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Urban sustainability expert Rajneesh Sareen joins the jury panel of the Times Internet Ecopreneur Awards 2026

Times Internet Ecopreneur award have emerged as a platform that celebrates people, businesses, and institutions working for a Sustainable future. As environment consciousness become important in today’s world, it works as a platform that brings together distinguished jury members from different industries to recognise, judge and award the changemakers. In the jury panel we have Rajneesh Sareen, who is the Programme Director for the Sustainable Buildings and Habitat Programme at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), he works on a question that is extremely important today - how do we keep our rapidly expanding cities livable on a warming planet? Rajneesh work is about finding practical solutions for energy-efficient buildings and smart water management. A Critical Voice at the Ecopreneur Awards 2026 The understanding of urban environments is the reason why Sareen is stepping in as a jury member for the Times Internet Ecopreneur Awards 2026. The awards are designed to spotlight the startups, organizations, and individuals who are actually moving the needle on environmental impact across multiple sectors. Having someone like Sareen on the panel ensures that the ideas being celebrated aren't just ambitious, but measurable, highly scalable, and capable of driving real-world change. Sareen isn't just speaking from the sidelines. Trained at the prestigious School of Planning and Architecture, he has experience of working at the British High Commission, the US Embassy, WWF-India, and IRG Systems South Asia before he eventually anchored himself at CSE. He is also described as an IEMA-certified advanced environmental systems auditor. He is involved in decoding carbon footprints, pushing for green construction, and figuring out what to do with massive amounts of construction waste. When you look at the sheer scale of urbanization happening right now, these aren't just niche environmental concerns; they are absolute necessities for urban survival. Other Jury Members Ecopreneur Jury member Alongside Rajneesh Sareen, the distinguished jury panel for the TOI Ecopreneur Awards 2026 includes Blossom Kochhar, Clean beauty expert; Bhupinder Bhalla, IAS, former Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy; Peepal Baba, Founder and Managing Trustee of Give Me Trees Trust; and renowned designer and sustainability advocate Ritu Beri. Bringing together expertise from environmental policy, renewable energy, grassroots conservation, sustainable design, and green entrepreneurship, the jury represents a diverse cross-section of leaders driving India's sustainability agenda. Times Internet Ecopreneur Awards 2026 The awards encourage a new generation of entrepreneurs who believe profitability and sustainability together are not far-fetched concepts. From startups experimenting with clean technologies to established firms redesigning operations with environmental goals in mind, the initiative highlights businesses that are creating measurable impact rather than merely promoting green branding. The Ecopreneur Awards is nominating in 25 different categories of sustainable innovation across different verticals. Among the categories featured this year are EcoTech & Climate Innovation, Sustainable Mobility & EV Ecosystem, Circular Economy & Recycling, Water Conservation & Management, Sustainable Fashion & Textiles, Women-Led Green Enterprises, and Youth-Led Climate Action. The awards also include recognition for large organisations implementing enterprise-wide sustainability transformations as well as individuals with long-standing contributions to environmental leadership. Getting through the Times Internet Ecopreneur Awards takes a lot more than just throwing around eco-friendly buzzwords. Our expert jury puts every single entry through a serious reality check, evaluating your business from every possible angle from the uniqueness of your innovation and the strength of your business model to its scalability and the actual, measurable impact it has on the planet and society.

सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरमेंट ने परखी गायत्री गंगा की हकीकत

सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरमेंट (सीएसई) की दो सदस्यीय टीम ने मंगलवार को कस्बे की गायत्री गंगा (करोड़न नाला) का निरीक्षण किया। इस दौरान विकास, स्वच्छता एवं जल प्रदूषण की स्थिति का जायजा लिया। निरीक्षण के दौरान टीम ने गायत्री गंगा के संबंध में समाजसेवी राजेश कुमार शिवहरे से विस्तृत जानकारी प्राप्त की। उन्होंने बताया कि लगभग 35 किलोमीटर लंबी इस जलधारा में कई छोटे-बड़े नाले तथा नहरों के टेल मिलते हैं, जिससे इसमें वर्षभर पानी बना रहता है। कस्बे के पश्चिमी क्षेत्र के गांवों में इसे नाला कहा जाता है, जबकि पूर्वी क्षेत्र के ग्रामीण इसे नदी के रूप में जानते हैं। उन्होंने बताया कि करीब सात दशक पूर्व ब्रह्मलीन संत स्वामी रोटीराम महाराज नागा स्वामी ने इस जलधारा को गायत्री गंगा नाम दिया था। तब से स्थानीय लोग इसे इसी नाम से जानते हैं। टीम को जल शक्ति मंत्रालय के निरीक्षण सहित अन्य महत्वपूर्ण जानकारियां भी उपलब्ध कराई गईं। संस्था के सदस्य विवेक मिश्रा एवं विकास चौधरी ने बताया कि गायत्री गंगा की वर्तमान स्थिति, जल प्रदूषण और विकास संबंधी संभावनाओं पर विस्तृत रिपोर्ट तैयार की जाएगी। रिपोर्ट के आधार पर संस्था राष्ट्रीय हरित अधिकरण (एनजीटी) में इसके संरक्षण एवं विकास के लिए प्रभावी पैरवी करेगी।

CAQM extends alternative fuel relaxation forDelhi-NCR, experts say electrification ofindustries is key

New Delhi: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has extended the temporary relaxation allowing industries, hotels, restaurants and other enterprises in Delhi-NCR to use alternative fuels such as high-speed diesel (HSD), biomass and refuse-derived fuel (RDF) pellets in place of natural gas, citing disruptions in global energy supplies. The temporary use of coal and kerosene has also been allowed in case of limitation in availability of such alternative fuels. The temporary relaxation on the use of alternative fuel has been in force since March 13. CAQM said the ministry of petroleum and natural gas has communicated to the commission that the disruption in natural gas supply, which started early March 2026 due to geopolitical developments in West Asia, continues to persist. In an order dated June 12, CAQM said the relaxation has been extended till Aug 18, or until normalcy in gas supplies is restored However, since industries remain heavily dependent on fossil fuel, experts stressed that electrification of certain industrial processes would reduce dependence on natural gas and help improve air quality. Sunil Dahiya, founder of think tank Envirocatalyst, said, “Electrification is essential. It can provide a more stable energy source while reducing pollution. For example, light engineering and metal-processing units in Wazirpur, Mayapuri, Sahibabad and Kundli can replace fossil fuel-based heating chambers with electrically powered furnaces.” He added that industries involved in chemicals, plastics and rubber manufacturing could transition to fully electric moulding equipment and electric heating systems for moulds and processing units. Such industrial clusters are located in Narela, Bawana, Loni Industrial Area in Ghaziabad, Jhajjar and Alwar. Similarly, units involved in manufacturing of heavy manufacturing and auto components can adopt electric induction and resistance-based heating systems for forging and metal treatment processes, replacing oil-based furnaces. Industrial pollution is one of the major factors contributing to Delhi’s air quality. A 2018 joint study by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) stated that industries contribute to 22% of PM10 and 22% of PM2.5 to Delhi’s air pollution during the summer season. These figures rise to 27% and 30%, respectively, in winter. According to Nivit Yadav, programme director, sustainable industrialisation and renewable energy unit, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), the ongoing fuel crisis has highlighted the need to be better prepared for future disruptions. “Since India has limited oil and gas resources, we need to tap into solar energy more aggressively. Govt should establish clear timelines for electrification across sectors, beginning with transport and then moving to industries, supported by sector-specific roadmaps,” he said. Govt should invest in studies to identify industrial processes that can be electrified and understand the barriers to adoption, he said. “Grid electricity remains expensive, so incentives should be provided to make solar power more affordable. Many small-scale industries use boilers that contribute significantly to PM2.5 emissions. Such units should be encouraged to transition to electric boilers,” he added.

NCR Clean-Air Drive Gets First OEM Partner, Transporters Question Viability

In a step towards making the National Capital Region’s air cleaner, the central government on Monday signed an MoU with Ashok Leyland under its ambitious old vehicle replacement scheme. According to government estimates, the scheme is expected to benefit around 2.07 lakh commercial vehicle owners across Delhi-NCR, including nearly 1.91 lakh trucks and over 16,000 buses. Owners of BS-IV and older vehicles will be incentivised to replace their fleets with cleaner alternatives, while BS-III and older vehicles will have to be scrapped at authorised vehicle scrapping facilities. To kick start the ₹9,585-crore clean-air initiative for Delhi-NCR, this is the first Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) roped in by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). The MoU also has Ashok Leyland’s electric mobility arm, Switch Mobility, as another OEM. Under the MoU, the companies will offer an 8% discount on the ex-showroom price of eligible vehicles purchased under the programme. For electric vehicles, the discount will be capped at the level applicable to an equivalent internal combustion engine vehicle category. The scheme offers a broader package of incentives to encourage fleet owners to retire older commercial vehicles. Apart from the OEM discount, the Centre will provide a 5% interest subvention on loans and monthly fuel vouchers for five years. Participating state governments will provide up to 100% concession on motor vehicle tax for ten years and waive registration fees for eligible beneficiaries. The government expects more automobile manufacturers to join the programme in the coming weeks. Transporters and Experts Caution However, the transporters believe the success of this scheme will be limited since the majority of the BS-IV heavy vehicles are relatively new and it may not be financially viable to switch to a new vehicle. Rajendra Kapoor, President of All India Motors and Goods Transport Association, says “60-70% of the BS-IV trucks are only 5-6years old. Owners still have lakhs in EMIs to pay. How can they afford to switch to a new vehicle and begin another EMI?” While experts do welcome the development, they too hope for a favorable ‘math’. “For owners running fully depreciated trucks, the math still has to work in their favour. Owners of older trucks are running them because they’re cheap to operate, so the scrappage or resale math needs to actually beat the cost of keeping an old vehicle running,” says Moushumi Mohanty of Center for Science and Environment. Transporters also suspect a sudden increase in scrapping of older vehicles could significantly impact the resale price and distort the market to the disadvantage of heavy-vehicle owners. “Such distortion could badly hurt the financial health of small and medium transporters who own less than 10 vehicles,” said Rajendra Kapoor. According to a study by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), the transport sector contributes 14% of PM2.5 pollution in Delhi-NCR. Trucks and buses alone account for 36% of such PM2.5 emissions despite constituting only around 3% of the vehicle fleet. However, any future impact of the scheme could be reduced if vehicles from outside the region continue to enter NCR. “Unless paired with strict entry checks, the same ‘retired’ diesel truck could be rerouted to NCR through migrating their registration, and ultimately blunting any positive impact of the air,” concludes Moushumi Mohanty.

El Niño, amplified

THE PLANET is hurtling towards an El Niño during the northern hemisphere summer of 2026. Forecasts suggest it could rival the episode of 1876-78, the strongest on record, which triggered droughts and famines across large parts of the world and contributed to the deaths of 50 million people. On June 2, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) said there was an 80 per cent chance of El Niño conditions developing in the equatorial Pacific between June and August, rising to a 90 per cent chance that it would persist until at least November. A day earlier, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) put the odds of El Niño emerging between May and July at 82 per cent, and estimated a 96 per cent chance that it would continue through the northern hemisphere winter of 2026-27.

A Fatal Climate Disconnect

In Bonn, Germany, India’s second secretary Harkeerat Singh Randhawa delivered a stark message to UN climate negotiators: “No new issues or obligations beyond agreed mandates should be considered.” Expressing the nation’s concern over declining climate financing from developed countries. The Indian statement explicitly demanded focus on the implementation of existing commitments, particularly Article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement, which mandates developed countries provide climate financing to developing nations. This comes against a backdrop of unprecedented climate disasters claiming thousands of lives across India. India ranks ninth globally among countries most impacted by climate disasters over the past three decades, with nearly 430 extreme weather events killing more than 80,000 people since 1993. In 2024 alone, 8 million people were impacted by monsoon rains and flash floods, especially in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tripura. India faces global challenges in climate finance, which remains skewed towards solar, wind energy and energy efficiency, while critical areas, including adaptation, remain underfunded. Widening Adaptation Gap India’s statement rued declining climate fund replenishments and a widening adaptation finance gap, but the numbers reveal a crisis far deeper than Delhi acknowledges. The UNEP’s Adaptation Gap Report 2024 shows: Global adaptation finance gap: $187 billion to $359 billion annually Developing countries will need $310-$365 billion annually by 2035, while current flows are only $26 billion International public adaptation finance rose from $22 billion (2021) to $28 billion (2022). But meeting the Glasgow commitment to double adaptation finance by 2025 would close only around 5% of the gap. India specifics: 83% of mitigation finance and 98% of adaptation finance is sourced domestically Adaptation receives only 33% of climate finance as investors favor mitigation projects Least developed countries got only 19.5% and small island states just 2.9% of total public climate finance, with over half as repayable loans The statement’s positives include implementation focus and health alignment and be weighed against the negatives of funding gaps and India’s absence from fossil fuel transition dialogues. With climate disasters occurring on 99% of days in 2025, the window for normal weather is shrinking, making India’s potential beneficiary status at COP31 critical for addressing its climate-health crisis. The Union Ministry of Statistics’ ENVISTATS India Report reveals a horrifying trajectory: fatalities from extreme natural events in India have risen by nearly 269% over the past 25 years, climbing from 834 deaths in 2001–02 to 3,080 deaths in 2024–25. These statistics or the climate casualties India cannot ignore. And as per the data published by Centre for Science and Environment for the first 9 month of 2025, the country faced extreme weather events on 99 per cent of days, marked by heat and cold waves, lightning and storms, heavy rain, floods and landslides. That is 331 of 334 days. These events claimed 4,064 lives, affected 9.47 million hectares of crops, destroyed 99,533 houses, and killed approximately 58,982 animals. And CSE did clarify that this reported damage is likely an underestimate due to incomplete data collection on event-specific losses, particularly public property and crop damage. This isn’t gradual climate change but a catastrophic acceleration. In 2024, Kerala reported the maximum deaths from floods (550), while Bihar saw the highest lightning fatalities. Every passing year, the numbers are rising. Heatstroke: The Invisible Killer The Heat Watch 2024 report, Struck by Heat: A News Analysis of Heat Stroke Deaths in India in 2024, documents 733 heatstroke deaths across 17 states between March and June 2024. This contradicts the government’s RTI response claiming only 14 confirmed deaths—the discrepancy reveals how official counts systematically undercount heat-related fatalities. The 2024 Indian heat wave reached 50.5°C in Churu, Rajasthan. In 2025, Ganganagar recorded the highest temperature a degree less than from the 2024 peak. But 2025 shattered all records. The Centre for Science and Environment’s Climate India 2025 report reveals that India witnessed extreme weather on all 122 monsoon days in 2025, with heavy rain, floods, and landslides. 2026 summer is no different. Nagpur Maharashtra recorded higher than usual temperature already. The Five-Year Toll A Parliament reply on December 9, 2025, revealed hydro-met disasters killed 13,384 people between 2020-21 and 2025-26. In 2024-25 it recorded 2,979 lives lost, highest in a single year. In 2023-24, 2,849 deaths were recorded, followed by 2,388 deaths till 23 November 2025. Strategic Alignment with Health Advocacy India could be a major beneficiary if climate change-linked health issues are prioritized at COP31 in Antalya, Turkey. India faces an unprecedented and severe public health crisis linked to intensifying climate change. As India refuses new obligations, 74 global organizations demanded in Bonn that health be made central to COP31 negotiations in November 2026. The advocacy coalition—including 350.org, The Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change, and GCHA. Highlights Health should be central to all themes (energy, transport, industry, agriculture, waste, adaptation) Health should be included systematically in climate policies Mitigate climate-related health risks and inequalities, enhancing social resilience India’s climate casualties aren’t a future threat—they’re a current mass mortality event. And I personally feel, India’s climate statement must evolve from defensive negotiation to decisive action. The country cannot wait for another COP, another mandate, or another year of 4,000 deaths. What’s needed is immediate. The time for hedging is over—climate action must be mandatory, not voluntary, urgent, and NON-NEGOTIABLE.

European Union border tax tests India’s small iron and steel businesses

CBAM has been criticised for going against this principle as it shifts this burden onto developing countries that have contributed little to the crisis, according to a 2024 report by New Delhi-based think tank, Centre for Science and Environment. Inside a foundry in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, work never stops. Workers come in shifts, put on yellow helmets and safety goggles, and toil for at least eight hours indoors where temperatures reach up to 50°C. With precision, they toss blocks of pig iron — derived from iron ore — and scrap (recycled steel) into a furnace operating at around 1,600°C. Once the metal melts, it is quickly poured into a mould, taking the shape of a pump, an automobile part, or another industrial component. Once cooled and solidified, these castings are shipped to customers in India and overseas. This is a regular day at Caspro Metal Industries Private Limited, a company that manufactures 30,000 tonnes of metal castings annually from its base in Kolhapur. Of this, 15-20% is shipped to the European Union (EU). The company has enjoyed a two-decade-long trading partnership with the EU, but that relationship now appears to be on shaky ground. In 2024, its importers in Germany flagged a new EU climate regulation. “This is going to be a huge add-on cost for us,” said Vijay Patil, Manager at Caspro, at his office in Kolhapur. The regulation in question is the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). First proposed by the EU in 2021, CBAM imposes a tax on the greenhouse gas content of imported goods, covering sectors including iron and steel, cement, aluminium, and fertilisers. In October 2023, it entered a transition phase requiring exporters to submit emissions data. In January 2026, its definitive phase began, effectively taxing carbon-intensive goods entering the EU. Though EU importers pay the tax, many Indian exporters may have to cut prices by 15-22% to stay competitive, according to Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), a research services institute. EU-based companies already pay domestic carbon prices. By taxing carbon-intensive imports, CBAM reportedly aims to ensure the competitiveness of domestic industries and create a level playing field. Developing countries like India, on the other hand, have argued that CBAM is a unilateral trade barrier that clashes with the principles of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR & RC), enshrined in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) which acknowledges that industrialised countries bear greater historical responsibility for climate change due to their earlier industrialisation. CBAM has been criticised for going against this principle as it shifts this burden onto developing countries that have contributed little to the crisis, according to a 2024 report by New Delhi-based think tank, Centre for Science and Environment.

सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरमेंट ने परखी गायत्रीगंगा की हकीकत:विकास के लिए रिपोर्ट तैयार कर NGT में करेंगे पैरवी

सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरमेंट (सीएसई) संस्था ने मंगलवार को सुमेरपुर कस्बे में गायत्री गंगा का निरीक्षण किया। टीम ने नदी के विकास और जल प्रदूषण से संबंधित जानकारी जुटाई। यह संस्था जलवायु परिवर्तन, सतत विकास, वायु एवं जल प्रदूषण और हरित नीतियों जैसे महत्वपूर्ण मुद्दों पर अनुसंधान करती है। इसका उद्देश्य पर्यावरणीय चुनौतियों का समाधान खोजना है। मंगलवार को संस्था की दो सदस्यीय टीम ने कस्बे से बहने वाली गायत्री गंगा (जिसे करोड़न नाला भी कहा जाता है) की स्वच्छता और इसके विकास कार्यों की जानकारी ली। टीम ने यह जानकारी स्थानीय समाजसेवी राजेश कुमार शिवहरे से प्राप्त की। शिवहरे ने टीम को जल शक्ति मंत्रालय द्वारा किए गए निरीक्षण सहित अन्य महत्वपूर्ण विवरण दिए। उन्होंने बताया कि यह नदी 35 किलोमीटर लंबी है और इसमें कई छोटे-बड़े नाले मिलते हैं। इसके अतिरिक्त, कई नहरों का टेल भी इस नदी से जुड़ा है, जिससे इसमें वर्ष भर पानी रहता है। कस्बे के पश्चिमी क्षेत्र के गांवों में इसे नाला कहा जाता है, जबकि पूर्वी क्षेत्र के लोग इसे नदी के रूप में जानते हैं। लगभग सात दशक पहले, ब्रह्मलीन संत स्वामी रोटीराम महाराज नागा स्वामी ने इसे गायत्री गंगा का नाम दिया था, और तब से कस्बे के लोग इसे इसी नाम से जानते हैं। टीम के सदस्य विवेक मिश्रा और विकास चौधरी ने बताया कि वे नदी के जल प्रदूषण और अन्य पहलुओं पर एक विस्तृत रिपोर्ट तैयार करेंगे। इस रिपोर्ट के आधार पर, संस्था राष्ट्रीय हरित न्यायाधिकरण (एनजीटी) में इसके विकास के लिए पैरवी करेगी।

Delhi-NCR Brick Kilns Defy Coal Ban: A Regulatory Risk

A new survey by the Centre for Science and Environment reveals that over 70% of Delhi-NCR brick kilns continue to use coal despite a government ban. This highlights persistent regulatory non-compliance in the unorganized building material supply chain. Investors in the construction and cement sectors should track potential supply disruptions and tightening enforcement, which often coincide with air quality management measures in North India. What Happened A recent survey conducted by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has highlighted significant non-compliance among brick kilns in the Delhi-NCR region. Despite a direct prohibition on coal usage by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the report found that 72% of the surveyed kilns continued to use coal during the 2026 season. While these kilns had formally adopted cleaner Zig-Zag technology, the reliance on coal as a fuel source remains prevalent. The study covered 152 kilns in 2026, building on previous data, and underscored that a majority of operators continue to operate in violation of official environmental directives. Why This Matters For Investors For investors following the Indian infrastructure and construction material space, this report points to an under-reported regulatory risk. While large, listed construction and cement companies are typically subject to strict ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance, their supply chains often rely on unorganized sectors, such as local brick kilns. When these smaller players face regulatory crackdowns, it can lead to localized supply shortages and cost volatility for construction projects in the North India region. Understanding these compliance gaps is essential for assessing the broader operational risks within the construction ecosystem. The Compliance Challenge The core conflict identified by the report lies in the trade-off between fuel efficiency and product quality. Kiln owners argue that biomass—the mandated alternative—lacks the calorific value of coal, which is essential to meet brick quality standards. The report suggests that many operators use a mix of 20-30% coal with biomass to maintain standards. Furthermore, the survey identified a lack of formal communication and technical support from regulators, with many operators learning of compliance requirements only through informal channels. This creates a challenging environment where regulatory enforcement often clashes with the practical operational needs of the industry. Regulatory Risk and Sector Pressure The building materials sector in Delhi-NCR frequently faces pressure during the winter months, when the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is implemented to manage air quality. Environmental regulations have historically led to the temporary shutdown of industrial units, including brick kilns, to curb pollution. The CSE report suggests that the lack of transition support, such as financial aid or standardized operating procedures, increases the likelihood of friction between the industry and regulators. Continued non-compliance increases the probability of sudden, strict enforcement actions or policy changes that could disrupt the supply of basic building materials. What Investors Should Track Investors monitoring this space should look for future announcements from the Commission for Air Quality Management regarding enforcement actions or revised policy mandates for the brick manufacturing sector. Key monitorables include any government-led initiatives to improve the availability of cleaner fuels or provide the necessary technical guidance to the industry. Additionally, market participants may observe whether construction cost estimates in the Delhi-NCR region account for potential supply chain disruptions linked to environmental compliance. The trend toward formalized, cleaner fuel usage, if supported by the government, would be a positive signal for long-term sustainability in the building materials sector, whereas continued defiance may lead to increased regulatory volatility.

दिल्ली-NCR में ईंट भट्टों का कोल बैन की अनदेखी: रेगुलेटरी रिस्क का खतरा

सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट (CSE) की नई सर्वे रिपोर्ट ने खुलासा किया है कि दिल्ली-NCR में 70% से ज़्यादा ईंट भट्टे सरकारी बैन के बावजूद कोयले का इस्तेमाल कर रहे हैं। यह बिल्डिंग मटेरियल सप्लाई चेन में लगातार रेगुलेटरी नियमों की अनदेखी को दर्शाता है। कंस्ट्रक्शन और सीमेंट सेक्टर के निवेशकों को सप्लाई में रुकावट और सख्ती से लागू हो रहे नियमों पर नज़र रखनी चाहिए, खासकर उत्तर भारत में हवा की गुणवत्ता प्रबंधन के उपायों के दौरान। क्या हुआ? सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट (CSE) की एक हालिया सर्वे रिपोर्ट ने दिल्ली-NCR इलाके के ईंट भट्टों में बड़े पैमाने पर नियमों के उल्लंघन का खुलासा किया है। कमीशन फॉर एयर क्वालिटी मैनेजमेंट (CAQM) द्वारा कोयले के इस्तेमाल पर सीधे बैन के बावजूद, रिपोर्ट में पाया गया कि 72% ईंट भट्टों ने 2026 सीजन में कोयले का इस्तेमाल जारी रखा। हालाँकि इन भट्टों ने औपचारिक तौर पर क्लीनर ज़िग-ज़ैग तकनीक अपना ली थी, लेकिन ईंधन के तौर पर कोयले पर निर्भरता अब भी बनी हुई है। इस स्टडी में 2026 में 152 भट्टों को कवर किया गया था, जो पिछले डेटा पर आधारित है, और यह बात सामने आई कि ज़्यादातर ऑपरेटर्स सरकारी पर्यावरण निर्देशों का उल्लंघन करते हुए काम कर रहे हैं। निवेशकों के लिए क्यों ज़रूरी है? भारतीय इंफ्रास्ट्रक्चर और कंस्ट्रक्शन मैटेरियल सेक्टर पर नज़र रखने वाले निवेशकों के लिए, यह रिपोर्ट एक अनदेखे रेगुलेटरी रिस्क की ओर इशारा करती है। जहाँ बड़े, लिस्टेड कंस्ट्रक्शन और सीमेंट कंपनियाँ आमतौर पर सख्त ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) नियमों का पालन करती हैं, वहीं उनकी सप्लाई चेन अक्सर लोकल ईंट भट्टों जैसे असंगठित सेक्टरों पर निर्भर करती है। जब ये छोटे प्लेयर्स रेगुलेटरी कार्रवाई का सामना करते हैं, तो इससे उत्तर भारत में कंस्ट्रक्शन प्रोजेक्ट्स के लिए सप्लाई में स्थानीय कमी और लागत में उतार-चढ़ाव आ सकता है। कंस्ट्रक्शन इकोसिस्टम के अंदर व्यापक ऑपरेशनल रिस्क का आकलन करने के लिए इन कंप्लायंस गैप्स को समझना बेहद ज़रूरी है। कंप्लायंस की चुनौती रिपोर्ट द्वारा पहचानी गई मुख्य समस्या फ्यूल एफिशिएंसी और प्रोडक्ट क्वालिटी के बीच का टकराव है। भट्टा मालिकों का कहना है कि बायोमास - जो कि एक अनिवार्य विकल्प है - में कोयले जितनी कैलोरिफिक वैल्यू नहीं होती, जो ईंट की क्वालिटी स्टैंडर्ड्स को पूरा करने के लिए ज़रूरी है। रिपोर्ट का सुझाव है कि कई ऑपरेटर्स स्टैंडर्ड्स को बनाए रखने के लिए बायोमास के साथ 20-30% कोयले का मिश्रण इस्तेमाल करते हैं। इसके अलावा, सर्वे में रेगुलेटर्स से औपचारिक कम्युनिकेशन और टेक्निकल सपोर्ट की कमी पाई गई, जिसके चलते कई ऑपरेटर्स को कंप्लायंस ज़रूरतों के बारे में केवल अनौपचारिक माध्यमों से ही पता चलता है। यह एक चुनौतीपूर्ण माहौल बनाता है जहाँ रेगुलेटरी एनफोर्समेंट अक्सर इंडस्ट्री की प्रैक्टिकल ऑपरेशनल ज़रूरतों से टकराता है। रेगुलेटरी रिस्क और सेक्टर पर दबाव दिल्ली-NCR में बिल्डिंग मैटेरियल सेक्टर अक्सर सर्दियों के महीनों के दौरान दबाव में रहता है, जब हवा की गुणवत्ता को नियंत्रित करने के लिए ग्रेडेड रिस्पांस एक्शन प्लान (GRAP) लागू किया जाता है। प्रदूषण को कम करने के लिए ऐतिहासिक रूप से पर्यावरण नियमों के कारण ईंट भट्टों सहित औद्योगिक इकाइयों को अस्थायी रूप से बंद करना पड़ा है। CSE रिपोर्ट का सुझाव है कि ट्रांजिशन सपोर्ट, जैसे कि वित्तीय सहायता या मानकीकृत ऑपरेटिंग प्रक्रियाओं की कमी, इंडस्ट्री और रेगुलेटर्स के बीच टकराव की संभावना को बढ़ाती है। लगातार नियमों का उल्लंघन अचानक, सख्त एनफोर्समेंट एक्शन या पॉलिसी बदलावों की संभावना को बढ़ाता है, जो बेसिक बिल्डिंग मैटेरियल्स की सप्लाई को बाधित कर सकते हैं। निवेशकों को क्या ट्रैक करना चाहिए? इस स्पेस पर नज़र रखने वाले निवेशकों को ईंट निर्माण क्षेत्र के लिए एनफोर्समेंट एक्शन या संशोधित पॉलिसी मैंडेट्स के संबंध में कमीशन फॉर एयर क्वालिटी मैनेजमेंट से भविष्य की घोषणाओं पर ध्यान देना चाहिए। मुख्य बातों में स्वच्छ ईंधन की उपलब्धता में सुधार या इंडस्ट्री को ज़रूरी टेक्निकल गाइडेंस प्रदान करने वाली कोई भी सरकारी पहल शामिल है। इसके अलावा, बाज़ार सहभागियों को यह देखना चाहिए कि क्या दिल्ली-NCR क्षेत्र में कंस्ट्रक्शन लागत अनुमानों में पर्यावरण कंप्लायंस से जुड़े संभावित सप्लाई चेन व्यवधानों को शामिल किया गया है। सरकार द्वारा समर्थित होने पर, औपचारिक, स्वच्छ ईंधन के उपयोग की ओर रुझान बिल्डिंग मैटेरियल्स सेक्टर में दीर्घकालिक स्थिरता के लिए एक सकारात्मक संकेत होगा, जबकि निरंतर अवज्ञा से रेगुलेटरी अस्थिरता बढ़ सकती है।

Brick factories in NCR flouting CAQM’s coal ban: CSE report

Brick factories across Delhi-NCR are openly violating the Commission for Air Quality Management’s (CAQM) ban on coal, with carbon black also found at several sites, in addition to faulty designs, according to a recent Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) report. Released on Friday, the report titled “Rules Without Reach: How the Brick-Making Industry Has Fared on CAQM Compliances in Delhi-NCR,” is based on two rounds of field surveys carried out by the CSE. These surveys covered 128 kilns in 2025 and 152 kilns in 2026 across Baghpat, Ghaziabad, Bulandshahr, Shamli, Jhajjar, Panipat, and Sonipat. According to the report, although all brick-kilns had been formally converted from the conventional fixed chimney bull’s trench kiln to the newer eco-friendly zig-zag technology as mandated, the conversion on paper has not meant conversion in practice. Delhi currently has no brick kilns, but those operating in the surrounding NCR impact the Capital’s air quality. “Around 70 per cent of evaluated kilns had cracks, broken walls, or poor-quality plastering. In a zig-zag kiln, structural integrity is essential because cold air leaks through any opening, heat escapes, and fuel consumption rises. Aroud 50 per cent of the total heat supplied to a brick kiln is already lost through surfaces under normal conditions,” said the study, which further flagged design flaws in a number of brick kilns. The survey teams also found black bags at many of the brick kilns. The kiln staff and labourers identified this as carbon black, which is primarily used as a reinforcing filler and a conductive agent in elastomers, plastics, and coatings. The team was told that the stock of carbon black is primarily received and used as fuel during the night, the report added. CSE said that in several cases, kiln owners had unilaterally expanded their trench widths well beyond the dimensions specified in their Consent to Operate (CTO). In Uttar Pradesh, where kilns are typically licensed to produce 20,000 to 25,000 bricks per day, the prescribed trench width is 20 to 25 feet. The survey found trench widths of 40 to 50 feet in several kilns, roughly double the permitted norm, in clear violation of their CTOs, and without any communication to state pollution control boards. “The brick industry is among the most polluting and least regulated sectors in the country. The CAQM coal ban was a necessary step, but a direction without a transition strategy is unlikely to change behaviour on the ground. The sector needs technical guidance, financial support, and institutional hand-holding. None of that was provided, and the survey results reflect exactly that gap,” said Subhrajit Goswami, programme officer, CSE.

Ban up in smoke as brick kilns still hooked to coal

Coal continues to be widely used in brick kilns across DelhiNCR despite a ban, according to a survey by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). With brick kilns being one of the contributors to Delhi’s air pollution, the report found widespread non-compliance, weak enforcement, poor transition support and limited adoption of cleaner fuels across the brick-making sector. “The brick industry is among the most polluting and least regulated sectors in the country. Commission for Air Quality (CAQM)’s coal ban was a necessary step, but a direction without a transition strategy is unlikely to change behaviour on the ground,” CSE programme officer Subhrajit Goswami said, adding that the sector needs technical guidance, financial support and institutional hand-holding. “None of that was provided and the survey results reflect exactly that gap,” he pointed out.

Centre eyes EV charge infra boost on 74 key highways, asks states, NHAI to prep

The Centre has asked state governments and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to fast-track electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across 74 priority highway corridors, according to two people aware of the development and a document reviewed by Mint. The move aims to address a key bottleneck in the adoption of electric buses and trucks in India, The fear of running out of battery charge on longer routes, commonly referred to as ‘range anxiety’, is seen as a key deterrent to EV adoption.

Right time to focus on sustainable agriculture

Indian agriculture, despite considerable progress in climate smart technology adoption, remains extremely vulnerable to changes in rainfall quantum and distribution with rainfed area accounting for half of the cultivated area. In addition, increasing extreme weather events and rising temperatures due to climate change are also affecting crop yields and farm incomes. For instance, number of days recording extreme weather increased to 331 in 2025 from 295 in 2024 and from 292 prior to that according to a report by Centre for Science and Environment .In this regard, the forecast of below normal rainfall at 90 per cent of long period average for 2026 is a cause for concern. It is crucial to build a resilient agricultural production system. Agricultural support policies since 1960s have been largely promoting cultivation of resource intensive crops like rice, wheat and sugarcane with assured procurement and input subsidies like free electricity. For instance, despite the forecasted below normal rainfall and the ongoing fertilizer supply constraints, the minimum support price (MSP) for paddy has been increased by about 3 per cent for kharif 2026. Although the increase of MSP for paddy is relatively lower than that of pulses and oilseeds for kharif 2026, limited procurement and relatively low yields of pulses/oilseeds may not encourage farmers to shift from rice cultivation. Hence, there is an urgent need to address such imbalances in support policies that aid in exhaustion of natural resources and reorient them to promote resource conservation.