Latest news with #DepartmentofEnvironment
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Ops Hazard 2.0: Seven premises licensed to process e-waste probed for smuggling materials from overseas
KUALA LUMPUR: Seven premises licensed to process e-waste are being investigated for allegedly bringing in e-waste from overseas illegally. Department of Environment (DOE) enforcement division director Rosli Zul said that based on investigations conducted on 57 premises raided in Ops Hazard 2.0, seven of them had legitimate licenses to process e-waste. "However, we discovered that there were some e-waste materials believed to have been smuggled from overseas. "We have to investigate further. If it is true, then it is a very serious violation," he told a press conference in Bukit Aman on Thursday (June 19). He said Malaysia was one of the countries targeted by international syndicates as a destination to send illegal e-waste. "More than 600 containers have been detected in Port Klang. The items were declared as recyclable items, but it is instead e-waste. "Most of the illegal e-waste factories in the country do not use environmental control mechanisms; thus, the pollution permitted from the processing is highly dangerous," he added.
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Business Standard
a day ago
- Science
- Business Standard
Delhi to launch ₹3.21 crore artificial rain project: How it will be done
Backed by IIT-Kanpur and IMD, the ₹3.21 crore project aims to trigger artificial rain over Delhi using cloud seeding technology to reduce PM levels and build evidence for future urban use Vrinda Goel New Delhi The Delhi government is set to launch its first pilot project for artificial rain through cloud seeding, or artificial rain, to tackle the city's pollution. Cloud-seeding operations will begin as soon as favourable weather conditions, particularly the presence of moisture-laden clouds, are observed. The ₹3.21 crore initiative will be implemented in partnership with IIT-Kanpur and the Delhi government's Department of Environment. IIT-Kanpur will handle the scientific, technical, and operational aspects of the project. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also extended formal support, confirming the feasibility of the project across the NCR. It will provide critical real-time data, including cloud type, altitude, wind patterns, and dew point to assist in operational planning, reports NDTV. What is artificial rain? Artificial rain is a weather modification technique that enhances precipitation by dispersing substances like silver iodide, potassium iodide, or dry ice into clouds. These act as nuclei, encouraging moisture to condense into larger droplets, which can trigger rainfall or snowfall from clouds that may not naturally produce it. Why Delhi needs artificial rain According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board and SAFAR, concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 frequently exceed prescribed limits, pushing the Air Quality Index into the 'severe' category and posing serious public health risks. Artificial rain, created through cloud seeding, helps by washing out pollutants like PM2.5 and PM10 from the atmosphere, leading to cleaner air and better visibility. Delhi's artificial rain project: How it will be done As part of its artificial rain project, IIT-Kanpur will fly small aircraft over Delhi skies to try and make it rain. The aircraft will carry special flares that release a mixture of chemicals into the clouds, encouraging them to produce rain. The aircraft, a modified Cessna, will carry flares filled with a unique mix developed by IIT-Kanpur. This mix includes tiny particles of silver iodide (a compound that helps form ice), powdered rock salt, iodised salt, and a chemical to keep the mix free-flowing. This blend works in two ways: it helps water droplets form more easily and also triggers the formation of ice crystals, both of which increase the chances of rain. The trial will include up to five flights, each lasting at least 90 minutes and covering around 100 square kilometres. These flights will avoid sensitive or restricted airspace and will only take place after getting final clearances. They will focus on areas in northwest and outer Delhi. The flights will target nimbostratus clouds—thick, grey clouds found between 500 and 6,000 metres above ground level and with a moisture level of over 50 per cent, which makes them suitable for seeding. The exact amount and type of the seeding mix used will depend on the weather and how much moisture is present in the clouds. To track the effect of the artificial rain on pollution, IIT-Kanpur will monitor air quality in real time using Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) in and around the area. These stations measure PM2.5 and PM10—tiny harmful particles in the air that affect health. IIT-Kanpur had earlier run seven successful cloud seeding trials between April and July in drought-hit regions, using the same type of aircraft and flare-based systems. The Delhi project builds on those efforts, with a new focus on fighting air pollution. It is expected to provide data that may help use this method in other polluted urban areas in future. A step towards Delhi's 'right to clean air' Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa called the pilot project a national-first, rooted in science and executed with precision. 'This is not just a fight against pollution, it's a blueprint for the future. The experiment is being carried out with military-grade accuracy and real-time evaluation,' he said.
The Sun
3 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Pesticide Container Recycling Programme launched at oil palm plantations in Lahad Datu
LAHAD DATU: The Pesticide Container Recycling Programme introduced at oil palm plantations here is aimed at ensuring the systematic and safe disposal of used pesticide containers. Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal said the initiative, which involves the construction of dedicated recycling cages, is being implemented at seven plantation sites here. He said Sabah is among the states with the highest usage of pesticides in the country, making it crucial to adopt disposal methods that comply with established environmental guidelines. 'The installation of these recycling cages at strategic locations will make it easier for smallholders to dispose of containers safely,' he said when launching the programme at Rimmer Estate here today. Mohammad Yusof said that used pesticide containers are classified as Scheduled Waste under code SW409 and must be disposed of at licensed facilities under the Department of Environment. He also noted that seven plantation companies have contributed RM3,000 each for the construction of the recycling cages at the identified sites. Meanwhile, KL-Kepong (Sabah) Sdn Bhd Lahad Datu Division general manager Saparuddin Rabayani said the estate was chosen to host the programme in recognition of the company's strong track record in implementing recycling practices. 'KL-Kepong has effectively embraced recycling initiatives on a significant scale, making this estate a leading example for other plantation companies,' he said.
The Sun
3 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Pesticide Container Recycling Programme launched at oil palm plantations
LAHAD DATU: The Pesticide Container Recycling Programme introduced at oil palm plantations here is aimed at ensuring the systematic and safe disposal of used pesticide containers. Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal said the initiative, which involves the construction of dedicated recycling cages, is being implemented at seven plantation sites here. He said Sabah is among the states with the highest usage of pesticides in the country, making it crucial to adopt disposal methods that comply with established environmental guidelines. 'The installation of these recycling cages at strategic locations will make it easier for smallholders to dispose of containers safely,' he said when launching the programme at Rimmer Estate here today. Mohammad Yusof said that used pesticide containers are classified as Scheduled Waste under code SW409 and must be disposed of at licensed facilities under the Department of Environment. He also noted that seven plantation companies have contributed RM3,000 each for the construction of the recycling cages at the identified sites. Meanwhile, KL-Kepong (Sabah) Sdn Bhd Lahad Datu Division general manager Saparuddin Rabayani said the estate was chosen to host the programme in recognition of the company's strong track record in implementing recycling practices. 'KL-Kepong has effectively embraced recycling initiatives on a significant scale, making this estate a leading example for other plantation companies,' he said.
The Star
6 days ago
- General
- The Star
Brunei marks World Environment Day with tree planting
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Brunei marked World Environment Day 2025 with tree planting and walkathon activities at a riverfront facing the iconic water village in the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. The Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRe) at the Ministry of Development planted nearly 30 Ashoka trees with vibrant flowers to beautify the landscape and the event ended with a walkathon along the riverfront. Muhammad Juanda Rashid, the Minister of Development, led the tree planting activity. In conjunction with this year's World Environment Day, JASTRe has organised a number of initiatives, including the Nationwide Recycling Day on June 22, 2025. - Xinhua
