया कि इन दिनों चल रहे महाकुंभ के दौरान प्रयागराज में कई जगहों पर स्नान के लिए पानी की गुणवत्ता सही नहीं है. सीपीसीबी के अनुसार, अपशिष्ट जल संदूषण के सूचक 'फेकल कोलीफॉर्म' की स्वीकार्य सीमा 2,500 यूनिट प्रति 100 एमएल है. फेकल कोलीफॉर्म क्या है ? सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट (CSE) की एक रिपोर्ट के अनुसार, "सीवेज में फेकल पदार्थ की ताकत को कोलीफॉर्म काउंट द्वारा मॉनिटर किया जाता है, जो पानी की गुणवत्ता का एक पैरामीटर है.यह रोगजनकों के इंडिकेटर के रूप में कार्य करता है जो सबसे आम तौर पर दस्त, साथ ही टाइफाइड और आंतों की कई बीमारियों का कारण बनते हैं." शहरी विकास मंत्रालय द्वारा गठित एक 2004 की समिति ने सिफारिश की थी कि फेकल कोलीफॉर्म की सीमा 500 एमपीएन/100 मिली होनी चाहिए और कहा कि नदी में निर्वहन के लिए अधिकतम स्वीकार्य सीमा 2,500 एमपीएन/100 मिली होनी चाहिए. एमपीएन/100 मिली प्रति 100 मिलीलीटर पानी के नमूने में सबसे संभावित संख्या को दर्शाता है. केंद्रीय पर्यावरण, वन और जलवायु परिवर्तन मंत्रालय के सीपीसीबी ने गंगा और यमुना के किनारे विभिन्न स्थानों पर जल गुणवत्ता पर अपने महाकुंभ 2025 डैशबोर्ड में यह भी उल्लेख किया है कि पानी में फेकल कोलीफॉर्म 2,500 एमपीएन/100 एमएल से कम या बराबर होना चाहिए.

How hazardous is fecal bacteria-infested Sangam water where devotees bathe

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has filed a report before the National Green Tribunal (NGT), flagging alarmingly high levels of fecal coliform bacteria in the Ganga River at Prayagraj. The report comes as millions take holy dips at the Sangam amid the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela. The CPCB findings show these bacterial levels are way above the safe limit of 2,500 MPN/100ml prescribed for bathing water. Bacterial levels raise health concerns Fecal coliform bacteria, which are normally present in the intestines of humans and warm-blooded animals, suggest possible contamination by human or animal waste. This can lead to health hazards like diarrhea, vomiting, typhoid, and cholera. Dr. Atul Kakar from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital told PTI that the situation was concerning as "the level of sanitization and preparedness required is not up to the mark," making the water unfit for drinking or bathing. Total coliform levels in Ganga exceed standard limits The CPCB report also revealed that total coliform levels in the Ganga were nearly 1,400 times higher than prescribed limits, while fecal coliform bacteria stood at 7,900 MPN/100ml at Sangam. Such bacterial contamination on "poses a health risk..be it for..domestic purposes....as well as exposing farmers who often use raw sewage," a report by Centre for Science (CSE) and Environment said. In the Yamuna River, prior to its confluence with the Ganga at Sangam, fecal coliform levels stood at 4,900 MPN/100ml. Water contamination threatens aquatic ecosystems While coliform bacteria don't directly cause illness, they indicate harmful pathogens' presence in water, the CSE added. According to KnowYourH2O, untreated fecal matter depletes oxygen levels in water, endangering aquatic ecosystems. Continuous exposure can lead to infections affecting the skin, digestive systems, and respiratory health. A 2004 committee constituted by the Ministry of Urban Development suggested the desirable limit of fecal coliform be 500 MPN/100 ml, with a maximum permitted limit of 2,500 MPN/100 ml for discharge into the river.

Editorial: Spring breakers

Last week, India improved its Climate Risk Index (CRI) rank from the seventh worst affected country globally in 2019 to 49th in 2022. The ranking base Data from the Centre for Science and Environment pegs the quantum of agricultural damage from extreme weather events last year to 3.2 million hectares

The Future is Green: India’s Supply Chain Trends Embracing Sustainability

India’s supply chains are experiencing a paradigm shift driven by a mix of corporate accountability, government initiatives, and changing consumer preferences. This transformation is critical as the country aims to balance its rapid economic growth with environmental sustainability. Economic and Environmental Context India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew at 7.2% in 2022-2023, one of the highest among large economies. However, this growth comes at an environmental cost. According to the Centre for Science and Environment's (CSE) State of India’s Environment Report 2022, India is the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases globally, with the supply chain sector accounting for a significant share of carbon emissions. Transitioning to sustainable supply chains can play a crucial role in reducing these emissions. Corporate Commitment to Sustainability Several Indian businesses are leading the way in green supply chain practices: - ITC Limited: ITC’s commitment to a low-carbon economy is evident in its "Well-being Out of Waste" initiative, which processes over 20,000 tons of post-consumer waste annually. - Mahindra Group: It aims to become carbon neutral by 2040 and has already implemented measures like solar-powered warehouses and optimized logistics to cut fuel consumption. - Tata Steel: The company has integrated circular economy principles by utilizing industrial by-products in manufacturing, reducing waste, and minimizing environmental impacts. The CII (Confederation of Indian Industry) GreenCo Rating System has incentivized over 500 companies to adopt eco-friendly practices, demonstrating industry-wide enthusiasm for green innovations. Consumer Preferences Driving Change According to a report by NielsenIQ (2023), 77% of Indian consumers prefer buying from companies that are environmentally conscious. This growing demand compels businesses to incorporate sustainable practices in their supply chain to remain competitive. Eco-packaging, transparent sourcing, and reduced emissions in product transportation have become non-negotiable aspects for customer-centric companies. Policy and Regulation India’s policy framework actively supports sustainable supply chain practices. Key initiatives include: - Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) II: Promoting the use of EVs for supply chain logistics to lower carbon footprints. - Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Rules: These ensure companies account for the end-of-life disposal of products, reducing landfill waste. - National Logistics Policy (2022): This aims to achieve a carbon-efficient logistics sector while reducing costs from the current 13-14% of GDP to 8%. Statistics on Current Trends - The renewable energy share in India’s energy mix is growing, with solar power accounting for 21% of total renewables in 2023. - Logistics accounts for about 10% of India's carbon emissions. Shifting to EVs for last-mile delivery has the potential to reduce this by 15-20% by 2030 (World Bank). - By 2025, India is expected to see a 200% increase in green warehousing demand due to automation and eco-friendly practices (JLL). Global Collaborations India’s participation in international initiatives amplifies its efforts. Through partnerships such as the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and commitments under the Paris Agreement, India aligns itself with global sustainable development goals. A standout initiative is the partnership with the EU under the “India-EU Clean Energy and Climate Partnership,” focusing on reducing supply chain emissions in key industries like steel and cement. Technology and Sustainability Digital tools and technologies like blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) are becoming essential for tracking sustainability metrics in supply chains: - Blockchain: Ensures transparent tracking of ethically sourced materials. - AI: Predicts energy and fuel consumption patterns, helping reduce wastage. - IoT: Monitors environmental impacts in real-time, such as temperature and emission levels. A report by Gartner predicts that by 2026, 75% of large global organizations, including Indian firms, will use digital technology to transition to more sustainable supply chains. The Future Outlook India’s move towards sustainable supply chains is not just a trend but an urgent need. The Global Supply Chain Report 2023 by CDP revealed that if supply chain emissions were mitigated by just 20% worldwide, it could save companies up to $120 billion annually in operational costs. This resonates strongly with the country’s ambitions to position itself as a global supply chain hub while adhering to eco-friendly standards.

In the absence of SAARC

ONLY weeks ago, Delhi and many other parts of northern India emerged from a season of choking smog. Likewise in Lahore, where the provincial government had to declare a health emergency, shut down schools and colleges, and order residents to stay at home. In the two Punjabs, Indian and Pakistani, an arid winter is making farmers nervous about the rabi crop. Jammu & Kashmir hasn’t had enough snowfall this year, which is bad news for its rivers. The Chenab has bottomed out already. Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is undergoing a similarly dry winter. The impact is felt all the way across in the Himalayas in Nepal, dependent for snow and rain on the same western disturbances that bring winter precipitation to northern India and Pakistan. Across the entire region, climate change has affected livelihoods and is endangering lives. Typically, it is the poor that bear the brunt of extreme weather events. When global warming raises sea levels, threatening to engulf Mumbai, Karachi, Kolkata and Dhaka in frequent flooding, extreme rainfall, cyclones and salinisation, it is the poorest in these large cities who will be the worst affected. The warming is also depleting marine resources, causing conflicts among fishers across borders, for example, between those from Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka’s Jaffna. In the face of these challenges, civil society groups and media representatives from South Asia gathered earlier this month to discuss the possibilities of regional cooperation for climate action. It is possible to imagine that as the biggest economy in the region, a rising world power and an aspiring leader of the Global South, India would have hosted the conference, in line with its Neighbourhood First policy. But that boat has sailed. The conference, which brought together about a hundred people, was held in Islamabad at the Jinnah Convention Centre, all spruced up after a recent facelift for the SCO Heads of Government meeting that Pakistan hosted last October. Advertisement It was not the embattled government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that organised this ambitious conference. The event was put together and helmed by the leading Pakistani media group Dawn. Seamlessly choreographed, the two-day conference, ‘Breathe Pakistan — International Climate Change Conference’, packed in 14 sessions, had the backing of several sponsors led by the provincial government of Punjab, the United Nations and the World Bank. Call it Track 2.5 or 3.5 or even 4. The visas, especially for invitees from India, would not have been possible without the official green light. I attended the event as a speaker in a session on the media’s role in climate action. Sonam Wangchuk, the famous Ladakh-based activist, and Harjeet Singh, the head of a climate resilience NGO, were among the others from India. Sunita Narain of the Centre for Science and Environment participated via Zoom. The conference was being held against the rise of climate change-denying leaders in the US, and in other parts of the world — copycat ‘Trumpism’, as Harjeet described the new American age during a session on ‘Decarbonisation of South Asia’. The other elephant in the room was the absence of official engagement between the two biggest nations in the region, India and Pakistan. But that seemed to be the point: the climate emergency is too real, too here and now, to wait for conflict resolution, or for Trumpism to fade.

Punjab’s Green Schools Lead The Way: A National Recognition For Sustainability In Education

Education is the foundation of progress, and Punjab is setting a new benchmark by integrating sustainability into its schools. Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Maan, the state’s government schools are not only excelling academically but also pioneering environmental consciousness. The results are in, and Punjab has emerged as a national leader in green education. A Prestigious National Honor Punjab’s commitment to sustainable education has been recognized at the national level, securing the coveted ‘Best State’ and ‘Best District’ awards at the Green School Awards 2025. Organized by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), these awards evaluate government school campuses on their cleanliness, environmental sustainability, and eco-friendly initiatives. The recognition reinforces Punjab’s dedication to creating a greener and healthier future for its students. 70 Punjab Schools Earn Green Ratings Out of 199 schools across India that received the prestigious Green School Award, a remarkable 70 schools are from Punjab, making up 35% of the total winners. These schools have demonstrated excellence in environmental responsibility, setting a high standard for others to follow. Additionally, Sangrur district has been awarded the Best District title, further proving that Punjab’s sustainable education model is a shining example for the nation. Transforming Schools, Empowering Students Punjab’s government schools are no longer just educational institutions, they are centres of environmental awareness and action. With smart classrooms, modern infrastructure, and a deep focus on sustainability, these schools are moulding responsible citizens who understand the importance of conservation. The Green School initiative is not just about infrastructure, it’s about instilling a mindset where students actively participate in protecting the environment. A Greener Tomorrow Starts in the Classroom The Maan Government has been instrumental in ensuring that students engage with real-world environmental challenges. By incorporating eco-friendly practices, waste management programs, water conservation efforts, and clean energy solutions, Punjab’s schools are shaping the leaders of tomorrow. This initiative aligns with the broader vision of making Punjab a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable state. Setting a National Benchmark The Green School Awards are a testament to Punjab’s unwavering commitment to quality education and environmental responsibility. While academic excellence remains a priority, ensuring a cleaner and greener learning environment is equally important. Punjab’s government schools have set a precedent for the entire country, proving that education and sustainability can go hand in hand. Punjab’s Schools: Smarter, Greener, and Stronger With each passing year, Punjab’s government schools continue to evolve, offering students a holistic education that extends beyond textbooks. The state’s Green Schools are living examples of progress, awareness, and responsibility, ensuring that the next generation grows up with the values of sustainability deeply embedded in their everyday lives. This achievement is not just an accolade; it is a promise by the Maan Government. A promise that Punjab’s children will inherit a future that is cleaner, brighter, and full of possibilities.

How big a health hazard is Sangam water with high level of faecal coliform

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has raised concerns over high faecal coliform bacteria levels in the Ganga and Yamuna rivers in Prayagraj as millions are taking a dip at the Sangam during the Maha Kumbh. This came after a report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), filed on February 3, indicated high levels of faecal bacteria at various points along both the rivers near Prayagraj's Sangam, especially on Shahi Snan days. But what does high levels of faecal bacteria in water mean, and how big a health hazard is it? Levels of faecal coliform, which get in water due to the mixing of human or livestock excreta, indicate water quality and help in monitoring the presence of disease-causing bacteria in any water sample. The report also revealed that total coliform levels (faecal plus other) in the Ganga were found to be around 1,400 times the standard, while in the Yamuna, they were 660 times higher at certain locations in Prayagraj. The CPCB report says the river water quality did not conform with the bathing criteria with respect to biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). It also didn't conform with the primary water quality for bathing with respect to faecal coliform (FC). "Untreated faecal material adds excess organic material to the water which decays, depleting the water of oxygen," says US-based water research programme, KnowYourH2O, adding that it is a threat to the aquatic ecosystem. High levels of faecal coliform are associated with several health risks, including typhoid, gastroenteritis and dysentery, it says. The water quality mentioned by the CPCB was monitored on January 12-13 and the sewage treatment plants (STPs) were operational. WHAT IS FAECAL COLIFORM, AND WHAT ARE SAFE LEVELS? "The strength of faecal matter in sewage is monitored by coliform counts, a water quality parameter that acts as an indicator of pathogens that most commonly cause diarrhoea, as well as typhoid and a whole host of enteric diseases," according to a report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). A 2004 committee formed by the Ministry of Urban Development recommended that the desirable limit of faecal coliform should be at 500 MPN/100ml and said that the maximum permissible limit should be capped at 2,500 MPN/100ml for discharge into the river. MPN/100ml denotes the most probable number per 100 millilitre of water sample. The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change's CPCB, in its Maha Kumbh 2025 dashboard on the water quality at the various spots along the Ganga and the Yamuna also notes that the faecal coliform in the water should be less than or equal to 2,500 MPN/100ml. In the last recorded data on faecal coliform from February 4, the CPCB reported its levels in the Ganga at 11,000 MPN/100ml before Shastri Bridge and 7,900 MPN/100ml at Sangam. The Shastri Bridge over the Ganga is about 2km ahead of the Sangam site. In the Yamuna, before its confluence with the Ganga at Sangam, the reading was 4,900 MPN/100ml near the Old Naini Bridge. The data mentioned above was recorded a day after Basant Panchami, one of the Shahi Snan days. Basant Panchami was on February 3 this year.

High faecal bacteria levels in Sangam water amid Maha Kumbh: Report

Various locations in Prayagraj during the ongoing Mahakumbh were not conforming to the primary water quality for bathing with respect to the level of faecal coliform which is becoming a rising cause of concern. Faecal coliform, a marker of sewage contamination, has a permissible limit of 2,500 units per 100 ml, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The National Green Tribunal was informed of the same on Monday, through a report by the CPCB. According to the US-based water research programme, KnowYourH2O, high levels of faecal coliform are associated with several health risks, including typhoid, gastroenteritis and dysentery. “Untreated faecal material adds excess organic material to the water which decays, depleting the water of oxygen,” says the research programme. In the latest data recorded on faecal coliform from February 4, the CPCB reported its levels at 11,000 MPN/100ml in the Ganga before Shastri Bridge and 7,900 MPN/100ml at Sangam. In the Yamuna, before its confluence with the Ganga at Sangam, it was 4,900 MPN/100ml near Old Naini Bridge. What happens if there is high faecal level in Maha Kumbh’s Sangam water? Though the bacteria itself is not a cause of illness, it shows the presence of pathogenic organisms of faecal origin like bacteria, viruses, or protozoa, in water samples. “The level of sanitisation and preparedness required is not up to the mark, and the bacteria from our stool are entering the water. Therefore, it is not safe for consumption or even for bathing. This is what the report has indicated,” said senior consultant in the department of internal medicine at New Delhi’s Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Dr Atul Kakar. “Whenever there is infected water, it can lead to various waterborne diseases, including skin diseases, and ailments like loose motions, diarrhoea, vomiting, typhoid, and cholera,” Dr Atul Kakar was quoted by PTI. Faecal bacteria in drinking water, effect on farmers According to a paper in the WHO, contamination of water with faecal coliform bacteria in drinking-water has been implicated in the spread of important infectious and parasitic diseases such as cholera, typhoid, dysentery, hepatitis, giardiasis, guinea worm and schistosomiasis. Citing a study from UP’s Varanasi in the 1990s, a report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) stated that a “lack of sewage treatment and bacteriological standards have been linked to adverse health impacts on farmers who use the contaminated water. Farmworkers using untreated sewage showed “a high prevalence of diarrhoeal disease, a haematic infection and skin diseases.” According to KnowYourH2O, bathing in waters with high levels of faecal coliform bacteria “increases the chance of developing illness (fever, nausea, or stomach cramps) from pathogens entering the body through the mouth, nose, ears, or cuts in the skin.” Bathing or swimming in water with high faecal above 2,500 MPN/100ml causes typhoid fever, hepatitis, gastroenteritis, dysentery, and ear infections.

Breathing trouble: Invisible danger of air pollution worldwide

Everyone loves a breath of fresh air. Unfortunately, too often, our air is anything but fresh. While air quality varies dramatically from place to place and day to day, nearly the entire world – about 99% of the global population – is exposed to air at some point that doesn't meet the strict standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Polluted air, laden with noxious gasses or tiny, invisible particles that burrow into human bodies, kills 7 million people prematurely every year, the U.N. health agency estimates. And for the millions living in some of the world’s smoggiest cities – many of them in Asia like New Delhi, Dhaka, Bangladesh, Bangkok and Jakarta, Indonesia – bad air might seem inescapable. But there are things that 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 in India. "Blue skies can’t guarantee you clean air,” she said. Air 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 of these – known as PM 2.5 because they are less than 2.5 microns in diameter – can get deep into human lungs and are mostly created by burning fuels. Coarser particles, known as PM 10, are linked to agriculture, roadways, mining, or the wind-blowing eroded dust, according to the WHO. Other dangerous pollutants include gases like nitrogen dioxide or sulfur dioxide, which are also produced from burning fuels, said Anumita Roychowdhury, an air pollution expert at the Center for Science and Environment in New Delhi. The sources and intensity of air pollution vary in different cities and seasons. For instance, old motorbikes and industrial boilers are major contributors to bad air in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, while the burning of agricultural waste is a major reason for air pollution spikes in cities in Thailand and India. Brick kilns that burn coal add to pollution in Dhaka, Bangladesh's capital. Seasonal forest fires cause problems in Brazil and North America. 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 the risk of heart attacks and stroke, especially in the elderly or people with medical problems. Long-term exposure can cause serious heart and lung problems that can lead to death, including heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung infections. A recent analysis by the U.N. 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 cognitive abilities. "Every breath matters, but for too many children, every breath can bring harm,” she said. Over 6,000 cities in 117 countries now monitor air quality, and many weather mobile apps include air quality information. 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 efficiently, many countries have adopted an air quality index or AQI – a numerical scale where larger numbers mean worse air. They are also often assigned different colors to show whether the air is clean or not. However, different countries have different air quality standards. For instance, India’s daily PM 2.5 limit is more than 1.5 times higher than that of Thailand and 4 times higher than WHO standards. This means that countries calculate AQIs differently and the numbers aren’t comparable. This is also why sometimes AQI scores by private companies using stricter standards may be different from those calculated by national regulators. The goal, of course, is to limit exposure when air quality is bad by staying inside or wearing a mask. Staying inside, however, isn't always possible, especially for people who must live or work outside, noted Danny Djarum, an air quality researcher at the World Resources Institute, an environmental advocacy group. "They can’t really afford not going out,” he said. Pakaphol Asavakomolnant, an office worker in Bangkok, said that he wears a mask every day and avoids riding to work on a motorbike. "I get a sore throat when I come to work in the morning and I forget to wear a mask,” he said. People also need to be aware of indoor air pollution, which can often be caused by common household activities like cooking or even burning an incense stick. Air purifiers can help reduce indoor air pollution, but they have limitations. They work by pulling air from a room and pushing it through a filter that traps pollutants before circulating it back. But they are most effective when used in small spaces and when people are nearby. Air purifiers can only clean a certain amount of air, said Rajasekhar Balasubramanian, who studies urban air quality at the National University of Singapore. "If we have a tiny air purifier in a large room, it won’t be effective,” he said. Air purifiers 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 WRI's Djarum.

Get the transition right

Let’s not be in any doubt that our world has not changed. This is the age of Donald Trump in the times 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 actions that will reduce climate risks while im-proving livelihoods and economies in our world. The challenge is to achieve the co-benefits of inclusive development with sustainability, while staying on the decarbonisation pathways 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 liveli-hood 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 to-wards catastrophe. This is why the Union government’s 500 GW of clean energy plan by 2030 is laudable. It has deliberate-ly planned not to replace coal—which today provides 75 per cent of India’s total electricity genera-tion—but to displace coal. Its plan to do this is by increasing the capacity of clean energy sources, in-cluding 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 clean energy transi-tion. 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 espouse on 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 is 45 per cent of the power generation capacity in the country by 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 im-pressive 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 that is so desperately needed. To displace coal, as per 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 industryinvestor 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 as per 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 that it has investment and other facili-ties, including land, for the project. As per SECI, these add up to 34.5 GW of solar, wind and hybrid pro-jects. Then projects adding up to another 10 GW 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 com-monly 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 as per SECI. We need to fix these shortcomings to ensure that India achieves its goal of 500 GW clean power. This is critical and essential. (Courtesy: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/; Writer is Director General of CSE and editor of Down To Earth, an environmentalist who pushes for changes in policies, practices and mindsets)

Climate action contributor and carbon space appropriator: national image construction of China in dual-carbon commitment from Indian media’s perspective

China’s commitment in 2020 to its dual-carbon goal, demonstrating its intention to participate in tackling climate crisis, drew the attention of international media, particularly the media of India, which tends to deem China a rival neighbour. Indian media continually reported this announcement and subsequent policies and actions in China, reflecting Indian cognition and attitude toward China’s commitment to climate change and the Sino-Indian relationship. Given that, the present study adopts the Discourse-Historical Approach (DHA), using corpus tools Sketch Engine (SkE) and KH Coder to identify and visualise the topics of the 127 reports collected from three mainstream English newspapers in India, namely The Times of India, The Indian Express, and Hindustan Times, analysing the major discursive strategies including nomination, predication, and perspectivization strategy, and explores the national images of China constructed by the reports and uncovers the hidden ideology. The study finds that Indian media are mainly concerned with China’s target, plan, and conditions of the dual-carbon commitment, resorting to specially designed references, negative evaluations, and perspectivization strategies like indirect speech to target China’s energy practice, casting doubt on China’s capability to realise its goal. As regards China’s national image, Indian media construct China as a significant contributor to global climate action while evaluating its international role as a carbon space ‘appropriator’, with ‘too ambitious’ carbon goals and ‘disappointing’ carbon practices. In general, such construction reflects, to some degree, India’s tension against China’s rapid rise in climate governance. In addition, the competition for discursive rights in international carbon politics can also provide an account of the negative construction. The present study visualises the topics and the semantic features, promoting further integration of critical discourse analysis with corpus linguistics. Meanwhile, this analysis contributes to China-related international and regional media studies. Referring to the CSE analysis on the issue, she (Sunita Narain, environmentalist and director general of the New Delhi-based policy group, Centre for Science and Environment) said, ‘… The fact is that the world must reach net-zero by 2050, which means that the OECD countries should get there by 2030 and China by 2040.’

Nearly everyone in the world breathes bad air. This is what you can do to lower your risk

HANOI, Vietnam Everyone loves a breath of fresh air. Unfortunately, too often our air is anything but fresh. While air quality varies dramatically from place to place and day to day, nearly the entire world — about 99% 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 has reported. Polluted air, laden noxious gasses or tiny, invisible particles that burrow into human bodies, kills 7 million people prematurely every year, the U.N. health agency estimates. And for the millions living in some of the world’s smoggiest cities — many of them in Asia like New Delhi; Dhaka, Bangladesh; Bangkok and Jakarta, Indonesia — bad air might seem inescapable. But there are things that 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 in India. “Blue skies can’t guarantee you clean air,” she said. Air 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 of these — known as PM 2.5 because they are less than 2.5 microns in diameter — can get deep into human lungs and are mostly created by burning fuels. Coarser particles, known as PM 10, are linked to agriculture, roadways, mining or the wind blowing eroded dust, according to the WHO. Other dangerous pollutants include gases like nitrogen dioxide or sulfur dioxide, which are also produced from burning fuels, said Anumita Roychowdhury, an air pollution expert at the Center for Science and Environment in New Delhi. The sources and intensity of air pollution varies in different cities and seasons. For instance, old motorbikes and industrial boilers are major contributors to bad air in Indonesian capital Jakarta while burning of agricultural waste is a major reason for air pollution spikes in cities in Thailand and India. Brick kilns that burn coal adds to pollution in Dhaka, Bangladesh's capital. And seasonal forest fires cause problems in Brazil and North America. 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 the risk of heart attacks and stroke, especially in the elderly or people with medical problems. Long-term exposure can cause serious heart and lung problems that can lead to death, including heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung infections. A recent analysis by the U.N. 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 5 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. Over 6,000 cities in 117 countries now monitor air quality, and many weather mobile apps include air quality information. 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 air quality index or AQI — a numerical scale where larger numbers mean worse air. They are also often assigned different colors to show whether the air is clean or not. But different countries have different air quality standards. For instance, India’s daily PM 2.5 limit is more than 1.5-times higher than Thailand’s limit and 4-times higher than WHO standards. This means that countries calculate AQIs differently and the numbers aren’t comparable with each other. This is also why sometimes AQI scores by private companies using stricter standards may be different from those calculated by national regulators. The goal, of course, is to limit exposure when air quality is bad, by staying inside or wearing a mask. Staying inside however, isn't always possible, especially for people who must live or work outside, noted Danny Djarum, an air quality researcher at World Resources Institute, an environmental advocacy group. “They can’t really afford not going out,” he said. Pakaphol Asavakomolnant, an office worker in Bangkok, said that he wears a mask every day and avoids riding to work on a motorbike. “I get a sore throat when I come to work in the morning and I forget to wear a mask,” he said. People also need to be aware of indoor air pollution which can often be caused by common household activities like cooking or even burning an incense stick. Air purifiers can help reduce indoor air 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 are most effective when used in small spaces and when people are nearby. Air purifiers can only clean a certain amount of air, said Rajasekhar Balasubramanian, who studies urban air quality at the National University of Singapore. “If we have a tiny air purifier in a large room it won’t be effective,” he said. Air purifiers are also too expensive for people in many in developing countries. “The majority of people who are affected by air pollution can’t really afford air purifiers,” said WRI's Djarum.

The invisible threat

HANOI (AP) – Everyone loves a breath of fresh air. Unfortunately, too often our air is anything but fresh. While air quality varies dramatically from place to place and day to day, nearly the entire world – about 99 per cent of the global population – is exposed to air at some point that doesn’t meet the strict standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO), the agency has reported. Polluted air, laden noxious gasses or tiny, invisible particles that burrow into human bodies, kills seven million people prematurely every year, the United Nations (UN) health agency estimates. And for the millions living in some of the world’s smoggiest cities – many of them in Asia like New Delhi; Dhaka, Bangladesh; Bangkok and Jakarta, Indonesia – bad air might seem inescapable. But there are things that 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 in India. WHAT ARE THE MOST DANGEROUS KINDS OF AIR POLLUTANTS AND THEIR SOURCES? Air 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 of these – known as PM 2.5 because they are less than 2.5 microns in diameter – can get deep into human lungs and are mostly created by burning fuels. Coarser particles, known as PM 10, are linked to agriculture, roadways, mining or the wind blowing eroded dust, according to the WHO. Other dangerous pollutants include gases like nitrogen dioxide or sulfur dioxide, which are also produced from burning fuels, said air pollution expert at the Center for Science and Environment in New Delhi Anumita Roychowdhury. The sources and intensity of air pollution varies in different cities and seasons. For instance, old motorbikes and industrial boilers are major contributors to bad air in Indonesian capital Jakarta while burning of agricultural waste is a major reason for air pollution spikes in cities in Thailand and India. Brick kilns that burn coal adds to pollution in Dhaka, Bangladesh’s capital. And seasonal forest fires cause problems in Brazil and North America. WHAT HEALTH PROBLEMS CAN AIR POLLUTION CAUSE?

Doon Valley Public School, Nalagarh

The school has been honoured with the prestigious Green School Rating (2024-25) by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), New Delhi. This recognition reflects our commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible resource management under the Green Schools Programme (GSP). Adding to this achievement, our students Ranveer Singh and Kavya Yadav, secured the second place in the National Climate Quiz, showcasing their deep understanding of climate issues and sustainability. These milestones highlight our school’s dedication to eco-conscious education and academic excellence.

Madhya Pradesh worst hit as India faces extreme weather on 322 days in 2024

India faced extreme weather on 322 out of 366 days in 2024, marking the worst year yet. This is an increase from 318 days in 2023 and 314 days in 2022, showing a worsening trend. Nearly 88% of the year saw extreme weather events, affecting millions, according to the interactive atlas managed by the Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). Madhya Pradesh was the worst-hit state, experiencing 185 extreme weather days, the highest in India. The central region, including Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, bore the brunt of these climate disasters, suffering significant crop damage and fatalities. According to Dr. Praveen Kumar, a scientist at the Regional Meteorological Centre, Madhya Pradesh’s vulnerability to extreme weather is due to its geographical position. He explains: "Madhya Pradesh's climate is shaped by its geography. Although primarily a plain region, the state's extensive north-south stretch exposes it to diverse weather systems." These factors make the state highly susceptible to climate change, leading to more frequent and severe weather events. Extreme weather deaths in India rose to 3,472 in 2024, compared to 3,287 in 2023 and 3,026 in 2022—a 15% increase over three years. Farmers suffered heavy losses, with 4.07 million hectares of crops damaged in 2024—an 84% increase from 2023 and 108% from 2022. The central region suffered the most, accounting for 2.36 million hectares of crop loss, 58% of India’s total agricultural damage. Maharashtra lost 2.03 million hectares of farmland. The state saw 161 extreme weather days in 2024, up from 126 in 2022, contributing to the agricultural devastation. MP faced 185 extreme weather days in 2024 Madhya Pradesh, the most affected state, experienced 185 extreme weather days in 2024. Over the past five years, Madhya Pradesh has steadily risen in hydro-meteorological disaster-related fatalities. Between 2018 and 2024, the state averaged 266 deaths yearly from disasters like tropical cyclones, heavy rainfall, severe thunderstorms, floods and drought. In 2024, Madhya Pradesh reported 353 deaths due to extreme weather events. Over 25,170 hectares of agricultural land were damaged, 7,278 houses destroyed, and 61 animals lost. In 2023, the state saw 253 fatalities, with 45,000 hectares of crops affected, 2,626 houses damaged, and 376 animal deaths. In 2022, there were 301 deaths, 6,646 homes impacted, and 997 livestock deaths due to similar extreme weather events. In 2021: The death toll fell to 191, but significant flooding caused extensive damage to homes and agricultural infrastructure. In 2020: during the COVID-19 lockdown, Madhya Pradesh recorded 89 deaths due to extreme weather events In 2019: Madhya Pradesh witnessed 674 deaths, 1,888 animal fatalities, and Rs 12,000 crore in damages due to heavy rains and floods. Over 1.18 lakh buildings were damaged, and 60.47 lakh hectares of farmland affected.