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Convene joint meeting of NCR states, Gopal Rai writes to Yadav

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai wrote to Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav on Tuesday, regarding problem of pollution during winter season in Delhi. Gopal Rai in a letter to his counterpart at the Centre urged him to hold a joint meeting with the environment ministers of NCR states. In the letter Rai said, “The report released by the CSE (Centre for Science and Environment) shows that 31% of pollution in Delhi is due to internal sources, while 69% is from external sources.” “The Delhi Government is taking various steps under the Winter Action Plan (WAP) to reduce pollution. But unless the factors responsible for pollution are stopped in the NCR states, all these steps taken will not be effective. Therefore, there is a need to convene a joint meeting with environment ministers of NCR states at the earliest.” the letter read. Rai added, “As a result of all the measures, the level of pollution inside Delhi has declined by 30% in the last 8 years.”

WAZIRI JAFO AZINDUA MWONGOZO WA UKAGUZI WA MAZINGIRA MIRADI YA UJENZI

Waziri wa Nchi Ofisi ya Makamu wa Rais (Muungano na Mazingira) Mhe. Dkt. Selemani Jafo akimkabidhi nakala ya mwongozo wa Ukaguzi wa Mazingira kwa Miradi ya Ujenzi wa Majengo Mkurugenzi na Mmiliki wa Mtandao wa Mzalendo.co.tz Bw.Alex Sonna mara baada ya uzinduzi wa mwongozo huo wakati wa hafla iliyofanyika leo Oktoba 18, 2023 katika Mji wa Serikali, Mtumba Jijini Dodoma. Na.Alex Sonna-DODOMA Waziri wa Nchi Ofisi ya Makamu wa Rais (Muungano na Mazingira) Mhe. Dkt. Selemani Jafo amelitaka Baraza la Taifa la Hifadhi na Usimamizi wa Mazingira (NEMC) kuongeza wigo wa kuandaa miongozo ya tathimini ya athari za mazingira (TAM) kupitia sekta za viwanda, nishati, kilimo na maji ili kuharakisha zoezi la mapitio ya miradi ya tathimini za athari kwa mazingira. Waziri Jafo ametoa maagizo hayo leo Oktoba 18, 2023 Jijini Dodoma wakati akizindua mwongozo wa ukaguzi wa mazingira kwa miradi ya ujenzi wa majengo ulioandaliwa na NEMC kwa kushirikiana na Kituo cha Sayansi na Mazingira cha Nchini India (CSE), Dkt. Jafo amesema uhifadhi na usimamizi wa mazingira ni mojawapo ya maeneo ya vipaumbele vilivyopo katika malengo makuu ya Serikali. Dkt. Jafo amesema mwongozo ambao umezingatia mahitaji halisi ya nchi ikiwemo ukuaji wa miji na majiji, limeipa NEMC mamlaka ya kuhakikisha hali ya mazingira inaboreshwa nchini kwa kusaidia uboreshaji wa afya ya jamii ikiwa ni pamoja na mazingira vinalindwa na kuweka mazingira bora ya uwekezaji nchini. ‘’Kipengele Na. 17 cha Makubaliano ya Mkutano wa Umoja wa Mataifa kuhusu Maendeleo Endelevu unazitaka nchi wanachama kuhusisha tathmini za athari za mazingira katika miradi ambayo inasababisha madhara kimazingira…. katika kutekeleza kipengele hicho zilianzisha taasisi, na kutengeneza Sera na Sheria ikiwa ni pamoja na Kanuni kama ilivyo kwenye Kanuni ya Athari ya Mazingira za Mwaka 2005 na zile za Mwaka 2018’’ amesema Dkt. Jafo. Aidha Waziri Jafo amesema Tathmini za Athari kwa Mazingira (TAM) hufanyika ili kuweka mifumo bora ya kulinda mazingira ikiwa ni pamoja na kupunguza kiwango cha taka zinazozalishwa, kutoa kipaumbele katika masuala ya jamii, kuainisha athari zilizopo na madhara yanayoweza jitokeza kutokana na miradi inayoanzishwa. Waziri Jafo amesema NEMC inapokea zaidi ya miradi 2000 kwa mwaka kwa ajili ya mapitio na kuongeza kuwa idadi hiyo ya miradi ni kubwa na itaweza kupitiwa kwa ufanisi iwapo kutakuwa na miongozo ya kila sekta kama inavyoelekezwa katika Sheria ya Mazingira ya Mwaka 2004. ”Naishukuru Serikali ya India kupitia kituo hicho kwa kushirikiana na NEMC katika kuandaa mwongozo huo kwani ushirikiano huo ni ishara ya ya matokeo ya ushIrikiano wa taasisi hizo katika kupatia ufumbuzi wa changamoto za kimazingira.”amesema Dkt. Jafo Awali Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa Baraza la Taifa la Hifadhi na Usimamizi wa Mazingira (NEMC) Dkt. Samwel Gwamaka amesema kwa muda mrefu kumekuwepo na changamoto ya usimamizi wa tathmini ya athari kwa mazingira kupitia maandiko ya miradi mbalimbali yanayowasilishwa kwa ajili ya utoaji wa vibali vya mazingira. “Awali wataalamu wetu hawakuwa na mwongozo wa maandiko ya tathmini ya miradi ya athari za mazingira ambayo inakidhi matakwa ya Sheria ya Usimamizi wa Mazingira na kanuni zake hivyo baada ya uzinduzi huu sasa wataalamu elekezi wa mazingira na wadau watakuwa na mwongozo wa uaandaji wa maandiko kwa kuzingatia viwango na ubora unaohitajika” amesema Dkt. Gwamaka. Naye Mkurugenzi wa Kituo cha Sayansi na Mazingira cha Nchini India (CSE), Bw.Nivit Yadav amesema Tanzania ni nchi ya tatu Bara la Afrika yenye kasi kubwa ya idadi ya watu na nchi ya pili kwa Mataifa ya Afrika Mashariki kuwa na kasi ya ukuaji wa sekta ya ujenzi, hivyo suala la tathmini ya miradi ya ujenzi ni jambo muhimu linalopaswa kupewa kipaumbele katika uhifadhi na usimamizi wa mazingira. Amesema Sheria ya Uhifadhi na Usimamizi wa Mazingira ya mwaka 2004 imeanisha vipaumbele mbalimbali vya utekelezaji wa Sheria hiyo ikiwemo kanuni na miongozo ya utekelezaji ikiwemo ushirikiano baina ya Serikali w ikiwemo NEMC na CSE.

MWONGOZO WA UKAGUZI WA MAZINGIRA MIRADI YA UJENZI WAZINDULIWA JIJINI DODOMA

Waziri wa Nchi Ofisi ya Makamu wa Rais (Muungano na Mazingira) Dkt. Selemani Jafo (wa tatu kutoka kulia) pamoja na Watendaji na Viongozi wa Baraza la Taifa la Hifadhi na Usimamizi wa Mazingira (NEMC) na Kituo cha Kituo cha Sayansi na Mazingira cha Nchini India (CSE) wakionesha nakala ya mwongozo wa ukaguzi wa Mazingira kwa Miradi ya Ujenzi wa Majengo muda mfupi baada ya uzinduzi wa mwongozo huo. Hafla ilifanyika leo Oktoba 18, 2023 katika Mji wa Serikali, Mtumba Jijini Dodoma. Waziri wa Nchi Ofisi ya Makamu wa Rais (Muungano na Mazingira) Mhe. Dkt. Selemani Jafo akizungumza wakati wa hafla ya uzinduzi wa Mwongozo wa Ukaguzi wa Mazingira kwa Miradi ya Ujenzi wa Majengo baina ya Baraza la Uhifadhi na Usimamizi wa Mazingira (NEMC) na Taasisi ya Kituo cha Sayansi na Mazingira kutoka nchini India (CSE) hafla iliyofanyika leo Oktoba 18,2023 katika Mji wa Serikali, Mtumba Jijini Dodoma. Waziri wa Nchi Ofisi ya Makamu wa Rais, Mhe. Dkt. Selemani Jafo akimsikiliza Mkurugenzi wa Mradi wa Kituo Kituo cha Sayansi na Mazingira kutoka Nchini India (CSE) Bw. Nivit Yadav wakati wa hafla ya uzinduzi wa Mwongozo wa Ukaguzi wa Mazingira kwa Miradi ya Ujenzi wa Majengo baina ya Baraza la Uhifadhi na Usimamizi wa Mazingira (NEMC) na Taasisi ya Kituo cha Sayansi na Mazingira kutoka nchini India (CSE) hafla iliyofanyika leo Oktoba 18,2023 katika Mji wa Serikali, Mtumba Jijini Dodoma. Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa Baraza la Taifa la Uhifadhi na Usimamizi wa Mazingira (NEMC) Dkt. Samuel Gwamaka,akizungumza wakati wa hafla ya uzinduzi wa Mwongozo wa Ukaguzi wa Mazingira kwa Miradi ya Ujenzi wa Majengo baina ya NEMC na CSE hafla iliyofanyika leo Oktoba 18,2023 katika Mji wa Serikali, Mtumba Jijini Dodoma. Mkurugenzi wa Tafiti za Mazingira wa Baraza la Baraza la Hifadhi na Usimamizi wa Mazingira (NEMC), Dkt. Menan Jangu akizungumza wakati wa hafla ya uzinduzi wa Mwongozo wa Ukaguzi wa Mazingira kwa Miradi ya Ujenzi wa Majengo baina ya NEMC na CSE hafla iliyofanyika leo Oktoba 18,2023 katika Mji wa Serikali, Mtumba Jijini Dodoma. Kulia ni Mkurugenzi wa Mradi wa Kituo Kituo cha Sayansi na Mazingira, Nchini India (CSE) Bw. Nivit Yadav. Mkurugenzi wa Tafiti za Mazingira wa Baraza la Hifadhi na Usimamizi wa Mazingira (NEMC), Dkt. Menan Jangu akiteta jambo na Mkurugenzi wa Mradi wa wa Kituo Kituo cha Sayansi na Mazingira, Nchini India (CSE) Bw. Nivit Yadav wakati wa hafla ya uzinduzi wa Mwongozo wa Ukaguzi wa Mazingira kwa Miradi ya Ujenzi wa Majengo baina ya NEMC na CSE hafla iliyofanyika leo Oktoba 18,2023 katika Mji wa Serikali, Mtumba Jijini Dodoma. Waziri wa Nchi Ofisi ya Makamu wa Rais (Muungano na Mazingira) Dkt. Selemani Jafo (wa tatu kutoka kulia) pamoja na Watendaji na Viongozi wa Baraza la Taifa la Hifadhi na Usimamizi wa Mazingira (NEMC) na Kituo cha Kituo cha Sayansi na Mazingira cha Nchini India (CSE) wakionesha nakala ya mwongozo wa ukaguzi wa Mazingira kwa Miradi ya Ujenzi wa Majengo muda mfupi baada ya uzinduzi wa mwongozo huo. Hafla ilifanyika leo Oktoba 18, 2023 katika Mji wa Serikali, Mtumba Jijini Dodoma. Waziri wa Nchi Ofisi ya Makamu wa Rais (Muungano na Mazingira) Mhe. Dkt. Selemani Jafo akimkabidhi nakala ya mwongozo wa Ukaguzi wa Mazingira kwa Miradi ya Ujenzi wa Majengo Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa Baraza la Taifa la Hifadhi na Usimamizi wa Mazingira (NEMC), Dkt. Samuel Gwamaka muda mfupi mara baada ya uzinduzi wa mwongozo huo wakati wa hafla iliyofanyika leo Oktoba 18, 2023 katika Mji wa Serikali, Mtumba Jijini Dodoma. Katikati ni Mwenyekiti wa Bodi ya Wakurugenzi ya NEMC, Prof. Eng. Esnati O. Chaggu Waziri wa Nchi Ofisi ya Makamu wa Rais (Muungano na Mazingira) Mhe. Dkt. Selemani Jafo akimkabidhi nakala ya mwongozo wa Ukaguzi wa Mazingira kwa Miradi ya Ujenzi wa Majengo ,Mwandishi wa Fullshangwe blog Bw.Alex Sonna mara baada ya uzinduzi wa mwongozo huo wakati wa hafla iliyofanyika leo Oktoba 18, 2023 katika Mji wa Serikali, Mtumba Jijini Dodoma. Waziri wa Nchi Ofisi ya Makamu wa Rais (Muungano na Mazingira) Dkt. Selemani Jafo akiwa katika picha ya pamoja na na Watendaji na Viongozi wa Baraza la Taifa la Hifadhi na Usimamizi wa Mazingira (NEMC) na Kituo cha Kituo cha Sayansi na Mazingira cha Nchini India (CSE) mara baada ya kuzinduzi wa mwongozo wa Ukaguzi wa Mazingira kwa Miradi ya Ujenzi wa Majengo baina ya Baraza la Uhifadhi na Usimamizi wa Mazingira (NEMC) na Taasisi ya Kituo cha Sayansi na Mazingira kutoka nchini India (CSE) hafla iliyofanyika leo Oktoba 18,2023 katika Mji wa Serikali, Mtumba Jijini Dodoma. Waziri wa Nchi Ofisi ya Makamu wa Rais (Muungano na Mazingira) Mhe. Dkt. Selemani Jafo (kushoto) akibadilishana mawazo na Watendaji Waandamizi wa Kituo cha Kituo cha Sayansi na Mazingira cha Nchini India (CSE) kutoka kulia Shobhit Srivastava, Naibu Meneja Mkurugenzi na Bw. Nivit Yadav, Mkurugenzi wa Mradi mara baada ya uzinduzi wa mwongozo wa wa ukaguzi wa Mazingira kwa Miradi ya Ujenzi wa Majengo. Hafla ilifanyika leo Oktoba 18, 2023 katika Mji wa Serikali, Mtumba Jijini Dodoma Waziri wa Nchi Ofisi ya Makamu wa Rais (Muungano na Mazingira) Dkt. Selemani Jafo akibadilishana mawazo na Mwenyekiti wa Bodi ya Wakurugenzi wa Baraza la Taifa la Hifadhi na Usimamizi wa Mazingira (NEMC) Prof. Eng. Esnati O. Chaggu pamoja na Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa NEMC, Dkt. Samuel Gwamaka muda mfupi baada ya baada ya uzinduzi wa mwongozo wa wa ukaguzi wa Mazingira kwa Miradi ya Ujenzi wa Majengo. Hafla ilifanyika leo Oktoba 18,2023 katika Mji wa Serikali, Mtumba Jijini Dodoma . Na.Alex Sonna-DODOMA Waziri wa Nchi Ofisi ya Makamu wa Rais (Muungano na Mazingira) Mhe. Dkt. Selemani Jafo amelitaka Baraza la Taifa la Hifadhi na Usimamizi wa Mazingira (NEMC) kuongeza wigo wa kuandaa miongozo ya tathimini ya athari za mazingira (TAM) kupitia sekta za viwanda, nishati, kilimo na maji ili kuharakisha zoezi la mapitio ya miradi ya tathimini za athari kwa mazingira. Waziri Jafo ametoa maagizo hayo leo Oktoba 18, 2023 Jijini Dodoma wakati akizindua mwongozo wa ukaguzi wa mazingira kwa miradi ya ujenzi wa majengo ulioandaliwa na NEMC kwa kushirikiana na Kituo cha Sayansi na Mazingira cha Nchini India (CSE), Dkt. Jafo amesema uhifadhi na usimamizi wa mazingira ni mojawapo ya maeneo ya vipaumbele vilivyopo katika malengo makuu ya Serikali. Dkt. Jafo amesema mwongozo ambao umezingatia mahitaji halisi ya nchi ikiwemo ukuaji wa miji na majiji, limeipa NEMC mamlaka ya kuhakikisha hali ya mazingira inaboreshwa nchini kwa kusaidia uboreshaji wa afya ya jamii ikiwa ni pamoja na mazingira vinalindwa na kuweka mazingira bora ya uwekezaji nchini. ‘’Kipengele Na. 17 cha Makubaliano ya Mkutano wa Umoja wa Mataifa kuhusu Maendeleo Endelevu unazitaka nchi wanachama kuhusisha tathmini za athari za mazingira katika miradi ambayo inasababisha madhara kimazingira…. katika kutekeleza kipengele hicho zilianzisha taasisi, na kutengeneza Sera na Sheria ikiwa ni pamoja na Kanuni kama ilivyo kwenye Kanuni ya Athari ya Mazingira za Mwaka 2005 na zile za Mwaka 2018’’ amesema Dkt. Jafo. Aidha Waziri Jafo amesema Tathmini za Athari kwa Mazingira (TAM) hufanyika ili kuweka mifumo bora ya kulinda mazingira ikiwa ni pamoja na kupunguza kiwango cha taka zinazozalishwa, kutoa kipaumbele katika masuala ya jamii, kuainisha athari zilizopo na madhara yanayoweza jitokeza kutokana na miradi inayoanzishwa. Waziri Jafo amesema NEMC inapokea zaidi ya miradi 2000 kwa mwaka kwa ajili ya mapitio na kuongeza kuwa idadi hiyo ya miradi ni kubwa na itaweza kupitiwa kwa ufanisi iwapo kutakuwa na miongozo ya kila sekta kama inavyoelekezwa katika Sheria ya Mazingira ya Mwaka 2004. ”Naishukuru Serikali ya India kupitia kituo hicho kwa kushirikiana na NEMC katika kuandaa mwongozo huo kwani ushirikiano huo ni ishara ya ya matokeo ya ushIrikiano wa taasisi hizo katika kupatia ufumbuzi wa changamoto za kimazingira.”amesema Dkt. Jafo Awali Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa Baraza la Taifa la Hifadhi na Usimamizi wa Mazingira (NEMC) Dkt. Samwel Gwamaka amesema kwa muda mrefu kumekuwepo na changamoto ya usimamizi wa tathmini ya athari kwa mazingira kupitia maandiko ya miradi mbalimbali yanayowasilishwa kwa ajili ya utoaji wa vibali vya mazingira. “Awali wataalamu wetu hawakuwa na mwongozo wa maandiko ya tathmini ya miradi ya athari za mazingira ambayo inakidhi matakwa ya Sheria ya Usimamizi wa Mazingira na kanuni zake hivyo baada ya uzinduzi huu sasa wataalamu elekezi wa mazingira na wadau watakuwa na mwongozo wa uaandaji wa maandiko kwa kuzingatia viwango na ubora unaohitajika” amesema Dkt. Gwamaka. Naye Mkurugenzi wa Kituo cha Sayansi na Mazingira cha Nchini India (CSE), Bw.Nivit Yadav amesema Tanzania ni nchi ya tatu Bara la Afrika yenye kasi kubwa ya idadi ya watu na nchi ya pili kwa Mataifa ya Afrika Mashariki kuwa na kasi ya ukuaji wa sekta ya ujenzi, hivyo suala la tathmini ya miradi ya ujenzi ni jambo muhimu linalopaswa kupewa kipaumbele katika uhifadhi na usimamizi wa mazingira. Amesema Sheria ya Uhifadhi na Usimamizi wa Mazingira ya mwaka 2004 imeanisha vipaumbele mbalimbali vya utekelezaji wa Sheria hiyo ikiwemo kanuni na miongozo ya utekelezaji ikiwemo ushirikiano baina ya Serikali w ikiwemo NEMC na CSE. Share this Article Facebook Twitter PREVIOUS ARTICLE MAKAMU WA RAIS AFANYA MAZUNGUMZO NA BALOZI WA JAPAN TANZANIA NEXT ARTICLE CNG IPEWE KIPAUMBELE KUENDESHA MITAMBO NA MAGARI NCHINI- KAMATI YA BUNGE

Plan for solar panels along Najafgarh drain in Delhi

Authorities plan to install more than 10,000 solar panels along a 6-km stretch of the Najafgarh drain as a pilot project, people aware of the proposal said on Monday, adding that the project, which will be executed jointly by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) and BSES, will generate around 5MW of power. The people said that the plan was first floated by lieutenant governor VK Saxena in April, when he chaired a high-level committee (HLC) on the Yamuna, in order to utilise the space along the drain. Saxena had directed the irrigation and flood control (I&FC) department to explore the possibility of installing solar panels along the drain, which is undergoing both beautification and de-silting. Delhi chief secretary Naresh Kumar had also suggested to the power department that SECI could be involved in identifying suitable solutions. An environment department official said after multiple feasibility checks — the latest of which was carried out October 5 — an initial proposal for generating 5MW has been approved in the latest HLC meeting, held on October 10. “The first survey was carried out along the drain by both SECI and I&FC on August 1. A 6-km stretch was identified from Dhansa to Ghummanhera. Subsequently, a meeting of BSES, the power department and I&FC officials was held on August 18 to identify the nearest grid to which these solar panels could be connected,” the official, who was part of the HLC meeting, said. The official added that six pockets have been identified along this stretch where mini-solar plants will be created to pool power from the solar panels. Another official aware of the matter said BSES will support SECI by taking this pooled power and integrating it in its grid network, adding that not only will the project utilise spare space along the drain, but also help Delhi achieve its solar targets. “BRPL (BSES Rajdhani Power Limited) shall help SECI in evacuating the power at two locations near Rawta and Ghummanhera, once SECI brings the pooled power till the identified points. It is anticipated that 10,000 – 12,000 solar panels will be installed by SECI under this project, but the final number may vary based on the panel ratings used in the project,” the second official said, adding that a final report on the project will also be submitted to the power department before work begins on the ground. The power generated is likely to be used in parts of southwest Delhi, officials said. In 2022, Delhi unveiled its new draft solar policy, setting an ambitious target of generating 6,000MW of power through solar energy by 2025. This goal included the installation of rooftop solar systems generating 750MW, and generating 5,250 MW through utility-scale projects situated outside Delhi. Binit Das, deputy programme manager, renewable energy, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), said the project is likely to be part of a broader initiative for utility-scale projects across the city. “Due to Delhi’s high population density, implementing solar projects within the city poses challenges. Projects like the one along the Najafgarh drain provide a solution, generating renewable electricity without occupying valuable arable or habitable land. However, it is crucial to ensure proper structural design to avoid issues related to cleaning and maintenance in the future,” Das said, adding that Chandigarh too was exploring 8.5 MW in solar generation on similar lines, which included four canal-top solar PV projects.

Africa and India push rich nations to phase out fossil fuels faster

Six weeks ahead of the Cop28 climate talks, negotiators from Africa and India have set out separate plans to push developed countries to do more to move away from fossil fuels. The African Group of negotiators want rich countries to stop greenlighting new fossil fuel production projects by 2030 while India is calling on them to go beyond net zero and start sucking carbon out of the atmosphere by 2050. The proposals play on a key principle of United Nations climate talks, “common but differentiated responsibilities”, where the wealthy countries who are most responsible for causing climate change take a lead in tackling it. But rich nations like the European Union are focused on promoting global goals, like a tripling of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and a global phase out of fossil fuels “well ahead of 2050”. Fossil fuel production While many developed countries have restricted support for fossil fuel production projects abroad, major nations like the US, UK, Australia and Norway have continued to approve oil and gas pumping at home and have not set end dates for fossil fuel production. To challenge this, the African Group of Negotiators has called for “differentiated pathways for countries in the pursuit of net zero and fossil fuel phasedown”. In a submission to the UN global stocktake, the African Group said that these pathways should include “where no further exploration of fossil fuels in developed countries is targeted well ahead of 2030, whilst affording developing countries the opportunity to close the global supply gap in the short term”. The submission was included in the United Nations’ 65-page list of “elements” which government negotiators will debate ahead of and at Cop28. While Cop decisions are not binding, agreement would heap moral pressure on rich countries to stop producing fossil fuels. No supply gap Despite the African Group’s claims of a fossil fuel supply gap, a 2021 UN report found that the world’s governments plan to produce more than twice as much fossil fuels in 2030 than would be compatible with limiting global warming to 1.5C. Most of this production growth comes from developing – but not African – nations like Saudi Arabia, Russia and India. The US, Canada and Australia also plan to produce more oil and gas. While production is set to fall in the UK and Norway, the Unep report says this is more because they are running out of oil and gas than because of intentionally aligning production with a decarbonised future. A small group of nations led by Denmark and Costa Rica have formed the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance, promising to stop producing those two two fossil fuels. Thuli Makama, an African climate campaigner from Oil Change International, told Climate Home that "no new fossil fuel extraction projects should be approved in Africa or anywhere". She said that fossil fuels do not bring development and that African fossil fuels will block development of the continent's renewable energy and green economy sectors while mainly benefitting companies from wealthy countries. The African Group has also called for rich nations to agree to give more money to developing countries to help them tackle and adapt to climate change and address the loss and damage it causes. The group told the UN it wanted Cop28 to agree that rich nations would provide by 2030 $200-400 billion a year for loss and damage and $400 billion a year for adapting to climate change on top of funding to reduce emissions. Net negative by 2050 India's submission to the UN stocktake says that "developed countries should have already peaked their emissions and must be on their way to becoming net negative, with peaking to come later for developing countries". Two anonymous Indian government officials fleshed this proposal out, telling Reuters that developed countries should be net negative by 2050. One said this would "enable the world to achieve the target of global net-zero by that year while allowing developing nations to use the available natural resources for growth". Avantika Goswami, climate change manager at the Centre for Science and Environment think tank, told Climate Home that India's demand "seems reasonable". "There is no doubt that developed countries have overstayed their welcome in using the remaining carbon budget," she said. She added: "We are likely to blow past 1.5C soon, and that will not be the fault of the developing world, many parts of which are still struggling to overcome historical inequalities and meet basic citizen needs." India's call is similar to that made in March by the head of the UN, Antonio Guterres, who said that developed nations should reach net zero by 2040. Most developed nations plan to reach that target by 2050. But Guterres said too that developing nations should reach net zero by 2050. Countries like China, Russia and Saudi Arabia aim to reach that target by 2060 while India targets 2070. His proposal was largely ignored by both developed and developing nations.

After Over 200 Days of 'Good' AQI, Why is Air Quality Plummeting Again in Delhi

The air quality in Delhi, which was better in 2023 than the last eight years, has started to witness a downward trend as the pollution levels plummeted to ‘poor’ levels on Sunday. The air quality index (AQI) in the national Capital was recorded at 233 in the ‘poor’ category for the fourth consecutive day on Sunday. The AQI is likely to improve to ‘moderate’ category as weather forecasters have predicted light rain and thundershowers in some places. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted overcast conditions and light rain at a few places accompanied with gusty winds. POOR AQI AFTER IN AROUND 4 MONTHS New Delhi’s AQI dropped to the “poor” category for the first time in 114 days last week prompting the authorities to strictly implement measures under Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The plan involved restrictions on the construction activities, diesel generator sets and checks on Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates by vehicles. It also includes a ban on the use of coal in roadside eateries, hotels and restaurants. The national capital has started seeing poor AQI on multiple days this month including four consecutive days from October 12 to 15. Though the AQI was at moderate level on Monday, it could return to “poor” once again by Wednesday, according to Early Warning System (EWS). WHY IS DELHI’S AQI RISING October is the time of the year when the issue of paddy stubble burning comes to haunt the city as the capital choke in a blanket of smog every winter. Stubble burning is a major contributor to the pollution in Delhi, particularly during the winter months. The pollution from stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana contribute about 5-7 per cent to Delhi’s pollution load, but could worsen the AQI further if the wind is blowing down from the north. The current surge of AQI this month could be attributed to the stubble burning as there has been a significant increase in crop residue burning incidents in the paddy harvesting in six agricultural states. According to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) data, there has been a surge of 82% in fire incidents compared to last year during this period. The pollutants from the stubble burning can cause a range of health issues, including respiratory infections, heart disease, and cancer. According to a study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), vehicles may have contributed the most to air pollution in Delhi between October 21 to 26 last year. Delhi has over 9 million vehicles. The pollution from vehicles caused half or around 51% of the national capital’s own contribution to PM 2.5 levels. However, the pollution rises significantly when the vehicular pollution adds to the air pollution from biomass burning in other NCR districts. Apart from vehicular emissions, other causes include residential sources, industrial sources and construction. SEASONAL FACTORS There are also natural causes like decreasing temperature and lower wind speeds during winter months which aggravates the pollution problem in New Delhi. During the winter months, airborne dust and contaminants become immobile. Due to stagnant winds, these pollutants get locked in the air and affect weather conditions, resulting in smog. The level of PM2.5 is exceptionally high in winter and the reason is a lot of polluting activities increase during winter. Burning of biomass to warm up their homes and firecracker-related pollution because of festival like Diwali are some major factors. ANTI-POLLUTION STEPS BEING TAKEN Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has launched phase two of a sapling plantation drive in the city as part of efforts to reduce pollution during the winters. During the drive, 12 lakh saplings will be planted in the winter season to increase the green cover, which is currently 23 percent in the national capital. The environment minister also launched a month-long anti-dust campaign, which will go on till November 7. Delhi government has created a pollution control plan known as the ‘Graded Response Action Plan’ (GRAP) which is implemented in the Delhi-NCR to combat air pollution during the winter season. The government said that the air quality in Delhi has been the best in 2023 in the last 8 years excluding the Covid period. During a press conference on October 9, AAP Chief Spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar said, “In 2022, the air quality in Delhi improved further by 8 per cent. In 2023, this improvement has reached 31 per cent.” Delhi has also recorded 200 days of ‘good to moderate’ air quality this year so far, a first since 2015. The number of ‘good to moderate’ air quality days during the corresponding period in 2022, 2021 and 2019 stood at 154, 183 and 174 respectively.

Delhi's steps to curb air pollution won't be effective till NCR states check pollution sources: Gopal Rai to Centre

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday demanded that the Centre impose a complete ban on firecrackers and allow movement of only CNG and electric vehicles in the entire National Capital Region in a bid to curb air pollution. Rai, in a letter to Bhupender Yadav, his counterpart at the Centre, said the Delhi government has taken numerous steps to curb air pollution during the winter season. "But these steps will not be effective until Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh deal with the sources of pollution in the NCR region. A report by independent environment think tank Centre for Science and Environment shows that 31 per cent of Delhi's pollution comes from sources within the national capital while 69 per cent is from sources in NCR states, he said. Rai demanded that the Centre convene an emergency meeting to discuss solutions to factors contributing to air pollution in the national capital. The states in the National Capital Region (NCR) should impose a complete ban on firecrackers and stubble burning in the entire region and allow only CNG and electric vehicles, the Delhi minister said. "Many industrial units in NCR states are still running on polluting fuels. They should be immediately converted to piped natural gas. The heavily polluting brick kilns running in NCR states should be asked to adopt zig-zag technology to check pollution," he said. "Electricity should be ensured for all housing societies in NCR states to reduce dependence on diesel generators. The state governments concerned should be asked to divert non-destined vehicles from their origin point on the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways," Rai wrote in the letter.

Weathering the storm of skepticism

In a world where weather forecasts have become as commonplace as morning coffee, some individuals have chosen to defy the tide. Emmanuel Sarpong, a 35-year-old with a unique perspective, refuses to pay any attention to the Ghana Meteorological Agency's (GMet) weather predictions. While some rely on these forecasts to plan their daily lives, Emmanuel's unwavering belief is that they are nothing more than inaccurate predictions. But is he right, or is he missing out on the valuable insights that GMet provides? Emmanuel, a resident of Kumasi, Ghana, is unlike most of his peers. He doesn't own a weather app on his smartphone, nor does he check the daily forecast on television, radio or social media. To Emmanuel, the idea of planning his day around what the weather might hold is absurd. "I've never really believed in these forecasts," Emmanuel admits, with a nonchalant shrug. "I've gone through life without needing them, and it's worked just fine for me." However, Emmanuel's dismissive attitude toward GMet's weather predictions has come at a cost. The Price of Skepticism Emmanuel's stubborn stance on the irrelevance of weather forecasts has, on numerous occasions, led to inconveniences and disruptions in his daily life. He recalls instances when he was caught unprepared in heavy downpours on his way to work or left sweltering under the scorching sun without sunscreen. "Sure, I've been caught in a few storms," Emmanuel concedes. "But I've also experienced some unforgettable moments when I just went with the flow, rain or shine." Emmanuel's position aligns with that of 47-year-old Tahidu Amin from Gushegu in the Northern region. Despite receiving weather predictions from his colleague Abubakari Mohammed, Tahidu admits he never placed much trust in those forecasts. However, one fateful day, Tahidu found himself caught in heavy rains when he chose to disregard the weather prediction shared by Abubakari. He was on his way home from school when the incident occurred, and he ended up completely drenched. "I got thoroughly soaked that day," he expressed, later regretting his decision. Tahidu continues to assert that he has consistently advised people against relying on weather forecasts. "There is one individual who frequently inquires with Abubakar about the day's weather predictions, but I always tell them not to depend on weather forecasts," he explained. In various instances, numerous skeptics have found themselves ensnared in the midst of flooding or witnessing their homes submerged due to their disregard of weather alerts issued by GMet. Unfortunately, such situations have occasionally resulted in fatalities, with bodies discovered the following day. A poignant example transpired in September 2023 when torrential downpours inundated several areas in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital. During this one-hour deluge, a five-year-old girl was tragically swept away by the floodwaters. The young child had sought refuge from the heavy rain after her school day had ended. On this fateful day, GMet had issued a weather warning, aiming to forewarn Ghanaians about the impending weather conditions. Moreover, daily weather forecasts were also made available to the public. Friends’ Perspective In stark contrast to Emmanuel and Tahidu's skepticism stands Seidu Mohammed, from Ejura in the Ashanti region and avid consumer of GMet's weather forecasts. Seidu has faithfully monitored GMet's predictions for over three years and believes that they have shown remarkable improvements in accuracy during this time. "GMet's forecasts have made my life so much easier," Seidu explains. "I share them daily with my friends and contacts to help them plan their activities. It's all about being prepared." Four years ago, Seidu faced a significant predicament as a farmer. His agricultural pursuits relied heavily on the timely arrival of rains, particularly for the cultivation of major seasonal crops like maize and cowpea. However, the inherent unpredictability of the region's weather posed a formidable challenge, making it virtually impossible to ascertain when the essential rains would grace his fields. Seidu reflected on these trials, saying, "Over the past few years, we were affected by long dry spells and other things." Consequently, Seidu sought solace in GMet's weather information, which is widely disseminated through social media platforms, with a notable presence on WhatsApp. To efficiently plan his daily agricultural activities, Seidu has adopted a daily routine of checking the weather forecast each morning, typically around 5 a.m. He emphasized the critical role this practice plays in his work, noting, "When you are going to the farm, and you don't have any weather information, it is like you are in darkness. Sometimes, you go and apply some chemicals, you come home and the rain falls on them. It becomes waste. So when you are able to know today, maybe, the predictions of the GMet, we are likely to have rainfall, why should I go and waste my time?" Not content with merely benefiting from GMet's weather updates, Seidu takes on the role of a local weather information disseminator, extending this knowledge to fellow farmers through a local platform he initiated. Speaking about the community, he affirmed, "Ejura is a farming community and we have a lot of farmers - everyone is actually a farmer, and so we create other platforms where we add members, send the information to them, so they can also benefit from what we are benefiting." Seidu expressed his gratitude for the consistency exhibited by the Meteo agency, praising their continuous provision of valuable weather information throughout the day. According to him, "I think the Meteo agency has been very consistent over the years, and they keep giving us information day in day out. They give us updates about three times every day, in the morning; it comes in the afternoon and the evening. I think it has helped a lot." Seidu's compatriots in agriculture, Abdul Gafar Osman and Sulemana Abubakar, share their journey. They have all faced financial setbacks in past seasons due to their lack of access to timely weather information, a hindrance they have now overcome through Seidu's GMet-informed guidance. Mr. Osman, who lost a significant sum of about 112,600 cedis in the last two years, narrates that he had to re-plough and replant his fields multiple times due to inadequate weather information. However, the trio has since adopted Seidu's platform for weather insights, which has enabled them to make informed decisions about planting, plowing, and pesticide applications. They recounted situations from the past when such decisions were made blindly. Mr. Osman shared his newfound experience, saying, "But since we started getting the updates, it helps because it will tell you when it will rain, so you will also have to take your own decision. The right time to spray so that you will not run at a loss, so it helps a lot. Currently, the platform is helping me a lot to know when to farm my farm produce. It helps me to plan well. But in the olden days, you will see the rain and you might think that the rain will go far." Sulemana's account echoes Mr. Osman's, emphasizing the substantial benefits gained from their informed agricultural decisions. Changes in Weather Patterns and its impact Ghana has witnessed a disturbing surge in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, particularly dry spells, and heavy rainfall, which frequently lead to destruction. This dire consequence results in population displacement, loss of lives, and extensive damage to infrastructure. Northern Ghana, in particular, has borne the brunt of recurrent and severe flooding in recent years, notably in 2007, 2010, 2012, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2021. The 2010 flood event alone impacted over 100,000 people, underscoring the gravity of these disasters. The principal causes of these devastating floods have been linked to a combination of intense rainfall and the controlled discharge of water from the Bagre Dam, located in Burkina Faso. Tragedy struck on August 12, 2023, when four farmers lost their lives on the western side of the Golinga Irrigation Dam, near Nyankpala in the Tolon District of the Northern Region. They met their unfortunate fate while attempting to cross the dam using a canoe. In 2021, another grim incident unfolded when five individuals tragically drowned within 24 hours in two districts of the North East Region. Beginning in June 2023, the Volta Region grappled with significant flooding that led to the displacement of approximately 3,000 residents in the Keta Municipal District. Subsequently, the Ashanti Region, between June 21 and 22, 2023, witnessed flooding incidents in Atafoa, Sepaase, and Tafo, resulting in the loss of four lives. The situation was especially perilous near rivers. On June 24, 2023, a government official tragically lost his life while attempting to cross a swollen river in Kumasi. The Western Region encountered approximately 50 homes damaged in the Ahanta West Municipal District, with the Bonsa River overflowing and affecting numerous homes in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipal District. That same day, three individuals met their demise while trying to navigate the flooded Subri River in Daboase, Wassa East District. In 2022, flooding woes persisted, with over 500 homes impacted by flooding in Ashalaja, Greater Accra Region. Residents directed blame at a property developer for exacerbating the situation by permitting water from the Densu River to inundate the area. Impact of Over 2000 Natural Disasters in Africa Since 1970 The Centre for Science and Environment’s (CSE)comprehensive report on the state of Africa's environment released on October 11, 2023, in Nairobi reveals that Africa has witnessed over 2000 natural disasters since 1970, affecting a staggering 500 million individuals and resulting in the unfortunate loss of 0.5 million lives. These devastating outcomes can be attributed to significant climate changes that the continent has experienced. The report underscores the alarming frequency and intensity of weather-related disasters, emphasizing the unimaginable ferocity with which these calamities strike African nations. Sunita Narain, the Director General of CSE, points out the severe impact of climate change on agricultural-dependent countries like Ghana, Chad, and Mauritania. These nations, according to the report are acutely aware of the profound interconnection between agricultural production and its environmental consequences. Of particular concern is the report's warning about Africa's youth, who hold deep apprehensions about the future of agriculture on the continent. This stands in stark contrast to the prevailing attitude in Europe, where climate change often remains a distant concern until its dire consequences are experienced elsewhere. The report highlights that in the absence of effective countermeasures, many families and children are at risk of sinking further into poverty, forcing them to abandon their homes and seek refuge elsewhere. GMet's Journey Towards Precision To gain deeper insights into GMet's accuracy and ongoing improvements, we reached out to Eric Asuman, the Acting Director General of GMet. Mr. Asuman acknowledged that while the agency faces its share of challenges, it has made significant strides in recent years. He says that the availability of about 4 radar systems, 120 automated weather stations, 350 agrometeorological stations, and 600 gauges spread across the country is vital for generating location-specific forecasts. Although these instruments and equipment come at a significant cost, GMet emphasizes that by integrating radar and satellite data, the resultant weather forecasts are poised to be highly dependable, offering valuable insights to facilitate informed decision-making. "We are committed to achieving 100% location-specific forecasts," Mr. Asuman states. "This ambitious goal is being pursued through the expansion of our infrastructure, including the installation of four radar systems, 120 automated weather stations, 350 agro-meteorological stations, and 600 gauges spread across the country. By integrating radar and satellite data, we are poised to provide highly dependable forecasts." The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) offers forecasts three times a day, as well as weather advisories and warnings whenever significant weather events are detected. They provide three-day, weekly, and seasonal forecasts, along with sub-seasonal forecasts ranging from one week to three weeks or a month. The central analysis and forecasting office serves as the hub for collecting and analyzing weather and climate data, which is then disseminated to the public. A majority of researchers are stationed at this office to monitor shifts in weather patterns and communicate these changes to the general population. By the end of 2023, GMet aims to acquire about 61 new automatic weather stations, in addition to the current 22 manual stations, to bring them closer to the goal of establishing 120 weather stations nationwide. There are intentions to transition towards employing self-recording automatic weather stations in order to enhance the timeliness and precision of data collection Finding the Balance Emmanuel and Tahidu's stories serve as a vivid reminder of the diversity of perspectives in the modern world. While some, like Seidu and his friends, find immense value in GMet's forecasts, others like Emmanuel and Tahidu remain skeptical. However, as GMet continues to enhance its capabilities and work towards providing more precise forecasts, the hope is that individuals like Emmanuel and Tahidu may one day come to see the forecasts as dependable as the rising sun. The story of contrasting views highlights the importance of accurate weather forecasts in our daily lives. It also underscores the ongoing journey of skepticism, trust, tradition, and progress in Ghana's weather landscape, with the promise of clearer skies and more reliable forecasts on the horizon.

'Steps to curb pollution won't be effective till NCR states check sources'

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday demanded that the Centre impose a complete ban on firecrackers and allow movement of only CNG and electric vehicles in the entire National Capital Region in a bid to curb air pollution. Rai, in a letter to Bhupender Yadav, his counterpart at the Centre, said the Delhi government has taken numerous steps to curb air pollution during the winter season. "But these steps will not be effective until Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh deal with the sources of pollution in the NCR region." A report by independent environment think tank Centre for Science and Environment shows that 31 per cent of Delhi's pollution comes from sources within the national capital while 69 per cent is from sources in NCR states, he said. Rai demanded that the Centre convene an emergency meeting to discuss solutions to factors contributing to air pollution in the national capital. The states in the National Capital Region (NCR) should impose a complete ban on firecrackers and stubble burning in the entire region and allow only CNG and electric vehicles, the Delhi minister said. "Many industrial units in NCR states are still running on polluting fuels. They should be immediately converted to piped natural gas. The heavily polluting brick kilns running in NCR states should be asked to adopt zig-zag technology to check pollution," he said. "Electricity should be ensured for all housing societies in NCR states to reduce dependence on diesel generators. The state governments concerned should be asked to divert non-destined vehicles from their origin point on the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways," Rai wrote in the letter.

एनसीआर में पटाखों पर पूर्ण प्रतिबंध लगाए केंद्र सरकार: गोपाल राय

दिल्ली के परिवहन मंत्री गोपाल राय ने वायु प्रदूषण पर लगाम लगाने के लिए मंगलवार को केंद्र सरकार से पटाखों पर पूर्ण प्रतिबंध लगाने और राष्ट्रीय राजधानी क्षेत्र (एनसीआर) में केवल सीएनजी व इलेक्ट्रिक वाहनों को आवाजाही की इजाजत देने की मांग की। राय ने केंद्रीय पर्यावरण मंत्री भूपेंद्र यादव को लिखे पत्र में कहा कि दिल्ली सरकार ने सर्दी के मौसम में वायु प्रदूषण पर अंकुश लगाने के लिए कई कदम उठाए हैं। “लेकिन ये कदम तब तक प्रभावी साबित नहीं होंगे जब तक हरियाणा, राजस्थान और उत्तर प्रदेश एनसीआर में प्रदूषण के स्रोतों से नहीं निपटते।” उन्होंने कहा कि पर्यावरण के लिए काम करने वाली संस्था ‘सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरमेंट’ की एक रिपोर्ट के अनुसार दिल्ली में 31 प्रतिशत प्रदूषण राष्ट्रीय राजधानी के स्रोतों से होता है, जबकि 69 प्रतिशत एनसीआर में आने वाले राज्यों के स्रोतों से होता है। राय ने मांग की है कि केंद्र सरकार राष्ट्रीय राजधानी में वायु प्रदूषण के लिए जिम्मेदार कारकों से निपटने पर चर्चा के लिए आपात बैठक बुलाए। दिल्ली के मंत्री ने कहा कि राष्ट्रीय राजधानी क्षेत्र (एनसीआर) में आने वाले राज्यों को पूरे क्षेत्र में पटाखों और पराली जलाने पर पूर्ण प्रतिबंध लगाना चाहिए और केवल सीएनजी व इलेक्ट्रिक वाहनों के संचालन की अनुमति देनी चाहिए। उन्होंने कहा, “एनसीआर के तहत आने वाले राज्यों में अब भी कई औद्योगिक इकाइयों प्रदूषण फैलाने वाले ईंधन का इस्तेमाल हो रहा है। उन्हें तुरंत पाइप्ड प्राकृतिक गैस में परिवर्तित किया जाना चाहिए। एनसीआर राज्यों में संचालित भारी प्रदूषण फैलाने वाले ईंट भट्टों को प्रदूषण पर लगाम लगाने के लिए जिग-जैग तकनीक अपनाने के लिए कहा जाना चाहिए।” राय ने पत्र में लिखा, “डीजल जनरेटर पर निर्भरता कम करते हुए एनसीआर राज्यों में सभी हाउसिंग सोसायटियों में बिजली सुनिश्चित की जानी चाहिए।”

Pollution in Delhi: दिल्ली के पर्यावरण मंत्री ने प्रदूषण की स्थिति को लेकर केंद्रीय पर्यावरण मंत्री को लिखा पत्र, रखीं ये सात मांगें दिल्ली में प्रदूषण की स्थिति को देखते हुए पर्यावरण मंत्री गोपाल राय ने केंद्रीय पर्यावरण मंत्री भूपेंद्र यादव को पत्र लि

नई दिल्ली: राजधानी मेंप्रदूषण का ग्राफ एक बार फिर चढ़ रहा है. आलम यह हैकि दिल्ली, दुनिया के टॉप 10 प्रदूषित शहरों की सूची में छठे स्थान पर आ चुकी है. इसेदेखतेहुए दिल्ली के पर्यावरण मंत्री गोपाल राय नेकेंद्रीय पर्यावरण मंत्री भूपेंद्र यादव को पत्र लिखा है. इसमें उन्होंने कहा हैकि दिल्ली सरकार प्रदूषण की रोकथाम के लिए लगातार काम कर रही है, लेकिन 69 प्रतिशत प्रदूषण अन्य राज्यों के कारण हो रहा है. इसकी रोकथाम के लिए उन्होंनेसात मांगेंकी हैं. आई 30 प्रतिशत कमी: उन्होंने कहा हैकि यदि इन सात बिंदुओं पर काम किया जाए तो दिल्ली समेत पूरे एनसीआर को प्रदूषण सेराहत मिलेगी. पत्र में उन्होंने कहा हैकि राज्य सरकार दिल्ली के नागरिकों को बेहतर पर्यावरण उपलब्ध करानेके लिए तमाम कदम उठा रही है, जिसके परिणामस्वरूप पिछले आठ सालों मेंप्रदूषण में 30 प्रतिशत की कमी आई है. दिल्ली मेंवायुके अच्छे, संतोषजनक और मध्यम श्रेणी के दिनों की संख्या 2016 में 109 से बढ़कर 2023 में 200 हो गई है. चलाए जा रहे कई अभियान: पर्यावरण मंत्री ने कहा कि सर्दी के मौसम मेंदिल्ली मेंवायुप्रदूषण बढ़ जाता है. इसे कम करने के लिए दिल्ली सरकार विंटर एक्शन प्लान के तहत कई कदम उठा रही है. इसमेंबायोडिकंपोजर का छिड़काव, एंटी एं डस्ट कैंपेन, हॉटस्पॉट के लिए विशेष अभियान, एंटी एं ओपन बर्निंग अभियान आदि शामिल हैं. लेकिन जब तक एनसीआर के राज्यों मेंप्रदूषण के कारकों पर रोक नहीं लगेगी, तब तक ये कदम प्रभावशाली नहीं बन पाएंगे एं . प्रदूषण में एनसीआर राज्यों की भागीदारी: पत्र में उन्होंने यह भी कहा कि सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एन एं वायरनमेंट द्वारा जारी की गई रिपोर्ट बताती हैकि दिल्ली के प्रदूषण स्तर का 31 प्रतिशत, दिल्ली के अंदर के स्रोतों का प्रदूषण है, जबकि शेष 69 प्रतिशत प्रदूषण में एनसीआर के राज्यों के स्त्रोतों की भागीदारी है. इस प्रदूषण को कम करनेके लिए हमेंसात बिंदुओं पर संबंधित एनसीआर राज्यों के साथ संयुक्त मीटिंग करके प्रभावी कदम उठानेकी आवश्यकता है. यह सात बिंदु इस प्रकार हैं- यह भी पढ़ें-Pollution In Delhi: बारिश नेधोया दिल्ली-एनसीआर का प्रदूषण, लोगों नेसाफ हवा मेंली सांस गौरतलब हैकि दिल्ली एनसीआर मेंसोमवार रात हुई झमाझम बारिश सेलोगों को प्रदूषण सेराहत मिली है. इसके चलते प्रदूषण संतोषजनक श्रेणी में पहुंच गया है. केंद्रीय प्रदूषण नियंत्रण बोर्ड के आंकड़ों के मुताबिक, मंगलवार शाम 4 बजे 1 एनसीआर सेदिल्ली आनेवाले सभी सार्वजनिक परिवहन सीएनजी या इलेक्ट्रिक पर चलाए जाएं.एं एनसीआर में पराली जलाने पर रोक लगाई जाए, जिससे पराली का धुआं दिल्ली एनसीआर की हवा को प्रदूषित न करे. 2 एनसीआर राज्यों मेंकाफी औद्योगिक इकाइयां अभी भी प्रदूषणकारी ईंधन से चल रही हैं, उन्हें तत्काल पाइप्ड प्राकृतिक गैस सेसंचालित करने पर काम किया जाए. 3 4 एनसीआर राज्यों मेंभारी प्रदूषण फैलानेवालेईंट भट्ठों को जिग-जैग तकनीक में बदला जाए. डीजल जनरेटर पर निर्भरता कम करनेके लिए एनसीआर राज्यों के सभी हाउसिंग सोसाइटियों के लिए बिजली सुनिश्चित की जाए. 5 6 एनसीआर राज्यों मेंभी दिल्ली की तरह ही पटाखों पर पूरी तरह सेपाबंदी लगाई जाए. वाहनों को इस्टर्न और वेस्टर्नपेरीफेरल एक्सप्रेसवे पर उनके शुरुआती बिंदु सेही डाइवर्ट करनेके लिए संबंधित राज्य सरकारों को कहा जाए.

उदयपुर को गैर-प्राप्ति शहर की सूची में शामिल करने के बावजूद वायु प्रदूषण रोकथाम में कोई पहल नहीं

एक तरफ जहाँ उदयपुर अपनी सुंदर झीलों और पहाड़ों के लिए दुनिया भर में मश हूर है, वहीं दूसरी तरफ यहाँ के कोर उधयोग खनिज और मार्बल / ग्रैनिट मीनिंग और प्रोसेसिंग की वजह से देश के प्रमुख वायु प्रदूषित ज़िलों में गिना जाता है। 2019 में हुए राष्ट्रीय स्वच्छ वायु कार्यक्रम (NCAP) सर्वे में गैर-प्राप्ति शहर (नॉन अटेनमेंट) की सूची में शामिल होने के बावजूद प्रदूषण सुधार में कोई काम नहीं किया गया है। मीडिया में आई रेपोर्ट्स के अनुसार इस तरफ 2024 तक कुछ होने की उम्मीद है, जिसको लेकर Road map तयार किया जा रहा है। राज्य के प्रदूषण नियंत्रण बोर्ड के अनुसार उदयपुर के लगभग 1,207 उधयोगों में से तीन चौथाई (73%) उधयोग प्रदूषणकारी उद्धोयों की सूची में शामिल किए गए हैं और 446 उधयोगों को आशूलोपी उत्सर्जन (Fugitive Emission) में शामिल किया गया है, जिसमे मादरी औधयोगिक क्षेत्र (MIA) और गुडली औद्योगिक क्षेत्र में चल रहे उधयोग सबसे ज़्यादा है। करीब 600 एकड़ में फैला मादरी, उदयपुर ज़िले का सबसे बड़ा औद्योगिक क्षेत्र है, जहां मिनरल ग्राइंडिंग, रसायन/फार्मा, उर्वरक, खाद्य प्रसंस्करण, आसवनी और इंजीनियरिंग एवं निर्माण होता है। गुडली करीब 240 एकड़ क्षेत्र में फैला है और ये खनिज पीसने वाली इकाइयों का प्रमुख केंद्र है। इसके अलावा उमरड़ा, गिरवा के अलावा इसवाल, मावली आदि ऐसे क्षेत्र हैं, जहां होटल और भवन परियोजनाएं संचालित हैं। जहां भी फ्यूजिटिव उत्सर्जन काफी मात्रा में होता है। अध्ययन में ये आया था सामने वर्ष 2021 में सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरमेंट (CSE) ने राजस्थान के प्रमुख जिलों में औद्योगिक वायु प्रदूषण के आंकलन को लेकर अध्ययन किया था। जिसमें सामने आया कि उदयपुर में उद्योग बड़े पैमाने पर कोयला, लकड़ी या तरल ईंधन का उपयोग कर रहे हैं। ईंधन की खपत करने वाले उद्योग से कणकीय पदार्थ प्रदूषण भार 148 टन प्रतिवर्ष, सल्फर डाइऑक्साइड भार 200 टन प्रतिवर्ष, नाइट्रोजन ऑक्साइड भार 162 टन प्रतिवर्ष सामने आया था। ये है वायु प्रदूषण के प्रमुख कारण - सड़क की मरम्मत नहीं और फुटपाथों की खराब हालत ईंधन आधारित उद्योगों के लिए शहर में पीएनजी आपूर्ति नहीं ब्लैकटॉप वाली सड़क का अभाव औद्योगिक क्षेत्रों में सड़कों को स्थिति असंतोषजनक फुटपाथों पर जमा धूल सड़क की नियमित सफाई (रीको एवं अन्य क्षेत्र) का अभाव प्रमुख वायु प्रदूषणकारी क्षेत्र सीएसइ की 2021 की रिपोर्ट के अनुसार उदयपुर में लगभग 790 वायु प्रदूषणकारी उद्योग थे, जिनमें 353 ईंधन खपत करने वाले उद्योग और 456 फ्यूजिटिव धूल उत्सर्जित करने वाले उद्योग थे । फ्यूजिटिव और ईंधन-आधारित उद्योगों के उत्सर्जन की तुलना करने पर सामने आया कि फ्यूजिटिव उत्सर्जन तुलनात्मक रूप से अधिक है और शहर में वायु प्रदूषण के प्रमुख कारणों में से एक है। हालांकि, कुछ डीजी सेट आधारित उद्योग भी संचालित हैं। जहां तरल ईंधन का उपयोग किया जाता है। जिससे भी वायु प्रदूषण पाया है। मिलकर करना होगा काम उदयपुर के RSPCB के क्षेत्रीय अधिकारी शरद सक्सेना ने कहा की आरएसपीसीबी (RSPCB) और उद्योगों को इस दिशा में मिलकर काम करना होगा। वायु प्रदूषण रोकने के लिए न केवल वायु प्रदूषण नियंत्रण उपकरणों की स्थापना पर्याप्त है, बल्कि हमें प्रदूषण नियंत्रण के प्रति मजबूत मानसिकता का निर्माण करना होगा।

Saviours Or Sham? Voluntary Carbon Markets In Spotlight In CSE Report

Carbon markets, which have promised much when it comes to mitigating climate change and reducing emissions, have captured headlines in recent weeks as country after country goes in the direction of enabling those. However, a nagging issue is the matter of transparency, and the only clear, visible view that the players in these markets are seeking profits, over everything else. That has brought up issues of fraud, opacity, and worse. The Centre for Science and environment (CSE) has released a report on the markets in India, and the issues they face before being considered credible. The global voluntary carbon market (VCM) sector has exploded in recent years, and India has been an integral part of this boom. The country has become the world’s second-largest source of carbon offsets in the voluntary carbon market. As of June 2023, over 1,400 projects are registered or are under various stages of consideration in the two major crediting programmes — Verra and Gold Standard. Indian projects account for one-fifth of the total carbon credits issued under these two programmes. But this boom brings with it a strong whiff of fraud, finds a new investigative report by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and Down To Earth. ‘Discredited: Does the Voluntary Carbon Market Benefit People and Climate in India?’ begins by asking some fundamental questions: does VCM help in the reduction of global GHG emissions? Does it guarantee financial benefits to carbon-sequestering communities and sectors which would otherwise not get financing? With its focus on the supply side of VCM – projects on the ground that are doing the heavy lifting of carbon avoidance or sequestration, while companies abroad buy credits and claim their net zero targets – the CSE-DTE investigation has zeroed in on hundreds of projects in Verra and Gold Standard’s registries and communicated with their developers. The investigation team also visited close to 40 locations in four Indian states for an on-ground assessment, speaking to project developers, farmers, rural households, activists, and local NGOs. The team’s expose is an eye-opener: it shows how there are no rules in this market which is under a shroud of secrecy and opaque at best. They go as far as suggesting that some of these could actually increase carbon emissions! And its not just about India too. It highlights how a report by The Guardian, based on an investigation conducted in association with Die Ziet (German Weekly) and SourceMaterial, on Verra’s rainforest-based credit programme raised a storm in voluntary carbon markets in early 2023. The investigation revealed that over 90 per cent of rainforest offset credits certified by Verra and retired by corporations like Disney, Shell and Gucci were not representing emission reductions and were essentially hot air. The investigation was based on three studies conducted on REDD+ projects. Two of these studies investigated 58 of the 87 Verra approved REDD+ projects. 21 projects were found to have no climate benefit and others were similarly noted to be less efficient “One of the fundamental flaws of voluntary carbon markets is that there is no basis of the price put on a project; at times it is inflated and at times it is so low that the project becomes unviable. It seems that the entire purpose of voluntary carbon markets is to serve the interests of project developers, auditors and all the others who make a cut in this carbon business. The current carbon markets could end up increasing emissions in the world. The buyers of credit—say an airline company that has assured its customers to offset their carbon footprint or a food company that has declared itself net-zero—continue to emit; they even increase their emissions, saying that they have bought credits. But as these credits have been over-estimated or do not really exist, the reductions are notional. This is a double-jeopardy. This is exactly what a climate-risked world does not need” All of this, even as the leading firm in the India market EKI Energy Services, goes through a serious issue of corporate governance in the past year does not help inspire confidence at all. The report proposes multiple steps that need to be taken to clear up the odour around VCMs. Ensure transparency The first, and the obvious step, is to ensure transparency in the markets. The details of the projects should be listed. There should be information about the price that each credit has earned. Pay for real change The second step is to decide once and for all the objective of the markets—voluntary, bilateral or multilateral— and design rules accordingly. If the purpose of the markets is to invest in projects that will lead to reduction in emissions in different parts of the world, then the markets must be based on paying for the real cost of the projects. Consider renewable energy projects, which are critical for making the transition to clean energy in countries of the South. The current voluntary carbon market pays a fraction of the capital cost of these projects in India. At less than 10% of the costs for renewable energy as well as Biogas projects, carbn markets are doing next to nothing to support faster adoption. Share the proceeds The third step to ponder on is who these markets are meant for. Currently, the markets only seems to work in the interest of the project developers and, of course, the paraphernalia of consultants and auditors. This also means that they are ineffective in terms of real emission reduction. The communities get virtually nothing from the proceeds and this means that they also have no stake in the emission reduction programme. Keep it simple The fourth is to accept that the voluntary carbon market also shows how the all the King’s smart men have fallen. Despite spending on verification, auditing and registration, these agencies seem to have got so much wrong. They cannot even calculate the emission reduction of one cookstove—Greenways says its stove reduces 2–4 tonnes of CO2e each year; EKI says the reduction is 5.7 tonnes. We know that this has to do with thermal dynamics of a small household device but there is no way it can be so different, especially as the fuel used is still wood. Countries must account The fifth and the most crucial lesson is that the ownership of trees grown on the land of the tribals in Araku valley has been transferred to a foreign entity. Let’s for a moment forget that these lands are under Schedule V of the Indian Constitution, which prohibits any outsider from diverting the claim of tribals. The fact is that these trees are grown by people on their lands. Under which agreement can any agencies have the right to decide how the tree will now be used—harvested or not. It is the same question when it comes to countries.

NEMC YAJA NA MWONGOZO WA UKAGUZI BINAFSI WA MAZINGIRA

NA EMMANUEL MBATILO, DAR ES SALAAM Baraza la Taifa la Hifadhi na Usimamizi Mazingira (NEMC) wamezindua mwongozo wa ukaguzi binafsi wa mazingira yenye lengo la kukagua maeneo ya Uwekezaji na Taasisi binafsi ambayo itawasaidia kujua mambo ya kuzingatia katika uhifadhi mazingira yao. Akizungumza Oct 16,2023 wakati wa uzinduzi huo uliombatana na mkutano wa kubadirishana Ujuzi na CSE ya India Mkurugenzi wa NEMC,Dkt.Samuel Gwamaka amesema wamekuwa na ushirikiano mzuri na India katika kujenga uwezo wa wafanyakazi wa NEMC katika kutunza mazingira. "Wametusaidia Sana katika kutunza mazingira, kuna watumishi wetu walienda India na kupata mafunzo mbalimbali ya kutunza mazingira yetu,wametusaidia kufanya tafiti huko ziwa Victoria kuhakikisha ikolojia ya Ziwa Victoria inabaki kudumu na maji yataendelea kuwa bora, na kuonesha namna tunavyoweza kukusanya taka ngumu na kuzihifadhi"amesema Aidha Dkt.Gwamaka amesema kifungu Cha 18,1A na kifungu Cha 101 Cha Sheria ya Mazingira cha mazingira kinasema kila kiwanda kinaweza kufanya ukaguzi binafsi na NEMC imepewa mamlaka ya kukagua mazingira endapo wataona Sheria za ufadhi zimekiukwa. "Muongozo mpya. uliozinduliwa unatoa picha ya pamoja kwa wataalamu wa mazingira wanapofanya ukaguzi wa mwaka ni mambo gani ya msingi yanapaswa kuzingatiwa hivyo sasa mazingira yetu yanakwenda kuwa safi na bora zaidi "amesema Kwa upande wake mmoja wa wawakilishi kutoka India amesema wao wameshiriki Katika kuandaa ripoti ya utafiti wa mazingira na kuandaa mwongozo wa utunzaji mazingira katika Ziwa Victoria. "Miaka miwili iliyopita Kituo cha Mazingira na Sayansi kiliamua kufanya utafiti ziwa Victoria Tanzania ni nini kinapelekea uchafuzi unaoharibu ziwa Victoria na njia gani za kusafisha ziwa Victoria na kuto ripoti ya utafiti huo"amesema.

NEMC YAZINDUA MWONGOZO WA UKAGUZI BINAFSI WA MAZINGIRA

NA EMMANUEL MBATILO, DAR ES SALAAM Baraza la Taifa la Hifadhi na Usimamizi Mazingira (NEMC) wamezindua mwongozo wa ukaguzi binafsi wa mazingira yenye lengo la kukagua maeneo ya Uwekezaji na Taasisi binafsi ambayo itawasaidia kujua mambo ya kuzingatia katika uhifadhi mazingira yao. Akizungumza Oct 16,2023 wakati wa uzinduzi huo uliombatana na mkutano wa kubadirishana Ujuzi na CSE ya India Mkurugenzi wa NEMC,Dkt.Samuel Gwamaka amesema wamekuwa na ushirikiano mzuri na India katika kujenga uwezo wa wafanyakazi wa NEMC katika kutunza mazingira. "Wametusaidia Sana katika kutunza mazingira, kuna watumishi wetu walienda India na kupata mafunzo mbalimbali ya kutunza mazingira yetu,wametusaidia kufanya tafiti huko ziwa Victoria kuhakikisha ikolojia ya Ziwa Victoria inabaki kudumu na maji yataendelea kuwa bora, na kuonesha namna tunavyoweza kukusanya taka ngumu na kuzihifadhi"amesema Aidha Dkt.Gwamaka amesema kifungu Cha 18,1A na kifungu Cha 101 Cha Sheria ya Mazingira cha mazingira kinasema kila kiwanda kinaweza kufanya ukaguzi binafsi na NEMC imepewa mamlaka ya kukagua mazingira endapo wataona Sheria za ufadhi zimekiukwa. "Muongozo mpya. uliozinduliwa unatoa picha ya pamoja kwa wataalamu wa mazingira wanapofanya ukaguzi wa mwaka ni mambo gani ya msingi yanapaswa kuzingatiwa hivyo sasa mazingira yetu yanakwenda kuwa safi na bora zaidi "amesema Kwa upande wake mmoja wa wawakilishi kutoka India amesema wao wameshiriki Katika kuandaa ripoti ya utafiti wa mazingira na kuandaa mwongozo wa utunzaji mazingira katika Ziwa Victoria. "Miaka miwili iliyopita Kituo cha Mazingira na Sayansi kiliamua kufanya utafiti ziwa Victoria Tanzania ni nini kinapelekea uchafuzi unaoharibu ziwa Victoria na njia gani za kusafisha ziwa Victoria na kuto ripoti ya utafiti huo"amesema. Uzinduzi huo umeambatana na Mafunzo kwa watumishi wa NEMC na wadau mbalimbali wa mazingira. Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa Baraza la Taifa la Hifadhi na Usimamizi Mazingira (NEMC), ,Dkt.Samuel Gwamaka (kushoto) akipongezana na Mwakilishi wa Kituo cha Sayansi na Mazingira (CSE) kutoka India wakipongezana mara baada ya uzinduzi wa mwongozo wa ukaguzi binafsi wa mazingira yao uliofanyika leo Oktoba 16,2023 katika Ofisi za NEMC Jijini Dar es Salaam

UKAGUZI BINAFSI VIWANDANI NA TAASISI MBALIMBALI NDANI YA MWONGOZO MPYA NEMC

Baraza la Taifa la Hifadhi na Usimamizi Mazingira (NEMC) wamezindua mwongozo wa ukaguzi binafsi wa mazingira yenye lengo la kukagua maeneo ya Uwekezaji na Taasisi binafsi ambayo itawasaidia kujua mambo ya kuzingatia katika uhifadhi mazingira yao. Akizungumza Oct 16,2023 wakati wa uzinduzi huo uliombatana na mkutano wa kubadirishana Ujuzi na CSE ya India Mkurugenzi wa NEMC,Dkt.Samuel Gwamaka amesema wamekuwa na ushirikiano mzuri na India katika kujenga uwezo wa wafanyakazi wa NEMC katika kutunza mazingira. "Wametusaidia Sana katika kutunza mazingira, kuna watumishi wetu walienda India na kupata mafunzo mbalimbali ya kutunza mazingira yetu,wametusaidia kufanya tafiti huko ziwa Victoria kuhakikisha ikolojia ya Ziwa Victoria inabaki kudumu na maji yataendelea kuwa bora, na kuonesha namna tunavyoweza kukusanya taka ngumu na kuzihifadhi"amesema Aidha Dkt.Gwamaka amesema kifungu Cha 18,1A na kifungu Cha 101 Cha Sheria ya Mazingira cha mazingira kinasema kila kiwanda kinaweza kufanya ukaguzi binafsi na NEMC imepewa mamlaka ya kukagua mazingira endapo wataona Sheria za ufadhi zimekiukwa. "Muongozo mpya. uliozinduliwa unatoa picha ya pamoja kwa wataalamu wa mazingira wanapofanya ukaguzi wa mwaka ni mambo gani ya msingi yanapaswa kuzingatiwa hivyo sasa mazingira yetu yanakwenda kuwa safi na bora zaidi "amesema Kwa upande wake mmoja wa wawakilishi kutoka India amesema wao wameshiriki Katika kuandaa ripoti ya utafiti wa mazingira na kuandaa mwongozo wa utunzaji mazingira katika Ziwa Victoria. "Miaka miwili iliyopita Kituo cha Mazingira na Sayansi kiliamua kufanya utafiti ziwa Victoria Tanzania ni nini kinapelekea uchafuzi unaoharibu ziwa Victoria na njia gani za kusafisha ziwa Victoria na kuto ripoti ya utafiti huo"amesema. Uzinduzi huo umeambatana na Mafunzo kwa watumishi wa NEMC na wadau mbalimbali wa mazingira. Watumishi wa Baraza la Taifa la Hifadhi na Usimamizi Mazingira (NEMC) wakiongozwa na Mkurugenzi wa NEMC,Dkt.Samuel Gwamaka wakiwa pamoja na wawakilishi wa Kituo cha Sayansi na Mazingira (CSE) kutoka India wakionesha mwongozo wa ukaguzi binafsi wa mazingira yenye lengo la kukagua maeneo ya Uwekezaji ambayo itawasaidia kujua mambo ya kuzingatia katika uhifadhi mazingira yao wakati wa uzinduzi wa mwongozo huo leo Oktoba 16,2023 kwenye Ofisi za NEMC Jijini Dar es Salaam. Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa Baraza la Taifa la Hifadhi na Usimamizi Mazingira (NEMC), ,Dkt.Samuel Gwamaka (kushoto) akipongezana na Mwakilishi wa Kituo cha Sayansi na Mazingira (CSE) kutoka India wakipongezana mara baada ya uzinduzi wa mwongozo wa ukaguzi binafsi wa mazingira yao uliofanyika leo Oktoba 16,2023 katika Ofisi za NEMC Jijini Dar es Salaam Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa Baraza la Taifa la Hifadhi na Usimamizi Mazingira (NEMC), ,Dkt.Samuel Gwamaka akizungumza wakati wa uzinduzi wa mwongozo wa ukaguzi binafsi wa mazingira yenye lengo la kukagua maeneo ya Uwekezaji ambayo itawasaidia kujua mambo ya kuzingatia katika uhifadhi mazingira yao uliofanyika leo Oktoba 16,2023 katika Ofisi za NEMC Jijini Dar es Salaam Mwakilishi wa Kituo cha Sayansi na Mazingira (CSE) kutoka India (kulia) akizungumza wakati wa uzinduzi wa mwongozo wa ukaguzi binafsi wa mazingira yenye lengo la kukagua maeneo ya Uwekezaji ambayo itawasaidia kujua mambo ya kuzingatia katika uhifadhi mazingira yao uliofanyika leo Oktoba 16,2023 katika Ofisi za NEMC Jijini Dar es Salaam Watumishi wa NEMC wakiwa katika picha ya pamoja na wataalamu kutoka Kituo cha Sayansi na Mazingira (Centre for Science and Environment) kutoka India mara baada ya kupata uelewa kuhusu masuala ya ukaguzi wa Mazingira . Hafla hiyo imefanyika leo Oktoba 16,2023 katika Ofisi za NEMC Jijini Dar es Salaam (PICHA ZOTE NA EMMANUEL MBATILO)