Weekly Environmental News Roundup (2 November 2026)
Weekly environmental news roundup from across different media networks for Week 44 (26 October to 1 November) 2026.
Air Quality
Despite government measures, Delhi continues to grapple with deteriorating air quality
For years, winters in the capital have been synonymous with air pollution. Despite multiple government measures, awareness campaigns, and court orders, citizens continue to grapple with deteriorating air quality as temperatures fall and atmospheric conditions trap pollutants close to the ground.
CAQM orders 50% WFH for Delhi-NCR offices, restricts construction activities from Nov 5 to 20
Government and private offices in Delhi and six NCR districts will have to operate with only 50 per cent of their staff attending physically from November 5 to 20, with the remaining employees working from home, under fresh pollution-control measures issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management.
As the National Capital Region braces for seasonal air quality challenges, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav on Monday stated that the Commission for Air Quality Management has decided to issue an advance advisory to halt construction and demolition activities in the national capital between November 5 and 20.
Water
Delhi Jal Board likely to tap contaminated groundwater to bridge supply gap
The Delhi Jal Board has floated an expression of interest for treatment technology that can make the city’s most contaminated groundwater fit to drink, as it looks to meet a summer supply deficit of around 250 million gallons per day.
A study by the Central Pollution Control Board has established that accumulated sludge on the Yamuna riverbed and polluted water from drains upstream are contributing to frequent spikes in ammonia levels in the river, which often lead to disruption in Delhi’s water supply.
Experts object to Sabarmati-style Yamuna project
Eighteen water experts, environmentalists, researchers and civil society representatives have raised concerns over the Delhi government’s proposed Sabarmati-style Yamuna Riverfront Development project, warning that it could threaten the river’s ecological integrity, compromise flood safety and weaken floodplain protection in the city.
Delhi MP Manoj Tiwari Takes Dip In Yamuna, Drinks From River; Praises BJP Govt’s Cleaning Efforts
BJP MP Manoj Tiwari took a dip in the Yamuna on Thursday, claiming that the pollution load of the river had reduced by half in the past year owing to cleaning works undertaken by the Rekha Gupta government.
Delhi to begin trial run of first Yamuna River cruise, 40-minute ride to cost Rs 500
Delhi is set to begin the soft launch of its first-ever Yamuna River Cruise on Monday, with the Delhi government starting trial runs of the ‘Namo Yamuna – River Safari’ service.
Laundry cycle to clean drinking water: Delhi plans one-stop hygiene hubs for slum clusters
What if residents of Delhi’s slum clusters could access toilets, showers, washing machines and clean drinking water under one roof, at subsidised rates?
Waste & Circularity
Delhi’s waste-to-energy plants emit 3.5 times more carbon than coal, new report reveals
A damning new report by the Centre for Financial Accountability and the National Alliance for Climate and Ecological Justice has exposed the severe climate cost of waste-to-energy incineration in India.
MCD seeks land from DDA, urban shelter board to set up waste plants
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has sought land from the Delhi Development Authority and the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board to set up waste-processing plants, as the civic body struggles to keep pace with the city’s daily garbage generation.
The draft of Solid Waste Management Bye-Laws 2026 prepared by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi proposes a monthly garbage user charges of up to ₹300 for residential dwelling units depending on the property type and area, steeper charges for commercial units, annual returns by bulk waste generators and mandated prior permission for holding large gatherings.
Biodiversity
DDA hits 90% target, plants 20 lakh trees and shrubs
Delhi Development Authority has planted over 20 lakh trees and shrubs this season, achieving around 90% of its target of more than 23 lakh saplings.
Climate & Energy
Medical experts warn climate change is now a ‘global health emergency’
Some 3 million deaths between 2016 and 2023 can be attributed to global warming, according to the latest Lancet Countdown report, a global study of climate-related health risks.
Environment & Policy
Plan capital as part of NCR: Delhi L-G Sandhu
Delhi must be planned as part of the wider National Capital Region, Lieutenant-Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu said on Friday, pointing out that housing, transport, water and environmental concerns extend beyond administrative boundaries.
