Weekly Environmental News Roundup for Week 18, 2025
Weekly environmental news roundup from across different media networks for Week 18 (28 April to 4 May) 2025.
1. Delhi Plans Artificial Rain To Fight Pollution; Experts Say Focus On Root Causes
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announces a trial of artificial rain by May-end to curb the rising air pollution levels in Delhi.
Environment Minister said the proposal to conduct cloud seeding in Delhi will be tabled at the next cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
3. Delhi government orders forest department to replace all diesel vehicles with EVs in 60 days
In a step towards environmental conservation, the Delhi government has directed for complete replacement of all diesel vehicles operated by the Forest Department with Electric Vehicles within the next 60 days.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday attacked the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab for “endangering” the lives of crores of Delhi residents by “stopping” the supply of water to the national capital.
5. Delhi govt plans to rope in ADB for improvement of water supply infra
In a step towards improving Delhi Jal Board’s water supply network, the Delhi government has in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank decided to restart work on the Wazirabad water supply improvement project, Water Minister Parvesh Verma said on Monday.
6. Roads along Munak to boost water mgmt.
Delhi govt will construct roads on both sides of Munak Canal, for which officials have been asked to prepare an action plan.
7. By 2028, sewer lines in all unauthorized colonies: CM
Delhi govt intends to lay in every unauthorised colony in the city by 2028, chief minister Rekha Gupta said on Wednesday.
8. AI-enabled water dispensers to quench thirst soon at bus terminals & shelters in Delhi
With scorching heat taking a toll on the Capital, the Delhi Transport Department is planning to install Artificial Intelligence-enabled smart water dispensers at 16 bus terminals and 25 bus stops on a pilot basis.
9. NDMC to build reservoir near Purana Qila road to tackle water logging
The New Delhi Municipal Council has initiated work on the development of a 500,000 litre underground reservoir near the Purana Quila road to tackle the waterlogging issue during monsoons in the Lutyens’ Delhi area.
10. Supreme Court Permits Delhi Metro Phase 4 Construction with Environmental Conditions
On 29 April 2025, the Supreme Court permitted the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to proceed with construction activities for Phase IV of the Delhi Metro, following DMRC’s assurance to “strictly abide” by the conditions laid down by the Central Empowered Committee, which was appointed by the Court.
11. Delhi govt launches 20-day cleanliness drive, targets waste segregation, encroachment removal
Taking inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the Delhi government on Thursday announced the launch of a 20-day cleanliness drive in the national capital.
12. DDA plans its first waste-to-art theme park near Lotus Temple
The Delhi Development Authority plans to develop its first waste-to-art theme park at one of its biggest green spaces in the city near Nehru Place — this time, the agency has picked the theme of ‘Walk Through the Ruins’ as it plans to showcase legacy of historic structures through ruins.
13. 29 trees heavily pruned in Paschim Vihar in violation of norms: Panel
A joint committee appointed by National Green Tribunal has found that 29 trees were heavily pruned in violation of the set conditions in west Delhi’s Paschim Vihar.
Heavy rainfall and strong winds were witnessed across Delhi and its surrounding region on early Friday morning, leading to waterlogging at several locations and flight disruption at the Indira Gandhi International Airport.
15. ‘Water, water everywhere’: Gurgaon wakes up to flooded homes, uprooted trees
Gurgaon woke up to waterlogged streets and roads blocked by uprooted trees and branches on Friday as a heavy spell of rain and thunderstorms caught the authorities unaware.
16. How creek restoration helped divert water off roads and houses when it rained heavily in Gurgaon
Amidst the Friday downpour in Gurgaon, some positive developments were witnessed in the areas through which Aravalli Creek passes.
17. Delhi-based foundation to donate solar water pumps to PTR
A Delhi-based foundation is set to donate five solar pumps to PTR to help replenish waterholes during the summer, ensuring a steady water supply for wildlife.
