Algae alleviates

South African townships that were earlier helpless in the face of pollution caused by human wastes, are now bucking up to the problem. Spirulina, …

Is India really open-defecation-free? Here’s what numbers say

15% of the total population in India defecates in the open in India, according to WASH report 2021

How e-waste crisis continues to plague informal sector

Over 90% of electronic waste management is done by informal sector workers, most of whom are unaware of their rights  

A new planning commission or an advisory body?

Indications are that the National Development Reforms Commission that will replace the Planning Commission will not have financial allocation powers

Will access to toilets guarantee women's security in rural India?

The Badaun rape incident shows how vulnerable women are to sexual violence when there are no toilets in homes

Delhi's poll planks

Prevention is cure

When preventive measures can fight encephalitis, is there a need for treatment in ill-equipped primary health centres?

On road to sustainability?

Many nice words, some money but no direction for real change

Inextricably linked

A United Nations report highlights the connection between environment and health

View from the top

Planners must stop looking down at hill-stations

Why India remains malnourished

Despite a fast-growing economy and the largest anti-malnutrition programme, India has the world’s worst level of child malnutrition. The …

Sanitation workers on COVID-19 front lines: How to save the warriors?

Several incidents in the last few months have shone spotlight on abysmal conditions under which sanitation workers function — without …

High risk

Problem: Tall buildings risky in high seismic zones; Status: Hill-stations are getting concretised and growing vertically; Challenge: Use local …

What goes down

Problem: Lack of space for garbage disposal; inadequate sewerage; Status: Garbage disposed on hill slopes ends in streams/rivers; Challenge: …

Defying gravity

Problem: Terrain forbids water supply systems that work in plains; Status: Water crisis in peak season every year; Challenge: Develop …

Local travails

Problem: Tourist influx too large; earnings flow downhill; Status: Residents forced to share meagre facilities with tourists; Challenge: Regulate …

Public private prank

Lessons from two cities

Pune aims to become a zero-landfill city by 2015. With a range of solid waste management options, the target does not seem too ambitious. …

Environmental degradation draining Pakistan’s economy: survey

Increasing urbanisation is causing air, water pollution

Science and Technology - Briefs

Dar-es-Salaam’s waste management needs a complete revamp

The waste crisis at Pugu dumpsite in Tanzania’s economic capital is rising and urgent interventions are needed

Why environmental degradation is a big health risk

Down To Earth and Centre for Science and Environment jointly release Body Burden 2015, an annual health report

Mr Modi, Wish us a Happy Environment Day

Many a slip

Can India meet the 2012 deadline to provide safe drinking water to all rural homes?

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