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पर्यावरण मंजूरी में बदलाव: विशेषज्ञों ने चयन मानदंडों पर जताई चिंता

विशेषज्ञों ने पर्यावरण मंजूरी प्रक्रिया को तेज करने के लिए केंद्र सरकार द्वारा प्रस्तावित नई स्थायी संस्थाओं में सदस्यों के चयन के मानदंडों पर चिंता व्यक्त की है, जिससे परियोजनाओं की जांच-पड़ताल कमजोर होने और पर्यावरण पर नकारात्मक प्रभाव पड़ने की आशंका है। डिजिटल डेस्क, नई दिल्ली। विशेषज्ञ ों ने पर्यावरण मंजूरी प्रक्रिया को गति देने के लिए केंद्र सरकार द्वारा राज्यों और केंद्र शासित प्रदेशों में प्रस्तावित नई स्थायी संस्थाओं में सदस्यों के चयन के मानदंडों पर चिंता व्यक्त की है। उनका मानना है कि इससे परियोजनाओं की जांच-पड़ताल कमजोर हो सकती है और पर्यावरण पर नकारात्मक प्रभाव पड़ सकता है। 5 मार्च को जारी मसौदा अधिसूचना के अनुसार, राज्य पर्यावरण प्रभाव आकलन प्राधिकरणों ( एसईआईएए ) और राज्य विशेषज्ञ मूल्यांकन समितियों ( एसईएसी ) का कार्यकाल समाप्त होने या पुनर्गठन में देरी होने पर ये काम करना बंद कर देंगी। एसईआईएए पर्यावरण मंजूरी देने का काम करती हैं, जबकि एसईएसी परियोजना के मूल्यांकन में एसईआईएए को सलाह देती हैं। इनके स्थान पर नई संस्थाएं, पर्यावरण प्रभाव आकलन पर स्थायी प्राधिकरण (एसएईआईए) और पर्यावरण प्रभाव मूल्यांकन पर स्थायी समिति (एससीईआईए) काम संभालेंगी। इन नई संस्थाओं में 'पदेन सदस्य' होंगे, जिसका मतलब है केंद्र सरकार द्वारा नामित सरकारी अधिकारी या ब्यूरोक्रेट। सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट में शोधकर्ता शुभ्रजीत गोस्वामी ने कहा, ''यह कदम पर्यावरण प्रभाव आकलन अधिसूचना, 2006 के परिशिष्ट-6 की कानूनी बाध्यता की अनदेखी करता है। इसके अनुसार, अध्यक्ष और सदस्यों के पास संबंधित क्षेत्र का पर्याप्त अनुभव होना अनिवार्य है, जैसे वे 15 वर्षों का अनुभव रखने वाले प्रख्यात विशेषज्ञ हों या संबंधित क्षेत्रों में उनके पास पीएचडी की डिग्री हो।''\उन्होंने आगे कहा, ''प्रशासनिक निगरानी अक्सर कारोबारी सुगमता पर अधिक जोर देती है, जिससे किसी स्थल-विशेष की पारिस्थितिकी की अनदेखी हो सकती है, जिसके बारे में कोई अनुभवी वनस्पति शास्त्री या पर्यावरण इंजीनियर चेता सकता है।'' विशेषज्ञों का मानना ​​है कि नए नियमों से पर्यावरण मंजूरी प्रक्रिया में तेजी आएगी, लेकिन साथ ही वे इस बात को लेकर चिंतित हैं कि इससे परियोजनाओं की गुणवत्ता और पर्यावरण संरक्षण पर असर पड़ेगा। कई विशेषज्ञों का मानना ​​है कि पदेन सदस्यों का चयन पर्यावरण संबंधी विशेषज्ञता और अनुभव के आधार पर नहीं किया जाएगा, जिससे निर्णय लेने की प्रक्रिया में पारदर्शिता और जवाबदेही की कमी हो सकती है। इसके अतिरिक्त, कुछ विशेषज्ञों ने चिंता जताई है कि इन नई संस्थाओं के गठन से पर्यावरणीय प्रभाव आकलन प्रक्रिया में राजनीतिक हस्तक्षेप की गुंजाइश बढ़ सकती है। यह भी संभव है कि परियोजनाओं को मंजूरी देने में तेजी लाने के लिए पर्यावरण संरक्षण से समझौता किया जाए।\जिंदल ग्लोबल लॉ स्कूल के प्रोफेसर नवनीत विभव ने कहा, हालांकि पदेन सदस्यों के पास पर्यावरण मंजूरी जैसे मुद्दों से निपटने के लिए आवश्यक तकनीकी ज्ञान या विशेषज्ञता हो सकती है, फिर भी मसौदा अधिसूचना में पात्रता मानदंडों को स्पष्ट रूप से परिभाषित नहीं किया गया है। इसका मतलब है कि सदस्यों के चयन में मनमानी की गुंजाइश हो सकती है, जिससे विशेषज्ञता और अनुभव को नजरअंदाज किया जा सकता है। प्रोफेसर विभव ने इस बात पर जोर दिया कि पर्यावरण संरक्षण और सतत विकास सुनिश्चित करने के लिए, यह आवश्यक है कि सदस्यों का चयन निष्पक्ष और पारदर्शी तरीके से किया जाए, और उनके पास पर्यावरण संबंधी मामलों में विशेषज्ञता और अनुभव हो। उन्होंने यह भी कहा कि पर्यावरण प्रभाव आकलन प्रक्रिया में जनता की भागीदारी को भी सुनिश्चित किया जाना चाहिए, ताकि यह सुनिश्चित हो सके कि परियोजनाओं का मूल्यांकन व्यापक और समावेशी तरीके से किया जाए। विशेषज्ञों का मानना है कि इन बदलावों का पर्यावरण पर दीर्घकालिक प्रभाव पड़ेगा और इसलिए इन पर सावधानीपूर्वक विचार करना आवश्यक है। यह महत्वपूर्ण है कि सरकार पर्यावरण संरक्षण और आर्थिक विकास के बीच संतुलन बनाए रखे और पर्यावरण मंजूरी प्रक्रिया को मजबूत करे ताकि यह सुनिश्चित हो सके कि विकास सतत और पर्यावरण के अनुकूल हो।

COPD Today, Suffocate Tomorrow: How Dust, Ozone, Changing Weather Is Driving A Year-Round Crisis In India's Cities

A study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) found that GLO was the lead pollutant in the capital on 16 days in February, indicating that photochemical pollution is emerging as a year-round concern. Air pollution in India, particularly in the national capital, is increasingly emerging as a year-round public health crisis rather than a seasonal winter problem, according to multiple analyses of air quality data, expert observations and medical evidence. While Delhi’s winter smog has long dominated headlines, recent assessments of data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) show that high pollution levels persist throughout the year. Summer months, typically perceived as relatively cleaner, often record particulate matter concentrations far exceeding national and global safety limits. And, according to experts, summer pollution is largely driven by sources that are different from those driving winter smog. Experts say the emerging pattern reflects a complex combination of local emissions, atmospheric chemistry, changing weather conditions and urbanisation trends, factors that are increasingly making toxic air a permanent feature of life in many Indian cities. Pollution No Longer A Winter Problem An analysis of CPCB data from recent years indicates that Delhi experiences elevated pollution levels from March to June as well, with dust and ozone emerging as key pollutants during the warmer months. At present, the city is operating under Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), with air quality falling into the 'Poor' category on four of the last seven days, a sign that unhealthy air conditions are not confined to the winter smog season. Particulate matter levels in summer illustrate the scale of the problem. As of March 16, air quality remained in the ‘poor’ category across 17 cities, including Ghaziabad, Greater Noida, Gurugram, Hajipur, Ambala, Ballabgarh, Barbil, Bhiwadi, Bileipada, Kunjemura, Manesar, Nandesari, Pali, Singrauli, Tonk, Tumidih and Yamuna Nagar. Meanwhile, Korba recorded ‘very poor’ air quality, according to the latest air quality data. The CPCB reported that the average PM10 concentrations in India during the months of March, April, May, and June of 2024 were twice as high as the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) limit, with concentrations of 179, 201, 248, and 195 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³) respectively. The NAAQS limit for PM10 (which includes PM2.5) for India is 100 µg/m³ daily; however, according to WHO guidelines, the maximum level of PM10 is 45 µg/m³. The average level of PM2.5 in India was also significantly higher than WHO-recommended levels; for example, in May 2024, the average PM2.5 level in India was 92 µg/m³, far higher than either the NAAQS level of 60 µg/m³ or WHO's recommendation of 15 µg/m³. Ozone, Delhi's Top Pollutant Summer months can also have the highest Ground Level Ozone (GLO), due to heat and intense sunlight. In a hot environment like India's, photo-chemical reactions from sunlight create higher concentrations of ozone. Ozone pollution is becoming more prevalent in Delhi, as evidenced by this year's data. A study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) found that GLO was the lead pollutant in the capital on 16 days in February, indicating that photochemical pollution is emerging as a year-round concern. Unlike particulate matter (PM, both 10 and 2,5), ozone is not directly emitted into the environment; rather, it is created through reactions between NOX (nitrogen oxides, NO and NO2) and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds — carbon-based gases released from paints, solvents, cleaners, and fuels) when exposed to sunlight. Much of the NOX and VOCs that produce ozone come from vehicle exhaust, industry, and fuel combustion. This means there is enough precursor gas (NOX and VOCs) for ozone formation in the atmosphere over Delhi-NCR most of the time, given that ozone is regularly found to be Delhi's top pollutant even in January. Experts say this shift complicates the pollution challenge because ozone control requires reducing multiple precursor pollutants, rather than targeting a single emission source. Dust, Construction, Burning Leaves: Just Urban Things B S Vohra, environment activist and president of the East Delhi RWAs Joint Front, said the country is witnessing a structural shift in pollution patterns. “Toxic air is no longer limited to seasonal winter smog. A dangerous mix of climate-driven dust storms, relentless construction activity, rising vehicle emissions, and ozone formation is making pollution a year-round reality,” Vohra told ETV Bharat. “Instead of temporary spikes, many cities now face persistently hazardous air quality that threatens public health, ecosystems, and everyday urban life. Governments must take stringent measures to save metro cities and make them livable,” he said. Environmental campaigner Bhavreen Kandhari also stressed that pollution has never been limited to winter. “Toxic air has never really been only a winter phenomenon, we are just finally acknowledging that reality,” she said. According to Kandhari, several overlooked sources contribute to pollution during the warmer months. “Construction dust and road dust are major contributors. Another key issue is that cities don't have systems to manage fallen dry leaves between March and May, a lot of which gets burnt in the open as a result, releasing particulate matter and toxic gases,” she said. What The Weatherman Won't Tell Weather has an important influence on pollution levels, as well as emissions. Recent research has shown that weather can make up to 40 per cent difference in air quality in many Indian cities. The study was conducted by Delhi-based research organisation Climate Trends, to determine the influence of meteorological factors on air quality in various Indian cities, using data from different CPCB air quality monitoring stations. During the observation period, the researchers identified three primary meteorological conditions (low wind speed, excessive humidity, and stagnation in the atmosphere) that contributed to trapping pollutants near the earth's surface. Particulate matter that is released into the ambient atmosphere will stay near the ground until it is eventually forced to disperse into the atmosphere. The study estimated that a shift to well-ventilated atmospheric conditions alone could reduce PM2.5 levels by 35-40 per cent, highlighting the strong role played by seasonal meteorology. However, while weather may worsen pollution episodes, scientists emphasise that emissions remain the underlying driver. Southern Discomfort Although Delhi remains the country’s most polluted major city, deteriorating air quality is no longer limited to the Indo-Gangetic Plain. Rapid urbanisation, construction activity and vehicular growth are causing pollution levels to rise across several Indian cities. In many areas of Mumbai where redevelopment is underway, such as Lalbaug, the amount of construction debris being created constantly leads to dust contamination in the environment. Data indicates that the city's annual average PM2.5 has risen every year since 2025, suggesting that as air quality continues to deteriorate, there will be a higher proportion of people affected by pollution-related illnesses, even in previously less polluted cities. Coping With COPD, Gasping For Air Year-round exposure to polluted air is already evident to physicians in hospitals across the region as a result of the continual presence of air pollutants. Dr Bharat Gopal, Senior Director and Head of Interventional Pulmonology at Medanta, said physicians are seeing pollution-related illnesses throughout the year. “Air pollution is no longer just a winter phenomenon. In clinical practice we are increasingly seeing pollution-related respiratory problems throughout the year,” he said. “These include worsening asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) exacerbations, persistent cough and increased respiratory infections. Even during months traditionally considered ‘cleaner,’ background pollutant levels remain high enough to trigger symptoms in vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and people with chronic lung or heart disease,” he added. According to Dr Gopal, long-term exposure to particulate pollution carries severe health risks. “Continuous exposure to fine particulate matter like PM2.5 is extremely concerning. Long-term exposure is linked not only to chronic lung disease but also cardiovascular disease, stroke, lung cancer and metabolic disorders,” he said. Evidence highlighted by the WHO suggests that persistent air pollution exposure can significantly reduce life expectancy and impair quality of life, he noted. The Pollution Condition Doctors’ associations say hospitals are already observing a surge in pollution-related conditions. Dr Rohan Krishnan, chief patron of the FAIMA Doctors Association, said there has been a noticeable rise in respiratory illnesses linked to pollution. “We are seeing an increase in patients suffering from pneumoconiosis, exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma, as well as people developing allergic rhinitis,” he said. Krishnan also warned that pollution-related allergies often lead to unnecessary antibiotic use. “Many people confuse allergic cough and cold caused by pollution with infectious conditions and start taking antibiotics. This can create larger health challenges for the population over the next 10–20 years,” he said. He emphasised the need for stronger policy measures to control pollution sources, particularly vehicle emissions. Dr Meet Ghonia, pulmonologist and National General Secretary of FORDA, said, “Fine particulate matter like PM2.5 penetrates deep into the lungs and bloodstream. It contributes not only to respiratory diseases but also cardiovascular illness, stroke and metabolic disorders,” he said. “From a public-health perspective, long-term exposure significantly reduces life expectancy and quality of life in highly polluted regions.” What You Don't Know Can Hurt You Despite the severity of the pollution crisis, experts say India’s air quality monitoring network still covers only a small portion of the population. According to the State of India’s Environment 2026 report, only 15 per cent of India’s population, about 200 million people, live within 10 km of a continuous air-quality monitoring station. The remaining 85 per cent, more than 1.2 billion people, breathe air outside any measurable monitoring range. Sharanjeet Kaur, deputy programme manager at CSE’s Urban Lab and one of the authors of the report, said this gap limits the country’s understanding of the real pollution burden. India currently operates 562 continuous air-quality monitoring stations across 294 cities and 966 manual monitoring stations in 419 towns and cities. However, the monitoring network is concentrated primarily in large metropolitan areas. Environmental expert Anumita Roychowdhury said the lack of monitoring in smaller towns creates structural inequities in environmental governance. “Cities with multiple monitors can demonstrate progress, claim clean-air funding and frame action plans. But hundreds of smaller towns, many experiencing comparable or even higher pollution levels, have no real-time data at all,” she said. Experts say the changing nature of India’s pollution problem demands a broader approach to air quality management. Policies have traditionally focused on winter particulate matter spikes, but the rise of ozone, dust and year-round pollution suggests the need for a more comprehensive strategy. Roychowdhury said the next phase of monitoring should combine regulatory-grade monitors with low-cost sensors and satellite data to create a hybrid network capable of covering more locations. As urban areas are growing and moving where emissions source occurs, air quality monitoring stations may need to be relocated periodically due to shifts in emissions patterns. Merry Crisis And A Happy New Fear Taken together, the evidence suggests that India’s air pollution challenge is far more complex than the seasonal winter smog that typically dominates public attention. Numerous interrelated factors will create a situation where air quality pollution levels remain elevated the majority of the year due to effects from dust storms, construction activity, photochemical ozone formation, meteorological stagnation, and so forth. For millions of Indians, particularly those living in large urban centres, breathing polluted air is becoming a daily reality rather than a seasonal emergency. Dr Rohan Krishnan warns that unless sustained action is taken to reduce emissions and strengthen monitoring, the country may face a long-term public health crisis driven by chronic exposure to toxic air.

दिल्ली में GRAP हटा: क्या प्रदूषण के लिए सिर्फ मौसम के भरोसे है सरकार?

दिल्ली सरकार ने राजधानी से ग्रेडेड रिस्पांस एक्शन प्लान (GRAP) को हटा लिया है, लेकिन यह सवाल अभी भी बना हुआ है कि क्या प्रदूषण से राहत केवल मौसम की मेहरबानी है? सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट (CSE) की विशेषज्ञ शाम्भवी शुक्ला के अनुसार, ग्रैप एक इमरजेंसी कदम है जिसे अक्सर 15 अक्टूबर से 15 मार्च के बीच लगाया जाता है। सर्दियों में 'मिक्सिंग हाइट' कम होने और हवा की गति धीमी होने से दिल्ली एक कटोरे की तरह प्रदूषकों को कैद कर लेती है। अब गर्मी शुरू होते ही प्रदूषक तत्व हवा के साथ ऊपर चले जाते हैं, जिससे एयर क्वालिटी में सुधार दिखता है। यह स्थिति स्पष्ट करती है कि दिल्ली का दम घोंटने वाला प्रदूषण कम होने में सरकारी प्रयासों से कहीं ज्यादा भूमिका मौसम के बदलाव की रही है।

India’s Budget 2026–27: big on carbon capture, short on clean air funding

The Indian Government’s Budget included much-trumpeted funding announcements for energy and carbon reduction projects like domestic solar panels and carbon capture, utilisation and storage technology, but campaigners were disappointed by the amount of money allocated for tackling dangerous levels of air pollution and adapting to climate change impacts. People in India breathe some of the world’s most toxic air, and air pollution is no longer a problem that solely affects the Delhi National Capital Region (Delhi–NCR). As cities across the country rapidly expand and industrialise, they are increasingly becoming hotspots for poor air quality. Nearly 44 per cent of Indian cities experience periods of chronic air pollution; however, only four per cent of them are covered by the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), according to analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). Launched in 2019, the NCAP aims to improve air quality in 131 cities across 24 states, all of which were chosen due to them experiencing poor air quality. Specifically, NCAP includes a target of reducing PM10 (inhalable particulate matter) pollution by 40 per cent compared to 2017 levels. The health and economic costs of air pollution are staggering. Air pollution reduces the average life expectancy in India by 3.5 years, and is estimated to cost India around six per cent of its GDP, primarily due to health risks and productivity losses. The World Bank says 1.67 million deaths were attributable to air pollution in India in 2019, and adds the country incurs substantial economic losses due to premature deaths and morbidity caused or associated with air pollution. Indeed, former International Monetary Fund (IMF) economist Gita Gopinath argues that air pollution is currently the biggest challenge to India’s economy, far surpassing the threat of global tariffs from countries like the United States. Brutal consequences of a warming planet Meanwhile, climate change impacts are intensifying, with India facing the brutal consequences of a warming planet, such as higher temperatures, longer heatwaves and more intense monsoon rainfall. According to the Indian Meteorological Department’s annual climate statement, India experienced its eighth warmest year on record in 2025. Another study has warned that India is likely to have one of the largest populations exposed to extreme heat as global temperatures continue to rise. In 2025, the climate crisis led to a wild and torrential monsoon, with large parts of the country reeling under flooding after torrential downpours. Punjab experienced its worst rainfall deluge in decades, with flooding affecting around 400,000 people and 2,000 villages, causing 51 deaths, and resulting in an estimated financial loss of over Rs. 13,000 crore. According to the annual Climate India 2025 assessment by Delhi-based sustainability think tank the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and Down To Earth magazine, India faced extreme weather events on 99 per cent of days in the first nine months of 2025, marked by heatwaves and spells of cold weather, lightning, storms, heavy rain, floods and landslides. These events claimed 4,064 lives, affected 9.47 million hectares of crops, destroyed 99,533 houses and killed approximately 58,982 animals, according to CSE and Down to Earth. “Heavy rain, floods and landslides were the deadliest, accounting for 2,440 deaths, followed by lightning and storms (1,456), cloudbursts (135), heatwaves (21) and snowfall (12), between January and September 2025,” says the assessment. The assessment noted that the year 2025 broke several climate records. January was India’s fifth driest since 1901, while February became the warmest in 124 years. In September, India recorded its seventh-highest mean temperature for the month, with the minimum temperature ranking as the fifth highest on record. Funding for climate adaptation Against this backdrop, climate experts were hopeful that the Union Budget for 2026-27, delivered on 1 February, would include funding and measures for climate adaptation. Hopes for such funding had risen after the Economic Survey 2025-26 tabled in Parliament on 29 January by Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the lack of available finance for climate adaptation measures, especially from international and private sources. So, did the Finance Minister’s ninth straight Budget put environmental protection and climate action at the forefront at a time when India faces a cascade of environmental crises, including relentless heatwaves, urban flooding, stronger cyclones and prolonged spells of hazardous air quality? Well, the answer is yes to an extent. The budgetary allocation to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, the government department responsible for developing and deploying new and renewable energy to supplement India’s energy requirements, rose to a record high of ₹32,914 crore, with ₹22,000 crore allocated to the flagship solar energy scheme PM Suryaghar Yojana, which provides subsidies to households to install rooftop solar panels. Alongside exemptions on customs duties for imported materials to be used for lithium-ion and electric vehicle battery manufacturing, Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and grants to encourage the development of carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) technologies, the Government appears intent on building an energy system that cuts greenhouse gas emissions, reduces reliance on fossil fuels and expands the use of renewable energy. Air quality However, when it comes to improving air quality across the country, commentators argue the Budget was much less ambitious. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman earmarked Rs 1,091 crore funding for local pollution control boards and the NCAP. However, this figure is actually Rs 209 crore less than the revised estimate of Rs 1,300 crore that was allocated in the previous year, 2025–26. Notably, the original allocation for pollution control in 2025–26 was only Rs 853.9 crore, although the sum was later increased. Experts argue that the timing of the funding cut for air quality measures is deeply disappointing. Delhi–NCR and neighbouring regions continue to record hazardous air quality levels, leading to school closures, health warnings reminding people to avoid exposure to poor air quality where possible and increased numbers of respiratory illnesses. Despite this, the budget did not provide additional funding to strengthen pollution control efforts, say air quality campaigners. In a post on social media, senior sustainability scientist at Princeton University, Dr Ajay S Nagpure, pointed to a deeper structural issue: utilisation of government funding for pollution control. In the financial year 2024–25, the Union Budget allocated Rs 858 crore under the ‘Control of Pollution’ section of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, but actual expenditure was only about Rs 16 crore – roughly 1–2 per cent utilisation of the allocated funding. Under the NCAP, utilisation has also been uneven; Delhi has reportedly used just Rs 14.1 crore, around 14 per cent, of the Rs 99.77 crore funding provided since 2019. “The issue is not merely budget size – it is execution,” Dr Nagpure wrote. “Unless institutional capacity to deploy and monitor funds improves, India risks repeating another decade of policy announcements without commensurate improvements in urban air quality outcomes.” Critics also note the continued emphasis on coal, nuclear energy and carbon capture technologies (CCUS), the last of which aims to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industrial sources for permanent underground storage or reuse in products like synthetic fuels, chemicals and building materials. During a panel discussion organised by the Impact and Policy Research Institute (IMPRI), a think tank for policy research, Ashish Kothari, environmentalist and founder of the non-profit environmental action group Kalpavriksh, said that air pollution and the environment were not explicitly mentioned in the Finance Minister’s Budget speech. In contrast, large sums were being channelled towards coal, nuclear power and carbon capture technologies, he pointed out, according to a report in The Indian Express. Vibhuti Garg, director for South Asia at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), stated: “The Rs 3,500 crore allocation for coal and lignite gasification, alongside a proposed Rs 20,000 crore outlay over five years for CCUS, would benefit from careful assessment against cost-effectiveness and deployment timelines. While innovation across technologies is important, these solutions remain capital-intensive and technologically uncertain, particularly when compared to the falling costs and proven scalability of renewables, storage and electrification.” He added: “Budget 2026 reflects strong macro-fiscal ambition. Additional emphasis on grid infrastructure, energy storage, transport electrification and risk-mitigation mechanisms could further accelerate India’s energy transition while strengthening climate, air quality and energy security outcomes.” Climate change adaptation measures Other sustainability and climate experts argue that climate change adaptation measures remain under-prioritised. Abinash Mohanty, global sector head, climate change and sustainability, at international consultancy group IPE Global, said: “The Budget reflects continuity and intent in India’s energy transition, anchored by measurable investments in clean energy deployment and industrial decarbonisation… the Budget’s emphasis on grid modernisation and inter-state transmission infrastructure is both timely and essential to ensure system reliability, flexibility, and optimal utilisation of clean power assets.” Mohanty believes that on their own, climate mitigation measures, such as restoring wetlands to absorb increased rainfall and updating buildings with features like green roofs to better withstand high temperatures, cannot address India’s climate challenges. He adds that without quantified targets, dedicated financing and institutional focus on resilience-building, the transition to clean and renewable energy risks becoming uneven and exclusionary. “Future budgets must therefore align India’s clean energy ambition with equally robust, evidence-based investments in climate resilience.” In a post on X, Uttarakhand-based social and environmental activist Anoop Nautiyal said: “The Union Budget 2026–27 offers no specific allocation or policy framework for Uttarakhand or the Indian Himalayan Region. Support remains indirect, ignoring the region’s unique climate, ecological and disaster risks. The absence of provisions for floating population, green bonus or mountain-specific risk frameworks highlights the urgent need for Himalayan states to unite around a collective, common agenda.” For climate and sustainability experts, it is no longer a question of whether India is investing in clean energy but whether those investments are in sync with the scale and immediacy of the environmental crises unfolding across the country.

Experts flag concerns over Centre’s plan to fast-track green clearances

Experts have raised concerns over the Centre’s proposal to set up new standing bodies to fast-track environmental clearances, warning that the move could weaken scientific scrutiny of projects. According to a draft notification issued on March 5, the government has proposed creating two bodies — the Standing Authority on Environment Impact Assessment (SAEIA) and the Standing Committee on Environment Impact Appraisal (SCEIA). These would take over the roles of the existing State Environment Impact Assessment Authorities (SEIAA) and State Expert Appraisal Committees (SEAC) when they become non-functional due to expired tenures or delays in reconstitution. While SEIAA grants environmental clearances, SEAC evaluates and advises on project proposals. Under the proposal, the new bodies would consist of “ex officio members”, meaning government officials or bureaucrats nominated by the Centre. Subhrajit Goswami, a researcher at the Centre for Science and Environment, said the proposal bypasses the legal mandate of the Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2006, which requires members to have significant domain expertise. He said the rules stipulate that the chairman and members should be eminent experts with at least 15 years of experience or a PhD in relevant environmental fields. “Administrative oversight often emphasises the ‘ease of doing business’ metrics, which may overlook site-specific ecological nuances that a seasoned botanist or environmental engineer would typically flag,” Goswami said. Nawneet Vibhaw, a professor at Jindal Global Law School, said ex officio members may have the technical knowledge required for environmental assessments, but the eligibility criteria in the draft notification remain unclear. He added that the proposal requires officials to demonstrate they do not have any conflict of interest in dealing with project clearances, which is intended to address concerns about bias. Currently, when SEIAA or SEAC bodies are not functioning, the responsibility shifts to the central-level Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC). The draft notification noted that this often leads to a halt in state-level clearance processes, with pending proposals transferred in bulk to the Centre, causing delays and affecting project timelines and investor confidence. However, Goswami argued that the involvement of the EAC ensures scrutiny by domain specialists in areas such as ecosystem management, pollution control and environmental risk assessment. “By substituting these statutory experts with a standing committee of officials, the process loses the legal guarantee of scientific temperament and technical integrity currently protected by law,” he said. The draft also proposes that if SEAC fails to communicate its decision on an application within 120 days, the proposal would automatically be forwarded to the SCEIA through the PARIVESH portal for consideration. Vibhaw said the move could help ensure timely decisions on environmental approvals and strengthen confidence in regulatory processes. However, he cautioned that faster clearances should not come at the cost of environmental safeguards.

Experts raise concerns after Centre proposes separate bodies to fast-track environmental nods

As the Centre has proposed setting up standing bodies to expedite the green clearance process in states and Union territories, experts have raised concerns about the criteria for selecting the members for the new bodies, saying it could lead to a weakened scrutiny of projects. According to a draft notification issued on March 5, the new bodies would assume the functions of the existing State Environment Impact Assessment Authorities (SEIAA) and State Expert Appraisal Committees (SEAC) whenever these state-level institutions become non-functional due to the expiry of their tenures or delays in reconstitution. While the SEIAA grants environmental clearances, the SEAC advises it in appraising the project. The new bodies – Standing Authority on Environment Impact Assessment (SAEIA) and Standing Committee on Environment Impact Appraisal (SCEIA) – would comprise “ex officio members”, meaning government officials or bureaucrats, nominated by the Central government. Subhrajit Goswami, a researcher with the Centre for Science and Environment, told PTI, “This move bypasses the legal mandate of Appendix VI (Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2006), which requires that both the chairman and members possess significant domain experience, such as being 'eminent' experts with 15 years of experience or a PhD in relevant fields." "Administrative oversight often emphasises the 'ease of doing business' metrics, which may overlook site-specific ecological nuances that a seasoned botanist or environmental engineer would typically flag,” he added. Speaking to PTI, Nawneet Vibhaw, a professor at the Jindal Global Law School, said that while ex officio members may possess the technical knowledge or expertise required for addressing issues like green clearance, the eligibility criteria had not been clearly defined in the draft notification. "However, there is a requirement for showing that such officials do not have a conflict of interest in dealing with such projects. This has been done to allay fears of bias and avoid any kind of conflict of interest,” he said. Currently, in the absence of an SEIAA or SEAC, the central level Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) manages the workload. According to the draft notification, this is an issue as it “leads to a complete halt in the EC (environment clearance) process at the state level and the pending proposals are transferred in bulk to the Centre, leading to extended timelines and unwarranted delays in the appraisal of the projects, thereby impacting project timelines and investor confidence”. Goswami, however, said the involvement of the EAC ensured that projects remain under the scrutiny of domain specialists across fields, such as ecosystem management, air and water pollution control, and risk assessment. “By substituting these statutory experts with a standing committee of officials, the process loses the legal guarantee of scientific temperament and technical integrity currently protected by law," he added. The draft notification also said that if the SEAC fails to communicate its decision on an environment clearance application within 120 days from the submission date, the application would be automatically forwarded to the SCEIA through the PARIVESH portal for consideration. Vibhaw noted that the move would help ensure that the projects are granted or refused environmental clearances efficiently to instil faith in the regulatory clearance processes, but such decision-making should not lead to environmental harm by ignoring the safeguards. "The absence or non-appointment of SEAC or SEIAA members should not stall such assessment processes for the eligible companies. While we must not always treat such measures with suspicion, the reality is we are living in times where environmental harm is a grave concern, and therefore, the lawmakers have to be extra careful to avoid misuse of such regulatory changes,” Vibhaw said.

Experts raise concerns over Centre's plan to fast-track environmental nods

As the Centre has proposed setting up standing bodies to expedite the green clearance process in states and Union territories, experts have raised concerns about the criteria for selecting the members for the new bodies, which could lead to a weakened scrutiny of projects. According to a draft notification issued on March 5, the new bodies would assume the functions of the existing State Environment Impact Assessment Authorities (SEIAA) and State Expert Appraisal Committees (SEAC) whenever these state-level institutions become non-functional due to the expiry of their tenures or delays in reconstitution. While the SEIAA grants environmental clearances, the SEAC advises it in appraising the project. The new bodies Standing Authority on Environment Impact Assessment (SAEIA) and Standing Committee on Environment Impact Appraisal (SCEIA) would comprise "ex officio members", meaning government officials or bureaucrats, nominated by the Central government. Subhrajit Goswami, a researcher with the Centre for Science and Environment, told PTI, "This move bypasses the legal mandate of Appendix VI (Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2006), which requires that both the chairman and members possess significant domain experience, such as being 'eminent' experts with 15 years of experience or a PhD in relevant fields." "Administrative oversight often emphasises the 'ease of doing business' metrics, which may overlook site-specific ecological nuances that a seasoned botanist or environmental engineer would typically flag," he added. Speaking to PTI, Nawneet Vibhaw, a professor at the Jindal Global Law School, said that while ex officio members may possess the technical knowledge or expertise required for addressing issues like green clearance, the eligibility criteria had not been clearly defined in the draft notification. "However, there is a requirement for showing that such officials do not have a conflict of interest in dealing with such projects. This has been done to allay fears of bias and avoid any kind of conflict of interest," he said. Currently, in the absence of an SEIAA or SEAC, the central level Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) manages the workload. According to the draft notification, this is an issue as it "leads to a complete halt in the EC (environment clearance) process at the state level and the pending proposals are transferred in bulk to the Centre, leading to extended timelines and unwarranted delays in the appraisal of the projects, thereby impacting project timelines and investor confidence". Goswami, however, said the involvement of the EAC ensured that projects remain under the scrutiny of domain specialists across fields, such as ecosystem management, air and water pollution control, and risk assessment. "By substituting these statutory experts with a standing committee of officials, the process loses the legal guarantee of scientific temperament and technical integrity currently protected by law," he added. The draft notification also said that if the SEAC fails to communicate its decision on an environment clearance application within 120 days from the submission date, the application would be automatically forwarded to the SCEIA through the PARIVESH portal for consideration. Vibhaw noted that the move would help ensure that the projects are granted or refused environmental clearances efficiently to instil faith in the regulatory clearance processes, but such decision-making should not lead to environmental harm by ignoring the safeguards. "The absence or non-appointment of SEAC or SEIAA members should not stall such assessment processes for the eligible companies. While we must not always treat such measures with suspicion, the reality is we are living in times where environmental harm is a grave concern, and therefore, the lawmakers have to be extra careful to avoid misuse of such regulatory changes," Vibhaw said.

'प्रदूषण अब सिर्फ सर्दियों की समस्या नहीं रही, पूरे साल बना रहता संकट': CPCB रिपोर्ट

'सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट' (CSE) के एक अध्ययन में पाया गया कि फरवरी में 16 दिनों तक दिल्ली में ओजोन ही मुख्य प्रदूषक था. यह इस बात का संकेत है कि ओजोन से होने वाला प्रदूषण अब साल भर की चिंता का विषय बनता जा रहा है. पार्टिकुलेट मैटर (PM) के विपरीत, ओजोन सीधे पर्यावरण में उत्सर्जित नहीं होता है, बल्कि यह सूरज की रोशनी की मौजूदगी में नाइट्रोजन ऑक्साइड और वाष्पशील कार्बनिक यौगिकों के बीच होने वाली प्रतिक्रियाओं से बनता है. ओजोन बनाने वाली ये गैसें मुख्य रूप से वाहनों के धुएं, उद्योगों और ईंधन के जलने से निकलती हैं. दिल्ली-एनसीआर की हवा में ये गैसें हमेशा मौजूद रहती हैं, यही वजह है कि जनवरी जैसे ठंडे महीने में भी ओजोन अक्सर दिल्ली का मुख्य प्रदूषक पाया जाता है.

A PIL that defined Delhi-NCR’s green fight against bad air

Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director of research and advocacy at Centre for Science and Environment, said the MC Mehta case fundamentally re-engineered Delhi's air quality governance by establishing an environmental jurisprudence. "By utilising the constitutional right to life to break industrial resistance, this legal crusade forced a sweeping, multi-sectoral clean energy transition across the capital," she said. "This minimised the use of dirty fuels by shutting down coal power plants, shifting all legal industries to natural gas, and cutting the transport sector's diesel consumption by half. It bent the pollution curve," she said.

New Governance Blueprint for India’s Carbon Markets Presented at Bharat Carbon Conclave

Sunita Narain, Director General, Centre for Science and Environment; Prof. Gopal Sarangi, TERI School of Advanced Studies; Jasmeet Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Fair Climate Fund India; and Mrinal Ranjan, General Manager, NABARD, joined policymakers and climate experts as new frameworks, research and digital platforms for India’s carbon markets were introduced at Bharat Carbon Conclave India’s carbon market ecosystem is entering a new phase of institutional development as policymakers, climate experts and financial institutions explore ways to connect climate action with global climate finance. At the Bharat Carbon Conclave 2026, stakeholders from across government, research institutions, farmer organisations and civil society gathered to discuss how carbon markets can support ecosystem restoration and sustainable development across the country. The conclave saw the introduction of four initiatives designed to strengthen the governance architecture of India’s emerging carbon economy while improving transparency, community participation and institutional credibility across carbon markets. Participants included Sunita Narain, Director General of the Centre for Science and Environment; Prof. Gopal Sarangi of TERI School of Advanced Studies; Jasmeet Singh, Chief Executive Officer of Fair Climate Fund India; and Mrinal Ranjan, General Manager at NABARD, along with representatives from government institutions, development organisations, financial institutions and civil society groups working on climate finance and ecosystem restoration. One of the major announcements was the launch of the report titled India’s Carbon Market Landscape developed by the Centre for Grower Centric Eco Value Mechanisms. The study offers a comprehensive assessment of India’s carbon market ecosystem, mapping policy frameworks, technology systems, financial flows and grassroots participation shaping the sector. The report identifies a potential domestic carbon market valued at nearly 49 billion dollars by 2030 and highlights India’s growing role in global climate finance. It also outlines key challenges related to governance standards, carbon credit integrity and equitable distribution of economic value across the carbon value chain. The conclave also introduced the Principles for Responsible Carbon Markets, a governance framework designed to ensure carbon markets deliver credible climate outcomes while protecting the rights and economic interests of farmers and local communities. The framework outlines safeguards around free prior and informed consent, transparent carbon accounting, responsible data governance and equitable benefit sharing mechanisms. It positions communities as central participants in the design and governance of carbon projects rather than passive beneficiaries. Recognising the increasing role of rural landscapes in climate mitigation efforts, the conclave also launched Community Guidebooks on Carbon Markets. These guidebooks aim to help farmer collectives, grassroots organisations and local institutions understand how carbon credits are generated, verified and traded. The publications translate complex carbon market concepts into accessible guidance that allows communities to evaluate participation opportunities, contractual arrangements and potential economic benefits from carbon projects. A digital infrastructure initiative titled the Community Centric Carbon Platform was also introduced at the conclave. Developed by the Centre for Grower Centric Eco Value Mechanisms in collaboration with Primus Partners, the platform connects farmers, community institutions and project developers with carbon markets. The platform integrates farm level climate data, measurement and verification systems, project aggregation tools and transparent credit tracking mechanisms designed to improve traceability and reduce transaction costs. Sameer Jain, Chief Executive Officer of Primus Solutions, said the platform aims to connect credible community led climate projects with responsible sources of climate finance. “While global climate finance continues to grow rapidly, a significant gap remains in ensuring that this capital reaches communities that are actively protecting forests, restoring ecosystems and managing natural resources. The Community Centric Carbon Platform has been designed to bridge this gap by creating a trusted ecosystem that connects credible community led climate initiatives with responsible climate finance,” he said. Shri Praveen Pardeshi, Chief Executive Officer of the Maharashtra Institution for Transformation, highlighted the potential of carbon markets in supporting economic and environmental transitions. “As India moves towards the vision of Viksit Bharat, states like Maharashtra have an opportunity to build growth pathways that are both economically strong and environmentally sustainable. Carbon markets can emerge as an important mechanism to support these transitions while enabling states and communities to unlock new climate linked economic opportunities,” he said. Siddharth Dabhi said credible measurement and verification systems will be essential for building trust in the carbon market ecosystem while ensuring that communities benefit from climate finance opportunities. “India’s carbon market opportunity lies not only in climate mitigation but also in empowering communities that are actively managing landscapes and natural resources. Creating credible systems for measurement, verification and transparent benefit sharing will be critical to ensuring that carbon markets deliver both environmental integrity and meaningful livelihood opportunities,” he said. Pooja Lahiri also highlighted the importance of collaboration across policymakers, industry leaders, financial institutions and communities to build a credible carbon market ecosystem in India. The initiatives introduced at the Bharat Carbon Conclave represent an effort to build an integrated framework for India’s carbon markets that combines research, governance standards, community capacity building and digital infrastructure. As India advances its domestic carbon market framework under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, such initiatives are expected to help connect farmers and rural communities with climate finance opportunities while strengthening the integrity of carbon markets.

Supreme Court closes environmentalist MC Mehta's PIL on Delhi pollution after 40 yrs

“The MC Mehta case set up a new area of jurisprudence in India and a new environmental framework. It became a catalyst for far-reaching changes and helped accelerate action at a time when policy-level action was not picking up momentum. Essentially, it laid the foundation of clean air in Delhi-NCR,” said Anumita Roy Chowdhury, executive director for research and advocacy at the Centre for Science and Environment.

In Delhi, breathing safely has been a coin toss for the last 4 years, says govt data

Anumita Roychowdhury of the Centre for Science and Environment told Newslaundry last month that seasonal enforcement measures are insufficient; instead, structural and systemic changes are required. “For instance, reducing vehicular pollution requires a massive transition to zero-emissions, meaning the electrification of the vehicle fleet must accelerate to eliminate tailpipe emissions. Simultaneously, we must upscale integrated public transport to curb the explosive growth of vehicles on the road,” she said.

Bharat Carbon Conclave Unveils New Architecture for India’s Carbon Economy with Four Major Launches

The conclave witnessed participation from leading policymakers, climate experts and industry leaders including Sunita Narain, Director General, Centre for Science and Environment; Prof. Gopal Sarangi, TERI School of Advanced Studies; Jasmeet Singh, CEO, Fair Climate Fund India; and Mrinal Ranjan, General Manager, NABARD, along with representatives from government institutions, development organisations, financial institutions and civil society working at the intersection of carbon markets, climate finance and ecosystem restoration.

Hope vigilance to protect environment continues’: SC closes plea on Delhi pollution after 40 years

At 80, MC Mehta has a simple formulation for the cause he has pursued for four decades. “People cannot manufacture clean air. Even if we spend billions of dollars, pollution will still leave its impact. Clean air is the basic right of every human being and every animal. It is not negotiable,” he told HT on Thursday, hours after the Supreme Court formally disposed of the writ petition he filed in 1985. Experts said the Delhi pollution case remained a milestone even as its limitations have become clearer with time. “It became a catalyst for far-reaching changes and helped accelerate action at a time when policy-level action was not picking up momentum. Essentially, it laid the foundation of clean air in Delhi-NCR,” said Anumita RoyChowdhury, executive director for research and advocacy at the Centre for Science and Environment.

Pakistan plans plastic reform: Its informal recyclers hold the key

Though India’s 2022 plastic packaging EPR guidelines were a positive step, weak enforcement meant polluters often continued to shun their responsibilities, according to an assessment by think-tank the Centre for Science and Environment. Nearly 59 per cent of producers, importers, brand owners and manufacturers fell short on their targets on flexible plastic packaging – which includes shopping bags and sachets – the assessment found. In 2024, over 1,000 of them were issued a show-cause notice for not meeting their EPR targets.