Delhi: Ahead of winter, govt puts pollution on a 3-km leash

The Delhi government started a hyperlocal crackdown on air pollution ahead of winter. Officials must map hotspots and investigate pollution sources within a 3-km radius. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa directed teams to fix road dust and traffic issues. The government set an October 31 deadline to finish pending road works.

Shahdara, Barapullah drains most polluted: DPCC report

The Shahdara, Barapullah and Sen Nursing home drains are the most polluted, discharging untreated effluents into the Yamuna. A September 9 DPCC report showed that all 14 active drains between Wazirabad and Okhla breached water quality standards. None of the drains met the BOD criterion, showing high levels of pollution.

Crested ibises take flight in China's westernmost rewilding effort

On Sunday, 20 crested ibises were released into the wild in northwest China's Gansu Province. This effort marks the westernmost and highest-altitude rewilding project for the species. Staff helped the birds adapt to natural conditions over 20 days. This move shows that the local habitat can support a wild population.

Dragonfly, damselfly count dips in Delhi biodiversity parks this year, survey finds

A survey across seven Delhi biodiversity parks showed a dip in dragonfly and damselfly counts this year. Experts recorded 11,154 individuals from September 17 to 19, down from 13,253 last year. Entomologist Mohd Faisal said, "Delhi has seen erratic rains and adverse weather conditions with increase in dry areas."

Buffalo turned a 'toxic' landfill pond into a thriving habitat—and the fish are finally coming back.

In 2018, the US Army Corps of Engineers used 56,000 cubic yards of dredged river sediment to reshape a former landfill pond on Buffalo’s Unity Island. This project raised the pond floor to support wetland growth. The effort worked well, as the number of fish species later doubled in size.

'The physical toll is visceral': How Indonesia's fire haze affects millions - visual guide

Fires in Borneo and Sumatra have burned 895,657 hectares across Indonesia since January. These blazes, often used to clear land, create toxic haze affecting millions. Expert David Gaveau said, "What that means is that this is a terrible year." Thick smoke now forces families to keep their windows shut tight.

Inside relief camps where families lost everything

Families displaced by recent floods now live in makeshift shelters at the Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University campus. Many residents, including migrant labourers, lost their belongings and wages to the rising water. “Everyone here has lost most of their belongings,” says Suman Kumar. Life remains difficult as families wait for relief.

BMC cannot blame architects for air pollution lapses: Council

The Council of Architecture told the BMC that architects cannot be blamed for air pollution lapses at construction sites. In their September 14 letter, they said, “preparing a site for construction and undertaking demolitions is the sole responsibility of owners, developers and construction contractors.” The BMC will discuss this matter further.

Tackling climate change require well-structured policies, action: Prez Murmu

President Murmu said tackling climate change requires well-structured policies and action. Speaking at a two-day international conference, she stressed that climate resilience must be people-centric. “We must strengthen climate resilience through people-centric and community-based adaptation approaches rooted in traditional knowledge,” she said. The event brought together experts from 17 countries.

Declare Gadag taluk drought-hit or will quit as MLA, says HK Patil

Gadag MLA HK Patil warned on Sunday that he will resign if Gadag taluk is not declared drought-hit by October 10. Patil met farmers protesting against the exclusion of their region from the official list. He said, “The injustice and betrayal of farmers cannot be tolerated,” demanding immediate government action.

Eye on second baby boom, Botswana Cheetah released in MP's Gandhi Sagar sanctuary

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav released a female cheetah, CCB-2, into Gandhi Sagar sanctuary on Sunday. This move aims to boost the cheetah population in the park. Yadav said, "It is a matter of good fortune for us that cheetahs are once again roaming freely on the soil."

Deep depression likely to reach Odisha-Andhra coast on Wed: Met

A low-pressure area over the North Andaman Sea will likely reach the Odisha-Andhra coast as a deep depression on Wednesday. The Met office said, "The system is likely to enter land as a deep depression." Coastal districts of Bengal may get heavy rain and gusty winds until September 26.