Weekly Environmental News Update for Week 24, 2021

Weekly environmental news update from across different media networks for Week 24 (June 14 to 20) 2021.

1. 11 thermal plants in NCR accounted for 7% of Delhi air pollution in Oct-Jan: study
   The 11 coal-fired power plants in the National Capital Region contributed just 7 per cent to Delhi’s PM2.5 pollution on an average between October 2020 and January 2021.
2. Delhi: Household cooking responsible for 40% of pollution
   Household heating and cooking accounted for 40% of pollution in Delhi in December last year and January 2021, according to a new study.
3. All-Electric Road Sweepers Could Come to Delhi Soon
   Diesel powered road sweepers are already in use in Delhi but this could reduce pollution further.
4. Delhi’s air pollution documentary to be a part of climate issues section at Cannes
   Indian filmmaker Rahul Jain’s Delhi pollution documentary “Invisible Demons” is part of the Cannes Film Festival’s new sidebar on climate issues. Titled “Cinema for the Climate”.
5. Haryana: Industrial units in eight NCR districts get exemption from getting environmental clearance
   The Union Environment Ministry has given an exemption to the industrial units running in as many as eight district of Haryana which come under the National Capital Region, where there is no access to supply of CNG, PNG and LPG through pipelines, in getting environmental clearance.
6. Take remedial measures for restoration of Najafgarh lake’
   The National Green Tribunal directed the Chief Secretaries of Delhi and Haryana to take remedial measures for the restoration of the Najafargh lake.
7. LG Anil Baijal calls for detailed report from Delhi Jal Board on water crisis in city
   The LG spoke to Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath regarding the matter of water supply to Delhi, and will be taking up the matter with Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar.
8. Delhi: Low-cost walls inside Shahdara Drain to aid in Yamuna clean-up
   Low-cost weirs are being constructed inside Shahdara Drain to reduce pollution in the Yamuna, water minister Satyendar Jain said while visiting the Shahdara Drain and Kalyanpuri sewage pumping station projects on Friday.
9. Delhi bans soaps, detergents violating BIS standards to curb pollution in Yamuna
   The NGT had also directed to launch awareness campaigns about the harmful effect of using substandard soaps and detergents.
10. Prepare plan for 100 per cent plastic waste recycling, processing: Delhi environment dept to municipalities
    The Delhi Environment Department has asked all municipal bodies to immediately prepare a time-bound action plan to achieve 100 per cent segregation, recycling and processing of plastic waste.
11. E-waste is a treasure trove that needs to be tapped
    Delhi’s civic body tied up with a private firm to collect and dispose of E-wastes while Bihar Government authorised 142 E-waste collection points in various districts.
12. NGT calls for report on environmental violations by real estate developer
    A plea has been filed in the NGT alleging violation of environmental norms by the project of Wave City at Ghaziabad and High Tech City at Noida by real estate developer.
13. Covid pandemic result of degradation of natural areas, species’ loss, exploitation: UNEP India
    The COVID-19 pandemic is a result of degradation of natural areas, species’ loss and exploitation, UNEP country head Atul Bagai said, underlining that countries, including India, must intensify their efforts to prevent and reverse ecosystem degradation.
14. Climate change to increase sea level in Lakshadweep, will affect airport, residential areas: Study
    Sea levels will rise around the Lakshadweep Islands between 0.4 mm per year to 0.9 mm per year and will affect airport and residential areas, according to a study projecting different greenhouse gas scenarios.
15. For climate change, rich nations owe us billions: Javadekar
    A day after G7 members reaffirmed their commitment to the Paris Agreement on climate change, India on Monday reminded rich nations of their responsibilities citing their historical emissions.

With inputs from Kavita.