Environment & Biodiversity

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National Highways – Green Cover Index (NH-GCI)

Context: The National Highways Authority of India released the first National Highways – Green Cover Index (NH-GCI) Annual Report (2025–26) to assess vegetation cover along India’s national highways.

The inaugural assessment evaluated nearly 30,000 km of National Highways across 24 states, using satellite data collected between July and December 2024.

According to the report, Assam recorded the highest highway green cover (53.16%), followed by Gujarat and Telangana, while Himachal Pradesh and Delhi registered the lowest green cover along their highway networks.

About the National Highways – Green Cover Index (NH-GCI)

The NH-GCI is a scientific framework developed to quantitatively measure the extent and density of vegetation along National Highways.

Key Features

Scientific Measurement:
The index assesses roadside plantations and vegetation cover along highways using objective, technology-based indicators.
Collaboration with Space Agency:
NHAI developed the index through a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Remote Sensing Centre, which functions under the Indian Space Research Organisation.
Satellite-Based Monitoring:
High-resolution imagery from the Resourcesat-2 and Resourcesat-2A is used to detect chlorophyll presence, enabling accurate estimation of vegetation density along highway corridors.
Standardised Green Index:
The NH-GCI creates a consistent national benchmark for comparing green cover performance across states and highway stretches.

Significance

1. Monitoring Green Infrastructure
The index supports effective monitoring of the Green Highways Policy, which mandates that 1% of the total project cost of national highway projects be allocated for roadside plantation and landscaping.

2. Promoting Sustainable Transport Corridors
Vegetation along highways improves carbon sequestration, dust control, and micro-climatic regulation, making transport infrastructure more environmentally sustainable.

3. Technology-Driven Governance
The use of satellite imagery and remote sensing introduces data-driven environmental monitoring, ensuring transparency and periodic evaluation of plantation initiatives.

4. Climate and Biodiversity Benefits
Highway plantations can function as green corridors, supporting biodiversity, reducing soil erosion, and improving ecological connectivity.

WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources & Associated Traditional Knowledge (GRATK)

Context: The Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge was agreed upon by Diplomatic Conference hosted by World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). The treaty was first proposed in 1999 by Colombia, calling for recognition of intellectual property of indigenous peoples and local communities. The negotiations started in 2001.

Objectives of WIPO Treaty on Genetic Resources & Traditional Knowledge (GRATK)

Promotion of efficacy, transparency and quality of patent system in relation to genetic resources and traditional knowledge.
Protection of genetic resources and traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources.
Prevention of patents being granted erroneously for inventions that are not novel or inventive with regard to genetic resources and traditional knowledge related to genetic resources.
International disclosure related to genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge in patent applications contributes to legal certainty and consistency

Salient Features of GRATK

Mandatory Patent Disclosure Requirement: The treaty establishes a mandatory patent disclosure requirement requiring patent applicants to disclose the country of origin of genetic resources and/or the Indigenous people or local community providing the associated traditional knowledge.
Sanctions and Remedies:
- Failure to disclose required information would be subject to appropriate, effective and proportionate measures.
- Patent applicants would have the opportunity to rectify a failure to disclose the requirement information unless
Information Systems:
- Voluntary establishment of information systems (ex databases) of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge, in consultation with indigenous people and local communities, wherever applicable.
- Genetic resources databases can compile and reference a wide range of information. Ex. Information about genetic resources, associated traditional knowledge, known uses of genetic resources and relevant scientific compilations.
- Information systems should be accessible to patent offices for search and examination of patent applications.
Non-retroactivity: No obligations of the Treaty would be imposed in relation to patent applications filed prior to entry into force of this treaty.
Review Mechanism: The treaty provides an in-built review mechanism to allow certain issues to be reviewed like extension of disclosure requirement to other areas of intellectual property and other issues like new and emerging technologies four years after the entry into force of the treaty.

Significance of the GRATK

Significant win for countries of Global South and India which are host bulk of global biodiversity and traditional knowledge. India being a megadiverse country holds 7-8% of global biodiversity and a rich repertoire of knowledge based on genetic resources.
First WIPO treaty to address the interface between intellectual property, genetic resources and traditional knowledge. Also, first WIPO treaty to include provisions specifically for indigenous people and local communities.
Multilateralism: Given the opposition of advanced countries like USA, EU and Japan for this treaty and the divided world we live in, the fact that a consensus treaty could emerge is a win and provides hope of the spirit of multilateralism.

Concerns with the Treaty

Fails to address biopiracy due to weak sanctions regime: The WIPO Treaty suffers from a weak sanctions regime which is not adequate address the issues of bio-piracy. Some issues with the sanctions regime of the treaty are:
- No provision for penalties for non-disclosure.
- Countries to provide opportunity for rectification of failure to disclose information before implementing sanctions.
- No obligation on patent offices to verify the authenticity of disclosure.
- No country can revoke, invalidate or render unenforceable conferred patent rights solely on the basis of applicant's failure to provide mandatory patent disclosure.
- No provision for revocation of patent except when the information is withheld due to fraudulent intentions. Even in such cases, the treaty leaves it to the State to decide on the sanctions to be imposed.
Silent on positive protection of traditional knowledge for indigenous people and local communities (IPLC):
- No recognition of traditional knowledge as intellectual property of IPLC which would have provided indigenous people with exclusive collective rights to control their traditional knowledge.
- No fair & equitable sharing of benefits in favour of IPLC in return of use of their traditional knowledge.
- Silence on right of attribution and right to use of their own traditional knowledge for IPLC.
- Fails to protect traditional cultural expressions i.e., the forms in which IPLC express their traditional cultural practices and knowledge like music, dance, art & handicrafts.
Dilution of India's patent laws: India would need to align its domestic laws like Patents Act & Biological Diversity Act with the WIPO Treaty on Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge. These amendments could potentially dilute existing protections aiming to safeguard traditional knowledge and genetic resources. For example, India's Patent Law already provides for pre-grant opposition against non-disclosure of source of origin and also for a revocation of granted patent for non-disclosure of information.

National Plan of Action for Conservation and Management of Sharks in India (NPOA - SHARKS)

Whale Shark: Largest Shark Species in the World and also the world's largest living fish

About Sharks

'Shark' is used as an 'envelope term' and comprises true sharks, rays, skates and chimaeras (together comprising the class Chondrichthyes ie cartilaginous fish).
Sharks generally live in marine environments. However, species such as Bull Shark and River Shark can be found in both seawater and freshwater.
Apex predators: Most sharks are predators and top of the marine food chain and therefore known as tiger of oceans. They feed on wide variety of species. Examples tiger shark, blue shark etc.
Habitats: Sharks live fresh and intertidal waters to the open ocean, continental shelf and deep slope to ocean floor at depths of over 4,000 metres. Most shark species are found in temperate and tropical seas, but some species are also found in Arctic and Antarctic waters.
Shark landings: Estimated landings of sharks were around 0.69 million tonnes in 2019. Atlantic Ocean and its surrounding seas produce 40% of global shark catches followed by Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean. Blue sharks are by far the most common of dozen commercially important shark species captured.
Largest Shark: Whale Shark is a slow moving, filter feeding carpet shark and is the largest extant fish species in the world. They inhabit open waters of all tropical oceans. The feed almost exclusively on plankton and small fishes and pose no threat to humans.
Smallest Shark: Dwarf Lanternshark is the smallest shark species in the world. It has a maximum known length of around 20 cm. It is found at a depth of around 250-500 m in the Northern tip of South America and Caribbean Sea. Like other lantern sharks, dwarf lantern sharks, dwarf lantern shark has light emitting organs called photophores which help them camouflage and attracts its prey.
All species of Sharks were placed under Schedule-I of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (Highest Protection).

Importance of Sharks in Marine Ecosystem

One of the oldest living organisms with an evolutionary history of over 400 million years. They predate dinosaurs.
Keystone species and apex predators of marine ecosystem
Keep prey population healthy by feeding on the sick and week members of their prey population.
Keep seagrass beds and other vital habitats healthy

Economic & Commercial importance of sharks

Shark meat: Sharks have been traditionally used as food in coastal areas. According to FAO, in 2019
Shark fins: Sharks fins are one of the most expensive fish products primarily used in preparing shark fin soup which is primarily consumed by Chinese ethnic groups in South East Asia and China.
Shark oil products: Traditionally shark's liver (Known as cod liver oil) was a rich source of Vitamin A. However, Vitamin A is manufactured.

Need for protecting sharks

Slow growth
Late age at maturity
Low fecundity and productivity (small, infrequent litters)
Long gestation periods
High natural survivorship for all age classes
Long life spans

Status of shark fishery in India

India is the third largest shark fishing nation after Indonesia accounting for 6% of global shark catches in terms of weight.
Andhra Pradesh is the largest producer of sharks, followed by Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Maharashtra.
Most sharks harvested in India come from non-targeted mixed catch. However, targeted shark fisheries are found among Thoothoor fishermen of Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu) and Veraval (Gujarat).
Shark meat is a local delicacy, especially in south India.

Major issues needing focus for Shark Conservation

Indications of decline in shark biomass and species diversity.
- Sharks are associated fisheries and catch composition.
Inadequate monitoring, control and surveillance, including gaps in data collection and identification of species.
Fractured view of different stakeholder groups on the status of shark and acceptable conservation measures.
Research gaps covering areas of taxonomy, biological aspects, gear targeting sharks, real time data, distribution and socio-economic profit.
Lack of a holistic framework to address the above issues.

Purpose and scope of NPOA-SHARKS

Conservation and management of sharks and their long-term sustainable use.
NPOA Sharks aims to conserve and manage shark populations based on Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries.
'Sharks' are defined as all species in the class Chondrichthyes and includes sharks, skates, rays and chimaeras.
Applies to shark species found within India's EEZ and Territorial Sea, migratory species frequenting India's EEZ and Territorial Sea and species taken by India-flagged vessels fishing on the High Seas.
- Bridge research and information gaps on the status of sharks at species level.
- Understand socio-economic implications of conservation and management of sharks to design sustainable exploitation policies.
- Managing negative impacts of shark fishing.

Proposed actions under NPOA-SHARKS

Do not promote direct catching of sharks till sufficient scientific evidence is there.
Implement comprehensive fisheries MCS plan at the earliest.
Identify and ascertain shark breeding grounds and shark breeding period and agree on conservation measures such as seasonal ban or specific area closures.
Initiate research to catalogue shark in Indian waters through genetic coding. Develop species specific indicators using fisheries and survey data.
Awareness drive among stakeholders, share research findings with fishermen and encourage fishermen and their associations to monitor and report shark catches.
Initiate research on value addition for sharks and share findings with the community.
Encourage ecotourism and reef shark diving.
Ensure effective implementation of fin-attached policy of the Government and initiate research on value addition for sharks and share the findings with the community.
Review shark export policy, encourage value addition.
Introduce logbook system; develop national shark identification kit; build awareness; mobilize fishermen association and build research skill in taxonomy as well as data collection skills of enumerators from agencies involved in data collection.
Review policy on reporting of catch of prohibited species or species protected under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972; and encourage regional integration.

About Bay of Bengal Program - Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOB-IGO)

BOB-IGO is a unique regional fisheries body specifically mandated to assist the member countries to enhance cooperation and provide technical and management advisory services for sustainable marine fisheries development.
Objectives of the BOBP-IGO are to increase awareness and knowledge of the needs, benefits and practices of marine fisheries management; enhance skills through training and education; transfer appropriate technologies and techniques for development of the small-scale fisheries; establish regional information networking; and promote women's participation in marine fisheries value chain.
Member Countries: Bangladesh, India, Maldives and Sri Lanka.
Non-contracting parties: Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand.

Big cat’s return brings hope in Buxa tiger reserve

Context: The previous sighting in 2021 was after 23 years of the big cat went missing from the Buxa tiger reserve.

Buxa National Park

Buxa Tiger Reserve was brought under Project Tiger in 1983 and became India’s fifteenth Tiger Reserve.
Buxa Tiger reserve and National Park covers is located in North Bengal’s Alipurduar district.
Its northern boundary runs along the international border with Bhutan.
The Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary of Bhutan is contiguous to the north of BTR.
Manas National Park lies east of BTR. BTR, thus, serves as international corridor for Asian elephant migration between India and Bhutan.
To the south-west, the Chilapata Forests form an elephant corridor to the Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary.
The eastern side of the Reserve forms the interstate boundary with Assam, demarcated by River Sankosh.
Many rivers and streams intersect the Reserve, the important ones are the Rydak, Jainty, Bala and Dima
Mammals presents include Asian elephant, gaur, Sambar deer, clouded leopard, Indian leopard, and Asian golden cat.

Bringing extinct Dodo back to life

Context: Geneticists and conservationists have joined forces to re-introduce the Dodo, extinct since the late 17th century.

About Dodo

It is a flightless birds that primarily inhabited the island of Mauritius.
Listed as extinct on IUCN Red List of species.
The lifespan of a Dodo bird was 10 to 30 years.
It was a large, plump bird covered in soft, grey feathers, with a plume of white at its tail.
It had small wings that were far too weak to ever lift the dodo off the ground.
The dodo's legs were short and stubby and yellow in colour.
The closest living relative of the dodo bird is the Nicobar pigeon, lives on the ground.
Initially, the Dodo's extinction was attributed to human overhunting, but recent research indicates that a combination of human actions and the introduction of animals like dogs, pigs, cats, rats, and macaques led to habitat destruction and nesting ground loss for the Dodo.

Genetic reintroduction of Dodo using Genetic engineering

Genetic engineering company Colossal Biosciences and Mauritian Wildlife Foundation are planning using genetic engineering and repopulate the Dodo’s in the island of Mauritius. Colossal Biosciences has sequenced the entire genome of dodo using DNA extracted from a skull in the collection of Natural History Museum of Denmark.
Scientists have found the primordial germ cells (PGCs) of Nicobar Pigeon (Dodo’s closest living relative). PGCs are basically embryonic precursors of a species sperm and egg. Nicorbar’s PGCs will be edited to express the physical traits of dodo. These edited PGCs will be then inserted into embryos of a sterile chicken and rooster, who will act as interspecies surrogates.

National Transit Pass System (NTPS) for timber, bamboo and other forest produce

About National Transit Pass System (NTPS)

NTPS system provides seamless issuance of transit pass and is envisioned as 'One Nation, One Pass' system. This system helps in monitoring and keeping records of transit permits for inter-state and intra-state transportation of timber and bamboo from private lands/government/private depot and other minor forest produce.
States have exempted some species grown on private land from the purview of transmit permits while other species still need permits even if it is grown on private land. These two categories have been dealt with in the system. Application will move to concerned Range Forest Office.
Transit pass for transit of regulated species in the originating state: Transit pass is required for species which are not exempted by a state government.
No-Objection Certificate for transit of exempted species in the originating state: If an applicant wants to transport a species which is exempted from transit pass in origin state but it is not exempted en-route states or destination state, applicant may apply for NOC for hassle free movement.
Transit permits will be issued for tree species which are regulated, while users can self-generate No-Objection Certificates for exempted species.
Currently, 25 States and UTs have joined the unified permit system, streamlining interstate business operations for producers, farmers and transporters.
NTPS offers seamless transit permits, managing records for both inter-state and intra-state transportation of timber, bamboo and other forest produce obtained from various sources like private lands, government owned forest and private depots.
The QR coded transit permits generated under NTPS will allow check gates across various states to verify the validity of the permits and allow seamless transit.

Transit system before introduction of National Transit Pass System

Prior to the introduction of NTPS, obtaining transit permits from different states along the route was a time-consuming process, causing hurdles in transporting timber and forest produce across the states.
Each state has its own transit regulations which meant that in order to transport timber or forest produce across states, the transporter was required to get a separate transit pass issued in each state.

Benefits of National Transit Pass System

Expedite issuance of transit permits for timber, bamboo and other minor forest produce without physically going to forest offices.
Replace manual paper based transit system by online transit system.
One permit for whole India for transit of timber, bamboo and other minor forest produce for ease of doing business.
Seamless movement across state borders for origin to destination through help of MobileApp.
Prevent hardships of timber and bamboo producers, farmers and transporters in obtaining permits and at forest check posts.
Promotion of agro-forestry activities.
Saving of transportation cost and time which will benefit farmers and traders and will in turn help in increasing farmer's income.