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Subject: Environment

  • To combat climate challenges, the Finance Commission needs to step up

    India sets new climate target: 45% less emission, 50 per cent electricity from non-fossil fuel-based- The New Indian Express

    Central Idea:

    The article emphasizes the pivotal role that fiscal federalism, particularly through Finance Commissions (FC), plays in India’s efforts to combat climate change by promoting forest conservation. It highlights the need for the 16th Finance Commission to adopt innovative approaches, such as incorporating climate vulnerability and emission intensity into tax distribution formulas, to align with India’s environmental goals.

    Key Highlights:

    • India actively participates in global initiatives to enhance forest cover, combat climate change, and build community resilience.
    • Finance Commissions have historically allocated funds for forest conservation, evolving from grants to a dedicated share of the central tax pool.
    • The 15th Finance Commission became the world’s largest payment for ecosystem services (PES) system, distributing funds based on both forest cover and density.
    • The 16th Finance Commission, appointed in 2021, is crucial for shaping tax distribution principles for 2026-31, coinciding with India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement.
    • The article suggests incorporating climate vulnerability and emission intensity as key parameters in the tax devolution formula to drive action toward India’s National Determined Contributions (NDCs).

    Key Challenges:

    • Balancing conservation efforts with opportunity costs, which can be substantial and potentially prohibitive.
    • Addressing pollution challenges, especially the need for funds to tackle issues like crop burning and mangrove restoration.
    • Adapting to changing climate patterns leading to forest fires, necessitating innovative solutions and funding.

    Key Terms:

    • Fiscal federalism: The distribution of fiscal responsibilities and resources between different levels of government.
    • National Determined Contributions (NDCs): Commitments made by countries under the Paris Agreement to mitigate climate change.
    • Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES): Systems where individuals or entities are compensated for protecting or enhancing ecosystem services.
    • Tax devolution: The distribution of tax revenues among different levels of government.

    Key Phrases:

    • “Largest payment for ecosystem services (PES) system in the world.”
    • “Tax devolution formula as a tool to align with India’s NDCs.”
    • “Finance Commission evolving from a fiscal arbitrator to an orchestrator of climate readiness.”

    Key Quotes:

    • “The 16th FC can be pivotal in creating a basis for market instruments like National Carbon Market and National Green Credit Market to succeed.”
    • “The Commission needs to metamorphose from a conventional fiscal arbitrator to an orchestrator of India’s climate readiness.”

    Key Statements:

    • “The 15th FC effectively became the largest payment for ecosystem services (PES) system in the world.”
    • “The 16th FC can be pivotal in creating a basis for these market instruments to succeed.”

    Key Facts:

    • India’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 33-35% and building an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 by 2030.
    • The role of Finance Commissions in mobilizing and distributing funds to states for forest conservation and combating air pollution.

    Critical Analysis:

    The article underscores the evolving role of Finance Commissions in environmental conservation and suggests innovative approaches for the 16th FC. However, challenges such as balancing conservation with opportunity costs and addressing pollution issues require careful consideration.

    Way Forward:

    The 16th Finance Commission should prioritize incorporating climate vulnerability and emission intensity into tax devolution formulas. It must transform into a key player in India’s climate readiness by aligning economic growth with environmental imperatives, supporting clean energy initiatives, and addressing regional climate challenges.

  • Project Tiger and India’s Conservation Landscape

    project tiger

    Introduction

    • Launch and Growth: Project Tiger, launched in 1973, has evolved from a forest bureaucracy-administered initiative to a statutory category in 2006, becoming a global success story in conservation.
    • Expansion of Tiger Reserves: From nine reserves in 1973, India now boasts 54 reserves across 18 states, covering 2.38% of the country’s land area.

    Tiger Population and Conservation Efforts

    • Census Methods and Population Growth: The transition from the pug-mark method to camera-trap techniques has shown a significant increase in tiger numbers, with India now home to three-quarters of the world’s tiger population.
    • Wildlife (Protection) Act (WLPA) 1972: This Act introduced National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries, changing the rights of forest dwellers and centralizing control with the State government.

    Project Tiger’s Transformation and Critical Tiger Habitats (CTH)

    • From Centrally Sponsored Scheme to CTH: Project Tiger’s shift to a focus on CTHs aimed to prioritize tiger-centric conservation, introducing Buffer Areas around CTHs.
    • 2006 Amendment and NTCA Formation: The amendment to WLPA in 2006 led to the creation of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and a tiger conservation plan, though CTHs remained inviolate.

    Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006 and Its Implications

    • Recognition of Forest Dwellers’ Rights: The FRA recognized the rights of forest dwellers, including in Tiger Reserves, and established Gram Sabhas as authorities for forest management.
    • Introduction of Critical Wildlife Habitat (CWH): The FRA introduced CWH, ensuring that notified areas couldn’t be diverted for non-forestry purposes.

    Challenges in CTH Delineation and Legal Compliance

    • Hasty CTH Notifications: In 2007, a rushed process led to the notification of 26 Tiger Reserves without full compliance with legal provisions.
    • Lack of Buffer Areas: Initially, most CTHs lacked Buffer Areas, a situation rectified only after Supreme Court intervention in 2012.

    Relocation and Rehabilitation Issues

    • Legal Framework for Relocation: WLPA and LARR Act 2013 outline the process for voluntary relocation, with specific compensation and rehabilitation requirements.
    • Implementation Gaps: Actual relocation practices often fall short of legal requirements, leading to minimal consent and inadequate compensation.

    Conflict between Tiger Conservation and Forest Dwellers’ Rights

    • Resistance to Forest Rights Recognition: Tiger Reserves often witness resistance to recognizing forest dwellers’ rights, leading to conflicts.
    • NTCA’s Role and Legal Challenges: NTCA’s actions, including temporary bans and wildlife clearance requirements, have sometimes conflicted with the legal rights of forest dwellers.

    Conclusion

    • Balancing Biodiversity and Human Interests: India’s journey with Project Tiger highlights the need to balance tiger conservation with the rights and livelihoods of forest dwellers.
    • Future Prospects: As tiger populations and reserves grow, India faces the challenge of managing increasing human-wildlife conflicts while ensuring sustainable conservation practices.
    • Legal and Policy Evolution: The evolution of laws and policies around tiger conservation reflects a dynamic process of adapting to ecological, social, and legal complexities.

  • Assessing India’s Progress in Air Quality Improvement

    Introduction

    • Ambitious Goals: The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aims to reduce particulate matter concentrations by 40% by 2026 in 131 Indian cities.
    • Mixed Results: An analysis by Respirer Living Sciences and Climate Trends reveals varied progress among cities, with only a few meeting targeted declines in PM 2.5 levels.

    About National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)

    Details
    Launch Launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in January 2019.
    Objective To create a national framework for air quality management with a time-bound target for reducing air pollution.
    Targets Aims to reduce the concentration of PM10 and PM2.5 particles by at least 20% in five years, using 2017 as the base year.
    Coverage Focuses on 132 non-attainment cities identified by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
    Non-attainment Cities Cities that have consistently fallen short of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for over five years.
    NAAQS Pollutants Includes PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NO2, CO, NH3, Ozone, Lead, Benzene, Benzo-Pyrene, Arsenic, and Nickel.
    Current Standards Annual average prescribed limits are 40 µg/m3 for PM2.5 and 60 µg/m3 for PM10.
    Revised Targets (2022) Updated target of a 40% reduction in particulate matter concentration by 2026.
    Improvement Assessment Requires a 15% or more reduction in annual average PM10 concentration and at least 200 clean air quality days starting from 2020-21.

    Particulate Matter Reduction: Varied City Performances

    • Inconsistent Declines: Among 49 cities with consistent data over five years, 27 showed a decline in PM 2.5, but only four met or exceeded targets.
    • Notable Increases in Pollution: Cities like Delhi, Navi Mumbai, Mumbai, Ujjain, Jaipur, Visakhapatnam, and Pune have seen marginal declines or increases in PM 2.5 levels.

    Success Stories and Regional Disparities

    • Significant Reductions: Cities like Varanasi, Agra, and Jodhpur reported substantial declines in PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels.
    • Uttar Pradesh’s Progress: Except for Jodhpur, cities achieving the 2026 reduction targets are predominantly from Uttar Pradesh.
    • Indo-Gangetic Plain’s Pollution: The IGP remains a hotspot for high PM 2.5 levels, with 18 of the top 20 polluted cities located in this region.

    Factors Influencing Pollution Levels

    • Annual Variations: Pollution levels can vary significantly within a year, with northern and eastern Indian cities peaking during winter.
    • Air Quality Monitoring Infrastructure: The number and distribution of continuous ambient air quality monitors significantly impact the accuracy of pollution data.
    • Geographical and Meteorological Influences: The study acknowledges the need for further research to understand the impact of emissions, geography, and weather on pollution levels.

    NCAP’s Progress and Future Outlook

    • Noteworthy Efforts: The NCAP has made progress in reducing pollution in some cities, but the overall effectiveness remains unclear.
    • Enhanced Monitoring: The addition of new air quality monitoring stations is expected to provide a clearer picture of pollution levels and aid in mitigation efforts.

    Conclusion

    • Persistent Pollution Challenges: Despite some successes, many urban areas continue to struggle with rising pollution levels.
    • Commitment to Environmental Goals: The NCAP’s revised target reflects India’s commitment to ambitious environmental objectives.
    • Need for Comprehensive Strategies: Effective air quality management requires a combination of robust monitoring, targeted policy interventions, and public awareness to achieve sustainable improvements in air quality.

  • How Lakshadweep’s Unique Cultural Landscape developed?

    Lakshadweep

    Introduction

    • PM’s recent trip to Lakshadweep has brought the islands into the national conversation.

    About Lakshadweep

    Details
    Location In the Arabian Sea, off the southwestern coast of India.
    Geographical Formation Formed by coral activities and have a coral atoll structure.
    Formation as UT Formed as a Union Territory of India in 1956.
    Total Islands Comprises 36 islands, including atolls, coral reefs, and submerged banks.
    Inhibition 10 of the 36 islands are inhabited.
    Capital Kavaratti is the capital of the Union Territory.
    Area Total area of 32 sq km.

    Cultural Uniqueness of Lakshadweep

    • Diverse Influences: The islands exhibit a unique blend of cultural influences from Malayalis, Arabs, Tamils, and Kannadigas.
    • Distinct Islamic Practice: The form of Islam practiced here is distinct from the rest of India, reflecting the islands’ diverse ethnic and linguistic heritage.

    Historical Roots: A Pre-Islamic Hindu Society

    • Early Settlers: Scholar Andrew W Forbes suggests that the first settlers were likely Malabari sailors, possibly castaways.
    • Hindu Influence: Evidence points to a pre-Islamic Hindu society, with remnants like buried idols and traditional songs hinting at past Hindu practices.

    Conversion to Islam: A Gradual Transition

    • Arab Influence: Regular contact with Arab merchants and sailors led to the gradual conversion of islanders to Islam, distinct from the Islamic practices in mainland India.
    • Peaceful Introduction of Islam: Historian Mahmood Kooria notes that Islam’s introduction in the region, including Lakshadweep, was marked by minimal political conflict, primarily through commercial interactions.

    Cultural Development: Insulation from Mainland Influences

    • Control by the Arakkal Kingdom: In the 16th century, the islands fell under the Arakkal kingdom of Kannur, Kerala’s only Muslim dynasty.
    • European Interactions: Despite conflicts with European powers, the islands maintained a degree of protection and isolation.
    • British Era: The British rule further insulated Lakshadweep, allowing its culture to evolve distinctly from mainland India.
    • Linguistic Diversity: The islands’ isolation is reflected in their linguistic diversity, with Malayalam, Jazari, and Mahl being the main languages.

    Matrilineal Society: A Unique Aspect of Lakshadweep’s Islam

    • Matriliny in Islamic Society: Lakshadweep’s Islamic society is characterized by matriliny, tracing descent and property through the mother’s line.
    • Anthropological Perspectives: Anthropologist Leela Dube highlights the compatibility of matriliny with Islam in Lakshadweep, contrary to conventional Islamic practices.
    • Kerala’s Influence: Historian Manu Pillai links the matrilineal tradition to Kerala’s cultural patterns, where Nairs and Namboodiris practised matriliny.
    • Broader Indian Ocean Context: Kooria points out that matriliny is common among Muslims in the Indian Ocean region, suggesting a broader cultural context.

    Religious and Sociological Interpretations

    • Islamic Justification for Matriliny: Islanders believe their matrilineal practice aligns with Islam, citing Prophet Muhammad’s life with his first wife, Khadija.
    • Sociological Viewpoint: Dr. N P Hafiz Mohamad emphasizes that the islanders see matriliny as integral to their Islamic practice.

    Conclusion

    • Preservation of Unique Traditions: Lakshadweep’s relative isolation has helped preserve its unique cultural and religious practices.
    • Integration of Diverse Influences: The islands represent a remarkable integration of various cultural and religious influences, forming a distinct identity within the Indian subcontinent.
    • Significance in Broader Indian Ocean Culture: Lakshadweep’s cultural practices, particularly its matrilineal society, highlight the interconnectedness and diversity of cultures across the Indian Ocean region.

  • Rethinking Tree Plantation Strategies in India: A Call for Policy Revision

    tree plantation

    Introduction

    • National and International Commitments: Tree planting by state forest departments is propelled by India’s National Forest Policy, global restoration commitments, and central government initiatives like the Green India Mission.
    • Forest Cover Targets: The emphasis on forest cover in financial allocations by the Finance Commission further motivates states to increase forested areas.

    Geographical and Ecological Context

    • Tropical Dry Forest Biome: Over three-fifths of India, spanning from the Shivaliks in the north to the Eastern Ghats in Tamil Nadu, falls under this biome.
    • Sparse Tree Cover and Drought-Prone Areas: This region, characterized by sparse tree cover and less than 1,000 mm of annual rainfall, is susceptible to drought.
    • Dependence of Rural Population: These landscapes are crucial for cattle grazing and support endangered fauna like wolves, striped hyenas, and blackbucks.

    Recent Trends in Forest Cover Expansion

    • Significant Increase in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana: Between 2006 and 2015, these states collectively added significant forest cover, further augmented by Telangana through schemes like Haritha Haram.
    • Satellite Imagery and Dense Plantations: To be detected by satellite, dense plantations of fast-growing species like teak, eucalyptus, and bamboo are favored over natural sparse canopy.

    Consideration for Tree Plantation

    • Site Selection: Choose appropriate locations such as public parks, schools, and degraded lands for tree plantation. Focus on areas with adequate sunlight, proper drainage, and enough space for the tree to grow.
    • Native Tree Species: Opt for planting native tree species as they are well-adapted to the local climate and support the region’s biodiversity. Some popular choices in India include neem, banyan, peepal, mango, and teak.
    • Planting Season: The ideal time for tree plantation in most parts of India is during the monsoon season (June to September). This period provides sufficient rainfall, which helps with the establishment and growth of newly planted trees.

    Challenges and Impacts of Current Tree Planting Practices

    • Questionable Forest Cover Targets: The 33% forest cover target lacks a scientific basis, as does the 26 million hectares target under the 2011 Bonn Challenge.
    • Negative Ecological Consequences: Excessive tree planting can lead to the loss of biodiverse grasslands and scrub ecosystems, impacting pastoral communities and water availability in river basins.

    Recommendations for Policy Revision

    • Recognition of Varied Ecosystems: The 15th Finance Commission’s acknowledgement of diverse forest canopy densities is a positive step, but it overlooks the importance of grasslands and open scrub ecosystems.
    • Alternative Restoration Approaches: Restoring degraded lands to their original grassland or scrub states with native trees is more beneficial than creating monoculture plantations.
    • Revising National Forest Policy Targets: It’s crucial to update the target forest cover to promote the conservation of grasslands and open ecosystems in their natural state.
    • Beyond Satellite Imagery for Monitoring: Restoration programs should not solely rely on satellite imagery, as tree cover alone is not a comprehensive indicator of ecosystem health.

    Conclusion

    • Need for Holistic Approaches: A top-down policy approach focused on tree planting can lead to long-term ecological imbalances and wasteful expenditures.
    • Balancing Ecological and Economic Goals: Revising tree plantation strategies and forest policies is essential to achieve ecological balance and protect diverse ecosystems, while also meeting economic objectives.
    • Incentivizing Conservation of Diverse Landscapes: Policies should incentivize the preservation of varied landscapes, including grasslands and scrublands, recognizing their ecological and economic value.

  • Understanding the EU’s carbon border tax

    BASIC nations oppose 'Carbon Border Tax' - Civilsdaily

    Central Idea:

    The European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) poses a significant challenge to India’s manufacturing sector. This policy aims to tax carbon-intensive imports into the EU, impacting key sectors like steel. India’s response involves considering legal challenges and negotiating with the EU while simultaneously developing its own carbon trading mechanisms.

    Key Highlights:

    • The CBAM is part of the EU’s strategy to achieve a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
    • It aims to be climate-neutral by 2050 – an economy with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.
    • India, a top exporter to the EU, is expected to be adversely affected, particularly in sectors like steel.
    • India is developing its own Carbon Credit Trading System (CCTS) to combat climate change and incentivize clean energy investments.

    Key Challenges:

    • India faces the challenge of protecting its industries from the potential negative impacts of CBAM.
    • Limited time to formulate and implement effective carbon taxation measures aligning with the Paris Agreement.
    • The EU’s failure to consider factors like cheap labor and alternative production modes influencing industry shifts.

    Key Terms:

    • Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
    • Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions
    • Carbon Credit Trading System (CCTS)
    • Paris Agreement
    • Special and Differential Treatment provisions

    Key Phrases:

    • “Ill-conceived move” – Referring to the Commerce and Industry Minister’s criticism of the CBAM.
    • “Death knell for India’s manufacturing sector” – Describing the potential impact of the carbon tax on Indian industries.
    • “Common but differentiated responsibilities” – Principle agreed upon under the Paris Agreement.
    • “Carbon leakage” – The risk of carbon-intensive production moving from the EU to countries with lax environmental regulations.

    Key Quotes:

    • “Proposed carbon tax on imports is an ill-conceived move… death knell for India’s manufacturing sector.” – Commerce and Industry Minister.
    • “India has challenged the CBAM before the World Trade Organization under the special and differential treatment provisions.”

    Key Statements:

    • The CBAM is seen as a threat to India’s manufacturing sector and competitiveness in the EU market.
    • India is working on its own carbon trading mechanisms, including the CCTS and the Green Credit Programme Rules.

    Key Examples and References:

    • UK’s plan to enforce its own CBAM by 2027, adding to the challenges faced by India’s exports.

    Key Facts:

    • 27% of India’s exports of iron, steel, and aluminum products worth $8.2 billion went to the EU in 2022.

    Critical Analysis:

    • The EU’s focus on reducing carbon emissions should consider broader factors influencing industry shifts.
    • India’s challenge lies in balancing environmental concerns with protecting its industries and economic interests.

    Way Forward:

    • India should actively negotiate with the EU to explore pragmatic solutions, such as returning tax funds for green technologies.
    • Swift action is crucial for India to formulate and implement its own carbon taxation measures aligned with the Paris Agreement.

  • IIT-D develops India’s first National Landslide Susceptibility Map

    Introduction

    • In the wake of severe monsoon-triggered landslides, IIT Delhi has developed its first National Landslide Susceptibility Map.

    About National Landslide Susceptibility Map

    • High-Resolution Mapping: The map offers a detailed (100 sq. m resolution) overview of landslide susceptibility across India, including previously unrecognized areas.
    • Revealing New Risk Zones: It highlights traditional high-risk areas and uncovers new regions of concern, broadening the scope of landslide monitoring.
    • Innovative Analysis Method: An ensemble machine learning approach was utilized to enhance prediction accuracy and address data gaps in uncharted regions.
    • Advantages of Ensemble Models: This method effectively combines multiple models to provide a more reliable estimation of landslide risks.

    Data Gathering and Analytical Process

    • Extensive Data Compilation: Researchers collated data on around 150,000 landslide incidents from various sources, including the Geological Survey of India.
    • Identifying Contributing Factors: The team pinpointed 16 critical factors influencing landslide susceptibility, utilizing tools like GeoSadak for remote data collection.

    Implications for Disaster Management

    • Tool for Stakeholders: The map serves as a critical resource for government bodies, disaster management authorities, and organizations focused on landslide mitigation.
    • Enhancing Preparedness and Planning: It will facilitate vulnerability assessment, infrastructure planning, and implementation of mitigation measures.

    Need for such map

    • Persistent Hazard: Landslides, affecting a small but significant portion of India, pose a recurrent threat, especially in hilly regions.
    • Challenges in Management: The localized and sporadic nature of landslides has historically hindered effective tracking and prediction, underscoring the need for a comprehensive mapping solution.

    Future Directions and Public Accessibility

    • Developing an Early Warning System: Building on the map, efforts are underway to create a comprehensive Landslide Early Warning System.
    • Infrastructure Vulnerability Cartogram: A cartogram to identify susceptible infrastructure is also in progress.
    • Public Access and Engagement: The map and its data will be accessible through a web interface, promoting public interaction and awareness.

  • Revival of the tiger: A joint effort, a cultural renaissance

    International Tiger Day 2022: Who says Tiger can't be seen in Jim Corbett? These Three Tiger Families are Pride of CTR – Corbett National Park

    Central Idea:

    The article highlights the success of Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) in India in managing and conserving its tiger population, emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach involving wildlife protection, community engagement, and ecological sustainability.

    Key Highlights:

    • CTR, spanning 1288.31 sq.km, has shown significant progress in tiger conservation, recording the highest density of wild tigers globally, from 231 to 260 in four years.
    • The richly-forested, highly-biodiverse landscape attracts various enthusiasts and researchers.
    • The article acknowledges the unsung heroes among the forest staff and local communities who contribute to the reserve’s ecosystem.
    • Grassland and water management practices, strategic wildlife corridors, and addressing human-wildlife conflicts are vital aspects of CTR’s holistic approach.

    Key Challenges:

    • Human-wildlife conflicts, particularly with tigers and elephants, pose a formidable challenge.
    • Ensuring the safety and security of the forest staff, who face risks while patrolling the reserve.
    • Balancing the economic dependence of local communities on tiger-related tourism with the risks posed by wild animals.

    Key Terms:

    • Tiger Conservation Plan
    • Core and buffer zones
    • Biodiversity
    • Grassland management
    • Wildlife corridors
    • Human-wildlife conflict
    • Eco Development Committees (EDCs)

    Key Phrases:

    • “An unforgettable sight: the dread and danger lurking in the treacherous gaze of a stalking tiger.”
    • “A delicate balance of forest flora and fauna is crucial for a healthy forest ecology.”
    • “The rising incidence of human-elephant and tiger-human conflict poses a formidable challenge.”
    • “Living with Tigers initiative aims at creating awareness and behavioral changes among local communities.”

    Key Quotes:

    • “A glimpse of the peerless king of the jungle in all his majesty is truly captivating.”
    • “The only way ahead is by enjoining forest conservation upon all local stakeholders.”
    • “The revival of the tiger since 1973 has meant a cultural renaissance and revival of our conservation ethics and values.”

    Key Examples and References:

    • The success of the beehive-fencing project to guard crops against wild elephants.
    • The “Living with Tigers” initiative promoting awareness and behavioral changes among school children and villagers.
    • The economic dependence of Ramnagar district on tiger-related tourism.

    Key Facts:

    • CTR covers 1288.31 sq.km and recorded 260 tigers in 2022.
    • 27 different kinds of grasslands are present at CTR.
    • The beehive-fencing project resulted in the creation of “Corbee Honey,” managed by local Eco Development Committees.

    Critical Analysis:

    The article acknowledges the complexity of human-wildlife conflicts as “wicked problems,” requiring unique solutions. It emphasizes the need for a collaborative, engaging, and socio-culturally-sensitive approach in addressing conservation challenges.

    Way Forward:

    • Continue efforts to balance economic benefits of tiger-related tourism with wildlife conservation.
    • Scale up successful initiatives like the beehive-fencing project and “Living with Tigers” awareness program.
    • Strengthen community engagement for long-term conservation efforts.
    • Promote sustainable practices for wildlife protection, grassland management, and water conservation.

    In essence, the article underscores the success of CTR in tiger conservation and the imperative of a comprehensive approach involving ecological sustainability, community engagement, and innovative solutions to address ongoing challenges.

  • Tiger Sightings in Buxa National Park

    buxa

    Introduction

    • Camera traps in the Buxa National Park, West Bengal captured images of a tiger, reigniting hopes among forest officials and experts.
    • The last sighting before December 2021 was 23 years ago, indicating the tiger’s absence from the reserve for decades.

    Buxa Tiger Reserve: Geography and Ecology

    Details
    Location Alipurduar district, West Bengal, India. Near the Bhutan border.
    Establishment Created in 1983 as a tiger reserve; declared a national park in January 1992.
    Area Total area of approx. 760 sq km (core area: 390 sq km, buffer zone: 370 sq km).
    Ecological Significance Part of the Eastern Himalayan subregion, known for its unique biodiversity.
    Geographical Connectivity Shares a northern boundary with Bhutan. Connected with Bhutanese forests, Kochugaon forests, Manas Tiger Reserve, and Jaldapara National Park.

    Reasons for the Tiger’s Return

    • Habitat Improvement: Efforts to reduce human interference, expand grasslands, and increase the prey base have created a more suitable habitat for tigers.
    • Conservation Measures: The introduction of chital (spotted deer) as prey and the creation of watering holes have been part of these efforts.

    Conservation Initiatives and Future Plans

    • Tiger Augmentation Project: Launched in 2018, this project involves the state forest department, Wildlife Institute of India, and the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
    • Village Relocation: Plans to relocate villages from the core area aim to reduce human presence and further improve the habitat.
    • Expert Insights: Scientists note the importance of habitat connectivity between Bhutan and Buxa and the reduction of human disturbances as key factors in attracting tigers back to Buxa.

  • Kyrgyzstan declares Snow Leopard as National Symbol

    Snow Leopard

    Central Idea

    • Kyrgyzstan, a Central Asian country, has declared the snow leopard as its national symbol.

    About Snow Leopard

    Details
    Habitat Mountainous regions of Central and Southern Asia; in India: western and eastern Himalayas.
    Indian Geographical Range Western Himalayas (J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand) and Eastern Himalayas (Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh).
    Project Snow Leopard (2009) Aims to strengthen wildlife conservation in the Himalayan high altitudes, involving local communities.
    Conservation Status IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

    CITES: Appendix I

    Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (India): Schedule I
    India’s Conservation Efforts Flagship species for high altitude Himalayas.

    Part of GSLEP Programme since 2013.

    Himalaya Sanrakshak community programme (2020).

    National Protocol on Snow Leopard Population Assessment (2019)

    SECURE Himalaya project (GEF-UNDP funded).

    Listed in 21 critically endangered species for recovery by MoEF&CC.

    Conservation breeding at Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park.
    GSLEP Programme Inter-governmental alliance of 12 snow leopard countries (India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Mongolia, Russia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan), focusing on ecosystem value awareness.
    Living Himalaya Network Initiative WWF’s initiative across Bhutan, India (North-East), and Nepal for conservation impact in the Eastern Himalayas.

    Significance of the Snow Leopard

    • The snow leopard symbolizes the health and stability of mountain ecosystems, which cover a significant portion of the global territory.
    • The snow leopard has been a totem animal in ancient Kyrgyz culture, associated with the legendary figure Manas.
    • The harmony between humans and nature, symbolized by the snow leopard, is portrayed in Chyngyz Aitmatov’s novel “When Mountains Fall.”