Summary of World Environment Day Article - June 5, 2025

World Environment Day, celebrated on June 5, drew attention to the critical condition of our planet and the significance of collective efforts to safeguard it. The theme for this year, “Beat Plastic Pollution,” highlights a pervasive environmental issue with an estimated annual cost ranging from $300 billion to $600 billion, as per United Nations assessments.

Key Points:

• Plastic Pollution Statistics:

  • Over 400 million tonnes of plastic produced globally each year.
  • Less than 10% of this plastic is recycled.
  • Approximately 11 million tonnes enter aquatic systems annually.
  • Microplastics infiltrate food, water, and air supply, exacerbating public health risks.

• Changing Consumer Behavior:

  • A project initiated in Bengaluru aims to reduce dependency on bottled water through increased consumer confidence in alternative water sources. The impetus for this initiative stemmed from the challenges faced in accessing safe drinking water without resorting to plastic bottles.

• Bottled Water Consumption Trends:

  • Global bottled water consumption exceeds half a trillion liters annually, fueled by concerns about water safety.
  • This rise in consumption leads to heightened plastic waste and environmental burdens.

• Research Collaboration and Outcomes:

  • The U.K. has partnered with the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment to investigate water quality perceptions among consumers in Bengaluru.
  • Evidence indicates consumers often prefer bottled water due to uncertainty over the quality of other options.
  • Many tested water samples failed to meet safe drinking water standards, justifying consumer apprehension.

• Technological Solutions:

  • A proposed solution involves using technology to enhance consumer trust in filtered water quality through reliable data on water maintenance and consumption.
  • The implementation of transparency regarding filter maintenance in public spaces could reassure consumers and motivate a shift away from bottled water.

• Environmental and Social Costs:

  • Plastic pollution incurs both environmental degradation and adverse social impacts, observable throughout urban and natural landscapes.
  • Advocates for solutions emphasize the necessity for local initiatives that can contribute to broader global environmental strategies.

• Role of Institutions and International Collaboration:

  • The U.K.-India partnership aims to leverage expertise in climate action, sustainability, and renewable energy.
  • Ongoing support for climate finance initiatives and collaboration in scientific domains serves both nations' mutual interests.

Conclusion:

Bengaluru is positioned to innovate and implement sustainable solutions to combat plastic reliance and contribute to broader environmental goals. By fostering consumer confidence in alternative water sourcing and harnessing technological advancements, the city can lead efforts to mitigate plastic pollution effectively.

Date of Publication: June 17, 2025.

On June 16, 2025, heavy rainfall affected the Kasaragod and Kannur districts of Kerala, resulting in significant disruption and the issuance of a red alert by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The alert warned of extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 204.4 mm over a 24-hour period, leading to the closure of all educational institutions, including colleges, Kendriya Vidyalayas, and anganwadis.

Key Developments:

• Impact on Residents:

  • A relief camp was established at Paramba Government L.P. School in West Eleri panchayat, housing 44 individuals, comprised of two pregnant women, seven senior citizens, and seven children including two toddlers.
  • People from low-lying areas evacuated to the homes of relatives due to safety concerns.

• Landslide Incidents:

  • A minor landslide occurred in Kottamala, impacting agricultural crops such as rubber and cassava, and damaging the property of local resident Shiju. The Vellarikunda Tehsildar, P.V. Murali, assessed the damage while 10 families were relocated from nearby areas to ensure their safety.
  • At Dharmathadka, a CPI(M) branch committee office collapsed without any injuries reported.
  • Another landslide at Challangayam in Thalamugar threatened five houses, prompting local residents to seek action from the authorities.

• Traffic and Safety Measures:

  • Due to multiple minor landslides, the District Disaster Management Authority temporarily banned vehicular traffic on the Cherkala-Bevinje stretch of National Highway 66, allowing only ambulances and emergency vehicles under supervision. Regular traffic would resume post-technical inspections confirming safety.

• Water Level Concerns:

  • Water levels at river gauge stations in Manjeswaram, Puthige, Madhur, and Uppala surpassed danger marks, elevating alertness among authorities.
  • In Kannur, heavy rainfall exceeding 152.20 mm led to the opening of 13 out of 16 shutters of the Pazhassi barrage, affecting local infrastructure. Floodwaters submerged the Venayikadavu bridge in Payyavoor and inundated nearby paddy fields.

• Health Services Disruptions:

  • Eyecare surgeries scheduled at Kannur district hospital were cancelled due to water leakage in the operation theatre caused by the heavy rain. Affected patients, some who had traveled from distant locations after undergoing preoperative procedures, were informed of the cancellations, resulting in protests from patients and families.
  • Discussions between Congress workers and hospital authorities, specifically Deputy Superintendent Dr. Griffin Surendran, led to assurances regarding the prompt repair of the theatre and disinfection by June 13, which quelled the protests.

Conclusion: The heavy rains in Kerala have led to severe disruptions in both social and infrastructural sectors as residents face evacuation, health services curtailment, and damage to property. Continuous monitoring and prompt action by local authorities are crucial to navigate the ongoing adverse weather conditions.

Key Points:

• Red alert issued by IMD for excessive rainfall exceeding 204.4 mm.
• Closure of all educational institutions in Kasaragod and Kannur.
• Relief camp established for affected residents; landslides reported with relocation of families.
• Ban on vehicular traffic on NH 66 due to safety concerns.
• Cancellation of eye surgeries in Kannur hospital due to water leakage.
• Protests led to discussions and assurances for repairs and future safety.

The article discusses a significant initiative undertaken by the government of Delhi, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, aimed at mechanizing the process of road cleaning to combat air pollution in the Capital. The demonstration of new mechanical road sweeping machines, water sprinklers, and anti-smog guns marks a progressive step towards achieving cleaner air quality.

Key Highlights:

• Date of Initiative: June 16, 2025.

• Chief Minister: Rekha Gupta demonstrated the new mechanization tools.

• Project Components:

  • Deployment of 460 water sprinkler machines equipped with anti-smog guns.
  • Introduction of 70 mechanical road sweeping (MRS) machines.
  • Inclusion of 70 litter pickers, water tankers, and dust dump vehicles.

• Objective: The initiative aims to enhance efforts in improving air quality, particularly before the winter season when levels of air pollution typically surge in Delhi.

• Technological Features of Machines:

  • Equipped with GPS for location tracking.
  • CCTV for surveillance and monitoring.
  • Real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) monitors.
  • Integrated with video analytics and IoT sensors.

• Operational Benefits:

  • Machines will facilitate spraying, garbage unloading, and litter collection, thereby improving street cleaning efficiency and reducing dust pollution.
  • An operation strategy ensures that each machine will be monitored from a central control room to maximize effectiveness, ensuring they are operational at the right place and time.

• Continuous Operations:

  • Over 1,000 water sprinklers are expected to remain active throughout the year, with the exception of monsoon seasons, contributing to sustained air quality improvement.

• Previous Government Plan:

  • In 2023, the Aam Aadmi Party government had proposed a similar project worth ₹2,388 crore, which was not executed mainly due to jurisdictional challenges involving the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).
  • In 2024, the MCD aimed to broaden the project to include waste management and road maintenance requiring new Cabinet approval.

• Current Status: The Gupta-led Cabinet approved a revised project plan in May 2025, signaling a commitment toward improving urban sanitation using advanced technologies.

Conclusion:

This mechanization initiative signifies a shift towards a more technology-driven approach to sanitation management in Delhi, indicating the state's efforts to mitigate pollution and improve public health through advanced urban infrastructure.

Important Sentences:

• Chief Minister Rekha Gupta demonstrated new mechanization tools on June 16, 2025.
• The project includes 460 water sprinklers, 70 mechanical road sweepers, and additional waste management tools.
• The machines will use advanced technology, including GPS and AQI monitors, for effective operation.
• Over 1,000 water sprinklers will operate year-round, barring the monsoon, to enhance air quality.
• The initiative marks a transition towards a new sanitation mindset driven by technology.

Summary of the Article on Maritime Safety and Recent Incidents

The Indian coast faces significant threats from three primary types of peacetime maritime accidents involving merchant ships: the sinking of vessels which can lead to cargo loss, maritime traffic disruption, and environmental hazards; fires aboard ships that endanger coastal life and property; and oil spills that present serious ecological risks.

Recent Incident: MV Wan Hai 503

• On June 9, 2025, the MV Wan Hai 503 caught fire approximately 44 nautical miles off the coast of Azhikkal, Kannur, Kerala, following explosions onboard.
• The incident involved 1,754 containers, with over 140 containers containing hazardous materials. Dark smoke emissions indicated the combustion of various materials.
• The ship began drifting towards the coast during ongoing firefighting operations amidst rough monsoon seas. Efforts to provide tow assistance faced challenges, as a tow rope broke.
• The situation necessitated the involvement of the Indian Navy, which dispatched a helicopter for salvage operations and provided a robust steel wire rope to facilitate the towing of the vessel away from the coast, about 45 nautical miles offshore, where the water is nearly one kilometer deep.
• Currently, while visible smoke and hot spots remain, the immediate risk to the Indian coast from the Wan Hai is reportedly under control, with the responsibility of further salvage lying with the vessel's owners.

Importance of Maritime Safety Measures

• The article underscores that the Indian Coast Guard has adapted most of its patrol vessels with firefighting capabilities, reflecting an acknowledgment of firefighting as a critical operational mandate.
• A notable past incident that showcases India's firefighting capacity involved a large-scale fire on the Very Large Crude Carrier New Diamond in 2020, off Colombo, which was carrying 270,000 tonnes of crude oil. The rapid response by the Indian Coast Guard and Navy managed to mitigate risks associated with a potential environmental disaster.

Potential Hazards

• It notes that while hazardous cargo is a concern, vessels transporting oil and gas represent the highest risk for fires and explosions, particularly at strategic maritime chokepoints such as the Suez Canal and the Strait of Malacca.
• The alarming potential consequences of gas carrier incidents could severely disrupt global trade and environmental security.

Call for Continued Development

• The article highlights the necessity for India to enhance its expertise in quick salvage operations and effective oil spill management, requiring robust coordination among multiple agencies.

Key Dates and Locations

• June 9, 2025: Fire incident on MV Wan Hai 503.
• 2020: Successful firefighting operations were conducted on the New Diamond vessel.

Institutional Preparedness

• Emphasizes the ongoing need for India to build responses against maritime accidents through improved firefighting capabilities and quick salvage operations.

Conclusion

The article serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities in maritime operations and the importance of preparedness to protect coastal regions from maritime accidents, while also highlighting the successful responses in recent incidents.

Important Points

• Indian coast faces risks from maritime accidents: sinking, fires, and oil spills.
• MV Wan Hai 503 caught fire on June 9, 2025; efforts included Coast Guard and Navy interventions.
• Over 140 hazardous cargo containers were involved, indicating potential risks.
• Past success in handling large-scale incidents, such as the New Diamond, underlines India's capabilities.
• Urgency for enhancing multi-agency responses and capabilities in maritime safety and accident management.

Summary of the Maritime Incidents and Regulatory Framework

On June 9, 2025, the Singapore-flagged MV Wan Hai 503 caught fire approximately 88 nautical miles off the Beypore coast of Kerala, India. The vessel was carrying over 2,000 tonnes of fuel and several containers. The incident raised significant ecological concerns regarding potential pollution. This event follows an earlier maritime accident where the Liberian container ship MSC ELSA 3 sank off Kochi on May 25, 2025, which also involved hazardous substances including calcium carbide.

International Regulation and India’s Compliance:

• Global merchant shipping is regulated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a prominent UN agency that establishes international shipping protocols.
• India is a signatory to various IMO conventions, excluding the 2004 Ballast Water Convention and the 2010 Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) Convention.
• Ratifying the HNS Convention would be beneficial for India, especially in light of recent maritime incidents where hazardous materials were involved.

Legislative Framework:

• The Directorate General (DG) of Shipping in India is tasked with implementing national regulations consistent with international conventions. Parliamentary approval may be necessary for certain legislations.
• The bill of lading serves as the transport contract between the ship owner and the exporter, determining liability in case of cargo damage. Ownership of the cargo transfers through this document and is crucial for insurance claims.

Liabilities and Insurance:

• Shipowners are financially responsible for damages or losses as defined by the terms stipulated in the bill of lading.
• Protection and Indemnity (P&I) Clubs, formed by various insurance companies, cover claims involving environmental damage, injury, or cargo loss. However, owners face unlimited liability for environmental damage, particularly in cases involving oil spills or hazardous substances, such as those from the Wan Hai 503 and ELSA 3 incidents.
• The Nairobi Convention on the Removal of Wrecks (2007) mandates that shipowners salvage sunken vessels within India's territorial waters (up to 200 nautical miles). Failure to do so can lead to significant liability for damages.

Maritime Safety and Lessons Learned:

• Historical maritime accidents illustrate that many incidents result from human errors and systemic failures rather than just technical malfunctions.
• Previous incidents, like the grounding of the Wakashio bulk carrier in 2020 and the sinking of the Titanic in 1912, have prompted revisions in maritime safety regulations, including the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), which ensures sufficient lifeboat capacity for all persons aboard.
• The shipping industry continuously learns from accidents, leading to periodic updates in design standards and operational guidelines by the IMO.

Current Situation and Future Recommendations:

• Search operations for the hazardous cargo from MV Wan Hai 503 are ongoing, with potential risk of containers washing ashore on Indian coasts between June 16 and June 18.
• The increased frequency of maritime accidents necessitates the ratification of existing international conventions and improved compliance measures to safeguard the environment and ensure maritime safety.

Key Points:

• June 9, 2025: MV Wan Hai 503 fire incident off Kerala.
• May 25, 2025: MSC ELSA 3 sank off Kochi.
• India is a signatory to several key IMO conventions; ratification of HNS convention is recommended.
• Bill of lading is critical for cargo ownership and liability claims.
• Shipowners face potentially unlimited liability for environmental damages.
• Adoption of improved safety protocols follows historical maritime disasters.
• Ongoing search operations for hazardous cargo from Wan Hai 503.

Kerala is preparing for significant rainfall due to the southwest monsoon, which began earlier than usual this year. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued crucial alerts regarding the impending weather conditions:

• Date of Report: June 14, 2025
• Kerala's northern districts—Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod—are on red alert for extremely heavy rainfall on Sunday, June 18.
• The other nine districts across Kerala are under an orange alert indicating the potential for isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall that same day.
• The IMD's five-day weather projection indicates that Kerala will likely continue to experience heavy rainfall until at least Wednesday, June 18.
• The current weather patterns are influenced by an upper air cyclonic circulation located above north interior Karnataka and Marathwada, which extends up to 5.8 km above mean sea level.
• A trough running from the west-central Arabian Sea to coastal Andhra Pradesh is associated with this circulation.
• Additionally, another cyclonic circulation has been noted in parts of the Bay of Bengal and coastal Andhra Pradesh.

The early onset of the monsoon in Kerala was recorded on May 24, followed by heavy rainfall in the immediate days, after which rainfall activity subsided temporarily.

Key Points:

• Turkey weather alerts: Red alert for Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod; orange alert for nine other districts.
• Expected heavy rainfall persists until at least June 18, 2025.
• Weather systems: Upper air cyclonic circulation over north interior Karnataka and Marathwada; trough from Arabian Sea to coastal Andhra Pradesh.
• Early monsoon onset noted on May 24, 2025; initial heavy rainfall followed by lull in activity.

This meteorological forecast underlines the need for precautionary measures in the region, particularly in areas identified under red alert due to the risks associated with extremely heavy rainfall, which may lead to flooding and other weather-related disruptions.