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Subject: Conservation & Mitigation

1. Conservation Progs.
2. Worldwide initiatives
3. Mitigation Strategies
4. Conventions and Protocols

  • Haryana defines ‘Forest’: Controversy and Implications

    Why in the News?

    Haryana has notified the dictionary meaning of “forest” as per Supreme Court directions.

    Haryana defines ‘Forest’: Controversy and Implications

    Haryana’s definition of Forest:

    • Definition: A patch of land is deemed a forest if:
      • Minimum area: 5 hectares (isolated) or 2 hectares (contiguous with notified forest).
      • Minimum canopy density: 0.4 (40%) or more.
    • Exclusions: Linear/compact/agro-forestry plantations and orchards outside government-notified forests.
    • Aim: Create a uniform standard for identifying forests under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 (FCA).

    Issues with Haryana’s Definition:

    • High thresholds:
      • 40% canopy cover excludes scrub forests and dry deciduous vegetation like the Aravallis.
      • 2–5 hectare size requirement too high for an arid state with fragmented green cover.
    • Exclusion of Aravallis: Sensitive ridge areas risk exposure to illegal mining, encroachment, and real estate development.
    • Contradiction with Godavarman judgment (1996): SC had ruled that “forest” must be understood in its dictionary meaning, regardless of size, ownership, or canopy density.
    • Dilution of protection under FCA 1980: Narrows the scope of land eligible for forest safeguards.

    Godavarman Case & FCA Background:

    • Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980: Restricted dereservation/diversion of forest land without Centre’s approval.
    • T N Godavarman v Union of India (1996): Court ruled “forest” must be understood in its dictionary meaning, covering all forested lands regardless of ownership or official status.
    • 2023 FCA Amendment: Limited scope to notified forests and recorded forest lands.
      • Amendment challenged by retired IFS officers and NGOs for diluting FCA protections.
    • SC in February 2024 directed States/UTs to continue using Godavarman definition while case is ongoing.

     

    [UPSC 2005] The minimum land area recommended for forest cover to maintain proper ecological balance in India is

    Options: (a) 0.25 (b) 0.33* (c) 0.43 (d) 0.53

     

  • NTCA limits definition of Tiger Corridors

    Why in the News?

    The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) recently issued a clarification limiting tiger corridors primarily to 32 “least cost pathways” identified in 2014.

    About National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA):

    • Statutory body: Under Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
    • Establishment: Created in 2006 under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
    • Functions: Provides legal backing to Project Tiger, ensures Centre–State accountability via MoUs, and enables Parliamentary oversight.
    • Community Role: Addresses livelihood concerns of people around tiger reserves.
    • Composition: Chaired by MoEFCC Minister, Vice-Chairperson MoS, 3 Members of Parliament, MoEFCC Secretary, and others.

    What are Tiger Corridors?

    • Definition: Landscape linkages between tiger habitats that allow safe passage, genetic flow, and survival.
    • Need: Prevent isolation of tiger populations and human–tiger conflicts.
    • Examples of Macro-Corridors:
      • Shivalik–Gangetic Plains: Corbett–Dudhwa, Dudhwa–Kishanpur–Katerniaghat.
      • Central India & Eastern Ghats: Ranthambhore–Kuno–Madhav, Kanha–Pench, Bandhavgarh–Achanakmar.
      • Western Ghats: Sahyadri–Konkan–Radhanagari–Goa–Karnataka.
      • Northeast & Brahmaputra: Kaziranga–Karbi Anglong, Manas–Buxa.
      • Sundarbans Landscape.

    NTCA’s Policy Reversal:

    • July 25 Affidavit: Said corridor identification must use multiple data sources – protected areas, 2014 NTCA pathways, Tiger Conservation Plans (TCPs), Wildlife Institute of India (WII) studies (2016, 2021), and All-India Tiger Estimation (AITE) data.
    • August 21 Clarification: Limited definition only to 2014 least-cost pathways (32 corridors) and TCP corridors.
    • Exclusions: WII studies and AITE data dropped, despite 2014 report itself warning that listed corridors were “minimal requirement.”
    [UPSC 2020] Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”?

    Options: (a) Corbett (b) Ranthambore (c) Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam* (d) Sunderbans

     

  • Saltwater Crocodile Population Survey in Sundarbans

    Why in the News?

    A 2025 survey by the West Bengal Forest Department shows an increase in saltwater crocodile population in the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve (SBR).

    Saltwater Crocodile Population Survey in Sundarbans

    About Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus):

    • Largest living reptile and the largest of all crocodilians.
    • Males grow much larger than females; females usually 2.5–3 m in length.
    • Habitat: mangrove forests, swamps, rivers, and coastal waters; tolerant of varying salinity.
    • Distribution in India: Odisha, West Bengal (Sundarbans), Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
    • Behaviour: Apex predator, feeds on carcasses and diverse prey; communicates through barks, hisses, growls, chirps.
    • Conservation Status:
      • IUCN Red List: Least Concern.
      • CITES: Appendix I (except populations of Australia, Indonesia, PNG → Appendix II).
      • Wildlife Protection Act (1972): Schedule I.
    • Conservation Efforts: Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project (1976, West Bengal) – breeding and conservation programme; 577 crocodiles released till 2022.

    Other Crocodile Species in India:

    • Gharial: Critically Endangered; survives in only 2% of former range; Found in small stretches of Chambal and a few other rivers.
    • Mugger/Marsh Crocodile: Vulnerable; found in freshwater lakes, rivers, marshes.

  • How does plastic pollution affect health?

    Introduction

    Plastic pollution represents one of the gravest environmental crises of our times. Despite decades of regulation and bans, plastics remain ubiquitous, cheap, and nearly indestructible. Talks in Geneva involving 180 countries failed to secure an internationally binding legal agreement to limit plastic pollution, reflecting deep divisions over whether the treaty should target waste alone or include production.

    Global Plastic Treaty Deadlock: Why It Matters

    • Global deadlock: 180 countries failed to agree on a binding treaty on plastic pollution in Geneva, despite a UNEP-backed resolution already in place.
    • First-time sharp focus on health: Unlike earlier discussions centred only on waste management, the health impact of plastics is now central.
    • Scale of problem: Plastics contain more than 16,000 chemicals, with little knowledge on 10,000+ of them. A Nature study showed 4,000 chemicals of concern are present across major plastic types.
    • Striking evidence: Microplastics detected in blood, breast milk, placenta, bone marrow, bringing urgency to the debate.

    The Persistence and Ubiquity of Plastics

    1. Symbol of consumption economy: Cheap and versatile, plastics reflect today’s global consumption.
    2. Persistence and flexibility: Synthetic, fossil-fuel-derived polymers are non-biodegradable and endure for decades.
    3. Waste mismanagement: Cheap production, ubiquity, and limited recycling capacity turn plastics into the prime source of litter.

    Plastics and Human Health: Emerging Evidence

    1. Chemicals of concern: Plastics use ethylene, propylene, styrene derivatives, along with bisphenols, phthalates, PCBs, PBDEs, and PFAS.
    2. Products of exposure: Found in food containers, bottles, teething toys, polyester, IV bags, cosmetics, paints, electronics, adhesives.
    3. Health links: Studies link plastic chemicals to thyroid dysfunction, hypertension, kidney/testicular cancer, gestational diabetes.
    4. Evidence base: Around 1,100 studies, involving 1.1 million individuals, compiled by Boston College & Minderoo Foundation dashboard.
    5. Nature of studies: Mostly associative; longitudinal studies (gold standard) are still underway.

    The Microplastic Menace

    1. Definition: Plastics smaller than 5 mm, found in additives or broken-down products.
    2. Recent discoveries: Detected in human blood, breast milk, placenta, bone marrow.
    3. Health uncertainty: Exact impacts still under study, but linked to multiple disorders.

    Policy Responses: Global and Indian Perspectives

    • Global scene: Negotiations divided on waste vs production; developing countries demand funding support.
    • India’s stance: 
      • Ban on single-use plastics in ~20 States
      • Administrative push for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
      • Views plastics as a waste management issue, not a health issue.
      • Prefers health dimension to be dealt with at WHO, not in the plastics treaty.

    Conclusion

    The Geneva deadlock reflects not just a failure of diplomacy but the widening gap between scientific evidence and policy action. Plastics are no longer an invisible convenience; they are a pervasive health hazard. While India treats plastics as a waste issue, ignoring health risks leaves a blind spot in policy. A robust, binding treaty addressing both production and health impact is indispensable if the world is to prevent plastics from becoming the new tobacco of the 21st century.

    PYQ Relavance

    [UPSC 2023] What is oil pollution? What are its impacts on the marine ecosystem? In what way is oil pollution particularly harmful for a country like India?

    Linkage: Since UPSC has already asked about oil pollution (2023), it shows the exam’s focus on pollution and ecosystem impacts. Plastic pollution, like oil, originates from fossil fuels and has severe effects on marine life and human health. Hence, a direct question on plastic pollution and its health–environment nexus is highly probable.

    Practice Mains Question

    Plastics are no longer merely a waste management problem but a serious health hazard. Critically examine the health risks associated with plastic use and evaluate India’s stance in global plastic treaty negotiations.

    Mapping Microthemes

    • GS-1: Impact of industrialisation and consumerism on environment.
    • GS-2: International negotiations, India’s foreign policy stance in environmental treaties.
    • GS-3: Pollution, waste management, health-environment nexus.
    • GS-4: Ethics of sustainability, intergenerational justice, corporate responsibility.

  • What are the new rules on chemically contaminated sites?

    [UPSC 2023] Enumerate the National Water Policy of India. Taking river Ganges as an example, discuss the strategies which may be adopted for river water pollution control and management. What are the legal provisions of management and handling of hazardous wastes in India?

    Linkage: The National Water Policy emphasises pollution prevention, water quality monitoring, and restoration of contaminated water bodies. Strategies for river pollution control, such as those for the Ganga, parallel the approach in the Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025, which involve identification, assessment, remediation, and polluter accountability. Legal provisions for hazardous waste management include the Environment Protection Act, 1986 and the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016, under which contaminated site rules now operate.

    Introduction

    India has identified 103 contaminated sites across states, caused by historical dumping of hazardous wastes. These sites often lie abandoned, with polluters defunct or unable to pay for clean-up. The newly notified Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025 under the Environment Protection Act provide the first legal, institutional, and procedural framework to identify, assess, and remediate such locations, addressing a long-standing regulatory gap.

    What are Contaminated Sites?

    1. Defined by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) as areas where past dumping of hazardous wastes has likely contaminated soil, groundwater, and surface water, posing risks to human health and ecosystems.
    2. Examples: Landfills, waste storage/treatment sites, spill-sites, and abandoned chemical handling facilities.
    3. Out of 103 identified sites, only 7 have begun remediation.

    Background – Why New Rules Were Needed:

    1. 2010 Capacity Building Program for Industrial Pollution Management Project initiated by the Environment Ministry aimed to:
      1. Create an inventory of probable contaminated sites.
      2. Develop guidance for assessment and remediation.
      3. Establish a legal, institutional, and financial framework — the missing final step until 2025.
    2. Previous absence of legal codification led to delays, inconsistent responses, and lack of accountability.

    Key Provisions of the 2025 Rules

    Identification & Assessment Process:

    1. District Administration: Submits half-yearly reports on suspected sites.
    2. State Board/Reference Organisation:
      1. Preliminary assessment within 90 days.
      2. Detailed survey within another 90 days to confirm contamination.
      3. Establish levels of hazardous chemicals (189 listed under Hazardous and Other Wastes Rules, 2016).

    Public Notification & Restrictions

    1. Sites exceeding safe chemical levels are publicly listed.
    2. Access restrictions imposed to safeguard health.

    Remediation Planning

    1. Expert body drafts remediation plan.
    2. Polluters identified within 90 days; responsible parties bear clean-up costs.
    3. If polluters cannot pay, State/Centre funds the remediation.

    Legal Accountability

    1. Criminal liability under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 if contamination leads to loss of life or damage.

    Exemptions

    1. Radioactive waste
    2. mining waste
    3. marine oil pollution
    4. municipal solid waste dumps; governed by separate legislations.

    Key Gaps & Challenges

    1. No fixed remediation deadline post-identification.
    2. Capacity limitations in expert bodies.
    3. Financial constraints for large-scale clean-ups.
    4. Coordination issues between Centre, States, and Local Bodies.

    Conclusion

    The 2025 Rules mark a significant policy milestone in India’s environmental governance. While they close a crucial legal gap, their success will depend on timely implementation, strong enforcement, and adequate funding. Integrating strict timelines, expanding technical expertise, and ensuring polluter accountability will be essential to safeguard public health and restore ecological balance.

     

    Value Addition:

    Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025 are Applicable on: 

    1. ‘Radioactive waste’ as defined under the Atomic Energy (Safe Disposal of Radioactive Wastes) Rules, 1987
    2. ‘Mining operations’ as defined under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957
    3.  Pollution of the sea by oil or oily substance as governed by Merchant Shipping Act of 1958 and the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Pollution of the Sea by Oil) Rules, 1974
    4. ‘Solid waste dump’ as defined under Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.
    5. In case contamination of a site is due to a contaminant mixed with radioactive waste/ mining operations/ oil spill/ solid waste from dump site, and if the contamination of the site due to the contaminant exceeds the limit of response level specified in these rules, then remediation of the site would be covered under these rules.

    Extra Mile:

    1. Case Linkage: Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984) – absence of strict site remediation frameworks
    2. Environmental Principles:
      1. Polluter Pays Principle
      2. Precautionary Principle
      3. Sustainable Development
    3. Global Context: Comparable frameworks exist in the USA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act – CERCLA), EU’s Environmental Liability Directive.
    4. Policy Linkages: National Environmental Policy 2006, SDG-3 (Health), SDG-6 (Clean Water), SDG-15 (Life on Land).

    Mapping Micro-themes

    GS PAPER I Environmental degradation and public health impacts
    GS PAPER II Centre-State coordination in environmental regulation; constitutional provisions (Art. 21, 48A, 243W)
    GS PAPER III Pollution management, hazardous waste rules, environmental governance, technology in remediation
    GS PAPER IV Corporate ethics, polluter responsibility, environmental stewardship, intergenerational equity

     

    Practice Mains Question

    Q: The Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025, represent a long-awaited legal framework for chemical contamination in India. Discuss their significance, key features, and challenges in the context of sustainable environmental governance. (250 words)

  • India’s Lion Population rises to 891

    Why in the News?

    In 2025, India reported a 32.2% rise in its Asiatic lion population, from 674 in 2020 to 891 in 2025, as per the 16th Lion Population Estimation.

    World Lion Day is observed annually on August 10 to promote awareness and action for the conservation of lions worldwide.

    About Asiatic Lion:

    • Scientific Name: Panthera leo leo — subspecies found only in India.
    • Historical Range: Once across West Asia & Middle East; now extinct outside India.
    • Physical Trait: Slightly smaller than African lions; has a unique belly fold.
    • Current Range: Gir National Park & surrounding Saurashtra areas, Gujarat.
    • Past Range in India: Extended to West Bengal and central India (Rewa, Madhya Pradesh).
    • Conservation Status:
      • IUCN –Vulnerable
      • CITES – Appendix I
      • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 – Schedule I

    2025 Census Highlights:

    • Population: 891 lions (+32.2% from 2020).
    • Decadal Growth: +70.36% since 2015 (from 523 lions).
    • Adult Females: 330 (+26.9% from 2020).
    • Satellite Populations: 497 lions in 9 locations — new groups in Barda WLS, Jetpur, Babra-Jasdan.
    • Corridor Records: 22 lions sighted for the first time.
    • Regional Growth: Mitiyala WLS (+100%), Bhavnagar Mainland (+84%), South Eastern Coast (+40%).
    • Declines: Girnar WLS (-4%), Bhavnagar Coast (-12%).
    [UPSC 2019] Consider the following statements:

    1. Asiatic lion is naturally found In India only.

    2. Double-humped camel is naturally found in India only.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 only *  (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

  • How groundwater contamination is fuelling chronic illnesses

    India’s groundwater is increasingly getting contaminated with toxic substances. Over 85% of rural drinking water and 65% of irrigation needs are met through groundwater, yet unregulated extraction, industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and poor sanitation have turned this life source into a silent killer.

    Scale of the Crisis

    The 2024 Annual Groundwater Quality Report by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) reported the following:

    1. Nitrates: Found in 20%+ samples (due to chemical fertilisers & septic tank leakage).
    2. Fluoride: Detected in 9%+ samples, leading to skeletal & dental fluorosis.
    3. Arsenic: Found in parts of Punjab, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh causing cancers & neurological damage.
    4. Uranium: Detected in Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan linked to kidney damage.
    5. Heavy metals: Iron, lead, cadmium, chromium, causing developmental & immune system issues.

    Major Contaminants and Health Impacts

    • Fluoride Contamination: 
      1. Affects 230 districts across 20 states.
      2. Health impact: Skeletal fluorosis, stunted growth, joint pain.
      3. Rajasthan, MP, and UP report high prevalence.
      4. Example: Jhabua (MP) – 40% of tribal children affected
    • Arsenic Exposure:
      1. Concentrated in Gangetic belt.
      2. Health impact: Skin lesions, respiratory illness, cancers (skin, liver, kidney, bladder).
      3. Example: Ballia (UP) – Arsenic 200 g/L (20× WHO limit) linked to 10,000+ cancer cases.
    • Nitrate Pollution: 
      1. 56% districts exceed safe limits.
      2. Health impact: Blue Baby Syndrome in infants, gastrointestinal distress.
      3. Driven by fertilisers & poor waste management.
    • Uranium Contamination:
      1. Increasing due to over-extraction & phosphate fertilisers.
      2. Health impact: Nephrotoxicity, chronic organ damage.
      3. Example: Malwa (Punjab) – 66% samples risky for children.
    • Heavy Metal Pollution: 
      1. Sources: Industrial discharge, mining.
      2. Health impact: Neurological issues, anaemia, developmental delays.

    Groundwater Death Zones: Case Studies

    1. Budhpur, Baghpat (UP) – 13 deaths in 2 weeks from kidney failure linked to industrial waste.
    2. Jalaun (UP) – Petroleum-like fluids from hand pumps due to underground fuel leaks.
    3. Paikarapur (Bhubaneswar) – Sewage leakage caused illness in hundreds.

    Why the Crisis Persists: Root Causes and Systemic Failures:

    1. Institutional Fragmentation: Various agencies like the CGWB, the CPCB, the SPCBs, and the Ministry of Jal Shakti operate in silos, leading to a lack of a unified, coordinated approach.
    2. Weak Legal Enforcement: The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, has inadequate provisions for groundwater. This, combined with lax enforcement and regulatory loopholes, emboldens polluters.
    3. Lack of Real-Time Data: Monitoring is infrequent and poorly disseminated. Without early warning systems, contamination is often discovered only after serious health consequences have emerged.
    4. Excessive Groundwater Extraction: Over-pumping lowers water tables and concentrates pollutants, making aquifers more vulnerable to both geogenic toxins and industrial contaminants.
    5. Deficient Waste Management: Inadequate industrial effluent treatment and poor sanitation infrastructure, especially in rural areas, allow pollutants to seep directly into aquifers

    The Way Forward: A Multi-Dimensional Strategy

    Addressing this crisis requires a bold, multi-dimensional strategy that integrates regulation, technology, health, and public participation.

    1. National Framework: Enact a comprehensive National Groundwater Pollution Control Framework with clear legal authority to regulate groundwater use and discharge.
    2. Modern Monitoring Infrastructure: Deploy real-time monitoring systems using sensors and public dashboards to create an early warning network.
    3. Targeted Remediation: Implement targeted interventions for specific contaminants, such as defluoridation plants in high-fluoride zones and arsenic removal technologies in affected regions.
    4. Waste Management Reforms: Enforce strict industrial effluent treatment norms and promote sustainable agricultural practices to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers.
    5. Citizen-Centric Governance: Empower local communities through Jal Gram Sabhas to manage local water resources, conduct community water testing, and raise public awareness.

    Value Addition: Key Concepts:

    • Geogenic Contamination: Naturally occurring pollutants like arsenic and fluoride mobilized by human activity.
    • Anthropogenic Contamination: Human-induced pollution from industries, agriculture, and urban waste.
    • Skeletal Fluorosis: A debilitating condition causing bone deformities.
    • Methemoglobinemia (“Blue Baby Syndrome”): A potentially fatal condition in infants caused by nitrate-laced water.

    Practice UPSC MAINS question:

    “Groundwater pollution in India is no longer about scarcity—it is about safety and survival.” Discuss this statement with recent examples and suggest a multi-pronged approach to tackle this issue.

     

  • What is the potential of Biochar?

    As India gears up to launch its carbon market in 2026, biochar, a carbon-rich material made from agricultural and organic waste, is gaining attention as a sustainable solution for carbon capture and waste management. Despite its immense potential, biochar remains underutilised due to lack of policy support, market structures and awareness.

    What is the potential of biochar?

    What is Biochar and Why is it Important?

    • Biochar is a type of charcoal/black carbon produced by heating organic waste (like crop residue or solid municipal waste) in a low-oxygen environment.
    • It locks carbon into the soil for hundreds of years, reducing greenhouse gases and improving soil quality.
    • It is an effective long-term carbon sink.

    Biochar Potential in India:

    • India generates over 600 million tonnes of agricultural waste and 60 million tonnes of municipal waste each year, much of which is burned or dumped, contributing to pollution.
    • By converting just 30–50% of this waste into biochar, India could:
      • Produce 15–26 million tonnes of biochar
      • Remove 0.1 gigatonnes of Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) equivalent emissions annually
    • Biochar production also provides with the following:
      • Syngas (20–30 million tonnes) which can generate 8–13 TWh of electricity, replacing about 0.5–0.7 million tonnes of coal
      • Bio-oil (24–40 million tonnes) which can offset 12–19 million tonnes of diesel/kerosene, reducing oil imports and fossil fuel emissions by more than 2%

    Applications of Biochar in Key Sectors:

    1. Agriculture: It improves soil health and water retention, especially in semi-arid and nutrient-poor regions. It can reduce nitrous oxide emissions by 30–50%, which is vital as this gas has 273x more warming potential than CO₂. Its application leads to higher crop yields (10–25%) and reduced fertilizer needs (by 10–20%). Biochar can also enhance soil organic carbon, helping restore degraded soils.
    2. Construction: Adding just 2–5% biochar in concrete improves strength and heat resistance. It helps capture 115 kg of CO₂ per cubic metre of concrete, turning buildings into carbon sinks.
    3. Wastewater Treatment: One kg of biochar can help treat 200–500 litres of wastewater. India’s untreated wastewater (~72%) could use 2.5–6.3 million tonnes of biochar annually.
    4. Carbon Capture: Biochar can be modified to absorb CO₂ from industrial exhausts, though current efficiency is lower than traditional methods.
    5. Circular Economy: Biochar aligns with the circular economy model, waste to wealth.

    Why is Biochar Still Not Widely Adopted?

    1. It remains underrepresented in carbon credit systems due to the absence of standardised feedstock markets and consistent carbon accounting methods, which undermine investor confidence.
    2. Limited policy support, low public awareness, and no coordinated action across sectors.
    3. No strong carbon credit mechanism to reward users and producers.

    Steps that can be undertaken for Large-Scale Adoption of Biochar:

    1. R&D Support: Develop region-specific feedstock guidelines and technologies.
    2. Policy Integration: Link biochar with Crop residue management schemes, Bioenergy programs and State Action Plans on Climate Change
    3. Carbon Market Recognition: Allow biochar to earn carbon credits, giving financial incentives to farmers and investors.
    4. Village-Level Deployment: Establish small-scale biochar units that can create over 5 lakh rural jobs.
    5. Linkage with National Missions: Can be linked with Mission LiFE and the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

    Biochar offers a powerful tool for India’s climate smart and sustainable agriculture by enhancing soil health, improving water and nutrient retention, and bolstering climate resilience. Its integration can reduce dependency on synthetic inputs, aligning with organic farming principles. Crucially, biochar provides a significant mechanism for carbon sequestration and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, contributing to India’s climate goals. Leveraging this “black gold” through targeted policy support and research is essential for a greener, more resilient future.

    Practice UPSC Mains Question

    1. Biochar is emerging as a multipurpose tool for sustainable development in India. Discuss its potential across sectors and the challenges in its adoption.
    2. What are the salient features of ‘Waste-to-Energy’ policy of India? Describe the role of waste to energy technologies in achieving energy security in India.

  • Microplastic and marine debris levels

    Microplastic Pollution:

    Microplastics are now a serious environmental and health threat. A recent (Ministry of Earth Sciences) MoES–NCCR survey found alarming levels along India’s east and west coasts, highlighting the urgent need to embed microplastic control within India’s environmental governance framework.

    Key Findings from NCCR Survey (2022–2025):

    1. Major microplastic sources identified:
      1. Riverine inputs (plastic waste transported by rivers)
      2. Abandoned, Lost, and Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG), a persistent marine debris source globally
    2. The presence of primary (e.g., microbeads in cosmetics) and secondary microplastics (from the breakdown of plastic waste) was confirmed.

    Microplastics: Nature

    • Definition: Plastic particles ranging between 1 micrometre (µm) and 5 millimetres (mm).
    • Types:
      • Primary Microplastics: Manufactured in small sizes (e.g., microbeads in personal care products).
      • Secondary Microplastics: Result from degradation of larger plastic items due to sunlight, wave action and other environmental factors.

    Environmental Impact of Microplastics:

    Impact on Marine Environments:

    1. Ingestion by Marine Life: Marine organisms, including fish, seabirds, ingest microplastics and can cause physical harm including gut blockages and tissue damage.
    2. Bioaccumulation in Marine Food Webs: Bioaccumulation can lead to higher concentrations of toxins such as Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in top predators, potentially impacting their health and reproductive success.
    3. Habitat Disruption: Microplastics can accumulate in marine sediments and affect the structure and function of marine ecosystems.
    4. Chemical Leaching: Microplastics can leach harmful chemicals into the surrounding seawater. These chemicals include Bisphenol A (BPA), which is known to cause reproductive defects in some fish species, along with phthalates and brominated flame retardants, all of which can interfere with the endocrine system.

    Impact on Ecological Systems:

    1. Soil Contamination: Microplastics can negatively impact soil structure, microbial activity, and nutrient cycling, affecting plant growth and overall ecosystem health. They can act as carriers for toxins like heavy metals (e.g., Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd)).
    2. Disruption of Food Webs: Microplastics can accumulate in the bodies of various organisms, potentially disrupting food chains and affecting higher trophic levels.
    3. Impact on Soil Biota: Exposure to microplastics can negatively impact soil-dwelling organisms like earthworms and microorganisms, affecting their growth and reproduction. Leaching of plastic additives such as phthalates can disrupt cell membrane function in microbes.
    4. Plant Toxicity: Microplastics can be absorbed by plants, potentially affecting their growth and development, and introducing toxins into the food chain.

    India’s Initiatives on Microplastic Management

    1. Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 (Amended 2021–22): Ban on single-use plastics and Emphasis on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for collection and recycling.
    2. Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0: Includes solid waste segregation, treatment, and scientific disposal.
    3. Ecosensitive Coastal Zone Regulation (CRZ): CRZ rules govern development along coastlines and indirectly reduce marine plastic input.
    4. FSSAI Project: Ongoing study to develop standard detection protocols for microplastics in food products.

    International Conventions and Agreements

    • MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Annex V prohibits the discharge of plastics and synthetic fishing gear into the sea.
    • Basel Convention (1989, amended in 2019) regulates transboundary movement of plastic waste. India ratified the amendments concerning plastic waste in 2020.
    • The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) adopted a historic resolution to negotiate a legally binding global treaty on plastic pollution by 2024 (still ongoing).
    • Sustainable Development Goal 14 talks about Preventing and significantly reducing marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities.
    • Global Partnership on Marine Litter (GPML): A UN Environment initiative, India is a participating country.

    Way Forward

    1. National Microplastic Monitoring Programme: Expand surveys to include rivers, lakes, groundwater, and terrestrial ecosystems.
    2. Ban on Microbeads: A clear legislative ban on the use of microbeads in personal care products (done in countries like the UK and USA).
    3. Fishing Gear Recovery Programmes: Introduce buy-back schemes or incentives for collection of damaged fishing gear.
    4. Invest in R&D: Support startups and research institutes working on biodegradable alternatives and plastic detection methods.
    5. Public Awareness and Behavioural Change: Use platforms like Eco Clubs, MyGov, Swachh Bharat campaigns for mass education.

    The presence of microplastics disrupts ecosystems by affecting organisms’ behavior and physiology, impacting soil fertility, and altering aquatic food webs. Addressing microplastic pollution requires a multi-faceted approach, including reducing plastic consumption, improving waste management, and developing innovative solutions like biodegradable alternatives and advanced filtration systems.

    Practice UPSC Mains Questions:

    1. What are microplastics and how do they impact human health and the environment? Evaluate India’s current policy response to the problem and suggest a comprehensive mitigation strategy.
    2. Critically discuss the effectiveness of current national and global efforts to combat microplastic pollution, including initiatives like the Single-Use Plastic ban and the ongoing discussions around a legally binding international plastics treaty.

  • In News: Great Barrier Reef

    Why in the News?

    The Great Barrier Reef is facing its sharpest coral decline in 40 years, with the 2024 mass bleaching—driven by climate change, cyclones, and coral predators—severely damaging large reef areas.

    In News: Great Barrier Reef

    About Great Barrier Reef:

    • Location: Coral Sea, off the northeast coast of Queensland, Australia.
    • Length & Area: Extends ~2,300 km; comprises ~3,000 reefs and 900 islands, covering ~350,000 square kilometers (about 10% of global coral reef ecosystems).
    • Biodiversity:
      • Hosts 400 coral species, 1,500 fish species, and 4,000 mollusk species.
      • Habitat for endangered species like the dugong and green turtle.
    • Reef Types: Includes platform reefs, wall reefs, and fringing reefs.
    • Protection Status:
      • Managed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
      • Declared a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site in 1981.
    • Mass Bleaching Years: Notable events occurred in 1998, 2002, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2022, 2024, and 2025.

    Coral Decline and Bleaching Events:

    • Main Cause: Heat stress due to climate change, particularly during marine heatwaves.
    • 2024 Event: Fifth major bleaching since 2016; had the widest spatial impact recorded in the Australian Institute of Marine Science’s 39-year monitoring program.
    • Additional Damage: Cyclones (e.g., Cyclone Jasper) and flood plumes caused physical damage and freshwater stress.
    • Biological Threats: Crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) outbreaks intensified coral predation, especially in the Swains sector.
    • 2025 Survey Findings:
      • 48% of 124 surveyed reefs showed coral decline.
      • Only 10% recorded an increase in coral cover.
    • Regional Impact: Southern Great Barrier Reef saw a 30.6% drop in hard coral cover—the sharpest annual decline ever recorded in that zone.
    [UPSC 2014] The scientific view is that the increase in global temperature should not exceed 2 0 C above pre-industrial level. If the global temperature increases beyond 30 C above the pre-industrial level, what can be its possible impact/impacts on the world?

    1. Terrestrial biosphere tends toward a net carbon source. 2. Widespread coral mortality will occur. 3. All the global wetlands will permanently disappear.  4. Cultivation of cereals will not be possible anywhere in the world. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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