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.
Ludhiana: Although Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, came into effect from April 1, the Ludhiana municipal corporation (MC) is yet to launch an awareness programme to inform city residents about the new requirements before enforcing them on the ground. The absence of prior communication has raised concerns among residents and stakeholders, especially as the new rules place significantly stricter obligations on waste generators.The situation is compounded by the fact that the MC has not been able to fully implement even basic source segregation of waste into wet and dry categories so far. Under the new rules, residents are now required to segregate waste into four distinct streams, putting further pressure on an already strained system. Civic officials and residents alike have pointed out that poor infrastructure and gaps in execution could make compliance difficult.As per the rules, waste generators are required to segregate and store waste at source into four categories: wet waste, dry waste, sanitary waste and special care waste. Segregated waste must then be handed over to authorised waste pickers or collection agencies. Used sanitary waste such as diapers and sanitary pads must be securely wrapped, either in pouches provided by manufacturers or brand owners or in suitable wrapping material, before being placed in the sanitary waste bin. These items are to be stored separately from dry, wet and special care waste.The rules further state that construction and demolition waste should be stored separately within the premises of the waste generator and disposed of in accordance with the Environment (Construction and Demolition) Waste Management Rules, 2025. Similarly, horticulture waste generated from premises or land is to be stored separately and disposed of as directed by officials. Burning of waste or dumping it in open public spaces is prohibited under the new framework.Despite these detailed provisions, the MC faces serious logistical challenges in implementation. Garbage collection in Ludhiana is primarily handled by private contractors, whose rehris are not designed to collect segregated waste. Currently, waste is often collected in a mixed form, undermining previous efforts to promote segregation at source. MC Officials admitted that the civic body does not yet have rehris with four separate compartments to transport segregated waste efficiently.An MC official said the civic body was first working on preparing an awareness programme, acknowledging that strict enforcement would not be practical at this stage. He added that the corporation also needs to improve its own infrastructure before expecting residents to fully comply with the new rules.City residents said they were largely unaware of the new regulations. Rahul Verma, a businessman from Sarabha Nagar, said there had been no communication from the civic body. He questioned how residents were expected to comply when no information had been shared in advance. Verma said that if the rules were to be implemented from April 1, awareness should have been created at least a month earlier. He suggested that the MC involve city schools as part of an outreach campaign, allowing students to take the message home to families. Verma also stressed that the MC should first streamline its own garbage collection mechanisms before enforcing compliance among residents.Similar concerns were raised by Neeraj Gaur, a banker from BRS Nagar, who said he had no knowledge of the new four-bin segregation requirement. Gaur recalled that when the MC had previously asked residents to keep waste in two separate bins, he complied, but it was discouraging to see garbage collectors mixing the waste again into a single rehri. He suggested that authorities launch comprehensive awareness campaigns through social media as well as door-to-door outreach so residents could clearly understand what was required of them.Tribhuvan Thapar, a businessman and resident of the old city, was more critical, saying the MC should lead by example. He said four dustbins should first be placed in the homes of the mayor, commissioner, councillors and even MLAs to demonstrate seriousness in implementation. Thapar pointed out that garbage was visible at city entrances and along roadsides, blaming poor planning and execution for the city's failure to improve its waste management standards.Under the new rules, responsibilities are not limited to household waste segregation. The regulations specify that no event or gathering of more than 100 people should be organised at any unlicensed place without informing the local body at least three working days in advance. Organisers of such events are required to ensure segregation of waste at source and proper disposal as prescribed under the rules.The rules also place specific responsibilities on larger residential and commercial entities. Gated communities and institutions spread over more than 5,000 square metres, along with resident welfare associations, market associations, hotels and restaurants, are required to ensure segregation of waste at source within one year of notification of rules. In partnership with the local body, these entities must facilitate collection of segregated waste in separate streams and hand over recyclable material to authorised waste pickers or recyclers. Biodegradable waste is to be processed and disposed of through composting or biomethanation within the premises as far as possible, while residual waste must be handed over to authorised collectors.Responding to the concerns, MC commissioner Neeru Katyal Gupta said meetings had already been organised on the subject and that staff would be trained in the new rules. She said awareness campaigns would be rolled out for residents and that they would be given time to adapt. Gupta added that action would be taken against errant residents only after a reasonable period had been provided for compliance.As the rules formally come into force, Ludhiana faces a familiar challenge -- bridging the gap between policy and practice. With limited awareness, inadequate infrastructure and scepticism among residents, the success of the new solid waste management framework may depend on how quickly and effectively the MC addresses these issues in the coming months.MSID:: 129979970 413 |
MUMBAI: Adani Electricity announced today significant achievements in environmental conservation, specifically in reducing and eliminating Single-use plastics (SUP) across its operations. The organisation has successfully recycled over 3.8 metric tonnes of non-biodegradable plastic waste during the past three financial years."As the world observes World Environment Day - this year's theme of #BeatPlasticPollution, we at Adani Electricity reaffirm our unwavering dedication to environmental responsibility," said an Adani Electricity spokesperson. "Sustainability isn't just a buzzword; it's a cor ...Read More >
Ahmedabad, June 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) The MSC IRINA, recognised as the world's largest container ship by TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) capacity, is set to dock at the Adani Group's Vizhinjam International Seaport on Monday and will be berthed till Tuesday. The monumental arrival marks a significant milestone for the seaport, which was dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 2. The MSC IRINA boasts an impressive capacity of 24,346 TEUs, making it a formidable player in global shipping. With a length of 399.9 metres and a width of 61.3 metres, the vessel is approximate ...Read More >
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], July 8 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party MP Tejasvi Surya on Tuesday took a swipe at the Karnataka government while responding to a journalist's post on 'X', which highlighted the state's financial condition. Slamming the Congress-led Karnataka government, Tejasvi Surya said that the condition of contractors working in the state government is "deplorable" and that contractors are not only being harassed for "cut money" but have also been waiting for payment for years. Also Read | Himachal Pradesh Rain Fury: Meteorological Department Warns of Flash Flood in 7 Distri ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: On the occasion of World Environment Day, the Chairperson of the National Green Tribunal, Justice Prakash Shrivastava, said that the plastic, in its myriad forms, has become an indispensable part of our lives, yet its convenience masks a devastating reality and from the single-use plastic bags that clog our drains and pollute our water bodies to the microplastics that infiltrate our food chain and even our own bodies, the hazards are undeniable. Citing the 2025 World Environment Day theme, "End Plastic Pollution," the NGT chief underscored the urgent need to acknowledge the inextri ...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 [India], June 8 (ANI): Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday refuted the rumours regarding slum demolitions and said that no slum would be demolished without first providing permanent housing to its residents. FIRs will be filed, and strict action will be taken against those spreading false information about demolitions, she added. She inaugurated and inspected various development projects in Nehru Camp in Haiderpur, Ekta Camp in Pitampura, and the area near U and V Blocks of JJ Cluster in the Shalimar Bagh Assembly constituency. The Chief Minister also reviewed key works, su ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: In a landmark step toward participatory governance and youth empowerment, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday launched the Viksit Delhi CM's Internship Programme. Describing it as a visionary initiative, she said it aims to involve young citizens of Delhi directly in governance, policymaking, and service delivery. Calling it more than a learning opportunity, the CM said the internship is a "covenant between Delhi and its youth," urging them not to remain bystanders but to step up as active co-creators of Delhi's future. A total of 150 interns will be selected through a fair and t ...Read More >
New Delhi: July 3 is International Plastic Bag Free Day. However, across Delhi, single-use plastic (SUP) bags, including those prohibited since 2018, are being used by shopkeepers and customers. Disposable cutlery and drinking straws made of plastic have also resurfaced in the marketplace.Despite restrictions imposed three years ago in July on single-use plastic, plastic items, particularly low-quality polythene bags below 50-micron thickness banned in 2018, continue to be extensively used without consequences. While several initiatives were undertaken to encourage the use of alternative mater ...Read More >
Amritsar: BJP MP Nishikant Dubey from Jharkhand has claimed that Britain assisted India in executing the 1984 Operation Bluestar at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, stoking a new controversy.In a post on X on Monday, Dubey alleged that then PM Indira Gandhi "launched an attack on the Golden Temple in collaboration with Britain", with British Army officers present in Amritsar.He uploaded a classified British document, "Sikh Community", claiming that on Feb 23, 1984, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office mentioned in a letter that the Indian govt had sought British advice over a plan to remove Si ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 18 (PTI) The Rashtrapati Nilayam, one of the two presidential retreats, in Telangana's Secunderabad will host a 15-day flower and horticulture festival, 'Udyan Utsav', from December 29. People could make themselves aware about the innovation and technological development in agriculture and horticulture by visiting thematic stalls and participating in the workshops, according to an official statement issued on Wednesday. The Udyan Utsav, organised in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management ...Read More >
Ludhiana: The municipal corporation, which has prepared a roadmap for establishment of the "waste to energy" plant for proper management of fresh waste generated in the city, invited three major firms with expertise in the field on Friday. MC commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal said that they wanted to get suggestions and inputs from the firms so that proper planning could be done for establishment of the plant. Firms invited on Friday include SFC Environmental Technologies Ltd, Re Sustainability Limited (formerly known as Ramky Enviro Engineers Ltd), and JITF Urban Infrastructure Limited (part of ...Read More >
Haridwar: A woman politician has been arrested for allegedly letting her boyfriend and others repeatedly rape her 13-year-old daughter in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. The horrifying crime, which occurred between January and March, was exposed when the minor bravely confided in her father, prompting a police investigation that led to the arrest of the accused. The accused was arrested with her boyfriend and one more. According to police reports, the minor was gang-raped multiple times, often in the presence of her mother. The minor, who had been living with her father following her parents' separat ...Read More >
Andhra Pradesh government launched a massive greening campaign on World Environment Day, initiating "Vana Mahotsav" and an "End Plastic Pollution" drive. The goal is to increase the state's green cover from 29 to 50 percent by planting one crore saplings statewide. The initiative includes advanced monitoring and aims to achieve 37 percent green cover by 2029.The Andhra Pradesh government on Thursday launched a massive greening campaign to mark World Environment Day, aiming to increase the state's ...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 >
Kolkata, July 5 (SocialNews.XYZ) The West Bengal unit of BJP, under the leadership of its new State party President Samik Bhattacharya is making all efforts to ensure a political rally in the state, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing it, before Trinamool Congress's annual Martyrs' day rally in Kolkata on July 21. An insider from the state committee of BJP said that the week before July 21, the Prime Minister is scheduled to go for an election campaign in Bihar where the Assembly polls are scheduled later this year. "We are trying hard so that the Prime Minister can spare some time ...Read More >
Mumbai: Two months since the BMC started a dedicated drive to collect domestic hazardous waste, nearly 2,000 housing societies, women's hostels, beauty parlours, and educational institutions registered for the initiative.Currently, an average of 1.7 tonnes of such waste is collected daily and transported to six plasma incineration facilities within BMC's jurisdiction for safe and scientific disposal. This includes adult diapers, sanitary pads, pet waste, discarded medicines, and used waxing sheets, PPE kits, and facial masks.Mumbai generates an estimated 80 to 100 tonnes of domestic hazardous ...Read More >
Meerut: Solid waste management is a huge challenge confronting human settlements but Mohiuddinpur village in Meerut has found a solution to this problem. The panchayat here has set an example for others to emulate by not only disposing off the waste to generate power but also earning revenue in the process. The village is earning an annual revenue of Rs 10 lakh which is an example in resource generation. The village has around 1200 residences that also house some tenants. The population here is around 12,000. The interesting aspect is the blueprint prepared by the panchayat that ensures effec ...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 >
Mumbai: Recycling of packaging material into something useful and lasting for the community is an initiative that represents the kind of sustainable thinking Mumbai needs, said Jeetendra V Pardeshi, Superintendent of Gardens, BMC. "Such partnerships can bring sustainability into public spaces, and the public can actively participate in this transformation," Pardeshi said on Thursday, about a set of garden benches, made entirely from recycled Tetra Pak cartons, that were donated to Patwardhan Park in Bandra. The inauguration of the benches marked the start of a campaign to collect used bevera ...Read More >
New Delhi: Alleging "blatant misuse" of agencies to defame its leaders, AAP on Thursday questioned why the first information report filed against former Delhi ministers Saurabh Bharadwaj and Satyendar Jain was being kept under wraps and "selective" press notes were being leaked to the media.Bharadwaj, who is Delhi AAP convener, alleged that only two former ministers were named in the case without any reasonable cause while all the officers of the health and public works departments, who were actually responsible for executing the hospital projects, were spared. "Is the FIR so baseless that BJP ...Read More >
Gurgaon: The two-day national conference of urban local bodies (ULBs), held in Manesar, concluded with a formal resolution to enhance the impact of these institutions on national development. Participants highlighted that the core objective of ULBs is to bring about positive change in the urban service delivery framework. The pivotal role of women as key drivers of development within ULBs was also discussed.It was noted that MP has implemented 50% reservation for women in urban local governance. Remarkably, currently, 60 to 65% of women are represented in ULBs there, demonstrating their strong ...Read More >
Agartala (Tripura) [India], June 5 (ANI): Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said that the state government is prioritising quality education for students, and quality teachers are being recruited through the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET). Saha also informed that more recruitments will be made in the future. Also Read | Centre Notifies Waqf Management Rules 2025; Portal, Database, Audit of Waqf Properties. "Textbook education can never be the standard of life. One can become morally strong through education. Along with education, children should also be engaged in social work," he said. CM ...Read More >
HYDERABAD: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday ruled out any talks with Maoists and said the cadre of the proscribed outfit should give up arms, surrender before police, and join the mainstream. Addressing a rally after inaugurating the National Headquarters of the Turmeric Board in Nizamabad in Telangana, Shah also said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is still raising questions on Operation Sindoor, should see the weak appearance of Pakistan to understand the effectiveness of the Operation. "Congress asks (the Centre) to hold discussions with these people (Maoists). Our government's p ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jun 5 (PTI) Business conglomerate Aditya Birla Group has acquired Cargill's speciality chemical manufacturing facility in Dalton, Georgia. In a statement on Thursday, the group announced the expansion of its US Advanced Materials business with the acquisition of Cargill Incorporated's 17-acre speciality chemical manufacturing facility in Dalton, Georgia. The acquisition continues Aditya Birla's expansion in the US' manufacturing sector, a key aspect of Aditya Birla's growth strategy, which now totals over USD 15 billion in investment. The acquisition was executed through Aditya B ...Read More >
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government on Thursday took strong action against the police officers allegedly responsible for the Bengaluru stampede, suspending several high-ranking officials, including the city's police commissioner. Addressing a press conference, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also announced a one-man commission to probe the lapses that triggered the deadly stampede. "Cubbon Park Police Station police inspector, station house master, station house officer, ACP, Central Division DCP, cricket stadium in-charge, additional commissioner of police, commissioner of police have been susp ...Read More >
Gurgaon: MCG additional commissioner Yash Jaluka directed bulk waste generators (BWG) across the city to ensure proper disposal of waste by private agencies who are assisting them. Giving these instructions in a meeting held on Friday, he said it is often observed that BWGs hand over their waste to private agencies, which only sort valuable items and dump the remaining waste on roads, drains, vacant land or public places. This, he said, not only affects cleanliness of the city but also poses a threat to public health."Under the Solid Waste Management Rules-2016, it is the legal and moral respo ...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 >
Panaji: Although the state is taking steps towards plastic waste management and recycling systems, the consumption has risen to such an extent that the only way to control the problem is to reduce the use of plastics, said experts at a panel discussion 'Plant vs Plastics: How to Win?' by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Goa, at its series Miramar Dialogues. Founder of Zero Posro, Jonah Fernandes, stressed on consumer accountability and asked consumers to question whether the convenience of single-use plastic is worth the ecological damage it causes. He said only a minuscule percentage of plasti ...Read More >
GUNTUR: In a significant push to urban infrastructure, the Andhra Pradesh government has sanctioned an additional Rs 111.5 crore to strengthen the drinking water supply system in the Mangalagiri-Tadepalli Municipal Corporation (MTMC), represented by Minister Nara Lokesh. Administrative approval was issued by Special Chief Secretary S Suresh Kumar of the Urban Development Department. The new funding is part of a comprehensive project to ensure safe and uninterrupted drinking water supply. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) worth Rs 450.24 crore was earlier prepared to serve 21 villages. Of this, ...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 >