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Subject: Conservation & Mitigation

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

  • Progress track: National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)

    Central Idea

    • The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) aims to clean the Ganga River by treating sewage generated in five major states through sewage treatment plants (STPs) and sewerage networks.
    • Over seven years, NMCG has achieved 20% sewage treatment capacity, with a target of 60% by December 2026.

    About National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)

    Objective Restore and rejuvenate the Ganga River and its tributaries, ensuring their ecological and geological health
    Formation Year 2014
    Nodal Agency Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India
    Coverage Encompasses Ganga and its major tributaries
    Key Areas Pollution control, riverfront development, biodiversity conservation, afforestation, and public awareness
    Projects Ghat and crematoria development, sewage treatment plants, river surface cleaning, and more
    Holistic Approach Integrates various government initiatives, stakeholders, and public participation
    Collaborations Partnerships with state governments, NGOs, international agencies, and private sector
    Legal Measures National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) established for river protection
    Significance Addresses ecological, social, and cultural aspects while ensuring sustainable water quality

    Current and Future Sewage Treatment Capacity

    • As of now, NMCG treats about 20% of sewage generated in the Ganga river basin.
    • The treatment capacity is projected to reach 33% by 2024 and 60% by December 2026.
    • Sewage generation is estimated at 11,765 million litres per day (MLD) across five states: Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.

    Role of NMCG

    • NMCG aims to prevent untreated sewage from flowing into the Ganga River.
    • The 11,765 MLD projection includes sewage generated within the states but not necessarily flowing into the river.
    • NMCG’s plan includes setting up 7,000 MLD sewage treatment capacity by 2026.

    Projects and Progress

    • STPs and sewerage networks constitute about 80% of the NMCG project.
    • By July 2023, functional STPs treat 2,665 MLD, with 1,455 MLD added in the last financial year.
    • Delayed projects resulted from land acquisition issues and revisions in Detailed Project Reports.

    State-wise Distribution

    • Most STPs are in Uttarakhand (36), followed by Uttar Pradesh (35) and West Bengal (11).
    • Despite NMCG’s â‚č20,000 crore budget, in-principle approval has been given for projects worth â‚č37,396 crore, with â‚č14,745 crore released for infrastructure work by June 2023.

    Conclusion

    • NMCG’s progress signifies a positive trajectory in Ganga River restoration, reflected in improved water quality and enhanced aquatic life.
    • The mission’s efforts continue to tackle sewage treatment challenges and promote cleaner water resources.

  • Illicit Red Sand Boa Trade in India

    red sand boa

    Central Idea

    • A recent report by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)-India exposes 172 incidents of red sand boa (Eryx johnii) seizures spanning 2016-2021.
    • It is illicitly traded under the notion of its role in black magic practices.

    About Red Sand Boa

    • The Red Sand Boa is a rare non-poisonous snake with applications in medicine, cosmetics, and even black magic, making it highly valued in the global market.
    • Among the general public, it is referred to as the “Two-headed Snake” due to its thick tail with a rounded tip, resembling two heads.

    Conservation Status

    • Trading and possessing the red sand boa violate the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
    • The species is categorized in Schedule IV of the WPA.
    • Additionally, the red sand boa is listed in Appendix II of CITES.
    • It holds a ‘Near Threatened’ classification by the IUCN, with a diminishing population trend.

    Prime moving factor for trade: Social Media

    • The study underscores the pivotal role of social media, particularly platforms like YouTube, as conduits for illegal trade.
    • YouTube videos act as interfaces for buyers and sellers, occasionally facilitating transactions via WhatsApp.
    • In 2021, approximately 200 videos advertising sand boas for sale on YouTube were identified.

  • Places in news: Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary         

    Hollongapar

    Central Idea

    • The Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary in Assam, home to the endangered western hoolock gibbon, is facing habitat fragmentation due to a railway track that divides the sanctuary.

    Hoolock Gibbons

    • They are a unique primate species, inhabit various regions across India’s northeastern part, particularly in states like Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland.
    • These arboreal creatures are known for their distinctive vocalizations and tree-dwelling behavior.
    • There are two recognized species of hoolock gibbons found in India: the eastern hoolock gibbon (Hoolock leuconedys) and the western hoolock gibbon (Hoolock hoolock).
    • These gibbons play an essential role in the ecosystem by aiding in seed dispersal and maintaining forest health.

    Conservation status

    • IUCN Red List:
      1. Western Hoolock Gibbon: Classified as Endangered
      2. Eastern Hoolock Gibbon: Classified as Vulnerable
    • Indian (Wildlife) Protection Act 1972: both listed on Schedule 1 of the

    About Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary

    • The HGS is located in the Jorhat district of Assam, India.
    • It was established in 1997 as a protected area primarily to conserve the western hoolock gibbon, an endangered primate species.
    • The sanctuary covers an area of approximately 20.98 square kilometers.
    • Set aside initially in 1881, its forests used to extend to the foothills of the Patkai mountain range.
    • It contains India’s only gibbons – the hoolock gibbons, and Northeastern India’s only nocturnal primate – the Bengal slow loris.

  • State of India’s Birds (SoIB) Report, 2023: Key Highlights

    bird

    Central Idea

    • The State of India’s Birds (SoIB) report based on data collected from approximately 30,000 birdwatchers has unveiled concerning trends regarding India’s bird population.
    • The study highlights a substantial decline in numerous bird species, attributing this decline to a range of factors.

    About SoIB Report

    • The SoIB report aims to evaluate the conservation status of a wide range of species regularly present in India.
    • It is published by a partnership involving 13 governmental and non-governmental organizations, including SACON, WII, and ZSI.
    • The report extensively employs data from over 30 million observations on eBird by more than 30,000 birdwatchers.
    • The report assesses distribution range size, abundance trends over the long term and since 2015, and information from the IUCN Red List to categorize Indian species into Low, Moderate, and High Conservation Priority tiers.

    Key Highlights of the Report

    • Widespread Decline: Among the species analyzed, 60% of those assessed for long-term trends show decline, while 40% exhibit a decline in current annual trends.
    • Raptors and Vultures: Birds consuming vertebrates and carrion, including raptors and vultures, have significantly declined, possibly due to pollutants or prey availability reduction.
    • Endemics and Biodiversity Hotspots: Endemic species in the Western Ghats and Sri Lanka biodiversity hotspot have experienced rapid declines over the past decades.
    • Positive Outlook: Certain generalist species, exemplified by the Indian peafowl, demonstrate remarkable increases in abundance, with a 150% rise observed over the past decades.
    • Conservation Priority: The report classifies species into High, Moderate, and Low Conservation Priority, with 178 species as High Priority, 323 as Moderate, and 441 as Low Priority. Noteworthy species include the Ruddy shelduck, Indian courser, Narcondam hornbill, and Nicobar megapode.

    Identified Threats to Bird Species

    • The report underscores threats encompassing forest degradation, urbanization, energy infrastructure.
    • Birds are highly impacted by environmental pollutants like Nimesulide affecting vulture populations, climate change’s impacts on migratory species, avian diseases, and illegal hunting and trade.

    Actions and Research Implications

    • Targeted Conservation: The report advocates for the conservation of specific groups, such as grassland specialists that have suffered a more than 50% decline, highlighting the importance of protecting and preserving grassland ecosystems.
    • Long-Term Monitoring: The significance of continuous, systematic bird population monitoring is emphasized to comprehend subtle fluctuations in bird numbers.
    • In-Depth Research: Further research is needed to understand the causes behind both declines and increases in bird populations.
    • Synergy among Policies: The report calls for the harmonization of policies related to river, water, and wasteland development, recognizing the multifaceted role of abundant, widespread bird species.
    • Citizen Participation: Citizen Engagement plays a pivotal role in biodiversity conservation, warranting an essential role in the action plan for bird population and habitat preservation.

  • Role of Urban Form in Heat Resilience

    urban form

    Central Idea

    • A study conducted by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) in 2022 examines the relationship between diverse urban forms and their reactions to heat, offering insights that could guide India’s urban centers in combatting heat-related challenges.

    Distinct Urban Forms and Heat Resilience

    • Crucial Consideration: Urban form encompasses a city’s unique blend of natural and built components, shaping its activities and infrastructure.
    • Diverse Parameters: Urban form’s defining elements include urban morphology, aspect ratio, sky view factor (SVF), blue/green infrastructure (B/GI), floor space index (FSI), and street orientation.
    • Localized Study: CSE’s ongoing study focuses on 10 cities, such as Pune, Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Jaipur, each revealing trends that could inform heat mitigation strategies.

    Unveiling Key Parameters and Findings

    • Urban Morphology: Varied urban morphologies, from open highrise to compact midrise, demonstrate lower land surface temperatures (LST) among heat pockets. Lowrise areas exhibit higher LST due to sparse vegetation and heat-trapping roofing materials, suggesting the potential for improvement.
    • Aspect Ratio: The ratio of building height to street width impacts heat retention. Higher aspect ratios correlate with lower LST, indicating the significance of narrower streets for reduced heat gain.
    • Sky View Factor: The visibility of sky between buildings influences heat dissipation. Elevated sky view factors increase LST by up to 10°C, highlighting the role of factors like road intersections and open parking lots.
    • Blue/Green Infrastructure: Vegetation significantly impacts microclimates. Effective vegetation cover (EVC), with a focus on trees, grass, and shrubs, can reduce LST by 2-4°C, demonstrating the need to prioritize tree-heavy greens.

    Policy Implications for Enhanced Heat Resilience

    • FSI and Urban Cooling: Higher floor space index (FSI) inversely correlates with LST, suggesting that denser urban configurations can alleviate heat.
    • Street Orientation: The orientation of streets affects sun exposure and wind, leading to differences in thermal comfort. North-south streets expose higher LST due to east-west sun exposure.
    • Contextual Cooling Solutions: Urban form-based codes can offer targeted cooling solutions. Diverse zones with customized regulations—shaded walkways, cool roofs, or high EVC—can cater to varied needs.

    Way Forward

    • Incorporating Learning: Urban planning must integrate findings from the study into building by-laws and master plans. Pune’s experience showcases the impact of SVF, aspect ratio, EVC, and urban morphology on heat gain.
    • Adaptation for Other Cities: Each city may face distinct drivers influencing heat resilience, necessitating customized solutions and urban planning modifications.
    • Economic Benefits: A 1°C temperature reduction corresponds to a 2% drop in the city’s power consumption, highlighting the financial advantages of heat mitigation strategies.

  • Fukushima Water Release: Facts and Controversies

    Fukushima

    Central Idea

    • Japan’s decision to release cooling water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean has sparked a complex debate.
    • Amidst concerns about radiation, environmental impact, and transparency, understanding the facts is vital.

    About Fukushima Disaster

    • The Fukushima disaster refers to a series of nuclear incidents that occurred at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in Okuma, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan.
    • It followed the powerful earthquake and tsunami that struck on March 11, 2011.
    • The disaster resulted in the release of radioactive materials and had significant implications for both human health and the environment.
    • It is considered one of the most severe nuclear accidents in history, alongside the Chernobyl disaster.

    Why Fukushima Water is Being Released?

    • Storage Constraints: The Fukushima facility’s storage tanks are at full capacity due to the need for constant cooling of damaged reactors since the 2011 tsunami disaster.
    • Vast Water Volume: The plant requires 170 tons of cooling water daily, with rain and groundwater further exacerbating the issue. The site holds 1,343 million cubic meters of water across 1,046 storage tanks.
    • Release Process: Filtered water undergoes a one-kilometre tunnel before entering the Pacific Ocean. This process is expected to span 30 years while the radioactive waste remains on land.

    Regulatory Approval and Skepticism

    • Regulatory Endorsement: Both Japan’s atomic agency and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have approved the release, stating negligible radiological impact.
    • Skepticism and Concerns: Environmentalists, fishing experts, neighbouring states, and public sentiments accuse Japan of underplaying radiation levels. Concerns encompass ocean contamination, ecological harm, economic loss, and damage to reputation.

    Water Preparation and Tritium

    • Filter System: Contaminated water passes through the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS), capable of filtering 62 radioactive elements but not tritium.
    • Tritium Dilution: The plant agency intends to dilute tritium concentration to 1,500 Becquerel per liter, a fraction of the safety standard, before releasing it.
    • Tritium Safety: Experts assert that tritium, a weak radioactive form of hydrogen, poses minimal risk as it emits weak beta particles, easily blocked by materials like plastic or skin.

    Pacific Ocean’s Role and Controversy

    • Dilution Principle: Experts stress that “the solution to pollution is dilution.” When water is sufficiently diluted, it becomes safe for both humans and the environment.
    • Tritium Focus and Critique: Greenpeace accuses the government and plant agency of focusing on tritium to divert attention from other radioactive elements that won’t be filtered out.
    • Alternatives and Considerations: Alternatives like additional tanks or evaporation exist. However, concerns over tank leaks and airborne radioactive releases complicate these options.

    Conclusion

    • The Fukushima water release debate presents a complex array of scientific, environmental, and geopolitical considerations.
    • Striking a balance between environmental preservation, public safety, and responsible nuclear waste management remains a challenging task.
    • As experts, activists, and governments deliberate, it’s essential to foster transparency, prioritize informed discussions, and seek solutions that minimize risks and promote global well-being.

  • Ecological Significance of Northeast India

    northeast
    Umiam Lake

    Central Idea

    • A recent case involving Umiam Lake in Meghalaya highlights the delicate balance between economic growth and ecological preservation in Northeast India.

    Umiam Lake

    • Umiam Lake, locally known as Dam Sait, is a reservoir situated in the hills 15 km (9.3 mi) north of Shillong in Meghalaya, India.
    • The lake was created by damming the Umiam River during the early 1960s.
    • The principal catchment area of the lake and dam spans over 225 square km.
    • The Umiam Dam was constructed by the Assam State Electricity Board primarily for hydroelectric power generation.
    • The Umiam Stage I powerhouse, located north of the lake, consists of four 9-MW turbine generators that began operating in 1965.
    • It was the first reservoir-storage hydroelectric project commissioned in the northeastern region of India.

    Umiam Lake and the Environment

    • PIL on Cleanliness: The Meghalaya High Court heard a PIL concerning Umiam Lake’s cleanliness, emphasizing the need to protect natural beauty amid development.
    • Guidelines Insufficiency: The court noted that the Meghalaya Waterbodies Guidelines did not address the pressing issue of unchecked construction around waterbodies.

    Ecological Significance of North East

    • Biodiverse Region: Northeast India boasts abundant natural resources, including oil, gas, minerals, and fresh water. It features vital biodiversity hotspots like the Garo-Khasi-Jaintia hills and the Brahmaputra valley.
    • Environmental Challenges: Despite being industrially underdeveloped, deforestation, floods, and existing industries threaten the region’s fragile ecosystem.

    Legal Framework for Environmental Protection

    • Environmental Laws: India has formulated several environmental laws, particularly in the 1980s. Offences against the environment are treated as “public nuisance” under sections of the Indian Penal Code.
    • District Council Autonomy: The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution grants District Councils autonomy, limiting state authority over matters like land use. This lack of regulation impacts land preservation around water bodies.

    Role of PILs and Judicial Activism

    • Environmental Litigation: PILs and judicial activism under Articles 32 and 226 have led to impactful environmental litigation, imposing penalties and guidelines.
    • National Green Tribunal: The National Green Tribunal imposed heavy fines on states like Meghalaya and Manipur for illegal mining and improper waste management.

    Sustainable Development and Ecology

    • Negative List in NEIDS: The North East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS) incorporates a “Negative List,” excluding entities without compliance with environmental standards from incentives.
    • Holistic Policy Approach: The “Act Fast for Northeast” policy should encompass both trade and commerce and the preservation of the environment to achieve balanced development.
    • Need for Comprehensive Legislation: A uniform and comprehensive environmental legislation that addresses environmental concerns at all levels of governance is crucial.

    Conclusion

    • The delicate balance between development and environmental preservation is crucial for Northeast India’s future.
    • Sustainable policies, strict enforcement of guidelines, and holistic development approaches are vital to ensure the region’s rich ecology thrives alongside economic growth.

  • Per- and Polyfluoro-Alkyl substances (PFAs): the Forever Chemicals

    A recent study published in Environment Science and Technology has found that rainwater from many places across the globe is contaminated with “per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances,” (PFAs) also called “forever chemicals”.

    What are PFAs?

    • PFAs are man-made chemicals used to make non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, cosmetics, fire-fighting forms and many other products that resist grease, water and oil.
    • They refer to a group of over 3,000 widely used human-made chemicals linked to cancer and other health risks.
    • They have tendency to stick around in the atmosphere, rainwater and soil for long periods of time.
    • PFAs can migrate to the soil, water and air during their production and use.
    • Since most PFAs do not break down, they remain in the environment for long periods of time.
    • Some of these PFAs can build up in people and animals if they are repeatedly exposed to the chemicals.

    What harm do PFAs cause?

    • A variety of health risks are attributed to PFA exposure, including decreased fertility, developmental effects in children, interference with body hormones, increased cholesterol levels and increased risk of some cancers.
    • Recent research has also revealed that long-term low-level exposure to certain PFAs can make it difficult for humans to build antibodies after being vaccinated against various diseases.

    How can these chemicals be removed from rainwater?

    • There is no known method that can extract and remove PFAs from the atmosphere itself.
    • There are many effective, albeit expensive, methods to remove them from rainwater that has been collected through various rainwater harvesting methods.
    • One way to do this would be to use a filtration system with activated carbon.
    • The activated carbon will need to be removed and replaced regularly.
    • Also, the old contaminated material must be destroyed.

    Remedial measures

    • A cheaper method is under trial.
    • The researchers first placed a PFA compound in a solvent called DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide).
    • They then mixed it with sodium hydroxide (lye) in water.
    • They found that when this mixture was heated up to boiling temperature, the PFA compound began to degrade.
    • However, this method doesn’t work for all PFAs and only works for certain PFA subsets.

     

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  • Tachymenoides Harrisonfordi: Snake named after Celebrity

    harrison

    Central Idea

    • The snake, known as Tachymenoides harrisonfordi, was named after Harrison Ford for his commitment to environmental advocacy.

    Tachymenoides harrisonfordi

    • It is a snake species that was named in honour of the actor Harrison Ford.
    • This naming was a recognition of Ford’s dedication to environmental advocacy.
    • Its characteristics include:
    1. Physical Attributes: Tachymenoides Harrisonfordi measures approximately 16 inches (40.6 centimetres) and features a yellowish-brown colour with scattered black blotches.
    2. Distinctive Features: The snake boasts a black belly, a vertical streak above its copper-coloured eye, and unique markings that contribute to its identity.
    3. Habitat and Elevation: The sole specimen, a male snake, was found sunbathing in a marsh at an altitude of 3,248 meters above sea level.

  • What are Deemed Forests?

    deemed forest

    Central Idea

    • The Odisha government has rescinded a contentious order that declared the discontinuation of the ‘deemed forests’ category under the amended Forest Act.
    • This reversal comes after concerns were raised regarding the implications of the order on forest classification and protection.

    Understanding ‘Deemed Forests’

    • Definition: ‘Deemed forests’ refer to areas that are not formally classified as forests by central or state authorities in official records.
    • Legal Ambiguity: The term ‘deemed forests’ lacks a clear legal definition, including under the Forest Conservation Act of 1980.
    • Broad Interpretation: The Supreme Court’s T N Godavarman Thirumulpad Case (1996) embraced an expansive interpretation of forests. It encompassed statutorily recognized forests, irrespective of their reservation status, under the Forest Conservation Act.
    • Inclusive Scope: ‘Forest land’ within Section 2 of the Act extends beyond the dictionary meaning to include areas recorded as forests in government records, regardless of ownership, according to the court.

    Recent Relevance and Controversy

    • News Spotlight: The issue of ‘deemed forests’ has gained attention, particularly in Odisha and Karnataka, where allegations of unscientific classification and impact on agriculture and mining persist.
    • Calls for Reclassification: Advocates assert that ‘deemed forests’ should adhere to the dictionary meaning of forests, irrespective of ownership. Concerns have been raised about arbitrary classifications affecting farmers and mining activities.
    • Classification Challenges: Critics argue that the existing subjective classification lacks a well-defined scientific criterion, leading to conflicts and hardships for communities.

    Forest Classification in India

     

    The Forest Survey of India (FSI) classifies forest cover in 4 classes:

    1. Very Dense forest: All lands with tree cover (including mangrove cover) of canopy density of 70% and above.
    2. Moderately dense forest: All lands with tree cover (including mangrove cover) of canopy density between 40% and 70%.
    3. Open forests: All lands with tree cover (including mangrove cover) of canopy density between 10% and 40%.
    4. Scrubs: All forest lands with poor tree growth mainly of small or stunted trees having canopy density less than 10%.

     Motivations behind Reclassification

    • Reassessment in 2014: The Centre initiated a review of forest categorization in 2014 to address the classification process’s shortcomings.
    • Need for Objective Criteria: While the dictionary definition guided initial classifications, a lack of objective criteria resulted in subjective designations that hindered clarity and fairness.
    • Addressing Hardships: Officials classified land as ‘deemed forest’ without considering local needs, leading to difficulties for farmers and communities dependent on such lands.
    • Commercial Demands: Some regions categorized as ‘deemed forests’ hold commercial value for mining, prompting calls for reclassification.

    Implications in Odisha

    • State-Level Identification: Since 1996, Odisha had designated nearly 66 lakh acres as ‘deemed forest’ with the assistance of district-level expert committees. However, many of these areas were not officially recognized as forests in government records.
    • Controversy and Debate: The decision sparked controversy as experts and activists raised concerns about the potential ramifications of discontinuing the ‘deemed forest’ classification. The move could impact conservation efforts and the legal status of these lands.

    Conclusion

    • The Odisha government’s decision to reverse the order discontinuing the ‘deemed forests’ category underscores the significance of clear forest classification and protection policies.
    • The episode emphasizes the intricate balance between legal interpretations, conservation imperatives, and policy implementation in the realm of environmental protection.
    • Moving forward, it is essential for authorities to align policies with legal frameworks to ensure sustainable forest management and safeguard the delicate ecological balance.