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Indian Soils Extremely Deficient in Nutrients

The levels of organic carbon and macronutrients in Indian soils are either “very low”, “low” or “medium”. According to a recent Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) report, about 85% of soil samples are deficient in organic carbon. Of these samples, about 15% contain very low levels of organic carbon, 49% contain low levels of organic carbon and 21% contain medium levels of organic carbon. Similarly, 97% of the samples are deficient in nitrogen—out of these, 45% of the samples show very low levels of nitrogen, 36% low levels of nitrogen and 16% medium levels of nitrogen. The report found that 83% of the samples are deficient in phosphorus—17% reveal very low levels of phosphorus, 31% reveal low levels and 35% medium levels. About 71% of the samples are deficient in potassium. Of these samples, about 5% have very low levels of potassium, 14% low levels and 52% medium levels. Indian soils are also deficient in micronutrients with more samples showing deficit in boron, iron, sulphur and zinc and a lesser number in copper and manganese. As per the Soil Health Card scheme, initiated by the Union ministry of agriculture and farmers welfare in 2014-15, the soil is considered deficient in macronutrients, like nitrogen, organic carbon, phosphorus and potassium if the levels of these macronutrients in the soil are “very low”, “low” or “medium” and sufficient if the levels of the macronutrients are “high” or “very high”. Similarly, soils containing less than the prescribed level of a micronutrient—boron, copper, iron, manganese, sulphur and zinc, etc.—are considered deficient and soils containing equal to or more than the prescribed levels of micronutrients are considered sufficient. Deficiency in Indian Soils According to the report, organic carbon deficiency is widespread across the country—24 states and Union Territories (UTs) have, at least, half of their soil samples deficient in organic carbon. Out of these, seven states have more than 90% deficient samples. Haryana’s soils are the most deficient in organic carbon, followed by those of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Mizoram, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Nitrogen deficiency is also widespread and severe—32 states and UTs have nitrogen deficiency in at, least, half of their soil samples. Of these, 27 states and UTs have more than 90% deficient samples. Fifteen states and UTs have nitrogen deficiency in almost all of their samples—Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dadar and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Bihar, Delhi, Haryana, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Odisha, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. The report highlighted that replenishment of nutrients is crucial if crop production is to continue in the long run. “Recycling of organic matter or biomass can be done through the application of organic fertilisers and practices like growing green manure crops or mulching,” the report stated. “Some other practices that help regain nutrients include crop rotation, inter-cropping and mixed cropping. Biofertilisers can enable nutrient mobilisation and solubilisation in soil. Chemical-based fertilisers directly provide nutrients to the soil.”

In Delhi, heatwave pushes ozone levels past safe limit

According to DPCC data for the last week of April (April 24-30), temperatures shot up to 43-47°C in parts of Delhi (against a normal average of around 38°C during the period), with locations such as Jawahar Lal Nehru (JLN) Stadium, Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range, Nehru Nagar, Mandir Marg, RK Puram and Narela all breaching the eight-hour ozone limit of 100 micrograms per cubic metre six out of the seven days. With mercury in the National Capital Region (NCR) rising earlier than usual this year and roads choking with vehicles, the level of ground-level ozone, a highly reactive gas that can be particularly dangerous to those suffering from asthma and respiratory conditions, is on the rise and has already breached permissible standards at several spots across the city, data from Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) shows. The gas is formed as a result of a mixture of heat and gases such as oxides of nitrogen and volatile organic compounds, largely occurring during the day in areas where there is traffic congestion or the presence of several industries. According to DPCC data for the last week of April (April 24-30), temperatures shot up to 43-47°C in parts of Delhi (against a normal average of around 38°C during the period), with locations such as Jawahar Lal Nehru (JLN) Stadium, Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range, Nehru Nagar, Mandir Marg, RK Puram and Narela all breaching the eight-hour ozone limit of 100 micrograms per cubic metre six out of the seven days. At Mundka, a busy industrial area, it breached the eight-hour limit on five of the seven days, while at Aurobindo Marg, where traffic congestion is an issue, it failed to meet the standards on three of the seven days. During this period, the highest eight-hourly values were recorded at JLN stadium, where it touched 199.8 micrograms per cubic metre, followed by the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range (188.4) -- both nearly two times the safe limit. Unlike PM2.5, PM 10 or NO2 which have 24-hour standards, ozone levels are measured by eight-hour standards and one-hour standards, largely owing to how dangerous the gas can be in a short span of time. While the eight-hour standard of ozone is 100 micrograms per cubic metre, the hourly standard is 180 micrograms per cubic metre. DPCC data shows the gas’s hourly values touched 251 micrograms per cubic metre at JLN stadium during the last week of April close to noon every day when there is substantial traffic and the temperature is high. At Nehru Nagar, next to Lajpat Nagar, it reached 238 micrograms per cubic metre, primarily due to the traffic. According to experts, while the levels of PM2.5 (particulate matter with diameters of 2.5 microns) and PM10 (suspended coarse particulate matter, either solid or liquid, with a diameter of 10 micrometres or less) may reduce, dangerous gases can still pollute the air, with ozone generally becoming the lead pollutant on those days. “Ozone levels are highest on days when there are clear skies, and if the level of particulate matter is low, the sun’s heat penetrates deeper into the atmosphere, reacting with oxides of nitrogen to form ozone,” said Dipankar Saha, former head of the Central Pollution Control Board’s air laboratory. He added that ozone levels are likely to increase further in May and June, when the heat peaks. A study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) last year found that high levels of ozone have become a year-round problem for Delhi — particularly during the summers. Tanushree Ganguly, programme lead at the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) said since emissions from vehicles are a significant source of NOx, there is a need to focus on the vehicular sector to reduce ozone levels, which will also aid in the reduction of particulate matter. “Multiple spots, including Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, Chandni Chowk, Patparganj, Narela and Jahangirpuri, reported ozone concentrations higher than the permissible 180 µg/m3 over the last few days,” said Ganguly.

Delhi: Dangers above & down under as groundwater toxic near landfills

NEW DELHI: The groundwater near the landfill sites — Bhalswa, Ghazipur and Okhla — and the engineered sanitary landfill at Bawana continues to be contaminated. Delhi Pollution Control Committee, which had collected samples from 4-5 sites near each landfill site in December last year, found that total dissolved solids (TDS), calcium, sulphate and magnesium levels were beyond the desirable limit. Experts said consumption of water with a high TDS level for longer periods could be harmful for health. Richa Singh, programme officer, municipal solid waste, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), said, “High levels of TDS are caused due to the presence of potassium, chloride and sodium and toxic ions in larger amounts. Consumption of water with elevated amounts of TDS for longer periods will expose the body to various chemicals and toxins. It may cause chronic health conditions like cancer, liver, kidney failures, nervous system disorders, weaken immunity and may also cause birth defects in the newborns. This occurs because suspended solids act as a substrate to carry the disease causing agents.” “Testing of these samples for the presence of heavy metals is necessary because that can also contribute in imparting toxicity and high TDS to groundwater,” added Singh. The DPCC report showed that though the desired TDS limit for drinking water was 500 mg/l, it was up to four times higher at some sites. For instance, TDS was 2,170 mg/l at the fish market near Ghazipur landfill site and 2,160 at Bhalswa Dairy. Apart from TDS, sulphate and manganese were also higher at most sites. The DPCC report stated that sulphate level was highest at Sanoth village, Bawana (884 mg/l) and Bhalswa Janta Colony (826 mg/l) as against the desired limit of 200 mg/l. Some sites near Bawana landfill site had magnesium levels within the desired range of 30 mg/l. However, magnesium levels were higher at all sampled sites near Bhalswa, Ghazipur and Okhla. Some sites did not meet the criteria of desired limit of chloride and hardness levels. According to experts, the primary source of contamination in groundwater is unsegregated waste at the landfill sites leaching into the soil. Shashank Shekhar, professor, department of geology, Delhi University, said, “The observed high level of major irons like calcium, magnesium, etc in groundwater in close proximity to landfill site may be attributed to leachate to the landfill site, which enter and contaminate the groundwater within its vicinity. Further investigation with regards to ammonia and nitrate is desired to confirm the groundwater quality in its vicinity.” “It has also been observed that these landfill sites have crossed their carrying capacity and it should have been proposed a long time ago that further dumping of garbage in them would pollute the groundwater systems and have an undesirable environmental impact in the vicinity. It is desired that the government look for alternate sites or process the waste in a scientific way to adhere to environmental laws,” added Shekhar.

Scorching April heat flags climate ABYSS

Global warming seems to have jumped out of academic conference rooms and doomsday predictions of climate activists to bite much of north and central India and Pakistan. Global warming seems to have jumped out of academic conference rooms and doomsday predictions of climate activists to bite much of north and central India and Pakistan. April saw scorching heat conditions, which according to the Indian Metrological Department (IMD), was the most intense in 122 years. The heat wave has enveloped over 1.5bn people across borders, and governments are worried at the toll it has taken on lives and crops. Banda in East UP logged a record high of 47.4 degree C on April 29, while several regions including Allahabad, and Gurugram in the national capital region and Chandrapur in central India have all crossed 46-deg C mark. An assessment by the Centre for Science and Environment said the heat wave started around March 11 and has enveloped as many as 11 states. In Pakistan’s Baluchistan region, temperatures are close to 50 deg C, unknown in this period of the year. Work is at a standstill as people don’t leave their homes; and frequent power and water supply breakdowns have made things worse. ADVERTISEMENT Disruptions are widespread in India too. Many schools have been closed and power outages have become common as thermal power plants are not able to cope with the 9% spike in power demand. One of the reasons is coal supply to 108 of the 173 thermal plants are critically low. As much as 75% of India’s power is still sourced from coal-fired plants, and the Railways rushing coal cargo to these plants has led to the cancellation of 1,100 passenger trains till the end of May. Local weather systems fail The immediate reasons, according to weather experts, for the above-normal heat conditions is the lack of what they call ‘western disturbances’ in the north-west region of the Indian subcontinent. These low pressure ‘disturbances’ create light rainfall and thundershowers keeping the summer heat in check. However, the 4 episodes or ‘western disturbances’ this year between March and April, were low grade and not enough to bring down temperatures substantially this year. D Sivananda Pai of Kottayam-based Institute for Climate Change Studies said periodic ‘anti-cyclones’ over western parts of Rajasthan in March exacerbated the situation. Anticyclones cause hot and dry weather by sinking winds around high-pressure systems. The ongoing heatwave has taken a toll on the rural economy. In the north-western states, especially Punjab and Haryana, wheat crop yields have dropped by over 50% in areas experiencing extreme temperatures. From Himachal Pradesh in India to Baluchistan’s Mustang district, fruit crops, especially apple and peach orchards, have been decimated. Apple trees bore blooms nearly a month in advance, and then withered away with the heat without bearing fruit. Global warming playing out Though local weather systems have been responsible for the intense April heat, there is no doubt it is the long-term impact of Climate Change and Global Warming that is playing out. The UN Study by the Intergovernment Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), published this February, looks at the causes, impact and solutions to climate change; and is a lucid analysis of how a warmer world is endangering all the living things on Earth. The report explains how extreme weather events linked to climate change like floods and heatwaves are hitting humans and other species much harder than previous assessments indicated.Between 2010 and 2020, 15 times more people died from floods, droughts and storms in very vulnerable regions including parts of Africa, South Asia and Central and South America, than in other parts of the world. Sherry Rehman, Pakistan’s minister for climate, told ‘The Guardian’ of UK that the heatwave was melting glaciers in the north of the country at extraordinary speed, and that thousands were at risk of being caught in flash floods. She also said that the sizzling temperatures were not only impacting crops but water supply as well. “Our big dams are at dead level right now, and sources of water are scarce,” she said. The positive side of the IPCC report is that it still holds out a window of opportunity that, if the world’s government’s and civic leaders act in time to keep global warming within 1.5 deg C of pre-industrial 1850 levels, there is hope for reversing the trend. For this greenhouse gas emissions need to peak by 2025 and then fall 43% by 2030 to touch 2019 levels. To lower emissions, the age of fossil fuels must end. Coal use must drop 95% by 2050 on 2019 levels, oil by 60% and gas 45%to meet the 1.5°C goal, says Jan Christoph Minx, one of the authors of the IPCC report. Unfortunately, governments including the India’s, are not doing enough. But then that is another story. Record-high temperatures Banda in East UP logged a record high of 47.4o C on April 29, while several regions including Allahabad, Gurugram in the NCR and Chandrapur in central India have all crossed the 46o C mark. In Pakistan’s Baluchistan region, temperatures are close to 50o C. 50% In north-western states, especially Punjab and Haryana, wheat yields have dropped by over 50% in areas experiencing extreme temperatures

Heatwave may return from Monday in Delhi

NEW DELHI: Several parts of Delhi received very light rain on Friday. The afternoon shower was accompanied by strong to gusty winds. However, heatwave conditions are likely to return from May 9 and the mercury is expected to touch 44 degrees Celsius by May 11. According to India Meteorological Department, 1 mm and 0.5 mm rainfall was recorded at Lodhi Road and Pitampura, respectively, between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm. Only ‘trace’ rainfall was reported at the observatories of Safdarjung, the city’s base station, and Ridge. The wind speed was recorded up to 30 kmph between 12 pm and 1 pm at Palam. The maximum temperature rose from 37 degrees Celsius on Thursday to 38.4 degrees Celsius on Friday at Safdarjung. The minimum temperature settled at 24.2 degrees Celsius, one degree below normal. The relative humidity levels oscillated between 36% and 80%. A weatherman said rain is unlikely for the next five days in the capital but there are chances of formation of thundery development on Saturday. The day temperature is likely to rise from Saturday. According to IMD, the maximum temperature is likely to reach 41 degrees Celsius by Saturday and 43 degrees Celsius by May 9. Parts of the capital may witness the mercury crossing 45 degrees Celsius from May 11. Strong surface winds are expected on May 11 and 12 during the daytime. Delhi has been witnessing heatwave conditions since the last week of March. Meanwhile, Centre for Science and Environment has stated that the impact of heatwaves is more pronounced in cities due to the urban heat island effect. It is a phenomenon where densely populated and built urban areas witness higher temperatures than their surrounding rural areas. “Rising heat in the cities is pushing the poor to invest in mechanical cooling systems like desert coolers or even air conditioners, which is leaving a hole in their pockets due to elevated energy bills,” said CSE. The finding was based on a study conducted by CSE on material penetration in several cities using the state real estate regulation authority database.

Delhi Pollution: दिल्ली के बढ़ते तापमान से प्रदूषण ने भी पकड़ी रफ्तार, ओजोन लेयर को लेकर बढ़ा खतरा

राजधानी दिल्ली में भीषण गर्मी और बढ़ते तापामान की वजह से प्रदूषण भी बढ़ा है. इसकी वजह से ही ओजोन का स्तर भी दोगुना बढ़ा है. दिल्ली में बढ़ते तापमान की वजह से प्रदूषण में भी काफी तेजी आई है. गर्मी के वजह से आसपास के इलाकों में एक अलग तरह का प्रदूषण बेहद तेजी से बढ़ा है. यह प्रदूषण ग्राउंड लेवल ओजोन का है, जिससे दिल्ली के कई इलाकों में ओजोन का सेफ लेवल लगभग दोगुना हो गया है. दिल्ली एनसीआर में बढ़ते वाहनों की वजह से सड़कों पर ट्रैफिक लग रहा है और इससे जमीनी स्तर पर ओजोन का स्तर दोगुना बढ़ रहा है. ओजोन की वजह से होने वाला यह प्रदूषण विशेष रूप से अस्थमा और सांस की बीमारी वाले लोगों के लिए काफी खतरनाक हो सकता है. दिल्ली प्रदूषण नियंत्रण समिति (डीपीसीसी) के आंकड़ों से पता चलता है कि शहर भर में कई स्थानों पर इसकी वृद्धि हुई है और पहले से ही अनुमेय मानकों का उल्लंघन किया है. यह गैस गर्मी और गैसों जैसे नाइट्रोजन के ऑक्साइड और वाष्पशील कार्बनिक यौगिकों के मिश्रण से बनती है. यह प्रदूषण वहां पर बड़े पैमाने पर होता है, जहां दिन के दौरान उन क्षेत्रों में यातायात की भीड़ होती है. अप्रैल के अंतिम सप्ताह (24-30 अप्रैल) के डीपीसीसी के आंकड़ों के अनुसार, दिल्ली के कुछ हिस्सों में तापमान 43-47 डिग्री सेल्सियस तक पहुंच गया. दिल्ली के जवाहर लाल नेहरू (जेएलएन) स्टेडियम, डॉ कर्णी सिंह शूटिंग रेंज, नेहरू नगर, मंदिर मार्ग, आरके पुरम और नरेला सभी सात दिनों में से छह में 100 माइक्रोग्राम प्रति क्यूबिक मीटर की आठ घंटे की ओजोन सीमा का उल्लंघन हुआ है. बता दें कि 24 घंटे के मानकों वाले PM2.5, PM 10 या NO2 के विपरीत, ओजोन के स्तर को आठ घंटे के मानकों और एक घंटे के मानकों से मापा जाता है. इसका मुख्य कारण यह है कि कम समय में गैस कितनी खतरनाक हो सकती है. जबकि ओजोन का आठ घंटे का मानक 100 माइक्रोग्राम प्रति घन मीटर है, प्रति घंटा मानक 180 माइक्रोग्राम प्रति घन मीटर है. डीपीसीसी के आंकड़ों से पता चलता है कि अप्रैल के अंतिम सप्ताह के दौरान हर दिन दोपहर के करीब जब पर्याप्त ट्रैफिक होता है और तापमान अधिक होता है, तो JLN स्टेडियम में गैस का प्रति घंटा मान 251 माइक्रोग्राम प्रति क्यूबिक मीटर तक जाता है. केंद्रीय प्रदूषण नियंत्रण बोर्ड की वायु प्रयोगशाला के पूर्व प्रमुख दीपांकर साहा ने कहा कि ओजोन का स्तर उन दिनों में सबसे अधिक होता है जब साफ आसमान होता है. सूर्य की गर्मी वायुमंडल में गहराई से प्रवेश करती है, ओजोन बनाने के लिए नाइट्रोजन के ऑक्साइड के साथ प्रतिक्रिया करती है. मई और जून में ओजोन का स्तर और बढ़ने की संभावना है, जब गर्मी चरम पर होती है. सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट (सीएसई) द्वारा पिछले साल हुए एक अध्ययन में पाया गया कि ओजोन का उच्च स्तर दिल्ली के लिए साल भर की समस्या बन गया है जो खासकर गर्मियों के दौरान में होती है.

Climate and Us | India needs a heat stress strategy, not just heat action plans

States and the Centre were not prepared for an spring heat wave this March and April. Apart from issuing health advisories and heat wave warnings, not much could be done to reduce people’s exposure Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting to review heatwave management and monsoon preparedness last week and asked states and Union territories (UTs) to prepare heat action plans as a standard response at all levels. This direction on preparing heat action plans is significant. It’s the least India can do to prepare itself for severe heat stress which will continue to rise in the coming years. Please see the details at https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/climate-and-us-india-needs-a-heat-stress-strategy-not-just-heat-action-plans-101652106036136.html We don't have subscription of HT Premium digital access

CSE report flags poor state of organic fertilisers, biofertilizers sector in India

Key Highlights of the Report: India has become the second-highest producer and consumer of chemical fertilisers in the world. Per hectare chemical fertiliser consumption has been increasing over the years. The country’s soil health is also poor. There is widespread deficiency of organic carbon, macronutrients and micronutrients in Indian soils. Only a handful of the states were responsible for most of the country’s production. More than 90% of the country-wide production of carrier-based solid biofertilisers is limited to only five states. India produced 3.88 million tonnes of organic fertilisers in 2020-21, which is a dramatic decrease from the 338.72 million tonnes in 2017-18. Quality control infrastructure is poor. Many states do not have their own testing laboratories. Capacities of existing laboratories in the country are not utilised properly. Only 28% of the capacity of seven Regional Centre of Organic Farming laboratories was utilised in 2019-20. The number of biofertiliser samples tested decreased to 483 in 2019–20 from 654 in 2013–14. The percentage of samples failing the tests rose to 46 in 2019–20 from nine in 2013–14. [Ref: DTE] Barriers in the Growth of Biofertilizers and Organic Fertilizers: Total budgetary allocation to promote organic and natural farming is very low compared to the requirements. There is inadequate support for farm-level extension, training of farmers and local small manufactures. Local-level implementation of FCO and monitoring mechanisms lack credibility and trust. Farmers are not very aware of the benefits of non-chemical fertilizers. Dealers are also not very interested in buying and selling them. Corruption in securing licences for manufacturing, selling and quality testing of biofertilizers and organic fertilizers acts as a hindrance to their manufacture and sale. There is limited involvement of state agriculture universities and Krishi Vigyan Kendras in the production of biofertilizers or organic fertilizers. There is a lack of awareness regarding optimum practices related to organic and natural farming, which involves usage of biofertilizers and organic fertilizers. Adequate quantities of quality biofertilizers and organic fertilizers are not available at the local level. Recommendations: A targeted, ambitious nationwide programme is needed to drive the change towards organic and natural farming. Quality of biofertilizers and organic fertilizers must be ensured by developing a robust enforcement mechanism through collaboration between the Centre and states. Production and availability of biofertilizers and organic fertilizers must be ensured. Their use must be promoted through a multi-pronged approach by the Centre and states.

2022 Is Hotter Than Most Years, But Here's Why Urban India Is Feeling Even Hotter

North-western India and central India have been reeling under scorching temperatures since March this year. While India recorded its warmest March in the last 122 years, by April, the hilly regions of the country were also engulfed by a severe heat wave. In Himachal Pradesh, there were 21 days of heat waves in March-April 2022, with temperatures rising up to an unprecedented 42.5 degree C in Una; in Drass (Ladakh, one of the coldest places in the country) the mercury had gone up to 22.6 degree C. Deatails at : https://swarajyamag.com/ideas/soaring-temperatures-how-india-is-countering-severe-heat-wave-this-summer

Irresponsible waste management practices lead to landfill fires in Delhi

The dumping of garbage in the landfills is being done in an indiscriminate and unscientific manner. Heatwaves increase the amount of explosive methane gas released from wet waste in landfills. Experts blame bad waste management practices, while the authorities point at rising temperatures as the cause for landfill fires. On 26 April, a massive fire broke out at the Bhalswa landfill in north Delhi, within a month of the Ghazipur dumpsite erupting in flames, twice. While usually landfill fires are put out between two and five days, the flames at the Bhalswa site continue, leading to the longest operation by the Delhi Fire Services. According to the prescribed protocols, there first has to be segregation of wet waste and dry waste, which is not taking place. After that, the recyclables such as plastics and metals have to be isolated from the waste, which is also not taking place. This results in waste being dumped indiscriminately in landfills, making conditions ripe for fires to break out when temperatures rise, with the wet waste producing combustible gases, leading to spontaneous breakout of fires, which further spread through plastics and textiles that could have been recycled instead of being dumped. Even the makeshift measures of covering the fresh garbage with a layer of construction waste, to prevent the spread of fires is not being carried out. In short, none of the scientific principles for maintaining landfills are being followed by the authorities, who find it convenient to blame rising temperatures every year. According to waste management guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board, landfills are the last option for waste disposal, and ideally should not be used at all. However, in most cities, including the NCR, landfills are the preferred and first option for the disposal of waste. It also recommends proper segregation of bio-degradable wastes before garbage is dumped into landfills, something that is not carried out in the NCR. Residents around the areas of the landfill fires complain of irritation in the eyes and respiratory system, with the smoke containing highly toxic substances such as hydrocarbons, methane, radon, volatile organic compounds, and oxides of sulphur and nitrogen. The fires can have an adverse effect on the health of the residents in the entire NCR, as well as the flora and fauna. The problems faced by residents included sore throats, itchy eyes and respiratory difficulties. Additionally, there is evidence to support the role of the increase in particulate matter in the ambient air in enabling the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Scrap dealers continued to work in the hazardous environment around the 17-storey-high dumpsite, even as the fire raged on, putting their health at risks, but finding no other alternative as their lives depended on it. Even as firefighters struggled to douse the blaze, the authorities resorted to political pot shots and pointing at the thermometer, with no acknowledgement of the blatant mismanagement of the waste at landfills, that creates conditions where fires are inevitable. There is a science to how landfills are supposed to be operated, and mismanagement can lead to fires. The release of gases by wet waste increases during high temperatures, with the recent fire at Bhalswa breaking out in the middle of a heatwave. Experts are not surprised that the fire at Bhalswa landfill has been raging for over 10 days now. Richa Singh, Programme Officer, Municipal Solid Waste, Centre for Science and Environment in New Delhi says, "Fires at landfills that are not designed and operated scientifically can be prevented up to an extent but once ignited, extremely difficult to control. For sustainable operations at the site, regular compaction of waste and daily soil cover (10 cm thick cover) as per the existing law has to be followed in Ghazipur and Bhalswa dumpsites as a preventive action and interim measure." The landfill fires point to a systemic failure of waste management in Delhi. Pushpendra Johari, Senior Vice-President of Sustainability at RMSI Pvt Ltd, a Noida based consultation firm says, "Due to large quantity of organic matter waste available at the landfill ground such as food materials, yard waste, paper, clothes, etc., substantial level of methane gas is emitted as a result of waste materials degradation process. Methane when mixes with oxygen becomes very inflammable. Organic matter degradation process get expedited under high temperature causing increased level of methane gas emission and slightest of spark causes a fire in the Landfill." There are some mitigating steps that can be taken to prevent fires in the landfills, where explosive combinations of gases can exist. Pushpendra Johari says, "Landfill fires can be prevented by covering the top so that methane gases are blocked from escaping to atmosphere where they mix with oxygen and become explosive. More severe heat waves provide more conducive environment, as described above, for ignition of methane and oxygen mixture and we should expect more severe landfill fires." Heatwaves are predicted to increase in intensity and frequency going forward, and while there are some stop-gap measures that can be taken, but ultimately, segregation and proper handling of wastes is essential to prevent landfill fires in the future. Richa Singh says, "The Installation of gas vents (methane collection and treatment mechanism) could be one of the interim measures for controlling methane gas accumulation. However, it is not that efficient and cost-efficient for dumpsites. As a long-term preventive measure, the indiscriminate dumping of fresh mixed municipal solid waste has to be stopped. It is important to note that the decomposition of the biodegradable fraction (wet waste) generates methane in an uncontrolled manner, especially at high temperatures. Legacy waste treatment for remediation of dumpsites including Okhla, Bhalswa, and Ghazipur (by biomining) needs to be done as soon as possible." Many of the practices mentioned above are not followed, and experts point to mismanagement of waste at the dumpsites as the cause for the landfill fires, even as the authorities blame the temperature surges. The handling of waste in the NCR has much to be desired, with the lack of segregation being a glaring negligence, which causes a number of problems later on, including landfill fires. According to Richa Singh, at least some of the waste being dumped into landfills can be put to good use, with a major shortcoming in waste management practices being "a lack of source segregation and efficient treatment of biodegradable (wet) waste. Nearly, 50 per cent (5500 TPD) of Delhi's waste is organic in nature that can be converted into compost or biogas, or bio-CNG - if segregated at the source and diverted appropriately to the treatment plant. Recyclables (plastics, paper, textile, glass, metals, etc.) can be diverted to the recycling plants and ideally only the rejects (inert fraction) should reach the scientifically designed landfills. None of this is happening in Delhi. Nearly 50 to 60 per cent of total waste generated is indiscriminately dumped in the dumpsites." The government has acknowledged in several reports and guideline documents over the years that the ideal situation is to not use landfills at all. At the present time, there is a lack of basic segregation of dry and wet waste, which is a critical step towards achieving zero landfill. The East Delhi Municipal Corporation in collaboration with the Waste to Wealth Mission has set up a model Waste to Wealth Technology Park in Jafrabad, to test out and demonstrate a number of technologies for urban solid waste management. The idea is to eventually convert open dumpsites into an integrated decentralised waste management system. There is the possibility of diverting around 3,600 tons of fresh waste away from landfills while simultaneously generating valuable resources from the waste, which is one of the goals of the project. While in theory, the steps necessary for scientific management of wastes are well known, there has been a glaring lack of action towards tackling the problem, including taking the most basic and essential steps.

Summer farm fires provide a preview to winter mess

Stubble burning in the neighbouring states is on rise after the harvest of the rabi crop. The NASA NRT VIIRS satellite data analysed by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) shows that Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh have recorded over 13,200, 4200 and 18,900 fire counts, respectively, between March 1 and May 5. The number of fires in Punjab is more than the 8,500 recorded in the same period last year. The farm fires currently have a negligible impact on Delhi’s air quality because the wind is not conducive for the transport of smoke, but experts advised that proactive measures should be taken now to control the burning of rice harvest remnants in the winter season. Wheat forms most of the rabi crop, while the kharif season mostly sees rice being grown. L S Kurinji, programme associate, CEEW, said, “Usually, there are fewer rabi harvest fires than in the post-kharif harvest period because wheat residue is widely used as animal fodder while paddy residue is not. For instance, last year, the post-rabi harvest season in Punjab saw nearly 13,800 fires, whereas the post-kharif season saw the fire count go over 75,000.” Kurinji added, “While rabi stubble burning pales in comparison with the kharif fires, it is still a stark reminder that we have to act fast for the bigger winter problem. In the coming weeks, the farmers will start sowing and transplanting paddy. As an immediate step, authorities must focus on measures that limit residue generation and lengthen the cropping window such as phasing out PUSA 44 — a rice variety that ripens late and leaves behind more stubble at harvest — promoting early maturing varieties and switching to direct-seeded rice.” Chandra Bhushan, CEO, International Forum for Environment, Sustainability and Technology (iForest), said that apart from affecting the region’s air quality, farm fires are bad for the soil. “Wheat straw is a valuable fodder, so farmers don’t burn the straw, only a few inches of stubble near the roots,” he said. “But burning of wheat stubble is increasing and must be stopped. If there are so many fires in the rabi season, we can only imagine what will happen in the paddy season.” Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, research and advocacy, Centre for Science and Environment, said rabi farm fires did influence the overall air quality of the region, but its build-up wasn’t not as intense as in winter when inversion and cold, calm wind trapped pollution. “It is a matter of concern that the high number of farm fires this summer shows there still are big gaps in the implementation of in-situ and ex-situ solutions for stubble removal. Unless addressed with speed and scale now, we might be heading towards bad smog episodes this winter.”

'Warning', a must on unhealthy packaged foods: NAPi

Twenty-two Indian public health and consumer organisations came together to oppose FSSAI’s plan to label ultra-processed foods with ‘Health Star Rating’, which is designed to mislead and confuse consumers. In view of the growing crisis of obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, the statement points towards governments’ responsibility to warn consumers about these unsafe food products. New Delhi: A position statement on ‘Front-of-Pack Labelling (<a href="https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/tag/fopl">FOPL</a>) on <a href="https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/tag/unhealthy+food+and+drink+products">Unhealthy Food and Drink Products</a>’ was released today by the Nutrition Advocacy in the Public Interest (<a href="https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/tag/napi">NAPi</a>) through a press conference held at the Indian Women's Press Corps.<br><br>"NAPi believes that FSSAI has gone wrong both in its approach and the decision to include a ‘Health Star Rating’ on unhealthy food and drink products. We are pleased to share that prominent public health and consumer bodies from across the country have come together against this irresponsible move," said Dr Arun Gupta, convener, Nutrition Advocacy in Public Interest (NAPi), while presenting the position statement.<br><br>Endorsed by 22 Indian organisations protecting public health, the statement strongly opposes recently announced plans by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to adopt a ‘Health Star Rating’ (HSR) instead of a ‘Warning Label’, as a front-of-pack label for packaged foods high in salt, sugar, or fat.<br> "Packaged food products, which are high in unhealthy fats, salt or sugar and several of which are ultra-processed, damage health in many ways – from reducing immunity to increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity and certain cancers, "said Prof K Srinath Reddy, President, Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI). <br><br>"Star ratings can be misleading, as they do not clearly inform the consumer whether the rating is for specific constituents, taste, or shelf life. The consumer’s right to judge the health risks posed by any packaged food product is not served by the star ratings, "added Prof Reddy.<br><br>Developed by the NAPi in consultation with endorsing organisations, this joint statement adds to the growing criticism of FSSAI’s announcement to go ahead with ‘Health Star Rating’, which can mislead the consumer.<br><br>"Individual components like fibre, fruit, vegetables or nuts added to a fundamentally unhealthy food product in the name of positive nutrients, may give a false impression of the food's being healthy, which can lead to overconsumption of such food products", said Dr Vandana Prasad, community paediatrician, <a href="https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/tag/public+health+resource+network">Public Health Resource Network</a>, while adding to the misleading nature of Health Star Ratings. Health Star Rating (HSR) <a href="https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/tag/labels">Labels</a> can’t be a solution for Indian consumers, says George Cheriyan, "We should learn from the experiences of Australia and New Zealand and be cautioned against the adoption of HSR. It is important that Indian regulators choose a simple and interpretive label that aids consumers in rejecting unhealthy products. " <br><br>Experts from across the country are in favour of nutrient-specific ‘Warning Labels' which are known to be effective in reducing consumption of junk foods. <br><br>"Since there is stronger evidence that warning labels are able to impact consumer behaviour towards more healthy diets, it appears that the food industry is able to influence decision-making through the stakeholder consultations where it occupies a majority status," added Dr Prasad while commenting on the policy-making process.<br><br>Dr Remesh Kumar, President, IAP, said, "IAP endorses warning labels on packaged foods and NOT the health star rating (HSR) system. The food industry might like the stars on unhealthy food products, but we believe warning labels should be used, as this is what scientific evidence tells us. FSSAI may reconsider its decision on HSR."<br><br>"Considering obesity to be a major driver of morbidity and mortality, people should be able to identify foods with high calorie counts and harmful ingredients. Warning labels are a reliable way to identify harmful foods. It is the need of the hour," said Dr B G Dharmanand, President, IRA. <br><br>Supporting the point on warning labels, Dr Vitull K. Gupta, said, "Junk foods, ultra-processed foods, nutritionally inappropriate foods and caffeinated, colored, carbonated or sugar-sweetened beverages necessitate creating a healthy food environment supplemented by warnings on the front of pack label (FOPL)." <br><br>Referring to the importance of providing simple and effective information to consumers, Vasundhara Raghavan of the Kidney Warriors Foundation from Mumbai "It is well established that for consumers to make an informed decision at the point of purchase, the labels should be interpretive and provide judgments about the unhealthy nature of the product to enable them to make an informed choice."<br><br>The statement points towards substantial scientific evidence showing that increased consumption of ultra-processed unhealthy food and drink products is associated with high risks of NCDs and all-cause mortality. It also presents evidence to show that warning labels are the most effective way to reduce consumption of unhealthy food products, and health star ratings fail to do so.<br><br>"The food industry is not interested in providing such information to consumers as it may hit the bottom line and is happy with HSR, which is confusing and can be manipulated. It is imperative, therefore, that FOPL should be mandatory and not left to the industry as voluntary, "added Professor HPS Sachdev, member of NAPi, while emphasising the need for a mandatory regulation.<br><br>The statement also calls for a timely law for warning labels; the adoption of thresholds based on the nutrient profile model of the <a href="https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/tag/world+health+organization">World Health Organization</a> developed for the South East Asia Region; immediately stopping the marketing of unhealthy foods targeted at children; and the absence of conflict of interest while making decisions related to public health. It outlines the concern that about 60 per cent of annual deaths in India are due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and more than half of 5-to-19-year-old Indian children have elevated biomarkers of NCDs.<br><br>"India can’t afford the epidemic of obesity and non-communicable diseases. The Health Star Rating will help the junk food industry legally sell its bad food as good food. FSSAI can’t allow this. It must come forward and show that it cares for the health of the Indian consumer. It will have to act strongly to counter the industry's pressure and fulfil the mandate given, "said, Sunita Narain." Director General, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE).