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Delhi's Air Crisis: Reevaluates GRAP's Effectiveness Amid Rising Pollution

Despite emergency measures, the air quality worsens, exposing gaps within the Graded Response Action Plan and demanding long-term solutions. Delhi faces one of the most pressing environmental crises of our time, as air pollution continues to wreak havoc on public health and the environment. Central to the discussion on thwarting this crisis is the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), instituted by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) under Supreme Court guidance. Initially put to action back in 2017, GRAP aims to introduce measures during periods of significantly poor air quality, such as the current winter season. The plan is often activated when the air quality index (AQI) hits alarming levels. Most recently, this occurred when Delhi's AQI crossed the 400 mark, indicating 'severe' levels of pollution, leading to the implementation of GRAP-4, painted as the strictest set of measures yet. Despite these efforts, the situation appears to be deterioriating, raising questions among experts and residents alike. According to reports from The Economic Times, several unintended consequences arise from the actions dictated by GRAP, challenging their effectiveness. Among the controversial measures introduced under GRAP is the construction ban, intended to cut down on the dust and emissions generated by building projects. While aimed at reducing particulate matter, the construction halt has stalled important public works such as road repairs, inadvertently leading to increased congestion and pollution. Experts, including Anumita RoyChowdhury, Executive Director of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), have stated, “GRAP measures are short-term emergency responses, not long-term solutions.” But it doesn’t stop there. Traffic barricades set up with the good intentions of restricting polluting vehicles have become another sticking point, resulting instead, critics argue, in major traffic jams. These delays only add more emissions to the air, detracting from GRAP’s goal from the outset. More efficient methods, like utilizing CCTV to identify offending vehicles, are being proposed as viable alternatives. Then there’s the issue of rising parking fees, intended to discourage private vehicle use. Unfortunately, with Delhi's public transport system struggling and seen as inadequate by most, this tactic has fallen flat. Robust improvements are sorely needed, including enhanced last-mile connectivity for the metro system, expanded reliable bus fleets, and the establishment of simple, unified ticketing processes. All these nuances expose the grim reality: GRAP, with its restrictions and emergencies, only addresses symptoms of far more complex, systemic challenges facing the city. The economic ramifications of pollution extend far beyond simply inconvenient travel; healthcare costs are skyrocketing due to pollution-induced ailments. Daily wage laborers, for example, suffer financially due to bans on construction impacting their livelihoods. With many of these contributing factors so interlinked, the need for holistic solutions becomes all the more pressing. Beyond GRAP’s immediate measures, experts advocate for strategies involving long-term planning—like fleet electrification, green construction practices, and improved waste management systems. It stands to reason: if the underlying problems contributing to poor air quality are not resolved, temporary fixes like GRAP will only serve to defer the inevitable environmental reckoning. The glaring inefficiencies of Delhi's public transport system only compound the issue. Statistics indicate the Delhi Transport Corporation's (DTC) ridership has plummeted to levels far below where they should be, hovering at roughly 25 lakh daily passengers, which is nearly 45% lower than pre-COVID levels. Critics, like author Sidharth Mishra, argue the existing measures penalize residents for traffic and pollution conditions largely beyond their control. He emphasizes, “The banning of private vehicles... has shown no improvement in air quality.” Public trust relies heavily on effective, reliable transport structures—a fact not lost on those tracking pollution’s impacts. The lens we adopt matters greatly; analysis of policies like GRAP necessitates we look beyond mere compliance and instead envision solutions rooted deeply within community needs and systemic change. Could we pivot from reactive, temporary policies to proactive, sustained measures? Experts and advocates alike believe addressing the pollution crisis’s core causes through improved public transport, incentivizing green building practices, and systemic resilience will pave the way for tangible solutions. Unless significant policy shifts and cooperative societal action are taken, Delhi's air quality will continue to be dictated by the whims of weather rather than sustained governmental action. The clock is ticking—time for solutions is now.

Delhi AQI: GRAP causing more problems than it's solving? What experts say

Delhi-NCR's air pollution is emerging as a serious health crisis, causing increasing concern among both residents and experts. While measures like the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) have been implemented to curb the deteriorating air quality, the situation seems to be worsening, with numerous unintended consequences arising from the steps taken. GRAP, implemented in 2017 under Supreme Court guidance, is a set of measures designed to address the smog and hazardous air conditions during critical periods, particularly in winter. However, experts and environmentalists argue that while GRAP might have provided some short-term relief, it is proving to be a limited solution to a much larger, systemic problem, reports The Economic Times. The challenges posed by air pollution in the city go beyond just air quality. The economic impact of pollution is significant, with health-related costs rising dramatically. Only last week GRAP-4, the strictest level of the graded response action plan, was implemented as the AQI for the Delhi-NCR region had crossed the 400 mark, indicating 'severe' air quality. One of the mandated moves under GRAP is the ban on construction, which has turned out to be a major issue. While intended to reduce dust pollution, it halts important public works like road repairs, increasing congestion and pollution. It also impacts thousands of daily wage labourers who lose income. A report by ToI suggests a potential solution to this is mandating green construction practices rather than outright bans, similar to China's approach - making environmentally sustainable buildings a standard by 2027. Another issue is traffic barricades, which are set up to catch polluting vehicles. They often lead to significant traffic jams, which in turn increase emissions. Critics suggest a more effective solution would be to implement a system that identifies and penalizes banned vehicles using CCTV cameras or by sending notifications to vehicle owners via phone. Additionally, the report said that the collection points for the Green Tax at Delhi's entry points create major bottlenecks. Expanding RFID-based contactless systems and establishing dedicated vehicle lanes could help alleviate this problem. Anti-smog guns that are deployed to settle dust have turned out to cause traffic obstructions during peak hours. Experts suggest that these guns should be used during off-peak times and focus on long-term dust control. In the coming years, experts believe that Delhi’s pollution crisis will continue to be a major challenge unless there is an effective policy implementation and improved public cooperation. A report by ToI citing Anumita RoyChowdhury, Executive Director, CSE, said, “GRAP measures are short-term emergency responses, not long-term solutions. The city needs year-round actions like fleet electrification, better public transport, green construction technology, and effective waste management to eliminate the need for GRAP.”

Waste to Worth: Be Excreta Wise

Every society must understand how the excreta it produces is managed. It teaches us many things about water, about waste, about technologies. It also teaches us about economics and politics: of who in our societies is subsidised to defecate. Every society must connect the dots between the excreta it produces, the pollution it causes and the opportunity to reuse and recycle the waste so that it becomes a resource. This is what the Centre for Science and Environment’s (CSE) report, ‘Waste to Worth,’ is all about—it puts together the best prac-tices to turn wastewater into water and not pollution. Today, the discharge of effluent is adding to the water crisis by degrading available water through pollution. It is also adding to our health crises as socie-ties continue to drink this “sewage”-laced water. All this then points to the solution ahead—the way to take that “wasted” water and make it “usable” so that it can be returned to the hydrological cycle.

Ferozepur’s Talwandi Bhai wins ‘Change Maker 2024’ award for Excellence in Waste Management

Ferozepur’s Talwandi Bhai wins ‘Change Maker 2024’ award for Excellence in Waste Management Ferozepur, December 24, 2024: The Nagar Council of Talwandi Bhai has been honoured with the prestigious Change Maker 2024 Award by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), New Delhi. This recognition marks a moment of pride for the Ferozepur constituency, lauded by MLA Rajneesh Dahiya, who credited the city's residents and Nagar Council for their unwavering support and efforts. Sanitary Inspector Sukhpal Singh, a key figure in this achievement, received special recognition from CSE for his innovative work in solid waste management over the past year. The district administration, led by Deputy Commissioner Deepshikha Sharma and Additional Deputy Commissioner Dr Nidhi Kumudh, commended the council's exemplary model and encouraged other municipalities to emulate their efforts. Talwandi Bhai’s success stems from significant advancements in solid waste management, making it the first city in the Ferozepur region to process all its waste under one roof. The city’s state-of-the-art waste management plant features composting units, MRF units, bailing facilities, sanitary landfills, and creative initiatives like waste-to-art projects and beautification of garbage vulnerable points. Additionally, the city has achieved 100% remediation of its legacy waste and developed a Waste-to-Wonder park, garnering statewide attention. Under the Swachh Bharat Mission, the council also inaugurated an aspirational public toilet to promote hygiene and sanitation. At the national-level Change Maker Conclave held at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, representatives from 28 states and 3 union territories participated. Among the six cities representing Punjab, Talwandi Bhai stood out for its impactful presentation by Sukhpal Singh, earning the esteemed Change Maker 2024 Award. Sukhpal Singh expressed gratitude to his team members, including Suresh Kumar, Ramesh Kumar, and Ram Chand, and acknowledged the vital contributions of city residents in making this achievement possible. This award solidifies Talwandi Bhai’s position as a model city in waste management and urban development.

‘Broad definition of forests & imprecise data’. Why govt forest cover report might be too optimistic

While the latest India State of Forest Report has indicated an increase in the country’s green cover, experts have said that the use of inaccurate methodologies to define forests might be giving an overly optimistic view of the ground reality. On Saturday, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) released the State of Forests Report by the Forest Survey of India (FSI). The report highlighted that India’s total forest and tree cover was 827,357 sq km, which accounted for 25.17 percent of the country’s total geographical area—an increase of 3.41 percent since 2021. Usually released biennially, the report primarily relies on satellite data to map forest lands and non-forest green cover. According to officials from the FSI (FSI), satellite images are first run through digital image processing (DIP) software, where radiometric defects are removed to improve the clarity of visuals. Areas where land changes appear to have occurred since the last survey are identified and teams then conduct ground checks to confirm the satellite findings. Experts, however, said that satellites with low precision often tend to present an inaccurate picture. FSI uses the Linear Imaging Self Scanning Sensor-3 with a resolution of 23.5 m, which means land cover with a geometric dimension on the ground of less than that is not discernible. Weather, agriculture plantations too close to forest lands, and large shrubs—often mistaken for full-grown trees—are some of the other limitations of the survey. “No methodology is 100 percent accurate, but we have improved the accuracy of our surveys. Extensive ground surveys also back our satellite monitoring,” said a senior official from the environment ministry. Disappearing forests In 2021, when the last forest report was released, the Centre for Science and Environment, a Delhi-based environmental think tank, conducted an analysis and found that 25.87 million hectares of India’s forests were “missing”. The analysis said that there was a difference between what was recorded as a forest area and the actual forest cover in that recorded area. In the 2021 FSI report, 77.53 million hectares (775,300 sq km) of land were marked as forest area. However, the actual forest cover on these lands was found to be only 51.66 million ha (516,600 sq km). According to the CSE assessment, as much as 34 percent of the area classified as forests was missing. “Nowhere in the report has the FSI explained where this difference of over 25 million ha is,” said Sunita Narain, CSE’s director general.

ResearchED: India Beats US And UK In This Very Important Field

Global greenhouse gas emissions have surged to an all-time high, painting a dire picture of the planet’s climate future. This rise, driven by industrialisation, deforestation, and fossil fuel consumption, emphasises the critical need for nations to uphold their commitments under the Paris Agreement. Yet, a troubling pattern has emerged: while countries have pledged ambitious targets, many are failing to deliver. Amid this global shortfall, India emerges as a beacon of hope, demonstrating significant progress in meeting its climate goals. A Model Of Climate Commitment India has set ambitious goals under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement. India, responsible for approximately 7% of global carbon emissions, has made ambitious promises and followed through with concrete actions. The country has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 and reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. It has also promised to achieve 50% non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030. These targets are supported by initiatives like the National Solar Mission, which aims to establish India as a global leader in solar energy. India’s installed renewable energy capacity stood at 175 GW in 2022, placing it fourth globally. This capacity includes 64 GW from solar and 47 GW from wind energy. Furthermore, India has reduced its emissions intensity by 33% between 2005 and 2021, a testament to its commitment to sustainable growth. According to the Climate Action Tracker, India’s climate action is compatible with limiting global warming to 2°C, putting it among the few countries with a credible pathway to achieving this goal. Solar energy, in particular, has witnessed exponential growth, with projects like the Bhadla Solar Park in Rajasthan, the world’s largest, contributing significantly. Additionally, India’s National Solar Mission has been a game-changer, driving down the cost of solar power to ₹2.44 per unit, among the lowest globally. By 2023, India had installed over 64 GW of solar energy and 47 GW of wind energy, and its renewable energy projects employ over 700,000 workers, showcasing the socio-economic benefits of green growth. Advanced Economies Falling Behind In stark contrast, many developed nations, despite having greater resources and historical responsibility for emissions, are struggling to meet their targets. The United States, the world’s second-largest emitter, pledged to halve emissions by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. However, as of 2022, the U.S. has only achieved about a third of this reduction, with projections suggesting a 23%-37% shortfall if current policies persist. A significant part of this shortfall stems from political polarisation, which has hindered the implementation of long-term climate policies. The United Kingdom, often lauded for its leadership during the 2015 Paris Agreement, faces similar challenges. Its 2030 target of a 68% reduction from 1990 levels is now at risk due to delays in renewable energy investments and rising reliance on natural gas. The UK’s decision to approve new North Sea oil fields in 2023 sparked criticism, reflecting a growing tension between short-term energy security and long-term climate goals. This failure undermines the credibility of developed nations in leading global climate action. Challenges In Achieving Global Climate Goals The disparity between promises and actions raises questions about the effectiveness of international agreements like the Paris Accord. Moreover, the reliance on fossil fuels persists even in advanced economies. The U.S. and the UK continue to subsidize oil and gas industries, with the U.S. providing $20 billion in subsidies annually. Developed nations have long pledged $100 billion annually to help developing countries combat climate change. However, this commitment was fulfilled only in 2022, two years behind schedule. According to the OECD, this delay has significantly slowed climate adaptation and mitigation efforts in vulnerable regions. India, despite being a recipient of such funds, has independently mobilised resources for green infrastructure. Initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA), co-founded by India and France, aim to facilitate solar power adoption globally, particularly in Africa and Asia. The ISA has already enabled over $2 billion in investments for solar projects, reinforcing India’s leadership on the global stage. Balancing Growth And Sustainability Experts emphasise that aligning economic development with environmental sustainability is key. John Podesta, Senior Advisor to President Biden, notes that “local governments and private sector initiatives play a critical role in bridging federal policy gaps.” The gap between developed and developing nations’ climate actions is not just a policy issue but a matter of equity. John Kerry, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, recently stated, “We cannot achieve our global goals without ambitious action from all nations, particularly the largest emitters.” In contrast, Indian climate activist Sunita Narain emphasises, “Developing nations like India cannot be asked to bear an unequal burden of emission reductions when historical emitters shirk their responsibilities.India’s progress demonstrates that climate action and economic growth are not mutually exclusive.”

As GRAP fails, Delhi pollution strategy looks suspect

It’s going to be about a week since the provisions under Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) level 4 were implemented for the second time by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) as air pollution level moved into the 400 plus category. This meant that among other things the lawmakers feel that diesel vehicles used by common people and diesel generators providing power when government supplies fail are the main culprits for the poor air quality. However, even after acting against these ‘villains’, and also taken punitive action against those who dared to come out for a week now, the air quality has got only worse. The weather department says that the air quality would remain bad until the wind again gains speed or it rains. During the first 15 days of December this year, when the CAQM was taking credit and releasing statements about Delhi’s air quality being the best in the last six years, it should have acknowledged that the improvement was largely due to natural factors such as high wind speeds and a western disturbance. The reality is that Delhi remains at the mercy of nature, as even the strictest norms fail to deliver lasting results. It is time to shift focus to long-term solutions rather than relying on temporary measures. One critical area of improvement is the need to strengthen—or rather, revitalize—our public transport system, which currently lies in complete disarray According to the Economic survey of the state government 2023-24, Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses have continued to witness a decline in ridership, struggling to return to pre-COVID levels. The current daily average of 25 lakh passengers represents a 45 per cent drop over the past decade, far below the 46.77 lakh recorded during 2012-13. Ridership hit its lowest during the pandemic, plummeting to 12.24 lakh daily, and remains 25 per cent below pre-pandemic numbers. DTC’s fleet currently stands at 7,683 buses, including 1,970 electric buses, far below the 10,000-bus target set by a 26-year-old Supreme Court directive. Of these, electric buses have been provided by the Centre and the Arvind Kejriwal-Atishi governments have not added a single bus to the fleet. The old rickety CNG buses, which make up most of the DTC fleet, face frequent breakdowns. These buses should have been replaced after eight years, given the rough conditions they operate in but that did not happen in the past decade. The consequences of declining bus ridership contribute in a big way to Delhi’s severe winter air pollution. The ill effects of lack of confidence in bus service are visible beyond commuter inconvenience. Reports from the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) highlight the link between fewer public transport users and increased reliance on private vehicles, which increases congestion and adds pollutants in the air worsening its quality. The delay in the completion of the Metro projects has contributed in a big way to winter pollution. An IIT-Delhi report highlights that Metro ridership, despite increase in the past years, still falls 47.45 per cent short of its projected targets. According to the data released by IIT-Delhi and the National Institute of Urban Affairs, the dying DTC fleet and delay in the Metro projects have led to an increase in the share of two-wheelers and four-wheelers from 38 to 49 per between 2007 to 2018. Although Delhi boasts an extensive bus network, with 57 per cent of the population living within a five-minute walk of a bus stop, the service’s inefficiency deters potential users, the report said. The issue at hand is whether the authorities responsible for controlling pollution barking up the wrong tree. The banning of private vehicles on Delhi roads have shown no improvement in air quality. What has added to their misery is the lack of alternative transport arrangements. Are the government and the courts not penalising the people for the crime they have not committed.

Fix Ozone Layer Depletion

Over two billion years ago, blue-green algae, early aquatic organisms, began using energy from the sun to convert molecules of water and carbon di-oxide and recombine them into organic com-pounds and molecular oxygen. This has resulted in increase of oxygen and decrease of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. In the atmosphere, some oxy-gen molecules absorb energy from the sun’s ultra-violet (UV) rays and split to form single oxygen atoms. These atoms combined with molecular oxygen (O2) to form ozone (O3) molecules, which are very effective in absorbing ultraviolet rays. Over India According to the head of the National Ozone Cen-tre in New Delhi, there is no trend to show total ozone depletion in the stratosphere over India. However, the Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi, revealed a disturbing trend in ground-level ozone pollution rise across India’s major cit-ies like Delhi, Bangalore, Jaipur, Kolkata, etc.

3-month op launched to make Gurgaon plastic-free

Gurgaon: The state pollution control board has initiated raids as part of a three-month plan to make the city free of single-use plastic. In the last 15 days, the pollution board raided several polythene bag manufacturing units in the city, confiscating around 10,000 kg of bags and imposing over Rs 8 lakh in environmental compensation. According to data sourced from Haryana State Pollution Control Board, Gurgaon and Faridabad generate 2,200 TPA of municipal waste, of which 5% is single-use plastic. Nirmal Kashyap, head of the air cell and regional officer at the board, said the idea was to disrupt the supply chain of single-use plastic and polythene bags. "We will carry out a three-month-long campaign to ensure the city becomes plastic-free. The board is committed to implement the state govt's prohibition on manufacturing, stocking, and utilisation of these materials, striving to liberate the city and the state from this environmental hazard," he added. Officials said violators could be penalised under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, with the possibility of being jailed for up to 5 years or fined up to Rs 1 lakh. "Polythene and single-use plastic present substantial threats to the environment and wildlife. They persist without biodegradation for hundreds of years, accumulating and precipitating various environmental complications. They likewise impede the decomposition of municipal solid waste, exacerbating disposal challenges. Animals frequently consume plastic, mistaking them for sustenance, potentially resulting in grave health complications or mortality. Furthermore, the incineration of plastic releases carcinogenic gases, potentially inducing cancer and other respiratory ailments," Kashyap said. According to the pollution board's annual report, 14% of all plastic waste in the state accumulates in landfills, while 78% undergoes recycling. Experts backed the move, but raised questions on implementation. "The methodology we initially adopted was robust and progressive, similar to those followed by other countries. However, heavy industry influence on key ministries derailed our efforts. Despite starting with a strong approach, we failed to finalise the items that should have been banned," said Siddharth Singh, programme manager at the Centre for Science and Environment. "Implementation would be more straightforward with blanket bans on certain products, but inconsistencies across state policies on what is banned and what is not create confusion. Additionally, political connections of plastic manufacturers complicate enforcement," he added. Asked what affected implementation, Shyamala K Mani — senior adviser at the Centre for Environmental Health, Public Health Foundation of India, and a former professor at the National Institute of Urban Affairs, said, "Lack of political and bureaucratic will, complete failure to understand the situation and lack of concern for the environment and human health have affected implementation. I don't see any limitations for not implementing it properly and with full force. There are sufficient alternatives that are competitively priced and certified. What has to be done is already cited in the plastic waste management rules 2016, amended in 2018, 2022 and 2024. We must implement them and make it mandatory for the manufacturers to fulfil their commitment to EPR Rules and all PCBs and CPCBs to enforce it."

Experts warn about rise in NO2 levels across Delhi

The primary sources of NO2, which causes wheezing, shortness of breath and can lead to respiratory infections, include vehicles, biomass burning, and industrial emissions, according to scientists. While Delhi on Friday recorded the fourth consecutive “severe” day under the air quality index (AQI) – a scale that uses a weighted formula biased towards particulate matter (PM) – experts warned that levels of another dangerous toxin in the air, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), have been consistently soaring, even during periods of relatively “low pollution”. The primary sources of NO2, which causes wheezing, shortness of breath and can lead to respiratory infections, include vehicles, biomass burning, and industrial emissions, according to scientists. Traffic congestion is particularly significant, as it results in idling vehicles that release high levels of NO2. Data analysed by HT shows that NO2 concentrations have frequently breached safety limits in several regions across the city, especially high-density traffic zones like ITO and Anand Vihar. Data from Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed the hourly NO2 concentration touched a peak of 494 µg/m3 at ITO, which is among Delhi’s busiest traffic intersections. This was followed by an hourly peak of 489µg/m3 at east Delhi’s Anand Vihar, another traffic hub comprising of an ISBT, a metro station and a railway station. Not too far behind was west Delhi’s Pusa, which touched a peak of 447µg/m3. These figures are nearly six times the national safety standard of 80µg/m3, with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) limit being far stricter at 25µg/m3. In other words, if you’re at ITO or Anand Vihar during poor traffic, you are inhaling as much as six times the safe limit of NO2. December’s average NO2 level at ITO was 165µg/m3, while Anand Vihar recorded 161µg/m3 — both double CPCB’s safety threshold. Even areas with moderate traffic, such as North Campus DU and Punjabi Bagh, showed peaks exceeding 200µg/m3, underscoring the widespread nature of the problem. Data indicates that the location of monitoring stations and traffic patterns play a significant role in NO2 distribution. At least 17 more stations out of Delhi’s 40 ambient air quality stations crossed a peak of 200µg/m3, including North Campus DU (350µg/m3), Punjabi Bagh (298µg/m3), Dwarka’s Sector 8 (261µg/m3), Wazirpur (257µg/m3) and CRRI Mathura road (253µg/m3). Experts said ITO was exhibiting high NO2 levels even before Delhi saw its first smog spell from November 13 onwards, indicating NO2 peaks don’t necessarily correlate with PM2.5 and PM10 levels. “We have seen ITO consistently record high NO2 levels, a fairly busy intersection. The station is also located next to the road and is likely to capture a significant chunk of the emission released by vehicles, which is what people on the roadside are also likely inhaling,” said Sunil Dahiya, an analyst at the think-tank Envirocatalysts, stating in addition to PM2.5 and PM10, agencies need to monitor NO2 levels and take action, particularly at hotspots. Experts point to traffic congestion as a primary driver of NO2 pollution. “The most common reason is traffic congestion, which is a source that can easily be fixed. Long-term action will however only occur when we reduce the vehicles on the road and make a transition not just to cleaner fuels, but also to cleaner public transport,” he adds, stating with Stage-3 and Stage-4 restrictions of the Graded Response Action Plan (Grap) rolling out, should help bring down NO2. Immediate solutions like reducing congestion and expanding public transportation could mitigate the crisis while transitioning to cleaner fuels remain a long-term goal. Delhi’s road network, burdened by 7.9 million registered vehicles and an influx from neighbouring cities, underscores the scale of the challenge. Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, of research and advocacy at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) said that vehicles contribute up to 81% of Delhi’s total NO2 pollution, making them primary sources that need tackling. “While we see congestion through the year, particularly at intersections like ITO, calm wind conditions in the winter period mean the gas can stay trapped and build up over time,” she said. While transitioning to cleaner fuels and expanding public transportation are necessary long-term strategies, immediate interventions like reducing road congestion could yield quicker results. Without urgent action, Delhi’s residents will continue to bear the brunt of this harmful pollutant, compounding the city’s already dire air quality crisis.

Four Severe Days In A Row, Worst Dec Streak In 3 Years

Delhi recorded the fourth consecutive day of ‘severe' pollution with the Air Quality Index at 429 on Friday. This Dec is the worst since Dec 2021 when a streak of six consecutive ‘severe' days was logged from Dec 21 to 26. According to Central Pollution Control Board data, Dec 2023 had three consecutive ‘severe' days. There was no such streak in Dec 2022 when AQI surpassed 400 two times in the entire month. This year, the city recorded the first ‘severe' day on Dec 17, with the AQI at 433. It inched closer to 'severe plus' on Dec 18 with an AQI of 445 and turned 'severe plus' on Dec 19 at 451. No major improvement in air quality is expected over the weekend. According to the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, the forecasting body under the Union earth sciences ministry, the air quality is likely to improve to ‘very poor' on Saturday but deteriorate to ‘severe' on Sunday. "Under the influence of a feeble western disturbance, calm winds have been prevailing in the city, causing trapping of pollutants. The increase in moisture also impacted the air quality. No change is likely in air quality over the next two days as similar conditions may prevail. However, wind speed may increase from Dec 23," said Mahesh Palawat, vice-president, Skymet Meteorology, adding that a strong western disturbance was expected to impact north-west India on Dec 27-28, likely causing rainfall and improving the air quality. Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, research and advocacy, Centre for Science and Environment, said, "We are going through a severe smog episode even after the crop burning season is over. This indicates high emissions from the local and regional sources — vehicles, industry, waste and solid fuel burning and construction. This has health implications. While taking whatever immediate action is possible to reduce high exposures now, speed up efforts for more deep-rooted systemic action to control the problem." Delhi recorded moderate fog on Friday, with the visibility dipping to 300 metres at 7.30am at Safdarjung, which is the city's base weather station. Palam witnessed shallow fog with visibility of 700 metres. The India Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for moderate to dense fog on Saturday and Sunday. The minimum temperature dipped at most locations in the city on Friday. It was 7.5 degrees Celsius, which is one degree below normal, at Safdarjung. This was 2.5 degrees lower than Thursday's minimum temperature. The maximum temperature was at 23.3 degrees Celsius, one degree above normal, slightly higher than the 23 degrees Celsius on Thursday.

How 2024 proved the intensifying impact of climate change on India’s weather

India’s experience with extreme weather in 2024 has been marked by a dramatic increase in both frequency and intensity of climate events, reflecting the growing threat of climate change. Extreme weather events, including heatwaves, cold waves, cyclones, floods, lightning strikes and landslides, have dominated the year, with the country witnessing these events on 93% of the days from January 1 to September 30. This period saw extreme weather events recorded on 255 of the 274 days, which is a sharp rise compared to previous years. According to Centre for Science and Environment report, the toll of this 2024’s extreme weather events has been staggering. As of September 30, 2024, India lost 3,238 lives, with 550 of those fatalities recorded in Kerala, the hardest-hit state. Following Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Assam also saw significant loss of life, with 353 and 256 deaths, respectively. In addition to human casualties, over 9,457 livestock were killed, and 235,862 homes were destroyed across the country. The total damage is likely to be an underestimate, as incomplete data collection means losses, particularly in public property and agriculture, have not been fully accounted for. Agricultural damage The agricultural sector has borne the brunt of the weather’s wrath. Extreme weather affected over 3.2 million hectares of crops, a sharp increase from the 1.84 million hectares impacted in 2022. The majority of the damage occurred in Maharashtra, where over 60% of the affected crop area was reported.

Enabling Climate Resilience in the Indian Energy Sector: Mitigating Disaster Impacts on Renewable Energy Projects

Enabling Climate Resilience in the Indian Energy Sector: Mitigating Disaster Impacts on Renewable Energy Projects India's energy sector is set to expand its renewable energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030. This is a crucial step in tackling climate change and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. However, the rapid expansion of renewable energy comes with challenges, particularly in the face of increasingly severe climate impacts. Extreme weather events, ecological disruption, and infrastructural vulnerabilities highlight the need for building resilience into India’s renewable energy projects. States such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, with vast expanses of wasteland, are key regions for renewable energy projects. These lands are often preferred for solar and wind farms because they are easier to acquire and do not fall under strict land acquisition regulations. While these sites provide an advantage in terms of feasibility, they are also highly susceptible to climate-induced risks. Data from the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) reveals that in the first nine months of 2024, India faced extreme weather for 255 days, resulting in 3,238 deaths and extensive damage to crops, infrastructure, and livestock. This frequency and intensity of extreme weather events have significant implications for renewable energy infrastructure. Renewable energy projects have already faced disruptions due to climate events. For instance, cyclones along India’s coasts have forced wind turbines to shut down to prevent damage, leading to a 20% drop in electricity production during these periods. Solar power projects have not been immune either. In Maharashtra, lightning strikes damaged nearly 50 MW of a 125-MW solar farm in Sakri in 2020, while in Madhya Pradesh, storms this year damaged the world’s largest floating solar plant in Khandwa, delaying its operations. Cyclones like Tauktae (2021) and Biparjoy (2023) have caused severe damage to rooftop solar power (RTPV) systems, particularly in coastal regions like Gujarat and Odisha. The strong winds from these cyclones have blown off solar panels, broken frames, and weakened mounting structures. In some cases, entire solar arrays have been destroyed, leading to significant financial losses for system owners. These incidents highlight the vulnerability of renewable energy systems to the growing unpredictability of extreme weather. The resilience of solar panels during such extreme events is a growing concern. While solar panels continue to generate power during cloudy and rainy conditions, the damage to grid infrastructure during cyclones can disrupt the overall power generation. Furthermore, the lack of adequate backup systems such as batteries or generators exacerbates the problem, leading to prolonged power outages in the aftermath of extreme weather events. The push for renewable energy also raises concerns about its environmental footprint. In Rajasthan, the drive to create space for solar and hydro projects has led to plans for large-scale deforestation in ecologically sensitive areas such as the Vindhyachal and Aravalli ranges. The proposed projects would require the felling of over seven lakh trees, including protected species like Mahua and Kadaya. While renewable energy is essential for reducing carbon emissions, the ecological cost of such projects cannot be overlooked. Protecting biodiversity and forest cover is as critical to combating climate change as transitioning to clean energy. The government’s National Electricity Plan outlines measures such as expanding transmission networks, integrating energy storage, and supporting green hydrogen hubs. While these steps are important, resilience needs to be embedded into every aspect of renewable energy planning and execution. Site selection should factor in long-term climate risks, using data-driven assessments to identify areas less prone to extreme weather. Incorporating advanced forecasting systems can help operators anticipate and mitigate potential disruptions. Similarly, designing infrastructure to withstand harsh climatic conditions, such as stronger winds or excessive rainfall, will minimize damage and ensure continuity in energy generation. Policy frameworks should also balance the dual goals of renewable energy expansion and environmental conservation. While wastelands provide an attractive option for solar and wind projects, decisions regarding land use must account for local ecological and social contexts. For example, the deforestation plans in Rajasthan call for a re-evaluation of the trade-offs between clean energy and environmental sustainability. Renewable energy should not come at the cost of irreversible damage to ecosystems. The economic and social costs of ignoring climate resilience are significant. Extreme weather events disrupt energy supply chains and increase maintenance costs, straining already limited resources. Additionally, the broader impacts—such as damage to agriculture, infrastructure, and public health—create further economic pressures. For instance, in 2024, extreme weather events destroyed over 235,000 homes, affected 3.2 million hectares of crops, and resulted in nearly 9,500 livestock deaths. Such losses ripple through the economy, highlighting the interconnectedness of energy systems with other sectors. Despite these challenges, examples of adaptive resilience provide a way forward. The swift resumption of operations at the Khandwa floating solar plant following storm damage demonstrates the potential for responsive measures. These examples emphasize the importance of proactive planning and robust infrastructure in mitigating risks. India’s renewable energy ambitions are both necessary and achievable. However, integrating climate resilience into project planning and implementation is non-negotiable. This means prioritizing infrastructure that can endure extreme weather, ensuring that projects are environmentally sustainable, and maintaining a balance between development and ecological conservation. The scale of the challenge demands coordinated efforts from government, industry, and local communities. Transparent policies, innovative technologies, and stakeholder collaboration will be key to navigating these complexities.

FE’s bid to advance sustainability solutions with Green Sarathi Summit & Awards today

Against the backdrop of the recently concluded COP29 climate talks held in Baku, Azerbaijan leaving global South with little hope on climate finance and growing concerns on sustainability, it is crucial to let experts lead the way on endeavours to nurture genuine efforts. There is little choice than to focus on immediate priorities and some quick wins. The FE Green Sarathi Summit & Awards, 2024 that unfolds in the national capital on Friday, December 20th, is therefore a unique attempt to get some of the finest minds to brainstorm, swap ideas and share insights on ways to advance sustainability solutions. It also happens nearly a year after FE online devoting coverage on sustainability under a specially-created section called “The Green Sarathi”. short article insertThe inaugural edition of The FE Green Sarathi Summit & Awards, 2024, will have Dr Jitendra Singh, minister of state (independent charge), the Earth Sciences & the science & technology ministries delivering the inaugural address. A doctor himself, and a diabetologist at that, lends even more weight as studies are beginning to show on the interlinkages between biodiversity and diabetes, a major area of concern for India. The summit is also timely given that several initiatives have been set in motion by the government, including those like ‘Mission Life’ or the lifestyle for environment launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi apart from the other endeavours such as the green credits programme; the National Mission on climate change, including the mission on strategic knowledge for climate change. The first panel at the summit is focussed on making sustainability endeavours truly sustainable given that each element- from finance to talent training to policy enablers – throws up opportunities but with challenges galore. Here, we have a rich and diverse mix of experts – Indra Guha, Partner, Sustainability & ESG, Business Advisory Services, BDO India LLP; Purnamita Dasgupta, Chair Professor & Head, Environmental Economics Unit at the Institute of Economic Growth, Delhi; Shobhit Kumar, COO, Datta Power Infra apart from Dr. Vibha Tripathi, Founder, Boon. There is also a panel focussed on green mobility with speakers from marquee institutions and leading Indian companies – Rahul Bharti, Executive Director, Corporate Affairs, Maruti Suzuki India, Uday Narang, Founder and Chairman, Omega Seiki and Anumita Roychowdhury, Executive Director, Research and Advocacy, Centre for Science and Environment, India. In separate fire side chats, there will be insights shared by S Sivakumar, group head of Agri & IT Businesses, who also oversees ITC’s Sustainability initiatives and Social Investment programmes, Rajat Gupta, senior partner, McKinsey and Sandhya J, group, chief financial officer at Narayana Health.. The summit and awards, organised by Financial Express with supporting partners Datta Power Infra and Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, will conclude with the awards to some of the worthy winners. They have all been selected by a distinguished jury comprising of Abha Seth, who leads FICCI Centre for Sustainability Leadership, Professor Anjal Prakash from the Indian School of Business, Anand Sri Ganesh from IIM- Bangalore, Professor Purnamita Dasgupta from the Institute of Economic Growth, Mahua Acharya, the founder CEO of the International Energy Transition Platform and Professor Subhasis Ray from XLRI, Jamshedpur. The whole exercise has been aided by FE’s knowledge partner EY.

Treated water is going to waste

State generates 3,357 million litre a day wastewater of which 2,054 MLD is treated and from this just 43% is being used; maximum usage is for lake revival A report on the usage of treated wastewater in Karnataka shows that there is a considerable gap in total sewage being treated and the portion of this treated water being used in the state. While 3,357 MLD of wastewater is being generated and 2,054 MLD is being treated, only 43% of the treated wastewater is being used. The study by the Centre for Science and Environment further highlights that the treated wastewater from 50 sewage treatment plants (STP) of the state is being used for purposes such as industrial use, lake recharge, irrigation, and horticulture. The major reuse of treated water is occurring in lake revival/rejuvenation, accounting for 67%, followed by irrigation and industrial purposes. Embrace water reuse As per the urban wastewater reuse policy of 2017, 10 major cities in the state were expected to prepare plans and embrace wastewater reuse by 2020 and extend this to 100% for all major cities/ towns by 2030. The policy also targets 20% reuse of treated sewage to be increased to 50% by 2030. However, the report underscores the lack of a clear action plan or timeline at the state level to achieve these targets. In Bengaluru, around 63% of total wastewater is treated by 34 centralised treatment plants with a collective capacity of 1,348.5 MLD, and 13% is treated by decentralised treatment plants. Unexplored area The report says while the city has a high potential for reusing treated water in the construction industry, it is still an unexplored area. However, for optimal advantage, there is a critical need to boost treatment facilities to process all the wastewater being generated in the city. Currently, treated water from Bengaluru is provided to Kolar, Chikkaballapura, and Bangalore Rural districts, and is managed by the Minor Irrigation Department. In addition to these projects, several decentralised initiatives supply treated water to various industries. For instance, 40 MLD tertiary treatment plants (TTP) in Devanahalli supply treated water to the KIADB Industrial Area, 10 MLD TTP in Yelahanka provide tertiary treated water to KIAL, IAF, BEL, Rail Wheel Factory, and ITC, 4 MLD TTP in Cubbon Park supplies tertiary treated water to Raj Bhavan, Vidhana Soudha, High Court, Golf Course, and Cubbon Park, 1.5 MLD TTP in Lal Bagh supplies tertiary treated water to Lal Bagh, and 15 MLD TTP in Jakkur supplies tertiary treated water to the KPCL gas-based power plant in Yelahanka. There is a need for developing a groundwater monitoring unit in BWSSB to measure the quantity and quality of groundwater near the lake vicinity to understand the impact of lake revival and recharge –From the report However, the current wastewater reuse even in Bengaluru accounts for only 43%, indicating a significant potential for scaling up wastewater treatment infrastructure. Most of the reuse happening is for lake revival to recharge shallow aquifers, which can be ultimately used for agriculture or domestic water supply.