• Sustainable Habitat

स्वच्छ वायु और सतत शहरीकरण की दिशा में उठाएं ठोस कदम

सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड इनवायरमेंट की तरफ से एक दिवसीय प्रशिक्षण हुआ आयोजित तेजी से बढ़ते शहरीकरण के बीच निर्माण एवं ध्वस्तीकरण (सीएंडडी) वेस्ट और धूल प्रदूषण एक बड़ी चुनौती बन गए हैं। हाल ही में सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरमेंट की ओर से नगर निगम गुरुग्राम में आयोजित एक कार्यशाला में यह स्पष्ट किया गया कि राष्ट्रीय स्वच्छ वायु कार्यक्रम के लक्ष्यों को प्राप्त करने के लिए निर्माण कचरे का वैज्ञानिक प्रबंधन अनिवार्य है। दिल्ली-एनसीआर में पीएम10 प्रदूषण का 42 प्रतिशत हिस्सा सड़क, मिट्टी और निर्माण गतिविधियों से आता है। निर्माण क्षेत्र वैश्विक संसाधनों का 40-50 प्रतिशत उपभोग करता है, जबकि इसके कचरे का 80-90 प्रतिशत हिस्सा पुनर्चक्रण योग्य होता है। विंड बैरियर और सामग्री के सही रखरखाव जैसे उपायों से धूल उत्सर्जन में 64 से 79 प्रतिशत तक की कमी लाई जा सकती है।अनुचित निस्तारण से न केवल वायु प्रदूषण बढ़ता है, बल्कि यह शहरी बाढ़ और जलाशयों के अवरुद्ध होने का कारण भी बनता है। अतिरिक्त निगमायुक्त यश जालुका ने प्रतिबद्धता जताई है कि गुरुग्राम निगम इन सुझावों को चरणबद्ध तरीके से लागू करेगा।

• Director General Office

India Water Foundation Felicitated for Integrated Transversality Leadership

The event was graced by eminent dignitaries, including Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, Former Minister of Education, Government of India, and Former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand; K. C. Tyagi, Former Member of Lok Sabha; and Sunita Narain, Director General of the Centre for Science and Environment. Addressing the gathering, Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank appreciated the India Water Foundation for its sustained efforts in integrating water security with environmental stewardship. He noted that India’s developmental journey must be anchored in ecological wisdom and stated that institutions like IWF are playing a pivotal role in bridging policy, science, and grassroots action. He emphasized that water conservation and afforestation must go hand in hand to ensure long-term climate resilience. Shri K. C. Tyagi highlighted the importance of collaborative platforms that unite policymakers, civil society, and practitioners. He remarked that the work of the India Water Foundation demonstrates how integrated approaches can simultaneously address environmental degradation, rural livelihoods, and social inclusion. He underscored that nurturing plant life through nurseries and protecting water resources are complementary pillars of sustainable development. Ms. Sunita Narain commended the Nurserymen Association of India for strengthening the environmental movement through practical interventions. The India Water Foundation (IWF) was honoured with a prestigious award by the Nurserymen Association of India in recognition of its outstanding contributions across diverse domains, including water conservation, environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and community empowerment. The award was presented during “Prakriti Diwas” organised bythe Nurserymen Association of India on 12 February 2026 at the India International Centre. The recognition reflects the shared vision between the two institutions in promoting ecological restoration, strengthening green livelihoods, and advancing sustainable natural resource management. The award acknowledges India Water Foundation’s integrated approach aligned with national priorities and global sustainability goals. The event was graced by eminent dignitaries, including Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, Former Minister of Education, Government of India, and Former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand; K. C. Tyagi, Former Member of Lok Sabha; and Sunita Narain, Director General of the Centre for Science and Environment. Addressing the gathering, Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank appreciated the India Water Foundation for its sustained efforts in integrating water security with environmental stewardship. He noted that India’s developmental journey must be anchored in ecological wisdom and stated that institutions like IWF are playing a pivotal role in bridging policy, science, and grassroots action. He emphasized that water conservation and afforestation must go hand in hand to ensure long-term climate resilience. Shri K. C. Tyagi highlighted the importance of collaborative platforms that unite policymakers, civil society, and practitioners. He remarked that the work of the India Water Foundation demonstrates how integrated approaches can simultaneously address environmental degradation, rural livelihoods, and social inclusion. He underscored that nurturing plant life through nurseries and protecting water resources are complementary pillars of sustainable development. Ms. Sunita Narain commended the Nurserymen Association of India for strengthening the environmental movement through practical interventions. On the occasion, the India Water Foundation expressed its heartfelt gratitude to the Nurserymen Association of India and all the esteemed dignitaries for the honour and warm recognition bestowed upon it. The Foundation deeply appreciated the Association’s exemplary contribution in promoting horticulture, biodiversity conservation, environmental stewardship, and green livelihoods across the country. This recognition further strengthens the shared resolve of both institutions to work collaboratively for water security, ecological restoration, and climate resilience. The India Water Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to advancing integrated solutions that connect water, environment, and green growth, ensuring sustainable and inclusive development for present and future generations. The India Water Foundation (IWF) works as a policy think-tank and action-oriented organization dedicated to integrated water, environment, and climate solutions. Its core work includes water conservation, watershed and springshed rejuvenation, river basin management, and ecosystem-based adaptation to strengthen climate resilience. IWF actively promotes the Water–Energy–Health–Environment nexus through its concept of Water Transversality, linking water security with energy, health, education and livelihoods. . The Foundation undertakes research, policy advocacy, capacity building, and community outreach globally. It supports livelihood generation through environmentally aligned practices, promotes ESG-aligned governance frameworks, and engages with ministries, UN agencies, and global platforms to advance SDG implementation. Through conferences, publications, field interventions, and multi-stakeholder partnerships, IWF works to build a water-secure, climate-resilient, and socially inclusive future. Considering the same India Water Foundation is organizing The Water Transversality global Awards and Conclave 2026, with the theme of ESG Transversality for Water–Energy-Environment-Health Nexus” on 6-7th March at India International Centre, Delhi. It is a flagship global platform conceptualized and organized by the India Water Foundation to advance integrated solutions for water security through cross-sectoral collaboration. The Conclave brings together policymakers, UN agencies, industry leaders, financial institutions, academia, civil society, and grassroots practitioners to deliberate on the Water–Energy–Health–Environment nexus under an ESG-aligned framework. It promotes the philosophy of Water Transversality, positioning water as the connecting force across climate resilience, green industry, poverty alleviation, public health, and sustainable development. The Water Transversality Awards and Conclave represents a movement transforming water governance from fragmented management to interconnected, inclusive, and climate-resilient development planning.

• Director General Office

India Water Foundation Felicitated for Integrated Transversality Leadership

The India Water Foundation (IWF) was honoured with a prestigious award by the Nurserymen Association of India in recognition of its outstanding contributions across diverse domains including water conservation, environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and community empowerment. The award was presented during “Prakriti Diwas” organised by Nurserymen Association of India on 12 February 2026 at the India International Centre. The recognition reflects the shared vision between the two institutions in promoting ecological restoration, strengthening green livelihoods, and advancing sustainable natural resource management. The award acknowledges India Water Foundation’s integrated aligned with national priorities and global sustainability goals. The event was graced by eminent dignitaries including Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, Former Minister of Education, Government of India and Former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand; K. C. Tyagi, Former Member of Lok Sabha; and Sunita Narain, Director General of the Centre for Science and Environment. Addressing the gathering, Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank appreciated the India Water Foundation for its sustained efforts in integrating water security with environmental stewardship. He noted that India’s developmental journey must be anchored in ecological wisdom and stated that institutions like IWF are playing a pivotal role in bridging policy, science, and grassroots action. He emphasized that water conservation and afforestation must go hand in hand to ensure long-term climate resilience. Shri K. C. Tyagi highlighted the importance of collaborative platforms that unite policymakers, civil society, and practitioners. He remarked that the work of the India Water Foundation demonstrates how integrated approaches can simultaneously address environmental degradation, rural livelihoods, and social inclusion. He underscored that nurturing plant life through nurseries and protecting water resources are complementary pillars of sustainable development. Ms. Sunita Narain commended the Nurserymen Association of India for strengthening the environmental movement through practical interventions. On the occasion, the India Water Foundation expressed its heartfelt gratitude to the Nurserymen Association of India and all the esteemed dignitaries for the honour and warm recognition bestowed upon it. The Foundation deeply appreciated the Association’s exemplary contribution in promoting horticulture, biodiversity conservation, environmental stewardship, and green livelihoods across the country. This recognition further strengthens the shared resolve of both institutions to work collaboratively for water security, ecological restoration, and climate resilience. The India Water Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to advancing integrated solutions that connect water, environment, and green growth, ensuring sustainable and inclusive development for present and future generations. The India Water Foundation (IWF) works as a policy think-tank and action-oriented organization dedicated to integrated water, environment, and climate solutions. Its core work includes water conservation, watershed and springshed rejuvenation, river basin management, and ecosystem-based adaptation to strengthen climate resilience. IWF actively promotes the Water–Energy–Health–Environment nexus through its concept of Water Transversality, linking water security with energy, health, education and livelihoods. . The Foundation undertakes research, policy advocacy, capacity building, and community outreach globally. It supports livelihood generation through environmentally aligned practices, promotes ESG-aligned governance frameworks, and engages with ministries, UN agencies, and global platforms to advance SDG implementation. Through conferences, publications, field interventions, and multi-stakeholder partnerships, IWF works to build a water-secure, climate-resilient, and socially inclusive future. Considering the same India Water Foundation is organizing The Water Transversality global Awards and Conclave 2026, with the theme of ESG Transversality for Water–Energy-Environment-Health Nexus” on 6-7th March at India International Centre, Delhi. It is a flagship global platform conceptualized and organized by the India Water Foundation to advance integrated solutions for water security through cross-sectoral collaboration. The Conclave brings together policymakers, UN agencies, industry leaders, financial institutions, academia, civil society, and grassroots practitioners to deliberate on the Water–Energy–Health–Environment nexus under an ESG-aligned framework. It promotes the philosophy of Water Transversality, positioning water as the connecting force across climate resilience, green industry, poverty alleviation, public health, and sustainable development. The Water Transversality Awards and Conclave represents a movement transforming water governance from fragmented management to interconnected, inclusive, and climate-resilient development planning.

• Director General Office

India Water Foundation Felicitated for Integrated Transversality Leadership

he India Water Foundation (IWF) was honoured with a prestigious award by the Nurserymen Association of India in recognition of its outstanding contributions across diverse domains including water conservation, environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and community empowerment. The award was presented during “Prakriti Diwas” organised by Nurserymen Association of India on 12 February 2026 at the India International Centre. The recognition reflects the shared vision between the two institutions in promoting ecological restoration, strengthening green livelihoods, and advancing sustainable natural resource management. The award acknowledges India Water Foundation's integrated aligned with national priorities and global sustainability goals. The event was graced by eminent dignitaries including Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, Former Minister of Education, Government of India and Former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand; K. C. Tyagi, Former Member of Lok Sabha; and Sunita Narain, Director General of the Centre for Science and Environment. Addressing the gathering, Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank appreciated the India Water Foundation for its sustained efforts in integrating water security with environmental stewardship. He noted that India's developmental journey must be anchored in ecological wisdom and stated that institutions like IWF are playing a pivotal role in bridging policy, science, and grassroots action. He emphasized that water conservation and afforestation must go hand in hand to ensure long-term climate resilience. Shri K. C. Tyagi highlighted the importance of collaborative platforms that unite policymakers, civil society, and practitioners. He remarked that the work of the India Water Foundation demonstrates how integrated approaches can simultaneously address environmental degradation, rural livelihoods, and social inclusion. He underscored that nurturing plant life through nurseries and protecting water resources are complementary pillars of sustainable development. Ms. Sunita Narain commended the Nurserymen Association of India for strengthening the environmental movement through practical interventions.

• Director General Office

India Water Foundation Felicitated for Integrated Transversality Leadership

The India Water Foundation (IWF) was honoured with a prestigious award by the Nurserymen Association of India in recognition of its outstanding contributions across diverse domains, including water conservation, environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and community empowerment. The award was presented during “Prakriti Diwas” organised by the Nurserymen Association of India on 12 February 2026 at the India International Centre. The recognition reflects the shared vision between the two institutions in promoting ecological restoration, strengthening green livelihoods, and advancing sustainable natural resource management. The award acknowledges India Water Foundation’s integrated approach aligned with national priorities and global sustainability goals. The event was graced by eminent dignitaries, including Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, Former Minister of Education, Government of India and Former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand; K. C. Tyagi, Former Member of Lok Sabha; and Sunita Narain, Director General of the Centre for Science and Environment. Addressing the gathering, Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank appreciated the India Water Foundation for its sustained efforts in integrating water security with environmental stewardship. He noted that India’s developmental journey must be anchored in ecological wisdom and stated that institutions like IWF are playing a pivotal role in bridging policy, science, and grassroots action. He emphasized that water conservation and afforestation must go hand in hand to ensure long-term climate resilience. Shri K. C. Tyagi highlighted the importance of collaborative platforms that unite policymakers, civil society, and practitioners. He remarked that the work of the India Water Foundation demonstrates how integrated approaches can simultaneously address environmental degradation, rural livelihoods, and social inclusion. He underscored that nurturing plant life through nurseries and protecting water resources are complementary pillars of sustainable development. Ms. Sunita Narain commended the Nurserymen Association of India for strengthening the environmental movement through practical interventions. On the occasion, the India Water Foundation expressed its heartfelt gratitude to the Nurserymen Association of India and all the esteemed dignitaries for the honour and warm recognition bestowed upon it. The Foundation deeply appreciated the Association’s exemplary contribution in promoting horticulture, biodiversity conservation, environmental stewardship, and green livelihoods across the country. This recognition further strengthens the shared resolve of both institutions to work collaboratively for water security, ecological restoration, and climate resilience. The India Water Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to advancing integrated solutions that connect water, environment, and green growth, ensuring sustainable and inclusive development for present and future generations. The India Water Foundation (IWF) works as a policy think-tank and action-oriented organization dedicated to integrated water, environment, and climate solutions. Its core work includes water conservation, watershed and springshed rejuvenation, river basin management, and ecosystem-based adaptation to strengthen climate resilience. IWF actively promotes the Water–Energy–Health–Environment nexus through its concept of Water Transversality, linking water security with energy, health, education and livelihoods. . The Foundation undertakes research, policy advocacy, capacity building, and community outreach globally. It supports livelihood generation through environmentally aligned practices, promotes ESG-aligned governance frameworks, and engages with ministries, UN agencies, and global platforms to advance SDG implementation. Through conferences, publications, field interventions, and multi-stakeholder partnerships, IWF works to build a water-secure, climate-resilient, and socially inclusive future. Considering the same India Water Foundation is organizing The Water Transversality global Awards and Conclave 2026, with the theme of ESG Transversality for Water–Energy-Environment-Health Nexus” on 6-7th March at India International Centre, Delhi. It is a flagship global platform conceptualized and organized by the India Water Foundation to advance integrated solutions for water security through cross-sectoral collaboration. The Conclave brings together policymakers, UN agencies, industry leaders, financial institutions, academia, civil society, and grassroots practitioners to deliberate on the Water–Energy–Health–Environment nexus under an ESG-aligned framework. It promotes the philosophy of Water Transversality, positioning water as the connecting force across climate resilience, green industry, poverty alleviation, public health, and sustainable development. The Water Transversality Awards and Conclave represents a movement transforming water governance from fragmented management to interconnected, inclusive, and climate-resilient development planning.

• Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

प्रदूषण पर कड़ा वार: दिल्ली में लगेंगे 14 नए एयर मॉनिटरिंग स्टेशन, हर 25 वर्ग किमी पर होगी निगरानी

यह विस्तार सितंबर में आई सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट (CSE) की रिपोर्ट के बाद किया जा रहा है। रिपोर्ट में बताया गया था कि दिल्ली के लगभग 25% क्षेत्र, खासकर बाहरी इलाकों में, 5 किमी के दायरे में कोई मॉनिटरिंग स्टेशन नहीं है। छह नए एंबिएंट एयर क्वालिटी मॉनिटरिंग स्टेशन शुरू करने के एक दिन बाद, दिल्ली सरकार ने मंगलवार को घोषणा की कि वह अगले वित्त वर्ष में 14 और स्टेशन लगाएगी। इसका उद्देश्य है कि पूरे शहर में हर 25 वर्ग किलोमीटर पर एक मॉनिटरिंग स्टेशन हो। पर्यावरण मंत्री मनजिंदर सिंह सिरसा ने कहा कि इसके लिए 5 किमी × 5 किमी का ग्रिड सिस्टम लागू किया जाएगा, ताकि प्रदूषण की निगरानी में जो भौगोलिक कमी है, उसे दूर किया जा सके। NCR में बढ़ेगा एयर मॉनिटरिंग नेटवर्क यह कदम एनसीआर और आसपास के क्षेत्रों में वायु गुणवत्ता प्रबंधन आयोग (CAQM) के निर्देश के अनुरूप है। आयोग ने पूरे राष्ट्रीय राजधानी क्षेत्र (NCR) में इसी ग्रिड प्रणाली के तहत ज्यादा मॉनिटरिंग स्टेशन लगाने की बात कही है। CAQM के अनुसार, एनसीआर के शहरों में 21 नए स्टेशन लगाए जा रहे हैं, जिनमें से 14 दिल्ली में होंगे, और इसके बाद 46 और स्टेशनों की जरूरत होगी। सिरसा ने कहा, “हम 5×5 किमी के ग्रिड पर काम कर रहे हैं। 2026-27 तक दिल्ली के पूरे भौगोलिक क्षेत्र को कवर कर लिया जाएगा।” नए स्टेशनों के लिए स्थानों का आकलन जारी है। Air Pollution Monitoring: दिल्ली में छह नए स्टेशन शुरू दिल्ली में पहले से ही देश का सबसे सघन मॉनिटरिंग नेटवर्क है। सोमवार को मुख्यमंत्री रेखा गुप्ता ने जेएनयू, इग्नू, एसपीएमएसपीसी टॉकटोरा गार्डन, कॉमनवेल्थ स्पोर्ट्स कॉम्प्लेक्स, दिल्ली कैंट और एनएसयूटी (वेस्ट कैंपस) में छह नए स्टेशन शुरू किए। हर 25 वर्ग किमी पर होगा एयर क्वालिटी मॉनिटर इन नए स्टेशनों के बाद 1,483 वर्ग किलोमीटर में फैली दिल्ली में कुल 46 स्टेशन हो गए हैं, यानी हर 32 वर्ग किलोमीटर पर एक स्टेशन। प्रस्तावित 14 और स्टेशन जुड़ने के बाद कुल संख्या 60 हो जाएगी, जिससे हर 25 वर्ग किलोमीटर पर एक स्टेशन का लक्ष्य पूरा हो जाएगा। यह विस्तार सितंबर में आई सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट (CSE) की रिपोर्ट के बाद किया जा रहा है। रिपोर्ट में बताया गया था कि दिल्ली के लगभग 25% क्षेत्र, खासकर बाहरी इलाकों में, 5 किमी के दायरे में कोई मॉनिटरिंग स्टेशन नहीं है। NCR Air Quality Stations: दिल्ली-एनसीआर में कुल 157 स्टेशन CAQM की क्षेत्रीय योजना के अनुसार, दिल्ली और उससे सटे एनसीआर शहरों जैसे गाजियाबाद, नोएडा और फरीदाबाद में हर 25 वर्ग किलोमीटर पर एक स्टेशन होना जरूरी है। जबकि अन्य जिला मुख्यालयों में हर 50 वर्ग किलोमीटर पर एक स्टेशन लगाया जाएगा। आयोग ने कहा कि शहरी सीमा से लगे और उपनगरीय क्षेत्रों में निगरानी जरूरी है, ताकि प्रदूषण के आने-जाने और शहरी विस्तार के असर को समझा जा सके। सभी प्रस्तावित स्टेशन लगने के बाद दिल्ली-एनसीआर में कुल 157 स्टेशन हो जाएंगे। दिल्ली में 60, हरियाणा (एनसीआर) में 45, राजस्थान (एनसीआर) में 9 और उत्तर प्रदेश (एनसीआर) में 43। Delhi News: ज्यादा स्टेशन होने से बेहतर कवरे विशेषज्ञों का कहना है कि ज्यादा स्टेशन होने से बेहतर कवरेज मिलेगी और नीतिगत फैसले लेने में मदद मिलेगी। CSE की कार्यकारी निदेशक अणुमिता रॉय चौधरी ने कहा कि डेटा की गुणवत्ता और नियमित मॉनिटरिंग सुनिश्चित करना जरूरी है, क्योंकि पहले भी एनसीआर के कई स्टेशनों से डेटा गायब होने की समस्या देखी गई है। वहीं, एनवायरोकैटलिस्ट्स के संस्थापक सुनील दहिया ने कहा कि नए स्टेशन ऐसी जगहों पर लगाए जाने चाहिए जो पूरे शहर का सही प्रतिनिधित्व करें। उन्होंने कहा कि हाल में लगाए गए छह स्टेशन ज्यादातर हरित क्षेत्रों में हैं, इसलिए ध्यान रखा जाए कि सभी नए स्टेशन केवल हरित इलाकों में न लगाए जाएं, वरना औसत आंकड़े प्रभावित हो सकते हैं।

• Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

Delhi to get 14 more air quality monitoring stations, exceed 25 sq km coverage target

A day after inaugurating six new ambient air quality monitoring stations, the Delhi government announced plans on Tuesday to install 14 additional stations in the upcoming financial year, aiming to blanket the city with a monitoring point every 25 square kilometers. The goal is to implement a systematic 5km-by-5km grid network, giving the city one station every 25 sq km and thus eliminating existing geographical gaps in pollution tracking, said Delhi’s environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa. This push aligns with a broader directive from the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM), which on Tuesday called for a denser monitoring network across the entire National Capital Region using the same grid concept. CAQM stated that 21 new stations are being installed in NCR towns – including the 14 planned for Delhi – with an additional 46 required thereafter. “We are looking at a 5x5 km grid, so soon there will be a station every 25 sq km, completing the entire network for Delhi in terms of geographical area by the end of 2026-27,” said Sirsa. An assessment for the new locations is underway, he added. Delhi already has the densest network of stations in the country. On Monday, Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated the six new stations at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), SPMSPC Talkatora Garden, Commonwealth Sports Complex, Delhi Cantonment and NSUT (West Campus). Monday’s new stations take the network to 46 in total for the 1,483 sq km city – giving the Capital an air quality monitor for every 32 sq km. The planned 14 stations would increase the total to 60, comfortably exceeding the 25 sq km coverage target. The expansion addresses gaps highlighted in a September report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), which found that 25% of Delhi’s area, largely in peripheral districts, lay outside a 5-km radius of any monitoring station. CAQM’s regional plan mandates one station per 25 sq km for Delhi and contiguous NCR cities like Ghaziabad, Noida, and Faridabad. Other district headquarters in the NCR will require one station per 50 sq km. “The remaining district headquarters and cities would have one station per 50 sq km area. Monitoring coverage in peri-urban and suburban areas has also been identified as critical for assessing inflow and outflow of pollution and understanding the impact of urban sprawl on regional air quality,” CAQM said in a statement on Tuesday.

• Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

14 new monitoring stations to boost pollution fight likely

A report by Centre for Science and Environment last year found the existing monitoring network covers only 26 per cent of Delhi's area within a 2 km radius, leaving a 74 per cent data shadow; and 75 per cent within a 5 km radius, leaving a 25 per cent shadow. This results in peripheral districts being under-served. After inaugurating six Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring System (CAAQMS) stations in the city on Monday - taking the total to 46 - Delhi govt plans to install 14 more in the next financial year. The aim is to ensure at least one every 25 square km, officials said, adding, they are assessing areas to install the 14 stations. Moreover, 10 new stations in UP, seven in Haryana and four in Rajasthan are in the process of being set up, Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) said. TOI had reported last Nov that the spread of the stations is uneven in Delhi-NCR. Though the capital has the highest number of such stations among all Indian cities, their distribution is uneven, with very few in the southwest and northwest peripheries. The situation is no different in NCR cities, with 21 having just a station each. A report by Centre for Science and Environment last year found the existing monitoring network covers only 26 per cent of Delhi's area within a 2 km radius, leaving a 74 per cent data shadow; and 75 per cent within a 5 km radius, leaving a 25 per cent shadow. This results in peripheral districts being under-served.

• Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

Dead EV battery doesn't mark end of its utility, UN official

Under India's existing EPR framework, gaps in enforcement were flagged in other waste streams by think tanks earlier. In 2024, a report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) flagged shortcomings in the implementation of plastic EPR rules, with the CPCB and state pollution control boards identifying about 7,00,000 recycling certificates that did not correspond to verified processing capacity. While safety is the primary challenge for retired EV batteries, required diagnostic checks, proper screening and monitoring of second-life LFP (Lithium Ferro Phosphate) batteries can extend their life by seven to 10 years while reducing environmental risk, a United Nations (UN) official said. In an interview with PTI Videos, Katrin Luger, chief of Transport Research and Policy Section at United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), said grid-scale battery storage is the fastest way to support power grid integration, and explained that reused batteries can reduce peak demand and balance power supply by providing electricity during high-demand hours, helping keep the grid stable. The second-life LFP (Lithium Ferro Phosphate) batteries are normally retired EV batteries or stationary storage batteries, which have been repurposed for grid storage, solar backup and other less-demanding applications. She added that battery storage systems using second-life batteries work well in community microgrids. These systems can cut energy storage costs by 20 to 30 per cent compared to new batteries, making reliable and affordable power more accessible for marginalised and underserved communities. LFP batteries are rapidly dominating India's EV and solar storage markets already due to their safety (thermal stability) and affordability, but makes it economically difficult to recycle for profit. Speaking about the practical approaches that India can prioritise to scale up second-life reuse of LFP batteries, the UN official noted that technical solutions, including better pricing, standard diagnostic and safety rules, and direct recycling are important. Direct recycling keeps the LFP battery material intact, uses far less energy than current methods and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90 per cent, which makes LFP recycling economically viable despite its lower material value, according to Luger. "Policy changes are also important. The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system should use different prices for different battery types, because flat rates disadvantage LFP batteries compared to higher-value ones. Battery passports can help track batteries throughout their life," the UN ESCAP official told PTI. Organising the informal sector, which handles over 95 per cent of battery waste, is necessary for safe and legal collection, she said, adding that financial incentives such as deposit-refund schemes (DRS) and viability gap funding (VGF) can reduce costs, lower investment risk and support large-scale second-life use and recycling. The EPR guidelines for LFP batteries in India are governed by the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022, requiring producers to register with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), meet mandatory collection/recycling targets and ensure environmentally sound disposal. The regulations apply to all battery types, including portable, electric vehicle (EV) and industrial, mandating material recovery, tracking via an online portal and eventually, using recycled materials in new batteries. Under India's existing EPR framework, gaps in enforcement were flagged in other waste streams by think tanks earlier. In 2024, a report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) flagged shortcomings in the implementation of plastic EPR rules, with the CPCB and state pollution control boards identifying about 7,00,000 recycling certificates that did not correspond to verified processing capacity. While the trend for LFP batteries is shifting toward recycling rather than disposal, many batteries in India still end up in landfills when they die, as they do not contain high-value metals like cobalt or nickel, and recyclers have limited economic incentive to process them. When asked about the environmental harms associated with poorly discarded LFP batteries in landfill sites, ESCAP's chief of transport research and policy section said said that toxic gas, smoke and dead water are the primary pathways through which these poorly discarded batteries harm the environment and human health. "In landfills, moisture can break down the electrolyte salt in batteries, releasing hydrogen fluoride (HF), a toxic gas that harms the human respiratory system and can contaminate soil. Improper disposal also lets phosphate and iron leak into water, causing algal blooms, low-oxygen 'dead zones' and damage to aquatic life," Katrin Luger told PTI. Luger further highlighted that mechanical damage or fires involving LFP batteries release dense toxic smoke clouds containing halogenated acids, volatile organic compounds and fine particulates, which are strongly associated with respiratory and other airborne diseases, posing acute risks to waste workers and nearby communities. "Rapid adoption of LFP batteries in electric vehicles and stationary storage is generating a surge of waste. Between 2022 and 2030, an estimated 5,00,000 tonnes of LFP batteries are expected to enter the recycling market annually." Discussing how India could use policy tools to avoid a battery waste crisis when recycling incentives are low, the UN official noted that strict enforcement of EPR is the most effective way to prevent this crisis. "These rules make producers responsible for managing batteries at the end of their life, instead of consumers or local authorities. It legally binds them to act even when market incentives for Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs) are weak," she said. "To keep recycling viable when scrap values are low, India can also require new batteries to contain at least 20 per cent recycled materials by 2030, creating a steady domestic market for recovered minerals like lithium and cobalt. This ensures stable income for recyclers and prevents risky disposal, especially for battery types with low resale value." According to Luger, a Deposit Refund Scheme (DRS) can also give consumers a financial reason to return spent batteries by charging an upfront deposit that is refunded only when the battery is returned to an authorised centre. The UN's ESCAP Transport Division supports member States in the transition to electric mobility under the umbrella of the Asia-Pacific Initiative on Electric Mobility (APIEM), promoting regional policy alignment, knowledge exchange, and capacity building among member states.

• Industrial Pollution

राजस्थान बजट से पहले बड़ा सवाल, भिवाड़ी में 720 करोड़ की पर्यावरणीय घोषणाएं अब तक कागजों में क्यों?

भिवाड़ी करीब 5,000 औद्योगिक इकाइयों वाला एक बड़ा औद्योगिक क्षेत्र है, जिसे नेशनल क्लीन एयर प्रोग्राम (NCAP) में शामिल करने को लेकर विशेषज्ञों से राय ली जा रही है, ताकि क्षेत्र की वायु गुणवत्ता में सुधार किया जा सके. इसी क्रम में भिवाड़ी इंटीग्रेटेड डेवलपमेंट अथॉरिटी (बीड़ा) में एक महत्वपूर्ण बैठक आयोजित की गई, जिसमें विंटर एक्शन प्लान पर विस्तार से चर्चा हुई. बैठक के दौरान सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट के विशेषज्ञों को भिवाड़ी की वर्तमान पर्यावरणीय स्थिति से अवगत कराया गया. एनसीआर क्षेत्र में शामिल होने के कारण भिवाड़ी का वायु गुणवत्ता सूचकांक वर्ष में लगभग छह माह तक खराब बना रहता है. भिवाड़ी औद्योगिक क्षेत्र में पिछले बजट के दौरान की गई घोषणाएं अब तक जमीनी स्तर पर पूरी तरह लागू नहीं हो सकी हैं. नया बजट आने से पहले पुरानी घोषणाओं की प्रगति पर सवाल खड़े हो रहे हैं, क्योंकि अधिकांश योजनाएं अभी भी कागजी प्रक्रियाओं में उलझी हुई हैं. राज्य सरकार ने चालू वित्तीय वर्ष के बजट में एनसीआर और नॉन-एनसीआर क्षेत्रों के शहरों में पर्यावरण सुधार के लिए कई महत्वपूर्ण घोषणाएं की थीं. इनमें एंटी स्मॉग गन, भारी यातायात दबाव वाले क्षेत्रों में स्मोक टावर, रोड स्वीपिंग मशीन, गॉबलर मशीन, वायु गुणवत्ता निगरानी स्टेशन की स्थापना और प्रदूषण नियंत्रण क्षेत्रीय कार्यालयों में प्रदूषित जल व खतरनाक रसायनों के अवैध निर्वहन और डंपिंग की निगरानी के लिए आईओटी आधारित सिस्टम विकसित करने का प्रावधान शामिल था. काम शुरू होना अभी बाकी इन सभी योजनाओं के लिए सरकार ने करीब 720 करोड़ रुपये का बजट निर्धारित किया था, जिससे पर्यावरण सुधार की उम्मीदें जगी थीं. हालांकि, इन घोषणाओं के क्रम में अब तक राजस्थान प्रदूषण नियंत्रण मंडल (RPCB) केवल प्रस्ताव तैयार कर डीओआईटी को भेज पाया है, जबकि धरातल पर काम शुरू होना अभी बाकी है. बजट में की गई घोषणाओं को किस प्रकार लागू किया जाएगा आरसीबी ने भिवाड़ी क्षेत्रीय कार्यालय के साथ पाली और भीलवाड़ा सहित प्रदेश के पांच प्रमुख औद्योगिक क्षेत्रों से जुड़े प्रस्ताव डीओआईटी को भेज दिए हैं. अब बजट में की गई घोषणाओं को किस प्रकार लागू किया जाएगा, इसकी विस्तृत रूपरेखा तैयार करने की जिम्मेदारी डीओआईटी के पास है. रूपरेखा बनने के बाद ही योजनाओं के क्रियान्वयन की प्रक्रिया शुरू हो सकेगी. हालांकि, यह कार्ययोजना कब तक अंतिम रूप लेगी और योजनाएं वास्तव में कब जमीन पर दिखाई देंगी, इसको लेकर फिलहाल कोई स्पष्ट जानकारी सामने नहीं आई है. औद्योगिक इकाइयों वाला एक बड़ा औद्योगिक क्षेत्र भिवाड़ी करीब 5,000 औद्योगिक इकाइयों वाला एक बड़ा औद्योगिक क्षेत्र है, जिसे नेशनल क्लीन एयर प्रोग्राम (NCAP) में शामिल करने को लेकर विशेषज्ञों से राय ली जा रही है, ताकि क्षेत्र की वायु गुणवत्ता में सुधार किया जा सके. इसी क्रम में भिवाड़ी इंटीग्रेटेड डेवलपमेंट अथॉरिटी (बीड़ा) में एक महत्वपूर्ण बैठक आयोजित की गई, जिसमें विंटर एक्शन प्लान पर विस्तार से चर्चा हुई. बैठक के दौरान सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट के विशेषज्ञों को भिवाड़ी की वर्तमान पर्यावरणीय स्थिति से अवगत कराया गया. एनसीआर क्षेत्र में शामिल होने के कारण भिवाड़ी का वायु गुणवत्ता सूचकांक वर्ष में लगभग छह माह तक खराब बना रहता है. ग्रैप की पाबंदियां लागू होने पर उद्योगों को संचालन बंद करना पड़ता है, जिससे औद्योगिक गतिविधियां प्रभावित होती हैं. वहीं, सरकारी कार्यालयों को धूल नियंत्रण और पानी के छिड़काव जैसी व्यवस्थाओं के लिए अलग-अलग योजनाएं बनानी पड़ती हैं. यदि भिवाड़ी की हवा को स्वच्छ बनाए रखने के ठोस उपाय किए जाएं, तो न केवल पर्यावरण सुधरेगा बल्कि उद्योगों को बार-बार बंद करने की नौबत भी नहीं आएगी.

• Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

विचार: वायु प्रदूषण से जुड़ी मौतें, जब स्वास्थ्य का असर दिखता है, लेकिन राष्ट्रीय आंकड़े पीछे रह जाते हैं

सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरमेंट के एक विश्लेषण से पता चलता है कि विषाक्त वायु भ्रूण में ऑक्सीजन और पोषक तत्वों के प्रवाह को बाधित करती है, जिससे समय से पहले जन्म, नवजात का कम वजन, फेफड़ों के विकास में रुकावट और बाल्यावस्था में दीर्घकालिक श्वसन समस्याओं की आशंका बढ़ जाती है। बढ़ता वायु प्रदूषण एक गंभीर वैश्विक स्वास्थ्य आपातकाल बनता जा रहा है। वाहनों का धुआं, औद्योगिक उत्सर्जन, जीवाश्म ईंधनों का उपयोग और फसलों के अवशेष जलाना इसके प्रमुख स्रोत हैं, जो फेफड़ों के कैंसर, हृदय रोग और मस्तिष्काघात जैसी जानलेवा बीमारियों का जोखिम बढ़ा देते हैं। यह समस्या न केवल स्वास्थ्य, बल्कि आर्थिक उत्पादकता और कृषि को भी प्रभावित कर रही है। मगर सवाल यह है कि भारत में वायु प्रदूषण से होने वाली मौतों को दर्ज करने के लिए क्या मृत्यु प्रमाणपत्र में इसका स्पष्ट उल्लेख होना जरूरी है और यदि ऐसा है, तो इसके लिए माकूल व्यवस्था का अभाव क्यों है? यह प्रश्न इसलिए महत्त्वपूर्ण है, क्योंकि सरकार का कहना है कि देश में ऐसा कोई राष्ट्र-स्तरीय डेटा उपलब्ध नहीं है, जो बीमारियों या मौतों को वायु प्रदूषण से सीधे तौर पर जोड़ता हो। किसी भी महामारी से निपटने के विज्ञान में ‘एक्सपोजर-रिस्पॉन्स मॉडल’, अतिरिक्त मृत्यु दर का अनुमान और जनसंख्या-स्तरीय जोखिम आकलन जैसे तरीकों का उपयोग किया जाता है। भारत स्वयं तंबाकू-संबंधी कैंसर और व्यावसायिक जोखिमों से जुड़ी बीमारियों के आकलन में इन तरीकों को स्वीकार करता है। यदि वायु प्रदूषण कोई वायरस होता, तो संभवतः भारत अब तक सार्वजनिक स्वास्थ्य आपातकाल घोषित कर चुका होता। पिछले वर्ष सरकार की ओर से राज्यसभा में दिए गए एक लिखित उत्तर में कहा गया था कि देश में ऐसा कोई निर्णायक राष्ट्र-स्तरीय आंकड़ा उपलब्ध नहीं है, जो मौतों या बीमारियों को केवल वायु प्रदूषण से सीधे तौर पर जोड़ता हो। वर्ष 2007 में भी सरकार ने राज्यसभा में एक लिखित उत्तर में विश्व स्वास्थ्य संगठन और आईजीआईडीआर के आंकड़ों का हवाला देते हुए बताया था कि घर के भीतर वायु प्रदूषण के कारण लगभग 4.07 लाख भारतीयों की समय से पहले मौत हो गई थी, जिनमें अधिकांश महिलाएं और बच्चे थे। हालांकि, सरकार ने यह भी कहा था कि इन मौतों और वायु प्रदूषण के बीच सीधा संबंध स्थापित करने के लिए कोई निर्णायक डेटा उपलब्ध नहीं है। इस संदर्भ में यह कहना गलत नहीं होगा कि देशव्यापी मृत्यु प्रमाणपत्रों के अभाव को तकनीकी रूप से सही ठहराया जा सकता है, लेकिन यह चिकित्सकीय सत्य को पूरी तरह नहीं दर्शाता। सार्वजनिक स्वास्थ्य में जिम्मेदारी केवल एक कारण वाले मृत्यु प्रमाणपत्रों से नहीं मापी जा सकती। अधिकांश प्रदूषण-जनित मौतें हृदय और श्वसन संबंधी रोगों के बढ़ने के कारण होती हैं, जहां वायु प्रदूषण एक जोखिम कारक के रूप में काम करता है, न कि अकेले कारण के रूप में। सरकार का तर्क संभवतः तकनीकी पहलू पर आधारित है – अर्थात सार्वजनिक स्वास्थ्य रिकार्ड या ऐसे गहन अध्ययनों का अभाव, जिनमें प्रत्येक मौत को स्पष्ट रूप से ‘वायु प्रदूषण-जनित’ के रूप में दर्ज किया गया हो। यह कहना कि ‘निर्णायक राष्ट्रीय डेटा’ उपलब्ध नहीं है, कुछ हद तक तकनीकी रूप से सही हो सकता है, लेकिन इसका यह अर्थ नहीं है कि वायु प्रदूषण मौतों का कारण नहीं बन रहा। उत्तर भारत के शहरों, विशेषकर दिल्ली में, वायु प्रदूषण का स्वास्थ्य पर प्रभाव अब किसी से छिपा नहीं है। सार्वजनिक स्वास्थ्य विशेषज्ञों की राय और अनेक अध्ययनों ने बार-बार यह दिखाया है कि सूक्ष्म कणों से होने वाला वायु प्रदूषण मानव जीवन पर गंभीर प्रभाव डालता है। लांसेट पत्रिका में प्रकाशित ‘ग्लोबल बर्डन ऑफ डिजीज स्टडी’ के अनुसार, भारत में वर्ष 2019 में दस लाख से अधिक मौतें वायु प्रदूषण के कारण हुईं, जो देश में कुल मौतों का लगभग 18 प्रतिशत है। अध्ययन से यह भी पता चला कि वर्ष 1990 से 2019 के बीच सूक्ष्म कणों से होने वाली मृत्यु दर में 115 प्रतिशत की वृद्धि हुई, जबकि घरेलू वायु प्रदूषण से होने वाली मृत्यु दर में कमी आई। चिंताजनक तथ्य यह है कि वायु प्रदूषण से होने वाला नुकसान बच्चे के जन्म से पहले ही शुरू हो जाता है। सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरमेंट के एक विश्लेषण से पता चलता है कि विषाक्त वायु भ्रूण में ऑक्सीजन और पोषक तत्वों के प्रवाह को बाधित करती है, जिससे समय से पहले जन्म, नवजात का कम वजन, फेफड़ों के विकास में रुकावट और बाल्यावस्था में दीर्घकालिक श्वसन समस्याओं की आशंका बढ़ जाती है। पिछले कुछ दशकों में औद्योगिकीकरण, वाहनों की संख्या में तेजी और कमजोर राजनीतिक इच्छाशक्ति के कारण पर्यावरण को इस कदर नुकसान पहुंचा है कि इसके विषैले तत्व अब हर सांस और भोजन के साथ हमारे शरीर में प्रवेश कर रहे हैं। नीति-प्रतिक्रियाएं अधिकांशतः अल्पकालिक रही हैं, जबकि यह स्वास्थ्य संकट दीर्घकालिक और अंतर-पीढ़ीगत प्रभाव डालता है।

• Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

‘Foul air persistent issue’: CM unveils 6 monitoring stations

Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, Centre for Science and Environment, said the government needs to strengthen air quality monitoring in densely populated areas and industrial zones. “If you keep increasing monitoring stations only in green areas, it might artificially improve the average air quality,” Ms. Roychowdhury said. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday said air pollution is not a seasonal problem but a year-round challenge while inaugurating six new continuous ambient air quality monitoring system (CAAQMS) stations in the national capital. Ms. Gupta also launched the ‘Vayu Rakshak’ initiative by flagging off 36 vehicles. Each vehicle will carry three Vayu Rakshaks who will monitor violation of pollution control norms in the city, an official said. Around 100 Vayu Rakshak vehicles will be deployed under the initiative as part of the government’s efforts to control air pollution. In coordination with the Delhi police, 600 Vayu Rakshaks are already monitoring violations of traffic and vehicular emission norms, according to the Chief Minister’s Office. Speaking at the event at the Delhi Secretariat, the Chief Minister said the government is committed to addressing the issue of air pollution on a continuous basis through monitoring, policy intervention, and enforcement. Providing clean and breathable air to the people of Delhi is the core responsibility of the government, she said. New locations The six new stations are located at Jawaharlal Nehru University, Indira Gandhi National Open University, Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Swimming Pool Complex at Talkatora Garden, Commonwealth Sports Complex in Akshardham, Sarvodaya Bal Vidyalaya in Delhi Cantonment, and Netaji Subhas University of Technology (West Campus) in Dwarka. Addressing the event, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said monitoring must be complemented with strict enforcement to achieve tangible results. He said the deployment of 100 Vayu Rakshaks will ensure that pollution control measures are implemented effectively on the ground. Meanwhile, environmental activist Bhavreen Kandhari said the six new CAAQMS stations are located in clean and green areas where air quality is better than in other parts of the city. “This will lead to the average air quality of Delhi being better on paper without actually reducing air pollution. This is misleading and as good as fudging data,” she said. ‘Will skew data’ Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, Centre for Science and Environment, said the government needs to strengthen air quality monitoring in densely populated areas and industrial zones. “If you keep increasing monitoring stations only in green areas, it might artificially improve the average air quality,” Ms. Roychowdhury said. “Many of the existing ones [CAAQMS stations] are also in greener zones or physically obstructed by tall buildings, which skews their readings,” said Sunil Dahiya, founder of the think tank Envirocatalysts.

• Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

‘Kol roads least congested but most polluted among all metros’

Kolkata: The city has emerged as the least congested among India's metropolitan cities, according to a recent study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). However, Kolkata has the highest exposure to vehicular air pollution among India's major cities. The finding is largely attributed to its weakened yet still dependable public transport system, which continues to absorb a significant share of daily travel demand. Peak hours in Kolkata often resemble a slow-moving parking lot. Autos, private cars, two-wheelers and buses compete for the limited carriageway, while onstreet parking frequently occupies one-third to even half the width of roads. "Congestion in Kolkata is shaped as much by city design and parking practices as by traffic volume, " said CSE executive director Anumita Roychowdhury.

• Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

Delhi needs 36k EVchargers, has just 9k;NCRcities trail badly too

NEW DELHI: Delhi currently has 8,998 EV charging points against a requirement of 36,177, leaving a shortfall of 27,179, or 302%. Delhi govt has set a target to increase the total number to 16,070 by the end of this year. The situation is similar in neighbouring NCR districts. At present, Gurgaon and Faridabad have no public EV charging points, against requirements of 20 while Greater Noida has only three and needs 13 more. According to Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, research and advocacy, Centre for Science and Environment, "To achieve an ambitious zero-tailpipe-emissions target and improve air quality, the strategy must shift from merely building charging stations to creating a cohesive charging ecosystem. This requires an urgent upscaling of the charging network, dedicated charging hubs and adequate battery-swapping facilities."

• Urban Lab

With 6 more AQI monitoring stations, Delhi tops all cities, but experts wary

With Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurating six more Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) on Monday, the Capital’s air quality monitoring network now stands at 46 — the highest for any city in the country. The monitoring network, despite its density, however, remains unevenly distributed, with a heavy concentration in the central and southern parts of the city, according to experts. The six new stations — inaugurated digitally by the CM from the Delhi Secretariat — have been set up at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), Talkatora Garden, Commonwealth Sports Complex, Delhi Cantonment and Netaji Subhas University of Technology (West Campus). Most of these are located in the South, South West, Central and New Delhi districts (see box). Of the 46 monitoring stations currently operational in the Capital, 30 are operated by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), 10 by the India Meteorological Department and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune, and six by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Another 14 stations are set to come up in the city, said the CM. “We aim to ensure that for every 25 sq km area in Delhi, there is at least one air quality monitoring station so that we get complete and accurate data on pollution levels and their sources,” she said The Chief Minister added that the expansion would ensure coverage of residential areas, industrial zones, traffic corridors and green belts. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the locations were decided by the previous AAP government and that the current administration had followed directions issued by the CPCB while expanding the network. However, an analysis published last year by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) pointed out that while Delhi has one of the densest monitoring networks in the country, its spatial distribution remains skewed. According to CSE, “nearly one-third of residents (31%) live within 2 km of a station”. The analysis had also found that of the total area of Delhi, about 75% lies within 5 km radius of an air quality station, indicating that it leaves large peripheral districts in “data shadows”, where reliable information cannot be accumulated. These outer zones, the analysis noted, are home to rapidly expanding populations and face high exposure risks but remain poorly represented in the monitoring network.

• Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

Dead EV battery doesn't mark end of its utility, UN official tells PTI

Under India's existing EPR framework, gaps in enforcement were flagged in other waste streams by think tanks earlier. In 2024, a report by the Centre for Science and Environment flagged shortcomings in the implementation of plastic EPR rules, with the CPCB and state pollution control boards identifying about 7,00,000 recycling certificates that did not correspond to verified processing capacity.