Pollution Science 101 - India
( Ecological Collapse)
Michael Ross
Monsantoinvestigation.com
-------------------------------------------
The following article will detail the amount of environmental damage in India.
To read an additional article about the pollution and the uranium trade going on in India, click on the following link. This link is considered an additional section to this article.
Uranium Trade 101 - India & Pakistan ( Pollution Science 101- India ) - UraniumTrade101india.Blogspot.com .
-----------------------------------------------
Contents:
Chapter 1: Himalayas
Chapter 2: Water pollution
Chapter 3: Illegal dumping
Chapter 4: Corruption
Chapter 5: Coca Cola
Chapter 6: Miscellaneous
-----------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------
Chapter 1: Himalayas
-------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
Melting glaciers bring India emissions, energy uncertainty
"In March or April, this used to be 10 to 12 feet of
snow here," RS Rana laments, as he trudges through mushy slush in the
Dhauladhar range.
An avid trekker, he's been hiking what are called the "lesser Himalayas" for nearly half a century.The change, he says, has been dramatic.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-05-13/melting-glaciers-bring-india-emissions,-energy-uncertainty/8523704
--------------------------------------------------------
Himalayas lost 13 per cent of glaciers in forty years
January 2014
Amid controversy and debate over the precise impact of global warming on the Himalayas, glaciologists analysed a massive cache of data on the mountain range and have concluded that it lost 13 per cent of its glaciers in just four decades.
Approximately 443 billion tonnes (Gt) of glacier ice was lost in this timeframe, says a new research paper published in Current Science. It estimates the total glacial water stored in the Indian Himalaya to be around 4,000 Gt.
http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/himalayas-lost-13-per-cent-of-glaciers-in-forty-years/article5554156.ece
------------------------------------------------------
A high court in India took drastic measures to protect 2 vanishing glaciers
Apr. 7, 2017
APRIL 7, 2017 —Just weeks after a high court in the Indian state of Uttarakhand granted legal personhood to the Ganges and Yamuna rivers, the same court recently extended that same standing to the Gangotri and Yamunotri glaciers that feed them.
The finding follows New Zealand’s mid-March passage of a law recognizing the Whanganui River – a feature that the Maori people consider an ancestor – as a living entity. And the Indian court’s effort to protect the vanishing glaciers also carries religious overtones, since both the rivers and glaciers are considered sacred sites to many Hindus...
http://www.businessinsider.com/rights-of-nature-movement-india-glacier-2017-4
------------------------------------------------
Methane Explosion Warmed the Prehistoric Earth, Possible Again
The models used in the new study show that when you
greatly increase methane amounts, the OH quickly gets used up, and the
extra methane lingers for hundreds of years, producing enough global
warming to explain the LTPM climate.
"Ten years of methane is a blip, but hundreds of
years of atmospheric methane is enough to warm up the atmosphere, melt
the ice in the oceans, and change the whole climate system," Schmidt
said. "So we may have solved a conundrum."
--------------------
How has Antarctica’s landscape changed over geological time and why?
Some 200 million years ago, Antarctic continental crust was joined with South American, African, Indian, and Australian continental crust making up a large southern land mass known as Gondwana (the southern part of the supercontinent called Pangea). After this time, Gondwana slowly split apart to create Antarctica as a separate continent, and Antarctica has gradually moved away from the other southern continents towards its present polar position.
http://discoveringantarctica.org.uk/oceans-atmosphere-landscape/ice-land-and-sea/tectonic-history-into-the-deep-freeze/
---------------------
Some debate if the tectonic plates in India may move again soon. Some question if thermal warmth in the tectonic plates could be heating up some areas of the Himalayas.
If some scientists predict that the Antarctic plate is predicted to move, that this could explain more ice melting away completely in the Antarctic eventually. The Antarctic used to have green jungles, and was closer to the equator at one point in history. The Antarctic plate moved south, to where it become a new polar region with ice.
Some scientists predict that the Indian Plate may move south near the equator eventually in the future.
If the plates shift, and India shifts to the south more near the equator, this would mean that the Glaciers in India and the Himalayas would most likely have a tendency melt more. However, we think that the retreat of many of the glaciers in the Himalayas, is due to some human activity.
---------------------------------------------------
The Indian tectonic plate collided with the Eurasian Plate many years ago. There are many Earthquakes around the areas where these two plates join together. Many people say that seismic activity from these two plates moving again, could cause a super volcano.
We can even see how Earthquakes can heat up the areas around the quake.
--------------------------------------
The Himalayas: Two continents collide
Among the most dramatic and visible creations of plate-tectonic forces are the lofty Himalayas, which stretch 2,900 km along the border between India and Tibet. This immense mountain range began to form between 40 and 50 million years ago, when two large landmasses, India and Eurasia, driven by plate movement, collided. Because both these continental landmasses have about the same rock density, one plate could not be subducted under the other. The pressure of the impinging plates could only be relieved by thrusting skyward, contorting the collision zone, and forming the jagged Himalayan peaks.
https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/dynamic/himalaya.html
---------------------------------
PSB NoVa Himalayan Megaquake (HD)
May 4, 2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYPqvlDS5To
----------------------------------------
New fallout from 'the collision that changed the world'
April, 2019
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/04/190426142057.htm
Summary:
When India slammed into Asia, the collision changed the configuration of the continents, the landscape, global climate and more. Now scientists have identified one more effect: the oxygen in the world's oceans increased, altering the conditions for life. They created an unprecedented nitrogen record destined to become one of the fundamental datasets for biogeochemical history of Earth.
---------------------------
What Lies Ahead for Earth’s Shifting Continents Just Might Surprise You
Feb 7 2017
https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/the-big-questions/what-lies-ahead-earth-s-shifting-continents-just-might-surprise-n717276
---------------
Future Plate Motions & Pangea Proxima - Scotese Animation
Sep 18, 2014
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2It3ETk2MGA
--------------------------------------
Thermal and tectonic consequences of India underthrusting Tibet
The Tibetan Plateau is the largest orogenic system on Earth, and has been influential in our
understanding of how the continental lithosphere deforms. Beneath the plateau are some of the
deepest (100 km) earthquakes observed within the continental lithosphere, which have been pivotal
in ongoing debates about the rheology and behaviour of the continents. We present new observations
of earthquake depths from the region, and use thermal models to suggest that all of them occur in
material at temperatures of ≨ 600 °C. Thermal modelling, combined with experimentally derived flow laws, suggests that if the Indian lower crust is anhydrous it will remain strong beneath the entire
southern half of the Tibetan plateau, as is also suggested by dynamic models. In northwest Tibet, the
strong underthrust Indian lower crust abuts the rigid Tarim Basin, and may be responsible for both
the clockwise rotation of Tarim relative to stable Eurasia and the gradient of shortening along the
Tien Shan.
http://bullard.esc.cam.ac.uk/~copley/pubs/tim_tibet.pdf
Pangaea to the Present Lesson #2
http://volcano.oregonstate.edu/book/export/html/1083
-----------------------------
Dreaded Polar Vortex May Be Shifting
October 25, 2016
As the Arctic wind pattern migrates toward Europe it could allow frigid air to descend upon the U.S.
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/dreaded-polar-vortex-may-be-shifting/
-------------------------------------
Trans-border pollution impacts air quality in Nepal
March 21, 2017
KATHMANDU, March 21: Pollution in Delhi and other Indian cities, which receives a lot of media attention, has a big impact on the health and wellbeing of Nepal's population also, according to experts.
As air pollution respects no political frontiers, India's toxic air reaches Nepal when the air blows in certain directions, covering our skies with thick smoke haze mostly during summer. Such trans-boundary pollution worsens our already polluted air, compounding the effect on public health.
http://www.myrepublica.com/news/16826/
-----------------------------------------------------------
The Himalayan region of India is home of some of the most notable glaciers in the world. This is a list of the notable glaciers in India. Most glaciers lie in the states of Sikkim, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Few glaciers are also found in Arunachal Pradesh.
List of Indian glaciers
Arunachal Pradesh
In Arunachal Pradesh, glaciers are found in Greater Himalaya ranges which run along the Tibetan border. All peaks here rise above 4500 meters and are snow covered throughout the year. Important glaciers:- Bichom Glacier
- Kangto Glacier
Jammu and Kashmir
- Siachen Glacier is the second longest glacier outside of the polar regions and largest in the Himalayas-Karakoram region
- Nubra Glacier
- Chong Kmdan Glacier
- Drang Drung Glacier
- Shafat Glacier
- Machoi Glacier
- Rimo Glacier
- Tayseer Glacier
- Trango Glacier
- Hari parbat Glacier
- Chitta katha Glacier
- Shirwali Glacier
- Nun Kun
- Parkachik Glacier
- Kazi N Glacier
- Baltoro Glacier
Himachal Pradesh
- Bara Shigri Glacier
- BCB Glacier (bcb land)
- Beas Kund glacier
- Bhadal Glacier
- Bhaga Glacier
- Chandra Glacier
- Chandra Nahan Glacier
- Chhota Shigri
- Dhaka Glacier
- North Dakka Glacier
- Gora Glacier
- The Lady of Keylong
- Miyar Glacier
- Mukkila Glacier
- Parbati and Dudhon
- Perad Glacier
- Sonapani
Sikkim
Uttarakhand
- Gangotri Glacier
- Kalabaland Glacier
- Kedar Bamak Glacier
- Meola Glacier
- Milam Glacier
- Namik Glacier
- Panchchuli Glacier
- Pindari Glacier
- Ralam Glacier
- Sona Glacier
- Kafni Glacier
- Sunderdhunga
- Jaundhar
- satoanth
- bhagirathi kadak
- dokriani glacier
- chorabari glacier
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_glaciers_of_India
-----------------------------------------------------
Chorabari Glacier, India
For much of their water needs, South Asia’s
residents—numbering roughly a billion—rely on thousands of glaciers
nestled in the Himalaya. The glaciers feed major rivers such as the
Ganges, and one such glacier is Chorabari Glacier in India. Situated
between the Kedarnath summit to the north and the town of Kedarnath to
the south, this glacier produces a vigorous stream that eventually
merges with the Ganges River.
The Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) on NASA’s Terra
satellite took this picture of Chorabari Glacier on November 22, 2007.
In this false-color image, the land surface appears reddish brown, snow
cover appears white (with dark blue shadows), and glaciers appear pale
blue. Covering some 6 square kilometers (2.3 square miles), the
Chorabari Glacier sports a rocky coating that helps insulate it from
melting. Nevertheless, according to a New York Times
report, the glacier had retreated by 2007. A map dating from 1962 placed
its terminus, or snout, 262 meters (860 feet) farther down the mountain
slope.Because Indian glaciers have not been studied in detail for the past several decades, assessing their long-term trends has been difficult. More recent studies, however, suggest they are vulnerable to rising temperatures, which increased by 2.2 degrees Celsius (3.96 degrees Fahrenheit) between the 1980s and the new millennium. A 2007 report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicted that continued melt of Himalayan glaciers could increase the likelihood of floods over the coming three decades, followed by a reduction in water supply to South Asia’s rivers.
https://visibleearth.nasa.gov/view.php?id=8564
------------------------------------------------------
Glacial retreat in the Himalayas
Hotspot Details
Summary:
After
the polar ice caps, the Himalayas have the largest amount of glaciers.
More than thirty thousand sq. km of the Himalayan region is covered by
the glaciers that can provide around 8.6 million cubic meters of water
every year. Rivers, including the Ganga, the Indus, the Brahmaputra, the
Salween, the Mekong, the Yangtze and the Yellow river are fed by
glaciers in the Himalayas. Millions of people rely on this annual water
supply to survive. Over the past several decades global climate change
has influenced the Himalayan mountain glaciers significantly, pushing
tempertures close to melting conditions (Rai and Gurung 2005). Recently,
the Himalayan glaciers have been in a status of retreat at an
increasing rate which will eventually result in a water shortage for all
Himalayan countries (e.g. China, India, Nepal, and Bhutan).
http://lcluc.umd.edu/hotspot/glacial-retreat-himalayas
-----------------------------------------------
Samudra Tupa Glacier, India Accelerated Retreat 1998-2016
December 26, 2016
Landsat Comparison from 1998 and 2016 of Samudra Tupa Glacier, India. Red arrow is the 1998 terminus, yellow arrow the 2016 terminus, green arrow a subsidiary glacier tongue, red line and dots the snowline and pink arrow an area indicating a water level decline in the lake.
http://blogs.agu.org/fromaglaciersperspective/2016/12/26/samudra-tupa-glacier-india-accelerated-retreat-1998-2016/
-----------------------------------------------------------
India’s Diesel Fumes Impacting Glacier Melt in Himalayas
March 11th, 2014
KOLKATA – Being a traffic policeman in Kolkata is a life-threatening business. Not only are you at risk of being run over on the traffic-clogged roads and streets of this chaotic city of 14 million – you’re also more than likely to suffer from serious health problems due to some of the worst air pollution not just in India, but in the world.
Soaking up the Heat
Diesel fumes, along with smoke from coal burning, cooking fires and the burning of waste, are among the main sources of particulate matter called soot or black carbon. Recent studies suggest that funeral pyres and even the burning of incense at temples are also contributors to the accumulation of soot.This black carbon rises into the atmosphere and is driven by winds on to the snow or ice in the Himalayas, darkening the surface and in the process reducing reflectivity and causing the surface to absorb more heat.
The International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), based In Kathmandu, Nepal, is the only transboundary organization looking at climate developments across the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region.
According to ICIMOD estimates, black carbon is likely responsible for a large part – around 30 percent by some calculations – of glacial melt in the region. It says most of the black carbon deposited in the Himalayas and in the southern area of the Tibetan Plateau comes from the plains of India, while black carbon on the eastern and northern parts of the Plateau originates in central China.
http://www.climatecentral.org/news/air-pollution-in-india-fueling-glacier-melt-in-himalayas-17158
--------------------------------------------------------------
Some people debate over the claims of black carbon melting the Himalayan glaciers.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Snow and glaciers of the Himalayas – A study by Indian Space Research Organisation
June 2011
These reports present the findings of a study on “Snow and Glacier Studies” where snow cover for the Indian Himalaya was monitored for four consecutive years from 2004-05 to 2007-08.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/snow-and-glaciers-himalayas-study-indian-space-research-organisation
---------------------------------------------------------------
IPCC officials admit mistake over melting Himalayan glaciers
January 2010
Senior members of the UN's climate science body admit a claim that Himalayan glaciers could melt away by 2035 was unfounded
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2010/jan/20/ipcc-himalayan-glaciers-mistake
---------------------------------------------------
Debate heats up over IPCC melting glaciers claim
January 2010
https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn18363-debate-heats-up-over-ipcc-melting-glaciers-claim/
----------------------------------------------
Hiking The Annapurna Circuit: Why It May Be Now Or Never
The Himalayas, the world’s most iconic mountains, gave birth to the highest point on the planet, Mount Everest, just 70 million years ago when the Indian tectonic plate slowly collided with the Eurasian continent.
However, Everest’s famous (not to mention extremely dangerous) mountain climbing trek isn’t your only option. The Annapurna massif sits quietly in the shadows of Everest and contains six stunning mountain peaks, aptly named Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna and Annapurna South.
Destruction of The Annapurna Circuit
The Annapurna Circuit is one of the best hiking treks in the world, but it’s quickly changing with the ever- increasing demand of tourists.
https://greenglobaltravel.com/hiking-the-annapurna-circuit-why-it-may-be-now-or-never/
------------------------------------------
Annapurna I has the greatest fatality rate of all the 14 eight-thousanders: as of March 2012, there have been 52 deaths during ascents, 191 successful ascents, and nine deaths upon descent. The ratio of 34 deaths per 100 safe returns on Annapurna I is followed by 29 for K2 and 21 for Nanga Parbat. - Wikipedia
-
{ The mountain Annapurna 1 is located in the Himalayas, Annapurna 1 is considered the most dangerous mountain to climb in the world. Annapurna 1 is currently the tenth highest mountain in the world. The best time to climb Annapurna 1 is in April and May, when it is not too cold, and it is not too hot. Trying to climb in the summertime is when the rate of avalanches increase because of melting ice. The trek to Annapurna takes around a week and a half, where you hike through a jungle in Tibet, to get to the mountain Annapurna 1, this is one of the favorite tourist destinations in Tibet. Many people die or vanish trying to climb this mountain, and it would be impossible to clean up all of this toxic gear left by dead mountain climbing groups. Annapurna releases some of the most beautiful avalanches that look almost like waterfalls of snow and ice. Annapurna has daily multiple avalanches that kill many climbing teams, this includes people falling through hundreds of feet of rotten ice to their deaths, including many hidden crevasses. There are even giant landslide zones, where giant rock landslides happen daily in the same area with loose rocks and giant boulders that come crashing down with ice, or even falling seracs in certain areas of the main trail of Annapurna 1. It is very important trying to cross these landslide areas fast, before the falling rocks knock you off a steep cliff. In certain parts of the mountain, you cannot even use a safety rope, because much of the area is all snow, this makes it difficult to secure a rope to a secured place. Even when you do get a chance to use a rope, there is a good chance that an avalanche could hit your rope, and drag you down with the avalanche, or your climbing partner would fall and drag the other climbers to their deaths.
If many reports are true, and if snow starts melting even more on Annapurna 1, that it would make mountain climbing very difficult in this area of the world. We see that the Indian tectonic plate once crashed into the Eurasian plate. Many new reports claim that these plates are slowly moving once again. If the tectonic plates move again, this could melt much of the ice away from the giant mountains of the Himalayas. Even the Arctic and Antarctic would face a change in temperature and climate. Antarctica used to have forests many millions of years ago, when the tectonic plates were more near the equator. We can see that the tectonic plates shifted, and caused a climate change in Antarctica, and that this eventually is bound to happen once again}.
-------------------------------------
List of deaths on eight-thousanders
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_deaths_on_eight-thousanders#Annapurna_I
------------------------------------------------------
Mt. Everest, Himalayan peaks waste pollution
Aug 28, 2014
Activists announced that Mount Everest and other Himalayan peaks are getting plagued with tonnes of disposed tents, spent oxygen cylinders and discarded food containers and bottles that are being left behind by mountaineers over the decades. Authorities are now encouraging the process of recycling.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jy-kBAd_nMQ
______________________________________________
The Dead of Everest 2013
Aug 14, 2013
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzcHVlQSbIk
______________________________________________
Everest - Himalaya. Mirrors of pollution.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaBhHYjg-q4
______________________________________________
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqLEWNSYxRI
______________________________________________
Jul 23, 2012
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=362_wKjEJW8
______________________________________________
As Everest Base Camp grows more crowded, we take an opportunity to meet some of the Sherpas dedicated to keeping the mountain clean.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTRyqlj1rIQ
______________________________________________
Is clean-up finally in sight for the highest rubbish dump on earth? Team set to solve Everest’s pollution problem for good
- Up to 50 tons of rubbish left by climbing tourists every year
- Problem had threatened to destroy fragile ecosystem of the Himalayas
- Clean up team have spent three years hauling rubbish from mountain
- Now want to make climbing groups adhere to Code of Conduct
----------------------------------------------------------
Water quality assessment of the sacred Himalayan rivers of Uttarakhand - A study using biological assessment methods
Himalayan rivers, especially the Ganga and its tributaries, are extensively used for bathing, especially ritual bathing on festival days
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/water-quality-assessment-sacred-himalayan-rivers-uttarakhand-study-using-biological
-----------------------------------------------
The thirsty wettest place on earth
Thanks to unscrupulous mining, ground water level of Cherrapunji in Meghalya, which receives the highest rainfall in the world, is depleting
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/news/thirsty-wettest-place-earth
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Why the Himalayan glaciers may be the most important in the world
India is the most vulnerable country to climate change
https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/why-the-indian-himalayan-glaciers-may-be-the-most/
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Does India Really Need to Defend the Siachen Glacier?
http://thediplomat.com/2016/02/does-india-really-need-to-defend-the-siachen-glacier/
---------------------------------------------------------------
These 11 Facts Show The Deadly Cost India Has Been Paying To Hold On To The Siachen Glacier
The first war started in April 1984 when Indian army launched Operation Meghdoot to take control of the region after learning about Pakistan's plan to seize the region. Pakistan, in response, also mobilised its troops ensuing in the battle between two neighbours. While India occupied and still maintains the control over all the 70-kilometre long glacier, Pakistan took control of icy-valleys west of Saltoro ridge - one of the strategic high-grounds on the glacier.
A May 2012 report in South Asia Global Affairs said that one Pakistani soldier is killed every fourth day in Siachen while one Indian soldier is killed every second day – not by bullets but rather by the severe weather.
https://www.scoopwhoop.com/These-11-Facts-Show-The-Deadly-Cost-India-Has-Been-Paying-To-Hold-On-To-The-Siachen-Glacier/#.ybdas5u0y
------------------------------------------------
Glacier floods a growing threat across the third pole
14.08.15 The number of glacier lakes on the Tibetan plateau and surrounding mountain ranges has grown significantly over the past three decades because of melting glaciers, a new study has revealed, warning of the growing risk of catastrophic floods downstream.
http://indiaclimatedialogue.net/2015/08/14/glacier-floods-a-growing-threat-across-the-third-pole/
--------------------------------------------------------
5 Mysterious Anomalies Hidden Under the Ice
Oct 14, 2017https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7-WcJD0Ga4
----------------------------------------------------
As Himalayan Glaciers Melt, Two Towns Face the Fallout
March 24, 2015
For two towns in northern India, melting glaciers have had very different impacts — one town has benefited from flowing streams and bountiful harvests; but the other has seen its water supplies dry up and now is being forced to relocate.
http://e360.yale.edu/features/as_himalayan_glaciers_melt_two_towns_face_the_fallout
--------------------------------------------------
A REVISED GLACIER INVENTORY OF BHAGA BASIN HIMACHAL PRADESH, INDIA :
CURRENT STATUS AND RECENT GLACIER VARIATIONS
Dec 2014
https://www.isprs-ann-photogramm-remote-sens-spatial-inf-sci.net/II-8/37/2014/isprsannals-II-8-37-2014.pdf
------------------------------------------------
Pollution Studies of a Monomictic Lake, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
2013
https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/pollution-studies-of-a-monomictic-lake-srinagar-jammu-and-kashmir-india-2168-9776.1000110.php?aid=16234
----------------------------------
Environmental Degradation of Jammu & Kashmir Himalaya and their Control (PB)
Description
The environmental degradation of Indian States falling under the Himalayas is also on the increase. The environment of Jammu & Kashmir Himalayas has been very much degraded. The Government of India has formulated certain laws to tackle with various environmental and pollution problems. Now the time has come to deal with this situation more firmly in Jammu & Kashmir Himalayan region too. Environmental Degradation of Jammu & Kashmir Himalayas and Their Control, highlights all these problems and their solution in 15 chapters, In chapters I,II, the causes of deforestation, degradation of land and pastures, their control measures and hazards have been described. Causes of soil erosion, floods and landslides and methods to control them and hazards are given in chapters IV, V and VI. Chapter VII deals in the perishing plant species of lower middle and high Himalayas and control measures to save plants from extinction. A brief account of wildlife of lower, middle and high Himalayas, wildlife, environment and endangered species and methods for protection of human beings, animals and damage to plants kingdom and economic effects, are detailed in chapter IX along with control measures and global warming/green house effect and impact of acid rains. In chapter X, checking vehicular pollution, a brief scenario of vehicles of India and Jammu, Hazards of vehicular pollution and control measure have been stated. Chapters XI and XII devote on water pollution and its control and control of noise pollution with main topics of water pollutants, their harmful effects and control and causes of noise pollution, its hazards and remedies. Main factors or sources causing soil pollutants, food-borne infection, pesticide contamination, microbial/natural toxins, chemical pollutants, food-borne infections, pesticide contamination, radioactive substance, food additives, food adulteration and food fortification, control and preventive measures, are given in chapter XIV. Concept of agroforestry, agroforestry systems and agroforestry and environment, are detailed in chapter XV. At the end of every chapter, control measures, priorities and suggestion for future development are presented.
http://astralint.com/bookdetails.aspx?isbn=9788185211619
----------------------------------
Statistical Assessment of Water Quality Parameters for Pollution Source Identification in Sukhnag Stream: An Inflow Stream of Lake Wular (Ramsar Site), Kashmir Himalaya
2014
Abstract
The precursors of deterioration of immaculate Kashmir Himalaya water bodies are apparent. This study statistically analyzes the deteriorating water quality of the Sukhnag stream, one of the major inflow stream of Lake Wular. Statistical techniques, such as principal component analysis (PCA), regression analysis, and cluster analysis, were applied to 26 water quality parameters. PCA identified a reduced number of mean 2 varifactors, indicating that 96% of temporal and spatial changes affect the water quality in this stream. First factor from factor analysis explained 66% of the total variance between velocity, total-P, NO3–N, Ca2+, Na+, TS, TSS, and TDS. Bray-Curtis cluster analysis showed a similarity of 96% between sites IV and V and 94% between sites II and III. The dendrogram of seasonal similarity showed a maximum similarity of 97% between spring and autumn and 82% between winter and summer clusters. For nitrate, nitrite, and chloride, the trend in accumulation factor (AF) showed that the downstream concentrations were about 2.0, 2.0, and 2.9, times respectively, greater than upstream concentrations.
https://www.hindawi.com/archive/2014/898054/
----------------------------------
Spatio-Temporal Changes in Water Quality of Jhelum River, Kashmir Himalaya
2017
http://modernscientificpress.com/Journals/ViewArticle.aspx?gkN1Z6Pb60HNQPymfPQlZOfQiAxIWLr6eF5/wJ+8Q1bq2z+nrnSR80yDcY4SwdLU
----------------------------------
Monitoring of Water Quality Parameters in Upper and Lower Reaches of Dudhganga Catchment, India
2013
https://www.intechopen.com/books/perspectives-in-water-pollution/monitoring-of-water-quality-parameters-in-upper-and-lower-reaches-of-dudhganga-catchment-india
------------------------------------------------
Bihar to face more floods and droughts as rainfall patterns change
02.10.17http://indiaclimatedialogue.net/2017/10/02/bihar-face-floods-droughts-rainfall-patterns-change/ -----------------------------------------------
Glacier mapping: a review with special reference to the Indian Himalayas
2009
http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0309133309348112
----------------------------------------------
Rapid Last Glacial Maximum deglaciation in the Indian Himalaya coeval with midlatitude glaciers: New insights from Be-dating of ice-polished bedrock surfaces in the Chandra Valley, NW Himalaya
Feb 2016
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/2015GL066077/full
--------------------------------------------
Assessment of Lahaul-Spiti (western Himalaya, India) Glaciers- An Overview of Mass Balance and Climate
2014
Abstract
Available published literatures on glacier mass balance and climate studies i.e. temperature change, precipitation variation etc. are reviewed for whole Lahaul-Spiti region as well as for western Himalaya. Chhota Shigri and Hamta glaciers both lie in the Lahaul-Spiti region and have the longest in-situ datasets till the date ~10 years, surface mass balance data, geodetic, remotely sensed mass balance data are available. We have compiled and compared all the datasets (different methods) and tried to link up the glacier mass balance with the climate of the past few decades. In the past decade both the glaciers have experienced negative mass balance. However, all the values of mass balance for same years are not corresponding with different methods, but it is clear that the two glaciers are losing mass and behaving like other glaciers with time. Data from Indian Meteorological Department shows a significant increase of average temperature for the entire country and huge variability in precipitation of Himachal Pradesh. Temperature and precipitation are the two main governing factors of the glacier health. It has been observed and predicted that glaciers of the Lahual-Spiti region are losing mass due to change in weather pattern, especially increasing air temperature which is the key parameter of glacier change. However, long-term mass balance and climate data are essential for the better understanding and to predict the future status of glaciers in Lahaul-Spiti region.https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/assessment-of-lahaulspiti-western-himalaya-india-glaciers-an-overview-of-mass-balance-and-climate-2157-7617.S11-003.php?aid=26804
------------------------------------------------------------------
A new look at air pollution sources and atmosphere-warming particles in South Asia
October 18, 2013
New research provides most thorough analysis yet of outdoor cremation ritual emissions in South Asia. While past studies identify black carbon aerosols emitted from combustion of fossil fuels and residential biofuels as the dominant light-absorbing aerosol in the region; new research shows funeral pyre emissions contain sunlight-absorbing organic carbon aerosols known as brown carbon, and underscores the importance of quantifying and characterizing region-specific, cultural combustion activities to enhance existing aerosol emission budgets and climate models.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131018132306.htm
------------------------------------------
Uttarakhand forest fires could melt glaciers faster, say experts
May 3, 2016
Highlights
The incredible artificial glacier that could combat climate change and bring year-round fresh water to a remote Indian village
- The 'ice stupa' are artificial glaciers built at lower altitudes using pipes, gravity and cold temperatures
- It was the idea of Sonam Wangchuk, an engineer from Ladakh, in the Jammu region of north India
- The region receives on average of just 50mm of rainfall each year, and locals rely on water from glaciers
- To create a ice stupa, pipes connect to a stream of water from higher in the mountains which flows down
- The pressure created by this difference in heights creates a fountain which freezes in the winter months
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-4713574/Artificial-glaciers-grown-high-altitude-desert.html
------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------
Chapter 2: Water pollution
-------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------
10 Most polluted rivers of India
Oct, 2015
1. Ganga River
Often referred to as ‘Holy Ganga’; this river is no longer holy when it comes to pollution. Ganga not only tops the list of most polluted river in India; but also tops the same in the World. Ganga has reached much farther than the WHO’s permissible limits in pollution levels.
2. Yamuna River
Yamuna also comes in the top 10 list of World’s most polluted rivers! Delhi is the major reason behind Yamuna’s woeful condition; as Delhi itself dumps 58% waste in Yamuna!
3. Sabarmati River
As per the CPCB report, Sabarmati River in Gujarat is the third most polluted river. Faecal coliform (F.Coli) bacteria were found to be the highest in this river.
4. Damodar River
With so many coal industries sprouting on Damodar river’s mineral rich banks; the river is highly polluted in West Bengal and Jharkhand.
5. Oshiwara River
The Oshiwara River in Mumbai holds the fifth position in the list of the most polluted rivers in India. According to the reports, 85% of the Maharashtra’s rivers are polluted.
6. Gomti River
One of the major sources of water for Lucknow city; the Gomti river has been deteriorated by the industrial effluents in the past few years.
7. Mahi River
Due to excessive pollution and salinity; the Mahi River is on the verge of extinction in Gujarat.
8. Musi River
A tributary of Krishna River, Musi River flows in the Deccan Plateau and is highly polluted and its water is the most dangerous among the other rivers.
9. Hindon River
A tributary of Yamuna River, Hindon River is a highly polluted river in Uttar Pradesh region. According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Hindon along with Yamuna are the two most polluted rivers of Uttar Pradesh.
10. Wardha River
One of the biggest rivers of Vidarbha region, Wardha River holds the last position in the list. The river has been polluted much in the Maharashtra region.
http://kanigas.com/10-most-polluted-rivers-of-india/
-----------------------------------------------------
India's Most Polluted River Actually Bubbles With Toxic Foam
Nearly one billion Hindus worship the Yamuna River as a goddess. They consider it nearly as sacred as the mighty Ganges, and yet it is dying. The stretch that meanders through New Delhi teems with filth and toxins, and its surface bubbles with thick, white foam. "Visually, it’s beautiful, but when you get close to it, it’s just that horrible smell,” says Zacharie Rabehi. “It smells like shit. Toxic shit, chemical sewage—a bit of sulfur, a bit of human excrement.”
https://www.wired.com/2017/04/zacharie-rabehi-toxic-city/
--------------------------------------------------------
Ugly reality of Yamuna – India’s most polluted river- in pictures
Oct 28, 2015
Hindus believe that one dip in the sacred River Yamuna frees one from the torments of death. But burden of overgrowing population and unchecked dumping of sewage and industrial waste has rather turned it into a horrible scene. Now, River Yamuna is seeking salvation from tormenting pollution. The Yamuna, also called Jammuna, is the second largest tributary river of the Ganges that flows through Indo-Gangetic Plains. It originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in Himalayas and flows through Uttarakhand, Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. The water is clear and blue until the River reaches Haryana. Thereafter, tons of untreated sewage, industrial waste, domestic waste, and dumped garbage turn it into one of the world’s most polluted rivers.
http://www.planetcustodian.com/2015/10/28/8311/ugly-reality-of-yamuna-indias-most-polluted-river-in-pictures.html
-----------------------------------------------------------
9 Most Polluted Rivers of Indian Metro Cities
Musi River -Hyderabad
Musi River divides the historic old city and the new city of Hyderabad in Telangana state. The river originates in Anantagiri Hills and joins the Krishna River at Vadapally,Musi river is highly polluted in Hyderabad and among most polluted rivers in country.
Yamuna River -Delhi
River Yamuna is one of the most polluted rivers of the India and the longest and the second largest tributary river of the Ganges. The holy river is getting polluted especially around New Delhi with garbage and industry sewage.
Sabarmati River -Ahmedabad
Sabarmati River is one of the major west flowing river of Gujarat and third most polluted river in the country. It originates from Arravali hill ranges in Rajasthan and flows towards the Gulf of Cambay in Gujarat.
Ganges River -Allahabad
The river Ganga occupies a unique position in the cultural of Hindu and the holiest river of India. Ganges River river flows through 29 Indian cities with huge population who increase in the population density by Human waste,Industrial waste and Religious events.Cooum River -Chennai
Cooum River flows through the majour corporation zones of Chennai and the river is highly polluted in this urban area. Polluted Part of the Cooum River is feed by pesticides of corporation zones and heavy metals from the industry in Kilpauk and Triplicane.
Mithi River -Mumbai
Mithi River flows through the island of the city of Mumbai and get the water discharges of the Powai and Vihar lakes. The river has been polluted by dumping of industrial waste,raw sewage,organic waste and municipal waste.Mula-Mutha River -Pune
Mula-Mutha Rivers are formed by the confluence of Mula and Mutha rivers in the city of Pune. Pollution are released into the river at Pune and has resulted high levels of pollution in the Bhima River.Gomti River -Lucknow
Gomti River is one of the tributary of the Ganga River and one of the many transcendental rivers in India. The river collects large amounts of human and industrial pollutants from city of Lucknow,Lakhimpur Kheri, Sitapur and Jaunpur.Vrishabhavathi River -Bangalore
Vrishabhavathi River of Bangalore is a minor river and one of the tributary of the Arkavathy River. The river flows through the south of the Bengaluru city and highly polluted due to domestic and agricultural sources and pollution from industrial waste.
http://www.walkthroughindia.com/walkthroughs/9-most-polluted-rivers-of-indian-metro-cities/
-------------------------------------------------------------
Water pollution in India
The issues
Untreated sewage
A 2007 study found that discharge of untreated sewage is the single most important source of pollution of surface and ground water in India. There is a large gap between generation and treatment of domestic waste water in India. The problem is not only that India lacks sufficient treatment capacity but also that the sewage treatment plants that exist do not operate and are not maintained.The majority of the government-owned sewage treatment plants remain closed most of the time due to improper design or poor maintenance or lack of reliable electricity supply to operate the plants, together with absentee employees and poor management. The waste water generated in these areas normally percolates into the soil or evaporates. The uncollected wastes accumulate in the urban areas causing unhygienic conditions and releasing pollutants that leach into surface and groundwaters.
A 1992 World Health Organization study reported that out of India's 3,119 towns and cities, just 209 have partial sewage treatment facilities, and only 8 have full wastewater treatment facilities. Downstream, the river water polluted by the untreated water is used for drinking, bathing, and washing. A 1995 report claimed 114 Indian cities were dumping untreated sewage and partially cremated bodies directly into the Ganges River. Lack of toilets and sanitation facilities causes open defecation in rural and urban pill areas of India, like many developing countries. This is a source of surface water pollution.
Sewage discharged from cities,towns and some villages is the predominant cause of water pollution in India. Investment is needed to bridge the gap between sewage India generates and its treatment capacity of sewage per day. Major cities of India produce 38,354 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage, but the urban sewage treatment capacity is only 11,786 MLD. A large number of Indian rivers are severely polluted as a result of discharge of domestic sewage.
The Central Pollution Control Board, a Ministry of Environment & Forests Government of India entity, has established a National Water Quality Monitoring Network comprising 1429 monitoring stations in 28 states and 6 in Union Territories on various rivers and water bodies across the country. This effort monitors water quality year round. The monitoring network covers 293 rivers, 94 lakes, 9 tanks, 41 ponds, 8 creeks, 23 canals, 18 drains and 411 wells distributed across India. Water samples are routinely analysed for 28 parameters including dissolved oxygen, bacteriological and other internationally established parameters for water quality. Additionally 9 trace metals parameters and 28 pesticide residues are analysed. Biomonitoring is also carried out on specific locations.
The scientific analysis of water samples from 1995 to 2008 indicates that the organic and bacterial contamination is severe in water bodies of India. This is mainly due to discharge of domestic waste water in untreated form, mostly from the urban centres of India.
Coliform levels
Rivers Yamuna, Ganga, Gomti, Ghaghara River, Chambal, Mahi, Vardha are amongst the other most coliform polluted water bodies in India. For context, coliform must be below 104 MPN/100 ml, preferably absent from water for it to be considered safe for general human use, and for irrigation where coliform may cause disease outbreak from contaminated-water in agriculture.In 2006, 47 percent of water quality monitoring reported coliform concentrationst above 500 MPN/100 ml. During 2008, 33 percent of all water quality monitoring stations reported a total coliform levels exceeding those levels, suggesting recent effort to add pollution control infrastructure and upgrade treatment plants in India, may be reversing the water pollution trend.
Treatment of domestic sewage and subsequent utilization of treated sewage for irrigation can prevent pollution of water bodies, reduce the demand for fresh water in the irrigation sector and become a resource for irrigation. Since 2005, Indian wastewater treatment plant market has been growing annually at the rate of 10 to 12 percent. The United States is the largest supplier of treatment equipment and supplies to India, with 40 percent market share of new installation. At this rate of expansion, and assuming the government of India continues on its path of reform, major investments in sewage treatment plants and electricity infrastructure development, India will nearly triple its water treatment capacity by 2015, and treatment capacity supply will match India's daily sewage water treatment requirements by about 2020.
Other problems
A joint study by PGIMER and Punjab Pollution Control Board in 2008, revealed that in villages along the Nullah, fluoride, mercury, beta-endosulphan and heptachlor pesticide were more than permissible limit (MPL) in ground and tap water. Plus the water had high concentration of COD and BOD (chemical and biochemical oxygen demand), ammonia, phosphate, chloride, chromium, arsenic and chlorpyrifos pesticide. The ground water also contains nickel and selenium, while the tap water has high concentration of lead, nickel and cadmium.Flooding during monsoons worsens India's water pollution problem, as it washes and moves solid waste and contaminated soils into its rivers and wetlands. The annual average precipitation in India is about 4000 billion cubic metres. From this, with the state of Indian infrastructure in 2005, the available water resource through the rivers is about 1869 billion cubic meters. Accounting to uneven distribution of rain over the country each year, water resources available for utilization, including ground water, is claimed to be about 1122 billion cubic meters. Much of this water is unsafe, because pollution degrades water quality. Water pollution severely limits the amount of water available to Indian consumer, its industry and its agriculture.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_pollution_in_India
---------------------------------------------------------------
The World's Most Polluted River Revealed in Photos
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/04/ganges-river-photos-giulio-di-sturco/
----------------------------------------------------------------
They're raising a stink: Polluted rivers in the country have doubled over past five years
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/indiahome/indianews/article-3024936/Pollution-India-Polluted-rivers-country-doubled-past-five-years.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
India’s dirty rivers make the search for Saraswati seem pointless
The government is launching an effort to find the long
lost Saraswati river, believed to be mythical by many. But many other
rivers in the country continue being polluted and neglected while
politics around the main rivers continues.
http://www.livemint.com/Multimedia/pHofTpUFT3IMfCALSUfNdO/Indias-dirty-rivers-make-the-search-for-Saraswati-seem-poin.html
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ganga Is Second-Most Polluting River In The World, Spewing 115,000 Tonnes Of Plastic Each Year
Waste plastic that’s dumped in rivers across the world end up in our oceans every day, becoming on of the major sources of marine pollution. A recent study now claims that Asian countries are the biggest culprits when it comes to polluting our waterways.
According to researchers
at The Ocean Cleanup, a Dutch foundation working on new technologies to rid the oceans of plastic, rivers carry an estimated 1.15-2.41 million tonnes of plastic into the sea every year. To put that into perspective, we’d need anywhere between 48,000 to 100,000 dump trucks to carry away all that trash if we cleaned it out of the ocean. And India is one of the biggest contributors of that pollution.
The study states that two-thirds of the pollution entering our oceans from across the world come from the 20 most polluting rivers, a majority of which are in Asia.
China’s Yangtze River tops that list, dumping approximately 333,000 tonnes of plastic into the East China Sea every year. India meanwhile comes in distant second, with just the Ganga river responsible for 115,000 tonnes of plastic output, with another Chinese river, Xi, coming in third.
In fact, six of China’s rivers are on the list of top polluters, with three in the top five. Beyond the top twenty worst rivers, the rest of the world shares 14 percent of plastic pollution in the oceans.
“Most of this river plastic input is coming from Asia, which emphasises the need to focus on monitoring and mitigation efforts in Asian countries with rapid economic development and poor waste management,” The Ocean Cleanup said. They say their estimates are rough, as there’s very little data to be had. “Yet, the relatively high concentrations of ocean plastic found at the surface of the North Pacific Ocean where buoyant plastics originating from Asia can accumulate, suggest that our assumptions are plausible,” the team added.
http://www.indiatimes.com/technology/news/ganga-is-second-most-polluting-river-in-the-world-spewing-115-000-tonnes-of-plastic-each-year-323479.html
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
15 Horrible Pictures Of The Most Polluted Rivers In The World
March, 2017
15. The Marilao River, The Philippines
14. The Han River, China
13. The Yamuna River, India
The Yamuna River is one of the most sacred rivers of India. Sadly, it looks like the Indians have forgotten how to treat sacred places. On top of that, the Yamuna River is one of the primary sources of drinking water in India, especially New Delhi. However, people from New Delhi throw around 58 percent of their sewage into this river. I am not a scientist, but I think it is clear that polluting the water which you will later drink is a stupid idea. That said, you can find anything from burned bodies to toxic chemicals to household garbage in the Yamuna River. It is one of the most polluted rivers in the world. However, the government of India cannot do a thing about this problem. Yes, they showed some efforts to stop the pollution, but it was more like a formality than a real action.
12. The Citarum River, Indonesia
11. The Huangpu River, China
10. The Niger River Delta, Nigeria
9. The Pasig River, The Philippines
8. The Red River In Wenzhou
7. The Ganges River, India
6. The Mississippi River, USA
5. Rajasthan Lakes, India
The director of Centre for Science and Environment Sunita Narain stated that this situation cannot last any longer. She mentioned that 2016, with Brexit and Trump’s victory, must have been a wake-up call to the whole world. On top of that, Sunita claimed that her company has a lot of disturbing information about the pollution and India will have to start acting before more people die.
4. The Rivers Of Rio, Brazil
3. The Cuyahoga River, Cleveland, USA
2. The Matanza-Riachuelo River, Argentina
1. The Jianhe River, China
http://www.therichest.com/shocking/15-horrible-pictures-of-the-most-polluted-rivers-in-the-world/
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gujarat: State has 38 urban centres located on polluted rivers’
March, 2016
Gujarat, with 38 towns and cities, has the fourth highest number of urban centres in the country that are located on polluted river stretches. Only Maharashtra, Assam and West Bengal has more such towns.
http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/gujarat-state-has-38-urban-centres-located-on-polluted-rivers/
-----------------------------------------------------
Which is the cleanest river in India?
Opinion:
Chambal River
Dwaki River
https://www.quora.com/Which-is-the-cleanest-river-in-India
-----------------------------------------------------
Flaming river redux: Fire erupts from polluted froth on India lake (Video)
June 19, 2015
Mohamed Attaulla Khan won’t forget the night the lake he used to fish on as a boy caught fire.
The pollution in Bellandur Lake was well-known: Every summer for more than a decade, a white froth as thick as shaving cream had carpeted the water, a chemical reaction caused by untreated waste. But standing on a bridge one evening last month, Khan, a 56-year-old high school principal, saw small orange flames flickering at the lake’s surface amid the toxic suds.
http://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-fire-springs-forth-on-india-lake-20150619-story.html
-----------------------------------------------------
Toxic foam is a fact of life along India’s most polluted waterways
Motorists pass toxic foam build-up on the Bellandur Lake on the outskirts of Bangalore, India, on April 28, 2015. Hundreds of electroplating and e-waste recycling units in the city’s industrial pockets discharge highly toxic chemicals into tributaries which flow into lakes and combine to create foam.
Chemical foam from industrial discharge covers the surface of the River Yamuna in New Delhi in 2014.
An extremely polluted river that runs along Faridabad, Delhi, India.
An extremely polluted river that runs along Faridabad, Delhi, India.
Indian fishermen untie their fishing nets near thick foam overflowing at a beach coast in Chennai in 2012. According to fumigation officials, the water is polluted by industrial waste and unusual discharge of sewage.
Thick foam from pollution surrounds Indian workers at a site of a bridge under construction over the Yamuna River in New Delhi in 2014.
Devotees immerse idols of Hindu gods and goddesses among foam from chemicals and debris in the Yamuna River, during the festival of Durga Puja in New Delhi in 2004.
http://mashable.com/2015/10/11/toxic-foam-india/#wsezGM1qTZq3
-------------------------------------------------
World Water Day 2016: India has the world's worst water quality, and it's getting worse
March 2016
India has the world's highest number of people without access to clean water, imposing a major financial burden for some of the country's poorest people.
According to the Water Aid, an international charity that strives to improve access to safe water, as well as hygiene and sanitation, there are 75.8 million people in India (that's 5% of the country's population) who are forced to either spend an average of 72¢to buy 50 litres of water a day, nearly 20% of their daily income, or use supplies that are contaminated with sewage and chemicals. The people of Britain spend around 10¢ a day for the same amount.
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/world-water-day-2016-india-has-worlds-worst-water-quality-its-getting-worse-1551050
------------------------------------------------
Not just scarcity, groundwater contamination is India’s hidden crisis
Mar 22, 2017
More than three-quarters of India’s rural population depends on groundwater for drinking, but the country’s aquifers are not only under tremendous stress, the quality of water they provide is also deteriorating.
More than three-quarters of India’s rural population depends on groundwater for drinking, but the country’s aquifers are not only under tremendous stress, the quality of water they provide is also deteriorating.
Government data says 94% of the population has access to improved water sources but this number does not tell the whole story. If you dig deeper and question the quality of available water, the crisis becomes murkier and more dangerous.
Surface water contamination receives a lot of attention because of the visible pollution of this water. In India, 19 states have reported fluoride contamination of water and groundwater in at least 10 states is contaminated with arsenic.
India has over 30 million groundwater extraction points and barring a handful, in all states a majority of wells have registered declining water levels in the pre-monsoon months over a decade from 2006 to 2015.
In pockets of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana and West Bengal the problem is particularly acute.
“If current trends continue, within 20 years 60% of all aquifers in India will be in a critical condition,” according to a 2012 World Bank report...
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/not-just-scarcity-groundwater-contamination-is-india-s-hidden-crisis/story-bBiwL1eyJJeMgFQcX4Cn7K.html
------------------------------------------------
76 Million Don’t Have Safe Drinking Water: India’s Looming Water Crisis
September 22, 2017
Nearly 76 million people in India do not have access to safe drinking water, as polluted rivers and poor storage infrastructure over the years has created a water deficit which may become unmanageable in the future
http://swachhindia.ndtv.com/76-million-dont-have-safe-drinking-water-indias-looming-water-crisis-5606/
------------------------------------------------
80% of India’s surface water may be polluted, report by international body says
Jun 28, 2015
NEW DELHI: Even as India is making headlines with its rising air pollution levels, the water in the country may not be any better. An alarming 80% of India's surface water is polluted, a latest assessment by WaterAid, an international organization working for water sanitation and hygiene, shows.
The report, based on latest data from the ministry of urban development (2013), census 2011 and Central Pollution Control Board, estimates that 75-80% of water pollution by volume is from domestic sewerage, while untreated sewerage flowing into water bodies including rivers have almost doubled in recent years.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/pollution/80-of-Indias-surface-water-may-be-polluted-report-by-international-body-says/articleshow/47848532.cms
------------------------------------------------
Plastic fibres found in tap water around the world, study reveals
Exclusive: Tests show billions of people globally are drinking water contaminated by plastic particles, with 83% of samples found to be polluted.
India: 82.4 % of tap water samples contained plastic fibres.
The new analyses indicate the ubiquitous extent of microplastic contamination in the global environment. Previous work has been largely focused on plastic pollution in the oceans, which suggests people are eating microplastics via contaminated seafood.
“We have enough data from looking at wildlife, and the impacts that it’s having on wildlife, to be concerned,” said Dr Sherri Mason, a microplastic expert at the State University of New York in Fredonia, who supervised the analyses for Orb. “If it’s impacting [wildlife], then how do we think that it’s not going to somehow impact us?”
A separate small study in the Republic of Ireland released in June also found microplastic contamination in a handful of tap water and well samples. “We don’t know what the [health] impact is and for that reason we should follow the precautionary principle and put enough effort into it now, immediately, so we can find out what the real risks are,” said Dr Anne Marie Mahon at the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, who conducted the research.
Mahon said there were two principal concerns: very small plastic particles and the chemicals or pathogens that microplastics can harbour. “If the fibres are there, it is possible that the nanoparticles are there too that we can’t measure,” she said. “Once they are in the nanometre range they can really penetrate a cell and that means they can penetrate organs, and that would be worrying.” The Orb analyses caught particles of more than 2.5 microns in size, 2,500 times bigger than a nanometre.
Microplastics can attract bacteria found in sewage, Mahon said: “Some studies have shown there are more harmful pathogens on microplastics downstream of wastewater treatment plants.”
Microplastics are also known to contain and absorb toxic chemicals and research on wild animals shows they are released in the body. Prof Richard Thompson, at Plymouth University, UK, told Orb: “It became clear very early on that the plastic would release those chemicals and that actually, the conditions in the gut would facilitate really quite rapid release.” His research has shown microplastics are found in a third of fish caught in the UK.
The scale of global microplastic contamination is only starting to become clear, with studies in Germany finding fibres and fragments in all of the 24 beer brands they tested, as well as in honey and sugar. In Paris in 2015, researchers discovered microplastic falling from the air, which they estimated deposits three to 10 tonnes of fibres on the city each year, and that it was also present in the air in people’s homes...
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/sep/06/plastic-fibres-found-tap-water-around-world-study-reveals
-------------------------------------------------
The Great Plastic Tide
http://coastalcare.org/2009/11/plastic-pollution/
--------------------------------------
Plastic pollution blights Bay of Bengal – in pictures
2 March 2017
In India, 6,000 tonnes of plastic waste lies uncollected every day. Some of this washes up in Tamil Nadu state, where it pollutes and contaminates the food and water of communities living along the Bay of Bengal.
All photographs by Jacques de Lannoy
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/gallery/2017/mar/02/plastic-pollution-blights-bay-of-bengal-in-pictures
------------------------
Bay of Bengal: depleted fish stocks and huge dead zone signal tipping point
January 31, 2017
Yet the exploitation of these waters continues without check. At night specially equipped, long-armed boats materialise around the islands and shine high-powered green lights into the water to attract plankton and the squid that follow in their wake. After nightfall, a glow that is bright enough to be visible from outer space12 hangs above the archipelago, like a miasmic fog. These squid boats, some of which are probably crewed by men who have been trafficked like slaves13, help to make Thailand the world’s largest exporter of squid – at least for the time being.
At the same time the bay’s ecosystems are also being disrupted by other environmental pressures. Several large rivers empty into the bay, carrying vast tides of untreated sewage, plastic, industrial waste and effluent from the agriculture and aquaculture industries14. The impact of this pollution could be catastrophic. The high load of organic pollutants, coupled with the diminution of the fish that keep them in control, could lead to massive plankton blooms, further reducing the water’s oxygen content.
Last month a multinational team of scientists reported an alarming finding – a very large “dead zone” has appeared in the bay. Apart from sulphur-oxidising bacteria and marine worms, few creatures can live in these oxygen-depleted waters15. This zone already spans some 60,000 sq km and appears to be growing16.
The dead zone of the Bay of Bengal is now at a point where a further reduction in its oxygen content could have the effect of stripping the water of nitrogen, a key nutrient. This transition could be triggered either by accretions of pollution or by changes in the monsoons, a predicted effect of global warming.
What is unfolding in the bay is a catastrophic convergence of flawed policy, economic over-exploitation, unsustainable forms of waste management, and climate change impacts that are intensifying in unpredictable ways. The scientists who identified the bay’s dead zone warn that this stretch of ocean is approaching a tipping point that will have serious consequences for the planet’s oceans and the global nitrogen cycle.
Should the bay’s fisheries collapse there will also be very serious human consequences, including intensified conflict and mass displacement. If millions of people lose their livelihoods then we can be sure that the resultant churning of populations will create huge new streams of migration, across the bay, the Indian Ocean, and indeed, the planet. Recent refugee flows in the region suggest that such a process may have already begun.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jan/31/bay-bengal-depleted-fish-stocks-pollution-climate-change-migration
---------------------------------------
The destruction of reefs is bad news for humanity: How we can work to reverse the damage
2017
http://www.firstpost.com/living/the-destruction-of-reefs-is-bad-news-for-humanity-how-we-can-work-to-reverse-the-damage-4049693.html
----------------------------------
Arabian Sea is suffocating due to toxic algae bloom, and it is going to get worse
30 March 2017
- The algae bloom stretches from Oman on the west to India and Pakistan on the east
- Algae releases ammonia, changes the flavour of the water and kills fish
- Researchers have discovered the formation of a dead zone (as big as Nigeria) in the northern Arabian Sea
What causes algae bloom?
The algae bloom is caused by Noctiluca scintillans—microscopic dinoflagellates that feed on plankton and suck up energy from the sun through microscopic algae living within their cells. In a marine ecosystem, dinoflagellates make up only a small part of the food chain. However, when there's a build-up of plankton, it leads to massive algae blooms that start dominating the local area.
When the cell of these dinoflagellates breaks down, ammonia is released. It changes the flavour of the water and, in extreme cases, it kills fish. That's a threat for local industry as fishing sustains around 120 million people living on the edge of the Arabian Sea.
Algae bloom linked to human activity and climate change
Scientists, who study algae, are of the opinion that these microscopic organisms are thriving in new conditions brought about by climate change, and “displacing the zooplankton that underpin the local food chain”. They fear that something has changed dramatically in the Arabian Sea. "It's unusual for Noctiluca (dinoflagellates) to bloom in the open sea and return year after year," Andrew Juhl, a microbiologist from Columbia University, had said in 2014. Increasing ocean temperature is not only aiding algae blooms, but also making dead zones more common across the world.
- Toxic algae thrive in warmer water
- Warmer temperatures prevent water from mixing, allowing algae to grow faster
- Warmer water helps small organisms to move through and allows algae to float to the surface faster
- Algal blooms absorb sunlight, making water even warmer, thus, promoting more blooms
After a three-year-long study on algae growth, the researchers discovered the formation of a dead zone (as big as Nigeria) in the northern Arabian Sea. This is where pollutants from human activity, especially sewage run-offs, have depleted oxygen levels. While toxicity makes it difficult for marine life to survive, it is ideal for the growth of plankton that these dinoflagellates feed on.
The satellite technology has enabled scientists to link algae to higher levels of air and water pollution in recent decades. There are concerns that algae blooms could create an alternate food chain, with more jellyfish and sea turtles, and less predatory fish.
http://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/arabian-sea-is-suffocating-due-to-toxic-algae-bloom-and-it-is-going-to-get-worse-57475
----------------------------------
Some question if the changing of the chemical composition of the Arabian Sea is causing a change in the climate of the sea. The reefs of the Arabian Sea are being harmed by this change in the chemical composition of the rivers and oceans.
------------------------------------------
Massive stinking algae bloom the size of MEXICO turns the Gulf of Oman green
- Gulf of Oman turns green twice a year when algae spreads across Arabian Sea
- But, the organisms are thriving in conditions brought about by climate change
- These blooms have caused a 'short-circuiting of the food chain,' researchers say
- Algae can paralyze fish, clog their gills, absorb enough oxygen to suffocate them
- And, whales, turtles, dolphins and manatees have died, poisoned by algal toxins
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-4315270/Growing-algae-bloom-Arabian-Sea-tied-climate-change.html
----------------------------------
Ohio State University study links toxic algae blooms, fatal liver disease | Video
-----------------------------------
Chronic kidney disease in two coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, India: role of drinking water.
2013 Aug
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23475496
-------------------------------------
Deleterious role of trace elements - Silica and lead in the development of chronic kidney disease.
June, 2017
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28292724
--------------------------------------
Identification of Algal Blooms in the north Indian Ocean
https://www.nrsc.gov.in/Algal_Blooms_north_Indian_Ocean
----------------------------------
Impact of Algal Bloom on Mangrove and Coral Reef Ecosystem in the Marine National Park, Gulf of Kachchh, Gujarat, India
Algal blooms occur as a natural phenomena when environmental conditions promote the rapid growth of algae, which is faced by almost all coastal countries[1,2]. A severity of such algal blooms depends upon the nutrient enrichment level especially phosphorous and nitrogen contents in the ecosystem. Anthropogenic activities, natural sources, hydrographic changes and sometime climate change impacts are responsible to stimulate the growth of algae that causes intensive effect on the coastal ecosystems. The primary source attributed to the triggering and spread of blooms is increasing the pollution. However, pollution is not always a noticeable factor that cannot be ignored.
Gulf of Kachchh Marine National Park
(MNP) is one of the marine biodiversity rich habitats that include 42
islands. It is also known as non-divers’ paradise where variety of
marine organisms can be witnessed during low tide. This
Marine Protected Area is surrounded by various industries including
petrochemicals, fertilizer, ship building, thermal power, salt works and
several other small scale industries that drain their effluents into
the sea. In addition, the southwest monsoon downpours
the region and washes the nutrients along with other pollutant from land
to sea. It stimulates the nitrification in the Gulf of Kachchh waters
and further results in algal bloom every year from October to February...
https://www.ommegaonline.org/article-details/Impact-of-Algal-Bloom-on-Mangrove-and-Coral-Reef-Ecosystem-in-the-Marine-National-Park,-Gulf-of-Kachchh,-Gujarat,-India/620
----------------------------------
We can see how natural disasters and natural climate change can even cause a change in coral reefs.
----------------------------------
Observations on Coral Diseases in Marine National Park, Gulf of Kachchh
2014
http://saspublisher.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/SAJB-26370-373.pdf
----------------------------------
Spatial inventory and ecological status of coral reefs of the Central Indian Ocean using Resourcesat-1
2012
http://nopr.niscair.res.in/bitstream/123456789/24796/1/IJMS%2042%286%29%20684-696.pdf
----------------------------------
Coral Reef Mapping and Reef Health Monitoring
http://www.incois.gov.in/portal/CoralReef.jsp
----------------------------------
Coral bleaching and mortality in three Indian reef regions during an El Niño southern oscillation event
August 2000
The 1997–1998 El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) event, which elevated Sea Surface Temperatures (SSTs) of tropical oceans by more than 3°C, was one of the most extreme ENSO events in recent history. Such increases in SSTs above the seasonal average
can trigger widespread bleaching in coral reefs. This study examined bleaching in three Indian coral reef regions in relation to SSTs using quantitative rapid assessment methods between April and July, 1998. The Gulf of Kutch reefs showed an average of 11% bleached coral with no apparent bleaching-related mortality. In contrast, bleached coral comprised
82% of the coral cover in lagoon reefs of Lakshad-weep and 89% of the coral cover in the Gulf of Man-nar reefs. Bleaching-related mortality was high–26% in Lakshadweep and 23% i
n Mannar. The coral mass mortality may have profound ecological and socio-economic implications and highlights the need for sustained monitoring for coral reef conservation
in India.
http://tejas.serc.iisc.ernet.in/currsci/dec252000/1723.pdf
----------------------------------
DELAYED RECOVERY IN PORITES SPP. FOLLOWING MASS CORAL
BLEACHING: A CASE STUDY FROM THE GULF OF KACHCHH, GUJARAT, INDIA
2015
http://www.mutagens.co.in/jgb/vol.04/5/26.pdf
------------------------------
Ecological collapse
Ecological collapse refers to a situation where an ecosystem suffers a drastic, possibly permanent, reduction in carrying capacity for all organisms, often resulting in mass extinction. Usually, an ecological collapse is precipitated by a disastrous event occurring on a short time scale.
Ecosystems have the ability to rebound from a disruptive agent. The difference between collapse or a gentle rebound is determined by two factors—the toxicity of the introduced element and the resiliency of the original ecosystem.
In addition, a major concern for marine biologists is the effects of ecological collapse on the coral reefs (who based on fossil evidence are more vulnerable to extinction but also demonstrate greater resilience). An effect of global climate change is the rising sea levels which can lead to reef drowing or coral bleaching. Human activity, such as fishing, mining, deforestation, etc., serves as a threat for coral reefs by affecting the niche of the coral reefs. For example, Edinger and colleagues demonstrate a correlation between a loss in diversity of coral reefs by 30-60% and human activity such as sewage and/or industrial pollution.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecological_collapse
----------------------------
Coral bleaching
Indian Ocean
Coral reef provinces have been permanently damaged by warm sea temperatures, most severely in the Indian Ocean. Up to 90% of coral cover has been lost in the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Kenya and Tanzania and in the Seychelles during the massive 1997-98 bleaching event.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coral_bleaching#Indian_Ocean
--------------------------
How Scientists Are Using Solar Energy to Regenerate Extinct Coral Reefs in India
2017
Sadly, just like the rest of the environment, coral reefs are in trouble too. The reason? Coral bleaching or the death of zooxanthellae ( this symbiotic algae is the main source of nutrients for reef-building corals) due to rising seawater temperatures, overfishing, water pollution and other environmental factors tied to man-made climate change. Since it is the the presence of the algae that gives corals their brilliant colour, their death turns them white.
In the last two decades, three global mass bleaching events have taken place, with the most recent and devastating one beginning in 2014 and lasting for more than two years. According to the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN), more than 25% of the world’s reefs are already gone and another quarter will die within the next twenty years!
With such events expected to increase in severity and frequency, scientists across the world have been trying to come up with various techniques that can regenerate bleached and locally extinct corals. In India, marine scientists are using solar energy to regenerate extinct corals through a technology known as Biorocks.
http://www.icontrolpollution.com/articles/evaluation-of-ground-water-quality-of-bareillycity-.php?aid=45472
----------------------------------------
In a World First, Indian Marine Scientists Restore Thousands of Years Old Dead Coral Reef
2016
Indian marine scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) found a dead coral reef from 10,000 years ago in the Gulf of Kutch, and decided to try and revive it. Corals were then transplanted from a similar environment in the Gulf of Mannar and these fragile creatures survived. Given the marine environment in the Gulf of Kutch, the scientists now intend using the region as a sanatorium for sick and stressed out corals.
The beginning of this story dates back to over 10,000 years ago when there was a large thriving coral reef in the Gulf of Kutch. The reef had a good diversity of stony corals and was dominated by Acropora Stag-horn branching corals. Sediments brought down by the rivers that flow through the Kutch area caused silt to settle on the coral beds, leading to the death of these branching corals.
Indian marine scientists found dead branching corals on the 42 islands around the Gulf of Kutch. Carbon dating enabled them to deduce that these branching corals had died some 10,000 years ago.
https://www.thebetterindia.com/52607/world-first-indian-marine-scientists-restore-ancient-dead-coral-reef/
----------------------------------
Gujarat’s lungs in Gulf of Kutch are getting clogged
Apr 22, 2010
It has emerged that Gujarat’s coral reef cover has eroded by 23.2% over the past two decades.
It has emerged that Gujarat’s coral reef cover has eroded by 23.2% over the past two decades. One of the main factors cited for this degradation is anthropogenic influence, i.e., impact of human activity.
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-gujarat-s-lungs-in-gulf-of-kutch-are-getting-clogged-1374149
----------------------------------
Assessment of reef associated biota in the Pirotan Island, Gulf of Kachchh,
Gujarat, India
2012
http://www.imedpub.com/articles/assessment-of-reef-associated-biota-in-the-pirotan-island-gulf-of-kachchhgujarat-india.pdf
----------------------------------
Coral reefs in India status threats and conservation measures
2012
https://www.mangrovesforthefuture.org/assets/Repository/Documents/Coral-Reefs-in-India-Status-Threats-Conservation-Measures.pdf
----------------------------------
Damage to Gulf's coral reefs 'is irreversible'
December 16, 2010
Reefs and mangroves 'more
threatened here than in any other sea' and only 3% of the Arabian Sea¿s
coral reefs, mainly around the Mussandam Peninsula, experience low
threat levels.
"All the major indicators are down," Professor Charles Sheppard, from the University of Warwick in the UK, told a marine conservation forum in the capital.
Average fish density, which is 4,000kg a hectare in a healthy reef, is less than 1,000, he said.
Coral reefs sustain a quarter of marine species, despite covering a tiny portion of ocean territory. Shrimp, crab, lobster and many other commercially viable species of fish live on reefs. If reefs disappear, so, eventually, will fisheries.
Prof Sheppard has been studying Gulf corals for more than 20 years and is a reviewing member of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the scientific body that informs the United Nations and world leaders.
One of the most striking examples of the severity of the reef damage that Prof Sheppard gave at the forum is Fasht al Adhm, a once-vibrant reef between Bahrain and Qatar.
When he first visited the reef in 1985, "the coral cover at that time averaged 50 per cent or more, which is healthy", he said.
"When we went back two years ago, the coral cover was virtually zero. The reef was covered in seaweed and slime and the corals were disintegrating.
"We went to other reefs around Bahrain and they were all the same," he said.
Prof Sheppard has recorded the damage to Gulf coral in a recent scientific paper, The Gulf: A Young Sea in Decline.
The paper mentions Dubai, where there was once healthy coral off the Deira Corniche and the Dubai aluminium smelter in Jebel Ali. Until 2004, when construction of The Palm Jebel Ali began, the emirate also had the Gulf's second-most biodiverse documented ecosystem.
In Abu Dhabi, the new Khalifa Port and Industrial Zone, projected to have the world's largest aluminium smelter and the biggest plastics and chemicals manufacturing zone, is close to the emirate's most vibrant coral reef, in Ras Ghanada.
In his paper, Prof Sheppard estimated that only three per cent of the Arabian Sea's coral reefs, mainly around the Mussandam Peninsula in Oman, experience low threat levels.
"Reefs and mangroves, in particular, are more threatened here than in any other sea," he wrote.
In his address on Tuesday he explained the reasons for the decline. Large-scale dredging and land reclamation, the process of creating new land from what was once the sea, are major factors, he said.
Others are nutrient-rich discharges from sewage treatment plants, thermal pollution from desalination plants and industry, and overfishing, which can remove herbivore fish that control algae. If algae is allowed to grow unchecked, it can overwhelm coral.
https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/damage-to-gulf-s-coral-reefs-is-irreversible-1.516972
----------------------------------
What's eating planet Earth?
http://helpsavenature.com/lists-of-environmental-problems
--------------------------------------
Pollution turning country's rainfall acidic, says study
Mar 4, 2017
Pollution is causing 'lifegiving' rain to become increasingly acidic in many parts of the country , particularly in the last decade, research by India Meteorological Department and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology has revealed.
Analysis of rainwater samples from Nagpur, Mohanbari (Assam), Allahabad, Visakhapatnam and Kodaikanal in the decade 2001-2012 showed a pH level varying from 4.77 to 5.32, indicating that these places have been receiving `acid rain'. Rainwater with pH below 5.65 is considered acidic.
-------------------------------
ACID RAIN Geographical Scenario -India
(source: http://iitmenvis.nic.in/menu/ENVIS_Acid_Rain/011.html)
Acid Rain - India
It
has been found that potential neutralizer of the acidic components of
rain water in Indian region is Calcium which is mainly naturally derived
from the soil. As the soil of the most part of Indian land is
Calcareous, it contains abundance of calcium. So, the Indian soil has as
yet put a check on the acidification of rain water, but how long?
Acid Rain Studies in India -
There
have been many reports of acid rain in India in the past and that too
have been only the episodic. Reported acid precipitations in India
includes the acid rain in Chembur and Colaba industrial areas of Mumbai,
in the vicinity of Singrauli Super thermal Power Plant ( average pH
value 5.3), at a rural site of Bhubaneswar (median pH value 5.0) and the
Silent Valley (pH=5.3).
Latest
reports on acid rain are at Kalyan (pH=5.28), Chembur (pH=4.8),
Sinhagad (pH=5.2), Delhi (pH<5.6) and very rrecently at Panipat
(pH<5.6) of National Capital Region of Delhi.
Although
the pH value of rainwater at Pune has been reported to lie in the
alkaline range, its value has shown decreasing trend from value of 7.5
in 1986 to 6.2 in 1998. The main reason is attributed to the decrease in
the level of calcium ion and increase in sulphate and nitrate ions.
Rain
fall in Agra and Delhi regions have also shown decrease in pH value
with the passage of time. Acid Rain studies are being carried out by
IITM since last three decades. The pH values are higher (pH>7.0) in
north & north-west parts of India. They are slightly lower (6.0 ≤ pH
≤7.0) in northeastern & southern parts of India. The higher pH is
due to neutralization of acidic ions (SO4
&
NO3) by soil originated cations (Ca, K & Mg) as well as by NH4.
However, the pH values are acidic (pH ≤5.56) at some industrial, rural
& remote locations which could be either due to anthropogenic
emissions (Kalyan & Singrauli), acidic soil (Goraur & Mohanbari)
or due to thick
cover
of vegetation that prevents soil erosion (Trivandrum, Silent Valley
& Tungnath). This work is being carried out at IITM, Pune by a team
of scientist led by Dr. P.S.P. Rao.
http://home.iitk.ac.in/~anubha/H4.pdf
----------------------------------
Link Established Between Air Pollution and Cyclone Intensity in Arabian Sea
Disruption of wind shear enables formation of stronger storms, researchers find
Pollution is making Arabian Sea cyclones more intense, according to a multi-institutional study that included scientists at UCSD’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
Traditionally, prevailing wind shear patterns prohibit cyclones in the Arabian Sea from becoming major storms. A paper appearing in the Nov. 3 issue of the journal Nature, however, suggests the weakening of the winds aloft has enabled the formation of stronger cyclones in recent years — including storms in 2007 and 2010 that were the first recorded storms ever to enter the Gulf of Oman.
The researchers note that the weakening wind pattern over the past 30 years has corresponded with a buildup of aerosols in the atmosphere over India, which deflect sunlight away from the surface, creating dimming at ground level.
http://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/feature
/link_established_between_air_pollution_and_cyclone_intensity_in_arabian_sea
-----------------------------------------
Emissions from ships can impact monsoon activity over Bay of Bengal
August 10, 2016
Using surface and satellite data, a team led by scientist M.V. Ramana
of the Hyderabad-based National Remote Sensing Centre has found that
aerosol plumes from ships produced severe pollution along the
international shipping route in the Bay of Bengal.
According to a paper published on August 2 in the journal Scientific Reports, emissions from ships along the corridor (5-6 degrees North latitude) has directly heated the lower troposphere by two-and-half times compared to surrounding areas and also created a temperature gradient of around 0.1K/day on either side of the shipping route. The troposphere is the lowest region of the atmosphere.
Satellite measurement confirmed the presence of high levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO 2) along the shipping corridor, which is 100 km wide. The measurements were made during 2011-2012.
Compared with the surrounding regions, the concentration of NO 2 was five times higher along the shipping corridor.
While the NO 2 value in the surrounding region was 2x10 14 molecules per cm 2, along the shipping route it was 10 x 10 14 molecules per cm 2. The NO 2 concentration along the shipping route over Bay of Bengal has been increasing at a steady rate of 0.08 x 10 14 molecules/cm 2/year, notes the paper. There is a five to six per cent increase in shipping trade along the corridor per year.
Since NO 2 can absorb solar radiation, the increased levels of this gas along the shipping route led to more heating of the atmosphere.
In addition to gaseous emissions, ship exhaust also contains particulate matter such as black carbon.
Along the shipping route, the black carbon concentration was elevated by a factor of four compared to surrounding regions; the lower troposphere solar heating rate was elevated by 0.1°C in cloud-free conditions.
“We need to examine for cloudy conditions,” said Dr. Ramana, the first author of the paper, who was with the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, at the time of the study. The heating of the lower troposphere can have huge implications in terms of temperature profile and cloud formation, to name a few factors.
The emissions also led to increased concentration of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). The CCN (at 0.4 per cent supersaturation) concentration is one order of magnitude (about 10 times) greater in the shipping corridor than the pristine regions of Bay of Bengal.
Increased levels of CCN can “disrupt organised convection in the monsoon depressions”, which means the more the concentration of nuclei in the atmosphere the more the number of water droplets that can form. However, “if the water vapour content remains the same and you have more CCN then it may not help cloud formation,” explained Dr. Ramana.
“The effects [of CCN] seen [along the corridor] may have significant impact on the monsoon activity over southern Bay of Bengal and implications for climate change mitigation strategies,” the authors write.
According to a paper published on August 2 in the journal Scientific Reports, emissions from ships along the corridor (5-6 degrees North latitude) has directly heated the lower troposphere by two-and-half times compared to surrounding areas and also created a temperature gradient of around 0.1K/day on either side of the shipping route. The troposphere is the lowest region of the atmosphere.
Satellite measurement confirmed the presence of high levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO 2) along the shipping corridor, which is 100 km wide. The measurements were made during 2011-2012.
Compared with the surrounding regions, the concentration of NO 2 was five times higher along the shipping corridor.
While the NO 2 value in the surrounding region was 2x10 14 molecules per cm 2, along the shipping route it was 10 x 10 14 molecules per cm 2. The NO 2 concentration along the shipping route over Bay of Bengal has been increasing at a steady rate of 0.08 x 10 14 molecules/cm 2/year, notes the paper. There is a five to six per cent increase in shipping trade along the corridor per year.
Since NO 2 can absorb solar radiation, the increased levels of this gas along the shipping route led to more heating of the atmosphere.
In addition to gaseous emissions, ship exhaust also contains particulate matter such as black carbon.
Along the shipping route, the black carbon concentration was elevated by a factor of four compared to surrounding regions; the lower troposphere solar heating rate was elevated by 0.1°C in cloud-free conditions.
“We need to examine for cloudy conditions,” said Dr. Ramana, the first author of the paper, who was with the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, at the time of the study. The heating of the lower troposphere can have huge implications in terms of temperature profile and cloud formation, to name a few factors.
The emissions also led to increased concentration of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). The CCN (at 0.4 per cent supersaturation) concentration is one order of magnitude (about 10 times) greater in the shipping corridor than the pristine regions of Bay of Bengal.
Increased levels of CCN can “disrupt organised convection in the monsoon depressions”, which means the more the concentration of nuclei in the atmosphere the more the number of water droplets that can form. However, “if the water vapour content remains the same and you have more CCN then it may not help cloud formation,” explained Dr. Ramana.
“The effects [of CCN] seen [along the corridor] may have significant impact on the monsoon activity over southern Bay of Bengal and implications for climate change mitigation strategies,” the authors write.
http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/Emissions-from-ships-can-impact-monsoon-activity-over-Bay-of-Bengal/article14564214.ece
--------------------------------
Impact of Arabian Sea pollution on the Bay of Bengal winter monsoon rains
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2008JD010679/full
------------------------------------
The Asian brown cloud
2008 Aug
The most visible impact of air pollution is the haze, a layer of pollutants and particles from biomass burning and industrial emissions. This cloud of pollution at times has a brownish color (e.g., the Denver Brown Cloud) and this brown cloud phenomenon is a common feature of industrial and rural regions around the world. Due to long-range transport, the mostly urban (fossil fuel related) or rural (biomass burning related) phenomenon is transformed into a regional haze (or cloud) that can span an entire continent. It is now becoming clear that the brown cloud can have huge impacts on agriculture, health, climate and the water budget of the planet. The haze consists of a combination of water droplets and minute particles. The water droplets in a haze are less than 0.001 mm in radius. There are two possible sources for the particles in a haze. They are either generated naturally (e.g., sea salt, dust) or man made (e.g., sulfate or soot). From an aircraft, the haze appears brown when the fraction of soot or dust is large. The Asian Brown Cloud is a layer of air pollution that covers parts of the northern Indian Ocean, India and Pakistan, and parts of South Asia, Southeast Asia and China. This pollution layer was observed during the Indian Ocean Experiment (INODEX) intensive field observation in 1999. Subsequently, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has been supporting a project called ABC. The potent haze lying over the entire Indian subcontinent - from Sri Lanka to Afghanistan - has led to some erratic weather, sparking floods in Bangladesh, Nepal and northeastern India but drought in Pakistan and northwestern India.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2796752/
------------------------------------------
Himalayan pollution 'could impact monsoon cycle'
[KATHMANDU] Researchers have shown that pollution from China, India, Nepal and Pakistan can reach altitudes of over 5,000 metres in the Himalayas, contributing to the warming of the atmosphere and potentially affecting the South-East Asian monsoon cycle.
They also found that new aerosol particles — ultrafine particles suspended in the atmosphere — can form at these heights.
The French–Italian team, whose findings were published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences this week (13 October), conducted their study over a 16-month period at the Himalayan Nepal Climate Observatory site in Nepal's Khumbu Valley, located at an altitude of 5,079 metres.
http://www.scidev.net/global/pollution/news/himalayan-pollution-could-impact-monsoon-cycle-.html
--------------------------------------
Air pollution is stunting India’s monsoon
Sep 2011
India has been drying out for half a century, and air pollution thousands of kilometres away is partly to blame.
The monsoon has been weakening since the 1950s. Indian air pollution has been blamed, but now it seems that emissions further afield are also a factor.
“The summer monsoon provides up to 80 per cent of total annual rainfall in south Asia, and supports 20 per cent of the world’s population,” says Yi Ming of Princeton University in New Jersey. With his colleagues, Ming used climate models to assess how different factors changed the monsoon.
The monsoon is brought by large-scale wind patterns that transport heat between the northern and southern hemispheres. For half the year the northern hemisphere experiences more solar heating and so is warmer than the southern hemisphere; the situation is reversed during the other six months. As the winds head north over the Indian Ocean during the northern hemisphere’s summer they pick up moisture, which falls as rain over south Asia.
Air pollution in the form of aerosols can weaken these long-distance wind patterns, however. That’s because it reflects sunlight back into space, cooling the polluted area. Thick aerosol pollution over Europe in summer ensures that the northern hemisphere isn’t much warmer than the southern hemisphere, so there is nothing to drive the winds – and nothing to trigger the monsoon.
https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn20987-air-pollution-is-stunting-indias-monsoon/
----------------------------------
Impact of Deforestation on Indian Monsoon –
A GCM Sensitivity Study
2005
http://www.igu.in/9-2/2gupta.pdf
-------------------------
Possible Influences of Air Pollution, Dust-and Sandstorms on the Indian Monsoon
2009
https://public.wmo.int/en/bulletin/possible-influences-air-pollution-dust-and-sandstorms-indian-monsoon
----------------------
European pollution helped cause one of India's worst-ever droughts, researchers show
21 April 2017
'The monsoon's bountiful rain is crucial to the economy and to livelihoods in the region
Pollution from Europe helped cause a drought in India that was one of the country’s worst ever natural disasters, affecting more than 130 million people, according to new research.
Sulphur dioxide – produced mainly by coal-fired power plants – causes a number of harmful effects, such as acid rain, heart and lung diseases, and damage to plant growth.
But sulphate aerosols also have a cooling effect on the atmosphere because it reflects sunlight back into space, a property that has led some to suggest it could be used as a form of ‘geo-engineering’ to reduce the rate of global warming.
However, emissions from the northern hemisphere can change the relative rate of warming in the south, causing the tropical rain-band to shift – with potentially devastating results.
Now researchers at Imperial College London have calculated just how big an effect emissions of sulphur dioxide had on rainfall in India in 2000.
The north-west of India experienced a staggering drop in precipitation of about 40 per cent because of emissions from the northern hemisphere’s main industrial areas.
Europe’s emissions alone caused reductions of up to 10 per cent in the north-west and south-west regions.
One of the researchers, Dr Apostolos Voulgarakis, of ICL’s Grantham Institute, said the study showed how emissions in one part of the world could have a significant effect on another – even if the pollution itself didn’t actually get there.
“East Asia is contributing more [of an effect] because it’s closer, but there is an effect from Europe and also the US,” he told The Independent.
Dr Voulgarakis said their research, along with other studies, showed the kind of problems that might result from attempts to use sulphur dioxide in a geo-engineering scheme.
“Geo-engineering has generally suggested to be problematic because of the knock-on effects it could have,” he said.
“This research shows one of those reasons as it can affect rainfall quite dramatically.”
The figures were produced using a climate model which Dr Voulgarakis said tended to give results on the high side of the range produced by different methods.
A briefing note prepared by Grantham researchers about the techniques to assess air pollutants said they could have “complex and diverse” effects.
Sulphate aerosols could “cool the atmosphere and so off-set some global warming” but “also increase air pollution levels and cause drought”.
“The impacts of short-lived pollutant emissions on air quality and climate change vary greatly depending on both the region where emissions occur and the location of the affected region,” it said.
“The climate effects of air pollutants are best assessed on a region-by-region basis, and are not easily captured by global metrics.”
It suggested air pollution and global warming should be dealt with as a single issue.
“Air quality and climate policy should be designed simultaneously to maximise beneficial outcome,” the briefing note said.
As the harmful effects of sulphur dioxide became clear, the European Union worked to reduce emissions.
A switch away from fuels with high levels of sulphur saw a 74 per cent reduction between 1990 and 2011.
By 2011, sulphur dioxides were less than half the amount in 2000.
In a blog post, Dilshad Shawki, a PhD student at the Grantham Institute, described how important understanding rainfall was, particularly in India and the surrounding area.
“Each summer the South Asian monsoon drenches the Indian subcontinent, as strong moisture-laden winds from the Indian Ocean deliver over 70 per cent of the region’s annual rainfall in just three months.
“As such, the monsoon’s bountiful rain is crucial to the economy and to livelihoods in the region.
“In recent decades however, rising pollution levels and increases in global surface temperatures have influenced atmospheric circulation patterns in the tropics, in turn affecting monsoon rainfall patterns.
“The challenge for scientists, including myself, is to gain a better appreciation of these relationships in order to build more accurate forecasts. Understanding and predicting monsoon rainfall is of huge importance to those societies that have developed following its rhythms.”
Despite the fall in European sulphur dioxide emissions, India’s droughts have continued as the world has got warmer.
Last year, the country saw its highest temperature on record – a sweltering 51 degrees Celsius (123.8F). Hundreds of people died as crops failed in more than 13 states.
Tens of thousands of small farmers also abandoned their land and moved to cities, while others killed themselves rather than face life in an urban shanty town.
http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/european-pollution-india-drought-worst-ever-sulphur-dioxide-geo-engineering-grantham-institute-a7694491.html
-----------------------------
How the Indian monsoon shapes butterfly physiology
September 23, 2017
Timing is everything, especially when you live for just three months and have to undertake a 350 km journey: female Milkweed butterflies wait till their gruelling migrations — from one side of the Indian peninsula to the other — are over, to invest in reproductive tissues for birth. The Indian monsoon, which prompts these species to migrate to drier areas, shapes the physiology of the female butterflies more than they do to males, reveals a study published in Oikos.
http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/how-the-indian-monsoon-shapes-butterfly-physiology/article19742470.ece
--------------------------
Deforestation could shift monsoons, leaving India high and dry
March 2, 2015
BANGKOK (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Large-scale
deforestation could cause monsoon rains to shift south, cutting rainfall
in India by nearly a fifth, scientists say.
Deforestation
has long been known to cause temperature increases in local areas, but
new research published on Tuesday shows a potentially wider impact on
monsoon rains.
While releasing carbon dioxide
into the atmosphere, deforestation also causes changes in how much light
reflects off the earth’s surface and the amount of moisture in the
atmosphere from plants transpiring.
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-climatechange-india-monsoon/deforestation-could-shift-monsoons-leaving-india-high-and-dry-idUSKBN0LY2A820150302
-------------------------------------
Deforestation in India: 73,000 years back
A new study reveals that the volcanic eruption of Mt. Toba in Sumatra, 74,000 years back, deforested Central India.
The volcano ejected an estimated 800 cubic kilometers of ash into the atmosphere, leaving a crater (now the world’s largest volcanic lake) that is 100 kilometers long and 35 kilometers wide. Ash from the event has been found in India, the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal and the South China Sea.
The bright ash reflected sunlight off the landscape, and volcanic sulfur aerosols impeded solar radiation for six years, initiating an “Instant Ice Age” that — according to evidence in ice cores taken in Greenland — lasted about 1,800 years. [Supervolcano Eruption In Sumatra Deforested India 73,000 Years Ago]
http://varnam.nationalinterest.in/2009/11/deforestation-in-india-73000-years-back/
-----------------------
China’s desertification is causing trouble across Asia
May 19, 2016
As grassland turns to desert, dust is blown into the atmosphere and across oceans.
https://scroll.in/article/808295/chinas-desertification-is-causing-trouble-across-asia
------------------------------------
Rising mountains dried out Central Asia
December 11, 2013
The uplift of two mountain ranges in Central Asia beginning 30 million years ago expanded the Gobi Desert and set Central Asia on its path to extreme aridity, a new study suggests.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/12/131211104632.htm
______________________________________________
Identifying ancient droughts in China
- Date:
- March 8, 2012
- Source:
- The Geological Society of America
- Summary:
- Drought events are largely unknown in Earth's history, because reconstruction of ancient hydrological conditions remains difficult due to lack of proxy. New research uses a microbial lipid proxy of highly alkaline conditions to identify enhanced aridity in Miocene sediments on the Tibetan Plateau. This enhanced aridity is associated with significant uplift of the Tibetan Plateau nine million years ago.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120308062539.htm
---------------------------------
For more information on the pollution in China and the Himalayas, view our article Pollution Science 101 - China - PollutionScience101China.Blogspot.com .
--------------------------------
Desertification in western Rajasthan (India): an assessment using remote sensing derived rain-use efficiency and residual trend methods
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11069-016-2689-y
----------------------
The Curious Case Of The Missing Rivers [River Restoration In India]
January 2011
The praised Saraswati river of Vedas and Epics is nowhere to be seen now. It actually brings in a doubt whether the epics and Vedas are true? The archaeological department comes to the rescue of our Vedas and they lead us further deep into the missing river’s case. Saraswati like the Sindhu river, ran across 1800 miles and it is found to have delivered in Gujarat’s Kutch district. Even the Sindhu river is considered as a branch of the Sarawati river. Exciting news is the place drenched by the river once is now the location of India’s Thar Desert. But archaeological department has found out that 4000 years ago, there was an civilization much before the much celebrated Indus Valley Civilization. Even Rig Veda says that the civilization was flooded with milk and honey. Government Information System departments have confirmed the existence of the river with satellites that are capable of traversing through the lands. The archaeological department finishes that around 1900 BC, due to earthquakes and other natural calamities, the river became extinct. Thus we lost one of the important rivers of India.
https://www.youthkiawaaz.com/2011/01/river-restoration-india/
-------------------------
Migration as a Factor of Deforestation in North East India
and its Socio-Economic Impact with Special Reference
to Assam
2014
http://icehm.org/upload/6268ED0814008.pdf
-----------------------
A quarter of India's land is turning to desert, government report finds
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/indiahome/indianews/article-2660560/Desertification-land-degradation-affects-quarter-Indias-land.html-----------------------
Desertification eating into agricultural land in India, satellite images show
August 18, 2016
CHENNAI, India (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - More
than a quarter of India’s land is turning to desert and the rate of
degradation of agricultural areas is increasing, according to new
analysis of satellite images.
A report from the
Indian Space Research Organization says land degradation - broadly
defined as loss of productivity - is estimated at 96 million hectares,
or nearly 30 percent of Indian land.
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-land-desertification/desertification-eating-into-agricultural-land-in-india-satellite-images-show-idUSKCN10T1HG
------------------------
Worsening Droughts Add To India's Desertification Problem
Jun 18, 2014
Worsening droughts in India are having an impact on the desertification trend, as vegetation dries up and is often never replaced. On Wednesday, India's environment minister, Prakash Javadekar, said that up to 25% of the country was now desert.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/kenrapoza/2014/06/18/worsening-droughts-add-to-indias-desertification-problem/#1a6191c43dd8
------------------------
‘Almost 30 per cent of our land undergoing degradation’
July 07, 2016
ISRO-led study analysed satellite imageries of the country over an eight-year period
Nearly 30 per cent per cent of the country’s total geographical area is undergoing degradation, according to a study that analysed satellite imageries of the country over an eight-year period.The degrading area has increased over 0.5 per cent to 29.3 million hectares during the period, as shown by comparative remote-sensing satellite imageries of the States for the periods 2003-05 and 2011-13. Desertification increased by 1.16 million hectares (m ha) and stood at 82.64 m ha during 2011-13.
http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/%E2%80%98Almost-30-per-cent-of-our-land-undergoing-degradation%E2%80%99/article14474590.ece
------------------------
Desertification has increased in 90 per cent of states in India
07 June 2017
According to this report, nearly 30 per cent of India is degraded or facing desertification. Of India's total geographical area of 328.72 million hectares (MHA), 96.4 MHA is under desertification. In eight states—Rajasthan, Delhi, Goa, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Nagaland, Tripura and Himachal Pradesh—around 40 to 70 per cent of land has undergone desertification. More to it, 26 of 29 Indian states have reported an increase in the area undergoing desertification in the past 10 years.
http://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/desertification-has-increased-in-90-per-cent-of-the-indian-states-58057
--------------------------
NASA Satellites Track Vanishing Groundwater
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/02/100217-groundwater-crisis-nasa-satellites-india-environment/
--------------------------------------
Delhi's depleting water table shows it's 'over-exploited': NGT
Sep 21, 2017
NEW DELHI: The entire city of Delhi is "over exploited" in terms of groundwater, the National Green Tribunal has said while directing the local authorities to state how they proposed to deal with the problem of declining water levels in the national capital.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/delhis-depleting-water-table-shows-its-over-exploited-ngt/articleshow/60780612.cms?
-------------------------
Desertification
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desertification
------------------------
Kashmir: The Decline of Wular Lake
September 02, 2014
The mountainous roads near the town of Bandipora surround what looks like a huge meadow. A closer look reveals that the meadow is actually the water of Wular Lake hidden by floating vegetation, agricultural plots, and intentionally planted trees.
Even from the Wular Vantage Point, which provides visitors with a panoramic view of the northern side of the lake, many people often wonder where the actual lake is since a majority of it looks green. What used to be open water is now covered by rice paddies and thousands of willow trees that were planted by the government during the 1980s as a source of firewood.
Human intervention has caused much of the degradation with the problems stemming from multiple sources. Numerous issues stand in the way of Wular Lake’s survival, and thus the survival of the people who fully depend on it.
People are losing their livelihoods because the lake management authorities are not doing enough to conserve the lake. On the other hand, as globalized markets reach their villages, the residents are polluting the lakes with chemicals, such as dishwashing liquids, soaps, cleaning solutions, and fertilizers.
In a region that has already experienced strife and civil war from the partition between India and Pakistan, fighting over resources is not unusual. If Wular Lake fails to survive and the people are not able to meet their basic needs, they may indeed resort to violence.
http://pulitzercenter.org/reporting/kashmir-decline-wular-lake
-----------------------
A pond that receded to oblivion
April 17, 2013
If the government records are any indication, the low land behind the cluster of commercial buildings in front of the Government Medical College Hospital here hides a pond that once used to be a perennial source of freshwater, spread over nearly half-an-acre.
The ground reality is, sadly, different. The once-famed public pond, ‘Cheruvakarakonam Kulam,’ is now little more than a depression in the land.
It is chock-full of raw sewage and urban refuse. Weeds and wild growth have almost levelled the pond. Its existence was almost forgotten till a civic minded citizen alerted the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau of its plight.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Thiruvananthapuram/a-pond-that-receded-to-oblivion/article4626473.ece
-------------------------
Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas of India
(Based on IRS AWiFS data of 2011-13 and 2003-05)
http://www.sac.gov.in/SACSITE/Desertification_Atlas_2016_SAC_ISRO.pdf
------------------------
GLOBAL FAMINE FEARS: Worry over world food shortages as Indian farmland turns to DUST
Aug 18, 2016FEARS are growing that the world could be heading towards global famine after scientists revealed that farmland in one of the planet's top agricultural producers is turning to DUST.
http://www.express.co.uk/news/science/701600/GLOBAL-FAMINE-FEARS-food-shortages-Indian-farmland
----------------------------
Madurai's dust pollution due to unclean roads, alarmingly high
Jan 2016
Madurai: Although the Madurai Corporation has spent nearly a crore on the purchase of road sweeping machines, roads in the city continue to remain dusty. According to environmentalists, dust particles are causing a spike in air pollution levels in the city.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/Madurais-dust-pollution-due-to-unclean-roads-alarmingly-high/articleshow/50790871.cms
----------------------------
'The Dying Springs of Chirimiri'
2016-04-01
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/dying-springs-chirimiri
---------------------------
Desertification and land degradation atlas of India
06/07/2016
More than a quarter of the total geographic area (TGA)-96.4 million hectares (mha) or 29.32%-in India is undergoing degradation as per this Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas, released in June by ISRO Space Applications Centre (SAC).
http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/content/431916/desertification-and-land-degradation-atlas-of-india/
-------------------------------
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Environment and Forests
16-June-2017
‘Nation Committed to Achieve Land Degradation Neutrality by 2030’: Dr Harsh Vardhan
Environment Minister’s Statement on Eve of World Day to Combat Desertification
Emphasising that the Modi Government is committed to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality by the year 2030, Environment Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan has said that India’s new National Action Programme (NAP) will be finalised after a series of regional consultations and workshops with all relevant stakeholders, keeping in mind our national circumstances and development priorities.
pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=165692
-------------------------------
Deforestation in India
Deforestation in India is the widespread destruction of major forests in India. It is mainly caused by environmental degradation by stakeholders such as farmers, ranches, loggers and plantation corporations. In 2009, India ranked 10th worldwide in the amount of forest loss, where world annual deforestation is estimated as 13.7 million hectares a year.
Dynamics
Several causes supported deforestation, including colonization, agricultural expansion, firewood collection, timber harvesting and extension of cultivation on slopes. Due to the colonization from all over the country trees are cut down as a primary source of fuel .These trees are used for cooking food and other daily needs which require fuel .Effects
Deforestation has affected the lives of wild animals and birds including bats. Birds like sparrow, pigeon and crow are becoming rarer due to deforestation . Due to deforestation India is facing water problems in urban cities and villages.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deforestation_in_India
---------------------------
In just 30 years, India has lost large forests to 23,716 industrial projects
India’s forests now cover only 21.34% of the country.
Indian villagers walk towards the Mahan forest during a protest against a coal mining project in Singrauli district, Madhya Pradesh. Of the 14,000 sq km of forests cleared over the past three decades in India, the largest area was given to mining (4,947 sq km), followed by defence projects (1,549 sq km) and hydroelectric projects (1,351 sq km).Over the last 30 years, forests nearly two-thirds the size of Haryana have been lost to encroachments (15,000 sq km) and 23,716 industrial projects (14,000 sq km), according to government data, and artificial forests cannot be replacements, as the government recently acknowledged.
The government’s auditor has said conditions under which these projects are given forest land are widely violated, and experts said government data are under-estimates.
“It (government figure) is just the tip of the iceberg,” TV Ramachandra, associate faculty, Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, said. “Our study shows dense forest areas in northern, central and southern Western Ghats have decreased by 2.84%, 4.38% and 5.77% respectively over the last decade.”
Currently, up to 25,000 hectares of forests – 250 sq km, or more than twice Chandigarh’s area – are handed over every year for “non-forestry activities”, including defence projects, dams, mining, power plants, industries and roads, the government recently told Parliament. The rate of “diversion”, as the process is called, varies across states.
Punjab diverted about half its forest land since 1980, compared to Maharashtra, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, which diverted less than 1% of their area.
India’s forests now cover 701,673 sq km, or 21.34% of the country, compared to 640,819 sq km 29 years ago, according to the India State of Forest Report, 2015, the latest available. The rise is explained by planted trees, particularly as monocultures, which do not replace the diverse, natural forests that are permanently lost.
India’s forests increased over the last 13 years, according to data from Indian State of Forest Reports. Such increases are an “outcome of statistical jugglery and the use of flawed definitions by India’s forest bureaucracy”, the Economic Times commented in 2012.
https://scroll.in/article/809286/in-just-30-years-india-has-lost-large-forests-to-23716-industrial-projects
----------------------------
Deforestation caused reduced rainfall in Ganga Basin, NE India
August, 2016
As a result of the large-scale conversion of forest land to crop land, particularly tea plantations in northeast India, there has been a 20 per cent reduction in green cover in the core monsoon zone.
Using satellite data and regional climate models, IIT Bombay researchers have found that deforestation (converting woody savannah to crop land) in northeast India and north-central India has led to a 100-200 mm reduction in summer monsoon rainfall in these two regions. The land use information is based on satellite data for two time periods — 1980-1990 and 2000-2010. The results were published on August 24 in the journal Scientific Reports.During the initial phase of a monsoon, oceanic sources play a major role in bringing rain and charging the soil with moisture. But at the end of the monsoon period (August to September), evotranspiration from vegetation (also called as recycled precipitation) contributes to rainfall. Evotranspiration is a local moisture source for rainfall. Recycled precipitation contributes to 20-25 per cent of the total monsoon rainfall during the end of the monsoon and is very prominent in the Ganga Basin and northeast India.
“Because of deforestation, there is 1-2 mm reduction per day in rainfall during the end of the monsoon in the Ganga Basin and northeast India,” says Prof. Subimal Ghosh, the corresponding author of the paper from the Interdisciplinary Program in Climate Studies, IIT Bombay.
As a result of the large-scale conversion of forest land to crop land, particularly tea plantations in northeast India, there has been a 20 per cent reduction in green cover in the core monsoon zone. Also, the deep-rooted vegetation of the forest trees, which has a higher water intake capacity resulting in increased evotranspiration, has given way to more shallow-rooted vegetation. These two factors have led to a reduction in evotranspiration and, in turn, rainfall at the end of the monsoon period. According to an earlier study, deforestation across the global monsoon region showed an 18 per cent reduction in precipitation in India.
“Deforestation is present in peninsular India and western India too but recycled precipitation component is less compared with oceanic contribution. So the impact is not visible in peninsular India and western India. In contrast, in the Ganga Basin and northeast India, recycled precipitation component is very high. So even a small change in vegetation cover in these two regions may cause a significant change in precipitation,” he says.
Changes in evotranspiration also affect the drying trend in India. “Over the last century, the warming of the western Indian Ocean led to a weakening of monsoon rainfall in India. In addition to reduced monsoon from distant oceanic sources, reduced recycled precipitation due to deforestation gets added up and causes severe drying in the Ganga Basin and northeast region,” Prof. Ghosh says.
http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/Deforestation-caused-reduced-rainfall-in-Ganga-Basin-NE-India/article14586978.ece
------------------------
We can see how the deforestation of trees in giant areas will change the microclimate of that area.
If we cause too much deforestation around the globe, while changing the different microclimates of the world, that this could cause a problem with the rain cycles in rain forests. Cutting down too many trees can change the oxygen cycle of the planet. We can see that the microclimate of many rivers in India has changed as well. We can see that many rivers now have less oxygen in them, and this is a problem with this change in the micro climate of many rivers.
We can even see how the microclimate in the air of India has changed with all the particle pollution that did not exist a thousand years ago, or even a hundred years ago. Many parts of India used to have very fresh air, especially areas near the Himalayas. Now we can see how the air in India has drastically changed to become some of the most toxic air on the planet. This extreme change in the atmosphere over the course of just 70 years is alarming to many.
What would happen if India continued to pollute at this rate, we could see how many bodies of rivers and lakes would not be habitable for fish and animals.
------------------------
Indian media: Deforestation behind deadly Pune landslide
- 31 July 2014
Environmentalists feel that deforestation may have triggered Wednesday's landslide in western India that killed at least 30 people and left up to 200 trapped, papers report.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-28578939
------------------
Development and deforestation: Indian forestry in perspective.
1993
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12286769
--------------------------------
INDIA
NATION ACTION PROGRAMME TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION
September, 2001
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/river-pollution-caused-by-urban-waste-alarmingly-high-in-odisha/article6091576.ece
-----------------------------------------
India plans to spend $6.2 billion to create new forests
In the past century India has suffered rampant deforestation, which has destroyed wildlife habitats, rendered land less fertile, and reduced a major carbon sink – but the government has a plan to turn things around. India’s Minister of Environment, Forests and Climate Change Prakash Javadekar just announced plans to spend $6.2 billion to create new forests. He said, “Our forest cover will dramatically increase and it will result in achieving our target 33 percent of tree cover and most importantly 2.5 billion tonne of carbon sink.”
http://inhabitat.com/india-plans-to-spend-6-2-billion-to-create-new-forests/
-----------------------
India Plants 50 Million Trees in One Day, Smashing World Record
More than 800,000 volunteers pitched in to help the country fight climate change.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/07/india-plants-50-million-trees-uttar-pradesh-reforestation/
------------------------------
The story of Mumbai's abused, polluted Mithi river is anything but sweet
Dec 26, 2015
Mumbai got well acquainted with the Mithi when the choked river overflowed onto its streets during the 2005 deluge. A decade later, the city is still trying to clean up the mess.
https://scroll.in/roving/750928/the-story-of-mumbais-abused-polluted-mithi-river-is-anything-but-sweet
-----------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------
Chapter 3: Illegal dumping
-------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
Notice issued to Centre, Uttarakhand government for illegal dumping of debris in Ganga
May 4, 2017
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Thursday issued a notice to the Centre, Uttarakhand Government and the Border Road Organisation in regard to the illegal dumping of debris into the Ganga river.
The court has also asked Uttarakhand's Additional Secretary forest to appear in person on May 31. The Uttarakhand Government admitted illegal dumping of road construction debris in the Gangotri range. It submitted before the green tribunal that they have found illegal dumping in Gangotri national park during inspection, in Bhairo Ghati...
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-ngt-issues-notice-to-centre-u-khand-govt-for-illegal-dumping-in-ganga-2427117
---------------------------------------------
United Bengaluru files complaint against illegal dumping around Hormavu Agar lake
May 27, 2017
The United Bengaluru on Saturday filed a complaint against unknown
persons for illegal dumping around Hormavu Agar lake periphery. The
complaint said the illegal dumping is in violation of various High Court
and Supreme Court order.
http://www.oneindia.com/india/united-bengaluru-files-complaint-against-illegal-dumping-around-hormavu-agar-lake-2446981.html
-----------------------------------------------
Exposure to chemicals used in jeans dyeing units can affect human health, says government
Aug 8, 2017
NEW DELHI: The government on Tuesday told the Lok Sabha that the exposure to chemicals used in textile dyeing units can affect human health and the civic authorities would take action against any such industries operating in residential areas in the Capital.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/pollution/exposure-to-chemicals-used-in-jeans-dyeing-units-can-affect-human-health-says-government/articleshow/59973682.cms
----------------------------------
Massive Protests After Illegal Chemical Waste Dumped in Madhya Pradesh Villages
August 11, 2015
Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh: More than 100 villagers in western Madhya Pradesh indulged in stone pelting and violence in the industrial area of Jhabua district last week, alleging that chemical factories are flouting pollution norms. The administration has arrested one person on Sunday, and shut down three factories.
After the protests on August 3, NDTV visited one of the plots belonging to the Kasta Bhanjan Chemical factory in Meghnagar area. The chemical waste allegedly dumped illegally by the factories could be seen seeping out of the land and flowing into a nearby pond.
According to local villagers, the factories have been dumping their waste in the area for the past six months. They claim that factory officials had dumped a heap of stones to cover the dumped waste after protests broke out...
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/massive-protests-after-illegal-chemical-waste-dumped-in-madhya-pradesh-villages-1206193
---------------------------------------
The Burning Garbage Heap That Choked Mumbai
February 29, 2016
Last month, Mumbai’s Deonar landfill erupted in fires, blanketing the city in toxic smoke.
https://www.newyorker.com/tech/elements/the-burning-garbage-heap-that-choked-mumbai
---------------------------------------------
Illegal dumping killing Mulund mangroves... again
06-Jun-2014
The huge mangrove belt in the Mulund-Thane area has once again fallen prey to greedy, ruthless builders and their contractors. Trucks filled with construction debris have been regularly going to the site to unload their rubble right next to them.
http://www.mid-day.com/articles/illegal-dumping-killing-mulund-mangroves-again/15358159
---------------------------------------------------
More than half of south Asia's groundwater too contaminated to use – study
Salinity and arsenic affect 60% of underground supply across vast
Indo-Gangetic Basin, according to research published in Nature
Geoscience
Fifteen to twenty million wells extract water from the Indo-Gangetic basin every year. Photograph: Rajesh Kumar Singh/AP
Sixty per cent of the groundwater in a river basin supporting more than 750 million people in Pakistan, India, Nepal and Bangladesh is not drinkable or usable for irrigation, researchers have said.
The biggest threat to groundwater in the Indo-Gangetic Basin, named after the Indus and Ganges rivers, is not depletion but contamination, they reported in the journal Nature Geoscience
“The two main concerns are salinity and arsenic,” the authors of the study wrote.
Up to a depth of 200m (650ft), some 23% of the groundwater stored in the basin is too salty, and about 37% “is affected by arsenic at toxic concentrations”, they said.
The Indo-Gangetic basin accounts for about a quarter of the global extraction of groundwater – freshwater which is stored underground in crevices and spaces in soil or rock, fed by rivers and rainfall.
Fifteen to twenty million wells extract water from the basin every year amid growing concerns about depletion.
The new study – based on local records of groundwater levels and quality from 2000 to 2012 – found that the water table was in fact stable or rising across about 70% of the aquifer.
It was found to be falling in the other 30%, mainly near highly populated areas.
Groundwater can become salty through natural and manmade causes, including inefficient farmland irrigation and poor drainage.
Arsenic, too, is naturally present, but levels are exacerbated by use of fertilisers and mining.
Arsenic poisoning of drinking water is a major problem in the region.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/30/more-than-half-of-south-asias-groundwater-too-contaminated-to-use-study
---------------------------------------------------------
The World's Most Polluted River Revealed in Photos
April 2017
A recent high court ruling in India that gives the Ganges personhood status may lead to environmental redemption.
Piles of laundry from hotels lay in the mud along the Yamuna River.
PHOTOGRAPH BY GIULIO DI STURCO, INSTITUTE
A woman crosses a small channel of the Ganges on a submerged bridge made of waste.
PHOTOGRAPH BY GIULIO DI STURCO, INSTITUTE
Chemicals spill out from one of the tanneries of Kanpur, where they pour into the Ganges.
PHOTOGRAPH BY GIULIO DI STURCO, INSTITUTE
http://www.nationalgeographic.com.au/nature/the-worlds-most-polluted-river-revealed-in-photos.aspx
---------------------
These Photos Show the Pollution That Kills One in Four Children
07 March 2017
A new report from
the World Health Organization found that nearly a quarter of children
under five die from preventable environmental conditions.
A girl wading through mountains of trash; a
boy up to his neck in toxic waters—these photos show just some of the
children exposed to potentially fatal environmental conditions.
A girl looking for plastic. Recyclers in Bhalswa, on top of one of the
giant open air garbage dump which burns 24/7, creating toxic fumes.
PHOTOGRAPH BY MATTHIEU PALEY, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
Recyclers kids living below the old Iron
Bridge, going through garbages thrown off the bridge, to find pieces
that can be given to recycle shops - mostly from religious garbages. PHOTOGRAPH BY MATTHIEU PALEY, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
The Ghazipur open air garbage dump in Delhi. The constantly burning
garbage creates toxic fumes that spread through the city.Garbage trucks
can carry 3T and do about 800 trips a day. PHOTOGRAPH BY MATTHIEU PALEY,
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
The area along the Shahadra open sewer is so polluted that it is
inhabited by people who can't afford housing in other parts of delhi.
Life in GG Colony, in sector 16 in Noida.PHOTOGRAPH BY MATTHIEU PALEY,
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
http://www.nationalgeographic.com.au/people/these-photos-show-the-pollution-that-kills-one-in-four-children.aspx
------------------------------------------
Undisposed toxic waste still haunts Bhopal’s groundwater
07 August 2017
A report says that many locals in Bhopal are dealing with “high rates of birth defects, rapidly rising cancer rates, neurological damage, chaotic menstrual cycles and mental illness”.
“When cool air blows over the city and it rains in Bhopal bringing welcome respite to its people, I fear that toxic waste is spilling into its groundwater,” says Rajesh Kumar, who shows me around the 68-acre plant site of Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL). He drives an auto for a living and is just one more person from the neighbourhoods of Bhopal dealing with respiratory problems, an exposure-related illness. Forty tonnes of methyl isocyanate gas leaked on the fateful night of December 2-3, 1984 creating a toxic cloud. A backflow of water into a methyl isocyanate tank triggered the disaster, killing thousands and injuring over 5.58 lakh people. Contamination from that accident still hounds those who stay near the erstwhile pesticide plant site...
https://yourstory.com/2017/08/undisposed-toxic-groundwater/
--------------------------------------------------------
India: Ranbaxy, DSM India, Max India & others accused of poisoning ground water with toxic waste
https://business-humanrights.org/en/india-ranbaxy-dsm-india-max-india-others-accused-of-poisoning-ground-water-with-toxic-waste
------------------------------------------------------
India Finds Mutated DNA Where Water Is Toxic
DEC. 4, 2007
NEW DELHI, Dec. 3 — Toxic chemicals in the water in Punjab, India’s grain belt, could be causing genetic mutations in the population, a recent study suggests.
Preliminary
results say a two-year study commissioned by the Punjab Pollution
Control Board found mutated DNA in blood samples of 65 percent of the
people tested. The study also found high levels of arsenic and mercury
in the tap water.
Some villages in the landlocked state of Punjab are experiencing high rates of cancer
and other diseases. Scientists and government officials are
investigating links between those incidence levels and chemicals used in
farming and industry...
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/04/world/asia/04water.html
--------------------------------------------------------
Arsenic Contamination of Ground Water and its Health Impact on Population of District of Nadia, West Bengal, India
2010 Apr
Abstract
Background:
The global health impact and disease burden due to chronic arsenic toxicity has not been well studied in West Bengal.
Objective:
To ascertain these, a scientific epidemiological study was carried out in a district of the state.
Materials and Methods:
Epidemiological
study was carried out by house-to-house survey of arsenic affected
villages in the district of Nadia. A stratified multi-stage design has
been adopted for this survey for the selection of the participants. A
total number of 2297 households of 37 arsenic affected villages in all
the 17 blocks were surveyed in the district.
Result:
Out
of 10469 participants examined, prevalence rate of arsenicosis was
found to be 15.43%. Out of 0.84 million people suspected to be exposed
to arsenic, 0.14 million people are estimated to be suffering from
arsenicosis in the district. Highest level of arsenic in drinking water
sources was found to be 1362 μg/l, and in 23% cases it was above 100 μg/l.
Majority of the population living in the arsenic affected villages were
of low socio-economic condition, inadequate education and were farmers
or doing physical labour. Chronic lung disease was found in 207 (12.81%)
subjects among cases and 69 (0.78%) in controls. Peripheral neuropathy
was found in 257 (15.9%) cases and 136 (1.5%) controls.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2940197/
-----------------------------------------------------
Heavy Metal Contamination in Groundwater around Industrial Estate vs Residential Areas in Coimbatore, India
2016 Apr
Abstract
Introduction
Water
is the vital resource, necessary for all aspects of human and ecosystem
survival and health. Depending on the quality, bore water may be used
for human consumption, irrigation purposes and livestock watering. The
quality of bore water can vary widely depending on the quality of ground
water that is its source. Pollutants are being added to the ground
water system through human and natural processes. Solid waste from
industrial units is being dumped near the factories, which react with
percolating rainwater and reaches the ground water. The percolating
water picks up a large number of heavy metals and reaches the aquifer
system and contaminates the ground water. The usage of the contaminated
bore water causes the diseases. Mercury, Arsenic and Cadmium are used or
released by many industries.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4866086/
-------------------------------------------
Heavily polluting industries identified by Ministry of Environment & Forests
2009-05-21
Ministry of Environment & Forests identifies 64 types of large, medium and small-scale industries and classifies them as "Red Category" on the basis of the emissions or hazardous waste they generate
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/heavily-polluting-industries-identified-ministry-environment-forests
-------------------------------
Determination of toxicity of paper mill effluents - Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh) - A study by People's Science Institute
2009-05-21
The study aims at determining the threshold toxicity level of paper mill effluent in the receiving water body
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/determination-toxicity-paper-mill-effluents-saharanpur-uttar-pradesh-study-peoples-science
-------------------------------
Maharashtra’s polluting factories are making its rivers the filthiest in India
May 2017
Understaffed and lacking teeth, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has been ineffective.
https://scroll.in/article/837225/maharashtras-polluting-factories-are-making-its-rivers-the-filthiest-in-india
-------------------------------
Rajasthan records maximum number of environmental crimes for two successive years
August 2016
For the second year in a row, Rajasthan recorded the highest number of environmental offences in India, according to data released by the National Crime Records Bureau. While the state had the maximum number (2,927) of environment-related offence in 2014, it retained its position again in 2015 with 2,075 cases, shows NCRB’s annual report, Crime in India- Statistics, 2015.
Released for the first time in 2014, the report compiles data from the state and Union Territory police with an aim to highlight trends in crime for future policy planning.
http://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/rajasthan-records-maximum-number-of-environmental-crimes-for-two-successive-years-55476
-------------------------------
Illegal dumping of toxic waste continues in Hyderabad
May 2017
Violating PCB norms, factories use tankers to dump hazardous waste in various parts of the city.
Hyderabad: Despite repeated warnings from the State Pollution Control Board (PCB) of stringent action against industries violating environmental laws, toxic effluents and hazardous chemical waste generated by factories are still being illegally discharged in various parts of the city and its adjoining areas.
https://telanganatoday.com/illegal-dumping-toxic-waste-continues
-----------------------------------------
Illegal dumping of construction waste
Aug 28, 2017
Mahim area is largely affected by dumping Mafia. Every week incidents are happening of dumping of construction waste on road. People are badly upset. There are 4 such cases seen on Sunday morning alone.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/citizen-reporter/stories/illegal-dumping-of-construction-waste/articleshow/60251429.cms
-------------------------------------------
Gurgaon: Residents move MCG against illegal dumping of construction waste near Ghata lake
Sep 05, 2017
Residents said the area near Ghata lake and the Aravalli hills was turning into a landfill
http://www.hindustantimes.com/gurgaon/gurgaon-residents-move-mcg-against-illegal-dumping-of-construction-waste-near-ghata-lake/story-d6vXKGKvSkhjHfDB4wlzSM.html
---------------------------------------------
Up to 90% of world's electronic waste is illegally dumped, says UN
May 2015
PCs and smartphones adding to ‘e-waste mountain’ that could reach 50m tonnes by 2017, much of it dumped and traded in developing countries, reports BusinessGreen
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/may/12/up-to-90-of-worlds-electronic-waste-is-illegally-dumped-says-un
---------------------------------------------
India, a victim of e-waste crime
May 13, 2015
Much of the 40 million tonnes of electronic waste produced around the world — old smartphones, TVs, laptops and obsolete kitchen appliances — finds its way illegally to Asia and Africa every year, says a report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Close to 90 per cent of the world’s electronic waste — worth nearly $19 billion — is illegally traded or dumped each year, to destinations half way across the world. While the European Union the U.S. and Japan are the primary origins of e-waste shipments, China, India, Malaysia and Pakistan are the main destinations, says the report. In Africa, Ghana and Nigeria are the biggest recipients of e-waste.
http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/india-a-victim-of-ewaste-crime/article7202265.ece
---------------------------------------------
Review Article: Persistent organic pollutants and landfills - a review of past experiences and future challenges
January 11, 2011
http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0734242X10390730
---------------------------------------------
Will India Need a Landfill the Size of Bengaluru By 2030?
Forty-three million tonnes of solid waste are collected annually, out of which 11.9 million are treated and 31 million are dumped at landfill sites.
https://thewire.in/104770/landfill-solid-waste-cpcb/
----------------------------------------------
ELECTRONIC WASTE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA: ISSUES AND CONCERNS
http://ijlljs.in/electronic-waste-management-in-india-issues-and-concerns/
-----------------------------------------------
Landfills aren't the solution to Bangalore's 'waste' problem
Segregation of 'waste' at source is the only way forward
17 July 2012
http://www.esgindia.org/campaigns/press/landfills-arent-solution-bangalores-wast.html
-----------------------------------------------
Assessment of Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Leachate Treatment Efficiency by Leachate
Pollution Index
Jan 2014
https://www.rroij.com/open-access/assessment-of-municipal-solid-waste-landfillleachate-treatment-efficiency-by-leachatepollution-index.pdf
--------------------------------------------
Disposing Waste Scientifically: How Scientific Landfills Can Change The Waste Disposal Scenario In India
2017
With nearly 72 per cent of India’s garbage remaining untreated, scientific landfills are an option for urban India to ensure proper waste disposal
http://swachhindia.ndtv.com/disposing-waste-scientifically-how-scientific-landfills-can-change-the-waste-disposal-scenario-in-india-8159/
---------------------------------------------
Impact of leachate on groundwater pollution due to non-engineered municipal solid waste landfill sites of erode city, Tamil Nadu, India
2012
https://jehse.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1735-2746-9-35
------------------------------------------
Hazardous Waste: A Threat to the Indian Ecosystem
2010
http://theviewspaper.net/hazardous-waste-a-threat-to-the-indian-ecosystem/
------------------------------
India court bans waste dumping in Ganges
- 13 July 2017
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-40591258
---------------------------------------------
Now, CCTVs to track illegal dumping of waste?
May 2017
HYDERABAD: To keep track of denizens who dump garbage in an unscrupulous and unauthorised dumping across the city, and especially at the 1,116 garbage vulnerable points (GVPs) which the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation had successfully eliminated last year, the corporation is to seek the support of city police and utilise the CCTV cameras installed in law and order (L&O) purpose. GVPs are the open dumps of garbage commonly seen on the roadside...
http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/2017/may/03/now-cctvs-to-track-illegal-dumping-of-waste-1600396.html
---------------------------------------------
Bareilly civic body to pay for unlawful dumping of city garbage
October 2013
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has penalised the Bareilly city municipal corporation for dumping solid waste in an unscientific and unlawful manner near Razau Paraspur village in Bareilly district of Uttar Pradesh. In its order passed last Thursday, NGT observed the action of the municipal body has caused environmental damage and is a public health hazard. NGT slapped a penalty at the rate of Rs1 lakh per day on the municipal body for restoration of the site to its original condition as well as to prevent further damage to the environment.
http://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/bareilly-civic-body-to-pay-for-unlawful-dumping-of-city-garbage-42558
--------------------------------------------
Bengaluru: Illegal garbage dumping in Varthur lake caught on camera
India Today Television | April 25, 2017
The lakes of Bengaluru have remained the target of encroachment
mafias for a long time now. What was once talked about has now been
captured on camera by citizens in the city.
A citizen group residing near the Varthur lake, has caught the garbage dumping operation on camera.
The dumping into the lakes was in contravention to the NGT's recent order banning garbage dumping in Bengaluru's lakes.
Earlier in March, Karnataka chief secretary Subhash Chandra Kunthia visited the Varthur and Bellandur lakes. He was accompanied by the BDA Commissioner Rakesh Singh and a team of senior officials from various departments concerned with conservation and rejuvenation of lakes in the city.
A citizen group residing near the Varthur lake, has caught the garbage dumping operation on camera.
The dumping into the lakes was in contravention to the NGT's recent order banning garbage dumping in Bengaluru's lakes.
Earlier in March, Karnataka chief secretary Subhash Chandra Kunthia visited the Varthur and Bellandur lakes. He was accompanied by the BDA Commissioner Rakesh Singh and a team of senior officials from various departments concerned with conservation and rejuvenation of lakes in the city.
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/video/bengaluru-illegal-dumping-varthur-lake-garbage-mafia/1/938141.html
---------------------------------
10 Major Environmental Challenges Faced by India
1. Growing Population:
2. Poverty:
3. Agricultural Growth:
4. Need to Ground Water:
5. Development and Forests:
6. Degradation of Land:
7. Reorientation of Institutions:
8. Reduction of Genetic Diversity:
9. Evil Consequences of Urbanization:
10. Air and Water Population:
http://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/environment/10-major-environmental-challenges-faced-by-india/9862/
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------
Chapter 4: Corruption
-------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
-----------------------------
Study Finds India Is Asia's Most Corrupt Country, While Japan Comes In Last
Mar 8, 2017
https://www.forbes.com/sites/suparnagoswami/2017/03/08/study-finds-india-is-asias-most-corrupt-country-while-japan-comes-in-last/#4e4ea0901201
----------------------------------
India most corrupt nation in Asia, most Indians believe PM Modi is checking it
June 6, 2017
Going by a survey report of anti-corruption global civil society organisation Transparency International (TI), it is clear that PM Modi's efforts have started bearing fruit.
----------------------------------
8 Shameful Statistics That Prove How India Is The Most Corrupt Country In Asia
Sep 02, 2017
1. 38% of land and property deals in India involve bribes
2. 62% of law enforcement officers take bribes
3. 60% of road stops for truckers are for extorting money
4. 60% of people who got their driving license from an agent haven't taken the driving exam
5. 31% of members of parliament have criminal cases against them
6. The monetary value of petty corruption in 11 basic services in government like education, healthcare and the judiciary amounts to about Rs. 3,19,72,50,00,000 annually.
7. India’s telecom ministry siphoned approximately $30 billion
8. Just about 40% of grain intended for the poor reaches them
https://www.scoopwhoop.com/india-most-corrupt-country-in-asia-statistics/#.twebqqaqh
----------------------------------
Corruption in India: More Government Is Not the Solution
Oct 2011
Protesters took to the streets throughout India in the summer of 2011, demanding the establishment of a powerful new anti-corruption watchdog agency. In the aftermath of numerous high-profile corruption cases, the demonstrators’ wrath and intensity are understandable. Their demands, however, are misdirected.
http://www.heritage.org/asia/report/corruption-india-more-government-not-the-solution
----------------------------------
Corruption Is Still a Problem 10 Months After India's Cash Ban
August 27, 2017
-
Real estate, foreign trips replace cash as bribery payments
-
Foreign investors worry about ease of exiting India business
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-08-27/ten-months-after-india-s-cash-ban-corruption-remains-endemic
----------------------------------
Corruption ruins the doctor-patient relationship in India
2014
Kickbacks and bribes oil every part of the country’s healthcare machinery, writes David Berger. If India’s authorities cannot make improvements, international agencies should act
http://www.bmj.com/content/348/bmj.g3169
----------------------------------
India's Black Market Organ Scandal
February 1, 2008
Shocked but not surprised. That might be the best way to sum up India's reaction to the revelation this week that a black market organ transplant ring had been harvesting kidneys from poor Indian laborers, sometimes against their wishes, and using them in foreigners desperate for transplants. Police who busted the ring last week say doctors paid as little as $1000 for the kidneys and then sold them for as much as $37,500. The racket, based in Gurgaon, a business center close to the capital, New Delhi, drew victims from as many as eight Indian states and lasted for almost a decade. Police say the black market doctors may have illegally transplanted as many as 500 kidneys. The ring, according to the police, was run by two Indian brothers, neither of whom had any medical training but who oversaw the surgery. One of the brothers has been arrested in Mumbai, but the other, Amit Kumar, who police say was the racket's kingpin, is now the focus of an international manhunt and may have fled to Canada.
---------------------------------
The illegal organ trade thrives in India – and it isn't likely to end soon
Aug 15, 2016
Kidney and liver diseases are growing in India. But the number of cadaver donations remains low.
https://scroll.in/pulse/813993/the-illegal-organ-trade-thrives-in-india-and-it-isnt-likely-to-end-soon
---------------------------------
Kidney trade racket busted at South Delhi Hospital
June 03, 2016
South East District Police have claimed to have busted a kidney trade racket with the arrest of six persons, including the personal staff of doctors at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital here.
Apollo Hospital has distanced itself from the racket and said they ensured full cooperation with the police. They said in a statement that they were a “victim of a well-orchestrated operation to cheat patients and the hospital”.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/Kidney-trade-racket-busted-at-South-Delhi-Hospital/article14382481.ece
---------------------------------
Inside the illegal hospitals performing thousands of black market organ transplants every year for $200,000 a time
- Desperate and vulnerable donors sell organs to gangs for just $5,000 (£3k)
- Body parts sold for massive profits after risky surgeries in illegal hospitals
- Massive rise in kidney transplants driven by increase in diabetes globally
-----------------------------
India reviews state hospitals to end widespread corruption
August 23, 2014
NEW DELHI (Reuters) - The Indian government on Saturday ordered a review of activities at all state-owned hospitals to end what the health minister called systemic corruption, as part of the new administration’s crackdown on malpractice in the healthcare sector.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has vowed to eradicate graft in India’s $74 billion healthcare industry, where doctors receiving extra payments for referring patients to a particular clinic or receiving gifts from companies for prescribing their drugs are common...
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-health-corruption/india-reviews-state-hospitals-to-end-widespread-corruption-idUSKBN0GN0HM20140823
----------------------------------
I paid a bribe: Using technology to fight corruption in India
May 18, 2016
Ipaidabribe.com harnesses the collective energy of Indian citizens against corruption by enabling them to report anonymously on the nature, number, pattern, types, location, frequency and values of demands for bribes. Venkatesh Kannaiah discusses the I Paid A Bribe initiative and the value of technology in tackling corruption, not just in India but globally.
https://www.theigc.org/blog/i-paid-a-bribe-using-technology-to-fight-corruption-in-india/
----------------------------------
Capital Plight: What Drives Corruption in India?
Dec 2010
http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/capital-plight-what-drives-corruption-in-india/
----------------------------------
The Indian Judiciary on Trial: Tackling Corruption in India’s Courts
Feb 2016
https://globalanticorruptionblog.com/2016/02/12/the-indian-judiciary-on-trial-tackling-corruption-in-indias-courts/
----------------------------------
India corruption threatens foreign investment
2011
Endemic corruption in India has grown in scale and represents billions of pounds, with the potential to discourage investors and derail growth prospects, consultancy firm KMPG said in a survey.
The survey of 100 leading domestic
and foreign businesses was published as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's
government struggles to defend itself against graft cases ranging from a
£24 billion telecoms scandal to houses for war widows diverted to
bureaucrats.
The scams,
exposed in recent months, point to a pervasive culture of corruption in
Singh's administration, prompting a man once seen as India's most honest
politician to defend his leadership and scramble to keep the ruling
coalition intact.
More than
two-thirds of those surveyed said corruption prevented India from
moving beyond the nine per cent growth expected in the next fiscal year
starting April 1. Just over half said graft would make the country less
attractive to foreign investors...
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/expat-money/8385379/India-corruption-threatens-foreign-investment.html----------------------------------
Anti-corruption & Bribery in India
August 3 2017
Trends Have there been any recent changes in the enforcement of anti-corruption regulations? In the wake of numerous scams being unearthed in India over the past decade, the enforcement agencies have become increasingly proactive in terms of monitoring compliance under relevant anti-corruption and bribery laws and taking action against violations thereof. For instance, in 2015 the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) opened a suo moto (ie, of its own accord) inquiry against a private company (a subsidiary of a multinational corporation) for the first time, amid allegations that the company had bribed public servants in order to obtain certain clearances and permits in India.
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=17185ebc-cfd3-4f76-a504-edf12b3361a3
----------------------------------
Police charge Indian high court judge with bribery
2011
NEW DELHI, March 4 (Reuters) - Indian police charged a high court judge on Friday with taking a bribe of 1.5 million rupees ($333,333) in a rare move against a member of the higher judiciary.
http://in.reuters.com/article/india-corruption-judge/police-charge-indian-high-court-judge-with-bribery-idINSGE72305J20110304
----------------------------------
‘Corruption Is Rampant In The Lower Courts’
July 2012
Former chief justice of India on corruption in judiciary
Yet another case of judicial corruption was exposed last month when
the Andhra Pradesh High Court suspended additional special judge for CBI
cases T. Pattabhi Rama Rao following allegations of corruption. Charged
on the basis of a complaint filed by the CBI, the special judge had
allegedly taken a bribe of Rs 5 crore to grant bail to former Karnataka
minister Gali Janardhana Reddy in the illegal mining case. The vigilance
wing of the high court found the allegation to hold merit. Former chief
justice of India V.N. Khare told Chandrani Banerjee that such incidents are now rampant.
https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/corruption-is-rampant-in-the-lower-courts/281457
----------------------------------
India’s costly culture of corruption
April 2011
Traffic lawlessness is a small problem for India. The much bigger one — the one everyone is talking about these days — is corruption...
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/indias-costly-culture-of-corruption/2011/03/28/AFXoUMPC_story.html?utm_term=.39dbca3d5099
----------------------------------
Corruption in India
Contents
- 1 Politics
- 2 Bureaucracy
- 3 Black money
- 4 Business and corruption
- 5 Judiciary
- 6 Anti-corruption efforts
- 7 Factors contributing to corruption in India
- 8 Impact of corruption
- 9 See also
- 10 References
- 11 Further reading
- 12 External links
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corruption_in_India
----------------------------------
We should be cautions of groups such as the CFR.
-----------------------------------
Governance in India: Corruption
It
remains unclear whether mounting public anger and flagging growth can
catalyze India to address widespread official corruption.
https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/governance-india-corruption
----------------------------------
UK reprieve for Rolls-Royce in India bribery cases
Jan 20, 2017
Rolls-Royce got a reprieve when a British court approved an agreement between the company and authorities to defer prosecution in connection with corrupt practices in India and six countries.
Aerospace defence major Rolls-Royce got a reprieve this week when a British court approved a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) between the company and the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), which was investigating its corrupt practices in India and six countries.http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/uk-reprieve-for-rolls-royce-in-india-bribery-cases/story-LqWCgxqemW3bVkDoocUAgO.html
----------------------------------
RECENT SUPREME COURT DECISIONS AND THE
INDIAN PREVENTION OF CORRUPTION ACT
https://www.allianceforintegrity.org/wAssets/docs/publications/Compliance-Bulletin/AfIn_ComplianceBulletin_05.pdf
----------------------------------
Rolls-Royce apologises in court after settling bribery case
Jan 2017
Settlement of £671m means engineering giant will avoid being prosecuted by anti-corruption investigators in UK, US or Brazil
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/jan/17/rolls-royce-apologises-bribery-671m-uk-us-brazil
----------------------------------
Bribery Cases
http://indianexpress.com/about/bribery-case/
----------------------------------
BCI corruption: CBI court sentences BCI trustee Rana, ex-vice-chair & ex-member to 5 years jail for law school ‘extortion’ racket
18 July 2016
http://www.legallyindia.com/the-bench-and-the-bar/bci-corruption-cbi-court-sentences-bci-s-rana-raj-dey-to-5-years-jail-for-taking-bribe-to-accredit-law-school-20160718-7847
---------
The bribery in India is so vast, that it would take weeks to read through all of the cases of political corruption in India.
View the website titled indiankanoon.org for more information on the list of cases of bribery in India. We can see there is a list of over 740 pages of the corruption going on in India.
-----
Corrupt practices bribery
1 - 10 of 741
https://indiankanoon.org/search/?formInput=corrupt%20practices%20bribery
---------------------
Debris dumping: Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to hold residents directly responsible
August 21, 2017
Revised monitoring system to initiate action against those unable to show proof they responsibly disposed of debris
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/debris-dumping-brihanmumbai-municipal-corporation-to-hold-residents-directly-responsible-4805880/
------------------------------------------
Asthma, acid rain: life in one of India's most polluted cities
April 19 2014
Chandrapur: Welcome to one of the most polluted cities in India. The air pollution is so bad that up to 70 per cent of children in Chandrapur are suffering from asthma or some other kind of respiratory disease, thanks to the ash being churned out from 12 coal-fired power stations in the district that produce a combined 5000 megawatts of electricity.
The same power stations also emit enough sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide to enable the formation of acid rain, adding to the pressure on the already shrinking Tadoba tiger reserve nearby – to say nothing of what it means for the district's 2.2 million residents.
http://www.smh.com.au/world/asthma-acid-rain-life-in-one-of-indias-most-polluted-cities-20140419-zqwod.html
----------------------------
Loophole Lets Toxic Oil Water Flow Over Indian Land
Nov 2012
The air reeks so strongly of rotten eggs that tribal leader Wes Martel hesitates to get out of the car at an oil field on the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming. He already has a headache from the fumes he smelled at another oil field.
Martel is giving me a tour of one of a dozen oil and gas fields on the reservation. These operations have the federal government's permission to dump wastewater on the land — so much that it creates streams that flow into natural creeks and rivers. And this water contains toxic chemicals, including known carcinogens and radioactive material, according to documents obtained by NPR through Freedom of Information Act requests.
The fumes hitting Martel's nose are hydrogen sulfide, which can be deadly. So Martel makes sure the wind is at his back before walking over to a pit the size of several tennis courts. Pipes are emptying dirty brown water that came up from oil wells into the pit, which is completely covered in goopy black oil.
The oil is supposed to float to the surface, and then a truck will vacuum it up. Any solid stuff should fall on the bottom of the pit, before the water rushes out and forms a stream. But there are still chemicals in the water — some from the earth, some from the oil, and some the companies add to make the oil flow faster.
About a half-mile from the pit, Martel stops the car on a bridge over that stream of murky gray water. A shiny film covers the water in some places.
"I wish a lot of people could see this," says Martel, the vice chairman of the Eastern Shoshone Business Council, the tribal government. "This is something that's going on in the reservation: This don't look too cool."
http://www.npr.org/2012/11/15/164688735/loophole-lets-toxic-oil-water-flow-over-indian-land
------------------------------------------------
Stormwater drains missing in Delhi
June 2015
A committee formed by the NGT surveyed the city using Delhi's drainage map of 1976 and found 44 of the 201 natural drains missing.
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/stormwater-drains-delhi-yamuna-river-monsoons/1/447664.html
-----------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------
Chapter 5: Coca Cola
-------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
People of a semi-arid Rajasthan village battle Coca Cola
2014-07-27
The story isn't new. It is about Coca Cola exploiting groundwater resources at its bottling plant in Kaladera. What will hopefully be new is how the story finally ends.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/people-semi-arid-rajasthan-village-battle-coca-cola
---------------------------
Coca-Cola, Pepsi emerge victorious in Tamil Nadu water war
Mar 02, 2017
The Madurai bench of the high court dismissed two public interest litigations that sought to restrain the state administration from supplying water from the Thamirabarani river to Coca Cola and Pepsi units in Tirunelveli district
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/madras-high-court-dismisses-pils-against-water-supply-to-pepsi-and-coca-cola/story-tK4x9QIdnvrrovmHXnB7sL.html---------------------------------
Coca-Cola Company, The - Pollution & Toxics
New plant in South India refused due to environmental track record
http://www.ethicalconsumer.org/companystories.aspx?CompanyId=13247&CategoryId=288190
-----------------------
Groundwater hits bottom near Coke's plant in Rajasthan
Groundwater hits bottom near Coca Cola's plant in Rajasthan
Farmers in Kaladera block of Jaipur claim that agriculture has become difficult due to rapid fall in ground water after the beverage giant entered the region in 2000.
Ammonia in Delhi's water rises yet again
Two water treatment plants in Delhi had to be shut down for the fourth time in a month due to excess ammonia in Yamuna's water thanks to discharge from upstream factories in Haryana.
Slum dwellers to pay up for water in Hyderabad
The Secundrabad Cantonment Board will charge water tariff at the rate of Rs 145 per connection from about 28,000 water connections in slum areas.
Water-holding plastic degrading land
Clogs drains causing water logging which inturn affects soil quality and expansion of wasteland, said a study conducted by Guwahati-based NGO Environ.
Delhi Jal Board experiments with grey water recycling
Plans to supply treated water to residents for non-potable purposes with help from Japanese agency. New sewage treatment plants to be designed to ensure water reclaimation.
Himachal proposes power corridors to save forests
Hydel projects on same river basin would not be allowed separate transmission lines. Move came after 14,000 trees were cut to lay transmission lines for the recently commissioned Karcham Wangtoo project.
Century-old agreement prevents tank revival
A proposal to revive 29 tanks in Hoskote town of Karnataka stalled after Tamil Nadu raised objections citing 1892 agreement between the then Mysore and Madras governments.
Seven water tankers seized for disobeying rules in Kochi
The District Medical Office impounds lorries not following guidelines like water chlorination to check rising cases of water-borne diseases.
This is the news roundup of January 23, 2014.
Farmers in Kaladera block of Jaipur claim that agriculture has become difficult due to rapid fall in ground water after the beverage giant entered the region in 2000.
Ammonia in Delhi's water rises yet again
Two water treatment plants in Delhi had to be shut down for the fourth time in a month due to excess ammonia in Yamuna's water thanks to discharge from upstream factories in Haryana.
Slum dwellers to pay up for water in Hyderabad
The Secundrabad Cantonment Board will charge water tariff at the rate of Rs 145 per connection from about 28,000 water connections in slum areas.
Water-holding plastic degrading land
Clogs drains causing water logging which inturn affects soil quality and expansion of wasteland, said a study conducted by Guwahati-based NGO Environ.
Delhi Jal Board experiments with grey water recycling
Plans to supply treated water to residents for non-potable purposes with help from Japanese agency. New sewage treatment plants to be designed to ensure water reclaimation.
Himachal proposes power corridors to save forests
Hydel projects on same river basin would not be allowed separate transmission lines. Move came after 14,000 trees were cut to lay transmission lines for the recently commissioned Karcham Wangtoo project.
Century-old agreement prevents tank revival
A proposal to revive 29 tanks in Hoskote town of Karnataka stalled after Tamil Nadu raised objections citing 1892 agreement between the then Mysore and Madras governments.
Seven water tankers seized for disobeying rules in Kochi
The District Medical Office impounds lorries not following guidelines like water chlorination to check rising cases of water-borne diseases.
This is the news roundup of January 23, 2014.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/news/cola-giants-bottling-plant-causes-groundwater-decline-rajasthan
-------------------------------
Gujarat allocates 3 MLD of Narmada water to upcoming Coca Cola plant
2014-09-21
Gujarat Government allocates Narmada water to Coca Cola plant at Sanand
The Gujarat Government has allocated about 3 million litres per day (MLD) of water from the Narmada Canal to the Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd (HCCBPL) for its upcoming plant at Sanand. Along with this, the Government has also allocated 1.85 lakh square meters of land to the company for setting up the Rs 500 crore bottling plant. The plant is expected to produce 450 kilo litres of effluent discharge/day, although government officials say that the plant will have zero-effluent discharge.
Natural disaster displaced 22 million globally last year
Floods, earthquakes and storms have displaced nearly 22 million people across the world in 2013, according to the estimates by the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre of the Norwegian Refugee Council. 87% of these people are from Asian countries alone, with Philippines topping the list. In India, nearly 2.4 million people have been displaced due to flash floods in Uttarakhand, floods in other states and Cyclone Phailin in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh...
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/gujarat-allocates-3-mld-narmada-water-upcoming-coca-cola-plant
--------------------------------------
Kerala's bill to penalise Coke - Relief and compensation for Plachimada factory victims
2011-03-01
The Kerala government's decision to bring in a bill: Plachimada Coca-Cola Victims — Relief and Compensation Claims Special Tribunal in the State Assembly yesterday is certainly an epic decision.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/keralas-bill-penalise-coke-relief-and-compensation-plachimada-factory-victims
--------------------------------------
Pesticide 'thali'
2014-01-20
A 2010 study by Consumer Voice found that Delhi's fruits and vegetables contain high levels of pesticide residue. Despite the high court getting involved, not much has changed since.
One doesn't have to look far to find pesticide contamination in food and water in India. Remember the classic Pepsi case where Centre for Science and Environment, a Delhi based NGO, found high levels of toxic pesticides in soft drinks? It isn't just water alone but the entire food chain that is increasingly becoming the primary source of pesticide contamination putting the health and safety of people at risk.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/pesticide-thali
------------------------
Pesticides in soft drinks
Adopting dual standards is a practice large multi national corporations follow especially when it comes to developing countries. Soft drinks industry is a classic case of this as the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) discovered way back in 2003. A laboratory report prepared by CSE detailed some astonishing facts about the extent of pesticide contamination in soft drinks sold in India.Adopting dual standards is a practice large multi national corporations follow especially when it comes to developing countries. Soft drinks industry is a classic case of this as the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) discovered way back in 2003. A laboratory report prepared by CSE detailed some astonishing facts about the extent of pesticide contamination in soft drinks sold in India.
CSE found high levels of toxic pesticides and insecticides, high enough to cause cancer, damage to the nervous and reproductive systems, birth defects and severe disruption of the immune system. Market leaders Coca-Cola and Pepsi had almost similar concentrations of pesticide residues. At the same time CSE also tested two soft drink brands sold in the US, to see if they contained pesticides. They didn’t. This only goes to show the companies were following dual standards.
These startling facts forced the government constitute a Joint Parliamentary Committee, only the fourth in post independent India and the first on health and safety of Indians. The committee was tasked to find out whether the findings of the CSE regarding pesticide residues in soft drinks are correct or not and to suggest criteria for evolving suitable safety standards for soft drinks, fruit juice and other beverages where water is the main constituent. The JPC report vindicated CSEs findings and said it is prudent to seek complete freedom from pesticide residues in sweetened aerated water.
All this did not stop Coke and Pepsi from launching a vicious campaign to get discredit our findings. Cases were filed and threats issued. But these pressure tactics did not work. CSE stood its ground and the cases were withdrawn.
Fast forward to August, 2006. CSE undertook a nation wide study of nearly a dozen soft drink brands and found little had changed. The study found pesticide residues in all samples. This after JPC had asked for standards for carbonated beverages.
It took the health ministry a good three more years to notify standards for pesticides in carbonated water. Even these standards are meaningless as their is no methodology available to test for pesticides. CSE is currently engaged with Bureau of Indian Standards to put in place a methodology for testing pesticides.
http://www.cseindia.org/node/527
------------------------
A few problems with Coca Cola in third world countries, is that Coca Cola has high level of pesticides in India and Mexico, these pesticides are banned in other countries such as America. Coca Cola ingredients contain GMOs as well. Coca Cola also contains Sodium Benzoate, a chemical that turns into formaldehyde when combined with citric acid. Coca Cola uses artificial coloring and artificial flavoring in their products. Coca Cola has many harmful chemicals in their sodas, such as phosphoric acid, while many times different chemicals are not even labeled on the bottle. Coca Cola lacks ethical standards in third world countries to properly clean their reused and recycled glass bottles sometimes. You can see these old bottles have been reused many times, and that some bottles are not properly cleaned, and even have debris and objects in the soda. This is why it is good to support and buy natural and organic sodas.
Colas and Sodas were originally used for medicinal reasons, as a type of cough syrup, headache medicine and to fortify the body.
Here are some medicinal ingredients found in soda.
Cane sugar; nutmeg; cloves; vanilla beans; orange peels; sweet birch; honey; molasses; caramel; sarsaparilla; cherry tree bark; licorice root; ginger; basil; cinnamon; cassia oil (grown in India); dandelion root; burdock root; wintergreen; mint; cucumber; yucca extract; acacia; prickly ash bark; allspice; spicewood; juniper; maple; anise; Balsam of Peru; salts; hops; English peas; spikenard; cactus; flower and rose petals; lavender; hemp seeds; guaiacum chips; pipsissewa; tea; all edible vegetables; all edible fruits; Lime; Lemon; Lemongrass; dog grass; yellow dock; mushrooms; vinegars, & live soda kombuchas.
Many people in history have treated "sodas," as being a form of medicine in many cases, if you do not add too many harmful additives.
We can see how many soda companies do not even use any of these ingredients, and just now add a synthetic sweeter with some filtered water, carbon, artificial coloring, artificial flavor extract and a harmful preservative. This includes a can, plastic bottle or glass bottle that contains harmful BPA and dyes on the bottle and bottle cap that come into contact with the soda. Many people now say that soda is one of the worst things for you, with no nutritional benefits. We can clearly see that there is a good and a bad way to make a soda. It seems a good potion of sodas these days just go on synthetic sweeteners and artificial flavors.
----------------------------------
Half of India's interstate rivers plagued by pollution and poor water quality
2015-08-23
While the Central Pollution Control Board's recent study highlights the problems with rivers today, it does not have clear cut recommendations or actions to resolve them.
According to a recent study by the Central Pollution and Control Board (CPCB), almost half of India's interstate rivers are polluted and are of no use to anyone thus increasing the possibility of worsening of disputes over river sharing among states. Although India has a rich network of rivers with nine river systems spanning as high as 81% of the geographical area and a per capita water availability of 1720.29 cum per annum, water availability from rivers is increasingly being threatened due to rampant pollution from untreated domestic sewage and industrial effluents making it unfit for drinking or any other purpose.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/half-indias-interstate-rivers-plagued-pollution-and-poor-water-quality
-----------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------
Chapter 6: Miscellaneous
-------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENT-INDIA: DuPont Under Fire for Poor Safety Record -
By IPS Correspondents
By IPS Correspondents
Mahesh Uniyal
NEW DELHI, Apr 9 1996 (IPS) - Forced by citizens groups to quit Goa on India’s east coast last year, the U.S.-based DuPont’s planned nylon factory is again in trouble over the transnational’s (TNC) alleged poor safety record.
Booted out of Goa a year ago, the giant TNC moved its proposed 183 million dollar nylon 6,6 plant to Tamil Nadu on the east coast. Activists groups there have been campaigning against the project, saying DuPont has done nothing to inspire confidence.
India goes to polls later this month and the Anti-Dupont Joint Action Committee, dubbed “eco-terrorists” by the TNC, announced last week that it would persuade candidates from the region to campaign for DuPont’s ouster.
A member of the Committee told IPS that they were waiting for the parties to announce their manifestoes. The regional Pattali Makkal Kathchi which translates as the Toiling People’s Party, has declared its commitment to protect the environment.
Last week a visiting U.S. rights activist Ward Morehouse while urging activists to continue their fight, warned that DuPont was giving assurances similar to those by Union Carbide when it set up its factory in Bhopal, the scene of the world’s worst industrial disaster in 1984.
“The company has so little confidence in its own ability to avoid another Bhopal disaster that it has demanded the Government of India grant it immunity from liability for industrial accidents,” he is quoted saying in newspaper reports from Madras.
DuPont which has tied up with a leading Indian business house Thapar for the project has denied this oft-repeated charge, maintaining such a clause does not exist in its contract.
Yet it has rejected protesters’ demand for a public hearing and review of the project, offering instead, a closed door debate between activists, experts and company officials.
The protests started soon after the joint venture was permitted last August by the Tamil Nadu government to set up the factory 50 kms from the state capital Madras.
The decision led to an immediate hunger protest by the Madras- based Institute for Social Education and Development and the Tamil Nadu Agricultural Labourers’ Movement in Madras.
The ranks of anti-Dupont activists swelled when some 40 green and human rights groups in the state banded together last year to form a Joint Action Committee against the project. Construction at the site in Gummidipoondi started in August 1995.
DuPont and its Indian partner Thapar were forced to move out of the original site in southwestern coastal Goa state after prolonged, popular anti-Dupont protests peaked in violence last January in which an activist was killed.
In Goa, Dupont had faced stiff opposition from villagers who alleged they had been cheated of their ancestral lands to make way for the factory.
Mahesh Uniyal
-
Forced by citizens groups to quit Goa on India’s east coast last year,
the U.S.-based DuPont’s planned nylon factory is again in trouble over
the transnational’s (TNC) alleged poor safety record.Booted out of Goa a year ago, the giant TNC moved its proposed 183 million dollar nylon 6,6 plant to Tamil Nadu on the east coast. Activists groups there have been campaigning against the project, saying DuPont has done nothing to inspire confidence.
India goes to polls later this month and the Anti-Dupont Joint Action Committee, dubbed “eco-terrorists” by the TNC, announced last week that it would persuade candidates from the region to campaign for DuPont’s ouster.
A member of the Committee told IPS that they were waiting for the parties to announce their manifestoes. The regional Pattali Makkal Kathchi which translates as the Toiling People’s Party, has declared its commitment to protect the environment.
Last week a visiting U.S. rights activist Ward Morehouse while urging activists to continue their fight, warned that DuPont was giving assurances similar to those by Union Carbide when it set up its factory in Bhopal, the scene of the world’s worst industrial disaster in 1984.
“The company has so little confidence in its own ability to avoid another Bhopal disaster that it has demanded the Government of India grant it immunity from liability for industrial accidents,” he is quoted saying in newspaper reports from Madras.
DuPont which has tied up with a leading Indian business house Thapar for the project has denied this oft-repeated charge, maintaining such a clause does not exist in its contract.
Yet it has rejected protesters’ demand for a public hearing and review of the project, offering instead, a closed door debate between activists, experts and company officials.
The protests started soon after the joint venture was permitted last August by the Tamil Nadu government to set up the factory 50 kms from the state capital Madras.
The decision led to an immediate hunger protest by the Madras- based Institute for Social Education and Development and the Tamil Nadu Agricultural Labourers’ Movement in Madras.
The ranks of anti-Dupont activists swelled when some 40 green and human rights groups in the state banded together last year to form a Joint Action Committee against the project. Construction at the site in Gummidipoondi started in August 1995.
DuPont and its Indian partner Thapar were forced to move out of the original site in southwestern coastal Goa state after prolonged, popular anti-Dupont protests peaked in violence last January in which an activist was killed.
In Goa, Dupont had faced stiff opposition from villagers who alleged they had been cheated of their ancestral lands to make way for the factory.
- See more at: http://ipsnews2.wpengine.com/1996/04/environment-india-dupont-under-fire-for-poor-safety-record/#sthash.6LBkndnB.dpuf
Goa’s Anti-Nylon Citizen’s Action Committee had accused the nylon plant of lax environmental standards: its effluents would pollute waterbodies in the neighbourhood and air-borne emissions would corrode ancient temples nearby.
The controversial DuPont-Thapar plant, India’s first to make nylon 6,6, will on completion have an annual capacity of 18,000 tonnes. At present India imports more than 20,000 tonnes of this chemical which is more durable and has better adhesive qualities than ordinary nylon and is used in automobile and aircraft tyres.
A DuPont spokesman told IPS that the nylon factory being set up in India “will be the safest and cleanest nylon plant anywhere in the world.” The TNC, he said, would be installing the latest machinery after administrative delays forced it to give up earlier plans to import outdated second hand machinery.
Goa’s
Anti-Nylon Citizen’s Action Committee had accused the nylon plant of
lax environmental standards: its effluents would pollute waterbodies in
the neighbourhood and air-borne emissions would corrode ancient temples
nearby.
The controversial DuPont-Thapar plant, India’s first to make nylon 6,6, will on completion have an annual capacity of 18,000 tonnes. At present India imports more than 20,000 tonnes of this chemical which is more durable and has better adhesive qualities than ordinary nylon and is used in automobile and aircraft tyres.
A DuPont spokesman told IPS that the nylon factory being set up in India “will be the safest and cleanest nylon plant anywhere in the world.” The TNC, he said, would be installing the latest machinery after administrative delays forced it to give up earlier plans to import outdated second hand machinery.
- See more at: http://ipsnews2.wpengine.com/1996/04/environment-india-dupont-under-fire-for-poor-safety-record/#sthash.6LBkndnB.dpuf
The controversial DuPont-Thapar plant, India’s first to make nylon 6,6, will on completion have an annual capacity of 18,000 tonnes. At present India imports more than 20,000 tonnes of this chemical which is more durable and has better adhesive qualities than ordinary nylon and is used in automobile and aircraft tyres.
A DuPont spokesman told IPS that the nylon factory being set up in India “will be the safest and cleanest nylon plant anywhere in the world.” The TNC, he said, would be installing the latest machinery after administrative delays forced it to give up earlier plans to import outdated second hand machinery.
- See more at: http://ipsnews2.wpengine.com/1996/04/environment-india-dupont-under-fire-for-poor-safety-record/#sthash.6LBkndnB.dpuf
http://ipsnews2.wpengine.com/1996/04/environment-india-dupont-under-fire-for-poor-safety-record/#sthash.6LBkndnB.dpuf
ENVIRONMENT-INDIA:
DuPont Under Fire for Poor Safety Record - See more at:
http://ipsnews2.wpengine.com/1996/04/environment-india-dupont-under-fire-for-poor-safety-record/#sthash.6LBkndnB.dpuf
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Bhopal disaster and its aftermath: a review
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1142333/
---------------------------------------------------
Indian Coal Plant Standards Weaker on Pollution Than China
http://theenergycollective.com/guayjguay/238756/indian-coal-plant-standards-allow-four-twenty-times-more-deadly-pollution-china
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHARACTERIZATION OF FINE PARTICLE AIR POLLUTION IN
THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT
https://smartech.gatech.edu/bitstream/handle/1853/5112/chowdhury_muhammed_z_200407_phd.pdf;jsessionid=8EDF
B0BB6B06C96E17173A35DDA148FF.smart1?sequence=1
---------------------------------
Pesticide pollution of River Ghaggar in Haryana, India.
Ghaggar, one of the major rivers of northern India originating in outer Himalayas and flowing through the state of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, is put to multiple uses. Along its course of 464 km, it receives discharge from various cities and runoff from agricultural lands. Punjab and Haryana are two predominantly agricultural states of India using substantial amounts of agrochemicals, yet there are no reports available in literature on the level of pesticides in the stretch of river Ghaggar through Punjab and Haryana. This is the first report on pesticide pollution of the river Ghaggar in Haryana. Water samples along the 230-km stretch of the river in Haryana were analyzed for the presence of organochlorine insecticide residues. While aldrin and dieldrin were below detection limits, both hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) were traceable in all the water samples. High concentration of beta-HCH among SigmaHCH indicates old pollution source whereas predominance of p,p'-DDT among SigmaDDT reflects its recent use in the catchment area of the river. The concentrations of HCH and DDT in all the samples were above the permissible limits prescribed by the European Commission Directive for drinking purposes.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19107563
-----------------------------------
Poisoned waters: Which Indian rivers contain trace and toxic metals?
2015-07-12
The Central Water Commission studied 355 water quality stations and 32 gauge stations covering all river basins in the country. Only mercury and zinc levels were within BIS acceptable standards.
Contamination of surface water sources such as rivers due to metals, can often make the water dangerous to drink because of the health hazards associated with consuming toxic metals. The report titled 'Status of trace and toxic metals in Indian rivers' published by the Central Water Commission (CWC), presents the findings of a study conducted by the CWC that evaluated the water quality of all the river basins of the country with regard to the status of trace and toxic metals present.
Type of toxic metals and sources of metal contamination
Primary metals considered to be toxic are lead, arsenic, copper, cadmium, mercury and nickel. These hazardous metals are also referred to as trace elements and are normally found in low concentrations in the environment and can create health problems if their concentration increases in the food and the water chain. Contamination of surface water sources due to metals can occur due to a number of industrial processes such as:
- Mining
- Discharge of industrial effluents containing metallic solutions into the water. These include effluents discharged from battery and paint manufacturing, electroplating, viscous-rayon manufacturing, copper picking and galvanizing & rubber processing industries.
- Dumping of solid wastes which contain metal salts
- Agricultural practices that introduce toxic metals to water
Heavy metals may enter the human body through food, water, and air, or even absorption through the skin. This may be due to the contact of humans with these metals in agriculture, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, industrial, or residential settings. Though several adverse health effects of heavy metals are known, people's exposure to these metals continues to increase in some parts of the world. Large amounts of any of these metals can cause:
- Acute or chronic toxicity/ poisoning resulting in damaged or reduced mental and central nervous functions
- Changes in the blood composition and damage to the lungs, kidneys, liver, and other vital organs
- Physical, muscular, and neurological degenerative processes that are similar to Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, muscular dystrophy, and multiple sclerosis
- Cancer
- Risk of allergies
Findings of the study
A total of 355 water quality stations and 32 gauge stations covering all the river basins from the East to the West and North to the South were studied. It found the following:
Arsenic
- Maximum arsenic concentration was observed at Sundergarh water quality monitoring station on Ib River, a tributary of the Mahanadi.
- Arsenic concentration in all the other rivers was within acceptable limits of the BIS and no toxicity was observed in the rivers during the study period.
- Cauvery, Pennar, Yamuna and Hindon rivers were found to be contaminated with cadmium at 7 water quality monitoring stations.
- The highest cadmium concentration was observed on the Delhi railway bridge and Mathura water quality monitoring station at the Yamuna river.
- 11 major Indian rivers were found to have chromium concentration exceeding tolerance limits.
- Maximum copper concentration was observed at Regauli water quality station on Rapti river.
- Ganga, Gomti, Kwano, Ramganga, Rapti, Sarju were among the rivers where two or more water quality monitoring stations were contaminated with copper.
- Iron concentration was found to exceed limits at more than two water quality stations at the Barak, Brahamputra, Ganga, Mahi, Narmada, Ramganga, Rapti, Seonath, Subarnarekha, Teesta and Yamuna rivers.
- Iron concentration was reported to be maximum at Srikakulam water quality station on Nagavali River.
- Lead concentration was maximum in the water sample from Moradabad water quality station on Ramganga River.
- Many water quality monitoring stations were found to be contaminated with lead near the Brahamani, Ganga, Ghaghra, Gomti, Mahanadi, Ramganga, Rapti and Yamuna rivers.
- Mercury concentration was within the acceptable limits of the BIS and no toxicity due to mercury was observed in the Indian rivers during the study period.
- Nickel concentration at Fatehgarh water quality station on the Ganga was reported to be the maximum.
- Baitarni, Ganga, Gomti, Hasdeo, Mahanadi, Narmada, Purna, Seonath, Subarnarekha, Tel, Wainganga and Wardha were the rivers where 2 or more water quality monitoring stations were observed to be contaminated with Nickel.
- In all the water samples, zinc concentration was well within the acceptable limits of the BIS and no toxicity was observed in the Indian rivers during the study period.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/poisoned-waters-which-indian-rivers-contain-trace-and-toxic-metals
------------------------------------
Water quality standards for pesticides and fertilizer limits
2009-02-10
Is there any IS Code for setting limits on the content of fertilizers,insecticides and pesticides in water? Are there varying standards as per the end use of water? Kindly provide information regarding standards and also regarding procurement of the same...
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/questions/water-quality-standards-pesticides-and-fertilizer-limits
-------------------------------
Centre allocates Rs.133 crore to conserve 115 wetlands
2014-08-05
Centre identifies 115 wetlands for conservation and management
The government has identified 115 wetlands in 24 states and 2 Union Territories and has released Rs.133.64 crore for their conservation and management. Also, the two centrally sponsored schemes – National Wetland Conservation Programme and National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems – have been merged to have better synergy and to avoid overlapping. Although it has allocated funds to wetland conservatin, the Government feels that only a few of the 7, 57,060 wetlands have been impacted due to urbanisation and development activities.
Downstream of Rishikesh, Ganga water not potable
The Uttarakhand Government has informed the Supreme Court that the Ganga water from Gangotri to Laxman Jhula in Rishikesh is pure and drinkable while further downstream in Haridwar and Roorkee, the riverwater is graded as category B, which means that it is unfit for human consumption. The information has come following the apex court's direction to the state government to provide a status report on the water quality of the Ganga and the water purifying equipment that is being used.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/centre-allocates-rs133-crore-conserve-115-wetlands
----------------------------------
Delhi’s Bhalaswa landfill contaminates groundwater
2015-08-17
The landfill, which was supposed to be shut down in 2010 once the trash reached a height of 22m still remains functional at a height of 41m, polluting groundwater and areas around it.
With more than 8360 tons of trash created daily in Delhi, the city has three trash pile sites at Bhalaswa, Ghazipur and Okhla. In these sites technically known as landfills, garbage is buried between layers of earth to build up low-lying lands. Now, Delhi’s landfills have grown beyond big; they were once outside the city but as the city expanded, the piles rose higher and became wider within it.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/delhis-bhalaswa-landfill-contaminates-groundwater
---------------------------
Impact of mining on water availability and quality in Tikamgarh, MP and Rajasamand, Rajasthan - Need experiences and inputs
2007-07-03
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/questions/impact-mining-water-availability-and-quality-tikamgarh-mp-and-rajasamand-rajasthan-need
----------------------------------
Nitrate/nitrite toxicity - case studies in environmental medicine by agency for toxic substances and disease registry (ATSDR)
2009-05-19
The case study discusses the problem of nitrate/nitrite toxicity and helps in promotion of medical practices that aid in evaluation and care of potentially exposed patients
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/nitratenitrite-toxicity-case-studies-environmental-medicine-agency-toxic-substances-and
----------------------------------------
POLLUTION ASSESSMENT: RIVER GANGA
http://cpcb.nic.in/upload/NewItems/NewItem_203_Ganga_report.pdf
---------------------------------
Great Rann of Kutch
The Great Rann of Kutch is a salt marsh located in the Thar Desert in the Kutch District of Gujarat, India and the Sindh province of Pakistan. It is about 7,505.22 square kilometres (2,897.78 sq mi) in size and is reputed to be one of the largest salt deserts in the world.[1] This area has been inhabited by the Kutchi people.
Threats and preservation
Although most of the marsh is in protected areas, the habitats are vulnerable to cattle grazing, firewood collection and salt extraction operations, all of which may involve transportation that disturbs wildlife. There are several wildlife sanctuaries and protected reserves on the Indian side in the Rann of Kutch region. From the city of Bhuj, various ecologically rich and wildlife conservation areas of the Kutch/Kachchh district can be visited such as Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary, Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary, Kutch Bustard Sanctuary, Banni Grasslands Reserve and Chari-Dhand Wetland Conservation Reserve.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Rann_of_Kutch
----------------------------------
The Threatened Biodiversity of Fascinating Kutch
January 12, 2016
http://corbettfoundation.org/articles/2016/01/12/the-threatened-biodiversity-of-fascinating-kutch/
-----------------------------------
Water quality evaluation of Himalayan Rivers of Kumaun region, Uttarakhand, India
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs13201-014-0213-7
-------------------------------------
Seasonal variation of bromine monoxide over the Rann of Kutch salt marsh seen from space
2015
Abstract
Bromine monoxide (BrO) is an important catalyst in the depletion of tropospheric and stratospheric ozone (O3). In the troposphere, reactive bromine can be released from sea ice, volcanoes, sea-salt aerosol or salt lakes. For all of these natural sources enhanced BrO vertical column densities (VCDs) have been successfully observed from ground using Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS). Until now, satellite observations were only reported for polar regions during springtime and volcanic emissions (mostly for major eruptions). We present the first satellite observations of enhanced monthly mean BrO VCDs over a salt marsh, the Rann of Kutch (India/Pakistan), during 2004-2014 as seen by the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI). The Rann of Kutch is a so-called 'seasonal' salt marsh. During India's summer monsoon (June/July - September/October), the flat desert of salty clay and mudflats, which average 15 meters above sea level, fills with standing rain and sea water. With more than 7500 km2 it is the largest salt desert in the world and additionally one of the hottest areas of India with summer temperatures around 50 ° C and winter temperatures decreasing below 0 ° C. Probably due to these rather extreme conditions, the Rann of Kutch has not been yet investigated for atmospheric composition measurements by ground-based instruments. Satellite observations, however, provide the unique possibility to investigate the entire area remotely over a long-time period. The OMI data reveals recurring maximum BrO VCDs during April/May, but no enhanced column densities during the monsoon season while the area is flooded. In the following months the signal only recovers slowly while the salty surface dries up. We discuss the possible effects of temperature, precipitation and relative humidity on the release of enhanced reactive bromine concentrations. In order to investigate a possible diurnal cycle of the BrO concentration, the OMI results (at a local overflight time around ~13:30) are compared to corresponding results from the Global Ozone Monitoring Instrument (GOME-2, local overflight time at ~9:30).
http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2015EGUGA..1710652H
---------------------------------------
Wetlands in India: Significance, Threats & Conservation
June 2016
http://www.jagranjosh.com/current-affairs/wetlands-in-india-significance-threats-conservation-1466144262-1
---------------------------------------
Chir Batti
Chir Batti, Chhir Batti or Cheer batti is a ghost light reported in the Banni grasslands, a seasonal marshy wetlands[1] and adjoining desert of the marshy salt flats of the Rann of Kutch[2] near the India–Pakistan border in Kutch district, Gujarat State, India. Local villagers refer to the light as Chir Batti in their Kutchhi-Sindhi language, with Chir meaning ghost and Batti meaning light.[1]
It is described as an unexplained light occurring on dark nights as bright as a mercury lamp that changes its colour to blue, red and yellow and resembles a moving ball (reported also pear shaped form) of fire, which may move as fast as an arrow but may also stop.[3] As per local folklore, these lights have been a part of life in the Banni grasslands and the adjoining Rann of Kutch for centuries, but are little known beyond the immediate area and people continue to call them "ghost lights". Witnesses claim the lights at times appear to be playing hide and seek or following them.[1] Some reports claim the light can only be seen after 8 pm on dark nights, are always two to ten feet above the ground, and if followed during the night, one could be misled from the road and lose their way in thorny jungles or desert of the salt flats of the Rann.[1] A team of local and US ornithologists [1] and soldiers of the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) who patrol the adjoining Rann of Kutch international border area of India with Pakistan have allegedly seen the light.
In modern science, it is generally accepted that most ignes fatui are caused by the oxidation of phosphine (PH3), diphosphane (P2H4), and methane (CH4). These compounds, produced by organic decay, can cause photon emissions. Since phosphine and diphosphane mixtures spontaneously ignite on contact with the oxygen in air, only small quantities of it would be needed to ignite the much more abundant methane to create ephemeral fires. Furthermore, phosphine produces phosphorus pentoxide as a by-product, which forms phosphoric acid upon contact with water vapor.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chir_Batti
--------------------------------------------
Status of Trace and Toxic Metals in Indian Rivers
May 2014
http://www.cwc.nic.in/main/downloads
/Trace%20&%20Toxic%20Report%2025%20June%202014.pdf
---------------------------------------------
Why Toxic Foam Repeatedly Floods Neighborhoods in Bangalore, India
August 18 2017
At a Glance
- The southern Indian city of Bangalore frequently has bouts of toxic foam flooding city streets.
- The reasons for the foam are a combination of factors, including urban expansion, the release of untreated sewage into lakes and the seasonal monsoon.
https://weather.com/science/environment/news/bangalore-india-toxic-foam-lakes
-------------------------------------------
Horrifying fact: Almost all India’s water is contaminated by sewage
Jul 01, 2015
Eighty percent of our surface water is contaminated and 80% of the pollution comes from domestic sewage.
https://scroll.in/article/737981/horrifying-fact-almost-all-indias-water-is-contaminated-by-sewage
----------------------------------------------
Untreated sewage flows in most of our rivers
July 09, 2017
Domestic waste continues to be the single largest source of pollution, and if left untreated could choke the river flow
A popular Kannada adage says that drinking water from the Tunga is equal to taking a bath in the Ganga. However, the condition of the Tunga would make one balk at the idea of drinking its water, with untreated sewage from the Shivamogga City Corporation limits being discharged into it.http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/untreated-sewage-flows-in-most-of-our-rivers/article19242836.ece
----------------------------------------------
Flammable foam hits the streets of Bangalore after river has so much sewage pumped into it that it creates a toxic 'clouds' of bubbles
- The foam comes from the vast and highly polluted Bellandur Lake
- It is caused by ammonia, phosphate and low dissolved oxygen in the water
- The white mixture has also been known to catch fire due to the grease in it
- Bangalore residents have started up a Facebook page to save the lake
--------------------------------------------------
India's Flooded City, Toxic Air Make Clear Why Climate Action Needed at Paris COP21
https://www.nrdc.org/experts/anjali-jaiswal/indias-flooded-city-toxic-air-make-clear-why-climate-action-needed-paris
-------------------------------------------------
We can see how there were many floods in ancient India.
Some people question that just because a city has a record high level of a flood, that this may have to do with climate change. Others question if many thousands of years ago, if there were floods similar to these record flood events that we see today.
------------------------------------------------
List of flood myths
- Manu and Matsya: The legend first appears in Shatapatha Brahmana (700–300 BCE), and is further detailed in Matsya Purana (250–500 CE). Matsya (the incarnation of Lord Vishnu as a fish) forewarns Manu (a human) about an impending catastrophic flood and orders him to collect all the grains of the world in a boat; in some forms of the story, all living creatures are also to be preserved in the boat. When the flood destroys the world, Manu – in some versions accompanied by the seven great sages – survives by boarding the ark, which Matsya pulls to safety.
- Puluga, the creator god in the religion of the indigenous inhabitants of the Andaman Islands, sends a devastating flood to punish people who have forgotten his commands. Only four people survive this flood: two men and two women.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_flood_myths#India
--------------------------------------------
Toxic Pool Creeping Across India Kills Thousands of Kids Day by Day
2014-12-05
Death crept without warning to the mud huts of Jogaeal in central India.
One by one, children began to die, often in agony and exhibiting similar symptoms: convulsions, burning pain in the extremities, nausea, vomiting, fever and diarrhea. By the end of 2011, parents buried 53 of them in this forested hill country village occupied mostly by subsistence farmers and day laborers.
That scenario played out in three other villages in and around the contiguous coal-mining districts of Singrauli and Sonbhadra about 600 miles (965 kilometers) southeast of New Delhi. At least a dozen more kids with similar symptoms succumbed, along with several adults. Outrage at the deaths sparked an investigation by the chief medical officers of the Sonbhadra district regional government -- and the results only deepened the outrage.
Most were tied to drinking polluted water, according to reports obtained by Bloomberg News in October. They stopped short of identifying the pollutants but independent scientists who have conducted exhaustive toxicology tests in the region say they know the chief culprit: mercury.
An October 2012 study by the New Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment, a public-interest research group, found mercury levels in some village drinking water samples to be 26 times higher than the Bureau of Indian Standard’s safe limit for human consumption. Fish taken from a lake near villages where residents routinely catch and eat them showed mercury levels twice what the Indian government deems safe, according to that report.
The Indian government has long been aware of this. In a three-year study conducted in 1990s, the state-run Indian Institute of Toxicology Research found dangerous levels of mercury in blood, hair and nails of people in the Singrauli region. Yet pollution continues to grow. United Nations data show India is second only to China in annual mercury emissions.
Corporations First
All of this reinforces the criticism that India’s drive to modernize through extractive industries such as coal and uranium mining puts the priorities of corporations ahead of the health of its citizens.India doesn’t yet “include the cost of the effects of pollution on human and ecosystem health at all” when it performs cost-benefit analysis for industrial projects, said Kritee, a Colorado-based senior scientist at the U.S. Environmental Defense Fund who has studied mercury pollution for years. Until that changes, “environmental and human health will come second,” according to Kritee, who uses only one name.
Statistics back this up. The World Bank estimates that environmental degradation costs India 5.7 percent of its gross domestic product every year -- and is responsible for about a quarter of the 1.6 million annual deaths among children.
How mercury and other pollutants got here is no mystery. What these victims shared was proximity to the sprawling Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar reservoir and the rivers that feed it. Flanked by mines, coal-burning power plants and heavy industry, these waters collect toxic effluent from plant discharges and absorb mercury that’s a residue from burning coal.
They are ranked by an Indian government report as among the most polluted waters in the nation -- and they serve as the region’s chief source of drinking water and fish. The reservoir is the region’s “main source of water” and “is seriously polluted with discharge of fly ash and other effluents from the industries,” according to the National Green Tribunal, created in 2010 by the Indian parliament to address environmental concerns. “There are thermal power plants and nearly 1,000 other polluting industries. This position is really not in dispute.”
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-12-05/amid-india-s-coal-fields-death-lurks-in-poisoned-water.html
----------------------------------------------
The Ganges River Is Dying Under the Weight of Modern India
9/23/15
One day in January 2015, black crows began to fill the gray sky like wild brushstrokes, so a group of villagers decided to investigate. The birds were circling something, and as the villagers approached they heard the guttural growl of dogs, all teeth and rib cage, scrapping for the last tug of tendon. That’s when they found a floating mass grave of more than 100 corpses washed up in a canal that connects to the Ganges River.
The macabre event lent itself well to sensationalization; each headline that came out in the week following ferried me back to June 2013, when Raghvendra “Nandan” Upadhyay, a local journalist and tour guide, greeted me before leading me through his hometown by saying: “Welcome to the city of learning and burning, of light and death. Welcome to Varanasi.”
What’s flowing beneath the surface is much worse: Millions of gallons of industrial effluents and raw sewage drain into the Ganges each day. The results are devastating. Diarrhea, often caused by exposure to fecal matter, kills 600,000 Indians per year, and waterborne diseases throughout the Ganges River basin, many a result of the polluted waters, cost families $4 billion per year. Sanitation and water pollution issues cause 80 percent of the diseases that afflict rural Indians.
The pollution has also slowed down or made stagnant many once free-flowing areas of the Ganges. Stagnation is where the mosquitos thrive, and with mosquitos comes malaria. The deadliest form of malaria, Plasmodium falciparum, is on the rise in India, and the worst may be yet to come: Dr. François H. Nosten of the Shoklo Malaria Research Unit in Thailand believes the drug-resistant strain of the disease-causing parasite his team is struggling to combat in Southeast Asia is “bound to spill over into India.” This form of malaria is perhaps the world’s most pressing global health issue, and if India cannot clean up the Ganges the country could be setting itself up for a catastrophe. And this is to say nothing of dengue, which is endemic all over India, and of chikungunya, a viral disease of which India has had several outbreaks in the past few years.
http://www.newsweek.com/2015/10/02/ganges-river-dying-under-weight-modern-india-375347.html
------------------------------------------------
Toxic metals flood major Gujarat rivers
Jul 5, 2014
AHMEDABAD: The discharge of untreated toxic effluents and sewage into the state's rivers is taking a toll on the purity of these invaluable sources of water. One of the country's most comprehensive surveys covering 16 river basins carried out to measure toxic metal content in Indian rivers, has detected metal content above permitted limits in Sabarmati, Tapi, Narmada, Damanganga and Purna rivers and river basins of the state.
The survey that was carried out by the water quality monitoring network of the Central Water Commission (CWC), spanned three years. According to its findings, of the nine toxic metals, metal salts of copper, iron, lead and nickel have been detected in Gujarat's river basins above permissible limits.
For instance, the CWC found that the copper content in Sabarmati at a place downstream like Vautha was 62% higher than the permissible limit of 50 microgram per litre. Similarly the iron content was found to be 895 microgram a litre when ideally it should have been three times lower at 300 microgram a litre. At Burhanpur in the Tapi basin, for instance, the CWC found the presence of iron to be 11 times higher than the permissible limit. At the same place, even the presence of copper metal was over permissible limits.
The survey report blames flawed mining processes, discharge of industrial effluents containing metallic solutions, dumping of solid wastes which contain metal salts and some agricultural practices such as the use of metal-based biocides for the high toxicity of the river waters. The other culprits responsible for the pollution are battery manufacturing industries, paint manufacturing units, electroplating units, viscous-rayon manufacturing industries, copper picking units and galvanizing and rubber processing industries. All these produce effluents that contain high amounts of heavy metals.
A senior GPCB official said Vatva, Naroda and Narol areas are principally responsible for the discharge of chemical effluents in the Sabarmati. "We are keeping watch and have managed to curb this menace to a degree," said the official.
The metals considered toxic are lead, arsenic, copper, cadmium, mercury and nickel. Contamination of river water with toxic metals makes it harmful for further use not only for drinking purposes but also by industries. In particular, arsenic and lead make the water dangerous to drink.
These toxic metals are reported to cause chromosomal damage and lead to hereditary ailments. The report further says that an 80 microgram/dL arsenic concentration in human blood cause poisoning in adults. It has also been reported that lead concentrations above 40 microgram/dL in the blood causes brain damage in children.
Chief engineer, CWC, M P Singh says storm water runoff and discharge of sewage into rivers are two common ways that pollutants enter the aquatic ecosystems resulting in pollution. "The heavy metals are highly persistent and have the potential to bio-accumulate and bio-magnify in the food chain and become toxic for living organisms at higher tropic levels in nature," says Singh.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Toxic-metals-flood-major-Gujarat-rivers/articleshow/37796020.cms
--------------------------------------------------
India’s toxic air is taking away three years from your life
The life expectancy of more than half of India’s population could increase by 3.2 years if the country can meet its air quality standards, according to a new study by economists and public policy experts at the universities of Chicago, Yale and Harvard.
https://qz.com/347702/indias-toxic-air-is-taking-away-three-years-of-your-life/
---------------------------------------------------
India capital chokes on toxic smog after Diwali
October 31, 2016
It came on the same day that
another United Nations body reported how some 300 million children live
with outdoor air so polluted it can cause serious physical damage —
including to their lungs, brains and other organs.
https://www.thenational.ae/world/india-capital-chokes-on-toxic-smog-after-diwali-1.167197
----------------------------------------------------
DIFFUSE AGRICULTURAL WATER POLLUTION IN INDIA
1999
https://www.ircwash.org/sites/default/files/244-99DI-15646.pdf
---------------------------------------------------
Crisis in the Indian River Lagoon: Solutions for an Imperiled Ecosystem
There is an ecological crisis in Indian River Lagoon.
There is an ecological crisis in Indian River Lagoon. Large quantities of water with high levels of nutrient pollution from Lake Okeechobee and the St. Lucie Basin are being discharged to tide, leading to toxic algae blooms in the Lagoon’s waters. There have been numerous, mysterious reports of deaths of Pelicans, manatees, and dolphins in the area. Harmful bacteria have also been detected in some areas, making the water dangerous for human contact.
A parallel story is taking place on Florida’s Southwest coast. Water from Lake Okeechobee and the Caloosahatchee Basin are being flushed into the Caloosahatchee River, and as with the Indian River Lagoon, the discharges are contributing to algae blooms in the Caloosahatchee Estuary’s ecosystem.
In its natural state, water in the northern Kissimmee Basin meandered south to Lake Okeechobee, flowing into Everglades National Park and eventually Florida Bay. This water had very low levels of phosphorus and nitrogen.
Before human alteration to the ecosystem, the Kissimmee Valley would take six to eight months to release wet season loads into Lake Okeechobee. Now this same water drainage takes place within one month, making the Lake rise at an unnaturally rapid pace.
Fertilizer and storm water add phosphorus and nitrogen to the Okeechobee watershed. The water moves so quickly that it cannot be naturally cleansed before flowing downstream. The Indian River Lagoon and the Caloosahatchee Estuary also receive local runoff, which contribute high flows of nutrient-laden water into the estuaries.
http://fl.audubon.org/crisis-indian-river-lagoon-solutions-imperiled-ecosystem
----------------------------------------------------
India Now Has the World’s Worst Air Pollution
February 14, 2017
Industrialization, coal-fired power plants, and a lack of regulation mean the problem is just going to get worse, even as richer nations clean up their air.
https://www.technologyreview.com/s/603649/india-now-has-the-worlds-worst-air-pollution/
---------------------------------------------------
India’s Toxic Trail of Tears
Circle of Blue – June 6, 2017
KODAIKANAL, India –In the dogged community of eco-activists, journalists, and artists that find common ground defending Tamil Nadu from rapacious development and rampant pollution, Nityanand Jayaraman stands out.
http://www.circleofblue.org/2017/world/indias-toxic-trail-tears/
--------------------------------------------------
Tackling India’s towering landfills takes cultural innovation
April 3, 2017
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/tackling-indias-towering-landfills-takes-cultural-innovation/
-------------------------------------------------
https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_were_the_causes_of_fish_kills_in_your_lakes_rivers_coastal_waters_and_oceans2
-----------------------------------------------------
Water Quality of River Kosi and Rajera System at Rampur (India): Impact Assessment
2013
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jchem/2013/618612/
-----------------------------------------------------
UNICEF: 2 billion children breathe toxic air worldwide
Oct 31, 2016
NEW DELHI -- As Indians wake Monday to smoke-filled skies from a weekend of festival fireworks, New Delhi’s worst season for air pollution begins - with dire consequences.
A new report from UNICEF says about a third of the 2 billion children in the world who are breathing toxic air live in northern India and neighboring countries, risking serious health effects including damage to their lungs, brains and other organs. Of that global total, 300 million kids are exposed to pollution levels more than six times higher than standards set by the World Health Organization, including 220 million in South Asia.
For the Indian capital, the alarming numbers are hardly a surprise. New Delhi’s air pollution, among the world’s worst, spikes every winter because of the season’s weak winds and countless garbage fires set alight to help people stay warm.
Even days before the city erupted in annual fireworks celebrations for the Hindu holiday of Diwali, recorded levels of tiny, lung-clogging particulate matter known as PM 2.5 were considered dangerous Friday at well above 300 micrograms per cubic meter. By Monday morning, the city was recording PM 2.5 levels above 900 mcg per cubic meter - more than 90 times higher than the WHO recommendation of no more than 10 mcg per cubic meter.
“My eyes are irritated, I’m coughing and I find it difficult to breathe,” said 18-year-old Delhi student Dharmendra, who uses only one name as is common in India. Because of the pollution, “I don’t go out so much nowadays.”
The Air Quality Index (AQI) was 999 near the US Embassy in New Delhi on Monday. Pollution levels are classified as “severe” if the AQI rating is between 401 and 500.
Beijing had “Good” air quality on Monday, with AQI at 25. Fresh Kills, New York had an AQI of just 1.
New Delhi residents were advised to stay indoors on Monday, with health warnings issued for the young, elderly and those with respiratory or heart conditions. Officials said the high pollution levels were made worse by the ongoing burning of spent crops in agricultural fields in the neighboring states of Punjab and Haryana.
“Pollution levels every winter gallop, and we are already beginning to see the signs of it,” said Anumita Roy Chowdhury, executive director of the Centre for Science and Environment, a Delhi-based research and lobbying organization. Some local studies indicate up to a third of Delhi’s children have impaired lung function and respiratory diseases like asthma, she said. “This really signals health disaster.”
Children face much higher health risks from air pollution than adults. Children breathe twice as quickly, taking in more air in relation to their body weight, while their brains and immune systems are still developing and vulnerable.
“The impact is commensurately shocking,” with 600,000 children younger than 5 across the world dying every year from air pollution-related diseases, UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake said in the report released Monday. “Millions more suffer from respiratory diseases that diminish their resilience and affect their physical and cognitive development.
Counting 2 billion children breathing unhealthy air - out of a total 2.26 billion world population of children - means the vast majority are being exposed to levels of pollution considered by the WHO to be unsafe...
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/unicef-says-2-billion-children-breathe-toxic-air-worldwide-third-near-northern-india/
-----------------------------------------------------
Pollution: 300 million children breathing toxic air - UNICEF report
2016
UN Children’s Fund calls for urgent action at upcoming COP 22
NEW YORK 31 October 2016 – Almost one in seven of the
world’s children, 300 million, live in areas with the most toxic levels
of outdoor air pollution – six or more times higher than international
guidelines – reveals a new UNICEF report.
https://www.unicef.org/media/media_92979.html
----------------------------------
Sticks, carrots and toxic carrots: clearing the air in China and India
22.03.2017
Common problems often require common solutions and the need for a dialogue. This is true in the case of China and India when it comes to tackling air pollution and switching to clean energy.
Poor air quality has become a major political concern in both countries. It was a headline topic at the opening of the National People’s Congress in March, with China’s Prime Minister Li Keqiang reaffirming the government’s commitment to clearing the skies through increased investment in clean energy and implementing tougher sanctions for polluters...
https://www.chinadialogue.net/blog/9686-Sticks-carrots-and-toxic-carrots-clearing-the-air-in-China-and-India/en
-------------------------------------------------------
A River about to Die: Yamuna
2010
River
Yamuna is one of the most polluted rivers of the India. It originates
from Yamunotri glaciers in the lower Himalayas at an elevation of
approximately 6387 meters. The barrages formed on the river are playing a
major role in escalating the river pollution. River can be divided into
five segments on the bases of hydrological and ecological conditions.
Water quality of only one segment (Himalayan segment) meets the river
water quality standards. Normally no water is allowed to flow downstream
of the Himalayan segment (Tejewala barrage) especially in the summer
and winter seasons to fulfill the demand of water of the surrounding
area. Whatever water flows in the downstream of the Tajewala barrage is
the untreated or partially treated domestic and Industrial wastewater
contributed through various drains. The discharge of untreated domestic
and industrial effluents have severely affected the quality of Yamuna
River and now it falls under the category E, which makes it fit only for
recreation and industrial cooling, completely ruling out the
possibility for underwater life and domestic supply. Almost every year
mass death of fishes is reported. Pollution levels in the Yamuna River
have risen. Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) load has increased by 2.5
times between 1980 and 2005: From 117 tonnes per day (TDP) in 1980 to
276 TDP in 2005. The Yamuna has been reduced to a small stream, draining
industrial effluents, sewage, dirt and other toxic substances. There is
an urgent need to take stringent measures to alleviate these pollution
loads and save an ailing river.
http://file.scirp.org/Html/12-9401064_1806.htm
------------------------------------------------------
This Map Shows the Severity of India’s Pollution Problem
Interactive map shows the average levels of dangerous particulate matter in the air that can lodge in lungs and cause diseases
A new map from the World Health Organization shows just how bad India’s air pollution problem is.
https://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2016/09/28/this-map-shows-the-severity-of-indias-pollution-problem/
-------------------------------------------------------
77 animals died at Mumbai’s Byculla zoo in 2016-17, the most in 6 years
Mumbai zoo officials said majority of the deaths were owing to old-age
Oct 02, 2017
http://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/77-animals-died-at-mumbai-s-byculla-zoo-in-2016-17-the-most-in-6-years/story-GO5xH4ttEiWIX9wYYP7EmL.html
---------------------------------------------
Periyar river pollution in India
Kerala in South India is known worldwide as 'God's own country' because of the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous nature.
The backwaters are unique in the world, a network of lakes, canals and deltas of forty-four rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea. The backwaters of Kerela are a self- supporting eco-system teeming with aquatic life. The largest backwater stretch in Kerela is the Vembanad Lake, which flows through three districts and opens out into the sea at the Kochi Port.
Nobody seems to know, that only 15 Km away from Cochin, the “Queen of the Arabian Sea ”, there is Eloor Island, home to Kerala’s largest industrial cluster.
Eloor, an island of 11.21 sq/km, on the Periyar River is home to more than 247 chemical industries, including the only DDT-producing facility in India. Most of these units have been here for the last fifty years and use extremely obsolete and polluting technologies.
Toxic pollution from heavy metals to chemicals and radioactivity is found in air, soil and in the Periyar River, which spreads the contamination to the Vembanad Lake, Cochin and to the Arabian Sea. This leads to a large-scale devastation of aquatic life in the backwaters, the agricultural land and it is also affecting the health of the population in the area.
The soil, water bodies and the wetlands in and around Eloor have been contaminated with heavy metals like zinc, lead, cadmium, chromium and persistent organic pollutants like DDT. Gas emissions let into the air include acid mists, ammonia and chlorine.
There is no pollution free area on Eloor Island, not only there is no clean air to breathe, but there is also no access to safe drinking water.
The inhabitants of the area suffer all kinds of maladies due to the contamination of the land, air and water by these cocktail of poisons. There is an overwhelming increase in most types of systemic disease, the organs affected are the neoplasm blood and the blood forming organs, the endocrine, nutritional and metabolic systems, mental and behavioural problems due to the affection of the nervous system and many more. Every organ in the body seems affected.
There is also another business, which causes serious and far- reaching repercussions on the ecosystem of the Periyar River, the longest river in the state, and it’s backwater.
The illegal and indiscriminate sand mining from the river basin cause destruction of the ecological niche and habitat of various biotic forms, stagnation and trapping of saline water in the regions of mining due to the artificial deepening of the river basin. Flooding during monsoon became a threat for the villages near the riverbanks and also to the population of the entire state.
In fact, the Indian Rare Earths Plant on Eloor, a Central Government of India Undertaking under the administrative control of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), is storing radioactive waste, an estimated 20,000 tonnes of thorium, in six buildings on the riverbank of the Periyar.
The first of these buildings is only two meters away from the river and once used as a garage, it was converted into a storage place without safety measures. Actually the building has a one meter crack on the wall facing the river. The other storage buildings are within 100 meters from the Periyar River.
Once the fishery resources from this region were of major means for income for thousands of families belonging to this area. The heavy industrialization and the consequent effluent discharge made this part of the river almost lifeless or dead. Nowadays the river has become a sewage canal carrying a myriad of hazardous and toxic industry-borne pollutants.
At present, backwater fishing in this region is gradually vanishing; the different types of gears and crafts like the pitoresque Chinese nets, which were operating in this area have almost disappeared. Thousands of people are deprived of their conventional labourhood. Poor fishermen have no other choice than continue to fish in toxic water to survive.
The fishermen who can afford the legal and financial difficulties try to succeed in deep-sea fishing. But the situation is still difficult because of the over exploitation of marine wealth and the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed between India and Thailand. Since it became effective in January 2007, the fish sector in Kerala is experiencing a deep crisis because of the low prices competition in the export and the inland market.
http://marcobulgarelli.com/periyar-river-pollution-in-india/
-------------------------------------------
Endangered Animal Species of India
April 2015
Why Critically Endangered?
According to IUCN Red List the critically endangered species are at a highest risk of extinction. There are basically five ways to determine whether the particular species are endangered or not.• When the species have a limited geographical range.
• Very limited or small population of less than 50 adult individuals.
• Whether the population has decreased or will decrease by more than 80% for the last three generations or 10 years.
• If the population is less than 250 individuals and is continuously declining at 25% for the last one generation or three years.
• There is a high possibility of extinction in the wild.
Indian elephant, Bengal tiger, Indian lion, Indian Rhino, Gaur, lion tailed macaque, Tibetan Antelope, Ganga river dolphin, the Nilgiri Tahr, snow leopard, dhole, black buck, great Indian bustard, forest owlet, white – winged duck and many more are the most endangered animals in India.
https://www.mapsofindia.com/my-india/government/endangered-animal-species-of-india
------------------------------------------------
Endangered Animals of India - With Pictures
Contents
- Big cats on the decrease
- Royal Bengal Tiger
- Asiatic Lion
- Snow Leopard
- Blackbuck
- Western Red Panda
- Indian Rhinoceros
- Nilgiri Tahr
- Nilgiri Langur
- Kashmir Stag
- Lion-tailed Macaque
- Gaur
- Ganges River Dolphin
- Gharial
- Indian Vulture
- Indian Wild Ass
- Phayre's Leaf Monkey
- Four-horned antelope
- Indian Pangolin
- Barasingha
- Asian Elephants
-------------------------------------------------
Critically endangered in India
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_endangered_animals_in_India
------------------------------------------------
Time is Running Out for These 16 Endangered Wildlife Species in India. Learn More About Them.
2016
1. Sangai
2. Lion Tailed Macaque
3. Pangolin
4. Himalayan Wolf
5. Nilgiri Tahr
6. Fishing Cat
7. Chiru
8. Dhole
9. Dugong
10. Mishmi Takin
11. Indian Wild Ass
12. Clouded Leopard
13. Gangetic Dolphin
14. Hangul
15. Snow Leopard
16. Red Panda
https://www.thebetterindia.com/55649/endangered-wildlife-india-animals-survival-save/
------------------------------------------------
India is spending 100 cr to save 4 critically endangered species
On World Biodiversity Day a look at what India is doing to save some of its most endangered species.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/health/india-is-spending-100-cr-to-save-4-critically-endangered-species/story-EnsoGIqu841L9KraeGWMgM.html
------------------------------------------------
India’s endangered species nobody wants to save, or talk about
Mar 13, 2016
Pangolin, slender loris, dugong. If you’ve never heard of these animals, it’s because within the world of endangered species, discrimination persists. A look at why this is bad news for you and your world.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/more-lifestyle/india-s-endangered-species-nobody-wants-to-save-or-talk-about/story-1uc9mAcSh1BjdCPC5PVg2M.html
------------------------------------------------
China's Expanding Middle Class Fuels Poaching, Decadence in Myanmar
December 04, 2014
In the remote jungle city of Mong La, endangered animals are sold as aphrodisiacs, traditional medicines, and gastronomic delicacies.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/special-features/2014/12/141205-myanmar-burma-poachers-endangered-animals/
______________________________________________
Poaching for Chinese Markets Pushes Tigers to the Brink
12/05/2014
Tiger Deaths Increase Inside Protected Areas
Inflamed By Poaching, Record-High Tiger Deaths Reported In India
What You Don't Know About the Tiger Trade Is Killing Them
Tiger Poaching On The Rise With 73 Established Trade Hubs In India
Forest Dept Tries To Explain Away Missing Tigers
Malayan Tiger 'Critically Endangered'
These are just a few of this fall's tiger headlines. It's been a barrage of bad news.
Legions of dedicated individuals are deep in the fight to save this majestic creature, the largest of the world's cats. It's an animal that faces myriad threats, as all carnivores do, but one factor is largely responsible for their current slide: poaching, driven by the Chinese demand for tiger products.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sharon-guynup/poaching-for-chinese-mark_b_6276984.html
______________________________________________
Tigers in Traditional Chinese Medicine
April 29, 2014
http://voices.nationalgeographic.com/2014/04/29/tigers-in-traditional-chinese-medicine-a-universal-apothecary/
______________________________________________
Tigers in China Massacred to Make Bone Wine | China Uncensored
May 30, 2013
Sorry Poppins, a spoon full of sugar may make the medicine go down, but if it's medicinal tiger wine tonic, that stuff's not getting into my stomach. There are only 3500 tigers left in the wild but over 5000 in captivity in China. But these tiger farms are serving up tiger steaks and starving tigers to death so their bones can be used to brew wine. Classical and traditional Chinese medicine is cool, acupuncture, qigong, tai chi, all that stuff. But please, let's leave these tigers alone before they're extinct.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjmDVbYXDbk
-------------------------------------------------
List of Rare and Endangered Indian Plants
August 4, 2016
Endangered Plants in India
Plant
|
Also Known As
|
Region (Status)
|
|---|---|---|
Polygala irregularis
|
Milkwort
|
Gujarat (rare)
|
Lotus corniculatus
|
Bird's foot
|
Gujarat (rare)
|
Amentotaxus assamica
|
Assam catkin yew
|
Arunachal Pradesh (threatened)
|
Psilotum nudum
|
Moa, skeleton, fork fern, and whisk fern
|
Karnataka (rare)
|
Diospyros celibica
|
Ebony tree
|
Karnataka (threatened)
|
Actinodaphne lawsonii
|
Kerala (threatened)
| |
Acacia planifrons
|
Umbrella tree, kudai vel (Tamil)
|
Tamil Nadu (rare)
|
Abutilon indicum
|
Indian mallow, thuthi (Tamil) and athibalaa (Sanskrit)
|
Tamil Nadu (rare)
|
Chlorophytum tuberosum
|
Musli
|
Tamil Nadu
|
Chlorophytum malabaricum
|
Malabar lily
|
Tamil Nadu (threatened)
|
Nymphaea tetragona
|
Jammu (endangered), Kashmir (threatened)
| |
Belosynapsis vivipara
|
Spider wort
|
Madhya Pradesh (rare and endangered)
|
Colchicum luteum
|
Himachal Pradesh (rare and threatened)
| |
Pterospermum reticulatum
|
Malayuram, Malavuram
|
Kerala (rare), Tamil Nadu (threatened)
|
Ceropegia odorata
|
Jeemikanda (Gujarat)
|
Gujarat, Melghat Tiger, Rajasthan, and Salsette Island, (endangered)
|
https://owlcation.com/stem/Rare-and-Endangered-plants-of-India
------------------------------------------------
Endangered Plant Species in India
June 2016
https://www.mapsofindia.com/my-india/india/endangered-plant-species-in-india
------------------------------------------------
List of endangered plants
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_endangered_plants
------------------------------------------------
Endangered Plant Species of India
By Melody Lee; Updated September 21, 2017
India is home to approximately 49,000 plant species – equating to about 12 percent of the known species in the world. At least 20 percent of India’s plant species are threatened or endangered. The main causes of the reduction in the population of plants are destruction of their natural habitats, commercial harvesting and exploitation, and low reproduction rates.
http://www.gardenguides.com/87327-endangered-plant-species-india.html
------------------------------------------------
Red list has 132 species of plants, animals from India
June 21, 2012
http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/red-list-has-132-species-of-plants-animals-from-india/article3551664.ece
------------------------------------------------
40 endangered plant species battle to survive amid growing tourists footfall, agriculture: MSU study
April 2015
Among these plants is a rare finding: the only insectivorous plant ever sighted in Gujarat which is also the only one of its kind in the world.
http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/40-endangered-plant-species-battle-to-survive-amid-growing-tourists-footfall-agriculture-msu-study/
------------------------------------------------
India’s wild medicinal plants threatened by over-exploitation
Nov 2008
India
is a hub of the wild-collected plant medicine industry in Asia, but key
species have declined due to over-collection to supply domestic and
foreign medicinal markets, according to IUCN and TRAFFIC researchers.
https://www.iucn.org/content/india%E2%80%99s-wild-medicinal-plants-threatened-over-exploitation
------------------------------------------------
Deadly wheat blast symptoms enters India through the Bangladesh border, Bengal govt burning crops on war footing
March 2017
Wheat on nearly 1,000 hectares in two districts bordering Bangladesh have already been affected by the symptoms of wheat blast disease, forcing Bengal government to burning standing crops.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/kolkata/deadly-wheat-blast-symptoms-enters-india-through-the-bangladesh-border-bengal-govt-burning-crops-on-war-footing/story-3zoWQ0H7sdMU4HxQyzWUsN.html
---------------------------------------------
Bangladeshi scientists offer to help India combat wheat blast
March 31, 2017
Warning that wheat blast could be "catastrophic" for South Asia, scientists from Bangladesh, which was ravaged by an outbreak of the disease in 2016, have offered to help their Indian counterparts tackle the deadly fungal foe, reported here for the first time this year.
http://www.thedailystar.net/country/bangladeshi-scientists-offer-help-india-combat-wheat-blast-1384315
------------------------------------------------
Deadly Fungal Infection Sneaks Into US
A deadly fungal infection has emerged in the U.S. after health officials warned American doctor’s to beware of this spreading pathogen.
This fungus, known as Candida auris, started circulating throughout the globe in 2009, according to The Washington Post.
It was reportedly first detected in an ear infection in Japan, and has since then been discovered in nine other countries, including Columbia, India, South Korea, and the United Kingdom.
The infection, which is reportedly resistant to drugs used to treat fungal infections, is said to cause severe infections in the bloodstream and can survive on a person’s skin for months.
http://www.newsmax.com/TheWire/deadly-fungal-infection-candida/2017/03/10/id/778100/
------------------------------------------------
Impact of Conservation and Development on the Vicinity of Nanda Devi National Park in the North India
2015
https://rga.revues.org/3100
---------------------------------------------
India: Toxic Tanneries
March 09, 2017
http://pulitzercenter.org/reporting/india-toxic-tanneries
------------------------------------------------
The martyr who cleans your drains
Mar 2016
Thousands of sanitation
workers die every year in India while cleaning sewers. Are their deaths
any less than the sacrifices of our armed forces?
http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/iRAUAZaERyPnr9rNqVBviI/The-martyr-who-cleans-your-drains.html
------------------------------------------------
Sanitation Worker Dies After Inhaling Toxic Gas While Cleaning Sewer at Delhi Hospital
8/2017
At least nine such deaths have occurred in Delhi in the past 45 days.
https://thewire.in/169539/sanitation-worker-dies-inhaling-toxic-gas-cleaning-sewer-delhi-hospital/
------------------------------------------------
Top 10 Most Polluted Cities in India 2017 – Based On Pollution Index
10. Ludhiana (Punjab) India
9. Agra (Uttar Pradesh) India
8. Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh) India
7. Amritsar (Punjab) India
6. Firozabad (Uttar Pradesh) India
5. Ahmedabad (Gujarat) India
4. Raipur (Chattisgarh) India
3. Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh) India
2. Patna (Bihar) India
1. Delhi India
http://top10wala.in/top-10-most-polluted-cities-in-india/
------------------------------------------------
Thirteen of the 20 most polluted cities in the world are Indian
Dec 2014
Delhi is the reigning king of polluted cities in the world, of that there is little doubt. So grimy is its air today that there are calls for closure of schools when pollution levels are particularly harmful. According to a recent World Health Organization report, the capital has six times the levels of airborne particulate matter than are considered safe. Other cities in the country are only slightly better off.
The same WHO report reveals that 13 of the 20 most polluted cities in the world are in India.
The report ranked cities after studying their air for the presence of harmful gases, such as nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide, besides particulate matter 10 and 2.5.
Smaller particles
The WHO advises that fine particles of less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter (PM2.5) should not exceed 10 micrograms per cubic metre. At the top of the WHO ranking, Delhi had 153 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic metre. Not far behind were Patna with 149 micrograms, Gwalior with 144 micrograms and Raipur with 134 micrograms. The other Indian cities in the list included Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Kanpur, Firozabad, Amritsar and Ludhiana.Of the seven non-Indian cities in the rankings, three were from Pakistan. Karachi had 117 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic metre, Peshawar had 111 micrograms, and Rawalpindi had 107 micrograms.
Bigger particles
Though airborne particulate matter between 2.5 and 10 micrometers in diameter (called PM10) are less hazardous than their smaller cousins, they are nevertheless harmful. In Delhi, according to the WHO report released in May, PM10 levels stood at 486 micrograms per cubic metre. In Gwalior, the levels were 329 micrograms and in Raipur 305 micrograms.Lucknow (219 micrograms), Firozabad (219 micrograms), Kanpur (212 micrograms), Amritsar (210 micrograms) and Ludhiana (207 micrograms) also feature on the list.
https://qz.com/307176/thirteen-of-the-20-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world-are-indian/
------------------------------------------------
Air pollution in India
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_pollution_in_India
-----------------------------------------
Unraveling the Myriad Causes Of North India’s Pollution Pall
February 9, 2017
A brown cloud of pollution now frequently shrouds much of northern India. It’s a growing health and environmental problem, and scientists are working to understand its many causes, which range from burning agricultural waste to auto emissions.
https://e360.yale.edu/features/origins-of-north-indias-air-pollution
-------------------------------------------
How indoor air pollution is leading to stunted growth in India’s children
Sep 18, 2017
India has 61 million stunted children and there is evidence that exposure to indoor air pollution from burning solid fuels increases the probability of stunting among children
http://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/how-indoor-air-pollution-is-leading-to-stunted-growth-in-india-s-children/story-2LrX34JQjgMJvzMLptkSrJ.html
-------------------------------------------
Delhi News | Press Trust of India | Thursday September 21, 2017
http://www.ndtv.com/topic/india-air-pollution
---------------------------------------------
How one Indian city is taking on air pollution
March 8, 2017
Cities are the incubators of change. I had the opportunity to see city leadership in action during my recent visit to Ahmedabad, a rapidly urbanizing city in western India grappling with rising air pollution levels. In an innovative step, the city, along with NRDC and other partners, unveiled the draft Ahmedabad Air Information and Response (AIR) Plan. The first of its kind, the AIR Plan is a decisive step by Ahmedabad to protect local residents from the debilitating effects of bad air.
https://www.greenbiz.com/article/how-one-indian-city-taking-air-pollution
------------------------------------------------
Around 2.2 million deaths in India and China from air pollution: Study
14 Feb 2017
Air pollution is the leading environmental cause of death on the planet and 92 percent of the global population is living in areas where the air is unhealthy, according to a new report.
https://www.cnbc.com/2017/02/14/around-22-million-deaths-in-india-and-china-from-air-pollution-study.html
------------------------------------------------
Don’t Blame the Middle Class for India’s Air Pollution Mess
Feb 2017
And this is the argument that India justifiably makes: It cannot ask its citizens to live in austerity just as their lives are improving. But the problem of Delhi’s pollution is not as simple as consumer preference for luxuries like cars and air conditioners. It is part of the problem, but there is more at play.
For
example, highly polluting coal makes up the bulk of India’s power
plants. Diesel-based vehicles, which emit more pollution than standard
fuel, have been a popular choice for consumers until recently due to
lower operating costs. Furthermore, many vehicles in India run on
outdated emissions standards that lag behind global international
benchmarks. Finally, infrastructure is inadequate, resulting in traffic
jams filled with idle cars polluting the air. Urban mass transit systems
(like subways) have only recently come on line.
Then
there is the issue of old habits. Farmers north of Delhi find it more
cost effective to burn their crops every October/November to clear the
fields for the next harvest rather than paying employees to do it by
hand. This is responsible for the notorious “smoke” that often hovers
over Delhi.http://fortune.com/2017/02/16/india-narendra-modi-air-pollution/
------------------------------------------------
Air Pollution Forces People Out Of India's Capital
Dec 2016
New Delhi's citizens are increasingly voting with their feet and leaving the city in search for less polluted air. India's capital is thought to have some of the world's most polluted air.
http://www.npr.org/2016/12/21/506401405/air-pollution-forces-people-out-of-indias-capital
------------------------------------------------
Air pollution in India is so bad, you can't see the Taj Mahal
Nov 2016
https://www.cntraveler.com/story/air-pollution-in-india-is-so-bad-you-cant-see-the-taj-mahal
------------------------------------------------
Air pollution in India rises 13% in 5 years
The world is becoming cleaner even as India, almost as a whole, is getting a lot filthier, a new report by Greenpeace India shows.
China, which was roundly criticised across
the globe for being its infamous haze and air pollution, has been
steadily getting cleaner, with air pollution levels having dipped by
about 17 per cent between 2010 and 2015.
The same
goes for the largest greenhouse gas emitter, the US — which has seen a
dip by 15 per cent — as well as the European Union, which has seen a 20
per cent decrease in air pollution between 2005 and 2013.
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/air-pollution-in-india-rises-13-in-5-years/article9474165.ece
------------------------------------------------
Air Pollution In China, India Shortens Life By Two Years: IEA
June 2016
Air pollution reduces life expectancy in the world's two most populous countries by around two years – 25 months in China and 23 months in India, according to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA).
https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnkang/2016/06/30/air-pollution-in-china-india-shortens-life-by-two-years-study-finds/#329397233586
------------------------------------------------
Air pollution in New Delhi is literally off the charts
The most polluted city on Earth scored 999 on an index that maxes out at 500
http://www.popsci.com/air-pollution-new-delhi
------------------------------------------------
Air pollution fifth biggest killer in India: EPCA
Nov 2014
Residents of Delhi and Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh have more reasons to worry as the two are among the five critically polluted cities.
It is time to sit up and take note of the dangerous effect of pollution on our health. The worsening menace has been identified by the Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority as the fifth biggest killer in India after high blood pressure, indoor air pollution from cooking fuels, tobacco smoking and poor nutrition.
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/air-pollution-epca-supreme-court-delhi-ghaziabad-particulate-matter-10-sunita-narain/1/404425.html
------------------------------------------------
India Is Not Doing Enough To Tackle Air Pollution
2016A recent report by the World Health Organization found that air pollution is the biggest environmental threat to health. Air pollution is responsible for one in every nine deaths, killing almost three million people in a year. The report has declared a public health emergency based on data used from across the world.
https://thewire.in/69268/air-pollution-who-india/
------------------------------------------------
An Interactive Air-Pollution Map
June 2014
One quarter of the global population is breathing unsafe air. Where is it worst?
https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/06/the-air-we-breathe/372411/
---------------------------------------
India has the most people without clean water, report says
March 22, 2016
India has the world's highest number of people without access to clean water—imposing a major financial burden for some of the country's poorest people, according to a report released Tuesday.https://phys.org/news/2016-03-india-people.html
------------------------------------------------
Environmental issues in Delhi
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_issues_in_Delhi
------------------------------------------------
Characterization of ambient PM2.5 at a pollution hotspot in New Delhi, India and inference of sources
May 2015
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1352231015002034
------------------------------------------------
Chemical pneumonia strikes Delhi
Nov 8, 2016
Due to the harmful fumes from firecrackers, centre-run hospitals in the national capital have seen several cases of chemical pneumonitis post Diwali.
Along with worsened environmental conditions as a consequence, this Diwali also left officials of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare concerned over cases of chemical pneumonitis emerging post festival.
Chemical pneumonitis is also known as chemical pneumonia which means inflammation of the lungs caused by inhaling irritants. "We have reports from Centre-run hospitals such as Ram Manohar Lohia, Safdarjung hospital and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) that there have been several cases of Chemical Pneumonitis post Diwali," said Dr TK Joshi, Advisor, Occupational and Environmental Health and Chemical Safety, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
"This is for the first time in previous many years that hospitals have reported cases of Chemical Pneumonitis. This is alarming and indicates that firecrackers have caused hazardous levels of pollution. The environment ministry is convening several meetings on air pollution. We soon are going to have a discussion on how to tackle with the situation," Dr Joshi said.
While guidelines for air pollution are underway under the program of prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has constituted a Steering Committee chaired by Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, to look into the health aspect of Air Pollution. Two Expert Groups have also been formed to look into the Ambient and Household Air Pollution and its Health Effects.
Doctors have said that the health effects of hazardous firecrackers can be irreversible and this is high time that we need to care for health and environment. "As we know, heavy smog has covered up various cities and this smog contains dangerous chemicals like carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, manganese dioxide, zinc oxide, nitrates etc. Chemical pneumonitis is the irritation of the lungs. Inhalation of such chemical fumes makes breathing difficult," said Dr Vikas Goswami, Senior Consultant Oncologist, Fortis Hospital.
"Chemicals from firecrackers and present in the smog will penetrate deeper into the lungs which further may lead to stiffness of the lungs, which decreases the ability of the lungs to provide oxygen to the body. If left untreated, this condition may ultimately lead to respiratory failure, lung cancer or even death," he said.
Diwali Crackers contain heavy toxic metals such as Sodium, Mercury, Barium, Cadmium, Nitrate and Nitrite like Air pollutants, which cause fever, skin irritation, vomiting, insomnia, heart, asthma, and bronchitis and effects lungs. "Several cases of Chemical Pneumonitis were reported in our hospital after Diwali. Majorly, two forms of chemical pneumonitis i.e. acute and chronic. In acute form, people suffer from cough, face breathing issues, abnormal lung sounds (wet, gurgling sounding breaths), chest pain, tightness or burning. In chronic, there is persistent cough, shortness of breath and increased susceptibility to respiratory illness," said Dr Amandeep Kaur, Medical Director, Amandeep Hospital.
"Not to forget, these symptoms of chronic chemical pneumonitis may or may not be present at times, and can take months to develop to be noticed. The level of pollutants in the air of national capital is alarming, and not just Delhi, other major metropolitan cities across India were also hit with alarmingly high levels of pollution, with air quality levels reaching hazardous levels," he said.
http://www.dnaindia.com/health/report-chemical-pneumonia-strikes-delhi-2271161
------------------------------------------------
STRATEGIES TO REDUCE AIR POLLUTION IN INDIA
March 2009
http://www.jari.or.jp/Portals/0/resource/pdf/india_2009/Session4-3_E.pdf
--------------------------------------
Chemical waste and other pollutants dumped in River Yamuna
Jun 23, 2014
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzGDpRum6_s
------------------------------------------------
Macrobenthic fauna as bioindicator of water quality in Kishore Sagar Lake, Kota (Rajasthan) India
http://wldb.ilec.or.jp/data/ilec/WLC13_Papers/others/4.pdf
------------------------------------------------
PHYSICO-CHEMICAL ASSESSMENT OF WATER QUALITY OF RIVER CHAMBAL IN KOTA CITY AREA OF RAJASTHAN
STATE (INDIA)
http://rasayanjournal.co.in/vol-4/issue-3/31.pdf
------------------------------------------------
Physico-chemical qualities of water in high altitude rice fish farming system of Ziro valley, Arunachal Pradesh, India.
2015
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26521560
------------------------------------------------
Water quality and pollution status of Chambal river in National Chambal Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh.
2008
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19295068
------------------------------------------------
Phytoplankton as index of water quality with reference to industrial pollution.
2008
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18831381
------------------------------------------------
Dynamics of phytoplankton in relation to physico-chemical factors of Almatti reservoir of Bijapur District, Karnataka State.
2008
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18622712
-------------------------------------------
The relationships between certain physical and chemical variables and the seasonal dynamics of phytoplankton assemblages of two inlets of a shallow hypertrophic lake with different nutrient inputs.
2006
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16897515
-------------------------------------
Macrozoobenthic Community as Biological Indicators
of Pollution in river Jhelum, Kashmir
2012
http://www.environmentaljournal.org/2-4/ujert-2-4-12.pdf
--------------------------------------
Water quality and conservation management of Ramsagar reservoir, Datia, Madhya Pradesh.
2009
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20143728
------------------------------------------------
Water quality and pollution status of Chambal river in National Chambal Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh.
2008
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19295068
------------------------------------------------
Groundwater quality assessment in the village of Lutfullapur Nawada, Loni, District Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India.
2011
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21870214
------------------------------------------------
Chemistry of groundwater in Gulbarga district, Karnataka, India.
2007
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17380415
------------------------------------------------
Concentration of heavy metals in Karanja reservoir, Bidar district, Karnataka, India.
2007
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17566865
------------------------------------------------
Lead, arsenic, fluoride, and iron contamination of drinking water in the tea garden belt of Darrang district, Assam, India.
2009
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19809882
------------------------------------------------
Ecology of Baskandi anua, an oxbow lake of South Assam, North East India.
2014
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25522512
------------------------------------------------
Seasonal variations in physico-chemical characteristics of River Yamuna in Haryana and its ecological best-designated use.
2003
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12833985
------------------------------------------------
Water quality and conservation management of Ramsagar reservoir, Datia, Madhya Pradesh.
2009
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20143728
-------------------------------------
Bicchadi, India Water Pollution
The problem
Bicchadi is a small town located roughly fifteen kilometers east of Udaipur of the Rajasthan region, India. This site, which was a small industrial estate (791 acres) manufacturing dyes and dye intermediaries, was ordered closed by the government in 1990, though manufacturing appears to have continued in some plants till 1995. It remains a significantly polluted place due to inadequate remediation post-closure. Indiscriminate surface dumping of sludge, along with irrigation with contaminated groundwater since 1989-90, has contributed to devastating soil contamination.
http://www.blacksmithinstitute.org/projects/display/169
--------------------------------------
Contemporary Groundwater Pollution Studies in India
September 2012
http://www.insa.nic.in/writereaddata/UpLoadedFiles/PINSA/Vol78_2012_3_Art09_333_342.pdf
---------------------------------------
The groundwater beneath their feet
February 18, 2017
In 1995, a chromium factory in Tamil Nadu’s Vellore district shut shop leaving behind a legacy of contaminated soil and water. Two decades later, agriculture remains unviable and people continue to flock to hospitals with health issues. Serena Josephine M. reports
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/the-groundwater-beneath-their-feet/article17321183.ece
--------------------------------------
Concept Note On GEOGENIC CONTAMINATION OF
GROUND WATER IN INDIA
https://www.researchgate.net/publication
/264546513_Concept_Note_On_GEOGENIC_CONTAMINATION_OF_GROUND_WATER_IN_INDIA
-----------------------------------
Organochlorine Pesticide Contamination in the Kaveri (Cauvery) River, India: A Review on Distribution Profile, Status, and Trends
December 3, 2015
Abstract
Numerous studies have reported organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in
water resources such as rivers and lakes, etc. Agricultural and vector
control activities contribute significantly to the contamination of
persistent OCPs in rivers. In India, monitoring studies on rivers are
limited. This chapter deals with OCPs contamination profile, status and
trends in the Kaveri River, which is one of the longest rivers in
southern India that serves as a water source for agriculture, drinking
water and industrial purposes for centuries. The reported OCPs in this
river includes hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH),
dichloro-diphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), endosulfan, aldrin, dieldrin,
heptachlor epoxide etc. The concentrations of HCHs, DDTs and endosulfan
residues in Kaveri River water were observed up to 2,300 ng/L, 3,600
ng/L and 15,400 ng/L, respectively, while in sediment, HCHs and DDTs
were reported with the maximum concentration of 158 ng/g dw and 9.15
ng/g dw, respectively. Biota (fish, shrimp) samples collected from the
river were found to contain significant levels of HCHs (228 ng/g) and
DDTs (2,805 ng/g). The levels of some OCPs in the Kaveri River
environment exceeded safety guideline values, therefore we cannot rule
out the threat to resident organisms because of continuous exposure.
Future monitoring studies are warranted to understand the contamination
status, effects on biota, and to design control measures to protect the
Kaveri River ecosystem.
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/bk-2015-1206.ch007
-------------------------------------
HAZARDOUS METALS AND
MINERALS POLLUTION IN INDIA:
SOURCES, TOXICITY AND MANAGEMENT
August 2011
https://insaindia.res.in/pdf/Hazardous_Metals.pdf
-----------------------------------
Status of water quality in India
2011
http://cpcb.nic.in/upload/NewItems/NewItem_198_Status_of_WQ_in_India_2011.pdf
------------------------------------
Concept Note On GEOGENIC CONTAMINATION OF
GROUND WATER IN INDIA
With a special note on Nitrate
February 2014
http://www.cgwb.gov.in/WQ/Geogenic%20Final.pdf
-----------------------------
Ranipet
The problem
Ranipet is a medium-sized community located about 100 miles from Chennai, the fourth largest urban area in India. A factory in Ranipet manufactures sodium chromate, chromium salts and Basic Chromium Sulfate Tanning Powder used locally in the leather tanning process. The raw materials used in the process include chromate ore, limestone soda ash, sulfuric acid and soldium chlorate.The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) estimates that about 150,000 tons of solid wastes accumulated over two decades of plant operation are stacked in an open yard (three to five meters high and on 2 hectares of land) on the facility premises.
Current Activity
Site visited. This site will be pursued for remediation as it poses significant health risks to the populationhttp://www.blacksmithinstitute.org/projects/display/52
----------------------------
IMPACTS OF PHARMACEUTICAL POLLUTION ON COMMUNITIES AND ENVIRONMENT IN INDIA
https://www.nordea.com/Images/35-107206/impacts%201-20.pdf
--------------------
Plastic Pollution in Cities of Mumbai and Thane
http://www.rhimrj.com/admin/upload/-upload-NOV14010419.pdf
------------------
India Just Took a Major Step Toward Protecting the Environment
Everything from plastic cups to bags are covered by the ban.
“We direct that use of disposable plastic is prohibited in entire [National Capital Territory] of Delhi," the country's National Green Tribunal said in January. "The Delhi government shall take steps for storage and use of plastic materials with effect from January 1, 2017."
https://www.attn.com/stories/14956/india-takes-major-step-toward-protecting-environment
--------------------------------------
Poisoned Water Haunts Bhopal 25 Years after Chemical Accident
2009
A new report says water contamination is worsening as chemicals leach through soil into the aquifer
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/groundwater-contamination-india-pesticide-factory/
--------------------------
Antibiotics-Laden Chickens May be Pushing up India's Resistance to Drugs, Warns Report
July 31, 2014
New Delhi: An 18-month-long investigation by Delhi based non-profit organisation the Centre for Science and Environment or CSE has revealed some worrying news for non-vegetarians.
The CSE study has found considerable amount of antibiotics in the tissues, muscles, kidneys and liver of over 40 per cent of chickens it tested.
"What's alarming is that the poultry industry, which is largely unregulated, is using regular doses of antibiotics as a growth-feed to ensure the chickens quickly gain weight and size," said Director General of CSE Sunita Narain.
These antibiotics are used to treat diarrhea, pneumonia and urinary tract infection.
The consumption of antibiotic-laden chicken may further accelerate the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which are then transmitted to humans.
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/antibiotics-laden-chickens-may-be-pushing-up-indias-resistance-to-drugs-warns-report-599677
--------------------------
Pollution in the Mahanadi: Urban sewage, Industrial effluents and Biomedical Waste
May 2008
The discharge of municipal sewage, industrial effluents and biomedical waste into
the Mahanadi has raised concerns about environmental sustainability and also posed
a serious threat to the health of people living on the banks. This article critically examines the river pollution caused by the spiralling urbanisation and industrialisation along with dumping of waste by many medical facilities. There is an urgent need to address this enormous challenge which is a direct outcome of inefficient
planning and management.
http://www.cseindia.org/userfiles/Pollution%20in%20the%20Mahanadi--Urban%20Sewage,%20Industrial%20Effluents%20and%20Biomedical%20Waste,%20Economic%20and%20Political%20Weekly,%20May%2017,%202008.pdf
-------------------------------
Studies on Ground Water pollution due to Iron Content in Cuttack City, Odisha, India
Feb 2014
http://ijmcr.com/studies-on-ground-water-pollution-due-to-iron-content-in-cuttack-city-odisha-india/
--------------------------------
Urban Ground Water Pollution: A Case Study in Cuttack City, India
August 2002
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1745-6592.2002.tb00758.x/abstract
---------------------------------''
India’s dirtiest rivers in Odisha
July 22 , 2012
- Panel names Brahmani, Kathajodi, Kuakhai & Mahanadi
Four rivers of Odisha have figured among the most polluted in the country in a recent report of the Central Pollution Control Board.
The Brahmani, Kathajodi, Kuakhai and the
Mahanadi river have been found to be carrying great amount of pollutants
in certain stretches.
While the Kathajodi and Mahanadi rivers
are badly polluted downstream of Cuttack city, the Brahmani has been
found to be carrying a large amount of municipal waste near Panposh and
Rourkela. Kuakhai is polluted along its stretch in Bhubaneswar.
https://www.telegraphindia.com/1120722/jsp/odisha/story_15755658.jsp
-----------------------------------
Assessment of Water Quality Index of River Salandi at Hadagada Dam and Its Down Stream upto Akhandalmani, Bhadrak, Odisha, India
2016
http://pubs.sciepub.com/ajwr/4/2/3/
-----------------------------------
Ambient Air Quality Status in Choudwar Area of Cuttack
District
2010
http://www.ipublishing.co.in/jesvol1no12010/EIJES1032.pdf
---------------------------------
Air pollution level in Kolkata among country's highest
Jan 3, 2017
KOLKATA: New Delhi may be reeling under severe air pollution, but Kolkata has not only touched the country's capital city but have also surpassed the city quite a few days in terms of air pollution.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/air-pollution-level-in-kolkata-among-countrys-highest/articleshow/56310086.cms
-----------------------------------
Environmental issues in Kolkata
Kolkata, historically known as Calcutta, is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. There are many environmental issues in Kolkata, severely affecting its biophysical environment as well as human health. Air pollution, water pollution, garbage, and pollution of the natural environment are prevalent in Kolkata.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_issues_in_Kolkata
------------------------------------
Andhra ground water too dangerous to drink
Apr 16, 2013
HYDERABAD: Ground water in most districts of Andhra Pradesh has become unsuitable for drinking due to high content of fluoride, nitrate and iron, according to a new Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) report, which scientists said could be linked to the spike in cases of cancer, birth defects, miscarriages and fluorosis in the state.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Andhra-ground-water-too-dangerous-to-drink/articleshow/19570520.cms
-------------------------------------
Nitrate pollution and its distribution in the groundwater of Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, India
December 2006
The complex depositional pattern of clay and sand in most of the areas controlled the vertical and lateral movement of nitrate in groundwater. The variation of nitrate concentration at different groundwater levels and the lateral distribution of nitrate in the groundwater at two sites indicated the filtration of nitrate by clayey formations. A rural agricultural district located in the Vamsadhara river basin, India was selected for studying the lateral and vertical distribution of nitrate in the groundwater and the association of nitrate with other chemical constituents. The nitrate concentrations in the groundwater are observed to vary between below detectable limit and 450 mg NO3/L. The sources for nitrate are mainly point sources (poultry farms, cattleshed and leakages from septic tanks) and non-point sources (nitrogenous fertilisers). The nitrate concentrations are increased after fertiliser applications. However, very high concentrations of nitrate are derived from animal wastes. Relatively better correlations between nitrate and potassium are observed (R = 0.74 to 0.82). The better relationship between these two chemical constituents in the groundwater may be due to the release of potassium and nitrate from both point and non-point sources. The nitrate and potassium concentrations are high in the groundwater from clayey formations.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00254-006-0358-2
-------------------------------------
Industrial pollution turns out to be a bane of Srikakulam district
August 21, 2011
PCB to blame, say CPI(M) and Lok Satta Party
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/industrial-pollution-turns-out-to-be-a-bane-of-srikakulam-district/article2378269.ece
---------------------------------------
Status of ground water quality over the years in Cuttack city, Odisha, India
2014
http://www.jocpr.com/articles/status-of-ground-water-quality-over-the-years-in-cuttack-city-odisha-india.pdf
-------
Trace element concentration in groundwater of Pesarlanka Island, Krishna Delta, India.
2010 Apr
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19267209
------------------------
Visakhapatnam is sitting on a pollution bomb
June 05, 2017
With no check on industrial accidents which occur at regular intervals, Visakhapatnam, the largest industrial hub in Andhra Pradesh, is sitting on a powder keg.
Pollution, be it water, air or land has reached alarming proportions notwithstanding denial by the official machinery due to apparent reasons. Social audit and third party inspection of new facilities, promised by the powers-that-be has remained an empty rhetoric.
Located with industries spread over on three sides and the sea at one side, the city has spoon-shaped topography leaving no scope for people escape in the event of a major catastrophe.
When the worst-ever industrial accident occurred at HPCL Visakh Refinery following a vapour cloud explosion on September 14, 1997 killing at least 60 persons, an estimated one million people fled to far-off places due to fear for their lives. After that there is no let-up in fatal accidents worsening the quality of life due to deteriorating air ambient quality, noise pollution as well as water contamination.
Four threats
Noted social activist and former IAS officer E.A.S. Sarma said Vizagites have four threats to worry about.First, as a result of shrinkage in the capacity of the local reservoirs due to widespread damage to the catchments and extensive damage and contamination of the surface and groundwater sources, with Polavaram water not in immediate sight, there is an impending water crisis.
Second, industrial and traffic pollution is rapidly spreading far and wide into air and water entering the food chain and causing wide ranging diseases including cancer.
Third, the city is generating so much of organic/ inorganic garbage and bio-medical waste that GVMC is unable to handle it except dumping it irresponsibly at Kapulauppada to spread infection all around.
Mr. Sarma said finally, in the absence of sound urban planning approaches, more and more auxiliary population is being forced to live in slums where the environment is vitiated and the living conditions are literally sub-Saharan.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/pollution-vizag-sits-on-a-powder-keg/article18719476.ece
-------------------------
Industrial pollution hits critical mass in Visakhapatnam
June 07, 2013
http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/industrial-pollution-hits-critical-mass-in-visakhapatnam/article4790959.ece
------------------------
Pollution levels high around pharma hub in Visakhapatnam
May 23, 2017
Pollution in and around the pharma hub in Vizag where bulk drug manufacturing units are located is very high due to the effluents released by pharmaceutical manufacturing companies.
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/230517/pollution-levels-high-around-pharma-hub-in-visakhapatnam.html
--------------------------
Pollution effects in Visakhapatnam harbour, India: An overview of 23 years of investigations and monitoring
Abstract
Visakhapatnam Harbour, a semi-enclosed water body on the east coast of India, is subject to a high degree of pollution caused
by industrial and urban wastes. Studies carried out during the last twenty years or so at 6 selected stations in the harbour
revealed appreciable hydrographic and biotic changes. Over the years, the concentration of nitrites (max. 5 mg/l) and phosphates
(9.6 mg/l) has increased. Dissolved oxygen registered all-time-high values (max. 21.6 mg/l) caused by periodic outbursts of
phytoplankton, notably,Skeletonema costatum and other species. Benthic conditions have also changed and only certain pollution-tolerant species (e.g.Capitella capitata) inhabited the bottom sediments that contained a heavy load (2.5%) of organic matter. In the harbour, increased pollution
led to the disappearence of stenoecious species and their replacement with other forms known for their tolerance to pollution.
The paper describes the major changes which have occurred in water quality and organisms in the harbour as a result of pollution
increase during the last two decades.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/226576751_Pollution_effects_in_Visakhapatnam_harbour_India_An_overview_of_23_years_of_investigations_and_monitoring
--------------------------
Health hazards due to pollution of waters along the coast of Visakhapatnam, east coast of India.
2003 Nov
Abstract
Environmental
pollution that renders waters along the coastline and beaches
unsatisfactory for use by the general public has become a global health
problem. This study was conducted to examine the effects of pollution of
beach waters and sediment at seven selected locations receiving land
drainage along a 45-km stretch of the east coast near Visakhapatnam,
India. Pathogenic bacteria were identified using standard methods of
culturing on selective media. The Pollution Index (PI) was determined as
the ratio of fecal coliform/fecal streptococci. Protozoan cysts and
helminth ova were also identified by microscopic examination of water
after appropriate staining. The results suggested that the beach waters
in Visakhapatnam are hygienically poor. A high PI of the water in
Lawson's Bay indicated that the water was unsuitable even for noncontact
recreation (boating, etc.). Pathogen densities dissipated considerably
from the source to the low tide mark. Sediments had significantly higher
bacterial and protozoan populations but pathogen concentrations were
low except in heavily used areas. The general distribution pattern
suggests that the nature of the sediment has a significant role in the
retention of bacteria, protozoan cysts, and soil-transmitted helminths.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14575679
-----------------------------
Noise pollution reaches deafening levels in Visakhapatnam
20th March 2017
http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2017/mar/20/noise-pollution-reaches-deafening-levels-in-visakhapatnam-1583428--1.html
------------------------------
Metal pollution in harbor and coastal sediments of Visakhapatnam, east coast of India
Extent of metal pollution in harbour sediments and its impact on the coastal region of Visakhapatnam have been evaluated using pollution load index (PLI). High PLI values of inner harbour (4.5) indicates a highly polluted zone which can be attributed to the discharge of untreated domestic sewage and industrial effluents. Further, decreasing trend of pollution load index values from harbour to coastal region suggests dispersion and dilution of metal pollutants.
http://nopr.niscair.res.in/handle/123456789/37525
--------------------------------
IMPACTS OF PHARMACEUTICAL POLLUTION ON COMMUNITIES AND ENVIRONMENT IN INDIA
2016
http://changingmarkets.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Impacts-of-pharmaceutical-pollution-on-communities-and-environment-in-India-WEB-light.pdf
--------------------------------
The quality of air you breathe in Chennai is worse than in Delhi
July 15, 2015
Chennai had the highest proportion of ‘severe’ days based on AQI
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/the-quality-of-air-you-breathe-in-chennai-is-worse-than-in-delhi/article7422559.ece--------------------------------
Rain washes down pollutants, keeps air in Chennai clean
Nov 7, 2016
CHENNAI: Though winter arrives in Chennai just as in Delhi, Chennai's air is much cleaner than that in Delhi in terms of particulate matter count.
The air in Anand Vihar, Delhi, recorded a PM10 count of 1635 microgram per cubic metre (standard: 100) on November 6. In comparison, Anna Nagar, Chennai, averages only about 80 microgram per cubic metre.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Rain-washes-down-pollutants-keeps-air-in-Chennai-clean/articleshow/55282525.cms
---------------------------------
Track pollution in your city with this real-time air quality map
Oct 04, 2016
Monitoring the pollution data will aid you to spot any sudden changes in air quality, and follow up with action - putting on a certified mask, turning up your air purifier, or demanding action from authorities.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/hindustan-times-brings-you-a-real-time-air-quality-map/story-QhUkWpGxyu4zt6Rtp5SCmI.html--------------------------------
India's doctors blame air pollution for sharp rise in respiratory diseases
Cases are up 30% since 2010 in country where decline in air quality is shifting from acute to chronic in more than just Delhi
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/23/india-doctors-air-pollution-rise-respiratory-diseases-delhi
---------------------------------
Chennai oil spill: India Today's drone camera shows the damage caused
India Today Television | February 3, 2017
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/video/chennai-oil-spill-ship-collision-beaches-choked-environment-pollution-disaster/1/874441.html
---------------------------------
Here’s why Punjab state has India’s worst cancer crisis
July 17, 2014
A farmer sprays a field of growing vegetables with pesticide in Punjab state. India's breadbasket has the country's highest rate of cancer.
https://www.pri.org/stories/2014-07-17/here-s-why-punjab-state-has-india-s-worst-cancer-crisis
----------------------------------
Vapi (Update: Removed from 2007 list of Worst Polluted Places)
UPDATE: AUGUST 2009
The problem
The town of Vapi (population 71,000) marks the southern end of India's "Golden Corridor", a 400km belt of industrial estates in the state of Gujarat. Propelled by the development of these specialized economic zones, Gujarat is among the most industrialized states in India. Despite this, about two-thirds of the Gujarat's population is still involved in agriculture, tending to crops varying from wheat, millet, and rice to cotton, tobacco, and peanuts. Most of the local population living in or near Vapi relies on agriculture or fishing for subsistence.
http://www.blacksmithinstitute.org/projects/display/61
----------------------------------
Studies on the quality of groundwater in Madurai, Tamilnadu, India
2012
http://www.jocpr.com/articles/studies-on-the-quality-of-groundwater-in-madurai-tamilnadu-india.pdf
----------------------------------
Plastic roads: India’s radical plan to bury its garbage beneath the streets
June 2016
Jambulingam Street, Chennai, is a local legend. The tar road in the bustling Nungambakkam area has weathered a major flood, several monsoons, recurring heat waves and a steady stream of cars, trucks and auto rickshaws without showing the usual signs of wear and tear. Built in 2002, it has not developed the mosaic of cracks, potholes or craters that typically make their appearance after it rains. Holding the road together is an unremarkable material: a cheap, polymer glue made from shredded waste plastic.
Jambulingam Street was one of India’s first plastic roads . The environmentally conscious approach to road construction was developed in India around 15 years ago in response to the growing problem of plastic litter. As time wore on, polymer roads proved to be surprisingly durable, winning support among scientists and policymakers in India as well as neighboring countries like Bhutan. “The plastic tar roads have not developed any potholes, rutting, raveling or edge flaw, even though these roads are more than four years of age,” observed an early performance report by India’s Central Pollution Control Board. Today, there are more than 21,000 miles of plastic road in India, and roughly half are in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. Most are rural roads, but a small number have also been built in cities such as Chennai and Mumbai.
Adding flexible materials to strengthen tar roads is not a new idea. Commercially made polymer-modified asphalts first became popular in the 1970s in Europe. Now, North America claims 35% of the global market. Modified asphalts are made from virgin polymers and sometimes crumb rubber (ground tires). They are highly versatile: Illinois uses them to build high-traffic truck roads, Washington State uses them for noise reduction and in rural Ontario they are used to prevent roads from cracking after a harsh winter. Polymerized asphalts also tend not to buckle in extreme heat the way conventional roads do – plastic roads will not melt unless the temperature goes beyond 66C (150F), compared to 50.2C (122.5F) for ordinary roads – and are frequently used on roads in the Middle East.
But even in the US, cost is a significant barrier. The most widely used polymer, styrene-butadiene-styrene, can increase the price of a road by 30-50%. In India, high-stress roads like runways and expressways are increasingly using polymer modified asphalts made by manufacturers like DuPont.
https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2016/jun/30/plastic-road-india-tar-plastic-transport-environment-pollution-waste
----------------------------------
Cadmium Contamination in Green Leaves Grown in Madurai District, India
2015
https://www.ijcmas.com/vol-4-2/N.Sasirekha%20and%20P.S.Navaraj.pdf
-----------------------------------
Studies on the Pollution Potential of Vaigai River at Madurai, India.
Sep 2012
Abstract: Water plays a vital role for all the existence of life on the earth. Water sources available for drinking and other domestic purposes must possess high degree of purity, free from chemical contamination and microorganisms. The rapid growth of urban areas has affected the water quality due to over exploitation and improper waste disposal practices. In the present study various water samples were collected from different places in Vaigai River at Madurai, Tamilnadu, India during May, 2011. The physicochemical parameters such as temperature, colour, turbidity, total dissolved solids, total alkalinity, electrical conductivity, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, sulphate, nitrate, fluoride, dissolved oxygen, COD., etc. were determined using standard procedures. The results were compared with the standard permissible limits prescribed by BIS and WHO. From the analysis, some of the water samples have all the common chemical parameters like TDS, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, etc, alarmingly above the acceptable limits. The consumption of water having high total dissolved solids and hardness may cause harmful effects like kidney stone formation and other related diseases. In few sampling stations water quality is not suitable for any uses; it is because of pollution by agricultural runoff, by addition of urban waste and domestic sewage. Even though some of the parameters analyzed are all within the safe limits it would be better to treat the sewage before discharging into rivers from the human highly populated area.
http://web.b.ebscohost.com/abstract?direct=true&profile=ehost&scope=site&authtype=crawler&jrnl=09744169&AN=90625538&h=zXzmHeNz3kwCz2nKA7w%2bDcLcMMJi1tiuP8PSBPio8DQV9IWK5K6%2br%2baCgIRFcUIxbm8%2fsCTZ3IEyrzboWkf6ug%3d%3d&crl=f&resultNs=AdminWebAuth&resultLocal=ErrCrlNotAuth&crlhashurl=login.aspx%3fdirect%3dtrue%26profile%3dehost%26scope%3dsite%26authtype%3dcrawler%26jrnl%3d09744169%26AN%3d90625538
-------------------------
Assessment Of Heavy Metal Pollution And Contaminants In The Cattle Meat
Abstract
The present study was conducted to quantitatively measure the levels of Cr, Pb, Cd, As, Ni and Hg in soil, fodder and meat samples.The study area chosen for the present study is sewage polluted River Vaigai flowing sites. Two sites were chosen for this work, Site 1 (Vaigai vadakarai) and Site 2 (Aarapalayam). Fresh samples were collected from the study area. Heavy metals like Cr, Cd, Pb, As, Ni and Hg were analysed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). In the present study Pb, Cr, Cd, Ni and Hg concentration in Site 1 was high when compare with Site 2, except As which shows high concentration in Site 2. This result indicates Site 1 in heavily polluted than Site 2. Results of meat sample shows that Pb, Cd, Cr and Hg values are higher than the permissible limit, especially Ni. In the same way the results of soil sample shows Cd, Pb, Cr, Hg and Ni levels were higher than the allowed limits. Pb concentration was very higher than other metals. In fodder sample the levels of Cd, As and Hg are higher than the permissible limit.http://www.icontrolpollution.com/articles/assessment-of-heavy-metal-pollution-and-contaminants-in-the-cattle-meat-.php?aid=75164
---------------------------
Eureka! Minister’s thermo-cool project to prevent water loss
April 2017
http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2017/apr/22/eureka-ministers-thermo-cool-project-to-prevent-water-loss-1596467--1.html
--------------------------
Quantification of benzene in groundwater sources and risk analysis in a popular South Indian Pilgrimage City – A GIS based approach
2013
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1878535213003201
--------------------------
Measurement and modeling of respirable particulate (PM10) and lead pollution over Madurai, India
2008
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11869-008-0004-0
-------------------------
Comparitive Analysis of Soil Contamination in Various Land
Uses of Madurai City using GIS
2015
http://sphinxsai.com/2015/ch_vol8_no1/4/(216-222)%20V8N1.pdf
------------------------
Coimbatore air dirtier than that of Chennai, finds study
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOICH/2013/03/28&PageLabel=1&EntityId=Ar00105&ViewMode=HTML
------------------------
Pollution status of wetlands in urban Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India
June 2000
Abstract
Although people do not use the water from these wetlands / lakes for drinking purposes, livestock and other aquatic species consuming these waters may get affected on a long term exposure. Moreover the water from these wetlands used for irrigation purposes may lead to bioaccumulation of heavy metals in cultivated plants and may have toxic impact on aquatic fauna. Many of these wetlands serve to recharge the ground water aquifer. Hence, contamination of the wetlands might lead to the contamination of ground water, which is getting depleted at a fast rate in Coimbatore. Moreover, the qualities of the groundwater in the environs of the city, in recent years, are also known to have become unacceptable by public for consumption. It is widely hinted at that the ecological degradation of the wetlands and their filling up are highly responsible for the low quality of the groundwater. Stoppage of dumping industrial effluents, sewage and garbage may help in conserving the wetlands in the city which apparently function as ground water recharge sites, provide habitats for a large number of flora and fauna including migratory birds, and is a major source of freshwater fish in the city.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/12462107_Pollution_status_of_wetlands_in_urban_Coimbatore_Tamilnadu_India
------------------------
Pollution due to Heavy Metals in Coimbatore Wetlands, India
June 2015
http://www.isca.in/AGRI_FORESTRY/Archive/v3/i6/1.ISCA-RJAFS-2015-026.pdf
------------------------
From Evidence to Policy in India’s Groundwater Crisis
http://thediplomat.com/2017/07/from-evidence-to-policy-in-indias-groundwater-crisis/
------------------------------------------
Environmental issues in India
http://www.wikiwand.com/en/Environmental_issues_in_India
-------------------------------------
Environmental strategies to replace DDT and control malaria
http://www.pan-germany.org/download/ddt/ddt_alternatives_2_edition.pdf
-----------------------
Pesticides in Agriculture – A Boon or a Curse?
A Case Study of Kerala
June 2010
http://www.environmentportal.in/files
/Pesticides%20in%20Agriculture%20A%20Boon%20or%20a%20Curse.pdf
-------------------
About 50 percent of south Indian cities reeling from high particulate pollution, says joint
CSE-KSPCB meet on air pollution
Bengaluru among 14 cities which are in the ‘high’ bracket. May slip into the ‘critical’
category if immediate steps are not taken
http://www.cseindia.org/userfiles/mbriefing_note.pdf
------------------------
Hyderabad's air quality index worse than Delhi’s
Feb 23, 2017
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/230217/hyderabads-air-quality-index-worse-than-delhis.html
----------------------
Pharma pollution fuels resistance to antibiotics, bacteria turns super bug
April 30, 2017
HYDERABAD: Blighted by a high level of pharmaceutical pollution, Hyderabad has emerged as a virtual factory churning out bacteria that have developed resistance to over 90% of known antibiotics. These bacteria, which otherwise are tame, have now become dangerous enough to resist even the most powerful of antibiotics. They have gained the ability to produce enzymes like 'extended-spectrum beta-lactamase' and 'carbapenemase' to become super bugs. Bombarded by a heavy dose of pharma wastes by different drug companies into water, the bacteria have in fact become habituated to a wide spectrum of antibiotics. When these bacteria enter human bodies, they do not react to drugs and continue surviving causing health issues including death.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/pharma-pollution-fuels-resistance-to-antibiotics-bacteria-turns-super-bug/articleshow/58442061.cms
-------------------
Environmental pollution with antimicrobial agents from bulk drug manufacturing industries in Hyderabad, South India, is associated with dissemination of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase and carbapenemase-producing pathogens.
August 2017
Abstract
PURPOSE:
High antibiotic and antifungal concentrations in wastewater from anti-infective drug production may exert selection pressure for multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. We investigated the environmental presence of active pharmaceutical ingredients and their association with MDR Gram-negative bacteria in Hyderabad, South India, a major production area for the global bulk drug market.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28444620
-----------------
Pollution in Indore, India
May 2017
| Air pollution data from World Health Organization | |
|---|---|
| PM10 | 143 |
| PM2.5 | 76 |
| PM10 Pollution Level: | Very High |
https://www.numbeo.com/pollution/in/Indore
-----------------
41 Indian cities have bad air quality, CPCB survey finds
Varanasi, Gwalior and Allahabad top the list for worst air quality among the 41 cities with a million-plus population; Coimbatore and Rajkot are best performers
New Delhi: Is India’s pollution spiraling out of control?
In 2015, 41 Indian cities with a million-plus population faced bad air quality in nearly 60% of the total days monitored, said a latest analysis released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
As per CPCB’s data, which is India’s nodal pollution watchdog, Coimbatore and Rajkot had highest number of good quality days, while Varanasi, Gwalior and Allahabad didn’t have even one good air quality day among all the days when their air quality was monitored.
Days wherein all monitored parameters like sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter are within the prescribed norms were considered good days while remaining monitoring days when value of one or the other parameter exceeds the norms were categorised as bad days.
The analysis said that, as per the monitored air quality data of 41 million plus cities during 2015, 58% of the total monitoring days were bad days while 42% were categorised as good days.
In 2015, 41 Indian cities with a million-plus population faced bad air quality in nearly 60% of the total days monitored, said a latest analysis released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
As per CPCB’s data, which is India’s nodal pollution watchdog, Coimbatore and Rajkot had highest number of good quality days, while Varanasi, Gwalior and Allahabad didn’t have even one good air quality day among all the days when their air quality was monitored.
Days wherein all monitored parameters like sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter are within the prescribed norms were considered good days while remaining monitoring days when value of one or the other parameter exceeds the norms were categorised as bad days.
The analysis said that, as per the monitored air quality data of 41 million plus cities during 2015, 58% of the total monitoring days were bad days while 42% were categorised as good days.
http://www.livemint.com/Science/Pru06soFtZXF5bipbF4axI/41-Indian-cities-have-bad-air-quality-survey-finds.html
------------------------
Review of Indore's pollution level begins
Jan 12, 2014
Environment officers from Hyderabad collect water samples from Khan River and other water bodies to study pollution level.
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-review-of-indore-s-pollution-level-begins-1949631
-------------------------
Pollution studies of River Khan (INDORE) India—I. Biological assessment of pollution
1978
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/004313547890132X
------------------------
Kahn River
The river Khan or Kahn as it is now known is a river flowing through Indore, the commercial capital of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It doesn't contain freshwater but instead has become polluted over the course of time carries sewage due to pollution.
For the past few years efforts are being done to revive the dying river by the means of projects.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kahn_River
-----------------------
Air you breathe claims 1,800 lives every year
Jul 15, 2014
INDORE: Air pollution in city claims 1,800 lives every year with around 2,500 others ending up being admitted to hospitals. The shocking revelation has come from transport minister Bhupendra Singh while replying to a query from MLA Sudharshan Gupta over increasing air pollution in the commercial hub of the state. And the primary source of air pollution in the city is the increasing number of vehicles every year.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/indore/Air-you-breathe-claims-1800-lives-every-year/articleshow/38410059.cms
------------------------
Indore, Bhopal pollutes its water resources, heavily dependent on Narmada
Jul 9, 2012
INDORE: Indore, the state's commercial capital, once dependent on the Bilawali and Limbodi water tanks, as well as from the Yashwant Sagar dam is now heavily dependent on the Narmada River (70 km away) for its ware supply. Any break in the pipeline or interruption in power supply deprives Indore of its water supply. The city gets over 200 MLD of water, but is heavily dependent on groundwater and generates nearly 240 MLD of sewage. The story is bleak with barely one-fourth being treated. The rest flows untreated into the Khan river, that meets the Kshipra river and pollutes it. This river is Ujjain's main source of water.
These and other facts about how Indore manages its water and sewage came to light in the course of the release of a two-volume study done by New Delhi-based research and advocacy body, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). Titled Excreta Matters, the study provides details about the water and sewage situation in urban India, with statistics and stories from 71 cities across the country. Several cities of Madhya Pradesh including Indore, Bhopal, Ujjain, Gwalior and Jabalpur feature in this study.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/pollution/Indore-Bhopal-pollutes-its-water-resources-heavily-dependent-on-Narmada/articleshow/14772006.cms
-------------------
Pollution in Ahmedabad, India
| Air pollution data from World Health Organization | |
|---|---|
| PM10 | 83 |
| PM2.5 | 100 |
| PM10 Pollution Level: | High |
https://www.numbeo.com/pollution/in/Ahmedabad
-------------------
Ahmedabad gets air quality monitors to battle pollution
May 11, 2017
http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/ahmedabad-gets-air-quality-monitors-to-battle-pollution/article18429564.ece
----------------------
Ahmedabad air: India's 5th most polluted
May 10, 2014
Against the accepted level of 40 micrograms of particulate matter (2.5 microns), the city has 100. Delhi on top with 153, followed by Patna and Gwalior
http://www.dnaindia.com/ahmedabad/report-ahmedabad-air-india-s-5th-most-polluted-1986938
-----------------------
Limnology of a Sewage Polluted Tank in Central India
stract
The limnology of a sewage polluted pond was studied from 1978 to 1981. Stratification of temperature, dissolved, oxygen, conductivity, pH, alkalinity and chloride was recorded. The surface stratum down to 0.5 m was supersaturated throughout the year. The pond recorded a permanent water bloom dominated by Anacystis during the summer months. This was followed by Anabaena and Anabaenopsis during winter. The growth of Chlorococcales was retarded due to intraspecific competition, self-shading and low carbon dioxide levels though the waters were nutrient rich. Before the summer overturn, accumulation of calcium bicarbonate produced temporal meromixis. In general, a reduction in the number of zooplankters was recorded.
Http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/iroh.19840690411/abstract
-----------------------
HEAVY METALS CONTAMINATION ASSESMENT OF KANHARGAON
DAM WATER NEAR CHHINDWARA CITY
2011
http://www.tsijournals.com/articles/heavy-metals-contamination-assesment-of-kanhargaon-dam-water-near-chhindwara-city.pdf
---------------------
Fluoride Contamination in Ground Water in a part of The Tribal Belt in Chhindwara District. Madhya Pradesh, India
Dec 2012
ABSTRACT
Hydrogeochemical study of ground water samples from tube/bore-wells in the pre- and post-monsoon periods, in five-blocks of the Chhindwara district, Madhya Pradesh points to noticeable health problems in peoples due to higher/lower fluoride values than the desirable World Health Organization (WHO) limits. The geological reasons for high fluoride release in the ground water in the deep tube wells in granites and basalts in pre- and post-monsoon periods has been discussed.
http://hindi.indiawaterportal.org/node/53230
----------------------
Adsorption of lead and zinc ions on sediments - A research report by National Institute of Hydrology
2010-06-29
The study deals with adsorption of lead and zinc ions on the bed sediments of river Kali in western Uttar Pradesh.The process influences the transport of pollutants in aquatic environment.
The study deals with adsorption of lead
and zinc ions on the bed sediments of river Kali in western Uttar
Pradesh. Adsorption is one of the most important processes in water
quality control, which influences the transport of pollutants in aquatic
environment.
The role of coarser sediment fraction (210 to 250 micro metre)
has been elucidated and compared to those of the clay and silt
fractions. The parameters controlling the uptake, viz initial metal ion
concentration, solution pH, sediment dose, contact time and particle
size have been evaluated. The adsorption of metal ions increases with
increasing initial metal ion concentration.
The optimum contact time in which
equilibrium is attained was found to be 45 min for both the metal ions.
The extent of adsorption increases with an increase of pH. The
adsorption of metal ions on the sediments follows two phases, a linear
phase of adsorption followed by a flat plateau section.
Further the adsorption of metal ions
increases with increasing adsorbent doses and decreases with adsorbent
particle size. The two geochemical phases, namely iron and manganese
oxide, act as the active support material for the adsorption of the two
metal ions.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/adsorption-lead-and-zinc-ions-sediments-research-report-national-institute-hydrology
-----------------------
Acceptable Levels of strontium and silica in drinking water - Need applicable regulations and other comments
2009-10-11
I wish to consult the forum regarding the presence & acceptable levels of Strontium and Silica. The norms/standards for drinking water contained in IS 10500 (Bureau of Indian Standards) do not prescribe any permissible or derired limit for these two elements. Some pockets in Andhra Pradesh and Punjab reported presence of silica upto 150 ppm and strontium upto 3500 ppb. Can any of the esteemed experts, participating in the discussion here on the portal, comment on this please?
Information regarding the acceptable levels, applicable regulation & any related comments would be helpful.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/questions/acceptable-levels-strontium-and-silica-drinking-water-need-applicable-regulations-and
------------------------------
Water contamination due to arsenic and nitrates and their health implications - research studies
Nitrate can cause severe health implications like cancer and it contaminates water by mixing with fertiliser run-off and sewage
Water contamination due to arsenic
Protective effects of B-vitamins and antioxidants on the risk of arsenic-related skin lesions in Bangladesh is a research study published in the Environmental Health Perspectives Journal,
that reveals that the intake of B-vitamins and anti-oxidants, can
reduce the risk to arsenic-related skin lesions in Bangladesh. The study
is relevant to India as well, as the major arsenic-affected region in
the country is West Bengal, adjacent to Bangladesh.
Water contamination due to nitrates
Nitrate/nitrite contamination is a
potentially serious problem for India today, after flouride and arsenic.
Nitrate/nitrite contamination occurs largely through the mixing of
fertiliser run-off and sewage with water meant for human use. New
research reveals that nitrate/nitrite contamination can cause severe
human health problems including cancer.
Below are two research papers from the
Environment Health Perspectives (EHP) Journal, written in the context of
the United States, that give an idea of nitrate/nitrite contamination
and their impact on human health.http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/water-contamination-due-arsenic-and-nitrates-and-their-health-implications-research-studies
----------------------------------------------
Impact Of Textiles And Clothing Industry On Environment: Approach Towards Eco-Friendly Textiles
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF TEXTILE FIBRES
Natural fibres have their problems, too:
Cotton is the most pesticide intensive crop in the world: these pesticides injure and kill many people every year. It also takes up a large proportion of agricultural land, much of which is needed by local people to grow their own food. Herbicides, and also the chemical defoliants which are sometimes used to aid mechanical cotton harvesting, add to the toll on both the environment and human health. These chemicals typically remain in the fabric after finishing, and are released during the lifetime of the garments. The development of genetically modified cotton adds environmental problems at another level. Growing cotton uses 22.5 percent of all the insecticides used globally? Growing enough cotton for one t-shirt requires 257 gallons of water. On top of that, bleaching and then dyeing the resulting fabric creates toxins that flow into our ecosystem. �
First of all, the cotton must be grown; this entails vast amounts of chemical fertilizers and pesticides that pollute and deplete the soil. Despite mecha�nized harvesting, the cotton industry is still largely dependent on cheap labour. The raw cotton is then dyed, meaning chemicals and heavy metals with harmful effects on the envi�ronment. Finally bands of cotton are assem�bled in factories to be sown into a T-shirt. From wastewater emissions to air pollution and energy consumption, the textile industry weighs heavily on the environment.
Wool pollution: both agricultural and craft workers in the UK suffer from exposure to organophosphate sheep dip problem. Getting from fibre to cloth - bleaching, dyeing, and finishing - uses yet more energy and water, and causes yet more pollution.
Nylon and polyester - made from petrochemicals, these synthetics are also non-biodegradable, and so they are inherently unsustainable on two counts. Nylon manufacture creates nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas 310 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Making polyester uses large amounts of water for cooling, along with lubricants which can become a source of contamination. Both processes are also very energy-hungry.
Rayon (viscose), another artificial fibre, is made from wood pulp, which on the face of it seems more sustainable. However, old growth forest is often cleared and/or subsistence farmers are displaced to make way for pulpwood plantations. Often the tree planted is eucalyptus, which draws up phenomenal amounts of water, causing problems in sensitive regions. To make rayon, the wood pulp is treated with hazardous chemicals such as caustic soda and sulphuric acid. The use of rayon for clothing is contributing to the rapid depletion of the world's forests. Petroleum-based products are detrimental to the environment on many levels.
Natural fibres have their problems, too:
Cotton is the most pesticide intensive crop in the world: these pesticides injure and kill many people every year. It also takes up a large proportion of agricultural land, much of which is needed by local people to grow their own food. Herbicides, and also the chemical defoliants which are sometimes used to aid mechanical cotton harvesting, add to the toll on both the environment and human health. These chemicals typically remain in the fabric after finishing, and are released during the lifetime of the garments. The development of genetically modified cotton adds environmental problems at another level. Growing cotton uses 22.5 percent of all the insecticides used globally? Growing enough cotton for one t-shirt requires 257 gallons of water. On top of that, bleaching and then dyeing the resulting fabric creates toxins that flow into our ecosystem. �
First of all, the cotton must be grown; this entails vast amounts of chemical fertilizers and pesticides that pollute and deplete the soil. Despite mecha�nized harvesting, the cotton industry is still largely dependent on cheap labour. The raw cotton is then dyed, meaning chemicals and heavy metals with harmful effects on the envi�ronment. Finally bands of cotton are assem�bled in factories to be sown into a T-shirt. From wastewater emissions to air pollution and energy consumption, the textile industry weighs heavily on the environment.
Wool pollution: both agricultural and craft workers in the UK suffer from exposure to organophosphate sheep dip problem. Getting from fibre to cloth - bleaching, dyeing, and finishing - uses yet more energy and water, and causes yet more pollution.
Nylon and polyester - made from petrochemicals, these synthetics are also non-biodegradable, and so they are inherently unsustainable on two counts. Nylon manufacture creates nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas 310 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Making polyester uses large amounts of water for cooling, along with lubricants which can become a source of contamination. Both processes are also very energy-hungry.
Rayon (viscose), another artificial fibre, is made from wood pulp, which on the face of it seems more sustainable. However, old growth forest is often cleared and/or subsistence farmers are displaced to make way for pulpwood plantations. Often the tree planted is eucalyptus, which draws up phenomenal amounts of water, causing problems in sensitive regions. To make rayon, the wood pulp is treated with hazardous chemicals such as caustic soda and sulphuric acid. The use of rayon for clothing is contributing to the rapid depletion of the world's forests. Petroleum-based products are detrimental to the environment on many levels.
http://www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article/1709/impact-of-textiles-and-clothing-industry-on-environment?page=2
---------------------------------------
How ‘Silent Spring’ Ignited the Environmental Movement
SEPT. 21, 2012
On
June 4, 1963, less than a year after the controversial environmental
classic “Silent Spring” was published, its author, Rachel Carson,
testified before a Senate subcommittee on pesticides. She was 56 and
dying of breast cancer. She told almost no one. She’d already survived a
radical mastectomy. Her pelvis was so riddled with fractures that it
was nearly impossible for her to walk to her seat at the wooden table
before the Congressional panel. To hide her baldness, she wore a dark
brown wig.
“Every
once in a while in the history of mankind, a book has appeared which
has substantially altered the course of history,” Senator Ernest
Gruening, a Democrat from Alaska, told Carson at the time.
“Silent
Spring” was published 50 years ago this month. Though she did not set
out to do so, Carson influenced the environmental movement as no one had
since the 19th century’s most celebrated hermit, Henry David Thoreau,
wrote about Walden Pond. “Silent Spring” presents a view of nature
compromised by synthetic pesticides, especially DDT. Once these
pesticides entered the biosphere, Carson argued, they not only killed
bugs but also made their way up the food chain to threaten bird and fish
populations and could eventually sicken children. Much of the data and
case studies that Carson drew from weren’t new; the scientific community
had known of these findings for some time, but Carson was the first to
put them all together for the general public and to draw stark and
far-reaching conclusions. In doing so, Carson, the citizen-scientist,
spawned a revolution.
“Silent
Spring,” which has sold more than two million copies, made a powerful
case for the idea that if humankind poisoned nature, nature would in
turn poison humankind. “Our heedless and destructive acts enter into the
vast cycles of the earth and in time return to bring hazard to
ourselves,” she told the subcommittee. We still see the effects of
unfettered human intervention through Carson’s eyes: she popularized
modern ecology.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/23/magazine/how-silent-spring-ignited-the-environmental-movement.html
--------------------
Study of Characteristics and Treatments of Dairy Industry Waste Water
2013
http://pubs.sciepub.com/jaem/2/1/4/
--------------------
Effect of Toxic Metal Water Pollution on Humans in Central India
2013
http://jairjp.com/SEPTEMBER%202013/10%20DEEPAK.pdf
---------------------
Degradation of water quality due to heavy pollution
in industrial area of Korba,
Chhattisgarh
2013
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/sites/indiawaterportal.org/files/korba.pdf
----------------------
Study of Fluorides in Different Water Sources around Bilaspur City (C’garh) and its Effect on Surrounding areas
Abstract:
Water is
essential for life on earth. A study was made on surface and ground
water of different locations of six major villages around Bilaspur city,
Chattishgarh. Samples were collected in the month of April, 2010 and
concentrations of Fluorides were analyzed in the laboratory of PHE
department, Bilaspur city. A comparative graph was plotted. Fluoride
concentrations were found to be less than 1.5 mg/L, which is permissible
limit, no harmful effect were found in this area.
http://www.cwejournal.org/abstract/vol6no1/study-of-fluorides-in-different-water-sources-around-bilaspur-city-cgarh-and-its-effect-on-surrounding-areas/
------------------------
Tvocs Concentration Status and its Correlation with Ozone Concentration in different seasons at GGU campus, Bilaspur (C.G.) India
February 20, 2017
https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/tvocs-concentration-status-and-its-correlation-with-ozone-concentrationin-different-seasons-at-ggu-campus-bilaspur-cg-india-2375-4397-1000182.php?aid=85831&view=mobile
-----------------------
Chhattisgarh capital Raipur 7th most polluted in world: WHO
May 13, 2016
Raipur: Chhattisgarh capital Raipur has earned the dubious distinction of being among seventh top polluted cities in the world—relegating Delhi to the eleventh spot—but the only solace is that the situation of air pollution here is better than Gwalior, Allahabad and Patna as per a World Health Organisation (WHO) report...
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/raipur/Chhattisgarh-capital-Raipur-7th-most-polluted-in-world-WHO/articleshow/52252399.cms
--------------------------
Cadmium level 169 times higher than is safe found in Chhattisgarh’s Raigarh district, says study
Aug 07, 2017
Samples collected from the highly industrialised Tamnar coal block were examined for the report.
Cadmium level are 169 times higher than the safety level defined by Canada in the soil around coal mines, thermal power plants and coal ash ponds in Chhattisgarh, according to a study released on Monday.https://scroll.in/latest/846331/cadmium-level-169-times-higher-than-is-safe-found-in-chhattisgarhs-raigarh-district-says-study
-------------------------
ANALYSIS OF WATER OF RAIGARH AREA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO HEAVY METALS
2015
http://www.ijtra.com/view/analysis-of-water-of-raigarh-area-with-special-reference-to-heavy-metals.pdf
------------------------
Bioremediation, its applications to contaminated sites in India - A state of the art report by Ministry of Environment and Forests
2011-05-17
This report by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) deals with the applications of bioremediation to contaminated sites in India.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/bioremediation-its-applications-contaminated-sites-india-state-art-report-ministry
----------------------------
"A rock and a hard place" and "Tackling the P problem" - Dependence of agriculture on phosphate fertiliser - Issues and the way out - Papers by Soil Association and J Venkateswarlu
2011-04-13
Two reports discussing the dependency of agriculture on phosphorous and the ways to mitigate the problem, the need for finding alternatives to obtaining phosphorous and eliminate mining.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/rock-and-hard-place-and-tackling-p-problem-dependence-agriculture-phosphate-fertiliser
-----------------------
Institutionalization of users' level - Water quality monitoring and surveillance in Gujarat - A report by WASMO
2011-09-26
This report by the WASMO presents the impact of the Water Quality Monitoring and Surveillance (WQM&S) Programme implemented in Gujarat.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/institutionalization-users-level-water-quality-monitoring-and-surveillance-gujarat-report
-----------------------------
Water quality status of rivers in India – Report of Central Water Commission
2011
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/water-quality-status-rivers-india-report-central-water-commission
-----------------------------
Multi-district assessment of water safety (M-DAWS) in Gujarat - A study by Water and Sanitation Management Organisation
2011-06-15
This report survey assesses the condition of drinking water quality in the Gujarat in the context of severe water shortages.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/multi-district-assessment-water-safety-m-daws-gujarat-study-water-and-sanitation-management
----------------------
Encephalitis deaths in India - The same story of poverty, neglect, disaster and disease, how long will this continue ?
2011-12-02
Providing temporary fixes to deal with situations such as this epidemic in Gorakhpur cannot help in finding long term solutions.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/encephalitis-deaths-india-same-story-poverty-neglect-disaster-and-disease-how-long-will
-------------------------
Status of groundwater quality in India - Report of the survey conducted in metropolitan areas by the CPCB
2011-11-24The report presents the results of a detailed survey of groundwater quality in metropolitan areas (population >100,000) in India.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/status-groundwater-quality-india-report-survey-conducted-metropolitan-areas-cpcb
--------------------------
Karnataka High Court Committee strongly discourages commercial involvement in lake management and rejuvenation
2011-11-23
On the contentious policy relating to privatization of lakes, the Justice N K Patil Committee appointed by the Karnataka High Court has recommended that private sector participation solely based on commercial interest is not desirable.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/karnataka-high-court-committee-strongly-discourages-commercial-involvement-lake-management
-----------------------------
Status of water treatment plants in India - A report on their operational status by the Central Pollution Control Board
2011-11-23
Sludge and filter back wash water needs to be treated and properly disposed, the study suggests.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/status-water-treatment-plants-india-report-their-operational-status-central-pollution
----------------------------
Environmental monitoring programme on water quality in Kerala – A report by KSCSTE and CWRDM
2011-11-03
Streams receive stress from sewage and organic effluents, as per this study.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/environmental-monitoring-programme-water-quality-kerala-report-kscste-and-cwrdm
------------------------------
Water quality hot-spots in rivers of India – A report by Central Water Commission
2011-11-08
This report by the Central Water Commission (CWC) attempts to provide the water quality scenario of our rivers.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/water-quality-hot-spots-rivers-india-report-central-water-commission
---------------------------
Lakes in Mumbai – A draft report by WWF India
2011-11-01
Need to conserve and protect the lakes from further degradation, the study says.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/lakes-mumbai-draft-report-wwf-india
---------------------
Performance audit of water pollution in India – A report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India
2012-01-03
This report of the CAG deals with the results of the performance audit of water pollution in India for the year ended March 2011.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/performance-audit-water-pollution-india-report-comptroller-and-auditor-general-india
------------------
Stress of urban pollution on largest natural wetland ecosystem in East Kolkata - Causes, consequences and improvement
This paper looks at the impact of urban pollution on the Eastern Kolkata wetlands where fish farming is carried out.
The impact of sewage pollution on these fish ponds and on the ecosystem is evaluated. Similarly, remedial measures to maintain water quality and to improve resource recovery efficiency are suggested.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/stress-urban-pollution-largest-natural-wetland-ecosystem-east-kolkata-causes-consequences
---------------------
"Excreta Matters" - A profile of the water and sewage situation in 71 Indian cities - A report by the Centre for Science and Environment
2012-05-02
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/understanding-governance-wash-sector-andhra-pradesh-study-wassan
-------------------
Pollution Crisis in Chhattisgarh, India
https://www.elaw.org/pollution-crisis-chhattisgarh-india-0
-----------------------
POISONED
Report on the Environmental Sampling around the Coal Mines,
Thermal Power Plants and Ash Ponds in Tamnar & Gharghoda Blocks of Raigarh, Chhattisgarh
http://www.sipcotcuddalore.com/downloads/Poisoned_English_Version_Aug2017.pdf
------------------------
Alarming water crises and pollution in Chhattisgarh
April 18, 2010
http://indiacsr.in/alarming-water-crises-and-pollution-in-chhattisgarh/
------------------------
Out of Sight: How coal burning advances India’s Air Pollution Crisis
http://m.greenpeace.org/india/Global/india/cleanairnation/Reports/Out%20of%20Sight.pdf
-------------------------
Vedanta to buy 200 Mw in Odisha after pollution board crackdown
September 14, 2017
Odisha Pollution Control Board orders temporary closure of 3 units of 1215 Mw
http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/vedanta-to-buy-200-mw-in-odisha-after-pollution-board-crackdown-117091401284_1.html
------------------------
Black life: Impact of coal mining in Jharsuguda
2014
Agricultural lands of thousands of people have been destroyed in Odisha and the growing need for power is trumping over the environment. Better regulation can help but it needs to happen soon.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/black-life-impact-coal-mining-jharsuguda
-------------------------
After breach in ash pond, five power units of Vedanta ordered shut
September 14, 2017
BHUBANESHWAR: The Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) in Jharsuguda has ordered shut five power units of Vedanta's smelter after major breach in its ash pond dyke wall last month...
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/indl-goods/svs/metals-mining/after-breach-in-ash-pond-five-power-units-of-vedanta-ordered-shut/articleshow/60517305.cms
----------------------------
Vedanta ash pipe sprays toxic waste over farm land in Jharsuguda
November 7, 2012
On Monday 5th November a fly ash pipe burst, pouring toxic ash over more than 15 acres of farm land at Vedanta Aluminium’s Jharsuguda aluminium complex in Odisha. In response women and local farmers from Kurebaga Panchayat gathered outside the gates of the factory demanding compensation for the land that had been destroyed. 38 were later arrested after the police were called by the company and evicted them from the spot. Many of those affected are displaced people moved from their farms and villages by the giant factory complex which is estimated to have displaced 10,000 people without compensation or rehabilitation.
http://www.foilvedanta.org/news/vedanta-ash-pipe-burst-sprays-toxic-waste-over-farm-land-in-jharsuguda/
-------------------------------
Vedanta declines 1% on plant shut down notice by OSPCB
Sep 15, 2017
The Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) in Jharsuguda has ordered temporary shut-down of its five units following a breach in its ash pond dyke wall in August.
http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/stocks-business/vedanta-declines-1-on-plant-closure-notice-by-ospcb-2388509.html-----------------------
Talcher, Angul, Ib valley ‘critically polluted’ zones
February 2017
While the Talcher, Angul and Ib valley areas have been declared as “critically polluted”, Paradip has been categorised as “severely polluted”, according to senior officials.
These areas in Odisha have been identified as severely and critically polluted regions on the basis of the Comprehensive Environmental Pollution Index (CEPI) of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)...
http://www.dailypioneer.com/state-editions/talcher-angul-ib-valley-critically-polluted-zones.html
-----------------------------
Dust pollution in stone crusher units in and around Balasore, Orissa, INDIA
December 2011
Abstract
The study area is in and around
Balasore town where several stone crusher units are running without
following CPC B (Central Pollution Control Board, India) norms to feed
crushed stone for various health problems. To monitor the dust pollution
level 5 monitoring stations were chosen and dust sample inside the unit
and 100m away of the unit were monitored. In all the crusher units the
concentration of SPM were much more than the permissible standard i.e.,
500 μg/m3, where as 100m away the concentration level fall down and were
within the norm. However, a residential zone is 100 m away and this
cause health problem to the residents.
---------------------------
Distribution of Fluoride in the Environment of Balasore District, Odisha, India
2013
http://content.iospress.com/articles/asian-journal-of-water-environment-and-pollution/ajw10-2-12
-------------------------
Assessment of Water Quality of Subarnarekha River in Balasore Region, Odisha, India
http://www.cwejournal.org/vol9no2/assessment-of-water-quality-of-subarnarekha-river-in-balasore-region-odisha-india/
----------------------
Subarnarekha River
Pollution
The Subarnarekha passes through areas with extensive mining of copper and uranium ores. As a result of the unplanned mining activities, the river is polluted. The Subarnarekha has been the lifeline of tribal communities inhabiting the Chhotanagpur region and water pollution affects their livelihood.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subarnarekha_River
------------------------
Idol Immersion Activities Cause Heavy Metal Contamination in River Budhabalanga, Balasore, Odisha, India
Dec 2012
http://www.ijmer.com/papers/Vol2_Issue6/DY2645404542.pdf
------------------------
10 Chinese nationals served 'Leave India' notice by Odisha
Jun 13, 2016
BHUBANESWAR: Odisha government today issued "Leave India" notices to ten Chinese nationals who were working on an expansion project of the Adani Group-controlled Dhamra Port Company Limited in Bhadrak district of the state, a government official said.
"The state government has asked the Director of Intelligence and the Superintendent of Police, Bhadrak district to execute Leave India notices on the Chinese nationals," Home Secretary Asit Tripathy told reporters here.
Jun 13, 2016
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/10-chinese-nationals-served-leave-india-notice-by-odisha/articleshow/52732030.cms
----------------------
Exceeding limits: Increasing noise pollution, particulate matter in Delhi creating havoc
April 10, 2017
The report added that the values of SO2 (sulphur dioxide) are within permissible limits for all locations monitored.
http://zeenews.india.com/environment/exceeding-limits-increasing-noise-pollution-particulate-matter-in-delhi-creating-havoc-1994856.html
---------------------
River water in state not safe for drinking: Arukha
Apr 27, 2016
Bhubaneswar: State forest and environment minister Bikram Keshari Arukha on Tuesday told the assembly that water in none of 11 major rivers or their tributaries in the state were suitable for drinking.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/River-water-in-state-not-safe-for-drinking-Arukha/articleshow/52002885.cms
-------------------
Odisha's story about pollution, mining and the environment
Jun 05, 2015
Odisha has been ranked as the fourth most polluted place in the world in a report. This high level of degradation is due to the heavy tapping of mineral resources from a dozen open cast mines in the area over 70 years.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/odisha-s-story-about-pollution-mining-and-the-environment/story-Y3t9TxTCqh3M8EBGhmBfXL.html
---------------------
Indian Environment portal
http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/5120/thesaurus/mayurbhanj/
------------------------
Virus Pollution of Indian Surface Water: Health Risk Estimation and Issues Identification
http://qmrawiki.canr.msu.edu/images/VirusPollutionofIndianSurfaceWater_Divya_IITDelhi_Aug24_12_1.pdf
------------------------
Hold your breath: These startups are thriving on air pollution
Nov 04, 2016
Pollution experts attribute the declining air quality to various reasons such as burning of agricultural waste, vehicular emissions, burning of crackers and factory emissions.
http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/startup/hold-your-breath-these-startupsthrivingair-pollution-951162.html
--------------------------
Physico Chemical Properties of Water Sample Collected From Mangrove Ecosystem of Mahanadi River Delta, Odisha, India
2013
Abstract
In the present study, physico-chemical parameters of water samples were compared with the water quality standard of Bureau of Indian standard and the state pollution control board. Variations of different parameters investigated were as follows: Temperature (24.2-30.9°C), dissolved oxygen (2.9-10.9 mg/L), pH (6.05-8.6), electrical conductivity (5.16–17.33 mS/cm), TDS (4510–11900 mg/L), chloride content (4389-12575 mg/l), nitrate (13.03-24.01 mg/l), phosphate (0.55-2.59 mg/l), calcium (125.4-400.8 mg/l), magnesium (153.16-474.13 mg/l) and total hardness (800-2090 mg/l). The significant variations of p among different study sites with high load of calcium, chloride, nitrate and phosphate in most of the study sites indicating the pollution status of the estuarine water.
http://pubs.sciepub.com/marine/2/1/3/
-----------------------------
EVALUATION OF GROUND WATER POLLUTION POTENTIAL USING DRASTIC MODEL: A CASE
STUDY IN BERHAMPUR CITY, ORISSA
2015
http://www.cibtech.org/J-GEOLOGY-EARTH-ENVIRONMENT/PUBLICATIONS/2015/VOL_5_No_3/07-JGEE-007-SAHU%20-EVALUATION.pdf
------------------------------
AQUATIC AND SEDIMENTOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
OF THE DAMODAR RIVER WITHIN THE STRETCH
OF ASANSOL TO DURGAPUR
http://www.icontrolpollution.com/articles/aquatic-and-sedimentological-analysisof-the-damodar-river-within-the-stretchof-asansol-to-durgapur-.pdf
-------------------------------
Indians exposed to higher levels of pollutants than Chinese: study
Feb 23 2016
The
study, based on Nasa’s satellite data on PM, shows that in 2005,
although both India and China had a serious pollution problem, the PM
level in India was a lot lower
http://www.livemint.com/Politics/rDDvszborXdZWYQt9U5ioK/Indians-exposed-to-higher-levels-of-pollutants-than-Chinese.html
------------------------------
Country Choking: 2015 most polluted year for India, says Greenpeace
26 February 2016
Air Pollution has been causing massive trouble to several countries in the world. However, India and China have been the top contributors when it comes to high pollution levels.
And last year, India left its counterpart China behind in being more polluted.
As per a report by Greenpeace India, since the year 2011, when China
had its most polluted year, conditions have significantly improved. At
the same time, India has suffered a setback regarding pollution levels.https://www.skymetweather.com/content/weather-news-and-analysis/country-choking-2015-most-polluted-year-for-india-says-greenpeace/
----------------------------------
Variation in groundwater levels and water quality in Chhatna Block, Bankura district, West Bengal — a GIS approach
06 March 2013
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12594-013-0029-3
-----------------------------------
Assessment of groundwater quality from Bankura I and II Blocks, Bankura District, West Bengal, India
Feb 2017
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13201-017-0530-8
----------------------------
Fluoride Contamination on Aquatic organisms and human body at
Purulia and Bankura District of West Bengal, India
2014
http://bepls.com/june2015bepls/18.pdf
-----------------------
Bankura India pollution
https://www.google.com/search?source=hp&q=bankura+india+pollution&oq=bankura+india+pollution&gs_l=psy-ab.12...6573.6573.0.8098.2.1.0.0.0.0.125.125.0j1.1.0.dummy_maps_web_fallback...0...1.1.64.psy-ab..1.0.0.0...0.QCGiDq2qUxQ
-----------------------
Assessment by multivariate statistical analysis of ground water
geochemical data of Bankura, India
2012
ABSTRACT
Pearson correlation matrix and multiple linear regresson analysis have been applied to a total number of 58 ground water samples, collected during pre and post monsoon seasons in 2009-2010 from north-eastern part of Bankura District, West Bengal, India. These samples were
analyzed for various parameters such as pH,Total dissolved solids (TDS), Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Hardness (TH), Nitrate (NO3), Sulphate (SO4), Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Chloride (Cl). The interactions between the different components of ground water and their relationship with TDS have been determined
by computing Pearson correlation coefficients. It is revealed in this study that TDS and EC are important physicochemical water quality parameters, as they are strongly correlated with most of the constituents in the ground water. Statistical data analysis suggests that there is
strong positive relationship (r=0.9 to1.0) between Mg-TH, Ca-TH, Cl-TH, Cl-Ca, Cl-Mg during pre monsoon period. However, exactly similar
association is observed between Cl-Ca during post-monsoon seasons.
http://www.ipublishing.co.in/ijesarticles/twelve/articles/volthree/EIJES31086.pdf
-----------------------
Groundwater quality and its suitability to agriculture – GIS based case study
of Chhatna block, Bankura district, West Bengal, India
2011
http://www.ipublishing.co.in/jesvol1no12010/EIJES2123.pdf
-------------------------------------------------
MARINE POLLUTION IN THE INDIAN OCEAN - PROBLEMS, PROSPECTS
AND PERSPECTIVES
1988
http://aquaticcommons.org/15985/1/JIFA18_333.pdf
--------------------------------------------
Marine Ecosystem Diversity in the Arabian Gulf: Threats and Conservation
May 14, 2014https://www.intechopen.com/books/biodiversity-the-dynamic-balance-of-the-planet/marine-ecosystem-diversity-in-the-arabian-gulf-threats-and-conservation
------------------------
In India Pollution Kills Two People A Minute: Delhi & Patna Are The Worst Hit
Feb 20, 2017
Air pollution has been a universal issue for quite some time and India seems to be one of the worst nations affected by it. As per the recent Lancet Study, at least two people are killed every minute due to the air pollution in India.
According to The Times of India, some of the world's worst affected cities due to air pollution are in India. The study, based on 2010 data, released earlier this week, has revealed that globally, an estimated 2.7-3.4 million preterm births can be associated with exposure to PM 2.5, a fine particulate that affects the human body. With 1.6 million Preterm births, South Asia is the worst hit, says the study.
http://www.sciencetimes.com/articles/9027/20170220/in-india-pollution-kills-two-people-a-minute-delhi-patna-are-the-worst-hit.htm
-------------------------
Pollution in Patna, India
| Air pollution data from World Health Organization | |
|---|---|
| PM10 | 167 |
| PM2.5 | 149 |
| PM10 Pollution Level: | Extremely High |
https://www.numbeo.com/pollution/in/Patna
------------------------
What are the main causes for pollution in Patna?
One particular reason which catch my mind and not already mentioned it's auto drivers using Petrol mixed with kerosene causing huge irritation in eyes.
https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-main-causes-for-pollution-in-Patna
----------------------
Patna’s Air 5 Times Above Safe Levels, 2.5 Times Worse Than Delhi’s
June 20, 2016
In 2016, the air in Bihar’s capital, Patna, was classified the world’s sixth-most polluted in a World Health Organisation (WHO) ranking of 3,000 cities in 103 countries. There are 10 Indian cities among 20 globally with the most polluted air.
http://www.indiaspend.com/cover-story/patnas-air-5-times-above-safe-levels-2-5-times-worse-than-delhis-37729
---------------------
| Air pollution data from World Health Organization | |
|---|---|
| PM10 | 99 |
| PM2.5 | 53 |
| PM10 Pollution Level: | High |
https://www.numbeo.com/pollution/in/Rajkot
------------------------
Pollution-hit villagers near Rajkot to get compensation
NGT Cracks Whip On Private Firm Managing Landfill
Rajkot: In a major victory for nearly 8,000 people of six villages near Rajkot, the National Green Tribunal, (NGT), Pune has ordered the private firm managing the municipal solid waste of the city to pay a compensation of Rs 25 lakh for improper handling of the waste.
The villagers have been fighting the severe air, water and land pollution caused by the mismanaged solid waste site set up in Nakrawadi village in 2004.
NGT has also directed the state government’s urban development department to submit a report on the enforcement on municipal solid waste (MSW) rules across the state within three months.
Voluntary organization Paryavaran Mitra and the villagers had filed a petition with NGT complaining about the degradation and its detrimental effect due to improper handling of the waste. Everyday, RMC dumps 300 metric tonnes of garbage at the landfill site in Nakravadi village that is managed by Hanjer Biotech Energies Pvt Ltd...
(The
villagers have been fighting air, water and land pollution caused by
the mismanaged solid waste site set up in Nakrawadi village).
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOIA/2013/12/24&PageLabel=5&EntityId=Ar00500&ViewMode=HTML
-----------------------
Cursed by greed: The Falgu river
2015
The Falgu river, supposedly cursed by Sita to run below the ground, is today threatened by encroachment and pollution. Can she be saved by her defenders?
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/cursed-greed-falgu-river
------------------------
Bihar’s toxic textile industry
The textile industry of Patwa Toli is polluting rivers and groundwater in the Indian state of Bihar, but businesses have failed to clean up their act claiming they provide essential jobs
Waste water from dyeing plants flowing into the shallow Falgu river [image by Alok Gupta]
https://www.thethirdpole.net/2017/02/28/bihars-toxic-textile-industry/
-------------------------
Water Pollution-III
Gurdaspur district’s stone crushers killing rivers
Most of the municipal councils in the border belt are functioning without a sewage treatment plant
Ravi Dhaliwal/TNS
Gurdaspur district’s stone crushers killing rivers
Most of the municipal councils in the border belt are functioning without a sewage treatment plant
Ravi Dhaliwal/TNS
Gurdaspur, October 15
When things get bad, they really do. This, in essence, sums up the pollution scenario in the border district of Gurdaspur where two lifelines, Ravi and Beas, are being choked by stone crushers. Officially, Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) officials may paint a rosy picture and claim the rivers are pollution-free. Unofficially, they admit that despite the stringent mechanism put in place by the board, things will not improve till industrialists, particularly those owing stone-crushing units, ‘discipline’ themselves.
“Till that happens, which is highly unlikely, pollutants will continue to flow into the Ravi and Beas," said Manjit Singh Dala, a Gurdaspur resident who lives near a polluted drain that flows in front of Abul Khair gurdwara.
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2013/20131016/punjab.htm#3
-----------------------
Goa river waters contains high content of feacal coliform: Study
2015-06-08
Goa rivers water unfit for human consumption: GSPCB
In a recent study by the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), the rivers in the state are polluted to such an extent that their waters are unfit for human consumption. Presence of faecal coliform bacteria, nearly 1,300 to 7,900 colonies per 100 mililitre of water in the average rivers, has made the water dangerous for human health. Sal and Bicholim rivers are the most polluted while Mhadei and Khandepar rivers are the least contaminated.
600 million litres of sewage makes its way to Varthur lake everyday: CPC
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/goa-river-waters-contains-high-content-feacal-coliform-study
----------------------------------------------
Government clears 170 eco-zones across the country
2015-06-02Centre gives nod to 170 eco- sensitive zones in the country
The Environment Ministry has cleared 170 eco-sensitive zones in the country and by the end of the year plans to wrap up the entire business of such zones. With the completion of the mandatory 60-day period of public comments that were displayed on the MoEFCC website, the Governement is all set to issue the final notification. Also, among the states in the Western Ghats, only Kerala has submitted its report on the recommendations made by the Kasturirangan Committee while the others are expected to submit their reports by June 15.
NGT allows Kanpur tanneries to run on a trial basis
The National Green Tribunal has given consent to the closed tanneries located on the banks of the Ganga at Kanpur to operate on a trial basis for 19 days in June. During this period -- from June 7 to June 25 -- the levels of effluents discharged from these units will be checked by a team of experts. Also, these units have been asked to submit the details of steps undertaken by them to reduce pollution level to the inspection team by June 6.
NGT wraps up MP Government for illegal mining in Narmada & Ken rivers
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/government-clears-170-eco-zones-across-country
---------------------------------------------
Lakes of urban India under threat: CSE
2015-05-05
Toxic foam observed in Bengaluru lakes
Three major lakes in Bengaluru -- Bellandur, Varthur, and Yemalur -- look like a giant pool of foam these days. Some residents even thought that it resembled snow! The foam has been formed due to high content of ammonia and phosphate coupled with very low dissolved oxygen. This occurs when untreated sewage flow into the lakes. Per the Centre for Science and Environment, the phenomenon is a serious threat to wetlands in urban India.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/lakes-urban-india-under-threat-cse
-------------------
Gujarat High Court orders 12 industries in the Mundra port to shut down
HC directs shutting operations in Mundra Port and SEZ
The Gujarat High Court has directed 12 industrial units in the Mundra Port and SEZ in Kutch district to stop operations unless the industrial complex gets environmental clearance.
Tribal Ministry dilutes laws to clear Thoubal multi-purpose project
After opposing it for weeks, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has recommended forest clearance for the Thoubal multi-purpose project in Manipur that involved diversion of about 600 hectares of forest land.
Review of 500 water related laws
The Ministry of Water Resources is planning a review of about 500 Central and state laws on water to bring them in line with the National water Policy. The laws are related to irrigation, drinking water needs and industrial use of water.
West Bengal surpasses rainwater harvesting target
More than one lakh water bodies have been dug in the past two and a half years in West Bengal against a target of 50,000, claimed the State Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
24*7 water supply for Lutyen's Delhi even as the rest of the city faces water scarcity
The New Delhi zone of the Capital, also known as Lutyen's Delhi, where most of the ministers and bureaucrats stay are being supplied water 24*7 even as the rest of the city struggles even for an hour's supply.
Fishermen seek NGT intervention over POSCO's port
About 50,000 fishermen of Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur districts have petitioned the National Green Tribunal to stop the port construction by steel jiant POSCO at the Jatadhari river mouth, one of their main sources of fish catch.
Activists collect in Dakshin Kannada to protest Netravati river diversion
More than 300 activists gathered in this Karnataka district to protest against diversion of the Netravati river which is the main source of drinking water for Mangalore town and irrigation of 35,000 hectares of land.
Two fishing projects in Chennai worth Rs 117 crore
A project to improve the Chennai fishing harbour and another for sports fishing and an eco park at Chetpat lake in Chennai are the Tamil Nadu administration's two new projects.
An industry friendly forest clearance system
Environment Minister Veerappa Moily has released a new draft policy for the forest clearance system that includes self-monitoring by industry as a key component.
NGT asks for a detailed map of the Puri sewerage system
The National Green Tribunal has directed the temple town's administration to submit a detailed sewage management plan of the city and prove if the entire sewage is being treated before dumping into the sea.
This is a news roundup of January 15, 2014
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/news/gujarat-high-court-orders-12-industries-mundra-port-shut-down
----------------------
Chromium contaminates Bangalore's drinking water
News this week - Chromium contaminates drinking water in Peenya industrial area, NEERI develops new technology to treat effluents and water crisis hits 22 big cities in India.
Chromium afflicts borewells in India's largest industrial area
A survey by the Karnataka Pollution Control Board in Bangalore's Peenya industrial area has found chromium contamination in 20 out of 72 borewells. A carcinogenic metal, the extent of chromium in some wells was found to be 600 to 700 times above the national permissible limit of 0.05 mg/litre. The informal electroplating industry is the main reason behind this contamination.
NEERI develops technology to clean effluents
The National Environmental Engineering Research Institute has developed an "Electro-oxidation" technology to clean water of chemical effluent from industries. A new plant with this technology, which will treat 50 lakh litres of effluent daily, has been set up in the Nandesari Industries' Association's premises in Gujarat's Vadodra district. The main advantage of the technology is that it operates at room temperature and reduces organic load in water.
Water crisis in 22 big cities
According to the Urban Development Ministry, 22 out of the 32 big cities in India are facing severe water crisis. With 70% gap between demand and supply, Jamshedpur faces the worst situation. In Kanpur, Asansol, Dhanbad, Meerut, Faridabad, Visakhapatnam, Madurai and Hyderabad, the gap between demand and supply is 30%. The shortfall in Delhi and Mumbai is 24% and 17% respectively.
CAG slams Farakka barrage authorities
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India has slammed the management of Farakka barrage on the Ganga in West Bengal for inadequate maintenance of the project, which had six major gate failures from 1985 to 2011. The CAG report tabled in the monsoon session of the Parliament states that the barrage gates' remote control systems and navigational locks have remained inoperative for nearly three decades. The management did not have enough spare gates and bed protection because of which they didn't undertake maintenance work on the feeder canal.
Gates' Foundation to fund sanitation programmes in South Asia
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is collaborating with the Asian Development Bank to fund santitation programmes in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam. The Foundation will invest USD 15 million into a trust fund that will focus on non-sewered sanitation expansions and sewage management solutions. This will be complemented by an investment of USD 28 million from ADB.
This is a weekly roundup of important news from September 9-15
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/chromium-contaminates-bangalores-drinking-water
-------------------
The missing water bodies of Western Uttar Pradesh
2013-09-01
Over 3000 water bodies which once existed in Meerut district alone are now in a pitiable state. Will returning to a community-based water management system help revive these?
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/missing-water-bodies-western-uttar-pradesh
-----------------------
Blue technologies to fight the water crisis
2013-08-23
Industry experts, water purifier companies and civil society groups talk about buyers expectations, market-centric strategies and future trends in household water purifiers for rural areas.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/blue-technologies-fight-water-crisis
----------------------
Country's biggest iron-ore produce pollutes rivers in Chattisgarh
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/news/countrys-biggest-iron-ore-produce-pollutes-rivers-chattisgarh
----------------------
Industrial effluents contaminate ground water in Jammu: Research
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/news/industrial-effluents-contaminate-ground-water-jammu-research
----------------------
Children falling victims to air pollution in City, says study
April 2013
The rising pollution in the City has led to drastic increase in asthma among children during summer, according to a study conducted by Centre for Infrastructure, Sustainable Transportation and Urban Planning (CiSTUP) of Indian Institute of Science (IISc).
According to the study report, the incidence of asthma has gone up by 10 times in the last 16 years - from 2.8 per cent in 1994 to 28.8 per cent in 2010. Construction works, road widening, tree felling and increasing vehicular population have contributed in making Bangalore the asthma capital, said Mahesh Kashyap, a research fellow with CiSTUP. He was delivering a lecture at a workshop on fuel efficiency on Tuesday.
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/326518/children-falling-victims-air-pollution.html
---------------------
Pollution levels dipped since mining closure in Goa: Data
Apr 11, 2013,
PANAJI: Pollution levels in the iron ore belts of Goa dropped considerably after mining activity was banned in September last, bringing them within the permissible limits, according to the data placed before the Legislative Assembly.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/news/no-mining-goa-reduces-pollution
---------------
Naqi status of Indian cities in 2015-2016
http://www.cpcb.nic.in/upload/Latest/Latest_119_NAQI-StatusIndianCities-2015-16.pdf
----------------------------
Choking Over Pollution: Delhi’s Toxic Air Truth
Feb 2017
https://www.mapsofindia.com/my-india/government/delhi-once-again-amongst-the-most-polluted-capital-in-the-world
-----------------------
Varanasi, Allahabad air most polluted: Study
Updated: Dec 13, 2016http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/varanasi/Varanasi-Allahabad-air-most-polluted-Study/articleshow/55952226.cms
----------------------
The most polluted cities in the world, ranked
3. Allahabad, India
The
residents of Allahabad deal with the perfect storm of pollution.
Changing wind patterns, coal-burning power plants, vehicular emissions,
and deforestation all leave this city, quite literally, in the dust.
https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/the-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world-ranked/29/
---------------------
Gwalior, Allahabad, Patna, Raipur among world’s most polluted cities
May 13, 2016
Gwalior, among the top five cities globally in terms of PM 2.5 levels, recorded an annual average of 176 micrograms per cubic metre (ug/m3) and Allahabad 170.
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/gwalior-allahabad-patna-raipur-among-worlds-most-polluted-cities-2797627/
---------------------
Air quality in holy city of Varanasi 'most toxic in India'
Levels of airborne pollution across north Indian plains routinely higher than in the capital, Delhi, researchers warn
Air quality in the Indian holy city of Varanasi is “the most toxic in the country” according to research that reveals the extent of the pollution crisis across northern India.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/12/air-quality-holy-city-varanasi-most-toxic-in-india-report
-------------------
Heavy metal pollution due to coal washery effluent and its decontamination using a macrofungus, Pleurotus ostreatus.
Abstract
Release of the effluent generated during washing of coal became a major problem for coal industries due to presence of many toxic metals and other pollutants. These effluents are the main source of pollution in rivers and other water bodies. Therefore in this study, we tried to analyse the toxicity of coal washery effluent (CWE) collected from one of the washery plant situated in Dhanbad, India. CWE was found to be very toxic containing large amount of suspended particles and many heavy metals above than their permissible limits. Mycoremediation of CWE was also performed to decontaminate heavy metals from the CWE using a macrofungi Pleurotus ostreatus. Efficiency of Pleurotus for remediation of heavy metals was found to be highest in the 50% diluted effluent (57.2% Mn, 82.6% Zn, 98.0% Ni, 99.9% Cu, 99.3% Co, 99.1% Cr, 89.2% Fe and 35.6% Pb) followed by 25% diluted effluent (33.0% Mn, 55.1% Zn, 97.8% Ni, 99.7% Cu, 97% Co, 84.4% Cr, 87.1% Fe and 73.4% Pb) and raw effluent (23.3% Mn, 73.1% Zn, 78.7% Ni, 87.5% Cu, 59.3% Co, 64.6% Cr, 34.6% Fe and 11.3% Pb) respectively. Increased activity of antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation, concentration of metallothionein proteins and changes in peaks of FTIR spectra were also observed in fungal mycelia grown on the CWE containing media due to accumulation of different metals. Overall this study suggests that Pleurotus can be used as promising option for removal of heavy metals from the effluent released from washery plants and dilution of effluent could increase the efficiency of remediation.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28704692
-----------------------
Yamuna pollution: Allahabad High Court summons Mathura District Magistrate on August 28
August 9, 2017
Taking a grim view on the pollution in river Yamuna, the Allahabad High Court has summoned the District Magistrate of Mathura to appear before it on August 28.
Taking a grim view on the pollution in river Yamuna, the Allahabad High Court has summoned the District Magistrate of Mathura to appear before it on August 28. The court in Uttar Pradesh while hearing a PIL on the pollution of the river on Tuesday also expressed its displeasure over the non-submission of reports by the District Magistrate despite several directives. The court had asked for colored photographs of the river and also a report on the state of pollution. But it has not been given to the court as yet.http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/yamuna-pollution-allahabad-high-court-summons-mathura-district-magistrate-on-august-28/800094/
----------------------
Studies on chemical composition and energy transformation in river Ganga at Kanpur and Varanasi due to environmental degradation.
Abstract
Impact
of effluents discharged in Ganga through various sources on chemical
composition, energy transformation rate and level of heavy metals was
studied at Kanpur and Varanasi. The effluents were found to be nil in
oxygen with acidic in oxygen with acidic to neutral pH (6.8-7.0) and
having very high values of free CO2 (40-68 mg l(-1)), alkalinity
(300.0-412.0 mg l(-1)), conductance (1082.0-1824.0 micromhos), total
dissolved solids (542.0-912.0 mg l(-1)), hardness (228.0-330.0 mg
l(-1)), chloride (42.0-60.0 mg l(-1)), organic matter (8.4-18.2 mg
l(-1)) and BOD load (98.0-248.0 mg l(-1)). The heavy metals Cu, Cr, Cd,
Pb and Zn were also quite high in the effluents (48.6-78.4, 54.0-84.6,
9.8-12.4, 72.4-84.0 and 148.6-284.0 microg l(-1) respectively). The
discharged effluents induced severe reduction in oxygen (av. 0.82-3.4 mg
l(-1)) and sharp increase in the level of free CO2 (av. 10.8-24.8 mg
l(-1)), alkalinity (182.4-288.4 mg l(-1)), conductance (480.0- 628.0
mmhos), total dissolved solids (254.0-315.0 mg l(-1)), hardness
(170.0-259.0 mg l(-1)), chloride (36.0-52.0 mg l(-1)), organic matter
(4.8-6.8 mg l(-1)) and BOD load (36.4-58.4 mg l(-1)) at the discharge
point (OF zones) from their comparatively much lower values before
discharge (AOF zone). The rate of energy transformation and
photosynthetic efficiency also reduced considerably at the discharge
point (av. 1060-2101 calm(-2)day(-1) and 0.09-0.18%) from high values
before discharged point (av. 4045-4733 calm(-2)day(-1) and 0.34-0.42%).
The level of Cu, Cr, Cd, Pb and Zn also showed higher values at the
discharged point (20.4-38.0, 22.4-54.8, 5.2-7.8, 30.8-72.0 and
64.8-120.8 microg l(-1) respectively). Considerable improvement was
observed below the discharge (BOF zone). Comparison with earlier
observation revealed that the magnitude of impact has reduced
considerably after the regulation in the discharge both in he respect of
chemical composition and energy transformation rates.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20120476
----------------------
Water quality of river Ganga along Ghats in Allahab
ad City, U. P., India
http://www.imedpub.com/articles/water-quality-of-river-ganga-along-ghats-in-allahabad-city-u-p-india.pdf
-------------------
Pollution of the Ganges
Causes
The main causes of water pollution in the Ganga river are: the increase in the population density, various human activities (such as bathing, washing clothes, and the bathing of animals), and dumping of various harmful industrial waste into the river.Human waste
The river flows through 29 cities with population over 100,000; 23 cities with population between 50,000 and 100,000, and about 48 towns. A large proportion of the sewage water with higher organic load in the Ganges is from this population through domestic water usage.Industrial waste
Because of the establishment of a large number of industrial cities on the bank of river Ganga like Kanpur, Allahabad, Varanasi and Patna, countless tanneries, chemical plants, textile mills, distilleries, slaughterhouses, and hospitals prosper and grow along this and contribute to the pollution of the Ganga by dumping untreated waste into it. One coal-based power plant on the banks of the Pandu River, a Ganges tributary near the city of Kanpur, burns 600,000 tons of coal each year and produces 210,000 tons of fly ash. The ash is dumped into ponds from which a slurry is filtered, mixed with domestic wastewater, and then released into the Pandu River. Fly ash contains toxic heavy metals such as lead and copper. The amount of parts per million of copper released in the Pandu before it even reaches the Ganges is a thousand times higher than in uncontaminated water. Industrial effluents are about 12% of the total volume of effluent reaching the Ganga. Although a relatively low proportion, they are a cause for major concern because they are often toxic and non-biodegradablehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollution_of_the_Ganges
----------------------
Water Pollution with Special Reference to Pesticide Contamination in India
The
pesticides belong to a category of chemicals used worldwide as
herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, rodenticides, molluscicides,
nematicides, and plant growth regulators in order to control weeds,
pests and diseases in crops as well as for health care of humans and
animals. The positive aspect of application of pesticides renders
enhanced crop/food productivity and drastic reduction of vector-borne
diseases. However, their unregulated and indiscriminate applications
have raised serious concerns about the entire environment in general and
the health of humans, birds and animals in particular. Despite ban on
application of some of the environmentally persistent and least
biodegradable pesticides (like organochlorines) in many countries, their
use is ever on rise. Pesticides cause serious health hazards to living
systems because of their rapid fat solubility and bioaccumulation in
non-target organisms. Even at low concentration, pesticides may exert
several adverse effects, which could be monitored at biochemical,
molecular or behavioral levels. The factors affecting water pollution
with pesticides and their residues include drainage, rainfall, microbial
activity, soil temperature, treatment surface, application rate as well
as the solubility, mobility and half life of pesticides. In India
organochlorine insecticides such as DDT and HCH constitute more than 70%
of the pesticides used at present. Reports from Delhi, Bhopal and other
cities and some rural areas have indicated presence of significant
level of pesticides in fresh water systems as well as bottled drinking
mineral water samples. The effects of pesticides pollution in riverine
systems and drinking water in India has been discussed in this review.
http://file.scirp.org/Html/6-9401050_1793.htm
---------------------
Assessment of Physico-Chemical Parameters of River Ganga at Allahabad With Respect To WQI
2014
https://www.ijirset.com/upload/2014/september/76_Assessment.pdf
----------------------------------
Ganges hit by alarming pollution levels during Kumbh Mela
Feb 2013
The Kumbh Mela, the Hindu religious festival described as the largest gathering of mankind in history, is contributing to the alarming levels of pollution which is killing the Ganges, the faith's holiest river, environmentalists have warned.
Campaigners called on the government
and worshippers to take action to save them from chemical pollution and
human sewage as millions of devotees immerse themselves on Monday at the
confluence of the Ganges and the Yamuna river.
Despite government measures to reduce the human and industrial waste
from leather factories upstream, the impact of more than 80 million
worshippers bathing in the river and camping on its banks had
dramatically raised organic pollution to dangerous levels.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/9891059/Ganges-hit-by-alarming-pollution-levels-during-Kumbh-Mela.html
-----------------------
Pollution worsens in the lower Ganga
August 19, 2016
The river is toxic in West Bengal, where it collects almost half its total waste from towns and factories along its banks
https://www.thethirdpole.net/2016/08/19/pollution-worsens-in-the-lower-ganga/
----------------------
Water Quality Analysis of River Ganga and Yamuna during Mass Bathing, Allahabad, India
2015
Abstract:
The present study was carried out to analyze water quality of river Ganga and Yamuna during Mass bathing at Allahabad. Water samples were collected from eight
selected bathing sites of the Ganga and Yamuna. The physico-chemical parameter such as Alkalinity, Biological oxygen demand, Chloride, Calcium hardness, Electric conductivity, Magnesium hardness, pH, Temperature, Turbidity and Total hardness were increased whereas decline in the level of Dissolve oxygen was observed at selected sites of Ganga and Yamuna. All parameters were highly affected at Daraganj and Ramghat. These sites were used frequently for the pilgrims and hence found highest affected zones. At all sites water samples were observed poor and showing that the Ganga has moderately polluted as compared to the Yamuna. The present study indicated an increase in water pollution
levels of the Ganga and Yamuna.
http://www.environmentaljournal.org/5-5/ujert-5-5-4.pdf
------------------------
Immersion Of Idols Increasing Ganga’s Pollution Level In Bihar
September 22, 2017
The immersion of
hundreds of idols of Goddess Durga in the Ganga River here and other
parts of Bihar, disregarding the Bihar State Pollution Control Board's
appeal and is set to increase the pollution level in the river,
officials said on Wednesday.
http://swachhindia.ndtv.com/immersion-idols-increasing-gangas-pollution-level-bihar-3384/
--------------------
Physico-Chemical Properties and Correlation Co-Efficient
of River Ganga at Allahabad
2014
http://www.bepls.com/feb_2014/36.pdf
------------------------
Polluted Water: Blue Dogs Expose Chemical Firm Over Contamination of Indian River
8/22/17
Bright blue stray dogs were spotted roaming the Navi Mumbai’s Taloja industrial area earlier this month, raising concern for the level of pollution in the Kasadi River.
After pictures of blue dogs and birds were published by local activists and reported in the Indian and international press, an investigation from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board found that a chemical manufacturer of dye and colorants was responsible for releasing the dye into the water and air.
http://www.newsweek.com/polluted-water-blue-dogs-raise-alarm-environmental-damages-india-653316
------------------------
Groundwater arsenic contamination in the Sahibganj district of Jharkhand state, India in the middle Ganga plain and adverse health effects
Jul 2007
Abstract
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02772240701655486
-------------------------
Arsenic contamination: a potential hazard to the affected areas of West Bengal, India.
2013 Feb
Abstract
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22618763
-------------------------
Assessing aquifer vulnerability to arsenic pollution using DRASTIC and GIS of North Bengal Plain: A case study of English Bazar Block, Malda District, West Bengal, India
March 2007
Abstract
Geographic
Information System (GIS) was utilized to apply a modified DRASTIC
method to assess the aquifer vulnerability to pollution of English Bazar
Block of Malda District, West Bengal, India. In the western, central
and southern parts of the study area the aquifer is prone to
contamination. Therefore, in these regions pesticides, which may contain
arsenic or arsenic rich groundwater, should not be used in irrigated
land or mango orchards. In order to understand the reliability of the
aquifer vulnerability, sensitivity analysis was carried out. This
analysis indicates that in 62% of the area the vulnerability classes
correspond to the present arsenic concentration in groundwater.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication
/228372917_Assessing_aquifer_vulnerability_to_arsenic_pollution_using_DRASTIC_and_GIS_of_
North_Bengal_Plain_A_case_study_of_English_Bazar_Block_Malda_District_West_Bengal_India
-----------------------
STATUS AND MITIGATION OF ARSENIC CONTAMINATION IN GROUNDWATER IN INDIA
June 16, 2015
http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.707.3952&rep=rep1&type=pdf
----------------------
Arsenic Distribution in Groundwater and its Effect
on Health of People of Kishanganj, Bihar, India
May 2015
http://www.isca.in/IJENS/Archive/v4/i5/8.ISCA-IRJEvS-2015-064.pdf
---------------------
Health effects of groundwater fluoride contamination.
April 2009
Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
The people in Berhait block, Sahibganj district, Jharkhand state, India, have been exposed chronically to fluoridecontaminated groundwater. Hereby, we report the clinical effects of chronic exposure to fluoride.METHODS:
The study population was a convenience sample of 342 adults and 258 children living in the affected area. All volunteers filled out questionnaires and were examined. Well water from the six affected villages and urine samples were analyzed for fluoride using an ion-sensitive electrode.RESULTS:
Twenty nine percent of 89 well water samples had fluoride concentrations above the Indian permissible limit of fluoride in drinking water. Eighty-five children and 72 adults had clinical fluorosis. Urine fluoride concentrations in children were 0.758-2.88 mg/L whereas in adults they were 0.331-10.36 mg/L.DISCUSSION:
Clinical effects of fluoride included abnormal tooth enamel in children; adults had joint pain and deformity of the limbs and spine, along with ligamentous calcifications and exostosis formations in seven patients. Elevated urine fluoride concentrations supported the clinical diagnosis of fluorosis. Owing to insufficient fluoride-safe wells and lack of awareness of the danger of fluoride toxicity, villagers often drink fluoride-contaminated water.CONCLUSION:
Villagers of Berhait block, including children, are at risk from chronic fluoride toxicity. To combat the situation, villagers need fluoride-safe water, education, and awareness of the danger about fluoride toxicity.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19274500
--------------------------
GROUND WATER STATUS- A CASE STUDY OF ALLAHABAD, UP, INDIA
July 2014
http://www.e-ijaet.org/media/21I21-IJAET0721261_v7_iss3_838-844.pdf
-------------------------
Beluha river of Malda polluted by nearby paper mills
The 8,000 people of Malda district in West Bengal, have their daily life and local economy disrupted by Behula river’s toxic waters. The lifeline of villages like Jalangi and Molpur, Behula has been dying a slow, poisonous death due to the paper mills at its banks. “The waters are so polluted, that the river has no fish anymore,” says Soriya Banu, Malda community’s correspondent. Women and children of the community approached Soriya for help since she has reported on many issues of the area in the past, and has been able to bring about change through community engagement.
The miscreant behind the havoc, according to the community members is one Rampal Paper Mills Ltd. The river is polluted by the waste-water of a paper mill which does not have proper infrastructure to purify the wastewater. Several toxic chemicals are used in the production process, especially toxic solvents and chlorine compounds used to bleach and delignify pulp which is released in water. The waste water also contains solids, nutrients and dissolved organic matter such as lignin as well as transition metal compounds such as lead.
The main occupation of the region is farming. The farms fed by this polluted river water kill the crops, leaving farmers helpless as their crops don’t sell in the market at the market rates. The residents can’t use the water for any purpose, like cooking, bathing, or catching fish, the region’s staple diet.
https://www.videovolunteers.org/beluha-river-of-malda-polluted-by-nearby-paper-mills/
------------------------
Geostatistical analysis of arsenic concentration in the groundwater of Malda district of West Bengal, India
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11707-008-0023-z
------------------------------
Drinking water is still harmful of reopened Chamurc hi tea garden; West Bengal, India
2012
http://www.scholarsresearchlibrary.com/articles/drinking-water-is-still-harmful-of-reopened-chamurchi-tea-garden-west-bengal-india.pdf
------------------------------
Statistical appraisal of fluoride enrichment in areas of malda and south Dinajpur district, West Bengal, India
Dec 2015
Abstract
The present study was conducted in some randomly selected area of Malda and South Dinajpur district of West Bengal to find out the level of fluoride in groundwater and its association with other inorganic constituents through statistical modeling and chemical indices. Results revealed that the considerable variation of different parameters, among them 7.90% sample showed F- levels beyond the WHO recommended value. Moreover, F- shows positive correlation with Na+ (p < 0.467*) and negative correlation with Ca2+ (p < -0.289) which is again well supported by factor analysis study. From the results of Multiple linear regression model and piper diagram revealed the significant relationship of F- with Na+, alkaline pH and Ca2+ and dominancy of F- due to high Na-HCO3 enrichment respectively. The higher level of F- in groundwater is the consequence of fluoride containing sedimentary rock weathering.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/291392825_Statistical_appraisal_of_fluoride_enrichment_in_areas_of_malda_and_south_Dinajpur_district_West_Bengal_India
-------------------------------
Fluoride induced water pollution issue and its health efficacy in India - A review
2015
http://pnrsolution.org/Datacenter/Vol3/Issue5/45.pdf
----------------------------------------
Bangladesh
Introduction
General Facts
Marine Habitats
Estuaries
Mangroves
Coral reefs
Seagrass
Beaches
Islands
Offshore waters
Fishery Resources
Estuaries and nearshore fishery
Offshore fishery
Culture fishery
Endangering the Marine Habitats
Water resources development activities
Destruction of mangrove forests
Overfishing
Marine Pollution
Industrial centres
Industrial wastes
The Karnaphuli River
Industrial pollution control measures
Municipal wastes
Agricultural wastes
Oil pollution
Shipbreaking operations
Plastic products
Natural Disasters
Siltation
Climatic Change and Sea Level Rise
ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/007/ad894e/AD894E04.pdf
-----------------------
Bay of Bengal
Contents
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bay_of_Bengal
-----------------------
Pollution in the Bay of Bengal: Impact on Marine Ecosystem
The study focused on heavy
metal concentration in sea water, sea sediment and their toxic effect on sea
shells, and on oyster along the east coast of the Bay of Bengal. The hierarchy
of heavy metals in sea sediment of the bay showed as: Fe > Zn > Ni >
Cr > Pb > Cd. The average concentration of nickel exceeded ERL (20.9 μg·g-1)
value and the incidence of adverse effects on biological components exceeded
16.7%. The present study showed that the concentration of Cd, Fe, Pb and Cu in
sea water were relatively higher than the standard concentration. The study
showed a considerable amount of heavy metals (0.035%) such as Zn, Pb, Cu, Fe,
and Mg in sea shells, and oyster which may make them toxic. The toxic effect of
Pb and Zn may reduce their growth which is a great threat to marine ecosystem.
https://www.scirp.org/Journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=53127
-----------------------------
Marine biodiversity under threat from high
levels of heavy metal pollution in Bay of Bengal
Bangladesh’s economy is heavily dependent on ship recycling.
However, the shipbreaking industry is polluting the Bay of Bengal, an area of high
biodiversity. This study measured trace metals in sediments around the area,
concluding that heavy metal pollution is at an alarming stage and an urgent
threat to marine life.
In 2012, over 1250 ocean-going ships reached the end of their useful life and were
broken down for parts 1.
However, very few were recycled sustainably. Due to lower health and safety standards and less stringent environmental regulations, countries with developing economies host the majority of the shipbreaking industry. Asia demolished over 90% of vessels by weight in 2013, with major ship recycling centres in Bangladesh, China, India and Pakistan.
The Chittagong ship recycling industry was born in the 1960s and today this coastal area in
Bangladesh is a major ship recycling centre. The industry, which scraps a large proportion of
the world’s ships, is of huge importance to poverty-stricken Bangladesh, employing around
25 000 people and offering indirect employment to a further 200 000.
However, in recent years, Bangladesh has come under criticism due to its
shipbreaking practices, which are causing harm to the environment and human health. Ships are broken down directly on the beach (a practice known as ‘beaching’), allowing harmful contaminants
to enter the coastal environment.
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/pdf/marine_biodiversity_threat_high_levels_heavy_metal_pollution_bay_bengal_55si7_en.pdf
-------------------------------
Distribution of Heavy Metals in Surface Sediments of the Bay of Bengal Coast
The concentrations of major (Si, Al, Ca, Fe, and K) and minor (Cd, Mn, Ni, Pb, U, Zn, Co, Cr, As, Cu, Rb, Sr, and Zr,) elements in the surficial sediments were studied in an attempt to establish their concentration in the Bengal coast. It was revealed that the majority of the trace elements have been introduced into the Bengal marine from the riverine inflows that are also affected by the impact of industrial, ship breaking yard, gas production plant, and urban wastes. The concentration of heavy metals was measured using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray fluorescence instruments. The highest concentrations for several trace elements were thus recorded which generally decrease with distance from the coast. It was observed that the heavy metal concentrations in the sediments generally met the criteria of international marine sediment quality. However, both the contamination factor and pollution load index values suggested the elevation of some metals' concentrations in the region. Constant monitoring of the Bengal coast water quality needs to be recorded with a view to minimizing the risk of health of the population and the detrimental impacts on the aquatic ecosystem.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5307244/
------------------------------
Environmental Pollution in Coastal Areas of India
1989
https://dge.carnegiescience.edu/SCOPE/SCOPE_38/SCOPE_38_5.1_Gupta_235-246.pdf
----------------------------------
National Report of Bangladesh On Coastal Pollution Loading and Water Quality Criteria
of the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem
2010
http://www.boblme.org/documentRepository/BOBLME-2011-Ecology-01.pdf
----------------------------------
The Bay of Bengal: A Forgotten Sea
February 2016
http://rcj.o.oo7.jp/english/2016_myanmar_mission/BOB%20Symposium%20Report.pdf
----------------------------------
Combating the Pollution Threat from Micro plastic Litter to Save Marine Health in the Bay of Bengal
2016
Environment and Social Development Organization-ESDO has initiated policy advocacy and public awareness campaign on microbeads in 2015. As part of this initiative conducted an extensive study titled “Study Report on Microbeads! Unfold Health Risk and Environmental Pollutant“ which revealed that Bangladesh is at a great risk of micro plastic pollution by both primary (e.g. Exfoliating Personal Care Products) and secondary sources (e.g. natural defragmenting of macro plastic debris in the sea). Study finding shows that the microbeads are the growing problem in Bangladesh, estimated release of microplastic or microbeads in three major cities i.e, Dhaka, Chittagong and Sylhet is around 7928.02 billion. In Dhaka city 6628.48 billion, in Chittagong city 1087.17 billion and in Sylhet city 212.3 billion of microbes dumped into the water bodies and landfill.
Activities:
ESDO proposes following interventions to address the micro plastic pollution:- Mass awareness to empower consumers, producers to participate in processes and decisions associated with curbing expanding micro-bead bans /micro-plastic pollution
- Policy advocacy involving different ministries and stakeholders to create pressure on global consumer product companies transitioning their business in line reducing use of microbeads containing products
- Regulation to stop indiscriminate use of micro plastics and proper disposal / waste management
- Partnership among trans-boundary waters and same coastline sharing countries to joint actions to reduce marine pollutions by micro plastic litters
- Project will also create a ‘model zero waste’ that can be replicated in country and Asian region.
http://esdo.org/combat-plastic-pollution-protect-marine-life/
----------------------------------
Depositional and ecological environments of the Bay of Bengal coast of northeast India
01 May 2012
Dr. Asok Kumar Bhattacharya summarises his work at
the University of Calcutta on the Sundarban wetlands in India,
including work on coastal sedimentology, impact of anthropogenic
pollution and coastal zone management.
http://www.segh.net/articles/Depositional_and_ecological_environments_of_the_Bay_of_Bengal_coast_of_northeast_India/
-------------------------------------
India: Choke Point Kolkata
December 14, 2013
http://pulitzercenter.org/reporting/india-choke-point-kolkata
---------------------------------------
Impact of Coastal Pollution on Childhood
Disabilities and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes:
The Case of Bangladesh
The objective of this review was to explore the situation of coastal water pollution and its impact on child health and pregnancy outcomes in Bangladesh.
Background: Globally coastal pollution is of greater significance than inland’s for its huge resources and contribution to livelihood. As a result it has been a source of increased Global Burden
of Disease by means of consumption of seafood, involvement in risky jobs, and exposure to water related disastrous events. Almost sixty percent of the world’s population is at risk of costal contamination and developing countries like Bangladesh, geographically located at the tip of the Bay of Bengal, are facing significant challenges by this form of pollution.
http://www.ijmedph.org/sites/default/files/IntJMedPublicHealth_2012_2_3_12_108380.pdf
----------------------------------------
Some people debate if the following article is true or not.
-----------
Climate Change & its Impacts on Bangladesh
03-04-2012
https://www.ncdo.nl/artikel/climate-change-its-impacts-bangladesh
---------------------------------------
Pollution effects in Visakhapatnam harbour, India: An overview of 23 years of investigations and monitoring
isakhapatnam Harbour, a semi-enclosed water body on the east coast of India, is subject to a high degree of pollution caused by industrial and urban wastes. Studies carried out during the last twenty years or so at 6 selected stations in the harbour revealed appreciable hydrographic and biotic changes. Over the years, the concentration of nitrites (max. 5 mg/l) and phosphates (9.6 mg/l) has increased. Dissolved oxygen registered all-time-high values (max. 21.6 mg/l) caused by periodic outbursts of phytoplankton, notably,Skeletonema costatum and other species. Benthic conditions have also changed and only certain pollution-tolerant species (e.g.Capitella capitata) inhabited the bottom sediments that contained a heavy load (2.5%) of organic matter. In the harbour, increased pollution led to the disappearence of stenoecious species and their replacement with other forms known for their tolerance to pollution. The paper describes the major changes which have occurred in water quality and organisms in the harbour as a result of pollution increase during the last two decades.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02368388
---------------------------------------
Protecting the marine environment from land-based sources of marine pollution:
towards an effective cooperative International arrangement
http://ro.uow.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2859&context=theses
------------------------------------------
It’s Time to Deepen Integration Around the Bay of Bengal
The Sagarmala Program is still at an early stage. Detailed project reports and feasibility studies are now under way. In July 2016, the Indian government announced the creation of the Sagarmala Development Company, charged with identifying port-led projects, assessing risks, structuring the bidding process, and providing equity support to states and regions. Plans include issuing contracts and starting work on three major greenfield ports in the coming year. A Dubai-based company, DP World, is among those expressing interest in major investments in India’s port infrastructure. If the Sagarmala Program shows early signs of success, its example will send a strong signal to other governments and potential investors, but delays are almost inevitable.
Other countries bordering the Bay of Bengal also have plans to enhance maritime and associated transport connections. In a 2015 study, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) identified several illustrative priority projects. In addition to the Kaladan project linking Myanmar with northeastern India discussed above, they include:
- India: a new deepwater port (Kolkata/Haldia), with road and rail access.
- Bangladesh: a new container terminal in Chittagong and a new deepwater port serving Chittagong.
- Myanmar: improved road connections to the Thilawa Port, improved port connectivity in East Dagon Township of greater Yangon, and the development of a new port at Dawei, as well as a deepwater port at Kyaukpyu.
- Sri Lanka: the expansion of South Harbor in Colombo and an expansion of the deepwater port of Hambantota.
http://carnegieindia.org/2017/05/31/it-s-time-to-deepen-integration-around-bay-of-bengal-pub-70128
-------------------------------------
Harmful metals concentration in sediments and fishes of biologically important estuary, Bay of Bengal
Abstract
Study on the accumulation level of heavy metals was conducted on sediment and fishes from estuaries of Bay of Bengal. Heavy metals were determined by using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES) and the results were compared to permissible limits of WHO/USEPA. The accumulation patterns of Fe and Cd were found predominantly in all samples tested when correlated with other metals. It was found that the concentration of metals such as Cd (3.90 ± 0.25 μg/g), Cr (0.44 ± 0.05 μg/g), Ni (0.33 ± 0.01 μg/g), and Mn (1.1 ± 0.11 μg/g) were exceeding the permissible limit, whereas Fe, Co, Pb, and Zn were found within the limit of WHO/USEPA at station 1. In station 2, Cd (16.5 ± 0.4 μg/g), Mn (0.67 ± 0.11 μg/g), and Cr (0.80 ± 0.01 μg/g) were exceeding the permissible limit, whereas Fe, Co, Pb, Ni, and Zn were found within the limit. This study emphasizes that Cd and Mn levels in both stations, are far higher than the acceptable values set by WHO/USEPA and may therefore present human health hazards. It is therefore mandatory to carry out extensive research to evaluate the possible environmental risk factors in the vicinity of both estuaries with respect to heavy metalss.
Https://jehse.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/2052-336X-11-33
--------------------------------------
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Location; Bay of Bengal
Coastal Pollution
| ||||||||||
|
http://iomenvis.nic.in/index2.aspx?slid=60&sublinkid=25&langid=1&mid=1
--------------------------------------
Vulnerability of the Bay of Bengal
to Ocean Acidification
2015
https://portals.iucn.org/library/sites/library/files/documents/2015-049.pdf
---------------------------------------
Waste dump threatens Arabian Gulf
June 2009
Marine
life in danger as desalination plants from the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain,
Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iran pour chemicals into the sea.
Dubai: Every time desalination plants dump tons of brine carrying chemicals into the Arabian Gulf, sea temperatures rise by 10 degrees Celsius, according to researchers.
More than 12 million cubic metres of sea water, equivalent to 4,800 Olympic swimming pools, are desalinated daily in this region.
The UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iran have 120 desalination plants between them. These plants flush nearly 24 tons of chlorine, 65 tons of algae-harming antiscalants used to descale pipes, and around 300kg of copper into the Arabian Gulf every day.
This chemical mixture is affecting seabed organisms and making its way up the food chain. Researchers say the Arabian Gulf is the water body most threatened by desalination.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF03179939
---------------------------------
MARINE POLLUTION IN THE INDIAN OCEAN - PROBLEMS, PROSPECTS
AND PERSPECTIVES
1988
http://aquaticcommons.org/15985/1/JIFA18_333.pdf
--------------------------------------------
Marine Ecosystem Diversity in the Arabian Gulf: Threats and Conservation
May 14, 2014https://www.intechopen.com/books/biodiversity-the-dynamic-balance-of-the-planet/marine-ecosystem-diversity-in-the-arabian-gulf-threats-and-conservation
---------------
Chemical pollution linked to infection, bladder cancer
Jan 14, 2014
NEW DELHI: The unchecked discharge of chemical waste into Yamuna from industries in Haryana is threatening to wash away the gains made by Delhi over a decade after industrial units in the city were closed or relocated. Experts say the pollutants are causing water toxicity and illnesses associated with it.
Gastrointestinal infections, typhoid, anemia, kidney and liver damage are some of the common health problems associated with chemical pollutants. Doctors say high levels of amine, a derivative of ammonia, is known to cause urinary bladder cancer.
"There is no anecdotal evidence or data to prove this. But clinical experience shows there has been increase in gastrointestinal infections and nerve issues that are caused due to ingestion of chemicals such as ammonia, lead and arsenic," said Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, senior consultant internal medicine at Apollo hospitals. He said urgent measures are required to check the discharge of chemical pollutants in the supply chain, including municipal waste.
Dr P K Julka, clinical oncologist at AIIMS, said, "Chemicals such as amines are considered carcinogenic. High levels of these toxins in drinking water can cause urinary bladder cancer in users."
Doctors say boiling water before drinking can reduce infection risk but industrial waste contains harmful chemicals which cannot be removed even by treatment plants.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Chemical-pollution-linked-to-infection-bladder-cancer/articleshow/28803967.cms
------------------------------
Cutting Out Textile Pollution
October 19, 2015
Cleaning up one of the world’s dirtiest industries will require new technology and more
2012, more than half of India’s $1.25 billion worth of textile exports to the U.S. came from the southern city of Tiruppur. While the business has brought economic benefits, its environmental and social costs are many. Downstream of Tiruppur and its more than 300 textile factories, the Noyyal River has become foamy and discolored. Pollution from this industry is blamed for causing illness among local people and sapping the productivity of nearby farms.
http://cen.acs.org/articles/93/i41/Cutting-Textile-Pollution.html
------------------------------
The legal framework to manage chemical pollution in India and the lesson from the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).
2014 Aug
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24907609
--------------------------------
ISRO’s New Nano Satellite Will Monitor Air Pollution in Indian Cities
2015https://www.thebetterindia.com/46789/scientists-isro-satellite-pollution-delhi-lucknow-amritsar-allahabad/
---------------------------------
IIT-Roorkee study says odd-even didn’t dent Delhi’s air pollution
February 20, 2016
https://epic.uchicago.edu/news-events/news/iit-roorkee-study-says-odd-even-didn%E2%80%99t-dent-delhi%E2%80%99s-air-pollution
---------------------------------
Mumbai is the fifth most polluted megacity in the world, says WHO
May 13, 2016
Mumbai: In an indication of the very poor health of the city's air, Mumbai has been declared by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as the fifth most polluted megacity in the world in terms of PM 10 (coarse pollution particles) levels. The city is 39 on the list of most polluted in terms of PM 2.5 (fine, particulate matter) among 122 Indian cities monitored by the WHO. Navi Mumbai and Thane are 36th and 87th.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Mumbai-is-the-fifth-most-polluted-megacity-in-the-world-says-WHO/articleshow/52248695.cms
----------------------------------
Municipal solid waste management in India: From waste disposal to recovery of resources?
March 2009
Abstract
Unlike
that of western countries, the solid waste of Asian cities is often
comprised of 70-80% organic matter, dirt and dust. Composting is
considered to be the best option to deal with the waste generated.
Composting helps reduce the waste transported to and disposed of in
landfills. During the course of the research, the author learned that
several developing countries established large-scale composting plants
that eventually failed for various reasons. The main flaw that led to
the unsuccessful establishment of the plants was the lack of application
of simple scientific methods to select the material to be composted.
Landfills have also been widely unsuccessful in countries like India
because the landfill sites have a very limited time frame of usage. The
population of the developing countries is another factor that
detrimentally impacts the function of landfill sites. As the population
keeps increasing, the garbage quantity also increases, which, in turn,
exhausts the landfill sites. Landfills are also becoming increasingly
expensive because of the rising costs of construction and operation.
Incineration, which can greatly reduce the amount of incoming municipal
solid waste, is the second most common method for disposal in developed
countries. However, incinerator ash may contain hazardous materials
including heavy metals and organic compounds such as dioxins, etc.
Recycling plays a large role in solid waste management, especially in
cities in developing countries. None of the three methods mentioned here
are free from problems. The aim of this study is thus to compare the
three methods, keeping in mind the costs that would be incurred by the
respective governments, and identify the most economical and best option
possible to combat the waste disposal problem.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18829290
----------------------------
Garbage mafia gives rise to 100 illegal dumping sites in Bengaluru
The city has at least 100 illegal garbage dumping sites, thanks to the flourishing contractor mafia that has subverted all efforts towards effective management of solid waste, a study by the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (Atree) has revealed.
http://integratedwasteresources.net/garbage-mafia-gives-rise-to100-illegal-dumping-sites-in-bengaluru/
------------------------------------------------
India Says No to Apple’s Plan of “Dumping” Used iPhones in the Country
May 30, 2016
Tim Cook made a long trip to India to make the country approve of some of Apple’s growth plans in India. However, despite Cook’s meeting with the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government has officially rejected Apple’s application to sell refurbished iPhones in the country.
http://wccftech.com/india-says-no-to-apple-dumping-used-phones-in-the-country/
-----------------------------------------------
Illegal dumping of waste by oil tanker causes untold environmental damage in Fujairah
March 15, 2017
Tanker crews are known to
surreptitiously clear out their fuel areas at night in international
waters to avoid charges in port, a shipping industry source said, while
an environmentalist said the spill came at the worst possible time.
https://www.thenational.ae/uae/environment/illegal-dumping-of-waste-by-oil-tanker-causes-untold-environmental-damage-in-fujairah-1.86991
--------------------------------------------------
E-waste in India
http://rajyasabha.nic.in/rsnew/publication_electronic/E-Waste_in_india.pdf
---------------------------------------------
Environmental Management of Industrial Hazardous
Wastes in India
2006
http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc
/download;jsessionid=0648D8EA46DA6F4966EA01DEC6A36A94?doi=10.1.1.602.1784&rep=rep1&type=pdf
--------------------------------------------
By Order of the Court: Environmental Cleanup in India
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1257623/
----------------------------------------------
e-waste, an environmental, health hazard
Jul 31, 2015
VISAKHAPATNAM: Walk into any home, office or warehouse and you can be sure to come across electronic junk or old, disused electronic gadgets such as cell phones, electric lamps, tape-recorders, radios, iPods and stereos, CDs, DVDs, batteries, even old TV and computers, fax machines and so on. Unlike kitchen and household waste, which is discarded daily, e-waste accumulates and clutters homes and offices till they are improperly disposed of, harming and polluting the environment.
With the IT revolution as well as industrial and technological advancements, e-waste began being generated mostly in the last two-three decades, especially in India, which has emerged as one of the major hubs of e-waste next to China.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/e-waste-an-environmental-health-hazard/articleshow/48289599.cms
---------------------------------------------
How burning rubbish at garbage landfills are injurious to health
February 8, 2016
Garbage dumped here is often mixed waste – with paper, plastic containers, bottles, cans and at times electronic goods.
Just why managing waste efficiently needs immediate answers and lasting solutions is evident from the fire at Mumbai’s Deonar dumping ground that took nearly 10 days to be controlled. Days after the blaze, the smoke billowing from the mounds of trash has been a health hazard with the civic body shutting down 74 schools and the Out Patient Department of several private and government dispensaries witnessing a rise in the number of patients suffering from throat irritation and other respiratory issues.
Garbage dumped here is often mixed waste – with paper, plastic containers, bottles, cans and at times electronic goods. Moreover when it accumulates with decomposable wastes from food, dead animals, construction debris and even industrial waste then it is definitely a serious health concern.
Burning even small amounts of plastic and rubber releases chemicals that are unsafe, reveals Dr Hemant Purohit, Deputy Director of National Environment Engineering Research Institute (NEERI). Open burning is an inefficient combustion process that releases significant amounts of air pollutants and ash, and dense white or black smoke, the scientist explained.
The air contaminants released depend on the material being burned and the conditions of the fire. The smoke may include aldehydes, acids, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dioxins, furans, other organics and volatilised heavy metals. For example, treated wood wastes may release arsenic, PVC plastics may release hydrogen chloride, wood painted with lead-based paints may release lead and such, adds Pradeep Mulay, founder of PASSCO Environmental Solutions Limited.
The ash from the waste may be contaminated with toxic chemicals such as dioxins and furans, PAH’s, heavy metals and other potentially carcinogenic compounds. Some of the ash will be carried off into the atmosphere with the smoke plume while the rest will remain behind after the fire has been extinguished. The air quality is largely affected and pollutants like particulate matter PM 10 and PM 2.5 remain suspended in the air. Inhaling particulate matter 2.5 (very fine particles) are even more dangerous than PM 10 as they directly enter the lungs, NEERI scientists explained.
The greatest health risk from the open burning of garbage at a waste disposal ground is for those closest to the fire who may inhale the smoke.
Other individuals on-site and off-site may also be affected, depending on factors such as the distance to the fire, exposure duration, amount and type of material burned, individual sensitivity, points Dr Dilip Sarda, former President of Indian Medical Association (IMA), Maharashtra.
The pollutants are all toxic to humans depending on their concentration and may cause irritation, skin and respiratory problems. Some are carcinogenic. Those individuals with respiratory problems such as asthma or with allergies may be even more sensitive to the smoke, he explained.
http://indianexpress.com/article/explained/how-burning-rubbish-at-garbage-landfills-are-injurious-to-health/
---------------------------------------------
Environmental issues in India
Contents
- 1 Law and policies
- 2 Possible causes
- 3 Major issues
- 4 See also
- 5 References
- 6 Further reading
- 7 External links
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_issues_in_India
---------------------------------------------
Paradise lost on Maldives' rubbish island
2 January 2009
It may be known as a tropical paradise, an archipelago of 1,200 coral islands in the Indian Ocean. But the traditional image of the Maldives hides a dirty secret: the world's biggest rubbish island.
A few miles and a short boat ride from the Maldivian capital, Malé, Thilafushi began life as a reclamation project in 1992. The artificial island was built to solve Malé's refuse problem. But today, with more than 10,000 tourists a week in the Maldives adding their waste, the rubbish island now covers 50 hectares (124 acres).
So much is being deposited that the island is growing at a square metre a day. There are more than three dozen factories, a mosque and homes for 150 Bangladeshi migrants who sift through the mounds of refuse beneath palm-fringed streets.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2009/jan/03/maldives-thilafushi-rubbish-landfill-pollution
------------------------------------------------
Challenges and opportunities associated with waste management in India
http://rsos.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/4/3/160764
-------------------------------------------------
Hospital Waste Management and Environmental Problems in India
Abstract
The
main purpose of this paper is to give a view of the hospital waste
management and environmental problem in India. The objective of this
study is to analyze the health care waste management system, including
practices and compliances. Most countries of the world, especially the
developing countries, are facing the grim situation arising out of
environmental pollution due to pathological waste arising from
increasing populations and the consequent rapid growth in the number of
hospital units. In India, there are about 6 lakhs hospital beds, over
23,000 primary health centers, more than 15,000 small and private
hospitals. In India, the Biomedical Waste (Management and Handling)
Rules 1998 make it mandatory for hospitals, clinics, and other medical
and veterinary institutes to dispose of bio medical wastes strictly
according to the rules. The few studies on bio medical waste management
from India have established that hospitals did not manage health care
waste properly. The hospital waste management sector market revenue
(2008) is 8% of the total waste management revenue in India expected
growth in next 5-6 years is around 20%.There are many institutions which
pollute the environment but recently the ignored field which produce
the pollution by way of hospital wastes and attracts the attention of
the environmentalists are the hospitals, dispensaries, medical shops,
medical clinics of doctors and other paramedical staff. Safe handling,
segregation, storage, subsequent destruction and disposal of hospital
waste ensure mitigation and minimization of the concerned health risks
involved through contact with the potentially hazardous material, and
also in the prevention of environmental contamination. Mismanagement of
health care waste disposal cause dangerous infection and posses a
potential threat to the surrounding environment, persons handling it and
to the public. In the past, medical waste was often mixed with
household waste and disposed of in municipal solid waste landfills. In
recent years, increased public concerns over the improper disposal of
health care waste have led to a movement to regulate the waste more
systematically and stringently by the Indian government. Waste
minimization and recycling are still not well promoted, which results in
significant amounts.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/268433469_Hospital_Waste_Management_and_Environmental_Problems_in_India
------------------------------------------------
Observations from India’s Crisis
December 2012
http://www.d-waste.com/new-infographics/item/135-observations-from-india-s-crisis.html
----------------------------------
Targeting Illegal Mining in India’s Forests
November 6, 2014
Namati’s Kanchi Kohli explains how public interest litigation finally forced the authorities to act against illegal iron ore mines in the forests of Odisha.
https://namati.org/news/targeting-illegal-mining-in-indias-forests/
--------------------------------------------------
Groundwater turning toxic with sewage
Sep 19, 2015
HYDERABAD: The recent spate of moderate to heavy rains in the city may have boosted the groundwater levels by at least half a metre, but a new report reveals that the water thus recharged is highly contaminated with fluorides, nitrates and large quantities of iron.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/pollution/Groundwater-turning-toxic-with-sewage/articleshow/49020804.cms
--------------------------
Groundwater quality problems due to underground petrol tank leakage
2008-02-08
We are trying to determine how ground water quality is affected by underground petrol tank leakage in India, particularly MBTE leakage. Any information on regulation of petrol tanks at petrol stations and frequency of insepection would be appreciated
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/questions/groundwater-quality-problems-due-underground-petrol-tank-leakage---------------------------------
Bottled water for Rs. 12/ : Can the environment afford it ?
2008-11-15
An average trekker leaves behind approximately 100,000 kgs of water bottles per year. During average trekking of a week , trekker drinks up to 50 litres of water. Each trekker leaves behind 50 PET bottles along the track. PET bottles can take 1,000 years to biodegrade. Nine out of 10 water bottles end up as garbage or litter, and that means millions per day. PET bottles require massive amounts of fossil fuels to manufacture and transport, leaving behind carbon foot prints. Billions of bottles show up at landfills every year. The entire energy costs of the lifecycle of a bottle of water are equivalent, on average, to filling up 250 ml of each bottle with oil. "Making bottles to meet Americans' demand for bottled water requires more than 1.5 million barrels of oil annually, enough to fuel some 100,000 US cars for a year," according to the study. "Worldwide, some 2.7 million tons of plastic are used to bottle water each year."
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/bottled-water-rs-12-can-environment-afford-it
---------------------------------
India Water Portal
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/news?page=1061
-----------------
Water quality assessment of Chenab river and its tributaries in Jammu Kashmir (India) based on WQI
June 2016
An assessment of the water quality has been carried out to explore the water quality index (WQI) of Chenab river and its tributaries in Jammu Kashmir (India). Fourteen water samples from Chenab river and its tributaries at various locations were collected and analyzed for physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters. Nine parameters i.e. BOD, DO, fecal coliforms, nitrate, pH, temperature change, TDS, total phosphate and turbidity were considered for calculating the WQI based on National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) information system. The WQI showed good water quality, except Bichleri stream water indicating that water of Chenab river and its tributaries are least polluted and is suitable for drinking after conventional treatment. The WQI rating of Bichleri stream water is medium as it carries wastewater and may not be useful for domestic use without treatment.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40899-016-0046-7
----------------------------------
Impact of sewage on physico-chemical water quality of Tawi River in Jammu city.
May 27, 2017
http://www.alliedacademies.org/articles/impact-of-sewage-on-physicochemical-water-quality-of-tawi-river-in-jammu-city.html
----------------------------------
Changes in Physico-chemical Parameters at different Sites of Manasbal Lake of Kashmir, India
2015
https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/changes-in-physicochemical-parameters-at-different-sites-of-manasballake-of-kashmir-india-2150-3508-1000148.php?aid=65486
---------------------------------
Global invasive species database (India)
242 invasive species found
http://issg.org/database/species/search.asp?st=sss&sn=&rn=India&ri=19429&hci=-1&ei=-1&fr=1&sts=&lang=EN
--------------------------------
India Knows Its Invasive Species Problem But This Is Why Nobody Can Deal With it Properly
In 2001, economists pegged the costs of damages caused by invasive species to agriculture and forestry at about $91 billion a year in India alone.
https://thewire.in/86078/invasive-species-prosopis-lantana/
---------------------------------
Jammu and Kashmir High Court orders removal of Russian poplar trees
08 June 2015
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has recently issued another order asking for removal ofRussian poplars across the Kashmir valley. Responding to the order, the state government, on June 7, said that "the order will take time to be implemented".The pollen seeds of these trees are said to cause respiratory problems.
Russian poplars
During summers, populous deltoids—female poplar—sheds a cotton-like material carrying seeds that cause allergy and aggravate respiratory disorders. This cotton has become an irritant in the recent past for the locals as well as tourists.
The name “Russian poplar” is a misnomer and has nothing to do with Russia. The variety of poplar trees was introduced in Kashmir in 1982from the US. Locally called as Russi Frass, the species takes less time (10-15 years) to grow, as compared to the Kashmir poplar that takes 30-40 years. However, experts say that the Kashmiri Poplar is harmless.
Due to their high yield, poplars are intensively used inthe timber and construction industry. However, due to cotton-like seeds that the species produces, it has become a pressing problem for the Valley. “It certainly aggravates respiratory diseases, the cotton-like substance is an irritant that causes allergies,” says Parvaiz Sajjad Shah, a doctor who treats lung patients in north Kashmir. “The irritation caused by the pollen results in running nose, red and watery eyes,” he adds.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/groundwater-quality-studies-jammu-and-kathua-districts-jammu-and-kashmir-research-report
----------------------------------
Soil microbiological indices of polluted soils of industrial belts of Jammu, India
2014
https://www.ijcmas.com/vol-3-1/Mansoor%20Ali%20and%20A.K.%20Bhat.pdf
----------------------------------
The US Has Indicted a Ukrainian Oligarch for Bribing Indian Officials. Why is Modi’s CBI Not Acting?
2017
Dmytro Firtash, accused of orchestrating bribes worth $18.5 million to Indian officials, has argued that the charges against him should be dismissed because the Indian government is not pursuing criminal charges.
https://thewire.in/148764/firtash-asks-court-dismiss-charges-andhra-pradesh-mining-scam/
----------------------------------
Clays and clay minerals in Bikaner: Sources, environment pollution and management
May 2016
http://aip.scitation.org/doi/pdf/10.1063/1.4946628
----------------------------------
GROUND WATER INFORMATION BIKANER DISTRICT RAJASTHAN
2013
http://www.cgwb.gov.in/District_Profile/Rajasthan/Bikaner.pdf
----------------------------------
Chemical analysis of ground water of Sanganer area, Jaipur in Rajasthan.
2004
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16649596
----------------------------------
A study of physico-chemical characteristics of lakes around Jaipur, India.
2009
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20143724
----------------------------------
Emission of Atmospheric Pollutants during IOCL-Sitapur, Jaipur fire 2009, India
2013
http://www.isca.in/rjcs/Archives/v3/i7/11.ISCA-RJCS-2013-104.pdf
----------------------------------
Monitoring of Heavy Metal in Textile Waste Water of
Sanganer, Jaipur (Rajasthan)
2014
http://www.ijsrp.org/research-paper-0314/ijsrp-p2792.pdf
----------------------------------
Study of bio-physico-chemical parameters of Mothron
wala swamp, Dehradun (Uttarakhand)
2007
http://jeb.co.in/journal_issues/200805_may08/paper_20.pdf
----------------------------------
Bacterial contamination in water affects more than half of Chennai
2012-10-09
First, water tax and now, water purifiers - how will the lower income group afford quality drinking water?
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/bacterial-contamination-water-affects-more-half-chennai
----------------------------------
Environmental Impacts of Tourism in Kullu-Manali complex in North Western Himalaya, India. Part 1: The Adverse Impacts
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/237448071_Environmental_Impacts_of_Tourism_in_Kullu-Manali_complex_in_North_Western_Himalaya_India_Part_1_The_Adverse_Impacts
----------------------------------
Top 10 polluted cities of India
https://www.mapsofindia.com/top-ten/polluted-cities-in-india.html
--------------------------
The Nanda Devi mystery
Fifty years after deadly plutonium was lost on India’s second highest mountain, the enigma continues
http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/3QfYqLadggrbnrn41H0mAJ/The-Nanda-Devi-mystery.html
----------------------
Chemical Characteristics of Rain Water at an Industrial City of Western India
https://www.rroij.com/open-access/chemical-characteristics-of-rain-water-at-anindustrial-city-of-western-india-.php?aid=47930
----------------------------------
Why the Indian Ocean’s little-known humpback dolphins need protection
Apr, 2016
There are fewer than 1,000 Indian Ocean humpback dolphins left off South Africa’s coast. This makes it one of south and east Africa’s most endangered marine mammals. Research on how fast this species has declined in the past decade is still ongoing.
The Indian Ocean humpback dolphin is listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as vulnerable. The total population is estimated to be 10,000. This is very low compared with, for example, the population size of the long-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus capensis), which ranges into the hundreds of thousands.
https://theconversation.com/why-the-indian-oceans-little-known-humpback-dolphins-need-protection-57908
-------------------------
After 400 Million Years, Coelacanth at Risk of Extinction
March 4, 2015
It
may have hidden in the ocean for millions of years, but life today
poses numerous challenges for the West Indian Ocean coelacanth
(Latimeria chalumnae), the "living fossil" fish that was famously
rediscovered off the coast of South Africa in 1938.
It may have hidden in the ocean for millions of years, but life today poses numerous challenges for the West Indian Ocean coelacanth (Latimeria chalumnae), the “living fossil” fish that was famously rediscovered off the coast of South Africa in 1938. The few areas in which the fish still swim face destruction from new port construction while the coelacanths themselves risk being caught up in fishing nets intended for sharks. Even climate change poses a new risk for the species.
https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/extinction-countdown/after-400-million-years-coelacanth-at-risk-of-extinction/
-------------------------------------
Marine turtle status and conservation in the Indian Ocean
Abstract
This paper reviews the status and distribution of sea turtles in the Indian Ocean and
Southeast Asia, with a brief account of populations and stocks. There is a summary of threats,
legal instruments and conservation approaches, principally in south and Southeast Asia. The
paper also provides a series of annexes on fishing effort primarily in south Asia, as an
indicator of fishing effort in the region. Lack of complete data sets for the region is identified
as a major lacuna that has to be addressed to enable informed management decisions.
INTRODUCTION
Six species of marine turtle are found in the Indian Ocean: the green turtle (Chelonia mydas), the hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), the loggerhead (Caretta caretta), the olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), the leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) and the flatback
(Natator depressus). The olive ridley, green turtle and loggerhead are listed as endangered in
the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, while the hawksbill and the leatherback are listed
as critically endangered at a global level, and the flatback is listed as data deficient. Marine
turtle populations in the Indian Ocean have been depleted through long-term exploitation of
eggs and adults, incidental capture (fisheries bycatch) and many other sources of mortality.
ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/007/y5750e/Y5750E02.pdf
----------------------------------
Indian Ocean yellow-nosed mollymawk
Thalassarche carteri (Rothschild, 1903)
This small black-and-white mollymawk is one of the most endangered albatross species due to the number of birds caught and drowned on hooks set in commercial longline fisheries, globally. It has an estimated global population of 41,580 pairs, equating to perhaps more than 160,000 individuals in all age classes. One or two pairs breed in the New Zealand region, at The Pyramid in the Chatham Islands. Solitary or gregarious at sea in the Indian Ocean, they follow fishing vessels in large numbers to scavenge discarded fish offal, and feed on fish, squid and crustaceans. Outside the breeding season most birds disperse to seas off southern Africa and Australia, as far east as the Tasman Sea and north-eastern New Zealand waters.
http://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/indian-ocean-yellow-nosed-mollymawk------------------------------------
OFFSHORE FISHERIES OF THE SOUTHWEST INDIAN OCEAN: their status and the impact on vulnerable species
http://www.seaworld.org.za/uploads/files/Ch12-vulnerable_teleosts.pdf
----------------------------------------
A new critically endangered species of Angraecum (Orchidaceae) endemic to the island of Mauritius, Indian Ocean
Angraecum jeannineanum, a new species endemic to Mauritius, is described and its ecology and conservation status are discussed. Angraecum jeannineanum differs from A. cadetii, which is the morphologically most closely related species, as follows: (i) leaves are smaller, thicker and darker green, (ii) inflorescences and flowers are thinner and smaller, (iii) flowers are more greenish and non-fleshy. Angraecum jeannineanum belongs to Angraecum section Hadrangis, endemic to the Mascarenes, which also includes A. bracteosum, A. cadetii and A. striatum. An updated key for the section is provided. The species should be considered as Critically Endangered (CR) according to the Red List Criteria of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This assessment is based on the highly restricted species distribution, small population size, and habitat sustaining degradation by invasive alien plants and animals.
https://biotaxa.org/Phytotaxa/article/view/phytotaxa.222.3.4
----------------------------------------
Shocking Undercover Scenes: Illegal Animal Trade - Indian Ocean With Simon Reeve - BBC
May, 2014
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BodUHLH_UcY
----------------------------------------
Endangered medicinal species of the Indian Ocean: radical need for conservation.
July 2009
Life originated in the Oceans, which are also the most fertile source of chemically distinctive natural products that are mainly accumulated in living organisms. Several of these compounds show pharmacological activities, and are helpful for the invention and discovery of bioactive compounds, primarily for several fatal diseases. The Indian Ocean is home to several exotic species of flora and fauna. Several environmental and man-made factors are responsible for deterioration of several precious biodiversity areas of the Ocean. The author, while highlighting the medicinal importance of these organisms, underlines the need for comprehensive conservatory measures on the part of the international community to be taken in order to maintain the rich Oceanic biodiversity.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19623561
----------------------------------------
Impacts of mass coral die-off on Indian Ocean reefs revealed
February 20, 2017
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/02/170220190632.htm
-----------------------------------------------
Saving Endangered Dugongs of the Western Indian Ocean
http://www.cms.int/dugong/en/news/saving-endangered-dugongs-western-indian-ocean
------------------------------------------------
Scalloped hammerhead shark
The scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini) is a globally endangered shark species that
has been seriously overfished, primarily for its fins, in targeted and incidental fisheries
throughout its range. Great hammerheads (Sphyrna mokarran) and smooth hammerheads
(Sphyrna zygaena) resemble scalloped hammerheads and face similar threats. The fins
of these three species are often combined in the international shark fin trade. Strong
demand for fins continues to drive targeted and incidental take of hammerheads that is
largely unregulated. CITES Appendix II listing is warranted to facilitate compliance with
relevant fishing restrictions and establishment of science-based export limits, thereby
complementing national and regional efforts toward recovery and sustainable use.
Distribution
The scalloped hammerhead shark occurs in coastal
warm, temperate, and tropical seas around the world. [India]
http://www.sharkadvocates.org/cites_4sharks_hammerhead_fact_sheet.pdf
----------------------------------------------
Introduced mammals on Western Indian Ocean islands
April 2016
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2351989415300469
------------------------------------------------
25 Endangered Marine Species Activists Are Too Busy To Care About
http://awesomeocean.com/top-stories/25-endangered-marine-species/
------------------------------------------------
THE BRITISH INDIAN OCEAN TERRITORY
MARINE PROTECTED AREA (BIOT MPA)
Created in 2010, the BIOT MPA is one of the
largest MPAs in the world and protects over
1% of all the world’s coral reefs.
Commercial fishing is forbidden over this area
of 640,000 km2 of the Indian Ocean and the
MPA provides a safe haven for some 310 coral
species, 821 fish, and 355 species of molluscs.
It is a home for species found no-where else in
the world, such as the Chagos brain coral and
the Chagos anemone fish.
It safeguards endangered species, including
important populations of green and hawksbill
turtles, sharks, rays and rare reef fish.
It protects critical seabird populations, including
the only increasing populations of red-footed
and brown booby in the Indian Ocean.
Reef fish here are on average six times more
abundant than at any other location in the
Indian Ocean.
largest MPAs in the world and protects over
1% of all the world’s coral reefs.
Commercial fishing is forbidden over this area
of 640,000 km2 of the Indian Ocean and the
MPA provides a safe haven for some 310 coral
species, 821 fish, and 355 species of molluscs.
It is a home for species found no-where else in
the world, such as the Chagos brain coral and
the Chagos anemone fish.
It safeguards endangered species, including
important populations of green and hawksbill
turtles, sharks, rays and rare reef fish.
It protects critical seabird populations, including
the only increasing populations of red-footed
and brown booby in the Indian Ocean.
Reef fish here are on average six times more
abundant than at any other location in the
Indian Ocean.
http://biot.gov.io/wp-content/uploads/BIOT-Invasive-Species-Leaflet.pdf
---------------------
Insects - India's endangered
http://indiasendangered.com/tag/insects-2/
---------------------
Red list has 132 species of plants, animals from India
June 21, 2012
The Red list of threatened species, prepared by the International
Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), has listed 132 species of
plants and animals as Critically Endangered, the most threatened
category, from India.
Plants seemed to be the most threatened life form with 60 species being listed as Critically Endangered and 141 as Endangered.
The Critically Endangered list included 18 species of amphibians, 14 fishes and 10 mammals. There are also 15 bird species in the category. The agency listed 310 species as Endangered ones, including 69 fishes, 38 mammals and 32 amphibians. Two plant species were reported to be extinct in the wild, including the Euphorbia mayuranthanii of Kerala. A leaf frog species and six plants were recorded as extinct, according to the latest assessment.
Of the total 63,837 species globally assessed, the IUCN classified 3,947 as Critically Endangered, 81 as Extinct, 63 as Extinct in the Wild. In the lower risk categories, there were 5766 species in Endangered, 10,104 in Vulnerable and 4,467 in Near Threatened categories. Scientific data regarding 10,497 species was not available and hence classified as Data Deficient, the report said.
The threat level of as many as seven Indian bird species had increased in the last one year, say experts.
According to the latest figures, 15 species of Indian birds, including the great Indian bustard, Siberian crane and sociable lapwing are there in the list of Critically Endangered birds. In the lower risk categories, the agency included 14 bird species as Endangered and 51 as vulnerable ones.
Compared to the previous year, the conservation status of Baer's Pochard had been uplisted to the Critically Endangered from the Endangered and the Long-tailed Duck to Vulnerable from the Least Concerned, said P.O. Nameer, South Asian coordinator, in situ, Conservation Breeding Specialist Group, Species Survival Commission of the IUCN.
This year, Saker Falcon has been listed as Endangered against the previous year's rating of Vulnerable. The threat perspective faced by the River Lapwing resulted in its classification as the Near-Threatened from the earlier Least Concerned. River Tern, a wetland-dependent species found in Kerala among other places has been moved to the Near-Threatened category from the Least concern and Black-bellied Tern to the Endangered from the Near-threatened in the latest list, Dr. Nameer said.
Sinhoe's Storm-petrel, which was first sighted in India in Chavakad last year, has also been classified as the Near-Threatened. Last year, the species was classified as the Least concerned, he said.
Fishes of Kerala
Four fish species from Kerala, including the Pookode Lake Barb and Nilgiri Mystus, are included in the Critically Endangered fishes of India. The agency listed 39 species from Kerala as endangered, including the Periyar Latia, Nilgiri Danio, Cardamom Garra, Periyar Garra and Anamalai Sucker Catfish.
The Imperial White Collared Yellow Catfish, Santhampara Loach, Nilgiri Barb, Hump Backed Mahseer, Periyar Barb and Peninsular Hill Trout are among the endangered fish species of Kerala, according to C.P. Shaji, Principal Scientific Officer of the Kerala State Biodiversity Board.
The number of Critically Endangered species from Kerala has dropped to four from seven of last year whereas the endangered list had gone up to 39 from the 37 of the previous assessment, said Dr. Shaji.
Plants seemed to be the most threatened life form with 60 species being listed as Critically Endangered and 141 as Endangered.
The Critically Endangered list included 18 species of amphibians, 14 fishes and 10 mammals. There are also 15 bird species in the category. The agency listed 310 species as Endangered ones, including 69 fishes, 38 mammals and 32 amphibians. Two plant species were reported to be extinct in the wild, including the Euphorbia mayuranthanii of Kerala. A leaf frog species and six plants were recorded as extinct, according to the latest assessment.
Of the total 63,837 species globally assessed, the IUCN classified 3,947 as Critically Endangered, 81 as Extinct, 63 as Extinct in the Wild. In the lower risk categories, there were 5766 species in Endangered, 10,104 in Vulnerable and 4,467 in Near Threatened categories. Scientific data regarding 10,497 species was not available and hence classified as Data Deficient, the report said.
The threat level of as many as seven Indian bird species had increased in the last one year, say experts.
According to the latest figures, 15 species of Indian birds, including the great Indian bustard, Siberian crane and sociable lapwing are there in the list of Critically Endangered birds. In the lower risk categories, the agency included 14 bird species as Endangered and 51 as vulnerable ones.
Compared to the previous year, the conservation status of Baer's Pochard had been uplisted to the Critically Endangered from the Endangered and the Long-tailed Duck to Vulnerable from the Least Concerned, said P.O. Nameer, South Asian coordinator, in situ, Conservation Breeding Specialist Group, Species Survival Commission of the IUCN.
This year, Saker Falcon has been listed as Endangered against the previous year's rating of Vulnerable. The threat perspective faced by the River Lapwing resulted in its classification as the Near-Threatened from the earlier Least Concerned. River Tern, a wetland-dependent species found in Kerala among other places has been moved to the Near-Threatened category from the Least concern and Black-bellied Tern to the Endangered from the Near-threatened in the latest list, Dr. Nameer said.
Sinhoe's Storm-petrel, which was first sighted in India in Chavakad last year, has also been classified as the Near-Threatened. Last year, the species was classified as the Least concerned, he said.
Fishes of Kerala
Four fish species from Kerala, including the Pookode Lake Barb and Nilgiri Mystus, are included in the Critically Endangered fishes of India. The agency listed 39 species from Kerala as endangered, including the Periyar Latia, Nilgiri Danio, Cardamom Garra, Periyar Garra and Anamalai Sucker Catfish.
The Imperial White Collared Yellow Catfish, Santhampara Loach, Nilgiri Barb, Hump Backed Mahseer, Periyar Barb and Peninsular Hill Trout are among the endangered fish species of Kerala, according to C.P. Shaji, Principal Scientific Officer of the Kerala State Biodiversity Board.
The number of Critically Endangered species from Kerala has dropped to four from seven of last year whereas the endangered list had gone up to 39 from the 37 of the previous assessment, said Dr. Shaji.
http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/red-list-has-132-species-of-plants-animals-from-india/article3551664.ece
----------------------------------
Okhla Bird Sanctuary- safe or under threat
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/news/okhla-bird-sanctuary-safe-or-under-threat
-------------------------------
MONITORING OF RIVER RAM GANGA:PHYSICO-CHEMICALCHARACTERISTIC AT
BAREILLY
2011
http://www.scienceflora.org/journals/index.php/rrst/article/viewFile/708/694
----------------------------------
CORRELATION ANALYSIS OF GROUND WATER QUALITY IN AND AROUND SHAHZAD NAGAR BLOCK OF RAMPUR DISTRICT, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA
2011
http://www.tsijournals.com/articles/correlation-analysis-of-ground-water-quality-in-and-around-shahzad-nagar-block-of-rampur-district-uttar-pradesh-india.pdf
----------------------------------
Spatial-Temporal Monitoring of Groundwater Using Multivariate Statistical Techniques in Bareilly District of Uttar Pradesh, India
2009
https://www.degruyter.com/view/j/johh.2009.57.issue-1/v10098-009-0005-1/v10098-009-0005-1.xml
----------------------------------
Physico-Chemical Studies on the Pollution Potential
of River Kosi at Rampur (India)
2009
http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/files/Kosi_2.pdf
----------------------------------
Pollution in Ramganga: NGT orders central, Uttar Pradesh PCBs to inspect 2 units
May 14, 2017
BAREILLY: Untreated effluents are allegedly being discharged into the Ramganga river through local drains, posing a risk to public health and environment. Hearing a petition, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Friday directed Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) to conduct joint inspection of two plants — Marya Frozen Agro Foods, a slaughterhouse and Camphor & Allied Products, which manufactures fine chemicals.
A Moradabad-based businessman, Anil Kumar Singhal, had filed a petition with the NGT in 2015 claiming that 23 big drains in Moradabad and 10 in Bareilly were discharging untreated sewage into Ramganga.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bareilly/pollution-in-ramganga-ngt-orders-central-state-pcbs-to-inspect-2-units/articleshow/58649820.cms
----------------------------------
STATUS OF GROUND WATER AND MUNICIPAL WATER SUPPLY OF LUCKNOW REGION-
U.P.
2012
http://www.ijpaes.com/admin/php/uploads/246_pdf.pdf
----------------------------------
Delhi gas leak: Pollution body starts probe, container corp put on notice
May 08, 2017
DPCC collects samples to confirm leaked chemical, prepares report. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal too orders a magisterial probe.
The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) is probing the Saturday’s chemical leak in Tughlakabad, which triggered toxic fumes that left 475 schoolchildren sick with breathlessness, eye irritation, nausea and severe headache.According to a Delhi environment department official, DPCC officials have already collected samples from the spill site on Saturday night and they are being tested.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/delhi-chemical-spill-pollution-body-starts-probe-container-corp-put-on-notice/story-JpgEysCrIrhgxJ42FJUR0N.html
----------------------------
Indian political parties gloss over environment
May 9, 2014
WHO confirmed that New Delhi has most polluted air in world, according to data reported by 1,600 cities in 91 countries.
As India faces certain water scarcity and ecological decline, the country’s main political parties campaigning for elections have all but ignored environmental issues seen as crucial to India’s vast rural majority, policy analysts say.
Environmentalists say the omission is alarming given the problems India faces. The World Bank estimates that environmental degradation costs India 5.7 percent of its annual gross domestic product, and causes a quarter of the country’s 1.6 million deaths among children each year.
On Wednesday, the World Health Organization confirmed that India’s capital, New Delhi, has the most polluted air in the world, according to data reported by 1,600 cities in 91 countries.
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/indian-political-parties-gloss-over-environment/
-------------------------------------------------
10 Most Threatened Rivers for Your World Travel Bucket List
Indus River (Pakistan, India and China)
It’s been well-documented how pollution of this 450,000-mile river is negatively affecting the local wildlife, particularly the dwindling number of endangered Indus River dolphins. What hasn’t been quite so greatly publicized is the fact that, even though the source of the Indus, the Tibetan Plateau, is melting at an alarming rate, many traditional Pakistani farmers are facing historically low levels of irrigated water. Local government suggests that the best way to adjust to the ongoing climate changes is by adopting water-smart farming techniques.
https://greenglobaltravel.com/10_most_threatened_rivers_world_travel_bucket_list/
-------------------------------------------------------------
Up to their necks in it
Despite good laws and even better intentions, India causes as much pollution as any rapidly industrialising poor country
Jul 17th 2008
http://www.economist.com/node/11751397
-----------------------------------------
What It Takes to Clean the Ganges
More than a billion gallons of waste enter the river every day. Can India’s controversial Prime Minister save it?
Indian governments have been trying to clean up the Ganges for thirty years. Official estimates of the amount spent on this effort vary widely, from six hundred million dollars to as much as three billion dollars; every attempt has been undone by corruption and apathy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, elected in May of 2014, is the latest to try. Modi and his Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, or B.J.P., campaigned on promises of transforming India into a prosperous, vibrant modern society, a nation of bullet trains, solar farms, “smart cities,” and transparent government. Central to Modi’s vision is the Clean India Mission—Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. He insists that rapid economic development and raising millions of people out of poverty need not come at the cost of dead rivers and polluted air. So far, however, the most striking feature of his energy policy has been the rapid acceleration of coal mining and of coal-fired power plants. In many cities, the air quality is hazardous, causing half a million premature deaths each year.https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/07/25/what-it-takes-to-clean-the-ganges
----------------------------------------------
Barak on list of most polluted rivers
Silchar, June 28: Barak river, the
second largest river in Assam, has earned a dubious distinction: it is
one of the 37 most polluted rivers in the country. And Silchar has been
identified as the single-largest source of the pollutants draining into
the river.
The river ' which springs
from the Saramati Hills at a point south of Mao on Kohima-Imphal highway
and winds its way through its 902 km course till it merges with the
Meghna in Bangladesh ' has been found to be highly polluted by the
Central Pollution Control Board during a recent survey on on behalf of
the Ganga Project Directorate.
Water
samples were collected from select sites on the highly polluted 20-km
stretch of the river near this town and scrutinised against 20 basic
parametres to test the quality of water.
The tests revealed the presence of an alarming level of bacteriological contaminants in the water samples.
The
survey traced the presence of the lethal coliform bacteria (both total
and faecal) in the samples between 1,500 maximum possible number (MPN)
per 100 ml and 1,10,000 MPN per 100 ml in June. The excess coliform
spawns a wide spectrum of ailments such as diarrhoea, cholera and
hepatitis.
Kamal Kalyan Dutta, an
enviromental engineer with the state Pollution Control Board, said such
high presence of coliform was a cause for alarm as the tolerance limit
of such pollutants is 50 MPN per 100 ml.
The
93-page report on the level of pollution in the Barak river system has
identified this burgeoning town in south Assam as the biggest single
source of pollutants disgorged into the river by way of the multifarious
human activities and human metabolism system. The report has found the
untreated sewage, household wastes, commercial solid wastes and
untreated water to be the most active contaminants.
The
report holds the absence of underground or covered drainage and
sewerage system at this town responsible for the high level of pollution
of the Barak river.
According to an
official document, as much as 50 tonnes of both organic and inorganic
garbage is generated each day in this town alone, and much of these flow
into the river. Added to this is nearly 8,000 kilolitres of urban
wastewater which drain into the river daily.
The
PCB has recommended setting up a network of underground sewerage
pipelines in the urban and populated areas along the severely-polluted
stretch of the Barak for collecting the garbage in a centralised system
and then subjecting it to proper treatment.
------------------------------------------------------
Western Uttar Pradesh rivers among most polluted in India
January 10, 2010
Six rivers in western Uttar Pradesh figure among the most polluted in India.
A
study conducted by the World Water Monitoring Day Organisation (WWMDO)
has termed the condition in Hindon, Krishni, Kali East, Kali West,
Dhamola and Yamuna as "deadly alarming". The WWMDO was jointly set up by
the World Environment Federation (WEF), USA, and the International
Water Association (IWA) of the Netherlands.
The WEF and IWA are analysing the purity of water in rivers across the world under a project started in 2007. The project is likely to be completed by 2012.
In western UP, the study was conducted in Meerut, Ghaziabad, Bulandshahr, Muzaffarnagar, Baghpat, Gautam Budh Nagar, Etah, Aligarh and Agra.
Children from 800 schools were roped in for the project.
"We collected more than 70 samples from the rivers between June and November 2009. The results were alarming and eye-opening. We never expected pollution at such levels," said Raman Tyagi, project coordinator of Neer Foundation, the NGO that the WWMD entrusted with the study.
Turbidity, dissolved oxygen, temperature and pH value of water from the rivers were analysed. While turbidity in the rivers was found to be about 100, the Jackson Turbidity Units (JTU), a standard set by the US agencies, was recorded as zero to 40.
The dissolved oxygen at many places along the rivers was found to be nil as per US standards (ideally it should be 0-8 parts per million (ppm).
The pH value was also found to be between 9 and 10 (the US standard is between 6.5 and 7.5).
The WEF and IWA are analysing the purity of water in rivers across the world under a project started in 2007. The project is likely to be completed by 2012.
In western UP, the study was conducted in Meerut, Ghaziabad, Bulandshahr, Muzaffarnagar, Baghpat, Gautam Budh Nagar, Etah, Aligarh and Agra.
Children from 800 schools were roped in for the project.
"We collected more than 70 samples from the rivers between June and November 2009. The results were alarming and eye-opening. We never expected pollution at such levels," said Raman Tyagi, project coordinator of Neer Foundation, the NGO that the WWMD entrusted with the study.
Turbidity, dissolved oxygen, temperature and pH value of water from the rivers were analysed. While turbidity in the rivers was found to be about 100, the Jackson Turbidity Units (JTU), a standard set by the US agencies, was recorded as zero to 40.
The dissolved oxygen at many places along the rivers was found to be nil as per US standards (ideally it should be 0-8 parts per million (ppm).
The pH value was also found to be between 9 and 10 (the US standard is between 6.5 and 7.5).
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/Western+Uttar+Pradesh+rivers+among+most+polluted+in+India/1/78476.html
-----------------------------------------
Forget Bellandur Lake, Rivers in Karnataka are the Most Polluted in South India
Just
as it's getting its head around solving the problem that is the
polluted Bellandur Lake, the Karnataka government has received another
body blow, this time from the Central government.
A report tabled by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) in the
Lok Sabha last week, revealed that as many as 15 rivers that drain into
Karnataka are among the nation's most polluted. That number is the
highest for any South Indian state.
All majors rivers polluted in Karnataka
"The Arkavathi, Bhadra, Bhima, Cauvery, Ghataprabha, Kabini, Kagina,
Kali, Krishna, Lakshmanatirtha, Malaprabha, Manjra, Shimsha, Tunabhadra
and Tunga rivers in Karnataka have been polluted on various stretches,"
the report tabled by Prakash Javadekar, minister for MoEF, revealed.
Rivers like Cauvery, Kabini, Krishna, Tungabhadra, Tunga, Ghataprabha,
Malaprabha and Bhima supply a major share of potable water to towns and
cities including Bengaluru, Mysuru, Belagavi, Hubballi-Dharawad,
Shivamogga and other towns, according to sources in the irrigation
department of the state government.
Polluting towns are the villains
Painting a bleak picture of the rivers in Karnataka and other parts of
India, Javadekar said in his statement that untreated or partially
treated sewage from cities and towns and industrial effluents constitute
a major source of pollution in rivers.
"As per the survey carried out by the Central Pollution Control Board in
2015, 302 polluted river stretches have been identified on 275 rivers
based on Bio-chemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels, a key indicator of
organic pollution," the minister revealed.
Javadekar also explained that it was the duty of respective state
governments to lower the pollution in rivers by setting up proper
facilities for collection, treatment and transportation of sewage being
generated in towns. Supplementing the state's efforts, the Centre has
been funding the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) programme and
helping states set up sewage treatment plants.
-----------------------------
India’s plan to clean up the Ganga River is flawed, say experts
16.10.2014
https://www.chinadialogue.net/article/show/single/en/7395-India-s-plan-to-clean-up-the-Ganga-River-is-flawed-say-experts
-----------------------------
Studies on Physico-Chemical Aspects and Plankton of Unkal Lake at Hubli (Karnataka, India)
2008
http://wldb.ilec.or.jp/data/ilec/wlc12/P%20-%20World%20Case%20Studies/P-48.pdf
----------------------------------------
Ground Water Pollution Scenario
http://nihroorkee.gov.in/rbis/india_information/ground%20water%20pollution.htm
---------------------------------------
India Environment Portal
http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/36392/name_of_the_newspaper/times-of-india-patna/
------------------------------------
India has banned all forms of disposable plastic in its capital
13 Mar 2017
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017/03/india-bans-disposable-plastic-in-delhi/
----------------------------------
Different towns in India have banned plastic bags. Many people would dump their trash, including plastic bags in rivers, just to get rid of the sight of all the garbage. Many plastic bags that were being dumped in the rivers would end up being carried downstream in the river of the next town, where there would be piles of garbage just showing up on the same river systems of other villages that were downstream.
------------------------------
Do Plastic Bag Bans Work?
Can such initiatives make a dent in the amount of plastic litter?
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/do-plastic-bag-bans-work/
-------------------------------
Assessment of water quality of Betwa River, Madhya Pradesh, India
April 2013
The present paper deals with the monthly interval variation of physico-chemical characteristics of River Betwa during October 2011 to August 2012. Five major sampling station (10 sites) were selected: station-I Jhirri (1 to 2 sites), station-II Nayapura (3 to 4 sites), station-III Mandideep (5 to 6 sites), station-IV Bhojpur (7 to 8 sites) and station-V Vidisha (9 to 10 sites). Various physico-chemical parameters like temperature, pH, hardness, dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) and correlation co-efficient were measured, and standard methods were applied in the present work. Studies revealed high values of hardness, BOD and COD at station II Nayapura and station III Mandideep, and low values of DO and pH at the station - station I Jhirri, IV Bhojpur, and Vidisha low values of hardness, BOD and COD. High value of hardness, BOD and COD
indicate the river water polluted at station II Nayapura and station III Mandideep.
http://www.academicjournals.org/article/article1379593031_Vishwakarma%20et%20al.pdf
------------------------------------
Managing Natural Resources -A report by IDSAsr
2011-01-18
Managing the scare natural resources better and how space programme plays a role in this, a seminar of country's brilliant minds take the issue head on.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/managing-natural-resources-report-idsasr
----------------------------
48% industrial clusters in India are critically polluted: CPCB
2010-08-10
CPCB's comprehensive environmental assessment of industrial clusters finds only 16% spots with normal pollution levels. Ankleshwar in Gujarat is the worst, while Digboi in Assam is the best.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/48-industrial-clusters-india-are-critically-polluted-cpcb
----------------
60% rural homes get contaminated drinking water
Drinking water in more than half rural homes contaminated
Even as 99% of urban and 97% rural households in India have drinking water access, 41% urban and 60% rural homes still get contaminated water, says the latest study published in Lancet, a British medical journal
Manganese in Goa's prime reservoir
The level of manganese in Selaulim reservoir, which has several ore heaps piled on its banks, has gone up considerably. Officials say this is normal because of less water in the reservoir which supplies water to the entire south Goa
Pilgrims pollute water bodies in Ganjam
Open defecation is common during pilgrimage season in this water scarce Odisha district, especially by Danda Nach troupes who perform ritualistic penance near water bodies for 21 days
Delhi HC tells Centre to solve water dispute with Haryana
Haryana is supposed to supply 80 million gallons of water per day to Delhi through Munak canal which can bring relief to the parched Dwarka locality
240 Srikakulam villages get contaminated water
Consumption of contaminated water is leading to diseases in this Andhra district, revealed a survey by UNICEF and Dr. B.R.Ambedkar Univesity-Etcherla
Groundwater in India depleting faster than nature's speed to replenish
The World Bank has predicted that India only has 20 years before its aquifers will reach critical condition and about 114 million people will face desperate domestic, agricultural and industrial shortages
To make the idea of green cities a reality
The theme for this year's Earth Day celebrations is green cities. The Earth Day Network-India has published a book that tells the tale of 13 Indian cities which adopted innovative technologies to lower their water and waste footprint
Reinventing toilets for the poor
The 'Reinvent the Toilet Fair' recently held in New Delhi, saw enthusiastic participants with innovative toilet technologies like fecal sludge treatment plants that can process several tons of human waste into biochar, energy recovery, hygienic recycling and much more.
This is the news roundup of April 19, 2014.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/news/drinking-water-more-half-rural-homes-contaminated
------------------------------------
764 industries behind Ganga pollution
764 industries behind Ganga pollution
In a survey conducted between 2011 and 2013, the Central Pollution Control Board identified the polluting industries in five states on the main stem of the river and its tributaries
Ineffective chlorination behind railway stations' contaminated water
About seven lakh passengers at Delhi station exposed to bacteria laden water. Malpractice in awarding contracts for chlorination plant the reason behind bad water quality
Committee submits Maha irrigation scam report
The report, prepared by a team under water expert Madhav Chitale, is said to have put the onus on the irrigation department officials and not on political leaders. The Government has not yet made the report public
Dying lakes of Delhi
Of the 611 water bodies in the Capital, 274 have dried up and 190 have been lost forever and cannot be revived, says a survey by the Delhi Parks and Gardens Society that works under the Delhi govt's Environment Department
Groundwater low at the confluence of three rivers
Groundwater in Allahabad is going down by 62 cm every year, revealed the latest report of the groundwater department. The number of handpumps in the district went up from 28,517 in 2001 to 2.23 lakh in 2011
Madurai residents unhappy with borewell plan
The administration's decision to dig borewells in villages on the city's periphery to solve drinking water crisis in the city has invited opposition from concerned villagers who fear depletion of groundwater in their region
Dam plans but no knowledge of water in the river
MoU for another 1850 MW hydel project on the Subansiri river in Arunachal Pradesh has been signed even as there is no site-specific scientific study or that about the water flow, a prerequisite for any dam
No water tax for lower, middle income group in U'khand
As a sop before the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, water tax exemption has been announced for these groups in rural areas besides urban poor. Middle-income group in urban areas will get 50% exemption
Panel to check pollution in Ulhas river
The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has set up a five member committee to survey industries discharging untreated effluents in the Ulhas and Waldhuni rivers
This is the daily news roundup of March 1, 2014
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/news/764-industries-behind-ganga-pollution
--------------------------------------
Find source of uranium contamination in Punjab: Experts
Need to find source of uranium contamination in Punjab: Experts
Doctors in Patiala say Centre should support the state government to find out how uranium is constantly contaminating water in the state, especially in the Malwa belt. Excessive use of pesticides over the years is said to be a possible reason.
Water purifiers by Atomic Energy Commission
The new technology, to be released soon all over India by the nuclear energy authority, claims to even purify fluoride-laden water.
A camera and a ball to monitor water leaks in Kochi
The Kerala Water Authority has devised two new technologies, a smart ball and a sensor with a camera, that will roll inside pipelines to detect leaks. The smart ball works by detecting acoustic pulses which can locate even very small leaks and air pockets in the pipeline.
80% textile units in Pali to shut operations
Following orders of the National Green Tribunal, around 480 of the 600 textile and dying units in this Rajasthan district running without consent to operate, will shut down. The units released their chemical effluent into the river Bandi despite High Court orders.
After disease outbreak, illegal toilets found in Panchkula
Water from the sewage pipeline of 135 illegal toilets got mixed with the drinking water supply line causing the outbreak. A young girl had died while several others fell ill at a housing society of this Chandigarh suburb.
Rs 5,000 crore Kerala port under green scanner
Activists allege that the clearance was granted to the Vizhinjam port without considering the impact of artificial structures built by reclaiming the sea on marine ecology. NGT issues notice to the Central and state governments and the developer company.
Yettinahole figures manipulated: environmentalist
The Karnataka Neeravari Nigam Limited, nodal agency for the project, has manipulated the statistics about water available for diversion from Yettinahole and the annual average rainfall data in its catchment, said activist Ravindranath Shanbhag
Hyderabad residents against lake fencing
Accuse authorities of fencing Yellama Cheruvu lake without due consideration to the actual full tank level. In 2011, residents had filed a petition against construction in the lake which reduced its area from 41 acres to the present 23 acres
Bangalore plans water recycling plant
The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board has prepared a detailed project report of the 140 MLD Vrishabhavathi valley recycle and reuse project. Half of this water will be released into the Arkavathi river and the rest will be supplied to the nearby industrial area.
Two international weather updates confirm El Nino fear
While the Australian Bureau of Meteorology said that factors leading to an El Nino are now increasingly visible, the US based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center said temperature anomalies associated with El Nino had strongly increased since the end of January
This is the news roundup of March 15 and 16, 2014.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/news/find-source-uranium-contamination-punjab-experts
-------------------------
Toxic metals in water affect human life in Central India
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/news/toxic-metals-water-affect-human-life-central-india
---------------------
110 countries pledge to phase out mercury
Policy Matters this week: 110 countries sign Minamata convention, railways to have bio-toilets and Water Bill to include sewerage charges in Ahmedabad.
110 countries sign Minamata convention to ban mercury
This is a weekly roundup of policy matters from October 7-13.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/110-countries-pledge-phase-out-mercury
-------------------
Railways shift officer who checked dirty water
Railways transfer officer who revealed water contamination
Alok Verma , the Northern Railways chief engineer who conducted the survey on water contamination at railway stations has been transferred out of Delhi. Out of 1000 water samples tested, many were found contaminated with coliform bacteria
River linking will recharge groundwater: officials
The recently inaugurated Narmada-Kshipra project in Madhya Pradesh will help replenish ground water in Malwa region that has reached alarming level besides providing irrigation to 17 lakh ha of agricultural land, say the officials of the Narmada Valley Development Authority
500 borewells to quench Madurai's thirst
The Authorities is digging borwells in the City's periphery at a cost of Rs 2.7 crores. Drought has reduced the level in Vaigai dam, the city's main source of water
NEERI to study sea water contamination in Mumbai
Mumbai generates 2,671.30 million litres sewage per day and about 45% of the untreated human waste is flushed into two creeks and the Arabian Sea, contaminating the marine environment
This is the news roundup of February 28, 2014.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/news/indian-railways-whistle-blower-transferred
---------------------------------
Railway stations serve contaminated water
Drinking water at railway stations highly contaminated: Report
50 lakh passengers using Northern Railways drink extremely polluted water. Of the samples tested for coliform bacteria, all in the Lucknow division were found contaminated while 59% were found contaminated in the Moradabad division and 94% in the Ambala division
Govt prepared for El Nino: Pawar
Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar says the Govt has put in place a contigency plan for 500 districts if the weather phenomenon that disturbs formation of clouds and thus monsoon, hits India this year
Water-borne diseases hit Chandigarh suburb
30 residents of a locality in Haryana's Panchkula district fell ill due to contaminated water supply in last 15 days. One died due to Typhoid
SC notice to Centre and states for minimum flow in the Yamuna
Notices to Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Uttarakhand on a petition to maintain a minimum flow of 352 cusecs in the river to ensure adequate supply of drinking water to Delhiites
Court tells the DJB to stop using metal pipes
Metal pipes are prone to corrosion, thereby contaminating water and causing health hazards. Presently, Delhi Jal Board has around 6,000-7,000 kms of cast iron pipes
Worms in Jamshedpur's piped water
Creepy-crawlies coming out of taps along with water in a Jamshedpur locality for a week now. 12,000 people affected as pipelines haven't been cleaned for more than nine months
This is the news roundup of February 25 and 27, 2014.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/news/drinking-water-railway-stations-highly-contaminated-report
---------------------------------
Metal plant contaminates groundwater in Kollam
Metal plant contaminates groundwater in Kollam
Groundwater has turned acidic and agricultural fields gone waste within 500 metres radius of Kerala Minerals and Metal Limited in Chittoor village, affecting 300 familes. Tankers supply water only once a week
Maha Irrigation Scam report ready
A Committee headed by water expert Madhav Chitale had been looking into the Rs 70,000 crore scam for the past six months. Report likely to create furore if the State Govt releases it before elections
Together, techies and farmers revive a river stretch
Techies from Bangalore and farmers from 278 villages joined hands to desilt riverbed and wells, restored dead tanks and planted saplings along the 54 kms stretch of the Kumudvathi river. Plan to rejuvenate the entire riverbed now
Latest project to clean the Yamuna suffers delay
Only 35% progress on the JNNURM project that envisages putting an interceptor on all the major drains falling into the Yamuna. The interceptor sewers will divert the polluted water and treat it before discharging it again into the river
Half of Thane's STPs unoperational
A survey by the Thane Municipal Corporation finds sewage treatment plant in major residential and commercial complexes are either not working or crossing the prescribed limits in treated sewage discharge. Violaters include malls and a hospital
Andhra town in grip of water crisis
People of Chittoor town, that recently got corporation status, have to shell out Rs 1000 per month to buy water for domestic needs. Civic officials admit that they are not able to meet even 30% of the requirement
Bottled water plant for tourists in Kolkata
The first Government owned plant in the New Town of Kolkata will supply packaged water on subsidized rates at tourist hotspots. The West Bengal Govt also contemplating selling 15% of water from about 20 treatment plants across the state to bottled water manufacturers
This is the news roundup of February 23, 2014.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/news/metal-plant-contaminates-groundwater-kollam
----------------------------------
India's dykes on Kaliganga cause misery to Nepal
India builds dykes on Kaliganga, causes misery to Nepal
Floods wreaked havoc in Nepal's Darchula district in June 2013. The affected residents in the region blame this on the construction of dykes and embankments on the Kaliganga river in India. The Indian government has unilaterally taken up flood protection measures in the Indo-Nepal border, resulting in the river changing its course and flooding Nepal.
'Ganga loaded with Superbugs'
UK's Newcastle University and the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi have found that the Ganga river is filled with multi-drug resistant superbugs, including the deadly NDM-1 virus. The levels of the superbugs in the Upper Ganga basin were about 60 times higher during the annual pilgrimage season in May and June. The likely cause for the environmental transmission of the bugs and their genes is the discharge of untreated sewage into the river.
Economic slowdown affects industrial water usage in Pune
The water quota of industries in Pune district remains unutlised during the financial year 2012-13 due to economic slowdown. Only 29.89 million litres per day (MLD) of water was utilised for industrial purposes from Pavana dam, against the earmarked total of 31.1 MLD. Irrigation officials report a 10% dip in the number of applications received for this year for utilising water from Khadakwasla and Pavana dams for industrial purposes.
Wells found contaminated near ISRO unit
Around 40 wells near the unit of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in Keezhmadu, Kerala have been found polluted with ammonium perchlorate used in rocket fuel. The contaminated water could affect the production of thyroid in the person consuming it. The cause of contamination and its extent is yet to be known. However, the District Collector has announced that 500 litres of water will be supplied every day to the residents of Keezhmadu for their domestic requirements.
100 nilgais died in Agra drinking toxic river water
Nearly 100 nilgais died in Saurai in Agra after drinking contaminated water from the Karvan river. Villagers living around the river blame factories in Hathras and Aligarh for discharging effluents in the river and turning it poisonous. Dissolved oxygen levels in the river samples were 1.5 mg/l as against the prescribed limit of 0.5 mg/l. The river water was enveloped in pink scum, indicating the presence of toxicants.
This is a weekly roundup of important news from February 16-22, 2014
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/indias-dykes-kaliganga-cause-misery-nepal
---------------------------------
Ganga full of Superbugs
Ganga full of Superbugs
Level of multi-drug resistant viruses in the river goes up by 60 times during the pilgrimage season of May-June, say researchers.
Wells around ISRO unit contaminated with rocket fuel chemical
Around 40 wells found contaminated with ammonium perchlorate that affects iodine absorption. Authorities ask 176 families not to use the water for domestic purpose.
HC warns Tamil Nadu govt against water privatisation
The judge questions the ambitious Tirupur water supply and sewage disposal scheme which involves an MNC that raised water prices by over 200 per cent in Bolivia and dragged the country into international arbitration after being thrown out.
Bhoj wetland is shrinking
Solid waste and sewage dumping from 22 nullahs affect Bhopal's famous upper lake. A study by Barkatullah University finds presence of heavy metals in the lake
AAP rule improved water supply to Sangam Vihar
The frequency of supply from borewells went up from once in two months to once in 15 days in the biggest unauthorised colony of South Delhi.
25% Bangaloreans do not pay water bills
People in newly added areas not accustomed to paying bills. Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board still manages to collect around 90% of the billed money because of 2% interest on unpaid bills
Reservoirs full, no water worries for Mysore
Thanks to good rainfall in its catchment area, both Krishnaraja Sagar and Kabini reservoir full to their capacity as against last year when the KRS reached its dead storage level.
River conservation scheme for Maharashtra
Scheme to reuse treated water for industrial and agricultural use will be implemented in towns and villages situated along rivers and with a population of less than 15,000
100 Nilgais die from contaminated water in Agra
Water of Karwan river in Agra's Saurai contaminated by industries from Hathras and Aligarh. Farmers irrigating their crop with river water also complain of burnt feet.
CRZ clearance for Adyar creek restoration in Chennai
Eco-restoration in 300 acres of the coastal water body only after diversion of all sewage outfalls to the existing sewage treatment plants. No permanent structure allowed in the creek.
This is the news roundup of February 16 and 18, 2014.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/news/ganga-full-superbugs
--------------------------------
India's embankments flood Nepal
Uninformed construction on the Indian side floods Nepal
Construction of embankments and dykes along Kaliganga river in Uttarakhand results in floods in Nepal's Dharchula district downstream.
Slow economy reduced water uptake by Pune industries
Of the 31.19 million litres per day earmarked for industrial usage from the Pavana dam, only 29.89 MLD used in 2012-13.
HC tells Gujarat to stop illegal mining
Cites Supreme Court's ruling that states can grant leases (or renew them) for mining minor minerals in less than five hectares area only after prior approval from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest.
Proposed power line a threat to Cauvery basin
Over 1 lakh trees have to be cut to make way for high tension ower supply line from Kaiga atomic power station in Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka to Kozhikode in Kerala. This will impact the catchment area of Cauvery's tributaries, says Cauvery Bachao Andolan
Bangalore to get 108 mini sewage treatment plants
Plants will have capacity to treat 1-2 million litres of water per day; Water board will sell treated water for construction, watering gardens and other non-potable purposes
Gujarat takes well to the horse
Around 100 farmers in Ahmedabad were affected when state's Irrigation department stopped diverting water into Sabarmati river since the dry riverbed was to be used for a horse show.
Kerala to relax regulations on sand and rock mining
Relaxations subject to environment clearances or approval of regulatory bodies, court directives and guidelines; move to ease hurdles in the way of the construction sector
Surat industries to get treated water
The Rs 85 crore plant can treat upto 80 million litres per day; treatment includes sand filtration, ultra filtration, reverse osmosis and activated carbon filtration
Toilets for 1.5 lakh rural families in Karnataka
A new scheme 'Gaurav Yojane' will fund toilets-cum-batchrooms under the Centre's programmes of National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan
Tamil Nadu CM inaugurates irrigation projects worth Rs 50 crore
Will cover 11 districts of the state and includes construction of a lake at a cost of Rs 14.15 crore
This is a news roundup of February 14 and 15, 2014
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/news/indias-embankments-spell-disaster-nepal
----------------------------------
Sikkim is 'toilet state' of India
Sikkim only state in the country with 100% sanitation
All 6,10,577 rural and urban families in Sikkim have latrines with high sanitation and hygiene standard. It's mandatory for gram sabhas in the state to take up sanitation at top priority
Land near Tehri reservoir sinking
As many as 80 villages exposed to danger of frequent landslips; Differences over place of rehabilitation between the Uttarakhand administration and the dam company delays relocation.
UP threatens to cut water supply to Delhi over Yamuna pollution
Demands treatment of waste water before release into the river. Uttar Pradesh provides 400 cusecs of clean drinking water to Delhi but gets only polluted water in return, leading to water scarcity in Agra and Mathura
Three more rivers to be linked with Narmada
The Madhya Pradesh government has decided to link Gambhir, Kalisindh and Parvati rivers with Narmada after succesful trial run of Narmada and Kshipra river interlinking
Hydel projects in Uttarakhand cleared despite SC order
Union Ministry of Environment and Forests clears the 300 mega watt Lakhwar project in Dehradun despite Supreme Court's order of August 2013 against granting any clearance. Ministry says project not new
Goa pollution control board to take up remediation of contaminated Sal river
Japanese International Cooperation Agency to help with reversal of environmental damage and groundwater monitoring
$500 mn World Bank loan for water supply and sanitation
Will support the ongoing National Rural Drinking Water Programme and Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan in Assam, Jharkhand, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
Meghalaya's story of toilets
Rural Meghalaya's achieves toilet coverage went up to 71% from almost nil in 2004-05 by focussing on change in habit at community level than individual houses.
Plastic trap for turtles
Green sea turtle, an endangered species, was found trapped in a mesh of plastic threads, bags and other garbage near Thiruvananthapuram.
Solar energy to draw out water in Ranchi villages
A pilot project will supply power to houses and help run submersible pumps to draw groundwater in Madar block of the district.
This is a news roundup of February 8 and 9, 2014
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/news/sikkim-only-state-country-100-sanitation
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Contaminated water caused 13,000 deaths in 4 years
Contaminated water killed 13,000 in last four years
Uttar Pradesh had maximum 3,382 deaths followed by West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, reveals data from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Diarrhoea claimed most number of lives.
Woman slaps AAP MLA over water supply issue in Delhi
Woman from Sangam Vihar, the biggest colony in Delhi with unmetered water connection, slapped the area MLA, Dinesh Mohaniya over the issue of free water. The state government's free water scheme is not for unmetered connections
Tourism dept outsources Puri beach cleaning
Department hires an NGO that would use mechanised sweeping machines. Environmentalists fear the machines will flatten sand dunes besides violating the coastal regulation zone norms.
Water board not to dump sewage in Bangalore lakes
Promise came after the Karnataka Upayukta ordered the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board nto to dump raw sewage in Allasandra lake and Puttenahalli lake.
No toilets, drinking water for Mumbai's swanky monorail
Management says toilets and water not provided at stations as monorail is equivalent to bus transport system. Promises vending machines for bottled water
Shrimp and paddy give way to fish farming in Andhra's Krishna district
More than a lakh acres are under fish farming in the district as shrimp farming declined due to a virus attack in 2000.
Crop insurance in TN district
Weather-based crop insurance scheme and coconut palm insurance scheme will be implemented at revenue village level in all 13 blocks of the drought-hit Puddukotai district
Madurai to get drinking water once in four days
Measure will help conserve water in Vaigai dam for summers. Around 125 new borewells to come up and 44 private wells identified to tackle water shortage.
Researchers allay fears of Uranium contamination in Andhra district
Thummalapalle region in Kadapa district has one of the largest uranium reserves in the world, but researchers say level of uranium in water is below the maximum limit prescribed by WHO.
This is a roundup of news on February 3, 2014
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/news/13000-people-died-country-last-four-years-due-contaminated-water
--------------------------------
Bangalore water mafia goes innovative to evade law
Bangalore water mafia goes innovative to evade law
The water mafia, with the help of local political leaders, has taken to digging borewells in rented premises in localities closer to lakes. This started after the government started monitoring borewells in the city
Toxic veggies on Navi Mumbai's railway tracks
A Mumbai NGO has filed a PIL on the issue of vegetables grown on railway tracks that use sewage water or even industrial effluent for irrigation. Lab tests conducted in 2009 found the presence of heavy metals like zinc, arsenic and lead in these vegetables
Some good water news for Kollam
A natural sand bar has developed across an estuary in this Kerala district, as a result of which, water from the local Paravur lake stopped flowing into the sea, maintaining its level and also boosting the water level of two more lakes
Udupi villages pleasantly surprised as water rises in wells
Water level in the wells and ponds of Baidarbettu village in Karnataka, which normally go dry in December and fill up only after monsoon, has gone up in the last 10 days. Geologists have attributed this to fault zone readjustment in the layers of earth
NGT committee wants Yamuna riverbed projects scrapped
The plans to beautify the riverfront will jeopardize the river's health, says the Environment Ministry committee appointed on the orders of the National Green Tribunal. Declare the 52 km stretch of the river in UP and Delhi conservation zone, it recommends
Lukewarm response to water ATM in Delhi
Six months after they were installed in a resettlement colony in the Capital, kiosks supplying filtered water at the rate of Rs 3 for 20 litres have not yet picked up in terms of buyers. Free water tankers from the Delhi Jal Board is partly the reason
Taming of a river
The Beas river that originates in Manali in Himachal Pradesh, is being trapped in dams to tap its 6000 mega watt of power generation potential. Only the last stretch of the river remains free but only for a few more days. A photo essay
El Nino might not impact agriculture so much
Agriculture's dependence on summer monsoon has reduced considerably over the years, with Kharif and Rabi crop contributing equally to overall food production, say economists
Combining Govt schemes to achieve the sanitation goal
The LEAF Society, an NGO in Tamil Nadu, targets to construct 8000 toilets in Namakkal district by sourcing money both from the Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme.
This is the news roundup of April 26, 2014.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/news/bangalore-water-mafia-goes-innovative-evade-law
------------------------------
Ecologists don't buy new Ganga rejuvenation plan
2014-06-04
There is no clear mandate for the new 'Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation' set up by the Modi government.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/ecologists-dont-buy-new-ganga-rejuvenation-plan
-----------------------------
Solutions to Indore's water problems don't have to be so expensive!
2014-08-02
The use of decentralized systems puts the onus on individuals more than the government or central bodies to provide Indore proper water and sanitation according to Rahul Banerjee.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/solutions-indores-water-problems-dont-have-be-so-expensive
----------------------------
Govt to increase irrigation potential by 10%
Govt to increase irrigation potential by 10%
The move is cut down reliance on monsoon rain which sustains agriculture on 50% of the farmland in the country, says A B Pandya, chairman of the Central Water Commission. As of now, 97 million hectares of land is under irrigation
Himachal dam protesters charged with 'inciting communal riots'
31 women from the Gaddi tribe in Chamba district were arrested when they were protesting against the shifting of a 15 km long tunnel for the 180 megawatt Bajoli Holi hydel project. The dam will affect the forest rights and livelihood of four villages
Water a sop for voting in Pune villages
A businessman from Shirur Taluka Martand Bhimrao Dhamdhere announced three days of free bottled water for those who cast their votes these elections. Dhamdhere, who runs a mineral water business, claims he does not support any political party
Too much fertilizer drives fish away from India's coastline
Excess chemical fertilizers applied on crops gets washed away in water bodies, eventually mixing with sea water. The organic carbon thus produced uses up the oxygen in coastal waters, driving the fish away, said SWA Naqwi, the director of the National Institute of Oceanography
River conservation plan for Maharashtra
The plan, on the lines of the National River Conservation Plan, will fund schemes to clean up rivers, set up sewage treatment and water recycling plants. It will cover villages and towns located on the banks of rivers and with a minimum population of 15,000
Agra's free water scheme
For 30 years, the Sri Nath Ji Nishulk Jal Sewa has been running 70 water kiosks at all busy crossings of the city. The group, not a formal NGO, is run by 75 old men and women
A disastrous idea called river interlinking
Narendra Modi's claim that linking 20 rivers in Gujarat has increased agricultural growth by 10% demands scrutiny since most of the farming in the state is groundwater dependent: an analysis
This is the news roundup of April 14, 2014.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/news/govt-increase-irrigation-potential-10
-------------------------
Deltas sinking, thanks to dams
Deltas sinking, thanks to dams
Major Indian deltas like the Ganga-Brahmaputra and the Krishna-Godavari are sinking because of proliferation of large dams that starve deltas of sediment, groundwater mining that causes land compaction and artificial embankments that affect river courses
Political parties have zero concern for rivers
Except for BJP's river interlinking plan, which itself is being condemned for its unscientific nature, there is no mention in political parties' manifestos about cleaning or reviving rivers
SC committee for shutting 23 out of 24 Uttarakhand hydel projects
Committee set up in October 2013 after the Supreme Court took note of a Wildlife Institute of India report that talked about extensive threat to biodiversity because of these proposed projects worth about 2683 Megawatt
Delhi govt faces flak over Najafgarh drain
The High Court slammed the Government for not cleaning one of the biggest storm water drains of the capital that merges with the Yamuna, resulting in emission of toxic gases, thanks to sewage from various small drains falling into it
Water in the way of environment minister Moily
Moily's 2009 electoral promise of a permanent solution to water woes in his constituency in Karnataka's Chikkaballpur remains unfulfilled even as he has laid the foundation of the controversial Yettinahole river diversion project
Chennai wants more packaged water
Packaged drinking water sale in the city expected to touch one crore litres per day in May. People believe bottled water to be better in quality as compared to piped water and like it for its taste
Dakshin Kannada village irked at water supply to IT industry
Three families in Kairangala village of this Karnataka district supply about 25 tankers of water from their borewells to industries in Mangalore including Infosys. Nearby residents suffering due to over-exploitation of groundwater but all pleas have fallen on deaf ears
Loan for toilet and clean water
GUARDIAN, an NGO based in Tamil Nadu, provides small loans to households to construct sanitation and water facilities within the house besides technical support to build low-cost toilets
This is the news roundup of April 9 and 10, 2014.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/news/deltas-sinking-thanks-dams
--------------------------
Mining - An increasing threat to our rivers - Article by Nitya Jacob
2010-12-20
Mining constitutes a major, and largely unrecognized, threat to our rivers. It takes away what we have and also destroys whatever is left of it.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/mining-increasing-threat-our-rivers-article-nitya-jacob
--------------------------
Marathwada on a suicide spree, again
Marathwada on a suicide spree, again
World Bank rejects loan for Himachal hydro project
The Bank dropped the loan request for the Luhri hydropower project on the Sutlej river in upper Shimla, follwing a social and environmental impact assessment of the dam and its 38-km long tunnel by USAID
Kerala tribals boycott polls over Athirappilly dam
About 340 people from the Kadar tribe, living inside the forest zone of Chalakudy, refused to cast their vote to register their protest against the 163 mega watt dam project that will submerge their entire village
Implement 'Sujalam Sufalam' completely by 2015: Gujarat HC
The High Court has ordered the state govt to implement the scheme of water supply to North Gujarat's canals in full capacity of 2,000 cusecs before 2015 monsoon
Parched and dejected: villages in Ahmednagar
Water scarcity in this Maharashtra district force people clamour for even a pot of water from the tanker that comes only once in five days, making them lose hope in the elected government
Meet Ramakrishnappa, Bangalore's water harvester
Ramakrishnappa from Devanahalli began rainwater harvesting in 2001 when his borewell went dry and he couldn't continue farming. Since then, he has been building rainwater harvesting systems for people in and around his village
Pollution in Cuttack rivers of no concern to politicians
The two rivers Kathajodi and Mahanadi, considered the lifeline for Cuttack are dying from pollution even as the city reels under severe drinking water shortage and locals agitate against diversion of river water to industries
This is the news roundup of April 11, 2014.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/news/marathwada-suicide-spree-again
-------------------------
No toilets for 52% Delhi slum kids
No toilets for 52% Delhi slum kids
Open defecation and lack of drinking water in the slums of Delhi leads to frequent instances of water-borne diseases, says a study conducted by the NGO Child Relief and You
Dams contribute to climate change: IPCC
The working group report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says reservoir of dams trap silt, increasing the impact of sea level rise besides affecting local options and increased flow fluctuations
Yamuna needs more water
The flow in the river in Delhi is around 30% during monsoon while it is just 16% during the rest of the year, says a study published in the journal Current Science. A river needs about 50-60% of the total monsoon flow to carry out its ecological functions, says the study
RO water at 10 paisa per litre in Rajasthan
The state government plans to set up 1000 plants with reverse osmosis water treatment system in rural areas. Villages with high level of fluoride in groundwater will be given priority in the first phase
Water biggest poll issue in Tamil Nadu
Be it water supply from the Cauvery river or pollution in the Noyyal and Cooum rivers, lack of clean drinking water is on everybody's mind when it comes to electing leaders
Politicians get a clean chit in Maharashtra irrigation scam
The Chitale Committee, which looked into the Rs 70,000 crore Maharashtra Irrigation scam, spent 14 months and Rs 2 crores on the probe but failed to address the issue of malpractices in the award of irrigation projects
Goa ranks No 9 on toilets
20% of the households in the state still lack toilets while 18% do not have access to treated water, according to a Planning commission statistics
Irrigation projects in Bihar district in limbo since 1972
Two unfinished reservoirs in the state's Jamui district have become a big poll issue, thanks to the farmers in the drought prone region who have now come together to fight the political apathy
Ban on manual scavenging, with a caveat
The SC ruling to abolish manual scavenging also talks about a compensation of Rs 10 lakhs for the families of those who die cleaning sewer lines, which in effect, means that the practise will continue
The importance of understanding rainfall
Understanding a region's rainfall pattern for the year in advance, helps to plan water requirements and sources to fulfill them. A case study from Bangalore
This is the news roundup of April 3 and 4, 2014.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/news/no-toilets-52-delhi-slum-kids
-------------------------
Despite government funding, only 30% urban slums have toilets
Toilet-less in urban slums (Source: bbc.co.uk)
News this week: Toilets in only 30% urban slums, pipeline being laid close to Golconda fort and 99 illegal dyeing units unearthed in Tirupur
Welfare schemes not of much use to urban slums
A survey by the National Sample Survey Organisation has revealed that over 30% urban slums across India have no toilets or drainage facilities. This is inspite of fund allocation for the same from Central government welfare schemes such as the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, Rajiv Awas Yojana and other state government schemes. The good news however is that 71% of all slums in the country have taps as a major source of drinking water.
Trench construction in close proximity of the historic Golconda fort
The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board has been digging a trench within the prohibited precincts of the Golconda Fort, the city's main tourist attraction. The Board intends to lay a pipeline close to the monument protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. The pipeline is intended to improve water supply in the Golconda area as and when the Krishna Phase III materialises. The ASI, however, has not objected so far.
99 illegal dyeing units in Tirupur
The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board unearthed 99 illegally operating dyeing and bleaching units in the industrial town of Tirupur. A High Court order in 2011 had directed closure of all knitwear units in Tirupur for discharging untreated effluents and polluting the river Noyyal. According to the Board officials, these units were operating in violation of the High Court order. A farmers’ body that filed the application in the Court asked that the common effluent treatment plants and individual effluent treatment plants should not be allowed to operate unless they achieved zero liquid discharge in the treatment process.
Capital's regional planning board identifies only 12 lakes in its regional plan
The National Capital Region's Planning Board has listed only 12 lakes in the city as against thousands identified in the National Wetland Inventory and Assessment of the Environment Ministry. Environmentalists fear that if the draft plan is approved, it would mean that all these wetlands will no longer be protected and will become open to land sharks. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage has raised objection to the Plan citing that it does not mention steps to demarcate water bodies and their catchments, groundwater recharge zones and floodplains.
Whale shark radio-collared in Gujarat
World's biggest fish, the whale shark, which is an annual visitor to the Gujarat coast, was succesfully satellite tagged in the coastal town of Sutrapada. The fish migrates to Gujarat in winters, travelling thousands of miles from Australia. The tagging was done when a female whale shark was accidently caught in a fishing net by members of a wildlife NGO. According to experts, tagging the fish will help explore new facts and data on whale shark habitats and provide precise information on migratory patterns, breeding and survival of the fish off the Gujarat coast
This is a weekly roundup of important news from December 29, 2013- January 4, 2014
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/despite-government-funding-only-30-urban-slums-have-toilets
------------------------
Drinking water quality worst in Kerala: Report
News this week: NSSO says drinking water quality worst in Kerala, migratory birds desert flooded wetland and villagers protest against hydel project in Uttarakhand.
Kerala scores worst in access to potable water: NSSO
According to a report by the National Sample Survey Organisation, only 29.5% rural households in Kerala have access to safe drinking water as compared to the national average of 88.5%. The survey counts bottled water, piped water into dwellings, piped water to plots, public taps, tube wells, protected wells, protected springs and rainwater collection as improved sources of drinking water. It does not cover individual wells in people's houses- prevalent in many parts of Kerala- as a source of clean drinking water. According to experts, only the rich can afford bottled water therefore its inclusion as one of the survey parameters is not justified.
First salt pans and now migratory birds affected by Narmada waters in Gujarat
Migratory birds have deserted Vadhvana wetlands near Vadodra following the release of excess water from the Narmada canals. In mid-December, salt pans in the Little Rann of Kutch were flooded by the Canal water, resulting in a huge loss for salt workers. The water level in the wetland, which usually remains at 12 feet, has gone up to 17 feet. The Forest Department's last bird count on December 20 was 36,700 migratory birds at the Vadhvana eco-site which has come down to 30,300 now. With 65 species of migratory birds visiting the area, Vadhvana is a tourist hotspot in winters.
Protests against hydel project in Uttarakhand
Villagers near Joshimath are protesting against a 171 MW hydropower project of the National Thermal Power Corporation. The people of Juagad and Jugju villages in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand say that the land in their village is sinking due to blasting and other work on the tunnel of the Lata Tapovan hydel project. According to the villagers, their objections at the public hearing for the project in 2009 were not taken into account. The locals fear flash floods following the rise in the level of the Dhauliganga river due to muck dumping from the dam.
Bangalore harvesting rain water but not using it
The Bangalore Municipal Corporation has found that not more than 10% of the buildings in Bangalore that have a rain water harvesting system are using the conserved water. Of the 38,000 buildings in the city that have a rain water harvesting system, only 3,800 building owners use the harvested water for drinking while the rest still depend on the Corporation. According to the residents, since the water is collected from the terrace and other areas where they usually walk, they feel that it is not fit for drinking. However, experts say that rain water is softer than groundwater which is hard and only needs to be disinfected before drinking.
Tourists' toilet practices reducing groundwater levels in Leh
The eco-friendly toilets used in the cold desert region of Ladakh have suffered a decline, thanks to the tourist influx in Leh, the region's main town. The Town that had dry pit toilets a few years back, the compost from which is used in agricultural fields, has water flush toilets in almost all its guest houses and hotels now. This has resulted in dirty streams and scarce groundwater. According to a study, 375 hotels in Leh are extracting 852,100 litres of water a day, a huge volume in this water scarce region. Leh recieved 2 lakh tourists this year, four times the town's native population.
This is a weekly roundup of important news from December 22-28
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/drinking-water-quality-worst-kerala-report
------------------------
40% of Delhi houses not connected with sewerage network: Census
2013-12-01
News this week: 40% people in Delhi live in houses without sewerage, cyclone Leher passes off peacefully and farmers affected by erosion in Tripura sell land. Share
40% people in the National capital live in houses not connected to sewerage network
According to the Census 2011, two in every five houses in Delhi are not connected to the sewerage network. 73% people in Northeast Delhi live in houses that use septic tanks or open drains for disposal of wastewater while 40% people in South Delhi do not have proper drainage. Only in Central Delhi, which is home to ministers and contains government buildings, is there a proper drainage network in place. According to the National Capital Region Planning Board, 65% of the urban population of Delhi was covered under sewerage network in 2001, which declined to 55% in 2011.
A weakened Lehar crossed Andhra coast peacefully
Cyclone Lehar, a third in line expected to hit the Andhra Pradesh coast last week after Phailin and Helen, weakened considerably before forming a depression in the sea and crossing the coastline. Lehar, which was predicted to be as severe as Phailin with a wind speed of 200 kms per hour, crossed the coastline at 30-40 kms per hour only. According to scientists, winds blowing from central India, the low winter temperature of water near the coast and wind shear resulted in Lehar weakening. More than 45,000 people were evacuated from Machillipatnam, where the cyclone was to hit the coast.
Fearing erosion, farmers in Tripura sell land
Facing soil erosion and the resultant loss in agriculture, farmers in the north-eastern state of Tripura have been selling land at low prices. As a result, brick kilns abound along the 10 rivers in the State where very few stood a decade ago. A major reason for the erosion is the changing course of rivers in the State. Over 40 villages have disappeared in one river valley alone. The phenomenon started in the 1980s when the State Government constructed embankments as part of flood control measures.
Salt pans render drinking water unpotable in Tuticorin
Salt pans dug on the riverbed of the Vembar river in Tuticorin have rendered the district's groundwater saline. The river, which is the drinking water source to villages in Tuticorin and Ramanathapuram districts, has many encroachments on its floodplains. Salt pans in over 12 acres of land are operating without proper clearances on the Vembar riverbed. Environment activists have written to the District Collector to take action against these salt pans that have changed the river course and thus pose danger of flooding to the agricultural land on the other side of the river.
Common effluent treatment plants in Maharashtra exceed standards
A weekly inspection conducted by the State Pollution Control Board has found only seven out of 23 common effluent treatment plants (CETPs) functioning in the state. Environment standards include Biological Oxygen Demand, pH and Chemical Oxygen Demand. The Pollution Control Board is required to conduct weekly inspection of all CETPs after the Bombay High Court order of November last year. The Court order was in response to a petition that asked the Court to ban all new industries in the State till the CETPs start functioning properly.
This is a weekly roundup of important news from November 24-30
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/40-delhi-houses-not-connected-sewerage-network-census
------------------------
Gulf of Kutch is India's first marine eco-sensitive zone
Policy Matters this week - Gulf of Kutch is India's first marine eco zone, Environment Ministry wants cess for shale gas exploration and NGT directs waste-to-energy plant to control emissions.
Gulf of Kutch will be India's first marine eco-sensitive zone
The 313 square km area around the marine national park of the Gulf of Kutch will be India's first marine eco-sensitive zone. 208 sq km of this is on the landward side while the remainder is on the seaside. The eco-zone will cover 32 billages and 31 rivers, which means no developmental activity except for residential purposes can take place there. Mining, including fresh water extraction as well as the release of polluted water and waste will be prohibited in the rivers of the eco-zone.
NGT tells waste treatment plant in Delhi to mend its ways
The National Green Tribunal has directed the waste-to-energy plant in the southern part of the capital to control its emissions and segregate waste. The tribunal has given three weeks' time to the project proponent Jindal Urban Infrastructure Ltd. They are to bring down the emission level of particulate matter, dioxins and furans within prescribed limits or face closure. A joint team of the Central Pollution Control Board and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee visited the plant in July this year and found emissions beyond limit. The plant started operation in 2012 only.
Chattisgarh on an organic mission
The Chattisgarh government launched its 'organic mission farming' last week in the districtsof Bastar, Bilaspur and Ambikapur. The state government proposes to provide infrastructure, knowledge and certification to farmers who opt for organic farming to help them get the best price for their produce.
MoEF wants water cess for shale gas explorers
Given the large amount of water used and polluted in shale gas extraction, the environment ministry has suggested that the Petroleum Ministry include water cess in its new policy on shale gas exploration. Shale gas is extracted from the sedimentary rocks below the earth surface. The major basins in India to be taken up during the first round of auctions for shale gas recovery will be Cambay, Krishna Godavari and Ranigunj.
Goa to increase area under SRI
Enthused by a bumper paddy crop last season thanks to the system of rice intensification (SRI), the Goa government is planning another one thousand hectares under SRI this year. In SRI, the yield is a minimum of one-and-half times to two times while using lesser seeds. While conventional paddy sowing requires 20 kg of seed per acre, the requirement is 16 kgs per acre for SRI. The state department of agriculture is aiming to bring 31,500 hectares under paddy cultivation this khareef and 15,700 hectares in the coming rabi season.
This is a weekly roundup of policy matters from September 9-15.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/gulf-kutch-indias-first-marine-eco-sensitive-zone
--------------------------------
20 canals cause 90% pollution in Hooghly
Jul 15, 2017
KOLKATA: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) order that has banned dumping of garbage within half a kilometre of Ganga is most relevant for Kolkata and Howrah, say green activists and river experts, as untreated municipal waste discharged into the Hooghly makes it the most polluted stretch in its course.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/20-canals-cause-90-pollution-in-hooghly/articleshow/59604266.cms
-----------------------------
Damodar river pollution and health hazards.
Feb 2003
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12841494
-------------------------
India's polluted Ganges River threatens people's livelihoods
2013
The Ganges is India's holiest river, considered a source of spiritual purification for devout Hindus. But today the river is among the world's most polluted, struggling under the pressures of modern India.
http://www.dw.com/en/indias-polluted-ganges-river-threatens-peoples-livelihoods/a-17237276
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
River Ganga Named India's First Living Entity, Court Names Parents Too
March 20, 2017
The river Ganga, said to be the cradle of Indian civilization, has been given the status of the "first living entity of India" by the Uttarakhand high court. The landmark judgment of the court gives Ganga rights similar to a living person, and is expected to have a positive bearing on efforts to clean up the polluted and much abused river. Similar status has been given to Yamuna, the tributary of Ganga, which, to the despair of courts, has practically become a sewer owing to dumping of untreated sewage and industrial pollutants.
http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/river-ganga-named-indias-first-living-entity-court-names-parents-too-1671581
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dying "Mother Ganga": India's holy river succumbs to pollution
July 10, 2017
DEVPRAYAG/VARANASI/SAGAR ISLAND, India (Reuters) - India’s holy Ganges begins as a crystal clear river high in the icy Himalayas but pollution and excessive usage transforms it into toxic sludge on its journey through burgeoning cities, industrial hubs and past millions of devotees.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-ganges/dying-mother-ganga-indias-holy-river-succumbs-to-pollution-idUSKBN19V0OG
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Can India's Sacred But 'Dead' Yamuna River Be Saved?
May 11, 2016
A fire crackles along the banks of the Yamuna River: a cremation of a young mother, struck by a car while she was fetching water.
The stench of the river engulfs the sad assembly.
Before the hissing funeral pyre, floating down the river, white blocks of what looks like detergent appear like icebergs. It is 95 degrees in Delhi this night. This is chemical waste from factories that have sprung up across the city, manufacturing leather goods, dyes and other goods.
Delhi is about a third of the way down the 855-mile Yamuna River. Its source is the Yamunotri glacier, crystal-clear water from the Himalayas. But by the time it moves down the eastern edge of India's capital, it exits as the dirtiest river in the country.
For the past 18 years, Mohammad Zamir, a laundry man and father of four, has beaten rags against rocks. Washing remnants used on factory assembly lines, he stands up to his knees in the filthy water from dawn to dusk.
Mishra walks along the banks, explaining that upstream, huge amounts of water are channeled off to irrigate farmlands, drastically reducing the river's flow. Just before the Yamuna enters Delhi, millions more gallons are siphoned off for Delhi's drinking water, shrinking the flow even further.
"A river that does not flow is no river," Mishra says. He sweeps an arm toward the stagnant water. "And as you can clearly see, there is no flow here. It's a toxic cocktail of sewage, industrial waste and surface runoff. Absolutely unfit for any use whatsoever."
Architect Pankaj Vir Gupta says no fresh water replenishes the entire 13-mile stretch through Delhi. Gupta runs a project with the University of Virginia to rejuvenate the Yamuna, and says only waste flows into this span of the river.
"In fact," he says, "the only time in the year when the river is moderately clean is during the monsoon when fresh rainfall falls directly into the river."
Unbridled urbanization is partly to blame. Over the past two to three decades, new arrivals, drawn to the capital by a liberalized economy and a dearth of opportunities in their own villages, settled wherever they could. About a third of Delhi's 17 million residents live in settlements that are officially illegal — and are not connected to any municipal sewer service.
When this underserved population openly defecates, Delhi Water Board CEO Keshav Chandra says the waste finds its way into drains that dump directly into the river. "The infrastructure to take care of this incoming population could not cope up with this," he says.
But that's not the only thing that hasn't kept up. The Yamuna is a dumping ground because polluters get away with it.
"You will find every law in Delhi, but no enforcement," says Delhi Water Board member R.S. Tyagi, with a wry laugh. He says there's lax enforcement of laws against illegal dumping of arsenic, zinc and mercury, against pouring raw sewage into storm drains and against the illegal cultivation of crops on the contaminated floodplain.
The Yamuna is administered by no fewer than two dozen different local, state and national government agencies, Tyagi says, and that in itself is a problem. "In this way," he says, "nobody can be accountable."
The Yamuna supplies about a third of Delhi's drinking water, which gets channeled to a reservoir in the northernmost corner of the city before the river becomes toxic.
An experiment funded by the Delhi Development Authority and overseen by a team of scientists has a small section of the Yamuna floodplain thriving. Concrete high-rises loom on the periphery of this nature reserve, an oasis on the north edge of a noisy and polluted city.
This butterfly- and bird-filled wetland replicates the flora and fauna of what was here 100 years ago, according to field biologist Mohammad Faisal. He says thousands of migratory birds, 20 species of fish and 35 species of dragonflies have returned as a result of nurturing this conservation habitat over the past five years.
"Wetlands act as a nursery for the river itself," he says.
Artist and activist Ravi Agarwal says this 450-acre biodiversity park in the floodplain is the beginning of an overdue healing.
"Nature and the city become two oxymoronic words — they don't sit with each other. Earlier, they used to flow into each other, and there was a beautiful coexistence," he says.
Coexistence can revive the Yamuna, he says, but the residents of Delhi must want it.
http://www.npr.org/2016/05/11/477415686/can-indias-sacred-but-dead-yamuna-river-be-saved
---------------------------------------------
Toxic Air From Industrial Units Set up Away From Chennai’s Affluent Is Literally Blowing Back
Chennai can never dream of clean air as long as it considers the city’s edges – be it Ennore and Manali in the north or Alathur to the south – to be industrial sacrifice zones.
https://thewire.in/134553/ennore-air-pollution-fly-ash/
----------------------------------
North Chennai residents gasp for breath at fertiliser plant's discharges of ammonia gas
Dec 19, 2016
The Manali industrial enclave is a severely polluted industrial cluster in Tamil Nadu.
https://scroll.in/pulse/820023/in-north-chennai-residents-gasp-for-breath-at-a-fertiliser-plants-frequent-discharges-ofammonia-ga
--------------------------------------
5 Major Causes of Water Pollution in India
1. Urbanisation:
2. Industries:
3. Agricultural runoff and improper agricultural practices:
4. Withdrawal of Water:
5. Religious and Social Practices:
Religious
faith and social practices also add to pollution of our river waters.
Carcasses of cattle and other animals are disposed in the rivers. Dead
bodies are cremated on the river banks. Partially burnt bodies are also
flung into the river. All this is done as a matter of religious faith
and in keeping with ancient rituals. These practices pollute the river
water and adversely affect the water quality.
Mass bathing in a river during religious festivals is another
environmentally harmful practice. Studies have revealed that the
biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) goes up drastically when thousands of
people simultaneously take a ‘holy dip’. Religious practices also demand
that offerings from a puja be immersed in a river. It is now common to
see people immersing offerings in plastic bags. Plastic bags are very
dangerous and further add to the pollution load of the river.
http://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/water-pollution/5-major-causes-of-water-pollution-in-india/19764/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Poop Trouble: India to Fine Airlines for Mid-Air Dumping of Human Excreta
21.12.2016
Alarmed by disgorging of human excreta by airlines while landing, the India’s `Green Tribunal’ has ordered surprise checks of waste tanks of aircraft. The airlines will be levied a fine of $ 750 if the waste tank is found empty on landing. It has fined the Environment Ministry for not addressing citizen complaints in this respect.
https://sputniknews.com/asia/201612211048839927-india-airlines-excreta/
---------------------------
The Yamuna River – Case Study of a Polluted River in India
2016
Though the Yamuna starts getting polluted by pesticides and fertilisers as it enters Haryana, most of the pollution occurs in Delhi. More than 10 million people live in Delhi. Yet it does not have a proper sewage disposal system.
Nineteen drains from Delhi open into the Yamuna. At one time, these carried rainwater. But because of the poor sewage disposal system, water carrying sewage is discharged into these drains, from where it finds its way to the river.
In Delhi, along a stretch, the Yamuna is choked by water hyacinth—a weed. This is an example of eutrophication. Dead fish are also found in the river as soon as the monsoon begins. This is due to the sudden increase in pesticide and other pollutant levels.
Industrial wastes also find their way into the river from large industrial units (22 in Haryana, 42 in Delhi and 17 in Uttar Pradesh) and many small industrial units. Surprisingly, though Delhi constitutes only 2% of the catchment area, it is responsible for 80% of the pollution of the river.
http://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/rivers/the-yamuna-river-case-study-of-a-polluted-river-in-india/31894/
-----------------------
STUDIES ON WATER QUALITY AND MACROPHYTE COMPOSITION IN WETLANDS OF BANKURA DISTRICT, WEST BENGAL, INDIA
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/257956947_STUDIES_ON_WATER_QUALITY_AND_MACROPHYTE_COMPOSITION_IN_WETLANDS_OF_BANKURA_DISTRICT_WEST_BENGAL_INDIA
--------------------------
An Analysis on the Sanitation Condition and Suitable Measures to Achieve the Goal, A Case Study on Bankura District, West Bengal
2017
http://www.theijes.com/papers/vol6-issue2/A0602010105.pdf
-------------------------
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS FOR PRESENCE OF CHLORIDE IN WATER AT DIFFERENT LOCATIONS OF UPPER LAKE IN MADHAYA PRADESH STATE OF INDIA
2015
Abstract
In this article, we discuss
about the recently collected sample of water at different locations in
Madhya Pradesh State of India and its experimental analysis in
laboratory for the presence of Chloride. Also, we represents the data
graphically and interpreted the data using the method called analysis of
variance. Further, we capare our findings with the established results.
Lastly we concluded that there is no significant different between the
samples of various areas.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/news/water-analysis-chloride-presence--------------------
Kitchen Air Pollution in India
2015
http://content.iospress.com/articles/asian-journal-of-water-environment-and-pollution/ajw12-2-11
------------------------
Harmful Impact of ZnS Nanoparticles on Daphnia sp. in the Western Part (Districts of Bankura and Purulia) of West Bengal, India
2013
Abstract
ZnS nanoparticles of different sizes are synthesized employing a simple wet chemical method. These nanoparticles are used to study their impact on the Daphnia sp. through traditional toxicity tests. The percentage of mortality is found to increase initially with increasing nanoparticle concentration or exposure time and is finally found to saturate for higher concentrations or exposure times. Mortality is found to be higher for smaller particles. Hopping frequency and heart rate are also found to increase with increasing nanoparticle exposure time for a fixed nanoparticle concentration. These observations can be attributed to the enhanced surface photooxidation property of the ZnS nanoparticles. Thus the present study will help people to understand the hitherto unknown harmful impact of ZnS nanoparticles on aquatic organisms in the western part of West Bengal (Bankura and Purulia districts), India.
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/isrn/2013/207239/
---------------------------
IGSC Planetarium Complex, Patna Air Pollution: Real-time Air Quality Index (AQI)
http://aqicn.org/city/india/patna/igsc-planetarium-complex/
------------------------------
Top 10 Most Polluted Places 2007
-
Sumgayit, Azerbaijan
-
Linfen, China
-
Tianying, China
-
Sukinda, India
-
Vapi, India (Update: Removed from list due to significant improvements)
-
La Oroya, Peru
-
Dzerzinsk, Russia
-
Norilsk, Russia
-
Chernobyl, Ukraine
-
Kabwe, Zambia
http://www.worstpolluted.org/
----------------------------------------
Lead levels in rice imported from Taiwan and China are up to 60 TIMES higher than recommended 'safe' levels for children
Czech Republic, Bhutan, Italy, India and Thailand rice also caused alarm
Children are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2307444/Lead-levels-rice-imported-U-S-Taiwan-China-60-TIMES-higher-recommended-safe-levels.html
------------------------------------------
Toxin Found in Most U.S. Rice Causes Genetic Damage
Researchers from the University of Manchester and the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology studied 400 people living in the West Bengal region of India for whom rice was a dietary staple but who were not exposed to arsenic through other sources, such as drinking water.
They collected subjects’ urine and screened thousands of cells shed from the lining of the urinary tract (found floating in urine). They focused on these cells because they can be acquired through a simple non-invasive procedure and because arsenic has been linked to diseases of the gastrointestinal system.
The researchers were specifically looking for micronuclei, aberrant nucleus-like growths that form in damaged cells. Micronuclei testing is a standard screening measure for compounds that cause genetic damage (sometimes referred to as genotoxic), and which are thus considered a cancer risk. Arsenic is linked to a host of human cancers, including malignancies of both bladder and lungs.
http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/crux/?p=3361#.UiwKoT-wU99
---------------------------------------------
What are some of the rarest natural phenomena that occur in India?
https://www.quora.com/What-are-some-of-the-rarest-natural-phenomena-that-occur-in-India
------------------------------------------
Bird myth busted, but mystery continues
March 18 , 2013
Dima Hasao administration wants to cash in on Jatinga puzzle to attract tourists
Haflong, March 17: His eyes light up at the mention of the birds. Last year, he alone killed 30 of them.
Bansaindr Suchiang, a Class X student and
resident of Jatinga village, about 9km from here, is not alone. Other
residents of the village, too, wait for the time when the birds flock to
Jatinga, never to return as they fall prey to waiting sticks and other
instruments of death.
“They taste nice,” Suchiang recalled, the glint in his eyes clear.
The myth about Jatinga’s bird suicide is
long exploded, but the mystery of the winged visitors said to arrive
only at nights at a certain time of the year — between August and
October — in certain weather conditions and drawn to light remains; It
is when these birds drop to the ground near the lights that they are
captured or clubbed to death. “We switch on lights or light lanterns to
attract the birds,” Suchiang said.
It is this mystery that the Dima Hasao Autonmous Council seeks to promote as a means to lure tourists.
https://www.telegraphindia.com/1130318/jsp/northeast/story_16684585.jsp
---------------------------------------------
Birds decreasing in ‘suicide spot’ of Jatinga
July 20, 2015
Assam’s Jatinga village, known the world over as the “suicide spot”
of birds, may lose the misnomer as the number of winged guests flying
into the place has reduced drastically over the past few years.
“Bird arrival is very scarce these days at Jatinga and the number of birds being killed by villagers has also come down,” eminent ornithologist Anwaruddin Choudhury told PTI.
Choudhury, dubbed the “Birdman of Assam”, has done field surveys to understand the mysterious behaviour of the avian species in the tiny hamlet nestled in the North Cachar Hills near Haflong.
Bikash Brahma, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests of Dima Hasao, also agreed, saying not only killings but also the number of birds arriving at the village has been declining gradually since the last few years.
“Earlier birds were killed but due to the awareness campaign run by the forest department such incidents have reduced substantially now,” he said.
The birds are drawn by lights at houses and floodlight of watchtowers during certain times when fog, drizzle and south-westerly winds come together on a moonless night in the months of September-October.
After reaching the village they get disoriented and unable to fly they hit the walls and fall easy prey to hunters who attack them with bamboo poles.
This phenomenon is often wrongly known as suicide by birds.
“Bird arrival is very scarce these days at Jatinga and the number of birds being killed by villagers has also come down,” eminent ornithologist Anwaruddin Choudhury told PTI.
Choudhury, dubbed the “Birdman of Assam”, has done field surveys to understand the mysterious behaviour of the avian species in the tiny hamlet nestled in the North Cachar Hills near Haflong.
Bikash Brahma, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests of Dima Hasao, also agreed, saying not only killings but also the number of birds arriving at the village has been declining gradually since the last few years.
“Earlier birds were killed but due to the awareness campaign run by the forest department such incidents have reduced substantially now,” he said.
The birds are drawn by lights at houses and floodlight of watchtowers during certain times when fog, drizzle and south-westerly winds come together on a moonless night in the months of September-October.
After reaching the village they get disoriented and unable to fly they hit the walls and fall easy prey to hunters who attack them with bamboo poles.
This phenomenon is often wrongly known as suicide by birds.
http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/birds-decreasing-in-suicide-spot-of-jatinga/article7443733.ece
--------------------------------------------
10 of world's 20 most polluted cities in India : List inside
May 15, 2017
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/10-of-worlds-20-most-polluted-cities-in-india-list-inside/articleshow/52249911.cms
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
Gwalior is the most polluted Indian city, not Delhi: WHO report
Sep 2016
Comparing between Indian cities on levels of particulate matter PM10 and the more harmful PM2.5, Delhi features in the top lists in India. In terms of pollution levels, Delhi ranks fourth in PM10 list and and fifth in the PM2.5 list.
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/gwalior-is-the-most-polluted-indian-city-not-delhi-who-report-3052946/
-----------------------------------------
18.08.2014
As the UN Convention on International Watercourses comes into force, we ask experts if it can lower regional frictions over access to water
-----------------------------------------
China and India ignore UN watercourses convention
18.08.2014
As the UN Convention on International Watercourses comes into force, we ask experts if it can lower regional frictions over access to water
https://www.chinadialogue.net/blog/7229-China-and-India-ignore-UN-watercourses-convention/en
----------------------------------------
List of most polluted cities by particulate matter concentration
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_most_polluted_cities_by_particulate_matter_concentration
| Position | Country | Town/City | PM2.5 | PM2.5 Year | PM10 | PM10 Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iran | Zabol | 217 | 2012 | 527 | 2012 |
| 2 | India | Gwalior | 176 | 2012 | 329 | 2012 |
| 3 | India | Allahabad | 170 | 2012 | 317 | 2012 |
| 4 | Saudi Arabia | Riyadh | 156 | 2014 | 368 | 2014 |
| 5 | Saudi Arabia | Al Jubail | 152 | 2014 | 359 | 2014 |
| 6 | India | Patna | 149 | 2013 | 167 | 2012 |
| 7 | India | Raipur | 144 | 2012 | 268 | 2012 |
| 8 | Cameroon | Bamenda | 132 | 2012 | 141 | 2012 |
| 9 | China | Xingtai | 128 | 2014 | 193 | 2014 |
| 10 | China | Baoding | 126 | 2014 | 190 | 2014 |
| 11 | India | Delhi | 122 | 2013 | 229 | 2012 |
| 12 | India | Ludhiana | 122 | 2012 | 228 | 2012 |
| 13 | China | Shijiazhuang | 121 | 2014 | 305 | 2013 |
| 14 | Saudi Arabia | Dammam | 121 | 2014 | 286 | 2014 |
| 15 | India | Kanpur | 115 | 2012 | 215 | 2012 |
| 16 | India | Khanna | 114 | 2012 | 213 | 2012 |
| 17 | India | Firozabad | 113 | 2012 | 212 | 2012 |
| 18 | India | Lucknow | 113 | 2012 | 211 | 2012 |
| 19 | China | Handan | 112 | 2014 | 169 | 2014 |
| 20 | Pakistan | Lahore | 111 | 2010 | 540 | 2010 |
| 21 | India | Amritsar | 108 | 2012 | 202 | 2012 |
| 22 | India | Gobindgarh | 108 | 2012 | 201 | 2012 |
| 23 | Pakistan | Rawalpindi | 107 | 2010 | 448 | 2010 |
| 24 | China | Hengshui | 107 | 2014 | 161 | 2014 |
| 25 | Bangladesh | Narayangonj | 106 | 2014 | 191 | 2014 |
| 26 | Iran | Bushehr | 105 | 2010 | 255 | 2010 |
| 27 | India | Agra | 105 | 2012 | 196 | 2012 |
| 28 | Uganda | Kampala | 104 | 2013 | 170 | 2013 |
| 29 | China | Tangshan | 102 | 2014 | 153 | 2014 |
| 30 | India | Jodhpur | 101 | 2012 | 189 | 2012 |
| 31 | India | Dehradun | 100 | 2012 | 188 | 2012 |
| 32 | India | Jaipur | 100 | 2012 | 187 | 2012 |
| 33 | India | Howrah | 100 | 2012 | 186 | 2012 |
| 34 | India | Ahmedabad | 100 | 2013 | 83 | 2012 |
| 35 | India | Faridabad | 98 | 2012 | 184 | 2012 |
| 36 | Saudi Arabia | Yanbu | 97 | 2014 | 230 | 2014 |
| 37 | China | Langfang | 96 | 2014 | 144 | 2014 |
| 38 | Iran | Ahvaz | 95 | 2010 | 231 | 2010 |
| 39 | India | Dhanbad | 95 | 2012 | 178 | 2012 |
| 40 | Bangladesh | Chittagong | 95 | 2014 | 135 | 2014 |
| 41 | India | Bhopal | 93 | 2012 | 173 | 2012 |
| 42 | Qatar | Doha | 93 | 2012 | 168 | 2012 |
| 43 | Nigeria | Kaduna | 90 | 2013 | 423 | 2013 |
| 44 | India | Khurja | 90 | 2012 | 168 | 2012 |
| 45 | Bangladesh | Dhaka | 90 | 2014 | 158 | 2014 |
| 46 | Bangladesh | Gazipur | 89 | 2014 | 155 | 2014 |
| 47 | Pakistan | Karachi | 88 | 2009 | 290 | 2009 |
| 48 | Kuwait | Al Shuwaikh | 88 | 2014 | 212 | 2014 |
| 49 | Iraq | Baghdad | 88 | 2015 | 208 | 2015 |
| 50 | China | Cangzhou | 88 | 2014 | 133 | 2014 |
| 51 | India | Raebareli | 87 | 2012 | 163 | 2012 |
| 52 | China | Tianjin | 87 | 2014 | 150 | 2013 |
| 53 | Afghanistan | Kabul | 86 | 2009 | 260 | 2009 |
| 54 | China | Zhengzhou | 86 | 2014 | 171 | 2013 |
| 55 | Qatar | Al Wakrah | 85 | 2012 | 152 | 2012 |
| 56 | Bangladesh | Barisal | 85 | 2014 | 142 | 2014 |
| 57 | China | Beijing | 85 | 2014 | 108 | 2013 |
| 58 | India | Kota | 84 | 2012 | 156 | 2012 |
| 59 | India | Udaipur | 83 | 2012 | 155 | 2012 |
| 60 | India | Alwar | 81 | 2012 | 152 | 2012 |
| 61 | Republic of Macedonia | Tetovo | 81 | 2013 | 140 | 2013 |
| 62 | China | Wuhan | 80 | 2014 | 124 | 2013 |
| 63 | India | Chandrapur | 79 | 2012 | 148 | 2012 |
| 64 | China | Anyang | 79 | 2014 | 119 | 2014 |
| 65 | China | Hefei | 79 | 2014 | 115 | 2013 |
| 66 | Myanmar | Pyin Oo Lwin | 78 | 2012 | 140 | 2012 |
| 67 | China | Shouguang | 78 | 2014 | 117 | 2014 |
| 68 | Egypt | Greater Cairo | 76 | 2013 | 179 | 2013 |
| 69 | India | Indore | 76 | 2012 | 143 | 2012 |
| 70 | Myanmar | Taungoo | 76 | 2013 | 137 | 2013 |
| 71 | Myanmar | Kyaukphyu | 76 | 2009 | 136 | 2009 |
| 72 | Mongolia | Ulaanbaatar | 75 | 2010 | 165 | 2010 |
| 73 | India | Jalandhar | 75 | 2012 | 140 | 2012 |
| 74 | Kuwait | Ali Subah Al-Salem | 74 | 2014 | 179 | 2014 |
| 75 | Saudi Arabia | Makkah | 74 | 2014 | 176 | 2014 |
| 76 | India | Akola | 74 | 2012 | 139 | 2012 |
| 77 | India | Varanasi | 74 | 2012 | 138 | 2012 |
| 78 | China | Jingzhou | 74 | 2014 | 112 | 2014 |
| 79 | China | Changsha | 74 | 2014 | 94 | 2013 |
| 80 | India | Noida | 73 | 2012 | 136 | 2012 |
| 81 | China | Nanjing | 72 | 2014 | 137 | 2013 |
| 82 | China | Shenyang | 72 | 2014 | 129 | 2013 |
| 83 | Egypt | Delta region | 71 | 2013 | 167 | 2013 |
| 84 | China | Chengdu | 71 | 2014 | 150 | 2013 |
| 85 | Myanmar | Namkham | 71 | 2012 | 127 | 2012 |
| 86 | China | Harbin | 71 | 2014 | 119 | 2013 |
| 87 | China | Xi'an | 70 | 2014 | 189 | 2013 |
| 88 | India | Jalgaon | 70 | 2012 | 130 | 2012 |
| 89 | China | Kaifeng | 70 | 2014 | 106 | 2014 |
| 90 | China | Yichang | 70 | 2014 | 106 | 2014 |
| 91 | China | Pingdingshan | 70 | 2014 | 105 | 2014 |
| 92 | China | Xiangtan | 70 | 2014 | 105 | 2014 |
| 93 | China | Yangquan | 70 | 2014 | 105 | 2014 |
| 94 | India | Meerut | 69 | 2012 | 129 | 2012 |
| 95 | Myanmar | Mawlamyaing | 69 | 2012 | 124 | 2012 |
| 96 | China | Zhuzhou | 69 | 2014 | 105 | 2014 |
| 97 | Afghanistan | Mazar-e Sharif | 68 | 2009 | 334 | 2009 |
| 98 | Pakistan | Lahore | 68 | 2010 | 198 | 2010 |
| 99 | Kuwait | Al-Mansouriya | 68 | 2014 | 165 | 2014 |
| 100 | Saudi Arabia | Jeddah | 68 | 2014 | 161 | 2014 |
| 101 | China | Jiaozuo | 68 | 2014 | 103 | 2014 |
| 102 | China | Laiwu | 68 | 2014 | 103 | 2014 |
| 103 | China | Jiangyin | 68 | 2014 | 102 | 2014 |
| 104 | China | Suqian | 68 | 2014 | 102 | 2014 |
| 105 | China | Weinan | 68 | 2014 | 102 | 2014 |
| 106 | China | Taiyuan | 67 | 2014 | 157 | 2013 |
| 107 | Mauritius | Beau Bassin/Rose Hill, Coromandel | 67 | 2011 | 131 | 2011 |
| 108 | India | Raniganj | 67 | 2012 | 126 | 2012 |
| 109 | Myanmar | Yenanchaung | 67 | 2009 | 120 | 2009 |
| 110 | Turkey | Batman | 67 | 2012 | 109 | 2012 |
| 111 | Turkey | Hakkari | 67 | 2012 | 109 | 2012 |
| 112 | Cameroon | Bafoussam | 67 | 2012 | 105 | 2012 |
| 113 | China | Changzhi | 67 | 2014 | 101 | 2014 |
| 114 | China | Wuxi | 67 | 2014 | 101 | 2014 |
| 115 | Nigeria | Onitsha | 66 | 2009 | 594 | 2009 |
| 116 | Bahrain | Hamad Town | 66 | 2012 | 318 | 2012 |
| 117 | Pakistan | Islamabad | 66 | 2011 | 217 | 2011 |
| 118 | Turkey | Gaziantep | 66 | 2012 | 108 | 2012 |
| 119 | China | Xuzhou | 66 | 2014 | 100 | 2014 |
| 120 | China | Zhenjiang | 66 | 2014 | 99 | 2014 |
| 121 | Saudi Arabia | Medina | 65 | 2014 | 153 | 2014 |
| 122 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | Tuzla | 65 | 2010 | 106 | 2010 |
| 123 | China | Changzhou | 65 | 2014 | 99 | 2014 |
| 124 | China | Anshan | 65 | 2014 | 98 | 2014 |
| 125 | China | Baoji | 65 | 2014 | 98 | 2014 |
| 126 | China | Huai'an | 65 | 2014 | 98 | 2014 |
| 127 | China | Liuzhou | 65 | 2014 | 98 | 2014 |
| 128 | China | Xianyang | 65 | 2014 | 98 | 2014 |
| 129 | China | Jurong | 65 | 2014 | 97 | 2014 |
| 130 | China | Yangzhou | 65 | 2014 | 97 | 2014 |
| 131 | Bahrain | Ma'ameer | 64 | 2012 | 257 | 2012 |
| 132 | Kuwait | Al-Ahmadi | 64 | 2014 | 168 | 2014 |
| 133 | Kuwait | Al-Salam | 64 | 2014 | 153 | 2014 |
| 134 | China | Urumqi | 64 | 2014 | 146 | 2013 |
| 135 | China | Changchun | 64 | 2014 | 130 | 2013 |
| 136 | India | Navi Mumbai | 64 | 2012 | 120 | 2012 |
| 137 | India | Jammu | 64 | 2012 | 119 | 2012 |
| 138 | China | Shaoxing | 64 | 2014 | 105 | 2013 |
| 139 | China | Suzhou | 64 | 2014 | 97 | 2014 |
| 140 | China | Tongchuan | 64 | 2014 | 97 | 2014 |
| 141 | China | Zigong | 64 | 2014 | 97 | 2014 |
| 142 | China | Sanmenxia | 64 | 2014 | 96 | 2014 |
| 143 | Chile | Coyhaique | 64 | 2014 | 75 | 2014 |
| 144 | India | Bangalore | 63 | 2012 | 118 | 2012 |
| 145 | India | Mumbai | 63 | 2013 | 117 | 2012 |
| 146 | China | Huzhou | 63 | 2014 | 111 | 2013 |
| 147 | China | Jinhua | 63 | 2014 | 99 | 2013 |
| 148 | China | Liaocheng | 63 | 2014 | 96 | 2014 |
| 149 | China | Xining | 62 | 2014 | 163 | 2013 |
| 150 | United Arab Emirates | Al Gharbia - Bida Zayed | 62 | 2013 | 146 | 2013 |
| 151 | China | Linfen | 62 | 2014 | 94 | 2014 |
| 152 | Bangladesh | Sylhet | 61 | 2014 | 170 | 2014 |
| 153 | United Arab Emirates | Al Gharbia - Gayathi | 61 | 2013 | 145 | 2013 |
| 154 | India | Kolkata | 61 | 2014 | 135 | 2012 |
| 155 | Bangladesh | Khulna | 61 | 2014 | 109 | 2014 |
| 156 | China | Chongqing | 61 | 2014 | 106 | 2013 |
| 157 | China | Hangzhou | 61 | 2014 | 106 | 2013 |
| 158 | Turkey | Siirt | 61 | 2012 | 101 | 2012 |
| 159 | China | Lianyungang | 61 | 2014 | 92 | 2014 |
| 160 | China | Wuhu | 61 | 2014 | 92 | 2014 |
| 161 | China | Taizhou | 61 | 2014 | 82 | 2013 |
| 162 | South Africa | Hartebeespoort | 60 | 2014 | 119 | 2014 |
| 163 | Turkey | Afyon | 60 | 2012 | 98 | 2012 |
| 164 | China | Heze | 60 | 2014 | 91 | 2014 |
| 165 | China | Qinhuangdao | 60 | 2014 | 91 | 2014 |
| 166 | China | Zhangjiagang | 60 | 2014 | 91 | 2014 |
| 167 | China | Fuyang | 60 | 2014 | 90 | 2014 |
| 168 | China | Nantong | 60 | 2014 | 90 | 2014 |
| 169 | India | Chandigarh | 59 | 2012 | 110 | 2012 |
| 170 | India | Jhansi | 59 | 2012 | 110 | 2012 |
| 171 | India | Kolhapur | 59 | 2012 | 110 | 2012 |
| 172 | China | Dezhou | 59 | 2014 | 90 | 2014 |
| 173 | China | Wafangdian | 59 | 2014 | 88 | 2014 |
| 174 | China | Yiwu | 59 | 2014 | 88 | 2014 |
| 175 | China | Zhuji | 59 | 2014 | 88 | 2014 |
| 176 | India | Hyderabad | 59 | 2014 | 79 | 2012 |
| 177 | Bahrain | Nabih Saleh | 58 | 2012 | 244 | 2012 |
| 178 | China | Lanzhou | 58 | 2014 | 153 | 2013 |
| 179 | Kuwait | Al-Rumaithyia | 58 | 2014 | 141 | 2014 |
| 180 | India | Rishikesh | 58 | 2012 | 109 | 2012 |
| 181 | India | Sibsagar | 58 | 2012 | 109 | 2012 |
| 182 | India | Durgapur | 58 | 2012 | 108 | 2012 |
| 183 | China | Pingdu | 58 | 2014 | 88 | 2014 |
| 184 | China | Korla | 58 | 2014 | 87 | 2014 |
| 185 | China | Lin'an | 58 | 2014 | 87 | 2014 |
| 186 | India | Angul | 57 | 2012 | 106 | 2012 |
| 187 | China | Quzhou | 57 | 2014 | 94 | 2013 |
| 188 | Turkey | Karaman | 57 | 2012 | 93 | 2012 |
| 189 | China | Maanshan | 57 | 2014 | 87 | 2014 |
| 190 | China | Nanchong | 57 | 2014 | 86 | 2014 |
| 191 | China | Yancheng | 57 | 2014 | 86 | 2014 |
| 192 | United Arab Emirates | Al Gharbia - Liwa Oasis | 56 | 2013 | 133 | 2013 |
| 193 | United Arab Emirates | Abu Dhabi | 56 | 2013 | 132 | 2013 |
| 194 | China | Jiaxing | 56 | 2014 | 94 | 2013 |
| 195 | China | Luoyang | 56 | 2014 | 85 | 2014 |
| 196 | China | Panjin | 56 | 2014 | 85 | 2014 |
| 197 | China | Wujiang | 56 | 2014 | 85 | 2014 |
| 198 | China | Dalian | 56 | 2014 | 84 | 2014 |
| 199 | China | Huludao | 56 | 2014 | 84 | 2014 |
| 200 | China | Laixi | 56 | 2014 | 84 | 2014 |
| 201 | China | Laizhou | 56 | 2014 | 84 | 2014 |
| 202 | China | Linyi | 56 | 2014 | 84 | 2014 |
| 203 | India | Bhilai | 55 | 2012 | 103 | 2012 |
| 204 | India | Nagda | 55 | 2012 | 103 | 2012 |
| 205 | India | Nagpur | 55 | 2012 | 103 | 2012 |
| 206 | India | Vadodara | 55 | 2012 | 102 | 2012 |
| 207 | China | Zhaoqing | 55 | 2014 | 85 | 2013 |
| 208 | China | Jinzhou | 55 | 2014 | 84 | 2014 |
| 209 | China | Guilin | 55 | 2014 | 83 | 2014 |
| 210 | China | Taian | 55 | 2014 | 83 | 2014 |
| 211 | China | Taicang | 55 | 2014 | 82 | 2014 |
| 212 | China | Zhaoyuan | 55 | 2014 | 82 | 2014 |
| 213 | China | Zibo | 55 | 2014 | 82 | 2014 |
| 214 | Jordan | Al-Zarqa | 54 | 2015 | 128 | 2015 |
| 215 | India | Jamnagar | 54 | 2012 | 101 | 2012 |
| 216 | India | Amravati | 54 | 2012 | 100 | 2012 |
| 217 | India | Vapi | 54 | 2012 | 100 | 2012 |
| 218 | Turkey | Igdir | 54 | 2012 | 88 | 2012 |
| 219 | China | Benxi | 54 | 2014 | 81 | 2014 |
| 220 | China | Dongying | 54 | 2014 | 81 | 2014 |
| 221 | China | Jining | 54 | 2014 | 81 | 2014 |
| 222 | China | Yixing | 54 | 2014 | 81 | 2014 |
| 223 | Iran | Kermanshah | 53 | 2011 | 130 | 2011 |
| 224 | India | Anklesvar | 53 | 2012 | 100 | 2012 |
| 225 | India | Baddi | 53 | 2012 | 99 | 2012 |
| 226 | India | Rajkot | 53 | 2012 | 99 | 2012 |
| 227 | China | Binzhou | 53 | 2014 | 80 | 2014 |
| 228 | China | Changde | 53 | 2014 | 80 | 2014 |
| 229 | China | Chengde | 53 | 2014 | 80 | 2014 |
| 230 | China | Fushun | 53 | 2014 | 80 | 2014 |
| 231 | China | Jiaonan | 53 | 2014 | 79 | 2014 |
| 232 | China | Jiaozhou | 53 | 2014 | 79 | 2014 |
| 233 | China | Jinan | 52 | 2014 | 199 | 2013 |
| 234 | United Arab Emirates | Al Ain | 52 | 2013 | 123 | 2013 |
| 235 | India | Rourkela | 52 | 2012 | 98 | 2012 |
| 236 | India | Surat | 52 | 2012 | 97 | 2012 |
| 237 | Turkey | Isparta | 52 | 2012 | 86 | 2012 |
| 238 | Turkey | Duzce | 52 | 2012 | 85 | 2012 |
| 239 | China | Shanghai | 52 | 2014 | 84 | 2013 |
| 240 | China | Liyang | 52 | 2014 | 78 | 2014 |
| 241 | China | Yibin | 52 | 2014 | 78 | 2014 |
| 242 | India | Nashik | 51 | 2012 | 95 | 2012 |
| 243 | Myanmar | Nyaung Oo | 51 | 2013 | 91 | 2013 |
| 244 | Turkey | Bitlis | 51 | 2012 | 84 | 2012 |
| 245 | China | Baotou | 51 | 2014 | 77 | 2014 |
| 246 | China | Haimen | 51 | 2014 | 77 | 2014 |
| 247 | China | Jimo | 51 | 2014 | 77 | 2014 |
| 248 | South Africa | Pretoria] | 51 | 2014 | 63 | 2014 |
| 249 | Myanmar | Kyauk Pa Taung | 50 | 2013 | 89 | 2013 |
| 250 | Turkey | Cankiri | 50 | 2012 | 83 | 2012 |
| 251 | Turkey | Muş | 50 | 2012 | 83 | 2012 |
| 252 | Turkey | Osmaniye | 50 | 2012 | 82 | 2012 |
| 253 | Turkey | Sakarya | 50 | 2012 | 82 | 2012 |
| 254 | China | Jilin | 50 | 2014 | 76 | 2014 |
| 255 | China | Luzhou | 50 | 2014 | 75 | 2014 |
| 256 | China | Mudanjiang | 50 | 2014 | 75 | 2014 |
| 257 | Nigeria | Aba | 49 | 2009 | 373 | 2009 |
| 258 | Kuwait | Al-Jahra | 49 | 2014 | 117 | 2014 |
| 259 | China | Nanchang | 49 | 2014 | 116 | 2013 |
| 260 | India | Dewas | 49 | 2012 | 92 | 2012 |
| 261 | India | Guwahati | 49 | 2012 | 92 | 2012 |
| 262 | India | Pune | 49 | 2012 | 92 | 2012 |
| 263 | Nepal | Kathmandu | 49 | 2013 | 88 | 2013 |
| 264 | China | Guiyang | 49 | 2014 | 85 | 2013 |
| 265 | Turkey | Bolu | 49 | 2012 | 80 | 2012 |
| 266 | Turkey | Nigde | 49 | 2012 | 80 | 2012 |
| 267 | China | Changshu | 49 | 2014 | 74 | 2014 |
| 268 | China | Dandong | 49 | 2014 | 74 | 2014 |
| 269 | China | Zunyi | 49 | 2014 | 74 | 2014 |
| 270 | China | Weifang | 49 | 2014 | 73 | 2014 |
| 271 | China | Yueyang | 49 | 2014 | 73 | 2014 |
| 272 | Cameroon | Yaoundé | 49 | 2012 | 65 | 2012 |
| 273 | India | Silchar | 48 | 2012 | 91 | 2012 |
| 274 | India | Dimapur | 48 | 2012 | 90 | 2012 |
| 275 | Peru | Lima | 48 | 2013 | 88 | 2013 |
| 276 | China | Shaoguan | 48 | 2014 | 73 | 2014 |
| 277 | China | Yan'an | 48 | 2014 | 73 | 2014 |
| 278 | China | Zaozhuang | 48 | 2014 | 73 | 2014 |
| 279 | China | Guangzhou | 48 | 2014 | 72 | 2013 |
| 280 | China | Jintan | 48 | 2014 | 72 | 2014 |
| 281 | China | Rushan | 48 | 2014 | 72 | 2014 |
| 282 | China | Yinchuan | 47 | 2014 | 118 | 2013 |
| 283 | Kuwait | Al-Mutla | 47 | 2014 | 114 | 2014 |
| 284 | Iran | Hamadan | 47 | 2013 | 114 | 2013 |
| 285 | Iran | Pakdasht | 47 | 2013 | 113 | 2013 |
| 286 | China | Nanning | 47 | 2014 | 90 | 2013 |
| 287 | India | Naya Nangal | 47 | 2012 | 89 | 2012 |
| 288 | Turkey | Burdur | 47 | 2012 | 78 | 2012 |
| 289 | Turkey | Ankara | 47 | 2012 | 77 | 2012 |
| 290 | Turkey | Kayseri | 47 | 2012 | 77 | 2012 |
| 291 | Turkey | Kutahya | 47 | 2012 | 77 | 2012 |
| 292 | China | Zhangjiajie | 47 | 2014 | 71 | 2014 |
| 293 | China | Zhangqiu | 47 | 2014 | 71 | 2014 |
| 294 | Kuwait | Saad Al-Abdullah | 46 | 2014 | 112 | 2014 |
| 295 | Iran | Isfahan | 46 | 2012 | 111 | 2012 |
| 296 | China | Qingdao | 46 | 2014 | 106 | 2013 |
| 297 | China | Wenzhou | 46 | 2014 | 94 | 2013 |
| 298 | China | Kunshan | 46 | 2014 | 69 | 2014 |
| 299 | China | Penglai | 46 | 2014 | 69 | 2014 |
| 300 | China | Wendeng | 46 | 2014 | 69 | 2014 |
| 301 | Iran | Yasuj | 45 | 2013 | 109 | 2013 |
| 302 | Iran | Shiraz | 45 | 2012 | 108 | 2012 |
| 303 | China | Ningbo | 45 | 2014 | 86 | 2013 |
| 304 | Turkey | Edirne | 45 | 2012 | 74 | 2012 |
| 305 | Republic of Macedonia | Skopje | 45 | 2013 | 74 | 2013 |
| 306 | Turkey | Çorum | 45 | 2012 | 73 | 2012 |
| 307 | Turkey | Denizli | 45 | 2012 | 73 | 2012 |
| 308 | China | Deyang | 45 | 2014 | 68 | 2014 |
| 309 | Bahrain | Ras Hayan | 44 | 2012 | 250 | 2012 |
| 310 | Nigeria | Owerri | 44 | 2009 | 158 | 2009 |
| 311 | Kuwait | Al-Fahaheel | 44 | 2014 | 107 | 2014 |
| 312 | Brazil | Santa Gertrudes | 44 | 2014 | 95 | 2014 |
| 313 | Philippines | Baguio City | 44 | 2013 | 84 | 2013 |
| 314 | China | Foshan | 44 | 2014 | 83 | 2013 |
| 315 | India | Solapur | 44 | 2012 | 83 | 2012 |
| 316 | India | Balasore | 44 | 2012 | 82 | 2012 |
| 317 | India | Kohima | 44 | 2012 | 82 | 2012 |
| 318 | Bolivia | La Paz | 44 | 2013 | 82 | 2013 |
| 319 | India | Nalbari | 44 | 2012 | 82 | 2012 |
| 320 | India | Ramagundam | 44 | 2012 | 82 | 2012 |
| 321 | Myanmar | Sintgaing | 44 | 2009 | 80 | 2009 |
| 322 | Myanmar | Thaungtha | 44 | 2009 | 80 | 2009 |
| 323 | Turkey | Urfa | 44 | 2012 | 72 | 2012 |
| 324 | Turkey | Adiyaman | 44 | 2012 | 71 | 2012 |
| 325 | China | Mianyang | 44 | 2014 | 66 | 2014 |
| 326 | India | Chennai | 44 | 2014 | 57 | 2012 |
| 327 | China | Hohhot | 43 | 2014 | 146 | 2013 |
| 328 | Iran | Robatkarim | 43 | 2013 | 105 | 2013 |
| 329 | India | Bhubaneswar | 43 | 2012 | 81 | 2012 |
| 330 | India | Korba | 43 | 2012 | 81 | 2012 |
| 331 | India | Aurangabad | 43 | 2012 | 80 | 2012 |
| 332 | India | Berhampur | 43 | 2012 | 80 | 2012 |
| 333 | India | Parwanoo | 43 | 2012 | 80 | 2012 |
| 334 | India | Sangli | 43 | 2012 | 80 | 2012 |
| 335 | India | Ujjain | 43 | 2012 | 80 | 2012 |
| 336 | Bhutan | Thimphu | 43 | 2012 | 78 | 2012 |
| 337 | China | Jiangmen | 43 | 2014 | 77 | 2013 |
| 338 | Turkey | Aydin | 43 | 2012 | 71 | 2012 |
| 339 | Turkey | Kahramanmaras | 43 | 2012 | 71 | 2012 |
| 340 | Turkey | Mugla | 43 | 2012 | 71 | 2012 |
| 341 | Turkey | Zonguldak | 43 | 2012 | 71 | 2012 |
| 342 | China | Lishui | 43 | 2014 | 69 | 2013 |
| 343 | China | Chaozhou | 43 | 2014 | 65 | 2014 |
| 344 | China | Dongguan | 43 | 2014 | 65 | 2013 |
| 345 | Poland | Pszczyna | 43 | 2013 | 58 | 2013 |
| 346 | Poland | Zywiec | 43 | 2013 | 58 | 2013 |
| 347 | Iran | Varamin | 42 | 2013 | 102 | 2013 |
| 348 | India | Nagaon | 42 | 2012 | 79 | 2012 |
| 349 | India | Nalgonda | 42 | 2012 | 79 | 2012 |
| 350 | Montenegro | Pljevlja | 42 | 2014 | 77 | 2014 |
| 351 | El Salvador | San Salvador | 42 | 2014 | 77 | 2014 |
| 352 | Myanmar | Kathar | 42 | 2013 | 76 | 2013 |
| 353 | Turkey | Diyarbakir | 42 | 2012 | 69 | 2012 |
| 354 | Turkey | Gumushane | 42 | 2012 | 69 | 2012 |
| 355 | Turkey | Tekirdag | 42 | 2012 | 69 | 2012 |
| 356 | Turkey | Uşak | 42 | 2012 | 69 | 2012 |
| 357 | Turkey | Malatya | 42 | 2012 | 68 | 2012 |
| 358 | China | Datong | 42 | 2014 | 63 | 2014 |
| 359 | China | Qingyuan | 42 | 2014 | 63 | 2014 |
| 360 | Bulgaria | Dimitrovgad | 42 | 2013 | 59 | 2013 |
| 361 | Bahrain | Hidd | 41 | 2012 | 178 | 2012 |
| 362 | Iran | Sanandaj | 41 | 2010 | 100 | 2010 |
| 363 | South Africa | Johannesburg | 41 | 2011 | 85 | 2010 |
| 364 | Turkey | Aksaray | 41 | 2012 | 68 | 2012 |
| 365 | Turkey | Kirikkale | 41 | 2012 | 67 | 2012 |
| 366 | China | Shizuishan | 41 | 2014 | 62 | 2014 |
| 367 | Guatemala | Guatemala | 41 | 2013 | 56 | 2013 |
| 368 | Colombia | La Estrella | 41 | 2014 | 47 | 2014 |
| 369 | Nigeria | Umuahia | 40 | 2009 | 274 | 2009 |
| 370 | India | Davanagere | 40 | 2012 | 75 | 2012 |
| 371 | India | Guntur | 40 | 2012 | 75 | 2012 |
| 372 | India | Trichy | 40 | 2012 | 75 | 2012 |
| 373 | India | Kurnool | 40 | 2012 | 74 | 2012 |
| 374 | Republic of Macedonia | Bitola | 40 | 2013 | 69 | 2013 |
| 375 | Iran | Tabriz | 40 | 2013 | 68 | 2012 |
| 376 | Turkey | Van | 40 | 2012 | 65 | 2012 |
| 377 | China | Yingkou | 40 | 2014 | 61 | 2014 |
| 378 | China | Beihai | 40 | 2014 | 60 | 2014 |
| 379 | China | Chifeng | 40 | 2014 | 60 | 2014 |
| 380 | China | Heyuan | 40 | 2014 | 60 | 2014 |
| 381 | China | Jieyang | 40 | 2014 | 60 | 2014 |
| 382 | China | Jiujiang | 40 | 2014 | 60 | 2014 |
| 383 | Poland | Rybnik | 40 | 2013 | 53 | 2013 |
| 384 | India | Thane | 39 | 2012 | 73 | 2012 |
| 385 | Turkey | Bayburt | 39 | 2012 | 65 | 2012 |
| 386 | Turkey | Konya | 39 | 2012 | 65 | 2012 |
| 387 | Poland | Opoczno | 39 | 2013 | 53 | 2013 |
| 388 | Poland | Sucha Beskidzka | 39 | 2013 | 53 | 2013 |
| 389 | Poland | Wodzislaw Slaski | 39 | 2013 | 53 | 2013 |
| 390 | Tunisia | Tunis | 38 | 2010 | 90 | 2010 |
| 391 | India | Kochi | 38 | 2012 | 70 | 2012 |
| 392 | China | Zhongshan | 38 | 2014 | 66 | 2013 |
| 393 | China | Rizhao | 38 | 2014 | 57 | 2014 |
| 394 | China | Rongcheng | 38 | 2014 | 57 | 2014 |
| 395 | China | Shantou | 38 | 2014 | 57 | 2014 |
| 396 | Bulgaria | Dolny Voden | 38 | 2013 | 54 | 2013 |
| 397 | Poland | Godow[disambiguation needed] | 38 | 2013 | 51 | 2013 |
| 398 | Iran | Shahryar | 37 | 2013 | 91 | 2013 |
| 399 | Iran | Urmia | 37 | 2011 | 91 | 2011 |
| 400 | Iran | Sari | 37 | 2012 | 90 | 2012 |
| 401 | Tunisia | Sfax | 37 | 2010 | 87 | 2010 |
| 402 | Bangladesh | Rajshahi | 37 | 2014 | 64 | 2014 |
| 403 | Turkey | Ardahan | 37 | 2012 | 61 | 2012 |
| 404 | Madagascar | Antananarivo | 37 | 2008 | 60 | 2008 |
| 405 | Turkey | Bartin | 37 | 2012 | 60 | 2012 |
| 406 | Bulgaria | Montana | 37 | 2013 | 52 | 2013 |
| 407 | Poland | Krakow | 37 | 2013 | 51 | 2013 |
| 408 | Poland | Skawina | 37 | 2013 | 50 | 2013 |
| 409 | Mexico | Monterrey | 36 | 2011 | 86 | 2011 |
| 410 | Jordan | Amman | 36 | 2015 | 68 | 2015 |
| 411 | India | Coimbatore | 36 | 2012 | 68 | 2012 |
| 412 | India | Cuttack | 36 | 2012 | 68 | 2012 |
| 413 | India | Panaji | 36 | 2012 | 67 | 2012 |
| 414 | Sri Lanka | Colombo | 36 | 2011 | 64 | 2011 |
| 415 | China | Xiamen | 36 | 2014 | 62 | 2013 |
| 416 | Honduras | Tegucigalpa | 36 | 2013 | 59 | 2013 |
| 417 | Turkey | Kilis | 36 | 2012 | 58 | 2012 |
| 418 | China | Daqing | 36 | 2014 | 54 | 2014 |
| 419 | Bulgaria | Varna | 36 | 2013 | 51 | 2013 |
| 420 | Poland | Knurow | 36 | 2013 | 48 | 2013 |
| 421 | Poland | Niepolomice | 36 | 2013 | 48 | 2013 |
| 422 | Poland | Tuchow | 36 | 2013 | 48 | 2013 |
| 423 | Poland | Nowy Sacz | 36 | 2013 | 45 | 2013 |
| 424 | Oman | Muscat | 35 | 2009 | 82 | 2009 |
| 425 | India | Shillong | 35 | 2012 | 65 | 2012 |
| 426 | India | Vishakhapatnam | 35 | 2012 | 65 | 2012 |
| 427 | Chile | Padre las Casas | 35 | 2014 | 64 | 2014 |
| 428 | China | Huizhou | 35 | 2014 | 59 | 2013 |
| 429 | China | Zhuhai | 35 | 2014 | 59 | 2013 |
| 430 | Turkey | Trabzon | 35 | 2012 | 58 | 2012 |
| 431 | Turkey | Erzurum | 35 | 2012 | 57 | 2012 |
| 432 | Chile | Osorno | 35 | 2014 | 54 | 2014 |
| 433 | China | Qiqihar | 35 | 2014 | 52 | 2014 |
| 434 | Poland | Nowa Ruda | 35 | 2013 | 47 | 2013 |
| 435 | Poland | Wadowice | 35 | 2013 | 47 | 2013 |
| 436 | Poland | Zabrze | 35 | 2013 | 47 | 2013 |
| 437 | Poland | Gliwice | 35 | 2013 | 46 | 2013 |
| 438 | Poland | Katowice | 35 | 2013 | 45 | 2013 |
| 439 | Senegal | Dakar | 34 | 2013 | 141 | 2013 |
| 440 | China | Kunming | 34 | 2014 | 82 | 2013 |
| 441 | Tunisia | Bizerte | 34 | 2010 | 80 | 2010 |
| 442 | India | Singrauli | 34 | 2012 | 64 | 2012 |
| 443 | India | Kothagudem | 34 | 2012 | 63 | 2012 |
| 444 | China | Shenzhen | 34 | 2014 | 61 | 2013 |
| 445 | Bulgaria | Plovdiv | 34 | 2013 | 59 | 2013 |
| 446 | South Africa | Vereeniging | 34 | 2014 | 58 | 2014 |
| 447 | Turkey | Kocaeli | 34 | 2012 | 55 | 2012 |
| 448 | China | Meizhou | 34 | 2014 | 51 | 2014 |
| 449 | China | Nantou | 34 | 2014 | 51 | 2014 |
| 450 | China | Zhangjiakou | 34 | 2014 | 51 | 2014 |
| 451 | Poland | Brzeziny | 34 | 2013 | 46 | 2013 |
| 452 | Poland | Proszowice | 34 | 2013 | 46 | 2013 |
| 453 | Italy | Soresina | 34 | 2013 | 42 | 2013 |
| 454 | Poland | Bielsko Biala | 34 | 2013 | 41 | 2013 |
| 455 | Mexico | Toluca | 33 | 2011 | 80 | 2011 |
| 456 | Ecuador | Santo Domingo | 33 | 2012 | 69 | 2012 |
| 457 | India | Patiala | 33 | 2012 | 63 | 2012 |
| 458 | India | Nellore | 33 | 2012 | 62 | 2012 |
| 459 | Indonesia | Bandung | 33 | 2014 | 59 | 2014 |
| 460 | Myanmar | Meikhtilar | 33 | 2013 | 59 | 2013 |
| 461 | Turkey | Istanbul | 33 | 2012 | 53 | 2012 |
| 462 | China | Karamay | 33 | 2014 | 50 | 2014 |
| 463 | Bulgaria | Ruse | 33 | 2013 | 47 | 2013 |
| 464 | Bulgaria | Haskovo | 33 | 2013 | 46 | 2013 |
| 465 | Bulgaria | Pazardzhik | 33 | 2013 | 46 | 2013 |
| 466 | Czech Republic | Cesky Tesin | 33 | 2013 | 45 | 2013 |
| 467 | Czech Republic | Havirov | 33 | 2013 | 45 | 2013 |
| 468 | Poland | Zdunska Wola | 33 | 2013 | 45 | 2013 |
| 469 | Czech Republic | Orlová | 33 | 2013 | 44 | 2013 |
| 470 | Poland | Rawa Mazowiecka | 33 | 2013 | 44 | 2013 |
| 471 | Poland | Sosnowiec | 33 | 2013 | 44 | 2013 |
| 472 | Lebanon | Zahle | 33 | 2014 | 40 | 2014 |
| 473 | Poland | Kędzierzyn-Koźle | 33 | 2013 | 39 | 2013 |
| 474 | Italy | Settimo Torinese | 33 | 2013 | 39 | 2013 |
| 475 | Iran | Bojnord | 32 | 2010 | 78 | 2010 |
| 476 | Iran | Mashhad | 32 | 2011 | 78 | 2011 |
| 477 | Iran | Tehran | 32 | 2014 | 77 | 2014 |
| 478 | Ecuador | Milagro | 32 | 2012 | 66 | 2012 |
| 479 | Philippines | San Carlos City | 32 | 2013 | 61 | 2013 |
| 480 | Bolivia | Cochabamba | 32 | 2014 | 60 | 2014 |
| 481 | India | Salem | 32 | 2012 | 60 | 2012 |
| 482 | Thailand | Nakhon Sawan | 32 | 2014 | 57 | 2014 |
| 483 | Turkey | İçel | 32 | 2012 | 53 | 2012 |
| 484 | Turkey | Nevsehir | 32 | 2012 | 53 | 2012 |
| 485 | Turkey | Ordu | 32 | 2012 | 53 | 2012 |
| 486 | Turkey | Kars | 32 | 2012 | 52 | 2012 |
| 487 | China | Maoming | 32 | 2014 | 49 | 2014 |
| 488 | China | Changhua | 32 | 2014 | 48 | 2014 |
| 489 | China | Jinchang | 32 | 2014 | 48 | 2014 |
| 490 | China | Kinmen | 32 | 2014 | 48 | 2014 |
| 491 | China | Panzhihua | 32 | 2014 | 48 | 2014 |
| 492 | China | Quanzhou | 32 | 2014 | 48 | 2014 |
| 493 | China | Qujing | 32 | 2014 | 48 | 2014 |
| 494 | China | Yangjiang | 32 | 2014 | 48 | 2014 |
| 495 | Poland | Naklo[disambiguation needed] | 32 | 2013 | 44 | 2013 |
| 496 | Poland | Dabrowa Gornicza | 32 | 2013 | 43 | 2013 |
| 497 | Poland | Jaroslaw | 32 | 2013 | 43 | 2013 |
| 498 | Czech Republic | Karvina | 32 | 2013 | 43 | 2013 |
| 499 | Poland | Tomaszow Mazowiecki | 32 | 2013 | 43 | 2013 |
| 500 | Poland | Tychy | 32 | 2013 | 43 | 2013 |
Some people debate what is the best way to solve the pollution crisis in India and around the world.
We can see that too many people are using harmful and banned pesticides, instead we should be using natural and organic methods for pest control. Here are some good alternatives that you can use against pests, these alternative will pass organic testing standards.
Peppermint oil, Lemongrass oil, Eucalyptus oil and Neem Oil when combined, seems to take care of most pest problems, and bugs will not want to stay on your plants. When it rains however, it is good to re-apply these natural oils, when the rain washes them off.
Tobacco, absorbic acid and coffee can be used together as well.
Cayenne Pepper, Coriander oil and potassium silicate are good options as well.
What we are doing is changing the PH level on the leaves, so that the pests do not eat the plant, and to get rid of any mold that may form on the plant. These natural oils also irritate bugs, and will make them want to eat plants that are not sprayed with these oils.
If you are growing indoors, you can pump c02 into the room to kill many bugs that cannot breathe, because there is too much c02 in the room for the bugs to survive. You can also increase your crop yield indoors by using c02.
---
Safe New Mushroom-Based Biopesticides Could Spell the End for GMO Foods
https://www.consciouslifestylemag.com/biopesticides-mushroom-based-safe/
--------------------------------------------------------
To read an additional article about the pollution going on in India, click on the following link. This link is considered an additional section to this article.
Uranium Trade 101 - India & Pakistan
Pollution Science 101 - India
( UraniumTrade101india.Blogspot.com .)
------------------------------------------------------
TheInvestigations@Email.com
----------------------------------------
