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Subject: Conservation & Mitigation

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

  • Supreme Court forms panel for Great Indian Bustard Conservation

    bustard

    What is the news?

    • The Supreme Court has taken a decisive step by forming an expert committee to address the pressing issue of conserving the endangered Great Indian Bustard.

    About Great Indian Bustard (GIB)

    • GIBs are the largest among the four bustard species found in India, the other three being MacQueen’s bustard, lesser florican, and the Bengal florican.
    • It is state bird of Rajasthan.
    • It is considered the flagship bird species of grassland.
    • Protection Status:
    1. Birdlife International: Uplisted from Endangered to Critically Endangered (2011)
    2. Protection under CITES: Appendix I
    3. IUCN status: Critically Endangered
    4. Protection under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I

    Threats to GIBs

    • Overhead power transmission: Due to their poor frontal vision, can’t detect powerlines in time and their weight makes in-flight quick maneuvers difficult.
    • Windmills: Coincidentally, Kutch and Thar desert are the places that have witnessed the creation of huge renewable energy infrastructure.
    • Noise pollution: Noise affects the mating and courtship practices of the GIB.
    • Changes in the landscape: by way of farmers cultivating their land, which otherwise used to remain fallow due to frequent droughts in Kutch.
    • Cultivation changes: Cultivation of cotton and wheat instead of pulses and fodder are also cited as reasons for falling GIB numbers.

    PYQ:

    2014: Consider the following pairs:

    Protected Area: Well-known for

    1. Bhitarkanika, Odisha — Salt Water Crocodile
    2. Desert National Park, Rajasthan — Great Indian Bustard
    3. Eravikulam, Kerala — Hoolock Gibbon

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

    1. 1 only
    2. 1 and 2
    3. 2 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3

     

    Practice MCQ:

    With reference to the Great Indian Bustard (GIB), consider the following statements:

    1. It is the largest among the bustard species found in India.
    2. It is state bird of Rajasthan as well as Gujarat.
    3. It is considered the flagship bird species of deserts.

    How many of the given statements is/are correct?

    1. One
    2. Two
    3. Three
    4. None

  • Insights from the WMO’s State of the Climate Report, 2023

    What is the news-

    • The World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) recent State of the Climate report highlights unprecedented climatic shifts, with numerous indicators reaching record levels.

    About World Meteorological Organization

    • It is an intergovernmental organization and a specialized agency of the UN for meteorology (weather and climate), operational hydrology and related geophysical sciences.
    • It was established in 1950 and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
    • It origin traces to the International Meteorological Organization (IMO), which was founded in 1873.
    • Currently it has a membership of 191 countries. India is also a member.

    Key Highlights of the State of the Climate Report, 2023

    [1] Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)

    • Record-High Concentrations: GHGs like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide reached record levels in 2022, contributing to global warming. The concentration of GHGs observed in 2022 is the latest year for which consolidated global values are available (1984–2022).
    • Long-term Trend: The rise in GHG concentrations underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to mitigate their impact.

    [2] Surface Temperature

    • Historic Spike: Global surface temperatures in 2023 surged to 1.45 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, marking the highest recorded temperature. This temperature rise is attributed to the combined effects of rising GHG concentrations and the onset of El Nino in 2023.
    • El Nino Influence: The onset of El Nino exacerbated temperature extremes globally, amplifying the impacts of climate change.

    [3] Ocean Heat Content (OHC)

    • Unprecedented Heat: Ocean heat content reached its highest level in the observational record of 2023. The ocean heat content (OHC) refers to the total amount of heat the oceans store.
    • Long-term Trend: The continual increase in OHC underscores the ongoing challenge of ocean warming and its implications for marine ecosystems.

    [4] Marine Heat Waves (MHWs)

    • Widespread Occurrence: The global ocean experienced a significant increase in marine heatwave (MHW) coverage in 2023. The average daily marine heatwave coverage reached 32%, surpassing previous records set in 2016.
    • Duration and Intensity: Prolonged MHWs pose threats to marine biodiversity, ecosystems, and fisheries, highlighting the urgency of climate action.

    [5] Antarctic Sea-Ice Extent

    • Record Low: Antarctic sea-ice extent plummeted to 1.79 million km2 in February 2023, the lowest since satellite observations began in 1979. The extent remained below average throughout the year, signalling ongoing trends of sea-ice loss in the Antarctic region.
    • Persistent Decline: The continued decline in Antarctic sea-ice extent underscores the vulnerability of Polar Regions to climate change.

    [6] Glacier Mass Balance

    • Unprecedented Loss: Glaciers worldwide experienced the largest annual loss of ice on record in 2022-2023. The annual mass balance, which measures the amount of mass gained or lost by glaciers, dropped to a new low of ‘–1.2 metre water equivalent’.
    • Regional Disparities: Glacial mass balance varied across regions, with North American and European glaciers particularly affected by ice loss.

    Significance of the report

    • The figures presented in the WMO report underscore the magnitude of climate change impacts on various Earth systems.
    • Urgent action is needed to address rising GHG emissions, mitigate temperature extremes, protect marine environments, and preserve critical cryospheric regions.

    PYQ:

    2018: “Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now” is an initiative launched by

    1. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
    2. The UNEP Secretariat
    3. The UNFCCC Secretariat
    4. The World Meteorological Organisation

  • Forest Fires in the Nilgiris

    Why in the news?

    Forest fires have been ongoing in the Coonoor forest range of the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu for the past week.

    Context:

    • The Indian Air Force has recently joined the firefighting operations led by the state forest department.
      • A Mi-17 V5 helicopter has been deployed to conduct numerous Bambi Bucket operations, delivering approximately 16,000 liters of water to extinguish the fires.

    What are Forest Fires/Wildfires?

    Forest fires, also known as wildfires, are uncontrolled fires that occur in forests, grasslands, or other wild areas. These fires can spread rapidly, fueled by dry vegetation, high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds.

    There are three types of Forest Fires:

    • Surface Fires: These fires burn along the forest floor, consuming vegetation and leaf litter. Surface fires are typically less intense and move relatively slowly compared to other types of wildfires. They are often caused by natural factors like lightning strikes or human activities such as campfires.
    • Ground Fires: Ground fires occur beneath the surface of the forest floor, burning through layers of organic matter like peat and roots. These fires can smolder for extended periods, producing significant heat and damage to the soil. Ground fires are often difficult to detect and extinguish, posing a long-term threat to forest ecosystems.
    • Crown Fires: Crown fires are the most severe type of wildfire, burning through the upper canopy of trees. These fires spread rapidly, driven by strong winds and dry conditions, and can cause extensive damage to forested areas. Crown fires are challenging to control and extinguish, posing significant risks to both property and lives.

    What is the frequency of Forest Fires in India?

    • Period of Fires in India– 
        • April-May are usually the worst fire months across the country.
        • June to November is considered to be forest fire season in India, with hundreds of thousands of small and large fires burning every year.
    • Affected areas in India- 
        • According to the 2019 India State of Forest Report (ISFR) published by the Forest Survey of India (FSI) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, over 36% of India’s forest cover was susceptible to frequent fires.
        • Approximately 4% of the forest cover was categorized as extremely prone to fire, while an additional 6% was classified as very highly fire-prone.
    • Most Forest Fire Regions-
      • As per the FSI, dry deciduous forests are more susceptible to severe fires, whereas evergreen, semi-evergreen, and montane temperate forests exhibit lower susceptibility to fires.
      • Northeast India, Odisha, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Uttarakhand are identified as the regions most susceptible to forest fires
      • During March 2023, extensive bushfires erupted in Goa, prompting an inquiry into their possible human origins.
      • In 2021, a series of forest fires occurred in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, the Nagaland-Manipur border, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat, encompassing several wildlife sanctuaries.

    Incidents of Forest Fires in 2024

      • During the past week, Mizoram reported the highest number of forest fires, totaling 3,738, followed by Manipur with 1,702, Assam with 1,652, Meghalaya with 1,252, and Maharashtra with 1,215.
    • Forest fires have been increasing since early March along the:
      • Konkan belt in Maharashtra,
      • South-coastal Gujarat along Gir Somnath and Porbandar,
      • Southern Rajasthan and adjoining south-western districts of Madhya Pradesh,
      • Coastal and interior Odisha, and adjoining Jharkhand.
    • Forest Fires in South India– Certain forest areas in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are susceptible to fires.
      • However, as per the FSI, forests in southern India, characterized by mainly evergreen or semi-evergreen vegetation, are relatively less prone to fires. Nonetheless, Tamil Nadu has witnessed wildfires in its forests in recent years.

    What are the reasons behind Forest Fires in 2024?

    • Highest Temperature: February 2024 was exceptionally hot over Southern India, the hottest since 1901, with January ranking as the fifth warmest in over a century.
    • Early build-up of heat load: Recorded maximum, minimum, and mean temperatures have remained above normal over the southern states for the past two months, leading to an early build-up of heat load in the region well before the onset of the summer season.
    • Excess Heat Factor (EHF): The IMD has warned of the significantly higher-than-normal prevalence of EHF over western Andhra Pradesh and neighboring Karnataka. EHF predicts the likelihood of a heatwave over a region, with maximum temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius, unusual for mid-March.
    • Mild Aridity: In the absence of rain and prevailing high temperatures, the IMD has classified almost all districts of southern India under mild aridity.
    • Climatic Conditions: High aridity, above-normal day temperatures, clear sky conditions, and calm winds during the early phase of the summer season contribute to the spike in forest fire incidents in southern India this year.

    Suggestive measures to address Forest Fires:

    • Prevention: Implementing fire prevention measures such as creating firebreaks, clearing vegetation around vulnerable areas, and enforcing restrictions on activities that can cause fires.
    • Early Detection: Installing and maintaining fire detection systems including lookout towers, satellite monitoring, and automated sensors to detect fires early. And Training and equipping forest rangers and firefighters with the skills and tools needed to identify and report fires promptly.
    • Rapid Response: Establishing communication networks to coordinate response efforts among firefighting agencies, emergency services, and other stakeholders. Strategies Pre-positioning firefighting equipment and resources in strategic locations to facilitate rapid deployment.

    Conclusion: Forest fires, prevalent in India, pose significant threats to ecosystems and communities. Climatic factors exacerbate the situation. Urgent measures including prevention, early detection, and rapid response are essential to mitigate these risks and safeguard our forests.

  • IPEF: India to join US-led Co-operative Program on Carbon Market

    What is the news-

    • India has decided to participate in one of the four cooperative work programmes initiated under the ‘Clean energy pillar’ of the US-led Indo Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF).
    • India will join the cooperative working group on carbon markets, with the Ministry of Power leading the initiative.

    What are Carbon Markets?

     

    • Carbon markets, also known as emissions trading systems or cap-and-trade programs, are market-based mechanisms designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
    • Article 6 of the Paris Agreement (2015) provides for the use of international carbon markets by countries to fulfil their Nationally Determined Contributions.
    • A regulatory authority, typically a government or regional organization, sets an overall limit or cap on the amount of greenhouse gases that can be emitted by covered entities within a specific jurisdiction or sector.
    • Entities get permits for emissions. They can trade these permits with others.
    • Entities must have enough permits to cover their emissions. If they don’t, they buy more.

     What is the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF)?

    • It is a US-led initiative that aims to strengthen economic partnerships among participating countries to enhance resilience, sustainability, inclusiveness, economic growth, fairness, and competitiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.
    • The IPEF was launched in 2021 with a dozen initial partners who together represent 40% of the world GDP.
    • The IPEF is NOT a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) but allows members to negotiate the parts they want to.

    Four main “Pillars” of IPEF

     

    1. Trade that will include digital economy and emerging technology, labour commitments, the environment, trade facilitation, transparency and good regulatory practices, and corporate accountability, standards on cross-border data flow and data localisations;
    2. Supply chain resilience to develop “a first-of-its-kind supply chain agreement” that would anticipate and prevent disruptions;
    3. Clean energy and decarbonization will include agreements on “high-ambition commitments” such as renewable energy targets, carbon removal purchasing commitments, energy efficiency standards, and new measures to combat methane emissions; and
    4. Fair Economy Agreement, with commitments to enact and enforce “effective tax, anti-money laundering, anti-bribery schemes in line with [American] values”.

    Members Countries include:

    • Currently, India and 13 countries other located in the Pacific Ocean are its members: Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, United States, and Vietnam.

    How is IPEF different from other trade deals?

    • No market access or tariff reductions have been outlined in the IPEF, although experts say it can pave the way to trade deals.
    • It’s not a take-it-or-leave-it arrangement, like most multilateral trade deals are.
    • Since the IPEF is not a regular trade pact, the members so far are not obligated by all the four pillars despite being signatories.

    PYQ:

    Q.Regarding “carbon credits”, which one of the following statements is not correct? (2011)

    1. The carbon credit system was ratified in conjunction with the Kyoto Protocol
    2. Carbon credits are awarded to countries or groups that have reduced greenhouse gases below their emission quota
    3. The goal of the carbon credit system is to limit the increase of carbon dioxide emission
    4. Carbon credits are traded at a price fixed from time to time by the United Nations Environment Programme.

     

    Practice MCQ:

    Regarding the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), consider the following statements:

    1. It is a US-led initiative launched in 2021.
    2. It is basically a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
    3. India is not a member of IPEF.

    How many of the given statements is/are correct?

    1. One
    2. Two
    3. Three
    4. None

  • Highlights of the World Air Quality Report, 2023

    Why in the news-

    • India has been ranked as the third-most polluted country in 2023, following Bangladesh and Pakistan, according to the ‘World Air Quality Report 2023’ by IQAir.
    • IQAir is a Swiss air quality technology company, specializing in protection against airborne pollutants, developing air quality monitoring and air cleaning products

    Comparative Analysis

     

    • Previous Rankings: In 2022, India held the eighth position among the most polluted countries with an average PM2.5 concentration of 53.3 micrograms per cubic meter, demonstrating a marginal increase in pollution levels.
    • Global Rankings: The report ranked 42 Indian cities among the top 50 most polluted cities globally, with Begusarai, Guwahati, and Delhi leading the list.

    Key Highlights

    (A)  Most Polluted Indian Cities:

    • Ten out of the top 11 most polluted cities in the world are from India, the other being Lahore in Pakistan.
    • Begusarai, located in Bihar, witnessed a significant increase in PM 2.5 concentration from 19.7 micrograms per cubic metre in 2022 to 118.9 micrograms per cubic metre in 2023.
    • Guwahati’s PM2.5 concentration doubled from 51 to 105.4 micrograms per cubic meter between 2022 and 2023.
    • Delhi saw an increase in PM2.5 concentration from 89.1 to 92.7 micrograms per cubic meter over the same period.
    • Other Indian cities featuring in the top 50 most polluted cities of the world list included Greater Noida (11), Muzzafarnagar (16), Gurgaon (17), Arrah (18), Dadri (19), Patna (20), Faridabad (25), Noida (26), Meerut (28), Ghaziabad (35) and Rohtak (47).

    (B) Global Insights:

    • Oceania—comprising Australia, New Zealand, and French Polynesia—remained the region with the cleanest air in 2023.
    • The report highlighted the top five most polluted countries worldwide, including Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Tajikistan, and Burkina Faso.
    • Seven countries which met the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline (annual average of 5 ”g/m3 or less) included Australia, Estonia, Finland, Grenada, Iceland, Mauritius, and New Zealand.
    • Despite previous declines, China experienced a 6.3% increase in PM2.5 concentration in 2023, signalling a concerning trend.
    • For the first time, Canada emerged as the most polluted country in Northern America, reflecting regional air quality challenges.
    • Africa remains the most underrepresented continent, with a third of the population still lacking access to air quality data.

    What are Particulate Matters (PM)?

     

    • Particulate matter (PM) consists of a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in the air.
    • These particles come from various sources, including vehicle emissions, industrial processes, construction activities, agricultural activities, wildfires, and natural dust.
    • PM can be classified into different size categories based on its aerodynamic diameter.
    • Common size fractions include PM10 (particles with a diameter of 10 micrometres or smaller) and PM2.5 (particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller).
    • PM 2.5 are so small that they can penetrate deep into the respiratory system and enter the bloodstream, posing significant health risks.
    • Long-term exposure to elevated levels of PM2.5 has been linked to reduced lung function, aggravated asthma, and increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.

    PYQ:

    Q.Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three Mega cities of the country but the air pollution is much more serious problem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so? (2015)

     

    Q.In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index? (2016)

    1. Carbon dioxide
    2. Carbon monoxide
    3. Nitrogen dioxide
    4. Sulphur dioxide
    5. Methane

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    1. 1, 2 and 3 only
    2. 2, 3 and 4 only
    3. 1, 4 and 5 only
    4. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

     

    Practice MCQ:

    Consider the following statements:

    1. Particulate matter (PM) consists of a mixture of solid particles as well as liquid droplets suspended in the air.
    2. PM 2.5 can penetrate deep into the respiratory system and enter the bloodstream, posing significant health risks.
    3. Natural dust does not contribute to PM.

    How many of the given statements is/are correct?

    1. One
    2. Two
    3. Three
    4. None

  • [pib] Mission LiFE

    Why in the news-

    • Recently an EIACP Event (Environment Information, awareness, capacity building and livelihood Programme) was held on the ‘Mission Life’.

    About Mission LiFE

    • Mission LiFE, or Lifestyle for Environment, is a global mass movement initiated by India to encourage individual and community action towards environmental protection and preservation.
    • It was inaugurated by the PM Modi at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow in November 2021.
    • The program aims to mobilize one billion Indians and individuals worldwide to adopt sustainable lifestyles.

    Salient Features of Mission LiFE

    • It serves as a platform to showcase sustainable goals and climate actions implemented by countries and individuals globally.
    • It aligns with the P3 model, promoting Pro Planet People and fostering a sense of collective responsibility.
    • It operates based on the principles of ‘Lifestyle of the planet, for the planet, and by the planet’.

    Strategy of Mission LiFE

    • Mission LiFE adopts a three-pronged strategy to shift people’s collective approach towards sustainability:
      1. Nudging individuals to practice simple yet effective environment-friendly actions in their daily lives (demand).
      2. Enabling industries and markets to respond swiftly to the changing demand (supply).
      3. Influencing government and industrial policy to support both sustainable consumption and production (policy).

    Practice MCQ:

    With reference to the Mission LiFE, consider the following statements:

    1. It is a mass movement initiated by India to encourage individual and community action towards environmental protection and preservation.
    2. It was inaugurated at the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow in November 2021.

    Which of the given statements is/are correct?

    1. Only 1
    2. Only 2
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2

  • Places in news: Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

    rhino

    Why in the news? 

    • The Supreme Court halted the Assam government’s attempt to revoke a 26-year-old notification establishing the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, home to a significant rhino population.

    What was the reason behind this decision?

    • The Supreme Court asserted that withdrawing a notification for a wildlife sanctuary required permission from the National Board of Wildlife, and clarified its order does not impede actions to protect forest dwellers’ rights.

    About Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary 

    • Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary boasts the highest density of one-horned rhinos globally, second only to Kaziranga National Park in Assam. Often dubbed as ‘Mini Kaziranga,’ Pobitora shares a similar landscape and vegetation to its renowned counterpart.
    • The sanctuary shelters various endangered species, including one-horned rhinoceros, leopards, leopard cats, fishing cats, jungle cats, feral buffaloes, wild pigs, and Chinese pangolins.
    • Approximately 72% of Pobitora’s area comprises a wet savannah dominated by Arundo donax and Saccharum grasses, while the rest is covered by water bodies.

    About One-Horned Rhino:

    • IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable.
    • Habitat– Rhinos are mainly found in Assam, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh.
      • Assam has an estimated 2,640 rhinos in four protected areas, i.e. Pabitora Wildlife Reserve, Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park, Kaziranga National Park, and Manas National Park.
      • About 2,400 of them are in the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR).

    Prelims Question:

    Which wildlife sanctuary boasts the highest density of one-horned rhinos globally, second only to Kaziranga National Park in Assam?

    a) Manas National Park

    b) Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

    c) Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park

    d) Jim Corbett National Park

     

    [wpdiscuz-feedback id=”tqlc9hnh9p” question=”Please leave a feedback on this” opened=”1″]Post your answers here.[/wpdiscuz-feedback]

     

  • 7,396 Golden Langur in India, reveals survey

    Golden Langur

    In the news

    • The latest survey conducted by the Primate Research Centre NE India (PRCNE), Assam Forest Department has estimated a population of approximately 7,396 Golden Langur (Trachypithecus geei) in India.

    About Golden Langur

    Details
    Identification
    • Recognizable by the color of their fur, which gives them their name.
    • Fur color changes with the seasons.
    • Young langurs are almost pure white.
    Geographic Range
    • Found in Assam, India, and neighboring Bhutan year-round.
    • Inhabits an area bordered by the foothills of Bhutan (north), Manas river (east), Sankosh river (west), and Brahmaputra river (south).
    Habitat
    • Occupies moist evergreen and tropical deciduous forests, along with some riverine areas and savannahs in Assam and Bhutan.
    • Prefers living in the upper canopy of sub-tropical forests in the south and temperate forests in the north.
    Conservation Status
    • IUCN: Endangered
    • CITES: Appendix I
    • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
    Key Habitats
    • Ripu Reserve Forest and Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary serve as vital habitats.
    • Fragmented habitats face instability and threats.

     

    Try this PYQ from CSE Prelims 2012:

    Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of endangered species?

    (a) Great Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda and Asiatic Wild Ass

    (b) Kashmir Stag, Cheetal, Blue Bull and Great Indian Bustard

    (c) Snow Leopard, Swamp Deer, Rhesus Monkey and Saras (Crane)

    (d) Lion-tailed Macaque, Blue Bull, Hanuman Langur and Cheetal

     

    [wpdiscuz-feedback id=”pby4tjohr1″ question=”Please leave a feedback on this” opened=”1″]Post your answers.[/wpdiscuz-feedback]

  • Rajasthan’s Proposal to Classify Orans as Deemed Forests

    sacred grove oran

    In the news

    • A recent state government notification has struck fear in Rajasthan community dwellers about losing access to forest produce and livelihoods.
    • Communities, particularly those in western Rajasthan, are concerned about the state’s proposal to classify Oran, Dev-vans and Rundhs (sacred groves) as deemed forests.

    What are Sacred Groves?

    • Sacred groves of India are forest fragments of varying sizes, which are communally protected, and which usually have a significant religious connotation for the protecting community.
    • It usually consists of a dense cover of vegetation including climbers, herbs, shrubs and trees, with the presence of a village deity and is mostly situated near a perennial water source.
    • Sacred groves are considered to be symbols of the primitive practice of nature worship and support nature conservation to a great extent.
    • The introduction of the protected area category community reserves under the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002 has introduced legislation for providing government protection to community-held lands, which could include sacred groves.

    Historical references

    • Indian sacred groves are often associated with temples, monasteries, shrines, pilgrimage sites, or with burial grounds.
    • Historically, sacred groves find their mentions in Hindu, Jain and Buddhist texts, from sacred tree groves in Hinduism to sacred deer parks in Buddhism for example.
    • Sacred groves may be loosely used to refer to natural habitat protected on religious grounds.
    • Other historical references to sacred groves can be obtained in Vrukshayurveda an ancient treatise, ancient classics such as Kalidasa’s Vikramuurvashiiya.
    • There has been a growing interest in creating green patches such as Nakshatravana

    Regulation of activities in Sacred Grooves

    • Hunting and logging are usually strictly prohibited within these patches.
    • Other forms of forest usage like honey collection and deadwood collection are sometimes allowed on a sustainable basis.
    • NGOs work with local villagers to protect such groves.
    • Traditionally, and in some cases even today, members of the community take turns to protect the grove.

    Threats to such grooves

    • Threats to the groves include urbanization and over-exploitation of resources.
    • While many of the groves are looked upon as abode of Hindu deities, in the recent past a number of them have been partially cleared for construction of shrines and temples.

    Total grooves in India

    • Around 14,000 sacred groves have been reported from all over India, which act as reservoirs of rare fauna, and more often rare flora, amid rural and even urban settings.
    • Experts believe that the total number of sacred groves could be as high as 100,000.
    • They are called by different names in different states:
    1. Sarna in Bihar
    2. Dev Van in Himachal Pradesh
    3. Devarakadu in Karnataka
    4. Kavu in Kerala
    5. Dev in Madhya Pradesh
    6. Devarahati or Devarai in Maharashtra
    7. Law Kyntang or Asong Khosi in Meghalaya
    8. Kovil Kadu or Sarpa Kavu in Tamil Nadu

  • Meghalaya’s Byrnihat Most Polluted ‘City’ in India

    meghalaya

    In the news

    • The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) recently released data shedding light on air pollution levels across urban centers in India during February 2024.
    • Surprisingly, Meghalaya’s Byrnihat emerged as the most polluted ‘city’ in the nation, sparking concerns about air quality in the otherwise cleaner Northeast region.

    About Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA)

    • CREA is a non-profit think tank researching energy and air pollution based in Helsinki (Finland).
    • It was established in 2019 with the goal of tracking the impacts of air pollution by providing data-backed research products.

    Key Insights

    (1) Alarming Pollution Levels in NE

    • Pollution Pinnacle: Byrnihat, an industrial town near the Assam border, recorded the highest levels of PM2.5 pollution in India, with a monthly average concentration of 183 ”g/m3.
    • Byrnihat vs. National Averages: Byrnihat’s PM2.5 levels were significantly higher than those in Bihar’s Araria, the second-most polluted city, highlighting the severity of pollution in the former.
    • Northeastern Representation: Other northeastern cities such as Nalbari, Agartala, Guwahati, and Nagaon also featured among the 30 most polluted cities in India, indicating a broader regional trend of worsening pollution levels.

    (2) Cleanest Cities and Regional Disparities

    • Positive Performers: Sivasagar, Silchar, Aizawl, and Imphal emerged as the cleanest cities in the region, with PM2.5 concentrations below the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS).
    • National Rankings: Sivasagar secured the second position nationally, underscoring its exemplary air quality standards.

    (3) Silver Lining: Improvements and Opportunities

    • Positive Trends: February witnessed a notable improvement in air quality, with 36 cities classified under the ‘good’ category, reflecting positive strides in pollution mitigation efforts.
    • Opportunities for Progress: The data signals opportunities for collaborative action and policy interventions to address environmental challenges and safeguard public health.

    Implications and Recommendations

    • Monitoring Imperative: The data underscores the urgent need to enhance air quality monitoring infrastructure in the northeastern states to effectively track pollution levels.
    • Environmental Concerns: Unregulated industrial operations, inadequate public transportation, rampant construction, and other factors contribute to the deteriorating air quality in the region, necessitating stringent regulatory measures.