DailyWorld News - The First International Newspaper From India https://dailyworld.in/ Thu, 30 Oct 2025 21:33:07 +0530 en https://dailyworld.in/environment/major-disaster-averted-at-sangam-barrage-as-ndrf-pulls-out-heavy-boat-645650.html Amaravati Oct 30 A major disaster was averted at the Sangam Barrage across Penna River in Andhra Pradeshs Nellore district on Thursday as a 35tonne boat stuck in the barrage was pulled out by the NDRF teams It was one of three boats used for sand collection which were swept away by strong currents following heavy rain due to Cyclone Montha on WednesdayWhile two boats were brought to the shore on Wednesday by the teams of National Disaster Response Force NDRF the third one remained stuck and there was a danger of it ramming into the anicutNDRF swimmers and team members worked for about 12 hours to pull it out skilfully They tied the boat on both sides to three heavy boats with ropes and locked it with an anchorDistrict Collector Himanshu Shukla Superintendent of Police Ajitha Vejendla and other officials monitored the situationThirty personnel each of NDRF and SDRF 100 policemen Krishnapatnam Port Patrol staff and Fire and Irrigation officials participated in the operationThe ropes of the three boats tied to the bridge railing snapped due to the rising floodwaters on Wednesday The freed boats quickly moved towards the barrageOne of the three boats stuck the sand jetty area and got stuck while another reached the Kanigiri reservoir The third boat was stuck at the crest of the old dam about 400 metres upstream of the barrageSince the third boat weighed 35 tonnes it was difficult to pull it out After strenuous efforts by NDRF teams along with others for 12 hours it was finally pulled outCollector Himanshu Shukla congratulated the NDRF teamOfficials said if the NDRF teams had not controlled the sweptaway boats there would have been massive destruction at the barrage and lowlying areas would have been severely inundatedThe Sangam Barrage which has 85 gates irrigates 385 lakh acres of fallow land in Nellore district Officials said if it were damaged the water would have been wasted and farmers would have suffered losses in the coming season IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/major-disaster-averted-at-sangam-barrage-as-ndrf-pulls-out-heavy-boat-645650.html Thu, 30 Oct 2025 19:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/minimum-temp-will-fall-in-delhi-ncr-pollution-will-increase-next-phase-of-grap-may-be-implemented-soon-645528.html New Delhi Oct 30 The onset of November is expected to bring colder and foggier mornings to Delhi and the National Capital Region NCR even as pollution levels continue to climb According to the India Meteorological Department IMD minimum temperatures will begin to fall from November 1 while maximum temperatures will hover around 30 to 31 degrees CelsiusThe weather department has ruled out any chance of rainfall in the coming days From October 30 to November 4 the sky will remain clear but light fog and mist are likely during early mornings and evenings the IMD saidOn Thursday the capital is expected to record a maximum temperature of 30 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 18 degrees which may further drop to 17 degrees by November 1 Meteorologists predict that temperatures will continue to decline gradually marking the early signs of winter However this fall in temperature is likely to aggravate air pollution levels in the regionWeather experts explain that cold and dry air traps pollutants near the surface leading to a rapid deterioration in air quality With no rain to wash away the pollutants the Air Quality Index AQI across DelhiNCR is projected to remain in the poor to very poor category in the coming daysIn response to worsening conditions the Commission for Air Quality Management CAQM and other environmental agencies are expected to implement the next phase of the Graded Response Action Plan GRAP soon The stricter measures may include a ban on construction and demolition activities restrictions on truck entry intensified road cleaning and regular water sprinkling to control dustHumidity levels are expected to fluctuate between 60 and 85 per cent increasing the likelihood of fog and smog formation especially during morning and evening hours Health experts have advised residents to limit outdoor exposure particularly for children and the elderly and to wear masks when stepping outsideIf the dry spell continues the air quality may worsen further in the first week of November potentially causing respiratory issues and eye irritation among residentsThe drop in temperatures is being felt beyond DelhiNCR as well From Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to Madhya Pradesh people have switched off fans and air conditioners with many now sleeping under light blanketsWinter is slowly setting in across North India While Delhi and Uttarakhand are experiencing a mild chill parts of Uttar Pradesh are witnessing colder weather due to rain and strong winds Meteorologists predict that temperatures across the region will fall further in the first week of November officially marking the arrival of winter IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/minimum-temp-will-fall-in-delhi-ncr-pollution-will-increase-next-phase-of-grap-may-be-implemented-soon-645528.html Thu, 30 Oct 2025 14:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/minimum-temp-will-fall-in-delhi-ncr-pollution-will-increase-next-phase-of-grap-may-be-implemented-soon-645529.html New Delhi Oct 30 The onset of November is expected to bring colder and foggier mornings to Delhi and the National Capital Region NCR even as pollution levels continue to climb According to the India Meteorological Department IMD minimum temperatures will begin to fall from November 1 while maximum temperatures will hover around 30 to 31 degrees CelsiusThe weather department has ruled out any chance of rainfall in the coming days From October 30 to November 4 the sky will remain clear but light fog and mist are likely during early mornings and evenings the IMD saidOn Thursday the capital is expected to record a maximum temperature of 30 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 18 degrees which may further drop to 17 degrees by November 1 Meteorologists predict that temperatures will continue to decline gradually marking the early signs of winter However this fall in temperature is likely to aggravate air pollution levels in the regionWeather experts explain that cold and dry air traps pollutants near the surface leading to a rapid deterioration in air quality With no rain to wash away the pollutants the Air Quality Index AQI across DelhiNCR is projected to remain in the poor to very poor category in the coming daysIn response to worsening conditions the Commission for Air Quality Management CAQM and other environmental agencies are expected to implement the next phase of the Graded Response Action Plan GRAP soon The stricter measures may include a ban on construction and demolition activities restrictions on truck entry intensified road cleaning and regular water sprinkling to control dustHumidity levels are expected to fluctuate between 60 and 85 per cent increasing the likelihood of fog and smog formation especially during morning and evening hours Health experts have advised residents to limit outdoor exposure particularly for children and the elderly and to wear masks when stepping outsideIf the dry spell continues the air quality may worsen further in the first week of November potentially causing respiratory issues and eye irritation among residentsThe drop in temperatures is being felt beyond DelhiNCR as well From Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to Madhya Pradesh people have switched off fans and air conditioners with many now sleeping under light blanketsWinter is slowly setting in across North India While Delhi and Uttarakhand are experiencing a mild chill parts of Uttar Pradesh are witnessing colder weather due to rain and strong winds Meteorologists predict that temperatures across the region will fall further in the first week of November officially marking the arrival of winter IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/minimum-temp-will-fall-in-delhi-ncr-pollution-will-increase-next-phase-of-grap-may-be-implemented-soon-645529.html Thu, 30 Oct 2025 14:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/telangana-cm-asks-officials-to-intensify-relief-work-in-flood-hit-districts-645629.html Hyderabad Oct 30 Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Thursday directed authorities to intensify relief efforts in Warangal town and other parts of the state affected by floods following heavy rains under the impact of Cyclone Montha CM Revanth Reddy directed Chief Secretary and Director General of Police DGP to immediately send as many boats as necessary and to immediately move State Disaster Response Force SDRF to various floodhit districtsHe also asked officials to take steps to utilize Hyderabad Disaster Response Force and Asset Protection Agency HYDRAA personnel and flood relief equipment wherever necessaryThe Chief Minister who reviewed the situation through a videoconference from here asked authorities concerned to immediately evacuate people in flooded areas to safe places and to provide drinking water and food packets to families trapped on rooftops through dronesCM Revanth Reddy said he would conduct an aerial survey in Warangal and Husnabad areas on Friday He had to postponed his visit to Warangal due to bad weatherHe asked the ministersincharge of the cycloneaffected districts should be available at the field level They should visit the field level be available to the people and try to help themThe government is ready to help the people We are preparing all the necessary plans for this he saidThe Chief Minister said the Meteorological Department had warned that the cyclone will affect 16 districts and preventive measures were takenHe said that since this is the season of paddy harvesting unexpected disaster has caused concern to farmersHe asked officials to remain alert and directed the collectors to cancel leaves of all and go to the fieldThe Chief Minister wanted the electricity department to be on alert to ensure that there is no power disruption due to strong windsHe said traffic should be diverted at damaged roads bridges and lowlevel causeways and people should be made aware not to come on the roads unless necessaryHe asked officials to monitor situation roundtheclock and provide emergency medical services wherever necessaryThe ministers of the combined districts should alert the collectors from time to time in coordination with the officials District Collectors were directed to provide information to incharge ministers from time to timeIn the wake of the overflowing of streams the local people should be alerted to prevent accidents The inflow and outflow in irrigation projects should be monitored from time to time We should be vigilant at all times to prevent loss of life loss of livestock and loss of crops the Chief Minister added IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/telangana-cm-asks-officials-to-intensify-relief-work-in-flood-hit-districts-645629.html Thu, 30 Oct 2025 18:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/cyclone-montha-impacts-bihar-imd-issues-heavy-rainfall-alert-for-several-districts-645425.html New Delhi Oct 29 The impact of Cyclone Montha is being increasingly felt across Bihar with the India Meteorological Department IMD issuing a heavy rainfall alert for several districts According to the latest IMD forecast districts including West Champaran Kaimur Banka Rohtas Gaya Sheikhpura and Nawada are expected to receive moderate to heavy rainfall on Wednesday as the cyclones outer bands move northwardThe cyclonic system is also likely to cause a notable drop in temperatures and strong gusty winds across parts of southern and western Bihar over the next 24 hours The weather office has urged farmers to suspend harvesting and drying activities while residents have been advised to avoid open areas and weak structuresMeanwhile the IMD confirmed that the landfall process of the severe Cyclone Montha began early off the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Kakinada district The landfall process will continue for three to four hours said Dr M Mohapatra Director General of the IMD The storm moved northnorthwestwards at a speed of about 15 kmph over the past six hours before intensifying into a severe cyclonic storm around 530 amThe Andhra Pradesh government has taken largescale preparedness measures as Montha is expected to impact 403 mandals across 22 districtsAccording to the Chief Ministers Office CMO nearly 76000 people have been evacuated to relief camps and 219 medical camps have been set up To maintain emergency communication authorities have deployed 81 wireless towers and 21 highintensity lampsThe IMD has issued a cyclone warning for the Andhra Pradesh Yanam and South Odisha coasts forecasting wind speeds of 92117 kmph in central and north Andhra Pradesh followed by heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in coastal Andhra Pradesh Rayalaseema Telangana South Chhattisgarh and Odisha IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/cyclone-montha-impacts-bihar-imd-issues-heavy-rainfall-alert-for-several-districts-645425.html Wed, 29 Oct 2025 18:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/cyclone-montha-impact-heavy-rain-lashes-telangana-645441.html Hyderabad Oct 29 Heavy rain has been lashing parts of Telangana under the impact of severe cyclone Montha which crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast near Narsapur Heavy rain inundated lowlying areas and disrupted vehicular transport in some areasAuthorities in Khammam Warangal Mahabubabad Suryapet and some other districts have declared a holiday for educational institutionsOverflowing rivulets streams and water bodies flooded the roads cutting off villages in Nagarkurnool district which shares a border with Andhra PradeshRainwater entered an electricity substation at Pulicherla village in Nalgonda district disrupting electricity supply to some villages in Peddapur mandal since Tuesday nightHeavy rain in the Sultanabad mandal of Peddapalli district damaged paddy in the agriculture marketAccording to Telangana Development Planning Society Uppununthala in Nagarkurnool district received the highest rainfall of 208 cm during the last 24 hours Amrabad in the same district recorded 197 cm of rainfallTheldevarapally in Nalgonda district recorded 185 cm rainfall followed by 183 cm in Veltur 178 cm in Ainole 1628 cm in Padra 1590 cm in Achampet all in Nagarkurnool district and 1515 cm in Yerraram in Nalgonda districtAbout 30 areas received rainfall of more than 10 cmHyderabad has received moderate to heavy rain since Tuesday night Some areas in the core city and the outskirts received moderate rainfall since Wednesday morningWater stagnation on roads in and around Hyderabad caused hardships to motorists in the morning rush hourAccording to the India Meteorological Department IMD light to moderate rain or thundershowers at times intense spells at a few places accompanied by gusty winds 3040 kmph are very likely to occur in Hyderabad MistHazy conditions are very likely to prevail during morningnight hoursThe IMD has issued an orange alert for Bhadradri Kothagudem Hanamkoonda Hyderabad Jangaon Jogulamaba Gadwal Khammam Medchal Malkajgiri Mahabubabad Mahabubnagar Nagarkurnool Nalgonda Narayanpet Rangareddy Suryapet Vikarabad Wanaparthy Warangal and Yadadri Bhuvanagiri districts IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/cyclone-montha-impact-heavy-rain-lashes-telangana-645441.html Wed, 29 Oct 2025 18:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/iit-kanpur-director-explains-why-cloud-seeding-didnt-cause-rain-in-delhi-another-attempt-planned-today-645445.html New Delhi Oct 29 The muchanticipated attempt to induce artificial rain through cloud seeding over parts of Delhi turned out to be not completely successful According to IIT Kanpur Director Manindra Agrawal the failure was largely due to insufficient moisture in the clouds emphasising that cloud seeding is not a magic bullet for Delhis pollution crisis but rather an emergency lastresort measure He also stated that the team plans to make fresh attempts on Wednesday Speaking exclusively to NDTV on Tuesday Agrawal whose institute is collaborating with the Delhi government for this experimental project said that the team plans to make fresh attempts on Wednesday expressing hope for improved resultsThere hasnt been any rain so far So in that sense it was not completely successful Unfortunately the clouds present today did not have very high moisture content I am told it was only around 1520 per cent The possibility of inducing rain with such low moisture levels is not very high But this trial has given more confidence to our team to continue conducting them Agrawal told NDTVThe IIT Kanpurled team used a mixture comprising 20 per cent silver iodide and the rest made up of rock salt and common salt to seed the clouds On Tuesday 14 flares were fired in totalThere were conflicting reports about the likelihood of rain today Some forecasts predicted rain while others did not But our own observation was that the cloud cover had very low moisture content and this could well be true for the entire region we flew over So we do not expect rain today Agrawal addedTwo additional flights he said are scheduled for Wednesday and the operations will continue whenever suitable cloud cover is availableWhen asked whether cloud seeding could serve as a longterm remedy for Delhis persistent air pollution Agrawal was clear in his responseIt is an SOS solution something to attempt only in a crisis when pollution levels are extremely high It is not a permanent solution The permanent solution of course is to control the sources of pollution Ideally we should reach a stage where theres no need for cloud seeding because pollution itself has been eliminated Until then this is one of the tools available to provide temporary relief he saidAgrawal acknowledged that the current cost of the operations is high because the flights are being conducted from Uttar Pradesh However he added that these costs could be reduced substantially in future attemptsAny effort that leads to even a partial reduction in pollution benefits everyone Even if rain comes after a few days it can still provide some relief he addedAccording to a preliminary report by the Delhi government the cloud seeding experiment did help reduce particulate matter levels in some of the targeted areas Two minor precipitation events were recorded 01 mm of rain in Noida and 02 mm in Greater Noida around 4 pm on TuesdayBefore seeding the PM 25 levels were recorded at 221 Mayur Vihar 230 Karol Bagh and 229 Burari After seeding they dropped to 207 206 and 203 respectivelySimilarly PM 10 levels fell from 207 206 and 209 to 177 163 and 177 in the same areasDelhis Forest and Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa had confirmed that two cloud seeding attempts were made on Tuesday one in the morning and another in the evening with assistance from IIT KanpurToday one attempt was made in the morning and another in the evening The results are still being collated Sirsa told IANS emphasising that the Delhi government is committed to exploring scientific solutions to combat the citys toxic airThe experiment comes at a time when Delhis air quality has sharply deteriorated in the days following Diwali celebrations The Air Quality Index AQI across Delhi and the National Capital Region NCR has remained in the poor to very poor category with smog blanketing large parts of the cityCloud seeding involves dispersing substances like silver iodide nanoparticles iodized salt and dry ice into the atmosphere to stimulate cloud condensation and trigger rainfall It is often used in regions suffering from water scarcity or to reduce hail and fogOn Tuesday IIT Kanpurs aircraft seeded a corridor approximately 25 nautical miles 463 km long and four nautical miles 74 km wide covering areas between Khekra and Burari coloniesThe first flight released six flares at an altitude of around 4000 feet while the second which took off at 355 pm deployed eight flares at a slightly higher altitude of 5000 feetDespite the lack of rainfall experts consider the trial a significant technical success marking one of Indias most advanced urban cloud seeding operations to date IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/iit-kanpur-director-explains-why-cloud-seeding-didnt-cause-rain-in-delhi-another-attempt-planned-today-645445.html Wed, 29 Oct 2025 18:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/cyclone-monthas-landfall-continues-near-kakinada--645336.html Amaravati Oct 28 The landfall by severe cyclonic storm Montha in the Bay of Bengal continued near Kakinada on Tuesday night triggering heavy rains and strong winds in the region The cyclone started making landfall around 8 pm at Antarvedipalli between Kakinada and MachilipatnamThe India Meteorological Department IMD said that land landfall process may continue for another two hoursThe maximum wind speed at the time of landfall is likely to be 90110 km per hourThere were reports of trees getting uprooted and disruption in the electricity supply in some towns and villages in the coastal districtsChief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu remained at the Real Time Governance centre on Tuesday night to review the situationHe directed officials to remain alert throughout the night to prevent loss of life and propertyThe Chief Minister held a teleconference with district collectors to review the current status of the cyclone He instructed ministers to visit the cycloneaffected areas interact with the people and immediately implement relief measures to instil confidence among themHe emphasised that power supply should be restored promptly after the cyclone by repairing damaged electric poles and substations The CM further stated that he has requested the Centre to send central teams to assess the overall cyclone damage including crop lossesThe IMD said that under the impact of Montha heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is expected in Coastal Andhra Pradesh Rayalaseema Telangana South Chhattisgarh and OdishaThe IMD appealed to people to stay indoors to stay safe and follow official updatesThe impact of the cyclone is likely to be severe in Kakinada Krishna Eluru East Godavari West Godavari Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema and Chinturu and Rampachodavaram divisions of Alluri Sitarama Raju districtThe state government ordered the suspension of vehicle movement in these seven districts from 830 pm on Tuesday to 6 am on WednesdayDistrict Collectors and Superintendents of Police were instructed to halt traffic on all types of roads including national highways passing through these districts However anexemption has been granted only for emergency medical servicesThe government has advised all residents in these districts to stay indoors not to venture outside and to remain vigilantThe cyclone is likely to affect 403 mandals in 22 districts across the state The officials have set up 488 control rooms in mandals to deal with the emergency situationThe government has set up a total of 1204 relief camps and 75802 people have been evacuated to these campsThe IMD has issued a red alert for the coastal districts which also face the threat of flash floodsSrikakulam Vizianagaram Visakhapatnam Anakapalle Nellore Konaseema and Kakinada districts have been receiving heavy rains with strong windsHigh tidal waves have damaged the UppadaKakinada beach road Authorities have closed the road for trafficFishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea for five days All activities on the coast have been suspended Authorities have closed the beaches for touristsMeanwhile Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw posted on X that he spoke to Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu along with concerned Railway officials Decisions taken for immediate restoration work post landfall of the cyclone he saidResponding to this Chief Minister Naidu thanked the Union minister for his concern and support on Cyclone Montha The Union and State Governments stand prepared together to mitigate the impact of the cyclone prioritising the safety of our people posted Naidu IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/cyclone-monthas-landfall-continues-near-kakinada--645336.html Wed, 29 Oct 2025 18:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/coimbatore-corporation-submits-rs-102-crore-plan-for-noyyal-riverfront-revamp-645164.html Chennai Oct 28 Giving a renewed push to the restoration of the Noyyal River the Coimbatore Corporation has submitted a detailed project report DPR to the state government seeking Rs 102 crore for developing a 43km stretch of the riverfront from Nanjundapuram to Athupalam The proposal is part of the state governments initiative to rejuvenate urban riverfronts for which Rs 400 crore was earmarked in the current fiscal for five districts including CoimbatoreThe ambitious project aims to combine ecological restoration with public recreation making the riverfront a green and accessible urban spaceIt is a joint effort of the state government and the Coimbatore Corporation with Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Financial Services Limited TNUIFSL designated as the funding agencyAlongside this plan the civic body has also forwarded a separate Rs 100crore proposal for building three new sewage treatment plants STPs and for upgrading underground drainage intersections and diversionsAccording to the DPR the project will focus on strengthening and improving the bunds on both sides of the river creating road access along the banks and developing public amenities such as parks openair gyms and viewing points Three new STPs are proposed to intercept sewage discharge into the river with the project identifying 41 points where untreated wastewater currently enters the watercourse Designed on ecofriendly principles the Noyyal Riverfront Project will adhere to norms of the Germanbased KfW Development Bank prioritising minimal concrete use and extensive green cover The plan envisions a sevenmetrewide road on one bund with recreational facilities and landscaped areas on the opposite side The overall layout aims to preserve the natural width of the river prevent encroachments and maintain a sustainable ratio of 70 per cent greenery to 30 per cent built structures Experts have stressed the need to safeguard the rivers natural flow and recommended including data on historical flood levels to guide design and safety parameters However concerns have also emerged from local farming groups about the lack of consultation during public review meetings and the necessity of additional STPs given that existing ones are underutilised Once approved the project is expected to transform the Noyyal Riverfront into a major ecological and recreational corridor for Coimbatore while supporting longterm urban water management goals IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/coimbatore-corporation-submits-rs-102-crore-plan-for-noyyal-riverfront-revamp-645164.html Tue, 28 Oct 2025 09:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/severe-cyclone-montha-comes-hurtling-towards-andhra-coast-645169.html Amaravati Oct 28 Cyclone Montha in the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a severe cyclone and is likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Kakinada on Tuesday night Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority APSDA said in the morning that the cyclone moved at a speed of 15 km per hour during the last six hours and is currently centered 190 km from Machilipatnam 270 km from Kakinada and 340 km from VisakhapatnamASDMA Managing Director Prakhar Jain said that at the time of the cyclones landfall strong gales with a speed of 90110 kmph are likely Under the impact of the cyclone very heavy rainfall is likely along the entire Andhra coast from Srikakulam to Nellore Some areas may receive extremely heavy rainfallThe APSDMA has advised people to remain indoors It asked people not to panic and assured them that the state administration is with themThe India Meteorological Department IMD has issued a red alert for the coastal districts which also face the threat of flash floodsA storm surge of about one metre above the astronomical tide is also expected along the coast which may inundate lowlying areasSrikakulam Vizianagaram Visakhapatnam Anakapalle Nellore Konaseema and Kakinada districts are already receiving heavy rain with strong winds At least 95 places have recorded heavy to very heavy rainfallHigh tidal waves have damaged the UppadaKakinada beach road Authorities have closed the road for trafficFishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea for five days All activities on the coast have been suspended Authorities have closed the beaches for touristsAccording to officials the cyclone is likely to impact 1419 villages in 233 mandals and 44 municipalities Authorities have already opened 2194 relief camps in these areasThe administration is ready to shift people to relief camps where necessary Special attention has been paid to 3465 pregnant womennursing mothers for careA total of 558 control rooms have been set up including one state control room 19 district control rooms and 54 revenue division control roomsSixteen satellite phones 35 DMR sets and other equipment have been made available in the districts for the communication systemAs a precautionary measure South Central Railway and East Coast Railway have announced the cancellation of over 100 trains for the next two daysEleven teams of National Disaster Response Force NDRF and 12 teams of State Disaster Response Force SDRF have reached the coastal districts for relief operations while some more teams are available at the headquarters IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/severe-cyclone-montha-comes-hurtling-towards-andhra-coast-645169.html Tue, 28 Oct 2025 10:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/cyclone-montha-danger-signal-seven-hoisted-at-kakinada-port-645181.html Visakhapatnam Oct 28 With severe cyclone Montha in the Bay of Bengal racing towards the Andhra Pradesh coast authorities have hoisted danger signal number seven at Kakinda port Cyclone Warning Centre Visakhapatnam has issued danger signal number six at Visakhapatnam and Gangavaram portsDanger signal number five has been hoisted at Machilipatnam Nizampatnam and Krishnapatnam portsInformatory messages have been sent to Kalingapatnam Bheemunipatnam and Vadarevu portsAccording to India Meteorological Department IMD cyclonic storm Montha over westcentral Bay of Bengal moved northnorthwestwards with a speed of 15 kmph during past six hours intensified into a severe cyclonic storm and lay centered at 0530 hrs IST of Tuesday over the same region about 190 km southsoutheast of Machilipatnam Andhra Pradesh 270 km southsoutheast of Kakinada Andhra Pradesh 340 km southsouthwest of Visakhapatnam Andhra Pradesh 550 km southsouthwest of Gopalpur OdishaIt is likely to continue to move northnorthwestwards and cross Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam around Kakinada during the eveningnight of today the 28th October as a severe cyclonic storm with a maximum sustained wind speed of 90100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph the IMD saidThe IMD has issued a red alert for coastal Andhra Pradesh It said in a bulletin that scattered heavy to very heavy with extremely heavy rainfall likely to occur at one or two places over Srikakulam Parvathipuram Manyam Vizianagaram Visakhapatnam Alluri Sitharama Raju Anakapalli KakinadaYanam Dr B R Ambedkar Konaseema East Godavari West Godavari Eluru NTR Krishna Guntur Palnadu Bapatla and Prakasam districts of coastal Andhra Pradesh and YanamHeavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to occur at a few places over Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore Tirupati Annamayya YSR Kadapa and Nandyal districts of Coastal Andhra Pradesh Yanam and RayalaseemaIndian National Centre for Ocean Information Services INCOIS has issued high wave alerts for coastal districtsIt forecasted high waves in the range of 3 47 meters INCOIS advised small vessels not to ply near shore and to avoid recreational activities Erosionwave surges are possible under the impact of the cyclone IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/cyclone-montha-danger-signal-seven-hoisted-at-kakinada-port-645181.html Tue, 28 Oct 2025 11:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/cyclone-montha-cm-naidu-urges-nda-mps-mlas-to-stand-by-people-645203.html Amaravati Oct 28 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday asked the NDA MPs ministers MLAs and other leaders to stand by the people in the wake of severe cyclone Montha In a teleconference with the NDA MPs ministers and MLAs he said from cadre to leader everyone should help people in the time of calamityThe Telugu Desam Party TDP president told the leaders of TDP Jana Sena and BJP to be available to people in the cycloneaffected areasStating that cyclone Montha is going to affect the state the Chief Minister informed the leaders that as per the current information it is approaching the state from a distance of 270 km from Kakinada at a speed of 15 kmThe cyclone is likely to cross the coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam There is a possibility of heavy rains in Krishna West Godavari Konaseema and Eluru districtsCM Naidu spoke about the steps being taken to completely reduce the loss of life and prevent property damageWe are sending messages to mobile phones in real time depending on the severity of the situation We have informed the authorities about the steps to be taken to save the crops from being submergedHe wanted NDA workers to come forward as volunteers and participate in relief activities by sensitising the peopleThe Chief Minister also told the NDA MPs that the coalition government will also seek Central assistance if necessaryThe governments goal is to save the lives of the people and reduce the loss We should be there for the people in times of crisis The NDA machinery should cooperate with the government machinery in cyclone relief measures he saidRecalling that the government dealt effectively with Titli and Hudhud cyclones CM Naidu exuded confidence that it will also effectively deal with MonthaThe Chief Minister told the NDA leaders that the rains under the impact of the cyclone were affecting 39 constituenciesThe government has deployed NDRF and SDRF personnel at the field level in view of the possibility of flash floodsWe are making arrangements to remove fallen trees and poles on a war footing We have brought back the fishermen who went fishing in the sea The NDA cadres should also have coordination with them he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/cyclone-montha-cm-naidu-urges-nda-mps-mlas-to-stand-by-people-645203.html Tue, 28 Oct 2025 13:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/great-danger-signal-10-at-kakinada-port-as-cyclone-montha-nears-andhra-pradesh-coast-645213.html Visakhapatnam Oct 28 Great danger signal number 10 was hoisted at Kakinada Port on Tuesday as the severe cyclone Montha in the Bay of Bengal was hurtling towards the Andhra Pradesh coast With the cyclone nearing the coast the Cyclone Warning Centre Visakhapatnam directed authorities to replace danger signal seven with 10 at Kakinada PortThe great danger signal is the highest issued to port in times of severe cyclonesGreat danger signal number nine was hoisted at Visakhapatnam Gangavaram Kalingapatnam and Bheemunipatnam portsGreat danger signal eight was hoisted at Machilipatnam Nizampatnam Krishnapatnam and Vadarevu portsAccording to Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority APSDMA cyclonic storm Montha over the westcentral Bay of Bengal has intensified into a severe cyclone and moved northnorthwestwards with a speed of 12 kmph during the past six hours It lies centred about 160 km from Machilipatnam 240 km from Kakinada and 320 km from VisakhapatnamThe system is being continuously monitored from the Disaster Management Authoritys control roomThe severe cyclone is likely to cross the coast between Kakinada and Machilipatnam tonight At the time of crossing the coast strong cyclonic winds with speeds of 90110 km per hour Due to its impact extremely heavy rainfall is expected from Srikakulam to Nellore with very heavy rainfall in some areasAPSDMA has advised people to stay safe indoorsThe IMD has issued a red alert for coastal Andhra Pradesh It said in a bulletin that scattered heavy to very heavy with extremely heavy rainfall likely to occur at one or two places over Srikakulam Parvathipuram Manyam Vizianagaram Visakhapatnam Alluri Sitharama Raju Anakapalli KakinadaYanam Dr BRAmbedkar Konaseema East Godavari West Godavari Eluru NTR Krishna Guntur Palnadu Bapatla and Prakasam districts of coastal Andhra Pradesh and YanamHeavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to occur at a few places over Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore Tirupati Annamayya YSR Kadapa and Nandyal districts of Coastal Andhra Pradesh Yanam and RayalaseemaIndian National Centre for Ocean Information Services INCOIS has issued high wave alerts for coastal districtsIt forecasted high waves in the range of 3 47 meters INCOIS has advised small vessels not to ply near shore and to suspend recreational activities Erosionwave surges are possible under the impact of the cyclone IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/great-danger-signal-10-at-kakinada-port-as-cyclone-montha-nears-andhra-pradesh-coast-645213.html Tue, 28 Oct 2025 14:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/global-level-mumbai-climate-week-to-be-held-in-feb-2026-maha-cm--645315.html Mumbai Oct 28 IANS Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday announced that India will host the inaugural edition of Mumbai Climate Week MCW in February 2026nbspMumbai Climate Week aims to become a major platform for climate action across the Global South with India taking a leadership role The event will bring together the best minds from across the Global South to find practical solutions for our climate challenges said the Chief MinisternbspHe added that this platform will help developing nations work together and make their voices heard on the global stagenbspThe Chief Minister joined by leading climate experts shared details of the event saying that representatives from more than 30 countries are expected to participatenbspnbspThey will come to Mumbai to create a practical climate action plan working with city leaders state chief ministers civil society groups corporates students and young people he saidThe Chief Minister added that by bringing together governments businesses startups academia civil society indigenous communities youth and citizen groups the event aims to foster an ecosystem of shared purposenbspnbspThrough diverse expertise and realworld experience Mumbai Climate Week will help shape a just sustainable and resilient future for the Global South while amplifying its voice on the global stage said the Chief MinisterFadnavis added that the event showcases Indias resolve to lead with action adding that inspired by the vision set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi Mumbai and Maharashtra are ready to help shape a just innovative wellfunded climate future for the Global SouthnbspThe inaugural edition of Mumbai Climate Week will focus on three connected themes food systems energy transition and urban resiliencenbspnbspEach theme will be examined through the lenses of justice innovation and funding This ensures that the MCW platform addresses both climate adaptation and mitigation strategiesnbspImportantly the platform will bring together not just policymakers and experts but also give a voice to citizens and grassroots initiativesnbspTopics like mental health art spirituality sports and cinema will be included in the weeks activities A climatefocused food festival is also being planned as part of public engagementnbspnbspIn the leadup to the event in February various preparatory activities will help identify and improve solutions for showcasing These include crossstakeholder working groups innovation mapping exercises calls for applications workshops roundtables and conferencesnbspThe February event will use a unique hubandspoke format with the main event scheduled for February 17 to 19 https://dailyworld.in/environment/global-level-mumbai-climate-week-to-be-held-in-feb-2026-maha-cm--645315.html Tue, 28 Oct 2025 22:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/heavy-rain-forecast-for-six-tn-districts-fishermen-warned-against-venturing-into-sea-644990.html Chennai Oct 26 The Regional Meteorological Centre RMC in Chennai has forecast heavy rainfall across six districts of Tamil Nadu on Sunday due to the formation of a lowpressure area over the Bay of Bengal The system currently active over the central and adjoining eastern parts of the Bay is bringing widespread showers and strong winds to the regionAccording to the latest bulletin Chennai Chengalpattu Tiruvallur Kancheepuram Ranipet and Villupuram districts along with Puducherry are likely to experience heavy rainThe RMC further noted that rainfall activity is expected to intensify on Monday with extremely heavy rain possible in Tiruvallur Chennai and Ranipet districtsStrong showers are also expected in Chengalpattu Kancheepuram Vellore Villupuram and Puducherry Officials said the developing weather system is part of a larger circulation extending over the central and northwestern Bay of Bengal which is expected to strengthen further over the next 24 hoursThe lowpressure area is likely to move northwestward bringing moderate to heavy rainfall to northern coastal districts of Tamil Nadu and parts of Puducherry the RMC statedMeanwhile fishermen have been strongly advised to stay away from the sea due to squally winds Wind speeds are expected to reach 80 kmph over the southwest southeast and central Bay of Bengal and may intensify up to 100 kmph over the midwestern and northwestern sectorsCoastal residents have also been urged to remain cautious as the sea is likely to be very rough Disaster management teams in the affected districts have been placed on high alert and local administrations have initiated preparatory measures to handle possible flooding in lowlying areasWith the northeast monsoon active since October 16 several parts of Tamil Nadu have already received aboveaverage rainfall in the past week The weather office has said that further updates will be issued as the system evolves IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/heavy-rain-forecast-for-six-tn-districts-fishermen-warned-against-venturing-into-sea-644990.html Sun, 26 Oct 2025 08:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/roads-crumble-in-chennai-after-heavy-rainfall-mayor-orders-swift-repairs-644991.html Chennai Oct 26 Over the past week residents across Chennai have flooded social media with complaints about the worsening condition of the state capitals arterial and interior roads which were battered by recent spells of heavy rain Videos and photos of cratered roads traffic snarls and waterlogged stretches have sparked public outrage and renewed calls for urgent civic intervention Responding to the criticism Mayor R Priya announced that the Greater Chennai Corporation GCC has identified potholes in nearly 2000 locations across the cityIn a statement on Sunday she attributed the deterioration directly to the continuous downpour and assured that immediate steps are being taken to fix the damaged stretches Due to heavy rainfall potholes have appeared on several city roads Funds have been allocated to fill them immediately and wardwise repair work is already underway These potholes will be filled on the same day they are identified the Mayor saidShe added that motor pumps have been installed in several floodprone areas to drain accumulated rainwater quickly and prevent further road damageIt may be recalled that Mayor Priya accompanied by HRampCE Minister and CMDA Chairman PK Sekarbabu had on Saturday inspected dredging work at the Buckingham Canal in Royapuram ZoneThe Minister instructed officials to ensure the free flow of rainwater and directed immediate clearance of waste from the canal to prevent floodingThis area lies adjacent to the Buckingham Canal where the Otteri Nalla joins Water from Ambattur Kolathur and Thiru Vi Ka Nagar flows into this canal Dredging work is progressing well and with the weather department predicting more rain these measures are essential to prevent inundation the Mayor saidCivic officials said doortodoor inspections were also carried out in neighbourhoods like Kalyanapuram and Kalyanapuram Pallam where around 1000 families were consulted to identify local issues and grievancesA senior GCC official noted that patchwork has already been completed in 168 locations with all complaints being tracked and resolvedMeanwhile Chennai Traffic Police have identified 115 critical pothole spots including 38 on highways 71 on bus route roads and 12 on interior roads which are now being prioritised for repair to ease traffic movement and ensure road safety IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/roads-crumble-in-chennai-after-heavy-rainfall-mayor-orders-swift-repairs-644991.html Sun, 26 Oct 2025 09:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/alert-in-tamil-nadus-chidambaram-village-after-sighting-crocodiles-644996.html Chennai Oct 26 The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has issued a public alert and launched an awareness drive in several villages along the Old Kollidam River after crocodiles were sighted in the region following heavy water discharge from the main Kollidam River Teams led by Forest Range Officer Vasanth Bhaskar Forester Panneerselvam and Forest Guard Anbumani visited villages including Velakkudi Agaranallur and Pazhaiyannallur on Saturday to warn residents and distribute pamphlets outlining safety measuresThe officials went doortodoor cautioning people against entering canals ponds or lowlying water bodies where recent reports of crocodile movements had been madeWe advised people not to enter or wash clothes in open waterbodies and to remain cautious especially during the night said Forest Range Officer Vasanth BhaskarThe rising water level has pushed several crocodiles into adjoining streams and flooded fields Their movements have been noticed near the riverbanks and irrigation canalsThe Kollidam River a major distributary of the Cauvery has been carrying a high volume of surplus water released upstream due to the ongoing monsoon rainForest officials believe that the sudden increase in water flow has displaced crocodiles from their usual habitats forcing them closer to human settlementsIn addition to the wildlife alert continuous heavy rain over the past five days has inundated several parts of Cuddalore district including Chidambaram townLocal officials reported that residential colonies and school campuses in lowlying areas have experienced waterloggingAdding to residents anxiety five snakes were rescued from different parts of the town after they slithered into houses and classrooms seeking dry shelter Fire and Rescue Services personnel led by Station Officer P Manimaran safely captured the reptiles and released them into nearby forest areasThe snakes were found at Chidambaram Government Girls Higher Secondary School Ramakrishna Higher Secondary School a house near Annamalai University Agricultural College in Annamalainagar another in VNS Nagar and one in Malaikatti Street Manimaran saidAuthorities have urged the public to remain vigilant avoid venturing into flooded areas and report any sightings of wild animals to the Forest Department or local rescue teams IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/alert-in-tamil-nadus-chidambaram-village-after-sighting-crocodiles-644996.html Sun, 26 Oct 2025 10:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/pm-modi-lauds-ambikapurs-garbage-cafe-in-mann-ki-baat-645008.html Raipur Oct 26 In a stirring anecdote shared during the 127th episode of his radio programme Mann Ki Baat on Sunday Prime Minister Narendra Modi spotlighted a remarkable initiative unfolding in the heart of Chhattisgarh The Garbage Cafe in Ambikapur a city nestled in central India is redefining the concept of nourishment and civic responsibility one plastic wrapper at a timeEvery day the cafe welcomes people who visit to relish lunch or dinner but instead of paying with rupees they offer bundles of plastic waste discarded carrier bags food wrappers and water bottlesIn lieu of one kilogram of garbage you can get a good lunch or dinner for half a kilogram you can get breakfast the Prime Minister explained lauding the efforts of the Ambikapur Municipal Corporation AMC for this innovative approachThe cafes menu is generous and wholesome rice two vegetable curries dal roti salad and pickles for a full mealBreakfast options include popular street fare such as samosas and vada pav The initiative launched in 2019 under the slogan More the waste better the taste is funded through AMCs sanitation budget and strategically located near the citys main bus standThe concept was born out of a dual crisis plastic pollution and urban hunger By incentivising the collection of plastic waste the cafe not only provides sustenance but also contributes to environmental cleanlinessRagpickers and lowincome individuals are encouraged to gather plastic from streets and landfills exchanging it for hot meals that nourish both body and spiritIf food is available in place of plastic the cafe is not only helping to fill empty stomachs but also contributing to cleaning up the environmentThe cafe feeds several people daily a modest yet meaningful number in a city striving for inclusive progressAmbikapurs Garbage Cafe stands as an example of ingenuity and compassion proving that sustainable solutions can emerge from the most pressing urban challenges In a world grappling with waste and want this humble cafe offers a recipe for hope served warm with a side of civic pride IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/pm-modi-lauds-ambikapurs-garbage-cafe-in-mann-ki-baat-645008.html Sun, 26 Oct 2025 11:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/pm-modi-spotlights-kutch-mangrove-revival-in-mann-ki-baat-urges-nationwide-tree-planting-645012.html Ahmedabad Oct 26 In the 127th episode of his iconic radio programme Mann Ki Baat Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Gujarats triumph in mangrove conservation as an example of ecological resilience drawing parallels between forests binding hilly terrains and mangroves protecting coastal ecosystems PM Modi emphasised how these green guardians mitigate natural disasters like tsunamis while fostering biodiversity and livelihoodsJungles bind the soil in hills and plains similarly mangroves are the lifeline of our coasts he said invoking the spirit of environmental stewardship amid greetings for the upcoming Chhath Puja which he described as a profound unity of culture nature and societyAt the heart of PM Modis address was the transformative story from Dholera in Gujarats Gulf of KhambhatUnder the state Forest Departments proactive efforts over 3500 hectares of mangroves primarily Avicennia marina species have been planted in the past five years aligning with the Central governments MISHTI Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes scheme launched in 2023This initiative has propelled Gujarat to the national forefront with 19020 hectares afforested in just two years expanding the states mangrove cover to 1175 square kilometres the secondlargest in India after the Sundarbans The results are striking The 2024 wildlife census revealed a surge in marine life along Dholeras revitalised shoresDolphins frolicking in greater numbers PM shared and thriving populations of crabsThis is natures way of thanking us PM Modi noted crediting community involvementEchoing these successes PM Modi highlighted Kori Creek in Kutch district home to one of Indias richest mangrove belts spanning 795 sq km Here the Forest Department runs a dedicated mangrove restoration centre integrating animal welfare programmes that rescue and rehabilitate coastal wildlife If reports are believed recent sightings of several dolphins across 4087 sq km from Kutch to Bhavnagar confirm the ecosystems rebound turning degraded coasts into vibrant habitatsThe 2024 census echoed positive trends 7672 wild asses in the Rann of Kutch a 26 per cent rise alongside increased sightings of otters jackals and seabirdsInland mangroves at Guneri village declared Gujarats first Biodiversity Heritage Site in January further underscore Kutchs unique ecosystems possibly remnants of ancient riverine formationsBuoyed by these positive tidings the Ahmedabad Social Forestry Division announced its maiden marine life survey for the districts coasts inspired by a similar 2024 initiative in Kutch This will assess fish stocks invertebrates and dolphin movements building on Gujarats overall mangrove expansion of 6930 hectares in 202324 with 12000 more planned for 202526 Such surveys aim to inform policy boosting ecotourism and sustainable fisheries amid a national marine fish catch dip of 2 per cent last yearPM Modi concluded with a heartfelt call to action Wherever we live let us plant a tree in the name of our mother under Ek Ped Maa Ke NaamHe urged citizens to contribute via MyGov or the NaMo App framing treeplanting as a tribute to maternal nurturing and planetary healthTrees benefit every being transcending borders he added linking it to global goals like the LiFE movementWith Gujarat leading MISHTI efforts PM Modis message says conservation is collective yielding tangible gains in biodiversity and disaster resilience IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/pm-modi-spotlights-kutch-mangrove-revival-in-mann-ki-baat-urges-nationwide-tree-planting-645012.html Sun, 26 Oct 2025 12:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/cm-stalin-reviews-adyar-river-works-for-2nd-straight-day-as-monsoon-gains-strength-645013.html Chennai Oct 26 Chief Minister MK Stalin on Sunday undertook a surprise inspection of the Adyar River mouth for the second consecutive day reviewing the ongoing dredging and widening operations intended to facilitate free flow of floodwater into the Bay of Bengal during the intensifying northeast monsoon The inspection which took place near Srinivasapuram follows CM Stalins earlier visit on October 24 Officials from the Public Works Department and the Greater Chennai Corporation briefed the Chief Minister about the progress of works and the measures taken to prevent flooding in vulnerable zones across the cityThe Chief Minister directed officials to accelerate the widening of the river mouth and ensure that the works were completed before heavy rainfall intensifies in the coming days He emphasised that the Adyar estuary plays a crucial role in draining surplus water from city reservoirs into the sea helping to mitigate flooding in lowlying areasDeputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin Health and Family Welfare Minister Ma Subramanian and Thousand Lights MLA Ezhilan accompanied the Chief Minister during the inspectionThe team closely reviewed the dredging machinery deployed along the estuary and interacted with engineers supervising the operationsAuthorities said that the Adyar River mouth had been narrowed over the years due to siltation and encroachments leading to water stagnation during intense rainfall The ongoing dredging and desilting efforts are part of the states premonsoon preparedness plan which includes strengthening river embankments clearing blockages in stormwater drains and installing motor pumps at key floodprone intersectionsThe Tamil Nadu government has intensified preventive measures across the coastal districts following the formation of a depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal which is likely to intensify into a cyclonic system in the coming daysThe India Meteorological Department IMD has forecast widespread rain for Chennai Tiruvallur Chengalpattu and Kanchipuram districts in the next 48 hoursOfficials added that roundtheclock monitoring teams have been deployed to track water levels in major reservoirs including Chembarambakkam and Poondi and to regulate surplus discharge through the Adyar River into the seaCM Stalin instructed officials to maintain high vigilance and ensure that floodmitigation works remain uninterrupted even during adverse weather conditions IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/cm-stalin-reviews-adyar-river-works-for-2nd-straight-day-as-monsoon-gains-strength-645013.html Sun, 26 Oct 2025 12:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/over-4-500-irrigation-tanks-in-tn-near-full-capacity-645029.html Chennai Oct 26 The onset of the Northeast monsoon has begun to yield significant benefits for Tamil Nadus water resources with nearly 2000 additional irrigation tanks recording storage levels exceeding 75 per cent capacity over the last ten days According to data from the Water Resources Department as of October 15 only 2622 tanks across the State had storage above the 75 per cent markBy Saturday this number had surged to 4556 tanks an increase of 1934 within just 10 days The figure also represents a substantial improvement compared to the same period last year when 3197 tanks had reached similar storage levels as on October 21 2024Of the total tanks that have achieved 100 per cent capacity 396 are located in Kanniyakumari district 266 in Tiruvannamalai 243 in Ranipet 241 in Madurai 189 in Thanjavur and 137 in VillupuramAmong districts showing the steepest rise in tank levels Villupuram recorded the highest increase with 131 tanks reaching full storage followed by Madurai with 120 and Tiruvannamalai with 111Neighbouring districts of Chennai Chengalpattu and Kancheepuram also reported improved storage with 50 and 62 tanks respectively now filledOfficials said that the rise in water levels reflects the welldistributed rainfall pattern during the first phase of the Northeast monsoon which began on October 16In addition to the filled tanks 2274 others currently hold between 76 per cent and 99 per cent of their capacityKanniyakumari district tops this category with 788 tanks followed by Thanjavur 263 Madurai 220 Pudukottai 144 and Tenkasi 109Madurai has seen the highest increase in tanks within this range with 189 more tanks nearing full capacity compared to the previous week followed by Kanniyakumari 122 and Thanjavur 95Officials expect that with the India Meteorological Department predicting aboveaverage rainfall for the remainder of the season the number of tanks reaching full capacity is likely to rise further in the coming weeks Higher tank storage they added would naturally improve groundwater levels and reduce dependency on borewellsFor farmers who already benefit from free power supply this means less groundwater extraction and a more sustainable irrigation pattern across the state IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/over-4-500-irrigation-tanks-in-tn-near-full-capacity-645029.html Sun, 26 Oct 2025 14:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/cyclone-montha-to-bring-heavy-rain-in-bengal-says-met-office-645031.html Kolkata Oct 26 The Meteorological MeT office on Sunday said that Cyclone Montha will not have a direct impact on West Bengal but is likely to bring heavy rain from Monday onwards Districts of South Bengal including Kolkata will receive rain due to the influence of the systemAccording to the special bulletin of the MeT office the cyclone is then likely to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatam on the Andhra Pradesh coast near Kakinada region on Tuesday evening or night as a severe cyclonic stormThe maximum wind speed at the time of landfall may be 90100 kilometres per hour The wind speed may reach 110 kilometres per hour said the MeT DepartmentThe MeT Department official Sourish Banerjee said that although there will be no direct impact of the cyclone on the state the sea will remain rough in the Bengal coast from October 28 to 30 There is a possibility of gusty winds of 3545 kilometres per hour The speed of gusty winds can reach 55 kilometres per hourDue to rough seas fishermen in Bengal have been advised not to venture into the sea from October 28 to 30 Those who are in the deep sea have been asked to return by Monday October 27 said the officialOn Monday light thundershowers are likely at one or two places in South 24 Parganas Jhargram East Midnapore and West Midnapore districts On Tuesday heavy rain is likely at a few places in the South 24 Parganas and East Midnapore districts Light to moderate rain with thundershowers are likely at a few places in the remaining south Bengal districts said the officialIn addition North 24 Parganas South 24 Parganas Howrah Hooghly Jhargram East Midnapore West Midnapore and Kolkata are likely to experience light to moderate rain with thundershowers at most places on Wednesday Light to moderate rain with thundershowers is likely in all districts of south Bengal on Thursday There is a possibility of light to moderate rain with thunderstorms in most areas of all districts on FridayMeanwhile the possibility of thunderstorms in north Bengal is low However the amount of rain will gradually increase in the next seven daysThe maximum temperature in Kolkata on Saturday was 329 degrees Celsius which is 12 degrees above normal The minimum temperature on Sunday was 255 degrees Celsius which is 25 degrees Celsius above normal IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/cyclone-montha-to-bring-heavy-rain-in-bengal-says-met-office-645031.html Sun, 26 Oct 2025 14:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/sikkim-up-biodiversity-panels-get-rs-183-lakh-under-benefit-sharing-mechanism-644881.html New Delhi Oct 25 Recognising and rewarding local communities for acting as custodians of biological heritage the National Biodiversity Authority NBA has released Rs 183 lakh to Biodiversity Management Committees in UP and Sikkim an official said on Saturday The funds represent the access and benefitsharing mechanism under the framework of the Biological Diversity Act 2002 said the Environment Ministry official in a statementThese funds will be utilised for activities outlined under Section 44 of the Act and the relevant State Biodiversity Rules the statement saidBy transferring these funds the NBA is empowering these local custodians to lead a role in biodiversity conservation and the sustainable management of their resources Also the fund transfer is aimed at promoting fair and equitable benefitsharing said the statementThe funds were seamlessly transferred through the respective State Biodiversity Boards directly to two BMCs namely Narrau village Biodiversity Management Committee located in Akrabad Kaul Taluk Aligarh District Uttar Pradesh and Biodiversity Management Committee in the Lampokhari Lake Area Aritar SikkimA company accessed crop materials within the Narrau village for producing fermentable compounds from lignocellulosic biomass Another company accessed microorganisms from water and soil samples collected in the Lampokhari Lake area for research purpose said the statementEarlier the NBA released Rs 136 crore sharing the benefits of commercial use of biodiversity to local communities in Maharashtra and Uttar PradeshThis financial support was routed through the State Biodiversity Boards of Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh to three Biodiversity Management Committees BMCs Sakharwadi village Phaltan Taluk Satara District Maharashtra Kunjirwadi village Haveli Taluk Pune Maharashtra and the Kasganj area Etah District Uttar Pradesh according to a statement from the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate ChangeEach BMC will receive Rs 4550 lakh This initiative underscores the governments unwavering commitment to the principles of equity sustainability and conservationThe released funds represent a tangible Access and Benefit Sharing ABS payment following the commercial use of microorganisms sourced from soil and industrial effluent samples for producing fructooligosaccharide products IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/sikkim-up-biodiversity-panels-get-rs-183-lakh-under-benefit-sharing-mechanism-644881.html Sat, 25 Oct 2025 18:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/india-committed-to-global-climate-action-with-expanding-forest-cover-sustainable-forestry-govt-644839.html New Delhi Oct 25 Efforts undertaken to expand forest cover and promote sustainable forestry underscore Indias commitment to global climate action the government said on Saturday India recently achieved a significant milestone in global forest statistics by advancing to the ninth position worldwide in terms of total forest area according to the Food and Agriculture Organization FAOs Global Forest Resources Assessment GFRA 2025In the previous assessment in 2020 India was ranked 10th The country has also maintained its third position globally in the annual net gain of forest areaThis shows what strong national commitment can achieve Indias consistent efforts in expanding forest cover promoting sustainable forestry and implementing missions like Green India Mission underscore its commitment to environmental conservation and global climate action the government said in an official statementTo enhance forest cover the government increased funds in the Budget 202526The Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change MoEFCC allocated Rs 341282 crore a 9 per cent increase from the revised estimate of Rs 312596 crore in 202425Other measures include the launch of the National Mission for a Green India GIM the National Afforestation Programme and Mission LiFE Lifestyle for EnvironmentWhile GIM seeks to expand forest and tree cover restore ecosystems and enhance biodiversity and carbon sinks the afforestation programme aims for the regeneration of degraded forests and adjoining areas in the countryThe Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam initiative under Mission LiFE is an emotional call to encourage tree plantation by linking it to the love for ones mother or motherlandThese measures resulted in about 72739 thousand hectares of forest area in India roughly 2 per cent of the world total as per GFRA 2025 dataFurther the country gained success in expanding planted forests with bamboo and rubber plantations the statement saidWith an increase in forest cover India also ranked fifth among the top global carbon sinks with its forests removing 150 million tonnes of CO per year during 20212025 advancing the global climate goalsAsia including India saw forest carbon removals increase to 09 Gt CO per year in 20212025 with deforestation emissions dropping significantly as per data from the FAO IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/india-committed-to-global-climate-action-with-expanding-forest-cover-sustainable-forestry-govt-644839.html Sat, 25 Oct 2025 16:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/global-south-must-shape-next-phase-of-climate-governance-say-experts-644851.html New Delhi Oct 25 Amid rising climate crises Global South must take charge to shape the next phase of climate governance said experts here At a PreCOP Dialogue titled From Baku to Belém Shaping the Next Phase of Climate Action at the India Habitat Centre New Delhi hosted by independent think tank Chintan Research Foundation CRF leading climate experts policymakers and practitioners deliberated on advancing the global climate action agenda particularly in the leadup to the Conference of Parties COP 30 in Belém Brazil in NovemberThe event focused on evaluating progress since the Paris Agreement addressing existing gaps in climate governance and setting expectations to enhance climate action through the UNFCCC frameworkShishir Priyadarshi President CRF highlighted how the Global South must now reclaim its agency in shaping the next phase of climate governanceThe time has come when holding the mirror is more important than looking at the compass It is time to be clear about what we have achieved and what we have not Moving from goalsetting to goalenabling is now needed and we must determine how to achieve those goals This would only be possible through alignment between the Global North and the Global South Priyadarshi saidThe expert set three major expectations from COP 30 the operationalisation of the New Collective Quantified Goal NCQG advancing adaptation and loss and damage mechanisms and reinforcing accountabilityThese solutions should be economically viable technologically inclusive and socially just Priyadarshi saidDr Pooja Sehbag Research Associate CRF outlined the urgency of the current climate crisis and the need to evaluate global actions She also underscored the gaps between the expected and achieved goals of the post2020 COPs where collective underperformance was observed globallyDr Prodipto Ghosh Distinguished Fellow The Energy Resources Institute TERI provided a historical overview of climate negotiations and outlined Indias potential in driving actionDeveloping countries have to set an example China has treated climate change as both an economic and technological challenge investing heavily in research and development to bring new technologies to the forefront of the transition It now leads the world in solar deployment India can follow Chinas example and become the next major deployment hub for this transition Ghosh saidProf Arun Sharma Group Head for Sustainability and Climate Change at Adani Group focused on the pivotal role of the private sector in accelerating ambitious climate actionMitigation will depend significantly on private sector finance it requires viable business models for effective fund deployment and technology diffusion At Belém we must recognise the limits of the COP process and focus on enhancing business models for climate action Sharma saidAddressing financial gaps is critical India and China still face significant disparities in total electricity generation India must focus on electrification and lastmile decarbonisation particularly through green hydrogen he addedKenneth Felix Haczynski da Nóbrega Ambassador of Brazil to India highlighted Brazils advocacy for enhanced civil society participation in the climate policy processCOP 30 will focus on bringing the climate change challenge closer to civil society worldwide We need greater B2B involvement at COP 30 similar to that seen in G20 and BRICS da Nóbrega saidThe dialogue underscored the importance of collaborative climate action driven by civil society engagement equitable climate finance and critical evaluation of policy effectiveness IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/global-south-must-shape-next-phase-of-climate-governance-say-experts-644851.html Sat, 25 Oct 2025 16:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/artificial-rain-planned-in-delhi-around-oct-29-to-clean-air-rekha-gupta-644634.html New Delhi Oct 23 Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that experts conducted tests in the Burari area on Thursday for inducing artificial rain around October 29 In the runup to the citys firstever cloud seeding experiment to counter air pollution scientifically CM Gupta said If conditions remain favourable Delhi will experience its first artificial rain on October 29Preparations have been completed for the first time in Delhi to induce artificial rain through cloud seeding Today experts have successfully tested it in the Burari area The weather department has indicated the possibility of cloud presence on October 28 29 and 30 she wrote on her X platformShe said This initiative is not only historic from a technical perspective but is also set to establish a scientific method to combat pollution in DelhiThe Chief Minister said The governments objective is to make the capitals air clean and the environment balanced through this innovation Best wishes to our cabinet colleague Shrimssirsaji and all officials involved in making this effort successfulEarlier Sirsa said that the intensified winter enforcement drive has started yielding measurable results as the AQI dropped 50 points in one dayDelhis AQI has improved significantly todays level of 305 is nearly 50 points better than yesterdays 353 The city is responding to swift coordinated action on the ground Sirsa stated after a review meetingHe directed departments to sustain this progress with a laser focus on identified pollution hotspots ensuring interagency coordination through the Green War RoomAround 2000 teams are in the field day and night Delhis strategy is not limited to winter it is a 247 yearround governance model that keeps data accountability and citizens at its core said SirsaHe added that while current measures are showing results the government is also preparing for the futureOur efforts are not limited to the present were strengthening the future Work will soon begin for getting 70 more mechanised sweepers 70 additional antismog guns water sprinklers and 140 litter pickers covering 1440 km of roads Were encouraging innovation through Delhis Clean Air Challenge and cloud seeding will soon be conducted with IIT Kanpur and IMD said SirsaSharing details of the Delhi governments Comprehensive Enforcement Deployment Sirsa said that as part of dust and construction management 200 day teams and 178night teams 970 personnel are deployed to monitor dust and construction normsSites above 500 sqm are under strict monitoring MCD PWD DDA DSIIDC and CPWD are leading with GPStracked sweepers and daily Green War Room reporting said a statementClaiming significant success in controlling open burning the Minister said that 230 day and 213 night patrols total 443 teams with over 1200 personnel are active against garbage leaf and biomass burning The contingents are deployed by MCD DDA DSIIDC and the Revenue Department he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/artificial-rain-planned-in-delhi-around-oct-29-to-clean-air-rekha-gupta-644634.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/rain-thunderstorms-forecast-across-gujarat-next-week-644739.html Ahmedabad Oct 24 The India Meteorological Department IMD has issued a weather alert for Gujarat predicting light to moderate rainfall over the next seven days with the intensity of showers expected to increase within the next 48 hours It has also forecast thunderstorms for the next four days particularly across the southern and coastal regions of the stateAccording to the IMD South Gujarat districts including Dang Tapi Navsari Valsad and adjoining parts of Maharashtra are likely to witness light to moderate rain or drizzle accompanied by thundershowersThe weather department further noted that this rainfall activity could extend to the Union Territories of Daman and Dadra and Nagar Haveli while most other districts in Gujarat are expected to experience dry conditions with no significant temperature fluctuationsWith rain and thunder predicted over Gujarat and Saurashtra the IMD has advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea due to potentially rough weather conditions In Ahmedabad the weather is expected to remain cloudy over the coming daysOn Saturday light to moderate rainfall is forecast in Surat Dang Tapi Navsari Valsad Chhota Udepur Narmada Bharuch and Daman as well as in Amreli Bhavnagar GirSomnath and Diu in Saurashtra The rainfall is expected to expand in coverage on Sunday affecting Panchmahal Dahod Vadodara and the surrounding districtsBy Monday several parts of central and southern Gujarat including Panchmahal Dahod Vadodara Chhota Udepur Narmada Bharuch Surat Dang Tapi and Navsari along with Junagadh Amreli Bhavnagar GirSomnath Diu Daman and Dadra and Nagar Haveli may experience light to moderate rain as the unseasonal weather spell continues across the stateGujarat has recorded close to 90 per cent of its longperiod average LPA rainfall by the end of August with the total seasonal rainfall at around 79293 mm against a normal of below 882 mm Across regions the percentages vary South Gujarat stands at 937 per cent of normal EastCentral at about 886 per cent Saurashtra at 843 per cent and Kutch at 851 per centBy early September some data suggest the statewide average had climbed above 100 per cent of LPA for example 10289 per cent as of a certain date with South Gujarat around 108 per cent North Gujarat at 107 per cent and Saurashtra at 91 per cent IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/rain-thunderstorms-forecast-across-gujarat-next-week-644739.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 18:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/national-biodiversity-authority-releases-rs-136-crore-to-up-maharashtra-644750.html New Delhi Oct 24 In a move promoting fair and equitable benefitsharing as well as the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity the National Biodiversity Authority NBA has released Rs 136 crore channeling the benefits of commercial use to local communities in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh an official said on Friday This significant financial support will be routed through the State Biodiversity Boards of Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh to three Biodiversity Management Committees BMCs Sakharwadi village Phaltan Taluk Satara District Maharashtra Kunjirwadi village Haveli Taluk Pune Maharashtra and the Kasganj area Etah District Uttar Pradesh according to a statement from the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate ChangeEach BMC will receive Rs 4550 lakh This initiative underscores the governments unwavering commitment to the principles of equity sustainability and conservationThe released funds represent a tangible Access and Benefit Sharing ABS payment following the commercial use of microorganisms sourced from soil and industrial effluent samples for producing fructooligosaccharide products These funds will be utilized for activities outlined under Section 44 of the Biological Diversity Act 2002 and the relevant State Biodiversity Rules the statement saidThis financial initiative highlights the NBAs proactive role in recognising and rewarding local communities who serve as the custodians of Indias rich biological heritageBy channeling accrued benefits back to the local level the NBA strengthens Indias model for an inclusive governance framework where conservation and community prosperity advance together the statement addedIt also fulfills the National Biodiversity Target 13 of Indias updated NBSAP 20242030 which aligns with the KunmingMontreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted at CoP15 of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity CBD the statement notedEstablished in 2003 to implement the provisions of the Biological Diversity Act 2002 the National Biodiversity Authority NBA is a statutory autonomous body under the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate ChangeHeadquartered in Chennai it functions as a facilitating regulating and advisory body to the Central government on matters related to the conservation and sustainable use of biological resources as well as the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their useIn addition the NBA provides guidance to state governments in identifying areas of significant biodiversity biodiversity hotspots for designation as heritage sites IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/national-biodiversity-authority-releases-rs-136-crore-to-up-maharashtra-644750.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 18:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/mecos-4-to-spotlight-seafood-industry-challenges-and-opportunities-644754.html Kochi Oct 24 The fourth edition of the International Symposium on Marine Ecosystem MECOS4 scheduled from November 46 in Kochi will feature a dedicated industry meet aimed at addressing critical issues in seafood production and allied sectors Organised jointly by the Marine Biological Association of India MBAI and the ICARCentral Marine Fisheries Research Institute CMFRI MECOS4 will serve as a platform to discuss both challenges and emerging opportunities in Indias marine fisheries sectorThe industry meet a key session within the symposium will bring together leading stakeholders from the seafood trade aquaculture hatcheries feed industries ornamental fish trade marine ecotourism and environmental educationThe session scheduled for 10 am on November 5 will focus on experience sharing identifying operational gaps and formulating a roadmap for sustainable growth across the sectorCMFRI Director Grinson George highlighted that the session aims to strengthen collaboration between farmers exporters and input suppliers bridging the gap between production and market requirementsWith global seafood markets becoming more competitive and sustainability standards tightening these discussions are expected to enhance Indias export resilience boost aquaculture output drive technological adoption and promote climatesmart practices he saidThe deliberations will specifically address pressing issues such as the impact of US tariffs on seafood exports and the absence of comprehensive policies in maricultureRepresentatives from major export houses the Seafood Exporters Association of India SEAI aquaculture feed and fish meal industries pet feed manufacturers marine sports and ecotourism operators and government agencies are expected to participateIn addition MECOS4 will host an exhibition showcasing cuttingedge technologies in farming hatchery production feed management value addition and processing equipmentThe exhibition aims to provide stakeholders across the value chain with valuable insights and practical solutions to enhance efficiency and competitivenessBy combining scientific insights with industry perspectives MECOS4 is positioned to strengthen Indias marine ecosystem knowledge base while supporting the sustainable growth of the countrys seafood sector IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/mecos-4-to-spotlight-seafood-industry-challenges-and-opportunities-644754.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 18:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/west-africas-environmental-integrity-threatened-by-chinese-projects-report-644800.html Abuja Oct 24 Chinese infrastructure and mining ventures in West Africa have penetrated previously undisturbed forest and conservation areas fragmenting habitats and undermining the ecological integrity of vital landscapes a report has highlighted Citing a report by the American think tank Atlantic Council titled Chinese Demand for Timber and Wildlife in West Africa Responding to the Environmental and Social Impacts Ugandabased media outlet PML Daily detailed that these developments often weaken communitybased forest management practices and marginalise local communitiesEnvironmentalists in West Africa have raised serious concerns over widespread deforestation driven by the growing demand from Chinese suppliers operating across the globe Recently the Ogun State government in Nigeria sealed five Chinese companies and arrested several officials for allegedly assaulting and inflicting bodily harm on enforcement officers carrying out their duties the report mentionedEarlier these companies had been sealed for committing serious environmental violations including improper waste disposal open waste burning and refusal to engage governmentrecognised waste collectors Such incidents are not isolated to Nigeria but are increasingly common across the entire West African region it emphasisedAccording to the report the primary concern is illegal logging especially of rosewood and other valuable timber across Nigeria Ghana Gambia Mali Cote dIvoire Sierra Leone and Liberia which has led to widespread deforestation including in protected areasDriven largely by Chinese demand it said rosewood has become the worlds most trafficked illegal wildlife product by both value and volume exceeding ivory and rhinoceros horn combinedIronically the environmental costs have far outweighed the economic benefits Largescale land acquisitions and infrastructure projects have led to forest conversion eroded community land rights and endangered numerous species the report highlightedIn countries such as Ghana Liberia Nigeria Côte dIvoire and Sierra Leone Chinese firms are frequently associated with both legal and illicit timber operations In addition Chinesebacked agribusiness ventures particularly in rubber and palm oil have resulted in extensive land acquisitions and deforestation undermining traditional land tenure systems and disrupting local livelihoods it addedThe report stated that the evidence from across West Africa shows how Chinas unchecked exploitation of forests minerals and wildlife has inflicted severe environmental damage and destabilised local communitiesIt further said that with China strengthening its diplomatic and economic control West African nations must urgently come together and take a firm standIt is high time these countries confront Beijing directly and demand an immediate halt to the destruction of their natural resources If China refuses to cooperate West African governments must raise the matter at global forums ensuring that the world recognises and responds to this growing ecological and humanitarian crisis the report noted IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/west-africas-environmental-integrity-threatened-by-chinese-projects-report-644800.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 22:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/bengal-three-killed-in-elephant-attacks-in-last-24-hours-644586.html Kolkata Oct 23 Three persons including one woman and a child have been killed in two separate incidents of elephant attack in West Bengal during the last 24 hours The deaths have been reported from the Alipurduar district in North BengalAccording to state forest department officials the first casualty because of the elephant attack took place at Madarihat area in Alipurduar district when a person returning home was suddenly attacked by an elephant on the road adjacent to the Jaldapara National Park The person killed in the attack has been identified as Kader Ali a resident of the Chekamari areaHe was severely injured in the elephant attack and was immediately rushed to Madarihat Rural Hospital by the local villagers where he died soon afterThe second incident took place early Thursday morning Thursday morning at Madhya Khayerbari area also in Alipurduar district One lady Sonia Munda was sitting in front of her house along with her 18monthold daughter Lakshmi Munda when suddenly an elephant came out of the jungle there and attacked them Both of them died on the spotThe local people claimed that for quite some time now the elephants have been coming to the localities adjacent to the jungle and often attacking the people At the time they were even destroying the residential huts of the local people which had left the people in the regionThe local people have also complained that although they have approached the state forest department officials several times for action to prevent the elephants from coming to the localities from the jungles their pleas have been ignored by the department officialsAs per the data of the Union Ministry of Environment Forest amp Climate Change a total of 436 individuals were killed in West Bengal during the period from 2019 to 2024 the latest availableShrinking forest areas coupled with an increase in elephant population are considered the most important factors behind frequent humanelephant conflict in West BengalA number of mitigation initiatives including building elephant corridors using physical barriers like fencing and forming committees to coordinate elephant movement have been taken to bring down instances of such conflict IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/bengal-three-killed-in-elephant-attacks-in-last-24-hours-644586.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/govt-company-responses-to-super-emitter-alerts-went-up-tenfold-un-environment-644375.html Nairobi Oct 22 Government and industry responses to UNEPs more than 3500 satellite methane alerts climbed from 1 to 12 per cent in the past year Nevertheless action must accelerate to minimise global temperature rise and achieve the Global Methane Pledge goal of curbing methane emissions 30 per cent by 2030 a new UN Environment Programme UNEP report said on Wednesday Historically emission inventories have underestimated methane emissions making realworld data a critical tool to track and reduce this potent driver of global warmingThe fifth edition of the UNEPs International Methane Emissions Observatory IMEO publication An Eye on Methane From measurement to momentum finds that member oil and gas companies of IMEOs Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 20 OGMP 20 are set to track onethird of emissions from global production using realworld measurementsWhile government and company responses to alerts from IMEOs Methane Alert and Response System MARS have grown tenfold over the previous year nearly 90 per cent remain unansweredAtmospheric methane continues to be the secondbiggest driver of climate change after carbon dioxide responsible for about onethird of the planets warmingReducing methane emissions can quickly bend the curve on global warming buying more time for longterm decarbonisation efforts so it is encouraging that datadriven tools are helping the oil and gas industry to report on their emissions and set ambitious mitigation targets said Inger Andersen Executive Director of UNEPHowever to keep the Paris Agreement targets within reach the important progress on reporting must translate into cuts to emissions Every company should join the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 20 and both governments and operators must respond to satellite alerts then they must act to reduce emissions said AndersenThe OGMP 20 is the worlds global standard for methane emissions measurement and mitigation in the oil and gas sector It provides the foundation of methane regulations in the worlds largest buying market the European Union Over the past five years OGMP 20 membership has more than doubled to 153 companies in the countries covering 42 per cent of global oil and gas productionIn total onethird of global oil and gas production reports or will soon report emissions at OGMP 20s Gold Standard meaning emissions are tracked with realworld measurements This positions a large amount of the global industry to effectively measure and thus mitigate emissionsOf the companies that reported emissions data 65 companies representing 17 per cent of global oil and gas production achieved Gold StandardSome 50 companies representing a further 15 per cent achieved Gold Standard Pathway meaning these companies are on track to soon reach Gold Standard reporting Another 22 companies reported emissions data but did not meet Gold Standard requirements IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/govt-company-responses-to-super-emitter-alerts-went-up-tenfold-un-environment-644375.html Thu, 23 Oct 2025 00:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/public-barred-from-visiting-dams-lakes-in-tn-amid-rising-monsoon-inflows-644435.html Chennai Oct 23 The Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department WRD has imposed a statewide ban on public entry near dams reservoirs and lakes under its jurisdiction as heavy inflows continue due to the intensifying northeast monsoon The precautionary measure comes amid concerns over public safety as many water bodies have begun to fill rapidly prompting controlled releases from several key damsAccording to official sources there are 90 major dams and 14141 lakes across Tamil Nadu that are maintained by the WRDWith persistent monsoon rain lashing various parts of the state inflow into reservoirs has increased sharply in districts such as Salem Erode Theni Madurai Tiruvannamalai Coimbatore and TiruvallurAuthorities have begun to release surplus water from many of these dams to ensure their structural safety and prevent possible overflow Traditionally people from nearby areas visit these sites with their families to witness the scenic release of water or admire the sight of reservoirs at full capacity However officials said such practices have become increasingly dangerous during the monsoon seasonEven a minor slip or sudden rise in water level can lead to tragic accidents Hence for safety reasons the department has prohibited the public from approaching dams lakes and other water sources a senior WRD official statedThe department has also requested police protection for major reservoirs that have been receiving heavy inflows Security has been stepped up particularly around critical water sources that supply drinking water to Chennai including Chembarambakkam Poondi Puzhal and Cholavaram lakes These four reservoirs located in the Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur districts are now under roundtheclock surveillance with police personnel deployed in shifts to maintain security and prevent unauthorised accessOfficials said that signboards and barricades have been installed at the entry points of several dams warning the public not to enter restricted zonesThe WRD has coordinated with district administrations and police departments to ensure that safety guidelines are strictly enforced Residents living in lowlying areas downstream of rivers such as Adyar Kosasthalaiyar and Vaigai have been advised to remain cautious as sudden releases of water from upstream dams may cause water levels to rise unexpectedlyThe department reiterated that its decision was purely preventive and urged citizens to cooperate fully during the ongoing monsoon period IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/public-barred-from-visiting-dams-lakes-in-tn-amid-rising-monsoon-inflows-644435.html Thu, 23 Oct 2025 09:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/heavy-rain-in-andhra-pradesh-cm-naidu-reviews-situation-from-dubai-644496.html Amaravati Oct 23 With heavy rain lashing parts of South Coastal Andhra and Rayalseema under the impact of lowpressure in the Bay of Bengal Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday reviewed the situation from Dubai The Chief Minister who is on a threeday visit to the United Arab Emirates UAE spoke to officials and directed them to remain alertCM Naidu spoke to Chief Secretary and Real Time Governance RTG officials on the situation in rainaffected Nellore Prakasam Bapatla Kadapa and Tirupati districts He ordered the state machinery to be on alert and take precautionsThe Chief Minister directed officials to send teams of National Disaster Response Force NDRF and State Disaster Response Force SDRF to the affected areas He asked officials to take measures to prevent loss of life and propertyHe asked the Revenue Disaster Police Irrigation Municipal and Electricity Departments to work in coordinationThe Chief Minister also asked the officials to shift people from lowlying areas to safer placesOfficials explained to the Chief Minister that control rooms have already been set up in South Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema districtsThe Chief Minister suggested strengthening weak areas to prevent the canal and pond banks from collapsing He also directed officials to set up medical camps to prevent the spread of infectious diseasesThe India Meteorological Department IMD has issued a red alert for the state as very heavy rain is likely in the next 24 hoursFlash floods are likely in Guntur Prakasam Nellore Chittoor and Kurnool districts and YanamMinister for Home and Disaster Management V Anitha has directed Irrigation officials to keep sandbags available along embankmentsShe said the state machinery should be on alert as another low pressure is expected to form next weekAccording Prakhar Jain MD Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority the Wellmarked lowpressure area over north coastal Tamil Nadu and neighbourhood has moved westnorthwestwards and now lies over north interior Tamil Nadu and adjoining areas It is likely to weaken into a lowpressure Area during the next 12 hoursIsolated heavy rainfall is likely over Chittoor Tirupati Nellore Prakasam and Kurnool districts on Thursday Moderate rainfall is likely at many places over South Coastal Andhra Pradesh and RayalaseemaWinds with a speed of 3040 kmph are likely along and off South Coastal Andhra Pradesh Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/heavy-rain-in-andhra-pradesh-cm-naidu-reviews-situation-from-dubai-644496.html Thu, 23 Oct 2025 13:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/unseasonal-rains-lash-valsad-imd-warns-of-heavy-showers-in-gujarat-644503.html Gandhinagar Oct 23 A sudden change in weather has brought rain and gusty winds to parts of Gujarat while the India Meteorological Department IMD has issued a forecast of heavy rainfall across Gujarat and southern India In South Gujarats Valsad district a shift in weather was recorded on Thursday where heavy downpours and strong winds created a situation resembling a mini cyclone Valsad city and surrounding areas including Dharampur and Kaprada witnessed intense rainfall Villages such as Phulwadi Jharia Bhensdhara Barolia Dhamni and Bilpudi reported torrential rains while strong winds damaged parts of the District Seva Sadan buildingLowlying areas in the city were inundated and farmers fear damage to winter crops due to unseasonal rainfall at the start of the new yearAccording to the IMD unseasonal rains are likely to continue in parts of South Gujarat Sabarkantha Mahisagar and Aravalli districts The intensity of rainfall is expected to increase from October 25 with heavy rains predicted over South Gujarat Saurashtra and KutchGujarat has recorded rainfall totaling about 90 per cent of the seasonal average up to August 31 since the onset of the southwest monsoon on June 15 Regionally South Gujarat and North Gujarat reported around 94 per cent of their typical rainfall while EastCentral districts saw about 89 per centEarlier in the season as of August 1 South Gujarat had received around 997 mm about 67 per cent of its seasonal average and North Gujarat 470 mm about 65 per centIn June and July together the state registered around 4505 mm of rainfall of which June alone contributed about 303 mm and July about 147 mm While the cumulative figures are reasonably close to average striking regional variation persists and there remains concern about unseasonal rainfall and potential crop damage as postmonsoon disturbances begin to affect the stateAs of August 2025 the SardarSarovarDam on the Narmada River was reported to be over 75 per cent full holding 252399 mcft of water Across the states approximately 206 other reservoirs storage averaged around 6962 per cent of capacity with 31 reservoirs at 100 per cent capacity 72 between 70100 per cent and 33 still below 25 per cent Earlier in the season by July 1 the major dams collectively held about 4868 per cent of their capacity Sardar Sarovar at 4823 per cent IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/unseasonal-rains-lash-valsad-imd-warns-of-heavy-showers-in-gujarat-644503.html Thu, 23 Oct 2025 14:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/heavy-rain-lashes-tn-weather-office-issues-orange-alert-in-11-districts-644247.html Chennai Oct 22 With the deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal expected to intensify into a wellmarked lowpressure area today several parts of Tamil Nadu have experienced heavy rainfall since early morning The Regional Meteorological Centre RMC in Chennai has issued multiple weather alerts across the state warning of very heavy to extremely heavy rain in several districtsAccording to the RMC the weather system currently lies over the southwest Bay of Bengal and is likely to move westnorthwestwards towards the northern Tamil Nadu Puducherry and southern Andhra Pradesh coasts over the next 24 hoursOfficials said the system may further strengthen and only by tonight will it be clear whether it could develop into a cyclonic stormAmudha head of the southern region of the Meteorological Department said the depressions core is expected to evolve into a lowpressure zone over the adjoining westcentral Bay of Bengal by this afternoonIts movement and intensity are being closely monitored The next 12 hours will be crucial in determining if the system intensifies into a cyclone she saidFollowing the departments forecast red alerts have been issued for Villupuram Chengalpattu Cuddalore and Mayiladuthurai districts which are expected to receive extremely heavy rainfallAn orange alert has been sounded for 11 districts including Chennai Thiruvallur Kancheepuram Ranipet Tiruvannamalai Kallakurichi Ariyalur Perambalur Thanjavur Tiruvarur Nagapattinam and Karaikal which are likely to receive very heavy rainfallMeanwhile the RMC warned that strong showers are expected in Salem Tiruchirappalli Vellore Tirupattur Dharmapuri and Pudukottai districtsFor Wednesday heavy rainfall is predicted in Chennai Chengalpattu Kancheepuram Thiruvallur and Ranipet while adjoining districts such as Vellore Tirupattur Tiruvannamalai Villupuram Kallakurichi Cuddalore and Puducherry are also likely to be affectedIn its latest update the RMC cautioned that moderate to heavy rain will continue for the next three hours across 14 districts including Chennai Thiruvallur Kancheepuram Chengalpattu Ranipet Tiruvannamalai Villupuram Cuddalore Kallakurichi The Nilgiris Tiruppur Erode Tirupattur and VelloreAuthorities have urged residents in lowlying and coastal areas to remain alert and avoid unnecessary travel as the northeast monsoon intensifies across the region IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/heavy-rain-lashes-tn-weather-office-issues-orange-alert-in-11-districts-644247.html Wed, 22 Oct 2025 08:46:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/chennai-police-on-high-alert-as-rain-intensifies-12-rescue-teams-deployed-644250.html Chennai Oct 22 With the northeast monsoon intensifying and relentless rain lashing the city Chief Minister MK Stalin has directed all departments to step up preventive and relief measures to handle potential flooding and related emergencies across Chennai Following the Chief Ministers instructions Chennai Police Commissioner M Arun has issued orders to mobilise extensive safety and rescue operations in vulnerable areas Under his supervision 12 specialised rescue teams have been formed each headed by a Deputy Commissioner of Police to coordinate immediate response efforts across the city According to police sources these rescue units comprise trained swimmers personnel from the National and State Disaster Response Forces and local volunteers experienced in flood relief The teams have been stationed strategically to ensure rapid deployment in case of waterlogging road blockages or emergency evacuations In addition to the rescue squads the city police have set up 39 dedicated control rooms to handle distress calls and coordinate emergency assistance Of these 23 mini control rooms have been established in South Chennai alone where several lowlying areas are vulnerable to inundation Dr Kannan Additional Commissioner of Police South Chennai said that citizens in distress can contact the police emergency helpline number 100 for immediate help Once we receive a call our rescue personnel will reach the affected spot without delay We are fully equipped to handle rainrelated emergencies he assured Senior officials from the Police Commissioners office confirmed that coordination with the Greater Chennai Corporation Fire and Rescue Services and disaster management teams is ongoing roundtheclock All necessary manpower equipment and vehicles are on standby Chennai Police are fully prepared to face the challenges posed by the heavy monsoon a senior officer said With forecasts predicting more downpour over the next 48 hours authorities have appealed to residents to avoid waterlogged zones and follow official advisories closely The city remains on alert with emergency teams maintaining a 24hour watch to safeguard lives and property IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/chennai-police-on-high-alert-as-rain-intensifies-12-rescue-teams-deployed-644250.html Wed, 22 Oct 2025 09:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/chennai-metro-rail-steps-up-flood-preparedness-as-northeast-monsoon-intensifies-644255.html Chennai Oct 22 With the northeast monsoon bringing heavy rainfall across the region the Chennai Metro Rail Limited CMRL has drawn up a comprehensive floodmitigation plan to protect both its operational network and ongoing construction sites The initiative aims to prevent waterlogging at key metro stations and safeguard expensive tunnelling machinery used for Phase2 expansionAccording to CMRL officials vulnerable stations in Phase1 and its extension including Government Estate Saidapet Teynampet St Thomas Mount Koyambedu Arumbakkam Tiruvottiyur and Toll Gate have been prioritised for enhanced flood protection measuresOver 1000 gunny bags 300 cement blocks and 20 fiftykilogram cement bags have already been stocked at these sites to prevent seepage and floodingT Archunan Director Projects CMRL said the agency has categorised its floodpreparedness efforts into four areas operational stations underconstruction sites vulnerable locations such as OMR and Porur junction and coordination with line departments like the Greater Chennai Corporation GCCWe have plans to mitigate flooding in all categories of sites Operational stations have been equipped with necessary materials and construction zones are being secured with retaining walls and pumping systems Coordination with GCC ensures rapid response in case of urban flooding he saidAt present tunnelling operations using Tunnel Boring Machines TBMs and work on retrieving and launching shafts are in progress at several underground locationsHeavyduty pumps have been deployed to prevent water ingress that could potentially damage machinery and lead to significant financial lossesIn addition CMRL has stationed 603 water pumps of various capacities across its Phase2 corridors to continuously monitor and dewater flooded zonesThe deployment covers all three major corridors Corridor3 Madhavaram Milk Colony to SiruseriSIPCOT Corridor4 Lighthouse to Poonamallee Depot Corridor5 Madhavaram Milk Colony to SholinganallurOfficials said the Metros floodresponse units are on roundtheclock alert working closely with civic agencies to ensure seamless operation even during heavy downpours IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/chennai-metro-rail-steps-up-flood-preparedness-as-northeast-monsoon-intensifies-644255.html Wed, 22 Oct 2025 12:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/sound-air-pollution-levels-exceed-limits-in-kolkata-as-firecracker-norms-flouted-644277.html Kolkata Oct 22 The people in Kolkata did not have any respite from the flouting of firecracker norms due to which sound and air pollution levels exceeded permissible limits even on Wednesday The norms of maintaining sound decibel limits at 40 in silence zones and 45 in the thickly populated pockets in the city witnessed rampant violations According to figures available till Wednesday morning the sound decibel limits ranged between 58 and 75 throughout Tuesday nightSimilarly the air pollution levels in different pockets of the city were also very high As per the Air Quality Index data collected from different monitoring stations in the city the AQI level at Victoria Memorial in the Maidan area considered to be the lungs of Kolkata was 259 by 11 pm on TuesdaySome other points in the city where the AQI level reached an alarming level were Jadavpur and Ballygunj both in South Kolkata with 204 and 169 respectivelyAs per AQI parameters the pollution levels both in Victoria and Jadavpur were in the purple or very unhealthy category where the risks of health effects increase for all categories of peopleIn the case of Ballygunge the level was in the red or unhealthy category where some people may experience health effects or those members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effectsEnvironmentalists feel that although there are many rules and penal provisions in West Bengal about the flouting of the firecracker norms the groundlevel implementation of these continues to be patheticThey feel that the actual crackdown should have been ahead of the festive season and that too against the illegal firecracker manufacturers They also feel that the police actions during the festive seasons are mainly restricted to confiscating illegal firecrackers But what is necessary feel environmentalists is a timely crackdown on the manufacturing bases of such illegal firecrackers and eliminating the problem at the root IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/sound-air-pollution-levels-exceed-limits-in-kolkata-as-firecracker-norms-flouted-644277.html Wed, 22 Oct 2025 12:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/flood-alert-issued-as-discharge-from-tns-chembarambakkam-poondi-dams-increases-644290.html Chennai Oct 22 Amid continuing heavy rainfall across the Chennai region the Water Resources Department WRD on Wednesday issued high alerts to residents living along the Adyar and Kosasthalaiyar Rivers as surplus water discharge from Chembarambakkam and Poondi reservoirs was significantly increased to ensure dam safety At Chembarambakkam Lake in Kancheepuram district the outflow was raised to 500 cubic feet per second cusecs from 10 am up from the earlier precautionary release of 100 cusecs initiated on October 21 Officials said the inflow into the reservoir which stood at 2170 cusecs at 6 am rose sharply following overnight rainfallThe lake which has a full capacity of 3645 million cubic feet mcft and a maximum depth of 24 feet recorded a storage level of 2084 feet 2815 mcft up from 1852 feet last weekThe WRD engineers said the release is part of the standard flood management protocol to keep levels within the safe 21foot limit Residents of lowlying areas downstream including Sirukalathur Kavanur Kundrathur Tirumudivakkam Vazhudiyampedu and Tiruneermalai have been advised to stay alert and shift to higher ground as the Adyar River level is expected to riseSimultaneously the WRD has intensified flood warnings for settlements along the Kosasthalaiyar River as Poondi Reservoir Sathyamoorthy Sagar stepped up discharge from 2000 to 4500 cusecs starting Wednesday morningThe Poondi reservoirs current storage stands at 2536 mcft 3305 feet against its full capacity of 3231 mcft 35 feet with inflow touching 2910 cusecs from catchment areas and feeder canals such as Kesavaram Dam and Kandaleru CanalVillages including Nambakkam Thamaraipakkam Thirukandalam Athur Pandikkavanur and Jagannathapuram along with Manali New Town and Sadayankuppam in the Manali zone have been placed on high alertThe WRD however assured that the precautionary releases were made in advance to maintain adequate buffer capacity in the citys major reservoirs Chembarambakkam Puzhal and Poondi thereby ensuring that even heavy rainfall would not result in uncontrolled floodingThere is no need for the public to panic as all flood regulation measures are being strictly followed said the Chief Engineer Chennai Region in a statementCoordination between the WRD district administrations and disaster response teams has been stepped up to ensure public safety and continuous monitoring of river flows IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/flood-alert-issued-as-discharge-from-tns-chembarambakkam-poondi-dams-increases-644290.html Wed, 22 Oct 2025 13:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/heavy-rain-submerges-paddy-crop-in-tns-thanjavur-farmers-fear-losses-644125.html Chennai Oct 21 Unseasonal and heavy rainfall over the past few days has severely damaged shortterm paddy crop in Tamil Nadus Thanjavur district leaving vast stretches of fields inundated just as they were ready for harvest The downpour has hit one of Tamil Nadus major riceproducing regions at a critical juncture putting hundreds of farmers on edge about potential crop lossesAccording to the Agriculture Department paddy was cultivated across 199 lakh acres during the Kuruvai season this year of which 165 lakh acres have already been harvested However standing crop in areas such as Orathanadu Thanjavur and Ammapettai remain exposed to waterlogging with an estimated 1500 acres of shortterm paddy now submergedThe rains have flattened large tracts of paddy with farmers unable to access the fields due to stagnant waterFarmers said the unexpected spell of rain could cause significant yield losses if the water does not drain soon The crop that was ready for harvest are now lying in water Even if we harvest now the grains will be of poor quality said several cultivators from OrathanaduThey added that government procurement centres had not begun operations on time forcing many to delay harvesting Agricultural experts warn that the longer the water remains the greater the damage to both grain quality and soil structureAs fields remain soaked the cost of hiring mechanical harvesters has also surgedFarmers point out that operating machinery on wet land is difficult and increases expenses significantly deepening their financial distressOfficials from the Revenue and Agriculture departments are assessing the extent of crop damageFarmer associations have urged the state government to announce relief measures and compensation for those affectedWith the Northeast Monsoon intensifying Thanjavurs farmers who form the backbone of Tamil Nadus delta rice belt now face the grim prospect of losing their entire shortterm paddy yield to natures fury IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/heavy-rain-submerges-paddy-crop-in-tns-thanjavur-farmers-fear-losses-644125.html Tue, 21 Oct 2025 10:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/air-quality-worsens-in-kolkata-as-firecracker-norms-flouted-644157.html Kolkata Oct 21 Indiscriminate bursting of firecrackers during Kali Puja has pushed the Air Quality Index AQI to unhealthy levels at various pockets in Kolkata Although the Kolkata Police had issued a circular fixing the timing of burning firecrackers between 8 pm and 10 pm on Monday for the two occasions of Kali Puja and Diwali the directive was blatantly violated in all corners of the cityBursting of firecrackers started as early as 5 pm on Monday and it continued much later after midnight The citys police directive banning burning of soundcrackers as per directives of the court was blatantly violated even on MondayThe worst AQI was reported from the New Town area in northern outskirts Kolkata where the PM 25 reached 199 which comes under the red or unhealthy category where some may experience health effects especially those people who are sensitive to air pollutionThe AQI level at Victoria Memorial which is located in the Maidan area considered to be the citys lungs reached 186 PM 25 The situation at Kolkataadjacent Belur in Howrah district was even worse at 364 The pollution level also increased considerably in other pockets of the city following violations of firecracker bursting normsSpeaking to IANS environmentalist and green technologist Somendra Mohan Ghosh said it is a matter of pity that the directive for limiting the timing for burning firecrackers between 8 pm and 10 pm was blatantly violated in all corners of the city with the administration taking no action He pointed out that the timing for burning of firecrackers was fixed as per the direction of the courtBetween 10 pm on Monday and 3 am on Tuesday the crackers were burnt in such a manner that people suffered badly Both the air pollution and sound pollution level increased tremendously in the city The sound AQI crossed the danger level he addedKolkata Police arrested 45 people for burning illegal firecrackers and disorderly conduct on the evening of Kali Puja on Monday an official of the city police said IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/air-quality-worsens-in-kolkata-as-firecracker-norms-flouted-644157.html Tue, 21 Oct 2025 14:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/post-diwali-aqi-in-punjab-haryana-drops-to-severe-hazardous-categories-644183.html Chandigarh Oct 21 After Diwali the air quality in most parts of Punjab and Haryana dropped to the severe and hazardous categories on Tuesday According to AQIin a platform monitoring air quality index AQI Chandigarh recorded poor air quality at 146 An AQI between zero and 50 is considered good 51 and 100 satisfactory 101 and 200 moderate 201 and 300 poor 301 and 400 very poor 401 and 450 severe and above 450 severe plusIn Punjab the AQI was registered at 209 in Ludhiana 225 in Amritsar 198 in Jalandhar 242 in Bathinda and 233 in Patiala In another agrarian state the AQI in Faridabad was 247 and 343 in Sonipat 201 in Karnal 328 in Bhiwani 247 in Jind and 279 in Charkhi Dadri Both Punjab and Haryana have been blamed for the rise in air pollution levels owing to farm firesHowever this year both Punjab and Haryana recorded much fewer farm fires compared to the previous years Punjab reported 45 incidents of stubble burning on Monday a slight decrease from the record 67 farm fires reported on October 19 the highest so far this seasonTarn Taran and Amritsar districts accounted for the majority of such cases according to the Punjab Pollution Control Board dataHaryana saw 30 farm fire cases till October 17 compared to 601 incidents during the same period last year The corresponding figures were 546 in 2023 330 in 2022 and 1026 in 2021 a consistent decline in the stubble burning practiceAs per districtwise data Jind has reported the highest number of cases nine followed by Sirsa and Sonepat with four each Faridabad three and Kaithal Panipat and Yamunanagar two eachStubble burning in Punjab and Haryana is often blamed for the rise in air pollution in DelhiNCR A pollution expert blamed the spike in AQI in Chandigarh to winds circulating over Punjab and Haryana carrying pollution from nearby areas that passed through Chandigarh IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/post-diwali-aqi-in-punjab-haryana-drops-to-severe-hazardous-categories-644183.html Tue, 21 Oct 2025 15:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/light-rain-predicted-in-parts-of-south-gujarat-imd-644208.html Ahmedabad Oct 21 The India Meteorological Department IMD has forecast light to moderate rain or thundershowers over the next few days in parts of South Gujarat and adjoining union territories According to the IMDs latest bulletin Dang Tapi Navsari Valsad and the UTs of Daman Dadra and Nagar Haveli may experience intermittent rainfall till October 25 while the rest of the state is expected to remain dryFrom October 25 onward weather conditions are likely to stabilise with dry weather prevailing across Gujarat Meteorologists attribute the unexpected postmonsoon showers to the presence of three active weather systems over the regionThese include a wellmarked lowpressure area over the southeast Arabian Sea a newly formed lowpressure area in the Bay of Bengal and an upperair cyclonic circulation persisting off the Kerala coastThe IMD on Tuesday observed that the lowpressure system over the southeast Arabian Sea was likely to intensify into a depression within 24 hours moving slowly westward Simultaneously under the influence of an upperair cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal another lowpressure area developed over the southwest Bay extending up to 76 km above mean sea level and is expected to strengthen further over the next 36 hoursIn addition a cyclonic circulation off the Kerala coast and a trough extending from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal continue to influence atmospheric conditions A separate system over northwest Rajasthan extending to central Madhya Pradesh and a Western Disturbance at midtropospheric levels roughly along longitude 66 degrees E and north of latitude 25 degrees N also remain activeOverall weather experts say South Gujarat could witness sporadic postmonsoon activity through the week before skies clear from October 26 onward marking the transition to a dry and stable early winter phase for the state Gujarat has recorded close to 90 per cent of its longperiod average LPA rainfall by the end of August with the total seasonal rainfall at around 79293 mm against a normal of below 882 mmAcross regions the percentages vary South Gujarat stands at 937 per cent of normal EastCentral at about 886 per cent Saurashtra at 843 per cent and Kutch at 851 per cent By early September some data suggest the statewide average had climbed above 100 per cent of LPA for example 10289 per cent as of a certain date with South Gujarat around 108 per cent North Gujarat at 107 per cent and Saurashtra at 91 per cent IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/light-rain-predicted-in-parts-of-south-gujarat-imd-644208.html Tue, 21 Oct 2025 17:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/delhis-air-pollution-levels-on-diwali-surge-to-dangerous-highs-report--644222.html New Delhi Oct 21 This Diwali surged to dangerous highs in the national capital with PM25 concentrations averaging 488 µgm3 post the festival of lights An analysis compiled by Climate Trends based on the data of the Central Pollution Control Board CPCB from 20212025 showed that Delhis air pollution levels on Diwali surged to dangerous highs with PM25 concentrations averaging 488 µgm3 postDiwali Over the fiveyear analysis data showed a consistent Diwalirelated pollution spike with PM25 values typically doubling or tripling during the festival of night and persisting through the next day Firecracker emissions remain the dominant cause of Delhis shortterm air quality collapse during the festive period What is particulate matter Airborne particulate matter PM is not a single pollutant but rather is a mixture of many chemical species It is a complex mixture of solids and aerosols composed of small droplets of liquid dry solid fragments and solid cores with liquid coatings The analysis says overall the data confirm a clear and consistent rise in PM25 levels around Diwali typically doubling or tripling from prefestival conditions and persisting into the following day Cooler nights and calm wind conditions during early winter months often lead to temperature inversion restricting vertical air mixing and trapping pollutants near the surface Evaluating hourly changes in PM25 and temperature patterns before during and after Diwali provides a clear picture of shortterm air quality deterioration and its relationship with local weather dynamics When examined together experts say PM25 and temperature data reveal a consistent pattern High emissions from fireworks and low nighttime temperatures jointly contribute to elevated PM25 concentrations The sharp postDiwali spikes indicate both sustained emissions and poor atmospheric dispersion Over the five years there is a slight downward trend in peak PM25 levels suggesting incremental improvement likely due to public awareness campaigns restrictions on fireworks and enforcement of pollution control measures Interestingly there is a 77 per cent decline in stubble burning incidents in 2025 compared to last year Responding to the analysis SK Dhaka Professor Rajdhani College with the University of Delhi said it is most likely that the high concentration of PM 25 is due to local emission of firecrackers in the different parts of the city on this auspicious Diwali festival night Wind speed is quite a low lower than one ms with a direction of north and northwest hence no chance to transport the pollutants from one place to another in a short span of a few hours of firecrackers burning he said Professor Dhaka said green firecrackers enhanced the particulate matter at a rapid rate and the pollution is of a local nature not transported from other places It suggests that we need to check the quality of the green firecrackers he added Aarti Khosla Director Climate Trends said that its disheartening that even after years of witnessing the harmful effects of burning firecrackers during Diwali people continue to deny the reality and repeat the same mistake As individuals we often overlook how severely this pollution impacts health especially that of children pregnant women the elderly and those who are unwell said Director Khosla IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/delhis-air-pollution-levels-on-diwali-surge-to-dangerous-highs-report--644222.html Tue, 21 Oct 2025 18:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/post-diwali-aqi-in-punjab-haryana-drops-to-severe-hazardous-categories-644231.html Chandigarh Oct 21 After Diwali the air quality in most parts of Punjab and Haryana dropped to the severe and hazardous categories on Tuesday According to AQIin a platform monitoring air quality index AQI Chandigarh recorded poor air quality at 146 An AQI between zero and 50 is considered good 51 and 100 satisfactory 101 and 200 moderate 201 and 300 poor 301 and 400 very poor 401 and 450 severe and above 450 severe plusIn Punjab the AQI was registered at 209 in Ludhiana 225 in Amritsar 198 in Jalandhar 242 in Bathinda and 233 in Patiala In another agrarian state the AQI in Faridabad was 247 and 343 in Sonipat 201 in Karnal 328 in Bhiwani 247 in Jind and 279 in Charkhi Dadri Both Punjab and Haryana have been blamed for the rise in air pollution levels owing to farm firesHowever this year both Punjab and Haryana recorded much fewer farm fires compared to the previous years Punjab reported 45 incidents of stubble burning on Monday a slight decrease from the record 67 farm fires reported on October 19 the highest so far this seasonTarn Taran and Amritsar districts accounted for the majority of such cases according to the Punjab Pollution Control Board dataHaryana saw 30 farm fire cases till October 17 compared to 601 incidents during the same period last year The corresponding figures were 546 in 2023 330 in 2022 and 1026 in 2021 a consistent decline in the stubble burning practiceAs per districtwise data Jind has reported the highest number of cases nine followed by Sirsa and Sonepat with four each Faridabad three and Kaithal Panipat and Yamunanagar two eachStubble burning in Punjab and Haryana is often blamed for the rise in air pollution in DelhiNCR A pollution expert blamed the spike in AQI in Chandigarh to winds circulating over Punjab and Haryana carrying pollution from nearby areas that passed through Chandigarh IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/post-diwali-aqi-in-punjab-haryana-drops-to-severe-hazardous-categories-644231.html Tue, 21 Oct 2025 18:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/gujarat-govt-announces-rs-947-crore-relief-package-for-farmers-hit-by-heavy-rains-644111.html Gandhinagar Oct 20 The Gujarat government has announced a Rs 947 crore agricultural relief package for farmers affected by heavy rains in August and September this year The decision taken under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel was announced by Agriculture Minister Jitu Vaghani who said the move reflects the governments continued commitment to farmer welfare Addressing the media Minister Vaghani said that Rs 563 crore will be disbursed under the State Disaster Response Fund SDRF norms while an additional Rs 384 crore will be provided from the state budget bringing the total to Rs 947 croreThe assistance will benefit farmers from five districts and 18 talukas covering nearly 800 villages that reported extensive crop damage due to excessive rainfall District administrations in Junagadh Panchmahal Kutch Patan and VavTharad conducted surveys confirming widespread losses in groundnut cotton millet fodder vegetables pulses and perennial crops like pomegranate Farmers in these regions will receive compensation based on SDRF and state normsUnder the relief norms farmers with over 33 per cent crop loss will receive Rs 12000 per hectare Rs 8500 under SDRF Rs 3500 from state funds for nonirrigated crops up to 2 hectares per account Rs 22000 per hectare Rs 17000 under SDRF Rs 5000 from state funds for irrigated crops up to 2 hectares per account Rs 27500 per hectare Rs 22500 under SDRF Rs 5000 from state funds for perennial horticultural crops up to 2 hectares per accountAdditionally recognising the recurring problem of waterlogging in lowlying areas of VavTharad and Patan the state government has announced a special flood mitigation project the first of its kind in GujaratAn initial provision of Rs 2500 crore has been made for the project with flexibility to expand the fund up to Rs 5000 crore if required Farmers in these regions will also receive Rs 20000 per hectare for land restoration work under a special state budget provisionMinister Vaghani said the decision came after a series of highlevel meetings convened by Chief Minister Patel even during the festive period to ensure no affected farmer is left behindThe Prime Minister has taken several steps to protect farmers interests Following his vision the Gujarat government remains steadfast in ensuring timely relief and longterm solutions for our farming community he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/gujarat-govt-announces-rs-947-crore-relief-package-for-farmers-hit-by-heavy-rains-644111.html Mon, 20 Oct 2025 22:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/during-diwali-perambur-in-tn-chooses-silence-to-protect-its-sacred-bats-644060.html Chennai Oct 20 As Diwali lights up Tamil Nadu with colour and sound the quiet village of Perambur near Kollidam in Tamil Nadus Mayiladuthurai stands apart not reverberating with fireworks but shrouded in silence For more than a century the villagers here have upheld a remarkable vow no bursting of crackers no burning of waste and no loud festivities Their reason is both simple and profound to protect hundreds of bats roosting in a sprawling banyan tree located about a kilometre away from the residential areaThe ancient banyan tree home to hundreds of fruit bats is central to the villages identity But it has now become a subject of gentle dispute among residents While one group wants to promote the bat grove as an ecotourism attraction that could generate local jobs others warn that increased human activity might disrupt the fragile ecosystem they have safeguarded for generations We dont want to lose the villages identity local farmer B Karthi said Even a little bit of smoke or noise will hurt the bats Many villagers treat the bats as sacred beings I havent burst a firecracker in 25 years said Brema Palani 48 who moved to the village from Salem after marriage Its not a restriction but a tradition Weve learned to respect itDespite growing curiosity among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts the site remains difficult to access The only way to reach it is by walking through kneedeep muddy fields along a narrow threefootwide path Villagers said a mud road once connected the grove to the village but was lost when farmers expanded their fields We have been asking officials to restore the road said a farmer Sirkazhi Forest Range Officer B Ayub Khan said officials are considering options carefully Laying a road straight to the tree will cause noise pollution A better approach would be to construct a road only up to 500 metres from the site and set up an observation zone for visitors and researchers he said However no formal plan has been drawn up yet Even as Deepavali festivities reverberate across Tamil Nadu Perambur continues to uphold its centuryold vow choosing silence over spectacle and reverence over revelry to ensure its winged inhabitants remain undisturbed IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/during-diwali-perambur-in-tn-chooses-silence-to-protect-its-sacred-bats-644060.html Mon, 20 Oct 2025 17:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/tns-mullaperiyar-river-overflows-several-villages-in-theni-inundated-harvest-destroyed-643865.html Chennai Oct 19 In what residents describe as the worst flood in three decades torrential rains and the overflowing Mullaperiyar River have inundated several villages in Tamil Nadus Theni district leaving behind widespread destruction and despair The swelling river breached its banks early Sunday morning flooding lowlying areas across Uthamapalayam Veerapandi Uppukottai and Palanichettipatti As the water level kept rising houses farmlands and roads were quickly engulfedLocals said the floodwaters entered residential zones within hours forcing many families to flee to higher ground The road leading to the famous Veerapandi Gowmariamman Temple was completely washed away cutting off access to the temple and nearby settlementsMore than 200 acres of paddy ready for harvest were submerged and standing crops of banana coconut and maize were also destroyed We were preparing for harvest next week but everything is gone said R Raman a farmer from Veerapandi looking at his flooded fields in disbeliefResidents reported that snakes and wild creatures were swept into the villages by the floodwaters adding to the panic Its terrifying especially for families with children We cant even step out without fear said Malathi a resident of UthamapalayamIn Anjaneya Nagar near Palanichettipalayam several homes were marooned prompting a dramatic rescue operation by the Fire and Rescue Services DepartmentUsing JCB machines and boats rescue teams evacuated stranded residents late into the night Local people blamed the scale of the disaster on the lack of preparedness by the authorities If precautionary steps had been taken when water levels began rising we wouldnt be facing such losses today said another residentOfficials from the Theni district administration said that relief and rescue operations are in full swing with temporary shelters being set up in schools and public halls However as heavy rain continues in the region fears of further flooding remain highThe Mullaperiyars overflowing fury has once again revived calls for a longterm flood management plan to protect the vulnerable villages along its banks IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/tns-mullaperiyar-river-overflows-several-villages-in-theni-inundated-harvest-destroyed-643865.html Sun, 19 Oct 2025 09:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/orange-alert-in-five-districts-as-heavy-rain-pounds-kerala-one-dead-643867.html Thiruvananthapuram Oct 19 With the onset of the northeast monsoon Kerala is reeling under heavy rainfall that has triggered flooding landslides and widespread damage across several regions The India Meteorological Department IMD has warned that the intense spell is likely to continue till Wednesday owing to a lowpressure area formed over the Arabian SeaThe IMD has issued an orange alert for five northern districts Idukki Malappuram Kozhikode Kannur and Kasaragod on Sunday while most other districts remain under a yellow alert except Thiruvananthapuram Kollam and AlappuzhaAuthorities have placed disaster management teams on high alert in the vulnerable zonesIn Idukki district heavy rain claimed one life at Kumily where Thankachan a resident of Parappally House died after his twowheeler skidded off the slippery road at Vellaramkunnu on Saturday night According to locals his vehicle rammed into a mound of mud formed after a landslideIsolated landslides were reported in other parts of Idukki causing roadblocks at Pathumuri in Vellaramkunnu Around midnight a large heap of mud slid onto the road We fear more such incidents if the rain continues a resident saidKumily recorded extremely heavy rainfall on Saturday night flooding several shops and lowlying areas Rivers in the district are overflowing after 13 spillway shutters of the Mullaperiyar dam were opened to release excess waterThe dams water level stood at 13920 feet with 8838 cubic feet per second cusecs of water being discharged officials saidIn Malappuram torrential rain inundated roads and nearly 50 houses at Vazhikkadavu Traffic was disrupted for more than an hour at Manimoola along the GudallurKozhikode roadFlooding was also reported from Randampadam Modapoyka and nearby areasLocals said the flooding occurred after the Karakodan Kalakkan and Athithode rivers overflowedIn Kochi roads around the South Railway Station were waterlogged following overnight rain However the situation began to ease by morning as the rainfall weakened and water started to recedeAuthorities have urged the public to stay alert avoid hilly terrains and follow safety advisories as heavy downpours are expected to persist over the next few days IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/orange-alert-in-five-districts-as-heavy-rain-pounds-kerala-one-dead-643867.html Sun, 19 Oct 2025 10:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/ahead-of-2026-un-biodiversity-summit-meetings-to-review-progress-to-halt-loss-643870.html New Delhi Oct 19 Delegates from 196 parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity CBD will gather in Panama City to discuss and deliberate related issues in two significant meetings from Monday to October 30 The first meeting named SBSTTA27 will prepare the first global review of progress in implementing the KunmingMontreal Global Biodiversity Framework KMGBF the historic agreement to halt and reverse biodiversity loss articulated around 23 action targets unanimously adopted by the parties in 2022The targets must be achieved by 2030 to put the world on the path to living in harmony with nature the vision adopted within the KMGBFSB8J1 the second meeting will see the Subsidiary Body on Article 8j and Other Provisions of the Convention meet for the first time marking a historic milestone for indigenous peoples and local communities as custodians of biodiversity and key actors in the endeavour to address the loss of biodiversity the foundation of all life on EarthThe two meetings bring together representatives of governments indigenous peoples and local communities scientists and representatives of civil society including women and youth groups to pave the way toward the 2026 UN Biodiversity Conference COP17 in Yerevan Armenia en route to the 23 goals of the KMGBF for 2030The Subsidiary Body on Scientific Technical and Technological Advice SBSTTA27 will review the draft outline of the first Global Report of Progress which will serve as a key input to COP17 and a second review at COP19 in 2030The global review represents a critical checkpoint for the world said CBD Executive Secretary Astrid SchomakerHealthy biodiverse ecosystems underpin every aspect of human life from food and water to medicine and climate regulation The global review will tell us how far we have come and how far we still have to go It will make clear whether parties are on track and where we must accelerate action to deliver on promises to safeguard the planets lifesupport systems said SchomakerAn advisory group has developed an annotated outline for the global report on collective progress towards the implementation of the frameworkThe outline provides a blueprint for how progress will be analysed how different sources of information will be pulled together and how the report can help in decisionmaking during the conventionThe global report will use national reports of the progress by each party which are due in February 2026 along with information in the NBSAPs and national targets and the best available science and dataThe Convention on Biological Diversity CBD is a multilateral treaty signed in 1992 that promotes the conservation of biodiversity the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources It is a legally binding agreement with three main objectives and is a key document for sustainable development The conventions Secretariat is in Montreal Canada IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/ahead-of-2026-un-biodiversity-summit-meetings-to-review-progress-to-halt-loss-643870.html Sun, 19 Oct 2025 10:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/assams-kaziranga-records-146-bird-species-in-latest-survey-643922.html Guwahati Oct 19 Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve KNPTR Indias seventh UNESCO world heritage site recorded a total of 146 bird species and 1919 individual birds in its latest bird survey officials said on Sunday A senior official said that the Kati Bihu Bird Count 2025 was successfully organised at Kaziranga on Saturday by the Assam Bird Monitoring Network ABMN in collaboration with the KNPTR authoritiesThe KNPTR official said that the bird surveys were conducted across five key locations Panbari Range Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary Panpur Gamiri Range both under the Biswanath Wildlife Division and Agoratoli RangeThe collective survey recorded a total of 146 bird species and 1919 individual birds with Agoratoli showing the highest diversity at 89 species followed by Gamiri and Panbari 59 species each Panpur 55 species and Laokhowa 37 speciesAmong the recorded species two were endangered Swamp Grass Babbler and Pallass Fish Eagle six were vulnerable River Tern Greater Spotted Eagle Slenderbilled Babbler Lesser Adjutant Great Hornbill and Swamp Francolin six were near threatened Woollynecked Stork Northern Lapwing Blossomheaded Parakeet Greyheaded Fish Eagle Spotbilled Pelican and River Lapwing while 132 species were of least concernAccording to the official the survey documented several important resident and migratory birds including Blueeared Barbet Bluethroat Greyheaded Lapwing Greyheaded Woodpecker Greater Rackettailed Drongo and Indian Spotbilled DuckIt also recorded Jerdons Baza Rubycheeked Sunbird Swamp Francolin Taiga Flycatcher Chestnutcapped Babbler Greater Spotted Eagle and Bluenaped PittaThe official said that the Kati Bihu Bird Count 2025 served as a significant citizen science initiative promoting inclusive communitybased conservation He added that the active participation of students youth birders and especially women forest staff demonstrated a growing commitment to wildlife conservation in AssamThe findings will contribute to longterm monitoring of bird populations and enhance understanding of habitat health in the Kaziranga landscape the official notedThe ABMN extended its sincere appreciation to all participants coordinators and the KNPTR authority for their support It also expressed heartfelt gratitude to Kaziranga National Park Director Sonali Ghosh for her encouragement and unwavering support which was instrumental in making the Kati Bihu Bird Count 2025 a successA total of 63 participants including bird enthusiasts students researchers and forest officials took part in the countThe event aimed to promote bird monitoring raise conservation awareness and encourage participation among local communities with a special focus on engaging women forest staff and the younger generationThe Bihu festivals of Assam are three major celebrations connected to the agricultural cycle Rongali or Bohag Bihu in April marking the Assamese New Year and spring Kongali or Kati Bihu in October a solemn occasion for seeking a good harvest and Bhogali or Magh Bihu in January a harvest festival marked by community feasts All three are celebrated with unique traditions such as the Bihu dance traditional music and festive delicacies IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/assams-kaziranga-records-146-bird-species-in-latest-survey-643922.html Sun, 19 Oct 2025 16:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/typhoon-fengshen-forecast-to-move-into-eastern-south-china-sea-643944.html Haikou Oct 19 Typhoon Fengshen the 24th typhoon of the year is expected to move into the eastern waters of the South China Sea around Sunday evening with its intensity gradually strengthening local authorities said The typhoon is forecast to reach peak intensity at the level of a severe tropical storm or typhoon with wind speeds ranging from 30 to 35 metres per second according to the meteorological bureau of south Chinas Hainan Province Xinhua News Agency reportedStarting from Tuesday influenced by a southwardmoving cold front the typhoon is expected to turn southwest over the northern waters of the South China Sea moving toward the sea area southeast of Hainan Island while gradually weakeningThe meteorological bureau issued a Level IV maritime typhoon warning at 1030 am Sunday while the Hainan provincial committee for disaster prevention mitigation and relief has activated a Level IV maritime typhoon emergency responseChina has a fourtier emergency response system with Level I being the most severe responseOn October 10 the Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority said that heavy rains and floods triggered by Typhoon Matmo have left 15 people dead and eight others injured across northern and northcentral VietnamMore than 225000 houses were submerged and over 1500 others severely damaged while about 24000 hectares of rice and other crops were inundated it said Nearly 587000 livestock and poultry were killed or swept awayThe typhoon also caused serious disruptions to transportation with 27 road sections blocked due to flooding and landslides it addedPower outages affected about 181000 households while telecommunications networks in several provinces remained partially disrupted according to the agencyVietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Thursday directed ministries and agencies to actively support local authorities in overcoming the aftermath of Typhoon Matmo Vietnam News Agency reported Friday IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/typhoon-fengshen-forecast-to-move-into-eastern-south-china-sea-643944.html Sun, 19 Oct 2025 18:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/manipur-witnessing-erratic-weather-patterns-says-guv-bhalla-643708.html Imphal Oct 17 Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla said on Friday that the impacts of climate change are being felt acutely in Manipur a state nestled in the eastern Himalayas and known for its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage Addressing the valedictory event of the Indian Himalayan Region Climate Change Conclave at the City Convention Centre in Imphal the Governor noted that the state is increasingly experiencing erratic weather patterns with 2024 recording unprecedented heat with Jiribam reaching 43 degree Celsius and rainfall becoming highly unpredictableAnnouncing the release of the updated State Action Plan on Climate Change he said that this must translate into real action and not remain merely a plan as it integrates districtlevel vulnerability assessments and aligns with national climate goalsGovernor Bhalla also highlighted key initiatives such as the Model CarbonPositive EcoVillage at Phayeng the Integrated Ecosystem Services Project at Nungkot Sarbel Machenpat in Andro conservation efforts at major wetlands including Loktak LakeHe also highlighted the Spring Rejuvenation Programme in Ukhrul Kamjong and Senapati where more than 490 natural springs have been mapped to strengthen water security and climate resilienceThe Governor stressed that these efforts reflect how policy science and community participation can work together to build resilience reaffirming the governments commitment to making climate action a core part of Manipurs development agendaThe twoday Indian Himalayan Region Climate Change Conclave organised by the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change served as a platform for research policy dialogue and knowledge sharing on climate change in the Himalayan regionPrincipal Secretary Environment and Climate Change Arun Kumar Sinha was also present at the eventThe conclave brought together around 400 participants including state government representatives from 12 Himalayan states independent researchers and experts line departments and agencies members of the scientific community private sector leaders NGOs civil society organisations and academic institutionsThe Governor visited the exhibitions and stalls set up as part of the conclave and appreciated the innovative initiatives and communityled efforts showcased thereHe also released five books State Action Plan on Climate Change Version 2 Wetlands of Manipur Version 11 Alien Species of Manipur Version 10 Springs of Manipur Version 10 and Manual on Phumdibased Floating Treatment Wetland SystemThe Governor inaugurated the State Environment and Climate Data Centre virtually as well IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/manipur-witnessing-erratic-weather-patterns-says-guv-bhalla-643708.html Sat, 18 Oct 2025 00:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/met-office-predicts-light-rain-for-next-two-days-in-south-bengal-kolkata-643793.html Kolkata Oct 18 The Met office on Saturday predicted light rain in six districts of south Bengal and over Kolkata in the next few days However there is less possibility of rain during Kali Puja and Diwali on Monday and Bhai Dooj on Thursday The Regional Meteorological Centre in Kolkatas Alipore on Saturday said the rain will occur due to the interaction of the southerly wind and the westerly wind As a result there is a possibility of rain with thunderstorms and lightning in six districts on Saturday and SundayRain is likely in the North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas districts on Saturday Similarly there is a possibility of rain in North 24 Parganas South 24 Parganas East Midnapore districts and Kolkata on SundayHowever the possibility of rain will decrease from Monday There is a possibility of clear weather on Kali Puja on Monday Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday Bhai dooj The moisture in the air will gradually decrease from MondayThe weather on festive days will remain clear There is less chance of rain on those days Rain is likely later today and tomorrow Rain is likely on Monday only in the coastal districts of South Bengal said an official of the Met departmentMeanwhile the minimum temperature in Kolkata was 246 degrees Celsius On Friday the maximum temperature in the city was 326 degrees Celsius Winds from the north have brought down the mercury in Kolkata and its adjoining areas which have also witnessed a dip in the minimum temperature of the dayMeanwhile there is a chance of rain in the hill districts of Darjeeling and Kalimpong of north Bengal later in the day On Sunday rain and thundershowers along with lightning are likely in some parts of Darjeeling Kalimpong and Jalpaiguri districts Not only rain but the possibility of fog will also increase in the hill areas including Darjeeling for the next few daysHowever the weather will clear in north Bengal from Monday IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/met-office-predicts-light-rain-for-next-two-days-in-south-bengal-kolkata-643793.html Sat, 18 Oct 2025 16:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/tn-pannerslevam-urges-urgent-relief-as-theni-reels-under-heaviest-rains-in-32-years-643820.html Chennai Oct 18 Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam criticised the DMK government for what he described as its complete failure to implement preventive measures ahead of the northeast monsoon which has caused severe flooding and crop damage in Theni district In a statement Panneerselvam said that ensuring public safety during the monsoon season providing relief to affected people and promptly distributing compensation for losses are among the governments primary responsibilities While everyone knows that the northeast monsoon is a major annual event in Tamil Nadu the governments lack of preparedness has led to widespread hardship for the people of Theni he said The former Chief Minister noted that the monsoon period from October 15 to December 31 typically brings several phases of heavy rain and recent forecasts had already issued a yellow alert for Theni Despite these clear warnings the government did not act he said According to his statement Theni district experienced its heaviest rainfall in 32 years on Friday Areas such as Cumbum Gudalur Uthamapalayam Chinnamanur Uppukottai and Kullapagoundanpatti are under flood threat Paddy fields ready for harvest in the Cumbum valley were submerged resulting in largescale crop loss Panneerselvam said the rising water level in the Mullaperiyar dam had damaged the bridge on the CumbumKaruvipatty road while overflow from the 18th canal and the Ekalooth stream had inundated residential areas in Kambam Mettu Colony Many residents were stranded inside their homes while hundreds of acres of farmland in the Gombai and Pannapuram areas were underwater He added that several incidents of infrastructure damage were reported a private school wall collapsed in Gudalur power generation at the Sirupunal hydro station was halted after floodwater entered the facility and thousands of poultry and cattle perished Despite this widespread devastation the government has failed to provide proper relief measures he said urging the Chief Minister to personally intervene He appealed for the immediate deployment of officials to floodaffected areas and called for adequate compensation to be provided to farmers poultry owners and cattle rearers on a war footing IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/tn-pannerslevam-urges-urgent-relief-as-theni-reels-under-heaviest-rains-in-32-years-643820.html Sat, 18 Oct 2025 19:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/de-watering-facility-in-amritsar-launched-to-remove-floodwater-from-fields-643823.html Amritsar Oct 18 Member of Parliament Rajya Sabha Vikramjit Singh Sahney on Saturday inaugurated a dewatering facility at Jattan village in Ramdas block of Amritsar that is aimed at removing floodwater from over 150 acres of agricultural land submerged during the recent floods The newly established system is supported by nearly a fourkmlong network of pipelines which will channel logged water out of the farmland enabling farmers to resume cultivation and protect soil productivity This initiative is undertaken by Vikramjit Singh Sahneys NGO Sun Foundation and is expected to bring major relief to dozens of families whose livelihoods were disrupted by prolonged waterlogging Sahney also distributed rehabilitation kits to affected families of the village which include beds mattresses kitchen sets furniture rations fogging machines etc Sahney stated that the dewatering project is a step towards restoring normalcy for the farmers No farmer should suffer due to natural calamities and timely action is essential to safeguard agricultural livelihoods He also reaffirmed his commitment to continuing similar interventions in other floodaffected areas of Punjab The residents and farmers extended their gratitude to Sahney for his prompt support The Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann this week gave a nod for enhancing the compensation for crop loss to farmers up to Rs 20 000 per acre A spokesperson for the Chief Ministers Office said that to provide adequate relief to the affected persons for crop loss and house damage caused by natural calamities the Cabinet also gave nod to expost facto approval regarding the revision of the rates of relief amount to be paid from the State Budget for crop loss and house damage As the state has faced severe floods so the relief amount was increased to Rs 10000 per acre for crop loss of 2675 per cent Rs 20000 per acre for crop loss of 76100 per cent and Rs 40000 per unit for partially damaged houses from the existing Rs 6500 Since the amount given from the SDRF State Disaster Response Fund by the government of India will not be increased this additional compensation will be provided by the state from its own treasury IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/de-watering-facility-in-amritsar-launched-to-remove-floodwater-from-fields-643823.html Sat, 18 Oct 2025 19:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/2025-marks-second-straight-year-of-above-normal-rainfall-experts-643631.html New Delhi Oct 17 The just concluded Southwest Monsoon was abovenormal rainfall to the tune of 108 per cent of the longperiod average This is the second consecutive year in the last decade to record above normal rains experts said on Friday In the past 10 years from 2016 five years have registered above normal rainfall two years recorded normal rainfall and three years witnessed below normal rainfall Climate change has a critical role in driving the rainfall on the higher side according to experts India Meteorological Department IMD classifies normal rains when the actual monsoon is between 96104 per cent of the longperiod average while rains over 104 per cent are classified as abovenormal However increasing variability of rainfall continued to dominate the fourmonthlong season Out of 36 meteorological subdivisions in the country 19 subdivisions recorded normal rainfall constituting 46 per cent of the area of the country Twelve subdivisions recorded excess rainfall covering 35 per cent of the area of the country and two subdivisions saw large excess rainfall constituting 10 per cent of the area Only three subdivisions witnessed deficient rainfall amounting to an area of nine per cent Of Indias 727 districts 328 recorded normal rainfall this season 186 saw excess and 67 reported large excess while 134 faced a deficit and another 67 experienced severe shortfall According to meteorologists the rainfall data over the years clearly shows that most of the rainfall is realised in the form of heavy rainfall The data depicted below shows that most of the rainfall in the past 12 years has shown an upward trend Monsoon seasons are not the same anymore The last 10 years have recorded normal to above normal rainfall with the latter being more prominent Monsoon amplification and intensification are directly linked to global warming Global warming has become the biggest driver of the monsoon now said KJ Ramesh former Director General with the IMD The influence of El Niño and La Niña has been decreasing in the global warming era The number of rainy days has decreased but the quantum of rainfall has increased Daily quantum of rainfall has undergone a significant change Ramesh added Mahesh Palawat Vice President Meteorology and Climate Change with Skymet Weather said the behavioural pattern of monsoon systems has changed drastically altering rainfall patterns as well We now see lowpressure areas spending more numbers of days than their average period over the land and that too maintaining their strength This is mainly because of the increased and continuous moisture feed over the land as well Not just extreme rainfall events have increased but there has also been a rise in cloudburstlike conditions as well This was not the case earlier he explained IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/2025-marks-second-straight-year-of-above-normal-rainfall-experts-643631.html Fri, 17 Oct 2025 18:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/andhra-pradesh-cm-for-steps-to-prevent-misuse-of-free-sand-policy-643703.html Amaravati Oct 17 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday directed officials to take strict measures to prevent misuse of the free sand policy by some vested interests Conducting a review of the mining sector with officials at the Secretariat the Chief Minister asked them to follow the people first principle in the implementation of the free sand policyAs the officials informed the Chief Minister that 43 lakh tonnes of sand were available in the state he directed the officials to tighten vigil on sand smuggling by setting up CCTV cameras at state borders He said that the distribution system of free sand should be monitored through the Real Time Governance Society RTGSThe officials informed the Chief Minister that a target was set for a revenue of Rs 3320 crore through mining during the 202526 financial year They said when compared to previous years there is a chance of 34 per cent additional revenue through mines this year The revenue through manganese will be highest at 74 per centCM Chandrababu Naidu stressed the need for value addition to mining produce He mentioned Odisha has been getting Rs 50000 crore through mining aloneHe was of the view that if a vision plan was developed Andhra Pradesh could get additional revenue of Rs 20000 to Rs 30000 crore He directed the officials to clear 6500 pending applications for mining leasesThe Chief Minister directed the officials to prepare guidelines to lease 15 per cent of mines to the Vaddera community He said that a 50 per cent subsidy should be given to the Vaddera community in seigniorage and premium to upgrade them to set up MSMEsHe said officials should verify the possibility of raw material supply to the Kadapa steel plantHe stressed the need for utilising technology for monitoring mining activities He said satellite pictures and drones should be used for analysis on miningMinister for Mining Kollu Ravindra and officials were present IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/andhra-pradesh-cm-for-steps-to-prevent-misuse-of-free-sand-policy-643703.html Fri, 17 Oct 2025 23:46:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/delhis-air-quality-dips-ahead-of-diwali-aqi-levels-in-very-poor-category--643546.html New Delhi Oct 17 The capital is raring for Diwali celebrations this weekend The permission for bursting green firecrackers this Diwali has added zing to the excitement and festive mood However the dipping air quality ahead of the festival is threatening to play spoiler Air quality in the capital as well as the National Capital Region NCR has fallen to the very poor category creating concerns for both the public and the administrationAccording to the Central Pollution Control Board CPCB the Air Quality Index AQI was measured at 367 this morningMany parts of the DelhiNCR region registered air quality below substandard levels this morning Ghaziabad remained the most polluted city followed by Noida and DelhiIn Ghaziabad the AQI reached 301 which is considered very poor Loni area recorded AQI of 352 very close to the severe category while Sanjay Nagar recorded an AQI of 288 Indirapuram 280 and Vasundhara 284PM10 levels also reached 307 levels on October 16 254 on October 15 and 261 on October 14The situation in Noida was no better Sector 125 recorded AQI of 337 Sector 116 recorded AQI of 269 Sector 1 recorded an AQI of 257 while Sector 62 recorded an AQI of 218The situation in Delhi was also concerning According to the official data the Anand Vihar area recorded the worst air quality this morning with AQI hitting 365 falling in the severe category The AQI was recorded at 333 in Wazirpur 306 in Bawana and 283 in MundkaNotably the AQI reading is categorised under various categories as Good 050 Satisfactory 51100 Moderately Polluted 101200 Poor 201300 Very Poor 301400 and Severe 401500The Meteorological Department and environmental experts believe that slow wind speeds and dropping temperatures are the main reasons behind pollutants filling the air making it toxic particularly for the elderly and children IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/delhis-air-quality-dips-ahead-of-diwali-aqi-levels-in-very-poor-category--643546.html Fri, 17 Oct 2025 12:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/northeast-monsoon-begins-in-tn-orange-alert-in-four-districts-643333.html Chennai Oct 16 The Northeast monsoon officially commenced in Tamil Nadu on Thursday bringing widespread showers across several parts of the state The Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai issued an orange alert for Theni Tenkasi Tirunelveli and Ramanathapuram districts warning of very heavy rainfall at isolated placesHeavy rain has been forecast for Kanyakumari Thoothukudi Virudhunagar Madurai Sivaganga Dindigul Tiruppur Coimbatore Nilgiris and Erode districtsThe weather office said rain intensity is expected to increase gradually spreading toward the northern and delta districts as the system strengthens over the Bay of Bengal Districts including Kallakurichi Villupuram Chengalpattu Kanchipuram Chennai Tiruvallur Cuddalore Mayiladuthurai Nagapattinam Tiruvarur Thanjavur and Pudukkottai are likely to receive moderate to heavy rainOfficials have warned that lowlying areas may face waterlogging and traffic disruptions if heavy downpours continue through the nightIn Tirunelveli several areas have remained submerged after three days of relentless rain The Chellapandian flyover at Washermanpet was inundated disrupting vehicular movement for hoursMunicipal and road workers were engaged in clearing stagnant water from key roads and residential areas Officials said continuous rain in the Western Ghats has caused flooding in the Nambiyar River which in turn has affected nearby farmlands leaving many paddy fields underwaterDue to the ongoing rain and waterlogging District Collectors in Tirunelveli Thoothukudi and Tenkasi announced a oneday holiday for all schoolsTirunelveli Collector Sukumar said the decision was taken in view of heavy overnight rainfall that made commuting unsafe for studentsRamanathapuram district has also been placed under high alert as rain continues to lash coastal and inland regionsThe Meteorological Department has advised fishermen to stay ashore as strong winds and rough sea conditions are expected along the Tamil Nadu coastDisaster management teams have been stationed in vulnerable areas and the public has been urged to remain cautious over the next few days as intermittent heavy spells are expected to continue with the active onset of the Northeast monsoon IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/northeast-monsoon-begins-in-tn-orange-alert-in-four-districts-643333.html Thu, 16 Oct 2025 08:46:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/tns-madurantakam-lake-restoration-nears-completion-revival-to-boost-irrigation-643343.html Chennai Oct 16 The centuryold Madurantakam lake in Chengalpattu district one of Tamil Nadus largest and most historic waterbodies is nearing the end of its massive restoration effort with officials confirming that nearly 95 per cent of the work has been completed The Rs 163crore project is expected to be fully operational by February 2026 Constructed in the 10th century by King Uthama Chozhan the Madurantakam lake spans around 4752 acres and once held a full storage capacity of 234 feetIt has long been a crucial irrigation source for about 2853 acres of farmland across 36 villages including Valarpirai Mullai Kadaperi Vilagam and Mukkancherry However decades of silt accumulation had drastically reduced the lakes waterholding capacity causing even 10 feet of water to appear fullResponding to repeated demands from local farmers and environmentalists the state government sanctioned Rs 120 crore for the lakes restoration in 2021 with work commencing the following year Later an additional Rs 43 crore was allocated for constructing a 12shuttered surplus sluice gate to manage inflows and prevent floodingAccording to engineers from the Water Resources Department WRD the upgraded system features 12 automated shutters spanning 144 metres powered by electric motorsThese gates will regulate both water storage and release ensuring effective flood control and increased irrigation potentialTrial operations to release water through the new gates are currently underway aided by the steady inflows from the northeast monsoonThe initial tests of the automated gates have been successful and the lake is already receiving healthy inflows a senior WRD official said Once completed this project will restore the lakes full capacity help recharge groundwater and significantly benefit paddy cultivation in the regionBefore restoration the reservoirs capacity stood at 694 million cubic feet mcft Upon completion the modernised Madurantakam lake will be capable of storing up to 1000 mcft of water annually a nearly 45 per cent increase in capacityOfficials added that by February 2026 the lake will be fully functional for agricultural and public use marking the revival of a waterbody that has served as a lifeline for generations of farmers in Chengalpattu IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/tns-madurantakam-lake-restoration-nears-completion-revival-to-boost-irrigation-643343.html Thu, 16 Oct 2025 09:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/air-pollution-dips-to-very-poor-in-delhi-ncr-ahead-of-diwali-643374.html New Delhi Oct 16 Air pollution levels in DelhiNCR have turned into the very poor category raising serious public health concerns even before the Diwali festivities Data recorded on Thursday morning shows that air quality in several parts of Delhi Ghaziabad and Noida has deteriorated further surpassing even some of the previous most polluted areasThe Air Quality Index AQI in many localities has breached the 300 mark placing them in the very poor category The AQI between 301 and 400 is considered very poorIn Ghaziabad Loni reported an AQI of 339 the highest in the entire region Other areas like Vasundhara and Indirapuram recorded AQIs of 287 while Sanjay Nagar stood at 260In neighbouring Noida the situation was equally alarming Sector 125 reported an AQI of 358 Sector 116 recorded 334 Sector 1 was at 257 and Sector 62 registered 207Delhi too continued to battle thick pollution Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 335 Wazirpur 337 Bawana 281 and Mundka 297 all falling in the poor to very poor rangeWhile some parts of the capital showed marginally better air quality the overall picture remains grim across the NCRIn response to the worsening air quality authorities have implemented the first phase of the Graded Response Action Plan GRAP which includes restrictions such as halting construction and demolition work and banning the use of diesel generatorsOfficials warned that if pollution levels continue to rise the second phase of GRAP with more stringent curbs could be enforced soonExperts have attributed the spike in pollution to high concentrations of ozone and PM10 both of which were identified as the major pollutants this month Weather conditions such as low wind speed and temperature inversion also prevent pollutants from dispersingHealth experts have issued a warning stating that air quality in the very poor category can have serious health effects especially for children the elderly and those with respiratory or cardiac conditionsCitizens have been advised to minimize outdoor exposure wear protective masks and use air purifiers indoorsWith Diwali still a few days away the toxic air has raised concerns among citizensAuthorities have appealed to residents to strictly follow pollutioncontrol measures and government advisories to cope with the rising pollution level in the city IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/air-pollution-dips-to-very-poor-in-delhi-ncr-ahead-of-diwali-643374.html Thu, 16 Oct 2025 12:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/adani-green-energy-gallery-at-uks-science-museum-draws-a-million-visitors-10-000-students-643457.html London Oct 16 Energy Revolution The Adani Green Energy Gallery an awardwinning free gallery at the Science Museum has welcomed one million visitors including over 10000 students since its launch last year said the company on Thursday The gallery is dedicated to examining the rapid energy transition and decarbonisation needed to limit climate changeIt features striking displays of contemporary and historic objects engaging digital exhibits and specially commissioned models which together show how the past present and future of energy systems are shaped by human imagination and innovationWe are honoured to witness Energy Revolution The Adani Green Energy Gallery inspiring a million minds and igniting conversations around sustainability and innovation At Adani Green Energy we believe that a sustainable future is rooted in bold innovation and collective action This milestone reflects the shared commitment to shaping a greener tomorrow and showcases the power of education in driving meaningful change said Sagar Adani Executive Director Adani Green EnergyWe congratulate the Science Museum Group on achieving this significant landmark and are proud to support a gallery that continues to trigger curiosity and nurture solutions for a cleaner more resilient world he addedThe gallery which highlights technologies and projects from the UK and abroad from hydrogen power on Orkney to terracotta aircooling façades in India and solar farms in Morocco is popular with both families and school groups More than 10000 students have now explored the gallery as part of educational visits since it opened the company saidWe are delighted to have welcomed a million visitors to this stunning gallery helping ignite curiosity among those who visit and sparking conversations about the need to generate and use energy more sustainably Reaching this impressive milestone is a testament to the gallerys awardwinning design and the stories behind the remarkable objects on display said Sir Ian Blatchford Chief Executive and Director of the Science Museum GroupBlatchford also expressed gratitude to Adani Green Energy one of the worlds leading renewable energy companies for their generous sponsorship which made the gallery possibleThe free gallery opened at the Science Museum on March 24 last year on Level 2 in the West HallDesigned by architect and design studio Unknown Works the Gallery recently received a Retrofit and Reuse Award from the Architects Journal for its sustainable approach to design and installation IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/adani-green-energy-gallery-at-uks-science-museum-draws-a-million-visitors-10-000-students-643457.html Thu, 16 Oct 2025 16:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/tn-relaxes-coastal-aquifer-zone-rules-to-allow-white-industries-643094.html Chennai Oct 15 The Tamil Nadu government has amended its development regulations for sensitive aquifer recharge zones along Chennais southern coast allowing the establishment of white industries in areas previously restricted to smallscale and cottage activities The change announced through a recent Government Order issued by the Housing and Urban Development Department marks a significant shift in landuse policy for one of the citys most ecologically critical regionsWhite industries are classified as those with negligible or no adverse impact on the environmentEarlier regulations had permitted only limited nonhighrise developments such as small residential buildings consulting offices petty shops schools hostels and cottage industries employing up to eight workers using machinery of less than five horsepowerThe revised norms now expand the permissible scope to include lowpollution industries such as bicycle assembly biofertiliser and biopesticide units without inorganic chemicals cotton and woollen hosiery manufacturing light engineering and fabrication workshops leather cutting and stitching units vehicle scrap collection centres finished leather goods manufacturing and used cooking oil collection facilitiesAccording to official data there are 609 categories of industries classified as whiteThe government has presented the move as part of its industrial facilitation agenda aimed at promoting environmentally compliant enterprises in suitable zones However experts have cautioned that such expansion in fragile aquifer areas could threaten Chennais groundwater sustainability particularly along the coast where saltwater intrusion remains a persistent problemUnder the Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules 2019 aquifer recharge areas identified for their high groundwater potential are designated as restricted zones for construction These include coastal villages such as Kottivakkam Palavakkam Neelankarai Okkiam Thuraipakkam Injambakkam Karapakkam Sholinganallur and Uthandi in south ChennaiThese zones form part of the citys vital groundwater recharge belt and serve as key sources for its water supplyIn May this year the state had already exempted whitecategory industries from obtaining mandatory clearances from the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board Studies by the Centre for Urbanisation Buildings and Environment have shown that the nodevelopment zone between Thiruvanmiyur and Uthandi has reduced by nearly 250 acres since 2011 largely due to construction and landuse changes further straining the coastal aquifers that protect the citys freshwater reserves IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/tn-relaxes-coastal-aquifer-zone-rules-to-allow-white-industries-643094.html Wed, 15 Oct 2025 11:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/sc-permits-sale-use-of-green-crackers-in-delhi-ncr-during-diwali-643125.html New Delhi Oct 15 As a reprieve the Supreme Court on Wednesday permitted the sale and bursting of green crackers in Delhi and the adjoining NCR region from October 18 to 21 A bench of Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran passed the order in response to the Delhi governments plea seeking permission to allow the use of certified green firecrackers to celebrate Diwali in the national capitalPassing a slew of directions the CJI Gavailed Bench directed the formation of patrolling teams to conduct regular checks ensuring that only green crackers with QR codes are sold The bursting of green firecrackers will be confined from 6 pm to 10 pm as per the Supreme Court orderThe court ordered that there will be no sale of firecrackers through ecommerce websitesThe CJI Gavailed Bench further directed that notices be issued to persons who violate the rulesLast week the top court had reserved its decision in the matter and hinted at temporarily lifting the restrictions for the festivities observing For the time being we will permit the ban lifting during DiwaliDuring the hearing Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured the apex court of several safeguards including that sales would be conducted through licensed traders and only permitted manufacturers would be allowed to sellOn September 26 the CJI Gavailed Bench had provisionally allowed certified manufacturers of green crackers who have permits from the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute NEERI and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation PESO to manufacture green crackers in DelhiNCR However the apex court told the manufacturers that until further orders they would not sell any of their green crackers in the prohibited areasIn April this year a bench of Justices Abhay S Oka now retired and Ujjal Bhuyan opined that imposing a crackers ban only for a period of 34 months every year is not effective and no exception even for green crackers should be allowedNoting that air pollution levels had remained alarming for a considerable time the apex court had said that unless it was shown that the pollution caused by the green crackers was a bare minimum there was no question of giving them a relaxationThe bench observed that the right to health an essential part of the right to life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India includes the right to live in a pollutionfree atmosphereIn January this year the Supreme Court extended the effect of the orders passed by the Uttar Pradesh and Haryana governments imposing a complete ban on firecrackers in the areas falling under the NCR regionIt had ordered that the ban imposed by the states of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana which was effective till January 17 be extended till further ordersEarlier the top court had said that the ban already imposed by the Delhi and Rajasthan governments would turn effective only when the remaining states impose similar measuresAfter being told that while Haryana had permitted the use of green crackers Rajasthan had imposed a complete ban on firecrackers in the NCR region the apex court had asked the Uttar Pradesh and Haryana governments to impose a ban on firecrackers in the same terms as imposed in DelhiIn November last year after Diwali the Supreme Court had remarked that the ban on firecrackers was hardly implemented in the national capital and pulled up the Delhi government for not implementing itIt had called for an affidavit from the Delhi government and the Police Commissioner detailing the steps taken to enforce the ban The apex court had suggested that the premises of sellers of firecrackers should be sealed apart from enforcing a ban on importing firecrackers from neighbouring states IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/sc-permits-sale-use-of-green-crackers-in-delhi-ncr-during-diwali-643125.html Wed, 15 Oct 2025 11:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/tn-heavy-rain-water-to-be-released-from-poondi-red-hills-reservoirs-to-prevent-overflow-643152.html Chennai Oct 15 The Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department WRD will release about 700 cubic feet per second cusecs of water from the Poondi reservoir and 200 cusecs from the Red Hills reservoir on Wednesday to manage rising inflow caused by heavy rainfall across the state According to WRD officials the water from Poondi will be let into the Kosasthalaiyar River and will reach the Tamaraipakkam anicut from where it will be diverted to the Cholavaram tank for storageThe decision follows a surge in inflow of 2260 cusecs from catchment areas the Kesavaram anicut Illupur check dam and the KandaleruPoondi canalAs per the WRDs compendium of rules the water level in Poondi reservoir should be maintained at 33 feet during October However the level now stands at 3430 feet The release of excess water is a precautionary measure to prevent overflow and to store surplus in the Cholavaram tankOfficials said the Red Hills reservoir one of the key drinking water sources for Chennai is also filling up rapidly The department will release water from it depending on the days inflow and rainfall intensityMeanwhile the Tiruvallur district administration has issued a flood warning to lowlying areas including Vadakarai Naravarikuppam Sadayankuppam and Kosapur located along the surplus course of the reservoirsWidespread rainfall lashed several parts of Tamil Nadu in the early hours of Wednesday under the influence of a weather system over the Bay of BengalChennai experienced intense showers as strengthening easterly winds signalled the approach of the Northeast monsoonThe Regional Meteorological Centre RMC said that the simultaneous withdrawal of the Southwest monsoon and the onset of the Northeast monsoon were likely by Thursday October 16 A further update on the monsoons onset is expected soonIn the 24 hours ending at 830 am Wednesday Ennore in Chennai recorded 14 cm of rainfall while Kathivakkam received 10 cm and Manali New Town and Kodanad Nilgiris recorded 9 cm eachWimco Nagar in Chennai received 8 cm and Sembanarkoil in Mayiladuthurai recorded 7 cm Light to moderate showers were also reported from Thanjavur Thiruvarur Vellore Kallakurichi Villupuram Tirunelveli Pudukottai Cuddalore Thoothukudi Ramanathapuram Nagapattinam Ranipet and TiruvallurThe wet spell is attributed to an upper air cyclonic circulation over the southwest Bay of Bengal moving towards the Comorin area IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/tn-heavy-rain-water-to-be-released-from-poondi-red-hills-reservoirs-to-prevent-overflow-643152.html Wed, 15 Oct 2025 13:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/nit-rourkela-researchers-pioneer-green-alternative-to-fight-antibiotic-resistance-643186.html New Delhi Oct 15 In a bid to tackle the problem of antimicrobial resistance researchers at the National Institute of Technology NIT Rourkela have used extracts from medicinal plants to produce potent antibacterial agents that are environmentally safe and effective The overuse of traditional antibiotics has resulted in the rise of superbugs that have become resistant to these treatmentsThe study published in the Surfaces and Interphases journal used an ecofriendly approach and produced zinc oxide nanoparticles known to damage bacterial cells and disrupt their normal functionsHowever instead of using harsh chemicals the team used extracts from leaves and petals of Marigold Mango and Eucalyptus to reduce zinc salts into zinc oxide nanocrystals with adsorbed phytocompounds from the extractsThe extractcoated nanoparticles particularly made from marigold petals were twice as effective at killing bacteria compared to chemically synthesised nanoparticles or plant extracts aloneThe extracts not only aided in the synthesis of nanoparticles but also helped stabilise nanoparticles through the formation of a herbal shield or phytocorona It also helps in controlling the release of the zinc ions and ensures steady antibacterial actionThe flavonoids alkaloids tannins and phenolic phytocompounds in these extracts have inherent antibacterial properties resulting in a double attack on bacterial existenceThe greensynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles with phytocorona as a sustainable and effective antimicrobial platform offer a promising solution to combat antimicrobial resistance while leveraging the medicinal properties of surfaceadsorbed plantderived phytocompounds said Prof Suman Jha Associate Professor at the Department of Life Science NIT RourkelaThe use of extracts from indigenous plants makes the technology easy to scale up This approach encourages homegrown sustainable solutions that reduce dependence on imported drugs and synthetic antibiotics which often lead to more problems than solutionsOur vision is to develop scalable affordable and environmentally safe antimicrobial materials that can be integrated into healthcare sanitation and food preservation applications By harnessing Indias rich biodiversity and indigenous plant resources we aim to create selfreliant innovations that contribute meaningfully to global health and sustainability goals Jha said IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/nit-rourkela-researchers-pioneer-green-alternative-to-fight-antibiotic-resistance-643186.html Wed, 15 Oct 2025 15:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/after-floods-in-punjab-and-haryana-stubble-burning-decreased-by-77-pc-643217.html Chandigarh Oct 15 The 2025 floods in Punjab and Haryana have served as an unplanned intervention that lowered rice crop residue fire activity as high as 77 per cent leading to a 155 per cent reduction in Delhis average PM25 levels this month in comparison with last years an analysis said on Wednesday The analysis using the data of the Central Pollution Control Board CPCB and NASA revealed that with stubble burning curtailed Delhis PM25 still remained above 50 µgm3 revealing a significant background load from other sources traffic industries and dust resuspensionFine particulate matter is defined as particles that are 25 microns or less in diameter PM25 Prolonged exposure to levels above 50 μgm3 can lead to serious health issues and premature mortalityThe analysis that examines the relationship between stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana and PM25 levels in Delhi during the first 12 days of October for two consecutive years 2024 and 2025 underscores that reducing farm fires alone can yield immediate benefits but structural air quality gains require multisectoral emission control beyond agriculture a researcher told IANSThis year was marked by widespread floods in Punjab and scattered in Haryana which significantly disrupted agricultural activities and crop residue managementThis climatic anomaly provides a unique lens to understand how changes in stubble burning influence Delhis air quality remarked the researcher requesting anonymityThe researcher pointed out that the 775 per cent reduction in total stubble burning events this month can be directly attributed to the massive floods in Punjab and HaryanaThe flooding delayed harvest cycles waterlogged fields and reduced dry residue availability making it physically impossible for many farmers to conduct residue burning This resulted in an involuntary but drastic suppression of fire activity across both states said the researcherLikewise the drop in stubble burning coincided with a 155 per cent reduction in Delhis average PM25 levels during this period This natural experiment underscores a strong causal link between biomass burning intensity in upwind states and air quality deterioration in the National Capital Region NCR pointed out the researcher adding fewer fires led to cleaner air even without major policy or enforcement changesIn 2025 daily correlation weakens as nonagricultural sources vehicular industrial dust etc dominate residual pollution levelsThe comparison data between October 2024 and 2025 reinforces that controlling agricultural burning is critical for Delhis clean air but sustained air quality improvement will depend on addressing urban and industrial emissions as well added the expertThe total stubble burning cases in Punjab were 392 from October 1 to 12 in 2024 and they fell to 105 during this period in 2025 a fall of 732 per centIn Haryana the stubble burning cases were 387 from October 1 to 12 in 2024 which reduced to 70 during this period in 2025 a fall of 819 per cent During this period the average Delhi PM25 was 6079 in 2024 and this year it was 5148 a reduction of 155 per centWith 31 more cases recorded on Tuesday the highest singleday spike of the season in farm fires Punjab has so far recorded 165 farm fire incidentsAccording to data from the Punjab Remote Sensing Centre Amritsar topped the list with 68 reported cases of stubble burning followed by Tarn Taran which saw 47 incidentsHowever Haryana has witnessed a 97 per cent decline in stubble burning incidents between September 15 and October 13 this year compared to the same period last yearOfficials attributed the drastic reduction in Haryana to strict enforcement against offenders Agricultural experts say that to quickly clear the field for the next crop the farmers burn the leftover paddy straw rather than using the traditional method of clearing it by hand or adopting the option of sustainable millet cultivation to break the paddywheat crop rotation introduced during the Green Revolution era 19671978Besides smoke from burning crop stubble vehicle exhaust and factory emissions combine every winter to blanket Delhi in a choking haze largely owing to reduced wind speed after the withdrawal of the monsoon and cold winds from the HimalayasVishal Gulati can be contacted at vishalgiansin IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/after-floods-in-punjab-and-haryana-stubble-burning-decreased-by-77-pc-643217.html Wed, 15 Oct 2025 17:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/cmfri-study-secures-us-market-access-for-indian-seafood-exports-643249.html Kochi Oct 15 A landmark scientific assessment by the ICARCentral Marine Fisheries Research Institute CMFRI has helped India secure uninterrupted access for its seafood exports to the US market the institutes scientists said The US recently recognised Indian seafood as compliant with its stringent Marine Mammal Protection Act MMPA removing a major regulatory hurdle for the sectorThe clearance followed the CMFRIs comprehensive nationwide stock assessment of marine mammals across Indias Exclusive Economic Zone EEZThe study provided critical evidence that Indian fishing practices operate within sustainable limitsBased on these findings the National Marine Fisheries Service NMFS of the US acknowledged Indias mitigation measures vessel monitoring systems and licensing frameworks as comparable to American standardsThe project undertaken in collaboration with the Marine Products Export Development Authority MPEDA and the Fishery Survey of India FSI marked the first time India generated robust abundance and bycatch estimates of marine mammalsCovering 18 species including the blue whale sperm whale dolphins and porpoises the study confirmed that marine mammal stocks in Indian waters are healthyA key part of the research involved estimating Potential Biological Removal PBR which indicates sustainable incidental catch limitsThis was compared with fieldlevel data gathered from over 8000 fishermenThe results showed that actual bycatch levels were well below the permissible threshold affirming Indias sustainable fishing practicesThe US had earlier required all seafoodexporting nations to prove scientifically that their fisheries did not cause unsustainable harm to marine mammals a condition that had cast uncertainty over Indias seafood tradeThe CMFRI responded by initiating a largescale vesselbased stock assessment using internationally accepted linetransect methods to cover the countrys entire EEZAcknowledging this progress the US report cited Indias scientific and regulatory measures as evidence of a strong framework to monitor and mitigate bycatchCMFRIs research formed the scientific foundation for Indias submission of the Comparability Finding Analysis CFA playing a crucial role in safeguarding a multibilliondollar trade and averting a potential export ban said Dr Ratheesh Kumar Raveendran Principal Investigator of the Marine Mammal Stock Assessment in India projectThe CMFRI will continue its marine mammal monitoring to support sustainability and ensure compliance with international trade requirements he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/cmfri-study-secures-us-market-access-for-indian-seafood-exports-643249.html Wed, 15 Oct 2025 20:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/jampk-police-seizes-vehicles-used-for-off-roading-inside-forest-area-in-budgam-642981.html Srinagar Oct 13 Police in JampKs Budgam said on Monday that they have seized several vehicles used for offroading deep inside the protected forest area of the district Budgam police said that it has registered an FIR and seized several vehicles after a group of social media influencers was found driving inside the protected Brainwar forest area violating forest protection lawsThe group had made the videos of their offroading in the forest viral on social mediaOfficials said that the incident came to light after videos surfaced on social media showing influencers recklessly driving vehicles through the ecologically sensitive Brainwar forestThe footage drew sharp criticism from locals and environmentalists prompting swift action by the Forest Department and the district administrationForest officials said the area is strictly classified as a protected zone under the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Act and unauthorised entry or vehicular movement is prohibited Reports here said the matter was taken seriously by the authorities and vehicles seen in the video have been seized while an FIR has been lodged against those involved for damaging forest property and disturbing wildlife habitatsOffroading performing stunts reckless driving and road rage are some of the major traffic offences committed by youth that have come to light during the last five yearsParental indiscretion disobedience and rebellious behaviour towards social norms and laws by youth are the major reasons for almost all road accidents occurring in JampK in which the younger generation is involvedRegional transport officers have widely publicised laws being invoked against such offencesCancellation of driving licences and vehicle registration in addition to imprisonment for parents allowing their minor children to drive vehicles are some of the punishments prescribed for traffic violationsoffencesPetrol filling stations have been given strict directions not to give petrol to motorcycliststwowheeler drivers who are not wearing helmets IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/jampk-police-seizes-vehicles-used-for-off-roading-inside-forest-area-in-budgam-642981.html Tue, 14 Oct 2025 00:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/indias-deep-sea-areas-can-yield-716-million-tonnes-of-fishery-resources-niti-aayog-642992.html New Delhi Oct 13 Indias Exclusive Economic Zone EEZ has an estimated potential yield of 716 million tonnes of deepsea fishery resources that remain largely unexploited according to a NITI Aayog report on Indias Blue Economy Strategy for Harnessing DeepSea and Offshore Fisheries released on Monday The report highlights that responsible utilisation of deepsea and offshore fisheries can enhance seafood exports generate employment opportunities and reduce pressure on coastal fisheries while ensuring ecological sustainabilityIndias EEZ of over 2 million sq km deep waters beyond the continental shelf and 11098 km coastline across nine coastal states and four Union Territories provide immense potential to expand its marine fisheries into the deep seasThe report presents a comprehensive framework covering the deepsea fishing sector within the EEZ and international waters accessed through regional fisheries agreements This framework adopts a sciencebased technologyenabled socially inclusive and ecologically sustainable approach to harnessing Indias deepsea fisheries potentialThe report identifies six key policy interventions on overhauling policies and regulations strengthening institutional and capacity building modernising fleets and upgrading infrastructure promoting sustainable fisheries management mobilising resources and financing and enhancing local community participation and partnershipsRecognising the capitalintensive nature of deepsea fishing the report also emphasises inclusive fleet development by supporting fisher cooperatives and clusterbased approaches enabling collective ownership operations and access to modern technology It also outlines investment priorities and monitoring mechanisms necessary to ensure longterm ecological and economic sustainabilityAn indicative costing framework for the three phases has also been provided in the report by considering the convergence of Centrally sponsored and Central sector schemes related to fisheries Phase 1 Laying the foundation and fostering early growth 3 years 202528 Phase 2 Scaling up and achieving global competitiveness 4 years 202932 and Phase 3 Global leadership in sustainable deepsea fisheries 8 years and beyond 2033 onwardsBuilding on the sectors strong growth trajectory the report offers a roadmap to strengthen governance foster innovation and enhance the participation of stakeholders Through integrated interventions in policy reform infrastructure development sustainability financing and community empowerment the initiative aims to make India a global leader in sustainable deepsea fisheries ensuring prosperity for coastal communities and contributing significantly to the Blue Economy vision of the nationAlongside the report release NITI Aayog also organised a workshop which witnessed the participation of 18 institutions The technical session on Strategy of States and Way Forward towards Harnessing DeepSea Fisheries and Export included presentations from coastal states such as Goa Gujarat Lakshadweep Maharashtra Odisha and Tamil Nadu This was followed by a panel discussion on Advancing Resource Management through Regulatory Reforms Research Financing and Capacity Building with distinguished panellistsIndia is the secondlargest fishproducing country in the world accounting for 8 per cent of global production Indias fisheries sector supports nearly 30 million livelihoods and contributes significantly to exports with fishery products earning Rs 60523 crore in FY 202324 IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/indias-deep-sea-areas-can-yield-716-million-tonnes-of-fishery-resources-niti-aayog-642992.html Tue, 14 Oct 2025 00:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/heavy-rain-likely-in-16-tn-districts-imd-warns-of-intense-showers-till-oct-19-643038.html Chennai Oct 14 The Regional Meteorological Centre RMC of the India Meteorological Department IMD Chennai has forecast widespread rainfall across Tamil Nadu over the next few days with 16 districts likely to experience heavy downpours on Tuesday The weather department has also cautioned that the spell of intense rain could continue till October 19 affecting both the Western Ghats and several interior regions According to an official press release heavy rain is expected on Tuesday and Wednesday in the hilly regions of Coimbatore Nilgiris Theni and Tenkasi The bulletin further notes that the hill belts of Tiruppur district along with Erode Dharmapuri Salem Namakkal Karur Dindigul Madurai Virudhunagar Tiruchirappalli Kallakurichi and Tiruvannamalai are also likely to experience strong spells of rain For October 15 and 16 the department has extended the alert to Tirunelvelis hilly regions and the coastal districts of Kanniyakumari Thoothukudi Ramanathapuram and Sivaganga while isolated heavy showers are expected in Pudukkottai Thanjavur Tiruvarur Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai The RMC said the prevailing lowpressure system over the southwest Bay of Bengal and the movement of easterly winds were intensifying the rainfall activity Chennai it added is likely to receive moderate rain for the next two days accompanied by thunder and lightning in some parts of the city This latest forecast comes amid a series of heavy rain events across Tamil Nadu in recent weeks Several areas in Coimbatore and Tiruppur had already witnessed flash floods earlier this month damaging roads and disrupting traffic In Salem and Erode districts steady downpours have led to rising water levels in local reservoirs prompting authorities to release excess water from minor dams as a precautionary measure Meanwhile the Nilgiris district administration remains on alert after multiple landslides were reported near Coonoor and Kotagiri last week leading to temporary road closures The Disaster Management Department has urged residents in hilly and lowlying areas to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel Farmers have been advised to secure harvested crops and strengthen bunds around paddy fieldsWith widespread rain expected till the weekend the state government has directed District Collectors to maintain roundtheclock monitoring and ensure the readiness of relief teams IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/heavy-rain-likely-in-16-tn-districts-imd-warns-of-intense-showers-till-oct-19-643038.html Tue, 14 Oct 2025 16:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/cmfri-cautions-against-fishing-of-juvenile-sardine-urges-following-mls-criteria-642948.html Kochi Oct 13 The ICARCentral Marine Fisheries Research Institute CMFRI has called on fishers to adhere to sustainable harvest practices and respect the Minimum Legal Size MLS of 10 cm for the Indian Oil Sardine following a significant increase in juvenile sardine populations along the Kerala coast The CMFRI emphasised that compliance with MLS is critical for safeguarding both the livelihoods of coastal communities and the longterm sustainability of the sardine fishery a key source of protein and incomeA recent CMFRI study revealed an unprecedented surge in sardine recruitment during 2024 the highest recorded since 2020The growth has been supported by favourable rainfall patterns and monsoondriven upwelling which enriched coastal waters with nutrients and boosted microplankton availability providing ample food for young sardinesHowever the surge has also led to heightened competition among recruits resulting in lower weight gain for zeroyearclass fishAddressing widespread misinterpretation of the study CMFRI Director Dr Grinson George clarified Our findings do not imply that juvenile sardines will not grow further Juvenile fishing should not be practised under any circumstances Protecting young fish is essential to ensure the longterm sustainability of the sardine fishery and the livelihood security of fishing communities The institute recommends a regulated harvest targeting only fish above the MLS Dr George noted While coastal waters remain productive and recruitment is high effective exploitation should be limited to fish above the MLS to maintain sustainabilityCMFRI Principal Scientist Dr U Ganga added The sardine fishery is highly sensitive to environmental shifts leading to characteristic boom and bust cycles Preventing juvenile fishing and following sustainable practices are crucial to mitigate the risk of the next downturn in this vital coastal resourceCMFRIs advisory underscores the importance of sustainable fishing practices in preserving the economic and ecological value of the Indian Oil Sardine a cornerstone of Keralas smallscale fisheries sectorCompliance with the MLS not only supports the recovery of sardine populations but also ensures the longterm resilience of coastal livelihoods and food security in the region IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/cmfri-cautions-against-fishing-of-juvenile-sardine-urges-following-mls-criteria-642948.html Mon, 13 Oct 2025 20:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/imd-predicts-heavy-rain-thunderstorms-in-11-tn-districts-today-642772.html Chennai Oct 13 The India Meteorological Department IMD has forecast heavy rainfall across 11 districts of Tamil Nadu on Monday warning residents to brace for intense showers accompanied by thunder and lightning in several parts of the state According to the IMDs latest bulletin moderate to heavy rainfall is expected at many places across Tamil Nadu Puducherry and KaraikalThe department said that thunderstorms with lightning are likely to occur in isolated areas especially over hilly and interior regions The forecast indicates that districts including Coimbatore and Tiruppur particularly the hilly belts along with Nilgiris Erode Salem and Namakkal are expected to experience heavy rainfall during the daySimilarly Theni Madurai Dindigul Virudhunagar and Dharmapuri districts have also been placed under a heavy rain watchMeanwhile the weather over Chennai is expected to remain partly cloudy The city and its suburbs may experience light to moderate rainfall with occasional thunder and lightning during the evening or night hoursThe IMD added that the maximum temperature in Chennai is likely to hover between 32 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees while the minimum temperature may settle around 26 degreesThe weather department has advised people in vulnerable areas to stay alert and avoid venturing into waterlogged zonesFarmers have been urged to take precautions to protect their harvested crops and livestock as rainfall activity is likely to continue intermittently in the coming daysThe current weather conditions are attributed to moistureladen winds and the presence of a trough of low pressure extending across the southern peninsula which is enhancing rainfall intensity over Tamil Nadus western and southern districtsAuthorities have also been instructed to monitor water levels in rivers and reservoirs especially in regions like the Nilgiris and Coimbatore where continuous heavy rainfall could trigger landslides or flash floods IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/imd-predicts-heavy-rain-thunderstorms-in-11-tn-districts-today-642772.html Mon, 13 Oct 2025 09:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/heavy-rain-forecast-across-10-tn-districts-today-642642.html Chennai Oct 12 Tamil Nadu is bracing for another day of widespread rainfall with the Regional Meteorological Centre RMC in Chennai forecasting heavy showers across several parts of the state on Sunday According to the latest bulletin ten districts are likely to experience intense rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty windsThe weather office said heavy rain is expected over hilly and interior regions of Coimbatore Tirunelveli the Nilgiris Theni Tenkasi and Madurai while Dindigul Tiruchirappalli Salem and Namakkal districts may also witness strong spells throughout the dayWinds are likely to blow at speeds of up to 40 kmph during thunderstorms and rainfall may be intense in certain pockets the statement addedIn Chennai and its surrounding suburbs moderate rain is expected to continue intermittently with cloudy skies prevailing through most of the dayLight to moderate rain with thunder and lightning is likely over a few areas in and around the city an RMC official saidThe department has also cautioned residents in vulnerable and lowlying areas to remain alert as rainfall intensity could fluctuate sharply in short periods Motorists have been advised to exercise caution while driving through waterlogged areasThe forecast follows a wet spell on Saturday when several districts including Coimbatore Tiruppur Dindigul Theni Madurai Sivaganga Dharmapuri Salem Tiruvannamalai and Tirupattur received heavy showers accompanied by thunder and lightningMany of these areas are now on high alert due to saturated soil and rising water levels in local rivers and reservoirsWith the northeast monsoon expected to intensify over the next few days meteorologists have urged local administrations to strengthen stormwater drainage systems and keep floodresponse teams on standbyThe public has also been advised to avoid unnecessary travel to hill regions where landslides can occur The RMCs forecast underscores the unpredictable nature of this years monsoon pattern driven by frequent lowpressure formations over the Bay of Bengal which continue to influence Tamil Nadus weather system IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/heavy-rain-forecast-across-10-tn-districts-today-642642.html Sun, 12 Oct 2025 17:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/heavy-rain-likely-in-kerala-imd-issues-yellow-alert-in-five-districts-642655.html Thiruvananthapuram Oct 12 The India Meteorological Department IMD has forecast widespread rainfall across Kerala as a cyclonic circulation formed over the Arabian Sea is set to intensify weather activity over the region The department warned that light to heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and winds reaching speeds of 3040 kmph is likely in Kerala and Mahe between October 11 and 15A yellow alert has been issued in several districts for the coming days as the state braces for heavy spells On Sunday October 12 Pathanamthitta Idukki Palakkad Malappuram and Wayanad are under alert with rainfall ranging from 645 mm to 1155 mm expected within 24 hoursHeavy rainfall 711 cm in 24 hours is very likely to occur at one or two places in Kerala from October 12 to 17 the IMD statedIt also warned that similar conditions could affect Lakshadweep on October 11 and 12 accompanied by thunderstorms lightning and gusty windsThe northeast monsoon which typically sets in over Kerala by midOctober is likely to commence later this month further enhancing rainfall activity in the stateDue to turbulent sea conditions the IMD has restricted fishing activities off the Kerala and Karnataka coasts on Sunday Fishing has also been banned in Lakshadweep and adjoining Kanyakumari regions where wind speeds may reach up to 55 kmphAccording to the IMD yellow alerts have been issued in the following districts Pathanamthitta Idukki Palakkad Malappuram and Wayanad on October 12 Pathanamthitta Kottayam Idukki and Wayanad on October 13 Pathanamthitta and Kottayam on October 14 and Ernakulam and Idukki on October 15Authorities have cautioned the public about possible mudslides landslides and flash floods in hilly areasThe IMD warned of traffic congestion due to poor visibility and waterlogging temporary road blockages from fallen trees and power disruptions Vulnerable structures and dilapidated houses could suffer impact while heavy rain may destroy standing crops and vegetables in the maturity stage People have also been advised to remain indoors during lightning avoid open fields and stay alert in lowlying and landslideprone areas as Kerala prepares for another spell of intense monsoon activity IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/heavy-rain-likely-in-kerala-imd-issues-yellow-alert-in-five-districts-642655.html Sun, 12 Oct 2025 17:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/tamil-nadu-fuel-loading-at-indias-first-fast-breeder-reactor-in-kalpakkam-to-begin-next-week-642679.html Chennai Oct 12 Fuel loading at Indias first Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor PFBR in Kalpakkam Tamil Nadu is set to commence early next week marking a major milestone in the countrys nuclear power journey The 500 MWe sodiumcooled reactor a pioneering project of Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited BHAVINI had faced several technical hurdles since its inauguration last yearEngineers have now resolved these issues paving the way for the next crucial phase of commissioningThe PFBR represents the second stage of Indias threephase nuclear energy programme which aims to recycle spent nuclear fuel to minimise radioactive waste and ensure sustainable energy generation Once fuel loading is complete the reactor is expected to achieve its first criticality within six months followed by a gradual increase in power output until it reaches full capacity This reactor will be only the second of its kind in operation globally following Russias 800 MWe fast breeder reactorThe projects uniqueness lies in its use of plutoniumbased mixed oxide fuel and liquid sodium as a coolant an advanced and highly complex technology that only a few nations have attemptedThe reactor will also make use of spent fuel from Indias Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors PHWRs forming a vital link in the countrys closed fuel cycleThe Atomic Energy Regulatory Board had previously approved the PFBR for fuel loading and lowpower experiments in 2024 Once commissioned the reactor will not only contribute to electricity generation but also produce plutonium for future thoriumbased reactors the third and final stage of Indias nuclear strategyIndias current installed nuclear power capacity stands at 818 GW Projects under construction or commissioning will add another 730 GW while an additional 700 GW has been sanctioned and is in the preproject phase These developments are expected to raise the nations total capacity to 2248 GW by 203132Further expansion plans include 1540 GW from indigenous PHWRs 1760 GW from Light Water Reactors through international partnerships and 380 GW from BHAVINIs Fast Breeder Reactors Together with emerging small modular and advanced reactor technologies India aims to achieve its longterm nuclear energy mission of generating 100 GW of clean power IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/tamil-nadu-fuel-loading-at-indias-first-fast-breeder-reactor-in-kalpakkam-to-begin-next-week-642679.html Sun, 12 Oct 2025 17:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/new-zealand-sets-2050-farm-methane-cut-at-14-24-per-cent-below-2017-levels-642715.html Wellington Oct 12 New Zealand set a 2050 target to cut farm methane emissions by 1424 per cent from 2017 levels on Sunday aiming to reduce climate impact without harming agriculture or exports Approved by the Cabinet and based on the 2024 Methane Science Review the move follows extensive consultation with the farming sectorWere delivering a practical fair pathway that recognises New Zealand agriculture efficiency protects jobs and production and upholds our climate commitments Agriculture Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay said in a statement Xinhua News Agency reportedThe government reaffirmed its commitment to overall net zero climate goals by 2050 with agriculture continuing to make an important and fair contribution to achieving this reduction said Climate Change Minister Simon WattsKey policy changes include a legislated review of the methane target in 2040 no tax on agricultural methane emissions and reliance on processor incentives and sector partnerships rather than taxation said the government statementOver NZ400 million 230 million US is being invested by the government with industry to develop methanecutting technologies with 11 tools expected by 2030 and the first available from 2026 it saidThe government has also launched an onfarm emissions calculator McClay saidOn October 8 a report said that the evidence shows rising risks to coasts and communities as New Zealands marine environment faces escalating pressures from climate change and human activitiesAccording to the latest Our Marine Environment 2025 report released by the Ministry for the Environment and the statistics department Stats NZ as many as 219000 homes valued at NZ180 billion NZ dollars 10364 billion are already in New Zealands floodprone areasBy 2060 about 1300 coastal homes could face major damage from extreme weather events said the threeyearly update on the state of the countrys marine environmentWarming seas and ocean acidification are affecting fisheries and aquaculture sectors contributing NZ11 billion 630 million directly to Gross Domestic Product and supporting over 14000 jobs it saidFurthermore 428 nonnative marine species had entered New Zealand waters by 2022 with 266 establishing populations compounding ecosystem stress it addedWetlands dunes and native vegetation that help buffer against flooding and erosion are being degraded or replaced the report showedKathryn Stokes senior materials scientist at Building Research Association of New Zealand said that while many Kiwis value living near the ocean it is important to consider future risks such as rising insurance costs and maintenance challenges linked to sealevel riseWe cant just focus on managing one species at a time or small isolated areas Instead we need to consider climate change and all the different pressures our marine environment is facing at once said Shane Geange a marine advisor at the Department of ConservationGeange called for ecosystembased management approaches to protect New Zealands marine environments IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/new-zealand-sets-2050-farm-methane-cut-at-14-24-per-cent-below-2017-levels-642715.html Sun, 12 Oct 2025 18:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/cmfri-sets-ambitious-25-lakh-tonne-mariculture-target-by-2047-642561.html Kochi Oct 11 The ICARCentral Marine Fisheries Research Institute CMFRI has unveiled an ambitious plan to scale up Indias mariculture production to 25 million tonnes by 2047 This is a major leap from the current output of around 15 lakh tonnesThe initiative aims to meet the countrys rising seafood demand and reduce pressure on traditional capture fisheriesAnnouncing the plan CMFRI Director Grinson George described mariculture as the next big thing in Indias marine fisheries sectorHe highlighted that technologies such as cage culture and Integrated MultiTrophic Aquaculture IMTA will play a key role in boosting productionHe was speaking at the launch of the Central governments Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana PM DDKY at CMFRI on SaturdayIndia currently produces an average of 35 million tonnes from marine capture fisheries annuallyWith climate change and resource depletion posing significant challenges CMFRI is betting on alternative systems like mariculture to ensure future seafood securityTo meet growing domestic and export demand India is targeting at least 25 lakh tonnes of mariculture production by 2047 Dr George saidHe added that India has immense potential in seaweed farming a highvalue segment in maricultureWhile global seaweed production is around 355 million tonnes Indias output remains minimalWe can achieve at least 5 million tonnes domestically to meet industrial and nutraceutical demand he notedDr George also emphasised the need for a robust national mariculture policy and a supportive legal framework to enable sustainable largescale investmentsWith a long coastline and favourable marine conditions India he said is wellplaced to become a global mariculture hubThe training session covered mussel and oyster farming cage and pen culture biofloc systems and innovative feed production using black soldier fly larvae Inputs were distributed free to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe beneficiaries IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/cmfri-sets-ambitious-25-lakh-tonne-mariculture-target-by-2047-642561.html Sat, 11 Oct 2025 18:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/chennai-gears-up-for-intense-northeast-monsoon-mayor-announces-extra-flood-prevention-measures-642564.html Chennai Oct 11 As the northeast monsoon is expected to be more intense this year the Greater Chennai Corporation GCC of Tamil Nadu has begun implementing additional floodcontrol measures in lowlying areas Addressing reporters on Saturday Mayor Priya Rajan said the civic body is acting on the requests of councillors to ensure the citys preparedness The rainfall this northeast monsoon may be heavy according to available forecasts But nature cannot be precisely predicted Stormwater drain works are under way across the GCC limits and 100horsepower motor pumps will be stationed in vulnerable areas the Mayor saidEarlier in the day Rajan laid the foundation stone for a new indoor badminton stadium at Millennium Park in Anna Nagar West Extension The facility estimated to cost Rs 93 lakh will be funded under the Mayors Development Fund She also inaugurated the EmpowHer womens gym in the same park constructed at a cost of Rs 25 lakh under the GCCs Capital FundMinister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments P K Sekarbabu Corporation officials and elected representatives attended the eventsAccording to the Regional Meteorological Centre RMC two prevailing weather systems near the Tamil Nadu coast are expected to bring widespread rainfall to several districts until October 13 An orange warning has been issued for the Nilgiris district where isolated very heavy rain is likelyThe northeast monsoon is expected to set in between October 16 and 18 coinciding with the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon and the strengthening of easterly windsWhile southern districts such as Tirunelveli and Tenkasi may receive belownormal rainfall northern regions are likely to experience abovenormal showers this seasonB Amudha AdditionalinCharge Head of the RMC said Tamil Nadu has recorded abovenormal northeast monsoon rainfall in most of the past 15 years with an average seasonal total of 44 to 50 cm expected this year across Tamil Nadu Puducherry and Karaikal Rainfall has so far been deficient in parts of Chengalpattu Pudukottai and KanniyakumariHeavy rain is likely on Saturday in at least 10 districts including Tiruppur Coimbatore Sivaganga and Salem Amudha clarified that a cloudburst refers to about 10 cm of rain within an hour in a localised area While such extreme events are difficult to predict with complete accuracy she said the RMCs recent forecasts for intense thunderstorms in Chennai had been reasonably preciseThunderstorms typical of the transition phase between monsoons are expected in some areas of the city later on Saturday IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/chennai-gears-up-for-intense-northeast-monsoon-mayor-announces-extra-flood-prevention-measures-642564.html Sat, 11 Oct 2025 18:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/flood-hit-farmers-in-punjab-to-get-free-wheat-seeds-says-bjp-642381.html Chandigarh Oct 10 Farmers in Punjab will get free wheat seeds of Rs 4440 crore from the Prime Minister Narendra Modiled Central government state BJP General Secretary Anil Sarin said on Friday This timely initiative will serve as a lifeline for those preparing for the upcoming rabi season after facing severe crop losses due to floods he saidGiven under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana RKVY he said it would ensure that farmers owning less than five acres would receive Punjab Agricultural University PAUrecommended wheat seeds free of costHelping farmers in this crucial time as floodhit Punjab struggles to recover Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended a major relief package through the free distribution of certified wheat seeds to small and marginal farmers said SarinExpressing gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and the Central government for extending timely and comprehensive assistance to Punjabs floodaffected farmers he appreciated the Centres consistent support highlighting how the Modi government has ensured the increase of MSP for crops regular Kisan Samman Nidhi transfers and continuous coordination with the state machinery to safeguard farmers interestsWhile the Punjab government failed to protect farmers during the floods it is the Modi government that has once again come forward as their true guardian The Centres assistance has helped restore hope among lakhs of affected farming familiesReiterating BJPs commitment to the state farmers Sarin added that the Modi governments recent steps prove its dedication not only to flood relief but also to longterm agricultural resilience and farmer welfareEarlier Punjabs ruling Aam Aadmi Party AAP reacted to the statement of Governor Gulab Chand Kataria who said that the state government is treating the State Disaster Response Fund SDRF as its own fund and that no change in the rules on its usage is possibleAAP spokesperson Neel Garg had termed the Governors statement and the Centres stance as unnecessary noting in a statement that the SDRF is essentially the State Disaster Relief Fund SDRF Garg had stressed the statements of the Home Ministry and the Governor only indicated that the Centre is not in the mood to change the SDRF rulesAdvising the Centre to abandon its stubborn attitude he had said that if we truly want to help the people then the rules must be amended as per present needsHe had urged the Central government to think like a peopleoriented government and to amend the rules without any delay in order to help the people of Punjab IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/flood-hit-farmers-in-punjab-to-get-free-wheat-seeds-says-bjp-642381.html Fri, 10 Oct 2025 18:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/china-exploits-fragile-environments-and-ignores-voices-of-local-communities-report-642417.html Beijing Oct 10 China which plays the responsible stakeholder abroad exploits fragile environments and ignores the voices of local communities at home particularly in occupied territories like Tibet a report has detailed A report in UKbased newspaper for British Asians Asian Lite highlighted that Chinese President Xi Jinping in his recent address at United Nations General Assembly pledged that China responsible for 30 per cent of global emissions would reduce emissions by 710 per cent by 2035Recently the skies above Shigatse plateau in Tibet lit up with multicoloured dragonshaped fireworks display held by a Chineseowned outdoor brand and pyrotechnics artist The show called Rising Dragon aimed to pay artistic tribute to mountain culture faced backlash noted Sakariya Kareem while writing in Asian LiteThe writer cited the environmental risks of holding a highaltitude fireworks display in one of worlds most fragile ecosystemsTibet is one of the most delicate ecosystems on Earth also known as the Third Pole Its glaciers feed Asias great rivers sustaining nearly two billion people downstream Yet Cais dragon display staged at 5500 metres blasted noise smoke and chemical residues into the sky A local environmental official said that the event did not require review because it used ecofriendly materials and that the site was outside protected areas But the Arcteryx publicity campaign quickly faced strong criticism on Chinese social media leading officials in Shigatse to initiate an investigation Environmental experts also debunked these reassurances noting that decomposition is painfully slow at high altitudes meaning toxic debris could linger for years wrote KareemWhile the event was to bring awareness to the Tibetan culture it brought the reality of neglect and disregard to the fore as the Party CPC continues to use Tibets strategic location for military gains and its unique landscape for boosting tourism All the while the actual Tibetan people suffer from lack of basic rights and opportunities The fact that the Tibetan Plateau is not an aesthetic backdrop that one can redecorate at will is lost on the Chinese government and the Party it addedChina has pushed robust hydropower and infrastructure initiative across plateau An analysis revealed the areas seismic vulnerability following a devastating earthquake in Tibet that damaged reservoirs despite the presence of numerous dams built and many more in the pipeline sparking concerns about risks from earthquakes landslides and instability caused by reservoirs Constructing large hydro projects in tectonically active glacierfed landscape is not just reckless but a recipe for transboundary environmental harm Independent reports and advocacy groups have highlighted the devastating impact of Chinas hydropower expansion in Tibet The event showcases Chinas hypocrisy in its claims to global climate leadership while using Tibet for profit propaganda and powerThis is the same China that remains the worlds top polluter responsible for 30 per cent of global emissions the China rushing to build coal plants at home even while touting renewable investments abroad It is the same China that cloaks destructive fireworks displays and massive hydropower projects as paying tribute to nature and celebrating culture The contradiction is staggering Abroad Beijing plays the responsible stakeholder speaking the language of sustainability At home it exploits fragile environments and ignores the voices of local communities especially in occupied regions like Tibet the Asian Lite report stated IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/china-exploits-fragile-environments-and-ignores-voices-of-local-communities-report-642417.html Fri, 10 Oct 2025 21:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/civilisation-has-grown-only-due-to-water-siddaramaiah-642246.html Bengaluru Oct 9 Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah praised that Karnataka is carrying out the best work in Asia when it comes to filling up lakes asserting that Civilisation has grown only due to water Civilisation has grown and survived only because of water The minister for Minor Irrigation is implementing programmes to spread awareness on water use water conservation and groundwater recharge This is a healthy development said the Chief Minister while addressing the inauguration of the Neeriddare Naale If There is Water There is Tomorrow event organised by the Minor Irrigation Department at the Banquet HallSiddaramaiah appealed that people must be made aware of the necessity of water and the current water situation The Chief Minister also explained that in Karnataka groundwater is being extracted through 37 lakh borewells adding that there are lakhs of unregistered illegal borewells Reports indicate that groundwater use here is 8 per cent higher than the national average Except for 144 taluks all other taluks are facing a shortage of water and groundwater For this very reason the KC Valley project was implemented to fill lakes in Kolar and Chikkaballapur which has led to groundwater recharge However there are also people opposing this initiative he pointed outThe Chief Minister added that in Chikkaballapur Doddaballapur Tumakuru and Bengaluru Rural districts the government has spent thousands of crores to increase groundwater levels Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stated that for the Upper Krishna Project Rs 2 lakh crore is required and Rs 78000 crore will have to be given to only farmers as compensation The Chief Minister has called me in the morning and stated that in three to four years we will have to give consent for the acquisition of farmers When I took up the initiative for the Cauvery Aarti on the lines of the Ganga Aarti it was opposed When the Tungabhadra dams one of the gates had broken In a span of 8 days it was rectified Siddaramaiah is ready to ensure the safety of all reservoirs in the state he statedHe pointed out that the state government is committed to the welfare of farmers adding that the courts will have to come to the rescue of the state Be it Maharashtra Telangana Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu I convey that we dont want your share of water What is in our right they should not create road roadblock for our state They need to help Students from across the country have come to Bengaluru to study They have come from Mumbai northern India and Tamil Nadu We have not treated anyone as an outsider he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/civilisation-has-grown-only-due-to-water-siddaramaiah-642246.html Fri, 10 Oct 2025 01:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/delhi-ncr-toxic-air-caqm-conducts-workshop-on-dust-control-in-gurugram-faridabad-642210.html New Delhi Oct 9 Ahead of the anticipated bad air related challenge in DelhiNCR in the coming months the Commission for Air Quality Management CAQM on Thursday concluded a training workshop for official from Haryanas Gurugram and Faridabad cities on dust control practices and road design The CAQMs efforts were focused at capacity building for abatement of air pollution while working closely with the NCR state governments civic and environment agencies and communities to implement practical innovative and citizencentric solutions for clean air in the region said an official statementThe workshop brought together government Officials enforcement agencies engineers stakeholders who participated in technical sessions on issue mapping with practical exercises it saidStakeholders were trained through interactive sessions and sitebased exercises on sustainable road design dust abatement measures and preparation of Detailed Project Reports DPRs for sustainable street design and redevelopment leading to clean safe and walkable streets it saidThe workshop was conducted by CAQM a statutory body of the Union government through its Resource Lab which has been setup in collaboration with Raahgiri Foundation and with the support of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board HSPCBThis twoday event was the fourth in a series of workshops planned across nine targeted NCR cities ie Delhi Gurugram Faridabad Sonipat Noida Greater Noida Ghaziabad Bhiwadi and Neemrana for adopting sustainable road design and dust control practices This will facilitate implementation of the Standard Framework developed by CAQM for development of roads in these citiesThe first day of the workshop was held in Faridabad where the Commission highlighted the significance of the CAQM Resource Lab The Workshop and IEC Activity is a call to action empowering engineers and officials with the knowledge and tools to implement practical solutionsThe CAQM as a Statutory body is working with various NCR agencies to focus on 9 targeted NCR cities for redevelopment of dust free roads to reduce air pollution levels and make urban spaces more open inclusive and healthy for all said the statementToday CAQM Resource Lab with the support of Haryanaspcb successfully concluded its twoday Training Workshop in Faridabad and IEC Activity in Gurugram towards adoption of sustainable road design and dust control practices said CAQM on XThis 2day event was fourth in a series of workshops planned across 09 targeted NCR cities Delhi Gurugram Faridabad Sonipat Noida Greater Noida Ghaziabad Bhiwadi and Neemrana said the post on XThe workshop also featured Information Education and Communication activities in Gurugram showcasing a complete street and an air quality awareness zone through a walkshop which included art installations air pollution mitigation games and technical details of Haryanas First Model Street said the statement IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/delhi-ncr-toxic-air-caqm-conducts-workshop-on-dust-control-in-gurugram-faridabad-642210.html Thu, 09 Oct 2025 21:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/north-bengal-disaster-loss-of-state-property-in-two-hill-districts-pegged-at-rs-1062-crore-so-far-642229.html Kolkata Oct 9 The loss amount due to the damage to state property in the two hill districts of West Bengal namely Darjeeling and Kalimpong amid the natural calamities in the hills Terai and Dooars regions of the state has been provisionally estimated at Rs 1062 crore official data showed on Thursday However this is not the final figure and the exact loss due to damage to public property in these two hill districts will only be available after some timeThe loss figures for the two plains districts of Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar covering the Terai and Dooars regions are yet to be calculated and once done the total loss of state property in all four districts combined would be much moreAs per the loss details compiled and provided by the district authorities of Darjeeling and Kalimpong on Thursday the loss had been because of the destruction or damage of roads culverts and water tanks among othersThe blocks in the hills where the damage to roads has been maximum include Pedong Lava Gorubathan and Kalimpong The district administrations of Darjeeling and Kalimpong have also informed that a total of 21 houses in the two districts have been damaged because of heavy rains and landslides out of which 13 are fully damaged and eight are partially damagedThe main road connecting the hills with Siliguri the principal gateway town in north Bengal is not communicable as yet and hence transport movements are continuing through the two alternative routes of Tindharia Road and Pankhabari RoadHowever considering the remote nature of the Pankhabari Road the pressure on Tindharia Road is much higherWith fresh recovery of bodies during the last 24 hours the official death toll in the hills Terai and Dooars regions has risen to 39 as of Thursday morning Administrative officials apprehend that the death toll might rise further in the next couple of days with the progress in rescue operations in the remote areasThe bodies recovered during the last 24 hours are yet to be identified IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/north-bengal-disaster-loss-of-state-property-in-two-hill-districts-pegged-at-rs-1062-crore-so-far-642229.html Thu, 09 Oct 2025 23:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/north-bengal-disaster-situation-stabilises-further-no-new-casualties-reported-641904.html Kolkata Oct 8 The situation in the flood and landslideaffected hills Terai and Dooars regions in North Bengal stabilised further in the last 24 hours with no fresh casualties reported during the period Absence of renewed rainfall in the region during the last 24 hours not only prevented the situation from worsening further but also increased the pace of the relief rescue and restoration operationsAn official from the Darjeeling district administration the worstaffected district in the state said that although repair and restoration works for a number of roads have been completed the main connecting road between the hills and the plains is yet to be made communicableStill the alternative routes of Tindharia Road and Pankhabari Road are being used to bring down the tourists from the hills to the plains As of now the majority of the tourists have been evacuated and all of them have safely reached Siliguri the district administration official saidFortunately the weather forecast has not predicted any major rainfall in all the districts of North Bengal during the next 24 hours As per predictions the three districts of Darjeeling Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar might witness light to medium rain on Wednesday Yellow alerts have been issued for the three districtsChief Minister Mamata Banerjee who was in North Bengal for the last two days reviewing the situation in the affected areas there will be returning to Kolkata this afternoon After returning to Kolkata she is expected to give further updates on the administrative initiatives being undertaken in the affected areasOn Tuesday the Chief Minister made a short visit to a hospital in Siliguri where the BJP Lok Sabha member Khagen Murmu was admitted He suffered injuries when he and the Chief Whip of the BJP in the West Bengal assembly Shankar Ghosh were attacked in Bamundanga in Jalpaiguri district allegedly by the Trinamool Congress activistsGhosh who was admitted to the same hospital denied giving consent to meet the Chief MinisterMeanwhile BJPs Information Technology Cell Chief and the partys central observer for West Bengal Amit Malviya had described the development as yet another attempt by the Chief Minister to gain publicityIt comes as no surprise that this was yet another crass attempt by the Chief Minister to gain cheap publicity especially after the violence unleashed by marauding mobs in Bamandanga under Sulkapara an area long used to settle illegal Bangladeshis Malviya said in a social media statement IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/north-bengal-disaster-situation-stabilises-further-no-new-casualties-reported-641904.html Wed, 08 Oct 2025 10:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/heavy-rain-forecast-in-six-tn-districts-today-641809.html Chennai Oct 7 Heavy rainfall is likely in six districts of Tamil Nadu on Tuesday the Regional Meteorological Centre RMC in Chennai has announced Nilgiris Erode Krishnagiri Dharmapuri Salem and Namakkal are expected to receive intense downpours at one or two locations over the next few hours the department said In its latest advisory the RMC also warned of thundershowers and moderate rain in several other parts of the state Ariyalur Perambalur Thanjavur Tiruvarur and Tiruchi districts are expected to see moderate thunderstorms and rainPudukkottai Cuddalore and Nagapattinam may get light to moderate showers with lightning while Chennai and its surrounding districts Tiruvallur Chengalpattu and Villupuram could experience light rain and occasional thunderstormsSeveral areas have already reported earlymorning showers and waterloggingIn Villupuram district rain lashed Senji Singavaram and Ooranithangal for over an hour leading to flooding in lowlying stretches At the Senji fourway junction rainwater mixed with sewage caused difficulties for motoristsIn Tirupattur district vehicles had to wade slowly through stagnant water on the Vaniyambadi highway prompting residents to renew their call for the construction of a proper stormwater canalIn Chennai the weather office has predicted spells of moderate rainfall accompanied by lightning in some parts of the city while the suburbs including Tambaram Chromepet and Poonamallee could also see temporary waterlogging if showers intensifyOfficials have urged the public to remain alert and follow safety measures while travelling in rainaffected areas particularly in districts where heavy rainfall is predicted IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/heavy-rain-forecast-in-six-tn-districts-today-641809.html Tue, 07 Oct 2025 09:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/snowfall-landslides-close-srinagar-jammu-srinagar-leh-and-mughal-road-in-jampk-641832.html Srinagar Oct 7 All major highways including SrinagarJammu SrinagarLeh and the Mughal road were closed for traffic on Tuesday due to snowfall and landslides triggered by inclement weather Traffic Department officials said that snowfall on the Zojila Pass and Pir Ki Gali closed the SrinagarLeh highway and the Mughal Road while landslides and shooting stones in the Ramban sector of the SrinagarJammu national highway forced the closure of this major highway as well on TuesdaySinthan Pass which connects the Valley with Kishtwar in Jammu division Razdan Pass which links the Valley with Gurez border area and the road leading from Kupwara district to Tangdhar and Keran have also been closedThe weather office has forecast light to moderate snowfall in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir till forenoonafternoon today and improvement in overall weather thereafterThe minimum temperature was 71 degrees Celsius in Srinagar city while it was minus 04 degrees in Gulmarg and 06 degrees in PahalgamJammu city recorded 15 degrees Celsius minimum temperature Mata Vaishno Devi base camp town of Katra 12 degrees Celsius Batote 68 degrees Celsius Banihal 53 degrees Celsius and Bhaderwah 57 degrees CelsiusCold wind blowing into the plains from snowclad mountain tops has resulted in a cold wave sweeping the Valley Locals have already started wearing woollens in cities and towns while in villages and foothill areas people have started wearing a tweed overgarment called the PheranThe early autumn snowfall is an indication that winter is knocking at the door in the Kashmir Valley as people collect the paddy crop after reaping thrashing and milling itThe weather office has said that mainly dry weather is likely in Jammu and Kashmir from tomorrow onwards for the next seven days with the possibility of light showers at a few places during this periodFarmers have been advised to resume agricultural activities from tomorrow onwards IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/snowfall-landslides-close-srinagar-jammu-srinagar-leh-and-mughal-road-in-jampk-641832.html Tue, 07 Oct 2025 11:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/higher-reaches-receive-snowfall-heavy-rain-lashes-plains-in-jampk-641742.html Srinagar Oct 6 Seasons first snowfall occurred in the higher reaches of Kashmir Valley on Monday as all schools in the Jammu division of JampK were closed due to torrential rainfall The Meteorological Department MeT officials said the seasons first snowfall occurred in Gulmarg hill station Zojila Pass Razdan Pass Pit Ki Gali and other higher reaches of the Valley and heavy rain occurred in the plains during the last 12 hoursAuthorities ordered the closure of all schools on October 6 and 7 in the Jammu division due to an adverse weather forecastFarmers have been advised to suspend agricultural activities on October 6 and 7In vulnerable areas landslidesmudslidesshooting stonesthunderhailstorms have been forecastThe disaster management department has been directed to remain prepared to tackle any adverse development that might take place due to incessant rain etcDay temperature in JampK has taken a dip due to heavy cloud cover and cold winds sweeping into the plains from snowclad mountain topsThe MeT Department said that the minimum temperature was 105 degrees Celsius in Srinagar city while it was 3 degrees and 68 degrees in Gulmarg and Pahalgam respectivelyJammu city had 155 Katra town 135 Batote 77 Banihal had 91 and Bhaderwah had 8 as the minimum temperatureIn the Valley people have started wearing woollen clothes in cities and towns while in the rural areas locals are seen wearing the traditional tweed over garment called the PheranMornings and evenings have started getting colder with each passing day indicating that the autumn season will soon make way for the cold winter in KashmirHundreds of migratory birds have started arriving in the Valley to spend the winter months in the comparatively warmer climate from their summer homes in China Siberia Central Asia and Eastern EuropeMost species of migratory birds coming to Kashmir to spend the winter months include Teals Gadwall Eurasian Wigeon Northern Shoveller Northern Pintail Mallard TuftedDuck Ferruginous Duck Common Pochard Redcrested Pochard Longtailed Duck Ruddy Shelduck Common Shelduck Garganey Common Merganser Greylag Goose Smew Great Crested Grebe and Eared GrebeIn addition there are some birds of passage like the Cormorants and the Sandhill Cranes which come to spend a few days in winter and spring during their passage to and from their winter homes in the Indian plains IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/higher-reaches-receive-snowfall-heavy-rain-lashes-plains-in-jampk-641742.html Mon, 06 Oct 2025 15:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/heavy-rain-forecast-for-tns-12-districts-today-641607.html Chennai Oct 5 The Regional Meteorological Centre RMC in Chennai has issued a weather alert forecasting heavy rainfall across 12 districts of Tamil Nadu on Sunday Madurai Ramanathapuram Krishnagiri Dharmapuri Salem Tirupattur Namakkal Tiruchirappalli Dindigul Theni Virudhunagar and Sivaganga districts are expected to witness intense downpours accompanied by thunder and lightning in some placesAccording to the latest bulletin widespread rainfall was reported across most parts of the state on Saturday Hosur in Krishnagiri district recorded the highest rainfall at 12 cm followed by Dindigul with 11 cm Avalurpet and Semmedu in Villupuram district each received 10 cm of rainMeteorologists attribute the showers to a lowpressure area persisting over the southern peninsular region and adjoining areas of Tamil NaduThis weather system is drawing moisture from the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea intensifying local convection and increasing the likelihood of thunderstormsIn addition to the heavy spells light to moderate rain is forecast across Tamil Nadu Puducherry and Karaikal from Monday through October 10While most areas will see only intermittent showers the RMC has cautioned residents in vulnerable districts about the possibility of intense shortduration rainfall that could lead to localised flooding in lowlying areasThe weather office also issued a temperature advisory indicating fluctuating conditions over the next 48 hours Daytime maximum temperatures are expected to drop by 23 degrees Celsius in some districts due to persistent cloud cover and rain while a few interior regions may experience a slight increase of 23 degrees Celsius as dry pockets emergeAuthorities have urged the public to stay alert and avoid waterlogged areas while farmers have been advised to plan fieldwork and harvesting activities accordinglyDisaster management teams have been kept on standby in rainprone districts to respond to any emergencies The RMC said it would continue to monitor the evolving weather pattern and provide timely updates Residents have been encouraged to follow official advisories and track alerts through government channels and weather apps to ensure safety IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/heavy-rain-forecast-for-tns-12-districts-today-641607.html Sun, 05 Oct 2025 08:46:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/14-killed-in-landslides-triggered-by-incessant-rain-in-nepal-641637.html Kathmandu Oct 5 At least 14 people were killed in landslides triggered by incessant rainfall in Nepals Ilam district local authorities said The country has been witnessing heavy rainfall since Friday causing landslides floods and inundation in several areasHowever Ilam which borders Darjeeling in India has reported the largest number of casualtiesChief District Officer of Ilam Sunita Nepal told IANS that at least 14 people have been confirmed dead in landslides that buried three houses on Saturday nightAs more houses have been damaged in the district the death toll might rise she saidShe added that the District Administration Office DAO Ilam has sought detailed reports on losses caused by landslides and flooding from local governments within the districtAccording to the DAO continuous rainfall over the past three days has caused both human casualties and significant damage to public infrastructure including roadsNepal said that the Mechi Highway which connects Ilam with the southern Jhapa district has been blocked at several locations due to landslidesAlthough the country experienced heavy downpours since Friday the situation improved slightly by Sunday morning according to the Department of Hydrology and MeteorologyIn a notice issued on Sunday the department said rainfall had decreased in most districts with the highest amount recorded in parts of Lalitpur district in the Kathmandu ValleyLight rain is occurring in some areas of Kathmandu Morang Sunsari Udayapur Saptari Siraha Dhanusha Sarlahi Sindhuli and Ramechhap districts the department statedHowever the department warned of the possibility of heavy rainfall in the hilly districts of eastern Koshi Province on Sunday afternoon and nightEven though rainfall subsided in several districts by Sunday morning landslides have damaged multiple highways obstructing transportation servicesThe Nepalese government has continued its ban on the entry and exit of vehicles to and from Kathmandu ValleyAccording to the Metropolitan Traffic Police Division major highways connecting the Valley such as the Prithvi Highway linking Kathmandu with western Nepal the BP Highway connecting the capital with southeastern Nepal and the Araniko Highway linking Kathmandu with the Chinese border have been completely obstructedLikewise the Pasang Lhamu Koshi and Siddhicharan highways have also been fully blockedConsidering the risks posed by landslides and flooding longdistance transportation services from five of the seven provinces Koshi Madhesh Bagmati Gandaki and Lumbini have been suspended the Metropolitan Traffic Police Division said in a social media post on SundayMeanwhile Nepals interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki in a video address to the nation on Saturday evening urged citizens to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel as heavy rainfall continues to affect various parts of the countryShe said the government would mobilise all available resources to ensure the safety of citizens during the ongoing natural disaster IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/14-killed-in-landslides-triggered-by-incessant-rain-in-nepal-641637.html Sun, 05 Oct 2025 13:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/rare-coastal-birds-return-to-chennai-after-four-decades-641464.html Chennai Oct 4 Chennais bird watchers were recently rewarded with an extraordinary sight the reappearance of two elusive coastal species the Oystercatcher and the Saunders Tern at the Adyar estuary This marks the first confirmed sighting of these birds in the city after nearly 40 years offering hope for the revival of its delicate coastal ecosystems For decades these birds were regular visitors along Tamil Nadus shoreline especially in places like Point Calimere and Kanyakumari They had once adapted so well to the regions conditions that they were believed to be nearresident returning season after seasonHowever with coastal degradation habitat disturbance and reduced prey availability their presence gradually declined making them a rarity in Chennais birding circlesThe Oystercatcher is a striking groundnesting marine bird known to inhabit sandbars and mudflats Feeding mainly on fish crustaceans and molluscs it was historically absent from Chennais usual wintering flocks making its return noteworthySaunders Tern on the other hand has long been underrecorded due to its past misclassification as a subspecies of the more common Little TernBoth species thrive in undisturbed foodrich coastal wetlands precisely the kind of environment the Adyar estuary struggles to maintain amid urbanisationThe rediscovery signals a possible rebound for one of Chennais most fragile yet vital natural habitatsThe Adyar estuary long pressured by pollution encroachment and tidal disruption still retains the ecological richness to attract rare migratory birdsSuch sightings highlight the estuarys role as a crucial stopover in the larger Indian Ocean flyway connecting Chennais waters to global migration routes For the citys naturalists this event is more than a moment of wonder it is a measure of environmental healthThe return of these longabsent birds points to improved conditions at least temporarily and underscores the importance of protecting what remains of Chennais wetlandsConservationists believe that sustained efforts to restore mudflats control pollution and safeguard tidal flows could help bring back more species that were once abundant but are now only memories This unexpected visit is a quiet but powerful reminder Chennais coastal ecosystems still have the capacity to heal and to welcome back the life they once sustained IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/rare-coastal-birds-return-to-chennai-after-four-decades-641464.html Sat, 04 Oct 2025 11:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/heavy-rain-disrupts-life-in-parts-of-bihar-schools-closed-in-chhapra-gopalganj-641491.html Patna Oct 4 Heavy rain disrupted life in parts of Bihar forcing authorities in Chhapra and Gopalganj to close all schools and anganwadi centres on Saturday Incessant heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours led to severe waterlogging and floodlike conditions affecting the traffic movementMajor roads markets and residential colonies have been submerged making daily movement extremely difficult In lowlying areas water has entered homes leaving residents stranded indoorsTraffic movement has also been hit with rickshaws motorcycles and small vehicles struggling to navigate through waterlogged streetsPower supply in several areas has been disrupted further inconveniencing peopleThe rain has also taken a heavy toll on agriculture damaging standing crops of paddy maize sugarcane and vegetablesAccording to farmers vegetable crops have been destroyed which could lead to a price hike in the coming daysSeveral farmer organisations have demanded an immediate survey of crop losses and adequate compensationDistrict administrations have placed disaster response teams on alert to assist residents in waterlogged areas and to initiate evacuations where necessaryEfforts are underway to pump out water from the worsthit localitiesResidents have urged authorities to set up relief camps and deploy additional pumping sets to pull out waterAccording to the Patna Meteorological Department Bihar remains under a yellow alert with forecasts of heavy rain thunderstorms lightning and winds reaching 40 kmph in several districtsOfficials warned residents to avoid open fields tall trees and exposed electrical lines during thunderstorms and to move to higher ground in case of floodingMeteorologists attributed the heavy rainfall to a lowpressure area developing over the westcentral Bay of Bengal which is intensifying into a deep depressionMoist winds from this system are expected to continue lashing Bihar over the next 48 hours worsening conditionsDuring heavy rain predictions residents are advised to stay at home if venturing out is not necessary IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/heavy-rain-disrupts-life-in-parts-of-bihar-schools-closed-in-chhapra-gopalganj-641491.html Sat, 04 Oct 2025 13:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/laos-warns-of-more-heavy-rain-as-tropical-storm-matmo-approaches-641392.html Vientiane Oct 3 The Lao weather bureau has issued a nationwide warning for continued rainfall as tropical storm Matmo approaches urging the public to stay alert and prepare for potential flooding and landslides The storm is moving westnorthwest at a speed of 20 km per hour and is expected to cross the Philippines before entering Laos bringing thunderstorms strong winds and heavy rainfall to various parts of the country from October 3 to 7 according to a report from the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology under the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Environment on FridayOfficials are urging all communities and local authorities to remain alert and take precautionary measures Prolonged heavy rainfall may trigger landslides flash floods and urban flooding in several areas Xinhua news agency reportedSeveral provinces in Laos are experiencing widespread flooding due to continuous rainfall With river levels still rising and saturated ground conditions following previous storms the risk of further flooding remains high Residents are advised to stay informed and follow official safety instructionsEarlier on September 26 the weather bureau of Laos had issued a warning as tropical storm Bualoi approached as it was expected to bring widespread rainfall and increase the risk of flooding and landslides across the countryThe storm was expected to move across multiple regions of the country bringing light to moderate thunderstorms nationwide with some areas likely to experience heavy rainfall and strong winds during this periodThe Lao weather bureau had also issued a warning about the increased risk of flash floods and landslides during this period Residents and local authorities are urged to stay alert and prepare for several days of continuous heavy rainfall that could lead to hazardous conditionsAuthorities in central Laos Xaysomboun province visited areas affected by severe flooding which has resulted in property damage and the loss of three lives Emergency services and local authorities are onsite to assist residentsMatmo locally known as Paolo was the 16th tropical cyclone to hit the Philippines this year The Southeast Asian archipelago nation is lashed by about 20 typhoons and storms a year and lies on the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire making it one of the countries most prone to natural disasters IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/laos-warns-of-more-heavy-rain-as-tropical-storm-matmo-approaches-641392.html Fri, 03 Oct 2025 18:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/four-killed-as-heavy-rains-lash-north-coastal-andhra-641401.html Visakhapatnam Oct 3 Heavy rains and floods in north coastal Andhra under the impact of a cyclonic storm which crossed Odisha coast early on Friday claimed four lives Two persons died in Srikakulam district while one death each was reported from Visakhapatnam and Parvatipuram Manyam districtsChief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu who reviewed the situation on Friday announced Rs 4 lakh compensation each for the families of the deceasedThe Chief Minister held a video conference with the Collectors of the districts in north coastal Andhra He enquired about the situation in each districtThe officials told him that though the rains have receded heavy flows in the rivers were continuing from upstreamThe Chief Minister directed officials to immediately restore the roads and electricity lines that were damaged due to rains and floods He also asked them to assess the crop losses and support the affected people He directed the officials to work swiftly from a humanitarian perspective to alleviate the hardships of the peopleSrikakulam District Collector Swapnil Dinakar told the Chief Minister that due to heavy rains in upstream Odisha Nagavali and Vamsadhara rivers were receiving huge inflowsThe inflow at Gotta Barrage was 189 lakh cusecs while flood flow at Thotapalli was 44000 cusecsMeanwhile Home Minister V Anitha also held a review meeting with the Collectors of Srikakulam Manyam and Vizianagaram districts in view of the floods in Nagavali and Vamsadhara riversShe directed that control rooms in districts should function roundtheclock She asked Collectors to take steps to prevent loss of lives and ensure that people do not face any hardshipsThe Home Minister said the National Disaster Response Force NDRF State Disaster Response Force SDRF police and fire services departments should quickly undertake rescue and relief worksShe directed officials to send warning messages to people living in lowlying areas along Vamsadhara and Nagavali riversShe said that people on receiving warning message from the Disaster Management Authority should move to safe placesFor any assistance people can contact toll free number 112 or 1070 or 18004250101 IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/four-killed-as-heavy-rains-lash-north-coastal-andhra-641401.html Fri, 03 Oct 2025 18:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/subdued-rainfall-activity-in-central-india-as-monsoon-peters-out-641219.html Bhopal Oct 2 Central India specifically Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh is currently experiencing subdued rainfall activity with isolated showers reported in some districts according to a fresh weather bulletin issued by the India Meteorological Departments Bhopal centre The monsoon is petering out in parts of northwest India but central India remains under transitional conditions with sporadic rain and cloud coverIn Madhya Pradesh light to moderate rainfall occurred in isolated pockets particularly in the eastern and southeastern districtsChhattisgarh saw similar conditions with some areas receiving brief spells of rain accompanied by cloudy skiesNo heavy rainfall has been reported and the overall precipitation levels remain below seasonal averages for this periodDaytime temperatures across both states are hovering between 30 and 34 degrees Celsius while nighttime temperatures have begun to dip slightly settling around 22 to 25 degrees CelsiusHumidity levels are moderate and wind patterns remain calm with no significant weather systems influencing the region at presentThe IMD has not issued any warnings for extreme weather events and there are no alerts for thunderstorms heavy rainfall or strong windsModerate thunderstorms with lightning rain is likely to occur over Narsinghpur Pandhurna Pench Chhindwara Panna Anuppur Amarkantak along with light thunderstorms with lightning over Morena Gwalior Bhind Datia Ratangarh Niwari Orchha Chhatarpur Khajuraho Damoh Raisen Satna Chitrakoot Maihar Shahdol Balaghat Seoni in evening hours a weather expert said Looking ahead the weather is expected to remain stable over the next 48 hours with a gradual decrease in cloudiness and a slight rise in daytime temperatures The transition from monsoon to postmonsoon conditions is underway and residents can expect clearer skies and dry spells in the coming days Authorities have advised citizens to stay updated through official IMD channels especially as the seasonal shift may bring changes in local weather dynamics No disruptions to daily life are anticipated and agricultural activities are likely to continue without interruption although farmers are encouraged to monitor soil moisture levels and plan irrigation accordingly IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/subdued-rainfall-activity-in-central-india-as-monsoon-peters-out-641219.html Fri, 03 Oct 2025 00:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/rajasthan-rains-lash-several-areas-of-jaipur-met-dept-announces-alert-for-tomorrow-641220.html Jaipur Oct 2 Heavy rains have been lashing Jaipur since Thursday evening thereby bringing down the mercury MeT Department officials said that another round of rains began lashing many districts of Rajasthan following the departure of the monsoon The weather suddenly changed in the capital Jaipur after 7 pm on Thursday and heavy rain began Jaipur has been experiencing continuous rainfall for the past three days Light rain also occurred in other districts including Karauli Alwar and Dholpur Meanwhile several districts including Jalore Barmer Jodhpur and Nagaur remained overcast late in the eveningThe Meteorological Centre Jaipur has issued a yellow alert for rain on October 3 in Bundi Kota Baran Jhalawar Chittorgarh Pratapgarh Dungarpur Banswara Udaipur Bhilwara Rajsamand and Sirohi districtsAccording to the Meteorological Department rain will continue in Rajasthan until October 6th Due to the impact of a Western Disturbance an alert has been issued for heavy rain and thunderstorms in the Bikaner and Jodhpur divisions on October 5th and 6th Looking at the last 24 hours 5 mm of rain was recorded in Alwar 4 mm in Govindgarh in Alwar 5 mm in Rajakheda in Dholpur 4 mm in Dholpur city 6 mm in Karauli 25 mm in Nagaur and 14 mm in Jodhpur Light rain also occurred in Jaipur Dausa Ganganagar and Bikaner among other citiesEarlier several cities including Jaipur Alwar and Bharatpur experienced cloudy skies with daytime temperatures dropping On Thursday the maximum temperature in Sriganganagar exceeded 37 degrees with a maximum temperature of 375 degrees Furthermore temperatures of 36 degrees each were recorded in Churu Bikaner and Jaisalmer 339 degrees in Jodhpur 354 degrees in Barmer 358 degrees in Pilani 335 degrees in Sikar 338 degrees in Kota 35 degrees in Alwar 338 degrees in Bhilwara 328 degrees in Ajmer 35 degrees in Chittorgarh 316 degrees in Udaipur 32 degrees in Jaipur 357 degrees in Hanumangarh and 339 degrees in JaloreRadheshyam Sharma Director of the Meteorological Centre Jaipur explained A wellmarked lowpressure system has formed in the Arabian Sea near the Gujarat coast providing Rajasthan with adequate moisture Additionally a cyclonic circulation system has formed over northeastern Rajasthan where a trough is passing through extending into the Arabian Sea Due to this system rain continues in the southwestern northern and northeastern districts of Rajasthan A new Western Disturbance will become active over North India from October 4th bringing rain to northern Indian states including Rajasthan This system may also cause torrential rain in the western and northern districts of Rajasthan on October 5th and 6th IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/rajasthan-rains-lash-several-areas-of-jaipur-met-dept-announces-alert-for-tomorrow-641220.html Fri, 03 Oct 2025 00:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/north-coastal-andhra-may-face-flash-floods-cm-reviews-situation-641226.html Visakhapatnam Oct 2 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday reviewed the situation due to heavy rainfall and gusty winds in north coastal Andhra and the flash flood threat to three districts Conducting a video conference with Collectors of north coastal Andhra districts from his official residence in Amaravati Naidu enquired about the situation in the districts and directed the officials to ensure uninterrupted power supplyHe said that in view of the warning from the Meteorological Department that some areas may face floods the administration should be alert and keep the people informedThe Chief Minister also asked the officials to provide necessary services to people through a roundtheclock control roomHe said the teams should be ready to face any situation and if necessary people should be shifted to safe placesParts of coastal Andhra received heavy rains accompanied by gusty winds on Thursday under the deep depression in the Bay of BengalAccording to the Visakhapatnam Cyclone Warning Centre the deep depression may cross the coast on Thursday night or early Friday between Paradip and GopalpurUnder its impact heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places with isolated extremely heavy rainfall is likely to occur over the districts of Srikakulam Parvathipuram Manyam and Vizianagaram of north coastal Andhra Pradesh and YanamThe Met Office has issued a red alert for the three districts which are likely to receive a rainfall of over 20 centimetres These districts may experience flash floodsHeavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to occur at one or two places over Visakhapatnam Alluri Sitharama Raju and Anakapalli districts of north coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam An orange alert has been issued for these districtsHeavy rainfall is also likely to occur at one or two places over the districts of Kakinada Yanam Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema East Godavari and Eluru districts of north coastal Andhra Pradesh and YanamAndhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority APSDMA Managing Director Prakhar Jain said that there is a possibility of gusty winds blowing at speeds of 4060 kmph along the coastPeople have been advised not to stay under trees in dilapidated buildings or near hoardings For emergency assistance they have been asked to contact the tollfree numbers 112 1070 and 18004250101 of the APSDMA IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/north-coastal-andhra-may-face-flash-floods-cm-reviews-situation-641226.html Fri, 03 Oct 2025 00:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/jampk-likely-to-witness-rain-snow-for-3-days-weather-office-issues-advisory-641240.html Srinagar Oct 3 The Meteorological MeT Department has issued an adverse weather advisory forecasting rain in the plains and snow in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir and adjoining areas beginning on Saturday The advisory issued on Friday said that a strong western disturbance is approaching JampK and adjoining areas under whose effect light to moderate rain in the plains and snow in the higher reaches is likely to occur from October 4 to 7 with peak activity during the night of October 5 to the morning of October 7Under the influence of this western disturbance moderate to heavy snowfall is likely to occur in Anantnag Kulgam Shopian Zojila Pass Pir Ki Gali Razdan Pass Sinthan Pass and KupwaraSadna Pass Moderate snowfall is likely to occur over the middle reaches Light to moderate to heavy rainfall is expected in the plains of Kashmir and isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall over the Jammu region with thunderstormlightningwith strong winds with speeds of 40 to 50 kilometres per hour gushing to 60 to 70 Kilometres per hour said the MeT DepartmentThe adverse weather is likely to cause disruption of surface transport on the JammuSrinagar national highway SrinagarLeh highway and all other roads in the middle and higher reaches of the union territoryChances of landslides mudslides and shooting stones at vulnerable places Farmers are advised to suspend all farming activities from 5th to 7th October Rise in water level in rivers streams nallahs and lowlying areas will take place the advisory saidJampK has suffered unprecedented floods in AugustSeptember causing huge devastation especially in the Jammu division Huge losses to private and public Infrastructure roads buildings and other facilities were caused by those floodsAgricultural lands in Samba Jammu Kathua and orchards in Kulgam Shopian Pulwama and Anantnag suffered heavy damage due to the washing away of chunks of land IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/jampk-likely-to-witness-rain-snow-for-3-days-weather-office-issues-advisory-641240.html Fri, 03 Oct 2025 15:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/heavy-rain-likely-in-coastal-andhra-as-depression-intensifies-641120.html Visakhapatnam Oct 2 The depression over westcentral Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression and is likely to cross Odisha and adjoining Andhra Pradesh coasts between Gopalpur and Paradip on Thursday night Visakhapatnam Cyclone Warning Centre said The deep depression lay centred at 300 km from Visakhapatnam 300 km from Gopalpur Odisha and 400 km from Paradip OdishaStrong winds with a speed of 4050 kmph likely at isolated places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and YanamHeavy rain with strong winds lashed Visakhapatnam inundating lowlying areas Electricity supply was also disrupted in some areasUnder the impact of deep depression heavy rain is likely in north and south coastal districtsAccording to Cyclone Warning Centre heavy to very heavy rainfall likely to occur at one or two places over Srikakulam Parvathipuram Manyam Vizianagaram Visakhapatnam Alluri Sitharama Raju Anakapalli Kakinada Yanam Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema and East Godavari districts of north coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam An orange alert has been issued for these districtsHeavy rainfall is also likely to occur at one or two places over the districts of West Godavari Eluru NTR Krishna Guntur Palnadu Bapatla and Prakasam districts of coastal Andhra Pradesh and YanamAgriculture Minister K Atchannaidu has alerted officials in view of the heavy rains forecast in north coastal Andhra over the next two daysHe spoke to Collector and Superintendent of Police of Srikakulam district to review the preparedness He enquired about the flood situation in Nagavali and Vamsadhara rivers and directed officials to be ready to face any emergency situationMeanwhile the flood flow in Krishna and Godavari rivers have started to recedeAccording to Andhra Pradesh Disaster Management Authority the inflow at Prakasam Barrage on Thursday 384 lakh cusecs Authorities were releasing 399 lakh cusecs downstream They have withdrawn the first warning at Prakasam BarrageThe floodwater in Godavari was also receding The inflow and outflow at Dowleswaram were 1205753 cusecs The Disaster Management Authority said people should remain vigilant until the floodwater completely subsides IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/heavy-rain-likely-in-coastal-andhra-as-depression-intensifies-641120.html Thu, 02 Oct 2025 14:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/forecast-for-thunderstorms-rain-in-tn-puducherry-fishermen-warned-641042.html Chennai Oct 1 The Regional Meteorological Centre RMC Chennai has forecast thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall in isolated places across Tamil Nadu Puducherry and Karaikal on Wednesday In its latest advisory the weather office said atmospheric circulation is active over parts of South India and the northern Andaman Sea setting the stage for changing weather conditionsAccording to the RMC a lowpressure system is likely to form over the central Bay of Bengal on Wednesday due to an existing cyclonic circulation over the northern Andaman SeaThis system is likely to move westnorthwestwards and intensify into a wellmarked lowpressure area by October 2 over the central and adjoining northwest Bay of BengalMeteorologists further expect the system to continue its trajectory towards the southern Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh coasts making landfall around October 3For Chennai the sky is forecast to remain partly cloudy through the day Some areas of the city are likely to experience light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning The maximum temperature is expected to hover between 34 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius while the minimum temperature will likely remain around 26 degrees to 27 degreesHeavy rain alerts have been issued for specific districts On October 2 Chengalpattu Villupuram Kallakurichi and Tiruvannamalai districts are likely to witness heavy showers By October 3 the heavy rain warning expands to cover Chengalpattu Villupuram Cuddalore Kallakurichi Ariyalur Perambalur Mayiladuthurai and PuducherryThe weather department has also issued a strong advisory to fishermen warning them not to venture into the sea Rough conditions are expected in several regions including the south and north Tamil Nadu coastal waters the southwest Bay of Bengal the Gulf of Mannar central and northern Bay of Bengal and coastal areas off Andhra Pradesh Odisha West Bengal and the Andaman Sea Parts of the northeast and eastcentral Arabian Sea may also experience dangerous sea conditionsOfficials urged the public to stay alert and avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall periods Fishermen have been asked to strictly adhere to the advisory to ensure safety at sea IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/forecast-for-thunderstorms-rain-in-tn-puducherry-fishermen-warned-641042.html Wed, 01 Oct 2025 14:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/rain-clouds-loom-over-dussehra-festivities-in-central-india-640877.html Bhopal Sep 30 A fresh spell of rainfall is set to dampen Dussehra celebrations across Central India as the India Meteorological Department IMD has forecast light to moderate showers accompanied by thunderstorms over the region until October 5 The festive spirit especially for outdoor events and Ravan Dahan ceremonies scheduled on October 2 may face disruption due to persistent wet weatherAccording to IMDs latest bulletin a cyclonic circulation over north coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining areas is influencing weather patterns across Madhya Pradesh Chhattisgarh and parts of MaharashtraThis system is expected to sustain rainfall activity for the next four days with isolated heavy showers likely in some pocketsThe timing could not be more inconvenient for communities preparing for Dussehra a festival that marks the triumph of good over evilTraditionally celebrated with large public gatherings processions and effigy burnings Dussehra relies heavily on dry weather However the forecast suggests that many districts may have to scale down or relocate events indoorsIn Madhya Pradesh cities like Bhopal Indore and Jabalpur are likely to witness intermittent rain senior weather scientist Divya E Surendran saidWith temperatures hovering around 2830 degrees Celsius the IMD has also warned of gusty winds ranging from 3050 kmph which could pose safety risks for temporary structures and openair stagesLocal authorities are on alert advising organisers to prepare contingency plansWe are monitoring the weather closely If the rain intensifies we may postpone for a while as shifting the Ravan Dahan to a safer venue is almost impossible said an organiser of the festival at BHEL Bhopal Dussehra MaidanWhile the showers bring relief from lingering heat they also raise concerns about traffic snarls waterlogging and reduced turnout for cultural programmesResidents are urged to stay updated with local advisories and plan their movements accordingly As the skies remain uncertain the spirit of Dussehra will depend not just on tradition but on resilience and adaptability in the face of natures unpredictability IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/rain-clouds-loom-over-dussehra-festivities-in-central-india-640877.html Tue, 30 Sep 2025 16:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/rains-return-to-rajasthan-sikar-flooded-met-dept-warns-of-rains-from-october-6-8-640897.html Jaipur Sep 30 Unseasonal showers lashed several parts of Rajasthan on Tuesday morning bringing respite from the lingering heat but also triggering waterlogging in lowlying areas The Meteorological Centre Jaipur has issued a yellow alert for 23 districts including Jaipur and Alwar valid until October 3In Sikar rain returned after 22 days beginning around 630 AM The downpour left the Fatehpur Chhatriya bus stand and Loharu bus stand inundated with nearly two feet of water severely affecting passengers and disrupting bus movementWaterlogging was also reported on Nawalgarh Road while in Srimadhopur heavy rain between 830 AM and 945 AM flooded shops near the old bus standAccording to the district control room 29 mm of rain was recorded in Fatehpur by morning Ajmer too witnessed heavy showers particularly in Kishangarh around 1030 AM leading to water flow in the old city and adjoining coloniesReports from the Water Resources Department highlighted significant monsoon rainfall across the region so far including 747 mm in Rupangarh 748 mm in Kishangarh 699 mm in Bandersindri and 822 mm in the Arani subdivisionIn Dausa district rain began in Sikrai and Mahuwa around 1230 PM offering muchneeded relief and boosting prospects for mustard sowingBikaner recorded early morning drizzle at 5 AM with meteorologists predicting heavier showers in areas like Nokha and Deshnok later in the dayOther districts including Nagaur Pratapgarh Dungarpur Jodhpur Bundi and Banswara also received light to moderate rainfall since Monday night Udaipur city meanwhile experienced overcast skies and a cool breeze on Tuesday following strong winds the previous eveningWeather experts attribute the widespread rainfall to the formation of a lowpressure system in the Arabian Sea following a similar development in the Bay of Bengal earlier this weekWith dense cloud cover and intermittent showers forecast for the next three days officials have urged residents to remain cautious particularly in floodprone and lowlying areasJaipur met department director Radheshyam Sharma said A wellmarked lowpressure area is persisting over the Kutch region while a trough in the lower atmospheric levels remains active across northwestern Rajasthan the Meteorological Department said today On September 30 there is a strong possibility of rain accompanied by thundershowers in the Shekhawati region Jaipur Bharatpur Ajmer Jodhpur and some areas of the Bikaner divisionHeavy rainfall is likely at isolated locations in and around Shekhawati Light to moderate showers along with thunderstorms are expected to continue in parts of the state over the next 34 days Looking ahead a new lowpressure system is likely to form over the Bay of Bengal within the next 24 hours In addition a western disturbance is projected to become active between October 58 which could lead to a significant increase in rainfall activity across Rajasthan from October 68The weather office has advised residents especially in lowlying and floodprone areas to remain cautious as conditions remain favourable for heavy showers in some districts While the rains have disrupted normal life in some towns they have also brought muchneeded relief to farmers and residents eagerly awaiting cooler weather IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/rains-return-to-rajasthan-sikar-flooded-met-dept-warns-of-rains-from-october-6-8-640897.html Tue, 30 Sep 2025 17:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/cyclonic-system-to-cross-odisha-andhra-coast-by-oct-3-orange-alert-issued-640970.html Bhubaneswar Sep 30 A cyclonic system currently lies over Odisha and the adjoining north Andhra Pradesh coast in the westcentral Bay of Bengal said Sanjeev Dwivedi ScientistD at IMD Bhubaneswar on Tuesday Under its influence another cyclonic circulation is likely to emerge over the north Andaman Sea on September 30 This development may lead to the formation of a lowpressure area over the central Bay of Bengal on October 1Speaking to IANS Sanjeev Dwivedi said The system is expected to move westnorthwestwards and intensify into a depression over the westcentral and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal around October 2 It is likely to cross the south Odishanorth Andhra Pradesh coast by the morning of October 3 Rainfall activity is expected to continue over the next four daysFor September 30 heavy rainfall Yellow Alert has been forecast at one or two places in Ganjam Gajapati Rayagada Kalahandi and Kandhamal districts Thunderstorms with lightning and wind speeds of 3040 kmph are likely in the coastal adjoining and northern districts including Sundargarh Jharsuguda and SambalpurRainfall intensity is expected to increase in the coming days with heavy showers Yellow Alert likely in Ganjam Gajapati Rayagada Koraput Malkangiri Nabarangpur Kalahandi and Kandhamal accompanied by wind speeds reaching 4050 kmph in warning districtsAn Orange Warning for very heavy rainfall 720 cm has been issued for one or two places in Gajapati Rayagada Koraput Malkangiri and Kandhamal Additionally 12 districtsincluding Mayurbhanj Keonjhar Balasore Nabarangpur Kalahandi Ganjam Puri Khurda Nayagarh and Cuttackmay experience heavy rainfall Yellow AlertThunderstorms with lightning are likely across most parts of Odisha while coastal and warning districts may experience wind speeds up to 50 kmphOdisha remains one of the most cycloneprone states in India In 1999 the state witnessed one of the deadliest cyclonic disasters in recorded history the Super Cyclone also known as the 1999 Odisha Cyclone Originating around 550 km east of the Andaman Islands it struck Odisha with wind speeds reaching approximately 300 kmph devastating 14 coastal districts 28 towns and major cities like Bhubaneswar and Cuttack Nearly 10000 people lost their lives and over 13 million were affected IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/cyclonic-system-to-cross-odisha-andhra-coast-by-oct-3-orange-alert-issued-640970.html Tue, 30 Sep 2025 19:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/climate-variability-reshaping-indian-sardines-dynamics-study-641011.html Kochi Sep 29 The boomandbust cycles of Indian Oil sardine a vital species for Keralas fisheries and Indias marine food basket are strongly tied to monsoon rainfall and oceanographic changes according to a new study by the ICARCentral Marine Fisheries Research Institute CMFRI The findings published in Current Science highlight how climate variability is reshaping sardine dynamics and call for the urgent adoption of dynamic forecasting and harvest rulesSardines often called the lifeline of Keralas fishing communities have shown dramatic fluctuations over the past decadeAfter a record catch of four lakh tonnes in 2012 landings plummeted to just 3500 tonnes in 2021In 2024 however Kerala witnessed an unusual surge of juvenile sardines averaging just 10 cm in sizeThis sudden influx led to ecological stress including mass beaching in districts such as Kozhikode and Thrissur and economic turmoil due to a collapse in market pricesThe CMFRI study which combined fisheries biology with oceanographic data from Kochi Vizhinjam and Kozhikode attributes the 2024 phenomenon to positive monsoon rainfall trendsEnhanced nutrientrich upwelling created favourable conditions for microplankton growth the key food source for sardine larvaeThis boosted larval survival rates and caused an unprecedented recruitment spikeHowever the abundance of young recruits soon created intense competition for food resulting in poorly nourished fish with lower weight gainThis situation led to severe market impacts including price crashes and suspension of juvenile fishing U Ganga Principal Scientist and lead author of the study saidThe researchers found that ecosystem productivity indicators particularly the microplankton component of chlorophylla played a more decisive role in sardine recruitment than the traditionally emphasised spawning stock biomass They also observed that marine heatwaves varying across ecoregions likely influenced sardine maturation and spawning patterns With climate change expected to intensify these fluctuations CMFRI scientists recommend the development of speciesspecific shortterm forecast models and adaptive local harvest controlsDynamic harvest strategies tailored to the highly environmentdriven sardine fishery are essential for sustaining livelihoods and ensuring food security Dr Ganga pointed outThe study underscores the need for climatesmart fishery management to protect one of Indias most crucial marine resources IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/climate-variability-reshaping-indian-sardines-dynamics-study-641011.html Tue, 30 Sep 2025 22:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/forecast-for-likely-rain-in-kolkata-from-wednesday-640767.html Kolkata Sep 29 The Meteorological MeT office on Monday forecast mostly clear skies for the next two days lifting the festive spirit of Kolkata which has been experiencing a prolonged spell of rains during Durga Puja However the MeT department warned that the weather will change drastically from Wednesday night Navami and the city is likely to experience heavy rain on Thursday that is Dashami the last day of Durga PujaAn official of the Regional Meteorological Centre in Kolkatas Alipore said Yesterday the sky remained clear with one or two spells of light rain recorded Today and tomorrow the sky will continue to remain clear and there is no forecast of heavy rain However under the influence of a lowpressure area in the Bay of Bengal the city might experience rain from Wednesday night Heavy rain is likely on Thursday and FridayAt the same time there is no possibility of heavy rain in most districts of South Bengal on Monday However scattered light to moderate rain has been predicted Rain with thunderstorm and lightning may occur in four districts of South Bengal South 24 Parganas East Midnapore West Midnapore and JhargramOn the day of Ashtami Tuesday rain with thunderstorm and lightning may occur in East Burdwan West Burdwan Birbhum Murshidabad and Nadia districts Scattered light to moderate rain may occur in the remaining districts of South Bengal In the districts of North Bengal on Monday rain with thunderstorm and lightning may occur in some areas of South Dinajpur and Malda districts Rain is likely in Darjeeling Jalpaiguri North Dinajpur South Dinajpur and Malda districts on Tuesday Heavy rain is likely to occur in almost all the northern districts after DashamiThe weather department earlier said that a cyclonic circulation is likely to form in the North Andaman Sea on Ashtami On Navami it may further intensify and turn into a lowpressure area As a result rain with thunderstorms is predicted in all districts of South Bengal including Kolkata on Navami Rain is also predicted on Dashami Fishermen have been prohibited from going to the north and central Bay of Bengal adjacent to the Odisha West Bengal and Bangladesh coasts on Thursday and Friday due to rough seas IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/forecast-for-likely-rain-in-kolkata-from-wednesday-640767.html Mon, 29 Sep 2025 17:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/flood-in-hyderabads-musi-river-inundates-bus-station-640539.html Hyderabad Sep 27 Passengers from Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station MGBS in Hyderabad were rescued by Disaster Response Force teams as floods in the Musi River inundated the biggest bus station in Telangana A dramatic rise in the flood level in Musi after midnight due to massive discharge from the twin reservoirs of Himayat Sagar and Osman Sagar since Friday submerged both bridges in MGBS premises trapping a large number of passengersWater from the overflowing river entered the platforms at the sprawling facility forcing authorities to stop bus services and launch an operation to rescue trapped passengersTeams of Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency HYDRAA and Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation GHMC along with the Police and Fire Services Department swung into action to rescue the passengersChief Minister A Revanth Reddy directed authorities to safely evacuate passengers trapped in the floodTelangana State Road Transport Corporation TGSRTC diverted buses coming to MGBS from various places in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to other points in the cityOfficials said it was an unprecedented situation at MGBS said to be one of the biggest bus stations in AsiaMusi which flows through the city was flowing dangerously inundating parts of the residential colonies abutting the river About 1000 people from Shankar Nagar Vinayaka Veedhi Moosa Nagar Padma Nagar and other areas in Chaderghat were shifted to relief campsChaderghat causeway was completely submerged Water was overflowing the old bridge at Moosarambagh which was already closed for traffic A new highlevel bridge which was under construction suffered damage due to floods Centric iron rods and construction material stored at the site were washed away Water entered houses in the Ambedkar Nagar area close to the bridgeFollowing heavy rain over the last few days Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar reservoirs on the city outskirts received heavy inflows Authorities opened 24 gates to release floodwater downstream The discharge increased to 35000 cusecs late on Friday night triggering floods in the riverOfficials said Musi never saw this level of flow in recent times With rains continuing in upstream areas the water level is likely to increase furtherAbout 15000 people were killed in the Musi floods of 1908 The disaster had changed the face of Hyderabad Mir Osman Ali Khan the then Nizam of Hyderabad State had drafted engineer M Visvesvaraya to build Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar reservoirs upstream to prevent floods IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/flood-in-hyderabads-musi-river-inundates-bus-station-640539.html Sat, 27 Sep 2025 17:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/thunderstorms-heavy-rain-forecast-for-parts-of-tamil-nadu-today-640550.html Chennai Sep 27 The Regional Meteorological Centre RMC Chennai has issued a weather alert for several parts of Tamil Nadu warning of thunderstorms accompanied by light to moderate rainfall on Saturday In its latest bulletin the department said the prevailing atmospheric circulation over the Bay of Bengal has intensified creating conditions for rainfall and strong winds across coastal and interior districtsAccording to the Chennai weather office a cyclonic circulation that existed over the central and adjoining northeastern Bay of Bengal on Friday morning moved westward and consolidated into a lowpressure areaDue to the systems gradual strengthening a wellmarked lowpressure area has now formed over the north and adjoining central Bay of Bengal the department statedIt is expected to drift further westnorthwest in the next 24 hours heading toward the southern Odishanorthern Andhra Pradesh coast and is likely to cross the coastline as a depression on the morning of September 27 This development is expected to influence weather conditions in Tamil Nadu and its nearby territories including Puducherry and KaraikalThe RMC said one or two places across the state may experience thunderstorms and light to moderate rainSome pockets are also likely to record wind speeds reaching 3040 kmph during intense spellsOfficials specifically warned that hilly and western districts including Coimbatore the Nilgiris Theni and Tenkasi could receive heavy rainfall at isolated locationsPeople living in these regions are advised to remain cautious of possible waterlogging slippery roads and reduced visibility during downpours Fishermen were also asked to exercise caution due to gusty winds over adjoining sea areasThe weather office has urged the public to keep track of further updates especially as the lowpressure system intensifies while moving closer to the East CoastEmergency responders and local authorities have been alerted to monitor floodprone zones and be prepared to handle potential disruptions This latest warning comes as Tamil Nadu enters the crucial phase of the northeast monsoon buildup with atmospheric activity over the Bay of Bengal expected to trigger sporadic heavy showers and thunderstorms across the state in the coming days IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/thunderstorms-heavy-rain-forecast-for-parts-of-tamil-nadu-today-640550.html Sat, 27 Sep 2025 17:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/despite-rain-people-throng-durga-puja-mandaps-in-kolkata-640561.html Kolkata Sep 27 Despite rain people thronged Durga Puja mandaps in Kolkata and other areas as religious festivities gripped West Bengal The Meteorological Office has forecast scattered light to moderate rain on Saturday across Kolkata and its adjoining areas under the influence of a deep depression which will enter the land through the coast of South Odisha and Andhra PradeshAccording to the Meteorological Department light to moderate rain will continue till Sunday night while there is a possibility of scattered rain on September 29On September 30 Asthami there is less chance of rain in the cityHowever the situation will worsen from Wednesday night when another cyclonic circulation is likely to form over the Andaman Sea on September 30Under its influence a lowpressure area is likely to develop in the central and north Bay of Bengal on the day of Navami on October 1 It may result in rain in several districts of the state from the night of NavamiThe rain under the influence of the second system will continue till October 2 Dashami the end of the Durga puja festival Therefore this year there will be more or less rain during Durga Puja said an official of the Regional Meteorological Centre in Kolkatas AliporeToday there may be heavy rain in South 24 Parganas East Midnapore West Midnapore Bankura and Jhargram districts Moderate rain is also forecast in Kolkata along with thundershowers There may be scattered rain on Sunday too If the lowpressure system moves towards Bengal the possibility of rain will increase from the day of NavamiAlong with South Bengal there is a possibility of rain in North Bengal as wellScattered heavy rain has been forecast in Jalpaiguri Cooch Behar and Alipurduar districts todayRain with thunder and lightning will continue in the districts of Darjeeling and Kalimpong till Sunday There is a high possibility of rain with thunder and lightning in Malda and North Dinajpur districts on September 29 Rain will increase in north Bengal from the night of Navami on Dashami as well IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/despite-rain-people-throng-durga-puja-mandaps-in-kolkata-640561.html Sat, 27 Sep 2025 17:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/decarbonising-indias-cooking-sector-key-to-achieve-net-zero-goal-by-2070-640564.html New Delhi Sep 27 Decarbonising Indias cooking sector is crucial to achieve net zero goal by 2070 said experts here Speaking at an event hosted by Chintan Research Foundation CRF as part of the Modern Energy Cooking Forum MECF 2025 the experts recognised the urgency particularly in the context of Indias NetZero goalIndia has been promoting the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas LPG Piped Natural Gas PNG Biogas CBG and more recently electric cooking primarily to reduce household air pollutionHowever greenhouse gas emissions from cooking have not received due attention despite being comparable to those of the aviation and shipping sectorsDr Debajit Palit Centre Head Climate Change and Energy Transition CRF underscored the need for decarbonising the cooking sectorThe future lies in enabling a multifuel roadmap that scales renewable energybased electric cooking technologies while integrating complementary solutions such as compressed biogas blending decentralised renewables and electricity tariff reforms Palit saidDuring the session panellists emphasised that policy clarity innovative financing models and technological synergies are crucial to unlocking the potential of electric cooking in IndiaAlok Kumar Director General All India DISCOM Association and Former Power Secretary stressed that electric cooking must be integrated into Indias energy policy with tariffs reflecting grid system costsLinking this to the larger agenda of grid decarbonisation he identified three priorities for accelerating the transition towards a greener grid rapid digitalisation of grid operations through programmes like smart meter rollouts integration of overall system and network costs and integration of gridscale storage solutionsIntegration of electric cooking in Indias energy policy will provide the required vision and direction to the sector Kumar saidFurther Nidhi Sarin Director Energy Transitions Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet pointed out that integrating storage with renewable energy can enhance grid stability and open opportunities for institutional cookingShe also advocated for centralised procurement and pooling of electric cooking appliances thereby lowering costs and ensuring accessibilityCooking solutions must be customised to Indian kitchens and cultural practices Nidhi Sarin Director Energy Transitions Global Energy Alliance for People and PlanetJeevan Kumar Jethani Senior Director Ministry of New and Renewable Energy drew attention to the role of decentralised renewable energy systems in enabling rural households to adopt electric cookingHe pointed to schemes such as PMKUSUM and PM Surya Ghar as natural allies in this transition offering a costeffective and scalable pathway to clean cooking in rural areasDr Umish Srivastava Executive Director RampD Indian Oil Corporation reflected on IOCLs experience in developing Surya Nutan Indias pioneering solar cook stoveHe acknowledged the cost and behavioural barriers to adoption but also underscored that decarbonising cooking represents a lowhanging fruit achievable at a fraction of the cost compared to sectors such as aviation making it an opportunity India cannot afford to overlookDecarbonising Indias Cooking Sector can be done at a fraction of the cost compared to sectors such as aviation and shipping SrivastavaTogether the panellists insights underlined that while challenges persist the convergence of policy reforms technological innovation and decentralised solutions can transform Indias cooking sector into a cornerstone of its clean energy transitionThe panellists also released an Issue Brief titled Decarbonising Indias Cooking Sector authored by researchers from CRF and Finovista IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/decarbonising-indias-cooking-sector-key-to-achieve-net-zero-goal-by-2070-640564.html Sat, 27 Sep 2025 17:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/rain-forecast-for-kolkata-from-saturday-may-play-spoilsport-during-durga-puja-640367.html Kolkata Sep 25 The Meteorological office on Thursday said that a new lowpressure area is developing over the Bay of Bengal which will bring rain to Kolkata from Saturday According to the Meteorological Department thunderstorms with lightning will continue in south Bengal districts including Kolkata till Sunday when Durga Puja will begin as per tradition However the weather office has ruled out any possibility of heavy rain till SaturdayThere is a cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal adjacent to the Myanmar coast It is slowly moving westward Due to this a new lowpressure area will be formed in the north Bay of Bengal today This will gradually transform into a depression on Friday By Saturday the low pressure may enter the land through the south Odisha coast Due to this there is a possibility of scattered light to moderate rain in the south Bengal districts including Kolkata on Saturday said a Meteorological Department officialApart from this there is a possibility of another cyclonic circulation forming in the Bay of Bengal on Ashtami that is September 30As a result the intensity of thunderstorms may start again from September 1 However it is still premature to predict the exact course of that weather systemMeanwhile rain is likely in Kolkata Howrah Hooghly North 24 Parganas South 24 Parganas East Midnapore West Midnapore Jhargram and Bankura districts from Friday There is a possibility of heavy rain in South 24 Parganas East Midnapore West Midnapore and Jhargram districts on SaturdayApart from this thunderstorms will continue in all the southern districts till Sunday Along with this there will be gusty winds at a speed of 30 to 40 kilometres per hourMeanwhile there is little possibility of rain in north Bengal for now There is a possibility of light rain with thundershowers and lightning at one or two places but there is no possibility of heavy rain There is a possibility of rain in Darjeeling Jalpaiguri and North Dinajpur districts on ThursdayThere is also a rain alert in Cooch Behar on Friday There may be rain in all districts of north Bengal on SaturdayThe minimum temperature in Kolkata in the morning was 264 degrees Celsius IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/rain-forecast-for-kolkata-from-saturday-may-play-spoilsport-during-durga-puja-640367.html Thu, 25 Sep 2025 20:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/delhi-cm-announces-signing-of-mou-with-iit-kanpur-for-artificial-rain-trial-640425.html New Delhi Sep 25 Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday announced the governments agreement with IITKanpur for a pilot project using cloud seeding technology or artificial rain to clean the citys air Speaking after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding MoU CM Gupta said This is an important step towards reducing pollution in DelhiNCR and making the capital clean and healthyShe took to X to share information about the MoU and wrote Today an MoU was signed between the Delhi government and IIT Kanpur under a pilot project for a demonstration and evaluation of cloud seeding technologyDelhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa had earlier announced that the government has secured final clearance from the aviation regulator for conducting cloud seeding trials in the National CapitalCalling it a historic step towards implementing sciencebased environmental solutions Minister Sirsa said the Directorate General of Civil Aviation DGCA clearance marks the beginning of Delhis firstever airborne experiment to mitigate pollution through induced precipitationTaking a jibe at the previous AAP government he said Cloud seeding has been spoken about for years but never implemented For 10 years it remained on paperWe took this up coordinated with 13 departments secured all approvals including from DGCA and now Delhi will finally witness cloud seeding between August 30 and September 10 This is a historic achievement the minister saidHe also elaborated that while the original DGCA clearance allowed operations between July 4 and July 11 2025 input from the India Meteorological Department IMD and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology IITM Pune suggested that monsoon cloud patterns during this window may not support optimal cloud seedingAs a result IIT Kanpur in consultation with the Delhi Government requested an alternate window better suited for the operation he saidThe sorties will focus on areas most likely to support lowaltitude cloud formation and high pollution retention As per the tentative flight plan prepared by the experts cloud seeding aircraft will fly over Kundli border zones Alipur Bawana Rohini Burari Pavi Sadakpur and some stretches along the Eastern Peripheral ExpresswayThe Minister said the operations will be led by the Department of Aerospace Engineering IIT Kanpur using aircraft VTIIT Cessna 206H which has been fully equipped with cloudseeding instrumentationHe informed that the crew has prior experience in similar flight missions and all mandatory DGCA conditions including licences and certifications have been complied withThe cloud seeding method will involve dispersion of hygroscopic particles like sodium chloride or other aerosols from below the cloud layer enhancing precipitation and improving pollutant washout in the lower atmosphere Minister Sirsa addedHe said according to the DGCA permission letter the following conditions are to be fulfilled Flights must be conducted under Visual Flight RulesVFR The aircraft must maintain continuous visibility of terrain and avoid obstacles at all times the use of any aerial photography or videography equipment during the operation is strictly prohibited and the flight must remain strictly within the approved airspaceregion and must avoid prohibited restricted or notified airspaces unless separate permissions are obtainedThe DGCA has also mandated that the flight operator must obtain ATC clearance from the concerned aerodromes and coordinate closely with aviation traffic units during all flightsAll operations must be recorded and properly documented and DGCA should be informed of any incident accident or abnormality occurring during the flights it said IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/delhi-cm-announces-signing-of-mou-with-iit-kanpur-for-artificial-rain-trial-640425.html Thu, 25 Sep 2025 21:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/thunderstorms-moderate-rain-likely-across-tn-today-640066.html Chennai Sep 23 The Regional Meteorological Centre has forecast light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms across several parts of Tamil Nadu on Tuesday bringing muchneeded relief from the recent humid conditions The weather department said that northern and southern districts of the state as well as Puducherry and Karaikal regions are likely to experience showers during the day Maximum temperature is expected to hover around 33 degrees Celsius while the minimum will remain between 26 degrees Celsius and 27 degrees CelsiusOvernight rain in Chennai and its suburbs set the tone for a pleasant morning Localities including Koyambedu Nungambakkam Valluvar Kottam T Nagar and Teynampet witnessed widespread showers On the citys outskirts areas such as Poonamallee Kumananchavadi Thirumazhisai Chembarambakkam Mangadu Kundrathur and Vanagaram also reported steady rainfallThe spell led to cooler weather conditions across the cityLooking ahead the weather office has issued a specific alert for Coimbatore and Nilgiris districts Heavy rainfall is predicted in the hill regions of Coimbatore and parts of the Nilgiris on September 26 and 27Authorities have advised residents in these regions to remain cautious as intense downpours could trigger localised flooding and minor disruptionsMeanwhile moderate rain is expected to continue across Tamil Nadu Puducherry and Karaikal until September 25In Chennai the sky will remain partly cloudy with light to moderate rain likely in some areas over the coming daysMeteorologists note that the monsoon pattern remains active across the region aided by moistureladen winds from the Bay of BengalThe rains are expected to improve groundwater levels and provide temporary relief for farmers in rainfed areas although the intensity is unlikely to cause major agricultural disruptions at presentFor now residents of Chennai and surrounding districts can look forward to a spell of pleasant weather with the likelihood of intermittent showers and thunderstorms adding to the cool conditions Officials have urged the public to take necessary precautions while commuting as sudden downpours could lead to waterlogging in lowlying areas IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/thunderstorms-moderate-rain-likely-across-tn-today-640066.html Tue, 23 Sep 2025 09:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/kolkata-waterlogged-after-cloudburst-residents-hitch-rides-in-pickup-trucks-to-reach-destinations-640110.html Kolkata Sep 23 A cloudburst at midnight has thrown life out of gear in Kolkata West Bengal leading to severe waterlogging across the city Even the usually dependable Metro Railway hasnt been spared and services between Mahanayak Uttam Kumar and Rabindra Sarobar Metro Stations were suspended early Tuesday due to flooding on the tracks Metro officials are working roundtheclock to drain water and restore services but commuters were left stranded during the busy morning rushAn IANS team visiting Masterda Surya Sen Metro Station found anxious commuters grappling with the disruption Many were unaware of the suspension of services and found themselves stuck with no buses cabs or even bike taxis in sight With limited transport options some officegoers resorted to unconventional means including pickup trucks to reach their workplacesDeepak another commuter shared his frustration Im on my way to the office but its extremely difficult Even bike taxis arent running We have no choiceLocal resident Lalit Parida voiced his concern bluntly We are facing a lot of problems No buses no cabs Its chaosMeanwhile Vicky chose to see the brighter side I didnt know about the waterlogging as I was sleeping But suddenly when I woke up then I saw news of waterlogging It reminds me of childhood Theres inconvenience but thats part of lifeFollowing overnight heavy rain which crippled the city resulting in seven deaths due to electrocution Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim on Tuesday appealed to people not to venture out of their homes for the dayThe city Mayor said that it will take at least another 12 to 14 hours for the situation to become normal subject to no rain occurring during that period However scattered light rain has been continuing across the city since morning after a massive downpour since 1 AM due to a cloudburst Over 300 mm of rain was reported till 5 AM across the city and suburbsI have never seen this type of rain in my life before Over 300 mm of rain in 5 hours due to a cloudburst is unprecedented in Kolkata It is a horrific situation which was never been seen before in the city This has resulted in overflowing of rivers such as the Hooghly We opened the lock gates to drain out the water into the river But the water has backflowed into the city as the rivers are overflowing This made the situation worse said HakimHe went to KMC headquarters to monitor the situation and give instructions to officials to work on a war footing to bring the situation under control in view of Durga Puja which officially begins on September 27 while Puja mandaps are scheduled to be opened on Wednesday eveningAmid record overnight rainfall Kolkata and its surrounding areas were submerged under kneedeep water on Tuesday disrupting daily life Officials reported that at least seven people were electrocuted in the cityI would appeal to the people of the city not to go out of their homes today There are reports of deaths due to electrocution in several places This is due to a short circuit or electric poles going underwater We will advise people to stay safe and wait for the situation to improve said the Kolkata MayorAt the same time he could not give assurance about when the situation would become normalThe situation is such that even if there is not much rain for the next few hours it will take at least 12 to 14 hours for the waterlogging situation in Kolkata to become normal The lock gate was closed from 1230 AM to 400 AM today Unfortunately during that period there was 250 mm of average rain This worsened the situation said Hakim IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/kolkata-waterlogged-after-cloudburst-residents-hitch-rides-in-pickup-trucks-to-reach-destinations-640110.html Tue, 23 Sep 2025 14:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/andhra-fishermen-stage-protest-over-sea-pollution-by-industrial-units-640148.html Amaravati Sep 23 Fishermen in Andhra Pradeshs Kakinada district hit the roads on Tuesday to protest over pollution of the sea by the industrial units in the coastal area The fishermen and their family members blocked the road in Uppada in U Kothapalli mandal Holding placards and raising slogans they registered their protest and demanded the shifting of the polluting unitsTension gripped Uppada as the protestors blocked the road from both sides bringing the traffic to a haltThe Police and Revenue Departments had not given permission for the protest but fishermen went ahead with the road blockade The attempts by police to pacify the protestors and make them lift the blockade went in vainThe fishermen alleged that the release of chemicals on the seashore by pharma companies is having an impact on marine life affecting their livelihoodThey demanded that the authorities take action against polluting industrial units in the coastal areaThe fishermen also demanded compensation for every family in the Uppada coastal areaA large number of fishermen from Uppada and adjoining villages participated in the protest They made it clear that the protest will continue till a clearcut assurance from the authoritiesThey said the authorities should take immediate action to check sea pollution by the industries near the coastWomen were carrying placards demanding government act immediately to stop pollutionThe fishermen had also staged a huge protest on the issue in March last year The protest had turned violent when fishermen of Konapapapeta set a couple of fishing boats on fireFishermen of four villages had launched the protest against the pipeline laid by a pharma company in the sea They alleged that the company has been releasing chemicals into the sea which is resulting in the death of fishThe villagers dependent on fishing for a living have been complaining of losing income The fishermen said they have submitted a representation to the district administration several times but in vain IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/andhra-fishermen-stage-protest-over-sea-pollution-by-industrial-units-640148.html Tue, 23 Sep 2025 16:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/political-parties-cancel-events-as-rain-causes-waterlogging-in-kolkata-640219.html Kolkata Sep 23 As waterlogging disrupted life in Kolkata following overnight incessant rain political parties in West Bengal cancelled all their scheduled programmes on Tuesday The Trinamool Congress did not hold a single political programme for the dayChief Minister Mamata Banerjee too announced that she will not inaugurate Durga puja mandaps on Tuesday after the city experienced record rainfallShe will start the inauguration of Durga Puja mandaps from Wednesday if the situation normalisesThe Chief Minister is scheduled to inaugurate the Kalighat fire station built on the model of the Kalighat Temple on WednesdayMeanwhile Leader of the Opposition LoP in state Assembly and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari cancelled all his political programmes due to heavy rains on TuesdayHe was scheduled to watch The Bengal Files with BJP MLAs at the Indian Museum in KolkataThe same event was also cancelled later on TuesdayApart from this the Opposition leader was scheduled to inaugurate a puja started by BJP worker Abhijit Sarkar who was killed in Beliaghata and a puja in Kasba area of KolkataLoP Adhikari has cancelled all his political programmesThree national Congress leaders Supriya Shrinate Ghulam Ahmed Mir and Mahima Singh were present in Kolkata for a press conferenceHowever due to waterlogging and scattered rain prediction throughout Tuesday the party meeting had to be cancelled said Pradesh Congress Convener Mita ChakrabortyMeanwhile there was a meeting of the Kolkata district committee of the CPIMHowever the CPIM has already announced the cancellation of the meetingAmid the record overnight rainfall Kolkata and its surrounding areas were submerged under kneedeep water on Tuesday disrupting daily lifeMore than 300 mm of rainfall was reported between midnight to 5 pm across the cityOfficials reported that at least seven people were electrocuted in the cityThe West Bengal government has already declared an early Durga Puja holiday in view of the current situation while Calcutta University postponed its examination which was scheduled on Tuesday IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/political-parties-cancel-events-as-rain-causes-waterlogging-in-kolkata-640219.html Tue, 23 Sep 2025 23:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/political-parties-in-bengal-cancel-events-as-rain-causes-waterlogging-in-kolkata-640220.html Kolkata Sep 23 As waterlogging disrupted life in Kolkata following overnight incessant rain political parties in West Bengal cancelled all their scheduled programmes on Tuesday The Trinamool Congress did not hold a single political programme for the dayChief Minister Mamata Banerjee too announced that she will not inaugurate Durga puja mandaps on Tuesday after the city experienced record rainfallShe will start the inauguration of Durga Puja mandaps from Wednesday if the situation normalisesThe Chief Minister is scheduled to inaugurate the Kalighat fire station built on the model of the Kalighat Temple on WednesdayMeanwhile Leader of the Opposition LoP in state Assembly and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari cancelled all his political programmes due to heavy rains on TuesdayHe was scheduled to watch The Bengal Files with BJP MLAs at the Indian Museum in KolkataThe same event was also cancelled later on TuesdayApart from this the Opposition leader was scheduled to inaugurate a puja started by BJP worker Abhijit Sarkar who was killed in Beliaghata and a puja in Kasba area of KolkataLoP Adhikari has cancelled all his political programmesThree national Congress leaders Supriya Shrinate Ghulam Ahmed Mir and Mahima Singh were present in Kolkata for a press conferenceHowever due to waterlogging and scattered rain prediction throughout Tuesday the party meeting had to be cancelled said Pradesh Congress Convener Mita ChakrabortyMeanwhile there was a meeting of the Kolkata district committee of the CPIMHowever the CPIM has already announced the cancellation of the meetingAmid the record overnight rainfall Kolkata and its surrounding areas were submerged under kneedeep water on Tuesday disrupting daily lifeMore than 300 mm of rainfall was reported between midnight to 5 pm across the cityOfficials reported that at least seven people were electrocuted in the cityThe West Bengal government has already declared an early Durga Puja holiday in view of the current situation while Calcutta University postponed its examination which was scheduled on Tuesday IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/political-parties-in-bengal-cancel-events-as-rain-causes-waterlogging-in-kolkata-640220.html Tue, 23 Sep 2025 23:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/jal-shakti-minister-cr-patil-to-inaugurate-6th-nadi-utsav-on-sep-25-640223.html New Delhi Sep 23 Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil will lead discussions on the relationship between rivers and community livelihoods and ecological sustenance and cultural practice with the inauguration of the threeday Sixth Nadi Utsav on Thursday an official said The Utsav will be organised from September 25 to 27 presenting an extensive lineup of programmes that highlight rivers as vital lifelines as well as cultural and imaginative reservoirsOver the course of three days the festival will feature a National Seminar on Riverscape Dynamics Changes and Continuity that will bring together sessions on traditional riverine knowledge and wisdom river gods and folk narratives the river in art craft practices and science and rivers said an official statementEminent scholars and experts will share their perspectives engaging in dialogues that emphasise the cultural ecological and artistic dimensions of riversIn connection with the seminar more than 300 research papers were received of which 45 will be presented during the sessions with the Department of English University of Delhi collaborating in this segment of the festivalRunning parallel to the seminar will be My River Story Documentary Film Festival which will present thoughtprovoking films such as Gotakhors Disappearing Diving Communities River Man of India Arth Ganga Molai Man Behind the Forest Cauvery River of Life and Ladakh Life along the IndusThese screenings portray ecological concerns community practices and the enduring human connection with rivers drawing attention to the multiple ways in which river systems shape lives and landscapesThe valedictory session on September 27 will be preceded by a panel discussion on Life along the Rivers Tributaries and LivelihoodsThis discussion will bring together the voices of practitioners and experts who will reflect on the relationship between rivers and community livelihoods further strengthening the theme of continuity between ecological sustenance and cultural practiceAdding a rich artistic layer to the festival the performances and storytelling segment will include Classical Renditions on Rivers by Guru Sudha Raghuraman and her team Ganga Gaatha Dastangoi by Himanshu Bajpai and Pragya and River Songs from Bengal by Saurav Moni and his ensembleThese performances will present creative reflections on riverine traditions showcasing how rivers continue to inspire musical poetic and oral traditions across regionsComplementing these will be the exhibition Nadi Anubhav to be held at the Darshanam Gallery from September 25 to 30 The exhibition curated by Anuj Agarwal will display contemporary artworks Kalighat paintings photographs and poetic expressions dedicated to rivers creating a space where artistic imagination and ecological consciousness converge said the official statementThe Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts IGNCA Ministry of Culture Government of India held a press conference on Tuesday at its Janpath premises to shed light on the events planned during the Nadi UtsavAddressing the meet Prof K Anil Kumar Head Janapada Sampada Division IGNCA noted that Nadi Utsav is a continuing effort to honour rivers not only as ecological entities but also as cultural lifelinesAbhay Mishra Convenor Nadi Utsav observed that the festival deepens the dialogue between tradition and contemporary practices ensuring that communities remain connected with their riverine roots IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/jal-shakti-minister-cr-patil-to-inaugurate-6th-nadi-utsav-on-sep-25-640223.html Tue, 23 Sep 2025 23:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/rajasthan-to-become-1st-state-to-auction-major-mineral-blocks-after-taking-necessary-permissions-640011.html Jaipur Sep 22 Rajasthan is set to become the first state in India to auction major mineral blocks after obtaining all necessary preembedded permissions a move aimed at accelerating mining operations boosting investment and generating employment The State Department of Mines and Geology has initiated preparations to bring major mineral blocks into operationThe auction process for preembedded blocks is expected to begin soon with the Rajasthan State Mineral Exploration Trust RSMET playing a key role in securing the required approvalsOther states are also preparing to follow suitSpeaking on the initiative T Ravikant Rajasthan Principal Secretary of the Mines and Petroleum Department said The department has already obtained the necessary permissions for selected major mineral blocks and is moving towards auctioning them Currently it takes twoandahalf to three years to operationalise auctioned mines in most states including Rajasthan This delays investment employment and revenue generation Preembeddedness will help overcome these delaysThe Union Ministry of Mines recently amended the Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act instructing states to prioritise five mineral blocks each obtain all necessary permissions beforehand and auction them for faster operationalisationIn line with these directives Rajasthan has designated RSMET as a project monitoring unit to coordinate the required approvals and facilitate smooth eauctionsPreembeddedness refers to obtaining all necessary permissions before the auction of a mineral blockThese include clearance from forest department environmental clearance among others like permission from Revenue department for mining on grazing lands and other legal formalitiesRavikant added that RSMET has completed geological surveys block demarcation and Differential Global Positioning System DGPS mapping for the preembedded blocksWith remaining approvals underway Rajasthan is on track to conduct the auctions shortlyOnce the letters of intent are issued mining operations can begin immediately boosting the mineral supply chain and contributing significantly to the states economic growth IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/rajasthan-to-become-1st-state-to-auction-major-mineral-blocks-after-taking-necessary-permissions-640011.html Mon, 22 Sep 2025 21:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/himachal-breeds-record-number-of-golden-mahseer-in-captivity-640035.html Shimla Sep 22 In a first the Himachal Pradesh Fisheries Department has succeeded in breeding in captivity a record 87000 golden mahseer fingerlings a popular freshwater sport and food fish at a farm and 34500 of them have been released into nature DirectorcumWarden of Fisheries Vivek Chandel said on Monday The fingerlings were raised in the Machhyal Mahseer Farm which was established in 2016 Since then its annual production had never exceeded 5000 Of the 87000 reared fingerlings 20000 were stocked in the Pong dam reservoir and 14500 in the Gobind Sagar reservoir The population of the golden mahseer being a game fish is declining in the state for various reasons including construction of dams barrages pollution indiscriminate fishing of brood and juvenile fish introduction of exotic species and habitat deterioration After releasing the fingerlings into nature the Fisheries Department says its population will prosper With pioneering efforts in conservation of the critically endangered golden mahaseer through a captive breeding programme the department has been honoured with the prestigious SKOCH Gold Award 2025 The award was presented on September 20 at a ceremony in New Delhi The golden mahaseer is the state fish of Himachal Pradesh Uttarakhand Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir Over the past decades the population of the golden mahaseer has declined alarmingly The Himachal Pradesh Fisheries Department launched a major scientificallysupported captive breeding programe In 2023 a special campaign was launched to increase its production in collaboration with the ICARCentral Inland Fisheries Research Institute CIFRI in Bhimtal in Uttarakhand the only coldwater fisheries research institute in the country Chandel along with the nodal officer visited the ICARCIFRI Bhimtal to identify shortcomings The implementation of reforms produced remarkable results In 202425 the departments farm at Machhyal produced 87000 fingerlings Now the state government is planning to raise its fingerlings at the newly established fish farm in Sunni in Shimla district This step will not only mitigate immediate threats to the species in the wild but also provide a stable and reliable source for longterm revival efforts The golden mahaseer plays a vital role in maintaining species balance in the aquatic ecosystem It is also a highly soughtafter species among anglers In 202425 more than 3700 anglers visited Himachal Pradesh contributing to ecotourism The species is found in the coldwater stretches of the Beas the Sutlej and their tributaries as well as in reservoirs like Pong Gobind Sagar and Kol dams The fish also has high nutritional value and significantly supports the livelihoods of fishermen in the states reservoirs With the successful outcomes of the conservation program the department expects fingerling production to cross the one lakh mark this year Chandel said He said the fish production which was 1702597 metric tons in 202223 has increased to 1901983 metric tons in 202425 Similarly reservoir fish production rose from 54935 metric tons in 202223 to 74876 metric tons in 202425 The mahseer the longestliving freshwater fish is native to mountain and submountain regions It belongs to the Tor genus The Pong Dam reservoir around 250 km from the state capital Shimla and 190 km from Chandigarh supports an ample population of the golden mahseer Vishal Gulati can be contacted at vishalgiansin IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/himachal-breeds-record-number-of-golden-mahseer-in-captivity-640035.html Mon, 22 Sep 2025 23:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/us-tariffs-dealt-blow-to-andhra-pradeshs-aqua-sector-says-cm-naidu-640040.html Amaravati Sep 22 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said on Monday that the state is exploring new markets for aquaculture products as the tariff imposed by the US has dealt a blow to the sector He told the Assembly that the state government is in talks with the Centre to explore new markets for aquaculture Alternatively we will look to increase domestic consumption he saidStating that aqua exports from Andhra Pradesh stand at Rs 21000 crore Naidu said that due to the policies of US President Donald Trump the sector is facing a crisisMaking a PowerPoint presentation in the Assembly on agriculture and allied sectors the Chief Minister said that the state government is working on alternatives to protect aqua farmersThe state government is providing electricity to registered aqua farmers at Rs 150 per unit irrespective of zones It is also in talks with companies to reduce the price of aqua feed by Rs 9 per kgAs part of developing the marine economy we are also focusing on seaweed culture This sector will provide largescale employment and job opportunities for the youth There will be a largescale opportunity to earn income through seaweed the CM saidHe assured the house that the government would make the state number one in aquaculture as well as agricultural productsHe told the legislators that the government is committed to the welfare of farmers and is making efforts to provide MSP to agricultural products The government is seriously considering a proposal to provide value addition to agricultural productsHe advised the MLAs to visit agricultural fields starting from October interact with farmers directly to know their problems and explain to them the steps being taken by the state government to safeguard the interests of farmers and make the agriculture sector profitableNoting that Andhra Pradesh stands in second place in the usage of fertilisers and pesticides he said drones can be used to minimise the usage of pesticides Efforts are also being made to reduce cultivation costs using technologyThe Chief Minister said that farmers used urea as a booster dose due to floods and the cultivation area also increased by an additional 116 lakh acres He said 1670 lakh tonnes of urea was allotted for the Kharif season and the urea reserves in the state at present stand at 554 lakh tonnesVoicing concern that due to excess usage of urea the soil health is getting affected leading to pests he reiterated that Rs 800 will be given as a subsidy for those farmers who reduce the usage of ureaThe Chief Minister said that the government remitted Rs 3173 crore into the accounts of farmers under the Annadata SukheebhavaPM Kisan scheme In addition Rs 50000 compensation was announced per hectare to onion farmers who suffered a loss The government also came to the rescue of mango chilli Cocoa cotton and tobacco farmers He said the government is focusing on food processing units to provide value addition to agricultural productsStating that the agricultural sector is a main revenue source by contributing 35 per cent to GSDP the Chief Minister said priority will be given to agriculture and allied sectors including horticulture He said steps will be taken to increase the horticulture area up to 25 lakh hectares by 2029 to make Andhra Pradesh a horticulture hub IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/us-tariffs-dealt-blow-to-andhra-pradeshs-aqua-sector-says-cm-naidu-640040.html Mon, 22 Sep 2025 23:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/thunderstorms-moderate-rain-likely-in-parts-of-tn-over-next-three-days-639842.html Chennai Sep 22 The Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai has forecast thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall across parts of Tamil Nadu over the next three days The warning also extends to neighbouring Puducherry and Karaikal regionsAccording to officials several areas of the state recorded significant rainfall in the past 24 hours ending Monday morning Lalpet in Cuddalore district and Kolli in Mayiladuthurai district topped the list with six centimetres each Manalmedu and Sirkazhi in Mayiladuthurai district registered five centimetres of rainfall while KM Koil in Cuddalore Cherumulli in the Nilgiris and the Mayiladuthurai Automatic Weather Station each recorded four centimetresMeteorologists explained that a cyclonic circulation is prevailing over Tamil Nadu and neighbouring southern states In addition two lowpressure areas are expected to form over the Bay of Bengal close to the Andaman Islands and the Myanmar coast However these systems are unlikely to have a direct impact on Tamil NaduDespite this the weathermen have cautioned that northern and southern districts of Tamil Nadu along with Puducherry and Karaikal are likely to experience spells of thunderstorms and moderate showers from Monday through WednesdayAlong the Tamil Nadu coast strong winds are expected to prevail over the southwest Bay of Bengal the Gulf of Mannar and the adjoining Kumari Sea Wind speeds are forecast to range between 40 and 50 kmph with gusts reaching up to 60 kmph at timesFishermen have been advised against venturing into the seas during the forecast period due to the possibility of rough weather and squally conditionsThe authorities have also urged coastal residents to remain vigilant and adhere to safety advisories The rainfall and thunderstorm activity are expected to bring temporary relief from the prevailing humid conditions in parts of Tamil Nadu while also helping replenish water resourcesHowever officials cautioned that heavy downpours in isolated pockets could lead to minor waterlogging in urban centres The weather department said it would continue to monitor the developing systems over the Bay of Bengal and issue further updates in the coming days IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/thunderstorms-moderate-rain-likely-in-parts-of-tn-over-next-three-days-639842.html Mon, 22 Sep 2025 08:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/golden-yellow-season-arrives-in-kashmir-as-countryside-turns-magical-with-colours-cicadas-whine-639853.html Srinagar Sep 22 An autumnal sun shines over the golden yellow countryside beset with the grainladen Paddy fields as Kashmir farmers hasten to gather the crop Nomadic goatherds called the Bakarwals move down from highland meadows with their families and livestock to spend the next seven months in the warmer climate of the plainsIn rainfed areas people are harvesting the maize crop using hoots to ward off bears that descend into the maize fields to feed on the succulent crop As humankind invades the natural habitats of the wild animals incidents of mananimal conflict have increased alarmingly in the ValleyThe wild animals are now paying back the lefthanded compliment by destroying maize fields injuring human beings lifting poultry and devouring livestock to warn humankind to respect the borders defined by natureThe Cicada bug on the willow trees with its rhythmic highpitched whine reminds locals to make hay while the sun shinesApple growers are picking the fruit and packing it into cardboard boxes for transport to markets outside Jammu and Kashmir The offandon closure of the SrinagarJammu highway has resulted in huge losses to the growers this yearBut life must go on and so are the apple growers trying to reconcile to their losses by accepting them as a consequence of destinyGrapes are hanging from vines in places like the famous Rapore village in Ganderbal district as the area is known for its best quality grapesFlocks of domestic ducks and swans in villages close to lakes and other water bodies start returning to their coops earlier as fear of jackals has taught them not to risk their lives by feeding in darknessLeaves on the majestic Chinar tree have started turning into shades of crimson before they finally turn amber yellow and fall on the ground Folklore says a Persian visitor saw the Chinar trees in their autumnal crimson and amber colour in Kashmir and shouted Chi Naar What FireThe luxury of walking over the ground covered with a thick carpet of fallen Chinar leaves puts to the test some of the best cushioned surfaces in palaces and Manor houses The dry leaves provide the muchneeded charcoal to the poor people who light their earthen firepot woven in a basket of willow wicker called the KangriA Kangri carrying live charcoal kept under the tweed overgarment called the Pheran is still the common Kashmiris best bet against modern central heating and other heating appliances used in the WestAs electricity starts playing hide and seek during the winter months locals have learnt to keep stocks of charcoal stored for the winter monthsIn addition to the changing colours of the Chinar leaves the Cicadas whine the hastening of the farmers to harvest the Paddy and maize crop the cackle of the migratory birds arriving in protected bird sanctuaries and other water bodies are sure signs of autumn having set in KashmirThe cloudless sky with the soothing autumn sunshine the morning and evening nibble in the air the gradual change of dress from summer wear to light woollens a blanket over the quilt during the night and other such small comforts would not be bartered by locals even with the best comforts available to those living in the hot climateThe Shabdeg a dish of rooster cooked with turnips over a simmering fire on an earthen hearth will not be bartered by the Kashmiri families with the best dishes available in 7star hotelsStocks of tomatoes brinjal and pumpkins are painstakingly cut and dried in the autumn sun to be used during the snowbound days of harsh winter when even the waters of the Dal Lake start freezing at minus 8 to 10 degrees CelsiusIt is rightly said that if a tourist has not seen Kashmir in the autumn months heshe has for sure not seen enough of Kashmir IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/golden-yellow-season-arrives-in-kashmir-as-countryside-turns-magical-with-colours-cicadas-whine-639853.html Mon, 22 Sep 2025 10:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/met-office-forecast-rains-in-run-up-to-durga-puja-festival-in-bengal-639968.html Kolkata Sep 22 As Durga Puja approaches the possibility of rain during the festival is increasing day by day the Met Office warned on Monday The Regional Meteorological Centre in Kolkatas Alipore had already informed that there is a possibility of a lowpressure area forming in the Bay of Bengal two days before Durga Puja September 25 Due to this there is a high chance of rain during Durga Puja days starting from September 27 On Monday the Met Office said that there is a possibility of rough seas from Wednesday and issued a warning for fishermen They have been advised not to venture into the deep seaAccording to the Met Department four districts of south Bengal are likely to receive heavy rain in the next few days South 24 Parganas East Midnapore West Midnapore and Jhargram districts are likely to receive heavy rain on Monday and Tuesday Apart from this all the remaining districts in south Bengal including Kolkata will experience scattered rain from Monday till next Thursday Thunderstorms may occur in various places including KolkataThe possibility of rain increases as the festival approaches Meanwhile scattered light to moderate rains will continue in the runup to the festival in all districts of south Bengal a Met Department official saidHowever the intensity of rain will reduce in north Bengal from Tuesday onwardsThere may be scattered light rains at one or two places there However there is no warning of heavy rain in any of the eight districts in north Bengal The weather there will improve gradually later this weekMeanwhile the north Bay of Bengal off West Bengal and Odisha may experience stormy weather from ThursdayThe minimum temperature in Kolkata on Monday was 271 degrees Celsius 08 degrees above normal The maximum temperature in the city on Sunday was 332 degrees Celsius 04 degrees above normal IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/met-office-forecast-rains-in-run-up-to-durga-puja-festival-in-bengal-639968.html Mon, 22 Sep 2025 18:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/met-department-predicts-rain-on-durga-puja-days-639769.html Kolkata Sep 21 The Meteorological Office on Sunday predicted rain ahead of Durga puja with possibility of thunderstorms officials said According to the Meteorological Department there is a cyclonic circulation in the North Andaman Sea and the adjacent Myanmar coastThis cyclone will move north and northwestwards and reach the North Bay of Bengal by MondayAt the same time a low pressure is likely to form in the Northeast Bay of Bengal off the Myanmar and Bangladesh coast by September 25This will turn into a deep depression in the next two to three days As a result there is a possibility of rain at the beginning of the Durga Puja There is a possibility of heavy rain in the coastal areas In that case heavy rains will begin from Chaturthi September 25 If the conditions remain the same the rains will increase from September 30 to October 2 which is Ashtami to Dashami the main Puja days a senior Meteorological Department official saidThere is a possibility of light to moderate rains with thundershowers in all districts of south Bengal on MondayThere is a warning of one to two mm heavy rains in South 24 Parganas East Midnapore and West Midnapore districts on MondayOn Tuesday there is a warning of heavy rain in South 24 Parganas East Midnapore and West Midnapore and some parts of Bankura districtsOn the other hand north Bengal will experience rain as wellThere is a possibility of rain with thunderstorm and lightning in all districts on SundayThere is a possibility of rain with thundershowers and lightning in all districts from Darjeeling to MaldaGusty winds with a speed of 30 to 40 kmph may also be seen along with the rainThe city of Kolkata too will witness light to moderate rain from Monday onwards which is likely to dampen the festive spiritChief Minister Mamata Banerjee has already asked Durga puja organisers to take precaution and make all necessary preparations in view of the inclement weather IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/met-department-predicts-rain-on-durga-puja-days-639769.html Sun, 21 Sep 2025 16:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/clean-plant-programme-to-strengthen-indias-horticulture-empower-farmers-639791.html New Delhi Sep 21 Nine Clean Plant Centres will be established across the country as part of the recently approved Rs 176567 crore Clean Plant Programme CPP the government said on Sunday The programme aims to boost Indias horticulture sector by providing virusfree planting material an official statement said A 98 million loan from the Asian Development Bank supports the initiative focused on key fruit crops including grapes oranges and pomegranatesOf the nine clean plant centres three will be set up in Maharashtra at a cost of Rs 300 crore Pune for grapes Nagpur for oranges and Solapur for pomegranates Large nurseries will receive up to Rs 3 crore each while medium units will get Rs 15 crore worth of assistance under the scheme collectively producing 8 crore diseasefree seedlings annuallyThe government said that the programme will increase yields enhance fruit quality and protect smallscale farmers from biotic and abiotic threatsThe Indian Council of Agricultural Research oversees technical progress and facilitates capacity building the statement said As of now 578 grapevine samples from seven states have been tested while 535 apple samples from Jammu and Kashmir Himachal Pradesh Uttarakhand and Punjab are under testing with hazard analysis in progressThe official CPP website has been launched as a central hub for resources updates and insights to revolutionise horticulture in India the statement saidFurther a nationallevel laboratory is to be set up in Pune for research on original plant species under CPP From January to March teams from ICAR NHB and ADB studied nursery ecosystems design operations and cost structures Then the team conducted lab assessments strengthened diagnostic and computational capabilitiesFurther they visited public and private labs for developing a bioinformatics pipeline for HTS data analysis under CPP This will help scientists more quickly and efficiently check for viruses in many types of crops and better test nursery plants to keep them safe and healthyIf acquired plant material tests negative it undergoes retesting before being used to propagate mother plants the release noted IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/clean-plant-programme-to-strengthen-indias-horticulture-empower-farmers-639791.html Sun, 21 Sep 2025 17:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/imd-issues-yellow-alert-for-six-gujarat-districts-on-navratri-639836.html Ahmedabad Sep 21 As Navratri festivities begin across the country on Monday including in Gujarat where lakhs of devotees are preparing for the Garba celebrations unseasonal rain has dampened spirits and raised concerns for organisers and participants While scattered showers were reported on Sunday in several districts of south Gujarat the Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for Bharuch Narmada Surat Tapi Navsari and Valsad warning of heavy rainfall at isolated places on the first day of NavratriOn Sunday rainfall disrupted preparations in parts of the state with Hansot in Bharuch recording 15 inches in just eight hours between 6 am and 2 pmSimilar showers were reported in Navsari and Chikhli while sporadic rainfall also occurred in Kheda Anand Surat Tapi Vadodara and ValsadOrganisers say waterlogging at Garba venues has already created hurdles ahead of the ninenight festival even as sportspersons and devotees brace for further disruptions if weather forecasts hold trueMeanwhile addressing a gathering of cooperative institutions in Amreli on Sunday Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said The Prime Minister has pledged an Atmanirbhar Bharat and called upon citizens to support it He has said that whether it is chip or ship it must be manufactured in India It is the need of the hour to use Swadeshi products and give momentum to vocal for localWith Navratri beginning on Monday followed by Diwali CM Patel urged citizens to prioritise Indianmade goods during festive purchasesHe appealed to traders and shopkeepers to promote Swadeshi products and called for support to women selfhelp groups and Sakhi Mandals by buying their handicraftsThrough such efforts we can truly realise the resolve of prosperity through cooperation he addedNavratri in Gujarat one of the states most vibrant and widely celebrated festivals has gained global recognition with UNESCO acknowledging its cultural significanceThe nineday festival dedicated to Goddess Durga sees millions of devotees taking part in traditional Garba and Dandiya performances colourful processions and community rituals across Gujarat IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/imd-issues-yellow-alert-for-six-gujarat-districts-on-navratri-639836.html Sun, 21 Sep 2025 23:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/weather-department-predicts-rain-across-tn-till-september-26-639726.html Chennai Sep 21 The Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai has forecast that widespread rainfall will continue across Tamil Nadu as well as in Puducherry and Karaikal until September 26 The latest update comes after several districts in the state recorded significant showers in the past 24 hours According to the weather office the highest rainfall was recorded in Arakkonam in Ranipet district which received 7 cm Ambattur in Tiruvallur district along with Ayyappakkam and Korattur in Chennai each recorded 6 cm of rainfallOfficials noted that most northern districts along with some parts of the south experienced moderate to heavy rainMeteorologists attributed the prevailing wet conditions to a lowlevel atmospheric circulation over the southern parts of the State This system they said will continue to influence weather patterns for the next five days bringing intermittent rain thunderstorms and gusty winds across both northern and southern districtsPuducherry and Karaikal regions are also expected to experience similar conditions during this periodIn Chennai the forecast indicates light to moderate showers accompanied by thunder and lightning in certain areas Commuters have been advised to plan their travel accordingly as sudden spells of rain may disrupt road traffic in lowlying areasMeanwhile the southwest monsoon has been performing steadily over Tamil Nadu since its onset on June 1 From then until Saturday the state has received about 30 cm of rainfall 5 per cent higher than the longperiod averageWeather scientists have described this as a normal monsoon season with a slightly positive trendLooking ahead meteorologists are closely monitoring the Bay of Bengal where a new lowpressure system is likely to form near the MyanmarBangladesh coast on September 25 If it intensifies it could further enhance rainfall activity over Tamil Nadu and adjoining regions in the days to comeWith schools offices and agricultural activities all being affected by the continuing wet spell officials have urged residents to remain alert to weather bulletins Fishermen have also been advised to exercise caution while venturing into the sea during this period IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/weather-department-predicts-rain-across-tn-till-september-26-639726.html Sun, 21 Sep 2025 09:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/jampk-l-g-joins-cleanliness-drive-in-srinagars-dal-lake-as-part-of-sewa-parv-639736.html Srinagar Sept 21 More than onethird of the famous Dal Lake in Jammu and Kashmirs Srinagar city has been rejuvenated and the area of the Lake has grown to 203 sq km during the last five years LG Manoj Sinha said on Sunday The LG on Sunday joined the cleanliness campaign in the Dal Lake during which weeds and unwanted aquatic grasses were removedThe LG posted on X As part of Sewa Parv joined Dal Lake Cleanliness Drive During the last five years work for the preservation of DalNigeen Lake and in the catchment area has been undertaken in a mission mode Dal Lake is cleaner and attracting large numbers of domestic and international visitorsMore than onethird of Lake has been rejuvenated and vast areas were cleared of Lilies and an open expanse of Dal Lake has been increased for the first time to more than 203 sq km I called upon citizens to preserve lakes rivers and other water bodies through community involvement his post readKnown as the natural lungs of Srinagar city which is home to over 126 million people the Dal Lake is its main tourist attraction and a water body that sustains aquatic life and the livelihood of thousands of peopleIt is an urban lake the second largest lake in Jammu and Kashmir and the most visited place in Srinagar by tourists and locals It is integral to tourism and recreation in the Kashmir Valley and is variously known as the Lake of Flowers Jewel in the crown of Kashmir or Srinagars JewelThe lake is also an important source for commercial operations in fishing and water plant harvesting The shoreline of the lake about 155 kms long is encompassed by a boulevard lined with Mughal gardens parks houseboats and hotelsScenic views of the lake can be witnessed from the shoreline Mughal gardens such as Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir and from houseboats cruising along the lake in the colourful ShikarasDuring the winter season the temperature can sometimes reach as low as minus 11 degrees Celsius freezing the lake The lake covers an area of 18 square kilometres and is part of a natural wetland which covers 211 square kilometres including its floating gardensThe floating gardens known as Raad in Kashmiri blossom with lotus flowers during July and August The wetland is divided by causeways into four basins Gagribal Lokut Dal Bod Dal and Nigeen although Nigeen is also considered as an independent lakeLokut Dal and Bod Dal each have an island in the centre known as Rupa Lank or Char Chinari and Sona Lank respectivelyAt present the Dal and the Mughal gardens on its periphery are undergoing intensive restoration measures to fully address the serious eutrophication problems experienced by the lakeThe union government is making massive investments of approximately Rs 11 billion to restore the lake to its original splendour IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/jampk-l-g-joins-cleanliness-drive-in-srinagars-dal-lake-as-part-of-sewa-parv-639736.html Sun, 21 Sep 2025 12:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/kolkata-swept-by-thundershowers-more-rain-on-sunday-and-during-durga-puja-predicted-639616.html Kolkata Sep 20 Kolkata woke up to thundershowers and heavy rain on Saturday morning disrupting daily commuters and adding to the concerns of Durga Puja organisers The Met Office has warned of more thunderstorms later in the day with rainfall expected to intensify from Sunday coinciding with Mahalaya While Durga Puja officially begins with Shasthi on September 28 the festivities start from Mahalaya September 21 which marks the end of Pitru Paksha and the beginning of Devi Paksha the fortnightlong auspicious period leading up to the festivalAccording to the weather department a fresh lowpressure area is likely to form over the Bay of Bengal next week raising the possibility of rain during the Puja daysA lowpressure system may form in the Bay of Bengal which could impact the weather during Durga Puja Thundershowers are expected in several South Bengal districts on Saturday and Sunday with heavy rainfall also likely in North Bengal said a Met officialCurrently a lowpressure trough is active from Uttar Pradesh to Bangladesh causing rainfall in North Bengal and pulling in moisture from the Bay of Bengal creating favourable conditions for showersOn Saturday thundershowers are expected in North 24 Parganas South 24 Parganas East and West Midnapore Jhargram Purulia Birbhum Murshidabad and Nadia On Sunday the forecast extends to Kolkata along with these districts Rain is also likely across all of South Bengal including the city on Monday and Tuesday for which a yellow alert has been issuedIn North Bengal heavy rain is forecast across all eight districts on Monday particularly in Darjeeling Kalimpong Cooch Behar Jalpaiguri and AlipurduarMeanwhile Kolkata recorded a minimum temperature of 284 degrees Celsius on Saturday 21 degrees C above normal while Fridays maximum stood at 324 degrees C 04 degrees C below normal IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/kolkata-swept-by-thundershowers-more-rain-on-sunday-and-during-durga-puja-predicted-639616.html Sat, 20 Sep 2025 14:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/world-bamboo-day-marked-across-northeast-showcasing-bamboo-as-regions-green-gold-639340.html KohimaAgartala Sep 19 World Bamboo Day 2025 was celebrated across the Northeastern states highlighting bamboo as the regions green gold and stressing the need for its better utilisation The World Bamboo Day 2025 was celebrated at the Nagaland Bamboo Resource Centre at Chumoukedima under the theme Next Generation Bamboo Solution Innovation and Design Gracing the event Development Commissioner Temsunaro Aier described bamboo as the green gold of Nagaland and other states of the region highlighting its deep cultural ecological and economic significance She urged stakeholders to sustain this legacy with pride and responsibility noting bamboos role in food shelter craft art and livelihood Aier also stressed the need for sustainable practices citing bamboos rapid growth carbon absorption and soil conservation benefits making it a strong ally in the fight against climate change The official also commended the Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency NBDA for promoting bamboobased enterprises training artisans and supporting selfhelp groups She noted that products such as handicrafts furniture incense sticks blinds mats and bamboo shoots are gaining recognition turning Nagaland into a hub for bamboo industries As part of the celebration Aier announced the upcoming stateoftheart Cane and Bamboo Technology Park at the Nagaland Bamboo Resource Centre which will serve as a Centre for research training and production A weeklong training programme was also launched for 26 artisans to enhance their skills in bamboo design manufacturing and value addition Certificates and machineries were distributed to the trainees and the Bamboo Entrepreneur Award was presented to Bukhaio Khiamniungan On the occasion a special publication titled Facilitating Ease of Doing Business in the Bamboo Sector in Northeast India Removal of Compliance Burdens was also released in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry CII The event featured a bamboo theme song by MusikA School and a keynote address by Kuko Mero State Mission Director NBDA who noted that with over 43 species of bamboo Nagaland has immense potential in bamboobased sustainable development He informed that NBDA has carried out block plantations covering 1506 hectares trained over 200 entrepreneurs and artisans and set up two Common Facility Centres generating employment for more than 500 people The Agency has also established processing units nurseries with 15 lakh saplings rural haats bamboo bazaars and upgraded the Nagaland Handicrafts Emporium in New Delhi and Kolkata under the brand Naturally Nagaland In Tripura at a discussion on the World Bamboo Day states Industries and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma and Forest and Environment Minister Animesh Debbarma interacted with the investors and industrialists over the significance of the bamboo resources According to Forest officials nearly 44 per cent of Tripuras geographical area is under bamboo coverage and the state government is exploring avenues for highvalue addition of bamboo including its use in renewable energy and bioethanol production Shailesh Kumar Yadav Mission Director of the Tripura Bamboo Mission said We are exploring potential investors interested in bioethanol One metric ton of good quality bamboo can produce around 200300 litres of bioethanol The central government already has a bioethanol policy for blending with fossil fuels like petrol and diesel and recently a bioethanol plant has been set up at Numaligarh Refinery in Assam He said that several private sector players along with local entrepreneurs are showing interest in bioethanol and biochar projects and the government is extending full support Yadav who is also Director of Industries and Commerce highlighting the market potential said that the global bamboo market stood at USD 67 billion in 2024 while Indias bamboo economy was valued at Rs 1300 crore in exports with the rest consumed domestically Notably incense sticks alone had a market worth Rs 13500 crore last year with a majority of round sticks imported from abroad China is currently the largest global producer and exporter of bamboo while India ranks third in production but tops as an importer because value addition in the sector is still limited Tripura probably has one of the largest bamboo resources in the country but we have lagged behind in engineered bamboo products mechanized largescale production of ply veneer and other valueadded items he admitted The official noted that while 2500030000 people are currently engaged in Tripuras bamboo sector it has the potential to provide livelihoods to at least one lakh individuals A master plan supported by the Asian Development Bank is already in place to systematically and sustainably exploit Tripuras bamboo resources for enhanced livelihoods and better financial returns The states bamboo sector presently has an annual turnover of Rs 8590 crore with handicrafts accounting for 2530 per cent of the share The World Bamboo Day 2025 was also celebrated in Mizoram and other Northeastern states IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/world-bamboo-day-marked-across-northeast-showcasing-bamboo-as-regions-green-gold-639340.html Fri, 19 Sep 2025 01:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/pm-modi-plants-kadamb-sapling-gifted-by-king-charles-at-his-residence-639424.html New Delhi Sep 19 IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday planted a Kadamb sapling at his official residence 7 Lok Kalyan Marg Interestingly this Kadamb sapling was given to him by King Charles III of the United Kingdom as a birthday gift on turning 75 on September 17nbspnbspThe planation of the sapling at the Prime Ministers residence not only reaffirms his vision of building a greener and healthier planet but also symbolises friendship and shared commitment to environmental sustainabilityBritish Monarch King Charles who has been strongly inspired by PM Modis Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative sent the Kadamb tree sapling while extending birthday greetings to himnbspThe British High Commission in India also posted a picture of the Kadamb tree on X and wrote His Majesty The King has been graciously pleased to send a Kadamb tree to Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his birthdaynbspThe gesture inspired by PM Modis Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative reflects their shared commitment to environmental conservation it further saidThe British High Commission also recalled PM Modis gift to King Charles during the formers visit to the United Kingdom in July this yearnbspDuring his visit to the UK in July PM Modi gifted His Majesty The King a Sonoma tree as part of the same initiative Collaboration on climate and clean energy is a key pillar of the Commonwealth and the UKIndia partnership as set out by the two PMs in Vision 2035 the British High Commission saidnbspPM Modis birthday also marked the beginning of the 15daylong Sewa Pakhwada under which various public welfare programs are being organised across the country which include blood donation camps plantation drives and othersOdisha took the lead in the plantation drive as it saw more than 149 crore saplings sowed in a single day marking a special tribute to Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaignnbspWhile the nationwide target stood at 75 lakh saplings Odishas exceptional contribution stood out as special salute to the Prime Ministers vision and focus on combating climate change https://dailyworld.in/environment/pm-modi-plants-kadamb-sapling-gifted-by-king-charles-at-his-residence-639424.html Fri, 19 Sep 2025 15:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/govt-focusing-on-raising-share-of-natural-gas-in-indias-energy-mix-639246.html New Delhi Sep 18 The government plans to accelerate the use of piped natural gas PNG complementing renewables through gasbased power and scaling opportunities in CBG hydrogen and LNG mobility Addressing the ASSOCHAM India Gas Infrastructure Conference Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board PNGRB Secretary Anjan Kumar Mishra said With industry collaboration and policy support we can raise the share of natural gas in Indias energy mix well beyond 15 per cent and make clean affordable energy a reality for every householdLauding the sectors achievements in promoting the ease of doing business including efforts to transition households from LPG to PNG he noted the progress made in laying the groundwork in rural areas and stressed the importance of scaling access and boosting power generation through natural gas A collective commitment is required to build a resilient futureready gas infrastructure aligned with Indias vision for sustainable growth and carbon neutrality he addedMishra said that over the past few years the government has laid the foundation authorising more than 300 geographical areas advancing rural access and fostering ease of doing businessASSOCHAM Task Force on Hydrocarbons CoChairman amp Pipeline Infrastructure Limited MD Akhil Mehrotra emphasised the need for a faster rollout of city gas networks supported by a robust gas to power strategy He called for greater integration of renewables expanded energy storage solutions and a strong mobility ecosystem to drive adoptionIndraprastha Gas Ltds Director Commercial Mohit Bhatia emphasised that the nations vision to achieve a 15 per cent share of natural gas in the energy mix by 2030 is not merely an aspirational figure but a collective mission anchored in actionHighlighting the transformative role of the City Gas Distribution CGD sector he underlined how every new pipeline CNG station and household connection brings the country closer to cleaner air healthier communities and globally competitive industriesBhatia reflected on the growing strength of the global LNG landscape where India has already emerged as the fourthlargest importer and outlined how expanded regasification capacity innovative solutions like SSLNG hubs and transparent gas exchanges will shape the future Stressing natural gas as the bridge fuel for decarbonization he spoke of its pivotal role in reducing industrial emissions modernising logistics and balancing renewable power IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/govt-focusing-on-raising-share-of-natural-gas-in-indias-energy-mix-639246.html Thu, 18 Sep 2025 16:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/karan-veer-mehra-gets-injured-on-silaa-set-commitment-is-a-promise-you-dont-break-639266.html Mumbai Sep 18 Actor Karan Veer Mehra suffered a painful leg injury while shooting for his next Silaa However despite the challenge he ensured that the shoot did not suffer Commitment is a promise you dont break Karan shared He added Its easy to give in when youre uncomfortable but Ive always believed that keeping your word to your work is the real testTalking about his experience the Bigg Boss 18 contestant revealed that some of the days proved to be physically demanding but his focus remained steadyHe added that he adjusted his training and paid close attention to his recovery ensuring that nothing compromised his performanceExpressing his sense of responsibility towards the people he works with Karan said A project like Silaa involves so many creative minds and hardworking individuals For me its about respecting that collective effort by doing my part wholeheartedlyHighlighting how adversity builds character he added Injuries heal but the work you put in during tough times becomes part of who you areKaran has been roped in as the antagonist in the highlyanticipated dramaMade under the direction of Omung Kumars Silaa stars Harshvardhan Rane as the protagonist The project will feature him as a man on the path of emotional conflict and physical transformationIn order to prepare for his role in the drama the Sanam Teri Kasam actor trained in martial arts and stunt choreographySadia Khateeb will be seen as the leading lady of the movie opposite HarshvardhanZee Studios presents the Blue Lotus Pictures and Stark Entertainment production in association with Innovations India produced by Omung Kumar Umesh KR Bansal Pragati Deshmukh Himanshu Tiwari Ajay Singh Dhananjay Singh Abhishek Ankur Captain Rahul Bali and coproduced by Rahhat Shah KazmiThe release date for Silaa has not been announced yet IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/karan-veer-mehra-gets-injured-on-silaa-set-commitment-is-a-promise-you-dont-break-639266.html Thu, 18 Sep 2025 17:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/kerala-eu-blue-economy-conclave-opens-with-delegates-hailing-states-coastal-heritage-639299.html Thiruvananthapuram Sep 18 The twoday KeralaEU Blue Economy Conclave titled Blue Tides Two Shores One Vision opened here with ambassadors and delegates from European Union EU nations lauding Keralas vibrant coastal traditions and sustainable fishing practices Organised by the state Department of Fisheries in partnership with the Central government and the European Union the conclave seeks to strengthen collaborations for sustainable oceanbased growthAhead of the formal sessions EU envoys and diplomats embarked on a field trip to experience Keralas marine and cultural landscapeLed by the Ambassador of the European Union to India Herve Delphin the delegation began its visit at Hawa Beach in Kovalam where they interacted with local fishermenMany delegates expressed admiration for the communitys resilience and even joined in hauling nets to witness the strenuous efforts behind the earlymorning catchThe team later visited the Adani Vizhinjam International Seaport where AVPPL CEO Pradeep Jayaraman and Managing Director Divya S Iyer presented an overview of the ports operationsDelegates toured the facility noting its strategic location and modern infrastructureThe group also stopped at the Kerala Arts and Crafts Village in Vellar where they commended the craftsmanship showcased through traditional curios and handicraftsThe EU contingent comprised senior diplomats including Robert Maxian Slovakia Juan Antonio March Pujol Spain Antonio Enrico Bartoli Italy Reuben Gauci Malta Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen Denmark Dr Piotr Switalski Poland Yankov Bulgaria Kimmo Lahdevirta Finland Sena Latif Romania Simon H Preker Germany and Irma Sincovek SloveniaThe formal inauguration of the conclave will be held on Friday at Leela Kovalam when Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will deliver the keynote addressMinister for Fisheries Culture and Youth Affairs Saji Cherian will preside with Union Minister for Fisheries Animal Husbandry Dairying and Panchayati Raj Rajiv Ranjan Singh and Minister of State George Kurian attending as guests of honourThe conclave brings together policymakers investors academics trade union representatives and fisherfolk to explore Keralas potential as Indias leading blue economy hub with a focus on sustainable practices and EUIndia cooperation IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/kerala-eu-blue-economy-conclave-opens-with-delegates-hailing-states-coastal-heritage-639299.html Thu, 18 Sep 2025 22:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/heavy-rain-likely-in-21-districts-of-tamil-nadu-fishermen-warned-against-venturing-into-sea-639135.html Chennai Sep 18 The India Meteorological Department IMD has forecast widespread rain across Tamil Nadu warning of heavy rainfall in at least 21 districts due to atmospheric circulation and other weather conditions The IMD has also issued an advisory for coastal regions and fishermen have been strictly warned not to venture into these waters until conditions improve According to the bulletin Sriperumbudur in Kanchipuram district recorded the highest rainfall of 18 cm during the 24hour period ending Tuesday morning This was followed by 13 cm in Manali New Town in Chennai 10 cm in Guruvaadi in Ariyalur district and 9 cm each in Korattur Parimunai and Ennore in ChennaiThe IMD explained that the present weather is influenced by an upperlevel cyclonic circulation along with lowerlevel convergence across southern IndiaThis pattern is expected to bring moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms across most parts of Tamil Nadu Puducherry and KaraikalStrong winds reaching speeds of up to 40 kmph are also likely Officials further noted that until September 20 thunderstorms with moderate rain are likely to persist in many parts of the stateDistricts including Nilgiris Erode Krishnagiri Dharmapuri Salem Tiruvannamalai Tirupattur Vellore Ranipet Chengalpattu Kanchipuram Kallakurichi Villupuram Cuddalore Perambalur Ariyalur Tiruchirapalli Mayiladuthurai Nagapattinam Tiruvarur and Thanjavur are likely to receive heavy showers at isolated placesIn addition heavy rainfall is forecast for one or two locations in Tiruvallur Ranipet Vellore and Kanchipuram districts on ThursdayChennai and its suburban areas are expected to experience cloudy skies with spells of moderate rain accompanied by lightning and thunderThe IMD has also issued an advisory for coastal regions Squally winds reaching speeds of 4050 kmph gusting up to 60 kmph are expected over the Gulf of Mannar Comorin Sea and adjoining coastal areas of southern Tamil NaduFishermen have been strictly warned not to venture into these waters until conditions improve Authorities urged the public to remain cautious in lowlying areas prone to waterlogging and advised district administrations to be on high alert for possible flooding and traffic disruptions IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/heavy-rain-likely-in-21-districts-of-tamil-nadu-fishermen-warned-against-venturing-into-sea-639135.html Thu, 18 Sep 2025 09:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/man-swept-away-in-floodwaters-in-hyderabad-fourth-death-this-week-639184.html Hyderabad Sep 18 A 27yearold man was swept away in floodwaters in Hyderabad late on Wednesday night while returning home on his motorcycle The incident occurred under Balkampet bridge underpass in the heart of the city after another spell of heavy rains lashed the city Mohammed Sharfuddin who was returning home to Kavadiguda on his scooter fell into the water that had stagnated under the bridge and was washed awayAccording to police some local youth later retrieved his body The deceased was an employee at a company that manufactures artificial limbs in Balanagar Like every day he was returning home from his workplaceOn a complaint by Sharfuddins family SR Nagar Police registered a case and took up investigationSharfuddin was the fourth person to be washed away in floodwaters in the city this week Three persons were swept away in overflowing drains in two separate incidents on Sunday night following heavy downpour Their bodies have not yet been tracedArjun 26 and his relative Ramu 25 were washed away in the flood water in Afzalsagar nala in Mallepally while Dinesh 24 who got washed away into a nala in Vinobha Nagar in Musheerabad area of Secunderabad also remained untracedHeavy rains once again lashed the city on Wednesday night inundating roads and lowlying areas Rain water entered houses in a few colonies in the city while vehicular traffic was disrupted Motorists were caught in traffic jams for 34 hours due to severe waterloggingMotilal Nehru Nagar colony in Begumpet was inundated and people could not step out as rainwater filled the cellars of apartment buildings and houses Residents in old CBI quarters in Khairatabad also spent a sleepless night as water entered their homesFollowing heavy rains in Hyderabad Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy directed authorities to remain alert All the department heads were ordered to work in coordination and ensure people do not face hardshipsThe Chief Minister instructed the police HYDRAA and city Traffic wings to deploy teams to the areas which were flooded GHMC and Energy departments were also ordered to take immediate relief operations in the flood affected habitationsThe Chief Minister advised people to be alert in lowlying areas and not to venture out of their houses unless there is an emergency IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/man-swept-away-in-floodwaters-in-hyderabad-fourth-death-this-week-639184.html Thu, 18 Sep 2025 12:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/ek-ped-maa-ke-naam-20-odisha-achieves-historic-plantation-feat-with-15-crore-saplings-639107.html Bhubaneswar Sep 17 On the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modis 75th birth anniversary Odisha achieved a historical feat by successfully planting around 15 crore saplings in just 12 hours under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 20 initiative on Wednesday The Forest Environment and Climate Change Department in an official statement termed this feat a historic and unprecedented achievement that has captured the worlds attentionOdisha has demonstrated that when united by purpose its citizens can surpass even the loftiest dreams From building the iconic Konark Sun Temple to now setting a world record in environmental activism the people of Odisha have once again proven their extraordinary potential September 17 2025 will be remembered not only in Indias history but also as a global milestone where a simple act of planting saplings blossomed into a magnificent movement of hope and harmony reads the statementThis monumental event was carried out under the banner of the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 20 campaign commemorating the 75th birthday of PM ModiOdisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi had called upon the people to plant 75 lakh saplings between sunrise and sunset The response was overwhelming with around one and a half crore saplings planted in just half a day far surpassing the target By 430 pm on Wednesday Odisha not only achieved a staggering number of plantations but also secured places in the world records The massive plantation drive saw active participation from key government departments officials NGOs panchayat blocks and district headquarters Citizens across the state were also encouraged to join the initiative turning the campaign into a true peoples movementForest Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia expressed heartfelt gratitude and noted that Odisha is steadily turning pledges into flourishing forests hope into shade and activism into enduring lifeTo put Odishas achievement into perspective previous records were held by Madhya Pradesh with 11 lakh saplings planted in one day and Assam with 926 lakh saplingsOdishas incredible accomplishment far surpasses these setting a new humanitarian record that will inspire generations to come While the numbers are impressive Minister Singkhuntia emphasised that the larger vision matters most building a cleaner greener more beautiful prosperous and selfreliant Odisha for future generationsIn a remarkable display of environmental commitment a total of 14911339 seedlings have been planted across 30 districts by 430 pm This massive effort spans 71924 plantation sites highlighting a significant drive towards afforestation and ecological restoration in the stateSundergarh district leads the plantation drive with an impressive 1421618 seedlings planted Following closely Koraput secured the second position with 1101624 seedlings while Keonjhar stands third with 1042927 seedlings The fourth and fifth places go to Mayurbhanj and Kalahandi districts which have planted 917659 and 767510 seedlings respectively At the bottom of the list Deogarh recorded the least plantation with 131885 seedlings by 430 pm IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/ek-ped-maa-ke-naam-20-odisha-achieves-historic-plantation-feat-with-15-crore-saplings-639107.html Wed, 17 Sep 2025 23:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/govt-notifies-national-policy-on-geothermal-energy-to-achieve-net-zero-goal-639108.html New Delhi Sep 17 The government has notified the National Policy on Geothermal Energy 2025 reinforcing its commitment towards achieving the ambitious 2070 Net Zero Goal and strengthening the countrys energy security through diversified renewable energy sources India with its untapped geothermal resources is poised to leverage this clean and reliable energy source for power generation and directuse applications such as district heating agriculture aquaculture and space cooling and heating via Ground Source Heat Pumps GSHPs The newly unveiled policy provides a comprehensive framework to promote exploration development and utilisation of geothermal energy in India according to a statement issued by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy MNREThe new policy encourages research interministerial collaboration and adoption of global best practices for geothermal energy development Regulatory and stewardship responsibilities for geothermal energy will rest with the ministryIt targets integration of geothermal energy with Indias Net Zero 2070 and renewable energy objectives with a focus on electricity generation space heatingcooling agriculture greenhouses cold storage tourism and desalinationThe policy aims to promote RampD of advanced systems such as hybrid geothermalsolar plants retrofitting abandoned oil wells and EnhancedAdvanced Geothermal Systems EGSAGS It lays emphasis on local innovation joint ventures and repurposing existing oil and gas infrastructureThe policy also provides for collaboration with international geothermal bodies and pioneering nations as well as collaboration with state governments oil and gas companies and research institutions for building a robust publicprivate ecosystem for the longterm development of the geothermal sectorBesides it promotes knowledge sharing and human resource development in the sectorAs a first step towards the exploration of geothermal energy the ministry has sanctioned five projects in the sector These include both pilot initiatives and resource assessment projects aimed at exploring the viability and potential of geothermal energy in IndiaThe Ministry of New and Renewable Energy further stated that it will continue to monitor the progress while providing a conducive environment for developers industries and research institutions to actively participate in Indias clean energy transition IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/govt-notifies-national-policy-on-geothermal-energy-to-achieve-net-zero-goal-639108.html Wed, 17 Sep 2025 23:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/met-office-issues-orange-alert-for-heavy-rain-in-several-bengal-districts-638966.html Kolkata Sep 17 The Regional Meteorological Centre on Wednesday issued an orange alert for heavy rain in several districts of West Bengal over the next few days According to the met department thunderstorms are likely across South Bengal including Kolkata from Wednesday to Friday Along with this heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms is likely in East Burdwan West Burdwan Bankura Birbhum Murshidabad and Purulia districts Accordingly an orange alert has been issued for these districtsOn Saturday there is a possibility of scattered thunderstorms in all districts of South BengalThere is a cyclonic circulation over East Bihar and adjacent areas There is another cyclonic circulation over the southeast Bay of Bengal as well There are two more such systems in the areas adjacent to northeast Bangladesh and central Assam This is resulting in moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal Due to this rain will occur in South Bengal districts There is also a possibility of heavy rain at some places said a met department officialAlthough the temperature may decrease slightly due to rain there will be discomfort due to high humidity in the airAt the same time there is a possibility of heavy rain in north Bengal this week as well Very heavy rain is likely in Darjeeling Jalpaiguri Kalimpong Alipurduar Cooch Behar and North Dinajpur districts from Wednesday onwards An orange alert has been issued for these six districtsScattered thunderstorms are also likely in South Dinajpur and Malda districts Heavy rain is also forecast in Darjeeling Jalpaiguri Kalimpong Alipurduar and Cooch Behar districts on Thursday Thunderstorms are likely in North Dinajpur South Dinajpur and Malda districts on FridayMeanwhile the minimum temperature in Kolkata on Wednesday was 266 degrees Celsius 02 degrees above normal The maximum temperature in the city on Tuesday was 311 degrees Celsius 17 degrees below normal IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/met-office-issues-orange-alert-for-heavy-rain-in-several-bengal-districts-638966.html Wed, 17 Sep 2025 13:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/chennai-unveils-rs-14-000-crore-water-storage-expansion-plan-638727.html Chennai Sep 16 With projections indicating that Chennais drinking water storage demand will more than triple by 2050 the Water Resources Department WRD has rolled out a Rs14000crore plan to restore lakes and tanks build new reservoirs and expand recharge structures A feasibility report of the Chennai Corporation estimates that the citys requirement will rise to 3873 tmc from the current 11 tmc Out of 1165 suggested projects the WRD has approved 704 essential works to be executed within the next decadeThe projects span 12 basins including Chennai and Palar with a major focus on reviving around 1150 tanks in suburban areas These include a chain of 350 tanks such as Thenneri Sriperumbudur Thirunindravur Manimangalam and Pillaipakkam which act as catchments for Chembarambakkam and another 64 tanks along the OMR stretch such as Narayanapuram Thalambur Semmenchery and NanmangalamRestoring them as mini catchments is expected to boost storage capacity and make surrounding neighbourhoods less dependent on the citys reservoirsThe plan also involves constructing 12 new reservoirs along the upstream stretches of the Cooum Adyar and Palar riversSites have been identified at Thiruverkadu and Poonamallee in the Cooum basin and four villages along the Palar Each of these reservoirs is expected to add between 05 tmc and 1 tmc of storageIn addition three major new reservoirs are planned including one on Salt Lake along the East Coast Road and another on 300 acres of government land near PerumbakkamThe Perumbakkam reservoir is designed to store up to 225 tmc while the ECR site will add another 2 tmcTogether these reservoirs will help retain water for the OMR belt and reduce flooding into Pallikaranai marshTo strengthen groundwater reserves 402 recharge structures will be built along river bunds while around 200 tanks within industrial hubs such as Irungattukottai Oragadam and Pillaipakkam will be revived reducing dependence on Metrowater by easing 115 MLD of supplyInterbasin linking measures are also proposed including diverting water from Adyar to Palar and channelising flow from Kosasthalaiyar to CooumExperts note that Chennai receives adequate rainfall annually and that restoring tanks lakes and aquifers while enforcing rainwater harvesting will be crucial to the plans success IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/chennai-unveils-rs-14-000-crore-water-storage-expansion-plan-638727.html Tue, 16 Sep 2025 09:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/india-takes-lead-with-ai-driven-forecasts-to-help-farmers-face-erratic-weather-638795.html New Delhi Sep 16 While climate change is making the pattern of rainfall more erratic and difficult to predict the Indian government has started providing AIdriven forecasts directly to farmers on smartphones to help them manage their agricultural operations This years unusual monsoon with its early arrival and a rare midseason hiatus illustrates just how fragile agricultural rhythms have become But this year was also different for another reason millions of Indian farmers had artificial intelligence on their side according to an article by Stacey Glaser in One World OutlookEarlier accurate weather forecasting could be done only by governments and wellfunded institutions backed by supercomputers that cost millions of dollarsBut AI has begun to dismantle that exclusivity With opensource models like Googles NeuralGCM and the European Center for MediumRange Weather Forecasts AI systems highly granular predictions are now possible on devices as modest as a farmers smartphone according to an article by Stacey Glaser in One World OutlookThe article refers to this wider availability of forecasting as not just a technological innovation but a political and social breakthrough In India the government sent AIdriven forecasts to 38 million small farmers this monsoon season it statesRather than offering broad weather summaries forecasts were tailored to the needs of individual farmers whether to plant early buy more seed or prepare for droughtlike pauses the article statesWeather forecasting once dominated by elite institutions is now being reframed as a public good Researchers at the University of Chicago working with the Indian government helped bridge the gap between machine learning outputs and actionable adviceThe article cites Amir Jina an assistant professor involved in the project as saying What dots hadnt been connected before was this tailoring of forecast to purposeThis tailoring is important as a nationallevel forecast issues an overall warning of heavy rains However farmers need specific information on whether they should delay planting rice seedlings or whether a sugarcane field should be irrigated This requires locally relevant information which is being made possible through AI forecastsThe article also points out that the scale of Indias forecasting also opens an opportunity for emulating the same method in other countriesIf India can deploy AIdriven forecasts at scale for some of the worlds poorest farmers then other developing nations may follow suit In the face of climate change information is not just power it is survival the article added IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/india-takes-lead-with-ai-driven-forecasts-to-help-farmers-face-erratic-weather-638795.html Tue, 16 Sep 2025 14:46:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/gst-rejig-a-major-push-towards-advancing-indias-climate-goals-centre-638800.html New Delhi Sep 16 In a significant development the GST rationalisation is set to provide a major push towards advancing Indias climate goals by making renewable energy waste management biodegradable products and green mobility more affordable and within reach the government said on Tuesday Moreover by cutting costs encouraging domestic manufacturing and supporting sustainable industries these changes will accelerate the adoption of clean energy and pollution control solutions it saidTo begin with GST on solar and wind devices has been reduced from 12 per cent to 5 per cent This includes solar cookers biogas plants solar powerbased devices solar power generators windmills windoperated electricity generator WOEG wastetoenergy plantsdevices solar lanternssolar lamps ocean wavestidal waves energy devicesplants and photovoltaic cells whether or not assembled in modules or made up into panelsThe reduction in GST will directly decrease the capital costs of solar panels PV cells wind turbines and related devices This reduction will enhance the viability of solar and wind projects leading to lower tariffs for end consumersThe GST rate cuts will bolster domestic manufacturing by supporting Indias solar cell and module manufacturing ecosystem under PLI schemes making domestic products more competitive against imports This will make solar pumps more affordable reducing irrigation costs and providing support to farmers according to the governmentThe installed capacity of solar energy in India has increased more than 42 times from 282 GW in 2014 to 11954 GW as of July 31 2025India has progressively continued the decoupling of economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions The emission intensity of Indias gross domestic product GDP has reduced by 36 per cent between 2005 and 2020Similarly GST on services provided by a common effluent treatment plant CETP has been reduced from 12 per cent to 5 per centReducing taxes on CETPs will motivate industries to use centralised waste treatment methods resulting in a pollutionfree environment and supporting sustainable development in industrial areas This will assist municipal corporations in implementing clean energy solutions for managing waste The GST cuts will create green jobs in areas like waste segregation plant operations and maintenance the government highlightedReduced GST on biodegradable bags from 18 per cent to 5 per cent makes them more affordable encouraging consumers and retailers to move away from singleuse plastics and thereby helping to decrease plastic pollutionThis supports Indias adherence to the Plastic Waste Management Rules 2022 and reinforces the ban on singleuse plastics It will promote investment in research and development and the expansion of biopolymers starchbased and compostable materials said the governmentAs many biodegradable bag producers are small and medium enterprises or startups the lower GST facilitates their market entry and increases demand it added IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/gst-rejig-a-major-push-towards-advancing-indias-climate-goals-centre-638800.html Tue, 16 Sep 2025 15:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/namibias-capital-launches-zero-emissions-week-638861.html Windhoek Sep 16 Namibias capital city Windhoek has officially launched Zero Emissions Week 2025 to raise awareness about climate change sustainable mobility and the benefits of reducing emissions The weeklong event features various activities including an electric vehicle exhibition an environmental video awareness competition cycling gear giveaways a corporate trivia challenge and a citywide CarFree DayWith these initiatives Windhoek is seeking to lead by example making sustainable mobility and clean energy a reality for its residentsIn his welcoming remarks Pierre van Rensburg strategic executive for urban and transport planning at the City of Windhoek emphasised that Zero Emissions Week is not about following international trends but about addressing practical challenges facing the city including transportrelated emissions congestion and urban air qualityTransport contributes a significant 25 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions with vehicles accounting for 70 per cent according to van Rensburg Xinhua news agency reported He encouraged residents to envision a future with sustainable transport and adopt greener alternatives like public transport cycling and walkingAs part of the initiative the municipality also inaugurated its first electric vehicle charging station which would help normalize electric mobility and expand EV infrastructure across the cityNdeshihafela Larandja Mayor of Windhoek said this milestone reflects the citys commitment to climateresilient development sustainable mobility and reducing its carbon footprintLast week Namibia announced plans to mobilise about 17 billion US dollars for green hydrogen projects as the Global African Hydrogen Summit wrapped up Thursday in the capital Windhoek after drawing more than 1500 participants from over 75 countriesWe are trying to mobilise Namibias share of about 17 billion dollars that we now want to bring home and start deploying into our projects Namibias Green Hydrogen Commissioner James Mnyupe told delegates Namibia has now gone beyond the realms of dreaming and its now beginning to construct beginning to produce and beginning to implementThe threeday summit held under the theme Ambition in Action Fuelling Africas Green Industrial Revolution gathered over 25 ministers 125 experts financiers project developers and youth representatives to discuss financing infrastructure community benefits and over 50 bankable hydrogen projects across Africa IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/namibias-capital-launches-zero-emissions-week-638861.html Tue, 16 Sep 2025 19:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/imd-predicts-heavy-rain-across-several-districts-in-tn-this-week-638556.html Chennai Sep 15 Tamil Nadu is likely to witness spells of heavy rainfall across multiple districts over the next few days with the India Meteorological Department IMD issuing a forecast covering different regions of the state through the week According to the IMDs latest bulletin heavy rain is likely at isolated places in Erode Krishnagiri Dharmapuri Tirupattur Salem and Vellore districts on Tuesday September 16 Other parts of the state may also experience light to moderate showers as the monsoon activity strengthensOn Wednesday the rain belt is likely to expand with heavy showers predicted in Krishnagiri Dharmapuri Salem Tirupattur Vellore Ranipet Kancheepuram Chengalpattu Tiruvannamalai Kallakurichi and Villupuram districts as well as in PuducherryThe rainfall activity is likely to intensify further on Thursday covering Salem Tiruvannamalai Kallakurichi Villupuram Cuddalore Chengalpattu Kancheepuram Ariyalur Perambalur and Mayiladuthurai districtsBy Friday the IMD expects heavy rain in parts of Tiruvallur Ranipet Vellore and Kancheepuram districts signalling a wet end to the week for northern Tamil NaduOfficials have urged residents in lowlying and floodprone areas to stay alert as heavy rainfall may lead to waterlogging and traffic disruptionsAs for Chennai the IMD has forecast light rainfall in a few areas on Monday with localised showers possible during the evening and nightThe city recorded maximum temperatures of 342 degrees Celsius at Nungambakkam and 349 degrees Celsius at Meenambakkam on Sunday afternoonMeanwhile across the state the maximum temperature is likely to rise slightly on Monday In certain isolated pockets the day temperature may be above normal by 23 degrees Celsius before gradually moderating due to increased cloud cover and rainfall activityWeather experts noted that the rainfall pattern is consistent with the transition toward the northeast monsoon season which typically begins in October but is often preceded by widespread premonsoon showers in SeptemberThe IMD has advised farmers and the general public to take precautionary measures and plan agricultural and outdoor activities accordingly as intermittent rainfall is expected to continue in many parts of Tamil Nadu throughout the week IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/imd-predicts-heavy-rain-across-several-districts-in-tn-this-week-638556.html Mon, 15 Sep 2025 09:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/congress-mp-rahul-gandhi-to-visit-punjab-tomorrow-638535.html Chandigarh Sep 14 Days after Prime Minister Narendra Modis aerial survey of floodaffected areas of Punjab Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will visit the state on daylong visit on Monday He will be meeting floodaffected people in Amritsar and Gurdaspur the worst hit districts Rahul Gandhi is expected to interact with affected families and assess the damage on the groundEarlier Rahul Gandhi had expressed deep concern over the flood situation in Punjab and neighboring regionsIn a post on X he expressed grief over the loss of lives caused by heavy rains and floods in Punjab Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh offering condolences to the families of the deceased and wishing for the safe return of missing peopleHe urged the government to issue high alerts in all affected areas and speed up rescue operations to prevent further casualties and ensure timely aid He also called upon Congress leaders and workers to actively support relief efforts in coordination with the administrationResponding to Opposition leader Rahul Gandhis proposed visit Punjab BJP spokesperson Pritpal Singh Baliawal raised pertinent questionsHe said the Congress the Aam Aadmi Party and other alliance partners currently govern eight states across the country He questioned how much financial assistance or relief material these governments have extended to Punjab during this crisisHe urged Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Punjab Congress President Raja Warring to present this data publicly so that the people of Punjab may clearly know which parties genuinely stood with them in their time of distressHighlighting the contrast Baliawal noted that while both the state government and the Congress continuously question Central assistance they have not shown the will to extend help from states where they themselves are in powerHe said during the critical period when Punjab was inundated and people were suffering immense hardship Rahul Gandhi was abroad in MalaysiaAccording to Baliawal the timing of Rahul Gandhis Punjab visit now indicates a political spectacle rather than a sincere concern for the floodaffected populationHe underlined the Central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already provided Punjab with Rs 1600 crore in immediate relief in addition to the Rs 12000 crore available with the state government under the State Disaster Response FundHe said BJPruled states such as Delhi Gujarat Goa and Haryana have each contributed Rs 5 crore to the Punjab Chief Ministers Relief Fund Alongside financial support several BJP governments have dispatched thousands of trucks and train wagons carrying rations and essential supplies for flood victimsThroughout this period BJP leaders and workers across Punjab have been continuously engaged in relief and rehabilitation efforts he added Baliawal said Rahul Gandhi must answer why Congressruled state governments have demonstrated indifference and apathy toward Punjabs sufferingHe emphasized that the people of Punjab deserve transparency on who truly stood by them in their hour of need IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/congress-mp-rahul-gandhi-to-visit-punjab-tomorrow-638535.html Sun, 14 Sep 2025 20:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/over-1-lakh-delhiites-take-pledge-to-become-vayu-mitras-638260.html New Delhi Sep 13 Over one lakh Delhi residents have taken the Vayu Mitra Pledge to act as champions of clean air as part of a programme supported by the Environment Ministry and the Commission for Air Quality Management CAQM The campaign successfully reached nine key hotspots including Narela Bawana Mundka Jahangir Puri Vivek Vihar Rohini RK Puram Okhla and Anand Vihar along with several highfootfall public hubs ensuring wide public participation according to an official statement on SaturdayWWFIndia EIACP Environmental Information Awareness Capacity Building Programme Centre Resource Partner PCRP was supported by the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change MoEF and CC and held in collaboration with the CAQMBetween June and August 2025 the campaign team organised over 25 workshops under the flagship campaign Breath of Change Clean Air Blue Skies during which students pledged to become ecoleaders and RWAs committed to reducing local pollution and citizensThe campaign encouraged people to become responsible citizens not to burn crackers and to stop others from doing the sameThese activities brought together students RWAs commuters and local communities with an outreach of over 132481 across Delhis most critical air pollution hotspots said the statementFrom school classrooms to bustling metro stations industrial areas to green parks the campaign sparked collective energy for sustainable living Children teachers parents commuters RWA leaders and citizens from all walks of life came forward to take the Vayu Mitra Pledge and act as champions of clean air it saidThe sessions included informative discussions on air pollution its causes sources and farreaching impacts on human health and the environment The Mission LiFE documentary was screened further reinforcing the message of sustainable living and participants took the Vayu Mitra Pledge for Clean Air committing to make conscious efforts to reduce pollution in their daily lives the statement saidA tree plantation drive was conducted during which nearly 1750 plants were distributed and planted under Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 20 involving students An interactive quiz was also conductedBetween June and September 8 the initiative made a significant impact by directly engaging over 200000 participants through awareness and outreach activities including various social media platformsA total of over 65 schools were sensitised across major pollution hotspotsIn addition to these onground efforts several new initiatives were introduced such as a Carbon Footprint Survey in which WWF EIACP Centre created dashboards that evaluate the RWA Surveyed and carbon footprint tracker SAMEER app demonstrations student exhibitions showcasing solar power and waste to wealth innovations AQI monitoring and interactive quizzes making the engagement more dynamic and impactful The major target audience was also reached through social media IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/over-1-lakh-delhiites-take-pledge-to-become-vayu-mitras-638260.html Sat, 13 Sep 2025 14:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/monsoon-impact-waning-bengal-to-receive-light-to-moderate-rain-next-week-638270.html Kolkata Sep 13 The Met office has forecast light to moderate rain in south Bengal districts including Kolkata in the next few days At the same time heavy rain will occur in north Bengal districts from Sunday onwards According to a met department official a low pressure area has formed over the Bay of Bengal which however will not have a direct impact on the weather in West Bengal The low pressure area has formed in the westcentral and northwest Bay of Bengal It is located near the coast of north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha On the other hand the monsoon axis has also now increased its distance from West Bengal As a result the amount of thunderstorms in South Bengal is much less However light to moderate rain will occur in south Bengal districts from Sunday onwards said the officialLight rain has been forecast in South 24 Parganas North 24 Parganas East Midnapore West Midnapore Jhargram Murshidabad and Nadia districts A yellow warning of rain has been issued in remaining districts of south Bengal except Jhargram Purulia Bankura and West Burdwan on SundayThere is a possibility of thunderstorms in the southern districts including Kolkata on Monday and TuesdayThe weather will remain sultry in Kolkata with the possibility of one two thunderstorms later in the dayMeanwhile rain will continue in north Bengal especially five districts of Darjeeling Jalpaiguri Kalimpong Alipurduar and some places in Cooch Behar districts from Saturday evening Yellow warning of rain is also in the remaining three districts of north Bengal At the same time continuous heavy rain has been predicted in these all north Bengal districts till MondayMeanwhile the maximum temperature in Kolkata on Friday was 329 degrees Celsius 04 degrees above normal The minimum temperature was 286 degrees Celsius 22 degrees above normal The relative humidity in the air was maximum 88 per cent and minimum 73 per cent IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/monsoon-impact-waning-bengal-to-receive-light-to-moderate-rain-next-week-638270.html Sat, 13 Sep 2025 15:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/union-minister-bl-verma-reviews-flood-situation-in-punjab-638140.html Sahnewal Punjab Sep 12 Union Minister BL Verma on Friday visited Sasrali village in Sahnewal constituency in Punjab to personally review the flood situation and the measures being undertaken to protect the affected areas He inspected over 25 km of temporary embankments constructed with the active support of the villagers to safeguard their farmland and homesPritpal Singh Baliawal BJP spokesperson and Gagandeep Singh Kaint District Ludhiana Rural were also present during the inspection During the visit Pritpal Singh Baliawal apprised the minister about the extent of the devastation He informed that nearly 450 acres of fertile agricultural land had been washed away into the Sutlej river and categorically highlighted illegal mining in the region as the primary reason for such largescale destruction The minister interacted with residents and farmers of the affected areas assuring them of the Central governments full support He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi the BJPled government has already announced an additional relief package of Rs 1600 crore for Punjab over and above the Rs 12000 crore allocated under the State Disaster Response Fund SDRF He further assured that if any additional assistance is required the Central government stands firmly with the people of Punjab in this hour of need Union Minister Verma also appreciated the tireless efforts of BJP volunteers who have been working day and night alongside local villagers to provide relief and strengthen embankments He further distributed flood relief kits to the residents of Sasrali village Meanwhile state Revenue Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian said that encouragingly people sheltering in relief camps are steadily moving back to their homes resulting in the number of operational camps dropping from 111 on September 11 to 100 on September 12 He said there is a noticeable decrease of 460 inmates in the relief camps pointing to gradual restoration of normalcy as families return to their homes He said the cumulative figure of evacuated persons has reached 23340 so far Currently 4125 people remain in governmentrun relief camps as against 4585 a day earlier He said that with no more affected crop area reported as per district reports the affected crop area has been assessed at 192380 hectares till date with no fresh area reported damaged during the last 24 hours The Cabinet Minister said that one missing person has been reported from Jalandhar while three persons are still reported missing from Pathankot IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/union-minister-bl-verma-reviews-flood-situation-in-punjab-638140.html Fri, 12 Sep 2025 22:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/winter-air-pollution-delhi-govt-to-distribute-3-000-electric-heaters-to-curb-open-burning-638143.html New Delhi Sep 12 Aiming to fight winter air pollution the Delhi government on Friday decided to provide electric heaters to over 3000 Resident Welfare Associations forest guards and unorganised industrial workers who rely on open burning of biomass Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said This is a landmark moment for Delhi Instead of just issuing advisories and prohibitions our government is intervening with real solutions that touch the lives of thousandsHe said We are providing heaters so that people dont have to burn biomass or waste helping both the environment and public health This campaign is about stopping open fires and it is about supporting every citizen in Delhi through effective leadership and compassionSirsa added The Delhi governments resolve is to protect life while improving air quality We are not only monitoring and enforcing but also enabling and empowering from providing heaters to workers to modernizing waste management Our goal is clean air safety and dignity for allOn Friday in a highlevel virtual meeting the Divisional Commissioner senior officials from DSIIDC Environment Department and DPCC joined hands to chart out a robust transparent mechanism for assessing and addressing the needs of RWAs across Delhi said an official statementThe Minister directed Divisional Commissioner to carry out a fresh assessment of all RWAs to ensure wide and fair distribution of electric heaters to their night watchmen ahead of the winter seasonThe DSIIDC will utilise around Rs 42 crore from its Corporate Social Responsibility CSR funds to acquire the heaters with direct implementation overseen by the Divisional Commissioners officeThe Environment Department will carry out ongoing monitoring as part of this mission The government will prioritise RWAs forest guards and workers in unorganised industrial areas taking proactive steps so no one needs to resort to polluting practices for winter comfort said the statementSirsa said this initiative is embedded within Delhis comprehensive yearround antipollution strategy a multitiered approach that includes strict vigilance against open burning daily inspection teams robust reporting and awareness campaignsIn addition to the heater distribution the Delhi government continues its ambitious waste management drive including biomining at landfills and expansion of wastetoenergy plants with a focus on achieving 100 per cent waste processing and preventing fire incidents at dumping sites all of which contribute to cleaner air and a safer environment for millionsAs of mid2025 agencies have intensified biomining operations at Ghazipur Bhalswa and Okhla processing over 10000 tonnes of daily waste and reducing methane emissions through scientific excavation and segregation with new directives mandating quarterly fire drills CCTV installations and gas detectors to ensure no incidents occur the statement notedThis year alone these initiatives have prevented any major fire outbreaks supporting the citys goal of achieving 100 per cent waste processing and minimising environmental hazards said the statement IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/winter-air-pollution-delhi-govt-to-distribute-3-000-electric-heaters-to-curb-open-burning-638143.html Fri, 12 Sep 2025 22:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/cm-bhupendra-patel-pays-tribute-to-forest-martyrs-at-gujarats-first-vanpal-memorial-637818.html Gandhinagar Sep 11 Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Thursday paid homage to nine forest martyrs from the state who lost their lives while protecting and conserving forests and wildlife Observing National Forest Martyrs Day CM Patel offered floral tributes at the states first Vanpal Memorial built at the Van Chetna Kendra in Sector 30 GandhinagarThe day is marked nationwide on September 11 every year since 2013 following the central governments decision to honour forest rangers guards range officers and frontline personnel who sacrificed their lives in the line of dutyAccompanied by State Forest Minister Mulubhai Bera and Minister of State Mukesh Patel the Chief Minister observed two minutes of silence in memory of the fallen personnelLegislator Ritaben Patel Additional Chief Secretary Forest and Environment Sanjeev Kumar Head of Forest Force AP Singh and senior forest officials were also present to pay their respectsGujarat has taken several significant budgetary steps toward wildlife and forest conservation In the 202526 state budget Rs 40 crore has been allocated specifically to prevent lion deaths along railway tracks and to improve wildlife protection via a commandandcontrol unitAdditionally the Forest Department has been given Rs 655 crore for the development and promotion of forest areas using methods like Miyawaki plantation and Rs 10 crore for its coastal green wall Mishti programme On lion conservation the state government had spent Rs 27793 crore during 202223 in the Gir and Greater Gir regionsThis amount was spent on hiring veterinarians deploying ambulances in forested zones operating rapidaction rescue teams setting up diseasetreatment centres and other protective infrastructure At the national level the Union Government launched the Project Lion with an approved budget of about Rs 292771 croreThis project will support wildlife health habitat management and humanwildlife conflict mitigation along with setting up a National Wildlife Disease Diagnostic and Referral Centre in JunagadhDuring 20162021 out of a total expenditure by Gujarats forest force wings only about Rs 823 crore was spent specifically on protection conservation and management of wildlife sanctuaries roughly 137 per cent of their total activities over that period according to an official report IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/cm-bhupendra-patel-pays-tribute-to-forest-martyrs-at-gujarats-first-vanpal-memorial-637818.html Thu, 11 Sep 2025 16:46:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/weather-office-predicts-heavy-rain-in-north-bengal-637849.html Kolkata Sep 11 The Regional Meteorological Centre in Kolkatas Alipore has now forecast heavy rain in north Bengal districts from Friday due to a twin system of a cyclonic circulation and a monsoon axis A warning of heavy to very heavy rain has already been issued in north BengalNotably Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is in north Bengal to attend administration review meetings of her governmentAccording to an official of the Meteorological Centre several districts of South Bengal are likely to receive rain from Thursday evening onwardsAt the same time the weather office has forecast sweltering heat in various districts of South Bengal including KolkataThere is a possibility of heavy rain in Darjeeling Kalimpong Jalpaiguri Alipurduar and Cooch Behar in the next 24 hours Very heavy rain may occur in Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar on SaturdayOn Sunday scattered heavy rain is expected in Jalpaiguri Alipurduar and Cooch Behar districts On Monday Darjeeling Kalimpong Cooch Behar Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri are likely to receive heavy rainfallAfter that scattered heavy rain is forecast in the districts of north BengalThe weather will change drastically in north Bengal Several districts are likely to record heavy rain A warning has been issued in this regard This is primarily due to a cyclonic circulation coupled with active monsoon winds said the Meteorological Department officialThere is a warning of rain with thundershowers in East Midnapore West Midnapore North 24 Parganas South 24 Parganas Howrah Nadia Murshidabad and East Burdwan districts on Friday and Saturday Along with rain gusty winds are likely in these districtsThe maximum temperature in Kolkata on Wednesday was 35 degrees Celsius which is 25 degrees above normalThe minimum temperature was 284 degrees Celsius which is 2 degrees above normalThe weather in Kolkata is likely to remain sultry as rain accompanied by high humidity will increase the discomfort level IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/weather-office-predicts-heavy-rain-in-north-bengal-637849.html Thu, 11 Sep 2025 17:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/india-can-tap-algae-for-rare-earth-extraction-says-expert-637918.html Thiruvananthapuram Sep 11 India can reduce its dependence on conventional environmentally damaging mining of rare earth elements REEs by adopting an algal biorefinery approach according to Laladhas KP Director of the Centre for Science in Society and International Biotechnological Applications In a recent assessment Laladhas noted that India despite having significant REE reserves in beach sands and deposits in the Northeast faces challenges in extraction due to the complex nature of the oresREEs critical for electronics renewable energy and defence applications are currently sourced globally from geopolitically sensitive and environmentally intensive mining operationsAlgal mining he explained is a novel and environmentally conscious approach that sidesteps many of the issues associated with traditional methodsThe technology harnesses the natural ability of ocean macroalgae or seaweeds to hyperaccumulate dissolved metals from seawaterResearch has shown that certain species can concentrate these elements within their tissues at levels up to a million times higher than the surrounding waterThis process referred to as photosynthetic mineral sourcing uses sunlight and cultivated seaweed to harvest critical minerals directly from seawaterUnlike conventional mining it generates no toxic tailings or water contamination and can even improve ocean health by sequestering carbon nitrogen and phosphorusIt is restorative rather than destructive Laladhas said while cautioning that the technology remains in its nascent stage with no commercialscale operations yet in existenceThe broader concept of an algal biorefinery goes beyond mineral recovery Alongside REEs it can yield biofuels biopolymers and fertilisers making it a multiproduct valuegenerating system aligned with the circular economy India he pointed out has an advantage due to its vast coastal macroalgae resources and proven expertise in phycoremediation the use of algae to clean industrial effluentsInstead of pursuing openocean projects the country could repurpose its industrialscale systems to recover REEs from waste streams of mineral processing plantsTo realise this potential Laladhas suggested a threephase strategy a targeted Research and Development programme to identify indigenous algae species best suited for REE absorption pilot projects through publicprivate partnerships and eventual scaling into integrated biorefineriesWith the right policy push and investment he argued India could position itself as a global leader in sustainable REE supply chains reducing dependence on environmentally destructive mining and advancing its green economy goals IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/india-can-tap-algae-for-rare-earth-extraction-says-expert-637918.html Thu, 11 Sep 2025 19:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/no-puc-no-fuel-initiative-to-be-implemented-effectively-in-the-state-maha-minister-637753.html Mumbai Sep 10 Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Wednesday directed the state administration to implement the No PUC No Fuel initiative at every petrol pump in future in the state This is necessary to provide a pollutionfree environment to the future generation the present generation needs to impose some environmentallyfriendly restrictions on itself For that purpose the Pollution Control Certificate PUC given to every vehicle must be valid the Minister saidThe chain of production of illegal certificates should be completely stopped he said reiterating that this can be achieved by the No PUC No Fuel initiativeMinister Sarnaik at the department meeting said that the vehicle number of every vehicle coming to fill fuel at every petrol pump in the state will be checked scanned based on the CCTV camera footage so that the validity of the pollution control certificate of the concerned vehicle can be known through thatIf the pollution control certificate of that vehicle is not valid then fuel will not be given to that vehicle The arrangements will also be made to immediately remove the pollution control certificate at the same petrol pump so that the driver does not face any inconvenience This pollution control certificate will have a unique identity UID Therefore the validity of the pollution control certificate can be checked from time to time he addedIn future arrangements will be made to issue pollution control certificates in showrooms selling vehicles and garages that repair vehicles so that every vehicle plying on the road has a valid pollution control certificate This will help reduce pollution levels Minister Sarnaik saidHe added that along with this the Transport Department should launch a major crackdown to expose the gang that is currently illegally issuing pollution control certificatesHe also reviewed the installation of a fire early warning system in the Transport Department office and the construction of a transport building IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/no-puc-no-fuel-initiative-to-be-implemented-effectively-in-the-state-maha-minister-637753.html Wed, 10 Sep 2025 23:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/odisha-unveils-draft-ev-policy-2025-to-boost-green-mobility-637561.html Bhubaneswar Sep 10 The Odisha government has released the draft Electric Vehicle EV Policy 2025 setting an ambitious roadmap to accelerate green mobility and make the state a national leader in sustainable transportation The draft policy aims to achieve 50 per cent electric vehicle adoption in new registrations by 2030 expanding incentives across all vehicle categories ranging from twowheelers and cars to buses trucks and construction equipmentThe state government has included several significant promotional measures in the new policy as the state fell short of its earlier target under the 2021 EV Policy which aimed for 20 per cent adoption by August 2025 but recorded only 9 per cent penetration The state government has expanded the incentives provided on the purchase of electric two three and fourwheelers buses trucks and retrofitted vehicles The subsidies have been linked to performance and efficiencyAs per the new draft EV policy all the fuel pumps on the National Highways and State Highways and the Odisha State Road Transport Corporationowned bus terminals stops across the state shall have at least one fast charging stationThe Odisha government also decided to establish Viability Gap Funding for the installation of fast charging stations across all the highways in the stateThe new EV policy announced capital subsidies for the first 100 public batteryswapping stations in the stateThe state government will also set up at least three Centres of Excellence CoEs focusing on Research and Development in EVs charging infrastructure and hydrogenbased technologies The draft EV policy has provisions for increasing the number of incubation hubs for startups creation of a dedicated Rs 15 crore under the Chief Ministers EV RampD Grant to encourage innovation and commercialisationThe government also proposed to ensure specialised training programmes under SCTEampVT to develop an EVready workforce targeting 500 skilled professionals by 2030As per the draft policy all the vehicles engaged in various government offices shall be replaced with electric vehicles within six months of the policy notification The government will also ensure all school buses ambulances and PCR vans get replaced with electric vehicles within 12 months of the policy notificationThe state government has also decided to form a State EV Cell Steering Committee and Task Force for smooth policy implementation and stakeholder coordinationThe draft policy will remain valid until December 31 2030 The government has invited public and stakeholder feedback within 30 days of its publication in the Odisha Gazette With this initiative Odisha seeks to not only transform its transport ecosystem but also contribute significantly to Indias decarbonization goals and the national Net Zero 2070 commitment IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/odisha-unveils-draft-ev-policy-2025-to-boost-green-mobility-637561.html Wed, 10 Sep 2025 11:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/after-17-days-of-weather-disruptions-schools-in-jammu-reopen-637564.html Jammu Sep 10 After remaining closed for 17 days since August 24 schools in Jammu division reopened on Wednesday bringing relief to parents and joy on the faces of children as they met classmates after the forced recess The Director of School Education Jammu had announced preparations for the reopening of schools and staff were asked to report on duty on September 8HeadmastersPrincipals of various educational institutions were asked to conduct a thorough safety and security audit of the buildings before offline classes resumeChief education officers had been asked to oversee daytoday activities and submit compliance reports to ensure readinessThe closure of schools in the Jammu division was a consequence of heavy rains flash floods mudslides and landslides since August 24Unprecedented rainfall and cloudbursts caused huge damage to life and infrastructure both public and private With the overall improvement in weather the focus of the authorities has now returned to normal academic activitiesHowever abundant precautions had been ordered to be taken towards structural safety checks before welcoming students backThe reopening of schools in Jammu marks an important step towards recovery after days of disruption with the administration underlining its commitment to safeguarding children while ensuring that the academic calendar stays on trackMeanwhile the Yatra to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra town of Reasi district remained suspended for the 16th day on WednesdayThe yatra had been suspended on the day the landslide hit the route of the shrineMost of the Yatris had returned to Katra base camp on August 26 but many had taken shelter at Ardhkunwari on the route where the landslide struck killing 35 pilgrimsThe strategic JammuSrinagar highway remained closed for the last seven days although it was partially restored before that by laying a bypass along the damaged highwayThe closure has adversely affected the supply of essential supplies into the Valley while apple growers are worried as the nonavailability of transport to the markets outside JampK will rot most of this years crop for want of transportation IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/after-17-days-of-weather-disruptions-schools-in-jammu-reopen-637564.html Wed, 10 Sep 2025 11:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/kerala-tipplers-can-now-exchange-plastic-liquor-bottles-as-sales-hit-record-high-637458.html Thiruvananthapuram Sept 9 In a major step towards environmental sustainability the Kerala State Beverages Corporation Bevco will roll out a bottlereturn scheme for plastic liquor containers starting Tuesday Bevco Managing Director Harshita Attalluri announced that a refundable deposit system has been introduced whereby a label will be affixed to each bottle and consumers will be charged Rs 20 as a deposit at the time of purchaseWhen the bottle is returned the same amount will be refunded We urge everyone to return as many bottles as possible This is being launched on a trial basis and will come into full effect from the New Year Attalluri saidThe project is being implemented in collaboration with Clean Kerala Company Initially customers will be required to return bottles to the same outlet from which they were purchasedHowever Bevco is also considering the feasibility of enabling bottle returns at any outlet across the stateAnyone can bring the bottles back to the shop the MD clarified adding that the move is aimed at reducing plastic waste and promoting recyclingThe decision comes at a time when Bevco has registered recordbreaking liquor sales during the Onam seasonAccording to official figures Bevco outlets across the state sold liquor worth Rs 92074 crore in just eleven days surpassing last years figures by Rs 7867 croreAmong all outlets the highest sales this year were recorded at Tirur in Malappuram where liquor worth Rs 641 crore was soldLast year the Karunagappally outlet in Kollam had topped the states sales chartsOfficials attribute the surge in Onam sales to strong festive demand despite rising prices of premium brandsWith both an alltime high in revenue and the launch of a green initiative Bevco is seeking to balance its commercial success with social responsibilityThe bottlereturn scheme once fully operational is expected to significantly cut down on plastic waste generated by the liquor trade in Kerala IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/kerala-tipplers-can-now-exchange-plastic-liquor-bottles-as-sales-hit-record-high-637458.html Tue, 09 Sep 2025 20:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/weather-office-forecasts-rain-in-west-bengal-during-durga-puja-637349.html Kolkata Sep 9 With another lowpressure area brewing over the Bay of Bengal the Meteorological Department here has forecast widespread rain in south Bengal during the Durga Puja festival Although Durga Puja will officially begin from Shasthi September 28 the festivities begin from Mahalaya September 21 which marks the end of Pitru Paksha and the beginning of Devi Paksha an auspicious fortnightlong period in the Hindu calendar that marks the beginning of Durga Puja celebrationsAccording to the weather office there is a possibility of rain during Durga Puja and in the runup to the festivalSeptember is the last full month of monsoon season in West Bengal The monsoon winds remain in the state till October 10 The second half of September on most occasions records massive rain in Bengal and Kolkata This year too the conditions are favourable for incessant rain which is likely to intensify after September 18 said a Meteorological Department officialThe rainfall in the runup and during the festivities may dampen the spirit of many enthusiastsThe weather in Bengal is humid and hot The sweltering heat is the reason for the increasing discomfort level However the situation will change from Wednesday onwards as the lowpressure area will result in moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal This will pave the way for more rain accompanied by thunderstormsThere is also a possibility of rain in north Bengal The rain will continue throughout the week in several districts in north Bengal including Darjeeling Jalpaiguri Cooch Behar and AlipurduarMeanwhile the maximum temperature in Kolkata was 34 degrees Celsius 15 degrees above normal The minimum temperature was 278 degrees Celsius 14 degrees above normal The relative humidity in the air was recorded at a maximum of 89 per cent and a minimum of 66 per cent IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/weather-office-forecasts-rain-in-west-bengal-during-durga-puja-637349.html Tue, 09 Sep 2025 15:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/three-soldiers-killed-in-siachen-avalanche-637417.html Srinagar Sep 9 Three soldiers were killed when an avalanche hit the Siachen Glacier in the Union Territory of Ladakh on Tuesday Their bodies have been recovered and inquest proceedings will follow an official told IANS over the phone from LehKnown as the worlds highest and most challenging battlefield the Siachen Glacier is located in the eastern Karakoram range of the Himalayas just northeast of the point NJ9842 where the Line of Control LoC between India and Pakistan ends in northeastern KashmirAt 76 km it is the longest glacier in the Karakoram and the secondlongest in the worlds nonpolar areas It falls from an altitude of 5753 m 18875 ft above sea levelThe entire Siachen Glacier with all major passes has been under the control of India as part of Ladakh since 1984Pakistan Army controls the region west of Saltoro Ridge lying west of the glacier with Pakistani posts located 1 km below more than 100 Indian posts on the ridgeThe glaciers region is the highest battleground on Earth where Pakistan and India have fought intermittently since April 1984India launched Operation Meghdoot to occupy Siachen Glacier in 1984 Then due to the Pakistani incursions during the Kargil War in 1999 India further strengthened its position in Siachen Glacier to ward off any attempts by the Pakistan army to occupy the glacierManmohan Singh became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the area during which he called for a peaceful resolution of the problem APJ Abdul Kalam became the first President to visit the areaAfter that Prime Minister Narendra Modi also visited SiachenTemperatures drop to minus 50 degrees Celsius in the Siachen Glacier during the winter months IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/three-soldiers-killed-in-siachen-avalanche-637417.html Tue, 09 Sep 2025 19:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/pm-modi-announces-assistance-of-rs-1-600-crore-for-flood-hit-punjab-637419.html Gurdaspur Sep 9 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced a financial assistance of Rs 1600 crore for floodhit Punjab besides Rs 12000 crore already in the states kitty There will be an advance release of the second instalment of the State Disaster Response Fund SDRF and PM Kisan Samman Nidhi PM Modi also announced an exgratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50000 to the seriously injured in the floods and natural calamitiesnbspHe announced that children orphaned due to the recent floods and landslides will receive comprehensive support under the PM CARES for Children scheme This will ensure their longterm welfare The Prime Minister conducted an aerial survey of floodaffected areas in the stateLater he held a review meeting here with officials and elected representatives PM Modi reviewed the relief and rehabilitation measures undertaken as well as assessed the damage that has occurred in the statenbspThe Prime Minister emphasised the need for a multidimensional approach to help the entire region and its people recover This would include measures such as rebuilding homes under the PM Awas Yojana restoring national highways reconstructing schools providing relief through the PMNRF and distributing mini kits for livestocknbspRecognising the critical need to support the agricultural community additional assistance will be provided specifically targeted at farmers who currently lack power connections For bores which have been silted over or swept away support for refurbishing would be extended under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana on a project mode as per a specific proposal from the state governmentFor bore pumps that are running on diesel convergence with MNRE for solar panels and support will be facilitated for microirrigation under the Per Drop More Crop guidelinesnbspUnder the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana Gramin financial assistance will be extended under Special Project submitted by the state government for reconstruction of houses in rural areas to eligible household s whose houses have been damaged due to floods Government schools damaged in the recent floods in Punjab will be financially supported under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan The state government is required to provide all requisite supporting information as per guidelinesnbspConstruction of recharge structures for water harvesting will be undertaken extensively in Punjab under the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari program This will be aimed at repairing damaged recharge structures and constructing additional water harvesting structures These efforts will enhance rainwater harvesting and ensure longterm water sustainabilityThe Union government has also sent InterMinisterial Central teams to visit Punjab to assess the extent of damage and based on their detailed report further assistance will be considerednbspThe Prime Minister expressed his condolences to the family members of those who have lost their lives in the natural calamity and stated that the Union Government will work closely with the state governments in this difficult time and extend all possible assistancenbspThe Prime Minister also met families from Punjab who were affected by the calamities and floods He expressed his complete solidarity with all those who had suffered and expressed deep sorrow for those who had lost their close onesThe Prime Minister said all assistance under disaster management rules is being made including advance disbursements to the states He appreciated the efforts of the personnel of the NDRF the SDRF the Indian Army the state administration and other serviceoriented organisations for making efforts in immediate relief and responsenbspThe Central government will further review the assessment based on the memorandum of the state as well as the report of the Central teamsnbspEarlier in the day Prime Minister Modi visited disasterhit Himachal Pradesh to review the situation and damage caused due to cloudbursts rains and landslides and announced a financial assistance of Rs 1500 crore for the statePM Modi also announced an exgratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50000 to the seriously injured in the floods and natural calamitiesnbspThe Prime Minister also did an aerial survey of floodhit areas of Himachal Later PM Modi had an official meeting at the Gaggal airport near Dharamsala to review the relief and rehabilitation measures undertaken as well as assess the damage that had occurred in Himachal Pradesh IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/pm-modi-announces-assistance-of-rs-1-600-crore-for-flood-hit-punjab-637419.html Tue, 09 Sep 2025 19:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/heavy-rains-trigger-flood-alert-in-kheda-anand-1-500-evacuated-637077.html Ahmedabad Sep 8 Heavy rains in Gujarats upper catchment areas have triggered a floodlike situation in the Sabarmati and Vatrak rivers following the release of water from Dharoi Dam Vasna Barrage and Sant Sarovar Around 1500 residents of Rasikpura and Pathapura villages in Kheda district were evacuated overnight and shifted to a shelter in Hariyala village where arrangements for food and accommodation were madeAuthorities have issued flood alerts in 8 villages of Kheda and 13 villages of Anand with instructions to keep shelter homes readyAccording to the Water Resources Department 94240 cusecs of water was released from Dharoi Dam and 96625 cusecs from Sant SarovarThe inflow has pushed the Sabarmati Rivers water level up by nearly 35 lakh cusecs Currently 27 gates of the Vasna Barrage have been opened releasing 47590 cusecs downstreamIn Anand district waters of the Mahi River entered Umeta and Khadol villages of Anklav taluka submerging the Mahisagar Mata temple Eleven villages in Khambhat Bay and Tarapur have also been put on alert The District Collector along with senior officials visited Baroda and Palla villages in Matar taluka to review preparednessHealth police power water supply and road departments have been instructed to remain on high alert Citizens have been urged to stay away from rivers and waterlogged areas and to contact the control room in case of emergencyAs of September 5 Kheda district recorded significant rainfall with Nadiad receiving 33 mm total 1727 mm Kapadvanj 41 mm 1097 mm Kathlal 34 mm 1015 mm Matar 20 mm 914 mm Mahudha 15 mm 1113 mm and Kheda 13 mm 605 mm bringing the districts average rainfall to 9659 mmMeanwhile the major dams in the region reported high inflows and outflows Dharoi Dam registered a water level of 18779 m with an inflow of 62980 cusecs and outflow of 35202 cusecs Kadana Dam stood at 12687 m with 173545 cusecs inflow and 147768 cusecs outflow Panam Dam at 12715 m with 48908 cusecs inflow and 50508 cusecs outflow Wanakbori Weir at 7155 m with 246724 cusecs inflow and 246024 cusecs outflow and Vasna Barrage at 131 ft with 106830 cusecs inflow and 93658 cusecs outflow IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/heavy-rains-trigger-flood-alert-in-kheda-anand-1-500-evacuated-637077.html Mon, 08 Sep 2025 13:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/imd-issues-warning-for-fishermen-123-dams-in-gujarat-on-high-alert-636944.html Ahmedabad Sep 7 The India Meteorological Department IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea between September 7 and 10 citing rough weather conditions According to details shared by the State Emergency Operations Centre the Sardar Sarovar Dam is currently at 9126 per cent of its capacity storing 309048 mcft of waterOf the 206 reservoirs across the state 123 are on high alert 20 are on alert and 14 are on warning levels Overall the reservoirs hold 467920 mcft of water which is about 8387 per cent of total storage capacityHeavy rainfall across Gujarat in the past 24 hours has led to widespread showers Since June 1 nearly 5598 people have been shifted to safer locations while 1045 individuals have been rescuedCurrently 12 NDRF teams and 22 SDRF teams are deployed across different districts for relief and rescue operations The 2025 monsoon in Gujarat has been marked by early surges uneven distribution and strong revival phasesJune was the wettest in a decade with the state receiving nearly onethird of its seasonal quota in just 20 days led by heavy showers in South Gujarat and parts of Saurashtra By midJuly rainfall had reached about 5154 per cent of the seasonal average though disparities were evident Kutch received close to 60 per cent of its quota while North Gujarat lagged at under 50 per centBy August Gujarat had crossed 64 per cent of its average with districts like Devbhoomi Dwarka recording extraordinary surpluses of more than 2000 mm 135 per cent above normal while Saurashtras Gir Somnath and Amreli remained deficitprone with 2059 per cent less rain Entering September the state had covered nearly 90 per cent of its target with South Gujarat crossing 94 per cent and forecasts predicting abovenormal rainfall at 109 per cent of the Long Period Average for the monthThe season has been a mix of extremes floodlike situations in some regions and rain shortfalls in others posing both opportunities for water storage and challenges for agriculture and dam management IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/imd-issues-warning-for-fishermen-123-dams-in-gujarat-on-high-alert-636944.html Sun, 07 Sep 2025 14:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/weather-department-predicts-heavy-rain-in-several-tn-districts-today-636907.html Chennai Sep 7 The Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai issued an important weather advisory forecasting widespread rainfall across Tamil Nadu Puducherry and Karaikal on Sunday as a weather disturbance continues to linger over South India According to the statement the atmospheric circulation is likely to trigger thunderstorms accompanied by light to moderate rainfall in parts of northern and southern Tamil NaduThe adjoining union territory of Puducherry including the Karaikal area is also expected to receive showers during the dayThe weather office highlighted that districts such as Tiruvannamalai Kallakurichi Villupuram Cuddalore Mayiladuthurai Tiruchirappalli Ariyalur and Perambalur may experience heavy rainfall in one or two locationsSimilar conditions are likely over Puducherry as well In southern Tamil Nadu isolated heavy showers are expected in Ramanathapuram Sivaganga Pudukottai Thanjavur Tiruvarur and NagapattinamMountainous regions of Coimbatore may also record rainfallAdditionally districts including the Nilgiris Theni Dindigul and Madurai as well as Ranipet Vellore Chengalpattu and Kanchipuram are likely to witness heavy downpours in scattered areasThe Meteorological MeT Department noted that the intensity of rainfall could increase over the next 48 hours with a higher chance of thunderstorms and lightning activity across parts of the stateFishermen have been advised to exercise caution as rough weather may prevail along the coastal beltsIn Chennai the sky will remain partly cloudy throughout the day Intermittent moderate showers accompanied by thunder and lightning are expected in some parts of the city particularly in the evening and night hoursWhile the rain is likely to bring some respite from the prevailing heat localised waterlogging in lowlying areas cannot be ruled out the weather office cautionedOfficials urged residents across vulnerable districts to stay alert and avoid unnecessary travel during heavy spells of rainThe advisory further emphasised that district administrations have been alerted to prepare for possible disruptions in transport and daily activities if rainfall intensifiesWith the monsoon continuing to stay active Tamil Nadu is likely to witness varied weather conditions this week ranging from light to heavy rain in different regions IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/weather-department-predicts-heavy-rain-in-several-tn-districts-today-636907.html Sun, 07 Sep 2025 08:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/man-made-climate-collapse-not-natural-acharya-prashant-on-north-indias-floods-636910.html New Delhi Sep 7 As relentless rains batter North India philosopher and author Acharya Prashant has called the devastation a mirror to our misplaced idea of progress Speaking on the eve of the launch of his forthcoming HarperCollins book Truth Without Apology at India International Centre New Delhi he warned that calling floods and landslides natural calamities is a dangerous denial of their manmade roots Himachal Pradesh has lost over 340 lives since June 20 with landslides and flash floods cutting off entire districts More than 1300 roads remain blocked In Jammu amp Kashmir rivers have surged past danger levels while Punjab reports damage across 1400 villages Even Delhi and NCR are battling waterlogged streets cancelled trains and transport shutdowns The scale of loss dwarfs every relief effort Acharya Prashant saidHimachals hills are collapsing because we drilled blasted and cemented them year after year he said When rivers are forced into concrete and wetlands into real estate the monsoon is bound to return the debtHe pointed to the stark contrast between rural helplessness and urban negligenceVillages in the Himalayas collapse because they are too weak to resist But what excuse do Delhi and Gurgaon have These are the richest cities They drown not from poverty but from negligence storm drains buried floodplains encroached responsibility ending at the boundary wallAcharya Prashant stressed that climate change is the decisive force behind todays devastation Asia is heating nearly twice as fast as the global average which means more violent bursts of rain and more frequent cloudbursts NASA confirms floods and droughts have already doubled worldwide in two decadesAccording to the Council on Energy Environment and Water the average number of floodaffected districts in India has jumped from 19 a year 19702004 to 55 a year 20052019 This is not seasonal wrath it is climate collapse unfolding before us Yet three out of four of Indias floodprone districts still lack proper earlywarning systemsHe added that this crisis is inseparable from global climate feedback loopsPermafrost is releasing methane glaciers are vanishing and coral reefs are dying Once these cycles begin they drive themselves To dismiss floods as accidents of weather is not realism it is denial This is not pessimism it is physicsOn the deeper injustice he noted The worlds richest 10 per cent drive emissions with private jets and excess lifestyles while farmers and labourers lose lives and crops Climate change is not only an ecological crisis It is the violence of the rich upon the poorHe called for urgent reforms restoring wetlands and floodplains taxing carbonheavy consumption and disclosing the footprints of corporations and celebrities We need to redefine progress A good life cannot remain defined by bigger cars bigger houses more air miles That definition was implanted by those who profit from our desires he saidBut he warned that no reform will hold without a shift in human consumptionPolicies will fail unless minds change Festivals need not mean firecrackers Joy need not mean excess travel or display The climate outside reflects the climate within and when the inner self is restless nature too collapsesHe also referenced Operation 2030 the PrashantAdvait Foundations mission to awaken citizens before the UNs climate deadlineScientists warn that unless warming is capped at 15 degrees Celsius by 2030 feedback cycles melting glaciers rising seas collapsing ecosystems will lock us into irreversibility Operation 2030 rests on one insight only inner clarity can anchor outer changeHe concluded with the Gita Action born of inner clarity liberates while action born of delusion destroys Development without wisdom is rehearsal for the next tragedy The monsoon has spoken The question is will we listen IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/man-made-climate-collapse-not-natural-acharya-prashant-on-north-indias-floods-636910.html Sun, 07 Sep 2025 09:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/bengal-govt-starts-scrapping-old-vehicles-to-replace-them-with-evs-636782.html Kolkata Sep 6 About 22000 government vehicles that are 15yearsold will be scrapped by the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee government of which about 700 are police vehicles The process of identifying those old government vehicles and replacing them with new Electric Vehicles has already begun said a state government source on Saturday According to a senior government official every department has been asked to replace these old vehicles by providing the vehicle number and registration numberFrom small fourwheelers to sedans all types of vehicles are on this listThe matter of old vehicles being in use came to light after the pilot police car of Trinamool Congress MLA Saokat Molla had a brake failure and collided with a motorcyclist last week resulting in his deathIt was found that the pilot car was more than 15 years old After that incident the government took the decision to scrap such old vehiclesSome departments have already started buying new vehicles However this time the state government has emphasised on buying Electric Vehicles According to the Transport Department the list of vehicles to be scrapped includes 698 vehicles belonging to the police 481 vehicles belonging to the Transport Department and 710 vehicles belonging to various stateowned organisations said the senior government officialThere are about 19793 vehicles belonging to other government departments including Public Works Panchayat Public Health and Technical In total about 22000 vehicles will be scrappedRecently the transport department has started seizing unfit vehicles be it private or government Therefore along with cancelling private commercial vehicles the process of cancelling government vehicles has also started According to sources many vehicles are also being rentedSources said the cancelled cars have been kept in various government open spaces and depots They will be scrapped step by stepHowever in case the 15year period is extended by the Supreme Court the state government will take a call on whether these cars will be put on the road againAccording to an official of the West Bengal government the process of cancelling these old cars has started in compliance with the court order as of now IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/bengal-govt-starts-scrapping-old-vehicles-to-replace-them-with-evs-636782.html Sat, 06 Sep 2025 12:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/jampk-cm-visits-flood-affected-areas-in-anantnag-district-636785.html Srinagar Sep 6 Jammu and Kashmir JampK Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday visited the flood affected areas of Anantnag district CM Omar Abdullah visited different areas of Anantnag town in addition to other floodaffected areas of the districtCM Abdullah later took stock of the flood aftermath and restoration work with officers of the district administration at the local Dak Bungalow in Anantnag townHe met families of the affected people and went around to personally assess the extent of damage caused to homes streets private and public propertiesCM Abdullah assured the affected families that all assistance would be made available to them and that all necessary steps would be taken to provide relief and assistance to those impacted by the floodsDeputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary Cabinet ministers Sakina Itoo and Javed Rana in addition to the CMs advisor Nasir Aslam Wani legislators Altaf Kaloo Majeed Larmi Dr Bashir Veeri Reyaz Khan and Zafar Khattana accompanied CM Abdullah during the visitDeputy Commissioner of Anantnag and other senior officers also accompanied the Chief MinisterJampK has been in the throes of one of its worst floods since August 14 when 67 people mostly pilgrims of the Machail Mata Yatra were killed and over 100 others injured when a cloudburst hit Chashoti village of Kishtwar districtOn August 26 a landslide killed 35 pilgrims to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine when the Yatra was officially suspendedMost of the Yatris had returned to base camp Katra but many had taken refuge at a shelter on the route to the shrineIt was this shelter that was hit by the landslide that caused the tragedyWater from the swollen Tawi Chenab Basantar and Ujh rivers in Jammu division breached their embankments at many places submerging dozens of villages in Jammu Samba and KathuaFloods caused by the swollen Jhelum river in the Valley also caused devastation especially in areas marooned after Jhelum breached its embankment in Budgam districtAnantnag and Pulwama were the other districts in which flood waters washed away fruit bearing trees and submerged many apple orchards in which the trees were laden with the fruitScores of acres of land under Paddy crop also suffered massive damage due to incessant rain accompanied by wind that prostrated the grain bearing crop IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/jampk-cm-visits-flood-affected-areas-in-anantnag-district-636785.html Sat, 06 Sep 2025 12:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/tamil-nadu-braces-for-heavy-rains-in-coming-days-636792.html Chennai Sep 6 The Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai has issued a weather advisory forecasting heavy rainfall across parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry over the next few days According to the latest bulletin seven districts Thanjavur Tiruvarur Nagapattinam Mayiladuthurai Pudukkottai Cuddalore and Ariyalur along with the Karaikal region in Puducherry are expected to receive heavy showers today at one or two locationsResidents in these areas have been urged to stay alert as the monsoon activity intensifiesThe forecast further indicates that moderate rainfall is likely across Tamil Nadu Puducherry and Karaikal on Sunday Widespread showers are expected to provide relief from the heat but may also disrupt normal life in lowlying and floodprone areasOn Monday heavy rainfall has been predicted in the districts of Ramanathapuram Sivaganga Pudukkottai Thanjavur Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam These coastal and delta regions are particularly vulnerable during the northeast monsoon season often experiencing waterlogging and inundation of agricultural fieldsLooking further ahead on September 9 heavy rain is expected in the western and southern districts of Nilgiris Theni Coimbatore Dindigul and Madurai along with Sivaganga Tiruchirappalli Salem and KallakurichiThe Nilgiris and Coimbatore districts known for their hilly terrain may face landslide risks if the downpour intensifies The forecast for September 10 points to widespread rainfall across several northern and central districts including Coimbatore Nilgiris Salem Kallakurichi Tiruvannamalai Tirupattur Vellore Ranipet Kanchipuram Chengalpattu and Villupuram In addition heavy showers are expected in Puducherry on the same dayMeteorologists have advised farmers to take precautionary measures to protect standing crops especially in the Cauvery delta region where paddy cultivation is at a crucial stageLocal authorities have also been asked to keep stormwater drains clear and ensure that relief teams remain on standby in case of flooding or power disruptionsWith the monsoon expected to remain active for the next few days residents across the state have been cautioned to plan their travel accordingly and follow updates from the Meteorological Department IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/tamil-nadu-braces-for-heavy-rains-in-coming-days-636792.html Sat, 06 Sep 2025 14:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/punjab-guv-flags-off-nine-trucks-of-relief-material-for-flood-hit-people-636694.html Chandigarh Sep 5 Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria on Friday flagged off nine loads of trucks of relief material for floodaffected people on behalf of the Red Cross Society Punjab All these nine trucks carrying relief material are being sent to Ferozepur Amritsar Gurdaspur Pathankot Kapurthala Hoshiarpur Ropar Ludhiana Malerkotla and Jalandhar This relief material will be delivered to the needy floodaffected people through the Red Cross units of the respective districtsThe relief material includes family tents tarpaulins kitchen sets blankets and 7000 household items including sanitary pads rations soap etc In addition Punjab Red Cross in collaboration with NGOs has also sent 100 tons of animal fodder to the floodaffected areasOn this occasion Governor Kataria said that it is the moral duty of society to provide relief and assistance to the affected families in disasters like floods This cooperation of the Red Cross and various organisations further strengthens the tradition of Punjab service cooperation and human valuesRecently I visited seven floodaffected districts of the state and closely observed the situation there It is time that we all come together to help the affected families and come forward in this noble work of providing relief to themHe further said The people of Punjab have always supported each other in difficult situations Today also we all have to unite and provide support and cooperation to the affected people so that they can return to normal life soonOn Thursday Chandigarh Red Cross sent two truckloads carrying relief material for flood victims of the Amritsar district These included 500 kits of various household items sanitary pad kits and 500 units of utensilsPrincipal Secretary to Governor Vivek Pratap Singh Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav Secretary Punjab Red Cross Society Shiv Dular Singh Dhillon and other officials of Punjab Raj Bhawan and Red Cross Society Punjab were present on the occasion IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/punjab-guv-flags-off-nine-trucks-of-relief-material-for-flood-hit-people-636694.html Fri, 05 Sep 2025 20:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/bhakra-dam-water-level-starts-falling-says-punjab-minister-636715.html Chandigarh Sep 5 The water level of the Bhakra Dam has started coming down as it was 167866 feet on Friday almost half a foot lower than 167905 feet a day earlier Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said He said that rainfall in the coming days is expected to be less than before and weather conditions are predicted to remain favourable everywhere This is indeed a relief he said Bains said that continuous monitoring of the situation is being carried out For several days he has been on the ground with workers to intensify relief and rescue operations Education Minister Bains further directed the acceleration of the ongoing work to strengthen the weakened Satluj embankment at Hariwal village in his assembly constituency Anandpur Sahib He said officials and his teams are continuously present onsite ensuring that no local resident faces any difficulty Jumbo bags are being brought in and volunteers are actively working at every location where there is a possibility of impact he said adding that with everyones cooperation the work will be completed soon Bains said that riverbanks are being reinforced with the jumbo bags The minister expressed gratitude saying that during this difficult time support has come from all directions saints religious leaders social service organisations panchayats sarpanches youth clubs women and especially the young volunteers who along with the administration have played a vital role in relief and rescue work He said that wherever there is need AAP volunteers are working with dedication and sincerity A helpline number 8727962441 has also been issued and every needy person is being assisted All of this is being made possible with the collective support from wellwishers Bains said adding that in the next two to three days conditions are expected to improve further and for this they are thankful to the Almighty IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/bhakra-dam-water-level-starts-falling-says-punjab-minister-636715.html Fri, 05 Sep 2025 22:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/delhi-ncr-braces-for-wet-week-imd-warns-of-heavy-rains-rivers-swell-636611.html New Delhi Sep 5 The national Capital and its adjoining regions are bracing for another spell of heavy rains The Indian Meteorological Department IMD has forecast continuous showers across DelhiNCR between September 5 and September 10 According to the weather department moderate rainfall with normal cloud cover is expected on September 5 while September 6 and 7 are likely to witness heavy rains accompanied by thunder and lightningAfter a brief respite on September 8 with partly cloudy skies in the afternoon and evening the IMD says torrential downpours may return on September 9 again with thunder and lightning Skies will remain partly cloudy on September 10Meteorologists warn that this fresh spell could last for an entire week keeping the mercury between 3435 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature between 2325 degrees CelsiusHumidity levels ranging from 55 to 90 per cent are expected to add to discomfort making conditions sticky and oppressive for DelhiNCR residentsThe persistent rainfall has already pushed up the water levels of the Yamuna and Hindon rivers triggering flooding around the banks though water levels in Yamuna receded a little bit on FridayOfficials said that over 43 villages in lowlying areas in DelhiNCR have been affected with many residents evacuated to safer locations District administrations have deployed relief and rescue teams across vulnerable zones to provide assistanceExperts caution that if the intensity of rainfall increases further waterlogging and flooding could become criticalDaily life is already hampered in several NCR cities due to severe traffic jams and waterlogged roads and fresh downpours may worsen the situationAuthorities have appealed to citizens to avoid venturing into lowlying or flooded areas and to strictly follow IMD warningsPeople have also been advised to take precautions against lightning strikes by staying away from open spaces during thunderstorms IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/delhi-ncr-braces-for-wet-week-imd-warns-of-heavy-rains-rivers-swell-636611.html Fri, 05 Sep 2025 14:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/indias-bioeconomy-leaps-from-just-10-bn-to-1657-bn-in-10-years-636656.html New Delhi Sep 5 Over the past decade India has emerged as one of the fastestgrowing bioeconomies in the world with the sector expanding to 1657 billion in 2024 from just 10 billion in 2014 With an ambitious target of 300 billion by 2030 the bioeconomy is steadily becoming a cornerstone of Indias sustainable growth and innovation driven by advancements in biotechnology agricultural innovation biomanufacturing and healthcare The four key subsectors of the countrys bioeconomy comprise BioIndustrial 47 per cent BioPharma 35 per cent BioAgri 8 per cent and BioResearch 9 per cent according to official figuresSignificant biotech milestones achieved by India in 2025 include consolidating its position as a top vaccine manufacturer According to the WHO Global Vaccine Market Report the Serum Institute of Indias share of the global vaccine market excluding Covid19 vaccines rose from 19 per cent in 2021 to 24 per cent in 2024 This was driven by higher production of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine PCV measlesrubella MR and tetanusdiphtheria Td vaccinesThe global vaccine market is highly concentrated with 10 manufacturers supplying over 80 per cent of vaccines Three of these Serum Institute Bharat Biotech and Biological E are from India Indian firms supplied 40 per cent of the WHOs vaccine purchases with a large share used domestically About 20 per cent of Indias vaccine exports went to the WHO African RegionIndia has also achieved 20 per cent ethanol blending E20 in petrol in 2025 five years ahead of the original target This is a steep rise from 15 per cent in 2014 and reflects the countrys progress towards building a sustainable bioeconomy The programme has delivered multiple bioeconomy benefits including higher incomes for farmers who between Ethanol Supply Year ESY 201415 and June 2025 received Rs 121000 crore for ethanol feedstock eliminating sugarcane arrears and improving the viability of maize cultivationAt 20 per cent blending it is expected that payment to the farmers in this year alone will be to the tune of Rs 40000 crore and forex savings will be around Rs 43000 croreTill July 2025 ethanol blending substituted 245 lakh metric tonnes of crude oil and conserved Rs 144087 crore in foreign exchange significantly strengthening energy securityThis achievement underscores the role of ethanol blending in integrating energy agriculture and sustainability thereby contributing to Indias bioeconomyThe Union Cabinet approved the proposal of the Department of Biotechnology DBT on August 24 2024 for Indias first biotechnology policy the BioE3 Policy Biotechnology for Economy Environment and Employment The policy focuses on fostering highperformance biomanufacturing and lays down the framework for the Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry Initiative This initiative aims to promote green growth by shifting from consumptive manufacturing to regenerative and sustainable practicesThe bioeconomy has strong potential to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable practices It supports cleaner farming methods carbon storage in agriculture balanced diets and forest restoration At the same time it encourages recycling reduces food waste bioenergy use and greener industrial processes By combining these approaches the bioeconomy helps lower emissions while advancing sustainability and resource efficiency IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/indias-bioeconomy-leaps-from-just-10-bn-to-1657-bn-in-10-years-636656.html Fri, 05 Sep 2025 17:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/no-fear-just-beauty-astronomer-calls-sept-7-lunar-eclipse-a-rare-celestial-spectacle-636659.html New Delhi Sep 5 The upcoming lunar eclipse on Sunday September 7 will be a rare astronomical alignment a leading astronomer said The eclipse visible across most parts of India will be the years longest and is expected to spark wide public curiosity from villages to citiesSpeaking to IANS Nehru Centre Planetarium Mumbai Director Arvind Paranjpye noted that this will be a total lunar eclipse beginning at around 858 pmThe totality when the Moon is completely covered by Earths shadow will start close to 11 pm and reach its peak at 1142 pm The eclipse will last well into the night finally ending at 126 amThis is a longduration eclipse At its peak the Moon will appear dark and may even take on a brickred hue Paranjpye told IANS adding that such colour changes occur because Earths atmosphere scatters blue light while allowing red light to reach the lunar surfaceHe also said that while astrology often associates lunar eclipses with auspicious or inauspicious effects science views them as a purely natural eventThere is no need for fear or superstition Unlike a solar eclipse you dont need any special filters to watch a lunar eclipse It is perfectly safe to view with the naked eye he notedRecalling his own experiences Paranjpye mentioned past eclipses that appeared extraordinary including one in the 1970s when volcanic ash made the Moon seem to vanish completely for a few minutesSuch sights remind us that eclipses are among the most beautiful celestial events one can witness he saidHe encouraged people to enjoy the phenomenon click photographs and cherish the memoryIf the skies are clear it will be a wonderful opportunity for everyone in India to witness one of natures finest spectacles Paranjpye addedThe September 7 lunar eclipse is the last of the year and according to astronomers one of the most significant celestial events of 2025 IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/no-fear-just-beauty-astronomer-calls-sept-7-lunar-eclipse-a-rare-celestial-spectacle-636659.html Fri, 05 Sep 2025 17:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/gujarat-records-over-92-pc-rainfall-113-dams-on-high-alert-636419.html Gandhinagar Sep 4 Gujarat has received widespread rainfall this monsoon with an average of 9264 per cent recorded across the state till Thursday according to the State Emergency Operation Centre SEOC North Gujarat has reported the highest rainfall at 9694 per cent followed by South Gujarat 9691 per cent EastCentral Gujarat 9379 per cent Kutch 8514 per cent and Saurashtra 8474 per cent The heavy and uniform rainfall has significantly filled up reservoirsOut of 206 dams in the state 113 are on high alert with 82 filled to 100 per cent capacity and 68 between 70100 per centThe Sardar Sarovar Dam considered Gujarats lifeline currently holds more than 89 per cent of its total storage capacity The abundant rainfall has also benefited agriculture By September 1 a total of 9629 per cent of the cultivable area had been sown under kharif crops Groundnut tops the list with 22 lakh hectares under cultivation followed by cotton on 20 lakh hectares and paddy on over eight lakh hectares according to the state agriculture department In the last 24 hours 24 districts and 158 talukas reported more than 12 mm of rainfallMeanwhile the IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea between September 4 and 7 due to rough weather conditionsThe impact of this years rainfall on farming in Gujarat has been twofold largely beneficial for crop prospects but also challenging in certain pockets With the state receiving over 92 per cent of its seasonal average rainfall it ensures ample irrigation water for kharif crops like cotton groundnut paddy pulses and bajraFarmers in Saurashtra and North Gujarat where groundnut and cotton dominate have particularly benefited as timely and sufficient rains boosted sowing and improved crop growth The assured water supply is also expected to support a strong rabi season especially for wheat cumin and mustardThe states extensive dam network over 200 major and medium reservoirs with 113 placed on high alert this season plays a crucial role in flood control irrigation and water storage ensuring both drinking water and agricultural supply for the yearUrban centres like Ahmedabad Surat and Vadodara have invested in stormwater drainage projects riverfront development and floodcontrol mechanisms which help reduce the impact of heavy downpours Rural areas benefit from thousands of check dams farm ponds and watershed structures that recharge groundwater and prevent drought conditions later IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/gujarat-records-over-92-pc-rainfall-113-dams-on-high-alert-636419.html Thu, 04 Sep 2025 15:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/telangana-cm-visits-flood-hit-kamareddy-district-636456.html Hyderabad Sep 4 Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Thursday visited the floodaffected Kamareddy district and assured all possible assistance to the affected Accompanied by a couple of ministers local MLA and other leaders he inspected the damage caused by recent heavy rains and floodsThe Chief Minister interacted with farmers and other people affected by floods and assured them that the government would stand by themStating that it was the worst flood in 100 years he said the government would definitely take measures to provide relief to the victimsThe Chief Minister inspected the damaged roads in Kamareddy town and enquired about the damage due to floodsRevanth Reddy who reached Kamareddy by a helicopter also had an aerial view of the floodaffected areas and damaged cropsRevenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy Panchayat Raj Minister Danasari Seethakka Zaheerabad MP Suresh Kumar Shetkar Telangana Congress President and MLC B Mahesh Kumar Goud MLA Madan Mohan Rao government advisor Mohammed Ali Shabbir and others were presentStating that minor and major irrigation projects were damaged in the floods the Chief Minister said repair works were undertaken immediatelyHe noted that the Pocharam project withstood the massive floods preventing loss of lives and propertyHe directed officials to prepare a plan to permanently solve the problem of inundation during heavy rains The Chief Minister assured the farmers that the government would allocate special funds to remove sand which washed into the fields due to the floods He also assured compensation for crop lossHe asked officials to prepare estimates for repairs of damaged roads bridges and projectsThe Chief Minister visited GR Colony which was the worsthit area in the town He stated that due to the alertness shown by the administration loss of lives and property was minimisedHe wanted officials to prepare detailed estimates of the losses suffered due to floodsThe Chief Minister assured the residents that the government would do everything possible to solve their problems If necessary the government would provide new books to students and arrange other items lost in the floods IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/telangana-cm-visits-flood-hit-kamareddy-district-636456.html Thu, 04 Sep 2025 18:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/unregulated-groundwater-extraction-poses-threat-to-pakistans-environmental-stability-report--636519.html Islamabad Sep 4 Pakistan is standing at the precipice of an environmental catastrophe due to climate change and countrys own unchecked exploitation of its vital resource water Unchecked groundwater extraction is an existential threat to Pakistans environmental and social stability a report has stated During a recent event titled Building WaterSensitive Communities Collaborative Solutions for Freshwater Sustainability experts have warned of the deepening crisis facing Pakistans freshwater ecosystems a report in Islam Khabar stated Water has always remained central for survival of Pakistan with the Indus River system being the lifeline of Pakistan supporting agriculture industries and peoples use However the demand of water in Pakistan along with poor regulation and outdated practices has pushed groundwater reserves towards dangerous depletionMasood Arshad Senior Director of WWFs Freshwater Programme underscored the gravity of the crisis pointing to how the unregulated pumping of groundwater is damaging fragile ecosystems Across the Indus Keenjhar Lake and the Ravi River the signs of collapse are increasingly visible shrinking wetlands vanishing fish populations and rising water salinity This problem is compounded by Pakistans demographic and agricultural pressures the report highlightedWith the population of over 240 million people demand for water continues to rise in Pakistan However conservation and regulation remains virtually absent Farmers depend heavily on tubewells to irrigate their fields Urban centres also carry out reckless overextraction with groundwater being as the main source of drinking water for millions of homesThe report said The Indus River once a mighty artery flowing through the length of the country is increasingly reduced to a shadow of itself Excessive extraction coupled with upstream diversions and the impacts of climate change has left vast stretches of the river struggling to maintain flow The ecological consequences are direKeenjhar Lake one of Pakistans largest freshwater lakes and a critical Ramsar site is also under threat Overextraction from groundwater reserves feeding the lake along with pollution and mismanagement has turned this ecosystem into a declining habitat Meanwhile the Ravi River which was once a vibrant waterway is now choked by unchecked pollution and reduced flows due to groundwater extractionGroundwater depletion does not exist in isolation It compounds Pakistans vulnerability to climate shocks amplifying the devastation wrought by extreme weather The 2022 monsoon floods which submerged a third of the country and displaced millions served as a brutal reminder of how fragile the nations water management system has become Islam Khabar report mentionedThe almost nonexistent regulation for groundwater extraction results in people industries and farmers being free to exploit reserves unchecked The report said Unchecked groundwater extraction is not simply a technical issueit is an existential threat to Pakistans environmental and social stability The degradation of the Indus Keenjhar Lake and the Ravi River reflects a larger unravelling of ecosystems that have long supported the nations people Each passing year of overextraction digs the country deeper into a crisis that will not easily be reversed The continued collapse of freshwater systems leaves Pakistan more exposed to food insecurity health crises and climatedriven disasters IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/unregulated-groundwater-extraction-poses-threat-to-pakistans-environmental-stability-report--636519.html Thu, 04 Sep 2025 21:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/tgana-seeks-rs-16-732-crore-from-centre-as-immediate-flood-relief-636529.html Hyderabad Sep 4 The Telangana government on Thursday urged the Centre to immediately release Rs 16732 crore to the State towards flood relief A delegation from the state government headed by Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi and submitted a representation urging the Centre to immediately provide the assistanceThe assistance sought by the state include Rs 11713 crore towards relief works in districts affected by last years flood The remaining Rs 5018 crore is towards relief in the districts affected by the recent floodsThe Centre was also urged to declare it as national calamity The delegation also requested the Centre to send a Central team to Telangana to visit the floodaffected areas and assess the damagesAccording an official release here the Union Home Minister told the delegation a team of Central government officials will be sent to Telangana to assess the damages due to floodsThe state delegation brought to Home Minister Amit Shahs notice that the state had last year sought Rs 11713 crore towards flood relief in Khammam and surrounding districts but the Centre did not release the assistanceThey also told the Union Home Minister that as per the preliminary assessment the state suffered a loss of Rs 5108 crore in the recent floodsThe delegation which included Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao state governments special representative in Delhi AP Jitender Reddy and senior government officials that this is only an initial estimate The final estimates will be known after the floods completely recedeThe delegation explained that the state received heavy rains between August 25 and 28 The rains caused extensive damage to infrastructure in Kamareddy Medak Nirmal and Nizamabad districts The state has so far recorded 25 per cent excess rainfall while rainfall received in eight districts is 6595 per cent above normalHome Minister Amit Shah was told that the state government has mobilised resources to undertake relief measures Seven teams of NDRF 15 teams of SDRF and about 100 Army personnel participated in relief operationsThe delegation informed Home Minister that the heavy rains badly damaged roads railway tracks culverts electricity poles and transformers and disrupted normal life across the stateThey informed the Home Minister that as per the initial estimates the floods resulted in the loss of 22 human lives The assessment about loss of cattle damage to houses and crops is underwayAccording to the representation the Municipal Administration department suffered an estimated loss of Rs 1025 croreThe loss due to roads damaged in the floods is estimated at Rs 785 crore The irrigation department suffered loss of Rs 655 crore while the crop loss was to the tune of Rs 236 crore Panchayat Raj and Rural Development suffered a loss of Rs 377 croreThe Home Minister was told that the state immediately needs Rs 1500 crore for emergency repairs IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/tgana-seeks-rs-16-732-crore-from-centre-as-immediate-flood-relief-636529.html Thu, 04 Sep 2025 22:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/flood-wreaks-havoc-in-jammu-weather-likely-to-improve-today-636318.html SrinagarJammu Sep 4 Floods across the Jammu division wreaked havoc over the last 24 hours however with no rainfall the water level in rivers of Kashmir started receding on Thursday morning Officials said two persons were killed when their house collapsed in Rajouri district while a driver and his vehicle were washed away in the Ban Talab area of Jammu on WednesdayBSF troopers using helicopters rescued 47 villagers trapped in the heavily flooded Chenab River in the Garkhal area of the Pargwal sector in Jammu districtInfrastructure related to roads water and electric supply suffered massive damage in the Jammu division during the last 24 hoursThe Chenab River was flowing about 8 to 9 ft above the danger mark at Akhnoor in Jammu district while the Tawi River reached closer to the danger mark 16 ft Ravi Ujh Basantar Devak and Tarnah flowed at flood level this morningJammuSrinagar National Highway Batote Kishtwar and Mughal roads remained closed due to massive landslidesTeams of NDRFSDRF and police were deployed at inundated and floodprone areas of the Jammu divisionIn Rajouri district a woman and her daughter lost their lives after a wall and some other portion of their house collapsed during heavy rain at Kagri village in the Sunderbani area Both were sleeping when the incident took placeThe driver of a Tata Mobile load carrier was washed away along with his vehicle in a Nallah near the CRPF Camp in the Ban Talab area of JammuMeanwhile as the water level continued to rise in the swollen River Tawi in Jammu city during the morning hours authorities launched a multiagency operation to shore up embankments near the damaged fourth bridge to prevent flooding in the lowlying areas Heavy rain in Jammu and its upper areas like Udhampur and Ramnagar had damaged the approach road near the fourth Tawi bridge causing vehicles to get stuck on the broken stretch on August 26Jammu city has also been cut off from three main road stretches due to landslides on the PanjtirthiSidhra road mudslides on the MandaNagrota road and the closure of one bridge on the River Chenab at Akhnoor Many Jammu localities were flooded with rainwater while floodwater from many nallahs entered the houses and shops of the people Areas like Kabir Nagar Talab Tiloo Bathindi Channi Nanak Nagar Canal Road Rajiv Nagar Satwari Nai Basti Ban Talab Lower Roop Nagar Janipur Paloura Muthin etc suffered heavy lossesMany City areas remained waterlogged throughout Wednesday disrupting the smooth movement of traffic Officials said that JammuSrinagar National Highway Batote DodaKishtwar JammuKatraReasiMahore AkhnoorRajouriPoonch KathuaBasohliBillawar and Bani roads besides many other roads in the region have been closed due to multiple landslidesHundreds of vehicles are stranded at various places on the JammuSrinagar highwayIn the Valley authorities started preventive evacuation of people from floodaffected areas of Kulgam Anantnag Pulwama and Srinagar districts moving them to relief shelters while many residents of these areas preferred to move to the houses of their relatives located at safer locationsThere had been no rainfall in the Valley during the last 24 hours and the water level in all rivers and streams started receding this morning All educational institutions including schools colleges and universities have been closed by the authorities for the day as a preventive measureThe Meteorological MeT department has forecast improvement in the overall weather situation throughout the union territory from Thursday onwards IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/flood-wreaks-havoc-in-jammu-weather-likely-to-improve-today-636318.html Thu, 04 Sep 2025 08:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/bengal-govt-to-provide-rs-2-lakh-compensation-in-heatwave-death-cases-636392.html Kolkata Sep 4 The West Bengal government has listed heatwave deaths as a natural disaster and will provide financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to the affected family This decision was taken in a recent meeting of the State Executive Committee said sources in the state secretariat on ThursdayIn the last few years several deaths due to heatstroke were reported across the state The deaths were reported from districts including western districts of Purulia Bankura West Midnapore Jhargram West Burdwan and Birbhum which witness heatwave or heatwave conditions during summerThe government officials took notice of such incidents and started thinking about this said the sources In August state Chief Secretary Manoj Pant held a meeting on this It is reported that in that meeting it was decided to provide financial assistance in case of death due to heatstroke as a result of a heatwaveThe government will soon be issuing a formal notification in this regard said the sourcesIn case of a death due to the heatwave a postmortem report will be mandatory to get financial assistance Once it is established that the person died due to heatstroke then only the family will receive the compensationThe money will be released only after verifying the cause of the deathAccording to a government official declaring heatwave deaths as natural disasters will now make it possible to provide this compensation from the State Disaster Response Fund SDRF About 10 per cent of the annual allocation of the SDRF can be used to provide compensation to the families of those who died in natural disasters the official addedIt may be noted that the state government till now provides compensation of Rs 2 lakh in cases of death due to lightning strike accidental fire boat capsizing falling trees and wall collapse of a houseFrom now on the state government declared 14 incidents including heatwave river erosion heavy rain wild animal attack death due to electrocution forest fire death due to venomous animal bite or animal attack as natural disasters IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/bengal-govt-to-provide-rs-2-lakh-compensation-in-heatwave-death-cases-636392.html Thu, 04 Sep 2025 14:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/delhi-ncr-drenched-heavy-downpour-brings-relief-from-heat-but-city-chokes-on-traffic-snarls-636178.html New Delhi Sep 3 IANS The monsoon has returned to DelhiNCR with full force on Wednesday drenching the region in heavy showers and disrupting peoples routinenbspThe India Meteorological Department IMD had sounded a yellow alert for Tuesday and the skies did not disappoint By afternoon dark clouds gathered and unleashed a spell of rain that cooled the air washed the city clean and at the same time threw traffic out of gearnbspWhile the downpour provided muchneeded respite from the muggy heat it also led to waterlogging in several areas turning the daily commute into a nightmareIt usually takes me 40 minutes to reach my office in Noida but today I was stuck for almost two hours said a harried Ghaziabad residentnbspAnother commuter from South Delhi who travels to Noida for work admitted to being caught off guard The sky looked clear when I left but midway it started pouring By the time I reached Noida I was drenched to the bonenbspAccording to IMD DelhiNCR is likely to witness a wet spell for the next week Similar conditions are forecast for September 4 and 5Rains accompanied by thunder may continue on September 6 and 7 as well while September 8 is likely to see a cloudy sky During this period temperatures are expected to hover between 2324 degrees Celsius minimum and 3234 degrees C maximumnbspInterestingly the rain has also brought a dramatic improvement in air quality With dust and pollutants washed away monitoring stations across the capital recorded AQI levels in the good to very good rangeAyyanagar stood at 37 Bawana at 39 Mundka at 35 and Narela at 44nbspHowever some pockets such as Jahangirpuri AQI 108 and North Campus AQI 197 remained in the moderate to poor categorynbspNoida however reported good AQI levels at 4748 in several sectorsnbspThe showers have pulled the maximum temperature down to around 3334 degrees C while the minimum has dipped to 2324 degrees C https://dailyworld.in/environment/delhi-ncr-drenched-heavy-downpour-brings-relief-from-heat-but-city-chokes-on-traffic-snarls-636178.html Wed, 03 Sep 2025 16:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/ambala-cantonment-on-alert-after-increased-water-flow-in-tangri-river-636187.html Chandigarh Sep 3 IANS Haryana Transport Minister Anil Vij on Wednesday said that the Ambala Cantonment administration has been placed on high alert following increased water flow in the Tangri rivernbspnbspThe State Disaster Response Force SDRF has been called in and direction has been issued to the Deputy Commissioner for coordinating with the Army to remain on standbynbspResponding to media queries regarding heavy rainfall waterlogging and drainage in Ambala Minister Vij said that senior officials including the SDM of the cantonment and the Executive Officer of the Municipal Council have been inspecting vulnerable areasDue to continuous rainfall blockages often occur under culverts and steps are being taken to clear them immediatelynbspHe said that all councillors and officials formed teams early this morning and have been visiting their respective wards from 6 am onwards to assess conditions and ensure swift remedial actionnbspMinister Vij further stated that the government had earlier constructed an eightkmlong permanent embankment on the Tangri River which is today providing safety to Ambala CantonmentRecently when the river carried a flow of 38000 cusecs the embankment protected the cantonment area he assertednbspThe minister said that damage occurred only to those who had constructed houses within the riverbed of TangrinbspDespite repeated warnings to vacate some people did not complynbspLater they were rescued with the help of the State Disaster Response Force and the administration using boats and arrangements were made for their accommodation and foodHe added that voluntary organisations have also been engaged to provide meals in the affected areas Haryana has recorded its highest cumulative monsoon rainfall in 27 years From June 1 to September 2 the state has received 4984 mm of rainfall against a normal of 3573 mm 39 per cent above averagenbspThe government has directed all field officers to remain at their headquarters till September 5 with no leave allowed without clearance from the Chief Secretary or Additional Chief Secretary Home https://dailyworld.in/environment/ambala-cantonment-on-alert-after-increased-water-flow-in-tangri-river-636187.html Wed, 03 Sep 2025 17:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/no-flood-threat-in-odisha-says-water-resources-department-636192.html Bhubaneswar Sep 3 Amid heavy rainfall triggered by a lowpressure system across Odisha the state government on Wednesday ruled out any immediate flood threats in the state Speaking to the media Chandra Sekhar Padhi EngineerinChief of the State Water Resources Department clarified that despite the lowpressureinduced incessant rainfall there is no flood threat in the stateAll the major rivers in the state are flowing below danger marks he saidThe wellmarked lowpressure area formed over the Northwest Bay of Bengal triggered heavy rainfall across the stateThe India Meteorological Department on Wednesday predicted that the system is likely to move westnorthwestwards across north Odisha and adjoining Jharkhand north Chhattisgarh during the next 24 hoursThe weather agency issued an orange warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall at one or two places over the districts of Puri Khurda Jagatsinghpur and Cuttack till Thursday morningSimilarly the IMD has issued a yellow warning of heavy rainfall at many places in districts such as Bhadrak Jajpur Keonjhar Mayurbhanj Angul Dhenkanal Nayagarh Ganjam Gajapati Boudh Kandhamal Malkangiri Koraput Sundargarh Balasore Kendrapara etc throughout the state till Thursday morningThe IMD has also issued a heavy rainfall alert for several districts of the state for the next four daysIt further revealed that heavy to very heavy rainfall has occurred at one or two places over the Bolangir Nayagarh Koraput and Keonjhar districts of Odisha during the last 24 hoursMeanwhile owing to swollen rivers many villages across Kendrapara Balasore Jajpur Bhadrak and nearby districts continue to be surrounded by stormwater The agricultural fields are also submerged causing huge crop losses in Odisha especially in the northern part of the stateThe state government had earlier assured to provide adequate financial compensation to residents as well as farmers in floodhit areas of the state for the damage to houses and crops IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/no-flood-threat-in-odisha-says-water-resources-department-636192.html Wed, 03 Sep 2025 17:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/madhya-pradesh-nbhm-boosts-scientific-beekeeping-paves-way-for-self-reliance-of-neemuch-youths-636213.html Neemuch Sep 3 Beekeeping once considered a supplementary activity is now turning into a promising industry for farmers and entrepreneurs across India With the launch of the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission NBHM in 201920 under the SelfReliant India Scheme the government aims to promote the Sweet Revolution increase agriculturalhorticultural productivity create employment and empower rural communities particularly women In Neemuch Madhya Pradesh this mission has gained significant momentum A twoday districtlevel seminar and training programme was organised on September 3 and 4 2025 at the Neemuch Town Hall under the joint aegis of the Department of Horticulture and Krishi Vigyan Kendra The programme brought together farmers beekeepers entrepreneurs and enthusiastic youth to learn the nuances of scientific beekeeping honey production marketing strategies and government support mechanismsExperienced scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendra technical experts regional officials and progressive beekeepers conducted the sessions Participants received detailed insights into modern beekeeping techniques methods for producing highquality honey disease management and opportunities for tapping into global markets Demonstrations on bee breeding hive management and honey extraction also formed part of the trainingThe programme witnessed active participation from key dignitaries including Neemuch MLA Dilip Singh Parihar Jawad MLA Omprakash Saklecha and Deputy Director of Horticulture Atar Singh Kannauji along with hundreds of farmers and agricultural entrepreneursThis initiative is an important step towards promoting scientific beekeeping and encouraging youth to take up enterprises that can make them selfreliant said officialsAddressing the gathering Neemuch MLA Dilip Singh Parihar emphasised the alignment of the initiative with the Prime Ministers vision Through this workshop farmers are being given the tools to fulfil the dream of doubling their income Both the Prime Minister and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav want farmers to prosper Today farmers are not only supported through schemes like Kisan Samman Nidhi but also provided essential infrastructure such as roads electricity water and fertilisers Beekeeping is an innovative way to ensure additional income through honey productionAtar Singh Kannauji Deputy Director of the Horticulture Department underlined the schemes impactUnder NBHM youth are being trained not only in honey production but also in how to establish enterprises after extraction From which species of bees to rear to the techniques of processing and packaging everything is being explained by experts The aim is to strengthen the farmers economic condition and ensure sustainable livelihoodsThe programme also showcased inspiring success stories Anil Dhakad a mechanical engineerturnedentrepreneur shared his journey I availed a loan of Rs 15 lakh under the Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Yojana with 35 per cent subsidy With this I established a honey production and packaging unit in my village Kelukheda Earlier we used to sell raw honey directly to companies with minimal profit Now we market honey under our own brand offering 25 to 30 varieties The business has provided employment to many villagers I am grateful to the government because schemes like this turned my dream into realityFarmers attending the workshop expressed optimismPrabhu Lal a participant said This training taught us the complete process of rearing bees and extracting honey Listening to successful beekeepers like Anil Dhakad has motivated us Many farmers are now realising that beekeeping can significantly add to their incomeThe event highlighted not only technical knowledge but also the importance of marketing strategies and branding for honey products ensuring that farmers and entrepreneurs capture better value for their produceNBHM aims for the overall promotion and development of scientific beekeeping in the country to achieve the goal of Sweet Revolution which is being implemented through the National Bee Board NBBThe main objective of NBHM is to promote holistic growth of beekeeping industry for income and employment generation for farm and nonfarm households to enhance agriculturehorticulture production developing infrastructural facilities including setting up of Integrated Beekeeping Development Centre IBDCsCoE honey testing labs bee disease diagnostic labs custom hiring centres Apitherapy centres nucleus stock bee breeders etc and empowerment of women through beekeeping IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/madhya-pradesh-nbhm-boosts-scientific-beekeeping-paves-way-for-self-reliance-of-neemuch-youths-636213.html Wed, 03 Sep 2025 19:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/viksit-krishi-sankalp-campaign-in-kerala-to-focus-on-climate-smart-advisories-636218.html Kochi Sep 3 The upcoming Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan VKSA of the Union Ministry of Agriculture will focus on districtspecific climatesmart advisories and farmercentric innovations in Kerala The campaign will be held from October 3 to October 18 across 14 districts in KeralaClimatesmart advisories would help farmers to adopt precautionary measures in water management pest and disease surveillance soil health maintenance and developing bioinputs in agriculture animal husbandry and fisheries sectors experts said at a statelevel webinar held by ICARCentral Marine Fisheries Research Institute CMFRI on Wednesday for preparing a road map for the campaignApart from climate induced adversities increasing attack of wild boars in farms is posing serious threat to the agriculture sector and dependent livelihood in the state the webinar observedRepresentatives from Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare state departments of agriculture fisheries animal husbandry and dairy development ICAR research institutes including Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute CMFRI Kerala Agriculture University Veterinary University Fisheries University and Krishi Vigyan Kendras attended the webinarThe roadmap focuses on diversification of crops across sectors development of robust technology system and collaboration among various agenciesThe campaign will bring together agricultural scientists government officials subject matter specialists and resource managers in addressing issues and challenges faced by farmers in the stateIt also aims to popularise government schemes disseminate commercially viable technologies identify researchable issues and document farmer innovationsAgricultural and allied enterprises in the state such as plantation crops food crops fisheries animal husbandry and dairying will be expected to benefit from this twoweek long campaignSpeaking at the webinar Dr Grinson George Director of CMFRI and Nodal Officer of VKSA for Kerala said the primary objective of the campaign is to create awareness about innovative technologies and identify researchable issues from the field directlyA collaborative effort this campaign will have scientific expertise from ICAR research institutes coordination from various state departments technical support from state agricultural universities and leadership at the district level from KVKs IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/viksit-krishi-sankalp-campaign-in-kerala-to-focus-on-climate-smart-advisories-636218.html Wed, 03 Sep 2025 19:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/heavy-flooding-in-delhi-relief-camps-set-up-in-affected-areas-636285.html New Delhi Sep 3 Yamuna Rivers water level in Delhi rose to 20741 metres at 9 PM on Wednesday marking the thirdhighest level ever recorded in the capital The rising water has triggered massive flooding across several lowlying areas along the riverbanks severely impacting both residential and commercial localities According to officials this level is only slightly lower than the historic highs of 20866 metres in 2023 and 20749 metres in 1978 Forecasts suggest that the river may rise further to 20748 metres by 8 AM on September 4 A slight decline is expected after that but the situation remains precariousMore than 14000 people have been evacuated from vulnerable areas so far officials confirmed as rescue and relief operations continue Several parts of the national capital including Yamuna Bazar Geeta Colony Majnu Ka Tila Kashmiri Gate Garhi Mandu and Mayur Vihar are already submergedRelief camps have been set up in ITO Geeta Colony and Mayur Vihar offering shelter food and medical aid to affected residentsMeanwhile the Delhi civic authorities have directed the public health department to spray insecticides to prevent the outbreak of mosquitoborne diseases in the relief zonesFloodwaters have inundated key roads and landmarks The Outer Ring Road has seen severe disruptions with the stretch from ITO to Ring Road now rendered impassable Authorities have also shut down Vasudev Ghat Monastery Market and the Old Delhi Railway Bridge due to rising water levels and safety concernsThe situation turned more alarming as floodwater began entering the Nigambodh Ghat Delhis oldest and busiest cremation groundThe primary reason for the rise is the continuous release of high volumes of water from the Wazirabad and Hathnikund barrages officials said The Central Flood Control Room stated that monitoring efforts are underway in coordination with the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department especially regarding the Okhla Barrage where higher discharge is being allowed to ensure smooth water outflow from the capitalDistricts most prone to flooding include North North East Shahdara East Central and South East Delhi according to officialsWith water levels predicted to rise marginally by Monday morning residents in vulnerable areas are being urged to stay alert follow evacuation orders and avoid lowlying regions Civic agencies continue to work around the clock to mitigate damage provide aid and ensure public safety as Delhi battles one of its worst floods in recent years IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/heavy-flooding-in-delhi-relief-camps-set-up-in-affected-areas-636285.html Wed, 03 Sep 2025 23:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/equipping-indias-workforce-with-green-skills-will-be-critical-expert--636287.html New Delhi Sep 3 Equipping Indias workforce with green skills will be critical for meeting the twin challenges of economic growth and climate action said experts at a highlevel plenary on Skilling for a Green Future on the second day of WRI Indias annual flagship event Connect Karo 2025 on Wednesday The session highlighted that while India has made significant progress in strengthening its skilling ecosystem the rapid expansion of clean energy sustainable manufacturing and resourceefficient practices now calls for urgent reforms in training and workforce development Speakers emphasised that the transition to a lowcarbon economy could create millions of jobs but workers must be trained in line with the demands of emerging sectors Madhav Pai CEO WRI India said India aims to create 34 million jobs in the green sector by 2030 To meet this demand we must adopt an identifytrainrecruit approach to skilling Publicprivate partnership models are key and the private sector must play a deeper role in workforce development Above all the skilling transition has to be inclusive and just ensuring that vulnerable communities also benefit from the opportunities of a green economy Expanding the discussion Shashishekhar Pandit Chairman and Cofounder KPIT Technologies underlined the global context of shifting jobs and the need to rethink economic growth models He said We are witnessing both a shift and a shrinkage in jobs Manufacturing jobs are moving geographically while technological change is shrinking traditional roles With AI many more jobs will soon come into question At the same time our current economic model is exploitative forests are being destroyed plastic is filling our oceans and our air and rivers are polluted We need to fundamentally shift towards a sustainable model that creates value without destroying the environment Arpit Sharma CEO Skill Council for Green Jobs further said India has set a target of reducing one billion tons of carbon emissions by 2030 which is also leading to the creation of a large number of green jobs To meet this demand we are revamping existing curricula designing new ones and preparing certificate training programs to make the workforce ready for green jobs in an evolving industry landscape While we draw on international best practices we are tailoring the curricula and training to suit the local context Connect Karo 2025 brought together leaders committed to critical issues related to sustainable cities clean energy food land and water and climate action and finance The twoday convening hosted more than 150 thought leaders experts academics scientists and civil society members to discuss the most urgent development and environmental challenges of our times Speaking at a session on Shift Transport Datadriven DecisionMaking for Indias Urban Mobility at Connect Karo Kailash Gahlot member of the Delhi legislative Assembly said The biggest hurdle in mobility today is the debate around fare box collection and cost recovery When we talk about mobility we cannot focus only on how much money is recovered We dont call hospitals or schools lossmaking institutions our mindset has to change He further said Public transport must be seen as a social investment with wideranging benefits not as a revenuegenerating scheme Any city or country with a strong transport system attracts investments and drives both social and economic development Joining the same session virtually Tejasvi Surya member of the Lok Sabha said For too long we have prioritised vehicles over moving people Our cities need peoplecentric infrastructure and a shift towards datadriven decisionmaking Strengthening governance in urban local bodies and building capacity in our corporations is critical The only sustainable solution to traffic congestion is investing in more public transport not building more roads Pawan Mulukutla Executive Program Director Integrated Transport Clean Air and Hydrogen at WRI India said To make urban mobility truly seamless and integrated we need a robust framework that looks at transport economics with demand supply and performance indicators Equally critical is mandating the collection of household travel data across all cities Only then can transport planning be evidencebased inclusive of diverse user needs and guided by a spatialtemporal approach to effectively address urban mobility challenges In a fireside chat G Mathivathanan Director General State Administrative Training Institute and Head Centre for Good Governance Government of Odisha emphasised institutionalising innovation He said Transformation in urban governance is possible only through innovation and innovation must be tested validated scaled and finally institutionalised so that it outlasts individual leaders or teams IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/equipping-indias-workforce-with-green-skills-will-be-critical-expert--636287.html Wed, 03 Sep 2025 23:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/mp-set-to-offer-tourists-an-experience-long-awaited-at-kuno-and-gandhisagar-636063.html Bhopal Sep 2 To take ecotourism and adventure tourism to new heights Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board MPTB announced two significant events for this year These two big events are the Gandhisagar Forest Retreat will begin from September 12 at Gandhisagar Dam in Mandsaur district and the Kuno Forest Retreat which will commence from October 5 near Kuno National Park in Sheopur district Both Gandhisagar and Kuno have emerged as hubs of ecotourism and adventure tourism While Gandhisagar Forest Retreat is aimed at placing Madhya Pradesh firmly on the map of adventure tourism Kuno Forest Retreat is envisioned as a hub for wellness and wildlife tourism With this Kuno National Park KNP which witnessed the historic reintroduction of cheetahs is now set to present a unique blend of ecotourism and cultural heritage The retreat will redefine tourism with a strong focus on environmental protection and community participation These events will not only attract tourists from across India and abroad but also create employment opportunities for local communities Managing Director of MPTB Sheo Shekhar Shukla said in a press conference on Tuesday Shukla who is also Additional Chief Secretary Tourism Culture in the Madhya Pradesh government told IANS that both these events have been designed to ensure that along with tourism environmental conservation community participation and sustainable development remain top priorities Visitors will enjoy highquality fully equipped glamping and indulge in water land and aerial adventure activities including parasailing paramotoring jet skiing hot air ballooning jungle safari night walks and stargazing Shukla said Along with the allseason tent city boat safari boat spa yoga and wellness sessions local cuisines handicraft displays and cultural performances will connect tourists closely with the culture and lifestyle of Madhya Pradesh The initiative not only aims to establish Madhya Pradesh tourism at the national and international level but will also boost the regional economy and create new local employment opportunities Shukla added He further stated that promoting nature and adventure tourism will increase the inflow of thrillseeking tourists while preserving culture and traditions It will also instil awareness among the younger generation about the states heritage and natural wealth Shukla said IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/mp-set-to-offer-tourists-an-experience-long-awaited-at-kuno-and-gandhisagar-636063.html Wed, 03 Sep 2025 00:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/ngt-cannot-be-delegate-adjudicatory-functions-to-expert-committees-sc-635910.html New Delhi Sep 2 IANS The Supreme Court has reiterated that the adjudicatory functions of the National Green Tribunal NGT cannot be delegated to committees even if they are expert bodiesnbspThe adjudicatory functions of NGT cannot be assigned to committees even expert committees The decisions have to be that of NGT observed a Bench of Justices Manoj Misra and Ujjal Bhuyan in a recent judgementnbspThe green tribunal has been constituted as an expert adjudicatory authority under the statute and therefore the discharge of its functions cannot be obviated by tasking committees to carry out a function which vests in the NGT it addedThe Justice Misraled Bench was dealing with a plea filed by a sugar manufacturing company based in Uttar Pradeshs Muzaffarnagar which had challenged an NGT order imposing an environmental compensation of Rs 18 crore on itnbspThe green tribunal had based its decision on a detailed inspection report submitted by a joint committee comprising the Central Pollution Control Board CPCB Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board UPPCB and the District Magistrate of MuzaffarnagarIn its judgement the apex court said that the NGT had abdicated its jurisdiction by entrusting judicial function to an administrative expert committeenbspWhile acknowledging the utility of expert bodies the Justice Misraled Bench clarified that their role must remain limited to assisting the NGTnbspAn expert committee may be able to assist NGT for instance by carrying out a factfinding exercise but the adjudication has to be by NGT it saidnbspFurther it said that the green tribunal being a judicial body must strictly adhere to statutory procedures and principles of natural justice while discharging its functionsNGT exercises judicial functions Therefore it is all the more necessary for the NGT to adhere to a fair procedure which is statutorily laid down of which principles of natural justice are an inalienable part the bench observednbspIt clarified that the flexibility granted under Section 191 of the National Green Tribunal Act 2010 pertains only to the procedure adopted by the green tribunal and cannot be stretched to overlook mandatory provisions provided under other lawsIt NGT cannot abandon the statutory procedure laid down under Sections 21 and 22 of the Water Act and base its decisions on the recommendation of such an administrative committee This is not within the remit of NGT the Supreme Court saidnbspUltimately the Justice Misraled Bench quashed the impugned decision of the NGT citing violations of natural justice and procedural lapses most notably the petitioner company had not been given an opportunity to respond or participate in the proceedingsIn December last year a bench of then Justice BR Gavai and Justice KV Viswanathan stressed that the green body is required to arrive at its decision by fully considering the facts and circumstances of the case and cannot adjudicate solely on the basis of an expert committee report It had flagged the approach of the NGT in deciding the matter without impleading an affected party and passing its decision on an outsourced opinion of the experts https://dailyworld.in/environment/ngt-cannot-be-delegate-adjudicatory-functions-to-expert-committees-sc-635910.html Tue, 02 Sep 2025 15:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/cauvery-flow-lifts-storage-in-delta-tanks-farmers-hopeful-for-samba-crop-635956.html Chennai Sep 2 Thanks to steady Cauvery water inflow and a favourable southwest monsoon in neighbouring states nearly twothirds of the 737 system tanks in Tamil Nadus delta districts have recorded more than 50 per cent storage a sharp improvement from last year when fewer than onethird of the tanks had reached that level The four key delta districts Thanjavur Tiruvarur Mayiladuthurai and Pudukkottai depend heavily on these tanks most of which are located in tailend areas crucial for irrigationOf the total 737 system tanks Thanjavur alone accounts for 537 followed by Pudukkottai with 170 Tiruvarur with 28 and Mayiladuthurai with twoIn Thanjavur considered the heart of the Cauvery delta 38 tanks have already reached full capacity compared to just 19 last yearAnother 113 tanks hold between 75 per cent and 100 per cent of their capacity while 184 are in the 50 per cent 70 per cent rangePudukkottai with its 170 tanks has one at full capacity 62 filled to between 75 per cent and 100 per cent and another 62 in the 50 per cent 75 per cent rangeOfficials said the overall picture is far brighter than last year and pointed out that the situation is expected to improve further during the northeast monsoonAccording to a senior Water Resources Department WRD official the steady discharge through the Grand Anicut and Vennaru rivers has boosted storage in most tanksA key factor he noted was the timely release of water from the Mettur dam on June 12 unlike last years delayed opening on July 28 The dam has already touched full reservoir level four times this season supported by surplus flows from Karnataka while normal southwest monsoon rainfall in Thanjavur further strengthened inflowsFor farmers across the delta the improved storage has come as a major reliefThe tanks in villages around Pattukkottai and Peravurani in Thanjavur and Nagudi in Pudukkottai have good water storage this year Samba paddy cultivation which depends on tank water will greatly benefit said a farmer from Pallathur in ThanjavurOfficials expressed confidence that with the northeast monsoon due in October most of the system tanks will attain full capacity ensuring water security for samba cultivation and bringing cheer to the farming community IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/cauvery-flow-lifts-storage-in-delta-tanks-farmers-hopeful-for-samba-crop-635956.html Tue, 02 Sep 2025 15:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/delhi-breathes-like-the-hills-rains-gift-capital-its-cleanest-air-in-months-635959.html New Delhi Sep 2 IANS For a change Delhis lungs feel lighter After days of incessant rain residents of DelhiNCR are soaking in air so fresh that it has reminded many of a holiday in the hillsnbspThe capital notorious for its choking smog in winter has suddenly found itself breathing easy thanks to continuous showersnbspOn most days the city struggles with an Air Quality Index AQI hovering between 200 and 300 often slipping into the poor or even very poor category But on Tuesday morning monitoring stations reported a different picture AQI levels between 25 and 60 in the excellent categoryDelhis Anand Vihar clocked 66 while DUs North Campus saw 55 IGI Airport and Nehru Nagar matched at 53nbspThe national capitals traditionally polluted areas were recording numbers one could hardly believe Najafgarh 43 Okhla 34 Majnu Ka Tila 39 and Punjabi Bagh 42nbspGhaziabad too breathed cleaner air with Sanjay Nagar at 38 Indirapuram at 41 and Vasundhara at 39 Loni stood at a moderate but still respectable 51 And in Noidas Sector1 the AQI dropped to just 25 a figure rarely seen in the NCRResidents have welcomed the respite with joy It feels like Mussoorie has shifted to Delhi a Noida resident told IANS adding that for the first time in months she could sit on her balcony and breathe in the cleanest airnbspA South Delhi resident speaking to IANS said Its a big relief for our lungs but how long it continues like this remains to be seennbspAcross neighbourhoods ACs and coolers have been switched off windows thrown open and people are stepping outdoors simply to enjoy the airThe rains have also brought relief from heat and humidity On September 2 Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 22 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 30 degrees CnbspAccording to the Meteorological Department intermittent rain and thundershowers will continue for the next four to five days keeping temperatures pleasant with highs around 33 degrees C and lows between 23 and 24 degrees CelsiusnbspSeptember 7 may bring cloudy skies but for now DelhiNCR is relishing this rare mix of cool breezes washed skies and pure breathable airnbsp https://dailyworld.in/environment/delhi-breathes-like-the-hills-rains-gift-capital-its-cleanest-air-in-months-635959.html Tue, 02 Sep 2025 15:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/indian-growth-story-guided-by-green-principles-environment-minister-yadav-635968.html New Delhi Sep 2 Union Minister for Environment Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav said on Tuesday that Indias model of development is deeply rooted in balancing economic progress with ecological stewardship Addressing the 20th Global Sustainability Summit Yadav said Sustainability should not be considered as a goal or an objective I believe it is a lifestyle choice an evolving commitment to be resilient regenerative and responsibleThe Minister highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi the Environment Ministry has recently issued very critical notifications with the aim of building a sustainable futureYadav also pointed to the prevailing global trade tensions policy uncertainties geopolitical conflicts and barriers to global financial investments by major economies collectively create a fragile environmentThe Minister called upon all countries to make sustainability foundational to growth by embracing economywide solutions that encompass circular economy models nature positive actions green manufacturing and advancing behaviour change for responsible practicesYadav said that on August 29 the government notified the Environment Audit Rules 2025 which create a formal framework for environmental auditing across the countryThe rules establish a twotiered system of auditors and set up a dedicated agency to transparently oversee the process said a statementThese rules are designed to supplement the existing monitoring and inspection framework of the government not to replace it Yadav statedThe Minister said the notification of a revised methodology for the Green Credit Programme was also issued on August 29Originally launched in October 2023 to encourage voluntary environmental action the programme has now been strengthened with provisions that allow direct participation by private entities establish minimum restoration commitments mobilise private capital for climate action and utilise Earned Green CreditsThe revised methodology ensures that the Green Credit Programme becomes a catalyst for meaningful ecorestoration the Minister explainedYadav highlighted that on August 31 the Ministry amended the Forest Conservation and Augmentation Rules 2023 to facilitate the objectives of achieving selfreliance in the Critical Mineral sector under the newly launched National Critical Mineral Mission 2025Under this mission 24 minerals have been identified as critical and strategic and 29 others have been recognised as important for strengthening the countrys economy and national security he saidThe amended rules simplify the approval process for mining these minerals in forest areas for both public and private entities he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/indian-growth-story-guided-by-green-principles-environment-minister-yadav-635968.html Tue, 02 Sep 2025 16:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/telangana-floods-damage-crops-over-236-lakh-acres-635814.html Hyderabad Sep 1 The recent heavy rains and floods in parts of Telangana damaged roads to a length of 1023 kilometres and resulted in crop loss over 236 lakh acres The officials informed the Chief Minister Revanth Reddy during a review meeting here on MondayThe Chief Minister ordered the officials to expedite the repairs of the damaged roads buildings breached ponds and water bodies and the reconstruction of the submerged electric substationAccording to the Chief Ministers Office he expressed anger at the officials for their neglect in utilising the State Disaster Relief Fund SDRF funds as per the rulesThe officials briefed the CM that 257 streams and ponds were damaged The CM enquired the authorities about the neglect of the Minor Irrigation Department and suggested that the damaged water bodies should be restored by utilising the funds from RRR Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sanchai Yojana and other centrally sponsored schemesState Agriculture department officials briefed the Chief Minister that the crop loss has occurred in 236 lakh acres in 82 mandals of the stateThe officials were ordered to submit complete details within two days to bring to the centres attention the severity of the problem State RampB Panchayat Raj Drinking Water Supply and Animal Husbandry departments were also ordered to prepare comprehensive reports and submit them within two daysHe enquired about the lack of assistance from the Centre despite heavy losses in the floodaffected Khammam and Warangal districts last yearThe Chief Minister instructed the officials to submit a detailed report on the promises made by the Centre which were not fulfilled last year pending the release of central funds damages and the extent of losses incurredA team led by Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka will submit the two reports to the Union Ministers in Delhi on September 4The CM spoke to the Collectors of Kamareddy Adilabad Rajanna Siricilla and Komaram Bheem Asifabad districts and enquired about the conditions after heavy rain The officials were ordered to take up the relief works expeditiously and also release the relief materials immediatelyReviewing the utilisation of the disaster funds CM Revanth Reddy directed all departments to utilise the SDRF funds properly and submit utilisation certificates UC in a timebound mannerThe Chief Minister congratulated the SDRF forces for their quick response to disasters and for providing better services during the floods The CM expressed satisfaction over the rescue of 217 people by the SDRF personnel who participated in 42 operations during the heavy rains The CM also instructed the State Director General of Fire and Disaster Response Nagireddy to provide better training and skills to the SDRF personnel The Chief Secretary was also instructed to immediately deploy the required officers and staff to the Disaster Management DepartmentCM Revanth Reddy observed that changing weather conditions posed a big risk of untimely heavy rains and floods in the future The CM emphasised that the Collectors and SPs of all districts should be on alert and go to the fields during the disasters and monitor the relief measuresIt was decided that Rs 10 crore will be released to the collectors under the contingent fund for works in the districts which have been severely affected by the rains Rs 5 crore will be released to the collectors of the districts which suffered minor losses IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/telangana-floods-damage-crops-over-236-lakh-acres-635814.html Tue, 02 Sep 2025 00:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/tn-puducherry-brace-for-rain-and-strong-winds-imd-warning-for-coastal-areas-635834.html Chennai Sep 2 The Regional Meteorological Centre RMC Chennai has forecast the formation of a lowpressure area over the north Bay of Bengal in the coming days a development that is expected to influence weather patterns across Tamil Nadu Puducherry and adjoining regions According to the RMC changes in wind patterns are likely to bring light to moderate rain to isolated places in northern and southern Tamil Nadu as well as Puducherry and Karaikal areasThunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 kmph are also expected in some districts The weather office has further cautioned that maximum temperatures across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry could rise by up to 3 degrees Celsius above normal levels over the next five daysModerate rainfall is forecast in parts of the state until September 7In Chennai and its suburbs skies are likely to remain partly cloudy The city may experience light to moderate rain with thunderstorms at isolated locationsThe maximum temperature is expected to hover between 34 and 35 degrees Celsius while the minimum will likely range between 26 and 27 degreesMeanwhile the India Meteorological Department IMD has issued a warning for coastal and marine areas Strong winds with speeds of 45 to 55 kmph gusting up to 65 kmph at times are likely to prevail over the central and southwest Arabian Sea adjoining southeast Arabian Sea KonkanGoaKarnataka coast LakshadweepMaldives region and nearby areasFishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into these seas during the forecast period due to rough conditionsThe IMD stressed that the evolving lowpressure system over the Bay of Bengal will be closely monitored as its intensification could alter rainfall distribution in southern statesLocalised heavy spells cannot be ruled out an official noted adding that contingency measures have been communicated to district administrationsWith September marking the active phase of the northeast monsoon buildup weather experts say the system could play a crucial role in replenishing water bodies in parts of Tamil Nadu However they also warned that rising temperatures coupled with thunderstorms may cause short bursts of intense rain leading to waterlogging in urban pockets such as Chennai IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/tn-puducherry-brace-for-rain-and-strong-winds-imd-warning-for-coastal-areas-635834.html Tue, 02 Sep 2025 09:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/thunderstorms-with-heavy-rain-warning-for-south-bengal-fishermen-advised-to-avoid-sea-635851.html Kolkata Sep 2 A powerful squall front swept across south Bengal districts including Kolkata bringing torrential rain lightning and gusty winds Incessant rain accompanied by thunderstorms was reported from several areas in South Bengal since Monday nightThe system is likely to remain effective for another 12 hours said the Meteorological MeT Department As a result heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms is likely in the next 12 hours in the south Bengal districts especially in Kolkata Howrah and Hooghly Fishermen have been asked not to venture into the sea from Tuesday to ThursdayA squall front is a convergence zone where massive cumulonimbus clouds form in a linear pattern triggered by the collision of easterly and westerly winds Such fronts often result in heavy downpours thunderstorms microbursts and cloudburstsAccording to meteorologists a squall front forms within a very short period As a result darkness suddenly descends and conditions are created for lightning heavy storms and rainOn Monday night the MeT Department issued a red alert for severe thunderstorms and lightning accompanied by intense rain for Howrah Hooghly and KolkataA cyclonic circulation is present over the Bay of Bengal near the Myanmar coast Due to its influence a lowpressure area will form in the sea within the next 24 hours The monsoon axis has shifted again in the state It extends over Digha to the northeast Bay of Bengal Due to this there is a possibility of heavy rain in some areas of South Bengal The sea will remain rough due to the influence of the lowpressure area said a MeT Department official As a result rain will intensify over South Bengal from Tuesday onwardsRain will continue in North Bengal as well There is a possibility of heavy rainfall in some northern districts till next Sunday Light to moderate rainfall is likely in all the remaining districts said the MeT officialsThe maximum temperature in Kolkata on Monday was 342 degrees Celsius 17 degrees above normal The minimum temperature was 282 degrees Celsius 16 degrees above normal IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/thunderstorms-with-heavy-rain-warning-for-south-bengal-fishermen-advised-to-avoid-sea-635851.html Tue, 02 Sep 2025 11:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/tns-mettur-dam-touches-full-reservoir-level-for-6th-time-in-2025-flood-alert-issued-635864.html Chennai Sep 2 The Mettur dam Tamil Nadus lifeline on the Cauvery has once again reached its full reservoir level FRL of 120 feet marking the sixth such occasion this year Officials confirmed the development on Tuesday morning following a sharp surge in inflow from the rivers catchment areas in Karnataka With the reservoir brimming water discharge from the dam has been increased from 22500 cubic feet per second cusecs to 35000 cusecs Of this 22500 cusecs are being released through the dams main power house and the tunnel power house 800 cusecs through the canal and the remaining 12500 cusecs through the Ellis SaddleAuthorities have sounded a flood alert to residents of villages situated along the downstream banks of the Cauvery Announcements are being made through the public address system to ensure precautionary measuresThis is the sixth time the Mettur has touched its FRL this year with previous instances recorded on June 29 July 5 July 20 July 25 and August 20By comparison the dam filled to capacity only three times in 2024The latest surge came after consistent rainfall in the Cauvery basin with inflow rising from 9828 cusecs on August 27 to 35800 cusecs by 8 am on TuesdayCommissioned in 1934 the Mettur dam is the largest in Tamil Nadu and a crucial reservoir for the states agrarian economy It irrigates nearly 18 lakh acres across 12 districts including Salem Namakkal Erode Karur Tiruchirappalli Thanjavur Tiruvarur and NagapattinamKnown as the granary of South India the Cauvery deltas paddy cultivation is heavily dependent on timely releases from the MetturWater from the reservoir also supports cash crops such as sugarcane and turmeric while providing drinking water to several towns and ensuring power generationFarmers associations have welcomed the steady storage levels this year saying they provide confidence for the samba paddy crop which begins in September However officials have urged people in lowlying downstream areas to remain cautious as high releases are expected to continue until the inflow subsidesThe Mettur dams repeated filling this year highlights both the generosity of the monsoon and the challenges of balancing irrigation needs with flood management in Tamil Nadus heartland IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/tns-mettur-dam-touches-full-reservoir-level-for-6th-time-in-2025-flood-alert-issued-635864.html Tue, 02 Sep 2025 13:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/flood-alert-in-delhi-after-water-released-from-hathni-kund-in-haryana-635712.html New Delhi Sep 1 IANS The Delhi governments Central Flood Control Room on Monday issued a flood warning after the discharge of 329 lakh cusecs of water from the Hathni Kund barrage in Haryana in the morning at around 9 AM an official saidnbspThe official said water released from upstream barrages typically takes 48 to 50 hours to reach Delhi but the situation is being closely monitored and all the agencies concerned have been asked to take precautionary measures to handle a floodlike situationThe flood warning issued by Executive Engineer Shiv Kumar incharge of the control room said The water level of Old Railway Bridge may cross the danger level and is likely to exceed 20650 metres So all the Sector Officers are hereby advised to keep a strict vigil in their respective areas and to take necessary action at vulnerable points such as people residing within the river embankments shall be warned and shifted to safer placesThe flood warning said The police and the staff of Irrigation and Flood Control Department would undertake patrolling along right and left marginal embankments and keep vigil roundtheclock on the vulnerable points regulatorspumps as requirednbspThe warning also listed the benchmarks at Old Railway Bridge which include Warning level 20450 metres Danger Level 20533 metres and Highest Flood Level observed on July 13 2023 at 20866 metresAn Apex Committee has been constituted under the Chairpersonship of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to recommend supervise and coordinate flood control measures in the National Capital Territory of DelhinbspA Central Flood Control Room has also been established to assist the Apex Committee and it will function round the clock at LM Bund Shastri Nagar till October 15 or till monsoon withdrawsnbspEarlier CM Gupta inspected several floodprone stretches along the Yamuna including Asita Ghat Yamuna Chhath Ghat Regulator No 12 the East Delhi DM office and the Central Flood Control RoomAccompanied by Cabinet Minister Parvesh Verma and senior officials she assured that a comprehensive floodpreparedness plan has been activatednbspThe Chief Minister said relief and rescue teams are deployed with full alertness so that every situation can be dealt withnbspI want to assure the people of Delhi that the government stands with you at every step she said https://dailyworld.in/environment/flood-alert-in-delhi-after-water-released-from-hathni-kund-in-haryana-635712.html Mon, 01 Sep 2025 16:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/rains-lash-delhi-ncr-temperature-dips-traffic-snarls-reported-in-several-areas-635737.html New Delhi Sep 1 The weather in DelhiNCR changed dramatically on Monday as overcast skies gave way to spells of rain and gusty winds across the region bringing muchneeded respite from the heat and humidity By afternoon several parts of Noida Ghaziabad Gurugram and Delhi received heavy showers accompanied by strong winds leading to a sharp drop in temperatureAccording to the India Meteorological Department IMD the maximum temperature on Monday was recorded several degrees below normal for this time of the yearMany residents said they felt an unusual September chill as cool winds swept through the regionThe IMD had earlier issued a yellow alert for September 1 warning of rain thunderstorms lightning and gusty winds in the afternoon and evening The forecast proved accurate with heavy rainfall turning the skies dark in broad daylight and forcing commuters to switch on headlightsWhile the showers provided relief from sweltering conditions they also caused widespread disruption Waterlogging was reported in several areas of Noida Ghaziabad Gurugram and parts of Delhi leading to severe traffic congestionLong traffic snarls formed on arterial roads with the movement of vehicles slowing to a crawl in many pockets Commuters struggled with flooded streets particularly underpasses and lowlying roadsDespite these issues the rain brought smiles to many residents who enjoyed the sudden cool breeze and relief from the oppressive heatIt feels like the monsoon is back in full swing This is such a welcome change said a resident of NoidaLooking ahead the IMD has predicted that the pleasant weather will continue for the next week with light to moderate showers expected intermittentlyThe skies are likely to remain cloudy on September 2 as well though no alert has been issued for that dayHowever the Met department has forecast another spell of rain accompanied by thunder and lightning on September 3Meteorologist Naresh Kumar in an update on continued rainfall said An orange alert has been issued for Himachal Pradesh Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir Alerts are also in place for Rajasthan western Uttar Pradesh Punjab and Haryana Delhi and NCR expect heavy rain for 12 days before the weather normalises IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/rains-lash-delhi-ncr-temperature-dips-traffic-snarls-reported-in-several-areas-635737.html Mon, 01 Sep 2025 18:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/lightning-strike-kills-one-injures-three-in-assam-meghalaya-border-area-635752.html Guwahati Sep 1 A sudden lightning strike in the AssamMeghalaya border region of Lampi on Monday afternoon left one person dead and three others seriously injured officials said The victim has been identified as 47yearold Mongal Ray a resident of Gohalkona under Boko in Assams Kamrup district According to eyewitnesses Ray was inside his house when a bolt of lightning struck killing him on the spotThe impact also injured three other men who were near the residence at the time of the incident They were identified as Tikhor Boro Dhaneswar Boro and Parimal Boro all residents of GohalkonaPolice said the trio had gone to Lampi for daily wage work and were caught in the sudden strike during an afternoon spell of inclement weather Local villagers rushed the injured to the Boko Primary Health Centre around 35 km from the site of the incidentMedical officers at the centre confirmed that while the three sustained critical injuries initially their condition has since stabilised They remain under medical observationOfficials from Boko revenue and police circles have reached the site and initiated standard procedures including verification of the casualtyVillagers of Gohalkona and surrounding areas expressed shock over the sudden tragedy describing Ray as a hardworking man who was the primary breadwinner of his familyIncidents of lightning strikes have been increasingly reported across Assam and adjoining hill regions of Meghalaya during the ongoing monsoon seasonDisaster management authorities have repeatedly issued advisories urging people to remain indoors and avoid open fields during thunderstorms but rural communities continue to remain vulnerable due to a lack of protective infrastructure State government officials said ex gratia assistance to the victims family will be processed as per the disaster relief normsMeanwhile the three injured men are expected to be shifted to a higher medical facility if their condition demands further specialised careThe Lampi region known for its remote location and difficult terrain has often faced delays in medical response during emergencies something that local organisations have urged the administration to address as a priority IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/lightning-strike-kills-one-injures-three-in-assam-meghalaya-border-area-635752.html Mon, 01 Sep 2025 19:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/adverse-weather-schools-in-jammu-division-to-remain-shut-on-sep-2-635769.html Jammu Sep 1 All schools in the Jammu division of JampK will remain shut on September 2 in the wake of the adverse weather advisory on Monday authorities said An order issued by the Director School Education Department Jammu said that in view of the weather alerts and incessant rain causing landslides in hilly areas and to ensure the safety of students and staff it is ordered that all government and private schools across the Jammu division will continue to remain closed on September 2 It is ordered that online classes be conducted wherever possible the Department saidThe MET Department has forecast generally cloudy weather on September 2 and 3 with one or two spells of light to moderate rainthunder at many places with a possibility of heavy to very rains over Kathua Jammu Udhampur and Reasi and moderate to very heavy rainfall in Doda Ramban Rajouri Poonch Kishtwar Samba Anantnag and KulgamThere is a possibility of cloudburstlandslidemudslide shooting stones and vulnerable places People are advised to stay away from water bodiesnallahsriver embankments and loose structures etc the advisory saidMeanwhile after clearing many stranded vehicles today the JammuSrinagar highway was again closed for trafficThe continued blockade of the highway has hit the essential supplies in the Valley and prices of poultry etc have skyrocketed during the last few daysSince August 14 when a cloudburst in Chashoti village of Kishtwar district killed 67 people most of them Machail Mata Yatra pilgrims incessant rainfall has triggered unprecedented floods in Jammu division causing huge damage to bridges roads government and private buildingsOn August 26 a landslide on the route to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine killed 36 pilgrims even when the Yatra had been suspendedWhile most of the pilgrims had come down to the base camp Katra many of them had taken shelter in a designated shelter space which was hit by the landslideThis portion of the Yatra route had never been affected by a landslide in the past IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/adverse-weather-schools-in-jammu-division-to-remain-shut-on-sep-2-635769.html Mon, 01 Sep 2025 21:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/chennai-civic-body-assures-conservancy-workers-of-same-pay-pending-tribunal-decision-635789.html Chennai Sep 1 The Greater Chennai Corporation GCC on Monday informed the Madras High Court that Delhi MSW Solutions Ltd the private concessionaire entrusted with conservancy operations in two city zones has agreed to pay absorbed workers their existing salaries until an ongoing industrial dispute is resolved Appearing before a division bench of Justices MS Ramesh and R Sakthivel Advocate General PS Raman said the concessionaire would continue the lastdrawn wages of conservancy workers in Zones V Royapuram and VI ThiruViKa Nagar as a temporary measure The concessionaire has its own wage structure but following a meeting with GCC officials two days ago it agreed to match the previous pay scale until the industrial disputes tribunal decides the matter The next hearing before the Tribunal is scheduled for September 3 The issue stems from GCCs decision to outsource conservancy operations in the two zones to Delhi MSW Solutions On August 22 a bench of Justice K Surender had refused to interfere with the Corporations resolutions noting that similar outsourcing had been carried out in other zones earlier However while disposing of two writ petitions filed by the Uzhaippor Urimai Iyakkam which represents conservancy workers the judge directed the GCC to negotiate with the concessionaire to ensure employees were not paid less than their existing wages Challenging this the Uzhaippor Urimai Iyakkam filed writ appeals before the division bench During Mondays hearing senior counsel Vijay Narayan representing the concessionaire told the court that nearly 800 workers had not reported for duty hampering garbage clearance in the two zones With nearly 2000 tonnes of waste to be lifted daily the absence of workers had led to severe difficulties he said After hearing submissions from all sides the division bench declined to pass any interim order at this stage Instead it ordered notices to GCC and the concessionaire and posted the appeals for hearing on October 6 In the meantime the judges advised conservancy workers to return to work to prevent disruption in waste management The case has significant implications for over 800 workers and the citys sanitation system with the final outcome now hinging on the industrial dispute tribunals ruling IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/chennai-civic-body-assures-conservancy-workers-of-same-pay-pending-tribunal-decision-635789.html Mon, 01 Sep 2025 22:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/elathur-lake-in-erode-declared-tamil-nadus-third-biodiversity-heritage-site-635805.html Chennai Sep 1 Elathur lake in Erode district a haven for migratory birds and diverse wildlife has been formally declared Tamil Nadus third Biodiversity Heritage Site BHS The state government issued the notification under Section 371 of the Biological Diversity Act 2002 for the lake covering an expanse of 3742 hectaresThis new designation places Elathur alongside Arittapatti in Madurai which received the tag in November 2022 and Kasampatty in Dindigul notified in March 2025Officials described the move as a recognition of the lakes ecological fragility biological richness and cultural significanceBiodiversity Heritage Sites are recognised natural areas that conserve rare threatened and keystone species while protecting unique habitats They also highlight the deep cultural and traditional connections people share with such landscapesThe Elathur Lake has long been regarded as a critical habitat for both resident and migratory birds Its varied ecosystem includes deep and shallow waters marshland dry scrubland mudflats and rocky outcrops During peak migratory months the lake attracts nearly 5000 birds making it one of the important wintering and breeding grounds in the stateSurveys have identified 187 bird species at the site Among them are endangered species like the steppe eagle vulnerable ones such as the river tern and greater spotted eagle and nearthreatened birds including the Asian woollynecked stork and the blackheaded ibisBeyond its avian wealth Elathur supports 38 species of plants 35 butterflies 12 dragonflies 12 reptiles seven mammals and a variety of amphibians fish and invertebrates underlining its ecological diversityThe Erode Collector noted that the governments notification first issued on January 28 2025 ensures permanent protection for the lake and its surrounding landscapes He emphasised that the step would not only conserve the areas natural wealth but also preserve the cultural values and traditional practices associated with the community By securing BHS status for Elathur Lake Tamil Nadu has reinforced its commitment to safeguarding fragile ecosystems Conservationists believe this recognition will strengthen awareness and encourage local participation in protecting one of the states most vital wetlands for generations to come IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/elathur-lake-in-erode-declared-tamil-nadus-third-biodiversity-heritage-site-635805.html Mon, 01 Sep 2025 23:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/gujarat-nears-monsoon-target-with-90-pc-rainfall-48-talukas-record-over-40-inches-635599.html Ahmedabad Sep 1 Gujarat this year has received 90 per cent of its seasonal rainfall so far According to official data the state has recorded an average of 315 inches of rainfall this season Rainfall distribution shows that June saw the highest showers with 12 inches on average followed by 10 inches in July and 95 inches in AugustAt present 48 talukas have received more than 40 inches of rain while 10 districts have already crossed the 100 per cent mark of their seasonal quota South Gujarat leads the state with an impressive 55 inches of rainfall amounting to 94 per cent of the seasonal averageOther regions have also reported healthy showers EastCentral Gujarat 28 inches North Gujarat 27 inches Saurashtra 25 inches and Kutch 16 inches In most regions rainfall has reached over 85 per cent of the seasons target At the district level Valsad tops the charts with 84 inches followed by Dang 72 inches and Navsari 66 inchesPatan reported the lowest average at 16 inches Among talukas Kaprada in Valsad registered a remarkable 110 inches Umaragaon in Surat 9625 inches and Khergam in Navsari 90 inches In total 48 talukas have received more than 40 inches of rainfall 140 talukas between 2040 inches and 61 talukas between 1020 inches Two talukas are still at the lower end with just 510 inches of rainLast year by the end of August Gujarat had recorded 3865 inches of rain 111 per cent of the seasonal averageIn comparison this years rainfall has been slower particularly in August which saw 95 inches of rain against last years 174 inchesDistricts that have already crossed the 100 per cent seasonal mark include Sabarkantha and Banaskantha North Gujarat Mahisagar Kheda Anand CentralEast Gujarat Porbandar Botad Bhavnagar Saurashtra and Tapi and Surat South Gujarat IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/gujarat-nears-monsoon-target-with-90-pc-rainfall-48-talukas-record-over-40-inches-635599.html Mon, 01 Sep 2025 12:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/imd-forecasts-heavy-rainfall-across-gujarat-orange-alerts-issued-for-select-districts-635432.html Gandhinagar Aug 31 The India Meteorological Department IMD has predicted widespread rainfall activity across Gujarat in the coming days with several districts placed under yellow and orange alerts The forecast highlights the likelihood of intense showers through the first week of September A yellow alert has been issued for Mehsana Sabarkantha Gandhinagar Aravalli Kheda Ahmedabad Anand Panchmahal Dahod Mahisagar Vadodara Chhota Udepur Narmada Bharuch Surat Dang Tapi Navsari Valsad Daman Dadra and Nagar HaveliFor September 12 heavy rainfall is expected in Sabarkantha Aravalli Panchmahal Dahod Mahisagar Navsari Valsad Daman Dadra and Nagar HaveliOn September 3 an orange alert was issued for Chhota Udepur and Narmada where very heavy rain is forecast A yellow alert remains in place for Panchmahal Dahod Vadodara Bharuch Surat Dang Tapi Navsari Valsad Daman Dadra and Nagar HaveliOn September 4 an orange alert was declared for Dang and Tapi while a yellow alert continues for Panchmahal Dahod Vadodara Chhota Udepur Narmada Bharuch Surat Navsari Valsad Daman Dadra and Nagar Haveli Additionally SaurashtraKutch districts including Amreli Bhavnagar Gir Somnath and Diu may also experience heavy showersBy September 5 the orange alerts are expected to ease However heavy rain is still likely at isolated places across Sabarkantha Aravalli Kheda Anand Panchmahal Dahod Mahisagar Vadodara Chhota Udepur Narmada Bharuch Surat Dang Tapi Navsari Valsad Daman Dadra and Nagar Haveli Amreli Bhavnagar Gir Somnath and DiuGujarat has received nearly 85 per cent of its seasonal average rainfall this monsoon with exceptionally heavy showers in the past week boosting the number of talukas crossing 1000 mm to 44 and filling the states river systems to near capacityThe precipitation surge has dramatically pushed water storage levels upward the Sardar Sarovar Dam now stands at approximately 84 per cent capacity while the states 206 monitored reservoirs average around 78 per cent filled with 67 already over 100 per cent capacity 27 between 90100 per cent and 27 more between 8090 per centKey dams across regions reflect a similarly robust picture Dharoi Dam is storing 82 per cent of its capacity with significant inflows of over 42000 cusecs and regulated outflow Kadana Mahisagar has begun releasing nearly 100000 cusecs prompting alerts in downstream districts In recent days widespread rainfall has filled 76 dams to between 70100 per cent with official warnings issued for 26 of them underscoring the urgency of vigilant water management IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/imd-forecasts-heavy-rainfall-across-gujarat-orange-alerts-issued-for-select-districts-635432.html Sun, 31 Aug 2025 12:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/chennai-struggles-with-half-completed-works-ahead-of-northeast-monsoon-635447.html Chennai Aug 31 With just weeks left before the onset of the northeast monsoon the Greater Chennai Corporation GCC has managed to complete only half of the citys road restoration work Of the 3908 interior roads identified for relaying only 1862 have been covered in the past two months leaving large stretches across the city in disrepair The civic body had set itself a September 15 deadline for completing the work However several stretches remain unattended even after the completion of stormwater drainage sewage and electricityrelated projectsThe slow progress has left residents anxious about another monsoon season marked by potholes waterlogging and unsafe commutesNeighbourhoods such as K K Nagar Thoraipakkam West Mambalam Ashok Nagar and Vadapalani are among the worst affected Many of these localities are dotted with dugup stretches uneven patches and craters that make daily travel slow and hazardousResidents complain that the delays have already caused accidents and falls while the recent spells of rain have worsened conditions in several areas In some places temporary measures such as dumping debris have been attempted instead of proper relaying but these have further inconvenienced commuters particularly twowheeler ridersCertain stretches relaid months ago were dug up again soon after raising questions over planning and coordination between departmentsThe lack of attention to interior roads has also become a sore point with visible focus placed only on bus route roads Residents say the disparity has left inner neighbourhoods neglected and unfit for regular use In several parts of West Mambalam newly laid roads were dug up again within days sparking criticism over the waste of public fundsCivic officials maintain that efforts are being made to accelerate the pace of work and instructions have been given to restrict fresh road cuts Notices have also been issued to service departments to stop excavation activities from August 31With the northeast monsoon expected to intensify in late September and October the pressure is mounting on the civic body to complete the pending works Unless the pace picks up significantly Chennai could once again face a monsoon season plagued by broken roads slow traffic and mounting frustration among commuters IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/chennai-struggles-with-half-completed-works-ahead-of-northeast-monsoon-635447.html Sun, 31 Aug 2025 13:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/jampk-rain-fury-schools-in-jammu-to-remain-shut-on-monday-national-highway-closed-for-6th-day-635459.html Jammu Aug 31 Due to an adverse weather forecast authorities on Sunday ordered the closure of all schools in JampKs Jammu division on September 1 The strategic JammuSrinagar national highway also remained shut for the sixth consecutive day Director School Education Jammu division said in an order In continuation to earlier orders and keeping in view the incessant rains and landslides in hilly areas it is hereby ordered that all government and private schools across Jammu Division shall continue to remain closed on 01092025 MondayThe order also said that the situation is being closely monitored and further decisions regarding the reopening of schools will be taken after reviewing the weather conditionsThe Meteorological MeT Department said in its bulletin One or two spells of light to moderate rain at many places are likely on August 31 and September 1 with the possibility of heavy rain over a few districts of Jammu divisionOn September 2 generally cloudy weather with light to moderate rainthunder at most places with possibility of very heavy to extremely heavy rain over Kathua Doda Udhampur and Reasi with heavy to very heavy rainfall over Jammu Samba Ramban Rajouri and Kishtwar A few districts of South Kashmir and Poonch may also receive moderate to heavy rainfallshowers Between September 3 to September 8 a brief spell of rainthundershower at a few places is expectedAn advisory issued by the MeT Department said There is a possibility of heavy rain during August 31 and September 1 and the possibility of very heavy to extremely heavy rain on September 2 at a few places in the Jammu division There is a possibility of cloudbursts flash floodslandslides mudslidesshooting stones at a few vulnerable places Stay away from water bodiesNallahsRiver embankmentsloose structures etc All concerned are advised to stay alert and updatedMeanwhile the strategic JammuSrinagar national highway remained closed on the 6th consecutive day on Sunday as officials said hectic efforts are on to restore the highwayOver 2000 vehicles are stranded at different places on the national highwayThe continued blockade of the highway has hit the essential supplies in the Valley and prices of poultry etc have skyrocketed during the last few days IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/jampk-rain-fury-schools-in-jammu-to-remain-shut-on-monday-national-highway-closed-for-6th-day-635459.html Sun, 31 Aug 2025 14:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/imd-forecasts-wetter-september-little-respite-from-natures-fury-635534.html New Delhi Aug 31 As several parts of the country continue to face floods landslides and cloudbursts the India Meteorological Department IMD on Sunday released its monthly report forecasting a wetter September with above normal rainfall The IMDs Monthly Outlook for Rainfall and Temperature said the monthly average rainfall over the country as a whole in September 2025 is most likely to be above normal greater than 109 per cent of the Long Period Average LPAThe LPA of rainfall over the country as a whole during September based on data from 19712020 is about 1679 mm it saidGeographically most parts of the country are likely to receive normal to abovenormal rainfall However some parts of northeast and east India many areas of extreme south peninsular India and some parts of northernmost India are likely to receive belownormal rainfall the IMD report saidAbovenormal rainfall can significantly benefit agriculture and water resources but also brings potential risks such as flooding landslides surface transport disruptions public health challenges and ecosystem damage it saidTo manage these risks effectively it is essential to reinforce infrastructure utilise IMDs early warnings enhance surveillance and conservation efforts and establish robust response systems in vulnerable sectors it saidSince 2021 the IMD has been issuing monthly and seasonal forecasts for the southwest monsoon rainfall over the country based on the MultiModel Ensemble MME forecasting systemThe MME approach uses the coupled global climate models CGCMs from different global climate prediction and research centres including the IMDs Monsoon Mission Climate Forecasting System MMCFS modelThe IMD had issued the first stage forecast for the 2025 southwest monsoon season June to September rainfall over the country on April 15 and an update for the forecast on May 27In addition the IMD also issued the forecast for rainfall during June on May 27 and during July on June 30The Southwest Monsoon Rainfall Forecast for the Seasonal Rainfall during AugustSeptember 2025 and Monthly Rainfall and Temperature Outlook for August 2025 was issued on July 31In its forecast for surface air temperature over the country during September the IMD said that monthly average maximum temperatures are expected to remain normal to below normal in many regions of westcentral northwest and south IndiaIt is likely to be above normal over many parts of eastcentral east and northeast India and some parts of northwest India and the western coastal region it said IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/imd-forecasts-wetter-september-little-respite-from-natures-fury-635534.html Sun, 31 Aug 2025 22:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/cm-yogi-conducts-aerial-survey-of-flood-hit-areas-in-up-issues-relief-guidelines-635326.html Ghazipur Uttar Pradesh Aug 30 IANS Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday conducted an aerial survey of floodaffected areas in Ghazipur districtnbspCM Yogi first reached Varanasi and from there he left to conduct an aerial survey of the floodaffected Ghazipur district of the statenbspAfter reviewing the situation from the air the Chief Minister instructed district and divisional officials to ensure that floodaffected families face no inconvenienceHe emphasised the timely supply of food clean drinking water and healthcare at relief shelters and asked officials to remain in constant touch with peoplenbspYogi also ordered special arrangements for cattle feed purity of drinking water and adequate stock of medicines including antisnake venom and antirabies vaccines in the floodhit villagesnbspHe reiterated that the state government stands with every citizen in this crisis and urged people not to panicnbspFloods have inundated several areas of Ghazipur submerging standing crops and cutting off connecting roadsWaterlogging has blocked the Gahmar bypass forcing residents to rely on boats for commutingnbspIn Zamania tehsil officials held a chaupal to hear villagers grievances while health teams spread awareness about disease prevention and sprayed bleaching powder in affected villagesnbspWith the water level stabilising since Saturday morning after crossing the danger mark on Friday people remain hopeful that the situation will improve in the coming daysFlooding has severely impacted the Sadar Saidpur Zamania Sevrai and Muhammadabad tehsils of the district Hundreds of acres of farmland have been submerged and many connecting roads are now underwater disrupting transportation and daily lifenbspMonsoon has wreaked havoc in Uttar Pradesh this year The flood situation has worsened in many districts At least 43 districts of the state are badly affected due to the floodsnbspThe districts affected by the floods include Ballia Bahraich Badaun Chandauli Farrukhabad Gonda Ghazipur Hardoi Kanpur Kasganj Lakhimpur Kheri Meerut Mirzapur Muzaffarnagar Prayagraj Shahjahanpur Unnao and Varanasi https://dailyworld.in/environment/cm-yogi-conducts-aerial-survey-of-flood-hit-areas-in-up-issues-relief-guidelines-635326.html Sat, 30 Aug 2025 18:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/jammu-floods-private-water-tankers-to-remain-at-disposal-of-jal-shakti-dept-635347.html Jammu Aug 30 District Magistrate DM in JampKs Jammu district on Saturday ordered all private water tankers to remain at the disposal of the Jal Shakti Department in the wake of the situation arising out of floods An order issued by DM Jammu said that floods in Jammu district have disrupted the potable water supply system and the concerned agencies are working for the quick restoration of the potable water supplyThe order said that it has been observed that private water tankers are operating in an unregulated manner leading to arbitrary pricing unequal access and potential distribution of unsafe water thereby endangering public health hygiene and safetyAll private water tankers operating within the territorial jurisdiction of District Jammu are restrained from independently supplying or selling water to any householdcommercial establishment with immediate effect it saidThe order pointed out that all such private water tankers are requisitioned by the district administration Jammu and placed at the disposal of the Jal Shakti PHE department Jammu for regulated and equitable water distributionIt further said that all private borewells drilled in District Jammu for filling of tankers are hereby requisitioned by the District Administration Jammu and placed at the disposal of the Jal Shakti PHE department Jammu with immediate effectThe order directed that all the SDMs are further directed to identify within their respective jurisdictions individualsestablishments running private tankers and to immediately hand over the same to the Jal Shakti PHE department JammuThere is a general crisis of safe drinking water in Jammu district after the recent floods as most safe water supply sources have become muddy and unsafeTen people have been killed and three have gone missing in the landslide and cloudburst that hit Jammu and Kashmirs Reasi and Ramban districts overnightState government officials said that seven people died in a landslide that flattened a residential house in the Mahore area of Reasi district on Friday nightThe officials said that the incident occurred after intense overnight showers lashed the areaThree people died overnight in a cloudburst incident in the Rajgarh area of Ramban in the Jammu divisionAccording to the administration many houses were damaged in the incident with some completely washed away by the force of the floodwatersThe latest disaster added to a series of destructive events in Jammu and Kashmir this month where heavy rain flash floods and landslides have already taken a heavy tollSeveral districts in the Jammu region have witnessed largescale devastation with official reports confirming that more than 46 people have died so far in rainrelated incidentsIn Reasi and Doda districts alone at least 16 people have been killed as heavy rainfall triggered multiple landslides swollen rivers and floodlike conditions that engulfed many villagesOver the past week districts including Jammu Samba and Kathua have also faced severe damage to property and infrastructure IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/jammu-floods-private-water-tankers-to-remain-at-disposal-of-jal-shakti-dept-635347.html Sat, 30 Aug 2025 19:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/tangri-ghaggar-rivers-flow-above-danger-mark-in-haryana-punjab-635137.html Chandigarh Aug 29 Haryana Transport Minister Anil Vij on Friday assessed the rising water levels in the Tangri river in Ambala Cantonment and directed the district administration to evacuate residents living in vulnerable areas In Punjab the Ghaggar river has witnessed a heavy flow of water and floodgates of Chandigarhs manmade Sukhna Lake were opened to flush out excess water The water level of the river crossed the danger mark in the morning with an inflow of 30000 cusecs posing a significant threat to the peopleMinister Vij conducted an inspection of affected areas and issued directions to the administration to take precautionary measures Later interacting with the media he said heavy rainfall in the mountains caused heavy water in the riverToday more than 30000 cusecs of water has entered the river which is significantly above normal levels he saidVij said before the rainy season considerable work was undertaken to deepen the River but due to certain obstacles only 25 per cent of the work was completed The remaining work will resume after the monsoonHe expressed hope that the 30000 cusecs of water will safely pass through Ambala Cantonment but emphasised that the administration remains on high alert given the potential risk He also said that the National Disaster Response Force NDRF has been called for security and boats have been arranged to handle any exigencyIn the previous rainy seasons too the Tangri overflowed several times but the water receded safelyIn neighbouring Punjabs Dera Bassi several villages along the Ghaggar river have been placed on high alert following the water discharge that crossed 70000 cusecs Heavy rainfall has disrupted life across parts of the Panchkula districtIn Khatouli village located near Barwala the road adjoining a local bridge collapsed after heavy water flow eroded the soil underneathIn the Punjab and Haryanas joint capital Chandigarh two of the three Sukhna Lake floodgates were opened as the water level crossed the danger mark of 1163 feet This is the sixth time this year that the floodgates were opened IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/tangri-ghaggar-rivers-flow-above-danger-mark-in-haryana-punjab-635137.html Fri, 29 Aug 2025 18:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/raghav-chaddha-takes-stock-of-flood-hit-regions-of-punjab-distributes-relief-kit-and-ration-635164.html Chandigarh Aug 29 As various districts of Punjab struggle to deal with monsoon deluge on the back of incessant rains Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chaddha on Friday visited many parts of the floodhit regions and took stock of the ground situation The AAP lawmaker elected to the Rajya Sabha from the Punjab Assembly in 2022 visited different parts of Gurdaspur and Dinanagar districts to get a firsthand account of the disruption due to floods He met many floodaffected families and also assured them all possible support as well as the people of the stateThe Rajya Sabha MP also took to his social media handle shared pictures of submerged farmlands and also gave an account of how he and his team worked for long hours to mitigate peoples woes by distributing relief and ration kitsWe distributed relief kits and rations and assured people that repair and rehabilitation work will be taken up he wrote on XHe further informed I will also be allocating funds from my MPLADS fund for the preparation of flood safety measures in vulnerable areas and towards relief work in affected villagesNotably several districts in Punjab are reeling under a flood crisis due to swollen water levels in the Sutlej Ravi and Beas rivers Large tracts of agricultural land and villages have been inundated with water Some videos of devastation in Pathankot due to swollen rivers also circulated on social media igniting a feeling of fear and trepidation among the netizensWhile many families have lost their homes due to relocation to higher reaches livelihoods have seen major disruptionsThe worstaffected districts are Pathankot Gurdaspur Fazilka Amritsar Hoshiarpur and Jalandhar Gurdaspur in particular has been severely affected by floods with evacuation operations going on a war footing Thousands of stranded people have been taken to safer places with the Indian Army BSF NDRF SDRF along with Punjab Police and volunteers evacuating thousands of people from floodhit areasChief Minister Bhagwant Mann also visited floodhit areas in Amritsar recentlyMeanwhile the cabinet ministers and all the MLAs of the state have pledged to donate their one months salary towards floodrelief operations in the state and to offset the immense losses caused due to natures fury IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/raghav-chaddha-takes-stock-of-flood-hit-regions-of-punjab-distributes-relief-kit-and-ration-635164.html Fri, 29 Aug 2025 20:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/raghav-chaddha-takes-stock-of-punjabs-flood-hit-regions-distributes-relief-kit-and-ration-635166.html Chandigarh Aug 29 As various districts of Punjab struggle to deal with monsoon deluge on the back of incessant rains Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chaddha on Friday visited many parts of the floodhit regions and took stock of the ground situation The AAP lawmaker elected to the Rajya Sabha from the Punjab Assembly in 2022 visited different parts of Gurdaspur and Dinanagar districts to get a firsthand account of the disruption due to floods He met many floodaffected families and also assured them all possible support as well as the people of the stateThe Rajya Sabha MP also took to his social media handle shared pictures of submerged farmlands and also gave an account of how he and his team worked for long hours to mitigate peoples woes by distributing relief and ration kitsWe distributed relief kits and rations and assured people that repair and rehabilitation work will be taken up he wrote on XHe further informed I will also be allocating funds from my MPLADS fund for the preparation of flood safety measures in vulnerable areas and towards relief work in affected villagesNotably several districts in Punjab are reeling under a flood crisis due to swollen water levels in the Sutlej Ravi and Beas rivers Large tracts of agricultural land and villages have been inundated with water Some videos of devastation in Pathankot due to swollen rivers also circulated on social media igniting a feeling of fear and trepidation among the netizensWhile many families have lost their homes due to relocation to higher reaches livelihoods have seen major disruptionsThe worstaffected districts are Pathankot Gurdaspur Fazilka Amritsar Hoshiarpur and Jalandhar Gurdaspur in particular has been severely affected by floods with evacuation operations going on a war footing Thousands of stranded people have been taken to safer places with the Indian Army BSF NDRF SDRF along with Punjab Police and volunteers evacuating thousands of people from floodhit areasChief Minister Bhagwant Mann also visited floodhit areas in Amritsar recentlyMeanwhile the cabinet ministers and all the MLAs of the state have pledged to donate their one months salary towards floodrelief operations in the state and to offset the immense losses caused due to natures fury IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/raghav-chaddha-takes-stock-of-punjabs-flood-hit-regions-distributes-relief-kit-and-ration-635166.html Fri, 29 Aug 2025 20:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/aap-govt-failed-to-provide-relief-in-flood-hit-areas-punjab-bjp-635179.html Chandigarh Aug 29 Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar on Friday visited the floodaffected Ajnala Assembly constituency and met with people to listen to their problems Jakhar accused the state government of failing to provide relief and assistance in floodaffected areas holding it directly responsible for the massive losses in states border regions He said his visit was not for political purposes but to remind the government of its responsibilities and to support the flood victims The BJP has postponed its facilitation camps due to the severity of the floods as we stand shouldertoshoulder with Punjabs floodaffected people in this hour of grief he said Do not forget Punjab This disaster is a result of the Punjab governments failure People in floodaffected areas are neither getting rations nor fuel for draining water nor any government assistance The government is only indulging in publicity He further said social organizations religious groups and ordinary Punjabis have stepped forward to help the flood victims while the government has proven entirely ineffective Warning the Chief Minister Jakhar said Take up your responsibility you will be held accountable later Jakhar said the Central government has released Rs 229 crore out of the allocated Rs 611 crore for disaster management in Punjab but the state government has failed to utilise these funds effectively He questioned Where has this money been spent The government neither made arrangements nor held preparatory meetings Jakhar also blamed uncontrolled mining in border areas for the devastation He said Due to mining embankments broke causing significant damage in Pathankot Gurdaspur and Ajnala constituencies Jakhar assured that the Central government stands with people as Punjab is an integral part of the country He suggested the Chief Minister could seek any assistance from the Centre as its doors are always open Jakhar highlighted the floods have completely destroyed the paddy crop and wheat sowing will also be impossible causing significant economic losses for farmers He urged the state government to immediately start relief and rehabilitation efforts in the floodaffected areas IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/aap-govt-failed-to-provide-relief-in-flood-hit-areas-punjab-bjp-635179.html Fri, 29 Aug 2025 21:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/army-rescues-eight-people-trapped-in-telangana-floods-635187.html Hyderabad Aug 29 The Army safely rescued eight people trapped in floodwaters in Medak district of Telangana on Friday an official statement said A column of the Bison Division operating under the aegis of Headquarters Telangana and Andhra Sub Area HQ TASA successfully completed the rescue operationEight people were trapped after the overflow of Pocharam Reservoir triggered a deluge and led to the catastrophic collapse of a bridge on the state highwayThe rescued individuals were administered first aid and provided with essential medical care Furthermore a major breakthrough was achieved with the rescue of eight missing children from Kamareddy reuniting them with their relieved families a defence release saidThe army is working in close coordination with the civil administration and the State Disaster Response Force SDRF to provide critical support to those affected by the floods With its expertise and resources the army column is tirelessly striving to mitigate the impact of the disaster and restore normalcy in the region it saidThe armys prompt and selfless response is a testament to its unwavering commitment to serving the nation and its people in times of crisis The Bison Division Army Column under HQ Telangana amp Andhra Sub Area remains steadfast in its resolve to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief upholding the values of duty compassion and service to the nation it addedTelanganas Fire Disaster Response Emergency and Civil Defence Department said it rescued 1646 people in floodhit districts during the last three daysThe department with the help of the SDRF and local fire station crew rescued these people in 31 separate operations in Kamareddy Medak Nizamabad Jagtial Rajanna Sircilla and Nirmal districtsFive of these people were rescued by armed forces helicopters in the Rajanna Sircilla district At Mid Manir these five persons were stranded on the other side of Narmala Vagu The crew of Siricilla Fire Station provided assistance to the helicopter team and the rescue operation was successfully carried out IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/army-rescues-eight-people-trapped-in-telangana-floods-635187.html Fri, 29 Aug 2025 22:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/climate-change-impacting-india-severely-moonshot-tech-key-for-sustainable-development-niti-aayog-635009.html New Delhi Aug 29 Even as climate change is severely impacting India the need is to explore moonshot technologies for sustainable development said BVR Subrahmanyam CEO NITI Aayog He was speaking at the highlevel workshop cohosted by the NITI Aayog the Council on Energy Environment and Water CEEW and the Centre for Social and Economic Progress CSEP hereThe workshop which brought together senior policymakers scientists and thought leaders deliberated on the need for India to evaluate research risks and governance of geoengineering to stand up against the challenges brought by climate changeIndias development journey is unprecedented our economy growing while pursuing a lowcarbon and sustainable path This transition will be energyintensive yet we are progressing steadily on our NDCs and promoting policies such as Mission LiFE Climate change is impacting India severely even as many large emitters are not moving fast enough on their energy transitions said SubrahmanyamMitigation should remain the foremost global responsibility but we must also keep researching other technologies That requires India to also explore some moonshot technologies to ensure that we not only keep pace but set the trend for sustainable development in the decades to come he addedThe workshop also featured thematic sessions on Indias carbon dioxide removal pathways and the governance dilemmas posed by solar radiation managementIndia must develop in a nonlinear manner decarbonising without deindustrialising While research on climate engineering has grown the wider conversation on the governance of climatealtering technologies must also keep pace Climate geoengineering with implications for planetaryscale impacts demands far greater collaboration between governments researchers and scientists across borders Equity and climate justice must remain at the centre of global decisions said Dr Arunabha Ghosh FounderCEO CEEWGeoengineering refers to largescale interventions in the Earths climate system to intentionally cool the planet or remove greenhouse gases GHGs from the atmosphereGeoengineering raises profound questions of science sovereignty and society India must engage early invest in strategic research and ensure that any pathway we consider is aligned with democratic oversight and national interest This also means assessing the technoeconomics of options designing institutions that can manage longterm risks and recognising the stakes for water security agriculture and livelihoods in a monsoondependent nation said Dr Laveesh Bhandari President and Senior Fellow CSEP IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/climate-change-impacting-india-severely-moonshot-tech-key-for-sustainable-development-niti-aayog-635009.html Fri, 29 Aug 2025 11:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/tn-health-department-issues-advisory-after-amoebic-encephalitis-cases-reported-in-kerala-634881.html Chennai Aug 28 Following cases of amoebic encephalitis being reported in neighbouring Kerala the Tamil Nadu government on Thursday advised the public to avoid unsafe water sources such as ponds puddles and poorlymaintained swimming pools Health Minister Ma Subramanian said the rare but deadly infection Primary Amoebic MeningoEncephalitis PAM is caused by the amoeba Naegleria fowleri which thrives in stagnant and polluted waterWhen contaminated water enters through the nose the amoeba can reach the brain causing meningitis and leading to fatalities However the disease is not contagious so there is no need for panic the minister told reportersHe pointed out that Kerala had reported 18 cases with patients under treatment Common symptoms of the infection include severe headache fever vomiting neck pain seizures and confusionSubramanian urged people in Tamil Nadu to exercise caution and avoid bathing in unsafe water bodiesThe Minister also briefed the media on the health condition of veteran Communist leader R Nallakannu who is undergoing treatment at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital RGGGHThe 101yearold was admitted on August 24 with breathing difficulties Doctors detected food particles lodged in his respiratory tract which were cleared through bronchoscopy He was placed on respiratory support and antibioticsWhile his condition initially improved Nallakannu again developed breathing problems on August 27 and remains under close observationA medical team comprising specialists from RGGGH and private hospitals is monitoring him round the clock We request the public and political leaders not to visit him directly as he requires rest and intensive care Subramanian saidOn other public health concerns the Minister said that the state is taking measures to curb stray dog bites through sterilisation drives and by setting up shelters He also highlighted that antirabies vaccines and antisnake venom are now being supplied even at primary health centres to ensure easy access for rural populationsReiterating the governments commitment to safeguarding public health Subramanian urged citizens to follow advisories and remain vigilant particularly during the monsoon season when waterborne infections tend to rise IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/tn-health-department-issues-advisory-after-amoebic-encephalitis-cases-reported-in-kerala-634881.html Thu, 28 Aug 2025 19:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/telangana-cm-conducts-aerial-survey-of-flood-hit-districts-634923.html Hyderabad Aug 28 Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Thursday conducted aerial survey of floodhit areas in Peddapalli Kamareddy and Medak district Accompanied by Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy and state Congress president and MLC Mahesh Kumar Goud the Chief Minister also visited Sripada Yellampalli ProjectThe Chief Minister was scheduled to land in Kamareddy to hold a review meeting on flood situation However the helicopter could not land there due to bad weather He held the review meeting in MedakThe helicopter landed at the helipad near Goliwada Pump House in Peddapalli district He inspected the Sripada Yellampalli Reservoir Project at AnthargamHe reviewed the flood inflows current water storage levels and the quantum of water being released downstream He directed officials to ensure strict maintenance of the project and to take necessary steps to achieve full water storage by the end of the flood seasonThe Chief Minister also ordered immediate measures to evacuate people from lowlying areas to safer locations as water levels continue to riseRecalling that Congress government in united Andhra Pradesh had originally constructed the Yellampalli Project as a key junction for optimum utilisation of Godavari waters the Chief Minister said that experts and engineers recommendations will be sought to examine repair and restoration possibilities of Medigadda Annaram and Sundilla projects of KaleshwaramHeavy rains since Tuesday night under the impact of lowpressure area wreaked havoc in Kamareddy and Medak districtMeanwhile the state government said six persons were missing while 1444 people were rescued from floodaffected areasFire Disaster Response Emergency and Civil Defence Department rescued people trapped in floods with the help of State Disaster Response Force SDRF and crew of local fire stations Most of the people were rescued in worstaffected districts of Kamareddy and MedakChief Secretary K Ramakrishna Rao has directed officials of the concerned departments to submit reports with estimates of losses due to heavy rains and floodsHe held a teleconference with special chief secretaries chief secretaries and secretaries of various departmentsThe Chief Secretary stated that heavy rains and floods have caused huge losses especially in the districts of Nirmal Medak Kamareddy and Sircilla He wanted officials to immediately submit preliminary reports on the damages due to heavy rains and floods IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/telangana-cm-conducts-aerial-survey-of-flood-hit-districts-634923.html Thu, 28 Aug 2025 21:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/rajasthan-sees-record-rainfall-over-53-pc-above-seasonal-average-634686.html Jaipur Aug 28 Rajasthan has witnessed an exceptionally heavy monsoon this year recording 52860 mm of rainfall so far which is 5333 per cent more than the normal average In view of the situation Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has directed largescale relief and rescue operations in areas affected by floodingSo far 792 people have been rescued safely across the state said officials on ThursdayTeams of NDRF SDRF and Civil Defence have so far safely rescued people stranded due to heavy rains A total of 57 SDRF teams and seven NDRF teams are continuously active in the affected regions working round the clock Indian Air Force helicopters have also been deployed for airlifting people from severely affected areasCivil Defence teams are providing additional support on the ground As per SDRF norms in cases of death due to drowning lightning or other rainrelated causes financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh is being provided to the dependents of the deceasedRelief camps have been set up to provide temporary shelter to displaced families while surveys of damaged houses and public buildings are being conducted This monsoon season till August 26 the state has received 52860 mm of rainfall which is 5333 per cent more than the normal average of 34474 mmChief Minister is personally monitoring the situation and has directed administrative officers to remain on high alert He has also instructed NDRF SDRF and the police administration to ensure maximum preparedness and extend every possible help to the affected peopleMeanwhile Rainfall activities have continued across Rajasthan as a wellmarked lowpressure area has formed over the Bay of Bengal off the Odisha coast According to the Meteorological MeT Centre Jaipur the system is expected to move gradually northwest in the next 24 hours bringing more showers to the stateOn Thursday light to moderate rain is likely in several districts while parts of southern Rajasthan may experience moderate to heavy downpoursThe weather department has predicted that rain activity will intensify from August 29 to 30 particularly in Kota and Udaipur divisions where heavy rain is expected at isolated places Also parts of the Jodhpur and Bikaner divisions may witness moderate to heavy rainfallLooking ahead the MeT office has said that rainfall activity is likely to persist across most regions of Rajasthan during the first week of September except for some areas along the border IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/rajasthan-sees-record-rainfall-over-53-pc-above-seasonal-average-634686.html Thu, 28 Aug 2025 09:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/heavy-rain-wreaks-havoc-in-rajasthan-schools-colleges-closed-in-jodhpur-today-634693.html Jaipur Aug 28 In view of heavy rainfall and waterlogging in Jodhpur the district administration has declared a holiday for students in all educational institutions including schools and colleges on Thursday District Collector Gaurav Agarwal issued the order late Wednesday under Sections 30 and 34 of the Disaster Management Act 2005The decision follows heavy rainfall on August 27 which caused severe waterlogging in several areasAccording to the Meteorological Department moderate to heavy rainfall is also expected in the coming hours which could further aggravate the situationAs per the order all government and private schools coaching institutes and Anganwadi centres will remain closed for studentsHowever teachers officers and staff members are required to attend and perform their scheduled duties as usual The administration has urged parents to avoid sending children outdoors unnecessarily and to take all necessary precautions to ensure safety during the ongoing rain and waterloggingCopies of the Collectors order have been circulated to the Divisional Commissioner CEO of the District Council Deputy Director of the Women and Child Development Department Chief District Education Officer subdivision officers tehsildars and Civil Defence officials They have been instructed to comply with the order and remain on alert strictlyRajasthan has witnessed an exceptionally heavy monsoon this year recording 52860 mm of rainfall so far which is 5333 per cent more than the normal averageIn view of the situation Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has directed largescale relief and rescue operations in areas affected by floodingSo far 792 people have been rescued safely across the state said officials on ThursdayOn Thursday light to moderate rain is likely in several districts while parts of southern Rajasthan may experience moderate to heavy downpoursThe weather department has predicted that rain activity will intensify from August 29 to 30 particularly in Kota and Udaipur divisions where heavy rain is expected at isolated places Also parts of the Jodhpur and Bikaner divisions may witness moderate to heavy rainfall IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/heavy-rain-wreaks-havoc-in-rajasthan-schools-colleges-closed-in-jodhpur-today-634693.html Thu, 28 Aug 2025 10:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/short-spell-of-rain-lashes-gujarat-634699.html Gandhinagar Aug 28 A short spell of rainfall lashed several parts of Gujarat on Thursday with Panchmahal recording the highest According to data from the State Emergency Operation Centre Gandhinagar Morwa Hadaf taluka in Panchmahal received 20 mm 079 inch rainfall the highest in the state during the twohour period 6 am to 8 amSurats Umarpada received 17 mm 067 inch of rain while Idar in Sabarkantha received 13 mm 051 inchOther areas including Kamrej 9 mm Olpad 8 mm Valia in Bharuch 7 mm and Himatnagar in Sabarkantha 4 mm also recorded measurable showersAhmedabad city and its nearby talukas such as Sanand and Bavla witnessed only 13 mm of rainfall The rainfall activity was scattered across central south and eastern Gujarat covering districts like Dahod Tapi Bhavnagar Navsari and the Dangs though in smaller amounts ranging from 1 to 4 mmOfficials said the rainfall is expected to provide relief to farmers in raindependent areas while also slightly improving water levels in local reservoirsHowever the showers remained below heavy rainfall levels offering only moderate respite amid the ongoing monsoon seasonThe SEOC continues to monitor rainfall patterns closely with updates being issued regularly to track the impact across districtsGujarat has witnessed a robust monsoon this year with rainfall levels reaching close to the seasonal average well before SeptemberAccording to the SEOC and IMD data by Wednesday the state had recorded nearly 85 per cent of its annual average rainfall with North Gujarat 888 per cent and South Gujarat 884 per cent leading in coverageOfficials said the widespread and timely rain has eased concerns over water availability for both agriculture and drinking purposes across the stateThe monsoon began on a strong note with Gujarat receiving about 30 per cent of its seasonal rainfall by June 27 marking the fastest accumulation in a decade This early surge which totalled nearly 257 mm was 135 per cent above the longterm average for that period By midJuly the state had already received 450 mm of rainfall or 51 per cent of its seasonal quota providing muchneeded relief for sowing in rainfed areasThe momentum continued into August with the state recording 555 mm of rainfall by August 1 covering almost 63 per cent of the seasonal requirement Regionwise data showed that South Gujarat had already crossed 997 mm 67 per cent while EastCentral Gujarat Saurashtra and Kutch recorded between 5065 per cent of their averages by that time The rainfall also boosted reservoir levels improving the water storage situation across major damsAugust further consolidated the states monsoon tally with 21 per cent of seasonal rainfall recorded in the month alone up to August 24 including a sharp 15 per cent contribution in just the last weekFarmers welcomed these showers particularly in raindependent districts as they replenished soil moisture and stabilised kharif cropsOfficials noted that while the rain was widespread its intensity remained moderate to heavy in select pockets preventing largescale flooding while still ensuring adequate replenishment IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/short-spell-of-rain-lashes-gujarat-634699.html Thu, 28 Aug 2025 10:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/telanganas-kamareddy-medak-receive-highest-rainfall-in-50-years-634768.html Hyderabad Aug 28 Kamareddy and Medak districts of Telangana received the highest rainfall in the last 50 years state government officials said on Thursday The two districts witnessed unprecedented rain during the last 24 hours triggering flash floodsWhile Argonda station at Rajampet mandal in Kamareddy received 44 cm of rain a total of 23 locations received more than 20 cm of rainfall These include 10 stations in Kamareddy four in Nirmal six in Medak and the remaining in Nizamabad and SiddipetThis has been the heaviest downpour in such a short span in the last 50 yearsA total of 15 State Disaster Response Force SDRF teams and five National Disaster Response Force NDRF teams are engaged in rescue and relief operations in the affected districts In addition about 100 Army personnel from the TASA unit Hyderabad are engaged in rescue and relief in Medak DistrictDue to heavy rainfall in Kamareddy district six mandals have been severely affected by floods namely Kamareddy Bibipet Rajampet Nizamsagar Yellareddy and Machareddy With the coordination of all concerned departments more than 500 people have been rescued so farState Disaster Response Force team rescued nine workers at Boggu Gudise and another five people at Gunkal Village A person died in a wall collapse A car with two people got washed in Neelakatta vagu DomakondaThe railway track has caved in at Rameshwarpally in Bhiknoor mandal forcing authorities to stop train movement until further orders In Kamareddy town the Housing Board Colony GR Colony Teachers Colony and Sarampally ST Residential School areas are among the worst affectedThe officials said food and other essential supplies are being provided to the affected peopleRescue operations were on with the help of SDRF and NDRF teams Evacuation operation is going on in the affected villagers of Nizamsagar and Pocharam damsHyderabadNagpur National Highway NH44 caved in at least three places and as a result vehicles in both directions have been divertedHaveli Ghanpur Papannapet Ramayampet Shankarampet A and Nizampet are the worstaffected mandals in MedakAccording to the officials water is overflowing on 47 roads 23 culvertscauseways and 15 bridges where traffic on either side has been blocked by barricading and Joint teams from Police Revenue and Panchayat are monitoring these places At 16 places tanks have breached and all the affected villages have been alerted and are under constant vigilNDRF and SDRF teams have successfully rescued five persons stranded at the Animal Birth Control Centre at Medak Municipal dump yardOne person was stranded on the top of a car near Nakkavagu surrounded by water from all sides The NDRF Team has successfully rescued himAround 11 people stranded on the Wadi Bridge have been successfully rescued A total of 350 SC Womens degree college students were rescued and shifted to a safe place in Ramayampet Another 80 students from Ramayampet SC girls hostel were rescued and shifted to a safe placeAround 53 families of people from lowlying areas in Ramayampet and Medak Municipalities and other places have been rescued and shifted to Rehabilitation centres Around 375 members from Sardhana Village which may be affected by flows from the Pocharam project have been shifted to rehabilitation camps arranged at Medak Municipality as a precautionary measureTwo people while trying to cross the Rajpet bridge were swept away due to the heavy flow of the Gandari Vagu A large extent of the agricultural fields in the district has been inundated A detailed assessment of crop damage is being doneRoads culverts causeways and bridges were damaged at 85 locations The railway track at Shamnapur on the Akkanpet Ramayampet line was damaged and trains on this line have been cancelled IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/telanganas-kamareddy-medak-receive-highest-rainfall-in-50-years-634768.html Thu, 28 Aug 2025 15:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/two-defence-choppers-rescue-five-men-trapped-in-telangana-floods-634791.html Hyderabad Aug 28 Two armed forces helicopters rescued five villagers trapped in floods in Telanganas Rajanna Sircilla district on Thursday The villagers were stranded in the floods near the Upper Maneru Project in Gambhiraopet Mandal since WednesdayThe helicopters were deployed for the rescue operation after Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar made a request to Defence Minister Rajnath SinghThe Defence Minister responded immediately and directed defence officials to send helicopters for the rescue missionSanjay Kumar thanked Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for their swift response in deploying helicopters and to IAF Air Commodore VS Saini and team for their efficient coordination of the operationHe had earlier reached out to Defence Ministry officials regarding the movement of armed forces helicopters to Telangana and requested their deployment at the earliest to strengthen rescue operationsAir Commodore Saini and Group Captain Chattopadhyaya assured that three helicopters were ready but explained that continuous heavy rains were affecting their movement to the affected areas They also informed him that efforts were underway to mobilise choppers from alternative stations like Nanded and BidarSanjay Kumar said the two helicopters will remain stationed at Sircilla to provide immediate assistance as requiredThe minister on Wednesday spoke to one of the trapped persons over the phone and assured full support to rescue themThese men had gone to graze cattle but were stranded in floods Collector Sandeep Kumar Jha and SP Mahesh B Gite said that essential food items were delivered to the trapped men using dronesThe Union Minister said that National Disaster Response Force NDRF teams were extending full cooperation to the Telangana government in evacuation and relief effortsMeanwhile Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha visited floodaffected areas in Ramayampet in Medak district He met the victims and inspected submerged coloniesHe directed officials to shift people to safer places and provide essentials like food clothes and bed sheetsRescue teams of revenue police and disaster management officials saved 60 people trapped in floods IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/two-defence-choppers-rescue-five-men-trapped-in-telangana-floods-634791.html Thu, 28 Aug 2025 16:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/eight-men-trapped-in-telangana-floods-airlifted-634805.html Hyderabad Aug 28 Two helicopters of the Indian Air Force rescued eight villagers trapped in floods in Rajanna Sircilla district on Thursday The villagers were stranded in the floods near the Upper Maneru Project Gambhiraopet Mandal since WednesdayArvind Kumar Special Chief Secretary Disaster Management Government of Telangana said the eight men who were stranded for over 26 hours were successfully airlifted by Indian Air Force IAF helicoptersHe said the state government coordinated closely with the Union Minister of State for Home General Officer Commanding GOC of Telangana and Andhra Sub Area TASA and Air Force Station HakimpetUnion Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar had requested Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to send IAF helicopters for the relief and rescue operationsBandi Sanjay thanked Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for their swift response in deploying helicopters He also thanked IAF Commodore VS Saini and team for their efficient coordination of the operationBandi Sanjay had earlier reached out to Defence Ministry officials regarding the movement of Army helicopters to Telangana and requested their deployment at the earliest to strengthen rescue operationsThe Central minister said the two helicopters will remain stationed at Sircilla to provide immediate assistance as requiredHe spoke to one of the trapped persons over the phone on Wednesday and assured full support to rescue themThese men had gone to graze cattle but were stranded in floodsCollector Sandeep Kumar Jha and SP Mahesh B Gite said that essential food items were delivered using drones to the trapped menThe Minister of State said National Disaster Response Force NDRF teams were extending full cooperation to the Telangana government in evacuation and relief effortsMeanwhile State Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha visited floodaffected areas in Ramayampet in Medak district He met the victims and inspected submerged coloniesHe directed officials to shift people to safer places and provide essentials like food clothes and bed sheetsRescue teams of Revenue Police and Disaster Management saved 60 people trapped in floods IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/eight-men-trapped-in-telangana-floods-airlifted-634805.html Thu, 28 Aug 2025 17:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/heavy-rain-in-parts-of-telangana-cm-puts-administration-on-alert-634504.html Hyderabad Aug 27 Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Wednesday placed the entire state administration on high alert as heavy rain has been lashing parts of Telangana since Tuesday night inundating lowlying areas and snapping road connectivity to several villages Rivulets lakes and ponds were overflowing due to heavy downpour flooding the roads and villages in lowlying areasHeavy to very heavy rains in Medak and Sangareddy districts resulted in inundation of residential areas in some pockets Few roads were damaged disrupting the vehicular trafficWater was flowing over the NarayankhedKangti road bringing the traffic to a halt A culvert was washed away near Lakshmapur village in Kamareddy districtPeddashankarampet in Medak district received the highest rainfall of 204 cm since last night Tekmal recorded 201 and Ramayampet 179 cm of rainfallHeavy rains have dampened Ganesh Chaturthi festivities The installation of idols in various towns and villages was affected by the downpourModerate rain has also been lashing parts of Greater Hyderabad since Tuesday night The rains disrupted Ganesh Chaturthi festivities here alsoChief Minister Revanth Reddy has directed the officials to evacuate those living in old houses and shift them to safer areas The officials of the electricity department were ordered to take all precautionary measures in the supply of power ensuring the safety of devotees visiting the Ganesh pandals during the festivitiesThe Chief Minister directed Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Production Agency HYDRAA Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation GHMC State Disaster Response Force SDRF Fire Services and Police departments to coordinate with each other and prevent trouble for people during heavy rainsIn view of heavy inflows on lowlying causeways culverts rivulets and streams the Chief Minister ordered the officials to stop the vehicle movement on such flooded areasThe Chief Minister suggested that the Irrigation department take precautionary measures at ponds and other water bodies which are prone to breaches due to heavy inflowsSince there is a high risk of epidemics the Chief Minister also ordered the sanitation staff of the Municipal Corporations Municipalities and Gram Panchayats to be on high alert and remove stagnant water regularlyThe Medical and Health authorities were instructed to stockpile adequate medicines in the hospitals and organise medical camps in the floodaffected areas to prevent communicable diseasesThe IMD has forecast heavy rainfall at isolated places in Jayashankar Bhupalpally Mulugu Bhadradri Kothagudem Hanumakonda Jangaon Karimnagar Khammam Komaram Bheem Asifabad Mancherial Nalgonda Peddapalli Suryapet Warangal Mahabubabad and Yadadri Bhuvanagiri districts of Telangana on WednesdayThunderstorm accompanied by lightning and gusty winds 3040 kmph is very likely to occur at isolated places in all districts of Telangana the IMD said in a bulletin IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/heavy-rain-in-parts-of-telangana-cm-puts-administration-on-alert-634504.html Wed, 27 Aug 2025 11:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/govt-working-on-mission-to-curb-greenhouse-gas-emissions-niti-aayog-634505.html New Delhi Aug 27 The Union Government is finalising the roadmap and outlay for Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage CCUS mission to curb greenhouse gas emissions and support netzero goals by 2070 according to Rajnath Ram advisor for energy natural resources and environment Niti Aayog We are working on finalising the mission roadmap Discussions are also on to finalise the total outlay Niti Aayog official said at an eventHe also called for longterm supply contracts for liquefied natural gas LNG to boost gas consumption to 180200 billion cubic meters by 2030 aiming for a 15 per cent energy mix share This requires a two to threefold increase in LNG consumptionCarbon Capture Utilisation and Storage CCUS is a process that captures carbon dioxide CO2 from industrial sources and power plants before it enters the atmosphere Captured CO2 is transported for use in products like chemicals building materials or fuels or it is permanently stored in underground geological formations such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs or saline aquifersTo increase LNG consumption and long term supplies Ram called for a nationwide survey of geographical basins to map existing resources and reduce import dependence At the domestic front we have to tie up at mass level for CBG compressed biogas he addedBC Tripathi former chairman and managing director of GAIL stated that Indias gas pipeline network though large in scale operates at approximately 5055 per cent capacity The transport sector can be a major area of gas demand which would help in reducing the use of diesel and carbon emissions he saidRajarshi Gupta MD of ONGC Videsh Ltd said that discussions are ongoing regarding different and innovative models for gas sourcing ONGC plans to source approximately five million tonnes of LNG from multiple sources a combination of Henry Hub and crudebased LNG IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/govt-working-on-mission-to-curb-greenhouse-gas-emissions-niti-aayog-634505.html Wed, 27 Aug 2025 11:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/hundreds-of-villages-in-punjab-inundated-impacting-life-and-crops-634515.html Chandigarh Aug 27 Hundreds of villages in Punjab along the swollen Satluj Beas and Ravi rivers were flooded on Wednesday severely affecting life and damaging crops after the floodgates of the Bhakra and Pong dams were opened The inflow into these reservoirs had alarmingly increased due to torrential rains in their catchment areas mainly Himachal Pradesh Rescue and evacuation of people are currently underway by teams of the National Disaster Response Force NDRF The worstaffected districts are Pathankot Gurdaspur Fazilka Amritsar Hoshiarpur and JalandharAuthorities however said the inflow in the reservoirs declined significantly compared to Tuesday with the decline in the rainfall activityThe flood gates of both dams which serve the irrigation requirements of Punjab Haryana and Rajasthan were opened to lower the reservoir levelWith the opening of the floodgates a floodlike situation prevailed mainly in Punjabs Ropar Anandpur Sahib and Hoshiarpur districts and Himachals Kangra districtIn Punjab the inundation of villages has been reported second time within a month severely impacting the standing cropsOwing to heavy rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh for the past many days the situation in villages situated along the IndiaPakistan border in Pathankot district has become critical The increased flow of water in the Ujh and the Ravi rivers has submerged the PathankotJammu highwayThe crucial Lakhanpur bridge connecting Punjab to Jammu has also been damaged by the floodwaterPunjab Chief Minister Bhagwant will visit Pathankot and Gurdaspur later in the day to take stock of the situation in floodaffected areasThe government has announced that all primary secondary and senior secondary schools both government and private will be closed across the state till August 30 due to heavy rainfallThe India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for rainfall in five districts Pathankot Gurdaspur Barnala Sangrur and MansaAmritsar Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney visited floodhit villages in Ajnala and assessed the situation She appealed to the people not to panic and assured all helpThe government has issued directions to local administration and officials concerned to maintain roundtheclock presence at the ground level to continue rescue and relief operations on a war footing in floodaffected areasSimultaneously all leaves for officers and staff have been cancelledWater Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal and Food and Civil Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak visited floodaffected areas on Tuesday in Pathankot and Gurdaspur districtsThe government said the situation in Pathankot and Gurdaspur districts aggravated after continuous rainfall this week in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh which led to a rise in water level in the Ranjit Sagar Dam near the maximum capacityThe water released from the overflowing dam has significantly elevated water levels in the Ravi River according to the government Besides the Ujh and Jalalia rivers are experiencing unprecedented flow submerging most villages in the Narot Jaimal Singh and Bamial blocks in Pathankot IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/hundreds-of-villages-in-punjab-inundated-impacting-life-and-crops-634515.html Wed, 27 Aug 2025 12:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/snowfall-in-summer-kiren-rijiju-shares-stunning-ladakh-experience-634527.html Leh Aug 27 Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju currently on a visit to Ladakh was left delighted and thrilled as he witnessed the seasons snowfall in the mountainous reaches of Kargil on Wednesday The Union Minister was pleasantly surprised to see the snowfall in August a month when the rest of the country continues to grapple with heat and sweat He took to his social media handle on X to share the pictures of snow draping him and the fellow dignitaries in whiteRijiju also thanked the local residents of Ladakh Suru valley in particular for giving him a grand welcome and extending warm hospitality during the Suru Summer festivalThe Union Minister visited Ladakh at the invitation of Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor CEC LAHDC Kargil Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon to attend the Suru Summer festival in Suru Valley slated for August 26 as the chief guestAfter attending the festivities he said that he will cherish the memories of Suru Valley forever and thanked people for extending love and affection to himThank you for so much love and affection at Suru Summer Festival Saw firstever snowfall in Summer he wrote in a post on XSharing pictures of the summer snowfall he wrote First time in my life Ive seen so much snowfall in August Attended the Vibrant Suru Summer Festival at Namsuru Village in Suru Valley Kargil Ladakh along with Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Kavinder Gupta ChairmanCEC LAHDC Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon and other esteemed dignitaries A celebration of Ladakhs natural beauty vibrant culture amp spirit of adventureNotably Suru Summer Festival is a wonderful celebration of Ladakhs living traditions and thriving tourism potential Its vibrant spirit truly reinforces why Suru Valley has earned a global spotlight The fresh snowfall made the celebrations even more magicalWhile parts of Jammu and Kashmir are witnessing incessant bouts of rainfall Ladakh saw the seasons first snowfall coinciding with the Suru Summer festival Many parts of Ladakh including Leh Kargil and Drass witnessed snowfall officials said IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/snowfall-in-summer-kiren-rijiju-shares-stunning-ladakh-experience-634527.html Wed, 27 Aug 2025 13:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/family-of-four-killed-in-bastar-as-car-swept-away-in-jheeram-ghati-amid-heavy-rains-634565.html Jagdalpur Chhattisgarh Aug 27 Incessant rains have wreaked havoc in Chhattisgarhs Bastar claiming four lives after a car was swept away in Jheeram Ghati officials said on Wednesday The victims a couple and their two children from Tamil Nadu died after their vehicle was washed away while trying to cross the swollen Jheeram Nala on National Highway 30According to officials the incident occurred on Tuesday when a car carrying five people attempted to cross the flooded stretch While the driver managed to save himself by jumping out the family was trapped inside and swept away by the strong currentAfter an 18hourlong rescue operation by the district administration and the State Disaster Response Force SDRF the car was recovered on Wednesday with all four bodies insideOfficials said the bodies have been shifted to Jagdalpur Medical College and the familys relatives have been informedContinuous downpour has led to the Sabari River overflowing forcing the closure of traffic at several points along NH30 which connects Jagdalpur to SukmaWith medical facilities disrupted officials said helicopters may have to be used in emergencies Many stranded travellers were forced to spend the night on the roadside after roads were suddenly blockedChief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai currently on a Japan tour expressed concern and reviewed the situation over the phone with Revenue Secretary Reena Baba Saheb Kangale and Bastar Divisional Commissioner Doman SinghHe later posted on X that relief and rescue operations are being carried out with full readiness and that people are being evacuated from the lowlying areasPublic safety is our top priority I have instructed administrative officials and SDRF to remain on high alert and provide assistance to those affected as required the CM saidMeanwhile a long traffic jam has left over 2000 passengers stranded on the roadsReports from various locations indicate that several houses have collapsed resulting in the deaths of two villagers and injuries to many othersThe injured have been taken to hospitals despite challenging conditionsIn Bijapur district the situation remains equally dire The Indravati River is in full spate causing widespread disruption Numerous roads are closed and at least 100 villages in the Cherpal area have been cut off from the district headquarters More than 20 houses have collapsed in this region alone IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/family-of-four-killed-in-bastar-as-car-swept-away-in-jheeram-ghati-amid-heavy-rains-634565.html Wed, 27 Aug 2025 15:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/india-has-5675-lakhs-registered-evs-till-february-2025-govt-634573.html New Delhi Aug 27 India has been making significant progress in the transition to green energy and electrification as the nation has a total of 5675 lakh registered electric vehicles EVs till February this year according to government data In FY25 electric twowheeler e2W sales hit 1149 lakh units up 21 per cent from the previous years 948 lakh the data showedThese figures signal a rapidly accelerating shift towards cleaner more sustainable mobility on Indian roads as the government has set a vision of 30 per cent EV penetration by 2030 in alignment with the global EV3030 initiativeFlagship initiatives like Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles II FAME II PM EDrive Production Linked Incentive PLI schemes and PM eBus Sewa are steering investment localisation and largescale EV adoption in the countryBuilding on the momentum of the previous phase FAMEII shifted gears injecting bold investments for the transition to electric mobility supporting 1629600 units of EV including twowheelers 3wheelers 4wheelers and eBusesLaunched in April 2019 FAME India PhaseII came with a budget of Rs 11500 croreTo back the EV adoption the Ministry of Heavy Industries approved Rs 800 crore in March 2023 for three oil companies Indian Oil Corporation Bharat Petroleum Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation to set up 7432 public charging stations at their fuel outlets across IndiaIn March 2024 an additional Rs 7350 crore was sanctioned to upgrade 980 charging stations with 400 more sanctioned through Expressions of Interest in various statesA total of Rs 91250 crore has been sanctioned for the installation of 9332 EV PCS out of which 8885 EV PCS have been installed as on June 30 2025 marking a major step towards empowering the nations electric mobility infrastructureMeanwhile the PLI scheme is fueling Indias ambition to become a global hub for advanced automotive technologies putting homegrown innovation in the drivers seatLaunched in September 2021 the PLI Scheme for the automobile and auto component industry brings a budget of Rs 25938 crore to boost domestic manufacturing of Advanced Automotive Technologies AATAs of March 2025 the scheme has attracted Rs 29576 crore in cumulative investment and created 44987 jobsAt the same time the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement PMEDRIVE approved in September 2024 and implemented until March 2028 is a focused push to curb such emissions tackling one of the most pressing challenges in urban air qualityIt is a comprehensive Rs 10900crore initiative to accelerate electric mobility in IndiaThe PM eBus Sewa is another scheme that is designed to reshape public transport by putting thousands of electric buses on Indias roads bringing comfort connectivity and sustainability to every rideWith a budget of Rs 20000 crore for deploying 10000 electric buses under the PublicPrivate Partnership PPP model the scheme focuses on making urban travel cleaner and more efficient the government data showed IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/india-has-5675-lakhs-registered-evs-till-february-2025-govt-634573.html Wed, 27 Aug 2025 15:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/india-has-5675-lakh-registered-evs-till-february-2025-govt-634574.html New Delhi Aug 27 India has been making significant progress in the transition to green energy and electrification as the nation has a total of 5675 lakh registered electric vehicles EVs till February this year according to government data In FY25 electric twowheeler e2W sales hit 1149 lakh units up 21 per cent from the previous years 948 lakh the data showedThese figures signal a rapidly accelerating shift towards cleaner more sustainable mobility on Indian roads as the government has set a vision of 30 per cent EV penetration by 2030 in alignment with the global EV3030 initiativeFlagship initiatives like Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles II FAME II PM EDrive Production Linked Incentive PLI schemes and PM eBus Sewa are steering investment localisation and largescale EV adoption in the countryBuilding on the momentum of the previous phase FAMEII shifted gears injecting bold investments for the transition to electric mobility supporting 1629600 units of EV including twowheelers 3wheelers 4wheelers and eBusesLaunched in April 2019 FAME India PhaseII came with a budget of Rs 11500 croreTo back the EV adoption the Ministry of Heavy Industries approved Rs 800 crore in March 2023 for three oil companies Indian Oil Corporation Bharat Petroleum Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation to set up 7432 public charging stations at their fuel outlets across IndiaIn March 2024 an additional Rs 7350 crore was sanctioned to upgrade 980 charging stations with 400 more sanctioned through Expressions of Interest in various statesA total of Rs 91250 crore has been sanctioned for the installation of 9332 EV PCS out of which 8885 EV PCS have been installed as on June 30 2025 marking a major step towards empowering the nations electric mobility infrastructureMeanwhile the PLI scheme is fueling Indias ambition to become a global hub for advanced automotive technologies putting homegrown innovation in the drivers seatLaunched in September 2021 the PLI Scheme for the automobile and auto component industry brings a budget of Rs 25938 crore to boost domestic manufacturing of Advanced Automotive Technologies AATAs of March 2025 the scheme has attracted Rs 29576 crore in cumulative investment and created 44987 jobsAt the same time the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement PMEDRIVE approved in September 2024 and implemented until March 2028 is a focused push to curb such emissions tackling one of the most pressing challenges in urban air qualityIt is a comprehensive Rs 10900crore initiative to accelerate electric mobility in IndiaThe PM eBus Sewa is another scheme that is designed to reshape public transport by putting thousands of electric buses on Indias roads bringing comfort connectivity and sustainability to every rideWith a budget of Rs 20000 crore for deploying 10000 electric buses under the PublicPrivate Partnership PPP model the scheme focuses on making urban travel cleaner and more efficient the government data showed IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/india-has-5675-lakh-registered-evs-till-february-2025-govt-634574.html Wed, 27 Aug 2025 15:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/six-persons-trapped-in-swollen-stream-in-telangana-634585.html Hyderabad Aug 27 Six persons were trapped in flood waters in Telanganas Kamareddy district on Wednesday following heavy rains in the region since Tuesday night Six workers had climbed onto a water tanker and were waiting to be rescued while the water level was rising in the streamThe incident occurred in the Kalyani stream in Timmareddy where they were engaged in bridge construction workIn Medak district a car was washed away in floodwaters in the Nakkavagu stream in Haveli Ghanpur mandal State Disaster Response Force SDRF has launched the search operation It was immediately not clear how many people were travelling in the carSDRF personnel rescued 350 girl students caught in flood waters in Medak district A government womens degree college hostel was flooded due to heavy rains The students were trapped inside and with no food in the hostel building they all pleaded authorities to rescue them The rescue teams safely brought out all the studentsFire Services personnel rescued 10 people from a flooded area in Ramayampet town in Medak districtAccording to officials the SDRF team was carrying out a rescue operation in Annasagar village in Yellareddypet mandal of Kamareddy districtHeavy to very heavy rains in the united Medak and Kamareddy districts have wreaked havoc Rivulets streams lakes and ponds were overflowing inundating lowlying areas and cutting off road and rail connectivity at a few placesRajampet in Kamareddy district received the highest rainfall of 3638 cm between 830 am and 2 pm on WednesdayAccording to the Telangana Development Planning Society Bhiknoor in Kamareddy district received 2380 cm rainfall Kamareddy and Havelighanpur in Medak district recorded rainfall of 2153 and 2088 cm respectivelyTen other places in Medak Kamareddy Karimnagar Rajanna Sircilla and Siddipet districts recorded rainfall between 1215 and 1983 cmMeanwhile Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has alerted the Collectors of Medak and Kamareddy districtsHe directed the Collectors to immediately launch rescue operations wherever required He asked officials of all the departments to be ready to tackle any situation He also directed them to use the NDRF and the SDRF for the rescue operations IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/six-persons-trapped-in-swollen-stream-in-telangana-634585.html Wed, 27 Aug 2025 16:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/train-traffic-hit-as-track-flooded-in-telanganas-kamareddy-district-634597.html Hyderabad Aug 27 Movement of trains between Hyderabad and Kamareddy in Telangana was disrupted on Wednesday as the flood water was overflowing the tracks at a couple of places following heavy rains The South Central Railway SCR cancelled partially cancelled or diverted a few trainsThe flood water submerged the tracks on the BhiknurTalmadla section and AkanpetMedak section of the Hyderabad DivisionThe NizamabadTirupati Rayalaseema Express Train Number 12794 scheduled to depart on Wednesday and TirupatiNizamabad Rayalaseema Express 12793 scheduled to leave on Thursday have been cancelledHS NandedVisakhapatnam train 20812 has been cancelled between HS Nanded and Charlapalli the SCR saidKachegudaKarimnagar 77649 is partially cancelled between Bhiknur and Karimnagar KachegudaPurna train 77605 is partially cancelled between Cavalry Barracks and Purna and the GuntakalBodhan train 57411 is cancelled between Kacheguda and BodhanVisakhapatnamHS Nanded 20811 which departed on August 26 is partially cancelled between Akanpet and HS Nanded HS NandedMedchal 77606 is cancelled between Kamareddy and Medchal and the KachegudaMedak 57301 is also partially cancelled between Mirzapalli and MedakThe HyderabadJaipur train 12720 is diverted via Secunderabad Kazipet Peddapalli Karimnagar Armoor and Nizamabad while the Tirupati Adilabad Krishna Express 17405 is diverted via Warangal Kazipet F Cabin Peddapalli Karimnagar Armoor and NizamabadNarkherKacheguda 17642 is diverted via Purna Parli Vaijnath Vikarabad Secunderabad and Kacheguda and the NagarsolKacheguda train 17662 will run through Purna Parli Vaijnath Vikarabad Secunderabad and KachegudaThe NarasapurNagarsol train 12787 is diverted via Warangal Kazipet F Cabin Peddapalli Karimnagar and Nizamabad the NagarsolNarasapur train 12788 is diverted via Nizamabad Karimnagar Peddapalli Kazipet F Cabin and Warangal and the KachegudaManmad 17064 will run through Secunderabad Vikarabad Parli Vaijnath and ParbhaniBhagat Ki KothiKacheguda 17606 is diverted via Nizamabad Armoor Karimnagar Peddapalli Kazipet Junction Moula Ali and Kacheguda the Mumbai CSMTLingampalli 17057 diverted via Nizamabad Armoor Karimnagar Peddapalli Kazipet Junction and Secunderabad and the LingampalliMumbai CSMT 17058 diverted via Secunderabad Kazipet Peddapalli Karimnagar Armoor and NizamabadOkhaRamesaram 16734 is diverted via Nizamabad Armoor Karimnagar Peddapalli Kazipet Junction Moula Ali and Kacheguda IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/train-traffic-hit-as-track-flooded-in-telanganas-kamareddy-district-634597.html Wed, 27 Aug 2025 18:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/train-services-to-jammu-disrupted-after-flash-floods-soil-erosion-damage-tracks-634410.html Jammu Aug 26 Train services to Jammu and adjoining regions were severely hit on Tuesday following landslides and heavy soil erosion triggered by flash floods in the Chakki River in Pathankot a statement said The Indian Railways said traffic on the Pathankot CanttKandrori section had to be suspended after the track alignment was damaged due to erosionOwing to heavy soil erosion and flash floods in the Chakki River rail traffic has been temporarily suspended between Jammu TawiShri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Jammu TawiBari Brahman sections the Railways said in a statementSeveral Jammubound trains have been cancelled including the Martyr Captain Tushar MahajanPathankot Shri Mata Vaishno Devi KatraYog Nagari Rishikesh JCO Shri Mata Vaishno Devi KatraNew Delhi JCO Shri Mata Vaishno Devi KatraChennai JCO KalkaShri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra JCO New DelhiShri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra JCO Jammu TawiVaranasi JCO and Jammu TawiSambalpur JCO among othersIn addition several trains have been shortterminated including the SealdahJammu Tawi JCO and the IndoreMartyr Captain Tushar Mahajan JCO The Railways has advised passengers to check revised schedules before travellingMeanwhile mobile and internet services in parts of the Valley remained suspended disrupting normal life The sudden blackout of communication services by multiple providers caused severe inconvenience to residentsWith floodlike conditions reported from several areas the Jammu administration has ordered the closure of all schools on August 27In view of the prevailing inclement weather conditions and floodlike situations at various places across the region all government as well as private schools in Jammu division shall remain closed on Wednesday a government order statedA bridge on the JammuPathankot highway collapsed forcing the closure of the highway as shooting stones blocked the JammuSrinagar highwayMeanwhile fresh snowfall on Zojila Pass has closed the SrinagarLeh highway while Sinthan Pass connecting the Kashmir Valley with Kishtwar district and Razdan Pass leading to the Gurez border town have also been closedSeveral people have been killed due to inclement weather across the region The Tawi River is flowing far above the evacuation level in Jammu city and Udhampur districts The authorities have closed the Tawi Bridge in Jammu city IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/train-services-to-jammu-disrupted-after-flash-floods-soil-erosion-damage-tracks-634410.html Tue, 26 Aug 2025 20:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/committed-to-promoting-green-transport-e-buses-in-schools-delhi-cm-gupta-634423.html New Delhi Aug 26 Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday flagged off more than 24 electric buses at Sardar Patel Vidyalaya Lodhi Estate as part of an initiative to promote green transport in the national Capital Chief Minister Gupta remarked that true progress lies in living in harmony with nature She emphasised that the Delhi government is consistently working to reduce pollution and promote green transportationCM Gupta said The introduction of electric buses is not merely a technological shift but a concrete step towards environmental conservation By providing EV buses to schools the government aims to ensure that children travel in pollutionfree vehicles thereby safeguarding both their physical and mental healthThe LG lauded CM Gupta by saying Delhi is in safe hands todayHe noted that within just six months she had begun commendable work towards improving the citys air qualityThe LG expressed confidence that within the next two to three years Delhi would witness remarkable transformation that citizens had long awaitedHe highlighted that the introduction of electric buses would facilitate the daily commute of nearly 1200 students thereby reducing 400500 private vehicles on the roadsThis would not only lower pollution levels but also ease traffic congestion He added that if all schools and colleges adopt such initiatives the problem of pollution could be significantly mitigatedCM Gupta said that the ebus initiative at the school would not only ensure safe travel for students but also play an important role in improving Delhis air qualityShe reiterated that reducing pollution is one of the topmost priorities of the Delhi governmentReferring to the LGs earlier initiatives she said that the government had already been undertaking efforts such as the removal of landfill sites dust control afforestation and the rejuvenation of the Yamuna riverfrontTransitioning school buses to electric mode she noted was now a decisive step in the same directionHighlighting the significant role played by private and governmentrun diesel and CNG buses in pollution she urged all schools to shift to electric buses in order to make Delhis air cleanerThe Chief Minister commended Sardar Patel Vidyalaya for converting its entire bus fleet into electric vehicles with the support of the Delhi Government Now it will not be pollution that flows through Delhis veins but clean air she remarkedShe announced that the Delhi government would organise competitions across all schools on themes related to environmental protection and sustainable development encouraging children to understand their responsibility towards nature and to uphold these values throughout their livesThe Chief Minister added that patriotism today is not merely about sacrificing ones life for the nation but about every citizen contributing daily towards making their city and country clean safe and pollutionfree We have the opportunity every single day to live for our country and to take it forward she said IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/committed-to-promoting-green-transport-e-buses-in-schools-delhi-cm-gupta-634423.html Tue, 26 Aug 2025 21:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/tirumala-temple-to-be-closed-on-sep-7-due-to-lunar-eclipse-634440.html Tirupati Aug 26 The famous Sri Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradeshs Tirupati will remain closed on September 7 due to a lunar eclipse The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam TTD which manages the affairs of the hill shrine announced on Tuesday that the temple doors will be closed from 330 pm on September 7 till 3 am on September 8As per the tradition the TTD closes the temple six hours prior to a lunar eclipse it saidThe temple body said the doors will be reopened at 3 am on September 8 after performing Shuddi and Punyahavachanam programmes The darshan for devotees will resume at 6 am on September 8Arjita Sevas like Unjal Seva Arjitha Brahmotsavam Sahasra Deepapalankara Seva stand cancelled on September 7 on account of the lunar eclipseThe Annaprasadam distribution in various places in Tirumala including the main Annaprasadam Complex PAC2 VQC compartments and all other places will also be stopped from 3 pm onwards on September 7 However the Annaprasadam wing of TTD will distribute 30000 Annaprasadam packets of Pulihora among devotees at Rambhageecha PAC1 CRO Seva Sadan and ANC areasThe Annaprasadam activity will resume from 830 am onwards on September 8 for the devoteesThe TTD requested devotees to plan their pilgrimage to Tirumala accordingly to avoid any inconvenienceOther major temples in both the Telugu states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will also be shut on account of the lunar eclipse Its common for the temples to shut the doors during solar and lunar eclipses The authorities cancel darshan and all sevas and reopen the temples in the evening after purificationThe Srisailam temple in Andhra Pradeshs Nandyal district will also be closed for devotees The priests will shut the main doors after performing the pujaKanaka Durga temple at Vijayawada and the sun temple at Arasavalli in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh will also remain closed during the lunar eclipseIn Telangana the Saraswati temple at Basar and the Sri Raja Rajeswari temple at Vemulawada will also be shut due to the lunar eclipse IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/tirumala-temple-to-be-closed-on-sep-7-due-to-lunar-eclipse-634440.html Tue, 26 Aug 2025 22:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/tn-delta-district-waterbodies-near-capacity-as-monsoon-rain-boosts-storage-634186.html Chennai Aug 26 Continuous southwest monsoon showers coupled with steady releases from the Mettur dam have brought relief and optimism to the delta districts of Tamil Nadu where major waterbodies are rapidly filling up Officials said the strong inflows will ensure that all lakes and tanks in the region reach their maximum storage by October setting the stage for a favourable agricultural season According to the Water Resources Department the Mettur reservoir maintained full storage levels between August 20 and 23 during which time the discharge for irrigation was stepped up Alongside this the region recorded 1771 mm of rainfall in the third week of August significantly higher than the usual 1384 mm for the period This dual support of rainfall and reservoir release has led to surging levels in the Cauvery Vennaru and the Grand Anaicut Canal with waterbodies across the Delta filling at a brisk paceOut of the 764 lakes and tanks maintained in the Delta nearly 200 have reached 75 per cent capacity while about 100 have already reached full storage officials said Although water levels in some lakes and tanks have slightly declined due to continuous diversion for irrigation authorities assured that regular inflow from Mettur will replenish them without difficulty The system is functioning as it should While irrigation demand is high the steady discharge ensures that there will be no shortage in storage over the coming months said a senior irrigation official Farmers in the region are welcoming the development with cautious optimism They point out that not only have the lakes and ponds been restored to healthy levels but the groundwater table has also shown significant improvement In many areas water can now be tapped at a depth of just 20 feet a stark contrast to the much deeper levels seen in previous dry years Looking ahead farmers believe that if the trend of rainfall and controlled releases from Mettur continues both standing crops and subsequent sowing seasons will benefit This cycle of recharge has come at the right time and could ensure a strong yield season they said adding that the water security will help sustain agriculture well into the next phase of cultivation IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/tn-delta-district-waterbodies-near-capacity-as-monsoon-rain-boosts-storage-634186.html Tue, 26 Aug 2025 08:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/tn-delta-farmers-pin-hopes-on-samba-paddy-cultivation-after-kuruvai-paddy-season-success-634203.html Chennai Aug 26 Encouraged by the success of kuruvai cultivation farmers in the Cauvery Delta have now started preparations for samba crop hoping to replicate the bumper yield as steady inflows into reservoirs and widespread rainfall create favourable conditions The annual release from Mettur Dam on June 12 enabled farmers to take up kuruvai cultivation without delay According to the agriculture department figures kuruvai was raised on 566 lakh acres surpassing the target of 532 lakh acres Adequate storage in the Mettur dam coupled with a brisk southwest monsoon has boosted farmers confidence and the kuruvai crop is already set for a prosperous yield Traditionally many farmers concentrate on samba alone while others alternate between kuruvai and thalady depending on water availability and financial conditions Officials noted that while increased acreage for kuruvai this year has slightly reduced the area available for samba thalady cultivation is expected to gain more coverage after the current season For samba the target acreage has been fixed at 307 lakh in Thanjavur 346 lakh in Tiruvarur 167 lakh in Mayiladuthurai 156 lakh in Nagapattinam and 135 lakh in Tiruchy Farmers have begun ploughing preparing nurseries and transplanting seedlings in several parts of the region Senior agricultural technocrat P Kalaivanan expressed confidence that water availability would not be an issue this year stating that the 120 TMC required for the season could be met through current Mettur storage and continued rainfall He added that completing sowing by September would help farmers avoid losses from the northeast monsoon which in turn would further supplement the water needed for the crop The Mettur reservoir has been full for the past five days and officials pointed out that in its 91 years of existence it has reached full capacity in 51 years underlining the favourable situation this season Farmers however stressed that government support was crucial to ensure they could maximise the yield AKR Ravichandar president of the Cauvery Delta Farmers Association said farmers dependent on river irrigation focus entirely on samba but often receive only modest returns despite months of work He appealed to the state government to announce a special samba package on par with the kuruvai scheme demanding a full subsidy for paddy seeds and a 50 per cent subsidy for fertilisers Farmers also urged authorities to monitor private fertiliser firms alleging that they are forced to buy nano fertilisers along with DAP With reservoirs brimming rains arriving on time and cultivators pushing for timely support measures hopes are high across the Delta that samba will deliver another season of prosperity IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/tn-delta-farmers-pin-hopes-on-samba-paddy-cultivation-after-kuruvai-paddy-season-success-634203.html Tue, 26 Aug 2025 10:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/heavy-rain-forecast-in-gujarat-fishermen-advised-not-to-venture-into-sea-till-august-28-634331.html Ahmedabad Aug 26 The India Meteorological Department IMD on Tuesday predicted heavy rain in Bhavnagar Dahod and Chhota Udepur districts in Gujarat and issued a warning to fishermen advising them not to venture into the sea until August 28 The authorities have directed those already at sea to return and secure their boats at the nearest port with mandatory return entriesRainfall was reported in 152 talukas of Gujarat though the showers have yet to bring substantial relief The IMD has further predicted that heavy rain will continue across Gujarat for the next six days Districts including Banaskantha Patan Sabarkantha Aravalli Morbi Kutch Devbhoomi Dwarka Jamnagar Bhavnagar Mehsana Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad are likely to receive heavy downpoursThe IMD has issued an orange alert for Bhavnagar Chhota Udepur and Dahod a yellow alert for Banaskantha Sabarkantha Mehsana Gandhinagar Aravalli Mahisagar Panchmahal Vadodara Narmada Ahmedabad Tapi Dang Navsari Valsad Amreli and Gir SomnathFor August 2728 a yellow alert has been issued in 13 districts of Saurashtra and South Gujarat including Gir Somnath Amreli Bhavnagar Bharuch Surat Tapi Dang Navsari Valsad Narmada Vadodara Chhota Udepur Panchmahal and DahodA yellow alert has also been issued for August 29 for Bhavnagar Bharuch Surat Tapi Navsari Dang and ValsadHeavy rain is likely in Banaskantha Sabarkantha Aravalli Mahisagar Dahod and Bhavnagar on August 3031The administration has warned that fishermen will have to remain cautious and avoid the sea until further notice as rough weather conditions are expected to persistGujarat has so far received about 8485 per cent of its average seasonal monsoon rainfall with regional variations showing North Gujarat at the top with around 87 per cent followed by South Gujarat at 86 per cent Kutch at 85 per cent and Saurashtra slightly lower at 8384 per centAccording to state data the month of August alone contributed nearly 21 per cent of the seasonal share with 15 per cent falling in just the last week leading to significant inflows in major reservoirs including the Sardar Sarovar Dam which is now at 8487 per cent of its live storage capacityWhile the overall state figure indicates nearnormal rainfall heavy spells in recent weeks have triggered alerts in districts such as Bhavnagar Dahod Banaskantha and Chhota Udepur and the Meteorological Department has predicted more rain until the end of August keeping the season on track to possibly touch or surpass the longperiod average by September IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/heavy-rain-forecast-in-gujarat-fishermen-advised-not-to-venture-into-sea-till-august-28-634331.html Tue, 26 Aug 2025 16:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/landslide-disrupts-traffic-on-key-national-highway-in-nagaland-634164.html Kohima Aug 25 Huge landslides between Nagaland capital Kohima and the states Wokha town totally blocked vehicular movement on the National Highway 2 NH2 on Monday officials said A Nagaland government official said that massive landslides triggered by continuous rainfall since Sunday night blocked the busy route as huge boulders fell onto the highway from the hillsSeveral passenger vehicles and goods trucks were stranded for hours on both sides of the affected highwayAccording to the official no casualties have been reported so farTeams from the district administration police and Public Works Department have rushed to the spot but the engineers and workers are facing huge troubles to clear the road as rains and mudslides continueEfforts are being made for the movement of light vehicles through alternative routes the official saidThe KohimaWokha portion of the NH2 connects several districts including Tseminyu Wokha Pughoboto subdivision under Zunheboto and Mokokchung with the state capitalThe KohimaWokha route also serves as the main route to ferry goods and essential commodities as the NH2 connects with Assams Dibrugarh and Mizorams TuipangThe NH2 is also a vital route between Nagaland and neighbouring ManipurNagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang accompanied by officials from the Public Works Department and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd NHIDCL recently visited the NH2 and reviewed the road conditionsChief Minister Rio earlier held a meeting with and wrote letters subsequently to Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari demanding the improvements of the National Highways in the northeastern stateIn a post on X the Chief Minister had said Inspected the NH2 landslideaffected area at Phesama Kohima While appreciating the ongoing efforts in restoring connectivity the hilly and landslideprone terrain has always been a challenge requiring new approaches IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/landslide-disrupts-traffic-on-key-national-highway-in-nagaland-634164.html Mon, 25 Aug 2025 23:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/heavy-rain-alert-in-rajasthan-schools-in-19-districts-closed-today-633983.html Jaipur Aug 25 Schools in 19 districts of Rajasthan were closed on Monday following a heavy rain alert Continuous heavy rainfall has severely affected normal life in the state for the last two days In view of the weather situation the Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rain alert in 16 districts of the state on Monday prompting the administration to declare holidays in schools As a precautionary step government and private schools along with Anganwadi centres in 19 districts are closed for students for the dayHowever teachers and staff of schools and Anganwadis are required to attend work as usualAccording to official orders schools will remain closed on Monday in Sikar Karauli Kota KhairthalTijara Dungarpur Chittorgarh Ajmer KotputliBaharod Sirohi Bundi Bhilwara Udaipur and Sawai MadhopurApart from these holidays of multiple days have also been announced in other districts depending on weather conditionsSchools will remain closed for three days in Tonk from Monday to Wednesday while in Alwar Jaipur Dausa Nagaur and DidwanaKuchaman schools will remain closed on Monday and Tuesday Sikar Karauli Kota KhairthalTijara Dungarpur Chittorgarh Ajmer KotputliBaharod Sirohi Bundi Bhilwara Udaipur and Sawai Madhopur are closed on MondayThe Meteorological Department has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in 16 districtsAn orange alert has been issued for Udaipur Rajsamand and Sirohi where very heavy rainfall is expected A yellow alert has been declared for Alwar Bhilwara Chittorgarh Dungarpur Jhunjhunu Pratapgarh Churu Hanumangarh Jalore Jodhpur Nagaur Pali and Sri GanganagarAuthorities have urged people to remain alert and avoid unnecessary travel in rainaffected areasThe district administrations are keeping a close watch on the situation and disaster management teams have been kept on standby to deal with any emergencyWith widespread rains continuing lowlying areas are at risk of waterlogging and rural connectivity may be disrupted The government has also advised residents to follow safety guidelines and cooperate with local administration until the weather improves IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/heavy-rain-alert-in-rajasthan-schools-in-19-districts-closed-today-633983.html Mon, 25 Aug 2025 11:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/heavy-rain-batters-gujarat-imd-issues-red-orange-alerts-in-multiple-districts-633999.html Ahmedabad Aug 25 Gujarat continues to witness heavy monsoon showers with the India Meteorological Department IMD issuing multiple alerts across the state Since early Monday morning several areas of Ahmedabad have reported intense rainfallThe IMD has sounded a red alert for Banaskantha Sabarkantha and Aravalli districts while an orange alert has been issued for 21 districtsAccording to the IMD orange alerts are in place for Kutch Surendranagar Patan Ahmedabad Mehsana Gandhinagar Kheda Anand Vadodara Panchmahal Bharuch Dahod Chhota Udepur Narmada Surat Tapi Navsari Dang Valsad Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman A yellow alert has been issued for other districtsForecast for August 2627 The IMD has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall with thunderstorms in more than 20 districts including Sabarkantha Patan Mehsana Banaskantha Gandhinagar Kheda Aravalli Mahisagar Ahmedabad Surendranagar Anand Panchmahal Dahod Bharuch Botad Amreli Bhavnagar Surat Navsari Valsad Chhota Udepur Narmada Tapi Dang and VadodaraForecast for August 2830 From August 28 to 30 the IMD has forecast widespread heavy rainfall across Kutch Morbi Surendranagar Patan Banaskantha Mehsana Sabarkantha Tapi Dang Navsari Valsad Devbhumi Dwarka Porbandar Jamnagar Amreli Bhavnagar Aravalli Mahisagar Dahod Chhota Udepur and Narmada districtsGujarat has so far received about 77 per cent of its seasonal rainfall this monsoon with regional variations ranging from 73 per cent in central Gujarat to over 80 per cent in South Gujarat and KutchThe steady rains have pushed up storage in reservoirs across the state with the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada River now holding about 8185 per cent of its capacity while the states other 206 reservoirs are on average 7678 per cent fullIn fact 76 dams including Sardar Sarovar have reached between 70 per cent and 100 per cent capacity ensuring sufficient water for drinking irrigation and kharif cropsWhile many districts have seen widespread heavy showers filling up reservoirs and boosting kharif sowing some pockets however remain below the seasonal average underlining the states recurring trend of abundant rain in the southern and coastal belts and relatively moderate showers in central and northern regions IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/heavy-rain-batters-gujarat-imd-issues-red-orange-alerts-in-multiple-districts-633999.html Mon, 25 Aug 2025 12:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/atteros-selsmart-expands-to-over-25-cities-targets-rs-500-crore-revenue-by-fy26-634054.html New Delhi Aug 25 Atteros directtoconsumer takeback platform Selsmart has scaled up its operations across more than 25 cities strengthening its position as the largest directtoconsumer used electronics collection network in India With a sharp focus on accessibility and convenience Selsmart is now clocking over 30000 monthly orders and has laid out a clear roadmap to reach 150000 monthly orders and Rs 500 crore revenue run rate with 75000 metric tonnes of ewaste by March 2026The platform also expects to grow its user base sixfold from half a million currently to over 3 million by the end of this calendar yearBased on current volumes Selsmart is set to process over 15000 metric tonnes of ewaste annually and is already operating at a revenue runrate of Rs 100 croreWhat we are building with Selsmart is infrastructure that speaks to the future The real value lies not just in the numbers but in how we are shifting behaviour at the ground level We have made it easy for people and businesses to take the right step with their old electronics said Nitin Gupta CEO amp CoFounder AtteroEvery device picked up through the platform is one less item headed for a landfill and one more step toward recovering materials that India otherwise imports The network we are creating will serve the countrys growing demand for circular resources without putting additional pressure on mining or manufacturing It is smart local and built for scale Gupta addedLaunched in mid2024 Selsmart was built to solve a growing gap in Indias waste infrastructure how to get unused electronics out of homes shops and offices and into verified recycling channelsThe return supply chain for electronics in India has been historically fragmented and broken Selsmart addresses this challenge through a fully digitised model that integrates OEM contracts brand tradein programmes and retail partnerships into a single organised systemThe model blends convenience doorstep pickup instant digital payout and endtoend traceability and allows anyone to schedule a pickup in a few clicksAs part of this integration Selsmart has signed up with three leading airconditioning majors to manage their complete offline and webstore exchange programmes partnered with two large MNCs to run the full tradein process for their electronics category at the webstore level and joined hands with two home appliances majors to offer consumers vouchers and coupons for new sales at their brand stores both online and offlineSelsmart runs a network of strategically located warehouses in the cities it operates positioned in highdensity residential and commercial zones for faster doorstep collectionsThe platform is active across major metros growing Tier2 hubs and several partnerled locations covering more than 25 cities in totalThrough partnerships with leading electronics brands retailers and service networks Selsmart is building a unified tradein and takeback system for India turning what was once an unorganised fragmented ewaste and device exchange market into a structured transparent and scalable channelRecognising that data security is a key concern for consumers especially in the IT sector Selsmart ensures secure data erasure for all collected devices before they enter the recycling processThis approach is helping consumers get fair value for their old devices while ensuring that collected products enter certified recycling streams instead of informal or unsafe disposal routesExpansion into additional Tier2 and Tier3 locations is already in progress with a strong focus on keeping the service simple and convenient for end usersSelsmart feeds directly into Atteros patented recycling technology which is designed to recover metals such as gold silver cobalt copper lithium and rare earth elements from discarded electronics with worldclass efficiencyAttero Indias largest ewaste recycling company and the worlds most advanced recycler of lithiumion batteries currently holds 46 global patents and operates with metal recovery rates as high as 98 per cent for 999 per cent pure critical materialsThe companys closedloop recycling infrastructure is fully compliant with global environmental standards and is engineered to reduce Indias dependence on raw material imports while creating value from domestic waste IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/atteros-selsmart-expands-to-over-25-cities-targets-rs-500-crore-revenue-by-fy26-634054.html Mon, 25 Aug 2025 15:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/flood-alarm-in-odisha-as-major-rivers-flow-above-danger-marks-634069.html Bhubaneswar Aug 25 Major rivers in the state continue to flow above the danger mark triggering widespread flooding situations in several parts of Odisha especially in the northern districts Speaking to media persons here the Odisha Water Resources Department EngineerinChief Chandrasekhar Padhi on Monday stated that Bhograi Baliapal Basta and Jelswar blocks of Balasore district have been affected due to the flood situation in the Subarnarekha RiverHe also stated that the Jajpur Dasarathpur blocks of Jajpur district and Dhamnagar block of Bhadrak district are also affected as the Baitarani River is flowing above the danger markPadhi also stated that a breach of 30 meters wide has occurred in the Kani River a tributary of the Baitarani River near Ahiyaas Bazar under Kaspa panchayat in Jajpur districtThe restoration work at the place will start after the water recedes The required material for restoration work is being collected at the siteHe stated that the Baitarani and Subarnarekha Rivers are flowing above the danger marks at Akhuapada in Bhadrak district and Rajghat in Balasore district respectivelyThe Baitarani River is flowing 063 meters above the danger mark at Akhuapada on Monday Padhi said the water level in the Baitarini River is expected to come down by Tuesday morningSimilarly the Subarnarekha River was flowing at 1072 meters at Rajghat at arround 10 am where the danger mark is 1036 metersIt is expected that the increased level in the Subarnarekha River will come down up to 104 meters between 11 pm 12 am tonight However the water level in the Subarnarekha River is likely to rise again due to incessant rain at Jamsola Ghat in Balasore for the past couple of daysHeavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas has also caused the water level of the Brahmani River another major river of the state to rise significantly at Bonai in Sundargarh districtFloodwaters entered several parts of Dhamnagar block in Bhadrak district prompting the local administration to shut down schools and Anganwadi centres for two days The farmlands located in many lowlying parts of the state are also inundated due to the flood IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/flood-alarm-in-odisha-as-major-rivers-flow-above-danger-marks-634069.html Mon, 25 Aug 2025 16:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/weather-department-forecasts-week-long-rain-in-bengal-633870.html Kolkata Aug 24 The Meteorological MeT Department has forecast weeklong rain in Kolkata and south Bengal districts as another depression is likely to form in the Bay of Bengal on Monday The new system along with the present lowpressure area over Gangetic West Bengal will bring moderate to heavy rain across south Bengal According to the MeT Department a lowpressure area has formed over Gangetic West Bengal and its adjoining areas It will move towards Jharkhand in the next 24 hours and gradually weaken The monsoon axis has crossed Gangetic West Bengal via Ganganagar Gwalior Banda Dehri and extended to the northeast Bay of BengalAt the same time a new depression is likely to form near the OdishaWest Bengal coast on MondayThis will result in moisture incursion from the sea paving the way for the right conditions for more rain As a result scattered to heavy rain will continue across all districts in south Bengal including Kolkata throughout the week starting from Monday said a MeT officialThe Regional Meteorological Centre in Kolkatas Alipore has issued a warning of thunderstorms for at least two more days in Kolkata Scattered rains with thunderstorms are likely till Monday The same forecast is in place for Howrah and Hooghly districtsThe minimum temperature in Kolkata on Sunday was 26 degrees Celsius 06 degrees below normal The maximum temperature on Saturday was 272 degrees Celsius 48 degrees below normalThere is a possibility of rain in North 24 Parganas South 24 Parganas East Midnapore West Midnapore and Jhargram districts from Sunday to Wednesday said the officialApart from this heavy rain is likely in Purulia and Bankura districts for the next few days The north Bay of Bengal adjacent to North Odisha and West Bengal will remain rough at least for the next 24 hours As a result fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea during this periodMeanwhile heavy rain is likely in Darjeeling Jalpaiguri Kalimpong and Alipurduar districts on Sunday and Monday Light to moderate rain will continue in the remaining districts IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/weather-department-forecasts-week-long-rain-in-bengal-633870.html Sun, 24 Aug 2025 12:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/gujarat-sabarmati-river-overflows-amid-heavy-rainfall-25-workers-rescued-633916.html Ahmedabad Aug 24 Continuous heavy rainfall across Gujarat has led to several dams overflowing particularly in the northern region of the state With water being released from the Dharoi and Sant Sarovar dams the Sabarmati river in Ahmedabad has overflowed on both banks flooding lowlying areas and submerging walkways along the riverfront Amid the rising water levels 25 workers trapped near Bakrol village in Sarkhej were successfully rescued on SundayThe workers engaged in the construction of an overbridge across the Sabarmati were caught in the sudden surge of water after release from the upstream dams The Ahmedabad Fire Department deploying four to five rescue vehicles and three boats reached the site and evacuated all the stranded workers to safetyMeanwhile the swelling river also affected ongoing infrastructure projects in the city Near Subhash Bridge equipment related to the MumbaiAhmedabad bullet train project was reportedly swept away in the strong river current Authorities have urged people to stay away from the riverfront and avoid venturing into lowlying areas as water levels continue to remain high As of today Sunday the Dharoi Dam is over 94 per cent full receiving 59444 cusecs of inflow To manage water levels authorities have opened four gates releasing 58880 cusecs into the SabarmatiCollectors of seven districts have been informed about the water release and riverbank areas in Mehsana Sabarkantha Ahmedabad Gandhinagar and Kheda have been placed on alert Authorities have advised residents in lowlying areas along the Sabarmati to remain cautious as the water level continues to rise As of August 24 Gujarat has received approximately 77 per cent of its average seasonal monsoon rainfall with 193 talukas having recorded at least 1 mm of precipitationEarlier in August the state had crossed the 64 per cent mark with southern Gujarat leading at about 688 per cent followed by EastCentral North and Kutch regions in the mid60s and Saurashtra trailing at about 56 per cent At the start of August August 1 Gujarat had received approximately 629 per cent of its seasonal average south Gujarat was at around 669 per cent eastcentral at 648 per cent north at 654 per cent Saurashtra at 551 per cent and Kutch at 642 per centPutting this together throughout June to August Gujarats monsoon delivered strong earlyseason performance with early milestones of around 3034 per cent by late June by early August the state had achieved nearly 63 per cent and by midAugust surpassed 64 per cent culminating in 77 per cent of the normal total by late August IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/gujarat-sabarmati-river-overflows-amid-heavy-rainfall-25-workers-rescued-633916.html Sun, 24 Aug 2025 19:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/no-funds-available-tns-thuraimangalam-lake-restoration-gets-delayed-633837.html Chennai Aug 24 The ambitious project to restore and transform the Thuraimangalam lake in Tamil Nadu into both an irrigation source and a tourist attraction has come to a standstill leaving residents frustrated Despite being launched with much fanfare in March 2024 the work has seen little progress in nearly a year The 150acre lake located near the ThreeJunction Road along the TiruchyChennai National Highway was once a vital water source for surrounding villagesFed by the Vellanthangi Amma lake its surplus waters would flow into the smaller Thuraimangalam lake Over the years however lack of maintenance encroachments and rampant growth of seemai karuvelam Prosopis choked its natural flow reducing it to a neglected waterbodyActing on repeated petitions from locals and activists then District Collector K Karpagam initiated a Rs 98lakh restoration planThe proposal included clearing encroachments strengthening bunds and creating amenities such as a walkway and boating to boost tourism Initial works such as bund strengthening and partial walkway laying began under the Water Resources Department WRD However after Collector Karpagams transfer in July 2024 progress slowed and eventually stopped by OctoberThe lake once looked like a river and supported our lives Its restoration gave us hope but the stoppage has disappointed the whole community said activist S RagavanHe added that the return of seemai karuvelam is worsening the lakes conditionOfficials say the project got stalled due to inadequate fundsA WRD official noted The contractor withdrew as the sanctioned amount was not fully released At least Rs three crore is needed to finish the walkway alone We plan to raise the matter with the present District CollectorResidents meanwhile are urging authorities not to let the effort go to waste They warn that unless the work is resumed quickly the project risks being forgotten like past initiatives leaving the lake and its potential untapped IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/no-funds-available-tns-thuraimangalam-lake-restoration-gets-delayed-633837.html Sun, 24 Aug 2025 08:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/imd-issues-yellow-alert-in-kerala-amid-heavy-rain-forecast-633838.html Thiruvananthapuram Aug 24 The India Meteorological Department IMD has issued a yellow alert for multiple districts in Kerala warning of heavy rainfall over the next two days under the influence of a lowpressure system over the northwest Bay of Bengal Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant as strong winds and intense showers are expected on Tuesday and Wednesday According to the IMD heavy rain measuring between 7 mm and 11 mm in 24 hours is very likely at isolated places in the state from August 26 to 28Northern and central Kerala are expected to be the most affectedOn Tuesday August 26 a yellow alert has been declared for Thrissur Malappuram Kozhikode Wayanad Kannur and Kasaragod districts The following day Wednesday the alert will extend to include Ernakulam along with Thrissur Malappuram Kozhikode Wayanad Kannur and KasaragodThe IMD has also issued a warning to fishermen advising them not to venture into the sea off the Kerala Karnataka and Lakshadweep coasts during this periodWinds are expected to reach speeds of 4060 kmph making marine conditions unsafeCoastal residents have been asked to exercise cautionEarlier this month Kerala had witnessed widespread damage due to heavy rainfall and strong winds that uprooted trees damaged houses and caused power outages across several districtsWith the state still recovering from those impacts authorities are concerned that another spell of heavy rain could lead to renewed disruptionsDisaster management officials have instructed local administrations to remain prepared including setting up relief camps in vulnerable areas if water levels riseResidents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel keep away from waterlogged roads and follow safety guidelines issued by the governmentWhile the southwest monsoon continues to remain active the evolving lowpressure system in the Bay of Bengal will play a key role in determining the intensity of rainfall in Kerala over the next few daysWith yellow alerts already in force for both Tuesday and Wednesday officials have stressed the importance of heightened vigilance in the districts placed under warning IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/imd-issues-yellow-alert-in-kerala-amid-heavy-rain-forecast-633838.html Sun, 24 Aug 2025 09:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/heavy-rainfall-in-jampk-jammu-records-1904-mm-in-24-hours-flood-alert-in-samba-633852.html Jammu Aug 24 Jammu city recorded 1904 mm rainfall during the last 24 hours as authorities declared a flood alert on Sunday in Samba district after the Basantar Nallah crossed the danger level Heavy downpour continued in Jammu city during the last 24 hours recording 1904 mm of rainfall during this periodAuthorities have declared a flood alert in different parts of the Samba district after heavy rainfall led to a sharp rise in the water level of the Basantar Nallah this morningOfficials said that at 8 am the water level in the allah touched six feet breaching the evacuation markThe prescribed alert level for the stream is four feet while the danger level is set at 45 feet and the evacuation level at six feetPeople living in lowlying areas and near river banks have been cautioned against venturing close to the water The administration has advised residents to remain alert and follow safety advisories in order to avoid any untoward incidentsContinuous rainfall in the region has added to the concern and the district authorities are monitoring the situation closelyRelief and rescue teams have been kept on standby in case the water level rises furtherJammu city recorded 1904 mm of rainfall in 24 hours till 830 am SundayMeanwhile the JampK disaster management authority has said that heavy rain is most likely to occur at many places over Anantnag Kulgam Doda Jammu Kathua Samba Kishtwar Reasi Ramban Rajouri Poonch and Udhampur districts of the union territory in the next 48 hoursThere is a possibility of cloudburstsflashfloodslandslides in Jammu Division Stay Alert Dial 112 for emergency the statement saidThe Meteorological MeT Department has said the forecast is generally light to moderate rainfall in most places and heavy rainfall in a few places in Jammu Reasi Samba Kathua Udhampur and Rajouri districts till August 26The MeT has advised people to stay away from river banks and Kaccha structures IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/heavy-rainfall-in-jampk-jammu-records-1904-mm-in-24-hours-flood-alert-in-samba-633852.html Sun, 24 Aug 2025 10:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/rajasthan-floods-army-deployed-for-rescue-in-kota-schools-shut-633665.html Jaipur Aug 22 Heavy rains have triggered a floodlike situation in Rajasthans Kota severely impacting both urban and rural areas on Friday The situation worsened in the rural Digod area prompting the deployment of Army personnel for rescue operations They evacuated residents from waterlogged areas and distributed essential food suppliesIn Nimoda village several kutcha houses collapsed with Army teams conducting rescue efforts late into the night Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Energy Minister Hiralal Nagar visited the floodaffected areas Birla arrived in an Army truck to reach Digod Nimoda and Hariji villages where he assessed the ground situation Overflowing ponds in Amarpura and Khedli Kalya led to water entering homes Rescue teams carried children and the elderly to safety Floodwater also breached the DelhiMumbai Expressway near Neemli village causing significant disruption In response to the heavy rain alert the district administration has announced school closures for August 23 Kota has recorded 9695 mm of rainfall so far including 1271 mm in the past 24 hours Due to waterlogging nine major roads in the district have been closedSpeaker Om Birla has directed the district administration to evacuate residents from highrisk areas and ensure proper food arrangements He emphasised setting up temporary shelters for displaced families as a priority He also instructed the district collector to conduct a detailed damage assessment survey covering losses to crops livestock homes and shops He also urged social workers to mobilise public cooperation for providing rations and temporary housing to the victims Providing all possible help to affected citizens is our top priority In this hour of crisis the administration and public representatives stand with every family he claimed IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/rajasthan-floods-army-deployed-for-rescue-in-kota-schools-shut-633665.html Sat, 23 Aug 2025 00:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/imd-forecasts-heavy-rain-in-parts-of-tn-puducherry-today-633706.html Chennai Aug 23 The India Meteorological Department IMD has forecast heavy rainfall at nine locations across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on Saturday According to the IMD statement a cyclonic circulation is currently prevailing over the Tamil Nadu regionBy August 25 a lowpressure area is expected to form over the northwestern Bay of Bengal off the OdishaWest Bengal coastThis system is likely to intensify weather activity across southern India in the coming daysDue to the prevailing conditions heavy rainfall is expected on Saturday in the districts of Mayiladuthurai Nagapattinam Tiruvarur Cuddalore Thanjavur Pudukottai Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram as well as the Karaikal region of PuducherryResidents in these areas have been advised to remain cautious as sudden heavy showers are likelyIn Chennai and adjoining suburbs the sky will remain partly cloudy Some areas of the city are expected to receive light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightningThe maximum temperature in Chennai is likely to be around 33 degrees Celsius while the minimum temperature will be close to 27 degrees CelsiusAlongside rainfall warnings the IMD has also issued alerts for strong winds over the Arabian Sea and the Bay of BengalIn the midwestern southwestern and eastcentral Arabian Sea squally winds reaching speeds of 4555 kmph gusting up to 65 kmph are expectedOver the northeastern Arabian Sea winds may blow at speeds of 4050 kmph and could occasionally reach up to 60 kmphSimilarly in the northern Bay of Bengal winds are forecast to reach 4050 kmph with gusts of up to 60 kmphFishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea in these regions because of hazardous conditionsThe IMD has cautioned that the combination of heavy rains in coastal districts and strong winds over the seas could affect normal life especially in lowlying areasAuthorities have been placed on alert and disaster management teams have been instructed to remain prepared to handle emergencies if required IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/imd-forecasts-heavy-rain-in-parts-of-tn-puducherry-today-633706.html Sat, 23 Aug 2025 12:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/environment/centre-to-launch-pilot-project-to-revive-diversified-fish-farming-in-kuttanad-633748.html Kochi Aug 23 In a bid to rejuvenate the traditional aquaculture sector of Keralas Kuttanad region the Union Ministry of Fisheries Animal Husbandry Dairying and Minority Affairs has unveiled a new pilot project that seeks to blend modern technology with traditional practices Union Minister George Kurian announced the initiative at a consultative meeting held at the ICARCentral Marine Fisheries Research Institute CMFRIThe project aims to enhance the livelihood of fish farmers by introducing a mix of innovative and sustainable aquaculture modelsThese include integrated fish farming cage farming biofloc technology and the unique one fish one paddy system which allows for concurrent paddy cultivation and aquacultureThe Department of Fisheries will also facilitate the formation of Fish Farmers Producers Organisations FFPOs to provide local farmers with greater bargaining power access to markets and institutional supportEnhancing livelihood for the regions farmers is the primary goal of this initiative said KurianHe added that skill development and training programmes will be rolled out to equip farmers with the latest techniques in fish farming and related practices In addition to production the project will actively encourage startups in the fisheries sector with a strong focus on postharvest activities such as processing cleaning packaging and tradingThis officials said would create new employment avenues and ensure greater value addition to fish products from the regionRecognising the unique aquatic ecosystem of Kuttanad the project will adopt distinct strategies for fresh and brackish water systems in Upper and Lower Kuttanad respectivelyThe expertise of research institutions including ICAR institutes central agencies and Krishi Vigyan Kendras KVKs will be tapped to provide technical guidance and scientific supportA detailed project report DPR will be prepared immediately to ensure quick rollout and effective monitoring of outcomesThe scheme is expected to provide longterm sustainable benefits to the farming community in Kuttanad a region often described as the rice bowl of Kerala but equally known for its rich fisheries potentialThe meeting was attended by former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar Fisheries Development Commissioner Mohammed Koya CMFRI Director Grinson George Principal Scientist Imelda Joseph and representatives of various ICAR research institutes and central agencies IANS https://dailyworld.in/environment/centre-to-launch-pilot-project-to-revive-diversified-fish-farming-in-kuttanad-633748.html Sat, 23 Aug 2025 15:40:00 +0530