India has most pollution-related deaths in the world

News this week

Delhi-NCR shrouded under toxic haze (Source: India Water Portal)

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26 Dec 2019, 8:37 am

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India leads the world in pollution-linked deaths: Study

According to a report by the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP), India and China led in the number of deaths linked to pollution, with about 2.3 million and 1.8 million respectively, followed by Nigeria, Indonesia and Pakistan.

The report that estimated the global impact of contaminants in the air, water and workplace, found pollution to be the largest environmental cause of premature death on the planet, causing 15 percent of all deaths, totalling some 8.3 million people.

On the other hand, five nations in the Arabian Peninsula ranked among the 10 countries in the world with the lowest death rates from pollution, with Qatar reporting the lowest. (The Guardian)

Kent RO launches new purifier using 'zero water wastage technology'

Kent launched a new water purifier that uses 'zero water wastage technology', claiming that it recycles residue water in a way that not even a single drop is wasted. Kent says the discarded water from the RO can go back in the overhead tank from where the raw water was drawn. Moreover, the upgraded version of the Kent RO purifier has the capacity to pump back the rejected water up to 10 storey buildings. The company has also informed that addition of the discarded water during the purification will not deteriorate the water quality. (The New Indian Express)

Despite rain, Chennai's four reservoirs only half full

While the northeast monsoon is almost over, the four reservoirs that cater to the drinking water needs of Chennai are not even half full. The combined water capacity of these reservoirs is good only for the next six months and metrowater officials plan to manage this summer mainly with two sources - Krishna water from Andhra Pradesh and Veeranam lake in Cuddalore. Before the end of this month, one more spell of rain is expected, which officials are pinning their hopes on that it might bring in some more water to fill the reservoirs. (The Times of India)

All households in seven J&K districts to get tap water by June 2020

Out of all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir, every household in seven districts will get tapped water connections by June 2020. The seven districts are Srinagar, Ganderbal, Shopian, Pulwama, Reasi, Poonch and Samba. Officials plan for 100 percent piped water supply to all households across all 20 districts by December 2021, against the national target of 2024. To achieve the outlined objective, a detailed action plan has been prepared and phase I is already under implementation, while other phases are under preparation. (Business Standard)

Migratory birds did not arrive at Gujarat's Nalsarovar lake this year

This year migratory birds have given the Nalsarovar lake, the only Ramsar site in Gujarat, a miss. Forest department officials say the birds usually start arriving by October and remain at the lake till March. However, this year monsoon lasted till mid-November leading to higher-than-optimal water levels, which are unsuitable for migratory birds. Every year, the lake draws more than two lakh birds but the high water level are keeping birds away this year. (The Times of India)

This is a roundup of important news published between December 18 - 24, 2019. Also read policy matters this week.

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