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Subject: Environment

  • Speculoos-3b: A New Earth-Sized Exoplanet Discovered

    Why in the News?

    • Astronomers have identified a new Earth-sized exoplanet, named Speculoos-3b, orbiting an ultracool red dwarf star.

    Back2Basics: Red Dwarf Star

    • A red dwarf is the most common type of star in the Milky Way galaxy.
    • However, due to their low luminosity, individual red dwarfs cannot be easily observed.
    • Proxima Centauri, the star nearest to the Sun, is a red dwarf, as are fifty of the sixty nearest stars.
    • According to some estimates, red dwarfs make up three-quarters of the fusing stars in the Milky Way.

    About Speculoos-3b

    • Speculoos-3b is an Earth-sized exoplanet recently discovered orbiting an ultracool dwarf star.
    • It was discovered by a team of astronomers led by Michael Gillon from the University of Liege in Belgium.
    • It is located approximately 55 light-years away from Earth.
    • Due to its short orbital period, Speculoos-3b receives almost ten times more energy per second than Earth does from the Sun.

    SPECULOOS Project 

    • Project Overview: The discovery was made under the SPECULOOS project, aimed at exploring exoplanets around ultra-cool dwarf stars.
    • The SPECULOOS Southern Observatory is a project carried out by the University of LiĂšge (Belgium) and the Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge (United Kingdom)

    Astrophysical Significance of the Discovery

    • Prevalence of Ultracool Dwarfs: Ultracool dwarf stars, like the host of Speculoos-3b, constitute about 70% of all stars in our galaxy and are known for their longevity, surviving up to 100 billion years.
    • Importance for Life’s Potential: The extended lifespan of these stars provides a stable environment that could potentially support the development of life on orbiting planets.

    PYQ:

    [2015] The term ‘Goldilocks Zone’ is often seen in the news in the context of:

    (a) the limits of habitable zone above the surface of the Earth

    (b) regions inside the Earth where shale gas is available

    (c) search for the Earth-like planets in outer space

    (d) search for meteorites containing precious metals

  • Phtheirospermum Lushaiorum: Hemiparasite Plant Species named after Lushai Tribe  

    Why in the News?

    • A rare hemi-parasitic terrestrial plant has been found in Phawngpui National Park of Mizoram.
      • It has been named ‘Phtheirospermum Lushaiorum’ after the Lushai tribe of Mizoram, honoring their commitment to biodiversity conservation.

    About  Lushai Tribe

      • Lushai is another tribe under the Kuki-chin group (racially from Mongolia) of tribes.
        • They are commonly known as Mizos.
        • In Tripura there are 5,384 persons (as per 2011 Census).
      • Occupation: They mostly reside in the Jampui Hills area of Tripura and have Jhum Cultivation and hunting of wild animals as their main occupation.
    • Culture and belief:
      • converted to Christianity and still follow Christianity as their religion.
      • Their Cheraw Dance (Bamboo Dance) is quiet famous.

    About Phtheirospermum Lushaiorum

    • This plant lacks a fully developed root system and taps into the sap of host plants through specialized structures known as haustoria.
    • Despite its parasitic nature, it contains chlorophyll and can produce its food, showing some independence from its host.
    • It flowers from July to September, with fruit production occurring from August to October.
    • The plant grows near a popular trekking route in Phawngpui National Park, facing threats from both anthropogenic activities and natural factors.

    Back2Basics: Phawngpui National Park

      • Also known as Blue Mountain National Park, it is one of the two national parks in Mizoram (the other being Murlen NP).
    • Geographical location:
        • Close to the border with Burma (Myanmar).
        • The park overlooks the Chhimtuipui River, which flows toward Burma.
        • The geography of Phawngpui is characterized by its cloud-covered mountain area, which gives it a distinctive blue appearance from a distance.
    • Flora and Fauna:
        • Bird species:Blyth’s tragopan, falcons, sunbirds, dark-rumped swifts, and the Mizoram state bird, Mrs. Hume’s pheasant.
        • Mammals: Mountain goat, slow loris, tiger, leopard, leopard cat, serow, goral, Asiatic black bear, stump-tailed macaque, and capped langur. 
    • Flora: Grassy meadows, orchids, rhododendrons, and bamboo groves.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] Recently, our scientists have discovered a new and distinct species of banana plant which attains a height of about 11 meters and has orange-coloured fruit pulp. In which part of India has it been discovered?

    (a) Andaman Islands

    (b) Anaimalai Forests

    (c) Maikala Hills

    (d) Tropical rain forests of Northeast

  • National Endangered Species Day, 2024

    Why in the News?

    • National Endangered Species Day is an annual event that strives to raise awareness about the significance of safeguarding endangered species and their habitats.
    • This year, National Endangered Species Day was celebrated on May 17.

    What is National Endangered Species Day?

    • National Endangered Species Day is observed every year on the 3rd Friday of May.
    • This day was co-founded in 2006 by the Endangered Species Coalition and David Robinson.
    • Robinson defines Endangered Species Day as a “worldwide day of action to rescue species and celebrate conservation triumphs”.
    • Theme for 2024: “Celebrate Saving Species”.
    • According to the IUCN Red List Analysis 2020, over 500 land animal species will likely go extinct in the next two decades if current trends continue.

    Flagship species in India that are Endangered and often seen in the News:

    Species

    Conservation Status

    Key Information
    Asian Elephant

     
    • IUCN: Endangered
    • CITES Appendix I;
    • Schedule I (WPA, 1972)
    • Symbol of Heritage: Plays a key role in forest and grassland ecosystems.
    • Threats: Habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching for tusks.
    • Conservation Needs: Sustained efforts are crucial to ensure their survival and maintain biodiversity.
    Ganges River Dolphin
    • IUCN: Endangered
    • CITES: Appendix I;
    • Schedule I (WPA, 1972)
    • Critical Habitat: Found in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems.
    • Challenges: Water extraction, pollution, and river traffic.
    • Population Decline: Less than 2,000 individuals remain in India.
    Bengal Tiger
    • IUCN: Endangered
    • CITES Appendix I;
    • Schedule I (WPA, 1972)
    • Iconic Predator: Represents a significant part of India’s wildlife.
    • Current Status: Numbers are increasing, but threats like poaching and habitat loss persist.
    • Habitat: Found across varied ecosystems, from forests to mangroves.
    Red Panda
    • IUCN: Endangered
    • CITES: Appendix I
    • Schedule I (WPA, 1972)
    • Status: Significant decline due to habitat loss and poaching.
    • Habitat Zones: Found in the eastern Himalayas and parts of Northeast India.
    • Conservation Importance: Serves as an indicator species for the health of the Himalayan forests.
    Asiatic Lion
    • IUCN: Endangered
    • CITES: Appendix I
    • Schedule I (WPA, 1972)
    • Last Refuge: Exclusively found in Gir National Park, Gujarat.
    • Population Challenges: Threats include poaching and accidental deaths from open wells and fences.
    • Conservation Strategies: Involves habitat restoration and stricter anti-poaching laws.
    Nilgiri Tahr
    • IUCN: Endangered
    • Schedule I (WPA, 1972)
    • Mountain Inhabitant: Lives in the mountainous regions of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
    • Population Pressure: Climate change and human interference are major threats.
    • Survival Strategies: Requires focused conservation to stabilise its declining population.
    Lion-tailed Macaque

     

     
    • IUCN: Endangered
    • CITES Appendix I;
    • Schedule I (WPA, 1972)
    • Distinct Appearance: Notable for its silver mane, found in the Western Ghats.
    • Critical Decline: Population affected by habitat fragmentation and human interaction.
    • Behavioural Changes: Adjustments in their natural behaviours due to human activities are concerning.
    Great Indian Bustard (GIB)
    • IUCN: Critically Endangered
    • CITES Appendix I;
    • Schedule I (WPA, 1972)
    • IBs are the largest among India’s four bustard species and are considered flagship birds of grasslands.
    • Habitat reduced to just 10 per cent.
    • Overhead power transmission, poor vision, windmills, noise pollution, landscape changes, and alterations in cultivation patterns pose significant threats to GIBs.
    Golden Langur
    • IUCN: Endangered
    • CITES Appendix I;
    • Schedule I (WPA, 1972)
    • Approximately 7,396 Golden Langur (Trachypithecus geei) in India as per a census conducted by Assam Forest Department.
    Hangul (Kashmir Stag)
    • IUCN: Critically Endangered
    • CITES: Appendix I;
    • Kashmir’s Hangul, a shy and endangered species of deer, has exhibited a robust breeding season, suggesting a hopeful future for its population in the Dachigam National Park.
    • The Hanguls population could surpass 300 this spring, marking the first time in over 30 years.

     

    PYQ:

    [20I2] 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

  • Going glacier gone: How Venezuela lost its last glacier, why this matters?

    Why in the News?

    Venezuela has likely become the first country to lose all its glaciers, with its last Humboldt glacier melting faster than anticipated. While scientists projected it to last another decade, its rapid melting exceeded expectations.

    Background:

    • Venezuela was home to six glaciers about 5,000 meters above sea level in the Andes mountains.
    • By 2011, five of them had vanished. Scientists expected the Humboldt glacier to last another decade.

    What are glaciers?

    • Glaciers are large masses of ice that form on land over long periods through the accumulation and compaction of snow. They flow like slow rivers and typically develop in regions with near-freezing temperatures, significant snowfall, and minimal summer melting.
    • According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), they usually exist and form in areas where mean annual temperatures reach near the freezing point; winter precipitation leads to significant snow accumulations; and temperatures throughout the remaining year do not cause the complete loss of the previous winter’s snow accumulation.

    Why are Glaciers disappearing?

    • Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The burning of fossil fuels since the Industrial Revolution have released large amounts of GHGs like carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere.
    • Heat Trapping: The greenhouse gases act as a blanket, trapping heat in the atmosphere. While they allow sunlight to pass through, they prevent the heat from escaping back into space, leading to a rise in global temperatures.
      • The global average temperature has increased by at least 1.1 degrees Celsius since 1880 due to the skyrocketing emissions of GHGs in recent decades.
    • Consequences of Temperature Rise: The temperature rise has resulted in devastating consequences such as more frequent and intense heatwaves, floods, droughts, and a rise in sea levels.
    • Accelerated Melting: Glaciers, like ice cubes exposed to heat, are melting at accelerated rates due to the warmer temperatures caused by global warming.
    • Natural Climate Phenomena: Natural climate phenomena like El Nino can exacerbate glacier melting by causing abnormal warming of surface waters, as observed in the case of the Humboldt glacier in Venezuela.

    What are the impacts of Glacier Loss?

    • Freshwater Source: Glaciers are crucial sources of freshwater, especially during hot and dry periods, providing water for local communities, plants, and animals. Their disappearance would increase dependence on sporadic rainfall for freshwater supply.
    • Temperature Regulation: Glacial runoff helps regulate downstream water temperatures, particularly keeping them cooler. This is essential for many aquatic species that require cold water temperatures to survive, impacting the entire ecosystem.
    • Ecosystem Impact: Glacier loss directly affects aquatic species, disrupting the food web and potentially leading to declines in biodiversity.
    • Contribution to Sea Level Rise: Melting glaciers contribute to rising sea levels, although smaller glaciers like Venezuela’s Humboldt glacier may not substantially impact sea levels.
    • Cultural Impact: The loss of glaciers has significant cultural implications, particularly for communities where glaciers are part of their cultural identity. Activities such as mountaineering and tourism, which rely on glaciers, would be affected.
    • Tourism and Recreation: Glaciers are often major tourist attractions, drawing visitors for activities like mountaineering and sightseeing. The disappearance of glaciers would impact tourism and recreational activities in affected regions.

    Way Forward: 

    • International Cooperation: Foster collaboration among countries to tackle climate change on a global scale. Support international agreements such as the Paris Agreement, aimed at limiting global warming and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
    • Protect and Preserve Glacier Areas: Establish and enforce conservation measures to protect glacier regions from further degradation. This can involve creating protected areas, implementing zoning regulations, and promoting sustainable tourism practices.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Bring out the relationship between the shrinking Himalayan glaciers and the symptoms of climate change in the Indian sub-continent. (UPSC IAS/2014)

  • New Study Unveils the Origins and Challenges of Baobab Trees

    Why in the News?

    A recent study uncovers the origins and evolution of Baobabs, uniquely shaped trees in Madagascar, with species also native to Africa and Australia.

    Do you know?

    • Mandu, in the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh, is perhaps the only place in India where baobab trees are found in abundance, with an estimated 1,000 trees in the periphery of the town.
    • Madhya Pradesh state government has plans to apply for a GI (Geographical Indication) tag for the Khorasani Imli or the fruit of the baobab.
    • A Baobab tree near the Golconda Fort in Andhra Pradesh is believed to be more than 400 years old.
    • Aside from Mandu, baobab trees have been recorded in Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) in Uttar Pradesh, Wai in Maharashtra, and some places in Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh.

    About Baobab Trees

    • Baobabs are deciduous trees (that lose their leaves in autumn) belonging to the genus Adansonia. It comprises 8 distinct species:
      • Adansonia digitata in continental Africa.
      • Adansonia gregorii in Northwestern Australia.
      • 6 other species endemic to Madagascar.
    • Baobabs are known for:
      • Great heights, with some extending up to 50 metres.
      • Exceptionally long lifespans, going up to 2,000 years.
    • They have trunks with large circumferences; thin, spindly branches.
    • Nicknamed “upside down” trees because their tops resemble uprooted plants turned upside down.

    Conservation Status:

    • ‘Threatened’ with extinction according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
    • ‘Least Concern’ category but still faces threats such as residential and commercial development and livestock farming and ranching.

    Importance of Conservation:

    • The study emphasized the conservation of the baobab as a keystone species:
      • Keystone species provide essential resources, such as food or shelter, for a guild of animals.
      • In return, these animals provide essential services, such as pollination or diaspore dispersal.

    Why Baobab tree is called the “Mother of Forests”?

    • They can store large amounts of fresh water in their extraordinary trunks.
    • It also allows the baobab tree to produce nutritious fruits even during the driest years.
    • This makes them true life savers during times when water is scarce.
    • In local cultures, they are revered for multiple uses:
      • Edible fruits and seeds.
      • Seed oil used for cooking.
      • Bark fibre used for clothing.

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] “Leaf litter decomposes faster than in any other biome and as a result the soil surface is often almost bare. Apart from trees, the vegetation is largely composed of plant forms that reach up into the canopy vicariously, by climbing the trees or growing as epiphytes, rooted on the upper branches of trees.” This is the most likely description of​-

    (a) Coniferous forest

    (b) Dry deciduous forest

    (c) Mangrove forest

    (d) Tropical rain forest

  • Scientists document Sperm Whales ‘Phonetic Alphabet’

    Why in the news?

    • A recent study has uncovered the intricate structure of their communication system, which appears to possess a “phonetic alphabet,” offering new insights into the depth of their social interactions.
      • Sperm whales, the largest toothed whales, utilize a diverse array of vocalizations to communicate, including bursts of clicking noises known as ‘codas’.

    About Sperm Whales (Physeter macrocephalus)).

    • Sperm whales, the largest toothed whales
    • It has a series of vertical creases or wrinkles on its body and a small, inconspicuous dorsal fin located near the rear of its back.
    • The sperm whale uses ‘echolocation’ to navigate and locate prey during these deep dives.
      • Prey: Sperm whales primarily feed on squid (including the giant squid) sharks and deep-sea fish.
      • Habitat: Sperm whales are found in deep oceanic waters worldwide, from the equator to the edges of the pack ice in the Arctic and Antarctic.
      • Behavior: Known for their exceptional diving capabilities, sperm whales can dive to depths of over 2,000 meters (6,560 feet) and stay submerged for up to 90 minutes. They are social animals, typically found in groups called ‘pods’, which can contain up to twenty individuals.
    • Conservation Status: Listed as ‘VULNERABLE’ by the IUCN.
      • Threats cause: Collisions with ships, entanglement in fishing gear, and noise pollution.

    Insights from the Study:

    • Expressivity: The study, which utilized data from Project CETI demonstrated that sperm whale calls exhibit a broader range of expressivity than previously recognized, hinting at a nuanced mode of communication.
    • Social Dynamics: Like all marine mammals, sperm whales rely heavily on vocalizations as an integral aspect of their social interactions.
    • Contextual Analysis: The next phase of research aims to decipher the behavioural context surrounding sperm whale vocalizations, shedding light on their potential meanings.

    About Project CETI (Cetacean Translation Initiative)

    • Project CETI is a non-profit, interdisciplinary scientific and conservation initiative on a mission to listen to and translate the communication of sperm whales off the island of Dominica in the Eastern Caribbean.

     

    PYQ:

    [2013] Consider the following animals

    1. Sea cow
    2. Sea horse
    3. Sea lion

    Which of the above is/are mammal/mammals?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 1 and 3 only

    (c)  2 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Explained Climate: Heatwaves and Climate Change

    Why in the News? 

    According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), heatwave conditions are affecting either the smaller regions or the larger geographical areas in India at every 26 days of the month.

    What are the Heat Waves?

    • The “World Meteorological Organization” defines a heat wave as five or more consecutive days during which the daily maximum temperature exceeds the average maximum temperature by five degrees Celsius.
    • If the maximum temperature of any place continues to be more than 45 Degree Celsius consecutively for two days, it is called a heat wave condition.

    Heatwaves in India:       

    • Regional Observations: A place with a normal temperature of 40°C in summer is not experiencing a heatwave at 42-43°C, but another location with a normal temperature of 27-28°C is in a heatwave at 35°C.
      • Heatwaves are common in northern, central, and eastern India during summer. Heatwaves are becoming more frequent, intense, and prolonged due to climate change.
      • In February 2023 (winter month for India), several regions experienced heatwaves with maximum temperatures 5 to 11 degrees higher than normal. (with a mean temperature 1.36°C higher than normal)
    • Predictions and Records: The outlook for heatwaves this year is grim, with predictions of prolonged heatwaves lasting 10 to 20 days in some areas, compared to the usual 4 to 8 days.
      • In April 2023, Odisha experienced an 18-day heatwave, the second-longest in the state’s history.
      • Gangetic West Bengal recorded the highest number of heatwave days in any month over the last 15 years. Eastern India recorded its warmest April ever.
    • Upcoming Heatwave: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted a fresh spell of heatwaves starting over northwest India.

    Impact of Heatwaves:

    • Impact on Resource Availability:
      • Water Resources: It exacerbates water scarcity by drying up of water bodies, reducing water availability for agriculture and domestic use, and increasing competition for resources. This can lead to conflicts over water, affect irrigation practices, and impact water-dependent industries.
      • Energy Resources: It increases electricity demand for cooling purposes, leading to strain on power grids and potential blackouts. This can disrupt economic activities, affect productivity, and impact vulnerable populations.
    • Impact on Health:
      • Prolonged exposure to heat can lead to Dehydration and Cardiovascular and Respiratory diseases.
      • Rapid rises in heat gain can compromise the body’s ability to regulate temperature and can result in a cascade of illnesses, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and hyperthermia.
      • Health Ministry reported 264 heat-related deaths in the first six months of 2023. NCRB reported 730 heat-related deaths in the same year.

    However, data collected and maintained by IMD and NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) showed a sharp decline in heat-related deaths ever since state governments and district administrations began implementing heat action plans.

    Mitigation of Heatwaves:

    • Need to establish an Early Warning System: The Inter-Agency Coordination needs to alert residents on predicted high and extreme temperatures. Who will do what, when, and how is made clear to individuals and units of key departments, especially for health.
    • Increase Public Awareness and Community Outreach: Disseminating public awareness messages on how to protect against the extreme heat – wave through social media and advertisements. Additionally, the government needs to aware the general public through Television programs the Do’s and Dont’s for heat-related illnesses.

    Conclusion: Need to improve collaboration with Non-governmental organizations and Civil society organizations to improve public spaces wherever necessary, improve water delivery systems in public areas, and other innovative measures to tackle heatwave conditions.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q ‘Climate change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (UPSC IAS/2017)

  • On Delhi’s mounting Waste Crisis | Explained

    Why in the News? 

    On May 13, the Supreme Court stated that addressing the “horrible” issue of 3,800 metric tonnes of untreated Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) accumulating daily in the national capital requires moving beyond party politics.

    What is the status of Delhi’s SWM system?

    • Population Growth and Waste Generation:
      • According to the 2011 Census Data, New Delhi’s population was approximately 1.7 crore. However, this Population is expected to increase to around 2.32 crore.
      • This increase will lead to a significant rise in waste generation, estimated at approximately 13,000 tonnes per day (TPD), which equates to roughly 1,400 truckloads daily.
      • Presently, this daily waste generation accumulates to about 42 lakh tonnes per annum. The population is anticipated to reach 2.85 crore by 2031 due to which the waste generation could increase to 17,000 TPD.
    • Waste Collection: Around 90% of the waste generated in the city is collected by three municipal corporations:
    • Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD)
    • Delhi Cantonment Board
    • New Delhi Municipal Corporation
    • Waste Composition is of major types – Biodegradable Wet Waste (50-55%), Non-Biodegradable Dry Waste (around 35%), and Inert Waste (10% that does not decompose). The total collective capacity of these facilities is about 9,200 tonnes per day (TPD).

    Issue of Unprocessed Waste Disposal: 

    • The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is disposing of 3,800 TPD of unprocessed waste in landfills.
    • Designated Landfills (Gazipur, Bhalswa, and Okhla) are filled with unprocessed wet and dry waste, leading to significant environmental issues such as methane gas emissions, leachate production, and landfill fires.
    • The landfills have accumulated a total of 2.58 crore tonnes of legacy waste, covering 200 acres of land.

    What are the challenges faced by MCD?

    • Lack of Waste Segregation at Source: Many households and commercial establishments do not segregate waste. Unprocessed mixed waste enters landfills as a result.
    • Land Availability for Waste Processing Plants: Waste processing plants require large land parcels (30-40 acres each). Securing such large tracts of land is challenging in Delhi.
    • Public Awareness and Practices: There is a lack of public awareness regarding proper waste management practices. This leads to littering and improper disposal habits. MCD’s focus shifts to clearing open points rather than processing wet waste.
    • Inadequate Waste Collection Services: Some areas suffer from irregular waste collection services. This contributes to waste buildup and increased littering.
    • Illegal Dumping: Waste is often illegally dumped in open areas and water bodies. This increases the pressure on the MCD and requires additional resources for cleanup.

    What efforts need to be made by MCD?

    • Need for a Decentralized Approach: Given the challenges of identifying large land parcels, Delhi will need to partner with its neighboring States to set up a few of these composting plants.
      • Additionally, the market for organic compost produced from wet waste lies in the neighboring States of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
    • Need to work on Biodegradable Wet Waste: The design capacity for wet waste processing should be 9,000 TPD. This would require at least 18 composting or biogas plants (assuming each plant has a capacity of 500 TPD).
      • Significant efforts will be needed to identify land, establish composting facilities, and ensure their proper operation to prevent biodegradable waste from reaching landfills.
    • Need to work on Non-Biodegradable Dry Waste: Approximately 2% of dry waste is recyclable and should be sent to recycling facilities. The remaining 33% of non-recyclable dry waste (plastics, paper, textile waste) can be used as RDF for power generation in waste-to-energy projects.
    • Coordination Among Stakeholders: Improved coordination between various Municipal Corporations to streamline waste collection and segregation processes by collaborating with private companies and non-governmental organizations is needed to enhance waste segregation and processing efforts.

    Conclusion: Already, Biomining Initiative was launched in 2019 by the MCD to reduce the amount of waste. The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted these efforts. Originally planned for completion by 2024, now expected to take an additional two to three years.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q What are the impediments in disposing the huge quantities of discarded solid wastes which are continuously being generated? How do we remove safely the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment? (UPSC IAS/2018)

  • [pib] Sub-Committee for GRAP reviews the Air Quality scenario in New Delhi

    Why in the News?

    • Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) registered at 243, falling under the ‘Poor’ category, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
      • In response to this, the Sub-Committee under the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR & Adjoining Areas (CAQM) convened to assess the situation and strategize under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

    About Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)

    • The GRAP was conceived as a response to the alarming findings of a WHO study in 2014, which ranked Delhi as the most polluted city globally.
    • It is a framework designed to combat air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region.
    • The Supreme Court (M. C. Mehta vs. Union of India Case, 2016) approved GRAP after multiple expert consultations.
    • First GRAP was notified in January 2017 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

    Implementation of GRAP:

    • The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR & Adjoining Areas (CAQM) took over the responsibility of implementing GRAP in 2021.
    • Before 2021, the SC appointed Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) would instruct states to enforce GRAP measures.
    • The CAQM recommendations depend on the Air Quality Index (AQI) and meteorological predictions provided by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

    Revised measures to implement:

    Air Quality Stage AQI Range Measures to be implemented
    Stage I (Poor) 201-300 Enforce NGT/Supreme Court’s order on over-aged diesel/petrol vehicles.
    Stage II (Very Poor) 301-400 Implement rigorous actions to combat air pollution at identified hotspots.
    Stage III (Severe) 401-450 Impose strict restrictions on BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles. Suspend physical classes in schools for primary grade children up to Class 5 in certain areas.
    Stage IV (Severe Plus) >450 Prohibit the entry of four-wheelers registered outside Delhi, except for electric vehicles, CNG vehicles, and BS-VI diesel vehicles.

     

    Current Air Quality Scenario: Factors Contributing 

    • The GRAP sub-committee noted the following natural causes exacerbating dust suspension across the National Capital Region (NCR):
    1. Fluctuating wind patterns,
    2. Higher convection rates, and
    3. Arid weather conditions.
    • Additionally, increased instances of agricultural residue burning and forest fires in neighboring states were identified as potential contributors to deteriorating air quality.

    Action Plan suggested by GRAP Sub-Committee

    • Intensive Drives at Pollution Hotspots: The concerned Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) and NCR committees were tasked with conducting rigorous inspections at major pollution hotspots, prioritizing dust abatement measures.
    • Enhanced Dust Control Measures: Measures such as increased deployment of water sprinklers and mechanical road sweeping equipment were recommended to mitigate dust levels.
    • Preventing Open Burning: Vigilance against instances of open burning, including municipal solid waste (MSW) and agricultural residue, was emphasized to curb further pollution.
    • Strict Enforcement: Dust Control & Management Cells (DCMCs) and enforcement teams were instructed to intensify monitoring and enforcement efforts at construction sites and road projects.
    • Inspections and Compliance: Flying Squads of CPCB were directed to conduct thorough inspections and take appropriate action against violators of environmental regulations.

    PYQ:

    [2016] In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index?

    1. Carbon dioxide

    2. Carbon monoxide

    3. Nitrogen dioxide

    4. Sulphur dioxide

    5. Methane

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

    (b) 2, 3 and 4 only

    (c) 1, 4 and 5 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

  • In News: Mahi River 

    Why in the News?

    Incidences of people drowning down into the Mahi River have become more frequent.

    About Mahi River

    • The Mahi River originates in the Vindhya Range of Madhya Pradesh (hot semi-arid and watershed region), near Dhar.
    • It flows northward through Madhya Pradesh before turning westward upon entering Rajasthan. It then moves southwest, passing through Gujarat, and eventually empties into the Arabian Sea.
    • The river stretches for about 580 kilometers.
      • Soil Type: The Mahi River Basin consists of Deep Black soil (southern region) and Alluvial soil (northern region).
      • Major Tributaries: the Som, the Anas, the Panam, and the Goma.
      • Major Dams: Kadana Dam and the Mahi Bajaj Sagar (Banswara) Dam are significant hydroelectric and irrigation projects on the Mahi River.
      • Biodiversity: Supports diverse flora and fauna, including endangered species like the Indian Skimmer and Gharial.

    Key Features:

    • It is surrounded by the Aravalli Hills to the north and northwest, the Malwa Plateau to the east, the Vindhyas to the south, and the Gulf of Khambhat to the west.
    • One of the most notable features of the Mahi River is its crossing of the Tropic of Cancer twice; once in Madhya Pradesh and again near the Gujarat-Rajasthan border.

    PYQ:

    [2017] With reference to river Teesta, consider the following statements:

    1. The source of river Teesta is the same as that of Brahmaputra but it flows through Sikkim.

    2. River Rangeet originates in Sikkim and it is a tributary of river Teesta.

    3. River Teesta falls into Bay of Bengal at the border of India and Bangladesh.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 3 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    With inputs from: https://indiawris.gov.in/downloads/Mahi%20Basin.pdf