Geography & Environment & Disaster management

All (4049)Current Affairs (4038)Mains Practice (126)Mains PYQs by Subjects (40)

United Nations World Water Development Report 2025

Context: The ‘United Nations World Water Development Report 2025 – Mountains and glaciers: Water towers’ was released to mark the first-ever World Day for Glaciers on March 21.

Relevance of the Topic: Mains: Impact of global warming on mountain ecosystems and its consequences.

United Nations World Water Development Report (WWDR)

WWDR is a global report that provides a comprehensive assessment of the world’s freshwater resources.
It is produced annually by the UNESCO World Water Assessment Programme, and published by UNESCO.

Major Highlights of the UNESCO’s Report

1. Glacial Melting:

Glaciers are disappearing faster than ever. Since 1975, glaciers (which do not include the Greenland and Antarctica ice sheets) have lost >9,000 billion tonnes of mass. 450 gigatons of mass was lost in 2024 alone.
Reasons for accelerating glacier melting:
- Warmer temperatures
- More frequent and intense wildfires
- Dust storms lead to more deposition of black carbon and other particulate matter on glacier surfaces, leading to greater absorption of solar radiation (decreased Albedo).

2. Accelerating Permafrost Thaw: In high-altitude regions, permafrost is any ground that stays frozen — 0 degrees Celsius or lower — for at least two years straight. Rising temperatures are melting permafrost in these regions rapidly.

3. Decline in Snow Cover: Reduction in snow cover in nearly all mountain regions, especially in spring and summer. Snow cover is the total of all the snow and ice on the ground. It includes new snow and previous snow and ice that have not melted. Earlier, a 2024 study found a 7.79% decline in global snow cover between 1979-2022.

4. Erratic Snowfall Patterns: Due to atmospheric warming, the rain-snow transition zone is shifting upwards, i.e., mountain ranges are receiving a greater fraction of precipitation falling as rain rather than snow. Snow duration has reduced, snow-melt is taking place earlier than usual.

Implications of the Changing Climatic Patterns:

Consequences of permafrost thawing:
- Release of organic carbon into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change. Permafrost contains a vast amount of organic carbon (4.5% of the global soil organic carbon) and other nutrients.
- Mountain slopes become more vulnerable to erosion, increasing the risk of landslides and other hazards.
Consequences of increased glacial melting:
- Increased glacial lake formation and higher risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).
- Rise in the sea level: Melted glacier ice contributes 25-30% of global sea-level rise. Between 2006 and 2016, the global mass loss of glacier ice amounted to 335 billion tonnes of lost ice per year, which corresponded to an increase in sea levels of almost 1 mm per year.
Shorter snow duration: affects ecosystems, water supply, and agriculture. Earlier snowmelt means water is available too early in the season, causing shortages later.

Food Waste Crisis

Context: Food Waste Index Report (FWIR) 2024 published by United Nation Environment Programme (UNEP) highlights food wastage trends for the year 2022.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Food Waste Index Report.

Key Highlights of Food Waste Index Report

Food worth $1 trillion is wasted globally every year, even as 783 million people suffer from hunger. Over 1 billion tonnes of food was wasted globally, accounting for 20% of all available food.
Households contribute the majority of (60%) total food waste, followed by the food service sector and retail.

India ranks second globally in food wastage, after China. With an average of 55 kg food waste generated per capita annually by households, the total food waste generated is over 78 million tonnes in India.
Food waste forms 10%-12% of total municipal solid waste, significantly contributing to methane emissions from landfills.

What is Food Waste? How is it different from Food Loss?

Food Waste: Food and the associated inedible parts removed from the human food supply chain. Food discarded at retail and consumer levels.
Food Loss: Loss of edible crops and livestock products before they reach retail. Occurs earlier in the supply chain, mainly during production, harvesting, storage, transportation, and processing.

Impacts of Food Waste:

Environmental Impact:
- Resource wastage: Land, water, and energy used in food production go to waste.
- The UN Climate Change (2024) reports that food loss and waste generate 8%-10% of annual greenhouse gas emissions globally. In terms of country, food waste globally is the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, after China and the US.
- In India, food waste accounts for 10%-12% of total municipal waste, contributing significantly to methane emissions from landfills. .
Social Impact:
- Widespread wastage prevents food from reaching those who need it most, hindering progress toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 12.3 (reduce food waste at retail and consumer levels).

Way Forward- Actions to Reduce Food Waste

Individual & Household Level: smart meal planning; efficient food storage; composting; donating surplus food.
Increased Investment in building more cold storage and transportation infrastructure.
Businesses should adopt sustainable practices such as redistributing unsold food.
Policymakers should subsidise innovative solutions such as food redistribution networks (Applications) and improved cold storage (providing subsidies for farmers to invest in refrigeration).
Raising awareness about responsible consumption. E.g., India’s “Save Food Share Food” programme.

India stands at a critical juncture, addressing food waste is essential for tackling carbon footprint, ensuring food security and reducing social inequality.

Permafrost Melting in the Kashmir Himalayas

Context: Permafrost melting is emerging as a unique environmental threat in the Kashmir Himalaya. A new study has found that thawing permafrost could affect infrastructure projects (roads, households, hydropower projects) and alpine lakes in the mountainous region.

Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Permafrost melting- Key Facts.

What is Permafrost?

Permafrost is a layer of ground (soil, sediment, or rock) that remains frozen continuously for at least two consecutive years.
It is mostly found in polar and high-altitude regions.
- Present in Alaska, Canada, Russia, Tibet, and the Himalayas.
- In India: Found extensively in the Kashmir Himalayas, Ladakh, and parts of Uttarakhand and Sikkim.
Composition: Stores vast amounts of organic carbon locked for thousands of years.
Significance: Crucial role in regulating water flows, maintaining ecosystem stability, and acting as a carbon sink.

Highlights of the Study

Study by: Researchers from the University of Kashmir and IIT-Bombay.
As per the study, permafrost covers 64.8% of the total geographic area of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) and Ladakh.
- It is dominated by continuous permafrost (most of the soil remains frozen year-round), followed by discontinuous (more than half of the soil is frozen), and sporadic (intermittent patches of frozen soil) permafrost.
87% of Ladakh has permafrost, while the foothill plains of Jammu, Shigar Valley, and Siwaliks do not host any permafrost.

Factors causing Permafrost degradation:

Global Warming: Surface temperatures are rising due to climate change, leading to faster thawing. Data from 2002-2023 shows a steady increase in permafrost melting.
Human Activities:
- Deforestation & Land-use change: Loss of vegetation reduces insulation, exposing permafrost to direct sunlight.
- Tourism & Infrastructure development contribute to permafrost degradation.
Natural Disasters:
- Earthquakes & Glacial Movements: Seismic-activity leads to permafrost breakdown. Rock-ice avalanches, like the Chamoli disaster (2021), are intensified due to permafrost degradation.
- Wildfires: Burn vegetation cover, exposing the permafrost to solar radiation and higher temperatures.

Consequences of Permafrost Thawing:

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Permafrost contains huge amounts of carbon and methane, which releases on thawing, exacerbating global warming.
Positive Feedback Loop: More thawing → More methane emissions → Faster global warming → Increased thawing.
Formation of Proglacial Lakes: 332 proglacial lakes identified in J&K, with 65 at risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).
Disruptions in River flow: Permafrost stores water, and slowly releases it into rivers. Thawing disrupts the water regulation system and affects groundwater recharge and river flows.
Landslides & Slope Failures: Permafrost degradation leads to weak soil stability and increases the risk of landslides.
Road & Infrastructure Damage (roads, households, hydropower projects). Military Installations in Ladakh face risks posing national security challenges.

Way Forward

Permafrost Mapping & Environment Impact Assessments (EIA) before construction.
Use of Satellite Remote Sensing to track temperature variations & permafrost loss.
Deploying Ground-based sensors to improve real-time data collection for accurate predictions.
Afforestation & Ecosystem Restoration- insulates permafrost from direct sunlight.
Implement resilient infrastructure designs to withstand permafrost thaw.
Enhanced Disaster Preparedness and early warning systems for landslides, GLOFs, and floods.

Rising Heatwaves in India

Context: In the backdrop of rising temperatures pointing towards a new climate normal, India must develop a comprehensive national heat strategy and embed it within its National Adaptation Plan ahead of the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Brazil in November 2025.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Heatwaves- Facts

Mains: Heatwaves- Causes, Steps taken, Challenges, Way forward

What are Heatwaves?

Heat waves are prolonged periods of excessively hot weather that can cause adverse impacts on human health, the environment, and the economy.
Definition: In India, IMD defines heatwave based on the following criteria:
- Physiography of regions:
  - Plains: The maximum temperature recorded at a station is 40 degrees Celsius or more.
  - Coasts: The maximum temperature recorded at a station is 37 degrees Celsius or more.
  - Hills: The maximum temperature recorded at a station is 30 degrees Celsius or more.
- Based on departure from Normal Temperature:
  - Heat Wave: Departure from normal is 4.5°C to 6.4°C
  - Severe Heat Wave: Departure from normal is >6.4°C
- Based on actual Maximum Temperature:
  - Heat Wave: When actual maximum temperature ≥ 45°C
  - Severe Heat Wave: When actual maximum temperature ≥47°C
Heat Wave is declared if above criteria are met in at least 2 stations in a Meteorological subdivision for at least two consecutive days.

Status of Heatwaves in India

Early onset of Summer and rising Temperatures:
- February, classified as ‘winter’ by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), recorded unusually high temperatures. E.g., Heatwaves were officially reported in Goa and Maharashtra by late February. Odisha, Telangana, and Maharashtra recorded temperatures exceeding 40°C.
- 31 States and Union Territories experienced night temperatures at least 1°C above normal, while 22 States and UTs reported night temperatures 3°C to 5°C above normal. These anomalies indicate shifting climate patterns and rising global temperatures.
Growing threat of Heatwaves:
- Scientists have warned that global warming will lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves. According to IMD, between 1981 and 1990 there were 413 heatwave days in India. However, the heatwave days have increased to 600 days between 2011 and 2020.
- Heatwaves also pose significant risks to public health, economy, and infrastructure. The number of deaths from heat-related causes increased from 5,457 between 1981 and 1990 to 11,555 between 2011 and 2020.

Factors behind the increase in Heatwaves in India

1. Natural Causes:

High Atmospheric Pressure systems: Heatwaves occur when high-pressure systems stall over a region. These systems trap warm air near the Earth’s surface and prevent the normal movement of air masses, leading to prolonged periods of hot weather.
Natural climate variations, such as El Nino and La Nina events, influence weather patterns and increase the likelihood of heatwaves. E.g., during El Nino events, warmer ocean waters in the tropical Pacific lead to changes in atmospheric circulation and weather patterns.
Prolonged periods of drought and lack of precipitation reduces the overall moisture of the soil, causing the land to heat up more quickly during heat waves.
Shifts in wind patterns transports hot air from one region to another which intensifies heat waves in areas that are not typically prone to such extreme temperatures.
Geographic features and topographical conditions also contribute to the development of heat waves. For example, landlocked valleys and regions surrounded by mountains trap hot air and lead to temperature spikes.

2. Human-Induced Factors:

Global Warming: The long-term increase in Earth’s average temperature, primarily driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes, contributes to the frequency and intensity of heat waves.
Urban Heat Island Effect: Urban areas with high population density, extensive concrete and asphalt surfaces, and limited vegetation tend to absorb and retain more heat, and have created localised zones of higher temperatures.

Steps taken by government to address Heatwaves:

Heat Action Plans: Government has updated Heat Action Plans across 23 states, aiming to strategically combat and manage heatwaves.
Public Health Preparedness: Union Health Ministry reviews the preparedness for managing Heat-Related Illnesses (HRIs) periodically indicating a proactive approach to address the health impacts of heatwaves.
Focus on Vulnerable Groups: Government initiatives prioritize protecting high-risk groups like children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with chronic diseases.
Awareness Campaigns: About 100 districts have initiated campaigns to raise awareness about heatwave risks and precautions.

Bottlenecks in Heatwave Strategies:

Inadequate Preparedness for Heatwaves: A study by the Sustainable Futures Collaborative analyzed heat preparedness in nine Indian cities and found:
- No long-term heat adaptation strategies.
- Reliance on short-term emergency responses such as:
  - Providing drinking water stations.
  - Adjusting work hours during peak heat.
  - Boosting hospital capacity for heat-related illnesses.
- Lack of long-term interventions to protect vulnerable populations.
Key Gaps in Heatwave Preparedness:
- Limited access to cooling solutions for low-income and vulnerable groups.
- No income protection for workers affected by extreme heat.
- Inadequate fire management and electricity grid upgrades to handle increased cooling demands.
- Poor urban heat monitoring and lack of heat island mapping.
- Green cover and solar cooling efforts exist but are not targeted at high-risk populations.

Need for a National Heat Strategy:

India must develop a comprehensive National Heat Strategy as part of its National Adaptation Plan.
This strategy should focus on:
- Expanding weather monitoring systems.
- Developing urban heat action plans.
- Green infrastructure and sustainable cooling methods.
- Ensuring social and financial safety nets for workers in heat-prone sectors.
India should present a well-structured plan ahead of the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Brazil (November 2025).

National Wildlife Health Policy

Context: Five years after Covid-19 was declared a pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that likely jumped from bats to humans, the central government is reviewing an interim draft of a National Wildlife Health Policy (NWHP).

Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: National Wildlife Health Policy; National One Health Mission.

Key Components of the National Wildlife Health Policy

NWHP proposes a comprehensive surveillance system to monitor wildlife health across terrestrial, marine, and avian ecosystems.
The policy would be aligned with the National One Health Mission to coordinate efforts for pandemic preparedness and integrated disease control.
National Referral Centre for Wildlife (NRC-W) will act as a referral centre to investigate wildlife mortalities and outbreak events. It will facilitate disease diagnostics, treatments, and could be one of the nodal authorities for surveillance.
National Wildlife Health Database can act as a centralised repository of real-time or near-time surveillance data, historical data along with databases from animal husbandry and human health.
Wildlife Health Information System has been proposed to streamline disease surveillance, facility-level reporting and spatial-temporal data.
Establishment of Satellite Diagnostic laboratories near critical forest habitats will enhance timely disease detection.
Improving vaccination among livestock near National Parks to mitigate zoonotic disease risks through community engagement.

Need of National Wildlife Health Policy:

Over 60% of emerging infectious diseases impacting humans are getting transmitted from animals to humans.
As per government data, India has a network of 1,014 protected areas which includes 106 national parks, 573 wildlife sanctuaries, 115 conservation reserves and 220 community reserves spread over 5.32% of its geographical area. Wildlife acts as a reservoir of pathogens and thus monitoring their health, in the wild and in captivity, has become an imperative.

Challenges in the Current Framework:

Fragmented disease surveillance: Wildlife health monitoring is spread across multiple ministries (Environment, Agriculture, and Animal Husbandry), leading to poor coordination and data exchange.
Lack of centralised wildlife health database: No unified system exists to track real-time disease outbreaks, making early detection and response difficult.
Limited diagnostic infrastructure: India lacks specialised wildlife disease labs, delaying diagnosis and treatment of emerging infections.
Inadequate capacity: Forest officials and veterinarians in wildlife areas often lack training and resources for disease detection and management.
Zoonotic spillover risk: Unchecked human-wildlife interactions (livestock grazing near forests, illegal wildlife trade) increase the risk of zoonotic diseases like Covid-19.
Regulatory gaps: No specific legal framework for wildlife health management; existing laws (Wildlife Protection Act) focus more on conservation than disease prevention.
Limited community involvement: Lack of awareness and participation from local communities in disease prevention, such as vaccinating livestock near protected areas.

National One Health Mission:

Launched in 2022.
Aim: To coordinate across Ministries in achieving overall pandemic preparedness and integrated disease control against priority diseases of both human and animal sectors.
The mission will help in institutionalising the 'One Health' approach. One Health recognises that the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals and shared environment.
Human and animal pandemic preparedness is a key pillar of the One Health Mission which relies on effective surveillance strategies, boosting research, innovation community engagement and data integration across sectors.
One of the key goal is Creation of a network of BSL 3/4 labs:
- This network will play a critical role in preventing, detecting, and responding promptly to disease outbreaks across human, livestock and wildlife sectors.
- Currently there are 22 labs in this Network.
This mission involves 13 ministries and departments, including the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) etc.
National Institute for One Health in Nagpur will act as the coordinating body for national and international activities in the field of One Health.

Impact of Climate Change on Wheat Production

Context: India's wheat production, primarily concentrated in the northwestern Indo-Gangetic plains, is under significant threat due to climate change.

Relevance of the Topic:Mains: Major crops, cropping patterns; Impact of Climate change.

Wheat

Wheat is a rabi (winter) crop in India.
Sown between October and December and harvested between February and April.
Requirements:
- Optimum temperature: 15.5 degree Celsius. Warm and moist during the early stage, dry and sunny during late stage and harvest. Very sensitive to frost, requires frost free period.
- Moisture: between 45-65 cm. A light shower just before the harvest swells the grains and results in a good harvest. Excess of moisture can be detrimental to wheat. Cannot grow in areas of very low rainfall or with prolonged drought conditions.
- Soils: Light clay, heavy loam. Peaty soils are least suitable.
Primarily grown in north-western parts of Indo-Gangetic plains.
Primary producers: Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh.

Impact of Climate Change on Wheat Production:

1. Indian Ocean warming and monsoon variability:

The Indian Ocean is experiencing rapid warming, leading to alterations in monsoon patterns. This warming is associated with a reduction in summer rainfall over central-east India by about 10–20% over the past century.
Delayed or erratic monsoon can postpone the kharif harvest, subsequently delaying the sowing of wheat. If its sowing starts late, the later stages of plant growth will coincide with early heat waves in India.

2. Rising temperatures and Yield reduction:

India recorded its warmest February in 124 years in 2025. These conditions coincide with the wheat harvest season, where optimal temperatures should not exceed 30°C.
High temperatures cause early flowering and faster ripening, shortening the grain-filling period. This results in lighter grains with lower starch accumulation, reducing the total wheat output.

3. High Input Cost and Economic losses:

Low crop yield also tends to make farmers desperate and result in overuse of fertilisers, fungicides, etc.
Extreme heat makes the wheat grain harder and affects the milling quality. Farmers may face lower market prices due to reduced grain weight and quality issues.

Way Forward

Breeding heat-tolerant wheat varieties. Studies have shown that advanced breeding lines exhibit a smaller yield decline (3.6% per 1°C warming) compared to traditional varieties (5.5% decline), indicating superior climate resilience.
Modifying sowing schedules to earlier dates can help wheat crops avoid late-season heat stress. This strategy requires region-specific research to optimise planting times in anticipation of climate variability.
Enhancing irrigation efficiency, adopting conservation tillage, and implementing integrated pest management. These practices improve soil health and moisture retention, making crops more resilient to temperature fluctuations.
Immediate policy support to farmers in the form of compensation. However, long term solutions (farmer education, R&D in heat-tolerant varieties, technology adoption, crop insurance) need to be incorporated into agricultural practices.

Climate change poses a significant threat to India's wheat production through altered monsoon patterns and rising temperatures. Ensuring food security necessitates proactive adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Impact of Air Pollution on Solar Power Generation in India

Context: A study by IIT Delhi highlights how air pollution and climate change will reduce India's solar power generation capacity. The study focuses on the impact of solar radiation, temperature rise, and air pollution on solar panel efficiency in India.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Factors Affecting Solar Energy Efficiency; India's RE Target.

India's Installed Solar Capacity and Targets

As of 2024, India is the third-largest solar power producer globally, after China and the US.
India aims to generate 50% of its electricity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030, and install 500 GW of renewable energy capacity, with solar energy playing a key role.

Factors affecting Solar Energy Efficiency:

Solar Radiation is the primary factor affecting solar cell performance.
- Solar radiation at the earth’s surface undergoes significant long-term variations due to atmospheric variables such as clouds, aerosols or particulate matter, water vapour, and radiatively active gas molecules such as ozone.
Clouds reflect and aerosols either scatter or absorb incoming solar radiation reaching the surface. On a cloudy or hazy day, due to particulate matter pollution, less solar radiation will impinge on the solar panel and reduce solar generation.
Air pollution blocks solar radiation from reaching solar panels, resulting in less power produced. India has 300 sunny days a year but their quality is declining due to air pollution.
Rising temperatures due to climate change also lower the efficiency of solar cells. Solar panels are designed to operate efficiently at a specific temperature range, typically around 25°C. The efficiency of solar panels tends to decrease as temperatures rise above 25°C.
Wind speed and airflow also affect cooling, but have a lower impact than other factors.

Major Highlights of the Study

Research Methodology: Used 1985-2014 data to project 2041-2050 scenarios based on NASA’s CERES project and IMD data.
Two scenarios studied :
- Moderate climate action, weak pollution control → Greater efficiency loss.
- Weak climate action, strong pollution control → Lesser efficiency loss (2.3% drop).
Estimated power loss of at least 840 gigawatt-hours per year due to efficiency drop.
Regional variations in solar potential were highlighted, with Northeast India and Kerala expected to have higher solar energy output due to reduced cloud cover.

Significance of the study:

It provides valuable insights for policymakers and the solar industry to select better sites for future projects.
It highlights the need for strong climate action and air pollution control measures.

Way Forward

To mitigate the impact of air pollution and climate change on India's solar energy generation, the following policy measures can be adopted :

Enforce stringent emission norms for industries and vehicles, and implement dust control measures in urban and industrial areas.
Expand real-time air pollution monitoring networks to track and mitigate sources of pollution affecting solar efficiency.
Invest in R&D for heat-resistant photovoltaic (PV) cells, self-cleaning panels with better cooling mechanisms, and hybrid solar-wind solutions.
Diversification of Solar Installations in cleaner air regions like the Northeast and coastal areas.
Promote floating solar installations on reservoirs and lakes to reduce dust accumulation and improve efficiency.
Implement large-scale tree plantation drives to absorb pollutants and regulate temperatures.
Strengthen participation in global initiatives like the Paris Agreement and the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for funding and technology support.

Cutting greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality are essential for maximising solar power generation.

Renewable Energy Expansion in India

Context: As of the latest data from the Central Electricity Authority, India's renewable energy (RE) sector is witnessing a significant expansion, with a substantial portion of RE capacity under construction.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Renewable Energy: Key Trends; India’s RE Target.

Key Highlights of Renewable Energy Expansion

Total Installed Capacity: India currently has over 167 GW (1,67,709 MW) of installed RE capacity, including (including about 12,000 MW non-wind and non-solar sources such as biomass and small hydro).
Under-construction RE capacity of over 142 GW (1,42,667 MW) of RE, with the highest share from solar energy (over 82 GW), followed by solar-wind hybrid and wind energy projects.
Gujarat, with over 46 GW of RE capacities under construction, leads the way in India’s RE development.

India’s RE Target

India has set a target to achieve at least 500 GW (gigawatts) of non-fossil power capacity by 2030, up from its current 165 GW (2024).

Central Public Sector’s Role in Renewable Energy Development:

Four central public sector companies (CPSEs) under the Ministry of Power are involved in the construction of renewable energy plants, contributing to 8% of the total under-construction capacity.
NTPC’s leadership: NTPC is at the forefront with 5,417 MW of renewable energy projects under development, followed by SJVN and NHPC.

High concentration of renewable energy projects in a specific region (Gujarat and Rajasthan) may pose infrastructure challenges, particularly for energy distribution and grid management. Effective management of energy distribution across the regions is crucial to ensure grid stability.

National Board for Wildlife

Context: Recently, the Prime Minister of India chaired his first-ever meeting of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) at Gujarat’s Gir National Park. This was the first full-body NBWL meeting since 2012.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: National Board for Wildlife

Mains: National Board for Wildlife- Criticisms

National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)

Established in 2003 after amending the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
NBWL replaced the Indian Board for Wildlife (IBWL) of 1952.
It is the apex advisory body for wildlife conservation and policy formulation.
Key responsibilities:
- Formulating wildlife conservation policies.
- Recommending the establishment of new National Parks and Sanctuaries.
- Overseeing the implementation of the Wild Life Protection Act.
Composition: Total 47 members
- Chaired by: Prime Minister
- Vice-Chairperson: Union Environment Minister
- Other Members:
  - Chief of Army Staff.
  - Secretaries from key ministries (Defence, Tribal Affairs, Information & Broadcasting, Finance)
  - Three Lok Sabha MPs and one Rajya Sabha MP.
  - Director General of Forests.
  - Ten eminent conservationists, ecologists, and environmentalists.
  - Five representatives from the non-governmental sector.
- Standing Committee: appraises projects on forest land, protected areas, and eco-sensitive zones.

Criticism faced by NBWL

Clearance of development projects: Several projects approved despite environmental concerns, such as:
- Ken-Betwa River Linking Project: Submerging 100 sq km of Panna Tiger Reserve.
- Vedanta Oil Exploration in Assam: Threatening Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary.
- Denotification of Galathea Bay Sanctuary (2021): Impacting leatherback sea turtle nesting sites.
Alleged dilution of powers:
- After 2014, reconstitution reduced the number of independent conservation experts.
- Increased influence of government-affiliated institutions like Gujarat Ecological Education and Research Foundation (GEER).
Lack of Regular full-body meetings:
- Before the 2025 meeting, the last full-body meeting of NBWL was held in 2012.

Indian Board for Wildlife (IBWL)

Established in 1952 as the Central Board for Wildlife.
Objective: Address the decline in wildlife populations.
Notable Initiatives:
- Declared peacock as the National Bird in 1961.
- Supported Indira Gandhi government’s initiatives for wildlife conservation, leading to:
  - Wild Life Protection Act, 1972.
  - Project Tiger (1973).
  - Gir National Park establishment.
Transition to NBWL: 2003 amendment of the Wild Life Protection Act replaced IBWL with NBWL.

Great Nicobar Infrastructure Project

Context: Concerns over the Great Nicobar Infrastructure Project were raised in Rajya Sabha. The project faces criticism from environmentalists and tribal rights activists over potential displacement and ecological damage in the Great Nicobar Island.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Key facts about the Great Nicobar Infrastructure Project.

Mains: Development vs. Conservation Debate, Biodiversity loss, inadequate EIA etc.

About Great Nicobar Infrastructure Project:

Strategic development initiative aimed at transforming Great Nicobar Island into a key economic and security hub.
Spearheaded by: NITI Aayog and Andaman & Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO).
The project includes: Transshipment port, an airport, a power plant, and a township, aligning with India’s vision for economic growth, regional connectivity, and national security in Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Location and Strategic Importance:

Great Nicobar Island is the southernmost island of the Andaman & Nicobar group.
Lies close to the Malacca Strait, a critical global trade route.
Enhances India’s maritime presence amid rising Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific.

Economic & Geopolitical Significance of the Project:

Strengthens Blue Economy, promoting shipping, tourism, and fisheries.

Enhances National Security by ensuring naval dominance in the Indian Ocean.
Boosts India’s Act East Policy by improving connectivity with ASEAN countries.

Environmental & Tribal Concerns of the Project:

Ecological Impact: Great Nicobar Islands hosts the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve, recognised by UNESCO in 2013. The infrastructure project entails felling of over 1 million trees and poses risks to endemic species (E.g., Nicobar megapode, leatherback turtles).
Tribal Rights: Affects Shompen (PVTG) and Nicobarese tribes by disrupting their traditional lifestyle and exposing them to external influence and diseases. Requires compliance with the Forest Rights Act, 2006.

While the project strengthens India's maritime influence and economic resilience, balancing development with ecological and tribal concerns is essential.

World Air Quality Report 2024

Context: The World Air Quality Report 2024 by IQAir, a Swiss air quality technology company, highlights severe air pollution levels globally.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key Facts about World Air Quality Report 2024.

Key Findings of World Air Quality Report 2024

1. Most Polluted Countries (PM2.5 levels in µg/m³)

India ranks as the 5th most polluted country, with 13 of the 20 most polluted cities located in India.
India’s PM2.5 concentration in 2024 was 50.6 µg/m³, a 7% decrease from 2023 (54.4 µg/m³).
Only 12 countries worldwide met WHO’s PM2.5 guideline of 5 µg/m³.

2. Most Polluted Cities in the World

Byrnihat (Assam-Meghalaya border; a regional industrial hub) is the most polluted city globally, with a PM2.5 level of 128.2 µg/m³.
Delhi is the most polluted capital city globally for the sixth consecutive year (PM2.5: 108.3 µg/m³ in 2024).
Six Indian cities are in the top 10 most polluted cities worldwide.

Causes of Air Pollution in India

Anthropogenic Factors:

Crop Stubble Burning:
- Major source in Punjab, Haryana, UP, and Delhi NCR.
- 60% contribution to PM2.5 levels during peak pollution periods.
Vehicular Emissions:
- Rapid urbanisation and increase in automobiles.
- Use of diesel and older vehicles worsens pollution.
Industrial Discharges: Thermal power plants, cement, and steel industries emit SO₂, NO₂, and PM.
Construction & Demolition Dust: Metro projects, real estate boom, lack of dust control measures.
Firecrackers: Diwali and winter festivals aggravate pollution levels.

Natural & Meteorological Factors:

Winter Temperature Inversion: Cold air traps pollutants, worsening air quality.
Low Wind Speeds: Stagnant air prevents dispersal of pollutants.
Geographical Factors: The Indo-Gangetic Plain traps pollutants due to Himalayan barrier effect.

Impacts of Air Pollution:

(A) Health Effects

Respiratory diseases (asthma, lung infections, COPD).
Cardiovascular issues (stroke, heart attacks).
Chronic illnesses (kidney disease, cancer).
Reduced life expectancy.

(B) Economic Impact

Increased healthcare costs.
Loss of workforce productivity.
Impact on agriculture (pollutants affect crop yield).

(C) Environmental Impact

Smog formation affecting visibility.
Acid rain affecting soil and water bodies.
Impact on biodiversity.

Government Measures to Control Air Pollution:

(A) Policy & Action Plans:

National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) (2019): Targets 40% reduction in PM2.5 & PM10 levels by 2026 in non-attainment cities.
Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) (2017): Temporary measures in Delhi-NCR based on AQI levels.
Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) (2021): Permanent body to coordinate air pollution control in Delhi-NCR.
State-Specific Action Plans: Punjab & Haryana promoting Happy Seeder machines & Pusa bio-decomposers for stubble management.

(B) Technological & Infrastructural Measures:

1. BS-VI Fuel Standards (2020): Stricter emission norms for vehicles

2. Faster Adoption of Electric Vehicles (FAME-II): Encouraging EVs & public transport

3. Odd-Even Scheme (Delhi): Reducing vehicular congestion

(C) Judicial & Legislative Interventions:

1. Supreme Court Ban on Firecrackers: Promoting green firecrackers.

2. NGT & EPCA Regulations: Ban on diesel generators in Delhi.

Challenges & Way Forward:

Challenges:

Poor enforcement of environmental laws.
Dependence on crop residue burning in agriculture.
Limited public transport & clean energy alternatives.

Way Forward:

Strict implementation of NCAP & GRAP.
Investment in public transport, metro networks & EVs.
Use of alternative stubble disposal methods.
Cross-state coordination for pollution control.

Satkosia Tiger Reserve

Context: As per the latest Tiger Census (2022), the Satkosia Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha does not have a single tiger. The state government of Odisha is keen on resuming its tiger reintroduction programme in STR.

However, this poses a looming threat of relocation for indigenous populations settled in the core, buffer and impact zone of the tiger reserve.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Satkosia Tiger Reserve; Tiger Reserve.

Satkosia Tiger Reserve:

In 2007, the Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary and Baisipali Sanctuary were combined to form the Satkosia Tiger Reserve (STR).
- Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary, established in 1976, covers over 795 sq. km spanning four districts of Odisha (Angul, Cuttack, Boudh, and Nayagarh).
- Baisipali Sanctuary was notified in the southern part of Nayagarh district in 1981.
STR covers 1,136.70 sq. km with a core zone of 523.61 sq. km.
Key features:
- STR has a unique biodiversity, as it is located at the meeting point of two biogeographic regions, the Deccan Peninsula and the Eastern Ghats. Covered with marshes and evergreen forests.
- It has a 22.5 km long Satkosia gorge created by the Mahanadi river. It is designated a Ramsar site (wetland of international importance). It has over 400 plant species, 183 fish species and more than 200 species of birds.
In 2007, the State government census recorded 12 tigers in STR, but by 2018-19, only one remained. The 2022 census found no tigers in STR.

Efforts to restore Tiger population in STR:

To restore the tiger population, India’s first inter-State tiger relocation programme was launched in 2018.
- A male tiger was brought from the Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh and a tigress from the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, MP.
- However, the effort of restoration did not succeed.
Challenges:
- Prevalence of poaching.
- Resistance of villagers against:
  - Potential rehabilitation (Four villages are located in the forest core, 131 villages in the buffer, and 234 villages in the impact zone of STR).
  - Deforestation
  - Threat of man-wildlife conflict.

The tiger reintroduction project must secure consent from locals and public representatives, with voluntary relocation of villages and proper financial compensation as per the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) norms.