Kashmir's breathtaking landscapes have long made it one of India's most sought-after tourist destinations. But rapid tourism-driven construction is now raising serious environmental concerns. According to official figures, more than 5,000 hotels have been built across the Kashmir Valley since 2021, with authorities stating that around 90% allegedly lack the required approvals. Popular destinations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Gurez, and Doodhpathri are witnessing a surge in hotels, homestays, and commercial buildings.

Kashmir's Tourism Boom Sparks Environmental Alarm | 90% of New Hotels Allegedly Illegal

Kerala is facing a growing environmental crisis as the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reports a sharp decline in river water quality across the state. According to the latest assessment, Kerala has 32 polluted river stretches, the second-highest number in India, highlighting the increasing impact of rapid urbanization and untreated sewage on the state's freshwater ecosystems.

The report, based on water quality data collected between 2020 and 2023, found that untreated sewage discharge and inadequate sanitation infrastructure have significantly degraded river health. Nearly half of the water samples tested were found to be contaminated with harmful bacteria, raising serious concerns about public health and environmental sustainability.

Kerala's Rivers Among India's Most Polluted, CPCB Report Raises Alarm


Massive wildfire smoke from Canada has spread across major cities in both Canada and the United States, triggering hazardous air quality alerts and reducing visibility. Toronto, Detroit, Chicago, Minneapolis, and New York have all been affected as officials warn of serious health risks from toxic smoke while wildfires continue to burn across northwestern Ontario.

Canadian wildfire smoke engulfs US & Canada | Air quality alerts issued as wildfires rage

Smoke from Canada's massive wildfires spread across parts of the northern United States on July 15, reducing visibility and triggering air quality alerts in Michigan and Minnesota. Authorities issued a wildfire smoke warning for the Mackinac Bridge, while several Minnesota communities, including Duluth, Hibbing, Ely, and Two Harbors, were placed under air quality advisories. According to Canadian officials, 835 wildfires were active across the country, with 112 classified as out of control. More than 1.9 million hectares (4.7 million acres) have already burned this wildfire season, with the worst-affected provinces including Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Ontario.

Canada wildfires: massive smoke reaches Michigan & Minnesota | Air quality alerts issued across the U.S.

In a jolt to conservationists in Karnataka, the Union Government declared the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Bengaluru's last remaining lung space - The Bannerghatta National Park, which shrank the area of the part.

Eco-Sensitive Zone around Bengaluru's national park shrinks, conservationists fume