Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) registered at 243, falling under the ‘Poor’ category, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
In response to this, the Sub-Committee under the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR & Adjoining Areas (CAQM) convened to assess the situation and strategize under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
About Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)
The GRAP was conceived as a response to the alarming findings of a WHO study in 2014, which ranked Delhi as the most polluted city globally.
It is a framework designed to combat air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region.
The Supreme Court (M. C. Mehta vs. Union of India Case, 2016) approved GRAP after multiple expert consultations.
First GRAP was notified in January 2017 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Implementation of GRAP:
The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR & Adjoining Areas (CAQM) took over the responsibility of implementing GRAP in 2021.
Before 2021, the SC appointed Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) would instruct states to enforce GRAP measures.
The CAQM recommendations depend on the Air Quality Index (AQI) and meteorological predictions provided by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Revised measures to implement:
Air Quality Stage
AQI Range
Measures to be implemented
Stage I (Poor)
201-300
Enforce NGT/Supreme Court’s order on over-aged diesel/petrol vehicles.
Stage II (Very Poor)
301-400
Implement rigorous actions to combat air pollution at identified hotspots.
Stage III (Severe)
401-450
Impose strict restrictions on BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles. Suspend physical classes in schools for primary grade children up to Class 5 in certain areas.
Stage IV (Severe Plus)
>450
Prohibit the entry of four-wheelers registered outside Delhi, except for electric vehicles, CNG vehicles, and BS-VI diesel vehicles.
Current Air Quality Scenario: Factors Contributing
The GRAP sub-committee noted the following natural causes exacerbating dust suspension across the National Capital Region (NCR):
Fluctuating wind patterns,
Higher convection rates, and
Arid weather conditions.
Additionally, increased instances of agricultural residue burning and forest fires in neighboring states were identified as potential contributors to deteriorating air quality.
Action Plan suggested by GRAP Sub-Committee
Intensive Drives at Pollution Hotspots: The concerned Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) and NCR committees were tasked with conducting rigorous inspections at major pollution hotspots, prioritizing dust abatement measures.
Enhanced Dust Control Measures: Measures such as increased deployment of water sprinklers and mechanical road sweeping equipment were recommended to mitigate dust levels.
Preventing Open Burning: Vigilance against instances of open burning, including municipal solid waste (MSW) and agricultural residue, was emphasized to curb further pollution.
Strict Enforcement: Dust Control & Management Cells (DCMCs) and enforcement teams were instructed to intensify monitoring and enforcement efforts at construction sites and road projects.
Inspections and Compliance: Flying Squads of CPCB were directed to conduct thorough inspections and take appropriate action against violators of environmental regulations.
PYQ:
[2016] In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index?
1. Carbon dioxide
2. Carbon monoxide
3. Nitrogen dioxide
4. Sulphur dioxide
5. Methane
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Blue magpie species are frequently observed from Kashmir to Myanmar.
About Himalayan Magpies
Magpies belong to the Corvidae family, which also includes crows, jays, and ravens.
These birds are typically noisy and inquisitive, often featured as omens in folklore around the world.
Species Distribution and Habitat:
Gold-billed Magpie (Urocissa flavirostris): Also known as the yellow-billed blue magpie, this species inhabits high altitudes between 2,000 and 3,000 meters above sea level, thriving in the high-altitude zones of the Himalayas from Kashmir to Myanmar.
Red-billed Magpie: Found at slightly lower altitudes than the gold-billed magpie.
Blue Magpie: Occupies lower altitudes and is more likely to be found near human settlements. It builds nests in rhododendron trees.
IUCN Status: ‘Least Concerned’
Observations:
The best sightings of yellow and red-billed magpies are along a trekking corridor in Western Sikkim, which spans from tropical forests at lower altitudes to Alpine landscapes.
Over 250 species of birds have been documented in this region, with significant bird activity around 2,500 meters.
PYQ:
[2014] If you walk through countryside, you are likely to see some birds stalking alongside the cattle to seize the insects, disturbed by their movement through grasses.
Which of the following is/are such bird/birds?
Painted Stork
Common Myna
Black-necked Crane
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Recently, during the 19th Session (10th May 2024) of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF19) in New York, a significant report titled “International Forest Governance” was published.
About International Forest Governance:
The report “Critical Review of Trends, Drawbacks, and New Approaches” authored by the Science-Policy Programme (SciPol) of the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) was released.
It marked the first global synthesis on international forest governance in 14 years.
The report exposes the rising trend of ‘Climatization’ of forests:
AboutClimatization of forests:
Shift in Emphasis: The trend involves a notable shift in focus towards valuing forests primarily as carbon sinks, rather than recognizing their essential ecological and social functions.
Carbon Sequestration Priority: Political and financial orientations have increasingly prioritized carbon sequestration in forests as a means to address climate change issues. This emphasis often leads to the overshadowing of other aspects of forest management.
Neglect of Long-Term Sustainability: The emphasis on carbon sequestration may result in neglecting the long-term sustainability of forests. Forest management strategies that prioritize carbon storage may not necessarily align with broader ecological and social sustainability goals.
Risks and their impacts:
Ongoing Crises: Despite efforts to reduce deforestation, significant challenges persist, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and socio-economic inequalities. These crises pose substantial threats to global sustainability and well-being.
Commodification Risks: The commodification of forests for carbon capture introduces risks that may exacerbate existing inequalities and hinder effective forest management practices.
Market-based Versus Non-market Approaches:
Market-Based Solutions: There has been significant traction in market-based solutions such as forest carbon trading and zero-deforestation supply chains. These approaches aim to incentivize sustainable forest management practices through economic mechanisms.
Exacerbation of Inequities: Despite their popularity, market-based solutions may exacerbate existing inequities within forest governance systems. Certain stakeholders or regions may benefit disproportionately, while others may be marginalized or disadvantaged.
Non-market mechanisms: As an alternative, non-market mechanisms, including state regulation and community-led initiatives, are suggested to offer more just and effective pathways for forest governance.
Policy recommendations as per the Report:
Holistic Valuation of Forests: Policymakers should reevaluate forests beyond their role as carbon sinks, recognizing their multifaceted ecological, social, and economic values.
Equitable Governance: Policymakers should prioritize inclusive decision-making processes that ensure the voices of marginalized groups, such as indigenous and local communities, are heard and respected.
Protection of Rights and Livelihoods: Policies should prioritize the protection of the rights and livelihoods of resource-dependent communities.
Way Forward:
Integrated Forest Management: Governments and international organizations should adopt integrated approaches to forest management that recognize and balance the ecological, social, and economic values of forests.
Strengthening Governance Structures: Policymakers should work to strengthen governance structures at local, national, and international levels to ensure more equitable decision-making processes.
Mains PYQ:
Q Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change. (UPSC 2020)
Maharashtra’s plan to increase tigers count in Sahyadri-Konkan Wildlife Corridor by translocating tigers from Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) (Chandrapur, Maharashtra) underscores the critical role of wildlife corridors in conservation efforts.
About Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR)
Tadoba became one of India’s earliest national parks when it was declared in 1955, alongside Kanha National Park.
The name “Tadoba” is derived from the deity “Tadoba” or “Taru,” worshipped by local Gond Tribals, and “Andhari” refers to the Andhari River flowing through the reserve.
It was later expanded and officially merged with the Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary in 1993 to form the TATR.
TATR is regarded as one of the world’s most preferred destinations for tiger sightings and is a critical part of Project Tiger, aimed at conserving tigers in India.
The reserve has 115 tigers, including 88 within the forest and 27 in the areas immediately surrounding the reserve.
About Sahyadri-Konkan Wildlife Corridor
The Sahyadri-Konkan corridor(Sahyadri-Radhanagari-Goa-Karnataka), plays a vital role in conserving wildlife, particularly tigers, in the northern Western Ghats region.
It spans throughout the states of Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka, specifically through the Western Ghats, one of the world’s eight biodiversity hotspots.
Protected Areas Connected:
Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (includes Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) and Chandoli National Park) and Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary (Maharashtra);
Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary and Kali Tiger Reserve(includes Anshi National Park and Dandeli WLS) in (Karnataka);
Mollem National Park, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary (Goa).
Fauna: Tiger (Panthera tigris), Indian leopard (Panthera pardus), dhole (Cuon alpinus), and sloth bear (Melursus ursinus), etc.
The Western Ghats, including parts of the corridor, are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012 due to their outstanding universal value in terms of biodiversity and endemic species.
PYQ:
[2020] Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”?
An orangutan was observed treating a wound with medicine from a tropical plant, showcasing how some animals employ natural remedies to alleviate their ailments.
This behavior, documented in a recent study published in Scientific Reports, represents a novel instance of self-medication among wild animals.
About Orangutans
Orangutans, are distinguished by their vivid red fur, are the largest arboreal mammals and spend the majority of their time in trees and forests.
The name “orangutan” translates to “man of the forest” in Malay.
They possess long, powerful arms and grasping hands and feet that facilitate movement through the branches.
Highly intelligent, these great apes share 96.4% of genetic makeup of modern man.
Orangutans primarily inhabit the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, specifically on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra.
Conservation Status:Critically Endangered(IUCN Red list)
These apes lead mostly solitary lives in the lowland forests, dining on wild fruits such as lychees, mangosteens, and figs, and drinking water collected in tree cavities.
Orangutans are mainly frugivorous, they primarily eat fruits, and consume leaves, bark, insects, and occasionally small animals.
They construct nests in trees with vegetation for sleeping at night and resting during the day.
And, now they are found treating a wound with medicine from a Tropical plant.
The Agatti Reef is experiencing unprecedented mass coral bleaching.
Why in the news?
Extreme heatwaves along the Indian coast, coupled with marine heatwaves, have triggered Mass Coral Bleaching events in the Lakshadweep Sea.
Heatwaves Toll on Lakshadweep’s Coral:
Researchers from the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) conducted surveys across various Lakshadweep Islands.
The Degree Heating Week (DHW) indicator in Lakshadweep has soared above 4 °C-weeks, as per the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
This elevation in DHW levels poses a substantial risk of coral bleaching, posing a severe threat to the region’s marine ecosystems.
Should DHW surpass 12 °C-weeks, it could trigger an unprecedented biodiversity crisis, leading to multispecies mortality.
Prolonged marine heatwavessince October 2023 have inflicted substantial stress on the coral reefs, exacerbating bleaching phenomena.
A marine heatwave is characterized by seawater temperatures exceeding a seasonally-varying threshold (often the 90th percentile) for at least 5 consecutive days.
Degree Heating Week (DHW) indicator: It is a measurement used to assess the accumulated thermal stress that corals experience over an extended period, which can lead to coral bleaching. This indicator is expressed in °C-weeks, reflecting the exposure of coral reefs to elevated sea surface temperatures.
Lakshadweep’s Coral Treasure: Agatti Reef
Agatti Island is part of the Lakshadweep archipelago, situated in the Arabian Sea.
The island is surrounded by extensive coral reefs, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
The coral reefs around Agatti Island are composed of various coral species, including branching corals like Acropora, table corals like Acropora Hyacinthus, and massive corals like Porites.
These corals form intricate reef structures that provide habitat and food for numerous marine organisms.
What causes Coral Bleaching?
When exposed to conditions like heat stress, pollution, or high levels of ocean acidity, the zooxanthellae start producing reactive oxygen species not beneficial to the corals.
So, the corals kick out the colour-giving algae from their polyps, exposing their pale white exoskeleton and leading to coral starvation as corals cannot produce their own food.
Severe bleaching and prolonged stress in the external environment can lead to coral death.
Back2Basics: Corals
Coral are made up of genetically identical organisms called polyps.
These polyps have microscopic algae called zooxanthellae living within their tissues in a mutualistic relationship.
The coral provides the zooxanthellae with the compounds necessary for photosynthesis.
In return, the zooxanthellae supply the coral with organic products of photosynthesis, like carbohydrates, which are utilized by the coral polyps for synthesis of their calcium carbonate skeletons.
Corals are marine invertebrates or animals which do not possess a spine.
They are the largest living structures on the planet.
Each coral is called a polyp and thousands of such polyps live together to form a colony, which grow when polyps multiply to make copies of themselves.
Coral reefs are also called the “rainforests of the seas”.
Types of Coral
Corals are of two types — hard corals and soft corals:
Hard corals extract calcium carbonate from seawater to build hard, white coral exoskeletons. Hard corals are in a way the engineers of reef ecosystems and measuring the extent of hard coral is a widely-accepted metric for measuring the condition of coral reefs.
Soft corals attach themselves to such skeletons and older skeletons built by their ancestors. Soft corals also add their own skeletons to the hard structure over the years. These growing multiplying structures gradually form coral reefs.
Conditions needed for Corals to Flourish
Extensive submarine platforms for the formation of colonies by the coral polyps (not more than 90m below sea level).
High mean annual temperature ranging 20-21 degree Celsius.
Clean sediment-free water because muddy water or turbid water clogs the mouths of coral polyps resulting into their death.
Oceanic salinity ranging between 27-30 ppt.
Ocean currents and waves, as they bring food supply for the polyps.
PYQ:
2014: Which of the following have coral reefs?
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Gulf of Kachchh
Gulf of Mannar
Sunderbans
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Mains PYQ Relevance: Q) ‘Clean energy is the order of the day.’ Describe briefly India’s changing policy towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics. (UPSC IAS/2022) Q) Does the right to a clean environment entail legal regulation on burning crackers during Diwali? Discuss in the light of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution and judgments of the apex in this regard. (UPSC IAS/2015) Q) Starting from inventing the ‘basic structure’ doctrine, the judiciary has played a highly proactive role in ensuring that India develops into a thriving democracy. In light of the statement, evaluate the role played by judicial activism in achieving the ideals of democracy. (UPSC IAS/2014)
Prelims: Which of the following are regarded as the main features of the “Rule of Law”? (UPSC IAS/2018) 1) Limitation of powers 2) Equality before law 3) People’s responsibility to the Government 4) Liberty and civil rights Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 and 4 only (c) 1, 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Note4Students:
Prelims: Rights to Life (Article 21) and Equality (Article 14); Right to be free of ill effects;
Mains: Judiciary on Environment and Climate Change;
Mentor comments: “Vidya dadati Vinayam” is an ancient Sanskrit phrase meaning knowledge leads to happiness. India is an important piece of the global climate puzzle. It houses close to twenty percent of the world’s population, 2.4% of the world’s land area, and 7%–8% of all recorded species, including over 45,000 species of plants and 91,000 species of animals. A significant responsibility of the fate of India rests on how the Indian Judiciary deals with the increasing climate change-related cases. Now, recently the SC in M K Ranjitsinh & Ors. vs. Union of India & Ors. case ruled that the people have a right to be free from the adverse effects of climate change which should be recognised by Article 14 and Article 21 of the Constitution.This judgement comes with its own set of challenges that we need to consider.
Let’s learn
—
Why in the News?
The Supreme Court of India’s extension of Constitutional Rights to Life and Equality to include protection from Climate Change offers hope after the ecological crisis.
Previous 2021 judgment:
The SC had directed the installation of bird diverters on existing overhead power lines and the undergrounding of power lines in the GIB’s priority habitat areas.
The 2024 order: The SC acknowledged the practical challenges raised by the government and renewable energy companies in implementing the blanket ban on overhead power lines. The SC lifted the ban on overhead power lines for 77,000 sq km but upheld it for a 13,000 sq km core habitat area of the GIB.
Formation of Expert Committee: The SC constituted a 7-member expert committee which is tasked with suggesting conservation measures for endangered GIB by identifying areas where power lines can be constructed and exploring the alternatives for their protection.
The committee has to submit its report to the SC by July 31, 2024, after which the court will take a final decision on the way forward.
Limitations with present order:
To meet India’s climate commitments declared atCOP 26 (2021), it includes net zero carbon emissions by 2070, generation of 500 GW by non-fossil fuel sources and a 50% share of total power generation to renewable energy by 2030. However, it comes with certain challenges as follows:
Inclusion of Problematic Energy Sources: The judgment includes large hydropower and nuclear plants in ‘non-fossil-fuel‘ and ‘renewable’ energy, which have significant negative impacts, the Mega-dams in the Himalayas can cause destabilization, biodiversity loss, and community displacement.
Adverse Impacts of Mega-Renewable Projects: The Court has tried to balance the need for land (and airspace) for solar and wind energy production in Rajasthan and Gujarat, with the imperative of protecting the Great Indian Bustard.
Large solar and wind projects have significant negative impacts, Pavagada Solar Park (Karnataka) took away grazing and agricultural land and destroyed wildlife.
Lack of Environmental Assessment and Clearance: Renewable energy projects are excluded from Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and clearance procedures, so their impacts are not assessed.
Continued Investment in Coal: Despite significant investment in renewable energy, the government is not reducing investments in coal. The new coal mining blocks continue to be given a green signal, including in biologically diverse and socially sensitive areas.
Alternatives should have been considered:
Decentralized Renewable Energy Sources: TheRooftop and Decentralized Renewable Energy sources could yield over 600 GW, offering a more sustainable alternative to mega-projects. They have already benefited millions in Indian villages, aligning with provisions for Equality and a Clean Environment.
Efficient Energy Use and Demand Management: Questions should be raised about energy wastage in transmission, inefficient appliance use, and luxury consumption. Demand management and power redistribution could address energy needs more effectively, reducing the necessity for new power production.
Rights of Nature and Earth Jurisprudence: The Court could have considered the growing global movement recognizing the ‘Rights of Nature’, crucial for just climate action. Recognition of the rights of rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna could serve as a model to safeguard nature and habitats against climate-damaging actions.
Incorporating Expert Committee Mandate: The Court could enhance the judgment’s impact by tasking the expert committee to explore alternative, less damaging ways of meeting energy demands, including decentralized renewables and reducing waste/luxury consumption.
Flaws in the Indian Development Model
India’s development model heavily relies on mega-industrial, infrastructural, and extractive projects that cause deforestation and displacement of communities, violating constitutional rights.
The government’s proposal to deforest 130 sq. km of rainforest and take up tribal lands in Great Nicobar violates the Court’s observation of protecting indigenous communities’ traditional lives and cultures.
Way Forward – Need for Transformative Change Organically:
If the Court had taken its observations to their logical conclusion, it could have directed the government to re-examine such destructive projects. This could have provided grounds for a fundamental shift towards real sustainability and justice in tackling climate change.
However, the judgment has reinforced the ecologically flawed, undemocratic, and socially disruptive path promoted by the Government of India.
The goal of carbon farming is to mitigate climate change by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
BACK2BASICS:
What is meant by Carbon Farming?
Carbon farming is a holistic approach to agriculture that focuses on sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) into the soil and vegetation, thereby mitigating climate change while simultaneously enhancing soil health and agricultural productivity.
It involves implementing regenerative agricultural practices that promote carbon sequestration, such as agroforestry, cover cropping, rotational grazing, conservation tillage, composting, and diverse crop rotations.
Significance of Carbon Farming:
Mitigation of Climate Change: Carbon farming practices such as rotational grazing, agroforestry, conservation agriculture, and integrated nutrient management help sequester atmospheric carbon dioxide into the soil and vegetation, thereby mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing carbon storage.
Soil Health Improvement: Carbon farming enhances soil health by increasing soil organic carbon levels, improving soil structure, fertility, water retention, and resilience to drought and extreme weather events. Practices like zero tillage, cover cropping, and crop residue management minimize soil disturbance and enhance organic content.
Biodiversity Conservation: Agroforestry, agroecology, and land restoration practices promote biodiversity conservation by diversifying plant and animal species, providing habitat for wildlife, and restoring degraded ecosystems.
Sustainable Agriculture: Carbon farming promotes sustainable agricultural practices by minimizing environmental impacts, conserving natural resources, and enhancing the long-term productivity and resilience of agricultural systems.
Challenges in Carbon farming:
Water Availability: Carbon farming can be challenging in hot and dry areas. Limited water availability can hinder plant growth and restrict the potential for carbon sequestration through photosynthesis, affecting practices like cover cropping.
Plant Selection: The selection of plant species is crucial, as not all species trap and store carbon in the same amounts or equally effectively. Fast-growing trees and deep-rooted perennial grasses are generally better at carbon sequestration, but may not be suitable for arid environments.
Financial Resources: Small-scale farmers in developing countries may particularly lack the resources to invest in sustainable land management practices and environmental services.
Policy Support: Sufficient policy support is essential for the widespread adoption of carbon farming practices. This includes incentives, subsidies, regulations, and technical assistance to encourage and facilitate the implementation of carbon farming at the local, national, and international levels.
What are some carbon farming schemes worldwide?
Voluntary Carbon Markets: Carbon trading in the agriculture sector has gained importance globally, especially in countries like the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. Voluntary carbon markets, such as the Chicago Climate Exchange, provide platforms for incentivizing carbon mitigation activities in agriculture.
Kenya’s Agricultural Carbon Project: Supported by the World Bank, Kenya’s Agricultural Carbon Project exemplifies efforts to address climate mitigation, adaptation, and food security challenges in economically developing countries through carbon farming initiatives.
‘4 per 1000’ Initiative: Launched during the COP21 climate talks in 2015 in Paris, the ‘4 per 1000’ initiative emphasizes the role of carbon sinks, including those created through carbon farming practices, in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. It underscores the importance of managing the remaining global carbon budget wisely.
The Silver Line for the Indian Government:
Viability of Organic Farming: Grassroots initiatives and agrarian research in India demonstrate the viability of organic farming to sequester carbon. Agroecological practices have the potential to generate significant economic benefits, estimated at $63 billion in value from approximately 170 million hectares of arable land.
Economic Benefits for Farmers: Adoption of sustainable agricultural practices could lead to economic benefits for farmers, including an estimated annual payment of around ₹5,000-6,000 per acre for providing climate services through carbon farming.
Suitability of Agricultural Regions: Regions with extensive agricultural land, such as the Indo-Gangetic plains and the Deccan Plateau, are well-suited to adopt carbon farming practices. These regions have the potential to contribute significantly to carbon sequestration and climate mitigation efforts.
Way forward:
Research and Development: Invest in research and development to identify and promote plant species that are well-suited for carbon sequestration. Develop drought-resistant crops and agroforestry species to enhance carbon farming viability.
Financial Support: Provide Financial assistance and incentives to small-scale farmers in developing countries to invest in sustainable land management practices and adopt carbon farming techniques.
Policy Framework: Develop and implement supportive policy frameworks at local, national, and international levels to encourage the adoption of carbon farming practices. For example setting carbon pricing mechanisms, establishing regulatory standards, and providing technical assistance to farmers.
Mains PYQ
Q Should the pursuit of carbon credits and clean development mechanisms set up under UNFCCC be maintained even though there has been a massive slide in the value of a carbon credit? Discuss with respect to India’s energy needs for economic growth.(UPSC IAS/2014)
Last week, three instances of forest fire were reported from the major forest belts in Uttarakhand.
The severity of the situation has prompted the deployment of Indian Air Force personnel and Mi-17 choppers, engaged in the critical operation of dousing the flames using the Bambi Bucket Method.
Causes of Wildfire:
Firstly, the general major causes of forest fires in Uttarakhand are continued dry weather and lack of moisture in the forests.
Secondly, according to the Forest Research Institute (FRI, 2019), 95% of forest fires are attributed to human activities.
The common human-induced causes include – Grazers setting fire to dry grass, Slash-and-burn agriculture, Unattended campfires, and Intentional arson.
Uttarakhand’s Forest Vulnerability:
As per the latest report from the Forest Survey of India (FSI), the Recorded Forest Area (RFA) in the State is 38,000 sq km of which 26,547 sq km is Reserved Forest, 9,885 sq km is Protected Forest, and 1,568 sq km is Unclassed Forests.
Highly flammable Chir Pine trees, covering extensive areas, increase the fire risk.
This risk is compounded by prolongeddry spells and excess biomass accumulation.
Additionally, the proximity of villages facilitates anthropogenic activities such as forest clearance and grazing.
Forest Fires in India: Recent Statistics
Odisha recorded 4,237 forest fires as compared to 1,499 between April 20 and 27 in 2023. Similarly, Chhattisgarh recorded 757 fires last year as compared to 2,116 this year, Jharkhand 633 as against 1,926 and Andhra Pradesh 527 as compared to 1,126 in 2023.
However, Uttarakhand has recorded the highest number of large forest fires in the country in the last seven days since April 28, according to the Forest Survey of India (FSI) data.
Mitigation Strategies
Localized Initiatives:
Effective measures to mitigate forest fire risks include controlled burning, biomass removal, prescribed burns, and enhanced surveillance using drones.
Community engagement and proactive involvement, as demonstrated in Kerala, provide valuable insights for forest fire management.
Government Initiatives:
The government has introduced measures such as a satellite-based fire alert system by the Forest Survey of India, aiding in early detection and response efforts.
Forest staff utilize various techniques, including counter-fires and fire beaters, to contain and manage forest fires effectively.
Wildfires Mitigating Strategies:
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) outlines four strategies to prevent and manage forest fires:
Erecting watch towers for early detection,
Deploying fire watchers,
Engaging local communities, and
Establishing and maintaining fire lines.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) website distinguishes between two types of fire lines:
Kachha fire lines involve clearing undergrowth and shrubs while preserving trees to decrease the amount of available fuel.
Pucca fire lines are clear-cut areas that create a barrier between forest compartments or blocks to contain potential fire spread.
PYQ:
[2020] Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change.
