Weekly Environmental News Update for Week 42, 2021

Weekly environmental news update from across different media networks for Week 42 (Oct 18 to 24) 2021.

Delhi air quality improves from ‘Poor’ to ‘Moderate’, likely to improve further: SAFAR

SAFAR informed that the air quality index in Delhi was recorded at 172 and is estimated to remain satisfactory over the next few days.

IIT-Kanpur to study Delhi’s air pollution, give solutions to curb winter smog spike

The Delhi government has signed a MoU with IIT Kanpur  to understand the pollutants of air in Delhi on a real-time basis.

Delayed monsoon exit may mean ‘severe’ smog: Report

Intense and heavy monsoon spells this season have helped Delhi breathe relatively cleaner air this October compared to previous years, an air quality analysis by the CSE has shown.

Delhi: Rain may bring air back into ‘satisfactory’ zone

The Central Pollution Control Board said the air was expected to improve to ‘satisfactory’ in the next few days as rain and gusty winds are likely to clean the air.

Delhi company bags ‘Eco Oscar’ for clean-air technology

Delhi-based Takachar is one among five winners of the first-ever Earthshot Prize, for developing groundbreaking solutions to the world’s greatest environmental challenges.

EDMC shuts 44 of 61 C&D waste dumping sites

Keeping adverse environmental conditions and poor air quality in view, East Delhi Municipal Corporation has shut down 44 out of the 61 sites designated for dumping construction and demolition waste.

Environment ministry relaxes expansion norms for certain mines

The Union environment ministry has relaxed the environmental norms for the expansion of certain iron, manganese, bauxite, and limestone mines.

6.4k panels set up to document biodiversity info

The Haryana State Biodiversity Board has constituted 6,435 committees to conserve biodiversity and document traditional knowledge of bio-resources.

Ghaziabad: Kaushambi highly polluted, says govt survey

The second round of monitoring Kaushambi’s air pollution, carried out by the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board has revealed that the particulate matter (PM) 2.5 and PM10 were much higher than the standard limits.

Faridabad, Manesar pollution hotspots in NCR even during monsoon, says CSE study

Faridabad and Manesar regions reported high pollution levels during the season, found a recent analysis of air quality trends conducted by the Centre for Science and Environment.

After solar, Cochin international airport taps hydropower

The country’s first fully solar-powered airport, Cochin International Airport Ltd, is venturing into hydropower production and its first plant will be commissioned  by Kerala chief minister.

Cloudburst may have led to latest Kerala disaster, say experts

Weather experts said cloud bursts must have triggered torrential rain at several places in Kottayam and Idukki districts.

Union environment ministry notifies final ESZ around Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary

The Union environment ministry has notified the final demarcation of the eco-sensitive zone around Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary.

Noida: 12 fined ₹50,000 each for failing to control dust pollution

The Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board, Noida, has recommended slapping a fine of ₹6 lakh on 12 people and establishments who violated dust pollution norms between October 16 and 22 as part of the graded response action plan.

Experts fear last-minute spike in farm fires this year

Scientists said that post-monsoon showers were only delaying the stubble fires in agrarian states and were not necessarily an indication of the season seeing a cumulative drop in stubble count.

IIT Guwahati creates hydrophobic cotton that absorbs oil but not water, aims to tackle oil spills

IIT Guwahati researchers have created an innovative water repellent hydrophobic cotton composite that absorbs oil but not water. It can be used to tackle crisis like oil spills.

Mangrove campaigner wins environment award 

Fisherman and mangrove campaigner Murukesan T.P. has been chosen for the 24th PV Thampy Memorial Endowment Award given to people for their extraordinary contribution to environmental protection.

Indian researchers working on early landslide detection systems to reduce fatalities, damage

Researchers at the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology, Mumbai believe an early warning system can be used to minimize the impact imposed by landslide on human, damage to property and loss of live.

Centre announces 2 new rules to increase investments in renewable energy

To increase investments in renewable energy, the central government  announced two new rules to ensure renewable utilities recover generation costs on time and are assured of regular energy purchase by states and power distribution companies.

Glasgow climate meet | India doesn’t rule out ‘net zero’ commitment

India hasn’t entirely ruled out on the possibility of agreeing to a ‘net zero’ target and new Delhi will

insist on earlier pledges for tech transfer funds from developed countries.

India to urge reduction in global carbon emission, ask countries to follow suit at COP26

India is likely to raise the issue of lessening carbon emissions in the upcoming 26th conference of the Parties (COP 26), Union Ministry of Environment said.

India among 11 ‘countries of concern’: US intel report on climate change

According to a US intelligence report, 11 countries including Afghanistan and Pakistan, are highly vulnerable in terms of their ability to prepare for and respond to environmental and societal crises caused by climate change.

India seeks compensation for climate damages caused by developed nations

India is seeking payment for the losses caused by climate disasters, its environment ministry said while laying out the country’s positions on critical issues that will be negotiated at the United Nations’ COP26 climate summit.

‘Alternative Nobel’ for Indian organisation

Delhi-based environmental organisation Legal Initiative for Forest and Environment has received the 2021 Right Livelihood Award for its grassroots approach of empowering vulnerable communities.

Plastic pollution on course to double by 2030

Plastic pollution in oceans and other bodies of water continues to grow sharply and could more than double by 2030, according to an assessment by the UN Environment Programme.

Countries’ fossil fuel production plans out of sync with Paris limits: UN report

The report finds out that the world’s governments plan to produce around 110% more fossil fuels in 2030 than would be consistent with limiting warming to 1.5°C.

CDRI to launch infrastructure resilience project for small island nations at COP 26

CDRI, a global partnership of 27 countries initiated by India in 2019, will be launching a programme to help small island states develop resilience to climate crisis at the upcoming Glasgow climate change conference COP 26.

Digital Kavita

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