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: Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta on Friday unveiled the Air Pollution Mitigation Action Plan 2026, announcing a series of measures including strict enforcement of the "No PUC, No Fuel" rule, curbs on polluting vehicles and a push for cleaner transport and dust control.Announcing the rollout of the plan, Gupta said the initiative builds on the government's 'historic' Green Budget for 2026-27 and aims to translate clean air goals into measurable outcomes.The action plan, announced after a high-level review meeting held at the Mukhyamantri Janseva Sadan, is aimed at tackling key sources of pollution such as vehicular emissions, road dust, construction activity, industrial discharge and biomass burning, officials said.Addressing the meeting, the chief minister said clean air and environmental protection were now central to the government's policy framework and would be backed by dedicated budgetary allocations and strict enforcement."This is not just a policy announcement, it is an enforcement-driven campaign powered by resources, technology and strict oversight," she said.Taking a tough stance on vehicular pollution, Gupta said the "No PUC (Pollution Under Control), No Fuel" rule would be strictly implemented with support from Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras and digital tracking systems.From November 1, entry of goods vehicles into the national capital will be restricted to those compliant with Bharat Stage (BS)-VI norms or powered by CNG or electricity, officials said.The government will also regulate non-essential traffic inflow and may consider staggered office timings, work-from-home directives and additional restrictions on polluting vehicles during periods of severe air pollution, they added.As part of efforts to reduce vehicular emissions, the government plans to expand the city's bus fleet to 13,760 by 2028-29, with priority being given to electric buses.Officials further said the government also plans to improve last-mile connectivity through better integration of metro and Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) networks with feeder buses, e-autos and shared mobility services.To accelerate electric mobility, 32,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging points will be installed over the next four years, while the proposed EV Policy 2026 will focus on two-wheelers, commercial vehicles and the transition of government fleets to cleaner fuels, they said.The chief minister also announced measures to ease traffic congestion at 62 identified hotspots through time-bound interventions and the rollout of an Intelligent Traffic Management System, along with smart parking solutions and pricing reforms.Recognising road dust as a major contributor to pollution, the government said it would deploy mechanical road sweepers, water sprinklers, anti-smog guns and mist spray systems on a large scale, with all operations monitored through GPS tracking and a centralised dashboard.Nearly 3,500 km of roads are to be redeveloped with paved surfaces, green buffers and utility ducts, while construction-related pollution will be monitored through an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled C&D Portal 2.0 for real-time tracking, geo-tagging and enforcement, officials said.The government has also set deadlines for clearing legacy landfill sites, such as Okhla by July 2026, Bhalswa by December 2026 and Ghazipur by December 2027, and have said that strict action would be taken against biomass burning and non-compliant industrial units.The city's air quality monitoring network will be expanded, and a centralised Green War Room and Integrated Command and Control Centre will be set up to strengthen environmental governance, they added.Ward-level "Vayu Rakshak" teams will also be deployed and the 311 platform upgraded to improve citizen reporting and participation, they said.The government has set a target of planting 70 lakh trees, shrubs and bamboo in 2026-27, with a long-term goal of over one crore plantations across the city.Gupta said the action plan would also rely on innovation and public participation, with research institutions, technical experts and startups being involved in developing solutions to curb pollution."The Action Plan 2026 is not just about intent; it is a robust execution model with financial backing, strict timelines and accountability at every level. Clean air is not a luxury; it is a fundamental right, and we are committed to delivering it," she said.The meeting was attended by cabinet ministers Pravesh Sahib Singh, Manjinder Singh Sirsa and Pankaj Kumar Singh, chief secretary Rajiv Verma, representatives of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and Traffic Police, and senior government officials, officials said.
Bengaluru, 4th December 2024- PURE EV, one of India's leading electric two-wheeler manufacturers, has unveiled an ambitious roadmap to strengthen its presence nationwide and expand globally while introducing innovative solutions for sustainable mobility. Over the next 30 months, the company aims to add 250 new dealerships, taking its total network to over 320 across India. The expansion will be driven by the growing demand for long-range scooters, electric motorcycles, large B2B contracts, and the company's entry into the house-hold brand space. Dr. Nishanth Dongari, Founder & MD of PURE EV, ...Read More >
Gurugram, 11 December 2024: Around USD 40 billion of investments are envisaged over the next 5-6 years for the development of Electric Vehicles (EV) & ancillary industries in India. However, the deployment of these funds will rely upon successful implementation of government policies, charging infrastructure ramp-up and domestic manufacturing capacity scale-up. As per Colliers' latest report "EVs in India: Renewed Vigour in Electric Mobility", about two-thirds of the planned investments, can potentially materialize in the lithium-ion battery segment alone. Interestingly, despite slower than an ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Centre is likely to build a new 6-7 km Metro line from Indraprastha station to North Block, connecting Bharat Mandapam, C Hexagon at India Gate, Kartavya Path, Central Secretariat, and the proposed Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum at the North and South Blocks. The underground corridor will provide connectivity to all the 10 proposed govt buildings along the Kartavya Path and India Gate, Delhi's most popular tourist spots. Sources said the proposed stretch will be an extension of the 12.3 km Inderlok-Indraprastha Metro corridor (Green Line), which was approved by the Union cabinet in Mar ...Read More >
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], December 11 (ANI): A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) delegation, led by senior leaders, met Himachal Pradesh Governor Pratap Shukla recently to submit a comprehensive 106-page memorandum titled "Kachcha Chittha". The document, which alleges rampant corruption and administrative failures in the two years of Congress rule under Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, aims to hold the state government accountable for what the BJP describes as a period of "unprecedented mismanagement and destruction." Speaking to the media after meeting the Governor, Himachal Prade ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Delhi chief minister Atishi on Thursday described Aam Admi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal as a prominent leader and said he is the first leader who understood the pain of women. "Arvind Kejriwal, the prominent leader, is the first leader in the history of this country who understood the pain of women. The biggest concern for women is that they have to stretch out their hands before a man even for their humble needs. In childhood, it is before their parents, before their spous ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Delhi chief minister Atishi on Thursday described Aam Admi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal as a prominent leader and said he is the first leader who understood the pain of women. "Arvind Kejriwal, the prominent leader, is the first leader in the history of this country who understood the pain of women. The biggest concern for women is that they have to stretch out their hands before a man even for their humble needs. In childhood, it is before their parents, before their spouses when they grow up and in old age, before their children," CM Atishi told ANI. "To fulfil this n ...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 >
Traffic Diversions for oath-taking: The swearing-in ceremony of the new Maharashtra Chief Minister will be held at Azad Maidan in South Mumbai tomorrow, December 5. Mumbai Traffic Police has issued an advisory in view of the event. The traffic diversions will remain in place from 12 PM tomorrow till the end of the programme. Devendra Fadnavis was on Wednesday unanimously elected as Maharashtra BJP legislature party's leader, paving the way for his swearing-in as the chief minister for a third time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders are set to attend the grand swearing-in cerem ...Read More >
Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced several pre-election promises targeting auto drivers. These include a ₹10 lakh insurance policy, ₹1 lakh for daughters' marriages, a biannual ₹2,500 uniform allowance, free coaching for their children, and the relaunch of the 'PoochO' ride-booking app. Kejriwal and the AAP are campaigning to secure a third term in the upcoming February elections.Ahead of crucial Delhi assembly polls, Arvind Kejriwal promised several measures for auto dri ...Read More >
Responding to Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) floor leader G.K. Mani, who raised the issue in the House, Mr. Stalin said, "Adani did not meet me nor did I meet him." Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Tuesday (December 10, 2024) told the State Assembly that he had not met Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani, dismissing rumours about the conglomerate's alleged links to the State. Responding to Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) floor leader G.K. Mani, who raised the issue in the House, Mr. Stalin said, ...Read More >
Mumbai: The death toll in Monday's BEST bus crash rose to seven and the number of injured to 42 even as the driver, Sanjay More, booked for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, claimed he had noticed a spark and mistakenly accelerated the bus instead of applying brakes. Seeking More's custody, police said they want to investigate if he intentionally used the vehicle as a weapon. The bus on Route 332 had accelerated on a congested 200m stretch near Kurla station hitting vehicles and pedestr ...Read More >
Indore (Madhya Pradesh) [India], January 14 (ANI): Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya on Tuesday took a potshot at Lok Sabha LoP (Leader of Opposition) Rahul Gandhi over a tussle between Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress ahead of the upcoming Delhi assembly elections saying that they (Congress) make friends in the morning and fight at night. Vijayvargiya further said that now whether these people abuse or praise was not important and the public knew everything. "Sometimes they (Congress) shake hands and sometimes they break each other's hands. It is their culture (sanskaar ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Lieutenant governor VK Saxena has given his approval to the reconstitution of Delhi Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, paving the way for govt to prepare a scheme to provide compensation to the construction workers who lost work due to the implementation of GRAP IV provisions. The board was not in place for the last couple of years. While giving his nod to its reconstitution, LG directed that immediate steps should be taken to implement Supreme Court directions to provide subsistence allowance to workers affected due to restrictions on construction activities be ...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 [India], December 15 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ramesh Pehalwan and his wife Kusumlata Ramesh joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday. The couple joined the party in the presence of Arvind Kejriwal, the party's national convenor. This development comes ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, which are expected to be held in early 2025. On Wednesday, AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal ruled out any possibility of an alliance with the Congress. In a post on X, Kejriwal said, "Aam Aadmi Party will be fighting this election on its own strength in Delhi. There is n ...Read More >
Also Read | Sambhal sparks rift: INDIA bloc allies face leadership turmoil? "Multiple encroachments are being seen around the area," Sambhal DM Rajendra Pensia told ANI. Pensia said, "There was encroachment on roads, sewers, water bodies, and that too for a long time. We are undertaking an 'abhiyan' (drive) to fix it. We launched a campaign in Chandausi and we had decided we would start the campaign here in November. But we could not start." The DM stated the anti-encroachment drive will conti ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jan 8 (VOICE) BJP MP Ramvir Bidhuri on Wednesday slammed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders for their sit-in protest outside the Flagstaff Road house that was used as his official residence by Arvind Kejriwal when he was the Chief Minister of Delhi, urging them to "have patience" as the so-called 'Sheesh Mahal' would soon be opened to the public. The remarks followed AAP leaders Sanjay Singh and Saurabh Bharadwaj's protest after being denied entry to the Flagstaff Road bungalow by the Delhi Police. The AAP leaders had arrived at Arvind Kejriwal's former official residence on Flagsta ...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 >
The Delhi BJP also shared a rap song "Delhi ka millionaire" alleging corruption against the party's top leadership. In a recently-released video, the Delhi BJP has given a tour of the luxurious bungalow of AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, where he lived while serving as the Chief Minister of the state. The party also shared a rap song "Delhi ka millionaire" alleging corruption against the party's top leadership. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva, who shared the video on X, called the Civil Lines bu ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: The Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry is likely to build a 7-km underground metro corridor connecting key landmarks such as the new Common Central Secretariat, India Gate, Bharat Mandapam and the North and South blocks to the Indraprastha metro station, sources said on Tuesday. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has been asked to finalise the proposed alignment, they said, adding it will be an extension of the Inderlok-Indraprastha metro corridor that was approved by the Union Cabinet earlier this year. According to the plan, the proposed line will pass through the Kartavya P ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jan 2 (PTI) Stakeholders from the electric vehicle (EV) sector will hold a meeting with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal here on January 3 on issues, including infrastructure related to charging and battery swapping, sources said. They said that officials from the Department of Heavy Industries are expected to attend the meeting. Also Read | SOF NSO Results 2024-25 Out at sofworld.org: National Science Olympiad Exam Result Released, Get Direct Link and Know Steps To Download. Representatives from Tata, Mahindra, Mercedes-Benz India, Hero MotoCorp, and other companies h ...Read More >
Bengaluru: After facing roadblocks several times, Bengaluru's much-waited Namma Metro Yellow Line is all set to begin operations on January 6. Once operational, the metro line that connects RV Road to Bommasandra will be a crucial addition to the city's metro network as it links Electronics City, a hub for major companies like Infosys and Biocon. Confirming the updates, Lok Sabha MP from Bengaluru South Tejasvi Surya on Thursday said that the first train is ready and will be dispatched to Bengaluru in the first week of January. "We now have the first train ready to be dispatched to Bengaluru ...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 >
Mahindra's total sales volumes stood at 79,083 in November 2024 with the company's SUV lineup making up a major share of 46,222 units Mahindra has released its sales data for November 2024. Sales of the company's passenger vehicles have improved to 46,222 units which was a 15.16% YoY growth from 39,981 units sold in Nov 2023. This related to a 6,241 unit volume growth. MoM sales however fell by 15.20% when compared to 54,504 units sold in Oct 2024 relating to a decline by 8,282 units. The company has just released two Electric Origin SUVs called the BE6e and XEV9e. Both these models are buil ...Read More >
Mumbai, Dec 11 (PTI) Murugappa Group-run TCI Clean Mobility subsidiary TIVOLT Electric Vehicles on Wednesday said it has signed a pact with EV charging solutions provider Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL) to build a charging ecosystem for its electric commercial vehicles. Under the collaboration, Tata Power Renewable Energy will bring its extensive experience in setting up and managing an expansive EV charging infrastructure at strategic locations across the country to TIVOLT dealerships, customer locations, and high-traffic public spaces, the company said in a statement. "This str ...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 >
PUDUCHERRY: With the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) heavy rain forecast for Puducherry, the UT government has ramped up its preparedness to mitigate the impact, including uninterrupted electricity and drinking water supplies, evacuating residents from low-lying areas, and setting up relief camps. Puducherry experienced 7.69 cm of rainfall Karaikal received 9.6 cm of rainfall in the past 24 hours. After visiting several areas in the UT to assess the situation, Chief Minister N Rangasamy convened an emergency meeting with Public Works Minister Lakshminarayanan, Collector A Kulothungan ...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 [India], January 8 (ANI): With an eye on the upcoming Delhi assembly elections, Congress on Wednesday announced 'Jeevan Raksha Yojana', promising to provide Rs 25 lakh health cover per family. The announcement was made at a press conference by former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot here. Gehlot termed the scheme a "game changer" in Delhi "...We have given a lot of coverage to the health... 'Jeevan Raksha Yojana' of the Delhi government will be similar to 'Chiranjeevi Yojana' of the Rajasthan government...I am happy that I got the opportunity to launch this scheme here," the ...Read More >