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Subject: Environment

  • Places in news: Gurez Valley

    gurez valley

    Central Idea

    • The high-altitude passes within the Gurez valley, located in northern Kashmir, are now linked to the Mushkoh valley in the Drass Sector of Kargil, Ladakh. This region was a significant site during the 1999 war.
    • The newly established 130-kilometer road has been opened to tourists, and one of its highest passes, Kaobal Gali, situated at an elevation of 4,166.9 meters in Gurez, serves as the vital link connecting these two valleys.

    About Gurez Valley

    • Found in the Kashmir valley, Gurez is positioned near the Line of Control, which separates it from Pakistan-administered Kashmir’s Astore and Neelum districts.
    • The local inhabitants are primarily ethnic Dards/Shins who speak the Shina language and share similar dress and cultural traditions with their counterparts in Pakistani-administered Gilgit-Baltistan.
    • The Buduaab village within Gurez valley is known for its Zumba yak, a smaller breed compared to other yaks.
    • Gurez valley played a significant role in the Kargil war.
    • It is closely situated to the Line of Control (LoC), with the Kishanganga river delineating the border in multiple areas.
    • Unique to the Gurez valley is the presence of villages constructed entirely of log houses, devoid of modern urban construction materials.
    • The region boasts diverse fauna and wildlife, including species such as the Himalayan brown bear, snow leopard, ibex, musk deer, and marmots.
    • With approximately 38,000 inhabitants, the Gurez valley has already welcomed an impressive 50,000 tourists this year.

    Back2Basisc: Mushkoh Valley

    • Located in Dras, Ladakh, the Mushkoh valley is also renowned as the “valley of wild tulips.”
    • The valley gained notoriety due to the fierce battle at Tiger Hill during a conflict between India and Pakistan, resulting in numerous casualties on both sides.
    • Mushkoh valley’s meadows are adorned with vibrant wild tulip flowers, and it is home to the endangered Himalayan yew.

  • Species in news: Nilgiri Tahr

    nilgiri tahr

    Central Idea

    • In a continued effort to conserve the Nilgiri Tahr, Tamil Nadu launched Project Nilgiri Tahr last year.
    • Now, the state is focusing on establishing a standardized protocol with Kerala for counting the population of this endangered species.

    About Nilgiri Tahr

    IUCN Conservation Status: Endangered

    Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972: Schedule I

    • It is endemic to the Nilgiri Hills and the southern portion of the Western Ghats in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala in Southern India.
    • It is the state animal of Tamil Nadu.
    • The Nilgiri tahr inhabits the open montane grassland habitat of the South Western Ghats montane rain forests eco-region.
    • At elevations from 1,200 to 2,600 metres (3,900 to 8,500 ft), the forests open into grasslands interspersed with pockets of stunted forests, locally known as sholas.
    • Eravikulam National Park is home to the largest population of this Tahr.
    • It is estimated that there are 3,122 Nilgiri Tahrs in the wild. It has become locally extinct in around 14% of its traditional shola forest-grassland habitat.

     

    Nilgiri Tahr Conservation Project

    • Under The Nilgiri Tahr project, TN government plans to develop a better understanding of the Nilgiri Tahr population through-
    1. Surveys and radio telemetry studies;
    2. Reintroduce the Tahrs to their historical habitat;
    3. Address proximate threats; and
    4. Increase public awareness of the species.
    • The project is to be implemented from 2022 to 2027.
    • Furthermore, October 7 will be celebrated as ‘Niligiri Tahr Day’ in honour of E.R.C. Davidar, who was responsible for pioneering one of the first studies of the species in 1975.

    Historic significance of Nilgiri Tahr

    • There are multiple references to the Nilgiri Tahr in Tamil Sangam literature dating back to 2,000 years.
    • The late Mesolithic (10,000-4,000 BC) paintings highlight the significance of the Tahr in folklore, culture and life.
    • It was designated as the State animal in recognition of its ecological and cultural significance.

  • Humans breach most of the planetary boundaries: What does it mean — and why it is significant

    planetary

    What’s the news?

    • The Earth, our only home, is facing a severe health crisis due to the unchecked activities of human beings. A recent study reveals that we have breached six out of nine planetary boundaries.

    Central idea

    • Human activities have pushed Earth’s blood pressure dangerously high, imperiling the planet’s well-being. A recent study titled Earth beyond six of nine planetary boundaries, conducted by a global team of 29 scientists from eight countries and published in Science Advances, reveals that we have transgressed six out of nine planetary boundaries, akin to the vital parameters of Earth’s health.

    What are the planetary boundaries?

    • The planetary boundaries are a framework developed in 2009 that defines the limits of humanity’s impact on Earth’s essential processes and systems.
    • These boundaries serve as guardrails to ensure that human activities do not push the planet beyond a point where it can no longer maintain the conditions necessary to support modern civilizations.
    • These boundaries help identify the environmental limits within which human societies can thrive without causing irreversible damage to the Earth’s ecosystems.

    Nine planetary boundaries and their associated control variables

    • Biosphere Integrity: This boundary relates to the health of ecosystems and the rate of species extinction.
    • Climate Change: It involves the concentration of atmospheric CO2 and the change in radiative forcing, which measures the balance of energy from sunlight compared to thermal energy lost by the Earth.
    • Novel Entities: This boundary focuses on human-made substances not naturally found in the environment, such as synthetic chemicals, plastics, and genetically modified organisms.
    • Stratospheric Ozone Depletion: This boundary concerns the release of human-made chemicals that harm the ozone layer in the stratosphere.
    • Freshwater Change: It examines human-induced impacts on both blue (in lakes and rivers) and green (available in soil for plants) water resources.
    • Atmospheric Aerosol Loading: This boundary tracks various particles from human-made emissions that affect cloud formation and atmospheric circulation.
    • Ocean Acidification: It addresses the long-term reduction in ocean pH due to the absorption of excess atmospheric CO2 by seawater.
    • Land System Change: This boundary evaluates changes in land use, especially the conversion of natural landscapes to agriculture or urban areas.
    • Biogeochemical Flow: It focuses on alterations in the natural flows and forms of nitrogen and phosphorus cycles, essential for plant growth.

    Findings of the study regarding the state of planetary boundaries

    • Breached Planetary Boundaries: Out of the nine planetary boundaries identified, six have been breached by human activities. These boundaries include climate change, biosphere integrity, freshwater change, land system change, biogeochemical flows, and novel entities.
    • Remaining Within Constraints: Two planetary boundaries, namely atmospheric aerosol loading and ozone depletion, are reported to remain within acceptable constraints. However, the boundary related to ocean acidification is noted as being close to being breached.
    • Concerns about Nitrogen and Phosphorus: The study emphasizes the issue of an overflow of nitrogen and phosphorus, which falls under the biogeochemical flow boundary. While these elements are essential for life, their excessive use as crop fertilizers is causing problems such as algal blooms and ocean dead zones, where oxygen levels in the water decrease significantly, posing a threat to marine ecosystems.
    • Historical Violations: The biosphere integrity boundary was reportedly violated in the 19th century due to rapid land use changes that significantly impacted various species. Similarly, the freshwater boundary was breached in the 20th century, specifically between 1905 and 1929.
    • Rising Levels of Novel Entities: The study raises concerns about the increasing levels of novel entities in the environment. These include synthetic chemicals like pesticides and plastics that have been released into the environment without adequate safety testing. The presence of these novel entities is seen as destabilizing and harmful to the Earth’s systems.
    • Land System Change: The article highlights that land-use conversion and fires are contributing to rapid changes in forested areas. Notably, deforestation in the Amazon tropical forest has increased to the point of transgressing the planetary boundary.
    • Climate Change: The analysis of climate change indicates that both atmospheric CO2 concentration and radiative forcing are steadily increasing. For instance, the concentration of CO2 currently stands at 417 parts per million (ppm), significantly higher than the pre-Industrial Revolution level of 280 ppm. The safe boundary limit for CO2 concentration is noted as 350 ppm, which was breached in the 1980s.

    Can Earth’s health still recover?

    • Unlike tipping points, which can lead to large and often irreversible changes in the climate system, planetary boundaries are described as being more flexible.
    • This means that breaches of these boundaries do not necessarily result in irreversible damage, and corrective actions can bring the Earth back within a safe operating space.
    • For example, the stratospheric ozone depletion boundary is improving. This improvement is attributed to the combined international efforts initiated by the Montreal Protocol in 1987. The successful coordination to address ozone depletion serves as a positive precedent for addressing other breached boundaries.

    Two Important Actions for Recovery

    • Ending Fossil Fuel Burning: Curtailing or ending the burning of fossil fuels, which is a major contributor to climate change, is seen as essential. This action would help address the breach of the climate change boundary.
    • Ending Destructive Farming: Implementing sustainable farming practices and reducing the negative impacts of land-use changes, including deforestation, can help restore ecosystems and address breaches related to land system change and biosphere integrity.

    Conclusion

    • We are at a critical juncture where concerted global efforts can still heal our planet. We must prioritize sustainability, conservation, and responsible resource management to ensure that future generations inherit a habitable Earth. The time to act is now, for Earth’s blood pressure has risen dangerously high, and the consequences of inaction could be catastrophic.

    Also read:

    Sustainable agriculture, climate change and nutrition: a complex challenge

  • Gurnards: New fish species discovered in Bengal’s Digha harbour

    Gurnards

    Central Idea

    • Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have unveiled a captivating discovery— Gurnards, a new species of deep water marine fish, displaying a striking orange hue.
    • This remarkable find was made off the coast of Digha Mohana in West Bengal.

    Gurnards or Sea-robins

    • The newfound species falls within the Triglidae family, commonly referred to as gurnards or sea-robins.
    • Named Pterygotrigla intermedica, this species exhibits distinct characteristics that set it apart from its counterparts, such as Pterygotrigla hemisticta.
    • It marks the fourth species within the Pterygotrigla genus to be reported in India.
    • This family boasts a global diversity with a total of 178 species, emphasizing the significance of this discovery.

  • China, US and India absent at Climate Ambition Summit

     

    Central Idea

    • The Climate Ambition Summit (CAS) held in New York during the United Nations General Assembly concluded.
    • China, the United States, and India, together responsible for about 42% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions and ranking as the top three emitters, were missing.

    Climate Ambition Summit (CAS)

    Purpose Strengthen global climate action and increase climate ambition.
    Anniversary of Paris Agreement Typically held on December 12th, coinciding with the Paris Agreement’s anniversary.
    Linked to Paris Agreement Connected to the international treaty aiming to limit global warming to well below 2°C or 1.5°C.
    Hosts and Participants Hosted by countries/regions; attended by heads of state, officials, organizations, and stakeholders.
    Commitments and Pledges Platform for announcing climate commitments, NDCs, funding, and policy measures.
    Climate Finance Discussions on financing mitigation and adaptation in developing countries.
    Global Cooperation Emphasizes collective efforts and solidarity in addressing climate change.
    Outcome Results in declarations and announcements reflecting increased ambition.
    Subsequent COPs Contributions influence discussions at future UN Climate Change Conferences.
    Climate Emergency Acknowledges climate emergency and the need for urgent, transformative action.
    Non-State Actors Provides a platform for businesses, cities, and civil society to showcase actions.
    Long-Term Goals May include goals like achieving net-zero emissions by mid-century.

    India’s Involvement

    • India last updated its climate commitments in 2022, aiming to reduce emissions intensity (the volume of emissions per unit of GDP) by 45% from 2005 levels by 2030, a 10% increase from its 2015 commitment.
    • India also pledged to fulfill 50% of its electricity needs with renewable, non-fossil fuel energy sources and create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2-equivalent by 2030.
    • In 2021, PM Modi pledged that India would achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
    • However, experts suggest these commitments may not be enough to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.

  • Places in news: Lampedusa Island

    Lampedusa Island

    Central Idea

    • Italy’s Lampedusa Island witnessed an influx of migrants after around 7,000 people arrived from North Africa in two days.
    • Nearly 1,26,000 migrants have arrived in Italy so far this year.

    About Lampedusa Island

    • Lampedusa is the largest of the Italian Pelagie Islands in the Mediterranean Sea.
    • It is located approximately 205 km southwest of Sicily, 113 km east of Tunisia, and about 176 kmnorth of Libya.
    • It is part of the Sicilian region of Italy and is situated in the southern Mediterranean Sea.
    • It covers an area of approximately 20.2 square km (7.8 square miles).
    • It has a rich history, with influences from various civilizations, including the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, and Normans.
    • During World War II, the island was of strategic importance and saw military activity.
    • It has been part of Italy since 1860.

    Migration and Humanitarian Issues

    • Lampedusa has been a focal point for migration from Africa to Europe, with many migrants and refugees attempting to reach the island by boat.
    • This has led to humanitarian challenges and efforts to manage immigration.
    • The island has received international attention for its role in rescue operations and the reception of migrants and asylum seekers.

  • Global Stocktake Report

    Central Idea

    • Amid the gathering of world leaders in New Delhi for the G-20 summit, the UN climate secretariat unveiled a ‘synthesis report’ summarizing progress made by nations towards the goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement.
    • Known as the ‘global stocktake,’ this report is a vital component of global climate action, assessing efforts to combat climate change every five years.

    Understanding the ‘Global Stocktake’

    (1) Origins and Purpose:

    • The ‘global stocktake’ is integral to the Paris Agreement, which commits countries to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius and strive for a 1.5-degree target.
    • Its primary aim is to periodically review and evaluate individual nations’ efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources.

    (2) Influence on Climate Talks:

    • The inaugural report, released this year, carries significant weight, shaping discussions at the upcoming 28th UN Climate Conference of Parties (COP) in Dubai in November.
    • While countries have submitted their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for climate action, the stocktake encourages them to enhance their ambitions before the next NDCs in 2025.

    Key Insights from the Report

    (1) Overall Assessment:

    • The 45-page synthesis report delivers 17 key findings that collectively convey that the world is falling short of its Paris Agreement targets. However, it highlights a narrowing window of opportunity for countries to align their efforts.

    (2) Echoing Previous Concerns:

    • The report echoes concerns raised in the 2022 UN synthesis report, which analyzed the NDCs of 166 countries and found them inadequate to meet Paris Agreement goals.
    • It reiterates the findings of the United Nations Emissions Gap Report, emphasizing the vast shortfall in reducing CO2 emissions compared to the Paris targets.

    Crucial ‘Key Findings’

    (1) Galvanized Global Response:

    • The Paris Agreement has spurred countries to set climate goals and acknowledge the urgency of addressing the climate crisis.
    • Governments must support the transition away from fossil fuels, ensuring it is equitable and inclusive.

    (2) Ambitious Goals:

    • Much greater ambition is needed to achieve global greenhouse gas emission reductions of 43% by 2030 and 60% by 2035, leading to net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050.

    (3) Renewable Energy Transition:

    • Scaling up renewable energy is imperative, while unabated fossil fuels must be phased out rapidly.

    (4) Environmental Conservation:

    • Efforts to halt deforestation, reverse land degradation, and promote emission-reducing agricultural practices must be encouraged.

    (5) Adaptation and Loss Management:

    • Comprehensive risk management and support for impacted communities are essential for averting, minimizing, and addressing loss and damage due to climate change.

    (6) Financial Commitment:

    • Transparent adaptation reporting and the rapid scaling up of financial support are needed to align global financial flows with climate-resilient development.

    Influence on Global Climate Discussion

    • The global stocktake report serves as a foundational document for the upcoming UN Climate Conference of Parties (COP).
    • It notably influenced the G20 Leaders Declaration, which officially acknowledged the substantial financial requirements for transitioning to a renewable energy economy.
    • This acknowledgement sets the stage for intensified efforts, emphasizing the need for trillions of dollars to support climate action, renewable technologies, and the path to net-zero emissions by 2050.

  • Six of 9 Planetary Boundaries breached by Humans

    boundaries

     

    Central Idea

    • A recent study has delivered a stark message: humanity has breached six of the nine planetary boundaries that are crucial for maintaining Earth’s stability and resilience.

    What are the 9 Planetary Boundaries?

    • These boundaries encompass climate change, biosphere integrity, land system change, freshwater change, biogeochemical flows, and novel entities.
    • These findings underscore the urgent need for a thorough reassessment of our environmental impact and the imperative of global collaboration to address these critical challenges.

    Understanding Planetary Boundaries

    (1) Setting Safe Limits:

    • Planetary boundaries can be likened to the vital parameters in human health, such as blood pressure.
    • Just as high blood pressure elevates the risk of heart disease, exceeding planetary boundaries heightens the risk of triggering irreversible environmental changes.

    (2) An Evolving Framework:

    • The planetary boundaries framework was introduced in 2009 to define the safe environmental limits within which humanity should operate.
    • To remain relevant, the framework must adapt as our understanding of Earth’s complex systems and human impacts evolves.

    The Third Iteration: Assessing Environmental Risks

    (1) Identifying Critical Processes:

    • Researchers examined processes within Earth’s ecosystem that have been vital for sustaining favourable conditions for humans over the past 12,000 years.
    • This era is noted for its stable and temperate planetary conditions.

    (2) Evaluating Human Impact:

    • The study assessed the extent to which human activities are modifying these crucial processes.
    • Computer simulations were employed to determine the point at which human activities could trigger irreversible changes in Earth’s systems.

    (3) Alarming Revelations:

    • The study found that human activities had breached safe boundaries for climate change and land system change as early as 1988.
    • The current trajectory poses a substantial risk of systemic disruption.

    Boundaries Crossed and Their Consequences

    (1) Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Concentration:

    • The safe limit was set at 350 ppm; it currently stands at 417 ppm.
    • This has led to significant climate change.

    (2) Land System Change:

    • The safe limit aimed to maintain 75% of the original forest cover; the current estimate is at 60%.
    • Such alterations have profound consequences for land systems.

    (3) Biosphere Integrity:

    • The safe limit was fewer than 10 extinctions per million species-years; the actual rate has exceeded 100.
    • This poses a severe threat to millions of plant and animal species.

    (4) Freshwater Change:

    • Boundaries have been exceeded for both blue (surface and groundwater) and green (water available for plants) water resources.
    • This has negative consequences for ecosystems.

    (5) Biogeochemical Flows:

    • Safe boundaries have been surpassed for phosphorus and nitrogen flows.
    • This has alarming implications for biodiversity and water quality.

    (6) Novel Entities:

    • The planetary boundary for novel entities was set at zero, and this boundary has been transgressed.
    • Risks include stratospheric ozone depletion, aerosol loading, and ocean acidification.

    Way Forward: Urgent Global Collaboration

    (1) Lessons from the Ozone Layer:

    • Successful global negotiations, like the Montreal Protocol, managed to restore the ozone layer to safe levels after transgression.
    • Emphasizes the importance of adhering to limits on environmental waste.

    (2) Embracing a Circular Economy:

    • A circular economy, mirroring nature’s own system, is essential.
    • Transitioning towards a circular economy represents a crucial step in tackling these planetary challenges.

    Conclusion

    • The study’s findings serve as a stark reminder of humanity’s responsibility to safeguard Earth’s delicate equilibrium.
    • Breaching planetary boundaries not only poses immediate risks but also imperils the long-term sustainability of our planet.
    • Urgent global cooperation and a commitment to respecting environmental limits are essential to avert a potentially catastrophic future.

  • Climate phenomena and food security

    https://epaper.thehindu.com/reader

    What’s the news?

    • Disruptive weather events, including El Niño and changing precipitation patterns, are impacting India’s agriculture, resulting in reduced crop yields, water stress, and rising food prices.

    Central idea

    • India has experienced a series of disruptive weather and climate phenomena in recent times, highlighting the complexity of our precipitation system. This complexity poses significant challenges to the sustainability and resilience of development projects in the mountains and floodplains.

    How do western disturbances influence India’s climate?

    • Origin: Western disturbances are weather systems that originate in the Mediterranean region and travel eastward towards South Asia, including India.
    • Winter and Spring Impact: During the winter and spring seasons, these disturbances bring much-needed moisture to the western Himalayan region and parts of northern India. This moisture contributes to rainfall and snowfall in these areas, which are essential for agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems.
    • Unusual Behavior: The Western disturbance typically follows a seasonal pattern, but in some years, it can exhibit unusual behavior. For example, it may persist late into the summer months, affecting weather patterns beyond its usual timeframe.
    • Impact on Southwest Monsoon: When a Western disturbance lingers into the summer, it can influence the southwest monsoon, which is crucial for India’s agriculture. The interaction between these weather systems can lead to unpredictable and sometimes extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall, landslides, and flooding.
    • Concerns: The unusual behavior of the Western disturbance can raise concerns about the sustainability and resilience of development projects in regions affected by these weather events, such as the western Himalayan region and northern India.

    El Niño’s Influence on Monsoons

    • El Niño:
      • El Niño is a climate phenomenon characterized by the warming of sea surface temperatures in the eastern and central tropical Pacific Oceans.
      • This warming disrupts normal atmospheric circulation patterns, leading to significant climatic impacts worldwide.
    • Impact on the Southwest Monsoon:
      • El Niño events can influence the Indian Southwest Monsoon, which is responsible for the majority of India’s annual rainfall.
      • While not all El Niño events have adverse effects on the monsoon, their intensification can lead to drier conditions in some parts of India.
      • El Niño tends to weaken the monsoon, reducing the amount and distribution of rainfall.
    • Interaction with Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD):
      • The relationship between El Niño and the monsoon has evolved over time.
      • In some cases, when El Niño affects the monsoon, another climate phenomenon in the Indian Ocean, known as the positive-phase IOD, can balance the consequences.
      • The IOD can influence monsoon variability and rainfall patterns, either mitigating or exacerbating the impact of El Niño.
    • Predictive Value of Models:
      • Dynamic regression models have suggested that a significant portion of the inter-annual variability of the Southwest Monsoon can be attributed to the combined effects of El Niño and the IOD.
      • This indicates the predictive value of these models in understanding and forecasting monsoon behavior during El Niño events.
    • Food Security Implications:
      • El Niño’s influence on the monsoon has direct implications for food security in India.
      • Reduced monsoon rainfall can delay the onset of rains, affect crop sowing, and result in hot temperatures that negatively impact crop growth and soil moisture.
      • Crop yields, especially for water-intensive crops like rice and soybean, can be significantly affected during El Niño years, leading to food production challenges.

    Climate

    How are agriculture and water dependency intricately linked in India?

    • Two Types of Water for Agriculture:
      • Agriculture in India relies on two primary sources of water: green water and blue water.
      • Green water refers to rain-fed soil moisture that is utilized by crops and eventually transpires into the atmosphere.
      • Blue water includes the water found in rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and groundwater, which is essential for irrigation as well as drinking and industrial use.
    • Importance of Green Water:
      • Despite significant investments in dams, reservoirs, and irrigation systems, approximately half of the cultivated area in India depends on green water.
      • Green water is crucial for rainfed agriculture, as it provides moisture for crops and contributes to the overall water availability for agriculture.
    • Water Requirements for the Daily Diet:
      • The daily diet of individuals in India, from cooking oil to diverse foods, is associated with a substantial water footprint.
      • On average, an individual’s daily diet in India requires approximately 3,268 liters of water per day, subject to regional variability.
      • A significant portion (about 75%) of this water footprint is attributed to green water, highlighting the importance of rainfed agriculture to food and nutritional security.
    • Dependency on Green Water in Irrigated Areas:
      • Even in areas with access to irrigation, many dominant crops still depend on green water to varying degrees.
      • For example, during the kharif season, rice paddy under irrigation uses green water for about 35% of its water requirements.
      • Staple crops like tur dal, soybean, groundnut, and maize also rely considerably on green water, particularly during specific growing seasons.
    • Impact of Climate Phenomena on Green Water:
      • Climate phenomena like El Niño can disrupt the availability of green water by delaying the start of rains and affecting sowing schedules.
      • Higher temperatures during El Niño events may negatively influence plant growth and soil moisture, impacting crop yields.
    • Food Production Challenges:
      • During El Niño years, when green water availability may be compromised, crop production can be significantly affected.
      • For instance, there was a 28% decline in soybean production in India during the 2015–2016 El Niño year compared to the average

    Central India’s vulnerability

    • Geographic Region:
      • Central India comprises 36 districts across the states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra.
      • This region is characterized by diverse landscapes, including highlands and urban centers.
    • Climate Change Hotspot:
      • Central India is identified as a climate change hotspot due to its critical role in water, food, and ecological security.
      • The region includes headwaters for five of India’s 10 major river basins, making it crucial for water resources.
    • Water Stress:
      • Central India experiences significant and persistent water stress.
      • Water stress is driven primarily by the demand for irrigation, particularly during the rabi season, which relies on blue water sources such as rivers and reservoirs.
    • Extent of Water Stress:
      • Approximately 70–78% of the landscape in Central India experiences water stress for four or more months each year.
      • Among the 17 urban centers in the region, 11 face water stress for six to eight months, with Nagpur enduring water stress for the longest duration.
      • Changing precipitation patterns, including declining monsoon precipitation since the 1950s, have exacerbated water stress in Central India.

    Adaptation Strategies

    • Diversifying Agro-Food Systems:
      • To adapt to changing precipitation patterns and water availability, there’s an emphasis on diversifying agro-food systems.
      • This includes shifting away from water-intensive crops to alternative, less water-dependent crops like millets.
    • Reducing Dependence on Water-Intensive Crops:
      • A key adaptation strategy is reducing dependence on water-intensive crops, particularly during periods of water stress.
      • Crop diversification may involve promoting the cultivation of millets and alternative varieties of dominant cereals.
    • Shorter growing cycles:
      • Advisories to farmers may include shifting to crops with shorter growing cycles.
      • Shorter growing cycles can help adapt to changing precipitation patterns and mitigate the risks associated with extended dry periods.
    • Improved Forecasting and Early Warning Systems:
      • Adaptation efforts are aided by advancements in short-term weather forecasting and early warning systems.
      • Timely weather forecasts and warnings for intense rain and dry spells can help farmers make informed decisions.
    • Enhancing Reservoir and Dam Management:
      • Given the risks associated with extreme rain events, adaptive strategies include improved management of dams and reservoirs.
      • Effective reservoir and dam management can reduce the risk of dam-based flood disasters.
    • Balancing Water Demands:
      • Sustainable water-sharing practices between humans and nature are crucial for adaptation.
      • Balancing the needs of agriculture, industry, and ecosystems while maintaining ecological flows in rivers is a priority.
    • Government Initiatives:
      • Both the central and state governments are involved in implementing adaptation strategies.
      • Government efforts may include policy support, incentives for farmers, and investments in infrastructure.

    Conclusion

    • The water and climate change crises in India, intertwined with food, water, and ecological security, require a multifaceted response. Diversifying agro-food systems, reducing dependence on blue water, rejuvenating rivers, and sustainable water sharing between humans and nature are essential for the well-being of India’s 1.4 billion people.

  • Protecting floodplains is the need of the hour

    What’s the news?

    • Indian cities are projected to contribute significantly to the country’s GDP by 2030. Flooding in these urban centers has a substantial economic impact, underscoring the importance of effective flood management.

    Central idea

    • The world is grappling with a dual challenge of water scarcity and excess as climate change intensifies. The frequency and intensity of floods are on the rise, with devastating consequences. The urgency of addressing this issue cannot be overstated.

    Recent catastrophic floods

    • Last year, Pakistan witnessed catastrophic floods that claimed lives and affected millions.
    • India has faced its share of calamities, such as the 2013 Uttarakhand floods, the 2014 Kashmir Valley deluge, the 2015 Chennai floods, and the 2017 Gujarat floods.
    • This year, Himachal Pradesh experienced rain-induced floods and landslides.

    Why is India prone to flooding?

    • Geographical Vulnerability: The article mentions that over 40 million hectares, which is nearly 12% of India’s total land area, are prone to floods, as indicated by the Geological Survey of India. This vulnerability is due to India’s diverse geography, including extensive river systems, coastal regions, and mountainous areas.
    • Climate Change: Floods are increasing in frequency and intensity, and this trend is expected to continue due to climate change. Extreme precipitation events are becoming more common, contributing to flooding.
    • Urbanization Challenges: Rapid and haphazard urbanization is one of the factors that makes Indian cities vulnerable to floods. The expansion of cities, often without proper consideration of natural topography, increases the risk of flooding in urban areas.
    • Inadequate Legal Framework: India primarily relies on the Disaster Management Act of 2005 for flood management, but this law is not specifically focused on flood risk management and assumes that disasters cannot be predicted, which may not be entirely accurate for floods.
    • Large-Scale Encroachments: India faces challenges due to extensive encroachments on floodplains, including illegal construction and mining activities. These encroachments reduce the natural capacity of rivers and floodplains to handle excess water during heavy rainfall.
    • Chennai Floods Example: The 2015 Chennai floods were attributed to these encroachments, and the Comptroller and Auditor General of India labeled it a man-made disaster.
    • Weak Enforcement of Environmental Laws: The environmental protection laws in India are often not effectively implemented. Central policies related to floodplain protection lack binding power over states, allowing encroachments to persist.

    Flood Plains and their Significance

    • Flood plains adjacent to rivers serve as natural defences against inland flooding. Maintained without concrete encroachments, they absorb excess water, safeguarding other regions.
    • Properly managed flood plains also aid in recharging groundwater levels and maintaining the water table.

    Key issues related to occupying floodplains and the challenges it poses in India

    • Reduced River Capacity: Illegal construction in floodplains diminishes the natural capacity of rivers to contain high water levels within their banks. This becomes especially problematic during periods of heavy rainfall when water from upper catchment areas flows downstream.
    • Neglect of Eco-Sensitive Areas: In Uttarakhand, there has been a disregard for eco-sensitive floodplains with the construction of guest houses and hotels along riverfronts to promote tourism and economic growth. This neglect has contributed to increased flood risks.
    • Regulatory Efforts: Following the massive floods in 2013, the National Green Tribunal issued a directive in 2015, essentially barring construction within 200 meters of the Ganga’s banks. However, attempts to bypass this directive have been made, raising questions about the proper implementation of environmental impact assessments.
    • Ineffective Legislation: The Uttaranchal River Valley (Development and Management) Act of 2005 was established to regulate mining and construction in river valleys. However, reports suggest rampant mining and construction activities with little consideration for environmental protection.
    • Weak Implementation of Environmental Laws: Despite having environmental protection laws in place, India faces issues with their implementation. Central policy measures to protect floodplains are often non-binding on states, and there is a lack of effective enforcement.

    Strategies to preserve ecosystems

    • International Examples:
    • Examples from around the world include Germany’s Federal Water Act, which underwent a significant change in 1996 following a massive flood.
    • The law now prioritizes the protection of the original retention capacity of water bodies during reconstruction.
    • This change reflects the value of preserving floodplains and enhancing water retention as effective measures against flooding.
    • Cross-Sectoral Approach:
    • Climate change adaptation is described as a cross-sectoral issue that involves various areas of legislation, including land use, water body preservation, coastal regulations, and environmental impact assessment.
    • A comprehensive and integrated approach is necessary to address the complexities of climate change adaptation effectively.
    • Coherent Legal Framework:
    • To tackle climate change and its associated risks, it is crucial to integrate multiple laws into a coherent framework.
    • Passing climate-related legislation alone may not be sufficient if other laws related to land use and environmental protection are not aligned with climate goals.
    • Political Will:
    • Strong political will is identified as a critical factor in achieving effective climate change adaptation strategies.
    • Populist leaders may be hesitant to implement green policies, so there is a need for a shift in political priorities to prioritize environmental protection and climate resilience.

    Conclusion

    • India’s approach to flood management must evolve to embrace integrated flood risk management, learning from global examples. By prioritizing ecosystem preservation and adopting a holistic approach to climate change adaptation, India can better safeguard lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure from the growing threat of floods.

    Also read:

    Why Zoning of Flood Plains is important?