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Cse In News

UNDP survey reveals rise in CO2 level in certain places in Patna much above global average

Patna: The rise in the level of the greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide (CO2), at certain locations in Patna is a matter of concern and needs constant monitoring and mitigation measures, a top ofcial of Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) said. According to the UNDP survey report, accessed by the PTI, the CO2 concentration at Samanpura locality was 440.9 parts per million (ppm) in June 2024 and went up to 940.8 ppm in January (till 29th). In December 2024, Samanpura recorded the highest level of greenhouse gas concentration and it was 959.1 ppm. In November 2024, CO2 concentration at the same locality was 912.2 ppm, the report said. While the CO2 concentration near Shri Krishna Memorial recorded 515.4 ppm in January this year, it was 513.6 ppm at Shimli Nabab Ganj locality last month. At Mainpura (Danapur road), the CO2 concentration was 493.7 ppm, followed by Kidwaipuri (490.6 ppm), Taramandal (480.7 ppm), Ashok Netaji Path-Balapur (446.4 ppm), Rukanpura (445.3 ppm) and Shri Krishnapuram—Danapur (437.2 ppm) In 2023, globally averaged atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide was 419.3 ppm. Although carbon dioxide is not considered an air pollutant, high levels of concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere tend to warm the planet. Experts warn that the high concentration of CO2 in Patna may result in the temperature going up in some parts of the city in the peak of summer. Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) chairman D K Shukla said the high concentration of carbon dioxide is a matter of concern. He said this is for the rst time, the BSPCB got this survey done by UNDP for Patna. The UNDP India had signed an MoU with Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) for conducting this survey for Patna last year. The record increase in atmospheric CO2 concentrations is driven by a combination of factors, including high fossil fuel emissions, reduced carbon capture by natural sinks such as wetlands. It appears that the number of wetlands, which play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide, have decreased in Patna over the years," Shukla told PTI. The increasing atmospheric CO2 in Patna warrants constant monitoring, mitigation measures and policy decisions, he said. "Massive plantations in the right way and in the right places can make a major contribution to reducing carbon dioxide levels in the city. People should also opt for indoor plants, which reduce CO2 levels and lower related adverse health effects. People should also decrease the use of carbonintensive fossil fuels," the BSPCB chairman told PTI. As per the report the high concentration of CO2 at certain places in Patna suggest combined sources from residential activities, he added. Echoing a similar view, Anumita Roychowdhury, Executive Director, Research and Advocacy, Centre for Science and Environment (India), told PTI, "The alarming rise in the levels of CO2 at certain locations in Patna, is a matter of concern. Authorities concerned must scale up action to control key sources of pollution-industry, vehicles, waste and biomass burning, solid fuel use in households, construction and other sources-- across the city. This requires stringent implementation of climate action plan measures to reduce local pollution and check high concentration of CO2 and reducing fossil fuel use should also be the top priority of the authorities concerned to check CO2, Roychowdhury said. Environment-friendly cooking methods should be encouraged among the people by the authorities concerned, she said, adding curbing household pollution will certainly play an effective role in checking the high concentration of CO2 in Patna. Chandra Bhushan, founder-CEO of International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST), told PTI, "There is no scientic basis to correlate local CO2 concentration with local heat. CO2 causes a greenhouse effect in the atmosphere, which is a global phenomenon and not a local phenomenon. There can be many reasons for the high CO2 concentrations at Samanpura in Patna, including its close proximity to the airport. The report needs to be analysed from all aspects for evolving an effective mechanism to check increasing concentration levels of CO2."

Alarming extreme weather statistics in India

India has faced more extreme weather events and higher damages in 2024 compared to last year, according to the Climate India 2024 report released recently by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and its fortnightly publication, Down to Earth (DTE). The report states alarmingly that over 3,000 persons lost their lives, and more than 200,000 houses were destroyed in just 255 of the 274 days of the first nine months of 2024. The state of Madhya Pradesh witnessed the highest number of extreme weather events, and the maximum number of fatalities was in the state of Kerala. Researchers at the CSE and the DTE have been compiling extreme weather events across India for the past three years to make sense of patterns and trends. In its press release, the CSE highlights that in 2024, India faced extreme weather events on 93 per cent of the days in the year’s first nine months – 255 out of 274 days – marked by heat and cold waves, cyclones, lightning, heavy rain, floods and landslides. These events claimed 3,238 lives, affected 3.2 million hectares of crops, destroyed 235,862 houses and buildings, and killed approximately 9457 livestock. Compared to this, the first nine months of 2023 recorded extreme weather on 235 of 273 days, with 2923 deaths, 1.84 million hectares of crops affected, 80,293 houses damaged, and 92,519 animal deaths. The DTE data analysts, who have compiled this report, point out in the press release that “it is very likely that even these reported damages are an underestimation due to incomplete data collection on event-specific losses, particularly on public property and crop damages”. Also, this reported damage is likely an underestimate due to incomplete data collection on event-specific losses, particularly public property and crop damage. The year 2024 also set several climate records. January was India’s ninth driest since 1901. In February, the country recorded its second-highest minimum temperature in 123 years. May saw the fourth-highest mean temperature on record, and July, August and September all registered their highest minimum temperatures since 1901, the report adds. It says that in the Northwest, January was the second driest, and July recorded the region’s second-highest minimum temperature. The Southern Peninsula saw its hottest February ever, followed by exceptionally hot and dry March and April, but with a 36.5% surplus in July rainfall and the second-highest minimum temperature in August. In terms of event types, the past nine months have seen everything from lightning and storms – spanning 32 states and resulting in 1021 deaths – to relentless monsoon rains, which led to flooding across various regions. In Assam alone, heavy rains, floods and landslides were recorded on 122 days, leaving large parts of the state submerged and communities devastated. Nationwide, 1376 lives were lost due to floods. The report says that Madhya Pradesh experienced extreme weather on 176 days – the most in the country. Kerala recorded the highest fatalities at 550, followed by Madhya Pradesh (353) and Assam (256). Andhra Pradesh had the most houses damaged (85,806), while Maharashtra, which saw extreme events on 142 days, accounted for over 60% of the affected crop area nationwide, followed by Madhya Pradesh (25,170 hectares). Regionally, Central India faced the highest frequency of extreme events with 218 days, followed closely by the Northwest at 213 days. In terms of lives lost, the Central region had the most deaths (1001), followed by the Southern Peninsula (762 deaths), East and Northeast (741 deaths) and Northwest (734 deaths). The CSE researchers point out in the press release that the report highlights a critical shift that is needed in our approach to extreme events – from disaster response to risk reduction and resilience-building. Flood management, for example, requires more than plans on paper; it calls for the strategic development of drainage and water recharge systems, along with expanded green spaces and forests to act as natural water reservoirs in preparation for future storms. The Climate India 2024 report also emphasises the need for climate reparations from high-emission countries responsible for much of the damage. Climate models are clear: extreme weather events are set to become more frequent and severe.

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.