2024 recorded as India's warmest year since 1901: IMD
New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed on Wednesday that 2024 was the warmest year on record in India since 1901, with an annual mean temperature of 25.75°C, exceeding the long-term average (1991-2020) by 0.65°C. The previous record, set in 2016, had an anomaly of 0.54°C, making the temperature increase in 2024 significantly notable.
The last quarter of the year (October to December) also marked the warmest period ever recorded, with October 2024 standing out as the warmest individual month in 123 years.
Globally, 2024 broke records as the warmest year, surpassing the 1.5°C threshold above pre-industrial levels for the first time, as per the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). This milestone followed 2023's previous global record of a 1.45°C temperature rise.
Rainfall in January is expected to exceed normal levels across northern India and the country as a whole, potentially benefiting rabi crops if distribution remains consistent. However, parts of northwest India, the northeast, and central regions may experience normal to below-normal rainfall.
Further, IMD's outlook for January 2025 predicts "above normal" minimum temperatures across most of India, except for parts of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and eastern regions like Bihar, where temperatures are expected to remain normal to below normal. However, "above-normal cold wave days" are anticipated in western and northern parts of central India.
Regarding Prayagraj's Maha Kumbh festival (January 13-February 26), IMD Chief M Mohapatra indicated that minimum temperatures might be colder than average, though detailed forecasts will be issued closer to the event.
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Karnataka govt directs municipal corps to regulate, prohibit pigeon feeding
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government has issued directions to municipal corporations across the state to regulate and prohibit feeding pigeons in public places, citing serious public health concerns.
Deputy Secretary to Government V Lakshmikanth has written to the Urban Development Department requesting it to issue directions to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and all municipal corporations to take immediate steps to implement the measures.
In an official note dated December 16 issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department and released to the media on Wednesday, the department said uncontrolled feeding of pigeons in public places has resulted in large congregations of birds, excessive droppings and serious health concerns, particularly respiratory illnesses linked to prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings and feathers such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and other lung diseases.
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"The commissioner, the Greater Bengaluru Authority and the Commissioners and chief officers of other municipal corporations shall take necessary action to mitigate the causes of dangerous disease spread by pigeon and enforce specified guidelines in their respective jurisdiction," the note said.
According to the department, these include a prohibition on feeding pigeons or causing pigeons to be fed in areas where it may cause nuisance or pose a health hazard to the public. Pigeon feeding shall be permitted only in designated areas in a controlled manner, subject to certain conditions.
"The designated areas may be selected in consultation with stakeholders. The responsibility for upkeep of the designated areas and compliance to the directions shall be taken up by some charitable organisation or an NGO. The feeding in designated areas shall be permitted only for some limited hours in the day," it said.
The note further stated that authorised officers of local authorities shall issue on-the-spot warnings and may impose fines for violation of the order, or lodge complaints to prosecute offenders under Sections 271 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 272 (Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
It also directed local authorities to conduct public awareness campaigns, including the display of signboards, banners and digital messages, explaining the health hazards associated with pigeon droppings and feathers, the content of the regulatory directions and penalties for violations, and alternative humane methods of bird conservation that do not endanger public health.
