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Subject: Conservation & Mitigation

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

  • Bengal Florican: The Last Dance in Shrinking Grasslands

    Why in the News?

    The Bengal Florican, a rare grassland bird, is facing severe population decline, with fewer than 1,000 individuals remaining worldwide due to shrinking floodplain grasslands.

    About Bengal Florican

    • Scientific Name: Houbaropsis bengalensis
    • Type: Bustard species
    • Habitat:
      • Alluvial floodplain grasslands
      • Gangetic Brahmaputra plains

    Grass species in habitat:

    • Imperata cylindrica
    • Saccharum spontaneum
    • Saccharum bengalense
    • Desmostachya bipinnata

    Unique Behaviour

    • Male performs vertical jumps
    • Displays wing movements and vocal calls
    • Known as Lekking behaviour
      • Multiple males display together
      • Attract females

    Local Names:

    • Assamese: Ulu mora
    • Bodo: Daotriling

    Distribution

    India

    Major strongholds:

    • Dudhwa National Park (Uttar Pradesh)
    • Manas National Park (Assam)
    • Kaziranga National Park
    • Orang National Park
    • Dibru Saikhowa National Park
    • Majuli river islands
    • Arunachal Pradesh grasslands

    Outside India

    • Nepal
    • Cambodia (Tonle Sap floodplain)

    Why Bengal Florican is Important

    • Indicator species for grassland ecosystem
    • Flagship species for South Asian grasslands
    • Helps maintain ecological balance
    [2020] With reference to India’s Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct? 1 It is spread over two districts. 2 There is no human habitation inside the Park. 3 It is one of the natural habitats of Great Indian Bustard. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • World Bank report suggests “New Water-Food Nexus Framework” for smarter hydrological use to feed 10 billion people

    Why in the News?

    In March 2026, the World Bank released a landmark report titled “New Water-Food Nexus Framework” ahead of World Water Day. The report warns of a “Global Water Bankruptcy,” stating that current water management can sustainably support food for only 3.4 billion people, far short of the 10 billion projected by 2050.

    Economic Impact of Productivity:

    • A 10% increase in agricultural productivity can lead to a 2.5–3% reduction in poverty.
    • Expanding irrigation in rainfed areas could potentially create 245 million jobs globally.

    Global Water Bankruptcy:

    • The UN and World Bank warn that water crises are no longer “temporary” but a structural state of bankruptcy.
    • South Asia (including India) is flagged for overexploiting resources, while Sub-Saharan Africa is noted for underusing available water.

    The “New Water-Food Nexus Framework”: 

    • The report categorizes nations into four quadrants to guide policy:
      • Water-secure food exporter: Abundant water, exports calories (e.g., Brazil).
      • Water-secure food importer: Has water but relies on trade for food.
      • Water-stressed food exporter: High water risk but remains a major exporter (India falls here).
      • Water-stressed food importer: Lacks water and relies on imports (e.g., Middle East).
    [2023] Consider the following statements: 
    Statement-I: According to the United Nations’ ‘World Water Development Report, 2022’, India extracts more than a quarter of world’s groundwater withdrawal each year. 
    Statement-II: India needs to extract more than a quarter of the world’s groundwater each year to satisfy the drinking water and sanitation needs of almost 18% of world’s population living in its territory. 
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? 
    (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

  • Should Kerala Capture Muttikomban or Promote Coexistence?

    Why in the news?

    The Kerala Forest Department is attempting to capture the wild elephant Muttikomban in Vadakkanad, Wayanad district, with plans to confine it in a kraal at Muthanga and convert it into a Kumki elephant, triggering scientific, legal and conservation concerns.

    Why Is Muttikomban Being Targeted?

    • Repeated crop damage in farms and plantations
    • Frequent movement into settlements
    • Recent death of farmer Rajeev
    • Locals suspect Muttikomban responsible

    However

    • No scientific evidence linking elephant to death
    • No camera trap or forensic confirmation
    • No record of previous human killing

    What Is a Kraal?

    • Wooden enclosure used to confine wild elephants
    • Used during taming and training process
    • Step before conversion into Kumki elephant

    What Is a Kumki Elephant?

    • Trained captive elephant
    • Used to control wild elephants
    • Used during capture operations
    • Used in forest management

    Why Are Experts Opposing Capture?

    Legal Concerns

    • Wildlife Protection Act 1972
    • Capture allowed only as Last Resort
    • Requires Verified Threat Evidence
    • Experts say Legal criteria not met

    Ethical Concerns

    • Stress during tranquilisation
    • Captivity of wild elephant
    • Possible Violation of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act

    [2022] With reference to Indian laws about wildlife protection, consider the following statements: 
    1 Wild animals are the sole property of the government. 
    2 When a wild animal is declared protected, such animal is entitled for equal protection whether it is found in protected areas or outside. 
    3 Apprehension of a protected wild animal becoming a danger to human life is sufficient ground for its capture or killing. 
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 
    (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) 3 only

  • New Butterfly Species Named After Zubeen Garg

    Why in the news?

    A new butterfly species discovered in Arunachal Pradesh’s Leparada district has been named Euthalia zubeengargi in honour of Zubeen Garg, a cultural icon of Assam, whose death on September 19, 2025 triggered widespread public reaction.

    What Is the Newly Discovered Butterfly Species?

    • Scientific Name: Euthalia zubeengargi
    • Common Name Proposed: Basar Duke
    • Genus: Euthalia
    • Habitat: Semi evergreen forests
    • Elevation Range: 600 to 750 metres
    • Location: Leparada district, Arunachal Pradesh

    Why Is the Discovery Important?

    • Only Two Male Individuals recorded
    • One Collected Specimen
    • One Photographed in Wild
    • Indicates Rare or Highly Localised Species
    • Found in Forest Ecosystem of Eastern Himalayas

    [2016] Recently, for the first time in our country, which of the following States has declared a particular butterfly as ‘State Butterfly’? 
    (a) Arunachal Pradesh (b) Himachal Pradesh (c) Karnataka (d) Maharashtra

  • Smog-Eating Photocatalytic Coating

    Why in the News

    • The Delhi Government and IIT Madras are collaborating to study smog eating photocatalytic coatings on roads to reduce urban air pollution.

    What is Smog-Eating Photocatalytic Coating

    • A special coating applied on roads and buildings
    • Designed to neutralize harmful pollutants in the air
    • Targets:
      • Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂)
      • Volatile hydrocarbons
      • Other toxic gases

    Compound Used

    Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂)

    • Most commonly used material
    • Advantages:
      • Low cost
      • Chemically stable
      • Durable
      • Compatible with construction materials

    Working Mechanism

    Photocatalysis Process

    • Sunlight activates Titanium dioxide
    • Chemical reactions break down pollutants
    • Converts harmful gases into:
      • Less toxic substances
      • Harmless compounds

    Result:

    • Cleaner air
    • Reduced smog levels
    • Environmental cleaning

    Applications

    • Roads, Buildings, Pavements, Flyovers, and Public infrastructure

    Benefits

    • Reduces urban air pollution
    • Passive pollution control
    • Low maintenance
    • Cost effective
    • Sustainable technology
    [2013] Photochemical smog is a resultant of the reaction among: (a) NO 2 ​ , O 3 ​ and peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) in the presence of sunlight (b) CO 2 ​ , O 2 ​ , and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight (c) CO, CO 2 ​ , and NO 2 ​ at low temperature (d) high concentration of NO 2 ​ , O 3 ​ and CO in the evening

  • Our water challenge is stark. Here are four ways to reimagine the solutions

    Why in the News?

    India’s water crisis has reached a critical threshold, with per capita availability nearing scarcity levels and over 80% districts exposed to hydro-meteorological disasters. A major shift is being proposed, from viewing water as a free resource to treating it as a strategic economic asset.

    Why is India’s water crisis structurally alarming?

    1. Resource Imbalance: India supports 18% global population with 4% freshwater, indicating structural scarcity.
    2. Declining Availability: Per capita availability dropped from 1,816 (2001) to 1,486 cubic metres (2021); projected to approach 1,000 cubic metres by 2050.
    3. Climate Variability: Monsoon patterns exhibit unpredictability, with increased rainfall intensity but fewer rainy days, causing floods and droughts simultaneously.
    4. Disaster Vulnerability: Over 80% of the population lives in districts prone to hydro-meteorological disasters.
    5. Groundwater Stress: India is the largest extractor of groundwater globally, leading to depletion and unsustainable use.

    How does mismanagement aggravate the water crisis?

    1. Agricultural Inefficiency: Agriculture consumes ~90% of freshwater, dominated by water-intensive crops like rice and sugarcane.
    2. Policy Distortions: Subsidies on water, power, and fertilizers incentivize inefficient usage.
    3. Urban Mismanagement: Urbanization increases runoff, reduces groundwater recharge, and intensifies flooding risks.
    4. Wastewater Neglect: Only 28% of wastewater is treated, leading to pollution and loss of reusable water.
    5. Infrastructure Deficit: Lack of integrated water systems limits storage, reuse, and efficient distribution. 

    Why must water be redefined as an economic resource?

    1. Economic Transformation: Recognizing water as a strategic national asset ensures efficient allocation across sectors.
    2. Governance Shift: Moves from free-resource perception to regulated and priced commodity.
    3. Incentive Alignment: Pricing mechanisms discourage overuse and encourage conservation.
    4. Sectoral Efficiency: Enables prioritization of high-value economic uses over inefficient consumption. 

    What broad strategic approach is required before detailing specific solutions?

    1. Paradigm Shift in Water Governance: Recognises water as a finite economic and ecological resource, not a free good, ensuring efficient allocation and accountability.
    2. Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM): Ensures holistic coordination across sectors (agriculture, urban, industry) and scales (local to national) for sustainable use.
    3. Demand-side Management Focus: Prioritises efficiency and conservation over supply expansion, especially in agriculture and urban consumption.
    4. Ecosystem-based Approach: Strengthens natural water systems (forests, wetlands, soils) to enhance recharge, storage, and resilience.
    5. Decentralised and Participatory Governance: Empowers local institutions, communities, and stakeholders for context-specific water management.
    6. Technology and Data-driven Management: Facilitates real-time monitoring, digital water accounting, and evidence-based policymaking.
    7. Circular Economy Orientation: Promotes reuse, recycling, and recovery of wastewater, reducing pressure on freshwater sources.

    How can green water and ecosystem-based approaches help?

    1. Green Water Concept: Soil moisture (rainfed water) constitutes ~60% of rainfall storage globally, critical for agriculture.
    2. Soil Degradation: Chemical-intensive farming reduces soil’s water retention capacity.
    3. Nature-based Solutions:
      1. Mulching, no-till farming: Enhances moisture retention
      2. Agroforestry: Improves soil structure and water holding
    4. Forest Conservation: Protects upstream ecosystems and ensures downstream water availability.
    5. National Green Water Mission: Enables integrated landscape-based water management. 

    How can agriculture transition towards water efficiency?

    1. Crop Diversification: Shift from water-intensive crops to millets, pulses, oilseeds.
    2. Irrigation Reform: Adoption of micro-irrigation (drip, sprinkler) systems.
    3. Subsidy Rationalisation: Reduces distortion in cropping patterns.
    4. Water Productivity: Aligns cropping with agro-climatic suitability.
    5. Data Insight: Agriculture uses nearly 90% water, yet contributes disproportionately lower economic output. 

    What role can circular water economy play?

    1. Wastewater Reuse: Only 28% treated currently, indicating large untapped potential.
    2. Economic Potential: Treated wastewater could unlock a ₹3.2 lakh crore market by 2047.
    3. Industrial Reuse: Reduces freshwater demand in industries.
    4. Biogas & Fertiliser Recovery: Converts waste into energy and nutrients.
    5. Private Participation: Encourages PPP models in wastewater treatment infrastructure.

    How should urban water management be redesigned?

    1. Sponge Cities Model: Cities absorb, store, and reuse rainwater through green infrastructure.
    2. Blue-Green Infrastructure:
      1. Wetlands
      2. Urban forests
      3. Permeable surfaces
    3. Flood Mitigation: Reduces runoff and urban flooding risks.
    4. Case Example: Restoration of ecosystems like Yamuna Biodiversity Park enhances resilience.
    5. Urban Expansion Challenge: Built-up area has increased by one-third since 2005, reducing natural recharge.

    What governance reforms are required in water sector?

    1. Decentralised Governance: Empowers local bodies for water management.
    2. Digital Infrastructure: Enables real-time water accounting and monitoring.
    3. Transparent Pricing: Ensures cost recovery and discourages wastage.
    4. Regulatory Framework: Strengthens enforcement against illegal extraction.
    5. Swachh Bharat Mission 3.0: Targets decentralized wastewater management. 

    Conclusion

    India’s water crisis reflects systemic inefficiencies rather than absolute scarcity. A shift towards economic valuation, ecosystem restoration, efficient agriculture, and circular water systems is essential. Integrated governance and behavioural change remain critical for long-term sustainability.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2023] Why is the world today confronted with a crisis of availability of and access to freshwater resources?

    Linkage: The PYQ tests understanding of water resource distribution, scarcity, and management challenges under GS1 (Geography) and GS3 (Environment & Agriculture). It directly aligns with India’s water crisis driven by overuse, mismanagement, and climate variability, as highlighted in the article.

  • Rising CO₂ Threatens Mangrove Fish Nurseries 

    Why in the News

    • A study in AGU Advances highlights declining oxygen levels in mangrove waters due to rising CO₂.

    Key Concept: Hypercapnic Hypoxia

    • Condition of: High CO₂ + Low dissolved oxygen
    • Occurs in: Mangrove estuaries (especially low tide, tropical regions)

    Major Findings

    • By 2100:
      • Oxygen ↓ 5–35%
      • CO₂ ↑ 8–60%
    • Events will:
      • Become 15× more frequent
      • Last longer (12–24 hours at 78% sites)

    Impact on Ecosystem

    1. Fish Nurseries at Risk

    • Reduced safe time for fish entry
    • Decline in juvenile fish survival

    2. Biodiversity Loss

    • Shift away from: Large reef-associated fish
    • Affects commercially important species

    3. Fisheries Impact

    • Mangroves: Support ~20,000 extra fish/ha/year
    • ~4 million fishers depend globally
    [2012] The acidification of oceans is increasing. Why is this phenomenon a cause of concern? The growth and survival of calcareous phytoplankton will be adversely affected. The growth and survival of coral reefs will be adversely affected. The survival of some animals that have phytoplanktonic larvae will be adversely affected. The cloud seeding and formation of clouds will be adversely affected. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

  • FSI Stops AI-Based Deforestation Alerts to States

    Why in the News

    The Forest Survey of India (FSI) has stopped issuing fortnightly deforestation alerts through its AI-based Anavaran Deforestation Alert System. The portal has not been updated since November 2025.

    What was the Anavaran System?

    • An AI and satellite-based monitoring system launched in January 2024.
    • Provided deforestation alerts every 15 days to states.
    • Alerts included precise geographic coordinates where forest cover loss was detected.

    Purpose:

    • Enable quick field inspections by forest officials.
    • Improve near-real-time monitoring of deforestation.

    Technology Used

    The system used remote sensing and machine learning:

    • Google Earth Engine
    • Sentinel-2
    • Sentinel-1

    Features:

    • Optical satellite imagery (Sentinel-2).
    • Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data from Sentinel-1 for cloudy or monsoon conditions.
    • Machine learning algorithms compared before-and-after images to detect forest loss.

    Performance of the System

    • 12,351 alerts issued between Jan 2024 and Oct 2025.
    • Average alerts per month: 561
    • Alerts increased to 1,028 per month during Nov–March, when deforestation peaks.

    Why Alerts Were Stopped

    • According to FSI officials:
      • The system was only a pilot project.
      • The government is currently reviewing feedback from states on its usefulness.
      • Active monitoring reportedly stopped in January 2026.

    Comparison with Global Systems

    • The system was considered similar to Terra‑I, used in countries like Peru. However, Anavaran had higher spatial resolution:
      • 10–20 metre resolution (Sentinel satellites)
      • Terra-I: 250 metre resolution

    Other Forest Monitoring Systems in India

    • Van Agni Portal
    • Fire alerts using satellite data have been operational since 2004.
    [2015] In which of the following activities are Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites used? 1. Assessment of crop productivity 2. Locating ground water resources 3. Mineral exploration 4. Telecommunications 5. Traffic studies Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 4 and 5 only (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

  • Cheetah Population in India Crosses 50 Under Project Cheetah

    Why in the News

    A Namibian cheetah Jwala gave birth to five cubs at Kuno National Park, taking India’s total cheetah population to 53. The development is a major milestone under Project Cheetah.

    Key Highlights

    • Five cubs born to Namibian cheetah Jwala.
    • Recently, another cheetah Gamini delivered four cubs at the same park.
    • Total cheetah population in India: 53.
    • Indian-born cubs: 33.
    • Successful litters in India: 10.

    About Project Cheetah

    • Launched on 17 September 2022 by Narendra Modi.
    • Eight cheetahs were translocated from Namibia to Kuno National Park.
    • Aim: Reintroduce cheetahs in India after extinction.

    Background

    • Cheetahs became extinct in India in 1952 due to hunting and habitat loss.
    • The species is the fastest land animal.

    Objectives of the Programme

    • Restore the cheetah population in India.
    • Re-establish a functional grassland ecosystem.
    • Promote wildlife tourism and conservation awareness.
    • Improve genetic diversity and species recovery.
    [2024] Consider the following statements: Lions do not have a particular breeding season. Unlike most other big cats, cheetahs do not roar. 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

  • 204 of 238 Indian Cities Failed to Meet Air Quality Standards

    Why in the News

    A report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) analysing Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data found that 204 out of 238 Indian cities exceeded national air quality standards during winter 2025–26.

    Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA)Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) is an independent international research organisation that focuses on energy, air pollution, and climate change analysis. It is widely cited in global media and policy discussions for its data-driven assessments of fossil fuel use, emissions, and air quality impacts.

    Key Findings of the Report

    • Most Polluted Cities
      • Top cities with the highest PM2.5 concentration: Ghaziabad – 172 µg/m³, Noida – 166 µg/m³, and Delhi – 163 µg/m³
      • Other highly polluted cities include: Greater Noida, Bahadurgarh, Dharuhera, Gurugram, Bhiwadi, Charkhi Dadri, and Baghpat.
      • Most cities in the top 10 are from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.
    • Megacity Air Pollution Levels
    • Average PM2.5 concentrations in major Indian cities:
      • Delhi – 163 µg/m³
      • Kolkata – 78 µg/m³
      • Mumbai – 48 µg/m³
      • Chennai – 44 µg/m³
      • Bengaluru – 39 µg/m³ (slightly below national limit)
    • Cleanest City
      • The cleanest city recorded was: Chamarajanagar – 19 µg/m³
      • Eight of the ten cleanest cities were in Karnataka, with one each in Madhya Pradesh and Meghalaya.

    PM2.5 Explained

    PM2.5 (Particulate Matter ≤2.5 micrometers)

    • Extremely fine particles in the air.
    • Can enter lungs and bloodstream.
    • Causes: Respiratory diseases, Heart disease, and Premature deaths.

    Prelims Pointers

    • CPCB functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
    • National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) specify permissible pollutant levels in India.
    • PM2.5 is considered one of the most dangerous air pollutants due to its ability to penetrate deep into the respiratory system.
    [2022] In the context of WHO Air Quality Guidelines, consider the following statements: The 24-hour mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 15 µg/m³ and annual mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 5 µg/m³. In a year, the highest levels of ozone pollution occur during the periods of inclement weather. PM10 can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the bloodstream. Excessive ozone in the air can trigger asthma. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1, 3 and 4 (b) 1 and 4 only (c) 2, 3 and 4 (d) 1 and 2 only