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Subject: Environment

  • Geo-Heritage Sites in India

    Why in the news

    • Pandavula Gutta, an ancient geological marvel predating the Himalayan hills, has been officially designated as Telangana’s sole Geo-heritage site.
    • Also the 165 million-year-old meteor Ramgarh Crater in Rajasthan was declared geo-heritage site.

    [A] Pandavula Gutta

    • Pandavula Gutta is located in Jayashankar Bhupalpally District in Telangana.
    • It is known for its rock art and geological heritage.
    • The site features Paleolithic cave paintings depicting wildlife and symbols.
    • Discovered in 1990, it showcases habitation from the mesolithic to medieval times.
    • Recognized as the sole Geo-heritage site in Telangana, older than the Himalayan hills.

     

    [B] Ramgarh Crater

    • The Ramgarh Crater, also known as Ramgarh structure, Ramgarh Dome, and Ramgarh astrobleme, is a meteor impact crater located near the town of Ramgarh in Baran district of Rajasthan.
    • It is established as an asteroid impact crater in India, excavated within sandstone, shale, and limestone horizons of the Lower Bhander Group of the Vindhyan Region.
    • It was formed by a meteorite impact, with a diameter of 3.2 kilometers and an elevation of over 200 meters above the surrounding terrain.
    • It is declared Conservation Reserve, namely Ramgarh Conservation Reserve, under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and a notified wetland under Wetland (Conservation & Management) Rules, 2017.

     

    What are Geo-Heritage Sites?

    • Geo-Heritage Sites in India are geological features of significant importance, either culturally or inherently, that provide insights into the Earth’s evolution or serve educational purposes.
    • These sites are recognized and protected by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the respective State governments.
    • India presently has 34 National Geological Heritage Monument Sites.
    • Examples:
      1. Mawmluh Cave in Meghalaya
      2. Majuli Island in Assam
      3. Chabimura in Tripura
    • Purpose:
      1. Promote geotourism
      2. Preserve unique geological formations
      3. Enhance geological literacy among the public

     

    Tap this link to read more about all Geo-Heritage Parks in India:

    https://vikaspedia.in/education/childrens-corner/geological-heritage-sites-of-india

    PYQ:

    Q.Which one of the following statements is correct?​ (2021)

    1. Ajanta Caves lie in the gorge of Waghora River.​
    2. Sanchi Stupa lies in the gorge of Chambal River.​
    3. Pandu-Lena Cave Shrines lie in the gorge of Narmada River.​
    4. Amaravati Stupa lies in the gorge of Godavari River.​

    Practice MCQ:

    Which of the given statements about the Ramgarh Structure is NOT correct?

    1. It is an asteroid impact crater.
    2. It is located in the Deccan Plateau.
    3. It is a notified wetland under Wetland (Conservation & Management) Rules, 2017.
    4. It is under Conservation Reserve under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

  • Atmospheric Research Testbed in Central India (ART-CI)

    Why in the news-

    • The Ministry of Earth Sciences has commissioned Atmospheric Research Testbed-Central India (ART-CI) near Bhopal.

    About Atmospheric Research Testbed

    • ART-CI stands as an innovative testbed facility, pioneering the exploration of monsoon convection and land-atmosphere interactions, marking a significant advancement in climate research.
    • The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune leads ART-CI, operating under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).

    Mission Objectives

    • ART-CI primarily targets the monsoon trough area, encompassing the Monsoon Core Zone (MCZ), a critical component of the regional climate system.
    • Understanding this zone is paramount for precise weather forecasts and accurate climate modelling within India.

    Monsoon Core Zone (MCZ)

     

    • MCZ is a region in India stretching from Gujarat to West Bengal in the east.
    • India Meteorological Department demarcates it as an agricultural region where cropping is mostly rainfed.
    • It is the region within the monsoon trough area that plays a central role in the dynamics of the Indian monsoon system.
    • It is characterized by intense convective activity, significant rainfall, and crucial atmospheric interactions that influence the overall behavior of the monsoon.
    • The MCZ typically experiences a concentration of atmospheric processes that drive the onset, progression, and withdrawal of the monsoon rains across the Indian subcontinent.

    Features and Capabilities

    • ART-CI’s development unfolds incrementally as part of the Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS) umbrella scheme.
    • The facility will feature an extensive array of remote-sensing and in-situ instruments.
    • These tools would help monitoring of various atmospheric parameters like convection, cloud cover, precipitation, soil moisture, radiation levels, and microphysics.

  • Global Methane Tracker, 2024

    Why in the news-

    • Methane emissions from fuel use in 2023 reached nearly record levels, totalling 120 million tonnes (Mt), as per the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Global Methane Tracker 2024.

    What is Global Methane Tracker (GMT)?

    • The IEA’s Methane Tracker is an online database that tracks oil and gas-related methane sources globally.
    • It provides estimates of emissions across various sectors, including oil, natural gas, coal, and bioenergy, with the energy sector contributing nearly 40% of human-related methane emissions
    • It provides current estimates of methane emissions and highlights potential reductions achievable through existing technologies.

    GMT 2024: Key Findings 

    • Elevated Emissions: Satellite data revealed a more than 50% increase in large methane emissions in 2023 compared to the previous year.
    • Top Emitters: The United States and Russia emerged as the largest emitters of methane from oil and gas operations, contributing significantly to global emissions.
    • Fossil Fuel Leaks: Over 5 Mt of methane emissions were attributed to major fossil fuel leaks globally, including a significant blowout incident in Kazakhstan lasting over 200 days.
    • Cost of Emission Cut: Reducing methane emissions from fossil fuels by 75% by 2030 would require about $170 billion in spending – less than 5% of the income generated by the fossil fuel industry in 2023.

    About Methane Pollution

    • Methane, is an organic compound composed of carbon and four hydrogen atoms (CH4).
    • Second-biggest anthropogenic contributor to global warming after carbon dioxide, 80 times more potent.
    • Global Warming Potential (GWP) measures warming caused by substances relative to carbon dioxide over a century.
    • Methane GWP100: 28, nitrous oxide 265, sulphur hexafluoride 23,500.
    • Short-lived climate pollutant, breaks down in a few years, unlike carbon dioxide.
    • Sources: Cattle farming, landfills, wastewater treatment, rice cultivation, industrial processes.
    • Energy, agriculture, and waste sectors are primary emitters, responsible for 30% of global warming.
    • Livestock emissions, including manure and gastroenteric releases, account for 32% of human-caused emissions.

    Global steps to curb Methane Emissions 

    • Paris Agreement Goal: To limit warming to 1.5°C, methane emissions from fossil fuels must be reduced by 75% by 2030, necessitating substantial efforts and investments.
    • Global Methane Pledge: Launched at UN COP26 climate conference in Glasgow. Over 90 countries signed, led by the United States and the European Union (India not signed up).
    • First Global Stocktake (GST):  Released at COP28, called for countries to accelerate and substantially reduce non-carbon-dioxide emissions globally, including methane, by 2030. But it stopped short of providing a quantifiable target.

     

    Try this PYQ from CSE Prelims 2016:

    Q.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: Popocatepetl Volcano

    In the news

    • Popocatepetl, Mexico’s most dangerous active volcano has erupted 13 times in the past day, hurling columns of ash and smoke into the sky.

    About Popocatepetl Volcano

    • Popocatepetl — which means “Smoking Mountain” in the Aztec Nahuatl language — is located in central Mexico roughly 72 km southeast of Mexico City.
    • Popocatepetl is situated in the eastern half of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, in Central Mexico.
    • It lies on the border between the states of Puebla and Morelos.
    • The summit of Popocatepetl stands at an elevation of about 5,426 meters above sea level, making it the second-highest peak in Mexico after Citlaltepetl (Pico de Orizaba).

    Geological Details

    • Popocatepetl is a stratovolcano (composite volcano) characterized by its steep, conical shape built up by successive layers of volcanic ash, lava flows, and pyroclastic materials.
    • It is one of Mexico’s most active volcanoes, with documented eruptions dating back to the 14th century.
    • In the modern era, significant eruptions have occurred in 1947, 1994, 2000, 2005, and ongoing activity since 2013.
    • The volcano’s eruptions are primarily andesitic to dacitic in composition, characterized by the eruption of viscous lava flows and explosive eruptions producing ash clouds, pyroclastic flows, and lahars (mudflows).

    Try this PYQ from CSE Mains 2021

    Q. Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on regional environment.

  • Places in news: Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

    rhino

    Why in the news? 

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

    What was the reason behind this decision?

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

    About Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary 

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

    About One-Horned Rhino:

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

    Prelims Question:

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

    a) Manas National Park

    b) Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

    c) Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park

    d) Jim Corbett National Park

     

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

     

  • 7,396 Golden Langur in India, reveals survey

    Golden Langur

    In the news

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

    About Golden Langur

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

     

    Try this PYQ from CSE Prelims 2012:

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

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

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

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

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

     

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

  • Rajasthan’s Proposal to Classify Orans as Deemed Forests

    sacred grove oran

    In the news

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

    What are Sacred Groves?

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

    Historical references

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

    Regulation of activities in Sacred Grooves

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

    Threats to such grooves

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

    Total grooves in India

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

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

    meghalaya

    In the news

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

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

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

    Key Insights

    (1) Alarming Pollution Levels in NE

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

    (2) Cleanest Cities and Regional Disparities

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

    (3) Silver Lining: Improvements and Opportunities

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

    Implications and Recommendations

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

  • Scientists vote down Declaration of Anthropocene Epoch

    In the news

    • The proposal to declare the start of the Anthropocene Epoch, signifying the impact of human activity on Earth’s geological history, has sparked debate among scientists.
    • Despite mounting evidence of human-induced changes to the planet, a recent vote by a scientific committee has rejected the notion.

    Understanding Geological Time

    • Geologic Time Scale: Geoscientists use the Geologic Time Scale (GTS) to measure Earth’s history, categorizing it into aeons, eras, periods, epochs, and ages.
    • Chronostratigraphic Classification: The GTS is based on chronostratigraphic units, marked by significant geological events, shaping the planet’s conditions.

    The Proposed ‘Human Epoch’

    • Holocene Epoch: The Holocene began approximately 11,700 years ago, following the Last Glacial Period, coinciding with the rise of human civilization.
    • Anthropocene Proposal: The Anthropocene concept suggests that human activities have altered Earth significantly, warranting recognition as a distinct geological epoch.

    Understanding the Anthropocene Epoch

    • Coined Term: The Anthropocene epoch was first coined by Nobel Prize-winning chemist Paul Crutzen and biology professor Eugene Stoermer in 2000.
    • Human Impact: The Anthropocene represents the geological time interval characterized by radical changes in the Earth’s ecosystem due to human impact, particularly since the onset of the Industrial Revolution.
    • Environmental Changes: Numerous phenomena associated with the Anthropocene include global warming, sea-level rise, ocean acidification, mass-scale soil erosion, deadly heat waves, and environmental deterioration.
    • Geological Strata: The AWG’s website states that these changes are reflected in a distinctive body of geological strata, with the potential to be preserved into the far future.

    Rejection of the Proposal

    • Scientific Deliberations: Despite the Anthropocene Working Group’s proposal, the Subcommission on Quaternary Stratigraphy voted against declaring the Anthropocene epoch.
    • Criticism and Concerns: Critics argue against defining the Anthropocene based on recent events, questioning the significance of the proposed start date and the boundary between epochs.

    Geological Implications

    • Definition of Epochs: The rejection highlights the challenge of defining geological epochs based on human-induced changes, given the traditional criteria for epoch delineation.
    • Permanence and Recognition: While the vote does not negate human impact on the planet, it raises questions about the formal recognition of the Anthropocene as a distinct epoch.

    Future of the Anthropocene Concept

    • Beyond Epochs: Some scientists propose viewing the Anthropocene as an “event” rather than a formal epoch, acknowledging its transformative nature without conforming to traditional geological classifications.
    • Relevance and Recognition: Regardless of formal classification, the concept of the Anthropocene underscores the profound impact of human activity on Earth’s systems, shaping discussions on environmental stewardship and sustainability.

    Back2Basics: Geological Time Scale

    • The Geological Time Scale is a system used by geologists and palaeontologists to divide Earth’s history into distinct time intervals based on significant geological and biological events.
    • It provides a framework for organizing and understanding the vast expanse of time since the formation of the Earth, approximately 4.6 billion years ago, up to the present day.
    • The Scale is divided into several hierarchical units, including eons, eras, periods, epochs, and ages.

    Here is a simplified overview of the major divisions:

    (1) Eon: The largest division of time on the Geological Time Scale. The history of Earth is typically divided into four eons:

    • Hadean Eon: Represents the earliest stage of Earth’s history, from its formation to around 4 billion years ago.
    • Archean Eon: Covers the period from around 4 billion to 2.5 billion years ago. It includes the formation of the Earth’s crust, the emergence of life, and the development of the first continents.
    • Proterozoic Eon: Encompasses the time between 2.5 billion and 541 million years ago. It includes significant evolutionary developments, such as the emergence of complex multicellular life.
    • Phanerozoic Eon: The current eon, spanning from 541 million years ago to the present. It is further divided into eras.

    (2) Era: The second-largest division of time, encompassing longer periods of geological history within an eon. The Phanerozoic Eon is divided into three eras:

    • Paleozoic Era: Covers the time from 541 million to 252 million years ago. It is known for the diversification of life, including the appearance of complex marine organisms, fish, insects, and the first terrestrial plants.
    • Mesozoic Era: Spans from 252 million to 66 million years ago. It is often referred to as the “Age of Reptiles” and includes the dominance of dinosaurs, as well as the rise of mammals and birds.
    • Cenozoic Era: Extends from 66 million years ago to the present. It is sometimes called the “Age of Mammals” and includes the diversification and proliferation of mammals, the appearance of humans, and the development of modern ecosystems.

    (3) Period: A subdivision of an era, representing a distinct interval of time characterized by specific geological and biological events. For example:

    • The Paleozoic Era is divided into periods such as the Cambrian, Ordovician, Silurian, Devonian, Carboniferous, and Permian.
    • The Mesozoic Era is divided into periods including the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous.
    • The Cenozoic Era is divided into periods such as the Paleogene, Neogene, and Quaternary.

    (4) Epoch: A smaller subdivision of a period, representing a shorter interval of time. Epochs are defined by more localized geological and biological changes.

    (5) Age: The smallest division of time on the Geological Time Scale. Ages represent relatively brief periods, often defined by specific fossil or rock layers.

  • Illegal Tree Felling at Jim Corbett National Park

    corbet

    In the news

    • The recent Supreme Court ruling on tiger safaris in Uttarakhand’s Jim Corbett National Park has ignited discussions on wildlife conservation and tourism development.
    • The Court has condemned the unlawful felling of over 6,000 trees for constructing buildings under the guise of eco-tourism.

    About Jim Corbett National Park

    Details
    Establishment Established on August 8th, 1936 (originally as Hailey National Park)
    Location Uttarakhand State, Nainital region
    Renaming Renamed as Ramganga National Park (1954–1955),

    Later reverted to Corbett National Park
    Total Area 1,318.54 square kilometers (509.09 square miles)
    Ecological Zones Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Sonanadi, Durgadevi, Dhela
    Conservation Programs Included in Project Tiger (1973);

    Part of World Wide Fund for Nature’s Terai Arc Landscape Program
    Flagship Species Focus on Bengal tiger, Asiatic elephant, Great One-horned rhino
    Geographical Features Ridges, streams, plateaus, ravines, grasslands, deciduous woods, pine forests
    Importance Designated as Important Bird Area by Birdlife International;

    Key role in wildlife conservation efforts

     

    Court’s Decision on Jim Corbett NP

    • Petition against Captive Animal Holding: The Supreme Court addressed a petition opposing captive animal holding in the national park.
    • Permitted Tiger Safaris: The Court allowed the establishment of tiger safaris in peripheral and buffer zones with specified conditions.
    • Balancing Tourism and Ecosystem Preservation: The Court aimed to maintain a delicate balance between promoting tourism and preserving sensitive ecosystems within Jim Corbett National Park.

    Impact of Tourism on Locals & Wildlife

    • Tourism as a Livelihood: Locals rely on tourism for income, with transportation, tourist safaris, food centers, and accommodation facilities contributing significantly.
    • Infrastructure and Conservation: Tourism infrastructure obstructs wildlife corridors, impacting conservation efforts. The phasing out of Dhikala tourism complex is deemed necessary to comply with legal requirements.
    • Animal-Centric Approach: The Supreme Court emphasizes an animal-centric approach over tourist-centric policies to ensure conservation in national parks.