• Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

Winter Is Coming: Anti-Pollution Curbs Imposed In Delhi For 1st Time This Season

Signalling the annual return of the dreaded pollution in the capital, the Commission for Air Quality Management, which is the Centre's anti-pollution panel, has enforced curbs under GRAP-1 in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). The CAQM announced the decision on Tuesday, when Delhi's Air Quality Index was recorded at 211, which is in the 'Poor' category. The Sub-Committee on GRAP, in a review meeting, analysed real-time data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) alongside forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). "The AQI has entered the 'Poor' threshold, and projections indicate sustained levels in this range over the coming days due to stagnant weather conditions," the committee noted in its order. This marks the first formal activation of GRAP measures for the season. Under Stage-I ('Poor' Air Quality, AQI 201-300), a slew of enforcement actions will have to be taken by district administrations, pollution control boards and municipal bodies in Delhi as well as NCR districts in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Punjab. The key measures include: Construction Dust Control: Strict ban on labour-intensive construction activities without dust mitigation; mandatory water sprinkling at all project sites. Industrial and Vehicular Curbs: Heightened inspections of polluting industries and enhanced CNG compliance for public transport. Waste Management: Putting an immediate stop to all garbage-burning activities, and intensifying bio-medical waste handling protocols. Road and Power Sector: Black carbon emission audits for heavy vehicles; power plants within 10 km of Delhi to switch to 100% piped natural gas. The order emphasises rigorous monitoring, with all agencies directed to "intensify measures" and maintain "strict vigil" to prevent the AQI from slipping into 'Very Poor' or 'Severe' categories. Citizens are also urged to follow the GRAP Stage-I Citizen Charter, which includes voluntary steps like using public transport, avoiding outdoor exertion during peak pollution hours (evenings), and reporting violations via CAQM's helpline (1800-180-1708). Environmental experts welcomed the intervention but cautioned that deeper structural reforms are needed. "GRAP is a band-aid; without tackling stubble burning and interstate coordination head-on, we are just postponing the inevitable smog blanket," said Dr Anumita Roychowdhury, Executive Director of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). Data from IITM's high-resolution forecasting system, which boasts over 80% accuracy in predicting 'Very Poor' episodes, underscores this: Calm winds and clear skies forecast for the next week could trap pollutants, potentially elevating the AQI to 250+ by the end of the month. Also, while September has been relatively clean this year, historical trends show Delhi's AQI plummets after Diwali.

• Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

Delhi’s air quality deteriorates: CAQM enforces Stage-I curbs under GRAP

Signalling the annual return of toxic air in the capital, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the Centre’s anti-pollution panel, has enforced Stage-I restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). The decision, announced on Tuesday, came as Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) touched 211, placing it in the ‘Poor’ category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The Sub-Committee on GRAP, after reviewing real-time CPCB data and forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), noted that the AQI was likely to remain in this range due to stagnant weather conditions. This marks the first formal activation of GRAP measures this season. Key Measures under GRAP Stage-I (‘Poor’ Air Quality, AQI 201–300) Construction Dust Control: Strict ban on construction activities without dust-mitigation systems; mandatory water sprinkling at project sites. Industrial and Vehicular Curbs: Intensified inspections of polluting industries and enhanced CNG compliance for public transport. Waste Management: Immediate halt to garbage burning and stricter biomedical waste handling. Road and Power Sector: Black carbon emission audits for heavy vehicles; power plants within 10 km of Delhi must operate on 100% piped natural gas. All local agencies, including municipal bodies, pollution control boards, and district administrations in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Punjab, have been asked to intensify enforcement to prevent a slide into the ‘Very Poor’ or ‘Severe’ categories. Citizens have been urged to adhere to the GRAP Stage-I Citizen Charter, which recommends using public transport, avoiding outdoor exercise during evening hours, and reporting pollution violations via CAQM’s helpline (1800-180-1708). Environmental experts, however, have warned that these steps are temporary. “GRAP is a band-aid. Without addressing stubble burning and interstate coordination, we’re just postponing the inevitable smog blanket,” said Dr Anumita Roychowdhury, Executive Director, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). Forecasts from IITM’s high-resolution model, which has over 80% accuracy in predicting ‘Very Poor’ pollution episodes, suggest calm winds and clear skies over the next week could trap pollutants, potentially pushing the AQI above 250 by the end of the month. While September saw relatively cleaner air this year, historical data show Delhi’s AQI plunges sharply after Diwali.

• Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

Delhi enforces first anti-pollution curbs of the season

Signalling the annual return of the capital’s pollution season, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the Centre’s anti-pollution panel, has enforced Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). The CAQM announced the decision on Tuesday after Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 211 — a level classified as ‘Poor’. This marks the first formal activation of GRAP measures for the 2025–26 winter season. The Sub-Committee on GRAP, in a review meeting, assessed real-time data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) along with forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). “The AQI has entered the ‘Poor’ threshold, and projections indicate sustained levels in this range over the coming days due to stagnant weather conditions,” the committee noted in its order. Under Stage I (‘Poor’ Air Quality, AQI 201–300), a series of enforcement measures will now be implemented by district administrations, pollution control boards, and municipal bodies across Delhi and NCR districts in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Punjab. The key measures under GRAP Stage I focus on construction dust control, waste management, and emission reduction: Construction Dust Control: A strict ban has been imposed on labour-intensive construction activities that do not follow dust mitigation norms. Water sprinkling at all project sites has been made mandatory. Industrial and Vehicular Curbs: Inspections of polluting industries will be intensified, and compliance with CNG norms for public transport will be reinforced. Waste Management: Immediate prohibition of garbage-burning activities has been ordered, alongside tighter protocols for the handling of bio-medical waste. Road and Power Sector: Black carbon emission audits will be conducted for heavy vehicles, while power plants within 10 km of Delhi are required to operate solely on piped natural gas. The CAQM order emphasises strict monitoring, directing all enforcement agencies to “intensify measures” and maintain a “strict vigil” to prevent air quality from deteriorating further into the ‘Very Poor’ or ‘Severe’ categories. Citizens have been urged to adhere to the GRAP Stage I Citizen Charter, which encourages voluntary actions such as using public transport, avoiding strenuous outdoor activities during peak pollution hours, and reporting violations via CAQM’s helpline (1800-180-1708). Environmental experts have welcomed the intervention but warned that deeper systemic reforms are crucial. “GRAP is a band-aid; without tackling stubble burning and interstate coordination head-on, we are just postponing the inevitable smog blanket,” said Dr Anumita Roychowdhury, Executive Director of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). Data from IITM’s high-resolution forecasting system, which maintains over 80 per cent accuracy in predicting ‘Very Poor’ air quality episodes, supports these concerns. Calm winds and clear skies forecast for the next week could trap pollutants, potentially pushing Delhi’s AQI above 250 by the end of the month. While September has been comparatively cleaner this year, historical trends indicate that Delhi’s air quality typically worsens sharply after Diwali, reinforcing the urgency for sustained preventive measures.

• Sustainable Food Systems

HC directs FSSAI Centre to notify regulations for GM food under Food Safety Act 2006 within 6 months

The Rajasthan High Court has restrained food regulator FSSAI and the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) from granting permission for sale, manufacturing, distribution or import of any genetically modified (GM) food stuff or edible items in India before framing necessary regulations. Terming the requirement of regulations a pressing need with regard to the direct and vital bearing of the issue on public health, the high court's Jaipur bench, in its order on Monday, directed the FSSAI and the Centre to frame and notify the regulations under Section 22 of the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 regarding GM food articles within six months, while following the procedure provided in the Act. A bench of Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma and Justice Sanjeet Purohit gave these directions while allowing a PIL which raised concern regarding the alleged sale, manufacturing, distribution or import of GM articles in India in violation of Section 22 of the Act. In a joint counter affidavit filed by the Centre, the Department of Consumer Affairs and GEAC, it was admitted that no regulations, standards or guidelines regulating GM food have been framed by the FSSAI under Section 22 of the Act. In its observation, the court noted that it was astonishing that while the issue of GM organisms in edible products is a matter of significant concern, yet the relevant regulations have not been finalised and notified by the Centre. "Although the FSSAI has been established, yet the GEAC has been allowed to approve the import of GM edible oil in India due to the absence of regulations under Section 22 of the Act," the court said. Clearance of the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), a statutory committee, is mandatory for the environmental release of Genetically Modified crops. The petitioners prayed for immediate prohibition on GM food/processed food, "ceasing of the stock already available in the Indian market, prohibiting further sale and withdrawal of all the permissions granted by GEAC to import, sale, distribute and manufacture GM food". During the arguments, the petitioners flagged the absence of a proper regulatory mechanism regarding GM or GE food in India and admission by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare confirming the absence of any standards for GM food. Submitting a study by the Centre for Science and Environment, the petitioner flagged the "presence of GM ingredients" in India. The court directed the Centre and the FSSAI to ensure that no import of any GM food stuff or edible or packaged food items takes place and directed the customs authorities across the state to ensure strict compliance with the directions.

• Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

Delhi’s air quality deteriorates: CAQM enforces Stage-I curbs under GRAP

The decision, announced on Tuesday, came as Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) touched 211, placing it in the ‘Poor’ category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The Sub-Committee on GRAP, after reviewing real-time CPCB data and forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), noted that the AQI was likely to remain in this range due to stagnant weather conditions. This marks the first formal activation of GRAP measures this season. Key Measures under GRAP Stage-I (‘Poor’ Air Quality, AQI 201–300) Construction Dust Control: Strict ban on construction activities without dust-mitigation systems; mandatory water sprinkling at project sites. Industrial and Vehicular Curbs: Intensified inspections of polluting industries and enhanced CNG compliance for public transport. Waste Management: Immediate halt to garbage burning and stricter biomedical waste handling. Road and Power Sector: Black carbon emission audits for heavy vehicles; power plants within 10 km of Delhi must operate on 100% piped natural gas. All local agencies, including municipal bodies, pollution control boards, and district administrations in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Punjab, have been asked to intensify enforcement to prevent a slide into the ‘Very Poor’ or ‘Severe’ categories. Citizens have been urged to adhere to the GRAP Stage-I Citizen Charter, which recommends using public transport, avoiding outdoor exercise during evening hours, and reporting pollution violations via CAQM’s helpline (1800-180-1708). Environmental experts, however, have warned that these steps are temporary. “GRAP is a band-aid. Without addressing stubble burning and interstate coordination, we’re just postponing the inevitable smog blanket,” said Dr Anumita Roychowdhury, Executive Director, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). Forecasts from IITM’s high-resolution model, which has over 80% accuracy in predicting ‘Very Poor’ pollution episodes, suggest calm winds and clear skies over the next week could trap pollutants, potentially pushing the AQI above 250 by the end of the month. While September saw relatively cleaner air this year, historical data show Delhi’s AQI plunges sharply after Diwali.

• Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

दिल्लीवालों प्रदूषण से हो जाओ सावधान! पूरे NCR में लागू हुआ GRAP Stage 1, कितना पहुंचा AQI?

दिल्ली और राष्ट्रीय राजधानी क्षेत्र (NCR) में बढ़ते प्रदूषण के बीच केंद्रीय प्रदूषण नियंत्रण आयोग की अधीनस्थ संस्था, आयोग फॉर एयर क्वालिटी मैनेजमेंट (CAQM) ने मंगलवार को ग्रेडेड रिस्पॉन्स एक्शन प्लान (GRAP) का स्टेज-1 लागू कर दिया. दिल्ली का एयर क्वालिटी इंडेक्स (AQI) 211 दर्ज किया गया, जो “खराब” श्रेणी में आता है और अगले कुछ दिनों तक इसी स्तर पर रहने की संभावना है. GRAP-1 के तहत लागू किए गए कड़े नियमों का उद्देश्य राजधानी में प्रदूषण को “बहुत खराब” या “गंभीर” श्रेणी में जाने से रोकना है. CAQM के सब- कमिटी ने केंद्रीय प्रदूषण नियंत्रण बोर्ड (CPCB) के रियल-टाइम आंकड़ों के साथ भारतीय मौसम विभाग (IMD) और इंडियन इंस्टिट्यूट ऑफ़ ट्रॉपिकल मेट्रोलॉजी (IITM) की भविष्यवाणियों की समीक्षा के बाद यह कदम उठाया. विशेषज्ञों की चेतावनी: GRAP केवल अस्थायी उपाय सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट (CSE) की कार्यकारी निदेशक डॉ. अनुपमिता रॉयचौधरी ने कहा, “GRAP केवल अस्थायी उपाय है; अगर हम पराली जलाने और राज्य-अंतर समन्वय पर सीधा ध्यान नहीं देंगे, तो स्मॉग का संकट टालना ही होगा. IITM के हाई-रेजोल्यूशन फोरकास्टिंग सिस्टम के आंकड़े, जो “बहुत खराब” प्रदूषण की घटनाओं का 80% से अधिक सटीक पूर्वानुमान देते हैं, दिखाते हैं कि अगले सप्ताह शांत हवाओं और साफ मौसम के कारण प्रदूषक हवा में

• Renewable Energy

Powering the plough: What PM-KUSUM scheme must do to give a fillip to farmers bl-premium-article-image

Progress under the PM-KUSUM scheme has remained a mixed bag. Launched in 2019, and scheduled to end in March 2026, it is aimed at adding 34,800 MW of solar capacity by that timeline, with Central financial support of ₹34,422 crore. An analysis put out last year by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) points out that the Pradhan Mantri Kissan Urja Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyaan (PM-KUSUM) scheme has only achieved about 30 per cent of its overall targets since inception. According to replies given to a question in the Lok Sabha in August this year, as on 30 June, it is estimated that the installation of solar pumps has saved 580 million litres of diesel per annum and solar plants under PM-KUSUM have helped cut out 6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. The scheme is structured around three main components: A (decentralised solar power plants), B (standalone solar pumps), and C (solarisation of grid-connected pumps). The highest achievement (71 per cent) against targets set has been under Component B, which covers standalone solar pump sets up to 7.5 HP. Replacing diesel pumps with solar variants is straightforward, says Vivek Gupta, director, Oswal Pumps. “The technology is proven, deployment involves fewer regulatory hurdles, and generous subsidies are available.” Central financial assistance covers 30 per cent of the benchmark cost (or 50 per cent in special category States), allowing the farmer to contribute a manageable remaining portion. Conditions applied The CSE report points out that farmers who have moved from diesel or electric pumps to solar-powered pumps have found it profitable, but only if the pumps they have installed are of the correct size. Farmers in Haryana, according to the report, are saving up to ₹55,000 per year after making the shift. The other benefit for the farmer is the ability to irrigate fields during the day, instead of having to rely on power from the grid during the night in the time slot set apart for agricultural electricity supply. The pace of solar pump installations contrasts with the slower uptake in the other major components, which are facing bottlenecks. Component A, focused on setting up decentralised grid-connected solar or renewable energy plants (up to 2 MW) on farmers’ land, has achieved only 6.5 per cent of its target as of September 2025. This segment has been hampered by the need for significant capital expenditure. Other bottlenecks include securing land, challenging discom agreements, and time-consuming regulatory approvals. Component C, which supports the solarisation of existing grid-connected pumps, is currently at 16.5 per cent penetration. Progress, on this front, has been dragged down by the local energy context, says Oswal’s Gupta. “Many areas have access to nearly zero running-cost grid connections, which dilutes the need to adopt solar solutions.” He views the overall scheme as a valuable learning rather than a failure. “The variation in adoption across components reflects the differing complexity, economics, and farmer readiness rather than flaws in the scheme itself. Component B demonstrates that when incentives, simplicity, and execution converge, adoption can be rapid.” The slower uptake in Components A, C, and D highlights areas where structural, regulatory, and awareness interventions are still needed. The scheme’s current performance validates what works and where focused efforts are needed in the final year to reach targets.” Customised approach The CSE report offers a roadmap to quicken implementation. It recommends that cheap electricity, while appreciated by farmers, diminishes the incentive to transition to solar and increases the State’s subsidy burden. Further inefficiencies arise from pump sizing. The report cites Dr Debajit Palit, Professor of Energy at the NTPC School of Business, as saying that to ensure financial viability, pump sizes must be tailored to the land size and water requirements of different areas, rather than maintaining a uniform national standard. The CSE also recommends decentralised implementation. Agencies with knowledge of farmer demographics and their needs on the ground are best placed to cater to them, rather than a centralised body. To address viability issues, the report states, farmers must be allowed the option to pay upfront costs in instalments, and seeks an increase in the Central Financial Assistance to account for the rise in solar module prices following the Covid-19 pandemic. The Standing Committee on Energy, in its second report on demand for grants for FY25, had highlighted the fact that many districts in India have become water-deficient. Hence, the subsidy for solar pumps of only up to 7.5 HP (horsepower) proved insufficient for farmers. It had recommended that the Ministry conduct a detailed study to “understand the ground situation and accordingly modify the component.”

• Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

Delhi’s Air Turns Toxic Again, What’s Behind Sudden Spike in Pollution?

Delhi’s air quality worsened on Saturday, moving close to the ‘poor’ category. At 4 pm, the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 199, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The last time the city recorded a ‘poor’ air day was on June 11, when the AQI touched 245 before the arrival of the southwest monsoon. The Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi (EWS) under the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences has predicted that the city’s air quality will remain in the ‘poor’ category from Sunday till October 14. Following this decline, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) held a review meeting on Saturday. Officials decided not to impose Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) since the AQI had not yet crossed into the ‘poor’ range. The commission will reassess conditions on Sunday. Satellite data from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) showed 64 farm fires across six states on Saturday. Of these, 42 were in Uttar Pradesh, 14 in Punjab, six in Madhya Pradesh, and one each in Haryana and Rajasthan. Despite the start of stubble burning in northern India, its impact on Delhi’s air remained minimal. The Decision Support System (DSS), which tracks pollution sources, estimated that farm fires contributed just 0.34% to Delhi’s PM2.5 levels on Friday. The main contributor was the transport sector at 19.1%, followed by emissions from Sonipat (10.8%) and residential areas in Jhajjar and Delhi (4.8% each). Experts said stronger measures are needed to reduce emissions from all sectors. Anumita Roychowdhury from the Centre for Science and Environment said, “We are entering the season of pollution emergency action once again. We need stronger preventive measures and sustained source-wise action.” Dipankar Saha, former head of the CPCB’s air laboratory, noted that after mid-October, meteorological conditions worsen, preventing the dispersion of pollutants and pushing air quality into the ‘poor to very poor’ range across the Indo-Gangetic plains. Delhi has enjoyed unusually clean air for much of October, mainly due to frequent rains that delayed paddy harvesting in Punjab and Haryana. But forecasts now show that wind speeds, which were around 14–20 kmph on Sunday, will drop to about 10 kmph by Monday evening and fall below 8 kmph by Tuesday night. Lower wind speeds slow the dispersion of pollutants, allowing them to accumulate. The AQI is expected to enter the ‘poor’ category from Wednesday and remain there through the weekend. The ventilation index, which indicates how well pollutants can disperse, is also expected to drop from 7,700 square meters per second on Sunday to 4,500 by Wednesday. A reading below 6,000 with wind speeds under 10 kmph makes dispersion difficult. Farm fire data between September 15 and October 11 show 366 incidents across northern states, 163 in Uttar Pradesh, 116 in Punjab, and 11 in Haryana. Punjab’s count remains low due to delayed harvesting after severe floods in September, which left fields waterlogged and crops damp. But officials fear the numbers may rise as farmers rush to prepare for the wheat season. Farmers are under financial pressure and have little time,” said a senior Punjab agriculture official. “They often resort to burning because it’s the fastest way to clear fields.” Haryana officials said awareness drives are ongoing but admitted that frustration remains high due to crop losses and delays. Experts warn that unless emissions from vehicles, construction, and industry are controlled along with stubble burning, Delhi-NCR could face another winter of poor air quality.

• Director General Office

Trump's rebranding of climate change is aimed more at global regime change

Donald Trump has spoken from the global pulpit. Speaking on the 80th anniversary of the United Nations (UN), the United States (US) President called climate change a “big con” and by association, all of us, who advocate urgent action, charlatans. In his rant, he berated Europe for its transition to green energy, saying it leads to high costs, which would kill growth. He dismissed the science of climate change and went on to say that coal was clean. But I am not writing this to demean your intelligence and to explain why Mr Trump is wrong. We know the reality of climate change as extreme weather events tear across our world, bringing with them economic devastation and human tragedy. The question is, who was Mr Trump really addressing when he spoke at the UN General Assembly (UNGA)? I believe this is what we must discuss. He was not speaking to the leaders in the grand room; he was not even speaking to the likes of you or me. He was speaking directly to the large numbers of ordinary middle- and working-class people, both in the rich world and the to-be-rich world, who believe that they have been cheated and deprived in the globalised economy. In their minds — and Mr Trump would like to ensure that this message is stamped — the problem is the “invasion” of immigrants, who they see as taking away livelihoods. It is about governments that are weak and allowing this to happen with impunity. It is then linked to the higher cost of living, declining real wages, and the cost of green transition, which Mr Trump says will lead to the downfall of the Western civilisation. Windmills, which generate cleaner power at a lower cost than conventional systems do, are blamed for driving down standards of living. He wants this message to spread across the world — particularly the West — so that it turns against the “left loonies” (his words, not mine). We must see his message at the UN as a political effort to turn people towards the “right” and away from governments that believe in social justice and climate action. Let us also be clear that there is deep resentment in the Western world, which was the architect of the free-trade globalisation regime and led economic growth. Mr Trump is taking it all to a boil so that he can bring about changes in the politics of the West — at least where there is still commitment to the change the world so desperately needs. He wants those governments to fail so that the parties that stand against multilateralism, global solidarity, and climate action can win. This is regime change on a scale never seen before. And it is happening. Europe’s ambitious climate policy is facing headwinds. The European Commission failed to secure an agreement on the next round of emission-reduction targets. There is now increased resistance to these policies, and it is no surprise that there is a growing shift towards parties that eschew climate change, much like Mr Trump does. The US President wants to accelerate this movement so that the world aligns with his side of the divide. Climate change has become a pawn in this political game, which is driven by hard economic interests in the business of energy and much more. Mr Trump needs to label and dismiss the climate agenda as the work of “radical left loonies”. This means that anyone who believes in the existential crisis caused by climate change, or even the need to clean up pollution from energy systems, is part of this “woke” brigade. It makes the rest of society take sides — and this is what happened during the pandemic or even when the United Kingdom (UK) voted to leave the European Union (EU). It makes the issue toxic and makes it about the elite versus the rest. Worse, it demonises science and experts, and portrays them as out of touch with the painful realities of ordinary people. We must fight this branding because it does far more damage than Mr Trump’s words of insult. For instance, we know as environmentalists in countries like India how such labelling can undermine our message and work. When we are called anti-development, it detracts from the fact that environment and development are two sides of the same coin. This is why we have carefully and deliberately worked to ensure that climate-change policies are part of the development strategies in our countries. For us, it makes sense to find pathways to economic growth that come without pollution. We know this. And we also understand that in our divided and unequal world, sticks and stones may break bones. It can destroy our common home, our planet Earth. So, let’s not dismiss this address to the world as just another Trump rant. It is a carefully crafted strategy to destroy the very “rightness” of the idea of climate change. The author is at the Centre for Science and Environment. sunita@cseindia.org, X: @sunitanar

• Industrial Pollution

Punjab Powers Ahead with ₹641-Crore Nabha Power Green Energy Project in Patiala

The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is setting new precedents in the field of clean energy. By making clean energy the keystone of the state's development, the government is protecting the environment and creating employment opportunities for millions of youth. To this end, Nabha Power Limited's (NPL) ₹641 crore power generation project is a shining star in Punjab's green revolution. This project will bring affordable, clean electricity and 500 jobs, ensuring a clean and prosperous future for Punjab. With recently launched initiatives, Punjab is rapidly progressing towards achieving clean energy capacity, which will ensure the state's economic strength and sustained growth. Nabha Power Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Larsen & Toubro (L&T), has embarked on an ambitious plan to convert its 1,400 MW thermal power plant in Rajpura, Patiala, to a hybrid model with solar energy. This ₹641 crore project will integrate solar energy with a thermal plant, reducing pollution by 15 percent and protecting the environment. The project will create 500 new jobs, with priority given to local youth. The project will operate under a 25-year power purchase agreement with the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), providing affordable and clean electricity to Punjab. The project will be commissioned by December 2025 and completed in phases by 2026, significantly increasing Punjab's renewable energy capacity. This Nabha Power project will significantly strengthen the state's industrial system. The Rajpura thermal plant already meets a significant portion of Punjab's electricity needs, providing 40 percent of its electricity needs during the off-peak season and 20 percent during the peak season. The integration of solar energy will further improve the plant's environmental sustainability. In 2025, the Central Government's Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) awarded NPL an award for environmental protection, demonstrating its green commitment. This project strengthens Punjab's clean energy initiatives, highlighting the strength of the country's domestic investment and Indian multinational companies.

• Down To Earth

भारत के स्मार्ट सिटी मानसून से निपटने में असफल हैं. हम बाढ़ के जाल तैयार कर रहे हैं

एक नए केंद्र सरकार के गठन के अगले साल कई वादे सामने आए. उनमें से एक था स्मार्ट सिटीज़ बनाना, एक महत्वाकांक्षी वादा जो शुरू होने को था. स्मार्ट सिटीज़ मिशन, भारत सरकार की एक प्रमुख योजना, सतत और समावेशी शहरी विकास को बढ़ावा देने के लिए शुरू की गई थी. इसका लक्ष्य तकनीक, नवाचार और बेहतर अवसंरचना पर ध्यान देकर निवासियों की जीवन गुणवत्ता को बढ़ाना था. यह योजना सौ चुनी हुई शहरों में लागू की गई. इन शहरों की ज़रूरत इसलिए बढ़ी क्योंकि ग्रामीण इलाकों से लोग ज्यादा आ रहे थे। इसके पीछे मुख्य वजह थी भारत में 1991 में हुए आर्थिक सुधार — उदारीकरण, निजीकरण और वैश्वीकरण (LPG). इन्हें उस समय के प्रधानमंत्री पी. वी. नरसिम्हा राव और वित्त मंत्री मनमोहन सिंह ने पेश किया था. स्टैटिस्टिक्स बताते हैं कि शहरी जनसंख्या 2031 तक 600 मिलियन बढ़ने का अनुमान है. भारत सरकार द्वारा शहरी अवसंरचना और सेवाओं का विश्लेषण करने के लिए बनाई गई उच्च-स्तरीय विशेषज्ञ समिति ने कहा कि 2050 तक शहरी हिस्सा 75 प्रतिशत तक बढ़ जाएगा. इस तेज़ी से बढ़ती शहरी जनसंख्या ने स्मार्ट तकनीकों के साथ शहरी अवसंरचना सुधारना महत्वपूर्ण बना दिया है. इस प्रकार स्मार्ट सिटीज़ के विकास में योगदान हुआ. इन वादों के बीच सवाल उठता है: स्मार्ट सिटी क्या है? इसका विज़न क्या है? इसने इस विचार को परिभाषित करने और व्यक्त करने के लिए बहस और विचार-विमर्श को जन्म दिया. स्मार्ट सिटी को इस तरह समझाया गया है कि यह एक शहरी वातावरण है जिसमें डेटा क्लेक्शन के लिए कई इलेक्ट्रॉनिक सिस्टम का उपयोग किया जाता है. इसका उद्देश्य शहरी प्रबंधन को सुधारना, संसाधनों के संगठन को बेहतर बनाना और आर्थिक सेवाओं को लोगों तक पहुंचाना है. संग्रहित डेटा का उपयोग शहर के संचालन को बेहतर बनाने के लिए किया जाता है. इस अवधारणा को दुनिया के विभिन्न हिस्सों में लागू किया जा चुका है. अन्य विद्वानों ने स्मार्ट सिटी को तकनीकी दृष्टिकोण से परिभाषित किया. उन्होंने बताया कि ऐसे शहर वायरलेस सेंसर, स्मार्ट मीटर, स्मार्ट वाहन, स्मार्टफोन, मोबाइल नेटवर्क और डेटा स्टोरेज जैसे उपकरणों का उपयोग करते हैं. लेकिन क्या केवल ये तकनीकी बदलाव भारत की शहरी समस्याओं को हल कर सकते हैं? या इन्हें स्थानीय जरूरतों और लंबे समय से चली आ रही संरचनात्मक समस्याओं के अनुसार समायोजित करना होगा। क्या एक ही उपाय सभी के लिए सही होगा? इतने स्मार्ट शहर नहीं बड़े योजना बनाने के बावजूद, स्मार्ट सिटीज़ मिशन के कार्यान्वयन में गहरे संरचनात्मक और प्रशासनिक अंतर दिखाई देते हैं. गुरुग्राम में, कुछ घंटे की बारिश ही मुख्य सड़कों को जाम कर देती है और किलोमीटर लंबी ट्रैफिक जाम पैदा कर देती है. यह एक ऐसा शहर है जिसमें राष्ट्रीय मिशन के तहत कई “स्मार्ट” प्रोजेक्ट्स हैं. यह मूलभूत विरोधाभास है: जबकि स्मार्ट सिटी योजनाएं सेंसर, वाई-फाई ज़ोन और डेटा एनालिटिक्स पर जोर देती हैं, बुनियादी शहरी योजना और ड्रेनेज अवसंरचना की उपेक्षा की गई है. जैसा कि एक वायरल X पोस्ट में सही कहा गया: 25 सितंबर, 2025 को @YeThikKarkeDikhao हैंडल ने लिखा—“₹1.5 लाख करोड़ भारत के ‘स्मार्ट सिटीज़ मिशन’ में डाले गए. फिर भी टियर-1 शहरों—मुंबई, गुरुग्राम, बेंगलुरु—की सड़कें खराब हैं. केवल जो SMART हुआ? ठेकेदार, नेता और बाबुओं के बैंक अकाउंट.” एक गहरा शहरी संकट शहरी बाढ़, इस विफलता का सबसे स्पष्ट रूप, अब हर साल होने वाली आपदा बन गई है. सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट (CSE) का अनुमान है कि भारत के 60 प्रतिशत से अधिक शहर बाढ़ के प्रति संवेदनशील हैं. कई अलर्ट सिस्टम, इंटीग्रेटेड कमांड सेंटर और “स्मार्ट” फ्लड अलर्ट होने के बावजूद, इसके मूल कारण, जैसे कि वेटलैंड का अतिक्रमण, खराब ड्रेनेज डिज़ाइन और निर्माण में भ्रष्टाचार, आज भी बने हुए हैं. 2023 में दिल्ली में यमुना के तटबंध टूटने से बाढ़ आई और हजारों लोग विस्थापित हुए, जबकि 2021 में मुंबई में चार दशकों की सबसे भारी बारिश ने परिवहन नेटवर्क को बंद कर दिया. वाराणसी और सूरत जैसे छोटे शहरों में भी इसी तरह की आपदा की खबरें आईं. एक यूज़र ने X पर लिखा: अक्टूबर 2025 को @singhrahulkumar ने लिखा, “तीन दिन पहले ही स्मार्ट सिटी (कहने के लिए) वाराणसी में बारिश हुई. अनगिनत गड्ढों ने स्थिति और खराब कर दी.” एक अन्य ट्वीट में लिखा: 24 जून, 2025 को @Polytikles ने लिखा— “पहली अंडरवॉटर सिटी का नज़ारा. गुजरात मॉडल स्मार्ट सिटी – सूरत की हालत, बारिश के तुरंत बाद.” ये पोस्ट जनता की बढ़ती नाराज़गी को दर्शाते हैं: जब एक ही बारिश शहरों को पैरालाइज कर देती है, जो “स्मार्ट” होने का दावा करते हैं, तो विफलता प्रकृति में नहीं बल्कि योजना में है. सच यह है कि हम अभी भी 1800 के दशक में डिज़ाइन किए गए ड्रेनेज सिस्टम का इस्तेमाल कर रहे हैं, जब बारिश धीरे-धीरे और कम मात्रा में आती थी. आज के मानसून पुराने सिस्टम की क्षमता से दोगुनी बारिश लाते हैं. और भी बुरा यह है कि हमने शहर के प्राकृतिक सांस लेने वाले स्थानों को बंद कर दिया है. हमने फ्लडप्लेन पर निर्माण कर दिया, हर जगह इमारतें घुसा दीं, और कचरा बची हुई ड्रेनों को जाम कर देता है. परिणाम? पानी का कोई रास्ता नहीं बचा, वह हमारे घरों, सड़कों और जीवन में प्रवेश कर जाता है. हम केवल स्मार्ट शहर नहीं बना रहे, हम बाढ़ जाल बना रहे हैं. हर मानसून में वही कहानी दोहराई जाती है: पंप निकाले जाते हैं, स्कूल बंद होते हैं, अधिकारी जाम हुए ड्रेनों को साफ करने दौड़ते हैं. ये केवल अस्थायी समाधान हैं, असली सुधार नहीं. हमें सही प्रतिक्रिया केंद्र चाहिए, लेकिन साथ ही हमें केवल प्रतिक्रिया देने की बजाय योजना बनाना शुरू करना होगा. प्रतिक्रिया केंद्र प्रबंधन में मदद करते हैं, लेकिन बाढ़ को रोक नहीं सकते. इसका मतलब है वास्तविक समय में फ्लड अलर्ट, लोगों के लिए शिकायत करने के खुले चैनल, और सबसे महत्वपूर्ण, जब अवसंरचना फेल हो तो ठेकेदारों को जवाबदेह ठहराना. लेकिन यह सब तब भी काम नहीं करेगा अगर हम प्रकृति की अनदेखी करते रहेंगे. झीलें, वेटलैंड और पुराने तूफ़ानी नाले बाढ़ का पानी अवशोषित करने के लिए होते हैं. हमने उन्हें कंक्रीट के नीचे दबा दिया. हमें उन्हें वापस लाना होगा. अनदेखी की गई बुनियादी बातें: सड़कें, नालियां और परिवहन स्मार्ट सिटी मिशन ने डिजिटल समाधानों को भौतिक अवसंरचना पर प्राथमिकता दी है. लेकिन कोई भी संख्या में सेंसर या कंट्रोल रूम टूटती सड़कों और पुराने ड्रेनेज नेटवर्क की कमी को पूरा नहीं कर सकते. गोवा की राजधानी पणजी, जो स्मार्ट सिटी मिशन के तहत है, इसका उदाहरण है. एक निवासी ने लिखा: 30 अगस्त, 2025 को @mohitlaws ने लिखा, “यह चांद की सतह नहीं है. यह गोवा की राजधानी पणजी है. यहां गड्ढे चांद के क्रेटरों से भी बड़े हैं. स्मार्ट सिटी इस सदी का सबसे बड़ा जुमला है.” मुंबई में, 2024 के आंकड़ों के अनुसार, ब्रिहन्मुम्बई नगर निगम (BMC) ने एक ही मानसून में 15,000 से अधिक गड्ढों की रिपोर्ट दर्ज की, जबकि सड़कों की मरम्मत के लिए भारी राशि आवंटित की गई थी. इस बीच, चेन्नई में लंबे समय से वादे किए गए तूफ़ानी जल अपग्रेड आधे अधूरे हैं. गुरुग्राम की मास्टर ड्रेनेज योजना 2016 से लागू नहीं हुई है. सार्वजनिक परिवहन, जो स्मार्ट शहरी जीवन का एक और स्तंभ है, भी उपेक्षित है. लखनऊ और भोपाल जैसे शहरों में आधी बनी मेट्रो लाइनें सीमित कनेक्टिविटी के साथ चल रही हैं, जबकि बसें भीड़भाड़ वाली और भरोसेमंद नहीं हैं. शहर में सब तरह के परिवहन को जोड़ने का वादा लगभग पूरी तरह असफल रहा है. हमें तकनीक से ज़्यादा की ज़रूरत है “स्मार्ट” का मतलब सिर्फ़ डिजिटल नहीं होता. असली समझदारी का मतलब है सोच-समझकर शहर की योजना बनाना, सिर्फ़ दिखावटी डैशबोर्ड नहीं. सड़कों से पानी आसानी से निकलना चाहिए. सार्वजनिक परिवहन तूफ़ान में भी काम करना चाहिए. शहर केवल आबादी के अनुमान के लिए नहीं, बल्कि जलवायु बदलाव को ध्यान में रखकर बनाए जाने चाहिए. टोक्यो या सिंगापुर जैसे शहरों को देखिए: उन्होंने बाढ़ का पानी हटाने के लिए बड़े अंडरग्राउंड टनल बनाए हैं. वे डेटा का इस्तेमाल करते हैं, लेकिन प्राकृतिक परिवेश का भी सम्मान करते हैं. यही उन्हें मजबूत बनाता है. भारत में हमने तकनीक पर ज़्यादा ध्यान दिया और मूलभूत चीज़ों पर कम. वर्ल्ड बैंक चेतावनी देता है कि 2036 तक अगर हम रास्ता नहीं बदलते, तो भारत को शहरी अवसंरचना में 840 बिलियन डॉलर का अंतर होगा. यह सिर्फ़ एक संख्या नहीं, बल्कि एक चेतावनी है. अब क्या? स्मार्ट सिटी मिशन बड़े वादों के साथ शुरू हुआ था. एक दशक बाद, इसके फटे हुए पहलू नजरअंदाज करना मुश्किल है, खासकर जब उनमें बारिश का पानी भर जाता है. नागरिक सही सवाल पूछ रहे हैं: वह शहर कितना स्मार्ट है जो कुछ ही घंटों में बाढ़ में डूब जाए? हमें सिर्फ़ चमकदार कंट्रोल रूम और डैशबोर्ड नहीं चाहिए. हमें ऐसे शहर चाहिए जो तूफ़ान में भी काम करें. इसका मतलब है दीर्घकालिक निवेश, बेहतर योजना और हां, समुदाय की भागीदारी. लोगों को समाधान का हिस्सा बनना होगा. यदि स्मार्ट सिटी मिशन के उद्देश्यों को पूरा करने के लिए सच्ची प्रतिबद्धता और सक्रिय समुदाय की भागीदारी नहीं होगी, तो मानसून में बाढ़ एक बार-बार होने वाली आपदा बनी रहेगी. जब तक भारत के शहर तकनीक बनाने से पहले मजबूती बनाना नहीं सीखते, स्मार्ट सिटी मिशन सिर्फ़ एक चमकदार मुखौटा बनेगा, जहां एक ही बारिश यह दिखा सकती है कि हमने वास्तव में ‘स्मार्ट सिटी’ बनाई है या सिर्फ़ स्मार्ट बाढ़ वाले इलाके.

• Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

Delhi’s Air Quality Begins To Deteriorate Ahead Of Winters, Authorities Likely To Announce GRAP Restrictions Soon

As Diwali approaches, the air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) has begun to deteriorate, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) showing a rising trend. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI in Delhi stood at 189, falling in the "moderate" category, while several areas recorded AQI levels above 200, categorised as "poor". What Does Air Quality Bulletin Say The CPCB's air quality bulletin revealed that areas like Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of over 300, falling in the "very poor" category. Other NCR cities also witnessed a rise in AQI levels, with Faridabad at 117, Ghaziabad at 204, Greater Noida at 180, Gurugram at 191, and Noida at 198. Delhi AQI Scares Residents The Air Quality Early Warning System forecast suggests that the air quality may further deteriorate, reaching the "poor" category by Wednesday and remaining in the "poor" to "very poor" category for the next six days. The decrease in wind speed and temperature is expected to contribute to the worsening air quality. Experts Hint At Worsening Situation Experts warn that the situation may worsen further, with the Centre for Science and Environment's executive director, Anumita Roy Chowdhury, emphasising the need for robust preventive measures and source-wise systemic action. Former head of CPCB's air laboratory, Deepankar Saha, attributed the deteriorating air quality to the end of the monsoon season and the resulting unfavourable meteorological conditions.

• Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

Smog Stories: What Is Vehicular Pollution And How Has It Become Delhi’s Biggest Source Of Air Pollution?

As winter is approaching, the biggest challenge that Delhi faces is to keep the air pollution under control and air breathable, a goal that the national capital fails to achieve each year. The air quality starts depleting around October and attains a hazardous level after Diwali. There are several factors that contribute to poor air quality in Delhi. While some of them are based outside its territory, given its geography and economic positioning, others are the national capital's own factors. Among Delhi's local pollution sources, the biggest contributor is vehicular pollution. What is vehicular pollution, and what are its pollutants? The vehicular pollution refers to the air pollution caused by the emissions from vehicles like buses, trucks, motorcycles and cars, among other motor-powered transportation. In vehicular pollution, the pollutants that are emitted are: -Carbon Monoxide (CO): The poisonous gas reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood. -Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): Contributes in global warming. -Nitrogen Oxide (NOₓ): NOₓ causes respiratory problems and contributes to smog and acid rain. -Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10): These are the tiny particles that can enter the lungs and cause diseases like asthma, bronchitis, etc. -Sulfur dioxide (SO₂): Like NOₓ, it can also cause respiratory issues and acid rain. -Hydrocarbons and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Some of them contribute to ground-level ozone, which forms the major component of the smog. How big a contributor is vehicular pollution for Delhi? The factors that cause depletion of the air quality in Delhi are several, but among the local sources, vehicular pollution's contribution to Delhi's PM 2.5 concentration is 51.5 per cent. According to a report by the Centre of Science and Environment (CSE), the local contributors to PM 2.5 concentration made up 30.34 per cent between October 22 to November 3, last year. Among that, 51.5 per cent is by vehicular pollution, followed by residential pollution at 13.2, and local and peripheral industrial pollution at 11.1 per cent.

• Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

Diwali and Delhi’s Air Pollution Crisis: Balancing Festivity and Environmental Responsibility

The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) notes that air pollution shortens the average life expectancy in Delhi by up to 11.9 years. Beyond humans, the smog also harms animals, reduces photosynthesis in plants, and accelerates environmental degradation. Diwali, the “Festival of Lights,” is celebrated with grandeur across India to mark the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Families decorate homes with diyas, candles, and lights, exchange sweets and gifts, and pray to Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity. However, amid this joyous spirit, one tradition—bursting firecrackers—has increasingly come under scrutiny, particularly in Delhi, where it worsens one of the world’s most severe air pollution crises. Delhi’s Air Quality: A Year-Round Challenge Delhi consistently ranks among the most polluted capitals globally. According to the World Air Quality Report 2023 by IQAir, Delhi retained its position as the world’s most polluted capital for the fourth consecutive year, with an average PM2.5 level of 92.6 µg/m³, nearly 18 times higher than the WHO’s safe limit. The city’s air quality deteriorates each winter due to multiple factors—vehicle emissions, construction dust, industrial discharge, and stubble burning in neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana. During late October and November, temperature inversion and calm winds trap pollutants close to the surface, forming dense smog. When Diwali fireworks add bursts of particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide to the mix, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) often shoots beyond 500, falling into the “severe” or “hazardous” category. The Health and Environmental Impact The consequences are immediate and widespread. After Diwali night, hospitals across Delhi-NCR report a 25–30% spike in respiratory and cardiac cases, according to data from the Safdarjung and LNJP hospitals. Children, the elderly, and those with asthma or heart disease are the worst affected. Even healthy individuals experience eye irritation, coughing, and shortness of breath. Prolonged exposure to high PM2.5 levels can lead to chronic bronchitis, reduced lung function, and increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) notes that air pollution shortens the average life expectancy in Delhi by up to 11.9 years. Beyond humans, the smog also harms animals, reduces photosynthesis in plants, and accelerates environmental degradation. Measures and Challenges in Implementation Recognizing the severity of the situation, the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT) have repeatedly banned the sale and use of conventional firecrackers in Delhi and adjoining areas. “Green crackers,” which emit about 30% less particulate matter and noise, have been introduced, but enforcement remains inconsistent. Despite restrictions, local authorities seized over 1,200 kg of illegal firecrackers in Delhi ahead of Diwali 2024, reflecting both public resistance and enforcement challenges. Towards an Eco-Friendly Diwali Public awareness is slowly shifting. Schools, NGOs, and media campaigns have successfully encouraged many to opt for eco-friendly Diwali celebrations—lighting diyas instead of fireworks, using green crackers, planting trees, or donating to underprivileged families. Social media movements like #CleanAirDiwali and #SayNoToCrackers are gaining traction among the youth. A Festival That Truly Spreads Light The essence of Diwali lies in illumination, not pollution. A collective move toward sustainable celebration can help Delhi breathe easier and ensure that future generations inherit not just a tradition of lights, but a cleaner, healthier environment. A green and mindful Diwali can truly reflect the victory of light over darkness—in every sense.

• Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

COlevels 58 times above safe limitin Gurgaon, PM10 alarming too

Gurgaon: Residents are forced to breathe in a toxic mix of coarse dust and carbon monoxide. Data from Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) shows that PM10 and CO have been the most prominent pollutants in the city since the start of Oct. Between Oct 1 and 12, PM10 levels consistently stayed above the safe daily limit of 60 µg/m³ , hovering between 101 and 220 µg/m³. PM10 levels were about 1.7 to 3.7 times higher than the permissible daily limit. CO levels hovered between 68 µg/m³ and 98 µg/m³ — over 40 to 58 times higher than the permissible limit of 1.7 µg/m³. Residents said the air has turned hazy over the past few evenings. Rahul Arora, a resident of Sector 86, said, "Garbage burning is still happening near our sector despite complaints. You can smell the smoke around sunset." A Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) official said, "PM10 is a direct outcome of road dust and ongoing construction, while CO levels rise with peakhour traffic and open waste burning. The current weather conditions are only amplifying both." PM10 particles — about one-seventh the width of a human hair — can irritate the eyes, nose and throat and worsen chronic respiratory diseases. CO exposure, even at moderate levels, can cause headaches, dizziness and fatigue. Prolonged exposure interferes with oxygen transport in the blood, which can be lifethreatening for vulnerable groups. According to the latest air quality and weather observations by Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, clear skies and weak winds over Delhi-NCR have created unfavourable conditions for pollutant dispersion. Air quality across Delhi-NCR, including Gurgaon, is likely to remain in the ‘poor' category till at least Oct 14, it said. While Gurgaon's air quality improved slightly on Sunday, the AQI dropped to 178 (‘moderate') from 220 (‘poor') a day earlier. Experts said the next few weeks are crucial as wind speeds dip and temperatures fall further. "Gurgaon's air typically turns toxic as winter sets in. Without immediate control on construction dust, traffic emissions and waste burning, PM10 and CO will push AQI levels back to the ‘very poor' zone soon, " research associate at Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) Shubhansh Tiwari said, adding, "Carbon monoxide is especially dangerous because it's invisible — it binds with haemoglobin far more efficiently than oxygen, silently cutting off oxygen supply to vital organs." Winds were predominantly from the west and southwest, blowing at 8–14 kmph, slowing further during night hours. The forecast for Oct 11–14 indicates similar weather: clear skies, below-normal temperatures and winds between 8 and 15kmph. The mixing depth — the vertical layer that allows pollutants to disperse — is expected to shrink from 2,300 metres on Oct 11 to 1,950 metres on Oct 13.

• Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

दिल्ली में ठंड से पहले ही हवा में लौट आया ज़हर, कई इलाकों में AQI 200 पार, एक्सपर्ट्स ने क्या कहा?

दिल्ली की हर साल की वही कहानी एक बार फिर दोहराई जा रही है। ठंड की आहट के साथ राजधानी में प्रदूषण (Pollution) ने भी अपने तेवर दिखाने शुरू कर दिए हैं। शनिवार को शहर के कई इलाकों में एयर क्वालिटी इंडेक्स (AQI) 200 के पार पहुंच गया, जो ‘खराब’ श्रेणी (Poor Category) में आता है। यह स्थिति नई बनी दिल्ली सरकार के लिए भी एक बड़ी परीक्षा मानी जा रही है, क्योंकि यह सरकार के कार्यकाल का पहला सर्दियों का मौसम है जब दिल्ली की हवा सबसे ज्यादा जहरीली होती है। दिल्ली में आखिरी बार हवा की गुणवत्ता 11 जून को खराब हुई थी, जब AQI 245 दर्ज किया गया था। उस समय मॉनसून के आगमन के कारण बाद में हवा में सुधार आया था और बारिश ने प्रदूषण को टिकने नहीं दिया था। लेकिन अब बारिश के थमते ही धूल, धुआं और पराली का धुआं फिर से हवा में घुलने लगा है। दिल्ली में ठंड के आगमन से पहले ही प्रदूषण के स्तर में तेजी से बढ़ोतरी हो रही है। पृथ्वी विज्ञान मंत्रालय के तहत काम करने वाली वायु गुणवत्ता प्रारंभिक चेतावनी प्रणाली (EWS) ने चेतावनी दी है कि रविवार से 14 अक्टूबर तक राजधानी की हवा की गुणवत्ता ‘खराब’ (Poor) श्रेणी में बनी रहने की संभावना है। हवा की गुणवत्ता में गिरावट को देखते हुए वायु गुणवत्ता प्रबंधन आयोग (CAQM) ने शनिवार को एक समीक्षा बैठक की। सूत्रों के मुताबिक, बैठक में हालात की विस्तार से समीक्षा की गई, लेकिन आयोग ने अभी ग्रेडेड रिस्पांस एक्शन प्लान (GRAP) के पहले चरण (Stage I) को लागू न करने का फैसला किया है, क्योंकि शनिवार तक औसत AQI ‘खराब’ स्तर तक नहीं पहुंचा था। वायु गुणवत्ता प्रबंधन आयोग (CAQM) ने शनिवार को स्थिति की समीक्षा की और बताया कि आयोग रविवार को फिर से वायु गुणवत्ता की स्थिति का आकलन करेगा। भारतीय कृषि अनुसंधान संस्थान (IARI) द्वारा संकलित आंकड़ों के अनुसार, शनिवार को छह राज्यों में कुल 64 पराली जलाने की घटनाएं सैटेलाइट्स के माध्यम से दर्ज की गईं। इनमें से 42 उत्तर प्रदेश, 14 पंजाब, 6 मध्य प्रदेश, और हरियाणा व राजस्थान में एक-एक घटना दर्ज की गई। विशेषज्ञों ने बताया कि भले ही उत्तरी भारत में पराली जलाना शुरू हो गया है, लेकिन दिल्ली की हवा की गुणवत्ता पर इसका फिलहाल कोई बड़ा प्रभाव नहीं पड़ा है। मौसम विशेषज्ञों का मानना है कि आने वाले दिनों में हवा की दिशा और गति पर निर्भर करेगा कि यह प्रदूषण किस हद तक दिल्ली की ओर बढ़ता है। फिलहाल आयोग ने GRAP का पहला चरण (Stage I) लागू न करने का निर्णय बरकरार रखा है, लेकिन स्थिति बिगड़ने पर इसे तुरंत लागू करने की तैयारी है। दिल्ली में बढ़ते वायु प्रदूषण के बीच निर्णय समर्थन प्रणाली (Decision Support System – DSS) के ताज़ा आंकड़ों से पता चला है कि फिलहाल दिल्ली की खराब होती हवा के लिए पराली जलाना मुख्य कारण नहीं है। DSS के अनुसार, शुक्रवार को पराली जलाने की हिस्सेदारी केवल 0.34% रही, यानी दिल्ली के प्रदूषण पर इसका प्रभाव बेहद मामूली है। रिपोर्ट में कहा गया है कि शनिवार को प्रदूषण में सबसे बड़ा योगदान परिवहन क्षेत्र (Transport Sector) का रहा, जो कुल 19.1% दर्ज किया गया। इसके अलावा, सोनीपत से 10.8% उत्सर्जन, जबकि झज्जर और दिल्ली के आवासीय इलाकों से 4.8% प्रदूषण दर्ज किया गया। इस पर चिंता जताते हुए सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट (CSE) की कार्यकारी निदेशक (अनुसंधान एवं वकालत) अनुमिता रॉयचौधरी ने कहा कि “हम एक बार फिर उस दौर में प्रवेश कर रहे हैं जहां प्रदूषण की स्थिति आपातकाल जैसी हो जाती है।” उन्होंने कहा कि आने वाली सर्दियों में प्रदूषण कितना गंभीर होगा, यह देखना बाकी है, लेकिन फिलहाल जो रुझान सामने आ रहे हैं, वे चिंताजनक हैं। अनुमिता रॉयचौधरी ने जोर देकर कहा कि “वायु गुणवत्ता में लगातार सुधार के लिए अब मजबूत निवारक कदमों और हर स्रोत के हिसाब से व्यवस्थित कार्रवाई की जरूरत है।” उन्होंने सुझाव दिया कि सरकारों को परिवहन, औद्योगिक उत्सर्जन, निर्माण कार्य और कचरा जलाने जैसे स्रोतों पर अलग-अलग रणनीतियां बनाकर सिस्टमेटिक और दीर्घकालिक समाधान लागू करने होंगे, ताकि दिल्ली और आसपास के क्षेत्रों में हर साल दोहराए जाने वाले प्रदूषण संकट को स्थायी रूप से कम किया जा सके।