Watch how you unknowingly pollute the Earth. Watch video to know more.

Watch how you unknowingly pollute the Earth

At least 32 flights have been diverted at the Delhi airport as a thick blanket of smog engulfed several parts of the city on Sunday morning. 
 
Air pollution levels in the national capital escalated to hazardous and visibility dropped significantly. 
 
"Due to low visibility at the Delhi Airport, 32 flights have been diverted," said Delhi International Airport Limited today. 
 
Air India has said that due to bad weather, flight operations have been affected since morning 9 am in T3 airport in Delhi and 12 flights have been diverted to Jaipur, Amritsar, and Lucknow. 
 
As per the update till 1 pm, the Delhi Airport in a tweet said, "Due to low visibility, flight operations at the Delhi Airport are affected. While take-offs and landings continue, some flights are impacted due to crew operational limitations." 
 
"Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information. Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted," the Delhi Airport added. 
 
Notably, for the first time in this season, the Air Quality Index (AQI) docked as high as 625 at 10 in the morning despite light drizzles in the early hours. 
An AQI between 0-50 is considered "good", 51-100 "satisfactory", 101-200 "moderate", 201-300 "poor", 301-400 "very poor", and 401-500 "severe". 
 
Above 500 is the "severe-plus emergency" category.

At least 32 flights have been diverted at the Delhi airport as a thick blanket of smog engulfed several parts of the city on Sunday morning. Air pollution levels in the national capital escalated to hazardous and visibility dropped significantly.

At least 32 flights have been diverted at the Delhi airport as a thick blanket of smog engulfed several parts of the city on Sunday morning. Air pollution levels in the national capital escalated to hazardous and visibility dropped significantly. "Due to low visibility at the Delhi Airport, 32 flights have been diverted," said Delhi International Airport Limited today. Air India has said that due to bad weather, flight operations have been affected since morning 9 am in T3 airport in Delhi and 12 flights have been diverted to Jaipur, Amritsar, and Lucknow. As per the update till 1 pm, the Delhi Airport in a tweet said, "Due to low visibility, flight operations at the Delhi Airport are affected. While take-offs and landings continue, some flights are impacted due to crew operational limitations." "Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information. Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted," the Delhi Airport added. Notably, for the first time in this season, the Air Quality Index (AQI) docked as high as 625 at 10 in the morning despite light drizzles in the early hours. An AQI between 0-50 is considered "good", 51-100 "satisfactory", 101-200 "moderate", 201-300 "poor", 301-400 "very poor", and 401-500 "severe". Above 500 is the "severe-plus emergency" category.

Pollution in Delhi: 32 flights diverted due to low visibility

By Mallika Singh 
 
As Delhi’s Air Quality Index recently dropped from ‘Severe Plus’ to ‘Hazardous’ and touched 450 points on Saturday, leaders across the country have politicised the issue, leading to the declaration of a 'public health emergency'.

Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi Manish Sisodia on Saturday tweeted that stubble burning in the regions of Punjab and Haryana contributed to 46 per cent of the pollution in Delhi. He further asked the Central Government what they were doing to save North India and to curb stubble burning.

On Friday, the Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal blamed the governments of neighbouring states Haryana and Punjab for the increasing levels of pollution in Delhi. He accused them of forcing the farmers to burn their produce.

Union Environment and Climate Change Minister Prakash Javadekar criticised Kejriwal’s remarks and said that he was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/javadekar-urges-kejriwal-to-find-solutions-to-mitigate-pollution-and-stop-blame-game-259508">“indulging in a blame game”</a>. Javadekar urged him to tackle the problem while stating that the Delhi government did not pay its share in the construction of the Eastern Peripheral Highway which has helped bring down pollution in the city.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
It is unfortunate that Delhi CM <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArvindKejriwal</a> is politicising the issue of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AirPollution?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AirPollution</a> &amp; instigating students to write a letter to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Haryana?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Haryana</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Punjab?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Punjab</a> CMs to show them in bad light and present them as villains.<a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4Delhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4Delhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/UXiwg3h3NQ">pic.twitter.com/UXiwg3h3NQ</a>
— Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) <a href="https://twitter.com/PrakashJavdekar/status/1190527132197253120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Saturday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to establish a “consensus without further delay'' to stop pollution.&nbsp;

<a href="http://cms.wionews.com/india-news/in-view-of-pollution-open-activities-to-be-restricted-in-haryana-schools-dushyant-chautala-259547">Haryana</a> Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala urged the leaders to rise above politics and to take a collective stand to combat the situation “once and for all”. Additionally, he asked the Central Government to take the lead.

Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday tweeted a picture mocking Delhi Tourism quoting ‘Delhi is injurious to health’, for which he faced backlash.

The Delhi government on Friday declared that all schools would be shut till November 5. He added that 50 lakh masks will be distributed among the students.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court is set to consider a report on Monday drafted by the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPPCA)&nbsp;related to the health emergency.

Additionally, a bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra will hear a plea on Monday regarding the pollution caused in the city due to stubble burning in the neighbouring states.&nbsp;

The EPPCA, besides declaring a state of public health emergency in Delhi NCR has also imposed a ban on all construction activities till November 5.&nbsp;

According to the Indian Meteorological Department, Delhi is expected to receive <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/delhi-may-receive-rainfall-after-november-6-imd-259507">rainfall after November 6</a> due to an increase in wind speed, which might help bring down the pollution.

By Mallika Singh As Delhi’s Air Quality Index recently dropped from ‘Severe Plus’ to ‘Hazardous’ and touched 450 points on Saturday, leaders across the country have politicised the issue, leading to the declaration of a 'public health emergency'.

By Mallika Singh As Delhi’s Air Quality Index recently dropped from ‘Severe Plus’ to ‘Hazardous’ and touched 450 points on Saturday, leaders across the country have politicised the issue, leading to the declaration of a 'public health emergency'. Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi Manish Sisodia on Saturday tweeted that stubble burning in the regions of Punjab and Haryana contributed to 46 per cent of the pollution in Delhi. He further asked the Central Government what they were doing to save North India and to curb stubble burning. On Friday, the Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal blamed the governments of neighbouring states Haryana and Punjab for the increasing levels of pollution in Delhi. He accused them of forcing the farmers to burn their produce. Union Environment and Climate Change Minister Prakash Javadekar criticised Kejriwal’s remarks and said that he was “indulging in a blame game”. Javadekar urged him to tackle the problem while stating that the Delhi government did not pay its share in the construction of the Eastern Peripheral Highway which has helped bring down pollution in the city. It is unfortunate that Delhi CM @ArvindKejriwal is politicising the issue of #AirPollution & instigating students to write a letter to #Haryana & #Punjab CMs to show them in bad light and present them as villains.@BJP4India @BJP4Delhi pic.twitter.com/UXiwg3h3NQ — Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) November 2, 2019 × Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Saturday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to establish a “consensus without further delay'' to stop pollution. Haryana Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala urged the leaders to rise above politics and to take a collective stand to combat the situation “once and for all”. Additionally, he asked the Central Government to take the lead. Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday tweeted a picture mocking Delhi Tourism quoting ‘Delhi is injurious to health’, for which he faced backlash. The Delhi government on Friday declared that all schools would be shut till November 5. He added that 50 lakh masks will be distributed among the students. The Supreme Court is set to consider a report on Monday drafted by the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPPCA) related to the health emergency. Additionally, a bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra will hear a plea on Monday regarding the pollution caused in the city due to stubble burning in the neighbouring states. The EPPCA, besides declaring a state of public health emergency in Delhi NCR has also imposed a ban on all construction activities till November 5. According to the Indian Meteorological Department, Delhi is expected to receive rainfall after November 6 due to an increase in wind speed, which might help bring down the pollution.

Political blame game over Delhi pollution

Know-How you unknowingly pollute the Earth and what are the ways to reduce the carbon footprint.

How you unknowingly pollute the Earth?

Union Environment and Climate Change Minister Prakash Javadekar on Saturday urged Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to take measures to tackle air pollution in national capital instead of indulging in 'blame-game'.

Addressing media persons after an event here, Javadekar said, "I think it is unfortunate that a Chief Minister, instead of finding solutions to mitigate pollution is into a blame game."

"Instead of spending Rs 1500 crores on advertisements, if Delhi government spends the money to buy machines for disposing off crop stubble for farmers of Punjab and Haryana, it will be more beneficial," said Javadekar.

Stating that the geophysical conditions surrounding the national capital play a role in increasing air pollution, the Union Minister appealed to Delhi, Punjab and Haryana governments to work together in order to tackle the menace.

Holding stubble burning in the neighbouring states responsible for rising air pollution in the national capital, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday asked Punjab, Haryana and Central governments to give specific deadlines, by when they will put stop on stubble burning.

The air quality in the national capital and its adjoining regions on Saturday continued to remain in the 'hazardous category'&nbsp;with the pollution level hovering near 400.

Due to the prevailing weather condition, the Arvind Kejriwal government in Delhi has announced to shut the schools till November 5 and has also banned all construction activities. The government has declared a "public health emergency".&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Union Environment and Climate Change Minister Prakash Javadekar on Saturday urged Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to take measures to tackle air pollution in national capital instead of indulging in 'blame-game'.

Union Environment and Climate Change Minister Prakash Javadekar on Saturday urged Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to take measures to tackle air pollution in national capital instead of indulging in 'blame-game'. Addressing media persons after an event here, Javadekar said, "I think it is unfortunate that a Chief Minister, instead of finding solutions to mitigate pollution is into a blame game." "Instead of spending Rs 1500 crores on advertisements, if Delhi government spends the money to buy machines for disposing off crop stubble for farmers of Punjab and Haryana, it will be more beneficial," said Javadekar. Stating that the geophysical conditions surrounding the national capital play a role in increasing air pollution, the Union Minister appealed to Delhi, Punjab and Haryana governments to work together in order to tackle the menace. Holding stubble burning in the neighbouring states responsible for rising air pollution in the national capital, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday asked Punjab, Haryana and Central governments to give specific deadlines, by when they will put stop on stubble burning. The air quality in the national capital and its adjoining regions on Saturday continued to remain in the 'hazardous category' with the pollution level hovering near 400. Due to the prevailing weather condition, the Arvind Kejriwal government in Delhi has announced to shut the schools till November 5 and has also banned all construction activities. The government has declared a "public health emergency".

Javadekar urges Kejriwal to find solutions to mitigate pollution and stop 'blame-game'

Is binge-watching bad for the planet? Can an asthma inhaler be bad for the environment? Watch this report from Gravitas on how humans are unknowingly polluting the environment.

Gravitas: Can binge watching cause pollution?

Haryana Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala on Friday expressed concerns over the poor 'air quality' in the national capital region and said the blame game will not help.

Stating that Delhi and Haryana governments need to work together to resolve the issue, Chautala said: "I have seen the condition of Delhi. It is not good. The condition in Gurugram, Panipat is equally bad."

"We should work together to deal with this issue. A single state cannot be held responsible for this," Chautala told media persons here.

"Today, there was a fire in the dump yards of Delhi. Who is responsible for that? If they will keep on playing this blame game, then we will never be able to address a problem like air pollution," Deputy Chief Minister Chautala.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has held Punjab and Haryana responsible for rising air pollution in the national capital and has asked the Central and state governments to give specific deadlines, by when they will put a stop on stubble burning.

Taking cognisance of air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR having crossed the 'hazardous' category, the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority on Friday declared a public health emergency.

The environment body stated that the air quality in Delhi NCR is now at the severe-plus level and has become 'hazardous' and will have adverse health impacts on all particularly the children.

It also prohibited construction activities in Delhi-NCR till the morning of November 5. The stubble fire percentage contribution of Delhi's air quality which has touched the season's highest share of 35 per cent on October 30 is predicted to be 27 per cent for today and 25 per cent on November 1.

In the wake of pollution, Kejriwal had in September announced the third season of the odd-even vehicle scheme will come into effect for 12 days starting November 4 in Delhi. The Delhi schools will also remain closed till November 5.

Haryana Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala on Friday expressed concerns over the poor 'air quality' in the national capital region and said the blame game will not help.

Haryana Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala on Friday expressed concerns over the poor 'air quality' in the national capital region and said the blame game will not help. Stating that Delhi and Haryana governments need to work together to resolve the issue, Chautala said: "I have seen the condition of Delhi. It is not good. The condition in Gurugram, Panipat is equally bad." "We should work together to deal with this issue. A single state cannot be held responsible for this," Chautala told media persons here. "Today, there was a fire in the dump yards of Delhi. Who is responsible for that? If they will keep on playing this blame game, then we will never be able to address a problem like air pollution," Deputy Chief Minister Chautala. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has held Punjab and Haryana responsible for rising air pollution in the national capital and has asked the Central and state governments to give specific deadlines, by when they will put a stop on stubble burning. Taking cognisance of air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR having crossed the 'hazardous' category, the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority on Friday declared a public health emergency. The environment body stated that the air quality in Delhi NCR is now at the severe-plus level and has become 'hazardous' and will have adverse health impacts on all particularly the children. It also prohibited construction activities in Delhi-NCR till the morning of November 5. The stubble fire percentage contribution of Delhi's air quality which has touched the season's highest share of 35 per cent on October 30 is predicted to be 27 per cent for today and 25 per cent on November 1. In the wake of pollution, Kejriwal had in September announced the third season of the odd-even vehicle scheme will come into effect for 12 days starting November 4 in Delhi. The Delhi schools will also remain closed till November 5.

Blame game won't help in addressing Delhi-NCR's air pollution problem: Dushyant Chautala

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday urged school children to write letters to the Chief Ministers of Punjab and Haryana urging to take requisite action against stubble burning to curb the menace of air pollution in the national capital.

He blamed that the smoke emanating from crop residue burning in the two states causes pollution in Delhi.

"Please write letters to Captain (Captain Amarinder Singh) uncle and Khattar (Manohar Lal Khattar) uncle and say, 'Please think about our health," Kejriwal said while addressing school children here.

The Delhi chief minister also distributed anti-pollution masks to the school children as a part of the government plan to protect the children from air pollution.

He also urged the school children to request people they know to stop burning of garbage.

"We have to stop burning the garbage in Delhi. If you see anyone doing so, tell them to not do it. If they do not listen to you, there is a WhatsApp number to complain," he said.

CM Kejriwal also addressed the media after his speech in the school and urged them to send out the message to masses to follow the Odd-Even scheme which will be implemented from November 4-15.

"Odd-Even is from Monday and everyone should follow this. It cannot be implemented permanently though. Odd-Even cannot be permanently implemented. We will do our best to make Delhi pollution-free," he said.

According to SAFAR, the overall AQI of Delhi continues to be in the SEVERE category for the fourth consecutive. "The calm surface wind condition that prevails last two days over Delhi has led to strong surface nocturnal inversion and accumulation of pollutants.

Also, the effective stubble fire counts of Northwest India (Haryana and Punjab) has increased from the previous day count of 1057 to 2396, as evident from SAFAR-multi-satellite fire product.

The stubble fire percentage contribution of Delhi's air quality which has touched the season's highest share of 35 per cent on October 30 is predicted to be 27 per cent for today and 25 per cent on November 1. 
An improvement is expected by November 2.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday urged school children to write letters to the Chief Ministers of Punjab and Haryana urging to take requisite action against stubble burning to curb the menace of air pollution in the national capital.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday urged school children to write letters to the Chief Ministers of Punjab and Haryana urging to take requisite action against stubble burning to curb the menace of air pollution in the national capital. He blamed that the smoke emanating from crop residue burning in the two states causes pollution in Delhi. "Please write letters to Captain (Captain Amarinder Singh) uncle and Khattar (Manohar Lal Khattar) uncle and say, 'Please think about our health," Kejriwal said while addressing school children here. The Delhi chief minister also distributed anti-pollution masks to the school children as a part of the government plan to protect the children from air pollution. He also urged the school children to request people they know to stop burning of garbage. "We have to stop burning the garbage in Delhi. If you see anyone doing so, tell them to not do it. If they do not listen to you, there is a WhatsApp number to complain," he said. CM Kejriwal also addressed the media after his speech in the school and urged them to send out the message to masses to follow the Odd-Even scheme which will be implemented from November 4-15. "Odd-Even is from Monday and everyone should follow this. It cannot be implemented permanently though. Odd-Even cannot be permanently implemented. We will do our best to make Delhi pollution-free," he said. According to SAFAR, the overall AQI of Delhi continues to be in the SEVERE category for the fourth consecutive. "The calm surface wind condition that prevails last two days over Delhi has led to strong surface nocturnal inversion and accumulation of pollutants. Also, the effective stubble fire counts of Northwest India (Haryana and Punjab) has increased from the previous day count of 1057 to 2396, as evident from SAFAR-multi-satellite fire product. The stubble fire percentage contribution of Delhi's air quality which has touched the season's highest share of 35 per cent on October 30 is predicted to be 27 per cent for today and 25 per cent on November 1. An improvement is expected by November 2.

Delhi pollution menace: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal urges school children to write letters to Punjab, Haryana CMs

Environmentalists and residents in New Delhi urged authorities to shift the upcoming India-Bangladesh Twenty20 match to a different venue as air pollution remained at the most severe level in the Indian capital for the second day running on Wednesday (October 30).

As pollution plagues Delhi, calls grow to shift India-Bangladesh T20 match

With the revelry of Diwali festival, also comes the worry of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-government-did-nothing-to-tackle-pollution-only-puts-up-ads-gautam-gambhir-258297">air pollution</a> in India. Despite court intervention and tireless activism, firecrackers continue to worsen the air quality in the country.&nbsp;

Ambee, an environment start-up in Bengaluru provides real-time hyperlocal air quality data from close to 500 sensors across the country. With 100 sensors in Bengaluru alone, the start-up found that the IT-city saw its air quality worsen six times the normal level during the festival weekend.&nbsp;

''[In Bengaluru] From a 20-30AQI [in 2012], it is now ranging at 80-120AQI, that is four times worse mainly due to urban traffic. We started observing an increase in pollution a week or two before Diwali with the increase in the number of trucks coming into the city. So, we were already at a 100-110AQI in various parts of Bengaluru. Then during Diwali, we had projected an AQI of 300-350 in certain parts of the city and we saw it rise to almost 400AQI. Particulate matter itself was ranging at 250-350 in some areas. When you burn crackers it is not just particulate matter, but you are also generating nitrogen dioxide which directly correlates with sulphur dioxide, all of this has contributed in the substantial increase in numbers'', says Madhusudan, Co-founder, Ambee. &nbsp;

Despite the spike, Bengaluru was also one of the Indian cities that fared better than others. While the data saw Bengaluru's AQI jump to 245 from 80 in 2 days and 2.5 levels jump from 76 to 2015, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pollution-levels-in-new-delhi-hit-the-worst-this-year-258104">the national capital was the worst hit</a>. In Delhi, the already severe air quality at 220 AQI worsened to 390 on October 27 and saw the PM 2.5 levels almost double to 334. In Mumbai, the air quality index went from 105 to 250 and PM2.5 levels rose from 96 to 243. In Hyderabad, the Avg AQI rose to 280 and PM2.5 levels also multiplied three times to 224.5 in the festival weekend.

''A 10 point increase in particulate matter is approximately equivalent to one cigarette. Now picture a city going from 20 to 200, and that air being taken in by a 5-year-old child. That is how bad it can actually get. It might be a one-time exposure during this period, we have found that it does not get better and people are exposed to very poor air quality'', says Jaideep Singh, Co-founder, Ambee

In October 2018 the Supreme Court had banned the use of firecrackers that contained mercury, arsenic and barium. But over a year later firecracker sellers in Bengaluru were unaware of what green crackers were.&nbsp;

''Living in Delhi reduces a person's life expectancy by 9 years. You don't have to be a smoker, you don't have to do anything, you just have to live in Delhi and you will live for nine years lesser. This is not improving anywhere else in the world. My co-founder Madhusudan built the first device to save his son. This is what prompted us to start building the company. We need to know what kind of air we are breathing. We are very particular about the kind of food or water that we consume, but we take the air for granted. That is something that needs to change'', says Jaideep Singh.

With the revelry of Diwali festival, also comes the worry of air pollution in India. Despite court intervention and tireless activism, firecrackers continue to worsen the air quality in the country.

With the revelry of Diwali festival, also comes the worry of air pollution in India. Despite court intervention and tireless activism, firecrackers continue to worsen the air quality in the country. Ambee, an environment start-up in Bengaluru provides real-time hyperlocal air quality data from close to 500 sensors across the country. With 100 sensors in Bengaluru alone, the start-up found that the IT-city saw its air quality worsen six times the normal level during the festival weekend. ''[In Bengaluru] From a 20-30AQI [in 2012], it is now ranging at 80-120AQI, that is four times worse mainly due to urban traffic. We started observing an increase in pollution a week or two before Diwali with the increase in the number of trucks coming into the city. So, we were already at a 100-110AQI in various parts of Bengaluru. Then during Diwali, we had projected an AQI of 300-350 in certain parts of the city and we saw it rise to almost 400AQI. Particulate matter itself was ranging at 250-350 in some areas. When you burn crackers it is not just particulate matter, but you are also generating nitrogen dioxide which directly correlates with sulphur dioxide, all of this has contributed in the substantial increase in numbers'', says Madhusudan, Co-founder, Ambee. Despite the spike, Bengaluru was also one of the Indian cities that fared better than others. While the data saw Bengaluru's AQI jump to 245 from 80 in 2 days and 2.5 levels jump from 76 to 2015, the national capital was the worst hit. In Delhi, the already severe air quality at 220 AQI worsened to 390 on October 27 and saw the PM 2.5 levels almost double to 334. In Mumbai, the air quality index went from 105 to 250 and PM2.5 levels rose from 96 to 243. In Hyderabad, the Avg AQI rose to 280 and PM2.5 levels also multiplied three times to 224.5 in the festival weekend. ''A 10 point increase in particulate matter is approximately equivalent to one cigarette. Now picture a city going from 20 to 200, and that air being taken in by a 5-year-old child. That is how bad it can actually get. It might be a one-time exposure during this period, we have found that it does not get better and people are exposed to very poor air quality'', says Jaideep Singh, Co-founder, Ambee In October 2018 the Supreme Court had banned the use of firecrackers that contained mercury, arsenic and barium. But over a year later firecracker sellers in Bengaluru were unaware of what green crackers were. ''Living in Delhi reduces a person's life expectancy by 9 years. You don't have to be a smoker, you don't have to do anything, you just have to live in Delhi and you will live for nine years lesser. This is not improving anywhere else in the world. My co-founder Madhusudan built the first device to save his son. This is what prompted us to start building the company. We need to know what kind of air we are breathing. We are very particular about the kind of food or water that we consume, but we take the air for granted. That is something that needs to change'', says Jaideep Singh.

Air quality dips in four major Indian cities during Diwali: Environment startup

Delhites should be more concerned about pollution levels rather than hosting a cricket match, said Gautam Gambir on Wednesday as smog enveloped the national capital region.

"It is a far serious issue than having a game of cricket or any other sports matches happens in Delhi. For us I think people living in Delhi should be more concerned about the pollution levels rather than the cricket match that happens," Gambhir said.

"Not only athletes it's also for the common man of Delhi as well. A match is a very small thing, I think we can say ok whether we want to shift the match or not," he added.

The first T20I between India and Bangladesh is scheduled to be played at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on November 3 despite the alarming air pollution level.

"That is a very small thing, ultimately its the entire Delhi which is suffering, from kids to old age people as well, so it's our responsibility. I got to know that pollution is still better but a lot of credit goes to the people of Delhi but hard work still needs to made by Delhites," the cricketer-turned-politician said.

"So, I am not bothered whether the match will happen or not. I hope it happens and it should happen, but again it's the thing which is throughout the year that Delhi people face. It is far more concerning then match," he added.

When asked about what Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) should plan when it comes to deciding match venue, Gambhir said: "Probably yes, you want to play in an environment which is suitable for everyone and players as well. If the pollution levels are high then obviously you can think of having an alternate venue but for me, as I just maintained and what I have just said."

Gambhir further added that Delhi pollution level is better than the past six years on Diwali and credit needs to be given to Delhites.

"It's been better since last 6 years and probably this is the least level of pollution we have after Diwali. I think credit needs to go to the people of Delhi but still lot of efforts needs to be made." Gambhir said.

"The Delhi government is claiming that they have done a lot of work but ultimately its people of Delhi who had that awareness not to burn crackers but a lot of efforts have to be done rather than all this gimmick of advertisement and taking credit of what people of Delhi have done," he added.

Gambhir also added that the government should create awareness for curbing the high air pollution level.

"I think we should still try and create as much awareness as we can and get the pollution levels down because it's still in a very poor category so I feel a lot of efforts needs to be made," Gambhir said.

When asked about what steps should be taken to prevent pollution Gautam said: "Absolutely serious steps should be taken. For me, the most important steps are not advertising on Twitter and not taking credit but what we do on the ground level as well. I don't remember what the Delhi government has done in the last four and a half years."

"I feel the central government is very serious in getting the pollution level down plus stubble burning needs to be curbed as well. So, I think the central government is doing all the best what they can to curb down the pollution level but I think and feel Delhi government still needs to pull up their socks," he added.

Delhites should be more concerned about pollution levels rather than hosting a cricket match, said Gautam Gambir on Wednesday as smog enveloped the national capital region.

Delhites should be more concerned about pollution levels rather than hosting a cricket match, said Gautam Gambir on Wednesday as smog enveloped the national capital region. "It is a far serious issue than having a game of cricket or any other sports matches happens in Delhi. For us I think people living in Delhi should be more concerned about the pollution levels rather than the cricket match that happens," Gambhir said. "Not only athletes it's also for the common man of Delhi as well. A match is a very small thing, I think we can say ok whether we want to shift the match or not," he added. The first T20I between India and Bangladesh is scheduled to be played at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on November 3 despite the alarming air pollution level. "That is a very small thing, ultimately its the entire Delhi which is suffering, from kids to old age people as well, so it's our responsibility. I got to know that pollution is still better but a lot of credit goes to the people of Delhi but hard work still needs to made by Delhites," the cricketer-turned-politician said. "So, I am not bothered whether the match will happen or not. I hope it happens and it should happen, but again it's the thing which is throughout the year that Delhi people face. It is far more concerning then match," he added. When asked about what Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) should plan when it comes to deciding match venue, Gambhir said: "Probably yes, you want to play in an environment which is suitable for everyone and players as well. If the pollution levels are high then obviously you can think of having an alternate venue but for me, as I just maintained and what I have just said." Gambhir further added that Delhi pollution level is better than the past six years on Diwali and credit needs to be given to Delhites. "It's been better since last 6 years and probably this is the least level of pollution we have after Diwali. I think credit needs to go to the people of Delhi but still lot of efforts needs to be made." Gambhir said. "The Delhi government is claiming that they have done a lot of work but ultimately its people of Delhi who had that awareness not to burn crackers but a lot of efforts have to be done rather than all this gimmick of advertisement and taking credit of what people of Delhi have done," he added. Gambhir also added that the government should create awareness for curbing the high air pollution level. "I think we should still try and create as much awareness as we can and get the pollution levels down because it's still in a very poor category so I feel a lot of efforts needs to be made," Gambhir said. When asked about what steps should be taken to prevent pollution Gautam said: "Absolutely serious steps should be taken. For me, the most important steps are not advertising on Twitter and not taking credit but what we do on the ground level as well. I don't remember what the Delhi government has done in the last four and a half years." "I feel the central government is very serious in getting the pollution level down plus stubble burning needs to be curbed as well. So, I think the central government is doing all the best what they can to curb down the pollution level but I think and feel Delhi government still needs to pull up their socks," he added.

Pollution far serious issue than hosting cricket match: Gautam Gambhir

China dumped a total of 200.7 million cubic metres of waste into its coastal waters in 2018, a 27 per cent&nbsp;rise on the previous year and the highest level in at least a decade, the country's environment ministry said on Tuesday.

The majority of the waste was dumped in the delta regions of the Yangtze and Pearl rivers, both major industrial zones on China's eastern coast, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) said.

"At the moment, there are some clear problems with the work on the marine ecological environment, with some regions not showing a lot of awareness or paying sufficient attention, and lacking strong initiative and dedication," Huo Chuanlin, deputy director of the MEE's marine environment department, said at a briefing in Beijing.

Environmental groups have expressed concern that China, desperate to clean up its own rivers, is dumping increasing amounts of trash in its seas instead.

However, Huo said overall conditions in China's coastal waters, including issues like wastewater entering the seas from rivers, were improving and China could not be blamed for a global ocean polluting crisis.

"China is the biggest producer and exporter of plastic products, accounting for about 30 per cent&nbsp;of the world's total, but that doesn't mean China is a major marine plastic polluting country," he said.

China found an average of 24 kilograms of floating trash per 1,000 square metres of surface water last year, 88.7 per cent&nbsp;of which was plastic, the ministry said. Plastic also dominated the waste found below the surface, including on the seabed.

Earlier this year, Beijing published an action plan designed to clean up the Bohai Bay, one of the country's busiest and most polluted waterways.

China has earmarked 7 billion yuan&nbsp;for the clean-up this year alone, but Huo said it is still expected to struggle to meet a key target aimed at making at least 73 per cent&nbsp;of Bohai waters fit for human contact by next year, up from around 70 per cent&nbsp;at present.

China is planning to make around 30 per cent&nbsp;of its coastal waters completely off-limits to development as part of a national "ecological red line" scheme.

But it is also trying to protect its rivers and improve the environment of its cities by moving polluting industries like steel and petrochemicals to the coast.

China dumped a total of 200.7 million cubic metres of waste into its coastal waters in 2018, a 27 per cent rise on the previous year and the highest level in at least a decade, the country's environment ministry said on Tuesday.

China dumped a total of 200.7 million cubic metres of waste into its coastal waters in 2018, a 27 per cent rise on the previous year and the highest level in at least a decade, the country's environment ministry said on Tuesday. The majority of the waste was dumped in the delta regions of the Yangtze and Pearl rivers, both major industrial zones on China's eastern coast, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) said. "At the moment, there are some clear problems with the work on the marine ecological environment, with some regions not showing a lot of awareness or paying sufficient attention, and lacking strong initiative and dedication," Huo Chuanlin, deputy director of the MEE's marine environment department, said at a briefing in Beijing. Environmental groups have expressed concern that China, desperate to clean up its own rivers, is dumping increasing amounts of trash in its seas instead. However, Huo said overall conditions in China's coastal waters, including issues like wastewater entering the seas from rivers, were improving and China could not be blamed for a global ocean polluting crisis. "China is the biggest producer and exporter of plastic products, accounting for about 30 per cent of the world's total, but that doesn't mean China is a major marine plastic polluting country," he said. China found an average of 24 kilograms of floating trash per 1,000 square metres of surface water last year, 88.7 per cent of which was plastic, the ministry said. Plastic also dominated the waste found below the surface, including on the seabed. Earlier this year, Beijing published an action plan designed to clean up the Bohai Bay, one of the country's busiest and most polluted waterways. China has earmarked 7 billion yuan for the clean-up this year alone, but Huo said it is still expected to struggle to meet a key target aimed at making at least 73 per cent of Bohai waters fit for human contact by next year, up from around 70 per cent at present. China is planning to make around 30 per cent of its coastal waters completely off-limits to development as part of a national "ecological red line" scheme. But it is also trying to protect its rivers and improve the environment of its cities by moving polluting industries like steel and petrochemicals to the coast.

China's ocean waste surges 27% in 2018: Ministry

Former cricketer and MP from Delhi East Gautam Gambhir on Saturday accused Delhi government of only putting up advertisements and doing nothing worthwhile to control pollution in the past four and a half years of its tenure.

"People of Delhi are in distress because of pollution but the Delhi government only brings out detailed advertisements on pollution control. It has done nothing to address pollution in the four and a half years they have been in power," Gambhir told ANI.

"Things will improve only when work is done on the ground and not by bringing out advertisements," he added.

Gambhir appealed to the public to not burn firecrackers this Diwali to make a positive change.

"People have become aware now and they do not burst crackers as much as they did earlier," he said.

He further said that the awareness programmes run by the Central government have created a difference on the ground.

The air quality in the national capital plunged to a `very poor` category on October 25 when the air quality index (AQI) clocked 326.

An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered `good`, 51 and 100 `satisfactory`, 101 and 200 `moderate`, 201 and 300 `poor`, 301 and 400 `very poor`, and 401 and 500 `severe`.&nbsp;

Former cricketer and MP from Delhi East Gautam Gambhir on Saturday accused Delhi government of only putting up advertisements and doing nothing worthwhile to control pollution in the past four and a half years of its tenure.

Former cricketer and MP from Delhi East Gautam Gambhir on Saturday accused Delhi government of only putting up advertisements and doing nothing worthwhile to control pollution in the past four and a half years of its tenure. "People of Delhi are in distress because of pollution but the Delhi government only brings out detailed advertisements on pollution control. It has done nothing to address pollution in the four and a half years they have been in power," Gambhir told ANI. "Things will improve only when work is done on the ground and not by bringing out advertisements," he added. Gambhir appealed to the public to not burn firecrackers this Diwali to make a positive change. "People have become aware now and they do not burst crackers as much as they did earlier," he said. He further said that the awareness programmes run by the Central government have created a difference on the ground. The air quality in the national capital plunged to a `very poor` category on October 25 when the air quality index (AQI) clocked 326. An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered `good`, 51 and 100 `satisfactory`, 101 and 200 `moderate`, 201 and 300 `poor`, 301 and 400 `very poor`, and 401 and 500 `severe`.

Delhi government did nothing to tackle pollution, only puts up ads: Gautam Gambhir

Pollution levels in New Delhi have hit their worst for the second time in October, earning a "very poor" rating and indicating air quality could deteriorate further after the festival of Diwali.

The air quality index, which measures the concentration of poisonous particulate matter, touched 388 in New Delhi on Friday, according to US&nbsp;embassy data, way above the "safe" limit of 60.

The index measures the concentration of tiny poisonous particulate matter,&nbsp;PM2.5, particles that are less than 2.5 microns in diameter and can be carried deep into the lungs, causing deadly diseases including cancer and cardiac problems.

Senior government officials, who did not wish to be identified because they are not authorised to talk to media, said the main reason behind the sharp deterioration in air quality was a lack of wind speed.

A thick, toxic haze could envelop New Delhi and neighbouring cities if the authorities fail to clamp down on fireworks to celebrate Diwali, the festival of light that falls on Sunday.

Air quality usually starts worsening in New Delhi ahead of Diwali.

The Supreme Court last year allowed the use of only "safe and green firecrackers", for a maximum two hours, and only in designated areas such as parks, aiming to lessen the risk to health.

But authorities failed to enforce the decree and crackers continued to crackle late into the night. As a result, PM 2.5 levels in some parts of the city soared to 689 the next day, indicating emergency conditions.

To avoid a repeat of last year and wean residents away from bursting tens of thousands of firecrackers, New Delhi authorities are offering residents laser light shows to mark Diwali this weekend.

Other than the smog triggered by firecrackers, smoke from the surrounding countryside, where farmers at this time of the year burn the crop residue in their fields to prepare for winter sowing, causes pollution in New Delhi and surrounding cities.

Among a host of measures to curb pollution, the city government of New Delhi has decided to restrict the use of private cars between November 4-15.

Some of the other steps include banning diesel-run generators and the burning of garbage.

Pollution levels in New Delhi have hit their worst for the second time in October, earning a "very poor" rating and indicating air quality could deteriorate further after the festival of Diwali.

Pollution levels in New Delhi have hit their worst for the second time in October, earning a "very poor" rating and indicating air quality could deteriorate further after the festival of Diwali. The air quality index, which measures the concentration of poisonous particulate matter, touched 388 in New Delhi on Friday, according to US embassy data, way above the "safe" limit of 60. The index measures the concentration of tiny poisonous particulate matter, PM2.5, particles that are less than 2.5 microns in diameter and can be carried deep into the lungs, causing deadly diseases including cancer and cardiac problems. Senior government officials, who did not wish to be identified because they are not authorised to talk to media, said the main reason behind the sharp deterioration in air quality was a lack of wind speed. A thick, toxic haze could envelop New Delhi and neighbouring cities if the authorities fail to clamp down on fireworks to celebrate Diwali, the festival of light that falls on Sunday. Air quality usually starts worsening in New Delhi ahead of Diwali. The Supreme Court last year allowed the use of only "safe and green firecrackers", for a maximum two hours, and only in designated areas such as parks, aiming to lessen the risk to health. But authorities failed to enforce the decree and crackers continued to crackle late into the night. As a result, PM 2.5 levels in some parts of the city soared to 689 the next day, indicating emergency conditions. To avoid a repeat of last year and wean residents away from bursting tens of thousands of firecrackers, New Delhi authorities are offering residents laser light shows to mark Diwali this weekend. Other than the smog triggered by firecrackers, smoke from the surrounding countryside, where farmers at this time of the year burn the crop residue in their fields to prepare for winter sowing, causes pollution in New Delhi and surrounding cities. Among a host of measures to curb pollution, the city government of New Delhi has decided to restrict the use of private cars between November 4-15. Some of the other steps include banning diesel-run generators and the burning of garbage.

Pollution levels in New Delhi hit the worst this year

The European Union's top court ruled on Thursday that France has persistently exceeded the threshold limit for nitrogen dioxide, a polluting gas from diesel motors that causes major health problems.

France "systematically and persistently exceeded the annual limit value for nitrogen dioxide since Jan. 1, 2010," the court said in a statement.

The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, referred the matter to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in May 2018 after almost a decade of warnings that went unaddressed.

France is the first of several member states, including Germany and Britain, that the commission has sued in court after it stepped up its anti-pollution fight in the wake of the so-called "Dieselgate" scandal that erupted in 2015.

The motors caught up in the scandal, in which automakers installed special emission-cheating devices into their car engines, are the main emitters of nitrogen oxides that the European Environment Agency says are responsible for 68,000 premature deaths per year in the EU.

Nitrogen dioxide is toxic and can cause significant respiratory problems as one of the main constituents of traffic-jam smog.

Under EU rules, member countries are required to keep the gas to under 40 micrograms per cubic metre&nbsp;but that level is often exceeded in many traffic-clogged European cities.

The judgement opens the way to possible sanctions at a later stage if Paris does nothing to fix the situation.&nbsp;

The case involved 24 areas in France, including the cities of Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Nice and Strasbourg, but also the alpine Arve Valley, France's lorry-clogged gateway to Italy.&nbsp;

While France does not dispute the violation, it argued that the application of European air quality legislation "must be assessed in the light of the structural difficulties encountered" in applying it, the court said in a statement.

But for the judges, EU law demands that when high pollution is found, the member state concerned is required to draw up an air-quality plan and to ensure that the danger period is "as short as possible".&nbsp;

The court said "France clearly did not adopt, in due time, appropriate measures," noting an "overrun for seven consecutive years".

The European Union's top court ruled on Thursday that France has persistently exceeded the threshold limit for nitrogen dioxide, a polluting gas from diesel motors that causes major health problems.

The European Union's top court ruled on Thursday that France has persistently exceeded the threshold limit for nitrogen dioxide, a polluting gas from diesel motors that causes major health problems. France "systematically and persistently exceeded the annual limit value for nitrogen dioxide since Jan. 1, 2010," the court said in a statement. The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, referred the matter to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in May 2018 after almost a decade of warnings that went unaddressed. France is the first of several member states, including Germany and Britain, that the commission has sued in court after it stepped up its anti-pollution fight in the wake of the so-called "Dieselgate" scandal that erupted in 2015. The motors caught up in the scandal, in which automakers installed special emission-cheating devices into their car engines, are the main emitters of nitrogen oxides that the European Environment Agency says are responsible for 68,000 premature deaths per year in the EU. Nitrogen dioxide is toxic and can cause significant respiratory problems as one of the main constituents of traffic-jam smog. Under EU rules, member countries are required to keep the gas to under 40 micrograms per cubic metre but that level is often exceeded in many traffic-clogged European cities. The judgement opens the way to possible sanctions at a later stage if Paris does nothing to fix the situation. The case involved 24 areas in France, including the cities of Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Nice and Strasbourg, but also the alpine Arve Valley, France's lorry-clogged gateway to Italy. While France does not dispute the violation, it argued that the application of European air quality legislation "must be assessed in the light of the structural difficulties encountered" in applying it, the court said in a statement. But for the judges, EU law demands that when high pollution is found, the member state concerned is required to draw up an air-quality plan and to ensure that the danger period is "as short as possible". The court said "France clearly did not adopt, in due time, appropriate measures," noting an "overrun for seven consecutive years".

France loses diesel pollution fight in European Union court

Farmers continue to burn stubble in the district despite the ban imposed by the Punjab government. Farmers say that they will stop burning crop residue if they are suitably compensated by the government for managing stubble.

Speaking to ANI, a farmer Gajjan Singh said, "We are forced to burn the stubble. If the government starts giving us compensation for managing stubble, we will not burn the straw."

The farmer, however, said that pollution is being caused due to growing number of vehicles on roads and emissions from the factories.

Farmers in Punjab and Haryana usually burn crop residue after harvesting paddy in the autumn to clear the fields for the summer crop.&nbsp;

Smoke from these two states travels to the national capital each year, leading to a spike in the air pollution level.&nbsp;

Farmers continue to burn stubble in the district despite the ban imposed by the Punjab government. Farmers say that they will stop burning crop residue if they are suitably compensated by the government for managing stubble.

Farmers continue to burn stubble in the district despite the ban imposed by the Punjab government. Farmers say that they will stop burning crop residue if they are suitably compensated by the government for managing stubble. Speaking to ANI, a farmer Gajjan Singh said, "We are forced to burn the stubble. If the government starts giving us compensation for managing stubble, we will not burn the straw." The farmer, however, said that pollution is being caused due to growing number of vehicles on roads and emissions from the factories. Farmers in Punjab and Haryana usually burn crop residue after harvesting paddy in the autumn to clear the fields for the summer crop. Smoke from these two states travels to the national capital each year, leading to a spike in the air pollution level.

We will not burn straw if we are compensated for managing stubble, says Punjab farmer

The Delhi Cabinet on Saturday cleared a proposal to carry out a mass awareness campaign on the effects of air pollution and measures taken to combat the menace.

In a statement, the Cabinet said that there has been a concerted effort by all agencies and governments at different levels to bring down pollution in the national capital with the help of campaigns such as steps to tackle stubble burning, odd-even road rationing scheme and so on.

The state government has approved an expenditure of Rs 36 crore from the Budget of the Directorate of Information and Publicity (DIP) towards the mass awareness campaigns mentioned to tackle air pollution.

"There has been a concerted effort by all agencies and governments at different levels to bring down pollution in Delhi - be it the reduction in the use of generators due to 24x7 electricity, reduction of vehicular traffic due to the eastern-western peripheral highways, closure of thermal power plants, strict enforcement of dust control norms, etc. This has resulted in a 25 per cent reduction of pollution in Delhi," the statement said."

While there has been a 25 per cent reduction in pollution in Delhi, the winter months see a major spike in pollution levels.&nbsp;

One of the major reasons behind this increase in pollution levels is the stubble burning that happens in the neighbouring states of Delhi, something over which the Delhi government has no control," it added.

"Therefore, the only option available to the people of Delhi are emergency measures to severely cut down on any sources of pollution emanating from Delhi, as well as to find mechanisms by which people can cope with the rising pollution levels. The various measures being taken by the government include odd-even rule from 4th-15th November, distribution of free masks to citizens of Delhi via school children, as well as encouraging a cracker-free Diwali by organising a laser show as a community Diwali celebration in Central Park," the statement further said.

The Cabinet said that one of the challenges faced by any government in such a situation is regarding compliance and participation of the citizens in such emergency measures as these often intrude upon the regular day-to-day life of people.

"This is the reason why a massive public awareness campaign is necessary, not merely to inform the citizens about the specific modalities, but also to build the confidence of citizens to participate in such measures," the statement said.

The Cabinet said that one of the measures being taken by the Delhi government is to distribute masks to the citizens, via children studying in schools.

"Research by Energy Policy Institute of the University of Chicago (EPIC) in slums of Delhi has shown that mask usage goes up substantially if masks are distributed free of cost. However, their usage is often low - despite free distribution - because of lack of awareness about masks," the statement said.

"The EPIC study showed that mask usage went up substantially when accompanied by an awareness campaign that de-stigmatised the use of masks. So even when it comes to taking measures for health and safety of citizens, it is essential to build an active public awareness campaign," added the statement.

"The Cabinet has approved an expenditure of Rs 36 crore from the Budget of the Directorate of Information and Publicity (DIP) towards the mass awareness campaigns mentioned above to tackle air pollution," it further said.&nbsp;

The Delhi Cabinet on Saturday cleared a proposal to carry out a mass awareness campaign on the effects of air pollution and measures taken to combat the menace. In a statement, the Cabinet said that there has been a concerted effort by all agencies and governments at different levels to bring down pollution in the national capital with the help of campaigns such as steps to tackle stubble burning, odd-even road rationing scheme and so on.

The Delhi Cabinet on Saturday cleared a proposal to carry out a mass awareness campaign on the effects of air pollution and measures taken to combat the menace. In a statement, the Cabinet said that there has been a concerted effort by all agencies and governments at different levels to bring down pollution in the national capital with the help of campaigns such as steps to tackle stubble burning, odd-even road rationing scheme and so on. The state government has approved an expenditure of Rs 36 crore from the Budget of the Directorate of Information and Publicity (DIP) towards the mass awareness campaigns mentioned to tackle air pollution. "There has been a concerted effort by all agencies and governments at different levels to bring down pollution in Delhi - be it the reduction in the use of generators due to 24x7 electricity, reduction of vehicular traffic due to the eastern-western peripheral highways, closure of thermal power plants, strict enforcement of dust control norms, etc. This has resulted in a 25 per cent reduction of pollution in Delhi," the statement said." While there has been a 25 per cent reduction in pollution in Delhi, the winter months see a major spike in pollution levels. One of the major reasons behind this increase in pollution levels is the stubble burning that happens in the neighbouring states of Delhi, something over which the Delhi government has no control," it added. "Therefore, the only option available to the people of Delhi are emergency measures to severely cut down on any sources of pollution emanating from Delhi, as well as to find mechanisms by which people can cope with the rising pollution levels. The various measures being taken by the government include odd-even rule from 4th-15th November, distribution of free masks to citizens of Delhi via school children, as well as encouraging a cracker-free Diwali by organising a laser show as a community Diwali celebration in Central Park," the statement further said. The Cabinet said that one of the challenges faced by any government in such a situation is regarding compliance and participation of the citizens in such emergency measures as these often intrude upon the regular day-to-day life of people. "This is the reason why a massive public awareness campaign is necessary, not merely to inform the citizens about the specific modalities, but also to build the confidence of citizens to participate in such measures," the statement said. The Cabinet said that one of the measures being taken by the Delhi government is to distribute masks to the citizens, via children studying in schools. "Research by Energy Policy Institute of the University of Chicago (EPIC) in slums of Delhi has shown that mask usage goes up substantially if masks are distributed free of cost. However, their usage is often low - despite free distribution - because of lack of awareness about masks," the statement said. "The EPIC study showed that mask usage went up substantially when accompanied by an awareness campaign that de-stigmatised the use of masks. So even when it comes to taking measures for health and safety of citizens, it is essential to build an active public awareness campaign," added the statement. "The Cabinet has approved an expenditure of Rs 36 crore from the Budget of the Directorate of Information and Publicity (DIP) towards the mass awareness campaigns mentioned above to tackle air pollution," it further said.

Delhi Cabinet clears proposal to carry out awareness campaign on air pollution

Air quality in Delhi remained poor for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-air-quality-poor-for-fourth-consecutive-day-255588">the fifth consecutive day on Monday</a> with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) docking at 280 which is towards the upper end of 'poor' category. 
 
According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), the stubble burning activity in Haryana, Panjab, and nearby border regions are moderate, but the cyclonic circulation developed over northwest Uttar Pradesh and neighbourhood is going to impact the transport pathways and marginally improve Delhi's Air quality to middle-end of poor category by tomorrow. 
 
"The predominant wind direction is predicted to change to southeasterly for the next three days and positively influence Delhi's AQI but within poor to the higher end of the moderate category," it added. 
 
An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor and 401-500 is marked as severe/hazardous. 
 
The AQI was 178 in Anand Vihar at 1:00 am while it dipped to 'very poor' category at 217 in Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium area. The AQI near Pusa, Vasundhra and Punjabi Bagh are at 164, 171 and 170 respectively. 
 
The locals are advised to take more breaks and do less intense activities. The asthmatics have been advised to keep medicines ready if symptoms of coughing or shortness of breath occur. 
 
Starting October 15, strict measures to combat the menace of air pollution will come into force in the national capital and its adjoining areas such as Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad and Faridabad as part of the Graded Response Action Plan, which was first implemented in Delhi-NCR in 2017.

Air quality in Delhi remained poor for the fifth consecutive day on Monday with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) docking at 280 which is towards the upper end of 'poor' category.

Air quality in Delhi remained poor for the fifth consecutive day on Monday with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) docking at 280 which is towards the upper end of 'poor' category. According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), the stubble burning activity in Haryana, Panjab, and nearby border regions are moderate, but the cyclonic circulation developed over northwest Uttar Pradesh and neighbourhood is going to impact the transport pathways and marginally improve Delhi's Air quality to middle-end of poor category by tomorrow. "The predominant wind direction is predicted to change to southeasterly for the next three days and positively influence Delhi's AQI but within poor to the higher end of the moderate category," it added. An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor and 401-500 is marked as severe/hazardous. The AQI was 178 in Anand Vihar at 1:00 am while it dipped to 'very poor' category at 217 in Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium area. The AQI near Pusa, Vasundhra and Punjabi Bagh are at 164, 171 and 170 respectively. The locals are advised to take more breaks and do less intense activities. The asthmatics have been advised to keep medicines ready if symptoms of coughing or shortness of breath occur. Starting October 15, strict measures to combat the menace of air pollution will come into force in the national capital and its adjoining areas such as Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad and Faridabad as part of the Graded Response Action Plan, which was first implemented in Delhi-NCR in 2017.

Delhi air quality remains poor for fifth consecutive day

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/javadekar-backs-cutting-trees-at-aarey-says-development-and-environment-protection-should-go-together-253905">Prakash Javadekar</a> on Monday said that much needs to be done to address the issue of stubble burning that impacts Delhi's air quality in the winter months and noted that the central government has provided Rs 1150 crore assistance for machines that will allow stubble to be converted to manure. 
 
Addressing a press conference, the minister said the problem of stubble burning was old and steps have been taken to tackle it by the Modi government. 
 
"The biggest question and it will come again is stubble burning," Javadekar said at a press conference here on steps taken to by the central government to deal with the problem of air pollution in Delhi. 
 
He said farmers in Haryana and Punjab have been burning stubble for years and if such air reaches Delhi, it adds to worries. 
 
"If the (polluted) air comes to Delhi, the issue becomes serious. For this, the central government has provided assistance of Rs 1150 crore and 18,000 machines have been given to farmers in Punjab and Haryana. They will not need to burn the stubble. It will be broken and will be turned into manure," he said. 
 
"There is a need to do it much more. Now it has started, earlier it had not even started. It has been burning for 20 years, but work has started now,' he said. 
The minister said the government has for the first time made "construction and demolition waste management rules" which are based on those followed for metro construction. 
 
He said three units to deal with construction and demolition waste were working and another four will be set up. The minister said that the measures have prevented 6 lakh tonne of debris from going into rivers and drains. 
 
He added that 76 road sweeping machines and 502 water sprinklers have been provided to deal with the problem of dust. 
 
Additionally, three waste-to-energy plants were using 6000 tonnes of waste to produce 52 MW power. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/use-only-green-crackers-during-diwali-says-javadekar-254294">The minister said bio-mining was being used in landfills like Ghazipur</a> which will help in segregating material and help decompose organic material.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Prakash Javadekar on Monday said that much needs to be done to address the issue of stubble burning that impacts Delhi's air quality in the winter months and noted that the central government has provided Rs 1150 crore assistance for machines that will allow stubble to be converted to manure.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Prakash Javadekar on Monday said that much needs to be done to address the issue of stubble burning that impacts Delhi's air quality in the winter months and noted that the central government has provided Rs 1150 crore assistance for machines that will allow stubble to be converted to manure. Addressing a press conference, the minister said the problem of stubble burning was old and steps have been taken to tackle it by the Modi government. "The biggest question and it will come again is stubble burning," Javadekar said at a press conference here on steps taken to by the central government to deal with the problem of air pollution in Delhi. He said farmers in Haryana and Punjab have been burning stubble for years and if such air reaches Delhi, it adds to worries. "If the (polluted) air comes to Delhi, the issue becomes serious. For this, the central government has provided assistance of Rs 1150 crore and 18,000 machines have been given to farmers in Punjab and Haryana. They will not need to burn the stubble. It will be broken and will be turned into manure," he said. "There is a need to do it much more. Now it has started, earlier it had not even started. It has been burning for 20 years, but work has started now,' he said. The minister said the government has for the first time made "construction and demolition waste management rules" which are based on those followed for metro construction. He said three units to deal with construction and demolition waste were working and another four will be set up. The minister said that the measures have prevented 6 lakh tonne of debris from going into rivers and drains. He added that 76 road sweeping machines and 502 water sprinklers have been provided to deal with the problem of dust. Additionally, three waste-to-energy plants were using 6000 tonnes of waste to produce 52 MW power. The minister said bio-mining was being used in landfills like Ghazipur which will help in segregating material and help decompose organic material.

Much needs to be done to deal with stubble burning, says Javadekar

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-green-cover-has-increased-by-15000-sq-km-in-last-four-years-union-minister-prakash-javadekar-254219">Union Minister Prakash Javadekar</a> on Monday said that BS6-compliant vehicles will be coming to Delhi from April 2020.

While addressing a press conference here, Javadekar highlighted various initiatives taken by the central government to control pollution.

"Since 2006, air quality in Delhi has been deteriorating rapidly. But till 2014, neither it was talked about nor much work was done to improve it. In 2015, Prime Minister started Air Quality Index. 113 AQI monitoring stations are there at present in Delhi-NCR and 29 more will be installed soon," Javadekar said.

"A revolutionary decision under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership was taken in 2015 to start BS4 category. Because of this, 80 per cent of PM (particulate matter) of trucks was reduced. BS6-compliant vehicles will be coming in Delhi in April 2020. BS6 petrol and diesel is already available in Delhi-NCR. It will lead to a great reduction in air pollution from vehicles... For this, the government has spent Rs 60,000 crore," he added.

Ahead of Diwali, Javadekar advised people to refrain from bursting firecrackers.

"I am confident that children themselves will ask parents to not buy firecrackers, but if someone wants to then buy green firecrackers. It's a historic initiative of Dr Harsh Vardhan," he said.

Javadekar stated that ever since the implementation of the amended Motor Vehicle Act (MVA), more PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificates are being issued.

The maintenance of vehicles has improved, he said.

Moreover, Javadekar highlighted that good air days have improved and bad air days have been reduced.

"In 2016, good days were just 108. Last year, they were 159. Bad air days were 246 which have been reduced to 206. Till September 30, out of 270 days, 165 are good air days and only 108 were bad air days," he said.

On the issue of stubble burning, Javadekar stated that the government has granted Rs 1,150 crore to Punjab and Haryana with which over 20,000 machines were bought.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has formed 46 teams to keep a check on pollution-related actives in Delhi-NCR, the minister said.

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Monday said that BS6-compliant vehicles will be coming to Delhi from April 2020. While addressing a press conference here, Javadekar highlighted various initiatives taken by the central government to control pollution.

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Monday said that BS6-compliant vehicles will be coming to Delhi from April 2020. While addressing a press conference here, Javadekar highlighted various initiatives taken by the central government to control pollution. "Since 2006, air quality in Delhi has been deteriorating rapidly. But till 2014, neither it was talked about nor much work was done to improve it. In 2015, Prime Minister started Air Quality Index. 113 AQI monitoring stations are there at present in Delhi-NCR and 29 more will be installed soon," Javadekar said. "A revolutionary decision under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership was taken in 2015 to start BS4 category. Because of this, 80 per cent of PM (particulate matter) of trucks was reduced. BS6-compliant vehicles will be coming in Delhi in April 2020. BS6 petrol and diesel is already available in Delhi-NCR. It will lead to a great reduction in air pollution from vehicles... For this, the government has spent Rs 60,000 crore," he added. Ahead of Diwali, Javadekar advised people to refrain from bursting firecrackers. "I am confident that children themselves will ask parents to not buy firecrackers, but if someone wants to then buy green firecrackers. It's a historic initiative of Dr Harsh Vardhan," he said. Javadekar stated that ever since the implementation of the amended Motor Vehicle Act (MVA), more PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificates are being issued. The maintenance of vehicles has improved, he said. Moreover, Javadekar highlighted that good air days have improved and bad air days have been reduced. "In 2016, good days were just 108. Last year, they were 159. Bad air days were 246 which have been reduced to 206. Till September 30, out of 270 days, 165 are good air days and only 108 were bad air days," he said. On the issue of stubble burning, Javadekar stated that the government has granted Rs 1,150 crore to Punjab and Haryana with which over 20,000 machines were bought. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has formed 46 teams to keep a check on pollution-related actives in Delhi-NCR, the minister said.

BS6-compliant vehicles in Delhi from April 2020, says Union minister Prakash Javadekar

Smoke from forest fire turns skies red in Indonesia

China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) on Friday said that the anti-pollution campaign for this year's autumn-winter heating season will set stricter emissions targets for cities that had higher concentrations of damaging particles the last time around.

Cities that met pollution targets last year will be exempt from targets this year, MEE spokesman Liu Youbin said, speaking at a briefing in the capital.

The strategy comes as China enters its sixth year of an aggressive clampdown on pollution in a bid to cut the smog that envelops many cities during the winter months when homes and businesses crank up the heating.

The ministry didn't provide details on precise levels for concentrations of PM 2.5 (lung-damaging particles of less than 2.5 microns in diameter) that will be set for the cities that did not meet last year's targets. But preferential treatment for cities that performed well is a part of China's efforts to put an end to what it calls "one-size-fits-all" measures.

According to a draft for the Key Smog Control Zone of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei circulated on industry websites, the target for the capital itself is zero growth in emissions from last year. The remaining 27 cities will be expected to cut concentrations of PM 2.5 by 1% to 11%, or an average of 5.5% during the 2019-2020 autumn-winter season.

Even a cut of 11% will not be enough to offset the increase in pollution in some cities last year.

Ministry spokesman Liu did not comment directly on details but said that the ministry had already sent a draft to local governments to solicit their opinions.

Reuters calculations based on official data showed that only four out of the country's 28 key pollution control cities in northern China met their targets last year, including Beijing, Changzhi, Jincheng, and Jining.

Cities likely to be given even more stringent targets this winter include Langfang, Baoding, Zhengzhou, and Anyang, all of which saw double-digit percentage growth in PM 2.5 last winter.

Official data shows air quality in August was better than last year, with average PM 2.5 readings falling 13% to an average of 27 micrograms per cubic metre in the key 28 cities in northern China. However, over the eight months, concentrations rose by 1.8% to 56 micrograms, more than the national standard of 35 micrograms.

China's central government will not set overall output restrictions on heavy industry for the coming winter but will direct local governments to impose limits based on manufacturers' emissions, the environment ministry had said in July.

Last year China ditched its blanket production curbs on heavy industry, which includes steelmaking, coal-fired power plants, cement factories, coke plants, metal casting, and chemical production from October 1 to March 31.

China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) on Friday said that the anti-pollution campaign for this year's autumn-winter heating season will set stricter emissions targets for cities that had higher concentrations of damaging particles the last time around.

China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) on Friday said that the anti-pollution campaign for this year's autumn-winter heating season will set stricter emissions targets for cities that had higher concentrations of damaging particles the last time around. Cities that met pollution targets last year will be exempt from targets this year, MEE spokesman Liu Youbin said, speaking at a briefing in the capital. The strategy comes as China enters its sixth year of an aggressive clampdown on pollution in a bid to cut the smog that envelops many cities during the winter months when homes and businesses crank up the heating. The ministry didn't provide details on precise levels for concentrations of PM 2.5 (lung-damaging particles of less than 2.5 microns in diameter) that will be set for the cities that did not meet last year's targets. But preferential treatment for cities that performed well is a part of China's efforts to put an end to what it calls "one-size-fits-all" measures. According to a draft for the Key Smog Control Zone of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei circulated on industry websites, the target for the capital itself is zero growth in emissions from last year. The remaining 27 cities will be expected to cut concentrations of PM 2.5 by 1% to 11%, or an average of 5.5% during the 2019-2020 autumn-winter season. Even a cut of 11% will not be enough to offset the increase in pollution in some cities last year. Ministry spokesman Liu did not comment directly on details but said that the ministry had already sent a draft to local governments to solicit their opinions. Reuters calculations based on official data showed that only four out of the country's 28 key pollution control cities in northern China met their targets last year, including Beijing, Changzhi, Jincheng, and Jining. Cities likely to be given even more stringent targets this winter include Langfang, Baoding, Zhengzhou, and Anyang, all of which saw double-digit percentage growth in PM 2.5 last winter. Official data shows air quality in August was better than last year, with average PM 2.5 readings falling 13% to an average of 27 micrograms per cubic metre in the key 28 cities in northern China. However, over the eight months, concentrations rose by 1.8% to 56 micrograms, more than the national standard of 35 micrograms. China's central government will not set overall output restrictions on heavy industry for the coming winter but will direct local governments to impose limits based on manufacturers' emissions, the environment ministry had said in July. Last year China ditched its blanket production curbs on heavy industry, which includes steelmaking, coal-fired power plants, cement factories, coke plants, metal casting, and chemical production from October 1 to March 31.

China to set stricter targets for polluting cities in heating season

Toxic haze from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesians-choked-by-forest-fire-haze-pray-for-rain-249464">Indonesian forest fires</a> closed schools and airports across the country and in neighbouring Malaysia Wednesday, while air quality worsened in Singapore just days before the city's Formula One motor race.

Illegal fires to clear land for agriculture are blazing out of control on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-shuts-schools-as-forest-fires-choke-borneo-sumatra-islands-250025">Sumatra and Borneo islands</a>, with Jakarta deploying thousands of security forces and water-bombing aircraft to tackle them.

Indonesian blazes belch smog across Southeast Asia annually, but this year's are the worst since 2015 and have added to concerns about wildfire outbreaks <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-forest-fires-surge-stoking-global-warming-fears-249212">worldwide exacerbating global warming</a>.

On Wednesday, air quality deteriorated to "very unhealthy" levels on an official index in many parts of peninsular Malaysia, to the east of Sumatra, with the Kuala Lumpur skyline shrouded by dense smog.

Nearly 1,500 schools were closed across Malaysia due to air pollution, with over one million pupils affected, according to the education ministry.

A growing number of Malaysians were suffering health problems due to the haze, with authorities saying there had been a sharp increase in outpatients at government hospitals many suffering dry and itchy eyes.

Indonesian authorities said hundreds of schools in hard-hit Riau province on Sumatra were shut, without providing a precise number, while about 1,300 were closed in Central Kalimantan province on Borneo.

Borneo is shared between Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.

Poor visibility closed seven airports in the Indonesian part of Borneo, the transport ministry in Jakarta said. Scores of flights have already been diverted and cancelled in the region in recent days due to the smog.

'Singapore smog race?'

Air quality in Singapore worsened to unhealthy levels and a white smog obscured the striking waterfront skyline, featuring the Marina Bay Sands casino resort with its three towers and boat-shaped top level.

The worsening pollution increased fears that this weekend's Formula One race may be affected. Organisers say the possibility of haze is one of the issues in their contingency plan for Sunday's showpiece night race, but have not given further details.

The city-state's tourism board said spectators would be able to buy masks as protection from the haze if conditions did not improve and assistance would be provided for those who feel unwell, the Today news portal reported.

The fires have sparked tensions between Indonesia and Malaysia.

Indonesia's environment minister initially suggested the haze was from Malaysian fires despite satellite data showing hundreds of blazes in Indonesia and only a handful in its neighbour, prompting anger from her Malaysian counterpart.

Indonesia later sealed off dozens of plantations where it said fires were blazing, including some owned by Malaysia-based firms, deepening the row.

But Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who has struck a diplomatic tone throughout the crisis, said Malaysia may pass legislation forcing its companies to tackle fires on plantations abroad.

Malaysia wants its firms with sites overseas to put out blazes contributing to the haze, he said, adding: "Of course, if we find they are unwilling to take action, we may have to pass a law to make them responsible."

The Indonesian government has insisted it is doing all it can to fight the blazes. But this year's fires have been worsened by dry weather and experts believe there is little chance of them being extinguished until the onset of the rainy season in October.

Indonesia's meteorology, climate and geophysics agency said Wednesday that over 1,000 hotspots areas of intense heat detected by satellite that indicate a likely fire had been sighted, most of them on Sumatra.

Toxic haze from Indonesian forest fires closed schools and airports across the country and in neighbouring Malaysia Wednesday, while air quality worsened in Singapore just days before the city's Formula One motor race.

Toxic haze from Indonesian forest fires closed schools and airports across the country and in neighbouring Malaysia Wednesday, while air quality worsened in Singapore just days before the city's Formula One motor race. Illegal fires to clear land for agriculture are blazing out of control on Sumatra and Borneo islands, with Jakarta deploying thousands of security forces and water-bombing aircraft to tackle them. Indonesian blazes belch smog across Southeast Asia annually, but this year's are the worst since 2015 and have added to concerns about wildfire outbreaks worldwide exacerbating global warming. On Wednesday, air quality deteriorated to "very unhealthy" levels on an official index in many parts of peninsular Malaysia, to the east of Sumatra, with the Kuala Lumpur skyline shrouded by dense smog. Nearly 1,500 schools were closed across Malaysia due to air pollution, with over one million pupils affected, according to the education ministry. A growing number of Malaysians were suffering health problems due to the haze, with authorities saying there had been a sharp increase in outpatients at government hospitals many suffering dry and itchy eyes. Indonesian authorities said hundreds of schools in hard-hit Riau province on Sumatra were shut, without providing a precise number, while about 1,300 were closed in Central Kalimantan province on Borneo. Borneo is shared between Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. Poor visibility closed seven airports in the Indonesian part of Borneo, the transport ministry in Jakarta said. Scores of flights have already been diverted and cancelled in the region in recent days due to the smog. 'Singapore smog race?' Air quality in Singapore worsened to unhealthy levels and a white smog obscured the striking waterfront skyline, featuring the Marina Bay Sands casino resort with its three towers and boat-shaped top level. The worsening pollution increased fears that this weekend's Formula One race may be affected. Organisers say the possibility of haze is one of the issues in their contingency plan for Sunday's showpiece night race, but have not given further details. The city-state's tourism board said spectators would be able to buy masks as protection from the haze if conditions did not improve and assistance would be provided for those who feel unwell, the Today news portal reported. The fires have sparked tensions between Indonesia and Malaysia. Indonesia's environment minister initially suggested the haze was from Malaysian fires despite satellite data showing hundreds of blazes in Indonesia and only a handful in its neighbour, prompting anger from her Malaysian counterpart. Indonesia later sealed off dozens of plantations where it said fires were blazing, including some owned by Malaysia-based firms, deepening the row. But Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who has struck a diplomatic tone throughout the crisis, said Malaysia may pass legislation forcing its companies to tackle fires on plantations abroad. Malaysia wants its firms with sites overseas to put out blazes contributing to the haze, he said, adding: "Of course, if we find they are unwilling to take action, we may have to pass a law to make them responsible." The Indonesian government has insisted it is doing all it can to fight the blazes. But this year's fires have been worsened by dry weather and experts believe there is little chance of them being extinguished until the onset of the rainy season in October. Indonesia's meteorology, climate and geophysics agency said Wednesday that over 1,000 hotspots areas of intense heat detected by satellite that indicate a likely fire had been sighted, most of them on Sumatra.

Schools, airports closed as Indonesia fires spark fears for Singapore F1

Advocate Gaurav Bansal on Wednesday withdrew his petition from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) challenging odd-even vehicle rationing scheme of the Delhi Government.

The tribunal headed by Chairperson Bench AK Goel stated that the petition, which was moved on Monday, is not maintainable.

Bansal had claimed the country's top environmental pollution control boards like Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) have unequivocally said that odd-even policy, which was implemented in 2016, has failed to curb air pollution in the city-state.

"During the odd-even implementation period, the ambient air quality was found to be more deteriorated when the said restriction was not in force," the petition claimed.

"The recent decision of the Delhi government to implement the odd-even policy solely on the basis of the study done by foreign researchers having no credentials and willful ignorance of findings of top-level institutes like CPCB and DPCC is not only unpleasant but also downsize the reputation of such institutes," it said.

On September 13, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced that the car rationing or odd-even scheme will be implemented in the city from November 4 to 15.

He said that studies have shown that the scheme helps to reduce air pollution.

While making the announcement, Kejriwal said that smog from adjoining states due to the burning of stubble is the major cause of pollution in Delhi and odd-even is one among the slew of measures that Delhi government will take to deal with the problem.

"Odd-even will be implemented from November 4 to November 15. Studies show that it reduces pollution by 10-13 per cent," he had said.

During the 12-day period, vehicles will ply alternately on odd and even dates as per their registration numbers.&nbsp;

Advocate Gaurav Bansal on Wednesday withdrew his petition from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) challenging odd-even vehicle rationing scheme of the Delhi Government.

Advocate Gaurav Bansal on Wednesday withdrew his petition from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) challenging odd-even vehicle rationing scheme of the Delhi Government. The tribunal headed by Chairperson Bench AK Goel stated that the petition, which was moved on Monday, is not maintainable. Bansal had claimed the country's top environmental pollution control boards like Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) have unequivocally said that odd-even policy, which was implemented in 2016, has failed to curb air pollution in the city-state. "During the odd-even implementation period, the ambient air quality was found to be more deteriorated when the said restriction was not in force," the petition claimed. "The recent decision of the Delhi government to implement the odd-even policy solely on the basis of the study done by foreign researchers having no credentials and willful ignorance of findings of top-level institutes like CPCB and DPCC is not only unpleasant but also downsize the reputation of such institutes," it said. On September 13, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced that the car rationing or odd-even scheme will be implemented in the city from November 4 to 15. He said that studies have shown that the scheme helps to reduce air pollution. While making the announcement, Kejriwal said that smog from adjoining states due to the burning of stubble is the major cause of pollution in Delhi and odd-even is one among the slew of measures that Delhi government will take to deal with the problem. "Odd-even will be implemented from November 4 to November 15. Studies show that it reduces pollution by 10-13 per cent," he had said. During the 12-day period, vehicles will ply alternately on odd and even dates as per their registration numbers.

Petitioner withdraws plea challenging Delhi government's odd-even scheme

In War against pollution, Watch how technology to work for a cleaner air tomorrow.

War against pollution: Technology for cleaner air tomorrow

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-will-procure-n95-masks-and-distribute-it-to-citizens-arvind-kejriwal-249401">Delhi government on Friday</a> announced a "Delhi tree challenge" programme under which it plans door delivery of plants to citizens and appointment of "environment marshals" in a bid to control pollution.

"We will involve citizens in our effort in planting trees. The citizens are required to just WhatsApp or send us SMS and tree or plant will be delivered at their doorstep. They have to take care and water the plants," chief minister Arvind Kejriwal told a press conference called to announce the bringing back of odd-even transport rationing scheme in the national capital in November.

Kejriwal&nbsp;said the scheme for delivery of plants would be a long term programme and would continue even after winters.

Announcing the 7-point agenda to combat pollution, Kejriwal said that 12 hot-spots of pollution have been identified all over Delhi and special plans would be devised to combat pollution in these places.

"There are 12 hot-spots of pollution all over Delhi where the pollution is highest. Pollution at these points will be dealt with special plans," he said.

Further, the Delhi government will appoint two "environmental marshals" in each ward to keep a check over the burning of plastic and other waste by people to keep them warm.

"People often burn waste and other materials to keep themselves warm in winter. Due to temperature inversion, the smoke emitting out of it remains close to the ground and cause breathing difficulty. We will appoint 2 environmental marshals in every ward to keep a check over such activities," said Kejriwal.

He also announced sprinkling of water to deal with the menace of dust and a plan to organise a laser show for celebrating festival Diwali.

"I appeal to all not to burst crackers this Diwali. The Delhi government will organise a grand laser show at one designated point and all citizens will be invited to celebrate. The entry will be free of cost," said Kejriwal.

The Delhi government on Friday announced a "Delhi tree challenge" programme under which it plans door delivery of plants to citizens and appointment of "environment marshals" in a bid to control pollution.

The Delhi government on Friday announced a "Delhi tree challenge" programme under which it plans door delivery of plants to citizens and appointment of "environment marshals" in a bid to control pollution. "We will involve citizens in our effort in planting trees. The citizens are required to just WhatsApp or send us SMS and tree or plant will be delivered at their doorstep. They have to take care and water the plants," chief minister Arvind Kejriwal told a press conference called to announce the bringing back of odd-even transport rationing scheme in the national capital in November. Kejriwal said the scheme for delivery of plants would be a long term programme and would continue even after winters. Announcing the 7-point agenda to combat pollution, Kejriwal said that 12 hot-spots of pollution have been identified all over Delhi and special plans would be devised to combat pollution in these places. "There are 12 hot-spots of pollution all over Delhi where the pollution is highest. Pollution at these points will be dealt with special plans," he said. Further, the Delhi government will appoint two "environmental marshals" in each ward to keep a check over the burning of plastic and other waste by people to keep them warm. "People often burn waste and other materials to keep themselves warm in winter. Due to temperature inversion, the smoke emitting out of it remains close to the ground and cause breathing difficulty. We will appoint 2 environmental marshals in every ward to keep a check over such activities," said Kejriwal. He also announced sprinkling of water to deal with the menace of dust and a plan to organise a laser show for celebrating festival Diwali. "I appeal to all not to burst crackers this Diwali. The Delhi government will organise a grand laser show at one designated point and all citizens will be invited to celebrate. The entry will be free of cost," said Kejriwal.

Delhi government to deliver plants at doorsteps to combat pollution: Arvind Kejriwal

Announcing the 7-point agenda to combat the pollution in the national capital, with Odd-Even scheme at the helm, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that AAP government will procure mask on large scale and distribute it to the Delhiites this winter.

He said that stubble burning in the neighbouring state is the major cause of pollution in Delhi and keeping in view of the fact that citizens here are forced to inhale toxic air during winters, the government is procuring N95 masks on large scale.

"Government will procure the mask on a large scale and will distribute it among the people. It will be distributed in October as the smog from the stubble penetrates Delhi in November. N95 masks that are considered best are being procured," said Kejriwal while addressing a press conference.

"Every year in winters Delhi turns into a gas chamber from the smoke emanating from adjoining states like Punjab, Haryana etc. due to the burning of stubble," said Kejriwal. 
&nbsp;

Announcing the 7-point agenda to combat the pollution in the national capital, with Odd-Even scheme at the helm, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that AAP government will procure mask on large scale and distribute it to the Delhiites this winter.

Announcing the 7-point agenda to combat the pollution in the national capital, with Odd-Even scheme at the helm, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that AAP government will procure mask on large scale and distribute it to the Delhiites this winter. He said that stubble burning in the neighbouring state is the major cause of pollution in Delhi and keeping in view of the fact that citizens here are forced to inhale toxic air during winters, the government is procuring N95 masks on large scale. "Government will procure the mask on a large scale and will distribute it among the people. It will be distributed in October as the smog from the stubble penetrates Delhi in November. N95 masks that are considered best are being procured," said Kejriwal while addressing a press conference. "Every year in winters Delhi turns into a gas chamber from the smoke emanating from adjoining states like Punjab, Haryana etc. due to the burning of stubble," said Kejriwal.

Government will procure N95 masks and distribute it to citizens: Arvind Kejriwal

Minister of Road Transport, Nitin Gadkari, on Friday said that he doesn't think there is any need to implement the 'odd-even'&nbsp;vehicular scheme in the national capital.

His reaction came after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced the implementation of the scheme in Delhi in November to combat pollution.

"No, I don't think it is needed. Ring Road we built has significantly reduced pollution in the city and our planned schemes will free Delhi of pollution in the next 2 years. It's their (Delhi government's) decision if they want to implement it," he told media.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>:Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Odd-Even scheme says,"No I don't think it is needed.Ring Road we built has significantly reduced pollution in city&amp;our planned schemes will free Delhi of pollution in next 2 yrs. It's their (Delhi govt) decision if they want to implement it" <a href="https://t.co/mKlLIISpzX">pic.twitter.com/mKlLIISpzX</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1172421940339867649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The scheme will be implemented from November 4 to November 15 in the national capital.

The flagship scheme of the AAP government, aimed at combating pollution, was first implemented in 2015.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal: Odd-Even vehicle scheme to be implemented from 4th to 15th November, 2019. <a href="https://t.co/qVmLChGHsd">pic.twitter.com/qVmLChGHsd</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1172400008181645312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

While making the announcement, Kejriwal said that smog from adjoining states due to the burning of stubble is the major cause of pollution in Delhi and odd-even is one among the slew of measures that Delhi government will take to deal with the problem.

"On 2 and 3 November, there is Saturday and Sunday. Odd-even will be implemented from November 4 to November 15. Studies show that it reduces pollution by 10-13 per cent," said Kejriwal.

The scheme entails cars with odd and even number plates to run on alternate days.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

Minister of Road Transport, Nitin Gadkari, on Friday said that he doesn't think there is any need to implement the 'odd-even' vehicular scheme in the national capital.

Minister of Road Transport, Nitin Gadkari, on Friday said that he doesn't think there is any need to implement the 'odd-even' vehicular scheme in the national capital. His reaction came after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced the implementation of the scheme in Delhi in November to combat pollution. "No, I don't think it is needed. Ring Road we built has significantly reduced pollution in the city and our planned schemes will free Delhi of pollution in the next 2 years. It's their (Delhi government's) decision if they want to implement it," he told media. #WATCH:Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Odd-Even scheme says,"No I don't think it is needed.Ring Road we built has significantly reduced pollution in city&our planned schemes will free Delhi of pollution in next 2 yrs. It's their (Delhi govt) decision if they want to implement it" pic.twitter.com/mKlLIISpzX — ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2019 × The scheme will be implemented from November 4 to November 15 in the national capital. The flagship scheme of the AAP government, aimed at combating pollution, was first implemented in 2015. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal: Odd-Even vehicle scheme to be implemented from 4th to 15th November, 2019. pic.twitter.com/qVmLChGHsd — ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2019 × While making the announcement, Kejriwal said that smog from adjoining states due to the burning of stubble is the major cause of pollution in Delhi and odd-even is one among the slew of measures that Delhi government will take to deal with the problem. "On 2 and 3 November, there is Saturday and Sunday. Odd-even will be implemented from November 4 to November 15. Studies show that it reduces pollution by 10-13 per cent," said Kejriwal. The scheme entails cars with odd and even number plates to run on alternate days. (With inputs from ANI)

I don't think 'odd-even' scheme is needed in Delhi: Nitin Gadkari 

By day, the unforgiving sun glares off the road beside Ipah's wooden home with blinding brightness as a passing motorbike stirs a swirl of dust. By night, the beams of an occasional truck carrying coal or palm fruits pierce the darkness.

 
This remote corner of Indonesia is set to be transformed from a forest backwater on the island of Borneo to a global city&nbsp;a new capital of a country whose 260 million people make it the world's fourth most populous.

 
At her stall serving ice tea and instant noodles, Ipah, an 18-year-old single mother, worries about what the change will bring.

 
"Cities in Kalimantan are peaceful and safe," said Ipoh, who like many Indonesians uses only one name, referring to the Indonesian part of Borneo island. "The capital is a city that never sleeps. Too much smoke, too much fuss."

 
The capital Jakarta's reputation as a crowded, polluted megacity of more than 10 million people one that is slowly sinking into the sea is partly why Indonesia plans to move government offices to a "Forest City" in East Kalimantan province.

 
The logic of the plan, first mooted nearly 70 years ago, is also to escape Java's earthquake risk and to swing Indonesia's political centre nearer the middle of the archipelago and away from the politically dominant island.

 
"Within five years, we think there will be 200,000 to 300,000 people. Within 10 years, maybe the population will reach 1 million. And then after that 1.5 million," Planning Minister Bambang Brodjonegoro told Reuters in Jakarta. "We will manage the growth of the city so that it doesn't wildly expand out of control," he said.

 
The vision set out in glossy presentations for a $33 billion city is inspired by the good management of Seoul, the greenness of Singapore and Washington's separation of administration from a business, he said. The site of the new capital is about 1,300 km (800 miles) northeast of Jakarta.

 
Reuters reporters travelled more than 280 km (175 miles) across the designated area, the thinly populated forested region of North Penajam Paser and Kutai Kartanegara, between the existing cities of Balikpapan and Samarinda.

LONG-STANDING DREAM

 
By identifying the site for the yet-to-be-named capital last week, President Joko Widodo is known&nbsp;as Jokowi got closer than ever to realising a move now set to start in 2024.

 
"Our people are grateful, Alhamdulilah (praise be to God)," said Abdul Gafur Mas'ud, regent of North Penajam Paser. "This regency has been considered undeveloped."

 
The congratulatory bouquets arrayed at his office are as bright as the mood in town since the decision. Many residents spoke of their hopes for better schools and paved roads, for clean, piped water and reliable electricity.

 
But after initial celebrations, worries are also surfacing that land speculation will drive up prices, and over an influx of outsiders competing for jobs and over environmental destruction.

 
The potential for massive corruption is also not lost on Indonesians has given experiences with new capitals everywhere from Brazil's Brasilia to Myanmar's Naypyidaw with its vast projects and still largely empty highways.

 
"Our people must prepare quickly," said Awang Yacoub Luthman, secretary of the Kutai Kartanegara Ing Martadipura Sultanate, who has migration at the top of his list of worries.

 
East Kalimantan touts its openness to religions other than Islam as well as its welcome for outsiders. In fact, many residents are descendants of Javanese settlers who came to the coal mining and palm oil growing region in the 1970s. But the new planned relocation is on a different scale.

 
LAND WORRIES

 
The region's Tribun Kaltim newspaper said asking prices for land surged four times after the announcement.

 
That said, Bagus Susetyo, local chairman of the Real Estate Indonesia property association, told Reuters major property companies were not acquiring land because they had large land banks in nearby Balikpapan.

 
While some would gain from the rise in land prices, many Indonesians don't own the land they live on. Among them is Ipah, who is already resigned to losing her dwelling, protected against bad luck by two diamond-shaped charms woven from young coconut leaves.

 
"Mr Jokowi, can you give me free land, even just a square metre or a free house?" she asked. It is not only human homes at risk.&nbsp;

 
East Kalimantan is known for forests inhabited by orangutans, sun bears, and long-nosed monkeys.There will be no building in a protected forest and the government plans to reforest abandoned mines and illegal palm oil plantations, Planning Minister Brodjonegoro said.

 
He floated the idea of an orangutan conservation centre similar to one for giant pandas in the Chinese city of Chengdu.

 
The fate of the apes is particularly sensitive in Indonesia given that they have become symbols for campaigners targeting the world's biggest palm oil industry over the destruction of forests for plantations.

 
Conservationists said they were far from convinced that there would be no spillover effects from moving the capital to East Kalimantan.

 
"The city centre might be located quite far away," said Aldrianto Priadjati, an executive of the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation, which is based in Kutai Kartanegara. "But the development will be everywhere, just like - sorry to say it - Jakarta." 
($1 = 14,210.0000 rupiah)

By day, the unforgiving sun glares off the road beside Ipah's wooden home with blinding brightness as a passing motorbike stirs a swirl of dust. By night, the beams of an occasional truck carrying coal or palm fruits pierce the darkness.

By day, the unforgiving sun glares off the road beside Ipah's wooden home with blinding brightness as a passing motorbike stirs a swirl of dust. By night, the beams of an occasional truck carrying coal or palm fruits pierce the darkness. This remote corner of Indonesia is set to be transformed from a forest backwater on the island of Borneo to a global city a new capital of a country whose 260 million people make it the world's fourth most populous. At her stall serving ice tea and instant noodles, Ipah, an 18-year-old single mother, worries about what the change will bring. "Cities in Kalimantan are peaceful and safe," said Ipoh, who like many Indonesians uses only one name, referring to the Indonesian part of Borneo island. "The capital is a city that never sleeps. Too much smoke, too much fuss." The capital Jakarta's reputation as a crowded, polluted megacity of more than 10 million people one that is slowly sinking into the sea is partly why Indonesia plans to move government offices to a "Forest City" in East Kalimantan province. The logic of the plan, first mooted nearly 70 years ago, is also to escape Java's earthquake risk and to swing Indonesia's political centre nearer the middle of the archipelago and away from the politically dominant island. "Within five years, we think there will be 200,000 to 300,000 people. Within 10 years, maybe the population will reach 1 million. And then after that 1.5 million," Planning Minister Bambang Brodjonegoro told Reuters in Jakarta. "We will manage the growth of the city so that it doesn't wildly expand out of control," he said. The vision set out in glossy presentations for a $33 billion city is inspired by the good management of Seoul, the greenness of Singapore and Washington's separation of administration from a business, he said. The site of the new capital is about 1,300 km (800 miles) northeast of Jakarta. Reuters reporters travelled more than 280 km (175 miles) across the designated area, the thinly populated forested region of North Penajam Paser and Kutai Kartanegara, between the existing cities of Balikpapan and Samarinda. LONG-STANDING DREAM By identifying the site for the yet-to-be-named capital last week, President Joko Widodo is known as Jokowi got closer than ever to realising a move now set to start in 2024. "Our people are grateful, Alhamdulilah (praise be to God)," said Abdul Gafur Mas'ud, regent of North Penajam Paser. "This regency has been considered undeveloped." The congratulatory bouquets arrayed at his office are as bright as the mood in town since the decision. Many residents spoke of their hopes for better schools and paved roads, for clean, piped water and reliable electricity. But after initial celebrations, worries are also surfacing that land speculation will drive up prices, and over an influx of outsiders competing for jobs and over environmental destruction. The potential for massive corruption is also not lost on Indonesians has given experiences with new capitals everywhere from Brazil's Brasilia to Myanmar's Naypyidaw with its vast projects and still largely empty highways. "Our people must prepare quickly," said Awang Yacoub Luthman, secretary of the Kutai Kartanegara Ing Martadipura Sultanate, who has migration at the top of his list of worries. East Kalimantan touts its openness to religions other than Islam as well as its welcome for outsiders. In fact, many residents are descendants of Javanese settlers who came to the coal mining and palm oil growing region in the 1970s. But the new planned relocation is on a different scale. LAND WORRIES The region's Tribun Kaltim newspaper said asking prices for land surged four times after the announcement. That said, Bagus Susetyo, local chairman of the Real Estate Indonesia property association, told Reuters major property companies were not acquiring land because they had large land banks in nearby Balikpapan. While some would gain from the rise in land prices, many Indonesians don't own the land they live on. Among them is Ipah, who is already resigned to losing her dwelling, protected against bad luck by two diamond-shaped charms woven from young coconut leaves. "Mr Jokowi, can you give me free land, even just a square metre or a free house?" she asked. It is not only human homes at risk. East Kalimantan is known for forests inhabited by orangutans, sun bears, and long-nosed monkeys.There will be no building in a protected forest and the government plans to reforest abandoned mines and illegal palm oil plantations, Planning Minister Brodjonegoro said. He floated the idea of an orangutan conservation centre similar to one for giant pandas in the Chinese city of Chengdu. The fate of the apes is particularly sensitive in Indonesia given that they have become symbols for campaigners targeting the world's biggest palm oil industry over the destruction of forests for plantations. Conservationists said they were far from convinced that there would be no spillover effects from moving the capital to East Kalimantan. "The city centre might be located quite far away," said Aldrianto Priadjati, an executive of the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation, which is based in Kutai Kartanegara. "But the development will be everywhere, just like - sorry to say it - Jakarta." ($1 = 14,210.0000 rupiah)

Sleepy to sleepless? Indonesia's future capital in the forest

Scientists studying the scale and impact of plastic pollution on wildlife in the Sargasso Sea have found "extreme concentrations" of microplastic, which they worry will threaten sea turtles and other marine species that live there. Watch this video to know more.

Microplastics invades Sargasso sea

Climate change and energy usage are the need of the hour in India. Energy, in particular, renewable and sustainable energy, is becoming increasingly necessary due to India’s exponentially increased levels of population, pollution, international presence and trade over the past few years. In fact, it is safe to say that the way India handles energy development will determine the long-term health of the economy. While it’s easy to say that India should adopt sustainable growth, implementation comes with multiple challenges for policymakers, the Centre and state governments. &nbsp;

For starters, the Centre needs to first sort out expenses and allocations of creating and enforcing green energy and its productive use across industries. Additionally, the Modi government also faces significant economic challenges which makes implementing sustainable growth tricky. First, unregulated markets are moving towards regulated markets, but the pace and trend is impossible to track. Next, new industries like e-commerce are growing exponentially, and once again, the pace is unpredictable over the next few years. Yet another factor is the unpredictability of the monsoon season annually. PM Modi needs to somehow integrate green technology and the economic agenda to work together. The aim? In no sector should the market break and cause environmental alarm. &nbsp;

The effects of climate change are now clearly visible with altering sea levels, melting ice caps and changing temperatures. Consequences can be detrimental, quickly fatal, on a large scale if action is not taken right away. The effects of climate change combined with Indian-linked disturbances such as flooding, droughts, pollution and over-exploitation of resources inevitably result in changes in agricultural productivity. This in turn, significantly impacts the Indian economy. &nbsp;

Let’s look at how India currently uses energy. At present, India’s energy is a combination of coal, nuclear energy, hydropower and bio-energy including wind, biogas, bio-diesel, etc.). It is also interesting to note that a significant portion of India’s primary energy comes from forest and agricultural waste. This includes animal waste, wood chips, biofuels, etc. And along with bio-energy, India now also produces the world’s cheapest solar power. &nbsp;

India’s growing population and growing GDP is already faced with the challenge of countering India’s climate change, water, energy and sustainable development. Consumption is increasing and citizens of New India are attaining a better quality of life. This will only increase which in turn rapidly depletes vital natural resources like water. And if India faces more years with weak monsoon, a crisis like what is happening in Chennai over the past four months will be nationwide. Although every Indian resident needs to play a part by adopting sustainable living, the government really needs to play a pro-active role in solving the problem and clearly guiding industries.&nbsp; 
 
This means that individual policies need to be made across every sector and implemented immediately. Furthermore, along with the current aggressive international relations focus, policy-makers should work on required policy adjustments for sustained growth. An excellent example is to try to copy the Nordic commitment; multiple countries are eliminating fossil fuels completely from energy sources by 2020.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The time has also come for energy usage and climate change to be addressed (instead of just discussed) at the international level. A body like the United Nations needs to actively step in and give directions for curbing large-scale environmental pollution in India. It also needs to see through implementation working with the centre. One way is to use existing schemes like Swachh Bharat and engage citizens on a larger scale. Furthermore, agencies like the IEA could also give directions or even help provide India with sustainable sources for development (in smart cities for example) and for global growth. &nbsp;

An important note in our favour: Green technology is not only cheaper, but also labour intensive. Skilled and unskilled employment will constantly be needed for the long-run with its use. In other words, the more we use green technology, the more employment increases. A win-win for India. &nbsp;

Over the next five years, it is essential that the Modi government strongly push and perfect schemes that implement both solar and bio-energy usage. One way to do this is to have the industry grant tax deductions or exemptions for research and development of green innovation. Bio-fuels should also have low taxes or be exempted from taxes completely and higher taxes should be imposed on fossil fuels and fossil-based chemicals. Additionally, green fuels should be exempted completely from taxes. During his election rallies, PM Modi also stressed that sugarcane is used in the production of biofuel; this production should increase exponentially. Modi should also introduce a severe tax or penalty for pollution and emissions as well. Water allocation and management should also be addressed as soon as possible through the new ministry created by the Centre. &nbsp;

NDA 2.0 under PM Modi has already begun these efforts. Moreover, in his latest Mann Ki Baat episode, the PM stressed the importance of conserving water to citizens. This has not only made them more conscious of the severity of the situation but engaged them to be more civically responsible. I am happy that this government cares and is all about action. The new term has only just begun, but I am confident that it is this Prime Minister who will propel New India forward, and that too, sustainably so. &nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

Climate change and energy usage are the need of the hour in India. Energy, in particular, renewable and sustainable energy, is becoming increasingly necessary due to India’s exponentially increased levels of population, pollution, international presence and trade over the past few years.

Climate change and energy usage are the need of the hour in India. Energy, in particular, renewable and sustainable energy, is becoming increasingly necessary due to India’s exponentially increased levels of population, pollution, international presence and trade over the past few years. In fact, it is safe to say that the way India handles energy development will determine the long-term health of the economy. While it’s easy to say that India should adopt sustainable growth, implementation comes with multiple challenges for policymakers, the Centre and state governments. For starters, the Centre needs to first sort out expenses and allocations of creating and enforcing green energy and its productive use across industries. Additionally, the Modi government also faces significant economic challenges which makes implementing sustainable growth tricky. First, unregulated markets are moving towards regulated markets, but the pace and trend is impossible to track. Next, new industries like e-commerce are growing exponentially, and once again, the pace is unpredictable over the next few years. Yet another factor is the unpredictability of the monsoon season annually. PM Modi needs to somehow integrate green technology and the economic agenda to work together. The aim? In no sector should the market break and cause environmental alarm. The effects of climate change are now clearly visible with altering sea levels, melting ice caps and changing temperatures. Consequences can be detrimental, quickly fatal, on a large scale if action is not taken right away. The effects of climate change combined with Indian-linked disturbances such as flooding, droughts, pollution and over-exploitation of resources inevitably result in changes in agricultural productivity. This in turn, significantly impacts the Indian economy. Let’s look at how India currently uses energy. At present, India’s energy is a combination of coal, nuclear energy, hydropower and bio-energy including wind, biogas, bio-diesel, etc.). It is also interesting to note that a significant portion of India’s primary energy comes from forest and agricultural waste. This includes animal waste, wood chips, biofuels, etc. And along with bio-energy, India now also produces the world’s cheapest solar power. India’s growing population and growing GDP is already faced with the challenge of countering India’s climate change, water, energy and sustainable development. Consumption is increasing and citizens of New India are attaining a better quality of life. This will only increase which in turn rapidly depletes vital natural resources like water. And if India faces more years with weak monsoon, a crisis like what is happening in Chennai over the past four months will be nationwide. Although every Indian resident needs to play a part by adopting sustainable living, the government really needs to play a pro-active role in solving the problem and clearly guiding industries. This means that individual policies need to be made across every sector and implemented immediately. Furthermore, along with the current aggressive international relations focus, policy-makers should work on required policy adjustments for sustained growth. An excellent example is to try to copy the Nordic commitment; multiple countries are eliminating fossil fuels completely from energy sources by 2020. The time has also come for energy usage and climate change to be addressed (instead of just discussed) at the international level. A body like the United Nations needs to actively step in and give directions for curbing large-scale environmental pollution in India. It also needs to see through implementation working with the centre. One way is to use existing schemes like Swachh Bharat and engage citizens on a larger scale. Furthermore, agencies like the IEA could also give directions or even help provide India with sustainable sources for development (in smart cities for example) and for global growth. An important note in our favour: Green technology is not only cheaper, but also labour intensive. Skilled and unskilled employment will constantly be needed for the long-run with its use. In other words, the more we use green technology, the more employment increases. A win-win for India. Over the next five years, it is essential that the Modi government strongly push and perfect schemes that implement both solar and bio-energy usage. One way to do this is to have the industry grant tax deductions or exemptions for research and development of green innovation. Bio-fuels should also have low taxes or be exempted from taxes completely and higher taxes should be imposed on fossil fuels and fossil-based chemicals. Additionally, green fuels should be exempted completely from taxes. During his election rallies, PM Modi also stressed that sugarcane is used in the production of biofuel; this production should increase exponentially. Modi should also introduce a severe tax or penalty for pollution and emissions as well. Water allocation and management should also be addressed as soon as possible through the new ministry created by the Centre. NDA 2.0 under PM Modi has already begun these efforts. Moreover, in his latest Mann Ki Baat episode, the PM stressed the importance of conserving water to citizens. This has not only made them more conscious of the severity of the situation but engaged them to be more civically responsible. I am happy that this government cares and is all about action. The new term has only just begun, but I am confident that it is this Prime Minister who will propel New India forward, and that too, sustainably so. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Energy, green technology to define New India

pollution

Pollution, News on Pollution, stories on Pollution, articles on Pollution, Pollution stories at Wion, Pollution news, Pollution latest news