Young Indians Jaipur Chapter creates history by planting 17000 trees using Japanese Miyawaki Technique

New Delhi, 24^th August 2023: Young Indians, an integral part of CII, formed in 2002 as a PAN India platform for young Indians with 63 chapters in India, to realize the dream of a developed nation. Through its programs and initiatives, it reaches out to millions of youth across the country with the clarion call to action of ‘We Can, We Will’. Yi holds more than 2500 activities each year under the pillars of Youth Leadership, Nation Building and Thought Leadership, and connects with 30000+ students through its institutional network, ‘Yuva’. Yi is one of the founders of the G20 Young Entrepreneurs Alliance & Commonwealth Alliance of Young Entrepreneurs (CAYE – A).

Yi Jaipur Chapter was launched on 19 October 2012 at Jaipur. Yi Jaipur has 270 Members at present. Yi Jaipur has Membership from Entrepreneurs, Professionals, Doctors, CAs, both men and women in the age bracket of 21 to 40 years. Yi has many verticals like Project Masoom, Yuva Chaupals, Road Safety, Gift an Organ (GAO), Entrepreneurship & Innovation (E & I) etc.

Yi Jaipur has set a target to plant 20000 trees in 2023 using miyawaki technique. Till date 17000 trees have already been planted at Mansarovar City Park and Ganga Marg near CBI Colony Railway crossing

Miyawaki technique is used to create dense forests with native plants. This unique method is used worldwide for urban afforestation by growing a forest in someone’s backyard. The Miyawaki method helps create self-sustaining vegetation within 2 to 3 years, whereas a traditional procedure takes nearly 100 years.

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Viraj Profiles Promotes Green Initiatives on World Environment Day through Palghar Plantation Drive

Palghar, India – June 6, 2023 – Viraj Profiles Pvt Ltd, India’s leading producer of stainless-steel products from recycled steel, celebrated World Environment Day with a significant plantation drive in Palghar.

On June 5th, World Environment Day serves as a global platform to raise environmental awareness and drive positive action for our planet. Demonstrating their commitment to sustainability, Viraj Profiles Pvt Ltd organized a plantation drive to enhance the green cover and promote ecological balance.

The event witnessed the active participation of notable figures such as Mr. Prashant Gaikwad from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, Mr. AV Bait, Deputy Director of the Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health, and Mr. Prashant Varude from WURTH. Their presence underscored the collective determination of individuals and industries to effect positive change in our societal approach towards the environment.

The employees of Viraj Profiles designated a site in Palghar to plant a variety of saplings. This initiative aligns with Viraj Profiles Pvt Ltd’s mission to create a sustainable future and reduce its environmental impact through circular economy practices.

The event served as a reminder of the importance of collaborative action of people and industries to bring about a positive change in the social approach towards the environment.

Viraj Profiles remains dedicated to prioritizing environmentally responsible practices. By utilizing recycled steel and implementing innovative manufacturing processes, the company continuously reduces waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

Viraj Profiles Pvt Ltd aims to inspire others to adopt eco-friendly practices and contribute to a cleaner, greener, and prosperous world. Their commitment to sustainable development benefits both present and future generations. 

CSIR-National Physical Laboratory celebrates World Environment Day 2023

New Delhi. 5th June 2023

CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, organized and celebrated the World Environment Day (WED) 2023 on 5^thJune, 2023 under JIGYASA CSIR flagship program.

WED is held annually on 5 June which brings together millions of people from across the globe and engage them in the efforts to protect and restore the Earth. This year marks the event’s 50th anniversary. People from more than 150 countries participate in this United Nations international day that celebrates environmental action and the power of governments, businesses and individuals to create a more sustainable world.WED has been led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) since its inception in 1973.This year the theme of WED is “Solutions to plastic pollution”.

Scientists, Staff and Research Scholars of the Division “Environmental Sciences & Biomedical Metrology”of CSIR-NPL celebrated this day along with school students and teachers under Jigyasaprogramwhere 100 children and 12 teachers from six different Delhi NCR schools namely, The Divine Mother International School (UP), Allen House Public School (Ghaziabad), Aster Public School (Noida Ext. UP), Shaheed Bishan Singh Memorial Sr. Sec. School (Kirti Nagar, Delhi), Balvantray Mehta Vidya Bhawan Anguridevi Sher Singh Academy (GK-II , Delhi) and Presidium School (Indirapuram, UP)took part in the celebration.

Jigyasa, CSIR’s flagship programme, is an educational project designed to inspire schoolchildren to pursue scientific careers. At CSIR-NPL, the Jigyasa programme places a strong emphasis on close relationships between students and scientists, which acts as a spark to promote an atmosphere of curiosity and foster a scientific temperament in students.  Laboratory visits, experimental demonstrations, well-attended lectures, practical demonstrations, summer projects, micro-research activities, teacher training, and other activities are all included in interaction programmes.

The program started with the welcome address by Dr Jiji Pulikkotil followed by the address by the acting Director CSIR-NPL, Dr Sanjay R.Dhakate and Head of Environmental Sciences and Biomedical Metrology Division, Dr T. K. Mandal. Dr Mandal emphasized the pollution in various facets of the environment and the consequences the mother Earth is facing while Dr Dakate sensitized the audience about the seriousness about the plastic pollution which is contaminating the whole ecosystem. The inaugural session was concluded with vote of thanks by Dr Sumit Kumar Mishra.

The four interesting Lectures were delivered by the subject experts followed with quiz, laboratory visits after the inauguration. 

The first lecture was delivered by Dr.Sachchidanand Singh told that “Climate Change has always been a part of life on the Earth due to several natural factors like Plate Tectonics movement, Variation in Earth’s orbit, Volcanic Activities etc. and human induced reasons like large scale fire, overgrazing etc”. Dr Singh added that “the most worrying aspect is the recent speed of accelerated growth in Green House Gas (GHG) concentration and Atmospheric Aerosols due to anthropogenic activities, particularly after the Industrial Revolution”. He said that the CO2 level has increased by more than 45% after 1850 and the consequences are alarming and the Global Warming is no longer a prediction but it is happening, it is real and being felt by the present generation. He concluded his talk with the statement that “It is the duty of all of us to do something to contain the present speed of increase in GHG and Aerosols in the environment to save the Earth from further degradation” 

The other speaker, Dr. Monika J. Kulshrestha spoke about ‘Environmental Impacts.’ She gave an overview of human activities affecting the environment adversely. She further told the students how each individual can take responsibility for making a difference in the environment. She also explained to the students the importance of atmospheric chemistry research and its direct relevance in the Indian scenario while comparing it with global.

Another speaker, Dr. Shankar talked about international scenarios of national metrology institutes starting from meter convention to BIPM and to NPL role in disseminate SI traceability. He also talked about air quality measurements and different parameters of it. This year as the theme of the world environmental day is to “beat plastic pollution”, he also showed the recent results of their research on which they found tracer for plastic pollution in air. At last, he said that let’s decide today that when we celebrate century year of our independence we will have plastic fee environment, for which we need to find societal and scientific solutions, and it is a collective responsibility of all of us.

The last speaker, Dr. Rupesh M. Das apprised about the importance of Antarctica and Indian scientific activities related to environmental investigations. He also elaborated the possible climate change impact on the ice covered continent and its consequences to the other regions.

The program ended with the felicitation of the quiz winners.

CSE marks World Environment Day with releaseof its annual compendium of data,The State of India’s Environment 2023

New Delhi, June 4-5, 2023: “Data is a great explainer. It tells the story at a glance and backs it up with evidence. The State of India’s Environment 2023: In Figures is our attempt to use the best available data points to tell you the story of India’s environmental performance: where it has faltered, where it has managed to move towards a sustainable existence, and where, if any, are the gaps in data,” said Sunita Narain, director general Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), while releasing CSE and Down To Earth’s latest e-publication, The State of India’s Environment 2023: In Figures on the eve of the World Environment Day.

“In this year’s report, we have – for the first time – analysed and ranked the performance of India’s states on four key parametres. The report makes sense of the state of affairs using data that otherwise remains cold statistics. As they say, what we can measure, we can fix. The State of India’s Environment 2023: In Figures does precisely that by quantifying the problems and indicating where they are,” said Richard Mahapatra, managing editor, Down To Earth.

On the state of the states

• In terms of overall environmental performance, the report has ranked Telangana at the top for its progress in increasing its forest cover and in municipal waste treatment. However, the state has performed below average in parametres such as “share of waterbodies not in use”, “stage of groundwater extraction” and “change in number of polluted river stretches”.
• Gujarat, Goa and Maharashtra follow Telangana, in that order. The bottom rung is occupied by Rajasthan, Nagaland and Bihar.
• The bottom-ranked 10 states include six from the northeast, including Assam.

• In agriculture, Madhya Pradesh takes the top slot for the highest share of net value added, and its jump in foodgrain production. However, almost half the crop area in the state remains un-insured.
• Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh feature on the second, third and fourth spots. The bottom is populated by Delhi, Goa and Meghalaya, among others.

• Delhi leads in public health – it has allocated the highest share of its budget to health and boasts of a robust network of healthcare facilities. It, however, has a low immunisation rate.
• Sikkim, Goa and Mizoram follow Delhi.
• Madhya Pradesh, which is at the bottom, has a high incidence of maternal mortality ratio and infant mortality rate. Chhattisgarh, Assam and Uttar Pradesh also range in the bottom half.

• In public infrastructure and human development, Gujarat leads the rankings – it makes the cut for its performance in providing employment and tap water connections. The state, however, ranks comparatively low in sex ratio and has a high proportion of rural households using unclean cooking fuels.
• Jharkhand occupies the bottom spot, and is preceded by Nagaland, Rajasthan and Arunachal Pradesh.

Says Mahapatra: “Three key things emerge out of this ranking of states. One, we have found that in each theme, even the top-ranked states are struggling in some of the crucial indicators. Two, none of the states perform well across all four themes that are critical for sustainable development. And three, small states like Goa and Sikkim seem to be performing well.”

Some key findings in other areas

• On illegal use of plastic: In July 2022, when India banned single-use plastics, the Central Pollution Control Board had rolled out a mobile application called SUP-CPCB that allows citizens to complain about illegal plastic sale and use. “A dismal redressal rate” has meant a declining number of complaints.
• On management of municipal solid waste: In 2020-21, India generated over 160,000 tonne of municipal solid waste a day – 32 per cent of this remained accounted for. This unaccounted waste usually ends up choking drains or is burnt illegally. On the brighter side, the countries waste treatment and monitoring improved.
• On air pollution and health: The average life expectancy of an Indian is likely to have shortened by four years and 11 months due to air pollution in 2020. People in rural areas are likely to have been the worst hit, with their average life expectancy cut short by five years and two months. The life expectancy of their urban counterparts are nine months longer.
• On climate disasters and extreme weather: In 2022, India experienced extreme weather events on 314 of the 365 days – leading to a loss of over 3,026 lives and damage to 1.96 million hectare of crop area. While heatwaves were common in the first part of 2022, hailstorms became the predominant extreme weather phenomena in 2023.
• On internal displacement and migration: In 2022, the world saw over 60 million newly displaced people due to the Ukraine war and the La Nina weather phenomenon. In India, climate-induced disasters accounted for almost 100 per cent of the 2.51 million new displacements.

Where is the data sourced from? What is the methodology of analysis?

Says Kiran Pandey, programme director, environment resources unit, CSE and one of the lead analysts behind this report: “We have sourced all the data from government and official documents and sources. For ranking the states, we have looked at 32 indicators under four themes for 29 states. The report’s first chapter clearly lays down the methodology used.”

Rajit Sengupta, associate editor, Down To Earth and another lead analyst and author of the report, adds: “We identified and compiled the data, and then standardised the numbers to make them comparable. Differential weightages were assigned to the indicators, and the final scores and rankings were computed thereafter.”

Second Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-2) Meeting under United Nations Environment Assembly to End Global Plastic Pollution

Paris. June 2-3, 2023

Even as the world gets ready to mark the World Environment Day (June 5) with the theme #BeatPlasticPollution, an important global meet on ending plastic pollution came to an end in Paris today with a whimper.

The second meeting of the UN’s intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-2) was being held in Paris (France) from May 29-June 2. The INC is a body of 193 UN member countries which will be negotiating a legally binding instrument, with a timeline to develop the final draft and open it for ratification by 2025.

The agenda for INC-2 was to discuss possible options and develop a zero draft for the international legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution throughout the life cycle of plastic.

Speaking in New Delhi, CSE director general Sunita Narain drew attention to the problem of plastics in the environment: “Plastic is an all pervading essential substance in our lives. Its use has become so important for us because it is long-lasting and can be used for almost everything we do, from piping water to packing milk or chips. But it is this very characteristic of this substance that has now become a bane for our environment. Plastic waste has become the sign of the Anthropocene – you can say that humans live here because you will find plastic waste in the environment. Worse, massive quantities of plastic litter is now polluting oceans, and also entering the food chain through fish that we eat. It is not good news.”

While there is global acknowledgement of the scale of the plastic problem, collaborative action – as seen in the proceedings and outcome of the INC-2 – has been missing. Says Atin Biswas, programme director, solid waste management and circular economy, CSE: “The basis of discussions at INC-2 was an options paper released by the INC secretariat before the INC-2 meeting. This paper was prepared on the basis of written submissions received from member states on what should be considered for an ideal global plastic treaty. Only 67 member states put in their submissions. It should be noted that the lows of the meeting were clearly deeper than the highs”

India is advocating a consensus-based approach for taking decisions in the INC. This approach will certainly ensure inclusivity, but it may make the process of decision-making slower.

India has also rejected phasing down polymer production, one of the suggestions presented in the options paper. In its intervention during the Meeting, India pointed out that plastic as a material was not a problem – the problem was plastic litter. Says Siddharth G Singh, programme manager, solid waste management and circular economy, CSE: “This indicates that India is focusing on downstream measures to tackle plastic pollution, though Indian legislation talks about mid-stream approaches like re-design and re-use.”

The INC-2 meet ended with the informal discussions reporting back to the committee. The meet was expected to arrive at a zero draft text, but “due to delays in the negotiation processes, especially on the ‘provisional rules of procedure’ with reference to Rule 37 on voting rights, and Rule 38(1) on the adoption of decisions, the zero draft could not be arrived at in this meeting,” says Singh, who, along with Biswas, represented CSE in the negotiations.

All member states, however, have unanimously agreed that the INC secretariat should work on a zero draft and present it to the member states. This will become the basis of discussions in INC-3, to be held in Nairobi, Kenya in November 2023. Says Biswas: “All eyes are, therefore, now on Nairobi for developing a legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution.”

To access the recording and presentations of CSE’s June 3 briefing on the subject, please visit: https://www.cseindia.org/online-media-briefing-a-world-environment-day-special-tackling-plastic-pollution-11727

Earth Day celebrated by Pragya by planting 310 saplings

Here’s How Environmentalist Pragya Kapoor Is Celebrating World Earth Day

Earth Day 2023: Producer Pragya Kapoor Plants 310 Saplings To Celebrate The Special Day!

To commemorate World Earth Day, producer Pragya Kapoor decided to celebrate it in a special way. The environmentalist planted 310 saplings in Colaba with Ek Saath- The Earth Foundation. The producer never fails to impress her audience with various initiatives and movements to keep mother earth happy and do her bit in making the environment a better place.

The ace producer sharing her thoughts says, “It’s important to take care of the environment we live in for us and for the future generation to come. Taking care of the world you live in is not a one day job but an everyday conscious effort that one makes to keep the planet green and clean. The idea of doing various initiatives is to make people more aware and educate them about the world we are living in.”

In 2022, Pragya had organized a special beach clean up with Dia Mirza and Maniesh Paul. The ace producer is often seen organizing these various clean ups and planting drives to make the world we are living in a better place. The producer is always seen using the power and fame she has in educating and making people aware of how we could make the world a better place by adapting to a sustainable lifestyle.

“Only One Earth” is the agenda of this year World Environment Conference 2022

New Delhi, 5th June, 2022: “Only One Earth” is the agenda of this year World Environment Conference 2022. It is an international Exhibition on Environment Protection Technology and Equipments, Green Innovation, Renewable & Solar Energy, Recycling, Eco-friendly Products, Water & Waste Management.
The conference is inducted by Lt. General Gurmit Singh, Governor of Uttarakhand, Mr. Vikas Kumar, M D, Delhi metro rail Corporation and Mr. Ajay Mathur, Director General, International Solar Alliance. It is organized by India Exhibition Services, Green Society Of India and confederation of RWAs. It is supported by Ministry of Environment, forest and climate change, Govt. of India at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
The Conference had provided opportunity to discuss and debate technology in environment protection, policies in place and the road ahead. The conference provided a global networking opportunity with policy makers, researchers, NGO, academicians and industrialists and government agencies as well as the environmental protocol institutions from India and abroad. The conference is attended by 2000 top professionals from various sectors. Some topics had are focused in the conference are environment protection, climate change, carbon emissions, green buildings, smart cities, saving the energy and natural resources.
Green Society of India presented the prestigious GREEN INDIA AWARDS 2022 to the environment protection community. The awards aim to felicitate achievers, innovators and suppliers who have contributed significantly towards the environment in India.
100 + Exhibitors have displayed their innovations and technologies to prospective collaborators and policy makers and will be able to connect with network of fellow entrepreneurs. The event has attracted overseas exhibitors from America, Germany, Belgium, France, Japan, Korea, Canada, and Sweden, Netherlands, and other countries.
According to Lt. General Gurmit Singh, Governor of Uttarakhand, “Every single day should be taken as a World Environment Day by each citizen of India. Solid waste management has become ground root agenda for India. We should take a pledge of Environment cleanliness as our patriotism duty towards the nation. We need to work on cleanliness of our bathrooms & toilets. We have to spread awareness about importance of toilets & bathrooms in our rural areas citizens. We need to implement waste management with citizen participation and monitoring at ward levels.

According to Shri Swadesh Kumar, President, Indian Exhibition Services, “High quality professional, leaders, industry experts, decision makers, Delegates, Central and State Government Departments, Public Sector Units, Private Sector Companies, Municipal Bodies, Development Authorities from India and abroad are being invited for the World Environment Expo 2022 . Total 10,000 sq. metres is covered as Exhibition space, 100 plus Exhibitors are visited of by about 10,000 Environment & Allied Industry Professionals. Resolutions passed in the conference will be sent to the central & state Government officials for necessary action and will be followed up.

Green Ride by Milind Soman for Clean Air with GAIL

New Delhi. 14th Dec 2021

Milind Soman culminates 1,000 km long ‘Green Ride’ on bicycle from Mumbai to Delhi to raise awareness against air pollution

 Event powered by GAIL as part of ‘Hawa Badlo’ initiative

 

After a 1,000 km long bicycle journey from Mumbai to raise awareness against air pollution, fitness icon Shri Milind Soman reached Delhi where he culminated the ‘Green Ride – Ek Pahal Swachh Hawa Ki Ore’ powered by GAIL (India) Limited. GAIL Chairman and Managing Director Shri Manoj Jain, Director (Marketing) Shri E S Ranganathan, Director (Finance) Shri R K Jain, Chief Vigilance Officer Smt Shubha Naresh Bhambhani and other senior officials were present on the occasion.

 

The Green Ride entourage started on December 3, 2021 from Mumbai and passed through Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Haryana before arriving at New Delhi.

Speaking on the occasion, GAIL CMD Shri Manoj Jain said GAIL was always at the forefront of the fight against air pollution. The company’s social media initiative ‘Hawa Badlo’ which strives to raise awareness against the menace has reached netizens over 100 million times. “As part of its commitment towards raising awareness for sustainable and environment friendly lifestyle, GAIL partnered with ‘Green Ride – Ek Pehal Swachh Hawa ki Ore’ which is an unique initiative by fitness icon Shri Milind Soman to raise awareness and encourage the people of India to do their bit towards cleaner air,” Shri Jain said.

“Delighted, Grateful & Exhilarated! This sums up my journey on cycle from Mumbai to Delhi. The GREEN RIDE was an effort to explore and promote healthier modes of transportation,” Shri Soman said. “I hope I was able to create some more awareness about how we are polluting the air we breathe, and efforts we all can make to reduce this pollution! Every small step that we take, like opting for a car pool, planting a tree, choosing to cycle rather than take a car, quitting smoking and so many other small ways, plays a huge role in making our environment healthier for us and all life on the planet. Will continue to champion for this cause and other important ones through more such initiatives in the future,” he added.

Presented by Bank of Baroda and powered by GAIL (India) Limited, Shri Milind Soman interacted with media at various points, met environmentalists, rural students and planted saplings on his route to spread awareness on the issue of clean air. He also interacted with GAIL employees at various places and discussed issues of health, fitness and environment with them.————————————
Har Ek Kaam Desh Ke Naam
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John F Kerry & Bhupender Yadav launch CAFMD

New Delhi. 13th Sep 2021

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India and US launch the Climate Action and Finance Mobilization Dialogue (CAFMD)

US praises India’s Climate Actions led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi

CAFMD will help to demonstrate how the world can align swift climate action with inclusive and resilient economic development: Shri Bhupender Yadav

India and US are in a position to lead the world in tackling Climate Change: Mr. John Kerry

India and the United States of America (USA) today launched the “Climate Action and Finance Mobilization Dialogue (CAFMD)”. The CAFMD is one of the two tracks of the India-U.S. Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 partnership launched at the Leaders’ Summit on Climate in April 2021, by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and US President Mr. Joseph Biden.

The dialogue was formally launched by Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Shri Bhupender Yadav and Mr. John Kerry, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate (SPEC), at an event held in New Delhi.

Speaking at the launch, Shri Yadav said that the dialogue will not only strengthen India-US bilateral cooperation on climate and environment but will also help to demonstrate how the world can align swift climate action with inclusive and resilient economic development, taking into account national circumstances and sustainable development priorities.

Taking forward the initiative by Prime Minister Shri @NarendraModi ji and @POTUS at the Leaders’ Summit on Climate in April 2021, today both countries jointly launched the Climate Action and Finance Mobilization Dialogue of the Agenda 2030 Partnership. pic.twitter.com/sEzAijWfPx— Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) September 13, 2021

“India and the United States are natural partners with shared values and our agenda encompasses all major pillars of our strategic priorities – including defence, security, energy, technology, education and healthcare,” said the Environment Ministeremphasizing on the deep ties shared by the two mature and vibrant democracies.

Speaking at the launch of Climate Action and Finance Mobilization Dialogue (CAFMD), Mr. Kerry applauded Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for setting an ambitious target of achieving 450GW renewable energy by 2030 and congratulated India for already achieving 100 GW.

The US Climate envoy lauded India’s leadership role in demonstrating how economic development andclean energy can go hand in hand and stated that urgent Global Climate Action is the need of the hour.He stressed that India and US are working towards speedier deployment of clean energy.

The launch was preceded by a bilateral meet where both sides discussed at length a wide range of climate issues relating to COP26, Climate Ambition, Climate Finance, Global Climate Initiatives including International Solar Alliance (ISA), Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM4C).