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GS Paper: GS3-18.Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.

  • Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary

    Why in the News?

    The Forest Department of Rajasthan has initiated efforts to revise the boundaries of the Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary to address existing legal and administrative complications.

    Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary

    About the Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary

    • It was established in 1980, Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
    • It is named after the nearby Nahargarh Fort, which overlooks the sanctuary.
    • It is a significant part of the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve corridor, providing a habitat for wildlife movement.
    • Geographical Features:
      • It is situated in the Aravalli hills, close to Jaipur city, offering a natural escape amidst urban surroundings.
      • Its area spans approximately 50 square kilometres, featuring rugged terrain with hills, valleys, and plateaus.
      • It has seasonal streams and waterholes that serve as vital water sources for wildlife.
    • Flora and Fauna:
      • Flora: Comprises dry deciduous and thorny scrub forests, typical of the Aravalli range; Key tree species include Dhok, Babool, Khejri, and Ber; Grassy patches and scattered shrubs provide a diverse ecosystem for herbivores.
      • Fauna: Fauna: Includes leopards, hyenas, wild boars, jackals, sambars, chitals, peacocks, partridges, migratory birds, monitor lizards, snakes, turtles, and various pollinators.

    PYQ:

    [2012] In which one among the following categories of protected areas in India are local people not allowed to collect and use the biomass?

    (a) Biosphere Reserves

    (b) National Parks

    (c) Wetlands declared under Ramsar Convention

    (d) Wildlife Sanctuaries

  • In news: Vaigai River

    Why in the News?

    The Madras High Court has issued directives to local bodies in Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, Sivaganga, and Ramanathapuram districts to submit a comprehensive action plan with timelines to mitigate pollution in the Vaigai River.

    About Vaigai River

    Geographical Features and Location
    • Originates from the Varusanadu Hills in the Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu.
    • Flows through Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, Sivaganga, and Ramanathapuram districts.
    • Length: Approximately 258 km, draining into the Palk Strait.
    • Major towns along the river include Madurai.
    • Historical site Keeladi is also located along the river.
    Major and Minor Tributaries
    • Major Tributaries: Suruliyar River, Varaha River, Manjalar River, Kottagudi River, and Kridhumaal River.
    • Minor Tributaries: Sambanadi River, Kumilaar River, and Utharakosa Mangaiyar River.
    Conservation Sites and Programs
    • Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve: Acts as a vital catchment area and supports biodiversity.
    • Vaigai Dam: Built near Andipatti, providing irrigation and drinking water.
    • Vaigai River Restoration Program: Focuses on cleaning, improving water quality, and promoting biodiversity.

    In news: Vaigai River

    PYQ:

    [2021] Which one of the following statements is correct?​

    (a) Ajanta Caves lie in the gorge of Waghora river.​

    (b) Sanchi Stupa lies in the gorge of Chambal river.​

    (c) Pandu-lena Cave Shrines lie in the gorge of Narmada river.​

    (d) Amaravati Stupa lies in the gorge of Godavari river.​

  • What is Keeling Curve?

    Why in the News?

    Atmospheric CO₂ levels hit a record high in 2024 due to wildfires and human activities, as shown by the Keeling Curve, a 67-year record maintained at Mauna Loa Observatory since 1958.

    What is Keeling Curve?

    What is Keeling Curve?

    • The Keeling Curve is a long-term record of atmospheric CO₂ concentrations, initiated by Charles David Keeling in 1958 at the Mauna Loa Observatory, Hawaii.
    • It tracks the rise in CO₂ levels and provides evidence of the impact of human activities on climate change.
    • Named after Charles David Keeling, it has become a globally recognized tool for understanding global warming.

    Significant Features and Sources:

    • Steady Upward Trend: Demonstrates a consistent rise in atmospheric CO₂ levels since 1958, primarily due to fossil fuel combustion and deforestation.
    • Seasonal Fluctuations:
      • CO₂ levels decrease during spring and summer as plants absorb CO₂ through photosynthesis.
      • Levels increase during fall and winter when plant decay releases CO₂.
    • Initial Measurements: Recorded CO₂ levels at 315 ppm in 1958.
    • Current Levels: As of January 2025, CO₂ concentrations have reached 427.1 ppm, the highest in millions of years.
    • Data Sources: Measurements are taken from Mauna Loa Observatory and other global monitoring stations.

    Observations around the Curve

    • Key Milestones:
      • 1988: CO₂ levels reached 350 ppm, drawing global attention to climate change.
      • 2023: Levels exceeded 420 ppm, marking a critical point in atmospheric history.
      • 2024: Record growth of 3.58 ppm in average annual CO₂ concentrations compared to 2023.
    • Contributing Factors:
      • El Niño: Surface temperature rise in the Pacific Ocean boosted CO₂ emissions during 2024, exacerbated by wildfires in North and South America.
      • Anthropogenic Emissions: Burning fossil fuels and land-use changes remain major contributors.
    • Global Implications:
      • Contradicts IPCC scenarios for limiting global warming to 1.5°C, as emissions continue to rise.
      • Record increases in CO₂ levels during El Niño events highlight the interplay between natural phenomena and human activities.

    PYQ:

    [2011] Consider the following:

    1. Photosynthesis

    2. Respiration

    3. Decay of organic matter

    4. Volcanic action

    Which of the above add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on Earth?

    (a) 1 and 4 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 2, 3 and 4 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

  • In news: Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary

    Why in the News?

    The Kalaburagi Forest Division is working to relocate a hamlet within the Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary on the Karnataka-Telangana border to a safer area.

    About the Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary

    Details
    • Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 2011, covering 134.88 sq. km.
    • Recognized as the first dryland Wildlife Sanctuary in South India.
    • Located in the Kalaburagi District, renowned for its floristic diversity.
    • Contributes to the conservation of dryland ecosystems.
    Geographical Location
    • Situated in the Hyderabad Karnataka region.
    • Features the Chandrampalli Dam and four smaller dams within the sanctuary.
    Flora and Fauna
    • Flora: Rich in medicinal plants and tree species like Red Sanders, Sandalwood, Acacia, and Teak.
    • Fauna:
      • Mammals: Blackbuck, Common Fox, Four-horned Antelope, Indian Wolf, Hyena, and Fruit Bat.
      • Birds: Over 35 species, including Black Drongo, Black-winged Kite, Blossom-headed Parakeet, Blue Pigeon, Black-headed Oriole, and Grey Partridge.
    Climatic/Geographical Features
    • Comprises dry deciduous and moist deciduous forests.
    • Fringes are planted with Acacia and Teak.
    • Supports a dryland ecosystem with water bodies like the Chandrampalli Dam.
    • Features a mix of arid and semi-moist climatic conditions.

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] In which one of the following States is Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary located?

    (a) Arunachal Pradesh

    (b) Manipur

    (c) Meghalaya

    (d) Nagaland

  • Species in news: Indian Bison (Gaur)

    Why in the News?

    The Jharkhand Forest department has initiated a study to revive the dwindling population of Bison, popularly known as Gaur, at Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR).

    bison

    About Indian Bison (Gaur)

    Details
    • Largest and tallest species in the wild cattle family.
    • Scientific Name: Bos gaurus.
    • Indigenous to South and Southeast Asia.
    Species Habitat and Location
    • Found in evergreen, semi-evergreen, and moist deciduous forests with open grasslands.
    • Prefers hilly terrains below 1,500–1,800 m with abundant water.
    • Distributed across India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Thailand.
    Behavioural Features
    • Social animals living in herds of 30–40 individuals.
    • Strong and sturdy limbs, short tails, and inward-curved pale green/yellowish-brown horns.
    • Males weigh 600–1,500 kg; females weigh 400–1,000 kg.
    • Convex-shaped forehead; height ranges from 170–230 cm.
    Conservation Status
    • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable.
    • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I.
    • CITES: Appendix I.

     

    PYQ:

    [2011] A sandy and saline area is the natural habitat of an Indian animal species. The animal has no predators in that area but its existence is threatened due to the destruction of its habitat. Which one of the following could be that animal?

    (a) Indian wild buffalo

    (b) Indian wild ass

    (c) Indian wild boar

    (d) Indian gazelle.

  • Survey adds 24 new species to Munnar’s faunal stock

    Survey adds 24 new species to Munnar’s faunal stock

    Why in the News?

    A recent faunal survey conducted in the Munnar Wildlife Division has documented 24 new species of birds, butterflies, and odonates, enriching its biodiversity checklist.

    Which are the surveyed sites?

    All the surveyed national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are located in Kerala, India, specifically in the Idukki district:

    • Mathikettan Shola National Park (MSNP): It is a biodiversity hotspot and part of the Western Ghats.
    • Pambadum Shola National Park (PSNP): It is Kerala’s smallest national park and home to unique flora and fauna.
    • Anamudi Shola National Park (ANP): Named after Anamudi, the highest peak in South India.
    • Kurinjimala Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS): Located in Idukki, it protects the habitat of the Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), a flower that blooms once every 12 years.
    • Eravikulam National Park (ENP): Famous for the Nilgiri Tahr.
    • Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (CWLS): Situated in the rain-shadow region of the Western Ghats, near the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border in Idukki.

    Key Highlights of the Survey

    • New Species Added: 24 new species, including birds (11), butterflies (8), and odonates (5).
    • Total Documentation:
      • Birds: 217 species recorded; checklist updated to 258.
      • Butterflies: 166 species recorded; checklist updated to 246.
      • Odonates: 5 new records, checklist updated to 58 species.
    • Notable Wildlife Observed: Mammals like Nilgiri Tahr, tigers, leopards, and elephants; 12 species of reptiles and amphibians.

    About the Added Species

    • Birds:
      • New Additions: Brown Hawk Owl, Barred Buttonquail, Spotted Owlet, Mottled Wood Owl, Baya Weaver, Red Munia, Richard’s Pipit, Jerdon’s Bushlark, Golden-Headed Cisticola, Large Grey Babbler, Chestnut-Bellied Nuthatch.
      • Highlights: Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Steppe Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Indian Grey Hornbill, and Blue-eared Kingfisher.
    • Butterflies:
      • Endemic Species: Red-disc Bushbrown, Palni Fritillary, Nilgiri Tiger, Nilgiri Four-ring.
      • Unique Sightings: Grass Jewel (smallest butterfly in Kerala), Southern Birdwing (largest butterfly in India).
    • Odonates (flying insects):
      • New Records: Cratilla lineata calverti, Macrodiplax cora, Palpopleura sexmaculata, Tholymis tillarga, Lestes elatus.

    PYQ:

    [2020] With reference to India’s biodiversity Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith barbet, Gray-chinned minivet and White-throated redstart are:

    (a) Birds

    (b) Primates

    (c) Reptiles

    (d) Amphibans

  • In news: Yala Glacier

    Why in the News?

    Yala Glacier in Nepal is predicted to disappear by the 2040s due to rapid retreat and mass loss. It is the only glacier in the Himalayas listed on the Global Glacier Casualty List, an initiative launched in 2024 to document endangered or vanished glaciers worldwide.

    Note:  The UN has designated 2025 as the International Year of Glacier Preservation, with March 21st to be observed annually as World Glacier Day starting from 2025.

    About the Yala Glacier 

    • Yala Glacier is located in the Langtang Valley, central Nepal, and is influenced by the Indian summer monsoon.
    • It is one of the most studied glaciers in Nepal and represents the Hindu Kush Himalayan region in the World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS) database.
    • The glacier has been monitored for over a decade using stakes, snow pits, and satellite images, providing crucial data on the state of Himalayan glaciers.
    • It is the only glacier in the Himalayas included in the Global Glacier Casualty List, a recognition of its critical status.
    • It plays a vital role in studying the cryosphere, a critical water resource supporting 240 million people in the Himalayan region.

    Retreat of Yala Glacier

    • Yala Glacier is projected to disappear by the 2040s, reflecting the growing threat to Himalayan glaciers.
    • It has retreated by 680 meters between 1974 and 2021, with a 36% reduction in area during this period.
    • Its elevation, which ranged between 5,170m and 5,750m in 2011, has significantly declined.
    • The glacier has lost so much mass that it no longer meets scientific standards for effective observation.
    • The Hindu Kush Himalayan cryosphere is warming twice as fast as the global average, leading to rapid glacial retreat.

    About the Global Glacier Casualty List

    • It was launched in 2024 by a consortium of institutions including Rice University, World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS), World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and UNESCO.
    • It documents endangered or vanished glaciers.
    • Glaciers Listed: Includes 15 glaciers, such as:
      • Pico Humboldt Glacier (Venezuela): Disappeared in 2024.
      • Sarenne Glacier (France): Vanished in 2023.
      • Dagu Glacier (China): Categorized as “critically endangered,” expected to vanish by 2030.
    • Significance:
      • Highlights the urgency of glacier preservation, as these ice masses store 70% of global freshwater and influence water security for billions of people worldwide.
      • Reinforces the need for global cooperation to address the accelerating loss of glaciers due to climate change

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] Consider the following Pairs :

    Glacier: River

    1. Bandarpunch : Yamuna
    2. Bara Shigri : Chenab
    3. Milam : Mandakini
    4. Siachen : Nubra
    5. Zemu : Manas

    Which of the following pairs given above are correctly matched?

    (a) 1,2 and 4

    (b) 1,3 and 4

    (c) 2 and 5

    (d) 3 and 5

  • What is Hydroclimate Whiplash?

    Why in the News?

    Since earlier this month Los Angeles has been gripped by devastating wildfires fueled by a rare and alarming meteorological phenomenon known as hydroclimate whiplash.

    What is Hydroclimate Whiplash?

    • Hydroclimate whiplash refers to rapid and extreme shifts between periods of intensely wet weather and dangerously dry conditions.
    • Characteristics:
      • Alternates between heavy rainfall and severe drought.
      • Typically results in amplified weather extremes, such as floods followed by wildfires.
    • Global Trend:
      • Hydroclimate whiplash has increased by 31% to 66% worldwide since the mid-20th century, largely due to climate change.
      • Projections indicate a 113% rise in such events during sub-seasonal periods with a 3°C increase in global temperatures.

    Causes of Hydroclimate Whiplash

    • Rising global temperatures intensify hydrological extremes, causing prolonged periods of rainfall and drought.
    • Warmer air holds more moisture, leading to heavier rainfalls during wet periods and exacerbating droughts during dry phases.
    • Shifts in El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycles influence precipitation and temperature extremes.
    • Changes in ocean currents and wind patterns disrupt normal weather cycles, contributing to hydroclimate variability.
    • Unusual delays in wet or dry seasons can magnify hydroclimate swings, as seen in regions like California.

    How did this phenomenon cause wildfire in LA?

    • The usual wet season, which begins in October, failed during 2024-25, exacerbating dry conditions and increasing fire hazards.
    • As dry air moves from high-pressure regions over southwestern deserts to low-pressure zones off the California coast, it warms and dries further, creating ideal wildfire conditions.

    PYQ:

    [2011] La Nina is suspected to have caused recent floods in Australia. How is La Nina different from El Nino?

    1. La Nina is characterised by an usually cold ocean temperature in equatorial Indian Ocean whereas El Nino is characterised by unusually warm ocean temperature in the equatorial Pacific Ocean.

    2. El Nino has adverse effect on south-west monsoon of India but La Nina has no effect on monsoon climate.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • Is groundwater contamination high in India?

    Why in the News?

    The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) found that many states in India are facing a serious problem with high nitrate levels in groundwater.

    What are the contaminants? 

    The assessment of India’s groundwater quality has identified several significant contaminants, primarily driven by agricultural practices, industrial activities, and natural geological factors. The key contaminants include:

    • Nitrates: Excessive use of nitrogen-based fertilizers in agriculture leads to high levels of nitrates in groundwater. This is the most prevalent contaminant, with over 56% of India’s districts reporting nitrate levels exceeding the safe limit of 45 mg/l.
    • Fluoride: Fluoride contamination is a major concern, particularly in states like Rajasthan, Haryana, and Karnataka. Approximately 9.04% of tested groundwater samples had fluoride levels above the permissible limit of 1.5 mg/l.
    • Arsenic: Naturally occurring arsenic in certain geological formations poses serious health risks, particularly in alluvial plains where industrial activities may exacerbate contamination.
    • Uranium: Elevated uranium levels have been detected in several regions, with about 6.60% of samples exceeding the safe limit of 30 ppb (parts per billion). States like Rajasthan and Punjab report significant uranium contamination.
    • Iron: High concentrations of iron affect groundwater quality and can lead to aesthetic issues and potential health risks when consumed in large amounts.
    • Other Heavy Metals: Contaminants such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and chromium are also present due to industrial discharges and improper waste management.

    What was the state of groundwater in 2024?

    • Overall Extraction Rate: The degree of groundwater extraction across the country was reported at approximately 60.4%, indicating that this level has remained relatively stable compared to previous years. This figure reflects the percentage of groundwater resources being utilized versus what is available for extraction.
    • Safe Blocks: About 73% of groundwater blocks were categorized as ‘safe,’ meaning they are adequately replenished to meet extraction demands. This represents a slight increase from previous assessments.
    • Recharge and Availability: Total annual groundwater recharge was noted to have decreased marginally from 449 BCM (Billion Cubic Meters) in 2023 to 446.90 BCM in 2024.
      • The annual extractable groundwater resources slightly declined from 407.21 BCM to 406.19 BCM.
    • Contamination Issues: Despite improvements in some areas, challenges remain, particularly with nitrate contamination, where 440 districts were identified as having excessive nitrate levels in their groundwater.

    How are groundwater levels measured?

    Groundwater levels are measured using a network established by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), which includes:

    • Observation Wells: Approximately 26,000 observation wells are used for manual measurements of groundwater levels.
    • Digital Monitoring: Since 2023, around 16,000 to 17,000 piezometers equipped with digital recorders have been installed to automatically measure and transmit groundwater levels to a centralized system for real-time monitoring.

    What happens if nitrate presence is high in groundwater?

    • Health Risks: Elevated nitrate levels can cause methemoglobinemia, also known as “blue baby syndrome,” particularly in infants under six months old. This condition reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, resulting in a bluish tint to the skin and potentially severe health complications if untreated.
    • Environmental Concerns: Excessive nitrates contribute to algal blooms in surface water bodies, which can deplete oxygen levels, harm aquatic ecosystems, and disrupt the balance of marine life.

    Way forward: 

    • Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Promote the use of organic fertilizers, precision farming techniques, and regulated use of nitrogen-based fertilizers to minimize nitrate leaching into groundwater.
    • Strengthened Monitoring and Remediation: Expand digital groundwater monitoring networks, enforce strict industrial discharge regulations, and implement remediation techniques like bioremediation and constructed wetlands to mitigate contamination.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q What is water stress? How and why does it differ regionally in India?(UPSC IAS/2019)

  • Miyawaki Technique

    Why in the News?

    Ahead of the Mahakumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh, the Prayagraj Municipal Corporation has employed the Japanese Miyawaki technique to create dense “oxygen bank” forests, ensuring cleaner air and ecological balance for millions of devotees.

    About Miyawaki Technique

    • The Miyawaki technique is a pioneering method for creating dense forests in limited spaces, developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki in the 1970s.
    • Known as the ‘pot plantation method’, this technique mimics natural forest ecosystems by using native species planted closely together, promoting rapid growth and biodiversity.
    • It was developed to restore degraded ecosystems and barren lands by replicating the processes found in natural forests.
    • It is widely used for urban afforestation projects globally.

    Miyawaki Technique

    Significant Features:

    • Dense Planting: Trees and shrubs are planted close together, enabling rapid growth—up to 10 times faster than traditional methods.
    • Native Species: Focuses on local plant varieties to replicate the natural ecosystem.
    • Improved Biodiversity: Enhances species richness, supporting more flora and fauna.
    • Carbon Absorption: Trees absorb more carbon, helping combat urban pollution.

    PYQ:

    [2022] The “Miyawaki method” is well known for the:

    (a) Promotion of commercial farming in arid and semi-arid areas

    (b) Development of gardens using genetically modified flora

    (c) Creation of mini forests in urban areas

    (d) Harvesting wind energy on coastal areas and on sea surfaces