Weekly Environmental News Roundup (20 July 2026)
Weekly environmental news roundup from across different media networks for Week 29 (13 to 19 July) 2026.
Air Pollution
Delhi govt launches AI-powered Dust Portal 2.0 for real-time pollution tracking
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched the AI-enabled Dust Portal 2.0 to monitor construction dust through real-time alerts. The system is expected to sharpen enforcement, improve transparency and speed up action against violations.
Delhi schools to hold year-long air pollution awareness activities
The Delhi government has directed all schools in the national capital to organise year-long awareness activities to educate students about the causes of air pollution and its impact on health and the environment.
Senior officials from the Commission for Air Quality Management, Delhi government, Delhi Development Authority and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change outlined the evolving strategy during the third Clean Air Dialogue …
Water Security
Over 300 water bodies in Capital either encroached upon or dried up, NGT told
At least 196 of Delhi’s 1,080 identified water bodies have dried up and 135 are under encroachment, according to a status report submitted by the Wetland Authority of Delhi to the National Green Tribunal, highlighting the scale of degradation of the city’s lakes, ponds and wetlands.
Key underground drain in Delhi’s Rohini cleaned up, 10,000 MT silt removed
The Delhi Development Authority has undertaken a specialised desilting drive under the directions of Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu of a major underground trunk outfall drain in Rohini, removing over 10,000 MTs of accumulated silt and waste.
Waste Management
Speed up landfill biomining in Delhi: Centre
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has reclaimed a large portion of the land at the three legacy waste dump sites– Bhalswa, Okhla, and Ghazipur– through scientific methods.
Delhi govt launches ‘Arpan Kendras’ for old clothes recycling across metro network
Delhi has tied up with DMRC and recycling groups to open Arpan Kendras at 10 Metro stations for old clothes donations.
MCD, NDDB sign pact to set up biogas plants to utilise dairy waste
The MCD and the National Dairy Development Board under the Union Ministry for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to set up compressed biogas plants in Delhi for the scientific utilisation of cow dung.
India Recycling Over 70 Per Cent of Textile Waste
More than 70 per cent of India’s total textile waste is currently recovered and channelled into recycling, upcycling, downcycling, or reuse as part of the circular economy, according to a government factsheet issued on July 12.
NGT tells MCD to explain how Ghazipur landfill will be cleared by 2027 when waste is added daily
NGT has asked MCD to explain how it plans to clear all legacy waste at the Ghazipur landfill by Dec 2027..
Fresh Bandhwari waste tenders raise NGT order violation concerns
The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram has floated three tenders worth around ₹6 crore for the collection and transportation of fresh municipal solid waste from three city zones to the Bandhwari landfill.
Biodiversity Conservation
Central Delhi lost 74% healthy ecosystem in 32 years: study
Researchers at Jamia Millia Islamia say habitat fragmentation and unchecked urbanisation are weakening forests, wetlands and other natural systems that protect the city from heat, floods and pollution Ecology& Environment.
Haryana maps 31 sacred groves for conservation, Mahendragarh tops list
Haryana’s initiative to conserve sacred groves has gained momentum..
Environmental Governance
Environment Ministry notifies separate state bodies to fast-track environmental nods
The Environment Ministry has notified the constitution of two new standing bodies to expedite the green clearance process in states and Union Territories.
Climate Change
Delhi Minister Ashish Sood launches two major energy initiatives to make power infrastructure smart, modern, and environment-friendly.
