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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.

6 Female Scientists We’re Thankful For On Earth Day

Scientific research might be considered a male-dominated arena, but it’s time to recognise that there are plenty of female pioneers to celebrate. Strong women who identified a niche or subject that was ripe for further exploration have led the charge for progress for centuries. This Earth Day, we take a closer look at six of the most inspiring. The following scientific powerhouses have made leaps in their respective fields and brought global attention to some of the most important environmental issues facing humanity. 1. Dr Jane Goodall Scientific niche: Primatology and anthropology. Goodall is globally regarded as the foremost expert on chimpanzees. Seminal work: Research conducted at the Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania that disproved theories that only humans can work with tools and that chimpanzees are vegetarian. The research project would lead to her gaining a Cambridge University PhD, without first completing a bachelor’s qualification. In 1977, Goodall initiated the Jane Goodall Institute, a global organisation designed to support chimpanzee protection. It has become highly regarded for its conservation work in Africa. A number of rehabilitation, research and education centres have since followed. The woman behind the white coat: Goodall grew up as an animal lover, following the gift of a stuffed chimpanzee, called Jubilee, from her father. She credits the figure as awakening her fascination with primates and, eventually, her move to Africa. An activist, vegetarian, Dame, and supporter of cultivated meat as a solution to animal agriculture, she remains an influential figure now in her late 80s. Some of us would still like to be Jane Goodall when we grow up. 2. Dr Sylvia Earle Scientific niche: Marine biology. Earle has been a National Geographic explorer-in-residence since 1998. Seminal work: In 1970, Earle led an all-female team of aquanauts in a research project that saw them submerged in an installation, below the sea, for weeks. She had been rejected for the Tektite Project one year earlier but was asked to lead the subsequent Tektite II. the research studied underwater effects on humans, with a focus on diving impact. In 1979, Earle set a world record for the deepest untethered diving suit dive, reaching 381 metres. This remains unbeaten today. Part of the founding team of Deep Ocean Engineering, Earle left in 1990 to take up position as chief scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. She was the first woman to be given the role and advised on oil spill impact. When she left, she founded Deep Ocean Exploration and Research, to return to her roots in marine engineering. Her daughter has since taken the reins. Earle is now a National Geographic explorer-in-residence and a regularly called-upon expert in the field of marine sustainability. In 2009 she was awarded the $1,000,000 TED prize, which she used to pursue ocean advocacy. The woman behind the white coat: Vegetarian Earle is sometimes referred to as “Her Deepness” or “The Sturgeon General” by her peers. She has remained on numerous committees and boards designed to protect ocean habitats and was a featured expert in Netflix’s documentary Seaspiracy. 3. Dr Katherine Hayhoe Scientific niche: Atmospheric science. Seminal work: Authoring more than 120 peer-reviewed research papers, alongside co-authoring a number of reports that have brought climate change into modern discourse. Her work for the National Climate Assessment report in 2014 led to her declaring that “Climate change is here and now, and not in some distant time or place. The choices we’re making today will have a significant impact on our future.” Contributing to the IPCC report, Hayhoe was named as one of the UN’s Champions of the Earth in 2019. Her work has identified her as a leading expert and communicator on climate action. This in turn has resulted in her being an outspoken critic of climate deniers. The New York Times published a quote from her that made her feelings clear: “The six stages of climate denial are: It’s not real. It’s not us. It’s not that bad. It’s too expensive to fix. Aha, here’s a great solution (that actually does nothing). And – oh no! Now it’s too late. You really should have warned us earlier.” Today, Hayhoe is a professor of political science at Texas Tech University, alongside being director of the Climate Service Center. She has remained in position as CEO of ATMOS Research and Consulting and last year joined Nature Conservancy as its chief scientist. The woman behind the white coat: Hayhoe has juggled evangelical Christian beliefs with a career in science, citing her father as inspiration for the two being able to co-exist. She was invited to the White House when Barack Obama was President and spoke alongside Leonardo DiCaprio on the subject of climate action. 4. Dr Kimberley Miner Scientific niche: Climate science. Seminal work: Miner joined NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) following a stint at the U.S. Department of Defense. She had collaborated with JPL as part of her former role and made the permanent move to focus her efforts on earth science endeavours. Her current research project is based in the Arctic. The team recently published an article that highlighted the increasing risk of thawing permafrost, as a result of climate change. Regarded globally as an important voice within the scientific community, Miner’s research has spanned new heights. Literally. Having reached the summit of Everest, a feat that gained her and her team a Guinness World Record, she revealed a compelling fact: pollutants and chemicals were present. Harmful PFAs were identified at such alarming levels that Miner conducted the tests three times, to be sure. Miner has been explicit in her support of rewilding as a potential climate solution. Her work to generate more nature preserves and reintroduce native plants across a variety of ecosystems is ongoing, alongside her Arctic research. She is a professor at the University of Maine as well. The woman behind the white coat: When she isn’t climbing Everest or hunkering down at the Arctic, Miner is a fierce champion for women and girls in STEM. having received supportive mentorship early in her education and career, she is keen to pay it forward by breaking down gender stereotypes in the scientific community. 5. Dr Paola Arias Scientific niche: Earth and atmospheric sciences plus geological sciences. Seminal work: Arias looks at climate change and hydroclimate modelling in South America. She has two master’s degrees plus a doctorate. The latter came from her research into climate variability in monsoon and Amazonian regions. Her observations and understanding of water systems led to her being invited to co-author a chapter of the latest IPCC report. Arias is a professor at the University of Antioquia, where she heads the Environmental School. Outside from her educational demands, she is a regular guest speaker and expert voice regarding climate and hydrological change and their links to South America. The 2019 TEDxBogotaMujeres event hosted her as a scientific expert. The woman behind the white coat: Arias is the first Colombian woman to ever be invited to contribute to an IPCC report. She represents not only females in science, but also LATAM expertise. 6. Sunita Narain Scientific niche: Environmentalism. Seminal work: Narain started working at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) in 1982. Having completed her studies at the University of Delhi, learning remotely while still in position, she co-edited the State of India’s Environmental Report in 1985. This led to in-depth studies into forest management systems and natural resource allocation. This would prove to be the foundation for specialising in identifying links between environment and development, within sustainable frameworks. In 2012, Narain wrote the 7th State of India’s Environment Reports, Excreta Matters, which looked at India’s water supply and pollution levels in urban areas. Still working for the CSE, she has masterminded numerous research projects surrounding domestic and global environmental concerns. A prominent paper revealed high pesticide levels found in American soft drinks, including Pepsi and Coke. A leading expert on water harvesting, Narain is featured in Before the Flood, a climate documentary also featuring Leonardo DiCaprio. In it, she talked about how the Moonsoon in India has been directly impacted by climate change and the resulting difficulties faced by domestic farmers and food security concerns. 2016 saw Narain declared as one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People. The woman behind the white coat: A staunch environmentalist, Narain is a keen cyclist. She was hit by a car in 2013 by a driver that failed to stop, resulting in numerous body and face injuries. She remains a cyclist today.

भराव क्षेत्र में मीथेन गैस अवशोषित करने की मुंबई की प्रणाली का अध्ययन करके दिल्ली में लगाया जाएगा: गोपाल राय

दिल्ली के पर्यावरण मंत्री गोपाल राय ने बृहस्पतिवार को कहा कि दिल्ली सरकार सड़ रहे कचरे से निकलने वाली मीथेन को अवशोषित करने के लिए मुंबई में स्थापित एक प्रणाली का अध्ययन करेगी और इसे राजधानी में लगाएगी ताकि भराव क्षेत्र (लैंडफिल) में आग लगने की घटना से बचा जा सके। यह निर्णय भराव क्षेत्र (लैंडफिल साइट) पर आग लगने की समस्या का तकनीकी समाधान खोजने के लिए सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट, द एनर्जी एंड रिसोर्सेज इंस्टीट्यूट और आईआईटी-दिल्ली के विशेषज्ञों की एक बैठक में लिया गया। यह बैठक गाजीपुर भराव क्षेत्र में भीषण आग लगने के एक दिन बाद हुई। यह इस साल 28 मार्च के बाद से इस तरह की तीसरी घटना है जिससे आसमान में काला धुआं छा गया और आसपास के इलाकों में प्रदूषण बढ़ गया। राय ने कहा, ‘‘हमने दिल्ली प्रदूषण नियंत्रण समिति (डीपीसीसी) और पूर्वी दिल्ली नगर निगम (ईडीएमसी) को मुंबई में स्थापित प्रणाली का अध्ययन करने के लिए कहा है जो भराव क्षेत्र से उत्पन्न मीथेन को अवशोषित कर सकती है। अधिकारियों को इसे जल्द ही दिल्ली में लागू करने के लिए कहा गया है ताकि आग लगने की घटनाओं को रोका जा सके।’’ भराव क्षेत्र में डाले जाने वाले गीले कचरे के सड़ने पर उससे मीथेन गैस निकलती है। गर्मी के मौसम में मीथेन में खुद ही आग लग जाती है और यह आग कपड़ा और प्लास्टिक जैसी जलने वाली चीजों में फैल जाता है। पिछले साल, अधिकारियों ने गाजीपुर भराव क्षेत्र में आग लगने की चार घटनाओं की सूचना दी थी। 2017 में, इसका एक बड़ा हिस्सा टूट गया था और एक सड़क पर गिर गया था जिसमें दो लोगों की मौत हो गई थी। 1984 में शुरू किया गया गाजीपुर भराव क्षेत्र 70 एकड़ में फैला हुआ है। 2019 में यहां कचरे की ऊंचाई बढ़कर 65 मीटर हो गई थी। दिल्ली प्रदूषण नियंत्रण समिति ने 28 मार्च को वहां आग लगने के बाद ईडीएमसी पर 50 लाख रुपये का जुर्माना लगाया था।

FSSAI playing with health of Indian public https://www.thehansindia.com/editors-desk/fssai-playing-with-health-of-indian-public-739018

Experts from public health, medical fraternity and consumer groups gathered to discuss the issue of front-of-pack labelling (FOPL) on packaged junk foods at the three-day ‘National Conclave on Sustainable Food Systems’ which was organised by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) at Rajasthan recently. Experts from public health, medical fraternity and consumer groups gathered to discuss the issue of front-of-pack labelling (FOPL) on packaged junk foods at the three-day 'National Conclave on Sustainable Food Systems' which was organised by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) at Rajasthan recently. They advised against Health Star Ratings on packaged junk foods as they are misleading and can do more harm than good to the consumer. "India can't afford the epidemic of obesity and non-communicable diseases. It is time, the Indian consumer is warned about how bad and unhealthy is junk food", said Sunita Narain, Director General, Centre for Science and Environment, while leading the expert deliberation on the 'Need for front-of-pack warning labels on ultra-processed junk foods'. Health Star Ratings are designed by the powerful food industry to mislead the consumer. By pushing these, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) will give license to glorify junk foods, which is the opposite of what should be done. Front-of-pack labelling on packaged foods was first recommended by an FSSAI-led committee formed in 2013. CSE was part of this committee.

Ghazipur landfill burns for 3rd time in a month

Several residents of the nearby Mulla colony, located about 500 metres away from the landfill, and those residing in several housing societies around the massive mountain of garbage, complained of difficulty in breathing and itching in the eyes. A massive fire spread through a section of the Ghazipur landfill in east Delhi -- the third such incident since March 28 this year -- on Wednesday, sending a dense plume of smoke several metres into the sky and causing a toxic haze around the area, police and fire department officials said. Several residents of the nearby Mulla colony, located about 500 metres away from the landfill, and those residing in several housing societies around the massive mountain of garbage, complained of difficulty in breathing and itching in the eyes. Atul Garg, director, Delhi Fire Services (DFS), said, “We have started the fire fighting operation. There are eight fire tenders working at the site. We have brought earth movers to remove the mound at some areas on the landfill and reach the fire spot. But because of poor light after sunset, it is difficult to reach there. The fire must have started because of the high temperature in the city. The gases at the landfill causes auto combustion.” Shyam Sunder Aggarwal, mayor of the East Delhi Municipal Corporation which manages the landfill, said the fire was brought under control at a large portion of the waste site, but the operation was still going on till late Wednesday evening. “We are doing everything possible to control the fire today. The fire will be controlled in one or two hours,” he added. Officials at the spot said it will take them several hours to douse the fire. Police and fire department officials said they will probe the cause of the fire, but added that it could have been triggered by the high day day temperature that might have ignited the flammable gases generated by the waste. Experts also said that high levels of methane at the landfill, aided by high temperature, may have caused the fire. On Wednesday, Delhi’s maximum temperature was recorded at 41.2 degrees Celsius. It was as high as 44.3 degrees Celsius at the Yamuna Sports Complex station -- the nearest located to the landfill. Last month, a huge portion of the landfill went up in the flames on March 28, and the fire raged for almost three days. A week later, there was another fire on April 9. Till late Wednesday evening, the dark smoke at the landfill was visible from the Delhi-Meerut Expressway and nearby areas. Israr Ahmed,33, who runs a small hardware shop at Mulla colony, said, “If the winds are strong, the smoke reaches our shops and it becomes impossible to sit and work. In such a case, people shut their shop for the day and head home, often staying indoors, until there is some improvement.” Atin Biswas, programme director, Municipal Solid Waste at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), said, the landfill was catching fire because the authorities may be not following the norms to cut the flow of flammable gases.

Give ‘warning’ label, not health star rating on junk food packs: experts to FSSAI

Health star rating is a labelling system that grades packaged foods on the scale of one to five stars. The government should issue a ‘warning’ label on packaged junk foods instead of health star ratings as they are misleading and doing more harm to customers than good, health experts said on Wednesday. Health star rating is a labelling system that grades packaged foods on the scale of one to five stars. If the government is serious about the epidemic of obesity and non-communicable diseases, the consumer needs to be cautioned about junk foods through ‘warning’ labels, public health experts gathered at the National Conclave on Sustainable Food Systems’, organized by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) in Nimli, Rajasthan, said. Health star ratings are designed by the powerful food industry to mislead the consumer. By pushing these, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) will give license to glorify junk foods, which is the opposite of what should be done, Sunita Narain, director general, CSE, said while leading the expert deliberation on the Need for front-of-pack warning labels on ultra-processed junk foods’. The deliberations included about 50 experts from across the country, including Amit Khurana, programme director, Sustainable Food Systems, CSE; George Cheriyan, director, CUTS International, Rajasthan; Vandana Prasad, community pediatrician, Public Health Resource Network, Delhi; and Sanjay Pandey, lead advisor, Global Health Advocacy Incubator, India. Front-of-pack labelling on packaged foods was first recommended by an the FSSAI-led committee formed in 2013. CSE was part of this committee. FSSAI then came up with a draft regulation in 2018, which had strict thresholds limits to know unhealthy levels based on those developed by the WHO for countries like India in the South-East Asia Region. ADVERTISEMENT CONTINUE READING BELOW Due to industry pressure, FSSAI came up with another draft in 2019. The food industry was still not pleased and this draft was repealed. From January-June 2021, stakeholder consultations were held on the labelling design to be adopted, thresholds to made applicable and nutrients to be displayed. CSE has documented all delays and dilutions until June 2021, the organisation alleged in a statement. The latest consultation took place in February during which it was made clear that FSSAI plans to go ahead with the ‘Health Star Rating’. The sole objective of the stakeholder consultations, which were heavily dominated by the packaged food industry, was to come up with a labelling system, which is industry-friendly, said Khurana, who was part of these consultations, adding that all this while, FSSAI has been insensitive to the information needs of the consumer . He alleged that the statutory body also ignored the global best practices and evidence around it. Instead, in an orchestrated way, through the scientific panel and commissioned studies, it is now getting ready to adopt a labelling system which is considered least effective and rejected across the world, he said. Health star ratings are depicted based on an algorithm at the back-end, which is not known to consumers, CSE said, adding that it is only adopted voluntarily in few countries such as Australia and New Zealand and only some food products carry it. It has been rejected in several other countries as it can mislead the consumer and be easily manipulated by the industry, the CSE said. The proven best practice in front-of-pack labelling is nutrient specific ‘warning’ labels, experts said. They have been simple and effective in discouraging junk food consumption. Several Latin American countries, Canada and Israel have already adopted warning labels. Many other countries are considering them. Among them, the best known are symbol-based warning labels such as that of Israel. These will be most suitable for India, as it would transcend the literature and language barriers, the CSE said. We have submitted our concerns to FSSAI. It can’t allow a system that will effectively nudge the consumer to make unhealthy choices. It will mislead the consumer because of its design, algorithm and inclusion of positive nutrients in the calculation. It can’t allow relaxed limits and voluntary adoption, Narain said.

Give ‘warning’ label, not health star rating, on junk food packages: Experts to FSSAI

The government should issue a ‘warning’ label on packaged junk foods instead of health star ratings as they are misleading and doing more harm to customers than good, health experts said on Wednesday. Health star rating is a labelling system that grades packaged foods on the scale of one to five stars. If the government is serious about the “epidemic” of obesity and non-communicable diseases, the consumer needs to be cautioned about junk foods through ‘warning’ labels, public health experts gathered at the ‘National Conclave on Sustainable Food Systems’, organized by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) in Nimli, Rajasthan, said. “Health star ratings are designed by the powerful food industry to mislead the consumer. By pushing these, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) will give license to glorify junk foods, which is the opposite of what should be done,” Sunita Narain, director general, CSE, said while leading the expert deliberation on the ‘Need for front-of-pack warning labels on ultra-processed junk foods’. The deliberations included about 50 experts from across the country, including Amit Khurana, programme director, Sustainable Food Systems, CSE; George Cheriyan, director, CUTS International, Rajasthan; Vandana Prasad, community pediatrician, Public Health Resource Network, Delhi; and Sanjay Pandey, lead advisor, Global Health Advocacy Incubator, India. Front-of-pack labelling on packaged foods was first recommended by an the FSSAI-led committee formed in 2013. “CSE was part of this committee. FSSAI then came up with a draft regulation in 2018, which had strict thresholds ndash; limits to know unhealthy levels ndash; based on those developed by the WHO for countries like India in the South-East Asia Region. “Due to industry pressure, FSSAI came up with another draft in 2019. The food industry was still not pleased and this draft was repealed. From January-June 2021, stakeholder consultations were held on the labelling design to be adopted, thresholds to made applicable and nutrients to be displayed. CSE has documented all delays and dilutions until June 2021,” the organisation alleged in a statement. The latest consultation took place in February during which it was made clear that FSSAI plans to go ahead with the ‘Health Star Rating’. “The sole objective of the stakeholder consultations, which were heavily dominated by the packaged food industry, was to come up with a labelling system, which is industry-friendly,” said Khurana, who was part of these consultations, adding that “all this while, FSSAI has been insensitive to the information needs of the consumer”. He alleged that the statutory body also ignored the global best practices and evidence around it. “Instead, in an orchestrated way, through the scientific panel and commissioned studies, it is now getting ready to adopt a labelling system which is considered least effective and rejected across the world,” he said. Health star ratings are depicted based on an algorithm at the back-end, which is not known to consumers, CSE said, adding that it is only adopted voluntarily in few countries such as Australia and New Zealand and only some food products carry it. It has been rejected in several other countries as it can mislead the consumer and be easily manipulated by the industry, the CSE said. The proven best practice in front-of-pack labelling is nutrient specific ‘warning’ labels, experts said. They have been simple and effective in discouraging junk food consumption. Several Latin American countries, Canada and Israel have already adopted warning labels. Many other countries are considering them. Among them, the best known are symbol-based warning labels such as that of Israel. These will be most suitable for India, as it would transcend the literature and language barriers, the CSE said. “We have submitted our concerns to FSSAI. It can’t allow a system that will effectively nudge the consumer to make unhealthy choices. It will mislead the consumer because of its design, algorithm and inclusion of positive nutrients in the calculation. It can’t allow relaxed limits and voluntary adoption,” Narain said.

Give ‘warning’ label, not health star rating, on junk food packages: Experts to FSSAI

Health star rating is a labelling system that grades packaged foods on the scale of one to five stars The government should issue a ‘warning’ label on packaged junk foods instead of health star ratings as they are misleading and doing more harm to customers than good, health experts said on Wednesday. Health star rating is a labelling system that grades packaged foods on the scale of one to five stars. If the government is serious about the “epidemic” of obesity and non-communicable diseases, the consumer needs to be cautioned about junk foods through ‘warning’ labels, public health experts gathered at the ‘National Conclave on Sustainable Food Systems’, organized by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) in Nimli, Rajasthan, said. “Health star ratings are designed by the powerful food industry to mislead the consumer. By pushing these, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) will give license to glorify junk foods, which is the opposite of what should be done,” Sunita Narain, director general, CSE, said while leading the expert deliberation on the ‘Need for front-of-pack warning labels on ultra-processed junk foods’. The deliberations included about 50 experts from across the country, including Amit Khurana, programme director, Sustainable Food Systems, CSE; George Cheriyan, director, CUTS International, Rajasthan; Vandana Prasad, community pediatrician, Public Health Resource Network, Delhi; and Sanjay Pandey, lead advisor, Global Health Advocacy Incubator, India. Front-of-pack labelling on packaged foods was first recommended by an the FSSAI-led committee formed in 2013. “CSE was part of this committee. FSSAI then came up with a draft regulation in 2018, which had strict thresholds – limits to know unhealthy levels – based on those developed by the WHO for countries like India in the South-East Asia Region. “Due to industry pressure, FSSAI came up with another draft in 2019. The food industry was still not pleased and this draft was repealed. From January-June 2021, stakeholder consultations were held on the labelling design to be adopted, thresholds to made applicable and nutrients to be displayed. CSE has documented all delays and dilutions until June 2021,” the organisation alleged in a statement. The latest consultation took place in February during which it was made clear that FSSAI plans to go ahead with the ‘Health Star Rating’. “The sole objective of the stakeholder consultations, which were heavily dominated by the packaged food industry, was to come up with a labelling system, which is industry-friendly,” said Khurana, who was part of these consultations, adding that “all this while, FSSAI has been insensitive to the information needs of the consumer”. He alleged that the statutory body also ignored the global best practices and evidence around it. “Instead, in an orchestrated way, through the scientific panel and commissioned studies, it is now getting ready to adopt a labelling system which is considered least effective and rejected across the world,” he said. Health star ratings are depicted based on an algorithm at the back-end, which is not known to consumers, CSE said, adding that it is only adopted voluntarily in few countries such as Australia and New Zealand and only some food products carry it. It has been rejected in several other countries as it can mislead the consumer and be easily manipulated by the industry, the CSE said. The proven best practice in front-of-pack labelling is nutrient specific ‘warning’ labels, experts said. They have been simple and effective in discouraging junk food consumption. Several Latin American countries, Canada and Israel have already adopted warning labels. Many other countries are considering them. Among them, the best known are symbol-based warning labels such as that of Israel. These will be most suitable for India, as it would transcend the literature and language barriers, the CSE said. “We have submitted our concerns to FSSAI. It can’t allow a system that will effectively nudge the consumer to make unhealthy choices. It will mislead the consumer because of its design, algorithm and inclusion of positive nutrients in the calculation. It can’t allow relaxed limits and voluntary adoption,” Narain said.