The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has approved Yamuna rejuvenation projects totaling nearly ₹4,500 crore. These projects include 15 new decentralized sewage treatment plants (DSTPs), expansion of sewer networks, upgrading existing STPs, and sludge management facilities. Water Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh stated that these approvals would increase Delhi's sewage treatment capacity from 749 million gallons per day (MGD) to 1,041 MGD. Additionally, a project to revive and restore the Wazirabad pondage area to enhance raw water storage capacity was cleared, increasing its holding capacity from one to two-three days.
- Delhi Jal Board (DJB) approved Yamuna rejuvenation projects worth nearly ₹4,500 crore.
- Projects include 15 new decentralized sewage treatment plants (DSTPs) and upgrades to existing infrastructure.
- The aim is to increase Delhi's sewage treatment capacity from 749 MGD to 1,041 MGD.
The Union government informed Parliament that some rubber parts and gaskets in BS-III vehicles might require replacement when using E20 fuel (a blend of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol). This information comes from a study, not yet made public, conducted by Indian Oil Corporation, Indian Institute of Petroleum, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, and Automotive Research Association of India. For vehicles other than BS-III, the study found no need for engine modifications. The Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, stated that these replacements could be managed during routine servicing.
- BS-III vehicles may require replacement of certain rubber parts and gaskets when using E20 fuel.
- E20 fuel is a blend of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol.
- A study by various Indian organizations found no need for engine modifications in non-BS-III vehicles for E20 fuel.
The Supreme Court quashed a 2021 Office Memorandum (OM) that granted ex post facto environmental clearances to infrastructure projects, stating that the Union government cannot alter protective environmental checks through administrative instructions. The court emphasized that an 'amnesty' measure should be a rare exception, finite in duration, and confined to its class, not a perpetual parallel route. It upheld the power for amnesty schemes but through proper notifications, not administrative orders, to avoid supplanting delegated legislation like the 2006 notification. The ruling has prospective effect, not affecting ongoing projects or past clearances unless individually challenged.
- The Supreme Court quashed the 2021 Office Memorandum (OM) that allowed ex post facto environmental clearances for infrastructure projects.
- The court ruled that the Union government cannot substantially alter environmental checks via administrative instructions, requiring proper notifications for such changes.
- An 'amnesty' measure for environmental clearance must be a rare exception, finite, and class-confined, not a perpetual parallel route.
India curtailed 8,133 gigawatt-hour (GWh) of solar power during the April-June quarter of this year to maintain grid security. The curtailment was also attributed to a mismatch between the commissioning of transmission lines and renewable energy projects, according to Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy Shripad Yesso Naik. The Grid Controller of India reported curtailments of 2,417 GWh in April, 3,235 GWh in May, and 2,481 GWh in June. As of June 30, India's installed solar capacity stood at 162.15 GW, including utility-scale, rooftop, and off-grid projects.
- India curtailed 8,133 GWh of solar power in Q1 2026 (April-June).
- Curtailment was primarily to maintain grid security and due to transmission line mismatches.
- The Grid Controller of India provided the data on curtailment.
The Union Environment Ministry has reissued, for the seventh time in over a decade, its draft notification proposing an ecologically sensitive area (ESA) across the Western Ghats. The notification, open for public objections for 60 days, prohibits mining, quarrying, new thermal power plants, and certain industries within the ESA, while regulating hydel power generation. This move comes amid persistent differences with the six Western Ghats States (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu) over the precise villages and areas to be included, with states concerned about impacts on agriculture, infrastructure, and development. The proposed ESA remains at 56,825.7 sq. km.
- Union Environment Ministry reissued the draft notification for Western Ghats Eco-Sensitive Area (ESA) for the seventh time.
- The notification prohibits mining, quarrying, new thermal power plants, and certain industries in the ESA.
- States have ongoing concerns about the impact on agriculture, infrastructure, and development.
India's tiger conservation success has led to a growing number of tigers living outside protected areas, creating a new conservation frontier. This dispersal results in increased human-tiger conflict, prompting the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to launch the Tigers Outside Tiger Reserves (TOTR) initiative. The TOTR aims to establish a scientifically grounded, landscape-based framework for conserving tigers outside reserves while safeguarding human lives. It shifts from reactive crisis management to a proactive approach, focusing on technology, preparedness, and community participation, with pilot projects in 40 forest divisions across nine states.
- India's tiger population growth has led to a significant number of tigers living outside protected areas.
- This dispersal increases human-tiger conflict, necessitating new conservation strategies.
- The Tigers Outside Tiger Reserves (TOTR) initiative aims for proactive, science-driven human-tiger coexistence.
The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) has directed Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water daily to Tamil Nadu for 15 days, totaling 4 tmcft. This decision was made after reviewing the drought situation in the Cauvery basin and anticipated El Nino conditions. Karnataka's Water Resources Minister K. Ramalinga Reddy stated the state would examine appealing the order, maintaining that current reservoir storage is only sufficient for drinking water needs. Tamil Nadu had received only 3.543 tmcft against a prescribed 35.391 tmcft until July 26, indicating a significant shortfall.
- CWRC ordered Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of Cauvery water daily for 15 days to Tamil Nadu.
- The decision was based on drought conditions and anticipated El Nino effects in the Cauvery basin.
- Karnataka plans to appeal the order, citing insufficient water for its own drinking needs.
India's urban growth and development depend critically on effective water management, yet many city water systems are fragile, marked by high non-revenue water, low wastewater treatment, and poor cost recovery. A focused agenda within a single political term can stabilize urban water services. This involves rethinking water sources by treating rainwater and treated wastewater as mainstream supplies, improving efficiency through clear responsibilities, better measurement, and modernized customer services. Additionally, it requires redesigning tariffs and subsidies for equity and reforming investment appraisal to consider full lifetime costs and environmental impacts. The goal is to shift from counting connections to managing performance and resilience, investing in operations and local capacity.
- Urban India's water systems are fragile, characterized by high non-revenue water, inadequate wastewater treatment, and poor cost recovery.
- A single political term can significantly improve urban water services through a focused agenda.
- Rethinking water sources to include rainwater harvesting and treated wastewater as mainstream supplies is crucial.
India's proposed Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) III norms are crucial for the global shift to electrified powertrains and addressing India's dependence on imported crude oil. While the draft notification aims for ambitious emission reductions (113 gCO2/km to 77 gCO2/km by FY2031-32), several flexibility mechanisms, like the Carbon Neutrality Factor and super credits for hybrids/EVs, reduce its effective stringency. Unlike China's Dual Credit System that mandates NEV credits, India's system allows manufacturers to buy credits from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency at low prices, potentially hindering genuine technological transformation. Stronger, market-shaping regulations are needed to align with India's energy security and climate goals.
- India's CAFE III norms are vital for transitioning to cleaner mobility and reducing reliance on imported crude oil.
- The proposed norms aim for significant emission reductions but include flexibility mechanisms that may dilute their effective stringency.
- Unlike China's Dual Credit System, India's framework allows credit purchases from BEE at low prices, potentially hindering genuine electrification efforts.
Kerala has nominated Ashutosh Dash, a former Chief Engineer and Special Secretary to the Odisha government's Water Resources department, as its nominee to the Independent Panel of Experts (IPOE) on the Mullaperiyar dam. This nomination follows Kerala's protests over the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA)'s "unilateral" decision to remove its previous nominee, T.K. Sivarajan, from the panel. The NDSA had requested Kerala to nominate a new expert on June 25. The IPOE, created under the Dam Safety Act, 2021, comprises five members for a comprehensive dam safety evaluation of the Mullaperiyar dam.
- Kerala nominated Ashutosh Dash as its expert on the Independent Panel of Experts (IPOE) for the Mullaperiyar dam.
- The nomination came after Kerala protested the removal of its previous nominee, T.K. Sivarajan, by the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA).
- The IPOE was established under the Dam Safety Act, 2021, to conduct a comprehensive dam safety evaluation.
France and Spain are grappling with intense and unpredictable wildfires, leading to the evacuation of over 300,000 people. The fires, particularly severe in France's Gironde region and near Valencia in Spain, are being driven by strong gusts and even self-generated winds. Scientists attribute these extreme weather emergencies to climate change, making them more frequent and intense. Both countries have deployed significant resources, including thousands of firefighters and military personnel, to combat the blazes, which are occurring during the peak summer vacation period.
- France and Spain are experiencing widespread and unpredictable wildfires.
- Over 300,000 people have been evacuated from affected regions in both countries.
- Scientists link these extreme weather events to the impacts of climate change.
Three endangered Great Indian Bustard chicks have been moved to a custom-built rewilding tunnel at the Godawan Conservation Centre in Ramdevra, Jaisalmer. This *9.25-crore facility is designed to prepare captive-bred birds for release into the wild by minimizing human contact and mimicking their natural habitat. The chicks will remain under CCTV surveillance for about four months, receiving food without direct human interaction, before their eventual release into the Desert National Park as part of critical conservation efforts.
- Endangered Great Indian Bustard chicks are being prepared for wild release in a specialized rewilding tunnel.
- The facility aims to minimize human contact and simulate natural habitat conditions.
- The conservation effort is part of a broader strategy to protect the Great Indian Bustard.
Out-of-control wildfires in Spain and France have forced the evacuation of over 2,60,000 people. In France, 1,97,000 people were evacuated from areas around Bordeaux, described as the country's biggest peacetime evacuation. Spain saw 60,000 people evacuated from villages west of Madrid, with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez emphasizing saving lives. The fires, raging for days, have been difficult to contain despite efforts by overstretched firefighters, including military assistance from Paris. One person died near Valencia, Spain. Authorities noted a slight decrease in intensity for some blazes, but the situation remains critical.
- Massive wildfires in Spain and France have led to the evacuation of over 2,60,000 people.
- France evacuated 1,97,000 people from Bordeaux areas, marking the country's largest peacetime evacuation.
- In Spain, 60,000 people were evacuated from villages west of Madrid, and one person died near Valencia.
Villagers in Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh, are protesting against the Union government's ₹44,000 crore Ken-Betwa Link Project, India's first river-linking initiative. Protests also target the State government's Majhgaon and Runjh irrigation projects. Key demands include treating each adult as an individual beneficiary for the ₹12.5 lakh rehabilitation package and revising the eligibility cut-off date. Protesters allege irregularities in surveys, inclusion of fake beneficiaries, and flawed gram sabha proceedings. Environmental concerns are significant, as a large part of the project falls within the Panna Tiger Reserve. It involves felling over 17,000 trees, threatening tiger reintroduction efforts, endangered vultures, mahseer fish, and gharials. The project aims to transfer surplus water from Ken to Betwa River, generate hydropower, and provide drinking water to drought-prone Bundelkhand.
- Protests are ongoing in Madhya Pradesh against the Ken-Betwa Link Project and state irrigation projects over displacement and compensation issues.
- Key demands include individual adult beneficiary status for rehabilitation and revision of eligibility cut-off dates.
- Allegations of irregularities in surveys, fake beneficiaries, and flawed gram sabha proceedings have been raised.
A sudden explosion of suspected methane trapped in rocks killed 25 workers in an under-construction Head Race Tunnel (HRT) of NHPC's 500 MW Teesta Stage VI Hydropower Project in Samardung, Sikkim. Preliminary reports suggest the workers hit methane-trapping rocks during drilling, causing the flammable gas to explode upon mixing with air and encountering an ignition source. Methane deposits are common in the Himalayan belt due to ancient organic matter decomposition and geological formations. The incident underscores the fragility of the Himalayas, prone to tectonic instability, earthquakes, and landslides, exacerbated by heavy construction, tourism, and climate change. Previous projects in Sikkim have also suffered due to extreme weather events and geological instability.
- A methane explosion in the Head Race Tunnel of NHPC's Teesta Stage VI Hydropower Project in Sikkim killed 25 workers.
- The incident is attributed to workers hitting methane-trapping rocks during drilling, leading to an explosion.
- Methane deposits are found in the Himalayan belt due to ancient organic matter decomposition and fragile geological formations.
A study highlights that invasive alien species (IAS) disproportionately affect countries in the Global South, leading to severe economic and environmental consequences. These countries, often reliant on natural resources and with limited capacity for management, suffer greater damage from IAS. The study indicates that the spread of IAS is exacerbated by rapid trade growth and poor biosecurity measures. The economic costs of IAS are substantial, impacting agriculture, biodiversity, and human health. The findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced international cooperation and targeted policies to manage and prevent the introduction and spread of IAS in vulnerable regions.
- Invasive alien species (IAS) have a disproportionately higher impact on countries in the Global South.
- These countries face severe economic and environmental consequences due to their reliance on natural resources and limited management capacity.
- Rapid trade growth and inadequate biosecurity measures are identified as key factors exacerbating the spread of IAS.
A study by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) reveals that India's irrigated paddy fields are among the world's top methane sources, contributing significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions. The study, published in Environmental Research Letters, estimates that India's rice cultivation emitted 70.04 megatonnes of methane annually between 2002-2022, accounting for 12.4% of global methane emissions from rice. The emissions are primarily from paddy fields in Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Punjab. The study highlights the need for sustainable agricultural practices, such as alternate wetting and drying and direct seeded rice, to mitigate these emissions and achieve India's climate goals.
- India's irrigated paddy fields are identified as a significant global source of methane emissions.
- A CEEW study estimates India's rice cultivation emitted 70.04 megatonnes of methane annually between 2002-2022.
- This accounts for 12.4% of global methane emissions from rice, with major contributions from Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Punjab.
Mega data centre projects in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra are encountering strong public opposition. In A.P., Raiden Infotech India Pvt. Ltd. (a Google company) and Adani Infra/AdaniConnex are developing a 1GW AI data centre hub across 601 acres in Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli districts. In Maharashtra, Amazon's ₹7,203.29-crore hyperscale data centre project is under construction in Thane. Citizens' groups are protesting due to concerns over strain on water and power resources, environmental impact, limited local employment, and lack of public consultation. Specific issues include the threat to Kambalakonda Eco-Forest and Mudasarlova reservoir in A.P., and water shortage and load shedding in Thane. Protesters demand clarity on resource usage and greater local benefits.
- Mega data centre projects in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra are facing significant public opposition.
- Concerns include the immense strain on local water and power resources, environmental degradation, and limited local employment benefits.
- In A.P., protests target a 1GW AI data centre hub by Google and Adani, citing threats to eco-forests and water reservoirs.
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh has reiterated his criticism of the Great Nicobar Island Project, asserting it is "most fundamentally a commercial enterprise" rather than a strategically vital national initiative, contrary to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's claims. Ramesh highlighted that the trans-shipment port at Galathea Bay accounts for about half the project's budget, making its commercial nature evident. He argued that the dual-purpose airport, the only component with a defence focus, requires only a small fraction of the land and budget. Ramesh also raised concerns about the project's environmental and social costs, including the felling of hills, destruction of Shompen tribal land, and impacts on bird flyways, which he claims remain unrefuted. He urged consultation with retired naval officers who have questioned the defence reasoning.
- Congress MP Jairam Ramesh argues that the Great Nicobar Island Project is primarily a commercial venture, not a strategic national initiative.
- He points out that the trans-shipment port at Galathea Bay constitutes a significant portion of the project's budget, underscoring its commercial aspect.
- Ramesh raises environmental and social concerns, including deforestation, destruction of Shompen tribal land, and impacts on international bird flyways.
India dismissed Pakistan's allegations that it was deliberately causing floods in Pakistan's Punjab province by increasing water flow from the Chenab river, calling the reports "baseless." The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that India continues to share "high-flood data" with Pakistan on "humanitarian grounds," having done so 23 times in 2025 alone. MEA officials stated that the non-operational status of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) has not impacted water-related cooperation between the two countries, emphasizing India's commitment to humanitarian data sharing despite the political context.
- India refuted Pakistan's allegations of deliberately causing floods in its Punjab province.
- The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that India shares "high-flood data" with Pakistan on humanitarian grounds.
- Water-related cooperation has not been affected by the non-operational status of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).
Exceptional heavy rainfall in Gujarat, driven by a low-pressure system and a western disturbance, has virtually wiped out India's monsoon rainfall deficit for July. As of Friday, national rainfall for July matched the normal. However, cumulative monsoon rainfall from June 1 to July 24 remained 16.1% below normal nationwide, with East and Northeast India (E&NE) continuing to be the worst-performing region, experiencing a 31% deficit. IMD noted that while heavy rains occurred in the Northeast, it wasn't exceptional, as the monsoon trough was south of its normal position.
- Heavy rainfall in Gujarat has significantly reduced India's monsoon deficit for July.
- The rainfall was attributed to a low-pressure system from the Bay of Bengal and a western disturbance.
- Despite July's recovery, cumulative monsoon rainfall from June 1 to July 24 remains below normal nationally.
A HelpAge India study highlights that senior citizens are particularly vulnerable to climate change, experiencing both sudden shocks and slow-onset stresses. Factors like financial capacity, living alone, gender, age, poor health, and insecure housing exacerbate their risk. The study emphasizes an "Intersectional Place Perspective" to understand how these factors interact, making uneducated, poor, widowed elderly women most vulnerable. Recommendations include layered responses at household and community levels, such as storing food/water, improving shelter, and community support networks. Policy suggestions include climate-resilient healthcare, expanded social protection, better disaster preparedness, and targeted support for high-risk groups, advocating a shift from 'hazard-centred' to 'people-centred' systems.
- Senior citizens are highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, including both sudden shocks and slow-onset stresses.
- Vulnerability is exacerbated by factors like financial dependence, living alone, poor health, and insecure housing.
- The study advocates for a "people-centred" approach, shifting from 'hazard-centred' to 'people-centred' systems to address the specific needs of the elderly.
Floods of "unimaginable scale" in Assam have claimed six more lives, raising the death toll to 47, and affected over 7.21 lakh people. Eastern Assam districts like Sivasagar, Charaideo, and Jorhat, historically less prone to high floods, have borne the brunt of the devastation. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma attributed the "unprecedented devastation" to cloudbursts upstream in Nagaland and localized heavy rainfall, which was 436% above normal. Various agencies, including the Indian Air Force and NDRF, are conducting rescue operations as thousands of livestock have been washed away and 883 villages remain submerged.
- Assam floods have resulted in 47 deaths and affected over 7.21 lakh people.
- Eastern Assam districts, including Sivasagar, Charaideo, and Jorhat, are most severely impacted.
- The devastation is attributed to upstream cloudbursts in Nagaland and exceptionally heavy local rainfall.
The Supreme Court has permitted the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) Authority to process around 400 pending applications for the establishment of non-polluting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) within the ecologically sensitive area surrounding the Taj Mahal. This decision lifts a moratorium imposed in October 2024 on new industrial units and expansion of existing ones without the court's prior approval. The TTZ, established to protect the mausoleum from environmental pollution, spans nearly 10,400 sq. km across districts in Uttar Pradesh and Bharatpur in Rajasthan.
- The Supreme Court has allowed the TTZ Authority to process MSME applications in the Taj Trapezium Zone.
- This decision lifts a moratorium on new industrial units and expansion in the ecologically sensitive area.
- The TTZ was created to protect the Taj Mahal from environmental pollution.