• DTE - Web

Record CO2 Surge in 2024 Deepens ‘Vicious Climate Cycle’, Warns Report

Atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels increased by a record amount to an anomalously high seasonal peak in 2024, contributing to a projected 54% greater long-term warming effect compared to past averages, according to a new World Meteorological Organization (WMO) report released on October 16. The report, WMO Greenhouse Gas Bulletin, said, “Continued emissions of CO2 from human activities and an upsurge from wildfires were responsible”, reported Down To Earth. However, it also attributed the surge to reduced carbon absorption by sinks such as land ecosystems and the ocean. The analysis identified the cocktail of conditions as “a vicious climate cycle.” “The heat trapped by CO2 and other greenhouse gases is turbo-charging our climate and leading to more extreme weather. Reducing emissions is therefore essential not just for our climate but also for our economic security and community well-being,” WMO Deputy Secretary-General Ko Barrett. The report comes less than a month before the 30th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change gets underway in Belem, Brazil.

• Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

Ground-level ozone in Oct highest since 2020

Ground-level ozone has been the lead pollutant on 10 of the 17 days in Oct so far, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). While ozone dominates during summer, this month's hourly concentration exceeded 90 micrograms per cubic metre for 35 hours — the highest for Oct since 2020 when the figure stood at 64 hours. Though the national hourly standard for ozone is 180 micrograms per cubic metre, experts said the number of hours showing elevated levels this year was significantly higher than in previous years. Between Oct 1 and 16, ozone levels crossed 90 micrograms per cubic metre for only four hours in 2024, none in 2023, one hour in 2022 and eight hours in 2021, shows hourly data analysed by think tank Envirocatalysts. Experts said vehicular pollution was the main precursor to volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Sunil Dahiya, founder and lead analyst at Envirocatalysts, said, "Transport, stubble burning and even firecrackers are precursors of VOCs, which undergo cyclic reactions under sunlight. The ozone levels are higher this Oct than in previous years mainly due to the emissions from transport during the ongoing festive period." He added that ozone was a very hazardous gas, resulting in aggravated health impacts even at short-term high exposures, leading to high asthma cases and other respiratory illnesses. According to think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), unlike primary pollutants, emitted directly from sources, ozone forms through intricate chemical reactions involving nitrogen oxides (NOx), VOCs and carbon monoxide — pollutants released by vehicles, power plants, factories and other combustion sources. In the presence of sunlight, they undergo a series of cyclic reactions, forming ozone near the ground. VOCs also have natural sources, such as vegetation, adding to the complexity, said CSE. Dipankar Saha, former head of CPCB's air laboratory, said ozone was a secondary pollutant with high oxidative property. "It is only formed in the presence of sunlight and precursor pollutants like NOx and other VOCs. Oct is cloudless with clear skies. Higher ground-level ozone formation indicates the higher available precursor pollutants in the lower atmosphere. The only option left is to prevent and control precursor gaseous pollutants, particularly during the clear sky days," he said. A CSE study in June found a higher number of days exceeding the standard for ozone as well as a wider geographical spread of high ozone levels in Delhi-NCR this summer.

• Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

Supreme Court’s nod to green cracker is headache for Delhi agencies. Implementation is key

The Supreme Court’s Wednesday order allowing green crackers in Delhi was seen by some as a throwback, and others as a setback. After five years of a complete ban on the sale and manufacturing of any firecrackers in the city, the CJI BR Gavai-led bench allowed green firecrackers to be sold and burst from 18 to 21 October. After hearing the pleas by the Union government, the Delhi government, and manufacturers of firecrackers, the top court decided to maintain a “balance” between festive spirit and health concerns. Allowing for NEERI-certified green crackers, the court said that they could only be burst at specific timings during the day and night, and asked the state authorities to strictly monitor the entry of certified crackers inside the city. “It is a simple concept—you burn something, it will emit gases. That is certain, whether it’s mainstream crackers, green crackers or anything else,” said Mohan George, consultant for Clean Air and Sustainable Mobility at Centre for Science and Environment. “With green crackers, emissions reduce by 30 per cent, but it also depends on how many of them you burn and if the weather favours you.” In a city that regularly tops the list of the most polluted cities in the world, even green crackers raise red flags for long-term pollution effects. The Supreme Court’s decision has added back a new wrinkle to Delhi’s pollution debate. One that harkens back to the 2015 Arjun Gopal case, where three toddlers fought for their right to breathe clean air. Wednesday’s decision has been welcomed by the BJP, which celebrates its first Diwali in the capital after 27 years. In the years when it sat out of power, the party constantly targeted the AAP government for not handling the pollution crisis properly. Now, it is their headache, with the added burden of green crackers. And that is why the Supreme Court’s decision on green crackers is ThePrint’s Newsmaker of the Week. What the science says Green crackers are named so because they are made using less toxic substances and smaller shell sizes as compared to conventional crackers. While conventional crackers use barium and sulphur, which are known not to burn completely and release harmful gases, green crackers developed by CSIR-NEERI use other metals like aluminium, magnesium-aluminium alloys and iron oxide to create the same effect as firecrackers with lower pollution. According to CSIR-NEERI’s study, green crackers produce 30 per cent less emissions than normal firecrackers. The main reduction is in PM2.5, sulphur dioxide and carbon dioxide. However, a study by IIT Delhi scientists in 202 found that green crackers actually release more ultrafine particles, i.e. smaller than 100 nanometers (PM1), than conventional crackers. These particles are smaller than both PM2.5 and PM10, and can even enter the bloodstream. Added to this, environmentalists are concerned that despite the 30 per cent reduction in emissions, the legal allowance of firecrackers will encourage citizens to burst more. “During Diwali, PM2.5 levels typically rise by over 1,000 per cent above WHO limits. In that context, a 30 per cent reduction is statistically meaningless,” said Bhavreen Kandhari, an environmentalist based in Delhi. “Once the boundary layer drops and the air traps pollutants, even limited cracker use can tip the city back into the ‘severe’ category for days.” Air pollution and Diwali This is not Delhi’s first tryst with green firecrackers—back in 2018, the Supreme Court had banned conventional firecrackers for the first time and allowed only certain green crackers that are low in emissions. Two years later, both the National Green Tribunal and Delhi’s AAP government banned all firecrackers in Delhi around Diwali, seeing the worsening air quality. The AAP government became more stringent with firecracker bans, even enforcing jail time for violators in 2022. While the AAP’s message remained focused on preventing air pollution, with then CM Arvind Kejriwal urging citizens to celebrate Diwali with lights and diyas, the BJP was not convinced. Even in 2022, BJP leader Kapil Mishra said banning crackers in Delhi hurt the ‘sentiments’ of Hindus, and that it wasn’t the solution to Delhi’s air pollution crisis. The order to ban all crackers back in 2020 was brought on by multiple reasons, including the lack of monitoring and the inability to enforce the ‘green-crackers-only’ rules. Even in the Wednesday order, the SC bench made a note to instruct the authorities to ensure strict patrolling, no sale of firecrackers through e-commerce, and sticking to the 10 pm crackers-burning deadline. But experts question whether we have the capacity to ensure monitoring is better this time around. “The enforcement of green crackers has failed every test—practical, legal, and scientific,” said Kandhari. “Without digital traceability, real-time testing or modernised laws, certification is symbolic, not substantive.” Another concern brought up by George is that of the certification itself and its validity. “Visually, there is no difference between green crackers and normal crackers. It’s not like the police or any agency will be able to tell if they find it on the road,” he said. “You need to send the product to NEERI or PESO in Nagpur to check whether the certification is authentic, which takes time.” After years of claiming that crackers in Diwali had little to do with Delhi’s pollution problem and that it was the AAP government’s fault for being unable to curb pollution, the BJP is now facing its own Diwali litmus test, and experts seem skeptical. Even with favourable weather conditions, a longer monsoon season, and fewer stubble fires in Punjab, Delhi’s air quality is touching 300 before Diwali. As the temperature dips and dissipating particulate matter becomes even more difficult due to the fog, the Supreme Court’s green crackers order might have just sealed Delhi’s smoggy fate for the year.

• Sustainable Habitat

Glass waste: A crisis Bangladesh can no longer ignore

The Centre for Science and Environment in India finds that glass buildings in hot climates raise electricity consumption by 30–50%. Every day, we generate all kinds of waste, and a surprisingly large portion of it is glass—a material that can be recycled endlessly. Yet so many glass items we use in our daily lives end up being discarded carelessly. When these pieces are not properly collected or reused, they quietly pile up in our surroundings, posing a serious threat to both our health and the environment. The solution is simple in concept: recycling or reusing glass can prevent much of this growing problem. We often think of glass as an eco-friendly material, but without proper management, it becomes a hidden hazard. Glass buildings can trap heat in cities, and discarded glass—whether from homes, construction sites, factories, or farms—mixes with the soil, reducing its fertility, causing injuries, and adding to greenhouse gas effects that drive climate change. Experts stress that we urgently need awareness campaigns about responsible glass use, along with clear rules and policies to manage it safely. Take the example of a waste collector in Kawla, who gathers garbage from households and deposits it at the Secondary Transfer Station (STS). While he separates plastics, old batteries, and other sellable items to sell to junk shops, broken glass often injures his hands. There is no market for shattered glass, so it goes uncollected and eventually ends up in landfills. Many people discard glass bottles or broken pieces with their household waste; some even wrap them in paper, but this does little to prevent injuries. While intact bottles can be sold, broken glass has no buyers, leaving it to accumulate in the environment. The environmental stakes are high. Unlike harmful plastics, which can take 20 to 450 years to decompose, glass waste persists for nearly a million years because it contains no organic matter and never rots. Over centuries, discarded glass has reduced soil fertility, threatened humans, animals, and aquatic life, and contributed to global warming. Reflective glass buildings further exacerbate urban heat islands, raising temperatures in surrounding areas. Experts note that while glass buildings are designed to retain heat in colder climates, in Bangladesh's hot environment, they have the opposite effect: they increase dependence on air conditioning, drive up electricity consumption, burn more fossil fuels, and elevate outdoor temperatures through both reflected sunlight and AC exhaust. Even government offices increasingly use glass facades, resulting in steep energy costs and underscoring the urgent need to regulate glass use in construction. Environmentalists highlight that glass is 100% reusable. It can be melted down and reshaped without any loss of quality. Yet poor collection systems allow broken and unused glass to scatter in the environment. When mixed into soil, glass hinders root growth and water retention. Cities with many glass buildings experience higher nighttime temperatures, raising urban heat indices. Clear policies are essential: urban development plans should regulate "glass-reflective" architecture, expand recycling facilities, and introduce point-based glass collection systems. Industries and institutions using glass should also be brought under carbon tax regulations. Globally, the impact of glass on energy demand is significant. A UNEP report on sustainable buildings notes that glass structures without energy-efficient design increase cooling demand by 50% in warm countries. The International Energy Agency reports that buildings contribute 28% of global carbon emissions, with glass high-rises contributing substantially. The Centre for Science and Environment in India finds that glass buildings in hot climates raise electricity consumption by 30–50%. Bangladesh's glass industry began in 1961 with the Usmania Glass Sheet Factory, which was nationalised in 1972. Economic growth and rising demand for coloured glass prompted private investment, with the first private-sector sheet glass production starting in 1997. Today, Bangladesh produces over 400,000 tonnes of glass annually, meeting more than 80% of domestic demand. However, without proper management of used glass, this success is overshadowed by environmental risk. Glass waste is becoming increasingly critical due to its rising use, long persistence in landfills, and hazard to humans. Being non-biodegradable, it not only pollutes the environment but also indirectly contributes to climate change through the energy-intensive production of virgin glass, which emits at least 86 million tonnes of CO₂ annually—primarily from heating raw materials to 1,500°C. Glass has been valued for centuries for its durability and versatility—artefacts like the Speyer wine bottle (325–350 AD) remain intact today. Recognised by the UN as the focus of the 2022 International Year of Glass, it continues to play a vital role in food preservation, telecommunications, and other industries. Recycled glass cullet reduces energy demand, with Europe achieving a 76% recycling rate—far higher than for plastic or wood. Unlike plastics, glass does not degrade into harmful microplastics. Yet sustainability is more complex than it seems. Virgin glass production demands vast silica sand extraction, causing land degradation, biodiversity loss, and public health risks such as silicosis, while contributing to the global sand shortage. Glass production remains highly energy-intensive, with furnaces operating at 1,500°C and generating over 60 megatonnes of CO₂ annually. Although adding recycled cullet reduces energy use, remelting is unavoidable, and recycling rates remain inconsistent—31% in the US, with colour contamination limiting the usability of recycled material. Much of this cullet is diverted to lower-value products like insulation. Hence, while glass offers advantages over plastics, its lifecycle environmental footprint can rival or even exceed that of plastic. Responsible approaches must focus on reuse, efficient recycling, and technological innovation. Recycling remains a key solution. Crushed recycled glass melts at lower temperatures, cutting CO₂ emissions by about 5% for every 10% increase in cullet use (European Container Glass Federation). Yet millions of tonnes of glass in countries like the US still end up in landfills, accounting for over 5% of municipal solid waste. Research shows that finely ground waste glass (<75 µm) can partially replace cement and aggregate in construction, enhancing compressive and flexural strength, water absorption, corrosion resistance, and reducing drying shrinkage—though excessive replacement risks bonding issues. Proper particle size and mixture design can mitigate alkali–silica reactions, demonstrating that waste glass can reduce landfill loads, lower carbon emissions, and promote a circular economy. Mandatory recycling and optimised reuse are therefore essential to transform glass from pollutant to resource. The environmental impact of glass production also includes emissions beyond CO₂. Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) from sulphate decomposition, nitrogen oxides (NOx) from high-temperature reactions, and particulates from molten materials contribute to acidification, smog, and air pollution. AGC Glass Europe reports that 75% of CO₂ emissions stem from furnace operations and 25% from raw material decomposition. Over three decades (1990–2020), direct emissions fell by 30% through efficiency improvements, fuel switching, and increased cullet recycling. Innovations such as hot oxy-combustion, hybrid electro-melting, hydrogen substitution, and carbon capture promise further reductions. Air Pollution Control units now reduce SOx, NOx, and dust, while by-products like sulphates are recycled—demonstrating how glass industries can advance decarbonisation alongside circular practices. In Bangladesh, a World Bank survey shows that glass makes up about 5% of all solid waste. With consumption rising by 10–12% each year and nine major manufacturers operating across the country, demand for glass continues to grow, even as silica sand reserves remain limited in areas such as Balijhuri (Sherpur), Telipara and Shahjibazar (Habiganj), Chauddagram (Cumilla), and Hathazari (Chattogram). Recycling could replace up to 95% of raw materials, easing pressure on the environment and conserving precious resources. This makes promoting glass recycling not just an environmental necessity but also a crucial step towards social and sustainable development. Glass is a remarkable material—strong, versatile, and endlessly recyclable—but it only remains so when we handle it responsibly. By properly collecting, reusing, and recycling glass, we can reduce landfill waste, limit climate impacts, and protect both our communities and the natural world. It is in our hands to ensure that this valuable resource continues to serve us, rather than harm us, and to build a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future.

• Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

Faridabad corporation diverted clean air funds to build STP, shows RTI reply

Gurgaon: As Diwali nears and Faridabad's air thickens with toxic smog, an RTI query has raised uncomfortable questions about the city's battle against pollution. Despite receiving over Rs 107 crore from the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) since 2023, the Municipal Corporation of Faridabad (MCF) has spent less than half the funds, with a significant portion diverted to projects outside the programme's core mandate — including a sewage treatment plant (STP). The misdirection of funds was flagged as "not permissible" by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Faridabad's struggle with pollution is no secret. Year after year, it ranked among the dirtiest cities of NCR, failing to meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). It was the only one in Haryana labelled a ‘non-attainment' city under NCAP, a tag reserved for urban areas that consistently breach national air quality norms. While the Centre continued to release substantial funds each year, implementation at the local level was marred by slow spending, questionable priorities and poor execution of projects. The issue came to light after activist Amit Gupta filed an RTI request, to which the CPCB responded with detailed utilisation certificates for the financial years 2023-24 and 2024-25. The records showed that of the total allocation of Rs 107 crore, only Rs 49.5 crore had been spent so far, leaving large sums unutilised. Even more concerning, the CPCB's inspection of June this year revealed that part of the NCAP funds had been used for the construction of an STP — an expense that does not directly improve air quality and is not allowed under NCAP guidelines. "The reply and inspection report showed that NCAP money was diverted to build an STP and that the plantation work was substandard. These are not minor lapses. They demand immediate explanation and corrective action," Gupta said. An inspection by CPCB also highlighted other shortcomings. While road carpeting was carried out at Siddharth Ashram and plantation work undertaken in Mewla Maharajpur and Sector 28, officials found the quality of plantation in Mewla Maharajpur "unsatisfactory" and asked the civic body to improve maintenance and ensure better survival of trees. The pollution board further advised the corporation that infrastructure projects like STPs should be funded through other schemes, not from NCAP grants, which are strictly meant for air pollution control. In addition, the inspection team recommended that Faridabad procure mobile anti-smog guns instead of static ones for better coverage and avoid delays in the tendering process, which has slowed the rollout of key projects. Defending the use of NCAP funds for the STP, an MCF official said, "The construction of an STP can't be construed as diversion of funds but a part of our broader pollution mitigation effort. Untreated sewage and open drains contribute to foul odour and deposition of dust in the area, indirectly affecting ambient air quality. The intention was to take an integrated approach to environmental improvement." However, data tells a different story. Under NCAP, Faridabad was initially tasked with reducing particulate matter (PM10) concentrations by 20-30% by 2024, using 2017 levels as the baseline. The target was later revised to a 40% reduction by 2025–26 or to meet the NAAQS limit of 60 µg/m³ (annual average). Yet, an analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) found that by 2024, Faridabad had only managed a 17% reduction in annual PM10 levels, using 2020-21 as the baseline due to lack of earlier data. The city's annual PM10 readings also show erratic progress — from 229 µg/m³ in FY21 to 209 µg/m³ in FY22, then rising to 212 µg/m³ the following year. More recently, there has been an improvement, with levels dropping to 190 µg/m³ in 2023-24 and 153 µg/m³ in 2024-25. Despite these gains, Faridabad remains far from meeting the national standard.

• Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

फरीदाबाद में वायु प्रदूषण के खिलाफ युद्ध: NCAP फंड का गलत उपयोग

दिवाली नज़दीक है और फरीदाबाद का दम घोंटता ज़हरीला स्मॉग शहर की हवा में घुल रहा है। ऐसे में एक आरटीआई (RTI) सवाल ने शहर के प्रदूषण से लड़ाई पर कई गंभीर सवाल खड़े कर दिए हैं। नेशनल क्लीन एयर प्रोग्राम (NCAP) के तहत 2023 से अब तक 107 करोड़ रुपये से ज़्यादा की रकम मिलने के बावजूद, फरीदाबाद नगर निगम (MCF) ने आधे से भी कम पैसा खर्च किया है। इससे भी चिंताजनक बात यह है कि इस पैसे का एक बड़ा हिस्सा ऐसे कामों में लगा दिया गया है जो NCAP के मुख्य मकसद से बिलकुल अलग हैं, जैसे कि एक सीवेज ट्रीटमेंट प्लांट (STP) का निर्माण। सेंट्रल पोल्यूशन कंट्रोल बोर्ड (CPCB) ने इस पैसे के गलत इस्तेमाल को "अनुमति नहीं" बताया है। फरीदाबाद में प्रदूषण की समस्या कोई नई बात नहीं है। हर साल यह शहर NCR के सबसे प्रदूषित शहरों में गिना जाता है और नेशनल एम्बिएंट एयर क्वालिटी स्टैंडर्ड्स (NAAQS) को पूरा करने में नाकाम रहता है। NCAP के तहत यह हरियाणा का अकेला ऐसा शहर है जिसे 'नॉन-अटेंमेंट' शहर का दर्जा मिला है। यह टैग उन शहरी इलाकों को दिया जाता है जो लगातार राष्ट्रीय वायु गुणवत्ता मानकों का उल्लंघन करते हैं। केंद्र सरकार हर साल भारी भरकम फंड भेजती रही, लेकिन ज़मीनी स्तर पर पैसों का धीमा खर्च, गलत प्राथमिकताएं और कामों का खराब निष्पादन इस समस्या को और बढ़ाता रहा। यह पूरा मामला तब सामने आया जब एक्टिविस्ट अमित गुप्ता ने एक आरटीआई (RTI) अर्ज़ी डाली। इसके जवाब में CPCB ने वित्तीय वर्ष 2023-24 और 2024-25 के लिए पैसों के इस्तेमाल का पूरा ब्यौरा दिया। रिकॉर्ड्स से पता चला कि कुल 107 करोड़ रुपये के आवंटन में से अब तक सिर्फ 49.5 करोड़ रुपये ही खर्च हुए हैं, यानी भारी रकम अभी भी पड़ी हुई है। इससे भी ज़्यादा चिंता की बात यह है कि CPCB की इसी साल जून में हुई जांच में सामने आया कि NCAP के पैसों का कुछ हिस्सा एक STP बनाने में इस्तेमाल किया गया। यह ऐसा खर्च है जो सीधे तौर पर हवा की गुणवत्ता को बेहतर नहीं बनाता और NCAP के नियमों के तहत इसकी इजाज़त नहीं है। "जवाब और जांच रिपोर्ट से पता चला कि NCAP का पैसा STP बनाने में लगाया गया और पौधारोपण का काम भी घटिया था। ये छोटी-मोटी गलतियां नहीं हैं। इसके लिए तुरंत स्पष्टीकरण और सुधारात्मक कार्रवाई की ज़रूरत है," गुप्ता ने कहा। CPCB की जांच में कई और कमियां भी सामने आईं। सिद्धार्थ आश्रम में सड़क की मरम्मत का काम हुआ और मेवाड़ महाराजपुर व सेक्टर 28 में पौधारोपण किया गया। लेकिन अधिकारियों ने मेवाड़ महाराजपुर में पौधारोपण की गुणवत्ता को "असंतुष्टिजनक" पाया और नगर निगम को रखरखाव बेहतर करने और ज़्यादा से ज़्यादा पेड़ लगाने के निर्देश दिए। हालांकि, सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट (CSE) के विश्लेषण में पाया गया कि 2024 तक, फरीदाबाद ने 2020-21 के आधार वर्ष का उपयोग करते हुए, वार्षिक PM10 स्तरों में केवल 17% की कमी हासिल की थी, क्योंकि पहले का डेटा उपलब्ध नहीं था। शहर के वार्षिक PM10 रीडिंग में भी उतार-चढ़ाव देखा गया है - FY21 में 229 µg/m³ से FY22 में 209 µg/m³ और फिर अगले साल 212 µg/m³ तक बढ़ गया। हाल ही में, इसमें सुधार हुआ है, 2023-24 में स्तर घटकर 190 µg/m³ और 2024-25 में 153 µg/m³ हो गया। इन सुधारों के बावजूद, फरीदाबाद राष्ट्रीय मानकों को पूरा करने से बहुत दूर है।

• Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

National Clean Air Plan Phase-II Launched: 100 Cities Targeted for 40% Pollution Reduction by 2028

In a major push to combat the nation's toxic air pollution, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change today launched the second phase of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), setting an aggressive new target of a 40% reduction in particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) concentration in 100 identified cities by the year 2028. The first phase of the NCAP, launched in 2019, achieved a modest 18% average reduction in the initial 82 cities against a target of 20-30% by 2024. Learning from its experiences, Phase-II is more comprehensive, legally backed, and technologically driven. It includes a five-fold increase in funding, a significant portion of which is earmarked for the adoption of electric vehicles in public transport, the installation of continuous emission monitoring systems at all major industrial clusters, and a national drive for the implementation of the Vapor Recovery System at petrol pumps. "This is not just a policy; it is a national mission for clean breath," stated the Environment Minister. "Phase-II moves beyond tentative targets to enforceable mandates. Cities will be ranked quarterly, and non-performing urban local bodies will see a reduction in funding. We are also integrating real-time source apportionment studies to dynamically identify and tackle pollution sources." The announcement has been welcomed by environmental groups, though with a note of caution. "The enhanced targets and funding are commendable and exactly what is needed," said a representative from the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). "The real test will be in the implementation and inter-agency coordination, especially in managing the complex issue of stubble burning, which requires a synergistic approach between the agriculture and environment ministries." With winter approaching, the launch of NCAP Phase-II signals the government's intent to tackle the perennial pollution crisis with renewed vigour.

• Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

Govt plans to carry out major infra work at nightto minimise hitto traffic

Delhi govt will carry out all construction work for big-ticket projects during the night, so that daytime traffic does not suffer. PWD minister Parvesh Verma said several big projects are in the pipeline, such as the second Ring Road and a new secretariat complex. Mitashi SIngh, the programme manager at the Centre for Science and Environment, said: "Allowing heavy vehicle movement at night may offer people relief from morning traffic congestion, which could reduce emissions too. However, the night-time dust must be controlled as well. While some areas in the city may experience reduced congestion, others such as Dhaula Kuan might face night-time traffic jams." "Developers may face losses, and increased manpower may be required to manage the shifts, " she said.

• Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

Gurugram air quality slips to ‘poor’ post-Grap; Experts cite gridlock emissions

A day after the Graded Response Action Plan (Grap) came into effect in the National Capital Region (NCR), several key stretches in Gurugram recorded a rise in air pollution levels, with air quality slipping into the “poor” category due to heavy vehicular congestion and dust from poorly maintained roads, officials and experts said on Wednesday. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Gurugram’s four continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations reported an average AQI reading of 241, up from 216 recorded on Tuesday. The Vikas Sadan station reported the worst air quality in the city, with PM2.5 levels touching 320 µg/m³ and both PM10 and CO levels exceeding safe limits. On Monday, the city’s AQI was “moderate” at 191. District administration officials attributed the deterioration to massive congestion along the Delhi–Jaipur–Gurugram Expressway (NH-48), Shankar Chowk–Sirhol Toll Plaza, and the Gurugram–Faridabad Road. They said traffic jams, coupled with dust emissions and road damage, caused micro-level spikes in pollution. An HT spot check found bumper-to-bumper traffic on a one-kilometre stretch of Old Railway Road near Rajiv Chowk underpass, where vehicles were stalled for nearly ten minutes during peak hours. Around 2pm, private regional air quality monitors reported AQI levels of 169 µg/m³ in nearby Civil Lines and Sector 14. At the same time, NH-48 recorded AQI 174. Among other major routes, Sohna Road recorded PM10 at 227 µg/m³ and PM2.5 at 52 µg/m³, Gurugram–Faridabad Road showed PM10 129 and PM2.5 47, while Shankar Chowk–Cyber City logged PM10 156 and PM2.5 63. Kaushik Deb, executive director of the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC India), explained how long waiting times on roads significantly increase fuel consumption and emissions. “When vehicles move steadily at optimal speed, the engine operates in a more efficient regime, producing fewer pollutants. Congestion forces frequent acceleration and idling, worsening efficiency and spiking emissions,” Deb said. He added that the region’s transport system was not designed for current commuting demand. “The mismatch between road capacity and vehicle volume leads to constant congestion, with vehicles occupying most of the carriageway and leaving little space for smooth movement,” he said. Citing earlier research by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), officials noted that vehicular emissions contribute nearly 26% of PM2.5 pollutants in the city’s air. “Breathing toxic air every day in Delhi-NCR silently shortens years of life and traffic jams only make it worse,” Deb said.

• Urban Lab

On Point with Kartikeya Sharma: Can green crackers really deliver a cleaner Diwali?

This Diwali, Delhi stands at the crossroads of celebration and crisis. With air pollution levels already in the ‘poor’ category and expected to worsen in the coming days, the pressing question is: can green crackers make a real difference? In an effort to balance tradition with public health concerns, the Supreme Court has permitted the limited sale and use of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR. This order, arriving after years of legal battles and mounting health concerns, restricts sales to licensed vendors and fixed time slots, allowing green crackers to be burst only on specific days and during designated hours. The Delhi Government has welcomed this move, saying it enables citizens to celebrate Diwali in the traditional way. However, experts remain divided. While green crackers reportedly reduce emissions by 30–40%, they are not pollution-free. Recent studies raise serious concerns about the ultra-fine particles they still emit—and whether enforcement can prevent counterfeit products from flooding the market. As Delhi once again teeters on the edge of becoming a gas chamber, News9’s Deputy Managing Editor Kartikeya Sharma unpacks the science, policy, and politics behind green crackers. Do they really work? Is a “less toxic” Diwali enough? And can Delhi breathe easier this festive season? On Point With Kartikeya Sharma raises these questions with Dr Sanjeev Agrawal, Former Additional Director at the Central Pollution Control Board; Sharanjeet Kaur, Deputy Programme Manager at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE); Bhavreen Kandhari, Environmental Activist; and Sunil Dahiya, Founder and Lead Analyst at EnviroCatalysts, exploring whether green crackers can truly deliver a cleaner Diwali and what their impact means for Delhi-NCR’s air quality.

• Down To Earth

Early investments in climate resilience could save India billions in disaster management

A single one-in-twenty year disaster event could send India reeling with losses worth more than $11 billion (almost a trillion rupees) – the highest among eight countries assessed by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), in a new analysis. But early investments in resilience and social programmes could cover the costs of damage for a fraction of what they cost today, the study says. Recently, in Punjab, unusually high levels of rainfall combined with the controlled release of water from the Ranji Sagar Dam sank 176,000 hectares of farmland across 2,000 villages. The state government has estimated the extent of monetary losses to be ₹129 billion, including destruction to agriculture, infrastructure, and livestock. Severe floods were also reported in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Manipur this year. India is especially in need for adaptation measures that will adequately cover the costs of escalating disasters. In 2024, India saw extreme weather events on 255 of 274 days surveyed by the Centre for Science and Environment. The IIED study analysed four types of interventions to gauge the costs and benefits of each when it comes to disaster management, finding that more than humanitarian aid, early investments in resilience (such as employment schemes and direct benefit transfers) had the biggest impact in reducing the extent of losses from disasters. “A lot of communities, when hit by a disaster, sell their assets. With late humanitarian responses, like post-disaster aid, you can bring losses down to 59%. But if early resilience investments are made, or anticipated direct benefit transfers are made, you can bring losses down to below 50%,” said Ritu Bharadwaj, lead writer of the study, in a press conference. Every $1 invested in early resilience yields $5.17 in avoided losses and development gains, the study found. Improving social protection The study examined the disaster risk infrastructure in eight middle and low income countries across Asia and Africa, which have high vulnerability to disaster events. These were Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Malawi, Pakistan, Senegal and Uganda. To assess gaps and areas for improvement in resilience, the IIED study used an index tool called ASPIRE, which compared each country’s existing policies, systems, and social programmes with 69 indicators to assess their disaster resilience preparedness. “What we found were two types of gaps. One is financial and technical, for example having early warning systems and digitised social protection registries to deliver aid,” said Bharadwaj. “The other is policy-level gaps that countries can address themselves without assistance. Many countries don’t acknowledge that social protection can build climate resilience, but what they’re spending on existing programmes can deliver on this too.” India’s MGNREGA scheme, which guarantees employment in rural areas for 100 days of the year, emerged as an example of social programmes that integrate climate risks and help avert losses. In 2019, the government extended the scheme to 150 days when drought or natural calamities are notified in a rural area during that financial year, which “provide livelihood security during climate shocks,” the study says. However, the absence of a formal finance mechanism that links disaster relief with social protection has limited India’s adaptive capacity. Though MGNREGA makes for a good example of how social protection programmes can include climate adaptation goals, the study points out that other social protection programmes don’t take the same approach. For a one-in-twenty-year event leading to losses and damages worth $11 billion, it would cost $48.5 billion to cover this through existing social programmes. By comparison, investments in anticipatory direct benefit transfers can cover the cost in $5.4 billion, and early resilience investments can cover the cost for $2.2 billion. Gaps and areas for improvement Generally, national strategies for development “often continue to view social protection as reactive or consumption-oriented, missing opportunities to promote adaptation,” the IIED study says. “The biggest problem, whether we work with the NGOs or the bankers or various funding agencies, is we don’t talk to each other. So it is very, very difficult in a government scenario to get interdepartmental coordination [for climate reslience],” said Kunal Satyarthi, joint secretary with the Ministry of Rural Affairs, in response to the IIED study. “I also believe we need to decentralise disaster management, and if communities become volunteers for disaster management, it would improve resilience the most.” In India, climate resilience is also complicated by regulations that could subvert relief efforts. Changes to the country’s Manual for Drought Management in 2016, for example, made it more difficult for jurisdictions to declare drought, and in turn for farmers to access relief, Scroll had reported. Heat waves are also not recognised as disaster in several states, impeding disaster management funds from addressing damages caused by extreme heat.

• Industrial Pollution

Smart GST Reforms in Recycling Can Unlock ₹1.82 Lakh Crore for Bharat’s Circular Economy Story CSE Study Report

October 14th: Uncollected Goods and Services Tax from informal recycling supply chains totaled ₹65,300 crore in 2024-25, more than double the ₹30,900 crore collected from formal sector operations, according to a Centre for Science and Environment report released Monday. The gap could widen to ₹1.73 lakh crore by 2035 under current conditions, the 'Relax the Tax' study projects, with formal collections reaching only ₹86,700 crore against total estimated tax value of ₹2.60 lakh crore in India's ₹5 lakh crore recycling economy. The report, available at cseindia.org/relax-the-tax-12819, estimates that approximately 95 per cent of paper and glass, 80 per cent of plastics, 90 per cent of e-waste, and 65 per cent of metals flow through informal chains where GST is not collected. The informal sector includes ragpickers, small dealers, and medium aggregators who typically operate without GST registration. "You pay your taxes, you check the documents, and still a notice arrives years later," a Delhi recycler interviewed for the study said, describing the compliance risks faced by formal sector operators. The recycler, who runs a paper recycling unit with ten employees, asked how businesses plan expansion under such conditions. Some companies have reported input tax credit reversals that converted ₹1 crore of tax credits into ₹2.5 crore liabilities after penalties and interest are applied, according to case studies documented in the CSE analysis. In certain instances, these disputed notices freeze working capital for months, the report notes. Current GST regulations make recyclers liable for upstream tax fraud even when they maintain proper documentation including sourcing from GST-registered suppliers, maintaining e-way bills, and making payments through official banking channels, the study states. The liability shifts to the last visible entity in the supply chain-typically the formal recycler. With scrap materials currently taxed at 18 per cent GST, the same rate as many finished goods, that spread makes paper-only trades attractive higher up the chain and pushes compliance risk toward the last visible, solvent entity-the recycler, according to the report. Much of India's plastic and other scrap originates from unorganized chains: ragpickers to small dealers to medium aggregators to major dealers, with GST typically entering only at the last leg when a major dealer invoices a recycler. The report examines two policy scenarios that industry associations have referenced in their representations to government. The first involves Reverse Charge Mechanism for scrap materials, where the recycler rather than the middleman pays GST directly to government, eliminating the input tax credit claim process. Under RCM, liability shifts to the documented buyer-the recycler-who pays GST directly to the exchequer, starving paper-only dealer chains and anchoring collection where there is an audit trail. The second scenario involves reducing GST rates on scrap from 18 per cent to approximately 1 per cent. Keeping finished goods at 18 per cent while bringing down scrap rates removes the arbitrage that drives fraud, the report states. Shrinking that spread reduces the payoff from fake billing without touching tax at the value-addition stage. CSE's scenario modeling finds that every reform pathway flips losses into gains, according to the report. The strongest case-full formalization with a 12 per cent rate-yields an estimated net positive of ₹1.82 lakh crore by 2035, compared to the projected net negative of ₹86,700 crore under status quo conditions. Industry associations representing formal recyclers have filed representations with the GST Council citing working capital constraints and compliance risks documented in the CSE study. The report identifies several operational challenges beyond the headline tax rates, the study states. These include consumption-to-business flows left outside the GST framework, misclassification of materials, refund processing friction, and rate mismatches that strand input tax credits. Lenders evaluating project financing for recycling infrastructure cite unpredictable cash flows as a primary concern when legitimate buyers face legacy liabilities for upstream non-compliance, the report states. This affects underwriting decisions for capacity expansion across plastics, paper, metals, and e-waste processing facilities. A clearer line of sight on tax and credits typically lowers underwriting friction for plastics recycling investments including hot-wash systems, near-infrared sorting equipment, and de-odor units that lift resin quality, the report notes. For paper recycling, investments include pulping and fiber-recovery upgrades to meet recycled-content targets. In metals recycling, delayed projects involve compact shears and shredders, plus sensor-based sorting to improve yield and alloy integrity. When scrap is trapped in informal chains, cities face overflowing landfills while ragpickers get squeezed on price, according to the study. When GST flows are predictable, formal recyclers can invest in better processing, creating safer jobs and cleaner neighborhoods, the report states. Industry estimates cited in the report suggest formalization could create up to one million jobs within the recycling sector over the next decade, particularly in sectors including plastic sorting, metal recovery, and paper recycling. The jobs would span collection, processing, and logistics functions. The CSE analysis notes that municipalities could benefit from improved waste segregation, reduced landfill burden, and more efficient material recovery if recycling chains formalize. Cities currently face overflowing landfills while recyclable materials remain trapped in informal channels with limited processing capacity. The report recommends linking GST benefits to verified Extended Producer Responsibility flows to ensure that tax benefits track real material movement, not just paper trails. It also suggests establishing Common Facility Centres so MSME recyclers can upgrade quality and compliance capabilities. Additional recommendations include developing city-level transition plans to map informal chains and create formalization pathways, and providing worker recognition and social protection for ragpickers and waste collectors who form the foundation of India's recycling ecosystem. Beyond fiscal impacts, the report states that a strengthened formal recycling sector contributes directly to India's climate goals. By keeping plastics, metals, and paper in circulation, recyclers reduce demand for virgin materials, lower carbon emissions, and foster a circular economy that can scale nationally, according to the study. The report notes that smarter GST rules can help India recover more materials, waste less, and bring the green economy into the mainstream. Collecting tax where accountability is strongest, narrowing the spread that invites fraud, and building a system where compliance pays are key elements, the study states. Recycling represents a capital expenditure story embedded within a tax story, according to the report. Stabilizing cash flows allows projects to move from pilot to plant-scale operations. With Reverse Charge Mechanism implementation and lower scrap rates, plus practical enablers including EPR-GST alignment and Common Facility Centres, India can attract private capital led by plastics and paper sectors, with metals contributing, without diluting tax at the point of value creation, the study concludes. Industry associations have emphasized that these reforms align with India's broader green economy strategy and circular economy transition goals, according to representations filed with the GST Council. The associations have cited the CSE report's quantified projections in their submissions to policymakers. The study was released as part of CSE's broader research on waste management, circular economy policies, and environmental taxation frameworks in India.

• Down To Earth

How to harness technology for effective disaster management

In recent years, India has faced growing vulnerability to the rising frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as more frequent and severe floods, landslides, cloudbursts, and mudslides. These disasters cause significant loss of lives and livelihoods, damage infrastructure, and affect ecology and public health. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in its sixth Assessment Report (AR6) has projected that in the coming years, India will experience intensified summer monsoons, increased heavy rainfall events, more frequent floods, and prolonged, intense heatwaves. A report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has already revealed a disturbing trend: India experienced extreme weather events on 322 days in 2024, 318 days in 2023, and 314 days in 2022. These extreme events include heavy rain, floods, landslides, heat and cold waves, cyclones and lightning. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), at least 1,528 casualties occurred during June-September monsoon season, with Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Maharashtra being among the worst-affected states. In 2024 alone, 3,472 people lost their lives, 67,399 livestock perished, 4.07 million hectares of cropped land were affected, and 2.9 lakh houses were damaged due to extreme events. These extreme weather events and their impact draw attention to India’s climate resilience, especially through the integration of modern technologies such as Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), which have become essential for effective management, adaptation, and mitigation efforts. First, let’s have a brief spatial overview of extreme events and their impact.

• Sustainable Food Systems

Rajasthan High Court Restrains FSSAI and GEAC From Granting Permission for GM Food Sale Until Regulations Are Framed

The Rajasthan High Court has barred the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) from granting permission for the sale, manufacturing, distribution or import of any genetically modified (GM) food or edible items in India until proper regulations are framed. They also cited a study by the Centre for Science and Environment, which detected the presence of GM ingredients in food items available inThe PIL sought an immediate prohibition on GM food and processed food, withdrawal of permissions granted by GEAC for their import and sale, and removal of existing stock from the market.

• Industrial Pollution

Smart GST Reforms in Recycling Can Unlock ₹1.82 Lakh Crore for Bharat’s Circular Economy Story: CSE Study Report

October 14th: Uncollected Goods and Services Tax from informal recycling supply chains totaled ₹65,300 crore in 2024-25, more than double the ₹30,900 crore collected from formal sector operations, according to a Centre for Science and Environment report released Monday. The gap could widen to ₹1.73 lakh crore by 2035 under current conditions, the 'Relax the Tax' study projects, with formal collections reaching only ₹86,700 crore against total estimated tax value of ₹2.60 lakh crore in India's ₹5 lakh crore recycling economy.

• Sustainable Food Systems

जीन परिवर्तित खाद्य पदार्थों की बिक्री पर नियम बनने तक रोक: राजस्थान हाईकोर्ट ने FSSAI और GEAC को दिए सख्त निर्देश

राजस्थान हाईकोर्ट ने खाद्य नियामक प्राधिकरण FSSAI और Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) को तब तक किसी भी जीन परिवर्तित (GM) खाद्य पदार्थ या खाने योग्य वस्तु की बिक्री, निर्माण, वितरण या आयात की अनुमति देने से रोक दिया है, जब तक इस संबंध में आवश्यक नियम नहीं बना लिए याचिकाकर्ताओं ने सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट द्वारा किए गए अध्ययन को भी पेश किया, जिसमें भारतीय बाजार में उपलब्ध कुछ उत्पादों में GM अवयवों की मौजूदगी पाई गई थी। उन्होंने मांग की कि GM खाद्य पदार्थों और प्रसंस्कृत खाद्य की बिक्री पर तुरंत प्रतिबंध लगाया जाए, पहले से दिए गए आयात और बिक्री के सभी अनुमतियों को वापस लिया जाए और बाजार में मौजूद स्टॉक को हटाया जाए।