Weekly Environmental News Roundup (4 May 2026)
Weekly environmental news roundup from across different media networks for Week 18 (27 April to 3 May) 2026.
Air Pollution
Higher environmental compensation charge notified for commercial vehicles entering Delhi
The Delhi government has notified an increase in the environmental compensation charge on commercial vehicles entering the national capital, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said on Wednesday, calling it a major step in the fight against air pollution.
Delhi enforces ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ rule; pumps deny petrol, diesel, CNG, LPG without certificate
The Delhi government has recently ordered strict enforcement of the “No PUC, No Fuel” rule to control vehicular pollution.
Centre To Introduce Stringent Emission Norms From August 1 To Abate Air Pollution In Northern Region
In a bid to abate air pollution from industrial activities in the Northern region, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change will introduce stringent emission norms scheduled to be effective from August 1.
Water Security
Delhi CM launches water harvesting campaign, unveils mascot ‘Neera’
Chief minister Rekha Gupta, announcing a slew of measures to boost rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge in the capital, launched the “Catch the Rain 2026” campaign and unveiled a mascot, “Neera”, to promote the practice.
Delhi govt mulls borewell policy to tackle water shortage concerns: CM Gupta
Delhi government is planning to bring a borewell policy in the city to ease water shortage problems, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Friday.
10,000 litres water for one litre of ethanol: India’s fuel push to worsen water crisis
India’s push to mix ethanol with petrol, something pitched as a clean energy fix, is deepening the country’s water crisis.
Waste Management
Create awareness on solid waste management, Delhi schools told
The Directorate of Education has directed all government, aided and private recognised schools here to conduct awareness activities on solid waste management..
Biodiversity
Delhi govt launches city-wide plantation drive, ropes in educational institutes
The Delhi government has launched a city-wide plantation drive involving educational institutions, RWAs and religious bodies, with a target of planting more than 70 lakh trees and shrubs under its Green Action Plan 2026-27, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said on Monday.
Delhi tree cutting complaint helpline launched: How to report
If you spot illegal tree cutting in Delhi, you can now report it instantly. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has launched a dedicated Delhi tree cutting complaint helpline (1800118600) to tackle the issue quickly.
Supreme Court upholds deer translocation from Delhi’s Hauz Khas park: Why only 38 can remain
The Supreme Court has upheld the relocation of hundreds of spotted deer from Delhi’s A N Jha Deer Park in Hauz Khas, backing a scientific assessment that found the urban enclosure incapable of sustaining the burgeoning population and warning that continued confinement would be ecologically unsound.
NGT seeks report from Delhi govt over removing encroachments from forest land
The National Green Tribunal on Wednesday issued a show-cause notice to the Delhi chief secretary, requiring the filing of a report on compliance with the tribunal’s order to remove encroachments from forest land here.
NGT issues notices to police and govt on Asola forest land de-notification
NGT as issued notices to Delhi govt and police on a plea challenging the de-notification of a land parcel in Asola village that was marked as forest land earlier.
Sunder Nursery to have a Garden House to showcase India’s biodiversity
Delhi’s Sunder Nursery, which boasts of an arboretum with 300 tree species, will soon have a ‘Garden House’, where people can view tropical flora from Kerala and the Northeast as well as flora of the deserts of Rajasthan.
Delhi govt plans to connect Gaushalas with Ridge forest for cow welfare: CM Gupta
The Delhi government is working on a scientific plan to connect Gaushalas with the Ridge forest, so that cows in the city live in natural settings instead of roaming on the streets, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Wednesday.
Climate Change
Delhi govt submits draft climate action plan to Centre for final approval
The new action plan — SAPCC 2.0 — replaces the existing 2019 plan, which uses older datasets and is less relevant for current weather patterns.
DTC launches ‘Jaldoot’ initiative to provide free drinking water amid Delhi heatwave
In line with the Delhi Heatwave Action Plan and in compliance with the directions of the Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta, and Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh, Delhi Transport Corporation has undertaken special measures to safeguard the health and convenience of passengers during the ongoing heatwave conditions in the National Capital.
RWAs set up water bowls to save birds from heat
As temperatures soar across cities, the heat is not just uncomfortable—it’s deadly, especially for birds struggling to find water. In the middle of concrete jungles and shrinking green spaces, even a small act like placing a bowl of water outside your home can become a lifeline.
