Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) In the News

Experts defend CNG, slam IGL for accidents :
Four buses, three filling stations and now a pipeline. After the fire caused by a leak in Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) pipeline near Okhla Tank, you could almost be tempted to think that Delhi is sitting on a CNG time- bomb. "Nowhere in the world do you introduce a new fuel, without laying out proper guidelines for its usage and forming regulatory bodies," says Anumita Roy Chowdhury, co-ordinator Air Pollution Control, Centre for Science and Environment.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 29^th December 2001

Babble brook :
From a trickle of drought-weary villages, it's now ready to deluge kasba, city and metropolis alike. Water harvesting is an idea whose time has come. The first of the Jal Sammelans (water meetings) was organised by the Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), an organisation that has been campaigning aggressively for rainwater harvesting.

Outlook, New Delhi, 14^th December 2001

The fine art of bad governance :
An article by Anil Agarwal & Sunita Narain which appeared in Business Standard says that "though India is one of the worst-governed countries in the world, cracking at its seams in just about every area, from social welfare and food distribution to environment, and riddled with rampant corruption, it is clear that the Indian media does not take the issue of governance seriously." Authors : Anil Agarwal & Sunita Narain

Business Standard, New Delhi, 11^th December 2001

Capital gasps as impurities are added to fuel :
In a city that has about 700 petrol pumps, just 24 outlets of an oil company have put up a hoarding ensuring people that the fuel they sell is "pure for sure". The problem of fuel adulteration in Delhi has acquired such dimensions that last month the Supreme Court had to intervene."There is no proper enforcement. We have been asking that results of surprise tests be made public. And that oil companies be ranked accordingly. Otherwise, the oil companies will continue to remain unaccountable for the petrol pumps," Anoumita Roy Choudhary of the Centre for Science and Environment said.

The Times of India, New Delhi, 10^th December 2001

'Electricity from garbage a wasted project' :
Environmentalists have said a waste treatment plant-part of a waste-to-energy project which is likely to be set-up by the MCD for generating power-will be economically unviable and environmentally unacceptable. "The wastes which contain chlorinated plastics and bleached products like diapers, pollute the environment on burning. They are not only carcinogenic, but also cause asthma and other respiratory diseases," said CSE's Nidhi Jamwal.

The Times of India, New Delhi, 01^st December 2001

It pays to be clean :
On October 29, CSE brought out its environmental ratings of the Indian automobile industry-The Five Leaves Award-the result of two years of work which has been supported by the UNDP and the Union Environment and Forest Ministry. This final scoresheet in the car segment included Daewoo's small car Matiz which was judged the most environment friendly vehicle.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, 01^st October 2001

CSE's green rating draws flak from Cos :
The Centre for Science and Environment's green rating for the Indian auto industry has, predictably, evoked negative reactions. Within a day of the centre announcing the score card for the various vehicles burning tyre on Indian auto roads, most manufacturers are questioning the methodolgy behind the ratings.

The Times of India, New Delhi, 01^st October 2001

Daewoo most eco friendly car maker in India :
Troubled auto maker Daewoo Motors has been rated the most environment- friendly car manufacturer in India by the Centre for Science and Environment. Compatriot Hyundai Motors has been ranked second in the ratings released in New Delhi.

The Sentinel, Guwahati, 31^st October 2001

Daewoo rated most eco-friendly :
Daewoo Motor India Ltd is the most environment-friendly automobile manufacturer in the country, according to the Green Rating Project (GRP) of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), a Delhi-based NGO, released in Delhi.

Business Standard, New Delhi, 30^th October 2001

They take you for a ride -and how! :
It was report card day for the Indian automobile industry. But the scores were far from excellent. In a path-breaking study on "Green Rating" of the automobile industry, the Science and Environment gave it a rap on its knuckles. The report, released by the former Union Finance Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, at India Habitat Centre put Daewoo Motors India Ltd., Hyundai Motors India Ltd. and General Motors India at the top of the class.

The Hindu, New Delhi, 30^th October 2001

Matiz most environment-friendly car :
An environmental audit has rated the automobile sector's performance at less than average: Passenger cars are ahead of the pack but two-and three wheelers trail even the mass transport vehicles. According to the report card, Daewoo Motor India, Hyundai Motor India and General Motors India top the overall performance. These are the findings of a two year Green Rating Project, executed by a voluntary organisation, the Centre for Science and Environment, but funded by the Union Environment Ministry and the UNDP.

The Times of India, New Delhi, 30^th October 2001

Forget CNG/Euro-II, India's auto industry has miles to go :
For all the government efforts to clean up the country's air, especially that in Delhi with its Euro-II norms for cars and CNG for buses in place of diesel, India's auto industry still has miles to go. According to ratings put out by the Centre for Science and Environment, top marks go to beleaguered Korean auto major Daewoo Motors-but Daewoo scored a mere 43.5 per cent marks, showing just how poor the automobile sector is.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 30^th October 2001

A role for students in conserving Pink City :
School children will be initiated into conserving the city of Jaipur. This futuristic move, being initiated by INTACH Jaipur Chapter taking into account the fragile condition and importance of heritage fabric of the city, would also involve conservation of Amber, the original seat of the Jaipur's Kachchawab rulers. Mr. Rustam Vania of the environment education unit of the Centre for Science and Environment stressed the need for conservation of water in the overall perspective of heritage conservation.

The Hindu, New Delhi, 22^nd October 2001

Telco chalks out safety norms for CNG buses :
Following a stern warning by the Delhi Transport Minister, Mr Parvez Hashmi, over safety standards of CNG buses manufactured by TELCO, the vehicle manufacturing company is understood to have prepared a two-phase action plan not only to re-check but also strengthen the safety aspects of its environment friendly buses, according to sources in the Delhi Government. Even the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) for quite some time now has been calling for developing a set of guidelines and safety standards for the body builders.

The Hindu, New Delhi, 23^rd October 2001

Exotic tips for a happy CNG journey :
A team of experts in compressed natural gas (CNG) technology have discovered flaws in the engine designs of CNG buses in India and have suggested measures to rectify these problems. Centre for Science and Environment had invited three experts in CNG technology from the USA, Sweden and Germany to evaluate the current emissions, safety regulations and CNG technology in India.

The Asian Age, New Delhi, 18^th October 2001

Teach us how to harvest water, Chicago asks Delhi :
While Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and her delegation were in Chicago recently to sign the sister city declaration, the Mayor of Chicago had showed a keen interest to learn about how Delhi does rainwater harvesting. However, according to water harvesting expert Indira Khurana of the Centre for Science and Environment, the government should take the schme more seriously in their own city before they advocate it to Chicago.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 17^th October 2001

The pesticide plot :
In an article written in Business Standard, Anil Agarwal and Sunita Narain talks about the "pesticide lobby which has launched a virulent campaign to prove that endosulfan is harmless. It would like to put the blame for what it calls 'strange diseases' on inbreeding." authors : Anil Agarwal & Sunita Narain)

Business Standard, New Delhi, 16^th October 2001

Harvest rain water :
Shri Ram School : Recently a seminar on rain water harvesting was organised by the Shri Ram School in association with Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) for the parents of the students. Apart from a briefing made by the students of class five on the occasion, Indira Khurana and Suresh Babu, both from CSE, made audio visual presentations on rain water harvesting, discussing its importance, benefits, models and installation.

The Times of India, New Delhi, 15^th October 2001

5 days to deadline : CNG crisis unsolved :
Lack of adequate provisions for the inspection of bus manufacturers to ensure they comply with the prescribed safety standards of CNG vehicles are the main reasons behind the recent incidents of fires involving CNG buses. This was pointed out by the Centre for Science and Environment in a statement issued.

The Asian Age, New Delhi, 14^th October 2001

Mishaps due inadequate inspection provisions :
CSE : Recent incidents of fires involving CNG buses have been caused by lack of adequate provisions for inspection of these vehicles, resulting in rampant non-compliance by bus manufacturers with the prescribed standards, the Centre for Science and Environment said.

The Statesman, New Delhi, 14^th October 2001

Bus accident victim dies, another CNG probe ordered :
The Delhi government ordered an inquiry into the incident in which a private CNG bus caught fire due to a leak in its cylinder at the Nehru Place bus terminal. The Centre for Science and Environment, meanwhile, expressed shock at the incident and blamed the government which, it said, had not plans to enforce the safety compliance standards and establish accountability.

The Asian Age, New Delhi, 12^th October 2001

Hashmi slams Telco over CNG bus fire :
Delhi's Transport Minister Parvez Hashmi met senior officials from Telco following another fire involving a Tata bus in Nehru Place.Reacting to the fire, the Centre for Science and Environment, a Delhi based environmental organisation, blamed the government for failing to notify adequate safety measures.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 12^th October 2001

CNG mishap brings safety issue to fore :
Shocked over the latest incident, the fourth in three months, of a fire in a CNG run bus at Nehru Place in South Delhi, the Centre for Science and Environment demanded that the Union Government immediately begin "safety inspection programme" and "issue proper guidelines for installation and fittings" of CNG buses.

The Hindu, New Delhi, 12^th October 2001

Govt. flashes red card to Telco :
The Delhi Government threatened to stop the purchase of any CNG bus from Telco, tbe bus manufacturer giant. According to CSE's Ms. Anumita Roy Choudhary, the major problem was lack of guidelines with regard to CNG buses.

The Hindu, New Delhi, 11^th October 2001

Endosulfan traces found in breast milk :
The Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) which probed the spraying of endosulfan in cashew plantations of the Plantation Corporation in Kasargod found traces of the organic pesticide in human and animal breast milk.The studies by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), a New Delhi based research institute had earlier found traces of endosulfan in the breast milk of a 35-year old nursing mother.

The New Indian Express, Kochi, 05th 2001,

CNG hopes to go up in smoke once again :
Another deadline for using compressed natural gas (CNG) in public transportation in Delhi has arrived with none of the crucial issues resolved. Though Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit claimed Rs 1,000 crore have been spent on conversion, environmentalists question this. "There has been consistent effort to derail the process. The Court will have to put its foot down again," says Centre for Science and Environment director Sunita Narain.

The Times of India, New Delhi, 28^th September 2001

They fail to see eye to eye :
It's a clear divide. The CNG versus diesel debate has been fought on TV screens, in seminar rooms and in print as well. And the two main NGOs-the Centre for Science and Environment and the Tata Energy Research Institute differ on virtually every point.

The Times of India, New Delhi, 28^th September 2001

Pvt vehicles entitled to CNG supply, say experts :
Can the government prevent non-commercial vehicles from not filling their vehicles with CNG? Going by expert opinion, no. Says, Director, Centre for Science and Environment, Sunita Narain : "It is our fundamental duty to protect the environment. Not allowing someone to fill CNG in his vehicle would be preventing the vehicle-owner from performing his duty."

The Times of India, New Delhi, 25^th September 2001

Private vehicles to run out of gas :
The city of Delhi gets only 0.15 million cubic metres of CNG-out of 33.4 mcum gas available in the pipeline-for CNG vehicles. Delhi's allocation is a nominal 3.08 mcum. That's not all. "Of the total allocation, a major chunk has been devoted to the Pragati power station, which, is yet to see the light of the day," said Centre for Science and Environment Director Sunita Narain.

The Times of India, New Delhi, 24^th September 2001,

A telling tale :
The Centre for Science and Environment reports that in Orissa, the soil conservation department has spent more than Rs 90 crore in the past 15 years to build 1,400 water harvesting structures.The Central government has poured huge sums into constructing micro-watersheds. But these projects have been poorly implemented and corruption charges have plagued them.

The Times of India, New Delhi, 23^rd September 2001

Issues :
While turning over the pages of Catchwater, a newsletter brought out by the Centre for Science and Environment, in New Delhi, it was impossible not to feel a dart of envy, or rather, several pinches of envy over what Delhi is busy doing to harvest rainwater, whereas Bangalore has done hardly anything to match.

Deccan Herald, Bangalore, 23^rd September 2001

Patenting traditional knowledge : In an article in Business Standard, Anil Agarwal and Sunita Narain " India has made important contributions to the global debate on the need for recognition and protection of traditional knowledge and biodiversity. Yet it has been a laggard in setting up its own framework."
Authors : Anil Agarwal & Sunita Narain

Business Standard, New Delhi, 18^th September 2001,

Time's running out :
As the deadline for all commercial vehicles in Delhi to switch over to clean fuel draws near, a sense of urgency is creeping in among the parties concerned. Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Ram Naik agrees with the Delhi Government's contention that there were no CNG experts in the committee, which comprised the then transport commissioner Kiran Dhingra, Pollution Control Board chairman D.K.Biswas, Maruti Udyog CMD Jagdish Khattar, and Centre for Science and Environment director Anil Aggarwal. The committee had recommended the use of CNG as the only clean fuel for Delhi's commercial vehicles.

Business India, Mumbai, September 3-16,2001

The CNG conundrum : Delhi awaits with trepidation the September 30 deadline for the conversion of its public transport vehicles to the CNG mode. Moreover, various representations given to the EPCA by the State and Central Governments, transporters' associations, expert bodies such as the Tata Energy Research Institute (TERI) and the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, on the one hand and the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) on the other have made things murkier.

Frontline, Chennai, 14^th September 2001,

Which is the best : Even as the debate over CNG vehicle rages, the search for alternative fuels continues. In comparison to CNG, conversion to LPG is cheaper, costing between Rs 20,000 and Rs 25,000. But if you hope to drive around with the cooking gas cylinder, then beware of the risks. Says Anumita Roychowdhury, coordinator, Centre for Science and Environment: "A domestic gas cylinder is not meant for use while moving.Though the pressure hazard is less than with CNG, the fuel is extremely volatile and burns twice as hot as petrol fire."

Business World, Kolkata, 03^rd September 2001

How to harvest water ? UGC plans courses :
Close on the heels of Delhi government's efforts to introduce water harvesting and water management measures in the city, University Grants Commission (UGC) is planning to introduce courses on the subject in universities. According to Suresh Babu, an engineer at the Centre for Science and Environment "in Delhi, we are indiscriminately extracting water but not replenishing it".

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 17^th September 2001

Cleaning up the air :
According to a report by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), vehicular pollution contributes to a shocking 64 per cent of the total pollution in Delhi, 52 per cent in Mumbai and 30 per cent in Calcutta.(The Statesman, New Delhi, 17/09/2001)

The Statesman, New Delhi, 17^th September 2001

Running on empty ideas :
Anil Agarwal, the chairperson of the Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment has written an article that appeared in The Indian Express where he questions Ram Naik's seriousness about an auto fuels policy. He says that "Union Minister for Petroleum and natural gas, Ram Naik, does not believe that pollution or public health is an issue for governance." Author : Anil Agarwal,

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 10^th September, /2001

CNG crisis haunts Mumbai's cabbies too :
Environmentalists who favour the use of CNG over other alternatives say it is the cleanest fuel. Data put out by the Centre for Science and Environment, Delhi, states that CNG is 92 per cent more methane, which burns more efficiently. Environmental groups monitoring pollution in Mumbai say there has been a sharp fall in suspended particulate matter (SPM), an indicator of pollution, since cabs converted to CNG pollution.

Central Chronicle, Bhopal, 10^th September, 2001

'Pesticides sector has Rs 10,000 cr export potential' :
Pradeep Dave, president of the Pesticide Manufacturers and Formulators Association of India (PMFAI) has defended the usage of the endosulfan chemical that is reported to have caused severe health problems to the residents of Padre village in Kasargode, Kerala.He told the Business Standard that "the endosulfan issue was exaggerated. Agricultural experts have already questioned the methods adopted by the New Delhi based NGO-Centre for Science and Environment and found their study inaccurate, contradictory in itself and results misleading."

Business Standard, New Delhi, 10^th September , 2001

Healthcare waste management :
An analysis by Down to Earth (May 31, 1991) says, "In 1991, in the UK, a hospital incinerator was believed to be the cause behind leukemia which killed a citizen-an incident that prompted the much discussed case against the Gateshead Health Authority."

Deccan Herald, Bangalore, 09^th September, 2001

He brought water to a parched land :
By conversion of 'Dark Zones' to 'White Zones', Rajendra Singh, this year's Magaysay Awardee has created history. By effective water management, he has paved the way for social uplift and development through community service. He also received the Down to Earth Award. The Magsayay Award will motivate Rajendra Singh to contribute more to a social cause.

The Tribune, Chandigarh, 09^th September, 2001

Air Pollution :
Delhi's big drive against diesel starts to run out of gas : Delhi is the most polluted city in the world in terms of suspended particulate matter, according to the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), an independent New Delhi think-tank. Burning any hydrocarbon produces minute particles in the air that can cause cancer and other health problems. However, conventional diesel fuel when burned is 100 times more carcinogenic than CNG, according to figures from the CSE.

Financial Times, London 27^th August, 2001

NGO trashes myths on green fuel :
Compressed natural gas does not cause cancer and it is the safest fuel, asserted an environmental group while trying to dispel "myths" surronding the gas. In an exhuastive report, the New Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment said the fuel was a much cleaner option than made out and rebutted various arguements against CNG.

The Asian Age, New Delhi, 24^th August 2001

CNG :
Any takers for suggestions :
"The MRTH (Ministry of Road Transport and Highways) has set very poor emission norms for CNG vehicles, which do not help the city of Delhi get the full benefits of moving to CNG and allow very poor technology to come on to the roads," says Dr Anil Agarwal, Chairperson, Centre for Science and Environment.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, 24^th August 2001

CNG conversion makes a dent into revenue collection :
The continued drop in consumption of diesel and related petroleum products due to hastened pace of commercial and private vehicles switching to eco-friendly CNG fuel is expected to have a cascading effect on revenue collections of the Delhi Government which is already reeling under a Rs. 300 crore cut in Central assistance. Delhi's Finance Minister was also critical of the Centre for Science and Environment for rushing to the media on the imposition of sales tax issue without ascertaining the true facts.

The Hindu, New Delhi, 24^th August 2001

Gas station to be restored in 2 weeks :
Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) assured that the gas-run compressor that caught fire at the Sarai Kale Khan gas station would be restored in two weeks. IGL managing director A.K.De said "the damage to the compressor is not much. We would be able to restore it in 15 days," he said. The Centre for Science and Environment has criticised the poor safety measures for CNG vehicles.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 22^th August 2001

'Saathis's move shortsighted' :
The Centre for Science and Environment has criticised the Delhi Finance Minister, Mr. Mahender Singh Saathi, for proposing to impose sales tax on eco- friendly CNG fuel in the near future and termed it as a policy designed for 'shortsighted gains".

The Hindu, New Delhi, 22^th August 2001

CNG tax flayed :
Centre for Science and Environment criticised the Delhi finance minister Mahender Singh Saathi's decision to impose sales taxes on compressed natural gas. "Nowhere in the world are environmentally cleaner products taxed highly, putting them at a disadvantage vis-a-vis the polluting ones."

The Times of India, New Delhi, 21^th August 2001

CNG :
Transporters queer pitch; CSE attacks Delhi govt : The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) said that the Delhi Government had done nothing on its own to implement the CNG order. On the contrary, it was out to destroy concumer interest by proposing a hike in sales tax on CNG.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 21^th August 2001

Smell the air, Minister :
The Chairperson of Delhi based NGO Centre for Science and Environment in an article in The Indian Express has said that "the unseemly politicisation of the CNG issue in Delhi, with rival parties busy accusing each other for the ongoing mess and demanding an alternative fuel, shows how little our leaders care about the environment, public health and just plain commitment of purpose."

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 20^th August 2001

Out of steam :
From 1998, the pollution in Delhi has visibly reduced. The concentration of suspended particulate matter (SPM), carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide at the busy ITO intersection has come down by 15 per cent, 34.5 per cent and 11 per cent respectively. Says Anumita Roy Choudhary, coordinator, Centre for Science and Environment :"We are very late in stipulating fuel standards. By coverting to CNG, we have made a quantum jump."

India Today, New Delhi, 20^th August 2001,

Greens wage duel over clean fuel as IIT study debunks CNG :
The pro-CNG camp, mostly environmentalists from the Centre for Science and Environment say the cleanest diesel vehicle, emits five times more particulate matter than a CNG one, as well as more nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons. Anti-CNG campaigns, they add, are "disinformation exercises" intended to cause confusion and delay implementation of the court's orders.

The Times of India, Mumbai, 19^th August 2001

More motorists prefer LPG to CNG as fuel :
As the Delhi Government grapples with infrastructural bottlenecks thrown up by the Supreme Court order to convert all diesel-run vehicles into CNG- operated ones, more motorists seem to prefer liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as fuel for their vehicles.The market is dotted with vendors who have set up shops to sell LPG conversion kits, a survey by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) reveals.

Business Line, New Delhi, 6^th August 2001

'There is no safety check for CNG vehicles' :
In principle, CNG is a very safe fuel but then there is hardly any specific safety standard," says Anil Aggarwal, director of Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) which has been arguing for the use of CNG in public transport.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 6^th August 2001

Digvijay calls for a water revolution :
The Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Mr. Digvijay Singh, has said that after the phenomenal success of the Pani Roko Abhiyan (water coservation campaign) launched earlier this year, all efforts should now be geared towards institutionalizing it into a state wide campaign.He stated this at a general body meeting for the Rajiv Gandhi Mission for Watershed Management in Bhopal.The Chief Minister concurred with the views of Mr. Anil Agrawal of the Centre for Science and Environment and said that plans should be prepared for building on the successes achieved on various fronts in the state.

The Hindu, New Delhi, 5^th August 2001

He greens the land in several deeper shades :
Rajendra Singh won this year's Ramon Magsaysay award for initiating a rainwater harvesting project in the remote village of Bhaonta Kolyala in Rajasthan's Alwar district. The project has grown to encompass the Sariska region. President K R Narayanan confered the Down to Earth Joseph C John Award on the people of Bhaonta Kolyala in recognition of the community's role in reviving the river.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, 5^th August 2001

Magsaysay for Water Man Rajendra Singh :
Water Man Rajendra Singh who heads the NGO Tarun Bharat Sangh (TBS) involved in watershed management projects in Alwar district, has been given the Ramon Magsaysay Award. The award has come as an embarrassment to the Rajasthan government which had been threatening to demolish an earthen dam built by the TBS at Lawa Ka Bas, claiming it posed a danger to several villages. A delegation of eminent persons under the Centre for Science and Environment including M S Swaminathan had visited the dam site and found it to be safe, which forced the state government to hold its decision to demolish the dam.

The Times of India, New Delhi, 31^st July, 2001

Global warming: A hoax? :
Sunita Narain, Director, Centre for Science and Environment on the topic of global warming says "our politicians have no clue that climate convention negotiations are hard economic negotiations. As yet developing country negotiators, including India, have shown little politican sagacity in these deliberations."

The Economic Times, New Delhi, 31^st July, 2001

Drought in reforms, but who owns the rain? :
In March this year, Lava Ka Baas villagers, all of 500 or so in number, decided to build a check dam on the Ruparel river. But barely was the dam ready, when officials of the irrigation department from the Rajasthan government came along to demolish it, citing that the dam was in violation of a water sharing agreement signed in 1910 between the erstwhile states of Alwar and Bharatpur. At this point the Centre for Science and Environment came to the support of the villagers and put together a team consisting M S Swaminathan and other eminent people who visited the village. The dam was examined and found to be safe.

The Times of India, New Delhi, 29^th July, 2001

Just a load of gas :
The Bhure Lal Committee (BLC) on whose recommendations the Supreme Court ordered that all diesel vehicles be withdrawn from Delhi roads on March 31, 2001 include bureaucrats from the ministries of transport, environment and petroleum, the director of the Centre for Science and Environment, CPCB and the managing director of Maruti.How many of these gentlemen are "technically competant" to decide on pollution is not known. Author : Duno Roy,

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 18^th July, 2001

Call to promote rainwater harvesting :
"Intense rainwater harvesting alone can prevent cities from becoming water parasites," said the environmental analyst, Mr. Anilkumar Agarwal. Addressing the media, Mr. Agarwal who is the chairpserson of the Centre for Science and Environment, said the rainwater harvesting and conservation techniques would definitely meet any city's requirement's , particularly in the region where there is intrusion of sea water.

The Hindu, Chennai, 18^th July, 2001

Another monsoon to go down the drain :
It was on June 12 last year before the monsoon struck the capital that a letter from the Delhi Chief Minister's Office, was despatched to five residents' welfare associations (RWAs) who had shown "keen interest and desire to work in the field of rainwater harvesting in their respective areas". Since then began the "continuous ordeal" for the functionaries of these RWAs attending workshops regarding rainwater harvesting organised by the DJB, CGWC and Centre for Environment and Science (CES) at regular intervals.

The Hindu, New Delhi, 9^th July, 2001

Tree-a missile against pollution :
The industries and vehicles are the main contributors of pollution load from human activities. According to a study conducted by the Centre for Science and Environment, air pollution kills a person every hour and 60 per cent persons are suffering from asthma or other breathing problems in Delhi.

The Tribune, Chandigarh, 9^th July, 2001

Despite officials, villagers' little dam to stay :
The construction of a check dam on one of the tributaries of the Ruparel river at Lawakabas, at Thanagazi Tehsil in Alwar district, Rajasthan, pitted villagers against local bureaucrats: the irrigation department said the dam should go, while the villagers, who have invested their blood, sweat and life savings on the structure, said they would protect it with their lives. The matter has now been resolved, following the intervention of Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, who had also inaugurated the dam. The Centre for Science and Environment organised a meeting of the district magistrate, engineers of the state irrigation department and the Chief Minisger, where it was decided that the dam would not be demolished.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 4^th July, 2001

Ethanol, the national brew :
In the article "Ethanol, the political brew (June 26) by Anil Agarwal and Sunita Narain, the authors have accused me of implementing ethanol pilot projects because of political lobbies. Iam pained that such an allegation has been made on an issue which is widely appreciated as it is for the benefit of the country's economy.
Author : Ram Naik - the author is minister of petroleum and natural gas, Government of India

Business Standard, New Delhi, July 4^th, 2001

Shoddy monitoring blamed for vehicular pollution :
Despite alarmingly high levels of air pollution across the country, compliance with the prescribed pollution control standards continues to be lax among the public, a situation made worse by an poor quality of infrastructure for monitoring vehicular emissions. A report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) found the level of monitoring to be appalling throughout the country.

Central Chronicle, Bhopal, July 2^nd, 2001

Conserve water, says Governor :
A two-pronged strategy was needed for solving Jharkhand's drinking water problem as well as irrigational needs, said Bihar's Governor Mr Prabhat Kumar. The need of the hour was to manage the existing 400 watersheds in Jharkhand scientifically. He also called upon the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) for a baseline survey for Jharkhand. He stated this in a function jointly organised by CSE, New Delhi and Prabhat Khabar.

The Hindustan Times, Ranchi, 17^th June, 2001

DTC will ply airconditioned buses : The first airconditioned bus of the Delhi Transport Corporation will be inaugurated soon. The experimental scheme of the luxury buses has been welcomed by the city environmentalists. Air pollution expert with the Centre for Science and Environment, a city based environment NGO, said "The air conditioned bus is a good strategy to control the car population of the city."

The Asian Age, New Delhi, 22^nd June, 2001

Indian rivers "dying a slow death" :
The Ganga, or Ganges, which runs through one of the most densely populated areas in the world, home to nearly 400 million people, is also heavily polluted. As access to sewer and sanitation facilities in the river basin is so scarce, dozens of cities spew millions of gallons of untreated human and industrial waste into its sluggish waters. "Once you could see river dolphins in Ganga near Varanasis city, now even fish are few in number," a spokesman for the Centre for Science and Environment said, adding that "all rivers in India are grossly over-exploited and heavily polluted."

Edie Weekly Summaries, UK, 15^th June, 2001

Parting the waters :
The message of community based water harvesting is spreading not just in India but also globally. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) now sees "increasing water harvesting and conservation" as a key challenge for ensuring water and food security.
Authors : Anil Agarwal & Sunita Narain

Business Standard, New Delhi, 12^th June, 2001

CNG vs. diesel :
When lead was considered a dangerous additive to petrol, it was slowly reduced and removed. It was replaced by benzene. Benzene was started with a higher percentage but now reduced to 1 per cent for metros. As Dr. Anil Agarwal said, we start with the assumption that a new additive is not dangerous till we find out that new additives also create new problems.

The Hindu, New Delhi, 12^th June, 2001

Environmentalgovernance :
Environment is a subject of state policy in India. Since 1974 we have enacted numerous environment-related legislations and have set up a number of government departments and institutions to oversee the implementatio of these legislations. In fact the government has been so much enthusiastic about environment that very soon we might see the number of our environment related legislations reaching that magic double century mark.
Author : Chandra Bhushan

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, 5^th June, 2001

Watermanagement holds the key :
For understand the power of rain : the most fluid substance known. Even fewer understand its potential. Given India’s national average rainfall of 1,100 mm and a land area of 300 million hectares, if the rain that falls between 1-2 per cent of India’s land mass is captured, this is enough to meet the drinking water requirements of a billion people at a liberal 15 litres per person per day.
Author : Dr. Indira Khurana

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, 5^th June, 2001

Greenratings must run deep :
Easily the most interesting work with Indian industry has been done by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). This NGO is known for its flaming battles with corporates and its willingness to name them for what it believes they may be doing wrong.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, 5^th Juen, 2001

Everyone’s business :
Nearly four years after its fourth Citizen’s Report on the State of India’s Environment with the focus on "Dying Wisdom : Rise, Fall and Potential of India’s Harvesting Systems", the Centre for Science and Environment has come out with a follow-up that seeks to make water-harvesting everyone’s business.

The Hindu, New Delhi, 3^rd June, 2001

The good news is in the papers :
Concerned journalism pitches in for water conservation in Madhya Pradesh. Nayi Duniya and Dainik Bhaskar, two Hindi dailies in Indore, were already reporting diligently on the water crisis, from the unfortunate fallouts to plans to salvage the situation. In the meantime, environmentalists like Anil Aggarwal and Centre for Science and Environment are all praise for the role of the two papers. In his editorial in the latest issue of Down to Earth, he commends the efforts by saying that the newspapers are campaigning "more like activists rather than the usual bickering but hands-off journalists.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 27^th May, /2001

Withwater flows social change :
The book ‘Making Water Everybody’s Business’ denies the politicians the opportunity to hijack the issue to serve their purposes. The report contains answers to chronic droughts in the country. The answer lies in simple water harvesting methods, which are cost-effective and people-oriented. The report from the Centre for Science and Environment comes as a sequel to Dying Wisdom: Rise, Fall and Potential of India’s Traditional Water Harvesting Systems published in 1997.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, 26^th May, 2001

'Water should be everybody's business' :
Water is too serious an issue to be left solely to the government, hence water must become everybody's business, and for that water movement at the grassroots is a must, says a book released in Kathmandu. The book-Making Water Everybody's Business: Practice and Policy of Water Harvesting-also asserts that where there is rainfall-however meagre-there is hope. Edited by Anil Agarwal, Sunita and Indira Khurana, the book is published by New Delhi based Centre for Science and Environment, and tells its readers "all about the people and communities who are celebrating the wisdom of rainwater".

The Kathmandu Post, Kathmandu, 16^th May, 2001

The CNG conundrum :
The Supreme Court in July 28, 1998 gave the ruling that all buses in the city of Delhi including those of the DTC will run on CNG fuel by September 30,2001. To explore the possibility of CNG and other fuels, a committee was set-up under the chairmanship of Bhure Lal, a senior bureaucrat. Other members of this committee known as Environmental Pollution (Pollution and Control) Authority included Jagdish Khattar, Anil Agarwal and DK Biswas.

Rashtriya Sahara, New Delhi, May 2001

Lessons from Dewas :
April 2, 2001 will go down as a sad day in the history of India's environmental movement. Four poor tribals were shot dead by the forest and district administration in Dewas district of Madhya Pradesh. Their crime : cutting trees for beams to support the ceilings of their houses. We must change our laws to allow people to participate in the management of their resources.
Authors : Anil Agarwal & Sunita Narain

Business Standard, New Delhi, 15^th May,2001

From brown to green :
The Centre for Science and Environment a non-profit organisation based in Delhi organised a visit for a group of water management enthusiasts from all across India to villages in Rajasthan managing water sustainably.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, 13^th May, 2001

No fear of CNG supply crisis, says Indraprastha :
The city of Delhi will not face any CNG supply crisis, Indraprastha Gas Limited, the sole supplier of the fuel, has said. Supporting the IGL’s claim, Ms Anumita Roy Chowdhury, an air pollution expert with the Centre for Science and Environment, a Delhi based environment NGO, said, "It has been observed that the present tendency is to create a fear of scarcity of CNG."

The Asian Age, New Delhi, 1^st May, 2001

Incompetenceat its best :
Despite the growing urban mayhem in city after city and town after town, neither the central government nor any of the state governments have found a way to deal with the problem even as urban India fast drives itself into an abyss. As a result, it is the courts and public-spirited citizens who are taking up the cudgels to get the government to clean up its act. Authors : Anil Agarwal & Sunita Narain

Business Standard, New Delhi, 1^st May, 2001

Making Water Everybody’s Business :
Practice and Policy of Water Harvesting continues where the book Dying Wisdom : Rise, Fall and Potential of India’s Traditional Water Harvesting Systems finished. The book documents traditions, practices and technologies, and addresses policy issues. It also assesses state government efforts to deal with draught.

The Asian Age, New Delhi, 29th April , 2001

A rainwater harvesting tip :
Befriend thy neighbour : For Delhiites, harvesting water to recharge underground acquifers is still a novel concept. However with the level of groundwater having dropped up to six to eight metres at some places, it may soon be the only way out of the city’s water crisis. For more information on rain water harvesting contact : Centre for Science and Environment’s Water Harvesting Cell : 6083394.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 30^th April, 2001

Savewater for prosperity, posterity :
According to Mr Anil Agarwal, chairperson of Centre for Science and Environment, community water harvesting is as much important today as it was ever. According to him, "It does not matter how much rain you get, if you don’t capture it, you can still be short of water."

The Financial Express, New Delhi, 29^th April, 2001

CNG accidents revive debate on cleaner fuel option :
The Center for Science and Environment, which has been very vocal about the benefits of CNG says "disinformation" was being spread about CNG. "The immediate priority was to reduce the air pollution and CNG is best suited for this. The whole problem started because the inaction of the Delhi government," said coordinator of Right to Clean Air Campaign at the CSE, Ms Anumita Roy Chowdhary.

The Asian Age, New Delhi, 29^th April, 2001

Water-rich village in arid Rajasthan :
Nimbi village in Rajasthan once a water-scarce village dependent solely on the vagaries of weather, now has a perennial water source in a reservoir restored in 1995 by its people. On Earth Day, a host of experts, officials and journalists were invited to Nimbi to see the success story themselves. The event organized by the Tarun Bharat Sangh (TBS) and the Center for Science and Environment (CSE), was dubbed the National Water Conference.

Central Chronicle, Bhopal, 25^th April, 2001,

Rajasthanvillage learns to harvest water again, reaps riches :
From being a drought-prone land Nimbi village in Rajasthan has become a source of income for people from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Bangladesh and Madhya Pradesh for six months every year and in turn they receive Rs 3,000 per bigha-this is for the same land which a few years earlier no one wanted to buy for Rs 1,000 per bigha. Behind all this is the effort of Tarun Bharat Sangh (TBS) an NGO working in the field of water harvesting in many villages in Alwar district. They were involved in building build dams or johads, and repairing existing ones.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, April 24^th, 2001

Lessonsfor the Third World :
If the US President rejects the Kyoto Treaty in order to harm the world’s richest and most developed economy, then his rejection bestows on Third World countries the right to tell their international financiers and donors not to sacrifice further their development projects at the altar of environment. An excellent state-of-the-art review of natural sinks and their role is contained in the February 28, 2001 issue of Down to Earth, a fortnightly published by the Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment.

The Hindu, New Delhi, 24^th April, 2001

Neemian oasis in desert :
When almost all parts of Rajasthan are reeling under severe drought, Neemi village in Rajasthan is a veritable oasis in the desert. Water, the most precious commodity these days, is available at just three feet depth in the village while the ground water table is recedng as deep as thirty feet at other places. It is all because of the effort of the villagers of Neemi and Tarun Bharat Sangh (TBS).

Deccan Herald, Bangalore, 23^rd April, 2001

Nationalwater conference begins in Neemi :
Having set an example in water harvesting, Neemi village is hoting the three day national conference on water, being attended by leading social activists and experts associated with the water conservation movement in the country. The National Water Conference "rashtriya jal sammelan" was organised in Neemi village of Rajasthan by Jal Biradari (Water Community), Tarun Bharat Sangh and Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi.

Deccan Herald, Bangalore, 23^rd Apri, 2001

Waterharvesting a resounding success in Nimbi :
An initial investment of Rs 5 lakh yields over Rs. 45 lakh annually:even in terms of pure economics, water harvesting exercise in the Rajasthan village of Nimbi has been a resounding success. A host of experts, officials and media persons were invited here in this village to witness the success story for themselves. The event was organised by Tarun Bharat Sangh and Centre for Science and Environment, was named the National Water Conference.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, 23^rd April, 2001

Harvestingbenefits of old technique :
Barely six years ago, Nimbi was a patch of barren land, with parched land and dried up water sources. But now it has become a virtual oasis with enormous greenery and vegetation. In fact, it is the revival of the old harvesting system that has changed the face of the village. Tarun Bharat Sangh (TBS), a non-governmental organisation is the guiding force behind this revolution, that was instrumental in changing even the life style of the people of the region.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, 23^rd April, 2001

Chaoson Delhi’s roads :
The diesel lobby which includes truck manufacturers, have launched a whispering campaign that CNG, while not emitting lead, sulphur dioxides or suspended particulate matter (SPM) is responsible for releasing tiny particles in the atmosphere which can lodge in the lungs and cause severe problems. They conveniently omit to mention that this is precisely what environmental groups like the Centre for Science and Environment have been alleging about diesel.

Newstime, Hyderabad, 19^th April, 2001

Americanssupported the CNG campaign for cleaner air :
Refusing to get involved in the debate over the merits of one fuel over another, CSE chief Anil Agarwal said : "To my mind entering into a debate over whether Compressed Natural Gas was the right alternative is anti national because the highest court of the land has already given its verdict on the issue."

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 18^th April, 2001

Muchado about CNG :
The Supreme Court order to convert public transport vehicles was given nearly three years ago. To implement the order would have meant grappling with technological complexities and taking advantage of market dynamics. But why should a disinterested bureaucracy do all this? When the alternative is just so much simpler! Every action to clean Delhi’s smog has happended not because of a competent government but in spite of an incompetent government. (Authors : Anil Agarwal & Sunita Narain)

Business Standard, New Delhi, 17^th April, 2001

Greenand bear it :
With Delhi’s high pollution levels, drastic steps are needed to prevent children dying from breathing foul air, says Anil Agarwal, Director, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE).

India Today, New Delhi, April 16^th 2001

Wheredo we get CNG out of Delhi, ask tour operators :
The Supreme Court in its March 26 order had asked the Bhure Lal Committee to examine if diesel containing 0.05 per cent of sulphur could be considered as a clean fuel. Though the committee is yet to submit its report, the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), whose director Anil Aggarwal is also a member of the committee, has rejected ULSD. The committee is supposed to submit its findings on April 27.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 11^th April, 2001

Indiancities fighting for clean air :
Chandrachur, researcher at the Centre for Science and Environment on the issue of CNG says that "Though many cities have not done much on controlling pollution, yet some are waking up to the pollution threat and a lot of locals have taken to courts. The action groups in Mumbai have filed public interest litigation against polluting vehicles, while in Calcutta the State Government took the lead in fighting noise pollution".

Central Chronicle, Bhopal, 9^th April, 2001

Wakeup to the dangers of pollution :
Tavleen Singh in an article which appeared in The Sentinel on the chaos in Delhi’s public transport system caused by the CNG problem quoted Anil Aggarwal as saying "Fundamentally, it is the fault of the Delhi Government but, yes, there is a shortage of CNG, and that is the responsibility of the Central Government".

The Sentinel,Guwahati, 9^thApril, 2001

CNG buses failed in Houston :
Speaking to The Hindustan Times on the CNG issue the Chief Minister of Delhi Shiela Dikshit said "there are lobbies working in this-one is pro-and the other is anti-CNG. Anil Aggarwal of Centre for Science and Environment has been pushing for CNG, and it was probably on the basis of his inputs to the Bhure Lal Committee that CNG was presented to the court as a clean fuel".

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, 8^th April, 2001

New improved diesel matches CNG emission standards :
The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has accused TERI of attempting to resurrect the ‘diesel versus CNG’ debate to create confusion and delay implementation of the Supreme Court order.

The Telegraph, Calcutta, 8^th April 2001

All for a whiff of clean air :
The imbroglio in the capital over the Supreme Court’s decision of mandatory transformation of all diesel buses to compressed natural gas mode has led to among other chaotic things-a crossing of swords between two leading environment groups, Tata Energy Research Institute (TERI) and Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). The evidence cited by one has continuously been pooh-poohed by the other confusing the people at large.

Deccan Herald, Bangalore, 8^th April, 2001

SupremeCourt is the hero of this story :
Tavleen Singh in an article in The Tribune on the chaos in Delhi’s public transport system caused by the CNG problem quoted Anil Aggarwal as saying "Fundamentally, it is the fault of the Delhi Government but, yes, there is a shortage of CNG, and that is the responsibility of the Central Government".

The Tribune, Chandigarh, 7^th April, 2001

Catcha falling raindrop :
"The north eastern Indian village of Cherrapunji, with an annual rainfall of 15,000 mm, is officially recorded as facing a water shortage because the torrential downpours are allowed to run off," points out Anil Agarwal, director of CSE, during last month’s launch of Making Water Everybody’s Business, a 450-page handbook on water harvesting.

The Financial Express, New Delhi, 6^th April, 2001

Confusionover CNG :
While all those orders of the Supreme Court directed towards the corporate sector-public or private-have resulted largely in action, orders to the government-state or central-have usually resulted in total chaos. In April 1999, the Supreme Court gave the auto industry just about two months to move its engines to Euro and about 11 months to move to Euro II. The auto industry met these conditions. (Author : Anil Agarwal,

The Times of India, New Delhi, 6^th April, 2001

Clean fuel, stranded city :
The arson and rioting by angry Delhi commuters during the first week of April, 2001 because of shortage of public transport was inevitable. It was brought on by the Centre and Delhi Governments, even after the expiry of the Supreme Court imposed March 31 deadline for the conversion of public transport into CNG. Anil Aggarwal of Centre for Science and Environment (a staunch supporter of CNG) and member of the Bhure Lal Committee constituted by the Supreme Court to look into the matter of CNG along with other members gave the consent for the CNG technology.

The Hindustan Times, New Delhi, 8^th April, 2001

US stance on emissions angers CSE : Upset by the silence of the Indian government on the American refusal to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, the Centre for Science and Environment said the US should be declared a rogue nation "for this act of extreme selfishness".

The Hindu, New Delhi, 4^th April, 2001

Studentsto save the Yamuna : Student volunteers of ‘We For Yamuna’ are doing pioneering work to save the river from its present plight. The group had organised a seminar addressing the water problems of Delhi and it was also attended by Anil Aggarwal, director of the Centre for Science ad Enviroment.

The Statesman, New Delhi, 3^rd April, 2001

Slow poisoning :
The Centre for Science and Environment, a leading organisation, has made a number of startling disclosures. According to their report, one out of every ten schoolchildren in New Delhi has asthma, thanks to vehicular air pollution.

The Statesman, New Delhi, 2^nd April, 2001

Firstgreen scientist award :
Dr Vinod Prakash Sharma, a malarial scientist who uses people assisted, environment friendly methods to control the disease in India, has won the first ‘green scientist award’. The award is instituted by the science and environment fortnightly ‘Down to Earth’.

Newstime, Hyderabad, 1^st April, 2001

Malaria expert Sharma wins first Green Scientist Award :
Dr. Vinod Prakash Sharma, a malarial scientist who uses people assisted, environment-friendly methods to control the disease in the country, has won the first Green Scientist Award. The award is instituted by Centre for Science and Environment.

The Asian Age, New Delhi, 1^st April, 2001

Green Scientist award presented :
The former union finance minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, presented the first Green Scientist Award instituted by the Centre for Science and Environment to Dr. Vinod Prakash Sharma-founder Director of Malaria Research Centre-for his pioneering work in controlling malaria.

The Hindu, New Delhi, 1^st April, 2001

Malaria expert awarded :
Excessive bureaucratisation of Indian Science was becoming extremely detrimental to its cause," said former Union finance minister Manmohan Singh while giving away the first Green Scientist Award to Malaria Research Centre’s founder-director Dr Vinod Prakash Sharma. The award is instituted by the Centre for Science and Environment.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, 1^st April, 2001

India’s capital enforces use of clean fuel to cut pollution :
The Centre for Science and Environment one of leading environmental NGOs, has welcomed the Supreme Court verdict of 26th March that all of 12,000 buses currently on the roads and thousands of three-wheeled rickshaws in Delhi must be converted to CNG by 30th September. CSE further said that the extension of the deadline for conversion of buses to CNG should come with the personal accountability of the Delhi Government.

The Statesman, New Delhi, 1^st April, 2001

Who is afraid of pollution? :
Adulteration is about pure economics, the environment be damned. So prevalent is the malaise of fuel adulteration that vehicle owners have all but given up. Environmentalist and winner of Norman Borlaug award, Anil Aggarwal admits "it is indeed a big problem."

The Times of India, New Delhi, 1^st April, 2001

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