Delhi's policy to ban refuelling for petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years, effective July 1, 2025, aims to curb air pollution. However, the policy is imprecise as vehicle age is a poor proxy for actual emissions without fitness checks. Implementation faces challenges with ANPR systems, staff training, and drivers bypassing the ban. Analysis shows only 8% of Delhi's vehicle fleet (7.5 lakh vehicles) is covered, potentially reducing PM2.5 emissions by only 8%. The article suggests learning from cities like Beijing and Tokyo, advocating for scrappage incentives, retrofits, annual conditional renewals, public engagement, and regional enforcement to achieve cleaner air.
- Delhi's policy banning refuelling for older vehicles is a simple approach to air pollution but lacks precision as age is an imperfect proxy for emissions.
- Implementation challenges include inaccurate ANPR systems, untrained staff, and drivers circumventing the ban.
- The policy is projected to cover only 8% of Delhi's vehicle fleet and reduce PM2.5 emissions by approximately 8% if fully enforced.
Global military spending reached $2,718 billion in 2024, a 9.4% increase, the highest since 1988, driven by conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war. NATO's pledge to increase member nations' defence expenditure to 5% of GDP by 2035 is a key driver. The US, China, Russia, Germany, and India are the top five spenders. This increased militarisation is criticized for crowding out domestic health spending, especially in low- and middle-income countries. It also negatively impacts the UN's budget, which is facing cuts due to insufficient funding, partly from US foreign aid reductions. Furthermore, rising military spending hinders progress towards UN Sustainable Development Goals, including poverty eradication, health, and climate change.
- Global military spending reached $2,718 billion in 2024, marking a 9.4% increase, the highest since 1988, primarily due to ongoing conflicts.
- NATO members have pledged to increase their defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, a significant rise from the previous 2% target.
- Increased military spending is shown to crowd out domestic health spending, particularly in middle- and low-income countries, and negatively impacts the UN's budget and its ability to fund humanitarian aid.
Andhra Pradesh's ₹81,900 crore Polavaram Banakacherla Link Project, aiming to transfer Godavari water to Rayalaseema, is in limbo due to multiple challenges. Telangana alleges it violates the A.P. State Reorganisation Act, 2014. An expert committee denied clearance, citing the need to examine the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal award and consult the CWC. The project is energy-intensive, requiring 3,377 MW, and has a significant environmental footprint, including a 19.5-km tunnel through the Nallamala forest. Its hybrid annuity funding model places clearance responsibility on contractors, and the assumption of surplus Godavari floodwaters remains unverified, raising legal and financial uncertainties.
- The Polavaram Banakacherla Link Project, costing ₹81,900 crore, aims to transfer Godavari river water to the drought-prone Rayalaseema region in Andhra Pradesh.
- Telangana opposes the project, arguing it violates the A.P. State Reorganisation Act, 2014, and an expert committee denied initial clearance.
- The project is highly energy-intensive, requiring 3,377 MW of power, and poses significant environmental concerns, including cutting through the Nallamala forest.
India's coastlines are experiencing profound social and economic disruption due to climate change, with rising seas, saltwater intrusion, and unregulated development displacing communities dependent on agriculture and fishing. Displaced populations are forced into precarious urban informal labour markets, lacking legal protection. Examples include Satabhaya in Odisha and communities in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Kerala. Industrial and infrastructural expansion, coupled with inadequate environmental clearances, exacerbate ecological degradation. The absence of a coherent legal framework for climate-induced migration leaves these communities vulnerable. While constitutional rights and environmental justice jurisprudence exist, their translation into robust, community-centric frameworks is lacking. Coastal communities have shown resilience through protests against destructive projects, highlighting the need for a rights-based approach in climate adaptation strategies.
- Climate change impacts, including rising sea levels and saltwater intrusion, are causing significant displacement and social disruption in India's coastal regions.
- Displaced populations often end up in informal urban labour markets, facing exploitation and lacking legal protections.
- Unregulated industrial and infrastructural development, along with inadequate environmental clearances, worsen ecological degradation and community vulnerabilities.
Kerala has recently detected two Nipah virus cases, including one fatality, highlighting the urgent need for a robust "One Health" programme. Nipah is a highly transmissible viral infection with a mortality rate of 40-75%, making prevention and awareness crucial as there is no effective treatment. Fruit bats are the natural reservoirs, and contaminated fruits are suspected to spread the virus. The article stresses the importance of monitoring climate change-related factors and anthropogenic activities that destroy natural habitats, as these contribute to zoonotic spillover. India has experienced several Nipah outbreaks since 2001, with Kerala regularly reporting cases. A comprehensive One Health approach is needed to address Nipah and other pathogens capable of transitioning from animals to humans.
- Recent Nipah virus cases in Kerala underscore the critical need for a "One Health" programme to prevent zoonotic spillover.
- Nipah virus is a highly transmissible infection with a high mortality rate (40-75%), emphasizing prevention as the primary course of action.
- Fruit bats are natural reservoirs for Nipah, with transmission often linked to consuming contaminated fruits.
The Kerala government has filed an admiralty suit in the High Court seeking ₹9,531 crore in compensation for marine and coastal pollution, loss of livelihood for fishers, and remediation measures following the sinking of the container vessel MSC Elsa-3. The vessel, owned by MSC Shipping Company, sank off the Alappuzha coast on May 25, carrying 643 containers, including hazardous cargo and plastic pellets (nurdles). The incident caused an oil slick, plastic nurdles washing ashore (60 tonnes collected), and led to a severe crash in the fisheries market. Six carcasses, including dolphins and a whale, suspected to have died from exposure to microplastics and toxic substances, were found. The claim includes ₹8,626.12 crore for pollution damage, ₹378.48 crore for environmental restoration, and ₹526.51 crore for economic loss to fishers.
- Kerala government is seeking ₹9,531 crore in compensation for marine pollution caused by the sinking of MSC Elsa-3.
- The vessel carried hazardous cargo and plastic nurdles, leading to an oil slick and significant coastal contamination.
- The pollution has severely impacted the fisheries market and is suspected to have caused marine animal deaths.
The Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) study for the ₹72,000-crore Great Nicobar Infrastructure Project (GNIP) downplays the risk of future mega-earthquakes and tsunamis, stating the probability is "low." This contradicts some scientists who point to uncertainties in earthquake prediction and insufficient site-specific studies in the highly geo-dynamic Andaman-Sumatra fault line region. While the EIA cites a 2019 IIT-Kanpur study on return periods for mega-earthquakes (420-750 years), it omits the study's caveat about uncertainty due to a 2,000-year gap in sediment history. Experts like C.P. Rajendran emphasize the non-linear nature of earthquake recurrence and the presence of unknown parallel rupture lines, urging site-specific analysis for vulnerable infrastructure projects like the proposed transshipment port and international airport.
- The EIA for the Great Nicobar Infrastructure Project (GNIP) assesses the probability of mega-earthquakes and tsunamis as "low," despite the region's high seismic activity.
- Scientists express concern over the EIA's downplaying of risks, citing uncertainties in earthquake prediction and insufficient site-specific studies.
- The EIA selectively uses findings from an IIT-Kanpur study, omitting caveats about the unpredictability of future earthquakes.
The Tribal Affairs Ministry has refuted claims that the Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006 has led to negative changes in forest cover, as suggested by the State of Forest Report (2022). The Ministry asserts that the FRA is crucial for securing individual and community forest rights, improving forest governance, and promoting sustainable management. It highlights that the Act acknowledges pre-existing rights and empowers local communities, contributing positively to both human well-being and ecological balance.
- The Tribal Affairs Ministry defends the Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006 against claims of forest damage.
- The Ministry emphasizes FRA's role in securing rights and improving forest management.
- It argues that the Act contributes to both ecological balance and community empowerment.
The Kerala High Court's Division Bench, comprising Justices A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and P.M. Manoj, has requested a report from the State government regarding the utilization of ₹120 crore in Central funds allocated for the rehabilitation of people affected by the Wayanad landslides in 2024. This directive came after amicus curiae Ranjith Thampan suggested the report. The court also granted the Centre two more weeks to decide on waiving loans for landslide-affected people. The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is developing a comprehensive disaster management plan (DMP) for its agencies to mitigate natural disasters.
- Kerala High Court sought a report on the utilization of ₹120 crore Central funds for Wayanad landslide rehabilitation.
- The Centre has been given two more weeks to decide on loan waivers for landslide victims.
- The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is developing a disaster management plan.
Plastic pollution, particularly microplastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), is identified as a major public health threat in India, the world's largest plastic waste generator. These substances infiltrate human bodies, causing hormonal disruption, reproductive dysfunction, and chronic diseases like cancer and metabolic disorders. Studies show microplastics in 89% of Indian blood samples and EDCs like BPA, phthalates, and PFAS are linked to reduced sperm count, impaired egg quality, and increased disease risk. Despite policies, inconsistent enforcement and lack of comprehensive regulations for low-dose EDC effects persist. The article calls for science-driven regulation, biomonitoring, public awareness, and systemic change to address this staggering health burden.
- Microplastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) from plastic waste are infiltrating human bodies, causing severe health issues.
- India, as the largest plastic waste generator, faces a significant public health emergency due to these pollutants.
- EDCs like BPA, phthalates, and PFAS are linked to hormonal disruption, reproductive problems, cancer, and metabolic disorders.