Centre looking to use stubble as biofuel

What is the news? The Government of India has informed the Parliament that it is working on a plan to use stubble as a biofuel and manure as part of an effort to deal with stubble burning. What are the steps the Government of India is taking on stubble burning? Stubble burning has often been… Continue reading Centre looking to use stubble as biofuel

Implement panel’s anti-pollution measures, SC tells Centre, Delhi Govt.

What is the News? The Supreme Court has approved the measures taken by the Commission for Air Quality Management(CAQM) to create an ‘Enforcement Task Force’ and flying squads to prevent and penalise polluters in Delhi NCR. What is the issue? The Commission for Air Quality Management(CAQM) has announced several emergency measures for Delhi-NCR to bring… Continue reading Implement panel’s anti-pollution measures, SC tells Centre, Delhi Govt.

Breathing fresh air into the NCR’s pollution control

News: Supreme Court questioned government and role of Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for the lack of actual ground results in the fight against air-pollution in Delhi. At a hearing, the Court gave the Centre and Delhi government 24 hours to come out with suggestions to control air pollution. What is the problem with… Continue reading Breathing fresh air into the NCR’s pollution control

Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) holds crucial emergency meet in wake of deteriorating air quality of the Delhi-NCR region

What is the News? The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has convened a crucial emergency meeting in wake of deteriorating air quality of the Delhi-NCR region. During the meeting, it has asked States to be ready for implementing ‘Emergency Measures’ as listed under Graded Response Action Plan(GRAP). What are the reasons identified by the… Continue reading Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) holds crucial emergency meet in wake of deteriorating air quality of the Delhi-NCR region

Can biomass co-firing offer a viable solution to coal shortage and stubble burning?

Synopsis: Co-firing policy floated by the government for the thermal plants is a win-win solution for farmers and environment. Contents1 Introduction2 What is the contribution of the coal-based power to CO2 emissions in India?3 Why India needs to move on from Coal-based power?4 What are the benefits of Biomass co-firing? Introduction India’s economy is on… Continue reading Can biomass co-firing offer a viable solution to coal shortage and stubble burning?

Union Minister launches Air Quality Early Warning System to coincide with Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsava

What is the News? The Union Minister has launched a Decision Support System(DSS) that extends the ability of the existing Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) to have decision-making capability for air quality management in Delhi-NCR. Background In 2018-19, the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology(IITM) had launched an ‘Air Quality Early Warning System’ (AQEWS) to… Continue reading Union Minister launches Air Quality Early Warning System to coincide with Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsava

Delhi company bags ‘Eco Oscar’ for clean-air technology

What is the News? Delhi-based company Takachar is one among five winners of the first-ever Earth shot Prize, also called “Eco Oscar”. They won the prize in the “Clean Our Air” category for their technology to create fuel, fertiliser and other speciality chemicals from agricultural waste. What is the Earth shot Prize? Earthshot Prize is… Continue reading Delhi company bags ‘Eco Oscar’ for clean-air technology

It’s not fossil fuel: Coal, biomass and degraded land are main contributors to India’s air pollution

Synopsis: Instead of announcing various schemes, there is a need to understand the root cause behind increasing pollution. Contents1 Introduction2 What is the status of pollution in Delhi?3 What were the steps taken by the government to address pollution?4 What are the reasons behind the pollution in Delhi?5 What needs to be done? Introduction As air… Continue reading It’s not fossil fuel: Coal, biomass and degraded land are main contributors to India’s air pollution

How to get farmers to not burn crop residue

Synopsis: Steps to be taken to push famers away from resorting to stubble burning Introduction Farmers across northern India burn stubble to clear fields for the winter wheat sowing season. It is both a health and an environmental hazard that repeats every year. A 2018 Lancet study reported this as the number one reason for… Continue reading How to get farmers to not burn crop residue

WHO’s stark message on air quality — and what India must do

Synopsis: Air pollution is worsening in India. We need to raise our air quality standards in line with recently released WHO guidelines and ensure strict compliance while transitioning to a cleaner energy model. Contents1 Introduction 2 Why India should be concerned about air pollution? 3 What are the harmful effects of the air-pollution? 4 What is the way… Continue reading WHO’s stark message on air quality — and what India must do

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