Cse In News

Down To Earth

Every second COVID case and death reported in May 2021 was from rural India

Last month, 53% of new cases and 52% of deaths due to the coronavirus were from rural districts of India, finds the ‘State of India’s Environment 2021’ report. What makes the situation more worrisome is the acute shortage of healthcare staff in rural India — a 76.1% shortfall of specialists at the CHC level. Rural India, where two-thirds of Indians live, did not escape the fury of the second wave of the COVID19 pandemic. Latest data collated and analysed by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), a New Delhi-based environmental research organisation, shows that every second COVID case and death recorded in the country in May 2021 was from rural districts. The ‘State of India’s Environment 2021’, the latest data report by CSE, goes on to note that in the first 26 days of May, globally, India accounted for every other new COVID-19 case and every third death due to the infection. This also means every fourth case reported in the world last month was from rural India. ‘State of India’s Environment 2021’, CSE, New Delhi. Gaon Connection has been consistently reporting on the rise of the COVID infections in villages across the country. On the one hand, there was a sharp increase in cases registered in rural India, and on the other, there was a shortage of testing facilities, COVID wards and basic health services. Also Read: Rural Uttar Pradesh in a fever of trouble Villagers and health sector experts claim that COVID deaths recorded in rural India are far lesser than the actual number of deaths. Whereas the district administration claimed some were ‘natural deaths’, family members insist they died of COVID-like symptoms. Because of lack of testing and fear of testing, among other things, it is hard to ascertain the real cause of the rising deaths in rural districts. Even then, the available data paints a grim picture, as reflected in the recent report. Also Read: There’s more to India’s COVID19 death toll than meets the eye Shortage of rural healthcare staff What makes the COVID assault on rural India extremely difficult to handle is the acute shortage of basic healthcare services and infrastructure in villages. The rural healthcare system in India operates at three levels — sub-centre, primary health centre (PHC), and community health centre (CHC). A sub-centre covers a population of 5,000 people, a PHC covers 30,000 people and the CHC covers 120,000 people. Also Read: Want to help citizens of rural India in COVID pandemic? Here’s a verified directory of rural initiatives However, the ‘State of India’s Environment 2021’ report shows the gaping holes in rural health infrastructure. It found that as of March 2020, there is a shortfall of 14.1 per cent ANMs (auxiliary nurse midwives), 35 per cent male health workers and 7 per cent doctors at sub-centre and PHC level. The situation is worse at the CHC level that has a shortfall of 78.9 per cent surgeons, 69.7 per cent obstetricians & gynecologists, 78.2 per cent physicians and 78.2 per cent pediatricians. This works out to a total shortage of 76.1 per cent specialists at CHC level, where rural India seeks specialised healthcare. ‘State of India’s Environment 2021’, CSE, New Delhi. On May 29, Gaon Connection reported how a number of sub-centres and PHCs in rural Uttar Pradesh were dilapidated and non-functional, with leaking roofs, missing doors and few staff. Also Read: Leaking roofs, missing doors, weeds everywhere and few staff: Rural health centres in shambles The CSE’s recent report notes that India needs at least 38 per cent more CHCs, which is the first level of health infrastructure where the rural population gets access to specialist doctors and radiographers. It also informs that at the all-India level, the country needs 24 per cent more sub-centres and 29 per cent more PHCs to meet the shortfall. At present, rural health infrastructure has a rampant shortage of doctors and specialists such as lab technicians and radiographers in rural health centres. Based on an investigation, Gaon Connection had reported on May 6 how several district hospitals where rural India seeks medicare, have inadequate, faulty or no ventilators at their disposal. There is also a severe shortage of trained technicians to operate them. Also Read: COVID-19 invades rural India; district hospitals struggle with faulty or no ventilators at all Acute shortage of human resources Data analysis by the CSE shows that Puducherry and Mizoram have no specialist doctors available at the CHC level. Gujarat and Tripura have a 99 per cent shortage of such doctors at CHCs. Meghalaya and Madhya Pradesh have 96 per cent shortfall each (see bar graph). ‘State of India’s Environment 2021’, CSE, New Delhi. Most Indian states also have a shortage of radiographers at CHCs. Bihar has reported the highest shortfall at 95 per cent followed by Kerala at 94 per cent, Nagaland at 86 per cent and Uttarakhand at 84 per cent. At the all-India level, there is a 56 per cent shortfall in radiographers at CHCs. Similarly, there is a shortage of doctors at PHCs. The Union territory of Ladakh has a shortfall of 69 per cent doctors at PHCs followed by 51 per cent at Chhattisgarh. Uttar Pradesh has reported only a 4 per cent shortage of PHC doctors. At the all-India level, there is a 7 per cent shortfall in PHC doctors. Meanwhile, there is a shortage of lab technicians both at PHCs and CHCs, with the highest shortfall in Himachal Pradesh (93 per cent) followed by Uttarakhand at 81 per cent and national capital Delhi at 80 per cent. At the all-India level, there is a 35 per cent shortfall in lab technicians at CHCs and PHCs. That healthcare infrastructure in rural India is sorely lacking is well known, but in the last month, the ineptitude has been felt like never before.

Sustainable Food Systems

World Food Safety Day 2021: Combating Food Borne Illnesses

The right to food is a fundamental human right. Food quality and safety are important aspects of this right to food. In order to draw attention to the importance of food safety that has implications on human health and economic prosperity, World Food Safety Day was observed for the first time on June 7th, 2019 by WHO in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations. World Food Safety Day 2021 World Food Safety Day is aimed at reinforcing the commitment to scale up food safety made by the Addis Ababa Conference and the Geneva Forum in 2019 under the umbrella of “The Future of Food Safety”. World Food Safety Day 2021 is to be observed on June 7, 2021, with the theme – “Safe food today for a healthy tomorrow”. The intent is to initiate an action-oriented campaign that will promote global food safety awareness and call upon countries and decision-makers, the private sector, civil society, UN organizations and the general public to take action. Food Safety – A Concern in India Food and Water contamination is a serious concern in India. Chandra Bhushan, Deputy Director-General, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has said, “Scientific evidence has shown that contamination of food is a serious issue in India as unchecked microbial activity and the use of pesticides and antibiotics seriously compromise food safety, while consumption of junk food and other chemically-laced foods adds to the problem.” According to CSE researchers, in 2013, about 10 per cent of deaths in India of children below 5 years were due to diarrhoea. The total burden of foodborne illnesses in the country is yet to be estimated. One of the major reasons that are responsible for food and water contamination is the indiscriminate use of pesticides in agriculture. Such food contamination leads to long-term health effects, such as endocrine disruption, birth defects and cancer. In addition to this, the unmet hygiene standards of highly popular street-food in India also contribute to food-borne illnesses in India. Relevance of World Food Safety Day Amid COVID-19 outbreak COVID-19 outbreak has drastically changed the world as we know it. The importance of hygiene and cleanliness has forced the food vendors to meet the safety and cleanliness standards. Considering the fact that there is no sure treatment for COVID-19 and even the vaccines are not completely effective on various variants that keep emerging, people are forced to take health seriously and improve their immunity. At such a time, World Food Safety Day 2021 has gained another dimension that needs to be addressed. Food safety now is not just about meeting some SDGs. It is about survival. Food Safety at Production Level Considering the fact that pesticides and chemical farming are largely responsible for food and water contamination, food producers need to find alternatives to these in agriculture and food production. Organic Farming Organic Farming benefits the farmers in a way that it helps them improve their soil quality and water quality. A wide range of organic pesticides and fertilizers helps them secure their production and earn more value for their products considering the increased demand and low supply of organic products. These products also have health benefits for the consumers considering the absence of chemicals in them. The only drawback of the method is that it requires more manual labour, and less produce comparatively which might discourage the farmers from pursuing. Zero Budget Natural Farming Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) is a method of agriculture where the farmer lets nature run its course. The farmers do not need to till the soil or use any form of fertilizers or pesticides. In this method, the farmers do not have to make any form of investment except perhaps to procure seeds. Once planted, nature provides for the plant’s needs, which makes it resilient against storms or other natural calamities. It also prevents soil erosion and degradation. However, now since the seeds are chemically treated, the plants that grow from them are not adapted to sustain independently. This means that it might take a few years for farmers to actually be able to make money out of ZBNF, discouraging them to pursue the method. Precision Farming It is the indiscriminate use of fertilizers and pesticides that is harmful to soil and human health. Using it in a controlled manner is not as harmful. This is where the method of Precision Farming comes into the picture. In this method, the farmer uses technology in form of Artificial intelligence, sensors and ipads/tablets/smartphones that give them information as to which element is missing from the soil, or the moisture content of the soil at a specific time. This allows farmers to use fertilizers or pesticides in a controlled manner. Precision farming is highly beneficial since it saves water use, fertilizer use and prevents soil degradation and contamination. In addition, it does not impact the quality and quantity of the produce obtained. The drawback of the technique is; it requires a substantial initial investment in the form of installation of the technology. Also, it requires the farmers to develop the skill to employ the technology accurately, which is not an easy feat for Indian farmers. Food Safety at Consumption Level Food Safety does not end at the level of production. Consumers need to take necessary precautions from their end in order to ensure that the food is not contaminated before consumption. For this, individuals must; 1. Keep produce separate from meat, poultry, seafood and eggs, while shopping. 2. Keep produce and other ready to eat foods in a separate area of the refrigerator, away from the meat, poultry, seafood and eggs. 3. Refrigerate food within 2 hours of grocery shopping or 1 hour if kept in air temperatures above 32 degrees. 4. Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before preparing food. 5. Rinse whole fruits and vegetables under running water and dry with a clean cloth. 6. Clean cooking surfaces and utensils with hot, soapy water after every use. 7. Keep meat, poultry, and seafood warm (60 degrees or above) between cooking and serving. The individuals must make sure to avoid; 1. Choosing meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs with broken or leaking packaging. 2. Removing eggs from the carton or keeping them in the refrigerator door. 3. Placing raw meats, poultry, or seafood on upper shelves of the refrigerator where they can drip onto other foods. 4. Using soap or detergent on foods. 5. Reusing plates or cutting boards that have touched uncooked meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, or flour before washing them with hot, soapy water. 6. Allowing food to cool before refrigerating. 7. Letting food to sit out for more than 2 hours or 1 hour in air temperatures above 32 degrees. Food Safety by Street/Home Food Sellers There are more than 1.2 million registered street vendors in India, as of 2013. These street vendors are subjected to food safety norms. However, there are many more unregistered street food vendors, or home food sellers. There are many women or families in India who sell baked goods, snacks or even cooked tiffins from home. The service helps them stay financially independent. However, these entrepreneurs are not really registered with FSSAI, making it difficult for the food safety agency to enforce the food safety norms on them. In order to discourage these entrepreneurs from conducting their business outside the law, the food safety agencies of states are now tightening their norms by charging a penalty of over 5 lakhs and imprisonment of over 6 months against not registering their businesses. The move is important so that these vendors are also subjected to the safety norms and are under the ambit of the law. Food Safety is an important aspect to consider to fight against malnutrition, and achieve health goals in India. A collaborative effort from all to achieve food safety at production and a keen sense of self-preservation will achieve it at the level of consumption.

Down To Earth

Five-fold increase in farmers' protests across India, finds new study

These statistics points that India is sitting atop a massive time-bomb of agrarian crisis and disquiet, and the clock is ticking away. NEW DELHI: Farmer protests in India have registered an almost five-fold increase since 2017. From 34 major protests across 15 states in 2017, the number has now gone up to 165 protests across 22 states and Union territories. Every day, over 28 farm labourers and cultivators commit suicide in our country. In 2019, there were 5,957 farmer suicides, along with an additional 4,324 farm labourers who died by suicide, according to the State of India’s Environment in Figures 2021. Today, India has more farm labourers than farmers – in 52 per cent of the country’s districts, the population of farm labourers has outstripped that of farmers and cultivators. Bihar, Kerala and Puducherry have more farm labourers than farmers in all their districts. These statistics points that India is sitting atop a massive time-bomb of agrarian crisis and disquiet, and the clock is ticking away. CSE director general Sunita Narain said: “There is drama in numbers, especially when these numbers give you a trend – are things getting better or worse. It is even more powerful when you can use the trend to understand the crisis, the challenge and the opportunity.” In the case of agriculture and land, things seem to be certainly on the downside. “This is evident all the more when you see the condition of land records and their maintenance in the country. Our analysis shows that 14 states in India have witnessed a deterioration in the quality of their land records," says Richard Mahapatra, managing editor of Down To Earth. According to Narain, “at a time and age when the quality of data available to us is usually poor – it is either missing, unavailable publicly or of questionable quality – a collection like this can be immensely helpful, especially for journalists. Improving the quality of data can only happen when we use it for policy.”

Down To Earth

Five-fold rise in farmer protests in India since 2017, says CSE’s new statistical analysis

Bathinda: Farmer protests in India have registered an almost five-fold increase since 2017. Just a year before the target of doubling of farmers' income, India recorded 165 major protests across 22 States and UTs in 2020 up from only 34 major protests witnessed in 15 states in 2017. In the year 2020, 96 protests were related to economic farm policies (which include protests against three contentious farm laws), 38 protests related to procurement, the fair price of crops, 4 related to farm infrastructure, 17 against land acquisition, 7 related to insurance and loan waivers, 3 for other reasons, says the statistical data analysed by Centre for Science and Environment. CSE has also analysed that as per National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) every day 28 cultivators and farm labourers committed suicide in the country in 2019 as 5,957 farmers and 4324 labourers committed suicides. Now the situation has come to such a pass that in 52 per cent of the country’s districts, the population of farm labourers has outstripped that of farmers and cultivators. Bihar, Kerala and Puducherry have more farm labourers than farmers in all their districts. While studying statistics, CSE points that the country is sitting atop a massive time-bomb of agrarian crisis and disquiet. CSE director general Sunita Narain said: “The numbers point towards a trend. The trend points towards impending crisis, and the challenge ahead. In the case of agriculture and land, things seem to be certainly on the downside.” “This is evident all the more when you see the condition of land records and their maintenance in the country,” says Richard Mahapatra, managing editor of Down To Earth. “Our analysis shows that 14 states in India have witnessed a deterioration in the quality of their land records.” Says Narain: “At a time and age when the quality of data available is usually poor – it is either missing, unavailable publicly or of questionable quality but the correct data like this can be immensely helpful. Improving the quality of data can only happen when we use it for policy. Just consider how we have suffered in this past year due to the Covid-19 pandemic because we do not have sufficient or accurate data on tests, or the number of deaths, or serological surveys, or genomic sequencing of the variants.”

Down To Earth

Fivefold increase in farm protests since 2017: CSE report

Apart from 12 pan-India agitations, most protests were in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Apart from the three contentious farm laws, procurement and agricultural market price-related failures have contributed to a fivefold increase in major farmers’ protests since 2017, according to data collated by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). In 2017, there were 34 major protests across 15 States. That number has now shot up to 165 protests across 22 States and Union territories. The CSE’s State of Environment in Figures 2021 report records that 12 of these are pan-India protests, including 11 agitations against the three farm reform laws introduced last year. Along with protests against State legislation and inadequate Budget allocations for the agricultural sector, such anti-policy agitations account for 96 major protests across the country. However, large numbers of farmers are also fighting against market failures and demanding fair prices, which have led to 38 major protests. Battles against the acquisition of farm land for development projects, including highway and airport construction, are the prime cause of 17 agitations. Loan waivers At least seven agitations have been to demand loan waivers or to protest poor insurance coverage and delayed compensation. Farmers have gathered at least four times over 2020-21 to protest the unavailability or increased prices of farm inputs and infrastructure, such as irrigation or fertilisers. The arrests of protesting farm leaders have also led to further stirs. Although Punjab and Haryana farmers have caught the limelight for the recent protests outside Delhi, the CSE data shows that the largest number of recent protests have taken place in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The report noted that India now has more farm labourers than landowning farmers and cultivators. This is true in 52% of the country’s districts, as well as in all districts of Bihar and Kerala. More than 28 agricultural workers and cultivators end their lives every day. The latest data available shows that 5,957 farmers and an additional 4,324 farm labourers died by suicide in 2019. The CSE called for the better maintenance of agricultural data, noting that 14 States had actually witnessed a deterioration in the quality of their land records. “India is sitting atop a massive time-bomb of agrarian crisis and disquiet, and the clock is ticking away,” said a CSE statement.

Down To Earth

Fivefold increase in farm protests since 2017: CSE report

Other than 12 pan-India agitations, most protests had been in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Other than the three contentious farm legal guidelines, procurement and agricultural market price-related failures have contributed to a fivefold enhance in main farmers’ protests since 2017, in accordance with knowledge collated by the Centre for Science and Surroundings (CSE). In 2017, there have been 34 main protests throughout 15 States. That quantity has now shot as much as 165 protests throughout 22 States and Union territories. The CSE’s State of Surroundings in Figures 2021 report data that 12 of those are pan-India protests, together with 11 agitations in opposition to the three farm reform legal guidelines launched final 12 months. Together with protests in opposition to State laws and insufficient Finances allocations for the agricultural sector, such anti-policy agitations account for 96 main protests throughout the nation. Nevertheless, giant numbers of farmers are additionally combating in opposition to market failures and demanding truthful costs, which have led to 38 main protests. Battles in opposition to the acquisition of farm land for growth initiatives, together with freeway and airport development, are the prime explanation for 17 agitations. Mortgage waivers At the very least seven agitations have been to demand mortgage waivers or to protest poor insurance coverage protection and delayed compensation. Farmers have gathered at the very least 4 occasions over 2020-21 to protest the unavailability or elevated costs of farm inputs and infrastructure, equivalent to irrigation or fertilisers. The arrests of protesting farm leaders have additionally led to additional stirs. Though Punjab and Haryana farmers have caught the limelight for the current protests outdoors Delhi, the CSE knowledge exhibits that the most important variety of current protests have taken place in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The report famous that India now has extra farm labourers than landowning farmers and cultivators. That is true in 52% of the nation’s districts, in addition to in all districts of Bihar and Kerala. Greater than 28 agricultural employees and cultivators finish their lives day by day. The newest knowledge out there exhibits that 5,957 farmers and a further 4,324 farm labourers died by suicide in 2019. The CSE referred to as for the higher upkeep of agricultural knowledge, noting that 14 States had truly witnessed a deterioration within the high quality of their land data. “India is sitting atop an enormous time-bomb of agrarian disaster and disquiet, and the clock is ticking away,” stated a CSE assertion.

Down To Earth

Fivefold increase in farm protests since 2017: CSE report

Apart from 12 pan-India agitations, most protests had been in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Apart from the three contentious farm legal guidelines, procurement and agricultural market price-related failures have contributed to a fivefold increase in main farmers’ protests since 2017, in keeping with knowledge collated by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). In 2017, there have been 34 main protests throughout 15 States. That quantity has now shot as much as 165 protests throughout 22 States and Union territories. The CSE’s State of Environment in Figures 2021 report information that 12 of those are pan-India protests, together with 11 agitations towards the three farm reform legal guidelines launched final 12 months. Along with protests towards State laws and insufficient Budget allocations for the agricultural sector, such anti-policy agitations account for 96 main protests throughout the nation. However, giant numbers of farmers are additionally combating towards market failures and demanding truthful costs, which have led to 38 main protests. Battles towards the acquisition of farm land for improvement tasks, together with freeway and airport building, are the prime explanation for 17 agitations. Loan waivers At least seven agitations have been to demand mortgage waivers or to protest poor insurance coverage protection and delayed compensation. Farmers have gathered a minimum of 4 instances over 2020-21 to protest the unavailability or elevated costs of farm inputs and infrastructure, akin to irrigation or fertilisers. The arrests of protesting farm leaders have additionally led to additional stirs. Although Punjab and Haryana farmers have caught the limelight for the latest protests outdoors Delhi, the CSE knowledge exhibits that the biggest variety of latest protests have taken place in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The report famous that India now has extra farm labourers than landowning farmers and cultivators. This is true in 52% of the nation’s districts, in addition to in all districts of Bihar and Kerala. More than 28 agricultural staff and cultivators finish their lives on daily basis. The newest knowledge out there exhibits that 5,957 farmers and a further 4,324 farm labourers died by suicide in 2019. The CSE referred to as for the higher upkeep of agricultural knowledge, noting that 14 States had truly witnessed a deterioration in the standard of their land information. “India is sitting atop a massive time-bomb of agrarian crisis and disquiet, and the clock is ticking away,” mentioned a CSE assertion.

Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

Delhi-NCR में 14 नए Pollution Hot Spot की पहचान, CSE की रिपॉर्ट में खुलासा

Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

दिल्ली: इस बार प्रदूषण पर नहीं लग पाया 'लॉकडाउन', नियमों में मिली छूट ने किया नुकसान

कोरोना महामारी से बचने के लिए पिछले साल लगे लॉकडाउन का प्रदूषण पर भारी असर दिखा था। इस बार भी कोरोना से निपटने के लिए लॉकडाउन लगा लेकिन प्रदूषण पर इसका कोई खासा असर देखने को नहीं मिला। दिल्ली की थिंक टैंक सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरमेंट (सीएसई) का दावा है कि पिछले साल के मुताबिक इस बार के लॉकडाउन से दिल्ली के प्रदूषण में खासा कमी देखने को नहीं मिली है। सीएसई की एक स्टडी में कहा गया है कि इस साल भी लॉकडाउन के दौरान पीएम स्तर 2.5 पहुंच गया, लेकिन चूंकि लॉकडाउन की अवधि भी कम थी और प्रतिबंध भी पिछली बार की तरह कड़े नहीं थे, इसलिए प्रदूषण स्तर 2020 की तरह कम नहीं रह पाया। छह से 19 अप्रैल के बीच लागू आंशिक लॉकडाउन के कारण दिल्ली के प्रदूषण स्तर में 20 प्रतिशत की गिरवट आई थी। इसके बाद 20 अप्रैल से लगे पूर्ण लॉकडाउन के दौरान इसमें और 12 प्रतिशत की कमी आ गई। प्रदूषण के इस स्तर के लिए मौसम विज्ञान आंशिक रूप से जिम्मेदार हो सकता है, लेकिन इस महामारी के दौरान शहर में कमजोर प्रदूषण नियंत्रण उपायों और प्रयासों का परिचायक भी हो सकता है। इस बार तो यातायात की आवाजाही भी पिछले साल की तुलना में अधिक रही। बता दें कि केंद्रीय प्रदूषण नियंत्रण बोर्ड के पूर्व अपर निदेशक डॉ. सुशील कुमार त्यागी ने बताया था कि दिल्ली में गर्मी के दिनों में पश्चिम की ओर से हवाएं चलती हैं। यही वजह है कि राजस्थान से आने वाली धूलभरी आंधी के साथ पीएम 10 व पीएम 2.5 कण दिल्ली में डेरा डाले रहते हैं। वहीं, इसके उलट सर्दी में हवा की दिशा उत्तर-पश्चिम की ओर हो जाती है। उस समय पंजाब व हरियाणा में जलने वाली पराली का धुआं दिल्ली की ओर रुख करता है। वहीं, वेंटिलेशन इंडेक्स कम होने के से भी सांसों का अधिक संकट हो जाता है।

Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

This is what the study shows regarding the air quality during lockdown

New Delhi: According to a study conducted by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), pollution levels during the lockdown imposed in 2021 were more in comparison to the lockdown imposed last year. The Delhi-based think tank compared the air quality analysis between the lockdowns imposed in two years and released the report. The report of the CSE stated that the lockdown imposed in 2021 was effective in reducing PM2.5 pollutant levels. However, due to the short duration of the lockdown, the pollutant levels did not fall down as low as summer 2020. According to the CSE, PM2.5 pollutant levels reduced by 20 percent after a partial lockdown was imposed in Delhi from April 6 to April 19. The average pollution levels fell down by 12 percent when the complete lockdown was imposed. The analysis read, “Meteorology would be partly responsible for this elevated level but this could also be a reflection of weakening of pollution control measures and efforts in the city and region during the pandemic phase. Traffic intensity was also comparatively higher. ” As per the report, the monthly average level of PM2.5 pollutants in April and May this year was higher in comparison to April-May 2020. In the evening peak of the hourly cycle of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) was 29 percent higher during the 2021 lockdown as opposed to the lockdown imposed last year. The level, however, was 57 percent lower than the regular evening peak, which was recorded in May 2019. The program manager in CSE’s urban lab team of the sustainable cities program, Avikal Somvanshi, said, “The key highlight is that during springtime, January to March, when pollution level begins to subside after winter, PM2.5 this year has recorded the highest seasonal levels compared to the corresponding period in preceding years, including 2019 which was a normal year. “

Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

दिल्ली एनसीआर की हवा पूर्णबंदी में भी रही दूषित, CSE ने जारी किए ताजा आंकड़े

पूर्णबंदी के बावजूद दिल्ली-एनसीआर में वायु प्रदूषण बढ़ा हुआ पाया गया, वहीं निगरानी तंत्र में भी कमी पाई गई। विश्व पर्यावरण दिवस पर विज्ञान और पर्यावरण केंद्र (सीएसई) ने वायु गुणवत्ता विश्लेषण के ताजा आंकड़े जारी किए हैं जो दर्शाता है कि दिल्ली और राष्ट्रीय राजधानी क्षेत्र (एनसीआर) में महामारी के दौरान हवा कैसी थी। यह आकलन अवधि सितंबर 2018 से मई 2021 तक है जिसमें दिल्ली और राष्ट्रीय राजधानी क्षेत्र में लगातार तीन सर्दियों के मौसम, पूर्व और महामारी युग और पूर्णबंदी के विभिन्न चरणों को शामिल किया गया है। रिपोर्ट बताती है कि 2020 में मार्च से मई और अप्रैल-जून, 2021 में पूर्णबंदी के दोनों चरणों के दौरान महीन धूल कणों (पीएम 2.5) के स्तर में काफी गिरावट आई है, जबकि शुरुआती महीनों में आंशिक प्रतिबंधों के बावजूद प्रदूषण स्तर में वृद्धि हुई है। सीएसई की कार्यकारी निदेशक-अनुसंधान और वकालत अनुमिता रॉय चौधरी ने कहा है कि इसके कारण की जांच की आवश्यकता है। आमतौर से वसंत का समय जनवरी से मार्च, जब सर्दियों के बाद प्रदूषण का स्तर कम होना शुरू हो जाता है। सीएसई के अविकल सोमवंशी ने कहा कि इस वर्ष पीएम 2.5 पिछले वर्षों की इसी अवधि की तुलना में उच्चतम मौसमी स्तर पर दर्ज किया है । यह विश्लेषण दिल्ली और एनसीआर में वर्तमान में काम कर रहे वायु गुणवत्ता निगरानी स्टेशनों से उपलब्ध वास्तविक समय के आंकड़ों (रियल टाइम डाटा) पर आधारित है। दिल्ली का निगरानी नेटवर्क 2020 के अंत तक 40 स्टेशनों (दिल्ली प्रदूषण नियंत्रण समिति या डीपीसीसी के 24, आइएमडी के 8, केंद्रीय प्रदूषण नियंत्रण बोर्ड के 6 और आइआइटीएम के 2) तक बढ़ गया, लेकिन सक्रिय स्टेशनों की संख्या आइएमडी के सभी स्टेशनों के ऑफलाइन हो जाने के कारण घटकर 32 हो गई है। बुराड़ी क्रॉसिंग पर आइएमडी का स्टेशन 13 दिसंबर, 2020 से बंद (ऑफलाइन) है, जबकि आयानगर, सीआरआरआइ मथुरा रोड, आइआइटी, एयरपोर्ट, लोदी रोड, दिल्ली विश्विद्यालय का उत्तरी परिसर और स्टेशन 10 मार्च, 2021 को बंद हो गए। वास्तव में, उनके दो अन्य स्टेशन (ग्वाल) पहाड़ी, गुरुग्राम और नोएडा सेक्टर 62 भी ऑफलाइन हो गए हैं। कुल मिलाकर, दिल्ली और एनसीआर के पांच बड़े शहरों में निगरानी नेटवर्क की संख्या 58 स्टेशनों से घटकर 48 स्टेशनों पर आ गई है। डेटा की कम उपलब्धता के साथ यह चिंता का विषय है क्योंकि इससे निगरानी नेटवर्क कमजोर हो जाता है।

Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

World Environment Day:Pollution will rebound sans stronger action

Air quality analysis of pandemic year shows how tough it is to tame pollution only with forced restrictions; need hard action for sustained gains Spring pollution of 2021 (January-March) has recorded higher levels for the season since 2019. The levels during two hard lockdown phases in 2020 and 2021 predictably dropped and showed similar levels. But semi lockdown phase in 2021 has recorded higher levels than 2020. April-May 2021 particularly is dirtier than the corresponding time last year During 2020-21 winter, at least 14 additional locations have registered a higher seasonal average than the mean of recognized hotspots in Delhi and NCR making them the new hotspots. Three locations each are added in the hot spot category in Ghaziabad and Noida. During May 2021 lockdown, while Panjabi Bagh, Rohini, and Dilshad Garden have recorded improvement compared to May 2020 lockdown. But RK Puram, Patparganj, Saidpur, and Mandir Marg have worsened. While the number of days in severe and severe-plus categories has stabilized in 2020, the number of days in the very poor category has increased this year. Action may have slowed down during the second wave of the COVI19 pandemic. But this has to gather momentum now to prevent a rebound effect New Delhi, June 5, 2021: On this World Environment Day, the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has released the latest results of air quality analysis that shows how air quality trend has changed through the successive seasons during the pandemic times in Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR). This assessment period is from September 2018 to May 2021 that captures three successive winter seasons, pre and pandemic era, and also different stages of lockdown in Delhi and the National Capital Region. This reaffirms that while there has been a substantial drop in PM2.5 levels during both the hard lockdown phases in March to May in 2020 and April-June, 2021 with nearly similar levels evoking imagery of blue sky, the early months of 2021 or the springtime has witnessed worsening. “This indicates that despite the partial restrictions the pollution level has increased. While the reason needs investigation, it is important to underscore that there would be a rebound effect with the full opening of the economy and intensification of traffic. Pandemic management during the second wave may have slowed down action but this has to speed up to prevent the rebound effect or retaliatory emissions to ensure longer term air quality gains”, says Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director-research and advocacy, CSE, and the head of its sustainable urbanisation, air pollution and mobility programmes. This is particularly important given the new science on the linkage between air quality and its effect on vulnerability to the pandemic. “The key highlight is that the springtime – January to March, when pollution level begins to subside after winter, PM2.5 this year has recorded highest seasonal levels compared to the corresponding period in preceding years including the normal year of 2019,” says Avikal Somvanshi, programme manager in CSE’s Urban Lab team of the Sustainable Cities programme. This analysis is based on the real time data available from the current working air quality monitoring stations in Delhi and NCR. However, even though Delhi’s monitoring network grew to 40 AQM stations by the end of 2020 (24 of Delhi Pollution Control Committee or DPCC, 8 of IMD, 6 of Central Pollution Control Board -CPCB and 2 of IITM), the number of active stations have reduced to 32 as all the IMD stations have gone offline. IMD’s station at Burari Crossing has been offline since 13 Dec, 2020 while Ayanagar, CRRI Mathura Road, IGI Airport, Lodi Road, North Campus DU, and PUSA stations went offline on March 10, 2021. In fact, their two other stations (Gwal Pahari, Gurugram and Noida Sector 62) have also gone offline. As far as data availability is concerned there is a wide variation between monitoring locations. While over 90 percent of hourly data is available for all DPCC and CPCB stations for the time period between 1 January to 31 May 2021, data availability for two IITM stations is 75-86 percent. HSPCB stations in Gurugram show over 90 per cent data availability, but the stations in Faridabad has only 70-89 percent data available. UPSPCB stations in Nodia, Ghaziabad and Greater Noida have over 85 percent data available except the stations at Noida Sector 125 and Greater Noida Knowledge Park-III which have just 65 percent data. Overall, monitoring network strength in Delhi and big five NCR cities has come down from 58 stations to 48 stations now. This along with the lower availability of data is a matter of concern as this makes the investments in monitoring networks sub-optimal. See the complete CSE analysis report: https://www.cseindia.org/World-environment-Day-Air-quality-and-pandemic-note.pdf Key highlights of the air quality analysis Longer-term PM2.5 levels have stabilized and are downward – but seasonal variation is high: The overall annual trend is arrested and is downward. But there is a variation in a seasonal pattern. Normally, PM2.5 level have a seasonal cycle with winter being the most polluted and monsoon being the cleanest. Spring (January to March) acts as a transitional period between the two extremes – winter and summer. A significant drop in PM2.5 levels happens as the weather warms up and the wind picks up speed during spring. There was a 26 percent drop between the winter of 2018 and spring of 2019. In 2020 this drop increased to 36 percent due to pollution control measures in place and also an imposition of partial lockdowns in March 2020. But this downward trend in spring pollution did not continue this year, with a seasonal drop limited to 18 percent. In fact, spring this year has been 31 percent dirtier than 2020 and 8 percent dirtier than 2019. Lockdown with a difference: Lockdowns were effective in bringing down PM2.5 levels this year as well. But given the shorter duration and lesser stringency of lockdowns this year PM2.5 levels are not as low as the summer of 2020. The monthly average level of PM2.5 in April and May 2021 – the hard lockdown phase, was higher than the corresponding levels in April-May, 2020, – also a hard lockdown phase. Meteorology would be part responsible for this elevated level but this could also be a reflection of weakening of pollution control measures and efforts in the city and region during the pandemic phase. Traffic intensity was also comparatively higher. In fact, additional analysis has shown that the evening peak of the hourly cycle of NO2 was 29 percent higher in the 2021 hard-lockdown than observed in the 2020 hard lockdown. But it was still 57 percent lower than the regular evening peak noted in May of 2019. The month of May which was completely under lockdown saw Delhi and the big four cities record identical PM2.5 levels. Ghaziabad with a monthly average of 59 μg/m3 was the most polluted during the lockdown while Gurugram with 51 μg/m3 was the cleanest. Average for the year so far (January to May) shows a similar spatial trend among the cities. Varying pattern of hard lockdown phase and semi-lockdown phase of 2020 and 2021: This year’s restriction in form of night-curfews and weekend lockdowns started on April 6 with complete lockdown being imposed on April 19. Imposition of partial-lockdown lowered PM2.5 levels by 20 percent, the complete lockdown brought the average down by a further 12 percent. In 2020, partial lockdown started 12 March 2020 with hard lockdown kicking in on March 25, which was lifted in a phase-wise manner from May 18 onwards. Then the partial lockdown also brought PM2.5 levels down by 20 percent but the hard lockdown reduced it by another 35 percent. Lifting of restriction from May 18 led to a 28 percent rise in PM2.5 levels. When compared to the summer of 2019 which had no lockdowns, lockdown summers have been 25-40 percent cleaner. Heat map of daily air quality pattern from 2019 to 2021 shows the changing patterns of smog episodes and cleaner days in Delhi and NCR: Daily PM2.5 levels have been further classified according to the air quality index categories. The number of days in the very poor AQI PM2.5 sub-category dramatically increased in Feb-March of 2021 (See Graph4: Heatmap of Delhi’s daily PM2.5 AQI sub-category). There were 27 days of “very poor” days this Feb-March compared to 17 in 2020 and 12 in 2019. Days meeting the standard also plummeted this spring with just two days recorded. 2020 had 16 and 2019 had 6 days when the standard was met. This red shift breaks the three year trend of accelerated dissipation of bad winter air. The number of days with a severe concentration of PM2.5 declined while the duration of smog episodes were shorter during 2020-21 winter: This winter 23 days had a citywide average of PM2.5 concentration in “severe’ or worse AQI sub-category, this is down from 25 such days in pervious winter and 33 days in 2018-19. Technically, a smog episode is defined for the purpose of implementing emergency action under the Graded Response Action Plan when the levels of PM2.5 remain in the “severe” category for three consecutive days. From this perspective, this winter there were two continuous smog episodes. The first episode was of longer duration as it started on 3rd November and lasted 7 days. The second started on 22nd Dec and lasted for 3 days. Thus the continuous smog episodes are fewer and shorter compared to previous winters. 2019-20 winter had three smog episodes of 8 days, 6 days, and 5 days durations. 2018-19 winter had four smog episodes of 10 days, a couple of 6 days and a 3 days durations. Relatively faster dissipation of smog episodes without any major rainfall or pollution control-emergency action this year points towards a downward trend in the annual average concentration. This period also coincides with the gradual unlocking of the economy and travel in the air shed (perhaps the residual impact of lockdown). But still persistent high level suggests the impact of local pollution. Shifting the position of city hotspots in relation to the city average over the three winters – 16 of 18 recognized hotspot registered worsening of air: There is a broad classification of hotspots. Originally, hotspots were defined as those with annual average levels higher than the mean value of the city – that is any case is much worse than the national ambient air quality standards. According to the original list, except Wazirpur and Sahibabad, all the locations on the Delhi-NCR pollution hotspot list saw a spike in the seasonal PM2.5 level compared to last winter. Jahangirpuri with a seasonal average of 256 μg/m3 was the dirtiest among the recognized hotspots. Bahadurgarh recorded almost 50 percent jump in PM2.5 level was cleaner than other hotspots. But heavier deterioration was noted in many other locations that are not yet designated as hotspots. However, during the winter months, at least 14 more locations registered higher seasonal average than the mean of recognized hotspots, i.e. 197 μg/m3. These were Alipur, DTU, ITO, Nehru Nagar, Patparganj, Sonia Vihar and Vivek Vihar in Delhi, Sector 1 and 116 in Noida, Loni, Sanjay Vihar and Indirapuram in Ghaziabad, Knowledge Park V in Greater Noida and Bulandshahr. This again points towards the impact of local pollution. The behavior of pollution hotspots during lockdowns: If we look at places that reported relatively higher PM2.5 levels during the lockdown this year, the hotspots (old and new) occupy the top of the list without exception. Further, 21 out of 43 stations that have data for both this lockdown and 2020 lockdown show improvement in PM2.5 levels. Among stations that saw improvement Panjabi Bagh (-42 percent) was the best followed by Rohini (-21 percent) and Dilshad Garden (-20 percent). Almost all sites with improvement are residential in nature. *** The most significant increase is noted at RK Puram (51 percent) followed by Patparganj (45 percent), Saidpur (36 percent), and Mandir Marg (30 percent). The increase in Mandir Marg and Saidpur can be due to ongoing construction work at Central Vista as these stations are downwind of the construction. Highlights of key pollution episodes Dust event in May 2021: In the morning of 23rd May, Delhi woke up to strange yellow haze with city’s AQ monitors blinking red with PM2.5 levels in severe level. This haze appeared straight after the wettest week with strong winds in May in Delhi that was affected by the cyclone Tauktae. PM10 levels that is affected more by coarse dust shot up 10-folds within 4 hours, while PM2.5 rose 5-6folds. At its peak PM10 was beyond 1,000 μg/m3 while PM2.5 was 469 μg/m3, i.e. 47 percentage. The haze disappeared almost as quickly as it had appeared. This was a rare meteorological phenomena in which cyclonic systems carried dust along. Winter smog: During the dust event in May 2021, though the PM levels for those few hours were as high as that noted during the infamous Delhi smog but it was chemically and physically different. During the winter smog episode that peaked on November 10, 2020 the PM2.5 was almost 90 percent of the PM10 in the air. And this peak had built-up over two days. This early November smog is also a result of winds transporting PM and smoke from stubble burning in northern plains. SAFAR noted that over 20 percent of PM2.5 in Delhi came from the stubble fire smoke during this period. Another high PM event happened in Delhi in January when cold weather and calm wind trapped local pollution spiking PM concentration. The peak of this seasonal phenomenon happened on January 15, 2021, when PM10 rose to 744 μg/m3 and PM2.5 hit 499 μg/m3. PM2.5 was 67 percent of the overall PM concentration. This had a diurnal cycle with peak almost always occurring late night, loosely linked to traffic rush hours. Yet another PM event is associated with Diwali. It builds up rapidly and is very toxic. Says Roychowdhury: “This analysis reinforces the need for speed and scale of implementation of multi-sector action plan in Delhi and NCR. Target action needs to be set for each sector – vehicles and transport, industry and power plants, waste management, dust control, and green initiatives to ensure time-bound implementation and disciplined compliance across the NCR.

Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

Lockdown pollution higher in 2021 than last year: Study

The lockdown imposed this year on account of the second wave of Covid-19 was not as effective in bringing down the pollution levels in the national capital as it was last year, showed an air quality analysis conducted by the Delhi-based think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). “Lockdowns were effective in bringing down PM2.5 levels this year as well. But given the shorter duration and lesser stringent lockdown this year, the levels are not as low as summer 2020,” read the analysis by CSE. The think tank said that the imposition of a partial lockdown (from April 6 to April 19) lowered PM2.5 levels by 20% in Delhi, while the complete lockdown (from April 20 onwards) brought the average pollution levels further down by 12%. “Meteorology would be partly responsible for this elevated level but this could also be a reflection of weakening of pollution control measures and efforts in the city and region during the pandemic phase. Traffic intensity was also comparatively higher,” the analysis added. The report said the monthly average level of PM2.5 in April and May this year, which was the phase when hard lockdown was imposed in the Capital, was higher compared to April-May 2020 — a period which was marked by a strict nationwide lockdown. It said the evening peak of the hourly cycle of NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) was 29% higher during this year’s lockdown as compared to the lockdown last year. However, it was still 57% lower than the regular evening peak noted in May of 2019. “The key highlight is that during spring time, January to March, when pollution level begins to subside after winter, PM2.5 this year has recorded the highest seasonal levels compared to the corresponding period in preceding years, including 2019 which was a normal year,” said Avikal Somvanshi, programme manager in CSE’s urban lab team of the sustainable cities programme. “…despite the partial restrictions, pollution levels have increased. While the reason needs investigation, it is important to understand that there would be a rebound effect with the full opening of the economy,” said Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director (research and advocacy), CSE. The CSE analysis also showed that there were 27 ”very poor” days in terms of air quality this February-March compared to 17 last year and 12 in 2019.

Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

Lockdown pollution higher in 2021 than last year: Study

Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

Delhi NCR air remained polluted even in lockdown, Science and Environment Center released latest data

Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

Delhi: Pollution levels during lockdown imposed in 2021 more in comparison to last year, reveals study

The analysis of the CSE stated that the lockdown imposed in 2021 was effective in reducing PM2.5 pollutant level (Representative Image). A report released by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has revealed that the lockdowns imposed in 2021 were less effective in curbing pollution levels in Delhi as compared to the lockdown in 2020. New Delhi: According to a recent report, pollution levels during the lockdown imposed in 2021 were more in comparison to the lockdown imposed last year. The said report was conducted by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). The Delhi-based think tank compared the air quality analysis between the lockdowns imposed in two years and released the report. The analysis of the CSE stated that the lockdown imposed in 2021 was effective in reducing PM2.5 pollutant levels. However, due to the short duration of the lockdown, the pollutant levels did not fall down as low as summer 2020. PM2.5 pollutant levels reduced by 20 per cent during partial lockdown The CSE said that PM2.5 pollutant levels reduced by 20 per cent after a partial lockdown was imposed in Delhi from April 6 to April 19. The average pollution levels fell down by 12 per cent when the complete lockdown was imposed. The analysis read, "Meteorology would be partly responsible for this elevated level but this could also be a reflection of weakening of pollution control measures and efforts in the city and region during the pandemic phase. Traffic intensity was also comparatively higher. " As per the report, the monthly average level of PM2.5 pollutants in April and May this year was higher in comparison to April-May 2020, Hindustan Times reported. In the evening peak of the hourly cycle of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) was 29 per cent higher during the 2021 lockdown as opposed to the lockdown imposed last year. The level, however, was 57 per cent lower than the regular evening peak, which was recorded in May 2019.