Delhi Country's Third most Polluted City in First Half of 2024: CREA Data
Delhi ranked as the country's third most polluted city out of 256 cities in the first half of the year, according to an analysis of average PM 2.5 data by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) that was released in July 2024. The average PM 2.5 levels in Delhi during the period January to June was 102µg/m3 — twice the daily national standard of 60µg/m3 and behind only Faridabad (103µg/m3) and Byrnihat in Meghalaya (140µg/m3), the analysis revealed.
The most polluted city was Byrnihat in Meghalaya, and the second most polluted city was Faridabad in the National Capital Region.
In a groundbreaking initiative, Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Thekkady, Kerala installed a wind turbine to power real-time monitoring cameras and Wi-Fi connectivity within its expansive forest. This move marks a significant advancement in the reserve's efforts to enhance conservation technology and communication.
The PTR East Division, encompassing 17 forest sections, previously relied on solar power for wireless communication and operational needs. However, the inefficiencies caused by the foggy climate and heavy rainfall often hindered the effectiveness of solar panels. The newly installed wind turbine aims to address these challenges by providing a more reliable energy source for monitoring and communication systems.
Wayanad Hit by Landslides
The death toll rose to 276, with over 200 injured as of August 1 morning, following a series of devastating landslides in the hilly areas near Meppadi in Kerala's Wayanad district. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan confirmed that 240 people remain missing, while more than 1,500 were rescued from the affected areas. Chief Minister Vijayan is in Wayanad, accompanied by Chief Secretary V. Venu and DGP Shaik Darvesh Sahib.