• Climate Change and Green Economy

India can play bigger role in climate talks; should host COP: Sunita Narain

India can play an "even bigger" role in climate talks by emerging as the voice of the global south and presenting the challenges faced by them, leading environmentalist Sunita Narain said as Prime Minister Narendra Modi eyes hosting the UN climate summit in 2028. In an interaction with PTI editors here, Narain, the Director General of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), said the Conference of Parties, under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, was the only forum where multilateral decisions can 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 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," Narain said. Modi, in his address at the Conference of Parties (COP-28) in Dubai, had offered to host the climate conference in India in 2028. The COP presidency rotates between different world regions and India's next opportunity will be in 2028 when Asia gets its turn. All countries in that group must unanimously agree to Modi'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 which cannot be sorted on a bilateral level at all. It is a multilateral issue," Narain said. She said climate change was one way to relearn socialism because it was about a common atmospheric space where countries have to learn to live together, whether they like it or not. "The UN talks are the only forum where you do multilateral decisions and decision making, however broken the system is, it is important," Narain said. Narain was a member of the COP-28 President Sultan Al Jaber's advisory panel. Al Jaber, also heads oil giant Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, which fuelled activists' worries that big industry was hijacking the global response to the environmental crisis.

• Climate Change and Green Economy

Distractions and double-speak plague climate finance talks in Bonn, says CSE

The world will have a tough time in the next climate conference (CoP 29) in Baku – because it did not do enough in the mid-year climate talks which ended in Bonn yesterday, say researchers from Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) who attended the meet in Germany. Back from Bonn, Avantika Goswami, programme manager, climate change, CSE said: “The Bonn talks took place whilst searing temperatures scorched northern India and Sudan and floods raged in southern Germany, omens of heightening climate impacts. However, for countries that had gathered for the two-weeks of negotiations in Bonn, this did not seem to matter as distractions and double-speak ruled the talks.” Finance frozen On the headline issue of the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance, divergences between developed and developing countries deepened instead of converging, signaling a long and arduous path to an agreement at Baku. Developing countries made clear demands for grant-based and concessional financing for climate and highlighted that the financial system creates a ‘disenabling’ environment for finance to flow to developing countries. The G77 and China bloc has remained united in its demands and upped the ante in its statement at the closing plenary, mentioning that they “cannot go beyond COP29 without defining the NCQG”, and that there is a need to “move from conceptual to concrete discussions”. But developed countries chose to focus on distractions such as the expansion of the contributor base for the goal. “Several developed countries continued to call for the provision of climate finance to be extended beyond just developed countries to include certain developing countries as well, arguing that this is to have the new climate finance goal reflect “new economic realities”, said Sehr Raheja, programme officer, climate change, CSE, who attended the Bonn talks. “Articles 9.1 and 9.3 of the Paris Agreement speak of developed country obligations of providing finance; the climate finance negotiations are not meant to push more responsibility onto developing countries, but rather, to honour obligations of developed countries to provide means of implementing climate action that is long overdue, in line with needs,” Raheja added. On the “quantum” of the NCQG, the Like-Minded Developing Countries, Arab group, and African Group, have suggested amounts in the range of US $1.1-$ 1.3 trillion per year. But developed countries did not engage meaningfully on the issue of quantum, nor did they propose one of their own. “Even an annual quantum of US $1 trillion as put forth by some developing countries is likely an underestimation of the climate needs of all developing countries; the finance demand must be scaled up in ambition to reflect both the past historical responsibility and today’s growing climate impacts and damages that the developing world is suffering. We must not hold back on asking for means of implementation for fear of disturbing political alliances – this is a survival issue”, said Goswami. What’s next after Global Stocktake (GST) “As a follow-up to the GST which concluded at CoP 28, an Annual GST Dialogue was held to track progress on implementing the outcomes of the GST. Despite a call for “transitioning away from fossil fuels” in the GST text, developed nations seemed to sidestep fossil fuels completely, focusing only on demanding stronger targets from all,” said Tamanna Sengupta, programme officer, climate change at CSE. Understandably, any mention of stronger mitigation from the Global North was met with a reminder of inadequate financing from the Global South, leading to a stalemate. “With CoP 29 set to take place in yet another oil-heavy country, the fossil fuel transition is at risk of being sidelined at worst and used as a political tool at best,” Sengupta added. Negotiations also took place to determine what the UAE Dialogue on GST should look like. Parties could not agree on whether the Dialogue should focus on providing climate finance and other means of implementation, or on all GST outcomes including stronger mitigation. Co-chairs provided two options leading up to CoP 29: one calls for climate finance encompassing Global South views and the second looks at all outcomes representing Global North perspectives. Loss and damage Following closely on the heels of the first Loss and Damage Fund (LDF) Board meeting, the 3rd Glasgow Dialogue on Loss and Damage at Bonn brought together country perspectives on the Santiago Network on Loss and Damage, the Warsaw International Mechanism and the LDF. Developing nations, particularly the Least Developed Countries, highlighted yet again that means of implementation have not kept pace with their L&D needs. It is also time to have a proper integrated framework in which the three different mechanisms of L&D interact with each other, as many countries highlighted. Developed nations did not have much to say in the Glasgow Dialogue, while the Global South reminded delegates that a sub-goal on L&D finance under the NCQG is a necessity for constructively addressing their needs. Mitigation Work Programme hamstrung by mistrust Talks under the Mitigation Work Programme (MWP) negotiation have been in limbo since last year, and Bonn did not precipitate a breakthrough. Developing countries, particularly large emerging economies, have dug in their heels refusing to take on additional pressures beyond what they have committed in their NDCs – which are due for an update next year. Meanwhile developed countries have insisted on furthering substantial talks, but this may not be coming from the most constructive place. As a result, an atmosphere of mistrust has plagued the MWP. “Developing countries urgently need due support and access to means of implementation – financing, technology transfer, and capacity building – to strengthen their capabilities to face climate change while not compromising development”, said Brazil in a powerful statement on behalf of Group SUR. “There is a fundamental disconnect between developed country negotiators and the rest within the MWP – mitigation has been a Global North supported agenda for 30 years, and the Paris Agreement diluted differentiation further by placing an equal burden of climate action on all. Tasked with implementing NDCs already, developing countries are unwilling to engage in discussions that place more demands on them, without commitments of financing to enable the same. This cooperation has failed to precipitate in the MWP so far. This fact will continue to derail this programme, until a better mechanism is devised,” said Goswami. Article 6 sees some clarity Under the market mechanisms (Article 6.2 and Article 6.4), Parties were able to bring more clarity to their positions on various elements in Bonn, but as there was no consensus, these elements have been deferred to a joint workshop that is supposed to take place before CoP 29. “Movement on some issues has led to a lighter agenda for Baku. However, there are conflicting views on some substantial matters, and attempts to have an agreement that satisfies all Parties may dilute resulting guidelines on these matters,” said Trishant Dev, programme officer, climate change, CSE. “The contentious elements included the authorisation process, the sequencing of reporting and authorisation, issues regarding registries, and the manner of addressing inconsistencies in reporting. Consideration of some matters, most importantly whether emission avoidance activities can be allowed under both Article 6.2 and 6.4, has been deferred to SBSTA 68, which will take place in 2028. Until then, such activities will not be eligible under market mechanisms”, Dev added.

• Climate Change and Green Economy

Rich Nations Refuse To Commit On Climate Finance, Stalling Progress In Bonn

Countries made little progress in reaching an agreement on the critical issue of climate finance at the mid-year UN climate talks in Bonn, Germany, even as floods, extreme rains, and brutal heatwaves disrupted lives and livelihoods in several countries. Negotiators will now have to work extremely hard to achieve success at the UN climate conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, where the world will meet the deadline for agreeing on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG). The NCQG is the new amount that developed countries must mobilise each year beginning in 2025 to support climate action in developing countries. Some wealthy countries argue that countries with high emissions and greater economic capabilities, such as China and petro-states classified as developing countries under the Paris Agreement, should also contribute to climate finance. Developing countries, on the other hand, cite Article 9 of the Paris Agreement, which states that climate finance should be directed from developed to developing countries. Developed countries want the funds to go to the nations most vulnerable to climate change, such as the least developed countries and small island developing states. Developing countries argue that they all deserve assistance. Developing countries also want clarity on what constitutes climate finance, insisting that development finance should not be counted as climate finance and that funds should not be disbursed as loans, as has happened in the past. According to climate policy experts at the think tank E3G, the Bonn talks have paved the way for a difficult road ahead, and an increase in political dialogue will be critical to achieving a breakthrough. According to the independent think tank Centre for Science and Environment, differences between developed and developing countries on the NCQG have deepened rather than narrowed, indicating a long and difficult path to agreement in Baku. Developing countries made unequivocal demands for grant-based and concessional financing for climate action, claiming that the financial system creates a 'disenabling' environment for finance to reach them. The G77-China bloc remained united in its demands and increased the ante in its statement at the closing plenary, saying they "cannot go beyond COP29 without defining the NCQG" and that there is a need to "move from conceptual to concrete discussions." However, developed countries chose to focus on distractions such as increasing the NCQG's contributor base. "Several developed countries continued to call for the provision of climate finance to be extended beyond just developed countries to include certain developing countries, arguing that this would make the new climate finance goal reflect 'new economic realities'," said Sehr Raheja, programme officer for climate change at CSE, who attended the Bonn talks. Regarding the NCQG's "quantum," the Like-Minded Developing Countries, Arab Group, and African Group have proposed amounts ranging from USD 1.1 to 1.3 trillion per year. However, developed countries did not engage meaningfully in the discussion of quantum, nor did they propose their own amounts. According to Harjeet Singh, climate activist and Global Engagement Director for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, climate finance at international talks has devolved into a battleground, a clear sign of developed nations' neglect and deception over the years. "These (rich) countries have not only avoided their historical responsibilities, but have also consistently used delaying tactics, shifting burdens onto the shoulders of developing countries," he stated. Tasneem Essop, Executive Director of Climate Action Network International, stated that the outcome of the Bonn climate talks reflects a decades-long struggle to get rich countries to meet their obligations and assist developing countries in taking action to address the climate crisis. "Unless that deadlock is broken, all other issues (such as mitigation and adaptation) will be held hostage," she stated.

• Climate Change and Green Economy

India Can Be Voice Of Global South On Climate Change, Narain Urges COP Hosting

India can play an "even bigger" role in climate talks by emerging as the voice of the global south and presenting the challenges faced by them, leading environmentalist Sunita Narain said as Prime Minister Narendra Modi eyes hosting the UN climate summit in 2028. In an interaction with PTI editors here, Narain, the Director General of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), said the Conference of Parties, under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, was the only forum where multilateral decisions can 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 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," Narain said. Modi, in his address at the Conference of Parties (COP-28) in Dubai, had offered to host the climate conference in India in 2028. The COP presidency rotates between different world regions and India's next opportunity will be in 2028 when Asia gets its turn. All countries in that group must unanimously agree to Modi'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 which cannot be sorted on a bilateral level at all. It is a multilateral issue," Narain said. She said climate change was one way to relearn socialism because it was about a common atmospheric space where countries have to learn to live together, whether they like it or not. "The UN talks are the only forum where you do multilateral decisions and decision making, however broken the system is, it is important," Narain said. Narain was a member of the COP-28 President Sultan Al Jaber's advisory panel. Al Jaber, also heads oil giant Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, which fuelled activists' worries that big industry was hijacking the global response to the environmental crisis. "A lot of the flak that was given also to me was... 'but he is an oil producer. And why are you advising an oil producing producer?' But that is important. And, I think it is important for us to come to a common ground to say, what are we going to do with fossil fuels? How are they going to reduce," Narain said. She said the Ukraine war had pushed the talk about renewable energy to the background. "Germany was going back to building LNG stations. The US is talking about fracking more and more, talking about more and more lands to be opened out. This is the reality" Narain said. Narain said the increasing influence of right-wing parties in Europe has also led to protests against the EU Green Deal. "We need a forum where we can come together as nations to discuss and for the south to play a bigger and bigger role in demanding that," she said. Narain said India should also raise the issue of climate finance and the high cost of capital for renewable energy projects. "These are issues that we need to have on the table. And, the only way to discuss that is in multilateral forums. Yes, India should hold the talks. I think India is a very important part of the global leadership. We play an important role," Narain said.

• Climate Change and Green Economy

India can play even bigger role in climate talks; should host COP in 2028: Sunita Narain

India can play an “even bigger” role in climate talks by emerging as the voice of the global south and presenting the challenges faced by them, leading environmentalist Sunita Narain said as Prime Minister Narendra Modi eyes hosting the UN climate summit in 2028. In an interaction with PTI editors here, Narain, the Director General of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), said the Conference of Parties, under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, was the only forum where multilateral decisions can 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 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,” Narain said. Modi, in his address at the Conference of Parties (COP-28) in Dubai, had offered to host the climate conference in India in 2028. The COP presidency rotates between different world regions and India’s next opportunity will be in 2028 when Asia gets its turn. All countries in that group must unanimously agree to Modi’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 which cannot be sorted on a bilateral level at all. It is a multilateral issue,” Narain said. She said climate change was one way to relearn socialism because it was about a common atmospheric space where countries have to learn to live together, whether they like it or not. “The UN talks are the only forum where you do multilateral decisions and decision making, however broken the system is, it is important,” Narain said. Narain was a member of the COP-28 President Sultan Al Jaber’s advisory panel. Al Jaber, also heads oil giant Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, which fuelled activists’ worries that big industry was hijacking the global response to the environmental crisis. “A lot of the flak that was given also to me was… ‘but he is an oil producer. And why are you advising an oil producing producer?’ But that is important. And, I think it is important for us to come to a common ground to say, what are we going to do with fossil fuels? How are they going to reduce,” Narain said. She said the Ukraine war had pushed the talk about renewable energy to the background. “Germany was going back to building LNG stations. The US is talking about fracking more and more, talking about more and more lands to be opened out. This is the reality” Narain said. Narain said the increasing influence of right-wing parties in Europe has also led to protests against the EU Green Deal. “We need a forum where we can come together as nations to discuss and for the south to play a bigger and bigger role in demanding that,” she said. Narain said India should also raise the issue of climate finance and the high cost of capital for renewable energy projects. “These are issues that we need to have on the table. And, the only way to discuss that is in multilateral forums. Yes, India should hold the talks. I think India is a very important part of the global leadership. We play an important role,” Narain said. (PTI)

• Water Programme

Delhi Water Crisis : जनता पर दोहरी मार, पानी का असमान वितरण भी ढा रहा कहर

झुलसा देनी वाली गर्मी में दिल्ली पर जल संकट की दोहरी मार पड़ रही है। इसमें मांग और आपूर्ति के बीच इस समय करीब 350 एमजीडी का अंतर बना हुआ है। पानी का वितरण भी असमान है। सबसे ज्यादा दिक्कत दक्षिणी दिल्ली में है। संगम विहार समेत दक्षिणी दिल्ली के ज्यादातर इलाकों में हर व्यक्ति को रोजाना 45-50 लीटर पानी मिल रहा है, जबकि लुटियन दिल्ली के लिए यह आंकड़ा 200 लीटर से ऊपर है। विशेषज्ञ मानते हैं कि दूसरे राज्यों से पानी मांगने की जगह दिल्ली को स्थानीय स्तर पर जल संकट का हल ढूंढना पड़ेगा। यमुना के साथ तालाब इसका कारगर जरिया हो सकते हैं। दिल्ली सरकार के मुताबिक, जल संकट शुरू होने के बाद से दिल्ली में 950 एमजीडी पानी का उत्पादन हो रहा है, जबकि 1,000 एमजीडी होता था। पानी की मांग इस समय 1295-1300 एमजीडी पहुंच गई है। मांग और आपूर्ति के बीच करीब 350 एमजीडी का अंतर है। इसका असर दिल्ली में हर जगह दिख रहा है। इसकी गूंज सुप्रीम कोर्ट से लेकर सियासी गलियारे तक में सुनी जा सकती है। जल संकट पर उपराज्यपाल व दिल्ली सरकार के साथ हरियाणा व हिमाचल प्रदेश की सरकारें आमने-सामने हैं। नहीं संभले तो गहराएगा संकट आने वाले वर्षों में संकट किस कदर गहराएगा, इसकी तस्दीक दिल्ली सरकार का 2023-24 का आर्थिक सर्वेक्षण करता है। इसमें दर्ज है कि दिल्ली की करीब 2.15 करोड़ आबादी को मानक के हिसाब से अभी 1290 एमजीडी की जरूरत है। 2031 की अनुमानित 2.48 करोड़ आबादी के लिए 1364 एमजीडी और 2041 की तीन करोड़ की अनुमानित आबादी के लिए 1500 एमजीडी पानी चाहिए होगा। विशेषज्ञों की मानें तो अगर अभी से इंतजाम नहीं हुए तो आने वाले वर्षों में हालात बेकाबू होंगे। संगम विहार में मिल रहा सिर्फ 45 लीटर पानी सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरमेंट (सीएसई) ने संगम विहार में जलापूर्ति का करीब छह महीने तक अध्ययन किया। पांच किमी के दायरे में फैली इस काॅलोनी की आबादी करीब दस लाख है। बीते दिनों जारी रिपोर्ट बताती है कि दिल्ली सरकार का मानक हैं कि हर व्यक्ति को रोजाना 208 लीटर पानी मुहैया कराना है। वहीं, केंद्र सरकार का मानक 135 लीटर है। इसके विपरीत प्रति व्यक्ति औसत सिर्फ 45 लीटर पानी की आपूर्ति हो रही है। इस समय सबसे ज्यादा संकट दक्षिणी दिल्ली में है। बाहरी नहीं, आंतरिक स्रोत पर ध्यान देना जरूरी संगम विहार का शोध दिल्ली के जल संकट की सटीक व्याख्या करता है। इसमें दूसरे राज्यों से पानी मांगने से बात नहीं बनेगी। इसकी जगह दिल्ली को जलापूर्ति की अपनी पूरी व्यवस्था को ठीक करना होगा। साथ में शोधित जल के दोबारा इस्तेमाल को बढ़ावा देना होगा। फिलवक्त, 37 सीवेज ट्रीटमेंट प्लांट से जो 1000 एमसीडी सीवेज को साफ किया जाता है, उसमें से 400 एमसीडी यमुना में छोड़ने की बाध्यता है। बाकी को दिल्ली की अलग-अलग झीलों व तालाबों में जमा कर दोबारा इस्तेमाल का विकल्प आजमाना होगा। वहीं, वाटर हार्वेस्टिंग सिस्टम के लिए सघन प्रयास हर स्तर पर करने पड़ेंगे। - दीपेंदर कपूर, रिसर्च डायरेक्टर, सीएसई जल संकट से निपटने में यमुना हो सकती है मददगार ‘पीपल इनीशिएटिव फॉर मैली से निर्मल यमुना’ नाम की एक रिपोर्ट बताती है कि पल्ला से जैतपुर के बीच यमुना के बाढ़ क्षेत्र में 100-200 एकड़ के करीब 25 वेटलैंड बन सकते हैं। कुछ जगहों पर इनका आकार 400 एकड़ तक हो सकता है। बाढ़ के दौरान 100 एकड़ के वेटलैंड में करीब 500 मिलियन गैलन पानी संचित होगा। इस हिसाब से बाढ़ का 8-16 करोड़ क्यूबिक मीटर पानी दिल्ली में रोका जा सकेगा। इससे एक चौथाई समस्या दूर सकती है। बायोडायवर्सिटी का वेटलैंड कारगर वजीराबाद के बायोडायवर्सिटी पार्क फेज-दो में करीब 100 एकड़ का वेटलैंड है। हर साल जब यमुना में बाढ़ आती है तो यह लबालब हो जाता है। साल भर इसमें पानी की कोई दिक्कत नहीं होती। इस तरह की संभावना यमुना के बाढ़ क्षेत्र में तलाशी जा सकती है। - फैयाज खुदसर, प्रभारी, यमुना बायोडायवर्सिटी पार्क आतिशी बताएं जल बोर्ड 73000 करोड़ के घाटे में कैसे : बांसुरी जल संकट को लेकर भाजपा दिल्ली सरकार पर हमलावर है। सांसद बांसुरी स्वराज ने टैंकर माफिया और पानी की किल्लत को लेकर दिल्ली सरकार से बृहस्पतिवार को पूछा कि दस वर्ष पहले 600 करोड़ रुपये का लाभ देने वाला जल बोर्ड 73000 करोड़ रुपये के घाटे में कैसे आ गया। सुप्रीम कोर्ट की फटकार के बावजूद जल संकट से निपटने के लिए क्या योजना बनाई गई। टैंकर माफिया पर क्या कार्रवाई की गई। बांसुरी ने कहा कि दिल्ली में जल संकट नही है, असल में दिल्ली में एक ओर जल वितरण के लिए समर एक्शन प्लान का अभाव है और दूसरी ओर सरकार लीकेज से होने वाली बर्बादी को रोकने में असमर्थ रही है। इससे भी कही ज्यादा राजनीतिक संकट खड़ा करने की कोशिश की जा रही है। भाजपा लगातार कहती रही है कि दिल्ली को भरपूर पानी मिल रहा है। अतिरिक्त पानी चाहिए तो पड़ोसी राज्यों से बातचीत कर यमुना बोर्ड से मांगना होगा। जल चोरी व बर्बादी रोकने में विफलताओं को दिल्ली सरकार जल संकट बता रही है। आतिशी की पोल पूरी तरह खुल गई जब अदालत में हिमाचल प्रदेश सरकार ने कहा कि अतिरिक्त जल नहीं है। पानी वितरण का नेटवर्क बुरी तरह प्रभावित हो चुका है, इन्फ्रास्ट्रक्चर पाइपलाइन वाटर स्टोरेज सिस्टम सब चरमरा गया है। भाजपा मीडिया प्रमुख प्रवीण शंकर कपूर ने कहा कि टैंकर घोटाले का पर्दाफाश हो चुका है। दिल्ली की जनता जानना चाहती है कि आखिर आतिशी व आम आदमी पार्टी ने टैंकर माफिया पर क्या कार्रवाई की है।

• Urban Lab

The heat is on

India is witnessing the longest heatwave that is showing no signs of abating in several parts of the country even as an early monsoon has weakened and threatens to be delayed in reaching the central and northern states. Studies on the high temperatures — several cities have recorded over 50 degrees Celsius this summer — and their repercussions are worrying. A recent World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) report predicts even higher mercury levels globally in the five years till 2028. The mean temperatures are 90% likely to be warmer for this five-year period than the previous one, because of which Indian agriculture could be further hit. In 2023, which was the hottest year globally in terms of data available since 1850, the WMO reported record levels of greenhouse gas emissions, ice cover loss, and climate challenges. In India, heatwaves have led to decline in crop yields in the pre-monsoon season. The sobering predictions imply that the central and state governments will have to help farmers combat climate threats, including interventions in tweaking farming methods. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the chief of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), recently said that heatwaves will be more frequent, durable and intense, if precautionary or preventive measures are not taken. A business-as-usual approach at this juncture would come at a cost of human lives as well as productivity. According to one study that looked at data since 1990, more than 153,000 deaths annually around the world are linked to heatwaves, with India accounting for the highest share with over one-fifth. A study published in One Earth found that if the tropics heat up by another 1°C, it would lead to a loss of half the working hours for nearly 800 million people. In such a scenario, India has to mull over novel approaches to work and include flexible hours for outdoor workers who face the brunt. It is also true that urban areas everywhere are affected much worse by heat waves than rural areas. Last month, a study by the Centre for Science and Environment on six megacities in India pointed out that they were not cooling at night at the rate they did earlier. Its analysis showed that a lethal combination of air and land surface temperatures, and relative humidity adversely impacts heat stress in cities. It observed trends like increase in relative humidity in all climate zones, and significant increase in the built-up areas in all cities, which also has a direct co-relation with rise in urban heat stress.

• Climate Change and Green Economy

बॉन जलवायु वार्ता : जलवायु वित्त के मुद्दे पर आम सहमति बनाने में बहुत कम प्रगति हुई

जर्मनी के बॉन में आयोजित मध्य-वार्षिक संयुक्त राष्ट्र जलवायु वार्ता में जलवायु वित्त के महत्वपूर्ण मुद्दे पर आम सहमति बनाने में देशों ने बहुत कम प्रगति की। यह बैठक कई देशों में बाढ़, अत्यधिक बारिश और भीषण गर्मी से जन-जीवन और आजीविका प्रभावित होने की पृष्ठभूमि में हुई। अब वार्ताकारों को अजरबैजान के बाकू में संयुक्त राष्ट्र जलवायु सम्मेलन (सीओपी29) में सफलता प्राप्त करने के लिए असाधारण रूप से कड़ी मेहनत करनी होगी, जहां विश्व नये सामूहिक लक्ष्य (एनसीक्यूजी) पर सहमत होने की समय सीमा तक पहुंच जाएगा। स्वतंत्र ‘थिंक टैंक’ सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट ने कहा कि एनसीक्यूजी पर विकसित और विकासशील देशों के बीच मतभेद कम होने के बजाय और अधिक गहरा गए हैं, जो बाकू में समझौते के लिए एक लंबे और कठिन रास्ते का संकेत देता है।

• Urban Lab

印度现50℃高温,已有211人被热死!首都居民:没法住

每年的夏天，印度都伴随着高温，从3月持续到9月，高温天气将持续半年。但没有一个夏天，像今年这样难熬。 43°C，45°C，48°C，49.9°C，每一天都在刷新历史最高温度，这是印度有史以来最热的一个夏天。如果持续下去，气温将达到人类生存的极限。 在这个常住人口2900 多万的印度首都里，缺水情况非常严重，许多地方一滴水都没有了。印度人民正在渡劫。 01 印度最热一天 印度首都新德里，一辆水车驶入拥挤的街区，人群爆发了一阵骚动。数十名居民疯狂追赶水车，挥舞着水桶、瓶子和软管，有些甚至跳到水车顶上，誓要取完最后一滴水。 当天，新德里气温飙升至 49 ℃，这是有记录以来新德里最热的一天。 每天早上，住在维维卡南德营地贫困飞地的社会卫生工作者特里皮（Tripti）都要提着水桶和水壶站在烈日下，焦急等待运水车的到来。 特里皮说：“为了打几桶水，我们必须排2-3小时的队。但气温还在不断升高，这无疑是雪上加霜。天气越来越热，需要的水越来越多，但供应量却在不断减少。我们承受着高温的痛苦，几乎无法活下去。” 炎热是新德里的常客。在这里，夏天常常是闷热的，富人们待在家里吹空调，而穷人只能聚集在风扇下，用湿抹布降温。 5月份的热浪席卷了印度北部的大部分地区，近一周的气温常常超过45 ℃，数百万居民表示难以忍受。因为从事户外建筑或劳动工作，有一些人无法为自己降温，几乎要失去生命。 5月29日，印度德里地区蒙盖什布尔气温监测站记录到52.9℃高温，创下德里地区最高气温纪录。随后官方表示，52.9℃的高温数字有误，实际最高温度为49.9℃。 专家和居民一致认为，因为印度首当其冲地受到气候危机的影响，所以今年夏季的印度气温远远高于正常水平。 02 热岛效应 但除了气候危机的影响，城市“热岛效应”也在加剧持续高温天气。 印度环境学家Avikal Somvanshi 表示：“二十年前，印度早晚温差约为 12 摄氏度或更高，但现在的新德里不可能再有这么大的昼夜温差。” 他表示，新德里生活着太多的人，人们无限压缩绿化面积建造混凝土建筑，来缓解拥挤不堪的空间。 但这样的钢铁森林，加剧了城市热岛效应。 由于城市建筑和道路使用了大量的混凝土、沥青等材料这些材料的热容量大，吸热能力强导致热量积累。 其次，城市中的绿地面积相对较小，植被覆盖不足以通过蒸发和光合作用有效降温。 所以在夏季高峰期，这座城市的昼夜温差，不会超过 6 到 7 摄氏度。 《柳叶刀》发表的研究显示，夜晚炎热的日子，人们的死亡风险提高了 50%。 6月3日消息，过去24小时内，印度奥里萨邦至少有45人死于可能与炎热有关的疾病。截至目前，印度全国因炎热死亡人数上升至211人。 此外，印度媒体还透露，目前中暑和因中暑死亡人数上报有滞后性，实际死亡人数可能远远超过官方政府公布数据。 持续多日的高温还赶上印度大选。5月25日和6月1日，印度大选分别举行第六阶段和第七阶段的投票，据媒体报道，北方邦6月1日投票期间有至少33名选举工作人员因中暑而死亡，死者包括安保和卫生保洁人员。 03 贫富同此凉热 此外，由于数百万富人使用空调，新德里各地长时间停电，导致电力需求达到历史新高，情况更加恶化。 热浪影响了电力变压器，甚至有电力变压器因高温起火。 新德里消防局局长表示，他每天能接到200多个火灾电话，这是过去十年来的最高水平。 5 岁的尼廷-辛格（Nitin Singh）是一名律师，居住在拉杰帕特纳加尔（Lajpat Nagar）社区，他讲述了每天停电给他和年幼的孩子以及 81 岁患病的父亲带来的毁灭性影响。他说，自从高温来袭，新德里已变得 “无法居住”。 “我家有三台空调，但停电让我束手无策，”辛格说， “昨晚停电了两个小时，我为生病的父亲和孩子们在酒店开了一间房。我和妻子在家里的阳台上过了大半夜，但好几个小时难以入睡。” 37 岁的穆罕默德-阿什拉夫-汗（Mohammad Ashraf Khan）在奥克拉（Okhla）地区经营着一家空调出租店，他说，自从气温超过 45 摄氏度后，他的电话都快被打出火来了。通常他每个季节出租 80 台空调，但今年的需求增加到 130 台。 “今年关于空调过热和故障的投诉越来越多，”他说，“极端高温使普通空调也无法满足降温需要。”

• Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

City chokes on rising NO2, readings far above safe levels

Gurgaon: Concentration of nitrous dioxide, released into the air from industrial and vehicular emissions, has seen an uptick this month, with levels far exceeding the amount considered safe. Data by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed that average NO2 concentration was 87ug/m3 on June 1, two times the level considered safe in India, at the Sector 51 air quality monitoring station. It went up to 105 ug/m3 on June 3 and 134 ug/m3 on June 5. City chokes on rising NO2, readings far above safe levels In contrast, the average NO2 level in the last week of May was 26 ug/m3 daily. According to CPCB, NO2 levels should not increase beyond 40 ug/m3. World Health Organization’s safety standard is even lower — at 25 ug/m3. Similarly, Gwal Pahari station recorded NO2 concentration at 112 ug/m3 on June 8 and 118 ug/m3 on June 12. Experts said on Wednesday that most cities focus on cutting down particulate matter pollution — PM2.5 and PM10 — and nitrous dioxide goes under the radar despite its levels being far above safety limits. They said NO2 concentration is likely to have gone up this month due to excessive use of personal vehicles and generators as NCR grapples with unusually high temperatures and frequent power cuts. “This is mainly due to vehicular emissions. Use of old vehicles and traffic congestion are the key sources of NO2,” said Shubhansh Tiwari, a research associate at the Centre for Science and Environment. An official of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) said commuters keep their cars on even in traffic jams and at red lights to keep the air conditioner working. “Also, gensets are active for several hours in various areas as the demand for electricity has increased. These machines release NO2 as well. We have already directed traffic police to monitor congestion points across the city and take action,” the official added. Doctors said long exposure to NO2 can cause asthma and other respiratory infections. “There is also an increased risk of otitis media, eczema, ear/nose/throat infections and sensitisation to food allergens in children, as well as increased blood coagulability after periods of elevated ambient exposure in adults,” said Dr Tushar Tayal, lead consultant at the department of internal medicine, CK Birla Hospital. We also published the following articles recently Capricorn, Horoscope Today, June 11, 2024: Concentrate on long-term goalsToday, Capricorn's focus is on structure and achievement as Saturn brings a serious tone. Discipline and commitment enhance managing responsibilities. Incorporate weight training for physical well-being.110880017 Delhi water crisis: ADM, SDM level officers to be deployed in each Zone to monitor situationDelhi government deploys officials to address water crisis, monitor distribution of water tankers, and repair pipeline leaks within 12 hours to conserve water during scarcity.110928914 Jupiters Rise from Combustion on June 6, 2024: These Zodiac Signs Will See Increased ProsperityOn June 6, 2024, Jupiter, the divine preceptor, will come out of combustion, impacting each zodiac sign based on their birth chart houses.

• Director General Office

Explainer: आखिर दिल्ली क्यों हो रही हर साल इतनी गर्म, कैसे कम होगा चढ़ता पारा

नई दिल्ली: हाल ही में आई एक रिपोर्ट में दावा किया गया है कि जिन शहरों का तापमान सबसे तेजी से बढ़ रहा है, उसमें दिल्ली एनसीआर चौथे नंबर पर है। पहले नंबर पर अहमदाबाद, दूसरे पर जयपुर और तीसरे पर राजकोट का नाम है। दिल्ली एनसीआर का तापमान हर दशक में 0.90 डिग्री बढ़ रहा है। मई में आई इस रिपोर्ट में बताया गया है कि गर्मी बढ़ने की 60 फीसदी वजह शहरीकरण है। क्लाइमेट चेंज का असर भी अधिक है। बीते 40 साल के दौरान राजधानी में गर्मी बढ़ रही है। औसत अधिकतम तापमान में इजाफा हो रहा है। मौसम विभाग के अनुसार, 1975 के बाद से गर्मी तेजी से बढ़ रही है। 1980 से 2022 तक औसत अधिकतम सालाना तापमान में इजाफा हुआ है। जबकि 1940 से 1980 के दौरान राजधानी में गर्मी नहीं बढ़ रही थी। सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरमेंट की डीजी सुनीता नारायण के अनुसार पब्लिक ट्रांसपोर्ट को बेहतर बनाना होगा। पैदल चलने, साइकल को भी इसमें जोड़ा जाए। इसके लिए बने ट्रैक पर हरियाली हो। वॉटर बॉडीज को सरंक्षित करना होगा। द एनर्जी एंड रिसोर्सेज इंस्टिट्यूट (टेरी) की डीजी डॉ विभा धवन के अनुसार क्लाइमेट एक्शन और सस्टेनेबल डिवेलपमेंट पर भी फोकस करना होगा। ग्रीन बजट की पहल करनी होगी। बिहार, असम आदि इसे लेकर पहल कर चुके हैं। इलेक्ट्रिक उपकरणों जैसे AC के लिए हायर स्टार रेटिंग दें। ताकि यह बहुत अधिक गर्मी न बढ़ाएं।

• Director General Office

3 Things The New Govt Must Do to Make Development Sustainable & Work For the Planet

The new Government must rebuild trust by being tolerant to ideas, opinions and information. It needs to strengthen ground-level institutions because participatory democracy can ensure development delivery. In this age of climate risk, the Government also needs to re-engineer development to make it inclusive, affordable and sustainable. The new Government must rebuild trust by being tolerant to ideas, opinions and information. It needs to strengthen ground-level institutions because participatory democracy can ensure development delivery. In this age of climate risk, the Government also needs to re-engineer development to make it inclusive, affordable and sustainable. The agenda for the new Government is the old one, but with a fundamental difference. The fact is that the list of priority action areas remains the same. We have unfinished business when it comes to virtually everything—from energy to water and sanitation to food and nutrition to, of course, health and education. We know that the Government has schemes in place and budgets allocated for all these issues. We also know that ensuring the welfare and well-being of people is a work in progress. During this election, as journalists fanned out to listen to the opinions of voters—perhaps the only time when their opinions count—we heard that unemployment is a major concern; lack of clean drinking water and sanitation tops the agenda; the energy crisis is still wicked as the price of the LPG cylinder is unaffordable and electricity unreliable. Farmers are still distressed. So, a lot of work still needs to be done. This should not come as a surprise. India is a vast country, with a massive deficit in governance. The last mile for any government scheme is about making sure that it reaches people—not once but every time. At the same time, we are seeing the impact of climate change. Our data shows that every day, some or the other part of the country is being battered by at least one extreme weather event. This has huge implications for development programmes—unseasonal and extreme weather lead to more droughts, floods and loss of livelihoods, putting additional strain on the resources of the government. This means that development will need to be more efficient and delivered at scale and speed. But for all this to change and more, the Government’s new agenda and must be different in the following respects. First, it must be based on rebuilding institutions for increased feedback and accountability. Anybody who has a differing perspective is not an enemy of the state. Alternative information is not dissent or targeted criticism of the Government. These sources of news and analysis must be seen as part of the tapestry of development. The more we learn about what is working and what is not, the more governance improves. Currently, most differing voices have been silenced—perhaps not deliberately but through the unsaid that makes it more acceptable to be acceptable if you have things that the powers want to hear. It is like an echo chamber where only cheerleaders thrive. In my view, this only makes a government poorer—they hear nothing and learn little. So, the agenda for the Government is to be open—this is not about inclusion in government committee rooms but in the tolerance of information, ideas and opinions. Rebuilding trust is key—not just for schemes to succeed but also for societies to thrive. Second, we need institutions for new India. Over the past few years, most conventional institutions have been deliberately, or by sheer neglect, allowed to decay. The reason, the Government may tell you, is that these agencies were not doing their jobs well; they needed to go. But the fact is that nothing has been done to replace the key functions that these institutions are required to play. Take the case of agencies set up to control pollution. They have become mute and meaningless. Maybe because when they had power, some indulged in making money from the business of combating pollution. But the fact is that combating pollution needs institutions that can apply deterrence with accountability and have the ability to navigate inconvenient and tough decisions. This is completely missing today. So, it should not surprise us that we have more pollution, not less, all across our rivers and in the air. For this to change, we need two next-generation reforms. One, we need to strengthen the ground-level institutions, where local people take part. We need participatory democracy to make development programmes work. It is now over 30 years since the country passed the 74th and 75th amendments to the Constitution to empower people’s institutions—the Panchayati Raj in rural areas and the municipal system for urban India. We have also experimented with deepening democracy through the strengthening of gram sabhas—village assemblies. But all this is unfinished work. We have much more to do to give control over natural resources to village and City Governments. We need them to manage funds and schemes; to create green jobs; to invest in natural resources for livelihoods. We need to celebrate the noise of democracy. Third, we need imagination in the design of development schemes. For too long, governments have been caught between the welfare approach—which is often dismissed as the handout—and the capitalistic minimum approach. In my view, this age of climate risk needs a new narrative. The Government needs to rework and re-engineer development so that it is inclusive, affordable and, thus, sustainable. This means reimagining the way we work in almost every sphere—from the supply of clean water, so that it is not resource- or capital-intensive, to the access to energy so that it is clean but, most importantly, affordable. This will require changes in design and then in delivery. We need a new development paradigm that can work for the Planet, but for this, it needs to work for every last person. This, then, is where we need the focus and attention of the old-new Government. This is our common agenda. This article was originally published by @down2earthindia. Published by The Better India with permission.

• Down To Earth

Opinion | Climate-Resilient Cuisine: A Recipe for a Sustainable Future

Many years ago, while returning from a remote rural area somewhere near Delhi’s outskirts, our group stopped at a village farm. The farmer-couple who ran the informal eatery served us delicious but unusual-tasting khichdi, rotis and parathas with a green, leafy raita. My curious fellow travellers asked what the foods were made of. The wife replied that these were bajra khichdi (pearl-millet), bajra roti, and bathua (chenopodium) parathas with bathua curd. She added (translated): “These are very good for health and also suited to our climate for cultivation. But you urban folk wouldn’t know of it. Even if your grandparents did know, you may not be familiar.” The simple, unlettered rural woman was expressing a truth increasingly discussed by climatologists, environmentalists, nutritionists, scientists, and other experts. Biodiversity has a link to food which has sustained communities for ages. Foods based on local biodiversity create healthy and nutritious meals and also save the environment and protect us from possible, future food shortages and climate crises. Generations of our ancestors and elders used these vegetables, seeds, shoots, roots, peels, wild flowers, etc., in their daily meals, knowing in their innate wisdom that eating seasonal foods was important and that food was medicine since each has a range of health benefits. Thus, they encouraged farmers also to grow more of these environment-friendly, climate-resilient, nutrient-packed and generally water-prudent crops, given the logic that farmers respond to demands of consumers. So, it was a win-win situation all round. However, now, with people losing this knowledge of environment-friendly, nutritious foods based on local biodiversity, not to talk of the growing fondness for processed foods/junk foods, we are endangering our own health as well as that of our earth. This is especially true in urban areas, whereas rural India still retains some of this knowledge and good eating habits. Sadly, the consumption of several vegetables, millets and tubers have become confined to small rural pockets and a few tribal communities. World over, including India, concerns are being expressed. Fortunately, there are a few individuals and organisations who are actually working to do something about it. Prominent among them is New Delhi-based think tank, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), headed by well-known environmentalist Dr Sunita Narain. CSE is a public-interest research organisation that works for sustainable and equitable development. CSE has just published a book – ‘First Food: Future of Taste’ with over 100 recipes and corresponding essays by India’s top cuisiniers. Each recipe is based on local biodiversity, foods that have rich medicinal and nutritional properties and would help us survive the climate-risked world and prevent the possibility of food shortage crises. The essays explain the historical background, scientific properties and nutritional benefits of these super-foods, while the recipes tell you how to include these superfoods in your meals and are directed at all home-chefs, homemakers, and professional chefs. If everyone includes more of these in their daily diets, not only will individuals and families benefit with better health, but farmers who produce according to demand will also produce more of these foods, thus helping to heal and save our planet. This is because, as Narain points out, climate change is about emissions not only from fossil fuels but also food. The good news is that most of these can also be grown in our backyards and kitchen gardens. The book ‘First Food: Future of Taste’ champions millets in its opening pages, citing their value as a rich source of protein, dietary fibre, micronutrients, and antioxidants with disease-preventing properties. Interestingly, the United Nations declared 2023 the International Year of Millets based on a proposal from India. CSE’s recipe book features a wide variety of sections: breakfast and snacks, meals, chutneys and pickles, sweets, and beverages. The book showcases scores of recipes drawn from across India, representing cuisines from the Northeastern states to South and North India. These include tempting dishes like bathua paratha, poori, dal with watermelon-rind chunks, haldi ki sabji, meethe karele ki sabji, rohu fish with radhuni, lasoda pickle, anne soppu palya, and kaitha rasam. Don’t worry if some of these names are unfamiliar! The book includes an excellent

• Urban Lab

Rising temperatures in India are pushing those who have to be outdoors to adapt to a new reality

In New Delhi, rickshaws are a convenient and affordable mode of transport through the city’s crowded roads. But these days, the small three-wheeled vehicles — which are shaded but open from both sides — allow for blasts of hot air to lash passengers in the face as they barrel down the street. It can feel like you’re sitting in front of a furnace, barely able to keep your eyes open. Large swaths of northern and central India have been sizzling under scorching heat for several weeks. In late May, temperatures shot up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit in many states and the capital, New Delhi. Coinciding with India’s general election, the relentless heat unleashed a public health crisis, killing 56 people. An auto-rickshaw driver rests in his vehicle parked under the shade of a tree on a hot summer day in Ahmedabad, India, June 7, 2024. Ajit Solanki/AP No escape for some For those who have to be outdoors — like construction workers, vendors and farmers — there is no escape from the heat. Zayed Ali, who works for an internet provider and goes door-to-door to make sales calls, steps out at 8:30 a.m., fully prepared. He said he wears gloves and wraps his head with a cloth under his motorbike helmet. “I spend the whole day outside, and I am always drenched in sweat,” he said. He strives to be well-hydrated throughout the day, he added, asking every customer for water and finishing the entire bottle. Headaches and dizziness have become normal for him, and the only relief he gets is at lunchtime when he’s able to sit in the shade. Intense weather A group of rickshaw drivers waiting on a sidewalk in Delhi said they have no choice but to work in the heat. Plus, they said the heat this year has been more intense than anything they’ve experienced before. A tea vendor sits under a large umbrella with a cotton towel on his head to beat the Delhi heat. Sushmita Pathak/The World “It is much more severe,” confirmed Avikal Somvanshi, a researcher at the Center for Science and Environment in Delhi. “In fact, of the 24 year-data that I have analyzed so far, this is the worst.” A striking component of this year’s heat wave has been elevated nighttime temperatures, Somvanshi explained. Many cities, including Delhi, are seeing unusually warm nights, which is a cause of concern. “Your body and all the systems don’t really get a chance to rest and recoup so that they can be ready to face the heat again the next day,” Somvanshi said. “And that is a very dangerous thing from a health perspective.” Then there’s the high humidity, which interferes with sweating — the body’s natural cooling mechanism. , Somvanshi said that humidity levels across Delhi and the northern plains have been steadily rising over the years.

• Down To Earth

India’s temperature will keep rising. The ‘State of India’s Environment Report 2024’ has released its statistics!

The ‘State of India’s Environment Report 2024‘ was released on May 31, 2024, by the Center for Science and Environment in collaboration with Down To Earth magazine. India has registered its Second-Hottest Year in 2023, according to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for 2023. Most Affected Countries: In 2023, extreme weather events caused losses in about 109 nations. This is most prevalent in West Asian, African, and European nations. With around 19 million people, Indonesia has the biggest number of individuals affected by extreme weather occurrences. The nation with the greatest death toll is Libya. Hottest heatwave to hit India in 122 years: India saw the hottest temperature in 122 years in August and September of 2023 alone. Nearly every day of the year has seen a severe weather event occur in the nation. To be precise, 318 days out of the 365 days between January 1 and December 31 have seen these kinds of encounters in India. According to the Down To Earth report, 3,287 people have died as a result of these extreme weather situations. It is estimated that they have impacted 2.21 million hectares of agricultural land and have caused damage to 86,432 homes. As a result, 124,813 animals have died. Most Affected States in India: The research claims that these meteorological phenomena affect all of India’s states and union territories. Specifically, 149 days of harsh weather were recorded in Himachal Pradesh and 141 days in Madhya Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh and Kerala come next, both with over 119 days. As per the data, Bihar is the state with the highest number of deaths. Here, severe weather events have claimed the lives of 642 people. In Haryana, numerous crops have been impacted. According to the research, Punjab saw the highest number of animal deaths while Gujarat saw the greatest number of damaged homes.

• Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

Winds of change: First time in 8 mths when AQI was ‘satisfactory’

Gurgaon: The city recorded its first ‘satisfactory’ air day since October last year, underscoring – yet again – the persistent problem that is pollution in the region. Data showed that Gurgaon’s 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) was 95 on Monday. The last time that AQI fell below 100 was on Oct 9 last year, when the count stood at 97. Since then, daily AQI has been ‘moderate, poor or very poor’. Experts said winds up to 18kmph washed away pollutants from the air on Monday. Asked why there was no let-up in air pollution — mainly recognised as a health hazard in the winter months, when smog shrouds skies over NCR — officials said local emissions are to blame. These include vehicular traffic, construction activities and open waste burning. “Polluting industries are now out of NCR and we are monitoring other sources. We have given directions to ULB and MCG to ensure that construction waste and other kinds of waste are collected and processed as per the norms,” said an official of Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB). Shubhansh Tiwari, a research associate at the Centre for Science and Environment, said NCR cities need to cut down pollution all year-round. “Over the years, vehicular emissions as well as construction activities have shot up in the region. Civic bodies need to ensure that these emissions are lowered and take adequate steps like increasing public transport and plantation drives,” he said. Sachin Panwar, an environmentalist, said another reason for high pollution levels is the lack of rainfall over the past few months. “The region has seen lower rainfall this year compared to 2023. Also, with temperatures touching 44-45 degrees Celsius, the air becomes ionised, which means that pollutants are removed,” he said. Last year, Gurgaon recorded 14 ‘satisfactory’ AQI days between March and June 10, mostly because of frequent bouts of rainfall. On Monday, doctors said they have been seeing an increase in the number of patients complaining of respiratory illnesses. “There is so much dust here. Gurgaon has loose dust due to large scale construction, urbanisation and pollution from vehicles. We are seeing around 10 patients daily in our OPD complaining of cough, fever and various types of pneumonia. Bronchitis patients have also increased in our OPDs. They are coming up with complaints of choking due to dust,” said Dr Kuldeep Kumar Grover, head of critical care and pulmonology at CK Birla Hospital in Gurgaon. He said people with persistent cough should take a consult if antibiotics aren’t helping resolve the problem. For the next few days, the city’s AQI is expected to remain ‘moderate’ or ‘satisfactory’, according to the central govt’s System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research. “The predominant surface wind is likely to be coming from west in Delhi-NCR with a speed of 18-25km/h till Friday. This will fasten the dispersion rate,” Safar has predicted.