• 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.

• Website

Illegal constructions continue to erode Dal Lake’s ecosystem & heritage

Illegal constructions and encroachments around Dal Lake continue to threaten its ecological balance, despite ongoing regulations and conservation initiatives. Unauthorized developments remain widespread in areas such as Harwan, Wangund Teilbal, Ishber, Baba Demb, Rainawari, Saidakadal, and Dalgate. Over the years, a range of illegal structures—from small shops and residences to large-scale commercial buildings—have emerged both inside and along the banks of Dal Lake. Most of these developments have been built without proper permits, leading to environmental degradation and significant alterations to the lake’s delicate ecosystem. In many instances, residents have bypassed regulations by transporting construction materials into the lake’s interior, constructing in areas lacking road connectivity. Dal Lake, which once spanned 75 square kilometers in 1200 AD, shrank to 25 square kilometers by the 1980s and now covers just over 20.3 square kilometers. This alarming reduction underscores the devastating impact of encroachments and illegal developments. Experts point to urbanization, encroachment, and the expansion of floating gardens as major contributors to the lake’s shrinking size. Reports from the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) and the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) highlight rapid urbanization and encroachments as key factors in the lake’s degradation. The disappearance of wetlands, disruption of natural drainage patterns, and unplanned urban development have heightened environmental risks, making the region more vulnerable to flooding and other natural disasters. The CSE report also reveals that more than 50% of Srinagar’s lakes and wetlands have been encroached upon over the past century, largely for construction purposes. In 2014, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court imposed a ban on the construction of illegal structures around Dal Lake. The court also established a committee to prepare a detailed report on the lake’s situation, with recommendations for its conservation. Despite these efforts, illegal constructions continue to thrive, with minimal impact on curbing encroachments. The government launched a Rs 273-crore conservation plan, aimed at dredging the lake, managing its catchment areas, and developing a sewerage network. However, concerns have been raised about the plan’s lack of effective execution and oversight, leaving many questioning its long-term viability. Additionally, the relocation of thousands of residents from around Dal Lake has been part of the government’s effort to combat encroachments. Over 10,000 people have been moved to areas such as Boatmen Colony and Rakh-e-Arth Colony in Bemina, and Fishermen Colony in Habbak Shanpora. However, the relocation plan has faced criticism, with many residents claiming that these new areas do not provide sufficient support for their livelihoods. “We are open to relocation, but the government’s policy is ineffective. They move us to areas that neither support our livelihoods nor provide basic facilities,” said Inam, a Dal dweller. Manzoor Pakhtoon, President of the Houseboat Owners Association (HBOA), voiced similar concerns. “Many dwellers are ready to relocate, but the government’s policy lacks efficiency. If the government is relocating them, it must ensure they are provided with assets equivalent to what they previously owned,” he said. He also emphasized that dwellers should not sublet their premises, as it undermines the efforts to clear Dal Lake. Activists are calling for urgent action. Tariq Ahmad Patloo, a social activist leading a campaign to save Dal Lake, warned, “If we don’t act now, we may lose Dal Lake forever. Illegal constructions and ineffective policies are pushing the lake to the brink.” While government conservation efforts are a step in the right direction, experts believe that these measures will only succeed if illegal constructions are controlled, and a comprehensive, long-term plan is implemented to restore the lake’s ecosystem. The relocation process must be carefully managed, ensuring adequate compensation and support to protect residents’ livelihoods. “If the government wants to relocate us, they should ensure we are settled in places that allow us to live with dignity,” said Shabir, a Dal dweller. Repeated attempts to contact Mohammad Younis Malik, Vice-Chairman of the Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA), for the comment on the issue went unanswered.

• Water Programme

Sacred Indian River Polluted

India’s Yamuna River is considered sacred by some devout Hindus, who bathe in the river to cleanse their sins. But around New Delhi it has become polluted with raw sewage and a thick off-white foam linked to laundry detergents. Susmita Sengupta of the Centre for Science and Environment joins Host Jenni Doering to talk about the causes and possible solutions to this ongoing river pollution crisis. DOERING: And I’m Jenni Doering. India is home to mighty rivers that are the lifeblood of its economy and food system, and are worshipped by some as sacred. The holy Yamuna River serves some 57 million people but around New Delhi, it has become choked with a thick off-white foam that’s in part the result of detergents flowing untreated from laundries and households. And that’s just the most visible pollutant. Raw sewage is contaminating the Yamuna river with high levels of fecal coliform. Despite government warnings about the health risks, some Hindu worshippers are wading in anyway in hopes of cleansing their sins. Susmita Sengupta covers water pollution as Senior Program Manager for the Centre for Science and Environment and joins me now from Delhi. Welcome to Living on Earth! SENGUPTA: Thank you. It's my pleasure. DOERING: So first, what and where is the Yamuna River? SENGUPTA: Yamuna River actually flows through Delhi. So it's very important for Delhi, because our major drinking water supply is coming from Yamuna. Yamuna is also a tributary of our National River, Ganga, and feeds into the other states, also. Uttar Pradesh in the downstream and Haryana in the upstream. But although it's just a very small fraction of Yamuna that is flowing into Delhi, 80% of the polluted stretch is in the capital city of Delhi. DOERING: Wow. And we've seen these pictures... One of the most striking visuals we've seen is the foam that's covering parts of the river around New Delhi. What exactly is this foam? SENGUPTA: Before telling that, let me tell you that Delhi as a city is 50% sewage, which means that the households they... Whatever sewage they are generating, only 50% of it is connected to the sewage treatment plants and can go there and get treated. So, remaining 50% is actually dumped in different open natural drains. We have more than 20 natural drains which are supposed to carry the rain water, but due to the absence of proper sewer in the city, the sewage also gets dumped into the same open natural channels along with the rain water. So I should tell you that for Yamuna pollution, the domestic sewage is a most important pollution that is entering into the river. The Ganga and its tributaries they get polluted due to industrial waste in the upper stretches, also in the lower stretches near Kanpur, which is actually marked as a pollution hub. But in Delhi, it's mostly the domestic sewage. Now, what happens laundries which actually use detergents, and there are also the houses which are using these detergents. So as a result, the phosphates that are generated are flowing into the river, and the foam is because of [those] phosphates. DOERING: And how much farming is there around this region, and how much is fertilizer or other products from farms getting into the river as well? SENGUPTA: There is a big part where farming is getting done on the Yamuna flood plains and chemical fertilizers on they are being used, although there is a good awareness about this fertilizer, and people are moving into organic fertilizers. But still, there is a huge part of farmers who believe in these chemical fertilizers, and as a result, some nitrates also get into this river due to the chemical fertilizers. In Hindu culture, bathing in sacred rivers like the Yamuna is a spiritual practice believed to purify the body and soul. However, the severe pollution in the Yamuna poses a significant challenge, as its once-pure waters are now unsafe for bathing, threatening both public health and the cultural tradition. (Photo: Frank Holleman on Unsplash) DOERING: So how is all of this pollution impacting the river's ecosystem and the communities that depend on it for their livelihoods? SENGUPTA: The pollution in Delhi is very high. 80% of the pollution is happening only in Delhi. And Delhi, on the other hand, they actually get the whole of the drinking water supply from this river. Now, what is happening? If you get your river polluted, then the cost of the water treatment becomes high, very high. If raw sewage is entering, what happens is fecal coliform which is actually getting into the river... So it's very high. The permissible limit is 2500 MPN per 100 milliliter, but it's actually in a millions. The river enters into Delhi, near Palla, where you will find that the fecal coliform is slightly low, but not within the permissible limit. But as it enters into the city, will see the fecal coli form very high. And also, there are some religious programs around this river, because in India, we also worship the river. As a result, when people go and take a bath, it's not fit for open bathing also. The quality has deteriorated to that level that it's not permissible for outdoor bathing, so that also affects the health of the people. DOERING: Did I just hear you correctly? You said that the levels of fecal coliform are in the millions when they really should be more in the thousands. And yet, as you mentioned, this river is considered sacred. Can you tell us more about the cultural practices and why people have such a close relationship with this river? SENGUPTA: Reason behind that, that every city had a river or a pond or a lake around which the city grew up, and all the needs of that city for water actually came from this water body. So, since they were relying on these water bodies, they began worshiping it. So bathing -- Why bathing? Because people think, since they actually worship these water bodies, and since it's always compared to one's mother, so people think that when you take a dip in the river, then your sins are actually washed away. DOERING: Now what are the health risks that we know about, of coming into contact with this foam and with this pollution in the river? SENGUPTA: So, if people take dip in this river, then obviously there are skin problems, because, as I told you, the detergents are actually released, so you have a skin problem. And during swimming and taking a dip in the river, some part of water, if it gets into your intestine, then intestinal problems also take place. And because nitrates, phosphates, fecal coliform, you name it, and it's there.

• Climate Change and Green Economy

India’s green leap: How carbon credit trading scheme can help and what are the challenges it faces

India’s ambitious climate goals and its pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, necessitate innovative solutions. The Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) can be a pivotal instrument to drive this transition. By establishing a market-based mechanism to incentivise emissions reduction, the CCTS aims to foster green growth, attract investments, and contribute to global climate action. Understanding the CCTS The CCTS is a market-based mechanism to check emissions. It operates on a cap-and-trade system. Industries are allocated a certain amount of carbon emissions, represented by carbon credits. If they exceed their limit, they must purchase additional credits from those who have surplus. Conversely, if they reduce emissions below their cap, they can sell their excess credits. This market-based approach encourages industries to adopt cleaner technologies and practices, ultimately reducing their carbon footprint. Assistant Professor Srijith Mohanan, JAGSoM, Bengaluru, says, “The new CCTS framework is a step in the right direction. It underscores our commitment to sustainable growth – creating a market-based mechanism to incentivise technology investments to reduce emissions. While the policy is comprehensive and progressive, implementation would be the key to achieving our NDC goals for 2030.” Therefore, setting up an efficient, transparent and credible CCC issuance system would be central to defining the success level of the new CCTS framework,” he adds. Role of technology and international collaboration Technology plays a crucial role in the success of the CCTS. Blockchain technology can enhance transparency and security in carbon credit trading. Artificial intelligence and Machine Learning can be employed to optimise emissions reduction strategies and identify new opportunities. International collaboration is also essential for the growth of India’s carbon market. By aligning with global standards and participating in international carbon markets, India can attract foreign investment, promote technology transfer, and contribute to global climate action. The success of India’s carbon market also depends on the availability of skilled professionals. As Vijayaraj Palaniraj, Head of Talent Acquisition at EQ India, emphasises, “Financial Services is a high trust industry and hence, the key competency is the ability to understand risk, adhere to processes and the ability to call out anything that doesn’t fit the picture.” By developing a skilled workforce, India can ensure the effective implementation and management of the CCTS. Challenges and opportunities While the CCTS holds immense potential, several challenges need to be addressed to ensure its success. Therefore, setting up an efficient, transparent and credible CCC issuance system would be central to defining the success level of the new CCTS framework,” he adds. Role of technology and international collaboration Technology plays a crucial role in the success of the CCTS. Blockchain technology can enhance transparency and security in carbon credit trading. Artificial intelligence and Machine Learning can be employed to optimise emissions reduction strategies and identify new opportunities. International collaboration is also essential for the growth of India’s carbon market. By aligning with global standards and participating in international carbon markets, India can attract foreign investment, promote technology transfer, and contribute to global climate action. The success of India’s carbon market also depends on the availability of skilled professionals. As Vijayaraj Palaniraj, Head of Talent Acquisition at EQ India, emphasises, “Financial Services is a high trust industry and hence, the key competency is the ability to understand risk, adhere to processes and the ability to call out anything that doesn’t fit the picture.” By developing a skilled workforce, India can ensure the effective implementation and management of the CCTS. Challenges and opportunities While the CCTS holds immense potential, several challenges need to be addressed to ensure its success. Addressing social and environmental impacts: The transition to a low-carbon economy should be equitable and inclusive. It’s important to consider the social and economic impacts on workers, communities, and vulnerable populations. There should be great emphasis on sustainable land usage. Carbon sequestration projects, such as afforestation and reforestation, should be carefully planned and implemented to avoid unintended consequences like deforestation and land degradation. Respecting the rights of indigenous communities and ensuring their involvement in decision-making processes is crucial. Protecting community rights Satyam Vyas, Founder and CEO of Climate Asia, says India’s carbon markets can be powerful tools for social equity and environmental justice when inclusively designed. He cites the example of Kenya’s Kasigau Corridor REDD+ Project which demonstrates how carbon credits support local development by creating jobs in agroforestry and forest protection and reducing emissions. “Similar models in India could focus on renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and forest preservation, benefiting rural and tribal areas. The Global Commission on Adaptation (2019) supports this approach, emphasising community-led adaptation as central to resilience,” he elaborates. This will not only bring about sustainability but also protect the community’s interests. Successful models like the Fairtrade Carbon Credits Initiative return revenue to local farmers and cooperatives, benefiting smallholders through emissions reduction projects. India could similarly establish community-owned projects where carbon revenues support sustainable agriculture and energy initiatives. IIED’s Report on Equitable Carbon Markets (2021) also underscores the importance of community-centred benefit-sharing agreements. South Africa’s carbon market offers another example by using transparent monitoring and grievance redressal systems to protect community rights and interests. Role of civil society and the private sector Civil society organisations can play a crucial role in monitoring and advocating for the integrity of the carbon market. They can also help raise awareness about climate change and promote sustainable practices. The private sector, including corporations and financial institutions, has a significant role to play in driving the transition to a low-carbon economy. By investing in clean technologies, adopting sustainable business practices, and supporting carbon offset projects, businesses can contribute to a greener future. Satyam Vyas says that Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) are essential for building a credible and equitable carbon market. Globally, organisations like the Environmental Defence Fund demonstrate how independent monitoring can reinforce transparency. In India, organisations like the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) play a similar role, providing on-the-ground data, educating communities, and bridging policy-practice gaps. The World Resources Institute (2021) highlights CSOs’ role in enhancing accountability and building community capacity, enabling local groups to manage and benefit directly from carbon projects.

• Director General Office

Visual Ode to North Bihar’s Resilience

The India International Centre Annexe recently hosted a compelling photo exhibition, Portraits of Persistence: Enduring Communities of North Bihar, as part of the Visual Kathã series. It was inaugurated by Sunita Narain, Director General of the Centre for Science and Environment, the exhibition offered a powerful portrayal of North Bihar’s rural communities and their resilience in the face of relentless annual flooding. Curated by Eklavya Prasad, a social development professional and photographer, the exhibition presented a poignant visual narrative of submerged homes, devastated farmlands, and fractured infrastructure. Prasad’s photographs documented not only the immediate impacts of flooding but also the long-term transformations it imposes on livelihoods and societal structures. Amidst these challenges, the exhibition celebrated stories of adaptation, ingenuity, and survival, showcasing community-driven solutions and innovative coping mechanisms. Prasad, reflecting on his nearly two decades of grassroots work with Megh Pyne Abhiyan, shared that the exhibition was born from his desire to inspire sustainable interventions for flood-affected regions. His images shed light on the everyday heroism of these communities, demonstrating their strength in adapting to nature’s adversities. Sunita Narain, in her inaugural address, commended the series for its depth and impact. She highlighted how the exhibition went beyond capturing the seasonal aftermath of floods to reveal the year-round struggles of these communities. She also stressed its relevance in the era of climate change, urging the need for focused and sustainable solutions. The exhibition concluded, leaving visitors with a profound appreciation for the resilience of North Bihar’s flood-affected communities.

• Solid Waste Management and Circular Economy

How to clean up India’s filthy cities

PANJIM, THE capital of the Indian state of Goa, is known for its pretty churches and Indo-Portuguese homes. But 20 years ago it looked like any other Indian city: filthy. Some 1,500 community waste-collection bins overflowed with mixed rubbish. Their contents were dumped beside a nearby village, growing into a mountain of garbage. Eventually, in the monsoon of 2005, the trash-heap collapsed, sending refuse into homes. Revolted, villages revolted; the site was closed. City officials looked for another site but no one would take their waste. Panjim today is a very different place. The city replaced its system of bins with door-to-door collection. Blocks of flats must segregate their rubbish into wet (mostly, food) waste used for compost and biogas, and 16 categories of dry, including one just for coconuts. (Goans consume five to eight coconuts per person each month; the national average is less than one.) The state has a no-landfill policy. It took time, political will, carrots and sticks, but by 2021 99% of the waste collected in Panjim was segregated at source, 80% was processed and 90% of streets efficiently swept, according to a report by NITI Aayog, a government think-tank, and the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), another think-tank in Delhi. A system born of crisis is today cited as an example of “best practices” for other cities to follow. Yet these models remain isolated bright spots. Much of India is covered under a shroud of plastic bags, snack packets, drink bottles and organic and human waste. A fifth of the population has no waste collection. Piles of garbage fester at street corners and along main roads and railway tracks. The problem is becoming more urgent: urban India generated some 50m tonnes of municipal solid waste in 2021. That is likely to jump to 125m tonnes by 2031, according to CSE. “We have achieved rocket science but we are not able to achieve [a] three-bin system,” laments Shobha Raghavan of Saahas Zero Waste, a waste-management firm. As the quantity of rubbish grows, its nature and harms are changing too. Most of India’s waste used to be organic. Now the share of non-biodegradable waste is climbing. India today has more consumer goods, and more people with more money to spend on those goods. The growth of e-commerce and food-delivery apps has led to a rising tide of packaging. Rubbish is not just malodorous and unsightly. In cities it spreads disease and attracts vermin. In the countryside it contaminates the soil and pollutes water sources. And in many places without organised collection and processing, waste is simply burnt—or, in methane-emitting landfills, spontaneously combusts—exacerbating India’s air-pollution crisis. Under Narendra Modi, the prime minister, India has prioritised cleanliness. In 2016 the government framed national rules for the management of solid waste, which among other things mandated waste segregation. In late 2021 Mr Modi launched a new iteration of his government’s flagship “Swachh Bharat Mission”, or “Clean India Mission”, which until then had mostly focused, with some success, on building toilets and eradicating open defecation. The newer programme’s goal is to make all Indian cities garbage-free. The central government has earmarked 365bn rupees ($4.3bn) for the effort. A rising tide of packaging The way to fix India’s rubbish crisis is difficult but it is not complicated. The most important element is waste-sorting by homes, offices and shops. Cities should start with modest aims, asking for wet and dry segregation, before adding categories for recyclables and sanitary waste. Simple nudges, such as collecting different types of waste on different days, can help. Efforts to educate citizens and incentivise compliance must be consistent, too. All this requires political will. Goa was fortunate: its efforts to clean up have been supported by leaders of various political stripes. “Now for Goa, this is irreversible,” says Sanjit Rodrigues, an official who has spearheaded the state’s waste-management overhaul. But elsewhere in India “there is no political ownership of the agenda,” says Srikanth Viswanathan of Janaagraha, an NGO. Elected officials in cities have limited power. At the level of states, politicians have little interest in something as unsexy as waste management. “I have not seen a single politician win or lose an election on the issue of garbage and sanitation,” says Ankur Bisen, the author of “Wasted”, a book about sanitation in India. India’s biggest cities are the worst laggards. Mumbai mandated waste segregation in 2016. Today only about a quarter of its wet waste is properly sorted, says Mahendra Ananthula at Antony Waste, a firm that handles much of the city’s rubbish. For an extremely dense city, with about half its population living in slums, “that’s not a bad achievement,” he says. But nor is it something to boast about. Instead, it is smaller cities that are leading the way on waste management. They face less interference from state leaders and there is less resistance from politicians to giving them some autonomy. They “still have the ability to do better governance and are able to do this faster and better,” says Sunita Narain, the head of CSE. Panjim and many other small cities have proved it is possible to clean up India. Until Mumbaikars and Bangaloreans demand better, they can only look on in envy.■