Summary of Extreme Heat Conditions in Delhi (June 10, 2025)

On June 10, 2025, Delhi experienced extreme heat, with the real-feel temperature reaching a staggering 48.9°C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert in response to the ongoing heatwave, urging residents to exercise caution and take protective measures against the adverse weather conditions.

• Current Temperature Statistics:
  • Actual maximum temperature recorded: 43.4°C (3.4°C above the seasonal average).
  • Minimum temperature: 27.6°C.
  • Humidity levels observed: fluctuating between 25% and 48%.

The IMD forecasts that very hot weather conditions will persist in Delhi until at least June 12, with daytime temperatures expected to hover around 44°C and nighttime temperatures remaining warm at approximately 28°C. Strong surface winds, ranging from 20 to 30 kmph, are anticipated, though they are unlikely to provide significant relief from the heat.

• Heatwave Spread:

  • The IMD reports that heatwave conditions are prevalent across the Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi subdivision, with nearby cities such as Hisar, Sirsa, and Rohtak also recording temperatures approaching 45°C.

• Health Risks:

  • The ongoing heatwave poses increased risks for heat-related illnesses, particularly affecting vulnerable populations like the elderly, children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
  • The nights have been notably warm, complicating cooling efforts and adding to health risks.

• Potential Relief:

  • The IMD anticipates some relief starting June 12, predicting light rainfall and thunderstorms for parts of Delhi, accompanied by gusty winds of 30 to 40 kmph.
  • Although the anticipated rain may not be heavy, it could offer short-term respite from the excessive heat.
  • Increased humidity post-rain is expected to make weather conditions uncomfortable.

• Air Quality Index (AQI):

  • Delhi's air quality was recorded in the 'poor' category, with an AQI value of 235 at 4 PM on June 10, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The AQI categories are defined as follows:
    • 0-50: Good
    • 51-100: Satisfactory
    • 101-200: Moderate
    • 201-300: Poor
    • 301-400: Very Poor
    • 401-500: Severe

Overall, the news highlights the challenges posed by extreme heat and emphasizes ongoing monitoring by meteorological authorities, along with suggested protective measures for citizens.

Key Points:

• Delhi faced extreme heat with a real-feel temperature of 48.9°C on June 10, 2025.
• IMD issued an orange alert for the heatwave expected to last until June 12.
• Actual maximum temperature was 43.4°C, while minimum settled at 27.6°C.
• Humidity fluctuated between 25% and 48%.
• Strong winds of 20-30 kmph predicted, limited relief from heat.
• Heatwave affects nearby cities like Hisar and Rohtak, with temperatures nearing 45°C.
• Vulnerable groups face heightened health risks due to warm nights and heatwave conditions.
• Possible relief via light rain and thunderstorms expected post June 12.
• Delhi's air quality recorded an AQI of 235, signifying ‘poor’ air quality conditions.

The Supreme Court of India issued a significant ruling on May 22, 2025, regarding approximately 86,000 hectares of Zudpi jungle lands, primarily located in Maharashtra's eastern Vidarbha region. This decision sought to clarify the legal status of these lands, recognizing them as "forest" lands, and imposing stringent conditions for their use and conversion.

Summary of Key Points:

• Legal Classification of Zudpi Lands:

  • Zudpi, a term derived from Marathi, refers to bushy or inferior unoccupied land in eastern Vidarbha, specifically covering six districts: Nagpur, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Bhandara, Wardha, and Gondia.
  • These lands have historically been used for non-forest purposes, including grazing, infrastructure, and community projects, and were classified as Gairan under the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966.

• Challenging Legal Status:

  • The ambiguity surrounding the status of Zudpi lands persisted due to inconsistent government actions and bureaucratic inaction since they were initially categorized as ‘scrub forests’ in a 1987 order, which exempted them from the provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
  • The 1987 order was contested in court, leading to various interpretations of forest laws, including a decisive judgment in the ‘TN Godavarman Thirumulpad’ case (1996) which recognized Zudpi lands as forest lands under the FCA.

• Supreme Court’s Ruling:

  • The Supreme Court determined that Zudpi lands are to be deemed forest lands, especially cautioning against conversion without prior central approval.
  • The ruling stipulates that exceptions are made for lands granted for non-forest usage before December 12, 1996, where the state must seek central approval without imposing compensatory afforestation conditions.
  • The court ordered that no lands should be diverted for non-government use and that post-1996 allotments would require thorough scrutiny to ensure compliance with established directives.

• Implementation Measures:

  • Special Task Forces within each district are to address encroachments on Zudpi lands after a defined date (October 25, 1980), with commercial allotments post-October 25, 1989, classified as encroachments.
  • The Supreme Court instructed the Revenue Department to transfer remaining Zudpi lands to the Forest Department within one year, facilitating afforestation efforts.

• Government and Environmental Concerns:

  • The Maharashtra government contended that Zudpi lands should not be treated as forest lands, citing administrative lapses in record maintenance.
  • Environmentalists opposed the de-notification of lands, warning of potential ecological harm to wildlife corridors and urge compliance with conservation efforts.

• Expected Outcomes:

  • The ruling is seen as a boost for the planned infrastructure and development works in Vidarbha, provided the state secures approvals for land use from the central government.
  • There is a requirement for the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to monitor the compliance and implementation of the Supreme Court's directives.

• Constitutional and Legal Context:

  • The ruling interconnects with various legal frameworks including the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, and the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966, allowing for a reevaluation of land use and management while balancing ecological preservation and developmental needs.

This verdict illustrates the judiciary's role in adjudicating on environmental matters while addressing local governance issues and upholding forest law compliance. The Supreme Court aims to achieve a balanced approach, delineating a path for responsible development while safeguarding environmental integrity.

The study titled "How Extreme Heat is Impacting India: Assessing District-level Heat Risk," published by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) on May 20, reveals that approximately 76% of India's population is currently facing high to very high risk from extreme heat. The research indicates that regions such as Delhi, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh are among the most vulnerable, with particular attention paid to urbanization, population density, and increased humidity as significant contributing factors to heat risk.

Key Findings:

• Heat Risk Index (HRI): The study created a heat risk index based on 35 indicators to evaluate heat exposure across 734 districts in India.

• Difference Between Heat Risk and Heat Stress: Heat risk pertains to the likelihood of suffering heat-induced ailments due to extreme temperatures. It uniquely factors in heat intensity, community exposure levels, and vulnerabilities in affected areas.

• Trends from 2012 to 2022:

  • Increase in Very Warm Nights: The study identified that over 70% of districts experienced five or more very hot nights during the summer months, complicating the body's ability to cool down effectively, potentially leading to increased cases of heat-related health issues.
  • Rising Relative Humidity in North India: Average relative humidity levels rose significantly from 30–40% to 40-50%, particularly in the Indo-Gangetic Plain, exacerbating the effects of extreme heat.
  • Urbanization and Population Density: High population density and rapid urban development in cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, and Gurugram lead to urban heat islands, elevating local temperatures.

Contributing Factors to Heat Vulnerability:

• Socio-Economic Vulnerabilities: High percentages of elderly populations and residents suffering from non-communicable diseases amplify the community's susceptibility to heat-related risks.
• Lack of Effective Heat Action Plans (HAPs): Many cities’ plans for climate adaptation and response to heat are inadequately implemented, leading to higher risks of heat-related fatalities.

Historical Context:

• The year 2024 was recorded as one of the warmest in history globally, with India experiencing temperatures 1.2 degrees Celsius above the early 20th century average. This included the longest heatwave since 2010, with over 44,000 recorded heatstroke cases.

Conclusion:

As a consequence of increasing global temperatures and inadequate early warning systems, India must focus on enhancing community awareness and response strategies to effectively address the challenges posed by extreme heat. The current infrastructure and plans for heat management require a thorough review and reform in order to better protect vulnerable populations.

Important Points:

• 76% of India’s population is at high to very high risk from extreme heat.
• Regions with the highest risk include Delhi, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh.
• Heat risk is assessed using a heat risk index based on 35 indicators.
• Significant rise in warm nights and humidity observed from 2012 to 2022.
• Rapid urbanization and population density exacerbate heat risks.
• Socio-economic vulnerabilities increase susceptibility to health impacts.
• Inadequate implementation of Heat Action Plans (HAPs) contributes to higher heat-related mortality.
• 2024 marked a significant increase in temperatures, leading to a record number of heatstroke cases.

The article discusses the urgent need to reduce global dependence on fossil fuels and highlights a controversial climate mitigation technology known as Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI). The ongoing rise in greenhouse gas emissions coupled with challenges such as war, poverty, disease, and inflation has hindered consistent climate action.

Overview of Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI):

• Definition and Purpose: SAI is proposed to cool the Earth by injecting reflective aerosols into the stratosphere, similar to the cooling effect seen after significant volcanic eruptions.
• Mechanism: This technique aims to reflect sunlight away from the Earth to combat rising temperatures.
• Research Findings: A recent study published in "Earth’s Future" explored an innovative approach to SAI that could potentially lower costs and expedite its implementation.

Technical Details:

• Injection Altitude: The effectiveness of SAI is influenced by the altitude of aerosol injection. Traditional SAI proposals recommend injecting aerosols at altitudes of 20 km or higher, where existing aircraft cannot operate.
• Alternative Low-Altitude Approach: The study examined injecting aerosols at a lower altitude (13 km), feasible for existing aircraft, particularly over polar and extratropical regions where the stratosphere is closer to the troposphere.
• Estimated Impact: Injecting 12 million tonnes of sulphur dioxide annually at this altitude can cool the planet by approximately 0.6º C, while 21 million tonnes would be required to achieve a cooling of 1º C.

Modifying Existing Aircraft:

• To implement this method, modifications to aircraft such as the Boeing 777F would be necessary, including installing insulated tanks for aerosol transport and maintaining temperature during flights.

Potential Benefits and Challenges:

• Cost-Effectiveness: Low-altitude SAI may be quicker and more economical than building specialized high-altitude aircraft, which could take nearly a decade and cost billions.
• Risks and Side Effects: There are significant risks associated with SAI, including social and geopolitical implications, direct environmental impacts like delayed ozone recovery, and potential acid rain. Critics warn that it could mask the effects of climate change, leading to complacency regarding emission reductions.

International Perspectives:

• In 2021, the US National Academies advocated for funding solar geoengineering research but faced backlash the following year from an international coalition calling for a moratorium, citing concerns over governance and fairness in implementation.

Conclusion:

• The article underscores the complexity surrounding the adoption of technologies like SAI. While it holds potential for immediate climate cooling, it also poses various ecological, social, and governance challenges that warrant careful consideration before any practical application.

Key Points:

• Global dependence on fossil fuels needs to decrease due to rising greenhouse gas emissions.
• Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI) is proposed to cool the planet by injecting reflective aerosols into the stratosphere.
• Recent studies suggest injecting sulphur dioxide at lower altitudes can effectively cool the Earth's temperature.
• Modifications to existing aircraft are required for practical SAI implementation, potentially making it more accessible.
• SAI presents both opportunities for immediate climate action and significant risks, including environmental and governance challenges.
• Global consensus on SAI's implementation remains contentious, with calls for further research and oversight.

Summary of Himalayan Environmental Challenges and Climate Change

Key Issues Identified:

• Climate Change Impact: Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav highlighted at the climate summit in Kathmandu (May 2023) the alarming consequences of climate change, particularly in the Himalayas, where glaciers are retreating, threatening water security in downstream regions.

• Glacier Melting: Research published in the journal Science Advances (2019) indicates Himalayan glaciers have lost ice at twice the rate in the 21st century compared to the 20th century. Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) pose significant flood risks, with notable occurrences including the South Lhonak Lake flood in October 2023 and the 2013 Kedarnath floods which resulted in over 6,000 casualties.

• Environmental Activism: Guman Singh of the Himalaya Niti Abhiyan warns that GLOFs and unstable glacial lakes threaten communities and infrastructure. Remote sensing indicates around 7,500 glacier lakes, with 190 classified as high-risk for GLOFs.

Ecological Concerns:

• Infrastructure Development Risks: The rapid construction of highways, tunnels, and hydropower plants is exacerbating ecological challenges. Environmentalists criticize the government's neglect of local geology and ecological limits in these projects, particularly highlighted by the Supreme Court’s scrutiny of the Char Dham highway project's environmental implications.

• Land Subsidence: The geological instability is evident in regions like Joshimath, already identified as vulnerable decades ago. The continued infrastructural expansion despite these warnings raises serious concerns about future project viability.

Plastic Pollution and Waste Management:

• Tourism and Waste Issues: The surge in tourism exacerbates waste problems, with reports indicating that cities like Shimla produce 2,800 tonnes of solid waste monthly. A Himachal government scheme aims to combat this by enforcing deposits on non-biodegradable materials.

• Environmental Degradation: An alliance named Zero Waste Himalaya highlights that 84% of plastic waste is single-use, predominantly originating from the tourist sector. The indiscriminate disposal of waste threatens the ecological balance of tourist spots.

Tourism Dynamics:

• Booming Tourist Numbers: Himachal Pradesh saw its highest tourist footfall in five years (1.8 crore domestic tourists) in FY 2024-25, while Uttarakhand recorded 5.96 crore visitors, indicating an unregulated tourism surge.

• Negative Tourism Effects: Unregulated tourism is causing ecological degradation, evident in disturbing wildlife, auditory pollution, and community displacement. The decline in population in traditional livelihoods further complicates the socio-economic fabric of these regions.

Recommendations for Sustainable Development:

• Call for Local Solutions: Experts argue for a paradigm shift in addressing Himalayan ecological concerns, emphasizing localized knowledge and experience over multinational solutions. Sustainable development models promoting small-scale projects rather than mega-structures are deemed necessary.

• Tourism Regulation: The necessity for controlled tourism, focusing on lesser-known destinations to alleviate pressure on popular hotspots is stressed. A revival of traditional pilgrimage models is suggested as a means to harmonize local economies with ecological conservation.

Important Points:

• Glaciers in the Himalayas are rapidly melting due to climate change; serious implications for water security.
• GLOFs pose catastrophic risks, with significant historical precedents in Kedarnath and Sikkim.
• Infrastructure projects are jeopardizing the region's ecology; risks of land subsidence identified.
• Waste management amid growing tourism is critically inadequate, with increasing plastic pollution recorded.
• Tourist numbers are at historic highs in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, leading to ecological strain and community displacement.
• Sustainable development emphasizing local engagement and management of tourism is urgently needed to preserve the Himalayan ecosystem.

Summary of Article on New Plastic Material and Ocean Pollution

Plastic pollution is a critical global environmental issue, significantly affecting oceans and marine life. Recent studies have highlighted the pervasive presence of microplastics not only in marine ecosystems but also in human bodies, including within placentas of unborn babies and in the deepest parts of the ocean, such as the Mariana Trench.

In response to this growing crisis, a team of scientists from the RIKEN Centre for Emergent Matter Science and the University of Tokyo has developed a novel plastic material aimed at mitigating ocean pollution. This new biodegradable plastic possesses the following characteristics:

• Decomposition Properties: Unlike traditional plastics, which can take between 20 to 500 years to decompose, the new plastic breaks down into its original components when exposed to salty water, achieving dissolution in approximately one hour. In soil, this process takes around 200 hours.

• Bacterial Processing: The original components after dissolution are processed by naturally occurring bacteria in water, effectively eliminating microplastic or nanoplastic remnants.

• Safety and Functionality: The new material is classified as non-toxic for humans, exhibits fire-resistant properties, and does not emit Carbon Dioxide during its lifecycle.

• Current Status: Although the research has made significant advancements, the new material is not yet ready for commercial production. The team is focusing on developing practical applications, including a coating method for the plastic.

• Industry Interest: The project has garnered considerable attention from stakeholders within the packaging industry, highlighting the potential for this innovation in mitigating plastic waste.

The urgency of addressing plastic pollution is underscored by projections from the UN Environment Programme, which estimates that plastic waste could triple by 2040, resulting in an additional 23 to 37 million metric tons of waste entering the oceans annually. Following a study published in 2022 in the journal “Nature,” it has been identified that India contributes significantly to global plastic pollution, accounting for one-fifth of total plastic waste. The country is reported to burn about 5.8 million tonnes of plastic annually and adds an additional 2.5 million tonnes to land, air, and water pollution, making it the largest polluter in terms of plastic waste.

Key Points:

• Plastic pollution significantly harms oceans and human health.
• New plastic developed by Japanese scientists breaks down in saltwater in about an hour.
• The new material decomposes without leaving microplastic or nanoplastic residues.
• It is non-toxic, fire-resistant, and does not produce Carbon Dioxide.
• Commercial readiness is ongoing, with significant interest from the packaging sector.
• UN estimates predict a tripling of plastic pollution by 2040, with India as a leading contributor.

The research paper titled “Agroforestry: the green guardian,” developed during the 2024-25 Entente Cordiale Day Challenge at the London School of Economics, highlights the potential of agroforestry in India for enhancing farmer livelihoods, carbon sequestration, and ecosystem regeneration.

Key Findings and Implications:

• Agroforestry Impact: It's poised to help protect biodiversity and mitigate climate change by providing stable habitats for wildlife and improving soil health, with a projected capacity to remove around 68 mega tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere annually in India.

• Current Status: As of now, India has approximately 13.75 million hectares of land designated for agroforestry, which is only a small fraction of its total potential.

• Economic Diversification: Agroforestry practices can diversify farmers' incomes, introducing them to potential revenue through fruit trees, timber, and medicinal plants. Additionally, it enhances soil quality and climate resilience.

• Challenges:

  • Regulatory Barriers: As of 2023, only 33 tree species are allowed for unrestricted harvesting and transport between states, which limits farmers' choices. High-value species such as teak and sandalwood necessitate government permits, creating bureaucratic hurdles.
  • Lack of Information: Many farmers are unaware of the best species combinations for their land and available participation in carbon markets. Digital tools aimed at enhancing this knowledge are often inaccessible due to challenges such as language and connectivity issues.

• Proposed Solution: The development of AgroConnect, a digital platform designed to provide farmers with insights and support regarding agroforestry practices and economic incentives.

Comparative Insights:

• The research also considered the agroforestry practices in Cameroon, where local farmers engage in such practices informally. However, similar to India, a lack of technical support and market access limits the efficacy of these approaches.

Recognition and Engagement:

• The project emerged from the Entente Cordiale Day Challenge 2025, a Franco-British competition under the patronage of President Emmanuel Macron and King Charles III. The team, which included members from Cameroon and France, won and received the Prix Président Loubet, the highest award.
• Their findings were presented at notable venues, including discussions at the U.K. House of Commons and the Foreign Commonwealth Office, and they had the privilege of presenting to Salaheddine Mezouar, the former Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Future Outlook:

• The research concludes that while agroforestry presents significant opportunities for India, scaling its adoption requires effective policies, technological innovation, and building trust within the farming community. Investing in inclusive and scalable agroforestry models is essential for ensuring progress towards a greener future.

Summary Bullet Points:

• Research paper on agroforestry emphasizes its role in supporting farmer livelihoods, sequestering carbon, and regenerating ecosystems in India.
• Agroforestry can remove 68 mega tonnes of CO2 annually from Indian atmosphere.
• Currently, India has 13.75 million hectares under agroforestry—just a fraction of its potential.
• Agroforestry diversifies incomes through fruits, timber, and enhances soil health and climate resilience.
• Regulatory restrictions limit harvestable tree species, with only 33 species allowed for unrestricted transport as of 2023.
• High-value species need government permits, posing bureaucratic barriers.
• Farmers require better information on species and carbon market participation; digital tools are often inaccessible.
• Introduction of AgroConnect, a digital platform to support informed decision-making for farmers.
• Comparison with Cameroon highlights similar challenges faced in agroforestry.
• Project recognized with Prix Président Loubet at the Entente Cordiale Day Challenge 2025.
• Engaged in discussions across influential platforms including the U.K. House of Lords.
• Successful implementation of agroforestry requires supportive policy, technology, and trust to achieve a sustainable future.

Summary:

Recent research from IIT Kharagpur highlights the critical health impact of ambient air pollution in major Indian cities, attributing 7.2% of annual deaths in these metropolitan areas to poor air quality. As per the study, exposure to airborne particulate matter may reduce the life expectancy of Indians by up to five years. Notably, traffic-related pollution, which significantly exceeds reported levels by urban sensors, accounts for approximately 33% of daily pollution exposure, despite commuting occupying only 8% of an individual's day.

To address the health risks posed by this pollution, researchers Arkopal Kishore Goswami, Kapil Kumar Meena, and Aditya Kumar Singh developed the Dynamic Route Planning for Urban Green Mobility (DRUM) web application. This application is a sophisticated tool akin to Google Maps, designed for users to select their travel routes based on real-time air quality and energy efficiency.

Key Features of DRUM:

• Users can choose from five routing options:
  • Shortest route
  • Fastest route
  • Least Exposure to Air Pollution (LEAP)
  • Least Energy Consumption Route (LECR)
  • A suggested route that balances all factors
• In tests conducted in Delhi, the LEAP option successfully cut pollution exposure by over 50% while extending commuting time by 40%. The LECR option resulted in a 28% reduction in energy consumption in South Delhi.

Despite its promise, the DRUM application faces challenges, primarily related to the insufficiency of air quality monitoring stations—India requires approximately 4,000 continuous air quality stations, but the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has only 1,385 operational by late 2024. Delhi is particularly underserved with only 40 stations, leaving many areas without adequate data. To overcome this, the DRUM team used data from CPCB and the World Air Quality Index, employing interpolative strategies to make estimations in data-sparse zones.

DRUM's technical architecture is built around real-time data collection, ensuring instantaneous updates on air quality and traffic conditions. The system utilizes a GraphHopper library for route generation, supporting various vehicles, and is optimized for speed and functionality.

Moreover, the foundational logic of DRUM prioritizes route selection by first minimizing exposure time and then considering distance and energy consumption. Testing has included simulations across various corridors in Delhi, which revealed that routes deemed shorter or faster often traversed through polluted regions.

Future developments for DRUM include the potential for real-world testing and an enhanced version, DRUM 2.0, which aims to integrate crowdsourced data and machine learning models to provide predictive routing assistance tailored to individual users’ needs. This could significantly broaden the app's applicability beyond conventional vehicles to include micro-mobility options such as bicycles and pedestrian pathways.

In summary, the DRUM application represents a significant advancement in tackling urban pollution challenges, offering a practical solution aimed at improving health outcomes for commuters in India's highly polluted cities.

Important Points:

• Air pollution accounts for 7.2% of deaths in major Indian cities annually.
• Airborne particulate matter may reduce life expectancy by up to five years.
• Traffic-related pollution constitutes 33% of daily exposure despite only 8% of time spent commuting.
• DRUM web app enables route selection based on air quality and energy efficiency.
• LEAP option in Delhi reduced pollution exposure by over 50% while increasing commute times by 40%.
• LECR option reduced energy consumption by 28% in South Delhi.
• India requires 4,000 air quality monitoring stations; CPCB operates only 1,385.
• DRUM integrates real-time data for route planning and is adaptable for various vehicles.
• Future iterations will include crowdsourced data and predictive routing capabilities.