Environment

Polavaram Dam Project

Context: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has recently intensified its efforts to highlight the potential adverse impacts of the Polavaram Dam project (Andhra Pradesh), on the tribal communities in Odisha’s Malkangiri district (Odisha).

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Polavaram Dam Project. 

Polavaram Dam Project:

  • The Polavaram Project is an under construction multi-purpose irrigation project on the Godavari River. It is located in the Polavaram mandal of the Eluru district (formerly West Godavari district) in Andhra Pradesh.
AD 4nXd2GCDIN eZLanfkAasqwaFWftKosBdvFPuXilL3lKmd6qT2O2Ei xYXHLOCDQ6OmugvS370BK 5hK5fOGckHqlKYz7qvQgnLBtSArPb6pxYLhtwzFHn4WsEd933DjHXyxm fweWrxdGcDwTa34WQ?key=hBIXVSnzBiL QlDmpJYwcaPV

Purpose:

  • The project is a multi-purpose project on river Godavari for irrigation, developing hydropower and providing drinking water facilities to East Godavari, Visakhapatnam, West Godavari and Krishna districts of Andhra Pradesh.
    • The project will provide irrigation facilities to 2.91 lakh hectares.  
    • The project has an installed capacity of 960 MW and will provide 23.44 TMC (663.7 MCM) of drinking water and industrial water supply to Visakhapatnam city and steel plant. 
  • In this project, Godavari-Krishna inter-linking will be implemented under the inter-linking of rivers project. The project envisages transfer of 80 TMC of surplus water of Godavari river to Krishna river to be shared between Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra.

Background:

  • The Polavaram Irrigation Project on the river Godavari was conceived as a part of the recommendations of the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal (GWDT). 
  • Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha had entered into an agreement dated April 2, 1980, where the project was to be executed by Andhra Pradesh.
  • As per Andhra Pradesh State Reorganization Act (APRA), 2014, the Polavaram Irrigation Project was declared as a National Project . As per the Act the Central Government shall execute the project and obtain all requisite clearances including environmental, forests, and rehabilitation and resettlement norms. 
polavaram irrigation project

Objection raised by Odisha: 

  • The Odisha State government in the year 2016 submitted to the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) that the project was going to submerge 7,656 hectares of land, including forestland, and displace more than 6,800 people including 5,916 tribals in Malkangiri.

**Though no comprehensive study has been carried out with regards to the likely submergence of the Malkangiri district  due to the Polavaram project.

Steps taken by Ministry of Jal Shakti

  • The Ministry of Jal Shakti said that by providing remedial measures such as constructing protective embankments along Sileru and Sabari River in Odisha, and along Sabari River in Chhattisgarh, the submergence in both Odisha and Chhattisgarh could be avoided completely. 
  • In August 2024 this year, the Ministry had asked the State Pollution Control Boards of Odisha and Chhattisgarh to conduct a public hearing for the construction of protective embankments without further loss of time as the project is in an advanced stage of construction. 

Present status: 

  • The Odisha State Pollution Control Board is yet to hold a public hearing. 
  • The Odisha government had earlier expressed its reservation over the high protective embankment by stating that the construction of an embankment requires the diversion of forestland and creates flooding in Odisha territory.

Olive Ridley Turtles 

Context: The carcasses of Olive Ridley turtles have washed ashore along the Visakhapatnam coast in Andhra Pradesh. As per the environmental experts, the majority of the deaths are due to marine pollution and trawling activities for catching. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Olive Ridley Turtles; Location- Gahirmatha, Rushikulya river

About Olive Ridley Turtles

Olive Ridley Turtles
  • Physical features: 
    • The olive ridley sea turtle is one of the smallest and most abundant of all sea turtles found in the world.
    • They get their name from their olive coloured carapace (shell), which is heart shaped. 
  • Habitat: They are found in warm and tropical waters, primarily in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. They are also found in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Mass Nesting:
    • They are best known for their unique synchronised mass nestings called arribadas, where thousands of females come together on the same beach to lay eggs.
    • The turtle eggs normally take 45 days to hatch. Following it, the tiny hatchlings make their way to the sea.
    • The coast of Orissa in India is the largest mass nesting site for the turtles, namely, Gahirmatha beach, Rushikulya river etc. 
image 93

Need for Protection: 

  • Olive ridley sea turtles are considered the most abundant, yet globally they have declined by more than 30% from historic levels.
  • Threats:
    • Poached for their meats, shells and leather. 
    • Their nesting sites (on the beaches) are vulnerable to destruction due to marine pollution, over-tourism, mechanised boats, coastal erosion, natural disasters and climate change. 

Protection Status:

Green Steel

Context: India became the first country globally to define “green steel.”

Green Steel Detailed: 

  • As per the Steel Ministry, green steel has been defined in terms of “percentage of greenness of the steel”, which is produced from the plant with carbon dioxide equivalent emission intensity of less than 2.2 tonnes of carbon dioxide emission (CO2) per tonne of finished steel (tfs). 
  • The greenness of steel shall be expressed as a percentage based on how much the steel plant’s emission is lower than the 2.2tCO2e/ tfs threshold.
Rating (Star)Emission Intensity 
Five Lower than 1.6tCO2e/tfs
FourBetween 1.6 and 2.0t-CO2e/tfs
ThreeBetween 2.0 and 2.2 t-CO2e/tfs.

** Any steel having an emission higher than 2.2 t-CO2e/ tfs will not be considered as green steel.

Present Emission Scenarios:

  • The average emission for India’s steel industry at present stands at around 2.5–2.6 t-CO2e/tfs. Different steel companies have different emission numbers depending on the method of steel production.
  • The steel industry accounts for 7% of the global carbon dioxide emissions.

Future Policy Framework:

  • The Ministry of Steel is working on a ₹15,000-crore Green Steel Mission, which will include a public procurement policy for such decarbonised offerings. 
  • The Ministry will continue to explore financing options to support technology switchover for companies.
  • At least 37% public procurement is being proposed if the green steel is of five-star grade and about 30% for products of lower star rating for any green steel offering. 
  • The Ministry is looking at financing or support from multilateral agencies like the World Bank and Asian Development Bank.

Bottom Trawling in Indian Ocean

Context: According to Sri Lanka’s Minister of Fisheries the enduring fisheries conflict in the Palk Bay can be decisively resolved only if the Indian side stops using the destructive bottom-trawling method.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: - Bottom Trawling Method

Bottom Trawling Method

  • Bottom trawling is a method of fishing that involves dragging heavy weighted nets across the sea floor, in an effort to herd and capture the target species, like ground fish or crabs.
  • It is a favoured method by commercial fishing companies because it can catch large quantities of product in one go.
Bottom Trawling Method

Ecological Impacts of Bottom Trawling:

  • Habitat Destruction: Trawling can cause physical damage to the seabed and the structures that support marine life. The heavy gear used in trawling can crush or remove vulnerable habitats such as deep-sea corals, sponges, and other benthic organisms.
  • Biodiversity Loss: The indiscriminate nature of trawling nets can lead to the capture of non-target species, including various marine organisms. This bycatch often includes species that are not commercially valuable and can result in the depletion of non-targeted populations, leading to biodiversity loss.
  • Altered Ecosystem Dynamics: The removal of large quantities of marine organisms through trawling can disrupt the balance within ecosystems. Targeted species and their predators may experience declines, leading to cascading effects throughout the food web.
  • Slow Recovery: Deep-sea ecosystems have limited resilience, and the slow growth rates of many deep-sea species mean that recovery from trawling impacts can take decades or even centuries. Some species may struggle to rebuild their populations, if at all.
  • Carbon Sequestration: Deep-sea ecosystems play a crucial role in carbon sequestration. Trawling can disturb sediments and release stored carbon, contributing to climate change. Additionally, the destruction of deep-sea habitats reduces their ability to sequester carbon effectively.

India - Sri Lanka:

Demarcation of Boundary:

  • India and Sri Lanka share a maritime border of more than 400 kilometres, which cuts through three different seas - the Bay of Bengal in the north, the Palk Bay in the center, and the Gulf of Mannar (which opens to the Indian Ocean) in the south.
  • Even before the Law of the Sea was negotiated at the United Nations, and India declared its 200-nautical-mile EEZ, India and Sri Lanka signed the maritime agreements of 1974 and 1976.
    • The 1974 agreement demarcated the maritime boundary in the Palk Strait and ceded Kachchatheevu to Sri Lanka. 
    • The 1976 agreement demarcated the boundary in the Gulf of Mannar and the Bay of Bengal and barred either country's fishermen from fishing in the other's waters.
image 70

Maritime Conflict:

  • Sri Lanka is under pressure from its Northern province fishermen to act against Tamil Nadu fishermen, who they accuse of resorting to destructive bottom trawling. Notably Sri Lanka has banned bottom trawling since July 2017. 
  • While India promised to end bottom trawling in the Palk Bay and incentivise fishermen to take to deep-sea fishing under the Blue Revolution Scheme, bottom trawlers are still active. 
  • Fishermen also face a practical problem as under the Tamil Nadu Marine Fishing Regulation Act 1983. The Act, aimed to protect fishing rights of traditional fishermen near the coast, permits mechanised fishing boats to only fish three nautical miles away from the coast. Since the distance between Dhanush Kodi (Tamil Nadu) and the International Maritime Boundary Line is just nine nautical miles, breaches do occur (i.e., mechanised boats might cross into Sri Lankan waters). 

Climate Footprint of Space Exploration

Context: The world is increasing its reliance on space technology for vital functions like climate monitoring. However, it gives rise to the concerns about satellite interference and the accumulation of orbital debris.

Relevance of the Topic: Mains - Environmental consequences of space activities and what are the barriers in achieving space sustainability.

Key Environmental Consequences of Space Activities:

Climate Footprint of Space Exploration
  • Exacerbating Global Warming: 
    • Every rocket launch releases carbon dioxide, black carbon, and water vapour into the atmosphere. Black carbon absorbs sunlight 500-times more effectively than carbon dioxide. 
    • Satellites also use propulsion systems to adjust their location and orientation in orbit, and their emissions amplify global warming. As commercial space ventures become more common, the cumulative impact of these emissions will worsen.
  • Depletion of Ozone: 
    • Rocket propellants (especially those using chlorine-based chemicals) deplete the ozone layer at high altitudes.
    • This increases the exposure to ultraviolet radiation on the ground as well as disrupts atmospheric circulation, both of which affect the global climate.
  • Metallic Ash:
    • When satellites burn up in the atmosphere at the end of their missions, they release "satellite ash" into the middle layers of Earth's atmosphere. This metallic ash can harm the atmosphere and potentially alter the climate.
  • Energy Intensive Processes:
    • The production of satellites demands energy-intensive processes involving metals and composite materials, whose extraction and preparation have large carbon footprints. 
    • The rise of extracting valuable (on the earth) minerals from asteroids could lead to increased industrial activity both in space and on the ground. 
  • Dangers of Orbital Debris: 
    • As of September 2024, over 19,590 satellites have been launched, with 13,230 still in orbit of which 10,200 are functional. Non-functional objects in Earth's orbit contribute to pollution and can disrupt scientific research by interfering with data collection and radio waves.
  • These risks significantly impact mission costs and pose severe threats to human-crewed missions (such as the International Space Station).

Barriers to Space Sustainability:

  • No specific international regulations: Space activities currently fall outside international sustainability instruments like the Paris Agreement. Without clear guidelines, the unchecked growth of emissions and debris will harm Earth's climate and increase barriers to future space exploration.
  • Lack of regulation for Space Debris: Currently, there are no international space laws pertaining to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) debris. 
  • Lack of binding provisions: The principles of the Outer Space Treaty lack binding provisions to regulate countries' exploration and use of outer space (including the Moon and other celestial bodies), thus limiting its effectiveness.

Way Forward: 

  • Establish Enforceable Standards:
    • The UN Office for Outer Space Affairs should set standards for governing activities in outer space.
    • Governments should set domestic standards for emissions from rockets and satellites.
    • International cooperation through bodies like the Committee on the Peaceful Use of Outer Space (COPUOS) is necessary to create enforceable standards for emissions and debris management.
  • Reusable Rockets: Such as developed by SpaceX and Blue Origin reduce manufacturing waste and lower costs by allowing engineers to reuse rocket components in multiple missions.
  • But the reusable parts are often heavier, which increases fuel consumption. These also have limited applicability for high-orbit missions, requiring costly refurbishments.
  • Cleaner fuels: Such as liquid hydrogen or biofuels can minimise harmful emissions during lift-offs.
  • However, hydrogen is currently produced using non-renewable energy, which negates its environmental benefits.
  • Designing satellites with Biodegradable materials: That naturally disintegrate during re-entry can prevent long-term debris accumulation. 
  • These materials currently lack the durability required for the extreme conditions of space. High development costs and limited adoption further slow progress.
  • Autonomous Debris Removal (ADR) technologies: Such as robotic arms and laser systems also offer hope for cleaning up orbital debris.
  • They are currently expensive as well as need more legal clarity before they can begin to operate safely.
  • Global Traffic System: To monitor satellites and debris in real time could reduce collisions and optimise orbit use.
  • Resistance to data sharing, including due to security and commercial concerns, and the lack of a unified international authority hinder its development.

Policy and technical measures on a global scale are necessary to ensure that space is a safe, sustainable, and accessible domain for all. 

World Solar Report 2024

Context: The World Solar Report 2024 by the International Solar Alliance (ISA) was released in November. 

Relevance of the Topic Prelims: Key understanding of broad trends in the Solar Energy Sector; International Solar Alliance. 

Major Highlights of the Report:

  • Surge in global solar capacity: Solar capacity represents three-quarters of all renewable capacity additions worldwide. From 1.22 GW in 2000, the world’s solar capacity has surged to 1,419 GW in 2023. 
  • Increasing Investments: The report highlights the global shift toward sustainable energy, with energy investments rising from $2.4 trillion in 2018 to $3.1 trillion by 2024. 
  • Increased Installed capacity: As of 2023, China dominates solar PV as 43% (609 GW) of the cumulative capacity of solar panels installed globally is from China. The U.S. contributes 10% (137.73 GW). Japan, Germany, and India each captured a 5-6% share. 
  • Solar Manufacturing: Solar PV manufacturing has nearly doubled in capacity for wafers, cells, and modules in 2023. China maintained the highest share in component manufacturing in 2023, with 97% in wafers, 89% in cells, and 83% in module installation capacity.
  • Employment generation: Employment in the solar PV sector rose to 7.1 million jobs in 2023, up from 4.9 million in 2022 worldwide.
  • Advancement in Solar Technology: There is 24.9% efficiency in solar PV modules, an 88% reduction in silicon usage since 2004, and a 90% drop in utility-scale solar PV costs, fostering resilient, cost-effective energy solutions.

New Solar Technologies:

  • Quantum dot solar cells have achieved an efficiency of 18.1%, offering a promising approach to enhance solar energy capture and power atmospheric water harvesting technologies. 
  • Self-healing solar panels (presently under development) to extend the lifespan and reduce the maintenance of existing solar cell technologies. 
  • Solar-powered phyto-mining uses solar energy to power the extraction of valuable metals from soil-using plants, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional mining practices.
  • Solar paver blocks integrated with building infrastructure and BIPV (Building Integrated PV), like transparent solar panels, allow light transmission and visibility. 
  • The solar sector is also prioritising recycling panels and implementing circular economy practices to minimise environmental impact.
New Solar Technologies:

About  International Solar Alliance: 

  • The International Solar Alliance was launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris in 2015 by India and France, and came into force in 2017.
  • Aim: Global deployment of over 1,000 GW of solar generation capacity and mobilisation of investment of over US$ 1000 billion into solar energy by 2030.
  • It seeks to bring together the countries which lie either completely or partly between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn for harnessing solar energy. 
  • The membership of the ISA has now been extended to UN member countries as well (presently 120+ members). 
  • Initiatives by ISA: 
    • Global Solar Facility (GSF): A fund formed by ISA to stimulate investments into solar power projects. 
    • One Sun One World One Grid: OSOWOG envisions building and scaling a transnational electricity grid to share solar energy across the globe, leveraging the differences of time zones, seasons, resources, and prices between countries and regions.
  • Secretariat: Gurugram, Haryana, India.  

Moths make reproductive choices based on sounds 

Context: As per a new study, moths can hear sounds emitted by plants and rely on them to choose on which plant to lay their eggs.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims- Key facts about Moths. 

What are Moths?

Moths make reproductive choices based on sounds 
  • Moths are a group of insects and are members of the order Lepidoptera (same order as Butterflies). 
  • There are approximately 160,000 species of moth. Being highly adapted species, they are found in all climate types, except polar habitats.
  • Most species of moth are nocturnal, though there are also some diurnal species.
  • Appearance: 
    • Moths vary in size (ranging in wingspan from about 4 mm to nearly 30 cm). 
    • The majority of moths have dull wing colors, but there exist many species with spectacular colors.
      • The insect, often considered as the most beautiful insect in the world, is a day-flying moth (The Sunset Moth) from Madagascar.
    • Moths can usually be distinguished from butterflies by their antennae, which are typically threadlike or feathery; in contrast butterflies have club-tipped antennae.
  • Some moths (particularly their caterpillars) can be major agricultural pests in many parts of the world. E.g., Corn borers and bollworms.
  • Like many other species, moths are affected by the changing climate, as it alters the timing and growth of their food plants.

Indian Star Tortoise

Context: Researchers have identified two genetically distinct groups of the Indian Star Tortoise. The genetic divergences in the species show up as differences in physical features that can be utilised to form strategies to release and conserve rescued tortoises.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims- Key facts about Indian Star Tortoise.

About Indian Star Tortoise:

Indian Star Tortoise
  • Indian star tortoises are endemic to the Indian subcontinent. They reside in arid pockets of northwest India (bordering Pakistan), South India, and Sri Lanka.
  • Features:
    • Appearance: Obsidian shell and striking sun-yellow star patterns adorning it. 
    • Sexual dimorphism: Adult females are considerably larger than males.
    • Can grow up to 10 inches long. 
  • Behaviour: Mostly Herbivores.  
  • Conservation Status:
    • CITES: Appendix I.
    • IUCN Status: Vulnerable. 
    • Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: Schedule I
      • It is illegal to own one in India and unethical since they are vulnerable in the wild.
  • Concerns: 
    • Rise in wildlife trafficking due to increased global demand as pets (US, Canada, etc.)
    • Habitat fragmentation, extremely susceptible to parasites and diseases (pneumonia and respiratory diseases).

Conservation Approach: 

  • Researchers from the Wildlife Institute of India and Punjab University explored the diversity and natural distribution in India by sequencing the genomes of Indian star tortoises in zoos, wildlife reserves, and protected areas.
  • The study identified two genetically distinct groups of Indian star tortoises: northwestern and southern. They have suggested releasing captivated tortoises in different geographical areas based on their divergences. 
    • Unscientific releases of the seized star tortoises found in different areas could mix their population, depress their breeding rates and might lower their genetic diversity.  

What is Silicosis? 

Context: National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the Central Pollution Control Board to draft new guidelines for granting permission for [silica] mining and washing plants and the Uttar Pradesh government and Pollution Control Board to set up health-care facilities in areas with silica mines.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims- Key facts about Silicosis. 

What is Silicosis?

  • Silicosis is a long-term lung disease caused by inhaling large amounts of crystalline silica dust.
    • Silica is a substance naturally found in certain types of stone, rock, sand and clay. Working with these materials can create a very fine dust that can be easily inhaled.
  • Impact: Once inside the lungs, it causes swelling (inflammation) and gradually leads to hardened and scarred lung tissue (fibrosis). Lung tissue that is scarred in this way does not function properly.
  • Treatment: There is no cure for silicosis because the lung damage can not be reversed. Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
Silicosis

Which industries are more vulnerable?

  • Stone masonry and stone cutting – especially with sandstone
  • Construction and demolition – as a result of exposure to concrete and paving materials
  • Worktop manufacturing and fitting
  • Pottery, ceramics and glass manufacturing
  • Mining and quarrying
  • Sand blasting

What are various challenges faced by India in this regard?

  • Silicosis is a common occupational disorder seen all over India, particularly in the Central and Western States. It is an important cause of respiratory morbidity.
  • Majority of silicosis cases are anticipated to be reported in smaller units and cottage industries.
    • Small enterprises may also be exempt from the statutory norms outlined in the Factories Act, 1948, and the Mines Act, 1952.
    • Operators do not follow occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code 2020 which require mine workers’ employers to notify threats of bodily harm to workers and workers developing specific diseases, including silicosis.
  • Lack of data with the government prevents them from taking actions.
  • Lack of standardised diagnostic algorithms and guidelines for silicosis certification.
  • Free annual health checkups have failed to reverse Silicosis.
  • Misdiagnosis also happens many times, confusing it with tuberculosis. 

Holistic approach to Water Conservation

Context: Water resources are finite, critical for economic growth, and essential for ecology. India’s water resources are under tremendous pressure and thus require a comprehensive approach for water management. 

Relevance of the Topic: Mains- Reasons for Water Scarcity, Recommendations of Mihir Shah Committee. 

State of Water Resources in India:

  • India’s per capita water availability is likely to touch the water scarce scenario by 2050.
  • NITI Aayog's report (2018) says that:
    • 54% of groundwater wells in India are declining. 
    • Rain alone fulfils only 20% of water demand, while the remaining 80% relies heavily on depleting groundwater reserves. 
  • Only 6% annual rainwater is saved or stored every year (CWC).
  • By 2050 the total water consumption will be more than the available water supply in the country. This demand-supply gap will create problems in water resources utilisation for the purpose of economic growth, lifestyle changes, etc.
State of Water Resources in India

Reasons for Water Scarcity: 

  • ​​Depletion of Groundwater:
    • Rampant cultivation of water-intensive crops (sugarcane, paddy, cotton) across water-stressed regions exhausts groundwater. E.g., Sugarcane cultivation in water-stressed Maharashtra, Paddy cultivation in Punjab, Haryana. 
    • Over-reliance on traditional sources like wells, tube wells, canals for flood irrigation causes groundwater depletion.
  • Inefficient Water Management: Inappropriate catchment treatment measures, poor maintenance, improper lining of irrigation canals has resulted in reduced water storage capacity of reservoirs and wetlands, silting of waterbodies and water loss from irrigation canals. 
  • Rapid Urbanisation & Industrialisation: Water demand from the domestic & municipal sector has increased considerably, relative to the other sectors, owing to rapid growth of population & expansion of cities. Similarly, the demand for water has increased with increased industrialisation. 
  • Water Pollution: Untreated discharge of solid waste and effluents from the domestic as well as Industrial sector into water bodies has made the water unfit for use, adding to water scarcity. 
  • Climate Change: Climate change is leading to spatial and temporal variation in rainfall (especially Indian Monsoon system) which is impacting the hydrological cycle & water recharge rate in the impacted region. 
  • Issues in Water Governance: 
    • Fragmented Institutional Network: Multiple institutions like Central Water Commission, Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), state level agencies etc. lead to poor coordination.
    • Over reliance on structuralist interventions like creation of dams, canals, reservoirs and barrages to manage water supply largely ignored social, environmental, and ecological impacts.
    • Inter-state water disputes such as the Cauvery and Yamuna water-sharing conflicts.
    • Lack of decentralised approach in water management.
    • Ineffective implementation of laws related to waste water discharge. 

Key recommendations of Mihir Shah Committee: 

In 2019, the Ministry of Jal Shakti set up a committee of independent experts led by Dr Mihir Shah to draft a new National Water Policy. The key recommendations of the committee. 

  • Integrated Water Resources Management: It proposed a systems approach to water, focusing on managing water resources sustainably within river basins and aquifers.
  • Creation of National Water Commission: To replace the existing Central Water Commission (CWC) and the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) to combine both surface and groundwater management and focus on water governance.
  • Decentralised Water Management: Empowering local communities and stakeholders to take part in decision-making.
  • Water Demand Management: Shift from supply-side interventions (like dam construction) to demand-side management like water-saving techniques in agriculture, industrial, and domestic sectors.
  • Data and Technology: Data collection, monitoring, related to water resources using modern technologies like remote sensing, GIS, and hydrological modelling and to create National Water Informatics Centre.

Way Forward: 

  • Restoring the hydrological cycle and rejuvenating water bodies such as rivers, streams, lakes, storm drains and reservoirs. 
  • Encourage rainwater water percolation through soil layers and facilitate groundwater recharge. 
  • Use treated wastewater, modernisation of water courses, groundwater conservation and recycling of water. 
  • Resorting to micro-irrigation, crop diversification, direct seeding of crops in agriculture.
  • Improving efficiency of water use by adopting water use efficiency (WUE) measures and treating grey water in industries. 
  • Adopting the concept of water as an economic good. Water is considered as free, non-economic good such as air. The UN Dublin Principle 1992 emphasised on the importance of economic value of water in general and irrigation water in particular. 

Also Read: List of Water Conservation Campaigns & Schemes

Ratapani Tiger Reserve

Context: Madhya Pradesh has notified Ratapani forest in Raisen district as a tiger reserve. It is the eighth tiger reserve in the state after Kanha, Satpura, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Sanjay Dubri, Panna and Veerangana Durgavati.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims- Ratapani Tiger Reserve; Tiger Reserve; key facts about Tiger. 

About Ratapani Tiger Reserve (RTR): 

  • Location: Raisen district, Madhya Pradesh
  • Total area of RTR: 1,271.465 sq km
  • Key geographical features: 
    • Located in the Vindhya Range in central India.
    • Dry deciduous and moist deciduous type forests, dominated by Teak trees.
    • Major water bodies inside RTR: Barna Reservoir and Ratapani Dam (Barrusot lake).
  • Key fauna: Tiger, leopard, dhole, sambar, wild boar, sloth bear.
  • Bhimbetka rock shelters are located within RTR.
    • These rock shelters have rock paintings of the Stone Age that are more than 30,000 years old.
    • It has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
About Ratapani Tiger Reserve (RTR)

What are Tiger Reserves?

  • Tiger reserves are legally declared protected areas designated to conserve tigers and their habitats. 
  • The tiger reserves were set up as a part of Project Tiger initiated in 1973.
  • They are administered by the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
    • As of December 2024, there are 57 tiger reserves in India. 
  • The tiger reserves are constituted on a core/buffer strategy.
    • The core areas have the legal status of a National Park or a Sanctuary. 
    • The buffer or peripheral areas are a mix of forest and non-forest land, managed as a multiple use area.

Who notifies Tiger Reserves?

  • Tiger Reserves are notified by State Governments as per provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 on advice of the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
  • The following steps are involved in the notification:
    1. The State Government identifies potential areas and submits a proposal to NTCA.
    2. NTCA reviews the proposal. After thorough evaluation, NTCA recommends the proposal.
    3. The State Government notifies the area as a Tiger Reserve.
  • With the formation of the tiger reserve, NTCA provides funds for the management of Tiger Reserve. 

Key Facts about Tiger: 

  • Tiger is an umbrella species. Its conservation automatically ensures the conversation of a large number of flora and fauna and entire ecosystems.
  • India is home to 75% of the global tiger population. 
    • The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) conducts a tiger census across India every 4 years.
    • As per the latest Tiger Census Report (2022), India has 3682 tigers. (2967 in 2018)
    • Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of tigers (785) in India, followed by Karnataka (563) and Uttarakhand (560). 
  • Conservation status: 
    • IUCN Red List: Endangered
    • Wildlife Protection Act: Schedule 1
    • CITES: Appendix 1

Read also: List of Tiger Reserves in India

India’s Critically Endangered Species

Context: World Wildlife Conservation Day (December 4) serves as an occasion to not only celebrate India's rich biodiversity but also evaluate if enough is being done to protect the critically endangered species in the country. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims- Key facts about Critically endangered species and Conservation efforts. 

India’s Rich Biodiversity: 

  • Despite having only about 2.4% of the world’s total land surface, India has 10 biogeographic zones and is home to 7-8% of all recorded species (45,000 species of plants and 91,000 of animals). They include-
    • 8.58% of the documented mammalian species.
    • 13.66% avian species
    • 7.91% reptiles
    • 4.66% amphibians
    • 11.72% fish and 
    • 11.8% plants.  
  • Four of the 34 globally identified biodiversity hotspots are located in India namely,
    • Himalayas
    • Indo-Burma
    • Western Ghats-Sri Lanka
    • Sundaland (Includes Nicobar group of Islands). 

Need for Conservation of Species:

  • India requires vast natural resources (land, wood, timber, forest produce, precious metals, coal etc.) to sustain its population and growth trajectory. Anthropogenic activities such as deforestation, mining, urbanisation, and agriculture encroach upon the wildlife habitat. This makes many species susceptible to extinction, due to:
    • Habitat loss and fragmentation
    • Poaching and hunting
    • Human-wildlife conflict
    • Impact of climate change 

Conservation of species is not only a moral obligation but also critical to restore ecological balance. 

Critically endangered species in India:

  • The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies species as critically endangered when they are at the highest risk of extinction in the wild.
  • As per the latest data (2022) from the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, India has 73 species listed as  “critically endangered”. (The number has risen from 47 in 2011)

Important species listed as Critically endangered species:

1. Endemic Mammals: 

  • Eight mammals listed as ‘critically endangered’ are endemic to India (their habitat is limited to a small geographic area within India). They include-
    • Kashmir Stag (Hangul): Found in Dachigam National Park, Jammu and Kashmir 
    • Namdapha Flying Squirrel: Namdapha National Park at Arunachal Pradesh.
    • Large Rock Rat (Elvira Rat): Endemic to Tamil Nadu
    • Malabar Large-Spotted Civet: Western Ghats 
    • Jenkin’s Shrew (small mole like animal): Western Ghats
    • Nicobar Shrew: Nicobar islands
    • Andaman Shrew: Andaman Islands
    • Leafletted Leaf-Nosed Bat: Found in isolated forest patches within India.

2. Birds: 

  • Great Indian Bustard: Rajasthan and Gujarat.
  • White-Bellied Heron: Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan foothills.
  • Sociable Lapwing: Found in parts of Rajasthan during migration.
  • Himalayan Quail: Last reported in Uttarakhand

3. Reptiles:

  • Gharial: River systems of Northern India (Chambal River).
  • Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle: Ganga River.
  • Golden Gecko: Eastern Ghats.

4. Fish:

  • Ganges Shark: Ganga and Brahmaputra river systems.
  • Deccan Mahseer: Endemic to the rivers of the Deccan plateau.

5. Plants:

  • Malabar Lily: Kerala and Tamil Nadu
  • Rafflesia: Arunachal Pradesh
  • Kashmir Valley Tulip: Jammu and Kashmir.

Government Initiatives for protection of species: 

  • Key legislations:
    • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Prohibits hunting and provides the legal framework for wildlife conservation.
      • Wildlife reserves and sanctuaries in India are set up to conserve certain endangered species.
      • Ban on hunting as a recreational sport  in India.
    • Environment Protection Act, 1986 is an umbrella legislation for environmental protection.
  • Flagship Animal Conservation Programs (E.g., Project Tiger, Project Elephant).
  • Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats: Supports the recovery of species such as the Hangul and Great Indian Bustard.
  • International Collaborations:
    • CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species): Regulates international trade in endangered plants and animals. (India is a party to CITES)
    • UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), 1992: global agreement on  conservation of biodiversity. 
  • Community involvement: Promotion of community led-conservation projects and eco-tourism to protect biodiversity. 

Way Forward:

  • Effective implementation of existing laws (WPA 1972, CITES) and increased penalty for violations.
  • Increased the monitoring of species through satellite mapping and artificial intelligence surveillance systems to gather necessary data. 
  • Habitat restoration, expanding protected areas in wildlife corridors.
  • Advocating for the planting of native tree species in the restoration of degraded ecosystems. 
  • Enhanced community participation and increasing awareness campaigns about the endangered species in the society. 
  • Global cooperation and cross border conservation agreements to conserve biodiversity.

Trending now

State of India’s Environment 2026: Rising Climate Risks and the Need for Resilience
Karnataka Announces Ban on Social Media for Children Under-16
India–France “Special Global Strategic Partnership”: A New Indo-Pacific Anchor
Front-of-Package Labelling: A Preventive Strategy to Address India’s Rising Lifestyle Diseases