Weekly Environmental News Update for Week 8, 2022
Weekly environmental news update from across different media networks for Week 8 (February 21 to 27) 2022.
Air Pollution
Delhi’s air quality remained in ‘moderate’ category after rain, AQI at 108
The air quality in Delhi has remained in the ‘moderate’ category on Sunday morning, with the overall air quality index at 108.
Gurugram’s air quality worst in NCR, remains in ‘poor’ category
The air quality index in Gurugram was recorded at 237 on Wednesday.
IIT-Delhi Startup Launches “World’s Smallest” Wearable Air Purifier
An IIT Delhi start-up has launched the “world’s smallest” wearable air purifier, claiming it is as effective as an N95 face mask.
Mumbai attains three times worst air quality than Delhi on Saturday
Mumbai broke all records in terms of worst air quality on January 24 and 25th as AQI crossed even the 500 mark.
Study suggests children with high exposure to air pollution have greater risk of developing ADHD
According to a new study led by Barcelona Institute for Global Health researchers, children living in areas with higher air pollution and lower level of green space might have up to 62 per cent increased risk of developing ADHD.
Water Security
4,500 borewells for better water supply in capital
Approximately 4,500 borewells have been installed by Delhi Jal Board to increase water supply in certain areas across the city.
Study finds high antibiotics level in the Yamuna, three other rivers
The study ‘Menace of Antibiotic Pollution in Indian Rivers’ found high antibiotic levels in the Yamuna and three other rivers — Gomti (Lucknow), Zuari (Goa) and Cooum (Chennai).
Ghaziabad: 28 water bodies to be revived before monsoon
Officials said that they are also considering the linking of water bodies to water treatment plants so that drinking water supply can also be enhanced in the city.
Waste Management
Delhi Jal Board to set up its first sludge treatment plant at Kondli STP
The Delhi Jal Board will set up a 200 TPD (tonnes per day) capacity sludge treatment plant at its Kondli sewage treatment plant.
City stakeholders told to phase out single-use plastic stocks by June 30
The pollution watchdog also asked manufacturers, retailers, shopkeepers and the general public to ensure a zero inventory of the single use plastic items by June 30, 2022
Narela to get India’s 1st e-waste park
The e-waste park is being planned in Narela industrial area and will be spread across 20 acres.
Biodiversity Conservation
Delhi HC irked by damage to trees in CR Park
The court was hearing a contempt petition over the damage caused to trees on Bipin Chandra Pal Marg and nearby areas due to the digging work by BSES Rajdhani Power Limited for laying cables.
Climate Change
Climate change can rot these plants in future: Study
Indian Scientists have identified that high-temperature drought conditions and low soil moisture content are favorable conditions for dry root rot, a disease that damages the roots or girdles the trunk of chickpeas.
International News
Earth’s Coldest Forests Are Shifting Northward With Climate Change: Study
According to a new study, rising temperatures are causing Earth’s coldest forests shifting northward which is raising concerns about biodiversity.
Extreme wildfires set to get worse globally, says UN
Even the most ambitious efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions will not prevent a dramatic surge in the frequency of extreme fire conditions, a report commissioned by UNEP concluded.
New UN report set to paint stark picture of impacts of climate change
The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change sets out climate impacts, adaptation and vulnerabilities.
Russia Restores Water Flow To Canal Linking Ukraine River With Crimea
Ukraine had cut off fresh water supply along the canal that had supplied 85% of the peninsula’s needs after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014.