Weekly Environmental News Roundup (9 November 2026)
Weekly environmental news roundup from across different media networks for Week 45 (2 to 8 November) 2026.
Air Quality
Delhi’s Air Quality Index Nears 400, Govt Invokes GRAP III Norms
The Air Quality Index, a measure of air pollution levels in the national capital, hit 382 on the evening of Friday (November 6), nearing the “severe” category.
Delhi Environment Minister Sirsa blames Punjab stubble burning for rise in pollution
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has claimed that more than 580 stubble-burning incidents were recorded in Punjab in a single day on the 3rd of this month.
15,000 kg of illegal firecrackers seized in Capital, over 70 FIRs across Delhi-NCR
In the run-up to Diwali, Delhi-NCR saw a crackdown against sale of firecrackers at unlicensed units with at least 35 FIRs filed in the Capital and 41 cases registered in neighbouring Gurugram, as per officials.
India orders Delhi schools to offer online classes as air quality worsens
India ordered schools in and around Delhi to offer online classes, and encouraged people to work from home and postpone private gatherings, as air quality in the capital and surrounding areas deteriorated sharply yesterday.
Delhi is choking on more than stubble burning. Records worst pre-Diwali levels since 2019
Delhi’s air quality saw a steep decline on Friday, with the pollution levels reaching the worst pre-Diwali levels since 2019, data shows.
Delhi HC exempts lawyers across NCR from vehicle curbs
The Delhi High Court on Friday exempted lawyers residing in Delhi and the National Capital Region, along with court staff, from the Delhi government’s ban on the entry of vehicles registered outside the national capital that do not comply with BS-VI emission standards.
Delhi world’s most polluted major city on eve of Diwali, Swiss group says
Delhi was the world’s most polluted major city on Saturday morning, according to Swiss group IQAir’s live ranking, as the Indian capital faced severe pollution forecasts a day before Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights.
Water
Yamuna rejuvenation gets international interest
In a recent development, representatives of a Sweden-based company specialising in sewage sludge management met Water minister and Delhi Jal Board chairman Parvesh Sahib Singh at the Delhi Secretariat.
A proposed 52-km Yamuna riverfront development project in Delhi on the lines of Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati riverfront has drawn opposition from a coalition of environmentalists, former water ministry officials, researchers and citizen groups.
CPWD invites bids for ITO-Kartavya Bhawan water pipeline
The Central Public Works Department has invited bids for laying a 3-km additional water supply pipeline from ITO to Kartavya Bhawan 1, 2 and 3 in central Delhi.
Waste & Circularity
Centre sets deadlines for MCD to tackle waste along rly tracks in Delhi
The Centre has set deadlines for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to address the persistent dumping of waste along railway tracks in the Capital, with the civic body being asked to identify affected locations, strengthen door-to-door collection in adjoining settlements and prevent fresh accumulation.
From switching off unnecessary lights and fans to promoting millets, setting up plastic-free campuses and spreading awareness about electronic waste, schools across Delhi will undertake a series of activities this week as part of the BRICS Sustainable Lifestyle Week 2026.
Biodiversity
Experts raise dust, ecology fears as govt clears kikar trees at Central Ridge forest in Delhi
Large tracts of the Central Ridge forest in Delhi are being cleared of trees and vegetation as part of the government’s plan to remove the invasive vilayati kikar (Prosopis juliflora) and develop themed forests, drawing criticism from environmental experts and activists who warn that the exercise could damage the fragile ecosystem and worsen dust pollution.
Climate & Energy
Delhi explores rooftop solar installations in public spaces: CM Rekha Gupta
Delhi is exploring rooftop solar installations in public buildings and common areas of residential complexes to overcome space constraints and expand clean energy adoption, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Wednesday.
Climate change increased tropical Cyclone Arnab’s damage by 33 per cent: Study
Climate change increased the damage caused by Cyclone Arnab, which struck eastern India on October 28, by 33 per cent, resulting in tens of millions of dollars in additional direct economic losses, according to a study by researchers at Imperial College London’s Grantham Institute.
Climate change threatens India’s food supply, pushing up prices: Report
Climate change is reducing crop yields, disrupting food supply chains, and pushing up food prices in India, with economic losses extending beyond farms to retailers and consumers, according to a new white paper by the research-based consulting initiative Climate Trends launched in New Delhi on Wednesday.
India and France discuss climate finance, COP31 priorities
India and France on Tuesday discussed biodiversity conservation, energy transition, climate finance and priorities for COP31 while reiterating commitment to strengthening cooperation through the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
Environment & Policy
More doctoral research needed on Goa’s biodiversity, language and culture: CM
Chief minister Pramod Sawant urged scholars to focus their research on Goa, saying the state should be recognised not not only for tourism but also for academic institutions, research and innovation.
