June 05 is observed as world environment day across the globe.

According to United Nations Environment Programme, this year’s theme is on the illegal trade in wildlife. Read details here

On this occasion we present our stories reported on environmental issues. From the pollution in Yamuna to the shrinking Nainital lake, from hazardous mercury to Mexican ambassador’s unusual choice of vehicle, we have covered environmental issues at length. Take a look:

 

• Yamuna is the second largest tributary of the holy river Ganga and shares the same fate as her sister. Both are losing their holiness and are choked by people and politics. Both are paying a heavy price for washing the toxic sins of humanity. Why is it so difficult to clean up the Yamuna? Because it is a job distributed among a slew of government departments, agencies and ministries entrusted with different, and sometimes overlapping, aspects of the river. Read full story here
  
  

• I came up with the idea of using an auto-rickshaw because I consider it to be one of the most efficient means of transport. It is what most Indian people use for transportation, so I figured I could do it as well. I also chose it because it is one of India’s cultural icons. So far, the vehicle has resonated very well with the general public and the media. Every time we use it someone notices, and they think that it is a fun and clever way to promote Mexico.Read full interview with Mexico’s ambassador to India, Melba Pría
  
  

• One can see heavy machines dredging Bindusara river bed to widen its lumen along two kilometres that passes through Loladgaon village. Masons are seen repairing the bund. The task of rejuvenating the dead river is being undertaken by Naam Foundation founded by veteran actor Nana Patekar and popular Marathi actor Makarand Anaspure in September 2015.Read how actor Nana Patekar is restoring a parched land
  
  

• Shopkeepers, merchants and vendors keep their waste in the bins outside which are then collected by municipal vans every evening. Working full time, with the help of BMC employees, Subhash Rane ensures waste managementin the area. Rane, 64, has been working on cleanliness and upkeep of P North and parts of P South wards for four years now.Read full story here
  
  

• "We must enhance involvement of scientists from developing countries” An interview with Dr Hoesung Lee, chairman, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 
  
  

• Many of us have fond childhood memories of playing with droplets of mercury spilled out of a broken thermometer. A dark silver-coloured shiny liquid was a plaything for kids and perhaps still is, but in reality it is quite a dangerous curiosity. Unaware of the toxicity that mercury contains, many continue to mishandle mercury thermometers at homes and clinics, the consequences of which are not pleasant. Read about the slow poison