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: Irrigation and flood control minister Parvesh Verma on Sunday conducted an extensive on-site inspection of the Yamuna River at Palla, the key entry point where the river enters Delhi from Haryana. Officials said the visit was aimed to assess the river's condition ahead of the peak monsoon period and review the preparedness of agencies responsible for flood control and drainage management.Accompanied by senior officials, the minister undertook a boat survey along the river stretch to evaluate water levels, flow patterns, and the integrity of embankments. A water sample was also collected at the Palla point for scientific testing to determine the quality of water entering Delhi.Speaking to reporters after the inspection, Verma noted that the water at Palla appeared relatively clean and clear but grew darker and more polluted as it progressed through Delhi. He stressed the need for strict monitoring and better coordination among departments to maintain water quality throughout the city's stretch of the river.Later, Verma chaired a high-level review meeting on flood preparedness, which was attended by district magistrates from central, south-east, south, and south-west Delhi. Officials shared updates on ground-level measures and monsoon action plans. The minister directed all departments to remain on alert during the monsoon and ensure prompt resolution of any water-logging complaints.The inspection comes in the backdrop of severe flooding in parts of Delhi in July 2023, when excess water was released from the Hathnikund Barrage in Haryana. A report by a committee led by the chairperson of the Central Water Commission cited three main causes for last year's flooding: intense rainfall over five days, inaccurate hydrological data at key barrages (Hathnikund, Wazirabad, and Okhla), and encroachment and siltation along the floodplain.Responding to recent criticism over waterlogging in the city, Verma dismissed claims based on isolated incidents. "Showing visuals from just 3-4 locations cannot define the condition of a city as vast as Delhi," he said, adding, "Most areas are functioning normally, and the public is being misled through selective representation."He added that true waterlogging refers to stagnation lasting four to five hours, and in most areas, drainage systems were effectively clearing rainwater within minutes."If rainwater drains away within minutes, it cannot be termed waterlogging. In most areas, drainage systems are working effectively. The Delhi govt remains committed to strengthening flood resilience, maintaining clean river systems, and improving monsoon infrastructure through continuous monitoring and inter-departmental coordination," Verma said.
SOLAPUR, India (Reuters) - India is likely to produce a record amount of sugar in the next marketing year from October after millions of farmers expanded cane cultivation, encouraged by ample water supplies and declining prices of competing crops, farmers and industry officials told Reuters. The rebound in production would allow the world's second-largest sugar producer to resume exports in 2025/26, they said, after a lack of rain cut cane yields and led to two years of restrictions. Indian exports could cap global sugar prices, traders said, by increasing supplies in the world market at a t ...Read More >
Patna: With water levels already fluctuating in key rivers and forecasts warning of heavy rain upstream in Nepal, Bihar is on alert for potential flood-like conditions in the Kosi and Gandak basins starting Friday. Officials have warned that the situation could worsen quickly, especially as the region heads into a wetter-than-average monsoon season.On Thursday afternoon, water discharge through the Birpur barrage on the Kosi stood at 78,660 cusecs, a drop from 87,140 cusecs on Wednesday and 1.04 lakh cusecs on Tuesday, indicating unstable flow patterns. The Gandak, too, has seen considerable v ...Read More >
Former Manipur CM N. Biren Singh stated that efforts are underway to establish a popular government in the state, currently under President's rule. He expressed optimism about forming a new government soon, emphasizing the BJP and its allies' desire for restoration of popular governance.Former Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh on Saturday said efforts are underway for setting up of a popular government in the state which is now under President's rule. Speaking at the sidelines of a programme at BJP state headquarters, Singh expressed hope that a new government will be formed in Manipur soo ...Read More >
Belagavi: With monsoon rainfall intensifying, the health department in Belagavi district has ramped up preventive efforts to control the spread of dengue, particularly in the critical month of July, when water saturation increases the risk of mosquito breeding.While the number of dengue cases remained under control in June, health officials are on alert for a potential surge. According to district health officer (DHO) Dr SS Gadad, the department identified around 1,300 suspected cases of dengue-related symptoms in June. Of these, 620 samples were collected for testing, with only 21 confirmed p ...Read More >
Meghalaya government introduced the Draft Meghalaya Film Tourism & Creative Media Policy 2025. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma disbursed Hello Meghalaya Grants to local filmmakers. The government aims to empower youth through creative platforms. The film policy offers financial incentives and skill development projects. Public feedback is welcome until June 20, 2025. Guwahati: Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K. Sangma unveiled the Draft Meghalaya Film Tourism & Creative Media Policy 2025 and dis ...Read More >
Hyderabad: BJP MP and former minister in BRS government Eatala Rajendar spilled the beans before Justice PC Ghose Commission inquiring into the Kaleshwaram project on Friday. The BJP MP told the commission that the three barrages - Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla were constructed only after the approval of CWC and Technical Committee and as per the recommendations of Cabinet Sub Committee headed by the then Irrigation minister T Harish Rao. Former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao was the brain behind the Kaleshwaram, the former minister said, adding that the Maharashtra government had opp ...Read More >
Itanagar, Jun 7 (PTI) The flood situation in Arunachal Pradesh improved on Saturday with water levels of most rivers receding, even as 33,000 people in 24 districts remained affected, officials said. Twelve people lost their lives and one person went missing in rain-related incidents, including landslides, after the monsoon set in, they said. In its daily report, the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) said 33,200 people in 215 villages remained affected due to floods and landslides in the state. The water levels of most major rivers and their tributaries were showing a receding trend o ...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 >
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar has written a strongly worded letter to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, criticising General Education Minister V Sivankutty for walking out of a function held at Raj Bhavan on June 19. The Governor described the incident as a breach of protocol and an insult to the constitutional office. The letter, dated June 26, refers to an awards ceremony for the Bharat Scouts and Guides, where Sivankutty -- who also serves as President of the Association's Kerala chapter -- objected to the presence of a garlanded portrait of Bharat Mata on the stage, ...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 >
Hyderabad: The Justice PC Ghosh Commission has issued notices to former Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), former Irrigation Minister T. Harish Rao, and BJP MP and former Finance Minister Etala Rajender in connection with the ongoing probe into the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project. The Justice Ghosh Commission, which is investigating alleged irregularities in the construction and functioning of the Kaleshwaram barrages, has directed the three leaders to appear before it within 15 days. As per the Commission's schedule, KCR has been asked to appear on June 5, Harish Rao on ...Read More >
Hyderabad: BJP MP and former Finance Minister Eatala Rajender concluded his testimony before the Kaleshwaram Commission, which is investigating the massive irrigation project. Eatala, who held the finance portfolio during the project's critical phases, stated that all major information and decisions regarding Kaleshwaram rest with former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) and former Water Resources Minister Harish Rao. Speaking to reporters post-hearing, Eatala clarified that the Finance Department's role was minimal and that he had no direct involvement in project execution. He highli ...Read More >
Lucknow: Reinforcing its commitment to ensuring 'water to every field,' the Yogi Adityanath govt has completed 29 major irrigation projects over the past eight years, significantly expanding irrigation capacity, improving water management, and empowering millions of farmers across Uttar Pradesh. These projects have directly benefited 43,53,850 farmers across the state and led to an increase of 19,11,231 hectares in irrigation capacity. The initiative not only strengthens state's agricultural productivity but also marks a major milestone in flood control and water conservation efforts. Guided b ...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 >
Delhi is facing worsening pollution and erratic weather patterns, with the air quality regularly reaching dangerous levels. This is partly due to climate change, with temperature rises and unpredictable rainfall patterns caused by global warming. The industrial revolution has played a significant role, contributing to the rise in global temperatures. The effects are already being felt, with 2024 witnessing record-breaking heat in India. Despite this, there is little action from society or leadership, with courts repeatedly stepping in to address issues like pollution and farm fires. The need f ...Read More >
JAMMU: Three persons, including two minors, drowned while four others were rescued as flash floods triggered by heavy rains occurred in different areas of Rajouri, Poonch, Doda and Kathua districts in J&K on Thursday. Meanwhile, a fresh landslide near Satya viewpoint along the Himkoti route blocked the new track to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine atop Trikuta Hills in Reasi district.In Rajouri district, Shaqafat Ali (14) and his cousin Safeena Kousar (11) were out grazing cattle along with a 10-year-old ...Read More >
Imphal, June 29 (UNI) A series of successful operations carried out by Manipur Police and security forces during the last 24 hours led to the arrest of several individuals involved in vehicle theft, insurgent activity, and the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition. Police arrested a vehicle lifter identified as Syed Riyaj from his residence at Lilong Chaobok in Thoubal District. The arrest was made under Lilong Police Station. Authorities seized a blue two wheeler without registration number, along with a key and an Aadhaar card believed to be linked to the suspect. In a s ...Read More >
Inflow into the Stanley Reservoir in Mettur increased to 80,984 cusecs on Saturday. Following an increase in inflow, the Water Resources Department (WRD) issued a flood warning to people living in low-lying areas on the banks of the River Cauvery. On Saturday, the dam's water level stood at 117.93 feet against its full capacity of 120 feet. The storage level stood at 90.20 TMC against its full capacity of 93.47 TMC. At 8 a.m., inflow into the dam increased to 73,452 cusecs from Friday's inflow o ...Read More >
Guwahati, June 5 (SocialNews.XYZ) The flood situation in Assam marginally improved on Thursday, while the situation further improved in other northeastern states, an official said. With two more fresh deaths in Assam, the death toll in seven states, excluding Sikkim, of the region increased to 48. According to the disaster management officials of different northeastern states, out of 48 deaths during the current spell of rain and floods since May 29, at least 21 people died in Assam, followed by 12 in Arunachal Pradesh, six in Meghalaya, five in Mizoram, two in Tripura and one each in Nagalan ...Read More >
Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) on Friday demolished an illegal commercial structure built over the Patny Nala at Patny Centre in Secunderabad, following complaints from residents affected by recurring waterlogging. According to HYDRAA, the nala, originally meant to be 70 feet wide, had been reduced to just 15-18 feet due to encroachments. Following a detailed inspection, HYDRAA on Friday removed illegal structures constructed over a storm water nala. After restoring the original width of the Patny Nala, SCB officials decided to build retaining ...Read More >
New Delhi: In a joint operation, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (ISA) have eliminated As'ad Abu Sharaiya, a senior leader of the Mujahideen terrorist organization in Gaza, and another terrorist, Mahmoud Muhammad Hamid Kuhail. According to the IDF, Abu Sharaiya was directly involved in the October 7, 2023, massacre, infiltrating Kibbutz Nir Oz, and was responsible for the abduction and murder of several Israeli citizens, including Shiri, Ariel, Kfir Bibas, and Nattapong Pinta. He also played a role in recruiting operatives for terror attacks against Israel and I ...Read More >
Hyderabad: In a major crackdown on illegal water supply operations, HYDRAA (Hyderabad Residents Awareness and Action Association) filed a formal complaint against several water tanker operators accused of illegally drawing polluted water from Sunnam Cheruvu in Madhapur and supplying it to hostels and residential areas. Acting on the complaint, Madhapur Police registered a case against multiple private tanker operators who were reportedly extracting water from unauthorised borewells and selling it under the pretext of clean drinking water. HYDRAA revealed that the contaminated water was being ...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 >
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Mumbai and several other parts of Maharashtra due to expected heavy rainfall and thunderstorms over the weekend. The alert, announced on Saturday, highlights the likelihood of intense weather conditions in the coming days, as oligo cyclonic conditions and weak southwest monsoon winds affect the region. On the monsoon situation in Mumbai, IMD Scientist Sushma Nair says, "It is important to understand that the warning issued for the next 24 hours is a Yellow Alert. Meanwhile, a Red Alert was issued for an intense spell of rain ...Read More >
Kerala is experiencing intensified monsoon rains, leading to flooding in Ernakulam, Idukki, and Thrissur districts. The IMD has issued an orange alert for seven districts, indicating the possibility of very heavy rainfall. In Wayanad, continuous rains caused the Chooralmala River to swell, raising concerns due to the area's history of deadly landslides. Monsoon rains intensified in Kerala on Thursday with some parts of Ernakulam, Idukki and Thrissur districts getting flooded and the India Meteor ...Read More >
Bahraich, June 28: Two minors allegedly killed a man by slitting his throat and then crushed his head with a stone to steal his iPhone to create "high-quality reels" for more likes, police said on Saturday. Police have held both the accused and initiated investigations. The victim, Shadab (19), who lived in Bengaluru, was visiting his ancestral village of Nagaur in Bahraich for his maternal uncle's wedding. Additional Superintendent of Police, Ramanand Prasad Kushwaha, said that the incident occurred on the night of June 20. "Shadab was reported missing on June 21, and his body was discovered ...Read More >
Jalpaiguri: In a first, the West Bengal irrigation department has started receiving a 72-hour weather forecast for Bhutan, thanks to the dispatch of periodic warnings from the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM) of Bhutan to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). The updates will assist in the timely combat of floods. The chief engineer of the Northeast Irrigation Department gets these updates through email. According to the sources of the irrigation department, 71 rivers that originate in Bhutan crisscross the Dooars. Rivers like Torsha, Jaldhaka, Diana, Pana Basra, Ret ...Read More >
Hyderabad: Construction of the Sundilla barrage of the Kaleshwaram project, which sprang leaks from under its foundations and raised concerns about its safety, was completed by the BRS government without the engineers having full designs and drawings to do so. This was revealed during testimony by irrigation department engineers on Tuesday before the Justice P.C. Ghose commission of inquiry probing various aspects of Kaleshwaram lift irrigation scheme (KLIS)'s three barrages. When Sundilla barrage engineers were questioned during the public hearing by the commission, they informed that Block ...Read More >
(CNN) -- India's financial capital and one of its largest cities has experienced its wettest May in more than a century, with the unusually early arrival of the monsoon season causing a ferocious weekend downpour that turned roads into rivers and flooded a newly inaugurated underground train station. Mumbai, a city of more than 12 million, has recorded more than 400 millimeters of rainfall this month so far, according to data from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), with much of the downpour arriving late last weekend. The deluge caused chaos and delays across transport networks, inc ...Read More >
With the monsoon approaching, Delhi Minister for Irrigation and Flood Control Parvesh Verma on Thursday conducted an inspection of key waterlogging hotspots in Mehrauli and issued strict directions to officials to ensure smooth flow of water in all major drains across the city. During the inspection, Verma visited four critical locations -- near Saket Gurdwara, Dargah Mehrauli, Moti Lal Nehru Camp and Kusumpur Pahadi-Qutub Institute area -- all known for chronic drainage issues during the rainy ...Read More >