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UT-Level Master Trainer Workshop on Solid and Plastic Waste Management Concludes in Sri Vijaya Puram

A two-day UT-Level Master Trainer Capacity Building Workshop on ‘Operationalizing Solid Waste Management and Plastic Waste Management’, organised by the Andaman & Nicobar Pollution Control Committee (ANPCC) under the Department of Science & Technology in association with the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), New Delhi, concluded on July 29 at the Training Hall of the Directorate of Disaster Management, Sri Vijaya Puram.

The economics of survival in an era of worsening climate extremes

I was in Europe in late June for meetings, and the heat was on. Even for an Indian accustomed to high temperatures, the intensity of the sun was searing. It was also evident that these countries are not designed for heat, from buildings to devices for temperature control. As I made my way home, the monsoon was crashing across India. Mumbai, the financial capital, was brought to its knees with floodwaters taking over roads and entering homes. Cloudbursts in the Himalayas and Western Ghats were bringing with them landslides and loss of property. Then there was news of damage to roads and bridges, some of which were built only recently. The investment was clearly unmindful of the climate extremes we now face. And all this has unfolded in a matter of one week. So, if anyone still questions the grip of climate change, they are living in denial and derangement. This is what models predicted would happen as temperatures spiralled and spiked weather. It is time we acknowledged that we are doing far too little to stem this rot affecting our planet. It is time we got our act together. Sadly, we are going in reverse — not just in action but in the narrative that would make the world a different place. The fact is that green technology is now making inroads into countries not for climate mitigation but because it makes more energy and economic sense. The leap to solar energy, without going down the fossil-fuel route, works when the cost of panels and batteries is cheaper than installing and building a power grid, which also takes time. Countries are taking decisions based on their domestic priorities and the co-benefit, or collateral advantage, is reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. Take Delhi’s recent policy to move the needle on the electrification of its vehicle fleet. It is bold and a potential game changer. The policy provides a mandate for switchover to electric two- and three-wheelers as well as light commercial vehicles. Under it, by January 2027, only electric three-wheelers — used extensively as paratransit in the city — and light commercial vehicles will be allowed to be registered. By April 2028, only electric two-wheelers will be allowed registration. It combines this with fiscal incentives for new purchase and a robust scrapping policy, so that old vehicles can be turned new, but electric. The objective of the policy is to stem air pollution in the city; this is why there is a focus on two-wheelers. The city registers, each day, some 1,000 new two-wheelers, which then contribute to its pollution load because of their sheer numbers. Similarly, the paratransit is a critical system to connect to public transport. The city is moving towards a green bus fleet and with its extensive subway system, this could be the way to its green transport future. Delhi’s electric-vehicle (EV) 2026 policy has limited fiscal incentives for personal vehicles, as it should, because these vehicles occupy disproportionate road space and congestion, which in turn adds to pollution. This EV transition is not designed for climate-change mitigation, but if it works, it will reduce Delhi’s greenhouse-gas emission. This is also where cities can leapfrog because of the domestic imperative for cleaner air, and steer the world towards a more climate-secure future. But, and there is a “but”, all this will require obsessive follow-through — to get the scrapping of vehicles done so that fleet transformation happens; to get charging infrastructure organised so that public vehicles have reliable access; and then of course, to ensure that all this adds up to making mass transit work. The only way to get people out of personal vehicles is to make the system so reliable, convenient and affordable, that it just makes more sense. Nobody wants to be stuck in traffic and breathe foul air — this is a change we all want. It is also clear that the more we invest in the upgraded public-transport network, the better it will be for securing livelihoods. It also improves the affordability of housing as people can live where land is cheaper and commute to centres of employment. It needs imagination in planning, implementation at scale and urgency in action. This, then, is the real climate-change challenge: Living in a world where weather is turning against us. We need solutions that will accelerate transitions in our world. The economic-growth model that has brought us to the brink of a climate catastrophe is one in which investment is needed to first build and then repair and mitigate the environmental costs of growth. We have to invent, and not reinvent, growth. This is the only way to secure the fight against climate change. The writer is at the Centre for Science and Environment; sunita@cseindia.org, X: @sunitanar

UT-Level Workshop Equips Stakeholders to Improve Waste Management in A&N

Strengthening waste management systems through trained personnel and institutional coordination took centre stage as the Andaman and Nicobar Pollution Control Committee (ANPCC) concluded a two-day Union Territory-level Master Trainer Capacity Building Workshop on Operationalizing Solid Waste Management and Plastic Waste Management in Sri Vijaya Puram. The programme aimed to equip representatives from government agencies and other stakeholder organisations with the knowledge required to support the implementation of waste management practices across the islands. The workshop, organised by the ANPCC under the Department of Science and Technology in association with the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), New Delhi, concluded on July 29 at the Training Hall of the Directorate of Disaster Management, Sri Vijaya Puram. The programme was conducted under Phase-II of the India–Norway Marine Pollution Initiative (INMPI) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India. Around 60 participants representing 23 stakeholder departments and organisations attended the workshop. The participants included representatives from government departments, local bodies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), civil society organisations (CSOs), self-help groups (SHGs) and other stakeholders.

UT-Level Master Trainer Capacity Building Workshop Concludes

The two-day UT-Level Master Trainer Capacity Building Workshop on ‘Operationalizing Solid Waste Management and Plastic Waste Management’, organized by the Andaman & Nicobar Pollution Control Committee (ANPCC), Department of Science & Technology, in association with the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), New Delhi, concluded on July 29 in the Training Hall of Directorate of Disaster Management, Sri Vijaya Puram. The workshop was organised under Phase-II of the India–Norway Marine Pollution Initiative (INMPI) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India. Around 60 participants representing 23 stakeholder Departments/organizations, including Government Departments, Local Bodies, NGOs, CSOs, SHGs and other stakeholders, participated in the programme. The two-day workshop covered key aspects of Solid Waste Management and Plastic Waste Management, including source segregation, Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Bulk Waste Generator (BWG) compliance and sustainable waste management practices, along with practical exercises. The valedictory session was graced by the Member Secretary, ANPCC-cum-Director (Science & Technology) as chief guest, who distributed certificates to the participants. Addressing the gathering, the chief guest emphasized that compliance with waste management requirements should be adopted as a behavioral change in addition to being a regulatory obligation, particularly in light of the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court. He also stressed the responsibility of the trained Master Trainers in taking forward the learnings and ensuring effective implementation within their respective Departments and organizations.

Decongestion plan lags in Haryana, 48 traffic hotspots await fixes

Gurgaon: Haryana has managed to address fewer than half of the traffic congestion hotspots identified for 2026. Only 40 of the 88 congestion hotspots identified across seven cities had been addressed by June 30, leaving 48 locations still awaiting intervention, according to Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) data on short-term traffic management measures. The tardy pace of fixing these hotspots has raised concerns over the pace of decongestion efforts that are also expected to help curb vehicular emissions before the onset of the winter pollution season. While long-term solutions such as expanding public transport and shifting to cleaner vehicles require years, engineering interventions at congestion hotspots can provide immediate relief by improving traffic flow. The congestion hotspot programme is aimed specifically at reducing traffic bottlenecks through shortterm engineering and traffic management measures. “Traffic congestion is not merely a mobility problem, it is also a major air pollution concern. Vehicles caught in stop-and-go traffic and prolonged idling emit substantially more particulate matter, nitrogen oxides and other gases than vehicles moving at a steady speed,” Centre for Science and Environment executive director (research and advocacy) Anumita Roychowdhury told TOI.

ETGovernment Rajasthan Water Conclave | Panel Discussion: Enhancing water recharge for sustainable & climate-resilient systems

At the ETGovernment Rajasthan Water Conclave, a panel discussion on “Enhancing Water Recharge for Sustainable & Climate-Resilient Systems” brought together policymakers and experts to deliberate on strengthening groundwater recharge and long-term water security. The session featured insights from Hemant Gera, Sanjay Gopal Bharatariya, Laxman Singh, Anshuman, Rushabh Hemani and Susmita Sengupta. Discussions emphasised integrating traditional water conservation methods with modern technologies, supported by robust policy frameworks and climate-resilient planning. The panel highlighted the importance of scaling recharge infrastructure, improving watershed management, and driving community participation, with the session moderated by Sumit Chaturvedi.

How Hyderabad can build its way out ofthe heat

“As a result, the overall temperature in the surrounding area is reduced, mitigating the heat island effect,” the guidelines state. Yet studies by Hyderabad Urban Lab, the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and other researchers continue to identify Gachibowli, HITEC City, Financial District, Madhapur and Kukatpally among Hyderabad’s hottest locations, where concrete, asphalt and glass dominate the landscape. Glass-clad towers and sprawling gated communities have become defining features of Hyderabad’s skyline. But they have also become major contributors to one of the city’s biggest climate challenges — the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, where built-up areas become significantly hotter than their surroundings. Ironically, many of these hotspots are also home to the city’s largest concentration of Indian Green Building Council (IGBC)-certified buildings, which are designed to reduce heat absorption, improve energy efficiency and create healthier indoor environments. So why are some of Hyderabad’s hottest neighbourhoods also its greenest on paper? Experts say the answer is not that green buildings don’t work, but that there simply aren’t enough of them, and they need to be backed by neighbourhood-wide planning. IGBC guidelines promote measures such as cool roofs, reflective materials, shaded landscapes, native vegetation and green roofs to reduce heat absorption. “As a result, the overall temperature in the surrounding area is reduced, mitigating the heat island effect,” the guidelines state. Yet studies by Hyderabad Urban Lab, the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and other researchers continue to identify Gachibowli, HITEC City, Financial District, Madhapur and Kukatpally among Hyderabad’s hottest locations, where concrete, asphalt and glass dominate the landscape. Although these areas have a high concentration of green-certified buildings, they remain vastly outnumbered by conventional buildings, roads and paved surfaces. Scale up green buildings Urban planner and architect Srinivas Murthy said expecting a handful of certified buildings to cool an entire neighbourhood is unrealistic. “Even in areas with the highest number of green buildings, they still make up only a small share of the total built-up area. Thousands of conventional buildings continue to dominate the landscape,” he said. According to IGBC, Telangana has over 1,200 certified projects across commercial, residential, industrial, metro and other sectors. But that represents only a fraction of Hyderabad’s overall building stock. “High-rise buildings cannot avoid using steel and cement, which naturally absorb heat. Green-certified materials are designed to retain less heat, but they cannot eliminate it,” he said. He said govts could accelerate adoption by linking incentives such as additional Floor Space Index (FSI) or tax benefits to measurable urban cooling outcomes. Design for Hyderabad’s climate Glass façades remain one of the biggest challenges. “Regular glass reflects and radiates heat, worsening the urban heat island effect. IGBC encourages developers to use high-performance green glass, but only a limited number currently do,” Murthy said. Experts also advocate revising building bylaws to discourage excessive glass façades and encourage climate-responsive architecture better suited to Hyderabad’s hot climate. Plan neighbourhoods too Siraz Hirani of ClimateRISE Alliance said cooling a city requires coordinated action across entire neighbourhoods rather than isolated projects. “Cool roofs, solar panels, vegetation, cross ventilation and sustainable materials mostly benefit the building itself and its immediate surroundings. A city cools only when these measures are adopted across entire neighbourhoods,” he said. Policy incentives Only around 10% of Hyderabad's buildings are currently green-certified, according to IGBC. “Most projects achieve Gold certification, but wider adoption and more Platinum-rated projects are needed to create a larger impact,” said C Shekhar Reddy, chairman of IGBC. Rejecting the perception that green buildings are prohibitively expensive, Reddy said Gold certification typically raises project costs by about 1%, while Platinum certification adds roughly 2%. “The additional investment is usually recovered within three to four years through lower operating costs," he said.

Open Green Shift 2026: Mapping a Sustainable Future

Delhi’s own numbers tell a more com­plicated story than Kant’s global arithme­tic. Anumita Roychowdhury, Executive Director of CSE, told the panel ‘Can India Breathe Better?’ that the city’s pollution has actually fallen nearly 40 per cent over eight to nine years, which was a genuinely good thing. The catch is that the city still larger than just seasonal, and the toll on the health and wellbeing of Indians is im­mense. The problems are not singular, nor can they be fixed by simple changes either. Dr Anant Mohan, Head of Pulmonology at AIIMS, and environmentalist Sumaira Abdulali between them underscored just how varied the damage is, from lung disease to noise. The seasonality of Delhi’s pollution should not change how seriously people take it either, and for Mohan, an air purifier alone isn’t enough to fix the problem. He pushed back on the idea that a few clear-sky days mean the danger has passed. “A few better days doesn’t change the fact that exposure and its health effects are a contin­uous, ongoing process, not an occasional one,” he said. “You cannot stay indoors and air-purified all the time; over a day, whether exposure is one hour or 10, both intensity and duration of exposure matter.”

GSIDC organises conference on Goa’s architecture, sustainability

The Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) organised the National Conference on Goan Architecture & Sustainability at The Leela Palace in the national capital. The event brought together policymakers, renowned architects, urban planners, sustainability experts, industry leaders as well as international representatives to deliberate on the future of sustainable development and heritage-led growth, read a statement. The conference was inaugurated by Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade and distinguished guests from across India and abroad. The inaugural session featured ceremonial lamp lighting followed by keynote addresses highlighting Goa’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure and responsible urban development. “Goa’s architectural heritage is a living legacy that continues to shape our future. As we pursue rapid development, we remain committed to creating world-class, resilient and inclusive infrastructure rooted in sustainability, environmental responsibility and respect for our unique cultural identity. Our vision is to ensure that progress strengthens, rather than diminishes, the character that makes Goa truly distinctive,” Pramod Sawant said. He noted that the National Conference on Goan Architecture & Sustainability serves as a “valuable platform for architects, planners, policymakers and experts to exchange ideas and advance innovative, climate-resilient and heritage-sensitive solutions.” He added, “Through collaboration, green technologies and the conservation of our architectural legacy, we can ensure that development and preservation move forward together, building a prosperous and environmentally responsible Goa for generations to come.”History During the event, experts took part in four thematic panel discussions covering Goan Architecture & Contextual Design, Heritage Conservation & Sustainable Habitat, Energy Efficiency & Green Building Certification, and Climate-Smart Materials & Sustainable Construction Practices, the statement said. The sessions featured eminent speakers from leading institutions including TERI, Charles Correa Foundation, INTACH, GRIHA Council, World Bank, IFC, Centre for Science and Environment, Auroville Earth Institute, the European Union, the Royal Danish Embassy and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, among others. Encouraging meaningful dialogue on balancing rapid urbanisation with environmental responsibility, the event explored innovative technologies, policy interventions and collaborative approaches for resilient infrastructure development. Also, the event featured a dedicated exhibition that showcased GoVAN products, providing delegates with an opportunity to experience and appreciate products that reflect Goa’s local innovation, craftsmanship and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

GSIDC hosts conference on Goan architecture and sustainability

The Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) organised the National Conference on Goan Architecture & Sustainability at The Leela Palace, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, bringing together policymakers, architects, urban planners, sustainability experts, industry leaders and international representatives to discuss sustainable infrastructure and heritage-led development. The conference was inaugurated by Dr Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa, alongside Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Tourism & Culture, Government of India, Sadanand Shet Tanavade, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, and other dignitaries. The inaugural session included keynote addresses focusing on sustainable infrastructure and responsible urban development. Speaking at the conference, Dr Pramod Sawant said, “Goa's architectural heritage is a living legacy that continues to shape our future. As we pursue rapid development, we remain committed to creating world-class, resilient and inclusive infrastructure rooted in sustainability, environmental responsibility and respect for our unique cultural identity. Our vision is to ensure that progress strengthens, rather than diminishes, the character that makes Goa truly distinctive. The National Conference on Goan Architecture & Sustainability serves as a valuable platform for architects, planners, policymakers and experts to exchange ideas and advance innovative, climate-resilient and heritage-sensitive solutions. Through collaboration, green technologies and the conservation of our architectural legacy, we can ensure that development and preservation move forward together, building a prosperous and environmentally responsible Goa for generations to come.” The conference featured four panel discussions on Goan architecture and contextual design, heritage conservation and sustainable habitat, energy efficiency and green building certification, and climate-smart materials and sustainable construction practices. Speakers represented organisations including TERI, Charles Correa Foundation, INTACH, GRIHA Council, World Bank, IFC, Centre for Science and Environment, Auroville Earth Institute, the European Union, the Royal Danish Embassy and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Goa showcases sustainable infra vision at national conference

The Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) organised the National Conference on Goan Architecture & Sustainability at The Leela Palace, Chanakyapuri, bringing together policymakers, architects, urban planners, sustainability experts, industry leaders & international representatives to discuss sustainable development and heritage-led growth. The conference was inaugurated by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade and other dignitaries. Addressing the gathering, Sawant said Goa remains committed to building resilient, inclusive and sustainable infrastructure while preserving its rich architectural heritage. He said the conference provided a platform for experts to exchange ideas on climate-resilient, heritage-sensitive solutions & stressed the need to balance development with environmental responsibility and cultural identity. The event featured four panel discussions on Goan architecture & contextual design, heritage conservation, energy-efficient green buildings & climate-smart construction materials. Speakers represented organisations including TERI, the Charles Correa Foundation, INTACH, GRIHA Council, the World Bank, IFC, the Centre for Science & Environment, Auroville Earth Institute, the European Union, the Royal Danish Embassy and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. An exhibition of GoVAN products highlighted Goa’s local innovation, craftsmanship & entrepreneurship. The conference concluded with a valedictory session outlining key recommendations, followed by a networking event for government officials, industry leaders, architects, researchers & policymakers. The conference reinforced Goa’s vision of becoming a leader in sustainable infrastructure, heritage conservation & climate-resilient urban development. Mpost

India’s carbon market sets weak emissions targets, analysis finds

“The initial targets, especially for steel, cement and aluminium are likely to remain limited to driving improvements through energy efficiency and other relatively low-cost operational measures,” explained Parth Kumar, Programme Manager at the Centre for Science and Environment, who was not involved in the CRH analysis. A critical evaluation of emissions reduction targets set under the country’s carbon market framework has deemed the targets “modest and unambitious” — unlikely to drive changes in operations that would reduce emissions substantially. Between October 2025 and January 2026 India notified greenhouse gas reduction targets for nine industries. Under the framework, industries can earn carbon credits if they surpass these reduction targets, with each credit signifying an additional tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent reduced per unit of production (emissions intensity). The industries covered include cement, aluminium, iron and steel, paper and pulp, chlor-alkali, petroleum refinery, petrochemical units, fertilisers, and textiles. The evaluation of the targets by Climate Risk Horizons (CRH), a research organisation, finds that in addition to the targets being “readily achievable,” over the two-year compliance period, the cost of non-compliance is too low to incentivise the kind of systematic operational changes needed to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. India is the world’s third largest greenhouse gas emitter, with emissions from industrial processes and product use accounting for approximately 8% of greenhouse gas emissions. In August 2022, the Indian government pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 45% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels. It also pledged to reach net-zero emissions by 2070. According to the CRH analysis, the cost of purchasing credits for major companies in the steel, aluminium, and cement sectors is between 0.6% and 7% of profits, assuming credit prices are $10 per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent, as indicated by S&P Global, which tracks global energy and commodities markets. “For many high-margin polluters, “paying to pollute” could become a preferred business strategy,” said Anirudh T.R., an author of the report, in a statement.

शहरों का बिगड़ता संतुलन: क्यों हर बारिश और हर गर्मी बन रही है आफत?

क्या आपने कभी सोचा है कि हमारे शहर हर साल एक ही कहानी क्यों दोहराते हैं? गर्मियों में यही शहर तंदूर की तरह तपने लगते हैं और मानसून आते ही कुछ घंटों की बारिश उन्हें तालाब में बदल देती है। सड़कें नदियों जैसी दिखने लगती हैं, गाड़ियां पानी में तैरती नजर आती हैं और पूरा जनजीवन ठहर जाता है। सवाल यह है कि क्या यह सिर्फ मौसम की मार है या फिर हमारी अपनी बनाई हुई शहरी विकास की गलत नीतियों का नतीजा? पिछले कुछ वर्षों में देश के अलग-अलग हिस्सों से आई तस्वीरों ने यह साफ कर दिया है कि शहर अब केवल जलवायु परिवर्तन के शिकार नहीं हैं, बल्कि गलत शहरी नियोजन के भी सबसे बड़े उदाहरण बन चुके हैं। मई और जून में जब तापमान 48 से 50 डिग्री सेल्सियस तक पहुंचता है, तब कंक्रीट और डामर से ढके शहर विशाल ‘हीट ट्रैप’ में बदल जाते हैं। वहीं मानसून की पहली तेज बारिश के साथ ही जलभराव, ट्रैफिक जाम और प्रशासनिक अव्यवस्था आम बात बन जाती है। हर साल प्रशासन जल निकासी, नालों की सफाई और बेहतर तैयारियों के दावे करता है, लेकिन पहली ही बारिश उन दावों की पोल खोल देती है। ऐसे में यह समझना जरूरी है कि समस्या केवल बदलते मौसम की नहीं, बल्कि उस विकास मॉडल की भी है, जिसमें प्रकृति के लिए जगह लगातार कम होती चली गई। शहरों के मास्टर प्लान में पर्यावरण और माइक्रो-क्लाइमेट की अनदेखी बड़ी भूल इस मुद्दे पर लंबे समय से काम कर रहीं सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट (सीएसई) की कार्यकारी निदेशक डॉ. अनुमिता रॉयचौधरी भी लगातार चेतावनी देती रही हैं कि शहरों के मास्टर प्लान में पर्यावरण और स्थानीय सूक्ष्म जलवायु (माइक्रो-क्लाइमेट) की अनदेखी सबसे बड़ी भूल साबित हो रही है। उनके अनुसार जब प्राकृतिक जल निकायों और ड्रेनेज नेटवर्क को खत्म कर दिया जाता है, तो शहर बारिश का पानी सोखने की अपनी प्राकृतिक क्षमता खो देते हैं। यही वजह है कि सामान्य बारिश भी कई बार शहरी बाढ़ का रूप ले लेती है। शहरी विशेषज्ञों के अनुसार शहरों में तेजी से बढ़ रहा ‘अर्बन हीट आइलैंड सिंड्रोम’ इस संकट का सबसे बड़ा कारण है। जब किसी शहर का तापमान आसपास के ग्रामीण इलाकों से तीन से छह डिग्री सेल्सियस अधिक हो जाता है, तो इसका मतलब है कि शहर अपनी प्राकृतिक ठंडक खो चुका है।

फीकल स्लज एवं सेप्टेज प्रबंधन पर संभाग स्तरीय प्रशिक्षण

सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट और स्वच्छ भारत मिशन (शहरी) स्थानीय निकाय निदेशालय के संयुक्त तत्वावधान में बीकानेर नगर निगम सभागार में फीकल स्लज एवं सेप्टेज मैनेजमेंट पर एक दिवसीय संभाग स्तरीय प्रशिक्षण कार्यक्रम आयोजित...

Why Delhi had its most polluted July in 6 yrs

New Delhi: Despite Delhi recording a rare ‘good’ air quality day two weeks ago, this month has been the most polluted July in six years. The average air quality index (AQI) this July was 119. A higher average July AQI was recorded only thrice since Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) started calculating AQI in 2015: 2019 (134), 2016 (138) and 2015 (146). Though the city experienced two days of heavy rainfall this July, a prolonged dry spell for the rest of the month led to elevated pollution levels, experts said. An analysis of CPCB data shows this July had two consecutive ‘poor’ air days, 15 ‘moderate’ days and 12 ‘satisfactory’ days. In contrast, July 2025 witnessed 29 ‘satisfactory’ days and two ‘moderate’ days. The city recorded the lone ‘good’ air day with an AQI of just 48 this July 9 when heavy rain settled down pollutants. However, a dry spell from July 11 to 19 led to a rise in pollution. There were two ‘poor’ air days on July 12 (261) and July 13 (246) when dust from Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan worsened Delhi’s air quality. Sunil Dahiya, founder of think tank Envirocatalyst, said the fewer number of rainy days meant a reduction in washing down of pollutants. Hence, the PM2.5 levels remained in the same range as in past years. “However, PM10 levels were much higher compared to the last few years, highlighting the impact of dry dust resuspension in the city,” he said. Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, research and advocacy, Centre for Science and Environment, said, “There is an interplay between monsoon and Delhi’s air quality. While heavy rains cleanse the air dramatically, high humidity coupled with dry breaks causes pollutants to linger and resuspend, keeping the air quality elevated in the ‘moderate’ to ‘poor’ ranges on non-rainy days.“ “While the emission load from transport has dropped over the past years due to the introduction of BS VI-compliant vehicles and tighter regulations on industries in Delhi-NCR, the result of other sources like power plants and new industrial units stepping up their operations has reduced the gains Delhi needs to make in its air quality,” said Dahiya. Aggressive action on emission load reduction at source within the city as well as in the larger airshed is the only solution, he said, adding, “The fact that even monsoons aren’t able to wash down its pollution levels is an urgent alarm for us to start acting fast.” Meanwhile, the mean maximum and minimum temperatures this July were higher than last year. The first was recorded at 35.4 degrees Celsius compared with 34.5°C in July 2025. The mean minimum stood at 27.7°C, up from 26.1°C last July.

Andaman Builds Master Trainers to Improve Solid and Plastic Waste Management Across Islands

Strengthening waste management systems across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands took centre stage on Monday as the Andaman and Nicobar Pollution Control Committee (ANPCC) launched a two-day Union Territory-level capacity-building programme designed to create a network of Master Trainers for the effective implementation of solid and plastic waste management regulations. The initiative seeks to enhance institutional and technical capabilities while supporting coordinated implementation of waste management rules across the islands. The workshop, titled UT-Level Master Trainer Capacity Building Workshop on Operationalising Solid Waste Management and Plastic Waste Management, was inaugurated at the Training Hall of the Directorate of Disaster Management in Sri Vijaya Puram. It is being organised by the ANPCC under the Department of Science and Technology, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, in association with the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), New Delhi. The programme is being conducted under Phase II of the India–Norway Marine Pollution Initiative (INMPI) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India. According to the organisers, the workshop aims to strengthen institutional and technical capacities for the effective implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, and the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, as amended.