No scientific evidence linking Punjab farm fires to Delhi's pollution

No scientific evidence links Punjab farm fires to Delhi's pollution, says NGT member

NGT member Justice Sudhir Agarwal stated that there is no scientific study supporting the claim that farm fires in Punjab contribute to Delhi's air pollution. This assertion challenges the common judicial and public narrative that blames paddy residue burning in Punjab for the capital's poor air quality. He criticised the practice of fining and jailing farmers for stubble burning, calling it "grave injustice."

Justice Agarwal emphasised that addressing Delhi's air pollution is a collective responsibility and targeting farmers alone is unfair. He highlighted that Punjab is not an immediate neighbour of Delhi, which borders Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, and specific wind conditions would be required for Punjab's air to impact Delhi.

Speaking at the ‘Conference on Environment Friendly Paddy Cultivation’ in New Delhi on July 1, he questioned the scientific basis for blaming farmers and suggested other factors are responsible for Delhi's pollution. Senior advocate H S Phoolka also addressed the event, discussing eco-friendly paddy cultivation as a solution to environmental challenges. (Deccan Herald)

Karnataka tightens rules for new buildings, prioritising water security

The Karnataka government is tightening environmental regulations for new buildings, focusing on water security. The State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) now requires detailed water management plans from builders. Projects lacking sustainable water practices face delays or rejection.

This stricter approach aims to address the looming water crisis and prevent unsustainable practices. Builders, especially in less regulated rural areas, often rely heavily on groundwater through excessive borewell drilling. The SEIAA emphasises rainwater harvesting and treated water reuse to ensure long-term water security for residents. (Deccan Herald)

India needs permanent commission to tackle climate change: Supreme Court Judge

Supreme Court judge Justice K V Viswanathan emphasised that climate change is a serious existential threat and advocated for establishing a permanent commission in India, similar to NITI Aayog, to address the issue comprehensively. Speaking at the launch of the book "Climate Change: The Policy, Law and Practice" by lawyer Jatinder (Jay) Cheema, he stated that climate change is an immediate problem that requires urgent attention.

Justice Viswanathan highlighted the necessity of a climate change commission to periodically involve all stakeholders in tackling the issue from all angles. He also mentioned the ongoing debate among experts about the framework for India's climate change legislation, suggesting a regulatory model that balances development with carbon emission controls, rather than solely focusing on carbon regulation as seen in some developed countries. This approach aims to ensure development while mitigating environmental impact. (Deccan Herald)

Rajasthan budget 2024: Focus on infrastructure, agriculture, and sustainable development

Presenting the Budget of Rajasthan, Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Diya Kumari focused on essentials like electricity, roads, water, and healthcare, while avoiding major sops. She outlined the government's vision for “Viksit Rajasthan @ 2047,” including a $350-billion economy, infrastructure development, quality of life, and agricultural growth.

Kumari announced Rs 40,000 crore for drinking water projects, including major Jal Jeevan Mission initiatives and AMRUT 2.0 scheme. For energy, Rs 2,25,000 crore will be invested to meet power demands up to 2031-32, with a focus on both conventional and renewable sources.

The budget also includes a One District One Product Policy, the Rajasthan Krishi Vikas Yojana with Rs 650 crore for agricultural development, and various youth and environmental initiatives. Significant funds were allocated for skills training, entrepreneurship, and green projects, targeting comprehensive state development. (The Indian Express)

India to unveil policy framework for carbon capture, utilisation, and storage technologies

The Indian government will unveil a policy framework for Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) technologies. This initiative, overseen by the power ministry, aims to support India's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

CCUS captures carbon dioxide (CO2) from sources like power plants and industrial facilities, preventing its release into the atmosphere. Captured CO2 finds use in fertilisers, synthetic fuels, and even building materials. CCUS is seen as crucial for decarbonising sectors like cement, steel, and power generation, which are difficult to transition away from fossil fuels.

A national CCUS project portal will be established to connect stakeholders. Discussions at the Prime Minister's Science Advisory Council meeting also emphasised the need for nationwide adoption, life-cycle assessments, and developing standards for carbon utilisation and transportation. (The Times of India)

India sets guidelines for funding green hydrogen infrastructure

India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has issued guidelines for funding testing facilities, infrastructure, and institutional support under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, with a budget of $23.96 million. The scheme aims to identify and address gaps in existing testing facilities and support the creation of new ones to ensure safe and secure operations.

The ministry stated that the scheme will develop robust quality and performance testing facilities to ensure the quality, sustainability, and safety of green hydrogen (GH2) production and trade. With a total budget of INR 200 crores until the financial year 2025-2026, the scheme will be implemented by the National Institute of Solar Energy.

Launched on January 4, 2023, the National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to make India self-reliant through clean energy, contributing to decarbonisation, reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports, and establishing India as a leader in green hydrogen technology and markets. (ASiANPOWER)

NGT issues notices over loss of millions of farmland trees

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to the central government and the state governments of Maharashtra, Telangana, and Madhya Pradesh regarding the loss of nearly 6 million trees on farmlands. A study published in May revealed that India lost 5.6 million large farmland trees from 2018 to 2022. The NGT took up the issue based on this study, noting it as a violation of the Environment Protection Act, 1986 and the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.

Hotspots of significant tree loss were identified in Maharashtra, Telangana, and Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The NGT's notice demands responses from the relevant ministries and departments by July 31. The tribunal aims to address the substantial issues related to compliance with environmental norms and legislation highlighted by the study. (The Wire)

This is a roundup of important policy updates from July 1 to July 15, 2024. Read our news updates here.