Kundan Pandey

New Delhi

Contributing Editor at Mongabay

Journalist l Senior Editor @MongabayIndia l @RedInk Award I @soljourno LEDE fellow I Ex @down2earthindia @TOI India

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Articles

From decay to delight as locals bring an urban waterbody back to life

3 weeks ago | shorturl.at | Kundan Pandey

Hauz-i-Shamsi, an ancient waterbody in Mehrauli in Delhi, has been revived using nature-based solutions. Urban lakes create their microclimate and can help combat the urban heat island effect if integrated into the heat action plans of cities. According to the Ministry of Jal Shakti’s First Census of Water Bodies in 2021, Delhi has 893 water bodies, of which nearly one-fourth are encroached.
Coal's inclusion in India’s draft climate finance taxonomy raises questions

4 weeks ago | india.mongabay.com | Kundan Pandey

India’s draft climate finance taxonomy includes coal under its scope, sparking criticism from climate experts. Although work on the taxonomy began in 2020, the draft, released in May 2025, only presents a basic framework without sector-specific definitions. Experts warn that the inclusion of coal and lack of harmonisation with existing sectoral and regulatory green frameworks, could deter international capital.
Shipping industry sets sail towards carbon accountability

2 months ago | india.mongabay.com | Kundan Pandey

The International Maritime Organization has approved a framework requiring ships to pay for carbon emissions, starting 2028. The framework sets emission reduction targets benchmarked against 2008 levels, with penalties up to $380 per tonne of CO₂ for high emitters. The industry is considering shifting from fossil-based marine fuels to cleaner alternatives such as green methanol and ammonia, though infrastructure and cost hurdles persist.
Safeguarding Indian cities from heat: In conversation with Sudeshna Chatterjee [Interview]

2 months ago | flipboard.com | Kundan Pandey

2 hours agoWith Trump floating possible exemptions and flexibility for some companies, Stephanie Ruhle points out this is the perfect environment for potential corruption.
Telangana green crusader Daripalli Ramaiah dies at 87 [Obituary]

2 months ago | india.mongabay.com | Kundan Pandey

Daripalli Ramaiah, known for planting trees in Telangana, passed away at 87 in Khammam; his last rites were held on Sunday. He is credited with planting over 10 million trees, promoting indigenous species and environmental awareness through grassroots efforts. Ramaiah received the Padma Shri in 2017 and was widely mourned by national leaders for his lifelong commitment to sustainability.
SEBI expands ESG focus to supply chains, brings green credits into disclosure norms

2 months ago | india.mongabay.com | Kundan Pandey

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has revised ESG disclosure norms for listed companies, redefining value chain partners that are part of the reporting. India’s ESG framework is evolving rapidly, with SEBI aligning domestic norms with global standards. The ESG-related new mandates also include green credit disclosures, which experts say is an effort to increase the visibility of the government’s Green Credit Programme.
Property tax revenue could help cities adapt to a hotter world

Mar 28, 2025 | india.mongabay.com | Kundan Pandey

As the financial year ends, several urban local bodies (ULBs) are introducing amnesty schemes to encourage property tax payments. With state governments taking over other revenue sources and GST subsuming local taxes, property tax remains a key source of municipal funding, critical for climate action at the local level. However, the collection of property tax remains low due to outdated valuation methods, incomplete registers and political challenges.
The movement that rewrote India's environmental narrative [Commentary]

Mar 21, 2025 | flipboard.com | Kundan Pandey

1 hour agoAntarctica: Penguin Poo Scares Krill Into Frantic Zigzag EscapeAntarctica - March 20, 2025 Credit: Nicole Hellessey Antarctica - Deep in the icy waters of the Southern Ocean, tiny krill are darting about in a frenzy at the mere whiff of penguin poo. Scientists have discovered that the smell of guano from these flightless birds sends Antarctic krill into a panic, swimming in fast zigzags to escape.
India’s central bank recommends pooling viable projects to attract climate finance

Mar 20, 2025 | india.mongabay.com | Kundan Pandey

The Reserve Bank of India’s Governor, Sanjay Malhotra, has proposed creating a shared pool of bankable projects to enhance investment and funding to climate-related projects. While the nascent idea has potential, concerns such as taxonomy, risk management and project viability, will need to be addressed, say experts. India needs trillions in climate finance by 2050, with a current shortfall in available funding.
Tribal entrepreneurs bring indigenous cuisine to the urban mainstream

Mar 12, 2025 | india.mongabay.com | Kundan Pandey

Entrepreneurs in Jharkhand are promoting traditional tribal foods through restaurants that blend authenticity with innovation, making indigenous cuisine more accessible and appealing. These initiatives go beyond simply serving food and also create networks with local farmers. While these efforts raise awareness about indigenous foods, experts stress the need to ensure local communities remain the primary consumers.