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Expert committee suggests 10-year moratorium on GM food crop field trials

October 25, 2012

The 5-member, Technical Expert Committee appointed on the directions of Supreme Court, has recommended a

10-year moratorium on field trials of all Genetically Modified (GM)food crops.

The panel, in its interim report, suggested that the field trials should not be done till an independent committee

of experts and stakeholders examines and assesses the potential hazard of herbicide tolerant crops and their

suitability to India.

What is the concern of environmentalists?

The environmentalists are concerned about the potential damage GM crops can cause to human health, tolivestock and to biodiversity and the likelihood of field trials to contaminate regular crops.

Scientists oppose TECs recommendations of 10year ban on field trials of GM crops

October 29, 2012

Scientists have opposed the recommendations made by the Technical ExpertCommittee (TEC)appointed bythe Supreme Court of India which has recommended a moratorium of 10 years on all field trials of transgenic

food crops and field trials of transgenics in those crops for which India is a centre of origin or diversity.

Why this opposition?

As per scientists opposing the suggestion, ban on the field trials and commercialization of transgenic crops

could harm Indian farmers the most as they need to elevate production of food grains to meet the demands of

increasing population with reduced availability of fertile land. As per them, TEC has exceeded its mandate and

made many sweeping recommendations on diverse issues without bearing in mind the scientific rigor of the

methods used in India which are similar to those in the most advanced countries. Scientists are of the opinion

that interventions using GM technology will play a significant role in providing the necessary means to enable

farmers to produce more using fewer resources.

Uttarakhand tops in Environmental Performance Index (EPI)

November 1, 2012

Uttarakhand (scored 0.8123)topped the list of best-performing States and Union territories in terms of

environmental performance. As per the Environmental Performance Index (EPI)released by Planning

Commission:

Uttarakhand is followed by Himachal Pradesh (0.7316), Chandigarh (0.7270), Sikkim(0.7149), and AndhraPradesh(0.7147).

Best states in terms of air quality: Mizoram, Kerala, Goa, Sikkim, Tripura, Puducherryand Andaman

and Nicobar (all with average score of 1)

Paradoxically, except for Uttarakhand, all the States meet the prescribed nationalambient air quality standard

in respect of the sulphur dioxideof 20 micrograms per cubic metre.

More than 10 States do not meet the national standard of 30 microgram per cubic metre for Nitrogen dioxide.

Except for Goa, Kerala, and Mizoram, no State meets the 60 microgram per cubic metre national standard for

particulate matter.


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Himachal Pradesh is the only state with 100 % sewage treatment capacity, in the remaining States it ranges

from 0 (13 States) to less than 20 % (8 States) and more than 50 per cent in 4 States.

Total fecal coliform count is as much as 92 % in most of the States.

States leading in forest conservation and expansion of green cover are Chandigarh, Sikkim, Arunachal

Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh.

Environmental well-being is one of the considerations for transfer of funds to the States under the Gadgil

formula.

Indicators taken under consideration to arrive at water quality:

Sewage disposal

water quality of rivers

dissolved oxygen

total coliform count

percentage of water exploitation

The indicators considered for measuring the ambient air quality performance:

sulphur dioxide

nitrogen oxide

particulate matter

Negative Impact of Nutrients On Coastal Ecosystems

October 29, 2012

Salt Marshes along the U.S. Eastern seaboard and other highly developed coastlines have witnesseddeterioration of salt marsh. The disintegration has accelerated in recent decades, with some losses caused by

sea-level rise and development.

As per recent studies, nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorusoriginating from septic systems, sewerage, and

soil fertilizers on land flow with rainwater down to the coastal ocean is responsible for this disintegration.

What is the importance of Salt Marshes?

Salt marshes form critical interface b/w the land and sea. They provide habitat for fish, birds, and shellfish

protect coastal cities from storms; and they take nutrients out of the water coming from upland areas, which

protects coastal bays from over-pollution.Losses of healthy salt marsh have accelerated in recent decades, with

some losses caused by sea-level rise and development.

Vulture population rises in India

November 15, 2012

As per a recent report by the Bombay NaturalHistory Society(BHNS) rapid decline in the number of critically

endangered Indian vultures has stopped.Indias vulture population has risen for the first time in last 20 years

after a sharp decline in their numbers by more than 99%. Vulture numbers decreased in India from 4 crore in

the early 80s to less than 1 lakh in 2011.
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Why Vulture numbers were fast declining in India?

Diclofenac, a painkilling drug administered to cattle, is the main cause of mass extinction of vultures.

Vultures, which have a digestive system robust enough to even digestdisease-causing pathogens found inrotting meat of dead, do not have a critical enzyme that breaks down diclofenac and die of renalfailureafter eating carcasses of cattle administered the drug.

Vultures feeding on cattle either die from acute kidney failure within a few days or lose their ability toreproduce.

Diclofenac is a painkilling drug administered to cattle.International Union forConservation of Nature (IUCN) has put vultures on its list of critically endangered

species.

The three most common species of vultures and there approx. numbers in the India are:

Long-billed vulture (Gyps indicus), also known as the Indian vulture (44,000)

White-backed vulture (Gyps africanus) (11,000)

Slender-billed vulture (Gyps tenuirostris) (1,000)

26,000 hectares in Bagalkot will have Drip irrigation

November 27, 2012

Drip irrigation project is planned to irrigate nearly 26,000 hectares of land in the command area of the Krishna

in Bagalkot district. The project would cost Rs. 800 crore.

What is Drip Irrigation?

Drip irrigationor trickle irrigationor micro irrigationor localized irrigation, is an irrigation method

deployed to save water and fertilizer by allowing water to drip slowly to the roots of plants, either onto the soil

surface or directly onto the root zone, by using a network of valves, pipes, tubing, and emitters. It is donethrough narrow tubes that deliver water directly to the base of the plant.

Advantages of Drip Irrigation:

Fertilizer and nutrient loss is minimized due to localized application and reduced leaching.

Water application efficiency is high.

Field levelling is not necessary.

Fields with irregular shapes are easily accommodated.

Recycled non-potable water can be safely used.

Moisture within the root zone can be maintained at field capacity.

Soil type plays less important role in frequency of irrigation.

Soil erosion is minimized.

Weed growth is minimized.

Water distribution is highly uniform, controlled by output of each nozzle.

Labour cost is less than other irrigation methods.

Variation in supply can be regulated by regulating the valves and drippers.

Foliage remains dry, reducing the risk of disease.

Usually operated at lower pressure than other types of pressurised irrigation, reducing energy costs.
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Dumping of N-waste at KGF ruled out

November 27, 2012

The centre made it clear that it has no plans to dump Nuclear waste (N-waste) from Kudankulam

Nuke Power plant in the defunct gold mines of Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) inKarnataka. The reported move by

the Govt to dump the waste at the KGF was opposed by various political parties.

The team of experts clarified that since KGF lacks a rocky (granite) background and has waterlogging area, thesite is not safe for dumping the N-waste.

Kyoto Protocol extended till 2020: Doha Climate Conference

December 17, 2012Kyoto Protocol which was signed in 1997 to oblige industrialized nations to reduce emission of greenhouse

gases to fight global warming has been extended till 2020. The protocol was due to expire at the end of 2012. It

was decided in the 18th session of the CoP (Conference of the Parties) to the United Nation Framework

Convention on Climate change (UNFCCC)and the 8th session of the CoP serving as the Meeting of the

Parties to the Kyoto Protocol held in Doha, Qatar. Around 200 countries participated in the talks.

Highlights of the Conference:

New agreement covers only developed nations whose share of world greenhouse gas emissions is less

than 15 %, it excludes countries such as China and India.

It was agreed to bring a new pact, in 2015, which will be binding to all countries and will replace Kyoto

Protocol.

The extension was supported by European Union, Australia, Switzerland and eight other industrialisednations.

US rejected the idea of equityby refusing to associate itself to any new agreement that is under the

Convention.

Russia also rejected the proposal.

Indiasprinciple of equityand common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR)were re-

introduced in the negotiations after it had been kept out of the talks in 2009 and 2010.

It failed to deliver anything of significance for poor countries due to lack of credible pathway to provide

then financial aid to deal with climate change.

The outcome was also supported by G77 and China, BASIC groups.

in Current Affairs 2012, Environment Current Affairs, Places in News

Justice Swatanter Kumar is new NGT chief

December 28, 2012


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Justice Swatanter Kumar has become the first Supreme Court judge to be the chairperson of

the National Green Tribunal (NGT) which was, till now, functioning without a full-time chairperson. He

will decide on cases pertaining to environmental protection, and conservation of forests and natural resources.

What is NGT?

The National Green Tribunal was set up in 2010 in compliance with the National Green Tribunal Act 2010 to

provide effective and speedy disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests

and other natural resources including enforcement of any legal right relating to environment and giving relief

and compensation for damages to persons and property and for matters connected therewith or incidentalthereto. It is a specialized body equipped with the necessary expertise to handle environmental disputes

involving multi-disciplinary issues.

5 Places where NGT is proposed to be set up for its sittings:

Principal Place: Delhi

Bhopal

Pune

Kolkata

Chennai

MoEF asks all states to declare eco sensitive zones around national parks, sanctuaries by Feb 15, 2013

January 15, 2013No comments

The Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) has set the February 15, 2013 as deadline for all states to

submit site-specific proposals declaring eco sensitive zones around national parks and sanctuaries. A decade

back, the National Board for Wildlife had envisaged declaring areas within 10 km of the boundary of national

parks and sanctuaries as eco-sensitive zones.What is the purpose of creating eco-sensitive zones?

The need for creation of eco fragile zones was proposed at the 21 stmeeting of Indian Board for Wildlife in

2002 when WildlifeConservation Strategy 2002was adopted. It was proposed that land falling within 10

kms of the boundaries of National Parks and Sanctuaries should be notified as eco-fragile zones. The purpose is

to create some kind of Shock Absorber for the protected areas which would also functions as a transition zone

from highly protected areas to areas involving lesser protection. The activities in the eco-sensitive zones would

be of a regulatory nature rather than prohibitive nature, unless and otherwise so required.

What is the extent of these areas?

The extent of the eco-sensitive zones could go upto 10 kms surrounding the protected area. However, in case

where sensitive corridors, connectivity and ecologically important patches crucial for landscape linkages, areeven beyond 10 kms width, these should be included in Eco-sensitive zones. Further the distribution of an eco-

sensitive zone and the extent of regulation may not be uniform all around it and could be of variable width and

extent.

What are the MoEF norms under eco-sensitive zone?

As per the MoEF norms, activities like commercial mining, setting up of industriescausing pollution

commercial use of firewood, establishment of all hydroelectric projects, use or production of any hazardous

substances and tourism activities like flying over the national park area by any aircraft or hot-air balloons and

discharge of effluents and solid waste in natural water bodies or terrestrial area are prohibited.

Why the site-specific proposals have been asked for?


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After MoEF found that many of the existing protected areas have already undergone enormous development in

proximity with the boundaries with national parks and sanctuaries, it has asked all states to come up with site

specific proposals indentifying eco-sensitive zones. Similarly, the eco-sensitive zones could extend beyond 10

km width in cases of sensitive corridors for connectivity of ecologically important patches crucial for landscape

linkage.

What if a state/Union Territory fails to submit site-specific proposals?

In case, the State/Union Territory governments fail to submit the proposals within the deadline, the activities

that have been prohibited as per the MoEF guidelines would stand prohibited within 10 km of the boundary ofNational Parks and Sanctuaries.

Air pollution in Beijing reaches to dangerous levels

January 20, 2013

A yellow alert was issued by Chinese meteorological authority indicating dangerous levels of smog in Chinasnorthern and western regions, including major cities like Beijing and Chengdu.

The density of PM2.5 particulates had surpassed 700 micrograms per cubic meter in many parts of the city,

much above than the daily safety level of 25 micrograms per cubic meter as considered by the

World Health Organization.

What is PM2.5?

PM is the short of Particulate Matter which describes condensed phase (solid or liquid) particles suspended

in the atmosphere. Their potential for causing health problems is directly associated with the size of the

particles. As per WHO standards, PM less than 2.5 m in diameter (PM2.5), are more closely linked to

adverse health effects than other metrics such as PM10 (particles with a diameter less than 10 m).

Source of Iodine oxide gas responsible for destruction of ozone over oceans identified

January 17, 2013

Scientists at the University of York and Leeds in Britain have established that the majority of ozone-depleting

gas iodine oxide observed over the remote ocean comes from a previously unknown marine source. As per

researchers, the main source of iodine oxide can be explained by emissions of hypoiodous acid (HOI) a gasnot yet considered as being released from the oceanalong with a contribution from molecular iodine.

Since the 1970s when methyl iodide (CH3I) was discovered as everywhere in the ocean, the presence of iodine

in the atmosphere has been understood to come mainly from emissions of organic compounds from

phytoplanktonmicroscopic marine plants.

As per latest research, reactive iodine, along with bromine, in the atmosphere is accountable for the destruction

of huge amounts of ozonearound 50 % more than estimated by the worlds most advanced climate models

in the lower atmosphere over the tropical Atlantic Ocean. Scientists quantified gaseous emissions of inorganic

iodine following the reaction of iodide (compound of iodine with another element or group) with ozone in a

series of lab experiments and formation of both molecular iodine and HOI.


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Researchers call it a self destruction mechanism, where more concentration of ozone leads to formation of more

halogen gases which in turn destroy it.

This reaction could be responsible for around 75% of observed iodine oxide levels over the tropical Atlantic

Ocean

Panna Tiger Reserve of MP undergoes vulture population estimation

January 30, 2013

The Vulture Population Estimation-2013has been concluded in the Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya

Pradesh.Counting found 867 vultures including 160 migratory and 48 of unidentified origins. The number of

vultures found this year is less compared to last year. The reason could be the sudden increase in temperature in

the area during the estimation week. Seven out of nine vulture species in the Indian sub-continent were found in

Panna.Another survey will be conducted in April-May 2013 to assess success rate of vulture breeding in Panna Tiger

Reserve.

Vulture Population Estimation

Vulture Population Estimation is being conducted in Panna Tiger Reserve annually in January since 2010. It is

carried out with public private participation with the co-operation of bird watchers from across the country.

Various species of vultures include Long Billed Vultures, White Backed Vultures, Egyptian Vultures and Red-

headed Vultures. The migratory vultures found during the estimation were European Griffon, Himalayan

Griffon and vultures of cinereous species. It is being considered to include Paragrin spies of vulture also in the

Vulture Population Estimation next year.

MoEF sets up committee to study legal cover for elephant habitats

February 15, 2013

A panel has been set up by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) with the objective to review how

elephant reserves and corridors across the country can get a higher level of legal protection under existing greenlaws.

Objective:The step has been taken comes after the National Board for Wildlife raised concerns about lack of

legal cover for elephant reserves and corridors against changes in the vast landscapes that pachyderms occupy

in the country.

What are the problems faced by environment ministry to bring legal safeguards for Elephant

habitats? What is the job assigned to the committee?

The central government has identified 32 elephant reserves spread over 69,582 sq km encompassing not only

forest patches of different kinds but also villages, townships, agricultural land, tea plantations and revenue

land.


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Currently, the environment ministry provides additional funds to its elephant reserves programme but this does

not automatically ensure a higher level of legal protection against changes to the demarcated area such as in the

case of tiger reserves (which are in most cases forest land).

What are the problems faced by environment ministry to bring legal safeguards for Elephant habitats?

The ministry is facing problems over how to regulate activities detrimental to the pachyderm while not hurting

the rights of people inhabiting in these zones. Unlike in the case of national parks, tiger reserves and

sanctuaries, the government faces peculiar difficulties in protecting elephant habitats. Elephants can traverse

hundreds of kilometres annually, running through cities, villages and forest land that are contested by manystakeholders holding or wanting rights to the lands for varying activities ranging from mining to sustenance of

tribals.

What is the job assigned to the committee?

The panel will be chaired by Vinod Rishi, retired senior forest officer, along with the director of Project Tiger

as member convener.

The task before the panel is to examine whether the existing network of elephant reserves and corridors

sufficiently cover the animals habitat and what kind of legal cover can be introduced to these lands under

existing green laws as recommended by the Elephant Task Force. The committee will assess the impact of

wildlife protection regulations on people living or utilizing the land falling under elephant reserves and

corridors.

Thinning of Ozone has altered ocean circulation: Study

February 7, 2013

As per a latest study, a hole in the Antarctic ozone layer has changed the way waters in the southern oceans

mix, which researchers say could impact global climate change. As per scientists this phenomenon has thepotential to alter the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. It has been found that subtropical intermediate waters in

the southern oceans have become "younger" as the upwelling, circumpolar waters have gotten "older"changes

that are consistent with the fact that surface winds have strengthened as the ozone layer has thinned.

How is it important? How did the researchers found this?

How is it important?

This is significant as southern oceans play a crucial role in the absorption of heat and carbon dioxide, so any

alterations in southern ocean circulation have the potential to change the global climate.

How did the researchers found this?

Researchers compared the levels of "chlorofluorocarbon-12," or CFC-12 in the southern oceans in early 1990s

to the mid-to-late 2000s.It was in 1930s when CFC-12 was first produced commercially and its concentration in the atmosphere

increased rapidly until the 1990s when it was phased out by the Montreal Protocol on substances that damage

the ozone layer.

As it was known that concentrations of CFCs at the ocean surface rises in tandem with those in the atmosphere,

scientists were able to infer that the higher the concentration of CFC-12 deeper in the ocean, the more recently

those waters were at the surface and have mixed recently. The inferred age changes "younger" in the

subtropics, "older" nearer the South Pole are consistent with the observed intensification of surface westerly

winds, which have occurred primarily because of the Antarctic ozone hole, suggesting that stratospheric ozone

depletion is the primary cause of the changes in ocean ventilation.


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Rare Whooper Swan spotted after 113 years in Himachal

February 7, 2013

Rare migratory bird Whooper Swanwas spotted in Pong Dam lakeof Kangra valley in Himachal

Pradeshafter 113 years.

Whooper Swans, which migrate from Central Asia and Europeand are rare migrants to India, were last seen

in the country in 1900 near river Beas.

Fact Box: Environmental Performance Index (EPI)

March 1, 20131 Comment

Delhi placed lowest in pollution survey

Indiasnational capital Delhi has been ranked last in the Environmental Performance Index (EPI)evolved

by the Planning Commissionwhich makes it worst performer in the country when it comes to all key

environmental parameters. The city-state has slipped to 32nd in 2012 from 26th position in 2011. Delhi scored

0.4246 compared to 0.7696 achieved by top ranker, Andhra Pradesh.

Environmental Performance Index

Started by Planning Commission

Objective:To measure of environmental well-being of states.

Analysis of data supplied by 35 states and union territories.

Reflects states performance on 16 Green Indicators under 5 categories5 Categories:

Air Pollution(nitrogen and sulfur oxides, respiratory SPM)

Forest(total forest area, increase/decrease in forest cover, afforestation efforts)

Water Quality(domestic waste water, surface water quality, ground water extraction)

Waste management(municipal solid waste, biomedical and hazardous waste handling capacity)

Climate change preparation(use of renewable sources of energy, mini hydro, electricity intensity of

state GDP, disaster preparedness, energy efficiency)

Who are the Best Performers?

Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra in the same order of

ranking.How to look at scores?

A score of one means the state is characterized by cleaner environment, sticks to environmenta

standards, implements all necessary legislations, has institutional mechanisms and is making efforts

for conservation of natural resources.

How would these results help?

The results of the analysis are yet to be adopted formally by the Planning Commission and will be shared with

National Development Council. If approved, additional weightage may be given to states based on EPI, while

allocating resources to states. This may call for amendment to the Gagdil formula for allocation of central

funds. The states not doing better on green issues could thus be motivated to improve.


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What is Gagdil Formula?

The Gadgil formula was given by D.R. Gadgil, the social scientist and the first critic of Indian Planning. It was

evolved in 1969 for determining the allocation of central assistance for state plans in India. Gadgil formula was

adopted for distribution of plan assistance during Fourth and Fifth Five Year Plans.

Fact Box: Dongria Kondh tribe

February 21, 20131 Comment

MoEF justifies cancellation of environmental clearance to Vedanta

The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has held that its decision of cancellation of the environmental

clearance granted to Vedantafor the Lanjigarh Bauxite mining projectin Odisha was right and that forest

land cannot be diverted under the provisions of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers

(Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.

As per MoEF, the diversion of forest land on the proposed mining site of the Lanjigarh bauxite mining lease is

violative of the fundamental rights of the Dongria Kondh tribals as well as the spirit of Forest Rights Actespecially for the vulnerable tribal groups such as the Dongria Kondh and thus cannot be allowed for this reason

alone.

As per Govt. the Lanjigarh bauxite mining lease is located in Scheduled Areasas referred to in Clause (1) of

Article 244 of the Constitution.Circumscribing or extinguishing of forest rights in such areas shall not be in

conformity with the provisions of the clause-5 of the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution.

About Dongria Kondh tribe:

The Dongria Kondh, a primitive tribal group [now termed as particularly vulnerable tribe], has been protecting

more than 7 sq. km. of the sacred undisturbed forests on top of the mountain, where the proposed mining lease

area of the Lanjigarh bauxite mining lease is located. They consider the land and forests sacred to theirdeity

Diversion of these sacred areas for mining will undermine the customary rights of the Dongria Kondhs to

protect their sacred places of worship and thereby amount to a violation of their fundamental right to managetheir own affairs in the matter ofreligionand fundamental right to conserve thecultureof their own. It was also

in direct violation further of the specific provisions of the Forest Rights Act

Central assistance of Rs. 41 Crore to protect Pashmina Goats

March 15, 2013No comments

The Union Government will provide a financial assistance of Rs 41.21 crore to protect Pashminagoatwhich produces world-famous fine luxury fibre.

The government is concerned over the recent deaths of thousands of Pashmina goats in the Ladakh

region.

As per the assistance, there is plan which envisages a new Pashmina Wool Development Schemewith a

special package and a financial allocation of Rs 41.21 crore.

Compost Plant in New Delhi is first composting plant in India to get carbon credits from UNFCCC
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The composting plant i n Okh la, New Delhihas become the f ir st in India to receive the carbon credits fr om

theUnited Nations Framework Conventi on on Climate Change (UNFCCC).The plant has received Rs 25

lakh as an advance against the Carbon Emission Reduction (CER)earnings from this plant.

What are carbon credits?

Carbon credit is a generic term for any tradable certificate or permit representing the right to emit One Tonne of

Carbon dioxide or the mass of another greenhouse gas with a carbon dioxide equivalent equivalent to one tonneof carbon dioxide. The concept of carbon credits came into existence as a result of increasing awareness of the

need for controlling emissions. The mechanism was formalized in the Kyoto Protocol

aninternational agreement between more than 170 countries, and the market mechanisms were agreed through

the subsequent Marrakesh Accords.

Carbon credit facility has been introduced with an aim to allow market mechanisms to drive industrial and

commercial processes in the direction of low emissions or less carbon intensive approaches than those used

when there is no cost to emitting carbon dioxide and other Green House Gases (GHGs)into the atmosphere

Since GHG mitigation projects generate credits, this approach can be used to finance carbon

reduction schemes between trading partners and around the world.

The carbon credits can also be traded on exchanges like Carbon Trade Exchange, which is like a stockexchange for carbon credits. If it is traded internationally then each transfer is validated by the UNFCCC.

Exchanges trading Carbon Credits:

Currently there are 5 exchanges trading in carbon allowances:

The European Climate Exchange

NASDAQ OMX Commodities Europe

PowerNext

Commodity Exchange Bratislava

The European Energy Exchange

Fact Box: CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species)


CITES concludes, eight nations escape sanctions

The 16th meeting of the Conference of Parties to CITES (Convention on InternationalTrade in Endangered

Species), concluded in Bangkok, Thailand, after granting better protection to hundreds of threatened animal and

plant species.

The eight countries accused of failing to do enough to tackle the illegal trade in elephant ivory escaped

sanctions. The conference found that Kenya, Tanzania andUganda, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, andtop markets China and Thailand are making insufficient efforts to curb the trade. However, the nations avoided

sanctions after 6 of them submitted draft action plans in response and China and Tanzania committed to do so

by a specific date.

Possible punishment option: Under the convention, member states can halt trading with offender countries in

the 35,000 species covered by the convention.

CITES

CITES is (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is

also known asthe Washington Convention.


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Supreme Court cancels Karnatakas all 49 mining leases

April 25, 20131 Comment

All 49 leases for iron ore extraction in category Cmines in Bellary, Tumkur and Chitradurga districts

of Karnataka have been cancelled by the Supreme Court. However, the Supreme Court has permitted

resumption of activity in mines with lesser illegalities as recommendations made by Central

Empowered Committee (CEC)since July 2011 on the mining issues in Karnataka. The CEC had categorizedthe mines in the area in three categoriesA, B and C.

Category A:Mines in these areas have least or no irregularities.

Category C:Mines in these areas have maximum irregularities.

The Supreme Court, whilst admitting most of the recommendations made by CEC, held that unlawful iron ore

mining on the Andhra-Karnataka border would continue suspended till the separation of boundary between the

two states is finished. The unlawfulnesses referred to included unlawful mining activities, allotment of

enormous quantities of iron ore at throw-away prices to private companies and an boost in rates at which iron

ore was rendered to some other companies

Bombay HC directs Maharashtra govt to release water into Jayakwadi dam

May 2, 2013No comments

Bombay High Court has ordered the Maharashtra government to release water from upstream reservoirs into the

Jayakwadi dam in the region.

Jayakwadi dam

The Jaikawadi project is a large irrigation and multipurpose project.

Its water is used primarily to irrigate agricultural land in the drought-prone Marathwada region of the

state. Provides water for drinking and industrial usage to nearby towns and villages and to the municipalities

and industrial areas of Aurangabad and Jalna district.

Jayakwadi dam is located onGodavari riverat the site of Jayakawadi village in Paithan taluka of

Aurangabad district in Maharashtra state of India.

What is the issue?

The dam was not getting sufficient water to meet the needs of surrounding regions. According the state

government it was facing practical difficulties in conveying the water to the Jayakwadi dam and there was

also low reserves in the upstream reservoirs.

After the HC order the water would be released from the Karanjwan, Gangapur, Bhandardara and Mula dams inthe Nashik and Ahmednagar districts.

What is Desertification?

Desertificationis a type of land degradationin which a relatively dry land region becomes

increasingly arid, typically losing its bodies of water as well as vegetation and wildlife.


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What are the causes of desertification?

There are a number of factors which work individually or in combination causing desertification. The

immediate cause is the removal of most vegetation. This is driven by a number of factors such as:

Drought

Climatic shifts

Tillage for agriculture

Overgrazing

Deforestation for fuel or construction materialsWhat is the role of vegetation, livestock and wildlife in preventing desertification?

Vegetation plays a vital role in determining the biological composition of the soil. As per studies, the rate of

erosion and runoff decreases exponentially with increased vegetation cover. Unprotected, dry soil surfaces blow

away with the wind or are washed away by flash floods, leaving infertile lower soil layers that bake in the sun

and become an unproductive hardpan. Alternatively, it was found that the movement and migration of large

herds of livestock and wildlife has an integral role in the preservation of vegetation and soil fertilization, and

that the removal of livestock and wildlife (largely by human influence) has been the main driver of increasing

desertification.

Supreme Court allows the functioning of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant


The apex court has allowed the functioning of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNP) with a view of safe

and secure plant by issuing 15 guidelines on commissioning, safety, security and environmental issues.

Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant

Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant is a nuclear power station in Koodankulam in Tamil Nadu with a capacity of

generating 2000 MW with 2 reactors but this was agitated by Anti- Nuclear activists due to fear of radiation andFukushima nuclear disaster occurred in Japan in 2011.

Advantages of KNPP

Its a technologically proven design,

Inbuilt safety features to minimize the risk of any radiation leaks,

The location is least earthquake prone area,

Its height ensures safety from potential tsunamis.

Issues raised in protests

The coolant water and low-grade waste from the KKNPP are going to be dumped in to the sea which

will have a severe impact on fish production and affect the food security of southern Tamil Nadu and

southern Kerala. Functioning of KKNP will remit Iodine 131, 132, 133, Cesium 134, 136, 137 isotopes, strontium,

tritium, tellurium and other such radioactive particles into air, land, crops, cattle, sea, seafood and

ground water which in turn lead to risk of diseases and defective births.

Acidification on the rise in Arctic Ocean


As per a new scientific report, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the Arctic Ocean is rapidly escalating

which is making its water more acidic.


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It was assessed by the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) that the ocean chemistry of the

region is undergoing widespread changes.

Key findings of the report:

The rising acidification may bring major changes in the marine ecosystem, but say there is huge

uncertainty over what those changes will be.

Even if CO2 emissions stopped now, it would take tens of thousands of years for Arctic Ocean

chemistry to revert to pre-industrial levels.

Acidification is specifically rapid in Arctic as its water is cold which aids fast absorption of atmosphericCO2 and the recent decreases in summer sea ice have exposed more sea surface to atmospheric CO2.

The susceptibility of Arctic region is aggravated by increasing flows of freshwater from rivers and

melting land ice, as freshwater is less effective at chemically neutralizing the acidifying effects of CO2.

Acidification is fast in surface waters and more slowly in deep waters.

Slow mixing of river water with the seawater forms a sort of freshwater lens on the top of the sea in

some places, and freshwater lowers the concentration of ions that buffers pH change. The loss of ice also

is allowing fast uptake of CO2.

The pH of seawater has decreased about 0.02 per decade since the late 1960s in theIceland and Barents

seas.

Average acidity of surface ocean waters worldwide is now about 30% higher than before the IndustrialRevolution.

The possible major changes to the makeup of Arctic marine ecosystem may prove harmful to key prey

species like sea butterflies. Other species may thrive. It may also harm the development of fish eggs.

What is Ocean Acidification?

Ocean acidification is the name given to the ongoing decrease in the pH of the Earthsoceans, caused by the

uptake of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. About 3040% of the carbon dioxide

released by humans into the atmosphere dissolves into the oceans, rivers and lakes. To maintain chemical

equilibrium, some of it reacts with the water to form carbonic acid. Some of these extra carbonic

acid molecules react with a water molecule to give a bicarbonate ion and a hydronium ion, thus increasing the

oceans acidity (H+ ion concentration). Absorbed CO2 in seawater (H2O) forms carbonic acid (H2CO3),

lowering the waters pH level and making it more acidic This increases the hydrogen ion concentration in the water, and limits organisms access to carbonate

ions, which are needed to form hard parts like those found in calcifying organisms which

include organisms such

as coccolithophores, corals, foraminifera, echinoderms,crustaceans and molluscs.

Gold nanoparticles to aid efficient drug delivery and diagnostics

May 27, 2013No commentsScientists from Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Hyderabad, have synthesized eco-friendly

gold nanoparticles using bio-resources which could be used as carriers for delivering anti-cancer drugs and also

for diagnosing the disease.

How it was done?

Scientists used leaves of some herbal plants like Bhringaraj (Eclipta alba) to extract the bio-compatible

nanoparticles. This plant extract contains some anti-cancer bio-molecules which are conjugated with

gold nanoparticles during synthesis.

How it can help?


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The gold nanoparticle is bio-compatible, easy to synthesise and multiple cancer drugs could be loaded. It

could reduce the toxicity of the anti-cancer drug, increase its efficacy and ensure better retention of the

drug in the blood system. When conjugated with gold nanoparticle, the anti-cancer drug could stay for

more time in the tumour and enhance the therapeutic efficacy.

Although gold nanoparticles can also be produced by chemical methods, the inherent problem in that approach

was of toxicity. The bio-compatible nanoparticles have shown promising results and inhibited cancer cells

proliferation in lung and breast cancer cell lines. With the addition of a fluorescent molecule, it could be used to

detect the position of the tumour.

What is a buffer zone in the context of environment protection?

A buffer zone is created to enhance the protection of areas under management for their biodiversity importance

The buffer zone of a protected area may be situated around the periphery of the region or may be a connecting

zone within it which links two or more protected areas, therefore increasing their dynamics

and conservationproductivity. A buffer zone is intended to avert the effect of negative environmental or human

influences, whether or not it embodies great natural or cultural value itself.What is ESA?

Ecologically Sensitivity is the ability of a landscape to cope with environmental stresses stresses like various

human induced developments and their impacts; future impacts due to climate change; essentially the ecological

resilience and how it might vary from landscape to landscape.

ESA for Western Ghats:

An ecological sensitive area (ESA) is a bio-climatic unit (as demarcated by entire landscapes) in the Western

Ghats wherein human impacts have locally caused irreversible changes in the structure of biological

communities (as evident in number/ composition of species and their relative abundances) and their natural

habitats

What is the difference b/w ESAs and Protected Areas?

Protected areas in contrast to ESAs: Extensive, standard, heavy and rigid restrictions, no scope for adaptivemanagement, largely focused on flagship species and their habitats, leaves out small, unique habitats. ESAs

may have protected areas embedded in them, of various extents, could focus on small special habitats, flexible,

adaptive regime of regulation for eg: example whole Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim.

What are Bryophytes?

Bryophyteis a traditional name used to refer to all embryophytes (land plants) that do not have true vascular tissue and are

therefore called non-vascular plants.Some bryophytes do have specialized tissues for the transport of water; however since these

do not contain lignin, they are not considered to be true vascular tissue.

Madhya Pradesh govt to listen to oustees of the Omkareshwar dam project

June 2, 2013No comments


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The MP government has decided to hear out the issues of the oustees of the Omkareshwar dam project who

have been protesting standing in waist to neck-deep water, for the last two weeks as part of theirjal satyagraha.

Why this protest?

The jal satyagrahawas started by the oustees in May 2013 to at Ghogalgaon village in M.P.s East Nimaar

region to protest against the state governments decision to raise the water level in the dam to 193 metres from

189 without ensuring prior relief and rehabilitation, including land for land, to the oustees.

As per States official release, some affected families, having already received monetary compensation in lieu

of land, have been misled into demanding land for land and have not moved from the dam site. But as per courtorders, only those displaced families who have not received any compensation money from the banks are

eligible for land in lieu of land and those protesting should keep that in mind before assessing the validity of

their movement.

The Omkareshwar Project:

The 520 MWOmkareshwar project is one of the several big dams in the Narmada Valley, built by the

Narmada Hydroelectric Development Corporation, a joint venture between NHPC Ltd and the government

of Madhya Pradesh.

About NSL Renewable Power:

NSL Renewable Power develops and operates renewable energy projects using biomass, wind, hydro, and solar

technologies. It has an operational capacity of 185 MW across India.

What is the difference b/w World Bank and World Bank Group?

The World Bank was created at the 1944 Bretton Woods Conference, along with three other institutions

including the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The World Bank and the IMF are both based in Washington

DC, and work closely with each other.

Difference:

World Bank Group is a large group which comprises of five institutions collectively: International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)

International Development Association (IDA)

International Finance Corporation (IFC)

Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA)

International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID)

Whereas, World Bank is comprised of only two institutions:

International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)

International Development Association (IDA)

Number of Royal Bengal Tiger in Sudarbans exceeds 2011 census estimates


As per a new study conducted in collaboration with World Wildlife Fund For Nature (WWF) and Wildlife

Institute of India, the number of Royal Bengal tigers in the four ranges of the Sundarban Tiger Reserve (STR)

and the adjoining South 24 Parganas districts is 103 which is more than the estimates of the 2011 census.

As per Study:


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Of the 3,500 sq km of the Indian side of Sundarbans, about 40-45 per cent is water. This leaves about

2,000 sq km for the tigers. There was presence of a tiger in every 20 sq km of the delta.

The density of tiger population varied for a tiger from 14 sq km to 18 sq km in a mainland forest.

Sundarbans is still a healthy habitat despite shortage of the prey base for the animal.

Factbox : Sunderbans

Largest single block of tidal halophytic mangrove forest in the world.

It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site spanning across parts of Bangladesh and the Indian state of West

Bengal. Bangladesh controls 2/3

rdof the Sundarbans

India manages 1/3rd which is in West Bengal

Sundarbans National Park is a National Park, Tiger Reserve, and a Biosphere Reserve located in the

Sundarbans delta in the Indian state of West Bengal.

Sundarbans South, East and West are three protected forests in Bangladesh.

It is densely covered by mangrove forests, and is one of the largest reserves for the Bengal tiger.

World Oceans Day observed on June 8, 2013

June 8, 2013No commentsWorld Ocean Day was observed across the globe on 8 June 2013.

The themefor this year is: Together, we have the Power to Protect the Oceans.

Although World Ocean Day was introduced in 1992 at Rio de Janeiro, it was in 2008 when United Nations

General Assembly decided to designate June 8 as the World Oceans Day from 2009 onwards with its resolution

number 63/111, Paragraph 171.

Importance:The day focuses on raising global awareness of the current challenges faced by

the international community in connection with the oceans.

Cabinet approves IWMP as a flagship programme


In order to make Centrally-sponsored programmes condensed, the Cabinet has approvedIntegratedWatershed Management Programme (IWMP)as a flagship programme of the government.

Why IWMP?

Around 60% of cultivated area across India is rain-fed. Besides, these areas are also blighted by poverty, water

scarcity, low productivity, malnutrition and prone to severe land degradation. The watershed development

programme has been adopted as a tool to address problems of the rain-fed or degraded areas in the country.

Key Points of IWMP:

Launched in 2009-10 by the integration of various area development programmes of the Department of Land

Resources, including the Drought Prone Areas Programme (DPAP), the Desert Development Programme

(DDP) and the Integrated Wastelands Development Programme (IWDP).

The 12th

Plan allocates the programme an additional Rs. 29,296 crore. Cost sharing ratio of Central Government : State Government = 90 : 10

9% of the project cost is earmarked for development of livelihoods for asset-less people

10% of the project cost is for productivity enhancement and development of micro-enterprises for small

& marginal farmers.

An average size of project under the IWMP is about 5,000 ha which is cluster of micro-watersheds.

A portion of institution &capacity building (5% of the total project cost) has been provided to set up

institutional mechanism at State, District, Project and Village levels and to build capacities of

stakeholders.

It also entails involvement of primary stakeholders in the form of grassroots community organisations.


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Expected Benefits of IWMP:

The benefits include increase in availability of surface water & groundwater, changes in cropping pattern from

one to two crops annually, increase in fodder availability and increase in milk yield, increase in agriculture

What are Flagship Programmes?

Flagship programmes derive their origin from the term flagship which is the main or most important ship of a

countrys navy and is symbolic of the main thrust of the nations developmental policy.Major Flagship

programmes of the Government of India are:

Bharat Nirman:The objective of the Bharat Nirman Programme is to give top priority torural infrastructure by setting time-bound goals under various schemes to develop rural housing, rural

roads, irrigation, rural drinking water and rural electrification. The Programme imposes a responsibility

on sub-nationalgovernments to create these facilities in a transparent and accountable manner.

National Rural Health Mission:The main aim of NRHM is to provide accessible, affordable

accountable, effective, and reliable primary health care, especially to poor and vulnerable sections of the

population. The programme sets standards for rural health care and provides financial resources from the

Union Government to meet these standards.

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme:The Act was notified on 7

September 2005 and is aimed at providing livelihood security through employment for the rural poor.

Sarva Siksha Abhigyan:This programme was started with the objective of providingelementary education for all children in the age group of 614 years by 2010.

Mid-day meal Scheme:The MDM Scheme launched in 1995 aims to give a boost to universalization of

primary education by increasing enrolment, retention, and attendance and

simultaneously impacting upon nutritional status of students in primary classes.

Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP)

Himachal Pradesh becomes countrys first smoke-free StateJuly 6, 20131 Comment

Himachal Pradesh has been declared the first smoke-free State in the countryin compliance with Section 4

of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003. The State has achieved 85.45%

compliance with the relevant parameters. The State government intends to eliminate tobacco products and has

hiked taxes on bidis and cigarettes from 11 and 18% to 22 and 36%, respectively in the 2013-14 Budget.

What is the scope COTPA 2003?

The Act is applicable to all products containing tobacco in any form i.e. cigarettes, cigars, cheroots,

bidis, gutka, pan masala (containing tobacco) khaini, mawa, mishri, snuff etc. as detailed in the Schedule

to the Act. The Act extends to the whole of India including the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

What does Section 4 of COTPA provide for?

Section 4: Prohibition Of Smoking In Public Places

The Government of India passed new rules on May 30, 2008 for effective realization of the objectives of smoke

free environments as stipulated under the Indian law.

No person shall smoke in any public place

Public Placemeans any place to which the public have access, whether as of right or not, and

includes auditorium, hospital buildings, railway waiting room, amusement centres, restaurants, public


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It is the joint effort between the World Resources Institute(WRI), The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)

and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). A voluntary initiative to standardize measurement and

management of GHG emissions in India.

Program Partners for India Greenhouse Gas Program (India GHG Program)

CIIConfederation of Indian Industry (CII)

TERIThe Energy and Resources Institute

WRIWorld Resources Institute

What is Campaign Clean India?

The Campaign Clean India is a programme being run by the Ministry of Tourism aimed at undertaking both

sensitization and action at field level on bringing our tourism destinations and their surroundings to an

acceptable level of cleanliness and hygiene. The Campaign will ensure that these levels are sustained through

ownership and involvement of private and public sector stakeholders. The campaign will be part

ofGovernments strategy of the 12th five year plan for improving the quality of services and environs in and

around tourist destinations across India.

About The Great Barrier Reef:

The Great Barrier Reef(GBR) is the worlds largestcoral reef system composed of over 2,900 individual reef

sand 900 islands spanned over 2,600 kilometers over an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometers. The

reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, Australia.

Importance of GBR:

It has the worlds biggest single structure made by billions of tiny living organisms known

ascoral polyps. It is a rich ecosystem bearing a great diversity of life.

A major part of the reef is protected by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which helps to limit the

impact of human use, such as fishing and tourism.

The reef ecosystem faces threat from other environmental pressures which include runoff, climatechange accompanied by mass coral bleaching, and cyclic population outbreaks of the crown of thorns

starfish.

It is a very popular destination for tourists, especially in the Whitsunday Islands and Cairns regions

Tourism is an important economic activity for the region generating over $3 billion annually and is a

significant part of local groups cultures and spirituality.

It was selected as a World Heritage Site in 1981.

E-surveillance to monitor various tiger habitats

July 31, 2013No commentsIndia plans to start electronic surveillance of some of the tiger habitats using high definition cameras as the tiger

deaths each year are increasing mainly due to poaching and poisoning.

With the E-surveillance the pilot study in the Kalagarh range of the Corbett NationalPark was quite

satisfactory so the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has decided to expand E-surveillance

to Assams Kaziranga Natonal Park,Madhya Pradeshs Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary and the Ramnagar

division surrounding Corbett.

How will tiger E-surveillance help?

The surveillance involves putting into use high resolution thermal and infrared cameras mounted on towers to

capture image of objects weighing more than 20 kg in a range of 3-5 km and generate alerts if the boundary is
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crossed. It will also keep an eye on unauthorized people entering into the tiger habitat areas and tigers straying

into human habitat. It is a fool-proof anti-poaching system that gathers information, does processing, filtering

and then sends alerts.

Wildlife Protection Amendment Bill 2013 introduced in Rajya Sabha

August 14, 2013No comments

The Environment and Forests Ministry introduced in the Rajya Sabha major amendments to the Wildlife

Protection Act, 1972 that seek heavier penalties to check wildlife-related crimes and aim to make Indian laws

consistent with the Convention onInternational Trade in Endangered Species of wild flora and

fauna (CITES).

Salient features of the Wildlife Protection Amendment Bill 2013:

The amended legislation aims to ban the use of animal traps except under certain conditions.

It also looks forward to engage gram sabhas and gram panchayats in management of protected areas,and to grant hunting rights to hunter-gatherer Scheduled Tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Hunting in national parks and sanctuaries or the alteration of their boundaries should be punished with 5

to 7 years in jail and fine of Rs 5 to 25 lakh as compared to the previous 3 to 7 years in jail and Rs

10,000 fine.

The punishment would be 7 years in prison and Rs 30 lakh fine for repeat offenders compared to the

previous 3 to 7 years of imprisonment and Rs 25,000 fine now.

The amendments are strict against crimes related to sale, purchase and transfer of animals, their parts or

products listed in various schedules.

Environmental activists oppose Mithi Virdi Nuclear PlantAugust 14, 2013No comments

Environmental activists in Gujarat are against the proposed Rs. 6,000 crore Mithi Virdi nuclear power plant

in Saurashtra regions Bhavnagardistrict to be set up by NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation

of India Limited).

They have written to the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) that alleging theCoastal Regulatory

Zone (CRZ)clearance by the State government was given without any site visits and documentation of ground

realities.

Why Environmental activists opposing the Mithi Virdi nuclear power plant?

As per the activists, clearance for the project has been given by overlooking safety aspects, site clearance report

and without undertaking any site visits. They argue that the basics like population increase in the immediatevicinity of the proposed plant have not been taken into account. According to the activists CRZ clearance is an

act of endorsing the illegal and unconstitutional act of NPCIL and Engineers India Limited (EIL). Activists

earlier alleged that the EIL were not authorized to conduct an environment impact assessment for a nuclear

power plant.

MoE slaps Rs 200 crore penalty on Adani group


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September 5, 2013No comments

A committee, established by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, under the chairmanship of Sunita

Narain, director general of Centre for Science and Environment, has slapped a penalty of Rs 200 crore on the

Adani GroupsMundra Portand Special Economic Zone for inflicting harm to mangroves,creeks and the

local environment at the project site. In addition to the fine, a part of the project could face suspension after a

more detailed probe into the alleged violation of environmental clearance norms. The money from the fine will

go into an environment restoration fund for the area.Why did the environment ministry impose fine on Adani Group?

As per the report submitted by Sunita Narain panel, it was found the Adani Group infringed environmental

norms in the countrys largest private port inMundra and special trade zone that it operates in the Kutch district

in Gujarat. The penalty has been slapped for damaging mangroves, creeks and the local environment at the

project site. During its investigation the panel found widespread destruction of mangroves-75 hectares of

mangroves have been lost in Bocha Island, which was declared as aconservation zone under the environmental

clearance conditions.

The panel stated in its report that the company has not taken precautions to guard against blocking of creeks

because of construction activities; satellite imagery shows signs of deterioration and loss of creeks close to the

proposed North Port.

Indian scientists undertake earthquake prediction research, measure the Deccan Trap


Researchers from the Hyderabad-based National Geophysical Research Instituteare conducting deep-earth

study in the Koyna-Warna region of Maharashtrawith the aim to enhance understanding of seismic activities

and improve earthquake prediction.

What is special about this study?

The study is first of its kind in India which involves drilling deep holes of up to 8 km into the earth to directlyvisualize and measure rock changes during earthquakes. NGRI recently concluded airborne gravity

gradeometery studies to get a closer look at Earthsinterior, again a first of its kind in the country. Recently

when scientists drilled 1.5 km into the earth during a test of drilling technology they accurately measured

the Deccan Trapin the study region.

What are Deccan Traps?

The Deccan Traps are large volcanic deposits located on the Deccan Plateau of west-central India and one of the

largest volcanic features on Earth formed due to eruptions about 65 million years ago at the end of

the Cretaceous period.

How would this study help?

As per scientists, the project would take 5 to 10 years during which they expect to have a better understandingof below-the-surface phenomena during and after an earthquake. The Koyna-Warna region is known for

frequent seismic activity, linked to changes in water levels in water reservoirs present in the region. Researchers

will try to determine how the changes in water-reservoirs exactly triggers earthquake. In addition to that

drilling will also allow them to plant underground earthquake detection devices which will lead to creation of

highly efficient warning systems.


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Montreal Protocol helps reduce the size of hole in Ozone


According to experts at University of Canterbury, the hole in the earths stratospheric ozone layer over

Antarctica is recovering slowly and should close completely in the latter half of this century. However, its effect

on global climate change is still uncertain.

As per researchers, the Montreal Protocol, which effectively banned chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), had aided inreducing the size of the hole in the ozone layer. The protocol, which came into existence in 1989, is

an international treaty to phase out substances believed to be responsible for ozone depletion. The scientists are

of the view that if the protocol is adhered to, the ozone layer is expected to recover by 2050.

Uncertainty over the effect of Ozone Recovery

Contrary to our expectations, stratospheric ozone depletion is also believed to have indirectly protected

Antarctica from the worst of greenhouse gas-related warming. The creation of ozone hole acted to change the

circulation of the Southern Hemisphere so that the strong winds linked to the jet streams moved towards the

pole. However, scientists are uncertain about the effect of ozone recovery on the Antarctic climate. There are

views that ozone recovery should act to move the winds back towards the equator, but greenhouse gases might

counteract this effect on the jet-stream positions, which help to control the width of tropical and polar weatherbelts.

About National Green Tribunal (NGT)

Established: October 18, 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010.

Aim:Effective and speedy disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests

and other natural resources including enforcement of any legal right relating to environment and giving relief

and compensation for damages to persons and property and for matters connected therewith or incidental

thereto.

The NGT is:

Specialized body equipped with the necessary expertise to handle environmental disputes involving

multi-disciplinary issues. Not bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, but shall be guided by

principles of natural justice.

Mandated to make and endeavor for disposal of applications or appeals finally within 6 months of filing

of the same.

Key points about the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)

Established:February 20, 2009 under Section 3(3) of theEnvironmentProtection Act, 1986, which alsodeclared Ganges as the National River ofIndia.

Authority: Financing, planning, implementing, monitoring and coordinating authority for the Ganges River

functioning under the Ministry of Environment of India.

Mission:Protect the drainage basin which feeds water into the Ganges by protecting it from pollution or

overuse.
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IPCC report: Humans are dominant cause of Global Warming

October 4, 2013No comments

A latest report by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)on global warming claims that it has

evidence that since 1950 the atmosphere and oceans had warmed, and that scientists are now 95% certain that

humans are the dominant cause.

As per the IPCC report:

Warming patterns has been replicated across the climate system, as the amount of snow and ice hasdiminished, the mean global sea level has risen and concentration of greenhouse gases has increased.

In the absence of strong measures, the global warming is likely to exceed 2C by the end of this century.

This is the level at which the consequences become even more catastrophic and which world

governments have agreed to try to avoid.

It is urgent to put a price on carbon emissions that was high enough to force power companies and

manufacturers to reduce their fossil-fuel use. IPCC is working on mechanisms through which the

market could be used to reduce carbon emissions.

The world had already burned more than half of the one trillion tonnes of carbon permitted if it is to

have a reasonable chance of limiting the temperature rise by 2C.

Rapid industrialisation in the developing world is increasing global emissions so fast that the world is oncourse to use up its entire carbon budget within 25 years.

The effects of climate change include rising sea levels, more and hotter heatwaves, and changes to

rainfall meaning dry regions get less and wet areas receive more.

What skeptics have to say about climate change?

As per the skeptics who play down the idea of climate change the phenomena is a problem but not so serious to

be called a crisis. They point to an observation that there has been a slowdown in climate change in past 15

years. As per the observation, the temperature rise has slowed from 0.12C per decade since 1951 to 0.05C per

decade in the past 15 yearsa point seized upon by climate sceptics to discredit climatescience.

However, environmentalist point that it was the effect of El Nino in 1998 which made it unusually hot and since

then there have been a series of medium-sized volcanic eruptions that have cooled the climate. The oceans have

also played a significant role in rearranging the earths heat by absorbing it. So, it just seems to h ave cooledOcean warming dominates the increase in energy stored in the climate system, accounting for more than 90%

accumulated by the planet between 1971 and 2010.

Great Indian Bustard in critically endangered stage

October 18, 2013No comments

As per the 2013 Threatened Bird list by theInternational Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the GreatIndian Bustard is listed under the category of Critically Endangered birds.

The Great Indian Bustard (Scientific name: Ardeotisnigriceps) was once widely spotted across 11

Indian states, but now only less than 250 birds are left all across India. The destruction of the habitat is a

primary threat to the birds endurance.The Great Indian Bustard is endemic to the Indian subcontinent. The

Great Indian Bustard lives in short-grass plains and deserts in large arid landscapes.

Key reasons for the decrease in count of the Great Indian Bustard:-

Habitat destruction- The change of land use from grassland to farmland, thus shrinking the birds

habitat.

Poaching.


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Degradation and disturbance in existing grassland habitat

Hunting

Lack of importance for natural grassland conservation in policy, law and PA network due to incorrect

perception on ecological value vis-a-vis forests

Lack of protection for many lekking and nesting sites

Lack of cooperation between different departments/stakeholders in GIB habitats

Lack of awareness and support from local communities

Livestock overgrazing and feral dogs Disturbance by photographers there is now plenty anecdotal evidence to demonstrate that

photography of the species causes substantial disturbance

In a recent judgement, the Supreme Court had directed the Ministry of Environment and Forests to take steps

for the recovery of the Great Indian Bustard.

Status of the Great Indian Bustard

The Great Indian Bustard is now confined to only eight pockets in 6 Indian states

Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

The largest population (~50%) can be found in Jaisalmer, Barmer, and Bikaner districts of Rajasthan

Great Indian Bustard is the State Bird of Rajasthan.

Bird may be already extinct in Madhya Pradesh.

Odisha imposes fishing ban to protect nests of endagered Olive Ridley sea turtles

October 27, 2013

The Odisha Government has imposed a seven-month fishing ban within 20 km from the river mouths

of Dhamara, DeviandRusikulyain Gamjamdistrict for safeguard nests of endangered Olive Ridley sea

turtles.

The ban prohibits motor boats, trawlers and mechanised fishing boats in the region.The ban on the 20 km span of the Dhamra-Rushikulya river mouth has been imposed in accordance with

Sections 2, 7 and 4 of the Orissa Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1982.

As per Fisheries Department, prohibitory orders are being enforced every year to ensure the safety of turtles

However, the fishermen are unhappy over the ban as the ban is affecting their livelihood.

Olive Ridley Turtles:

Scientific name: Lepidochelys oli vacea

Also known as the Pacific ridley sea turtle

Found in warm and tropical waters, primarily in the Pacific andIndian Oceans.

Global population of annual nesting females of these turtles reduced to 852,550 by 2008.

Considered endangeredbecause of their few remaining nesting sites in the world. Largest breeding ground for these turtles: The Gahirmatha Beachin Kendrapara district of Odisha

(India), now a part of the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary.

Bhitarkanika Mangroves designated a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2002.

Worlds largest known rookery of Olive Ridley sea turtles.

Two other mass nesting beaches on the mouth of rivers Rushikulya and Devi.

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