Is India Winning the War Against Pollution? The fight for cleaner air and water intensifies as the nation grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change. From the devastating floods in Assam to the alarming rise in air pollution levels in Delhi, environmental challenges demand urgent action. This week saw crucial discussions on sustainable agriculture and renewable energy sources at the India Climate Change Conference, highlighting the government's commitment to tackling deforestation and promoting biodiversity conservation. But are these efforts enough? Experts warn of looming water scarcity and the need for stricter regulations on industrial emissions. The future of India's environment hangs in the balance, demanding collective responsibility and innovative solutions. Explore Abtak.com for in-depth analysis and the latest updates on environmental policies, climate activism, and the ongoing struggle for a sustainable India. Discover how you can contribute to a greener tomorrow.
New Delhi: The national capital may soon witness a second thriving habitat for leopards, signalling a remarkable ecological revival. However, to make this possible, it is crucial to gain the trust of local communities, who remain wary of the leopard's return due to unpleasant experiences in the past.Asola Wildlife Sanctuary, nestled within the Aravali ecosystem, has long supported a sustainable population of wild leopards. Recently, these apex predators have also been spotted in the Yamuna floodplain, particularly near villages adjacent to the biodiversity park. Since 2016, leopards have been visiting this region annually, with recent camera trap images capturing them prowling at night. In response, authorities at the Yamuna Biodiversity Park have installed warning signs alerting morning walkers and farmers to leopard presence.The warning signs, according to the DDAs field biologists, are installed every year along the extension trails of phase-2 of the Yamuna Biodiversity Park. They caution residents to stay on main paths and avoid venturing into dense forest areas. The signs read, "Jungli janwar hone ki ashankaa (Presence of wild animal suspected)," accompanied by a leopard image.These sightings raise compelling questions about whether leopards are returning to their ancestral territories. Faiyaz A Khudsar, scientist in-charge of DDA's biodiversity parks, explains that predators like leopards, wolves, and other species have historically inhabited the region."Yamuna floodplain have long been known as leopard territory, also supporting wolves and herbivores such as hog deer," Khudsar said. "The river acts as a natural corridor connecting various protected areas. Tall grasses like Saccharum spontaneum, S. munja, vetiver, along with patches of woodland and restored floodplain like the Yamuna Biodiversity Park, offer excellent stopover habitats during migration for both prey and predators. Sometimes the habitat is so suitable that some animals stay longer or become permanent residents," said Khudsar.Delhi faces a critical shortage of clean air and water, particularly in winter. Restored ecosystems are essential to naturally replenish these vital resources. Functioning habitats also encourage wildlife populations to thrive, creating a balance crucial for long-term sustainability.Last year in April, a leopard entered human settlements in the same area, injuring seven people before seeking shelter inside a house. It was later rescued and relocated to Asola Wildlife Sanctuary, which appears to be its adopted habitat, as camera traps frequently capture its images there. Local farmers express concern over leopard presence, exercising increased caution while working their fields."Leopards have been regularly spotted by us since Jan this year," said Mahfooz Ali, a farmer from Jagatpur village near the biodiversity park. "In the last three years, villagers have reported seeing leopards, finding pug marks, or hearing growls at night near the fields. We informed forest and DDA officials but lacked proof until a birder installed a camera trap. Now we have evidence. Forest officials have visited, but the leopard remains elusive. Jagatpur is surrounded by forests on three sides. Last year, a leopard came into the village and injured several people. That's why everyone is scared," said Ali.Despite the fear, Ali also highlighted a surprising upside. Over a hundred families in Jagatpur rely on farming, and the presence of leopards has scared off other problematic animals like wild pigs, feral dogs, and nilgai, which often damage crops or livestock. "Wild pigs especially are gone, which is a good sign. So far, the leopards haven't attacked livestock or people, but we remain cautious about them venturing deeper into the village," he added.Delhi Forest Department has requested reports on the recent leopard sightings from the central forest division and DDA officials. However, relocating this leopard again is unlikely. Lynnet Gomes, research associate with the department, said, "Leopards are very adaptable. Unlike tigers, they don't require extensive territories, just safe places to hide and hunt. If the floodplain provides that, leopards will keep returning. Last year's rescued leopard was released in Asola, so this is likely a different individual. Relocation is not a lasting solution since another leopard will soon reclaim the territory."Gomes emphasised the need for targeted awareness campaigns. "We are waiting for official reports to identify key pockets requiring sensitization. Last year, teams trained at Maharashtra's Sanjay Gandhi National Park were deployed in affected areas like Asola, where locals have gradually accepted sharing the landscape. Clearing leopards is not a solution -- dispersing one simply invites another. We are exploring measures such as improved lighting, fencing, awareness drives, and solid waste management to reduce conflicts."Wildlife enthusiast Hemant Garg, who installed the camera trap that confirmed the leopard's presence, expressed amazement at the richness of Delhi's nocturnal wildlife. "Earlier, I would have laughed if someone told me leopards, hyenas, wolves, snakes like vipers, porcupines, and even hedgehogs exist around here. But over the last few years, I've often spotted many of these species. Reports of pangolins and hyenas in Noida are also fascinating. It shows how vibrant our urban ecosystems really are and how important it is to protect them," said Garg.Garg added that the presence of such wildlife highlights the connectivity of green corridors around Delhi. "Many of these animals require continuous landscapes to move freely, and it's incredible to see how they navigate the city's ecosystems."
BENGALURU, India, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Marriott India proudly achieved its ambitious goal for World Environment Day 2025, a commitment to plant 100,000 trees across its extensive portfolio of over 150 hotels nationwide. This significant undertaking marked a powerful escalation of Marriott India's dedication to sustainability and ecological restoration, building upon the success of its previous environmental initiatives. This landmark endeavor was built upon the successful foundation of last year's 'Two Trees per Room' initiative, launched on World Environment Day 2024. That program, a ...Read More >
Ramnagar: (Uttarakhand): The tiger population is rising consistently in the Corbett Tiger Reserve and the forest fringes around it. These days, many tigresses are sighted frequently with their cubs roaming in the forests. This is a big achievement for the forest department but poses a serious challenge, as well. Tigers increased in Corbett and Forest Division: There are more than 260 adult tigers in the Corbett Tiger Reserve at present. Cubs less than two years of age are not included in this count. Apart from this, according to the last All India Tiger Estimation Report, the presence of 67 ...Read More >
Ludhiana: As International Plastic Bag Free Day is observed on July 3, rising use of plastics, including plastic bags, are posing an unprecedented threat to bird population. Ornithologists and conservationists are sounding urgent alarms about the growing menace of plastic pollution -- that is choking habitats, contaminating food chains, and pushing several bird species to the brink of collapse.Plastic has turned into a long-lasting hazard in natural ecosystems. Each year, over 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced globally, and a staggering amount finds its way into the open environment. ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jul 7 (PTI) Chief Minister Rekha Gupta wrote to her Uttar Pradesh counterpart Yogi Adityanath on Monday, urging him to stop illegal sand mining on the Yamuna floodplains on the Delhi-UP border while noting that it was weakening the river embankments and raising the danger of flood. It was also becoming a cause of serious ecological damage, she wrote in the letter. Gupta also shared with Adityanath the National Green Tribunal's concerns over the issue, saying it has also sought the stoppage of illegal sand mining through a regulatory enforcement involving inter-state coordination. ...Read More >
In a groundbreaking conservation effort, a large-scale underwater cleanup at Sindhudurg’s coral reefs removed 300 kg of marine debris, marking a significant step in protecting the fragile ecosystem. Organized by environmental groups, the Maharashtra Forest Department, and local divers, the operation targeted harmful pollutants like fishing nets, plastic, and glass bottles. The cleanup, which took place over two days, aims to restore coral health by removing debris that suffocates corals and disrupts marine life. The initiative, supported by local communities, sets the stage for further efforts ...Read More >
New Delhi, June 7 (PTI) In an effort to rejuvenate the Yamuna, the Delhi government is working on an action plan to improve the environmental flow of the river by increasing water discharge from various sources, officials said on Saturday. Treated water from the Coronation Pillar and Yamuna Vihar Sewage Treatment Plants (STP) will be discharged into the Yamuna downstream at Wazirbarad, for which the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) will develop a conveyance system. The survey work was completed and a detailed project report is being finalised, officials said. E-flow is the minimum quantity of water fl ...Read More >
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has charged five individuals, including goldy Brar, in relation to the 2024 Gurugram club bombing plot, as revealed in a recently filed chargesheet. This case involves a conspiracy to bomb two clubs, aiming to disrupt communal harmony in Haryana, with the banned terrorist group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) implicated. The NIA's investigation highlights the severity of the plot. Those charged include satinderjit Singh (Goldy Brar), Sachin Talian, Ankit, Bhavish, and Randeep Singh. News Directory 3 provides crucial updates on sensitive cases such ...Read More >
New Delhi: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is probing from all angles, including sabotage, in the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad that killed 274 people on board and on the ground last month, Minister of State (MoS) For Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said. Mohol said the black box of the Air India flight AI 171 that has been recovered is in AAIB's custody and will not be outside the country for a thorough assessment. The MoS was speaking at the Pune chapter of the Emerging Business Conclave. "It (plane crash) was an unfortunate incident. The AAIB has begun a full investig ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar: Zeenat, the three-year-old tigress from Maharashtra brought to Odisha's Similipal last year under translocation project, is believed to be pregnant after mating with a melanistic male tiger named T-12 Mahabal in May this year. If her pregnancy is confirmed, Zeenat would deliver cubs around August or September this year, said Prem Kumar Jha, Odisha's Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife). Love blossomed after Zeenat was released into the wild in April this year. She made the forests between Yamunagarh and Gudugudia in Similipal her new home. In May, she came across a r ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: The Delhi government has set a November deadline to clear all encroachments from the Yamuna floodplains under its 45-point action plan for river cleaning and rejuvenation. Officials said the plan, approved by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, was discussed in a recent meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary and involve agencies like DDA, DJB, DPCC, MCD, I&FC, and NDMC. The DDA has been directed to remove illegal structures, waste dumping, and unauthorised farming along the floodplains. Officials cited frequent resistance and lack of clear demarcation as major challenges. So far, the DDA ...Read More >
New Delhi: Three Indian citizens vanished mysteriously in Tehran. Darkness closed in as hope seemed lost. A ruthless Pakistani gang with potential links to ISI snatched them away, casting a shadow of fear. But relentless Indian diplomats refused to back down. Against all odds, a daring rescue mission ignited. Now, the captives are free, and a chilling game of espionage comes to light. The Punjab-based trio - Amritpal Singh from Hoshiarpur, Jaspal Singh from SBS Nagar and Hushnapreet Singh from Sangrur - had landed in Iran on May 1. Promised a clandestine route to Australia via Dubai and Tehra ...Read More >
Srinagar- Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday said foreign countries were told clearly during the post-Operation Sindoor diplomatic outreach that in case of a fresh provocation, India would repeat its action. Speaking at a discussion at the Ahmedabad Management Association, Tharoor said Indian delegations which visited foreign countries in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor managed to convey that India acted with restraint and responsibility. "In other places, we actually were able to get some very high-placed people to say not only that they respected and supported India's right of self- ...Read More >
Navi Mumbai: In a tragic incident that has sparked outrage among environmentalists, a golden jackal was crushed to death by a speeding vehicle around midnight on Sunday near DPS Flamingo Lake, Nerul. The accident occurred on the service road parallel to Palm Beach Road, an area known for its rich biodiversity. According to a volunteer from the Wildlife Welfare Association (WWA), the jackal was hit on its back by an unidentified four-wheeler, leaving it badly mangled. The volunteer rushed to the spot after receiving a distress call around 12 a.m., but the animal could not be saved. The incide ...Read More >
International Jaguar Day 2024: Tomorrow, November 29th, people from across the globe will celebrate International Jaguar Day, a special occasion dedicated to one of the rarest species in the wild -- the majestic jaguar. This day is a significant effort to raise awareness about jaguars, iconic symbols of biodiversity and ecological balance. It also highlights the importance of protecting these incredible creatures, which are not only the largest wild cats found in the Americas but also crucial apex predators that play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. International Jaguar Day pro ...Read More >
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], July 1: NBR Group, one of South India's most trusted and progressive real estate developers, has announced the launch of its new premium residential offering-- 'Soul of the Seasons', exclusive 3 BHK apartments at Mullur, off Sarjapur Road, Bengaluru. The project has received approval from RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority). Conceptualized around the idea of 'Resort Living, Every Day', the project blends modern urban lifestyles with the rare luxury of open, green spaces--bringing together elegance, community, and conscious living in one of Bengaluru's fastest ...Read More >
MADURAI: Likening the custodial murder of Ajith Kumar in Tiruppuvanam to an 'organised crime by police where the state kills its own citizens,' Madras high court lambasted the Tamil Nadu police and said the action against the perpetrators should be more stringent than in normal murder cases.A division bench of Justice S M Subramaniam and Justice A D Maria Clete pointed to 44 external injuries on the person of Ajith Kumar and said no part of the body was spared by the delinquent cops. "Even an ordinary murderer would not have inflicted such kind of injuries," the bench said on Tuesday.The natur ...Read More >
CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of the state police on Tuesday said it has arrested two accused wanted in several bomb blasts and communal murder cases after being on the run for over 25 years. The key accused among the two is Abubacker Siddique of Nagore. He is allegedly involved in the attempt to plant a pipe-bomb during the rath yatra of former home minister LK Advani in Madurai in 2011, among others. Other cases he is allegedly involved include the bomb blast at Hindu Munnani office in 1995 in Chennai, an explosion in Nagore the same year, and coordinated planting of bo ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar: The state cabinet, under the chairmanship of chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi, on Friday approved a comprehensive five-year biotechnology development scheme with an outlay of Rs 1,113.50 crore. The programme will be implemented from 2025-26 to 2029-30.The 'Development of Biotechnology' initiative, comprising 17 sub-schemes, aims to transform Odisha into a knowledge-driven bio-economy by leveraging the state's rich biodiversity and existing research infrastructure."This scheme will create a robust ecosystem for innovation, incubation and investment in the biotechnology sector," a ...Read More >
Silchar: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday visited the flood-ravaged districts of Hailakandi and Sribhumi in the Barak Valley. He assured affected residents of providing timely disbursement of rehabilitation grants and swift repair of damaged infrastructure.This marks Sarma's second visit to the flood-hit region within four days, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Speaking to the media in Sribhumi after inspecting multiple relief camps, the CM said, "Flood-related problems may persist till July. I will return before Durga Puja to ensure that roads and infrastructure ar ...Read More >
Kolkata, June 28: A political slugfest has erupted in West Bengal after a woman accused Padma Shree awardee monk Kartik Maharaj, who is posted with the Murshidabad unit of Bharat Sevashram Sangha, of allegedly raping her 12 times for six months in 2013. As per the police complaint lodged by the woman, Kartik Maharaj raped her multiple times 12 years ago promising her a job at a local school. The ruling Trinamool Congress is highlighting the issue in a major way and accusing the BJP of being silent on it since the accused monk had been reportedly close to the saffron party. The woman accusin ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: A lone Indian grey wolf was recently spotted along the Yamuna floodplain near Palla, where the river enters Delhi, in a rare wildlife sighting in the city's northern fringes.Last week, on Thursday morning, the sighting was made by Hemant Garg, a 41-year-old businessman and wildlife enthusiast who frequently tracks nocturnal wildlife across Delhi-NCR.Garg said he noticed the animal around 7.45 am, walking along the riverbank with a distinct gait and having dark grey fur that didn't match a typical dog's."It had a dull, dark grey coat and walked with a certain grace, unlike a stray do ...Read More >
Mumbai, June 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) It was a belligerent, brilliant, and breathtaking performance from the Chennai Bulls, who were crowned the first ever champions of the Rugby Premier League, here in Mumbai, at the Shahaji Raje Bhosale Sports Complex. The Chennai Bulls thrashed the Delhi Redz by a scoreline of 41-0 in the final, to clinch the title. In fact, the margin of victory is the biggest across Season 1 of the GMR RPL. Meanwhile, the Hyderabad Heroes, who had finished top of the table in the league stage, came away with a third-place finish, after they won 17-12 against the Bengaluru Bra ...Read More >
Sikandar ka Muqaddar Controversy: A scene capturing the flamingos in the recently released Netflix movie has stirred a new row among environmentalists. As per a Free Press Journal report, the greens have alleged that the flamingo shot was captured from a close angle purportedly via a drone. The complaint was made to the Mangrove Cell with a request to take the issue in cognizance legally with the Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner, NRI Coastal police station and CIDCO. A part of the NatConnect Foundation's complaint stated that during the timeline 1:03:44 to 1:03:54 in the movie, a shot captured ...Read More >
Nagpur: Development without ecology is not development it is devastation in disguise, remarked, environmentalist and member of the State Board for Wildlife Shrikant Tekade while addressing a World Environment Day programme organised by RTO Nagpur in collaboration with the Institute of Environment, Ecology, Health & Management (IEEHM).Speaking on this year's theme 'Beat Plastic Pollution and Deforestation', Tekade painted a grim picture of plastic misuse and its growing impact on both urban and forest ecosystems. He pointed out that Nagpur generates over 1,100 tonnes of municipal waste daily, o ...Read More >
Puri: Despite travel uncertainties due to recent conflicts in some parts of the world, people from Europe and elsewhere have reached Puri to witness the annual Ratha Yatra of the sibling deities.As non-Hindus are not allowed inside the 12th-century Jagannath Temple, the Ratha Yatra provides a rare opportunity for devotees across the world to see the deities in their full glory atop their majestic wooden chariots."Back home, we are surrounded by uncertainty and fear. But here, I found peace. I came because this is my only chance to see Lord Jagannath. He comes out for the whole world. This is v ...Read More >
Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], June 29 (ANI): Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in saving Jaipur's Dol Ka Badh forest from destruction. The Rajasthan government plans to convert the forest into a commercial hub, featuring a Prime Minister's Unity Mall, a Fintech Park, and hotels, which would involve cutting down approximately 2,400 trees. Sanjay Singh, in a letter to PM Modi, mentioned that the project is against the 'ideology' of PM Modi's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' mission and would harm the natural form and ecological balance of the area, exacerbat ...Read More >
ITANAGAR, 1 Jul: Forest officials in Arunachal Pradesh have discovered a new species of flowering plant, Begonia nyishiorum, in the high-altitude forests of East Kameng district. The species was documented during a challenging expedition by the Seppa Forest Division. Its discovery was recently published in the prestigious international journal Novon: A Journal for Botanical Nomenclature, on 23 June. Named in honour of the Nyishi tribe, the plant stands out for its unique crimson-fringed petioles, an identifying feature not seen in any other Asian begonia, sources in the state Forest Departme ...Read More >
Pune: Passengers on board a Goa to Pune SpiceJet flight (SG-1080) had a scare on Tuesday evening when a window panel was found dislodged while the plane was mid-air.The airline played down the incident, saying the window part that had come off was "a non-structural trim component, fitted onto the window for the purpose of shade".But a person on board the plane -- a Bombardier Q400 -- told TOI the incident triggered anxiety among the passengers. "Two to three layers of the window panel just came off," said Aatish Mishra, the passenger."There was no depressurization, but this shouldn't have happ ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday announced the provisional attachment of assets worth approximately ₹131.45 crore in Spain, including a luxury yacht and immovable properties, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). These assets belong to Pavel Prozorov, a Spanish national and the alleged mastermind behind the unauthorised forex trading platform OctaFX. The attached assets comprise a commercial Italian-model luxury yacht cruising in the Western Mediterranean, a minijet boat, a luxury car, and two residential properties in Spain. The ED's probe was launched ...Read More >
Puri: The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has recently recommended Environmental Clearance (EC) for the proposed Puri International Airport, a flagship infrastructure project of Odisha government, an official statement said Friday. The EAC has recommended environmental clearance for the project during its meeting held on June 26, the statement said. The project, aimed at transforming the coastal town of Puri into an international gateway, has recorded major progress with a series of key clearances and regulatory mileston ...Read More >