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Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal unveils winter action plan, seeks firecracker ban in NCR

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday unveiled a 15-point winter action plan to curb air pollution in the national Capital. Seeking the support of NCR states, Kejriwal appealed for a complete ban on the use of firecrackers in those areas urging them to take necessary measures such as checking stubble burning and eliminating dependence on diesel generators for electricity during power cuts. “Pollution does not follow boundaries between Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. Our effort is to check pollution in coordination with nearby states and CAQM. The data of the Centre for Science and Environment shows that 31% of pollution in Delhi is caused by internal sources and 69% due to external (outside Delhi) sources”, he said. “We appeal to nearby states to ensure that vehicles entering Delhi from nearby states are converted to CNG vehicles, ensuring industries using polluting fuel are shifted to clean fuel, brick kilns use the zigzag technique which is less polluting, 24x7 power supply be provided in NCR so that dependence on diesel generators is eliminated, firecrackers should be completely banned in NCR areas,” Kejriwal added. The winter action plan is a multi-pronged initiative involving 28 departments including departments of environment, transport, traffic police, municipal bodies, and agencies working in the national Capital that take steps to check pollution. “A 15-point winter action plan has been prepared. 13 pollution hotspots have been identified and a special action plan has been made for each of the pollution hotspots and special focus will be provided to the pollution hotspots. A war room will also be made for these pollution hotspots,” Kejriwal said at the Delhi secretariat addressing media persons. The details of the 13 hotspots were not immediately available. The winter action plan has been prepared on the basis of reports and suggestions obtained from 28 different departments and agencies. A joint meeting regarding framing of the plan was held on September 14 with these departments, and different responsibilities were assigned to them. The departments and agencies involved in framing the plan include the environment, development, transport, and revenue departments, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Delhi Police, Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC), Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), and the Public Works Department (PWD), among others. Kejriwal claimed that in the last seven years, Delhi has witnessed a 30% reduction in pollution. “In 2014, the PM2.5 was 149 which has reduced to 103 in 2023; in 2014, PM10 was 324 which has come down to 223 in 2023. In 2016, Delhi had 109 good air days which has increased to 163 days in 2023; in 2016, Delhi had 26 severe air pollution days which has come down 6 severe air pollution days in 2023,” Kejriwal said attributing it to several sustained campaigns run by the Delhi government. Kejriwal also underlined the role of public transport in checking air pollution. “In 15 years, no public buses were purchased in Delhi which led to the deterioration of public transport and people shifted to private transport. We have purchased buses on a large scale, especially e-buses. Currently, 7135 public buses are on Delhi streets including 800 electric buses,” said Kejriwal. “17% of total vehicles being purchased in the national Capital are e-vehicles,” Kejriwal said. The CM also added that two coal-based thermal plants have been shut and Delhi is the only city without coal-based thermal power plants. “1727 registered industrial units using polluting fuel have been shifted to PNG,” said Kejriwal. The CM said the Delhi government used bio-decomposer solution on 4,400 acres of land last year to manage stubble and check their burning, and this year the solution will be used on 5,000 acres of land. “For checking dust pollution at construction sites, 591 teams have been formed; construction sites spread over 5,000 square meter areas will have to use anti-smog gun to manage dust pollution. 82 mechanical road sweeping machines and 258 anti-smog guns will be used in winter in the national Capital,” Kejriwal said. The CM said 385 teams have been formed to check vehicular pollution. They will be checking PUC (pollution under control) status of vehicles besides cracking down on the use of over 10 years old diesel vehicles and over 15 years old petrol vehicles in Delhi, and the government has identified 90 roads that report high congestion; ways to decongest these roads will be explored, and people will be suggested to use alternate ways. The CM further said teams have been formed to check open burning of waste; a green war room has been set up for 24-hour monitoring of the overall situation; the use of firecrackers has been banned. Kejriwal said GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) will be implemented with all seriousness. On the role of stubble burning in Punjab in air pollution in Delhi, Kejriwal said the AAP (Aam Aadmi Party) came to power in March last year and took multiple steps in six months which resulted in 30% reduction in stubble burning in Punjab according to government data. “Multiple steps have been taken this year by Bhagwant Mann government such as diversification of crops which will reduce usage of water and stubble burning, use of short term varieties of paddy which produces less stubble and also afford long period for disposal of stubble, many people have used this method, some companies have come forward for in-situ management of stubble and conversion of stubble into manure and electricity. We do not have data to say how much less stubble will be burnt this year, but I hope the stubble burning will be less this year,” Kejriwal said. Kejriwal said the Delhi government will talk to the CAQM to reduce air pollution. “We will talk to CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management) as well. The CAQM’s mandate is to motivate the nearby states to take steps to check pollution. Our effort is to check pollution by working together with nearby states. The people of UP, Haryana, and Punjab should get clean air. The issue is not restricted to Delhi, everyone should work together on checking pollution,” Kejriwal said.

Delhi maps all 13 pollution hotspots: What are major sources of pollution and what are you smoking

NEW DELHI: Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has mapped and prepared an inventory of all major and minor pollution sources, along with their geo-coordinates, at all 13 hotspots in the city. Based on this, the winter action plans for each hotspot will be released on Friday. A senior official, not wishing to be named, said, "Last winter, we found that AQI was consistently high at the Anand Vihar hotspot. We mapped 470 major and minor pollution sources there, which helped improve the air quality as compared to the previous winter of 2021. Adopting the same model, we have now identified pollution sources at all 13 hotspots." Track the pollution level in your city The inventory of all sources has been shared with the agencies concerned for resolving the issues at these hotspots. For instance, 12 major sources of pollution have been identified at Jahangirpuri, the most polluted hotspot during the last winter season (October 2022-January 2023) with an average PM2.5 concentration of 201 micrograms per cubic metre (g/m³). The major sources include heavy traffic flow on the main road (NH-44) and Jahangirpuri-Azadpur stretch; the Bhalswa landfill and dust on the stretch connecting it to the main road; and a C&D waste recycling facility. DPCC also listed potholes among the pollution sources. An analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment last winter had stated that hotspots in north and east Delhi were the most polluted in the city and Jahangirpuri was the 'most polluted' official hotspot. Other most polluted hotspots were Anand Vihar (196 g/m³), Wazirpur (185 g/m³), Mundka (185 g/m³), Rohini (182 g/m³) and Bawana (179 g/m³). Except R K Puram, all hotspots showed an improvement compared to average pollution levels recorded over the previous three winters, said CSE. R K Puram registered a 1% increase during the last winter season (October 2022-January 2023). Wazirpur (5%), Narela (3%) and Mayapuri (3%) registered improvements during the same period. According to Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, research and advocacy, CSE, concrete local actions are needed to manage hotspots as these areas witness pollution levels higher than the city average. "If these hotspots are managed well, the intensity of smog episodes and exposures can be lessened during the winter season. Some actions related to combustion sources like industry and vehicles will require city-wide interventions. These cannot be dealt at the hotspot-level alone. As winter pollution builds up due to meteorological conditions, local gross polluting activities need to be controlled," she said.

Waste to wealth

India has approximately 1,469 sewage treatment plants (STP) and more than 500 faecal sludge treatment plants (FSTP). An estimate suggested that these 1,460 STPs generate 104,210 tonnes of sludge per day and FSTPs generate more than 250 tonnes of biosolids every day. Biosolids generated by these plants are rich sources of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium — the three essential nutrients for crop production across the world. India relies on imports to meet its demand for phosphorus and potassium, the reserves of which are increasingly becoming limited and depleting. Treated sewage sludge from STPs can substitute 4,531 tonnes per day of urea used in agricultural activities in the country, estimates showed. The reuse of biosolids also aligns with the principles of the circular economy and supports the achievement of United Nations-mandated Sustainable Development Goals. Delhi-based non-profit Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) recently evaluated the quality of biosolids from 47 FSTPs and 14 co-treatment plants across India. The report with the findings represents the first-of-its-kind assessment done at this scale in India as well as globally. Here is what the report showed: ✼ FSTPs demonstrate comparable effectiveness to STPs in terms of reducing biochemical oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand. Both FSTPs and STPs face challenges in reducing chemical oxygen demand and pathogens; ✼ Harvested biosolids, whether from FSTPs or STPs, are nutrient-rich, but also carry a high pathogen load and potential heavy metal content; ✼ Currently, there are no prescribed standards for reusing these harvested biosolids; ✼ Harvested biosolids do not meet the compost standards outlined in the Fertilizer Control Order due to failure to meet the carbon / nitrogen ratio requirement. To explore the ways to reuse bio-solids and carry forward the learnings of the CSE report, the organisation, in collaboration with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUDD), Government of Odisha, conducted a workshop on “Reusing Bio-Solids Harvested from Septage and Sewage” on September 15, 2023 in Bhubaneswar. Odisha is a pioneer in the sanitation journey and has constructed 118 FSTPs and STPs across 115 urban local bodies (ULB), G Mathi Vathanan, principal secretary, HUDD said in his inaugural speech. The state-wide rollout of convergence of rural and urban sanitation, he added, will further help in the treatment of more volume of faecal sludge and septage and, as a result, the amount of biosolids will be generated more. Therefore it is pertinent to have a solution for this issue. The main barrier in reuse of harvested bio-solids from septage and sewage is its non-conformity with the Fertilizer Control Order of 2022, for meeting compost standards for organic waste and presence of pathogens and heavy metals, said Vinod Vijayan, deputy laboratory head at CSE. He stressed upon the quality of dried biosolids focusing on the carbon-nitrogen ratio and heavy metals. Accelerated drying through innovative means such as solar greenhouse can aid in 40 per cent faster sludge drying and helminths inactivation. The windrow method of co-composting treated faecal sludge with municipal wet waste eliminates pathogen contamination and helps in maintaining proper nutrient balance, if done scientifically. As per a study conducted by CDD India, a Bengaluru-based non-profit, the final matured compost meets most of the Fertilizer Control Order standards and is free from pathogen contamination. Besides the technical aspects of the reuse of biosolids in India, another important aspect is their market or appropriate business model. An aggregator-based business model was presented by Finish Service Management Company Pvt Ltd. In this model, under a memorandum of understanding, the ULB bears the liability of providing raw materials — biosolids and organic waste, space for co-composting, labour and cost for lab tests. The aggregator is to provide technical and handholding support, product development support and marketing support. The revenue generated by the sale of the product is shared between the ULB and the aggregator. This model provides a simple solution for reuse of biosolids, additional revenue source for ULBs, reduces soil and water contamination, reduces CO2 emissions, provides a substitute for chemical fertilisers and also livelihood creation as production and marketing is done by local people. This sets an excellent example of a public-private partnership. The Toilet Board Coalition, working on applicable business models for reuse of biosolids, also suggested three models for enabling their reuse. One is from FSTPs to aggregators then to the end consumer. Second is the online sale by ULBs by the permission of the state mission director and the third is engaging the small and medium entrepreneurs for the co-composting process. But all these models require an enabling environment to work effectively. Ashok K Patra, Emeritus Scientist & Former Director, ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal, emphasised on the reuse of the biosolids in agriculture. According to The State of Biofertilizers and Organic Fertilizers in India, about 85 per cent of the soil is deficient in organic carbon; 97 per cent in available nitrogen; 83 per cent in phosphorus; and 71 per cent in potassium. The application of biosolids on land will not only help replenish macronutrients but also micronutrients. Through SWOT analysis, Patra showed the advantages and disadvantages of reuse of biosolids in agriculture but with proper safety measures and barriers, the biosolids application in agriculture can bring positive impacts on soil. While the potential of biosolids reuse is immense, several challenges need to be addressed for its effective implementation in India: ✼ Clear regulations and guidelines are necessary to ensure the safe application of biosolids. The current FCO standards are for the compost derived from solid waste or municipal waste; ✼ Technology and Infrastructure: Technology and process play an important role in ensuring the quality of biosolids generated; ✼ Awareness and acceptance: Creating awareness among farmers, policymakers, and the public about the benefits and safety of biosolids reuse is essential; ✼ Collaboration and partnerships: Successful implementation requires collaboration between government agencies, water utilities, agricultural organizations, research institutions, and the private sector. Partnerships can facilitate knowledge exchange, research and development, and financial support for biosolids reuse projects. The National Faecal Sludge and Septage Management Alliance along with the Central Public Health and Environmental Engineering Organisation is working towards this. The reuse of biosolids from sewage and septage treatment plants in India presents a remarkable opportunity to transform waste into a valuable resource. Government missions and programmes such as Swachh Bharat Mission, AMRUT, Waste to Wealth Mission, National Mission for Clean Ganga also promote a circular economy. By adopting sustainable practices and embracing biosolids reuse in agriculture, we can address multiple challenges simultaneously — improving soil health, conserving water resources, reducing pollution and enhancing food security. It is time for India to recognise the potential of biosolids and take the necessary steps to promote their safe and efficient reuse. By doing so, we can pave the way for a sustainable and resilient future, where biosolids are not seen as a burden but as a valuable resource to be harnessed. DTE Views expressed are personal

New norms for DG sets in Delhi-NCR to come into effect from Oct 1

Starting October 1, diesel generator (DG) sets churning out more than 19kW will only be allowed to function in the National Capital Region (NCR) if they have been retrofitted with emission control devices (ECDs) or with dual fuel kits, according to a tweak in regulations announced by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). Environmentalists and resident welfare associations (RWAs) in Delhi have largely welcomed the move, but residents of Gurugram and Noida — two cities that face frequent power outages — said the decision will cause many hardships, and pointed to the high cost of converting DG sets to a dual fuel setup, which can be as high as ₹10 lakh for a 600kW DG set, according to some RWAs. Under new regulations, which were first announced on June 8, industries, commercial buildings, and residential setups have time till September 30 to finish retrofitting their DG sets. The rules state that there will be no exceptions under Graded Response Action Plan (Grap) — a set of emergency measures that kick in on October 1 every year to tackle air pollution. In previous years, DG sets were allowed as power backup for essential and emergency services such as lifts, transport hubs, healthcare facilities, Metro stations, sewage treatment plants, or telecommunication and data service institutes. The CAQM regulations state that DG sets below 19 kW in power, or generator sets running on LPG, natural gas, biogas, propane or butane, do not require retrofitting, and will also not be restricted during the Grap period. DG sets between 19-125 kW will be required to run on a dual fuel mode of natural gas and diesel. CAQM said for such DG sets, there will be no restrictions on their use, except during Grap, when they will be permitted to run for a maximum of two hours. For DG sets with a power capacity of 125-800 kW, CAQM said they will be required to be run both on a dual fuel mode and will have to be retrofitted with ECDs. However, there will be no restrictions on such DG sets, even during Grap. For DG sets with a capacity of over 800kW, operators will either have to retrofit them with dual fuel kits or with ECDs, with such sets again facing restrictions only during Grap, where they will be allowed to run for a maximum of two hours. Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, research and advocacy at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) said the move to phase out DG sets is important to improve air quality across NCR. “Emissions from DG sets are a sustained source, which over time leads to toxic exposure, particularly to those working around or near them. In addition to comprehensive guidelines for the retrofitting of ECDs and monitoring, we also need to ensure uninterrupted power supply through NCR and for that, CAQM needs to work with discoms,” she said. Atul Goyal, president of the United Residents Joint Action (Urja) — a consortium of more than 2,500 RWAs in Delhi — said the Capital’s power supply during the winter months is largely uninterrupted. “Most of Delhi will be unaffected, as power supply issues and a reliance on DG sets is greater in Noida and Gurugram. However, in societies across Patparganj, Dwarka, Rohini, we may see an issue when it comes to power back-ups,” he said.

M S Swaminathan leaves behind legacy of innovation, dedication to sustainable farming, say scientists

The death of renowned agricultural scientist M.S. Swaminathan is a profound loss to the scientific community but his legacy endures and will continue to guide the world towards sustainable food security and agricultural innovation, scientists say. Dr Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan, the 'Father of the Green Revolution' who dedicated his life to revolutionising agriculture and ensuring food security for all, passed away in his Chennai home on Thursday. He was 98. "All of us have benefited immensely, directly or indirectly, from his vast contributions over the years. Without the Green Revolution in India, which he spearheaded, we would not have achieved food security," agriculturist Ranjitha Puskar, country representative for India and research at the Manila-headquartered International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), told PTI. She said his death was a tremendous loss to the scientific community in general and the agriculture fraternity in particular. "He was the director general of IRRI and his legacy has guided the organization and its researchers to this day... His mental agility and intellectual curiosity were as high as ever in the last few years and still provided great guidance, even though he was physically frail. Our deepest condolences to the agricultural sector worldwide on this loss!'' Puskar said. Swaminathan, who dedicated his life to revolutionising agriculture and ensuring food security for all, leaves behind a legacy of innovation and dedication to sustainable farming, experts said. They are unanimous in their sentiment that his contribution to the field will serve as an enduring beacon, guiding the world towards sustainable food security and pioneering agricultural innovations. In food researcher Mamata Pradhan's words, Swaminathan was a visionary, an inspiration, and a role model. "I was really fortunate to have worked with him very closely from 2007 to 2014 when we formed a coalition for food and nutrition security...'' Pradhan, research coordinator, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) South Asia region, told PTI. "He truly revolutionised Indian agriculture, worked towards self-sufficiency in food production when India was grappling with the threat of food insecurity and transformed India from a net importer of food grains to being a lead exporter to the global food basket. He was always looking for solutions for sustainable farming and improving the lives of the farmers," Pradhan added. Swaminathan was born in Kumbakonam on August 7, 1925. His father's involvement in the freedom movement and Mahatma Gandhi's influence inspired his passion for agricultural science. He worked closely with former prime ministers of India, playing a pivotal role in the success of the Green Revolution, catapulting India from being a net food importer to a leading exporter and ensuring a ''Hunger-free India & World", according to his foundation. Describing him "the greatest agricultural scientist the world has ever seen", J Justin Mohan, former secretary of the National Biodiversity Authority, said Swaminathan's contribution to designing agricultural policies and schemes helped not only India but other countries as well. "I had the opportunity to work with him during my tenure in Sri Lanka after the end of the armed conflict to assist the farmers of Sri Lanka and also had an opportunity to implement the Kuttanad Package, a wetland development project, in Kerala which was conceived by him," Mohan, chief conservator of forests, Kerala, told PTI. "His ideas were far ahead of his times, very practical, result oriented have helped to improve the production and productivity of cereals, pulses, millets, fruits, and vegetables. For example, the idea of issuing Soil Health Cards to farmers was first recommended by him in 2008 as part of the Kuttanad Project, which was later implemented across the country as the Central Soil Health Card Scheme during 2014 -15," he said. A Soil Health Card is used to assess the current status of soil health and, when used over time, to determine changes in soil health that are affected by land management. The tributes poured in. Environmentalist Sunita Narain took to 'X' (formerly Twitter) to thank Swaminathan for his vast contribution to the world. ''RIP #ProfessorMSSwaminathan. We will greatly miss your leadership, your insights, and your support. As chairperson of #CSE , you gave us strength and you taught us the value of humility and humanism. Thank you for all you did for us and for the world," Narain, director of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) New Delhi, said in a post. T Jayaraman, senior fellow - climate change, M S Swaminathan Research Foundation, remembered the many contributions of its founder and mentor. "Prof. M. S. Swaminathan's many awards included the most prized one of all, the respect and affection of millions of Indian farmers, in his lifetime, for bringing his science to their service and welfare and that of farmers all over the world,'' Jayaraman tweeted on Thursday. As the founder chairman and chief mentor of the Foundation in Chennai, Swaminathan championed sustainable agriculture and the transition from the 'green' to an 'evergreen revolution' to secure food and nutrition security globally, the foundation said in a statement. Swaminathan's leadership extended to roles such as chairman of the government of India's National Commission on Farmers, president of the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs and Rajya Sabha MP. His contributions earned him numerous accolades, including the first World Food Prize, Padma Vibhushan and the Ramon Magsaysay Award. Swaminathan's influence transcended borders, as he collaborated closely with Nobel Laureate and American agronomist Norman Borlaug on developing high-yielding wheat varieties. Swaminathan is survived by his three daughters - Soumya Swaminathan, Madhura Swaminathan, and Nitya Rao. His wife, Mina Swaminathan, predeceased him.

Gas giants finally comply as Penny Wong confronted in New York on climate action

It’s a shame It was moderately embarrassing for the Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong to be press-ganged by CNN’s Christiane Amanpour as she headed into United Nations headquarters in New York earlier this month, confronted with questions as to Australia’s poor track record on climate action. Despite Australia being the world’s third largest exporter of fossil fuels, and still approving new coal and gas projects hand over fist, there has been little press here about the summit. Indeed, a letter from 220 world scientists – including Michael Mann, Peter Kalmus, Bill Hare, Cathy Whitlock, David Ho, Joelle Gergis, Jean-Pascal van Ypersele, Dr. Farhana Sultana, Bill McKibben, Sunita Narain, Richard (Rick) Heede – expressing grave concern about our fossil expansion got almost no airplay, despite making headlines in the South China Morning Post and the UK’s Daily Mail. The scientists called on the Australian Government to “accelerate climate action, not climate annihilation”. It did, to be fair, get a robust run in the ABC with the story: “Australia shamed on climate change in full-page New York Times advert”. So it is that Australia was denied a speaking spot in the keynote session of the Climate Ambition Summit – a session reserved only for countries that could demonstrate leadership and credible action in response to the climate crisis. As The Australia Institute’s climate and energy director Polly Hemming pointed out, “Back in Australia the Environment Minister, Tanya Plibersek, was in federal court last week defending the government’s right not to consider the climate impact of fossil fuels when approving new projects. Follow the money A good deal of the blame for Australia’s stubborn refusal to stop, even curb, new fossil fuel projects can be sheeted home to powerful lobbying by the oil and gas lobby APPEA. While tenacious in their pursuit of politicians and policymakers, APPEA has been remarkably shy in dealing with journalists who they can’t control. Even to the point of breaking the law by failing to provide public financial statements. After months of pestering the oil and gas peak body for its ‘public’ financial reports, MWM can reveal what the gas lobby has been up to the last couple of years. Why is it a good thing that the federal government released 47,000 sq/k of oil and gas exploration areas just three months after assuming office? Why is it a good thing that the Queensland government has agreed to put its taxpayers on the hook for rehabilitation of fracking land once the foreign corporations have drained the gas? These are a couple of the “Achievements” listed by APPEA, the oil and gas lobby representing major foreign fossil fuel exporters, as detailed in their 2021-2022 financial report. It is little wonder that APPEA (Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association), has been hiding its annual financial statements from the public. They are embarrassing for the governments who are the targets of their lobbying. It is also little wonder that APPEA rebranded earlier this month, stripping the word ‘Petroleum’ from its title to become Australian Energy Producers (AEP). Greenwashing and ‘Ozwashing’ to the enth degree, the AEP membership and board show that this organisation is really is a front for foreign energy giants, not ‘Australian’. Even the three key Australian producers are majority foreign owned: Santos, Origin Energy and Woodside that is. Is AEP bothered whether Labor or Coalition governments are in power? In the words of CEO Samantha McCulloch, “The APPEA team worked tirelessly in the lead up to the Federal Election to ensure bipartisan support for our sector”. Indeed their even handed generosity to both major parties, and that of their corporate members, indicates the answer is no. While Labor has been far more progressive vis-a-vis the expansion of renewable energy, than the Coalition during its 9 years in power, their policies on the expansion of the gas industry, approving new projects, the commitment to fracking in the Northern Territory and elsewhere, makes them just as committed to gas expansion as the Coalition. Business as usual AEP directors are a who’s who of oil and gas executives: They include Frank Calabria, CEO of Origin Energy, Kate Callaghan, former Kevin Rudd advisor and general manager of corporate affairs at Chevron Australia, Khoa Dao, President of ConocoPhillips Australia, Kevin Gallagher, CEO of Santos, Dylan Pugh, Chairman of ExxonMobil Australia and Meg O’Neill CEO of Woodside Energy among others. Despite the power the lobby group wields over both sides of politics, the public has not been allowed a look inside the organisation since 2020. APPEA’s financial statements, the lobby group’s singular most basic duty of disclosure, have been publicly unavailable for the past couple of years. They used to publish them on their website, yet until a month ago they could not be found even with an ASIC search. This was because in November 2020 APPEA informed the corporate regulator ASIC that it was now a small company and not obligated to lodge financial reports. Under the Corporations Act, which even applies to foreign multinationals operating in Australia, a “Company limited by guarantee with annual (or consolidated) revenue of $1 million or more” is required to “prepare a financial report”. Following pressure from MWM however – including revealing that APPEA was in breach of the Corporations Act by not filing public accounts – the financial statements have finally been lodge with the regulator ASIC. They show revenue hovering around $14 million a year for the past two years. That is a lot of financial muscle – on top of the lobbying of the gas players themselves – spent on courting politicians every year. Carbon captured APPEA CEO Samantha McCulloch, who joined the lobby group in 2022 after running the International Energy Agency’s carbon capture unit since 2018, detailed the lobby group’s successes in her Directors Report. According to McCulloch, “We already have more than $20 billion of new investments in supply announced nationally in the past two years and there is more to come if there is policy stability and investment certainty”. Additionally, the industry expects the record $70 billion in LNG exports from 2021-22 to climb to another windfall revenue record of $90 billion in the 2022-23 financial year. This has grown from $30 billion in the 2020-21 financial year. Regarding the lobby group’s greener aspirations, McCulloch believes that “Raising awareness of our industry’s commitment to emissions reduction will only further grow the strong public support for the role of natural gas, capturing community support and building trust and ensuring our social licence to operate.” This, despite uniform calls from the UN that in order to maintain a 1.5 degree limit to the rise in global temperatures, there should be no new oil and gas developments globally. The AEP revenue of almost $14 million in 2022 derives primarily from members’ fees and conferences. The lobby group increased its liquid assets easily accessible assets to almost $9 million, over $3 million of which is cash. Like a charity, and despite being a front for the world’s largest fossil fuel corporations who pay little income tax in Australia themselves, their lobbying front AEP has an exemption from paying tax.

स्वामीनाथन ने नवाचार, समर्पण से लेकर टिकाऊ कृषि तक की विरासत छोड़ी है : वैज्ञानिकों ने कहा

प्रख्यात कृषि वैज्ञानिक एम.एस. स्वामीनाथन का निधन वैज्ञानिक समुदाय के लिए एक बहुत बड़ा नुकसान है, लेकिन उनकी विरासत बनी रहेगी और सतत खाद्य सुरक्षा एवं कृषि नवाचार की ओर विश्व को ले जाना जारी रखेगी। वैज्ञानिकों ने यह बात कही। देश की ‘हरित क्रांति’ में अहम योगदान देने वाले स्वामीनाथन का बृहस्पतिवार को चेन्नई में निधन हो गया। वह 98 वर्ष के थे। मनीला मुख्यालय से संचालित इंटरनेशनल राइस रिसर्च इंस्टीट्यूट (आईआरआरआई) से संबद्ध कृषि वैज्ञानिक रंजीता पुष्कर ने कहा, ‘‘कई वर्षों के उनके अपार योगदान से हम सभी प्रत्यक्ष या परोक्ष रूप से काफी लाभान्वित हुए हैं। भारत में हरित क्रांति के बगैर, जिसका उन्होंने नेतृत्व किया, हम खाद्य सुरक्षा हासिल नहीं कर पाते।’’ पुष्कर ने कहा कि उनका (स्वामीनाथन का) निधन वैज्ञानिक समुदाय, और विशेष रूप से कृषि समुदाय के लिए एक बड़ा नुकसान है। पुष्कर ने कहा, ‘‘वह आईआरआरआई के महानिदेशक थे और उनकी विरासत ने संगठन और इसके शोधार्थियों का आज तक मार्गदर्शन किया है…उनकी मानसिक स्फूर्ति और बौद्धिक जिज्ञासा पिछले कुछ वर्षों में भी पहले जैसी ही उच्च थी और शारीरिक रूप से कमजोर होने के बावजूद भी उन्होंने अब तक मार्गदर्शन किया। इस क्षति पर दुनिया भर के कृषि क्षेत्र के प्रति हमारी गहरी संवेदनाएं हैं!’ विशेषज्ञों ने कहा कि कृषि के क्षेत्र में क्रांति लाने और सभी के लिए खाद्य सुरक्षा सुनिश्चित करने करने वाले स्वामीनाथन ने नवाचार एवं टिकाऊ कृषि के प्रति समर्पण की एक विरासत छोड़ी है। इन लोगों का एक स्वर में यह मानना है कि कृषि क्षेत्र में उनका योगदान एक प्रकाश स्तंभ के रूप में काम करेगा, सतत खाद्य सुरक्षा और कृषि नवाचार की ओर विश्व को ले जाएगा। इंटरनेशनल फूड पॉलिसी रिसर्च इंस्टीट्यूट (आईएफपीआरआई) के दक्षिण एशिया क्षेत्र की समन्वयक ममता प्रधान ने कहा कि स्वामीनाथन एक दूरदृष्टा थे, एक प्रेरक थे। उन्होंने कहा, ‘‘मुझे उनके साथ 2007 से 2014 तक काम करने का सौभाग्य प्राप्त हुआ था, जब हमने भोजन और पोषण सुरक्षा के लिए एक गठबंधन बनाया था।’’ प्रधान ने कहा, ‘‘उन्होंने वास्तव में भारतीय कृषि में क्रांति ला दी। भारत जब खाद्य असुरक्षा के खतरे से जूझ रहा था, तब उन्होंने खाद्य उत्पादन में आत्मनिर्भरता की दिशा में काम किया और देश को खाद्यान्न आयातक से प्रमुख निर्यातक में तब्दील कर दिया। वह हमेशा टिकाऊ कृषि और किसानों के जीवन में सुधार के लिए समाधान तलाशते रहते थे।’’ स्वामीनाथन का जन्म तमिलनाडु के कुंभकोणम में सात अगस्त 1925 को हुआ था। स्वतंत्रता आंदोलन में उनके पिता की भागीदारी और महात्मा गांधी के प्रभाव ने कृषि विज्ञान के क्षेत्र में काम करने का उनके अंदर जुनून पैदा किया। उन्होंने देश के पूर्व प्रधानमंत्रियों के साथ करीबी रूप से काम किया और हरित क्रांति की सफलता में एक अहम भूमिका निभाई। राष्ट्रीय जैव विविधता प्राधिकरण के पूर्व सचिव जे जस्टिन मोहन ने कहा कि कृषि नीतियों और योजनाओं को तैयार करने में स्वामीनाथन के योगदान ने न केवल भारत, बल्कि विश्व के अन्य देशों की भी मदद की। केरल के मुख्य वन संरक्षक मोहन ने ‘पीटीआई-भाषा’ से कहा, ‘‘श्रीलंका में सशस्त्र संघर्ष की समाप्ति के बाद वहां के किसानों की सहायता के लिए और केरल में एक आर्द्रभूमि विकास परियोजना, कुट्टनाड पैकेज को लागू करने के दौरान उनके साथ काम करने का मुझे अवसर मिला, जिसकी परिकल्पना उन्होंने ही की थी।’’ मोहन ने कहा, ‘‘समय से आगे के और परिणाम देने के प्रति लक्षित उनके विचार बहुत व्यावहारिक थे, जिसने अनाज, दालों, मोटा अनाज, फल और सब्जियों के उत्पादन बढ़ाने में मदद की। उदाहरण के तौर पर, किसानों के लिए मृदा स्वास्थ्य कार्ड का सुझाव कुट्टनाथ परियोजना के तहत उन्होंने ही 2008 में पहली बार दिया था। इसे बाद में पूरे देश में केंद्रीय मृदा स्वास्थ्य कार्ड योजना के रूप में 2014-15 के दौरान लागू किया गया।’’ पर्यावरणविद सुनीता नारायण ने ‘एक्स’ पर एक पोस्ट में, विश्व को स्वामीनाथन के अपार योगदान को लेकर उनका आभार जताया। सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवॉयरमेंट (सीएसई) नई दिल्ली की निदेशक ने पोस्ट में कहा, ‘‘ईश्वर उनकी आत्मा को शांति दे। हम आपके नेतृत्व, आपकी अंतर्दृष्टि और आपके समर्थन को बहुत याद करेंगे। सीएसई के अध्यक्ष के रूप में आपने हमें ताकत दी और आपने हमें विनम्रता एवं मानवतावाद का महत्व बताया। हमारे और दुनिया के लिए आपने जो कुछ भी किया, उसके लिए धन्यवाद।’’ एमएस स्वामीनाथन रिसर्च फाउंडेशन के एक बयान के अनुसार, इसकी स्थापना करने वाले स्वामीनाथन ने सतत कृषि की पैरोकारी की तथा हरित से ‘सदा हरित’ क्रांति की ओर बढ़ने का समर्थन किया। फाउंडेशन में जलवायु परिवर्तन विषयों के सीनियर फेलो टी जयरमण ने बृहस्पतिवार को ‘एक्स’ पर एक पोस्ट में कहा, ‘‘प्रोफेसर स्वामीनाथन को मिले कई पुरस्कारों में सबसे बेशकीमती पुरस्कार उनके जीवनकाल में उन्हें लाखों भारतीय किसानों का मिला सम्मान और स्नेह है।’’

Bhopal Gas Disaster: A Case Study in the Failure of Environmental Regulation

Bhopal, Jabalpur, New Delhi: The morning on a day in the year 1974 dawned clear and sunny as the cattle belonging to residents of Chola area strayed into the area of a pool fed by a rubber pipe issuing from the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL, Bhopal was then under the control of Union Carbide Corporation (UCC) – a US multinational company, which currently is owned the Dow Chemical Company (Dow), a subsidiary of Dow Inc), Bhopal. “They drank the water and died soon after. Analysis of the soil showed contamination with heavy metals. In water from wells outside the plant area, toxic chemical substances were found. UCIL did not divulge these findings”, wrote Ingrid Eckerman, MD, in her book titled “The Bhopal Saga- Causes and consequences of the world’s largest industrial disaster”, published by Universities Press, Hyderabad, India. It was normal. However, the incident turned out to be dangerous on multiple counts. In the history of Bhopal, this was the first incident when living creatures died due to poisoned water. Fatefully, because of the UCIL pesticide plant. And the worse that the incident was largely ignored. Precisely, a decade later, on the intervening night December 2-3, 1984 when poisonous gases from the UCIL plant which were heavier than air, spread across 40 sq kms of area, the City became a bearing witness to the moment when our beliefs about industrialisation and development changed. The escaping of toxic gases covered about 36 of the 56 municipal wards, leaving in its wake more than 20,000 dead (over several years) and inflicting injuries in varying degrees on over 550,000 others. The gas disaster brought the operations of UCIL, Bhopal to a sudden halt. This was again dangerous on multiple counts. To begin with, the waste that was generated during UCIL’s operation from 1969 to 1984 dumped in and around the plant leading to severe soil and water pollution were left behind. Not only this, nearly 345 tonnes of toxic waste stored at the plant site was left with the city’s then population of around 900,000 people of Bhopal to live with the consequences of Bhopal disaster. On the basis testimonies of ex-UCIL workers and CSIR and IICT findings submitted in the USA and in the Supreme Court of India, Ingrid Eckerman in her book “The Bhopal Saga (2004)” presented a descriptive picture of chemical waste dumped by UCIL in and around the factory. She mentioned 22 different types of chemical, amount used in the factory and about the nature of chemical pollution caused by them to air, water and soil. In a preliminary study titled “Assessment and Remediation of Hazardous Waste Contaminated Areas in and around M/s Union Carbide India Ltd., Bhopal” that was jointly carried out by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur, and the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), Hyderabad, during 2009- 2010, it was estimated that “the total quantum of contaminated soil requiring remediation amounts to 11,00,000 MT [metric tons]”. Another 345 tons of toxic waste is stored in a shed within the plant. The state (Madhya Pradesh) government and the Bhopal Municipal Corporation never took any scientific study to monitor the situation. Nothing initiated to safely dispose of the toxic waste with the latest available remediation technology. However, no study to estimate the extent and gravity of the damage has been carried out by the centre or the state government to date. The groundwater in the areas that were completely devastated during the gas leak and reported maximum number of deaths is polluted. Activists working among the gas victims feel that UCC played rough with the local environment and treated them in a very careless manner. The utter callousness with which UCC treated the environment is also alarming, says a paper titled “The path to sustainable development: Lessons from the Bhopal disaster”, presented at the Right to Development Anniversary Event organised by the office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, United Nations Organisations, Geneva. Quoting article 4.2 of the UN Declaration on the Right to Development ND Jayaprakash, joint secretary, Delhi Science Forum and co-convenor, Bhopal Gas Peedith Sangharsh Sahayog Samiti (Coalition for supporting the cause of gas victims) laid emphasis on the need for “effective international cooperation” for “promoting rapid development of developing countries”. “Unfortunately, the requisite sustained action for promoting “international cooperation” is still missing. Instead, it is largely the colonial/imperialist mindset and exploitative attitude, which continue to dominate the North-South relationship”, says the paper presented by Jayaprakash in Geneva on December 2, 2014, the eve of the 30th anniversary of the Bhopal disaster. “Much after the disaster, it became known that pre-disaster dumping of toxic waste in and around the Bhopal plant had resulted in contamination of soil and ground water over a large area”, he said. Intake of contaminated groundwater has created new victims. According to a preliminary study in 2010, over 1,100,000 metric tonnes of contaminated soil alone require remediation, he added. An action plan developed by stakeholders to decontaminate UCIL’s plant site is ready. It just needs to be implemented, says A Down to Earth report titled Action Plan on Environmental Remediation in and around UCIL, Bhopal published on AUGUST 29, 2013. At the initiative of the Centre for Science & Environment, a voluntary scientific organization, a roundtable meeting was held in Delhi on 25-26 April 2013 in which organizations representing the gas victims along with representatives from the Central Pollution Control Board, CSIR institutions, IITs, and representatives from the chemical industry chalked out a tentative Action Plan to remediate the contaminated site at Bhopal. Initial attempts to discuss the said Action Plan with the union and the state government did not bear fruit. Eleven years ago, on August 9, 2012, the Honourable Supreme Court in para 35 (12) of the order dated 9 August, 2012 W.P. (C) no. 50 of 1998 directed as follows: “… we direct the Union of India and the State of Madhya Pradesh to take immediate steps for disposal of this toxic waste lying in and around the Union Carbide factory, Bhopal, on the recommendations of the Empowered Monitoring Committee, Advisory Committee and the NIREH within six months from today…. We direct a collective meeting of these organizations to be held along with the Secretary to the Government of India and the Chief Secretary of the State of Madhya Pradesh within one month from today to finalize the entire scheme of disposal of the toxic wastes.” The response from the governments (state and the centre) was tepid. The truth is that eleven years have passed and the one-month time given by the Supreme Court till this date has not arrived. There is nothing on record to show that the state government had actually ever pursued the matter with CPCB or with the concerned ministries at any time during the last ten years. The contamination of soil and groundwater are indiscriminate and do not distinguish between a survivor/victim of Bhopal Disaster or a normal Bhopal resident; they (contamination of soil and groundwater) contaminate the environment for decades; and the effects are felt for generations. Does it not sound weakening of the rule of law when there has been no resolution even knowing the fact that our country had passed new laws such as the Environment Protection Act (EPA), 1986 and the Public Liability Insurance Act (PLIA), 1991 and amended existing ones, such as the Factories Act, 1948, to rein in the public costs of industries working with hazardous technologies and chemicals after the Bhopal Disaster that killed over 15,000 people and affecting over 600,000 after methyl isocyanate escaped from the now defunct Union Carbide Plant on the intervening night of 2-3 December 1984.

Opinion: Women’s quota Bill undermines merit

I believe in Chanakya Neeti and Chanakya said, “A woman should never be left dependent on another person. Doing so may result in a flaw in his character. Therefore, a woman should be protected in the same way as you protect the safe of your house. Never trust anyone in the matter of a woman.” Reservation Bill, to me, is nothing but a dependency model which corrupts the system. Is it Beneficial? While the intention behind the Women’s Reservation Bill may be noble, it is essential to critically examine whether such quotas are genuinely beneficial for women’s progress. As a woman, I feel offended that after 75 years of independence, we are looking for reservation when women are already contributing strongly to every sector, right from technology to the gig economy. What made the government sit up now and bring in a Bill to create a stir in society? We had Indira Gandhi, the first and, so far, the only female Prime Minister of India. She served in this role for multiple terms and played a crucial role in shaping Indian politics. Pratibha Patil who was India’s first woman President in 2007, broke gender barriers in the highest office in the country. Mamata Banerjee as the Chief Minister of West Bengal and a prominent political figure has had a significant impact on the State’s politics and India’s national politics. But we don’t want to talk about them in the current political scenario. Their contributions will all be questioned but their contribution to the nation cannot be ignored. Let’s see more. Savitribai Phule, a pioneer in women’s education in India, along with her husband Jyotirao Phule, founded the first girls’ school in Pune and worked relentlessly for women’s education. Dr Kamala Sohonie was the first Indian woman to have a doctorate in science and was instrumental in shaping science education for women in India. Her acceptance into and work at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, paved the way for women to be accepted into the institution for the first time in its history. In technology and space, we had Kalpana Chawla who became the first woman of Indian descent in space. Her contributions to aerospace engineering and space exploration are celebrated worldwide. Tessy Thomas, known as the ‘Missile Woman of India’, played a pivotal role in the development of ballistic missile technology. In the corporate world, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw founded Biocon, one of India’s largest biotechnology companies, that made significant contributions to the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors. Indra Nooyi worked her way up to be the CEO of PepsiCo, one of the world’s largest food and beverage companies. In sports PV Sindhu became the first Indian woman to win a silver medal in badminton at the Olympics (2016) and has consistently performed at a high level in international competitions. Mary Kom is a six-time world champion and an Olympic bronze medallist. In wrestling Geeta Phogat, Babita Phogat, Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, Navjot Kaur, Pooja Dhanda, Divya Kakran. Oh, sorry, can’t talk about them. They were recently fighting for justice for women. Arundhati Roy, a prominent Indian author, public intellectual and activist, has earned international recognition and critical acclaim. Sunita Narain, director general of the Centre for Science and Environment, is one of India’s most prominent environmentalists and has made significant contributions to the country’s environmental policy and conservation efforts. Anandamayi Ma was a prominent spiritual teacher and philanthropist known for her teachings on love, compassion and selflessness. She has inspired millions of people not only in India but across the world. In Higher Education Women’s enrolment in higher education has increased nearly twice as fast as male enrolment over the last four decades. As per the All-India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2019-20, the gross enrolment ratio of female students stands at 27.3%, more than that of male students, which is 26.9%. The percentage of female enrolment to total enrolment has increased from 45% in 2014-15 to around 49% in 2020-21. The survey findings also reveal a sharp rise in female student enrolment at MA, MCom and MSc levels in the last five years. Women have been breaking barriers, challenging traditional gender roles and proving their worth in a male-dominated society. They are now leaders, entrepreneurs, and role models for others. Thus, with women being on an upward trajectory in all fields, it is a regressive move to introduce reservations for them, which basically signals to them and others that without such support they cannot make it on their own. One of the fundamental principles of a fair and just society is meritocracy, where individuals are rewarded based on their abilities and qualifications rather than their gender, caste, or any other characteristic. The Women Reservation Bill, by design, reserves a certain percentage of seats for women, regardless of their qualifications or experience. While it aims to increase women’s representation in politics, it may inadvertently undermine the concept of meritocracy. Reserving seats for women can lead to tokenism, where women are selected merely to fulfil the quota requirement rather than for their competence. This not only does a disservice to women but also weakens the quality of representation in legislative bodies. True empowerment should focus on ensuring that women who enter politics do so based on their skills and commitment to public service. For Publicity? Is it just another Bill to gain publicity? Quotas are meant to create a division in society. Women’s Reservation Bill only makes it more challenging to achieve the broader goals of empowerment and equality. Rather than relying solely on quotas, efforts should be directed toward improving women’s access to education and economic opportunities. When women have the knowledge, skills and financial independence, they are better equipped to compete on an equal footing in any field, including politics. Instead of relying on legislative quotas, society should actively promote women’s participation in politics through awareness campaigns, mentorship programmes and support networks. Encouraging women to enter politics voluntarily, based on their interests and capabilities, will lead to a more genuine and lasting impact. True equality should be achieved by breaking down barriers and ensuring that women have the skills and opportunities to succeed in any field, rather than relying on quotas that may inadvertently undermine their progress. As Gloria Steinem once famously said, “Women are always saying, ‘We can do anything that men can do.’ But men should be saying, ‘We can do anything that women can do’.” It’s time India took note of its women and what they can do for the country.

Estimating emissions accurately essential for effective mitigation and management strategies

Methane emissions contribute to climate change and air pollution and are thus a major environmental concern. This was revealed by programme manager of solid waste management and circular economy at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) in India, Richa Singh during a live discussion on CSE’s new report named ‘Methane Emissions from Dumpsites in India.’ She highlighted that therefore estimating these emissions accurately is essential for effective mitigation and management strategies. She mentioned that Methane estimation models play a crucial role in assessing the environmental impact of landfills and devising effective mitigation strategies, adding that when it comes to Indian landfills, these models often produce variable results, posing challenges for policymakers and environmentalists. Singh says there are two ways of estimating methane emissions from landfills or dumpsites theoretically and experimentally. According to her various theoretical models such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change models, the Landfill Gas Emissions Model, and the Modified Triangular Method are commonly used to predict annual methane emissions, despite their continued reception of criticism due to their poor accuracy and insufficient validation. Richa says there is a huge disparity in methane emission estimates from Indian landfills/dumpsites, mainly attributed to factors such as inconsistent data collection, variable landfill practices, informal waste disposal, methodological differences, changes over time, and regulatory variations. She mentioned that landfills are the largest third emitter of methane after oil and gas as well as agriculture sectors respectively. Based on the volume of waste generated, its composition, and how it is managed, it is estimated that 1.6 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent greenhouse gas emissions were generated from solid waste treatment and disposal in 2016, or 5 percent of global emissions and a further 2.6 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent is expected in 2050 should there be no behavioural change. Regarding this, Dr Singh called for the scientific construction of landfills, with the necessary tools to harvest methane and avoid it roaming in the atmosphere. She noted that as one of the greenhouse gases, methane is 28 times more likely to trap heat than carbon dioxide, hence CSE calls for concerted efforts to standardise data collection, invest in modern waste management infrastructure as well as develop region-specific models. Dr Singh noted that methane acts as ground-level ozone, which is a hazardous air pollutant responsible for millions of premature deaths. Citing CSE’s new report, Methane Emissions from Dumpsites in India, Dr. Sigh highlighted major recommendations being; phasing out the disposal of biodegradable organics in the landfills and instead decompose them in a way that it can be harvested and used as fuel instead. She also recommended the scientific treatment of biodegradable waste, using biotechnology methods to treat biodegradable waste to produce a nutrient-rich solid material and biogas containing carbon dioxide and methane. This can include further processing for the biogas to burn to produce electricity that can be used to power the plant. The third major recommendation is to remediate the legacy-based dumpsites. Still, during the discussion of the report, Dr Singh pointed out that the variability in methane estimation models for Indian landfills arises from a combination of factors, including waste composition, data availability, climate variability, waste management practices, population density, and regulatory frameworks, adding that to improve the accuracy of these models, increased collaboration between researchers, policymakers and waste management authorities can help address these challenges and pave the way for more effective methane mitigation strategies in Indian landfills. She pointed out that to reconcile differing results, it is crucial to critically assess the methodologies, data sources, and assumptions used in different studies. Combining multiple approaches and conducting ongoing monitoring can provide a more accurate picture of methane emissions from dumpsites in Delhi or any other area. This discussion comes 63 days prior to COP 28 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where global leaders with lock heads and discuss how to triple renewable energy output to 11,000 gigawatts by 2030, more than double low carbon hydrogen production to 180 million tons per year by 2030 as well as transform food and agriculture systems through greater investment in agri-tech, smarter water use and food production in an accelerated time frame.

Methane Emissions from Landfills Pose Major Environmental Concern, Says CSE Report

New Delhi, India — Methane emissions from dumpsites in India are a significant contributor to climate change and air pollution, according to a live discussion led by Richa Singh, the program manager for solid waste management and circular economy at the Center for Science and Environment (CSE) in India, writes Baboloki Semele. Singh emphasized the importance of accurate methane emission estimates for effective mitigation and management strategies. Estimating methane emissions from landfills or dumpsites can be done theoretically or experimentally, Singh explained. Theoretical models, including those from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the Landfill Gas Emissions Model, and the Modified Triangular Method, are commonly used to predict annual methane emissions but often receive criticism for their poor accuracy and insufficient validation. Singh noted that the estimates of methane emissions from Indian landfills and dumpsites vary widely due to factors such as inconsistent data collection, variable landfill practices, informal waste disposal, methodological differences, changes over time, and regulatory variations. Landfills are the third-largest emitter of methane globally, following the oil and gas and agriculture sectors. According to a 2016 World Bank report, based on the volume of waste generated, its composition, and how it is managed, it is estimated that 1.6 billion metric tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent greenhouse gas emissions were generated from solid waste treatment and disposal in 2016, or 5 percent of global emissions, and a further 2.6 billion metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent is expected in 2050 should there be no behavioural change. Dr. Singh called for the scientific construction of landfills equipped with tools to capture methane, preventing it from entering the atmosphere. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is 28 times more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide. CSE advocates for standardized data collection, investment in modern waste management infrastructure, and the development of region-specific models to combat methane emissions. Additionally, Dr. Singh highlighted key recommendations from CSE's new report, "Methane Emissions from Dumpsites in India." These include phasing out the disposal of biodegradable organics in landfills and promoting their decomposition for use as fuel. The report also suggests the scientific treatment of biodegradable waste using biotechnology methods to produce digestate, a nutrient-rich solid material, and biogas. The biogas can be further processed to generate electricity. Another major recommendation is the remediation of legacy-based dumpsites. Singh stressed that variability in methane estimation models for Indian landfills results from various factors, including waste composition, data availability, climate variability, waste management practices, population density, and regulatory frameworks. She emphasized that collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and waste management authorities is crucial to improving model accuracy and developing effective methane mitigation strategies. This discussion occurred 63 days ahead of COP 28 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where global leaders will convene to discuss plans to triple renewable energy output, double low-carbon hydrogen production, and transform food and agriculture systems through increased investment in agri-tech, smarter water usage, and food production.

India Should Phase Out Biodegradable Waste Disposal In Landfills To Check Methane Emissions: CSE Report

In its latest report, the Centre for Science and Environment has advocated for robust policies to incentivise waste diversion through source separation and the development of critical infrastructure for biodegradable waste treatment India should conduct a nationwide study to accurately estimate methane emissions from legacy waste dumpsites and organic waste processing facilities, and urgently phase out biodegradable waste disposal in landfills, a new report by the Centre for Science and Environment has recommended. The independent think tank’s report, titled “Methane Emissions from Open Dumpsites in India: Estimation and Mitigation Strategies”, also stresses the importance of creating robust markets for reduced-emission products generated from organic waste processing and promoting carbon credits for biomining projects. A key concern raised in the report is the unreliability and inconsistency of data related to municipal solid waste and methane emissions. To address this issue, the report suggests using the first-order decay (FOD) method, which relies on field data and primary research to more precisely estimate methane emissions from landfill sites. The CSE said, A pan-India study needs to be conducted on estimation of methane and other GHGs (greenhouse gases) from each of the legacy waste dumpsites and organic waste processing facilities. There is a lack of data on the quantity of methane originating from the dumpsites and other waste management-related activities. Creating a system of comprehensive methane measurement and monitoring strategies will enable policymakers and regulators to develop data-driven, science-based targets to reduce methane emissions from the waste sector, especially from dumpsites. In its report, the environmental think tank has emphasised the need to phase out the disposal of biodegradable waste in landfills and advocated for robust policies to incentivise waste diversion through source separation and the development of critical infrastructure for biodegradable waste treatment. Large-scale anaerobic digestion facilities are highlighted as a necessity to keep biodegradable waste out of landfills, reducing the burden on downstream mitigation technologies. The report also highlights the need to promote carbon credits for biomining projects and mandates estimating methane potential from capped landfills and dumpsites. Currently, there is a lack of monitoring of methane flux from existing landfill facilities and fugitive gas emissions from bio-digesters and biogas storage balloons in biomethanation plants. The CSE has also advocated for afforestation on reclaimed bioremediated land, emphasising its role as a carbon sequester to mitigate emissions. It said, Afforestation should be promoted in the reclaimed bioremediated land — recovered after biomining of legacy waste dumpsites. The green cover developed on the reclaimed land will act as a carbon sequester. According to BUR-3 (third biennial update report) submitted by the Government of India, forest and tree cover sequestered 331 million tonnes of CO2 in 2016, which is around 15 per cent of the total CO2 emissions in the country. Methane is a potent GHG with a much higher global warming potential than carbon dioxide (CO2). Its atmospheric concentration has more than doubled over the last two centuries primarily due to anthropogenic activities. Methane has a relatively short lifespan — of approximately 12 years — in the atmosphere. However, its global warming potential (GWP) — the ability of the gas to trap heat in the atmosphere — is 25 times more than CO2 and it has been second only to CO2 in causing climate change during the industrial era. Landfills are the third-largest source of methane emissions globally, after oil and gas systems and agriculture. Landfill waste management worldwide accounted for an estimated 1.6 billion tonnes of CO2e (CO2 equivalent) in 2016. According to a report by the World Bank, this number is expected to reach 2.6 billion tonnes of CO2e by 2050. CO2e means the number of metric tons of CO2 emissions with the same global warming potential as one metric ton of another greenhouse gas, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. As per India’s third biennial update report (BUR), the country’s methane emissions in 2016 (excluding land use and land-use change and forestry) stood at 409 million tonnes CO2e. Of this, 73.96 per cent came from the agriculture sector, 14.46 per cent from the waste sector, 10.62 per cent from the energy sector and 0.96 per cent from the industrial processes and product use sector.

India should phase out biodegradable waste disposal in landfills to check methane emissions: CSE report

India should conduct a nationwide study to accurately estimate methane emissions from legacy waste dumpsites and organic waste processing facilities, and urgently phase out biodegradable waste disposal in landfills, a new report by the Centre for Science and Environment has recommended. The independent think tank's report, titled "Methane Emissions from Open Dumpsites in India: Estimation and Mitigation Strategies", also stresses the importance of creating robust markets for reduced-emission products generated from organic waste processing and promoting carbon credits for biomining projects. A key concern raised in the report is the unreliability and inconsistency of data related to municipal solid waste and methane emissions. To address this issue, the report suggests using the first-order decay (FOD) method, which relies on field data and primary research to more precisely estimate methane emissions from landfill sites. "A pan-India study needs to be conducted on estimation of methane and other GHGs (greenhouse gases) from each of the legacy waste dumpsites and organic waste processing facilities. There is a lack of data on the quantity of methane originating from the dumpsites and other waste managementrelated activities. "Creating a system of comprehensive methane measurement and monitoring strategies will enable policymakers and regulators to develop data-driven, science-based targets to reduce methane emissions from the waste sector, especially from dumpsites," the CSE said. In its report, the environmental think tank has emphasised the need to phase out the disposal of biodegradable waste in landfills and advocated for robust policies to incentivise waste diversion through source separation and the development of critical infrastructure for biodegradable waste treatment. Large-scale anaerobic digestion facilities are highlighted as a necessity to keep biodegradable waste out of landfills, reducing the burden on downstream mitigation technologies. The report also highlights the need to promote carbon credits for biomining projects and mandates estimating methane potential from capped landfills and dumpsites. Currently, there is a lack of monitoring of methane flux from existing landfill facilities and fugitive gas emissions from bio-digesters and biogas storage balloons in biomethanation plants. The CSE has also advocated for afforestation on reclaimed bioremediated land, emphasising its role as a carbon sequester to mitigate emissions. "Afforestation should be promoted in the reclaimed bioremediated land - recovered after biomining of legacy waste dumpsites. The green cover developed on the reclaimed land will act as a carbon sequester. "According to BUR-3 (third biennial update report) submitted by the Government of India, forest and tree cover sequestered 331 million tonnes of CO2 in 2016, which is around 15 per cent of the total CO2 emissions in the country," it said. Methane is a potent GHG with a much higher global warming potential than carbon dioxide (CO2). Its atmospheric concentration has more than doubled over the last two centuries primarily due to anthropogenic activities. Methane has a relatively short lifespan - of approximately 12 years - in the atmosphere. However, its global warming potential (GWP) - the ability of the gas to trap heat in the atmosphere - is 25 times more than CO2 and it has been second only to CO2 in causing climate change during the industrial era. Landfills are the third-largest source of methane emissions globally, after oil and gas systems and agriculture. Landfill waste management worldwide accounted for an estimated 1.6 billion tonnes of CO2e (CO2 equivalent) in 2016. According to a report by the World Bank, this number is expected to reach 2.6 billion tonnes of CO2e by 2050. CO2e means the number of metric tons of CO2 emissions with the same global warming potential as one metric ton of another greenhouse gas, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. As per India's third biennial update report (BUR), the country's methane emissions in 2016 (excluding land use and land-use change and forestry) stood at 409 million tonnes CO2e. Of this, 73.96 per cent came from the agriculture sector, 14.46 per cent from the waste sector, 10.62 per cent from the energy sector and 0.96 per cent from the industrial processes and product use sector.

India should phase out biodegradable waste disposal in landfills to check methane emissions: CSE report

India should conduct a nationwide study to accurately estimate methane emissions from legacy waste dumpsites and organic waste processing facilities, and urgently phase out biodegradable waste disposal in landfills, a new report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has recommended. The independent think tank’s report, titled ‘Methane Emissions from Open Dumpsites in India: Estimation and Mitigation Strategies’, also stresses the importance of creating robust markets for reduced-emission products generated from organic waste processing and promoting carbon credits for biomining projects. A key concern raised in the report is the unreliability and inconsistency of data related to municipal solid waste and methane emissions. To address this issue, the report suggests using the first-order decay method, which relies on field data and primary research to more precisely estimate methane emissions from landfill sites. “A pan-India study needs to be conducted on estimation of methane and other GHGs (greenhouse gases) from each of the legacy waste dumpsites and organic waste processing facilities. There is a lack of data on the quantity of methane originating from the dumpsites and other waste management-related activities. “Creating a system of comprehensive methane measurement and monitoring strategies will enable policymakers and regulators to develop data-driven, science-based targets to reduce methane emissions from the waste sector, especially from dumpsites,” the CSE said. In its report, the environmental think tank has emphasised the need to phase out the disposal of biodegradable waste in landfills and advocated robust policies to incentivise waste diversion through source separation and the development of critical infrastructure for biodegradable waste treatment. Large-scale anaerobic digestion facilities are highlighted as a necessity to keep biodegradable waste out of landfills, reducing the burden on downstream mitigation technologies. The report also highlights the need to promote carbon credits for biomining projects and mandates estimating methane potential from capped landfills and dumpsites. Currently, there is a lack of monitoring of methane flux from existing landfill facilities and fugitive gas emissions from bio-digesters and biogas storage balloons in biomethanation plants. The CSE has also advocated afforestation on reclaimed bioremediated land, emphasising its role as a carbon sequester to mitigate emissions. “Afforestation should be promoted in the reclaimed bioremediated land – recovered after biomining of legacy waste dumpsites. The green cover developed on the reclaimed land will act as a carbon sequester. “According to BUR-3 (third biennial update report) submitted by the government of India, forest and tree cover sequestered 331 million tonnes of CO2 in 2016, which is around 15 per cent of the total CO2 emissions in the country,” it said. Methane is a potent GHG with a much higher global warming potential than carbon dioxide (CO2). Its atmospheric concentration has more than doubled over the last two centuries primarily due to anthropogenic activities. Methane has a relatively short lifespan – of approximately 12 years – in the atmosphere. However, its global warming potential – the ability of the gas to trap heat in the atmosphere – is 25 times more than CO2 and it has been second only to CO2 in causing climate change during the industrial era. Landfills are the third-largest source of methane emissions globally, after oil and gas systems and agriculture. Landfill waste management worldwide accounted for an estimated 1.6 billion tonnes of CO2e (CO2 equivalent) in 2016. According to a report by the World Bank, this number is expected to reach 2.6 billion tonnes of CO2e by 2050. CO2e means the number of metric tonnes of CO2 emissions with the same global warming potential as one metric ton of another greenhouse gas, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. As per India’s third BUR, the country’s methane emissions in 2016 (excluding land use and land-use change and forestry) stood at 409 million tonnes CO2e. Of this, 73.96 per cent came from the agriculture sector, 14.46 per cent from the waste sector, 10.62 per cent from the energy sector and 0.96 per cent from the industrial processes and product use sector. (PTI)

India Should Phase Out Biodegradable Waste Disposal In Landfills To Check Methane Emissions: Report

A new report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has urged India to conduct a nationwide study to accurately estimate methane emissions from legacy waste dumpsites and organic waste processing facilities. The report also recommended that India urgently phase out biodegradable waste disposal in landfills. The report titled 'Methane Emissions from Open Dumpsites in India: Estimation and Mitigation Strategies' also stressed the importance of creating robust markets for reduced-emission products generated from organic waste processing and promoting carbon credits for biomining projects. The unreliability and inconsistency of data related to municipal solid waste and methane emissions were the key concerns raised in the report. To address this issue, the report suggests using the first-order decay (FOD) method, which relies on field data and primary research to more precisely estimate methane emissions from landfill sites. In its report, the environmental think tank has emphasised the need to phase out the disposal of biodegradable waste in landfills and advocated for robust policies to incentivise waste diversion through source separation and the development of critical infrastructure for biodegradable waste treatment. Large-scale anaerobic digestion facilities are highlighted as a necessity to keep biodegradable waste out of landfills, reducing the burden on downstream mitigation technologies. The report also highlighted the need to promote carbon credits for biomining projects and mandates estimating methane potential from capped landfills and dumpsites. The CSE has also advocated for afforestation on reclaimed bioremediation land, emphasising its role as a carbon sequester to mitigate emissions. "Afforestation should be promoted in the reclaimed bioremediation land — recovered after biomining of legacy waste dumpsites. The green cover developed on the reclaimed land will act as a carbon sequester." "According to BUR-3 (third biennial update report) submitted by the Government of India, forest and tree cover sequestered 331 million tonnes of CO2 in 2016, which is around 15 per cent of the total CO2 emissions in the country," it said. Compared to carbon dioxide (CO2), methane is a powerful GHG with a significantly larger potential for global warming. Over the past two centuries, its atmospheric concentration has more than doubled mostly as a result of human activity. Methane only stays in the atmosphere for around 12 years, which is not very long. However, it has a 25 times greater global warming potential (GWP) than CO2, making it the second-leading contributor to climate change during the industrial period. GWP measures a gas's capacity to trap heat in the atmosphere. After oil and gas systems and agriculture, landfills are the third-largest source of methane emissions worldwide. In 2016, it was estimated that landfill waste handling produced 1.6 billion tonnes of CO2e (CO2 equivalent) globally. According to a report by the World Bank, this number is expected to reach 2.6 billion tonnes of CO2e (number of metric tonne of CO2 emissions) by 2050. Notably, as per India's third biennial update report (BUR), the country's methane emissions in 2016 (excluding land use and land-use change and forestry) stood at 409 million tonnes CO2e. Of this, 73.96 per cent came from the agriculture sector, 14.46 per cent from the waste sector, 10.62 per cent from the energy sector and 0.96 per cent from the industrial processes and product use sector.