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Delhi breathes cleanest air in 281 days as AQI improves to 'satisfactory'

NEW DELHI: Delhiites witnessed the cleanest day after a gap of 281 days as the Air Quality Index (AQI) dipped to 79 in 'satisfactory' category on Thursday. This was also the first 'satisfactory' day of the year. Rain and strong winds helped in cleaning the air quality. Central Pollution Control Board's data shows that a lower AQI than Thursday was seen on Sept 19 last year when it was 73. Sept 2023 had witnessed nine 'satisfactory' days and one 'good' day when AQI touched 45 on Sept 10. Oct last year saw one 'satisfactory' day with an AQI of 89 on Oct 17. However, no 'satisfactory' day was seen between Oct 18, 2023 and June 26 this year. The air quality mostly remained in 'poor' to 'moderate' category this summer season. Experts said as local and regional sources of pollution remained high and intense rain was missing the city, the dry spell led to worse air quality. Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, research and advocacy, Centre for Science and Environment, said, "Prolonged heatwave and a dry spell had contributed substantially to dust pollution and overhang during summer. The onset of rains therefore has an immediate washout effect. We will see more cleaner air days during the monsoon due to the same reason. This breather needs to be effectively utilised to pace up action to be better prepared for the winter." In Delhi, monsoon months are usually the cleanest.

After morning rain spell, Delhi breathes best air since Sept ’23

Intermittent spells of pre-monsoon showers cleared Delhi’s air of sooty pollutants logging the first “satisfactory” reading of the 24-hour average air quality (AQI) in 282 days — a first this year — according to the Central Pollution Control Board. At 4pm on Thursday, the AQI was 79 (satisfactory), a drop of 59 points compared to Wednesday’s reading of 136 (moderate). The last time Delhi’s air was in the “satisfactory” zone was on September 19, 2023, when it was 73. The main pollutants mitigated by the washout were PM2.5 and PM10.Coarse dust particles from construction sites and other sources had caused the air quality to deteriorate. Along with this, a highly volatile gas, ozone, has also been a major pollutant. The AQI on Tuesday was 139 (moderate). According to experts, the trend of better air days will continue for a few weeks. “The prolonged heat during summer increases dust in the air, which primarily affects the AQI. Rain has a washout effect and brings the dust particles down, which makes the AQI improve,” said Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE).

In Delhi, Sangam Vihar residents battle scarcity amidst tanker mafia monopoly

Acute water shortages force residents to rely on costly private tankers as illegal borewells flourish under political collusion With the onset of summer, 40-year-old Lalit Maurya’s worries increase, as does his expenditure on water. Maurya, who has lived in the K-2 block of Delhi’s Sangam Vihar for the past 33 years, faces water scarcity all year, but it reaches its peak in May. Maurya and his family are completely reliant on water from private tankers to meet their needs. Sangam Vihar, located in the national capital’s Southeast district, is one of the city’s most densely populated unauthorised settlements. The government supply of water does not reach his home, Maurya told Down To Earth (DTE). There is a government borewell in Maurya’s neighbourhood, but it is 500 metres away and only provides water for 30 to 40 minutes. Maurya’s house does not receive borewell water due to its distance and must rely on private tankers. Maurya typically orders a tanker every week. On June 11, 2024, he ordered a 2,500-litre tanker for Rs 1,200 and is about to place the next order. He spends an average of Rs 12,000 on tanker water during the three months of summer (May-July). In the remaining months, the family needs less water and tankers cost relatively less, but they still spend approximately Rs 30,000 on tankers each year. They have survived on tanker water like this for the past 10 years. Delhi Jal Board (DJB) water is available in a limited quantity in Sangam Vihar. There are some borewells in the area, but their water supply is so restricted that it does not reach the majority of the residents. There is also a severe water shortage in the L-1 Block, which is adjacent to K-2 Block and private tankers are the only reliable source of water. Mukesh Kumar, who lives in this block, claimed that DJB has few tankers that do not meet even 10 per cent of their needs. “Due to collusion between private tanker mafia and DJB officials, water from government tankers is not delivered to the needy, allowing the tanker business to profit,” claimed Kumar. He also orders at least one tanker of water per month to meet his needs. The tanker’s water is only used for bathing, washing clothes and cleaning utensils. Drinking water must be arranged separately. Kumar and Maurya can order water from tankers because of their relatively good financial situation, but the majority of Sangam Vihar residents cannot. For example, Mohammad Arman, who lives in J-3 Block, must survive the entire month on water from the tubewell, which comes once a month. Arman cannot afford a tanker, so he stores 5,000 to 6,000 litres of water and uses it very sparingly. Arman, a courier, sometimes skips his bath to save water. Madhur Gautam, who lives in F-3 Block, uses water in the same way. His house has six rooms, four of which are rented by tenants and the remaining two by his three family members. During the summer, his family frequently bathes with half a bucket of water each. His tenants also use dirty water from washing dishes or clothes to mop the floors. However, Gautam is forced to order a 2,000-litre tanker of water every month on average. One such tanker currently costs him Rs 1,800. The water from the borewell, which comes once a month, only lasts 15 days and tanker water must cover the rest. The resident is so fed up with the water shortage and rising costs that he intends to sell his house in Sangam Vihar. Appu Prasad, who lives in the Gupta Colony of J Block, also regrets purchasing a home in the area. He recently purchased a 50-yard plot and is currently having a house built on it, having spent approximately Rs 30 lakh in total. Now he regrets his decision. Prasad’s home only gets water from the government tubewell once every one and a half days. Living under such conditions is becoming increasingly difficult. Most people on his street have water tanks inside and outside their homes that can store water for a month and a half. Most residents have built underground tanks inside their homes to store water, as well as tanks on their roofs and in the street. There are many houses where water tanks occupy entire rooms. Prasad has also arranged to store 6,000-7,000 litres of water in his house. According to a recent study conducted by the Delhi-based think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) in Sangam Vihar, this area with a population of more than 1 million receives only 45 litres of water per person per day from all sources combined, despite the fact that the central government’s standard for urban areas is 135 litres per day. This implies that only a third of the required quantity is available. The residents of the area spend an average of Rs 1,000 every month on water (drinking water and non-drinking water), the study found. Among the three water supply sources (tankers, borewells and piped supply), the residents primarily rely on tankers and borewell. TANKER RAJ While residents of Sangam Vihar struggle to meet their water needs, the private tanker mafia in the area thrives due to a monopoly. During peak demand, the tanker operators raised prices by 200 to 300 per cent. A 2,000-litre tanker that costs Rs 600-700 in February-March costs around Rs 1,800 to 2,000 this summer. According to sources who asked to remain anonymous, these tanker mafias have connections to every political party. When power shifts, they switch sides and continue operating through collusion. Furthermore, the tanker mafias run a number of illegal borewells in Sangam Vihar and the Deoli area, which supply water to Sangam Vihar and a large portion of the surrounding area. During its investigation, DTE observed two illegal borewells on Ratia Marg, the busiest road in Sangam Vihar. These borewells provide a continuous supply of water. A young man who runs a shop near the borewell told DTE in hushed tones that approximately 60-70 tankers draw water from a single borewell each day. When this reporter approached the person managing the borewell as a potential customer for a water tanker, he did not engage much in conversation. He asked about the delivery location and then asked the reporter to leave. During the conversation, he took the phone number and promised to call back within half an hour with the tanker’s price. However, his call arrived after ten minutes, but the reporter was unable to answer the phone. The shopkeeper also stated that 4-5 tankers collect water from the borewell each day. This means that approximately 150,000 litres of water are extracted from the ground each day via these tankers and illegally sold. This reporter also saw a building material shop with an illegal borewell at the back, right next to the house and a tanker filled with water. This shop has an illegal borewell of 600-700 feet in depth, from which water is drawn and stored in a large tank. The water from this tank is then filled into tankers and sold at high rates. Water from these two borewells is sold in J, I, K and F blocks of Sangam Vihar. Local residents claimed that this illegal water business was only possible with the connivance of politicians and officials. A youth from K-2 Block, speaking anonymously, mentioned that he has had several confrontations with the local Member of the Legislative Assembly and councillor over water issues. “Now I have lost hope. Politicians and officials call the area illegal and shirk their responsibility to provide water. Due to the water shortage, I am also preparing to sell my house and move elsewhere,” he said. We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together. Source link https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/water/tanker-economy-revealed-in-delhi-sangam-vihar-residents-battle-scarcity-amidst-tanker-mafia-monopoly-96870

Delhi Records Best Air Quality in 282 Days After Rains For Second Consecutive Days

New Delhi: The air quality in the national capital improved to 'satisfactory' category in 282 days after rains for the second consecutive days. Notably, Delhi recorded its first "satisfactory" air quality, the Central Pollution Control Board said on Friday. The last time Delhi's air quality in the "satisfactory" category was recorded on September 19, 2023, when it was 73. Moreover, the main pollutants mitigated by the rain were PM2.5 and PM10. As per the Central Pollution Control Board, the AQI was 79 (satisfactory) at 4pm on Thursday. "The air quality is likely to be in moderate category on June 28... satisfactory category from June 29 to June 30. The outlook for subsequent six days is that the air quality is likely to be in satisfactory to moderate category," said the EWS bulletin on Thursday. Air quality experts are of opinion that the trend of better air days will continue for a few weeks. Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) told HT that the prolonged heat during summer increases dust in the air, which primarily affects the AQI. Rain has a washout effect and brings the dust particles down, which makes the AQI improve, she said. Early in the morning, the national capital received incessant rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning beginning in the early hours of Friday. On Thursday, parts of Delhi received spells of heavy rainfall, bringing much-needed respite from the sweltering heat. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted the weather for the next seven days in Delhi, predicting generally cloudy skies and varying intensities of rain accompanied by gusty winds. As predicted by IMD for June 28, the forecast includes light to moderate rain or thunderstorms, with temperatures similar to the previous day and wind speeds reaching up to 35 km/h. The weather on June 29 is expected to be slightly cooler, with a high of 36 C and a low of 28 C. The city will likely experience light to moderate rain or thunderstorms with winds reaching speeds of 30-40 km/h. On June 30, temperatures will drop further to 34 C, with moderate to heavy rain and gusty winds. For July 1 and 2, the IMD forecasts thunderstorms with moderate rain, with temperatures steady at a high of 34 C and a low of 27 C. Wind speeds will continue to vary, maintaining a range of 25-35 km/h. The weather conditions are expected to cause minor traffic disruptions and increase the chance of vehicle accidents due to water accumulation on roads. Residents are advised to check for traffic congestion before leaving and avoid areas prone to waterlogging.

NESREA, CSE Review Environmental Audit Guidelines To Enhance Auditing Process

ABUJA – The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the Center for Science and Environment (CSE) on Wednesday successfully concluded a two-day consultation meeting to review and update the Environmental Audit Guidelines to enhance the auditing process. The meeting, held at NESREA’s headquarters in Abuja, aimed to align the guidelines with current environmental realities and best practices. The Director General of NESREA, Dr. Innocent Barikor, expressed his appreciation to CSE for their support, stating that the revised document will significantly enhance the auditing process for the regulated community. “The updated guidelines will ensure a more robust and effective environmental auditing process, driving compliance and sustainability in Nigeria,” Dr. Barikor said. Dr. Barikor explained that the review was necessary to refine and enhance the guidelines, accommodating sector growth and emerging trends. The goal, he said, is to produce comprehensive and practical guidelines that improve compliance monitoring and auditing of facilities. Mr. Nitvit Kumar Yadav, Director of Industry and Pollution Programme at CSE, highlighted the importance of environmental audits in evaluating facilities’ compliance with environmental laws and generating data for policy decisions. He emphasized the need for dynamic guidelines that reflect the evolving environmental landscape. The successful collaboration between NESREA and CSE demonstrates their commitment to enhancing environmental governance and promoting sustainability in Nigeria.

Neknampur Lake garners accolades for restoration

Hyderabad : Neknampur Lake in the city has once again emerged as a leading example of successful and sustainable water body restoration. In its recent publication ‘Back From The Brink’, the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has recognised Neknampur Lake as the best model of lake restoration in India. This recognition falls under private initiatives, and it is not the first time Neknampur Lake has been acknowledged. Last year, NITI Aayog also recognised the lake as the best example of restoration across Indian lakes in its publication -Compendium of Best Practices in Water Management 3.0. Additionally, in 2022, the NITI Aayog report -Urban Wastewater Scenario in India- recognised the lake for its successful wastewater restoration efforts. As per the CSE, Neknampur Lake stands as a prime example of sustainable restoration, achieved through various innovative methods such as the installation of floating islands and the deployment of a floating cycle. According to the State Pollution Control Board reports, the Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) of Neknampur Lake has been reduced from 26 mg/litre to 8.2 mg/litre between 2018 and 2022. This 17.8 mg/litre reduction in just four years is highly commendable. Experts from the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) laboratory anticipate that the BOD will soon reach the CPCB’s standard of 5 mg/litre for open bathing in any water body. Additionally, the lake, which once had almost zero dissolved oxygen (DO), now shows a DO level of 1.2 mg/litre. Today, one of the city’s cleanest lakes was once polluted with sewage and trash. It now boasts a thriving ecosystem with over 2,000 turtles, more than 150 species of birds, and over 25,000 fish. Madhulika Chowdhary, founder of Dhruvansh (an NGO dedicated to preserving the lake for the past 8 years), said, “Merely restoring the lake is not enough; it must be properly maintained. During the restoration of Neknampur Lake, we faced numerous challenges, but we persevered, and today we see the fruitful results. True lake restoration goes beyond water cleanliness; it is about the entire ecosystem, including the lake’s surroundings.” “Public awareness is crucial. It is important for people to understand the significance of protecting and maintaining water bodies and to avoid pollution,” she added.

Odisha among top seven states in water body revival efforts

The study by the New Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) found Odisha met the target by restoring and constructing more than 75 Amrit Sarovars in each of its 30 districts. BHUBANESWAR: Odisha has done a good job in rejuvenation of natural water bodies like lakes and ponds and is ranked among the top seven states in implementing impactful programmes in the field of water conservation, a latest study has found. The study by New Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) documented the implementation of Mission Amrit Sarovar, launched in April 2022 with the objective to conserve water, across the country. Under this mission, every district of the country was given the mandate to restore or construct 75 ponds, thus marking the 75th year of Independence. The aim was to rejuvenate or construct 50,000 water bodies. The study found Odisha met the target by restoring and constructing more than 75 Amrit Sarovars in each of its 30 districts. While Uttar Pradesh topped the list with 16,909 water bodies, at least 2,367 water bodies were developed in Odisha against the target of 2,250. Other states that have completed their targets are Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh. One of the reasons for Odisha achieving the high rate of completion was mainly due to an existing local scheme ‘Mo Pokhari’ to revive water bodies. Under the Amrit Sarovar scheme, the highest 91 ponds have been revived or created in Balangir district, 88 each in Ganjam and Bargarh, 84 in Nabarangpur, 83 each in Rayagada and Sambalpur, 81 each in Kandhamal, Malkangiri and Sundargarh. Similarly, 80 water bodies each have been developed in Balasore, Puri and Jharsuguda. Barring Deogarh, which has created 65 water bodies, 10 short of the target, all other districts have rejuvenated 75 or more water bodies. The organisation also reviewed water bodies created and/or restored under 26 government programmes and schemes in different ecological regions of the country. As per the latest water bodies census, Odisha with 1,81,837 water bodies is ranked fourth in the country after West Bengal (7.47 lakh), Uttar Pradesh (2.45 lakh) and Andhra Pradesh (1.9 lakh). Balasore district has the highest 16,804 water bodies, followed by 15,986 in Mayurbhanj, 12,509 in Kendrapara, 9,808 in Puri, 9,760 in Nabarangpur, 8,912 in Keonjhar, 8,632 in Ganjam, 8,334 in Bhadrak and 7,957 in Jagatsinghpur.

Delhi Records Best Air Quality In 282 Days After Rains For Second Consecutive Days

New Delhi: The air quality in the national capital improved to ‘satisfactory’ category in 282 days after rains for the second consecutive days. Notably, Delhi recorded its first “satisfactory” air quality, the Central Pollution Control Board said on Friday. The last time Delhi’s air quality in the “satisfactory” category was recorded on September 19, 2023, when it was 73. Moreover, the main pollutants mitigated by the rain were PM2.5 and PM10. Home NewsDelhi Records Best Air Quality in 282 Days After Rains For Second Consecutive Days Delhi Records Best Air Quality In 282 Days After Rains For Second Consecutive Days The last time Delhi’s air quality in the “satisfactory” category was recorded on September 19, 2023, when it was 73. Updated: June 28, 2024 7:57 AM IST By Manmath Nayak Follow Us New Delhi: The air quality in the national capital improved to ‘satisfactory’ category in 282 days after rains for the second consecutive days. Notably, Delhi recorded its first “satisfactory” air quality, the Central Pollution Control Board said on Friday. The last time Delhi’s air quality in the “satisfactory” category was recorded on September 19, 2023, when it was 73. Moreover, the main pollutants mitigated by the rain were PM2.5 and PM10. As per the Central Pollution Control Board, the AQI was 79 (satisfactory) at 4pm on Thursday. “The air quality is likely to be in moderate category on June 28… satisfactory category from June 29 to June 30. The outlook for subsequent six days is that the air quality is likely to be in satisfactory to moderate category,” said the EWS bulletin on Thursday. Air quality experts are of opinion that the trend of better air days will continue for a few weeks. Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) told HT that the prolonged heat during summer increases dust in the air, which primarily affects the AQI. Rain has a washout effect and brings the dust particles down, which makes the AQI improve, she said. Early in the morning, the national capital received incessant rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning beginning in the early hours of Friday. On Thursday, parts of Delhi received spells of heavy rainfall, bringing much-needed respite from the sweltering heat. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted the weather for the next seven days in Delhi, predicting generally cloudy skies and varying intensities of rain accompanied by gusty winds. As predicted by IMD for June 28, the forecast includes light to moderate rain or thunderstorms, with temperatures similar to the previous day and wind speeds reaching up to 35 km/h. The weather on June 29 is expected to be slightly cooler, with a high of 36°C and a low of 28°C. The city will likely experience light to moderate rain or thunderstorms with winds reaching speeds of 30-40 km/h. On June 30, temperatures will drop further to 34°C, with moderate to heavy rain and gusty winds. For July 1 and 2, the IMD forecasts thunderstorms with moderate rain, with temperatures steady at a high of 34°C and a low of 27°C. Wind speeds will continue to vary, maintaining a range of 25-35 km/h. The weather conditions are expected to cause minor traffic disruptions and increase the chance of vehicle accidents due to water accumulation on roads. Residents are advised to check for traffic congestion before leaving and avoid areas prone to waterlogging.

India can play “bigger role” in climate action by hosting COP33: Environmentalist Sunita Narain

India could play an “even bigger” role in climate talks by emerging as the voice of the global south and presenting the challenges faced by these nations, said leading environmentalist Sunita Narain, in the context of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposing to host the 33rd Conference of Parties (COP33; aka UN Climate Conference) in 2028. Narain, who is Director General of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), recently had an interaction with senior editors of the Press Trust of India in New Delhi. She said that the Conference of Parties, under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, was the only forum where multi-lateral decisions could be taken to deal with the challenges posed by climate change. We can play an even bigger role as a country which stands for countries of the [global] south. We have challenges. We can talk about our challenges, not paper over them. And, we can help the world to find a better way ahead. We can play a leadership role. Sunita Narain, Director General of the Centre for Science and Environment PM Modi, in his address at the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) in Dubai in December 2023, had offered to host the UN Climate Conference in India in 2028. The COP presidency rotates between different world regions; India’s next opportunity will be in 2028, when Asia gets its turn. All countries in that group must unanimously agree to India’s bid before it is confirmed. “Absolutely, we should host the COP, and absolutely, we must talk. See, climate change is a very unique problem in the world [that] cannot be sorted on a bilateral level at all. It is a multi-lateral issue,” she said. The CSE director general said that climate change was one way to relearn socialism, because it was about a common atmospheric space where countries had to learn to live together, whether they liked it or not.

दिल्ली ने 281 दिनों में सबसे स्वच्छ हवा में सांस ली, AQI में सुधार हुआ और यह ‘संतोषजनक’ हुआ

शहर ने 19 सितंबर के बाद से सबसे साफ दिन दर्ज किया एक्यूआई 79 का नई दिल्ली: दिल्लीवासियों ने कई सालों के अंतराल के बाद सबसे साफ दिन देखा। 281 दिन वायु गुणवत्ता सूचकांक (एक्यूआई) गिरकर 79 पर आ गया।संतोषजनकगुरुवार को हवा की गुणवत्ता ‘श्रेणी में रही। यह साल का पहला ‘संतोषजनक’ दिन भी रहा। बारिश और तेज हवाओं ने हवा की गुणवत्ता को बेहतर बनाने में मदद की। केंद्रीय प्रदूषण नियंत्रण बोर्ड के आंकड़ों से पता चलता है कि गुरुवार की तुलना में कम एक्यूआई पिछले साल 19 सितंबर को देखा गया था, जब यह 73 था। सितंबर 2023 में नौ ‘संतोषजनक’ दिन और एक ‘अच्छा’ दिन देखा गया था, जब 10 सितंबर को एक्यूआई 45 को छू गया था। पिछले साल अक्टूबर में एक ‘संतोषजनक’ दिन देखा गया था, जब 17 अक्टूबर को AQI 89 था। हालांकि, इस साल 18 अक्टूबर 2023 और 26 जून के बीच कोई ‘संतोषजनक’ दिन नहीं देखा गया। इस गर्मी के मौसम में हवा की गुणवत्ता ज़्यादातर ‘खराब’ से ‘मध्यम’ श्रेणी में रही। विशेषज्ञों ने कहा कि स्थानीय और क्षेत्रीय प्रदूषण के स्रोत उच्च बने रहे और शहर में भारी बारिश नहीं हुई, जिससे शुष्क मौसम के कारण हवा की गुणवत्ता और खराब हो गई। सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट की कार्यकारी निदेशक, अनुसंधान और वकालत, अनुमिता रॉयचौधरी ने कहा, “लंबे समय तक चलने वाली गर्मी और शुष्क मौसम ने गर्मियों के दौरान धूल प्रदूषण और ओवरहैंग में काफी योगदान दिया है। इसलिए बारिश की शुरुआत का तुरंत प्रभाव पड़ता है। इसी कारण से हम मानसून के दौरान अधिक स्वच्छ वायु वाले दिन देखेंगे। सर्दियों के लिए बेहतर तैयारी के लिए कार्रवाई में तेजी लाने के लिए इस राहत का प्रभावी ढंग से उपयोग किया जाना चाहिए।” दिल्ली में मानसून के महीने आमतौर पर सबसे साफ होते हैं।

NESREA, CSE Review Environmental Audit Guidelines

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) concluded a two-day consultation meeting on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, to review and update the Environmental Audit Guidelines. The meeting took place at NESREA’s headquarters in Abuja and aimed to align the guidelines with current environmental realities and best practices. The director-general of NESREA, Dr. Innocent Barikor expressed his appreciation to CSE for their support, stating that the revised document will significantly enhance the auditing process for the regulated community. He mentioned, “The updated guidelines will ensure a more robust and effective environmental auditing process, driving compliance and sustainability in Nigeria.” Barikor explained that the review was necessary to refine and enhance the guidelines to accommodate sector growth and emerging trends. The goal, he said, is to produce comprehensive and practical guidelines that improve compliance monitoring and auditing of facilities. Director of industry and pollution programme at CSE, Mr. Nitvit Kumar Yadav highlighted the importance of environmental audits in evaluating facilities’ compliance with environmental laws and generating data for policy decisions. He emphasised the need for dynamic guidelines that reflect the evolving environmental landscape. In a statement by the assistant director of press at the agency, Amaka Ejiofor it was mentioned that the successful collaboration between NESREA and CSE demonstrates their commitment to enhancing environmental governance and promoting sustainability in Nigeria.

Shock termico indiano

Il mondo guarda all’India; se il nostro paese troverà soluzioni, con risorse limitate, saranno utili anche altrove. E’ chiaro infatti che anche qualora si riuscisse – con attività di mitigazione – a limitare il riscaldamento globale entro gli 1,5°C rispetto all’era preindustriale, le ondate di calore soprattutto nelle città sono qui per rimanere», ha detto l’urbanista Avikal Somvanshi, ricercatore dell’istituto indiano Centre for Science and Environment (Cse), presentando un recentissimo rapporto sull’evoluzione, dal 2001 a oggi, dello stress termico in sei mega-città della Federazione, secondo fonti ufficiali. (il manifesto) Su altri media Dall'aprile 2024, numerosi paesi dell'Asia stanno affrontando temperature record che hanno causato diversi decessi come India, Filippine, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malesia e Myanmar L'India, in particolare il settore orientale, ha vissuto l'aprile più caldo mai registrato con temperature che hanno superato i 45°C, raggiungendo picchi di oltre 50°C (3bmeteo) Nelle notti impossibili dell’India, dove la colonnina di mercurio sfiora i 40 gradi, i cittadini provano invano a dormire. Nell’ultima settimana il mondo intero ha vissuto — e sta ancora sperimentando — una ondata di calore su larghissima scala che potrebbe contribuire facilmente a trasformare il 2024 n… (la Repubblica) In 30 anni, il caldo estremo nelle metropoli è aumentato del 52% Andrew Pershing, vicepresidente per la scienza di Climate Central, ha definito queste ondate di calore come “disastri innaturali”, evidenziando che diventeranno sempre più comuni finché l’inquinamento da carbonio non sarà drasticamente ridotto. (Meteo Giornale) Dall’Hub di Padova, uno dei centri logistici più avanzati d’Europa, all’innovativa piattaforma di e-commerce B2B, passando per la nuova Business Unit dedicata alla sostenibilità e la speciale “Green Offer”. (Rinnovabili)

The Dark Side Of Heat: Concrete Cages, Sweltering Nights; Examining The Urban Heat Island – Analysis

Nights in India’s capital, Delhi, of late, became uncomfortably and dangerously hot, as the world’s most populous nation grappled with relentless heat. Northern India has experienced an intense summer, with one part of Delhi hitting 49.9°C (121.8°F) in late-May, marking the highest temperature ever recorded in the city. However, the intense heat did not subside even after sunset. According to a report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) tracking urban heat stress in Delhi, the city cools down by only 8.5°C at night. In contrast, urban outskirts see a more significant drop of 12.2°C. Scientists warn that hotter nights are a result of the climate crisis, increasing the health risks associated with heat stress. Research indicates that higher nighttime temperatures make it harder to fall asleep and reduce deep sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, both crucial for the body’s nighttime repair and refreshment. Exposure to heat waves during pregnancy may lead to adverse outcomes, such as pre-term birth, as noted in a 2019 study. Older adults may experience higher heart rates and more stress when sleeping in warmer conditions. Deaths due to mental and behavioral disorders increased during heat waves, especially among older adults, as reported by CNN quoting a 2008 Australian study. The rise in nighttime temperatures—particularly noticeable in such cities as Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore, besides other metropolitan cities—is due to the urban heat island (UHI) effect. These places are much hotter than their surrounding rural areas. In a UHI, heat is generated not just from the sun, but also from the energy consumed by people, cars, buses and trains. UHIs are common in areas with high activity levels and dense populations. There are many causes for UHIs. When homes, stores and factories are built close together, UHIs can form. The materials used in these buildings often trap heat, making the areas around them warmer. ‘Waste heat’ also contributes to the UHI effect. Human activities—such as driving cars, exercising, running factories, or simply going about daily chores—consistently release energy. This energy typically escapes as heat. When a large number of people is concentrated in one area, a significant amount of heat is generated. Urban areas are highly populated. These areas are also densely built. When urban areas run out of space to expand outward, engineers construct taller buildings, resulting in skyscrapers. All this construction generates waste heat and the heat that escapes from insulation has no place to dissipate. It remains trapped in and around the buildings, contributing to the UHI effect. At night, UHIs have higher temperatures because buildings, sidewalks and parking lots prevent ground heat and pollutants from escaping into the cold night sky. This traps the heat at lower levels, making it warmer. UHIs can experience poorer air and water quality compared to their rural counterparts. The air quality in such areas is frequently compromised due to a higher presence of pollutants, which are emitted from vehicles, industries and human activities. Water quality is also adversely affected in urban heat islands. The influx of warm water from a UHI into nearby streams poses a challenge for indigenous species that are accustomed to living in cooler aquatic environments. Researchers are examining the potential contribution of UHIs to the phenomenon of global warming, which encompasses the ongoing increase in Earth’s temperature. In times of extreme heat, individuals often seek relief by turning on their fans or air-conditioning units, particularly in urban regions impacted by the presence of UHIs. Urban heat islands exert pressure on energy resources by increasing the demand for energy during summer. Power outages, commonly known as ‘rolling blackouts’, are a recurrent occurrence in UHIs. The utilization of electric fans and air conditioning systems actually adds to the overall heat of the urban heat island, exacerbating its temperature. When utility companies cannot meet the energy demands of their customers, they initiate ‘rolling blackouts’ as a measure to cope with the shortfall. During a ‘rolling blackout’, specific areas or groups of customers are intentionally and temporarily deprived of electricity for a predetermined period of time, typically on a rotational basis, in order to balance the energy supply and demand. To mitigate the adverse consequences mentioned above, experts propose that urban residents, architects and designers collaborate to minimize human activities’ impact on urban areas. One effective strategy to combat the negative effects of UHIs is the implementation of green roofs, where rooftops are covered with vegetation. Green roofs have the ability to absorb carbon dioxide, a major pollutant, while also reducing the ambient temperature of the surrounding areas. Additionally, using lighter-coloured materials for buildings can contribute to cooling effects. Light colours reflect sunlight and minimize heat absorption, as highlighted by National Geographic.

Amidst a water crisis, CSE survey unveils country’s lakes, ponds on revival route

BATHINDA: India’s waterbodies are marking a turnaround, many of those that had been severely polluted or encroached upon or had dried up over the years, are now being revived and rejuvenated through government schemes, private and community initiatives – finds a new nation-wide survey done by researchers at Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). The findings of the survey, captured in a book ‘Back from the Brink: Rejuvenating India’s lakes, ponds and tanks – a compendium of success stories’, was released at Delhi on Wednesday. CSE director general Sunita Narain said: “We need to relearn the art of the waterbody, of our lakes, tanks and ponds. It is an opportunity for us – we can turn around the water story of India, particularly in today’s time of climate change. But there is a lot more that needs to be done. We need to scale up our work for investing in local water systems to capture every drop of rain so that we can build local resilience against drought. In our cities, we need to revive our lakes and ponds, the sponges that will allow us to harvest the rain-flood and ensure it does not turn into wasted water. We need to protect our forests and green spaces as this is how water recharge will increase.” “It is also critical in these times of water stress to treat wastewater, recycled and reused. The ponds and tanks that we use to divert and harvest rainwater, could be used to channelise the treated sewage and, in turn, recharge groundwater”, she said. Over a period of about a year, a CSE team reviewed 250 waterbodies – created and/or restored under 22 state-level programmes and five Central schemes – in four distinct ecological regions of India: Indo-Gangetic plains, the desert, coastal plains and the Deccan plateau. Depinder S Kapur, programme director of CSE’s water programme, said: “India has 24,24,540 waterbodies, according to the country’s first census of these water resources which was published last year. Over 97 percent of these are in rural areas. These waterbodies, their catchments and their feeder channels act as critical groundwater recharge zones, control flooding, and are home to unique biodiversity.” Sushmita Sengupta, senior programme manager, water programme, CSE said: “What we have found is that political and bureaucratic-administrative will, along with community involvement, has been instrumental in successful revival of waterbodies. Some of the best restoration work has happened where district collectors or local political leaders have taken a special interest.” Lakes and waterbodies, in most cases, have become receptacles for untreated wastewater and sewage. The solution lies in treating the wastewater before it enters the waterbodies and tracking so that no faecal sludge enters the waterbody. The waterbody, catchment and its feeder channels should be treated together for rejuvenation. The actual boundaries of the catchment, waterbody and feeder channels need to be mapped. Aquifer mapping at the regional and local scales will help understand the requirements for ensuring scientific restoration for increasing groundwater level and mitigating floods. District-level administrations in India rarely have any idea about the number of waterbodies they have. Cities tend to omit encroached and silted waterbodies from the list. To plan for restoration of waterbodies, it should be mandatory for each state to identify, record and compile the total number of lakes and waterbodies within its boundaries.

Tables Turned! How Lakes Project Is Helping Recharge Groundwater

Delhi govt's project to revive lakes by using treated water has proved successful, particularly in South West district, where the groundwater has risen, according to a new nationwide survey conducted by researchers at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). The survey found that the water table rose around 6 metres at Pappankalan, 4m at Nilothi and 3m at Najafgarh after artificial lakes were created in those places. The findings of the survey are captured in a book titled Back from the Brink: Rejuvenating India’s Lakes, Ponds, and Tanks – A Compendium of Success Stories, which was released at a symposium on Wednesday. The book is based on the year-long survey in which a CSE team reviewed 250 water bodies created or restored under 22 state-level programmes and five central govt schemes. CSE said that under Delhi govt’s City of Lakes project, 14-15 lakes were artificially created or encroached lakes were restored until December last year. According to the report submitted by Delhi Jal Board to the National Green Tribunal, 155 water bodies have been considered for revival under the project. At Pappankalan, the groundwater level was 21.8m below the surface level in 2019 but rose to 6m after two lakes were revived there. The groundwater level was estimated using piezometers installed at the sites. These calculate the groundwater pressure and the increase in the groundwater table over time in metres. “To ensure that lakes and waterbodies remain filled throughout the year — Delhi has just 50-odd rainy days a year — DJB connected the revived as well as the new waterbodies to sewage treatment plants wherever possible. The idea was to fill the waterbodies with treated effluent,” said CSE. According to the state govt, Delhi also produces 500 million gallons per day (MGD) or 1,893 million litres per day (MLD) of recycled water from 37 operational STPs, 21 of which is currently being wasted. This recycled water can be stored in the proposed lakes and waterbodies and further used to reduce the deficit of 200MGD (757MLD) of water faced annually by the city, CSE pointed out. Sushmita Sengupta, senior programme manager of the water programme at CSE, said, “It is a good example of water conservation. The project includes filling up the waterbodies with treated wastewater — which was getting wasted by mixing with sewage in a nearby drain. The filled-up water helps to recharge the groundwater in the nearby borewells. The piezometers (for example, those near Najafgarh and Pappan Kalan) which record the local groundwater showed an increase of 3-4 metres in just one year.” Speaking at a symposium on Wednesday, CSE director general Sunita Narain said, “It is also critical in these times of water stress not only to ensure that wastewater, or sewage, is treated but also to recycle and reuse it. It is here that the waterbodies we protect in our cities, the same ponds and tanks that we use to divert and harvest rainwater, can be used to channel the treated sewage and, in turn, recharge groundwater.”