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Pollution: दिवाली के दिन पटाखे जलाने की वजह से दिल्ली में प्रदूषण का स्तर तेजी से बढ़ा- विशेषज्ञ

विशेषज्ञ दिवाली की दोपहर से रात के बीच दिल्ली में वायु प्रदूषण में तेजी से हुई वृद्धि के लिए पटाखों को जिम्मेदार ठहरा रहे हैं।सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट की कार्यकारी निदेशक अनुमिता रॉय ने पीटीआई वीडियो से बातचीत के दौरान राष्ट्रीय राजधानी में दिवाली के वक्त प्रदूषण के स्तर में अचानक हुई वृद्धि के आंकड़े दिए।उन्होंने कहा, “दिवाली की दोपहर से रात के बीच प्रदूषण आठ गुना बढ़ गया। ये स्पष्ट है कि ये पटाखे फोड़ने के कारण हुआ।”Pollution: सर्दियों के महीनों में प्रदूषण के कई कारण होते हैं। इसमें स्थिर वातावरण, पराली जलाने से लेकर पटाखे फोड़ने तक सब शामिल है।डॉक्टरों का कहना है कि इस दौरान कुछ बीमारियों से ग्रस्त लोगों और बच्चों को स्वास्थ्य संबंधी ज्याया खतरा होता है।गंगा राम अस्पताल के डॉ. धीरेन गुप्ता ने कहा, “सामान्य लोगों को गले में खराश, खांसी, बदन दर्द आदि लक्षण हो सकते हैं।

Smog Stories: How Delhi’s Construction Boom Fuels Its Pollution Crisis?

Delhi is expanding rapidly, with new apartments, roads, metro lines and infrastructure always under construction. But this growth comes at a cost. Though overlooked, the dust, emissions and machinery associated with construction also quietly fuel Delhi’s worsening pollution crisis. Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) on October 19 crossed the 300 mark, entering the “very poor” category in many parts of the city. In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) imposed Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This stage includes early pollution control measures, also targeting construction activities, which account for approximately 7 per cent of Delhi’s pollution. While vehicular emissions, industry, and agricultural stubble burning bear the blame every winter, construction often escapes the spotlight. Source: Centre For Science And Environment Data (CSE) Data How Construction Pollutes Delhi’s Air? Dust from Construction and Demolition - Building or tearing down structures releases a lot of dust, particularly particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), which can irritate the nose and throat and even lead to serious health problems. - Trucks carrying loose materials like sand also cover the roads with dust, which gets lifted into the air by wind or passing vehicles.

Delhi’s air turns ‘very poor’; Grap 2 enforced

Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, research and advocacy at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) said even though Diwali is early this year, cold and calm conditions have already begun to set in. “We have already noticed a 1.6 time increase in the daily average of PM2.5 levels since October 11 with AQI worsening to ‘poor’ category. This is when the contribution of farm fires to Delhi’s air quality is less than 1-2%,” she said. Layers of smog and the acrid sting of pollution cloaked the Capital on Diwali eve, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to invoke stage 2 measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (Grap), as residents braced for yet another festive day marred by toxic air before the celebrations kicked off. The 24-hour average Air Quality Index dipped to 296 (poor) at 4pm, from Saturday’s 268 at the same time, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board. However, the number at 4pm progressively began to surge upwards after dusk, breaching the “very poor” threshold to touch 300 by 6pm. It settled at 310at 11pm. Weather experts warned that the situation is unlikely to abate till the end of the week. This is the first time since February 2 that Delhi’s AQI turned “very poor”. It was 326 on the day. The Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) for Delhi has predicted the number will touch the dirtier side of the “very poor” zone on Diwali. With an increase in firecracker emissions on the day of, AQI levels will be pushed into the “severe” zone on Tuesday, it said. Experts said the impact of the additional emissions is set to hang in the air this week as surface winds will stay calm till Friday. Seasonal transport winds, predominantly northwesterlies, also aid in bringing stubble fire smoke from neighbouring Punjab and Haryana. Twelve preventive measures are undertaken to mitigate air pollution under Grap stage 2: Among them, stricter enforcement on restrictions related to diesel generator sets; restricting interstate buses (other than EVs/CNG/BS-VI diesel) from entering Delhi and enhancement of parking fees to discourage use of private transport are key. The harmful conditions are usually down to a toxic cocktail of stagnant surface winds, low temperatures, emissions from tailpipes and widespread bursting of firecrackers and the uptick in stubble fires in the farmlands of Punjab. However, data from the Centre’s Decision Support System (DSS) showed that Sunday’s deterioration was largely due to cross-boundary pollution from NCR towns factoring in 67.89% of Delhi’s total PM2.5 load. The rest, 32.11%, was due to local sources. “Delhi’s air quality is very likely to be in the ‘very poor’ category on Monday - on Diwali day. The air quality is very likely to be in the ‘severe’ category from Tuesday till Wednesday - in case of enhanced emissions from firecrackers,” said the AQEWS in its bulletin on Sunday. CPCB classifies air quality on a scale where 0-50 is “good”, 51-100 “satisfactory”, 101-200 “moderate”, 201-300 “poor”, 301-400 “very poor”, and 401-500 “severe”. According to Sunday’s data, the highest pollution load outside Delhi was attributed to the “others” category or unaccounted sources at 26.7%. This also put the contribution of stubble fires to 2-3%. Without adequate wind movement, pollutants from outside are trapped in Delhi’s air and the cumulative effect is magnified by local emissions, experts have pointed out. To be sure, Diwali this year has arrived earlier than usual and farm fire numbers only pick up towards the end of October, peaking around mid-November. Punjab on Sunday clocked 67 stubble fires — the highest single-day count so far this season for the state. There were 33 recorded fires on Saturday and 20 on Friday. Haryana logged seven farm fires on Sunday — the joint-highest single day count so far this season. The total farm fires this season so far stood at 308, according to data from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), while Haryana has logged 38 fires so far. Widespread bursting of firecrackers, green and conventional, was seen in Delhi in the run-up to Diwali. Even though the Supreme Court guidelines only permitted the use of green firecrackers within particular windows on Diwali eve and Diwali day, multiple spot checks by HT showed that these rules were visibly flouted across the Capita. Mukesh Khare, an air pollution expert from IIT Delhi, said an improvement this week is unlikely. “If current weather conditions persist — calm winds and reduced sunlight — the AQI will only worsen further through an increase in PM2.5 concentration in the ambient air. The primary source will be firecrackers. Though the authorities have permitted only green firecrackers, questions remain on effective implementation,” Khare said. Yearly CPCB data has shown that PM 2.5 levels can spike between 20-30 times the permissible hourly limits across the city on Diwali day. When conditions are unfavourable, these emissions can take multiple days to disperse. Delhi’s AQI has worsened the day after Diwali in nine of the last 10 years, barring 2022, when strong winds helped AQI improve the day after. Last year, Delhi’s AQI was 328 (very poor) on Diwali (October 31), but spiked to 339 (very poor) the day after. In 2023, it went from 218 (poor) on Diwali on November 12, to 358 (very poor) the day after. The last time Delhi’s AQI was in “severe” the day-after Diwali was in 2021, when it shot up from 382 (very poor) on Diwali on November 4 to 462 (severe) the day after. Mahesh Palawat, vice president at Skymet meteorology, said despite stubble fires not playing a key role so far, local emissions have accumulated due to wind stagnation. “This is not allowing pollutants to disperse and we are seeing a slight haze during the day too,” he said, adding that no significant relief is in sight for the coming days. Of the city’s 38 ambient air quality stations for which data was available on Sunday, one — Anand Vihar — was in the “severe” zone with a reading of 430 at 4pm, while 23 other stations were in the “very poor” zone. These included Wazirpur (375), Vivek Vihar (355), Dilshad Garden (352), Jahangirpuri (341), Ashok Vihar (330), RK Puram (329) and Dwarka Sector 8 (323), among others. Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, research and advocacy at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) said even though Diwali is early this year, cold and calm conditions have already begun to set in. “We have already noticed a 1.6 time increase in the daily average of PM2.5 levels since October 11 with AQI worsening to ‘poor’ category. This is when the contribution of farm fires to Delhi’s air quality is less than 1-2%,” she said.

Technical faults, tender delays cripple two of four Gurugram air stations

According to Dr Anumita Roychowdhury, director of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), the data gaps in air quality monitoring would obstruct authorities from drawing a long-term comparative trend for policy action on air pollution. “For air quality monitoring to become performance-linked, we need robust reporting and auditing systems,” Roychowdhury earlier told HT. Only two of Gurugram’s four continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations (CAAQMS) were operational on Sunday, with the Teri Gram and Vikas Sadan units remaining non-functional due to technical issues and delays in maintenance handover, officials said. The city’s operational stations — Sector 51 and Gwal Pahari — recorded a poor air quality index (AQI) of 258, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) daily national bulletin. According to CPCB’s live dashboard, the Teri Gram station, which had functioned partially between October 3 and 14, stopped recording PM10, PM2.5, NO2, CO, ozone, and benzene levels from October 15 — the day its maintenance tender was granted. Its last recorded value was PM10 at 110.78 µg/m³ on Tuesday last week. “Due to issues with the analyzers in the advanced sensors that feed into the AQI, the data could not be properly loaded,” an official said, requesting anonymity. A senior official at the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) said two separate tenders were awarded to private firms on October 14 and 15 for the operation and maintenance of CAAQMS in Gurugram. Five days after the tenders were finalised, two stations — including Teri Gram — remained non-functional. Earlier, HSPCB’s regional office had been temporarily maintaining operations while awaiting tender approval. “The air quality monitors made operational after six months had persistent issues with their batteries, UPS, motors, filters and light sensors,” another senior official said, adding that the sensors were being repaired before being handed back to private firms. Officials added that two France-based companies previously managed 29 CAAQMS across Haryana until their contracts expired in December 2024. Since then, frequent interruptions have been reported in Gurugram’s stations managed by HSPCB. CPCB data showed multiple interruptions since September 30 at three Gurugram stations. Ahead of Diwali, the Vikas Sadan station recorded only PM2.5 levels, with no readings of PM10, ozone, benzene, or toluene between October 7 and 13. The station displayed “insufficient data” until October 18, when AQI values reappeared, reaching 167 and above. Similarly, at the Sector 51 station, PM2.5 data was missing between October 4 and 15, and was restored on October 16, when AQI levels touched 395 µg/m³ around 10am. According to Dr Anumita Roychowdhury, director of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), the data gaps in air quality monitoring would obstruct authorities from drawing a long-term comparative trend for policy action on air pollution. “For air quality monitoring to become performance-linked, we need robust reporting and auditing systems,” Roychowdhury earlier told HT.

Delhi-NCR Air Quality Deteriorates as Diwali Nears: Pollution Levels Hit Hazardous Category

New Delhi, October 20, 2025 — As India prepares to celebrate Diwali, the air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) has deteriorated to hazardous levels, raising serious health concerns for residents. The morning of October 20 saw the Air Quality Index (AQI) spike to 354, marking one of the highest pollution levels of the season. Environmental experts attribute the spike to a combination of factors: the burning of agricultural stubble in neighboring states, vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, and the onset of firecracker-related activities in anticipation of Diwali. “Pollution has reached a dangerous level, especially for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or cardiac conditions,” said Dr. Meera Sharma, pulmonologist at AIIMS. “Even short-term exposure can cause coughing, throat irritation, and exacerbation of chronic illnesses.” The Role of Firecrackers and Seasonal Factors While stubble burning and vehicular emissions remain a consistent source of pollution, the approaching Diwali festival is expected to further aggravate the situation. Firecrackers release particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides into the air, which can settle into fine particles (PM2.5) capable of penetrating deep into the lungs. “Even a single day of heavy firecracker use can elevate AQI levels to over 500,” warned Anil Kumar, air quality analyst with the Centre for Science and Environment. “Given current levels, any Diwali-related spike will be extremely harmful.” The combination of lower temperatures, calm winds, and high humidity this season is trapping pollutants close to the ground, creating a dense smog layer that limits visibility and increases health risks. Impact on Daily Life and Health Delhi residents are already reporting respiratory discomfort, eye irritation, and difficulty breathing. Hospitals have issued advisories for precautionary measures, particularly for vulnerable groups. “I have asthma, and the air is already making it hard to breathe,” said Riya Mehta, a schoolteacher in South Delhi. “Wearing masks and using air purifiers is no longer optional — it’s a necessity.” Authorities are urging citizens to limit outdoor activities, use N95 masks, and avoid burning firecrackers or leaves. Schools in several districts have announced shortened hours or remote classes for children sensitive to pollution. Government Measures and Public Response The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has increased monitoring and enforcement efforts, particularly in industrial clusters and areas prone to stubble-burning emissions. Temporary bans on certain types of fireworks have been reinforced, and drones are being used to monitor violations in real time. “While the government is taking steps, public cooperation is crucial,” said Raghav Bahl, environment officer at DPCC. “Avoiding firecrackers, carpooling, and using public transport can make a significant difference.” Despite these warnings, street markets are already buzzing with firecracker sales, and early evening celebrations in residential areas have begun, indicating that enforcement may face challenges. Comparisons with Previous Years Historically, Delhi’s air quality deteriorates sharply during the Diwali season. Last year, the AQI briefly touched 380, causing hospitals to report a 15% increase in respiratory cases. Experts believe this year could be worse due to persistent stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana, coupled with pre-Diwali festivities. “Air quality management has improved slightly over the years, but seasonal spikes continue to be a problem,” said Dr. Seema Bansal, environmental scientist at Jawaharlal Nehru University. “Community awareness and strict enforcement remain key.” International Perspective and Climate Concerns Delhi’s pollution crisis is attracting global attention, as high particulate matter levels contribute to climate change and cross-border environmental issues. Studies show that prolonged exposure to Delhi’s smog can shorten life expectancy by up to 3-4 years in severely affected populations. “The city’s pollution problem is not just a local issue — it has regional and global implications,” said Prof. Lars Henriksen, an air quality researcher from Denmark. “Mitigating stubble burning, transitioning to cleaner fuels, and promoting sustainable festivals are urgent priorities.” Conclusion: A Diwali Under the Shadow of Smog As Diwali lights begin to flicker across the capital, the festive glow is dimmed by a thick haze of pollution. While celebrations are a cornerstone of cultural tradition, this year, health experts and environmentalists urge restraint and responsibility. “The true spirit of Diwali is celebration and family, not compromising health,” said Dr. Sharma. “If citizens take precautions, limit firecracker use, and support government efforts, it’s possible to have a joyful festival without endangering lives.” For residents of Delhi-NCR, Diwali 2025 may be remembered not just for lamps and sweets, but as a call to action for cleaner air and sustainable festive practices.

HC bars sale, import of GM foods sans regulatory framework: Coalition welcomes move

The Coalition for a GM-Free India has welcomed the Rajasthan High Court order that restrains the grant of permission for sale, manufacture, distribution, or import of any genetically modified (GM) foodstuffs or edible items in India until statutory regulations are framed under Section 22 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The court further directed that no import of any foodstuff, edible item, or packaged food be permitted unless certified and labelled as GM-free by the exporting country. The High Court Bench, in its order dated October 13, 2025, observed that its conclusions align with the Supreme Court of India’s July 2024 judgment on a series of public interest litigations concerning gene technologies in food systems. The court has directed the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Union Government to frame and notify regulations on GM foods within six months. The Coalition pointed out a major inconsistency in the Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling, which mandated implementation of Section 23 of the Act, related to labelling, without first enforcing Section 22 that provides the regulatory framework for ensuring food safety. The Coalition stated that implementing labelling norms without corresponding safety regulations renders the food safety law ineffective. The High Court order now directs FSSAI and the Union of India to implement Section 22 “in its true letter and spirit,” and to develop standards and safety protocols for genetically modified or engineered food within a set timeframe. The Jaipur Bench of the Rajasthan High Court emphasised that no GM foodstuffs, whether domestically produced or imported—including edible oils—should reach Indian consumers without stringent legal checks, as previously warned by parliamentary committees. Earlier, the FSSAI had denied the presence of GM ingredients in certain food products even after the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) reported illegal GM foods in the market, despite labels from some companies themselves indicating GM content.

राजस्थान हाई कोर्ट ने सेफ्टी नियम बनने तक जीएम फ़ूड की बिक्री पर रोक लगाई

जीएम-मुक्त भारत गठबंधन (The Coalition for a GM-Free India) ने राजस्थान उच्च न्यायालय के उस आदेश का स्वागत किया है जिसमें कहा गया है कि किसी भी खाद्य पदार्थ/पैकेज्ड खाद्य पदार्थ के आयात की अनुमति नहीं दी जाएगी, जब तक कि उन्हें निर्यातक देश द्वारा जीएम-मुक्त प्रमाणित और लेबल न किया गया हो। साथ ही, इसने खाद्य सुरक्षा और मानक अधिनियम 2006 की धारा 22 के तहत वैधानिक नियम बनाए बिना भारत में किसी भी जीएम खाद्य पदार्थ की बिक्री, निर्माण, वितरण या आयात की अनुमति देने पर रोक लगा दी है। हाई कोर्ट ने 13 अक्टूबर 2025 को जारी आदेश में कहा कि उनकी टिप्पणियां और निष्कर्ष जनहित याचिकाओं के एक समूह पर सर्वोच्च न्यायालय के जुलाई 2024 के फैसले के अनुरूप हैं। उच्च न्यायालय ने एफएसएसएआई के साथ-साथ केंद्र सरकार से छह महीने के भीतर जीएम खाद्य पदार्थों पर नियम बनाने और अधिसूचित करने को भी कहा। जीएम-मुक्त भारत गठबंधन का कहना है कि उसने पहले ही जुलाई 2024 के सर्वोच्च न्यायालय के फैसले में एक गंभीर विसंगति की ओर इशारा किया है, जिसमें खाद्य सुरक्षा और मानक अधिनियम 2006 की धारा 23 (लेबलिंग के संबंध में) को लागू करने का आदेश दिया गया था, जबकि पहले धारा 22 को लागू करने का आदेश नहीं दिया गया था। उसका कहना है कि सुरक्षा सुनिश्चित करने के लिए किसी नियामक ढांचे के बिना, धारा 22 के नियमों के माध्यम से लेबलिंग नियमों को लागू करना अर्थहीन है और खाद्य सुरक्षा कानून का मजाक उड़ाना है। उच्च न्यायालय के आदेश में "एफएसएसएआई के साथ-साथ भारत सरकार को 2006 के अधिनियम की धारा 22 को उसके सही अर्थों में लागू करने और आनुवंशिक रूप से संशोधित खाद्य पदार्थों के संबंध में समयबद्ध तरीके से मानक और सुरक्षा प्रोटोकॉल बनाने का निर्देश दिया गया है।" राजस्थान उच्च न्यायालय का यह फैसला ऐसे महत्वपूर्ण समय में आया है जब अमेरिका अपने जीएम उत्पादों को भारत में लाने के लिए घरेलू कानूनों, नियमों और नीतियों से समझौता करते हुए पुरजोर कोशिश कर रहा है। यह फैसला यह भी सुनिश्चित करता है कि स्व-प्रमाणन (सेल्फ सर्टिफिकेशन) लागू न हो। केवल निर्यातक देश की एक अधिकृत एजेंसी ही भारत को निर्यात किए जा रहे सभी खाद्य पदार्थों की जीएम-मुक्त स्थिति को प्रमाणित कर सकती है। अमेरिकी सरकार ने पहले भी प्रस्तावित विनियमन पर आपत्तियां उठाकर भारत में आने वाले प्रसंस्कृत जीएम खाद्य से निपटने के एफएसएसएआई के प्रयास को कमजोर किया है। उच्च न्यायालय की जयपुर पीठ के आदेश में कहा गया है कि "किसी भी जीएम खाद्य पदार्थ, चाहे वह घरेलू रूप से उगाया गया हो या आयातित, जिसमें खाद्य तेल भी शामिल हैं, को व्यापक कानूनी जांच के बिना भारतीय रसोई तक पहुंचने की अनुमति नहीं दी जा सकती, जैसा कि संसदीय समितियों द्वारा पहले ही आगाह किया जा चुका है।" अतीत में, जब सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट (सीएसई) ने भारत में अवैध जीएम खाद्य पदार्थों की मौजूदगी का खुलासा किया था, तब एफएसएसएआई ने कुछ खाद्य उत्पादों में जीएम अवयवों की मौजूदगी से इनकार किया था। एफएसएसएआई का यह इनकार चौंकाने वाला है, क्योंकि कुछ खाद्य कंपनियों ने खुद अपने लेबल पर जीएम की मौजूदगी का ज़िक्र किया था! जीएम-मुक्त भारत गठबंधन की कविता कुरुगंती ने कहा, "जीईएसी और एफएसएसएआई जैव सुरक्षा और खाद्य सुरक्षा सुनिश्चित करने और भारतीयों की सुरक्षा करने के अपने वैधानिक कर्तव्य को निभाने में लगातार विफल रहे हैं। राजस्थान उच्च न्यायालय का आदेश इन वैधानिक नियामक संस्थाओं के लिए एक सही रिमाइंडर है कि वे अपने दायित्वों को ज़िम्मेदारी और जवाबदेही के साथ पूरा करें। उच्च न्यायालय का आदेश यह सुनिश्चित करता है कि भारत सरकार पर अमेरिकी दबाव के कारण आम भारतीयों की बलि न चढ़ाई जाए।"

Diwali safety tips for Asthma patients:Increased risk from firecracker smoke, doctor suggests 12 precautions to not miss

Diwali is a festival of lots of lights, sweets, and happiness, but for asthma patients, this festival can prove to be challenging. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 3.5 crore people in India suffer from asthma. Air pollution is a major trigger for this disease. The smoke and pollution emitted from firecrackers during Diwali push the air quality to dangerous levels. According to the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), air pollution increases by 4-5 times during Diwali compared to normal levels. In cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches 300 to 500, which falls into the ‘Serious’ category. Smoke emitted from firecrackers, incense sticks, and burning lamps exacerbates the problems of asthma patients. Therefore, asthma sufferers should take precautions in advance so that the joys of the festival do not take a toll on their health. Question- What kind of problems increase for asthma patients during Diwali? Answer- The smoke emitted from firecrackers releases toxic gases like PM2.5, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxide into the air. These elements cause inflammation and irritation in the respiratory tubes, which can trigger asthma symptoms. Additionally, the smoke from incense sticks, agarbattis, and lamps increases indoor pollution. This is why the number of asthma patients in hospitals suddenly increases every year after Diwali in India. This pollution most affects children, the elderly, and chronic asthma sufferers. Understand these dangers in detail in the graphic below-

Rajasthan HC halts sale of GM foods until safety regulations are established

The Coalition for a GM-Free India, a group opposing genetically modified (GM) foods, has welcomed a decision by the Rajasthan High Court, which has halted the sale, manufacture, distribution, or import of any GM food products or edible items in India until the government allegedly establishes proper regulations governing the handling of GM foods. On 13 October, the Jaipur Bench of the High Court issued the order, reflecting the observations and conclusions of a July 2024 Supreme Court judgment concerning a series of public interest litigations related to genetic technologies in food systems. The order emphasised that no GM food products, whether domestically grown or imported—including edible oils—should be allowed to reach Indian kitchens without comprehensive legal checks, as previously warned by parliamentary committees. The High Court directed the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Union Government to formulate and notify regulations regarding GM foods within six months. Additionally, the court instructed the FSSAI and the Union of India to implement Section 22 of the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 effectively, ensuring the establishment of standards and safety protocols for genetically modified and genetically engineered food items in a timely manner. The Coalition highlighted a significant inconsistency in the Supreme Court’s July 2024 judgment, which mandated the implementation of Section 23 of the FSSAI Act—related to labelling—without a regulatory framework to guarantee safety as outlined in Section 22. This ruling by the Rajasthan High Court is considered particularly timely, given reports that the United States has allegedly been pushing its GM products into India, potentially compromising domestic laws, regulations, and policies. There are also concerns that the Indian government may be wavering on its prior positions concerning GM foods. The Coalition explained that the ruling ensures self-certification will not be permitted and that only an authorised agency in the exporting country can certify the GM-free status of all foods being exported to India. In the past, the U.S. government allegedly weakened the FSSAI’s efforts to regulate processed GM foods by objecting to proposed regulations. Previously, the FSSAI denied the presence of GM ingredients in certain food products, despite the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) reportedly exposing illegal GM foods in India. This denial by the FSSAI has been described as alarming, especially since some food companies had acknowledged GM content on their labels. Kavitha Kuruganti, representing the Coalition for a GM-Free India, emphasised that the court order serves as a reminder for regulatory bodies such as the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) and the FSSAI to fulfil their statutory responsibilities. “GEAC and FSSAI have consistently failed to perform their statutory duty to ensure biosafety and food safety, thereby protecting the Indian public,” said Kuruganti. “The High Court’s order ensures that ordinary Indians are not made scapegoats due to American pressure on the Indian government.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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।

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.