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.
KENDRAPARA: Forest officials have counted 117 nests of saltwater crocodiles during the breeding season this year in Bhitarkanika National Park. The number of nests has marginally increased this year as 114 crocodiles had nested during the breeding season in 2024. Divisional forest officer (DFO) of Bhitarkanika Sudarshan Gopinath Yadav said 30 experienced forest personnel with knowledge of crocodile behaviour were engaged in the nest counting exercise. The nest counting exercise in Bhitarkanika is a challenging and risky job due to the presence of a large number of crocodiles in the water bodies and mangrove forests. Besides, female crocodiles guard their nests and can become aggressive towards any perceived threat during the nesting season, he said. Sources said in 2023 and 2022, forest personnel had counted 122 nests in Bhitarkanika. In 2021, only 84 nests were found in the park due to inundation and tidal waves caused by cyclone Yaas. Similarly, 103 nests of the estuarine crocodiles were found in 2020 and 2019. The DFO said Bhitarkanika was closed for visitors from May 1 to July 31 to avoid causing any disturbance to saltwater crocodiles during their mating and nesting.
New Delhi, Jul 14 (PTI) Four people died in Himachal Pradesh as rain continues to wreak havoc in the state, while five were swept away in Rajasthan's Kota at a barrage after a heavy downpour caused the authorities to release water from a reservoir. In Himachal, more than 200 roads are out of bounds for vehicular traffic, a majority of them in Mandi, while a flash flood warning has been issued for 12 districts in Jharkhand. An individual each drowned in Kullu and Kangra districts, one died after being bitten by a snake in Bilaspur, while one was killed after falling from a height, the State E ...Read More >
Chennai, Oct 26 (SocialNews.XYZ) Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Sunday undertook a surprise inspection of the Adyar River mouth for the second consecutive day, reviewing the ongoing dredging and widening operations intended to facilitate free flow of floodwater into the Bay of Bengal during the intensifying northeast monsoon. The inspection, which took place near Srinivasapuram, follows CM Stalin's earlier visit on October 24. Officials from the Public Works Department and the Greater Chennai Corporation briefed the Chief Minister about the progress of works and the measures taken to prevent f ...Read More >
NEW DELHI (AP) -- Cyclone Montha started making landfall along India's eastern coast, the weather office said late Tuesday, with the storm due to bring torrential rains and strong winds. Montha, swirling over the Bay of Bengal, intensified into a severe cyclonic storm that threatens flooding of low-lying areas in southern Andhra Pradesh and neighboring states through the night. "Latest observations indicate that the landfall process has commenced," the Indian Meteorological Department said in its latest bulletin. The process was expected to continue for the next three to four hours. The sto ...Read More >
Bengaluru Power Cuts: Citizens of Bengaluru brace yourself for long hours of power outages from June 29 and June 30. More than 100 areas will be impacted as BESCOM undertakes its quarterly maintenance work in various of its division. Bengaluru Power Outages June 29: According to the update by BESCOM on its X handler, there will be power outages in Kittaganahalli, Palasandra, Saptagiri, Maruthinagar, Sankapur, Raghavendra Nagar, Goolarivee, Baddihalli, Kesaramadu, C.M Badawan, Kalalli and SKS village on June 29 from 10 am to 5 pm. BESCOM's executive engineer has appealed to consumers to coop ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar/Balasore, Jul 2 (PTI) At least two persons died in flood in Odisha's Balasore district, even as the number of affected villages came down to 60 with the water levels in several rivers, including Subarnarekha, receding, officials said on Wednesday. Fire and Emergency Services personnel recovered the body of a 90-year-old man, identified as Dibakar Giri of Kusuda village in Bhograi block, while members of an Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) team found the body of Rakesh Singh in the flood water, they said. Singh hailed from Bishnupur village and was swept away in the floo ...Read More >
The Ministry of External Affairs said on Wednesday that India has "always stood" by its partners in the region as the first responder in times of crisis. In a statement, MEA also said that the BIMSTEC disaster management exercise has further strengthened cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region towards disaster preparedness, response and resilience. India hosted the 4th BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercise virtually on July 14-15. What is the BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercise? The BIMSTEC Di ...Read More >
They are truly patriotic and I haven't met any RSS cadre who thinks of personal gains. KOCHI: The former Director General of Kerala Police, Jacob Thomas, will join the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as a full-time pracharak. The decision comes at a time when the RSS and BJP are aggressively luring the Christian community. In an interaction with TNIE, Jacob Thomas said he will participate in the RSS padhasanchalan at Pallikkara in Ernakulam district in the official RSS uniform -- known as Gan ...Read More >
Ongole: In a matter of pride for Prakasam district, Gundamala Gram Panchayat of Kothapatanam mandal has been selected for the prestigious Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Panchayat Satatva Vikas Puraskar, a national-level award conferred by the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj for outstanding local governance. The panchayat, home to approximately 2092 residents across 824 households, is a coastal fishing community surrounded by mangrove forests. It has been recognised under the 'Self-Sufficient Infrastructure Panchayat' theme for delivering comprehensive, service-oriented infrastructure to its residents. ...Read More >
Kendrapara (Odisha), Jan 14 (PTI) With the annual crocodile and migratory birds' headcount exercise getting underway, the Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha's Kendrapara district would remain shut for nine days from Tuesday. Several teams have been constituted to count the crocodiles and birds in the creeks, rivers, wetland sites and mangrove forests within the park and its nearby areas, an official said. Any form of human activity could disrupt the process, and that is why the national park will remain closed till January 22, he said. The restrictions for visitors will also prevent noise ...Read More >
Kendrapada: Authorities have warned people of flood-affected villages in Kendrapada district's Aul, Pattamundai and Rajkanika blocks of the presence of crocodiles in the swollen waterways surrounding Bhitarkanika National Park. District emergency officer (DEO) of Kendrapada, Amiya Ketan Swain has asked villagers to exercise caution due to the increased risk posed by the reptiles displaced by the floods.Eleven fatalities have been reported in the past 23 months and 27 deaths over the last 39 months in areas around Bhitarkanika. Highlighting the recurring issue of crocodile displacement during f ...Read More >
Nashik: Heavy rains lashed Ahilyangar city and parts of the district late on Saturday night and in the early hours of Sunday. Ahilyangar city received 76 mm of rainfall in the last 12 hours between 8.30pm on Saturday and 8.30am on Sunday. Rahata and Newasa talukas received 150 mm and 119 mm of rainfall, respectively, in the last 24 hours up to 8.30am on Sunday. Shevgaon taluka received 89 mm of rainfall, while Kopargaon and Shrirampur talukas received over 100 mm of rainfall during the last 24 ho ...Read More >
Chennai: In response to the impending landfall of Cyclone Montha, the Chennai District Collector, Ms. Rashmi Siddharth Zagade, has officially declared a holiday for all schools within the Chennai district tomorrow, Tuesday, October 28. The decision comes as a precautionary measure following heavy rainfall warnings issued for Chennai and several neighbouring districts. Chennai School Holiday: Official Declaration by District Collector The city has been experiencing continuous rainfall since this morning due to the influence of the cyclonic system forming over the Bay of Bengal. With Cyclone M ...Read More >
Kendrapara (Odisha), Feb 16 (PTI) Migratory birds of the trans-Himalayan region have started their homeward journey from Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha's Kendrapara district after a four-month-long winter sojourn, a forest official said on Monday. More than 1.52 lakh feathered guests of 106 species had flocked to the Bhitarkanika wetland sites this year to avoid the harsh winter, Rajnagar Mangrove (wildlife) Forest Division assistant conservator Manas Das said. Every year, birds fly thousands of miles to Bhitarkanika to escape the severe cold conditions in northern Asia and some centra ...Read More >
Pune: NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Friday criticised the state govt over its flood-relief package and said that the aid is inadequate to help farmers recover from the huge losses. Pawar's party members held demonstrations in various districts against govt for not providing aid to all flood-affected people before Diwali which started on Friday. Vasubaras is the first day of the festival in Maharashtra where the cow and calf are worshipped. BJP hit back at NCP (SP) and called the protest crocodile tears. Pawar told reporters in Baramati, "Over the last month, several districts received heavy r ...Read More >
Winds with speeds of 90-100 km/h are expected, with the cyclone's impact likely to begin from Sunday With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting that Cyclone Montha is likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh's Kakinada coast on October 28, the state's Chief Secretary K Vijayanand has instructed all district collectors and officials to remain on high alert and take all necessary precautionary measures. He held a teleconference with officials on Saturday to review the state's preparedne ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar/Balasore/ Baripada: The state government Sunday placed the Balasore and Mayurbhaj district administrations on high alert with an impending flood threat looming over the northern part of the state as several major rivers in the region continue to swell, an official said. Rivers such as Budhabalanga, Subarnarekha, Jalaka, Jambhira and Sona are witnessing rising water levels and may cause flooding by Monday, he warned. Balasore Collector Suryawanshi Mayur Vikash has cancelled the leaves of all government employees. The fresh flood situation has panicked people as they are yet to rec ...Read More >
New Delhi: Traffic in central Delhi will be affected on Thursday as the traffic police has issued an advisory due to the Janmashtami and Tazia processions.According to police, the traffic movement in Paharganj is likely to be affected from 1.30pm in view of the shobha yatra for Janmashtami and the Tazia procession.The Janmashtami procession will start from Mandir Shri Banke Bihari Ji in Paharganj's Sangatrasan Bazar and pass through Desh Bandhu Gupta Road, Chuna Mandi, Main Bazar, Munja Chowk and Arakashan Road. The Tazia procession will start from Ajmeri Gate and proceed through Pul Paharganj ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar, Oct 24 (UNI) Forest officials seized around 15 quintals of mangrove roots that bore striking resemblance to sandalwood in Bhitarkanika National Park on Friday and arrested nine persons, including five women, for trespassing into protected forest and felling trees. Ten quintals of Salacia prinoides roots and stems locally called Batara, an important mangrove species packed in 20 sacks, and five quintals of ceriops decandra roots locally called as Garani packed in 10 sacks, were seized from Kalibhanjadia forest block of the national park. The implements and tools used for cutting ...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 >
Hapur (Uttar Pradesh) [India], June 30 (ANI): The Monsoon arrived eight days earlier in India, making several cities experience heavy rainfall and waterlogging, disrupting the lives of people. The Hapur city of Uttar Pradesh is also facing severe waterlogging after incessant rainfall in the area. India welcomed the monsoon on Sunday, arriving eight days ahead of its expected onset date of July 8, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Also Read | Bodoland Lottery Result Today, June 30, 2025: Assam State Lottery Sambad Monday Lucky Draw Results Declared, Check Winners List Wi ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar/Balasore: With the Subarnarekha and Jalaka rivers flowing above the danger level and the Budhabalanga in spate following incessant rain for the last two days, state govt has geared up to tackle the flood situation in Balasore and Mayurbhanj districts. Over 7,000 people were evacuated to safer places while Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and fire services teams were deployed in vulnerable areas. Floodwaters from the Subarnarekha, Budhabalanga and Jalaka have inundated connecting roads across the region. Road links were severed, while electricity and telecommunication serv ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], September 30 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as the Chief Guest on 1st October 2025 at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, at 10:30 AM, said the Prime Minister's Office. On this occasion, the Prime Minister will release a specially designed commemorative postage stamp and coin highlighting the RSS's contributions to the nation and will also address the gathering. Earlier on Sunday, while addressing the nation on Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Rashtri ...Read More >
Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh) [India], October 27 (ANI): As Cyclone Montha moves closer to the eastern coast, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to take immediate action to safeguard lives and minimise damage in coastal areas, a release said on Monday. As per the release, during a teleconference from the RTGS Centre at the Secretariat, the Chief Minister instructed district collectors and superintendents of police to "shift residents of vulnerable coastal areas to rehabilitation centres without any delay". Also Read | Delhi Acid Attack Twist: Victim's Fath ...Read More >
With the harvest festival of Baisakhi just five days away, unseasonal rain, hailstorms and high-velocity winds have flattened the standing wheat crop, disrupting harvesting across Punjab by at least 10 days and leaving farmers worried about potential losses at a crucial stage of the crop cycle. The sudden spell of adverse weather, particularly in the semi-arid Malwa belt, has led to waterlogging and widespread lodging of standing wheat crops. Slushy fields have made it difficult for farmers to u ...Read More >
The Maharashtra government is set to install automated weather stations (AWS) in every village, expanding from the current revenue circle level, under the Union Government's WINDS project. This initiative aims to provide accurate, localized weather data to assist farmers, aid in disaster management, and support agricultural research.The Maharashtra government has decided to install automated weather stations (AWS) in every village across the state. This initiative is part of the Union Government ...Read More >
Balasore: At least two persons died in flood in Balasore district, even as the number of affected villages came down to 60 with the water levels in several rivers, including Subarnarekha, receding, officials said on Wednesday. Fire and Emergency Services personnel recovered the body of a 90-year-old man, identified as Dibakar Giri of Kusuda village in Bhograi block, while members of an Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) team found the body of Rakesh Singh in the flood water. Singh hailed from Bishnupur village and was swept away in the floodwater currents on Tuesday. People of around ...Read More >
Fishing activities in Thoothukudi have been suspended due to a cyclone alert issued by the IMD, with fishermen advised to stay ashore. A low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify, bringing strong winds and rough seas. Coastal residents are urged to avoid the seashore and monitor weather updates. Fishing activities in Thoothukudi have been suspended as authorities issued a cyclone alert, with fishermen advised to remain safely on shore. According to the latest warning issue ...Read More >
New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday said that the depression, which is the remnant of Severe Cyclonic Storm Montha, has weakened into a well-marked low-pressure area over east Vidarbha and adjoining south Chhattisgarh. In a post on X, IMD stated, "The Depression [Remnant of Severe Cyclonic Storm 'Montha'] over south Chhattisgarh and adjoining Vidarbha moved north-northwestwards and weakened into a Well Marked Low Pressure Area over east Vidarbha and adjoining south C ...Read More >
New Delhi, Apr 6 (PTI) The Border Security Force (BSF) is studying the feasibility of releasing crocodiles and snakes in the "vulnerable" riverine gaps along the India-Bangladesh international border to curb illegal infiltration and cross-frontier crimes, officials said on Monday. The plan was discussed during a meeting at the force's headquarters in Delhi on February 9. Following this, field units along the 4,096-km front were asked to provide their opinion. According to data provided by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), about 856 km of this frontier remains unfenced, owing to difficult g ...Read More >
Kendrapada: Altogether 117 crocodile nests were spotted in Bhitarkanika National Park during a counting conducted from July 1 to 13 this year. Last year, the count was 114. The counting exercise conducted in India's second largest mangrove forest after Sundarbans, is considered a challenging and risky operation due to the presence of numerous crocodiles in the water bodies and mangrove forest."Female crocodiles are particularly aggressive during nesting and hatching seasons, as they guard their n ...Read More >