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: As Delhi suffers from its annual toxic smog blanket, the skies above the capital played host to an ambitious experiment, one that aimed to bring rain from the clouds. On Tuesday, a cloud seeding trial took place over portions of Delhi in a last-ditch attempt to clear the capital's polluted air. The plane involved in the mission has now returned to its base in Kanpur, officials confirmed. But early hopes appear to have been dashed by existing atmospheric conditions. Meteorological data shows that moisture levels in the clouds above Delhi were below 20 per cent, too low to produce precipitation. In fact, experts cautioned that even the use of chemistry was not likely to create rain. Nevertheless, sources said that if conditions improve, another seeding flight could originate from Kanpur a day later. What Experts Say? Professor S N Mishra, meteorologist and climate change consultant, characterised the attempt as a good idea in principle, albeit ill-timed. "Theoretically, this latest attempt at cloud seeding was a good experiment. However, the current weather conditions are not suited for this. The western disturbances are tracking farther north, and most of the clouds over Delhi are high clouds formed from cyclonic storm outflows, which are unsuitable for seeding," he told ETV Bharat. "Cloud seeding can enhance rainfall only if existing clouds have the right characteristics. This seems more like an exercise to show action on pollution, rather than a scientifically sound solution." Nature Already Primed To Rain Environmental activist Bhavreen Kandhari questioned the timing and the necessity of the effort. "There already is significant cloud formation over Delhi today. The atmosphere is naturally primed for rain, so cloud seeding offers little additional benefit," she said. "With the approaching western disturbances, light to moderate showers are expected over the next 24-48 hours. Attempting cloud seeding under these conditions risks wasting public resources," she added, further saying that while experiments like these grab headlines, the real solution lies in tackling pollution at its source, through stricter enforcement of emission norms, cleaner fuels, and stronger air quality standards. Rain Will Come, Seeding Won't Make Much Difference Environmental and geospatial analyst Rajesh Paul agreed that while cloud seeding can enhance rainfall efficiency, it cannot create rain out of thin air. "If suitable clouds are already present, natural rainfall will occur when humidity and temperature align. Cloud seeding may only marginally increase rainfall intensity or duration," he said. "Given that a western disturbance is approaching, the chances of natural rain over the next 24-48 hours is already high. Artificial intervention may not be necessary." According to him, cloud seeding should ideally be used when clouds exist, but they lack the internal dynamics needed to precipitate. Not when rain is already imminent.
Accepting the honour, Acharya Prashant delivered a powerful address, "The climate crisis is not just outside, it's inside. The glaciers are melting because our minds are burning with greed. Oceans are rising because our desires know no bounds. Before we can act responsibly, we must first think clearly. And that is where true environmentalism begins, not in policy, but in consciousness." "When we talk about the environment, we usually refer to forests, rivers, air, and wildlife. But do we ever as ...Read More >
Winter pollution is increasingly harmful, posing serious physical and mental health risks. As air quality deteriorates, cities, particularly the capital, face heightened pollution levels, leading to stress and health complications. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is on the rise, especially among the young, while adults are experiencing worsened existing conditions. To combat the effects of pollution, it's essential to adopt mindful practices, stay hydrated, follow a skincare routine, keep indoor plants, and maintain regular exercise. These steps can improve well-being, reduce stress, and enh ...Read More >
Delhi's air pollution continues to worsen, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting a hazardous 490, despite the government's 21-point plan to tackle the issue. The city’s residents are struggling to breathe, even indoors, and hospitals are overwhelmed with patients facing respiratory problems. The pollution crisis is exacerbated by the lack of cooperation among Delhi and neighboring states, and the central government, with each blaming the other. This pollution not only threatens public health but also jeopardizes Delhi's economic future, as it could drive away professionals and harm business ...Read More >
Noida: The city's air quality improved slightly on Wednesday but remained in the 'poor' category with an air quality index (AQI) of 208, compared to the previous day's 223. The AQI of Greater Noida (231) and Ghaziabad (216) improved marginally but also stayed 'poor'. It was 234 in Greater Noida and 238 in Ghaziabad on Tuesday. In Noida, Sector 62 was the worst hit and recorded an AQI of 271 (poor), followed by Sector 116 (230) -- also 'poor'. The Sector 1 monitoring station recorded a 'moderate' AQI at 121. The Sector 125 station did not record this data. In Greater Noida, the AQI at Knowled ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jun 5 (PTI) Rising temperatures, driven by climate change, is increasing the atmosphere's 'thirst', making droughts around the world 40 per cent more severe over the past 40 years, according to a new study. Researchers, including those at the University of California-Santa Barbara, US, explained that the atmosphere is becoming warmer, thereby increasing its capacity to hold moisture -- atmospheric evaporative demand -- and making droughts more severe, even in places where rainfall has stayed the same. Also Read | Who Is Pinaki Misra? From Age to Family Background and Net Worth, He ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jun 5 (PTI) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a gradual rise in the maximum temperature by five to seven degrees Celsius over the next five days in Delhi. Despite the warming trend, no heatwave conditions are expected during this period, according to a report prepared by the weather office. According to the IMD, the minimum temperature was appreciably below normal, by three to six degrees Celsius, and the maximum was markedly below normal -- by five to seven notches -- over the last few days. South-westerly winds with speeds up to 19 kmph were witnessed across ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jun 6 (PTI) Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 38.2 degrees Celsius on Friday, 1.8 notches below the seasonal average, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said. The minimum temperature settled at 25.6 degrees Celsius on Friday, two notches below the season's average, the IMD said. The humidity level stood at 47 per cent at 5:30 pm. The weather department has forecast partly cloudy sky for Saturday, with the maximum and minimum temperatures expected to hover around 40 degrees Celsius and 26 degrees Celsius, respectively. Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded in ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 7 (ANI): In view of rising pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has enforced Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR with immediate effect. The action came after Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 209, which falls under the 'Poor' category. The decision was a comprehensive review by the CAQM Sub-Committee, which convened on Saturday and reviewed the air quality scenario in the region, as well as the IMD/IITM forecasts and air quality index of Delhi comprehensively. 'The AQI of Delhi has shown an increa ...Read More >
Indoor plants not only enhance the aesthetics of your home but also offer health benefits like air purification and stress reduction. Low-maintenance options such as the Nurturing Green Lucky Bamboo, Ugaoo Golden Money Plant, and HOMES Spider Plant thrive in various light conditions and are easy to care for. Plants like the Brazil Healthy Brazilian Plant and Amulya Purifying Indoor Plant are perfect for beginners and help create a fresh, calming atmosphere. Choosing plants that suit your space and lifestyle ensures a healthy, green environment all year round, boosting your well-being and home ...Read More >
For the second consecutive day on Monday (December 2, 2024), Delhi's air quality showed a slight improvement although it remained in the 'poor' category with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 273 in the morning. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's 24-hour average AQI on Sunday stood at 285, an improvement to the 'poor' category and a welcome relief following 32 consecutive days of 'very poor' and 'severe' air quality (AQI over 400). The city's air quality was last recorded in the 'poor' category on October 29 with an AQI of 268, according to the CPCB. Farm fires ris ...Read More >
Delhi residents breathed easier Thursday as air quality improved to 'moderate' after a month of severe pollution. The AQI dropped to 161, though some areas still experienced 'poor' air quality. Cooler temperatures and mist accompanied the improved air, with the minimum temperature reaching 9 degrees Celsius. The Supreme Court maintained GRAP-IV restrictions, demanding compensation for construction workers from NCR states.Residents in Delhi took a sigh of relief on Thursday as the air quality inde ...Read More >
New Delhi: The BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel vehicle ban has been lifted in Delhi after the Air Quality Index (AQI) improved to the moderate category. The Supreme Court allowed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to ease restrictions due to the improvement in the national capital's air pollution situation. Delhi had been facing high pollution levels, which led CAQM to enforce Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The court has now asked the commission to apply GRAP Stage 2. ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Delhi recorded its lowest minimum temperature of the winter season on Wednesday, with the mercury plunging to 4.9 degrees Celsius, a sharp drop from 8 degrees Celsius the previous day. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated, "The minimum temperature of 4.9 degrees Celsius reported over Safdarjung is the lowest minimum of this winter season. The same minimum temperature of 4.9 degrees Celsius was reported last year also on 15th December." The coldest minimum temperature ever recorded at the Safdarjung station was 0.0 degrees Celsius on December 27, 1930, according to the ...Read More >
New Delhi: The air quality in the national capital remained in the 'very poor' category on Thursday, with a thin layer of fog blanketing parts of the city and affecting visibility. An AQI reading of 340 was recorded at 9 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) data. Of the 38 monitoring stations that recorded air quality data in the national capital, 32 reported the AQI in the "very poor" category, according to the CPCB. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a thunderstorm accompanied by rain on Friday and Saturday, and issued a "yellow alert", predictin ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jan 31 (PTI) The national capital wrapped up a rather warm January with Friday's maximum temperature reaching 27 degrees Celsius, making it the city's warmest day in the month since 2019. The month's average maximum temperature was 21.1 degrees Celsius, a notch above the long-period average of 20.1 degrees Celsius, marking it as Delhi's warmest January since 2019. According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) data, nighttime temperatures were also higher than usual. The average minimum temperature for the month settled at 8.5 degrees Celsius, a notch above the LPA of 7.5 deg ...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 >
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday outlined five key global priorities to build disaster-resilient infrastructure, including a skilled workforce, a global digital repository to document best practices and innovative financing. He said that strengthening early-warning systems and coordination is another crucial aspect. Addressing the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure 2025 via videoconferencing, Mr Modi noted that India has established a tsunami-warning system benefitting 29 countries and that it recognises the Small Island Developing States (Sida) a ...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 >
Bhubaneswar, June 5 (UNI) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday urged the people to resolve to end plastic pollution and maintain a healthy, clean environment. "Today, let us pledge to eliminate plastic pollution and create a healthier, cleaner environment for our citizens," Majhi said while addressing the state-level World Environment Day event. He noted that plastic has become an integral part of our lives, especially single-use plastics. Stressing that plastic waste must be ad ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Former head of Air India and chairman of the Railway Board Ashwani Lohani is the new Prime Ministers Museum and Library (PMML) director. The official order for his appointment was issued on Wednesday. A 1980-batch officer of the Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineering (IRSME), Lohani is known for turning around various organisations during his illustrious career. Following his retirement from IRSME service, he joined the GMR Group as the CEO. According to the order dated June 4, his appointment to the post of director, Prime Ministers Museum and Library in the rank and pa ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: The city is in for a spell of hot and dry days, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting a gradual rise in maximum temperatures by up to 6 degree Celsius over the next five days. While the mercury is expected to cross 40 degree Celsius, no heatwave conditions are likely, officials said on Friday. According to the weather office, the maximum temperature at Safdarjung on Thursday was 38.2 degree Celsius, about 2 degree below the seasonal average. Minimum temperature stood at 25.6 degree Celsius, also slightly lower than the normal. Similar trends were observed acro ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jun 7 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday outlined five key global priorities for him to build disaster-resilient infrastructure, including a skilled workforce, a global digital repository to document best practices and innovative financing. In a video address to the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure 2025, Modi said strengthening early-warning systems and coordination is another crucial aspect. He noted that India has established a tsunami-warning system benefitting 29 countries and that it recognises the Small Island Developing States (SIDA) ...Read More >
At Modern Public School, Shalimar Bagh, on Monday, a teacher played the role of a vegetable seller, complete with props, while students acted as buyers. "How much is this vegetable for?" asked the teacher, setting off lively exchanges -- all over a laptop screen. Advertisement https://images.indianexpress.com/2020/08/1x1.png This roleplay session, part of an online lesson about markets and vegetables, is one of many such creative strategies teachers are adopting as schools across Delhi shift to remote learning due to hazardous air pollution levels. The air quality in Delhi plummeted to "se ...Read More >
Delhi Weather Update: Delhi experienced dense fog on Thursday morning, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reporting a minimum temperature of 7°C. The fog led to the implementation of low-visibility procedures at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), although flights continued to operate as scheduled. The weather forecast for the coming days indicates that dense fog will persist in the early morning and late-night hours on December 26 and 28. The IMD also predicts partly cloudy skies, with the possibility of very light rain or drizzle during the evening or night. As of Thursd ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jun 5 (PTI) National Green Tribunal Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava on Thursday outlined an urgent need to curb plastic pollution as it negatively impacted marine life, suffocated terrestrial ecosystems, leached harmful chemicals into soil and water. In addition, it contributed significantly to air pollution when burnt, he said. The statement came on the occasion of World Environment Day and was uploaded on the NGTs website. Shrivastava said that plastic had become an indispensable part of our lives, yet its convenience masked a devastating reality. "This nonbiodegradabl ...Read More >
American entrepreneur Bryan Johnson, known for his quest to reverse aging, experienced the effects of Mumbai's air pollution during his India tour. Promoting his book Don't Die, Johnson detailed his discomfort despite using air purifiers and masks. He adhered to his rigorous health routine, carrying all his meals and supplements for the six-day trip. The visit included an exclusive meetup with prominent figures like Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal, showcasing his dedication to health and longevity advocacy.Bryan Johnson, the American entrepreneur renowned for his anti-aging mission, has drawn atten ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday outlined five key global priorities for him to build disaster-resilient infrastructure, including a skilled workforce, a global digital repository to document best practices and innovative financing. In a video address to the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure 2025, Modi said strengthening early-warning systems and coordination is another crucial aspect. He noted that India has established a tsunami-warning system benefitting 29 countries and that it recognises the Small Island Developing States (SIDA) as large-oc ...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 >
New Delhi [India], June 7 (ANI): Highlighting the significance of strengthening early warning systems to mitigate risks from disasters, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that coastal regions and islands are at great risk due to natural disasters and climate change. Addressing the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI) via videoconference, the Prime Minister said that India in recent times witnessed Cyclone Remal in India and Bangladesh, Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean, Typhoon Yagi in Southeast Asia, and Hurricane Helene in the United States. 'The ...Read More >
A crucial round of negotiations on a global plastic pollution treaty has begun in Busan, South Korea. Led by Norway and Rwanda, 66 countries and the EU are pushing for a legally binding agreement to control plastic production, consumption, and waste management. However, key points of contention include limits on plastic production and the ban of single-use plastics. With plastic production set to rise 70% by 2040, negotiators aim to protect human health and the environment while promoting recycling, reducing harmful chemicals, and supporting sustainable plastic practices. Industry leaders and ...Read More >