The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has approved the reconstruction of the Teesta-III Dam, which was destroyed by a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in October 2023.
About Teesta River
The Teesta River is a transboundary river flowing through India and Bangladesh.
Originates from Tso Lhamo Lake, Sikkim, at 5,330 meters in the Himalayas.
Major tributary of the Brahmaputra River (Jamuna in Bangladesh).
Vital for irrigation, hydroelectric power, and water supply in Sikkim, West Bengal, and Bangladesh.
The Teesta Water Dispute remains unresolved, with Bangladesh seeking an equitable share of water.
Geographical Features:
Length:414 km (309 km in India, 105 km in Bangladesh).
Basin Area:12,159 sq. km in Sikkim and North Bengal.
Originates in North Sikkim → flows through West Bengal → enters Bangladesh before merging with the Brahmaputra River.
Passes through major towns like Mangan, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Rangpo.
Tributaries:
Left-bank: Rangit, Relli, Great Rangit.
Right-bank: Lachung, Lachen, Talung.
It supports Himalayan biodiversity, crucial for tea plantations and terrace farming.
Conservation Initiatives:
National River Conservation Plan (NRCP): Includes efforts to reduce pollution and improve water quality of the Teesta.
Teesta Barrage Project (West Bengal): Aimed at irrigation development and hydroelectric power generation in North Bengal.
Hydroelectric Projects in Sikkim: Several Teesta Hydropower Projects (Teesta Stage III, IV, V, VI, etc.) have been established to generate renewable energy while ensuring minimum ecological impact.
India-Bangladesh Water Sharing Talks: Ongoing diplomatic negotiations to resolve the Teesta water-sharing dispute, ensuring equitable distribution.
Catchment Area Treatment (CAT) Plan: Implemented to prevent soil erosion and siltation, protecting river health.
PYQ:
[2017] With reference to river Teesta, consider the following statements:
1. The source of river Teesta is the same as that of Brahmaputra but it flows through Sikkim.
2. River Rangeet originates in Sikkim and it is a tributary of river Teesta.
3. River Teesta falls into Bay of Bengal at the border of India and Bangladesh.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Prime Minister recently commended Indore and Udaipur for earning a spot in the prestigious list of 31 Wetland Accredited Cities (WCA) worldwide under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
Key Highlights of Indore and Udaipur
Indore:
Known as India’s cleanest city and recipient of Smart City 2023 Award.
Sirpur Lake, a Ramsar site, supports large water bird congregations and is being developed as a bird sanctuary.
Over 200 wetland mitras are actively involved in conservation efforts, particularly protecting the Sarus Crane.
Udaipur:
Famous for its picturesque lakes, including Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Rang Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, and Doodh Talai.
These wetlands are vital for maintaining the city’s microclimate and providing a buffer against extreme weather events.
About Wetland City Accreditation (WCA)
It was introduced during COP 12 (2015) of the Ramsar Convention to recognize cities that take exceptional steps in wetland conservation and sustainable management.
Objective: To promote the conservation and wise use of urban and peri-urban wetlands while fostering socio-economic benefits for local populations.
The accreditation is valid for 6 years.
Criteria for WCA:
Cities must meet specific standards set by the Ramsar Convention, including:
Presence of one or more Ramsar sites or significant wetlands.
Implementation of wetland conservation measures and restoration initiatives.
Integration of wetlands into land-use planning.
Raising public awareness about the importance of wetlands.
Establishing local committees with expertise in wetland management.
Having strong laws and policies to prevent wetland degradation.
India’s Efforts in Wetland Conservation
India became a Ramsar Convention member in 1982, with 85 Ramsar sites covering 13,58,068 hectares (10% of India’s wetland area).
India initially designated 26 Ramsar sites (1982–2013) and added 59 more since 2014, reflecting a growing commitment to wetland preservation.
Tamil Nadu leads with 18 Ramsar sites, followed by Uttar Pradesh (10 sites).
Global Leadership Wetland Conservation:
UK has the highest number of Ramsar sites (175), followed by Mexico (142).
Bolivia has the largest area under Ramsar protection (148,000 sq. km).
Interesting Facts about Indian Wetlands:
India’s wetlands cover 1,52,600 sq. km, constituting 4.63% of its geographical area (ISRO data).
Gujarat has the largest wetland area, followed by Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance:
Examples include Chilika Lake (Odisha), Sundarbans (West Bengal), and Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan).
PYQ:
[2014] If a wetland of international importance is brought under the ‘Montreux Record’, what does it imply?
(a) Changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur in the wetland as a result of human interference.
(b) The country in which the wetland is located should enact a law to prohibit any human activity within five kilometres from the edge of the wetland.
(c) The survival of the wetland depends on the cultural practices and traditions of certain communities living in its vicinity and therefore the cultural diversity therein should not be destroyed.
(d) It is given the status of ‘World Heritage Site.’
The Forest Department of Rajasthan has initiated efforts to revise the boundaries of the Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary to address existing legal and administrative complications.
About theNahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary
It was established in 1980, Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
It is named after the nearby Nahargarh Fort, which overlooks the sanctuary.
It is a significant part of the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve corridor, providing a habitat for wildlife movement.
Geographical Features:
It is situated in the Aravalli hills, close to Jaipur city, offering a natural escape amidst urban surroundings.
Its area spans approximately 50 square kilometres, featuring rugged terrain with hills, valleys, and plateaus.
It has seasonal streams and waterholes that serve as vital water sources for wildlife.
Flora and Fauna:
Flora: Comprises dry deciduous and thorny scrub forests, typical of the Aravalli range; Key tree species include Dhok, Babool, Khejri, and Ber; Grassy patches and scattered shrubs provide a diverse ecosystem for herbivores.
Fauna: Fauna: Includes leopards, hyenas, wild boars, jackals, sambars, chitals, peacocks, partridges, migratory birds, monitor lizards, snakes, turtles, and various pollinators.
PYQ:
[2012] In which one among the following categories of protected areas in India are local people not allowed to collect and use the biomass?
The Madras High Court has issued directives to local bodies in Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, Sivaganga, and Ramanathapuram districts to submit a comprehensive action plan with timelines to mitigate pollution in the Vaigai River.
About Vaigai River
Geographical Features and Location
Originates from the Varusanadu Hills in the Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu.
Flows through Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, Sivaganga, and Ramanathapuram districts.
Length: Approximately 258 km, draining into the Palk Strait.
Major towns along the river include Madurai.
Historical site Keeladi is also located along the river.
Major and Minor Tributaries
Major Tributaries: Suruliyar River, Varaha River, Manjalar River, Kottagudi River, and Kridhumaal River.
Minor Tributaries: Sambanadi River, Kumilaar River, and Utharakosa Mangaiyar River.
Conservation Sites and Programs
Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve: Acts as a vital catchment area and supports biodiversity.
Vaigai Dam: Built near Andipatti, providing irrigation and drinking water.
Vaigai River Restoration Program: Focuses on cleaning, improving water quality, and promoting biodiversity.
PYQ:
[2021] Which one of the following statements is correct?
(a) Ajanta Caves lie in the gorge of Waghora river.
(b) Sanchi Stupa lies in the gorge of Chambal river.
(c) Pandu-lena Cave Shrines lie in the gorge of Narmada river.
(d) Amaravati Stupa lies in the gorge of Godavari river.
The Kalaburagi Forest Division is working to relocate a hamlet within the Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary on the Karnataka-Telangana border to a safer area.
About the Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary
Details
Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 2011, covering 134.88 sq. km.
Recognized as the first dryland Wildlife Sanctuary in South India.
Located in the Kalaburagi District, renowned for its floristic diversity.
Contributes to the conservation of dryland ecosystems.
Geographical Location
Situated in the Hyderabad Karnataka region.
Features the Chandrampalli Dam and four smaller dams within the sanctuary.
Flora and Fauna
Flora: Rich in medicinal plants and tree species like Red Sanders, Sandalwood, Acacia, and Teak.
Fauna:
Mammals: Blackbuck, Common Fox, Four-horned Antelope, Indian Wolf, Hyena, and Fruit Bat.
Birds: Over 35 species, including Black Drongo, Black-winged Kite, Blossom-headed Parakeet, Blue Pigeon, Black-headed Oriole, and Grey Partridge.
Climatic/Geographical Features
Comprises dry deciduous and moist deciduous forests.
Fringes are planted with Acacia and Teak.
Supports a dryland ecosystem with water bodies like the Chandrampalli Dam.
Features a mix of arid and semi-moist climatic conditions.
PYQ:
[2018] In which one of the following States is Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary located?
The Jharkhand Forest department has initiated a study to revive the dwindling population of Bison, popularly known as Gaur, at Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR).
About Indian Bison (Gaur)
Details
Largest and tallest species in the wild cattle family.
Scientific Name: Bos gaurus.
Indigenous to South and Southeast Asia.
Species Habitat and Location
Found in evergreen, semi-evergreen, and moist deciduous forests with open grasslands.
Prefers hilly terrains below 1,500–1,800 m with abundant water.
Distributed across India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Thailand.
Behavioural Features
Social animals living in herds of 30–40 individuals.
Strong and sturdy limbs, short tails, and inward-curved pale green/yellowish-brown horns.
Males weigh 600–1,500 kg; females weigh 400–1,000 kg.
Convex-shaped forehead; height ranges from 170–230 cm.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable.
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I.
CITES: Appendix I.
PYQ:
[2011] A sandy and saline area is the natural habitat of an Indian animal species. The animal has no predators in that area but its existence is threatened due to the destruction of its habitat. Which one of the following could be that animal?
A recent faunal survey conducted in the Munnar Wildlife Division has documented 24 new species of birds, butterflies, and odonates, enriching its biodiversity checklist.
Which are the surveyed sites?
All the surveyed national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are located in Kerala, India, specifically in the Idukki district:
Mathikettan Shola National Park (MSNP): It is a biodiversity hotspot and part of the Western Ghats.
Pambadum Shola National Park (PSNP): It is Kerala’s smallest national park and home to unique flora and fauna.
Anamudi Shola National Park (ANP): Named after Anamudi, the highest peak in South India.
Kurinjimala Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS): Located in Idukki, it protects the habitat of the Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), a flower that blooms once every 12 years.
Eravikulam National Park (ENP): Famous for the Nilgiri Tahr.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (CWLS): Situated in the rain-shadow region of the Western Ghats, near the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border in Idukki.
Key Highlights of the Survey
New Species Added: 24 new species, including birds (11), butterflies (8), and odonates (5).
Total Documentation:
Birds: 217 species recorded; checklist updated to 258.
Butterflies: 166 species recorded; checklist updated to 246.
Odonates: 5 new records, checklist updated to 58 species.
Notable Wildlife Observed: Mammals like Nilgiri Tahr, tigers, leopards, and elephants; 12 species of reptiles and amphibians.
About the Added Species
Birds:
New Additions: Brown Hawk Owl, Barred Buttonquail, Spotted Owlet, Mottled Wood Owl, Baya Weaver, Red Munia, Richard’s Pipit, Jerdon’s Bushlark, Golden-Headed Cisticola, Large Grey Babbler, Chestnut-Bellied Nuthatch.
Highlights: Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Steppe Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Indian Grey Hornbill, and Blue-eared Kingfisher.
The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) found that many states in India are facing a serious problem with high nitrate levels in groundwater.
What are the contaminants?
The assessment of India’s groundwater quality has identified several significant contaminants, primarily driven by agricultural practices, industrial activities, and natural geological factors. The key contaminants include:
Nitrates: Excessive use of nitrogen-based fertilizers in agriculture leads to high levels of nitrates in groundwater. This is the most prevalent contaminant, with over 56% of India’s districts reporting nitrate levels exceeding the safe limit of 45 mg/l.
Fluoride: Fluoride contamination is a major concern, particularly in states like Rajasthan, Haryana, and Karnataka. Approximately 9.04% of tested groundwater samples had fluoride levels above the permissible limit of 1.5 mg/l.
Arsenic: Naturally occurring arsenic in certain geological formations poses serious health risks, particularly in alluvial plains where industrial activities may exacerbate contamination.
Uranium: Elevated uranium levels have been detected in several regions, with about 6.60% of samples exceeding the safe limit of 30 ppb (parts per billion). States like Rajasthan and Punjab report significant uranium contamination.
Iron: High concentrations of iron affect groundwater quality and can lead to aesthetic issues and potential health risks when consumed in large amounts.
Other Heavy Metals: Contaminants such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and chromium are also present due to industrial discharges and improper waste management.
What was the state of groundwater in 2024?
Overall Extraction Rate: The degree of groundwater extraction across the country was reported at approximately 60.4%, indicating that this level has remained relatively stable compared to previous years. This figure reflects the percentage of groundwater resources being utilized versus what is available for extraction.
Safe Blocks: About 73% of groundwater blocks were categorized as ‘safe,’ meaning they are adequately replenished to meet extraction demands. This represents a slight increase from previous assessments.
Recharge and Availability: Total annual groundwater recharge was noted to have decreased marginally from 449 BCM (Billion Cubic Meters) in 2023 to 446.90 BCM in 2024.
The annual extractable groundwater resources slightly declined from 407.21 BCM to 406.19 BCM.
Contamination Issues: Despite improvements in some areas, challenges remain, particularly with nitrate contamination, where 440 districts were identified as having excessive nitrate levels in their groundwater.
How are groundwater levels measured?
Groundwater levels are measured using a network established by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), which includes:
Observation Wells: Approximately 26,000 observation wells are used for manual measurements of groundwater levels.
Digital Monitoring: Since 2023, around 16,000 to 17,000 piezometers equipped with digital recorders have been installed to automatically measure and transmit groundwater levels to a centralized system for real-time monitoring.
What happens if nitrate presence is high in groundwater?
Health Risks: Elevated nitrate levels can cause methemoglobinemia, also known as “blue baby syndrome,” particularly in infants under six months old. This condition reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, resulting in a bluish tint to the skin and potentially severe health complications if untreated.
Environmental Concerns: Excessive nitrates contribute to algal blooms in surface water bodies, which can deplete oxygen levels, harm aquatic ecosystems, and disrupt the balance of marine life.
Way forward:
Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Promote the use of organic fertilizers, precision farming techniques, and regulated use of nitrogen-based fertilizers to minimize nitrate leaching into groundwater.
Strengthened Monitoring and Remediation: Expand digital groundwater monitoring networks, enforce strict industrial discharge regulations, and implement remediation techniques like bioremediation and constructed wetlands to mitigate contamination.
Mains PYQ:
Q What is water stress? How and why does it differ regionally in India?(UPSC IAS/2019)
Ahead of the Mahakumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh, the Prayagraj Municipal Corporation has employed the Japanese Miyawaki technique to create dense “oxygen bank” forests, ensuring cleaner air and ecological balance for millions of devotees.
About Miyawaki Technique
The Miyawaki technique is a pioneering method for creating dense forestsin limited spaces, developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki in the 1970s.
Known as the ‘pot plantation method’, this technique mimics natural forest ecosystems by using native species planted closely together, promoting rapid growth and biodiversity.
It was developed to restore degraded ecosystems and barren lands by replicating the processes found in natural forests.
It is widely used for urban afforestation projects globally.
Significant Features:
Dense Planting: Trees and shrubs are planted close together, enabling rapid growth—up to 10 times faster than traditional methods.
Native Species: Focuses on local plant varieties to replicate the natural ecosystem.
Improved Biodiversity: Enhances species richness, supporting more flora and fauna.
Carbon Absorption: Trees absorb more carbon, helping combat urban pollution.
PYQ:
[2022] The “Miyawaki method” is well known for the:
(a) Promotion of commercial farming in arid and semi-arid areas
(b) Development of gardens using genetically modified flora
(c) Creation of mini forests in urban areas
(d) Harvesting wind energy on coastal areas and on sea surfaces
Q) The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods, and interrupted navigation. Critically examine. (UPSC CSE 2020)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on Benefits of interlinking of rivers in (2020), and ‘Advantages and challenges of River water linking ’ in (2017).
On December 25, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi started the Ken-Betwa River Link Project to address water shortage in the Bundelkhand region, covering parts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The project includes building a dam inside the Panna Tiger Reserve, causing worries about flooding the area. It plans to connect the Ken River, believed to have extra water, with the Betwa River to help the drought-hit Bundelkhand region, which had 58% forest cover back in 1938.
Today’s editorial talks about the challenges of the river linking project and what could the alternatives to address the water scarcity in India. This content can be used in GS mains paper III to substantiate the argument related to river water linking projects.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Political leaders need to understand that linking rivers causes significant environmental damage and harms rivers and deltas in the long run.
What are the environmental consequences of river interlinking projects?
Ecosystem Disruption: The construction of dams and canals can lead to the submergence of critical habitats, particularly in sensitive areas like the Panna Tiger Reserve. This threatens biodiversity and disrupts local ecosystems that depend on natural water flow patterns.
Altered Hydrology: Diverting rivers can change the natural hydrological cycle, affecting groundwater recharge and leading to increased salinity in deltaic regions.
This can have dire consequences for agriculture and local livelihoods, as seen in the case of the Indus Delta.
Loss of Eco-services: Rivers provide essential services such as sediment transport, nutrient cycling, and habitat support for various species. By treating river water as a mere resource for transfer, these projects overlook the ecological roles rivers play in sustaining biodiversity and maintaining soil fertility.
How do river interlinking initiatives affect local communities and socio-economic dynamics?
Displacement and Livelihood Loss: Projects like the Ken-Betwa initiative can displace communities living in affected areas, leading to the loss of homes and agricultural land. The Daudhan Dam alone is expected to submerge around 9,000 hectares of land, impacting numerous villages.
Water Access Disparities: While these projects aim to provide irrigation and drinking water to drought-prone areas, they may inadvertently prioritize certain regions over others, exacerbating existing inequalities.
Economic Dependency on Infrastructure: There is a risk that local economies become overly dependent on these large projects, which may not deliver sustainable benefits. The anticipated prosperity from such initiatives may not materialize if ecological degradation occurs or if the projects do not function as intended.
What alternatives exist to address water scarcity without compromising ecological integrity?
• Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM): This approach emphasizes the need for holistic management of water resources by involving local communities in decision-making processes. It focuses on sustainable practices that balance human needs with ecological health. • Modern Irrigation Techniques: Implementing efficient irrigation methods such as drip irrigation can significantly reduce water usage while maintaining agricultural productivity. Israel’s success in this area demonstrates the potential for technology to enhance water efficiency without large-scale environmental disruption. • Rainwater Harvesting and Watershed Management: Encouraging local practices like rainwater harvesting can help communities manage their own water resources sustainably. This method enhances groundwater recharge and reduces dependence on external water transfers.
Way forward:
Promote Sustainable Water Management Practices: Implement Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) with community participation, modern irrigation techniques like drip irrigation, and local solutions such as rainwater harvesting to reduce dependence on large-scale projects.
Prioritize Ecological and Social Impact Studies: Conduct comprehensive studies on the environmental and social consequences of river interlinking projects to ensure sustainable development and protect biodiversity, livelihoods, and deltaic ecosystems.
