💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (August 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

  • Marine Heatwave killed four million Alaska seabirds

    Why in the News?

    The 2014-2016 Pacific marine heatwave (MHW) killed over four million common murres (Uria aalge) (IUCN: Least Concerned) in Alaska. A study published in Science revealed that this event marked the largest recorded vertebrate die-off linked to warming oceans.

    About Marine Heat Waves (MHWs)

    Details
    What is it?
    • As per the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), prolonged periods of sea surface temperatures rising 3 to 4°C above average for at least five consecutive days.
    • IMD defines a marine heat wave (MHW) as a period when the sea’s temperature is above the 90th percentile(seasonally varying threshold) for at least 5 consecutive days.
    • Can last from weeks to years, depending on intensity and extent.
    • Frequency: Increasing in both occurrence and intensity due to climate change.
    • Identified as one of the most significant stressors on global marine ecosystems, causing large-scale disruptions.
    Key Observations on MHWs 2014-2016 Pacific MHW:

    • Caused the death of over 4 million common murres (Uria aalge) in Alaska, the largest vertebrate die-off linked to warming oceans.
    • Highlighted rapid and severe population declines in marine birds and a lack of ecosystem recovery even years later.
    • Increasing frequency and intensity are reshaping ecosystems, creating new survival challenges for marine species.
    • Evidence of shifts in marine environments, disrupting population dynamics.
    Impacts of MHWs On Ecosystems: 

    • Mass Mortality: Loss of habitat-forming species like kelps and corals, degrading ecosystems.
    • Trophic Cascades: Displacement of lower-trophic species and reduced ecosystem productivity.

    On Marine Species: 

    • Reduced breeding success and increased mortality.
    • Example: 2014–2016 Pacific MHW killed half the common murre population in Alaska.

    On Biodiversity: 

    • Loss of key predators disrupts food webs.
    • Threatened species face survival challenges due to limited adaptability.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] With reference to Ocean Mean Temperature (OMT), which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. OMT is measured up to a depth of 26ºC isotherm which is 129 meters in the south-western Indian Ocean during January-March.
    2. OMT collected during January-March can be used in assessing whether the amount of rainfall in monsoon will be less or more than a certain long term mean.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • Rules that still manacle the captive elephant

    Why in the News?

    The Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules contain ambiguities that could enable the illegal trade of elephants.

    What are the current welfare standards for captive elephants?

    • Legal Framework: Elephants are protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, but enforcement is weak.
      • The Kerala High Court has issued directions to ensure compliance with the Kerala Captive Elephants (Management and Maintenance) Rules, 2012, yet many elephants lack proper ownership documentation, indicating illegal possession.
    • Exploitation for Commercial Gain: Captive elephants are often used in religious festivals and tourism, which the Kerala High Court described as “commercial exploitation” devoid of concern for their well-being.
      • This exploitation is exacerbated by the competitive nature of temple festivals where the number of elephants paraded is prioritized over their welfare.
    • Physical and Psychological Impact: Captive elephants endure harsh conditions, including inadequate diets, lack of proper medical care, and exposure to stressful environments during festivals.
      • Mortality rates among captive elephants due to these factors is approximately 33% of recorded captive elephants in Kerala died between 2018 and 2024.

    What are the Kerala Captive Elephants (Management and Maintenance) Rules, 2012? 

    • The rules for captive elephants mandate age-based definitions, housing space standards, nutritional requirements (e.g., 250 kg fodder for adults), regular health monitoring, and restrictions on using elephants in the musth.
    • A management committee oversees implementation, ensuring welfare through multi-department collaboration, including forestry, veterinary, and animal welfare representatives.

    What are the ambiguities in the Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules?

    The Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024, introduced by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), aim to regulate the movement of captive elephants within and between states in India. However, these rules contain several ambiguities that raise concerns among animal rights activists and experts regarding their potential misuse

    • Ambiguity in Transfer Rules: Vague criteria for elephant transfers, such as inadequate care or potential for better maintenance, risk enabling unauthorized sales disguised as legitimate transactions.
    • Ownership Transfer Oversight: Shifting application responsibility to the deputy conservator of forests, instead of the CWW, weakens protections and facilitates improper transfers, potentially treating elephants as movable assets.
    • Transport Justification Gap: The absence of a requirement to justify temporary interstate transport allows leasing or renting of elephants, further commodifying and jeopardizing their welfare.
    • Weak Genetic Profiling: Despite mandates for recording genetic profiles, lax monitoring can enable illegal captures to be misrepresented as legitimate ownership.
    • Database Deficiency: The lack of a national database tracking ownership and genetic details of captive elephants hampers regulation and increases the risk of illegal transfers.
    • Inadequate Exploitation Safeguards: The rules fail to sufficiently prevent the commercial use of elephants in religious events or entertainment, incentivizing wild captures under false pretences.

    How do captivity conditions affect the physical and psychological well-being of elephants?

    • Physical Health: Elephants in captivity often suffer from malnutrition due to a poor diet that lacks the variety available in the wild. For instance, some are only fed glucose-rich fodder instead of a balanced diet.
    • Psychological Well-being: The social nature of elephants means that isolation and abusive training methods can lead to severe psychological distress. The use of capture belts and other coercive training devices has been criticized for causing both physical and emotional harm.
    • High Incidence of Distress: Anecdotal evidence suggests that captive elephants frequently exhibit signs of distress, including aggressive behavior or attempts to escape, which can endanger both themselves and surrounding humans.

    What reforms are necessary to improve the management and care of captive elephants? (Way forward)

    • Strengthening Regulation: There is a need for clearer regulations to prevent the commercial exploitation of elephants. The current rules allow for ownership transfers without prohibiting commercial transactions, which could facilitate illegal wildlife trade.
    • Implementation of Humane Practices: Mandating humane birth control measures and prohibiting the use of live elephants in entertainment could help reduce the number entering captivity.
      • Alternatives like electronic simulations could replace live elephants in religious ceremonies.
    • Monitoring and Accountability: The rules should require post-mortem examinations for deceased elephants during transfers to ensure accountability.
    • Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborative efforts involving civil society, government bodies, and NGOs are essential to develop comprehensive guidelines that prioritize elephant welfare over commercial interests.

    Mains question for practice:

    Q Discuss the ambiguities in the Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024 and suggest reforms needed to address these issues. (250 words) 15M

  • African Wild Cat (Leptailurus serval)

    African Wild Cat (Leptailurus serval)

    Why in the News?

    The Border Security Force (BSF) has rescued a Serval, the African wild cat (Leptailurus serval) from an alleged wildlife smuggling attempt along the India-Bangladesh border.

    About African Wild Cat (Leptailurus serval):

    Details
    About
    • Scientific Name: Leptailurus serval
    • Common Name: African Wild Cat, Serval
    • Family: Felidae
    • Physical Description: Medium-sized wild cat with a slim, long-legged body, tawny coat with black spots and stripes, and large rounded ears. Can leap 3 meters (10 feet) vertically.
    Habitat and Features
    • Found across Sub-Saharan Africa.
    • Preferred Habitats: Savannahs, grasslands, and wetlands; avoids arid regions and dense forests.
    • Diet: Carnivorous, feeding on small mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. Uses acute hearing to hunt.
    • Behavior: Solitary, nocturnal or crepuscular, and communicates through vocalizations and scent-marking.
    • Reproduction: Breeds year-round, with 2–3 kittens per litter; gestation period is 74 days.
    Conservation Status
    • IUCN Red List: Listed as Least Concern.
    • CITES: Included in Appendix II to regulate trade.

    Threats: Habitat loss, illegal hunting for fur, and conflicts with humans (e.g., poultry attacks).

     

    PYQ:

    [2015] With reference to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. IUCN is an organ of the United Nations and CITES is an international agreement between governments.
    2. IUCN runs thousands of field projects around the world to better manage natural environments.
    3. CITES is legally binding on the States that have joined it, but this Convention does not take the place of national laws.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

  • Species: Lion-Tailed Macaque

    Why in the News?

    A new study highlights that increased food provisioning and habituation to human presence endanger the lion-tailed macaque, a endangered species found only in the Western Ghats of India. Roads crossing the macaque habitats in eight key locations—Anamalai Hills, Nelliyampathy, Nilambur Ghats, Sholayar, Gavi, Sabarimala, Vallimalai Hills, and Agumbe—have facilitated frequent human-animal interaction. 

    Note: The mention of this species as a ‘critically endangered’ is a metaphor used in the newspaper. It does not represent its original IUCN Red List status.

    About Lion-tailed macaque

    Details
    • Scientific Name: Macaca silenus
    • Also known as: Lion-tailed macaque, Wanderoo, Bearded Monkey
    • Has black fur with a distinctive gray or silver mane around the face (in both sexes), often referred to as the “beard ape.”
    • Threats: Habitat loss, hunting, and wood harvesting
    • Significance: Indicator of rainforest health and an umbrella species for conserving other wildlife in its region.
    Habitat
    • Endemic to the Western Ghats in India (states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu). 
    • Primarily tropical evergreen rainforests, but they are also found in monsoon forests.
    Behavioral Features
    • Shy and Avoidant: Unlike other macaques, they tend to avoid humans when possible.
    • Arboreal and Diurnal: Spend most of their time in trees and are active during daylight.
    • Communication: Possess up to 17 vocalizations; males define territory boundaries through calls. 
    • Diet: Primarily frugivorous, but also consume leaves, stems, flowers, buds, fungi, and occasionally small animals.
    Conservation Status
    • IUCN: Endangered
    • CITES: Appendix I
    • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (India): Schedule I

    (Estimated 4,200 individuals remaining)

     

    PYQ:

    [2013] In which of the following States is lion-tailed macaque found in its natural habitat?

    1. Tamil Nadu

    2. Kerala

    3. Karnataka

    4. Andhra Pradesh

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 1, 3 and 4 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

  • Union Minister Releases India State of Forest Report, 2023

    Why in the News?

    The India State of Forest Report 2023 (ISFR 2023) was released by the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, at the Forest Research Institute in Dehradun.

    What is the Forest Survey of India (FSI)?

    • Forest Survey of India (FSI) is an organisation under the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India Its principal mandate is to conduct survey and assessment of forest resources in the country. ​
    • It started as an organization called Pre- Investment Survey of Forest Resources (PISFR) in 1965 as FAO/UNDP/GOI Project.

    What is India’s State of Forest Report?

    • This report, published biennially by the Forest Survey of India (FSI) since 1987, provides a detailed assessment of the country’s forest and tree resources using satellite data and field surveys.
    • The 2023 edition marks the 18th report in this series.

    What are the major highlights of the Report?

    • Total Forest and Tree Cover: India’s total forest and tree cover is 827,357 sq km, representing 25.17% of the country’s geographical area, with 715,343 sq km (21.76%) as forest cover and 112,014 sq km (3.41%) as tree cover.
    • Increase in Forest and Tree Cover: Since 2021, there has been an increase of 1,445 sq km in total forest and tree cover, including a 156 sq km rise in forest cover and a 1,289 sq km increase in tree cover.
    • Top States for Increase: The states with the largest increases in forest and tree cover are Chhattisgarh (+684 sq km), Uttar Pradesh (+559 sq km), Odisha (+559 sq km), and Rajasthan (+394 sq km).
    • States with Largest Forest Areas: The states with the most forest and tree cover are Madhya Pradesh (85,724 sq km), Arunachal Pradesh (67,083 sq km), and Maharashtra (65,383 sq km).
    • Mangrove Cover: India’s total mangrove cover is 4,992 sq km, reflecting ongoing efforts in mangrove conservation.
    • Growing Stock and Bamboo Resources: The total growing stock has increased by 262 million cubic meters, and the bamboo-bearing area has expanded by 5,227 sq km, totaling 154,670 sq km.
    • Carbon Stock and Sequestration: India’s forest carbon stock is estimated at 7,285.5 million tonnes, with an increase of 81.5 million tonnes. The country has exceeded its carbon sequestration targets under the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), reaching a carbon stock of 30.43 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
    • Technological Advancements: The Forest Survey of India (FSI) has implemented advanced technology for real-time fire alerts and forest fire services, improving forest management and conservation practices.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Conservation Efforts and Management: Enhance forest management practices, focusing on sustainable forest use, biodiversity conservation, and tackling deforestation, while increasing the involvement of local communities in conservation initiatives.
    • Expand Technological Innovations and Monitoring: Continue leveraging advanced technologies for real-time monitoring of forest health, including fire alerts, and expand data-driven approaches to improve forest protection, carbon sequestration, and restoration efforts.

    Mains PYQ:

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

  • India conducts first-ever Ganges River Dolphin Tagging in Assam

    Why in the News?

    • The first-ever Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) has been tagged in Assam, marking a major achievement in wildlife conservation.

    About Ganges River Dolphin:

    Details
    • Ganga River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) – Known as the “Tiger of the Ganges,” discovered in 1801.
    • Declared National Aquatic Animal in 2009 and State Aquatic Animal of Assam.
    • The announcement was made at the first meeting of the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA).
    • Habitat:  Around 90% of the species live in India, primarily in the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli river systems.
    • Features: Blind, lives in freshwater, uses ultrasonic sounds to hunt, travels in small groups, and surface every 30-120 seconds for breathing.
    Importance and Threats
    • Acts as an indicator of river ecosystem health (being the apex predator).
    • Threats: Unintentional killing through fishing gear, poaching for oil, habitat destruction, pollution (industrial waste, pesticides, noise).
    Protection Status and Government Initiatives Protection Status:

    • IUCN: Endangered
    • Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: Schedule I
    • CITES: Appendix I
    • CMS: Appendix I

    Conservation Initiatives: Project Dolphin, Vikramshila Ganges Dolphin Sanctuary (Bihar), National Ganga River Dolphin Day (October 5).

    What is Project Dolphin?

    • Launch: Announced by PM Narendra Modi on 15th August 2020.
    • Objective: Conservation of India’s riverine and oceanic dolphins.
    • Duration: 10-year initiative.
    • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change.
    • Key Objectives:
      • Safeguard India’s dolphin population by mitigating threats to riverine and oceanic species.
      • Address conservation challenges while engaging stakeholders in dolphin conservation efforts.

     

    PYQ:

    [2015] Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India?

    (a) Saltwater crocodile

    (b) Olive ridley turtle

    (c) Gangetic dolphin

    (d) Gharial

  • [pib] National Wildlife Health Policy

    Why in the News?

    The Central Zoo Authority has initiated the development of the National Wildlife Health Policy (NWHP) through a consultative workshop held in New Delhi.

    About the National Wildlife Health Policy (NWHP):

    Details
    • An initiative launched by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) to improve wildlife health and control zoonotic diseases.
      • CZA, established in 1992 under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, is a statutory autonomous body under the MoEFCCC.
    • Part of the National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-31) and follows the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health.
    Aims and Objectives
    • Prevent and Control Zoonotic Diseases: Strengthen monitoring and control of diseases.
    • Improve Disease Surveillance: Develop systems for early epidemic detection.
    • Promote One Health Principles: Integrate human, animal, and environmental health.
    • Community Advocacy: Increase awareness on wildlife health and conservation.
    Programs/Initiatives Under the Policy
    • Wildlife Health Management Unit (WHMU): A dedicated unit to implement wildlife health programs.
    • Disease Surveillance and Early Detection: Early detection of diseases, especially in protected areas.
    • Biosecurity Protocols: Strengthen measures to minimize disease risks.
    • Epidemic Preparedness and Response: Response strategies for wildlife disease outbreaks.
    • One Health Approach Integration: Coordination between health sectors for better management.
    Structural Mandate and Implementation
    • Wildlife Health Management Unit (WHMU) (proposed) to oversee wildlife health programs.
    • Collaboration Across Agencies: Coordination with MoEF&CC, Wildlife Institutes, and state wildlife authorities.
    • Surveillance and Monitoring: Monitor and track wildlife diseases, with research support from Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI).
    • Capacity Building: Training programs for wildlife health professionals.
    • Funding and Resources: Significant resources for surveillance, research, and capacity building.

  • Green hydrogen and the financing challenge

    Why in the news?

    India aims to produce 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030 to lead in the sector and reduce emissions, but the high costs of financing may hinder this goal.

    Hydrogen fuel comes in three types:

    • Grey hydrogen (produced from natural gas), Blue hydrogen (Grey hydrogen with carbon capture), and Green hydrogen (produced using renewable energy through electrolysis, with no emissions).

    What are the key financial barriers to scaling green hydrogen production?

    • High Production Costs: The cost of producing green hydrogen is significantly higher ($5.30-$6.70 per kg) compared to traditional grey/blue hydrogen ($1.9-$2.4 per kg). This price disparity makes green hydrogen economically uncompetitive and deters investment and offtake.
    • High Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC): In emerging markets like India, higher perceived risks increase borrowing costs. This results in a high WACC, which heavily influences the Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE) and the overall cost of green hydrogen production.
    • High Electrolyzer Costs: The current costs of electrolyzers, ranging from $500-1,400/kW for alkaline and $1,100-1,800/kW for proton exchange membrane systems, further strain the financial viability of green hydrogen projects.
    • Scaling Challenge: Green hydrogen production costs can only decrease with scaled production, but scaling up requires financial viability. The market faces a catch-22 situation: without economies of scale, production remains expensive, and without lowering costs, scaling is unfeasible.

    How can innovative financing mechanisms be developed?

    • Blended Finance Models: Combining public and private capital can help lower risks and make investments in green hydrogen more attractive. Government-backed financial instruments or concessional loans can reduce borrowing costs, lowering WACC.
    • Green Bonds and Climate Financing: The issuance of green bonds to raise capital for renewable energy projects can provide long-term funding at lower costs. These bonds can appeal to investors with an interest in sustainable investments.
    • Private-Public Partnerships (PPP): Collaborations between government and private sectors can help mitigate risks and ensure the financing of green hydrogen projects. To attract private investors, governments can provide financial support through incentives, subsidies, or tax breaks.
    • Carbon Credits and Offtake Agreements: Green hydrogen projects could leverage carbon credits or long-term offtake agreements to secure steady revenue streams, which would increase investor confidence and help finance production scale-up.

    What role do policy frameworks play in facilitating investment in green hydrogen?

    • Incentives and Subsidies: Government policies offering subsidies, tax incentives, or feed-in tariffs can help offset the high initial costs of green hydrogen production and encourage private investment.
    • Long-Term Policy Clarity: Clear, stable, and long-term policy frameworks provide certainty to investors, reducing perceived risks and lowering the cost of capital. Such policies could include long-term targets for green hydrogen production, financing support, and infrastructure development.
    • Regulatory Support for Innovation: Governments can encourage innovation by providing regulatory frameworks that support new technologies, such as electrolyzers and advanced hydrogen storage solutions, ensuring the rapid scaling of green hydrogen.
    • Market Creation and Demand-Driven Initiatives: Policies that create demand for green hydrogen, such as mandatory usage targets for industries like steel, transportation, or chemicals, can drive off-take agreements and ensure market stability.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (2021)

  • Olive Ridley Turtles

    Why in the News?

    Carcasses of Olive Ridley turtles have been found along the Visakhapatnam coast during their breeding season, raising concerns about their conservation.

    About Olive Ridley Turtles:

    Details
    • Olive Ridley turtles are sea turtles known for their olive-colored carapace.
    • They are carnivorous, primarily feeding on jellyfish, crustaceans, and mollusks.
    • Unique mass nesting behavior (Arribada), where thousands of females lay eggs in synchronized waves on the same beach.
    Their Habitat and Protection Status
    • Found in the warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans.
    • Largest rookery (breeding colony) is at Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, Odisha, India.
    • Other major nesting sites include Devi River mouth (discovered in 1981) and Rushikulya river mouth (discovered in 1994).
    • Protection Status:
    1. IUCN Status: Vulnerable
    2. CITES: Appendix I (No international trade)
    3. Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I (Highest level of protection)
    Conservation Efforts
    • Project Olivia by Indian Coastguard to protect the Olive Ridley turtles, especially after the Gahirmatha rookery recognition.
    • Legal protections and environmental regulations safeguard nesting sites and prevent poaching.
    • Olive Ridley Protection Program ensures the safety of nests and hatchlings.

     

    PYQ:

    [2015] Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India?

    (a) Saltwater crocodile

    (b) Olive ridley turtle

    (c) Gangetic dolphin

    (d) Gharial

  • [pib] Import of Hazardous Waste

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has provided details of the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016 to the Lok Sabha.

    About Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016:

    Details Notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

    Objective: Ensure safe storage, treatment, and disposal of hazardous wastes, minimizing harm to the environment and human health.
    Features of the Rules Import Regulations:

    1. Import of hazardous waste listed in Part A of Schedule III is permitted for recycling, recovery, reuse, and co-processing.
    2. Import for disposal is strictly prohibited in India.
    3. Import is allowed only for actual users (industries) with permission from MoEF&CC and a license from DGFT.

    Illegal Imports:

    1. Any import of hazardous waste without prior permission from MoEF&CC is illegal.
    2. Legal action can be taken under the Indian Ports Act, 1908 or the Customs Act, 1962.
    3. Ports and Customs Authorities are responsible for monitoring and taking action against illegal imports.

    Import/Export of Waste:

    1. No hazardous waste can be imported for final disposal into India.
    2. The rules specify procedures for importing and exporting hazardous waste.
    3. Exemptions are made for the export of silk waste and defective electrical/electronic components.

    Wastes Prohibited for Import:

    1. Waste edible fats and oils (animal/vegetable origin)
    2. Household waste
    3. Critical care medical equipment
    4. Tyres for direct re-use
    5. Plastic waste, including PET bottles
    6. Electrical and electronic scrap
    7. Other chemical wastes, especially in solvent form

    Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities:

    1. The rules provide clear directions on how treatment, storage, and disposal facilities should be established.
    2. SPCBs must approve layout of these facilities.
    Powers and Functions of State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)
    • Duties Assigned to State Governments: Allocate space for recycling and pre-processing of hazardous waste, and implement skill development activities for worker safety.
    • Annual Reports: State governments must submit reports on hazardous waste management to MoEFCC. SPCBs must submit an annual inventory of hazardous waste management activities to ensure compliance
    • Monitoring and Compliance: SPCBs monitor adherence to rules and take action against violations.
    • Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities: SPCBs approve and monitor facilities for hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal.

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] As per the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 in India, which one of the following statements is correct? 

    (a) Waste generator has to segregate waste into five categories.

    (b) The Rules are applicable to notified urban local bodies, notified towns and all industrial townships only.

    (c) The Rules provide for exact and elaborate criteria for the identification of sites for landfills and waste processing facilities.

    (d) It is mandatory on the part of the waste generator that the waste generated in one district cannot be moved to another district.