Environment

Composite Water Management Index

Context: As per reports NITI Aayog is planning to discontinue its key report i.e. ‘Composite Water Management Index’. In place, it is mooting the idea to bring some new indexes with wider coverage.

What is Composite Water Management Index?

The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog has developed the Composite Water Management Index (CWMI) to enable effective water management in Indian states.
This coordinated exercise was led by the Water Resources Vertical within NITI Aayog and the data was then reviewed and verified by an Independent Validation Agency (IVA)—IPE Global.
The index was published in 2018. The Index uses water data from both central and state sources for three years—the base year FY 2015-16, FY 2016-2017, and the FY 17-18.

Aim

It represents a major step towards creating a culture of data-based decision-making for water in India, which can encourage “competitive and cooperative federalism” in the country’s water governance and management.

Indicator themes and weights

Key Findings

States are displaying progress in water management, but the overall performance remains well below what is required to adequately tackle India’s water challenges - ~80% of the states assessed on the Index have improved their water management scores. But worryingly, 16 out of the 27 states still score less than 50 points on the Index (out of 100), and fall in the low-performing category.
High-performers continue to demonstrate strong water management practices, but low-performers are struggling to cope up - Top performers such as Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh have further increased their scores. States like Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Bihar, Nagaland, and Meghalaya still score less than 40 points.
Large economic contributors have low water management scores - States like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi and Kerala, who contribute majorly to the economic output of the country have low score. This highlights conflict between economic growth and conservation.
Food security is also at risk, given that large agricultural producers are struggling to manage their water resources effectively - None of the top 10 agricultural producers in India, except Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, score more than 60 points on the CWMI.

Successful Case Studies

JAKHNI VILLAGE, BUNDELKHAND, UTTAR PRADESH - Jakhni village of Banda district in the Bundelkhand region was one of the most water-scarce regions of India. The area was witnessing heavy outgoing migration in search of water and better livelihood opportunities. But over the course of 5 years, villagers have drastically changed their water situation by putting rigorous efforts in water conservation such as construction of farm ponds, restoration /rejuvenation of water bodies, collection and utilization of grey water, raising of farm bunds, and intensive plantation of trees. The most inspiring fact is that the farmers of Jakhni undertook the entire work end-to-end without any external funding, machinery, or resources. Now, Jakhni village has developed to become a water self-sufficient village and is reaping the benefits of improved agricultural production. Once a drought prone village, now produces nearly 23,000 quintals of Basmati rice, and production of other crops has also increased many folds. Jakhani village serves as an excellent example for village water-budgeting modeled around collection and storage of rainwater within the village boundaries and utilizing it for life protection and economic development.
MUKHYA MANTRI JAL SWAVLAMBHAN ABHIYAN (MJSA), RAJASTHAN - Rajasthan’s Mukhya Mantri Jal Swavlambhan Abhiyan, launched in 2016, is a multi-stakeholder programme which aims to make villages self-sufficient in water through a participatory water management approach. After first phase there was 56% reduction in water supply through tankers and an average rise in the groundwater table by 4.66 feet in 21 non-desert districts of the states. 50,000 hectares of additional land had been made fit for cultivation in the districts and 64% of the installed hand-pumps had been rejuvenated.
NEERU-CHETTU PROGRAMME, ANDHRA PRADESH - The Andhra Pradesh government has launched the Neeru-Chettu programme as a part of its mission to make Andhra Pradesh a drought-proof state and reduce economic inequalities through better water conversation and management practices. The state has repaired about 7,000 farm ponds and over 22,000 check dams under the programme. Additionally, 102 lift irrigation schemes have been commissioned or revived by the state. Efforts under the Neeru-Chettu programme have enabled irrigation access to nearly 2,10,000 acres of land in the state.
JALYUKT SHIVAR ABHIYAN, MAHARASHTRA - The Maharashtra government launched the Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyaan in 2015-16 with the mission to make Maharashtra drought-free by 2019, and an aim of making 5000 villages water scarcity free, every year. Programme initiatives have led to an increase in groundwater levels of 1.5 - 2 metres. Additionally, 11,000 villages have been declared drought-free and agricultural productivity has increased by 30-50%.
MISSION KAKATIYA, TELANGANA- Telangana’s flagship Mission Kakatiya programme, launched in 2014, aims to restore over 46,000 tanks across the state and bring over 20 lakh acres land under cultivation. The initiative has helped boost the water storage capacity of water bodies and enhance on-farm moisture retention capacity in the region. As per reports, Mission Kakatiya has also led to an increase in the gross area irrigated under tank ayacut by 51.5% compared to the base year.
SUJALAM SUFALAM YOJANA, GUJARAT- The Sujalam Sufalam Yojana is a water conservation scheme by the Gujarat government which focuses on deepening of water bodies before monsoons and increasing water storage for rainwater collection. After the programme’s success in 2018, the second edition was launched in 2019 in which the state increased its financial contribution to 60% for programme activities, requiring private entities to pay only the remaining 40%.
KAPIL DHARA YOJANA, MADHYA PRADESH - The Kapil Dhara Yojana by the state of Madhya Pradesh is a unique scheme under the MGNREGA programme to develop irrigation facilities on private land of small and marginal farmers, through the construction of dug wells, farm ponds, check dams, etc. The programme focuses on providing financial support to landholders without access to irrigation facilities and prioritizes marginalized communities to maximize impact. The programme has contributed to improved productivity, intensity, and diversity of crop production in the region and generated livelihood sources.
PANI BACHAO PAISE KAMAO, PUNJAB - The state of Punjab has introduced an innovative programme to break the water-energy nexus, under which farmers are being provided with a fixed electricity quota and receiving INR 4 per kilowatt hour for every unit of electricity saved through direct benefit transfers (DBTs). It provides a unique solution to the widespread problem of electricity and water wastage by farmers by encouraging them to be efficient in resource utilization through supplementary income upon being water efficient.

Nitrogen Dioxide Pollution

Context: The surge in nitrogen dioxide levels witnessed in certain areas of Delhi might be attributed to the increased Diwali-related traffic, exacerbating the city's air pollution challenges. The recorded levels were four times higher than the National Ambient Air Quality Standards recommended 24-hour limit and exceeded the World Health Organisation's guidelines by over 13 times.

More about the news:

In South Delhi, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee's data reveals a concerning NO2 level of 329.7 µg/m3 at 5 pm. To put this in perspective, the national 24-hour standard is 80 µg/m3, while the WHO recommends a stricter guideline of 25 µg/m3.
Despite the implementation of all four stages of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi, including restrictions on transport like a ban on diesel medium and heavy goods vehicles, NO2 levels remain high.
TERI and the Automotive Research Association of India's 2018 emissions inventory indicates that the transport sector is a major contributor, accounting for 81% of NOx emissions among local sources in Delhi.
The National Capital Region faces NOx from various sources, including power plants, diesel generators, and industries.
During this period, pollutant spikes, including gases like nitrogen dioxide, can occur due to the trapping of pollutants in cool, calm conditions.

What is Nitrogen Dioxide?

Nitrogen dioxide, or NO2, belongs to the nitrogen oxides (NOx) group—a collection of gases formed when fossil fuels like coal, oil, natural gas, or diesel undergo combustion at high temperatures.
Existing as a gas at ambient temperatures, nitrogen dioxide is acidic, corrosive, and possesses strong oxidizing properties.
Recognized for its pungent odour, NO2, along with fine particulate matter, contributes to the characteristic reddish-brown haze associated with smog.
This reactive gas plays a key role in the creation of various air pollutants such as ozone (O3), nitric acid (HNO3), and nitrate (NO3-) particles, all generated through photochemical reactions.

Sources of Nitrogen Dioxide Emissions:

The main sources of NO2 emissions are trucks, buses, and cars, and there are additional contributions from diesel-powered non-road equipment, industrial processes (such as oil and gas production, industrial boilers, and mobile engines), coal-fired power plants, and even food processing industries.
Nitrogen dioxide isn't typically emitted directly into the air; instead, it forms when nitrogen oxide (NO) and other nitrogen oxides (NOx) react with other airborne chemicals.
Notably, burning natural gas (methane), both outdoors (e.g., gas-fired power plants) and indoors (e.g., stoves, dryers, space heaters), produces NO2.
Natural sources, like volcanoes and bacteria, also release nitrogen oxides.

Environmental Effects:

Nitrogen dioxide, even at short-term concentrations of 120 µg/m3, proves toxic to plants, hindering their growth. When coupled with sulphur dioxide and ozone, the adverse effects intensify, potentially leading to acid rain formation.
NO2 also directly absorbs shorter blue wavelengths of visible light, contributing to visibility reduction, and indirectly contributes to nitrate aerosol haze formation (brownish hue/summer smog).
In the presence of moisture, nitrogen dioxide forms corrosive acids, impacting building materials at elevated concentrations.
Indoor Pollution:

Indoor NO2 levels are predominantly influenced by NO2-emitting appliances, indoor-outdoor air exchange rates (such as open or closed windows), and seasonal variations.
Common indoor sources of NO2 emissions include gas stoves and space heaters and improperly vented furnaces, water heaters, and clothes dryers are additional potential sources.

Health Effects of Nitrogen Dioxide Pollution:

Nitrogen dioxide induces various adverse effects on lung health, including heightened inflammation and exacerbated cough and wheezing.
Scientific evidence also suggests a potential link between NO2 exposure and the development of asthma in children.
In a comprehensive 2022 review, multiple studies indicated a strong association between elevated NO2 levels, increased particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, and detrimental impacts on heart and lung health. These pollutants were also found to affect pregnancy and birth outcomes, posing a likely risk of kidney and neurological harm, autoimmune disorders, and cancer.
AIIMS Study on NO2 Pollution:

A study conducted by AIIMS, Delhi, revealed that exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2), even over a short duration ranging from zero to seven days, led to a staggering 53% increase in emergency room visits.
This finding is particularly alarming as it surpasses the impact of the more familiar pollutant PM 2.5, which increased patient load by 19.5%.
Notably, the study observed a higher rate of admissions among individuals with co-existing health conditions rather than solely respiratory illnesses.

WHO Air quality guidelines:

The Air Quality Guidelines (AQG) established by the World Health Organization (WHO) serve as a global benchmark, guiding national, regional, and city governments in their efforts to enhance the health of their citizens by mitigating air pollution.
WHO consistently integrates scientific evidence on the health impacts of air pollution and monitors the progress of countries in improving air quality.
In 2021, WHO released a revised Global Air Quality Guidelines announcing more stringent limits for six pollutant categories – particulate matter (PM), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and carbon monoxide (CO).
The guidelines set the stage for eventual shifts in policy in the government towards evolving newer stricter local and national air quality standards and will help countries in protecting health as well as mitigating global climate change.

Recommended 2021 AQG levels compared to 2005 air quality guidelines:

(Follow the link to read India government initiatives to deal with air pollution: https://compass.rauias.com/current-affairs/northern-plains-most-polluted-region/)

Green Cracker & Supreme court Judgement

Context: In 2018, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research launched less noxious and less noisy ‘green’ crackers, whose use is mandated by various statutory bodies.

Green Cracker

Green crackers are defined by the CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR NEERI) as firecrackers with a smaller shell, no ash and/or additives such as dust suppressants to reduce emissions, especially particulate matter.
These crackers do not contain the barium compounds that give them their distinctive green colour.
- Barium is a metal oxide that pollutes the air and causes noise.
Burning green crackers produces water vapour, which reduces the amount of dust emitted.
- It reduces PM emissions by 30% as compared to conventional firecrackers.

Green firecrackers produce sounds between 110 and 125 decibels, while conventional firecrackers produce sounds of around 160 decibels, making them almost 30 per cent less noisy than conventional firecrackers.

Identification of Green Cracker

Green crackers can be identified by the distinctive green colour logo of CSIR-NEERI and PESO and a Quick Response (QR) code.

Types of Green Cracker

SWAS (Safe Water Releaser): It releases water vapour into the atmosphere to reduce dust. It emits 30% less particulate matter and does not contain Sulphur or potassium nitrate.
STAR (Safe Thermite Cracker): Contains no potassium nitrate or Sulphur, emits less particulate matter, and reduces sound intensity.
SAFAL: It has minimal use of aluminum and more magnesium. It produces less noise than traditional firecrackers.

Supreme court judgement

In 2021, the Supreme Court had passed a slew of directions to ensure that banned chemicals are not used in crackers ahead of Diwali.
- The bench had also clarified that there is no total ban on firecrackers and that only those firecrackers were banned that contained barium salts.
- Green crackers are permissible following the directions issued by the Supreme Court in 2018.
In 2023, The Supreme Court clarified that its firecracker restrictions are applicable not only to Delhi-NCR but to all states.
- It directed state governments to control air and noise pollution, addressing petitions seeking a nationwide ban on firecracker sale and use.

Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project

Context: The long-delayed Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project on the border of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam suffered its latest setback after a large part of the hill collapsed into its reservoir. The deposits blocked the only functional diversion tunnel and stopped the flow of water downstream of the dam into the Subansiri River, a major tributary of the Brahmaputra.

Subansiri River

The Subansiri River has its origin in Tibet, and it is an antecedent river.
It enters India near the town of Taksing (Arunachal Pradesh) and flows east and southeast through Miri Hills, then south to the Assam Valley at Dulangmukh in Dhemaji district, where it joins the Brahmaputra River at Jamurighat in Lakhimpur district.
Small tributaries of the Subansiri include Rangandi, Dikrong and Kamala.

The Subansiri lends its name to two districts in Arunachal Pradesh: Upper Subansiri and Lower Subansiri.
The high topographic variation makes this river a potential zone for harnessing it for hydropower. The districts situated on the bank of the Subansiri River are flood prone during monsoon season.
The Subansiri River is the largest tributary of the Brahmaputra River.

Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project

Location: Located on the Subansiri River, which is on the border of India’s two north-eastern states, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.

Capacity: 2,000MW.
Developing Agency: The project is being developed by the state-run National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC).
Delays: The construction of Lower Subansiri started in 2005 and was due to be completed in 2010. However, the project was delayed due to stiff opposition over its potential environmental impact.
Present Status (2023) - As per the Ministry of Power, 90% of the total work of the project has been completed.

National Efficient Cooking Program & Energy Efficient Fans Program (EEFP)

Context: Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) has launched National Efficient Cooking Program (NECP) and Energy Efficient Fans Program (EEFP). These initiatives are aimed at revolutionizing cooking practices in India and emphasizing on the importance energy efficiency.

About National Efficient Cooking Program

NECP aims to distribute 20 lakhs non-solar/electricity-based energy-efficient induction cook stoves nationwide.
The induction based cookstoves to be distributed under the program offer a cost advantage of 25-30% over traditional cooking methods, promising both energy savings and cost-effective cooking solutions.
It is a sub-program under the Clean Cooking Scheme of EESL.
Implemented by EESL.
EESL has already been promoting clean and safe electric cooking to support India's Go-electric campaign.
EESL has partnered with Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) for large-scale deployment of induction cookstoves.

Significance of the scheme

Reduced energy consumption
Lower electricity bills for consumers
Contribute to India's green transition and carbon mitigation goals.
Reduced environmental impact of inefficient cooking methods, ensuring cleaner air and improved health for citizens.
Accelerate the acceptance and large-scale adoption of modern electric cooking devices in India.
Currently, cooking is based on biomass burning in rural areas and LPG or City Gas Distribution based in urban areas. LPG and CNG are largely imported by India. Shift to electricity-based cooking will improve India's energy security.
Many poor families are not able to afford the price of LPG cylinder. Hence, electricity-based cooking will reduce cooking cost especially for poor consumers.
Electricity based induction cooking has been seeing increased demand due to factors like modular kitchen, rising LPG costs and versatility of cooking with induction.
Higher safety and convenience of cooking on induction cookstoves.
Increased adoption of induction based cookstoves in various food outlets.

Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS)

MECS program researches the socio-economic realities of a transition from polluting fuels to energy-efficient electric cooking devices.

Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) is an eight-year research programme funded by UK Aid.

About Energy Efficient Fans Program (EEFP)

EEFP aims at deploying energy-efficient BLDC fans by distributing 1 crore ceiling fans.
Contemporary 5-star fans consume only 28-32W. However, Conventional fans typically consume 75-80 W. Thus, using them will lead to savings of electricity and reduced energy bills for consumers.
Mandatory star rating of ceiling fans: Bureau of Energy Efficiency, which is a statutory body, under the Energy Conservation Act has made star-labelling of ceiling fans mandatory from 1st January 2023.

Significance of Energy Efficient Fans Program

Ceiling fans contribute to 40% (Approximately) of total residential electricity consumption in India, accounting for over a quarter of India's overall electricity usage.
By replacing, all current fans with most efficient models, nearly 20% of total residential electricity consumption can be reduced.
Despite, large energy savings, adoption rate of 5-star energy efficient fans stands at a mere 5%. This indicates that widespread adoption of energy-efficient fans will lead to substantial energy conservation.
The EEFP program is expected to not only address the demand for new fans but also motivate existing ceiling fans users to upgrade to energy-efficient fans.
Contribute to India's green transition and carbon mitigation goals.

About Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL)

Energy Efficient Services Limited is a joint venture of PSUs under the Ministry of Power.
It functions under the Ministry of Power.
It is a leading Energy Service Company which aims to promote energy-efficient products like LED bulbs, tube lights, air conditioners, streetlights and electric vehicles.
EESL's transparent procurement processes, overseen by CVC, have enabled them to distribute millions of these products, resulting in substantial energy savings, reduced peak demand, and greenhouse gas emissions.

‘Maoists’ open fire at Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary

Context: Forest officials of Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala), have reported an incidence of firing by suspected Maoists.

Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary

Location:

It is situated in the southeastern part of the Kannur district in the state of Kerala.
It is located on the western slopes of Western Ghats
Aralam is Kerala's northernmost wildlife sanctuary.

Drainage:

The Cheenkannipuzha / Cheenkanni River forms the main drainage system on the southern side.
Narikkadavuthodu, Kurukkathodu and Meenumuttithodu from the northern upper reaches, they flow southwards to join Cheenkannipuzha.

Biodiversity:

Forest: The wildlife sanctuary exhibits a variety of forests which includes

West Coast tropical evergreen forest.
West Coast semi-evergreen forests.
South Indian moist deciduous forest
Southern hilltop evergreen forest and plantations

This is the only protected area of the West Coast Tropical Evergreen forest of Dipterocarpus-Mesua-Palaquium type.
Dipterocarpus-Mesua-Palaquium - These forests occur in areas adjoining tropical wet evergreen, and form a transition between the evergreen and moist deciduous forests.

Flora and Fauna :

Surrounded and adjoined by the continuous forests of Kodagu and Wayanad, this sanctuary harbours a wide variety of fauna and flora which belong to the Western Ghats indigenousness.
It is home to a wide variety of species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fishes.
Elephant, Gaur, Tiger, Panther,Sambar, Spotted deer, Barking deer, Wild boar, Sloth bear, Nilgiri langur, Bonnet macaque, Common langur, Wild dog, common otter, Malabar giant squirrel etc are the major mammals.

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Researchers identify a new mushroom species from the Western Ghats

Context: A tiny, fragile-looking mushroom sporting a honey-yellow ‘cap’ found on the campus of the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI) at Palode here has been identified as a new species.

Key facts regarding mushrooms

Mushroom are the umbrella-shaped fruiting body (sporophore) of certain fungi.

How plants, animals and mushrooms differ?

Plants have chlorophyll and make their own food through photosynthesis.Animals ingest their food. Fungi, lacking chlorophyll, exist on decaying material in nature and on substrate of various compositions when commercially grown.

Note - Although considered a vegetable, mushrooms are neither a plant nor animal food. They are a type of fungus that contains a substance called ergosterol, similar in structure to cholesterol in animals. Ergosterol can be transformed into vitamin D with exposure to ultraviolet light.

Popularly, the term mushroom is used to identify the edible sporophores.
- The term toadstool is often reserved for inedible or poisonous sporophores.
Edible mushrooms and fungi are free of cholesterol and contain small amounts of essential amino acids and B vitamins.
By fresh weight, the common commercially grown mushroom is more than 90% water, less than 3% protein, less than 5% carbohydrate, less than 1% fat, and about 1% mineral salts and vitamins.
Poisoning by wild mushrooms is common and may be fatal or produce merely mild gastrointestinal disturbance or slight allergic reaction.
Non-nutritive substances like indoles, polysaccharides, polyphenols, and carotenoids which show antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects are more important in mushrooms.
Mushrooms also have the presence of an amino acid called glutamate, which is also found in meats, fish, cheeses, and simmering soups.

India’s Green Hydrogen move may worsen pollution

Context: India’s green hydrogen move may worsen pollution if steps are not in place, says study.

Green Hydrogen

It also referred to as ‘Clean hydrogen’ is produced by splitting water into two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen (electrolysis process) atom using clean energy from surplus renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power.
Green hydrogen could be a critical enabler of the global transition to sustainable energy and net zero emissions economies.

Green Hydrogen Standard

Green Hydrogen shall mean Hydrogen produced using renewable energy, including production through electrolysis or conversion of biomass. Renewable energy also includes such electricity generated from renewable sources which is stored in an energy storage system or banked with grid in accordance with applicable regulations.
Green Hydrogen produced through electrolysis: Non-biogenic greenhouse gas emissions arising from water treatment, electrolysis, gas purification and drying and compression of hydrogen shall not be greater than 2 kg of CO2 equivalent per kg of Hydrogen, taken as an average over last 12-month period.
Green Hydrogen produced through conversion of biomass: Non-biogenic greenhouse gas emissions arising from biomass processing, heat/steam generation, conversion of biomass to hydrogen, gas purification and drying and compression of hydrogen shall not be greater than 2 kg of CO2 equivalent per kg of Hydrogen taken as an average over last 12-month period.
Bureau of Energy Efficiency shall be the Nodal Authority for accreditation of agencies for monitoring, verification, and certification of Green Hydrogen production projects.
A detailed methodology for measurement, reporting, monitoring, on-site verification and certification of green hydrogen and its derivatives shall be specified by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy.

National Green Hydrogen Mission

Objective- “To make India the Global Hub for production, usage and export of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives.”

This will contribute to India’s aim to become Aatmanirbhar through clean energy and serve as an inspiration for the global Clean Energy Transition.
The Mission will lead to significant decarbonization of the economy, reduced dependence on fossil fuel imports, and enable India to assume technology and market leadership in Green Hydrogen.”

Key component of the mission

The achievement of Mission objectives requires a comprehensive strategy that coordinates efforts across multiple sectors.

The Mission strategy accordingly comprises interventions for:

Demand creation by making Green Hydrogen produced in India competitive for exports and

through domestic consumption.

Addressing supply side constraints through an incentive framework.
Building an enabling ecosystem to support scaling and development.

Potential Outcome

Challenges in Green Hydrogen development

Renewable energy supply crunch: India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, piloted by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) expects to manufacture five million tons by 2030. This would require the installation of renewable energy capacity worth 125 GW (1 GW is 1,000 megawatts) and the use of 250,000 gigawatt-hr. units of power, equivalent to about 13% of India’s present electricity generation. However, the present renewable energy capacity is 179 GW only (July 2023).
Relying on conventional energy sources: -The main concern is that if electrolysers, which split water to produce hydrogen and oxygen, were run 24x7, they would be expected to operate even at night when no solar power is available. This would then mean tapping into conventional coal-fired electricity (about 70% of the electricity on the grid is coal-generated).
Burning Biomass: -Another challenge is that India’s standards allow the use of biomass — which also results in carbon emissions when burnt — to produce green hydrogen.
Technology: It is a rich source of energy, but the challenge is to compress or liquify it. It needs to be kept at a stable minus 253°C (far below the temperature of (-) 163°C at which Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) is stored; making its ‘prior to use cost’ extremely high.
Prohibitive Costs: The ‘production cost’ of ‘Green hydrogen’ has been a prime obstacle. Research conducted by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) indicates that, the cost of its production is about $1.5 per kg by 2030 (for countries with eternal sunshine and huge unoccupied area) if several conservative measures are implemented.
Lack of Manufacturing and deployment of electrolysers: It will have to increase at an unprecedented rate by 2050 from the current capacity of 0.3 gigawatts to almost 5,000 gigawatts.
High cost of Storage system: Fuel cells which convert hydrogen fuel to usable energy for cars, are still expensive.
Poor Infrastructure: The hydrogen station infrastructure needed to refuel hydrogen fuel cell cars is still widely underdeveloped.

Way Forward

A massive investment in R&D and infrastructure for hydrogen production
Investment in storage and transportation infrastructure and demand development.
Incentives for investment in this sector.
Mainstreaming other uses of hydrogen such as fuel cells, HCNG etc.
Accelerating the production of renewable energy as per the Paris Target. i.e., 500GW by 2030.

Death Valley National Park

Context: A sprawling temporary lake at Badwater Basin salt flats, caused by flooding from Tropical Storm Hilary, at the Death Valley National Park in California. The storm delivered a year’s worth of rain to the valley, which is the hottest place on the Earth, in a single day. The Badwater basin itself is located 282 feet below sea level, the lowest point in USA.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley is a desert valley in Eastern California, in the northern Mojave Desert, bordering the Great Basin Desert.
Death Valley is the largest U.S. National Park outside Alaska at 3,422,024 acres.
Even so, 93% of the park is protected as officially designated Wilderness.
It is the hottest, driest, and lowest of all the national parks in the United States.
This wild country includes low valley floors crusted with barren salt flats, rugged mountains rising as much as 11,000 feet, deep and winding canyons, rolling sand dunes, and spring-fed oases.
The Timbisha Shoshone Indians lived here for centuries before the first white man entered the valley.
UNESCO included Death Valley as the principal feature of its Mojave and Colorado Deserts Biosphere Reserve in 1984.
Flora and Fauna: -Death Valley is the hottest and driest places in North America, yet it is home to over 1000 species of plants and 440 species of animals.
Common plant species
- At lower elevations, creosote bush, desert holly, and mesquite can be found.
- Shadscale, blackbrush, Joshua tree, pinyon-juniper can be found at higher elevations.
- Sub-alpine limber pine and bristlecone pine woodlands can be found at higher elevations.
Common Animal Species
- Coyotes, ravens, roadrunners, ground squirrels, Desert bighorn sheep, Kangaroo rats, Western Pipistrelle, Devils Hole Pupfish, and lizards.
Rivers: - The Amargosa is the only free-flowing river in the Death Valley region of the Mojave, providing a rare and lush riparian area in the desert.

ATR panel assesses progress of tiger rewilding project

Context: Tasked by the Chief Wildlife Warden, a committee visited the enclosure in the core of the Anamalai Tiger reserve (ATR) to assess the progress of the Forest Department’s first ever attempt at rewilding a tiger that was rescued as an abandoned cub.

Rewilding

Rewilding is a conservation strategy used to promote biodiversity in ecosystems by reintroducing plant and animal species that have been driven out, largely due to humans.
Bringing these species back into a certain environment can help struggling ecosystems self-regulate and return to their natural processes.

Chief Wildlife Warden

The Chief Wildlife Warden (CWLW) is the statutory authority, under the Wildlife Protection Act,1972 who heads the Wildlife Wing of the department and exercises complete administrative control over Protected Areas (PAs) within a state.
The Act entrusts the Chief Wildlife Warden to control, manage and maintain all sanctuaries in a state.
The Chief Wildlife Warden is appointed by the state.
Chief Wildlife Warden shall be the authority to ensure destruction, damage or diversion of wildlife does not take place in protected areas.
The State Government shall constitute a conservation reserve management committee to advise the Chief Wildlife Warden to conserve, manage and maintain the conservation reserve.

Anamalai Tiger Reserve

Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) is located on the southern side of the Southwestern Ghat Landscape in Tamil Nadu.
It is surrounded by Parambikulum Tiger Reserve on the East, Chinnar Wildlife

Sanctuary and Eravikulum National Park on the Southwestern side.

Anamalai Tiger Reserve was declared as a Tiger reserve in the year 2007.
Flora Around 2500 species of angiosperms are found in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, with several species of Balsam, Crotalaria, Orchids and Kurinchi.
- The reserve is rich in wild relatives of cultivated species like mango, jackfruit, wild plantain, ginger, turmeric, pepper, cardamom, solaipuli, nutmeg, cinnamom, amla, jasmine, drumstick, yams, rice, strawberries, and wild guava.
Fauna: The reserve supports several species of endangered wild animals. There are 70 species of fishes, more than 70 species of amphibians, 120 species of reptiles, 300 species of birds and 80 species of mammals.
- In general, the wild animals of the reserve include Jackal, Wild dog, Indian fox, Tiger, Leopard, Jungle cat, Leopard cat, Smooth coated otter, Small clawed otter, Nilgiri marten, Small Indian civet, common Palm civet, Brown palm civet, Greymangoose, Ruddy mangoose, Indian Brown mangoose, Stripe-necked mangoose, Indian pangolin, Black naped hare several species of rodents and bats.
Best Practices: Best Practices Innovative alert system for addressing human-wildlife conflict, fire protection, antipoaching strategy, immunization of nearby livestock, control over illegal ganja cultivation and smart patrolling using M-STrIPES protocol.

Effectiveness of suppressants to control dust

Context: In response to deteriorating air quality in Delhi, the Government has boosted public transport and used suppressants to control dust.

About Dust Suppressants

Dust suppressants are substances that are used to control dust emissions from various sources such as construction sites and roads.
They can be salts of calcium or magnesium that can absorb moisture, or other chemical mixtures.

Types of Dust Control measures

Water: Water is one of the most common and effective dust suppressants. It can be applied as a fine mist, spray, or through irrigation systems to dampen surfaces and keep dust particles from becoming airborne. Water is environmentally friendly and readily available.
Chemical Dust Suppressants: Chemical dust suppressants are substances that are applied to surfaces to control dust. Common chemical suppressants include:
Calcium Chloride: It is often used on roads and construction sites to control dust. It attracts moisture from the air, keeping the road or area damp and dust-free.
Magnesium Chloride: Like calcium chloride, magnesium chloride is used for dust control on roads and surfaces. It is less corrosive to metals than calcium chloride.
Lignin Sulfonate: Lignin sulfonate is a natural biopolymer that can be used as a dust suppressant, particularly in areas where ecological concerns are a priority.
Synthetic Polymers: Synthetic polymers, like polyvinyl acetate or polyvinyl alcohol, can be applied to the surface to create a dust-retaining film.
Soil Stabilizers: They are used to bind the soil particles together and prevent them from becoming airborne.
Dust Control Equipment: Dust control equipment, such as dust collectors, electrostatic precipitators, and baghouses, are used in industrial settings to capture and collect dust particles before they can escape into the air.
Vegetation: Planting vegetation in and around dusty areas can help reduce dust by stabilizing the soil and acting as a natural dust suppressant.
Windbreaks: Installing windbreaks, such as walls or fences, can help reduce the movement of windborne dust by blocking the wind's force.

Effectiveness of Dust Suppressants

According to the Central Pollution control board, the use of dust suppressants along with water is relatively more effective in controlling pollution than conventional methods of dust control i.e., water spraying.
With the use of dust suppressants, there is about a 30% reduction in dust concentration (PM 10, PM 2.5, and PM 1) within the first six hours on both construction sites and roads.
Dust suppressants with bio-additives help to reduce dust for 5-6 hours as compared to plain water which lasts for 15-30 minutes.
According to the Centre for Science and Environment, the duration of effectiveness of mixed dust suppressants is uncertain, and it is still unknown whether they have long-term effects.

Factory fishing in Antarctica for krill targets the cornerstone of a fragile ecosystem

Context: Antarctic krill (Euphausia suberba) fishing is banned in U.S. waters due to concerns that exploitation of Antarctic Krill could impact whales, seals and other animals that feed on the shrimp-like creatures. Krill fishing has been taking place for decades in Antarctica, where krill are most abundant.

About Antarctic Krill

Antarctic Krill are shrimp like crustaceans living the Southern Ocean.
It’s estimated that there are over 700 trillion adult individuals of Antarctic Krill.
Adult krill can live anywhere in the Southern Ocean – from the very surface layer to the seafloor, and from inshore areas to the deep open ocean.
Antarctic krill grow up to 6cm in length and can weigh 1 gram.
Antarctic krill (and other krill species) are bioluminescent, meaning they produce light. They are frequently found in such abundance that they colour the sea a reddish-brown. They may be small individually, but there is an estimated 400 million tonnes of Antarctic krill in the Southern Ocean.
Antarctic krill aggregate in schools or swarms, where the density of the animal can be as high as 30,000 individuals per cubic metre.
Antarctic krill are a key species, supporting populations of penguins, seals, whales and other marine life.
Antarctic krill feed on phytoplankton (single celled marine plants), which absorb carbon dioxide. Krill then egests this carbon through their faecal pellets and by shedding their exoskeletons, which then both sink to the sea floor where some of the carbon gets stored away.
It is one of the most common species in its range and it is not at risk of endangerment or extinction.
IUCN Status: Least Concern