Impact of Black Carbon on Climate

Kalpana Palkhiwala*
Aerosols influence climate indirectly by changing cloud properties and precipitation and
hence can have a profound impact on the hydrological cycle. Among the various aerosol types,
black carbon aerosols have greater impact because of the high absorption of solar radiation.
Hence it is essential that measurements of black carbon aerosols from ground, aircraft and space
are necessary to answer crucial questions related to the impact of black carbon on climate.
Several studies have suggested that aerosols may modify global warming by changing the
planetary albedo, but the magnitude of the impact of aerosol on climate is still uncertain says
IPCC 2007.

Measurement of Aerosols over Indian Region: Current Status

There is a large spatial and temporal variability of aerosols in India and hence several
field campaigns were undertaken to characterize the optical, physical and chemical properties of
aerosols and their radiativeimpact. The major goals of these experiments have been the
characterization of regional aerosol properties and estimation of their direct and
indirect radiative forcing. In India, a systematic investigation of the physico-chemical properties
of aerosols, their temporal heterogeneities, spectral characteristics, size distribution and
modulation of their properties by regional mesoscale and synoptic meteorological processes have
been investigated extensively since the 1980s at different regions as a part of the different
national programs such asthe I-MAP (Indian Middle Atmosphere Programme), and later the
ISRO-GBP (Indian Space Research Organization’s Geosphere Biosphere Program).

During the I-MAP, a project was initiated to monitor the aerosol characteristics over the
Indian region at a few selected locations. This became operational in the late eighties and has
been continued after the I-MAP as a part of ACE (Aerosol Climatology and Effects) project of
the ISRO-GBP. A national network of multi-wavelength radiometers (MWR) was setup under
the ACE project of the ISRO-GBP, to facilitate the long-term observations of aerosols over
distinct geographical environments.

Measurements of Black Carbon Aerosols

As a part of the (INDOEX) extensive measurement of black carbon was carried out over
the Indian Ocean. Based on these measurements Satheesh et al. (1999) developed an aerosol
model for tropical Indian Ocean, which demonstrated that black carbon contributes 11% to
composite aerosol optical depth. Later, using several calibrated satellite radiation measurements
and five independent surface radiometers Satheesh and Ramanathan (2000) showed that even
though black carbon contributes 11% to optical depth its contribution to radiative forcing can be
as much as 60%. Over continental India, Babu and Moorthy (2001) reported the anthropogenic
impact of aerosol black carbon mass concentration at a tropical coastal station (Trivandrum).
This is probably the first report of black carbon measurement over continental India. Thereafter,
several investigators have measured black carbon measurements at various locations in India.

A road/land campaign (LC-I) was conducted during February to March 2004 under
ISRO-GBP initiative, to understand the spatial distribution of aerosol and trace gases over
Central/peninsular India. Simultaneous measurements were made over spatially separated
locations, using identical instruments. These measurements covered an area of more than a
million square kilometres over the course of a month from land based mobile laboratories, and
generated a wealth of information on black carbon as well as important aerosol parameters
including size, mass concentration, optical depth, and scattering and absorption coefficients
using state of the art instruments.

As a continuation of this experiment, Land Campaign II (LC-II) was organized by the

Indian Space Research Organization under ISRO-GBP during December 2004, to characterize
the regional aerosol properties and trace gases across the entire Indo- Gangetic belt. All these
studies showed the persistence of high aerosol optical depth and black carbon concentrations
near the surface.

The Integrated Campaign for Aerosols, gases and Radiation Budget (ICARB) was a
multi-institutional, multi-instrumental, multi-platform field campaign, where integrated
observation and measurements of aerosols with special emphasis on black carbon, radiation and
trace gases along with other complementary measurements on boundary layers and
meteorological parameters were made simultaneously. The main goal of the ICARB was to
assess the regional radiative impact of aerosols and trace gases, and to quantify the effect of the
long-range transport of aerosols and trace gases, involving the Indian mainland, the Arabian Sea,
the Bay of Bengal, and tropical Indian Ocean during February-May period of 2006. The ICARB
was conceived as an integrated campaign, comprising three segments namely the land, ocean,
and aircraft segments. In each one of these segments, measurements of the optical, physical and
chemical properties of atmospheric aerosols were carried out. The land segment comprised a
network of ground-based observatories, representing distinct geographical features of India, and
providing a time-series observation during the period when spatially resolved measurements
were made using the moving platforms in the other two segments.

Quantitative estimates of the vertical structure and the spatial gradients of aerosol
extinction coefficients have been made from airborne LIDAR measurements across the coastline
and around the oceanic regions along the east and west coasts of India.

The research group at Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) lead by Prof. M.M. Sarin has
made substantial efforts in characterizing organic carbon/ black carbon ratios over a few
locations in India. The atmospheric abundances of elemental carbon (EC), organic carbon (OC)
and water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) have been measured by this group in aerosol samples
collected during wintertime (December-March) from selected sites (urban, rural and high-
altitude) in northern India.

Even though all these international and national field experiment and campaigns have
provided vital information on the optical, physical as well as chemical properties of aerosols,
they are limited to a certain period or location. In this perspective, the long term experiments at
different locations have the added advantages of understanding aerosol influences on a longer
time scale thereby helping us to infer the signs of anthropogenic impact. A sufficiently long time
series can also help in inferring climate change signals.
 The ISRO-GBP is maintaining 32 surface observatories covering representative locations
in India. In all these sites black carbon measurements have been made. The duration of data
available from these sites vary with location. In addition there have been a few field campaigns
such as LC-I, LC-II and ICARB. Thus, we have information on the spatial and seasonal variation
of BC at the Earth’s surface. ICARB aircraft segment carried out a few measurements of altitude
profiles of black carbon aerosols. Our knowledge on the OC/BC ratios are based on isolated
measurements only.

There are several aspects on which the knowledge and understanding is rather fragmented
and inadequate. These include Vertical distribution of Black Carbon State of mixing of Black
Carbon with other aerosols Organic Carbon / Black Carbon Ratio Effect of Black Carbon on
Cloud Cover and Effect of Black Carbon on Monsoon.

A hybrid approach, which involves field experiments including network measurements as

well as aircraft-based field measurements along with multi-satellite analyses is essential for the
assessment of the impact of aerosol black carbon over India. Combining ground measurements
with multi-satellite data can create synergy that will benefit both methods. This approach will
provide new insights into the problem and new methodologies to gather information on black
carbon aerosol can be formulated. Using the outcome of this project, crucial questions related to
climate impact of black carbon aerosols can be addressed.

Press Information Bureau

Government of India
Ministry of Environment and Forests
04-August-2015 21:01 IST
Government has established National Adaptation Fund on Climate Change:
Javadekar

Government has established the National Adaptation Fund on Climate Change

(NAFCC) with a budget provision of Rs.350 crores for the year 2015-16 and
2016-17, with an estimated requirement of Rs.181.5 crores for financial year
2017-18. The objective of the fund is to assist State and Union Territories that
are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change in meeting
the cost of adaptation. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural
Development (NABARD) has been appointed as National Implementing Entity
(NIE) responsible for implementation of adaptation projects under the
(NAFCC). The templates for project preparation and guidelines for
implementation of the project have been prepared. The guidelines have outlined
the objective, priorities, eligible activities, approval process, implementation,
monitoring and evaluation mechanism. The focus of the fund is to assist
adaptation projects and programmes to support concrete adaptation activities
that reduce the effects of climate change facing communities and sectors.

As of now, there is no provision for any external assistance to be credited to

NAFCC. The scheme has been recommended and approved by the competent
authority in the month of July, 2015. As such no financial support from NAFCC
has been provided so far for adaptation activities under National Action Plan on
Climate Change (NAPCC) and State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC).

The Adaptation Fund is to assist States that are particularly vulnerable, based on
the needs and priorities identified under the SAPCC and the relevant Missions
under NAPCC. This information was given by Minister of State (Independent
Charge) of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Prakash Javadekar in
Lok Sabha today.

Press Information Bureau

Government of India
Ministry of Environment and Forests
26-July-2016 16:10 IST
Climate Change & Agriculture Sector

Human-induced emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) including those from the

agriculture sector are considered to be the drivers of observed climate change.
While annual total GHG emissions from agriculture in 2010 are estimated to be
of the order of 10-12% of global anthropogenic emission, the research
conducted by the government indicates that agriculture in India contributed to
18% of the total emissions of India in 2010. The gases emitted from this sector
are mainly methane (CH4) and Nitrous Oxide (N2O).

As agriculture sector is the main source of food, reducing food loss and waste
leads to avoidance of unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions and helps in
mitigating climate change through better management of food utilisation,
distribution & sustainable lifestyle.

National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture launched in 2010 under National

Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) addresses both mitigation and
adaptation to climate change through programmes such as System of Rice
Intensification (SRI) against conventional rice cultivation and coverage of milch
animals under Ration Balancing Programme. National Initiative on Climate
Resilient Agriculture has also been launched in 2011 to address both adaptation
and mitigation in agriculture sector.

The National Food Security Act, 2013 promulgated by the government is aimed
at ensuring, inter alia, timely and efficient procurement and distribution of food
grains, building up and maintenance of food stocks, their efficient storage,
movement and delivery to the distributing agencies and monitoring of
production, stock and price levels of food grains.

This information was given by Minister of State (Independent Charge) of

Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Anil Madhav Dave, in a written
reply in Lok Sabha today.

Press Information Bureau

Government of India
Ministry of Finance
26-February-2016 12:28 IST
2015 - Landmark Year for India in Climate Change Initiatives: Economic
Survey 2015-16;

India plays important role in adoption of Paris Agreement and Launch of

International Solar Alliance

Economic Survey 2015-16 tabled in Parliament here today by the Union

Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley states that the year 2015 has been a landmark
year for India in terms of climate change initiatives both nationally and
internationally. At the International level, India played a crucial role in the
climate change talks and agreement under United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate (UNFCCC) in Paris in December 2015, and the launch
of International Solar Alliance. India also submitted its ambitious Intended
Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC) to the UNFCCC on 2nd October
2015. The Economic Survey which was tabled today in the Parliament by the
Union Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley has listed down, along with these
achievements, the various other contributions and initiatives taken by India in
dealing with climate change and promoting sustainable development.

Economic Survey 2015-16 further states that India has played an important role
in the 21st Conference of Parties (COP 21) under the UNFCCC and adoption of
the Paris Agreement in December 2015. The Paris Agreement sets a roadmap
for all nations in the world to take actions against climate change in the post-
2020 period. Also, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi played a leading role at
COP 21 in the launch of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), and also
volunteered to host its Secretariat. ISA will provide a special platform for
mutual cooperation among 121 solar-resource-rich countries in the world.

Economic Survey highlights that as on 4 January 2016, with 1593 out of 7685
projects registered under Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of UNFCCC,
India has the second highest number of projects registered under CDM which
further shows its commitment to fighting climate change.

Economic Survey notes that in the domestic front, India has continued to take
ambitious targets in its actions against climate change. As a part of its
contributions to global climate change mitigation efforts, India announced its
Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC) which including other
efforts has set itself an ambitious target of reducing its emissions intensity of its
GDP by 33-35 percent by 2030, compared to 2005 levels, and of achieving 40
percent cumulative electric installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy
resources by 2030.

Apart from the National Action on Climate Change (NAPCC), a new mission
on Climate Change and Health is currently under formulation and a National
Expert Group on Climate Change and Health has been constituted. The
Economic Survey also talks about the National Mission on Coastal Areas
(NMCA) for integrated coastal resource management and the proposed waste-to
energy mission which are the other major components of India’s domestic
actions against climate change.

Economic Survey also talks about the National Adaptation Fund for Climate
Change (NAFCC) which has been established with a budget provision of Rs 350
crore for the year 2015-16 and 2016-17, and the National Clean Energy Fund
(NCEF) which is supported by the cess on coal. The Survey notes that India is
one of the few countries around the world to have a carbon tax in the form of a
cess on coal.

Economic Survey 2015-16 further points out the progress on the renewable
energy front in India by highlighting the ambitious targets of achieving 40
percent cumulative electric capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources
by 2030. Underlining India’s commitment to clean energy the first Renewable
Energy Global Investment Meet and Expo (RE-INVEST) was organized in Feb
2015 to provide a platform for the global investment community to connect with
stakeholders in India.

Another ambitious program of the government is the Development of Solar

cities Program under which 56 solar cities projects have been approved. The
Economic Survey further lists the National Offshore Wind Energy Policy 2015
to help in offshore wind energy development, as yet another major renewable
energy policy.

Press Information Bureau

Government of India
Ministry of Environment and Forests
07-April-2017 15:59 IST
Environment Minister emphasises Sustainable Lifestyle and Pre-2020 Actions on
Climate Change

Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Mr. Anil
Madhav Dave, has underlined the need for completing Pre-2020 actions and adoption of a
holistic approach towards climate change, including an emphasis on sustainable consumption
and lifestyles. During a meeting with UK Secretary of State for Business & Energy and
Industrial Strategy, Mr. Greg Clark, here today, the Environment Minister emphasised the
collaboration between India and United Kingdom at the sub-State level on climate resilience. He
also appreciated the role of United Kingdom on Climate Change issues.
Both nations shared the progress in bilateral cooperation on environmental issues,
including climate change. The UK Secretary of State emphasised the possibility of future
collaboration on tidal energy and technology issues. He also appreciated India’s role in the
ratification of Paris Agreement and post-Paris developments, including decisions during COP-22
at Marrakech. Both countries expressed the hope that their cooperation and exchange of
experiences, knowledge and technologies will continue in future also.

UK Secretary of State for Business & Energy and Industrial Strategy met the Minister for
Environment, Forest and Climate Change (I/C) at Indira Paryavaran Bhawan today.

Press Information Bureau

Government of India
Ministry of Environment and Forests
30-December-2016 18:14 IST
 2016: At A Glance

The year 2016 witnessed hectic activity at the Ministry of Environment, Forest and
Climate Change – on the international and national fronts. While at the international level, India
steered the negotiations on amendment in Montreal Protocol for amendment for phase down of
HFCs at Kigali, Rwanda, at COP-22 in Morocco, the International Solar Alliance was
signed. On the national front, the Ministry released new categorisation of industries, revamped
Waste Management Rules and revised standards for Common Effluent Treatment Plants across
industrial clusters. The Ministry granted general approval for creation of public utility
infrastructure in Left-Wing Extremism-affected districts. ENVIS - a portal was launched to
reach out to people and popularise science, as well as sustainable practices. MoEFCC also
continued to make efforts to control pollution.

A snapshot of prominent decisions and events that unfolded in the Ministry of

Environment, Forest and Climate Change in 2016 is being given below. It encapsulates the
major happenings of this year:

A loan agreement was signed between Government of India and Japan International
Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the cleaning of Mula-Mutha river in Pune. The project will have
a significant, direct beneficial impact in terms of reduction of pollution load in the river and
improvement of the quality of its water.

The Ministry notified stricter environment standards for sugar industries operating in various
states in the country. The primary aim of these standards is to minimise water pollution. The
Ministry notified the standards on January 14, 2016. The revised standards will lead to improved
operational performance of sugar industries through implementation of wastewater discharge
standards and waste water conservation and pollution control management protocol.

The Environment Ministry held the first National Stakeholder Consultation on the Biodiversity
Finance Initiative. The objective of the meeting is to introduce the BIOFIN project to the various
stakeholders, enumerate the programmes/activities being undertaken by different organizations
in the context of India’s 12 National Biodiversity Targets developed in line with 20 global Aichi
biodiversity targets, and then assess the expenditure being made by different organizations for
activities related to biodiversity conservation. The Ministry partnered with the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP) in a global project on Biodiversity Finance Initiative
(BIOFIN).

"Solid Waste Management Rules, Construction Waste Management Rules, Plastic Waste
Management Rules, Bio-medical Waste Management Rules and Hazardous Waste Management
Rules were revamped."

The Ministry notified revised standards for Common Effluent Treatment Plants across industrial
clusters. The primary aim of the revised standards is to minimise water pollution. The revised
standards were notified on January 1, 2016.
 MoEF has decentralised the process of granting environment clearance for sustainable sand
mining and mining of minor minerals. The Ministry has constituted District Environment
Appraisal Committee (DEAC) and District Environment Impact Assessment Authority (DEIAA)
for appraisal and approval of mining of minor minerals upto 5 hectares and 25 hectares in case of
cluster respectively.

The Ministry also granted general approval for creation of public utility infrastructure in Left-
Wing Extremism-affected districts. The general approval was granted, keeping in view the
importance of creation of public utility infrastructure.

A portal on Environment Information System (ENVIS) was launched to find out new ways to
reach out to people and popularise science, as well as sustainable practices. Environmental
Information System (ENVIS) Portal - http://envis.nic.in, a new initiative, runs parallel with the
Digital India Objective, which works on improving the digital literacy in the environment sector
and deliver services digitally all over the country. Environmental Information System (ENVIS),
a Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry has been implemented since 1982. The purpose of the
scheme is to integrate country-wide efforts in environmental information collection, collation,
storage, retrieval and dissemination through ENVIS websites, which are dedicated to different
interesting themes. The Ministry also held an exhibition of ENVIS knowledge products at the
Ministry premises.

The ninth meeting of the National Steering Committee on Climate Change (NSCCC) was held.
The Committee approved the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) on adaptation submitted by
governments of Telangana, Mizoram, Jammu & Kashmir, Meghalaya and Chhattisgarh for
funding, under the National Adaptation Fund on Climate Change (NAFCC) at a total cost of
approximately Rs. 108 crore for implementation in these states.

India became the 56th signatory State to sign the ‘Raptor MoU’ that was concluded on October
22, 2008 and came into effect on November 1, 2008 on conservation of birds of prey in Africa
and Eurasia. The ‘Raptor MoU’ extends its coverage to 76 species of birds of prey, out of which
46 species, including vultures, falcons, eagles, owls, hawks, kites, harriers, etc. also occur in
India.

Environment Ministry released new categorisation of industries. Based on pollution scores, the
re-categorisation was finalised as - Red, Orange, Green and White.

24x7 real-time monitoring of pollution from industries done continuously.

On March 22, 2016, the Ministry notified the new environment standards for Gensets running
on Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) / Natural Gas (NG), Diesel with LPG / NG and Petrol with LPG
/ NG operated in various cities / towns in the country. The primary aim of the new standards for
Gensets is to control air and noise pollution emanating from the operation of Gensets.
 On March 18, 2016, Government notified Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016. Earlier, the
draft rules, namely the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2015 were published by the
Government of India on 25th May, 2015.

On March 23, 2016, the E-Waste Management Rules, 2016 were notified. For the first time, the
Rules brought the producers under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), along with
targets. The draft E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2015 had been notified for public consultation
vide GSR No. 472 (E) dated 10th June, 2015.

New Bio-medical Waste Management Rules were notified on March 27, 2016. The rules
mandated bar code system for proper control.

Construction & Demolition Waste Management Rules notified for the first time. Under the
Rules, duties have been separately earmarked for waste generators, service providers and
contractors, state government and local authorities, CPCB and SPCBs and duties of concerned
Central ministries.

Revised Hazardous Waste Management Rules were notified on April 3, 2016 to ensure
resource recovery and disposal of hazardous waste in an environment-friendly way. For the
first time, rules made to distinguish between hazardous waste and other wastes.

Solid Waste Management Rules were notified on April 5, 2016 after 16 years.

States have also agreed to implement the new Waste Management Rules notified by the
Ministry in March-April 2016.
India and 171 other countries signed Paris Agreement at the High-level signing ceremony at
UN General Assembly on April 22, 2016. India reiterated that it would reduce Emission
Intensity by 35%.; Build 40% capacity for Power Generation from non-fossil fuels; Create
additional carbon sink of 2.5 billion tonnes and invest in reducing our vulnerability and
enhancing adaptation to Climate Change.

The Prime Minister inaugurated the international conference on rule of law for supporting the
2030 development agenda/sustainable development goals. The Prime Minister emphasised that
sustainable development is our priority.

Centre extended assistance to the tune of Rs. 800 crore for cleaning up the lakes in
Bengaluru.
Union Cabinet gave its approval to move official amendments in Compensatory Afforestation
Fund (CAF) Bill, 2015. Utilization of these amounts will facilitate timely execution of
appropriate measures to mitigate impact of diversion of forest land.

Environment Minister chaired fifth meeting on mitigation of air pollution in Delhi and NCR
on April 27, 2016.

Government allotted Rs. 5 crore for fighting Uttarakhand forest fires.

A web-based application – www.iwms.nic.in was launched for integrated waste management

system. The objective of the application is to enhance transparency in the working of the
Ministry and other Centre/State level regulatory bodies and also to reduce the time taken for
processing applications under the recently notified waste management regulations.

Government approved a series of measures for conservation and preservation of lakes in

Bengaluru. Corporate sector also involved in the effort to conserve and preserve the lakes in
Bengaluru.

Environment Ministry to create ‘urban forests’ in 200 cities to increase green cover. ‘Urban
Forestry Scheme’ launched in Pune, to create an ‘urban jungle’ on about 80 acres of land.

Government sanctioned Rs. 164 Crore for Rajasthan, Rs. 156 Crore for Telangana for
Compensatory Afforestation.

Asia’s first ‘Gyps Vulture Reintroduction Programme’ launched at Pinjore in Haryana.

Environment Ministry to sustain cleanliness campaign in National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries

and Zoos throughout the year to achieve total sanitation and cleanliness by 2nd October 2019.

Web portal launched for mining of sand and minor minerals. Tracking of proposals at all stages
has been entirely automated.

MoU signed between JNU and National Institute of Animal Welfare to conduct courses on
development of animal welfare sciences.

Compensatory Afforestation Fund Bill 2016 passed in Rajya Sabha on July 28, 2016. The
passing of the Bill has ended the long era of ad-hocism and will help the Centre and State
Governments to utilise these amounts in a planned manner. It will facilitate make available more
than Rs. 6,000 crores per annum to the States/UTs for conservation, protection, improvement and
expansion of forest and wildlife resources of the country.

Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP), Sikkim inscribed as India's First 'Mixed' Site on
UNESCO World Heritage List.
 Environment Minister sought a detailed report on elephant deaths, directed authorities to take
steps for conservation of elephants. Ministry initiated steps to prepare a Regional Landscape
Plan for the conservation of elephants in the East Central Elephant Landscape.

India gave a call for establishing an international clean energy data-grid.

BRICS nations joined hands to save environment. Second meeting of BRICS Environment
Ministers held in Goa on September 16-17, 2016. The areas agreed for mutual cooperation are -
abatement and control of air and water pollution, efficient management of liquid and solid
waste, climate change and conservation of biodiversity.

Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) invited comments for the proposal on
authorisation of Environmental release of Genetically Engineered Mustard on September 6,
2016.

Thirteen nations joined hands to discuss Biotechnology, Environmental Risk Assessment and
Biosafety Regulation; South Asia Biosafety Conference inaugurated at Hyderabad.

Environment Ministry announced major initiative for R&D into next generation HFC refrigerant
as alternatives to HFCs.

Environment Ministry ordered incineration of High GWP HFC-23 on October 13, 2016; India
steered the negotiations on amendment in Montreal Protocol for amendment for phase down of
HFCs at Kigali, Rwanda. Shri Anil Madhav Dave gave the go-ahead for releasing the order for
incinerating the HFC–23 by producers of HCFC–22 gas. Environment Minister emphasised
relevance of Indian lifestyle and its low carbon footprint at negotiations for phasing down of
HFCs in Kigali.

India welcomed landmark HFC agreement at Kigali on October 15, 2016. The Kigali
Agreement is a reaffirmation of the global intent to mitigate climate change and exemplifies
international co-operation in this regard. The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol is
legally binding and will come into force from January 1, 2019.

Cabinet approved ratification of Paris Agreement on September 28, 2016.

Environment Minister constituted monitoring committee to oversee outbreak of H5 avian

influenza.

Environment Ministry reviewed ambient air quality status of Delhi and directed neighbouring
states to effectively enforce ban on stubble burning on October 31, 2016.

Environment Ministry constituted four-member team for conservation and management of

Loktak Lake. The Committee visited Loktak Lake and submitted a report to the Ministry.

On November 4, 2016, Environment Ministry held a meeting with NCR states on measures to
control air pollution. Chairman, CPCB to review the progress of action taken on measures to
control pollution with the concerned State Governments/NCT of Delhi and SPCBs/PCC on a
monthly basis.Ministry to undertake such a review on a quarterly basis.

On November 30, 2016, Cabinet approved the negotiating position adopted by the Government
at the Meeting of Parties to the Montreal Protocol of the Vienna Convention for Protection of
Ozone Layer held at Kigali, Rwanda.

Paris Climate Agreement came into force on November 4, 2016. Environment Ministry
Building displayed ‘Smiley’ With Lights, with Slogan – “We Did It”.

India participated in COP-22 meeting in Marrakech, Morocco. Signing ceremony of

Framework Agreement on International Solar Alliance took place at COP-22. COP-22
concluded on November 20, 2016.
 On December 6, 2016, Environment Ministry issued the final notification on Eco-Sensitive
Zone in Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai. The Eco-Sensitive Zone has a minimum extent
of 100 metres and maximum extent of up to 4 km from the Park boundary. The objective of
notifying Eco-Sensitive Zones is to create a buffer as further protection around Protected Areas
(PAs) such as National Parks and Wildlife sanctuaries. The Notification also provides that in
areas around Housing Societies and with high human habitation, and in view of the fact that the
National Park has a large population of leopards, a high wall with fencing may be erected to
ensure that man-animal conflict is avoided. Draft notification S.O (229 (E) was published on
22.01.2016 around the Park as Eco-Sensitive Zone from ecological and environmental point of
view and for regulating development around the National Park.

Environment Minister visited forestry institutes in Dehradun, Uttarakhand and exhorted forest
officers to be sincere and committed towards the forestry sector.

India participated in the United Nations Biodiversity Conference held from December 2-17,
2016 at Cancun, Mexico placed India's country position during discussion on substantial,
financial and operational issues at Plenary and Working Groups. Indian delegation also
participated in several side meetings, organized 11 side events and participated in CEPA fair for
showcasing India's achievements and activities in different thematic and technical areas related
to biodiversity and biosafety.

EIA Notification, 2006 on integration of environmental conditions with building

permissions amended. The notification will come into effect, if States do make the required
changes in their building bye-laws. These changes have to be done in consultation with the
Environment Ministry.
 Centre announced notification of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Pet Shops) Rules,
2016. The objective of these rules is to make pet shops accountable and to prevent cruelty
inflicted on animals kept in such pet shops.

Press Information Bureau

Government of India
Ministry of Environment and Forests
22-November-2016 20:55 IST
Study on Climate Change

“The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) constituted by the

World Meteorological Organisation, in cooperation with United Nations
Environment Programme is an internationally recognised body of professional
experts having a mandate to assess research on climate change and present its
findings in the form of ''assessment reports'' every 5-7 years. The Fifth
Assessment Report (AR5) of IPCC is the latest in a series of such reports
released during the period 2013-14. AR5 consists of three Working Group
Reports and a Synthesis Report. Some salient features of AR5 are as follows:

Global temperatures have risen by about 0.8°C over the last century and sea
levels have risen by about 20 cm.

In many regions, snow and rainfall patterns have changed.

Snow, ice, permafrost and glaciers are melting at the poles and around the rest
of the world.

Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent. For example, heat waves
are lasting longer and becoming more intense.

However, IPCC Reports do not provide country-level assessment on the impact

of climate change. Such country level assessments are conducted as part of
National Communication (NATCOM) prepared by the Government of India
periodically. The 2nd National Communication to the United Nation Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was submitted by the Government
in 2012.The First Biennial Update Report (BUR) to UNFCCC was submitted by
the Government on 22 January 2016.

In addition, a scientific study to assess the impact of climate change was

undertaken and a report entitled “Climate Change and India: A 4X4 Assessment
- A Sectoral and Regional Analysis for 2030s” was published in 2010. The
study assessed impacts of climate change on four key sectors of Indian
economy, namely, agriculture, water, forests and human health in four climate
sensitive regions of India, namely, the Himalayan region, the Western Ghats,
the Coastal region and the North-Eastern Region.

The above study projects a variable rate of change in agriculture production

including losses in some crops, change in the composition of the forests and net
primary productivity. The extreme precipitation events are likely to increase in
all the regions. Water yield is projected to increase in the Himalayan Region,
whereas it is likely to be variable across other three regions. Malaria is projected
to spread to new areas and threats of its transmission are likely to increase for
longer duration.

The above studies have helped in assessing emissions of greenhouse gases and
identification of climatic impacts, risks and vulnerability of different sectors.
Further, the studies have also led to formulation of State Action Plans on
Climate Change, as well as, various policies, measures and programmes at the
national level with a view to addressing the threat of climate change.”

This information was given by Minister of State (Independent Charge) of

Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Anil Madhav Dave, in a written
reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
 Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Power
13-May-2017 20:44 IST
India Shows the Way to the World in Fight Against Climate Change

Shri Piyush Goyal Presides over the Launch of ‘UJALA – UK’ in London

Union Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal, New & Renewable Energy and
Mines, Shri Piyush Goyal presided over the launch of World’s largest efficient
lighting programme, UJALA – UK (UK Joins Affordable LEDs for All) by
Energy Efficiency Services Ltd. (EESL) in London, United Kingdom today.
Talking about the philosophy of the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra
Modi about preventing wastage of all resources especially electricity, Shri
Goyal said that, “a sustainable lifestyle is important for the future of the planet
and if the planet has to be saved for the future generations, it is I, you and we all
who have to collectively make a difference and act today itself. We are running
out of time.”

Informing the august gathering about the scale at which the EESL LED
programme is expanding, the Minister said that, “the EESL LED programme in
India has grown 140 times in less than 2 years and I don't think we will find any
parallel to that anywhere in the world. EESL would achieve the turnover target
of $1.5 million by 2019, concomitant with the Government of India’s target
under the UDAY scheme and 100% rural household electrification”. Shri Goyal
further stated that even in the Developed countries like the US and Europe, there
is a great potential for incorporating energy efficiency measures like the EESL
LED programme, especially looking at the climate change scenario in the
present context. India's share in the Global LED market has increased from a
mere 0.1% a few years back to around 16% today, it was informed.

Talking about the potential energy savings by implementing the LED

programme in India, Shri Goyal said that lighting alone consists of 15% of the
total energy needs of the population across the country, especially the lower
middle class families, which is about 180 billion units of energy. As India
moves towards becoming a 100% LED Nation, the potential savings would be
around 112 billion units, in other terms reducing carbon dioxide emissions by
nearly 79 million tonnes every year. Consequently, India’s peak load will
reduce by about 20 GW and our consumers will save around $6.5 billion worth
in electricity bills annually, the Minister added.

Describing the strategy for scaling up the LED penetration in UK, Shri Goyal
said that India was able to significantly reduce the purchase price of the LED by
increasing efficiency and not giving subsidies to the consumers. The scheme has
sustained itself on the savings achieved by increasing energy efficiency in the
whole lifecycle of the LED bulbs. “Government of India has fine tuned the
process, brought down the costs of manufacturing and sold nearly 230 million
LED bulbs whereas the private sector, in the same period, sold about 330
million LED bulbs, effectively replacing about 560 million incandescent bulbs
in the last 2 years. The consumers are the direct beneficiaries by saving on
electricity bills and reducing the carbon footprint on the environment for the
future generations, he added.

The Minister requested the Government of UK to get EESL in touch with all the
stakeholders like local distribution companies, e-commerce companies, hotels,
industry, large businesses, supermarket chains etc. and replicate India's model in
the UK so as to achieve a similar kind of scale up that the programme has
witnessed in India as a zero investment model. He stressed that a massive
deployment of this LED programme throughout the world will go a long way in
fighting climate change and make the world a better place to live in for the
future generations. The Minister urged all the dignitaries present to become
ambassadors of this Energy Efficiency programme for a better tomorrow. “I
hope that we all will come together in a mission mode to adopt Energy
Efficiency as a way of life in the future”, Shri Goyal added.

The Minister also suggested to the Government of the UK a target of replacing

at least 100 million incandescent bulbs with LEDs by March 2019 and reduce
the individual household consumption of energy by at least half. Further, it was
informed that as a beginning to UJALA-UK operations, EESL has started the
retrofitting of the facade and other lights of the High Commission of India in
UK and the India House which would lead to considerable energy savings.
EESL’s engagement with the UK will cover a broad spectrum including
marketing of the world class energy efficiency products, services, investments
and raising capital, scouting for new energy efficiency technologies and
partnering with British companies to establish presence in third world country
markets.
During the event, MoUs were signed between Indian High Commission and
EESL and between the British Electrotechnical and Allied Manufacturers
Association (BEAMA) and the Indian Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers
Association (IEEMA) to strengthen bilateral industry cooperation and
exchanges between India and the UK.

Dignitaries present during the event were Shri Y.K. Sinha, the High
Commissioner of India to the UK, Shri Dinesh Patnaik, Deputy High
Commissioner of India in UK, Pankaj Patel, President, FICCI along with other
dignitaries from Governments of India and UK, FICCI and other stakeholders
from the industry.