Lahore was declared the world’s most polluted city by air quality monitor IQAir, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 394, considered hazardous by global standards.
Delhiranks 2nd, recording an AQI of 204, also classified as “very unhealthy.”
Lahore’s AQI value exceeds the World Health Organisation (WHO) guideline by over 55.6 times.
Primary Causes of Lahore’s Severe Air Pollution:
Stubble Burning: Farmers in Punjab (India and Pakistan) burn crop residue, especially after rice harvesting, during winter to prepare fields for wheat cultivation.
Vehicular Emissions: The rise in the number of vehicles in Lahore, along with the use of low-quality fuel, results in high levels of PM2.5 emissions, a major contributor to air pollution.
Industrial Pollution: Factories and brick kilns in and around Lahore emit harmful pollutants, including particulate matter, adding to the city’s poor air quality.
Geography and Weather Conditions: Lahore’s location in a low-lying region and its geography, surrounded by hills, leads to temperature inversion during the winter, trapping pollutants near the surface and preventing their natural dispersal.
Coal-Fired Power Plants: Large power plants, such as the 1320MW Sahiwal coal-fired power plant in Punjab, part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), emit sulphur and other pollutants, significantly contributing to smog and air pollution.
Who Ranks the Most Polluted Cities of the World and How?
IQAir, a Swiss air quality monitoring company, ranks the most polluted cities based on real-time air quality data.
The rankings focus on the concentration of PM2.5 particles, which are small enough to penetrate the lungs and pose serious health risks.
Cities are ranked using the AQI scale (0-500), with AQI above 300 indicating hazardous pollution levels.
IQAir uses data from government agencies, monitoring stations, and low-cost sensors across various regions.
Real-time monitoring allows IQAir to provide up-to-date information about air pollution levels in cities around the world.
The data is compared with WHO standards, which recommend PM2.5 levels below 5 micrograms per cubic meter for healthy air quality.
PYQ:
[2021] Describe the key points of the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) recently released by the World Health Organisation (WHO). How are these different from its last update in 2005? What changes in India’s National Clean Air Programme are required to achieve revised standards?
[2015] Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three Mega cities of the country but the air pollution is much more serious probelm in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so?
The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has approved 5 crucial roads, including 4 that pass through the Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
These include a route to Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO), India’s northernmost military outpost in Ladakh, which also houses the country’s highest airstrip.
AboutKarakoram Wildlife Sanctuary:
Details
Location
Ladakh, India, situated in the eastern part of the Karakoram Range.
Area
5,000 sq km (approximately), making it one of the largest high-altitude protected areas in India.
Altitude Range
Ranges from about 4,200m to over 7,500m at the peak of Saltoro Kangri.
Climate
Characterized by a cold desert climate, with harsh winters, low temperatures, and limited vegetation.
The region experiences snowfall during winter and temperatures can drop below -20°C (-4°F).
Summer temperatures are also low, typically ranging between 5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F).
Biodiversity
Home to species like the snow leopard, Tibetan antelope (chiru), Tibetan wild ass (kiang), ibex, and blue sheep (Bharal). The sanctuary also supports migratory bird species during certain times of the year.
Flora
Sparse vegetation, with cold desert flora, including hardy grasses, shrubs, and medicinal plants.
Rivers
Shyok and Nubra Rivers flow through the Ladakh region, providing crucial water sources for the sanctuary.
Significance
Part of the larger trans-Himalayan ecosystem, offering a habitat for some of the rarest and most endangered species in the world.
Conservation Challenges
Harsh climatic conditions, limited accessibility, and poaching threats to species like the chiru, whose undercoat is highly prized.
Tourism and Access
Restricted due to its proximity to the international border with China. Special permits are required for researchers and travelers.
PYQ:
[2020] Which one of the following protected areas is well-known for the conservation of a sub-species of the Indian swamp deer (Barasingha) that thrives well on hard ground and is exclusively graminivorous?
The harvest of water chestnuts, locally known as goer has begun around “Wular Lake” in Kashmir.
About Wular Lake:
Details
Location
Bandipore district, Jammu and Kashmir
Size
Largest freshwater lake in India, second-largest in Asia
Area
Covers 200 sq. km, with a length of 24 km and breadth of 10 km
Source
Fed by the Jhelum River; Streams Madhumati and Arin.
Formation
Formed due to tectonic activity; possibly a remnant of the ancient Satisar Lake
Island formation
Features a small island called Zaina Lank, constructed by King Zainul-Abidin
Ecological Significance
Ramsar Wetland Site (since 1990), supports wintering, staging, and breeding of many bird species
Wildlife
Important for bird species like black-eared kite, Himalayan monal, Himalayan golden eagle
Fish Habitat
Accounts for 60% of the fish production in Jammu and Kashmir
Wetland status
Designated as a Wetland of International Importance in 1990 under the Ramsar Convention
Tulbul Project
Located at the mouth of Wular Lake, aims to regulate the flow of water from the lake into the Jhelum River to enhance navigation and ensure year-round water availability.
Controversial due to objections raised by Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty. Currently, the project remains stalled.
PYQ:
[2018] Which one of the following is an artificial lake?
Data indicates that Central Europe and the wealthiest nations in Asia are approaching the cancer rates from workplace exposure to carcinogens seen in Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
Carcinogens are associated with Occupational Cancer:
Asbestos: A major contributor to lung cancer and mesothelioma, responsible for the highest number of deaths is related to occupational exposure.
Benzene: Associated with leukemia and bladder cancer; prevalent in chemical industries.
Silica: Linked to lung cancer; significant exposure occurs in construction and mining.
Diesel Engine Exhaust: Contributes to lung cancer and other respiratory issues.
Secondhand Smoke: Increases risk of lung cancer among workers in smoke-exposed environments.
Arsenic, Beryllium, Cadmium, Chromium: Various cancers are associated with these substances, including kidney and lung cancers.
Data Trends on Cancer from Workplace Exposure:
Western Europe and Australasia historically had the highest rates of death from cancers attributed to workplace carcinogens. These regions have maintained the highest mortality rates for over three decades.
Southeast Asia countries like Singapore, Japan, Brunei, and South Korea have seen their cancer death rates from occupational exposure triple since 1990. This increase correlates with their growing manufacturing sectors.
In Central Europe and East Asia, death rates have doubled in Central Europe and increased by 2.5 times in East Asia since 1990. The rise is attributed to a large manufacturing economy that often lacks stringent safety regulations.
International guidelines:
World Health Organization (WHO): The WHO emphasizes the need for primary prevention by avoiding exposure to carcinogens. They recommend specific interventions, such as banning asbestos and introducing benzene-free alternatives. WHO also advocates for comprehensive national cancer control programs that include occupational health standards.
International Labour Organization (ILO): The ILO has established conventions and recommendations aimed at preventing occupational hazards caused by carcinogenic substances. These include:
Replacement of carcinogenic substances with less dangerous alternatives.
Establishing lists of prohibited or controlled carcinogens.
Implementing medical surveillance and exposure monitoring
Way forward:
Strengthen Regulations and Enforcement: Implement and enforce stricter occupational health and safety regulations, including banning or limiting the use of known carcinogens, such as asbestos and benzene, and promoting safer alternatives in industries.
Enhance Awareness and Training: Develop comprehensive training programs for workers and employers on the risks of carcinogens, safe handling practices, and the importance of regular health monitoring to prevent occupational cancers.
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? (UPSC CSE 2021) Q) Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at World Leaders Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November, 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)? (UPSC CSE 2021)
Mentor’s Comment: After the U.K. committed to phasing out coal by 2025, it had already reduced coal usage to just 20% of its energy needs. The country focused on a comprehensive transition that supported the workforce and the communities reliant on coal.
In contrast, India has set a longer timeline of 45 years (until 2070) to reach net zero emissions and has made significant strides in increasing renewable energy capacity. However, coal usage has also risen, necessitating the establishment of clear timelines for shutting down coal plants and implementing regional redevelopment programs.
This is crucial as many coal-dependent areas in India are among the poorest. In today’s editorial, we need to ensure an inclusive and fair transition. India needs a well-planned, transparent approach that addresses the unique challenges faced by these communities.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The closure of the UK’s last coal-fired power plant marks a significant milestone in the global transition to clean energy, reflecting a broader paradigm shift away from coal reliance.
However, this transition has faced challenges and requires tailored strategies for developing nations, as the UK’s experience illustrates a complex history influenced by environmental legislation and geopolitical factors over several decades.
Key Highlights of India’s Performance at Glasgow COP26 Summit:
•Net Zero Commitment: India announced its first-ever net zero emissions target for 2070, which was seen as a significant but late commitment compared to other countries aiming for 205013. •Five Key Targets: Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined five commitments (Panchamrit) for India, including: 1. Achieving 500 GW of non-fossil electricity capacity by 2030. 2. Meeting 50% of energy needs from renewable sources by 2030. 3. Reducing total projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes by 2030. 4. Reducing emissions intensity of GDP by 45% from 2005 levels by 2030. •Focus on Developed Nations: India’s stance emphasized the responsibility of developed countries to provide climate finance and technology transfer, reflecting a call for equity and climate justice in global efforts45. •Criticism: While some activists criticized the 2070 target as insufficiently ambitious, it was viewed positively within India, highlighting the country’s recognition of its role in global climate action amidst its developmental needs13.
Present Dilemma: India and the U.K. are on different paths toward achieving net zero emissions, with India advocating for “phasing down” coal rather than an outright phase-out, as seen at the 2021 Glasgow COP where it pledged to reach net zero by 2070 and meet half its energy needs from renewables by 2050.
Present Status of Cumulative Emissions:
An analysis by Carbon Brief indicated that the U.K. has emitted 10.4 billion tonnes historically, ranking it fourth globally due to its colonial carbon footprint.
India’s per capita emissions were 2 tonnes in 2023, which is less than half the global average (4.6 tonnes) and about a third of the U.K.’s per capita emissions (5.5 tonnes) despite having a population over 20 times larger.
India relies heavily on coal for energy, with about 70% of its energy output coming from coal-fired plants, and it has more than 350 operational mines.
The coal sector employs around 340,000 miners directly, with additional jobs in thermal power plants, highlighting the economic implications of transitioning away from coal.
India’s coal production and consumption are expected to peak between 2030 and 2035, while the country aims to increase its renewable energy capacity significantly.
Despite rising coal use, India is also rapidly expanding its renewable energy capacity, aiming for a balanced approach to meet growing energy demands while addressing climate goals.
India’s Coal Story:
In 1774: India’s first coal mine, the Raniganj coalfield was by the British East India Company, leading to extensive coal extraction across eastern and central states.
In 1920: The Hussain Sagar Thermal Power Station, India’s first coal-fired power plant (1920), began operations, followed by the Trombay power station in 1956, which solidified thermal power as a primary energy source.
In 2022: Britain’s per capita energy consumption was nearly three times that of India, highlighting disparities in energy usage.
At Present, approximately 70% of India’s energy output comes from coal, with around 218 GW of installed capacity and over 350 operational mines, alongside plans for 120 new mines.
What lessons can India learn from the UK’s coal phase-out?
Just Transition Planning: The U.K.’s transition involved comprehensive plans to support displaced workers, highlighting the need for India to develop similar strategies to mitigate socio-economic impacts, especially for informal workers who make up a significant portion of the coal workforce.
Regional Economic Diversification: The U.K. implemented regional redevelopment plans to support areas reliant on coal.
India must also create economic diversification strategies for coal-dependent regions, ensuring new industries can thrive in these communities.
India can leverage existing welfare programs to provide targeted support for communities affected by coal phase-out, ensuring a safety net during the transition period.
Clear Transition Timelines: The U.K. set clear timelines for phasing out coal, which facilitated planning and adaptation in the power sector. India should establish transparent timelines for decommissioning coal plants and transitioning to renewables.
Investment in Renewable Energy: The U.K. successfully increased its renewable energy capacity during its coal phase-out.
India must continue to invest in and expand its renewable energy infrastructure to reduce dependence on coal while meeting energy demands.
India should focus on tailored training programs that align with local job market needs and community involvement.
Community Engagement: Engaging local communities in planning and decision-making processes is crucial. This ensures that the transition addresses specific local needs and concerns, fostering broader support for change.
Way Forward:
Sectoral Diversification: Identify and promote alternative sectors such as agriculture, tourism, pisciculture, food processing, and non-timber forest products to reduce reliance on coal. For example, repurposing abandoned mines for fish farming has shown potential in regions like Jharkhand.
Infrastructure Development: Invest in infrastructure improvements, including transportation and healthcare, to support new economic activities and enhance overall community resilience.
Attract Investment: Create a business case for post-coal economic activities that can attract private investment. This includes developing a clear plan for transitioning to alternative industries that can generate revenue and employment.
Decentralized Planning: Establish district-level transition committees to create tailored short-, medium–, and long-term plans for economic diversification, ensuring that local contexts are considered.
The Maharashtra government allocated 255.9 acres of salt pan land across three parcels in Mumbai’s eastern suburbs for rental housing under the Dharavi Redevelopment Project.
What is Salt pans?
Salt pans are low-lying coastal areas used for salt cultivation, acting as natural sponges that absorb rainwater and support diverse ecosystems while mitigating flooding.
What is the Maharashtra government doing to relocate people?
Allocation of Land for Housing: The Maharashtra government has issued a Government Resolution (GR) allocating 255.9 acres of salt pan land for the construction of rental housing as part of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project. This land is to be used for slum rehabilitation and affordable housing for economically weaker sections.
Lease Agreement: The land parcels will be leased to the Maharashtra government for 99 years, with the objective of providing housing for residents displaced from Dharavi.
Involvement of Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV): The Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private Limited (DRPPL), in which an Adani Group entity holds 80% stake and the State government has a 20% stake, is responsible for the construction and resettlement of laborers working on the land.
Concessional Rate for Land: The land is being provided at a concessional rate of 25% of the prevailing market rate, making it more accessible for development.
Why is the move controversial?
Environmental Concerns: Urban planners and environmentalists have raised concerns about the lack of an impact assessment study before developing large parcels of salt pan land.
Risk of Ghetto Formation: Critics argue that relocating residents to different parts of the city, rather than in-situ rehabilitation (keeping them in their original areas), could lead to the formation of ghettos and further social segregation.
Are salt pan lands ecologically important?
Ecological Role: Salt pan lands are vital as salt marshlands that serve as holding ponds, absorbing rainwater and acting as natural sponges, thereby helping to mitigate flooding.
Biodiversity: These areas support diverse flora and fauna, contributing to the ecological balance of coastal regions.
Natural Defense: The salt pan lands provide a coastal area’s natural defense against flooding and other environmental hazards, highlighting their importance in maintaining regional ecological health.
Way forward:
Integrate Environmental Assessments with Development Planning: The Maharashtra government should implement a framework that integrates environmental impact assessments into the planning process for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project.
Adopt a Community-Centric Approach to Resettlement: The government should engage with affected communities to explore in-situ rehabilitation options and gather input on their housing needs.
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released the “EnviStats India 2024: Environment Accounts” Report.
What is the EnviStats India 2024 Report?
The EnviStats India 2024 Report, released by the MoSPI, is the 7th consecutive publication.
It compiles environmental-economic accounts based on the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) Framework.
This framework provides a global standard for integrating environmental data with economic statistics, offering insights into the country’s natural resources, ecosystems, and environmental sustainability efforts.
Key Highlights:
Details
Protected Areas (SDG 13 & SDG 15)
– 72% increase in the number of Protected Areas (2000-2023)
– 16% increase in the area of Protected Areas, reflecting biodiversity conservation efforts.
Mangrove Cover (SDG 13 & SDG 15)
– 8% increase in mangrove cover (2013-2021), highlighting positive growth in coastal ecosystem protection.
Ocean Accounts (SDG 14: Life below Water)
– Introduced for the first time, covering the extent and condition of ocean ecosystems.
Energy Use & Physical Asset Accounts (SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy & SDG 13: Climate Action)
– Includes Physical Asset Accounts and Physical Supply and Use Tables for Energy, aligned with SEEA-Energy Framework, and data from ministries like Coal and Petroleum.
Soil Nutrient Index (SDG 2: Zero Hunger)
– Updated data on Soil Nutrient Index based on the Soil Health Card 2023-24, reflecting soil health and agricultural sustainability.
Biodiversity & Species Richness (SDG 15: Life on Land)
– Data on faunal and floral diversity, including endangered species like Leopards and Snow leopards, connecting to biodiversity conservation.
Policy Recommendations
The EnviStats India 2024 Report suggests several policy directions based on its findings:
Biodiversity Protection: Strengthen community-led conservation and expand protection of critical ecosystems.
Ocean Ecosystem Management: Use Ocean Accounts for sustainable marine resource management and pollution control.
Soil Health: Encourage sustainable farming practices and better soil management, leveraging Soil Health Cards for improved productivity.
Integrated Planning: Focus on species conservation, habitat restoration, and genetic conservation through data-driven planning.
Since February this year, hundreds of copies of the Environment Ministry’s elephant census report — “Status of Elephant in India 2022-23” — have remained unreleased, with the government attributing the delay to pending census data from the Northeast.
Findings of the Elephant Census Report:
Significant Drop in Population: The report shows a 20% drop in India’s elephant population since 2017. The Central Indian and Eastern Ghats recorded a 41% dip, with some states like Southern West Bengal (84%), Jharkhand (68%), and Orissa (54%) experiencing major declines.
Regional Breakdown: The Western Ghats also saw a decline of 18%, particularly in Kerala, where the population fell by 51%. The Shivalik hills and Gangetic plains recorded only a slight drop (2%), while the Northeast’s data was not updated, but is expected to see a reduction when properly modeled.
Developmental Pressures: The report identified “mushrooming developmental projects,” particularly unmitigated mining, linear infrastructure construction, and habitat fragmentation, as key threats to elephants.
Poaching, railway collisions, and electrocution were other significant risks.
Fragmentation of Habitats: The once-contiguous populations, particularly in the Western Ghats and Central India, are becoming increasingly fragmented due to land-use changes, such as plantations, fencing, and human encroachment.
Threats in the Northeast: Elephants in the Northeast are under threat from a mosaic of human habitation, plantations, mines, and oil refineries. Poaching for ivory is a serious issue in this region.
Note: “Mushrooming developmental projects” refers to the rapid, often uncontrolled expansion of infrastructure and industrial activities, such as mining, road construction, and urbanization, which disrupt ecosystems and natural habitats, impacting biodiversity.
Why Was the Report Shelved After Being Printed?:
Delay in Northeast Data: The government cited delays in completing the census in the Northeast region as the primary reason for not releasing the report.
The methodology and data collection, including advanced techniques like DNA profiling and camera traps, were not fully implemented in the region due to logistical challenges.
Interim Status: The Ministry stated that the current report is an interim version and the final report, including Northeast data, is expected by June 2025. There is a reluctance to release incomplete data until a uniform methodology is applied across all regions.
What are the implications of this decline for elephant on conservation efforts?
Need for Urgent Action: The significant decline in elephant populations, especially in the Central and Eastern regions, signals an urgent need for conservation strategies, including habitat restoration and strengthened protection measures.
Impact of Development: The report emphasizes the need to address the impacts of developmental projects, which have severely fragmented elephant habitats, increasing human-elephant conflict and other risks such as poaching.
Reevaluation of Conservation Policies: The findings suggest the necessity for reevaluating conservation policies to focus on maintaining elephant corridors, mitigating the impact of infrastructure projects, and fostering community support for conservation.
Scientific Modelling: The shift to more sophisticated scientific modelling of elephant populations (mark-recapture techniques).
Focus on Fragmented Landscapes: Future conservation strategies must address the fragmentation of landscapes, particularly in critical areas like the Eastern Ghats, Western Ghats, and the Northeast, to reconnect elephant habitats and ensure their long-term survival.
Conclusion: The Elephant Census Report reveals a worrying decline in populations due to habitat fragmentation and developmental pressures. Urgent action is needed to restore habitats, strengthen protection, and reevaluate conservation policies to ensure long-term elephant survival.
