Over Rs 1,085 crore grants released by fifteenth finance commission grants for rural local bodies in Bihar, Haryana and Sikkim. Bihar gets the lion share, while Haryana gets Rs. 210 crores and Sikkim gets six crores.
The Union Government has released Fifteenth Finance Commission grants for the financial year 2024–25, benefiting the rural local bodies of Bihar, Haryana, and Sikkim. These funds, aimed at strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), will support various developmental activities across these states.
Bihar has received the lions share – a total of Rs 869.73 crore, which includes the second instalment of untied grants amounting to Rs 821.80 crore. It also includes the withheld portion of the first instalment, totalling Rs 47.93 crore.
The grants are to be allocated to all 38 district panchayats, 530 eligible block panchayats, and 8,052 eligible gram panchayats that have met the mandatory conditions for release.
The funds are meant to enable the state’s rural local bodies to address essential community needs and strengthen grassroots governance, ensuring a more efficient implementation of development projects.
However, the huge chunk of grants going to Bihar in an election year will not go unnoticed by opposition parties that earlier alleged that the union budget gave disproportionate attention to the state.
Haryana’s Rural Bodies Get Rs 210 Crore, 6 Crores for Sikkim
Haryana’s rural local bodies will be granted Rs 202.46 crore as the second instalment of untied grants, in addition to Rs 7.59 crore from the withheld portion of the first instalment. These funds will be distributed among 18 district panchayats, 142 block panchayats, and 6,195 gram panchayats.
The financial support aims to empower Haryana’s PRIs to undertake key development initiatives, focusing on infrastructure improvements and enhancing public services in rural areas.
Sikkim has received Rs 6.26 crore as the second instalment of untied grants. These funds are designated for four eligible district panchayats and 186 gram panchayats that have fulfilled the necessary conditions for fund disbursement.
This financial aid is expected to help Sikkim’s rural bodies in implementing localized projects that cater to the specific developmental needs of their communities.
Strengthening Grassroots Governance
The untied grants provided to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) are to be used for location-specific developmental activities under the Twenty-Nine (29) subjects listed in the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution. However, these funds cannot be utilized for salaries and other establishment costs.
Additionally, tied grants will be specifically allocated for improving essential services, including:
Sanitation and Maintenance of Open Defecation Free (ODF) Status: This includes the management and treatment of household waste, human excreta, and faecal sludge.
Water Management: These funds will also support the supply of drinking water, rainwater harvesting, and water recycling initiatives.
The release of grants of the fifteenth finance commission is a significant step towards strengthening grassroots governance by providing much-needed financial resources to rural local bodies. By ensuring better service delivery in key sectors such as sanitation, water management, and infrastructure, these grants can contribute to improving the quality of life for millions of rural residents across Bihar, Haryana, and Sikkim.
As these funds are disbursed, state and local authorities are expected to maximise their impact on rural development. With a continued focus on strengthening PRIs, the Union Government reaffirms its commitment to fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development in India’s rural areas.
The Maldivian government now faces the critical challenge of balancing fiscal discipline with economic growth. While reforms may be difficult, they are essential to ensure macroeconomic stability and sustainable development in the years ahead.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged the Maldives to implement stronger fiscal consolidation measures, including expenditure cuts and monetary tightening, to restore macroeconomic stability and ensure long-term debt sustainability.
These steps, the IMF avers, will prevent a fall of the Maldivian Rufiyaa.
Following a visit to the Maldives from February 3 to 16, 2025, an IMF mission, led by Piyaporn Sodsriwiboon, released a statement emphasizing the need for urgent policy adjustments to address the nation’s growing fiscal and monetary challenges. The IMF’s assessment comes at a crucial time, as the Maldives navigates increasing economic pressures stemming from both domestic and external factors.
According to the IMF, the Maldivian government faces the critical challenge of balancing fiscal discipline with economic growth. The IMF feels that while reforms may be difficult, they are essential to ensure macroeconomic stability and sustainable development in the years ahead.
Call for Fiscal Responsibility
The Maldives, a popular tourist destination, has faced persistent fiscal deficits and mounting public debt. The IMF has advised the government to take decisive steps to curb excessive spending, improve spending efficiency, and protect priority social programs.
“In addition to the revenue mobilization measures enacted by the government, there is the need for more urgent and stronger fiscal consolidation,” the IMF statement read. “Holistic expenditure rationalization is necessary to restrain excessive spending while improving spending efficiency and protecting priority social spending.”
The Maldives government has already taken steps toward fiscal reform, including a 10 percent wage cut across the public sector and state-owned enterprises. Additionally, tax and import duty hikes have been implemented to boost revenue. However, concerns have been raised that a steep hike in tobacco taxes may have led to reduced revenues due to increased smuggling.
The IMF mission also highlighted the necessity of subsidy reforms. The organization recommended phasing out untargeted subsidies and replacing them with well-targeted direct income transfers for vulnerable households, as outlined in the 2025 budget. Ensuring that these transfers reach the most economically disadvantaged groups will be crucial for mitigating social impacts while maintaining fiscal discipline.
Furthermore, the IMF emphasized the need to rationalize the Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP) to better address immediate fiscal challenges. Ongoing reforms of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and the Aasandha healthcare program should also continue to enhance fiscal stability. These measures are expected to improve efficiency and reduce financial pressures on the government, which has been grappling with the growing burden of public expenditure.
Protecting the Maldivian Rufiyaa
One of the IMF’s key recommendations was for the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) to tighten monetary policy to prevent a depreciation of the Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR). Analysts warn that a failure to manage interest rates properly could result in forex shortages and a collapse of the currency peg, which has long been a cornerstone of economic stability in the Maldives.
The Maldives had previously relied on the exceptional use of advances from the MMA, effectively printing money to finance government spending. The IMF welcomed the discontinuation of this practice, which had contributed to inflationary pressures and forex reserve depletion. However, the impact of these policy shifts will depend on how effectively the government manages alternative sources of financing.
“Prudent foreign exchange reserve management, alongside the necessary macroeconomic adjustments that include substantial and immediate fiscal adjustments as well as stricter monetary and macroprudential policies, would help safeguard the exchange rate peg,” the IMF stated.
The mission also endorsed the MMA’s commitment to resuming active monetary operations. However, the IMF did not specify whether these operations would involve deflationary measures such as repo transactions or the outright sale of MMA-held securities. If implemented effectively, these measures could help stabilize the rufiyaa and rebuild foreign reserves, ensuring that the country is better positioned to handle external shocks.
Structural Reforms and Climate Resilience
Despite fiscal challenges, the Maldivian economy is expected to grow by 5 percent in 2025, driven largely by robust tourism activity and the expansion of airport terminals, which will alleviate supply-side bottlenecks. However, inflation is projected to rise to 2.3 percent, partly due to increased import duties.
The IMF warned that external vulnerabilities remain high due to a persistently large current account deficit and pressures on foreign exchange reserves. Without urgent fiscal reforms, the overall deficit and public debt will remain elevated, putting further strain on the economy. The government will need to focus on maintaining investor confidence, particularly in key sectors such as tourism and infrastructure.
The IMF also emphasized the importance of structural reforms to improve the business environment, governance, trade, and investment. In particular, enhancing skill development will be crucial for sustaining long-term economic growth. Addressing gaps in workforce training and education could help the Maldives diversify its economic base and reduce reliance on tourism revenues.
Additionally, the Maldives faces severe climate change risks, including rising sea levels, floods, and natural capital degradation. The IMF urged the government to integrate climate sensitivity into public financial and investment management processes and mobilize additional climate financing. Investing in climate resilience projects, including coastal protection and sustainable tourism initiatives, will be essential for ensuring long-term economic stability.
The IMF mission expressed appreciation for the constructive discussions held with Maldivian authorities, including Finance Minister M. Zameer, Governor A. Munawar, and other senior officials.
In the coming months, further discussions between the government and international financial institutions will determine the next steps in this complex economic restructuring process.
The decisions made now will have lasting implications for the Maldives’ financial well-being, requiring careful planning and execution to achieve long-term prosperity.
Reko Diq is symptomatic of how development investments fall prey to the security situation in Pakistan. The ongoing security funding dispute between Reko Diq Mining Company and the government underscores broader governance and financial challenges in Pakistan’s resource sector.
Reko Diq Mining Company has voiced serious concerns over the government’s failure to meet its obligations under the Security Services Framework Agreement (SSFA) and a memorandum of understanding (MoU). This non-compliance has resulted in additional costs amounting to $390,000 for the company, sources revealed.
The Reko Diq Mining Company (RDMC) is owned by Barrick Gold (headquartered in Toronto, Canada), the governments of Pakistan and Balochistan, and three state-owned enterprises of Pakistan.
The ongoing security funding dispute between Reko Diq Mining Company and the government underscores broader governance and financial challenges in Pakistan’s resource sector. While the project remains a beacon of economic hope, unresolved financial and security concerns could jeopardize its progress.
According to Reko Diq, the government must honour its commitments under the SSFA and MoU, provide adequate security funding, and establish transparent revenue-sharing mechanisms to ensure sustainable success.
The Prime Minister’s Office has since intervened, requesting the timely disbursement of funds that the mining company had deposited with the Frontier Corps Balochistan (South). However, bureaucratic delays and financial constraints have hindered the flow of funds, affecting security arrangements at the high-profile Reko Diq project.
The Interior Division, during a recent meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), emphasized that the Frontier Corps Balochistan (South) was engaged in various essential security operations. These include border control, internal security, law enforcement, counterterrorism efforts, and most critically, securing the Reko Diq mining site.
Under the terms of the MoU and SSFA, the mining company was required to provide a one-time grant to the Frontier Corps for security enhancements. Following the deposit of this grant, a summary was submitted for the disbursement of Pakistani Rs. 2.801 billion covering security expenses. However, the Finance Division approved only Pakistani Rs. 1,952 million for essential procurement, leaving an outstanding Pakistani Rs. 848.6 million unpaid.
Request for Additional Funding
To address these security-related shortfalls, the Interior Division has requested a technical supplementary grant of Pakistani Rs. 1.792 billion. However, the Finance Division has only endorsed Pakistani Rs. 257 million to cover non-recurring costs, including procurement of vehicles, protective gear, and the construction of security accommodations.
A significant financial burden has also arisen due to rising operational costs. Daily fuel and vehicle maintenance expenses for security deployments exceed budgeted allocations, exacerbating the issue. Furthermore, the lack of permanent accommodations in the project area has led to high rental costs for security personnel, adding to the overall expenditure. As of now, Pakistani Rs. 62.728 million owed to the Frontier Corps remains unpaid, further straining security operations.
The Interior Division has reiterated the urgent need for full funding to ensure uninterrupted security services, particularly for foreign nationals working on the project. However, the Finance Division remains cautious, citing the Frontier Corps’ existing budget allocations and calling for further deliberations on financial viability.
Broader Implications for Reko Diq Project
The Reko Diq copper and gold project is a strategic initiative with the potential to transform Pakistan’s economy. The government has laid out a $1.9 billion funding plan, with total project costs estimated at $4.297 billion. However, ongoing security and financial disputes pose a risk to timely execution.
According to The Friday Times, the project, led by Barrick Gold Corporation, is expected to generate substantial economic benefits. Yet, concerns persist over transparency, share valuations, and potential exploitation of resources. The project area, located in Chagai, Balochistan, remains underdeveloped, with limited infrastructure, education, and healthcare facilities. The region’s low population density and challenging geography further complicate operations.
In December 2022, the project reached a critical milestone, with Barrick Gold updating feasibility studies and aiming for initial production by 2028. The company holds a 50 per cent stake, while Pakistan’s federal and provincial governments collectively own the remaining 50 per cent.
As part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives, Barrick Gold has claimed that 77 per cent of Reko Diq Mining Company’s workforce hails from Balochistan. Additionally, the company has invested in education, clean water access, and community development, spending $2.5 million on local initiatives.
Legal Context and Economic Potential
The Reko Diq project has been mired in legal disputes for years. Initially signed with Broken Hills Properties Minerals in 1993, the agreement underwent multiple ownership changes before being acquired by Tethyan Copper Company (TCC). However, in 2013, Pakistan’s Supreme Court nullified the deal, leading to an $11 billion arbitration case at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). This fine was later waived as part of a renegotiated agreement with Barrick Gold.
Balochistan’s government has since set stricter conditions, including on-site mineral processing and increased provincial stakes. In 2022, Barrick paid Rs710 million as an advance royalty, further securing the project’s continuation.
Despite its potential, experts argue that Pakistan must ensure transparency and robust contractual safeguards. Renowned economist Qaiser Bengali warns that without proper oversight, Reko Diq could mirror past failures, such as the Saindak copper project, which failed to yield tangible benefits for Balochistan.
Pakistan has already sold 15 per cent of its Reko Diq shares to Saudi Arabia for $540 million. However, experts argue that this valuation is significantly below the project’s actual worth. To maximize benefits, they suggest local mineral processing and improved infrastructure, such as a railway connecting Reko Diq to Gwadar Port.
Barrick Gold CEO Mark Bristow remains optimistic, stating that the project will be a historic milestone for Pakistan’s mining industry. He reiterated the company’s commitment to hiring local talent and investing in community welfare programs. He also hinted at potential Saudi collaboration to further expand mining operations.
India still faces significant hurdles in addressing climate change, pollution, and inequality. While India has made significant progress in reducing extreme poverty and improving infrastructure, it lags behind in areas such as quality education, gender equality, and environmental sustainability.
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) has released its 2025 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Progress Report, revealing that the Asia-Pacific region is significantly off track in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The report highlights that most targets are either stalled or progressing too slowly, with persistent data gaps hindering effective policymaking. However, within this regional landscape, India presents a mixed picture, demonstrating both progress and areas of concern in its sustainable development journey.
The report identifies several areas where progress is notably lacking across the Asia-Pacific region:
Responsible Consumption and Production (Goal 12): Increases in fossil fuel subsidies and unsustainable production patterns continue to hinder progress.
Quality Education (Goal 4): Poor proficiency in reading and mathematics remains a significant barrier, with large disparities in access to education.
Decent Work and Economic Growth (Goal 8): Economic growth has stagnated in many nations, affecting employment opportunities and fair wages.
Alarmingly, Climate Action (Goal 13) has seen regression, with the region’s vulnerability to disasters and continued greenhouse gas emissions — accounting for half of global pollution — exacerbating the situation. Environmental sustainability challenges, such as land degradation and declining benefits from sustainable fisheries, further hinder progress on Life Below Water (Goal 14) and Life on Land (Goal 15).
As Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana Under-Secretary-General of the UN ESCAP says, “Climate change and the impact of disasters continue to be significant obstacles to progress”.
“At the same time, data gaps persist and leave some of the most vulnerable populations invisible in official statistics, limiting policymakers ability to address their needs effectively,” she says.
“Without urgent action to accelerate progress, many of the Goals will remain out of reach, and nothing short of the most urgent acceleration of progress will close the gap,” Alisjahbana warns.
India’s SDG Performance: Progress with Gaps
Despite the regional challenges, India has demonstrated notable advancements toward the SDGs:
Improved SDG Score: The fourth edition of the SDG India Index, developed by NITI Aayog with UN support, assigns India a score of 71 out of 100, an increase from 66 in the previous edition. This improvement reflects progress in areas such as poverty elimination, decent work, economic growth, climate action, and life on land.
Data Availability: India has data available for 68% of the 231 indicators under the 17 SDGs, surpassing regional peers like China (58 per cent) and Vietnam (66per cent). This comprehensive data collection enhances the country’s ability to monitor and achieve SDG targets effectively.
State-Level Achievements: States such as Uttarakhand, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu have emerged as top performers, while Uttar Pradesh has shown the fastest progress, increasing its score by 25 points since 2018.
However, the country still faces significant hurdles in addressing climate change, pollution, and inequality. While India has made significant progress in reducing extreme poverty (Goal 1) and improving infrastructure (Goal 9), it lags behind in areas such as quality education (Goal 4), gender equality (Goal 5), and environmental sustainability (Goals 13, 14, and 15).
Local Solutions to Global Problems
India has embraced community-driven approaches to address data gaps and promote sustainable development. These initiatives offer promising solutions to bridge the disparities in SDG progress:
Know Your City (KYC) Initiative: Active in regions like Dharavi, Mumbai, this initiative empowers residents of slums and informal settlements to collect and analyze data on housing conditions, sanitation, and infrastructure needs. Supported by organizations such as the Society for the Promotion of Area Resource Centres (SPARC) and Mahila Milan, these efforts have led to improved urban planning and resource allocation.
Nomadic Tribal Household Survey: The Centre for Social Equity and Inclusion conducted a survey of 400 nomadic tribal households across Rajasthan, assessing development challenges and mapping access to social protection. This initiative provided valuable insights into issues spanning multiple SDGs, including poverty, hunger, gender equality, and reduced inequalities.
These grassroots efforts highlight the power of local data collection in ensuring that marginalized communities are included in the sustainable development agenda.
The Road Ahead: Urgent Actions Needed
With just five years remaining until the 2030 deadline, achieving the SDGs requires bold action, strengthened political leadership, and significant investments in sustainable development. UNESCAP’s Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana emphasises that “nothing short of the most urgent acceleration of progress will close the gap.”
For India, a more targeted approach is necessary to address areas of slow progress and regression. While the country has excelled in reducing extreme poverty and improving digital infrastructure, it must now focus on:
Strengthening climate resilience and reducing carbon emissions to prevent further regression on Goal 13.
Enhancing education quality and accessibility to close the learning gap in Goal 4.
Promoting inclusive economic growth by ensuring decent work opportunities for all (Goal 8).
The authors of the report says that the success of the SDGs in India and the broader Asia-Pacific region will depend on multi-stakeholder collaboration, increased funding, and stronger policy commitments at both national and local levels.
While most SDG targets remain off track, the report says that Asia-Pacific region has made some progress in key areas, including Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (Goal 9)andGood Health and Well-being (Goal 3). Advances in mobile network expansion and significant improvements in maternal and child health have contributed to positive gains in these areas.
As the 2030 deadline approaches, India’s experience underscores the importance of localised initiatives, robust data systems, and collaborative efforts in realising the vision of sustainable development for all. While there are signs of progress, the urgency to scale up efforts cannot be overstated.
The UNESCAP report serves as both a wake-up call and an opportunity for India and its neighbours to redouble their efforts in building a sustainable and inclusive future. It warns that without immediate and decisive action, many SDG targets will remain out of reach, further exacerbating inequalities and environmental challenges in the region.
To cope with the surge in cases, the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health has had to expand its space for respiratory cases from one room to an entire unit. UNICEF is supporting the hospital with ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) to treat children with severe respiratory problems.
A severe rise in respiratory illnesses among Afghan children is pushing Kabul’s Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health beyond its limits. According to Dr. Mohammad Aref Hassanzai, head of the hospital’s internal medicine department, 20 to 30 children are being hospitalised daily due to respiratory diseases.
“We are experiencing a significant increase in respiratory illnesses these days. In the ward where respiratory patients are admitted, we have fewer than 20 beds, but about 75 patients are currently hospitalised,” Dr. Hassanzai told TOLOnews.
The paediatric respiratory and pneumonia ward in the Indian-gifted hospital is overcrowded, with four to five children sharing a single bed. The lack of sufficient medical resources is alarming both healthcare professionals and parents.
“If a child in a household is suffering from pneumonia or any other respiratory illness, they must be kept separate from healthy children,” advised Dr. Zabihullah Darmal, emphasising the need for preventive care.
Families Struggle to Find Medical Help
Many families from rural provinces are travelling to Kabul in search of adequate medical care, only to find the hospital overwhelmed. Abeda, a mother who brought her five-month-old child from Sar-e-Pul, described the desperate situation. “The child was on oxygen in Sar-e-Pul. We brought him here, but since the house was cold, his breathing worsened, and eventually, we brought him to this hospital,” she explained.
Similarly, Sultana, who travelled from Kunduz with her two-month-old child suffering from pneumonia, expressed her concerns. “There are four or five patients in one bed. Our request is that each bed should be for one child because some diseases can spread from one child to another,” she said.
Doctors cite cold weather, air pollution, poverty, unemployment, lack of hygiene, and poor household practices as key reasons for the surge in cases.
The Devastating Impact of Pneumonia
Save the Children reported that over 1,000 children under the age of five have died from pneumonia in Afghanistan since the beginning of 2024. The organisation stated that these deaths account for 88 per cent of all fatalities caused by respiratory infections in the country.
In response, Save the Children has shipped 92 tons of medicine worth $590,000 to Afghanistan, aiming to treat 675,000 people, including children in remote areas who lack access to healthcare facilities. The organisation’s mobile health teams have treated 69,000 severe respiratory infection cases in children under five in the past three months across eight provinces.
“Many children in Afghanistan are losing their lives to preventable diseases. The arrival of this medicine means that over 400,000 children in some of the most remote areas of the country will be treated,” said Arshad Malik, Save the Children’s Afghanistan director. “We are grateful to the international donors who made this shipment possible, but more funding is needed.”
High Mortality Rates Among Afghan Children
The effectiveness of aid shipments in addressing Afghanistan’s healthcare crisis remains a pressing question. Dr. Nafeeullah Pirzad told TOLOnews that support from international organisations like Save the Children and UNICEF plays a crucial role in managing the crisis. However, Dr. Nematullah Rostami emphasised the need for a structured approach: “Aid should be assessed to identify the areas in which we need assistance. This will enable us to deliver aid transparently, inclusively, and swiftly.”
Previously, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that in March 2024 alone, 140,816 people in Afghanistan suffered from acute respiratory diseases.
According to the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), Afghanistan has one of the highest childhood pneumonia death rates globally. Among 639 children studied in a hospital, the case-fatality rate was 12.1 per cent, with nearly half of pneumococcal serotypes covered by the 13-valent vaccine. Most deaths occurred within two days of hospitalisation, with newborns and malnourished children being the most vulnerable.
Respiratory illnesses, particularly pneumonia and acute respiratory infections, pose a significant threat to Afghan children. The primary causes include:
Severe winter weather: Many families cannot afford proper heating.
Malnutrition: Years of deprivation have left children highly vulnerable.
Food crisis: Afghanistan faces an unprecedented food security emergency.
The impact is severe:
In 2023, Indira Gandhi Children’s Hospital admitted a record number of pneumonia cases.
In 2024, over 1,000 children under five died from pneumonia.
25-30 per cent of deaths in children under five are due to respiratory infections.
Afghanistan’s child mortality rate is twice the global average.
A Glimpse Inside the Hospital
The grim reality of the crisis is evident at the Indira Gandhi Children’s Hospital. Cries of sick babies echo through the overcrowded paediatric ward. The hospital, designed to accommodate far fewer patients, has been forced to admit 40 children into a ward where two to three children share each bed.
Seven-month-old Ibrahim is among them. Suffering from pneumonia, he sits in his mother Gul Bibi’s lap, too weak to stop his tears. His mother recalls their arduous journey from Logar Province to Kabul, where they had to change taxis four times just to reach the hospital.
“This year, the winter is bitterly cold. We struggle to heat our home and keep our children warm. I have five children, and there is often not enough food to feed them. My child’s illness is an added burden on us,” she says.
Dr. Shir Mohammed, a paediatrician at the hospital, explains that severe malnutrition and respiratory infections often go hand in hand. “The overall economic situation is bleak. People are struggling to feed their children and keep them warm. They burn wood, clothes, tires, and plastic to heat their homes,” he says, emphasising how the fumes are harmful for children vulnerable to respiratory diseases.
Urgent Need for Action
To cope with the surge in cases, the institute, also known as the Indira Gandhi Children’s Hospital, has had to expand its space for respiratory cases from one room to an entire unit. UNICEF is supporting the hospital with ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) to treat children with severe respiratory problems, thanks to contributions from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund (AHF), and Global Affairs Canada (GAC).
The situation in Afghanistan is dire, with children under five suffering the most. Health experts, international aid organisations, and the government are carving ways to work together to prevent further loss of life.
But aid does not address the real problem. One paediatrician says, “While international aid provides temporary relief, the country needs long-term healthcare infrastructure development and sustained funding to address the crisis effectively.”
“With pneumonia and respiratory illnesses continuing to claim young lives, Afghanistan faces an urgent health emergency that demands immediate and comprehensive intervention,” he says.
Experts highlight vaccination as a key preventive measure. Additional recommendations include:
Wearing masks in public places.
Covering the nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing.
Washing hands regularly with soap and clean water.
Keeping sick children away from healthy individuals.
UNICEF has been actively working to combat the crisis by prepositioning medicine in 850 health facilities across Afghanistan, particularly in districts cut off by snow. In one of the harshest winters in a decade, these efforts are proving to be lifesaving.
The combined efforts of PM-AASHA and PMFBY demonstrate the government’s commitment to farmers’ welfare. With guaranteed procurement of pulses and robust crop insurance mechanisms, these initiatives ensure income security and resilience for millions of farmers.
In a significant move to boost agricultural production and ensure remunerative prices for farmers, the Government of India has approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) Scheme during the 15th Finance Commission Cycle until 2025-26. The initiative, aimed at stabilizing farm incomes and mitigating price volatility, reinforces the government’s commitment to enhancing food security and self-sufficiency in pulses production.
Under the Price Support Scheme (PSS), a key component of PM-AASHA, the government will procure 100 per cent of the production of Tur (Arhar), Urad, and Masur in all states for the procurement year 2024-25. This measure is expected to reduce dependency on imports and encourage farmers to cultivate more pulses, thereby strengthening domestic production.
Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has greenlit the procurement of Tur (Arhar) in nine states — Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh — under the PSS for the Kharif 2024-25 season. The total procurement target across these states has been set at 13.22 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT).
Procurement activities have already commenced in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana, where 0.15 LMT of Tur has been purchased, benefiting 12,006 farmers as of February 15, 2025. The procurement drive in the remaining states is expected to start soon. The Centre has assured farmers that it will continue to purchase 100 per cent of their Tur production through central nodal agencies such as NAFED and NCCF.
PM-AASHA: A Holistic Approach to Agricultural Support
The PM-AASHA scheme, launched to provide price stability to farmers, integrates multiple sub-schemes, including the PSS, Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS), and Pilot of Private Procurement & Stockist Scheme (PPSS). Through the PSS, notified pulses, oilseeds, and copra that meet Fair Average Quality (FAQ) standards are procured at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) directly from pre-registered farmers via state-level agencies.
The extension of PM-AASHA aligns with the government’s broader vision to achieve self-reliance in food production and protect farmers from market fluctuations. The initiative not only ensures price security for cultivators but also makes essential food commodities more affordable for consumers.
Strengthening Farmers’ Security
As the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) completes nine years on February 18, 2025, it stands as one of the most transformative agricultural insurance schemes in India. Launched in 2016 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, PMFBY has played a crucial role in providing financial security to farmers facing crop losses due to natural disasters, pests, and diseases.
Recognizing the scheme’s success, the Union Cabinet in January 2025 approved its continuation along with the Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) until 2025-26, with a total budget allocation of ₹69,515.71 crore. This decision underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring agricultural sustainability and resilience.
Leveraging Technology
PMFBY has been at the forefront of technological advancements in the agricultural sector. The scheme incorporates:
Satellite imagery, drones, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for crop assessment and yield estimation.
Remote sensing technology for Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs) to enhance accuracy in loss assessment.
CCE-Agri App for direct yield data upload to the National Crop Insurance Portal (NCIP), ensuring transparency.
YES-TECH (Yield Estimation System Based on Technology), introduced in Kharif 2023, blends manual and tech-driven yield estimates, reducing dependency on traditional methods.
These innovations ensure a more efficient, transparent, and accountable crop insurance system, enabling timely claim settlements for farmers. Key Benefits of PMFBY include:
Affordable Premiums: Farmers pay only 2 per cent of the sum insured for Kharif food and oilseed crops, 1.5 per cent for Rabi crops, and 5 per cent for commercial and horticultural crops, with the remaining premium subsidized by the government.
Comprehensive Coverage: Protection against natural disasters, post-harvest losses, and local calamities like hailstorms and landslides.
Timely Compensation: Claims are processed within two months of harvest, preventing farmers from falling into financial distress.
Increased Farmer Participation: The scheme, initially mandatory for loanee farmers, has seen a rise in voluntary participation, with non-loanee farmers now constituting 55 per cent of total coverage.
Strengthening the Future of PMFBY
Since its launch, PMFBY has evolved to ensure better transparency, accountability, and prompt claim settlements. The 2023-24 coverage reached an all-time high, making PMFBY the world’s largest agricultural insurance program in terms of farmer applications.
States like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan have further enhanced the scheme’s reach by waiving the farmer’s share of the premium, reducing the financial burden on cultivators.
An official of the ministry of agriculture explained that with its continuous evolution and increasing adoption, PMFBY remains a cornerstone in India’s agricultural policy, safeguarding farmers’ livelihoods and ensuring a resilient farming ecosystem. As the scheme progresses into its next phase, it continues to empower India’s ‘Annadata’ and fortify the nation’s agricultural sustainability.
There is, however, little knowledge coming to the Krishi Bhawan that is home to the agriculture ministry. Sugarcane farming is a vital part of India’s economy, employing millions of farmers and their families.
A steep drop in sugarcane procurement by sugar mills across the country is beginning to turn the lens on sugarcane farmers – sugarcane shortage has been largely attributed to adverse weather conditions and the outbreak of crop diseases.
In Uttar Pradesh, one of the largest sugarcane-producing states, Red Rot and Top Borer diseases have severely impacted yields. Heavy and untimely rainfall and flooding in certain districts have further worsened the situation, spreading the infections to unaffected crops, reducing both sugarcane production and recovery rates. Maharashtra and Karnataka have also suffered similar setbacks due to erratic weather patterns.
As a result, the Indian sugar industry is facing a severe crisis as 77 sugar mills have already ceased crushing operations due to an acute shortage of sugarcane. This unprecedented situation, primarily driven by adverse weather conditions and crop diseases, is expected to significantly impact overall sugar production in the country. Industry experts predict that sugar production could decline by nearly 15 per cent this year, reaching an estimated 27 million tons, compared to last year’s output.
There is, however, little knowledge coming to the Krishi Bhawan that is home to the agriculture ministry. Sugarcane farming is a vital part of India’s economy, employing millions of farmers and their families. Sugarcane is India’s most important cash crop and the second largest agro-based industry.
A Glimpse of the Farmers’ Plight
According to the Indian Sugar and Bio Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA), India’s sugar production as of February 15, 2025, stood at 197.03 lakh tonnes, marking a 12 per cent decline from the 224.15 lakh tonnes produced during the same period last year. The drop in production has been attributed to lower output in Maharashtra and Karnataka, two of the country’s largest sugar-producing states.
State-wise production figures highlight the decline:
Maharashtra: Production fell from 79.45 lakh tonnes last year to 68.22 lakh tonnes this year.
Karnataka: Production dropped from 43.20 lakh tonnes to 35.80 lakh tonnes.
Uttar Pradesh: Production declined from 67.77 lakh tonnes to 64.04 lakh tonnes.
The decline in sugar production, attributed to adverse farm conditions, is expected to have a ripple effect on the supply chain, possibly leading to increased sugar prices in the domestic market.
India’s Sugar Production Falls 12%
A report from the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Ltd. (NFCSF), released on February 15, 2025, reveals a staggering increase in mill closures compared to the same period last year. By mid-February, 77 mills had shut down their operations, a stark contrast to the 28 closures recorded during the same period in the previous season.
State-wise data indicates that Karnataka is the worst-hit, with 34 sugar mills ceasing operations. Maharashtra follows with 30 mill closures, while Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Gujarat have also reported shutdowns. The steep decline in sugarcane availability has forced mills across these states to suspend their crushing activities much earlier than usual.
The crisis is particularly evident in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly district, where four sugar mills – Bahedi, Faridpur, Nawabganj, and Semikheda – have already issued closure notices. Similarly, the Bilaspur-based Cooperative Sugar Mill in Rampur district is preparing to halt operations. With sugarcane supply dwindling further, several mills in Western Uttar Pradesh are also expected to close by the end of February, exacerbating the industry-wide crisis.
In addition to the raw material shortage, the sugar recovery rate has also witnessed a significant decline. The national average sugar recovery rate has dropped from 9.87 per cent last year to 9.09 per cent this year. Karnataka has been the most affected in this regard, with recovery rates falling from 9.75 per cent to 8.50 per cent. Similarly, Uttar Pradesh recorded a decline from 10.20 per cent to 9.30 per cent. The decrease in recovery rates is adding further strain to sugar mills already struggling with low sugarcane supply.
Impact of Ethanol Diversion
Another contributing factor to the lower sugar production is the increased diversion of sugar for ethanol production. As per ISMA, sugar diversion towards ethanol has surged by nearly 70 per cent, reaching 14.1 lakh tonnes by January 31, 2025, compared to 8.3 lakh tonnes during the same period last year. The increased ethanol production, driven by government policies promoting ethanol blending in fuel, has further reduced the availability of sugar in the market.
With sugarcane supply dwindling, more sugar mills are expected to shut down in the coming weeks, further exacerbating the crisis. Industry experts warn that if the current trend continues, India’s sugar industry could face severe economic repercussions, including job losses and financial distress for sugar mills and farmers.
Despite the challenges, ISMA remains hopeful that improved sucrose content in late-harvested sugarcane may help partially offset the lower sugar recovery experienced in the first half of the season. Additionally, some sugar mills in South Karnataka are expected to resume operations during a special season from June to September 2025, potentially mitigating some of the losses.
However, with ongoing climate unpredictability and increasing crop diseases, long-term measures such as improved cane varieties, better irrigation systems, and enhanced pest control mechanisms will be crucial in ensuring the sustainability of India’s sugar industry.
The premature closure of 77 sugar mills due to sugarcane shortages signals a significant crisis in India’s sugar industry. With adverse weather conditions, declining sugar recovery rates, and increased ethanol diversion, the country’s sugar production has dropped sharply, affecting both farmers and mill operators. As policymakers and industry stakeholders navigate this crisis, immediate and long-term interventions will be necessary to stabilize production and prevent further disruptions in the sugar supply chain.
As the year progresses, it remains to be seen whether continued pressure from foreign governments and activists will bring about changes in Afghanistan’s policies or if the Islamic Emirate will stand firm in its current governance approach.
The Ministry of Vice and Virtue of Afghanistan has strongly dismissed criticism from the international community regarding its policies on women, arguing that concerns raised under the banner of women’s rights are merely a tool of political pressure against the Islamic Emirate. The response comes after a joint statement by female foreign ministers from 17 countries, including Canada, Australia, and Germany, called for the lifting of restrictions imposed on Afghan women.
Saif-ul-Islam Khyber, spokesperson for the ministry, defended the policies of the Islamic Emirate, stating that Afghanistan is governed by Islamic laws, which ensure just rights for women, children, and all members of society. “Criticism of the laws, activities, and strategies of the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice under the name of women’s human rights reflects the double standards of international norms, using human rights slogans as a tool for political pressure,” Khyber said.
The Ministry of Vice and Virtue responded to the recent UNAMA report on human rights in Afghanistan, stating that the organization continues to base its assessments on non-Afghan and un-Islamic values.
UNAMA’s quarterly report highlighted sections of the ministry’s law, claiming it imposes new restrictions on women. It stated that the law formalises previous decrees and broadens existing limitations while introducing additional ones.
Saif-ul-Islam Khyber criticized the report, noting that it failed to acknowledge the ministry’s efforts in areas such as inheritance rights and the prevention of forced marriages. He argued that UNAMA’s reports, along with those of its affiliates, often misrepresent the ministry’s work and reflect external perspectives rather than the realities on the ground.
The ministry maintains that UNAMA’s assessments do not accurately portray its contributions and remain influenced by foreign values rather than Afghan traditions and Islamic principles.
International Concerns Over Women’s Rights
A day before the ministry’s statement, 17 female foreign ministers issued a joint declaration condemning what they described as systematic human rights abuses in Afghanistan, particularly those affecting women and girls. The statement emphasized that no government can achieve sustainable peace, prosperity, or a viable future without the participation of women.
The foreign ministers stated: “Today, women foreign ministers from around the world convened to discuss and reaffirm their deep concerns about the ongoing and systematic violations and abuses of human rights in Afghanistan by the Taliban de facto authorities, particularly those affecting women and girls.”
Faryal Saidzada, a women’s rights activist, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Both women and men play significant roles in society. Without women’s participation, we cannot achieve goals such as the country’s progress and development.”
The statement further highlighted that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is only achievable if all citizens, including women, are fully included in discussions about the country’s future. “We know that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is only attainable if all Afghans, including women and girls, can fully participate in and contribute to the country’s future. This includes discussions and decisions happening within the country, but also on the international stage,” the statement read.
Fatima Fayzi, another women’s rights activist, stressed the need for female representation in decision-making. “We cannot move forward with only one segment of society; people have different mindsets and demands. We must have women’s representatives in organizations and international conferences,” she said.
Health and Education Concerns
One of the most alarming issues raised in the joint statement was the Islamic Emirate’s recent decision to prohibit girls from attending health centers starting in December 2024. This move comes amid high maternal and child mortality rates in Afghanistan, raising concerns about the future of women’s healthcare in the country.
Since regaining control of Afghanistan in August 2021, following the withdrawal of U.S. and allied forces, the Taliban have introduced sweeping changes to the country’s governing system. Many of these changes, including restrictions on women’s education, employment, and movement, have drawn criticism from international governments and organizations, including the United Nations.
Islamic Emirate Rejects Foreign Intervention
Despite these appeals, the Islamic Emirate remains firm in its policies. Khyber reiterated that the Ministry of Vice and Virtue plays a crucial role in Afghan society and functions in accordance with Islamic law. “The rights of both men and women in Afghanistan are guaranteed under Islamic law,” he asserted, rejecting allegations that the government systematically oppresses women.
The spokesperson also accused foreign countries of interfering in Afghanistan’s internal affairs. “We urge these countries not to interfere in Afghanistan’s domestic matters and to cease negative propaganda that portrays Afghanistan as the most oppressive country for women,” Khyber said.
The Taliban’s return to power marked the end of a two-decade war against the U.S. and its allies, but their governance has been met with significant resistance from the international community. The refusal to disband the Ministry of Vice and Virtue, despite foreign appeals, signals that the Islamic Emirate is unlikely to yield to external pressure regarding its treatment of women.
The debate over women’s rights in Afghanistan remains a highly contentious issue. International governments and activists continue to push for inclusivity and gender equality, while the Islamic Emirate maintains its stance on adhering strictly to Islamic law.
The international community faces the challenge of navigating diplomatic relations with Afghanistan while advocating for human rights. The lack of consensus between the Taliban government and global leaders raises questions about the future of Afghan women and their role in society.
As the year progresses, it remains to be seen whether continued pressure from foreign governments and activists will bring about changes in Afghanistan’s policies or if the Islamic Emirate will stand firm in its current governance approach.
The government’s multi-pronged approach, combining domestic investigations, international cooperation, and a commitment to long-term reforms, signals a determined effort to tackle the pervasive issue of money laundering and reclaim the nation’s stolen wealth.
In a significant move to combat money laundering and recover illicitly siphoned funds, Bangladesh is taking decisive action. The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) has announced it will engage international litigation firms to pursue the recovery of laundered assets worth Tk 200 crore (approximately $23 million USD) and above from 19 commercial banks. This initiative follows revelations of massive capital flight from the country, estimated to be in the hundreds of billions of dollars over the past 15 years.
The decision was reached during a high-level meeting on January 30th between the BFIU and managing directors of the designated banks, according to official meeting minutes. The BFIU will initially focus on a cluster of high-value cases, each involving Tk 200 crore or more. The selected international law firms, specialising in legal disputes and asset recovery, will assess these cases based on the probability of successful retrieval. Their compensation will be a percentage of the recovered funds, ensuring no financial burden on the Bangladesh Bank or other involved institutions.
The meeting, presided over by Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur, included top executives from Sonali Bank, Janata Bank, Agrani Bank, Rupali Bank, BASIC Bank, and several other prominent banks. The BFIU plans to extend these meetings to other commercial banks in the near future.
Time taking Process
Following the January 30 meeting, the BFIU, on February 4th, directed the 19 banks to submit lists of suspected cases involving Tk 200 crore or more being transferred abroad. Banks are also obligated to report any new potential cases immediately. Recognising the complexities of international litigation, the BFIU emphasised the importance of inter-bank coordination. Banks are required to provide all necessary documentation and evidence to support the legal proceedings, as the litigation firms will only pursue cases with thoroughly verified information. Governor Mansur has instructed all banks to meticulously collect and securely store relevant documents and evidence. He also clarified that banks can independently pursue domestic recovery of embezzled funds through their own established regulations and legal procedures.
However, this initiative will exclude 10 major business groups and the family members of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, whose cases are being handled separately. On January 6, the Financial Institutions Division mandated the BFIU to form special investigation teams, including members from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the National Board of Revenue (NBR), and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), to investigate alleged money laundering and financial misconduct in these 11 specific cases. International organisations, including the UK-based International Anti-Corruption Coordination Centre, the Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative (StAR), the US Department of Justice, and the International Centre for Asset Recovery, are providing assistance in these priority investigations.
Governor Mansur recently stated that the legal process for recovering laundered funds could span three to four years, aligning with the global average of four to five years for such complex cases. “Our short-term goal is to identify and attach foreign-held assets within one year. We have also launched major initiatives for asset recovery,” Mansur affirmed.
White Paper
A government panel’s white paper on the Bangladesh economy painted a stark picture, estimating that an average of $16 billion has been illicitly funnelled out of the country annually over the past 15 years. This staggering figure underscores the scale of the challenge the BFIU and the government face.
Dr. Abdullah Shibli, of the US-based International Sustainable Development Institute (ISDI), argues that corruption, embezzlement, and money laundering have plagued Bangladesh, reaching alarming levels during the previous Awami League-led government. He points to the white paper’s estimate of $234 billion siphoned off between 2009 and 2023. Shibli highlights the role of tax havens in the Middle East, Malaysia, the UK, Canada, the US, Hong Kong, and Singapore in facilitating these illicit financial flows. He claims that the Bangladesh Bank and the BFIU were fully aware of the extent of money laundering activities.
Writing for the Daily Star newspaper, Shibli emphasises the current administration’s commitment to combating money laundering and recovering stolen assets. He notes the establishment of a nine-member taskforce, headed by the central bank governor, dedicated to tracking down and recovering stolen assets abroad. He stresses that recovering these funds is crucial not only to replenish national coffers but also to deter future illicit activity and send a strong message of accountability.
Complex Process
Shibli outlines the complex process of asset recovery, which includes freezing assets, gathering intelligence, tracing funds through layers of shell companies and investments, and navigating international legal frameworks. He underscores the need for collaboration with international bodies like the World Bank’s StAR initiative, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), and the US Department of Justice’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS). He also advocates for leveraging the expertise of global investigators to trace hidden assets and working closely with embassies and high commissions in countries known to be destinations for laundered funds.
Beyond recovering past losses, Shibli emphasises the importance of establishing a robust anti-money laundering framework to prevent future occurrences. This includes investing in training, strengthening internal controls, promoting accountability, and implementing early detection mechanisms. He calls for stricter regulations in key sectors like banking, safeguards against political influence, and the implementation of recommendations from previous commissions, such as the Farashuddin Commission. He also proposes a whistleblower program to incentivise reporting of illegal financial activities.
The government’s multi-pronged approach, combining domestic investigations, international cooperation, and a commitment to long-term reforms, signals a determined effort to tackle the pervasive issue of money laundering and reclaim the nation’s stolen wealth. The success of this endeavour will be crucial for restoring public trust, strengthening the economy, and ensuring accountability for past transgressions, says Shibli.
Experts suggest a multi-pronged strategy to combat outdoor waste burning. This includes encouraging waste segregation in households to separate recyclables, organic waste, and other refuse; converting organic waste into nutrient-rich compost; establishing more collection points and incentivizing private recycling companies.
By Samina Chaudhary
Fatima, a mother in Rawalpindi’s Dhok Hassu, watches her six-year-old son struggle for breath, his small chest heaving with each cough. Every morning, a thick, acrid smoke from burning waste drifts into their home, exacerbating his chronic asthma. “I wake up to this haze every day,” she says, her voice thick with worry. “My son’s condition worsens with every breath.” Her story, shared with APP, is a common one in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, where the pervasive issue of open waste burning casts a long shadow over the health and well-being of residents.
For Fatima and countless others, the daily struggle is a fight for clean air and a healthy life. These rapidly urbanizing cities grapple with inadequate waste management, leaving residents to bear the brunt of a problem that smothers communities in toxic fumes and threatens the environment. In many low-income areas, like Fatima’s, overflowing bins and infrequent garbage collection force residents to take matters into their own hands. Burning trash becomes a grim necessity – a way to clear space, reduce pests, and manage the overwhelming piles of refuse that accumulate on their doorsteps.
Ahmed, a shopkeeper in Rawalpindi, echoes this sentiment. “When garbage collectors don’t come for weeks,” he explains, justifying the practice, “what else can we do?” This desperate measure, however, comes at a steep price. The burning of plastics, food scraps, discarded clothing, and other waste materials releases a cocktail of toxic chemicals into the air, poisoning both the environment and the people who breathe it.
What Medics Say
The pollutants released from open burning are a serious health hazard. Dr. Ejaz Ahmed, an environmentalist, warns of the insidious nature of these toxins. “Chemicals like dioxins, heavy metals, and fine particulate matter are released into the atmosphere,” he explains. “These settle into our lungs, our bloodstream, and even contaminate the food we consume. The effects are devastating, leading to a range of health problems, from respiratory illnesses to cancer.”
Dr. Saira, a pulmonologist who spoke with APP, confirms the growing health crisis, particularly among vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. “Chronic exposure to this polluted air is causing long-term lung damage,” she says, “and even lung cancer. We are seeing a surge in respiratory illnesses, especially among children.” Like Fatima’s son, many children miss school due to recurring illnesses, placing a further burden on families already struggling to afford expensive and ongoing medical treatments.
The damage extends far beyond human health. The once-lush green spaces of Islamabad and Rawalpindi are now scarred by ash and toxic residues. Dr. Ahmed explains how waste burning poisons the soil and contaminates water sources. “Harmful chemicals are carried by rainwater into streams and underground water systems, disrupting fragile ecosystems and threatening biodiversity.” Local wildlife also suffers. Birds and pollinators like bees are disappearing from urban parks, further diminishing the natural beauty of the twin cities.
Amid this environmental and public health crisis, informal waste pickers play a crucial, albeit dangerous, role. Gul Rahim, a waste picker in Islamabad, describes the harsh realities of his work. “We do the work that no one else wants to do,” he says, “yet we receive no protection.” These workers, often from marginalized communities, sift through the mountains of waste, salvaging recyclables without protective gear, exposing themselves to a constant barrage of toxins and putting their own health at extreme risk.
Working Best Practices
The open waste burning crisis highlights the glaring weaknesses in existing waste management policies and their enforcement. Dr. Zeighum Abbas, Director of the Environmental Protection Agency, acknowledges the problem and calls for a holistic approach. “We need better waste segregation at the source, more efficient collection systems, and increased recycling capacity,” he emphasizes. “Local governments must enforce penalties for open burning, but they must also provide viable alternatives for waste disposal.”
Experts suggest a multi-pronged strategy to combat open waste burning. This includes encouraging waste segregation in households to separate recyclables, organic waste, and other refuse; converting organic waste into nutrient-rich compost; establishing more collection points and incentivizing private recycling companies to alleviate pressure on landfills; launching public awareness campaigns and clean-up drives to shift public behaviour; and enforcing stricter bans on open burning while simultaneously ensuring that waste management systems are functional and accessible.
Cities like Stockholm, Kigali, and Bengaluru offer examples of successful waste management strategies that have drastically reduced open waste burning. These cities demonstrate that change is possible with strong political will, effective policies, and public engagement. Islamabad and Rawalpindi have the potential to follow suit, reclaiming their once pristine environment and safeguarding the health of their citizens.
The air in Islamabad and Rawalpindi hangs heavy with smoke, a constant reminder of the damage being inflicted on the environment and public health. Families like Fatima’s are trapped in a cycle of polluted air and the constant threat of respiratory illness. But it doesn’t have to be this way. These twin cities, once known for their greenery and fresh air, can reclaim their lost beauty. The choice is clear: continue down the path of pollution and disease, or embrace sustainable waste management practices for a cleaner, healthier future. The time for action is now. Authorities, communities, and individuals must unite to demand cleaner air, safer waste disposal, and a better quality of life for all. Every fire lit today leaves behind a legacy of harm, one that future generations cannot afford to inherit.
