Mumbai, Oct 24 (SocialNews.XYZ) Mumbai's air quality deteriorated sharply on Saturday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) touching 322 in the 'very poor' category, triggering widespread health complaints among residents.

In a rare contrast, Delhi recorded a moderate AQI of 176 -- its best reading for October 24 in the last ten years -- following aggressive anti-pollution measures.

According to air quality monitoring data, Mumbai's pollution levels were driven by a combination of construction dust, sluggish wind speed, garbage burning, emissions from crop fires in surrounding regions, and residual smoke from firecrackers.

The thick haze blanketing the city led to a rise in cases of headache, sore throat, and eye irritation, with doctors advising vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly, to limit outdoor exposure.

Civic officials in Mumbai acknowledged the sudden spike and said multiple factors had converged to push the air quality into the hazardous zone.

The Bombay High Court, taking note of the worsening situation, has declared an emergency and directed authorities to intensify enforcement against polluting activities.

Environmental activists and citizens have called for stricter monitoring of construction sites, a complete ban on open garbage burning, and better coordination to control regional emissions.

Meanwhile, Delhi presented a contrasting picture.

The national capital's AQI of 176 placed it in the moderate category, a significant improvement compared to previous years when early winter pollution usually begins to intensify around this date.

Officials attributed the cleaner air to sustained efforts launched in 'war mode', including continuous road sweeping, removal of construction and municipal waste, and extensive water sprinkling on roads and dust-prone areas.

Delhi's environment department said the coordinated action by civic agencies and the use of technology to identify pollution hotspots had helped keep particulate levels under control.

However, authorities cautioned that the situation could change with the onset of winter and farm stubble burning in neighbouring states.

Experts noted that while Delhi's temporary improvement offers a positive signal, Mumbai's sudden decline underscores the need for year-round pollution control strategies in coastal cities that traditionally enjoyed better air quality.

Both cities continue to face public pressure for stronger and more consistent enforcement of environmental norms.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Oct 24 (SocialNews.XYZ) Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said on Saturday that the city has registered a significant improvement in air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 191 (Moderate) – the best for this date in a decade.

Excluding the Covid-19 period, this is the most favourable AQI recorded for October 24 in the past decade, marking a significant milestone in the Delhi Government’s sustained efforts to combat air pollution, he said.

The AQI on October 24 stood at 306 in 2024, 275 in 2025 and 191 in 2026, he said.

“The improvement reflects the impact of sustained pollution mitigation measures, intensified enforcement and coordinated interventions by various government agencies to address the major sources of pollution across the capital,” he said.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the Delhi government has adopted a comprehensive and action-oriented approach to pollution control, combining field-level enforcement, regular inspections, district-level reviews and technology-enabled monitoring.

The focus remains on addressing pollution at its source and ensuring effective implementation of measures on the ground, he said.

He said the improvement in air quality was an encouraging outcome of the government’s sustained efforts and the collective contribution of officials, field personnel and Delhi residents.

He expressed gratitude to the people of Delhi for supporting the campaign for cleaner air and reiterated that the government would continue to strengthen its efforts to sustain and further improve air quality.

Sirsa emphasised that pollution control remains a priority for the Delhi Government and that all concerned departments and agencies have been directed to maintain strict vigilance and ensure prompt action against violations.

He added that the campaign would continue in war mode, with a focus on accountability, effective enforcement and public participation.

As part of its intensified anti-pollution drive, the Delhi Government and the concerned agencies undertook extensive enforcement and mitigation measures during the last 24 hours.

The key actions included: 9,883 vehicle challans issued to strengthen enforcement against vehicular pollution; 12,702 metric tonnes of waste removed from identified areas; 1,075 km of roads covered through water sprinkling to control road dust; 2,223 metric tonnes of construction and demolition (C&D) waste lifted; and 2,810 km of roads covered through mechanical sweeping.

Source: IANS

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Nilgiris, Oct 24 (SocialNews.XYZ) Two National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed to Ooty after relentless rain triggered landslides across the Nilgiris, killing a government bus driver, injuring its conductor and disrupting road and rail services.

Authorities have closed all tourist attractions following a red alert for the district. District Collector Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru urged tourists to postpone visits for three days and advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel as fallen trees and landslides blocked several stretches of the hill roads.

Teams from the NDRF’s Fourth Battalion were dispatched following a request from the Tamil Nadu disaster management authorities to support precautionary measures and rescue operations in the rain-battered district.

Parliyar recorded 25 cm of rainfall as widespread downpours lashed the Nilgiris overnight. Landslides struck three locations along the Ooty–Mettupalayam road, leaving a government bus trapped beneath debris on the mountain route. The driver died after being caught under the debris. The conductor, who sustained serious injuries, was rescued and admitted to hospital.

He subsequently recounted the circumstances in which the vehicle became trapped during the landslide. Several trees were uprooted around Parliyar, compounding the disruption along the hill road.

The rain and landslides also affected Nilgiri Mountain Railway services, further restricting transport access to the hill station. Crews using earthmoving machinery intensified efforts to remove accumulated soil, rocks and fallen trees from the affected stretches.

The Collector inspected the landslide-hit Coonoor–Mettupalayam route to assess the damage and review clearance operations. In Ooty’s Theettukal locality, a retaining wall collapsed, damaging two cars and six two-wheelers.

CCTV footage showed a security guard narrowly escaping as the structure gave way during the heavy rain. Elsewhere, a massive tree fell across the Kotagiri–Konavakkarai road, blocking traffic.

Fire and Rescue Services personnel worked to cut the tree and clear the carriageway so that vehicles could pass. Heavy rain in the Kotagiri region also caused flooding in the Kottakambai River. A landslide along its banks left a nearby house at risk of collapse, adding to concerns over vulnerable residential areas.

With rain continuing and access roads affected, the Collector ordered all tourist destinations in the district to remain closed until further notice.

The administration’s appeal to defer travel comes amid continuing clearance work and the risk of further disruption on rain-soaked mountain routes across the Nilgiris district.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Oct 24 (SocialNews.XYZ) The world's first-of-its-kind 'Air Pollution Analysis' facility was launched for Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) on Saturday by the Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Jitendra Singh, setting the stage for real-time identification of sources of air pollution.

Known as 'Integrated Atmospheric Chemistry and Aerosol Toxicity Analysis Laboratory ' (AATAL), it will help scientists distinguish between different sources of air pollution, including vehicular emissions, industrial activity, biomass and crop-residue burning, construction and road dust, and pollutants transported from surrounding regions, an official statement said.

Describing it as a first-of-its-kind integrated facility in the world, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said that Delhi-NCR had been chosen in view of the serious public concern over air pollution.

He added that the facility has been established under 'Mission Mausam' announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strengthen scientific understanding of atmospheric pollution and provide actionable evidence for air-quality management in Delhi-NCR.

He said the facility would take air-quality assessment beyond simply reporting pollution levels to identifying the composition of pollutants, their sources, their relative contributions and their potential health implications, while providing real-time information and advance forecasts to support timely action.

The inauguration took place at Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM)'s Delhi Branch in the presence of T. Srinivasa Kumar, Ministry of Earth Sciences Secretary; A. Suryachandra Rao, IITM Director; and IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mahapatra, the statement said.

The laboratory brings together advanced atmospheric measurement instruments, detailed chemical analysis, pollution-source identification and decision-support capabilities within an integrated framework.

Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said India had made substantial progress over the past 10–12 years in air-quality forecasting and analysis.

He said the new facility represents a significant step forward because it would help establish not only how much pollution is present in the atmosphere, but also what it consists of and where it originates.

"Earlier, the discussion would largely revolve around whether the pollution level was 100 or 200. This facility will help us understand the composition of pollution as well as the contribution of different sources. This is important for addressing the concerns of the people of Delhi and ensuring that action is based on scientific evidence," the Union Minister added.

"By estimating the relative contribution of different pollution sources, the facility will help the authorities understand which activities are driving poor air quality at a particular time and where interventions may be most effective," he said.

Source: IANS

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Chennai, Oct 24 (SocialNews.XYZ) Authorities have urged tourists and residents to avoid unnecessary journeys to Ooty as extremely heavy rain threatens the Nilgiris, where landslides and fallen trees have disrupted traffic on several roads.

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai, has placed the district under a red alert for Saturday, prompting an appeal for caution along vulnerable mountain routes. The warning comes amid continuing rain and concerns over the safety of people travelling through the hills.

District Collector Lakshmi Bhavya has advised motorists heading to Ooty from Mettupalayam to avoid the routes through Coonoor and Kotagiri.

With weather conditions affecting road access, she urged tourists and the public to reconsider journeys through these stretches and follow official advisories. The disruption has made travel difficult in parts of the district, with fallen trees blocking roads and landslides affecting traffic movement.

Continuing rainfall has heightened concerns about further obstructions along the hill roads used by residents, visitors and motorists. Authorities have appealed to people to restrict travel through vulnerable areas to essential journeys.

The advisory is particularly relevant to tourists planning to reach Ooty through the mountain roads from Mettupalayam, as both the Coonoor and Kotagiri routes face the risk of disruption.

Heavy rainfall can weaken slopes and increase the likelihood of trees falling onto roads, adding to the dangers faced by motorists.

In the Nilgiris, where several stretches have been affected, the continuing rain has made caution essential for anyone considering a journey through the hills.

The Collector’s appeal places emphasis on avoiding the affected approaches to Ooty while the adverse weather persists. Travellers have been asked to take the rainfall warning and the condition of mountain roads into account before setting out.

The red alert reflects the forecast of extremely heavy rainfall in the district.

Alongside the immediate traffic disruption, the possibility of further landslides and falling trees remains a concern for people using exposed or vulnerable stretches.

Residents and tourists have also been urged to remain alert to official instructions as the district deals with the impact of the rain.

Authorities have reiterated that unnecessary travel should be avoided, particularly along the mountain routes where access has been affected. The public has been asked to exercise caution and follow official advisories while rainfall continues to affect movement across parts of the Nilgiris.

Source: IANS

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Guwahati, Oct 24 (SocialNews.XYZ) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday highlighted the state's efforts to protect the endangered Hoolock Gibbon, India's only native ape species, stressing the importance of wildlife conservation and human-animal coexistence.

Marking World Gibbon Day, Sarma said the Hoolock Gibbon occupied a special place in Assam's natural heritage and called for collective efforts to safeguard its future.

In a post on X, the Chief Minister shared his experience of seeing a gibbon use a canopy bridge constructed at Hollongapar to help the primates cross a railway track safely.

Describing the sight as encouraging, Sarma underscored the importance of science-led conservation measures in reducing the risks faced by wildlife due to human infrastructure and habitat fragmentation.

"At Hollongapar, seeing a gibbon use the canopy bridge built to help it cross the railway track safely was a heartening moment," he said.

The canopy bridge initiative is aimed at providing arboreal animals with a safer passage across railway infrastructure, allowing them to move through the tree canopy instead of descending to ground level, where they may face potential dangers from trains and other human activities.

Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam's Jorhat district is known for its population of Hoolock Gibbons. The primates depend heavily on continuous forest canopies for movement, foraging and survival, making habitat connectivity an important aspect of their conservation.

The Chief Minister also emphasised the cultural and emotional connection between local communities and the state's wildlife, saying that conservation efforts must go hand in hand with fostering coexistence between people and animals.

"Every small step towards coexistence brings us closer to a future where Assam's people and wildlife thrive together," Sarma said.

The Hoolock Gibbon, belonging to the family of lesser apes, is an important component of the biodiversity of Northeast India. Habitat loss, fragmentation and other human-induced pressures remain significant challenges for its long-term survival.

Conservation initiatives such as canopy bridges, habitat protection and community participation are considered important in ensuring safe movement for arboreal species.

Sarma's remarks on World Gibbon Day highlighted Assam's stated commitment to protecting its rich biodiversity while promoting practical measures to minimise the impact of development on wildlife habitats.

Source: IANS

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Kolkata, Oct 24 (SocialNews.XYZ) A cyclone is likely to develop over the Bay of Bengal in the coming days, raising the prospect of heavy rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds across several districts of West Bengal from Wednesday, the Regional Meteorological Centre in Kolkata said on Saturday.

The developing system is likely to bring heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across large parts of south Bengal over the coming week, prompting the meteorological department to issue an advance weather warning.

The meteorological office said a low-pressure area formed over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal on Friday, accompanied by a cyclonic circulation extending up to 5.8 km above mean sea level.

The system is expected to intensify into a depression on Saturday and move west-northwestwards. It may further strengthen into a deep depression on Sunday, with the possibility of developing into a cyclone over the sea by Monday morning.

The system is likely to gain strength over the following two days and move towards the coastal areas of north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha. Its influence may bring thunderstorms and heavy rainfall to several parts of south Bengal from Wednesday.

Kolkata is likely to experience scattered light rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds from Wednesday to Friday. Wind speeds may reach 30 to 40 kmph during this period. Similar conditions are forecast for Howrah, Hooghly, North 24 Parganas, East Burdwan, West Burdwan, Birbhum, Murshidabad and Nadia districts.

Heavy rainfall is also likely in several districts of south Bengal. South 24 Parganas and East Midnapore may experience continuous heavy rain from Wednesday to Friday. Purulia and Bankura are likely to receive heavy rainfall on Thursday and Friday. Scattered rain is forecast in South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore and West Midnapore on Tuesday.

There is no weather warning for the West Bengal coast until Monday. However, fishermen have been advised against venturing into the sea from Tuesday, when a red warning will come into effect. Wind speeds along the coast are expected to range between 40 and 50 kmph, with gusts reaching 60 kmph. The sea is likely to remain rough.

North Bengal may also witness unsettled weather later in the week. Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar districts are likely to receive heavy rainfall on Thursday and Friday. Other northern districts may experience scattered rain and gusty winds reaching 30 to 40 kmph on both days.

Meanwhile, Kolkata recorded a minimum temperature of 23.1 degrees Celsius on Saturday morning, 0.1 degrees above normal. The maximum temperature on Friday stood at 32.2 degrees Celsius, 0.5 degrees above normal.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Oct 24 (SocialNews.XYZ) Toxic foam was seen floating on the Yamuna River near Okhla Barrage in Delhi on Saturday, with visuals showing a layer of foam spread across the river stretch flowing towards Kalindi Kunj. The sight comes at a time when festivals are approaching, especially Chhath Puja, when people gather on the Yamuna ghats.

The development has once again drawn attention to the persistent pollution in the river despite ongoing efforts by the Delhi government to improve its water quality.

Visuals from Kalindi Kunj showed foam floating on the surface of the Yamuna, highlighting the continuing challenge of river pollution in the national Capital.

The presence of foam on the river has frequently been associated with pollutants, including detergents and untreated wastewater released by industries. However, the specific cause of the foam observed on Saturday has not been independently established.

Earlier this month, a major cleanliness and river revival initiative was organised along the Yamuna ghats under the ‘Chalo Yamuna’ campaign. The drive brought together thousands of young people, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and public representatives, who participated in voluntary clean-up activities.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta led the cleanliness campaign, which was conducted at Yamuna ghats and surrounding areas across all 70 locations in the city.

Appealing to residents to become ‘Yamuna Praharis’, the Chief Minister said, “Cleanliness is not just a campaign but a way of life and ensuring that no waste reaches the Yamuna is our collective responsibility.”

Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘poor’ category for the third consecutive day on Saturday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 180, according to the latest data.

Pollution levels have risen following Dussehra celebrations, with smoke and unfavourable meteorological conditions contributing to deteriorating air quality across Delhi-NCR.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR earlier this week after the AQI slipped into the poor category.

Source: IANS

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Chennai, Oct 24 (SocialNews.XYZ) Tamil Nadu’s school education department has directed schools to inspect buildings, secure water storage facilities and remove stagnant rainwater as monsoon showers heighten concerns over student safety on campuses.

In a circular, the department instructed school heads and chief education officers to examine roofs, parapet walls and sunshades for leaks and damage. Unsafe buildings must be cordoned off, while the structural stability of overhead water tanks must be checked to prevent accidents, the circular said.

Heads of schools have also been asked to prepare an inventory of unused, ageing and severely damaged buildings that require demolition. They must coordinate with local bodies and inform the authorities concerned to expedite action.

The department said village panchayats, town panchayats and municipalities should be alerted about dangerous structures. The public works department and the Collector’s office must also be informed, and the necessary demolition approvals obtained on a war footing.

The instructions place responsibility on school authorities to identify potential hazards before they endanger children, particularly as persistent rainfall can worsen existing structural weaknesses.

Chief education officers have been directed to check open wells, underground water storage tanks, rainwater harvesting structures and septic tanks within school premises. These must be secured with concrete or iron covers to prevent students from accidentally falling into them.

Schools where construction work is under way must barricade work sites and restrict access. Construction equipment must be kept beyond the reach of students, the circular said.

The department has flagged rainwater stagnation and the condition of campus walls as areas requiring attention. Prolonged exposure to rain can leave walls damp, making it necessary to watch for signs of instability or possible collapse.

An official with the Chennai chief education office said headmasters had been instructed to inspect walls, coordinate with local bodies over safety concerns and submit requests for replacement walls wherever necessary. Where rainwater accumulates on school grounds, headmasters must arrange to pump it out, the official added.

The circular calls for coordinated action involving school managements, education officials, civic bodies and engineering authorities to address risks across campuses. School heads must therefore combine inspections with prompt follow-up, ensuring that identified hazards are isolated and that requests for demolition, repairs or replacement structures reach the appropriate authorities without delay.

The measures cover both existing buildings and areas where construction is continuing during the monsoon.

Source: IANS

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Chennai, Oct 24 (SocialNews.XYZ) Schools in six taluks of the Nilgiris district were declared closed on Saturday following rain since Friday night, as wet weather continued across several parts of Tamil Nadu.

District Collector Lakshmi Bhavya issued the order covering all schools in Udhagamandalam, Coonoor, Kotagiri, Kundah, Gudalur and Pandalur taluks.

The holiday was announced in view of the continuing rainfall in these areas. In neighbouring Coimbatore district, the Collector announced a holiday for all categories of schools and directed managements against conducting special classes on Saturday.

The instruction was issued amid forecasts of heavy rain, with schools told not to bring students in for additional teaching sessions.

The directive applies to all types of schools across the district, the announcement said. The announcements came as rain affected the western districts and several central and southern parts of the State, bringing waterlogging to roads and disrupting travel in some localities.

According to the weather information cited in the report, a low-pressure area has formed over the Bay of Bengal.

The weather department indicated that the system could strengthen into a cyclone and move towards the Andhra Pradesh–Odisha coast, while Tamil Nadu could experience heavy rainfall.

In Pudukkottai, heavy showers lashed urban areas for more than half an hour, bringing a marked change in the weather and cooler conditions.

Tiruchirappalli city and its suburbs also received heavy rain. Water accumulated on several roads, making movement difficult for motorists and slowing traffic through affected stretches.

The downpour left commuters negotiating waterlogged sections as rain continued across the region. Thanjavur witnessed a sudden spell of rain in the evening after a sunny morning.

The showers brought relief to farmers, who welcomed the rainfall and its potential contribution to groundwater recharge.

Rain in different parts of Karur Corporation similarly brought cooler conditions. However, overflowing rainwater on roads in Pallapatti caused inconvenience to residents and road users.

In Theni district, widespread showers were reported from Andipatti, Bodinayakanur, Periyakulam and Cumbum. Thick fog covered the Bodimettu hill road, reducing visibility along the mountain stretch.

Rain was also reported across the western belt, including the Nilgiris and Coimbatore, prompting the school-related announcements.

The Nilgiris order specifically covered the six named taluks, while Coimbatore’s announcement included an express instruction that special classes should not be held during the holiday.

—IANS

aal/rad

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, Oct 24 (SocialNews.XYZ) The investigation into the firing incident targeting Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff has revealed that the shooters were in constant contact with their handler through phone calls and messages. Investigators suspect that the accused were also receiving real-time updates about the police investigation, including information broadcast on television news channels.

According to sources, the shooters remained in touch with their handler during and after the October 18 attack. They were provided with updates about developments in the case and the police operation to identify and apprehend them.

Sources said that after information about the shooters' identities and appearances began emerging, the handler instructed them to leave the area. The accused were also reportedly kept informed about news coverage of the incident.

Investigators suspect that someone was monitoring television news channels and passing relevant information to the accused.

When footage of the shooting and images of the suspects, captured in videos recorded by vloggers, were broadcast, one of the accused, Rehan Ansari, received messages instructing him to leave.

However, the identity of the person who monitored television coverage and relayed information to the shooters remains unknown. The police are investigating the communication network used by the accused and their associates.

According to police sources, investigators suspect that Anil Pandit, who is believed to be in the US, or Ankit Khattak and Sameer Khatri, who were recently arrested in Sonipat, may have been involved in directing Rehan through Internet-based communication applications.

The police have reportedly recovered photographs, videos and details of conversations from the accused. The investigation has also revealed that the suspects allegedly changed their travel plans and modes of transport in response to information about police movements.

After the firing at Tiger Shroff's car on October 18, the three alleged shooters fled on motorcycles before travelling to different locations by train and cab. They relied on Internet-based calls instead of conventional mobile networks, making it difficult for investigators to trace their communications.

A routine phone conversation between one of the accused and a cab driver reportedly provided the police with an important lead. Acting on information shared by the Mumbai Police, the three suspects were subsequently arrested from a train in Kota, Rajasthan.

So far, 10 people have been arrested in connection with the case. The three alleged shooters Phool Singh (18), Rehan Rahimuddin Ansari (18) and Hrithik Mahato (22) remain in police custody until October 31.

According to sources in the Mumbai Crime Branch, Randeep Malik, associate of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, reportedly connected Rehan with Anil Pandit. Another accused, Kunal, is also suspected of having come into contact with Pandit through Malik.

Investigators further suspect that individuals who conducted reconnaissance in Mumbai sent photographs of locations associated with the actor to Pandit and Malik. These reportedly included Tiger Shroff's football ground and several locations in the Juhu and Bandra areas.

Sources said that the accused allegedly discussed testing the firearm before carrying out the attack. Hrithik reportedly suggested the forests of Aarey Colony for this purpose, as his experience working as a Rapido rider in Mumbai had made him familiar with the area.

During interrogation, the accused claimed that Tiger Shroff's praise for actor Salman Khan at an event was among the reasons behind the decision to target him.

Sources said investigators were examining these claims. The Crime Branch has not yet established the motive conclusively.

Meanwhile, Tiger Shroff is said to have been deeply disturbed by the incident. An officer said the actor told the police during preliminary discussions that he was shocked by the firing and had never imagined that his car would be targeted.

The actor reportedly told investigators that he had no personal enmity with anyone and did not know who the attackers were or why they had opened fire.

A Crime Branch officer said the actor's statement has not yet been formally recorded because he was distressed following the incident. The police are expected to record his statement soon as the investigation continues.

Source: IANS

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Chennai, Oct 24 (SocialNews.XYZ) Fishermen were on Saturday advised against venturing into the open sea for five days from Sunday as a cyclonic storm is expected to develop over the Bay of Bengal, according to a weather advisory.

Several districts of Tamil Nadu are also likely to receive heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds.

The Chennai weather department, in its bulletin, said a weather system over the Comorin region and adjoining southern Tamil Nadu and Kerala on October 22 had shifted towards the southeastern Arabian Sea and neighbouring Lakshadweep region by 8.30 a.m. on October 23.

An associated atmospheric trough extending towards the northern Tamil Nadu coast through Kerala, at about 1.5 kms above sea level, was influencing rainfall across the region.

For October 24, heavy rain was forecast at isolated places in Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts and the hill areas of Coimbatore, the Nilgiris and Theni.

Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds reaching 40–50 kmph were also predicted. Rain was expected across several other districts, including Erode, Salem, Namakkal, Karur, Tiruchirappalli, Tenkasi, Madurai, Dindigul, Virudhunagar and Tiruppur.

Chennai and its neighbouring districts, the delta region, Puducherry and Karaikal were also expected to experience showers.

On October 25, isolated heavy rainfall is likely in the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Perambalur, Ariyalur and Tiruchirappalli.

Thunderstorms and gusty winds may accompany rainfall in Sivaganga, Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram, Tirupattur, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore and Ranipet, besides several western and northern districts.

Rain is also forecast for Chennai, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Cuddalore and parts of the Cauvery delta.

The department forecast a further spell of intense rain on October 26, with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall likely in the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Theni, Madurai, Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram and Pudukkottai.

Other districts, including Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Erode, Salem, Namakkal, Karur, Tiruppur, Dindigul and Virudhunagar, could also receive heavy showers.

Rain accompanied by thunder, lightning and winds of 40–50 kmph is expected in parts of Thoothukudi, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore and Tiruvannamalai, as well as Puducherry and Karaikal.

Elsewhere in Tamil Nadu, moderate rainfall is likely at varying numbers of locations during the three-day forecast period.

The five-day warning for fishermen begins on Sunday and extends through Thursday, October 29. The advisory links the restriction to the anticipated development of the Bay of Bengal weather system.

—IANS

aal/rad

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Oct 24 (SocialNews.XYZ) Delhi’s air quality remained in the 'poor' category for the third consecutive day on Saturday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 180, according to the latest data. Pollution levels have risen following Dussehra celebrations, with smoke and unfavourable meteorological conditions contributing to the deterioration in the air quality in Delhi-NCR.

Several monitoring stations across the national Capital reported elevated pollution levels. Burari (180), Jharoda Kalan (148), Vasundhara Enclave (146), Karala (165), Uttam Nagar (170), NIH Narela (241), Mandir Marg (186), Aya Nagar (168), Punjabi Bagh (247), Pusa (209), Sirifort (209), NSIT Dwarka (182), Chandni Chowk (211), Commonwealth Sports Complex (198), Burari Crossing (217), Alipur (254), R.K. Puram (240), IIT Delhi (221), Dwarka-Sector 8 (206), DTU (245), Mundka (264), Jahangirpuri (270), and Vivek Vihar (261).

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR earlier this week after the AQI slipped into the poor category.

Amid growing concerns over pollution, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has directed officials to formulate targeted action plans for identified pollution hotspots. The plans will focus on identifying local pollution sources, assigning responsibilities to the agencies concerned and establishing deadlines for corrective action.

During a review meeting, Sirsa instructed officials to analyse AQI monitoring data to pinpoint major contributors to pollution in different areas. These include road dust, vehicular congestion, construction activities, unauthorised parking and the burning of waste.

On Friday, three monitoring stations recorded AQI levels in the ‘very poor’ category. Punjabi Bagh registered an AQI of 302, Pusa recorded 319, and R.K. Puram reported 307. Of the 56 monitoring stations that reported data, 36 recorded poor air quality, while the remaining stations fell in the moderate category.

Government data indicates that transport is the largest contributor among the listed sources of Delhi’s air pollution, accounting for 20.3 per cent. Residential sources contributed 5.2 per cent, followed by industries at 4.2 per cent and construction activities at 2.6 per cent. Energy accounted for 2 per cent, waste burning for 1.8 per cent, road dust for 1.4 per cent and other sources for 1.3 per cent.

Stage I of GRAP continues to remain in force across Delhi-NCR. The measures emphasise dust suppression, compliance with construction and demolition norms, improved waste management and efforts to control vehicular emissions as authorities seek to contain pollution levels.

Source: IANS

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With rising electricity rates over the years, the Indian government has taken an initiative to solarize 1 crore households by March 2027. The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana was launched in February 2024. It aims to offer a subsidy of ₹78,000 (capped) for a 3 kW or above solar system size.

In this blog, you will get a walkthrough of PM Surya Ghar Yojana, eligibility requirements, documents required, and more.

What Is the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana?

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a central government scheme run by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). It helps homeowners install solar panels on their rooftops by reducing the overall cost of the solar system.

The scheme offers these benefits:

• Central financial assistance (CFA) that lowers the installation cost
• Reduces electricity bills by up to 90%
• Extra income from selling surplus power to the grid
• Bank loans at concessional interest rates

The subsidy for your solar system depends on the system size. You can get a subsidy of ₹30,000 per kW for up to 2 kW, and ₹18,000 for the additional kW. The total subsidy is capped at ₹78,000 for 3 kW systems and above.

However, the subsidy is available only to those who meet certain criteria. The subsidy details are given below:

Please note: The central government has set a maximum subsidy of ₹78,000 for homeowners. So any system of 3 kW or more receives a fixed subsidy of ₹78,000, no matter how large it is. Residents of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand and Rajasthan may also get an extra state subsidy, based on the size of their system. However, these state benefits are not offered in every city. You must check whether your city is covered before you count on the extra amount.

Eligibility Criteria of PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

To get the benefit of the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, you must meet the following conditions -

• Indian citizenship: You must be an Indian citizen
• Ownership of a house: You must own the house. Tenants and renters cannot apply on their own, as the roof rights belong to the owner.
• A suitable roof: The roof needs enough shadow-free space. As a thumb rule, one kW of solar needs around 10 sqm of space. Both flat and sloped roofs can work. The roof must be strong and free from shade for most of the day. Good roof space is important for household solar panels to give steady output.
• A valid electricity connection: You must have a residential connection with an active consumer number. The house should be in your name or a family member's.
• No previous solar subsidy: You must not have taken any other subsidy for solar panels before. The scheme gives the benefit only once.
• Residential use only: The scheme is meant for homes. Commercial, industrial and institutional connections do not qualify for this scheme.
• Approved equipment and Solar Company: The system must use solar modules that meet the Domestic Content Requirement (DCR). It must also be installed by a solar company registered or empanelled with the local DISCOM (Distribution Company). SolarSquare is one such solar company that homeowners can consider.

Documents Required for PM Surya Ghar Yojana Application

You must have the following documents ready from the beginning to apply for the PM Surya Ghar Yojana:

• Latest electricity bill with the consumer number and connection details
• Aadhaar card
• Mobile number linked to Aadhaar
• Bank details with a cancelled cheque
• Proof of property ownership, or the owner’s consent if you are not the sole owner.

Note: Requirements can vary slightly by state and DISCOM. Check with your DISCOM if you are unsure.

How to Apply for PM Surya Ghar Subsidy: Step-by-Step Process

To apply for the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, you need to meet the eligibility rules, submit the required documents, choose a registered solar company, and get your net meter approved. Here is the full process, step by step:

1. Visit the portal: Go to the national portal (pmsuryaghar.gov.in), open the consumer section and start your application.
2. Create your profile: Log in and fill in your name, email address, address, state, district and PIN code. Then save the profile.
3. Fill in the application: Click "Apply" and enter your personal details and your latest electricity bill information. Upload your ID proof, proof of the property ownership, and your most recent electricity bill.
4. Add your bank details: Upload your bank account details and a cancelled cheque. The central subsidy is usually paid by direct bank transfer (DBT), so make sure your bank account is linked to your Aadhaar.
5. Choose a registered solar company: Pick a solar company from the state-wise list on the PM Surya Ghar portal and ask for a quote.
6. Upload the signed agreement: Sign an agreement with your chosen solar company and upload it to the portal.
7. Apply for net metering: After the solar company completes the work, submit the system details on the portal and apply for the net meter. Your DISCOM will then issue a commissioning certificate confirming the system is live.
8. Claim the subsidy: Log back into your consumer account and upload the commissioning certificate to claim your subsidy. Once your claim is approved, the money reaches your bank account within 30 days.

Common Mistakes That Delay the Subsidy

You must take care of a few factors before applying to PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, as most delays and rejections happen because of small errors. Some of the common mistakes that delay the process are listed below:

• Installing panels that are not listed under ALMM (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers)
• Not linking your bank account to your Aadhaar
• Choosing a system larger than your sanctioned load
• Having a name on your documents that does not match your Aadhaar
• Installing the system before DISCOM feasibility approval

Conclusion

As a homeowner, you need four things to meet the eligibility criteria for the PM Surya Ghar Scheme. You must be the owner of the house, have a suitable roof, a valid residential electricity connection, and have not taken a solar subsidy earlier. Homeowners looking for guidance can consult a solar provider such as SolarSquare for a free site assessment.

As a registered solar company, they look after everything from start to finish, including the subsidy application, DISCOM approvals, net metering, and installation. You don't have to make repeated trips to the DISCOM office or chase paperwork yourself. They also keep the process simple and clear for first-time solar buyers, making it one of the best choices for homeowners who want a hassle-free switch to solar power.

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Kolkata, Oct 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) With their habitat constantly under threat, conservationists in India have called for greater efforts to monitor snow leopards, known as the "Ghost of the Mountains".

"Snow leopards share their high-altitude habitat with local communities. India’s conservation efforts include community involvement and support for livelihoods alongside protection of snow leopard ecosystems," the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) said on Friday on the occasion of International Snow Leopard Day.

In India, snow leopards can be largely found in the high-altitude, cold, arid and rugged terrains of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.

Despite its large distributional range, the population of snow leopards across the world is dwindling, making it one of the most endangered cats in the world.

The global population of snow leopards is estimated to be between 3500 and 7000 individuals, according to the Snow Leopard Conservancy - India Trust (SLC - IT). This organisation works for the conservation of the species and other animals in Ladakh and Spiti. It has identified the major threats that this magnificent animal faces.

"Snow leopards are highly threatened in India due to poaching for their pelts and body parts, a decline in prey base (mostly Blue Sheep and Asiatic Ibex) due to increasing domestic livestock that tend to quickly deplete the high-altitude pasture lands; and retaliatory killings by village communities whose livestock, sometimes 50 at a time, are killed for food by these predators. More recent threats include hydroelectric projects, mining and climate change," SLC - IT has said.

The breeding pattern of the animal itself also makes it a highly vulnerable species, as a female snow leopard generally gives birth to only one or two cubs once in two years. So any change affecting their ecology makes it very difficult for these animals to improve their population base quickly.

"Known to be an umbrella or keystone species, the survival of these animals as the top predator hence becomes critical for the survival of other species in the ecosystem," it has said.

According to the Ladakh Union Territory Administration, the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) Report 2024 estimates 718 snow leopards in India, with Ladakh hosting the highest population of about 477.

The Indian Army, which has bases close to where snow leopards live, has been playing a key role in the conservation of the animal.

It collaborates with civil authorities to protect snow leopards and high-altitude ecosystems in Ladakh.

On World Wildlife Day this year, the Fire and Fury Corps signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Forest, Ecology and Environment Department of the Union Territory of Ladakh.

Under this agreement, a Joint Snow Leopard Conservation Cell has been established to monitor wildlife movements, share field observations from remote border areas, and curb threats like free-ranging feral dogs.

Apart from snow leopards, the partnership protects the Himalayan Wolf, Bharal (Blue Sheep), Ibex, Marmot, and the Black-necked Crane. The initiative aligns with India's commitments under the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP).

Source: IANS

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Hyderabad, Oct 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Friday warned that the drought conditions caused by the impact of El Nino would continue for the next 8 to 10 months in the state.

Ruling out the availability of water for irrigation, he appealed to farmers to cultivate only rainfed crops and vegetables in view of the depletion of all water resources.

Speaking at a meeting with Congress leaders, MLAs, MPS and MLCs, the Chief Minister said that out of 30 lakh agriculture pump sets, 15 lakh have already dried up and even a single drop of water would not be available in the coming days.

He revealed that water storage in the projects has been reduced to less than 20 per cent of their capacity. The available water is more than 200 TMC, with some of the projects reaching the dead storage levels.

Emphasising that special attention should be paid to the provision of drinking water, the Chief Minister instructed the Cabinet sub-committee, along with officials at all levels, to ensure continuous monitoring of the supply of drinking water. A toll-free number would be provided to address the grievances.

The Chief Minister announced that a special scheme will be introduced after Sankranti for four months, until May, to provide daily employment to the workers. In addition to funds received from the Central government, the state government will also spend a significant amount on this scheme. This initiative should be utilised to restore access paths to agricultural fields, as well as canals, ponds, and small water bodies.

“We must provide work for every individual and ensure that everyone has food to eat. This scheme must be meticulously designed and implemented,” he said.

Revanth Reddy said 'Kalajathas' (cultural troupes) should be organised to motivate the farmers. A help desk should be set up at Congress state headquarters Gandhi Bhavan under the leadership of MP Chamala Kiran.

He maintained that the government has the responsibility of disclosing the ground reality to ensure no one suffers during the crisis. The leaders should also take up a campaign to educate the farmers about the drought conditions through Rythu Vedikas. To give relief to the cattle, special centres would be established in villages to provide fodder and drinking water.

The Chief Minister said that the government was already alerting all sections of the people about the prevailing conditions. He noted that many countries across the world were also facing drought. The intense heat and water scarcity were leading to a sharp increase in electricity consumption. In some parts of Maharashtra, drinking water is now being rationed and regulations have been introduced to reduce water consumption by 20 percent by each person.

The CM warned that the scarcity of drinking water will prove to be an even greater challenge than the shortage of water for irrigation. A situation may arise where people will be unable to even step out of their homes.

“We cannot tackle this drought without alerting the public and making them partners in our efforts”, he said.

The Chief Minister slammed the BRS leaders for criticising the state government in dealing with the drought conditions amidst the El Nino weather conditions. The Chief Minister took strong exception to the BRS allegations that the drought was caused by the Congress party and not El Nino. Such statements are made with political malice.

He stated that the impact of El Nino is being felt across 100 countries worldwide, as well as in Indian states like Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.

Source: IANS

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Bhopal, Oct 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) India has moved into the development phase of a national action plan for inland small-scale fisheries, with a focus on livelihood improvement, enhanced coordination and better management of freshwater resources, with the proposed plan covering fisheries in rivers, canals, reservoirs, lakes, floodplain wetlands, tanks, and cold-water systems.

Speaking at the launch of the development phase on Friday, Union Department of Fisheries Secretary Abhilaksh Likhi said: "India has set a target of 30 million tonnes in fish production over the next five years, while seafood exports are expected to rise to Rs 1.25 lakh crore."

Highlighting the sector's current status, he said the country had achieved an annual fish production of 19.7 million tonnes, with inland fisheries contributing approximately three-fourths of this output, while seafood exports had crossed Rs 70,000 crore.

The new action plan is being developed under the framework of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). The initiative is being led by the Union Department of Fisheries in collaboration with the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO).

The two-day national workshop in the Madhya Pradesh capital identified key priorities for developing the action plan, including a proposed programme of consultations with fishing communities and other stakeholders. Experts from fisheries institutions and stakeholders prepared a framework for the activities to be undertaken in the development phase.

Addressing the gathering, Likhi called for a mission-mode outreach programme to take India's proposed national action plan for sustainable inland small-scale fisheries to fishing communities across the country.

"The document must translate into practical improvements in livelihoods rather than remain confined to government offices”, he said, adding that the proposed plan must prioritise sustainability amid the climate crisis and strengthen value chains to improve fishers’ income.

The Fisheries Secretary stressed that production and export growth must go hand in hand with securing the livelihoods of small-scale fishers.

On sustainability, Likhi flagged climate change and deteriorating water quality as major concerns for inland fisheries, pointing to challenges such as declining oxygen levels in water bodies. He said the plan must incorporate measures to build climate resilience, drawing on the experience of fishing communities who directly confront these challenges.

India's diverse inland fisheries sector, with its varied ecosystems, fishing communities and region-specific challenges, could serve as a model for the FAO to collaborate, pilot region-specific approaches and take the learnings to wider geographies, he added.

Madhya Pradesh Fisheries Secretary Swantantra Kumar Singh, Joint Secretary Gunjan Krishna and FAO Project Officer Giulia Gorelli also spoke on the occasion.

Source: IANS

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Srinagar, Oct 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) Police in J&K’s Pulwama district on Friday seized 23 dumpers/tippers and an excavator during an operation against illegal mining in the district.

“In a major crackdown on illegal mining, Pulwama Police, acting on the directions of SSP Pulwama, conducted early-morning raids at multiple locations across the Rohmu belt to curb the illegal extraction of soil and minerals. During the operation, a police team led by DySP Headquarters, Pulwama, intercepted illegal soil extraction at Gusoo, Pulwama, and seized 23 dumpers/tippers and one L&T excavator from the spot," a police statement said.

Preliminary findings indicate that the extraction activity was being carried out in violation of the prescribed terms and conditions of the permit.

In this connection, an FIR has been registered at Police Station Pulwama under the relevant provisions of law, and further investigation has been initiated to ascertain all facts and establish accountability.

"Pulwama Police reiterates its firm commitment to eradicating illegal mining and ensuring strict enforcement of the law. The public is urged to cooperate with the police and promptly report any instances of illegal mining to help protect the environment and preserve public resources," the statement said.

Illegal mining in J&K has emerged as a critical socio-environmental and governance crisis, marked by massive scales of unauthorised mineral extraction alongside heavily disproportionate criminal prosecution. Powered by an infrastructure boom and a high demand for construction materials (sand, gravel, boulders, and soil), a well-entrenched network often operates unchecked across vital water bodies like the Jhelum River.

Official data highlights a massive gap between administrative seizures and actual criminal accountability.

During the 2025–26 fiscal year, authorities carried out 9,417 seizures and recovered Rs 20.009 crore in penalties, yet registered only 285 FIRs.

Districts like Kathua reported 1,019 seizures but only a single FIR. Samba registered 800 seizures without a single FIR. Conversely, districts like Kupwara (48 FIRs out of 972 seizures) and Baramulla (41 FIRs out of 845 seizures) saw more proactive legal actions.

Faced with escalating criticism, the J&K administration has rapidly tightened regulations.

In October 2026, the government formally empowered Mining Department officers to file direct complaints against illegal miners to expedite prosecution.

Senior officials have faced immediate suspension and administrative attachments for complicity or negligence. The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has also registered criminal FIRs targeting collusive relationships between mining syndicates and government officials.

The Department of Geology & Mining has strictly banned the deployment of heavy earth-moving machinery (like JCBs and excavators) in unauthorised zones, making a mandatory Royalty Clearance Certificate (RCC) a prerequisite for public works contractors.

Police divisions (such as Pulwama, Budgam, and Awantipora) routinely conduct early-morning intercept raids, seizing dozens of tippers, dumpers, and excavators weekly.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Oct 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) Union Environment Secretary Narendra Bhooshan on Friday reviewed the action plans of the Uttar Pradesh government and urban local bodies to address air pollution in Delhi-NCR and winter preparedness.

The Environment, Forest and Climate Change Secretary reviewed various interventions such as redevelopment of roads, traffic decongestion at hotspots and deployment of electric buses and EV charging infrastructure, said a statement.

The UP government presented 11 key initiatives taken so far and the activities planned to achieve the saturation of air quality improvement interventions, addressing various sources of air pollution, namely road dust, construction and demolition (C&D) activities, open burning of biomass, vehicular pollution, traffic decongestion, industrial pollution, greening, paddy stubble management.

The State government, in coordination with various agencies and local bodies, has already implemented several measures which have achieved considerable progress, said the statement.

Bhooshan also reviewed measures for establishing the solid waste processing facilities for processing of 100 per cent solid waste generation, remediation of legacy waste dump sites, C&D waste processing facilities and secondary collection centres, monitoring and enforcement of air pollution control measures at construction sites and industries.

The meeting came on a day when a team led by the Chairperson, Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and Adjoining Areas, visited thermal power and CBG plants, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), farm fields and biomass plant in Ropar, Hoshiyarpur and Amritsar in Punjab to review steps for stubble management.

The team reviewed the preparedness and took stock of various in-situ and ex-situ measures being implemented on the ground for effective paddy straw management and prevention of stubble burning incidents during the ongoing paddy harvesting season, the statement said.

The CAQM directed the state authorities to achieve co-firing targets in thermal power plants with special focus on ensuring compliance with emission norms. During the visit to KVK, the team saw demonstration of machinery for in-situ and ex-situ use.

The team also assessed the adequacy and availability of machinery to facilitate farmers in managing paddy residue. In addition, the team reviewed the arrangements and mechanisms in place for the maximum utilisation of paddy straw in thermal power plants and biomass plants utilising paddy stubble as part of ex-situ management.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, Oct 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) To curb air pollution in Mumbai and surrounding areas, Maharashtra Environment and Climate Change Minister Pankaja Munde on Friday said that strict measures will be implemented to control road dust, transport and disposal of construction debris, industrial pollution, and vehicular emissions.

Emphasising that sweeping alone is insufficient, she announced that road dust reduction will rely on vacuum cleaning machines, water sprinkling using sprinklers, and mandatory complete covering of vehicles transporting construction debris. Integrated measures will be formulated through the Clean Air Action Plan for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

Minister Munde, at the review meeting amid deteriorating air quality in Mumbai, stressed the need to pay special attention to road dust and re-suspended dust caused by vehicular movement. As these factors contribute significantly to pollution, sweeping methods must change. Merely sweeping dust to the side with a broom does not reduce pollution; hence, the deployment of vacuum cleaning machines must be increased.

Additionally, she suggested exploring the feasibility of using treated wastewater for water sprinkling. She instructed municipal corporations to procure the necessary machinery to curb air pollution and adopt technical solutions for road cleaning, dust suppression, and regular air quality monitoring.

Furthermore, Minister Munde suggested considering appropriate measures to mitigate dust in open grounds of schools and colleges. Extensive construction and redevelopment projects are underway across the MMR, making the transport and disposal of generated debris a crucial aspect of pollution control. Vehicles carrying debris must keep construction materials fully covered.

Minister Munde directed the Traffic Police Department not to let non-compliant vehicles go with just a fine, but to prevent them from proceeding until full compliance is ensured. She urged the Traffic Police to strictly enforce existing regulations.

Minister Munde noted that several municipal corporations face difficulties due to a lack of adequate sites for dumping construction debris. Therefore, a coordinated system for debris collection, transport, processing, and recycling is essential.

Municipal corporations in Mumbai and nearby areas should explore the joint utilisation of available space. Along with developing independent disposal systems, she encouraged promoting the processing and reuse of debris in construction activities. Guidelines in this regard will be prepared over the next 15 to 20 days.

Separate meetings will be conducted with relevant local bodies—including the Panvel, Kalyan, and Mumbai municipal corporations—to address their specific challenges, Minister Munde clarified.

To curb industrial pollution, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board must ensure actual compliance alongside inspections. Strict action must be taken against industries that fail to adhere to rules despite repeated checks.

However, Minister Munde emphasised that the goal is not to shut down every industry, but to ensure necessary corrective improvements. It was observed that older machinery and outdated production processes in certain industrial areas contribute to rising pollution levels. Site-specific solutions tailored to local conditions are required.

She instructed MPCB to increase visit frequencies and strictly verify post-inspection compliance. Attention will also be directed toward vehicle maintenance, strict enforcement of pollution controls, and dust generated during transport. Traffic police and related agencies must work in coordination to monitor vehicles transporting construction material.

Minister Munde underlined the necessity of effective action against offending vehicles. She highlighted the need for green initiatives to mitigate environmental impacts caused by rising construction, concrete roads, and open dust in urban zones.

She instructed officials to conduct a technical study on developing rooftop gardens on buildings, adopting eco-friendly structural design changes in construction, and implementing dust control measures in urban open spaces.

While Mumbai's coastal location aids air circulation, reliance on natural conditions alone is insufficient to reduce pollution. Coordinated efforts across road dust, construction debris, vehicular emissions, and industrial pollution are essential.

Minister Munde urged all municipal corporations and relevant departments to collectively prepare and effectively execute a joint action plan.

Source: IANS

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Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday issued Orange alerts for 10 districts in Kerala, warning of very heavy rainfall, with thunderstorms expected in several parts of the state over the next three days.

The alerts, indicating the possibility of very heavy rainfall, ranging from 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm in 24 hours at isolated places, are in force in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod on Friday.

For Saturday, Orange alerts have been issued for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, and Malappuram.

On Sunday, the warning will cover 12 districts, with Orange alerts in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad.

Yellow alerts, which indicate the possibility of isolated heavy rainfall of 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm in 24 hours, have been issued for Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, and Malappuram on Friday; Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod on Saturday; and Kannur and Kasaragod on Sunday.

On Monday, Yellow alerts will be in force in 12 districts, covering Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad.

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has urged people living in landslide-prone areas and regions vulnerable to flash floods to move to safer locations as directed by the authorities.

Those living along riverbanks and in areas downstream of dams have also been advised to remain alert and relocate if necessary.

People have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during intense rainfall and to postpone trips to waterfalls, water bodies, and hilly areas until the warnings are withdrawn.

Entering rivers and other water bodies for bathing, fishing or other activities during heavy rain should be strictly avoided.

Motorists have been urged to exercise caution on roads near water bodies and at locations where repair work is under way.

People should also stay away from trees, electric poles, signboards and walls that could collapse in strong winds.

Source: IANS

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Bhopal/Kochi, Oct 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) India aims to raise its annual fish production to 30 million tonnes in the next five years, Union Fisheries Secretary Abhilaksh Likhi said on Friday, stressing that the growth must also improve the livelihoods of small-scale fishers.

He called for a nationwide outreach programme to take the proposed National Plan of Action for small-scale inland fisheries directly to fishing communities.

"The document must translate into practical improvements in livelihoods rather than remain confined to government offices," Likhi said at a national workshop in Bhopal, where the development phase of India's action plan for inland small-scale fisheries was launched.

Likhi said India currently produces 19.7 million tonnes of fish annually, and inland fisheries account for about three-fourths of the total production.

Seafood exports have crossed Rs 70,000 crore.

India aims to raise this to Rs 1.25 lakh crore.

He stressed that higher production and exports must go hand in hand with protecting the livelihoods of small-scale fishers.

Likhi identified climate change and declining water quality as major challenges facing inland fisheries.

Falling oxygen levels in water bodies were also a concern, he said.

He said the proposed action plan must focus on sustainable fishing and help communities cope with climate-related challenges.

It should also strengthen value chains and improve fishers' incomes.

India's varied inland fisheries and fishing communities could offer useful lessons to other countries, Likhi said.

Region-specific solutions would be essential to sustainable fisheries management.

The plan is being developed by the Union Department of Fisheries in collaboration with the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO), under the framework of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation.

It will cover fisheries in rivers, canals, reservoirs, lakes, floodplain wetlands, tanks and cold-water systems.

BOBP-IGO Director P. Krishnan said the plan would address fishing rights, resource management, employment, gender equality, post-harvest trade, and climate change.

A two-day national workshop in Bhopal brought together experts and stakeholders to identify priorities for the plan.

Consultations with fishing communities and other stakeholders will help shape the final document.

The plan is expected to be finalised and publicly launched next month before implementation begins.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Oct 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) Delhi Environment Minister, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, on Friday appealed to residents of the National Capital Region (NCR) to join the government's efforts in curbing the rising air pollution by keeping their polluting vehicles off the roads till the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-1) is in place in Delhi-NCR.

Speaking to IANS, the Cabinet Minister acknowledged the spike in pollution levels ahead of the winter season.

"The situation is not good. Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) is currently around 250, and GRAP-I restrictions are in place. Despite these restrictions, there has not been any significant improvement so far. The biggest challenge is the deteriorating weather conditions. Fog was visible today as well, and it could begin turning into smog," Sirsa said.

He also said: "I want to appeal to all Delhi residents to join hands in fighting pollution. Please do not take your polluting vehicles out on the roads. In particular, two-wheelers are going to petrol pumps without valid PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificates, and arguments are taking place there. Two-wheelers also contribute significantly to pollution. I appeal to their owners to keep polluting vehicles off the roads during the GRAP restrictions. Otherwise, pollution will increase further, leading to health complications."

Earlier, the Rekha Gupta government had proposed 'No PUC, No Fuel' policy, under which vehicles without valid Pollution Under Control certificates will not be supplied fuel. From November 1, non-Delhi-registered vehicles that do not comply with BS-VI emission standards will also face entry restrictions, subject to applicable exemptions.

Further, Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that he has spoken to the Commissioner of the Delhi Traffic Police to take immediate action against heavy vehicles "still operating in the national Capital amid GRAP I restrictions".

"No such unwanted vehicles should be allowed to enter Delhi," the Minister stated.

Meanwhile, air pollution continued to be a concern across Delhi-NCR on Friday, with the AQI remaining in the ‘poor’ category after Dusshera and temperatures gradually declining ahead of winter.

The deteriorating air quality has renewed concerns about the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to polluted air.

According to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), several monitoring stations across the national Capital recorded AQI readings in the poor category. The readings included 215 in Burari, 183 in Jharoda Kalan, 182 in Vasundhara Enclave, 161 in Ghummanhera, 170 in Uttam Nagar, 241 in NIH Narela, 263 at Mandir Marg, 232 in Aya Nagar, 275 in Punjabi Bagh, 269 at CRRI Mathura Road, 289 at Pusa, 274 in Sirifort, 206 at NSIT Dwarka, 249 at Commonwealth Sports Complex, 238 at JNU and 246 at Burari Crossing.

Delhi recorded its first ‘poor’ air quality day of the season on October 21, when the AQI climbed to 245, its highest level in around 100 days. The deterioration followed Dussehra celebrations across Delhi-NCR and coincided with reports of stubble burning in neighbouring states, including Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana.

Source: IANS

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Jaipur, Oct 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) Rajasthan is facing a rainfall deficit this year, with several districts experiencing drought-like conditions. The shortfall has raised concerns in western Rajasthan, particularly in Jodhpur, Barmer, Jaisalmer and Balotra, where shortages of water and fodder are affecting rural communities. The situation has also sparked a political exchange between former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Agriculture Minister Kirodi Lal Meena of the Bhajanlal Sharma-led government.

While Gehlot has urged the state government to provide immediate relief to affected farmers, Meena has said that a survey is underway to assess the extent of the damage.

Rainfall has reportedly fallen to its lowest level in 17 years, in sharp contrast to last year, when the state recorded its highest rainfall in 108 years.

The rainfall deficit has raised concerns among farmers and livestock owners, who are facing difficulties due to the shortage of water and fodder. With Panchayat elections underway in the state, the issue has also become a point of political debate, with the Congress demanding urgent assistance for affected rural communities.

Agriculture Minister Meena said that eight to ten districts had received below-normal rainfall. He added that government officials and District Collectors were closely monitoring the situation.

According to Meena, the Revenue Department is conducting a survey to determine the extent of the impact. He explained that the government would consider further action based on the survey findings and initiate relief measures once the assessment is complete and drought conditions are officially declared.

In early October, Ashok Gehlot raised concerns about the worsening situation in western Rajasthan and shared figures highlighting the number of villages reportedly affected by drought-like conditions.

According to the figures cited by Gehlot, approximately 2,000 villages in Jodhpur, 2,460 in Barmer, 1,216 in Balotra and 961 in Jaisalmer were facing drought-like conditions.

He urged the Bhajanlal Sharma government to take immediate steps to provide relief to farmers in these areas.

Gehlot's concerns centred on the impact of deficient rainfall on agriculture and rural livelihoods, particularly in areas where access to water and animal fodder has become increasingly difficult.

The effects of inadequate rainfall extend beyond crop losses. Reduced water availability can affect livestock, drinking water supplies in rural areas and the livelihoods of farming families.

Livestock owners are particularly vulnerable when fodder supplies decline and water sources become scarce.

The Agriculture and Revenue departments are assessing conditions in the affected regions to determine the extent of the shortfall and its consequences.

Meena said the government was receiving reports from officials and that the findings would guide decisions on declaring drought conditions and providing relief.

Once the assessment is complete, the government is expected to determine the appropriate measures under established procedures. The timing and scope of relief will depend on the survey findings and the official decision on drought declaration.

Source: IANS

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Amaravati, Oct 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) A low-pressure area has formed over the east-central and southeastern Bay of Bengal and it is likely to strengthen into a cyclonic storm.

Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority said on Friday that the low-pressure area is expected to intensify into a depression in the same region by October 24, and further into a deep depression on October 25.

Prakhar Jain, Managing Director, State Disaster Management Authority, said by October 26 morning, it is likely to strengthen into a cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal.

Over the subsequent two days, it is projected to move towards the coast of North Andhra Pradesh and South Odisha. Under its influence, widespread rainfall is expected across Andhra Pradesh.

The general public and the farming community are advised to take precautionary measures. Fishermen currently out at sea have been urged to return to the shore immediately.

Due to the influence of a low-pressure system over the Tamil Nadu and Kerala regions, scattered heavy rains are expected in the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh today.

Light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by lightning in some places, is expected on October 24 and October 25.

Widespread rainfall is anticipated across the state starting October 26. Heavy rainfall is likely in isolated areas.

Strong gusty winds, reaching speeds of 60–70 kmph, are expected along the coast.

Meanwhile, India Meteorological Department said that under the influence of Thursday’s upper-air cyclonic circulation over Southeast and adjoining East-Central Bay of Bengal, a low-pressure area formed over East-Central and adjoining Southeast Bay of Bengal today.

It is most likely to persist over the same region and intensify into a depression on Saturday. Thereafter, it is very likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify further into a deep depression on October 25 and into a cyclonic storm over the West-Central Bay of Bengal by October 26 morning.

It would then continue to intensify further and move west-northwestwards towards North Andhra Pradesh and adjoining South Odisha coasts during subsequent two days.

Source: IANS

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Patiala, Oct 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Punjab administration has continued its efforts to curb stubble burning across the state, with 510 incidents reported as of October 22, according to a report by the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB).

Physical inspections have been conducted in 467 cases, while environmental compensation (EC) has been imposed in 184 cases.

According to the report, stubble burning was confirmed at 195 locations across the state. Records regarding the role of nodal officers and other concerned staff have also been documented in four cases.

The report stated that environmental compensation totalling Rs 9.30 lakh had been imposed, of which Rs 4.93 lakh had been recovered.

Tarn Taran and Amritsar accounted for the highest number of reported incidents. Tarn Taran recorded 247 incidents, of which 229 were inspected, while environmental compensation was imposed in 97 cases.

Amritsar reported 136 incidents, with inspections conducted in 127 cases. Environmental compensation was imposed in 51 cases in the district.

Other districts also reported incidents of stubble burning. Gurdaspur recorded 32 cases, followed by Ferozepur with 26, Kapurthala with 18, and Fazilka and Jalandhar with nine incidents each.

Patiala reported five incidents, of which four were inspected. Environmental compensation was imposed in three cases.

However, the district-wise figures mentioned in the report appear to differ from the overall state tally, warranting verification of the data.

The report further stated that warning notices had been issued to 227 nodal and supervisory officers in connection with efforts to prevent stubble burning. First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered in four cases, while 166 red entries have been recorded.

No departmental charge sheets have been issued, or suspension orders passed against the officers concerned, according to the report.

The state administration continues to monitor agricultural fields and take action against violations as part of its campaign to prevent stubble burning.

Despite inspections, penalties and other enforcement measures, the reported incidents highlight the continuing challenge of eliminating the practice.

The administration is monitoring and taking action against stubble-burning incidents. However, the number of incidents reported and environmental compensation collected amid efforts to curb stubble burning in fields indicated the need for continued monitoring and action.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Oct 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) Air pollution continued to be a concern across Delhi-NCR on Friday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) remaining in the ‘poor’ category as temperatures gradually decline ahead of winter. The deteriorating air quality has renewed concerns about the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to polluted air.

According to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), several monitoring stations across the national capital recorded AQI readings in the poor category. The readings included 215 in Burari, 183 in Jharoda Kalan, 182 in Vasundhara Enclave, 161 in Ghummanhera, 170 in Uttam Nagar, 241 in NIH Narela, 263 at Mandir Marg, 232 in Aya Nagar, 275 in Punjabi Bagh, 269 at CRRI Mathura Road, 289 at Pusa, 274 in Sirifort, 206 at NSIT Dwarka, 249 at Commonwealth Sports Complex, 238 at JNU and 246 at Burari Crossing.

Other monitoring stations also reported elevated pollution levels, including Alipur (260), R.K. Puram (281), NSUT Jaffarpur (267), Dwarka Sector 8 (268), Anand Vihar (218), DTU (276), Mundka (266), Najafgarh (255), Jahangirpuri (284), Rohini (281), Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (261), Patparganj (264), Bawana (269) and Narela (273).

The minimum temperature in Delhi-NCR is expected to remain around 19 degrees Celsius, while the maximum is likely to hover around 32 degrees Celsius.

Delhi recorded its first ‘poor’ air quality day of the season on October 21, when the AQI climbed to 245, its highest level in around 100 days. The deterioration followed Dussehra celebrations across the national capital and coincided with reports of stubble burning in neighbouring states, including Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

Crackers were also burst in several parts of Delhi during the festivities, alongside the traditional burning of Ravana effigies. However, no direct link has been established between the celebrations and the subsequent decline in air quality.

In response to the worsening pollution, authorities invoked Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), intensifying measures to control dust and address local sources of emissions. The restrictions are particularly significant given the potential health impacts of prolonged exposure to polluted air, especially for children and senior citizens.

Under GRAP, Stage I measures apply when the AQI falls between 201 and 300, classified as ‘poor’. Stage II is implemented at AQI levels of 301-400 (‘very poor’), Stage III at 401-450 (‘severe’) and Stage IV when the AQI exceeds 450 (‘severe plus’).

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the implementation of GRAP this late in the season was unprecedented in recent years.

He said the government was pursuing short-term and long-term strategies to combat pollution, with public participation and coordination between the Centre and the Delhi government forming key components of the effort.

Sirsa said an 11-point action plan was being implemented, focusing on dust control, promotion of electric vehicles, curbs on vehicular emissions and the identification of local pollution sources.

An Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) has also been established to monitor pollution caused by construction activities. In addition, an artificial intelligence-based traffic management system is being used to improve traffic flow and help reduce vehicular emissions.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi/Bengaluru, Oct 22 (SocialNews.XYZ) Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday urged Union Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav to expedite approval from the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) for the Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project and the Mekedatu balancing reservoir and drinking water project.

During a meeting with Yadav at Paryavaran Bhawan in the national capital, Shivakumar also urged the Centre not to finalise the seventh draft notification on declaring the Western Ghats an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) based on the Kasturirangan report until the physical survey was completed.

He said that the proposal for the Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project was last discussed at the 89th meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife on February 28 this year.

The technical committee had asked the state government or the user agency to clarify issues raised during the examination of the proposal and submit a technical report from the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru.

The Karnataka government has since submitted the required documents, including the NIAS technical report, and provided appropriate responses to the questions raised by the Standing Committee, he said.

Regarding the Mekedatu project, Shivakumar said a proposal seeking permission to drill 20 boreholes for geotechnical investigations within the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary had been submitted to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on July 1, for consideration by the NBWL Standing Committee.

The proposed investigation would cover a total area of 0.0000352 hectares within the sanctuary.

The Ministry had recently sought essential documents and information in connection with the status of various petitions pending before the Supreme Court of India concerning the project. The state government would submit the required information shortly, he said.

Shivakumar clarified that the proposal was limited to survey and investigation activities and did not seek diversion of any protected-area land for the project at this stage.

He urged Yadav, as Chairman of the NBWL Standing Committee, to expedite the examination and recommendations on both the Sharavathi and Mekedatu proposals.

On the Kasturirangan report, Shivakumar requested the Union Minister not to finalise the seventh draft notification issued by the Ministry on July 27, for declaring parts of the Western Ghats as an Ecologically Sensitive Area.

He said he had already written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 25, requesting that the notification not be finalised until the state government's High-Level Committee (HLC) submitted its report and a physical survey was completed within one year.

The Chief Minister urged the Centre to undertake further action in consultation with the Karnataka government after the committee's report was submitted and the physical survey was completed.

Shivakumar also requested the Centre to exclude the Eco Cane Sugar and Energy Ltd. sugar factory in Belagavi from the proposed ecologically sensitive zone.

He said the factory had commenced operations before 2016 and, therefore, should not be brought under the eco-sensitive zone restrictions.

The factory employs around 500 workers, while approximately 5,000 families depend on it for their livelihood, he said, urging the Centre to consider these factors while finalising the notification.

Source: IANS

Karnataka CM meets Union Min Bhupender Yadav, seeks NBWL nod for Sharavathi, Mekedatu projects

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Bhopal/Kochi, Oct 22 (SocialNews.XYZ) Pollution, damage to aquatic habitats and growing demand for freshwater threaten India's inland fisheries and the livelihoods of fishing communities, according to a report by the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO) and the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

The report identifies several challenges to sustainable inland fisheries. These include disrupted river connectivity, floods, droughts, and falling reservoir water levels.

These factors can affect fish populations and the communities that depend on them, as per the findings presented at a workshop in Bhopal on Thursday.

The event marked the launch of work on India's National Plan of Action for sustainable inland small-scale fisheries.

The report says competition for freshwater, especially for irrigation and other uses, puts additional pressure on aquatic ecosystems.

It calls for fisheries to be considered in wider water-resource planning.

It also points to problems with fishing access and leasing arrangements.

Overlapping responsibilities among fisheries, irrigation, forest, revenue and local authorities pose further challenges.

"These concerns assume greater significance amid growing attention to climate resilience and the need to manage freshwater resources sustainably," BOBP-IGO Director, Dr P. Krishnan, said.

The report also highlights gaps in data on inland fisheries and the people who depend on them.

Women account for about 44 per cent of India's reported inland fisher population of 23.12 million. The profile puts the number of women at 10.10 million.

However, their work in fish processing, marketing and unpaid family activities remains poorly documented, and this limits their visibility in official statistics and development plans.

Krishnan said subsistence fishing and informal fish marketing were also underrepresented in available data.

Better information on fishers, catches, and individual water bodies would help authorities plan more effective support.

The two-day workshop is organised by the Union Department of Fisheries in collaboration with BOBP-IGO and hosted by the Madhya Pradesh government.

It brings together officials and other stakeholders to discuss priorities for the sector.

The initiative aims to improve resource management and protect the livelihoods of small-scale fishing communities, in line with FAO guidelines.

Source: IANS

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Chandigarh, Oct 22 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) on Thursday reviewed the Punjab and Haryana governments’ enforcement measures, district-level preparedness and monitoring mechanisms for effective paddy stubble management.

Commission Chairperson Rajesh Verma held separate review meetings with officials of both the states to review measures being undertaken for prevention and control of paddy stubble burning and abatement of other key sources of air pollution, calling for prompt action on the ground, said an official statement.

In the meeting with Punjab officials, the CAQM team reviewed availability, deployment and effective utilisation of Crop Residue Management (CRM) machinery at the district and farmer levels, along with the identification of gaps in machinery utilisation and arrangements for the collection, transportation and utilisation of paddy straw through in-situ and ex-situ management, it said.

The Commission emphasised the need to strengthen the crop-residue supply chain and ensure effective utilisation of available machinery during the peak harvesting period.

The meeting also covered field validation of burnt-area assessment through satellite-based fire alerts, along with district-wise deployment of drones and low-cost sensors for monitoring stubble-burning incidents.

In his discussions with Haryana officials, Verma covered a broader range of air pollution sources, including paddy stubble burning, abatement of vehicular pollution, dust from roads and open areas, dust from construction and demolition (C&D) activities and industrial pollution, along with other identified sectoral measures.

With regard to paddy stubble burning, the Commission reviewed implementation of the State Action Plan, including on-ground enforcement, deployment and utilisation of CRM machinery, crop-residue supply-chain management, field validation of burnt-area assessment and the use of drones and low-cost sensors for monitoring burning incidents, said the statement.

The Commission emphasised that paddy stubble management should be pursued not merely as a measure to prevent burning, but as an opportunity to improve the well-being of citizens while fostering a robust industrial ecosystem of a circular economy, with greater utilisation of paddy straw as a resource.

The Commission called for prompt action at the ground level and further cautioned the District Administrations that any laxity that leads to a rise in stubble-burning incidents shall be viewed seriously, the statement said.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, Oct 22 (SocialNews.XYZ) A powerful earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale struck Tibet at around 8.03 p.m. on Thursday, raising fresh concerns in a region still recovering from devastating flash floods last month.

According to India’s National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake occurred at a depth of 173 kilometres below the Earth’s surface. The epicentre was approximately 400 kilometres from Lhasa, the Tibetan capital.

The latest earthquake also follows seismic activity recorded in Tibet on September 3, when a magnitude 5.0 earthquake struck at a depth of approximately 14 kilometres. In January 2025, another major earthquake measuring 6.8, according to the China Earthquake Networks Centre, killed more than 120 people and injured hundreds.

Experts have warned that rising temperatures, retreating glaciers and increasingly extreme weather events could heighten natural disaster risks across the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Experts say that the latest earthquake has renewed attention on the region’s vulnerability as communities continue to grapple with the consequences of recent disasters.

The earthquake has come weeks after an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26 triggered catastrophic flash floods. The floods swept away homes, roads and bridges, damaged hydropower projects, and left thousands of people missing, causing widespread destruction across the affected areas.

In Nepal, at least 1,455 people were killed, while 5,285 remained missing when authorities ended search and rescue operations. The country has estimated that nearly $5 billion will be needed for early recovery and rehabilitation efforts to support thousands of people displaced by the disaster.

On the Tibetan side of the border, Chinese state media reported 43 deaths and more than 500 people missing. Earlier reports had put the number of missing people at 558, including 260 foreign nationals. However, the full extent of the destruction remains difficult to establish independently because of limited information emerging from the affected areas.

Source: IANS

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Chandigarh, Oct 22 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and adjoining areas on Thursday said that the statutory body's objective is to ensure effective utilisation of stubble in order to turn it into an "economic asset" for farmers.

CAQM Member Secretary Tarun Kumar Pithode's statement came after attending CAQM’s review meeting with the governments of Haryana and Punjab,

Talking to IANS, Pithode said directions issued by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini were also reviewed during the meeting.

"This included the industrial sector, where compliance with the prescribed norm of 50 micrograms was made compulsory from November 1. Along with it, directions issued for the vehicular sector were also reviewed, including the transition plan for trucks and schemes related to replacing buses," he said.

He added that work related to road development and cleaning was also reviewed, including mechanised sweeping.

"The review looked at what efforts have been made so far, how many machines were required, how many have been procured, and whether they are being effectively deployed and used. Further directions have also been issued to the state," Pithode added.

Regarding Punjab, the CAQM Member Secretary said today’s review primarily focused on stubble management, which was reviewed district-wise with all the DCs.

"If we look at stubble-burning incidents overall and compare them with previous years, the situation has improved. However, this year we are seeing that fire counts have increased considerably in Tarn Taran and Amritsar, which is a matter of serious concern. Stubble needs to be managed in such a way that there is no need for these fire counts to rise at all," he stated.

According to Pithode, if balers and CRM machines are made available in sufficient numbers, there would be no need to burn stubble, and it could be managed effectively.

"There are two types of data available. One is related to burnt-area assessment, which continuously indicates that considerable areas are being burned, while another relates to recorded fire counts. Sometimes fires occur at a time when they may not be detected, so the truth lies somewhere between these datasets," he stated.

However, he asserted that the objective of the CAQM is to build an ecosystem in which the entire quantity of stubble can be put into industry use. "Once that happens, there will be no need to burn crop residue," he said.

"Therefore, today’s entire emphasis was on how stubble can be effectively managed: ensuring adequate storage facilities and establishing industries that can utilise it, generate employment and expand industrial activity. This could include pellet-manufacturing plants, its use in thermal power plants, or its use for producing CBG," Tarun Pithode mentioned.

He noted that if stubble is used in all these ways, it can become an "economic asset" for farmers.

"Several schemes are already being implemented, including schemes for balers and other machinery, under which substantial subsidies and assistance are provided, specifically to these two states (Punjab and Haryana)," he said while stressing the effective implementation of these measures.

Source: IANS

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Kolkata, Oct 22 (SocialNews.XYZ) It is water availability that determines when colonial waterbirds begin breeding, how large their colonies become, and how many species a wetland can support, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has found.

Securing suitable hydrological conditions will be essential to the conservation of colonial waterbird populations in the face of increasing climatic variability, the study has revealed.

The study was conducted in the monsoon-dependent wetlands of southern India, and the findings were published on October 21, 2026. The study involved combining systematic field surveys over three consecutive breeding seasons (2022–2023 to 2024–2025), satellite imagery and climate data.

It documented 16 species and revealed that wetland water extent was the strongest predictor of nesting occurrence, colony abundance and species richness.

Greater inundation was associated with a higher probability of colony establishment, larger breeding colonies and greater species diversity, it was revealed.

"Conservation planning must move beyond individual wetland boundaries. Conservation strategies should prioritise the maintenance of adequate water levels during breeding seasons through effective management of reservoirs, irrigation systems and canal networks supplying water to such biodiverse-rich wetlands," the WII, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC), has said.

The research was supported by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), Government of India, underscoring the importance of integrating hydrological monitoring, climate information and long-term ecological surveys to strengthen wetland conservation.

Wetland ecosystems are highly sensitive to environmental variability, but the relative importance of hydrological and climatic drivers of colonial waterbird breeding is poorly understood in landscapes that depend on the tropical monsoon, researchers have said.

"We investigated the influence of wetland inundation and climatic conditions on the occurrence of nesting, colony abundance and species richness of colonial nesting waterbirds across nine wetlands in Tamil Nadu, India, over three breeding seasons (2022–2023 to 2024–2025)," the institute said.

Breeding responses were quantified through systematic field surveys and related to wetland water extent derived from Sentinel-2 imagery and climatic variables obtained from the ERA5 reanalysis dataset.

"We measured the effects of water extent, temperature, precipitation and wind speed with generalised linear mixed models. A total of 16 colonial nesting waterbird species were recorded. Environmental conditions during the 30 days preceding surveys consistently provided the strongest explanation of breeding responses. Water extent emerged as the dominant predictor of nesting occurrence, colony abundance and species richness. The nesting probability increased significantly with water extent, whereas colony abundance and species richness increased with greater inundation," it said.

While maximum temperature negatively affected colony abundance and species richness, precipitation had weaker negative effects and wind speed had no significant effect.

Thereby, the findings indicate that the main driver of colonial waterbird breeding dynamics in monsoon-dependent wetlands is wetland inundation, while climatic factors exert secondary effects on colony performance and diversity.

Source: IANS

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Guwahati, Oct 22 (SocialNews.XYZ) Assam has recorded a significant development in biodiversity research with the rediscovery of a plant species after 204 years, and the identification of two subterranean fish species in wells in Goalpara district, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Thursday.

In a post on social media platform X, Sarma highlighted the rediscovery of Ardisia colorata, a shrub that had remained unrecorded for more than two centuries, alongside the discovery of two fish species, Gitchak nakana and Rakthamichthys anchi, living in subterranean habitats.

“Lost for 204 years. Rediscovered in Assam. And below ground, two species new to science,” the Chief Minister said, underlining the ecological significance of the findings.

The rediscovery of Ardisia colorata is particularly noteworthy as it brings renewed scientific attention to a species that had not been documented for more than two centuries. Such rediscoveries can help researchers reassess the distribution, conservation status and ecological requirements of species believed to be missing from their previously known habitats.

The identification of the two subterranean fishes in wells in Goalpara also highlights the importance of underground aquatic ecosystems, which often remain poorly explored compared with rivers, wetlands and other surface-water habitats.

Subterranean fish are adapted to life in underground environments, where limited light and distinctive ecological conditions can shape their physical characteristics and behaviour.

Their presence can provide valuable insights into biodiversity, evolution and the ecological health of underground water systems.

Sarma said the findings demonstrated the ecological wealth that Assam's forests and water bodies continue to hold, stressing the importance of protecting natural habitats.

“Protect the home, and the species come back,” he said, reaffirming the state government's commitment to stronger environmental governance and habitat conservation.

The Chief Minister also emphasised the need to preserve biodiversity for future generations. The findings underline the importance of sustained scientific surveys and conservation efforts in Assam, a state known for its rich biodiversity and diverse ecosystems.

However, further scientific details regarding the researchers involved, the precise locations of the botanical rediscovery, the characteristics of the newly identified fish species, and their conservation status were not immediately available.

The findings are expected to generate further scientific interest in Assam's lesser-explored habitats and the need to document and protect their unique flora and fauna.

Source: IANS

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Bhopal, Oct 22 (SocialNews.XYZ) Residents of several localities in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal have submitted thousands of objections to the draft Master Plan 2047, raising concerns over proposed construction in the Upper Lake catchment, green zones and tiger movement corridors, and seeking protection of the city's ecological balance.

Led by the Joint Residents' Struggle Committee, the residents submitted their objections at the Town and Country Planning (TNCP) office on Thursday, demanding changes to the draft before it is finalised.

They alleged that certain provisions could facilitate the regularisation of unauthorised commercial activities in residential areas and constructions in environmentally sensitive zones.

Petitioner Vivek Tripathi said the proposed provisions relating to construction in the Upper Lake catchment, green areas and tiger movement corridors, along with an increase in the floor area ratio (FAR), could adversely affect Bhopal's environment.

"Bhopal's development plan should be centred on water conservation, but the proposed provisions could put the city's water bodies and green areas at risk," he added.

The committee referred to research by T V Ramachandra of the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, on the loss of green spaces, lakes and wetlands due to urbanisation.

It said that Bhopal should learn from Bengaluru's experience and ensure that its future development protects natural resources.

The residents also opposed provisions under Clauses 15.38 and 15.39 of the draft, which they said could allow the regularisation of commercial activities in residential premises and promote commercialisation through the proposed "Market Street" concept.

They expressed concern that such provisions could alter the character of established residential neighbourhoods, particularly Arera Colony, and increase traffic congestion, parking problems and pollution.

"The master plan should not become a means of granting legitimacy to illegal constructions or benefiting influential people in the name of civic amenities," the committee said.

The residents demanded that the residential character of RG-3 areas, particularly E-1 to E-5 in Arera Colony, be retained.

They also sought the protection of parks and open spaces under approved layouts and the development of footpaths, service roads and parking facilities in accordance with Indian Roads Congress recommendations.

The committee urged the planning department to examine all objections transparently and provide residents an opportunity for personal hearings before finalising the plan.

It said that development should prioritise environmental protection, water resources and citizens' right to peaceful living, and warned that the petitioner could raise the issue before the Supreme Court at its next hearing if the concerns were not addressed.

Source: IANS

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