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Subject: Conservation & Mitigation

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

  • CITES eases Export of Agarwood from India

    Why in the News?

    • India successfully prevented the inclusion of Aquilaria malaccensis (agarwood) in the Review of Significant Trade (RST) of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
      • CITES notified a new export quota for Aquilaria malaccensis from India, effective April 2024.

    What is Agarwood?

    • Agarwood (the Wood of Gods) also known as “Oud,” is a highly valuable and aromatic resinous wood produced by the Aquilaria tree.
    • The resin forms in the heartwood of the tree when it becomes infected with a particular type of mold (Phialophora parasitica).
    • This infection causes the tree to produce a dark, fragrant resin, which is highly sought after for its distinctive aroma.
    • This contains essential oils with compounds like sesquiterpenes, chromones, and phenylethyl chromone derivatives.
    • It thrives in tropical forests, at altitudes up to 1000 meters, often found in areas with high humidity and rainfall.
    • Conservation Status:
      • IUCN Status: Listed as Critically Endangered.
      • CITES: Listed in Appendix II in 1995 based on India’s proposal at CoP9 in 1994.

    Uses of Agarwood

    • It is traditionally used as incense.
    • Extracts (agarwood oil) are used in perfumes, the aroma industry, medicine, air fresheners, and purifiers.
    • Essential oil has anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, analgesic, and anti-oxidant properties.
      • Agarwood cultivation is prevalent in parts of India, especially in the Northeast.
      • This development will benefit lakhs of farmers in districts of Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, and Tripura.

    What is the issue over the inclusion of ‘Agarwood’ (Aquilaria malaccensis) in the RST of the CITES list?

    • Aquilaria malaccensis was listed in Appendix II of CITES in 1995, which means its trade is controlled to avoid utilization incompatible with its survival.
    • The RST process assesses whether trade in a species is detrimental to its survival and recommends actions to ensure sustainability.
    • India’s stance was supported by a study conducted by the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), which suggested that the harvest from wild populations should be prohibited, while allowing harvest from plantations and private/community lands.

    Arguments against Inclusion in RST

    • Controlled Harvesting: India argued that it has established controlled harvesting practices, ensuring that only cultivated agarwood is used for trade.
    • Economic Impact: Inclusion in the RST could have disrupted the livelihoods of farmers and traders who depend on agarwood cultivation, particularly in the northeastern states of Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, and Tripura.
    • Sustainable Practices: The NDF indicated that the current practices in India were sustainable and that the species was being cultivated widely, reducing pressure on wild populations.

    New Export Quota

    • Establishment of Quota: CITES notified a new export quota for agarwood from India, effective from April 2024. The quota was set at 1,51,080 kg/year for agarwood chips and powder/sawdust, and 7,050 kg/year for agarwood oil.
    • Formal Trade: The absence of an export quota for a long period had led to informal trade and increased prices. The new quota aims to regulate and legalize the trade, ensuring benefits to local growers and the economy.
    [2016] With reference to ‘Red Sanders’, sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements:

    1. It is a tree species found in a part of South India.

    2. It is one of the most important trees in the tropical rainforest areas of South India.

    Which of the statements given above is /are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • How oil spills impact the environment?  

    Why in the news?

    Typhoon Gaemi caused widespread damage in Taiwan, the Philippines, and southeastern China, leading to the sinking of the oil tanker MT Terra Nova in Manila Bay.

    MT Terra Nova Incident

    • The MT Terra Nova, an oil tanker, capsized in Manila Bay due to severe weather conditions caused by Typhoon Gaemi. It was en route to Iloilo, Philippines, when it sank, resulting in one crew member’s death and the rescue of 16 others.
    • The sinking of the MT Terra Nova has raised alarms about a potential oil spill that could become the largest in Philippine history, threatening marine life and coastal ecosystems. The spill has already spread several kilometers, prompting urgent containment efforts.
    • The Philippines’ Coast Guard and other agencies are deploying containment booms and skimmers to mitigate the environmental damage. Booms are used to slow the spread of oil, while skimmers are boats that remove oil from the water surface.

    How Oil Spills impact the environment? 

    • Immediate Effects on Marine Life: Oil spills disrupt photosynthesis in marine plants and phytoplankton, which are crucial for oxygen production. The toxic exposure from oil can harm fish and other marine animals, particularly those near the surface.
    • Impact on Birds: Oil can coat the feathers of birds, compromising their insulation and leading to hypothermia and drowning.
    • Long-term Ecological Damage: Oil spills can result in bioaccumulation of toxic substances in the food chain, affecting higher-level predators, including humans.
    • Threat to Coastal Ecosystems: Coastal habitats like mangroves, coral reefs, and marshlands are especially vulnerable, as oil can suffocate these environments and kill vital plants and animals. Recovery from spills can take decades, with some species facing extinction.
    • Economic Impact: Communities that rely on fishing and tourism suffer economically due to oil spills, as cleanup efforts are costly and lengthy, diverting resources from other critical areas.

    Major Oil Spills from the Past

    • Exxon Valdez Spill (1989): One of the worst oil spills, it released approximately 11 million gallons of crude oil into Prince William Sound, killing an estimated 250,000 seabirds, 2,800 sea otters, and numerous other marine animals.  
    • Deepwater Horizon Disaster (2010): This incident saw an estimated 210 million gallons of oil spill into the Gulf of Mexico over 87 days.  

    Conclusion: Need to implement advanced containment measures and cleanup technologies to effectively manage oil spills. This includes deploying more sophisticated skimmers and absorbent materials, as well as utilizing drones and remote sensing to monitor the spread of oil and assess environmental damage.

  • In news: Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary

    Why in the News?

    • The Gandhi Sagar sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh is the preferred location for the next batch of cheetah’s relocation plan.
      • However, Banni in the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat is also being prepared to house some of them.

    Cheetah Reintroduction in India:

    • In India, cheetahs disappeared in the early 1950s due to hunting and the loss of their habitat.
    • The ‘Action Plan for Reintroduction of Cheetah in India /Project Cheetah (2022)’ aims to bring cheetahs from African countries to various national parks.
    • It is spearheaded by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
    • Recently, cheetahs from Namibia were reintroduced in Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh.
    • Cheetah are listed as VULNERABLE by the IUCN; Schedule II of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
    • Kuno NP and Gandhi Sagar has an ideal habitat parallel to Maasai Mara (a National Park) in Kenya, suitable for cheetahs.

    About Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary

    • It is located in western Madhya Pradesh and covers an area of 368.62 sq km.
    • It is a flat rocky plateau characterized by shallow topsoil and exposed sheetrock.
    • It is divided by the Chambal River, with the Gandhi Sagar dam and reservoir within its boundaries.
    • Flora and Fauna:
      • Flora: The sanctuary features a savannah ecosystem with open grasslands interspersed with dry deciduous trees. Riverine valleys within the sanctuary support evergreen vegetation.
      • Fauna: The sanctuary is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including species like leopards, sloth bears, striped hyenas, grey wolves, golden jackals, jungle cats, Indian foxes, and marsh crocodiles.

    About Banni Grasslands:

    • The Banni Grassland is located in the Kutch district of Gujarat, covering around 3,847 square km.
    • The climate is arid and semi-arid, with extremely hot summers (temperatures above 45°C) and mild winters (12°C to 25°C), receiving 300-400 mm of annual rainfall mainly during the monsoon.
      • Flora: Grasses such as Dichanthium, Sporobolus, and Cenchrus species, with salt-tolerant plants, shrubs, and trees like Acacia and the invasive Prosopis juliflora.
      • Fauna: Indian wolf, hyena, chinkara, Great Indian Bustard, flamingos, and various raptors, reptiles, and invertebrates.
    • It is inhabited by pastoral communities like the Maldharis, who rely on livestock grazing (cattle, buffalo, and sheep) for their livelihood.
    • Agriculture is limited due to arid conditions, with some areas used for salt production.

    PYQ:

    [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?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    [2012]  Consider the following: (2012)

    1. Black-necked crane
    2. Cheetah
    3. Flying squirrel
    4. Snow leopard

    Which of the above are naturally found in India?

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

  • CPCB plans to check violations in Plastic Waste Trading Regime 

    Why in the News?

    • The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has started a national audit of about 800 plastic-waste recyclers across India.
      • This action follows the discovery that four firms in Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Gujarat issued nearly 600,000 fake certificates under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programme.

    About Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB): Overview

    • The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is a statutory organization established in September 1974.
    • It was constituted under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
    • CPCB is also entrusted with powers and functions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
    • It serves as a technical arm of the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, implementing the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

    Principal Functions:

    • Water Pollution Control:
      • Promote the cleanliness of streams and wells in different states by preventing, controlling, and abating water pollution.
      • Oversee the National Water Quality Monitoring Program to collect, collate, and disseminate technical and statistical data relating to water pollution.
    • Air Pollution Control:
      • Improve the quality of air and prevent, control, or abate air pollution in the country.
      • Conduct air quality monitoring as part of air quality management.
      • Implement the National Air Monitoring Programme (NAMP) to determine current air quality status and trends, regulate pollution from industries, and provide background air quality data for industrial siting and town planning.

    Key Initiatives and Programs:

    • National Air Monitoring Programme (NAMP): Established to monitor air quality status and trends, and to control and regulate industrial pollution to meet air quality standards.
    • National Air Quality Index (NAQI): Provides real-time air quality data and trends.
    • Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): A set of measures to be taken based on the severity of air pollution levels.
    • Clean Air Campaign: Initiatives aimed at reducing air pollution through public awareness and actionable measures.

    Role in Data Management:

    • CPCB collects, collates, and disseminates technical and statistical data related to water and air pollution.
    • Provides necessary data for regulatory and planning purposes, including industrial siting and urban planning.

    What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programme?

    • Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) means the responsibility of a producer for the environmentally sound management of the product until the end of its life.
    • India had first introduced EPR in 2011 under the:
    1. Plastic Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011
    2. E-Waste Management and Handling Rules, 2011.
    • The EPR scheme requires businesses using plastic packaging to recycle a certain percentage of the plastic used in the previous two years.

    Implementation of EPR:

    • Registration: Producers must register with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and submit an EPR plan.
    • Collection Mechanisms: Producers set up collection centers, return schemes, or partner with authorized recyclers to manage waste.
    • Documentation: Producers are required to maintain detailed records of waste collected and processed and submit regular reports to the CPCB.
    • Compliance Audits: The CPCB conducts audits to ensure that producers comply with EPR requirements.

    Function of EPR Certificates:

    • Registered plastic waste recyclers generate EPR certificates by recycling plastic waste.
    • Every tonne of plastic recycled generates a certificate.
      • According to a CPCB report in May, nearly 3.7 million tonnes of recycled plastic generated certificates.
    • In 2022-23, about 18,000 companies using plastic packaging were registered with the CPCB, aiming to recycle about 3.3 million tonnes.

    Compliance and Targets:

    • Companies must recycle 70% of the packaging used in the previous two financial years for 2022-23 and 100% for 2023-24. Non-compliance with these targets can result in fines.
    • EPR certificates are uploaded on a dedicated portal maintained by the CPCB, allowing recyclers and buyers to trade online.

    PYQ:

    [2019] In India, ‘extended producer responsibility’ was introduced as an important feature in which of the following?

    (a) The Bio-medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998

    (b) The Recycled Plastic (Manufacturing and Usage) Rules, 1999

    (c) The e-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011

    (d) The Food Safety and Standard Regulations, 2011

  • The issue with India’s tree planting schemes

    Why in the news? 

    India’s tree planting schemes have garnered attention as part of the country’s efforts to combat climate change and restore degraded ecosystems. However, these initiatives face several challenges and criticisms.

    Recent Trends of Special Conservation Drives:

    • Increased Initiatives: There has been a surge in global and national tree planting drives, such as the “One Trillion Project” by the World Economic Forum, Pakistan’s “10 Billion Tree Tsunami,” China’s “Great Green Wall,” and the “Bonn Challenge” to restore degraded landscapes.
    • High Media Attention: These drives often feature catchy slogans and glamorous campaigns that attract substantial media attention and public involvement.
    • Annual Events: India celebrates Van Mahotsava annually in July, aiming to promote tree planting and environmental conservation.

    Issues Associated with These Drives:

    • Limited Community Participation: Many programs lack significant involvement from local communities, affecting their effectiveness and sustainability.
    • Post-Planting Measures: Insufficient focus on post-planting care and monitoring hinders the success of tree planting efforts.
    • Monoculture Risks: Some drives promote monoculture, which can be detrimental to biodiversity and carbon sequestration.
    • Ecological Impact: Inappropriate tree planting in non-deforested areas like grasslands or animal habitats can damage ecosystems, increase wildfire risk, and exacerbate global warming.

    India’s Accountability and Challenges Toward Environmental Goals:

    • Achievements: India claims to have fulfilled its Paris Agreement commitments and achieved an additional carbon sink of 1.97 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
    • Encroachment and Loss: Approximately 10 million hectares of Indian forests are under encroachment, and about 5.7 million hectares have been lost for non-forestry purposes.
    • Dependence on Forests: Nearly 27.5 crore people rely on forests for subsistence, highlighting the importance of sustainable management.
    • Restoration Goals: India aims to restore 26 million hectares of degraded forests by 2030, but faces challenges such as encroachment and the need for effective tree planting strategies.

    Way forward: 

    • Community Involvement: Need to foster local participation in tree planting drives by involving communities in planning, execution, and ongoing maintenance.
    • Monitoring and Maintenance: Try to implement robust post-planting monitoring and care systems to ensure the survival and growth of planted trees.
    • Policy and Strategy Improvements: To address criticism of mass planting drives, India needs to prioritize adequate financing, active community participation, and technical considerations in forestry and restoration strategies.

  • 845 Elephant Deaths recorded in Kerala in eight years

    Why in the News?

    • Kerala’s forests have recorded 845 elephant deaths between 2015 and 2023.
      • Studies indicate an increasing trend in the death rate over time.

    Habitat and Population Challenges

    • Elephants face increasing vulnerability due to shrinking habitats and rising fragmentation exacerbated by climate change.
    • Factors contributing to their susceptibility include:
    1. Declining population sizes
    2. Sensitivity to high temperatures
    3. Competition from invasive plant species disrupting food sources
    4. Heightened susceptibility to diseases

    Elephant Mortality: Key Trends

    • Younger elephants, particularly those under 10 years of age, face the highest risk of mortality.
    • The mortality rate for calves is approximately 40%.
    • The increase in deaths among calves is primarily due to Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesviruses – Haemorrhagic Disease (EEHV-HD).

    Influence of Herd Size on Survival:

    • A recent study in Sri Lanka highlights potential mitigating factors against the herpesvirus.
    • Calves in larger herds exhibit better survival rates due to shared immunity.
    • Exposure to various virus strains within larger herds helps calves develop antibodies, improving their chances of survival.

    About Elephants in India

    Details
    Population Estimate
    • India hosts the largest population of wild Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus), with around 29,964 individuals,
    • Approximately 60% of the global population (2017 census).
    Leading States Karnataka holds the highest number of elephants, followed by Assam and Kerala.
    Conservation Status
    • IUCN Red List:  Endangered.
    • CMS: Appendix I.
    • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Listed under Schedule I,
    • CITES: Appendix I.
    Conservation Initiatives
    • Project Elephant launched in 1992, covering 23 states across India.
    • India is home to more than 60% of all wild Asian elephants.
    • Contributed to the increase in wild elephant population from around 25,000 in 1992 to about 30,000 in 2021.
    • Establishment of Elephant Reserves. Total 33 in numbers covering approximately 80,777 Sq.km.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements:

    1. The leader of an elephant group is a female.
    2. The maximum gestation period can be 22 months.
    3. An elephant can normally go on calving till the age of 40 years only.
    4. Among the States in India, the highest elephant population is in Kerala.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 4 only

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1, 3 and 4 only

  • Squalus hima: A new deep-water Dogfish Shark discovered in Kerala

    Why in the News?

    Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered a new species of deep-water dogfish shark, Squalus hima, from the Sakthikulangara fishing harbour in Kerala along the Arabian Sea.

    About Squalus hima

    • Squalus is a genus of dogfish sharks in the family Squalidae, commonly known as spurdogs, characterized by smooth dorsal fin spines.
    • The new species, Squalus hima sp. nov., has been misidentified with S. mitsukurii and S. lalannei in the past.
    • Squalus hima differs from other species by the number of precaudal vertebrae, total vertebrae, teeth count, trunk and head heights, fin structure, and fin colour.

    Comparison with Other Species

    • On the Indian coast, two species of Squalus are found from the southwest coast of India.
    • The new species, Squalus hima n.sp., is very similar to Squalus lalannei but differs in many characteristics.
    • Species in the Squalus megalops group are characterized by an angular short snout, a small mouth almost as wide as the snout, the first dorsal fin origin behind the pectoral fins, and a body without any spots.

    Economic and Conservation Implications

    • Sharks in the genus Squalus and Centrophorus are exploited for their liver oil, which contains high levels of squalene, used in high-end cosmetic and anti-cancer products.
    • Fishermen from southern India and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands harvest these sharks for their liver oil, making conservation of these species critical.

    Importance of the Discovery

    • The discovery of Squalus hima is significant for the conservation of shark species exploited for commercial purposes.
    • Dogfish sharks are commercially important for their fins, liver oil, and meat and are sometimes caught as by-catch in fisheries targeting other species.

    PYQ:

    [2019] Consider the following pairs:

    Wildlife Naturally found in
    1. Blue-finned Mahseer Cauvery River
    2. Irrawaddy Dolphin Chambal River
    3. Rusty-spotted Cat Eastern Ghats

    Which of the pairs given correctly matched?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Species in News

    Description

    Cyrtobagus salvinia
    • Context: Used to eradicate the invasive weed Salvinia molesta from the Sarani reservoir in Betul district, Madhya Pradesh.
    • Biological Details: Exotic beetle from Brazil, targets and eradicates Salvinia molesta, dies naturally post-eradication.
    • Bioremediation: Implemented by ICAR-DWR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Directorate of Weed Research), started in April 2022, completed within 15 to 18 months.
    • Economic and Social Impact: Restored livelihoods for fishermen by reviving fish populations; initial challenges included high cost and impracticality of manual removal.
    • Conservation Status: No risk, as the beetle dies naturally after eradicating the weed.

    Squalus hima

     
    • Context: Newly discovered species of deep-water dogfish shark found in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Kerala.
    • Biological Details: Genus Squalus, family Squalidae, commonly known as spurdogs; differs in vertebrae count, teeth, and fin structure from other species.
    • Discovery: Discovered by Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) at Sakthikulangara fishing harbour, Kerala; significant for new species identification and conservation.
    • Economic and Social Impact: Important for commercial products like liver oil used in cosmetics and anti-cancer products; challenges include high exploitation for liver oil, fins, and meat.
    • Conservation Status: Critical due to high commercial exploitation for liver oil, fins, and meat; important for conservation efforts.

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] Why is a plant called Prosopis juliflora often mentioned in the news?

    (a) Its extract is widely used in cosmetics.

    (b) It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grows.

    (c) Its extract is used in the synthesis of pesticides.

    (d) None of the above.

     

    [2019] Consider the following pairs:

    Wildlife Naturally found in
    1. Blue-finned Mahseer Cauvery River
    2. Irrawaddy Dolphin Chambal River
    3. Rusty-spotted Cat Eastern Ghats

    Which of the pairs given correctly matched?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Zoological Survey of India’s Report on Animal Discoveries 2023

    Why in the News?

    A report titled “Animal Discoveries 2023” by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) highlights significant new species findings in Maharashtra and across India.

    New Species in Maharashtra:

    • Maharashtra recorded 14 new animal species in 2023, with two species reported for the first time in India.
    • Notably, among the 25 Arachnid species reported for the first time in India, two belong to Maharashtra—Steatoda Erigoniformis and Myrmarachne Spissa.
    1. Steatoda Erigoniformis: It is a species of spider known for its resemblance to the more dangerous black widow spiders. They are commonly referred to as “false widow spiders.”
    2. Myrmarachne Spissa: It is part of a group of spiders that mimic ants in appearance and behaviour, a trait known as myrmecomorphy. Previously reported in Sri Lanka, Myrmarachne Spissa’s discovery in Pune marks its first report from India, highlighting the region’s biodiversity significance.

    Key Findings from the ZSI Report:

    • National Discoveries:
      • In 2023, Indian scientists reported a total of 641 new discoveries, including 442 new species and 199 new records for India.
      • This includes the discovery of 19 new genera. As of January 1, 2024, India’s faunal diversity stands at 104,561 species, with the additions in 2023 constituting 6.65% of the global faunal diversity.
    • Categories of Discoveries:
      • Invertebrates accounted for the majority of new discoveries with 564 species, while vertebrates contributed 77 species.
      • Among invertebrates, insects led with 369 new species, while vertebrates were dominated by fish with 47 species, followed by reptiles, amphibians, and mammals.
    • Regional Distribution:
      • Kerala reported the highest number of new discoveries (101), followed by West Bengal (72), Tamil Nadu (64), Arunachal Pradesh (45), Karnataka (45), and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (36).
      • Southern India consistently reports the highest number of species.

     

    Back2Basics: Zoological Survey of India

    • The ZSI was set up by British zoologist Thomas Nelson Annandale, in 1916.
    • It is the premier taxonomic research organisation in India based in Kolkata.
    • It was established to promote surveys, exploration and research leading to the advancement of our knowledge of various aspects of the exceptionally rich animal life of India.
    • The ZSI had its genesis as the Zoological Section of the Indian Museum at Calcutta in 1875.
    • Since its inception, the ZSI has been documenting the diversity and distribution of the fauna of India towards carrying out its mandate of conducting exploration-cum-taxonomic-research programmes.
    • The ZSI has published an extremely large amount of information on all animal taxa, from Protozoa to Mammalia.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] With reference to India’s Biodiversity, Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith barbet, Gray-chinned minivet and White-throated redstart are:

    (a) Birds

    (b) Primates

    (c) Reptiles

    (d) Amphibians

  • Upper Siang Hydropower Project in Arunachal Pradesh

    Why in the News?

    Activists are protesting against the Upper Siang Hydropower Project in Arunachal.

    About Upper Siang Multipurpose Storage Project

    • The Upper Siang project is a proposed 11,000 MW hydropower project on the Siang River in Arunachal Pradesh.
      • The Siang, originating near Mount Kailash in Tibet (Tsangpo), flows over 1,000 km eastward, enters Arunachal Pradesh as the Siang, and later becomes the Brahmaputra in Assam.
    • Initially proposed as two separate projects, it was consolidated into one larger project in 2017, to be built by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), featuring a 300-metre high dam.

    Strategic Importance:

    • The Upper Siang project is seen as a strategic move to counter China’s hydel projects on the Tsangpo, particularly a 60,000 MW ‘super dam’ in Tibet’s Medog county.
    • This super dam’s capacity is nearly 3x that of the Three Gorges Dam in China and is intended to divert water to northern China.

    Environmental and Social Concerns

    • Anti-dam organizations express concerns about the project’s environmental and social impact in their memorandum.
    • The memorandum highlights the threat to delicate ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and biodiversity in Arunachal Pradesh, which already hosts numerous dams.
    • The activists are particularly worried about the displacement of communities, as the project could submerge over 300 villages of the Adi tribe, including the district headquarters of Yingkiong.
    • Activists are also wary of the project’s portrayal as a national interest endeavor and are troubled by a provision in the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, which exempts strategic projects within 100 km from India’s borders from clearance requirements.

    Back2Basics: Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023

    Details
    Land Under the Purview of the Act Defines two categories of land under its purview:

    1. Land declared as forest under the Indian Forest Act or any other law, or notified as a forest after 25th October 1980.
    2. Land converted from forest to non-forest use before 12th December 1996.
    Exemptions from the Act Allows exemptions for:

    • Up to 0.10 hectares of forest land for connectivity purposes along roads and railways. 
    • Up to 10 hectares for security-related infrastructure.
    • Up to 5 hectares in Left Wing Extremism Affected Districts for public utility projects.
    • Additionally, strategic projects within 100 km of international borders, LAC, and LoC are also exempted.
    Permitted Activities in Forest Land
    • Includes conservation, management, and development efforts.
    • Activities like zoos, ecotourism facilities, silvi-cultural operations, and specified surveys are exempted from non-forest purposes.
    Assignment/Leasing of Forest Land
    • Extends the prerequisite for obtaining prior approval from the central government for the assignment of forest land to any entity, broadening the scope beyond private entities.
    • It also grants the central government the authority to stipulate the terms and conditions governing such assignments.

     

    PYQ:

    [2011] The Brahmaputra, Irrawady and Mekong rivers originate in Tibet and flow it through narrow and parallel mountain ranges in their upper reaches. Of these rivers, Brahmaputra makes a “U” turn in its course to flow into India. This “U” turn is due to:

    (a) Uplift of folded Himalayan series

    (b) Syntaxial bending of geologically young Himalayas

    (c) Geo-tectonic disturbance in the tertiary folded mountain chains

    (d) Both (A) and (B) above