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

  • Chunk of India’s forests ‘missing’ after 27-year-delay to file reports | Analysis

    Why in the news?

    SC ordered MoEFCC to upload State Expert Committee reports on unclassed forests due to concerns over the Forest (Conservation) Act Amendment 2023 constitutionality, impacting protection and potential diversion of these forests.

    What are unclassed forests?

    • Unclassed forests, also known as deemed forests, are forest areas that may belong to various entities such as government bodies (forests, revenue departments, railways), communities, or private owners. However, these forest areas have not been officially notified as forests.
    • The State Expert Committees (SECs) were tasked with identifying all such unclassed forests across the country (referring to Forest Working Plans and Land Revenue Records).
    • Additionally, SECs were required to physically identify any land patches that exhibit characteristics of forests, as per the dictionary meaning of forests, irrespective of their ownership status.

    What are the present issues?

    1. The missing forests in SECs 
    • Undermined the previous judgment: MoEFCC informed a Parliamentary Committee that SECs had identified unclassed forests, aligning with the proposed Forest (Conservation) Act Amendment, despite earlier criticism that the law undermined the Godavarman judgment.
      • However, an RTI application revealed that MoEFCC claimed not to have the SEC reports, raising questions about its assurance to the Parliamentary Committee.
    • Lack of verified data: Following a Supreme Court order, MoEFCC uploaded the SEC reports, but they showed a lack of verifiable data on the identification, status, and location of unclassed forests.
    • States not constituted SECs: Seven states and Union Territories, including Goa, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu, hadn’t constituted SECs, while others hadn’t fully complied with Supreme Court directives.
    • Non-traceable Forest: Ladakh formed an SEC only after the dissolution of Jammu & Kashmir, and Puducherry’s report was declared “not traceable”, further highlighting inconsistencies in the process.
    1. Disagreement with FSI data 
    • Insufficient timeline: Many states argue that the one-month timeline provided by the Supreme Court was insufficient for comprehensive work due to the voluminous nature of the task.
    • Relied on Existing data: Instead of conducting ground-truthing, physical cadastral surveys, and demarcation of unclassed forest lands, most states relied on existing data from forest and revenue departments. Some states, like Manipur and Sikkim, simply quoted figures from the Forest Survey of India (FSI).
    • Question on Data: The reliability of data is questioned, with Haryana’s report lacking clarity on data sources and creation dates. Only nine states provided the extent of unclassed forests, while others focused on different types of forest areas specified in the order.
    1. Lack of clarity in the Reports:
    • Failed to specify the geographic locations: Most states and UTs failed to specify the geographic locations of forests in their SEC reports, rendering the information provided largely unhelpful for accurate identification and protection.
      • But Tripura was an exception, providing Khaitan numbers for forest areas beyond those officially recorded, but the classification of land remained unclear.
    • Lack of on-ground verification: SEC is lagging that on-ground verification may have led to the widespread destruction of forests that should have been identified and protected nearly three decades ago.
      • Instances like Kerala’s SEC excluding ecologically significant areas like Pallivasal unreserve and Chinnakanal unreserve, critical for wildlife corridors and conservation, showcase the lack of diligence in identifying and protecting vital forest areas.

    Suggested Measures:

    • Extended Timeline: Provide states with a more realistic timeline to conduct comprehensive surveys and data verification, considering the voluminous nature of the task and the need for accuracy.
    • Ground Truthing and Surveys: Mandate states to conduct ground-truthing, physical cadastral surveys, and demarcation of unclassed forest lands to ensure accurate identification and mapping of forest areas.
    • Data Verification: Implement mechanisms for verifying and cross-referencing data obtained from various sources, such as forest and revenue departments and the Forest Survey of India, to ensure reliability and consistency.

    Main PYQ: 

    Q Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change.(UPSC IAS/2020)

  • Icequakes on Ross Ice Shelf

    Why in the news?

    • Scientists found out that the huge Ross Ice Shelf, almost as big as France, moves forward a few centimetres daily.
    • This happens because of the Whillans Ice Stream, a fast-moving river of ice that sometimes gets stuck and then suddenly moves forward.

    About Ross Ice Shelf

    • Ross Ice Shelf is the largest ice shelf of Antarctica roughly the size of France.
    • It was discovered by Sir James Clark Ross on 28 January 1841.
    • The shelf spans an area of roughly 500,809 square kilometers, about the size of France or the Yukon Territory in Canada.
    • It is several hundred meters thick. In the shelf’s southern reaches, nearest the True South Pole, the ice can be as thick as 750m.
    • The nearly vertical ice front to the open sea is more than 600 km long, and between 15 and 50 meters high above the water surface. However, 90% of the floating ice is below the water surface.
    • It is fed primarily by giant glaciers, or ice streams, that transport ice down to it from the high polar ice sheet of East and West Antarctica.
    • Most of Ross Ice Shelf is in the Ross Dependency claimed by New Zealand.
    • It floats in, and covers, a large southern portion of the Ross Sea and the entire Roosevelt Island located in the east of the Ross Sea.

    Spotlight: Icequakes on Ross Ice Shelf

    • Influence of Ice Stream: Most glaciers move slowly, but the Whillans Ice Stream stops and starts suddenly. This might happen because there isn’t enough water below to help it move smoothly.
    • Sudden Movements: These sudden movements, like tiny earthquakes, push against the Ross Ice Shelf.
    • Threat to Stability: Even though these daily shifts aren’t caused by humans, they could make the Ross Ice Shelf weaker over time. Ice shelves slow down the flow of ice into the ocean.
    • Retreat of Glacier: If the Ross Ice Shelf gets weaker or breaks, it could speed up melting and raise sea levels.

    PYQ:

    [2013] On the planet earth, most of the freshwater exists as ice caps and glaciers. Out of the remaining freshwater, the largest proportion

    (a) Is found in the atmosphere as moisture and clouds

    (b) Is found in freshwater lakes and rivers

    (c) Exists as groundwater

    (d) Exists as soil moisture

  • In the news: Pulicat Wetland

    Why in the news?

    • Settlement of claims for local communities within Pulicat Wetland and Birds Sanctuary boundary raises concerns.
    • State government plans to denotify a significant portion of the sanctuary and Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) for industrial park development.

    About Pulicat Wetland and Birds Sanctuary

    • Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary is the second-largest bird sanctuary in India.
    • It cuts across Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh and Thiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu.
    • The sanctuary is situated along the coast of the Bay of Bengal covering an area of 759 square kilometers.
    • The sanctuary is bordered by the Arani River at its southern tip, the Kalangi River from the Northwest, and the Swarnamukhi River at the northern end.
    • Pulicat Lake runs parallel to the Bay of Bengal and has a sand bar, making it a lagoon of its own kind.
    • Sriharikota, renowned as India’s rocket launch pad and home to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, separates the lake from the Bay of Bengal.
    • The sanctuary includes 16 island villages and 30 villages adjoining the lake, whose inhabitants depend on the lake for their livelihood.
    • Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary hosts a large number of migratory birds during winter, including gulls, terns, plovers, shanks, curlews, and storks.
    • It is a habitat for a variety of bird species such as flamingos, pelicans, storks, herons, and ducks.

    What are the Eco-sensitive Zones (ESZs)?

    •  Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) or Ecologically Fragile Areas (EFAs) are areas notified by the MoEFCC around Protected Areas, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
    • The purpose of declaring ESZs is to create some kind of “shock absorbers” to the protected areas by regulating and managing the activities around such areas.
    • They also act as a transition zone from areas of high protection to areas involving lesser protection.

     How are they demarcated?

    • The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 does NOT mention the word “Eco-Sensitive Zones”.
    • However, Section 3(2)(v) of the Act, says that Central Government can restrict areas in which any industries, operations or processes or class of industries, operations or processes shall be carried out or shall not, subject to certain safeguards.
    • Besides Rule 5(1) of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986 states that central government can prohibit or restrict the location of industries and carrying on certain operations or processes on the basis of certain considerations.
    • The same criteria have been used by the government to declare No Development Zones (NDZs).

    Defining its boundaries

    • An ESZ could go up to 10 kilometres around a protected area as provided in the Wildlife Conservation Strategy, 2002.
    • Moreover, in the case where sensitive corridors, connectivity and ecologically important patches, crucial for landscape linkage, are beyond 10 km width, these should be included in the ESZs.
    • Further, even in the context of a particular Protected Area, the distribution of an area of ESZ and the extent of regulation may not be uniform all around and it could be of variable width and extent.

     

    PYQ:

     [2017] Consider the following statements:

    1. In India, the Himalayas are spread over five States only.

    2. Western Ghats are spread over five States only.

    3. Pulicat Lake is spread over two States only.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1 and 3 only

  • Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) Meeting in Ottawa

    Why in the news?

    • The fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) is happening in Ottawa, Canada.
    • The goal is to finalize a global agreement on plastic pollution by November this year.

    What is the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC)?

    • INC is a committee that aims to develop a legally binding international instrument to end plastic pollution by 2025, as mandated by United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) Resolution 5/14.
    • It began working in November 2022 at Punta del Este, Uruguay (INC-1).
      • The second meeting (INC-2) took place in May-June, 2023 at Paris, France.
      • The INC-3 met in Nairobi in December 2023.
    • INC is scheduled to complete its work by the end of 2024.

    Key Points from INC-4:

    • Previous meetings (INC-1, INC-2, INC-3) paved the way for this one.
    • They’re focusing on cutting out unnecessary plastic use while still using it for important things like renewable energy.

    Future Prospects:

    • INC-5 will happen in Busan, South Korea, and it’s meant to finalize everything.
    • After that, leaders from different countries will sign the agreement.

     

    PYQ:

    [2014] With reference to ‘Global Environment Facility’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    (a) It serves as financial mechanism for ‘Convention on Biological Diversity’ and ‘United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’

    (b) It undertakes scientific research on environmental issues at global level

    (c) It is an agency under OECD to facilitate the transfer of technology and funds to underdeveloped countries with specific aim to protect their environment.

    (d) Both A and B

  • On the National Clean Air Programme | Explained

    Why in the news? 

    When the Indian government launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in 2019, it’s target was to cut the concentration of atmospheric Particulate Matter (PM) by 20-30% by 2024, from 2017 levels. This was later revised to 40% by 2026.

    What is the NCAP?

    • The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) was launched in India in January 2019 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
    • The NCAP aims to achieve reductions in PM10 levels through various measures.

    What is PM10? 

    • PM 10, also known as particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 micrometers.
    • PM 10 particles can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and prolonged exposure to high levels of PM 10 can lead to serious health problems, including respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease, and even premature death.

    Key features of NCAP (Note: asked in UPSC 2020 mains)

    • Target: Achieving 20% to 30% reduction target in Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5) concentrations by 2024, where 2017 is kept as the base year for the comparison of concentration. But it has been revised to 40% by 2026.
    • Cities based on air quality:Identification of 122 non-attainment cities across the country based on the 2014-2018 Air Quality data.
    • City specific plans: Preparation of city-specific action plans, including measures to strengthen the monitoring network, reduce vehicular/industrial emissions, and increase public awareness.
    • Coordination between centre, state and local: Facilitating collaborative, multi-scale, and cross-sectoral coordination between the relevant central ministries, state governments, and local bodies.
    • Right mix with exixting policies: Establishing a right mix with the existing policies and programs, including the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and other government initiatives related to climate change.
    • Changes as per additional scientific information: Constant change, activity, and progress to get evolved based on the additional scientific and technical information as they emerge.
    • Monitoring station: Increasing the number of monitoring stations in the country, including rural monitoring stations, technology support, and data analysis.
    • Awareness and capicity building: Emphasis on awareness and capacity building initiatives, including public awareness campaigns, training programs, and research and development activities.

     Challenges related to NCAP 

    • Lack of fund Utilization: On average, only 60% of the allocated funds have been utilized so far, with 27% of cities spending less than 30% of their designated budgets. Notably, Visakhapatnam and Bengaluru have spent 0% and 1% of their NCAP funds, respectively.
    • Implementation Delays: Delays in implementing CAAPs are attributed to various factors, including bureaucratic hurdles such as delays in approvals from competent authorities and the absence of standard operating procedures.
    • Technical Challenges: Technical challenges, such as defining technical specifications for tendering processes and procuring necessary equipment like mechanical sweepers and electric buses, contribute to implementation delays.

    How scientific tool can help?

    • Emissions Inventory (EI): EIs provide crucial insights into local pollution sources and their contributions, aiding in forecasting future emissions and shaping targeted pollution control strategies. 
    • Source Apportionment (SA) Studies: SA studies offer detailed analyses of contributions from various pollution sources, including distant ones.
    • Role of Air Quality (AQ) Modelling: AQ modelling helps in understanding pollution dispersion, including from distant sources.
    • Role of EI, SA and AQ: Combining EI, SA studies, and AQ modelling allows for a comprehensive understanding of pollution sources, their contributions, and dispersion patterns.

    Conclusion: 

    Implement stricter monitoring mechanisms to ensure timely and efficient fund utilization. Regular audits and reviews can help identify underutilization and take corrective actions promptly.

    Mains PYQ

    Q What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the government of India? (UPSC IAS/2020)

  • How is India planning to boost EV production?

    Why in the News? 

    The Union government approved a policy to promote India as a manufacturing hub for Electric Vehicles (EVs).

    Features of the Electric Vehicles policy:

    • Reduction of Import Duty: Import duty on electric vehicles (EVs) imported as Completely Built Units (CBUs) with a minimum CIF value of $35,000 is reduced from 70%-100% to 15% for five years.  
    • Waiver of Duty: A maximum of 40,000 EV imports in five years, with a duty waiver of ₹6,484 crore or proportional to investment (whichever is lower), requires a minimum $800 million investment.
    • Localization Targets: Manufacturers are required to set up manufacturing facilities in India within three years. They must achieve 25% localization by the third year and 50% localization by the fifth year of incentivized operation.
    • Incentives for Setting Up Manufacturing Facilities: The policy incentivizes manufacturers to establish manufacturing facilities in India by offering reduced import duties and waivers, provided they meet certain investment and localization targets.
    • Encouragement of Global EV Makers: The policy aims to encourage global EV makers like Tesla and Chinese EV maker BYD to enter the Indian market by providing favorable conditions for setting up manufacturing facilities and importing EVs.

    Present concerns raised by Private Players in the Market:

    • Impact on Domestic Industry: Tata Motors opposed the reduction of import duties, fearing it would negatively affect the domestic industry. They argued that lowering duties could harm the investment climate.
    • Competitive Disadvantage: Domestic players are concerned that the policy benefits mainly higher-end Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), potentially placing them at a competitive disadvantage in segments below ₹29 lakh.
    • Favoring Global Players: The policy appears to favor global EV players and Indian joint ventures with such players, potentially making it more challenging for purely domestic players to compete effectively.

    Conclusion: The government should engage in dialogue with stakeholders, including domestic players like Tata Motors, to address their concerns and seek their input in shaping the policy framework. Need to implement measures to support domestic players, including providing incentives and support for technology development, innovation, and capacity building.

    Mains question for practice 

    Q Indian Government has recently approved a policy aimed at promoting the country as a manufacturing hub for Electric Vehicles (EVs). Discuss the key features of this policy. Highlight the concerns raised by private players.

    Mains PYQ 

    Q How is efficient and affordable urban mass transport key to the rapid economic development in India? (UPSC IAS/2019)

  • ISRO’s Findings on Glacial Lake Dynamics in Himalaya

     

    Why in the News?

    • The Satellite images by ISRO show an increase in the size of Gepang Gath Lake amidst rising concerns about Climate Change.
    • Gepang Gath Lake (one of the biggest Glacial lakes in the Chandra basin) is located in the Western Indian Himalaya at the terminus of the Gepan Gath glacier.

    ISRO’s Findings on Glacial Lakes in Himalayas 

    Expansion of Glacial Lakes

    • During 2016-17, total of 2,431 lakes larger than 10 hectares were identified, among which 676 were identified as glacial lakes. Notably, these 676 glacial lakes have shown significant expansion since 1984. A staggering 89% (601 lakes) of the expanding lakes have more than doubled in size since 1984.
    • Regional Distribution: Out of these expanding glacial lakes, 130 are situated within India. Among these, 65 lakes are located in the Indus River basin, seven in the Ganga River basin, and 58 in the Brahmaputra River basin.
    • The derived analysis from the Satellite provides valuable insights for understanding glacial lake dynamics.
    • It is essential for assessing environmental impacts and developing strategies for Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) risk management and climate change adaptation in glacial environments.

     

    What are Glacial Lakes?

     

      • Glacial lakes are bodies of water formed in depressions on the surface of glaciers or in moraines left behind by retreating glaciers.
      • Glacial lakes were categorized based on their formation process into four broad categories: 
        • Moraine-dammed, 
        • Ice-dammed, 
        • Erosion, and 
        • Other glacial lakes.
      • Among the expanding lakes, the majority are Moraine-dammed (307), followed by Erosion (265), other (96), and Ice-dammed (8) glacial lakes.
      • Formation Process: Glacial lakes form through the accumulation of meltwater from the melting ice of glaciers. As glaciers move, they carve out depressions in the landscape, which may fill with water to form lakes.
        • When glaciers retreat, they leave behind moraines, which can act as natural dams, trapping meltwater and forming lakes.
      • Characteristics:
        • Vary in size, depending on the size and activity of the glacier.
        • Found in mountainous regions and polar areas where glaciers are present.
        • The primary source of water is melting glacial ice, precipitation and runoff.
    • Significance of Glacial Lakes:
      • Glacial lakes play a crucial role in regulating water flow in glacier-fed rivers, particularly during the dry season.
      • Provides habitat for unique aquatic species adapted to cold, high-altitude environments.
      • Contributes to landscape evolution and the formation of landforms such as cirques and tarns.
    • Present Ecological Challenges:
      • Glacial Outburst Floods: The sudden release of water from glacial lakes, known as glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), can pose significant hazards to downstream communities and infrastructure. Ex. Chamoli Disaster.
      • Rapid Expansion: Glacial lakes can rapidly expand due to the increased melting of glaciers, leading to the risk of flooding and landslides in surrounding areas.

    Important Glacial Lakes in India:

    • Deosai National Park (Jammu and Kashmir): Known for its numerous glacial lakes.
    • Gangbal Lake (Jammu and Kashmir): At the base of Mount Haramukh.
    • Zanskar Valley Lakes (Jammu and Kashmir): Includes Tsomoriri Lake, Tsokar Lake, and many others.
    • Roopkund Lake (Uttarakhand): Known for the human skeletons found at its bottom.
    • Sarson Patal Lake (Uttarakhand): Within the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.
    • Deoria Tal (Uttarakhand): Offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
    • Hemkund Lake (Uttarakhand): Near the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara.
    • Kedar Tal (Uttarakhand): At the foot of the Thalay Sagar peak.
    • Nanda Devi East Base Lake (Uttarakhand): Offering views of the Nanda Devi peaks.
    • Vasuki Tal (Uttarakhand): Near the Chaturangi Glacier.
    • Chandratal Lake (Himachal Pradesh): Known for its crescent shape.
    • Suraj Tal (Himachal Pradesh): Close to the Baralacha La pass.
    • Rupin Lake (Himachal Pradesh): Near the Rupin Pass.
    • Gurudongmar Lake (Sikkim): One of the highest lakes in the world.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] Siachen Glacier is situated to the

    (a) East of Aksai Chin

    (b) East of Leh

    (c) North of Gilgit

    (d) North of Nubra Valley

     

     

  • Census to be conducted under Nilgiri Tahr Conservation Project

     Why in the News?

    After the launch of the Nilgiri Tahr Conservation Project, the Tamil Nadu government gears up to assess the population of Nilgiri Tahr (state animal).

    • The Forest Departments of Tamil Nadu and Kerala will collaborate in a synchronized way.

    Nilgiri Tahr Conservation Project (2022 to 2027):

    • Under The Nilgiri Tahr project, the Tamil Nadu government plans to develop a better understanding of the Nilgiri Tahr population through-
      • Surveys and radio telemetry studies;
      • Reintroduce the Tahrs to their historical habitat;
      • Address proximate threats; and
      • Increase public awareness of the species.
    • October 7 will be celebrated as ‘Niligiri Tahr Day’ in honour of E.R.C. Davidar, who was responsible for pioneering one of the first studies of the species in 1975.
    • Historic significance of Nilgiri Tahr:
    • Evidence in Tamil Sangam literature dating back to 2,000 years.
    • The late Mesolithic (10,000-4,000 BC) paintings highlight the significance of the Tahr in folklore, culture, and life.

     

    About Nilgiri Tahr

      • It is endemic to the Nilgiri Hills and the southern portion of the Western Ghats in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala in Southern India.
      • It is the state animal of Tamil Nadu.
      • The Nilgiri tahr inhabits the open montane grassland habitat of the South Western Ghats montane rain forests eco-region.
      • At elevations from 1,200 to 2,600 metres (3,900 to 8,500 ft), the forests open into grasslands interspersed with pockets of stunted forests, locally known as sholas.
      • It is estimated that there are 3,122 Nilgiri Tahrs in the wild. It has become locally extinct in around 14% of its traditional shola forest-grassland habitat.
    • Conservation Status:
      • IUCN Conservation Status: Endangered
      • Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972: Schedule I
    • Eravikulam National Park in Anamalai hills of Kerala is home to the largest population of this Tahr.
    • October 7 is celebrated as ‘Nilgiri Tahr Day’ to honour E.R.C. Davidar, the man who was responsible for conducting first studies of the species in 1975.

  • [23 April 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Restoring earth’s right to ‘good health’

    Mains PYQ Relevance: 

    Q)  ‘Clean energy is the order of the day.’ Describe briefly India’s changing policy towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics. (UPSC IAS/2022)

    Q) ‘Climate change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (UPSC 2017)

    Prelims

    With reference to ‘Global Climate Change Alliance’, which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2017)
    1.  It is an initiative of the European Union.
    2.  It provides technical and financial support to targeted developing countries to integrate climate change into their development policies and budgets.
    3.  It is coordinated by World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
    a)      1 and 2 only
    b)      3 only
    c)       2 and 3 only
    d)      1, 2 and 3

    Note4Students: 

    Prelims: Climate Change Reports;

    Mains: Environmental Governance; Climate Justice;

    Mentor comments: Recently, climate variability in the form of floods and cyclones has destroyed crops, property and infrastructure, as well as in negative impacts on human health and well-being. All of these impacts set back general socio-economic development. Also globally, Climate change impacts, an array of Internationally guaranteed Human Rights. States have their own set of challenges to take effective measures to redress these climate impacts, and therefore, to mitigate climate change, and to ensure that all human beings have the necessary capacity to adapt to the climate crisis. We must ensure climate justice requires climate action to be consistent with existing human rights, standards, and principles.

    Let’s learn

    —

    Why in the News?

    The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that countries have a responsibility to protect their citizens from the consequences of climate change, setting a legal precedent for future climate litigation.

    • Recently, our Supreme Court has also underscored the urgency of recognizing climate change as a human rights crisis.
    • These two landmark decisions have set important precedents for legal accountability and policy action to address the adverse impacts of climate change on individuals and communities.

    How is the Climate crisis interrelated with Human Rights?

    • The 5th Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change confirms that climate change is caused by anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases.
    • This year’s unprecedented heat was accompanied by other alarming trends, including ocean heat accumulation, sea level rise, Antarctic Sea ice loss, and glacier retreat.
    • Among other impacts, climate change negatively affects people’s rights to health, housing, water, and food.
    • Countries such as Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Finland, South Korea, South Africa, and Philippines have enacted comprehensive climate laws that have facilitated the mobilization of public sector resources, increased capacity for climate action, and promoted cross-sectoral collaboration.

    Challenges faced by India:

    • Rising Temperatures and Natural Disasters: More than 80% of its population lives in districts that are at risk of climate-induced disasters. They are majorly affecting livelihoods, food security, and exacerbating existing socio-economic inequalities.
    • Agri-dependent Population: With a 1.2 billion growing population and its high dependence on agriculture, India probably will be severely impacted by continuing climate change.
    • Melting of Himalayan Glaciers: Global observations of melting glaciers suggest that climate change is well underway in the region, with glaciers receding at an average rate of 10–15 meters per year.
    • Forest Wealth on decrease: India’s forests are already changing because of socioeconomic pressures; virgin forest areas are less dense and monocultures and plantations are preferred to native species. These conditions will be greatly exacerbated by climate change.
      • Forest Fires: As per State of the Forest Report 2019, over 36% of India’s forest cover is prone to fires, recently being the Nilgiri Forest Fires.

    Efforts made by the Indian Government:

    • Worked on Decoupling Emissions: India has achieved two of its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets:
      • First, by reducing the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33% to 35% from the 2005 level.
      • Second, by achieving 40% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, well ahead of the target year of 2030. 
    • Sustainable Development Goals: India’s localization model for the SDGs, has successfully integrated into local-level planning through multi-tiered and multi-stakeholder processes.
      • For example, in programs like poverty alleviation, food security, access to clean water and sanitation, and gender equality.
    • Judicial Intervention: Looking at the impacts of climate change from a rights perspective, affecting humanity’s right to health, life, and liberty, the Supreme Court has brought them within the purview of Constitutional Fundamental Rights.

    Measures to Enhance India’s Climate Governance:

    • To Mitigate Climate Change:  States must act to limit anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases (e.g. mitigate climate change), including through regulatory measures, to prevent to the greatest extent possible the current and future negative human rights impacts of climate change.
    • Restoring Capacity to Adapt to Climate Change: States must build adaptive capacities in vulnerable communities, by devoting adequate resources to the realization of the economic, social and cultural rights of all persons, particularly those facing the greatest risks.
    • To Ensure Effective Remedy for Human Rights: States should be accountable to rights-holders for their contributions to climate change including for failure to adequately regulate the emissions of businesses under their jurisdiction.
    • To Ensure Equity: Those who have contributed the least to greenhouse gas emissions (i.e. the poor, children, and future generations) are those most affected. Hence bringing Equity is a must.

    Source:

    https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/restoring-earths-right-to-good-health/article68095504.ece

    https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Issues/ClimateChange/COP21.pdf

    https://www.dni.gov/files/documents/climate2030_india.pdf

  • [22 April 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Preparing India for water stress, climate resilience

    Mains PYQ Relevance: 
    Q) Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system to make its judicious use under depleting scenarios. (UPSC IAS/2020)
    Q) What is water stress? How and why does it differ regionally in India? (UPSC 2019)

    Prelims

    Q) If National Water Mission is properly and completely implemented, how will it impact the country?  (UPSC 2012)
    1. Part of the water needs of urban areas will be met through recycling of waste water.The water requirement of coastal cities with inadequate alternative sources of water will be met by adopting appropriate technologies that allow for use of ocean water.
    2. All the rivers of Himalayan origin will be linked to the rivers of peninsular India.
    3. The expenses incurred by farmers for digging bore wells and for installing motors and pump sets to draw groundwater will be completely reimbursed by the Government.
    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 only
    (b) 1 and 2 only
    (c) 3 and 4 only
    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

    Note4Students: 

    Prelims: World Earth Day;

    Mains: Environmental Governance;

    Mentor comments: Prolonged water stress can have devastating effects on public health and economic development. More than two billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water; and nearly double that number more than half the world’s population—are without adequate sanitation services. Without better water management, population growth, economic development and climate change are poised to worsen water stress. 

    Let’s learn

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    Why in the News?

    On account of Earth Day (April 22), India needs to be prepared for water stressed challenges. Recently, IMD has also predicted a hotter summer and longer heat waves from April to June. 

    Present Scenario:

    India houses 18% of the world’s population (2.4% of the earth’s surface area), having just 4% of global freshwater resources. 

    Nearly half of its rivers are polluted, and 150 of its primary reservoirs are at just 38% of their total live storage capacity. 

    India is the largest user of groundwater in the world. 

    The Present challenge before the Indian Govt. to combat Climate Change:

    • Heavy Investment: India has invested heavily in disaster preparedness, but the nature of climatic shocks will continue to change. There will be sudden shocks (heavy rainfall, rapid declines in water availability) as well as slow onset but periodic stresses (reduced water retention in soils, changes in trend lines for rainfall). 
    • Lack of Preparedness: India is programmed to consider acute stresses (heat, water, or extreme weather) as temporary, to be handled often as disaster relief. Seasonal disaster preparedness and responses are no longer sufficient to tackle climate risks. 
    • High Interdependence: The climate is directly related to the economy, and the economic production frontier will expand or shrink depending on the intersections between land, food, energy, and water. Climate action cannot be left to a few particular sectors.

    Relationship between Water and the Economy

    • A key component of the Economy:
      • Agriculture: The India Employment Report 2024 shows that Agriculture still employs around 45% of the population and absorbs most of the country’s labor force. Precipitation is the primary source of soil moisture and both blue (rivers and aquifers) water and green (vegetation) water impact the food we grow.
    • Allied Sectors: The Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW) study showed that monsoon rainfall is changing patterns in India, with 55% of ‘tehsils’ or sub-districts seeing a significant increase of more than 10% in southwest monsoon rainfall. 
    • A key component of the Clean Energy Transition: 
      • Green hydrogen: It is seen as a crucial pillar for decarbonizing industry and long-distance transport sectors. The Green hydrogen is produced using water and electricity sourced from renewables. Pumped storage hydropower which acts as a natural battery is an important component of a clean but reliable power system. 
      • If there is a climate crisis, it will impact hydrometeorological disasters. According to the UN World Water Development Report 2020, almost 75% of natural disasters in the last two decades were related to water. 

    What does the Effective Water Governance need?

    • Needs to recognize Interactions with Food and Energy Systems: Although India has adopted several policies, most do not recognize this nexus while planning or at the implementation stage.
      • For example, while the scaling up of green hydrogen is desirable, the link with water availability is not always considered. 
      • Similarly, the impact of scaling up solar irrigation pumps on groundwater levels must be analyzed to deploy the technology where there is an optimal mix of solar resources and higher groundwater levels. 
    • Need to identify the Food-Land-Water nexus: Policies need to be designed differently, based on local evidence and community engagement. India needs to focus on the judicious use of blue and green water through water accounting and efficient reuse.
      • For Example, the National Water Mission targets increasing water use efficiency by 20% by 2025. 
      • Similarly, the Atal Mission on Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 calls for reducing non-revenue water, which is lost before it reaches the end user, to less than 20% in urban local bodies. 
    • Need for Water Accounting Principles: The present policies and programs are not backed by any baseline set using water accounting principles that will help quantify freshwater use. It is essential for promoting water use efficiency and creating incentives for investments in treated wastewater reuse.
      • For example, in the absence of water use data for the reference year, it is difficult to quantify the potential water saving in one sector, such as agriculture.
    • Need to leverage financial tools: Financial commitments for climate change adaptation in the water and agriculture sectors are still relatively small. It is necessary to raise money for climate adaptation in the water sector.
      • For Example, India’s Green Credit Programme has the potential to partially bridge the adaptation funding gap by encouraging investment in wastewater treatment, desalination plants, and agricultural extension services. 
      • Similarly, investments in India under Corporate Social Responsibility, there is a potential to leverage about ₹12,000 crore worth of investments every year.

    Conclusion: A water-secure economy is the first step towards a climate-resilient one. It is possible to make a start by pursuing more coherence in water, energy and climate policies, creating data-driven baselines to increase water savings, and enabling new financial instruments and markets for adaptation investments.