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

  • 2023 driest for global rivers in 33 years, reveals WMO’s report

    Why in the News?

    The World Meteorological Organization (WMO)‘s October 2024 report revealed that 2023 was the driest year for global rivers in 33 years, intensifying stress on water supplies globally.

    What factors contributed to 2023 being the driest year for global rivers?

    • Record High Temperatures: 2023 was marked as the hottest year on record, which significantly contributed to prolonged drought conditions and reduced river flows across many regions globally.
    • Climate Change Impact: Rising temperatures have led to a more erratic hydrological cycle, resulting in both extreme droughts and flooding. This unpredictability has exacerbated water shortages in many areas.
    • Transition from La Niña to El Niño: The climatic shift from La Niña to El Niño conditions in mid-2023 played a crucial role in altering weather patterns, leading to widespread dry conditions in many regions while simultaneously causing flooding in others.
    • Glacier Melting: The report indicated that glaciers experienced their largest mass loss in 50 years, which threatens long-term water security for millions who rely on glacial meltwater for their water supply.

    How has climate change impacted global water resources and glacier conditions?

    • Increased Water Scarcity: The report highlighted that approximately 3.6 billion people currently lack reliable access to water for at least one month each year, a number expected to rise to over 5 billion by 2050 due to worsening water scarcity.
    • Glacier Dependency: Many regions depend on glacial meltwater for their river systems. As glaciers continue to shrink, future water availability is jeopardized, particularly in areas like Europe and North America.
    • Erratic Water Supply: The hydrological cycle’s acceleration leads to unpredictable rainfall patterns, causing both droughts and floods that disrupt agricultural and industrial water supplies.

    What are the implications for global water access and management?

    • Increased Demand vs. Supply Shortages: With growing populations and rising demand for water resources, the current trends indicate a critical imbalance between supply and demand, leading to heightened competition for available water resources.
    • Need for Improved Monitoring: The WMO emphasizes the necessity for better data collection and sharing regarding water resources. This is crucial for effective management strategies that can adapt to changing conditions.
    • Urgent Action Required: There is an urgent need for global cooperation and action to address these challenges. Enhanced monitoring systems and international collaboration are essential to mitigate the impacts of climate change on water resources.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Water Resource Management and Adaptation Strategies: Governments should implement integrated water resource management (IWRM) plans to address both water scarcity and flooding risks.
    • Enhance Global Cooperation and Data-Driven Decision Making: Countries must prioritize data-sharing, improve monitoring of water resources, and foster cross-border collaborations to manage shared water systems effectively.

  • Why is salt pan land being used for homes?

    Why in the News?

    The Maharashtra government allocated 255.9 acres of salt pan land across three parcels in Mumbai’s eastern suburbs for rental housing under the Dharavi Redevelopment Project. 

    What is Salt pans?

    • Salt pans are low-lying coastal areas used for salt cultivation, acting as natural sponges that absorb rainwater and support diverse ecosystems while mitigating flooding.

    What is the Maharashtra government doing to relocate people?

    • Allocation of Land for Housing: The Maharashtra government has issued a Government Resolution (GR) allocating 255.9 acres of salt pan land for the construction of rental housing as part of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project. This land is to be used for slum rehabilitation and affordable housing for economically weaker sections.
    • Lease Agreement: The land parcels will be leased to the Maharashtra government for 99 years, with the objective of providing housing for residents displaced from Dharavi.
    • Involvement of Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV): The Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private Limited (DRPPL), in which an Adani Group entity holds 80% stake and the State government has a 20% stake, is responsible for the construction and resettlement of laborers working on the land.
    • Concessional Rate for Land: The land is being provided at a concessional rate of 25% of the prevailing market rate, making it more accessible for development.

    Why is the move controversial?

    • Environmental Concerns: Urban planners and environmentalists have raised concerns about the lack of an impact assessment study before developing large parcels of salt pan land.
    • Risk of Ghetto Formation: Critics argue that relocating residents to different parts of the city, rather than in-situ rehabilitation (keeping them in their original areas), could lead to the formation of ghettos and further social segregation.

    Are salt pan lands ecologically important?

    • Ecological Role: Salt pan lands are vital as salt marshlands that serve as holding ponds, absorbing rainwater and acting as natural sponges, thereby helping to mitigate flooding.
    • Biodiversity: These areas support diverse flora and fauna, contributing to the ecological balance of coastal regions.
    • Natural Defense: The salt pan lands provide a coastal area’s natural defense against flooding and other environmental hazards, highlighting their importance in maintaining regional ecological health.

    Way forward: 

    • Integrate Environmental Assessments with Development Planning: The Maharashtra government should implement a framework that integrates environmental impact assessments into the planning process for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project.
    • Adopt a Community-Centric Approach to Resettlement: The government should engage with affected communities to explore in-situ rehabilitation options and gather input on their housing needs.

  • EnviStats India 2024

    Why in the News?

    • The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released the “EnviStats India 2024: Environment Accounts” Report.

    What is the EnviStats India 2024 Report?

    • The EnviStats India 2024 Report, released by the MoSPI, is the 7th consecutive publication.
    • It compiles environmental-economic accounts based on the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) Framework.
    • This framework provides a global standard for integrating environmental data with economic statistics, offering insights into the country’s natural resources, ecosystems, and environmental sustainability efforts.

    Key Highlights:

    Details
    Protected Areas (SDG 13 & SDG 15) – 72% increase in the number of Protected Areas (2000-2023)
    – 16% increase in the area of Protected Areas, reflecting biodiversity conservation efforts.
    Mangrove Cover (SDG 13 & SDG 15) – 8% increase in mangrove cover (2013-2021), highlighting positive growth in coastal ecosystem protection.
    Ocean Accounts (SDG 14: Life below Water) – Introduced for the first time, covering the extent and condition of ocean ecosystems.
    Energy Use & Physical Asset Accounts (SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy & SDG 13: Climate Action) – Includes Physical Asset Accounts and Physical Supply and Use Tables for Energy, aligned with SEEA-Energy Framework, and data from ministries like Coal and Petroleum.
    Soil Nutrient Index (SDG 2: Zero Hunger) – Updated data on Soil Nutrient Index based on the Soil Health Card 2023-24, reflecting soil health and agricultural sustainability.
    Biodiversity & Species Richness (SDG 15: Life on Land) – Data on faunal and floral diversity, including endangered species like Leopards and Snow leopards, connecting to biodiversity conservation.

    Policy Recommendations  

    The EnviStats India 2024 Report suggests several policy directions based on its findings:

    • Biodiversity Protection: Strengthen community-led conservation and expand protection of critical ecosystems.
    • Ocean Ecosystem Management: Use Ocean Accounts for sustainable marine resource management and pollution control.
    • Soil Health: Encourage sustainable farming practices and better soil management, leveraging Soil Health Cards for improved productivity.
    • Integrated Planning: Focus on species conservation, habitat restoration, and genetic conservation through data-driven planning.

  • Little Prespa Lake on Albanian-Greek Border slowly dying

    At the Albanian-Greek border, Little Prespa Lake is slowly drying.

    Why in the News?

    At the Albanian-Greek border, Little Prespa Lake is slowly drying.

    About Little Prespa Lake

    • Little Prespa Lake, also known as Small Lake Prespa, is located on the Albanian-Greek border.
    • The majority of the lake lies in Greek territory, with the southern tip extending into Albania.
    • The total area of the lake is approximately 450 hectares within Albanian territory, though much of this area has now transformed into swamps or dried up.
    • It is the smaller part of the nearby Great Prespa Lake, which lies to the south.
    • Historically, the lake was fed by snowmelt and precipitation, but these have reduced significantly due to climate change and human intervention.
    • In the 1970s, communist authorities in Albania diverted the Devoll River for agricultural irrigation around the city of Korca.
    • This diversion significantly reduced the water inflow to the lake, beginning its ecological decline.

    Impact of Little Prespa Lake’s Drying

    • The drying has led to the collapse of the fishing industry, depriving locals of their primary livelihood.
    • The once-thriving aquatic ecosystem has transformed into a marshland, resulting in biodiversity loss as fish populations vanish.
    • The diversion of the Devoll River for agricultural purposes has exacerbated the lake’s decline.
    • The lake could completely disappear if current trends continue, threatening the region’s environmental and economic stability.

    PYQ:

    [2018] Which of the following has/have shrunk immensely/dried up in the recent past due to human activities?

    1. Aral Sea

    2. Black Sea

    3. Lake Baikal

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3

    (c) 2 only

    (d) 1 and 3

  • Govt printed, then shelved elephant census report as numbers fell by 20% in 5 years

    Why in the News?

    Since February this year, hundreds of copies of the Environment Ministry’s elephant census report — “Status of Elephant in India 2022-23” — have remained unreleased, with the government attributing the delay to pending census data from the Northeast.

    Findings of the Elephant Census Report:

    • Significant Drop in Population: The report shows a 20% drop in India’s elephant population since 2017. The Central Indian and Eastern Ghats recorded a 41% dip, with some states like Southern West Bengal (84%), Jharkhand (68%), and Orissa (54%) experiencing major declines.
    • Regional Breakdown: The Western Ghats also saw a decline of 18%, particularly in Kerala, where the population fell by 51%. The Shivalik hills and Gangetic plains recorded only a slight drop (2%), while the Northeast’s data was not updated, but is expected to see a reduction when properly modeled.
    • Developmental Pressures: The report identified “mushrooming developmental projects,” particularly unmitigated mining, linear infrastructure construction, and habitat fragmentation, as key threats to elephants.
      • Poaching, railway collisions, and electrocution were other significant risks.
    • Fragmentation of Habitats: The once-contiguous populations, particularly in the Western Ghats and Central India, are becoming increasingly fragmented due to land-use changes, such as plantations, fencing, and human encroachment.
    • Threats in the Northeast: Elephants in the Northeast are under threat from a mosaic of human habitation, plantations, mines, and oil refineries. Poaching for ivory is a serious issue in this region.

    Note: “Mushrooming developmental projects” refers to the rapid, often uncontrolled expansion of infrastructure and industrial activities, such as mining, road construction, and urbanization, which disrupt ecosystems and natural habitats, impacting biodiversity.

    Why Was the Report Shelved After Being Printed?:

    • Delay in Northeast Data: The government cited delays in completing the census in the Northeast region as the primary reason for not releasing the report.
      •  The methodology and data collection, including advanced techniques like DNA profiling and camera traps, were not fully implemented in the region due to logistical challenges.
    • Interim Status: The Ministry stated that the current report is an interim version and the final report, including Northeast data, is expected by June 2025. There is a reluctance to release incomplete data until a uniform methodology is applied across all regions.

    What are the implications of this decline for elephant on conservation efforts?

    • Need for Urgent Action: The significant decline in elephant populations, especially in the Central and Eastern regions, signals an urgent need for conservation strategies, including habitat restoration and strengthened protection measures.
    • Impact of Development: The report emphasizes the need to address the impacts of developmental projects, which have severely fragmented elephant habitats, increasing human-elephant conflict and other risks such as poaching.
    • Reevaluation of Conservation Policies: The findings suggest the necessity for reevaluating conservation policies to focus on maintaining elephant corridors, mitigating the impact of infrastructure projects, and fostering community support for conservation.
    • Scientific Modelling: The shift to more sophisticated scientific modelling of elephant populations (mark-recapture techniques).
    • Focus on Fragmented Landscapes: Future conservation strategies must address the fragmentation of landscapes, particularly in critical areas like the Eastern Ghats, Western Ghats, and the Northeast, to reconnect elephant habitats and ensure their long-term survival.

    Conclusion: The Elephant Census Report reveals a worrying decline in populations due to habitat fragmentation and developmental pressures. Urgent action is needed to restore habitats, strengthen protection, and reevaluate conservation policies to ensure long-term elephant survival.

  • Species in News: Golden Langur

    Golden Langur

    Why in the News?

    The construction of wildlife passages and artificial canopy bridges along the India-Bhutan border has been prompted by increased deaths of the endangered golden langur due to road accidents.

    About Golden Langur

    Details
    Identification
    • Recognizable by the color of their fur, which gives them their name.
    • Fur color changes with the seasons.
    • Young langurs are almost pure white.
    Geographic Range
    • Found in Assam, India, and neighboring Bhutan year-round.
    • Inhabits an area bordered by the foothills of Bhutan (north), Manas river (east), Sankosh river (west), and Brahmaputra river (south).
    Habitat
    • Occupies moist evergreen and tropical deciduous forests, along with some riverine areas and savannahs in Assam and Bhutan.
    • Prefers living in the upper canopy of sub-tropical forests in the south and temperate forests in the north.
    Conservation Status
    • IUCN: Endangered
    • CITES: Appendix I
    • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
    Habitat
    • Ripu Reserve Forest and Chakrashila WLS serve as vital habitats.
    • Fragmented habitats face instability and threats.

     

    PYQ:

    [2012] Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of endangered species?

    (a) Great Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda and Asiatic Wild Ass

    (b) Kashmir Stag, Cheetal, Blue Bull and Great Indian Bustard

    (c) Snow Leopard, Swamp Deer, Rhesus Monkey and Saras (Crane)

    (d) Lion-tailed Macaque, Blue Bull, Hanuman Langur and Cheetal

  • In news: Arun River 

    Why in the News?

    The Arun River, which flows across Nepal and Tibet, is eroding rock and soil in its basin, leading to the rise of Mount Everest by up to 2 mm a year.

    How is Arun River making the Everest taller?

    The Arun River is contributing to the rise of Mount Everest through a process called isostatic rebound. Here’s how it works:

    1. River Incision:

    • The Arun River, which flows about 75 km from Mount Everest, is eroding large amounts of rock and soil from the surrounding landscape.
    • This process of erosion reduces the weight on the Earth’s crust in the Arun River basin.
    • A study by UCL suggests that the Arun River’s ability to carve out large amounts of rock and other materials may be due to it capturing another river or water system in Tibet.
    • This process is known as River Incision, where the river cuts downward into its bed, deepening its channel.
    • The erosion began to accelerate around 89,000 years ago when the Arun River merged with the Kosi River, removing large amounts of landmass and further reducing the weight on the region’s crust.

    2. Isostatic Rebound:

    • When the weight of the land (due to rocks, soil, or even ice) decreases, the Earth’s crust rises to balance the change.
    • This is similar to how a boat rises in water when heavy cargo is removed.
    • The removal of landmass in the Arun River basin allows the crust underneath Mount Everest to rise.

    About Arun River 

    • The Arun River originates in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, where it is known as Phung Chu or Bum-chu in Tibetan.
    • It flows into Nepal and confluences with the Sun Koshi and Tamur River at Tribenighat, forming the Sapta Koshi River.
    • Tributaries:
      • Left tributaries: Yeru Tsanpo, Trakar-chu.
      • Right tributary: Barun River.
    • At the Nepal border, the Arun River is approximately 3,500 meters (11,500 ft) above sea level.
    • The river drains into the Koshi River, significantly contributing to the Sapta Koshi River system in Nepal.
    • It is the largest trans-Himalayan river in Nepal, playing a crucial role in supporting the region’s hydrology and ecosystems.
    • It provides around 37% of the total water in the Sapta Koshi system, following the Sun Koshi which contributes 44%.
    • Recently, the Arun-III Hydro Power Project (900 MW), which constructed with $6.95b Indian assistance, achieved a milestone with a tunnel breakthrough.

    PYQ:

    [2017] With reference to river Teesta, consider the following statements:

    1. The source of river Teesta is the same as that of Brahmaputra but it flows through Sikkim.

    2. River Rangeet originates in Sikkim and it is a tributary of river Teesta.

    3. River Teesta falls into Bay of Bengal at the border of India and Bangladesh.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 3 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Species in News: Swallowtail Butterfly

    Why in the News?

    A recent study has found that the overexploitation of medicinal plants, is threatening the survival of swallowtail butterflies in the forest habitats of Assam’s Bodoland Territorial Region.

    About Swallowtail Butterfly

    Details
    Family and Species Family: Papilionidae
    Global species: 573
    Indian species: 77
    Characteristics
    • Large size, brightly colored wings, tail-like extensions on hindwings
    • Strong fliers, diurnal, territorial behavior, feed on nectar
    Distribution Found in tropical and temperate regions of Asia, Africa, Americas
    Habitat in India Found in rainforests, woodlands, cultivated lands, and protected areas like the Western Ghats and Northeast India
    Host Plants Depend on specific plants like Rutaceae, Aristolochiaceae, Lauraceae, and Magnoliaceae families for larval development
    Threats
    • Host plants, especially medicinal plants, are being overexploited in areas like the Bodoland Territorial Region
    • Deforestation, illegal cattle farming, agriculture, tree felling, and pesticide use

    Swallowtail Conservation Action Plan (SCAP)
    Purpose To protect and conserve endangered swallowtail species and prevent their extinction
    Focus Area Focuses on habitat protection, host plant conservation, and population restoration
    Swallowtail-Rich Zones Northeastern India designated as a key zone for swallowtail conservation under SCAP
    Legal Protection 12 swallowtail species in India are under federal protection;
    Some species are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act.
    Community Role SCAP involves local communities in protecting host plants and preventing activities like illegal cattle grazing

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] Recently, for the first time in our country, which of the following States has declared a particular butterfly as ‘State Butterfly’?

    (a) Arunachal Pradesh

    (b) Himachal Pradesh

    (c) Karnataka

    (d) Maharashtra

  • The La Nina and North India’s pollution

    Why in the News?

    The delayed onset of La Niña and the late retreat of the monsoon have diminished hopes that Delhi’s residents might enjoy improved air quality this winter compared to previous years.

    What is Triple-dip La- Nina?

    Triple-dip La Niña refers to the rare occurrence of La Niña persisting for three consecutive years, causing prolonged cooler ocean temperatures in the Pacific and influencing global weather patterns, including stronger monsoons.

    How has the triple-dip La Niña phenomenon influenced air quality in North India?

    • No dispersion of pollutants: The delayed onset of La Niña has led to stagnant air and calm winds, preventing the dispersion of pollutants. In previous winters, La Niña helped improve air quality with stronger winds and atmospheric circulation.
    • Trapped air pollutants: The slower monsoon retreat resulted in extended periods of high humidity, reduced atmospheric mixing, and trapped pollutants near the surface, contributing to deteriorated air quality.

    What meteorological factors contributed to the observed anomalies in air quality?

    • Monsoon Retreat and Humidity: The delayed retreat of the monsoon contributes to prolonged periods of high humidity and calm winds. These conditions reduce atmospheric mixing, trapping pollutants near the surface and leading to elevated levels of PM2.5 and PM10.
    • Stagnant Winds: The absence of La Niña conditions results in stagnant surface winds, which hinder the dispersion of pollutants. This stagnation is particularly problematic given the regional emissions from stubble burning and other sources.
    • Stubble Burning: With prevailing north-north-westerly winds, stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana could significantly worsen Delhi’s air quality if it occurs at even half the intensity seen in previous years.

    What implications does this have for future climate and air quality management strategies?

    • Need for Broader Focus: There is a growing recognition that air quality management must shift from a localized emission-centric approach to one that considers larger meteorological patterns and regional airsheds.
    • Policy Recommendations: Policymakers should prioritize mitigating PM2.5 emissions over PM10, as PM2.5 poses greater health risks.
    • Integration of Climate Factors: Future air quality strategies should integrate climate change considerations, recognizing that local emissions are only part of the equation.

    Way forward:

    • Adopt Regional Airshed Management: Shift from a localized approach to a broader airshed strategy, accounting for meteorological patterns and regional pollution sources to improve air quality management.
    • Prioritize PM2.5 Mitigation and Climate Integration: Focus on reducing PM2.5 emissions, which pose higher health risks, and incorporate climate change factors into long-term air quality policies for comprehensive solutions.

  • Dead Coral Skeletons hinder Reef Regeneration

    Why in the News?

    A study conducted at Moorea, French Polynesia, has revealed that the network of dead coral skeletons left behind by bleaching events prevents reefs from regenerating.

    About Corals

    • Corals are marine invertebrates made up of genetically identical organisms called polyps.
    • Polyps have a mutualistic relationship with microscopic algae called zooxanthellae that live within their tissues.
    • Zooxanthellae perform photosynthesis, providing the corals with carbohydrates, while the corals offer compounds needed for photosynthesis.
    • Corals have calcium carbonate skeletons, which help in building the reef structure.
    • Thousands of polyps combine to form coral colonies, which multiply and grow over time.
    • Coral reefs are underwater ecosystems formed by the accumulation of calcium carbonate skeletons from corals.
    • Known as the “rainforests of the seas”, they provide habitat and protection for a wide variety of marine life.
    • Coral reefs are built by both hard and soft corals and grow over time as more corals attach to the reef structure.
    • They are the largest living structures on the planet, vital for marine biodiversity.

    Challenges due to Dead Corals

    • Shelter for Seaweed: Dead coral skeletons create a complex structure that offers protection to macroalgae (seaweed) from herbivores. This allows seaweed to colonize the reef quickly, outcompeting young coral.
    • Impeded Herbivory: The complex landscape of dead corals prevents herbivores, which normally graze on algae, from accessing the macroalgae effectively. This leads to unchecked algae growth.
    • Increased Competition: Macroalgae grow faster and reproduce more frequently than coral, leading to increased competition for space, light, and nutrients, which further inhibits young coral from settling and growing.
    • Annual Coral Reproduction: Coral typically spawns only once a year, while algae reproduce continuously. This gives algae a competitive advantage in newly available spaces left by dead coral skeletons.
    • Altered Ecosystem Balance: The presence of dead coral shifts the balance between herbivores, algae, and coral, making it difficult for the reef to regenerate naturally.

    Conditions for Reef Regeneration

    • Flat Substrate: After events like cyclones, which remove coral but leave behind a flat surface, reefs tend to recover more easily, as young coral can settle and regrow without much competition from macroalgae.
    • Herbivore Activity: Active herbivory is crucial for reef recovery, as herbivores control the growth of macroalgae, allowing space for coral recruits to settle and thrive.
    • Clear Space for Coral Recruits: To regenerate effectively, coral needs open space free from excessive algae. Removing dead coral skeletons might help create these conditions.
    • Frequent Disturbances: Coral reefs are better adapted to recover from frequent but non-lethal disturbances like storms, which scrape off coral and allow for fresh regrowth, compared to bleaching events, which leave the dead coral structure intact.
    • Water Quality and Temperature: Coral recovery depends on optimal water conditions, including the absence of pollutants and suitable temperatures.

    PYQ:

    [2018] Consider the following statements

    1. Most of the world’s coral reefs are in tropical waters.
    2. More than one-third of the world’s coral reefs are located in the territories of Australia, Indonesia and Philippines.
    3. Coral reefs host far more number of animal phyla than those hosted by tropical rainforests.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 1and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3