Page 3 - Environment

Why is Uttarakhand up in flames? Key details about the state's forest fires

Five lives have been lost so far due to out-of-control wildfires in Uttarakhand, which started more than a week ago and have now spread to several regions in the state

Drop in annual PM2.5, PM10 levels between 2018 and 2023: Environment dept

The Delhi environmental department said there has been a decrease in the annual PM2.5 concentration, dropping from 128 micrograms per cubic metre in 2018 to 106 micrograms per cubic metre in 2023

Australia should prepare for 'megadroughts' lasting 20 years, shows study

The study showed that megadroughts of 20 years or more were a natural feature of the Australian hydroclimate

As fix for global warming, US scientists try 'sun blocking' to cool Earth

The scientists tested a technique that involves reflecting sunlight back into space in order to cool the Earth

Only 20% environmental funds utilised for NCR, shows CPCB report to NGT

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has spent only 20 per cent of the environment protection charge and environmental compensation collected so far for mitigating air pollution in Delhi-NCR and protecting the environment. The CPCB receives compensation broadly under two heads - environment protection charge (EPC) and environmental compensation (EC). According to a CPCB report submitted to the National Green Tribunal on March 20, the central pollution control body has disbursed only Rs 156.33 of the total Rs 777.69 crore collected under the two heads. The dealer/manufacturer is required to pay one per cent environment protection charge on the ex-showroom price of new diesel vehicles with engine capacity of 2000cc and above, registered only in Delhi and NCR. This is called 'environment protection charge'. The EPC is received as per an order of the Supreme Court and is utilized for air quality improvement and related work in Delhi-NCR such as research and development activities

Dysfunctional environmental clearance system should be shut down: Narain

India's system for granting environmental clearances is badly broken and should be completely shut down to dispel any illusions about their effectiveness, eminent environmentalist Sunita Narain has said. In an interview with PTI, Narain -- the director general of independent think-tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) -- suggested that the government overhaul the system to strike a balance between environmental preservation and development. Expressing concern over the decriminalisation of environmental laws in India, Narain said the current system for granting environmental and forest clearances, and penalising polluters is "so broken that it should be completely shut down so that we have no illusion of anything that is not working". Regarding environmental impact assessments, Narain pointed out the lack of accountability of committees granting clearances. "The panel lays down hundreds of conditions so that it is not held to account but there is no way to know if the ...

Green energy push: India's companies charge up on power policy shift

Rush to tie up green energy through open access in C&I segment after two key policy amendments last year

Bharti Airtel switches to recycled PVC SIM cards from virgin plastic

IDEMIA Secure Transactions, a division of the IDEMIA Group, is a leading provider of payment and connectivity solutions for financial institutions, mobile network operators and automotive manufacturer

Need to use minimum resources for environment-friendly lifestyle: MP CM

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has suggested the use of minimum resources for developing an environment-friendly lifestyle. Addressing an environment related event on Tuesday, Yadav also advocated the use of solar panels and the development of green spaces. He said single-use plastic should be avoided. "By employing minimum resources, we should cultivate a lifestyle that is environment-friendly. India believes in humanity and peace," the chief minister said at the event organised to mark the culmination of former CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan's campaign to plant a tree sapling every day. Chouhan said, "Going by the rate at which trees are being felled, the average temperatures will rise by 2 degrees Celsius by 2050 which will melt glaciers. Climate change is a major challenge." The former CM recalled that he resolved in 2021 to plant a sapling every day, and thanked the people and the government for their support. He said the government should create treebanks and green spa

Andaman's clean environment, ecology must be preserved: Prez Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu on Monday stressed on the need for preserving the clean environment and ecology of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Murmu, while addressing a gathering during a civic reception here, called for maintaining a balance between development and environmental protection. It is very important to preserve the ecology and environment of this island. We have to maintain a balance between developmental work and preservation of the environment while moving forward, she said. The president also underscored the increase in tourist arrivals from 2014 to 2022, owing to improved digital and physical communication in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This not only helped in generation of revenue, but also employment in this island. It accounts for 30 per cent of the country's 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and needless to say that this place will play an important role in nation-building when it comes to the blue economy, she said. Murmu lauded the local ..

Water Act 2024: HP, Rajasthan and UTs first to decriminalise small offences

Experts have raised concern over central government overreach and the weakening of state autonomy, as well as the potential for leniency towards large units

Govt clamps down on polluters: 83 units found non-compliant with norms

The non-compliant companies spanned across sectors like dairy, pharmaceuticals, sugar, and paper, among others

Centre lays out guidelines for 4G tower installation in protected areas

The proposal also requires detailed plans encompassing location, logistics, renewable energy usage, and the Chief Wildlife Warden's assessment of future impacts on wildlife management

One Nation, One Pass: Forest produce portal gets 24K applications

Transit permits are issued for tree species that are regulated, while the users can self-generate No Objection Certificates for exempted species

Trade department backs lower tax on hybrid vehicles in green push

India's combined sales and additional taxes on hybrid vehicles sales are as high as 43%, based on the size of the car, compared with the highest rate of 50% imposed on petrol and diesel cars

Indian CBG industry will see interest from investors: EverEnviro MD

EverEnviro Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer Mahesh Girdhar speaks about India's second stab at Compressed Bio-Gas, after an initial attempt to convert waste-to-gas failed

2023: NGT cracks whip to spur officials to strive for cleaner air, water

As large swathes of India gasped for breath, choking on air laden with contaminants, the National Green Tribunal grappled with a wide range of environmental issues, including pollution of the Ganga and quality and quantity of groundwater and air pollution in 2023. It went to the extent of imposing huge penalties on states like Delhi and Bihar for poor liquid and solid waste management. In February, the tribunal directed the Delhi government to pay Rs 2,232 crore as environmental compensation for improper management of solid and liquid waste, while in May it imposed a staggering Rs 4,000 crore compensation on Bihar. The green panel also passed orders to check over-exploitation of natural resources. It took suo motu (on its own) cognisance of industrial and environmental disasters, and awarded compensation to the victims. A highlight of the tribunal's directions involved restoring the pristine sanctity of rivers, many of which are venerated entities like the Ganga and Yamuna. Express

NTPC seeks public nod for Sipat project expansion in Chhattisgarh

Set up with an approximate project Cost of Rs 7,000 crore, the unit does not require any additional land or water allocation. The plant is receiving water from the Hasdeo River

Developed India would have to solve pollution, climate change challenge

India's attempt to reduce poverty with high economic growth will be compromised if it is unable to provide better living spaces, writes Amarjeet Sinha

COP28: UN says 63 countries have backed pledge to curb cooling emission

The Global Cooling Pledge marks the world's first collective focus on climate-warming emissions from cooling, which includes refrigeration for food and medicine and air conditioning