Environment | Citizen Matters

Why Kolkata’s post-cyclone reforestation spree has failed to cheer environmentalists

June 26, 2020 Gurvinder Singh

Several thousands of trees were uprooted as Cyclone Amphan battered Kolkata. Since then tree plantation drives have been rampant. What are tree experts saying about these?

Despite hundreds of crores spent on desilting, why Mumbai could still see flooding this monsoon

June 24, 2020 Hepzi Anthony

A BMC press note assures citizens of corrective action taken in 169 flood-prone spots and ongoing work at 43 spots, but what Mumbai really needs is sustained, hydrology-based water bodies management.

World Environment Day thoughts: Can our cities adopt and uphold a new normal?

June 5, 2020 Swati Singh Sambyal

We need to sit back, go to the blackboard and chalk out plans which are circular, sustainable, effective and inclusive.

What’s that drone over Thane doing during the lockdown? It’s saving forests

June 4, 2020 Hepzi Anthony

In Maharashtra’s urban forests, such as Yeoor forest in Thane district, drones are helping forest patrol teams detect and crack down on encroachment attempts.

Vizag gas leak caused by a lax state that never acted against errant industries

May 26, 2020 Manish Kumar

There are several laws on paper to ensure compliance with safety standards, but an apathetic state has rarely cracked down on violators. The result: rampant industrial mishaps.

“COVID lockdown shows air quality can improve in a matter of weeks”

April 13, 2020 Siddhant Kalra

Over 90 Indian cities showed minimal air pollution since they were locked down, with many recording their best AQI in months. A briefing paper that examines the impact of COVID lockdown on background pollution across cities and industrial clusters concludes that informed measures and stricter rules can enable cities to achieve their clean air goals.

Women lead the movement to make Ahmedabad slums climate resilient

March 20, 2020 Kartik Chandramouli/Mongabay

Mahila Housing Trust, an Ahmedabad-based NGO, has helped houses to bring down their indoor temperatures by switching to cooling roofs and reduce energy bills by installing energy-efficient devices.

When will Bhopal enjoy a walk in the park again?

February 18, 2020 Shuriah Niazi

Bhopal has over 100 public parks, but most are in sad shape — used as protest venues or dumping sites, or merely languishing in decrepit condition. The state and municipality have now promised to revamp three of these, with funds released under the Amrut scheme.

Despite statewide ban, Mumbai still has miles to go before it can be plastic-free

February 11, 2020 Jahanvi J

In March 2018, Maharashtra imposed a blanket ban on the use of plastic in the state, particularly in Mumbai. Almost two years later, the city still finds itself grappling with plastic waste, largely due to patchy implementation by BMC and inadequate attention to processing of discarded plastic.

Pollution in Delhi: What the people need and what parties have promised

February 5, 2020 Atul Goyal

United Residents Joint Action (URJA), an apex body of 2500 residential welfare associations in the capital, has released ‘People’s Green Manifesto 2020’, which presents 10 key demands of Delhiites to manage air, water and solid waste pollution. But are the contesting parties even in sync?

Why fishermen in suburban Mumbai find their catch shrinking steadily

December 19, 2019 Subuhi Jiwani/PARI

Many in Versova Koliwada have a story to tell of dwindling fish – the reasons range from local-level pollution to global-scale warming. Both have combined to bring the impact of climate change to the city’s shores.

Bulk of Dehradun’s e-waste ends up with unauthorised recyclers; here’s why

December 13, 2019 Rishabh Shrivastava

A majority of citizens and traders dealing in electronic items have never heard of e-waste management rules or extended producer responsibility. Where does the city’s large quantum of electronic waste go then?

Shimla city administration on alert even as tourists count days to snowfall

December 9, 2019 Ashwani Sharma

Shimla is one of those destinations that hold an irresistible appeal for tourists who wish to savour the charm of snowfall in India. Yet, every year, snow brings with it its own share of problems for the city and its people. Here’s how they are gearing up for it this winter.

Farmers most vulnerable to climate change, doctors the least: Guwahati study

December 4, 2019 Sahana Ghosh

A livelihood vulnerability study conducted in Guwahati, Assam, finds that farmers are the most sensitive to climate change, followed by drivers and street food sellers in the urban setting.

Despite CM Uddhav Thackeray’s support, fight to save Aarey far from over

December 2, 2019 Hepzi Anthony

Shortly after taking charge, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray announced a stay on the metro car shed project in the forest land, but that is just one of the many projects planned. Some of these are even known to have enjoyed Shiv Sena support in the past. What, then, could be the future of Aarey?