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Subject: Environment

  • Is climate change behind more frequent and severe turbulence faced by aircraft?

    Why in the news?

    On May 21, severe turbulence over Myanmar caused one death and 70 injuries on a Singapore Airlines flight. Qatar Airways had 12 minor injuries on May 26.

    What is Turbulence?

    • Turbulence, unpredictable air motion caused by eddies and vertical currents, ranges from minor bumps to severe disruptions, often associated with fronts and thunderstorms.

    Flight Turbulence

    Types of Flight Turbulence

    Note: Attitude is the angular difference measured between an aeroplane’s axis and the line of the Earth’s horizon.

    • Light Turbulence: Slight erratic changes in the aircraft’s orientation.
    • Moderate Turbulence: Notable changes in altitude and attitude, but the aircraft remains under control.
    • Severe Turbulence: Significant and sudden changes of altitude and attitude, momentarily losing control.
    • Extreme Turbulence: The aircraft is violently tossed about and is almost impossible to control.

    Causes of Flight Turbulence

    • Mechanical Turbulence: Caused by friction between the air and the ground, especially over irregular terrain and man-made obstacles. Includes ‘mountain waves’ over mountain ranges.
    • Convective/Thermal Turbulence: Resulting from hot air rising rapidly and cooler air descending, creating convective air currents. Often occurs during the approach.
    • Frontal Turbulence: Created by the lifting of warm air by a sloping frontal surface and friction between opposing air masses, commonly near thunderstorms.
    • Wind Shear: Caused by changes in wind direction and/or speed over specific distances, found in temperature inversion areas, troughs, lows, and around jet streams.
    • Clear Air Turbulence (CAT): Occurs at high altitudes outside of clouds, often near jet streams, and is difficult to predict or see.

    Impact of Climate Change on Flight Turbulence

    • Increased Incidence: Studies indicate a rise in severe turbulence, particularly CAT, with the growth in air traffic and climate change.
    • Jet Stream Intensification: Climate change strengthens jet streams, increasing the frequency and severity of turbulence.
    • Mountain Wave and Near-Cloud Turbulence: Predictions suggest these types of turbulence will also intensify with climate change, leading to more frequent and severe occurrences globally.

    Way forward:

    • Safety Measures: Continuous improvement in aircraft design, weather forecasting, and pilot training helps mitigate the risks associated with turbulence.
    • Passenger Advice: Passengers are advised to keep their seat belts fastened as much as possible to avoid injuries during unexpected turbulence.
    • Regulatory Recommendations: Aviation authorities recommend better communication, real-time information sharing, and enhanced training to prevent turbulence-related incidents.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Most of the unusual climatic happenings are explained as an outcome of the El-Nino effect. Do you agree? (UPSC IAS/2014)

  • Monsoon Croaks Bioblitz: Protecting Kerala’s Frog Species

    Why in the News?

    The Centre for Citizen Science and Biodiversity Informatics, Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI), has organised the event “Monsoon Croaks Bioblitz 2024”.

    About Monsoon Croaks Bioblitz, 2024:

    •  This program aims to document Kerala’s frog species during the monsoon season.
    • Objective: Cultivate scientific curiosity among the public and raise awareness about frog conservation through social media platforms, such as posters and articles.
      • Bioblitz Definition: It’s an intensive survey conducted over time to identify and document as many species as possible within a designated area, a popular participatory survey method globally.

    Project Details:

    • Participation: People of all ages can contribute by uploading frog photographs and sounds via the iNaturalist app.
    • Data Utilization: Scientific observations collected during the bioblits will contribute to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), facilitating biodiversity awareness, habitat conservation, and climate change research.

    Need for such an event

    • Monsoon heralds a festive season for frogs, marking their peak activity and breeding period.
    • However, the survival of frogs, crucial indicators of ecosystem health, faces threats from climate change, habitat loss, and water pollution.
    • As a result, 41% of the world’s frog species are on the IUCN Red List of endangered species, including those in Kerala.

    Results of 2023:

    • In 2023, KFRI conducted the Monsoon Croaks project, witnessing enthusiastic participation from citizens across Kerala.
    • Highlights: Around 200 citizen scientists uploaded 1,223 observations, identifying approximately 80 amphibian species, including those listed on the IUCN Red List.
    • Notable Species:  The top most observed species is the Wayanad Bush Frog (Pseudophilautus wynaadensis).
      • Following closely is the Asian Common Toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus).
      • Other important amphibian species recorded in the bioblitz include:
      • Critically Endangered Resplendent Shrub frog (Raorchestes resplendens).
      • Endangered Malabar Torrent Toad (Blaira ornata).
      • Small Tree Frog (Rhacophorus lateralis).
      • Vulnerable Anaimalai Flying Frog (Rhacophorus pseudomalabaricus).
      • Near Threatened Purple Frog (Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis).

    Back2Basics: Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)

    Details
    Purpose To provide free and open access to biodiversity data for research, conservation, and sustainable development
    Establishment Established in 2001
    Headquarters Copenhagen, Denmark
    Members Over 40 countries and economies, including government agencies, museums, research institutions, and NGOs
    Mission Facilitate the digitisation and mobilization of biodiversity data, making it accessible and usable for scientific research and policy-making
    Core Functions
    • Promote and facilitate collaboration and data sharing among members
    • Develop standards and tools for data mobilisation, quality, and interoperability
    • Provide technical infrastructure for publishing, indexing, and accessing biodiversity data
    Data Availability GBIF provides access to over 2 billion occurrence records of species worldwide, contributed by thousands of data publishers
    Legal Framework GBIF operates under an intergovernmental treaty, the GBIF Agreement, and is governed by its members through an annual Governing Board
    Funding Funding for GBIF comes from member countries and economies, as well as international organizations and private sector partners
    Contributions to Science and Policy
    • Contributes to global assessments such as the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)
    • Supports the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and other international initiatives related to biodiversity conservation

     

    PYQ:

    [2015] With reference to an organization known as ‘Birdlife International’ which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. It is a Global Partnership of Conservation Organizations.
    2. The concept of ‘biodiversity hotspots’ originated from this organization.
    3. It identifies the sites known/referred to as ‘Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas’.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • KAZA Summit 2024: Delegates renew calls to leave CITES

    Why in the news?

    At the KAZA 2024 Summit in Livingstone, Zambia, delegates reiterated the urge for member states to withdraw from CITES because they seek approval to trade their plentiful ivory and wildlife items.

    About the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES):

    • It is an international agreement adopted in 1973 (entered into force in 1975) between governments.
    • Aim: To ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
    • Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
    • Although CITES is legally binding on the Parties – in other words, they have to implement the Convention–it does not take the place of national laws.
    • Representatives of CITES nations meet every two to three years at a Conference of the Parties (COP) to review progress and adjust the lists of protected species, which are grouped into three categories with different levels of protection:
      • Appendix I: Includes the world’s most endangered plants and animals, such as tigers and gorillas. International commercial trade in these species, or even parts of them, is completely banned, except in rare cases such as scientific research.
      • Appendix II: Contains species like corals that are not yet threatened with extinction, but which could become threatened if unlimited trade were allowed. Also included are “look-alike” species that closely resemble those already on the list for conservation reasons. Plants and animals in this category can be traded internationally, but there are strict rules.
      • Appendix III: Species whose trade is only regulated within a specific country can be placed on Appendix III if that country requires cooperation from other nations to help prevent exploitation.

    What is Kavango-Zambezi Trans-Frontier Conservation Area (KAZA-TFCA)?

    • The Kavango-Zambezi Trans-Frontier Conservation Area (KAZA-TFCA) spans 520,000 square kilometers. It covers parts of five southern African nations. These nations are Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
    • The area is centered around the Okavango and Zambezi river basins. The combined elephant population in these nations represents over two-thirds of Africa’s total, estimated at around 450,000.
    • Botswana has the largest elephant population within the region, with 132,000 elephants. Zimbabwe follows with 100,000 elephants.

    Key Objectives of KAZA 2024 Summit :

    • Conservation: Promote the sustainable management and conservation of wildlife across the five member states: Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
    • Economic Benefit: To explore ways to monetize abundant wildlife resources, particularly elephants, to fund conservation efforts and benefit local economies.

    Dominant Issues:

    • At the 19th meeting of the CITES conference in Panama in 2022, KAZA states and five other southern African countries advocated for opening up trade in ivory and elephant products.
    • Southern African countries, including those in the KAZA region, argue that their large elephant populations contribute to habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict.
    • Despite repeated requests, CITES delegates rejected the proposal, leading to frustration among African countries.
    • Ten countries, including KAZA states and others like Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, South Africa, and Tanzania, declared a dispute with CITES. They criticized CITES for straying from its founding principles and adopting ideologies over science-based conservation strategies.

    Way forward:

    • Lobbying for Change: Advocacy for a more equitable and science-based approach to wildlife trade regulations within international frameworks like CITES.
    • Regional Cooperation: Enhance collaboration among member states to develop joint conservation strategies and share best practices for managing human-wildlife conflicts.
    • Diversification of Revenue Streams: Explore alternative sources of funding for conservation efforts, such as ecotourism, carbon credits, and sustainable agriculture.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 helpful in the conservation of flora and fauna? (250 Words, 15 Marks) (UPSC IAS/2018)

  • In news: Sharavathi River

    Why in the News?

    The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and the mines and geology department to stop any unlawful/illegal sand mining in the Sharavathi River coastal zone.

    About National Green Tribunal (NGT)

    Description
    Establishment Formed in 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act as a statutory body.
    Objective
    • To deal with cases related to environmental issues and ensure speedy implementation of decisions.
    • Responsible for giving many prominent decisions aimed at environmental protection, including addressing air pollution in Delhi and canceling coal block clearances.
    Composition
    • Headquartered in Delhi, chaired by a retired Supreme Court judge
    • Included Judicial Members and Expert Panel.
    Powers Empowered to decide on questions related to various environmental laws and hear civil cases concerning environmental issues:

    1. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974;
    2. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977;
    3. The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980;
    4. The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981;
    5. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986;
    6. The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991;
    7. The Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
    Exceptions Prohibited to hear any issues which are covered under:

    1. The Indian Forest Act, 1927,
    2. The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and
    3. Any other laws made by States which are related to protection of trees, forests, etc.
    Places
    • Principal bench in Delhi;
    • Additional benches in Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata, and Chennai.
    Governing Principles
    • Governed by principles of natural justice, not bound by Indian Evidence Act.
    • Applies principles of sustainable development, precautionary, and polluter pays.
    Review and Challenge
    • NGT orders can be reviewed as per Rule 22 of NGT Rules.
    • Can be challenged before the Supreme Court within 90 days.
    Jurisdiction
    • Jurisdiction over all civil cases involving a substantial question relating to environment.
    • Powers vested are the same as in a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.
    • Decisions are binding.
    Disposal of Cases Disposal of applications or appeals finally within 6 months of filing of the same.

    About Sharavathi River

    • It originates and flows entirely within Karnataka.
    • It is among the few westward-flowing rivers in the country and a significant part of its basin lies in the Western Ghats.
    • Origin: The river originates at Ambutheertha in the Thirthahalli taluk.
    • Legend: According to ancient legend, the god Rama shot an arrow (Ambu) into the ground to quench his wife Sita’s thirst. The water that poured out was named “Thirtha,” hence the river’s name “Sharavati,” with “Shara” meaning arrow.

    Geography and Length:

    • The river stretches about 128 km (80 mi) and joins the Arabian Sea at Honnavar in Uttara Kannada district.
    • Jog Falls, formed by the Sharavati River, is located approximately 25 km from Siddapura.

    Tributaries and Basin:

    • Major tributaries: Nandihole, Haridravathi, Mavinahole, Hilkunji, Yennehole, Hurlihole, and Nagodihole.
    • River basin: divided between Uttara Kannada and Shimoga districts.
    • Pre-Cambrian rocks, including the Dharwar system and peninsular gneiss, dominate the basin.

    Soils and Agriculture:

    • Soils in the basin are predominantly lateritic and tend to be acidic, ranging from clay loamy to loamy.
    • Four soil orders are found: ultisols, alfisols, inceptisols, and entisols.

    Dams:

    • The Linganamakki Dam, constructed in 1964, spans the Sharavati River, with a catchment area of nearly 1,991.71 km2.
    • The Gerusoppa Dam, completed in 2002, primarily serves for electricity generation.

    Flora and Fauna:

    • The Sharavati Valley Wildlife Sanctuary declared in 1972, protects diverse ecosystems and endangered species.
    • The river basin is rich in biodiversity, home to rare species of flora and fauna.

    Regulation of Sand Mining in India:

    Mines and Minerals Act, 1957
    Definition of Sand as a Minor Mineral Sand is categorized as a minor mineral under section 3(e) of the MMDR Act.
    State Governments’ Role Section 15 empowers state governments to regulate mineral concessions for minor minerals, leading to the formulation of state-specific concession rules.
    Control of Illegal Mining Section 23C places the jurisdiction over controlling illegal mining under the purview of state governments.

    Sustainable Sand Mining Management Guidelines, 2016
    Purpose Released by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, aims to promote scientific and environmentally friendly sand mining practices.
    Recommendations Emphasizes sustainable sand extraction, monitoring, and district-wise mapping of sand availability.

    Sand Mining Framework, 2018
    Issued by Released by the Ministry of Mines, provides states with guidance for policy formulation and combating illegal sand mining.
    Recommended Measures Suggests geo-fencing, GPS-enabled transportation tracking, price control, involvement of women’s self-help groups, and exploration of alternative sand sources.

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] Which of the following is/are the possible consequence/s of heavy sand mining in riverbeds?

    1. Decreased salinity in the river
    2. Pollution of groundwater
    3. Lowering of the water-table

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    [2019] With reference to the management of minor minerals in India, consider the following statements :

    1. Sand is a ‘minor mineral’ according to the prevailing law in the country.
    2. State governments have the power to grant mining leases of minor minerals, but the powers regarding the formation of rules related to the grant of minor minerals lie with the Central Government.
    3. State Governments have the power to frame rules to prevent illegal mining of minor minerals.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 3 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • What are fire safety rules, and why are there compliance challenges? | Explained 

    Why in the News?

    Recent fire tragedies at a Rajkot gaming zone and a Delhi children’s hospital that killed 40 people highlight the urgent need for stricter fire safety enforcement.

    According to the latest Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India (ADSI) report

    • It was released by the “National Crimes Records Bureau (NCRB)”
    • In 2022, 7,435 people died in over 7,500 fire accidents. This data shows that heavy casualties from fire accidents persist, with no lessons learned from the 1997 Uphaar Cinema tragedy or the 2004 Kumbakonam fire that killed 90 schoolchildren.

    What are the various laws and guidelines which stipulate rules around fire safety in buildings? 

    • National Building Code (NBC): Published by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in 1970, last updated in 2016.
      • Part 4 of NBC is about the details of fire safety measures, including construction guidelines, materials, and safety protocols. They are mandatory for states to incorporate NBC recommendations into local buildings.
    • Model Building Bye Laws 2016: It is issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. It guides States/UTs in framing building bylaws with norms for fire protection and safety.
    • State Fire Services Act: Fire services are a state subject, and individual states have their own Fire Services Acts or building bylaws.
    • National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Guidelines: Provide fire safety instructions for homes, schools, and hospitals. Include recommendations on maintaining safety spaces, exit mechanisms, dedicated staircases, and evacuation drills.

    Key Points from Fire Safety Regulations by Government:

    • Building Classification: Buildings are classified based on occupancy (e.g., Residential, Institutional, Assembly). Specific measures for high-rise buildings, educational institutes, hotels, etc.
    • Construction Material: Use of non-combustible materials. Internal walls of staircases should have a minimum 120-minute fire rating.
    • Electrical Safety: Flame retardant wiring and cabling. Separate shafts for different voltage wiring, sealed with fire-stop materials.
    • Emergency Power and Signage: Provision of emergency lighting, fire alarm systems, and public address systems. Clear exit signage and escape lighting.
    • Technological Measures: Automatic fire detection and alarm systems.Down-comer pipelines, dry riser pipelines, automatic sprinklers, fire barriers, and fireman’s lifts.

    Challenges in Fire Safety Compliance

    • Lack of Uniform Legislation: Fire safety rules exist in all States, with many drawing from the NBC. However, due to the absence of uniform safety legislation and the NBC being a “recommendatory document,“ its provisions are frequently ignored at the local level.
    • Inadequate Fire Safety Audits: Local bodies fail to conduct regular fire safety checks, leading to non-compliance.
    • Staff Shortages: Insufficient staffing in fire departments exacerbates enforcement issues.
    • Community Awareness and Preparedness: Need for better community awareness and training on fire safety protocols and emergency response.

    Judicial responses to negligence over Public Safety

    • Apex Court: The Judiciary has frequently pulled up state authorities for failure to enforce fire safety regulations. It highlighted the laxity in compliance and the need for stringent enforcement.
    • Legal Actions: Cases like the Rajkot gaming zone fire reveal the consequences of not adhering to fire safety norms. Courts have mandated regular fire safety audits and strict adherence to NBC guidelines.
    • The National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) emphasized the need for building community resilience and compliance with safety norms.
    • The report on “Fires in India: Learning Lessons for Urban Safety” underscored the failure of authorities to learn from past tragedies and enforce fire safety measures.

    Way forward:

    • Building some National Standards: The National Building Code (NBC) needs to be converted from a recommendatory document to a mandatory standard across all states.
    • Regular Inspections: Mandate regular and frequent fire safety audits by local authorities.
    • Transparent Assessment: Allow third-party certified agencies to conduct independent fire safety audits to ensure unbiased assessments.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach. (UPSC IAS/2020)

  • In news: Campi Flegrei Super Volcano 

    Why in the News?

    A 4.4 magnitude earthquake struck Italy’s Campi Flegrei super volcano, with Pozzuoli as the epicentre. Felt as far as Naples, it’s the strongest tremor in 40 years

    Bradyseism Concerns near Campi Flegrei:

    • Campi Flegrei is prone to bradyseism, where ground elevation changes due to subsurface pressure.
    • The area, located 50 kilometres from Mt. Vesuvius, is undergoing a new cycle of bradyseism, according to volcanologists.
    • Over 500,000 people reside in the red zone adjacent to Campi Flegrei, prompting the Italian Civil Protection Agency to update evacuation plans.

    About Campi Flegrei Volcano

    • Campi Flegrei, also known as the Phlegraean Fields, is a large volcanic area located in the western suburbs of Naples, Italy.
    • It is one of the most active volcanic systems in the world and has been active for at least 50,000 years.

    Its Volcanic System:

    • Location: Campi Flegrei is situated within the Campanian volcanic arc in southern Italy, extending from the city of Naples to the Gulf of Pozzuoli.
    • Geological Formation: The volcanic system of Campi Flegrei is characterized by a large caldera, which is a collapsed volcanic crater, surrounded by numerous volcanic vents, craters, and lava domes. The caldera has a diameter of about 13 kilometers (8 miles).
    • Volcanic Activity: Campi Flegrei is considered a supervolcano due to its size and potential for large eruptions. It has experienced numerous periods of volcanic activity throughout its history, including explosive eruptions, lava flows, and phreatic (steam-driven) eruptions.
    • Terrain Features: The landscape of Campi Flegrei is characterized by volcanic features such as craters, fumaroles (steam vents), mud pots, and hot springs.

    PYQ:

    [2021] Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in ‘2021’ and their impact on regional environment.

    [2018] Consider the following statements:

    1. The Barren Island volcano is an active volcano located in the Indian Territory.
    2. Barren Island lies about 140 km east of Great Nicobar.
    3. The last time the Barren Island volcano erupted was in 1991 and it has remained inactive since then.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1 and 3

  • Where animals are dying by a thousand cuts

    Why in the News?

    In the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, the farmers are using razor wire and electric fencing to defend their farms against stray cattle.

    About the Wildlife Populations in the Biodiverse Terai Areas of Uttar Pradesh

    • The Terai region in the U.P., encompassing districts like Pilibhit, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Bahraich, is known for its rich biodiversity, thriving sugarcane agriculture, and two tiger reserves.
    • This area supports endangered species such as tigers, rhinoceros, swamp deer, and the Bengal florican. The landscape blends forests, grasslands, and agriculture, creating a habitat where people and wildlife coexist.

    What does the Statistics say?

    • During the 2022-23 fiscal year, the livestock industry accounted for 30.1% of India’s Agricultural GDP and 4.35% of the national GDP.
    • India’s farming practices involve a blend of crop farming and livestock rearing. This combined approach offers extra income and job prospects, especially supporting landless workers, small-scale farmers, and women in the workforce.

    Constitutional Provision for the Protection of stray cattle:

    • As per Article 243(W) of the Constitution of India, the local bodies are responsible for cattle pounds and pinjrapole. Therefore, the State may also endow panchayats to establish and run. Cattle Pounds (Kanji Houses)/ Gaushala Shelters (community assets) to keep stray cattle.
    • Many States have established Gaushalas and Shelter houses for stray cattle and provide for feeding of those animals.

    Present Conflicts and Conservation Challenges:

    • Conflicts between humans and wildlife are common, including tiger attacks and crop damage by herbivores.
    • Farmers near protected areas sometimes use lethal methods such as razor wire and high-voltage electric fencing along the farm-forest boundaries. The presence of stray cattle, or “chutta jaanwar,” has intensified conflicts and conservation challenges.
    • Stray cattle disrupt wildlife movement corridors vital for species survival and potentially increase disease transmission risks to wild populations.
    • The Unvaccinated stray cattle can transmit diseases like bovine tuberculosis and lumpy skin disease to wildlife, with cases reported in various Terai districts.
    • The degradation of productive grasslands in protected areas further threatens the habitat of imperilled species.

    Way Forward:

    • Providing safe and comprehensive shelters: Construct adequate cow shelters outside protected areas to house stray cattle, preventing them from impacting wildlife habitats and agricultural fields.
      • Promote and subsidize non-lethal fencing solutions for farmers to protect crops without harming wildlife, such as wildlife-friendly barriers.
      • Invest in habitat restoration projects in the Terai, focusing on expanding and maintaining productive grasslands within protected areas to support wildlife populations.
    • Enhanced monitoring and management: Implement comprehensive vaccination and disease monitoring programs for stray cattle to prevent disease transmission to wildlife.
      • Strengthen enforcement against illegal cattle trade and vigilante activities that disrupt the livestock economy.
      • Provide economic incentives and support for farmers to adopt alternative livelihoods that do not depend heavily on livestock, reducing the need for cattle rearing.
    • Community Engagement and Education: Engage with local communities to educate them on the ecological impact of stray cattle and encourage participatory conservation efforts. Foster collaboration between farmers and wildlife authorities to develop sustainable solutions for coexisting with wildlife.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Examine the status of forest resources in India and its resultant impact on climate change. (UPSC IAS/2020)

  • The controversy over eucalyptus planting in Kerala | Explained

    Why in the news?

    The Kerala state government permitted Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC) to plant eucalyptus for financial reasons in 2024-2025. Environmentalists objected, citing forest impact and potential human-animal conflicts.

    Reasons for Allowing KFDC to Plant Eucalyptus Trees:

    • Financial Sustenance: KFDC was permitted to plant eucalyptus trees to support its financial viability.
    • Existing Plantations: KFDC manages around 7,000 hectares of plantations, including eucalyptus, which contribute to its revenue generation.
    • Rotation Age: Plantations like eucalyptus have specific rotation ages for harvesting, ensuring a continuous cycle of revenue generation.

    Significance of Eucalyptus

    • Timber and Fuel: Eucalyptus wood is extensively used in Australia as fuel and for building construction, fencing, and other timber applications.
    • Paper and Pulpwood: The bark of many eucalyptus species is used in papermaking and tanning, while the wood is used for pulpwood production.
    • Eucalyptus Oil: The leaves of many eucalyptus species contain aromatic oils, which are used for various purposes such as:
      • Medicinal Uses: Eucalyptus oil is used in expectorants and inhalants to relieve respiratory issues like asthma and bronchitis.
      • Insect Repellent: The oil is used as a natural insect repellent.
      • Antimicrobial Activity: Eucalyptus oil has antimicrobial properties, making it effective against bacteria and fungi

    Why were environmentalists and social activists against the order?

    • Ecological Impact: Environmentalists raised concerns about the adverse effects of eucalyptus plantations on natural forests and ecosystems.
    • Human-Animal Conflicts: The proliferation of invasive species like eucalyptus was linked to increased human-wildlife conflicts, as animals ventured into human habitats in search of food due to habitat depletion.
    • Contravention of Eco-Restoration Policy: Activists argued that permitting eucalyptus plantations contradicted the state’s eco-restoration policy, which aimed to phase out exotic species and replace them with natural forests by 2024.
    • Invasive Species Management: The order was seen as undermining efforts to eradicate invasive species and mitigate their damaging effects on natural habitats and ecosystems.

    Government Initiatives for Plant Conservation:

    • The National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) in India operates seed banks to conserve crop diversity and wild plant species.
    • National Afforestation Programme (NAP) has been implemented since 2000 for the afforestation of degraded forest lands. It is being implemented by the MoEFCC.

     

    Conclusion: The controversy over eucalyptus planting in Kerala reflects the balance between financial sustainability and ecological concerns. While eucalyptus offers economic benefits, it also poses ecological risks and challenges to conservation efforts.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change. (UPSC IAS/2020)

  • Periyar River and Industrial Pollution

    Why in the News?

    • A mass fish kill struck the Periyar River, the ‘Lifeline of Kerala’.
      • The incident, believed to be caused by industrial pollution from the Edayar Industrial Area, has caused immense loss to fish farmers and disrupted the local ecosystem.

    About Periyar River

    Details
    Length Approximately 244 kilometers (151 miles)
    Source of the river Originates in the Sivagiri hills of Sundaramala, Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu
    Mouth of the River Empties into the Arabian Sea at Aluva, near Kochi, Kerala
    Flow Through Flows through Idukki, Ernakulam, and Thrissur districts in Kerala
    Major Tributaries Muthirapuzha, Cheruthoni, Edamalayar
    Key Hydroelectric Projects Idukki Dam (one of Asia’s highest arch dams), other significant dams include Mullaperiyar Dam
    Ecological Conservation Supports diverse ecosystems, passes through Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (notable for elephants and tigers)
    Cultural Significance The ancient port of Muziris, is believed to have been located near the mouth of the Periyar.
    Environmental Challenges Faces pollution from industrial discharge and urban waste; water management disputes, especially related to the Mullaperiyar Dam’s safety and water sharing between Kerala and Tamil Nadu

    Threats to Periyar River

    • The lower reaches of the Periyar are heavily polluted. Industries in the Eloor industrial zone discharge waste into the river.
    • Greenpeace India describes the lower Periyar as “a cesspool of toxins, which have alarming levels of deadly poisons like DDT, endosulfan, hexa and trivalent chromium, lead, cyanide, BHC”.
    • Illegal sand mining from the Periyar is another major environmental issue.

    PYQ:

    [2011] With reference to the Indus river system, of the following four rivers, three of them pour into one of them which joins the Indus direct. Among the following, which one is such river that joins the Indus direct?​

    (a) Chenab

    (b) Jhelum

    (c) Ravi

    (d) Sutlej

  • Cyclone Remal to make landfall

    Why in the News?

    • Cyclone Remal is forecasted to make landfall between Sagar Island in West Bengal and Bangladesh’s Khepupara on Sunday midnight.
    • The name ‘Remal’ originates from Oman and means ‘sand’ in Arabic.

    What are Cyclones?

    • Cyclones are wind systems rotating inwardly towards an area of low atmospheric pressure. They are categorised into Tropical (Temperature-induced) and Temperate (extra-tropical) cyclones(airmass-induced).
    • Formation Conditions: Tropical cyclones originate in warm regions, requiring conditions such as
    1. Warm sea surface (> 27°C),
    2. Coriolis Force,
    3. Pre-existing low-pressure systems,
    4. Small vertical wind speed differences, and
    5. Upper air divergence.

    Characteristics of Tropical Cyclones:

    • They form over warm water bodies due to energy derived from the condensation of warm water within cumulonimbus clouds.
    • Wind rotation is influenced by the Coriolis force, resulting in anti-clockwise rotation in the northern hemisphere and clockwise in the southern hemisphere.

    Regional Movement of Cyclones:

    • In the northern hemisphere, cyclones initially move westward under earth rotation and the Easterlies.
    • As they progress towards higher latitudes, the Coriolis force deflects them rightward, towards north and later east.
    • By 30° latitude, the diminished warmth halts cyclone activity.

    Naming of Cyclones: 

    • Responsibility of RSMCs and TCWCs: The naming of cyclones that form in every ocean basin across the world is carried out by the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centres (RSMCs) and Tropical Cyclone Warning Centres (TCWCs).
    • Procedure in the North Indian Ocean: For north Indian Ocean including Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea, the RSMC, New Delhi assigns the name to tropical cyclones following a standard procedure.
    • Agreement by WMO/ESCAP Panel: The WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones in 2000 agreed in principle to assign names to the tropical cyclones in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.
    • Selection Process: Each country would sent their suggestions, based on which the Panel would finalise a list.
    • Retirement of Names: Generally, names of some storms that cause widespread damage and deaths are usually retired and are not brought back or reused later, at least for 10 years. These names are then replaced with new names.
    • Unique Policy for North Indian Ocean: Unlike in other regions, the names of tropical cyclones over the north Indian Ocean once used, will cease to be used again.

    Destruction Caused by Cyclones:

    • Strong Winds/Squall: Cyclones cause infrastructure damage through high-speed winds.
    • Torrential Rains and Inland Flooding: Heavy rainfall leads to floods, soil erosion, and embankment weakening.
    • Storm Surge: Abnormal sea level rise inundates coastal regions, causing floods, erosion, and destruction.

    PYQ:

    [2015] In the South Atlantic and South Eastern Pacific regions in tropical latitudes, cyclone does not originate. What is the main reason behind this?

    (a) Sea Surface temperature are low

    (b) Inter Tropical Convergence Zone seldom occurs

    (c) Coriolis force is too weak

    (d) Absence of land in those regions