Supreme Court modifies order on construction ban within one kilometre of protected areas

The apex court said it is not possible to implement a uniform ESZ in every protected area because of interstate boundaries

Daily Court Digest: Major environment orders (September 25, 2020)

Down To Earth brings you the top environmental cases heard in the Supreme Court, the high courts and the National Green Tribunal

Remembering 2013 Uttarakhand Floods

In June 2013, flashfloods in Uttarakhand wiped out settlements and decimated lives. Here’s a throwback to our investigation into the …

India recycles only 1% of its construction and demolition waste: CSE

The rest remains strewn across, in landfills, or in plain sight everywhere, leading to air and water pollution

After Joshimath, it could be Karnaprayag, Nainital and other Uttarakhand towns next, say experts

Policy interventions are needed on construction work in Himalayan regions to avoid a repeat of Joshimath, according to experts  

Millions of labourers to be affected by brick producers’ strike over hike in GST, coal rates

Uttar Pradesh manufacturers to cease production for a year; Coal rates doubled from last year, GST goes up to 12% from 5%

NGT halts construction on wetland between Bengaluru lakes

The construction projects violated the Master Plan of 2015 as well as environmental guidelines

COVID-19 lockdown: What are the lessons for Graded Response Action Plan

It is time for the government to order more robust source apportionment studies for cities hit by plummeting air quality  

Puri may have no water left in a decade

Rapid construction and encroachment in Odisha’s main tourist hub threaten water supplies

Cleaner, greener: Can architects help maintain natural correction?

Infrastructure is the backbone of any growing economy and fixing the way we build it can help address air pollution concerns 

COP27: Carbon emissions, energy consumption due to constructions back to pre-COVID levels

Report reveals 10 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide emitted in the atmosphere in 2021; Most significant energy demand in last 10 years

Lethal toxicity vs quantum of pollution in Delhi’s air

Not just quantum of pollution but also toxicity of emissions must be assessed to prioritise action on pollution sources

No mention of regional coordination to curb air pollution in 102 city plans, finds study

Sources from outside a city’s boundaries account for at least 30% of pollutants in that city, according to study 

Clear and present danger in the Himalayas

As Himalayan towns continue to grow haphazardly without development plans and carrying capacity assessment, how does one secure their future?

Better alternatives

"Resorting" to loopholes

DAMAGE CONTROL

Paperwork

Big urban constructions in Delhi will need EIAs

Wood substitute

Windmill to the rescue

In deep waters

How an attempt to convert a water body into land for commercial use was foiled

Buildings lack safety

Hazardous kilns

Farming sand

ORDER REVERTED