Green Alert

Sharing alerts about status of local, regional and global environment and greening opportunities.

Nov72018 by DG CorrespondentNo Comments

Asthma Manual for Schools Launched by Environment Minister

The Central and Delhi State Governments have been carrying out an aggressive ten day long Clean Air Campaign from 1 to 10 November 2018. 52 teams for controlling air pollution were jointly flagged of by the Union Environment Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan and Delhi Environment Minister Imran Hussain. An Asthma Manual for Schools was also launched looking at the rising incidents of this disease in school children in Delhi NCR. Air pollution aggravates around Diwali is one of the main reason why we can no longer afford to burst crackers during Diwali. Each of the 52 teams are now visiting different parts of Delhi NCR and have the local Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) as the Team Leader. Senior officials from Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and representatives f...

Sep192018 by Aradhana Sharma1 Comment

Draft India Cooling Action Plan Out, But Its Not What You Think It Is

Green Alert

In a world fighting for survival amidst global warming and the climate crisis, cooling the Planet sounds like a very good idea. So when the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) of the Government of India releases a 107 page long Draft India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP), one can only appreciate the vision and foresight with which it was conceptualized. But a second look at the document reveals that this Draft Action Plan actually talks about the Cooling of our houses, cars, etc. through air conditioning and refrigeration! "India is a growing economy characterized by low penetration of air-conditioning, rising per capita income, rapid urbanization and a largely tropical climate, which would lead to rise in the requirement for cooling," the draft India Cooling Acti...

Aug92018 by DG Correspondent1 Comment

Why Is MyGov.in Promoting Plastic Through Competitions?

Green Alert

Screenshot from MyGov.in India was the global host of the World Environment Day celebrations this year. The theme of World Environment Day 2018 was Beat Plastic Pollution and the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) of the Government of India made every Indian and global citizen pledge that, "If you can't reuse it, refuse it." A global campaign was initiated to Beat Plastic Pollution and nations, companies and citizens came together to discard the use of plastics and shift to more sustainable and recyclable materials. The Delhi Greens Blog joined the Government is urging everyone to Beat Plastic Pollution even before Environment Day 2018. Now, however, the Government of India seems to have taken just the opposite stand. After spending its energy and financial...

Jul312018 by Aradhana SharmaNo Comments

7,424.24 Crores Allocated for Solid Waste Management in Urban India

Green Alert

The Minister of State for the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) Dr. Mahesh Sharma recently informed that the Swacch Bharat Mission (Urban) is being implemented by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA). And that for the various projects that have been taken up under this Mission, an amount of Rs. 7,424.24 crores has been allocated during the mission period of 2014-15 to 2019-20 for Solid Waste Management (SWM) Projects. Dr. Sharma said that the MoHUA has an overall mandate to take periodic review of the measures taken by the states and local bodies for improving their solid waste management practices. As per MoHUA Annual Report 2016-17, it is estimated that the total generation of solid waste is approximately 1,50,000 T/day. Approximately 90% (...

Jul102018 by DG Correspondent1 Comment

Vice President of India Calls for Promoting Zero-Budget Natural Farming

Green Alert

The Vice President of India Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has called for promoting Zero-Budgeting in natural farming to make farming viable and sustainable. The Vice President has also called for innovative solutions to make farming profitable and the scaling up of such solutions. Shri Naidu made these statements as part of a National Consultation towards doubling farmers’ incomes and making agriculture profitable and sustainable. Also present during the National Consultation were the Governor of Himachal Pradesh Acharya Devvrat, Agricultural expert Shri Subhash Palekar and the Advisor (Agriculture) to Government of Andhra Pradesh Shri Vijay Kumar. Shri Acharya Devvrat briefed the Vice President on the best agri-practices adopted in Himachal Pradesh to improve the income of farmers. Shri S

Jun252018 by Sinni NaithaniNo Comments

Chipko Movement at Sarojini Nagar for Saving the Trees of Delhi

Green Alert

Residents and environmental groups came together yesterday evening near Sarojini Nagar police station to save thousands of fully grown trees from being chopped down in the National Capital. People hugged the trees and campaigners sang together and also raised slogans against the felling of trees. The campaign began at 4.30 pm and continued till late in the evening. Delhi's own Chipko movement took place in order to spread awareness and protest against Government's decision to chop down 14,031 trees in and around Sarojini Nagar for the purpose of redeveloping this area. The campaign also had booths that showcased the importance of the environment. Campaigners at booth discussed the possible threats and conservation methods with people. There was an interactive board also to share

Jun232018 by Dr. Govind Singh2 Comments

Urban Affairs Ministry Accepts That It Is Cutting 14,031 Trees in Delhi

Green Alert

File photo of Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs (I/C) Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, addressing a press conference on the initiatives & achievements of the Ministry during the last four years in New Delhi. In a bizarre press release, the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs of the Government of India has agreed that it will be cutting 14,031 trees in and around Sarojini Nagar in South Delhi (technically in South-west district of Delhi). "All the trees are not being cut," the statement begins with some relief. However it then clarifies, "Only 14,031 nos. trees are to be cut out of the existing trees of 21,040 nos." The press release further goes on to say that, "against the 21,040 nos. of existing trees; 23,475 nos. of trees shall be available in these colonies duri...

Jun232018 by Aradhana SharmaNo Comments

24 Degree Celsius to Solve India’s Energy Crisis

Green Alert

The Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shri R.K Singh has recently launched a campaign to promote energy efficiency in the area of air-conditioning. According to him, "Every one degree increase in the air-conditioner temperature setting results in saving of 6% of electricity consumed. Normal human body temperature is approximately 36-37 degree Celsius, but large number of commercial establishments, hotels and offices maintain temperature around 18-21 degree Celsius. This is not only uncomfortable but is actually unhealthy. Setting the temperature in the range of 18-21 degree Celsius compels people to wear warm clothing or use blankets; therefore, this is actually wastage of energy. Some countries like Japan have put in place regulation to keep the temperat

Jun232018 by Sinni Naithani1 Comment

Religious Institutions Go Green to Reduce Pollution in Delhi

Green Alert

Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New and Renewable Energy Shri Raj Kumar Singh along with the Environment Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan inaugurating rooftop solar plant at Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib. Pollution and Global warming are worldwide concerns. A collective aim of sustainable development for our common future is necessary. Delhi pollution levels are one of the highest in world and India is among the top ten most polluted countries. We have a lot to do in order to make the environment better and not worse. India is a diverse country with a huge spectrum of languages, religions, castes, food, geography, culture, traditions, etc. According to 2011 Census, 99.76% of the Indians are religious. India has a rich history, cultures, traditions, and religions. People identify them

Jun42018 by DG Correspondent1 Comment

Declaration from Taj Mahal to Beat Plastic Pollution on WED 2018

Green Alert

A high level stakeholders' Workshop on the problem of pollution around Taj Mahal was conducted by the Ministry of Culture in Agra on 3rd June 2018. The Workshop was Chaired by Minister of State (I/C) of Culture and Minister of State for Environment, Forest & Climate Change Dr. Mahesh Sharma. The Workshop was called to discuss the issues of pollution around Taj Mahal with a focus on drawing short-term and long-term measures to deal with the problem and to protect the Taj from environment pollution. The Workshop was attended by DG, ASI, Smt Usha Sharma; Additional Secretary, M/o Environment, Forest & Climate Change Shri A. K Mehta, representatives of State Government, local administration , local administration of neighbouring districts to Agra, local MPs, MLAs, representative...