• Water Programme

72% of urban wastewater in India flows into water bodies, land untreated: Report

A meagre 28 percent of the urban wastewater and sewage generated in India undergoes treatment while the rest flows directly into rivers, lakes and land, according to a report by the think tank Centre for Science and Environment. India’s urban water crisis could ease if all the wastewater is treated and reused, the report released here on Monday said. National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) Director General Rajiv Kumar Mittal said, “Using and disposing of treated water without harnessing its potential means we are losing out on utilising an important resource. The challenge is to scale up and ensure that the work we do in this sector is impactful.” Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) Director General Sunita Narain said India faces significant water scarcity challenges due to rapid urbanisation, industrial growth, population expansion and, most importantly, climate change. “Wastewater reuse can be a key part of the strategy to address these concerns and promote water circularity and sustainability.” “In fact, there is an opportunity for turning wastewater into water again and this is what our report’s title – waste to worth – is referring to,” Narain added. The jal shakti ministry has mandated that cities must recycle and reuse at least 20 percent of the water they consume. Subrata Chakraborty, senior programme manager, water programme, CSE, said, “This is in line with the belief that promoting a circular economy is essential for achieving a sustainable and climate-resilient future and for managing the ever-growing demand for freshwater.” (PTI)

• Water Programme

Only 28% of urban wastewater in India is treated: Report

A meagre 28 per cent of the urban wastewater and sewage generated in India undergoes treatment while the rest flows directly into rivers, lakes and land, according to a report by the think tank Centre for Science and Environment. India's urban water crisis could ease if all the wastewater is treated and reused, the report released here on Monday said. Rajiv Kumar Mital, Director General of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), said, "Using and disposing of treated water without harnessing its potential means we are losing out on utilising an important resource. The challenge is to scale up and ensure that the work we do in this sector is impactful." Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) Director General Sunita Narain said India faces significant water scarcity challenges due to rapid urbanisation, industrial growth, population expansion and, most importantly, climate change. "Wastewater reuse can be a key part of the strategy to address these concerns and promote water circularity and sustainability." "In fact, there is an opportunity for turning wastewater into water again and this is what our report's title -- Waste to Worth -- is referring to," Sunita Narain added. The Jal Shakti Ministry has mandated that cities must recycle and reuse at least 20 per cent of the water they consume. Subrata Chakraborty, senior programme manager, water programme, CSE, said, "This is in line with the belief that promoting a circular economy is essential for achieving a sustainable and climate-resilient future and for managing the ever-growing demand for freshwater."

• Water Programme

Reusing treated wastewater can help ease India’s growing urban water crisis, says CSE report

A mere 28 per cent (20,236 million litre per day (MLD) of the total urban wastewater and sewage generated in India, undergoes treatment, leaving a substantial 72 per cent untreated, which is very conveniently allowed to flow into rivers, lakes and land, says a new report by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). All this treated water – and the remaining untreated amount if treated can ease India’s urban water crisis, says the report titled Waste to Worth: Managing India’s urban water crisis through wastewater reuse, was released on Monday by Sunita Narain, director general, CSE and Rajiv Kumar Mital, director general, national mission for clean Ganga (NMCG). Narain said: “India faces significant water scarcity challenges due to rapid urbanisation, industrial growth, population expansion – and most importantly -- climate change. Wastewater reuse can be a key part of the strategy to address these concerns and promote water circularity and sustainability.” “In fact, there is an opportunity for turning wastewater into water again, and this is what our report’s title – Waste to Worth -- is referring to,” Narain added. Releasing the report, Rajiv Mital said: “Using and disposing treated water, without harnessing its potential, means we are losing out on utilising an important resource. The challenge is to scale up and ensure that the work we do in this sector is impactful.” The Jal Shakti Ministry has mandated that cities must recycle and reuse at least 20 per cent of the water they consume. Says Subrata Chakraborty, senior programme manager, water programme, CSE: “This is in line with the belief that promoting a circular economy is essential for achieving a sustainable and climate-resilient future, and for managing the ever-growing demand for freshwater.” The report also highlights good examples -- cases of states that have introduced policies to encourage treated wastewater reuse. Maharashtra, for instance, mandates industries in urban areas to use treated wastewater. Gujarat targets 100 per cent reuse with applications in agriculture and industry, and Tamil Nadu promotes reuse for industrial and urban greening projects. Sumita Singhal, programme manager, water, CSE, says: “Upscaling wastewater reuse faces challenges, including infrastructure gaps in sewage treatment and distribution, quality assurance to meet reuse standards, public resistance due to cultural beliefs, and the high operational costs of treatment facilities.” She adds: “The data implies that 28 per cent (20,236 MLD) treated water is immediately available for reuse. Aligning policies with urban planning and industrial needs can enhance adoption, while advancements in decentralised and cost-effective treatment technologies can address infrastructure deficits.” The report points out that public-private partnerships can help mobilise investments for scaling up reuse projects, and capacity-building initiatives can improve awareness and acceptance among urban managers and communities.

• Water Programme

This is how India treats its wastewater

Of the total urban wastewater and sewage generated in India, a mere 28 per cent (20,236 million litre per day or MLD) undergoes treatment, leaving a substantial 72 per cent untreated and allowed to flow into rivers, lakes and land. All this treated water – and the remaining untreated amount if treated – holds an opportunity within itself: the opportunity to ease India’s urban water crisis, says a new report from Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). The report, titled Waste to Worth: Managing India’s urban water crisis through wastewater reuse, was released at a national workshop organised jointly by CSE and the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), under the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India. Sunita Narain, director general, CSE and Rajiv Kumar Mital, director general, NMCG addressed the inaugural session. Narain said: “India faces significant water scarcity challenges due to rapid urbanisation, industrial growth, population expansion – and most importantly — climate change. Wastewater reuse can be a key part of the strategy to address these concerns and promote water circularity and sustainability. In fact, there is an opportunity for turning wastewater into water again, and this is what our report’s title – Waste to Worth — is referring to.” Releasing the report, Rajiv Mital said: “Using and disposing treated water, without harnessing its potential, means we are losing out on utilising an important resource. The challenge is to scale up and ensure that the work we do in this sector is impactful.” The Jal Shakti Ministry has mandated that cities must recycle and reuse at least 20 per cent of the water they consume. Says Subrata Chakraborty, senior programme manager, water programme, CSE: “This is in line with the belief that promoting a circular economy is essential for achieving a sustainable and climate-resilient future, and for managing the ever-growing demand for freshwater.” The CSE report points out that the gap in total sewage water generated and its treatment is the highest in Uttar Pradesh, followed by the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Haryana (in that order). Says Chakraborty: “Having said that, the report also highlights good examples — cases of states that have introduced policies to encourage treated wastewater reuse.” Maharashtra, for instance, mandates industries in urban areas to use treated wastewater. Gujarat targets 100 per cent reuse with applications in agriculture and industry, and Tamil Nadu promotes reuse for industrial and urban greening projects. At the national level, the National Urban Sanitation Policy (NUSP) and the Namami Gange Programme emphasise wastewater management and reuse as key components of water security initiatives. Cities like Nagpur, Benguluru and Chennai have taken the lead in implementing wastewater reuse practices. Nagpur supplies treated wastewater to power plants, significantly reducing freshwater usage, while Benguluru utilises it for agriculture, lake revival and groundwater recharge. Chennai has adopted treated wastewater for industrial applications, urban landscaping and groundwater recharge. Sumita Singhal, programme manager, water, CSE, says: “Upscaling wastewater reuse faces challenges, including infrastructure gaps in sewage treatment and distribution, quality assurance to meet reuse standards, public resistance due to cultural beliefs, and the high operational costs of treatment facilities. The data implies that 28 per cent (20,236 MLD) treated water is immediately available for reuse. Aligning policies with urban planning and industrial needs can enhance adoption, while advancements in decentralised and cost-effective treatment technologies can address infrastructure deficits.” The CSE report points out that public-private partnerships can help mobilise investments for scaling up reuse projects, and capacity-building initiatives can improve awareness and acceptance among urban managers and communities. Explaining the joint efforts by CSE and NMCG, Chakraborty says: “CSE, in collaboration with NMCG, has been working on a capacity-building initiative aimed at ‘Making Ganga Basin Cities Water-Sensitive for Improved River Health and Flow’. The primary objectives of this initiative are to raise awareness and build the capacities of municipal and state-level officials, elected representatives and key stakeholders, including the NMCG team, to promote water-sensitive urban development. Additionally, the initiative seeks to enhance the integration of national programmes such as the Jal Jeevan Mission, Atal Bhujal Yojana, Jal Shakti Abhiyan, AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation), and the Swachh Bharat Mission for more effective implementation and synergy.”

• Water Programme

India's Urban Water Crisis: Only 28% Of Wastewater Treated

India grapples with a significant urban water crisis, highlighted by a report which reveals that only 28% of urban wastewater receives treatment. The rest, alarmingly, ends up contaminating rivers, lakes, and the land. This crucial information was unveiled by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), underscoring the urgent need for enhanced wastewater management to mitigate this issue. Director General of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), Rajiv Kumar Mital, emphasized the importance of not only treating water but also utilizing it effectively. He stated, "Using and disposing of treated water without harnessing its potential means we are losing out on utilizing an important resource. The challenge is to scale up and ensure that the work we do in this sector is impactful." This highlights the potential benefits that could arise from addressing this pressing issue. Sunita Narain, Director General of CSE, pointed out that India's escalating water scarcity is propelled by rapid urbanization, industrial growth, burgeoning population, and notably, climate change. She stressed that reusing wastewater is a crucial strategy in combating these challenges, thereby advancing water sustainability and circularity. Narain's statement, "In fact, there is an opportunity for turning wastewater into water again and this is what our report's title -- Waste to Worth -- is referring to," encapsulates the report's essence and its vision for a sustainable future.

• Water Programme

72% of urban wastewater in India flows into water bodies, land untreated: Report

A meagre 28 per cent of the urban wastewater and sewage generated in India undergoes treatment while the rest flows directly into rivers, lakes and land, according to a report by the think tank Centre for Science and Environment. India's urban water crisis could ease if all the wastewater is treated and reused, the report released here on Monday said. Rajiv Kumar Mital, Director General of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), said, "Using and disposing of treated water without harnessing its potential means we are losing out on utilising an important resource. The challenge is to scale up and ensure that the work we do in this sector is impactful."

• Water Programme

72% of Urban Wastewater in India Flows into Water Bodies: Report

A meagre 28 per cent of the urban wastewater and sewage generated in India undergoes treatment while the rest flows directly into rivers, lakes and land, according to a report by the think tank Centre for Science and Environment. India's urban water crisis could ease if all the wastewater is treated and reused, the report released here on Monday said. Rajiv Kumar Mital, Director General of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), said, "Using and disposing of treated water without harnessing its potential means we are losing out on utilising an important resource. The challenge is to scale up and ensure that the work we do in this sector is impactful." Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) Director General Sunita Narain said India faces significant water scarcity challenges due to rapid urbanisation, industrial growth, population expansion and, most importantly, climate change. "Wastewater reuse can be a key part of the strategy to address these concerns and promote water circularity and sustainability." "In fact, there is an opportunity for turning wastewater into water again and this is what our report's title -- Waste to Worth -- is referring to," Narain added. The Jal Shakti Ministry has mandated that cities must recycle and reuse at least 20 per cent of the water they consume. Subrata Chakraborty, senior programme manager, water programme, CSE, said, "This is in line with the belief that promoting a circular economy is essential for achieving a sustainable and climate-resilient future and for managing the ever-growing demand for freshwater."

• Water Programme

Turning Waste to Worth: India's Urban Water Challenge

new report by the Centre for Science and Environment reveals that only 28% of India's urban wastewater is treated, leaving the majority to pollute rivers, lakes, and land. This untreated wastewater exacerbates the country's growing water crisis, as stated in the report released this Monday. Experts argue that addressing this issue by treating and reusing wastewater could be a game-changer for India. Rajiv Kumar Mital, Director General of the National Mission for Clean Ganga, emphasized the need for leveraging treated water's full potential, pointing to its role as an invaluable resource. Sunita Narain, Director General of CSE, underscored the urgency of wastewater reuse, citing India's urbanization, industrial growth, and climate change as key drivers of water scarcity challenges. The Jal Shakti Ministry has mandated a 20% minimum recycling and reuse target for cities, aligning with a broader circular economy framework aimed at achieving sustainability and addressing freshwater demand.

• Water Programme

Only one-third of India's wastewater is treated, over 70% flows to environment: CSE

Less than one-third of India’s urban wastewater and sewage are treated, leaving over 70 per cent of untreated wastewater flowing into rivers, lakes and land, the Centre for Science and Environment says in a new report. The report that looks at gap areas in the sewage treatment system found that only 28 per cent of the total urban sewage is being treated, implying 72 per cent of the wastewater remains untreated and is disposed of contaminating the environment. More... “India faces significant water scarcity challenges due to rapid urbanisation, industrial growth, population expansion – and most importantly -- climate change. Wastewater reuse can be a key part of the strategy to address these concerns and promote w...

• Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

Flying over congestion: The future of transportation in urban India

Most metropolitan cities these days grapple with an everyday challenge – urban congestion. Bumper-to-bumper traffic has become a common occurrence not only on city roads but also on highways. A prime example is the city of Bengaluru, which has consistently appeared in the top 10 on the TomTom Traffic Index of most congested cities globally. The Silicon Valley of India saw around 36,000 new cars registered in 2022-23. This number jumped to a whopping 1.6 lakh in 2023-24. Two-wheelers registered an almost 20% increase. This has resulted in considerable revenue loss, to the tune of approximately Rs. 20,000 crores annually. A key impact is also seen in the deteriorating air quality, directly affecting the quality of health and life. As per a report by the Centre for Science and Environment, an analysis of Particulate Matter across 16 major cities found that Bengaluru contributed the highest, around 64%, from vehicular exhaust. This crisis is not unique to Bengaluru; cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Pune face similar issues. As traditional traffic management solutions falter, the need for innovative alternatives to road-based transportation has become more critical than ever. Ringing in the pioneers As ground-level mobility challenges grow, pioneers in the industry are turning their gaze skyward for solutions. Urban air mobility (UAM) envisions leveraging the vertical dimension of cities, offering a faster, cleaner, and more efficient mode of transportation. Companies such as Hunch Mobility , provides “by the seat” short-distance air mobility services in India in the congested heartlands of Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Goa. Imagine traveling from Kempegowda International Airport to Electronics City in under 20 minutes — a journey that can take up to three hours by road. This shift doesn’t just save time but reduces stress, minimizes pollution, and delivers a unique travel experience. Globally, the industry is abuzz with activity. Leading innovators like Beta Technologies, Eve Air Mobility, and Jaunt Air Mobility are collaborating with Indian partners to build an electric aircraft ecosystem. Eve Air Mobility’s full-scale electric aerial vehicle (EAV) prototype, set for a 2026 launch with 3,000 pre-orders, exemplifies the potential of this sector. Its eVTOL design features vertical propellers, fixed wings for cruising, and a range of 60 miles, promising sustainable and efficient travel. Easing regulations around Urban Air Travel Favourable government regulations have also helped this service take off in the right spirit – by making it affordable for passengers. Earlier this year, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) slashed GST on helicopter seat-sharing services from 18% to 5%, significantly lowering costs for passengers. State governments have also stepped up. Initiatives like Madhya Pradesh’s PM Shri Paryatan Vayu Seva have made air travel accessible and affordable, connecting cities like Bhopal and Indore at discounted rates. Such measures not only encourage public adoption but also signal strong policy support for the sector. Improved support infrastructure along with the right policy interventions and attractive pricing will aid the growth of urban air mobility. Fostering Innovation and Government Support Urban Air Mobility (UAM) is gaining momentum through technological advancements and collaborative platforms. Events like the Urban Air Mobility Expo 2025, organized by CII in partnership with Hunch Mobility, serve as vital forums for showcasing innovations such as UAVs, drones, and eVTOLs. Part of the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 in Greater Noida, this event, supported by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, highlights the government’s commitment to advancing UAM. Building on the success of the ASHA Conference 2023, such platforms align technology with regulatory frameworks, fostering dialogue and driving sustainable urban mobility solutions. They underscore how collaboration between industry and government is crucial for shaping the future of UAM in India. Future innovations With public infrastructure struggling to keep pace with rapid urbanization, innovative solutions like electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft (eVTOLs) and smart city initiatives are emerging as game-changers for urban air mobility. By 2030, Urban Air Mobility is poised to make India a global hub for next-generation transportation. With over 35% of India’s population projected to live in urban areas by then, UAM offers a scalable solution to traffic congestion and environmental concerns. Reports suggest the global UAM market could reach $15 billion by 2030, with India capturing a significant share. Initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission and the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan will further drive this growth. In light of growing urban challenges, UAM represents a critical evolution in transportation. It promises not only to ease congestion and reduce carbon emissions but also to set a benchmark for eco-friendly urban development. As India embraces this transformative era, Urban Air Mobility stands at the forefront of creating smarter, cleaner, and more connected cities. The article is authored by Amit Dutta, Chairman of the CII Task Force on Advanced Air Mobility and MD, Hunch Urban Mobility

• Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

वायु प्रदूषण फिर चरम पर, जानें क्या दिल्ली-एनसीआर में आप चला सकते हैं अपनी कार?

दिल्ली में प्रदूषण का स्तर एक बार फिर खराब हो गया है। सोमवार को AQI (वायु गुणवत्ता सूचकांक) 'बहुत खराब' श्रेणी में पहुंच गया। प्रदूषण के बिगड़ते स्तर का सीधा नतीजा यह देखने को मिला है कि, केंद्र के वायु गुणवत्ता पैनल ने शहर में GRAP (ग्रेडेड रिस्पांस एक्शन प्लान) स्टेज 3 लागू किया है जिसमें प्रदूषण को कम करने के उद्देश्य से विभिन्न प्रतिबंध और प्रतिबंध लगाए गए हैं। जबकि गैर-जरूरी निर्माण और विध्वंस गतिविधियों पर पूर्ण प्रतिबंध है। शहर में वाहन चालकों को भी एक बार फिर ध्यान रखना होगा। पेट्रोल से चलने वाले वाहन जो बीएस 4 मानदंडों को पूरा नहीं करते हैं, उन्हें राष्ट्रीय राजधानी क्षेत्र या एनसीआर में प्रवेश करने से प्रतिबंधित कर दिया गया है। एनसीआर में दिल्ली, गुरुग्राम, गाजियाबाद, फरीदाबाद और गौतमबुद्ध नगर शामिल हैं। वाहनों से निकलने वाला उत्सर्जन, विशेष रूप से वे जो एक निश्चित आयु सीमा से ज्यादा पुराने हैं, यहां समग्र वायु गुणवत्ता स्तरों में प्रमुख योगदानकर्ताओं में से एक पाए जाते हैं। कितना है जुर्माना BS-3 पेट्रोल या BS-4 डीजल कारों को चलाकर GRAP मानदंडों का उल्लंघन करने पर 20,000 रुपये का ट्रैफिक जुर्माना लगाया जा सकता है। यह भी ध्यान रखना जरूरी है कि जांच से बचने के लिए, वाहन मालिकों को वैध प्रदूषण नियंत्रण प्रमाणपत्र भी साथ रखना चाहिए। ऐसा न करने पर 10,000 रुपये का जुर्माना देना पड़ सकता है। क्या दिल्ली के प्रदूषण के लिए कारें जिम्मेदार हैं? इस बात पर बहस जारी है कि दिल्ली के वाहन शहर के प्रदूषण स्तर में कितना योगदान देते हैं। जबकि शहर में देश के किसी भी शहर में वाहनों का घनत्व सबसे अधिक है। कई परिधीय सड़कों ने यह सुनिश्चित किया है कि दिल्ली के लिए जाने वाले वाहनों की आवाजाही को दूसरी तरफ मोड़ दिया जाए। दिलचस्प बात यह है कि सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरमेंट ने इस साल की शुरुआत में एक अध्ययन किया। और पाया कि दिल्ली के प्रदूषण के स्तर में सबसे ज्यादा योगदान स्थानीय स्रोतों का है। इसमें वाहनों से निकलने वाला उत्सर्जन भी शामिल है। आस-पास के राज्यों में पराली जलाना, स्थानीय औद्योगिक इकाइयां और मौसम की स्थिति जैसे अन्य कारक भी इस पर असर डालते हैं। स्वच्छ परिवहन के लिए दिल्ली का कदम दिल्ली का लक्ष्य देश की इलेक्ट्रिक राजधानी बनना है। हालांकि यहां सड़कों पर सीएनजी या कंप्रेस्ड नेचुरल गैस (सीएनजी) काफी आम है। लेकिन इलेक्ट्रिक वाहन बहुत कम हैं। ईवी अपनाने को प्रोत्साहित करने के लिए कई सब्सिडी और योजनाएं हैं। लेकिन इनसे मुख्य रूप से इलेक्ट्रिक दोपहिया वाहनों को मदद मिली है। शहर में इलेक्ट्रिक तिपहिया वाहनों की भी बड़ी संख्या है। जबकि इस साल जुलाई के आखिर तक राजधानी शहर में 1,970 इलेक्ट्रिक बसें थीं। लेकिन सीएनजी वाहन भले ही कम प्रदूषण फैलाते हों। लेकिन इलेक्ट्रिक वाहन वास्तव में गेम चेंजर साबित हो सकते हैं क्योंकि ये शून्य उत्सर्जन वाले वाहन हैं। अतीत में, दिल्ली ने ऑड-ईवन ट्रैफिक सिस्टम के साथ प्रयोग किया है। जिसने इलेक्ट्रिक वाहनों को छूट वाली सूची में डाला था। हवा की गुणवत्ता का विभाजन दिल्ली और आस-पास के इलाकों में AQI सर्दियों के महीनों में चरम पर होता है। और आमतौर पर पूरे साल 'खराब' श्रेणी में रहता है। यह तब होता है जब PM2.5 का स्तर 200 से 300 के बीच होता है। विश्व स्वास्थ्य संगठन के अनुसार, 100 तक PM2.5 का स्तर मध्यम माना जाता है। जबकि 101 से 150 के बीच 'संवेदनशील समूहों के लिए अस्वस्थ' माना जाता है। 150 से 200 के बीच 'अस्वस्थ' माना जाता है। और सभी के लिए अलग-अलग नतीजे होते हैं।

• Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

Delhi Pollution: फिर बढ़ा वायु प्रदूषण का स्तर, जानें क्या दिल्ली-एनसीआर में आप चला सकते हैं अपनी कार?

दिल्ली में प्रदूषण का स्तर एक बार फिर खराब हो गया है। सोमवार को AQI (वायु गुणवत्ता सूचकांक) 'बहुत खराब' श्रेणी में पहुंच गया। प्रदूषण के बिगड़ते स्तर का सीधा नतीजा यह देखने को मिला है कि, केंद्र के वायु गुणवत्ता पैनल ने शहर में GRAP (ग्रेडेड रिस्पांस एक्शन प्लान) स्टेज 3 लागू किया है जिसमें प्रदूषण को कम करने के उद्देश्य से विभिन्न प्रतिबंध और प्रतिबंध लगाए गए हैं। जबकि गैर-जरूरी निर्माण और विध्वंस गतिविधियों पर पूर्ण प्रतिबंध है। शहर में वाहन चालकों को भी एक बार फिर ध्यान रखना होगा। पेट्रोल से चलने वाले वाहन जो बीएस 4 मानदंडों को पूरा नहीं करते हैं, उन्हें राष्ट्रीय राजधानी क्षेत्र या एनसीआर में प्रवेश करने से प्रतिबंधित कर दिया गया है। एनसीआर में दिल्ली, गुरुग्राम, गाजियाबाद, फरीदाबाद और गौतमबुद्ध नगर शामिल हैं। वाहनों से निकलने वाला उत्सर्जन, विशेष रूप से वे जो एक निश्चित आयु सीमा से ज्यादा पुराने हैं, यहां समग्र वायु गुणवत्ता स्तरों में प्रमुख योगदानकर्ताओं में से एक पाए जाते हैं। कितना है जुर्माना BS-3 पेट्रोल या BS-4 डीजल कारों को चलाकर GRAP मानदंडों का उल्लंघन करने पर 20,000 रुपये का ट्रैफिक जुर्माना लगाया जा सकता है। यह भी ध्यान रखना जरूरी है कि जांच से बचने के लिए, वाहन मालिकों को वैध प्रदूषण नियंत्रण प्रमाणपत्र भी साथ रखना चाहिए। ऐसा न करने पर 10,000 रुपये का जुर्माना देना पड़ सकता है। क्या दिल्ली के प्रदूषण के लिए कारें जिम्मेदार हैं? इस बात पर बहस जारी है कि दिल्ली के वाहन शहर के प्रदूषण स्तर में कितना योगदान देते हैं। जबकि शहर में देश के किसी भी शहर में वाहनों का घनत्व सबसे अधिक है। कई परिधीय सड़कों ने यह सुनिश्चित किया है कि दिल्ली के लिए जाने वाले वाहनों की आवाजाही को दूसरी तरफ मोड़ दिया जाए। दिलचस्प बात यह है कि सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरमेंट ने इस साल की शुरुआत में एक अध्ययन किया। और पाया कि दिल्ली के प्रदूषण के स्तर में सबसे ज्यादा योगदान स्थानीय स्रोतों का है। इसमें वाहनों से निकलने वाला उत्सर्जन भी शामिल है। आस-पास के राज्यों में पराली जलाना, स्थानीय औद्योगिक इकाइयां और मौसम की स्थिति जैसे अन्य कारक भी इस पर असर डालते हैं। स्वच्छ परिवहन के लिए दिल्ली का कदम दिल्ली का लक्ष्य देश की इलेक्ट्रिक राजधानी बनना है। हालांकि यहां सड़कों पर सीएनजी या कंप्रेस्ड नेचुरल गैस (सीएनजी) काफी आम है। लेकिन इलेक्ट्रिक वाहन बहुत कम हैं। ईवी अपनाने को प्रोत्साहित करने के लिए कई सब्सिडी और योजनाएं हैं। लेकिन इनसे मुख्य रूप से इलेक्ट्रिक दोपहिया वाहनों को मदद मिली है। शहर में इलेक्ट्रिक तिपहिया वाहनों की भी बड़ी संख्या है। जबकि इस साल जुलाई के आखिर तक राजधानी शहर में 1,970 इलेक्ट्रिक बसें थीं। लेकिन सीएनजी वाहन भले ही कम प्रदूषण फैलाते हों। लेकिन इलेक्ट्रिक वाहन वास्तव में गेम चेंजर साबित हो सकते हैं क्योंकि ये शून्य उत्सर्जन वाले वाहन हैं। अतीत में, दिल्ली ने ऑड-ईवन ट्रैफिक सिस्टम के साथ प्रयोग किया है। जिसने इलेक्ट्रिक वाहनों को छूट वाली सूची में डाला था। हवा की गुणवत्ता का विभाजन दिल्ली और आस-पास के इलाकों में AQI सर्दियों के महीनों में चरम पर होता है। और आमतौर पर पूरे साल 'खराब' श्रेणी में रहता है। यह तब होता है जब PM2.5 का स्तर 200 से 300 के बीच होता है। विश्व स्वास्थ्य संगठन के अनुसार, 100 तक PM2.5 का स्तर मध्यम माना जाता है। जबकि 101 से 150 के बीच 'संवेदनशील समूहों के लिए अस्वस्थ' माना जाता है। 150 से 200 के बीच 'अस्वस्थ' माना जाता है। और सभी के लिए अलग-अलग नतीजे होते हैं।

• Water Programme

72% of urban wastewater flows into rivers, lakes, land untreated: Report

A meagre 28 per cent of the urban wastewater and sewage generated in India undergoes treatment while the rest flows directly into rivers, lakes and land, according to a report by the think tank Centre for Science and Environment. India's urban water crisis could ease if all the wastewater is treated and reused, the report released here on Monday said. Rajiv Kumar Mital, Director General of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), said, "Using and disposing of treated water without harnessing its potential means we are losing out on utilising an important resource. The challenge is to scale up and ensure that the work we do in this sector is impactful." Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) Director General Sunita Narain said India faces significant water scarcity challenges due to rapid urbanisation, industrial growth, population expansion and, most importantly, climate change. "Wastewater reuse can be a key part of the strategy to address these concerns and promote water circularity and sustainability." "In fact, there is an opportunity for turning wastewater into water again and this is what our report's title -- Waste to Worth -- is referring to," Narain added. The Jal Shakti Ministry has mandated that cities must recycle and reuse at least 20 per cent of the water they consume. Subrata Chakraborty, senior programme manager, water programme, CSE, said, "This is in line with the belief that promoting a circular economy is essential for achieving a sustainable and climate-resilient future and for managing the ever-growing demand for freshwater.

• Water Programme

72% Of Urban Wastewater, Sewage Flows Into Rivers, Lakes Untreated: Think Tank

Only 28% of the urban wastewater and sewage generated in India goes through treatment, leaving the rest to flow directly into rivers, lakes and land, think tank Centre for Science and Environment flagged in its latest report. The report, released on Monday, stated that India's urban water crisis would be resolved if all that wastewater was treated and reused. "Using and disposing of treated wate CSE Director General Sunita Narain pointed out that India faces significant water scarcity challenges due to a number of factors, including rapid urbanisation, industrial growth, population expansion and most importantly, climate change. "Wastewater reuse can be a key part of the strategy to address these concerns and promote water circularity and sustainability.In fact, there is an opportunity f "This is in line with the belief that promoting a circular economy is essential for achieving a sustainable and climate-resilient future and for managing the ever-growing demand for freshwater," Subrata Chakraborty, senior programme manager, water programme, CSE, said.

• Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

Cleanest Dec since 2019 in Gurgaon, experts say only because of met factors

Gurgaon: Air pollution in the first half of Dec was the lowest recorded since 2019 – a result that experts say is only because of weather conditions instead of any real change in cutting down sources of emissions on the ground. According to data by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Gurgaon's 24-hour air quality index (AQI) from Dec 1 to Dec 15 was calculated at an average of 196, or ‘poor' category, this year. The month has not seen any ‘severe' air days so far. Instead, there were eight ‘moderate' days and seven ‘poor days' In contrast, the average AQI for the same timeframe last year was 253 (‘very poor'). The month recorded 14 ‘poor' days and one ‘very poor' AQI day in 2023. The last time that the average AQI was better in the first half of Dec was in 2018, when it was recorded at 128. In 2016, when CPCB started keeping data for air quality in the city, the average AQI was 409, or ‘severe'. Dec that year saw nine ‘very poor' air days. Shubhansh Tiwari, a research associate at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), said the daily AQI figures don't show any monumental difference in air quality. "It is just a marginal change when we see year-on-year data. It can be because Gurgaon's air might not be coming from the direction of an industrial belt like Delhi or areas where stubble burning is taking place this year," he said. Tiwari said this Dec, wind speeds were higher, helping disperse pollutants suspended in the air. Data by the Met department shows the average wind speed was 12 kmph this month, compared to 6 kmph during the same period last year. Similarly, Tiwari said, "Temperatures dipped a little later this year. And, in the first week of Dec, the wind direction was southeasterly, which helped too." Unlike northwesterly winds, southwesterly winds typically don't bring in pollutants towards NCR region. Every winter, a mix of cold weather and still winds allows pollutants to remain suspended in the air, creating a blanket of smog over Delhi-NCR. This happens because of a phenomenon called ‘temperature inversion', when a layer of warm air traps cooler air close to the ground, preventing pollutants from rising and dispersing. Higher temperatures don't lead to the occurrence of this phenomenon. Data by the Met department shows that the city's average minimum temperature in Dec 2024 was 8.2°C. For the same period last year, in Dec 2023, the average minimum temperature was 6.8°C. "Cleaner air this year is primarily due to favourable meteorological conditions, not the result of on-ground efforts by govt agencies," said Manoj Kumar, air analyst at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). Forecasts say air quality is expected to worsen. Wind speed, which is between 4-6 kmph, will decrease over the next three days and AQI is likely to be ‘poor' and ‘very poor', according to central govt's System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (Safar).

• Down To Earth

2024 in review: India’s race for sustainable survival as climate crisis deepens

The year is set to end as the hottest on record, marking the second consecutive year of unprecedented warming after 2023 claimed the same title. Escalating global warming is driving extreme weather events, resulting in significant human and economic losses. In India alone, in just the first nine months of the year, 3,238 lives were lost to such events, compared to 2,923 in the same period in 2023, according to the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), a think tank. Data from the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service shows that that average global temperature in nine out of the first 11 months in 2024 was already 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Scientists warn that extreme heat is likely to continue into early 2025.