Weekly Environmental News Update for Week 02, 2021
Weekly environmental news update from across different media networks for week 02 (January 11 to 17) 2021.
1. Air ‘severe’ despite improved wind speeds
IMD forecasted that the air quality of Delhi was on its way to sliding into the ‘severe plus’ or ‘emergency’ levels on Saturday.
2. Delhi govt aims to reduce 5 MT carbon emissions
Delhi’s Electric Vehicle Policy would reduce carbon emissions by 4.8 million tonnes by 2024.
3. Delhi: Why water disruption is now 24×7 headache
Even the basic twice-a-day provision is frequently disrupted due to raw water contamination
4. Water & Ammonia, Delhi & Pollution – Cocktails made in hell
First Air pollution, COVID-19, locusts and now toxins in water.
5. Clean Yamuna: Biodiversity park in Delhi gets 1st of 12 artificial wetlands
Officials at DDA South Delhi Biodiversity Park have successfully constructed wetland using just plants and boulders, which will allow the park to naturally purify 15 to 20 million litres per day of raw sewage.
6. NGT directs Centre to finalise EPR regime within 3 months, says plastic waste a serious hazard
The NGT has directed the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEFCC) to finalise the EPR regime for plastic waste within three months
7. Plea in HC claims govt vehicles being scrapped in violation of guidelines
The Society for Alternate Fuel and Environment has contended that under the guidelines only authorized scrappers were permitted to participate in the tender process.
8. Nine e-waste centres found violating rules: CPCB
Central Pollution Control Board has told National Green Tribunal that during recent inspections by Delhi Pollution Control Committee, nine e-waste collection centres associated with 56 producers were found to be non-compliant with the E-waste rules, 2016
9. Daily discarded masks in Delhi enough to choke a football ground
Considering Delhi’s projected population in the year 2020, which is 1.87 crore, according to UIDAI, even if less than 3 out of 100 people in the state dispose of their masks every 24 hours, it could cover a football ground every day.
10. Delhi zoo reports first bird flu death, doubles down on safety measures
Environment ministry officials confirmed that with the positive case at Delhi zoo, safety protocol at the premises had been intensified.
11. If protected, Aravallis can support rich biodiversity: Study
A new study has found that the Aravalli hills in Gurugram, Faridabad and Delhi can support rich biodiversity and wildlife if protected from further habitat fragmentation.
12. Supreme Court takes suo moto cognizance of contamination of rivers
It is the duty of the State to ensure access to clean drinking water, it says.
