COVID-19: What about housing for poor?
Union government’s housing scheme tragets derailed; low-income house buyers face increasingly volatile financial markets
Don’t get dazzled by these stars
Bureau of Energy Efficiency has just updated star rating standards for refrigerators and ACs, but the Indian rating system, especially for ACs, …
Counting north India’s stubble fires: Stronger data science needed to study winter smog
Severe smog in north India is a result of an evil alignment of many factors. Whether those factors co-conspire this year, remains to be seen
COVID-19 candle plan: Delhi power demand dropped 37% in 25 min
Delhi’s power demand fell down to 1,257 MW at 9:10 pm from 2,008 MW at 8:45 pm on April 5
Murky science of comfort part 5: Here’s how being mindful is good for the environment
We cannot wish away air-conditioning in today’s world, but we can be reasonable in choosing where, when and how to resort to the energy guzzlers
Yes, Delhi Metro is more unaffordable than the New York City Subway
My own experience shows that the Delhi Metro pinches the minimum survival expense of a well-off Delhite at least twice as hard as the NYC subway …
The fault in our stars
ISEER, the new system of rating and labeling ACs that began this year, seems designed to serve industry interest rather than consumer or climate …
Will Delhi become a gas chamber again?
The national capital has been in the ‘severe’ AQI category since Diwali night
Yet again, Delhi sets new record for peak electricity demand
The city’s peak demand has been consistently higher than that of Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai combined during this time of the year
Remembering Charles Correa, one of the pioneers of sustainable architecture
Celebrated architect and urban planner Charles Correa died on June 16 in Mumbai. Down To Earth revisits nine of his architectural gems designed …
India drowns in construction, demolition debris
Waste is piling up across the country. Regulations are in place, but recycling is yet to gain momentum. Down To Earth breaks down the …
Delhi’s air quality and number games
India needs to codify methodologies for processing air quality data to reduce confusion and build confidence in air pollution control measures.
Overflowing pitcher of disquiet
It is high time to start investing and investigating ecological cost of holding the Kumbh
City trapped in a solar oven
Climate-incompatible buildings that fuel excessive use of air- conditioners not only add to the energy needs of cities but also create …
Delhi air less toxic amid COVID-19 lockdown
Average PM 2.5 level during 4 weeks of lockdown lowest on record outside monsoon since 2016
Counting north India’s stubble fires: How do NASA satellites capture them
Overall, it is safe to assume that even if satellite images do not show a fire, it does not necessarily mean that nothing is burning on the ground
Delhi pollution crisis: The figure of 4-10% for stubble fires is not wrong but irrelevant
There need to be different strategies to address long- and short-term exposure to pollution problems in Delhi. Governments are aware of it, but …
Murky science of comfort part 4: If you are poor, then simply tolerate heat
This is the expectation of the National Building Code, which defines standards for ‘comfortable’ temperatures for buildings in India
मलबे के ढेर में दबता देश-3: दोबारा इस्तेमाल से निकलेगी राह
दिल्ली सरकार ने नगर निगमों को एडवाइजरी जारी की है जिसमें उन्हें भवन निर्माण में 5 प्रतिशत पुनर्चक्रित मलबे का इस्तेमाल करने को कहा ...
मलबे के ढेर में दबता देश-2: दलदली भूमि पर किया जा रहा है डंप
देशभर में नई इमारतों के निर्माण और तोड़फोड़ से निकले मलबे का ढेर बढ़ता जा रहा है। इससे निपटने के पर्याप्त इंतजाम नहीं हैं। ...
मलबे के ढेर में दबता देश-1: कानून की नहीं है किसी को फिक्र
देशभर में नई इमारतों के निर्माण और तोड़फोड़ से निकले मलबे का ढेर बढ़ता जा रहा है। इससे निपटने के लिए नियम-कायदे भी हैं, ...
‘Sick-building syndrome’ fuelling India’s COVID-19 infections
Greed of the air-conditioning industry and architects mean that India’s new buildings don’t get adequate ventilation; now, the Centre …
Murky science of comfort part 2: Why we feel suffocated in a building even when it is pleasant outside
Humans are built to get used to local environments but unfortunately industry interests have come to define what ‘comfortable’ room …
Murky science of comfort part 1: Debunking science behind 'comfortable' temperature
What is a comfortable temperature? The question seems benign on the surface but the answer has far reaching ecological consequences
Debunking science behind 'comfortable' temperature
What is a comfortable temperature? The question seems benign at surface but the answer has far reaching ecological consequences
