Mar-17Envi

Question 1

Mar-17Envi -Index

Answer 1

5.1. Environmental Clearance (EC) violation
5.2. Two Pit Solution
5.3. Living Person Status to Ganga and Yamuna
5.4. Green NOD for Neutrino Project Suspended
5.5. Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary
5.6. Barasingha Conservation
5.7. World’s Natural Saltiest Pond
5.8. Divya Nayan
5.9. Groundwater Exploitation
5.10. Online Filing of Access and Benefit Sharing
Applications
5.11. Easing of Rules for Clearance of Non-Polluting
Industrial Projects
5.12. Algal Bloom
5.13. WHO Report on Noise Pollution
5.14. Sparrow Conservation
5.15. Reforms in Water Governance
5.16. WWF to Undertake Ganges Dolphin Count
5.17. Earth Hour/Light Pollution
5.18. National Large Solar Telescope
5.19. Bio-Diesel Body Calls for Lower Tax Rate (Bio-
Diesel)
5.20. Cleaning Ganga
5.21. Fewer Migratory Water Birds Sighted at Ropar
5.22. Website for Obtaining Coastal Clearances 5.23.
Western Ghats Conservation
5.24. Bharat Emissions Standards

Question 2

5.1. ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE (EC) VIOLATION

Answer 2

Why in news? The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has issued a notification, giving a six-month window period to project proponents, who have been operating without obtaining a prior environmental clearance. Background
 The process of granting ECs by the ministry includes grant of terms of reference (ToRs), public consultations and environment impact assessment (EIA).
 Different sector-based Expert Appraisal Committees (EACs) in the environment ministry appraise projects as per the
provisions of the EIA notification 2006 after which it recommends or rejects environment clearance to
projects. New notification
 There is a window for applying EC but the action will be taken in case an expert panel of the ministry finds it to be environmentally unsustainable.
 In cases where EAC finds that the project can run in an environmentally sustainable manner, the expert panel will prescribe assessment of ecological damage, a remediation plan and natural and community resource augmentation plan (NCRAP).
 The idea is to take away the economic benefit (if any) derived by the company due to violation and pay for the remediation of damage caused due to violation. Future Concerns
 Environmentalists are not happy because it encourages violation and negates the purpose of detailed EIA
 The EC should not be granted once project activities have started, but if it is now allowed the implementation of remedial measures and compliance of clearance conditions must be strictly monitored.

Box–1-CAG’s performance audit on ECs
It said that ministry has failed at every step in ensuring environment is protected
It also said that ministry has not penalized even a single project for non-compliance.
Only in 11% of the cases were the ECs granted within the prescribed time limit of 105 days.

Box–2-Environmental Impact Assessment EIA is an important management tool for ensuring optimal use of natural resources for sustainable development.

Question 3

5.2. TWO PIT SOLUTION

Answer 3

Background
 Septic tanks are generally preferred by rural households as a mini sewage treatment plants.
 It separates the solid waste from the waste water.
 They have the advantage of being economical, low maintenance cost and most importantly waste water can be used to drain the farms
 But they also have inherent disadvantages such as regular
maintenance is required, foul smell, etc. Also, one time investment
of building a septic tank is high for the rural households of India.
Two pit Latrines
 This system has two leach pits, with a ‘Y’ junction. The practice is to
fill one and cover it over when nearly full, and leave it to stand while
the second pit is used. The waste in the first pit will convert into
manure in a year.
 It has the following advantages over septic tanks:
o They are very cheap as compared to building septic tank. Also, maintenance cost is also minimal.
o Manure can be used in field or can be sold out giving another economic advantage.
o It will also promote the culture of using latrines because of the economic advantage of manure.
The low preference of farmers for two-pit latrines over septic tanks suggest that there is lack of awareness among them about the advantages.

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Question 4

5.3. LIVING PERSON STATUS TO GANGA AND YAMUNA

Answer 4

Why in news?
The Uttarakhand HC division bench declared the Ganga and Yamuna living entities, bestowing on them same legal rights as a person.
The Court verdict  The Ganga and TheYamuna, all their tributaries,Glaciars like Gangotri,Yamunotri and Forest are declared as living person with all corresponding rights, duties and liabilities.
 Director of the Namami Gange programme, the Uttarakhand Chief Secretary, and the Advocate-General of Uttarakhand would serve as “parents” for the rivers and would be the human faces to protect, conserve and preserve the rivers and their tributaries.  Earlier the bench asked authorities to impose complete prohibition on alcohol including beer in Rudraprayag, Chamoli and Uttarkashi districts from April 1.  Directed the state government to impose a ‘glacier tax’.( It’s a cess imposed on tourists visiting the Himalayas in order to protect depleting glacier ecology and the amount realized by way of it would be used only for the benefit of people visiting the area including the pilgrims)  Asked Uttarakhand Environment Protection & Pollution Control Board (UEPPCB) strictly to seal the industries, hotels, ashrams and other establishments, which are discharging the sewerage in the rivers.
 The constitution of Ganga Management Board is necessary for the purpose of regulating irrigation, rural and urban water supply, hydro power generation, navigation, industries. Earlier precedents
 Earlier New Zealand has recognised the Whanganui Riverans ecosystem as living being after relentless effort by the Iwi indigenous peoples who live along the bank of river by passing Te Awa Tapua bill.  In Ecuador, people went to court in the name of the Vilcabamba River, being affected by a road widening project. Significance  Recognition of the rivers’ rights is based on its value for socio-political-scientific development and the spiritual significance as they serve us but it should be due to their innate qualities and being a part of overall ecosystem.  It may be extended to all other rivers and other natural resources like hills mines etc. to protect them also.
 It has potential ramification of legal litigations if a situation arises when private and public property are damaged by river and other streams as they are considered legal living person now.  It’s a positive move as National acquatic animal Gangatic Dolphine and other river ecosystem animal will be saved inadvertantly.

Question 5

5.4. GREEN NOD FOR NEUTRINO PROJECT SUSPENDED

Answer 5

Why in news? The Southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal suspended the Environmental Clearance (EC) granted to the India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) About INO
 India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) is a particle physics research project under construction to primarily study atmospheric neutrinos in a 1,300 meters deep cave near Bodhi west hills reserved forest near pottipuram village in Theni district, Tamil Nadu.
 After photons, neutrinos are the most abundant particles in the universe. They are affected only by a weak sub-atomic force of much shorter range, making it possible for them to pass great distances through matter without being affected. Reason
 The petitioner says that the project was 4.9 km away from Mathikettan Shola National Park in Idukki district, Kerala. This makes INO a category ‘A’ project (within 5 km of a national park) requiring clearance from the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL).
Environmental concerns
 Site stands on an aquifer that feeds three important river systems – Periyar, Vaigai, and Vaippar
 Rock-blasting during construction could seismically impact reservoirs including Mullaperiyar and Idukki
 Department of Atomic Energy could use the underground space for storing high-level radioactive waste from nuclear power plants  Tribunal and Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai being the other four place of sitting of the Tribunal

Box–About National Green Tribunal (NGT) The National Green Tribunal has been established on 18.10.2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010 for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources.  Its mandate is to enforce any legal right relating to environment, providing relief and compensation for damages to persons and property. It is a specialized body equipped with the necessary expertise to handle environmental disputes involving multi-disciplinary issues.  The Tribunal is mandated for disposal of applications or appeals finally within 6 months of filing of the same.

Question 6

5.5. DAROJI SLOTH BEAR SANCTUARY

Answer 6

Why in news?
Sloth Bear cubs are spotted after 4 years in Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary. About Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary
 It is located in Ballari district in karnataka and 15 km near Hampi  Created exclusively for preservation of Indian sloth bear. It is the flagship species (the ability of one threatened species to help drive conservation efforts that also benefit others smaller and important species i.e. Tiger, Elephant conservation requires large area and effort and in due course other species get protection inadvertantly) of the sanctuary.
 Flora is dry deciduous scrub and southern thron forest.
About Indian sloth bear
 There are eight species of Bears in the world. Indian Sloth Bear is confined to India and Sri Lanka only
 Locally called KARADI in karnataka
 Comes under endangered species.

Question 7

5.6. BARASINGHA CONSERVATION

Answer 7

Why in news?
Bhoorsingh the Barasingha- Kanha tiger reserve becomes first in India get official mascot.
About Barasingha
 Barasingha also called swamp dear is state animal of Madhya Pradesh
 It comes under vulnerable category in IUCN red list.
 It is extinct in Pakistan and Bangladesh and its native of India and nepal.
 Kanha tiger reserve is spread over Mandla and Balaghat district.
 The swamp deer differs from all the Indian deer species in that the antlers carry more than three tines because of this distinctive character it is designated barasingha meaning twelve-tined.

Question 8

5.7. WORLD’S NATURAL SALTIEST POND

Answer 8

Why in news?
Scientists discover how the world’s saltiest pond gets its salt. How does it remain liquid?
 Don Juan Pond gets its salt and some of its water from a nearby deposit of calcium chloride salt.
 The salt deposit sucks water from the icy air whenever the humidity increases.
 That salt laden water then slowly trickles downhill towards the pond. The rest of the pond’s water comes from occasional snow melt that helps to wash the salt into the pond. About Pond
 Name - Don Juan Pond situated in figid McMurdo valley in Antarctica.
 Its unique feature is it remains in liquid form and does not freeze.
 Saltiest water body on earth, 8th times brinier than The Dead Sea.
 Don Juan Pond was discovered in 1961, named after two helicopter pilots, Lt. Don Roe and Lt. John Hickey.

Question 9

5.8. DIVYA NAYAN

Answer 9

Why in news?
Chandigarh based Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) lab develops the most advanced reading machine for visually challenged. Features
 It is portable device is based on the principle of contact scanning of a printed document and converting it into speech. It can scans any script and reads it aloud for visually challenged to understand.
 The device can analyse a multicolumn document and provide seamless reading
 It is capable of page, text and word level navigation while reading
 The device is standalone(able to operate independently of other hardware or software), portable, completely wireless and uses open source hardware and software
 Currently it supports Hindi and English languages later on it will be programmed for other Indian and foreign languages as well.
 Internal storage of 32 GB with run time of upto 3 hours and weighs 410 gram
 It is equipped with WiFi and Bluetooth interface
 It also can be connected to a monitor and be used as a mini computer with screen reader utility. Advantages
 Earlier Braille was the primary source of reading for such people but converting text into Braille is time consuming, now this limitation has been removed.
 India has a population of 15 million visually challenged, of the 39 million across the world. Such large number of people will be benefited by access of technology.
 It would bridge the gap of available technology for visually challenged.

Question 10

5.9. GROUNDWATER EXPLOITATION

Answer 10

Why in news?
 On the World Water Day on March 22, the Karnataka government admitted that the groundwater levels in more than 140 of the total 176 talukas have depleted due to overexploitation.
What is groundwater exploitation?
 Excessive withdrawal of groundwater for various purposes including irrigation, domestic and industrialization, which result in decline in ground water levels.

 On the other hand, ground water recharge in many areas is reduced due to varied &erratic rainfall pattern
as well as change in land use.
Initiatives Taken Up by GOI
 The National Water Policy (2012) was formulated which advocates conservation, promotion and protection of water and highlights the need for augmenting the availability of water through rain water harvesting, direct use of rainfall and other management measures.
 Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) has been constituted.
 Under “The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986” for the purpose of regulation and control of ground water development and management.
 As per Schedule-I of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), the water conservation and water harvesting structures to augment ground water constitute a special focus area for MGNREGA works.
 CGWB has taken up Aquifer Mapping and Management programme during XII Plan.
 Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change have merged two separate programmes, namely, National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP) and National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP) into a new Integrated Scheme of National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Eco-Systems (NPCA) for conservation and management of identified lakes and wetlands in the country.
 CGWB has been organizing mass awareness programmes in the country to promote rain water harvesting and artificial recharge to ground water.

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Question 11

5.10. ONLINE FILING OF ACCESS AND BENEFIT SHARING APPLICATIONS

Answer 11

Why in news?
 Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (Moef) launched the online filing of Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) applications.
 The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), teamed up with the National Informatics Centre (NIC), to launch the website to enable E-filing of applications.
What is Access and Benefit Sharing?
 Access and benefit-sharing (ABS) refers to the way in which genetic resources may be accessed, and how benefits from that result from their use are shared between the people or countries using the resources (users) and the people or countries that provide them (providers).
 The Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization (ABS) to the Convention on Biological Diversity is a supplementary agreement to the Convention on Biological Diversity.
 It was constituted on 29th October, 2010.

Box– NBA is a statutory body established under the provisions of the Biological Diversity Act.
 It performs facilitative and advisory functions for the Union government on issues of conservation, sustainable use of biological resources and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of biological resources.

Question 12

5.11. EASING OF RULES FOR CLEARANCE OF NON-POLLUTING INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS

Answer 12

 The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MOEF) has said that Projects under the new category of “white”, which is practically non-polluting, will not require environmental clearance.
Background
 MOEF in consultation with the Central Pollution Control Boardhas reclassified the industries into “Red”, “Orange”, “Green” and “White” with an objective to promote “Ease of Doing Responsible Business”.
 Projects are supposed to get environmental clearances under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 or Consent under Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and Water (Prevention and Control of
Pollution) Act, 1974.
Significance
 It will simplify procedures
to fast-track industries
falling under the “white”
category which includes
real estate projects.
 Will cut procedural delays
to spur growth through
improved 'ease of doing
business'.
Criticism
 The hurry to spare the real
estate projects when the
similar matter under the
December 9 notification is
pending in the NGT.
 It also bypasses the
Environment (Protection)
Act as well as the 2006 EIA
notification"

—Fig—

Question 13

5.12. ALGAL BLOOM

Answer 13

Why in news?
 The algal bloom has expanded from the shores of Oman on the west to India and Pakistan on the east raising environmental concerns.
What is algal bloom?  An algal bloom is a rapid increase in the population of algae in an aquatic system. What are harmful algal blooms?  Algal bloom is caused by Noctilucascintillans—microscopic dinoflagellates that feed on plankton and suck up energy from the sun through microscopic algae living within their cells.

Effects of harmful algal blooms  Produce extremely dangerous toxins that can sicken or kill people and animals.  Create dead zones in the water.  Raise treatment costs for drinking water  Hurt industries that depend on clean water

Box–Dinoflagellates are one-celled aquatic organisms bearing two dissimilar flagella and having characteristics of both plants and animals.

Question 14

5.13. WHO REPORT ON NOISE POLLUTION

Answer 14

Why in news?
 World Health Organisation “Worldwide Hearing Index” claims Delhi to be the second worst city with highest noise pollutions.
 The report has been created by digital hearing app founders Mimi Hearing Technologies Gmbh after an analysis was done on 2, 00,000 of their users.
Report Analysis
 Guangzhou in China had the worst noise pollution, while Zurich in Switzerland had the least.
 A typical source of noise pollution is transport, such as road, rail and air traffic.
 Most of the people living in the noise polluted cities face hearing loss. Around 360 million people worldwide have been facing hearing loss out of which 32 million are children
 In next few years around 1.1 billion teenagers worldwide are at risk of developing hearing loss due to unsafe use of personal audio devices and exposure to damaging levels of sounds in noisy entertainment venues.
Effects of Prolonged Noise Pollution
 According to a 2007 WHO estimate, almost six per cent people in India suffer from hearing loss.
 Prolonged exposure to noise above 60 dB can lead to irreversible Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)
 Other serious health implications are:
 deafness,
 heart conditions,
 sleep disorders and
 cognitive impairment in children
Preventive measures
NIHL can be prevented by improving one’s diet
 Dietary supplements rich in antioxidants can protect hair cells
in the inner ear.
 Food rich in Beta-Carotene, Vitamin C and E, and magnesium protect from threshold shifts.
 Use of ear plugs and muffs is also recommended as a sound protective measure.

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Question 15

5.14. SPARROW CONSERVATION

Answer 15

Why in news?
 The House Sparrow which was declared as the State bird of Delhi in 2012 is now fast disappearing.
Reasons
 Anthropogenic factors food and nesting places are destroyed by humans.
 Homeless due to “matchbox styled” architecture that makes it difficult for the bird to build nests.
 Increased use of packaged food.
 Insects which are their primary source of food are killed due to use of pesticides and insecticides in farms and gardens
 Radiation from mobile towers.

Solution
 Kitchen waste can be utilised to make birds feed by making microbes through decomposition.
 In summer, Bird -bath along with water bowls would help them to rehydrate.
 Plants and hedges can be grown to help build them nests.
 Artificial nests outside our homes could be build for a safe breeding and roosting place.
What is being currently done?
 Seminary hills in Nagpur is to designated as a sparrow conservation site.
 A similar sparrow conservation programme is also being launched at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), Borivali, and forest department’s Rambagh Colony in Chandrapur

Box–The Great Sparrow Count is a Nature Forever Society of India (NFSI) Initiative.
The aim is document the population and distribution of 24 different species of sparrows found across the world.
NFSI is a non-profit organization found to conserve house sparrows.
March 20 is celebrated as World Sparrow Day across 50 countries annually since 2010.

Question 16

5.15. REFORMS IN WATER GOVERNANCE

Answer 16

Why in News?
 On March 22 2017, Government of India observed the World Water Day; which stresses the need to look at Water and its associated problems.
 Moreover, United Nations World Water Development Report, ‘Wastewater: the Untapped Resource’, has also advocated a paradigm shift from wastewater as a problem towards as a resource.
About the Water issue
 UN Environment Programme forecasts the water crises to be the top global risk over the next decade because water demand for industry, energy and agriculture will increase by 50% by 2030.
 The current trends of water usage will continue to perpetuate water scarcity, endangering human health and ecosystems and constraining sustainable economic development.
 The availability of water resources is also intrinsically linked to water quality, as the pollution of water sources may prohibit different types of uses.
 Increased discharges of untreated sewage, agricultural runoff and inadequately treated wastewater from industry coupled with climate change call for a look for water security.
India and water scenario
 India has 63 million people living in rural areas without access to clean water and half of the total households with access to water supply in their premises, depend on untreated tap-water.
 India’s farms consume more water to grow the same amount of crops, compared to global averages. That crop production, grazing and animal water supply accounted for a little over 92% of total water use in the India. Whereas Industry and domestic use accounted for only 4.4% and 3.6%, respectively.

Due to poor water sanitation, there is a 15% increase in water-born health problems during the last decade.
 Wastewater generation is one of the biggest challenges associated with the growth of informal settlements (slums) in India.
 A large proportion of wastewater is still released into the environment without being either collected or treated. For instance, only 8% of domestic and industrial wastewater is treated in India.
 The phenomenon of global warming has modified the ecology of major rivers of India. For instance, Ganga and Indus suffer significant-to-severe levels of water scarcity for 7 to 11 months in a year.
Governance on Water
 Water Footprint Network has identified that water related policies of the Government of India emphasis on symbolic aspect rather than factual outcome.
 The existing Water governance framework faces complete lack of coordination and clarity. For example, Mihir Shah Committee 2016 identified that India’s existing water-governance system as silo-based which views ground water, river basin rejuvenation and other such challenges as isolated tasks.
 Agriculture related policies of India are indifferent to water scenario. For example, guaranteed procurement policy by the Food Corporation of India neglects the water consumption by major crops.
 Moreover, National Water Policy 2012 does not mandate any legally liability for any damage caused to the water resources as a result of over extraction.
Reforms
 On Governance
 Water has multidimensional impact on life; thus, policies pertaining to it must be based on its myriad usages, for example, WFN (Water Footprint Network) classifies water usage into three types: green (rain water); blue (surface and groundwater); and grey (amount of water required to carry off pollutants).
 Mihir Shah Committee advocated the coordination approach for water governance with international studies. For example, independent studies which are based on internationally comparable evapotranspiration rates (sum of water lost to atmosphere due to evaporation and transpiration via plants) must be considered for water related governance.
 Robust infrastructure and reframe of water governance mechanism ranging from agricultural to domestic usage is the need of the hour. For instance, committee on restructuring of Central Water Commission and Central Ground Water Board advocate for National Water Commission (NWC) as the nation’s apex facilitation organisation dealing with water policy, data and governance.
 On Sanitation
 World Health Organisation released UN-Water Global Analysis and Assessment of Sanitation and Drinking-water (GLASS) report 2017, advocating the need for increase in spending on sanitation, drinking-water and hygiene.
 Robust awareness programmes in informal settlement is need of the hour; this is because, GLASS report 2017, highlighted that there is neglect of WASH (Water Sanitation and Hygiene) approach in government policy.
 On Conservation
 Community based water quality monitoring guidelines should be encouraged. Infrastructure intrinsically linked to ground water recharge must be adopted for sustainability.
 Besides reducing pollution at the source, policy initiatives must shift focus towards removing contaminants from wastewater flows, reusing water, and recovering useful by-products. For instance:
 In Singapore and the southern California coastal city of San Diego, residents already drink recycled water.
 Japan’s sewage operators use bio-solids as a carbon-neutral form of energy.
 According to World Water Development Report 2017, more than a fifth of global phosphorus demand worldwide could be met by recycled human urine and faeces.
 Waste water is a rich source of nutrients, minerals and energy all of which can be cost-effectively extracted.

Box–1-Reason for Water problem in India
Farmers are dependent on ground-water irrigation.
High energy subsidies to farmers have encouraged relentless exploitation.
Lax regulation on water use.
Lopsided price incentives, for example, incentivising paddy cultivation which in itself is a water gurgling crop.
Lack of water expertise in government organisations.
Underutilization of government water reservoirs.
Centralized water treatment plants.

Box–2-UN World Water Development Report 2017 Four-pronged strategy (Wastewater)
Reducing
Minimising waste water flow.
Priority over traditional ‘after-use’ treatment.
Prohibiting or controlling the use of certain contaminant.
Monitoring and reporting of pollutant discharges.
Removing
Low-cost decentralized systems of wastewater treatment systems.
Effluent of adequate quality for several potential uses, including agriculture and allied activities.
Can provide a safe, affordable and effective alternative to more costly centralized systems to meet the needs of unnerved populations.
Reusing
Enhance water availability and offset water scarcity.
Treating wastewater to the level most appropriate for its intended ‘safe’ use.
Enhance food security and provides opportunities for improved nutrition.
Recovery
Energy can be recovered from wastewater in the form of biofuel, biogas, heat, and electricity generation.
Recovering nutrients like nitrogen, and especially phosphorus, from sewage sludge.

Question 17

5.16. WWF TO UNDERTAKE GANGES DOLPHIN COUNT

Answer 17

Why in News?
 World Wide Fund for Nature-India has raised concern about the decreasing numbers of Ganges Dolphin in River system.
 WWF decide to count the number of Dolphins by using equipment which help in more accurate imaging.
 Earlier, counting was based on sightseeing.
About Ganges Dolphin
 It is the national aquatic animal of India.
 Other common names: Ganges river dolphin, blind dolphin, Ganges dolphin, Ganges susu, Gangetic dolphin, Hihu, Side-swimming dolphin, South Asian River Dolphin, Indus River Dolphin.
 It is a fresh water dolphin found in the river system of Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu
river systems of Nepal, India, and Bangladesh.
 Categorised under IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) status : Endangered
 Lowest estimate for the total population is 1,200–1,800 dolphins.
Conservation Action
 Ganges Dolphin is legally protected in all range states and occurs in a number of national parks and other designated areas.
 Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary (Bihar) in the mainstream of the Ganges River was designated as a protected area for dolphins.
 Its species are listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix I.

Box–1-What is World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)?
Switzerland based International Non-Governmental organisation, est. in 1961 and engages in conservation of wildlife and natural habitat.
Objectives
Works under the mission statement:
oTo stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature.
Conserving the world’s biological diversity.
Ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable.
Promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.
Enhancing active participation of all sections of society in nature conservation and environmental protection through environmental education, awareness and capacity-building.

Box--2-Threats to the Ganges River dolphin
Water development projects
Pollution loads/ Toxic element
Deliberate Killing ( Meat and oil )
Mortality in Fishing net

Box–3-What is IUCN?
 It is an International Union created in 1948, comprises of both government and civil society organisations.
 It is only environmental organisation with official United Nations Observer Status
 It engage in data gathering and analysis, environmental research, advocacy, lobbying conservation, spreading education about equitable and ecologically sustainability.
 It publishes the Red Data Book under Global Species Programme, working with the Species Survival Commission.
 Red Data Book assessing the conservation status of species, subspecies, varieties, and even selected subpopulations of both flora and fauna.
 IUCN Red Data Book is listed to catalogue:
o Extinct
o Extinct in wild
o Critically Endangered,
o Endangered
o Vulnerable
o Near Threaten
o Least Concern

Box–4-What is CITES?
 It is an International agreement between governments, drafted as a result of a resolution adopted in 1963 at a meeting of members of IUCN.
 To ensure that international trade in the specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
 CITES regulates international trade in species by including species on one of the three Appendices.
o Appendix I - species cannot be traded internationally for primarily commercial purposes, e.g. Tiger, Himalayan brown bear, elephant, and Tibetan antelope.
o Appendix II - species can be traded internationally for commercial purposes, but within strict regulations, requiring determinations of sustainability and legality, e.g. Hippopotamus, bigleaf mahogany, and the gray wolf.
o Appendix III - a species included at the request of a country which then needs the cooperation of other countries to help prevent illegal exploitation, e.g. walrus, Hoffmann’s two-toed sloth, and the red-breasted toucan.

Question 18

5.17. EARTH HOUR/LIGHT POLLUTION

Answer 18

Why in News?
 In an effort to spread the message of energy conservation, and climate change, billions of people across the globe had observed ‘Earth Hour’ on March 25, 2017, from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
 Apart from aforesaid initiative, the Earth Hour also highlighted the issue of Light Pollution.
What is Earth Hour?
 It is a symbolic event organised by World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) at Sydney (Australia) in 2007.
 Across the globe, various organisations, households and individuals switch off their lights for one hour to show that they care about the future of the planet earth.
 Through this, people also come to know about the contemporary environmental issues such as global warming and depletion of natural resources.
What is Light Pollution?
 It is also known as photo-pollution or luminous pollution.
 It is an excessive, misdirected, or obtrusive artificial (usually outdoor) light in the environment.
 In the process of urbanisation, demand for outdoor lighting has increased and light pollution sprawled beyond the city limits and into suburban and rural areas.
Causes of Light Pollution
 Unnecessary use of artificial lights.
 Poorly designed residential, commercial, and industrial outdoor lights.
 Unshielded light fixtures which emit more than 50% of their light skyward or sideways.
Effect of Light Pollution
 Environment
 Excessive night-time lighting releases more than 12 million tons of carbon dioxide.
 Photo-pollution increases air pollution by suppressing a naturally occurring Nitrate radical that cleans the air at night. (Nitrate prevents ground level Ozone formation).
 Artificial light also increase the chemicals for ozone pollution by 5%.
 Energy
 Wasted light results in energy waste. An International Dark Sky Association (IDA) study in 2016 estimated that 30% of all light emitted by public outdoor light fixtures is wasted.
 Wildlife
 Lights can attract or repel animals and insects. Most of the animal life functions on a diurnal or nocturnal system that is thrown out of sync by light pollution. This can place the entire species in danger, or attract unwanted species into human areas.
 It disturbs the reproductive cycles of some animals and the migration of birds that navigate using the stars, and to disorient night-flying insects.
 Astronomy
 Light spill and sky glow interferes with astronomical equipment, and makes viewing faint celestial bodies difficult, even with the aid of a telescope.
 Moreover, it obstructs the observations, research and scientific study of night sky.
 Human-Health
 Affect the circadian rhythms which regulate physiologic activities such as brain wave patterns, hormone production, and cell regulation.
 Disrupting these rhythms can result in a variety of health problems, including sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, diabetes, cancer (particularly breast and prostate cancer), cardiovascular disease, immunological disorders, and obesity.
 Melatonin, the naturally occurring hormone that regulates the sleep and wake cycle, is acutely affected by light pollution. The hormone is activated by darkness and repressed by light.

Way forwards
 Awareness programme is a need of the hour because light pollution is the least known type of pollution.
 Use of new lighting technology is required, that uses the full cut-off concept.
 Government policies on the use of lights must be stepped-up in a way that forces consumers to buy more energy-saving light.

Question 19

5.18. NATIONAL LARGE SOLAR TELESCOPE

Answer 19

Why in News?
 In March 2017, wildlife panel of the Union Government cleared
a proposal for diversion of forest land from the Changthang,
Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary in Ladakh region of Jammu and
Kashmir for the establishment of National Large Solar
Telescope (NLST).
 The project of NLST would be implemented by Bangalore
based, Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIAP).
What is National Large Solar Telescope?
 It will be a 2-m class, multipurpose and state-of-the-art solar
telescope (NLST).
 NLST will be the largest solar telescope in the world, because
till recently, only one meter class solar telescopes are in existence throughout the world.
 NLST will be larger than the current solar telescopes such as the 1.5-m German telescope GREGOR (on Tenerife) and the 1.6-m New Solar Telescope at Big Bear.
 NLST would be a unique research tool for the country and will attract several talented solar astronomers to the country.
Features of National Large Solar Telescope
 It is capable of doing both day and night astronomy because of unprecedented high spatial resolution.
 It will fill the longitude gap between Japan and Europe. Currently, there is no telescope between these regions.
 It will provide high spatial resolution that would provide crucial information on the nature of magnetic fields in the solar atmosphere.
 It will help in understanding the formation and decay of sunspots by using Helioseismology, which is a powerful technique for probing the solar interior using acoustic Oscillations.
Why Ladhak Region for NLST?
 High altitude region which will fundamentally enhance the NLST capacity.
 Prolong region of sunshine, clear sky (high visibility) with low sessional variation.
 Low concentration of aerosol and dust particles in sky.
 Lower wind speed and presence of mild gusts and direction; also the laminar winds blowing in favourable condition.

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Question 20

5.19. BIO-DIESEL BODY CALLS FOR LOWER TAX RATE (BIO-DIESEL)

Answer 20

Why in News
 Bio-Diesel Association of India raised their concern in pre- budget memorandum to the Government, about the skewed tax rate pertaining to Bio-Diesel, which is hampering the major clean energy initiatives of India.
What is Bio-Diesel Association of India?
 Non-profit national association representing the bio-fuels sector.
 Co-ordinating body for marketing, research and development of bio-fuels.
 Interacts with a broad range of co-operators including industry, government and academia.
 Membership comprises of farmers/cultivators societies, national feedstock and feedstock processor organizations, bio-diesel suppliers, fuel marketers and distributors and technology providers.

Question 21

5.20. CLEANING GANGA

Answer 21

Why in News?
 National Green Tribunal on Thursday prohibited all camping activity on beaches along the Ganga which fall within 100 meters from the middle of the river during lean season flow from Shivpuri to Rishikesh, a hub for eco-tourism and river rafting.
 A major step taken to develop sewage treatment infrastructure in Patna to
keep Ganga clean, projects worth Rs 1,050 crore have been awarded under Namami Gange Programme.
 The amount will be spent for setting up two two Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), renovation of one existing STP, construction of two pumping stations and laying of new underground sewage network of about 400 kilometers.
 Also NMCG Signs MoU with Rotary India to implement ‘WASH in school’ program.
About ‘WASH in Schools’ Program
 The program includes the implementation of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene services in the targeted government schools and sensitizing all the stakeholders including school children, teachers, school management communities and communities etc. on practicing positive health behaviors for improving awareness on sanitation.
 This will be achieved through an integrated learning environment and enabling children to serve as agents of change for their siblings and communities at large.  Rotary India has planned to undertake WASH in Schools programme in 20,000 Government Schools in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand and Nadia District of West Bengal and other states where Rotary has a strong presence.
Background
 The various types of pollution abatement schemes taken up to clean Ganga may be categorized into core and non-core schemes.
 Core Schemes include Interception and diversion (I&D) of sewage discharging into the Ganga River and creating treatment infrastructure to treat the intercepted sewage.
 Non-Core Schemes include Providing Low Cost
Sanitation (LCS) at community and individual levels at identified locations, Installation of Crematoria (electric as well as wood based improved crematoria), River Front Development (RFD) including bathing ghats, Afforestation, protecting bio-diversity and creating Public awareness and participation.
Namami Ganga Programme
 May 2015, the Centre had approved the Namami Gange programme with an outlay of Rs 20,000 crores for five years.
 Focus is on ‘aviral dhara’ (uninterrupted flow) and ‘nirmal dhara’ (clean flow) of Ganga.

 Following are proposed to be taken up under Namami Gange:
o Ensuring ecological rejuvenation by conservation of aquatic life and biodiversity.
o Promotion of Tourism and Shipping in a rational and sustainable manner.
o Knowledge Management on Ganga through Ganga Knowledge Centre.
Other Recent Initiative by the government
 Ganga Manthan- Ganga Manthan was a national conference held to discuss issues and possible solutions for cleaning the river.
 Ganga Task force- On January 05, 2016 the Central Government launched the first company of Ganga Task Force Battalion which was deployed at Garhmukteshwar.
Hurdles in cleaning program of Ganga
 ‘Unreasonable’ directions by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) questioning the operating capacity of sewage treatment plants in Uttar Pradesh.
 Delay in clearances of STPs by State governments to execute projects.  Lack of coordination between the Centre and state governments
 The Parliamentary Committee on Environment and Forests has found that the mission to clean Ganga and Yamuna has failed due to undue investment on technical aspects like creating sewage treatment plants to prevent the pollution in river Ganga without involving people living on the banks of the river.
 The committee thinks that ministry has ignored the social aspects of pollution in the rivers.
 The committee also noted that the schemes for cleaning the two rivers have failed because their catchment areas have been encroached upon and diverted for construction and developmental activities.
Solving the problem of Ganga pollution
Treating Urban Sewage
 Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal together generate over 7,300 million litres of sewage per day that flows directly or indirectly into the river.
 Creating sewage treatment plants (STPs) is one major task to be completed to solve the problem of sewage.
 The government has now decided to rope incorporates to do this work in all the 118 urban centres along the river.
Rural Sewage
 About 1,650 gram panchayats lie directly on the banks of the Ganga About half the population in these villages defecates in the open.
 The government plans to use biological means to deal with this waste. It wants to experiment with Seechwal model.
 Seechewal inculcated the practice of segregation of solid and liquid waste, treatment of waste water through oxidation ponds, use of treated water for irrigation, and composting of solid waste with a sense of community participation and ownership of the river.
Industrial Effluents
 There are 764 polluting industries on the banks of the Ganga, mostly in Uttar Pradesh. These include tanneries, paper and pulp industries, sugar mills, dyeing factories, distilleries, and cement plants. Effluents from all these flow untreated into the river.
 Industries must install Common effluent treatment plants (CETPs), install new technologies, and ensure zero liquid discharge into the river.
Surface Cleaning
 Solid waste, clothes, polythene, and all kinds of religious offerings are dumped into the river, and float on its surface. It is the easiest to clean them — and can result in a quick visual makeover for the river.
 Machines called trash skimmers have been ordered from abroad to clean the river surface near all major towns.

Burning the Dead
 Cremation along rivers and immersion of remains is a unique reason for pollution in Indian rivers, and especially the Ganga. Burning of wood leads to air pollution as well.
 Need to build gas or electric crematoriums, especially in religious centres like Varanasi and Allahabad.

Box–1-History of Cleaning Ganga process
Ganga Action Plan(GAP) Phase I & II:
Phase I was launched in 1985, covering 25 Ganga towns in three states.
Phase II launched in 1993 covered 59 towns in five states;
Rivers such as Yamuna, Gomti, Damodar, Mahananda had separate action plans.
NGBRA
Setting up of National Ganga River Basin Authority NGRBA in 2009
Focused on a basin-specific approach; 43 towns were covered in five states.
National Mission for Clean Ganga
National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) was registered as a society on 12th August 2011 under the Societies Registration Act 1860.
It acted as implementation arm of National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA).

Box–2-About Rotary
Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who come together to make positive, lasting change in communities at home and abroad. Rotary Foundation (India) supports selected programs and projects of The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. Rotary Foundation (India) is a society registered under the Societies Registration Act of 1860

Box–3-Others Initiatives that can be taken
They include the launch of a public awareness exercise, regeneration of aquatic biology, plantations, and riverfront development.
GIS data and Spatial Analysis for Ganga basin
Afforestation – Conservation of Flora
Capacity building of urban local bodies
A comprehensive law on the Ganga can also help in giving legal backing.

—Fig—

Question 22

5.21. FEWER MIGRATORY WATER BIRDS SIGHTED AT ROPAR

Answer 22

Why in news?
 Asian Waterbird Census 2017, conducted by Wetlands International, South Asia, and Punjab’s Wildlife Preservation Department on January 16 this year, revealed that the number of water birds this season stood at 2,302 as against 3,114 last year.
 There was an increase in number of some of the species- Eurasian coot, bar-headed geese, spot-billed duck.
Reasons for decreasing number
 Human disturbances are considered to be the major reason for the decline in number
 At Ropar, boating, fishing and more of human presence along the riverbanks seem to drive away the water birds.
 Ropar is a riverine wetland with hardly any vegetation; but there are farmlands along the riverbanks where geese and ducks go for feeding. However, farmers try to keep them away from their land.
About Wetland International
 Wetlands International is the only global NGO dedicated to the conservation and wise use of wetlands.
Asian Water bird Census
 Every January, thousands of volunteers across Asia and Australasia visit wetlands in their country and count waterbirds.
 This event is called the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC), which is part of a global waterbird monitoring programme, the International Waterbird Census (IWC), coordinated by Wetlands International.
 The AWC initiated in 1987 in the Indian subcontinent and this was 50th AWC.
 In India, the AWC is jointly coordinated by the Bombay Natural History Society and Wetlands International.

Question 23

5.22. WEBSITE FOR OBTAINING COASTAL CLEARANCES

Answer 23

 The Minister of State of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Anil Madhav Dave, launched the web portal for obtaining Coastal Regulation Zone clearances.
 The web-based system will enable the Project proponents and the concerned State/Union Territory bodies like the State Coastal Zone Management Authorities (SCZMAs) and Municipal/Town Planning agencies in tracking the status of their proposals.
 The web portal will help in:
o enhancing efficiency, transparency and accountability in the process of CRZ clearances;
o enhance responsiveness through workflows and availability of real-time information on the status of CRZ clearance proposals;
o ease of business and convenience of citizens in accessing information and services;
o standardised procedures and processes across Central and State levels.
Classification of Coastal Regulation Zone
 Category I (CRZ-I): area between Low Tide Line and the high Tide Line
 Category-II (CRZ-II): The areas that have already been developed upto or close to the shoreline.
 Category-III (CRZ-III): Areas that are relatively undisturbed and those which do not belong to either Category-I or II. These will include coastal zone in the rural areas (developed and undeveloped) and urban areas.
 Category-IV (CRZ-IV): Coastal stretches in the Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep and small islands, except those designated as CRZ-I, CRZ-II or CRZ-III.

Question 24

5.23. WESTERN GHATS CONSERVATION

Answer 24

Why in News?
 A draft government notification has allowed the Centre to
create an Ecological Sensitive Area (ESA) over 50,000
square kilometers in the Western Ghats spanning
Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Kerala and Tamil
Nadu. It is still a draft notification and not inducted as a
law.
Need
 Western Ghats have shrunk in space in recent times
because of loss of species and degrading habitats – this
might affect rainfall patterns, river flow, water supply
and climate of the country. Therefore its conservation is a must.
Background
 The government had come up with a similar draft notification in 2014 but since it was not made into a law, it lapsed.
 Issue of conversation of Western Ghats surfaced in 2011 with the Western Ghats Ecology Panel/Madhav Gadgil committee giving its recommendations (see box).
 In 2012, K. Kasturirangan committee recommended that only about 60,000 sq km (about 37% of Western ghats) be declared as ESZ. It also recommended a ban on hydroelectric projects here.
 Later, after protests in Kerala due to perceived loss of livelihood after a declaration of ESZ, the ESZ area was reduced to about 56,825 sq km by excluding 3,117 sq km of settlements and agricultural land in the State.
 In 2017, Kerala government has requested the Union environment ministry to reduce the ESA further by 887 sqkm.

Significance
 India’s Forest policy aims to achieve a forest cover of at least 33% in the country. According to the State of Forests report, it is only 25%. Therefore Western Ghats conservation would be a step to achieve this goal.
 Changing patterns of rivers flowing through Western Ghats due to destruction of its biodiversity, can lead to increase in river water disputes in peninsular India.
 Conservation of Western Ghats would also help in improving rainfall patterns in India, thus helping improve agricultural productivity and farmer’s incomes.

Box–1-Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA)
MoEF defines it is as a bio-climatic unit wherein human actions have caused irreversible changes in the structure of biological communities and their natural habitats.
As per Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the government can prohibit industrial operations like mining, sand quarrying and thermal power plants in it.
But Environmental Act 1986 does not mention ESA explicitly.

Box–2-Madhav Gadgil committee recommendations
 It recommended making entire Western Ghats an Ecologically Sensitive Area because of its rich biodiversity and its ecosystem services like irrigation and drinking water to people.
 It advocated zoning of ecological sensitive area of the Western Ghats in three layers –
o Most significant area as Ecologically Sensitive Zone I (ESZ I)
o Moderately significant area as Ecologically Sensitive Zone II (ESZ II)
o Least significant area as Ecologically Sensitive Zone III (ESZ III)
Zone 3 was given considerable flexibilities in infrastructure. By this Gadgil asked to protect about 64% of Western Ghats.
 Local self-government should have the authority to regulate and encourage activities in each zone.
 The parameters to be used to identify the Ecologically sensitive zones would be –
o Biological forces like richness and rarity of species, ecological resilience etc.
o Cultural and Historical significance of the area
o Geo-climatic features such as slope, aspect, altitude, precipitation etc.
o Hazard vulnerability
o Stakeholders valuation
o Origin of rivers, contiguous habitats to national parks and sanctuaries etc.
 The activities to be banned in Ecologically sensitive zones would be GM crops, SEZs, change of land use, thermal plants, sand mining etc.

Question 25

5.24. BHARAT EMISSIONS STANDARDS

Answer 25

Why in News?
 From April, all of India will move to Bharat Stage IV (BS-IV) vehicular emission norms.
Background
 India introduced emission norms in 1991 and by 1996 most vehicle manufacturers had to incorporate technology upgrades like catalytic converters to cut exhaust emissions.
 Supreme Court in 1999 made Centre notify Bharat Stage-I (BIS 2000) and Bharat Stage-II norms, broadly
equivalent to Euro I and Euro II respectively,
 In 2014, Saumitra Chaudhary committee gave
recommendations on Auto Fuel Vision Policy 2025
which had recommended implementation of BS-IV
(2017), BS-V (2019) and BS-VI (2024) standards.
 Currently BS-IV norms are currently followed across 63
Indian cities for petrol and diesel, while the rest still use
BS-III fuel.
 In recent times, government decided to move up to the
toughest emission standards of BS-VI from the current
BS-IV by April 2020 skipping BS-V standard.
Significance
 This would mean a lower level of harmful emissions and
reduced incidence of lung diseases.
 This would significantly bring down share of vehicular pollution by reducing concentration of carbon monoxide, un-burnt hydrocarbons, nitrous oxide and particulate matter from emissions.

Challenges
 Moving to BS-VI directly will require significant technological upgrades for which auto companies may have to invest heavily.
 Smaller bonnet cars of India may not be able to imbibe DPF in them.
 Normally it takes 4 years to upgrade and the government’s vision may be too revolutionary.
 This can have the effect of making cars and other vehicles more expensive.
 Directly aping the Euro norms is problematic, considering that driving conditions in India are different from Europe.
 Further, improving the emission will not alone solve the problem of vehicular pollution as the number of vehicles is disproportionately high in Indian cities.
Way forward
 Government should make the
emission standards transition gradual
along with searching for alternative
fuels like ethanol and methanol
blending.
 Apart from that the government
should focus on lowering the demand
of fuels on the first place by
promoting more physical mobility
rather than vehicular mobility by
following Transit Oriented
Development policy.

Box–1-Technologies used in vehicles for emission reduction
1. Diesel Particulate filter (DPF):
It is a cylinder mounted vertically in engine compartment.
It is used for BS-V emission standard.
It removes Particulate Matter/soot from the diesel exhaust.
It needs temperature of 600 degree Celsius to function, difficult in Indian conditions.
2. Selective catalytic reduction technology (SCR):
It reduces the nitrogen oxides by injecting an aqueous solution having ammonia.
It is used for BS-VI emission standard.
It is fixed in the engine exhaust.

Box–2-Bharat Stage emission standards
These are norms instituted by the government to regulate the output of air pollutants from internal combustion engine equipment, including motor vehicles.
India has been following the European emission norms with a time-lag of five years.
The BS-IV compliant fuels have Sulphur concentration of 50 parts per million (ppm).
This will come down to as low as 10 ppm in BS-VI compliant fuels and auto engines.
By switching to BS-VI, India will join the league of the US, Japan and the European Union, which follow Euro Stage VI emission norms.
BS-VI is the Indian equivalent of Euro Stage VI.