Environment

Conservation of Dugong

Context: Dugongs once widespread along India’s coastline are now regionally endangered, with fewer than 200 individuals left.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts related to Dugong.

About Dugong

Herbivorous mammal found in India’s marine ecosystems. Also known as sea cow, it resembles a cross between a seal and a whale.
Distributed through the Indo-Pacific region. It is found along the Indian coastline, primarily inhabiting warm waters around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, and the Gulf of Kutch.
Inhabits shallow coastal waters- primarily feeds on seagrass.
Key characteristics:
- Dugong is able to live up to 70 years.
- They rapidly regrow teeth in multiple iterations throughout their lives.
- They are typically solitary or seen in small mother-calf pairs. They are shy and avoid interacting with humans.
- They are air-breathing mammals that must surface regularly.
- They reach reproductive maturity after nine or ten years, and give birth at intervals of three to five years.
Conservation status:
- IUCN status: Vulnerable
- CITES: Appendix I
- Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule I
In India, they are classified as regionally endangered. Once widespread in Indian waters, their numbers have dwindled to an estimated 200 individuals, with both their population size and geographic range continuing to decline.

Factors responsible for declining population of Dugong:

Habitat Degradation: Seagrass meadows are being lost at an alarming rate due to climate change, rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and extreme weather events like cyclones.
Marine Pollution: Pollution has led to accumulation of mercury and organochlorine compounds in their muscle tissues.
Changing fishing methods: Bottom trawling damages seagrass beds, accidental entanglement in fishing gear.
Illegal Hunting: Poaching, especially in the remote areas of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Government Efforts

India is a party to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals.
India is a signatory to the Convention’s Memorandum of Understanding on Dugong Conservation and Habitat Management across their range since 2008.
Govt. has announced the creation of the country’s first dugong conservation reserve. It spans 448.3 sq. km in the coastal waters of Palk Bay, Tamil Nadu.

Dugongs are gentle giants and act as gardeners of the sea, quietly shaping our oceans by nurturing seagrass meadows.

About Sea Grass

Seagrass is an underwater flowering plant, not to be confused with seaweed. It is classified as a wetland ecosystem.
Significance: Seagrass meadows stabilise the seafloor, support fisheries, capture carbon, and shelter marine life such as turtles and fish.
The National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management documented 516.59 sq. km of seagrass habitat in India (2022). This translates to a carbon dioxide sequestration potential of up to 434.9 tonnes per sq. km each year.
India’s most extensive seagrass meadows occur along- Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay, off the coast of Tamil Nadu. It together supports more than 13 species of seagrass, the highest diversity in the Indian Ocean.

Context: The state government of Rajasthan has initiated the process for classifying the community-protected ‘Oran’ lands as forests in compliance with the Supreme Court’s direction. The sacred groves will subsequently be notified as community reserves under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

The SC recognised ‘Oran’ lands as forests under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, in a landmark judgment in 2024. SC has also directed the Central Government to create a comprehensive policy for the management of sacred groves across the country.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Sacred Groves.

What are Sacred Groves?

UNESCO (1996) defined Sacred Groves as an area of natural vegetation preserved through local taboos and sanctions that entail spiritual and ecological values.
They are areas of natural vegetation resembling small forests protected by local communities for their religious and cultural significance.

These are important sites for worship and community gatherings. Logging and hunting are strictly prohibited in these territories.
Sacred groves are found all over India - especially in states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
- There are around 14,000 sacred groves reported across India.
- However, experts believe that the total number of sacred groves could be as high as 100,000.
They are known by different names in different parts of India like – Devban in Himachal, Devbhoomi in Uttarakhand, Gumpa forest in Arunanchal, Sarna in Jharkhand and Chattisgarh, Deorai/Devrai in Maharashtra, Kavu/Sarpa Kavu in Kerala, Devarakadu/ Devkad in Karnataka, Jahera/ Thakuramma in Odisha, etc.

Significance:

It acts as a repository for various Ayurvedic medicines. It is a source of replenishable resources like fruits and honey.
Sacred groves often contain plant and animal species that have become extinct in neighboring areas. They therefore harbor great genetic diversity.
They have become biodiversity hotspots, as various species seek refuge in the areas due to progressive habitat destruction and hunting elsewhere.
They are often associated with ponds and streams, and meet water requirements of local communities. They help in recharging aquifers as well.
Prohibition of cutting and chopping of trees helps reduce soil erosion and prevents desertification as in Rajasthan.
They act as lungs in urban landscapes, providing much needed vegetation cover.

Why is this directive significant?

The Centre has usually maintained that the management of wildlife and its habitat is primarily the responsibility of the States. The Centre had noted that the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, empowered States for declaration of any private or community land, as a community reserve, for protecting fauna, flora and traditional or cultural conservation values and practices.
The judgment aligned the preservation of sacred groves with the cultural and traditional rights of entire communities.
The court has asked the Ministry to develop a plan for a nationwide survey of sacred groves. The court said the survey must identify the area and extent of the groves. It said the boundaries of the groves have to be clearly marked but left flexible to accommodate future growth of the forests.

** The court cited the case study of Piplantri village to highlight how a community-driven initiative came to effectively address social, ecological and environmental challenges in a cohesive manner.

Piplantri village Rajasthan

A village in the Rajsamand district of Rajasthan, was once a victim to denuded land due to marble mining, exhausted foliage and gender inequality. From being a usual Indian village, Piplantri went on to gain international recognition for its unique model where the villagers plant 111 trees whenever a girl child is born. The girl’s parents and the villagers get together to raise a Fixed Deposit of ₹ 31,000 ($ 450) to support the girl child’s future endeavours.

The movement was spearheaded by the Padma Shri, Shyam Sundar Paliwal, who was devastated after he lost his 17 year old daughter to bouts of dehydration. He planted a tree in her memory and encouraged everyone in his village to do the same for their daughters. Soon the village was able to revive their land and even earn additional income through the forest produce. The village now has more than 350,000 trees, with various indigenous varieties, proving to be a boon to the Environment and Climate.

Plastic Pollution from Tyres of Electric Vehicles

Context: In recent years, there has been a global transition to Electric Vehicles (EVs) largely driven by the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. However, recent research reveals negative impacts of the deployment of EVs.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key Highlights of the recent study on EVs impact on environment.

Electric Vehicles

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are rapidly gaining popularity across the globe. While they make up only 2% of the total global vehicle stock, they accounted for about 20% of all new car sales in 2024, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
In India, around 2.5% of new cars sold in 2024 were electric, and the government plans to increase this to 30% by 2030. In China, EVs already account for nearly 50% of new car sales.

Key Highlights of the Study

Typically, an EV is at least 15-20% heavier than a comparable conventional vehicle majorly due to the weight of batteries. EVs on account of their greater weight experience higher wear and tear in their tyres compared to conventional vehicles. Thus, EVs release substantially larger numbers of small plastic particles in the atmosphere.
EVs are also able to accelerate more rapidly. This can lead to additional stress on the tyres due to increased friction and heat generation. Primary fragmentation (from potholes, braking) produces smaller airborne particles while Sequential fragmentation (gradual wear) produces larger particles.
The tyres of heavier and faster-moving vehicles produce a higher proportion of smaller particles (about 1-10 micrometres). Unlike the larger particles that settle on the ground due to gravity, smaller particles remain suspended in the air, adding to the concentration of air pollutants.

Way Forward

Expand air quality regulations: Current air quality regulations focus on PM2.5 and PM10, but with the rise of EVs and increased emission of even smaller tyre fragments, these standards need to be expanded to cover ultra-fine particulate pollution.
Incorporate Non-Exhaust Emissions: Emissions standards would probably need to account for non-exhaust emissions from vehicles.
Research & Development in tyres: Tyre manufacturers would need to invest in research and development to produce sturdier tyres that are better suited to heavier EVs.
Improve road infrastructure: Better roads reduce tyre damage and pollution.

Asiatic Lion Census 2025

Context: As per the findings of the Asiatic Lion Census 2025, the population of Asiatic lions in Gujarat has witnessed a significant increase reaching an estimated 891 individuals.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Asiatic lions; Project Lion; Big Cat Alliance; CDV.

Asiatic Lion Census 2025

16th edition of the Lion Census. The last such census was conducted in 2020, which recorded 674 Asiatic lions in Gujarat.
Estimated lion population: 891 in Gujarat. Gir forest in Gujarat is the only remaining natural habitat of Asiatic lions.
Methodology: The census used advanced methodologies such as direct beat verification (high accuracy and minimal margin of error), supported by modern tools including high-resolution cameras, camera traps and GPS-enabled radio collars.
Concerns: ~57% of the 891 individuals have been recorded in areas outside protected forest areas. This poses an increased threat of man-wildlife conflict.

Asiatic Lions

The Asiatic lion is a big cat of the subspecies Panthera leo.
Range: Gir forest, a dry deciduous forest ecosystem in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, is the abode of the last surviving population.
Conservation Status:
- IUCN Status: Endangered
- CITES: Appendix I
- Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule I

Concerns: Lions remain geographically isolated in Gir. This risks the spread of epidemic or disease; risk due to decline in prey or natural disasters. E.g., In 2018, 27 lions in Gir died due to canine distemper virus (CDV)

Canine Distemper Virus:

Highly contagious viral disease caused by a single-stranded RNA virus. Affects wide range of carnivores
Impacts several body systems, including the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, the spinal cord, and the brain.
Symptoms: Dullness, lacrimation, cough, diarrhea, and seizures. It has a high mortality rate.

Conservation Initiatives

Project Lion (2020): Infrastructure development for protection and security of Indian lions, especially health infrastructure. Focus on conflict mitigation, habitat improvement, radio-collar monitoring, and camera traps, and addressing human-wildlife conflict.
International Big Cats Alliance (2023): Foster international cooperation among 97 range countries for conservation of big cats.

This growing presence underscores the continued success of conservation efforts and the need for expanded management strategies to support their increasing numbers.

Why does India need stable Urban Forests?

Context: Urban forests are essential for sustainable and healthy city living, but face serious threats from unplanned urbanisation requiring legal, civic, and policy safeguards. The recent Kancha Gachibowli incident in Telangana highlighted the vulnerability of urban forests and environmentally insensitive models of urban development.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts related to initiatives to protect urban forests.Mains: Importance of urban forests.

Why do Urban Forests matter?

Urban forests such as Kancha Gachibowli in Hyderabad, Aarey in Mumbai, Turahalli in Bengaluru, Neela Hauz and the Ridge in Delhi, and Dol Ka Baadh in Jaipur, are significant for healthy urban living. Urban forests help:
- mitigate climate change, sequester carbon and absorb pollutants.
- control stormwater runoff, erosion, and flooding.
- reduce the urban heat island effect
- coping with emissions from automobile vehicles (PM 2.5 and PM 10 pollutants)
- green spaces help the survival of endangered species.
A study by the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service showed that one hectare of trees can remove around one ton of air pollutants. However, diminishing urban forests in India’s metropolitan cities spell severe consequences. E.g., air quality index (AQI) in Delhi at 494.

Legal and Policy Framework for Protection of Urban Forests:

Constitutional Safeguards:

Article 21 (Right to Life): includes the Right to a healthy environment.
Article 48A: Duty of the State to protect and improve the environment.
Article 51A(g): Fundamental duty of citizens to protect the environment.

Government Schemes and Policies:

National Forest Policy of 1988 and the National Mission for Green India of 2014 underlined the imperative of increasing afforestation and social forestry.
Smart Cities Mission and Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation, launched in 2015 integrated smart urban designs with ecological and social development.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) of the Government of India had rolled out the Nagar Van Yojana (urban forest scheme) in 2020 to promote and grow forest spaces in urban areas.

Nagar Van Yojana:

Launched in 2020 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) of the Government of India.
Objective: To promote and grow forest spaces in urban areas.
Target: To develop 1000 Nagar Vans by 2027 with the financial support of National Fund of National Compensatory Afforestation Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA).
Significance: Help in protecting forest land within and around urban centers from degradation and encroachment. According to the India State of Forest Report 2023, the scheme has resulted in an increase of 1445.81 km of tree and forest cover.

Judicial Interventions:

The landmark Godavarman case in 1996 broadened the definition of forests to enhance the protection of urban greenery.
In 2015, the Delhi High Court directed the Delhi government to notify and protect the Delhi Ridge, also known as the Aravalli leopard wildlife corridor.
Similarly, the SC issued a stay order on the tree felling in Aarey in Mumbai in 2020 in response to the petitions by the citizens who conducted the Save Aarey Forest movement.

Threat to urban forests is a challenge to our biomedical, social, and cultural well-being. Urban forests are not just patches of greenery but life-sustaining ecosystems which need sustained preservation.

Upper Bhavani Pumped Storage Project

Context: The Expert Appraisal Committee of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has granted initial approval for conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the 1000 MW Upper Bhavani Pumped Storage Project in the Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Location of Western Ghats and Nilgiri Biosphere; EIA; Pumped Storage Hydropower Project.

Upper Bhavani Pumped Storage Hydropower Project

Location: Near Upper Bhavani dam and Avalanche-Emerald reservoirs, within 1 km of Mukurthi National Park.
The pumped hydropower project aims to harness the waters of the Upper Bhavani Dam and Avalanche-Emerald reservoirs in the Nilgiris to generate 1000 MW of power.
Developer: NTPC Tamil Nadu Energy Company Ltd.
Concerns: The area is part of the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot. These hills host unique ecosystems like the Shola forests and are home to several rare and endangered species.
The expert panel had earlier raised concerns due to the region’s ecological sensitivity. However, the developers submitted a revised layout and proposed that major infrastructure components including the water conductor system will be constructed underground to minimise ecological impact. Additionally, the revised layout avoids the highly sensitive Shola forest areas and does not involve displacement of local communities. Based on these changes, the EAC granted Terms of Reference (ToR) for conducting the EIA study.

What is the Pumped Storage Hydropower Project ?

Pumped storage plants use the principle of gravity to generate electricity using water that has been previously pumped from a lower source to an upper reservoir.
Operation of pumped storage power plants requires two reservoirs viz. upper and lower reservoir. Water in the upper reservoir is used for generating power during peak demand hours. The water in the lower reservoir is pumped back to the upper reservoir during the off-peak hours and the cycle continues.
Energy storage capacity of a pumped hydro facility depends on the size of its two reservoirs and the head between reservoirs, while the amount of power generated is linked to the size of the turbine.
Central and state governments have promoted pumped hydropower projects as part of India’s plans to achieve its non-fossil fuel energy targets.

Bhavani River:

Bhavani is an interstate Indian river which flows through Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
It originates in the Western Ghats from the Nilgiri hills, Tamil Nadu. It enters the Silent Valley National Park in Kerala and re-enters Tamil Nadu.
Bhavani is one of the main tributaries of the Cauvery River. It travels for 216 km and joins the Cauvery from the right bank at the Kooduthurai holy site, Tamil Nadu.
Upper Bhavani dam is located in the Nilgiri district, Tamil Nadu.

Environment Impact Assessment (EIA):

EIA is a tool used to assess the environmental, social, and economic impacts of a proposed project before it is given clearance to proceed.
It aims to predict environmental impacts, find ways to reduce adverse effects, and help decision-makers choose environmentally sustainable options.
If a project fails the EIA process, it is denied environmental clearance and cannot proceed further unless revised and approved.
Governed under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
Administered by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
EIA Notification 2006 outlines the procedure, including public hearings

Now the developers must conduct a comprehensive EIA study, organise a public hearing to gather feedback from affected communities, submit the final report to the EAC and facilitate a site visit by a MoEFCC subcommittee. Based on the findings, the final environmental clearance will be considered.

SC strikes down Retrospective Environmental Clearances

Context: Recently, the Supreme Court has ruled that granting retrospective environmental clearances to construction and infrastructure projects is illegal, arbitrary, and contrary to environmental law and constitutional principles.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts related to Retrospective Environment clearance, EIA etc.

What is Retrospective Environmental Clearance?

Retrospective Environmental Clearance (also called ex-post facto EC) means giving environmental approval to a project after it has already started construction or operations, instead of getting permission before beginning the project.

Background:

The EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) Notification of 2006, under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, mandates prior environmental clearance before commencing any construction or industrial activity.
However, the Environmental Amnesty Notification 2017 introduced a one-time amnesty window (March-September 2017), allowing violators who had commenced projects without EC to apply for retrospective clearance.
The 2021 Office Memorandum, issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, established a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to handle such violation cases. Thus it effectively continued the regime of ex-post facto approvals.

SC strikes down retrospective Environmental Clearances:

In Vanashakti vs Union of India, the Supreme Court of India ruled that Ex-post facto ECs are illegal, arbitrary, and anathema to environmental jurisprudence.
The SC struck down the Environmental Amnesty Notification 2017, and the Office Memorandum 2021 which allowed for ex-post facto (retrospective) Environmental Clearances (ECs).
Environmental Clearances already granted under the 2017 and 2021 policy regime will not be invalidated, but no new such clearances shall be granted.
The Union government is restrained from issuing any future policies or circulars that seek to regularise such violations.
The judgment is rooted in the Precautionary Principle, a cornerstone of Indian environmental law, ensuring environmental risks are assessed before harm occurs
The Court emphasised that the government has a constitutional duty (Article 48A and 51A(g)) to protect the environment.
Retrospective clearances violate Article 21, infringing upon citizens' right to health and clean air.
Also, Ex-post facto clearances defeat the very purpose of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), which are meant to assess risks before project approval, not after damage is done.

IMO’s Net Zero Framework for Global Shipping Industry

Context: Recently, at its 83rd session, the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MERC) of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has approved a draft legal text for a Market-Based Measure (MBM) framework aimed at decarbonising the international shipping industry and promoting green shipping.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: MEPC-83, MARPOL Convention, Green fuels, CBDR-RC principle.

Mains: Need for green shipping, steps taken and implementation challenges.

Why does Green Shipping Matter?

Shipping plays an outsized role in global emissions:

The sector emits approximately one billion metric tonnes of GHG each year, representing about 2.8% of total global emissions.
If ranked as a country, international shipping would be the sixth-largest emitter in the world, between Germany and Japan. Without intervention, shipping emissions could increase by 50–250% by 2050 due to growing global trade.

Given its international nature, shipping is uniquely positioned for global regulation, making the IMO's action a significant precedent.

International Maritime Organisation:

IMO is the United Nations specialised agency responsible for regulating maritime transport, ensuring the safety and security of shipping, and preventing marine pollution.
Its main role is to create a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair and effective, universally adopted and universally implemented.
IMO measures cover all aspects of international shipping- including ship design, construction, equipment, manning, operation and disposal.
Established in1948 (under the UN Convention), came into force in 1958.
Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Members: 175 Member States including India.

For over ten years, IMO has been working to decarbonise the maritime industry. It undertook various strategies such as:

Initial GHG Strategy (2018) and its Updated GHG Strategy (2023).
Technical and operational measures under Annex VI of the MARPOL Convention, including: Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP), Mandatory fuel oil consumption reporting.

However, without a binding economic mechanism, these efforts had limited impact. This led to a shift in focus toward Market-Based Measures (MBMs) to internalise the environmental cost of emissions.

Key Highlights of MEPC-83

At the 83rd session, IMO adopted Singapore’s Hybrid Model as the IMO Net Zero Framework- making shipping the first global industry with a binding emissions levy. It aims to help the shipping industry reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by or around 2050.

Features of Singapore’s Hybrid Model (IMO Net Zero Framework):

GHG Fuel Standard: Sets a greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity benchmark for marine fuels. Encourages the use of Zero or Near-Zero emission fuels- such as green hydrogen, ammonia, or methanol. Ships are required to meet a specified carbon intensity target per megajoule (MJ) of fuel.
Tiered Credit and Penalty System: Ships exceeding performance targets (i.e., using cleaner fuels than the standard) receive surplus emission credits. Ships underperforming (i.e., emitting more than the threshold) must purchase remedial credits or units to offset their excess emissions.
Progressive Benchmarks: The GHG intensity thresholds become stricter over time, driving innovation and investment in greener technologies. E.g., IMO rewards fuels under 19.0 g CO₂e/MJ until 2034, and under 14.0 g CO₂e/MJ thereafter.
Global but Differentiated Incentives: While the framework is universally applicable, it is designed to provide economic flexibility for developing countries.

Challenges to the IMO Net Zero Framework

1. Legal and Procedural Hurdles:

The draft Net Zero Framework was approved with 63 votes in favour, 16 against, and 24 abstentions. To implement the Net Zero Framework, IMO needs to amend Annex VI of the MARPOL convention, which governs air pollution from ships.

The amendment will undergo a six-month circulation period among all contracting parties to MARPOL. For final adoption, it requires a two-thirds majority of votes from members present and voting.
Even if the amendment is adopted, it can still be blocked if one-third of the parties, representing at least 50% of the global shipping tonnage, submit formal written objections.

2. Geopolitical Resistance:

The US boycotted the IMO deliberations and warned of reciprocal measures, if a global levy (especially one aligned with the EU proposal) was adopted.
Major fossil fuel exporters (like Saudi Arabia) and large shipping nations (like China) are resistant to aggressive emission controls.
Shipowners, especially from traditional maritime powers like Greece, are sceptical about the economic feasibility and compliance costs.
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) demanded high levies to fund climate adaptation.
Norway and Scandinavian nations pushed for reward mechanisms to acknowledge early investments in green tech.
Brazil advocated for methanol as a transitional marine fuel.

3. Erosion of the CBDR-RC principle:

CBDR-RC is a core principle enshrined in climate agreements like UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement which acknowledges that all nations must address climate change but recognise historical responsibility and unequal capacities. Developed nations, with their longer industrial histories, are expected to bear greater burdens.
However, recent IMO proceedings reflect an effort by wealthier nations to shift responsibility onto developing economies, despite stark differences in income and consumption.

Impacts on India

While some short-term cost burdens are expected, India stands to benefit significantly in the long run:

Minimal Near-Term Impact: India’s logistics costs are projected to increase by 4.98-7.29% (imports) and 5.92-8.09% (exports) by 2030.
Limited Exposure: India currently operates nearly 236 ships over 5,000 gross tonnage, with only 135 involved in international voyages. Since MBMs apply only to international shipping, India’s coastal fleet remains unaffected.
Green Hydrogen Export Potential: Under the National Hydrogen Mission, India is developing a competitive green hydrogen sector. Indian green hydrogen, with a GHG intensity of about 16.7 gCO₂e/MJ, is well below the IMO’s threshold of 19.0 gCO₂e/MJ (till 2034) and 14.0 gCO₂e/MJ (thereafter), making it a viable export for green fuel bunkering globally.
Port Infrastructure: At least three Indian ports are gearing up to offer green hydrogen bunkering, positioning India as a future clean fuel hub.

Despite persistent disagreements, the adoption of a MBM by the IMO represents a milestone in the journey toward decarbonisation. If successful, this framework could make shipping the first truly global sector to operate under binding climate goals, setting a powerful precedent for others to follow.

CAQM issues 19-point Directives to Eliminate Stubble Burning

Context: Recently, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has released 19-point directives for Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh to eliminate stubble burning.

Earlier, the Supreme Court had directed the constitution of state-level committees in these states to file monthly reports to CAQM. The committees have been tasked to monitor the implementation of the CAQM directions.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Key facts about Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).

Mains: Stubble Burning: Concerns & government Initiatives to prevent stubble burning.

Key highlights of the CAQM Action Plan:

Technological Interventions:
- Mapping of each farm in all villages. ⁠
- Effective use of IT platforms for planning, procurement, machine booking and their utilisation.
- Set up an online platform for real-time monitoring of crop residue and its utilisation
- Tagging of special nodal officers to a group of farmers to cover all the districts.
Machinery and Infrastructure:
- ⁠Comprehensive review of inventories with a fresh gap analysis and procurement plan for different machinery types to be conducted this year.
- ⁠Timely procurement of new crop-residue-management (CRM) machines.
- Optimal availability of machines, mainly for small, marginal farmers. Compulsory rent-free CRM machines for such farmers.
- Plan machine movement based on harvesting patterns, schedules.
- ⁠Optimal use of balers, rakers, among other machines for ex-situ management.
Ex-situ Crop Residue Management:
- Plan for storage facilities. Parcels of government or panchayat lands to be identified for storage of paddy straw bales
- District-level supply chain management
- Fix common procurement price for paddy straw in Punjab & UP
- Promotion of various government schemes for ex-situ management
- Set up a pilot common paddy straw-based boiler in industrial units
- Use paddy straw pellets for co-firing in brick kiln on line with TPPs
Enforcement Measures:
- Set up a dedicated Parali Protection Force (made up of police, agriculture, and civic officers) to closely monitor, oversee and guard against stubble burning incidents.
- Intensified patrolling to prevent evasion of satellite monitoring of farm fires.
- Help citizens report complaints on social media platforms.
- Farmers who still burn straw risk “red entries” in their land records and environmental compensation fines.

Commission For Air Quality Management (CAQM):

CAQM is a statutory body established under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021.
Objective: To coordinate, research and address problems related to air quality in the national Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas.
Adjoining areas include: areas in the states of Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh adjoining the NCR where any source of pollution may cause adverse impact on air quality in the NCR.
It dissolved the Environment Pollution Prevention and Control Authority established in the NCR.

Also Read: Burning of Agricultural Residue

Indian Grey Wolves heading towards Extinction

Context: Indian grey wolf population in Maharashtra’s Kadbanwadi grassland is declining due to threats from feral dogs, disease, habitat changes, and conservation challenges.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts related to Kadbanwadi grasslands; Indian grey wolf.

Declining population of Indian grey wolf:

In the Kadbanwadi grasslands of Pune district (Maharashtra), the Indian grey wolf, a crucial top predator, is rapidly disappearing. About 10 years ago, there were around 70 adult wolves, but now only 6 have been spotted.
This sharp decline is alarming because wolves are crucial for maintaining ecological balance by regulating the populations of smaller predators and herbivores, which in turn helps sustain the overall health of the ecosystem.

Kadbanwadi grasslands

Location: Indapur tehsil, Pune district, Maharashtra.
Area: 2000 hectares
Fauna: In addition to the Indian grey wolf, Kadbanwadi is home to other species such as the Bengal fox, striped hyena, and Brahminy kite.

Indian Grey Wolves in Kadbanwadi

Indian Grey wolf is the apex predator in Kadbanwadi grasslands.
It is brown in colour with black-and-white markings on their backs.
It was considered as the grassland’s guardians as they ensure a healthy ecosystem by regulating the numbers of smaller predators and herbivores.
Conservation Status:
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
- IUCN Status: Endangered
- CITES: Appendix I
Significant threats: Attacks by feral dogs, the spread of Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) from stray dogs, genetic dilution due to crossbreeding with feral dogs, a shrinking prey base caused by the decline in shepherding practices, and habitat disruption from urban waste and encroachment.

Tapti Basin Mega Recharge Project

Context: Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra have signed an MoU to jointly implement the Tapti Basin Mega Recharge Project. It is aimed at enhancing regional water security by using Tapti river water for drinking and irrigation needs in both states.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts related to Tapti Basin Mega Recharge Project.

Tapti Basin Mega Recharge Project

The project is described as one of the largest water recharge projects globally with no displacement involved.
Water from the Tapti river will be diverted to cater to:
- drinking water needs of north-eastern Maharashtra, including Nagpur.
- provide irrigation support to southern and south-eastern districts of Madhya Pradesh such as Burhanpur and Khandwa.
Total planned utilisation of water under the scheme stands at 31.13 thousand million cubic feet (TMC), with 11.76 TMC allocated to MP and 19.36 TMC to Maharashtra.
Centre is expected to fund 90% of the project cost and the proposals will be submitted to classify it as a national water project.
This is the third major river-linking initiative undertaken by the Madhya Pradesh government in the past year, following the Ken-Betwa link project with Uttar Pradesh and the Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal link project with Rajasthan.

About Tapti River:

Tapti or Tapi river is one of the major west-flowing rivers.
Origin: Multai in Betul district, Madhya Pradesh.
States Covered: Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat.
Major Tributaries of Tapti are:
- Right Bank: Vaghur, Bori, Purna
- Left Bank: Aner, Girna, Panjhra
Important cities along the river: Burhanpur (MP), Jalgaon (Maharashtra), Surat (Gujarat)
Dams and Projects: Ukai Dam (Gujarat), Hathnur Dam (Maharashtra)

India warns of Retaliation if UK imposes Carbon Tax Under CBAM

Context: India has strongly opposed the UK’s proposed Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), citing that it reserves the right to retaliate if the UK proceeds without granting fair exemptions to Indian exporters.

Relevance of the Topic Prelims : key facts related to carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) Mains : Impact of CBAM on Indian exports.

Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)

CBAM is a policy tool introduced by the European Union to ensure that imported goods are subject to the same carbon costs as products produced within the EU.
It aims to prevent "carbon leakage," where companies shift production to countries with lower carbon standards to avoid carbon costs.
The United Kingdom, though no longer part of the EU, is now planning its own version of CBAM, which has sparked fresh trade tensions with India. It is expected to start from January 1, 2027.

Also Read: Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism

Impact of CBAM on Indian Exports:

Reduce price competitiveness: Carbon tax on carbon intensive goods (steel, aluminium, cement, and fertilisers etc.) imported from India will make Indian goods more expensive than local or other compliant imports reducing price Competitiveness
Undermines FTA benefits: While the FTA might reduce or eliminate tariffs, Indian exports could still face hefty carbon taxes, potentially far exceeding the UK’s current average tariff rate of under 2%.
Burden on MSMEs: MSMEs often lack the resources to measure and report carbon emissions, making CBAM compliance costly and potentially forcing them out of export markets.

India’s Response

India has labelled the CBAM as an unfair measure and a violation of the "common but differentiated responsibilities" (CBDR) principle.
- CBDR principle is a multilateral climate negotiations which says developed and developing countries should not be treated the same when it comes to climate responsibilities. Developed nations, having polluted more historically, must bear a greater responsibility.

India had requested the UK for Special treatment for Indian MSMEs under CBAM and a ‘rebalancing mechanism’ – a clause in the trade deal that would compensate Indian exporters if they suffer losses due to this tax. However the UK remains unwilling to grant any concession under CBAM.
India inserted a clause related to rebalancing inside the “General Exceptions” chapter of the trade agreement draft. In global trade rules (like WTO’s GATT agreement), this chapter says a country can take actions that normally break trade rules, if it is doing so to protect the environment or public health.
So, this protects India from legal trouble at the WTO, if it takes action against the UK’s carbon tax.

Also Read: India and UK conclude Free Trade Agreement

India must negotiate with UK firmly to ensure that market access gained through tariff elimination is not undermined by other barriers.