Weekly Environmental News Roundup (14 September 2026)
Weekly environmental news roundup from across different media networks for Week 37 (7 to 13 September) 2026.
Air Pollution
Delaying clean air initiatives in Delhi to cost lives and economies: report
A report by the UN Environment Programme and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition highlights the economic and health impacts of delaying clean air action in Delhi, indicating that such delays have measurable health costs.
Delhi-NCR to get 55 new air quality monitoring stations by year-end, total to reach 157
The plan requires at least 1 monitoring station for every 25 sq km in Delhi and NCR cities such as Ghaziabad, Noida, Greater Noida, Faridabad and Sonepat.
The Commission for Air Quality Management, under the Union Ministry of Forest and Climate Change, has tightened norms for reopening pollution violating entities in Delhi and other Northern states, in a bid to further strengthen its enforcement against air pollution violations.
NCR moving towards year-round enforcement of anti-pollution measures, say regulatory bodies
Air pollution abatement measures in the National Capital Region are moving towards year-round enforcement rather than seasonal curbs alone, according to the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, and state pollution control boards of Haryana and Rajasthan.
CAQM pulls up Haryana pollution board over dust-monitoring lapses
The Commission for Air Quality Management has flagged continued non-compliance by the Haryana State Pollution Control Board in monitoring construction and demolition sites, citing widespread failure of web-camera links required to track dust-control measures remotely.
Water Security
Delhi plans 500-cusec Hindon river water diversion to Yamuna to improve e-flow
As part of the project to improve the water quality of the Yamuna, the government is working jointly with Uttar Pradesh to divert 500 cusecs of water from the Hindon river to the Yamuna, a senior official said on Thursday.
Delhi govt set to revamp 5.5km dry section of Munak canal
Delhi government’s irrigation and flood control department is set to begin work on rejuvenating the dry stretch of Munak canal between downstream side of Outer Ring Road and Inderlok metro station, officials said.
NGT asks Centre to regulate industrial use of spring water
The National Green Tribunal has directed the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti to reconsider regulating the utilisation of spring water by the industry, including bringing it within the definition of ‘groundwater’.
Waste Management
Delhi Mayor Pravesh Wahi flags off 176 new sanitation vehicles to strengthen cleanliness services
Delhi Mayor Pravesh Wahi on Thursday flagged off 176 new sanitation vehicles from the headquarters of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to further strengthen the door-to-door garbage collection and waste transportation system in the South Zone.
Delhi Metro’s Arpan initiative collects 41 tonnes of old clothes
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta praised the Delhi Metro’s ‘Arpan’ initiative for collecting over 41 tonnes of old clothes.
In a bid to curb illegal dumping of garbage across vacant plots, green belts and roadsides, the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram slashed the processing and lifting charge for non-bulk construction and demolition waste by over 85% during a General House meeting on Friday.
India has the potential to produce around 62 million metric tonnes of compressed biogas annually from an estimated 472 MMT of feedstock, with animal waste alone accounting for nearly 41 per cent of the total potential, according to an Equirus report.
Biodiversity Conservation
BRICS leaders plant great banyan tree saplings on day 1 of Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders of nine other BRICS member countries on Friday planted a total of 10 saplings of the great banyan tree in the verdant lawns of the Bharat Mandapam complex on day one of the Summit.
Govt to monitor Ridge plantations as Delhi targets 70 lakh trees
The Delhi Government’s Forest Department plans to carry out regular ground-level checks of plantation work across the Ridge to ensure newly planted saplings are planted properly and maintained.
Delhi: 863 animals and birds rescued after joint raid against illegal wildlife trade
A total of 863 animals and birds were rescued following a joint raid conducted by Delhi Police’s Central District along with People For Animals, World Wide Animal and officials of Delhi’s Forest and Wildlife Department, officials said on Wednesday.
300+ Painted Storks Begin Nesting at Delhi Zoo, Highlighting Its Wetland’s Ecological Value
More than 300 Painted Storks have begun nesting at the National Zoological Park in New Delhi, highlighting the ecological importance of its wetland and tree habitats.
Ecocide Being Executed With Full Support Of PM Modi: Cong On Tara Coal Block Auction
The Congress on Thursday attacked the Modi government over the auction of the Tara coal block in the biodiversity-rich Hasdeo-Aranya ecosystem in Chhattisgarh, saying it is yet another example of an “ecocide” being executed with the full support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself.
Environmental Governance
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has introduced several measures aimed at facilitating smoother business operations while accelerating the process for obtaining environmental clearances.
Climate Change
Climate Finance, Adaptation and Disaster Resilience Feature Prominently In BRICS Declaration
Coming just two weeks after devastating glacier-caused floods in Nepal killed nearly 1,400 people, the BRICS New Delhi Declaration highlighted the need for adaptation, climate finance, resilience and investing in measures to reduce climate-related disaster risks.
‘Fossil fuels will still play important role’: BRICS Declaration opposes carbon border tax
The declaration framed energy security as a crucial foundation for social and economic development, national security and the welfare of all nations.
Coordinated action on clean air and climate change can net $15 for every dollar spent
Tackling air pollution and climate change together can save millions of lives, reduce global warming and generate roughly $15 in economic benefits for every $1 spent, a new UN-backed report has revealed.
