CRUX-Geography Environment & Disaster MGMT
CRUX-Geography Environment & Disaster MGMT
CRUX-Geography Environment & Disaster MGMT
Forest Resources:
• Introduction:
• Forests in India cover about 24.62% of the country's land area ( including tree cover) and are
some of the most biodiverse forests in the world.
• State:
• As per the India State of Forest Report-2021, forest and tree cover in the country increased by
2,261 square kilometres since the last assessment in 2019.
• India’s total forest and tree cover was 80.9 million hectares, which accounted for 24.62% of
the geographical area of the country.
• The report said 17 States and Union Territories had more than 33% of their area under
forest cover.
• Madhya Pradesh had the largest forest cover, followed by Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh,
Odisha and Maharashtra.
• Very Dense Forest - 3.04%, Moderately Dense Forest-9.33%, Open Forest-9.34%, Tree
Cover - 2.91%
• Way forward:
• Strengthening Forest Governance:
• Promotion of Agroforestry and Plantations: Encouraging agroforestry practices
• Ex: Rajasthan — familial forestry, Nature Pledge
• Community Participation and Empowerment: Implementing community-based conservation
models, such as Joint Forest Management (JFM) and Community Forest Resource rights, can
empower communities to protect and manage forests sustainably.
• Embracing technological advancements, such as remote sensing, GIS (Geographic Information
System), and data analytics
• Dedicated Forest Corridors: For safe intrastate and interstate passage of wild animals and
protecting their habitat from any external in uence.
● Urban Forestry:
Urban forestry is the art and science of managing trees and forest resources in and
around urban community ecosystems for availing physiological, sociological, economic
and aesthetic benefits trees provide for society.
● Needs/Benefits of Urban forestry:
The urban population growth of 32% btw 2001-11 is more than the national
population growth of 17.6 % and by 2030, 40% population will be residing in urban
areas which will further aggravate urban problems.
● Benefits:
Ecological Benefits:
● Microclimate and Urban Heat Island effect: help in mitigating the heat island
effect by giving green lungs to cities by improving air quality reducing GHG effect.
● Carbon Sequestration: sequester huge amounts of carbon by capturing carbon
dioxide from atmosphere.
● Biodiversity: provide shelter and habitat to many important plants and animals
especially avifauna.
● Management of Urban Hydrological Cycle: urban forests play key roles in
supporting water management in and around urban settlements.
● Ecosystem services: Discussed in 1st part of forest resources.
Social Benefits:
● Checks Haphazard Urbanisation: Urban forests can check rapid and unplanned
urbanisation.
● Aesthetic Benefits: Increases beauty and environmental quotient of city.
● Improves Mental Alertness And Reduce Stress: Green areas reduce stress and
improve physical health for urban residents
● Education: parks, botanical gardens, zoological gardens, avenue trees and other
urban green spaces are centres of education on flora and fauna.
● Cultural Regeneration: providing venues for local festivals, civic celebrations,
political gatherings and theatrical performances.
Economic Benefits:
● Real estate prices: can increase property values and commercial benefits
● Employment: work opportunities for Tree planting and maintenance.
● Reduced energy consumption: reducing building air-conditioning demand and
reducing energy consumption
● Steps to promote urban forestry in India:
● AMRUT Mission: 1864 No. of parks over 3794 acres of land have been
developed in the Mission.
● Smart Cities Mission.
● Swachh Bharat Mission: The Swachh Bharat Mission includes a component for
urban forestry, which aims to plant trees along roads and in public spaces to
improve the cleanliness and sanitation of these areas.
● Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority
(CAMPA): The CAMPA can also be used to fund urban forestry projects.
● Nagar Van Scheme: The Nagar Van Scheme is a government scheme that was
launched in 2020 to develop 200 urban forests across India.
● The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has issued guidelines to encourage
and support urban local bodies in developing and maintaining green spaces in
cities
● Case Studies:
● Warje Urban Forestry is the first ever urban forestry project in Maharashtra.
Before developing it into forestry, it was around 16 hectares of barren land hill.In
collaborations with TATA Motors and Persistent Foundations as CSR Partners,
TERRE has planted around 9500 plants.
● China’s State Forestry Administration officially launched the “National Forest
City” programme in 2004 in which the theme is “bringing forests into cities and
letting cities embrace forests” .By 2015, more than 170 cities and 12 provinces
were actively involved. Tree cover in these urban communities had increased to
40 percent from 10 percent in 1981.
● Forest Fires:
Forest fire is the uncontrolled fire that destroys large parts of the forest. They are a
threat to the fauna and flora and destroy the biodiversity and the ecology of a region.
● National Master Plan for Forest Fire Control. Under this, the government
aims to introduce a coordinated and integrated fire-management programme.
The other provisions of the plan include-
Fast-tracking the initial response.
Introduction of forest fuel modification system
Prevention of human-caused fires through education and environmental
modification
Developing a National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) and Fire
Forecasting System for faster detection and control of fire.
● The FPM (Forest Fire Prevention and management) Scheme replaced the
(IFMS) in 2017. By revamping the IFMS, the FPM has increased the amount
dedicated for forest fire work.
● Suggestions:
● Fire could be prevented in the summer through the removal of forest litter all
along the forest boundary.
● Need to adopt safe practices in areas near forests viz. factories, coalmines, oil
stores, chemical plants and even in household kitchens.
● Empower communities and local authorities and integrate indigenous,
traditional, and contemporary fire management practices into policy.
● Also, to incorporate fire reducing and fire fighting techniques and equipment.
● Stop forest fire from spreading by:
● Cool Season Burn: - burn or collect dead leaves from forest before hot
seasons.
● Establish burn lines: - trenches/areas where forest is cleared to stop
spreading.
● Make water bodies or lakes within the forest to help in extinguishing fire.
● Adopt UNEP’s Fire Ready Formula to fund wildfire management.
• Features:
• Aim of the amendment is to build forest carbon stock by raising plantations. The Bill also seeks
to make land available for compensatory afforestation.
• Proposes to insert a preamble — preserving forests, their bio-diversity and tackling climate
change challenges within its ambit.
• Puts some restrictions on Activities in Forest:
• Ex: de-reservation of forest or use of forest land for non-forest purposes.
• Act adds more activities to this Non-forest purposes list.
• Ex: zoos and safaris under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 owned by the government or
any authority, in forest areas other than protected areas
• Bill adds that the central government may issue directions for the implementation of the Act
to any other authority/ organisation under or recognised by the centre, state, or union territory.
• Adds some exemptions.
• Ex: exempt all strategic linear projects of "national importance and concerning national
security" within 100 km of international borders, the LoC and LAC.
• Makes a way to insert the 1996 ruling within the ambit of the original act.
• Signi cance:
• Will help in creating forest-based carbon sinks for mitigating climate change and creating land
for compensatory afforestation to accommodate the diversion of forests for industrial and
infrastructure projects.
• Act, 1980 was insuf cient for these ends (pt1+3), as it did not incentivise private agro-forestry
and tree plantation activities.
• Clearly de nes the limits of the 1996 judgement — Only land recorded as ‘forest’ in any
government record on or after 1980 would invoke provisions of the Act. Forest land authorised
by States for non-forestry uses between 1980-1996 would not invoke provisions of the Act.
• Effectively mean States can no longer classify unclassi ed forest land, or patches of trees
with forest-like characteristics as ‘forest land’.
• Increased participation of private sector — grooming private forests — permanent carbon stock
market incentives exist to use them as ‘carbon credits’.
• Conclusion:
• Forest Governance
• Features:
• Rules provides for constitution of advisory committee and Regional Empowered Committee by
central government and Project Screening Committee by State Government and Union territory
Administration — advise union and state governments/UT administration in matters involving
use of forest land for non-forest purposes.
• Compensatory Afforestation (CA): diverting forest land in a hilly or mountainous state with
green cover covering more than two-thirds of its geographical area, or in a state/UT with forest
cover covering more than one-third of its geographical area, will be able to take up
compensatory afforestation in other states/UTs where the cover is less than 20%.
• Accredited compensatory afforestation: The purpose is to encourage people to raise vegetation
on its land and sell it to persons who need to meet compensatory afforestation targets under the
Act.
• Creation of Land Bank: State/UT, may for purpose of Compensatory Afforestation create a
Land bank under the administrative control of the Department of Forest.
• No consent of Gram Sabha needed — once approved by the FAC, will then be passed on to the
State authorities who will collect the compensatory fund and land, and process it for nal
approval.
• Previously consent of gram sabha, or the governing body in villages in the area, was required
to give written consent to the diversion of the forest.
• Allows building in Forests — Right to construct structures for bona de purposes including
forest protection measures and residential units (up to an area of 250 sq meters as one-time
relaxation).
• Conclusion:
• Forest Governance
ESZs: Relevance:GS1/3
● Intro:
Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ) are ecologically
important and fragile areas around protected areas
designated under Environment protection act, 1986
(EPA).
Size- As per National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-
2016), land within 10 km of the boundaries of
national parks and wildlife sanctuaries is to be
notified as ESZ. However, its size can vary
depending on the location and specific needs of the
protected area.
● Benefits of ESZ:
● Reduce Human-Animal Conflict and Forest
Depletion: ESZs help in reducing human-
animal conflict by creating buffer zones.
● Reduce Externalities of Development
Activities: Protection of areas adjacent to the
protected areas.
● Minimise Damage to Ecosystems: Serves the
purpose of developing a ‘Shock Absorber’ for
the protected area. They also serve the function
of a transition zone.
● Conservation: ESZs are also helpful in
conservation of endangered species.
● The One-horned Rhino of Kaziranga
National Park, Assam.
● Issues related to creation of ESZs
● Opposition from States due to their impact on
developmental activities and state revenue.
● Lack of participatory planning exercises while
implementing the ESZ.
● Enforcing a one-size-fits-all ‘1 km’ buffer zone in all protected areas.
● Lack of ground investigation for proposals with areas being randomly marked on
topographic sheets Ex- In case of ESA mapping in maharashtra.
● ESZs restricts land-use change and affects livelihood prospects of people.
● Practical difficulties in ESZ implementation due to high density of human
population around the forest lands.
● SC Order:
● The Supreme Court of India has modified its earlier judgement of 2022 that
mandated a minimum one-kilometre eco-sensitive zone around protected forests,
national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries across the country.
Aspect Previous 2022 Changed Order
Order
Minimum 1 km ESZ cannot be uniform across the country and has
ESZ to be “protected area-specific”.
distance
Applicabili Applied Not applicable to ESZs for which draft and final
ty of order universally to all notifications have been issued by MoEF&CC and
protected areas in respect of proposals.
Mining Not specified, but No mining is allowed, either within national parks
allowed implied to be and sanctuaries or in a 1 km radius.
allowed within
ESZ
Developm Not specified, but Any developmental activities undertaken within
ent subject to ESZs should follow the MoEF&CC 2011
activities restrictions guidelines and provisions of the 2022 Office
Memorandum by MoEF&CC
Exception Not specified Where national parks and sanctuaries are located
on inter-state borders or share common boundaries.
● Way Forward
● Community Engagement: This can be done through the formation of community-
based organisations, such as user groups or conservation committees.
● Conducting on-ground investigations to verify environmentally fragile zones
identified by satellite images.
● Building capacity among locals for eco-friendly livelihood practices such as natural
farming, agroforestry etc. in areas lying in notified ESZs.
● Building consensus among States though negotiations.
● Extensively studying the impact of infrastructural projects on the forest and
wildlife before giving permission.
● Conclusion:
Environment is a sensitive area, normal disturbance cause large scale destruction so
emphasis should be on sustainable devp with human growth.
● Intro:
It was named after Japanese botanist Akira
Miyawaki, this method involves planting two to
four different types of indigenous trees within
every square metre with the basic objective to
densify green cover within a small parcel of land.
Ex- 64 Miyawaki forests have been planted in
Mumbai so far by BMC.
● Process:
● Initially, native trees of the region are
identified and divided into four layers —
shrub, sub-tree, tree, and canopy.
● After that, the quality of soil is analysed and biomass is mixed with it.
● Biomass to enhance the perforation capacity, water retention capacity, and
nutrients.
● A mound is built with the soil and the seeds are planted at a very high density.
Furthermore, the ground is covered with a thick layer of mulch.
● Multi-layered saplings are planted close to each other.
● This blocks sunlight from reaching the ground and prevents weeds from growing.
It also keeps the soil moist.
● The close cropping also ensures that the plants receive sunlight only from the top.
It enables them to grow upwards rather than sideways.
● Significance:
● Faster Process and Dense Forest: This method creates mini forests. They grow
10 times faster and become 30 times denser and 100 times more bio diverse than
those planted through conventional methods.
● Faster Regeneration of Land: Miyawaki forests are designed to regenerate land
in far less time. It takes over 70 years for a forest to recover on its own.
● Self-Sustainable: The saplings become self-sustainable after the first three years.
● Environmental Benefits: These mini forests help lower temperatures in concrete
heat islands, reduce air and noise pollution, attract local birds and insects, and
create carbon sinks.
Recently PM Modi talked about Miyawaki method in his mann ki baat and urged
nation to employ miyawaki to increase green cover in country.
Sources:
1. https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/explained-the-great-barrier-
reefs-recovery-and-vulnerability-to-climate-threats/article65741674.ece
2. https://www.wti.org.in/projects/mithapur-coral-reef-recovery-project/
3. https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/coral-reefs-8474109/
C-23-HO-31
Kelp Forest:
Intro:
Kelp forests are large brown algae seaweeds. They grow in “underwater forests” in shallow
oceans and nutrient-rich waters.
Geographic Spread:
• These forests are found along the rocky shores of South America, South Africa, southern
Australia, and the western coast of North America.
• In Hudson Bay and eastern Canada, kelp forests have been scientifically documented between
Ellesmere Island and Labrador, and along coasts in Lancaster Sound, Ungava Bay, Hudson Bay,
Baffin Bay and Resolute Bay.
• The Canadian Arctic alone represents 10 per cent of the world’s coastlines.
• Kelp forests are usually found in arctic and temperate waters across the world.
Significance in Climate Mitigation:
• Kelp forests helps in Carbon Sequestration —by acting as “blue carbon” ecosystem.
IAS Exam Congress
Mains-2023
• Kelps provide critical habitats and nurseries for numerous marine species, including fish,
invertebrates, and marine mammals> maintain the balance of marine ecosystems,
enhances their resilience, and supports overall ocean health.
• Buffering Ocean Acidification>through their photosynthetic activity>remove CO2 >
reducing its acidity>more favorable environment for calcifying organisms such as corals
and shellfish
• Coastal Protection and Climate Adaptation>Their extensive root-like structures, known as
holdfasts>effectively reducing wave energy and protecting vulnerable coastlines.
• Seaweeds could play an essential role in the blue economy.
• Source of potash and iodine. Many kelp produce align, a complex carbohydrate useful in
industries such as tire manufacturing, and the ice cream industry.
Why are they Threatened:
• Climate Change>Rising See Surface Temperature>Marine Heatwave.
• Thawing permafrost and crumbling Arctic coasts are dumping sediments into coastal waters at
alarming rates, which blocks light and could limit plant growth.
• The run-off from melting glaciers will also lowers salinity and increase turbidity, which impacts
young kelp.
• Destructive fishing practices, coastal pollution, and accidental damage caused by boat
entanglement.
• Coastal Development and Habitat Destruction,Sedimentation >marinas, ports, and aquaculture
facilities, can cause physical damage to kelp beds through anchoring, dredging, and pollution.
• Invasive Species>>can out compete native kelp species, leading to declines in kelp abundance
and diversity.
• Pollution>>Eutrophication>• Nutrient enrichment from excessive fertilizers promotes the
growth of harmful algae, which can out compete kelp for space and light, hampering their growth
and productivity
Steps that needs to be taken:
• Establishing Marine Protected Areas specifically for Kelp Conservation to reduce
anthropocentric threats
• Sustainable Fishing Practices with engagement of Local Fishing communities.
• Legal protection>enact comprehensive legislation to safeguard kelp forests from destructive
activities such as bottom trawling, dredging, and excessive harvesting.
• Mitigating Climate Change Impacts>adaptation strategies such as restoring degraded kelp
forests, promoting the planting of kelp and seagrass beds, and exploring the potential of
assisted migration.
• Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement>The Kelp Forest Challenge is calling upon
society to restore 1 Million and protect 3 Million hectares of kelp forest by the year 2040.
Conclusion:
Conservation of kelp forests necessitates a multi-faceted approach that integrates legal
protection,
scientific research, sustainable fishing practices stakeholder engagement. By implementing
these IAS Exam Congress
Mains-2023
steps, we can strive to ensure the long-term viability and ecological integrity of these crucial marine
ecosystems. Safeguarding kelp forests not only protects biodiversity but also contributes to
the
overall health and sustainability of our coastal
environments
Sources:
1. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/climate-change/kelp-forests-losing-unique-
traits-due-to-climate-change-says-study-87331
2. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/07/scientists-restore-worlds-kelp-forests/
3. .https://kelpforestalliance.com/kelp-forest-challenge
• Distribution of Mangroves:
• As per Mangrove Alliance Report — mangrove
cover ~ 0.15% of the country’s total.
• IFSR report — increasing mangrove cover
trends
• Signi cance:
• First line of defence against natural disasters
• Act as a buffer zone and arrest winds,
slowing them down and hence minimising
impact on land.
• Roots of mangrove trees capture sediments,
resulting in the formation of new, fertile lands
• Ensures that offshore water is clearer,
allowing marine life to thrive.
• Promotes Edge Effect — large species diversity
in comparison to marine or terrestrial ecosystem.
• Productivity increases
• Ecosystem services
• Provides resources — timber and fuelwood, when collected sustainably.
• Medicinal Benefits — coastal communities collect medicinal plants from mangroves and use
mangrove leaves as animal fodder.
• Defence against climate change
• Steps taken:
• MISHTI — announced in Budget 2023-24 — Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats &
Tangible Incomes (MISHTI) will be taken up for mangrove plantation along the coastline and
on salt pan lands
• MISHTI will be implemented through convergence between the MGNREGS (Mahatma
Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme), CAMPA (Compensatory
Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority) Fund and other sources.
• Organisations that have been involved in mangrove plantation say that the initiative requires
extensive work with local communities.
• The survival rate of mangrove seed plantation is 50% and of saplings is about 60% and it
takes three years for a new plant to stabilise.
• A contract-based one-time plantation under MGNREGS and CAMPA may not work unless
the local communities take ownership of the forests.
• Discharge of untreated domestic and industrial ef uents into the rivers impede the natural
inter-tidal ow along the coast and the mixing of freshwater and saline water which help in
gradual formation of the mangrove forest.
• What more:
• Mangroves Nursery Banks
• Integration of mangroves into the national programmes for reducing emissions
• Incentives for sustainable management of mangroves on private and village community land.
• Ex: Maharashtra Case Study — in 2016, the government declared 15000 hct of the
mangroves as reserve forest ==> ISFR 2019 showed that the overall increase in the
mangrove forest cover.
• Use of technology + nature based solutions
• Ex: ‘Connected Mangroves’ approach used in Malaysia
• Conclusion:
• The integration of mangroves into the national programmes for reducing emissions from
deforestation and forest degradation is the need of the hour.
• India can contribute to the global knowledge base due to its extensive experience in mangrove
restoration, studies on ecosystem valuation and carbon sequestration.
References:
1. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/sustainable-shrimp-cultivation-provides-hope-for-
mangrove-restoration-in-sundarbans/article66324538.ece
2. https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/explained-why-have-mangroves-got-a-budget-push/
article66472109.ece
3. https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/explained-how-mangroves-help-in-averting-climate-
change-risks/article66127778.ece
4. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/10/cop27-technology-mangrove-reforestation-mitigate-climate-change/
Relevance: GS 1/3/4
Intro :
India-led global mass movement that will nudge individual and collective action to protect
and preserve the environment.
Data:
As per UNEP,if 1 out of 8 billion people worldwide adopt environment friendly
behaviour global carbon emission could drop to 20%.
Case Studies:
Denmark: Denmark promotes the use of bicycles by limiting parking within the city
Centre and providing exclusive bike lanes.
Japan: Japan has its unique “walk-to-school” mandate, which has been in practice
since the early 1950s.
Way forward:
Emboldening the spirit of the P3 model, i.e. Pro Planet People.
Governments and multilateral institutions have to ensure that regulations, laws
mandates pro-planet business practices and citizen behaviours.
Making planet orientation personal value can instantly drive seemingly small but
highly impactful behaviour changes.
Overconsumption needs to be controlled --cause of the triple world emergency of
pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change.
The triple bottom line strategy to be adopted to achieve environmental governance.
Conclusion: Through mission LiFE India is trying to portray climate crisis from
individual perspective. Mission LiFE has a potential to transform climate change
movement into the mass movement.
• Need:
• India’s commitment to global climate conventions.
• IPCC report — global cumulative emissions of carbon dioxide to be capped at the global
carbon budget
• Constitutional resolve
• Sustainable development
• Increasing trend of ESG and green nances — mobilisation of resources
• GDP Growth — by achieving net zero by 2050 — additional ~ 8% GDP growth and create
nearly 20 million additional jobs by 2032
• Steps taken:
• Solar Mission-solar parks and grid-connected solar rooftops.
• National Hydrogen Mission launched in 2021- aims to make India a green hydrogen hub.
• If India shifted to a predominantly renewable (and hydrogen)-based energy and materials
system, it could save as much as $3 trillion in foreign exchange by 2070 (largely crude oil and
coking coal).
• Leapfrogging Bharat Stage V emissions to directly reach Bharat Stage VI emissions.
• Ethanol blending — 20 per cent by 2025
• The National Electricity Mobility Mission Plan - FAME India scheme NITI Aayog.
• Way Ahead:
• Focus on orderly and planned decarbonisation.
• Set out ve-year, 10-year, and 25-year national decarbonisation plans — focus on the High-
emission industrial assets (like steel, iron, cement etc.)
• De ne a national land use plan. India risks being land-short for its dual goals of growth and
decarbonisation.
• Ex: McKinsey estimates that renewable power and forest carbon sinks need 18 million
additional hectares of land.
• Create an ecosystem of carbon pricing and carbon capping — abolish climate damaging
subsidies.
• International cooperation with like minded countries to further CBDR, Carbon budget planning
and fund—tech transfer.
Source:
1. https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/going-green-the-hindu-editorial-on-budget-2023s-and-indias-net-
zero-commitment/article66467990.ece
2. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/net-zero-emissions-by-2050-can-boost-indias-gdp-by-73-by-2032-
report/article65813413.ece
3. https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-transition-to-net-zero-8364223/
4. https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/why-india-shouldnt-sign-on-to-net-zero/article37180448.ece
5. h t t p s : / / b l o g s . a d b . o r g / b l o g / g l o b a l - w a r n i n g - a s i a - c r i t i c a l - a d d r e s s i n g - c l i m a t e - c h a n g e ?
gclid=EAIaIQobChMInu2tqfff_wIVTpJmAh0ylgxrEAMYASAAEgJ4bvD_BwE
6. https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/explained-what-is-indias-future-strategy-on-
emissions/article66158502.ece
-updated on 26th June
● Intro:
Plastic waste, or plastic pollution, is the accumulation of plastic objects (e.g:plastic
bottles and much more) in the Earth’s environment that adversely affects wildlife,
wildlife habitat, and humans.
● Facts: (CPCB Data)
● Size of plastic industry: Rs. 110,000crore.
● Plastic Consumption: 13 million tonnes/
year.
● Per Capita Consumption: 15kg (global
avg-28kg) US-139Kg/annum.
● Waste generated: 34.7 lakh tonnes/ year
● Amount of plastic waste recycled: 50%
● Types of Plastic Waste:
● Micro plastics: Plastics which are less than
five mm in diameter in size.
● Sources: cosmetics, clothing and
industrial processes.
● Impact: Ingestion is very dangerous
for humans as these contain toxic
material(polychlorinated biphenyl)
● Acc to IUCN micro plastic constitute
up to 30% of marine litter.
● Single-use plastic: Material that can be
used only once before it is either thrown away or recycled, like plastic bags,
water bottles.
● India SUP production in 8 million tonnes/year.
● Consume a huge amount of energy, water, and natural resources for single
use.
● Impact of plastic pollution:
● Economic Losses: Plastic waste along shoreline has a negative impact on
tourism revenue (creates an aesthetic issue).
● Ex- A&N Islands are facing plastic threat because of international dumping
of waste.
● Plastic wastes impacts animals in aquatic, marine, and terrestrial ecosystems.
● Plastic is main cause of coral reef pollution.
● WHO- Presence of plastic in 90% bottled water.
● Ingestion cause death due to intestinal blockage also acts as endocrine
disruptor.
● Land: hazardous chemicals in plastic degrade land and makes soil infertile.
● Air: Burning of plastics
generates toxic emissions such
as Carbon Monoxide, Chlorine,
and Nitrides etc.
● Groundwater: When plastics are
dumped in landfills, the
hazardous chemicals present in
them seep underground when it
rains-> pollute groundwater.
● Drainage: Plastic bags choke
storm water drains and
underground drainage and can
lead to flooding during heavy
rains.
• Status:
• India’s hydrogen consumption was around 7 Mt in 2020 and according to TERI, it is expected to
leapfrog to about 28 Mt in 2050.
• Assuming 25% export capacity, we can expect a requirement of 35 Mt by 2050.
• India’s current output of the fuel is very low and comes from a handful of pilot projects.
• Indian Railways have announced the country’s rst experiment of a hydrogen-fuel cell
technology-based train by retro tting an existing diesel engine
• Steps taken?
• Launched National Green Hydrogen mission that aims to make India a ‘global hub’ for using,
producing and exporting green hydrogen. (~20000 crore)
• Challenges:
• Majority of hydrogen produced is Grey or Black.
• Green hydrogen currently accounts for less than 1% of global hydrogen production due to it
being expensive to produce.
• India lacks necessary infrastructure yet to execute all these intermediary steps.
• Upward and downward linkages are missing
• A kilogram of black hydrogen costs $0.9-1.5 to produce while grey hydrogen costs $1.7-2.3
and blue hydrogen can cost anywhere from $1.3-3.6.
• Higher water footprint in hydrogen compared to other energy modes
• However, green hydrogen costs $3.5-5.5 per kg, according to a 2020 analysis by the Council
for Energy, Environment and Water.
• Another challenge is to compress or liquify the LH2 (liquid hydrogen); it needs to be kept at a
stable minus 253° C (far below the temperature of minus 163° C at which Liqui ed Natural Gas
(LNG) is stored; entailing its ‘prior to use exorbitant cost’.
• Very dif cult to store. Its transportation even in a small amount is very expensive.
• Way Ahead:
• International cooperation with like minded — Saudi Arabia developing one of the biggest
Hydrogen producing facility.
• Announce incentives to convince enough users of industrial hydrogen to adopt green hydrogen.
• It needs to develop supply chains in the form of pipelines, tankers, intermediate storage and last
leg distribution networks as well as put in place an effective skill development programme to
ensure that lakhs of workers can be suitably trained to adapt to a viable green hydrogen
economy.
• Mapping of underground hydrogen resources and identify potential exploration sites.
• Use mandates must be created for different industries — create constant demand
• Conclusion:
• Hydrogen could lay the foundation of a new India which would be energy-independent; a global climate
leader and international energy power. Hydrogen will certainly play a decisive role in India’s Net Zero
ambition and in making India 'Atma Nirbhar in energy.
References:
1. https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/explained-indias-plan-to-develop-green-hydrogen/
article66343637.ece
2. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/renewables/india-may-soon-export-green-hydrogen/articleshow/
95418550.cms?from=mdr
3. https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/green-hydrogen-a-new-ally-for-a-zero-carbon-future/article62105515.ece
4. https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/specials/the-quest-for-white-hydrogen/article66409166.ece
5. https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/india-sets-hydrogen-ammonia-consumption-targets-some-industries-
govt-2023-01-13/
-updated on 27th June
IAS Exam Congress Mains-2023
C-23-HO-10
Nuclear power currently comprises 3% of India's total electricity generation. Current policy targets a
three-fold rise in nuclear-installed capacity by 2032.
India has the sixth-highest number of functional nuclear reactors in the world and the second-highest
number of reactors, including those under construction.
Potential:
Present installed nuclear power capacity is set to increase from 6,780 MW to 22,480 MW by 2031 on
progressive completion of projects under construction and accorded sanction.
In the next three years, capacity addition of 5,300 MW is planned on completion
Department of Atomic Energy has been given the target of achieving 20 gigawatts (GW) capacity of
nuclear power generation by 2030, which will make India the third-largest producer of atomic energy
in the world after the US and France.
Present production
The installed capacity for nuclear power generation was 6,780 MW (megawatt) from 22 reactors.
This includes the 700 MW pressurised heavy water reactor (PHWR), unit 3 of the Kakrapar nuclear
power plant (KAPP) that was synchronised with the grid in January 2021.
Thorium availability makes nuclear energy a promising solution for India's energy needs. It is
considered the fuel of the future
Reduce its import bills by up to $100 billion annually, which is currently spent on importing
petroleum and coal.
Unlike solar and wind power, which are dependent on weather conditions, nuclear energy is firm
dispatachable power
nuclear power provides a reliable, high-density source of energy that is widely available.
Cleaner Form of Energy: A 1,000 megawatts plant operating at 90% plant load factor requires over
a year only 25 tonnes of low enriched uranium fuel.
Challenges?
Foremost challenge of Nuclear technology is safety and waste management. Incidents like
Chernobyl, Fukushima are serious cause of concern. If nuclear energy is generated adhering to the
highest standards of safety, there is less possibility of catastrophic accidents.
Availability of fissile material is also a cause of concern. Nuclear fuel is not available easily and need
diplomatic efforts.
Land acquisition and selection of location for Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) is also major problem
in the country. NPP’s like Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu have met with several delays due to the land
acquisition related challenges.
As India is not a signatory of NPT and NSG, nuclear supply is severely contained by sanctioned
against India. This situation has changed after 2009 waiver and bilateral civil nuclear energy
agreements with many countries.
Reprocessing and enrichment capacity also required boost in India. For this India needs advanced
technology to fully utilise the spent fuel and for enhancing its enrichment capacity.
Steps taken:
government was actively pursuing the process of acquiring uranium from different sources, including
exploration in new places like Bihar and Meghalaya.
for the first time, the Nuclear Power Corporation of India has been allowed to go for setting up of joint
venture nuclear plants along with Public Sector Undertakings.
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and research organisations attached with DAE are engaged in various
R&D activities to address the utilisation of thorium in different types of reactors
Resolution of issues relating to the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act and the
establishment of an Indian Nuclear Insurance Pool (INIP).
Niti Aayog panel headed by PM has recommended changes to the Atomic Energy Act 1962 and to
India's foreign investment policies so that both domestic and foreign private companies can
complement nuclear power generation by public companies.
What more needs to be done:
Open up the Market: other government companies like the NTPC to get into nuclear on their own to
break the monopoly NPCIL
India should focus on a mix of supply-side and demand-side options, both within and outside the
nuclear sector such as solar and hydro energy.
Instead of setting targets for nuclear energy growth, the government should focus on creating
frameworks and support mechanisms
invest in research and development of advanced nuclear technologies, such as small modular
reactors, to improve efficiency
● About:
● It covers a total area of 160,000 square kms and
traverses through six States viz. Gujarat,
Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil
Nadu.
● Western Ghats was declared as a world heritage
site in 2012 by the United Nations Education,
Scientific and Cultural Organisation
(UNESCO).
● There are four major forest types in the Western Ghats: evergreen, semi-
evergreen, moist deciduous, and dry deciduous
● The western side of the Ghat receives more rainfall than the eastern side.
● Importance:
● Hydrological Functions: It feeds large number of perennial rivers of peninsular
India including the three major eastward-flowing rivers Godavari, Krishna, and
Kaveri.
● Role in monsoon:
● montane forest ecosystems influence the Indian monsoon weather patterns
that mediate the warm tropical climate of the region
● Intercepts the rain-laden monsoon winds that blow from the south-west
during late summer.
● Sequestration of atmospheric CO2 it is estimated that they neutralise around 4
million tonnes of carbon every year- around 10% of emissions neutralised by all
Indian forests.
● Biodiversity:
● Western Ghats along with its geographical extension in the wet zone of Sri
Lanka is 1 of 4 biodiversity hotspots of India.
● At least 325 globally threatened (IUCN Red Data List) species occur in the
Western Ghats.
● Economic importance:
● Rich in iron, manganese and bauxite ores in parts of their ranges
● Pepper and cardamom, taken up as plantation crops on a large scale. Other
large scale plantations include tea, coffee, oil palm and rubber
● Gadgil Committee (2011): Also known as the Western Ghats Ecology Expert
Panel (WGEEP), it recommended that all of the Western Ghats be declared as the
Ecological Sensitive Areas (ESA) with only limited development allowed in
graded zones. No new dams based on large scale storage be permitted in
Ecologically Sensitive Zone
● Criticised for being too environment friendly and impractical to
implement.
● The states opposed the report citing that a complete eco-sensitive cover for
the Western Ghats would hamper the states on energy and development
fronts.
● Kasturirangan Committee (2013): The Kasturirangan committee recommended
that instead of the total area of Western Ghats, only 37% of the total area should
be brought under ESA and a complete ban on mining, quarrying and sand mining
be imposed in ESA.
● Criticised for replacing the the pro-people and pro-nature attitude of the
WGEEP report with an autocratic approach in terms of development
● Used remote sensing and aerial survey methods for zonal demarcation of
land led to many errors. For example, it included many villages under
Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESA) where there was no forest land at all
● Draft ESA by Centre on basis of Kasturirangan Committee:
● A Decision Support and Monitoring Centre for Western Ghats shall be
established by the Environment Ministry in collaboration with the state
governments.
● Challenges:
● Lack of knowledge of distributional patterns, habitat requirements and
conservation status of plants and animal species.
● Development vs. Conservation: The biggest challenge in conservation of western
Ghats has been the development vs. conservation dilemma.
● Environment ministry had made several attempts to finalise ESA for Western
Ghats but the previous drafts lapsed due to no response from the states, which
reflects poorly on the states and governance.
● Way Forward:
● There is a need of setting up of a national body for better cooperation and
coordination among states in which Western Ghats lie.
● Environment Impact Assessment should be strictly carried out before any project
can be carried out in the region.
● Adopt bottom-to-top approach and include local tribes in preservation of
Western Ghats, which will provide their indigenous knowledge as well as help in
their support in better implementation of plans and policies.
Wetlands:
Relevance: GS 1/3
Intro:
A wetland is a land area that is saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, and it
takes on the characteristics of a distinct ecosystem.
Status of Wetlands:
1) India has 4.6% of its land as wetlands, covering an area of 15.26 million hectares-National
Wetland Inventory and Assessment
2) Global Wetlands Outlook-World’s wetlands disappearing three times faster than forests.
Significance of Wetlands:
● Flood and storm buffer zone: Wetlands act as sponges in the upper parts of a basin,
reducing damages to affected areas.
● Water purifier: Floating plants like Water Hyacinth, Duckweed, and Azolla can store
iron and copper from wastewater in their tissues. Wetlands are referred to as “Kidneys
of the Earth”.
● Combat Climate Change: wetlands help in carbon sequestration, act as carbon
sinks and wetland soil contains a high amount of carbon.
● Economic benefits: Water supply, fisheries, timber, peat and plant matter; medicinal
plants.
● Habitats of migratory birds: The Central Asian and East Australasian Flyways are
linked by Indian wetlands.
Ex: Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary, Ashtamudi wetlands kerala .
● Biodiversity hotspots: Chilika is home to a robust population of and is one of only two
lagoons in the world where endangered Irrawaddy Dolphins can be found.
● Wetland for research and education: Habitat diversity, ecosystem complexity, and
broad social and cultural ties make them ideal for multi-disciplinary study of nature-
society interactions.
● Recreation property of Wetlands: Wetlands are wonderful relaxation and tourism
sites because of their natural beauty and diversity of plant and animal life.
Ex: Mandawali village Delhi is a recreational site
Wetland degradation:
Data:
1) Data from Wetlands International shows India has lost nearly two of five wetlands in
the last 30 years, while 40% of them can’t support aquatic animals.
Reasons:
● Urbanization and land use changes: exerted tremendous pressure on wetlands and
flood plain areas for meeting water and food demand of growing population
Ex: Kanwar lake in Bihar, Asia’s largest freshwater oxbow lake, has shrunk to
one-third of its size due to encroachment, much like Jammu and Kashmir’s Dal
lake.
● Municipal and Industrial pollution: untreated industrial effluents have become a
major threat to the survival of wetlands.
Ex: Bellandur Lake in Bengaluru city was ‘on fire’ in May 2015 due to the discharge
of effluents by the surrounding industries.
● Climate Change: Increased air temperature; shifts in precipitation; increased frequency
of storms, could also affect wetlands.
● Agriculture and Aquaculture: resulted in the drainage and conversion of wetlands for
cultivation or fish farming.
Ex: The Vembanad-Kol wetland system in Kerala has been impacted by
encroachment for agricultural purposes.
● Invasive Species: Introduction and spread of invasive plant and animal species disrupt
the natural balance in wetland ecosystems.
Ex: The water hyacinth is a notorious invasive species that has affected Loktak Lake in
Manipur.
● Water Extraction and Diversions: Excessive withdrawal of water for irrigation etc.
Ex:Chilika lake in Odisha due to water diversion for irrigation impacted on ecological
health.
Govt Steps:
Amrit Dharohar Scheme: aims to promote wetlands optimal use, the communities will
be at the centre stage with regard to wetland protection.
National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP): enable conservation and
wise use of wetlands in the country so as to prevent their further degradation.
Ramsar Convention: signed by India-aimed at augmenting national action and
international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources
Way Forward:
Mega urban schemes like Smart Cities Mission and Atal Mission for Rejuvenation
and Urban Transformation need to add the aspects of sustainable management of
wetlands.
A need for more scientific data, imagery, maps and other relevant tools to provide
knowledge on the status of wetlands.
Ecosystem services of wetlands need to be highlighted in our development policies, urban
planning and climate change mitigation.
Need to enhance the role of the community in wetland conservation.
Effective collaborations among academicians, watershed management specialists,
planners and decision makers for overall management of wetlands.
Need for stronger enforcement of rules: as regulatory bodies like the Central Wetland
Regulatory Authority only have advisory powers.
Case Studies:
Conclusion: A climate-resilient future for India demands smart and innovative ideas along with
increasing space for people’s participation in management and decision-making for their
wetlands as envisaged by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
Land Reclamation:
Intro:
It is the process of creating new land from oceans, seas, riverbeds or lake beds.
Status:
Satellite imagery of coastal cities with
populations of at least 1 million discovered that
land reclamation projects have created
approximately 2,530 square kilometres) of
coastal land.
China accounted for about 350 square
kilometres of the newly reclaimed land
between 2000 and 2020.
Urban Development: The need for more space to accommodate growing populations
in urban areas .
Ex: The Navi Mumbai city, located in the state of Maharashtra, is a prime example of
land reclamation for urban development.
Agricultural Expansion: Land reclamation can be used to increase agricultural land
to meet food production demands.
Ex: The Netherlands has a long history of land reclamation through the use of polders,
converting large areas of water into fertile agricultural land.
Environmental Protection: to restore and protect coastal ecosystems from erosion
and sea-level rise.
Tourism and Leisure: Artificial islands and coastal developments can be created to
cater to the tourism and leisure industries.
Infrastructure Projects: For projects like airports, highways, and railways.
Ex: The Cochin International Airport was constructed on reclaimed land from the
Vembanad Lake.
Industrial Expansion: As industries grow and require more space, they may
undertake land reclamation to extend their facilities.
Ex: GIFT City involves the reclamation of land from the Sabarmati River and the Gulf
of Khambhat to develop a modern and sustainable city with world-class facilities.
Way forward:
Conclusion: Water bodies play an important part in sustaining the ecology. In this light
their conservation through waste water treatment, non-encroachment,
reduced anthropogenic stress etc is an imperative.
Cyclone:
● Intro:
Tropical cyclones also called typhoons or
hurricanes—are intense water-rotating systems
formed by strong winds around low-pressure
areas.
Acc to MHA around 8% of area is prone to
cyclone
● Conditions required:
The conditions favourable for the formation and
intensification of tropical storms are:
● Large sea surface with temperature higher than 27° C. CREDIT-INSIGHTS
● Presence of the Coriolis force.
● Small variations in the vertical wind speed.
● A pre-existing weak low- pressure area or low-level-cyclonic circulation.
● Upper divergence above the sea level
system.
● Cyclones in India:
● April-May and October-December periods
are conducive for cyclones
● Experiences cyclones from two basins: The
Bay of Bengal basin and the Arabian Sea
basin.
● In comparison to the Bay of Bengal, the
proportion of Arabian sea cyclones
● Initially it was 1:4 but acc to new study
it has become 2:4 from 2001-2020.
● This change is attributed to climate
change (Sea surface temp of Arabian
Sea is increasing).
● Bay of Bengal (BoB) usually witnesses more
cyclones compared to Arabian sea because:
Cyclones which are called typhoons
in the Pacific travels to the Bay of
Bengal without losing much of its energy.
Arabian Sea experiences cyclones which are more often than not,
diverted from those in BoB. However, most cyclones in BoB move on to
hit the eastern coast of India.
Rivers make sea water less saline
The larger surface area of the Bay of Bengal allows faster heating causing
higher evaporation.
● Difference in temperate and tropical cyclone:
● Impact of cyclone:
● Substantial loss of life and mass displacement.
● For example, the 1999 Odisha cyclone claimed over 10,000 lives.
● Significant infrastructure damage, impacting transportation, communication,
electricity, and water supply→ Impact on economy.
● Cyclones Amphan ($15.8 billion).
● Negatively impact livelihoods Ex- fishermen and farmers. Fishing vessels can
be destroyed, crops can be severely damaged, leading to loss of income and
food insecurity.
● Can lead to the spread of
waterborne diseases, creating
a public health crisis.
● Can result in the closure of
schools, impacting children’s
education.
● Cyclone Naming:
● This naming of cyclones in
Arabian Sea and Bay of
Bengal started in 2004, based
on WMO/ESCAP Panel on
Tropical Cyclones 2000
agreement to it.
Refer Info graphic
Conclusion:
https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/natural-disasters/why-cyclones-like-sitrang-
stoke-fear-loss-damage-worth-billions-due-to-indian-ocean-storms-85614
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/after-pakistans-gulab-india-
selects-13-names-for-upcoming-cyclones/articleshow/86568411.cms
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/ready-for-the-worst-on-governments-
better-preparedness-for-cyclones/article66254900.ece
● Intro:
Flash floods refers to a flood situation, that
occurs in a much shorter span of time, under
six hours, and is a highly localised
phenomenon.
Ex- Gujarat (2023),Himachal (2023).
● Vulnerability:
● According to government data, India is the
worst flood-affected country in the world,
after Bangladesh.
● ~40 million hectares of land (10%) in the
country are liable to floods annually.
(National Flood Commission).
● India accounts for one-fifth of the global
death count due to floods.
● Flash floods have been commonly witnessed in cities like Chennai and Mumbai.
● Causes:
● Heavy Rainfall: Nearly 75% of the total rainfall is concentrated over just four
months (June to September) → rivers witness a heavy discharge during these
months.
● Cyclones: Coastal areas of India are vulnerable to cyclones that bring torrential
rains and storm surges, leading to flash floods in low-lying regions near the coast.
● Cloudbursts or thunderstorms and overflowing glacial lakes (in Himalayan states
formed due to the melting of glaciers).
● Urbanisation and Deforestation: Can alter natural drainage patterns, reducing the
ground's ability to absorb water. This leads to increased surface runoff..
● Dam Failures and Breaches: Failure or breaches in dams and reservoirs can
release a massive volume of water downstream, causing sudden and destructive
flash floods.
● Landslides: Landslides triggered by heavy rainfall or seismic activity can block
rivers, leading to the formation of temporary dams →they can release a large
volume of water, causing flash floods downstream.
● Way forward:
● NITI Aayog’s Committee Recommendations on Flood Management:
● Priority to non-structural measures: The committee held the view to provide
priority to non-structural measures to mitigate the floods and shall go for
long term and medium-term structural measures when and where those are
unavoidable.
● “In the majority of the places, less expensive non-structural measures like flood
forecasting, flood plain zoning, flood proofing etc should be adopted to
accommodate high spat of water,” the report said.
● Better dam management: The report also pitched for the policy to provide
flood cushion in the existing dams to accommodate peak time flood so that
the tragedy like the Kerala floods doesn’t repeat itself.
● Use of advanced technology: It stressed the use of advanced technology like
artificial intelligence, satellites, remote sensing and GIS for flood forecasting
and warning systems.
● Creation of a national water model– to feed information that can provide
support services by predicting precipitation and forecasting.
● Implement NDMA Guidelines.
● Replacing grey infrastructure with new Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGI).
● Create Sponge Cities.
● Conclusion:
With growing climate change impacts, flooding in India is also all set to increase in
magnitude and intensity. Thus, the need of the hour is to adopt the Sendai framework’s
Disaster risk resilience approach in flood management in India.
● Intro:
Excessive runoff in developed urban areas, where the storm water doesn’t have
anywhere to go due to poor capacity of the drainage system, causing inundations.
● Ex- Delhi(2023),Bengaluru(2022)
Causes:
diseases.
Casualties due to accidental fires, electrocution.
Can trigger mass migration or population displacement, especially of people
in low lying areas etc.
Water-Scarcity
Ex-Delhi(2023)
Environmental:
Destruction of biodiversity and wildlife habitats by floodwater and
contamination of rivers and habitats.
Initiatives by govt:
Disaster risk reduction lies at the
intersection of Sendai, Paris
framework and 17 SDGs
Sponge Cities mission -abundant
natural areas such as trees, lakes and
parks or other good design intended
to absorb rain and prevent flooding-
Nature Based Solutions
Ex-Chennai,Mumbai,Cochi
developing sponge city plan
(SOP) for mitigating Urban
Flooding by the Central
Government under (AMRUT).
Uniform System of Alerts and
Warnings by the Ministry of Home
Affairs- categorizing alerts in stages – Yellow, Orange and Red.
IFLOWS-Mumbai similar system was also introduced in Chennai (C-
FLOWS) ->> estimate of the flood inundation three days in advance, along
with immediate weather updates.
Delhi aims to rejuvenate 500 lakes within five years through its ‘City of
Lakes’ initiative.
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has released the first dedicated
storm water drainage manual Based on international practices
NDMA Guidilens,2010 on urban floods:
Create a National Hydro-meteorological Network.
Doppler Weather Radars to be expanded to cover all urban areas
Building in an urban area must have rainwater harvesting
Pre-monsoon desilting of all major drains to be completed
Urban Flooding has to be dealt as a separate disaster
future road and rail bridges to be designed such that they do not
block the flows resulting in backwater effect
Way forward:
Implement NDMA Guidelines
Replacing grey infrastructure with new Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGI).
Ex- Bhopal has blue-green smart city plan.
Providing legal protection to lakes, remove encroachments.
Effective Water-Shed Management: Construction of flood walls, raised
platforms along flood prone river basins
Bioswales can be made along roadsides so that rainwater from the road
flows towards them and percolates into the ground.
Strengthen WASH infrastructure.
Master Plan of cities should include urban flood management
Ex-Delhi master plan 2041.
References:
1. https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/monsoon-
bengaluru-floods-rains-weather-8126932/
2. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/surge-in-monsoon-rainfall-
causes-flooding-and-landslides-in-northern-india-101688925112602.html
3. https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/bengaluru-to-mumbai-how-cities-
can-tackle-flooding-1234416.html
The heat budget is considered balanced when the incoming solar radiation is
equal to the sum of reflected solar radiation, outgoing infrared radiation, and heat
exchanged with the atmosphere and ocean.
• Status:
• It is a silent disaster, many times it is under reported.
• NDMA reported ~ 25000 people died due to HW (1992-2016)
• Generally during March to June and sometimes in July also
• Recent study — 90% of India is in a “danger zone” from
heatwave impact and almost all of Delhi is at the risk of severe
heatwave impacts.
• Predominantly observed over two areas — central and
northwest India and coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
• Climate change and global warming, current research suggests,
have increased the probability of heatwaves in the past three
decades.
• The report proposes a roadmap to support New Delhi’s India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP)
2019, through new investments in three major sectors: building construction, cold chains and
refrigerants.
• Ex: Adopting climate-responsive cooling techniques in PMAY
• Causes:
• Anthropogenic Causes:
• Global Warming & climate change — more common, longer and hotter.
• GW is affecting the lapse rate (declining) — global warming tends to warm the upper
atmosphere faster than the air near the surface.
• Ex: Marine heat waves
• Increase in pollution — air traps heat
• Deforestation — trees keep temp. low
• Excessive urbanisation — urban heat islands
• Causes of urban heat islands:
• Excessive release of green house gases
• Lack of open & green areas
• Excessive concretisation(Buildings) and Asphalt Roads
• Tall buildings obstruct the movement of winds & hinder dissipation of heat.
• Dust dome hypothesis: warm air when rises and falls back, it traps all pollutants and
dust in urban area
• Natural Causes:
• Solar are & waxing phase phase of sun cycle.
• Air masses — their age and origin affects the temperature
• HW in peninsular India is mostly due to oceanic air mass
• Sustained high pressure over an area
• Topography of region — absence of water bodies in an area.
• Western disturbances, which bring rainfall and cloudy skies to northwest India and regulate
temperatures at this time of the year, have been feeble and lacked suf cient moisture, keeping
the temperature high.
• NDMA Guidelines:
• Plan document released in 2016 (updated 2019) — asked states to devise their own plan —
decentralisation is good
• Focus on heat wave observations, assessment and mapping
• Heat wave workshops organised by NDMA
• Community sensitisation, awareness (IEC material)
• Mandate to create an early warming system using modern technologies
• Focus on alternative roof cooling solutions
• Preparedness at local level for health eventualities and Hospital preparedness
• Identi cation and recording of causalities - proper database management
• Capacity building of stakeholders
• Ex: hospitals be trained, emergency health kits at
district level should be prepared etc.
• Coordination and cooperation among stakeholders
• Ex: learning from early movers — Ahmedabad
Plan as model plan
• 2019 added —Built Environment section — long
term adaptation and planning to mitigate the disaster
IAS Exam Congress Mains-2023
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fi
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C-23-HO-09
• What more?
• Declare heat waves as a noti ed national disaster — improve preparedness and response
• Sendai framework could be used
• Understanding Heat Wave better- (Concurrent or Cascading disasters -Fire, Forest Fire,
Drought, Urban Heat Island)
• Develop a composite heat index (CHI) to quantify the impact of heat on its population and
generate impact-based heat wave alerts for speci c locations.
• IMD said it’s already working on one
• Climate change study and it’s Socio-economic impact
• Ex: India should set up a Climate Vulnerability Institution to do vulnerability mapping and
impact assessment of rising temperatures
• Focus on Early Warming System (EWS) — computational capabilities
• use a multi-model ensemble (MME) forecasting strategy — use satellites, soil moisture maps,
atmospheric circulation model etc — superconducting abilities
• Focus on the city region — urban heat island effect, emission heating etc.
• Increase green cover, conserve water bodies
• City cool down projects
• greater usage of permeable materials in civic infrastructure and residential construction and
enhancing natural landscapes in urban areas.
• Heat proo ng of cities — take a cue from Ahmedabad plan
• Climate responsive cities — Ex: Chandigarh (Mango trees — green cover, rivulet — Sukhna
lake, local architecture — mud houses retained etc)
• Developing a loss and damage framework for capturing Heat Wave Impact
• Conclusion:
• India needs a long-term vision where we have policies that help us in managing our work
hours, public infrastructure, schools, hospitals, workplaces, houses, transportation, and
agriculture to cope with the future heat waves.
Sources:
1. Kaptaan’s previous year notes (basics)
2. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/90-of-india-vulnerable-to-heatwave-impact-says-study/
article66756784.ece
3. https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/explained-imd-is-already-sensing-heat-waves-what-are-they-and-why-
do-they-happen/article66556185.ece
4. https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/climate-scientist-india-heatwave-8475036/
5. https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/dealing-with-extreme-heat/article66747491.ece
6. https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/indias-early-warning-system-for-heatwaves-sees-
huge-improvement/article65977201.ece
7. https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/over-160-200-million-indians-could-be-exposed-to-
lethal-heat-waves-annually-world-bank/article66205069.ece
8. https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/mercury-rising/article65372899.ece
9. https://ndma.gov.in/sites/default/ les/PDF/PPTs/TechnicalSession1/01_Kunal_Satyarthi.pdf
10. https://ndma.gov.in/sites/default/ les/IEC/Booklets/HeatWave%20A5%20BOOK%20Final.pdf
Relevance: GS 2/3
Intro:
The High Seas Treaty is a new global treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of biological
resources on the high seas. The treaty is also known as the agreement on “biodiversity beyond
national jurisdictions” or BBNJ.
Data:
The high seas account for more than 60% of the world’s ocean area and cover about half of
the Earth’s surface, which makes them a hub of marine life.
Key features of Treaty:
● Rights over genetic resources – No State can claim its right over marine genetic
resources of areas beyond national jurisdiction.
● Funding – A special fund will be established which will be fixed by the conference of
parties who will also oversee the functioning of the treaty.
● Clearing House Mechanism (CHM) –established as part of the treaty, with details like
the objective of the research, geographical area of collection, names of sponsors, etc.
● Environmental impact assessments – Signatories will have to conduct
environmental impact assessments before the exploitation of marine resources.
● Benefit-sharing committee – The activities concerning marine genetic resources of
areas on high seas should be in the interests of all States and for the benefit of humanity.
Significance/Need of Treaty:
● Regulation of Human Activities: to ensure that ocean resources, including
biodiversity, are utilized in a sustainable manner.
● Protection of Biodiversity: The creation of MPAs will ensure that ocean systems,
including biodiversity, are under stress, either due to human activities or climate change
are protected.
● Achieving global targets: The treaty is significant in achieving the 30x30 target set at
UN CBD COP15 under which the countries agreed to protect 30% of oceans by 2030.
● Sustainable Use of Marine Genetic Resources: any benefits arising out of the use of
marine genetic resources, including monetary gains, are equitably shared amongst all.
● Environmental Impact Assessments: commercial or other activities that can have
significant impacts on the marine ecosystem to undergo an environmental impact
assessment to be done.
● Access- and benefit-sharing committee: It will be formed to frame guidelines for
developing countries’ access to benefits from the commercialisation of resources extracted
from the ocean.
● Rights of Indigenous people and local communities: marine resources in areas
beyond national jurisdiction can only be accessed with their free, prior and informed
consent or approval and involvement
Fishing and industrial expansion: The treaty does not adequately address threats to
ocean biodiversity posed by fishing and deep-sea mining.
Social inclusivity: The treaty focuses on the fair and equitable sharing of genetic
resources, but does not address the sharing of other resources.
Enforcement: There is no identified international enforcement agency to
monitor and enforce the treaty’s regulations, and no financial commitment has been
negotiated.
Ratification: The process of ratifying the treaty is expected to be difficult and time-
consuming.
Conflicting interests: Conflicting interests among coastal states, flag states, and other
actors can impede the effective implementation of the treaty’s provisions.
Unaddressed issues: The mechanisms for policing protected areas, the fate of heavily
polluting projects, and dispute resolution remain unaddressed.
Way Forward:
Conclusion: If goodwill were currency, this treaty could be considered rich. Its actual impact
will depend on how practicality and goodwill meet, and whether future negotiations will address
some of the key shortcomings of this version of the treaty.
• Status:
• Mountains act as natural defence and barriers to Indian Borders in West, North, East and
North East — need to develop infrastructure
• Mountain ranges host a unique geographical features and are rich in biodiversity — potential for
tourism
• Data from RBI tourism has been contributing more than 10% to the GDP in states such as
Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Tripura, Assam, and Meghalaya.
• Impact:
• Land Use changes — construction, infrastructure development
• Ex: Char Dham marg project
• Loss of traditional habitat and occupation, migrations
• Ex: Rising ‘ghost villages’ in Uttarakhand
• Resource competition
• Ex: communal violence in Uttarakhand, Gorkhas in Bengal
• Changes in topography — stability?
• Ex: Western Ghats — Kerala oods, Karnataka Landslidesß
• Deforestation — landslides, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity.
• Impact on tribals
• Ex: Eastern India
• Impact on wildlife and biodiversity — habitat destruction, behavioural changes
• Disruption in the water cycle — mountain region lacks aquifers
• excessive water consumption vis a vis residential water use,
• discharge of untreated water, the generation of waste
• damage to local terrestrial and marine biodiversity
• Ex: Water crisis in Shimla, Kullu
• Cultural Erosion
• Ex: Ladakh — dilution of traditional culture
• Infrastructure development — impact on slope stability — landslides, earthquakes
• Ex: rail traf c may rely on electric locomotion, but constantly generated vibrations during
the train movements will keep the mountain slope eternally unstable and thus, make it
vulnerable to slide at the slightest trigger.
• Ex: The increased anthropogenic activities such as road construction have made the hill
slopes extremely unstable. That is why the recurring landslides have gone up in numbers in
the Himalayas.
• Land Subsidence — sinking hills
• Ex: town of Joshimath in Chamoli district — Tapovan-Vishnugad hydro project tunnel that
passes just below Joshimath, could be a contributing factor to this phenomenon.
• Demographic changes
• Impact on the climate and feedback loop — erratic rainfall and ecological degradation
associated with land use change for infrastructural development
• Impact on mountain aquifer systems
• Uncontrolled in ow of tourists
• Ex: Shimla water crisis, Kedarnath tragedy (2013)
Source:
1. Kaptaan’s notes
2. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/environment/mountains-matter-are-the-indian-himalayas-tourism-
sustainable--62453
3. https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/a-mountain-reeling-under-human-aggression/article66356312.ece
4. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/western-ghats-restless-mountains-shattered-lives/article37143597.ece
-updated on 9th July
• Status:
• Sand has been noti ed as a “minor
mineral” under Section 3(e) of the
Mines and Minerals (Development and
Regulation) Act of 1957.
• Legal and administrative control is with
the State govt.
• The sand mining business offers
employment to over 35 million people
and it is valued at over $126 billion per
annum.
• According to sand mining framework,
India requires 70 Mt of sand per year,
with demand increasing by 7% each year.
• Environment Ministry report → 1 lakh
incidents of illegal mining in the
country every year.
• According to one estimate, the annual
demand for sand in urban India alone
was 60 million metric tonnes in 2019.
• Need:
• Sand Utility: Used for various types of
manufacturing, such as concrete used in
the construction of buildings and other
structures.
• Cement-making in industrial projects has generated signi cant demand in India.
• The sand can also be used as an abrasive or can be mixed with salt and applied to icy roads to
reduce the melting point of ice.
• Steps taken?
• MoeFCC has released Sustainable Sand Mining Management Guidelines, 2016 — Sand and
gravel mining in an environmentally sustainable and socially responsible manner and
maintaining the river ecosystem and equilibrium.
• MoEFCC has brought forward the Enforcement and Monitoring Guidelines for Sand
Mining, 2020 —Effective monitoring of sand mining, identi cation of sources, dispatch,
uniform protocol and Constant monitoring by drones and night surveillance. Auditing of rivers
by the State.
• Some states like Kerala, UP, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh have brought in some state wise laws
and regulations respectively.
• To curb Illegal mining, there have been various judicial interventions by the Supreme Court
(SC) and National Green Tribunal (NGT).
• Ex: NGT in 2013 — order banning sand mining without proper environment clearance.
• Ex: SC created central monitoring committee for RJ
• Challenges:
• India’s sand mining problem is so prevalent that it has developed into black market, that continues
to exploit millions of tons of commodity annually, in the open loot of the riverbeds, canals and
beaches sand is being drained by illegal means.
• Conclusion:
• Sustainable land management and ecosystem approach, NbS
References:
1. https://thewire.in/environment/need-to-get-a-grip-on-sand-extraction-un-report-on-impending-global-sand-crisis
2. https://www.scconline.com/blog/post/2023/02/08/sand-mining-in-india-grain-of-despair-failure-of-regulatory-
machinery/
3. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/mining/these-satellite-images-of-indian-rivers-highlight-environmental-
i m p a c t s - o f - s a n d -
mining-88868#:~:text=In%20India%2C%20sand%20mining%20grew%20as%20a%20large%20and%2C%20
in,the%20riverbeds%20are%20constantly%20threatened
4. https://www.legalserviceindia.com/legal/article-73-why-is-illegal-sand-mining-harmful-.html
5. https://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/how-sand-mining-impacts-ecosystem
• Most known volcanic activity occur along converging plate margins and mid-oceanic
ridges.
Volcanism in India
1. The collapse of the volcanic landforms 1. Volcanism creates new fertile landforms
in seas and oceans cause tsunamis. E.g. like islands, plateaus, volcanic mountains
2018 Sunda Strait tsunami. etc. E.g. Deccan traps.
2. The ash from a larger eruption 2. Although steep volcano slopes prevent
dispersing over a large area can lower extensive agriculture, forestry operations
temperatures at a regional or global on them provide valuable timber resources.
scale. This could trigger famines on a 3. Mineral resources, particularly metallic
large scale. E.g. 1815 eruption of ores are brought to the surface by
Mount Tambora volcanoes. Sometimes copper and other
3. Lahars can bury entire cities in a matter ores fill the gas-bubble cavities.
of minutes causing a high number of 4. The famed Kimberlite rock of South Africa,
causalities. E.g. 1985 eruption of the source of diamonds, is the pipe of an
Nevado del Ruiz volcano. ancient volcano.
4. The sudden collapse of lava domes can 5. In the vicinity of active volcanoes, waters in
cause violent volcanic flows that destroy depth are heated from contact with hot
everything on their path. E.g. the 1902 magma giving rise to springs and
eruption of Mount Pelée. geysers.
5. Powerful winds drive the gas plume 6. The heat from the earth’s interior in areas
higher into the atmosphere and carry it of volcanic activity is used to
to a greater distance disrupting air travel generate geothermal electricity. Eg:
Eg: Eruption of strato volcano in Puga valley in Ladakh region
Iceland and Manikaran (Himachal Pradesh)
6. Locally, sulphur dioxide gas can lead 7. Lava rock is a source of crushed rock for
to acid rain and air pollution downwind concrete aggregate or railroad ballast
from a volcano. Eg: Tonga Volcano, 8. As scenic features of great beauty,
2022 attracting a heavy tourist trade. Eg: Yellow
Stone National Park
Volcanoes can have both positive and negative impacts on climate change.
Positive impacts:
• Inject large amounts of sulphur dioxide into the stratosphere that reacts with water vapour
to form sulfuric acid droplets, which can reflect incoming solar radiation and cool the planet
and promote depletion of the Earth’s ozone layer This is known as the volcanic
forcing.
• Release large amounts of water vapor into the atmosphere. Water vapor is a greenhouse gas,
but it is also a feedback mechanism for climate change. Volcanic eruptions can help to offset
this feedback mechanism.
Negative impacts:
• Volcanic eruptions can also release large amounts of carbon dioxide other greenhouse gases,
such as methane and nitrous oxide into the atmosphere. Volcanic eruptions can therefore
contribute to global warming.
References:
• Basic Static: PMF IAS Physical Geography & NCERT
• https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/science/tonga-volcanic-eruption-harm-
environment-7729996/
IAS EXAM Congress Mains-2023
C-23-HO-27A
Intro:
India has nearly 18% of the world’s population and occupies about 2.4% of the
world’s geographical area. India consumes 4% of total water resources.
Statistics:
● Water Resources on Earth-
Agriculture accounts for most of the surface and ground water utilisation, it
accounts for 89 per cent of the surface water and 92 per cent of the
groundwater utilisation. Industry around 2 to 3% .
● Groundwater analysis/reforms/suggestion:
According to a Report by the CAG (2021), groundwater extraction in India
increased from 58% to 63%, between 2004-17, exceeding the groundwater recharge
rate.
● Groundwater Pollution: Infiltration and seepage from roads, industrial sites, waste
dump sites, effluent drains with heavy metals and micro-pollutants are
contaminating groundwater aquifers..
● Climate Change: Climate shocks are exacerbating the groundwater crisis
Steps taken to improve the status of Groundwater Use in India:
● Model Groundwater Bill: The Union Government has released Model
Groundwater Bills in 1970, 1992, 1996, 2005, 2011 and 2016-17.
● Groundwater Extraction Norms: 2020 prohibit new industry and mining projects
in over-exploited zones and noc for existing and concept of water conservation fee.
● Integration of Union Ministries: The Ministry of Jal Shakti was formed after the
merger of the erstwhile Ministries of Water Resources, River Development and
Ganga Rejuvenation along with Drinking Water and Sanitation.
● Initiatives:
(a) Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABY) and the National Project on Aquifer Management
(NAQUIM) have been launched with the goal of ‘participatory groundwater
management’.
(b) Through the India-Groundwater Resource Estimation System (IN-GRES)
dynamic groundwater assessments will be done annually.
(c) Jal Shakti Abhiyan to transform Jan Shakti into Jal Shakti through asset
creation, rainwater harvesting (‘Catch the Rain‘ campaign) and extensive
awareness campaign.
(d)Amrit Sarovars: 50,000 water bodies (Amrit Sarovar), with an approximate area
of one acre, across the country by August 15 next year to conserve water.
Suggestions:
● Mihir Shah Committee Recommendations should be implemented:
(a) The Central Water Commission (CWC) and the Central Ground Water
Board (CGWB) should be unified to form a new National Water
Commission (NWC)
(b) Participatory Groundwater Management: Ground water needs to be
recognised as a common pool resource and its continuous, unchecked
extraction needs to be stopped.
● Water pollution and lack of recycling makes less water available for it.
● Poor water conservation and harvesting measures. Water recycling plants
to ensure minimization of wastage.
● Changing climatic conditions leading to variation in monsoon pattern
leading to floods and droughts - both damaging crops.
● Encroachment in catchment areas leading to poor filling of dams and
lakes.
● Unequal irrigation facilities like more in North India but overall poor
irrigation area 48% leads to poor water resources.
Suggestions to improve-
● Rationalised water subsidies ex - Paani Bachao Paisa Kamao Scheme by
Punjab Gov
● Micro-irrigation and sprinkler subsidies and its promotion for small farmers and
community farming.
● Water conservation to be made mandatory right from school curricula and rain
water harvesting as done in Tamil Nadu which replenished groundwater levels.
● Promotion of zero budget natural farming.
● Proper dam and catchment area management and strict measures for controlling
water pollution.
● Canals to divert flood water for storage and filter. Connecting rivers to be
discussed with hydrological experts.
● River Interlinking:
NRLP envisions the transfer of water from water ‘surplus’ basins (perennial
Himalayan rivers) where there is flooding to water ‘deficit’ basins (rain-fed peninsular
rivers) where there is drought/scarcity, through inter-basin water transfer projects.
Way Forward
● Local solutions (like better irrigation practice) and watershed management, should
be focused on.
● The government should alternatively consider the National Waterways Project
(NWP) 3/4 which “eliminates” friction between states over the sharing of river
waters.
● The necessity and feasibility of river-interlinking should be seen on case to case
basis, with adequate emphasis on easing out federal issues
Conclusion :
References:
1. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/water/groundwater-management-the-visi
ble-crisis-of-an-invisible-resource-83163
2. https://prsindia.org/policy/report-summaries/restructuring-the-central-water-c
ommission-and-the-central-ground-water-board-4411
3. https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/indias-groundwater-governance-is-i
n-better-shape/article66440954.ece
4. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kanpur/waterman-finds-gaping-holes-
in-ken-betwa-promise-says-project-wont-end-drought-curse/articleshow/6915
2228.cm
● Water Stress :
Urban Water Stress : ( Reason we have discussed above they can be used)
By 2050, at least 30 Indian cities will face a grave water risk, according to the
WWF. According to a study by the Centre for Science and Environment, 48 per cent
of India’s urban water supply comes from groundwater, and in seven of India’s 10
most populous cities, groundwater levels have dropped.
● Ahmedabad More than 80% of water supply from groundwater sources till the
mid-1980s.groundwater level reached 67 metres in confined aquifers.The city
depends on the Narmada canal for the bulk of its water supply.The shift is
from local groundwater to canal water receiving supply from an inter-State
and inter-basin transfer of surface water.
● Whatever be the source, surface or groundwater, cities largely depend on
rural areas for raw water supply, which has the potential to ignite the
rural-urban dispute.
● Available studies covering Nagpur and Chennai indicate the imminent
problem of rural-urban water disputes that the country is going to face.
● limited supply networks ,more than 34 per cent of India’s population lives in
cities; however, 31 percent of them, mostly those in unauthorised colonies
and slums, lack access to piped water or public tap water.
● Most Indian cities can’t meet the per capita water supply limit set by the
Central Public Health and Environmental Engineering Organisation, 135
litres per day.
● Even the quality of supplied water has been suspect.A NITI Aayog report says
that nearly 70 per cent of India’s water is contaminated, impacting three in
four people
● 30% of rural Indians lack drinking water supply (World Bank, UNICEF).
● According to the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), 57% of the rural
women in India have to walk up to 5 km every day to fetch potable water
as compared to just 21% in Urban areas.
Drinking Water Crisis :
Composite Water Management Index (CWMI) report 2018 of NITI Aayog stated
that about two lakh people die every year due to inadequate access to safe
water
● Food Security: The lower the Agri output, the greater would be the threat to India’s
food security.
● Inter-State Conflicts: Inter-State river conflicts are going on between Kaveri,
Krishna, Godavari, etc. Rivers. This would get amplified, and new conflicts may
emerge in the future.
Steps taken:
Many steps discussed in part one of the topic
Other Steps:.
● Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA): It was started in 2019 as a movement for water
conservation, recharge, and rainwater harvesting The JSA now covers all 740
districts in the country. States are implementing it, while the Centre provides the
nudge.
● The Ministry of Rural Development has launched the “JALDOOT App” to
capture the Groundwater level in a better way.
● (AMRUT 2.0) universal coverage of water supply from 500 cities to all statutory
towns. AMRUT 2.0 focuses on making the cities ‘self-reliant’ and ‘water secure’
● National Water Mission campaign “Catch the Rain” with the tagline “Catch the
rain, where it falls, when it falls” to nudge the States and all stakeholders to
create Rain Water Harvesting Structures (RWHS).
● JalJeevan Mission (JJM) – HarGharJal potable water in adequate quantity of
prescribed quality on regular and long-term basis to every rural household,
through tap water connection, by 2024.
● The Ministry of Jal Shakti recently released the report of its first-ever census of
water bodies - providing crucial data for policymakers to make informed
decisions regarding water resource management and conservation.
● National Water Policy 2012 -
● Emphasis on the need for a national water framework law, comprehensive
legislation for optimum development of inter-State rivers and river valleys.
● Water,be treated as economic good so as to promote its conservation and
efficient use.
● A portion of river flows should be kept aside to meet ecological needs
ensuring that the proportional low and high flow releases correspond in time
closely to the natural flow regime.
● Adaptation strategies in view of climate change.
● Water footprints, and water auditing be developed to ensure efficient use
of water. Project financing as a tool to incentivize efficient & economic use of
water.
● Setting up of the Water Regulatory Authority has been recommended.
Incentivization of recycle and reuse has been recommended.
Water Pollution :
Causes of Water Pollution :
Govt Steps :
● National Water Policy: It emphasises the need for water conservation, pollution
control, and sustainable management of water resources.
● National River Conservation Plan (NRCP): The NRCP was launched in 1985 to
address pollution in major rivers across the country.
● Namami Gange Programme: Launched in 2014, this flagship program aims to
rejuvenate the Ganga River by controlling pollution and maintaining its ecological
flow.
● National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP): The NLCP focuses on the restoration
and conservation of important lakes and wetlands in the country.
● Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM): Launched in 2019,. This mission emphasises the
provision of clean drinking water, which reduces the reliance on polluted water
sources.
● Industrial Pollution Control: Industries are required to treat their wastewater
before discharge and comply with the prescribed effluent standards., Zero liquid
discharge
● National Green Tribunal (NGT): The NGT has been established as a specialised
judicial body to handle environmental disputes, including water pollution cases
● Swachh Bharat Mission (Clean India Mission): Launched in 2014
● Public Awareness and Education: The government conducts various
awareness campaigns and educational programs.
Objectives:
● To provide the member cities with a platform to discuss and exchange
information on aspects that are vital for sustainable management of urban
rivers.
● To work towards adopting and localising national policies and instruments with
key river-related directions.
● To prepare cities urban river management plans and develop city-specific
sectoral strategies that are required for sustainable urban river management.
● Alliance will focus on three broad themes- Networking, Capacity Building
and Technical Support.
● Although the Alliance began with the Ganga basin cities, it was extended to
include cities beyond the basin as well
Significance:
● enable cities to learn from each other’s successes and failures as well
as connect people with the rivers.
● crucial role in connecting cities with their rivers, and that it can be a
model for all cities in the Basin and beyond to emulate.
References :
1. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/water/a-one-water-approach-is-key-to-c
ombat-urban-challenges-manage-resources-84908#:~:text=IWRM%20is%20a
n%20%E2%80%9Cintegrated%20planning,research%20organisation%20Water
%20Research%20Foundation.
2. https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/indias-growing-water-crisis-the-see
n-and-the-unseen/article65891233.ece
3. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/two-day-conference-concludes-
with-pledge-for-holistic-management-of-rivers-flowing-through-cities-8445341
/