On September 4-7, various union government departments and agencies published several news releases linked to the environment, climate change, public health, and related social sectors that are important for the country’s present and future. The Plurals has collated the key information for you.
Union environment minister urges public participation to combat air pollution
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, today called for strong grassroot-level public participation to tackle air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR), while urging Mayors and representatives of urban local bodies to take the lead in driving the clean air mission. The dialogue, involving Mayors and Local representatives from 63 NCR cities, marks the first instance of such a large-scale engagement organised by the Ministry with elected representatives of local bodies on the issue of air pollution.
Shri Yadav emphasised that a scientific and data-based approach to air pollution control must reach the grassroots, with public representatives playing a central role in translating action plans into effective implementation on the ground. He encouraged Mayors and local representatives to lead by example and mobilise citizens to prevent avoidable pollution and ensure cleaner, healthier urban environments. He added that Urban Local Bodies are the first responders and can bring phenomenal change with guided actions, hence have a very important part to play in this issue
Detailed report link:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2307609®=48&lang=1
PIB report lists steps taken to ensure clean air
Clean air is fundamental to human health, environmental sustainability and economic well-being. As urbanisation and economic activity expand, addressing air pollution has become an important global priority. Recognising this need, the global community has placed clean air at the centre of environmental action
The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies is observed globally on 7 September. The United Nations General Assembly designated the day in 2019 to strengthen global action against air pollution. It stressed the importance of raising public awareness at all levels and promoting and facilitating actions to improve air quality. India observes this occasion as Swachh Vayu Diwas, linking the global campaign with national priorities.
The Government of India is addressing this complex challenge through a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach. This approach combines air-quality monitoring, emission control and city-specific action plans. The Central Government is supporting States and cities through targeted programmes and policy interventions. State Governments and district administrations play a critical role in implementing these measures on the ground. These combined efforts address pollution sources while strengthening institutional capacity for sustained air-quality management.
Detailed report link:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2307658®=48&lang=1
Coal production and supply to the power sector gains momentum as rainfall subsides
Coal India Limited (CIL) has witnessed a sharp improvement in coal production and supplies to the power sector with rainfall receding across its mining regions.
CIL’s average daily coal production, rose by 35%, which was around 1.36 Million Tonne (MT) during the first three rain-affected days of September, to approximately 1.83 MT on 6th September 2026. The improvement comes as mining conditions steadily recover and affected transportation routes and working areas are restored. The rise in production was led by CIL’s subsidiaries. During the same period, average daily production increased around 61% from 0.18 MT to 0.29 MT at NCL, up by 33% from 0.15 MT to 0.20 MT at SECL.
Detailed report link:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2307504®=48&lang=1
NITI Aayog’s initiative to support zero-emission freight transport systems in India
New platform will aggregate freight demand across India by continuous engagement with ecosystem stakeholders to facilitate scaled deployment and strengthen the commercial case for zero-emission trucks. The 5th e-FAST India Summit also introduced the ZET Marketplace to unlock business, financing and charging partnerships.
A flagship initiative under the e-FAST India platform, PACT is designed to aggregate freight demand from shippers, Logistics Service Providers (LSPs) and other ecosystem stakeholders and translate it into deployment opportunities across identified freight corridors. By bringing together shippers, LSPs, vehicle manufacturers, financiers, charge point operators (CPOs) and other ecosystem partners, the platform aims to improve demand visibility, support charging infrastructure planning and strengthen the commercial case for electric medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (e-MHDVs).
Detailed report link:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2307592®=48&lang=1
Over 3,800 children rescued from child labour in a special drive by NCPCR.
National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), a statutory body under Ministry of Women and Child Development launched a special “Pan-India Rescue and Rehabilitation” Campaign on 12 June 2026, which continued up to 31 August 2026. NCPCR undertook coordinated measures with the concerned State Governments/UT Administrations, District Magistrates, Labour Departments, Police authorities and other stakeholders to intensify the identification, rescue and rehabilitation of children engaged in child labour and those vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation.
The NCPCR issued communications to the concerned authorities requesting intensified and targeted rescue operations at child labour and trafficking hotspots. States/UTs were also requested to furnish regular data on rescue operations, children rescued, FIRs registered, rehabilitation, restoration, educational mainstreaming, compensation and other follow-up measures etc.
To monitor implementation and address field level issues, the NCPCR conducted meetings with the District Administrations. The meetings focused on reviewing rescue operations, addressing operational bottlenecks, ensuring timely submission of ATRs and strengthening coordination among the concerned Departments and agencies.
Detailed report link:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2306641®=48&lang=1
Union minister flags of ‘Namaste’ card for waste pickers
Shri Ramdas Athawale, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, inaugurated the issuance of NAMASTE Cards to waste pickers of the MCD Najafgarh Zone at a programme held at the MCD Community Hall, Matiala, in the National Capital.
The event marked a significant step in the formal recognition and empowerment of waste pickers under the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme, aimed at improving the safety, dignity, and socio-economic status of sanitation workers across the country.
Alongside the NAMASTE Cards, the Minister also distributed Ayushman Cards among the waste pickers present, extending healthcare coverage benefits to this vital workforce.
In his address, Shri Athawale lauded the tireless contribution of waste pickers in keeping Indian cities clean, describing their work as essential to the nation’s sanitation and public health efforts. He assured the workers of the Government’s full cooperation and continued support in improving their working conditions and access to welfare schemes.
Detailed report link:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2306622®=48&lang=1
Focus on effective implementation of biodiversity management frameworks at state and local levels
The 16th National Meet of the State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) and Union Territory Biodiversity Councils (UTBCs) was inaugurated today at Chandigarh. Organised by the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), the two-day National Meet, being held from 6–7 September 2026, brings together Chairpersons and Member Secretaries of SBBs and UTBCs from across the country, along with senior officials, experts and scientists.
Detailed report link:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2307120®=48&lang=1