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Punjab Honored with ‘Best State’ and ‘Best District’ Awards under Green Schools Programme

Chandigarh, February 4, 2025: Punjab has achieved a remarkable milestone in environmental education and sustainability by winning the prestigious ‘Best State’ and ‘Best District’ awards at the Green Schools Awards 2025, organized by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The awards were presented by renowned environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk and Sunita Narain, Head of the Centre for Science and Environment to Er. Pritpal Singh, Executive Director and Dr. Kulbir Singh Bath, Joint Director of the Punjab

Punjab honored with Best State, Best District awards under GSP

Punjab has achieved a remarkable milestone in environmental education and sustainability by winning the prestigious ‘Best State’ and ‘Best District’ awards at the Green Schools Awards, organized by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The awards were presented by renowned environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk and Ms Sunita Narain, Head of the CSE to Er Pritpal Singh, Executive Director, and Dr Kulbir Singh Bath, Joint Director of the Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST). A unique initiative of CSE the Green Schools Programme (GSP) has been actively implemented in Punjab by PSCST under its Environment Education Programme. The programme encourages schools to optimize resource management by conducting rigorous environmental audits across six key domains like Air, Energy, Food, Land, Water and Waste. These awards recognize Punjab’s leadership in fostering environmental sustainability and awareness among students and educational institutions. Out of 11,917 registered schools nationwide, 7,406 schools from Punjab completed environmental audits, accounting for 84 percent of all audits conducted across the country. A total of 196 schools from Punjab were awarded Green School status, including 171 government schools and 25 private schools. Best District Award was bestowed to Hoshiarpur district with setting up a national record with 1,945 schools completing environmental audits, the highest number from any district in India. UNI GS SS

Religious leaders should declare environmental harm a sin Sonam Wangchuk

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Tuesday said that religious leaders should declare environmental harm a sin and protecting nature an act of virtue. Speaking at an event organized by the Centre for Science and Environment, where schools were awarded for their eco-friendly practices, Wangchuk said there is a need need to rethink education, as the current system teaches people only how to produce and consume more rather than how to live sustainably. "In today's world, people do not commit violence with knives or weapons, but through unsustainable lifestyles that harm nature," Wangchuk said. Referring to Delhi’s severe air pollution, he said, "People are being given slow poison. Those who could have lived up to 90 are dying at 80 due to air pollution alone. Isn’t this a sin? "Grown ups listen to religious leaders more compared to scientists and engineers. Religious leaders should declare environmental harm a sin and protecting nature an act of virtue. We need to redefine our values," he added. Wangchuk also called for stricter action against major polluters, including jail terms for those responsible for severe air pollution. He explained that life on Earth became possible only after carbon dioxide levels dropped over millions of years, thanks to photosynthesis. "Now, humans are reversing that process, releasing carbon back into the atmosphere. If we continue on this path, we will push the planet back to a time when life was impossible," he warned. Wangchuk urged a complete overhaul of the education system, which, he said, was designed during the industrial era to promote production and consumption. "We must redefine learning to focus on sustainability rather than endless consumption," he said.

Punjab Honored with ‘Best State’ and ‘Best District’ Awards under Green Schools Programme

Punjab has achieved a remarkable milestone in environmental education and sustainability by winning the prestigious ‘Best State’ and ‘Best District’ awards at the Green Schools Awards 2025, organized by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The awards were presented by renowned environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk and Ms. Sunita Narain, Head of the Centre for Science and Environment to Er. Pritpal Singh, Executive Director and Dr. Kulbir Singh Bath, Joint Director of the Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST). A unique initiative of CSE the Green Schools Programme (GSP) has been actively implemented in Punjab by PSCST under its Environment Education Programme. The program encourages schools to optimize resource management by conducting rigorous environmental audits across six key domains like air, energy, food, land, water and waste. These awards recognize Punjab’s leadership in fostering environmental sustainability and awareness among students and educational institutions. Out of 11,917 registered schools nationwide, 7406 schools from Punjab completed environmental audits, accounting for 84% of all audits conducted across the country. A total of 196 schools from Punjab were awarded Green School status, including 171 government schools and 25 private schools. Best District Award bestowed to Hoshiarpur District with setting up a national record with 1,945 schools completing environmental audits, the highest number from any district in India.

The Age Of Trump

With such devastations hitting virtually every region and every class of people in the world, it is hard to be a climate denier. But he is. And he has been voted in by the majority in his country on this position. In fact, his closest adviser Elon Musk, the electric car magnate, was standing next to him when he said in his inaugural address that he intends to “end the Green New Deal and revoke the electric vehicle mandate”

पंजाब ने ग्रीन स्कूल प्रोग्राम के तहत 'बेस्ट स्टेट' और 'बेस्ट डिस्ट्रिक्ट' पुरस्कार जीते

पंजाब ने पर्यावरण शिक्षा और स्थिरता के क्षेत्र में महत्वपूर्ण मील के पत्थर स्थापित करते हुए सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट (सी.एस.ई.) द्वारा नई दिल्ली के इंडिया हैबिटेट सेंटर में आयोजित ग्रीन स्कूल्स अवार्ड्स 2025 में 'बेस्ट ग्रीन स्टेट' और 'बेस्ट ग्रीन डिस्ट्रिक्ट' पुरस्कार जीते। यह पुरस्कार प्रसिद्ध पर्यावरण वैज्ञानिक सोनम वांगचुक और सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट की प्रमुख सुनीता नारायण ने पंजाब स्टेट काउंसिल फॉर साइंस एंड टेक्नोलॉजी (पी.एस.सी.एस.टी.) के कार्यकारी निदेशक इंजीनियर प्रतापाल सिंह और संयुक्त निदेशक डॉ. कुलबीर सिंह बाठ को सौंपे। सी.एस.ई. की विशेष पहल ग्रीन स्कूल्स प्रोग्राम (जी.एस.पी.) को पी.एस.सी.एस.टी. द्वारा अपने पर्यावरण शिक्षा कार्यक्रम के तहत पंजाब में सक्रिय रूप से लागू किया गया है। यह कार्यक्रम स्कूलों को हवा, ऊर्जा, भोजन, भूमि, पानी और अपशिष्ट जैसे छह प्रमुख क्षेत्रों में आवश्यक मानकों के लिए सख्त ऑडिट के माध्यम से संसाधन प्रबंधन को अनुकूल बनाने के लिए प्रोत्साहित करता है। ये पुरस्कार छात्रों और स्कूलों में पर्यावरण की स्थिरता और जागरूकता को प्रोत्साहित करने में पंजाब की अग्रणी भूमिका को मान्यता देते हैं। देश भर में पंजीकृत 11,917 स्कूलों में से, पंजाब के 7406 स्कूलों ने पर्यावरण ऑडिट पूरे किए हैं, जो देश भर में किए गए सभी ऑडिट का 84 प्रतिशत है। पंजाब के 196 स्कूलों को ग्रीन स्कूल का दर्जा दिया गया, जिसमें 171 सरकारी और 25 निजी स्कूल शामिल हैं। होशियारपुर जिले को सर्वोत्तम जिला पुरस्कार दिया गया। होशियारपुर जिले ने 1,945 स्कूलों का ऑडिट पूरा कर राष्ट्रीय रिकॉर्ड स्थापित किया, जो भारत के किसी भी जिले में सबसे अधिक है। ये मील के पत्थर पर्यावरण शिक्षा में पंजाब की अग्रणी भूमिका की गवाही देते हैं और बेहतर भविष्य के निर्माण के लिए राज्य की प्रतिबद्धता को उजागर करते हैं। पंजाब में ग्रीन स्कूल प्रोग्राम की सफलता अन्य राज्यों के लिए एक मॉडल के रूप में कार्य करती है, जो शिक्षा प्रणाली में पर्यावरण जागरूकता को शामिल करने के महत्व को दर्शाती है।

पंजाब ने ग्रीन स्कूल प्रोग्राम के तहत ‘सर्वश्रेष्ठ राज्य’ और ‘सर्वश्रेष्ठ जिला’ प्राप्त किए पुरस्कार

पर्यावरण शिक्षा और स्थिरता के क्षेत्र में एक महत्वपूर्ण उपलब्धि हासिल करते हुए, पंजाब ने सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट (सी.एस.ई.) द्वारा नई दिल्ली के इंडिया हैबिटेट सेंटर में आयोजित ग्रीन स्कूल अवॉर्ड्स 2025 में प्रतिष्ठित ‘सर्वश्रेष्ठ ग्रीन राज्य’ और ‘सर्वश्रेष्ठ ग्रीन जिला’ पुरस्कार प्राप्त किए हैं। यह पुरस्कार प्रसिद्ध पर्यावरण वैज्ञानिक सोनम वांगचुक और सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट की प्रमुख सुनीता नारायण द्वारा पंजाब स्टेट काउंसिल फॉर साइंस एंड टेक्नोलॉजी (पी.एस.सी.एस.टी.) के कार्यकारी निदेशक इंजीनियर प्रितपाल सिंह और संयुक्त निदेशक डॉ. कुलबीर सिंह बाठ को प्रदान किए गए। सी.एस.ई. की अनूठी पहल ग्रीन स्कूल प्रोग्राम (जी.एस.पी.) को पंजाब में पी.एस.सी.एस.टी. द्वारा अपने पर्यावरण शिक्षा कार्यक्रम के तहत सक्रिय रूप से लागू किया गया है। यह कार्यक्रम स्कूलों को वायु, ऊर्जा, भोजन, भूमि, जल और अपशिष्ट प्रबंधन जैसे छह प्रमुख क्षेत्रों में आवश्यक मानकों का सख्ती से ऑडिट करवाकर संसाधन प्रबंधन को बेहतर बनाने के लिए प्रेरित करता है। ये पुरस्कार पंजाब की नेतृत्वकारी भूमिका को मान्यता देते हैं, जो छात्रों और स्कूलों में पर्यावरणीय जागरूकता और स्थिरता को बढ़ावा देने में सहायक है। पूरे देश में पंजीकृत 11,917 स्कूलों में से, पंजाब के 7,406 स्कूलों ने पर्यावरण ऑडिट पूरा किया, जो देशभर में हुए कुल ऑडिट का 84 प्रतिशत है। पंजाब के 196 स्कूलों को ‘ग्रीन स्कूल’ का दर्जा प्रदान किया गया, जिनमें 171 सरकारी और 25 निजी स्कूल शामिल हैं। इसके अलावा, होशियारपुर जिले को ‘सर्वश्रेष्ठ जिला’ पुरस्कार दिया गया। होशियारपुर जिले ने 1,945 स्कूलों का ऑडिट पूरा कर राष्ट्रीय रिकॉर्ड बनाया, जो पूरे भारत में किसी भी जिले द्वारा हासिल किया गया अब तक का सबसे ऊँचा आंकड़ा है। यह उपलब्धि पंजाब की पर्यावरण शिक्षा में अग्रणी भूमिका को दर्शाती है और एक बेहतर भविष्य के निर्माण के प्रति राज्य की प्रतिबद्धता को उजागर करती है। पंजाब में ग्रीन स्कूल प्रोग्राम की सफलता अन्य राज्यों के लिए एक आदर्श मॉडल के रूप में कार्य कर रही है, जो शिक्षा प्रणाली में पर्यावरण चेतना को शामिल करने के महत्व को दर्शाती है।

Punjab ने ग्रीन स्कूल प्रोग्राम के तहत ‘बेस्ट स्टेट’ और ‘बेस्ट डिस्ट्रिक्ट’ पुरस्कार जीते

प्रसिद्ध पर्यावरण वैज्ञानिक सोनम वांगचुक ने पंजाब राज्य परिषद फॉर साइंस एंड टेक्नोलॉजी को पुरस्कार सौंपा Punjab News: पंजाब ने पर्यावरण शिक्षा और स्थिरता के क्षेत्र में महत्वपूर्ण मील के पत्थर स्थापित करते हुए सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट (C.S.E.) द्वारा नई दिल्ली के इंडिया हैबिटेट सेंटर में आयोजित ग्रीन स्कूल्स अवार्ड्स 2025 में ‘बेस्ट ग्रीन स्टेट’ और ‘बेस्ट ग्रीन डिस्ट्रिक्ट’ पुरस्कार प्राप्त किए हैं। यह पुरस्कार प्रसिद्ध पर्यावरण वैज्ञानिक सोनम वांगचुक और सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट की प्रमुख सुनीता नारायण ने पंजाब राज्य परिषद फॉर साइंस एंड टेक्नोलॉजी (P.S.C.S.T.) के कार्यकारी निदेशक इंजीनियर प्रतिपाल सिंह और जॉइंट डायरेक्टर डॉ. कुलवीर सिंह बठ को सौंपे। C.S.E. की विशेष पहल ग्रीन स्कूल्स प्रोग्राम (G.S.P.) को P.S.C.S.T. द्वारा अपने पर्यावरण शिक्षा कार्यक्रम के तहत पंजाब में सक्रिय रूप से लागू किया गया है। यह कार्यक्रम स्कूलों को हवा, ऊर्जा, भोजन, जमीन, पानी और जीवन-यापन जैसे छह प्रमुख क्षेत्रों में जरूरी मानदंडों के लिए सख्त ऑडिट करवाकर संसाधन प्रबंधन को अनुकूलित करने के लिए प्रेरित करता है। यह पुरस्कार विद्यार्थियों और स्कूलों में पर्यावरण स्थिरता और जागरूकता को बढ़ावा देने में पंजाब की नेतृत्व क्षमता को मान्यता प्रदान करते हैं।

पटना में कार्बन डाइऑक्साइड के स्तर में वैश्विक औसत से कहीं अधिक वृद्धि: सर्वेक्षण

पटना में कार्बन डाइऑक्साइड के स्तर में वैश्विक औसत से कहीं अधिक वृद्धि: सर्वेक्षण पटना: बिहार राज्य प्रदूषण नियंत्रण बोर्ड (बीएसपीसीबी) के एक शीर्ष अधिकारी ने कहा है कि पटना में कुछ स्थानों पर ग्रीनहाउस गैस एवं कार्बन डाइऑक्साइड (सीओ2) के स्तर में वृद्धि चिंता का विषय है और इस पर निरंतर नजर बनाए रखने एवं इसे काबू करने की आवश्यकता है। संयुक्त राष्ट्र विकास कार्यक्रम (यूएनडीपी), भारत द्वारा किए गए एक नवीनतम सर्वेक्षण के अनुसार, राज्य की राजधानी में कुछ स्थानों पर कार्बन डाइऑक्साइड का स्तर वैश्विक औसत से कहीं अधिक है। यूएनडीपी ने सात जून, 2024 से 29 जनवरी, 2025 तक पटना में वायु प्रदूषण और ग्रीनहाउस गैस उत्सर्जन का पता लगाने के लिए सर्वेक्षण किया। यूएनडीपी ने बिहार राज्य प्रदूषण नियंत्रण बोर्ड (बीएसपीसीबी) के साथ पिछले साल एक समझौता ज्ञापन पर हस्ताक्षर किए थे जिसके तहत पटना के लिए यह सर्वेक्षण किया गया। हालांकि कार्बन डाइऑक्साइड को वायु प्रदूषक की श्रेणी में नहीं रखा गया है, लेकिन इसकी उच्च सांद्रता वायुमंडल को गर्म करती है इसलिए विशेषज्ञों ने चेतावनी दी है कि पटना में इसकी उच्च सांद्रता के कारण गर्मियों के मौसम में शहर के कुछ हिस्सों में तापमान बढ़ सकता है। यूएनडीपी सर्वेक्षण रिपोर्ट के अनुसार, जून 2024 में पटना के समनपुरा इलाके में कार्बनडाइ ऑक्साइड सांद्रता 440.9 पीपीएम थी जो 29 जनवरी, 2025 को बढ़कर 940.8 पीपीएम हो गई है। समनपुरा में दिसंबर 2024 में ग्रीनहाउस गैस सांद्रता का उच्चतम स्तर दर्ज किया गया और यह 959.1 पीपीएम था। इसी इलाके में नवंबर 2024 में सीओटू सांद्रता 912.2 पीपीएम थी। इस साल जनवरी में पटना के भीड़-भाड वाले इलाके ‘श्री कृष्ण मेमोरियल हॉल’ के पास सीओटू सांद्रता 515.4 पीपीएम दर्ज की गई, जबकि पिछले महीने शिमली नवाबगंज इलाके में यह 513.6 पीपीएम थी। रिपोर्ट के अनुसार, पटना के मैनपुरा (दानापुर रोड) में सीओटू की सांद्रता 493.7 पीपीएम थी और इसके बाद किदवईपुरी (490.6 पीपीएम), तारामंडल (480.7 पीपीएम), अशोक नेताजी पथ-बालापुर (446.4 पीपीएम), रुकनपुरा (445.3 पीपीएम) और श्री कृष्णपुरम-दानापुर (437.2 पीपीएम) में अधिक सांद्रता दर्ज की गई। वैश्विक स्तर पर कार्बन डाइऑक्साइड की औसत वायुमंडलीय सांद्रता 2023 में 419.3 पीपीएम थी। बीएसपीसीबी के अध्यक्ष डी.के. शुक्ला से यूएनडीपी की इस रिपोर्ट के बारे में पूछे जाने पर उन्होंने ‘पीटीआई-भाषा’ से कहा, ‘‘पटना में कुछ स्थानों पर सीओटू की उच्च सांद्रता चिंता का विषय है। यह वैश्विक औसत से बहुत अधिक है। हालांकि सीओटू को वायु प्रदूषक नहीं माना जाता है लेकिन वायुमंडल में इसकी उच्च सांद्रता वातावरण को गर्म करती है।’’ उन्होंने कहा, ‘‘वायुमंडलीय सीओटू सांद्रता में रिकॉर्ड वृद्धि कई कारकों के संयोजन से प्रेरित है, जिसमें उच्च जीवाश्म ईंधन उत्सर्जन और आर्द्रभूमि जैसे प्राकृतिक स्रोतों द्वारा कम कार्बन अवशोषित किया जाना शामिल है। ऐसा प्रतीत होता है कि कार्बन डाइऑक्साइड को अवशोषित करने में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाने वाली आर्द्रभूमि की संख्या पटना में पिछले कुछ वर्षों में कम हुई है।’’ उन्होंने कहा कि यह पहली बार है जब बीएसपीसीबी ने पटना के लिए यूएनडीपी से यह सर्वेक्षण कराया है। उन्होंने कहा कि पटना में बढ़ती वायुमंडलीय कार्बन डाइऑक्साइड जलवायु परिवर्तन और ‘ग्लोबल वार्मिंग’ के संदर्भ में चिंता का विषय है और इससे निपटने के लिए निरंतर निगरानी और नीतिगत निर्णय की आवश्यकता है। शुक्ला ने कहा, ‘‘सही तरीके से और उचित स्थानों पर बड़े पैमाने पर पौधारोपण शहर में कार्बन डाइऑक्साइड के स्तर को कम करने में एक बड़ा योगदान दे सकता है। लोगों को घरों में पौधों लगाने का भी विकल्प चुनना चाहिए, जो सीओटू के स्तर को कम करते हैं और संबंधित प्रतिकूल स्वास्थ्य प्रभावों को कम करते हैं। लोगों को अत्यधिक कार्बन का उत्सर्जन करने वाले जीवाश्म ईंधन का उपयोग भी कम करना चाहिए।’’ उन्होंने कहा कि रिपोर्ट के अनुसार, पटना में कुछ स्थानों पर सीओटू की उच्च सांद्रता आवासीय गतिविधियों के संयुक्त स्रोतों के कारण हो सकती है। ‘सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट’ (इंडिया) की कार्यकारी निदेशक अनुमिता रॉयचौधरी ने भी इसी तरह के विचार व्यक्त करते हुए ‘पीटीआई-भाषा’ से कहा, ‘‘पटना में कुछ स्थानों पर कार्बन डाइऑक्साइड के स्तर में खतरनाक वृद्धि चिंता का विषय है। संबंधित अधिकारियों को शहर भर में प्रदूषण के प्रमुख स्रोतों- उद्योग, वाहन, अपशिष्ट और जैव ईंधन जलाना, घरों में ठोस ईंधन का उपयोग, निर्माण और अन्य स्रोतों को नियंत्रित करने के लिए कार्रवाई बढ़ानी चाहिए।’’ उन्होंने कहा कि इसके लिए स्थानीय प्रदूषण को कम करने और कार्बन डाइऑक्साइड की उच्च सांद्रता को रोकने के लिए जलवायु कार्य योजना उपायों के सख्त कार्यान्वयन की आवश्यकता है और इसे काबू करने के लिए जीवाश्म ईंधन के उपयोग को कम करना भी संबंधित अधिकारियों की सर्वोच्च प्राथमिकता होनी चाहिए। रायचौधरी ने कहा कि संबंधित अधिकारियों को लोगों को खाना पकाने के ऐसे तरीकों को अपनाने के लिए प्रोत्साहित करना चाहिए जो पर्यावरण के अनुकूल हों। उन्होंने कहा कि घरेलू प्रदूषण पर अंकुश लगाना पटना में सीओटू की उच्च सांद्रता को रोकने में निश्चित रूप से प्रभावी भूमिका निभाएगा। ‘इंटरनेशनल फोरम फॉर एनवायरनमेंट, सस्टेनेबिलिटी एंड टेक्नोलॉजी’ ​​के संस्थापक मुख्य कार्यकारी अधिकारी चंद्र भूषण ने ‘पीटीआई-भाषा’ से कहा, “स्थानीय कार्बन डाइऑक्साइड सांद्रता को स्थानीय गर्मी से जोड़ने का कोई वैज्ञानिक आधार नहीं है। सीओटू वातावरण में ग्रीनहाउस प्रभाव का कारण बनती है। सीओटू की सांद्रता के बढ़ते स्तर को रोकने के लिए एक प्रभावी तंत्र विकसित करने के लिए रिपोर्ट के सभी पहलुओं का विश्लेषण किया जाना आवश्यक है।’’

Religious leaders should declare environmental harm a sin: Sonam Wangchuk

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Tuesday said that religious leaders should declare environmental harm a sin and protecting nature an act of virtue. Speaking at an event organized by the Centre for Science and Environment, where schools were awarded for their eco-friendly practices, Wangchuk said there is a need need to rethink education, as the current system teaches people only how to produce and consume more rather than how to live sustainably. "In today's world, people do not commit violence with knives or weapons, but through unsustainable lifestyles that harm nature," Wangchuk said.

India's Food Inflation Remains High Amid Extreme Weather Events: IMD

India's food inflation has remained stubbornly high over the past two years, defying the global trend of stabilisation, according to the latest Economic Survey tabled in Parliament on Friday. One of the key culprits? Extreme weather events. The report highlights that erratic weather patterns, including heatwaves and unseasonal rains, have significantly impacted food production, particularly in horticulture. Onion and tomato harvests, for instance, have suffered substantial declines due to adverse climatic conditions in major producing states. In 2023-24 alone, crop damage in key agricultural regions surged, intensifying inflationary pressures on essential commodities. Data from the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) underscores the severity of the crisis, revealing that the total crop area damaged in 2024 surpassed figures from the previous two years. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a sharp increase in extreme weather events, with heatwaves occurring on 18% of days between 2022 and 2024—compared to just 5% in 2020-21. Beyond climate-related disruptions, the report acknowledges other inflationary factors, including geopolitical conflicts and supply chain bottlenecks. However, their effects are reportedly easing, leading to more fluctuations in commodity prices rather than persistent hikes. To mitigate future risks, the government has proposed a multi-pronged approach, emphasising climate-resilient crop development, better price monitoring systems, and measures to reduce both crop damage and post-harvest losses. Additionally, in a bid to boost self-sufficiency, the government has launched a six-year mission to ramp up domestic production of three widely consumed pulses—tur, urad, and masoor. As climate volatility becomes a growing concern, India's ability to adapt its agricultural strategies will play a critical role in ensuring food security and price stability in the years ahead.

Bengaluru Plan to Restore Blue-Green Spaces Gains Momentum

Bengaluru Plan to Restore Blue-Green Spaces Gains Momentum As Bengaluru grapples with worsening urban heat, rapid concretisation, and depleting water bodies, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is taking a decisive step towards sustainability. The civic body’s Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Management Cell is set to introduce a Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) for Blue-Green Infrastructure Network (BGIN), providing a structured framework for rejuvenating the city’s natural assets. Slated for release in March, the SoP will guide officials and contractors in systematically restoring lakes, stormwater drains, and green corridors. This initiative forms a crucial part of the Bengaluru Climate Action and Resilience Plan (BCAP) and aims to mitigate the environmental degradation caused by unchecked urbanisation. Urban Expansion Intensifies Climate Challenges Bengaluru’s rapid transformation into an IT hub has come at a steep ecological cost. Over the past two decades, the city’s built-up area has skyrocketed from 37.5% in 2003 to 71.5% in 2023, significantly reducing green spaces that once regulated temperatures and supported biodiversity. A study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) indicates that the heat index in Bengaluru has risen by 2% over the last 20 years, with average summer temperatures climbing by 0.5°C since 2001. Experts attribute this to extensive concretisation, which has disrupted the city’s natural cooling systems. The lack of adequate water conservation strategies has further exacerbated groundwater depletion, leaving Bengaluru vulnerable to water shortages and extreme heat stress. Sustainability as a Core Urban Priority The new SoP is expected to offer a scientific approach to addressing these concerns, ensuring that sustainability is integrated into Bengaluru’s urban planning. The first phase of the SoP, to be launched on March 21 (International Day of Forests), will establish clear protocols for managing blue-green infrastructure. A second, more detailed version, featuring metrics, illustrations, and implementation roadmaps, is set for release in June. By focusing on groundwater recharge, lake rejuvenation, and green cover enhancement, the framework aims to bring back Bengaluru’s lost ecological balance. Environmentalists believe such efforts are critical in creating cooler microclimates, improving urban livability, and enhancing climate adaptability. A Step Forward, But More Needs to Be Done While the BBMP’s initiative is a step in the right direction, experts stress the need for more aggressive policy measures to counteract Bengaluru’s rising heat stress and environmental depletion. With summers becoming increasingly unbearable, enhancing tree cover, improving waste-water recycling, and adopting nature-based solutions must become standard practices in urban governance. As citizens and authorities prepare for another scorching summer, Bengaluru’s efforts to reclaim its blue-green identity will serve as a crucial test of its commitment to sustainable urban development.

Manmohan Singh, a gentle giant with vision and commitment to change

Our association was uncommon — even unusual. Manmohan Singh, India’s former economist-Prime Minister who passed away recently, was cut from the conventional cloth of market economics. Anil Agarwal was a dyed-in-the wool environmentalist. In 1991, when Singh brought India into the liberalised world of deregulation and open borders for trade we were not part of the cheering brigade. For us, the issue was what liberalisation would mean for the environment — our regulatory institutions were fragile and so would this opening of the economy lead to pollution and degradation? But interestingly, we were not dismissed by Singh, and this is what made him different from his ilk. He engaged with us. This is not to say that he accepted what we said. But he understood that this was a world that he had not considered. He wanted to know more, and wanted to understand what could be done to strengthen the systems so that the balance could be found. “Balance” was the operative word. In the mid-1990s, when Anil started the first environmental-rating programme for industry, Singh agreed to chair the advisory committee. This was our effort, not just to benchmark performance but also to use measuring indicators to push and prod businesses. He did not fuss or flinch at our effort to demand more from industry than meeting regulatory standards. He understood the need for transformative action in a country like India, where natural resources needed for economic growth are scarce and pollution adds to costs that the poor cannot afford. In 2004, when Singh took over as Prime Minister, Anil had tragically passed away and I was heading the Centre for Science and Environment. I was much younger and much less experienced, but not once did Singh make me feel inadequate. He let me visit him in the Prime Minister’s office; he heard what I had to say on issues ranging from water conservation to climate change. He not just listened but egged me on to provide solutions. “What needs to be done” — this was his focus. In 2005, he asked me to chair the committee to review tiger conservation. I was overwhelmed by his trust in me, given that the other committee members were doyens in the field or were connected to the powerful conservation lobby of the country. It was a tough time as well. On the one hand, India had lost all tigers in the Sariska Tiger Reserve. On the other hand, this was also the time when the Forest Rights Act (FRA) was being discussed — to restore the historical injustice to the tribals so that they get tenure over the land they inhabited. But this land was forests and, in some cases, was under National Parks and sanctuaries where tigers and other animals roamed. It was a clash of agenda; it was also a class war — conservation vs tribals. Singh, frankly, was caught in between; he respected both sides and did not want to choose one or the other. The balance of both interests is what he sought. I presented the report to him a few days before the official presentation. I wanted him to understand the agenda for action — particularly the need for an inclusive paradigm of conservation. He understood the stakes and the resistance and asked if I was certain this could be done and if key stakeholders were on board. I told him that it was difficult but not impossible. My request was that the report, Joining the Dots, be made public because this would build awareness about the agenda and drive policy change. My fear was that it would be shelved — as is often the fate of many reports. It is to his credit that much action happened for the conservation of tigers; numbers are up and, most importantly, we have better counting methods so that it is not pugmarks but tigers that are being counted. Later, he made me a member of the Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change and on cleaning the Ganga. In all cases, I was never made to believe that I should not express my views, however different from the others in the room. In fact, my positions — as always to push the envelope — were encouraged by him, but with the caveat that the solutions had to be feasible. This is why Singh and his particular brand of politics and persona will be missed in our world of extremes. Today we live in bubbles where we read and hear only the opinions of the people we agree with. We have no time for another’s views because it is not in consonance with our position and so irrelevant. Or because it does not fit into the formula of actions that we have been taught will work — the established book of rules. Singh also had his pre-proposed ideas; what was in the textbook or his experience. But he opened the door; because he had an openness of thought, driven by his commitment to change. He was a gentle giant that made power good. The author is at the Centre for Science and Environment sunita@cseindia.org, X: @sunitanar

India's 2025 Budget Reforms Boost Critical Minerals And EV Manufacturing

The Union Budget lays groundwork for sustainable energy and domestic mineral production through significant reforms. India's Union Budget 2025-26, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, marks a significant milestone for the country's mining and electric vehicle (EV) sectors, promising to invigorate its economic ambitions and sustainability efforts. The government has undertaken comprehensive reforms aimed at enhancing domestic production of key minerals, facilitating electric vehicle manufacturing, and nurturing the green economy. Sitharaman emphasized the government's focus on transforming the mining sector, announcing plans to recover minerals from mining by-products. This includes the removal of customs duties on 12 major minerals, such as cobalt powder, lithium-ion battery scrap, lead, and zinc, which are pivotal for industries like renewable energy and EV production. “This initiative will drive long-term growth and sustainability in the sector,” noted Rakesh Surana, Partner at Deloitte India. The budget allocates Rs 410 crore for the National Critical Mineral Mission, underscoring the government’s commitment to boost the production and recycling of these resources. The removal of import duties is expected to significantly impact micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), allowing them to source necessary materials at reduced costs. Shobhit Srivastava, programme manager at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), highlighted, “The new Budget’s focus on key minerals aims to bolster MSMEs, stimulate domestic manufacturing and strengthen India’s circular economy.” Additions to the budget also included provisions for the establishment of the State Mining Index, intended to improve governance and healthy competition among states in mining operations. According to Sitharaman, this index aims to encourage states to adopt best practices and to measure their performance transparently. Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc Ltd., emphasized the significance of these measures, stating, “Critical minerals are pivotal for India’s transition to a low-carbon economy.” The drive for sustainable practices isn’t merely about resource extraction; it includes innovative initiatives to recover minerals from mining waste, ensuring the preservation of environmental integrity. Mining firms to be involved have welcomed this strategy as it aligns with global sustainability goals. The government’s effort to encourage recycling and reusing resources corresponds with the increasing global emphasis on creating circular economies within industries. Describing mining as one of the six domains for transformational reforms, Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal expressed optimism about the economic benefits. He stated, “Mining can increase domestic production, reduce imports, and create numerous jobs.” This perspective reflects broader expectations of job creation within the sectors supported by such reforms.

How solar energy is powering rural healthcare in Chhattisgarh

In many interior villages of Chhattisgarh, solarised healthcare centres serve the needs of rural communities. In these places, either conventional grid electrification is absent due to factors like insurgency and inaccessibility, or else, frequent power failures interrupt services. The solarisation of public health facilities started around 2000-2001. Gradually, it was linked to the National Rural Health Mission. Sanjeev Jain, who is now retired from the Chhattisgarh Renewable Energy Development Agency (CREDA), explained the shift in rural electrification, especially in the insurgency-hit Bastar region comprising seven districts. CREDA looks after solar power installation and maintenance throughout the state. “About 10-12 years ago, government infrastructure and power distribution companies did not reach healthcare facilities in Bastar. There was a clear lack of interest. The idea was to electrify only rural households. As a result, healthcare professionals were absent in most health centres. To tide over the crisis, some of these centres were connected to power under the domestic use category. Even today, there are forest villages where grid electricity cannot reach. In these places, solar is a lifeline,” Jain said. A report by policy research institute Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) says the same. The focus of electricity access in India has mostly been at the household level. It is only recently that access to electricity is being recognised as critical for public services like health facilities, schools and street lighting. “In India, primary health centres ensure last-mile delivery of healthcare services. However, one in every two PHCs (primary health centres) in India, and one in every three in Chhattisgarh, is either un-electrified or suffers from irregular power supply,” the CEEW report reads. About 90 percent of PHCs report power cuts between 9 am and 4 pm, a peak period. At such times, solar energy is vital. Prioritizing health facility The installation of solar panels picked up pace from 2010-2012 onwards in Chhattisgarh. A PHC usually has a mean daily electricity requirement of around 45.8 kWh (kilowatt hours). A 5kWp (kilowatt peak) solar system can meet 70 percent of its peak demand. In many health centres, CREDA deployed 2kWp solar systems to augment electricity supply. D.D. Sidar, who works in CREDA, pointed out that in the densely forested Surguja district of the state where grid electricity is absent in many areas, patients depend on fully solarised PHCs. Even solarised community health centres and sub-health centres cater to the rural population. In partially solarised health centres, conventional grid is present and solar power is used as backup during power cuts. At present, the number of health centres and district hospitals in Chhattisgarh stands at about 6168, of which solar-powered centres are 1549. Of these, there are 793 PHCs, 469 sub-health centres, 163 community health centres, 26 district hospitals and 98 other hospitals. The Sustainable Development Goals explicitly state the need for universal health coverage and a robust delivery system. Solarisation of healthcare facilities is geared towards this. Bhupesh Tiwari, who heads Sathi, a non-profit based in Kondagaon district of Bastar region, said apart from health centres, cold chains also run on solar energy. “The idea is excellent as power is not always available in remote areas. But maintenance is not often made. Sometimes it takes days to repair things once out of order.” CREDA technician Baliram Nag agreed that in the absence of equipment, repair takes a hit even though workers are present in every block to take care of glitches. Sometimes, the battery dies out. Normally, a battery runs for five years and after that it has to be replaced. But there are plus points in plenty. Citing the example of Narayanpur district, Tiwari informed that there are only solarised centres in the interiors. “These don’t have cold chains. But solarised health centres have improved vaccination percentage and routine immunisation.” According to Punita Kumar, programme coordinator, climate change and health, Chhattisgarh State Health Resource Centre, an assessment was carried out on solarised health centres in 2021. Kumar said that 90 percent solarisation has been completed at the PHC level. However, sub health centres still need solar power. “Solar health centres have been a success in remote areas. Nurses felt safe when they had lights due to solar energy. It has helped retain healthcare professionals in rural areas.” At the Bedre village PHC in Bijapur district’s Bhairamgarh block, institutional delivery takes place. Being located in a densely forested area, solar is a better alternative in this place than the conventional grid though the health centre enjoys both. Bijapur is one of the seven districts which come under the Bastar sub-division. Ganesh Babu, the medical officer of the Barsur PHC in Dantewada district, said that in case of power cuts, the transition to solar is made. “At night, the PHC uses solar after it is fully charged during the day. About 25-30 deliveries happen at the PHC in a month.” Rural medical assistant Mohan Kumar Dadsena, who is in charge of a PHC in Kosalnar village of Bijapur district, said like many PHCs, this one enjoys both solar as well as grid power. But it mostly runs on solar. However, sometimes, solar panels fail to charge during the monsoon. During such a time, chargeable lights are kept and mobile light is also used. Dadsena explained that when the Indravati river swells up during heavy downpour, power failure occurs in many remote villages of Bijapur. “At such a time, there is no guarantee of conventional power connectivity for days.” Going green Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced at the 26th United Nations climate summit in Glasgow that India will achieve net zero emissions by 2070. One of the ways to reach this target is going solar. Though India has set a 500 GW solar target by 2030, there are challenges in this sector. “Silicon cells are still imported from China, at least 90 percent of it,” Jain pointed out. Binit Das, programme manager-renewable energy, Centre for Science and Environment, also emphasised on the supply chain challenges in India’s solar sector and highlighted heavy reliance on imports, echoing Jain’s concerns. “Components for photovoltaic modules are not manufactured in India. Photovoltaic cell imports have increased by more than 50 percent in the past four years.” “For instance, India depends on imported modules. During the COVID-19 pandemic, disruptions in the global solar equipment supply chains caused a significant slowdown in solar project installations,” Das noted.

Are Frequent Extreme Weather Events Driving Food Inflation Globally?

World food commodity prices declined by 2.1% in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) data released on January 3. However, they remain considerably higher than the pre-pandemic levels. FAO’s recent Food Outlook indicated that despite positive forecasts, “global food production systems remain vulnerable to shocks stemming from extreme weather events, geopolitical tensions, policy changes and developments in other markets,” reported Carbon Brief. According to the Carbon Brief, although some global prices have decreased, food inflation remains a constant challenge in many regions including India. Extreme Weather Events Driving Food Inflation in India According to the Indian government’s latest Economic Survey tabled in Parliament on January 31, there has been a decline in onion and tomato production over the past two years in India which can be partly attributed to frequent extreme weather events in major producing states compared to other regions. The report stated that the extreme weather events in 2023-24 has damaged crops in major horticulture-producing states, adding inflationary pressure on horticultural commodities. “Over the past two years, India’s food inflation rate has remained firm, diverging from global trends of stable or declining food inflation. This can be attributed to factors such as supply chain disruptions exacerbated by extreme weather events and reduced harvest of some food items,” the report read. Citing data from the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), the report emphasised that the total crop area damaged in 2024 was higher than in the previous two years due to extreme weather conditions. The Economic Survey acknowledged that recent shocks like geopolitical conflicts and extreme weather have caused price fluctuations but their impact has now subsided, leading to more variation in commodity prices. Despite these challenges, the government is working toward long-term price stability by suggesting actions like developing climate-resilient crops, strengthening data systems to monitor prices, reducing crop damage, and minimising post-harvest losses. On February 1, the government announced a six-year mission to increase pulse production, aiming to achieve self-sufficiency in three widely consumed varieties- tur, urad and masoor. The government also referred to India Meteorological Department (IMD) data, which shows a significant rise in the frequency of extreme weather events, especially heatwaves. Between 2022 and 2024, heatwaves were recorded on 18% of days compared to 5% in 2020 and 2021, the Economic Survey said.