Coastal Erosion, Toxic Rivers, Rising Water Spread: Report on India’s Environment Paints Grim Picture

On World Environment Day, a new report has revealed alarming facts about where India stands amid the rising global threat of climate change. Data published in the report ‘State of India’s environment 2022: In figures’ by Centre for Science and Environment states that 25 glacial lakes and water bodies in India, China and Nepal have recorded over 40 per cent rise in their water spread areas since 2009, posing a grave threat to five Indian states and two union territories: Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The report stated that 45 to 64 per cent of the country’s forest cover is likely to become climate hotspots by 2030. He coined the slogan ‘One Earth, many efforts’ for the movement and said India was ready to lend its support to make the environment better and improve global wellness. This is a major accomplishment given that blending was hardly 1.5 per cent in 2013-14 and 5 per cent in 2019-20.” ‘Water, air greatest gifts’ National Green Tribunal chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel on Sunday said water and air were the greatest gifts to mankind.