दिल्ली का घुटता दम: गंभीर वायु प्रदूषण से बढ़ता खतरा !

दिल्ली में हर वर्ष सर्दियों के मौसम में वायु प्रदूषण एक गंभीर संकट के रूप में सामने आता है। हवा में घुले विषैले प्रदूषक न केवल पर्यावरण को नुकसान पहुँचाते हैं, बल्कि मानव स्वास्थ्य, अर्थव्यवस्था और सामान्य जीवन पर भी गहरा प्रभाव डालते हैं। दिल्ली का एयर क्वालिटी इंडेक्स (AQI) अकसर ‘सीवियर’ श्रेणी में पहुँच जाता है, जो यह दर्शाता है कि हवा में मौजूद कण (PM2.5 और PM10) सुरक्षित स्तर से कई गुना अधिक हैं। यह स्थिति दिल्ली-एनसीआर के करोड़ों लोगों के लिए अत्यंत हानिकारक है।

सबसे पहले स्वास्थ्य पर पड़ने वाले दुष्प्रभावों की बात करें तो वायु प्रदूषण फेफड़ों और हृदय से जुड़ी बीमारियों को बढ़ावा देता है। लगातार प्रदूषित हवा में सांस लेने से खाँसी, सांस फूलना, आंखों में जलन, एलर्जी और अस्थमा जैसी समस्याएँ तेजी से बढ़ती हैं। बच्चों, बुजुर्गों और गर्भवती महिलाओं के लिए यह स्थिति और भी खतरनाक होती है। 

लंबे समय तक ऐसे वातावरण में रहने से फेफड़ों की कार्यक्षमता घट जाती है और हृदय संबंधी रोगों का जोखिम बढ़ जाता है। कई मामलों में गंभीर प्रदूषण का प्रभाव क्रोनिक ऑब्सट्रक्टिव पल्मोनरी डिजीज (COPD) और फेफड़ों के कैंसर तक भी पहुँच सकता है। डॉक्टरों के अनुसार, दिल्ली में शीतकाल के दौरान श्वसन संबंधी मरीजों की संख्या कई गुना बढ़ जाती है, जिससे अस्पतालों पर भी अतिरिक्त दबाव पड़ता है।

दूसरा बड़ा नुकसान पर्यावरण पर पड़ता है। वायु प्रदूषण से पेड़ों की पत्तियाँ समय से पहले झड़ने लगती हैं और पौधों की वृद्धि प्रभावित होती है। हवा में मौजूद सल्फर डाइऑक्साइड और नाइट्रोजन ऑक्साइड जैसे प्रदूषक अम्लीय वर्षा का कारण बनते हैं, जो मिट्टी और जलस्रोतों को भी हानि पहुँचाती है। प्रदूषण की अधिकता से दिल्ली के चारों ओर मौजूद हरियाली पर भी बुरा असर पड़ता है। इसके अलावा, हवा में धुंध और स्मॉग की परत सूर्य की किरणों को रोक देती है, जिससे तापमान में असामान्य बदलाव देखने को मिलता है और मौसम चक्र प्रभावित होता है। यह स्थिति जलवायु परिवर्तन की समस्याओं को और बढ़ा देती है।

वायु प्रदूषण का आर्थिक प्रभाव भी कम नहीं है। बढ़ती बीमारियों के कारण लोगों को इलाज पर अधिक खर्च करना पड़ता है और कई बार कामकाजी दिनों का नुकसान भी होता है। स्कूलों और कार्यालयों को बंद करने की स्थिति पैदा हो जाती है, जिससे शिक्षा और व्यापार दोनों प्रभावित होते हैं। निर्माण कार्यों और वाहन उपयोग पर लगाए गए प्रतिबंधों से व्यवसायिक गतिविधियाँ धीमी पड़ जाती हैं। प्रदूषण के कारण पर्यटकों की संख्या भी घटती है, जो दिल्ली की अर्थव्यवस्था के लिए चिंताजनक है।

अंततः, सामाजिक जीवन भी इस प्रदूषण का शिकार होता है। लोग बाहरी गतिविधियों से बचने लगते हैं, बच्चे मैदानों में खेल नहीं पाते और सामान्य जीवनशैली प्रभावित होती है। मास्क पहनना अनिवार्य हो जाता है और स्वच्छ हवा जैसी बुनियादी आवश्यकता भी एक चुनौती बन जाती है।

संक्षेप में, दिल्ली में गंभीर वायु प्रदूषण स्वास्थ्य, पर्यावरण, अर्थव्यवस्था और समाज—चारों स्तरों पर भारी नुकसान पहुँचाता है। इस समस्या से निपटने के लिए सरकार, उद्योगों और नागरिकों सभी को मिलकर दीर्घकालिक समाधान अपनाने होंगे, जैसे—स्वच्छ ऊर्जा का उपयोग, सार्वजनिक परिवहन को बढ़ावा, वृक्षारोपण और प्रदूषण नियंत्रण नियमों का कड़ाई से पालन। केवल सामूहिक प्रयासों से ही दिल्ली को स्वच्छ और स्वस्थ हवा मिल सकती है।

B S Vohra, Environment Activist President, East Delhi RWAs Joint Front

What aqi level in Delhi can cause permanent damage of Lungs?

What aqi level in Delhi can cause permanent damage of Lungs?

Here's a clear, safe, and science-based explanation:

AQI Levels and Risk of Permanent Lung Damage

The Air Quality Index (AQI) uses the same health-impact categories worldwide (including Delhi), though Delhi often reaches the highest bands. Permanent lung damage is not tied to a precise AQI number, but the risk increases sharply at very high and prolonged exposures.

Below is the standard interpretation:

AQI Level	Category	Health Effects	Risk of Long-Term / Permanent Damage
0–100	Good/Moderate	Minimal	None expected
101–200	Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups	Irritation, reduced lung function (temporary)	Long-term exposure can begin affecting children, elderly, and asthmatics
201–300	Unhealthy	Breathing difficulty for most people	Chronic exposure may cause measurable decline in lung function
301–400	Very Unhealthy	Significant respiratory distress	High risk of long-term lung damage, especially with repeated or continuous exposure
401–500+	Hazardous / Severe	Serious health effects on everyone	Prolonged exposure can lead to permanent lung damage, increased risk of COPD, and long-term impairment

So, what AQI level in Delhi can cause permanent lung damage?

➡️ Short-term spikes (even 500+) usually do not cause permanent damage alone, but
➡️ Repeated or long-term exposure to AQI above ~300–400 greatly increases the risk of lasting or permanent lung damage, especially from PM2.5.

Why?

PM2.5 particles (most responsible for Delhi pollution peaks) can:

• lodge deep inside the alveoli,

• cause chronic inflammation,

• reduce lung growth in children,

• accelerate lung aging,

• increase lifetime risk of asthma, COPD, and heart disease.

Important note

This information is for general education, not medical diagnosis. If you have symptoms (persistent cough, breathlessness, wheezing), consulting a medical professional is recommended.

B S Vohra, Environment Activist, President, East Delhi RWAs Joint Front

Causes of Day Time severe Air Pollution in Delhi ?

Delhi’s hazardous daytime air pollution results from a combination of human activities and natural factors. The major causes include:

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1. Vehicular Emissions

• High population and rapid growth in vehicle ownership.

• Traffic congestion leads to idling, increasing emissions.

• Major pollutants: PM2.5, PM10, NOx, CO, and ozone precursors.

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2. Industrial and Power Plant Emissions

• Factories around Delhi-NCR emit particulate matter, sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and nitrogen oxides (NOx).

• Brick kilns and small-scale industries often use dirty fuels like coal, wood, and furnace oil.

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3. Construction and Road Dust

• Continuous construction, demolition, and poor dust-control practices release large amounts of PM10.

• Road dust resuspension due to traffic movement is one of the largest daytime contributors.

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4. Biomass Burning Within the City

• Burning of garbage, wood, and crop waste inside Delhi’s informal settlements contributes to toxic emissions.

• Open waste burning is a major source of black carbon.

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5. Stubble Burning (Seasonal but Severe)

• Farmers in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh burn rice stubble.

• Winds carry the smoke to Delhi, dramatically raising PM2.5 levels, especially in late October–November.

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6. Atmospheric and Weather Conditions

• Low wind speed during the day traps pollutants.

• Temperature inversions can occur even in daytime winter months, preventing vertical dispersion.

• Strong sunshine triggers photochemical reactions, increasing ground-level ozone.

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7. Urban Heat Island Effect

• Dense built-up areas trap heat, intensifying chemical reactions that form secondary pollutants like ozone and secondary PM2.5.

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8. Diesel Generators

• Commonly used during power cuts in markets, construction sites, and residential complexes.

• Emit high levels of PM2.5, SO₂, and NOx.

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9. Poor Fuel Quality & Waste Disposal Practices

• Use of substandard fuels in transport and industry.

• Improper waste disposal leads to open burning, especially during daytime when enforcement is weak.

---

Summary

Delhi’s hazardous daytime air pollution arises from a mix of local emissions (vehicles, dust, industries), regional sources (crop burning), and weather conditions that trap pollutants and enhance photochemical pollution.

B S Vohra, Environment Activist, President, East Delhi RWAs Joint Front

Why is night AQI worse in Delhi?

How night aqi is higher in Delhi comparing day AQI, even though minimum vehicular emissions and parali fires can't impact only during night ?

There are clear scientific reasons why AQI in Delhi is often higher at night than during the day, even when traffic emissions are low and stubble-burning (“parali”) isn’t occurring at that exact time.

Here’s the explanation, step by step:

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🌆 1. Night-time temperature inversion traps pollutants

This is the main reason.

• After sunset, the ground cools quickly.

• The air near the surface becomes colder than the air above it.

• Cold air is heavier and cannot rise - this creates a temperature inversion layer.

• Pollutants from day sources (vehicles, industry, dust, residual biomass smoke) get trapped near the ground, causing AQI to spike.

During the day:

• Sunlight heats the ground → warm air rises → vertical mixing occurs.

• Pollutants disperse upward → AQI appears better.

➡️ Even if emissions are low at night, the inability of pollutants to disperse makes the concentration appear higher.

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🌬️ 2. Wind speed is lowest at night

• Night-time winds tend to calm significantly in plains cities like Delhi.

• With low or no wind, pollutants accumulate locally.

• Even residual pollution from the daytime stays close to the surface.

Daytime winds + sunlight = better dispersion.

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🏭 3. Continuous emissions (even at lower levels) still accumulate

Even though traffic decreases, these sources continue throughout the night:

• Waste burning (often done at night)

• Industrial emissions (not all factories shut down)

• Construction dust

• Domestic emissions (heating, cooking, generators)

• Heavy trucks enter Delhi mostly at night (unless restricted)

Lower emissions + zero dispersion still leads to higher concentration.

---

🌫️ 4. Higher humidity at night forms secondary particles

At night Delhi’s humidity rises. Higher humidity promotes:

• Formation of secondary particulate matter (especially PM2.5)

• Hygroscopic growth of existing particles → they absorb moisture and get “bigger”

• Fog + particulate interaction → smog

This increases PM2.5 readings even if pollution source is unchanged.

---

🔥 5. Parali (stubble burning) affects nights more due to wind patterns

Even though fires may occur in the day, their transport to Delhi often peaks at night:

• Cooler night winds from Punjab/Haryana bring smoke into Delhi.

• Unable to disperse due to inversion, the smoke accumulates.

So fires don’t have to happen “at night” to worsen night AQI.

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🌃 6. Chemical reactions differ between day & night

Daytime sunlight causes photochemical reactions that help break some pollutants (like NOx).
At night:

• No sunlight → fewer reactions to degrade pollutants.

• NO₂ builds up because it isn't photolyzed.

• Ozone decreases at night, affecting secondary particle formation dynamics.

Overall effect → pollution stays in its most concentrated form.

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✔️ In summary: Why is night AQI worse in Delhi?

Even with lower emissions, pollutants get trapped, accumulate, grow, and don’t disperse at night due to:

• Temperature inversion

• Low wind speed

• Increased humidity

• Residual emissions accumulating

• Transport of pollution from outside Delhi

• Suppressed chemical breakdown of pollutants

This phenomenon is common in polluted cities worldwide, but Delhi’s geography and winter conditions amplify it dramatically.

B S Vohra, Environment Activist, President- East Delhi RWAs Joint Front

RWAs Advisory on Rising Air Pollution Levels in Delhi

 

RWAs Advisory on Rising Air Pollution Levels in Delhi

Dear Residents,

With the recent increase in air pollution levels across Delhi, the EDRWAJF urges all residents to take the following precautionary and preventive measures to safeguard their health and contribute to cleaner air in our community.

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1. Health & Safety Measures

• Limit outdoor exposure, especially during early mornings and late evenings when pollution levels are typically higher.

• Use N95/N99 masks when stepping outdoors.

• Keep windows and doors closed during peak pollution hours.

• Use air purifiers, if available, especially for children, elderly individuals, and those with respiratory conditions.

• Increase indoor ventilation during times when AQI is better (usually afternoon hours).

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2. Protecting Vulnerable Groups

• Ensure that children, senior citizens, pregnant women, and asthma patients avoid prolonged outdoor activities.

• Keep essential medications (inhalers, nebulizers) readily accessible.

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3. Reducing Local Pollution

Residents are requested to actively help reduce emissions in and around the colony:

• Avoid burning leaves, garbage, or any waste.

• Encourage carpooling, use of public transport, bicycles, and walking for short distances.

• Turn off vehicle engines at red lights to prevent idling.

• Avoid using diesel generators; shift to backup alternatives wherever possible.

• Support plantation drives and protect existing green cover in the colony.

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4. Home & Community-Level Actions

• Keep household dust levels low by regular wet mopping.

• Maintain green balconies or indoor plants that improve air quality.

• Participate in RWA-led awareness sessions and clean-air initiatives.

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5. Reporting & Coordination

• Report any instances of open burning, construction dust, or industrial emissions to the RWA office and local authorities.

• The EDRWAJF will continue to coordinate with local municipal bodies to ensure:

  • Regular watering of parks and open areas

  • Dust control measures near construction sites

  • Timely waste collection and disposal

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6. Stay Informed

• Residents are advised to regularly check AQI updates from official sources.

• The RWA will share alerts and updates through WhatsApp groups, notice boards, and email.

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Your cooperation is essential in safeguarding the health of our community, with a request to Delhi Government & all the concerned Agencies to come forward to SAVE DELHI, SAVE DELHIITES. Residents are truly fed up of no action from your side. Let us work together for cleaner, & healthier air.

B S Vohra

President

East Delhi RWAs Joint Front ( A Federation of Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs)

Facebook @RWABhagidari

Suggestions on hike of the Property Circle Rates in Delhi

Department of Revenue, Government of NCT of Delhi, Delhi Secretariat, IP Estate, New Delhi – 110002

Subject: Request to Consider Livability and Ground Realities Before Hiking Circle Rates

Respected Sir/Madam,

I am writing to express concern over the proposed revision of circle rates in Delhi and to respectfully urge the government to ensure that ground realities and actual livability conditions are thoroughly considered before implementing any hike.

While revising circle rates to reflect market trends is understandable, it is equally important to assess whether the basic quality of life in each locality justifies such an increase. A rate hike without corresponding improvement in living conditions would be unfair to residents and prospective buyers.

Key factors that must be assessed before any revision include:

• Air Quality Index (AQI) and local pollution levels

• Road infrastructure and overall maintenance

• Waterlogging during rains and poor drainage system

• Presence of garbage mounds/landfills near residential areas

• The state of the Yamuna River, especially in nearby localities as well availability of potable drinking water

• Availability and quality of green spaces and public parks

• Traffic congestion and average commute times

• Lack of last-mile connectivity and accessible public transport

• Waste disposal, sewerage, and sanitation infrastructure

• Moreover the stamp duty of 7% is too high and must be looked into seriously as people are already paying huge taxes on their income & expenditure.

Without addressing these basic persistent issues, increasing circle rates may not only overburden citizens but also create a disconnect between property valuation and actual livability.

I urge the government to adopt a data-driven, area-specific approach and involve local stakeholders like Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) in the decision-making process, via a public hearing. This will ensure that the revised rates are fair, transparent, and truly reflective of on-ground realities.

Thanking you,

B S Vohra

President, East Delhi RWAs Joint Front, Krishna Nagar, Delhi 110051

Objection Regarding FPPAC Notification – Request for CAG Audit and Public Hearing

15th September 2025

Secy.,

Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission

New Delhi

Subject: Objection Regarding FPPAC Notification – Request for CAG Audit and Public Hearing

Dear Sir,

We are deeply concerned and disheartened by the recent notification issued by DERC proposing an automatic FPPAC monthly escalation of up to 10% in power tariffs for Delhi consumers. Such a move is both unprecedented and unjustified.

It is particularly alarming that DERC, an institution established to regulate power tariffs in the public interest, appears to be abdicating its core responsibility. 

Delhi’s consumers are already overburdened with excessive electricity charges — including high fixed charges, inflated sanctioned load costs, numerous surcharges, and an additional 16% Return on Equity (RoE) — all of which cumulatively place a significant financial strain on households.

Furthermore, the outstanding ₹27,200 crores categorized as "regulatory assets" — which continue to accrue heavy carrying costs and interest — raise serious questions about DERC’s oversight. The lack of transparency and accountability in the accumulation of these dues is a matter of grave concern.

Even the court sharply criticized DERC for its "regulatory failure" in allowing this massive amount to accumulate over time. The Supreme Court said it has "serious consequences on all stakeholders, and the ultimate burden is only on the consumer".

Therefore, In the absence of a comprehensive CAG audit and transparent public scrutiny, it is unacceptable from DERC and DISCOMs to continue burdening the people of Delhi — particularly in the context of the existing 49%/51% shareholding arrangement, to avoid the CAG Audit, demands greater regulatory vigilance, not less.

In light of the above, we strongly oppose this proposed automatic tariff escalation and place the following demands:

1. An immediate and comprehensive CAG audit of all Delhi DISCOMs.

2. A public hearing to be held, allowing direct engagement with stakeholders on the issues outlined above.

We urge DERC to act in the public interest and restore faith in the regulatory process. We await your prompt response on this matter.

Sincerely,

B S Vohra

President

EAST DELHI RWAs JOINT FRONT

Krishna Nagar, Delhi – 110051

Email: rwabhagidari@yahoo.in

Cc to Power Minister Delhi

Expressing concern over the matter, environmentalist BS Vohra on Tuesday told ETV Bharat that ETPs are vital for environmental conservation by treating industrial wastewater before it's released into nature.

 Expressing concern over the matter, environmentalist BS Vohra on Tuesday told ETV Bharat that ETPs are vital for environmental conservation by treating industrial wastewater before it's released into nature.

ETV BHARAT STORY:

Nearly 1,900 Industries Operating Without ETPs, Reveals MoEFCC Data

New Delhi: Around 1,900 industries are operating without effluent treatment plants (ETPs) across the country, data issued by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) shows.

As per Indian laws, industries that generate wastewater, especially those with hazardous or high pollutant loads, are legally required to install ETPs, which are essential for industries to adhere to environmental regulations by processing wastewater before its release.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) mandates ETPs for all industries in the Red Category, which includes 17 highly polluting sectors like textiles, tanneries, pharmaceuticals, paper, chemicals, refineries, and distilleries.

In addition, many industries (moderately polluting) in the Orange Category, such as food processing, dyeing units, and metal finishing, also require ETPs based on effluent characteristics and local regulations.

According to the MoEFCC data, the total number of industries operating without ETPs across the country stands at 1,898. Out of these, Assam records the highest number, 795, followed by Gujarat, 366 and Haryana, 273.

There are a total of 69,854 industries which require ETP as identified by State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)/Pollution Control Committees (PCCs), out of which 67,956 industries have functional ETPs, as per the Ministry.

Action as deemed fit for the industries without ETP and non-complying with the standards has been taken by concerned SPCBs/PCCs as per the provisions of environmental laws, the data says.

Expressing concern over the matter, environmentalist BS Vohra on Tuesday told ETV Bharat that ETPs are vital for environmental conservation by treating industrial wastewater before it's released into nature.

"They help prevent water pollution by removing harmful chemicals and toxins, protecting rivers, lakes and groundwater. ETPs also safeguard aquatic life and public health by reducing contamination and disease risks. Additionally, they enable industries to reuse treated water, conserving freshwater resources. By ensuring compliance with environmental laws, ETPs support sustainable industrial practices and national initiatives like Namami Gange," Vohra added.

Environmentalist BS Vohra said Yamuna River is ecologically dead, largely due to the unchecked discharge of untreated industrial and domestic waste. (IANS)

He said, overall, ETPs play a key role in reducing pollution, conserving water, and promoting a cleaner, healthier environment.

The environmental expert asserted that the Yamuna River in Delhi is ecologically dead, largely due to the unchecked discharge of untreated industrial and domestic waste. Despite decades of government programs like the Yamuna Action Plan and Namami Gange, pollution levels remain critical, with zero dissolved oxygen, making it uninhabitable for aquatic life.

"Illegal dumping by industries and poor enforcement by agencies like the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) have exacerbated the crisis. Delays in establishing effluent and Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) reflect administrative failure. Without strict regulation, real-time monitoring, and political will, the Yamuna will continue to deteriorate, posing serious environmental and public health risks," he said.

Vohra said, "To address the 1,898 industries lacking mandatory ETPs, the government must enforce strict compliance with environmental laws. This includes imposing fines, shutting down defaulters, and conducting regular inspections. Real-time monitoring and public disclosure of violators will enhance accountability. Financial incentives and support should be offered to smaller industries to set up ETPs or join Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs)."

According to Vohra, strengthening the capacity and accountability of pollution control boards, along with involving third-party audits, is crucial. A combined approach of regulation, technology, and transparency is essential to protect waterbodies and public health, he added.

BS Vohra, an environmental expert, said GIM has the potential to improve air quality by increasing forest cover across the country, but.....

 ETV BHARAT STORY:

Green India Mission Leads To Increased Forest Cover, But Question Over Long-Term Impact Lingers

Green India Mission Leads To Increased Forest Cover, But Question Over Long-Term Impact Lingers

New Delhi: The Green India Mission (GIM) had a substantial impact on the overall enhancement of forest and tree cover in India, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) said.

Being implemented by the MoEFCC since FY2015-16, GIM is among the eight missions specified in the National Action Plan on Climate Change to safeguard, rehabilitate, and improve forest cover while addressing climate change through plantation initiatives in both forest and non-forest areas in the selected landscapes through Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs).

Notably, an amount of Rs 909.82 crore has been released to 17 states and a union territory for the creation of plantation/eco-restoration over an area of 15,5130 hectares.

India's forest cover has increased from approximately 7,94,245 sq km to 8,27,357 sq km, representing a net increase of about 3,31,12 sq km, as per the data issued by the MoEFCC. These gains are attributable to various afforestation and restoration initiatives, including GIM carried out at both state and Central levels, it said.

In states like Madhya Pradesh, the implementation of GIM activities commenced in 2018-19. To date, Rs 123.26 crore have been released for taking up afforestation/eco-restoration activities in 32,831 hectares under different sub-missions of the GIM. Afforestation activities have been undertaken in Katni and Panna districts through various schemes and implementing agencies. Under the Working Plan Implementation scheme, afforestation is being carried out on forest land in Katni, North Panna, and South Panna Forest Divisions.

To ensure the survival rate and growth, monitoring of plantations under the GIM is carried out through a multi-layered approach involving both state and Central level mechanisms. States/union territories conduct annual physical verification of plantation sites to assess the survival rate of saplings and document reasons for any observed mortality.

The state forest department takes corrective interventions, including focused maintenance drives, to address site-specific challenges regarding survival rate. As part of their annual progress reports, states submit digital files and geo-tagged photographs of plantation sites to the MoEFCC for centralised verification and monitoring.

It may be mentioned that the MoEFCC has undertaken initiatives to raise awareness and encourage participation of local communities, such as the promotion of the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign to foster emotional and community connection to tree planting.

Environmental Expert's View

BS Vohra, an environmental expert, said GIM has the potential to improve air quality by increasing forest cover across the country. "The GIM has the potential to improve air quality by increasing forest cover, which helps absorb pollutants and produce oxygen. However, its actual impact on controlling air pollution has been limited. Implementation has been slow, with minimal focus on urban areas where pollution is most severe. Moreover, major pollution sources like vehicular emissions, industrial activity, and stubble burning remain unaddressed by the mission. As a result, despite GIM's efforts, air pollution levels continue to rise," Vohra told ETV Bharat.

Controlling air pollution requires broader, multi-sectoral strategies beyond afforestation alone to achieve meaningful and lasting improvement in air quality, said Vohra, who has been fighting environment-related issues for years in Delhi.

Referring to the GIM, he said, "The GIM aims to enhance forest cover, restore degraded ecosystems, and promote climate resilience. While its objectives are well-intentioned, its impact has been limited, especially in ecologically sensitive regions like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, where recurring disasters — landslides, floods, and cloudbursts — continue to wreak havoc."

Claiming that the implementation of the mission has faced significant delays, underfunding, and a lack of effective coordination between Central and state authorities, he said, "The actual afforestation and ecological restoration achieved so far fall short of targets, and monitoring mechanisms remain weak. Moreover, the mission has not adequately addressed issues like deforestation from infrastructure projects, unregulated urban expansion, and poor land-use planning, which are major contributors to the ongoing environmental crises in the Himalayan region."

"In both Himachal and Uttarakhand, fragile mountain ecosystems are under intense pressure due to unsustainable development. Roads, hydropower projects, and tourism infrastructure often ignore ecological considerations, leading to increased vulnerability to natural disasters. GIM's limited presence and poor integration with local communities and disaster management systems reduce its effectiveness," Vohra added.

To make a meaningful impact, Vohra said GIM needs better funding, community participation, real-time monitoring, and alignment with broader land and disaster management policies. "There must be a shift from symbolic tree-planting efforts to holistic ecological planning focused on long-term resilience, especially in vulnerable mountain states that are on the frontline of climate change."

For disaster-prone hilly regions of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the GIM must evolve from a tree-planting scheme to a holistic ecological resilience strategy, Vohra said. "The mission can play a crucial role in disaster mitigation if it focuses on restoring native forests that stabilise slopes, prevent soil erosion and regulate water flow. Avoiding monoculture plantations and promoting deep-rooted native species is essential for long-term slope stability," he added.

He wants the GIM to be integrated with land-use planning and eco-sensitive zoning to restrict development in vulnerable areas. Bioengineering methods, such as planting grass and shrubs on slopes, can reduce landslide risks. Implementing watershed-based afforestation can control runoff and minimise flash floods, he said.

Vohra asserted that community participation is key as local knowledge and involvement in forest protection enhance the mission's effectiveness, adding green belts along roads, riverbanks, and other infrastructure should be promoted to act as natural barriers against disasters.

"The mission must be aligned with early warning systems and local disaster management plans. By focusing on ecosystem restoration, climate adaptation, and risk reduction, the GIM can significantly contribute to making hill regions safer and more resilient to natural disasters," he added.

The environmental activist BS Vohra said real-time monitoring of water quality, deployment of surveillance technologies, and transparency through regular reporting are essential

ETV BHARAT STORY:

Monsoon Runoff Deepens River Pollution; Expert Calls for Urgent Government Action

www.etvbharat.com

New Delhi: The monsoon season, typically seen as a time for replenishing water supplies, is exacerbating pollution and causing environmental degradation.

While larger volumes of water may temporarily reduce the concentration of certain pollutants, they also enhance the river's capacity to transport waste, spreading contaminants over wider areas and affecting more communities and ecosystems.

Increased water levels may result in the erosion of riverbanks and the devastation of natural habitats found in riparian zones. It also poses a considerable risk to human life.

Notably, several rivers, including the Ganga and Yamuna, have already been struggling with the issue of pollution. Cleaning/rejuvenation of rivers is a continuous and dynamic process. As per the last report of the Central Pollution Control Board(CPCB) of 2022 on pollution assessment of rivers in the country based on water quality monitoring results, the polluted river stretches stood at 311.

Expressing concern over the matter, an environmental activist emphasised that the Central government must adopt a comprehensive and proactive approach to address this issue.

Speaking to ETV Bharat, BS Vohra said, "The increasing water levels in Indian rivers, particularly the Yamuna, may seem beneficial for replenishing water resources, but they often worsen pollution and environmental degradation. Heavy rainfall and frequent flooding contribute significantly to this problem."

He said runoff from urban, industrial, and agricultural areas carries a mix of pollutants—sewage, chemicals, plastics, and fertilisers—into rivers. This sudden influx deteriorates water quality and increases the biological oxygen demand (BOD), which can deplete oxygen levels and threaten aquatic life.

"Additionally, rising water levels can erode riverbanks and destroy natural habitats along riparian zones. This not only displaces wildlife but also disrupts breeding cycles and food chains, leading to long-term ecological imbalances. Nutrient-rich runoff may also trigger algal blooms, further choking aquatic systems and rendering the water unfit for human or animal use," the environmental activist said.

He said the rising water levels in Indian rivers, particularly during Monsoon seasons, are intensifying pollution and posing a serious threat to human health, ecosystems, and livelihoods. To effectively address this crisis, the central government must adopt a comprehensive and proactive approach.

Suggesting measures to address this issue, Vohra said, "Firstly, strengthening waste management is crucial. This includes upgrading sewage treatment plants, ensuring proper segregation and disposal of waste, and strictly regulating industrial effluents. Zero liquid discharge norms must be enforced for polluting industries, along with strict penalties for violations. Secondly, flood and stormwater management systems should be enhanced to prevent runoff of untreated waste into rivers. Creating green infrastructure and implementing floodplain zoning can help mitigate further damage."

Must follow the Blackstone's Ratio before scrapping / refusing fuel to the 4.9L EOL vehicles in Delhi.

Must follow the Blackstone's Ratio before scrapping / refusing fuel to the 4.9L EOL vehicles in Delhi.

Cameras at Delhi pumps detected ONLY 4.9 lakh 'overaged' vehicles, as well 25 lakh without PUCC, out of the total 3.6 crore vehicles screened at 500 out of 520 petrol pumps in Delhi.

It means in the last 6 to 7 months, only 4.9L EOL vehicles could be detected, which is only 1.36% of the total number of vehicles that have been screened, while those without PUCC are no more than 7%.

Does it mean that all the rest of the so called Polluting EOL vehicles have already been shifted out of Delhi or Scrapped, as they could not be screened at any of the petrol pumps of Delhi ?

Many out of these 4.9L EOL Vehicles may belong to the non active senior citizens of Delhi, who rarely get their vehicles on the road and these vehicles must be in a very good condition & non polluting.

Let's come forward to help and support our senior citizens, the bona-fide voters who contributed for the city their entire life, so that they are not deprived of their only vehicle which is getting punished for no fault.

Therefore, we must test the so called 4.9L EOL vehicles to find out if they are really Polluting or if they require some minor maintenance, before ordering to scrap.

Blackstone's ratio is a legal principle stating that it is better for a guilty person to go free than for an innocent person to be wrongly convicted. The ratio is often expressed as "It is better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer". This principle emphasizes the importance of protecting the innocent and minimizing the risk of wrongful convictions in the justice system. 

However, our question are:

1. Delhi does not have 3.6 cr vehicles. So where from the rest of the vehicles have come ? 

2. As per caqm, Delhi has 62 Lakh EOL Vehicles, but why only 4.9L detected ? Where the rest of the vehicles have gone ?

3. Almost 3.6 Cr vehicles keep Polluting Delhi & we want to scrap just 1.36% of it, I.e. 4.9L vehicles to save Delhi from Pollution. Is that a joke ?

B S Vohra

President, East Delhi RWAs Joint Front

Comments received:

Mr Anil Sood from Chetna NGO says,"First of all what is the logic of scarping 10/15 years old cars without removing encroachments from city roads and synchronising traffic signals. With these conditions, even brand new cars would pollute. The institutional polluters are getting away with and common citizens are being punished by fabricated report prepared by IIT Kanpur".