💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (July Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Subject: Conservation & Mitigation

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

  • Conservation of Dugongs

    Why in the News?

    May 28 is celebrated every year as World Dugong Day.

    Conservation of Dugongs

    About Dugongs:

    • Species Info: Dugong dugon, also known as sea cows, are herbivorous marine mammals closely related to manatees but live only in saltwater.
    • Habitat: They live in shallow coastal waters and are mainly found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, and Gulf of Kutch.
    • Diet and Role: Dugongs feed on seagrass species like Cymodocea, Halophila, Thalassia, and Halodule. As they graze, they stir up the seabed, earning the nickname “farmers of the sea.”
    • Lifespan and Behaviour: They can live up to 70 years and are usually solitary or seen in mother-calf pairs.
    • Reproduction: Females mature at 9–10 years and give birth every 3–5 years, resulting in a slow population growth of about 5% per year.
    • Conservation Concern: India’s dugong population has dropped to an estimated 200 individuals, with shrinking range and numbers.

    Conservation Efforts in India:

    • IUCN Status: Dugongs are listed as ‘Vulnerable’ globally and ‘Regionally Endangered’ in India.
    • Legal Protection: They are protected under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
    • Global Agreements: India joined the Convention on Migratory Species in 1983 and signed the Dugong Conservation MoU in 2008.
    • Dugong Reserve: In 2022, India established its first Dugong Conservation Reserve in Palk Bay, Tamil Nadu, covering 448.3 sq. km.
    [UPSC 2015] With reference to ‘dugong’ a mammal found in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. It is a herbivorous marine animal. 2. It is found along the entire coast of India. 3. It is given legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972.

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

     

  • GEDA invites tenders for Solar Waste recycling to tackle growing e-waste in Gujarat

    Why in the News?

    As India nears 500 GW renewable capacity by 2030, solar waste will surge. Gujarat’s GEDA launches a recycling framework to set standards, promoting sustainable waste management alongside solar growth.

    What is Gujarat aiming to achieve with this solar waste recycling initiative?

    • Standardised Protocols: GEDA aims to formulate robust, eco-friendly, and enforceable protocols for handling solar and electronic waste.
    • Research-Driven Framework: The tender invites organisations to conduct feasibility studies and material recovery experiments, focusing on valuable materials like silicon, silver, copper, aluminum, and rare metals.
    • Focus on PV Technologies: The initiative spans across multiple technologies—crystalline silicon, CdTe, CIGS, and TOPCon cells—each requiring specialised recycling approaches.
    • Dismantling and Worker Safety: It includes drafting of guidelines for safe dismantling, regulatory compliance, and worker safety.

    Why is Gujarat suitable for this initiative?

    • Solar Manufacturing Hub: Gujarat has the highest number of solar module manufacturers in India, creating a large volume of solar waste needing recycling. Eg: Numerous solar factories in Gujarat produce panels, which eventually generate recyclable waste.
    • Large-scale Solar Projects: The state hosts many big solar power plants, leading to significant quantities of end-of-life solar panels. Eg: Gujarat’s extensive solar farms produce damaged or old panels that require eco-friendly disposal methods.
    • Government Support: Gujarat’s proactive policies and agency initiatives foster effective recycling infrastructure and standards. Eg: GEDA’s tender for solar waste recycling research demonstrates the state’s commitment to clean energy sustainability.

    How serious is the solar waste crisis in India?

    • Rapid Growth of Waste: From 100 kilotons in FY2023, India’s solar waste is projected to grow to 340 kilotons by 2030, according to CEEW’s 2024 report.
    • Long-Term Projection: The volume is expected to increase 32-fold between 2030 and 2050.
    • Panel Lifespan Ending: Panels installed during India’s solar boom (2010–2020) are now nearing the end of their 20–25 year lifespan.
    • Infrastructure Deficit: India currently lacks a national solar waste policy, making Gujarat’s move even more critical.

    What are the challenges for India in recycling of E-waste?

    • Informal Sector Dominance: A large portion of e-waste recycling is handled by informal workers using unsafe methods, leading to health risks and environmental damage. Eg: Informal dismantling often involves burning or acid baths to extract metals, releasing toxic fumes.
    • Lack of Infrastructure: Insufficient formal recycling facilities and technology gaps limit efficient and eco-friendly processing of complex e-waste. Eg: Many regions lack certified recycling plants capable of handling advanced electronics like smartphones and solar panels.
    • Weak Enforcement and Awareness: Poor enforcement of regulations and low public awareness hinder proper e-waste collection and disposal. Eg: Consumers often discard e-waste with regular trash due to lack of knowledge or convenient drop-off options.

    What are the steps taken by the Indian government? 

    • Implementation of E-Waste Management Rules: The government has enacted regulations like the E-Waste (Management) Rules to ensure proper collection, recycling, and disposal of electronic waste. Eg: Mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requires manufacturers to take back and recycle e-waste from consumers.
    • Promoting Formal Recycling Infrastructure: Encouraging the development of certified recycling units with environmentally sound processes to handle e-waste safely. Eg: Setting up authorized e-waste recycling centers that use safe dismantling and recovery techniques.
    • Awareness and Capacity Building: Conducting campaigns and training programs to educate stakeholders, including consumers and informal sector workers, about e-waste hazards and management practices. Eg: Government and NGOs organizing workshops for informal recyclers to transition into formal, safer e-waste handling roles.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Policy Enforcement and Infrastructure: Ensure strict implementation of e-waste and solar waste management regulations while investing in advanced, formal recycling infrastructure to enable safe, efficient, and large-scale recovery of valuable materials.
    • Promote Stakeholder Collaboration and Awareness: Enhance coordination between government agencies, industry, and informal workers through capacity building, incentives, and public awareness campaigns to foster sustainable recycling practices and support circular economy goals.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2013] What are the legal provisions for management and handling of hazardous wastes in India? What are the strategies to pollution control?

    Linkage: The GEDA initiative addresses the recycling of both solar waste and electronic waste (e-waste). E-waste often contains hazardous materials, requiring specialized processing. This question directly probes the legal and strategic framework for managing hazardous waste and controlling pollution, which is highly relevant to the challenges posed by growing e-waste and the need for a robust, eco-friendly recycling framework as envisioned by GEDA.

  • Schistura Densiclava: New Fish Species Discovered in Meghalaya’s Cave

    Why in the News?

    A new species of fish, named Schistura densiclava, has been discovered inside a limestone cave in Meghalaya, even as the cave was already in focus due to a conflict over a Shivalinga-like stone formation.

    About Schistura Densiclava:

    • Discovery Location: Schistura densiclava was discovered in Krem Mawjymbuin, a limestone cave in East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya.
    • Research Team: The species was identified by a team led by Kangkan Sarma of Gauhati University’s Zoology Department.
    • Type: It is a troglophile loach, meaning it lives in caves but can also survive in surface streams.
    • Habitat Conditions: Found in a fast-flowing cave stream, 60 meters inside, with low oxygen and 18°C temperature.
    • Family: Belongs to the Nemacheilidae family, which includes small, bottom-dwelling freshwater fishes.

    Key Features:

    • Body Color and Markings: The fish has a pale yellow-green body with 14 to 20 greyish-black bars along its sides.
    • Name Meaning: “Densiclava” is Latin for “thick stripe,” referring to a dark stripe near the dorsal fin.
    • Adaptation Traits: Unlike many cave species, it retains pigmentation and functional eyesight, helping it survive both underground and in surface waters.
    • Sexual Dimorphism:
      • Males are slimmer, have irregular body patterns, and have puffier cheeks.
      • Females are more robust with uniform markings.
    • Genetic Confirmation: DNA testing confirmed that this is a completely new species.
    • Endemism: The fish appears to be endemic to Krem Mawjymbuin, meaning it is found nowhere else.
    [UPSC 2025] Regarding Peacock tarantula (Goody tarantula), consider the following statements:

    I. It is an omnivorous crustacean.

    II. Its natural habitat in India is only limited to some forest areas.

    III. In its natural habitat, it is an arboreal species.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) I only (b) I and III (c) II only (d) II and III

     

  • 6 new sites added to Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)

    Why in the News?

    The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has recognized six traditional farming systems from Brazil, China, Mexico, and Spain as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS).

    About the Newly Recognised GIAHS Systems:

    1. Deqing Pearl Mussel Fishery (China): 800-year-old integrated system of pearl farming, rice, and silk boosts ecotourism and water purification.
    2. Fuding White Tea Culture (China): Biodiverse tea gardens linked to rituals and livelihoods, supporting 18 tea and 41 vegetable varieties.
    3. Gaolan Pear Orchards (China): 600-year-old dryland system along the Yellow River yields 2 million kg of pears with native crop-livestock integration.
    4. Erva Mate Agroforestry (Brazil): Indigenous agroforestry under Araucaria forests preserves ecology and culture through erva-mate farming.
    5. Metepantle Terraces (Mexico): 3,000-year-old Nahua terrace farming ensures food sovereignty and conserves over 140 native species.
    6. Lanzarote Sand Farming (Spain): Volcanic and sea sand techniques grow crops without irrigation in one of Europe’s driest zones.

    About GIAHS: 

    • Definition: GIAHS are living and evolving agricultural systems where communities maintain strong ties to their land through agrobiodiversity, traditional knowledge, resilient ecosystems, and cultural heritage.
    • Purpose: The program works to identify, support, and safeguard agricultural systems that preserve genetic diversity, support rural livelihoods, and maintain cultural landscapes.
    • Origins: The concept was launched in 2002 at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg.
    • Nodal Agency: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations leads the GIAHS initiative.
    • Program Implementation:
      1. Global level: Identification, selection, and formal recognition of GIAHS.
      2. National level: Policy support and capacity building.
      3. Local level: Community empowerment and technical assistance for sustainable resource use.

    India’s GIAHS-Recognized Farming Systems:

    India, known for its diverse agro-ecological zones and rich farming heritage, has 3 GIAHS sites:

    1. Koraput Traditional Agriculture (Odisha): Practised by tribal communities in the Eastern Ghats, this system conserves over 1,200 indigenous rice varieties; integrates millets and pulses in shifting and terraced cultivation; and supports community seed banks and organic methods vital for agro-biodiversity and food security.
    2. Kuttanad Below Sea Level Farming System (Kerala): Located in the Vembanad wetland area, it is the only below-sea-level farming system in India; farmers use polders and bunds to grow paddy, practice rice–fish rotation, and manage seasonal flooding through indigenous water control systems.
    3. Saffron Heritage of Kashmir (UT of Jammu & Kashmir): Found in the Pampore plateau, saffron is cultivated at 1,600–1,800 metres using traditional methods on Karewa soils; the crops are known for its high crocin content, aroma, and colour strength, making it a key product for local economy, export, and cultural heritage.
    [UPSC 2016] The FAO accords the status of ‘Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS)’ to traditional agricultural systems. What is the overall goal of this initiative?

    1. To provide modern technology, training in modern farming methods and financial support to local communities of identified GIAHS to greatly enhance their agricultural productivity.

    2. To identify and safeguard eco-friendly traditional farm practices and their associated landscapes, agricultural biodiversity and knowledge systems of the local communities

    3. The provide Geographical Indication status to all the varieties of agricultural produce in such identifies GIAHS Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

     

  • ‘Zudpi Jungles’ are Forest Land: SC

    Why in the News?

    The Supreme Court of India ruled that 86,400 hectares of Zudpi Jungle lands in Eastern Vidarbha, Maharashtra, should be treated as forest land. However, existing structures (built before December 12, 1996) such as schools, homes, graveyards, and government offices were allowed to remain.

    About Zudpi Jungles:

    • Location and Meaning: They are lands located in the eastern Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. The term “Zudpi” is Marathi for shrubs or bushes.
    • Vegetation and Soil: These lands have low-quality vegetation, mostly shrubs and dry plants. The soil, called Murmadi soil, is arid, filled with gravel and soft stones, and unsuitable for large trees.
    • Ecological Role: Despite sparse growth, Zudpi lands are ecologically important as wildlife corridors, allowing animals to move safely between forest patches.
    • Geographic Spread: Found in 6 Vidarbha districts: Nagpur, Wardha, Bhandara, Gondia, Chandrapur, and Gadchiroli.
    • Conservation Status: The Maharashtra government has treated them as forests since the 1980s. In 1987, it requested the Environment Ministry to exempt Zudpi lands from the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, acknowledging their forest-like value.
    • Biodiversity Importance: Environmental experts stress that small forest patches like this help maintain biodiversity and ecological balance.

    Definition of Forests as per the Godavarman Case (1996):

    • Case Background: The T.N. Godavarman v. Union of India case began in 1995 over illegal deforestation in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris, leading to a landmark 1996 Supreme Court ruling.
    • Expanded Definition: The Court ruled that ‘forest’ includes all areas with forest-like features, not just those recorded as forest in official documents.
    • Included Areas: This includes private lands, plantations, uncategorized jungle lands, and corporate forests with significant vegetation.
    • Basis of Definition: It adopted the dictionary meaning of forest — “a large area covered chiefly with trees and undergrowth.”
    • Legal Protection: All such lands, regardless of ownership, are protected under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
    • Doctrine of Public Trust: The ruling applied this doctrine, stating the government must safeguard natural resources for current and future generations.
    • Constitutional Links: The Court linked environmental protection to Article 21 (Right to Life) and Article 48A, which mandates the State to protect forests and wildlife.
    • Impact: It brought millions of hectares of land under forest protection laws, creating a uniform national standard for forest classification and aiding conservation efforts.

     

    [UPSC 2012] A particular State in India has the following characteristics:

    1. It is located on the same latitude which passes through northern Rajasthan.

    2. It has over 80% of its area under forest cover.

    3. Over 12% of forest cover constitutes the Protected Area Network in this State.

    Which one among the following States has all the above characteristics?

    (a) Arunachal Pradesh* (b) Assam (c) Himachal Pradesh (d) Uttarakhand

     

  • Why India needs stable urban forests

    Why in the News?

     The Kancha Gachibowli forest in Hyderabad, a rare green space in the city, became the centre of a major legal and environmental fight when the Telangana government planned to turn 400 acres of it into an industrial area.

    What is the significance of urban forests like Kancha Gachibowli in Indian cities?

    • Improve Air Quality and Public Health: Urban forests absorb pollutants like PM 2.5 and PM 10, helping reduce toxic urban air. Eg: Kancha Gachibowli helps combat air pollution in Hyderabad, which often faces high pollution levels.
    • Mitigate Climate Change and Urban Heat: They reduce the urban heat island effect and help control flooding by managing stormwater runoff. Eg: Kancha Gachibowli acts as a natural cooler and flood controller amid Hyderabad’s expanding concrete areas.
    • Support Biodiversity and Provide Recreation: Urban forests preserve habitats for endangered birds and animals and offer residents nature-sensitive spaces for relaxation. Eg: Kancha Gachibowli provides green space and supports local wildlife in the middle of the city.

    Why did the Telangana government face criticism for its decision regarding Kancha Gachibowli?

    • Threat to Urban Forest Land: The government decided to allocate 400 acres of Kancha Gachibowli forest for industrial development, risking the loss of one of Hyderabad’s last urban forests. Eg: This move put 100 acres of trees at risk, which were actually felled before intervention.
    • Allegations of Ignoring Public Concerns: The government claimed ownership over the forest and accused protesting students of being misled by real estate interests, downplaying genuine environmental concerns. Eg: Students and activists protested to protect the forest but were dismissed by the state government.
    • Judicial Reprimand for Environmental Damage: The Supreme Court took notice of the deforestation and reprimanded the Telangana government, highlighting the environmental insensitivity of the decision. Eg: The court ordered action after 100 acres were cut down, signaling the need to protect urban green spaces.

    How do urban forests help in improving the environment and public health in cities?

    • Mitigate Pollution and Improve Air Quality: Urban forests sequester carbon and absorb pollutants like PM 2.5 and PM 10, which are major causes of air pollution in cities. Eg: One hectare of trees can remove around one ton of air pollutants annually, helping reduce Delhi’s alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 494.
    • Reduce Urban Heat Island Effect: Trees provide shade and cooling, lowering temperatures in concrete-heavy urban areas and combating the urban heat island effect caused by extensive construction and vehicle emissions. Eg: Cities like Bengaluru and Chennai with more green cover experience less extreme heat compared to heavily built-up areas.
    • Control Stormwater and Prevent Flooding: Urban forests help manage stormwater runoff, reduce soil erosion, and prevent flooding, thus protecting urban infrastructure and residents. Eg: Urban green spaces reduce flood risks during heavy rains by absorbing excess water, unlike paved surfaces which increase runoff.

    What role have judicial interventions played in protecting urban forests in India?

    • Broadened Legal Protection: The Supreme Court’s Godavarman case (1996) expanded the definition of forests, mandating all States to identify and map forest areas, including urban forests, thereby bringing them under legal protection. Eg: In 2004, the apex court directed States to conduct a comprehensive forest inventory to enhance conservation efforts.
    • Prevented Tree Felling through Stay Orders: Courts have intervened to stop indiscriminate tree felling in urban areas when public protests or petitions were filed, safeguarding ecologically significant areas. Eg: In 2020, the Supreme Court issued a stay on the tree felling in Aarey Forest, Mumbai, after public outcry and legal petitions.
    • Ensured Government Accountability: Judicial interventions have held governments accountable for environmentally insensitive development and upheld the Right to a Healthy Environment under Article 21. Eg: In 2024, the Supreme Court reprimanded the Telangana government for felling trees in Kancha Gachibowli, directing restoration efforts.

    What is the goal of the Nagar Van Yojana?

    The Nagar Van Yojana, launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in 2020, aims to:

    • Promote and develop urban forest spaces to enhance green cover and biodiversity in rapidly urbanising areas. Eg: It seeks to create eco-friendly urban ecosystems for better living environments.
    • Create 1,000 urban forests by 2027 across Indian cities, contributing to climate resilience, air purification, and recreation. Eg: As per the India State of Forest Report 2023, the scheme has already added 1445.81 km² of tree and forest cover.
    • Involve local communities in forest development and maintenance to ensure sustainable urban forestry and public participation. Eg: Civic bodies and citizen groups are encouraged to adopt and care for these green spaces.

    Way forward: 

    • Legally Safeguard Urban Forests: Enact clear legal protections for urban forests like Kancha Gachibowli by integrating them into city master plans and forest laws to prevent diversion for non-forest use.
    • Strengthen Community Participation: Empower local communities and civic bodies to co-manage and monitor urban forests through citizen-led initiatives, ensuring long-term conservation and accountability.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2015] “Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three mega cities of the country but the air pollution is much more serious problem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so?

    Linkage: The Urban forests can serve as a safeguard against toxic urban air by absorbing pollutants. This question focuses on the critical issue of urban air pollution, highlighting the need for mechanisms like urban forests to improve air quality.

  • Lion count grows by 32% in 5 years

    Why in the News?

    According to a recent report by the Gujarat Forest Department, the population of Asiatic lions in India has increased by 32% between 2020 and 2025, reaching 891 individuals.

    lion

    About the Asiatic Lion:

    • Scientific Identity: The Asiatic Lion, also known as the Persian or Indian Lion, is found only in India and is one of the 5 big cat species in the country.
    • Physical Traits: They are slightly smaller than African lions and have a less developed mane.
    • Habitat: Their only wild habitat is the Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat.
    • Range: Asiatic lions once roamed Western Asia, the Middle East, and parts of eastern and central India. Now, their entire wild population is restricted to Gujarat.
    • Conservation Status:
      • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (most sources claimed it Endangered, but VU status is confirmed from IUCN official website).
      • CITES: Appendix I (international commercial trade is prohibited; trade is permitted only in exceptional circumstances)
      • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I (highest level of protection in India, violations attract the harshest penalties)
    • Lion Census: First conducted in 1936, and since 1965, done every 5 years by the Gujarat Forest Department.
    • Behavioural Aspects:
      • Reproduction: Lions are polyoestrous with no fixed breeding season; females come into estrus every 16 days and remain fertile for 4–8 days.
      • Territorial Marking: Lions roar and scent mark to declare territory; males often scrape the ground to carry their scent.

    Population and Conservation Updates:

    • Population Growth: From 2020 to 2025, the lion population rose 32% to 891.
    • Female Increase: Adult females grew 27% to 330, indicating positive breeding trends.
    • Habitat Expansion: Lions now inhabit nine satellite regions, including Mityala (32 lions) and a new corridor (22 lions).
    • Range Growth: Lion territory expanded from 30,000 sq. km in 2020 to 35,000 sq. km in 2025 — a 16.67% increase.
    • Project Lion (2020): A ₹2,900 crore mission to enhance habitats and create new protected areas within Gujarat.
    • Human-Wildlife Conflict: With more lions outside reserves, there’s a rise in livestock attacks, with a 10% annual increase in affected villages and a 15% rise in animals killed.
    • Community Support: Despite risks, 61% of surveyed locals showed tolerance towards lions, underlining the need for community-based conservation.
    Back2Basics: International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) 

     

    [UPSC 2024] Consider the following statements:

    1. Lions do not have a particular breeding season.

    2. Unlike most other big cats, cheetahs do not roar.

    3. Unlike male lions, male leopards do not proclaim their territory by scent marking.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

     

  • [pib] International Day for Biological Diversity, 2025

    Why in the News?

    India has celebrated the International Day for Biological Diversity 2025 in Udaipur.

    About International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB):

    • Annual Observance: The IDB is celebrated every year on May 22 to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation.
    • Significance: The date marks the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1992.
    • 2025 Theme: ‘Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development’.
    • Key Highlights: India showcased its global leadership through:

    Back2Basics: Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

    • Adoption: The CBD was adopted at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992 and came into force on December 29, 1993.
    • Membership: Its secretariat is located in Montreal, Canada, and the convention has been ratified by 196 countries. The USA has signed but NOT ratified it.
    • India and CBD:
      • India became a party to the CBD on February 18, 1994, and is recognised as a leader among developing countries in biodiversity conservation and policy implementation
      • India hosted the 11th Conference of the Parties (COP-11) to the CBD in Hyderabad in 2012, showcasing its commitment and capacity in biodiversity governance
    • Core Objectives:
      • Conservation of biodiversity
      • Sustainable use of its components
      • Fair and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources
    • Functioning: The CBD is governed by the Conference of the Parties (COP), which meets every 2 years.
    • Latest Development (COP16, 2024): Held in Cali, Colombia, COP16 introduced a benefit-sharing mechanism for Digital Sequence Information (DSI) to ensure rewards for local communities.
    • Related Protocols:
      • Cartagena Protocol (2000): Regulates cross-border movement of living modified organisms (LMOs); effective from 2003.
      • Nagoya Protocol (2010): Ensures fair access and benefit-sharing for genetic resources.

    India’s Biodiversity Profile:

    • India is one of 17 mega-diverse countries in the world.
    • It covers an area of 329 million hectares and is the 9th largest country globally.
    • India is home to:
      • Over 1,00,000 animal species.
      • Around 55,000 plant species.
      • Ten bio-geographic regions.

     

    [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements:

    1. In India, the Biodiversity Management Committees are key to the realization of the objectives of the Nagoya Protocol.

    2. The Biodiversity Management Committees have important functions in determining access and benefit sharing, including the power to levy collection fees on the access of biological resources within its jurisdiction.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2* (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

  • [22nd May 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Overfishing — the threat to ocean wealth, livelihoods

    PYQ Relevance:

    [UPSC 2022] What are the forces that influence ocean currents? Describe their role in fishing industry of the world.

    Linkage: While it focuses on the influence of ocean currents rather than the threat of overfishing, it establishes the fishing industry as a subject of examination in the context of geography and marine environments.

     

    Mentor’s Comment: India’s marine fisheries sector produces around three to four million tonnes of catch annually, showing that the country has reached its maximum sustainable yield. However, large mechanised fishing operations dominate the catch, while small-scale fishers—who make up 90% of the fishing population—harvest only about 10% of the total volume. Despite the high output, nearly three-quarters of marine fisher families live below the poverty line. When fishers invest in newer nets and bigger engines to catch ‘just one more kilo,’ they often fail to increase their catch significantly and instead incur higher debts, fuel expenses, and other costs, worsening the economic condition of these vulnerable communities.

    Today’s editorial discusses issues in the Indian marine fisheries sector. This content will help you with GS Paper 2 (Policy Making) and GS Paper 3 (Indian Economy and Environment).

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    India’s marine fisheries sector faces an ecological and economic crisis. Although it produces 3–4 million tonnes of fish each year, it hides serious problems of unfairness and unsustainability.

    What causes inequity in India’s marine fisheries despite high yields?

    • Dominance of Mechanised Fishing: Large mechanised vessels capture the majority of fish, leaving small-scale fishers with a minimal share. For example, though small-scale fishers make up 90% of the population, they catch only 10% of the total marine output.
    • Low Incomes Despite High Effort: Marginal increase in catch requires high investment in fuel, engines, and nets, increasing debts for traditional fishers. Eg: Even with larger engines, returns don’t rise proportionally, worsening poverty in fishing communities.
    • Bycatch and Wasteful Practices: High-volume trawling discards significant juvenile and non-target species, reducing long-term resource availability. Eg: Shrimp trawlers discard over 10 kg of bycatch for every 1 kg of shrimp caught.
    • Regulatory Fragmentation: Varying state laws allow exploitation of legal loopholes, enabling illegal or unsustainable practices. Eg: A fish species banned in one state can be caught and sold by landing in a neighbouring state.
    • Lack of Inclusive Governance: Small-scale fishers have limited role in fisheries decision-making and benefit-sharing mechanisms. Eg: Fisheries subsidies and infrastructure mainly support large operators, sidelining traditional communities.

    Why is shrimp trawling harmful to marine ecosystems?

    • High Bycatch: Shrimp trawling results in excessive capture of non-target species, including juveniles. Eg: For every 1 kg of shrimp, over 10 kg of juvenile fish and other marine life are discarded.
    • Juvenile Fishing: Small mesh sizes allow immature fish to be caught, reducing breeding populations. Eg: Sub-legal mesh sizes (<25 mm) trap juvenile sardines and mackerel, threatening their recovery.
    • Habitat Destruction: Bottom trawling disturbs seabeds and coral reefs, degrading marine habitats. Eg: Trawl nets drag along the ocean floor, damaging reef ecosystems and invertebrate habitats.
    • Ecosystem Imbalance: Removing large quantities of multiple species disrupts food webs and marine biodiversity. Eg: Multi-species shrimp trawling affects dozens of species, weakening ecosystem stability.
    • Encourages Unsustainable Practices: The bycatch feeds fish-meal and fish-oil industries, incentivising further exploitation. Eg: Over half of trawl fishery hauls in some states are low-value bycatch ground into meal for export.

    How do state-level laws hinder effective fisheries regulation?

    • Fragmented Legal Framework: Each coastal State/UT has its own Marine Fisheries Regulation Act (MFRA), leading to inconsistency in rules. Eg: A fish species protected as juvenile in one State may be legally caught in a neighbouring State.
    • Easy Circumvention: Fishers exploit legal loopholes by landing catch across State borders to avoid stricter regulations. Eg: Unscrupulous trawlers bypass juvenile fish bans by selling catch in States with weaker enforcement.
    • Undermines Conservation: Lack of harmonised standards weakens conservation efforts and encourages overfishing of vulnerable stocks. Eg: Inconsistent mesh size limits and closed season rules reduce the overall effectiveness of protection policies.

    Which models show success in sustainable fisheries management?

    • Quota Management System (QMS): Aligns science and policy by setting total allowable catches based on stock assessments and allocating tradable quotas. Eg: New Zealand’s QMS, introduced in 1986, helped stabilise and rebuild key fisheries through individual transferable quotas.
    • Minimum Legal Size (MLS) Regulation: Enforcing size limits allows fish to mature and reproduce, leading to long-term stock recovery and improved fisher incomes. Eg: After Kerala implemented MLS for threadfin bream, catches rose by 41% in a single season.

    Who should act to ensure marine fisheries sustainability in India?

    • Central Government: Should promote an ecosystem-based regulatory approach by reforming vessel licenses, infrastructure grants, and subsidies. Eg: Aligning subsidies with sustainability goals can discourage overfishing by mechanised fleets.
    • State Governments: Must strengthen enforcement of fisheries laws with better patrols and real-time reporting tools. Eg: Uniform implementation of gear restrictions and closed seasons across coastal states.
    • Fisher Cooperatives and Village Councils: Can act as co-managers of marine protected areas and breeding sanctuaries, ensuring community participation. Eg: Local councils enforcing seasonal bans and gear regulations in Kerala’s coastal villages.
    • Consumers (Urban & Rural): Should exercise responsible seafood consumption by choosing legally sized, sustainably sourced fish. Eg: Rejecting undersized fish in markets can reduce demand for juvenile catch and promote biodiversity.

    What are the steps taken by the Indian government?

    • Infrastructure Development: The government is modernising fisheries-related infrastructure to improve efficiency and reduce post-harvest losses. Eg: Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), over ₹20,000 crore has been allocated to develop fishing harbours like the Mangalore fishing harbour and Paradeep harbour in Odisha with modern landing and storage facilities.
    • Fisheries Subsidies and Financial Support: Financial aid is provided to fishers for deep-sea fishing, insurance, and the adoption of sustainable practices. Eg: The Blue Revolution scheme supported the acquisition of deep-sea tuna longliners by Tamil Nadu fishers, promoting offshore fishing and reducing coastal pressure.
    • Policy Reforms and Conservation Measures: The government is implementing biological conservation through legal reforms like fishing bans, gear restrictions, and MLS regulations. Eg: The Kerala government’s implementation of Minimum Legal Size (MLS) for threadfin bream in 2017 resulted in a 41% increase in catch in just one season, showing improved fish stock regeneration.

    Way forward: 

    • Implement a unified national fisheries law to harmonise regulations across states, closing legal loopholes and strengthening enforcement for sustainable resource management.
    • Empower local fishing communities through co-management models, enhancing their participation in decision-making and conservation to ensure equitable benefits and long-term ecosystem health.

  • Stitch in time: on judiciary and Environment Ministry notifications

    Why in the News?

    Recently, the Supreme Court struck down two orders from the Environment Ministry that had allowed industries to operate even after breaking environmental rules.

    What did the Supreme Court strike down as illegal?

    • Notifications allowing industries to bypass prior environmental clearance: The Court struck down two Union Environment Ministry notifications that permitted industrial units to set up or expand operations without prior government approval, violating the core principle of the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006. Eg: Industries were allowed to operate or change manufacturing practices without the mandatory prior environmental clearance.
    • Regularisation of violations through executive orders without parliamentary approval: The notifications enabled projects violating environmental laws to seek regularisation by paying fines, issued through executive orders instead of amending the Environment Protection Act (EIA), 2006 via Parliament. Eg: The 2017 “one-time” window and 2021 standard operating procedure allowed violative industries to avoid penalties by applying for clearance retrospectively.

    Why did the Centre allow industries to bypass prior clearance?

    • One-time window for regularisation: In 2017, the Centre provided a “one-time” six-month window for industries without proper environmental clearances to apply retroactively.
    • Avoid disruption of economic activities: The Centre wanted to prevent the demolition of functioning plants that contribute to the economy and employment, as shutting them down abruptly could be disruptive.
    • Legal precedent for balanced approach: The government cited court rulings supporting a “balanced” approach in cases of violations, emphasizing regularisation over punitive action when feasible.
    • Heavy fines as deterrent: The 2021 standard operating procedure imposed heavy fines on violative projects applying for clearance, intending to discourage violations while still allowing formalisation.
    • Procedural challenges with previous attempts: Earlier attempts by the UPA government (2012-13) to regularise such projects were struck down by courts on procedural grounds, prompting the Centre to try executive orders as a workaround. Eg: The Jharkhand High Court and National Green Tribunal nullified prior regularisation efforts due to procedural flaws.

    Who is impacted by the Court’s verdict?

    • Industries regularised under 2017 and 2021 orders remain unaffected: Companies that used the one-time window or the standard operating procedure to regularise violations before the verdict will not face penalties due to the Court’s ruling.
    • Future industrial projects must strictly follow prior clearance: The verdict reaffirms that all new or expanding projects must obtain mandatory prior environmental clearance, impacting industries planning to start or modify operations.
    • Regional environmental boards are under scrutiny: The ruling highlights the failure of local enforcement agencies to prevent illegal operations, signaling the need for better monitoring and compliance at the regional level. Eg: State pollution control boards will face greater pressure to enforce environmental laws rigorously.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen enforcement: Empower and equip regional pollution control boards to rigorously monitor and ensure strict compliance with environmental clearance norms.
    • Streamline clearance process: Simplify and expedite the prior environmental clearance procedure to balance industrial growth with environmental protection, reducing incentives for violations.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2023] The most significant achievement of modern law in India in the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws.

    Linkage: The “constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court,” which refers to how the judiciary, through interpretation (often linking environmental protection to fundamental rights like the Right to Life under Article 21), has played a significant role in shaping environmental law and policy in India.