Environment News
1. In January 2024, the air quality crisis in Delhi reaches unprecedented levels.
Air pollution in Delhi has reached dangerous levels, particularly in winter, and has been a significant environmental catastrophe in recent memory. The problem has been exacerbated by the burning of agricultural waste in the nearby states of Haryana and Punjab, which contributes to the pollution levels. The stagnant air and cooler temperatures prevent the dispersion of contaminants, causing asthma, bronchitis, and other cardiopulmonary issues.
The Delhi government has issued recommendations to reduce air pollution, including banning building and factory operations, promoting public transportation, and a campaign to discourage crop burning in adjacent states. However, these measures have not been sufficient, as the problem persists over time and affects the entire system.
To address the root causes of the problem, Delhi needs to enhance public transport systems, establish and strictly enforce regulations for emission limitations from industrial units, and raise public awareness about pollution. People can take action by riding bikes instead of cars, cutting down trees, and supporting green banks. However, permanent solutions are needed to address the ongoing issue of air pollution in Delhi, which will continue to occur at regular intervals every year.
2. Supreme Court Calls for Action on Free-Roaming Dogs and Environmental Safety
The Supreme Court of India issued an order on February 19, 2024, regarding the safety of the environment and free-roaming dogs in wildlife areas and forests. The Bombay Natural History Society and other individuals filed a writ petition against the Union of India and other individuals, arguing that the current guidelines by the Animal Welfare Board of India only cover stray dogs and do not protect dogs allowed to roam freely in wildlife regions. The Bombay Natural History Society believes that efforts to conserve animals are being wasted due to the lack of appropriate rules for the management of these specific breeds.
The Supreme Court directed the Bombay Natural History Society to present their complaints to the Animal Welfare Board of India, but the board did not respond to their letters. The Supreme Court of the United States ordered a reconsideration of the petitioner’s representation, requiring a personal hearing and a speaking order explaining how the grievance was proposed to be remedied and how changes in methodology for dealing with free-roaming dogs would be implemented.
The Supreme Court’s decision addresses concerns about the impact of free-roaming dogs on wildlife and requires clear and specific guidance for managing these dogs in wildlife habitats. This decision represents an important milestone in increasing wildlife protection.
3. India Revises Plastic Waste Management Regulations to Address Pollution
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, via a notification dated March 15, 2024, has instituted significant amendments to the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016. The recent amendment is designated as the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2024.
India has published revised regulations to combat plastic waste, focusing on biodegradable plastics. The revised rules, published in the Gazette of India, replace outdated sections with new ones, ensuring manufacturers are accountable for their products post-sale. The revised regulations also introduce additional components to Rule 3, addressing the management of biodegradable plastics and establishing guidelines for importers, manufacturers, producers, and sellers.
The regulations mandate specific protocols for the labeling and certification of compostable or biodegradable plastics, as well as documentation of plastic product sales volumes and waste produced. The regulations also mandate companies to collaborate with local authorities and submit annual reports on plastic waste management. This initiative is a significant step towards reducing plastic pollution in India.
4. Uttarakhand Faces Severe Forest Fires: Causes and Consequences
In May, Uttarakhand experienced significant forest fires, causing extensive damage to natural ecosystems and affecting human society. Two significant fire incidents occurred in the Gauhari range of the Rajaji Tiger Reserve and along a trekking route to the Nilkanth Mahadeb temple in Rishikesh. The state contains the largest portion of the nation’s forests and wildlife, and the fires spread through the trees, causing significant losses.
The fires created respiratory difficulties for those affected, with some individuals enduring hazardous conditions linked to the smoke. The forests of the Barahat, Mukhem, Dunda, and Dharasu ranges, along with the Varunavat hills in the border district of Uttarkashi, are ablaze. Significant effort was exerted in extinguishing the fires, with firefighters, local volunteers, and forest department personnel working tirelessly to extinguish the fires. However, some regions lacked effective fire management plans, highlighting issues such as inadequate forest management and ineffective community education to prevent such disasters.
The consequences of the fires extend beyond the destruction itself, as deforestation disrupts the balance of carbon dioxide and oxygen, contributing to climate change. Future fires can be mitigated through improved fire management, enhanced equipment, and heightened awareness regarding fire safety.
5. The pollution of the Ganga River has already prompted legal action and ongoing environmental challenges.
India is grappling with significant challenges in addressing the pollution of the Ganga River, a sacred river that flows across the northern region of the country. The river water is contaminated with untreated industrial effluent, sewage, and ritual immersions, causing significant environmental damage. The government and environmental organizations have recognized the need for legal proceedings to address this issue. Courts have issued new directives, such as requiring nearby enterprises to filter their waste before releasing it into the river. However, there is an inadequate number of sewage treatment plants and insufficient enforcement of existing regulations.
The enforcement of these directives is a significant obstacle, with industries and local communities failing to conform due to capacity issues. Additionally, there is a lack of public awareness and engagement in cleaning the river, as the public throws items into the river, contributing to the pollution. The catchment area of the Ganga River is over 2,500 kilometers long, making efforts to clean it difficult.
Maintaining competition and coordination among states is also a barrier to implementing regulations consistently. The contaminated water not only affects the lives of millions of people who rely on the river water for drinking, bathing, and irrigation. Therefore, there is a need to change the methods used to regulate pollution and involve the community in the process.
6. Deadly Landslides Caused by Climate Change and Deforestation in the District of Kerala
The World Weather Attribution group has highlighted the impact of human-caused climate change on the landslides in Wayanad district, Kerala, on July 30, 2024. The study revealed that heavy rainfall is becoming more frequent in the area, with the third-heaviest recorded rainfall in the region. Kerala’s Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, stated that 572 millimeters of rain hit the region within 48 hours, more than double the forecast amount. Incessant rain caused the killer landslides. The study warns that if global temperature increases by 2 degrees Celsius, single-day rainfall over Kerala will be 4% heavier in the future, leading to greater landslides and greater danger to lives and property.
The Kerala landslides highlight the urgent need for public action against climate change, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and adopting better land management approaches. This will help mitigate the risks due to heavy rainfall and ensuing landslides, which could result in more frequent and disastrous natural disasters. Other factors contributing to increased risks in Wayanad include rampant deforestation, over-development, and unregulated tourism. Experts have called for mitigations like slope stabilization, retaining wall construction, and early warning systems to reduce the toll in future events.
The recent landslides in Wayanad send a grim statement of a call for action against climate change, urging for a reduction in emissions and improved environmental management practices to prevent further landslides and disasters.
7. Cyclone Remal Causes Widespread Damage in Northeast India
Cyclone Remal has caused significant damage in northeastern India, causing flooding and landslides in five states. The cyclone struck the Bay of Bengal coast on May 26 and has caused at least 40 deaths and hundreds of injuries. The storm has affected areas such as Imphal East and Imphal West, Kangpokpi, Bishnupur, Noney, Churachandpur, Senapati, and Kakching. The NDRF has been sent to assist in rescue operations, while the Indian Army and Assam Rifles are also distributing critical commodities.
The government has established 56 relief camps for those forcibly removed from their homes. Assam, the largest northeastern state, has seen 11 deaths and nearly 78,000 children affected across eleven districts. The NDRF has increased the number of members sent to Barak Valley for rescue operations. Mizoram has seen at least 29 lives lost, with the capital city of Aizawl having the largest concentration. The NDRF has received a donation of 150 million Indian rupees, or $1.8 million, from Chief Minister Lalduhoma for relief efforts. However, the states of Tripura and Meghalaya have not been as severely affected.
8. Assam Floods Intensified by Deforestation
Assam is facing a flood crisis due to incessant rain, affecting over 24 lakh people in 30 districts. Over 120 rivulets, many from catchment areas of Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya, have burst and flooded homes and agricultural fields, causing large-scale damage. The situation has worsened due to deforestation in the Northeast, particularly in areas near the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya.
Deforestation in the Northeast, particularly in Greater Jorabat Hills near Guwahati, has led to increased runoff and erosion of soil, making the city more flash-flood prone and susceptible to waterlogging. ASDMA reports that the removal of trees loosens the earth, causing erosion and filling drainage channels with silt. Encroachment and unplanned construction on wetlands and natural reservoirs have further aggravated the problem, nullifying the capacity of these areas to handle floodwaters, increasing vulnerability to flooding, and jeopardizing public health and safety.
Deforestation is largely responsible for the continuous rise in flood threats, as soil erosion leads to lesser water-holding capacity of the land, resulting in increased surface runoff. Other factors contributing to increasing flooding include unabated hill-cutting and destruction of natural areas. Controls over deforestation and better management of natural resources are needed to decrease the burden of future floods and enhance resilience.
9. The Environmental Performance Index for 2024 Places India Low
India ranks 176th out of 180 countries in the 2024 EPI, trailing behind Pakistan, Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar. The country struggles with air quality, projected emissions, and biodiversity as the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases. The report introduced a new category, biodiversity and habitat, which highlighted disturbing trends where protected areas are giving way to structures and farm activities. India’s rankings in subcategories underpin serious hurdles, with air quality 177th out of 180 countries and projected emissions for 2025 in the 172nd position. This low ranking could be due to heavy dependence on coal in the country, leading to high greenhouse gas emissions and poor air quality.
India ranks 178th in the new category of biodiversity and habitat, ahead of China and Micronesia. The country also joins China and Turkey in keeping 95% of its protected area data closed, limiting the assessment of India’s performance in protecting its natural habitat. India ranks 133rd in the climate change category, thanks to substantial investments in renewable energy and ambitions to reach net-zero by 2070. However, India faces numerous environmental challenges to meet if it hopes to fare better in future indexes.
10. Growing Environmental Concerns Due to Himachal Pradesh’s Increasing Tourism
The Atal Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh, known for its scenic beauty, has experienced a surge in tourist numbers due to Christmas and New Year festivities. However, concerns have been raised about the environmental impact and the behavior of some visitors, as evidenced by litter scattered around popular spots. IFS officer Parveen Kaswan shared a picture of garbage in Sissu village, close to the Atal Tunnel, raising questions about the environmental impact of the tunnel. The Atal Tunnel, at an altitude of 3,100 meters, has become a major tourist attraction, causing heavy traffic jams and environmental problems. On December 25, a record number of 28,210 vehicles crossed the tunnel in 24 hours, with over 14,000 belonging to Himachal Pradesh and over 13,000 from outside the hill state.
The influx of tourists to Himachal Pradesh, known for its picturesque hills, has raised concerns about ecological harm and the conduct of tourists. Social media images have shown litter dispersed throughout various locations, prompting concerns about the consequences of the increasing number of visitors. Parveen Kaswan, an officer of the Indian Foreign Service, brought attention to the issue of littering in Sissu village, located near the Atal tunnel. His post critically examined the conduct of tourists, stating, “This is Sissu village.”
The Atal Tunnel, situated at an elevation of 3,100 meters, is rapidly emerging as a popular tourist destination, leading to significant vehicular congestion on access roads. Documentation from the police post indicates that a remarkable total of 28,210 vehicles traversed the 9.02-km-long tunnel in a single day on December 25. The substantial influx of traffic has exacerbated the environmental and administrative challenges faced in the region.
A viral video depicting a tourist navigating a Mahindra Thar SUV through the Chandra River in Lahaul Valley elicited disapproval from local residents. The authorities promptly imposed a fine on the SUV operator for their reckless conduct. As the influx of visitors to these enchanting locations increases, it becomes imperative for each individual to take on the duty of preserving the inherent beauty of these environments. The law enforcement authorities have urged visitors to adhere to established protocols designed to preserve the area’s cleanliness and ensure safety.
11. Anant Ambani’s Vantara launches the World Environment Day 2024 campaign.
Anant Ambani, the leader of the Vantara initiative, launched a new campaign branded with the hashtag #ImAVantarian on World Environment Day, June 5, 2024. The campaign aims to increase awareness and encourage individuals to take meaningful action in relation to the environment. The campaign features an impressive cast of celebrities, including Ajay Devgn, Bhumi Pednekar, Janhvi Kapoor, Varun Sharma, KL Rahul, and Kusha Kapila, who all make statements about their commitment to the environment and encourage viewers to participate in making a genuine difference.
Vantara aims to deliver a powerful message of environmental responsibility and citizenship by capitalizing on the widespread impact of the celebrities. The campaign also urges individuals to express their support for environmentally responsible activities and spread the news about the ongoing endeavor. On the occasion of World Environment Day, Vantara is planting 5,000 trees on the grounds, in line with Vantara’s lofty objective of planting one million trees annually.
A spokesperson for Vantara reaffirmed that they pledge to continue their commitment to helping the environment and emphasize that every insignificant action is significant and has an effect. By introducing an Instagram filter with a badge for individuals who have taken the #ImAVantarian commitment, Vantara is taking the initiative to the next level. This interactive tool allows users to demonstrate their commitment to the preservation of the environment by posting it on their social media profiles and encouraging their followers to engage in more environmentally responsible behaviors.
The Vantara campaign combines celebrity influence with interactive internet technologies to raise awareness and encourage people to do beneficial and protective activities in their lives. By using these tools, Vantara hopes to bring about a more favorable future and invite others to join them in their dedication to the preservation of the environment.
12. Massive Flooding in Assam Caused by Brahmaputra River Overflow
The Brahmaputra River in Assam state, known for its wide and unpredictable floods, caused a devastating flood on June 30th, destroying thousands of homes and businesses. The river, vital to daily lives and agricultural practices, overflowed its banks, causing significant damage to villages, towns, and fields. The floodwaters severely compromised farmers’ ability to make a living and provide for their families. Local authorities and rescue groups prioritized helping those impacted by the tragedy, providing shelter, food, water, and medicine to the victims.
However, the floods presented significant obstacles, with some rescue crews unable to reach certain locations due to severe damage to roads and infrastructure. The destruction of homes and fields highlights the immediate difficulties of repairing their lives and the longer-term challenges of rebuilding. Improving flood control and readiness is crucial, with future efforts to strengthen early warning systems, build flood-resistant infrastructure, and upgrade drainage systems. Raising public awareness and facilitating community-level planning can aid in damage reduction and speedy recovery.
These incidents highlight the need for effective disaster management and the vulnerability of flood-prone areas. The people of Assam are coping with this tough period thanks to the assistance of their fellow citizens, community resilience, and relief agencies.
13. Research Connects India’s High Mortality Rates to Air Pollution
A new study in the Lancet journal suggests that high death rates in India are linked to air pollution, highlighting the need for stricter rules for air quality. The Lancet study found that even short-term exposure to air pollution greatly raises the chance of death, and more people are starting to think that India should set health-based guidelines for air quality. The study found that short-term exposure could make people more likely to die than was thought. The last time India’s NAAQS was updated was in 2009, and it is now being looked at by a group led by the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. An extra professor at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences Delhi, Dr. Harshal Salve, is on the review committee. The review process began in 2022.
Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director of research and advocacy at the Center for Science and Environment, said that when the standard is reviewed, health evidence that is already out there should be taken into account. The major study looked at how changes in levels affected death rates using data from all the causes of death in each city, satellite images, weather patterns, land use, and data on emissions. The second part of the study looked at what local air pollution, specifically nitrogen oxide from burning trash and cars, could say about death rates.
14. Punjab to Implement NGT Fine for Eco-Friendly Cattle Dung Management in Gaushalas
The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has imposed a fine on the state for pollution of the Beas and Sutlej rivers, which may finance environmentally sustainable initiatives in Punjab. In July, the state will allocate funds for improved management of cattle dung in gaushalas and dairy farms. The process involves converting biodegradable waste into organic fertilizers through vermicomposting, where earthworms facilitate the decomposition of the waste. The PPCB will provide technical and financial support to select gaushalas and dairy farms interested in participating in the initiative.
A biogas-based dung disposal project has been developed to mitigate water pollution resulting from improper disposal of dung and wastewater from these facilities. The eco-restoration scheme will generate the necessary funding for PPCB, which will be used for vermicomposting, dung log or cake preparation, and manure production. The collected fine amount was allocated to various departments, including local government, industry, rural development, and panchayats, with the largest portion going to the local bodies department. The PPCB has developed various eco-management projects tailored for small, medium, and large gaushalas/clusters across diverse locations, aiming to reduce pollution by transforming cattle dung into value-added products.
15. Tripura suffers severe floods; 31 people have died; climate change is mentioned.
Tripura, a state in India, has experienced one of the worst floods in recent memory, with heavy rainfall causing rivers to overflow, causing landslides and flooding in multiple towns. The most affected areas are Gomati, South Tripura, Khowai Tripura, and West Tripura.
The state’s Revenue Department reports that Amarpur in Gomati and Bagafa and Belonia in South Tripura are the worst hit. The floods have devastated many lives and livelihoods, affecting 1.7 million individuals and displacing 46,271 families. The loss of cattle and houses is a stark example of how climate change is exacerbating already severe weather, making natural disasters like this flood more common.
16. Three additional Ramsar sites in India
The Karnataka wetlands of Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve, Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve, and Aghanashini Estuary have been designated as international Ramsar sites, increasing the total number of Ramsar sites in India to 80. Two wetlands from Tamil Nadu, Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary and Longwood Shola Reserve Forest, are also included in the list. Tamil Nadu has become the state with the most Ramsar sites in the country, totaling 16, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 10. These wetlands are critically important for avian species, serving as habitats for various bird species, including threatened ones like the common pochard, river tern, and black-chinned Nilgiri laughing thrush.
The most substantial inclusion is the Aghanashini Estuary, which includes over 4,800 hectares and supports more than 66 waterbird species. It offers crucial ecosystem services for flood and erosion mitigation, biodiversity preservation, and supporting livelihoods. Ankasamudra and Magadi Kere are smaller wetlands, with Ankasamudra being an ancient irrigation reservoir in the Bellary district and Magadi Kere being a man-made wetland in the Gadag district.
These newly designated Karnataka sites contribute to the growing number of Ramsar sites in India, with the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary in Karnataka being the inaugural Ramsar site two years ago. The number of Ramsar sites in India rose from 26 to 80 during the past decade, with 38 of those established in the last three years alone.
