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Cse In News

Bharadwaj must respond to CSE report on AAP govt’s failure to clean Yamuna: Kapoor

Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor on Friday claimed that AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj seems to have forgotten that if there are any deficiencies in the 37 STPs (sewage treatment plants), they were because of the previous Arvind Kejriwal government. The Delhi BJP spokesperson further stated that Bharadwaj should first respond to the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) report which has recently come out, and points out that the previous Kejriwal government in the national capital failed to clean the Yamuna despite spending Rs 6,856 crore between 2015 and 2022, and allowing 37 Sewage Treatment Plants to fail, he alleged. Kapoor said that the BJP government has just been in power for the past eight months, and in this duration, it has brought qualitative improvements to the STPs installed at the Najafgarh and Shahdara drains, that are responsible for the major share, that is 84 per cent of Yamuna’s pollution, thereby making a good start towards cleaning the river.

Yamuna Cleaning: Rs 6,856 Cr Wasted As Cleaning Efforts Bring Zero Improvement; CSE Report Suggests 5-Point Plan

Yamuna Cleaning: The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has stated that cleaning the Yamuna River is achievable, but it demands a fresh plan and a new approach. The organisation noted that current efforts have not produced satisfactory results. According to CSE, successful rejuvenation of the river will require effective planning, efficient implementation, and active public participation. The assessment, "Yamuna: A River Cleanup Agenda," released by CSE, reveals that more than Rs 6,856 crore has been spent on cleaning the Yamuna between 2017 and 2022, but the situation has not improved significantly. According to this assessment, cleaning the Yamuna River requires significant changes in planning rather than just money. It has been reported that 84 per cent of the Yamuna's pollution in Delhi comes from the Najafgarh and Shahdara drains alone, and the interceptor drain scheme is not working for them. The assessment revealed that Delhi has 37 sewage treatment plants (STPs) that can treat more than 80 per cent of the sewage generated, but pollution still persists. Sewage tankers have also been identified as a major cause of pollution as they often discharge wastewater into the drains.

Delhi’s Air Quality Worsens — AQI Nears 400, Authorities Consider GRAP Stage III

The national capital once again finds itself under a suffocating blanket of toxic smog, as air quality levels plunge to alarming lows. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) hovered close to 400 in several areas — entering the “Severe” category. This marks one of the worst air-quality spells this season, as authorities scramble to contain rising pollution amid falling temperatures and stagnant winds. Environmental scientists argue that sustainable mobility, urban green belts, and dust-free construction norms are key to tackling the crisis. “Delhi’s pollution isn’t seasonal anymore,” said Sunita Narain, Director General of CSE. “It’s a year-round governance problem. We need strict enforcement and citizen accountability.”

Despite ₹6,800 cr spent, Yamuna remains polluted, CSE calls for smarter clean-up strategy

Despite spending over ₹6,856 crore between 2017 and 2022 and expanding sewage treatment to cover nearly 80% of the city, Yamuna still remains polluted, the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has said. A new CSE report released on Thursday said the way forward lies not in more expenditure but in smarter planning -- focused on faecal sludge management, upgradation of sewage treatment plants (STPs), reuse of treated water, and tackling two key drains, Najafgarh and Shahdara drains, which alone contribute 84% of the pollution load.

Blueprint for Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, once a temple town and now a rising urban star, stands at a critical juncture. As one of India’s fastest-growing Tier-2 cities, it has transformed into a hub for education, IT, tourism, and culture. Yet, its growth is outpacing its governance. Without bold structural reforms, Bhubaneswar risks becoming a victim of its own success – straining under the weight of inadequate infrastructure, fragmented planning, and reactive administration. The time has come to ask: should Bhubaneswar be granted greater autonomy to manage its own development, growth, and resources? Can we envision a Greater Bhubaneswar – Cuttack- Puri Metropolitan Region governed by a unified, empowered civic authority – one that is agile, accountable, and future-ready? Bhubaneswar’s urban sprawl is accelerating. Between 2001 and 2011, its population grew by over 30 per cent, and by 2023, the Bhubaneswar Urban Agglomeration had crossed 1.2 million residents. With the adjoining cities of Cuttack and Puri forming a natural economic and cultural corridor, the region is poised to become a megacity. But the cracks are showing: Infrastructure Stress: Water supply, sewage, solid waste management, and public transport systems are already under strain. A 2022 report by the Centre for Science and Environment ranked Bhubaneswar low on sustainable urban mobility. Fragmented Governance: Multiple agencies – Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), and state departments – operate in silos, leading to duplication, delays, and diluted accountability. Investment Bottlenecks: Despite being a Smart City, Bhubaneswar struggles to attract frontier technology firms due to inconsistent urban services, lack of high-quality talent retention infrastructure, and limited global connectivity. Environmental Vulnerability: Rapid urbanization has led to the loss of wetlands, green cover, and increased flood risk, especially in low-lying areas between Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. Autonomy is not about secession from the state; it is about subsidiarity: devolving decision-making to the level closest to the citizen. A Greater Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Puri Metropolitan Region (GBCPMR), governed by a unified and empowered Metropolitan Governance Authority (MGA), could: Enable Integrated Planning: A single authority can harmonize land use, transport, housing, and environmental planning across the region. Accelerate Infrastructure Delivery: With fiscal and administrative powers, the MGA can fast-track projects, attract private investment, and ensure quality execution. Enhance Accountability: A directly elected Mayor or CEO-led governance model ensures clearer lines of responsibility and citizen engagement. Foster Innovation: Autonomy allows cities to experiment with policy innovations—be it in mobility, climate resilience, or digital governance—tailored to local needs. Singapore’s transformation from a colonial port to a global metropolis is rooted in its centralized, technocratic urban governance. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and Housing Development Board (HDB) operate with autonomy, long-term vision, and data-driven planning. The result: Singapore ranks among the world’s most liveable cities, with 100 per cent access to clean water, 90 per cent home ownership, and a GDP per capita of over $80,000. The National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi enjoys partial statehood with its own legislative assembly. While governance overlaps remain, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) have demonstrated the power of focused urban institutions. In Mumbai, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) coordinates infrastructure and planning across Mumbai and its satellite towns. Its autonomy has enabled large-scale projects like the Mumbai Metro and Trans-Harbour Link. The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) oversees 7,000 sq. km, integrating 54 mandals. Its Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and IT corridors have made it a magnet for tech giants. The proposed Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill seeks to create multiple municipal corporations under a Metropolitan Commissioner, recognizing the need for decentralized yet coordinated governance. The Greater London Authority, led by a directly elected Mayor, oversees transport, policing, and economic development across 32 boroughs. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government manages 23 special wards and surrounding cities, with a unified budget and planning authority. The Seoul Metropolitan Government has pioneered smart city innovations, participatory budgeting, and green urbanism under a strong mayoral system. Autonomy drives growth and the numbers speak for themselves. Singapore: Between 1965 and 2020, Singapore’s GDP grew over 100-fold. Its urban planning model is now exported globally. Hyderabad: Post-formation of Telangana and focused governance, Hyderabad’s IT exports grew from Rs 57,000 crore in 2014 to over Rs 1.83 lakh crore in 2023. London: Since the creation of the Greater London Authority in 2000, the city’s GDP has grown by over 70 per cent, with improved transport and housing delivery. Seoul: The city’s smart governance initiatives have saved over $1 billion annually in energy and transport costs. The way forward for Bhubaneswar entails: · Legislative Backing: The Odisha government must move a proposal to the Centre under Article 243P-ZE of the Constitution to create a Metropolitan Planning Committee with real powers. Article 243ZE of the Constitution pertains to the Committee for Metropolitan Planning. It is part of Part IXA, which deals with municipalities and urban governance. · Unified Governance Body: Merge BMC, BDA, and relevant agencies into a Greater Bhubaneswar – Cuttack- Puri Metropolitan Authority with a directly elected Mayor or CEO. · Fiscal Autonomy: Allow the authority to raise municipal bonds, levy local taxes, and retain a share of GST and property tax revenues. · Digital and Participatory Governance: Build on Bhubaneswar’s Smart City foundation to implement real-time data dashboards, citizen feedback loops, and AI-driven urban management. · Green and Cultural Urbanism: Protect wetlands, heritage zones, and promote sustainable mobility (e.g., cycling corridors, electric buses) to retain Bhubaneswar’s unique identity. Bhubaneswar is not just a city – it is a civilizational node, a cultural capital, and a crucible of innovation. But without structural reform, it risks becoming another cautionary tale of Indian urbanization. Granting autonomy is not a luxury, it is a necessity. A Greater Bhubaneswar-CuttackPuri Metropolitan Region, governed with vision, agility, and accountability, can become a model for India’s urban future. It can attract the frontier companies of tomorrow, retain its talent, and offer its citizens a dignified, sustainable, and inclusive urban life. The time to act is now. Let Bhubaneswar lead the way. (The writer is a thinker and a technocrat. He can be reached at charudutta403@gmail.com)

AQI-puncture: 65% of Haryana pollution monitors go offline

Haryana's pollution monitoring network was severely compromised with 20 out of 32 stations, including three in the city, going offline Wednesday, skewing data recording at a time when air quality needs to be closely watched. As a result, there was no decoding of the nature of the haze that hung over the city with the official data showing AQI at 150 (moderate). But this data was from the lone functional station at Vikas Sadan. The other three stations, located at Gwalpahari, Teri Gram and Sector 51, were offline due to technical snags and delayed calibration, according to Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) officials. The same happened in Faridabad, Hisar, Panchkula, Rohtak and other places. Outages left these centres without real-time pollution data, just as stubble burning and changing weather conditions increase levels of particulate matter. Shubhansh Tiwari, a research associate at Centre for Science and Environment, said, "Industrial belts and traffic corridors are missing from the data. Despite AQI in Gurgaon hovering between 150 and 180 over the past week, labelled as "moderate", residents have reported experiencing smog, eye irritation and breathlessness." HSPCB officials claimed that repairs are under way, but didn't provide a specific timeline about when the monitoring stations would be restored. Manoj Kumar, an analyst at Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), said calibration and maintenance should be done well before the pollution season, not during it. "Renewed failure of AQI monitoring stations undermines public confidence in air quality data. When monitors go offline during high-pollution episodes, we lose the evidence base for any future policy evaluation," he added. Last winter, several NCR stations went offline during peak smog months, raising questions about reliability of the monitoring network and the state's preparedness to track pollution in real time.

Green Elections: Pioneering Sustainable Democracy in India

In an era defined by increasing environmental consciousness and the urgent need for sustainable practices, the concept of “Green Elections” has emerged as a pioneering approach to conducting democratic processes in an eco-friendly manner. Green Elections represent an innovative effort to minimize the environmental footprint of electoral activities, ensuring that every stage, from campaigning to polling and post-election operations, adheres to sustainable principles. This approach seeks to reduce carbon emissions, minimize waste generation, and promote the use of eco-friendly materials, thereby aligning electoral integrity with environmental stewardship. The genesis of Green Elections in India can be traced to the efforts of Heera Lal Patel, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, who introduced the country’s first Green Election model. Patel’s initiative gained traction and was first implemented in the Anandpur Sahib Lok Sabha constituency in Punjab in June 2024. Subsequently, the model was adopted in the Maharashtra Assembly elections in Anushakti Nagar and Chembur in November 2024, and more recently, in the Junagadh by-elections in Gujarat in 2025. Patel’s model aligns with the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) 2023 guidelines on “Green Elections,” which consolidated eco-friendly directives for electoral activities, providing a comprehensive framework for sustainable election management. In August 2023, the ECI reissued comprehensive instructions aimed at making elections more sustainable. The then Chief Election Commissioner, Rajiv Kumar, emphasized that India had set a global benchmark for conducting low-carbon, environmentally responsible elections. Key directives included minimizing the use of single-use plastics in campaigns, encouraging digital promotion instead of printed materials, utilizing Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to cut paper use, and promoting waste segregation and recycling during election operations. The use of EVMs during the 2024 General Elections alone saved approximately 11,520 tons of paper, as reported by the ECI, underscoring the significant environmental benefits of adopting technology in electoral processes. The environmental rationale behind Green Elections is compelling, given the substantial waste generated during traditional election campaigns. A 2019 study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) estimated that Indian elections generate nearly 6,000 metric tons of plastic waste from campaign materials alone. Posters, banners, and hoardings made of PVC and flex are major contributors to this environmental burden. The Green Election model seeks to counter this damage by promoting the use of biodegradable and recyclable materials, conducting tree plantation drives to offset carbon emissions, promoting paperless campaigns through digital platforms, and encouraging citizen and stakeholder participation in eco-awareness efforts. Heera Lal Patel’s leadership and passion for ecology have been instrumental in driving the Green Election initiative. Throughout his career, Patel has consistently advocated for integrating environmental responsibility into governance. His earlier tenure as District Magistrate, Banda (UP), was marked by tree plantation initiatives and the elimination of plastic use, efforts that drew national attention and recognition. Patel’s commitment to environmental sustainability has inspired stakeholders to contribute to the Green Election process. The Green Election initiative represents a shift towards responsible democracy, merging electoral integrity with environmental stewardship. By adopting sustainable practices in electoral processes, India is taking a significant step toward climate-conscious governance and setting a global precedent for sustainable electoral practices. The initiative promotes the use of eco-friendly materials, reduces waste generation, and encourages citizen participation in environmental conservation efforts. One of the critical components of Green Elections is the reduction of paper usage through the adoption of digital technologies. The use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) has significantly reduced the need for paper ballots, saving thousands of tons of paper during elections. Digital promotion and social media campaigns have also reduced the reliance on printed materials, minimizing waste and promoting environmental sustainability. Waste management is another essential aspect of Green Elections. Traditional election campaigns often generate large amounts of waste, including posters, banners, and single-use plastics. Green Elections promote waste segregation and recycling during election operations, ensuring that waste is disposed of responsibly and that recyclable materials are reused. The use of biodegradable and recyclable materials in campaign materials further reduces the environmental impact of elections. Citizen participation and stakeholder engagement are crucial to the success of Green Elections. The initiative encourages citizens to participate in eco-awareness efforts and promotes collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, political parties, and civil society organizations. By involving all stakeholders in the process, Green Elections fosters a sense of shared responsibility for environmental sustainability. The long-term impact of Green Elections extends beyond environmental conservation. By promoting sustainable practices in electoral processes, the initiative contributes to broader efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable development. Green Elections also enhance the credibility and integrity of the electoral process by demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility. The challenges and opportunities associated with Green Elections must be addressed to ensure the initiative’s success. One of the challenges is the need for greater awareness and education among voters and election officials about the importance of sustainable practices. Another challenge is the cost of implementing eco-friendly measures, which may require additional funding and resources. However, the opportunities associated with Green Elections are significant, including the potential to reduce carbon emissions, minimize waste generation, and promote environmental conservation. To overcome these challenges and capitalize on the opportunities, several strategies can be implemented. First, public awareness campaigns can be launched to educate voters and election officials about the benefits of Green Elections and the importance of sustainable practices. Second, financial incentives can be provided to encourage political parties and candidates to adopt eco-friendly measures. Third, partnerships can be established with civil society organizations and environmental groups to promote Green Elections and mobilize citizen participation. The Green Election initiative represents a significant step toward sustainable democracy in India. By merging electoral integrity with environmental stewardship, India is setting a global precedent for sustainable electoral practices. The initiative promotes the use of eco-friendly materials, reduces waste generation, and encourages citizen participation in environmental conservation efforts. With continued commitment and collaboration, Green Elections can contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future for India. The success of Green Elections depends on the active participation and support of all stakeholders, including government agencies, political parties, election officials, civil society organizations, and citizens. By working together, these stakeholders can ensure that elections are conducted in an environmentally responsible manner, minimizing the impact on the planet and promoting a sustainable future. The Green Election initiative is not just about reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly materials; it is about transforming the way elections are conducted and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility among all stakeholders. By adopting sustainable practices in electoral processes, India is demonstrating its commitment to addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development. The Green Election initiative also has the potential to inspire other countries to adopt similar measures, contributing to a global movement toward sustainable electoral practice. By sharing its experiences and best practices, India can play a leading role in promoting environmental sustainability in the democratic process. The Green Election initiative is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in addressing environmental challenges. By merging electoral integrity with environmental stewardship, India is creating a model for sustainable democracy that can be emulated by countries around the world. The Green Election initiative is an ongoing process that requires continuous improvement and adaptation. As new technologies and sustainable practices emerge, they should be incorporated into the electoral process to further reduce its environmental impact. The initiative should also be regularly evaluated to assess its effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. The Green Election initiative is not just about conducting elections in an environmentally responsible manner; it is about creating a more sustainable and equitable society for all. By promoting environmental conservation and sustainable development, the initiative is contributing to a better future for generations to come. The Green Election initiative is a symbol of hope and progress in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation. By demonstrating that it is possible to conduct democratic processes in an environmentally responsible manner, India is inspiring people around the world to take action and create a more sustainable future. In conclusion, the Green Election initiative represents a transformative approach to conducting elections in India, merging electoral integrity with environmental stewardship. By promoting sustainable practices, reducing waste, and encouraging citizen participation, the initiative is contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future for the country. With continued commitment and collaboration, Green Elections can serve as a model for other countries to emulate, fostering a global movement toward sustainable democracy. The Green Election initiative is not just about conducting elections; it is about creating a culture of environmental responsibility and building a more sustainable and equitable society for all. It is a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and leadership in addressing environmental challenges and promoting a brighter future for generations to come.

హైదరాబాద్ మరో దిల్లీగా మారనుందా?- 'వాయు కాలుష్యంతో పెరుగుతున్న మరణాలు'

CSE Study on Air Pollution in Hyderabad : వాయు కాలుష్యంతో హైదరాబాద్​లో మరణాల సంఖ్య పెరుగుతోందని దిల్లీలోని సెంటర్‌ ఫర్‌ సైన్స్‌ అండ్‌ ఎన్విరాన్‌మెంట్‌ (సీఎస్‌ఈ) అధ్యయనం వెల్లడించింది. ఈ మేరకు ‘స్లో మర్డర్‌ కంటిన్యూస్‌’ అనే పేరుతో సీఎస్​ఈ నివేదిక విడుదల చేసింది. పీఎం 2.5 లాంటి సూక్ష్మధూళి కణాలు, భూస్థాయి ఓజోన్‌ మరింత ప్రమాదకరంగా మారినందు వల్ల కనీస జాగ్రత్తలు తీసుకోవాలని నివేదికలో సూచించింది. కేంద్ర కాలుష్య నియంత్రణ మండలి వాయు నాణ్యత పర్యవేక్షణ కేంద్రాల గణాంకాలు, గ్లోబల్‌ బర్డెన్‌ ఆఫ్‌ డిసీజ్‌(జీబీడీ) అధ్యయనాల ఆధారంగా తాజా నివేదికను సీఎస్​ఈ రూపొందించింది. నేషనల్‌ క్లీన్‌ ఎయిర్‌ ప్రోగ్రామ్‌ లక్ష్యాలకు అనుగుణంగా తక్షణ చర్యలు తీసుకోనట్లయితే మరణాల సంఖ్య మరింతగా పెరిగే అవకాశం ఉందని హెచ్చరించింది. మరణాలు ఇలా : సీపీసీబీ మార్గదర్శకాల ప్రకారం పీఎం 2.5 ఘనపు మీటరు గాలిలో 60 మైక్రో గ్రాములు (24 గంటలు), 40 మైక్రో గ్రాములు (సంవత్సర సగటు) ఉండాలని సెంటర్​ ఫర్ సైన్స్​ అండ్ ఎన్విరాన్​మెంట్ అధ్యయనం సూచించింది. వార్షిక సగటు లక్ష్యం అందుకోకపోవడంతోనే ఆరోగ్య సమస్యలు ఉత్పన్నమవుతున్నాయని వెల్లడించింది. సూక్ష్మధూళి కణాల ప్రభావంతో 2005-2018 మధ్య పీఎం 2.5 వల్ల లక్ష మందిలో 96 మరణాలు సంభవించాయని తెలిపింది. 2005లో మొత్తం 9,900 మరణాల నుంచి 2018లో 23,700కి పెరిగిందని తెలిపింది. 2018 నుంచి ఇప్పటివరకు గణాంకాల్లో స్వల్ప మార్పులున్నప్పటికీ ముప్పు పొంచి ఉందని సీఎస్​ఈ అధ్యయనం వెల్లడించింది. ఆరోగ్యంపై ప్రభావం : పీఎం 2.5 కణాలు మానవ ఊపిరితిత్తుల్లోకి చొచ్చుకుపోయి రక్తంలోకి ప్రవేశిస్తాయి. తద్వారా శ్వాసకోశ, హృదయ సంబంధిత వ్యాధులు (స్ట్రోక్‌ 25 శాతం, సీవోపీడీ), క్యాన్సర్, డయాబెటిస్‌ అనారోగ్య సమస్యలకు కారణమవుతాయి. ఘనపు మీటరు గాలిలో 10 మైక్రో గ్రాములు పెరిగినట్లయితే మరణాల సంఖ్య 8.6 శాతం అధికమౌతుంది. వాహనాలతో ఏర్పడే భూస్థాయి ఓజోన్‌ శ్వాసనాళాలను మరింత దెబ్బతీస్తుంది. మనిషి సగటు ఆయువు 4.5 ఏళ్లు తగ్గుతుంది. తీసుకోవాల్సిన జాగ్రత్తలివే : పెట్రోల్, డీజిల్‌ వాహనాలకు ప్రత్యామ్నాయంగా ఎలక్ట్రిక్, సీఎన్జీ (కంప్రెస్డ్​ నేచురల్ గ్యాస్) వాహనాలను వినియోగించాలి. వ్యక్తిగత వాహనాలకు బదులు ప్రజా రవాణా (బస్సు, ట్రైన్​) వైపు మొగ్గు చూపాలి. వాయు నాణ్యత పర్యవేక్షణ పెంచడం, పీఎం 2.5 తగ్గించడంపై దృష్టి సారించాలి. నేషనల్‌ క్లీన్‌ ఎయిర్‌ ప్రోగ్రామ్‌ నిధుల్లో 70 శాతాన్ని వెహికిల్​, పరిశ్రమల ఉద్గారాల నియంత్రణకు వెచ్చించాలి. వాయు నాణ్యత రిపోర్ట్​ను విడుదల చేస్తూ సమస్యాత్మక ప్రాంతాల్లో హెల్త్‌ అడ్వైజరీని విడుదల చేయాలి. ప్రమాద ఘంటికలు : అతివేగంగా అభివృద్ధి చెందుతున్న నగరాల్లో హైదరాబాద్ ఒకటి. ఇక్కడ గత పదేళ్ల కాలంలో వాహనాల వినియోగం విచ్చలవిడిగా పెరిగింది. శిలాజ ఇంధనాలు అధికంగా వినియోగించడం వల్ల కర్బన ఉద్గారాలు, కాలుష్య కారకాలు వాతావరణంలోకి వెలువడుతున్నాయి. తద్వారా జంతు, జీవజాలానికి తీవ్ర నష్టం కలుగుతోంది. మరోవైపు ఆవరణ వ్యవస్థలో అటవీ శాతం తగ్గిపోతుంది. తాజాగా సెంటర్ ఫర్ సైన్స్​ అండ్ ఎన్విరాన్​మెంట్ విడుదల చేసిన గణాంకాలు పరిశీలిస్తే పరిస్థితి ఎంత దారుణంగా ఉందో అర్థమవుతోంది. ఈ ప్రాంతంలో పరిశ్రమలు కూడా అధికంగా ఉండటంతో అవి విడుదల చేసే కాలుష్య కారకాలు వాతావరణంలోకి చేరుతున్నాయి.

నేల.. నిస్సా రం

ఢిల్లీ: దేశమం టే మట్టికాదోయ్.. దేశమం టే మను షు లోయి అని అభ్యు దయ కవి గు రజాడ అప్పా రావు తన రచనల ద్వా రా ఉపదేశిం చారు . అయితే దేశం లో మను షు లను మాత్రమే పట్టిం చు కుం టే సరిపోదని, మట్టిని సైతం అం దు లోనూ సేద్య భూము లనూ పట్టిం చు కోవాల్సి న తరు ణం ఆసన్న మైం దని తాజా అధ్య యనం కొత్త ప్రమాద ఘం టికలు మోగిం చిం ది. మను షు లు బాగుం డాలం టే వాళ్లు తినే ఆహారం పోషకాలతో సమృ ద్ధిగా ఉం డాలి. పోషకాలు సమపాళ్లలో ఉం డాలం టే పం టలు పం డిం చే నేలల్లో సహజ పోషకాలు తగు మోతాదు లో ఉం డాలి. అయితే అధిక దిగు బడి ఆశతో రైతన్న లు కోట్ల టన్ను ల కొద్దీ కృ త్రిమ రసాయనాలను పొలాల్లో వెదజల్లు తూ నేల సహజ సారానికి ఉరివేస్తు న్నా రని అధ్య యనం వెల్లడిం చిం ది. భారతీయ నేలల్లో సహజ పోషకాలైన నైట్రోజన్, సేం ద్రీయ కార్బ న్ల మోతాదు కు చాలా తక్కు వగా ఉం దని ఢిల్లీ కేం ద్రం గా పనిచేసే మేథో సం స్థ అయిన ‘ సెం టర్ ఫర్ సైన్స్ అం డ్ ఎన్వి రోన్మెం ట్’ ప్రకటించిం ది. సం స్థ తన అధ్య యనం లో భాగం గా కేం ద్ర ప్రభుత్వం అం దిం చే ‘నేల ఆరోగ్య కార్డు ’ల నుం చి సమాచారాన్ని సేకరించి, క్రోడీకరిం చి చేదు నిజాలను బహిర్గతం చేసిం ది. రాజస్థాన్లోని నీమ్లీ పట్టణం లోని అనిల్ అగర్వా ల్ పర్యా వరణ శిక్షణా కేం ద్రం లో జరిగిన సు స్థిర ఆహార వ్య వస్థల జాతీయ సదస్సు లో ‘సు స్థిర ఆహార వ్య వస్థలు : వాతావరణ మార్పు ల వేళ అజెం డా’’ పేరిట ఈ నివేదికను విడు దలచేశారు . 64% నేలల్లో తక్కు వ నైట్రోజన్ దేశం లోని వేర్వే రు ప్రాం తాల్లోని నేల శాం పిళ్లపై అధ్య యం చేయగా 64 శాతం శాం పిళ్లలో నైట్రోజన్ తగు మోతాదు లో లేదని తేలిం ది. ఇక 48.5 శాతం శాం పిళ్లలో సేం ద్రీయ కర్బ నం తక్కు వగా ఉం దని అధ్య యనం కుం డ బద్దలు కొట్టిం ది. భారత్లో 2023–24కాలం లో రైతు లు ఏకం గా 601 లక్షల మెట్రిక్ టన్ను ల కృత్రిమ ఎరు వులను తమ సాగు భూము ల్లో వినియోగిం చారు . ఇన్ని కోట్ల టన్ను ల ఎరు వులు వాడినా సాగు నేలల్లో నైట్రోజన్ స్థాయిల్లో ఎలాం టి పెరు గు దల కన్పిం చలేదని అధ్య యనం ప్రకటించిం ది. నైట్రోజన్, సేం ద్రీయ కర్బ నం తగు మోతాదు లో ఉం టేనే ఆ భూమిలో పం ట బాగా పం డు తుం ది. వాతావరణ మార్పు లను సైతం తట్టు కుం టూ పం ట బలం గా ఎదు గు తుం ది. అతిగా ఫెర్టిలైజర్లనూ వాడినా అది నేల ఆరోగ్యా న్ని మెరు గు పర్చ డం లో వైఫల్యా న్ని చవిచూ స్తోం దని అధ్య యనం విశ్లేషింశ్లే షించిం ది. ‘‘కృత్రిమం గా నైట్రోజన్, ఫాస్ఫ రస్, పొటాషియం మిశ్రమ ఎరు వులను ఉపయోగిం చినా ఎలాం టి ప్రయోజనం దక్క ట్లేదు . ఈ పెడపోకడ ఇలాగే కొనసాగితే దీర్ఘకార్ఘలికంగా చూ స్తే పం ట దిగు బడి తగ్గిపోతుం ది. అది దేశం లో ఆహార భద్రతను మరిం త ప్రశ్నా ర్థకంగా మారు స్తుం ది. నేలలో కర్బ న ధాతు వు తగ్గిపోతే వాతావరణ మార్పు లను భవిష్య త్తు లో ఎదు ర్కో వడం మరిం త కష్టమవుతుం ది. ఆరోగ్య వం తమైన నేల మాత్రమే సేం ద్రీయ కార్బ న్ను తనలో పట్టి ఉం చగల్గు తుం ది. అలాం టి అత్య వశ్య కమైన కార్బ న్ నెమ్మ దిగా భారతీయ నేలల్లో తగ్గిపోతోం ది. ఏటా కనీసం 7 టెరాగ్రాము ల కార్బ న్ నేల నుం చి అదృ శ్య మవుతోం ది’’ అని అధ్య యనం ఆం దోళన వ్య క్తం చేసిం ది. అక్క రకొస్తున్న సాయిల్ హెల్త్ కార్డ్ పదేళ్ల క్రితం కేం ద్ర ప్రభుత్వం నేల ఆరోగ్య కార్డ్(ఎస్హెచ్సీ) పథకాన్ని ప్రారం భిం చిం ది. సు స్థిర వ్య వసాయ జాతీయ కార్య క్రమం లో భాగం గా ఈ పథకాన్ని తీసు కొచ్చా రు . రైతన్న ల సాగు లో ఉన్న భూమి నుం చి కొం త మట్టిని సేకరించి అం దు లో 12 రకాల రసాయనాలు ఉన్నా యో లేదో, ఎం త పాళ్లలో ఉన్నా యో లెక్కిం చి ఎస్హెచ్సీని ఇస్తారు . గత రెం డేళ్లలో దాదాపు 1.3 కోట్ల నేల శాం పిళ్లను ఇలా ల్యా బ్లో పరీక్షించి ఏఏ ప్రాం తాల్లో సాగు నేలల స్వ భావం , ఆరోగ్యం ఎలా ఉం దో లెక్కిం చారు . మరింత కృ షి జరగాలి.. భూసార పరీక్షలు చేసి భూ ఆరోగ్య కార్డ్ల జారీతో ప్రభుత్వా లు చేతు లు దు లిపేసు కుం టే పరిస్థితిలో ఎలాం టి మార్పు రాదని సెం టర్ ఫర్ సైన్స్ అం డ్ ఎని్వరోన్మెం ట్(సీఎస్ఈ)లోని ఆహార వ్య వస్థల కార్య క్రమ డైరెక్టర్క్ట అమిత్ ఖు రానా వ్యా ఖ్యా నిం చారు . ‘‘ ఆయా సాగు భూము ల్లో సహాజ ధాతు వులు పెరిగేలా కృషి చేయాలి. రైతు లు సైతం తమ వం తు గా సేం ద్రీయ ఎరు వుల వాడకాన్ని పెం చాలి. అప్పు డు నేల ఆరోగ్యం బాగుం టుం ది. అధిక కృత్రిమ ఎరు వులతో నేల నిస్సా రం గా తయారవుతుం ది. ప్రభుత్వా లు కేవలం నేల ల సామర్థ్యా న్ని గణిం చి కార్డ్లు జారీచేస్తే సరిపోదు . ఫుడ్ అం డ్ అగ్రికల్చ ర్ ఆర్గనైజేషన్(ఎఫ్ఏఓ) వం టి అం తర్జాతీయ సం స్థల గ్లోబల్ సాయిల్ ల్యా బోరేటరీ నెట్వర్క్ లతో సమన్వ యం తో కలిసి పనిచేయాలి. వాళ్ల సూ చనలు , సలహాలను అమలు చేయాలి’’ అని ఖు రానా సూ చిం చారు . ‘‘ భారత్లో 14 కోట్ల వ్య వసాయ కు టుం బాలు ఉం టే ఇప్ప టిదాకా కేవలం 1.1 కోట్ల భూ కార్డ్ల పరీక్ష పూర్తయిం ది. పరీక్షలకు , ఆచరణకు మధ్య ఉన్న అగాథాలను పూడ్చా లి’’ అని ఆఘాఖాన్ ఫౌం డేషన్లో వ్య వసాయ, ఆహార భద్రత, వాతావరణ మార్పు ల విభాగ అం తర్జాతీయ సారథి అపూర్వ ఓజా సూ చిం చారు . కార్బ న్ లోపాలకు బయోచార్తో చెక్ పం ట వ్య ర్థాలు , కొయ్య వం టి సేం ద్రీయ పదార్థాలను ఆక్సి జన్ తక్కు వగా ఉం డే వాతావరణం లో మం డిం చడం (పైరోలైసిస్) ద్వా రా ఉత్ప న్న మయ్యే జీవ బొగ్గు నే బయోచార్ అం టారు . అది బొగ్గు పులు సు వాయు వును నేలలోనే బంధిస్తుం ది. ఈ కట్టె బొగ్గు నేల సారాన్నీ , పం ట దిగు బడినీ పెం చు తుం ది. పొలం లో, పల్లెల్లో ఉత్ప న్న మయ్యే పం ట వ్య ర్థాలను , కలప ము క్క లను అక్క డికక్క డే బయోచార్గా మార్చి నేలలో నిక్షిప్తం చేస్తే ఆయా సాగు భూము ల్లో కార్బ న్ స్థాయిలు మెరు గవుతాయి. అయితే భారత్లో సరైన ప్రమాణాల మేరకు బయోచార్ను ఉత్ప త్తిచేసే పరిస్థితు లు లేవు. పైగా సేం ద్రీయ వ్య వసాయాన్ని ప్రోత్స హిస్తూ పథకాలు తెస్తు న్న ప్ప టికీ ఆ పథకాల పరిధిలో ఉన్న సాగు భూము ల విస్తీర్ణం సైతం చాలా తక్కు వగా ఉం ది. బయోచార్ వినియోగం , సేం ద్రీయ వ్య వసాయం ద్వా రా మాత్రమే కర్బ నపాళ్లను పెం చి నేల ఆరోగ్యా న్ని కాపాడవచ్చ ని, తద్వా రా భారతీయు లను ఆరోగ్య వం తు లు గా తీర్చి దిద్దవచ్చ ని సెం టర్ ఫర్ సైన్స్ అం డ్ ఎన్వి రోన్మెం ట్ సదస్సు అభిప్రాయపడిం ద

‘AQI-Focused Homes’: Indore-based real estate co-investment firm unveils a project for ‘green living’

AQI, air pollution, and PM 2.5 have become pressing concerns for many Indians. In response, Micro Mitti, a property tech real estate co-investment company based in Indore, has announced a new project aimed at creating a healthier living environment. The firm is launching the Healthy Homes Community – Madhuvan Township, a residential development designed with a strong focus on Air Quality Index (AQI), wellness, and sustainability. The unveiling of Madhuvan comes at a crucial time in India’s battle against air pollution. Earlier this month, the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago released its Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) 2025, identifying air pollution as the most significant health threat in the country. The report revealed that all 1.4 billion Indians live in areas where PM 2.5 levels exceed the WHO’s safe threshold of 5 µg/m³. With this launch, Micro Mitti claims to be the first real estate co-investment firm in India to offer AQI-focused residential infrastructure. ‘Green Living’ and AQI-focused residence: Green living emphasises designing and operating homes in ways that minimise environmental impact and improve occupant health by enhancing resource efficiency, air quality, and overall sustainability. Residential green buildings typically use eco-friendly materials, employ energy-saving technologies, and incorporate low-emission paints, efficient ventilation, and abundant natural lighting to create healthier indoor environments. Countries that adopt AQI-focused residential building in some of their districts and areas: >> China is home to the world’s greenest skyscraper (Shanghai Tower) and over 1,500 LEED-certified projects are there in the building >> Canada is another strong in LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) adoption and sustainable housing policies >> Australia, a country whose AQI is mostly below 20, adopts Victoria’s planning policies that mandate energy-efficient and air-quality-conscious designs >> The Netherlands, France, Germany, and many European countries have always been leaders in green building regulations and AQI-focused infrastructure As the festive season approaches and Diwali nears, the risk of worsening air quality intensifies. In Delhi, PM 2.5 levels peaked at nearly 603 µg/m³ at midnight during Diwali 2024 (Down To Earth, Centre for Science and Environment). While the capital often makes headlines, Tier II cities are not far behind. In Lucknow, AQI spiked to 306 (“very poor”) the day after Diwali 2024, up from ~175 before the festival, according to various media reports. Spread across 30 acres, Madhuvan Township is thoughtfully planned by India’s leading architect Sanjay Puri, with two-side open plots averaging 1,250 sq. ft., designed to feel like 2,400 sq. ft. homes. Nearly 55% of the site is dedicated to open green spaces, merging built structures with forest-inspired landscapes. Micro Mitti claims Madhuvan to be a scientifically rooted design approach to improve air quality and enhance community health. The township stated to host 465 families and is located on the proposed 75-metre RE3 bypass, Indore.

₹65,300 करोड़ का वार्षिक घाटा: जीएसटी की उलटी टैक्स संरचना भारत की रीसाइक्लिंग अर्थव्यवस्था को कर रही कमजोर

भारत की पुनर्चक्रण (रीसाइक्लिंग) अर्थव्यवस्था इस समय एक जटिल विरोधाभास में फंसी हुई है। एक ओर यह हरित विकास, प्रदूषण नियंत्रण और संसाधन बचत में अहम भूमिका निभा सकती है, वहीं दूसरी ओर वर्तमान गुड्स एंड सर्विसेज टैक्स (GST) व्यवस्था इस क्षेत्र की क्षमता को सीमित कर रही है। सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट (CSE) की ताज़ा रिपोर्ट “रिलैक्स द टैक्स 2025” के अनुसार, भारत इस खामी के कारण हर साल करीब ₹65,300 करोड़ के राजस्व नुकसान का सामना कर रहा है — जो मौजूदा औपचारिक रीसाइक्लिंग सेक्टर से मिलने वाले ₹30,900 करोड़ के टैक्स संग्रह से दोगुने से भी ज्यादा है। कचरा क्षेत्र में 90% तक अनौपचारिकता रिपोर्ट के मुताबिक भारत का रीसाइक्लिंग क्षेत्र अब भी बड़े पैमाने पर असंगठित है। कागज और कांच में 95% प्लास्टिक में 80% ई-कचरे में 90% और धातुओं में 65% काम अनौपचारिक क्षेत्र में होता है। यह केवल सांख्यिकीय आंकड़े नहीं, बल्कि एक आर्थिक अवसर की भारी क्षति है जो पर्यावरणीय लक्ष्यों और राजस्व दोनों को प्रभावित कर रही है। उलटी टैक्स संरचना से बढ़ी परेशानी रीसाइक्लिंग क्षेत्र की सबसे बड़ी समस्या जीएसटी की “इनवर्टेड टैक्स स्ट्रक्चर” है। रीसाइक्लिंग के लिए खरीदे जाने वाले PET स्क्रैप पर 18% टैक्स लगता है, जबकि उससे तैयार रीसाइक्लड फाइबर पर सिर्फ 5% टैक्स है। नतीजा — छोटे और मझोले रीसाइक्लरों (MSMEs) पर इनपुट टैक्स क्रेडिट (ITC) का बोझ बढ़ जाता है और नकदी प्रवाह की समस्या गहरा जाती है। अनौपचारिक व्यापार को मिल रहा बढ़ावा उच्च टैक्स दरों के कारण कई छोटे रीसाइक्लर जीएसटी व्यवस्था के दायरे से बाहर रहना ही बेहतर समझते हैं। यह स्थिति नकदी आधारित “ग्रे मार्केट” को बढ़ावा देती है, जहां टैक्स चोरी आम बात है। एक रीसाइक्लर ने कहा – “हम जीएसटी नियमों का पालन करते हैं, लेकिन कई बार महीनों बाद यह बताया जाता है कि स्क्रैप विक्रेता बोगस था, और हमें ब्याज सहित टैक्स वापस करना पड़ता है।” ऐसे मामलों ने वैध कारोबारियों के सामने भरोसे का संकट खड़ा कर दिया है। तीन स्तरों पर असर आर्थिक असर: धीमी रिफंड प्रक्रिया और टैक्स असमानता औपचारिक भागीदारी को हतोत्साहित करती है। राजकोषीय असर: ₹65,300 करोड़ का नुकसान देश के स्कूलों, स्वास्थ्य सुविधाओं और बुनियादी ढांचे से हटकर चला जाता है। पर्यावरणीय असर: महंगे टैक्स के कारण उद्योग गैर-रीसाइक्लड इनपुट का इस्तेमाल करने लगते हैं, जिससे लैंडफिल कचरा और उत्सर्जन दोनों बढ़ते हैं। विशेषज्ञों के सुझाए समाधान CSE और उद्योग जगत के विशेषज्ञों ने इस असंतुलन को ठीक करने के लिए चार प्रमुख सुधार सुझाए हैं — स्क्रैप पर जीएसटी दर घटाकर 5% की जाए, ताकि उलटा ढांचा समाप्त हो। रिवर्स चार्ज मैकेनिज्म (RCM) लागू किया जाए, जिससे रीसाइक्लर सीधे सरकार को टैक्स दे सकें और कागजी लेनदेन खत्म हो। “पुराने स्क्रैप” के लिए अलग टैक्स श्रेणी बनाई जाए, जिसमें 1% नाममात्र टैक्स दर रखी जाए। रिफंड प्रक्रिया तेज की जाए, ताकि छोटे कारोबारियों की कार्यशील पूंजी अटके नहीं। हरित रोजगार और निवेश का अवसर इन सुधारों से न केवल टैक्स अनुपालन बढ़ेगा, बल्कि निजी निवेश को भी नई दिशा मिलेगी। विशेषज्ञों के अनुसार, यदि टैक्स ढांचा अनुकूल बनाया गया, तो देश में लाखों नए हरित रोजगार सृजित किए जा सकते हैं और लैंडफिल कचरे में हजारों टन की कमी लाई जा सकती है। बदलाव का समय अब वर्तमान कर व्यवस्था एक विकृत प्रोत्साहन प्रणाली बन गई है जो ईमानदार रीसाइक्लरों को सज़ा देती है और अनौपचारिक कारोबारियों को बढ़ावा देती है। समय आ गया है कि सरकार जीएसटी संरचना में सुधार कर रीसाइक्लिंग सेक्टर को राहत दे — ताकि विकास, पर्यावरण संरक्षण और कर अनुपालन तीनों समानांतर रूप से आगे बढ़ सकें।

Pollution tracking fails in Haryana: 20 of 32 air monitors go offline amid smog surge

Haryana’s pollution monitoring network suffered a major setback on Wednesday, with 20 of its 32 stations — including three in Gurugram — going offline, distorting air quality data at a time when accurate tracking is crucial, The Times of India reported. As a result, authorities were unable to determine the nature of the haze blanketing the city, with official data showing an AQI of 150 (moderate) — a figure based solely on readings from the only operational station at Vikas Sadan. Officials from the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) were quoted by the newspaper as saying that the other three stations, located at Gwalpahari, Teri Gram and Sector 51, were offline due to technical snags and delayed calibration. As per the report, the same situation was reported in Faridabad, Hisar, Panchkula, Rohtak, and several other locations, where outages disrupted real-time pollution tracking just as stubble burning and shifting weather patterns were driving up particulate levels. Shubhansh Tiwari, a research associate at Centre for Science and Environment, told TOI, "Industrial belts and traffic corridors are missing from the data. Despite AQI in Gurgaon hovering between 150 and 180 over the past week, labelled as "moderate", residents have reported experiencing smog, eye irritation and breathlessness."

India 'creating its own rain' to deal with massive smog problem

India is creating its own rain to deal with smog. The council in Delhi has made cloud seeding a key part of its anti-pollution strategy, hoping to wash away smog and garner votes. Delhi residents may have heard the hum of Cessna aircraft in the skies trying to conjure artificial rain. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) promised to tackle pollution and improve air quality when it was elected in Delhi, one of the world's most polluted cities, in February. Cloud seeding adds silver iodide, which has a similar structure to ice, to clouds and raises the chances of rain. But there needs to be enough moisture in the atmosphere for it to work and experts say it is not a long-term solution. Anumita Roychowdhury, of the Centre for Science and Environment, said: "There will be some washout effect that reduces pollutants. But it will be very temporary and then the pollution will just bounce right back."

How cloud seeding works to clean toxic air

Delhi on Tuesday carried out its first-ever cloud seeding trial in a bid to trigger artificial rain and bring temporary relief from the city’s toxic post-Diwali smog. The experiment, conducted by a team of scientists and officials using aircraft over parts of the capital, is being closely watched as authorities explore whether artificial rain can help clean Delhi’s air, even if for a short while. Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique that aims to induce rainfall from existing clouds by dispersing certain substances into the atmosphere. Typically, chemicals such as silver iodide, potassium iodide or salt particles are released through aircraft or rockets into moisture-laden clouds. These particles act as nuclei around which water vapour condenses, forming droplets that can grow heavy enough to fall as rain. The key requirement, however, is the presence of clouds with sufficient moisture. Seeding cannot create rain from clear skies. In Delhi’s trial, aircraft released a combination of salts and silver iodide into pre-identified cloud formations over the city. Scientists expect that, if the atmospheric conditions are favourable, these particles will stimulate rainfall, which can help wash down suspended pollutants such as PM2.5 and PM10 from the air. Similar methods have been used in countries like China, the United Arab Emirates and the United States for purposes ranging from drought management to pollution control, though with mixed results. While cloud seeding can modestly increase rainfall by about 10 to 20 per cent, it is highly dependent on weather conditions. Delhi’s pollution peaks during late autumn and winter, when humidity is low and clouds are often shallow, making the method less reliable. Moreover, even if the experiment succeeds, any improvement in air quality would be temporary. Once the rain stops, pollutants from vehicles, industries, construction and crop burning continue to accumulate, bringing pollution levels back up. Scientists also warn that cloud seeding is not a sustainable solution to the capital’s air crisis. While it can provide short-term relief, it does not address the root causes of pollution. “It’s not yet clear whether this will have any real impact on Delhi’s air quality during the winter months,” said Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, research and advocacy at the Centre for Science and Environment. “At that time of year, the weather conditions are such that pollutants get trapped close to the ground, making it extremely difficult for them to disperse. Even if cloud seeding manages to trigger some rain, the effect will be very short-lived. It’s a temporary, and very expensive, measure.” Ultimately, Delhi’s cloud seeding trial marks an important scientific effort, but one that should be viewed with tempered expectations. Artificial rain, if successful, may clear the air for a few hours or days, offering symbolic respite rather than lasting change. The city’s real challenge lies in cutting emissions, regulating dust, and curbing stubble burning, not in waiting for rain, artificial or otherwise. Hacking the Capital’s sky How it works: aircraft released silver iodide and salt particles into moisture-laden clouds to trigger rainfall by encouraging condensation around these particles Goal: to wash down suspended pollutants such as PM2.5 and PM10, providing temporary relief from hazardous air quality Conditions required: cloud seeding needs existing clouds with sufficient humidity; it cannot generate rain from clear skies, making timing crucial Technology used: modified aircraft equipped with flare systems and dispersal devices released the seeding agents at pre-identified altitudes over Delhi Expected impact: experts estimate seeding can increase rainfall by 10–20% if weather conditions are favourable Limitations: effectiveness depends heavily on cloud type, moisture content, and wind patterns; Delhi’s dry winter conditions often make success uncertain Expert opinion: scientists caution that even if the trial succeeds, the improvement in air quality will be short-lived unless emission sources are curbed Global precedent: cloud seeding has been used in China, the UAE and the U.S. for drought management and pollution control, with mixed results

Why city’s ‘moderate’ AQI doesn’t clear the air on what you’re breathing: 2Of 4 recording stations offline for days in peak pollution season

GURGAON: If you step outside and breathe in what feels like a smoky haze, you are not imagining things — despite the AQI reading showing ‘moderate’. The city’s air quality has stayed at 177 for two days on the trot — a comforting surprise for this part of the year when farm fires peak and windspeeds slow down. Yet, this number tells only part of the story — and perhaps not the most important part. With two of the city four air monitoring stations offline for days, the figures offer an illusion, rather than an accurate reflection of what residents are actually inhaling. Currently, only the Vikas Sadan and Gwal Pahari stations are operational, recording AQI levels of 150 and 206, respectively. The Teri Gram monitor has been out of action for almost six months, while the Sector 51 station — which has just resumed after a week-long blackout — had consistently reported “very poor” air quality before it went dark. As a result, the city’s overall AQI is being calculated from a patchy and unrepresentative data set, failing to capture the full scale of pollution across the city. At the Sector 51 station on Tuesday, TOI found the display screen blank. Officials from Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) cited technical glitches. “We have informed Central Pollution Control Board. We are able to collect data, but it’s just not getting uploaded,” said an HSPCB official. Experts warned that such data gaps not only distorted the pollution picture but also eroded public trust. “When half the monitors are down, the AQI number loses credibility. No prizes for guessing that pollution levels near industrial areas, arterial roads, and construction sites would be significantly higher than what is being reported,” said Shubhansh Tiwari, a research associate at Centre for Science and Environment. The timing could hardly be worse. As the annual smog season deepens across NCR — driven by crop residue burning and temperature inversions — accurate realtime data is crucial for both public health and regulatory action like Graded Response Action Plan. Yet, at the very moment when vigilance is most needed, the city’s already limited monitoring system is faltering, experts pointed out. “Gurgaon, anyway, is insufficiently monitored according to CPCB criteria. We cannot afford blank readings during peak pollution episodes. The sensors must be upgraded or replaced so the true severity of air pollution isn’t hidden behind ‘no data’ screens,” said Manoj Kumar, analyst at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air. The issue goes beyond technical failures and raises the question of accountability. “When residential area stations that consistently report very poor air go offline for days, it’s not just a technical glitch. It’s a governance failure. The unavailability of real-time data deprives citizens of their right to know what they’re breathing. It also shows a worrying lack of preparedness of agencies responsible for maintaining continuous air quality surveillance,” said Arun Kumar Yadav, clean air programme manager at Envirocatalysts. A similar experience by Delhi during the Diwali days offers a caution. An analysis by TOI revealed that during the critical hours of Oct 20 and 21 — when pollution typically peaks — only 12 of 39 air-quality stations in the capital recorded uninterrupted hourly data. Across the network, there were 173 missing hours of data, with about 163 of those during the overnight peak, when air quality was likely at its worst. This means the official AQI for Delhi during Diwali (310–350) almost certainly underestimated actual exposure, leaving both regulators and the public blind during the most hazardous period. Since Diwali, Gurgaon’s air has remained polluted, with levels fluctuating between ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’ even as the official numbers suggest improvement. With farm fires in neighbouring states now peaking and winter conditions setting in, experts warned that AQI levels were likely to worsen in the coming day

Rs 64 lakh per sortie: Why experts say Delhi's costly cloud seeding project can't fix winter smog

Delhi's ambitious cloud seeding project is facing mounting criticism from environmental experts who have labelled the technique a "hugely expensive, temporary and unsustainable" measure to combat the capital's toxic pollution, even as scientists behind the initiative report curious marginal improvements in air quality, TOI reported. Three trials, zero rain: The costly experiment

 The scientific endeavour, executed by IIT Kanpur, has conducted three trials to date, one on October 23 and two on October 28, with none producing significant rainfall in the capital. The latest attempts involved two aircraft sorties dispersing a tested mixture of flares over areas including Khekra, Burari and Mayur Vihar. Despite these efforts, the city saw no measurable rainfall. IIT Kanpur stated that neighbouring areas received only trace amounts - 0.1 mm in Noida and 0.2 mm in Greater Noida - data it attributed to a private weather application. Authorities identified a key culprit for the lack of rain: insufficient moisture. An IIT Kanpur statement confirmed that humidity levels within the targeted clouds ranged from a mere 10% to 20%, far below the ideal conditions required for successful seeding. Rs 64 lakh per sortie: A temporary fix under fire

 The project's substantial cost is now under intense scrutiny. According to the MoU between the Delhi environment department and IIT Kanpur, the budget for cloud seeding is over Rs 3.2 crore for five trials, translating to approximately Rs 64 lakh per sortie. With Delhi's air quality index (AQI) continuing to hover in the 'very poor' to 'poor' range, experts are questioning the value of this temporary intervention. Experts question science behind winter cloud seeding

 Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director of research and advocacy at the Centre for Science and Environment, was cited by TOI as saying that even if rain were to wash out pollutants, the impact would be fleeting. "The pollution will bounce back quickly. The impact lasts from hours to a couple of days," she said, stressing that the initiative cannot be done regularly for the entire winter season and that investments should instead target actual emission reduction from ground sources. The scientific rationale for winter cloud seeding was further questioned by Shahzad Gani, assistant professor at IIT Delhi's Centre for Atmospheric Sciences. He explained that Delhi's winter is typically very dry, with meaningful rain usually only occurring due to a western disturbance.