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
Tag: environmental pollution
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. Introduction As air pollution became more prominent in Delhi, various political parties have made commitments and release action plans to solve this problem. Recently, the Union road transport minister promised to make Delhi free of air, water, and… Continue reading It’s not fossil fuel: Coal, biomass and degraded land are main contributors to India’s air pollution
Govt announces Plastic Waste recycling targets
What is the news? Recently the Environment Ministry has issued draft guidelines for controlling the use of plastic. The notification was expected to come into force by December 6 and, as of now, was open to public feedback. What are the various categories under it? These divide the guidelines into three categories. Rigid plastics: These… Continue reading Govt announces Plastic Waste recycling targets
NITI Aayog – UNDP Launch Handbook on Sustainable Management of Plastic Waste for ULB’s
What is the News? NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman has launched the NITI Aayog – United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Handbook on Sustainable Urban Plastic Waste Management. What was the need for this handbook? Globally, only about 9% of the total plastic produced gets recycled, about 12% is incinerated and energy is recovered and the rest about… Continue reading NITI Aayog – UNDP Launch Handbook on Sustainable Management of Plastic Waste for ULB’s
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
Detoxing pilot project has brought a river back from dead: Meghalaya
What is the news? Meghalaya government has claimed that a detoxing project through the use of phycoremediation has rejuvenated Lukha river. The project was funded by the “District Mineral Fund”. What is the reason for contamination? The Lukha River was considered toxic beyond redemption a decade ago. Meghalaya’s pollution control board in its report blamed drainage… Continue reading Detoxing pilot project has brought a river back from dead: Meghalaya
Clean, healthy and sustainable environment a universal right: UN Human Rights Council
What is the News? The United Nations Human Rights Council(UNHRC) has unanimously voted for recognising a clean, healthy and sustainable environment as a universal right. What is the Right to Clean the Environment? The idea of the Right to a clean environment is rooted in the “1972 Stockholm Declaration”. The right brings together the environmental… Continue reading Clean, healthy and sustainable environment a universal right: UN Human Rights Council
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. Introduction In its recent air quality guidelines (AQGs), the WHO said that the impact of poor air quality on public health is at… Continue reading WHO’s stark message on air quality — and what India must do
Dust Control & Management Cells set up in National Capital Region in pursuant to directions by Commission of Air Quality
What is the news? Earlier, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had issued directions to the State Governments of Uttar Pradesh (U.P.), Rajasthan, Haryana and the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) to set up Dust Control & Management Cells in their respective states. So far, 17 such Cells have been set… Continue reading Dust Control & Management Cells set up in National Capital Region in pursuant to directions by Commission of Air Quality
Tarballs on India’s west coast: A tale of shifting responsibilities
Synopsis: Tarballs, how they are formed, their impact on environment and judicial & legal provisions dealing with such issues. Introduction Tarballs hit the news headlines recently when they started appearing on well-known beaches of Mumbai and Goa. These aquatic pollutants have flooded Anjuna, Morjim, Colva and Mandrem beaches in Goa as well as Juhu, Versova,… Continue reading Tarballs on India’s west coast: A tale of shifting responsibilities
