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Subject: Environment

  • National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)

    Why in the News?

    The PM chaired the 7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) at Gir National Park, marking the first full-body meeting of the NBWL since 2012.

    What is National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)?

    Details
    About 
    • NBWL is India’s apex statutory advisory body for wildlife conservation and policy formulation.
    • Established in 2003 under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, replacing the Indian Board for Wildlife (IBWL).
    Evolution from IBWL to NBWL
    • 1952: IBWL formed;
    • 1961: Declared Peacock as National Bird;
    • 1972: Wild Life (Protection) Act (WLPA) passed;
    • 1973: Project Tiger launched; 1982-83: Keoladeo National Park declared a Ramsar site;
    • 1997: IBWL last met under PM H.D. Deve Gowda;
    • 2003: IBWL replaced by NBWL.
    Structure of NBWL
    • Chairperson: Prime Minister of India (ex officio).
    • Vice-Chairperson: Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
    • Members (47 total): – Government Officials: Chiefs of Army Staff, Secretaries from Defence, Tribal Affairs, Finance, I&B Ministries.
    • Parliamentary Members: 3 Lok Sabha MPs, 1 Rajya Sabha MP.
    • Experts: 10 eminent conservationists, ecologists, environmentalists.
    • NGO: 5 from non-governmental sectors.
    • + Director General of Forests (MoEFCC).
    Mandate of NBWL
    • Wildlife Conservation Policy: Formulates and updates India’s wildlife policies and provides recommendations on biodiversity conservation.
    • Development Project Regulation: Reviews and grants environmental clearances for projects near wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, and eco-sensitive zones (ESZs).
    • Protected Area Management: Recommends creation and expansion of protected areas.
    • Monitoring Conservation Programs: Oversees Project Tiger (1973), Project Elephant (1992), Project Cheetah (2022), and Project Lion Expansion.
    • Ecological Impact Assessment: Evaluates deforestation, poaching, and human-wildlife conflicts.

    Standing Committee of NBWL:

    • A smaller body that evaluates infrastructure projects impacting wildlife habitats, grants fast-track approvals, and advises on conservation policies.
    • It has the power to approve or reject projects affecting protected areas.
    Major Contributions
    • Framed key wildlife policies including National Wildlife Action Plan.
    • Approved eco-sensitive zones (ESZs) around national parks and sanctuaries.
    • Strengthened Project Tiger, Project Elephant, and species-specific conservation programs.

     

    PYQ:

    [2017] Consider the following statements:

    1. Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

    2. National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body.

    3. National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired by the Prime Minister.

    Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

    (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

  • Places in news: Anchar Lake

    Why in the News?

    Anchar Lake, a vital water body in Kashmir, is renowned for producing Nadru (lotus stem), an aquatic delicacy that holds cultural, culinary, and economic significance in the region.

    Places in news: Anchar Lake

    About Anchar Lake 

    • Anchar Lake is situated in Soura, Srinagar near Ganderbal.
    • It is connected to Dal Lake via Amir Khan Nallah, which passes through Gilsar and Khushal Sar Lakes.
    • The lake is a part of the Sindh River Delta and plays a crucial role in supporting local aquatic ecosystems.
    • It is an integral part of the Shallabugh Wetland, which covers 1,675 hectares and serves as a designated bird sanctuary.
    • Its features:
      • It provides an essential habitat for migratory birds and various native aquatic species.
      • It functions as a flood-control reservoir, receiving excess water from Dal Lake during heavy rainfall.
      • It is home to the Hanji community, whose livelihood traditionally depended on fishing and other lake-based activities.

    PYQ:

    [2018] Which one of the following is an artificial lake?

    (a) Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu)

    (b) Kolleru (Andhra Pradesh)

    (c) Nainital (Uttarakhand)

    (d) Renuka (Himachal Pradesh)

     

  • Himalayan tragedy: On avalanches in the Himalayan States

    Why in the News?

    Earlier this week, the Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police rescued 23 workers trapped under snow and ice after an avalanche in Mana village, Uttarakhand.

    What were the key challenges faced by the rescue teams during the avalanche operation in Mana Village?

    • Harsh Weather Conditions: The rescue teams operated under heavy snowfall and extreme cold at an elevation of 10,500 feet above mean sea level.
    • Blocked Access Routes: Snow-blocked roads required the use of helicopters for evacuation, complicating logistics and delaying rescue efforts.
    • Physical Exhaustion: Rescuers worked in near-continuous 60-hour shifts, demanding immense physical and mental stamina.
    • Buried Structures: Containers housing workers were buried under several feet of snow, ice, and rock, making detection and extraction challenging.
    • Limited Visibility and Navigation: Poor weather conditions hindered visibility, requiring the use of advanced technology like drone-based detection systems.

    Why is Mana village particularly vulnerable to avalanches and other natural disasters?

    • High-Altitude Location: Situated at 10,500 feet above sea level in the upper Himalayas, the village experiences heavy snowfall and extreme weather, increasing the risk of avalanches. Example: The recent avalanche buried containers under several feet of snow, making rescue operations challenging.
    • Geological Instability: The Himalayan region is tectonically active, making the terrain prone to landslides, avalanches, and other natural hazards. Example: Frequent landslides during the monsoon season disrupt roads and infrastructure in Uttarakhand.
    • Seasonal Climate Extremes: Harsh winters with severe snow accumulation create unstable snowpacks that can trigger avalanches. Example: Villagers traditionally migrate to lower areas like Gopeshwar during winter to avoid extreme weather risks.
    • Construction and Human Activity: Ongoing infrastructure projects, such as road-building by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), disturb the fragile environment and increase disaster risks. Example: Workers were caught in an avalanche while working on a BRO construction site.
    • Proximity to Glacial Zones: Close to glacial areas where melting ice and shifting snowpacks heighten the probability of snow slides. Example: Melting glaciers in the region have previously triggered flash floods, like the 2021 Chamoli disaster.

    What lessons can be learned from other hazardous environments? 

    • Enhanced Shelter Design for Safety: Use reinforced, insulated shelters designed to withstand extreme weather and heavy snow loads, similar to Antarctic research stations. Example: Antarctic research bases like the Amundsen-Scott Station use elevated, modular designs to prevent snow burial and provide long-term safety.
    • Advanced Early Warning Systems: Implement real-time monitoring using satellite imaging, drones, and weather forecasting to detect potential avalanches and other hazards. Example: Switzerland’s avalanche warning system uses advanced sensors and weather models to alert communities and workers in mountainous areas.
    • Comprehensive Safety Protocols and Training: Provide specialized safety training, emergency drills, and evacuation plans to workers in high-risk zones. Example: Oil platforms in the Arctic conduct regular safety drills and have rapid-response systems for extreme weather emergencies.

    How could better infrastructure and safety measures reduce the risks faced by workers in high-altitude, disaster-prone areas? (Way forward)

    • Improved Worker Shelters and Living Conditions: Construct insulated, avalanche-resistant shelters with emergency exits and heating systems to protect workers from harsh weather. Example: The Siachen Glacier military base uses reinforced prefabricated shelters designed to withstand extreme snow and sub-zero temperatures.
    • Deployment of Real-Time Monitoring and Early Warning Systems: Use geospatial technology, drones, and automated weather stations to track snow accumulation and predict avalanches. Example: Japan’s snow monitoring system uses remote sensors to provide early warnings, reducing avalanche risks in mountainous areas.
    • Enhanced Emergency Response Infrastructure: Establish permanent rescue facilities with specialized equipment (e.g., thermal detectors and rapid evacuation routes) for quicker disaster response. Example: The Alps region in Europe maintains well-equipped avalanche rescue stations, ensuring faster response times and reducing casualties.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats. (UPSC IAS/2021)

  • Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC)

    Why in the News?

    Researchers have found that the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) is slowing due to melting ice sheets. By 2050, it may weaken by 20%, affecting global climate, ocean circulation, and marine ecosystems.

    What is the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC)?

    • The ACC is the strongest and largest ocean current on Earth.
    • It flows continuously from west to east around Antarctica, acting as a boundary between the Southern Ocean and the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
    • It flows from west to east, driven by the westerly winds and the Coriolis effect, creating a loop that completely encircles Antarctica.
    • The ACC interacts with several regional currents, such as the Brazil Current, East Australian Current, and Agulhas Current.
    • It is influenced by both westerly winds and polar easterlies, which affect its strength and flow patterns.
    • Key features of the ACC:
      • It is five times stronger than the Gulf Stream and transports 130 million cubic meters of water per second.
      • It plays a crucial role in global heat and nutrient distribution, influencing climate patterns worldwide.
      • It prevents warmer northern waters from reaching Antarctica, helping to preserve the region’s ice sheets.
      • The ACC drives the global conveyor belt, regulating deep ocean currents and heat flow.
      • Its upwelling of nutrient-rich waters sustains Antarctic marine life, including krill, whales, and penguins.

    Why does Antarctic Ice Melt affect ACC?

    • Freshwater Dilution: Melting ice lowers salinity, weakening ocean density gradients that drive the ACC.
    • Slower Heat Exchange: Reduced current strength disrupts global heat distribution, leading to stronger storms and rising sea levels.

    Key Findings of the New Research

    A study by the University of Melbourne and NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, published in Environmental Research Letters, reveals:

    • ACC could slow by 20% by 2050 due to melting ice sheets.
    • Disrupted global climate as a weaker ACC reduces heat distribution, carbon absorption, and weather stability. 
    • Antarctic ecosystem at risk, with invasive species threatening penguins, krill, and whales.
    • Supercomputer simulations confirm that deep ocean circulation is slowing, worsening climate instability.
    • Reducing carbon emissions is crucial to prevent further ice melting and ACC weakening.

    PYQ:

    [2012] Consider the following factors:

    1. Rotation of the Earth

    2. Air pressure and wind

    3. Density of ocean water

    4. Revolution of the Earth

    Which of the above factors influence the ocean currents?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 1, 2 and 3

    (c) 1 and 4

    (d) 2, 3 and 4

     

  • J&K to promote Bangus Valley near LoC for Ecotourism

    Why in the News?

    The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced new ecotourism policies for Bangus Valley, a scenic yet lesser-known destination near the Line of Control (LoC) in North Kashmir.

    J&K to promote Bangus Valley near LoC for Ecotourism

    About Bangus Valley

    • It is situated in Kupwara district, Jammu & Kashmir, about 100 km from Srinagar in the Pir Panjal range, close to the Line of Control (LoC).
    • It consists of 2 valleys:
      • Boud Bangus (Big Bangus): ~300 sq km, surrounded by Rajwar, Mawar, and Shamasbury ranges.
      • Lokut Bangus (Small Bangus): A smaller valley northeast of Big Bangus, known for trekking routes.
    • Its name is derived from Sanskrit words “Van” (forest) and “Gus” (grass), meaning “Forest of Grass.”
    • Connectivity:
      • Handwara via Reshwari Mawer (shortest and most preferred route).
      • Handwara via Rajwar (trekking route).
      • Kupwara via Chowkibal (under development, expected completion by 2025).
      • Road connectivity via Handwara is complete (June 2022).

    Ecological Importance of Bangus Valley:

    • Biodiversity: Home to 50+ animal species and 10+ bird species.
    • Key Mammals: Musk deer, antelope, snow leopard, brown bear, black bear, red fox, monkeys.
    • Bird Species: Tragopan, monal pheasant, black partridge, bush quail, wild fowl.
    • Flora: Rich in medicinal plants and wildflowers, supporting traditional herbal medicine.
    • Water Conservation: 14 tributaries, including Roshan Kul, Tillwan Kul, Douda Kul, feed the Pohru River.
    • Climate Sensitivity: Threatened by glacial melt and changing precipitation patterns.

    PYQ:

    [2019] Siachen Glacier is situated to the:

    (a) East of Aksai Chin

    (b) East of Leh

    (c) North of Gilgit

    (d) North of Nubra Valley

     

  • What is Wallace Line?

    Why in the News?

    In the 19th century, English naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace observed a sharp shift in biodiversity as he moved from Asia to Australia, leading him to propose the Wallace Line—an imaginary boundary separating species from both regions.

    wallace line

    About the Wallace Line:

    • It is a bio-geographical boundary separating Asia and Australia’s eco-zones.
    • It was identified by Alfred Russel Wallace in 1863 during his explorations.
    • It is an imaginary line running through the Lombok Strait (between Bali and Lombok) and the Makassar Strait (between Borneo and Sulawesi).
    • Distinct evolutionary histories:
      • West of the line (Asia): Tigers, elephants, and orangutans.
      • East of the line (Australia): Kangaroos, marsupials, and cockatoos.
    • A very few species cross the line, particularly birds and mammals.
    • This is a barrier for land species but not marine life.
    • Its formation:
      • Continental drift: Australia separated from Antarctica and moved toward Asia (~35 million years ago). This created a deep-water channel, preventing species migration.
      • Pleistocene Epoch Influence: Lower sea levels exposed land bridges but deep waters maintained the boundary.

    Scientific Relevance:

    • Wallace Line is more of a gradient than a strict boundary.
    • Understanding biogeography helps predict species adaptation to climate change.

    Note: 

    Weber Line more accurately defines the balance point where the influence of Asian and Australian species is nearly equal, whereas the Wallace Line marks a sharper divide.

     

  • Species in News: Marbled Cat

    Species in News: Marbled Cat

    Why in the News?

    The elusive marbled cat (Pardofelis marmorata) has been spotted in Dehing Patkai National Park in Assam’s Tinsukia district.

    About Marbled Cat

    • The marbled cat is a small wild cat species native to South and Southeast Asia.
    • It belongs to the Felidae family and is closely related to the clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) and the bay cat (Catopuma badia).
    • The species was first described in 1836 by British zoologist William Charles Linnaeus Martin.
    • It is characterised by brown, gray, or yellowish fur with distinctive black spots, marbled patterns, and stripes for camouflage.
    • It is found in dense tropical and subtropical forests at elevations up to 2,500 meters.
    • It primarily inhabits rainforests, evergreen forests, and mountainous terrain.
    • It is arboreal, spending a significant amount of time in trees.
    • It is nocturnal and crepuscular, meaning it is most active at dawn and dusk.
    • Conservation Status:
      • IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened (NT) due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
      • CITES: Appendix I

    About Dehing Patkai National Park

    • Dehing Patkai NP is located in the Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts of Assam, India, near the border with Arunachal Pradesh.
    • It spans an area of 231.65 km² and is part of the Dehing Patkai Elephant Reserve. It was upgraded to a national park in 2020 and officially notified in 2021.
    • The park features the largest stretch of lowland rainforests in India, including Dipterocarp trees, orchids, and medicinal plants like Rauvolfia serpentina and Acorus calamus.
    • The park is home to diverse wildlife, including Bengal tigers, leopards, clouded leopards, Asian elephants, and Hoolock gibbons.
      • It is unique for hosting seven species of wild cats.
    • The Dehing River flows through the park, nourishing its forests and contributing to the biodiversity.
    • Indigenous communities such as the Tai Phake, Khamti, and Singpho tribes have lived in the area for generations, maintaining a close relationship with the forest.
    • The park is situated in the Patkai Hills region, part of the Indo-Myanmar biodiversity hotspot, known for its rich biodiversity.
    • Known as the Amazon of the East, Dehing Patkai National Park is famous for its pristine rainforest ecosystems and significant biodiversity.

     

    PYQ:

    [2015] Which one of the following National Parks has a climate that varies from tropical to subtropical, temperate and arctic?

    (a) Khangchendzonga National Park

    (b) Nandadevi National Park

    (c) Neora Valley National Park

    (d) Namdapha National Park

     

  • First Comprehensive Survey of River Dolphins in India

    Why in the News?

    India’s first-ever comprehensive river dolphin survey conducted under Project Dolphin (2020) has estimated a population of 6,327 dolphins, primarily across the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus River basins.

    First Comprehensive Survey of River Dolphins in India

    River Dolphins in India:

    Species Habitat Conservation Status Key Features & Threats
    Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica)

    		 Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna & Karnaphuli river systems (India, Bangladesh, Nepal) IUCN: Endangered
    WPA, 1972: Schedule I    		 Known as “Susu”, India’s National Aquatic Animal in 2009. Faces threats from pollution, habitat fragmentation, and accidental bycatch.

    Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary (Bihar) – Only dolphin sanctuary in India.
    Indus River Dolphin (Platanista minor)

    		 Indus River (Pakistan) & Beas River (India) IUCN: Endangered
    WPA, 1972: Schedule I    		 One of the rarest dolphins, facing population decline due to water diversion, dam construction, and habitat degradation.

    Beas Conservation Reserve (Punjab) – Focused on Indus River Dolphin protection.
    Irrawaddy Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris)

    		 Chilika Lake (India) & rivers of South & Southeast Asia IUCN: Endangered
    WPA, 1972: Schedule I    		 Known for “spy-hopping” behavior (rising vertically to observe surroundings). Threatened by fishing nets and habitat destruction.

    Key Highlights of the Survey

    • The survey estimated the Ganges River dolphin population at 6,324, with Uttar Pradesh (2,397) and Bihar (2,220) recording the highest numbers, while the Brahmaputra basin had 635 dolphins, indicating a stable population.
    • The Indus River dolphin population was found to be critically low, with only 3 individuals recorded in the Beas River in Punjab, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts.
    • Key habitats were identified, with the highest dolphin concentrations observed in the Bhind-Pachnada stretch of the Chambal River and the Chausa-Manihari stretch of the Ganga.
    • Dolphins were found to prefer deep water zones, confluences, mid-channel islands, and meandering sections of rivers, indicating specific habitat requirements.

    PYQ:

    [2015] Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India?

    (a) Saltwater crocodile
    (b) Olive ridley turtle
    (c) Gangetic dolphin
    (d) Gharial

     

  • MISHTI Scheme

    Why in the News?

    Gujarat has emerged as the national leader in mangrove afforestation, covering 19,020 hectares in just two years under the Central Government’s MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes) scheme.

    About the MISHTI Scheme

    • The MISHTI scheme was launched on June 5, 2023, to restore 540 sq. km of mangrove forests.
    • It aims to restore and expand 540 sq. km mangrove forests across 9 states and 3 union territories over a 5-year period (2023–28).
    • It aligns with India’s commitment to the Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC) at COP27 (2022, Egypt).
    • The scheme is funded through MGNREGS, CAMPA Fund, and other sources, ensuring community participation.
    • It focuses on Sundarbans (West Bengal), Hooghly Estuary, and other coastal and wetland ecosystems.

    Gujarat’s Leadership in Mangrove Afforestation

    • Gujarat has emerged as India’s top state in mangrove afforestation, covering 19,020 hectares (190 sq. km) in just two years under MISHTI.
    • The Gulf of Kutch (799 sq. km) leads in coverage, followed by the Gulf of Khambhat and Dumas-Ubhrat belt (134 sq. km).
    • Gujarat’s 1,650 km-long coastline is home to mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrasses, making it an
    • It aims to expand mangrove cover by an additional 350 sq. km, strengthening climate resilience and coastal biodiversity.

    PYQ:

    [2015] Which one of the following regions of India has a combination of mangrove forest, evergreen forest and deciduous forest?

    (a) North Coastal Andhra Pradesh
    (b) South-West Bengal
    (c) Southern Saurashtra
    (d) Andaman and Nicobar Islands

     

  • Study identifies sources of PM2.5 in northern India

    Why in the News?

    A recent study published in Nature Communications has analyzed the sources and health impacts of PM2.5 pollution in Northern India, particularly in the Indo-Gangetic Plain.

    About PM2.5

    • PM2.5 (Particulate Matter ≤2.5 microns) refers to tiny air pollutants small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.
    • These fine particles come from both natural sources (like dust storms and wildfires) and human activities (like burning fossil fuels and industrial emissions).
    • PM2.5 poses severe health risks, contributing to respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and reduced lung function.
    • The oxidative potential of PM2.5 is an important indicator of its toxicity and ability to cause cellular damage.

    Key Findings of the Study

    1. Major Sources of PM2.5 in Northern India:
    • The study analyzed PM2.5 pollution across five locations in the Indo-Gangetic Plain, including Delhi and Kanpur.
    • Delhi: PM2.5 is mainly from vehicular emissions, fossil fuel burning, and residential heating.
    • Outside Delhi: It consists of ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, and biomass-burning aerosols.
    1. PM2.5 Toxicity and Health Risks:
    • PM2.5 toxicity is linked to organic aerosols from inefficient combustion of biomass and fossil fuels.
    • Traffic emissions and residential fuel burning significantly contribute to PM2.5-related health risks.
    1. Traffic as a Major Contributor:
    • Hydrocarbon-like organic aerosols (HOA) from vehicular emissions were highest at urban roadside sites in Delhi (8 μg/m³).
    • HOA accounts for 50% of fossil fuel-derived aerosols, increasing to 40% in warmer months.
    1. Winter Pollution Due to Residential Heating and Cooking:
    • Cow dung combustion for heating and cooking in winter increases organic aerosols, with levels 10 times higher than in summer due to biomass burning and shallow boundary layers.
    1. India’s PM2.5 Toxicity Among the Highest Globally:
    • The study found that PM2.5 oxidative potential (toxicity) in Indian cities is up to 5 times higher than in Chinese and European cities.

    PYQ:

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

    1. Carbon dioxide
    2. Carbon monoxide
    3. Nitrogen dioxide
    4. Sulphur dioxide
    5. Methane

    Select the correct answer using the code 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