Weekly Environmental News Roundup (18 May 2026)
Weekly environmental news roundup from across different media networks for Week 20 (11 to 17 May) 2026.
Air Pollution
Dust control norms tightened in Delhi, 100 GSM nets now mandatory at C&D sites
The Delhi government has mandated the use of high-density dust screens at construction and demolition sites across the national capital to ensure dust mitigation.
The Commission for Air Quality Management on Friday announced a phased rollout mandating only electric 3-wheelers..
Water Security
DDA to revive 101 water bodies: LG
The Delhi Development Authority plans to restore 101 water bodies by the end of August, Lt-Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu said on Saturday while launching the ‘Jal Sanchay Abhiyaan’.
Deal for Gurgaon plumbers: Report illegal water connection, get Rs 1,000
Plumbers licensed with the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram will get a reward of Rs 1,000 for every illegal or unauthorised water connection they bring to the attention of the civic body, the MCG House has decided.
Punjab seeks share in Yamuna water allocation ahead of 1994 treaty negotiation
The Punjab government has sought a share in the Yamuna water allocation on the grounds that it was also a successor state similar to Haryana, ahead of a renegotiation of the terms of a 1994 water-sharing agreement among the Yamuna’s riparian states, Delhi government officials said.
Waste Management
Hundreds of ‘letter pickers’ deployed across Delhi for cleaner city, says environment minister
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Thursday said that hundreds of “litter pickers” have been deployed across the national capital as part of the government’s push for a cleaner city.
Biodiversity Conservation
Delhi’s ‘themed forests’ could suffocate its last green lung
The Forest Department’s plans to develop ecologically unsound themed forests in the Central Ridge spell doom not just for the 1.5-billion-year-old forest area but also for the national capital, which depends on the ridge for clean air.
NGT orders Delhi Forest Dept to compile 5-yr data on illegal tree felling—‘sorry state’
The National Green Tribunal directed the Delhi Forest Department this week to compile a 5-year database of illegal tree felling after taking suo motu cognisance of a 2023 case.
Delhi government plans higher funding for upkeep of parks, gardens
The Delhi government is considering increased financial assistance for maintenance and development of parks and gardens across the city..
Saplings on wheels to encourage people to plant trees
The forest department will roll out a Vriksh Rath to deliver saplings for free during the monsoon..
Climate Change
Heatwave To Hit Delhi, Parts of Central and Northwest India: IMD
A heatwave will hit parts of central and northwest India including Delhi, as per a press release by the India Meteorological Department on May 17.
Delhi launches hydrogen bus shuttle in Central Vista. Trials underway in Gujarat, Maharashtra
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation launched a hydrogen-powered shuttle bus service in Delhi’s Central Vista area Friday, which will run between government housing colonies in the area to nearby metro stations.
