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Subject: Environment

  • Is groundwater contamination high in India?

    Why in the News?

    The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) found that many states in India are facing a serious problem with high nitrate levels in groundwater.

    What are the contaminants? 

    The assessment of India’s groundwater quality has identified several significant contaminants, primarily driven by agricultural practices, industrial activities, and natural geological factors. The key contaminants include:

    • Nitrates: Excessive use of nitrogen-based fertilizers in agriculture leads to high levels of nitrates in groundwater. This is the most prevalent contaminant, with over 56% of India’s districts reporting nitrate levels exceeding the safe limit of 45 mg/l.
    • Fluoride: Fluoride contamination is a major concern, particularly in states like Rajasthan, Haryana, and Karnataka. Approximately 9.04% of tested groundwater samples had fluoride levels above the permissible limit of 1.5 mg/l.
    • Arsenic: Naturally occurring arsenic in certain geological formations poses serious health risks, particularly in alluvial plains where industrial activities may exacerbate contamination.
    • Uranium: Elevated uranium levels have been detected in several regions, with about 6.60% of samples exceeding the safe limit of 30 ppb (parts per billion). States like Rajasthan and Punjab report significant uranium contamination.
    • Iron: High concentrations of iron affect groundwater quality and can lead to aesthetic issues and potential health risks when consumed in large amounts.
    • Other Heavy Metals: Contaminants such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and chromium are also present due to industrial discharges and improper waste management.

    What was the state of groundwater in 2024?

    • Overall Extraction Rate: The degree of groundwater extraction across the country was reported at approximately 60.4%, indicating that this level has remained relatively stable compared to previous years. This figure reflects the percentage of groundwater resources being utilized versus what is available for extraction.
    • Safe Blocks: About 73% of groundwater blocks were categorized as ‘safe,’ meaning they are adequately replenished to meet extraction demands. This represents a slight increase from previous assessments.
    • Recharge and Availability: Total annual groundwater recharge was noted to have decreased marginally from 449 BCM (Billion Cubic Meters) in 2023 to 446.90 BCM in 2024.
      • The annual extractable groundwater resources slightly declined from 407.21 BCM to 406.19 BCM.
    • Contamination Issues: Despite improvements in some areas, challenges remain, particularly with nitrate contamination, where 440 districts were identified as having excessive nitrate levels in their groundwater.

    How are groundwater levels measured?

    Groundwater levels are measured using a network established by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), which includes:

    • Observation Wells: Approximately 26,000 observation wells are used for manual measurements of groundwater levels.
    • Digital Monitoring: Since 2023, around 16,000 to 17,000 piezometers equipped with digital recorders have been installed to automatically measure and transmit groundwater levels to a centralized system for real-time monitoring.

    What happens if nitrate presence is high in groundwater?

    • Health Risks: Elevated nitrate levels can cause methemoglobinemia, also known as “blue baby syndrome,” particularly in infants under six months old. This condition reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, resulting in a bluish tint to the skin and potentially severe health complications if untreated.
    • Environmental Concerns: Excessive nitrates contribute to algal blooms in surface water bodies, which can deplete oxygen levels, harm aquatic ecosystems, and disrupt the balance of marine life.

    Way forward: 

    • Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Promote the use of organic fertilizers, precision farming techniques, and regulated use of nitrogen-based fertilizers to minimize nitrate leaching into groundwater.
    • Strengthened Monitoring and Remediation: Expand digital groundwater monitoring networks, enforce strict industrial discharge regulations, and implement remediation techniques like bioremediation and constructed wetlands to mitigate contamination.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q What is water stress? How and why does it differ regionally in India?(UPSC IAS/2019)

  • Tirupati stampede: Why stampedes take place, how to mitigate risks

    Why in the News?

    Recently six people lost their lives in a stampede in Tirupati while waiting to collect tokens for Lord Venkateswara’s darshan.

    Why do stampedes take place?

    Stampedes are chaotic and uncontrolled movements of large crowds, often triggered by panic or an urgent rush to move in a confined or crowded space.

    • Venues that exceed their safe capacity can lead to dangerously crowded conditions. When too many people gather in a confined space, the risk of a stampede increases significantly.
    • Inadequate planning and lack of effective crowd control measures, such as clear exits and designated waiting areas, can exacerbate the situation. Poor organisation often leads to confusion and panic among attendees.
    • Narrow pathways, obstacles, and poorly designed event spaces can create bottlenecks during emergencies. These barriers make it difficult for people to move freely and can trap crowds, increasing the risk of crush injuries.

    How does human psychology lead to stampedes?

    • Panic Response: Panic can spread rapidly through crowds, causing individuals to act irrationally. When one person begins to push forward out of fear or urgency, it creates a domino effect where others follow without understanding the situation.
    • External Triggers: Events such as loud noises, sudden movements, or perceived threats (like a fire or an emergency) can trigger panic responses in crowds, leading to stampedes.
    • Psychological Factors: Theories of collective behaviour suggest that in large groups, individuals may act against their own interests when panic sets in.
      • For instance, the desire to escape a perceived danger can override cooperative behaviour, leading to chaotic pushing and shoving.

    How does the physical organisation of spaces contribute to stampedes?

    • Narrow Exits and Blocked Pathways: Limited exits and narrow pathways can create bottlenecks during emergencies, making it difficult for individuals to evacuate quickly.
      • When a crowd is forced to funnel through a small area which leads to panic and chaos, increasing the likelihood of a stampede as people rush to escape.
    • Poorly Designed Crowd Flow: Spaces that do not effectively manage crowd flow can exacerbate congestion.
      • Suppose different groups of people converge at the same point without clear guidance or separation that can lead to confusion and a surge of movement, triggering stampede conditions. Effective crowd management strategies are essential to ensure smooth movement.
    • Inadequate Lighting and Visibility: Insufficient lighting can disorient attendees and hinder their ability to navigate the space safely. In low-light conditions, individuals may struggle to see exits or understand the crowd dynamics, leading to increased panic and disorder during critical moments, which can precipitate a stampede.

    How to better prevent stampedes, or at least, mitigate their risks? (Way forward)

    • Effective Crowd Management: Limit crowd size through pre-registration, schedule staggered entries, and organise queues with barriers and clear signage. Use real-time monitoring tools like CCTV and AI-based systems to manage crowd density.
    • Improved Infrastructure and Emergency Readiness: Design venues with wide pathways, multiple exits, and clear evacuation routes. Provide on-site medical facilities and train staff in crowd control, first aid, and emergency response.
    • Public Awareness and Technology Use: Educate attendees on safety protocols, and use digital tools like online ticketing and mobile alerts to prevent physical queues and guide the crowd calmly during emergencies.

  • The Dam Safety Act of 2021

    Why in the News?

    The Supreme Court has criticized the Union government for its inaction in fully implementing the Dam Safety Act, 2021, nearly five years after its enactment.

    What is the Dam Safety Act of 2021?

    Details Enacted to ensure the structural and operational safety of over 5,700 large dams in India.

    Objectives (Section 3):
    • Prevent dam-related disasters by ensuring dam safety.
    • Establish institutions for monitoring, maintenance, and emergency preparedness.
    Structural Mandate
    • National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS) (Sections 5–6): Chaired by the Chairperson of the Central Water Commission (CWC) and reconstituted every three years to develop policies, guidelines, and standards.
    • National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) (Section 9): Implements NCDS guidelines, regulates dam safety standards, and resolves disputes between State Dam Safety Organizations (SDSOs) and dam owners.
    • State Committees on Dam Safety (SCDS) (Section 14): Provide state-level oversight.
    • State Dam Safety Organizations (SDSOs) (Section 15): Monitor and inspect dams at the state level, reporting to NDSA.
    Other Provisions:

     
    • Responsibilities of Dam Owners (Section 38):  Form Dam Safety Units, prepare and implement Emergency Action Plans (EAPs), and conduct regular Comprehensive Safety Evaluations (CSEs).
    • Emergency Preparedness (Section 39):  Mandatory EAPs for rapid response in emergencies.
    • Penalties for Non-Compliance (Section 45):  Imprisonment up to two years, fines, or both for failing to comply with Act provisions.

    Why is Dam Safety a priority concern in India?

    • Third-Highest Number of Dams Globally: India has over 4,407 large dams, following China and the USA.
    • Aging Dams: By 2025, over 1,115 dams will be more than 50 years old; By 2050, 4,250 dams will surpass 50 years of age, with 64 dams exceeding 150 years.
    • Decreasing Storage Capacity: Sedimentation reduces reservoir efficiency, affecting water availability for irrigation, drinking, and hydropower. Ex. Bhakra Dam has experienced 139.86% higher siltation rates than estimated, reducing its lifespan.
    • Structural Vulnerabilities: Poorly designed sedimentation management systems make many dams structurally weak over time. Extreme environmental events, such as floods, can exacerbate these vulnerabilities.
    • Lack of Data and Monitoring: Insufficient documentation of storage loss, sedimentation rates, and other critical metrics leads to a lack of preparedness.

    PYQ:

    [2018] Suppose the Government of India is thinking of constructing a dam in a mountain valley bound by forests and inhabited by ethnic communities. What rational policy should resort to in dealing with unforeseen contingencies?

    [2019] What is common to the places known as Aliyar, Isapur and Kangsabati?

    (a) Recently discovered uranium deposits

    (b) Tropical rain forests

    (c) Underground cave systems

    (d) Water reservoirs

  • Miyawaki Technique

    Why in the News?

    Ahead of the Mahakumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh, the Prayagraj Municipal Corporation has employed the Japanese Miyawaki technique to create dense “oxygen bank” forests, ensuring cleaner air and ecological balance for millions of devotees.

    About Miyawaki Technique

    • The Miyawaki technique is a pioneering method for creating dense forests in limited spaces, developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki in the 1970s.
    • Known as the ‘pot plantation method’, this technique mimics natural forest ecosystems by using native species planted closely together, promoting rapid growth and biodiversity.
    • It was developed to restore degraded ecosystems and barren lands by replicating the processes found in natural forests.
    • It is widely used for urban afforestation projects globally.

    Miyawaki Technique

    Significant Features:

    • Dense Planting: Trees and shrubs are planted close together, enabling rapid growth—up to 10 times faster than traditional methods.
    • Native Species: Focuses on local plant varieties to replicate the natural ecosystem.
    • Improved Biodiversity: Enhances species richness, supporting more flora and fauna.
    • Carbon Absorption: Trees absorb more carbon, helping combat urban pollution.

    PYQ:

    [2022] The “Miyawaki method” is well known for the:

    (a) Promotion of commercial farming in arid and semi-arid areas

    (b) Development of gardens using genetically modified flora

    (c) Creation of mini forests in urban areas

    (d) Harvesting wind energy on coastal areas and on sea surfaces

  • [9th January 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: River interlinking, the fount of environmental disaster

    PYQ Relevance:

    Q) The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods, and interrupted navigation. Critically examine. (UPSC CSE 2020)

    Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on Benefits of interlinking of rivers in (2020), and ‘Advantages and challenges of River water linking ’  in (2017).

    On December 25, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi started the Ken-Betwa River Link Project to address water shortage in the Bundelkhand region, covering parts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The project includes building a dam inside the Panna Tiger Reserve, causing worries about flooding the area. It plans to connect the Ken River, believed to have extra water, with the Betwa River to help the drought-hit Bundelkhand region, which had 58% forest cover back in 1938.

    Today’s editorial talks about the challenges of the river linking project and what could the alternatives to address the water scarcity in India. This content can be used in GS mains paper III to substantiate the argument related to river water linking projects.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News? 

    Political leaders need to understand that linking rivers causes significant environmental damage and harms rivers and deltas in the long run.

    What are the environmental consequences of river interlinking projects?

    • Ecosystem Disruption: The construction of dams and canals can lead to the submergence of critical habitats, particularly in sensitive areas like the Panna Tiger Reserve. This threatens biodiversity and disrupts local ecosystems that depend on natural water flow patterns.
    • Altered Hydrology: Diverting rivers can change the natural hydrological cycle, affecting groundwater recharge and leading to increased salinity in deltaic regions.
      • This can have dire consequences for agriculture and local livelihoods, as seen in the case of the Indus Delta.
    • Loss of Eco-services: Rivers provide essential services such as sediment transport, nutrient cycling, and habitat support for various species. By treating river water as a mere resource for transfer, these projects overlook the ecological roles rivers play in sustaining biodiversity and maintaining soil fertility.

    How do river interlinking initiatives affect local communities and socio-economic dynamics?

    • Displacement and Livelihood Loss: Projects like the Ken-Betwa initiative can displace communities living in affected areas, leading to the loss of homes and agricultural land. The Daudhan Dam alone is expected to submerge around 9,000 hectares of land, impacting numerous villages.
    • Water Access Disparities: While these projects aim to provide irrigation and drinking water to drought-prone areas, they may inadvertently prioritize certain regions over others, exacerbating existing inequalities. 
    • Economic Dependency on Infrastructure: There is a risk that local economies become overly dependent on these large projects, which may not deliver sustainable benefits. The anticipated prosperity from such initiatives may not materialize if ecological degradation occurs or if the projects do not function as intended.
    What alternatives exist to address water scarcity without compromising ecological integrity?

    • Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM): This approach emphasizes the need for holistic management of water resources by involving local communities in decision-making processes. It focuses on sustainable practices that balance human needs with ecological health.
    • Modern Irrigation Techniques: Implementing efficient irrigation methods such as drip irrigation can significantly reduce water usage while maintaining agricultural productivity. Israel’s success in this area demonstrates the potential for technology to enhance water efficiency without large-scale environmental disruption.
    • Rainwater Harvesting and Watershed Management: Encouraging local practices like rainwater harvesting can help communities manage their own water resources sustainably. This method enhances groundwater recharge and reduces dependence on external water transfers.

    Way forward: 

    • Promote Sustainable Water Management Practices: Implement Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) with community participation, modern irrigation techniques like drip irrigation, and local solutions such as rainwater harvesting to reduce dependence on large-scale projects.
    • Prioritize Ecological and Social Impact Studies: Conduct comprehensive studies on the environmental and social consequences of river interlinking projects to ensure sustainable development and protect biodiversity, livelihoods, and deltaic ecosystems.

    ttps://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/river-interlinking-the-fount-of-environmental-disaster/article69077414.ece 

  • What is a Polar Vortex?

    What is a Polar Vortex?

    Why in the News?

    The United States is facing severe winter storms as the polar vortex is expanding southward from the Arctic and driving temperatures as low as -50°C (-60°F).

    What is a Polar Vortex?

    • The polar vortex is a band of fast-moving air that traps cold Arctic air within the Polar Regions.
    • It is a natural atmospheric phenomenon, typically spinning in a counter-clockwise direction around the North Pole.
    • Wind speeds in the polar vortex can reach up to 250 km/h (155 mph).
    • Causes of a Polar Vortex:
    1. Stable State: Under normal conditions, the polar vortex remains strong and well-contained within the Arctic Circle, keeping frigid air confined to the Polar Regions.
    2. Weakened State:
    • The vortex weakens when rising warm air from the lower atmosphere disrupts its circular flow, allowing Arctic air to spill southward.
    • Factors contributing to a weakened state include: Significant weather patterns (e.g., powerful winds in mountainous regions); Changes in tropical climate systems or sea surface temperatures. Climate change causing uneven warming, especially at the poles..

    What are its types?

    1. Tropospheric Polar Vortex:
    • It occurs in the lowest atmospheric layer (troposphere) where most weather phenomena take place.
    • Typically results in milder weather across northern latitudes.
    1. Stratospheric Polar Vortex:
    • Forms 16–48 km above the Earth’s surface in the Stratosphere.
    • Stronger and more stable but can weaken due to disruptions, leading to southward extensions of Arctic air.
    • It emerges in autumn and dissipates by spring each year.

  • What is Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA)?

    Why in the News?

    Several major US banks have recently withdrawn from the Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA), raising concerns about the banking sector’s commitment to combating climate change.

    What is Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA)?

    • Established as a bank-led, UN-convened initiative, the NZBA commits members to align their lending, investment, and capital market activities with achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050.
    • It is a part of the UNEP Financial Initiative’s Principles for Responsible Banking, serving as a climate accelerator.
    • NZBA retains 142 members from 44 countries, with 80 European banks representing the majority of the alliance’s $64 trillion in assets.
    • No Indian banks are signatory to this NZBA.
    • Structural Mandate:
      • Overseen by a Steering Group representing diverse geographies and business models.
      • Supported by the UNEP FI Secretariat and governed under documents updated in August 2023 and March 2024.
    • Commitments of Member Banks:
      • Transition operational and portfolio emissions to align with net-zero pathways.
      • Set 2030 targets (or sooner) within 18 months of joining and establish intermediate targets every five years.
      • Publish annual reports on absolute emissions and emissions intensity.

    What is the Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Target by 2050?

    • Net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 refer to achieving a balance between the amount of GHGs emitted into the atmosphere and the amount removed or offset by natural or technological means.
    • This target is critical for limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, as outlined in the Paris Agreement.

    About the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ)

    • The GFANZ is a global coalition of leading financial institutions committed to accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy and achieving net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.
    • It was established in April 2021 in the lead-up to the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow.
    • Membership comprises over 550 financial institutions across 50 countries.
      • Includes banks, insurers, asset managers, and other financial players managing a combined $150 trillion in assets.
    • It is chaired by Mark Carney, former Governor of the Bank of England and current UN Special Envoy for Climate Action and Finance.
    • It is supported by global initiatives like the UN Race to Zero campaign and other financial alliances.

    PYQ:

    [2016] The term ‘Intended Nationally Determined Contributions’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of:

    (a) Pledges made by the European countries to rehabilitate refugees from the war-affected Middle East.

    (b) Plan of action outlined by the countries of the world to combat climate change.

    (c) Capital contributed by the member countries in the establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

    (d) Plan of action outlined by the countries of the world regarding Sustainable Development Goals.

  • Migratory Bats ‘surf’ storm front winds to save energy

    Migratory Bats ‘surf’ storm front winds to save energy

    Why in the News?

    The Common Noctule Bats are surf over the storm winds when they migrate thousands of miles across continents, reveals new research.

    About the Common Noctule Bats (Nyctalus noctula)

    • The common noctule bat (Nyctalus noctula) is one of the largest bat species in Europe.
    • It has a body length of 7–9 cm, a wingspan of 32–40 cm, and weighs between 18–40 grams.
    • Its fur is reddish-brown to golden-brown, darker on the back and lighter underneath, while its wings are long and narrow, designed for fast and sustained flight.
    • Features: 
      • Common noctules are known for their swift and high-altitude flight, reaching heights of up to 3,000 meters.
      • They are primarily insectivorous, feeding on moths, beetles, and other flying insects.
      • Their echolocation abilities allow them to detect and hunt prey with precision, even in complete darkness.
      • Although classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, common noctule bats face several threats, including habitat loss due to deforestation and urbanization.
    • Habitat:
      • The common noctule bat is widely distributed across Europe, North Africa, and Asia, extending into Siberia and parts of China.
      • It is migratory, especially in central and eastern Europe, traveling long distances between summer breeding sites and winter hibernation sites.
      • It inhabits forests and woodlands, where it uses hollow trees for roosting, as well as urban areas, where it often roosts in buildings, attics, and bat boxes.
      • These bats also thrive in wetlands and grasslands, hunting over water bodies and open fields where insect populations are abundant.

    PYQ:

    [2012] Consider the following kinds of organisms:

    1. Bat

    2. Bee

    3. Bird

    Which of the above is/are pollinating agent/agents?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • How are Zebrafishes able to repair damaged hearts?

    Why in the News?

    A recent research revealed that the Zebrafish (a popular aquarium fish) can regenerate damaged heart muscle within 60 days, a capability absent in humans. The Hmga1 protein plays a key role in this process, offering potential insights for heart repair in mammals.

    Discovery of Hmga1’s Role in Zebrafish Heart Regeneration:

    • In zebrafish, the Hmga1 protein plays a pivotal role in activating dormant genes necessary for regeneration.
    • It removes molecular “roadblocks” on chromatin (DNA-packaging structures), shifting genes from an inactive state to active regeneration mode.
    • The Hmga1 gene, active during embryonic development in mice and humans, becomes inactive after birth.
    • In zebrafish, however, the gene remains active during heart regeneration, enabling the repair process.

    About Zebrafish

    • Zebrafish are small freshwater fish measuring 2-3 cm in length.
    • It is named for the horizontal blue stripes running along their bodies.
    • It is native to South Asia’s Indo-Gangetic plains and is commonly found in paddy fields, stagnant water, and streams.
    • It is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.

    Features of Zebrafish

    • Zebrafishes are known for their ability to regenerate almost all major organs, including the heart, brain, eyes, and spinal cord.
    • This unique trait makes them an important model in developmental biology and disease research.
    • They share approximately 70% of their genes with humans.
    • Over 80% of human disease-related genes have counterparts in zebrafish, making them valuable for studying genetic disorders.
    • They produce hundreds of embryos in a single clutch, enabling large-scale studies.
    • They are now preferred over rodent (guinea pigs) models for certain vertebrate development studies.
    • Widely used for regenerative biology and drug discovery due to their cost-effectiveness and rapid breeding.

  • Chhattisgarh first state to link Forest Ecosystem with Green GDP

    Why in the News?

    For the first time in India, Chhattisgarh has introduced an innovative framework that integrates the ecosystem services of its forests into the calculation of Green Gross Domestic Product (Green GDP). This initiative highlights the critical role forests play in supporting both environmental sustainability and economic growth.

    Highlights of the Chhattisgarh’s Plan

    • Forest contributions like carbon absorption, climate regulation, and biodiversity preservation will now be formally quantified and included in the state’s economic planning.
    • The initiative ensures forests are valued not just for their resources but for their broader ecological services.
      • With 44% of its land under forest cover, Chhattisgarh’s natural resources are vital for the livelihoods of millions and play a significant role in mitigating climate change.
    • The initiative aligns with ‘Developed India 2047’ vision, focusing on long-term ecological and economic sustainability.

    About Green GDP

    • Green GDP is an alternative metric for assessing economic growth that includes the environmental costs of economic activities.
    • It subtracts the value of natural resource depletion and environmental degradation from traditional GDP to provide a more accurate picture of economic well-being.
    • Introduced in the 1993 United Nations Handbook of National Accounting: Integrated Environmental and Economic Accounting under the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) framework.
    • Key Features:
      • Aims to measure the sustainability of economic growth.
      • Focuses on valuing ecosystem services like carbon sequestration, soil conservation, and water resources.
      • Provides insights into the trade-offs between economic growth and environmental conservation.
    • Calculation:
      • Green GDP = Traditional GDP – Costs of Environmental Degradation – Costs of Resource Depletion.
    • Challenges: Incomplete environmental data, reliance on subjective assumptions, difficulty in valuing ecosystem services, and the absence of a universal calculation framework, often oversimplifying nature’s intrinsic worth.

    Government Initiatives for Green GDP Accounting

    • Green National Account Framework: It integrates environmental considerations into national accounting systems. It captures the value of natural resources, costs of pollution, and benefits of ecosystem services like clean air and water.
    • System of Environmental-Economic Accounting, 2012 (SEEA): It was adopted by India under UN guidelines to create databases for natural capital accounting and informed policymaking.
    • RBI Estimates: Green GDP for 2019 was ₹167 trillion, reflecting a 10% adjustment from traditional GDP. It is supported by organizations like TERI and Indian Statistical Institute to refine valuation methodologies.