Environment

The transition of the ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ policy from a seasonal anti-pollution measure to a permanent, year-round mandate marks one of the most ambitious steps taken by the Delhi government in its fight against vehicular emissions.

As India’s financial and material aid begins to flow into rebuilding efforts across Sri Lanka, the focus has gradually shifted from emergency response to sustainable reconstruction and resilience building.

Experts warn that without addressing underlying causes – including deforestation, corridor fragmentation and climate pressures – human–wildlife conflict will continue to strain India’s conservation gains. Conservation advocates argue that coexistence frameworks must align ecological priorities with local needs, fostering safe practices while safeguarding biodiversity.

Critics from environmental organisations and civil society have described the current legal interpretation as a “simplification that fails to respect the Aravallis’ complex ecology”, warning that it could gradually weaken the shield that the mountain system provides against desertification, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss.

Experts argue that meeting Nepal’s 2045 net-zero target and Sustainable Development Goal 7 – affordable and clean energy for all – will require a fundamental rethink of biogas policy.

Long-term climate risk, particularly heat exposure, also carries socio-economic consequences, threatening jobs, livelihoods and economic growth if unchecked.

Experts argue that building resilience requires integrated approaches that blend disaster risk reduction with ecosystem conservation.

While official forecasts have suggested potential weather shifts that could help disperse pollutants, scientists caution that air quality may remain poor in the coming days without sustained reductions in emissions.