Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) In the News

Water, water wasted everywhere
Not a drop to drink. If most parts of Delhi see homes with taps running dry for the better part of the days, it's not just because Delhi's groundwater table is moving deeper and deeper with each passing day. It is also because there is no diluting the fact that this city wastes the liquid of life. According to Eklavya Prasad, deputy coordinator at the Centre for Science and Environment's natural resources unit,'For an average Delhi family, the amount of water used for domestic purposes on a daily basis is around 1600 litres, of which 700 litres is used for bathing, 300 litres for personal clothing, 160 litres for flushing, 120 litres for watering plants, 200 litres for washing cars and 120 for the washing machine.

The Times of India - Delhi - October 28, 2002

Harvesting date goes past again
With the deadline for installing harvesting structures in buildings with an area over 100 square metres in south and southwest Delhi, Gurgaon and Faridabad expiring on September 30, the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), it appears, is night has passed, it has still not taken any decision on whether to extend the deadline or let it lapse. "CGWB has been ineffective in implementing its deadline schedule. They have not been able to spread awareness on the issue either", Sumita Das gupta of the Centre for Science and Environment said.

The Times of India - Delhi - October 25, 2002

Combining the zeal and available resources, schoolchildren in the Capital are fast emerging as the crusaders to save the environment. From planting more saplings to saying no to firecrackers and plastic bags, students have now taken up more issues to ensure that the environment is saved from further deterioration. Water harvesting plants, for instances, are being increasingly set up in many schools in the Capital. According to the Centre for Science and Environment(CSE), the water table is falling by two metres a year in the city due to excessive consumption and these plants can go a long way in helping to restore the water level.

The Tribune New Delhi October 19, 2002

Study to conserve Aravalli water table
Colonies coming up near the southern border of Delhi and just south of it can now look forward to a steady supply of pure drinking water as a major exercise is currently under way involving the environment Pollution Authority to study and suggest ways and means of preserving precious ground water resources in the Aravalli hills area. A five member experts team led by the Chairman of EPCA, Bhure Lal, is engaged in a detailed study of nearly two dozen major mines in the Gurgaon and Faridabad regions to study the impact of both illegal and legal quarrying of stones in the area that has adversely affected the underground water table. The five member team comprising Mr. Bhure Lal, the Chairman of Central Pollution Control board, Dilip Biswas, Managing Director of Maruti Udyog Limited, Jagdish Khattar, Former Delhi Transport Commissioner, Kiran Dhingra, and Director of Centre for Science and Environment, Sunita Narain, will besides studying the impact of quarrying activity on the ground water also analyse the ecological damage this has caused.

The Hindu New Delhi October 19, 2002

The Ministry of Water Resources' consultation with NGOs and experts on an action plan on the National Water Policy turned out to be a mere lip service. Of the 60 odd select NGOs invited, only about 20 turned up. They too were outnumbered by a 100 strong contingent of former bureaucrats, engineers, commissioners and directors from various government departments and the Central Water Commission, turning the workshop into a Government meet. Shumita Das Gupta of the Centre for Science and Environment said, "This is a useless exercise as the policy has already been adopted. They should've involved people much earlier. The participation of NGOs at this workshop is pathetic. It is a meeting of some engineers, former government officials looking for consultancy or who already are consultants. The basic concept is at fault here."

The Hindu New Delhi October 18, 2002

An open letter to Mr Vajpayee, by Sunita Narain
Dear Mr Vajpayee,

A few months ago, you spoke passionately about the need to involve local communities in water management. You said that harnesing every drop of rainwater is a national priority and then went on to say. "This is a powerful idea whose time has come"....

Business Standard, New Delhi, October 16, 2002

Management holds the key
The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has pioneered the concept of rain-water harvesting in the country. Education Times speaks to Sunita Narain, director, CSE, on how management of water resources could be the key to harnessing this precious gift of nature.

The Times of India -New Delhi October 14,2002

Vanishing wetlands leave behind water shortage and floods
These may be called urban wetlands, but it's probably for the first time that they came up for extensive discussion in Delhi. The two day workshop on 'Protection Of Urban Wetlands', organised by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) in Delhi last week, highlighted that their neglect is causing water shortage and floods.

The Financial Express - New Delhi - October 13, 2002

Rainwater Harvesting:
So that drought never returns, by Zafar H Anjum Environmentalists and economists have been raising questions such s "why should India in 2002 should be so traumatised and ravaged by a 19th century phantom like a drought." Recently, noted Indian scientist, Dr. M S Swaminathan, mooted the idea of water literacy for developing nations, especially India. He emphasized on the judicious use of water resources in the face of the fact that worldwide 2.7 billion people will face severe water shortage by 2025 (according to UN), which might lead to conflicts over water. Some time ago, late Anil Agarwal, a renowned Indian environmentalist, had argued for a community-based rainwater harvesting paradigm, not only to fight droughts but also to solve the drinking water crisis in the country.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, October 11, 2002

Raj Bhavan takes up rain water harvesting:
Raj Bhavan, the residentce of teh first citizen of Karnataka state, has set a novel example with regard to teh benefits and uses of sustainable water management with rainwater harvesting initiatives being introduced in its sprawling 18-acre campus. Mr VIshwanath of the Rainwater Club, was instrumental in the designign of the rainwater harvesting project. Meanwhile, in his presentation at a two-day media workshop on "making water everybody's business" organised by the Centre for Science and Environment, Mr Vishwanath said rain water harvesting was teh only efficient solution to meet the growing wtaer demands of both domestic and industrial sector.

Deccan Herald, Bangalore, October 8, 2002

Delhi residents reap rain water harvest, By Saurabh Sinha:
When L L Bhandari, a resident of Shivalik, Blaock A, stepped out of his house this monsoon, he did not have to wade through the usual waterlogged lanes. Thanks to the harvesting structures the residents of the area had installed this year at a cost of Rs 7 lakh, even the deficit rainfall was well-used. A study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has found a rise in water tables of some areas where harvesting structures were installed. For instance, in May the water table in Panchsheel Park was 92.4 feet below ground level. Last week, the level had risen to 87.1 feet.

The Times of India, New Delhi September 30, 2002

The ground beneath Chennai is going dry, by Kannal Achuthan:
Chennai Metrowater statistics from 1996 to 2002 show that there has been a marked fall in the water table. In 1995, the average water level was 9.5 ft below ground level. It went down to 19 ft in 2001, despite an above average rainfall of 1600 mm. The late Anil Agarwal, foudner of the Centre for Science and Environment and author of Making Water Everybody's Business, had once said: "We have to recoginse that just pasing a law is not enough. It (urban rainwater harvesting) has to be supported with a massive campaign for public awareness and hard policy decisions...Incentives will have to come in the formed fiscal measures which support households to capture their rain."

The New Indian Express, Chennai September 27, 2002

Harvesting the sky:
Rooftop rainwater harvesting, an age-old technology for conservation of groundwater, is quietly revolutionishing the country.Saddled with one of the largest populations and fast drying water sources, water scarcity is a reality looming large on India's horizon. Though there is no need as yet to ring the alarm bell in Bihar, it should not be chary of legislation to preserve water for its posterity.In India, the Centre for Science and Environment, a NGO, conducts 'Paani Yatras' around the country to facilitate learning of various indigenous water harvesting systems around the country.

Hindustan Times, Patna, September 24, 2002

CSE fellowship for Assam scribe:
The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), New Delhi has announced its prestigious annual fellowship for the year 2002.Mr Mrinal Talukdar, a senior journalist of Assam, working for the United News of India (UNI), Guwahati Bureau has been selected for this years' award Mr Talukdar has been awarded fellowship on the subject "Wet Desert" the acute drinking water crisis in the world's wettest place, Cherrapunjee.The theme of the fellowship is "Making Water Everybody's Business",a press release said.

The Sentinel, Guwahati, September 15, 2002

Gift of the clouds by Swati:
While recurring droughts and an increasing number of bore wells have played havoc with the water table, the Rain Centre in Chennai hopes to recharge the earth by promoting rainwater harvesting. A model house in Mandavelipakkam with all types of rainwater harvesting systems relevant to the city, the centre was set up last month by Chennai's Akash Ganga Trust and the Delhi-based NGO Centre for Science and Environment with support from the government.

The Week, Kochi, September 10, 2002

They care by Daksha Hathi:
EcoDesign Consultants which is listed in Water Links - 2 (Water Harvesters Directory), brought out by the Centre for Science and Environment,New Delhi, also did the water management systems for Strides Arcolab, Baikampady Industrial Area, Managalore.

Deccan Herald, Bangalore, September 8, 2002

They carry home water from the skies by Rahat Bano:
When LOUDHAILERS of the weather office got dead-beat about the impending monsoon this year, guess who wasn't bothered in south Delhi? Those who treasured the run-off for the last two years: Jamia Hamdard University, Panchsheel Park Colony, and Shri Ram School, Vasant Vihar. The lucky three have got their calculation right courtesy the Centre for Science and Environment. The password for the success is "catch water where it falls".

Hindustan Times, New Delhi, September 5, 2002

Harvest from the skies by Teresa Barat:
The Centre for Science and Environment(CSE) in Delhi had organised a workshop for the media to review the working of five model rainwater-harvesting projects. CSE has been promoting water harvesting as a practical solution to rechage the city's fast- depleting groundwater table and meet the problem of water scarcity.

Herald, Panjim, September 4, 2002

Malwa Bachao Andolan memo to CM its local woes:
A women's delegation form the district led by Malwa Bachao Abhiyan's district president Shobha Vishwakarma submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Digvijay Singh in Bhopal on Thursday. Besides the issues of severe drinking water crisis, the memorandum also stated the implementation of the link project of the river Narmada-Kshipra- Kalisingh to make ease the irrigation system, development of the industries and to preserve the environment.

Free Press, Indore, August 24 2002, Page No.4

Nationalisation of rivers not practical:
Chandre Gowda: Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister D B Chandre Gowda today said Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalitha's demand that the Centre should nationalise all inter-state rivers was impractical and added that Ms Jayalalitha's proposal was an 'afterthought' after the failure of talks at the Cauvery River Authority meeting. He said the farmers of the constitution had thought about it extensively and had realised that it was not possible to evolve a national policy as the sharing of the river water depended on various issues including the involvement of riparian states, delta region and behaviour of monsoon.

Deccan Herald, Bangalore, August 30, 2002, Page No.1

Rs 1.94 crore sought by Jal Sansthan:
For improving the water supply in Varanasi city area in Uttar Pradesh, the Jal Sansthan has sought Rs 1.94 crore from the State governments. This financial assistance has been sought under Drought Relief Fund. The Jal Sansthan has already sent a proposal to the district magistrate.

The Pioneer, New Delhi, August 29, 2002, Page No.3supp

Plan to develop village ponds:
The Punjab government has introduced a new plan to develop the dirty village ponds with the help of a modern technique. The scheme known as Duckweed Technology is aimed at controlling the increasing level of pollution in the state.

The Indian Express, Chandigarh, August 30, 2002, Page No.sp4

Pathari lake losing beauty, grandeur:
The famous Pathari lake is losing its beauty and grandeur on account of pollution but nobody is paying any attention to it. Whereas on the one hand new lakes are being constructed in the Madhya Pradesh state and lakhs of rupees are being spent on conservation of water, there on the other hand neglect of ancient Pathari lake is cause of concern for the people.

Central Chronicle, Bhopal, August 29 2002, Page No.11

Harvest from the skies:
Rainwater Harvesting has been, and still is, a viable option to reduce the water woes of Delhi citizens. Its success in many parts of the world has been amply demonstrated. According to users, the Centre for Science and Environment(CSE) projects have had the desired impact. The water table has risen by a metre or more. This, at a time when the water table is falling everywhere else.

Newstime, Hyderabad, August 30 2002, Page No.8

Government to release Krishna water on rotation basis:
Keeping the farmers interests in view especially during the current kharif season, the Andhra Pradesh state government finally decided to release Krishna waters to right and left canals under zone 1 on a rotation system, for irrigation purpose, through Nagarjunasagar reservoir from September 1 onwards.

Newstime, Hyderabad, August 30 2002, Page No.5

Alandur councillors threaten stir for water supply:
The Alandur Municipal Council resolved that its members would agitate if water supply to the town did not improve within 10 days. In a resolution addressed to the Municipal Administration Department, the council said it was against the diversion of Palar water to Tambaram as also to the switch to Metrowater supply.

The Hindu, Chennai, August 30, 2002, Page No.3

Delhiites go overboard on water harvesting:
For water starved Delhiites, particularly the socialites and the elite, rain water harvesting has become the latest buzzword, thanks to the Delhi government's aggressive awareness campaign. So much so that they are harvesting rain even in places where it is not required. Scientists at the Central Ground Water Board say rainwater harvesting is nor recommended for places where the ground water level is less than eight metres or is increasing on a regular basis.

The Hindu, New Delhi, August 31, 2002, Page No.9

More water for villages:
The Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, will address a public meeting on the birth anniversary of the late Deputy Prime Minister, Chaudhary Devi Lal, at Hissar on September 25, according to the Haryana Chief Minister, Om Prakash Chautala. Mr. Chautala was speaking after laying the foundation stone of a canal based water supply scheme at Sisla Sismor village in Kaithal district. He announced that potable water at the rate of 70 litres per capita per day would be provided to over 2.10 crore people residing in villages in the next two years.

The Hindu, New Delhi, August 31, 2002, Page No.5

Ward 48 : not a drop to drink:
Gour Dey Lane in Ward number 48 (West Bengal) remains under knee-deep water during the monsoon, but getting a bucket of water is nothing short of miracle. The area is reeling under drinking water scarcity for the past few years and repeated petitions to the KMC have hardly helped the residents' cause.

The Statesman, Kolkata, August 29 2002, Page No.IV(m)

Kankaria, Chandola to be filled with Narmada waters:
The historic Kankaria lake and 200 other water bodies, including the Chandola, will be filled with Narmada waters. "We have started releasing water through the Daskroi channel to fill theChandola lake having a capacity of 150 mcft. It will provide a picturesque view to visitors coming to the city", says MS Patel state water resources secretary.

The Times of India, Ahmedabad, August 28, 2002, Page No.5

Sustainable use of water for irrigation:
Water resources are becoming extremely scarce. Even after fully exploiting the usable the usable water resources by the middle of this century, the supply demand balance for irrigation water in India can be achieved only by improving irrigation efficiency in a big way. Since as much as 80% of usable water resources in the country are now allocated for irrigation, where water-use- efficiency is very low, this sector offers a major avenue for water savings.

The Economic Times, New Delhi, August 31 2002, Page No.4

Study shows urban sprawl makes bad weather worse:
Extreme weather conditions in the US have been aggravated by policies that generate urban sprawl and prevent rainwater from seeping through soil to replenish groundwater, according to a report published. The report, issued jointly by three non-governmental organisations, contains the first estimate of US ground water loses due to suburban sprawl over the past two decades.

Financial Times, London, August 29 2002, Page No.3

Study begins to identify sites for small dams:
The Pakistan Ministry of Water and Power has started study to identify sites for the construction of small dams all over the country. The ministry sources states that the federal secretary has directed the Water Wing of the ministry to conduct a survey in various areas of the country for identifying potential sites for the new dams.

Dawn (Internet), Pakistan, August 29, 2002

A parched New Delhi begins to harvest rain by Rama Lakshmi:
New Delhi requires 3 billion liters (800 million gallons) a day of water but the water authority is only able to supplu 2.5 billion liters. And at least 40 percent of the water supply is lost in leakage, theft or unpain for. New Delhi gets about 27 days of rain every year."Peopel in Delhi like to sleep while the tap is running in the morning. They like to wash theri dishes in running water, and wash their cars and driveways with running hose pipe," said Sumita Dasgupta, a natural resource management expert at the Centre for Science and Environment, the prime mover behind the campaign."Now they are finishing up the groundwater too. It is a highly unsustainable lifestyle."

International Herald Tribune, Bangkok, August 26, 2002

A step towards reviving dead ponds by C.K. Chandramohan:
A ray of hope seems to be emerging in the water-scarce western Uttar Pradesh where a number of development blocks lying in the Doab region between the Ganga and the Yamuna have been declared "dark" by studies conducted independently by the Up Government and the World Bank thanks to an initiative by Anil Rana, president of Janhit Foundation and his team of dedicated workers. Moved by the depletion of groundwater, Mr. Rana approached the Centre for Science and Environment(CSE) and organised village-level meeting motivating people to revive the dried- up traditional ponds. Soon meetings, where Jal Bhais and Jal Behans were "appointed" became popular. Stimulated by the lectures of Sunita Narain, director CSE and Mr. Rana, these oppressed villages began asserting their right to water --much against the wishes of the vested interests.

The Hindu, New Delhi, August 24, 2002

Slow and steady rain is ideal for harvesting by Saurabh Sinha:
The low-intensity but consistent rainfall that the city has been receiving since Monday is ideal for recharging depleting groundwater levels, since the runoff is much less than in short, heavy showers, say experts."In the last two days, the city received about 65 mm of rain over its area of 1,486 square kilometres. Even if 60 per cent of this water rechaes aquifers, it'll yield 54 million litres," Eklavya Prasad of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) said.

The Times of India, New Delhi, August 16, 2002

Rainwater harvesting in Delhi: off to a good start by Smita Tripathy:
As part of its campaign to spared awareness about rainwater harvesting techniques, Centre for Science and Environment(CSE) has identified five rainwater harvesting model projects in Delhi. These are at Jamia Hamdard University, Panchsheel Park Colony, he Shri Ram School, Janki Devi Memorial College and Mira Model School.The projects have been constructed by enterprising citizens who sought CSE's help to set up rainwater harvesting structures.CSE has already completed 25 projects of rainwater harvesting in schools, residential colonies.

Mid-Day, August 13, 2002

CII to help conserve water, environment:
Concerned over the acute shortage of drinking water and alarming decline in ground water level in Delhi this summer, the Confederation of Indian Industry has decided to help the city administration in its own way.As part of the initiative, the CII has decided to organise a workshop on Water Management and Rainwater Harvesting on August 28, in which experts from the Central Ground Water Board, Centre for Science and Environment, Delhi Jal Board and several other industries would participate.

The Hindu, New Delhi, August 12, 2002

CSE selects water harvesting centres:
The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has selected four educational institutions and a residential colony as models for rainwater harvesting.Sunita Narain, director, CSE which has provided the expertise for these five projects, said that though rain water harvesting is a not a panacea for water problems, it will minimise the stress on water shortage.

Hindustan Times, New Delhi, August 11, 2002

Here's how they do it: water harvesting works by Toufiq Rashid:
If you are looking for schemes that would help you conserve water in the driest of summers, here are five model water harvesting projects that are functioning in Delhi. And here is the list of the five models. - Panchsheel Park Colony, Jamia Hamdard University, Mira Model School, Janaki Devi Mahavidyalaya and The Shri Ram School.In all these places, the watertable has gone up since water harvesting projects were implemented.According to sunita Narain, director, Centre for Science and Environment, the project is important as an area of 100 hectares can have a huge impact on the watertable of the adjacent area.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, August 11, 2002

Water harvesting:
Residents of Som Vihar housing complex in R.K. Puram have adopted rain water harvesting technology to recharge three tubewells in the complex. Structures have been set up at a cost of Rs 5 lakh by the residents with technical help from the Centre for Science and Environment and Central Ground Water Board.

Hindustan Times, New Delhi, August 10, 2002

Model lessons on harvesting water:
"We are harvesting rainwater, are you?" Tis question greeted mediapersons who visited Mira Model School in Janakpuri on Friday. The school is one of the institutes the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) claims are "model rainwater harvesting projects."Each of the five institutes visited on Friday had adopted different techniques to recharge groundwater.

The Times of India, New Delhi, August 10, 2002

Rainwater harvesting is crucial to the country, says Study:
Traditional system of rainwater harvesting must be employed in the country to avert water scarcity and drought, says a study by the Centre for Science and Environment, reports UNI. The New Delhi- based organisation's study suggests several traditional methods employed in various areas to conserve water and avert scarcity.

Free Press Journal, Mumbai, August 6, 2002

Parched earth and public action by M.S. Swaminathan:
India is one of the few countries in the world which has over two centuries of recorded experience in managing the consequences of monsoon failure.The year 2002 is appropriate to launch the Jal Swaraj movement visualised by the late Anil Agarwal. It will involve saving and sharing rain water and using it conjunctively and equitably with river and ground water as well as treated effluents and desalinised sea water in an efficient manner for domestic, agricultural and industrial uses and for ecosystem maintenance.

The Hindu, New Delhi, August 6, 2002

Superstructure without infrastructure by Aditya Kaul:
With the rate at which the Gurgaon township is coming up, and the dismal scenario of water availability, it would seem the Haryana state development authorities are working according to self -made rules."Add to that the fact that Gurgaon, unlike Noida (found in the Yamuna flood plain), is devoid of a water source to replenish ground water. The city has no infrastructure at all. it is surviving only on back-up systems and tubewells. Look at the amount of smoke which comes out of generators during blackout hours. The road connectivity issue has been completely ignored. But how long can this go on?" asks Sumita Dasgupta, coordinator, National Resource Management Unit, Centre for Science and Environment(CSE).

The Pioneer, New Delhi, August 5, 2002

Tara Apt recycles water for gardening:
While life has almost come to a standstill in many parts of the city given the acute water shortage, Tara Apartment residents say they have water for not only cooking and cleaning, but also gardening.They are recycling kitchen and bathroom water. The result is 20,000 litres of water saved every day.Eklavya Prasad from the Centre for Science and Environment(CSE) says: "Detergent water is considered harmful for plants. But it can certainly used in the toilets."

The Times of India, New Delhi, August 5, 2002

Want to sink a tubewell? Pay up by Saurabh Sinha:
After the government has failed to stop exploitation of groundwater or do anything to recharge it, one of its agencies wants people to pay for the sub-soil aqua reserves they draw. The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has proposed to the state government that it be allowed to charge individuals for using ground water.Centre for Science and Environment director Sunita Narain agreed. "The move may make people realise the value of groundwater, which at present is considered free. Even the low price at which municipal water is supplied needs to be looked at," she said.

The Times of India, New Delhi, August 3, 2002

Down the drain:
Drought, water scarcity, power black-outs - all symptoms of a complete breakdown of public utilities.Individuals are left with no choice but to fend for themselves with generators and inverters for power.Rainwater harvesting and private storage tanks cater to the daily needs of those who can afford them. Organisations like the Centre for Science and Environment hold regular workshops and training sessions to educate and apprise people how to harvest rainwater and there are similar centres in other states like Tamil Nadu, engaged in water conservation.An official campaign to create awareness and provide practical information on rainwater harvesting should reach out to cooperative group housing societies and residential colonies in the metros.

The Times of India, New Delhi, July 1, 2002

Harvesting deadline extended:
Ending months of confusion, the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) on Tuesday said the deadline for installing rainwater harvesting systems in buildings with plot area of over 100 square metres - in south and southwest Delhi, Gurgaon and Faridabad - had been extended till September 30."Groundwater meets almost 30 to 40 per cent of Delhi's requirement and it's not an endless resource. it has to be replenished," said Eklavya Prasad of the Centre for Science and Environment's natural resource management unit.

The Times of India, New Delhi, July 31, 2002

Has the desert arrived in city? by Shivani Singh and Maneesh Pandey:
Nostradamus may not have predicted, it, but Delhi is heading for a catastrophe. A recent World bank report says Delhi will be a dust bowl by 2010.According to Centre for Science and Environment(CSE), the average daily water consumption of Delhiite is highest in the country at 240 litres.Residents of European cities like Copenhagen consume only 111 litres a day. Says CSE director Sunita Narain: "Residents of Delhi end up wasting more water than other cities. If people start using water judiciously, the gap can be bridged." This does not mean every person in the city is a water guzzler. "While a person staying in New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and Delhi Cantonment areas gets 400 litres daily, those in other parts get 30 litres," Narain said.

The Times of India, New Delhi, July 21, 2002)

Fellowships to study rainwater harvesting:
New Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment(CSE) is offering fellowships for journalists to study rainwater harvesting in the country and the government's role in this area.The fellowships on "Making water everybody's business" are aimed at investigating and understanding how people and the state governments are -or are not - capturing the raindrops to drought-proof the country.

Deccan Herald, Bangalore, July 18, 2002

Without rain, pollutants stay put over city by Gunjan Veda:
According to data available with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), levels of respiratory suspended particulate matter (RSPM) in the city have been on the rise since the beginning of the month and the culprit according to them is the rains. "The quantity of particulate matter in the atmosphere is related to weather conditions. It is so hot and still that the pollutants just don't move," explains Sunita Narain of the Centre for Science and Environment.

The Indian Express, New Delhi, July 17, 2002

Turning waterlogging into a blessing By Sudeshna Chatterjee:
Even bad planning has its advantages. Take waterlogging, for instance. Clogged drains and the absence of a proper drainage system will result in the collection of rain water at 135 places in the city this monsoon.Eklavya Prasad of the Centre for Science and Environment's (CSE) rain water harvesting cell says the pr