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From sacred mothers to polluted streams: India’s dying rivers and the urgent call for renewal

The Centre for Science and Environment’s State of Environment Report 2023 revealed that 279 rivers across 30 states are polluted—nearly half of all rivers. In Indian culture, rivers are not only life-giving but also sacred, worshipped as mothers who nourish and sustain humanity. Without rivers, the very idea of human civilization would have been impossible. Our sages understood that water and forests are the foundation of life. They reminded us that “trees bring rain, rain produces grain, and grain sustains life.” The Atharva Veda emphasized the need for pure water bodies near human settlements, noting that clean water ensures health, longevity, and well-being. This reverence for rivers shaped traditions that treated them as divine. Yet, today, driven by greed and profit, we have pushed our rivers into crisis. India, known as the land of rivers, has over 4,000 small and large rivers. Yet, according to the Pollution Control Board, out of 521 monitored rivers, only 198 remain clean, mostly smaller ones. Unplanned urbanization, industrialization, and reckless development have gravely endangered them, even wiping out several tributaries. Climate change has further shrunk their sources, while market forces exploit them as commodities. The Centre for Science and Environment’s State of Environment Report 2023 revealed that 279 rivers across 30 states are polluted—nearly half of all rivers. Maharashtra tops the list with 55 polluted rivers, followed by Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Manipur, and West Bengal. Industrial effluents, unchecked waste, and rapid growth are poisoning rivers, decimating fish populations, and destabilizing aquatic ecosystems. Scientists consider fish as bioindicators of healthy water. If rivers can no longer sustain them, it signals ecological collapse. Pollution also undermines agriculture. Farmers already depend heavily on chemical fertilizers, and when polluted river water irrigates fields, it contaminates food at its very source. Meanwhile, reckless sand mining devastates riparian zones, as seen in the Narmada basin, where once-expansive riverbanks have shrunk drastically. This demands stricter regulation, treating sand not as a minor but a major mineral requiring environmental clearance. Large dams further complicate river health. In the Narmada valley alone, 30 major dams have been proposed, many already built. Their cumulative impact on the river must be assessed before any new projects move forward. Globally, dam removal has gained momentum. Europe and North America are dismantling obsolete or harmful dams to restore river ecosystems. The European Parliament’s Nature Restoration Law requires 25,000 km of rivers to be free-flowing by 2030. New Zealand has gone further by granting the Whanganui River legal personhood. India too has seen progress—the Uttarakhand High Court recognized the Ganga and Yamuna as “living entities” with rights akin to human beings. The way forward for India requires more than token schemes. Regulatory bodies must move beyond administrative management to ecological governance that integrates climate science and biodiversity. Mining, deforestation, and construction that disrupt catchments must be banned. Every project impacting rivers and valleys should undergo rigorous and impartial environmental and social assessments. Comprehensive sewage treatment plants must be built across river basins, while industrial effluents, pesticides, and chemical residues must be strictly controlled. The National Green Tribunal has issued important directives for river conservation, targeting pollution control, illegal mining, and waste management. Initiatives like Namami Gange can succeed only if governments, industries, local communities, and citizens recognize rivers not as exploitable resources but as living lifelines.

9 new monitors in Gurgaon soon to boost noise level checks

Gurgaon: The city that tops Haryana's charts for construction activity and traffic congestion has just three noise monitoring devices, and those too, are used only around Diwali. There is no routine monitoring of how loud Gurgaon actually is, officials said, adding that the three movable devices are deployed only to track violations of the cracker ban around the festival, leaving everyday noise from traffic, weddings, DJ nights and construction unchecked. Moreover, the city has not been allocated any fixed or real-time monitoring stations so far. However, the situation is set to improve as the city is slated to receive nine more devices, bringing the total to 12. The state, according to HSPCB senior environmental engineer JP Singh, has set a target of procuring 117 additional devices by 2026. "Noise pollution is not a problem only around festivals. People here live with construction clatter, honking, and late-night party music every single day," said Vivek Kamboj, an environmentalist, underscoring the disconnect between policy and lived reality. Moreover, there is a stark disparity across districts. Of the 22 districts, only 12 have more than one device. Six districts, including Kaithal and Dabwali, have none, with no procurement planned. Jhajjar, also at zero, has been earmarked for 16 instruments, though no timeline has been fixed for the same. The state's reliance on portable meters, 37 out of 39 devices, means real-time, location-specific data remains elusive. Meanwhile, districts like Ambala, which has 10 existing and 10 planned devices, and Sonipat, with 30 devices, are set to receive far more equipment than Gurgaon, despite being less urbanised. Public health experts warn that the lack of sufficient devices comes at a cost. "Noise pollution is not just a nuisance; it contributes to stress, hypertension, and sleep disorders," said Shubhansh Tiwari, a research associate with Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). "Districts with zero coverage are essentially flying blind." For residents, enforcement will remain a once-a-year ritual unless the promised meters are delivered and actively used. "Noise pollution, often overlooked, also poses serious health risks, particularly in urban and industrial areas. To combat these challenges, a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach is essential. Key actions include the installation of ambient noise level monitoring systems, procurement of portable analysers, and enhanced noise monitoring during the festive season," said Tiwari. According to World Health Organisation (WHO), nearly 1.1 billion people aged between 12 and 35 years are at risk of hearing loss due to noise exposure.

Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative Touted As An African Model of Climate Adaptation

As part of its Green Legacy Initiative (GLI), anchored by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Ethiopia this year is reported to have planted a record-breaking 714.7 million tree seedlings on a single day in July 2025, under the theme "Renewal Through Planting," according to Engineer Lelise Neme, Director General, Ethiopian Environment Protection Authority for the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) in a keynote address at the launch of the State of Africa’s Environment 2025 Report in Addis Ababa on 17 to 19 September,2025 by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) based in India. Engineer Neme said at the launch that the 2025 planting campaign was part of an annual target to plant 7.5 billion trees, with a long-term aim to reach 54 billion seedlings by 2026 in a five year programme. ‘This is an African model of climate adaptation,” she told Journalists from Africa, government officials and other experts, including from CSE in lndia. She said Ethiopia's climate adaptation efforts focus on strengthening climate resilience through its National Adaptation Plan (NAP-ETH), which integrates adaptation into its development strategies like the Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE). She extended sincere appreciation to the organizers of the meeting, the Alliance for Science – Ethiopia, Media for Environment, Science, Health and Agriculture (MESHA), Kenya and particularly the Center for science and Environment (CSE), India for making the gathering a reality. “This is because, the promoting and ensuring the protection and conservation of the environment as a valuable asset for the people of Ethiopia, is the key mandate of Ethiopian Environment Protection Authority (EPA),” Neme said. She said their mission is to protect their people and the environment from harmful effects of Pollution, Climate change and Biodiversity loss. “At this point in time, discussing and working on issues of climate and environmental protection is extravagance, but it is a matter of existence and way of life,” Neme said. She said scientific evidences are constantly telling them that climate change is disproportionately impacting the continent Africa due to increased extreme weather events that devastate agriculture, infrastructure, and livelihoods. Neme said impacts of climate change including droughts and floods, leading to crop failure, food insecurity, and economic losses are usually caused by rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns. She said according to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), 16 out of 19 hunger hotspots in 2025 are in Eastern and Southern Africa and the Sahel, with up to 56% of the population in South Sudan and Sudan affected by acute food insecurity. She added that over 115 million people faced acute food insecurity in Eastern and Southern Africa and the Sahel in 2025 due to environmental factors exacerbated by conflict. According to Neme, in Africa, the most vulnerable populations to climate change and pollution are particularly people living in remote rural areas and informal settlements as well as other sections of society - women, children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and those living in poverty. She said well aware these facts, Ethiopia’s constitution incorporates a number of provisions the right to a clean and healthy environment and the right to sustainable development, protection, sustainable use, and improvement of the country’s environment. She said too ensure the constitutional provisions, their Authority undertakes various coordination activities to ensure that the environmental objectives provided under the constitution are fully realized and to establish effective systems and monitoring instruments to achieve our goals. They are also mandated to formulate or initiate and coordinate the formulation of strategies, policies, laws and standards as well as procedures and up on approval monitor and enforce their implementation as well as the development of mechanisms that promote social, economic and environmental justice. Neme said when it comes to climate change and pollution, the country Ethiopia wants to pursue not only the narratives of challenges and skepticism, but climate solution and adaptation. She said at the recent second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) in Addis Ababa, African leaders in their Declaration called to "strengthened and sustained support to scale up the implementation of the African led climate initiatives including the Ethiopian Green Legacy Initiative. “I hope as African will continue to spotlights African solutions and adaptation mechanism also in the time to come including during the upcoming 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference or Conference of the Parties, COP30, to be held in Belém, Brazil,” Neme said. She said that it is her conviction that “The State of Africa’s Environment 2025 Report” that was launched would remain to be a vital instrument to documents Africa’s environment and climate changes stories and inform our policies and laws. “I know that Africa and India share communalities and have mutual interests in the global climate change debates,”she said. “Therefore, once again, I want to thank the Center for science and Environment (CSE), India, for this wonderful annual report that reflects these commonalities,”Neme said.

Climate-related Deaths Rise Sharply Across Africa: Researchers

Ethiopia recorded at least 442 deaths since 2020, twice as many as in preceding decade Extreme weather events claimed the lives of at least 442 Ethiopians in the past five years, according to a report published by an Indian public-interest research organization. The ‘State of Africa’s Environment 2025’ report from the New Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment (CSE India) reveals that extreme weather events claimed twice as many Ethiopian lives between 2020 and 2025 as they did in the ten years leading up to the start of the new decade. The report, released in Addis Ababa this week, indicates a similar pattern across Africa, where close to 42,000 people have been killed by climate events over the past 15 years. Close to 70 percent of them in 2020 or after, according to CSE India, marking a threefold increase in weather and climate-related fatalities in recent years.

Delhi govt., IIT Kanpur sign MoU for artificial rain trials

The Delhi government on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur to conduct cloud seeding trials as an emergency measure to combat rising air pollution. The first phase of the trial is scheduled between October 7 and 11 in north and north-west Delhi. Operations will be carried out using IIT Kanpur’s Cessna 206H aircraft from the Hindon airbase at an estimated cost of ₹3.5 crore. Based on the results, the government will decide the future course of action. A senior government official explained that the aircraft will fly beneath cloud cover and spray silver iodide, which interacts with existing water droplets to make them heavier and condense as rain. ‘Delhi’s first trials’ Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, along with Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, took part in the signing of the MoU. Ms. Gupta told reporters that the government is deploying every possible measure to curb pollution. “From mechanical road sweeping, using anti-smog guns and mist sprayers to strict dust control, we have taken multiple steps. Now, we are adding cloud seeding to provide relief during peak winter pollution. These will be Delhi’s first artificial rain trials, a historic milestone for the city,” she said. Mr. Sirsa confirmed that five trial operations are planned within the October 7-11 window, depending on weather conditions. “The aircraft is fully equipped, flown by trained pilots, and every operation will be assessed before moving to the next,” the Minister said. He also said approvals have been secured from 13 government agencies, including Aviation, Defence, Home, and Environment, as well as district administrations and meteorological bodies. ‘Letters not enough’ Mr. Sirsa criticised the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, saying writing letters was not enough and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government worked to obtain all permissions. He added that IIT Kanpur has secured approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to conduct trials between October 1 and November 30. Efforts to introduce artificial rain in Delhi have been under discussion for years. The previous AAP government had initiated talks with IIT Kanpur, but the plan stalled, with then Environment Minister Gopal Rai alleging that the Centre did not respond to repeated requests for permissions. The BJP, after coming to power in February this year, revived the proposal. Trials were initially planned for July and later September, but both were postponed. ‘Temporary measure’ Despite the preparations for trials, experts have raised doubts over the move. Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director at the Centre for Science and Environment, said artificial rain is an “expensive temporary measure”. “Even if there is some rain, pollution levels will bounce back quickly during winter. We should focus on long-term solutions to reduce pollution at the sources,” she said. Ms. Roychowdhury said funds earmarked for these experiments should instead go towards ground-level implementation of emission reduction measures across sectors.

China announces 7-10% cut in GHG emissions by 2035; experts call it modest

China’s targets could have been more ambitious, but its real world investments in low carbon technologies — domestically and globally — will have an undeniably positive impact on global emissions, ” said Avantika Goswami, Programme Manager, Climate Change, Centre for Science and Environment. China on Wednesday announced an update to its carbon dioxide emissions reduction target (or Nationally Determined Contribution, NDC) at the United Nations Climate Summit , positioning itself as the global leader in tackling the climate crisis ahead of the big UN Climate meeting (COP30) in Brazil, although experts adjudged the NDC itself as extremely modest China will also expand the installed capacity of wind and solar power to over six times the 2020 levels, striving to bring the total to 3,600 gigawatts. Xi added that the total forest stock volume will surpass 24 billion cubic metres. China’s NDC suggests emissions will peak before 2035, although some assessments show them as having already peaked. Experts said the NDC, while not being in alignment with the steep cuts required to meet the targets laid out in the Paris Agreement, still has major significance because of China’s posturing in climate action. India is yet to update its NDC, and it is not clear whether it will do so before COP30, although the general expectation is that it will. Signalling commitment “China’s updated NDC is an important step forward, one that can drive a deeper shift toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. China’s transition is moving into deep water, where difficult policy choices must be made just as national emissions are poised to peak. What matters now is preparing capital and speeds a shorter plateau and faster structural decline in emissions, ” said Ember’s senior analyst for China, Muyi Yang. In December , the Biden administration submitted its NDC 3.0, but President Donald Trump, who took office a month later, has since withdrawn the US from the Paris Agreement. The European Union (EU) has submitted a “statement of criticised the range, saying it is not as ambitious as they expected. The EU is still to forge a consensus on an ambitious NDC as Germany, France, and Hungary have not yet come on board. An EU NDC may come through ahead of the COP30 in November. Experts are concerned that the EU is not taking the leadership that it is normally expected to and attribute this, in part, to the rise of the right wing in certain states, which have a different set of priorities, their domestic economic conditions, and more investments in defence. In his speech, Xi said green and low-carbon transformation is the trend of the times. He added that the international community should take the right direction with firm confidence and move forward with new NDCs and inject more positive energy into global climate governance cooperation. He also said countries should advance the global green transformation by upholding fairness and equity and fully respect the development rights of developing countries. Finally, he said countries should strengthen coordination in green technologies and industries. “China’s unveiling of its NDC is a show of commitment to the multilateral climate regime, and the desire to keep advancing ambition of shared climate goals. With its role as a dominant electrostate (one where electricity is the dominant source of energy), China’s actions will shape the coming decades in energy, as the US retreats further into fossil fuel entrenchment. China’s targets could have been more ambitious, but its real world investments in low carbon technologies — domestically and globally — will have an undeniably positive impact on global emissions, ” said Avantika Goswami, Programme Manager, Climate Change, Centre for Science and Environment.

Liquid Candy” is unhealthy

One alarming report: “In 2003, the Delhi non-profit Centre for Science and Environment published a disputed report finding pesticide levels in Coke and Pepsi soft drinks sold in India at levels 30 times that considered safe by the European Economic Commission.” IN previous columns, we wrote that soft drinks (which I call “liquid candy”), cola or uncola, diet or regular, or in any other form, are, by and large, unhealthy, especially for children. Not only because the regular ones are loaded with sugar (high carb, super calories), but because of the other adverse effects the ingredients in these soft drinks (without exception!) have on people’s health. Even those with artificial sweeteners in diet drinks, the phosphoric acid in them ruins tooth enamel, weakens bones by interfering with absorption of calcium, iron, magnesium, minerals in general, and poses hazards to the kidneys and the gastrointestinal tract. Soft drinks also increase the risk for metabolic syndrome, especially among children. In short, soft drinks are poisonous! Phosphoric acid is commonly used in cleaning products such as chelating, rust-proofing, and pickling metals. Because it is corrosive, I use cola beverage to drain my clogged drains, or to cleanse toilet bowls. Ravi Dhingra, MD, clinical instructor in medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, reported that “both diet and regular soft drinks have brutally high acid levels.” “Drinking more than one soda a day – regular or diet – appears to increase the risk factors for heart disease,” the Framingham Heart Study researchers emphasized. The following findings of the Harvard research, which we are quoting in full, are a most convincing confirmation and reaffirmation of the other clinical studies in the past of children soft drink consumers into adulthood: Risk rises with soda consumption Harvard Medical School researcher Ravi Dhingra, MD, and study colleagues looked at nearly 6,000 middle-aged men and women who had exams every four years. At the outset, all were free of heart disease and metabolic syndrome. Four years later, in comparison to people who drank less than one soft drink a day, researchers found that those who consumed one or more sodas a day experienced: • A 25% increased risk of impaired (or higher than normal) fasting glucose and high triglyceride levels. • A 31% greater likelihood of becoming obese. • A 32% higher chance of lower HDL levels. • A 44% increased risk of metabolic syndrome. These results were published in the Circulation Journal of the American Heart Association. Dr. Dhingra and his colleagues were surprised that regular and diet soft drinks posed similar risks for metabolic syndrome, which remained the case even when the study was adjusted for dietary factors such as saturated and trans fats, calorie and fiber consumption and levels of physical activity. There are several theories as to why this might be – perhaps the extreme sweetness of soft drinks makes people more apt to eat sweet foods, or the caramel content may promote insulin resistance and inflammation. To others, though, it is now obvious that high acidic levels will help cause these symptoms. Adverse health effects Drinking soft drinks of any kind has been linked to the development of obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, lowered calcium and potassium levels, heart disease, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, dental cavities and nutritional depletion. There is also a claim that it may hurt conception. These liquid candies also contain caffeine which could disrupt sleep and lead to anxiety and DNA damage and hyperactivity, especially among children. The prevalence of obesity among Americans doubled between 1977 and 2001 and this trend was paralleled by a doubling of the consumption of soft drinks. An increase in the body mass index (BMI) of 0.24 kg/meter square was found among children for each (ONE!) soft drink they consumed. Studies on adults (50,000 female nurses in one study) revealed that drinking even one can of soft drink led to weight gain and increased blood sugar among diabetics. One study reported this interesting finding: “One four-week experiment compared a 450-calorie/day supplement of sugar-sweetened soft drinks to a 450-calorie/day supplement of jelly beans. The jelly bean supplement did not lead to weight gain, but the soft drink supplement did. The likely reason for the difference in weight gain is that people who consumed the jelly beans lowered their caloric intake at subsequent meals, while people who consumed soft drinks did not. Thus, the low levels of satiety provided by sugar-sweetened soft drinks may explain their association with obesity. That is, people who consume calories in sugar-sweetened beverages may fail to adequately reduce their intake of calories from other sources.” One alarming report: “In 2003, the Delhi non-profit Centre for Science and Environment published a disputed report finding pesticide levels in Coke and Pepsi soft drinks sold in India at levels 30 times that considered safe by the European Economic Commission.” Another study showed that those subjects who consumed soft drinks had lower bone mineral density, placing them at increased risk of suffering not only osteoporosis but also bone fractures. More scary is the increased risk for the development of metabolic syndrome (a group of conditions that include type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, obesity, high blood fat, and low levels of good cholesterol). It is our government’s role and responsibility to protect our children by not allowing our schools, public or private, to have vending machines that sell soft drinks and other unhealthy products, much like outlawing the vending machines that used to sell cigarettes. The Departments of Health and Education and other agencies concerned, as MAHA Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, jr., has proclaimed, must also ensure that all schools require a course in nutrition for all students and offer only healthy menus in their cafeteria. This makes sense. After all, a healthy citizenry translates into a healthy nation.

Urgent Appeal to Supreme Court: Activists and Experts Demand Review of Char Dham Highway Project Amid Rising Himalayan Disasters

The appeal is endorsed by a stellar lineup including former Union Ministers Dr. Karan Singh and Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi, MPs Reta Ram Singh and Jaya Sabha, environmental experts like Prof. Shekhar Pathak and Dr. Y.P. Sundriyal, activists such as K. Govindacharya, and organizations like the Centre for Science and Environment and Ganga Action Parivar. A coalition of eminent environmentalists, scientists, former ministers, and activists has made a powerful plea to the Chief Justice of India, urging an immediate review of the Supreme Court’s 2021 judgment permitting extensive road widening under the Char Dham Pariyojana in the fragile Himalayan region. The appeal, backed by over 50 prominent figures, warns that unchecked infrastructure development is accelerating climate-driven disasters and threatening the ecological balance, local communities, and India’s water security. Mounting Himalayan Disasters Signal a Crisis The document highlights escalating natural calamities across Himalayan states—Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir—including flash floods, landslides, and glacier bursts. It cites the 2013 Kedarnath floods, the 2021 Rishi Ganga glacial burst, and 2023’s devastating floods as clear warnings of the fragile terrain’s vulnerability. This year alone, intensified cloudbursts and mudslides in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh have caused significant loss of life and property. The recent Dharali disaster in the Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone (BESZ) is cited as a vivid example of how ongoing development projects exacerbate these risks. Global climate change worsens these threats, with the IPCC’s 2021 report highlighting the accelerated melting of Himalayan glaciers—crucial freshwater sources for millions downstream. Supreme Court Judgment Under Scrutiny At the heart of the appeal is a demand to revisit the December 14, 2021, Supreme Court ruling that allowed a Double Lane with Paved Shoulder (DL-PS) road design—10-meter wide with 12-meter formations—for the Char Dham project. The appellants argue this ruling contradicts the Supreme Court’s own 2018 circular recommending a maximum road width of 5.5 meters for hilly terrain, disregarding the fragile Himalayan geology. The Char Dham project, aimed at improving pilgrimage access, has caused widespread deforestation, hill cutting, and dumping of muck into rivers—heightening ecological fragility. The appeal notes that in narrow mountain valleys, simultaneous infrastructure works like hydropower tunnels and road expansions have overwhelmed the terrain’s carrying capacity. The appeal also flags the destruction of thousands of trees and potential harm to 6,000 hectares of forest, especially in the pristine Uttarkashi-Gangotri stretch, the last remaining untouched portion of the National River Ganga. Environmental and Human Costs: A National Concern The appeal stresses the broader ecological fallout—destroyed springs, damaged aquifers, increased vehicular pollution impacting glaciers, and illegal tourism infrastructure compounding the problem. It laments how unchecked multi-storey hotels on vulnerable slopes worsen disaster impact during floods and landslides. Economic losses are staggering: the 2025 monsoon damage estimate in Uttarakhand alone is ₹5,700 crores, with season-long losses nearing ₹50,000 crores—the worst since the 2013 Kedarnath floods, which caused over ₹3,800 crores in damages. The Himalayan ecosystem supports over 600 million people downstream, making its protection a critical national priority. A Diverse and Influential Coalition The appeal is endorsed by a stellar lineup including former Union Ministers Dr. Karan Singh and Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi, MPs Reta Ram Singh and Jaya Sabha, environmental experts like Prof. Shekhar Pathak and Dr. Y.P. Sundriyal, activists such as K. Govindacharya, and organizations like the Centre for Science and Environment and Ganga Action Parivar.

NHRC, India’s fourth ITEC Executive capacity-building programme on human rights for NHRIs of the Global South concludes in New Delhi

The speakers included NHRC Chairperson, Justice Shri V. Ramasubramanian, Member, Justice (Dr.) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi, Secretary General, Shri Bharat Lal, Shri V. K. Paul, Member, NITI Aayog, Shri Rajeev Kumar, Former Chief Election Commissioner of India, Dr. Dnyaneshwar M. Mulay and Shri Rajiv Jain, former Members, NHRC, Shri Yugal Kishore Joshi, Mission Director at NITI Aayog, Ambassador Asoke Kumar Mukerji, former PR of India to UN, Mr. Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator, India, Smt. Sunita Narain, Director General, Centre for Science and Environment, India, Smt. Sumita Dawra, former Secretary, Ministry of Labour & Employment, Shri Manoj Yadava and Shri Ajay Bhatnagar, former DGs(I), NHRC, Shri Surajit Dey, former Registrar (Law), NHRC and Shri Samir Kumar, Joint Secretary, NHRC. The programme was also enriched by the sharing of the experiences by the participating senior functionaries of various NHRIs.

पटाखों पर पूर्ण प्रतिबंध कारगर नहीं, संतुलित दृष्टिकोण की ज़रूरत: सुप्रीम कोर्ट

सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरमेंट कई बार इस पर खुलकर अपनी राय भी ज़ाहिर कर चुका है कि कम अज़ कम राजधानी में बढ़ते प्रदूषण के स्तर को रोकने के लिए न सिर्फ़ दिल्ली में बल्कि आसपास के राज्यों को भी पटाखों के इस्तेमाल और पराली जलाने की घटनाओं से सख्ती से निपटने की ज़रूरत है. सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने शुक्रवार (26 सितंबर) को कहा कि पटाखों पर पूर्ण प्रतिबंध से माफियाओं को इस उद्योग पर कब्जा करने और अवैध रूप से अपना माल जनता को बेचने का रास्ता खुल जाएगा. द हिंदू की खबर के मुताबिक, भारत के मुख्य न्यायाधीश बीआर गवई की अध्यक्षता वाली पीठ ने सुनवाई के दौरान इस बात का उल्लेख किया कि कैसे बिहार में खनन पर पूर्ण प्रतिबंध के कारण माफियाओं का उदय हुआ है. मुख्य न्यायाधीश गवई ने हजारों श्रमिकों को रोजगार देने वाले पटाखा उद्योग के खिलाफ कठोर और तानाशाह दृष्टिकोण अपनाने की बेकार कोशिश पर टिप्पणी करते हुए कहा, ‘जैसा कि हमने अतीत में अनुभव किया है, पूर्ण प्रतिबंध लागू नहीं किया जा सकता है.’ इस संबंध में सर्वोच्च न्यायालय ने एक ‘संतुलित दृष्टिकोण’ अपनाने का आह्वान करते हुए कहा कि इसे लेकर एक ऐसी नीति होनी चाहिए, जो यह सुनिश्चित करे कि पटाखा उद्योग में आजीविका कमाने का अधिकार, वायु प्रदूषण के दुष्प्रभावों से प्रभावित हुए बिना, स्वच्छ पर्यावरण के अधिकार के साथ सह-अस्तित्व में रहे. पीठ ने पर्यावरण मंत्रालय को एक ऐसा समाधान खोजने का निर्देश दिया है, जिसमें सभी पहलुओं पर विचार किया जा सके. मालूम हो कि इस संबंध में अदालत से पटाखा निर्माताओं और विक्रेताओं सहित सभी हितधारकों की बात सुनने को कहा गया है. हरित पटाखों की अनुमति इस बीच अदालत ने उन निर्माताओं को, जिन्हें नीरी (एनईईआरआई) और पेसो (पीईएसओ) द्वारा हरित पटाखे बनाने का प्रमाण पत्र प्राप्त है, अपना काम जारी रखने की अनुमति दे दी है. हालांकि, अदालत ने इन निर्माताओं को यह वचन देने का निर्देश दिया है कि वे अगले आदेश तक प्रतिबंधित क्षेत्रों में अपने उत्पाद नहीं बेचेंगे. ज्ञात हो कि इस संबंध में 12 सितंबर को हुई पिछली सुनवाई में मुख्य न्यायाधीश ने पूरे देश में पटाखों के निर्माण, बिक्री और उपयोग के लिए एक समान नीति बनाने और उसे लागू करने की आवश्यकता पर ज़ोर दिया था. मुख्य न्यायाधीश गवई ने कहा था, ‘अगर पटाखों पर प्रतिबंध लगाना है, तो यह पूरे देश के लिए करना होगा… साथ ही, इस उद्योग पर निर्भर गरीबों का भी ध्यान रखना होगा.’ मुख्य न्यायाधीश गवई ने पूछा था कि देश के अन्य हिस्सों और शहरों में रहने वाले नागरिकों को वायु प्रदूषण से राष्ट्रीय राजधानी शहर के ‘अभिजात वर्ग’ (Elite) के समान राहत क्यों नहीं दी जानी चाहिए. उल्लेखनीय है कि अदालत ने अप्रैल 2025 में दिल्ली और राष्ट्रीय राजधानी क्षेत्र (एनसीआर) में पटाखों की बिक्री, उत्पादन और निर्माण पर ‘सर्वव्यापी, स्थायी’ प्रतिबंध की पुष्टि की थी. उस समय सर्वोच्च न्यायालय ने नागरिकों के स्वच्छ वायु के अधिकार की रक्षा के लिए इस तरह के कठोर कदम को ‘बेहद आवश्यक’ पाया था. तब अदालत ने तर्क दिया था कि प्रतिबंध को सर्दियों या त्योहारों के मौसम के कुछ महीनों तक सीमित रखने से कोई फायदा नहीं होगा क्योंकि पटाखों का भंडारण साल भर केवल प्रतिबंध अवधि के दौरान ही बिक्री और उपयोग के लिए किया जाएगा. कोर्ट ने ‘तथाकथित हरित पटाखों’ में वैज्ञानिक सुधार करने की ज़िम्मेदारी निर्माताओं पर डाल दी थी. इस मामले में न्यायमित्र वरिष्ठ अधिवक्ता अपराजिता सिंह ने कहा था, ‘यह गलत धारणा है कि वायु प्रदूषण केवल अभिजात वर्ग की समस्या है. असल में, इससे सड़कों पर रहने वाले लोग पीड़ित हैं. निर्माण मजदूर और दिहाड़ी मजदूर…’ पटाखा उद्योग की ओर से पेश वरिष्ठ अधिवक्ता के. परमेश्वर ने कहा था कि अप्रैल 2025 में दिल्ली और राष्ट्रीय राजधानी क्षेत्र (एनसीआर) में पटाखों की बिक्री, उत्पादन और निर्माण पर पूर्ण प्रतिबंध लगाने की सर्वोच्च न्यायालय की पुष्टि के कारण उनके लाइसेंस रद्द किए जा रहे हैं. इनमें से कुछ लाइसेंस 2028 तक वैध थे. पराली जलाने की घटनाएं मालूम हो कि बीते साल इस मामले की न्यायमित्र (एमिकस क्यूरी) और वरिष्ठ वकील अपराजिता सिंह ने अदालत का ध्यान पंजाब और हरियाणा में पराली जलाने की घटनाओं की ओर भी दिलाया था. उन्होंने कहा था, ‘दीपावली के एक दिन पहले यानी 30 अक्टूबर 2024 को लगभग 160 जगहों पर पराली जलाने की घटना दर्ज़ हुई है. दीपावली के दिन यानी 31 अक्टूबर को यह संख्या बढ़कर 605 हो गई.’ सुप्रीम कोर्ट में इस सुनवाई के दौरान उस रिपोर्ट का भी ज़िक्र हो चुका है जब 2015 में प्रदूषण का ओजोन परत पर पड़ते प्रभाव के विश्लेषण के दौरान मॉनिटर ने अपना काम करना बंद कर दिया था. सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरमेंट कई बार इस पर खुलकर अपनी राय भी ज़ाहिर कर चुका है कि कम अज़ कम राजधानी में बढ़ते प्रदूषण के स्तर को रोकने के लिए न सिर्फ़ दिल्ली में बल्कि आसपास के राज्यों को भी पटाखों के इस्तेमाल और पराली जलाने की घटनाओं से सख्ती से निपटने की ज़रूरत है. हालांकि, सुप्रीम कोर्ट के स्पष्ट दिशानिर्देशों के बावजूद, पंजाब और हरियाणा में अब तक पूरी तरह से पटाखों पर प्रतिबंध नहीं लग सका है. इस मामले में ध्यान देने वाली बात ये भी है कि हाल ही में सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने पराली जलाने वाले किसानों के खिलाफ सरकारों को सख्ती से निपटने की बात कही थी. इस संबंध में अदालत ने कहा था, ‘पराली जलाने वालों के खिलाफ दंडात्मक प्रावधान क्यों नहीं किए जा रहे हैं. सरकार कार्रवाई से कतरा क्यों रही है. कुछ लोगों को जेल भेजने से सही संदेश जाएगा.’ सीजेआई बीआर गवई ने आगे कहा था कि हम किसानों का सम्मान करते हैं क्योंकि वो हमें खाना देते हैं, लेकिन किसी को भी पर्यावरण को दूषित करने की अनुमति नहीं दी जा सकती. मालूम हो कि इसी साल जुलाई के महीने में भारत की राजधानी दिल्ली में खतरनाक वायु प्रदूषण से निपटने के लिए पुराने वाहनों को ईंधन की बिक्री बंद करने के दो दिन बाद अधिकारियों ने 3 जुलाई को कहा कि यह प्रतिबंध व्यावहारिक नहीं है. रिपोर्ट के मुताबिक, कई अध्ययनों में बताया गया है कि नई दिल्ली को नियमित रूप से दुनिया भर में सबसे प्रदूषित राजधानियों में से एक माना जाता है, जहां वाहनों से होने वाला उत्सर्जन सबसे अधिक खतरनाक है. द लांसेट मेडिकल जर्नल में छपे एक अध्ययन के अनुसार, 2019 में भारत में 1.67 मिलियन असामयिक मौतें वायु प्रदूषण के कारण हुईं. ज्ञात हो कि हर साल सर्दी में वाहनों और कारखानों से निकलने वाले उत्सर्जन के साथ-साथ आस-पास के राज्यों में खेतों में पराली जलाने से उत्पन्न हुई आग शहर को धुंध में लपेट देती है. ठंडा तापमान और धीमी गति से चलने वाली हवाएं घातक प्रदूषकों को फंसाकर स्थिति को और खराब कर देती हैं. ऐसे में जीवाश्म ईंधन से चलने वाले परिवहन पर आंशिक प्रतिबंध और टैंकर द्वारा पानी के छिड़काव जैसी सरकार की छोटी-छोटी पहलों का कोई खास असर नहीं हुआ है.

Ozone pollution across urban India

The NGT, September 26, 2025 directed that two cases related to increase in ozone pollution should be clubbed. The case would be next heard on November 12, 2025. The tribunal was examining the issue of rising ground level ozone pollution across Indian major cities. The NGT had taken suo motu cognisance of the article appearing in Down to Earth, August 6, 2024 "CSE report finds dangerous increase in ozone pollution across urban India". The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), September 25, 2025 disclosed that the ozone levels were analysed in 10 regions cited in the CSE report covering 178 monitoring locations - Delhi-National Capital Region (57 stations); Mumbai Metropolitan Region (45 stations); Kolkata Metropolitan Area (10 stations); Greater Hyderabad (14 stations); Bengaluru Metropolitan Area (1 1 stations); Chennai Metropolitan Area (7 stations); Pune Metropolitan Region (12 stations); Greater Ahmedabad (10 stations); Greater Lucknow (6 stations) and Greater Jaipur (6 stations). The report said that "The Delhi-NCR and Mumbai Metropolitan Regions reported higher exceedances of ozone concentration compared to other regions". The elevated levels could be attributed to emissions from the transport sector, power plants, and industrial activities, which collectively contribute to the overall NOx emission load. Counsel for the CPCB submitted that in a CPCB report filed for another case, a study was proposed to identify and recommend specific measures for planning and controlling the sources of ozone and its precursors and formation of the Expert Committee has also been recommended by the MoEF&CC. The issue is in progress in that case.

The Hidden Risks Of Lipstick Ingredients And Their Link To Lung Cancer

Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) survey of 30 lipsticks reported chromium and nickel but no lead or cadmium. Lipstick is one of the most commonly used cosmetics worldwide, but beneath its glossy allure may lie hidden health concerns. Multiple studies and experts have raised alarms about the presence of toxic heavy metals in certain lipsticks, highlighting long-term risks, including potential links to lung cancer. Do Lipsticks Contain Heavy Metals? According to Dr Geetanjali Patil, Consultant Pulmonologist, Ruby Hall Clinic, Wanowrie, research shows that many lipsticks contain carcinogenic heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, chromium, beryllium, and thallium. “Studies have revealed that 96% of lipsticks tested contained lead, 51% cadmium, 90% beryllium, and 61% thallium. These metals can enter the body through skin absorption, accidental ingestion, or even inhalation," she explains. Dr. Kiran Tamkhane, Cancer Physician at M|O|C Thane, adds that global concerns about contamination are valid. “Lead is a probable human carcinogen and neurotoxin, while cadmium is a Group 1 human carcinogen strongly associated with lung, breast, and endometrial cancers after chronic exposure," he notes. Indian Studies and Findings Indian research paints a mixed picture. Dr. Tamkhane highlights a Moradabad study that analysed 60 lipstick samples and detected lead (0.12–4.9 µg/g) and cadmium (3.48–46.38 µg/g). By contrast, a VIVA College, Virar study of five popular student brands found no detectable lead or cadmium, though other metals like copper, nickel, chromium, and zinc were present within permissible limits. Similarly, a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) survey of 30 lipsticks reported chromium and nickel but no lead or cadmium. “These findings suggest variability across brands and batches, reflecting gaps in regulatory oversight," says Dr. Tamkhane. Regulatory Standards & Gaps in India India’s Drugs & Cosmetics Act and Rules prescribe limits for impurities in colouring agents: up to 20 ppm lead and up to 100 ppm for total heavy metals (other than lead). However, Dr. Tamkhane stresses that “there is no clearly defined limit for finished lipstick products for certain metals like cadmium. More importantly, enforcement is weak, and manufacturers are not required to disclose exact levels." This regulatory gap leaves consumers vulnerable to chronic, low-dose exposures, which, over years, may add to cumulative toxic load, especially in India where environmental exposures are already high. Impact on Lung Health Cadmium stands out as particularly harmful. Dr. Patil warns, “Cadmium is strongly linked to lung cancer and kidney damage. Inhalation or ingestion of heavy metals from lip products can trigger respiratory issues, including coughing and wheezing." Echoing this, Dr. Sulaiman Ladhani, Pulmonologist, Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, points out that while inhaling lipstick directly is unlikely to cause instant lung cancer, “Chronic absorption and accumulation of harmful substances over time can contribute to lung damage and increase susceptibility to cancers, including lung cancer." He emphasizes that the danger lies not in immediate toxicity but in cumulative exposure, “Continuous use increases cumulative risk. It is not limited to lung cancer but extends to other malignancies due to systemic absorption."

पराली नहीं दिल्ली के प्रदूषण की वजह कुछ और...? विशेषज्ञों ने खोली पोल, सवालों के घेरे में सरकारें

विगत कुछ वर्षों से राष्ट्रीय राजधानी के वायु प्रदूषण की मुख्य वजह पराली जलना बताई जाती रही है, लेकिन सच्चाई यह कतई नहीं है। प्रदूषण की रोकथाम में अपनी नाकामी छिपाने के लिए पूर्ववर्ती सरकारें स्थानीय कारकों की अनदेखी करके इसी का ढोल पीटती रही हैं। हालांकि, विशेषज्ञों ने कभी भी इस झूठे सच को स्वीकार नहीं किया। तमाम थिंक टैंक के अध्ययन और विश्लेषण बताते रहे हैं कि दिल्ली के प्रदूषण के लिए स्थानीय कारक जिम्मेदार हैं और दिल्लीवासियों को राहत दिलाने के लिए सरकार को पहले अपने कारकों पर काम करना होगा। इस अत्यंत गंभीर विषय को लेकर हम आपके समक्ष एक समाचारीय शृंखला प्रस्तुत करने जा रहे हैं, जो स्थिति की गंभीरता दर्शाने के साथ ही समस्या के वास्तविक कारणों से आपका परिचय कराएगी और उपाय भी सुझाएगी। सर्दियों की दस्तक अभी नहीं हुई है, लेकिन राजधानी में प्रदूषण का स्तर बढ़ने लगा है। इसका अंदाजा इसी से लगाया जा सकता है कि जो एयर क्वालिटी इंडेक्स (एक्यूआइ) अभी 10 दिन पहले तक 100 से नीचे यानी संतोषजनक श्रेणी में चल रहा था, अब 100 से ऊपर मध्यम श्रेणी में पहुंच गया है। प्रदूषण के स्तर में हो रही इस वृद्धि की सबसे बड़ी वजह वाहनों का ईंधन जलने से निकलने वाला धुआं है। पुणे के इंडियन इंस्टीट्यूट आफ ट्रापिकल मीट्रियोलाजी (आइआइटीएम), जो डिसीजन सपोर्ट सिस्टम (डीएसएस) के जरिये हर वर्ष सर्दियों में दिल्ली के प्रदूषण की निगरानी करता है, के विज्ञानी भी इसकी पुष्टि करते हैं। एयरोसोल पर अध्ययन करने वाले डा. सचिन दिनकर घुड़े बताते हैं कि बेशक पंजाब और हरियाणा में पखवाड़े भर से पराली जलनी शुरू हो गई हो, लेकिन दिल्ली के एक्यूआइ में अभी तक इसकी हिस्सेदारी शून्य है। अगले तीन-चार दिन तक भी यही स्थिति रहने वाली है। वहीं, दूसरी तरफ, दिल्ली के प्रदूषण में सबसे बड़ी हिस्सेदारी वाहनों से निकलने वाले धुएं की रही है। दिल्ली के विभिन्न हिस्सों में सड़कों पर बने बाटलनेक के कारण लगने वाले यातायात जाम के चलते वाहन सामान्य गति के मुकाबले बेहद धीमे चलते हैं या रुक-रुक कर चलते हैं, इससे ईंधन कहीं अधिक जलता है और जहरीली गैसों का उत्सर्जन कई गुना बढ़ जाता है। दूसरे सार्वजनिक परिवहन व्यवस्था लचर होने के चलते सड़कों पर वाहनों की संख्या भी बहुत अधिक रहती है। इसके अलावा, टूटी सड़कों और निर्माण स्थलों की धूल, औद्योगिक धुआं, कचरा जलाना और मलबा भी प्रदूषण बढ़ाने में योगदान दे रहा है। शेष कसर एनसीआर के जिलों का प्रदूषण पूरी कर दे रहा है। दिल्ली के प्रदूषण में किस कारक की कितनी हिस्सेदारी कारक हिस्सेदारी (प्रतिशत में) वाहनों का धुआं 25 प्रतिशत कचरा जलाना 20 प्रतिशत सड़कों की धूल 20 प्रतिशत निर्माण व ध्वंस कार्यों की धूल 15 प्रतिशत उद्योगों से निकला धुआं 10 प्रतिशत अन्य स्रोत 10 प्रतिशत पराली शून्य दिल्ली के प्रदूषण में स्थानीय कारक जिम्मेदार : सीएसई सेंटर फार साइंस एंड एन्वायरमेंट (सीएसई) की कार्यकारी निदेशक अनुमिता राय चौधरी के मुताबिक दिल्ली की हवा में अभी पराली जलने के चलते होने वाले प्रदूषण की हिस्सेदारी नहीं के बराबर है। इसके बावजूद दिल्ली का एक्यूआइ बढ़ने लगा है। इसके लिए स्थानीय स्रोतों को ज्यादा जिम्मेदार ठहराया जाना चाहिए।

Delhi-NCR and Mumbai Metropolitan regions reported higher exceedances of ozone concentration compared to other regions: CPCB

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) report, September 25, 2025 said that ozone levels were analyzed in 10 regions cited in the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) report covering 178 monitoring locations/stations. The analysis based on 2 per cent exceedance criteria of National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) has been done. The Delhi-NCR and Mumbai Metropolitan Regions reported higher exceedances of ozone concentration compared to other regions. The tropospheric or ground-level ozone is formed primarily from complex non-linear photochemical reactions between two major classes of air pollutants, volatile organic compounds (VOC) and nitrogen oxides WC)x). Besides, carbon monoxide (CO) and methane (CH4) emitted by residential and agricultural sources also play a role in ozone formation, said the CPCB report filed before the National Green Tribunal (NGT). These reactions typically depend upon the presence of heat and sunlight, resulting in higher ambient ozone concentrations in summer months. The elevated levels could be attributed to emissions from the transport sector, power plants, and industrial activities, which collectively contribute to the overall NOx emission load. The NGT was further informed that in a similar matter before the tribunal, the CPCB filed a report, December 20, 2024. In the report a study was proposed to identify and recommend specific measures for planning and controlling the sources of ozone and its precursors. The MoEFCC had recommended the constitution of an expert committee composed of specialists in the relevant field and submit report in a time bound manner as mentioned in the CPCB report. Further, through order of August 21, 2025, the NGT had granted time to MoEFCC to indicate the proposed Terms of Reference for the expert committee and the experts who are proposed to be included in the committee. The matter has been listed for November 12, 2025. The NGT, March 21, 2025 had directed the CPCB to reply on the news item appearing in Down to Earth, August 6, 2024 titled "CSE report finds dangerous increase in ozone pollution across urban India".

Climate migration set to rise sharply by 2050 as climate stress intensifies, says report

Recurring droughts have forced pastoralist communities in Turkana, Marsabit and Garissa to move in search of pasture and water, while devastating floods along the Tana River and in Budalang’i have displaced families time and again. A new report warns that these local experiences reflect a wider continental crisis. The State of Africa’s Environment 2025 report projects that by 2050, up to five per cent of Africa’s estimated two billion people—nearly 100 million—could be forced to migrate due to climate stress. Released by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) in partnership with Down To Earth magazine, Alliance for Science–Ethiopia and Media for Environment, Science, Health and Agriculture, the report shows that Africa’s youthful population, averaging just 19 years, will face unprecedented climatic disruptions where migration becomes the new normal. Global data from the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) revealed that disasters triggered nearly 265 million displacements between 2015 and 2024, with 90 per cent linked to floods and storms. Africa, the report noted, has been among the hardest hit. “Internal displacements have tripled in the last 15 years and climate-related disasters alone have driven a six-fold increase in forced movement. Floods account for over 75 per cent of Africa’s disaster displacements, while droughts contribute about 11 percent,” it showed. In Kenya and across eastern Africa, most climate-related displacements occur during rainy seasons. IDMC data showed that the March–May 2024 long rains displaced over 500,000 people between October 2023 and January 2024. By the end of 2024, around 185,000 people remained in internal displacement, 131,000 of them due to drought. Experts describe this phenomenon as “climate mobility,” where migration becomes both a coping mechanism and an adaptation strategy. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change notes that while migration can help households adjust, outcomes depend heavily on social, economic and governance factors. “For most Africans, migration is not across borders but short distances within their own countries, often to nearby towns or safer rural areas,” the report explained. “Cyclones Idai and Freddy, repeated droughts in the Horn of Africa, and worsening floods across Kenya and Nigeria highlight what lies ahead.” By 2050, the International Organization for Migration projects as many as 200 million additional “environmental migrants” worldwide, with Africa at the epicentre. Sunita Narain, director general of CSE, stressed that climate migration is no longer a distant scenario but a lived reality. “The question is not whether millions will move, but how governments and communities can prepare to manage this inevitable human mobility,” she said. “Each year, each month, extreme weather is breaking a new record. I call this the revenge of nature. But we have no option except to stay on course.”