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NGT imposes 4.6 Cr fine on Manali MC for poor waste management

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed a fine of Rs 4.6 crore on the Manali Municipal Council for failing to manage waste properly at a dumping site in Rangri village, near the tourist resort of Manali. The tribunal’s order, issued on May 29, 2024, mandates the Municipal Council to pay the fine within three months and deposit the amount with the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (HPSPCB). According to a report published in Down to Earth magazine on May 31, 2024, the NGT found that proper management of solid waste at the Rangri village waste facility was not being conducted. The tribunal specified that the fine would be used for compensating the damage caused to the environment as well as for its rejuvenation and restoration. The order also stated that any previous or anticipated payments made by the respondent after receiving notice on January 24, 2024, would be directed towards environmental restoration. In response to the situation, the NGT directed the state to form a joint committee comprising the District Magistrate of Kullu, the Member Secretary of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and the Member Secretary of the HPSPCB. This committee is tasked with ensuring proper segregation and management of garbage and preparing an environmental rejuvenation plan within six months. The tribunal’s action follows a written complaint from a petitioner about pollution affecting two nearby schools and a local village due to unscientific dumping practices. On May 25, 2022, the head of Gram Panchayat Shalen in Manali, Paldan Phunchog, highlighted the issue in a letter, noting that local residents were suffering from garbage scattered over a two-kilometer area and the resulting foul smell. This situation was leading to health problems and creating living conditions described as “hellish.” The Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board, in its inspection on January 3, 2024, found several violations at the Rangri village municipal solid waste facility. The inspection revealed heaps of long-standing waste along with fresh mixed waste that required scientific processing. Additionally, compost pits were filled with mixed waste, and the facility lacked both a bio-methanation plant and a bio-composter despite repeated instructions from the Pollution Board. The retaining wall around old waste near the Beas River was also found damaged. The Panchayat accused the civic body of excessive piling of fresh waste, which, with little rain, flows into the Beas River, exacerbating the environmental hazard. The court has warned that if the Municipal Council continues to mismanage or misuse solid waste, the Pollution Control Board should determine environmental compensation on a monthly basis. Noteworthy that this significant fine and the tribunal’s directives highlight the urgent need for proper waste management practices to protect the environment and public health in Manali.

NGT imposes fine on MMC for not managing waste

The National Green Tribunal slapped a fine of Rs 4.6 crore on Manali Municipal Council to pay environmental compensation for not managing waste properly in Rangri village. According to a report published in Down to Earth Environment Magazine on May 31, 2024, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) reportedly imposed a Rs 4.6 crore fine on MC Manali for not managing waste properly in a dumping site of civic bidy at Rangri near tourist resort Manali. In an order passed on May 29, 2024, the tribunal said that proper management of solid waste at the waste facility located in Rangri village of Manali was not being done. The tribunal was directed to pay this compensation within three months and deposit this amount of fine with the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board. The entire amount would be charged to the civic body under the Solid Waste Management Act of 2016. The NGT said that this compensation would be used to compensate for the damage caused to the environment as well as for its rejuvenation and restoration. The order also held that any previous or anticipated payment made in this matter by the respondent after receiving the notice on January 24, 2024, would also be used for the restoration of the environment. NGT has also directed the state to form a joint committee of the District Magistrate of Kullu, Member Secretary of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and Member Secretary of the HPSPCB to ensure proper segregation and management of garbage. This panel would prepare an environmental rejuvenation plan within the next six months. On a written complaint submitted by a petitioner, it was found that two schools and a local village were facing pollution due to unscientific dumping. The court has also warned that if the Municipal Council continues to mismanage, process, or misuse solid waste, then the Pollution Control Board should determine environmental compensation on a monthly basis. It is worth noting that on May 25, 2022, the head of Gram Panchayat Shalen in Manali, Paldan Phunchog, complained about the illegal dumping of solid waste in his letter petition area. Phunchog stated that the local residents are suffering from the garbage scattered in a two-kilometer area and the foul smell emanating from it. This was leading to health problems and threatening the situation, compared to hell. In response, the Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board said on January 24, 2024, that they had inspected the municipal solid waste facility located at Rangri village on January 3, 2024. A lot of violations were found during this inspection. There were heaps of long-standing waste along with fresh mixed waste at the site. These needed to be processed scientifically

Ujjwala 2.0: Most migrant workers in Chennai not even aware of scheme

In August 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a renewed version of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), through which migrants could avail of a cooking gas connection with just a self-declaration as proof of address. Through this scheme, christened Ujjwala 2.0, the beneficiaries could get a gas connection, the first gas cylinder worth over Rs 800 and a stove, for free. It was touted as a thoughtful welfare scheme that helped migrant workers avail themselves of a gas connection without the necessary documentation such as caste certificates and ration cards. Three years later, this scheme remains an unfulfilled promise, as a reality check on the ground indicates that most migrant workers in Chennai are not even aware of this government initiative. Struggles of acquiring an LPG connection James Mundu, a native of Jharkhand, who is working at Marai Malai Nagar in South Chennai, purchased a gas cylinder in 2022 from the black market. “I bought a 14-kg cylinder without a gas connection for Rs 5,000. As I have no address proof for Chennai, I had to pay six times the original price of the cylinder,” James Mundu said. Had his wife been a beneficiary of the Ujjwala 2.0 scheme, their family could have received a cylinder and a gas connection for free, thus saving Rs 5,000 — the money that gets them vegetables for two whole months. James Mundu lives in an asbestos sheet house, with his wife and brother-in-law and earns around Rs 15,000 a month. “We had to compromise on many things to save that money,” said James, who has no clue about the Ujjwala 2.0 scheme. Around six migrant workers and five activists we reached out to, who are working for the welfare of the fraternity are unaware of the scheme. About the ambitious scheme Ujjwala 2.0 is an extension of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), a flagship scheme launched in 2016 to distribute free LPG connections to women belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. In addition to allocating 1.6 crore LPG connections, Ujjwala 2.0 extended eligibility for a free cooking gas connection to migrant households. Typically, these households are required to pay a deposit of Rs 2,450 for the connection. While the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas claims that it has distributed 10.33 crore LPG connections across India under the scheme and 2.34 crore gas connections to migrants through Ujjwala 2.0 as of May 30, 2024, the impact of the scheme is not seemingly visible on the ground. According to media reports quoting industry sources, the migrant population in Tamil Nadu have benefited greatly from the Ujjwala 2.0 scheme. Official data from the PMUY website says that about 8.65 crore LPG connections have been released since the renewed scheme’s launch, in Tamil Nadu. Surprisingly, the number of migrant beneficiaries in the Chennai district is only 4113. Considering Chennai has a sizeable population of migrants, the numbers just don’t add up. ‘No enquiries received’ This writer reached out to three Indane gas agencies and one HP gas agency in Chennai to inquire whether they offered free gas connections to migrant workers. These agencies are situated in Medavakkam, Purusawakkam, Thiruvanmiyur, and Chintadripet. However, not only did these gas agencies fail to provide connections, but they also reported receiving no inquiries from migrant workers about the scheme. The HP gas agency employee at Medavakkam said that HP has not been processing Ujjwala 2.0 for the past three years. An Indane gas agency employee from Thiruvanmiyur said they received at least 20 enquiries from the Chennai-based BPL families but none from migrants. “After the Prime Minister’s announcement, we received information from Indian Oil Corporation Limited about the extension of the scheme to migrant workers. But we have not processed any requests from migrant families in the past three years,” said I Lavanya, Manager, Lord Balaji Gas Agencies, Thiruvanmiyur. None of these agencies organised awareness programmes on Ujjwala 2.0 for migrant workers. They had, however, organised camps to disseminate information on the PMUY scheme to the BPL families in the city. Citizen Matters contacted Kumar Jayant, Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Labour and Skill Development, Govt of Tamil Nadu, who stated that the scheme is directly managed by Central PSUs/oil companies and advised contacting them directly. The helpline dedicated to this scheme is non-functional as all attempts to reach the listed number (18002666696) for Ujjwala 2.0 were unsuccessful in connecting to a customer care executive. When we contacted staff at the office of Kushagra Mittal, Deputy Secretary for gas agency/LPG, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, they mentioned that “the secretary is not authorised to speak to the media due to ongoing elections.” With the growth of infrastructure projects in Chennai, a rapidly developing metropolitan city, there is a high influx of migrants entering the construction industry and settling in slums, in and around the city, a study on migrant workers in Chennai says. Migrant workers in informal sectors earn modest incomes and diligently save whatever they can, often sending a portion home to support their families. Ajay Panna (27) could purchase a gas cylinder by paying Rs 3,000 to his house owner. A native of Assam’s Tinsukia district, he has been living in Chennai for over a year now. “My house owner used his proof of address and charged me almost four times more than the actual cost, to get me a LPG cylinder,” said Ajay. Before acquiring a gas cylinder, Ajay’s family depended on an induction stove for cooking, which offered limited cooking options and necessitated the use of only stainless-steel pots. The gas cylinder proves invaluable for migrant workers in cutting down meal expenses, as otherwise, they resort to eating out. “We don’t find satisfaction in eating out because we are always conscious of the cost,” James explained. “We prefer cooking at home, where we can prepare our own cuisine and enjoy our meals without reservation.” No social security benefits for migrant workers According to a study called The Life and Times of Migrants in Chennai, migrants choose to work in the construction, manufacturing and service industries of the city for better earnings and to come out of indebtedness. The 2013-study states that the majority of migrants in the construction sector (page 53) do not get social security benefits such as Employment Provident Fund (EPF), giving all the more reason why they should have free gas connections. “Only 1.2% of them get a food subsidy in canteens,” the study stated. Considering the shortcomings, Ujjwala 2.0 could have made an impact among the migrants. Anima Kanbulna, a 34-year-old native of West Bengal, who has been living in Chennai’s Ambattur says, “Forget maternity leaves, we are paid less and are expected to work overtime. We literally starve ourselves to save money.” Anima had to purchase a gas cylinder for Rs 3,000 in the black market. If there is something that connects Anima, Ajay and James, it is the fact that they are oblivious of the Ujjwala 2.0 scheme. “Had I not spent that money on a cylinder, I could have used it to buy some clothes for my newborn,” Anima said. What’s the way ahead? Analysing the reasons behind the limited coverage of the Ujjwala 2.0 scheme may help come up with solutions. Dr Bernard D’Sami, senior research fellow, Loyola Institute of Social Science Training and Research, (LISSTAR) Chennai, who has been studying migrant workers for the past fifteen years, opined that the scheme should be promoted by other line departments at the state and city level. “Line departments of the union and state governments through social welfare, home, housing and urban affairs should have made this program known to the interstate migrants,” Dr Bernard D’Sami said. While the single male migrants often live in groups and use kerosene stoves for cooking, there is a great need for gas connections for migrant families. “Schemes such as these should be communicated in their own language,” Dr Bernard D’Sami said. Researchers who studied the Ujjwala scheme said that the beneficiaries often struggle to afford refilling the cylinders after availing them for free. “This along with unreliable supply in rural areas has slowed down the widespread uptake. The strategy will have to be reinvented,” said Anumita Roychowdhury, Executive Director, Research and Advocacy, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), adding that poor access to information could have been one of the reasons why migrants could not benefit from Ujjwala 2.0. “We have to get to the level to bring in behavioural change among the beneficiaries and also promote decentralised renewable energy schemes for promoting induction cooking. We need to build awareness around it,” she added.

Heat proofing cities: Emergency oriented approaches must give way to long-term planning

When Delhi’s Mungeshpur automatic weather station beeped an unprecedented heat peak of 52.9 degrees on May 29, it provoked an incredulous reaction. Is this an outlier, an anomaly? The Mungeshpur figures were later ascribed to a technological fault. But the story is not about only one number this summer, but about the consistent long-term rise in the summer heat index (high temperature combined with growing relative humidity) in Delhi, signalling an altered reality. This new normal is evident in the recent analysis of six megacities carried out by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) which indicates growing heat stress in urban centres of the country due to rising air temperature, relative humidity and land surface temperature. Nights are not cooling down adequately any more. This intensifies thermal discomfort and increases the disease burden. Several factors are at play. The continuous expansion of the built-up area is increasing heat-trapping concrete surfaces in urban areas. Illustratively, Delhi’s built-up area has increased from 31.4 per cent in 2003 to 38.2 per cent in 2022, and that of Bengaluru from 37.5 per cent to 71.5 per cent in 2023.

Sunita Narain on launch of State of Environment in Figures 2024

Report points to these priorities for planning: water scarcity, water pollution, air pollution in cities and declining public transport To buy the book, click here This is our annual report to measure the state of the environment using data; it provides a snapshot of the state of affairs through numbers. This is important because we know that you get what you measure; more importantly, what gets measured is also what, subsequently, gets done. Data, thus, is key for driving the action that is so critical in our world. I write this when temperatures have breached 50°C in my city of Delhi. It is scorching, burning heat, and now we are being informed that a water crisis looms as well. All this is worse for people who work outside; they have no choice but to cope with the heat, and with little resources. This is a time when we cannot help but understand the crisis of a changing climate. This is borne out by the data in this report: there is clear evidence that heat is rising. It is not only heat; it is also extreme weather events that are breaking the backs of the poorest in our world. This report tells you how 69 weather stations across 23 of the 36 Indian states and Union Territories shattered their monthly highest 24-hour rainfall in 122 years. This means more rain on fewer number of rainy days, which in turn will add to the challenge of more frequent floods, followed by longer droughts. I also write this when India is electing a new government. We will soon know the results of this massive celebration of democracy, and the question then is, what do we learn from this data as far as an agenda for the new-old government goes? The first thing that is clear is that whatever the priority of the government, it must be understood that this is the age of climate change. It means that there will be unseasonal weather, intense heat and cold and extreme rain. This will take away the development dividend. But it also means that a development strategy has to be designed for this climate-risked world. The fact is, farmers will need all the help they can get in these times of variable weather. The data shows us that the flagship crop insurance scheme of the government to provide that crucial support is flagging; it needs a reboot. It needs a rethink, also so that it can take into account the local impact of crop losses because of unseasonal weather. This is not all; we know that we need to change our energy-pathway so that we can grow economically, but we also need to reduce our local emissions (from burning coal) that are toxic for health. And if we do this, we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to a burning planet. This is particularly important as temperature increases will mean a greater need for energy. If this is fueled using dirty sources like coal, it will be disastrous for us and for the planet. The Indian government’s strategy has been to invest in renewable energy; to reduce our dependence on coal, even as we double our energy consumption. But data reveals that thermal power is still king; and if we take renewable energy to include big hydro-power then generation declined in the past year, in spite of the increased investment in building new infrastructure. It is the same with electric vehicles; we can see an increased uptake of e-vehicles, but if you deep dive into data it reveals that the bulk of these are in the 2-3 wheeled category and e-vehicles do not displace new diesel vehicle — specially not in the case of private cars or buses. This then is the other challenge — of reinventing mobility for clean air — and data shows that bus infrastructure is going down and public bus agencies are deep in red. We need to rework strategies for the future in all these areas. The report points to these priorities for planning: water scarcity, water pollution, air pollution in cities and declining public transport. The fact is, this is where our focus has to be. This is a world where plans have to be crafted keeping in mind the crisis of climate change; but this is also a world where we would have the opportunity to address this crisis. We need clever solutions that will work for us—growth, livelihoods and wellbeing for all—and also address climate change. This is the opportunity. This is where the data takes us. Now we need to act. And act with speed, scale and imagination. 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.

Air quality panel constitutes team to control Delhi winter pollution levels

The enforcement task force is constituted by the pollution-control body comprises six members with technical and administrative experience. NEW DELHI: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has sprung into action earlier than usual to control winter pollution levels in Delhi-NCR. The central body has constituted an enforcement team to monitor the on-ground implementation of the commission’s guidelines. The team will monitor and enforce the pollution control guidelines of the central agency. Strict action will be taken against those who violate the rules, officials said. Although the level of pollution in the national capital is higher than normal even during summers, people have to endure the scourge of air pollution during the four months of winter due to unfavourable atmospheric conditions. The pollution-control body usually enforces the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) between October and February to prevent such circumstances. The CAQM continuously issues instructions to control the factors responsible for pollution. The enforcement task force is constituted by the pollution-control body comprises six members with technical and administrative experience. According to the instructions issued by the commission in this regard, this enforcement task force will monitor the measures towards prevention of pollution in the national capital region as well as enforce the guidelines and rules issued by the commission. According to State of Environment report by the Centre of Science and Environment, air pollution in Delhi was found to be the leading cause of mortality, followed by various other health issues, such as high blood pressure, dietary risks, tobacco, diabetes, high cholesterol and kidney dysfunction. Killer air According to a Centre of Science and Environment study, air pollution in Delhi was found to be the leading cause of mortality, followed by other health issues, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.

Air quality panel constitutes team to control Delhi winter pollution levels

According to State of Environment report by the Centre of Science and Environment, air pollution in Delhi was found to be the leading cause of mortality, followed by various other health issues, such as high blood pressure, dietary risks, tobacco, diabetes, high cholesterol and kidney dysfunction. NEW DELHI: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has sprung into action earlier than usual to control winter pollution levels in Delhi-NCR. The central body has constituted an enforcement team to monitor the on-ground implementation of the commission’s guidelines. The team will monitor and enforce the pollution control guidelines of the central agency. Strict action will be taken against those who violate the rules, officials said. Although the level of pollution in the national capital is higher than normal even during summers, people have to endure the scourge of air pollution during the four months of winter due to unfavourable atmospheric conditions. The pollution-control body usually enforces the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) between October and February to prevent such circumstances. The CAQM continuously issues instructions to control the factors responsible for pollution. The enforcement task force is constituted by the pollution-control body comprises six members with technical and administrative experience. According to the instructions issued by the commission in this regard, this enforcement task force will monitor the measures towards prevention of pollution in the national capital region as well as enforce the guidelines and rules issued by the commission. According to State of Environment report by the Centre of Science and Environment, air pollution in Delhi was found to be the leading cause of mortality, followed by various other health issues, such as high blood pressure, dietary risks, tobacco, diabetes, high cholesterol and kidney dysfunction. Killer air According to a Centre of Science and Environment study, air pollution in Delhi was found to be the leading cause of mortality, followed by other health issues, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.

Chennai hottest Indian megacity, says study

CHENNAI: If the dog days of the past three days made you bemuse that Chennai is the hottest city, you are right as science also corroborates. An analy The study conducted by the Urban Lab of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) said that due to the rise of relative humidity during summer, the

एनएल चर्चा 321: आसमान से बरसती जानलेवा आग और सातवें चरण का चुनाव

इस हफ्ते जानलेवा होती जा रही गर्मी और सातवें चरण के चुनावों को लेकर चर्चा हुई. चर्चा के प्रमुख विषय गुजरात के एक गेम जोन और दिल्ली में बच्चों के एक अस्पताल में लगी आग, सैंकड़ों महिलाओं के शारीरिक शोषण के आरोप में प्रज्ज्वल रेवन्ना गिरफ्तार, पूर्व अमेरिकी राष्ट्रपति डोनाल्ड ट्रम्प 34 मामलों में दोषी क़रार, डेरा सच्चा सौदा प्रमुख गुरमीत राम रहीम हत्या के एक मामले में बरी और पूर्वोत्तर भारत में रीमल नामी चक्रवाती तूफ़ान से आई तबाही के अलावा भाजपा प्रत्याशी करण भूषण सिंह के गाड़ियों के क़ाफ़िले से 2 लोगों की मौत आदि रहे. इस हफ्ते चर्चा में वरिष्ठ पत्रकार स्मिता शर्मा, तमल साहा और सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट के लीड कंसलटेंट अविकल सोमवंशी शामिल हुए. इसके अलावा न्यूज़लॉन्ड्री टीम से प्रधान संपादक रमन किरपाल और विकास जांगड़ा ने हिस्सा लिया. वहीं, चर्चा का संचालन शार्दूल कात्यायन ने किया. चर्चा की शुरुआत करते हुए शार्दूल कहते हैं, “मैंने व्यक्तिगत तौर पर यह महसूस किया है कि इस बार गर्मी में खास बात यह है कि रात को भी तापमान नीचे नहीं जा रहा. इसके पीछे कारण क्या हैं?” अविकल इस सवाल के जवाब में कहते हैं, “मैंने भारत के 6 महानगरों का पिछले 20 सालों का डाटा देखा. जिसमें यह काफी स्पष्ट रूप से नज़र आ रहा है कि सदी की शुरुआत में दिल्ली में दिन के मुक़ाबले रात को तापमान 12 से 14 डिग्री नीचे होता था लेकिन पिछले दो सालों से यह बस 8 या 9 डिग्री जा रहा है. यह खतरनाक भी है. इससे इंसान की काम करने की क्षमता भी प्रभावित हो रही है. एक रिपोर्ट के अनुसार रात की गर्मी दिन की गर्मी से ज़्यादा खतरनाक है.” सुनिए पूरी चर्चा - Support independent media. We serve you, not the advertisers. Pay to keep news free. Subscribe now टाइम कोड्स 00 - 02:45 - इंट्रो और जरूरी सूचना 02:45 - 11:30 - सुर्खियां 11:30 - 46:22 - जानलेवा होती गर्मी 46:22 - 1:28:40 - सातवें चरण का चुनाव 1:28:40 - 1:23:15 - सब्सक्राइबर्स के पत्र 1:36:15 - सलाह और सुझाव पत्रकारों की राय क्या देखा, पढ़ा और सुना जाए स्मिता शर्मा स्वतंत्र मीडिया को सहयोग दें रेड माइक चैनल पैर सौरभ शुक्ला की रिपोर्ट्स अविकल सोमवंशी सेंटर फॉर साइंस की हीट वेव पर रिपोर्ट तमल साहा न्यूज़लॉन्ड्री की चुनावी कवरेज तमल साहा की न्यूज़ वेबसाइट न्यूज़ द ट्रुथ विकास जांगड़ा वेब सीरीज : लॉ एंड आर्डर मुग़ले आज़म का गीत: तेरी महफ़िल में क़िस्मत आज़मा कर हम भी देखेंगे रमन किरपाल न्यूज़लॉन्ड्री के रिपोर्टर बसंत कुमार की चुनावी कवरेज इंडियन एक्सप्रेस की रिपोर्ट : व्हेन अ वेडिंग काल्ड ऑफ ओवर अ किस वेब सीरीज: स्कूल ऑफ़ लाइज शार्दूल कात्यायन वेब सीरीज : फॉलआउट फिल्म: जाने भी दो यारों बीबीसी की रिपोर्ट: क्लाइमेट चेंज ट्रांसक्रिप्शन: तस्नीम फातिमा प्रोड्यूसर: आशीष आनंद एडिटिंग: उमराव सिंह

In just three months of year, Delhi faced 15 extreme weather events

Delhi was among the 12 states and Union territories (UT) that recorded the highest number of days with extreme weather events in the first three months of this year, reveals Centre for Science and Environment’s State of Environment report 2024. The report said Delhi saw 15 extreme weather events from Jan to March 2024, mostly cold days or cold waves, against 12 each recorded during the same period in 2023 and 2022. “From Jan to March 2024, at least 12 states/UTs, including Delhi, recorded their highest number of days with extreme weather events in the past three years,” it added. Between Jan 1 and Dec 31, 2023, India experienced extreme weather events on 318 of the 365 days. These events claimed 3,287 lives and devastated 2.2 million hectare crop area, revealed the report, which had sourced data from the disaster management division of Union home ministry, India Meteorological Department and media reports. Of the 15 extreme weather events in Delhi in 2024, 14 were cold waves or cold days in Jan, while one incident of lightning and storm took place on March 3. “However, as Delhi has been witnessing blistering heat in May, the number of extreme events is expected to rise this year,” said one of the researchers. Sunita Narain, director general of CSE, said, “Even as we are releasing this report, India is going through an intense heatwave. This is a time when we cannot but understand the crisis of a changing climate. This is borne out by the data in this report — there is clear evidence that heat is rising and extreme weather events are breaking the backs of the poorest in our world.” The report stated that 2023 was India’s second hottest year on record, with 102 weather stations across 26 of 36 states/UTs witnessing record-breaking temperatures. It was also a very wet year, with 69 weather stations across 23 states/UTs registering record-breaking rainfall. According to the report, in the first three months of 2023, lightning and storms dominated as the most common extreme weather events in the country. However, in 2024, cold wave or cold days were the most frequent occurrence during this period. Despite this shift, hailstorms, categorised with lightning and storms, maintained their widespread impact across 25 states/UTs. In contrast, cold wave/cold days were reported in 13 states/UTs. Rajit Sengupta, one of the lead researchers, said, “Hailstorms (classified under lightning and storms) were geographically the most widespread event, with 25 states/UTs reporting them.” Between Jan and March 2024, extreme weather events claimed 71 human lives and damaged 0.1 million hectares of crop land across the country.

Climate change: Deadly heat at the door

When the thermometer at Delhi’s meteorological station in Mungeshpur read 52.9°C on May 29 and the one at Nagpur’s Automatic Weather Station (AWS) showed 56°C on May 30, it triggered panic across the country since they were seen as tipping points in the climate change fallout. Soon, a team of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) started investigating whether there was any equipment malfunction or were there local factors behind the record breaking temperatures since the IMD’s inception in 1875. The Met office has since clarified that Nagpur’s 56°C was due to a sensor error. Be that as it may, Delhi has been baking at close to 50°C since the last few days. In fact, many parts of North, West, East and Central India turned into a frying pan as temperatures have been ranging between 45°C and 51°C since the past seven days. For instance, Phalodi and Churu in Rajasthan crossed 50°C for a couple of days, Sirsa in Haryana recorded over 50°C and many cities such as Chandigarh (46°C), Amethi (47.2°C), Karwar (38°C), Prayagraj (48.8°C), Agra (48°C), Rohtak (48.8°C) set a new records of maximum temperatures in their respective regions. The IMD recorded temperatures over 45°C in 83 meteorological stations in Northern India. The figures were up to 9°C above normal, as severe heat wave conditions prevailed over many parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and some pockets of Himachal Pradesh. Earlier in April, intense heat waves were reported from Southern peninsular India and Eastern India. At many places, soaring temperatures broke records and caused severe water crisis. However, the situation comparatively eased in peninsular India in early May while North India continued to reel under the heatwave. IMD data shows that there was a 45% increase in heatwave days in May. The normal heatwave days for May is 92, but it shot up to 133. Similarly, in April, the number of heatwave days were 66% above the normal range. (see table) Against the normal three days of heatwave in each meteorological region in May, Gujarat experienced 12 days, Rajasthan (9-12 days), Delhi, Haryana, Tamil Nadu and Telangana seven days each, Karnataka, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh six days each and Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and Bengal five days each. Next Stay April had 118 days of heatwave against an average of 71 days. Instead of two days of normal heatwave, Odisha (18 days — 2 in the first half of the month and 16 in the second half) reported the highest of heatwave days in the past nine years. West Bengal had 16 such days, which was its highest in 15 years. Heatwaves were also reported in Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Interior Karnataka (10 days), Southern Karnataka (8 days), Tamil Nadu and Sikkim (7 days). Odisha got the longest spell of heatwave in April 2024 from April 15-30 (16 days). Its previous highest was in April 2016 when it prevailed between April 9 and 30 (21 days). A recent study shows that an average person on earth experienced 26 more days of abnormally high temperatures in the past year than would have been the case without human-induced climate change. It said that in the last 12 months, some 6.3 billion people — roughly 80% of the global population — experienced at least 31 days of what is classed as extreme heat. The report was published by the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, the World Weather Attribution scientific network and the non-profit research organisation Climate Central. Even the World Health Organisation states that the number of people exposed to extreme heat is growing exponentially due to climate change in all the global regions. Heat-related mortality for people over 65 years of age increased by approximately 85% between 2000–2004 and 2017–2021. According to the IMD’s latest Heat Index, the human body will experience above 600C in Eastern India, the Gangetic plains and the Eastern coasts up to Tamil Nadu. The Heat Index is a measure of how hot it really feels outside by taking into account humidity along with temperature. Moreover, a new analysis by a Delhi-based environment think tank, the Centre for Science and Environment, shows that the heat stress is not just about rising temperature. It is a deadly combination of air temperature, land surface temperature and relative humidity that leads to thermal discomfort in cities and increases the disease burden. No centralised record of heat related illness Extreme heat can cause serious health issues and can be fatal to outdoor workers, the elderly and people with existing cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, mental health, asthma, etc. The weather office has issued red alerts in many states to take precautions against heat-related illness. There were reports of 50 school students fainting and at least 14 deaths in Bihar due to heat related illness. Besides, 19 people died in Odisha due to suspected heatstroke. In Delhi, paid work break from 12 noon to 3 pm has been made mandatory for outdoor workers. These are some of the widely reported incidents. But the government does not collect centralised data on heat related disasters ostensibly to avoid public anxiety. “When required we ask the respective state authority to provide data on heat-related disasters to frame policy,” said a senior member of the National Disaster Management Authority. “The data is controlled and monitored at the Prime Minister’s Office, so it is not easily available to the public,” he added. A recent study shows that in the past two decades, approximately half a million people died due to heat-related illness. Out of it, 45% were in Asia and 36% in Europe. In 2021, Athens became the world’s first city to appoint a Heat officer, a formal step to recognise heat as a disaster that needs mitigation. Experts believe that India needs to recognise heat as a disaster and take concrete steps to reduce the disease burden.

World Milk Day: Experts On Milk Adulteration & Tips To Identify Clean Dairy Products

‘Milk samples in Punjab found adulterated,’ ‘26% milk & dairy product samples found adulterated in Guwahati,’ and ‘Men held for selling adulterated milk in Hyderabad,’ are only a few headlines of the most-read digital media platforms in 2024. These reports have created fear among consumers. The worrying aspect is that it is not just milk that is adulterated but many vendors are selling expired food items and dishes cooked or stored in an unhygienic environment. A 2024 report published by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), a public-interest research organisation in New Delhi, indicated that at least 70% of the milk samples collected across India were found to be adulterated.

CSE and Down To Earth magazine release the 2024 State of India’s Environment in Figures report

“As the World Environment Day (June 5) draws near, India awaits the end of its national elections and declaration of their results. The State of India’s Environment in Figures – an annual publication by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and Down To Earth magazine – is a unique collation of statistics which provides a snapshot of the state of affairs in the country using numbers. What it also provides is an agenda for development, based on hard facts and data, to the new-old government that will emerge to take hold of the reins of the country,” said Sunita Narain, director general of CSE, here today. She was speaking at a webinar organised by CSE to release the 2024 edition of the State of India’s Environment in Figures. Narain added: “The numbers revealed by this report do paint a grim picture. But therein hides an opportunity. In painting its picture, the report outlines the priorities for the new regime – the sectors where we must craft our development plans, keeping in mind the climate crisis that we face today.” SOE in Figures, as the report is referred to, reveals some alarming truths indeed. Take the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With a score of a little over 63 out of 100, India ranks a dismal 112th among 166 nations with respect to its preparedness to meet the Goals. India’s renewable energy generation (including hydro) has actually gone down by 1.5 per cent between 2022-23 and 2023-24 – 23 states and Union territories (UTs) have witnessed a drop. Per capita health expenditure is dipping as well: 12 states rank below the national average. The area insured under the national crop insurance scheme decreased by 12 per cent in 2022-23 compared to when the scheme was initiated. State of the states Says Richard Mahapatra, managing editor of Down To Earth: “The SOE in Figures tells us that many states and UTs are grappling with low per capita health expenditure, high incidence of non-communicable diseases, declining renewable energy generation, inadequate crop insurance coverage and deteriorating soil health.” In 26 states/UTs, non-communicable diseases account for 50 per cent of the total deaths. These states/UTs include Delhi, Goa, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Telangana and most states in the northeastern parts of the country, among others. Twenty-three of the states/UTs have not achieved 100 per cent tap water connections in rural households, with West Bengal emerging as one of the states lagging behind. Nine of the states/UTs have air pollution levels so high that reducing their PM2.5 levels to the recommended standards of the World Health Organization (WHO) can extend the average lifespan of their residents by five years and three months. Among those which indicate a high potential gain in life expectancy are Delhi (11 years and 10 months), Uttar Pradesh (8 years and 10 months), Haryana (8 years and 4 months) and Bihar (7 years and 11 months), among others. In terms of per capita power availability, 16 states/UTs had a lower than national average – big states such as Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Kerala, Jharkhand, Assam and Bihar feature in the list. State of climate Climate change has been at work; SOE in Figures says 2023 was India’s second hottest year on record — 102 weather stations across 26 out of 36 states/UTs witnessed record-breaking temperatures. It was also a very wet year, with 69 weather stations across 23 states/UTs registering record-breaking rainfall. Between January 1 and December 31, 2023, India experienced extreme weather events on 318 of the 365 days, says the report. These events claimed 3,287 lives and devastated 2.2 million hectare of crop area. In the first three months of 2023, lightning and storms were the most frequent extreme weather events. Says Rajit Sengupta, one of the lead researchers behind the CSE report: “Hailstorms (classified under lightning and storms) were geographically the most widespread event, with 25 states/UTs reporting them.” Adds Kiran Pandey, the other lead researcher: “In terms of the human costs, we have found that close to 90 per cent of new internal displacements in India have been due to climate-related events. India ranks as the 20th most disaster-affected country in the world.” In terms of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, India’s share jumped up 115 per cent between 1994 and 2019: in 2019, the country emitted 2,647 million tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent of GHGs. The energy industry was the biggest emitter: accounting for 76 per cent of the total national carbon dioxide emissions in 2019. The SOE in Figures also points out that the land use, land use change and forests sector removed/absorbed 20 per cent of India’s emissions in 2019. Said Narain: “Even as we are releasing this report, India is going through an intense heat wave. This is a time when we cannot but understand the crisis of a changing climate. This is borne out by the data in this report — there is clear evidence that heat is rising and extreme weather events are breaking the backs of the poorest in our world.” Narain reiterated: “In such a scenario, our report points to priorities for planning — water scarcity, water pollution, air pollution in cities, declining public transport, etc. This is where our focus has to be. This is a world where plans have to be crafted keeping in mind the crisis of climate change; but this is also a world where we would have the opportunity to address this crisis. We need clever solutions that will work for us – growth, livelihoods and wellbeing for all — and also address climate change.”

New Data-Driven eBook Examines India's Environmental Challenges

As a prelude to World Environment Day, the release of "State of India's Environment 2024 in Figures" offers an in-depth, data-centric analysis of the country's environmental performance. This 9th eBook in the special dataset series takes an innovative approach, diving into a wealth of government and credible source data on India's environment and development. Utilising cutting-edge tools, the report processes vast amounts of raw data into insightful infographics that tell a comprehensive story for each subject area. From climate change and extreme weather events to health, food security, migration, agriculture, energy, waste, water, and biodiversity – no stone is left unturned. "With each dataset, we have tried to provide the complete picture with deep data wisdom," stated the publishers. "Every data point you encounter represents 12 months of meticulous tracking to make sense of the complex information and present credible statements." In addition to the national perspective, the report analyses and ranks the performance of India's states on key environmental parameters, making sense of regional environmental affairs through data that might otherwise remain obscure statistics. "'State of India's Environment 2024: In Figures' harnesses the best available data to narrate India's environmental journey – its successes, failures, and gaps," the publishers added. The eBook is available for purchase, offering readers a complementary resource to the previously released "State of India's Environment 2024" annual report. For a limited time, it is offered at a special price.