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Ridership yet to hit pre-pandemic levels: Metro data

To be sure, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) on Wednesday reimposed the masks mandate in the Capital but has not imposed any other restrictions, including on transport. Despite lifting of all Covid-19 related restrictions in the Capital, the daily average ridership of the Delhi Metro only rose to 66% of the pre-pandemic level. According to data from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), the average daily ridership on weekdays between February 28 and April 17 this year is currently around four million, as against the 6.13 million average weekday ridership between January 1 and February 29 in 2020. During weekends, the average daily ridership between February 28 and April 17 this year was 3.121 million even as the data shows 4.753 million people used to take the Metro on weekdays between January 1 and February 29, 2020. The Delhi Metro had been operating under reduced capacity since the first Covid-19 lockdown in March 2020, and returned to normalcy only from February 28, 2022, when the Delhi Metro was allowed to function with 100% seating and standing capacity. To be sure, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) on Wednesday reimposed the masks mandate in the Capital but has not imposed any other restrictions, including on transport. After the first Covid-19 lockdown ended, DMRC data showed an average weekday daily ridership of 1.771 million between September 7, 2020, and May 9, 2021, and the average ridership on weekend was 1.296 million. During this period, Delhi Metro was allowed to function with only 50% seating capacity and strict enforcement of social distancing rules. The average daily ridership increased by around 50%following return to normalcy after the second lockdown -- the weekday ridership was 2.756 million between June 7, 2021 and February 27, 2022 and the weekend ridership during this period was 2.127 million. Delhi Metro operations were limited even in this period, with conditions, including 50% seating capacity and later, 100% seating capacity with no standing passengers, in force during the period. Anuj Dayal, principal executive director, corporate communications, DMRC, said passenger traffic has shown a steady increase, both on weekdays and weekends, following the lifting of all restrictions around Covid-19. “However, it is still less than the pre-pandemic levels,” said Dayal, adding that people were gradually gaining the confidence to move out during weekends for leisure. “The same is being reflected in the gradual increase in weekend journeys from around 1.2 million after the first wave to about 3.1 million now. If the pandemic remains within control, the number of journeys during weekends will surely increase further,” he added. Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, research and advocacy at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), said multiple factors are likely to be in play at the moment, including the seasonal impact from the heat and Covid-19 related apprehensions, which has seen a number of people switch over to public transport. “Following the first wave, a lot of people returned to private vehicles and some have not returned to public transport. On weekdays, work from home may still be a part, but on weekends, it is possible people are not venturing out as much, in order to avoid congested places. Certainly, the heat is also playing a factor in Delhi at present,” she explains.

Dramatic fall in organic fertiliser production in India from 2017-18 to 2020-21: CSE report

The Centre has initiated several schemes and programmes through which it promotes production and use of biofertilisers and organic fertilisers. In 2020-21, India produced 3.88 million tonnes of organic fertilisers, a dramatic decrease from 338.72 million tonne in 2017-18, a new report said adding that a targeted, ambitious, and well-funded nationwide programme is needed to drive the change towards organic and natural farming. The Centre has initiated several schemes and programmes through which it promotes production and use of biofertilisers and organic fertilisers. These schemes include those aimed at farmers to promote organic and natural farming such as Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North-Eastern Region, National Food Security Mission and National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm. “However, the sum total of funds spent on these schemes and programmes is dwarfed by the annual subsidy provided on chemical fertilisers. For example, the total organic farming practicing area covered under these schemes and programmes is only about 2.7 per cent of India’s net sown area of 140.1 million hectare,” said the CSE report State of Biofertilisers and Organic Fertilisers in India. Between 2018 and 2021, a sum of only Rs 994 crore was released for Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, Rs 416 crore for the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for Northeastern Region, and about Rs 4 crore for biofertilisers under the National Food Security Mission. Total subsidy on chemical fertilisers is steeply growing every year. In 2020-21, the annual subsidy bill was Rs 1,31,230 crore, which is more than 10 times the subsidy bill in 2001-02 (Rs 12,908 crore). The subsidy bill has grown sharply from 2019-20, when it was Rs 83,468 crore, partly due to rising international prices leading to higher subsidies on imported fertilisers. Providing details of production of organic fertilisers, the report mentioned that in 2017-18, Bihar led with 30 per cent production of organic fertilisers in India and was followed by Gujarat and Jharkhand. In 2018-19, Karnataka was the biggest producer of organic fertilisers, with a 94 per cent share in countrywide production. The state continued to be the leading producer in 2019-20, but its share dropped to 64 per cent. In that year, Andhra Pradesh had the second biggest share. In 2020-21, with a share of 63 per cent, Chhattisgarh led the countrywide production of organic fertilisers and Karnataka slipped to the second spot. In 2020-21, India produced 3.88 million tonnes of organic fertilisers, a dramatic decrease from 338.72 million tonne in 2017-18. The reasons for the steep fall in national production of organic fertilisers within a span of three years, or the manner in which state-wise shares in the total production have changed substantially between years, are not clear, the latest report from the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has pointed out. However, there are some things to look forward to. In 2020-21, the total production of liquid biofertilisers in India was about 26,442 kilolitres (kl), which marked a growth of about 552 per cent over the 2014-15 figures and when it comes to carrier-based solid biofertilisers, in 2020-21, India produced about 1,34,323 tonnes, a growth of about 435 per cent over the 2008-09 figure and 83 per cent over the 2018-19 figure. Pointing out that in 2017, India had 424 carrier-based solid biofertiliser manufacturing units and 108 for liquid biofertiliser manufacturing units, the CSE report said, “The production capacities are not optimally utilised by all states. There is also lack of compiled countrywide information on companies, registered biofertiliser products and authorisations given at the Central level.” Production and availability of biofertilisers and organic fertilisers must be ensured, and their use must be promoted through a multi-pronged approach by the Centre and states, the report recommended and suggested several steps to ease out the creases in the field. Biofertilisers are ready to use live formulates of beneficial microorganisms that on application to seed, root or soil mobilise nutrients through their biological activity in particular and help in building up the micro-flora and soil health in general. Organic fertilisers consist of decomposed organic material derived from animal, human and plant residues. They are of different types depending on the source of the organic material and nature of composting. For example, organic manure is a mix of cattle dung and plant residues, while vermicompost is developed with the help of earthworms.

Organic Fertiliser Production Down to Just 3.88 Million Tonnnes from 338.72 Million Tonnes in FY17-18: CSE

In 2020-21, India produced 3.88mn (million) tonnes of organic fertilisers, a dramatic decrease from 338.72mn tonnes in 2017-18, a new report said adding that a targeted, ambitious, and well-funded nationwide programme is needed to drive the change towards organic and natural farming. The Centre has initiated several schemes and programmes through which it promotes production and use of biofertilisers and organic fertilisers. These schemes include those aimed at farmers to promote organic and natural farming such as Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North-Eastern Region, National Food Security Mission and National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm. "However, the sum total of funds spent on these schemes and programmes is dwarfed by the annual subsidy provided on chemical fertilisers. For example, the total organic farming practicing area covered under these schemes and programmes is only about 2.7 per cent of India's net sown area of 140.1 million hectare," said the CSE report State of Biofertilisers and Organic Fertilisers in India. Between 2018 and 2021, a sum of only Rs994 crore was released for Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, Rs416 crore for the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for Northeastern Region, and about Rs 4 crore for biofertilisers under the National Food Security Mission. Total subsidy on chemical fertilisers is steeply growing every year. In 2020-21, the annual subsidy bill was Rs1,31,230 crore, which is more than 10 times the subsidy bill in 2001-02 (Rs12,908 crore). The subsidy bill has grown sharply from 2019-20, when it was Rs 83,468 crore, partly due to rising international prices leading to higher subsidies on imported fertilisers. Providing details of production of organic fertilisers, the report mentioned that in 2017-18, Bihar led with 30% production of organic fertilisers in India and was followed by Gujarat and Jharkhand. In 2018-19, Karnataka was the biggest producer of organic fertilisers, with a 94% share in countrywide production. The state continued to be the leading producer in 2019-20, but its share dropped to 64%. In that year, Andhra Pradesh had the second biggest share. In 2020-21, with a share of 63%, Chhattisgarh led the countrywide production of organic fertilisers and Karnataka slipped to the second spot. In 2020-21, India produced 3.88mn tonnes of organic fertilisers, a dramatic decrease from 338.72mn tonnes in 2017-18. The reasons for the steep fall in national production of organic fertilisers within a span of three years, or the manner in which state-wise shares in the total production have changed substantially between years, are not clear, the latest report from the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has pointed out. However, there are some things to look forward to. In 2020-21, the total production of liquid biofertilisers in India was about 26,442 kilolitres (kl), which marked a growth of about 552% over the 2014-15 figures and when it comes to carrier-based solid biofertilisers, in 2020-21, India produced about 1,34,323 tonnes, a growth of about 435% over the 2008-09 figure and 83% over the 2018-19 figure. Pointing out that in 2017, India had 424 carrier-based solid biofertiliser manufacturing units and 108 for liquid biofertiliser manufacturing units, the CSE report said, "The production capacities are not optimally utilised by all states. There is also lack of compiled countrywide information on companies, registered biofertiliser products and authorisations given at the Central level." Production and availability of biofertilisers and organic fertilisers must be ensured, and their use must be promoted through a multi-pronged approach by the Centre and states, the report recommended and suggested several steps to ease out the creases in the field. Biofertilisers are ready to use live formulates of beneficial microorganisms that on application to seed, root or soil mobilise nutrients through their biological activity in particular and help in building up the micro-flora and soil health in general. Organic fertilisers consist of decomposed organic material derived from animal, human and plant residues. They are of different types depending on the source of the organic material and nature of composting. For example, organic manure is a mix of cattle dung and plant residues, while vermicompost is developed with the help of earthworms.

सीएसई : गत तीन साल में देश के आर्गेनिक उर्वरक उत्पादन में आयी तेज गिरावट

वर्ष 2017-18 में देश में आर्गेनिक उर्वरक का उत्पादन 33.87 करोड़ टन था, जो तेजी से गिरता हुआ वर्ष 2020-21 में मात्र 38.8 लाख टन रह गया। सेंटर फॉर साइंट एंड एन्वॉयरमेंट की ताजा रिपोर्ट के अनुसार, साल 2017-18 में देश में सबसे अधिक ऑर्गेनिक उर्वरक का उत्पादन बिहार में हुआ। कुल उत्पादन में बिहार का योगदान 30 प्रतिशत रहा, जबकि गुजरात दूसरे और झारखंड तीसरे स्थान पर रहा। वर्ष 2018-19 में बिहार को पीछे कर कर्नाटक ने बाजी मार ली और कुल उत्पादन में उसका योगदान 94 प्रतिशत रहा। इसके अगले साल भी कर्नाटक ही अव्वल रहा लेकिन इसका योगदान तेजी से घटकर 64 प्रतिशत रह गया। इस साल आंध्र प्रदेश उत्पादन के मामले में दूसरे स्थान पर रहा था। साल 2020-21 में छत्तीसगढ़ पहले स्थान पर रहा और कर्नाटक एक पायदान पीछे चला गया। इस साल छत्तीसगढ़ का योगदान कुल उत्पादन में 63 प्रतिशत रहा था। सीएसई का कहना है कि लेकिन इस दौरान देश में तरल जैव उर्वरक का उत्पादन 2014-15 की तुलना में करीब 552 प्रतिशत की तेजी के साथ वर्ष 2020-21 में करीब 26,442 किलोमीटर हो गया। इस दौरान करियर आधारित ठोस उर्वरक का उत्पादन भी वर्ष 2018-19 की तुलना में 83 प्रतिशत बढ़कर करीब 1,34,323 टन हो गया। सीएसई का कहना है कि वर्ष 2017 में देश में 424 विनिर्माण इकाइयां करियर आधारित ठोस उर्वरक बना रही थी जबकि 108 संयंत्र तरल जैव उर्वरक के उत्पादन से जुड़ी थीं। सीएसई का कहना है कि सभी राज्य उत्पादन क्षमता का ठीक तरीके से दोहन नहीं कर रहे हैं। इसके अलावा इन कंपनियों, पंजीकृत जैव उर्वरक उत्पादों आदि के बारे में देशव्यापी जानकारी सीमित है। रिपोर्ट के मुताबिक देश को आर्गेनिक और प्राकृतिक खेती की ओर ले जाने के लिये एक अच्छे फंड वाले राष्ट्रव्यापी अभियान की सख्त जरूरत है। रिपोर्ट के मुताबिक, केंद्र सरकार ने जैव उर्वरक और आर्गेनिक उर्वरक को बढ़ावा देने के लिये कई योजनायें शुरू की हैं। इन योजनाओं में परंपरागत कृषि विकास योजना, पूर्वोत्तर क्षेत्र के लिये मिशन ऑर्गेनिक वैल्यू चेन डेवलपमेंट, राष्ट्रीय खाद्य सुरक्षा अभियान और तिलहनों तथा पाम ऑयल पर आधारित राष्ट्रीय अभियान शामिल हैं। सीएसई का कहना है कि लेकिन इन सभी योजनाओं पर किया जाना कुल व्यय रासायनिक उर्वरक के लिये दी जाने वाली सब्सिडी के सामने नगण्य दिखता है। इन योजनाओं के तहत की जाने वाली ऑर्गेनिक खेती देश के कुल बुवाई क्षेत्र यानी 14 करोड़ हेक्टेयर की करीब 2.7 प्रतिशत हिस्से में ही होती है। साल 2018 से 2021 के बीच परंपरागत कृषि विकास योजना के तहत मात्र 994 करोड़ रुपये, मिशन ऑर्गेनिक वैल्यू चेन डेवलपमेंट के तहत 416 करोड़ रुपये और राष्ट्रीय खाद्य सुरक्षा अभियान के तहत जैव उर्वरक के लिये मात्र चार करोड़ रुपये जारी किये गये। दूसरी तरफ रासायनिक उर्वरक के लिये दी जाने वाली सब्सिडी साल दर साल बढ़ती गयी। साल 2001-2002 में इस मद में 12,908 करोड़ रुपये की सब्सिडी दी जाती थी, जो दस गुणा बढ़कर 2020-21 में 1,31,230 करोड़ रुपये हो गयी।

Dramatic fall in organic fertiliser production in India from 2017-18 to 2020-21: CSE report

In 2020-21, India produced 3.88 million tonnes of organic fertilisers, a dramatic decrease from 338.72 million tonne in 2017-18, a new report said adding that a targeted, ambitious, and well-funded nationwide programme is needed to drive the change towards organic and natural farming. The Centre has initiated several schemes and programmes through which it promotes production and use of biofertilisers and organic fertilisers. These schemes include those aimed at farmers to promote organic and natural farming such as Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North-Eastern Region, National Food Security Mission and National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm. "However, the sum total of funds spent on these schemes and programmes is dwarfed by the annual subsidy provided on chemical fertilisers. For example, the total organic farming practicing area covered under these schemes and programmes is only about 2.7 per cent of India's net sown area of 140.1 million hectare," said the CSE report State of Biofertilisers and Organic Fertilisers in India. Between 2018 and 2021, a sum of only Rs 994 crore was released for Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, Rs 416 crore for the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for Northeastern Region, and about Rs 4 crore for biofertilisers under the National Food Security Mission. Total subsidy on chemical fertilisers is steeply growing every year. In 2020-21, the annual subsidy bill was Rs 1,31,230 crore, which is more than 10 times the subsidy bill in 2001-02 (Rs 12,908 crore). The subsidy bill has grown sharply from 2019-20, when it was Rs 83,468 crore, partly due to rising international prices leading to higher subsidies on imported fertilisers. Providing details of production of organic fertilisers, the report mentioned that in 2017-18, Bihar led with 30 per cent production of organic fertilisers in India and was followed by Gujarat and Jharkhand. In 2018-19, Karnataka was the biggest producer of organic fertilisers, with a 94 per cent share in countrywide production. The state continued to be the leading producer in 2019-20, but its share dropped to 64 per cent. In that year, Andhra Pradesh had the second biggest share. In 2020-21, with a share of 63 per cent, Chhattisgarh led the countrywide production of organic fertilisers and Karnataka slipped to the second spot. In 2020-21, India produced 3.88 million tonnes of organic fertilisers, a dramatic decrease from 338.72 million tonne in 2017-18. The reasons for the steep fall in national production of organic fertilisers within a span of three years, or the manner in which state-wise shares in the total production have changed substantially between years, are not clear, the latest report from the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has pointed out. However, there are some things to look forward to. In 2020-21, the total production of liquid biofertilisers in India was about 26,442 kilolitres (kl), which marked a growth of about 552 per cent over the 2014-15 figures and when it comes to carrier-based solid biofertilisers, in 2020-21, India produced about 1,34,323 tonnes, a growth of about 435 per cent over the 2008-09 figure and 83 per cent over the 2018-19 figure. Pointing out that in 2017, India had 424 carrier-based solid biofertiliser manufacturing units and 108 for liquid biofertiliser manufacturing units, the CSE report said, "The production capacities are not optimally utilised by all states. There is also lack of compiled countrywide information on companies, registered biofertiliser products and authorisations given at the Central level." Production and availability of biofertilisers and organic fertilisers must be ensured, and their use must be promoted through a multi-pronged approach by the Centre and states, the report recommended and suggested several steps to ease out the creases in the field. Biofertilisers are ready to use live formulates of beneficial microorganisms that on application to seed, root or soil mobilise nutrients through their biological activity in particular and help in building up the micro-flora and soil health in general. Organic fertilisers consist of decomposed organic material derived from animal, human and plant residues. They are of different types depending on the source of the organic material and nature of composting. For example, organic manure is a mix of cattle dung and plant residues, while vermicompost is developed with the help of earthworms.

Dramatic fall in organic fertiliser production in India from 2017-18 to 2020-21: CSE report

India produced 3.88 million tonnes of organic fertilisers, a dramatic decrease from 338.72 million tonne in 2017-18, a new report said adding that a targeted, ambitious, and well-funded nationwide programme is needed to drive the change towards organic and natural farming. The Centre has initiated several schemes and programmes through which it promotes production and use of biofertilisers and organic fertilisers. These schemes include those aimed at farmers to promote organic and natural farming such as Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North-Eastern Region, National Food Security Mission and National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm. "However, the sum total of funds spent on these schemes and programmes is dwarfed by the annual subsidy provided on chemical fertilisers. For example, the total organic farming practicing area covered under these schemes and programmes is only about 2.7 per cent of India's net sown area of 140.1 million hectare, " said the CSE report State of Biofertilisers and Organic Fertilisers in India. Between 2018 and 2021, a sum of only Rs 994 crore was released for Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, Rs 416 crore for the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for Northeastern Region, and about Rs 4 crore for biofertilisers under the National Food Security Mission. Total subsidy on chemical fertilisers is steeply growing every year. In 2020-21, the annual subsidy bill was Rs 1, 31, 230 crore, which is more than 10 times the subsidy bill in 2001-02 (Rs 12, 908 crore). The subsidy bill has grown sharply from 2019-20, when it was Rs 83, 468 crore, partly due to rising international prices leading to higher subsidies on imported fertilisers. Providing details of production of organic fertilisers, the report mentioned that in 2017-18, Bihar led with 30 per cent production of organic fertilisers in India and was followed by Gujarat and Jharkhand. In 2018-19, Karnataka was the biggest producer of organic fertilisers, with a 94 per cent share in countrywide production. The state continued to be the leading producer in 2019-20, but its share dropped to 64 per cent. In that year, Andhra Pradesh had the second biggest share. In 2020-21, with a share of 63 per cent, Chhattisgarh led the countrywide production of organic fertilisers and Karnataka slipped to the second spot. In 2020-21, India produced 3.88 million tonnes of organic fertilisers, a dramatic decrease from 338.72 million tonne in 2017-18. The reasons for the steep fall in national production of organic fertilisers within a span of three years, or the manner in which state-wise shares in the total production have changed substantially between years, are not clear, the latest report from the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has pointed out. However, there are some things to look forward to. In 2020-21, the total production of liquid biofertilisers in India was about 26, 442 kilolitres (kl), which marked a growth of about 552 per cent over the 2014-15 figures and when it comes to carrier-based solid biofertilisers, in 2020-21, India produced about 1, 34, 323 tonnes, a growth of about 435 per cent over the 2008-09 figure and 83 per cent over the 2018-19 figure. Pointing out that in 2017, India had 424 carrier-based solid biofertiliser manufacturing units and 108 for liquid biofertiliser manufacturing units, the CSE report said, "The production capacities are not optimally utilised by all states. There is also lack of compiled countrywide information on companies, registered biofertiliser products and authorisations given at the Central level." Production and availability of biofertilisers and organic fertilisers must be ensured, and their use must be promoted through a multi-pronged approach by the Centre and states, the report recommended and suggested several steps to ease out the creases in the field. Biofertilisers are ready to use live formulates of beneficial microorganisms that on application to seed, root or soil mobilise nutrients through their biological activity in particular and help in building up the micro-flora and soil health in general. Organic fertilisers consist of decomposed organic material derived from animal, human and plant residues. They are of different types depending on the source of the organic material and nature of composting. For example, organic manure is a mix of cattle dung and plant residues, while vermicompost is developed with the help of earthworms.

गत तीन साल में देश के आर्गेनिक उर्वरक उत्पादन में आयी तेज गिरावट : सीएसई

वर्ष 2017-18 में देश में आर्गेनिक उर्वरक का उत्पादन 33.87 करोड़ टन था, जो तेजी से गिरता हुआ वर्ष 2020-21 में मात्र 38.8 लाख टन रह गया। सेंटर फॉर साइंट एंड एन्वॉयरमेंट की ताजा रिपोर्ट के अनुसार, साल 2017-18 में देश में सबसे अधिक ऑर्गेनिक उर्वरक का उत्पादन बिहार में हुआ। कुल उत्पादन में बिहार का योगदान 30 प्रतिशत रहा, जबकि गुजरात दूसरे और झारखंड तीसरे स्थान पर रहा। वर्ष 2018-19 में बिहार को पीछे कर कर्नाटक ने बाजी मार ली और कुल उत्पादन में उसका योगदान 94 प्रतिशत रहा। इसके अगले साल भी कर्नाटक ही अव्वल रहा लेकिन इसका योगदान तेजी से घटकर 64 प्रतिशत रह गया। इस साल आंध्र प्रदेश उत्पादन के मामले में दूसरे स्थान पर रहा था। साल 2020-21 में छत्तीसगढ़ पहले स्थान पर रहा और कर्नाटक एक पायदान पीछे चला गया। इस साल छत्तीसगढ़ का योगदान कुल उत्पादन में 63 प्रतिशत रहा था। सीएसई का कहना है कि लेकिन इस दौरान देश में तरल जैव उर्वरक का उत्पादन 2014-15 की तुलना में करीब 552 प्रतिशत की तेजी के साथ वर्ष 2020-21 में करीब 26,442 किलोमीटर हो गया। इस दौरान करियर आधारित ठोस उर्वरक का उत्पादन भी वर्ष 2018-19 की तुलना में 83 प्रतिशत बढ़कर करीब 1,34,323 टन हो गया। सीएसई का कहना है कि वर्ष 2017 में देश में 424 विनिर्माण इकाइयां करियर आधारित ठोस उर्वरक बना रही थी जबकि 108 संयंत्र तरल जैव उर्वरक के उत्पादन से जुड़ी थीं। सीएसई का कहना है कि सभी राज्य उत्पादन क्षमता का ठीक तरीके से दोहन नहीं कर रहे हैं। इसके अलावा इन कंपनियों, पंजीकृत जैव उर्वरक उत्पादों आदि के बारे में देशव्यापी जानकारी सीमित है। रिपोर्ट के मुताबिक देश को आर्गेनिक और प्राकृतिक खेती की ओर ले जाने के लिये एक अच्छे फंड वाले राष्ट्रव्यापी अभियान की सख्त जरूरत है। रिपोर्ट के मुताबिक, केंद्र सरकार ने जैव उर्वरक और आर्गेनिक उर्वरक को बढ़ावा देने के लिये कई योजनायें शुरू की हैं। इन योजनाओं में परंपरागत कृषि विकास योजना, पूर्वोत्तर क्षेत्र के लिये मिशन ऑर्गेनिक वैल्यू चेन डेवलपमेंट, राष्ट्रीय खाद्य सुरक्षा अभियान और तिलहनों तथा पाम ऑयल पर आधारित राष्ट्रीय अभियान शामिल हैं। सीएसई का कहना है कि लेकिन इन सभी योजनाओं पर किया जाना कुल व्यय रासायनिक उर्वरक के लिये दी जाने वाली सब्सिडी के सामने नगण्य दिखता है। इन योजनाओं के तहत की जाने वाली ऑर्गेनिक खेती देश के कुल बुवाई क्षेत्र यानी 14 करोड़ हेक्टेयर की करीब 2.7 प्रतिशत हिस्से में ही होती है। साल 2018 से 2021 के बीच परंपरागत कृषि विकास योजना के तहत मात्र 994 करोड़ रुपये, मिशन ऑर्गेनिक वैल्यू चेन डेवलपमेंट के तहत 416 करोड़ रुपये और राष्ट्रीय खाद्य सुरक्षा अभियान के तहत जैव उर्वरक के लिये मात्र चार करोड़ रुपये जारी किये गये। दूसरी तरफ रासायनिक उर्वरक के लिये दी जाने वाली सब्सिडी साल दर साल बढ़ती गयी। साल 2001-2002 में इस मद में 12,908 करोड़ रुपये की सब्सिडी दी जाती थी, जो दस गुणा बढ़कर 2020-21 में 1,31,230 करोड़ रुपये हो गयी।

गत तीन साल में देश के आर्गेनिक उर्वरक उत्पादन में आयी तेज गिरावट : सीएसई

वर्ष 2017-18 में देश में आर्गेनिक उर्वरक का उत्पादन 33.87 करोड़ टन था, जो तेजी से गिरता हुआ वर्ष 2020-21 में मात्र 38.8 लाख टन रह गया। सेंटर फॉर साइंट एंड एन्वॉयरमेंट की ताजा रिपोर्ट के अनुसार, साल 2017-18 में देश में सबसे अधिक ऑर्गेनिक उर्वरक का उत्पादन बिहार में हुआ। कुल उत्पादन में बिहार का योगदान 30 प्रतिशत रहा, जबकि गुजरात दूसरे और झारखंड तीसरे स्थान पर रहा। वर्ष 2018-19 में बिहार को पीछे कर कर्नाटक ने बाजी मार ली और कुल उत्पादन में उसका योगदान 94 प्रतिशत रहा। इसके अगले साल भी कर्नाटक ही अव्वल रहा लेकिन इसका योगदान तेजी से घटकर 64 प्रतिशत रह गया। इस साल आंध्र प्रदेश उत्पादन के मामले में दूसरे स्थान पर रहा था। साल 2020-21 में छत्तीसगढ़ पहले स्थान पर रहा और कर्नाटक एक पायदान पीछे चला गया। इस साल छत्तीसगढ़ का योगदान कुल उत्पादन में 63 प्रतिशत रहा था। सीएसई का कहना है कि लेकिन इस दौरान देश में तरल जैव उर्वरक का उत्पादन 2014-15 की तुलना में करीब 552 प्रतिशत की तेजी के साथ वर्ष 2020-21 में करीब 26,442 किलोमीटर हो गया। इस दौरान करियर आधारित ठोस उर्वरक का उत्पादन भी वर्ष 2018-19 की तुलना में 83 प्रतिशत बढ़कर करीब 1,34,323 टन हो गया। सीएसई का कहना है कि वर्ष 2017 में देश में 424 विनिर्माण इकाइयां करियर आधारित ठोस उर्वरक बना रही थी जबकि 108 संयंत्र तरल जैव उर्वरक के उत्पादन से जुड़ी थीं। सीएसई का कहना है कि सभी राज्य उत्पादन क्षमता का ठीक तरीके से दोहन नहीं कर रहे हैं। इसके अलावा इन कंपनियों, पंजीकृत जैव उर्वरक उत्पादों आदि के बारे में देशव्यापी जानकारी सीमित है। रिपोर्ट के मुताबिक देश को आर्गेनिक और प्राकृतिक खेती की ओर ले जाने के लिये एक अच्छे फंड वाले राष्ट्रव्यापी अभियान की सख्त जरूरत है। रिपोर्ट के मुताबिक, केंद्र सरकार ने जैव उर्वरक और आर्गेनिक उर्वरक को बढ़ावा देने के लिये कई योजनायें शुरू की हैं। इन योजनाओं में परंपरागत कृषि विकास योजना, पूर्वोत्तर क्षेत्र के लिये मिशन ऑर्गेनिक वैल्यू चेन डेवलपमेंट, राष्ट्रीय खाद्य सुरक्षा अभियान और तिलहनों तथा पाम ऑयल पर आधारित राष्ट्रीय अभियान शामिल हैं। सीएसई का कहना है कि लेकिन इन सभी योजनाओं पर किया जाना कुल व्यय रासायनिक उर्वरक के लिये दी जाने वाली सब्सिडी के सामने नगण्य दिखता है। इन योजनाओं के तहत की जाने वाली ऑर्गेनिक खेती देश के कुल बुवाई क्षेत्र यानी 14 करोड़ हेक्टेयर की करीब 2.7 प्रतिशत हिस्से में ही होती है। साल 2018 से 2021 के बीच परंपरागत कृषि विकास योजना के तहत मात्र 994 करोड़ रुपये, मिशन ऑर्गेनिक वैल्यू चेन डेवलपमेंट के तहत 416 करोड़ रुपये और राष्ट्रीय खाद्य सुरक्षा अभियान के तहत जैव उर्वरक के लिये मात्र चार करोड़ रुपये जारी किये गये। दूसरी तरफ रासायनिक उर्वरक के लिये दी जाने वाली सब्सिडी साल दर साल बढ़ती गयी। साल 2001-2002 में इस मद में 12,908 करोड़ रुपये की सब्सिडी दी जाती थी, जो दस गुणा बढ़कर 2020-21 में 1,31,230 करोड़ रुपये हो गयी।

Dramatic fall in organic fertiliser production in India from 2017-18 to 2020-21: CSE report

2020-21, India produced 3.88 million tonnes of organic fertilisers, a dramatic decrease from 338.72 million tonne in 2017-18, a new report said adding that a targeted, ambitious, and well-funded nationwide programme is needed to drive the change towards organic and natural farming. The Centre has initiated several schemes and programmes through which it promotes production and use of biofertilisers and organic fertilisers. These schemes include those aimed at farmers to promote organic and natural farming such as Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North-Eastern Region, National Food Security Mission and National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm. "However, the sum total of funds spent on these schemes and programmes is dwarfed by the annual subsidy provided on chemical fertilisers. For example, the total organic farming practicing area covered under these schemes and programmes is only about 2.7 per cent of India's net sown area of 140.1 million hectare," said the CSE report State of Biofertilisers and Organic Fertilisers in India. Between 2018 and 2021, a sum of only Rs 994 crore was released for Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, Rs 416 crore for the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for Northeastern Region, and about Rs 4 crore for biofertilisers under the National Food Security Mission. Total subsidy on chemical fertilisers is steeply growing every year. In 2020-21, the annual subsidy bill was Rs 1,31,230 crore, which is more than 10 times the subsidy bill in 2001-02 (Rs 12,908 crore). The subsidy bill has grown sharply from 2019-20, when it was Rs 83,468 crore, partly due to rising international prices leading to higher subsidies on imported fertilisers. Providing details of production of organic fertilisers, the report mentioned that in 2017-18, Bihar led with 30 per cent production of organic fertilisers in India and was followed by Gujarat and Jharkhand. In 2018-19, Karnataka was the biggest producer of organic fertilisers, with a 94 per cent share in countrywide production. The state continued to be the leading producer in 2019-20, but its share dropped to 64 per cent. In that year, Andhra Pradesh had the second biggest share. In 2020-21, with a share of 63 per cent, Chhattisgarh led the countrywide production of organic fertilisers and Karnataka slipped to the second spot. In 2020-21, India produced 3.88 million tonnes of organic fertilisers, a dramatic decrease from 338.72 million tonne in 2017-18. The reasons for the steep fall in national production of organic fertilisers within a span of three years, or the manner in which state-wise shares in the total production have changed substantially between years, are not clear, the latest report from the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has pointed out. However, there are some things to look forward to. In 2020-21, the total production of liquid biofertilisers in India was about 26,442 kilolitres (kl), which marked a growth of about 552 per cent over the 2014-15 figures and when it comes to carrier-based solid biofertilisers, in 2020-21, India produced about 1,34,323 tonnes, a growth of about 435 per cent over the 2008-09 figure and 83 per cent over the 2018-19 figure. Pointing out that in 2017, India had 424 carrier-based solid biofertiliser manufacturing units and 108 for liquid biofertiliser manufacturing units, the CSE report said, "The production capacities are not optimally utilised by all states. There is also lack of compiled countrywide information on companies, registered biofertiliser products and authorisations given at the Central level." Production and availability of biofertilisers and organic fertilisers must be ensured, and their use must be promoted through a multi-pronged approach by the Centre and states, the report recommended and suggested several steps to ease out the creases in the field. Biofertilisers are ready to use live formulates of beneficial microorganisms that on application to seed, root or soil mobilise nutrients through their biological activity in particular and help in building up the micro-flora and soil health in general. Organic fertilisers consist of decomposed organic material derived from animal, human and plant residues. They are of different types depending on the source of the organic material and nature of composting. For example, organic manure is a mix of cattle dung and plant residues, while vermicompost is developed with the help of earthworms.

सीएसई : गत तीन साल में देश के आर्गेनिक उर्वरक उत्पादन में आयी तेज गिरावट

वर्ष 2017-18 में देश में आर्गेनिक उर्वरक का उत्पादन 33.87 करोड़ टन था, जो तेजी से गिरता हुआ वर्ष 2020-21 में मात्र 38.8 लाख टन रह गया। सेंटर फॉर साइंट एंड एन्वॉयरमेंट की ताजा रिपोर्ट के अनुसार, साल 2017-18 में देश में सबसे अधिक ऑर्गेनिक उर्वरक का उत्पादन बिहार में हुआ। कुल उत्पादन में बिहार का योगदान 30 प्रतिशत रहा, जबकि गुजरात दूसरे और झारखंड तीसरे स्थान पर रहा। वर्ष 2018-19 में बिहार को पीछे कर कर्नाटक ने बाजी मार ली और कुल उत्पादन में उसका योगदान 94 प्रतिशत रहा। इसके अगले साल भी कर्नाटक ही अव्वल रहा लेकिन इसका योगदान तेजी से घटकर 64 प्रतिशत रह गया। इस साल आंध्र प्रदेश उत्पादन के मामले में दूसरे स्थान पर रहा था। साल 2020-21 में छत्तीसगढ़ पहले स्थान पर रहा और कर्नाटक एक पायदान पीछे चला गया। इस साल छत्तीसगढ़ का योगदान कुल उत्पादन में 63 प्रतिशत रहा था। सीएसई का कहना है कि लेकिन इस दौरान देश में तरल जैव उर्वरक का उत्पादन 2014-15 की तुलना में करीब 552 प्रतिशत की तेजी के साथ वर्ष 2020-21 में करीब 26,442 किलोमीटर हो गया। इस दौरान करियर आधारित ठोस उर्वरक का उत्पादन भी वर्ष 2018-19 की तुलना में 83 प्रतिशत बढ़कर करीब 1,34,323 टन हो गया। सीएसई का कहना है कि वर्ष 2017 में देश में 424 विनिर्माण इकाइयां करियर आधारित ठोस उर्वरक बना रही थी जबकि 108 संयंत्र तरल जैव उर्वरक के उत्पादन से जुड़ी थीं। सीएसई का कहना है कि सभी राज्य उत्पादन क्षमता का ठीक तरीके से दोहन नहीं कर रहे हैं। इसके अलावा इन कंपनियों, पंजीकृत जैव उर्वरक उत्पादों आदि के बारे में देशव्यापी जानकारी सीमित है। रिपोर्ट के मुताबिक देश को आर्गेनिक और प्राकृतिक खेती की ओर ले जाने के लिये एक अच्छे फंड वाले राष्ट्रव्यापी अभियान की सख्त जरूरत है। रिपोर्ट के मुताबिक, केंद्र सरकार ने जैव उर्वरक और आर्गेनिक उर्वरक को बढ़ावा देने के लिये कई योजनायें शुरू की हैं। इन योजनाओं में परंपरागत कृषि विकास योजना, पूर्वोत्तर क्षेत्र के लिये मिशन ऑर्गेनिक वैल्यू चेन डेवलपमेंट, राष्ट्रीय खाद्य सुरक्षा अभियान और तिलहनों तथा पाम ऑयल पर आधारित राष्ट्रीय अभियान शामिल हैं। सीएसई का कहना है कि लेकिन इन सभी योजनाओं पर किया जाना कुल व्यय रासायनिक उर्वरक के लिये दी जाने वाली सब्सिडी के सामने नगण्य दिखता है। इन योजनाओं के तहत की जाने वाली ऑर्गेनिक खेती देश के कुल बुवाई क्षेत्र यानी 14 करोड़ हेक्टेयर की करीब 2.7 प्रतिशत हिस्से में ही होती है। साल 2018 से 2021 के बीच परंपरागत कृषि विकास योजना के तहत मात्र 994 करोड़ रुपये, मिशन ऑर्गेनिक वैल्यू चेन डेवलपमेंट के तहत 416 करोड़ रुपये और राष्ट्रीय खाद्य सुरक्षा अभियान के तहत जैव उर्वरक के लिये मात्र चार करोड़ रुपये जारी किये गये। दूसरी तरफ रासायनिक उर्वरक के लिये दी जाने वाली सब्सिडी साल दर साल बढ़ती गयी। साल 2001-2002 में इस मद में 12,908 करोड़ रुपये की सब्सिडी दी जाती थी, जो दस गुणा बढ़कर 2020-21 में 1,31,230 करोड़ रुपये हो गयी।

Has man a future?

Earth Day is an opportune occasion to relive the memories of the victory over a corporate behemoth won by the vulnerable population of Plachimada in the battle for their right to water, and of the people and an institution that supported their valiant struggle - <strong>Can You</strong> by Cuban <em>Nicolás Guillén Batista </em>{1902-‘89}</p></div> <div class="mpp-story-content-details-main my-3"><p>Today marks the 20th anniversary of the formation of the <em>Coca-Cola Virudha Janakeeya Samara Samithy</em>. The struggle in Plachimada was a broad social movement against the commodification of nature’s precious resources. It was waged against the exploitation of water by Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt. Ltd., first reported in our news columns in 2001. The protest assumed political contour when the late socialist, Chairman and Managing Director of <em>Mathrubhumi </em>and my father, M P Veerendra Kumar, convinced his own party, Janata Dal, to actively take up the issue.</p></div> <div class="mpp-story-content-details-main my-3"><p>A landmark event was the three-day World Water Conference from January 21-23, 2004, held in Plachimada and Puthussery {where Pepsi had a bottling plant}. My father’s comrade-in-arms in conceiving this forum attended by over 40 international water warriors, and 500 delegates, was the late Dr. Sukumar Azhikode. I used to feel envious of the energy and enthusiasm both of them showed, when we were all camped together at the centrally located Hotel Indraprastha. Dr Vandana Shiva of <em>Navdanya</em> too gave generously of her knowledge and time. Another pillar of support was Sunita Narain of the <em>Centre for Science and Environment</em>, also of Delhi. </p>

Delhi to replicate Mumbai’s system to capture methane at landfills: Environment Minister

Officials have been asked to implement it in Delhi soon to prevent incidents of fire,” Rai said. NEW DELHI: The Delhi government will study a system installed in Mumbai to capture methane from the rotting waste and replicate it in the capital to prevent fires at landfills, Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Thursday. The decision was taken at a meeting of experts from the Centre for Science and Environment, The Energy and Resources Institute and IIT-Delhi to find out a technological solution to the problem of fires at landfill sites. The meeting came a day after a massive fire broke out at the Ghazipur landfill -- the third such incident since March 28 this year -- sending a dense plume of smoke into the sky and exacerbating the already polluted air in nearby areas. ADVERTISEMENT “We have asked the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and the East Delhi Municipal Corporation to study the system installed in Mumbai which can capture methane generated at landfills. Officials have been asked to implement it in Delhi soon to prevent incidents of fire,” Rai said. The wet waste dumped in a landfill produces methane when it rots. In hot weather conditions, methane catches fire spontaneously and the blaze spreads as it feeds on combustible material like textiles and plastics. Last year, authorities reported four incidents of fire at Ghazipur landfill. In 2017, a large part of it broke away, crashing onto a road and killing two people. Commissioned in 1984, the Ghazipur landfill site is spread across 70 acres. In 2019, the garbage dump site had grown 65 metres high.

Ghazipur fire: Tech used in Mumbai may be deployed in Delhi landfill

Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai said teams from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee and corporations will travel to Mumbai to check on the working model of this system. A day after the Ghazipur landfill caught fire for the third time in nearly a month and was doused by firefighters by late Thursday afternoon, Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai announced that the government plans to adopt a technology used in Mumbai to remove gas emitted from landfill sites to reduce the risk of frequent fires. “The gas sucking system built at Mumbai’s dumping site was chosen after consultation with experts from all concerned departments... The biggest cause of fire in landfill sites is the continuous release of methane gas, which not only promotes fire incidents but is also harmful to the atmosphere. With the installation of this gas sucking system, emission of methane gas from the waste can be regulated to an extent,” said Rai, after a high-level meeting with different departments on Thursday. Firefighters said they have already doused the blaze that broke out at Ghazipur landfill by late Thursday afternoon. The minister said teams from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and corporations will travel to Mumbai to check on the working model of this system. “The departments have also been given orders to conduct regular inspections in order to avoid the outbreak of fires in landfill sites,” he said, adding that the other suggestions included installing gas wells, covering solid waste with around 10cm of soil and sorting waste into six categories. The meeting included experts from The Energy and Resources Institue (TERI), Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), IIT Delhi, IGL, GAIL and officials from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), municipal corporations and environment department. Meanwhile, at the Ghazipur landfill, smoke continued to billow from the garbage mound till Thursday evening, as fire officials said it is expected to be completely controlled by midnight.

Gopal Rai says Delhi govt to study gas sucking system used in Mumbai to curb landfill fires

NEW DELHI: To prevent fires at landfills, Delhi government will study the gas sucking system, which is used in Mumbai, and replicate it in the capital, environment minister Gopal Rai said on Thursday. The minister announced this after chairing a joint meeting with experts from IIT Delhi, TERI, Centre for Science and Environment, IGL, GAIL, Delhi Pollution Control Committee and municipal corporations. The meeting came a day after a massive fire broke out at the Ghazipur landfill, which was the third such incident since March 28 this year. “The gas sucking system built at Mumbai’s dumping site was chosen after consultation with experts from all the departments concerned. Teams from DPCC and civic bodies have been given orders to travel to Mumbai to check on the working model of the system. Officials concerned have also been ordered to regularly inspect landfill sites in Delhi to avoid any fire outbreak,” said Rai. Gopal Rai says Delhi govt to study gas sucking system used in Mumbai to curb landfill fires TNN | Apr 22, 2022, 04.55 AM IST Gopal Rai says Delhi govt to study gas sucking system used in Mumbai to curb landfill fires NEW DELHI: To prevent fires at landfills, Delhi government will study the gas sucking system, which is used in Mumbai, and replicate it in the capital, environment minister Gopal Rai said on Thursday. The minister announced this after chairing a joint meeting with experts from IIT Delhi, TERI, Centre for Science and Environment, IGL, GAIL, Delhi Pollution Control Committee and municipal corporations. The meeting came a day after a massive fire broke out at the Ghazipur landfill, which was the third such incident since March 28 this year. “The gas sucking system built at Mumbai’s dumping site was chosen after consultation with experts from all the departments concerned. Teams from DPCC and civic bodies have been given orders to travel to Mumbai to check on the working model of the system. Officials concerned have also been ordered to regularly inspect landfill sites in Delhi to avoid any fire outbreak,” said Rai. Congratulations! You have successfully cast your vote “The biggest cause of fire at landfill sites is the continuous release of methane gas, which not only promotes fire incidents but is also harmful to the atmosphere. With the installation of this system, emission of methane gas from the waste can be regulated to an extent,” the minister explained. He further added that “several other solutions such as installing gas wells, covering waste with soil, and sorting waste into six categories were also being considered.” Rai said that teams from civic bodies and DPCC have been asked to keep a vigilant eye on any fires that break out at landfills. “These teams will not only monitor landfill sites on a regular basis but also work to avoid future fires,” said the minister. Last year, four incidents of fire took place at the Ghazipur landfill. In 2017, a large part of it broke away, crashing onto a road and killing two people. Commissioned in 1984, the landfill site is spread across 70 acres.

Air pollution has emerged as the second biggest cause of disease in India

India’s national strategy aims to reduce particulate matter emissions by as much as 30% from 2017 levels by 2024. There are currently 95 cities in 23 states and union territories that are classified as non-attainment cities, meaning they do not meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. By Dr. Soumitro Chakraborty Over the last two decades, India’s air quality has deteriorated substantially as per the World Health Organization. Since the 1990s, and by 2017, nearly 97% of the country’s population has been exposed to harmful levels of ambient PM2.5. 1 As a result, air pollution-related mortality in India has increased 2.5-fold in the last two decades. Air pollution is currently the second-leading cause of sickness in the country, accounting for 10% of the disease burden. During the Covid lockdown, India’s ambient air quality improved. Averaging across different regions of India, air quality indicated a 30–50% reduction in PM2.5, PM10, CO, and a maximum drop of 40–60% in NO2, with significant regional variability. Air pollution is predicted to grow again now that all restrictions have been lifted. Slow progress in tackling pollution risks adding to premature deaths of citizens. This extends pressure on the nation’s economy from higher health expenditure and productivity losses. The India State-Level Disease Burden Initiative by the Public Health Foundation of India, published a scientific paper in December 2020 on the health and economic impact of air pollution in Lancet Planetary Health, documenting that the economic loss due to lost output from premature deaths and morbidity from air pollution was 1.4% of the GDP in India in 2019, equivalent to INR 260,000 crores (US$ 36.8 billion). COVID-19 and Air Pollution To prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, India enforced a state-wide shutdown beginning March 25, 2020. Except for essential services, all transportation services (road, air, and rail), schools, colleges, industrial operations, hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and markets were suspended during the lockdown. The Central Pollution Control Board’s real-time National Air Quality Index (NAQI) and preliminary assessment of the NAQI revealed that air pollution in India had significantly decreased during the nationwide lockdown. However, since the opening of lockdown restrictions, the air quality has deteriorated. Adding to the already harrowing situation is the scientific evidence where researchers have established a link between exposure to polluted air and COVID-19. As per Centre for Science and Environment in Delhi, Indian cities stand vulnerable to COVID-19 owing to long term exposure to bad quality air. According to a paper, ‘Regional and global contributions of air pollution to risk of death from COVID-19’ published in the journal Cardiovascular Research, chronic exposure to particulate matter in air is directly linked to an average 15% of COVID-19 related deaths globally. The fight against air pollution India’s national strategy aims to reduce particulate matter emissions by as much as 30% from 2017 levels by 2024. There are currently 95 cities in 23 states and union territories that are classified as non-attainment cities, meaning they do not meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The government plans to develop city-specific action plans in these regions through which the National Clean Air Program (NCAP) will be implemented. With city-level Clean Air Plans (CAPs) targeted at reducing ambient Particulate Matter (PM) concentrations, the new mission, in conjunction with the National Clean Air Program (NCAP), is operating in 132 Indian cities. Ambitious steps to execute pollution control methods that limit pollution under the CAPs can enable India’s fight against harmful air pollution and climate change and can provide revolutionary and long-term improvements for public health. The National Electric Mobility Mission Plan, the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and EV (FAME) plan, the vehicle scrappage policy, and charging infrastructure projects, among others, have all been implemented by the Indian government to promote cleaner automobiles. Several Indian states have enacted rules encouraging the use of Electric Vehicles (EVs). However, as proven by experiences in China, the United States, and other parts of the world, an extensive, accessible public charging infrastructure network is required to maintain a healthy EV market. As per The Natural Resources Defense Council, a United States-based 501 non-profit international environmental advocacy group and based on an analysis done by the Government of India, EV sales in India would need to reach 30% for private cars, 70% for commercial automobiles (such as delivery vehicles, fleets, and taxis), 40% for buses, and 80% for two and three-wheelers by 2030 to meet the government’s electric mobility goals. CSR initiatives are the key The private sector can play an instrumental role through its CSR efforts to address the deteriorating air quality and assist in the fight against air pollution in India. Some businesses are attempting to address the environmental concern by converting rice straws – a harvesting leftover that contributes significantly to air pollution when burned – into raw material as part of a sustainably responsible endeavour. Corporations operating in the crop-burning zones can work with farm producer organisations to collect crop leftovers by purchasing agro-waste and using it as biomass fuel for manufacturing activities. Corporations can reduce their carbon footprint by adopting clean energy. Increased adoption of solar energy-related infrastructure can address the twin concerns of air pollution and climate change. Businesses can successfully address the interconnected concerns of air pollution and climate change. For example, Cummins India Limited started the “Creating Oxygen Hubs” drive-in Pune, Maharashtra, as a major CSR initiative to enhance air quality. Cummins worked with a variety of NGOs, civic agencies, Maharashtra’s forest, and defence departments, and local volunteers to plant over 35,000 trees in the city over several phases. The primary objective of new-age enterprises must be to promote sustainability. More public-private partnerships are needed now more than ever to use the experience of both sectors. The business and public sectors can work together to develop solutions that will help reduce pollution to a manageable level. Changes at the policy level are also required for sustainable growth in order to meet our COP26 pledge.