Environment

environment

Bengaluru civic body fines PVR INOX ₹75,000, Forum Mall ₹50,839 over waste violations

The Bengaluru South City Corporation has fined PVR INOX ₹75,000 and Forum Mall ₹50,839 for violating solid waste management rules, including failure to segregate waste at source and the use of banned single-use plastics. Commissioner K.N. Ramesh has directed the establishments to comply and warned malls, cinema theatres and hotels of stringent action for further violations.

16 Sep 2026, 03:43 PM

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Bengaluru Pollution Board Backs Carpooling, Urges Clear Rules as Vehicles Drive 40% of PM2.5

The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board has urged the Transport Department to examine a regulatory framework for non-commercial shared commuting and corporate carpooling in Bengaluru. The Board cites its source apportionment study, which found vehicular emissions account for nearly 40% of PM2.5 pollution in the city. It says regulatory ambiguity has created uncertainty for commuters, employers, technology platforms and enforcement agencies.

16 Sep 2026, 01:53 PM

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After Deer Killed by Stray Dogs, Chittoor Launches Drive to Keep Forest Litter-Free

Forest officials in Chittoor have launched a clean-up drive to remove food waste from forest roads and city parks, aiming to reduce stray dog presence and protect wildlife. The move follows the death of a mother deer and its fawn in a stray dog attack. Awareness camps for eatery owners and walkers are part of the initiative.

12 Sep 2026, 03:32 PM

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environment

Lights on till 9 p.m. at Bengaluru lakes: why birds that roost at dusk are at risk

Lights at Bengaluru's Dorekere and Doddakalasandra lakes now stay on till 9 p.m. after CCMS smart meters were installed, and Kere Mitras say the glare is driving away birds that arrive at dusk to roost. Officials say the auto-timer is meant to prevent illegal activity and help the public feel safe at the lakes.

11 Sep 2026, 03:51 PM

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environment

Tiger Suspected in Two Gudalur Deaths Evades Capture for 22 Days, Says Minister

Tamil Nadu Forest Minister R.V. Ranjithkumar said the Forest Department is working to capture a male tiger suspected of killing two people at O'Valley in Gudalur, Nilgiris district. He said the animal has evaded capture for 22 days and is expected to be trapped within 10 to 20 days, urging residents to remain patient.

11 Sep 2026, 01:51 PM

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Clean Air Survey 2026: Indore slips to No.2 behind Lucknow by one point; Mayor announces action

Indore slipped to second place in the 2026 Clean Air Survey for cities with over one million people, scoring 197 against Lucknow's 198. Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava attributed the one-point gap to PM10 levels and announced stricter steps, including promotion of e-buses and CNG fuel for industries.

09 Sep 2026, 05:32 AM

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environment

Delhi Outperforms Mumbai, Bengaluru in 2026 Clean Air Scorecard

The 2026 Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan ranks 130 cities on pollution-control measures, not actual air quality. Delhi scored higher than Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata among large cities, while Lucknow topped the list with 198 points.

09 Sep 2026, 02:23 AM

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environment

Environment body seeks RERA action and refunds in 14 illegal Nilgiris layouts

The Confederation of Environment Associations of Nilgiris has asked the Tamil Nadu Real Estate Regulatory Authority to penalise builders of 14 unauthorised layouts in the hill district. The group cited RERA violations and demanded refunds for buyers, highlighting enforcement challenges in ecologically sensitive areas.

08 Sep 2026, 01:40 PM

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Vultures vanish from 72% of historic nesting sites; minister pitches Vulture Safe Zones

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav has called for expanding Vulture Safe Zones as a national assessment shows vultures have vanished from 72% of historically known nesting sites. Conservation breeding centres continue efforts to revive vulture populations across India.

06 Sep 2026, 01:38 PM

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Kurnool to Store Large Ganesh Idols for Next Year Amid El Niño-Induced Water Scarcity

Kurnool Municipal Corporation has identified five grounds to store large Ganesh idols that cannot be immersed due to low water levels caused by El Niño. The Commissioner advised the public to use small idols and avoid ordering large ones, as the water is needed for drinking.

06 Sep 2026, 01:52 PM

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environment

Neelakurinji Uprooting in Munnar: Cases Registered Against Two Youths

The Kerala Forest department has registered cases against two youths for allegedly uprooting Neelakurinji plants in Munnar. The rare 12-year bloom has drawn thousands of tourists, but officials warn that destruction of flowering plants could threaten the species' survival.

05 Sep 2026, 03:30 PM

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environment

Kerala unveils ₹1,040-crore action plan to ease human-wildlife conflict in 14 landscapes

Kerala's Forest Department has presented a ₹1,040-crore landscape-based action plan to tackle human-wildlife conflict, introducing measures like smart fences, drone squads and command centres across 14 landscapes. The plan, which categorises conflict-prone areas and relies on data-driven risk mapping, aims to reduce incidents that have led to over 1,000 deaths in recent years.

02 Sep 2026, 03:42 PM

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environment

UNEP: 1.5°C limit to be breached, but world can still pull temperatures back

A UNEP report warns that global warming will exceed the 1.5°C threshold in the coming years, but outlines a pathway to limit the overshoot and bring temperatures back below the limit by 2100. It stresses the need for deep emission cuts along with carbon dioxide removal, while warning of compounding risks if the overshoot is prolonged.

02 Sep 2026, 03:50 PM

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environment

UN Report: Even Best Climate Pledges Would Push Warming Past 1.5°C

A new UNEP report warns that global temperatures are likely to exceed the 1.5°C Paris Agreement threshold within the next few years, even if all current national climate pledges are met. Peak warming could reach 1.8°C, leading to severe impacts such as glacier loss, sea-level rise, and more extreme weather. The report urges immediate emission cuts and a managed 'overshoot, peak, and decline' pathway.

02 Sep 2026, 05:09 AM

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environment

India Records Hottest August Since 1901, IMD Warns of Below-Normal September Rains

The IMD reports that India had its hottest August since 1901, with a mean temperature of 28.01°C. September rainfall is likely to be below normal due to strengthening El Nino conditions, which also influenced a deficient August.

31 Aug 2026, 01:39 PM

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environment

Open wells under parking spaces: Chennai's quiet groundwater revolution

In Chennai, apartments are reviving open wells by placing them beneath parking spaces, allowing rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge without sacrificing land. These wells tap shallow aquifers, improve water quality, and reduce dependence on tankers, offering a sustainable urban water solution.

30 Aug 2026, 05:16 AM

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environment

Centre Seeks Action Against Officials Over Forest Act Violations in Belagavi

The Union Environment Ministry has asked the Karnataka government to explain Forest Act violations in Ramdurg, Belagavi, including action against officials and the re-consideration of a rejected land diversion proposal. The Ministry has sought a detailed report and justification for allowing non-forestry activities on forest land.

28 Aug 2026, 01:40 PM

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environment

COP17 unveils global drought resilience index and investment facility

At UNCCD COP17, the world's first Drought Resilience Index and a dedicated financing facility were launched to help countries move from reactive relief to proactive drought preparedness. India called for technology-enabled resilience and a shift towards prevention and preparedness.

27 Aug 2026, 02:59 AM

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environment

Neelakurinji: Centre urges NGT to make states submit conservation plans

The Union Environment Ministry has asked the NGT to direct Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to submit annual conservation plans for Neelakurinji, a threatened shrub in the Western Ghats. The Ministry has also disclosed financial assistance of ₹5.9 crore to Kerala for habitat development in the current financial year.

26 Aug 2026, 06:42 AM

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Telangana villagers unite to save 75-year-old Peepal tree from felling

Residents of Pedda Thandrapadu village in Telangana have united to prevent the felling of a 75-year-old Peepal tree on private property. The landowner has sought permission to cut it down, but villagers have appealed to authorities to declare it a heritage tree.

26 Aug 2026, 04:16 AM

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environment

Madras HC orders halt to Coimbatore lake works after report shows bird decline

The Madras High Court has halted all developmental works at Periyakulam and Valankulam lakes in Coimbatore after an expert report revealed a decline in wetland bird species. The court also ordered repair of sewage treatment plants to stop untreated wastewater entering the lakes, with the next hearing scheduled for September 18.

26 Aug 2026, 01:10 AM

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environment

Environmentalists urge Supreme Court panel to broaden Aravalli consultations ahead of deadline

A coalition of environmental groups has written to the Supreme Court-constituted committee studying the Aravallis, alleging inadequate scientific study, public consultation, and field trips. The activists have urged the panel to seek more time and involve independent experts and local communities before the August 31 deadline. The committee is tasked with evaluating a previous report that defined the Aravalli range based on elevation criteria.

25 Aug 2026, 04:00 PM

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environment

Mullaperiyar dam water level at 121.95 ft; rain brings steady inflow

The Mullaperiyar dam recorded a water level of 121.95 feet on Tuesday with an inflow of 919 cusecs. Rainfall across catchment areas added to the storage, with officials monitoring the dams for irrigation needs.

25 Aug 2026, 02:23 PM

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environment

Parliamentary panel asks NGT to act proactively on environmental concerns

A parliamentary committee has asked the National Green Tribunal to use its suo motu powers more proactively on critical environmental issues like air pollution, illegal sand mining, and highway tree-felling. The committee also recommended stricter monitoring and follow-up of NGT orders to ensure timely implementation.

25 Aug 2026, 11:52 AM

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environment

Indian researchers propose plasma and nuclear power to green cement industry

Visakhapatnam-based researchers propose using nuclear-powered plasma torches to produce cement, eliminating fossil fuel combustion and reducing emissions. The plan also integrates industrial waste into a new binder, offering a circular economy approach.

24 Aug 2026, 07:08 PM

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environment

High Court: Environmental Clearance Process Cannot Be Bypassed in Vizag Data Centre Case

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has said environmental clearance rules cannot be bypassed, hearing a PIL alleging illegal permissions for a Google data centre in Visakhapatnam. The court sought responses from the state government and posted the matter for next week.

24 Aug 2026, 03:58 PM

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environment

After Five Decades, Tiger Spotted in Karnataka's Kishkindha Hills

A tiger has been camera-trapped in Karnataka's Kishkindha hills after nearly five decades, prompting the Forest Department to alert local villages and intensify monitoring. The big cat is believed to have entered through a corridor from the Srisailam landscape in Andhra Pradesh.

24 Aug 2026, 11:47 AM

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environment

Heavy Rains Lash Delhi, IMD Issues Red and Orange Alerts

Delhi received heavy rainfall on Monday, with IMD issuing red and orange alerts for more showers. Several areas reported waterlogging and traffic disruptions, while temperatures remained near normal.

24 Aug 2026, 11:15 AM

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environment

Reno wildfire: Thousands flee as shifting winds stoke fast-moving blaze

A fast-moving wildfire in northwest Reno, Nevada, has forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate, destroyed homes, and injured at least six people. Shifting winds are complicating firefighting efforts, while authorities have declared a state of emergency and mobilised the National Guard.

24 Aug 2026, 01:17 AM

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environment

Vijayawada rail division's 4.86 MW solar push cuts costs, emissions

Vijayawada division of South Coast Railway has installed 4,864 kWp solar capacity across 265 locations, generating clean energy and saving lakhs of rupees. The division also achieved net-zero status for ten stations and reduced diesel use through HOG technology.

23 Aug 2026, 05:47 PM

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environment

Climate change disrupting seasonal rhythm of forests in Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, study finds

A new study reveals that climate change is altering the growing seasons of forests in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, with shifts in the timing of greening and dormancy across different forest types. Researchers warn that these changes could disrupt ecological balance, urging proactive monitoring and conservation.

23 Aug 2026, 09:56 AM

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environment

SC Panel Criticises Assam Government for Failing to Curb Mining Near Kaziranga

The Supreme Court-constituted Central Empowered Committee has criticised the Assam government for not adequately addressing mining near Kaziranga National Park. The committee highlighted the failure to submit a required watershed report and to act on illegal mining in ecologically critical areas, warning of consequences if violations of court orders continue.

23 Aug 2026, 08:41 AM

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Gudalur tiger attacks: Forest Department yet to identify animal behind two deaths

The Forest Department in Gudalur is yet to identify the tiger responsible for two deaths at O'Valley. Officials have deployed traps, tracking teams, and kumki elephants as they investigate the incidents, with the second attack showing signs of stalking.

23 Aug 2026, 09:20 AM

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environment

Toxic chromium in groundwater: A decades-old crisis in Uttar Pradesh

A government report reveals that up to 96% of blood samples from residents in three Uttar Pradesh districts show unsafe levels of hexavalent chromium, a toxic metal from decades-old industrial waste dumps. Despite NGT orders, many affected villages remain off the official list, leaving thousands at risk.

23 Aug 2026, 03:00 AM

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Idukki Collector Orders Report on Illegal Constructions in Elephant Corridors

Idukki District Collector Dineshan Cheruvatt has directed the Forest department to submit a report on illegal constructions within elephant corridors across the district. The directive came during a DDC meeting after an MLA alleged that boating at Anayirankal dam was being blocked unfairly.

22 Aug 2026, 02:58 PM

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Chennai Corporation's 40-day drive targets waste segregation in 50,000 South Chennai homes

The Greater Chennai Corporation has begun a 40-day door-to-door awareness programme to promote waste segregation at source. The first phase covers 5,000 households across five southern zones, with plans to expand to 50,000.

22 Aug 2026, 02:15 PM

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environment

Heavy Rain Alert: IMD Forecasts Downpour in Five Telangana Districts on Sunday

The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall in five Telangana districts—Kumaram Bheem Asifabad, Mancherial, Peddapalli, Jayashankar Bhupalpally, and Mulugu—on Sunday, August 23. Thunderstorms with lightning are also likely in several other districts. Hyderabad will see a partly cloudy sky with temperatures around 33°C.

22 Aug 2026, 01:09 PM

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environment

Insect, spider diversity vital for ecological balance, experts tell Dharwad audience

Experts at a lecture series in Dharwad emphasised the importance of insects and spiders for ecological balance, highlighting that India has over 4,000 spider species, many yet to be documented. They called for citizen science participation to systematically record invertebrate diversity and protect these vital species.

22 Aug 2026, 01:11 PM

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environment

SC sets aside NGT order against Art of Living, directs DDA to refund ₹5 crore

The Supreme Court has set aside a 2017 NGT order against the Art of Living Foundation for environmental damage at the Yamuna floodplains and directed the DDA to refund the ₹5 crore fine. The Court also ordered the continuation of rehabilitation work in the area.

22 Aug 2026, 11:20 AM

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Assam yet to share data on Kaziranga corridor constructions despite panel's reminders

The Assam government has not provided the Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee with details of constructions in Kaziranga's animal corridors despite reminders. RTI responses reveal the panel has received no information after four years, while the state's environment department cites sub judice.

22 Aug 2026, 09:38 AM

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environment

Delhi's pollution crackdown: 33 industrial units face closure, 44 penalised

The Delhi government inspected 2,011 industrial units in seven months, issuing closure orders against 33 and imposing environmental compensation on 44 for pollution norm violations. The drive also flagged 106 non-compliant units and 78 operating without valid consent, while a construction ban was announced for winter.

21 Aug 2026, 08:07 PM

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environment

NGT asks Centre to respond to challenge over Ganga floodplain amendment

The NGT has sought the Centre's response to a petition against a recent amendment that relaxes construction curbs on Ganga floodplains and redefines the river's floodplain. The tribunal did not stay the amendment, which environmentalists argue could weaken the floodplains' ecological role.

21 Aug 2026, 03:25 PM

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Three Elephant Deaths in Nilgiris Natural, Not Drought: Forest Dept

The Forest Department has said that the deaths of three elephants in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve were due to natural causes, not water shortage as speculated. Two of the animals were found near permanent water sources.

21 Aug 2026, 10:45 AM

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T.N. forms four-member panel to probe Kosasthalaiyar fish kill; sewage blamed

Tamil Nadu has set up a four-member expert committee to investigate the recent mass fish kill in the Kosasthalaiyar river near Ennore. The Environment Minister attributed the incident to sewage mixing, while opposition leaders demanded stringent action against industrial pollution.

21 Aug 2026, 10:13 AM

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environment

Met Office warns developing El Niño could be strongest in living memory

The Met Office has warned that the developing El Niño could be the strongest in living memory, with potential global impacts on weather. Combined with climate change, it may make 2027 the hottest year on record. The event is already affecting monsoon rains in India and hurricane activity in the Atlantic.

21 Aug 2026, 07:43 AM

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Delhi plants 50 lakh saplings, achieves 71% of 70-lakh target

Delhi has planted nearly 50 lakh saplings against a target of 70 lakh under its annual plantation drive, with over 1.54 lakh citizens participating. The initiative includes geo-tagging and a QR-code system for monitoring tree growth.

20 Aug 2026, 06:11 PM

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Public Hearing on Visakhapatnam's Coastal Zone Management Plan on September 2

The Andhra Pradesh government has scheduled the public hearing on the revised Coastal Zone Management Plan for Visakhapatnam for September 2, a key step before submission to the Centre. The hearing, postponed twice, will also address a proposal to reclassify a coastal stretch for development.

20 Aug 2026, 06:25 PM

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environment

Manapparai villages reel as drought, heat deepen drinking water crisis

Drought and intense heat have worsened drinking water scarcity in over 40 villages in Manapparai, with residents receiving water only once a week. Officials are sinking borewells and augmenting sources, but groundwater depletion and erratic supply continue to affect daily life.

20 Aug 2026, 03:26 PM

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Onam waste may hit 4.2 lakh tonnes; Kerala urges green protocol

Kerala's General Administration Department has projected that solid waste generation during the Onam season could reach 4.2 lakh tonnes, a 40% daily increase from normal levels. The department has issued guidelines urging government agencies and the public to adopt green protocol and scientific waste disposal to avoid health and environmental hazards.

20 Aug 2026, 02:04 PM

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environment

Mullaperiyar Dam Water Level Stands at 122.60 Feet, Within Safe Limits

The Mullaperiyar dam water level stood at 122.60 feet on Thursday, well below the maximum permissible level of 142 feet, with an inflow of 578 cusecs and discharge of 800 cusecs. The Vaigai dam also remained within safe limits.

20 Aug 2026, 02:17 PM

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