• Sustainable Food Systems

Brace yourself for a deluge of GM crops

Down to Earth, the journal dedicated to environmental concerns, pointed out that a Centre for Science and Environment investigation in 2018 had found ‘GM ingredients in 32 per cent of 65 food products in India, 80 per cent of them imported’. Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has finally ended his silence on the Indo-US trade deal. On 17 February, Chouhan — who only last year said India needed to be cautious about allowing the entry of Genetically Modified (GM) crops — declared that Indian farmers had nothing to worry about, their interests were ‘completely protected’ in the ongoing negotiations. He said little on importing soyabean oil from genetically modified soyabeans and DDG (dried distillers’ grains) made from GM maize, both of which find mention in the joint framework to the ‘interim trade agreement’. Down to Earth, the journal dedicated to environmental concerns, pointed out that a Centre for Science and Environment investigation in 2018 had found ‘GM ingredients in 32 per cent of 65 food products in India, 80 per cent of them imported’. Sridhar Krishnaswami, a researcher with the Alliance for Sustainable & Holistic Agriculture (ASHA-Kisan Swaraj), fears that “DDGs and soyabean are just a ploy and that our agricultural market is going to be totally opened up”. Why else would the US insist on India removing or relaxing ‘restrictive’ trade practices? GM foods green-signalled in the deal include soyabean oil and DDGs made from GM maize and used for cattle and poultry feed. By doing so, the Modi government ended India’s long-term moratorium on GM food crops. Under the Environment (Protection) Act 1986, the import of GM crops was disallowed; an exception was made for BT cotton in 2002. India insisted that approval was required for every GM organism entering the food chain. As late as November 2022, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India had made it mandatory to label foods containing one per cent or more GM content insisting that all import consignments had to certify their non-GM status. In 2009, there was public backlash against moves to allow BT brinjal cultivation. This time, public reaction is muted because of lack of clarity and absence of details about the deal being negotiated. Even so, several experts say it is obvious that India has bowed to the pressure of major global seed companies (Bayer-Monsanto, Dupont Pioneer, Syngenta, Dow) and to the US, which is the largest exporter of GM crops in the world. Founder of Gene Campaign Suman Sahai believes the US desperately needed a market for its soyabean and corn, because China, once its top buyer, has dramatically scaled back its purchases. “Trump could not afford to annoy his large political base of soyabean and corn farmers, hence the pressure on us,” says Sahai. GM crops are plants whose DNA has been altered using genetic engineering techniques to introduce new traits such as resistance to insects and tolerance of herbicides and climate stress. This technology differs from traditional breeding, which mixes genes within a crop’s broader family over several generations. Experts believe India walked into this deal with its eyes closed, overlooking the ‘precautionary principle’ — followed by several countries — that prioritises the environment and health and safety measures while prohibiting the cultivation and entry of GM crops. More importantly, we are overlooking the fact that India is the centre of origin and genetic diversity for several crops. Regulators have repeatedly cited risks related to gene flow, biodiversity loss and long-term ecological impact. Shockingly, civil society has remained largely silent on the alarming repercussions of the side entry of GM food products. Could they have swallowed minister of commerce and industry Piyush Goyal’s assurances to the contrary? India produces around 13.05 million tonnes of soya bean and approximately 42 million tonnes of corn, 20 per cent of which is used to make fuel-grade ethanol. Self-sufficient in its corn output, India imports soya oil for cooking because it lacks the processing infrastructure for edible oil.

• Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

Why policy makers should look at Chennai’s autorickshaws for the future of last-mile delivery

Large delivery vans are increasingly impractical in many parts of Chennai. Parking is scarce, fuel is expensive, and traffic is unpredictable. According to the Centre for Science and Environment, transport alone can make up 30–35% of logistics costs in Indian cities—mostly because of inefficient movement within cities. Chennai is often called the automobile capital of India—and for good reason. In 2024, the city produced nearly 30% of India’s automobiles and 35% of its auto components. A strong mix of global manufacturers, suppliers, ports, and highways has made Chennai a key manufacturing and logistics hub. As Tamil Nadu pushes to become a global manufacturing powerhouse, the next big challenge isn’t just factories or highways. It’s how goods move within the city. Urban goods transport remains slow, costly, polluting, and poorly adapted to Chennai’s dense streets. Logistics is growing – but the last mile is lagging Chennai’s logistics sector is expanding fast. By September 2025, Grade-A warehousing space grew 135% year-on-year to 4.1 million sq. ft, driven by automobiles, engineering, and port-led trade. The Tamil Nadu Logistics Policy 2023 aims to connect ports, roads, railways, and freight corridors into one efficient system. The upcoming Multimodal Logistics Park at Mappedu is expected to strengthen this network further. But these big infrastructure projects largely ignore a crucial problem: how goods actually reach shops, workshops, and customers inside the city. MSMEs bear the brunt Tamil Nadu has over 4.5 lakh registered MSMEs. These small businesses depend on fast, affordable local transport. Instead, they face delays, rising costs, and unreliable deliveries due to traffic congestion and narrow roads. Large delivery vans are increasingly impractical in many parts of Chennai. Parking is scarce, fuel is expensive, and traffic is unpredictable. According to the Centre for Science and Environment, transport alone can make up 30–35% of logistics costs in Indian cities—mostly because of inefficient movement within cities. Solving this problem needs smaller, smarter, and cleaner solutions. Chennai already has one. Autorickshaws: Hiding in plain sight Over 1.2 lakh autorickshaws operate in the Chennai Metropolitan Area. They already navigate narrow streets with ease and form the backbone of urban mobility. If allowed to carry both passengers and light goods, autorickshaws could play a major role in last-mile delivery. These “dual-use” autos could carry small cargo loads (up to 150 kg), which is ideal for most intra-city deliveries. They could carry passengers during peak hours and switch to goods during off-peak times—making better use of vehicles that otherwise sit idle for hours. Integrating dual-use autorickshaws into Chennai’s upcoming City Logistics Plan could create a low-cost, scalable, and locally suited solution for MSMEs. Better incomes, better logistics This model also helps auto drivers. A Civitas Consultancies study found that 7 out of 10 drivers rent their vehicles, while most owners rely on informal debt. Income is unstable, and fare regulation delays make matters worse. Allowing autos to carry goods during low passenger demand could increase daily earnings by 20-30%. Instead of waiting for rides, drivers could deliver goods for nearby shops and businesses. At the same time, logistics companies gain access to a flexible, city-wide delivery network without investing in new vehicles. What needs to change The biggest hurdle is regulation. Updating vehicle approvals to allow higher cargo limits and easing rules that separate passenger and goods vehicles would unlock this model quickly. Small legal changes could create large economic and environmental benefits. A smarter way forward Chennai’s rise as a logistics hub doesn’t have to rely only on bigger trucks and bigger roads. Sometimes, the smartest solution is already on the street. By rethinking the role of autorickshaws, Chennai can build a last-mile logistics system that is efficient, inclusive, and environmentally friendly – turning an everyday vehicle into a quiet but powerful innovation.

• Director General Office

TN sets course for emission cuts by 2030

Chief Minister MK Stalin on Tuesday announced that Tamil Nadu will formulate State Determined Contributions (SDCs) to establish measurable carbon-reduction targets across departments by 2030, positioning the state on a par with India’s Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement. Inaugurating the two-day Tamil Nadu Climate Summit 4.0 in Chennai, Stalin said future state budgets would integrate climate action and align departmental schemes with emission reduction goals. The summit, organised under the aegis of the Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission, brought together policymakers, multilateral agencies and subject experts to deliberate on the state’s climate roadmap. During the event, the chief minister launched TN-SHORE (Tamil Nadu Sustainably Harnessing Ocean Resources and Blue Economy) and distributed revolving fund-based micro-loans of Rs 5 lakh each to the Killai–MGR Nagar and Killai–Kalaignar Nagar Mangrove Protection Groups. Officials said similar assistance would be extended to 32 other mangrove protection groups to bolster coastal livelihoods. He also laid the foundation stone for a Sea Cow (Dugong) Protection Centre at Thanjavur Manora. An MoU was exchanged between the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, the United Nations Environment Programme and the Tamil Nadu Green Climate Fund to establish a Circular Economy Centre at IIT-M. Separately, the SEBI-registered Tamil Nadu Green Climate Fund started its first round of investments. With a target corpus of Rs 1,000 crore and a green shoe option of another Rs 1,000 crore, the fund announced an initial deployment of Rs 70 crore across Kannapiran Polymers, electric mobility operator Oor Cabs and EV charging firm ESYGO. Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, said the fund would be managed by Tamil Nadu Infrastructure Fund Management Corporation Ltd. The state has committed Rs 100 crore, with the remaining Rs 900 crore to be mobilised through private finance for green ventures. Centre for Science and Environment Director General Sunita Narain underscored the widening global climate finance gap and called for innovative sub-national financing mechanisms. Stalin added that the summit was conducted sustainably, with 1,100 saplings planted in Krishnagiri to offset its carbon footprint. CM MK Stalin also distributed revolving fund-based micro-loans of Rs 5 lakh each to the Killai–MGR Nagar and Killai–Kalaignar Nagar Mangrove Protection Groups. Similar assistance would be extended to 32 other groups

• Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

PM10 stays 2.5 times above safe limit, but Faridabad uses only half of budget to cut pollution

Gurgaon: Faridabad has stayed far from meeting national clean-air standards but half of its anti-pollution budget lies unused. The city utilised Rs 53.2 crore of Rs 107 crore — just under 50% — released to it under National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) so far, fresh govt data accessed by TOI shows. While Faridabad had remained a ‘non-attainment city' under NCAP for seven years, the underutilisation has persisted. The city repeatedly failed to meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) even though it has managed to cut its PM10 levels by nearly a third over the past five years. Annual PM10 readings show that the city made some progress, but the improvement remains inconsistent and still far from the NAAQS annual permissible limit of 60 µg/m³. The latest figure — 153 µg/m³ in 2024-25 — marks a 33% reduction from 2020-21 levels (209), but PM10 concentration remains over 2.5 times higher than the national standard. "The city cannot afford to leave half its NCAP funds idle," said Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) analyst Manoj Kumar. Kumar added, "It is important to assess how these funds contributed to reductions in PM10 levels and identify the measures that delivered the most impact. This can help strengthen future implementation by ensuring resources are directed towards interventions that provide long-term improvements in air quality." Faridabad's annual PM10 readings show a gradual but uneven improvement over the past five years. The concentration stood at 229 µg/m³ in 2020-21, dropping to 209 µg/m³ in 2021-22, before rising slightly to 212 µg/m³ in 2022-23. The city recorded a more noticeable improvement thereafter, with the level declining to 190 µg/m³ in 2023-24. An earlier analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) found that Faridabad achieved only a 17% reduction in PM10 by 2024 when compared to the baseline year (2020-21), as the city did not have continuous PM10 data before that. Much like earlier years, most of the utilised NCAP funds went into dust control measures — including mechanised road sweeping, water sprinklers, black-topping of stretches and pavement of roads. Less than 1% of NCAP money previously went into tackling industrial pollution, CSE found in an RTI-based analysis. Founder and lead analyst at think-tank Envirocatalysts Sunil Dahiya said, "The absence of emission load reduction targets for key contributing sectors within cities and their broader airsheds, coupled with a lack of clearly demarcated accountability, explains why we didn't witness systematic, aggressive air quality improvements. NCAP 2.0 must change this by leveraging available data and tools to empower govts, administrations, and polluting sectors alike to take aggressive emission load reduction at source." A senior Municipal Corporation of Faridabad (MCF) official said the focus on dust control was deliberate. "Most industries in Faridabad have already been moved out of NCR. That is why spending is higher on traffic management and preventing dust resuspension. Funds were also used for creating EV charging infrastructure and skill development for officials," the official said. The city also spent part of the allocation on public awareness campaigns and afforestation efforts.Researchers say Faridabad's incremental improvement in PM10 levels is welcome but insufficient — especially considering the scale of pollution sources and the substantial funds still unutilised.

• Director General Office

Why Are Models Picking Trash In This Manipur Fashion Show?

Environmental policy expert Sunita Narain from the Centre for Science and Environment has consistently argued that India’s waste crisis is less about how much we generate and more about how poorly we segregate and manage it. Without proper separation at source, recyclable and biodegradable waste mix, reducing recovery and increasing dumping. At the Fashion Tourism Show 2026 in Manipur, designer Robert Naorem halted the runway after noticing litter scattered across the stage. Instead of asking staff to clear it quietly, he stopped the music and, along with nearly 40 models, began picking up the trash in full public view. The show paused. The audience watched. The models cleaned. The act was simple. That simplicity is exactly why it drew attention. In a country where public litter is common, basic civic behaviour often feels unusual enough to go viral. What Exactly Happened According to videos circulated online, Naorem saw plastic waste and paper debris on the runway during the event. Rather than continuing as planned, he interrupted the show. Gloves and garbage bags were brought out. The models joined him in clearing the space before the event resumed. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUyPNqWEojb/ There was no dramatic speech. No slogan. Just visible action. In a setting built around presentation and spectacle, the message was direct: if you use a public space, you are responsible for it. That responsibility does not disappear because the setting is glamorous. The fact that this incident became widely discussed shows how rare visible civic correction is in public events. Cleanups usually happen off-stage, often by sanitation workers who remain invisible. This time, those in the spotlight took on the task. The Waste Numbers Behind The Moment India’s waste problem is large and measurable. Urban India generates approximately 1.60–1.70 lakh tonnes of municipal solid waste every day. On average, an individual produces approximately 0.5 kg of solid waste per day. When multiplied across millions of people, even small acts of careless disposal add up quickly. Treatment levels remain uneven. Estimates suggest that only around 50–55% of municipal solid waste is scientifically processed, while nearly 19–25% in several urban local bodies remains unprocessed. Unprocessed waste often ends up in open dumps, poorly managed landfills, or informal disposal sites. Environmental policy expert Sunita Narain from the Centre for Science and Environment has consistently argued that India’s waste crisis is less about how much we generate and more about how poorly we segregate and manage it. Without proper separation at source, recyclable and biodegradable waste mix, reducing recovery and increasing dumping. The litter on a runway may seem minor. But it sits within this larger structural issue. Public Health And Economic Consequences Improper waste disposal is not just about appearance. Public health research links unmanaged waste to increased risks of diarrhoeal diseases, vector-borne infections, and respiratory exposure, especially in areas near open dumping or informal burning sites. Waste that blocks drains contributes to waterlogging, which in turn creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes. There is also an economic cost. Municipal bodies allocate large portions of their budgets to waste collection, transport, and landfill management. When waste is not segregated or disposed of properly, operational costs increase. Tourism areas and event spaces that appear dirty risk reputational damage. The visible act of picking up trash highlights a basic truth: preventing litter at source is cheaper and safer than cleaning up after systemic neglect. Why Civic Behaviour Breaks Down Littering persists because of both behavioural and structural reasons. Studies in behavioural economics show that people are more likely to litter in areas where waste is already visible. Social norms influence behaviour. If a space appears neglected, individuals assume that standards are low. Behavioural economist Sendhil Mullainathan has explained that people often default to the easiest immediate action. If a bin is far away or absent, dropping waste becomes the convenient choice. Designing systems that make correct disposal easy is essential. Policy recommendations from NITI Aayog also emphasise that infrastructure alone is insufficient. Behavioural nudges, public participation, and consistent messaging are required to change habits. Visible role models can shift perception by signalling that certain behaviour is expected. In this context, a public figure interrupting a show to clean a space functions as a behavioural cue.

• DTE - Web

Recycling Cultures in India: Studying Electronic and Textile Waste

Kiran Pandey, “India’s E-Waste Surges by 73% in 5 Years,” Down to Earth, 17 December 2024, https://www.downtoearth.org.in/waste/indias-e-waste-surges-by-73-in-5-years. At our home in Delhi’s National Capital Region (NCR) in India, I often wake up in the morning to the calls of street vendors. Many of them are experts in fixing small household items—be it a pressure cooker that needs a quick repair or a kitchen knife that requires a swift sharpening. Their calls are one of the few things in Delhi that remind me of my childhood in Assam, a state in the foothills of the Indian Himalayas. The cries of the scrap dealers, locally known as kawadiwalas, in the mornings in an otherwise quiet neighbourhood of the small town of Tinsukia are still distinct in my memory: “Tina, loha, plastic,” they were shouting, asking for recyclable waste such as old newspapers, plastic, or metals.

• Industrial Pollution

Punjab: Torrent Power to acquire Nabha Power plant from L&T, sold for Rs 6,889 crore

Last year, NPL achieved its highest-ever plant availability factor of 95 percent. The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), a research and advocacy organisation, too, had named NPL’s Rajpura facility as India’s best-performing supercritical coal-based thermal power plant in terms of emission intensity (in plants having less than 800 MW capacity). Torrent Power has entered into an agreement with Larsen & Toubro to acquire a 100 percent stake from the latter in Rajpura-based Nabha Power Limited (NPL) for an enterprise value of Rs 6,889 crore. The acquisition is structured as a complete buyout of equity and convertible instruments held by L&T Power Development Limited. Commissioned in 2014, the 1400 MW (two supercritical plants of 700 MW each) thermal power plant is believed to be one of the most efficient power plants in Punjab. Punjab: Torrent Power to acquire Nabha Power plant from L&T, sold for Rs 6,889 crore Commissioned in 2014, the Rajpura-based NPL comprises two supercritical units of 700 MW each article_Author Ruchika Khanna Aman Sood Patiala, Updated At : 07:59 PM Feb 16, 2026 IST fb twitter whatsapp Follow us 0 Follow us Connect with us 1 Connect with us featured-imgfeatured-img Nabha Power Plant, Rajpura. File Photo Advertisement Torrent Power has entered into an agreement with Larsen & Toubro to acquire a 100 percent stake from the latter in Rajpura-based Nabha Power Limited (NPL) for an enterprise value of Rs 6,889 crore. Advertisement The acquisition is structured as a complete buyout of equity and convertible instruments held by L&T Power Development Limited. Advertisement Commissioned in 2014, the 1400 MW (two supercritical plants of 700 MW each) thermal power plant is believed to be one of the most efficient power plants in Punjab. Advertisement Built with Japanese technology, it has consistently outperformed industry benchmarks. Last year, NPL achieved its highest-ever plant availability factor of 95 percent. The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), a research and advocacy organisation, too, had named NPL’s Rajpura facility as India’s best-performing supercritical coal-based thermal power plant in terms of emission intensity (in plants having less than 800 MW capacity). Official sources in the power department told The Tribune that the L&T Power Development Limited had first asked the state government to buy the plant during the tenure of the previous Congress government. In August 2022, L&T had even written a letter to the Chairman of Powercom offering them the plant for Rs 9,690 crore. This letter, written by the Director cum Vice President of the company had said that the company had invested Rs 10,000 crore in setting up the plant. However, the deal with the government ultimately did not get through. A senior Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) functionary told The Tribune, “Since the power purchase agreement (PPA) is already signed, the change of ownership will not make any difference as for now. However, at a later stage, there might be some issues which can be sorted out mutually, as is the scenario in such cases.” L&T chairman and managing director S N Subrahmanyan said, “The divestment of NPL aligns with L&T’s strategic objective of unlocking value to strengthen our robust core businesses. This move positions us to create long-term value for all our stakeholders — business partners, shareholders, and employees.” Speaking on the development, Torrent Power Limited chairman Samir Mehta said, “The acquisition marks Torrent’s entry into the high-growth power market of northern India. Upon completion, NPL will add a high-quality, best-in-class, and well-established operating asset to our portfolio supported by fully contracted cash flows and a strong operational track record. The acquisition will be value accretive from day one, delivering a meaningful uplift in the overall revenues and profitability.” The plant operates under a 25-year PPA, providing guaranteed long-term cash flows. It has long-term Fuel Supply Agreements (FSAs), with the flexibility to blend domestic and imported coal. The plant also helps L&T to pivot away from non-core asset-heavy development projects to focus on its core business of engineering, procurement, and construction.

• Director General Office

Delhi brought GRAP reactively after AQI crossed limit—13 out of 17 times this winter

According to Sunita Narain, Director of CSE, between these iterations and revisions, somewhere along the way, GRAP lost its original purpose. “When we took the idea of GRAP to the Supreme Court, it was supposed to be a temporary, emergency action plan,” she wrote on LinkedIn in December 2025. “But sadly, GRAP has become a proxy for action. This is not going to work. We need round-the-year action.” The Graded Response Action Plan for air pollution was imposed in Delhi a total of 17 times from January 2025 to January 2026, with Stage III restrictions lasting 53 days and Stage IV restrictions lasting 15 days. According to the Commission for Air Quality Management’s guidelines, GRAP measures should be planned as “advance action” and invoked based on AQI forecasts ahead of pollution-heavy days. However, ThePrint’s analysis of GRAP orders and a CEEW study from October 2025 showed that GRAP impositions largely relied on real-time AQI numbers, instead of on forecasts.

• Water Programme

Long read: When water kills: The cracks in the urban supply story

Even as India strides confidently towards becoming the world’s third largest economy, it still hasn’t figured out how to get the basics of a decent life delivered to the vast majority of its population. The recent deaths in Indore – all 25 of them – from drinking sewage infected water are not an aberration. As Kushagra Bhardwaj points out in this piece, the overwhelming majority of India’s population does not have access to clean drinking water. Consequently, the incidence of water borne diseases – diseases which not just Europe & America but also most of Asia eradicated 50 years ago – have soared in India in recent decades. Even more worryingly, this issue is not confined to a few states of India; it is a pan-India issue cutting across geographies and across political divides. Mr Bhardwaj says: “According to a report by Down to Earth published by the Centre for Science and Environment, from January 2025 to January 7, 2026, at least 34 people died and 5,500 people fell ill across 26 cities, including 16 state capitals, spanning 22 states…after drinking sewage-contaminated piped drinking water.” To understand the speed at which India has gone backwards on this front, Mr Bhardwaj has studded his article with several excellent infographics which we would strongly encourage you to read & reference. In case you are too busy to do so, here are 3 points which hit us hard: Only 6% of urban Indian families get drinkable quality water from the tap whereas 62% use some form of modern filtration equipment at home. The number of Indians annually infected by Hepatitis A has risen 10x in the last 5 years. The jump in the incidence of Cholera in India over the same period is 5x. Relatively prosperous Indian states like Kerala, Tamilnadu and Karnataka feature prominently among states afflicted by disease infected water. So why is the Indian state failing so comprehensively to deliver such a basic human need? Mr Bhardwarj’s piece points to three issues (all 3 of which are hard to rectify). Firstly, the way the main water feeder pipes have been constructed in Indian cities puts them in close proximity to sewage pipes. Mr Bhardwaj writes: “Water pipelines running in close proximity to sewage-carrying pipelines significantly increase the risk of contamination. “The most critical point of pollution occurs when feeder mains pass through multiple areas, crisscrossing storm water drains and sewage lines,” Thippeswamy says. “When these lines crisscross, the joints are vulnerable.” Historically, when Indian cities were developed, artificial drains were designed to carry the stormwater from rooftops, streets and roads to natural drains or water bodies to prevent flooding of local areas. However, today, in most cities, these stormwater drains are filled with filth, which often comes into contact with drinking water supply lines, leading to contamination. However, multiple experts have highlighted that one of the greatest drawbacks of our water supply system remains intermittent supply. In most cities, water is often supplied twice or thrice a day, usually during specified timings. “When no water is being supplied, there is low pressure in the pipeline. It allows outer contaminants to enter the pipeline during this time. Surrounding groundwater, if mixed with the raw sewage, can enter the drinking water system through cracks and loose joints. This is called back siphonage or intrusion,” Subrata Chakraborty, Director, Water Program at the Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment, told DH.” The second challenge arises from the sequence in which water pipes and sewage lines have been laid in India. Ideally, the water pipes should be ABOVE the sewage lines with a gap of 0.5m between the two pipes. However, in India the water pipes were laid many years BEFORE the sewage lines. This creates a major structural challenge when it comes to installing sewage lines. Mr Bhardwaj explains: “The challenge stems from the order in which the infrastructure is developed. “Almost all urban local bodies have some drinking water supply system,” Subrata explains. “But not all areas of these cities are covered under sewer line systems. So, drinking water lines are already there. Now, when you need to lay down sewer lines, engineers first need to identify the drinking water line and go below it.” Implementing this requires tools, training and documentation, resources that most cities lack.” Thirdly, Indian politicians prefer to prioritise capex over maintenance because the capex is tangible, do-able, can be shown to the voters and also creates scope for exercising patronage. As a result of this the unglamourous but essential work of maintaining water pipes is usually overlooked by the local and state governments. In fact, so poor is our maintenance of water-related infrastructure that in many cities the government actually does not know where the water pipes are: “Vishwanath Srikantaiah, popularly known as the Rain Man of Bengaluru, highlighted another problem about the ageing underground infrastructure. “The typical lifespan of pipes is around 30-40 years. However, there is no publicly available database storing information about these pipelines. It is usually only when some incidents happen that they are changed or repaired.” Asset replacement requires funds that cities often claim they lack. “Some amount is earmarked for asset replacement They start with the oldest pipelines, gradually replacing them,” Thippeswamy says. “But finances are always limited.””

• Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

Sweeping gap in dust control: Gurgaon has only 18 of 38 required mechanical sweepers operational

Gurgaon: The city continues to struggle with road dust due to a glaring shortage of mechanical road sweepers. Though the city has 287 km of roads wider than 60 feet, requiring 38 large mechanical road sweeping machines (MRSMs), only 18 are operational, leaving a deficit of 20, data shows. This gap remains despite repeated directives from the CAQM, which mandated strict technical and operational standards for mechanised sweeping across the NCR. Bridging this shortfall is estimated to cost Rs 26 crore, but procurement is still awaiting administrative approval. MRSMs are specialised vehicles that sweep and vacuum fine dust while spraying water to suppress particles. Dust collected is stored in hoppers and filtered to prevent re-release into the air. CAQM mandated that new fleets must run on CNG or electric power. The issue is particularly acute in Gurgaon, where road dust is a major contributor to particulate pollution, worsened by traffic, construction activity, and unpaved shoulders. During dry months, CAQM warned that road dust spikes PM10 levels and contributes to PM2.5 through re-suspension. Auxiliary dust-control measures also fall short. Gurgaon requires 40 water sprinklers during Grap periods but has only 30. Similarly, just 13 mobile anti-smog guns are available against a requirement of 24, with funding for additional units pending. The problem extends beyond wide roads. Gurgaon also has 99.64 km of medium-width roads and 311.16 km of narrow roads, but no medium or small MRSMs were deployed or even proposed. This leaves over 410 km of the city's road network outside the mechanised sweeping framework, in violation of CAQM norms that require separate machines for different road widths. In its latest direction dated Feb 10, CAQM laid down uniform technical and operational norms for mechanised sweeping across NCR, flagging road dust as a dominant contributor to PM10 and a significant source of PM2.5, especially during dry months. The commission directed that MRSMs must be deployed strictly according to road width, with separate specifications for large, medium and small roads. Machines must be equipped with integrated water spraying and particulate matter filtration systems to prevent re-suspension of dust. It also mandated that MRSMs operate for at least eight hours per shift, follow declared sweeping schedules, run on CNG or electric fuel in new fleets, and ensure scientific disposal of collected dust to prevent its re-entry into ambient air. Experts cautioned that mechanised sweeping, while useful, cannot be seen as a silver bullet. Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, research and advocacy, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), said focusing only on mechanical road sweepers will not solve Gurgaon's dust problem. Roychowdhury said cities need a road redevelopment approach, where entire road networks are rebuilt with properly paved carriageways, footpaths and shoulders, avenue greening and well-designed drains, all of which directly reduce dust generation. "Otherwise, sweeping and water sprinkling become a never-ending exercise. You collect dust, dump it somewhere, and it re-enters the air. Even the fuel used to run these machines adds to pollution. Without fixing the roads themselves, sweepers alone cannot control dust," she added. TOI earlier reported on how loose dust remains widespread across Gurgaon, from dug-up roads to exposed construction materials and garbage trucks. Busy areas such as MG Road, Udyog Vihar, Sector 29, Sushant Lok 1, Galleria Market Road, IFFCO Chowk, Atlas Chowk, and Gurgaon-Faridabad Road are particularly affected. According to the pollution board, the size of dust particles determines their health hazard.

• 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.

• Sustainable Habitat

Debris and road dust drive PM10 pollution level in Delhi-NCR, experts tell MCG

Gurgaon: During a one-day training session on construction and demolition (C&D) waste management, experts told MCG officials that dust from roads, soil and construction activities accounted for 42% of PM10 pollution in the Delhi-NCR, making C&D waste a major, but often overlooked, source of air pollution. Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), briefed civic officials on dust control strategies and recycling models drawn from cities participating in the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). If not disposed of properly, C&D waste causes blockage of water bodies, urban flooding, land instability and eats into green areas, experts said. About 80% to 90% of C&D waste can be recycled and reused, and if measures such as road management, material handling and wind barriers are used at construction sites, PM10 emissions can be reduced by 64% to 79%, they said.

• Sustainable Food Systems

International peer-reviewed study validates our honey quality, says Patanjali

HARIDWAR: Patanjali Ayurved has said its honey meets the highest standards of quality and purity after a peer-reviewed research study was published in Applied Food Research, an international journal by Elsevier. The company said on Thursday that the study provides "scientific validation of Patanjali’s long-stated claims on product purity and consumer safety." Managing director Acharya Balkrishna said Patanjali "practises what it preaches and remains committed to protecting consumers from adulterated food products". He added that "Indian food products have often faced scepticism at global forums, but publication of the research in an international journal demonstrates India’s capability to achieve and maintain world-class research and quality standards." Balkrishna said the findings were "a matter of pride not only for Patanjali but also for the Indian FMCG sector as a whole." The study said that Patanjali honey contains no external sugars, synthetic syrups or harmful chemical residues. It also found that the product complies with all regulatory requirements and reflects robust industrial-grade quality systems. Anurag Varshney, chief scientist at Patanjali, said 25 batches of Patanjali honey were analysed using advanced techniques such as HPLC, HPTLC and UHPLC. "The results showed that all batches were fully compliant with food safety and quality norms prescribed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/fssai) (FSSAI). The study also observed a high level of consistency in quality across batches, " he added. Patanjali honey had faced controversy following a 2020 report by Centre for Science & Environment which alleged that along with other major brands,it had failed International Nuclear Magnetic Resonance test for adulteration with sugar syrup. Patanjali had at the time refuted the findings.

• Down To Earth

Parties Urged To Include Key Environmental Issues in Manifestos

Continuing a practice it has followed during previous parliamentary and assembly elections, the organisation announced that it will release its “Environmental Election Manifesto” after consultations with like-minded groups, scientists, social movements, and environmental activists. The initiative is based on the principle that electoral promises should include time-bound and actionable plans to tackle the growing climate crisis and ecological degradation. During the 2021 assembly elections, several political parties incorporated key recommendations from the environmental manifesto into their documents. Following its electoral victory, the DMK government issued government orders and implemented certain projects aligned with the demands raised by environmental groups, according to 'Poovulagin Nanbargal'. The renewed call for climate-focused electoral commitments comes against the backdrop of increasing extreme weather events in Tamil Nadu. The report 'Climate India 2024: An Assessment of Extreme Weather Events', released by the Centre for Science and Environment, notes a rise in cyclones, floods, droughts, heatwaves, and lightning incidents linked to global warming.

• 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.