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The Hindu
21-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
‘Sewage in tap water': DJB told to take remedial actions
A report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has found a 'high level' of E. coli bacteria — microbes from human and animal excreta — in drinking water supplied to A1 Block, Janakpuri, by the Delhi Jal Board, as per an order of the National Green Tribunal. 'The report of the CPCB clearly reflects that high levels of total coliform and E. coli have been detected in five samples,' states the July 16 order by NGT's Principal Bench, comprising chairperson Prakash Shrivastava, judicial member Sudhir Agarwal and expert members A. Senthil Vel and Afroz Ahmad. The tribunal was hearing a plea by the area's residents' welfare association about the DJB's supply of water mixed with sewage. The CPCB had collected and tested six samples from the area. The RWA stated in the petition submitted in March that the sewage pipeline in the west Delhi locality is blocked, and the line supplying drinking water is corroded, allowing sewage to mix with the potable water. The NGT directed the DJB to fix the issue and provide clean water from an alternative source until the issue is resolved. 'Outdated infra' On June 4, the DJB submitted an affidavit to the court stating that it would finish the repair work on the sewage pipeline by June 30 to prevent the supply of contaminated water. It also told the court that the sewerage and potable water infrastructure were over 40 years old and that the process of replacing them as a 'permanent solution' would be initiated after the monsoon and completed within six months of awarding the contracts. In its order last week, the green court noted that the water samples taken on June 30 were found to be 'highly contaminated' with 'Hence, prima facie, we find that the action in terms of the [DJB's] undertaking has not been taken,' read the order. The NGT also noted that the DJB's counsel 'tried to dispute' the report suggesting high levels of E. coli bacteria. It asked the CPCB to 'take fresh samples and submit the sample analysis report promptly'. On July 19, Water Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh said the the government will overhaul the water pipelines within a year.
The Hindu
16-07-2025
- Climate
- The Hindu
34 of 100 large glacial lakes show an ‘increasing trend' in water spread area, Central Water Commission tells NGT
The Central Water Commission (CWC) has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that 34 out of the 100 glacial lakes it studied in India have an 'increasing trend' in the water spread area, according to an order issued by the NGT. The NGT is looking into the issue of melting glaciers resulting in an increase in the size of glacier lakes, and the danger of their overflowing and bursting, with consequential effects, based on an article published by The Hindu in 2024, which featured a study that suggested the rise in glacial lakes in Himachal Pradesh's river basins could be disastrous downstream, if the lakes burst their bounds for any reason. The CWC report states that of the 100 glacial lakes over 10 hectares in size, there was an increasing trend in water spread area in 34, a decreasing trend in 20, a 'no change trend' in 44, and 'no analysis' was carried out on two lakes. The NGT has also directed the National Institute of Hydrology to file an affidavit on suggestions and remedial measures, according to an order of the NGT dated July 14. The order was given by the Principal Bench of the NGT, comprising Chairperson Prakash Shrivastava, Judicial Member Sudhir Agarwal, Judicial Member Arun Kumar Tyagi, and Expert Member A. Senthil Vel. 'CWC monitors 902 glacial lakes and water bodies larger than 10 hectares across several states and transboundary areas using remote sensing, publishing monthly reports online. It has developed risk indexing criteria for 100 lakes and has approved 90 project-based GLOF [Glacial Lake Outburst Flood] studies. CWC also participates in disaster risk reduction committees under NDMA [National Disaster Management Authority] and oversees the National GLOF Risk Mitigation Program [2021-2026] with a budget of ₹150 crore,' the report dated July 8 read.
Business Standard
16-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
DB Corp slides as Q1 PAT tanks 53% YoY to Rs 81 crore
DB Corp (DBCL) tanked 2.06% to Rs 206.80 after the company reported 52.96% fall in consolidated net profit to Rs 80.84 crore on a 5.15% decline in total revenue to Rs 559.45 crore in Q1 FY26 over Q1 FY25. Profit before tax was Rs 107.61 crore in the first quarter of FY26, down 31.61% year on year. Advertising Revenue stands at Rs 397.80 crore in Q1 FY26 as against Rs 427.70 crore in Q1 FY25, down 6.99%. Circulation revenue stands rose 0.92% year on year to Rs 120.30 crore in Q1 FY26. EBIDTA tanked 27.50% to Rs 138.40 crore in Q1 FY26 as against Rs 190.90 crore posted in Q1 FY25. In the Radio business, Advertising revenue increased by 1.03% YoY to Rs 39.20 crore posted in Q1 FY26 as against Rs 38.80 crore in Q1 FY25. EBIDTA tumbled 12.87% YoY to Rs 11.50 crore in Q1 FY26 as against Rs 13.20 crore in Q1 FY25. Sudhir Agarwal, Managing Director, DB Corp, said, Despite a high base effect from last years general elections, which had driven a temporary surge in advertising revenues, our core performance remained steady supported by stable advertising trends, soft newsprint prices, and disciplined cost structures. Our digital business continues to scale rapidly, with Monthly Active Users reaching the 22 million mark this quarter reinforcing our position as Indias leading Indian language news app platform. We believe the Governments continued focus on enhancing disposable incomes through income tax rationalisation, softening of interest rates, and the anticipated implementation of the 8th Pay Commission later this fiscal, will further stimulate economic activity, particularly across Tier II and beyond markets. This is expected to provide a strong tailwind to Bharats consumption story. Backed by our deep editorial strength, hyperlocal relevance, and continuous product innovation, we remain confident in our ability to drive sustainable growth across both print and digital platforms, while delivering long-term value to all stakeholders. Meanwhile, the companys board of directors has declared an interim dividend of Rs 5 per equity share of face value Rs 10 each. D.B. Corp is engaged in the business of publishing newspapers, radio broadcasting, providing integrated internet and mobile interactive services and event management. Its major brands include Dainik Bhaskar (Hindi daily), Divya Bhaskar and Saurashtra Samachar (Gujarat daily) and Divya Marathi (Marathi daily).
Indian Express
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
NGT seeks clarification on recovery of Rs 79L environment compensation from illegal mining offenders in Doon Assembly
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to then member secretary of the Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board (HPPCB), Nalagarh SDM, Manpura police station SHO and Solan mining officer, seeking their clarification on the lack of details about the recovery of Rs 79 lakh environment compensation imposed on over a dozen offenders found involved in illegal mining in the Sirsa river in 2024 under the Doon Assembly constituency in Solan district. The tribunal bench headed by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Justice Sudhir Agarwal (Judicial Member) and Expert Member Dr A Senthil Vel issued the notices last week, directing the respondents to submit their replies through affidavits at least a week before the next date of hearing on October 10. The notices were issued following a Miscellaneous Application (MA) based on an HPPCB report filed in compliance with a 2024 order of the NGT in connection with illegal mining activities in Handakundi village under Suner panchayat along the Sirsa river. The NGT order reads, 'On perusal of the report, we find that although illegal mining has been detected in the area concerned and cases have been registered by the Mining Department, no action has been taken with regard to the imposition and recovery of environmental compensation by the HPPCB. Later, in its compliance report, the HPPCB stated that the environmental compensation amounting to Rs 79,00,000 was imposed on the defaulters engaged in illegal mining activities.' The NGT order further states, 'However, the Tribunal observed that while the report mentions the imposition of environmental compensation, it lacks clarity on the steps taken toward its recovery. Significantly, the report reveals that the environmental compensation was imposed by the Station House Officer (SHO), Manpura, and the Mining Officer, Solan. The Tribunal has noted the need for clarification regarding the authority and process behind such imposition.' Notably, illegal mining activities in the Doon Assembly constituency have hit the headlines several times. Last year, Superintendent of Police (SP) Ilma Afroz sought a transfer from Baddi. Later, her application was accepted. Locals moved a PIL in the Himachal Pradesh High Court, seeking her reinstatement, claiming that after her transfer, there is no check on the illegal mining. However, the PIL was dismissed.
The Hindu
06-07-2025
- The Hindu
DTC building bus terminal on encroached land, says NGT
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has recently ordered the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) to halt the construction activity at the proposed bus terminal in Najafgarh, south-west Delhi, stating that the terminal is being built on the encroached water body. The DTC was instructed to respond within two weeks. The Principal Bench of the NGT comprising Chairperson Prakash Shrivastava, Judicial Member Sudhir Agarwal and Expert Member A. Senthil Vel, said, in an order dated July 4, that the DTC has encroached the water body by constructing a bus terminal and a multi-storey commercial building on the land. The District Magistrate (South West) informed the tribunal that 'no clearance had been given' for construction on the land. In an affidavit submitted to the NGT, the DM said, 'the said land is recorded as johar (water body) and at present a bus terminal constructed on it. The water body has been encroached upon by the DTC.' The affidavit also mentioned that there was no record of any change of land use or no-objection certificate from the Forest Department, which is in violation of the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017. The NGT also noted that no reply has been filed by the Managing Director of the DTC and granted two-week extension to file replies.
