Rau IAS Prelims Campass 2019

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CONTENTS
►INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR CONSERVATION OF NATURE
Section-1 (IUCN) 06
►BIRD LIFE INTERNATIONAL 07
Environment, Ecology & Biodiversity ►CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED
SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA (CITES) 07
02 ►THE WILDLIFE TRADE MONITORING NETWORK (TRAFFIC) 07
COREknowledge ►INTERNATIONAL CONSORTIUM ON COMBATING WILDLIFE

CRIME (ICCWC) 08
►BIODIVERSITY 02 ►SOUTH ASIA WILDLIFE ENFORCEMENT NETWORK (SAWEN) 08
►ECOLOGY 02 IMPORTANT BIRD AND BIODIVERSITY AREA (IBBA) 08
►ENVIRONMENT 02 ►WORLD WIDE FUND FOR NATURE (WWF) 08
►ECOSYSTEM 02 ►WILD LIFE PROTECTION ACT (WPA), 1972 08
►BIOME 02 VERMIN 09
►ECOTONE 02 ►NATIONAL BOARD FOR WILDLIFE 09
►BIOSPHERE 02 ►WILDLIFE INSTITUTE OF INDIA (WII) 09
►BIOMASS 03 ►ANIMAL WELFARE BOARD OF INDIA (AWBI) 10
►FOOD CHAIN & FOOD WEB 03 ►PROTECTED AREAS OF INDIA 10
►ECOLOGICAL PYRAMIDS 03 ►WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES 10
►BIOTIC INTERACTION 03 ►NATIONAL PARKS 10
►BIO-GEO CHEMICAL CYCLE 03 ►ECOLOGICALLY SENSITIVE ZONES (ESZS) 11
►ECOLOGICAL NICHE 03 ►CONSERVATION RESERVES AND COMMUNITY RESERVES 11
►ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION 04 ►LIST OF NATIONAL PARKS (JULY, 2018) 11
►BIOREMEDIATION 04 ►INDIAN FOREST ACT (IFA), 1927 14
►TAXONOMY 04 ►FOREST SURVEY OF INDIA (FSI) 14
►SPECIES 04 ►BOTANICAL AND ZOOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA 15
►GENUS 05 ►BIODIVERSITY ACT, 2002 15
►FLAGSHIP SPECIES 05 ►NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY AUTHORITY (NBA) 15
►INDICATOR SPECIES 05 ►BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES (BMC) 15
►KEYSTONE SPECIES 05 CENTRE FOR BIODIVERSITY POLICY AND LAW (CEBPOL) 16
►CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY (CBD) 05 ►BIODIVERSITY HERITAGE SITES 16
►THE CARTAGENA PROTOCOL ON BIO-SAFETY 05 ►MAN AND BIOSPHERE RESERVE PROGRAM (MAB) 16
►NAGOYA PROTOCOL 06 KHANGCHENDZONGA BIOSPHERE RESERVE (KBR) 16
►AICHI BIODIVERSITY TARGETS 06 ►LIST OF BIOSPHERE RESERVES IN INDIA 17
►INTERNATIONAL TREATY ON PLANT GENETIC RESOURCES FOR
►BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 06
►WESTERN GHATS: BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION HOTSPOT 19
► BIODIVERSITY FINANCE INITIATIVE (BIOFIN) 06
COMMITTEES ON WESTERN GHATS 20
►CRITICAL ECOSYSTEM PARTNERSHIP FUND (CEPF) 06
►GADGIL REPORT 20

i
►KASTURIRANGAN REPORT 20  WILDLIFE CRIME CONTROL BUREAU (WCCB) 34

►EASTERN GHATS 20 ►CHAMPIONS OF THE EARTH AWARD 34
►CORAL REEFS 20 ►NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT SURVEY 34
 WORLD'S LARGEST 3D-PRINTED REEF 21
FLORA & FAUNA
 ANGRIA BANK 21
►SHOLA GRASSLAND 34
►WETLANDS ►GINGER SPECIES 35
 RAMSAR CONVENTION 22  HEDYCHIUM CHINGMEIANUM 35
►MONTREUX RECORD 22  CAULOKAEMPFERIA DINABANDHUENSIS 35
►WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL 23 ►RED SANDERS 35
►RAMSAR WETLANDS SITES IN INDIA 23 ►NEELA KURINJI PLANTS 35
►MANGROVES 26 ►MUSA PARAMJITIANA 35
 DISTRIBUTION IN INDIAN SUBCONTINENT 26 ►NATIONAL BAMBOO MISSION 36
►MANGROVES FOR FUTURE (MFF) 27 ►NATIONAL WILDLIFE GENETIC RESOURCE BANK (NWGRB) 36
►WETLAND (CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT) RULES 2016 ►SVALBARD GLOBAL SEED VAULT 36
27
►INTERNATIONAL TROPICAL TIMBER ORGANIZATION (ITTO) 36
► HIGHLIGHTS OF WETLANDS (CONSERVATION AND ►INTERNATIONAL NETWORK FOR BAMBOO AND RATTAN
MANAGEMENT) RULES, 2017 27
MEMBERSHIP (INBAR) 36
►ASIAN WATERBIRD CENSUS (AWC) 28
►BATHUKAMMA 37
►NATIONAL WETLAND CONSERVATION PROGRAMME (NWCP)
►JEEVAMRUTAM: ORGANIC FARMING 37
29
►SINGPHAN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY 37
►MYRISTICA SWAMPS 29
►KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK 37
►THE NATIONAL FOREST POLICY (1988) 29
►NAGARHOLE TIGER RESERVE 38
►COMPENSATORY AFFORESTATION FUND MANAGEMENT AND
PLANNING AUTHORITY (CAMPA) 29 ►SIMILIPAL TIGER RESERVE 38
►JOINT FOREST MANAGEMENT (JFM) 30 ►ORANG TIGER RESERVE 38
►SOCIAL FORESTRY 30 ►COTIGAO WILDLIFE SANCTUARY 39
►MGNREGA 30 ►MALABAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY 39
►NET PRESENT VALUE (OF FORESTS) 30 ►NATIONAL ACTION PLAN FOR CONSERVATION OF MIGRATORY
BIRDS 39
►GREATER FLAMINGOES 39
31 ► HARRIER BIRDS 40
►GREY PELICANS 40
CURRENTaffairs & related concepts ►GREAT WHITE PELICAN 40
 POLICIES AND INITIATIVES  CONVENTION ON THE CONSERVATION OF MIGRATORY

SPECIES (CMS) OF WILD ANIMALS 41
►NATIONAL WILDLIFE ACTION PLAN (NWAP) 2017-2031 31
►SARUS CRANE 41
►COMMUNITY FOREST RESOURCE (CFR) MANAGEMENT 31
►BAR-HEADED GEESE 41
►INDIA STATE OF FOREST REPORT 2017 32
►INDIAN SKIMMER 41
►COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIP on FORESTS (CPF) 33
►BLACK-BELLIED TERN 41
►UNITED NATIONS FORUM ON FORESTS (UNIF) 33
►RUDDY SHELDUCK 42
►INDIA BIODIVERSITY AWARD 2018 33
►PROTECTING BEES 42
 NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY AUTHORITY 33
►TRIFED 42
►BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION & RURAL LIVLIHOOD
►EGYPTIAN VULTURE 42
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (BCRLIP) 33
► VULTURE CONSERVATION 43
►ASIA ENVIRONMENT ENFORCEMENT AWARDS, 2018 33

ii
 CENTRAL ZOO AUTHORITY (CZA) 43 ►BUSH FROGS 51

 WORLD ASSOCIATION OF ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS (WAZA) 43 ►ASTROBATRACHUS KURICHIYANA 52
►CHRYSILLA VOLLUPE 43 ►INVASIVE SPECIES 52
►INDIAN SOFTSHELL TURTLE 44  COMMON INVASIVE SPECIES OF INDIA : FLORA 52
►INDIAN PEACOCK SOFTSHELL TURTLE 44  COMMON INVASIVE SPECIES OF INDIA : FAUNA 52
►NARROW HEADED SOFTSHELL TURTLE 44 ►FALL ARMYWORM (FAW) 52
►THREE STRIPED ROOFED TURTLES 44 ►INDIAN RHINO VISION (IRV) 2020 52
►RED CROWNED ROOFED TURTLE 44 ►NEW DELHI DECLARATION ON ASIA RHINOS 2019 52
►OLIVE RIDLEY TURTLES 44 ►RECOVERY PROGRAMME FOR CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
SPECIES 53
►NORTHERN RIVER TERRAPIN (BATAGURBASKA) TURTLE 45
►BONNETHEAD SHARK 45  NORTHERN RIVER TERRAPIN - SPECIES OF RIVERINE TURTLE
53
►INDUS DOLPHIN (BHULAN) 45
CLOUDED LEOPARD 53
►IRRAWADDY DOLPHINS 46
ARABIAN SEA HUMPBACK WHALE 53
►PONDICHERRY SHARK 46
RED PANDA 53
►GOLDEN MAHSEER 46
ABOUT NBWL 53
►SEA SQUIRT 46
►KRILL 46  CONSERVATION OF TIGERS
►WHALES 47 ►NATIONAL TIGER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY (NTCA) 54
►SEA LION 47 ►PROJECT TIGER 54
►SEA HORSE 47 ►INDIA AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION 54
► MANATEE & DUGONGS (SEA COW) 47  GLOBAL TIGER FORUM (GTF) 54
►OTTERS 48  ST. PETERSBURG DECLARATION 54
 SMOOTH-COATED OTTER 48 ►SPATIAL MONITORING AND REPORTING TOOL (SMART) 54
 EURASIAN OTTER 48 ►CONSERVATION ASSURED TIGER STANDARDS (CA|TS) 55
 ASIAN SMALL- CLAWED OTTER 48 ►TIGER ESTIMATION 2018 55
►GHARIAL 48 ►E-EYE SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM 55
►MUGGER 49 ►LIST OF TIGER RESERVES 56
►ESTUARINE CROCODILE 49 ►FIRST EVER INTER-STATE TRANSFER OF TIGER FROM KANHA

NATIONAL PARK, MP  SATKOSIA TIGER RESERVE, ODISHA 57
►MADRAS CROCODILE BANK TRUST (MCBT) 49
MANKIDIA TRIBE 57
►CENTRE FOR MARINE LIVING RESOURCES AND ECOLOGY
(CMLRE) 49 PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE TRIBAL GROUPS (PVTG) 57
►INTEGRATED COASTAL AND MARINE AREA MANAGEMENT  SCHEDULED TRIBES AND OTHER TRADITIONAL FOREST
PROJECT DIRECTORATE (ICMAM) 49 DWELLERS (RECOGNITION OF FOREST RIGHTS) ACT, 2006. 58
►MARINE PROTECTED AREAS 50 ►TX2 PROGRAMME BY WWF 58
►MARICULTURE 50 ►ECO-BRIDGES FOR TIGERS 58
►NON-PHOTOCHEMICAL QUENCHING (NPQ) – PROCESS 50  TADOBA-ANDHARI TIGER RESERVE 58
►INDIAN GAZELLE 50 ►CHEETAH REINTRODUCTION PROJECT 59
►SANGAI DEER 50 ►BLACK PANTHER 59
►BLACKBUCK 50 ►ASIATIC LION CONSERVATION PROJECT 59
►NILGIRI TAHR 51 ►SNOW LEOPARD 59
►CHIRU ANTELOPE 51 ►GLOBAL SNOW LEOPARD ECOSYSTEM PROTECTION PROGRAM

60
►HIMALAYAN BLUE SHEEP 51
►COMMUNITY CONSERVED AREA (CCA) 60
►ORANGUTAN 51
►PROJECT SNOW LEOPARD BY INDIA 60

iii
 CONSERVATION OF ELEPHANTS  INTERNATIONAL TREATIES AND ORGANISATIONS

►PROJECT ELEPHANT 60 ►WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANISATION (WMO) 70
►ELEPHANT CORRIDORS 60
►INTERGOVERNMENTAL PANEL ON CLIMATE CHANGE (IPCC) 70
►MONITORING OF ILLEGAL KILLING OF ELEPHANTS (MIKE) 61
►HAATHI MERE SAATHI 61 ►UN ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM (UNEP) 70
►ELEPHANT CENSUS 61 ►GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT OUTLOOK (GEO) 71

►ELEPHANT RESERVES IN INDIA 61
 GEO-6 REPORT 71
►GAJ YATRA 62
 ASSESSMENT ABOUT INDIA IN GEO-6 71
►FAITH FOR EARTH INITIATIVE 71

Section-2
►UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE
Pollution & Climate Change (UNFCCC) 71
►CONFERENCE OF PARTIES (COP) 72
64 ►PARIS CLIMATE DEAL 72
COREknowledge ►GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY (GEF) 73
►AGENDA 21 73
►GREEN HOUSE EFFECT 64
►KYOTO PROTOCOL 73
►GLOBAL WARMING POTENTIAL (GWP) 64
►DOHA AMENDMENTS 74
►PARTICULATE MATTER 64
►BELMONT FORUM 74
►PERSISTENT ORGANIC POLLUTANTS (POPS) 65
►GREEN CLIMATE FUND (GCF) 74
►STOCKHOLM CONVENTION 65
►VIENNA CONVENTION 74
►FOG 65 ►MONTREAL PROTOCOL (MP) 74

►CAPACITY-BUILDING INITIATIVE FOR TRANSPARENCY (CBIT)
►SMOG 66
FUND 74
►OZONE LAYER 66 ►KIGALI AGREEMENT (2016) 75
►REDUCING EMISSIONS FROM DEFORESTATION AND FOREST
►GROUND-LEVEL OZONE 66
DEGRADATION (REDD) 75
►STRATOSPHERIC OZONE 66 ►DIFFERENCE BETWEEN REDD AND REDD+? 75
►BHARAT STAGE NORMS (BS NORMS) 67 ►BASEL CONVENTION 75

►ROTTERDAM CONVENTION 76
 BS-IV V/S BS-VI 67
►MINAMATA CONVENTION 76
►AIR QUALITY INDEX (AQI) 67 ►CLIMATE & CLEAN AIR COALITION (CCAC) 76
►INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR INTEGRATED MOUNTAIN
►NATIONAL AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARDS (NAAQS) 67
DEVELOPMENT (ICIMOD) 76
►OCEAN ACIDIFICATION 68 ►CARBON CREDIT 77
►BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND (BOD) 68 ►CARBON PRICE 77

►INTERNAL CARBON PRICING 77
►POLLUTANTS, SOURCES, HEALTH EFFECTS & OTHER RELATED
INFORMATION 68  NATIONAL ORGANISATIONS, SCHEMES, POLICIES,
►COMPOUNDS, SOURCES, HEALTH EFFECTS & OTHER RELATED
PROGRAMMES
INFORMATION 69
►CENTRAL POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD (CPCB) 77

iv
►ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION ACT, 1986 78 ►BREATHE LIFE CAMPAIGN 88

►NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL (NGT) 78 ►BREATHE INDIA 88
►NATIONAL ADAPTATION FUND FOR CLIMATE CHANGE (NAFCC) ►ANUPAM VERMA COMMITTEE 88
79 ►PLASTIC BAN 89
►ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) 78 ►BLUE FLAG CERTIFICATION 89
►NATIONAL RIVER CONSERVATION PLAN (NRCP) 79
►CLEAN AIR-INDIA INITIATIVE 90
►NATIONAL PLAN FOR CONSERVATION OF AQUATIC ECO-
►FIRST GLOBAL CONFERENCE ON AIR POLLUTION AND HEALTH
SYSTEMS (NPCA) 79
90
►NATIONAL WATER MISSION 79 ►TECHNOSPHERE 90
►NATIONAL WATER POLICY 79
►TALANOA DIALOGUE SYNTHESIS REPORT AND YEARBOOK OF
►NATIONAL MISSION FOR CLEAN GANGA 80 GLOBAL CLIMATE ACTION 2018 90
►JAL KRANTI ABHIYAN 80  VIRTUAL CLIMATE SUMMIT 91
►RIVER INTERLINKING IN INDIA 80 ►INTERGOVERNMENTAL PANEL ON CLIMATE CHANGE (IPCC)
REPORT 91
 NATIONAL WATER DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (NWDA) 80
 NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE PLAN (NPP) 80 ►COP24 92
►WMO GREENHOUSE GAS BULLETIN 92
 PROVISIONS RELATING TO WATER IN CONSTITUTION 81
►EMISSIONS GAP REPORT 2018 93
►NATIONAL ACTION PLAN FOR CLIMATE CHANGE (NAPCC) 81
►JAWAHARLAL NEHRU NATIONAL SOLAR MISSION (JNNSM) 81 ►ATMOSPHERE & CLIMATE RESEARCH-MODELLING OBSERVING
SYSTEMS & SERVICES (ACROSS) 93
►SOLAR ENERGY CORPORATION OF INDIA (SECI) 81
►CBD: SHARM EL-SHEIKH DECLARATION 93
►INTERNATIONAL SOLAR ALLIANCE (ISA) 81
►IRENA REPORT 94
►NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF SOLAR ENERGY 82
►GLOBAL COMMISSION ON THE GEOPOLITICS OF ENERGY
►SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT, 2016 RULES 82 TRANSFORMATION 94
►BIO-MEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT RULES, 2016 82 ►INCLUSIVE WEALTH REPORT 2018 94
►E-WASTE MANAGEMENT RULES, 2016 83 ►OCEAN CLEANUP PROJECT 94
►INDIAN NATIONAL CENTRE FOR OCEAN INFORMATION ►GLOBAL SOIL BIODIVERSITY ATLAS 94
SERVICES (INCOIS) 83
►SIXTH GEF ASSEMBLY SUMMIT 95
►ECO CLUB 83
►GLOBAL CARBON PROJECT 95
84 ►SUSTAINABLE BLUE ECONOMY CONFERENCE 96

►GLOBAL ARGO ARRAY PROGRAM 96
CURRENTaffairs & related concepts ►CLIMATE VULNERABLE FORUM MEETING 96
►2018 EARTH OVERSHOOT DAY 97
►DEVICE WAYU 84
►BRAZZAVILLE DECLARATION 97
►BLACK CARBON 84 ►LAND DEGRADATION NEUTRALITY (LDN) FUND 97
BROWN CARBON 84  UNCCD 98
►UTILISATION OF FLY ASH 85 ►UN CLIMATE ACTION AWARD 98
►BIOPLASTICS 85  MOMENTUM FOR CHANGE INITIATIVE 98
►NITROGEN POLLUTION 85  HELPUSGREEN 98
INTERNATIONAL NITROGEN INITIATIVE 86 ►SOLAR GEO ENGINEERING 99
►INDIAN NITROGEN ASSESSMENT (INI) 86 ►GLOBAL COOLING INNOVATION SUMMIT 99
►FUTURE EARTH 87 ►KORONIVIA JOINT WORK ON AGRICULTURE (KJWA) 99
►AEROSOL IMPACT ON INDIAN MONSOON 87 ►MICCA - MITIGATION OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN AGRICULTURE

PROGRAM 99
►STAR RATING PROTOCOL 87
►GLEAM - GLOBAL LIVESTOCK ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
 SBM (URBAN) 87
MODEL 99

v
►LEAP - LIVESTOCK ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT ►ENERGY SERVICE COMPANIES (ESCOS) 106

PERFORMANCE PARTNERSHIP 99
►ENERGY EFFICIENCY SERVICES LIMITED (EESL) 106
►GACSA - GLOBAL ALLIANCE ON CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE ►UJALA SCHEME: UNNAT JYOTI BY AFFORDABLE LEDS FOR ALL
99
107
►EPIC - ECONOMIC AND POLICY ANALYSIS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
►BUILDINGS ENERGY EFFICIENT PROGRAM (BEEP) 107
99
►EESL SUPER-EFFICIENT AIR CONDITIONING PROGRAM (ESEAP)
►GLOBALLY IMPORTANT AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE SYSTEMS
107
100
► INDIAN SEASONAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY RATIO (ISEER) 107
►NATIONAL REDD+ STRATEGY 100
►DISTRICT ENERGY IN CITIES INITIATIVE 107
►INDIA’S SECOND BIENNIAL UPDATE REPORT (BUR) TO UNFCCC
100 ►CREATING AND SUSTAINING MARKETS FOR ENERGY
EFFICIENCY 107
►NATIONAL CENTRE FOR EARTH SCIENCE STUDIES (NCESS) 100
►ENERGY EFFICIENCY REVOLVING FUND (EERF) 107
►PAR-TAPI-NARMADA INTER-STATE RIVER LINK PROJECT 100
►LIGHTING A BILLION LIVES (LABL) 108
►GREEN MAHANADI MISSION 101
►ECO MARK 108
►SWAJAL SCHEME 101
►DRAFT INDIA COOLING ACTION PLAN (ICAP) 108
►GANGA VRIKSHAROPAN ABHIYAN 101
►STATE ENERGY EFFICIENCY PREPAREDNESS INDEX 108
►SWAN RIVER PROJECT 102
►CHILLER STAR LABELLING PROGRAM 108
►SARDAR SAROVAR DAM 102
►INDIA’S FIRST EVER BIO-JET FUEL FLIGHT 109
►TUIDIMJANG DAM 102
►GREEN BONDS 109
►LOKTAK LAKE 103
►NATIONAL POLICY ON BIOFUELS – 2018 109
 KEIBUL LAMJAO NATIONAL PARK 103
►ECO NIWAS SAMHITA 2018 110
►KABANI RIVER 103
►BIOMASS BASED COGENERATION PROJECT 110
►INDIA WATER IMPACT SUMMIT 2018 103
 ENERGY CONSERVATION IN INDIA

►ENERGY CONSERVATION ACT, 2001 103 Section-3
►BUREAU OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY (BEE) 104
►SCHEMES TO PROMOTE ENERGY CONSERVATION AND ENERGY
Geography, Disaster
EFFICIENCY 104
 ENERGY CONSERVATION BUILDING CODES (ECBC) 104
Management & Miscellaneous
 LEED 104
112
 GRIHA 105
►FLOODS 112
 DEMAND SIDE MANAGEMENT (DSM) SCHEME 105
►CYCLONES 112
 KUSUM 105
►RIP TIDES 113
 ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
(SMES) SECTOR 105 ►OCEAN SOCIETY OF INDIA (OSI) 113
►NATIONAL MISSION FOR ENHANCED ENERGY EFFICIENCY ►INDIAN MONSOON 113

(NMEEE) 105 ►EL NINO 114
►PERFORM, ACHIEVE AND TRADE (PAT) 105 ►INDIAN OCEAN DIPOLE 114
►MARKET TRANSFORMATION FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY (MTEE) ►MADDEN JULIAN OSCILLATION 115
106
►CLOUD SEEDING 115
 BACHAT LAMP YOJANA (BLY) 106
►HEATWAVES 115
SUPER-EFFICIENT EQUIPMENT PROGRAMME (SEEP) 106
►DROUGHT 115
►ENERGY EFFICIENCY FINANCING PLATFORM (EEFP) 106
►ICE SHELF 116
►FRAMEWORK FOR ENERGY EFFICIENT ECONOMIC 106
►MIDAS 116
DEVELOPMENT (FEEED) 106

vi
►NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY (NDMA) 116 ►EARLY WARNING DISSEMINATION SYSTEM (EWDS) 122
►IMF REPORT: MANAGING FISCAL COSTS OF NATURAL ►REGIONAL INTEGRATED MULTI-HAZARD EARLY WARNING
DISASTERS 116 SYSTEM FOR ASIA AND AFRICA (RIMES) 123
►NATIONAL DISASTER RISK INDEX 116 ►INDIAN OCEAN WAVE EXERCISE 2018 123
►DAM SAFETY BILL, 2018 117 ►GOOGLE FOR FLOOD FORECASTING 123
►DUST STORM 117 ► ‘INDIA QUAKE’ AND ‘SAGAR VANI’ APPS 124
►UNISDR REPORT 118 ►SAND MINING 124
►ASIAN MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE 118 ►MEGHALAYAN AGE 124
►SOUTH ASIA’S HOTSPOTS 118 ►SAGAR NIDHI 125
►GLACIAL LAKES 118 ►GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS (GI) TAG 125
►ENVISTATS INDIA 2018 REPORT 119
►SOIL MOISTURE MAP 119
►REAL-TIME LANDSLIDE WARNING SYSTEM 120
Section-4
►SYSTEM OF AIR QUALITY AND WEATHER FORECASTING AND
RESEARCH (SAFAR) 120
MCQs & Answer Key
►PARIVESH 120
►COMMUNITY FOREST RESOURCE (CFR) MANAGEMENT 120
127-154
►COMPOSITE WATER MANAGEMENT INDEX 121
►ENSEMBLE PREDICTION SYSTEMS 121
►CONFERENCE ON SUSTAINABLE WATER MANAGEMENT 122
►NATIONAL WATER INFORMATICS CENTRE 122

vii
SECTION 1
ENVIRONMENTAL
ECOLOGY &
BIODIVERSITY
ENVIRONMENTAL ECOLOGY & BIODIVERSITY
COREknowledge
►BIODIVERSITY • It is the interaction of living and nonliving things in an
environment.
Or, Biological diversity is a term that describes the variety of
living beings on Earth. In short, it is described as degree of • Diverse: Ecosystems can be of different sizes and can be
variation of life. Biological diversity encompasses marine, aquatic, or terrestrial. Broad categories of
microorganism, plants, animals and ecosystems such as coral terrestrial ecosystems are called biomes.
reefs, forests, rainforests, deserts etc. • In ecosystems, both matter and energy are conserved.
Energy flows through the system—usually from light to
►ECOLOGY heat—while matter is recycled.
• It is the scientific study of the distributions, abundance and • Matter is recycled;

relations of organisms and their interactions with the • Energy flows through the ecosystem, usually
environment. entering as light and exiting as heat.
• Ecology includes the study of plant and animal • Ecosystems with higher biodiversity tend to be more stable
populations, plant and animal communities and with greater resistance and resilience in the face of
ecosystems. disturbances, disruptive events.
• Ecosystems describe the web or network of relations
among organisms at different scales of organization.
• Since ecology refers to any form of biodiversity, ecologists ►BIOME
research everything from tiny bacteria's role in nutrient • A biome is a community of plants and animals that have
recycling to the effects of tropical rain forest on the Earth's shared physical climate.
atmosphere.
• A biome is different from an ecosystem.
• Temperature, soil, and the amount of light and water help
►ENVIRONMENT
determine what life exists in a biome.
The environment comprises of:
• A number of Biomes exist such as – Tropical Deserts,
• Biotic - Living organisms comprising of plants, animals, Savannas, Tropical Rainforests, Temperate Grasslands,
microbes etc. Arctic Tundra, Freshwater Biomes, Marine Biomes, etc.
• Abiotic - Inorganic and non -living parts of an ecosystem
(Energy, Rainfall, Temperature etc.)
• Biotic Community comprises of: Autotrophs (Primary ►ECOTONE
Producers) and Heterotrophs (Primary Consumers) • A transition area between two biomes.
• Heterotrophs (Consumers) are of two types: Macro • It is where two communities meet and integrate. For ex -
Consumers (feed on plants or animals or both) and Micro Mangroves, Estuary.
Consumers (Saprotrophs - Decomposers)
►BIOSPHERE
►ECOSYSTEM
The layer of the planet Earth where life exists.
• An ecosystem consists of a community of organisms
together with their physical environment.

2
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION) for CSE 2019
►BIOMASS • Types of Biotic interactions

o Mutualism - Both species benefit.
It is the amount of living or organic matter present in an
organism. o Commensalism - One species benefits, other is
unaffected.
o Competition - Both species are harmed by the
►FOOD CHAIN & FOOD WEB interaction.
• A FOOD CHAIN is a linear sequence of organisms through o Predation and Parasitism - One species benefits and
which nutrients and energy pass as one organism eats other is harmed.
another.
o Amensalism - One species is harmed and other is
• In a food chain, each organism occupies a different trophic unaffected.
level, defined by how many energy transfers separate it
from the basic input of the chain.
• FOOD WEBS consist of many interconnected food chains ►BIO-GEO CHEMICAL CYCLE
and are more realistic representation of consumption • A pathway by which a chemical substance moves through
relationships in ecosystems. biotic (biosphere) and abiotic (lithosphere, atmosphere,
• Producers, or autotrophs, make their own organic and hydrosphere) compartments of Earth.
molecules. • There are biogeochemical cycles for carbon, oxygen,
o Photoautotrophs, such as plants, use energy from nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, and water; and there are
sunlight to make organic compounds —sugars—out of human-induced cycles such as those for mercury and
carbon dioxide in photosynthesis. atrazine.
o Chemoautotrophs use energy from chemicals to build • In this cycle energy is finally lost as heat while nutrient
organic compounds out of carbon dioxide or similar keep on recycling.
molecules. This is called chemosynthesis.
• Consumers, or heterotrophs, get organic molecules by
eating other organisms.
►ECOLOGICAL NICHE
• Types of food chain • In ecology, a niche is a term describing the relational
position of a species or population in an ecosystem.
o Grazing food chain
• More formally, the niche includes how a population
o Detritus food chain
responds to the abundance of its resources and enemies
(e. g., by growing when resources are abundant, and
predators, parasites and pathogens are scarce) and how it
►ECOLOGICAL PYRAMIDS
affects those same factors (e. g., by reducing the
• An ecological pyramid is a graphical representation of the abundance of resources through consumption and
relationship between different organisms in an ecosystem. contributing to the population growth of enemies by
• Energy moves up the pyramid, starting with the primary falling prey to them).
producers, or autotrophs, such as plants and algae at the • The abiotic or physical environment is also part of the
very bottom, followed by the primary consumers, which niche because it influences how populations affect, and
feed on these plants, then secondary consumers, which are affected by, resources and enemies.
feed on the primary consumers, and so on.
• The description of a niche may include descriptions of the
organism's life history, habitat, and place in the food chain.
• According to the competitive exclusion principle, no two
►BIOTIC INTERACTION species can occupy the same niche in the same
• Biotic interactions are the various mechanisms in which environment for a long time.
organisms interact with each other.

3
►ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION • Bio-augmentation - Microorganisms are imported to the

contaminated site to enhance the degradation process.
• A process of directional change in vegetation on an Bioaugmentation situ techniques includes - Landfarming,
ecological time scale. Biopiles, Bioreactors, composting.
• In this process, a series of communities replace one o Land-farming - Contaminated soil is spread over
another due to large scale natural or anthropogenic prepared bed and periodically tilled until pollutants
destructions. degrade.
TYPES OF ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION o Bio-piles - It is hybrid of land farming and composting.
• Primary Succession: When a terrestrial site is first Engineered cells are constructed as aerated
colonised by the pioneer species. composted piles.
• Secondary Succession: After Climax (destruction of an • Bio-reactor - It involves the processing of contaminated
existing site), the sequential development of biotic soil material or water through engineered containment
communities. system.
• Examples of succession:
For terrestrial land: Bare rocks – Lichens -- Annual Plants --
►TAXONOMY
Perennial Plants and Grasses – Shrubs – Softwood Tress,
Pines – Hardwood trees • It is a branch of science which deals with the scientific
categorization of organisms into separate groups based on
• For Hydrosere: Phytoplankton – submerged plant stage –
the presence and absence of certain characteristics
Submerged free floating plant stage – Reed swamp
(physical or genetic).
stage(Sedge) – Marsh meadow stage – Scrub stage - Forest
• Classification of all organisms including
SERAL COMMUNITY (SERE)
plants, animals and microbes according to a set of rules
An intermediate stage found in ecological succession in an brings in uniformity and simplicity.
ecosystem advancing towards its climax community.
HIERARCHY
• The taxonomic hierarchy consists of Kingdom > Phylum >
►BIOREMEDIATION Class > Order > Family > Genus > Species.
Use of microorganisms to eliminate or reduce the BINOMIAL NAMING

concentrations of hazardous wastes at a contaminated site • To bring in standardization in the process of naming gave
TECHNIQUES – IN SITU birth to the binomial naming system both in zoology and
botany.
• In situ and ex situ bioremediation techniques.
• Binomial naming system consists of giving two names to
• In situ Bioremediation means treatment of contaminated
an organism. Just like we have a name and a surname, the
soil in the location where it was found. In situ
organisms are named after their genus and species.
Bioremediation techniques include - Bioventing,
Biosparging, Bioaugmentation. • For example, Homo sapiens refer to human beings. The
word Homo refers to genus and the word sapiens refers to
• Bioventing - Supply of air and nutrients through wells to
species.
contaminated soil to stimulate the growth of indigenous
bacteria. • A scientific naming process adopted all over the world
across language barriers helps to reduce confusion.
• Bio-sparging - Injection of air under the ground water
table to increase the oxygen concentration and enhance
the rate of biological degradation of contaminants by
naturally occurring bacteria.

4
►SPECIES ►GENUS
• Organisms having similar set of DNA and similar physical • At times it is not possible to identify all organisms up to the
and morphological attributes are said to be of the same level of the species, especially the fossilized and extinct ones.
species. In such case identifying the genus of the organism is enough
• They have the same number of chromosomes and thus to label it.
possess similar morphological characteristics. • Organisms of different species of the same genus cannot
• The male and female of the same species can interbreed produce a fertile offspring if interbred together.
to produce a fertile offspring of the same species. • Mule is a product of a donkey and a horse which are two
• There may be many species under the same genus. different species belonging to the same genus.
• A genus can have many species.
►FLAGSHIP SPECIES ►INDICATOR SPECIES ►KEYSTONE SPECIES

The one chosen to represent an The one whose presence indicates the
It is a species whose addition or loss to an
environmental cause, such as an presence of a set of other species and whose
ecosystem will lead to major changes in the
ecosystem in need of absence indicates the lack of that entire set
ecosystem.
conservation. of species.
For instance, a species might indicate This is because certain species are
Chosen species could be either
presence of environmental pollution or considered more important in determining
vulnerable or attractive or distinct.
arrival of monsoon and so on. the presence of other species.
Example: All top predators - tiger, lion,

Example: Indian Tiger, African
Example: Lichens (air quality), most crocodile, elephant - as their addition or
Elephant, Giant Panda of China,
amphibians, fishes, etc. removal will distort the existing food chain in
etc.
the ecosystem.
►CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL • Unlike other international agreements that set compulsory

targets and obligations, the CBD takes a flexible approach
DIVERSITY (CBD) to implementation.
• CBD, known informally as the Biodiversity Convention, is a • It identifies general goals and policies, and countries are
legally binding multilateral treaty. free to determine how they want to implement them.
• CBD was adopted at the Earth Summit (UN Conference • It publishes Global Biodiversity Outlooks
on Environment and Development), in Rio de Janeiro, in
• 2050 Vision of Biodiversity adopted by CBD: ‘Living in
1992.
harmony with nature’
• It has three main objectives:
 To conserve biological diversity;  PROTOCOLS RELATED WITH CBD
 To use its components in a sustainable way;
►THE CARTAGENA PROTOCOL ON BIO-
 To share fairly and equitably the benefits arising from the
use of genetic resources. SAFETY
• The convention is now one of the most widely ratified • This is an international treaty governing the movements of
international treaties on environmental issues, with 194 living modified organisms (LMOs) resulting from modern
member countries. biotechnology from one country to another.

5
• It was adopted in 2000 as a supplementary agreement to plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA), as
the CBD and entered into force in 2003. well as the fair and equitable benefit sharing arising from its
use.
►NAGOYA PROTOCOL
► BIODIVERSITY FINANCE INITIATIVE
• The Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and
(BIOFIN)
the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from
their Utilization to the Convention on Biological • To address the biodiversity finance challenge in a
Diversity is a supplementary agreement to the CBD. comprehensive manner, UNDP has launched BIOFIN
initiative for increased investment in the management
• It provides a transparent legal framework for the effective
of ecosystems and biodiversity.
implementation of one of the three objectives of the CBD,
the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the • Provides for framework for undertaking 'bottom-up'
utilization of genetic resources. analysis of the biodiversity finance gap and resource
mobilization strategies, through a transformative process
• It was adopted in 2010 in Nagoya, Aichi Province, Japan, and
led by national stakeholder.
entered into force in 2014.
• It is managed by the UNDP Ecosystems and Biodiversity
• The Strategic Plan consists of 20 new biodiversity targets for
Programme, in partnership with the European Union and
2020, termed the 'Aichi Biodiversity Targets'
the Governments of Germany and Switzerland. The
Global Environment Facility is a further partner financing
parallel in-country projects in support of the revision of
►AICHI BIODIVERSITY TARGETS National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs).
The 20 Aichi Targets are divided into 5 sections: • It aims to develop a methodology for quantifying the
1. Strategic Goal A: Address the underlying causes of biodiversity finance gap at national level, for improving cost-
biodiversity loss by mainstreaming biodiversity across effectiveness through mainstreaming of biodiversity into
government and society national development and sectoral planning, and for
developing comprehensive national resource mobilising
2. Strategic Goal B: Reduce the direct pressures on
strategies.
biodiversity and promote sustainable use.
3. Strategic Goal C: To improve the status of biodiversity by
• Focuses on two areas :
safeguarding ecosystems, species and genetic diversity. 1. Globally-led development of a new methodological
framework;
4. Strategic Goal D: Enhance the benefits to all from
biodiversity and ecosystem services. 2. Adaptation and implementation of this new methodological
framework at national level.
5. Strategic Goal E: Enhance implementation through
participatory planning, knowledge management and • BIOFIN in India is led by the Ministry of Environment,
capacity building. Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). The initiative is
hosted by the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), working
with four relevant State Biodiversity Boards, with technical
►INTERNATIONAL TREATY ON PLANT assistance from Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and National
Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP).
GENETIC RESOURCES FOR FOOD AND
AGRICULTURE
►CRITICAL ECOSYSTEM PARTNERSHIP
• Popularly known as the International Seed Treaty.
FUND (CEPF)
• International agreement in harmony with the Convention
on Biological Diversity. • Global program which provides funding and technical
assistance to NGOs and other private sector partners to
• Aims at guaranteeing food security through the
protect critical ecosystems.
conservation, exchange and sustainable use of the world’s

6
• It is not an inter-governmental initiative. • Bird Life International is the official Red List authority for
• It is a joint initiative of The Global Environment Facility, The birds, for the IUCN.
John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, French • It identifies the sites referred to as ‘Important Bird and
Development Agency, Government of Japan, the European
Biodiversity Areas’.
Union, Conservation International and The World Bank.
• For India, the partner organisation is Bombay Natural
History Society (BNHS).
►INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR
CONSERVATION OF NATURE (IUCN)
• Created in 1948, IUCN has evolved into the world’s largest ►CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL
and most diverse environmental network.
TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF
• It is a member union uniquely composed of both
government and civil society organisations. WILD FAUNA AND FLORA (CITES)
• It provides public, private and non-governmental • CITES is an international agreement to which States and
organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable regional economic integration organizations adhere
human progress, economic development and nature voluntarily.
conservation to take place together.
• It was drafted as a result of a resolution adopted in 1963 at
• The organization is best known for compiling and
a meeting of members of the IUCN.
publishing the IUCN Red List, which assesses the
conservation status of species worldwide. • Aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of
IUCN RED LIST wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
• The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, founded in 1964, • Headquartered in Washington D.C.
is the world’s most comprehensive inventory of the global
• Appendix I, are species that are threatened with extinction
conservation status of biological species.
and are or may be affected by trade.
• When discussing the IUCN Red List, the official term
“threatened” is a grouping of three categories: Critically
Endangered, Endangered, and Vulnerable.
►THE WILDLIFE TRADE MONITORING
• The pink pages in this publication include the critically
endangered species. As the status of the species changes, NETWORK (TRAFFIC)
new pages are sent to the subscribers.
• Found in 1976, TRAFFIC is a non-governmental organization
• Green pages are used for those species that were formerly
working globally on trade in wild animals and plants in the
endangered, but have now recovered to a point where they
context of both biodiversity conservation and sustainable
are no longer threatened.
development.
• TRAFFIC is a joint programme of World Wide Fund for

 ENTITIES ASSOCIATED WITH IUCN
Nature (WWF) and IUCN.
►BIRD LIFE INTERNATIONAL • Traffic is complementary to CITES.
• It is the world’s largest nature conservation Partnership.
• Mission is to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is
• Together there are 120 BirdLife Partners worldwide. not a threat to the conservation of nature.
• Bird Life International strives to conserve birds, their
• It investigates and analyses wildlife trade trends, patterns,
habitats and global biodiversity, working with people
impacts and drivers to provide the leading knowledge base
towards sustainability in the use of natural resources.
on trade in wild animals and plants.

7
►INTERNATIONAL CONSORTIUM ON ►WORLD WIDE FUND FOR NATURE

COMBATING WILDLIFE CRIME (ICCWC) (WWF)
• It is the collaborative effort of 5 international organisations • WWF is an international non-governmental organization
to bring coordinated support to the national wildlife law founded in 1961
enforcement agencies and to the subnational and regional • It is working in the field of the wilderness preservation,
networks. and the reduction of human impact on the environment.
• The 5 partners are: CITES Secretariat, INTERPOL, United
Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, World Bank and the
World Customs Union. ►WILD LIFE PROTECTION ACT (WPA),
• This alliance was formally established in St. Petersburg, 1972
Russia during the International Tiger Forum in 2010.
• The GOI enacted WPA 1972 with the objective of effectively
protecting the wild life of this country and to control
poaching, smuggling and illegal trade in wildlife and its
►SOUTH ASIA WILDLIFE
derivatives.
ENFORCEMENT NETWORK (SAWEN) • The Act was amended in January 2003 and punishment and
• SAWEN is an inter-government wildlife law enforcement penalty for offences under the Act have been made more
support body of South Asian countries. stringent.
• Launched in 2011 in Paro Bhutan. Its secretariat is based in • The act has six schedules which cover the entire gamut of
Kathmandu, Nepal. wild life.
• Mission: To strengthen, promote and co-ordinate regional MAJOR PROVISIONS
co-operation for curbing illegal wildlife trade that threatens • It defines the wildlife related terminology.
the wild flora and fauna of South Asia.
• It provides for the appointment of wildlife advisory Board,
• Wildlife Crime Control Bureau is the country nodal point Wildlife warden, their powers, duties etc.
for SAWEN in India.
• Becoming a party to the CITES, 1976.
• Member countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan,
• Launching a “national component of UNESCO’s MAB
India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
Programme, 1971.
• Under the Act, comprehensive listing of endangered wildlife
species was done for the first time and prohibition of
IMPORTANT BIRD AND
hunting of the endangered species was mentioned.
BIODIVERSITY AREA (IBBA)
• Protection to some endangered plants.
• IBBA is an area identified using an internationally agreed
• The act provides for:-
set of criteria as being globally important for the
conservation of bird populations. o Central government to appoint Director of Wildlife
Preservation
• The program was developed by BirdLife International.
o State Governments to appoint Chief Wildlife Warden,
• Often IBBAs form part of a country's existing protected area
Wildlife Wardens
network.
o Central Zoo Authority
• Initially, IBBAs were identified only for terrestrial and
freshwater environments, but over the past decade, the IBA o National Board of Wildlife to be headed by Prime Minister,
process and method has been adapted and applied in the Vice Chairperson to be Minister of MOEFCC
marine realm. o Standing Committee of the National Board of Wildlife to be
headed by Minister of MOEFCC

8
o State Board of Wildlife to be headed by Chief Minister of the in danger of becoming extinct. The penalties under this
State and Minister of Forests and Wildlife as Vice section are also less than Schedule I and II.
Chairperson • Schedule V delineates animals that can be hunted like
o Prohibition of hunting of animals provided in Schedule ducks and deers with the prior permission of chief wildlife
I, II, III and IV except by the process laid down in the act warden.
such as danger to human life, property, or the animal • Schedule VI concerns cultivation and plant life and gives
being so disabled or diseased as to be beyond recovery teeth to setting up more protected animal parks.
or killing or wounding in good faith of any animal in
defence of oneself or of any other person, or for
education, scientific research etc. However, usually a VERMIN
permission has to be granted by Chief Wildlife Warden
• Vermin means wild mammals and birds which are harmful
of the state before such killing takes place.
to crops, farm animals or which carry disease.
o National Tiger Conservation Authority to be headed by
• In India, wild animals can be declared as vermin if they have
Minister of MOEFCC
become
o Tiger conservation foundation to be established by each
o dangerous to human life or property (including standing
state for the conservation of tiger.
crops on any land).
o Statutory status to Wildlife Crime Control Bureau to be
o Become disabled or diseased as to be beyond recovery.
headed by Director of Wildlife Preservation to deal with
wildlife related crimes. • Using these provisions, any animal listed in Schedule I to IV
of WPA can be declared vermin by listing it in Schedule V for
o The Act provides for setting up of National Parks, Wildlife
a specific period.
Sanctuaries etc.
• Currently, some animals like the common crow, fruit bats,
o There is provision for trade and commerce in some wildlife
mice and rats have been listed as vermin in Schedule V of
species with license for sale, possession, transfer etc.
WPA.
o The act bans collection of trophies, taxidermy etc.
o The act imposes a ban on the trade or commerce in
scheduled animals. ►NATIONAL BOARD FOR WILDLIFE
o It provides for legal powers to officers and punishment to • It is a Statutory Organization constituted under the WPA,
offenders. 1972.
o It provides for captive breeding programme for endangered • It serves as apex body to review all wildlife-related
species. Several Conservation Projects for individual matters and approve projects in and around national
endangered species like Lion (1972), Tiger (1973), Crocodile parks and sanctuaries.
(1974) and Brown antlered Deer (1981) were stated under • It is chaired by the Prime Minister and its vice chairman is
this Act. Minister of Environment.
o The Act is adopted by all states in India except J & K, which • Further, the board is large body with 47-members including
has its own Act. Parliament Members, NGOs, eminent conservationists,
SCHEDULES ecologists and environmentalists, Government secretaries
• Schedule I and part II of schedule II are the most of various departments, Chief of the Army Staff, Director
important sections of the act. These sections cover animals General of Forests, tourism etc.
which are in the category of endangered species. The
sections in this schedule give absolute protection to certain
species and these cannot be infringed on any account.
►WILDLIFE INSTITUTE OF INDIA (WII)
• Schedule III and IV - These also have roughly the same • WII, Dehradun, is an autonomous institution under the
provisions of Section I and II, but cover animals that are not Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate change.

9
• It conducts specialised research in areas of study like ►WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES

Endangered Species, Biodiversity, Wildlife Management,
Wildlife Policy, Wildlife Forensics, Habitat Ecology, Spatial • Any area other than area comprised with any reserve forest
Modelling, Eco-development, and Climate Change. or the territorial waters can be notified by the State
Government to constitute as a sanctuary if such area is of
adequate ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological,
►ANIMAL WELFARE BOARD OF INDIA natural or zoological significance, for the purpose of
protecting, propagating or developing wildlife or its
(AWBI) environment.
• Established in 1962 under Section 4 of The Prevention of • Some restricted human activities are allowed inside the
Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Sanctuary area details of which are given in wildlife
• Well-known humanitarian Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale protection Act 1972.
was instrumental in setting up the board and was its first DECLARATION OF SANCTUARY
chairperson.
• A wildlife sanctuary is defined by State Government via a
• The Board was initially within the jurisdiction of the GOI's Notification.
Ministry of Food and Agriculture. And later in 1990, the
• There is no need to pass legislation (act) by the state
subject of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was transferred
assembly to declare a wildlife sanctuary. Fixation and
to the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
alternation of boundary can be done by state legislature via
• From ensuring that animal welfare laws in the country are resolution.
diligently followed, to provide grants to Animal Welfare
• No need to pass an act for alternation of boundaries.
Organizations and advising the GOI on animal welfare
issues, the Board has been the face of the animal welfare • No alternation of boundaries in wildlife sanctuaries can be
movement in the country for the last 50 years. done without approval of the NBWL (National Board of
Wildlife) Limited human activities are permitted in the
• AWBI suggests changes to laws and rules about animal
sanctuary.
welfare issues. It also offers guidance to organisations and
officials such as police to help them interpret and apply the
laws.
►NATIONAL PARKS
• The board also issues publications to raise awareness of
various animal welfare issues. • An area, whether within a sanctuary or not, can be notified
by the state government to be constituted as a National
• Its education team gives talks on animal welfare subjects,
Park, by reason of its ecological, faunal, floral,
and trains members of the community to be Certified
geomorphological, or zoological association or importance,
Animal Welfare Educators.
needed to for the purpose of protecting & propagating or
developing wildlife therein or its environment.
►PROTECTED AREAS OF INDIA • No human activity is permitted inside the national park
except for the ones permitted by the Chief Wildlife Warden
• Protected areas are those in which human occupation or at of the state under the conditions given in the Wildlife
least the exploitation of resources is limited. Protection Act 1972.
• The definition that has been widely accepted across DECLARATION OF THE NATIONAL PARKS
regional and global frameworks has been provided by the
• Similar to the Wildlife Sanctuaries, a National Park is
IUCN in its categorization guidelines for protected areas.
defined by state government via notification. The state
• The term "protected area" also includes Marine Protected government can fix and alter boundaries of the National
Areas, the boundaries of which will include some area of Parks with prior consultation and approval with National
ocean, and Transboundary Protected Areas that overlap Board of Wildlife.
multiple countries which remove the borders inside the
• There is no need to pass an act for alternation of
area for conservation and economic purposes.
boundaries of National Parks.

10
►ECOLOGICALLY SENSITIVE ZONES • Many states are opposed to ESZ because of presence of
minerals and resources side by side.
(ESZS)
• Local people in many areas are also opposed to ESZ for loss
• It is created to act as a buffer for further protection of livelihood due to restriction placed by it on various
around Protected Areas (PAs) such as National Parks activities.
and Wildlife sanctuaries Activities around such areas are
regulated and managed so as to protect the environment.
• ESZ is notified under Section 3 of the Environment ►CONSERVATION RESERVES AND
(Protection) Act, 1986 by the Union Ministry of
Environment and Forest.
COMMUNITY RESERVES
• ESZ Guidelines classify activities under three categories: • These are terms denoting protected areas of India which
typically act as buffer zones to or connectors and
 Prohibited: Commercial Mining, Setting of Saw Mill, Setting
migration corridors between established national parks,
of industries causing pollution, establishment of major
wildlife sanctuaries and reserved and protected forests of
hydroelectric projects etc.
India.
 Regulated: Felling of Trees, Establishment of hotels and
• Such areas are designated as conservation areas if they are
resorts, erection of electrical cables, drastic change of
uninhabited and completely owned by the GOI but used for
agricultural systems etc.
subsistence by communities and community areas if part of
 Permitted: Ongoing agriculture and horticulture practices the lands is privately owned.
by local communities, rain water harvesting, organic
• These categories were added because of reduced
farming etc.
protection in and around existing or proposed protected
areas due to private ownership of land, and land use.
►LIST OF NATIONAL PARKS (JULY, 2018)

S. NO. NAME OF STATE/ PROTECTED AREA AREA (KM2) DISTRICT(S)
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
1 Campbell Bay NP 426.23 Nicobar
2 Galathea Bay NP 110.00 Nicobar
3 Mahatama Gandhi Marine (Wandoor) NP 281.50 Andaman
4 Middle Button Island NP 0.44 Andaman
5 Mount Harriett NP 46.62 Andaman
6 North Button Island NP 0.44 Andaman
7 Rani Jhansi Marine NP 256.14 Andaman
8 Saddle Peak NP 32.54 Andaman
9 South Button Island NP 0.03 Andaman
Andhra Pradesh
1 Papikonda NP 1012.86 East & West Godavari
2 Rajiv Gandhi (Rameswaram) NP 2.40 Kadapa
3 Sri Venkateswara NP 353.62 Chittoor & Cuddapah
Arunachal Pradesh
1 Mouling NP 483.00 Upper Siang
2 Namdapha NP 1807.82 Changlang
Assam
1 Dibru-Saikhowa NP 340.00 Tinsukia & Dibrugarh
2 Kaziranga NP 858.98 Golaghat, Nagaon & Sonitpur
3 Manas NP 500.00 Barpeta & Bongaigaon

11
4 Nameri NP 200.00 Sonitpur

5 Rajiv Gandhi Orang NP 78.81 Darrang & Sonitpur
Bihar
1 Valmiki NP 335.65 West Champaran
Chhattisgarh
1 Guru Ghasidas (Sanjay) NP 1440.71 Surguja & Koria
2 Indravati (Kutru) NP 1258.37 Dantewada
3 Kanger Valley NP 200.00 Bastar
Goa
1 Mollem NP 107.00 North Goa
Gujarat
1 Vansda NP 23.99 Navasari
2 Blackbuck (Velavadar) NP 34.53 Bhavnagar
3 Gir NP 258.71 Junagadh
4 Marine (Gulf of Kachchh) NP 162.89 Jamnagar
Haryana
1 Kalesar NP 46.82 Yamuna Nagar
2 Sultanpur NP 1.43 Gurgaon
Himachal Pradesh
1 Great Himalayan NP 754.40 Kullu
2 Inderkilla NP 104.00 Kullu
3 Khirganga NP 710.00 Kullu
4 Pin Valley NP 675.00 Lahul & Spiti
5 Simbalbara NP 27.88 Sirmaur
Jammu & Kashmir
1 City Forest (Salim Ali) NP 9.00 Srinagar
2 Dachigam NP 141.00 Srinagar & Pulwama
3 Hemis NP 3350.00 Leh
4 Kishtwar NP 425.00 Kishtwar & Doda
Jharkhand
1 Betla NP 226.33 Latehar
Karnataka
1 Anshi NP 417.34 Uttara Kannada
2 Bandipur NP 874.20 Mysore & Chamarajanagar
3 Bannerghatta NP 260.51 Bangalore
4 Kudremukh NP 600.32 Dakshin Kannada, Udipi & Chikmagalur
5 Nagarahole (Rajiv Gandhi) NP 643.39 Kodagu & Mysore
Kerala
1 Anamudi Shola NP 7.50 Idukki
2 Eravikulam NP 97.00 Idukki
3 Mathikettan Shola NP 12.82 Idukki
4 Pambadum Shola NP 1.32 Idukki
5 Periyar NP 350.00 Idukki & Quilon
6 Silent Valley NP 89.52 Palakkad
Madhya Pradesh
1 Bandhavgarh NP 448.85 Umaria & Katni
2 Fossil NP 0.27 Mandla

12
6 Indira Priyadarshini Pench NP 292.85 Seoni & Chhindwara

3 Kanha NP 940.00 Mandla, Balaghat & Dindori
4 Madhav NP 375.22 Shivpuri
5 Panna NP 542.67 Panna & Chhatarpur
7 Sanjay NP 466.88 Sidhi
8 Satpura NP 585.17 Hoshangabad
9 Van Vihar NP 4.45 Bhopal
10 Dinosaur NP 0.8974 Dhar district, MP
Maharashtra
1 Chandoli NP 317.67 Sangli, Satara, Kolhapur, Ratnagiri
2 Gugamal NP 361.28 Amravati
3 Nawegaon NP 133.88 Bhandara (Gondia)
4 Pench (Jawaharlal Nehru) NP 257.26 Nagpur
5 Sanjay Gandhi (Borivilli) NP 86.96 Thane & Mumbai
6 Tadoba NP 116.55 Chandrapur
Manipur
1 Keibul-Lamjao NP 40.00 Bishnupur
Meghalaya
1 Balphakram NP 220.00 South Garo Hills
2 Nokrek Ridge NP 47.48 East Garo Hills
Mizoram
1 Murlen NP 100.00 Champhai
2 Phawngpui Blue Mountain NP 50.00 Lawngtlai
Nagaland
1 Intanki NP 202.02 Dimapur
Odisha
1 Bhitarkanika NP 145.00 Kendrapara
2 Simlipal NP 845.70 Mayurbhanj
Rajasthan
1 Mukundra Hills NP 200.54 Kota & Chittourgarh
2 Desert NP 3162.00 Barmer & Jaisalmer
3 Keoladeo Ghana NP 28.73 Bharatpur
4 Ranthambhore NP 282.00 Sawai Madhopur
5 Sariska NP 273.80 Alwar
Sikkim
1 Khangchendzonga NP 1784.00 North Sikkim
Tamil Nadu
1 Guindy NP 2.82 Chennai
2 Gulf of Mannar Marine NP 6.23 Ramanathpuram & Tuticorin
3 Indira Gandhi (Annamalai) NP 117.10 Coimbatore
4 Mudumalai NP 103.23 Nilgiris
5 Mukurthi NP 78.46 Nilgiris
Telangana
1 Kasu Brahmananda Reddy NP 1.43 Hyderabad
2 Mahaveer Harina Vanasthali NP 14.59 Ranga Reddy
3 Mrugavani NP 3.60 Ranga Reddy

13
Tripura
1 Clouded Leopard NP 5.08 West Tripura
2 Bison (Rajbari) NP 31.63 South Tripura
Uttar Pradesh
1 Dudhwa NP 490.00 Lakhimpur-Kheri
Uttarakhand
1 Corbett NP 520.82 Nainital & Pauri Garhwal
2 Gangotri NP 2390.02 Uttarkashi
3 Govind NP 472.08 Uttarkashi
4 Nanda Devi NP 624.60 Chamoli
5 Rajaji NP 820.00 Dehradun, Pauri Garhwal & Haridwar
6 Valley of Flowers NP 87.50 Chamoli
West Bengal
1 Buxa NP 117.10 Jalpaiguri
2 Gorumara NP 79.45 Jalpaiguri
3 Jaldapara NP 216.51 Jalpaiguri
4 Neora Valley NP 159.89 Darjeeling
5 Singalila NP 78.60 Darjeeling
6 Sunderban NP 1330.10 North & South 24-Paraganas
►INDIAN FOREST ACT (IFA), 1927 • Many reports like the MB Shah report of 2010 and the TSR
Subramanian report of 2015, have talked about amending
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change the IFA.
(MoEF&CC) has started the process of “comprehensively
EXPECTED OUTCOME
amending” the backbone of forest governance in India—the
Indian Forest Act, 1927 (IFA). • Currently there is no definition of forest in any Indian
law pertaining to forest or its governance. Therefore, the
ABOUT IFA 1927
amendments will also include definitions of terms like
• Provides the legal framework for: forests, pollution, ecological services etc.
 the protection and management of forest,
• The legal definition of forests will have huge ramifications
 transit of forest produce and timber, and
on the conservation of forests as well as the
 the duty leviable on timber and other forest produce.
implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other
• It is an umbrella Act, which provides the basic architecture
Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights)
for the management of forests in the country including
Act, 2006.
the procedure to be followed for declaring an area to
be a Reserved Forest, a Protected Forest or a Village • The amendments will include changes to punishments
Forest. and fines prescribed in the IFA, incorporate provisions
• It defines what a forest offence is, what are the acts related to carbon sequestering, ecological services etc.
prohibited inside a Reserved Forest, and penalties leviable
on violation of the provisions of the Act.
WHY NEED REVIEW? ►FOREST SURVEY OF INDIA (FSI)
• IFA, 1927 is largely based on previous Indian Forest Acts • It is an organization under the union MOEFCC.
implemented under the British. • Responsible for assessment and monitoring of the forest
• The most famous one was the Indian Forest Act of 1878. resources of the country regularly.
• Established in 1981. Headquartered at Dehradun.

14
• FSI has been assessing the forest and tree resources of our • Prior intimation to State Biodiversity Boards (SBB) for
country on a biennial basis since 1987. obtaining biological resource for Indian citizens and Indian
• Main objectives are: - companies
o To function as a nodal agency for collection, compilation, • However, EXCEPTIONS have been made under the act for:
storage and dissemination of spatial database on forest  Local people and communities of the area for free access to
resources. use biological resources within India
o Maintain information about forest and non-forest areas and  For growers and cultivators of biodiversity of the area and
develop database on forest tree resources. to Vaids and Hakims to use biological resources.
 Exemption through notification of normally traded
commodities from the purview of the act only when used as
►BOTANICAL AND ZOOLOGICAL commodity
SURVEY OF INDIA  For collaborative research through government sponsored
or government approved institutions in compliance with
• Botanical Survey of India (BSI) - An institution set up by the
central government policies and laws.
GOI in 1890
• Objective - Identifying the plant resources of this country.
STATUTORY BODIES UNDER THE BIODIVERSITY ACT, 2002
• Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) - Established in 1916 to
• Objective - Explore and research the fauna. ►NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY
• The history of ZSI goes back to Asiatic Society of Bengal AUTHORITY (NBA)
founded by Sir William Jones in 1784. It is the mother of
• It is headquartered at Chennai
institutions like Indian Museum, ZSI and Geological Survey
of India • It looks in issues of Convention of Biodiversity (CBD)
• They are under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and • The NBA may constitute a committee to deal with agro-
Climate Change. diversity.
• The Headquarters of both the institutions are situated at • It can constitute other committees to deal with issues of
Kolkata with many regional centres. biodiversity.
• State Biodiversity Boards (SBB) at the state level
• Determine fees for accessing or collecting any biological
►BIODIVERSITY ACT, 2002
resource
KEY PROVISIONS • Biodiversity Heritage Sites: State Government in
• An Act to provide for conservation of biological diversity, consultation with local bodies, can notify, areas of
sustainable use of its components and fair and equitable biodiversity importance as biodiversity heritage sites.
sharing of the benefits arising out of the use of biological
resources, knowledge and for matters connected therewith
or incidental thereto ►BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT
• Regulation of Access to Biological Diversity: Foreign COMMITTEES (BMC)
citizens, NRIs, and foreign companies are prohibited to
undertake Biodiversity related approval of National Every local body to constitute a BMC within its area for
Biodiversity Authority (NBA). purpose of promoting conservation, sustainable use and
documentation of biological diversity including preservation of
• Results of research not to be transferred to Foreign
habitats, conservation of land races, folk varieties and
citizens, NRIs, and foreign companies without the approval
cultivars, domesticated stocks and breeds of animals and
of NBA.
microorganisms and chronicling of knowledge relating to
biological diversity.

15
The function of the BMC are: 10. Majuli Island, Assam

• Prepare People’s Biodiversity Register in consultation with 11. Ghariyal Rehabilitation Centre (Kukrail Forest), Lucknow,
local people. Uttar Pradesh (A centre established for conservation and
rehabilitation of critically endangered species of Gharial)
• The register shall contain comprehensive information on
availability and knowledge of local biological resources, 12. Chilkigarh Kanak Durga, West Bengal (This sacred grove is
their medicinal or any other traditional knowledge a remnant forest with traditional beliefs and taboos)
associated with them. 13. Khlaw Kur Syiem Kmielng, Meghalaya (Old sacred grove
with monoliths and religious spots)
• Advise State Biodiversity Board or Authority for granting
approval, to maintain data about local vaids and
practitioners using biological resources.
►MAN AND BIOSPHERE RESERVE
• National Biodiversity Fund shall be operated by the
PROGRAM (MAB)
Chairperson or by such other officer of the Authority. This
fund will have two separate heads of accounts one relating • Launched in 1971, UNESCO’s MAB Programme is an
to receipts from the Central Government and other Intergovernmental Scientific Programme
concerning fee, licence fee, royalty and othe receipts of the • Aim - To establish a scientific basis for the improvement of
Authority. relationships between people and their environments.
• State Biodiversity Fund to be established in each state. • MAB combines the natural and social sciences,
• Local Biodiversity Fund to be established where any self- economics and education to improve human livelihoods
governing institution is functioning. and the equitable sharing of benefits, and to safeguard
natural and managed ecosystems, thus promoting
innovative approaches to economic development that are
CENTRE FOR BIODIVERSITY POLICY socially and culturally appropriate, and environmentally
sustainable.
AND LAW (CEBPOL)
• Its World Network of Biosphere Reserves currently
GoI along with Norway’s government has established this counts 669 sites in 120 countries all over the world,
CEBPOL centre in the NBA, Chennai to develop professional including 16 transboundary sites.
expertise in biodiversity policies and laws and capacity
building.
KHANGCHENDZONGA BIOSPHERE
►BIODIVERSITY HERITAGE SITES RESERVE (KBR)
1. Nallur Tamarind Grove, Bengaluru KBR was included in the UNESCO’s World Network of
2. Hogrekan, Karnataka (Unique Shola Vegetation Biosphere Reserve (WNBR) under the Man and Biosphere
3. University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru Programme (MAB).
4. Ambaraguda, Shimoga, Karnataka (Revenue land located ABOUT KBR
between Shravathi WLS and Someshwara WLS. It has shola
• It is one of the highest ecosystems in the world.
vegetation.
5. Glory of Alapalli, Gadchiroli, Maharashtra: • It is located at trijunction of India (Sikkim), bordering
6. Tonglu, Darjeeling, West Bengal (Medicinal Plant Nepal to the west and Tibet (China) to the north-west.
Conservation Area) • The site is one among the world’s 34 biodiversity hotspots.
7. Dhotrey, Darjeeling, West Bengal (Medicinal Plant
• The Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP), which
Conservation Area)
comprises the core area of the KBR, was inscribed as India’s
8. Dialong Village, Manipur
first ‘Mixed World Heritage Site’ in 2016.
9. Ameenpur lake, Telangana

16
►LIST OF BIOSPHERE RESERVES IN INDIA

BIOSPHERE
LOCATION FLORA FAUNA TRIBALS
RESERVES
Part of Wynad, Nagarhole, Cholanaikans-only

Nilgiri
Bandipur and Madumalai, Tropical forest; Mixed Tiger,Elephant,Nilgiri surviving hunter-
(Included in
Nilambur, Silent Valley and mountain and highland Tahr, Lion-tailed gatherers of the
MAB list of
Siruvani hills in Tamil Nadu, systems macaque Indian
UNESCO)
Kerala and Karnataka. subcontinent
Herbaceous species and snow leopard,

Nanda Devi scrub communities such Himalayan black bear,
Part of Chamoli, Pithoragarh
(Included in as Rhododendron. Plant brown bear , musk deer
and Almora districts in Bhotia tribe
MAB list of species including lichens, and bharal/blue sheep
Uttarakhand.
UNESCO) fungi, bryophytes and ,Asiatic black bear, snow
pteridophytes leopard
Slow Loris, Giant flying

Nokrek Evergreen and semi- squirrel, Pig-tailed
Garo (Achik
(Included in Part of East, West and South evergreen deciduous macaque, tigers, Red
mande), Banias or
MAB list of Garo Hill districts in Meghalaya. forests dominate the Panda, leopards,
Hajjons
UNESCO) landscape elephants and Hoolock
gibbons,etc.
Part of Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon,

Golden Langur, Red
Manas Barpeta, Nalbari, Kamprup and
Panda
Darang districts in Assam.
Sunderban
Part of delta of Ganges &
(Included in Tropical humid forest; Royal Bengal tiger
Brahamaputra river system in
MAB list of Mangroves (Panthera tigris tigris)
West Bengal.
UNESCO)
India part of Gulf of Mannar

Gulf of Islands including
extending from Rameswaram
Mannar coastal/marine Marakeyars, local
island in the North to Dugong or Sea Cow, Sea
(Included in component; coral reefs people mainly
Kanyakumari in the South of cucumber
MAB list of and mangrove, sea grass engaged in fishing
Tamil Nadu. There are 21
UNESCO) beds, coral reefs
Islands
Southernmost island of Saltwater Crocodile,

Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Edible-nest swiftlet,
Great Nicobar Part of Sundaland
Nicobar lion-tailed
(Included in It incorporates two national Biodiversity Hotspot, Shompen and
macaque, Giant
MAB list of parks Campbell Bay National Tropical Wet Evergreen Nicobarese
Leatherback sea turtle,
UNESCO) Park and Galathea National Forests.
Nicobar tree shrew,
Park. Nicorbar scrubfowl
The park derives its Asiatic Elephant,Gaur,

Erenga Kharias
Similipal name from the Royal Bengal Tiger, Wild
and the
(Included in Part of Mayurbhanj district in abundance of semul (red elephant. Mugger
Mankirdias, Ho,
MAB list of Orissa. silk cotton trees) that Crocodile management
Gonda and
UNESCO) grow here. Orchids, program was launched
Munda, etc.
medicinal plants,etc. here.

17
Dibru- Part of Dibrugarh and Tinsukia

Golden Langur
Saikhova districts in Assam.
Part of Upper Siang, West Siang Mishmi takin, Red goral,

Dehang-
and Dibang Valley districts in musk deer, red panda,
Dibang
Arunachal Pradesh. Asiatic Black bear
Gond, Korkus-
tribes introduced
the cultivation of
potatoes and
Satpura Hills runs across it. made use of
Pachmarhi Gaura, bears, tigers and
honeycombs to
(Included in Covers three protected areas – leopards, Giant Squirrel
Sal Forests produce honey in
MAB list of Satpura National Park, Bori and and Crested , Flying
significant
UNESCO) Pachmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary Squirrel.
quantities for
commercial use.
Most primitive
Bhariya Tribe are
found here.
Khangchendz
onga
Part of North and West districts Snow Leopard, Red
(Included in
in Sikkim. Panda
MAB list of
UNESCO)
Covers Peppara and

Agasthyamala Shendurney wildlife sanctuaries
Kani tribes from
i (Included in and parts of the Neyyar Tropical Wet Evergreen NilgiriTahr, Elephants,
both Tamil Nadu
MAB list of sanctuary in Kerala and the Forests Tiger
and Kerala
UNESCO) Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger
Reserve of Tamil Nad...
Maikala hills of Satpura range Four horned antelope,

Achanakmar- passes through it. It separates Indian wild dog , Saras
Amarkantak the rivers that drain into the crane , Asian white-
(Included in Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. backed vulture, Sacred
MAB list of The reserve is also source of grove bush frog ,striped
UNESCO) three rivers: Narmada, Son and Hyaena, , Chital, Wild
Johila. Bear, Leopard.
Indian Wild Ass, Site for

Fossil Park at
Part of Kachchh, Rajkot, Flamingo breeding
Khadir Bet,
Kachchh Surendranagar and Patan Banni Grasslands (Flamingo City), Chinkara,
Maldhari
districts in Gujarat. Caracal, Desert Cat and
pastoralists
Desert Fox
Pin Valley National Park and

surroundings; Chandratal &
Cold Desert Snow Leopard
Sarchu; and Kibber Wildlife
sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh.
Seshachalam hill ranges in Tropical dry deciduous Slender Loris, Indian Tirupati Balaji
Seshachalam
Eastern Ghats. forests, Red Sanders giant squirrel, Mouse temple is located

18
deer Golden Gecko, here.

Yellow throated bul bul.
Part of Panna and Chhattarpur Dry deciduous forests of Tiger, Chital, Chinkara,
Panna Gond,
districts in Madhya Pradesh Teak, Salai, Kardhai Sambharand Sloth bear
►BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS • Spread: Run from the Tapi valley (21° N latitude) to a little
north of Kannyakumari (11° N latitude) for a distance of
According to Conservational International (CI), to qualify as a 1,600 km. Spread across states Gujarat, Maharastra, Goa,
hotspot a region must meet two strict criteria: Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
1. It must contain at least 1,500 species of vascular plants

(>0.5% of the world’s total) as endemics, and  MAJOR SECTIONS OF WESTERN GHATS
2. It has to have lost at least 70% of its original habitat.
NORTHERN SECTION
FOUR BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS IN INDIA
• From Tapi valley to a little north of Goa is made of
• Himalayas: It includes the entire Indian Himalayan region horizontal sheets of Deccan lavas (Deccan Traps).
(and that falling in Pakistan, Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, China and
• The average height of this section of the Ghats is 1,200 m
Myanmar)
above mean sea level, but some peaks attain more heights.
• Indo-Burma: It includes entire North-eastern India, except
• Kalasubai (1,646 m) near Igatpuri, Salher (1,567 m) about 90
Assam and Andaman group of Islands (and Myanmar,
km north of Nasik, Mahabaleshwar (1,438 m) and
Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and southern China)
Harishchandragarh (1,424 m) are important peaks.
• Sundalands: It includes Nicobar group of Islands (and
• Thalghat and Bhorghat are important passes which
Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Philippines)
provide passage by road and rail between the Konkan
• Western Ghats and Sri Lanka: Includes entire Western Plains in the west and the Deccan Plateau in the east.
Ghats (and Sri Lanka)
MIDDLE SAHYADRI
• From 16°N latitude upto Nilgiri hills.
►WESTERN GHATS: BIODIVERSITY • This part is made of granites and gneisses.

• This area is covered with dense forests.
CONSERVATION HOTSPOT
• The western scarp is considerably dissected by headward
• Called 'The Great Escarpment of India', Western Ghats or
erosion of the west flowing streams.
Sahyadri run parallel to the west coast of Indian peninsula
through six states. • The average height is 1200 m but many peaks exceed 1500
m.
• A UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as a Biodiversity
Hotspot due to the presence of a large number of endemic • The Vavul Mala (2,339 m), the Kudremukh (1,892 m) and
flora and fauna species along with several undiscovered Pashpagiri (1,714 m) are important peaks. The Nilgiri Hills
species. which join the Sahyadris near the tri-junction of Karnataka,
Kerala and TN, rise abruptly to over 2,000 m. They mark the
• Home to a large number of tribes such as Adars, Kotas,
junction of the Western Ghats with Eastern Ghats. Doda
Badagas, Todas, Kurumbas, and Paniyas etc.
Betta (2,637 m) and Makurti (2,554 m) are important peaks
• The Government of India has established many protected of this area.
areas including 2 biosphere reserves, 13 National parks to
SOUTHERN PART
restrict human access to protect specific endangered
species. • The southern part of the Western Ghats is separated from
the main Sahyadri range by Pal ghat Gap [Palakkad Gap].
• They form the western edge of the Deccan tableland.

19
• The high ranges terminate abruptly on either side of this Gap there is an intricate system of steep and rugged slopes
gap. on both the eastern and western sides of the Ghats.
• Pal ghat Gap is a rift valley. • Anaimudi (2,695 m) is the highest peak in the whole of
• This gap is used by a number of roads and railway lines to southern India.
connect the plains of Tamil Nadu with the coastal plain of • Three ranges radiate in different directions from Anaimudi.
Kerala. It is through this gap that moist-bearing clouds of These ranges are the Anamalai (1800-2000 m) to the north,
the south-west monsoon can penetrate some distance the Palani (900-1,200 m) to the north-east and the
inland, bringing rain to Mysore region. South of the Palghat Cardamom Hills or the Ealaimalai to the south.
COMMITTEES ON WESTERN GHATS
►GADGIL REPORT ►KASTURIRANGAN REPORT

Also known as Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel
It marks that only 37 % area should be considered as
(WGEEP).
ESA.
It identified the entire Ghats as an ESA (Eco Sensitive Area).
It recommended for putting in place a blanket ban on all It recommended restrictions only for highly damaging
activities that might harm the environment in any way like activities including mining, quarrying, etc.
pesticide use, GM crops, etc.
It asked for strengthening the existing framework of

It asked for setting up a national level Western Ghats
environmental clearances and setting up of a monitoring
Ecology Authority.
agency.
This panel was tasked with finding a balanced solution so
The report was severely criticised for being biased against
as to protect the environment and at the same time
development
address the aspirations for development.
►EASTERN GHATS RIVERS

• Rivers originating on the Eastern Ghats include:
TOPOGRAPHY
 Varaha River
• Eastern Ghats are a discontinuous range of mountains
 Indravathi River
along India's eastern coast.
 Rushikulya River
• They are eroded and cut through by the four major rivers
of peninsular India, known as the Godavari, Mahanadi,  Vamsadhara
Krishna, and Kaveri. CONSERVATION AREAS
• The mountain ranges run parallel to the Bay of Bengal. • Some of the sanctuaries and national parks of the
Eastern Ghats are:
• They are not as high as the Western Ghats.
 Simlipal National Park, Odisha
• The Eastern Ghats are older than the Western Ghats,
 Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh
and have a complex geologic history.
 Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh
ECOREGIONS
 Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
• It consists of different ecoregions along its range from
south to north.
• The important ecoregions consist of moist deciduous ►CORAL REEFS
forests, dry evergreen forests, thorn scrub forests, shrub
• Coral reefs begin to form when free-swimming coral
lands, and dry deciduous forests.
larvae attach to submerged rocks or other hard surfaces
along the edges of islands or continents.

20
• They are the most biologically diverse ecosystems of IMPORTANT

the planet. • Fire corals are one of the rarest and most endangered
• Over centuries, shells (mostly made up of Calcium species of corals.
Carbonate) of these corals combine to form the exotic • Snowflake coral is an invasive species of coral which has
shapes of coral reefs. a capacity to dominate space and crowd out other
CORAL REEF FORMATION marine organisms.
• Favourable conditions for formation are:

o Warm tropical oceans with minimum temperature of 20  WORLD'S LARGEST 3D-PRINTED
degree;
REEF
o Oceanic water free of sedimentation;
World's largest 3D-printed reef was installed in Maldives to
o Transparent parts of ocean bodies; save coral reefs from threats posed by climate change and
o Relatively low salinity ocean bodies warming waters.
• They are primarily located between 30 degree north and ABOUT 3D-PRINTED REEF
25 degree south latitudes where water temperature • It was developed using computer modelling and a 3D
favours the growth of coral organisms. printer, which resemble reef structures typically found in
• As the corals grow and expand, reefs take on one of the Maldives.
three major characteristic structures —fringing, barrier or • The reef structure is cast in ceramic, an inert material
atoll. similar to the calcium carbonate found in coral reefs.
o Fringing reefs: They are the most common, project • Live coral was then transplanted within the artificial reef,
seaward directly from the shore, forming borders along where it will grow and colonize the structure.
the shoreline and surrounding islands. SIGNIFICANCE
o Barrier reefs: Grow at border shorelines, but at a greater • Rising temperatures across the reefs have led to coral
distance. They are separated from their adjacent land bleaching thus the initiative is vital to ensure the
mass by a lagoon of open, often deep water. survival of marine habitats.
o Atoll: If a fringing reef forms around a volcanic island • Traditionally, coral reefs take hundreds of years to form.
that subsides completely below sea level while the coral However, given the speed of ongoing man-made habitat
continues to grow upward, an atoll forms. Atolls are destruction, reefs wouldn’t have time to recover.
usually circular or oval, with a central lagoon.
• Artificial reefs help in generating marine ecosystem
DISTRIBUTION IN INDIA and boosting commercial activities by providing
• The Gulf of Kutch - The coral formations of the Gulf of fishing grounds.
Kutch represent one of the extreme northern limits of
corals in the Indian Ocean
• The West Coast of India
 ANGRIA BANK
• It is a shallow submerged atoll island located 100 miles
• The Lakshadweep Islands
off the western coast of India. It is off the coast of
• The Gulf of Mannar Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra.
• Palk Bay • Corals reefs have been found in the area. The peculiarity
• Andaman and Nicobar Group of Islands of coral reefs present here is that it is in the middle of the
ocean, unlike other corals which are either coastal in
THREATS
nature like the Gulf of Mannar or Andaman and Nicobar
Destructive fishing practices, Overfishing, Careless tourism,
corals which are island corals, the Angria Bank is in the
Pollution, Sedimentation, Coral mining, Climate change. middle of the sea.

21
• It has the potential to become India's Great Barrier • Climate change mitigation
Reef.
• The Angria Banks falls outside the territorial waters but
inside the EEZ of India. Thus, it cannot be protected  RAMSAR CONVENTION
under the Wildlife Protection Act. • The Convention on Wetlands, signed in Ramsar, Iran, in
• The area can be designated for conservation under the 1971, is an intergovernmental treaty which provides the
Maritime Zones Act. framework for national action and international
cooperation for the conservation and wise use of
wetlands and their resources.
►WETLANDS • Ramsar Convention is the only global environment treaty

dealing with a particular ecosystem.
• Wetlands are transition zones between terrestrial and
• The Convention uses a broad definition of the types of
aquatic ecosystems.
wetlands covered in its mission, including lakes and
• E.g. Mangroves, lake littorals (marginal areas between rivers, swamps and marshes, wet grasslands and
highest and lowest water level of the lakes), floodplains peatlands, oases, estuaries, deltas and tidal flats, near-
(areas lying adjacent to the river channels beyond the shore marine areas, mangroves and coral reefs, and
natural levees and periodically flooded during high human-made sites such as fish ponds, rice paddies,
discharge in the river) and other marshy or swampy reservoirs, and salt pans.
areas. • At the centre of the Ramsar philosophy is the “wise use”
• These habitats experience periodic flooding from of wetlands.
adjacent deep water habitats and therefore support • Wise use: maintenance of ecological character within the
plants and animals specifically adapted to such shallow context of sustainable development.
flooding or water logging. • At the time of joining the Convention, each Contracting
• Waterlogged soil adapted plant life (hydrophytes) Party undertakes to designate at least one wetland site
and hydric soils (not enough O2) are the chief for inclusion in the List of Wetlands of International
characteristics of wetlands. Importance.
IMPORTANCE OF WETLAND • The inclusion of a “Ramsar Site” in the List embodies the
government’s commitment to take the steps necessary to
Among the most productive life support, wetlands have
ensure that its ecological character is maintained.
immense socio-economic and ecological importance for
• The country with the highest number of Sites is the
mankind.
United Kingdom.
• Habitat to aquatic flora and fauna, numerous species of
• The country with the greatest area of listed wetlands is
native and migratory birds.
Bolivia.
• Freshwater supply - Carry out water purification,
filtration of sediments and nutrients from surface water.
• Important resource for sustainable tourism ►MONTREUX RECORD

• Food and building materials, • The Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites on the
• Flood mitigation by controlling rate of runoff List of Wetlands of international importance where
changes in ecological character have occurred, are
• Help in nutrients recycling, ground water recharging
occurring, or are likely to occur as a result of
and stabilization of local climate technological developments, pollution or other human
• Buffer shorelines against erosion and pollutants. interference and therefore in need of priority
conservation attention.
• Act as genetic reservoir for various species of plants
(especially rice). • It is maintained as part of the Ramsar List.

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TWO MONTREUX RECORD SITES IN INDIA ►WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL

• Loktak Lake (Manipur): Due to deforestation in the
• Wetlands International is a non-profit organization
catchment area, infestation of water hyacinth and
established in 1937 as ‘International Wildfowl Inquiry’
pollution. The construction of a hydroelectric power plant
has caused the local extinction of several native fish • HQ in Netherlands.
species. • It is an independent, not-for-profit organization,
• Keoladeo National Park: Water shortage and supported by government and NGO membership from
unbalanced grazing regime around it. The invasive around the world.
growth of the grass and reducing its suitability for certain
water-bird species, notably the Siberian Crane.
►RAMSAR WETLANDS SITES IN INDIA

S. RAMSAR SITE LOCATION DESCRIPTION
NO
• Situated in Spiti part of Lahul & Spiti at Samudra Tapu Plateau which overlooks
Chandra river
Chandertal Land Himachal
1 • It is high altitude lake on the upper Chandra valley near the Kunzam pass joining
(Freshwater) Pradesh
the Himalayan and Pir Panjal ranges.
• It supports IUCN Red listed Snow Leopard and many other species.
Pong Dam Lake • A water storage reservoir created in 1975 on the Beas River in the low foothills
Himachal
2 (Freshwater) of the Himalaya on the northern edge of the Indo-Gangetic plain.
Pradesh
(Reservoir) • It is located at the trans-Himalayan flyway.
• It is a wetland with springs and inland subterranean karst formations, fed by
Renuka Wetland Himachal
a small stream flowing from the lower Himalayan out to the Giri river.
3 (Freshwater) Pradesh
• The lake has high religious significance and is named after the mother of Hindu
(Natural)
sage Parshuram, and is thus visited by thousands of pilgrims and tourists.
• Though added in Montreaux Record in 1993, was removed in 2002.
Chilika Lake • It is brackish lake separated from the Bay of Bengal by a long sandy ridge.
4 (Bracking Water) Orissa • It has seasonal fluctuations in salinity in different sections of the lake and saline
(Natural Lagoon) areas support aquatic algae.
• One of the only two lagoons with population of Irrawady dolphins
• One of the finest remaining patches of mangrove forests along the Indian coast.
Bhitarkanika The site's Gahirmatha beach is said to host the largest known Olive Ridley sea
Wetlands turtle nesting beach in the world, with half a million nesting annually, and the site
5 Orissa
(Mangrove Swamps) has the highest density of saltwater crocodile in the country.
• Salt water crocodiles, Gahirmatha beeach is the largest known Olive Ridley sea
turtle nesting in the world.
• A permanent freshwater lake in a former channel of the Brahmaputra river.
Deepor Beel • It is only major storm water storage basin for the city of Guwahati. It is a staging
6 (Freshwater) Assam site on migratory flyways.
(Natural) • Some threatened birds include potbilled Pelican Lesser and Greater Adjutant
Stork and Baer's Pochard
• World-renowned as a model of a multiple use wetland.
East Calcutta West • The wetland forms an urban facility for treating the city's waste water and
7
Wetlands Bengal utilizing the treated water for pisciculture and agriculture
• The system is described as "one of the rare examples of environmental

23
protection and development management where a complex ecological process

has been adopted by the local farmers for mastering the resource recovery
activities" (RIS)
• Sundarban Wetland is located within the largest mangrove forest in the world, the
Sundarbans, that encompasses hundreds of islands and a maze of rivers, rivulets
and creeks, in the delta of the Rivers Ganges and Brahmaputra on the Bay of
Bengal in India and Bangladesh.
• The Sundarban Tiger Reserve is situated within the Site and part of it has been
declared a “critical tiger habitat” under national law and also a “Tiger
West Conservation Landscape” of global importance.
8 Sundarban Wetland
Bengal • The Sundarbans are the only mangrove habitat which supports a significant
population of tigers, and they have unique aquatic hunting skills.
• The Site is also home to a large number of rare and globally threatened species
such as the critically endangered northern river terrapin (Batagur baska), the
endangered Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris), and the vulnerable
fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus).
• It is listed as World Heritage Site and also in UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Harike Lake • Harike Lake is a shallow water reservoir with thirteen islands, at the confluence of
9 (Freshwater) Punjab two rivers, i.e., Beas and Sutlej.
(Man-Made) • Indira Gandhi Canal starts from this place.
• It is a man-made wetland, with a permanent stream, the Kali Bein, a tributary of
Kanjli Beas River converted by construction of a small barrage in 1870 into a water
(Man-Made storage area for irrigation purposes.
10 Punjab
reservoir) • The stream is considered to be the most significant in the state from the religious
(Freshwater) point of view, as it is associated with the first guru of the Sikhs, Shri Guru Nanak
Dev Ji
• A wetland of lake and river formed by the 1952 construction of a barrage for
Ropar diversion of water from the Sutlej River for drinking and irrigation supplies.
11 (Freshwater Lake) Punjab • The site is an important breeding place for the nationally protected Smooth
(Manmade) Indian Otter, Hog Deer, Sambar, and several reptiles, and the endangered Indian
Pangolin is thought to be present.
• It is in MONTREAUX RECORD since 1990 due to "water shortage and an
unbalanced grazing regime".
Keoladeo National
• Included in world heritage site. A complex of ten artificial, seasonal lagoons,
Park
varying in size, situated in a densely populated region.
12 (Freshwater Rajasthan
• The invasive growth of the grass Paspalum distichum has changed the ecological
Swamps)
character of large areas of the site.
(Manmade)
• Siberian Crane is found here.
• It is the only protected by a surrounding wall on all sides.
• A large lake fed by four streams set in a shallow wetland and subject to seasonal
Sambhar Lake
fluctuations. (Inland drainage)
13 (Saline) Rajasthan
• The site is important for a variety of wintering waterbirds, including second
(Natural)
largest breeding ground for flamingos in India.
• A eutrophic lake, situated between the two major river basins of Godavari
Kolleru Lake and Krishna, fed by two seasonal rivers and a number of drains and channels,
Andhra
14 (Freshwater) which functions as a natural flood balancing reservoir between the deltas of the
Pradesh
(Natural) two rivers.
• Known for its spot-billed pelicans sighting.

24
• This lake was added to MONTREUX RECORD since June 1993 as a result of
ecological problems such as deforestation in the catchment area, infestation of
Loktak Lake
water hyacinth, and pollution. Thick, floating mats of weeds covered with soil
15 (Freshwater) Manipur
(phumids') are a characteristic feature
(Natural)
• The lake is used extensively by local people as a source of water for irrigation and
also plays an important role in flood control.
• The largest natural wetland in the Thar Desert Biogeographic Province and
represents a dynamic environment with salinity and depth varying depending on
rainfall.
Nalsarovar
• It is an important stopover site within the Central Asia Flyway, with globally
16 (Freshwater) Gujarat
threatened species such as the critically endangered Sociable Lapwing (Vanellus
(Natural)
gregarius).
• The wetland is also a lifeline for a satellite population of the endangered Indian
Wild Ass.
• Illegal collection of firewood and forest produce such as fruits (gathered by
Point Calimere lopping off tree branches),
Wildlife and Bird • The spread of Prosopis chilensis (Chilean mesquite), increasingly brackish
Tamil
17 Sanctuary groundwater caused by expansion of the historical salt works and decreasing
Nadu
(Coastal Swamps inflow of freshwater are all seen as potential causes for concern.
and salt pans) • Visitors come to the site both for recreation and for pilgrimage, as it is associated
with Lord Rama.
• The largest freshwater lake in Kerala.
• The water contains no common salts or other minerals and supports no water
Sasthamkotta Lake
plants; a larva called "cavaborus" abounds and eliminates bacteria in the water,
18 (Freshwater lake) Kerala
thus contributing to its exceptional purity.
(Natural)
• The ancient Sastha temple is an important pilgrimage centre.
• Source of drinking water for Kollam.
• The largest brackish, humid tropical wetland ecosystem on the southwest coast of
Vembanad-Kol India
Wetland • Famous for backwater tourism and sub-fossil clam deposits.
19 (Natural) Kerala • Longest lake in India
(Brackish) • Thaneermukkom Salt water barrier constructed divides the lake into parts – one
with perennial brackish water and other with fresh water from rivers draining into
the lake.
Ashtamudi Wetland • An extensive estuarine system, the second largest in Kerala State. The site
20 (Brackish) Kerala supports a number of mangrove species.
(Natural)
Surinsar-Mansar
• It is a composite lake in semi-arid Panjab Plains, adjoining the Jhelum Basin with
Lakes Jammu &
21 catchment of sandy conglomeratic soil, boulders and pebbles.
(freshwater) Kashmir
• Important for religious reasons.
(Natural)
• The largest freshwater lake in India with extensive marshes of emergent and
Wular Lake
Jammu & floating vegetation, particularly water chestnut, that provide an important source
22 (Freshwater)
Kashmir of revenue for the State Government and fodder for domestic livestock.
(Natural)
• Fed by Jhelum river.
Hokera Wetland Jammu
• Located at the northwest Himalayan biogeopgraphic province of Kashmir, back of
23 (natural) and
the snow-draped Pir Panchal.
(Freshwater) Kashmir

25
• A freshwater to brackish lake lying at 4,595m above sea level, with wet meadows
Tsomoriri
and borax-laden wetlands along the shores.
(Freshwater to Jammu &
24 • The site is said to represent the only breeding ground outside of China for one of
brackish) Kashmir
the most endangered cranes, the Black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis), and the
only breeding ground for Bar-headed geese in India.
• Two contiguous human-made reservoirs - the "Upper Lake" was created in the
Bhoj Wetland
Madhya 11th century by construction of an earthen dam across the Kolans River, and the
25 (Freshwater)
Pradesh lower was constructed nearly 200 years ago, largely from leakage from the Upper,
(Man-made)
and is surrounded by the city of Bhopal
Upper Ganga River • A shallow river stretch of the great Ganges with intermittent small stretches of
(Freshwater) Uttar deep-water pools and reservoirs upstream from barrages.
26
(Riverstretch) Pradesh • The river provides habitat for Ganges River Dolphin, Gharial, Crocodile, 6 species
(freshwater) of turtles, otters, 82 species of fish and more than hundred species of birds.
27 Rudra Sagar Lake
• A lowland sedimentation reservoir in the northeast hills, fed by three perennial
(Freshwater) Tripura
streams discharging to the River Gomti.
(Natural)
►MANGROVES • Act as nature's shield against cyclones, ecological

disasters and as protector of shorelines.
• Mangroves are salt-tolerant plants, also called
• Breeding and nursery grounds for a variety of marine
halophytes, that are adapted to harsh coastal conditions
animals.
of tropical and subtropical intertidal regions of the world
receiving rainfall between 1,000 to 3,000 mm and • Harbour a variety of life forms like invertebrates, fish,
temperature ranging between 26-35 C. amphibians, reptiles, birds and even mammals like tigers.
• Since mangroves are located between the land and sea • Good source of timber, fuel and fodder.
they represent the best example of ecotone. • Main source of income generation for shoreline
• About one third of the world’s mangroves are found in communities like fisher folk.
Asia (39%), followed by Africa (21%) and North and • Save the marine diversity, this is fast diminishing.
Central America (15%).
• Purify the water by absorbing impurities and harmful
IMPORTANCE OF MANGROVES heavy metals and help us to breathe a clean air by
• Act as a Buffer Zone between the land and sea. absorbing pollutants in the air.
• Protect the land from erosion. • Potential source for recreation and tourism.
 DISTRIBUTION IN INDIAN SUBCONTINENT
• Largest single block of tidal halophytic mangroves of the world.

Sundarbans • Famous for the Royal Bengal Tiger and crocodiles.
• Mangrove areas here are being cleared for agricultural use.
• Second largest in the Indian sub-continent,
Bhitarkanika, Orissa
• Harbour high concentration of typical mangrove species and high genetic diversity.
Godavari-Krishna
deltaic regions, Andhra Mangrove swamps occur in profusion in the intertidal mudflats on both side of the creeks
Pradesh
Maharashtra, Goa and
Mostly scrubby and degraded mangroves occur along the intertidal region of estuaries and creeks
Karnataka
Kerala Very sparse and thin

26
Gulf of Kachchh and

Range from bushy stands of dwarf mangroves found in Gulf of Kuchchh, to taller stands found in
the Kori creek, Gujarat
the Sunderbans.
(north-west coast)
Andaman & Nicobar Small tidal estuaries, neritic inlets and the lagoons support a dense and diverse undisturbed
Islands mangrove flora.
According to the India State of Forest Report (SFR) 2017, The maximum increase of mangrove cover is reported from the three
States: Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat.
PROMINENT MANGROVE SPECIES • Outreach countries: Malaysia

1. Sundari trees-. Classified as Endangered in the IUCN • Dialogue countries: Kenya and Tanzania
Red list.
2. Sonneratia griffithii, one of the tallest trees referred to
as Keora by locals is critically endangered ►WETLAND (CONSERVATION AND
3. Ceriops decandra (Goran)-near threatened MANAGEMENT) RULES 2016
4. C. decandra and Avicennia (locally known as Bain) • The rules are applicable to three types of wetlands:
5. Xylocarpus granatum- has a traditional medicinal use  Wetlands of international importance under Ramsar
in treatment of cholera, diarrhea and fever is also Convention.
threatened due to illegal felling.
 Wetlands notified by Central Govt. based in Union
6. Excoecaria agallocha, commonly called Goria-they are Territories.
back mangroves, not found in inter-tidal areas colonized
 Wetlands notified by State Govt. located in their
by true mangroves.
respective states.
7. Sesuvium portulacastrum-found in salt marshes it has
• The wetland rules 2016 follow the “wise use” philosophy
thick fleshy leaves with succulent reddish-green stem.
of the Ramsar Convention and accord emphasis on
8. Acrostichum aureum-found in salt marshes maintaining ecological character and integrity of
wetlands in their conservation and use. Accordingly, the
following activities have been prohibited in wetlands:
►MANGROVES FOR FUTURE (MFF)
 12 activities including fishing, boating, dredging, etc. are
• It is a collaboration between multiple partners, including restricted without prior permission from the state
governments, NGO, research institutes etc. government.
• It is co-chaired by the IUCN and UNDP.  Activities prohibited in wetlands include reclamation,
• It promotes investment in coastal ecosystems for constructing permanent structures within 50 m, setting
sustainable development. up or expanding industries, throwing waste, etc.
• The goal is to promote an integrated ocean-wide  An Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) is compulsory
approach to coastal management and to building the before undertaking any activity in a wetland area.
resilience of ecosystem-dependent coastal communities.
• Mangroves are the flagship of the initiative, but MFF is
► HIGHLIGHTS OF WETLANDS
inclusive of all types of coastal ecosystem, such as coral
reefs, estuaries, lagoons, sandy beaches, seagrass and (CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT)
wetlands. RULES, 2017
MEMBERS DECENTRALISATION
• Member countries: India, Bangladesh, Cambodia, • The management of wetlands has been decentralized.
Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Pakistan, Seychelles, Sri
Lanka, Thailand, and Viet Nam

27
• The powers have been given to the State governments so  prescribing norms and guidelines for integrated
that protection and conservation work can be done at the management of wetlands based on wise-use
local level. principle.
• Central government has mainly retained powers  recommending trans-boundary wetlands for
regarding monitoring. notification.
STATE OR UT WETLAND AUTHORITIES  reviewing the progress of integrated management of
• States and UTs have been given the responsibility for Ramsar Convention sites.
wetland management by setting up State and UT PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES UNDER THE NEW RULES
Wetland Authorities (SWAs).
o conversion of wetland for non-wetland uses including
• Composition of SWA’s: They will be headed by encroachment of any kind,
environment minister and include other government
o setting up of any industry and expansion of existing
officials. State government will also nominate one expert
industries,
each in fields of wetland ecology, hydrology, fisheries,
landscape planning and socioeconomics. o manufacture or handling or storage or disposal of
hazardous substances and construction and demolition
• Functions of SWA’s:
waste,
o SWAs have to identify and notify the wetlands for
o solid waste dumping,
protection within stipulated time
o discharge of untreated wastes and effluents from
o It will develop comprehensive list of activities to be
industries, cities, towns, villages and other human
regulated and permitted within notified wetlands and
settlements.
their zone of influence.
• The Rules also restrict any kind of encroachment,
o They will also recommend additional prohibited activities
poaching, or permanent construction, except for boat
for specific wetlands, define strategies for conservation
jetties within 50 metres of the mean high flood level
and wise use of wetlands, and undertake measures for
observed in the past 10 years.
enhancing awareness within stakeholders and local
communities on values and functions of wetlands.
o The State authorities will also need to prepare a list of all ►ASIAN WATERBIRD CENSUS (AWC)
wetlands of the State or union territory within three
• Asian Waterbird Census is an annual event across Asia
months, a list of wetlands to be notified within six
and Australasia for counting waterbirds in the wetlands.
months, a comprehensive digital inventory of all
wetlands within one year which will be updated every ten • This event happens every January.
years. • This event is coordinated by Wetlands International and
NATIONAL WETLAND COMMITTEE forms part of global waterbird monitoring programme
called the International Waterbird Census (IWC).
• National Wetland Committee replaces Central
Wetlands Regulatory Authority (CWRA): • In India, the AWC is annually coordinated by the Bombay
Natural History Society (BNHS) and Wetlands
o NWC will be headed by the MoEFCC Secretary, to monitor
International.
implementation of these rules.
• It is a citizen science program initiated in 1987 in the
o NWC has a merely advisory role. These include -
Indian subcontinent. Since then, it has grown to cover
 advising the central government on proposals major regions of Asia, from Afghanistan eastwards to
received from states/UTs for “omission of the Japan, SoutheastAsia and Australasia covering 27
prohibited activities”. countries.

28
• The census covers entire East Asian-Australasian Flyway • Increase tree cover through massive afforestation,
and a large part of Central Asian Flyway. especially on all denuded, degraded and unproductive
lands.
• To ensure environment stability and maintenance of
►NATIONAL WETLAND ecological balance.
CONSERVATION PROGRAMME • Efficient utilization of forest products.
(NWCP)
• The Government operationalized National Wetland
Conservation Programme (NWCP) in closed collaboration
►COMPENSATORY AFFORESTATION
with concerned State Government during the year 1986. FUND MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING
• The scheme aims at Conservation and wise use of AUTHORITY (CAMPA)
wetlands in the country so as to prevent their further
• Principle: The simple principle is that since forests are an
degradation.
important natural resource and render a variety of
• The scheme was initiated to lay down policy guidelines ecological services, they must not be destroyed.
for conservation and management of wetlands in the However, because of developmental or industrial
country; to undertake intensive conservation measures in requirements, forests are routinely diverted for non-
priority wetlands; to monitor implementation of the forest purposes.
programme and to prepare an inventory of Indian
• In such cases, the Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980
wetlands.
requires that non-forest land, equal to the size of the
forest being diverted, is afforested.
• Objective: To promote afforestation and regeneration
►MYRISTICA SWAMPS
activities as a way of compensating for forest land
• They are tropical fresh water swamp forest. diverted to non-forest uses
• They are found in the Western Ghats at two places – • So, this act stipulates conditions that the State
parts of Karnataka and southern Kerala. Government shall realize funds from the user agency
• Named after the Myristica trees, the most primitive of for compensatory afforestation, catchment area
the flowering plants on earth, which are found in treatment plan, wildlife management plan etc. to
abundance here. mitigate impact of diversion of forest land.
• The evergreen, water-tolerant trees have dense stilt roots • In most of the States, funds received from the user-
which help them to stay erect in the thick, black, wet agencies were deposited in consolidated fund as
alluvial soil. revenue receipts which were made available to the Forest
Department through budgetary provisions.
• The swamps are typically found in valleys, making them
prone to inundation during monsoon rains. • To role out compensatory afforestation, the Central
Government in exercise of powers conferred under the
• The trees form a fairly dense forest with a closed canopy.
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 constituted
Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and
Planning Authority (CAMPA).
 EFFORTS FOR AFFOREST- • However, the CAMPA could not be operationalized.
ATION NEW LAW IN PLACE
• To remove ad-hocism in actions and to give CAMPA a
►THE NATIONAL FOREST POLICY
concrete shape, the Compensatory Afforestation
(1988) Fund Act, 2016 was passed.
• It aims to have a minimum of one third of the total land • It will make available more than Rs. 6,000 crores per
area under forests. annum to the States/UTs for conservation, protection,

29
improvement and expansion of forest and wildlife • The national commission on agriculture first used the
resources of the country. term ‘social forestry ‘in 1976.
• Compensatory fund: It establishes Compensatory • Plantations were carried along river, road side, and canal
Afforestation Fund (CAF): The National Compensatory banks.
Afforestation Fund under the Public Account of India, • Social forestry can be divided into:
and a State Compensatory Afforestation Fund under
o Farm forestry – individual farmers were to plant trees on
the Public Account of each state.
their own land to meet their domestic needs.
• Usage of funds: To be used by states to implement agro-
o Community forestry – Rising of trees on community land
forestry in non-forest land to compensate for felled
with government support.
forest.
o Extension forestry-Planting of trees on the sides of road,
• Application: The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act,
canals, railways, and wastelands. It essentially means
2016 extends to the whole of India except the State of
increasing the boundaries of forest.
Jammu and Kashmir.
►JOINT FOREST MANAGEMENT (JFM) ►MGNREGA

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
• Aimed to institutionalize participatory governance of
Guarantee Act (MNREGA) scheme can be effectively
country’s forest resources.
used for afforestation programmes.
• It was formed to recognize the importance of involving
local communities
• Under JFM, both the forest department and local ►NET PRESENT VALUE (OF FORESTS)
communities come to an agreement to form committee • The newly afforested land is expected to take no less
to manage and protect forest. than 50 years to start delivering comparable goods and
• One of the key objectives is to rehabilitate degraded services that the diverted forest would have provided.
forest land. • These goods and services include timber, bamboo, fuel
• Also, the cost and benefits are shared, this gives greater wood, carbon sequestration, soil conservation, water
access to local communities to minor forest products. recharge, and seed dispersal.
• To compensate for this loss, the Net Present Value (NPV)
of the diverted forest is calculated for a period of 50
►SOCIAL FORESTRY years, and recovered from the user agency that is
• It aims to raise plantation to meet the growing demand diverting the forests.
for food, fuel, etc.

30
CURRENTaffairs &
related concepts
 POLICIES AND INITIATIV- • Plan also highlights role of private sector in the wildlife
protection by ensuring adequate fund flow from the
ES Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund.

• It also emphasizes upon preservation of genetic
►NATIONAL WILDLIFE ACTION PLAN diversity and sustainable utilization of species and
(NWAP) 2017-2031 ecosystem.
• Recently, India unveiled the NWAP for 2017-2031

spelling out the future road map for wildlife ►COMMUNITY FOREST RESOURCE
conservation.
(CFR) MANAGEMENT
• The third action plan comes after the first plan in 1983
People’s Forests Report was released by Centre for
and second from 2002 till 2016.
Science and Environment (CSE) on Community Forest
ABOUT NWAP COMPONENTS Resource (CFR) management.
• strengthening and promoting the integrated FINDINGS
management of wildlife and their habitats
• Poor implementation: Only seven states have
• adaptation to climate change and promoting integrated formally recognized the rights of forest dwelling
sustainable management of aquatic biodiversity in communities (Only 3% of potential areas) to manage
India and govern their forest resources with huge disparities
• promoting eco-tourism, nature education and among states.
participatory management • Global Acceptance of CFR: As of 2013, at least 15.5%, of
• strengthening wildlife research and monitoring of the world’s forests were under some form of community
development of human resources in wildlife control.
conservation • CFR governance helping forest conservation: Forest-
• enabling policies and resources for conservation of dependent communities have adopted an innovative
wildlife in India. practice to manage their CFR areas, among which
protection from forest fires and the protocols for
FEATURES
sustainable harvest of NTFPs are common to most Gram
• The plan has adopted the Landscape approach rather Sabhas.
than the earlier strategies more concentrated on national
• Improving Livelihood: CFR has increased collective
parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
bargaining power of community which has helped in
o The Landscape approach is based on the importance of alleviating poverty and reverses the trend of
conservation of uncultivated flora and undomesticated migration from forest areas.
fauna that had ecological value irrespective of their place
• Strengthening PVTG Status: Members from particularly
of occurrence.
vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) are benefitted from

31
inclusive approach under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, • Increase in the Bamboo-bearing area in the country also
which provide them a sustain source of livelihood and reported in comparison to the last assessment.
mainstreaming in the development process of country. • The report for the first time contains information on
ABOUT FOREST RIGHT ACT, 2006 decadal change in water bodies in forest during 2005-
It provides for a rights-based, democratic and decentralized 2015 and this shows increase.
governance of forests. Rights recognized under FRA. • Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh are top three
• Individual forest rights (IFR) to legally hold forestlands states showing increase in water bodies within forest
that the forest dwelling communities have been residing areas.
on and cultivating prior to 13 December 2005. OVERALL STATUS
• Community rights (CRs) of ownership, use and disposal • Madhya Pradesh has the largest forest cover of 77,414 sq
of ‘minor forest produce’, also known as non-timber km in the country in terms of area, followed by Arunachal
forest produce (NTFP). CRs include rights of grazing, Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
collection of firewood, fish and other such products from • Andhra Pradesh (2141 sq km), followed by Karnataka and
water bodies, as well as rights to biodiversity and Kerala have shown the maximum increase in forest
intellectual property, including those related to cover.
traditional knowledge.
• In terms of percentage of forest cover with respect to the
• Community forest resource (CFR) rights under Section total geographical area- Lakshadweep with (90.33 per
3(1)(i) to protect, regenerate, conserve or manage forest cent) has the highest forest cover
resources for sustainable use, providing for community
• Mizoram, Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Islands,
governance of forests.
Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Manipur
have more than 75 per cent forest cover.
MAIN AREAS OF CONCERN
►INDIA STATE OF FOREST REPORT
• Shifting cultivation
2017
• Diversion of forest lands for developmental activities
IMPORTANCE OF THE REPORT
• Submergence of forest cover
• Serve as an important tool to monitor the country’s
forest resources. • Agriculture expansion
• Help plan suitable scientific and policy interventions. • Natural disasters
• Source of information for the policy makers, planners, • The north-eastern region has lost considerable forest
and State Forest Departments cover since 2011. Northeast represents a global
biodiversity hotspot. So, any gains achieved in other
• Instrumental in identifying degraded forest and issues
areas cannot compensate for the loss in this biodiversity
related to agro-forestry.
crucial area.
KEY FINDINGS
SHORTCOMINGS
• India’s forest cover has registered a marginal increase of
• Methodological problems
about one per cent between 2015 and 2017.
o Satellite images do not differentiate between natural
• This comes to an increase of 8,021 sq km (about 80.20
forests, plantations, thickets of weeds such as juliflora
million hectare) in the total forest and 2% rise in total
and lantana, and longstanding commercial crops.
tree cover of the country.
o The increase in the forest cover may be attributed the
• Much of the increase in the forest cover has been
expansion in the survey area from the earlier
observed in Very Dense Forest (VDF). VDF absorbs
assessment.
maximum carbon dioxide.
• All the mangrove states have shown a positive change in
the mangrove cover.

32
►COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIP ON ►INDIA BIODIVERSITY AWARD 2018

FORESTS (CPF) India Biodiversity Award 2018 was conferred by the
National Biodiversity Authority (NBA).
• It is a voluntary interagency partnership on forests that
ABOUT AWARD
was in response to an invitation of Economic and Social
Council of the UN (ECOSOC). • In 2012, the GOI, in partnership with UNDP India,
initiated the India Biodiversity Awards
• The Partnership is currently comprised of 15
• Aim: To recognize and honour outstanding models of
international organisations, institutions and secretariats.
biodiversity conservation, sustainable use and
• MISSION of CPF is to help enhance the contribution of all governance at the grassroots level.
types of forests and trees outside forests. ABOUT NBA
• It is a statutory body established under the provisions of
the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
►UNITED NATIONS FORUM ON
• It performs facilitative and advisory functions for the
FORESTS (UNIF) Union government on issues of conservation, sustainable
use of biological resources and fair and equitable sharing
• It is a subsidiary body of the Economic and Social Council
of benefits arising out of the use of biological resources.
of United Nations (ECOSOC), with the main objective of
the management, conservation and sustainable
development of all types of forests and to strengthen ►BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION &
long-term political commitment to this end, based on Rio
RURAL LIVLIHOOD IMPROVEMENT
principles.
PROJECT (BCRLIP)
• Its membership extends to all UN members and
• The project has two-pronged approach – conserving
specialized agencies.
biodiversity in certain selected areas (including national
6 GLOBAL GOALS parks / wildlife sanctuaries) and improving livelihood of
1. Reverse the loss of forest cover, increase efforts to local rural community by soliciting their participation.
prevent forest degradation and contribute to the global • Eg. Development of Joint Forest Management (JFM)
effort of addressing climate change. and eco- development models.
2. Enhance forest-based economic, social and • It is a centrally sponsored scheme.

environmental benefits, including improving the • It is being operated by MOEFCC.
livelihoods of forest dependent people.
3. Increase the area of protected forests worldwide, as well

►ASIA ENVIRONMENT
as the proportion of forest products from sustainably
ENFORCEMENT AWARDS, 2018
managed forests.
United Nation Environment has awarded Wildlife Crime
4. Mobilise financial resources for the implementation of
Control Bureau (WCCB), Ministry of Environment, Forest
sustainable forest management and strengthen scientific
and Climate Change, Government of India with Asia
and technical cooperation. Environment Enforcement Awards, 2018 for excellent
5. Promote governance frameworks to implement work done by the Bureau in combating transboundary
sustainable forest management. environmental crime.
6. Enhance cooperation, coordination on forest related REASON FOR WINNING AWARD
issues at all levels, including within UN system and across • WCCB has adopted innovative enforcement
Collaborative Partnerships on Forest. techniques that have dramatically increased

33
enforcement of transboundary environmental crimes in • The award celebrates exceptional figures from the public
India. and private sectors and from civil society, whose actions
• Notably it has developed an online Wildlife Crime have had a transformative positive impact on the
Database Management System to get real time data in environment.
order to help analyze trends in crime and devise effective • The award also recognises the efforts for promoting
measures to prevent and detect wildlife crimes across new areas of levels of cooperation on environmental
India. action.
• In order to involve the public in the fight against wildlife AWARD FOR ENTREPRENEURIAL VISION
crime, WCCB has also developed a scheme to enroll Cochin International Airport has also been honoured this
willing persons as WCCB Volunteers. year with the award for Entrepreneurial Vision, for its
 ABOUT WCCB leadership in the use of sustainable energy.
Wildlife Crime Control Bureau is a statutory multi-
disciplinary body established by the Government of
India under the MoEFCC, to combat organized wildlife
►NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT SURVEY
crime in the country. India’s first ever National Environment Survey (NES) will be
launched in January, 2019 to map environment data of 55
districts across 24 states and 3 Union Territories.
►CHAMPIONS OF THE EARTH AWARD ABOUT NES
Prime Minister has been awarded with the UN’s highest • The NES will rank all districts on their environmental
environmental honour- Champions of the Earth Award. performance and document their best green practices
DETAILS based on various environmental parameters.
• French President Emmanuel Macron, and Indian PM • The first NES will be MoEFCC through Environmental
Modi have been jointly recognised in the Policy Information System (ENVIS) and its hubs and resource
Leadership category for their pioneering work in partners across the country.
championing the International Solar Alliance and • It will be done through grid-based approach, using grids
promoting new areas of levels of cooperation on measuring 9×9 km to collect comprehensive data on
environmental action, including various environmental parameters.
o Macron’s work on the Global Pact for the Environment • The parameters include air, water, soil quality; solid,
and hazardous and e-waste; emission inventory; forest &
o Modi’s unprecedented pledge to eliminate all single- wildlife; flora & fauna; wetlands, lakes, rivers and other
use plastic in India by 2022. water bodies.
ABOUT AWARD • It will also assess carbon sequestration potential of all
• The Champions of the Earth award, the UN’s highest the districts across the country.
environmental recognition, was founded in 2005. • Initially the survey will be focusing on 55 districts and
later will be scaled up to all districts in the country.
FLORA & FAUNA • Despite the huge ecological significance, they have not
been historically protected because the short, stunted
►SHOLA GRASSLAND trees have little or no timber value.
• They are patches of stunted tropical montane forest FAUNA

found in valleys amid rolling grassland in the higher
• Tigers, Nilgiri tahr, leopards, elephants, gaur,etc.
montane regions of South India.

34
ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE • It prefers lateritic and gravelly soil and cannot

• Undulating grassland patches; tolerate water logging.
• Thickets of stunted evergreen tree species; USES
• Home to host of endemic and endangered plants and It is used for various purposes such as immunity medicine,
animals; furniture, radiation absorbent, musical instrument,
food dyes and spices, Ayurveda and Sidha medicine,
• Important for keeping the water cycle alive - store the
decorative and ornamental purposes etc.
rain water for future use;
• High concentration of lichen, mosses, ferns and orchids
in these areas. ►NEELA KURINJI PLANTS
CONCERN Tamil Nadu government has announced a novel scheme
Timber plantations, expanding agriculture and the spread of for the protection of the exotic Neela kurinji
invasive species have eaten into as much as two-thirds of (Strobilanthus kunthianus) plants.
natural grasslands in the Palani Hill range of the Western ABOUT NEELA KURINJI
Ghats.
• Kurinji or Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthianus) is a
shrub that is found in the shola forests of the Western
Ghats in South India.
►GINGER SPECIES
• Nilgiri Hills, which literally means the blue mountains,
• Two new Ginger species found in the northeast got their name from the purplish blue flowers of
• Both are from the family of Zingiberaceae, to which the Neelakurinji that blossoms only once in 12 years.
commonly found Ginger (Zingiber officinale) belongs. • The Paliyan tribal people living in Tamil Nadu used it as
HEDYCHIUM CHINGMEIANUM a reference to calculate their age.
• Discovered in Nagaland
• It is an epiphytic plant and grows on tall trees ►MUSA PARAMJITIANA
• Most of the species under the genus Hedychium have • A new species of wild banana named Musa paramjitiana
medicinal properties. has been discovered in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
CAULOKAEMPFERIA DINABANDHUENSIS • Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a biodiversity hotspot
• Discovered in Manipur that hosts seven different species of wild banana.
• It is found growing in rock crevices, boulders and humus • A banana species - this plant grows to a height of nine
rich soil. metres.
• It bears an edible, sweet-and-sour tasting fruit that is
boat-shaped and has numerous bulb-shaped seeds.
►RED SANDERS
• The fruit is part of the diet of local tribes.
The IUCN, now reclassified red sanders (Pterocarpus
• Its seeds have ethno-medicinal importance.
santalinus) as ‘near threatened’ from the earlier
‘endangered’. • Pseudo-stem and leaves of these species are also used
during religious and cultural ceremonies.
ABOUT RED SANDERS
• The species was found in North Andaman’s forest.
• It is an endemic tree of South India.
IMPORTANCE OF DISCOVERY
• They are found in Tropical Dry Deciduous forest of the
Palakonda and Seshachalam hill ranges of Andhra • Saving the rare species from extinction.
Pradesh and also found in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. • It now provides great opportunity for plant breeders to
• It occurs in hot, dry climate with a rainfall of 88-105 cm. improve the existing banana crop.

35
IUCN STATUS ►SVALBARD GLOBAL SEED VAULT

Critically endangered • It is a secured seed bank on the Norwegian Island of
Spitsbergen in the remote Arctic Svalbard archipelago.
• It houses the world's largest collection of seeds.
►NATIONAL BAMBOO MISSION
• The seed vault is managed by Norwegian government,
National Bamboo Mission is renamed as National Agro- Crop Trust, and Nordic Genetic Resource Center.
Forestry & Bamboo Mission (NABM).
• It provides facility for safe deposit of seeds sample that
OBJECTIVES have distinct genetic resources of importance to food
• To promote the growth of the bamboo sector through as security and sustainable agriculture.
an area based regionally differentiated strategy; • The seeds are stored in an underground cave where
temperatures are very low.
• To increase the coverage of area under bamboo in
potential areas, with improved varieties to enhance • Government of Norway has entirely funded the program.
yields; • India has deposited some seeds in Svalbard Global Seed
Vault and plans to deposit more seeds in future.
• To promote marketing of bamboo and bamboo based
handicrafts; ABOUT NATIONAL GENE BANK
India has one of the largest plant germplasm collections in
• To establish convergence and synergy among stake-
the world, hosted in National Gene Bank at ICAR National
holders for the development of bamboo;
Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR).
• To promote, develop and disseminate technologies
through a seamless blend of traditional wisdom and
modern scientific knowledge. ►INTERNATIONAL TROPICAL TIMBER
• To generate employment opportunities for skilled and ORGANIZATION (ITTO)
unskilled persons, especially unemployed youths. • It is an intergovernmental organization under the United
Nations and works to promote the conservation and
sustainable use and trade of tropical forest resources.
►NATIONAL WILDLIFE GENETIC • It develops internationally agreed policy and helps
RESOURCE BANK (NWGRB) tropical member countries to adapt such policies in their
local affairs.
• NWGRB was inaugurated at Centre for Cellular and
• It also collects, analyze and distribute data on the
Molecular Biology’s (CCMB) Laboratory of
production and trade of tropical timber and even funds a
Conservation of Endangered Species (LaCONES)
range of tropical products to develop communities and
facility in Hyderabad, Telanagana
industry in such areas.
SIGNIFICANCE • 36 Timber producing and 38 Timber consuming countries
• It is India’s first genetic resource bank where genetic are its members.
material will be stored for posterity which will further the • India is one of the members of this organisation.
cause of conservation of endangered and protected
animals.
• This facility would increase the collection of genetic ►INTERNATIONAL NETWORK FOR
resources from wildlife by facilitating exchange of BAMBOO AND RATTAN MEMBERSHIP
genetic material between Indian zoos for maintaining (INBAR)
genetic diversity.
• It is an intergovernmental organisation of 44 Member
• It would also facilitate research work.
States, which promotes the use of bamboo and rattan for

36
environmentally sustainable development and green ►JEEVAMRUTAM: ORGANIC

growth.
FARMING
• India is a member to INBAR and its designated focal
point with INBAR is the Ministry of Environment, Forests BENEFITS
and Climate Change
• It can be prepared at the farm level quite easily using
• If the potential of bamboo and rattan is achieved, the locally available ingredients.
Global South will be closer to achieving its ambitious
• The INGREDIENTS that go into making of Jeevamrutam
development.
are: -
• This is not a part of United Nations.
1. Dhal flour 2. 3. Cow 4. Cow 5. Mud
(Besan) Jaggery urine Dung
►BATHUKAMMA
All the ingredients are mixed one after the other and
• It is a floral festival celebrated by the Hindu women of
Telangana, celebrated for nine days during Durga fermented in water
Navratri. Every year this festival is celebrate usually in
• The results of using Jeevamrutham have been proved to
September–October of Gregorian calendar.
be highly successful, and quite a few farmers are using
• Bathukamma is a beautiful flower stack, arranged with
this in their fields.
different unique seasonal flowers most of them with
medicinal values, in seven concentric layers in the shape
of Temple Gopuram.
• It is the festival for feminine felicitation.
►SINGPHAN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
• It celebrates the inherent relationship between Earth, • Recently, Nagaland government declared the Singphan
water and the human beings. Wildlife Sanctuary as an Elephant Reserve, with the
• Bathukamma is the icon of cultural identity of Telangana. approval of central government
COMMUNITY AND CONSERVATION • After the declaration it became the 30th Elephant
Reserve in the country.
• It amalgamates tradition and conservation.
• The festival is actually the celebration of biodiversity as WHY
different variety of flowers including wild flowers are • Presently, elephant distribution habitat in Nagaland is
used from Bejjur Forest Range to make the floral cone for highly fragmented; this move will give better protection
the festival. and conservation of elephants in the state.
• The festival helps in creating awareness of the diversity ABOUT SINGPHAN
of natural flora of the area to the local citizens including
children and youths. • It is located in Mon district of Nagaland and spreads
over an area of 5825 acres.
• The forest staffs and officials also participate in the
festival and help in creating awareness about the • It has huge tracts of forest, strategically located in
seasons during which different wild plants blossoms. contiguity with the Abhaypur Reserve Forest of
IMPORTANCE Assam.
• The flowers used in Batukamma have a great quality of

purifying water and such flowers when immersed in
abundance into the pond have the effect of cleansing the ►KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK
water and making the environment much better. The Kaziranga National Park (KNP) had been split into two
• Important for cleaning of water storage systems like, divisions — the existing Eastern Assam Wildlife and the
ponds, lakes, tanks etc. new Biswanath Wildlife park with Brahmputra flowing
in between.

37
REASONS FOR BIFURCATION LOCATION

• Due to expansion of area under the KNP, it became • This National Park has been named after the river
difficult for one division to manage the National Park and 'Nagarhole' which snakes through its rich tropical
because of this these areas did not get the desired forests.
attention. • It is situated over the Kodagu district and Mysore district
• Poachers remained un-convicted due to large area of in Karnataka.
the park. SIGNIFICANCE
• The funds allocated were not only under-utilized but • Rich in Flora and Fauna
were largely unused; with bifurcation separate
• Nagarahole Tiger Reserve is also a notified Core/Critical
authorities will be more accountable.
Tiger habitat under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• It will also ease overcoming staff shortage as northern
• Forest: The major forests can broadly be classified into
region can now recruit from northern Assam separately
Southern Tropical Semi-evergreen forests.
and so with the southern region.
• It is one of the high-density tiger landscapes
• Tourism was also suffering largely due to above
recognized by the Global Tiger Initiative for conservation
mentioned reasons, bifurcation will lead to better
of Tiger and is one of the richest Wildlife areas noted for
management and increased visitation and hence, the
seven large species such as Chital, Sambar, Chowsingha,
revenue.
Gaur, Muntjac, Wild Pig and Elephants.
ABOUT KNP
• It supports very high density of Asian Elephants.
• Kaziranga protected area was established in 1904 and is
located on the edge of the Eastern Himalayan
biodiversity hotspot.
►SIMILIPAL TIGER RESERVE
• It is a UNESCO world heritage site.
Similipal derives its name from ‘Simul’ (Silk Cotton) tree.
• The park is home to large breeding populations of
LOCATION
elephants, wild water buffalo, and swamp deer other
than the one-horned rhino. It is a National Park and a Tiger Reserve situated in the
northern part of Orissa’s Mayurbhanj district.
• Kaziranga is recognized as an ‘Important Bird Area’ by
Birdlife International for the conservation of avifaunal RECOGNITION
species. • It was formally designated a tiger reserve under Project
• There are five ranges in the Eastern Assam Wildlife Tiger in May 1973.
Division - Kaziranga (Kohora), Eastern Range (Agaratoli), • This reserve is part of the UNESCO World Network of
Western Range (Bagori), Burhapahar Range and Northern Biosphere Reserves since 2009.
Range with headquarters at Biswanath.
SIGNIFICANCE
• Of these ranges, four are located on the southern
• Flora: The vegetation is a mix of different forest types
bank of the Brahmaputra, while the Northern Range is
and habitats, with Northern tropical moist deciduous
located on the north bank of the river.
dominating some semi-evergreen patches.
• Sal is the dominant tree species here.
►NAGARHOLE TIGER RESERVE • The park also has extensive grasslands
NAME • The park is known for the tiger, elephant and hill mynah.
Nagarhole is a combination of two Kannada terms, • It holds the highest tiger population in the state of Orissa.
• Nagara = Cobra • Prominent rivers are Burhabalanga, Palpala Bandan,
• Hole = River Salandi, Kahairi and Deo.

38
• The highest peak being the twin peaks of Khairiburu and ►MALABAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Meghashini.
• The sanctuary is part of the Western Ghats, a
biodiversity hotspot.
►ORANG TIGER RESERVE • It also comes under the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and
forms a part of the Wayanad Elephant Reserve.
49TH TIGER RESERVE
• Vegetation types: These are the West-coast Tropical
• Location: Spread over Darrang and Sonitpur districts of
Evergreen, West-coast Semi evergreen, Southern Moist
Assam and notified in 2016, Orang Tiger Reserve is the
Mixed Deciduous, Southern Hill-top Evergreen forests,
49th in the country.
Grasslands, and Marshy grasslands (Vayals).
• Smallest core area among 50 nationally protected areas
has high density of 28 big cats. • River: Kuttiady River
• Orang has the highest tiger density of 35.44 nationally. • This forested habitat is known to be an ideal haunt for
OTHER TIGER RESERVES IN ASSAM King Cobra, the largest venomous snake in the world.
Kaziranga, Manas and Nameri

CALCULATION OF DENSITY
►NATIONAL ACTION PLAN FOR
Density is calculated based on the number of tigers per 100
sq. km.
CONSERVATION OF MIGRATORY
OTHER HIGH DENSITY RESERVES
BIRDS
A Wildlife Institute of India and NTCA report last year MOEFCC has developed a National Action Plan for
titled The Status of Tigers, Co-predators and Prey in India, said Conservation of Migratory Birds and their Habitats along
the density in Central Asian Flyway (CAF) for the period 2018-23.
• Kaziranga National Park was 12.72, GOAL OF PLAN
• Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand - 11 • The overall longer-term goal is to arrest population
decline and secure habitats of migratory bird species.
• Bandipur National Park, Karnataka - 10.28
• In shorter-term the action plan seeks that by 2027, to
halt the downward trends in declining meta-populations
►COTIGAO WILDLIFE SANCTUARY and maintain stable or increasing trends for healthy
populations.
• The sanctuary is known for its multi-storeyed forests
with tall trees and rare plants. ABOUT CAF
• Location: It lies in the south of Goa, on the Goa- • Central Asian Flyway (CAF), one among the nine flyways
Karnataka border. in the world, encompasses overlapping migration
routes over 30 countries for different water birds.
• Fauna: Flying squirrel, slender loris, Indian pangolin,
four-horned antelope, mouse deer, Malabar pit viper, • It links their northern most breeding grounds in
flying lizard, etc. Russia (Siberia) to the southernmost non-breeding
(wintering) grounds in West and South Asia, the Maldives
• Vegetation: The vegetation is mostly moist-deciduous
and the British Indian Ocean Territory.
type, interspersed with semi-evergreen and evergreen
patches.
• It was established in 1968 to protect a remote and ►GREATER FLAMINGOES
vulnerable area of forest lining the Goa- Karnataka
Greater Flamingoes have been spotted on the Coast of
border.
Hope Island, a part of the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary
• Bird Festival of Goa was conducted here. (CWLS), after a gap of 25 years.

39
ABOUT CWS • Extensive pesticide use: In farms in and around

• It is situated in Andhra Pradesh near confluence of roosting sites causing bioaccumulation of poisonous
Godavari and Bay of Bengal. substances in food-chain leading to mortality of the
birds.
• It houses the second largest mangroves forest in India.
ABOUT GREATER FLAMINGOES
• They prefer shallow brackish lakes & use mudflats & ►GREY PELICANS
saltpans for nesting. GREY PELICANS OR SPOT BILLED PELICAN
• They are the indicators of healthy coastal • It is a bird of large inland and coastal waters, especially
environment. large lakes.
• They are filter feeders (take prey and water together • It breeds in southern Asia from southern Pakistan
and then filter out water) and get their characteristic pink across India east to Indonesia.
colour from their diet of brine shrimps and algae
• They arrived at the Nelapattu bird sanctuary in Nellore
available in the coastal wetlands.
district in Andhra Pradesh.
IUCN Red List Status
OTHER LOCATION FOR GREY PELICANS
• Least Concern
• Atapaka Bird Sanctuary, located in Kolleru Lake on the
borders of Krishna and West Godavari districts, has been
identified as the largest spot-billed pelican home in the
► HARRIER BIRDS
world.
Concerns have been raised that harrier birds, a migratory
• Atapaka sanctuary is a natural habitat for birds in Andhra
raptor species are declining from Indian Subcontinent.
Pradesh.
ABOUT HARRIER BIRDS
PROTECTION STATUS
• Harrier Birds are the only diurnal ‘Raptor group or
IUCN Status - Near Threatened
Birds of Prey’ nesting and roosting on the ground.
NELAPATTU BIRD SANCTUARY
• These birds regularly visit vast swathes of Indian
Subcontinent grasslands during winter to escape frigid In addition to the spot-billed pelican, it is an important
Central Asia. breeding site for white ibis, openbill stork, night heron, and
little cormorant.
• Six of the 16 Harrier species in the world migrate to India
every year, these are (i) Eurasian Marsh Harrier (ii)
Eastern Marsh Harrier (iii) Hen Harrier (iv) Pallid Harrier ►GREAT WHITE PELICAN
(v) Pied Harrier (vi) Montagu’s Harrier.
• Great white pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus), has been
• Montagu’s, Marsh and Pallid Harriers are widely
sighted, at the Atapaka Bird Sanctuary in the Kolleru Lake
distributed in India
in Krishna district
• While Pied and Eastern Marsh Harriers are confined to
• Also known as Rosy pelican.
the eastern parts of India.
• The great white pelican is almost double the size of the
• Hen Harriers are commonly seen in Northern India and
grey pelican.
up to Upper Assam in North Eastern India.
• The sighting of the white pelican is very rare in the
REASONS FOR DECLINE
Kolleru Lake. It was last cited in the year 2013.
• Habitat destruction: Loss of grasslands either due to
• The lone white pelican has never been seen breeding or
rapid urbanization or large-scale monocultures and
nesting in the Kolleru Lake till date.
extensive reclamation of wetlands causes change in land
use patterns declining their suitable foraging and MAJOR THREATS
roosting habitats in many parts in India. • Climate fluctuation that influence water levels in
wetlands

40
• Pesticide and heavy metal contamination could have human dominated agricultural landscapes leading to
devastating impact on breeding sites. increased incidences of conflict.
• Habitat destruction PROTECTION STATUS
• Death of fishes
• IUCN status: Vulnerable
• Hunting
• Divergence of river water for agriculture • Schedule IV: Indian Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972
• Collision with electric power lines during migration
Floods leading to inundation of nesting sites
►BAR-HEADED GEESE
PROTECTION STATUS
• It is distributed in Central Asia including Indian
• IUCN Red List - Least Concern
subcontinent, China and Mongolia.
• Appendix-I of the Convention on the Conservation of
• It is one of the world's highest-flying birds peaking at
Migratory Species (CMS) of Wild Animals
an altitude of around 6,000 m across the Himalayas
during migration.
 CONVENTION ON THE • Plays a vital role in maintaining the natural diversity of
CONSERVATION OF MIGRATORY grasslands by promoting coexistence of different plant
SPECIES (CMS) OF WILD ANIMALS species.
• More commonly abbreviated as Convention on • The restricted and patchy breeding grounds of this
Migratory Species or the Bonn Convention and CMS species make it vulnerable.
COP is known as Global Wildlife conference—aims to PROTECTION STATUS
conserve terrestrial, marine and avian migratory species
• IUCN status: Least Concern
throughout their range.
• Schedule IV: Indian Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
• It is an international treaty, concluded under the aegis of
the United Nations Environment Programme,
concerned with the conservation of wildlife and habitats
►INDIAN SKIMMER
on a global scale.
• The Convention was signed in 1979. • It occurs in the Indian subcontinent and Vietnam.
• Appendix I – Threatened Migratory Species • Its preferred habitats are sandy mid-river islands, sandy
• Appendix II – Migratory Species requiring international banks of large rivers and lakes, swamps and coastal
cooperation wetlands.
THREAT
Increased human encroachment in riverine and wetland
►SARUS CRANE
ecosystems, exploitation and degradation of rivers and
• It is distributed in the middle stretch of the Ganga River lakes through fishing, transportation, irrigation and
and has been extirpated from West Bengal. pollution from xenobiotic compounds.
• Locally extinct from Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand. PROTECTION STATUS
• It occurs in large rivers, natural wetlands, small seasonal • IUCN status: Endangered
marshes, floodplains, fallow and cultivated lands and
• Not listed: Indian Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972
paddy fields.
• The species nests in agricultural lands, dry grassland with
reeds and grasses. ►BLACK-BELLIED TERN
THREAT • Found throughout the Indian sub-continent and
Loss and degradation of wetlands and agricultural drainage extending to Laos, Thailand and Cambodia.
of inundated floodplains has pushed these species to • Almost extinct in China.

41
THREAT GLOBAL ACTION

The species is threatened due to destruction of breeding • UN has named May 20th as World Bee Day.
habitats caused by agriculture, sand mining and grazing, • EU countries have banned the use of three neonicotinoid
flooding of nests, human disturbance, predation by feral pesticides in fields, allowing its use only in covered
dogs, cats and corvids near human settlements. greenhouses where they cannot get into environment.
PROTECTION STATUS
• IUCN status: Endangered;
TRIFED
• Schedule IV: Indian Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972
It was established in 1987 and is under the administrative
control of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
►RUDDY SHELDUCK OBJECTIVES
• Is widely distributed in Europe, Asia including the Indian • Protects livelihood of tribals: It protects interests of
subcontinent and Western Africa. tribals who are engaged in making of Tribal Art &
• In India it is distributed in the middle and lower stretches Handicraft Products by ensuring better remunerative
of the Ganga River. price for their products.
THREAT • Marketing of tribal products: It promotes socio-

economic betterment through Self Help Groups,
The loss and degradation of inland wetlands due to
Empanelled NGOs, State level Tribal Development
agricultural drainage and wastewater discharge, urban
Corporations, Forest Development Corporations for
development, xenobiotic compounds, introduction of exotic
undertaking marketing development of the tribal
fish and overgrazing are major issues affecting the species.
products.
PROTECTION STATUS
PROMOTES HONEY BEE CULTURE
• IUCN status: Least Concern
• It plays lead role in protecting, promoting and
• Schedule IV: Indian Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. multiplication of Honey Bees by scientific and non-
destructive collection practices.
• The motive is to :
►PROTECTING BEES
o increase the livelihood of the tribal people
UN FAO and EU have called for a global action to protect
pollinators and bees in particular. o contribute towards the growth of Honey Bees population
IMPORTANCE OF POLLINATORS o drastically reduce the mortality rate of Honey Bees

drastically
Pollinators such as bees, birds, bats, butterflies and beetles
are responsible for most of the crops and food that we eat.
Thus, they provide food security to the masses. ►EGYPTIAN VULTURE
THREATS TO BEES
• The species is popularly known as safedgiddh (white
• Bees have been dying off from ‘colony collapse vulture) in Hindi.
disorder’ blamed on pesticides
• Egyptian vulture is successfully breeding within a human
• According to UN, 40% of invertebrate pollinators, habitation in Punjab and more importantly, has become
particular bees and butterflies – risk global extinction. a resident species.
COLONY COLLAPSE DISORDER • The largest colony of the bird has been spotted near
This occurs when the majority of worker bees in a colony Ropar (Punjab) at a site where carcasses of dead animals
disappear and leave behind a queen, plenty of food and a are dumped.
few nurse bees to care for the remaining immature bees. • The species rarely hunts its food — the birds mostly feed
on dead carcasses of animals, birds and reptiles.

42
THREAT FROM THE VETERINARY DRUG - DICLOFENAC • It also regulates the exchange of animals of endangered
The main reason for rapid decline in population of vulture is category among zoos.
due to Diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory • It is an affiliate member of the World Association of
drug which is given to cattle in inflammation and pain. The Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).
vultures die of renal failure or kidney failure after eating
carcasses of cattle administered with the drug.
PROTECTION STATUS  WORLD ASSOCIATION OF ZOOS

• IUCN Red List – Endangered AND AQUARIUMS (WAZA)
• It is the "umbrella" organisation for the world zoo and
► VULTURE CONSERVATION aquarium community across the world, founded in
1935.
Nandankanan Biological Park (NBP) in Bhubneswar received
12 rescued long-billed vultures from Gandhi Zoological Park • Mission: To provide leadership and support for zoos,
in Gwalior to speed up its conservation efforts by breeding aquariums, and partner organizations of the world in
of white-backed vultures. This was done on the directions of animal care and welfare, conservation of biodiversity,
Central Zoo Authority (CZA). environmental education and global sustainability.
WHY CONSERVATION IS REQUIRED? • Headquarters: Gland, Switzerland
• Vultures are very important as they are natural

scavengers and eliminate carcasses and decaying
flesh. ►CHRYSILLA VOLLUPE
• Thus, they prevent the spread of diseases, and foul A rare spider (both a male and a female spider) was
smell emanating from rotting flesh. rediscovered from Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in
• They also have a role in post death rituals for the Parsee Western Ghats, Kerala.
community where the human body is also cleaned up by the DETAILS
vultures.
• Researchers have re-discovered the spider named
• But, almost 95% of vultures in India have disappeared Chrysilla Vollupe after 150 years which was believed to
after consuming carcasses of cattle, which were tainted be extinct.
with Diclofenac.
• The rediscovery is significant for the fact that the female
LARGEST VULTURE CONSERVATION FACILITY
specimen was spotted for the first time.
• Jatayu Conservation Breeding Centre, Pinjore (Haryana),
• It also points to the need to conduct more explanatory
within the Bir Shikargah Wildlife Sanctuary is the largest
surveys of faunal diversity of India.
conservation centre for vultures in India.
ABOUT CHRYSILLA VOLLUPE
• JCBC is even world's largest facility in terms of numbers
of vultures. • The Spider belongs to the family of jumping spider
(Salticidae).
• Female spider has blue iridescent bluish scales present

 CENTRAL ZOO AUTHORITY (CZA) in the top of head region of female and orange bands on
• CZA is the body of the Government of India responsible both sides of the head.
for maintenance of zoos across the country. • The spider has eight black eyes are arranged in the
• It was established in the year 1992. front and sides of head region.
• It has been constituted under the Wild Life (Protection) • The spider makes a retreat between green leaves of
Act to bring Indian zoos up to international standards. small plants.

43
►INDIAN SOFTSHELL TURTLE • In India, the species occurs in the middle and lower
stretches of the Ganga River, and the Indus, Godavari,
• Indian softshell turtle (Nilssonia gangetica) occurs in the Coleroon and Mahanadi river systems.
Ganga, Indus and Mahanadi river systems in India.
THREAT
• It is found in the middle and lower stretches of the Ganga
• The species is overly exploited for calipee, meat and
River.
eggs.
• The species inhabits deep rivers, streams, and large
PROTECTION STATUS
canals, lakes and ponds with mud and sand bottoms.
• IUCN status: Vulnerable;
• It controls Fish population, removes diseased fish from
• Schedule IV: Indian Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972
rivers and also maintains water quality by scavenging on
decaying organic material.
THREAT ►THREE STRIPED ROOFED TURTLES

• The species is highly exploited for calipee, meat, eggs and HABITAT
illegal trade.
• Three-striped roofed turtle (Batagur dhongoka) is a
PROTECTION STATUS hardshell species and occurs in India and Bangladesh.
• IUCN status: Vulnerable; • The species inhabits large rivers with sandy banks and
breeds during March and April.
• Schedule I: Indian Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972
• It controls invasive aquatic weeds and maintains aquatic
plant population.
►INDIAN PEACOCK SOFTSHELL PROTECTION STATUS

• IUCN status: Endangered
TURTLE
• Indian peacock softshell turtle (Nilssonia hurum) occurs
in the rivers of India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan.
• In the Ganga River, the species occurs in the middle and ►RED CROWNED ROOFED TURTLE
lower stretches.
• Red-crowned roofed turtle (Batagur kachuga) a hardshell
• It controls fish population and maintains the water species occurs in India, Nepal and Bangladesh.
quality by scavenging on carcass and detritus.
• It is sexually dimorphic and the males show breeding
THREAT colouration - red crown and yellow and blue stripes from
The species is exploited for meat, eggs and in illegal trade. head to neck.
PROTECTION STATUS • It is exclusively freshwater, inhabiting deep flowing rivers

with sandy nesting sites.
• The species is overexploited.
PROTECTION STATUS
• IUCN status: Critically Endangered
►NARROW HEADED SOFTSHELL • Schedule I: Indian Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972
TURTLE
HABITAT
►OLIVE RIDLEY TURTLES
• Narrow-headed softshell turtle (Chitra indica) occurs in
the rivers of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar • They are medium-sized species of sea turtle, found in
warm and tropical waters, primarily in the Pacific and
and western Malaysia.
Indian Oceans.

44
• They are best known for their behavior of synchronized HABITAT

nesting in mass numbers, termed arribadas. • Native: Bangladesh; Cambodia; India; Indonesia;
• Eating habits: Predominantly carnivorous. Malaysia
• Mass nesting sites (rookery) of Olive Ridley turtles are the • Regionally extinct: Myanmar; Singapore; Thailand;
following: Vietnam
 Gahirmatha marine sanctuary, largest mass nesting ECOLOGY

site of olive ridley turtles. • It is strongly aquatic but uses terrestrial nesting sites as
 Rushikulya rookery coast well.
 Odisha government has also added Bahuda Rookery at • Terrestrial nest sites such as sandbars and riverbanks.
beach on Bahuda river mouth in Ganjam district. It is
• Tidal areas of large river estuaries.
located 20 km south of Rushikulya rookery coast.
PROTECTION STATUS
CONSERVATION EFFORTS
• IUCN Red List - Critically Endangered
• Importance of Conservation-They serve as
• Protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection)
fundamental link in marine ecosystems and help
Act1972, India.
maintain the health of coral reefs and sea grass beds.
• Appendix-I of CITES, making international trade in
• Orissa government has made it mandatory for trawls to
this species illegal.
use Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs).
• Arribada Management: This is being promoted through

awareness programmes, patrolling, funding for sea turtle ►BONNETHEAD SHARK
protection
It is the first known omnivorous shark species identified
• The Convention on Migratory Species has also recently.
provided olive ridleys with protection.
DETAILS
PROTECTION STATUS
• 60% of its diet consists of seagrass.
• IUCN Red List - Vulnerable
• The species graze upon seagrass, in addition to eating
• Listed in Appendix I of CITES (the Convention on bony fish, crabs, snails and shrimp.
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna
• The bonnethead shark is abundant in the shallow
and Flora).
waters of the Western Atlantic, and the Gulf of Mexico.
• Though small by shark standards, adult females — the
larger of the sexes —can still reach an impressive five
►NORTHERN RIVER TERRAPIN feet long.
(BATAGURBASKA) TURTLE • Lacking the kind of teeth best suited for mastication, the
• The Northern river terrapin is the most endangered of shark may rely on strong stomach acids to weaken the
plants’ cells so the enzymes can have their digestive
the three Batagur species which is the Asia’s largest
effects.
freshwater turtle.
• Other two species are Batagurkachuga (Red-crowned

roofed turtle) and Batagurdhongoka (Three-striped
►INDUS DOLPHIN (BHULAN)
roofed turtle) which are found in the tributaries of the
Ganga, such as Chambal. • They are endangered, freshwater and functionally blind
species of dolphins.
• Northern river terrapin is described as the world’s
second most endangered turtle after the Yangtze • They rely on echolocation to navigate, communicate and
hunt prey including prawns, catfish and carp.
giant Soft Shell Turtle.

45
• Except for a tiny, isolated population of about 30 in ►GOLDEN MAHSEER

India’s Beas River (185 km stretch between Talwara and
• Translates as Mahi-sher and sher-Tiger hence is also
Harike), Indus river dolphins live exclusively in the
referred to as tiger among fish.
Indus river in Pakistan.
• Considered to be toughest among freshwater sport fish.
SURVEY
• Found in rivers in Himachal Pradesh, Upper Ganga,
• In 2017, a survey was done by WWF-Pakistan which Ramganga, Kosi, Cauvery etc.
showed an increase in their population.
• Suffered severe population decline due to pollution,
• Similar survey in India: The Punjab government along habitat loss and over-fishing.
with WWF-India are conducting the first organised
census on population of Indus Dolphin.
►SEA SQUIRT
• They are marine animals, are permanently fixed to a
►IRRAWADDY DOLPHINS surface.
• They are found in all seas, from the intertidal zones to
HABITAT
the greatest depths.
• As per World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Irrawaddy dolphins
• They feed on the plankton and detritis which they filter
are found in coastal areas in South and Southeast Asia, out of the water.
and in three rivers: the Irrawaddy (Myanmar), the
• Sharks, skates and other bottom-dwelling fish eat sea
Mahakam (Indonesian Borneo) and the Mekong.
squirts. They can filter out tiny particles such as plastic
In numbers: pollutants from sea water and store them in its soft
tissue.
• The total population in the world is estimated to be less
than 7,500.
• Of these, the highest (6,400) was reported from ►KRILL

Bangladesh.
• These are shrimplike marine animals that live in the open
• The population in Chilika is considered to be the highest sea.
single lagoonal population. • Krill play an important role in food chain. They feed on
PROTECTION STATUS phytoplankton and zooplankton converting these into a
form suitable to many larger animals such as baleen
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
whales.
• Krill are found in all the oceans but the Antartic Krill are
particularly sought after by the fishing industry mainly in
►PONDICHERRY SHARK Scotia sea and areas around Japan. Krill are used in
• It is an extremely rare species of requiem shark, in the animal fodder and for the extraction of krill oil, which
contains Omega-3 fatty acids.
family Carcharhinidae.
• Pink and Opaque colored Antartic Krill are among the
• The Pondicherry shark was once found throughout Indo-
largest of the 85 known krill species. During certain times
Pacific coastal waters from the Gulf of Oman to New
of year, krill congregate in Swarms so dense and
Guinea, and is known to enter fresh water.
widespread that they can be seen from space. Antartic
• Currently, the only known sightings of this species since Krills make up the largest total biomass in the Antartic
the 1980s are in rivers in Sri Lanka. Ocean.
PROTECTION STATUS • Antartic Krill stocks are estimate to have declined by

80% since the 1970s. Scientists attribute these declines in
IUCN Red List - Critically endangered

46
part to ice cover loss caused by global warming. This ice ►SEA HORSE
loss removes a primary source of food for krill: Ice-Algae.
• They are small marine fish. They have a head and a neck
appearing as a horse. They also have a tail.
►WHALES • They are found in temperate saltwater throughout the

world. They live in sheltered areas such as seagrass beds,
There are 13 Great Whales: 12 of them are Baleen and 1 estuaries, coral reefs and mangroves.
Sperm Whale.
BALEEN WHALES
► MANATEE & DUGONGS (SEA COW)
• They breed in the temperate and warm equatorial waters
in the winter months, and feed in more polar waters • The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has honoured a group
during the summer. of fishermen with cash award for rescuing and releasing
back into the sea, a 10-foot long dugong.
• Because, the seasons are opposite in the Northern and
• Dugongs are categorized under vulnerable category as
Southern Hemisphere, whales in the two halves of the
per the IUCN.
world do not mix.
• It is a medium sized marine mammal.
• They have hundreds of elongated triangular baleen
ABOUT MANATEES AND DUGONGS
plates, they are made of horny material and not of bone,
even though they are popularly called whalebone. • Both Manatees and Dugongs are classified under Sirenia
and they are slow moving herbivore found in the
• Baleen whales feed for only four or five months a year
shallow waters along the warm coastlines.
when they are in polar seas which are rich in food.
• It is dependent of seagrass communities for subsistence
• They are filter feeders. and is thus restricted to coastal habitats which support
SPERM WHALES seagrass meadows.
• They have teeth. • There are four living species of Sirenia namely, the west
Indian Manatee, the Amazonian Manatee, the West
• These whales do not undertake regular annual African Manatee and the Dugong.
migrations between the warmer and colder seas
• Stellar’s sea cow has gone extinct in the
characteristic of baleen whales.
18th century and was the fifth animal under Sirenia
• Blue whale: These are the largest species of whale. They category.
are the primary target species of modern whaling. They DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MANATEES AND DUGONGS
are found worldwide from the equator to the polar
• Habitat: Manatees inhabit the marshy areas of the
regions in both hemispheres.
Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico (West Indian Manatee), the
Amazon Basin (Amazonian Manatee) and West Africa
(West African Manatee). Dugongs spend their entire life
►SEA LION in shallow, protected areas such as bays and mangrove
swamps.
• They are sea mammals characterized by external ear
• Tails: Manatees have a large, horizontal, paddle-shaped
flaps.
tail with only one lobe, which moves up and down when
• They have the ability to walk on all four limbs. the animal swims. Dugongs have tail flukes with pointed
• Their range extends from the subarctic to tropical waters projections, like a whale with a slightly concave trailing
of the global ocean in both the Northern and Southern edge.
Hemisphere, with a notable exception of northern • Nails: West Indian and West African manatees have very
Atlantic Ocean. basic nails on their forelimbs. Amazonian manatees and
dugongs don’t have any nails.

47
• Nostrils: The nostrils of a dugong are placed further back lowland lakes, rivers, streams, marshes and coastal
on its head than in the case of manatees. areas.
PROTECTION STATUS • IUCN status: Near Threatened
IUCN status: Vulnerable • Schedule II: Indian Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
 Recently presence of Eurasian otter was confirmed in
the Western Ghats. This is the first photographic and
►OTTERS genetic confirmation of its presence here.
• Carnivorous ASIAN SMALL- CLAWED OTTER
• Members of the mammalian family called Mustelidae. • Found across much of south and south-east Asia, with a
• Otters are invariably associated with water, with a few continuous population in southeast Asia, northeast India
exceptions. and Himalayan foothills.
o Aonyx congica (African clawless Otter) found in • It is smallest of the three-otter species found in India.
Central Equatorial Africa, are least adapted • Nocturnal and crepuscular.
aquatically.
• Monogamous and both parents contribute to raising the
o Enhydra lutris, having completely severed their offspring.
dependence on freshwater, are a totally marine
species.
• Schedule I: Indian Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
• Otters are found the world over, except in Australia,
New Zealand, Madagascar, and other oceanic islands.
• Otters are mainly active around dawn and dusk, being,
►GHARIAL
what is known as, crepuscular.
HABITAT
• Being at the apex of the food web, otters are indicators of
healthy ecosystems and are the first to disappear from • The Gharial is endemic to the Indian subcontinent,
disturbed ecosystems. occurring in the Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra and the
Mahanadi river systems.
• There are 13 species of otters in the world out of which
3 are available in India. • The gharial is now extinct in Myanmar, Bhutan and
Pakistan.
• They adapt to a variety of habitats ranging from marine
to freshwater environments. • It is a hole-nesting species and nests along rivers in
undisturbed sandy banks and islands.
SMOOTH-COATED OTTER
THREAT
• Is piscivorous
• The gharial population has shown a dramatic decline
• Occurs along large rivers and lakes, in mangrove
throughout its entire range, largely as a result of
forests along the coast and estuaries.
anthropogenic pressures such as mortalities in fishing
• Distributed throughout the country from the Himalayas nets, reduction in water flow, and encroachment on river
southward. banks for agriculture, sand mining, construction of dams
• IUCN status: Vulnerable and barrages.
• Schedule II: Indian Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. • Gharials are hunted for use of its body parts in
EURASIAN OTTER indigenous medicine and its eggs are harvested for
consumption.
• The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) has the widest
distribution range of all otter species, spanning parts of PROTECTION STATUS
three continents: Europe, Asia and Africa. • IUCN status: Critically Endangered
• It is primarily nocturnal, largely solitary and lives in a wide • Schedule I: Indian Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972
variety of aquatic habitats, including highland and

48
►MUGGER • The bank is the first crocodile breeding centre in Asia

and comes under the purview of the Central Zoo
• A wide-ranging species, muggers are medium to large Authority, Ministry of Environment and Forests,
crocodiles. Government of India.
• They are at the apex of food web and perform the • Aim: Saving three Indian endangered species of
ecological role of both predators and scavengers. crocodile—the marsh or mugger crocodile, the saltwater
HABITAT crocodile, and the gharial.
• Found in India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal and possibly • It is home to one of the only approved snake venom
Bangladesh, extending westwards into eastern Iran. extraction centres in India.
• In India, the species has been reported in 15 states and
throughout much of the Ganga drainage.
THREAT ►CENTRE FOR MARINE LIVING
• The species is poached for its skin and meat as well as for RESOURCES AND ECOLOGY (CMLRE)
its use in medicine. • CMLRE, Cochin is a research institute under the Ministry
• Mugger eggs are also poached for consumption by of Earth Sciences (MoES), GOI.
humans. • It has been organizing, coordinating and promoting
PROTECTION STATUS ocean development activities in the country.
• IUCN status: Vulnerable; ACTIVITIES
• Schedule I: Indian Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 • Mapping of the living resources;
• Preparing inventory of commercially exploitable living
marine resources;
►ESTUARINE CROCODILE
• Optimum utilization of living resources and commercially
• Found along the east coasts of India to northern exploitable living marine resources through ecosystem
Australia, through Southeast Asia along the islands of management;
New Guinea and Indonesia.
• R&D in basic Sciences on Marine Living Resources and
• Strong swimmers and have a high tolerance for salinity. Ecology.
• Estuarine crocodiles are rare in India and smaller • The institute also manages and operates the Fishery
populations occur throughout the Sundarbans at the Oceanographic Research Vessel (FORV), Sagar Sampada.
mouth of the Ganga River.
• Apart from Sundarbans, the largest population of this
crocodile is found in the Bhitarkanika National Park in ►INTEGRATED COASTAL AND
Odisha.
MARINE AREA MANAGEMENT
PROTECTION STATUS
PROJECT DIRECTORATE (ICMAM)
• IUCN status: Least Concern;
ICMAM, Chennai under the Ministry of Earth Sciences is
• Schedule I: Indian Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 responsible for preservation and conservation of marine
environment in India.
OBJECTIVES
►MADRAS CROCODILE BANK TRUST
• Developing capacity towards accomplishing the coastal
(MCBT) and ocean related objectives of (Agenda 21).
• The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for • To carry out R&D on application of scientific tools and
Herpetology (MCBT) is a reptile zoo and herpetology techniques that is helpful in the development of
research station

49
integrated management solutions to address the issues ►SANGAI DEER

and problems prevalent in the coastal marine areas.
• The Sangai is an endemic and rare subspecies of brow-
antlered deer found only in Manipur.
►MARINE PROTECTED AREAS • It is also the state animal of Manipur
• A marine protected area (MPA) is essentially a space in • Its habitat is restricted to the marshy wetland of Keibul
the ocean where human activities are more strictly Lamjao.
regulated than the surrounding waters - similar to parks
• While walking on the floating biomass, Sangai often
we have on land.
balances itself which looks as if it is dancing on the green
• These places are given special protections for natural or
grassland and therefore popularly called as ‘dancing deer’
historic marine resources by local, state, territorial,
of Manipur.
native, regional, or national authorities.
PROTECTION STATUS
• IUCN – Endangered
►MARICULTURE
• It is the part of MoEF (Ministry of Environment, Forest
• Mariculture is the farming of aquatic plants and
and Climate Change)’s ‘Recovery Programme for critically
animals in salt water.
endangered species and habitats’.
• Thus, mariculture represents a subset of the larger field
of aquaculture, which involves the farming of both fresh-
water and marine organisms.
►BLACKBUCK
• The major categories of mariculture species are
seaweeds, molluscs, crustaceans, and finfish. • It is an antelope found in India, Nepal and Pakistan and
is now extinct in Bangladesh.
• The blackbuck inhabits grassy plains and slightly

►NON-PHOTOCHEMICAL QUENCHING forested areas.
(NPQ) - PROCESS • They prefer areas where water is perennially available.
• When exposed to more sunlight than is needed, plants
• They are diurnal antelope (active mainly during the day).
protect themselves by making chemical alterations within
the leaves. HABITATION AND CONSERVATION
• These modified leaves become more efficient at • Central- Western India (MP, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab,
selectively absorbing sunlight, and release the excess Haryana, Maharashtra and Odisha) and Southern India
energy as heat. (Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu).
• In India, hunting of blackbuck is prohibited under

Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. The
►INDIAN GAZELLE blackbuck has significance in Hinduism.
• Indian Gazelle (Chinkara) is a gazelle species native to
• Prominent conservation areas are:
Iran, Pakistan and India.
o Velavadar Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat
• It lives in arid plains, deserts, dry scrub and light forests.
o Meja forest division near Allahabad
• It is threatened by extensive hunting for meat and
trophies in Iran and Pakistan. o Ranibennur Blackbuck Sanctuary in Karnataka.
PROTECTION STATUS PROTECTION STATUS
• IUCN status for the species is Least Concerned. • Schedule I : Indian Wild Life Protection Act, 1972
• It is listed in Schedule 3 of Wildlife Protection Act 1972.

50
►NILGIRI TAHR • In Northern India it is found in:
• It is the largest of the three Tahr species and it inhabits o Hemis National park
the montane grasslands of the Western Ghats and is o Khangchendzonga National Park
endemic to the Western Ghats.
o Namdapha National Park
• The other two are the Himalayan tahr, found from
FEATURE
Kashmir to Bhutan and the Arabian tahr, which is
confined to the mountain areas of Oman and adjoining Blue Sheep are active throughout the day, feeding on
United Arab Emirates. lichens, herbaceous plants, and mosses.
• It is the State Animal of Tamil Nadu. PROTECTION STATUS
• The larger concentration is in Eravikulam National IUCN Red List - Least Concern
Park.
HABITAT DESTRUCTION
• A major part of the historical range of the tahr has been ►ORANGUTAN
lost to tea plantations. • Orangutan means "person of the forest" in the
• Parts of the remaining grasslands have been planted with Indonesian and Malay languages.
eucalyptus, wattle and pine. • These are species of great apes native to Indonesia and
• This is especially pervasive in the Nilgiris and Palani Malaysia.
forests.
FEATURES
PROTECTION STATUS
• They are among the most intelligent primates.
• IUCN RED LIST - Endangered
• They use a variety of sophisticated tools and construct
• Schedule I of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 elaborate sleeping nests each night from branches and
foliage.
• These apes have been extensively studied for their
►CHIRU ANTELOPE learning abilities.
Close to goat family. HABITATION
HABITAT
• Orangutans are currently found only in the rainforests of
It lives at a 3,250-5,500 metres elevation in high altitude Borneo and Sumatra.
plains and montane valleys comprising of alpine and desert
• They are adapted to living in trees.
steppe and pasture, distinguished by low vegetation cover
and productivity. • They live solitary lives.
PROTECTION STATUS PROTECTION STATUS
• IUCN Red List - Near Threatened IUCN Red List - Critically Endangered
• Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
CONSERVATION EFFORTS
►BUSH FROGS
Its prime habitats have been declared as Wildlife
Sanctuaries viz. Karakorma Wildlife Sanctuary and • White-spotted bush frog (Raorchestes chalazodes) are
Changthang Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary. found only in Western Ghats (south-western slopes of the
Cardamom Hills).
• Egg-laying sites is within bamboo stems.
►HIMALAYAN BLUE SHEEP CANNIBALISM
HABITAT • If the eggs are left alone other male bush frogs enter the
• It is found in Bhutan, China, Northern India, Northern stem and eat the unattended eggs (source of nutrition).
Myanmar, Nepal and Northern Pakistan.

51
• This is the first known instance of cannibalism among • Particularly harmful to maize, but can feed on more than
tree frogs of the Rhacophoridae family. 80 additional species of crops, including rice, sorghum,
MAJOR THREATS millet, sugarcane, vegetable crops and cotton.
Conversion of natural forest to intensively cultivated areas. • FAW was first detected in Central and Western Africa in
PROTECTION STATUS early 2016 and has quickly spread across virtually all of
Sub-Saharan Africa.
IUCN Red List - Critically Endangered
• In July 2018 it was confirmed in India and Yemen.
Because of trade and the moth's strong flying ability, it
►ASTROBATRACHUS KURICHIYANA has the potential to spread further
• Species of frog found for the first time in Western Ghat • Infestation from the insect is reported from Karnataka,
Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra,
• It has constellation like markings.
Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal.
• It is named after indigenous people Kurichiyarmala, a hill
range found in the state of Kerala.
►INDIAN RHINO VISION (IRV) 2020

►INVASIVE SPECIES
• IRV 2020 is an ambitious rhino range and population
An alien species is a species introduced by humans – either expansion programme.
intentionally or accidentally - outside of its natural past or
• Project partners: Assam Forest Department, the
present distribution, however not all alien species have
negative impacts, and it is estimated that between 5% and Bodoland Territorial Council, WWF, IRF, and the US Fish
20% of all alien species become problematic. It is these and Wildlife Service.
species that are termed ‘invasive alien species’ (IAS). • Location: Kaziranga, Orang and Manas National Parks
IMPACT and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam, India.
• Driver of biodiversity loss • Species: Greater one-horned rhinos.
• Lead to changes in the structure and composition of • Habitat: Grasslands and shrub lands on the southern
ecosystems leading to significant detrimental impact on base of the Himalayas.
ecosystem services, affecting economies and human
wellbeing. • Activities: Anti-poaching, monitoring, translocations and
community conservation.
COMMON INVASIVE SPECIES OF INDIA : FLORA
• Prosopis Juliflora
• Water Hyacinth ►NEW DELHI DECLARATION ON ASIA
• Snowflake Corals
RHINOS 2019
• Lantana
Recently five countries:-India, Nepal, Bhutan, Indonesia
COMMON INVASIVE SPECIES OF INDIA : FAUNA
and Malaysia along with various non-governmental
• African apple snail organisations came together for the above declaration to
• Papaya Mealy Bug increase the population of three Asian rhino species. These
• Amazon sailfin catfish are
• Greater one-horned rhinoceros (Majorly found in India

and Nepal) (IUCN Red List status: Vulnerable)
►FALL ARMYWORM (FAW)
• Javan Rhino (IUCN Red List status: Critically Endangered)
• It is an insect that is native to tropical and subtropical
• Sumatran Rhino (IUCN Red List status: Critically
regions of the Americas.
Endangered)

52
SALIENT FEATURES OF THE DECLARATION fishing gear

• Review the population of the three Asian Rhinos species and seismic
every four years. explorations
• National Rhino conservation strategy was launched at Closely

this event. associated
SALIENT POINTS OF NATIONAL RHINO CONSERVATION with
STRATEGY montane
forests with
• Active engagement between India and Nepal to conserve Poached for
dense
greater one-horned rhinoceros as population of rhinos in its meat, and
bamboo-
Sukla-Phanta (Nepal), Valmiki tiger reserve (India) and Red Panda for use in Endangered
thicket, is
Chitwan National Park(Nepal) and Dudhwa (India) is medicines,
found in
separated by political boundaries between two countries. and as a pet.
Sikkim,
• Also expanding distribution range of rhinos as 90% of West
rhino in India are in one protected area. Bengal and
Arunachal
Pradesh.
►RECOVERY PROGRAMME FOR
CRITICALLY ENDANGERED SPECIES
The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has added four ABOUT RECOVERY PROGRAMME
species to a Recovery Programme for Critically Endangered • It is one of the components of centrally sponsored
Species. scheme - Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats
(IDWH) which provides assistance to the State/UT
Species Habitat Threat IUCN Status governments for activities aimed at wildlife
conservation.
Northern
River Rivers that • The other two components:
Hunted for
Terrapin - flow in Critically o Support to Protected Areas (National Parks, Wildlife
meat and
Species of Eastern Endangered Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves and Community
carapace
riverine India Reserves except tiger reserves)
turtle
o Protection of Wildlife Outside Protected Areas
Habitat loss;
poached for
Clouded Himalayan
its skin and is Vulnerable  ABOUT NBWL
Leopard foothills
also as a live • It is a statutory Board constituted under the Wild Life
pet trade. (Protection) Act, 1972.
• It is chaired by the Prime Minister. Its vice chairman is
Threatened
Arabian Sea Minister of Environment.
All major due to ship
Humpback Endangered
oceans strikes, • It is involved in framing policies and promoting wildlife
Whale
unforgiving conservation and controlling poaching and illegal trade of
wild life.

53
 CONSERVATION OF ►INDIA AND INTERNATIONAL

COOPERATION
TIGERS
GLOBAL TIGER FORUM (GTF)
►NATIONAL TIGER CONSERVATION • India is the founder member of the Global Tiger Forum
AUTHORITY (NTCA) (GTF) of Tiger Range Countries for addressing
international issues related to tiger conservation.
• A statutory body constituted under the Wildlife
• The Tiger Range Countries (TRC) – countries where
(Protection) Act, 1972 for tiger conservation.
tigers still roam free are: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia,
• It is headed by the minister of MOEFCC. China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malayasia, Myanmar, Nepal,
OBJECTIVES Russia, Thailand, Vietnam and North-Korea.
• Providing statutory authority to Project Tiger so that • GTF is the only intergovernmental organisation
compliance of its directives becomes legal. related to tigers in the World.
• Fostering accountability of Centre-State in management • It is focused on saving the remaining 5 sub species of
of Tiger Reserves, by providing a basis for MoU with tigers distributed over 13 Tiger Range countries of the
States within our federal structure. world.
• Providing for an oversight by Parliament. • Founded in 1993; HO: New Delhi.
• Addressing livelihood interests of local people in areas • GTF general assembly meets on every three years. The
surrounding Tiger Reserves. Chairperson, usually a Minister from one of the Tiger
• Functions: Its functions are to assist in population Range countries heads GTF for a fixed tenure of 3 years.
assessment of tigers, law enforcement, wildlife forensics, • Current membership: 7 tiger range countries:
infrastructural development and mitigation, smart Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Myanmar, Nepal
patrolling and advisory role in policy formulation. and Vietnam.
• Non Tiger Range countries: United Kingdom
ST. PETERSBURG DECLARATION
►PROJECT TIGER
For doubling tiger population (India was a party to this
• The Project Tiger launched in 1973 is a 100% centrally
declaration) by 2022.
sponsored scheme.
TX2
• It gives fund help to the ‘tiger range States’, for in-situ
conservation of tigers in the chosen tiger reserves. WWF has launced TX2 campaign to double the number of
Tigers in the Tiger by 2022.
• It has put the endangered tiger on a guaranteed path of
revival by protecting it from extinction.
• The Project Tiger aims to promote an exclusive tiger ►SPATIAL MONITORING AND
agenda in the core areas of tiger reserves, with inclusive
people participation.
REPORTING TOOL (SMART)
OBJECTIVES OF PROJECT TIGER • It was developed by the SMART partnership, a group of
conservation organization with an aim to conserve
• To guarantee a viable population of tigers for financial,
biodiversity, reduce the impacts of illegal extraction and
scientific, aesthetic, social and ecological values.
trade of natural resources, strengthen law enforcement
• Limit the elements which lead to the reduction of tiger related to biodiversity conservation, and enhance overall
habitat and to tone them down by suitable strategy. management of conservation areas.
• Site-particular eco-development to decrease the • SMART is now the global leading tool for wildlife law
dependency of local individuals and indigenous people enforcement and protected area monitoring.
on tiger reserve.

54
• This is especially important in checking the poaching • Phase 2 consists of remote sensing data by the Wildlife
activities in protected areas. Institute of India (WII), which partners the NTCA in this
• SMART has become an integral tool in efforts to conserve assessment every four years in collaboration with state
Tigers throughout their ranges. forest departments.
• It is also being used for conservation of lions, Jaguars • Phase 3 is when biologists from WII visit the tiger
etc. reserves and do a cross-check on the data collected in
• In India, it is being used in Gir National Park phase 1 as well as look at images taken by camera traps.
In the case of tigers, every individual tiger will have a
• SMART is enabling improved collaboration and data
sharing between organizations across landscapes, unique stripe pattern— just like our fingerprints.
breaking down silos in the conservation community. • Where the camera trappings are unavailable because of
logistical constraints, DNA extracts from scat samples are
collected for analysis.
►CONSERVATION ASSURED TIGER
• Scat is basically tiger poop.
STANDARDS (CA|TS)
• Fieldwork and scat analysis are fundamental to the
• Launched in 2013 process of documentation; for starters, it’s important to
• Conservation Assured (CA) is a new conservation tool to know whether it’s a tiger or a leopard or some other
set best practice standards for effective management of animal.
target species.
• The current assessment uses Android phone-based
• CA fulfils the requirement for protected area application and desktop version of M-STrIPES
management effectiveness in international agreements
(Monitoring System for Tigers-Intensive Protection and
such as the Convention on Biological Diversity’s (CBD)
Ecological Status) for collecting, archiving and analyzing
Programme of Work on Protected Areas and will help
data
national governments, and their partners in
conservation, to meet the CBD’s Strategic Plan for • The phone application automatically records the track log
Biodiversity. of surveys and line transects, as well as authenticates the
recorded data on signs and animal sightings with geo-
• CA is also linked to and partnered in the development of
IUCN’s Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas. tagged photographs.
• Conservation Assured | Tiger Standards (CA|TS) scheme • With increased camera trap density and the use of
provides an incentive to those responsible for tiger android technology, estimates arrived at are likely to be
conservation areas in the 13 tiger range countries to more robust – both in terms of accuracy and precision.
improve the effectiveness of management.
►E-EYE SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM

►TIGER ESTIMATION 2018 • The e-eye is a software-based system where high
• The NTCA conducted the fourth assessment of India’s resolution thermal and infrared cameras capture all
tiger population (after 2006, 2010 and 2014) in four activities.
phases.
• This system of surveillance is being expanded to keep
• In the first phase, carnivore tracks and signs, data track of tigers in wildlife sanctuaries and to prevent
sampling of prey species, vegetation and human poaching and animal-human conflict.
disturbance are recorded.

55
►LIST OF TIGER RESERVES

AREA OF THE CORE / AREA OF THE BUFFER
SL. TOTAL AREA
NAME OF TIGER RESERVE STATE CRITICAL TIGER HABITAT / PERIPHERAL (IN SQ.
NO. (IN SQ.KMS.)
(IN SQ. KMS.) KMS.)
1 Nagarjunsagar Srisailam (part)* Andhra Pradesh 2595.72* 700.59* 3296.31*
2 Namdapha Arunachal Pradesh 1807.82 245 2052.82
3 Kamlang Tiger Reserve Arunachal Pradesh 671.00 112.00 783.00
4 Pakke Arunachal Pradesh 683.45 515 1198.45
5 Manas Assam 840.04 2310.88 3150.92
6 Nameri Assam 200 144 344
7 Orang Tiger Reserve Assam 79.28 413.18 492.46
8 Kaziranga Assam 625.58 548 1173.58
9 Valmiki Bihar 598.45 300.93 899.38
10 Udanti-Sitanadi Chattisgarh 851.09 991.45 1842.54
11 Achanakmar Chattisgarh 626.195 287.822 914.017
12 Indravati Chhattisgarh 1258.37 1540.7 2799.07
13 Palamau Jharkhand 414.08 715.85 1129.93
14 Bandipur Karnataka 872.24 584.06 1456.3
15 Bhadra Karnataka 492.46 571.83 1064.29
16 Dandeli-Anshi Karnataka 814.884 282.63 1097.514
17 Nagarahole Karnataka 643.35 562.41 1205.76
18 Biligiri Ranganatha Temple Karnataka 359.1 215.72 574.82
19 Periyar Kerala 881 44 925
20 Parambikulam Kerala 390.89 252.772 643.662
21 Kanha Madhya Pradesh 917.43 1134.361 2051.791
22 Pench Madhya Pradesh 411.33 768.30225 1179.63225
23 Bandhavgarh Madhya Pradesh 716.903 820.03509 1598.1
24 Panna Madhya Pradesh 576.13 1021.97** 1578.55
25 Satpura Madhya Pradesh 1339.264 794.04397 2133.30797
26 Sanjay-Dubri Madhya Pradesh 812.571 861.931 1674.502
27 Melghat Maharashtra 1500.49 1268.03 2768.52
28 Tadoba-Andhari Maharashtra 625.82 1101.7711 1727.5911
29 Pench Maharashtra 257.26 483.96 741.22
30 Sahyadri Maharashtra 600.12 565.45 1165.57
31 Nawegaon-Nagzira Maharashtra 653.674 - 653.674
32 Bor Maharashtra 138.12 - 138.12
33 Dampa Mizoram 500 488 988
34 Similipal Odisha 1194.75 1555.25 2750
35 Satkosia Odisha 523.61 440.26 963.87
36 Ranthambore Rajasthan 1113.364 297.9265 1411.291
37 Sariska Rajasthan 881.1124 332.23 1213.342

56
38 Mukandra Hills Rajasthan 417.17 342.82 759.99

39 Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tamil Nadu 895 706.542 1601.542
40 Anamalai Tamil Nadu 958.59 521.28 1479.87
41 Mudumalai Tamil Nadu 321 367.59 688.59
42 Sathyamangalam Tamil Nadu 793.49 614.91 1408.4
43 Kawal Telangana 893.23 1125.89 2019.12
44 Amrabad Telangana 2166.37* 445.02* 2611.39*
45 Dudhwa Uttar Pradesh 1093.79 1107.9848 2201.7748
46 Pilibhit Uttar Pradesh 602.798 127.4518 730.2498
Amangarh (buffer of Corbett TR) Uttar Pradesh - 80.6 80.6
47
Corbett Uttarakhand 821.99 466.32 1288.31
48 Rajaji TR Uttarakhand 255.63 819.54 1075.17
49 Sunderbans West Bengal 1699.62 885.27 2584.89
50 Buxa West Bengal 390.5813 367.3225 757.9038
TOTAL 40340.12 30686.98 71027.10
►FIRST EVER INTER-STATE SATKOSIA TIGER RESERVE

• Located in the Eastern Ghats, contains moist deciduous
TRANSFER OF TIGER FROM KANHA
forest ecoregion.
NATIONAL PARK, MP  SATKOSIA • Fauna: Mixed deciduous forests including Sal trees and
TIGER RESERVE, ODISHA riverine forests.
• Mahanadi river passes through it.
• This project was supervised by the National Tiger
Conservation Authority (NTCA) & Wildlife Institute of • It is a meeting point of two bio-geographic regions of
India (WII) India - Deccan Peninsula and Eastern Ghats.
• Aim: To increase tiger population in Odisha. MANKIDIA TRIBE

KANHA NATIONAL PARK • Mankidia is a marginalised group that depends on
making rope with siali fibre, that is richly available in
• Located in Maikal range of Satpuras in Madhya
Similipal (Odisha).
Pradesh, that forms the central Indian highlands.
• They were denied habitat rights on grounds that they
• The present-day Kanha area is divided into two could be attacked by wild animals, especially tigers.
sanctuaries - Hallon and Banjar.
• Also, habitat rights would create barriers for free
• Fauna: The lowland forest is a mixture of Sal (Shorea movement of tigers and other animals.
robusta) and other mixed forest trees, interspersed with • However, there is no core evidence that the tribals are
meadows. The highland forests are tropical moist dry impacted by the tigers in the region.
deciduous type and of a completely different nature with
• This decision contradicts their rights as PVTG and rights
bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus) on slopes. given under 2006 Act.
• 28 villages of Baiga Tribe, a Particularly Vulnerable
PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE
Tribal Group (PVTG), used to live inside the national park
till 1968 when they were relocated. TRIBAL GROUPS (PVTG)
• This Forest has been depicted in the famous novel, The • The Dhebar Commission (1960-1961) stated that
Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling. within Scheduled Tribes there existed an inequality in the
rate of development. Hence, during the 4th FYP a

57
subcategory was created within the Schedule tribes on ►TX2 PROGRAMME BY WWF
the basis of Dhebar Commission Report.
Nepal is set to become the first country in the world to
• This sub-category was named "Primitive tribal group".
double its tiger population as part of the World Wildlife
• In 2006 the "Primitive tribal group" was renamed as Foundation’s (WWF) ‘Tx2’ programme.
Particularly vulnerable tribal group".
SIGNIFICANCE
• 75 tribal groups have been categorized by the Ministry
• The success of Nepal in doubling tiger numbers has been
of Home Affairs as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal
largely attributed to the country’s political
Groups (PVTG)s.
commitment and the adoption of innovative tools and
• PVTG were created with the purpose of enabling approaches towards tiger conservation.
improvement in conditions of certain communities. The
• Nepal was the first country to achieve global
classification is based on their pre-agricultural level of
standards in managing tiger conservation areas, an
technology and the low levels of literacy in the
accreditation scheme governed by the Conservation
community.
Assured Tiger Standards (CA|TS).
• Some of the PVTG are as follows:
ABOUT TX2 PROGRAMME
o Chenchu, Kolam-Andhra Pradesh
• The World Wildlife Foundation had launched its
o Kotwalia, Siddi-Gujarat ambitious TX2 programme at the St Petersburg Tiger
o Juang, Bondo, Kharia-Odisha Summit in 2010.
o Riang-Tripura • The programme aims to double the world tiger

population by 2022, which is the year of the tiger in
o Great Andamanese, Jarawa, Onge, Sentinelese- Andaman
the Chinese calendar.
& Nicobar Islands
 SCHEDULED TRIBES AND OTHER

TRADITIONAL FOREST DWELLERS ►ECO-BRIDGES FOR TIGERS
(RECOGNITION OF FOREST RIGHTS) ABOUT THE ECO-BRIDGE
ACT, 2006. • Telangana became the 1st state in India to have eco-
friendly bridges for the movement of tigers over a canal
• It focuses on the rights of forest-dwelling communities cutting across a tiger corridor linking the Tadoba-Andhari
to land and other resources, denied to them over Tiger Reserve (TATR) in the Chandrapur district of
decades as a result of the continuance of colonial forest Maharashtra with the forests in Telangana's Komaram
laws in India. Bheem Asifabad district.
• It extends to the whole of India except the State of • The eco-bridge has been conceptualised by the National
Jammu and Kashmir. Board for Wildlife and the Wildlife Institute of India.
• The rights which are included in section 3(1) of the • The intervention requires the laying of fertile soil to grow
Act are: grass and plants over the structure, so that
o Right to hold and live on the forest land under the fragmentation of the reserve forest is camouflaged.
individual or common occupation for habitation or for TADOBA-ANDHARI TIGER RESERVE
self-cultivation;
• Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is a tiger reserve in
o Community rights Maharashtra state in central India.
o Right to protect, regenerate or conserve or manage any • It is Maharashtra's oldest and largest national park.
community forest resource;
• Andhari, a minor river in Wainganga basin flows through
o Right of access to biodiversity and community right to the tiger reserve.
intellectual property and traditional knowledge related to
biodiversity.

58
►CHEETAH REINTRODUCTION Tamil Nadu (Mudumalai Tiger Reserve); Assam and

Arunachal Pradesh.
PROJECT
The Madhya Pradesh forest department has written to the
National Tiger Conservation Authority to revive the plan ►ASIATIC LION CONSERVATION
to reintroduce cheetahs in the State’s Nauradehi PROJECT
sanctuary.
A dedicated “Asiatic Lion Conservation Project” with a
ABOUT PROJECT
budgetary contribution of Rs 97.85 Cr from Central
• The Wildlife Institute of India at Dehradun had Government was launched.
prepared a ₹260-crore cheetah re-introduction project
The Asiatic Lion endemic to Gir landscape of Gujarat is one
few years ago.
of the 21 critically endangered species identified by the
• The proposal was to put the felines in the enclosure Ministry for taking up recovery programmes.
with huge boundary walls before being released in the
wild. Asiatic Lion, being listed in Schedule-I of Wildlife
(Protection) Act, 1972, to be accorded the highest degree
• Nauradehi was found to be the most suitable area for the
of protection.
cheetahs as its forests are not very dense to restrict
the fast movement of the spotted cat. NEED FOR TRANSLOCATION OF LIONS
• Besides, the prey base for cheetahs is also in abundance The long-term survival of the lion as a species was best
at the sanctuary. served if they could be present outside Gujarat, too, so that
• According to the earlier action plan, around 20 cheetahs they are protected against, say, a forest fire, a disease, or
were to be translocated to Nauradehi from Namibia in calamities. The Kuno-Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary in
Africa. The Namibia Cheetah Conservation Fund had Madhya Pradesh was identified to be the most suitable for
then showed its willingness to donate the felines to India. reintroducing the species.
• However, the State was not ready to finance the plan LION HABITATS IN GUJARAT
contending that it was the Centre’s project. Gir National Park; Gir Sanctuary; Girnar Sanctuary; Pania
• The ambitious project, conceived in 2009, had hit a Sanctuary; Mitiyala Sanctuary
roadblock for want of funds. THE PROJECT INCORPORATES
• A Dedicated veterinary institute
►BLACK PANTHER • More water sources
• Black Panther was recently recorded in Sundargarh • Lion ambulances
district of Odisha.
• A GPS based tracking system
• The recent sighting makes Odisha the ninth State in India
DISEASES THEY BATTLE
where the elusive and rare big cat has been seen.
Rabies, canine-distemper virus, feline immune deficiency
• Black panther or melanistic leopard is a colour variant
and feline leukemia virus
of the Indian leopard.
• Black panthers in Asia and Africa are leopards (Panthera
pardus), and those in the Americas are black jaguars ►SNOW LEOPARD
(Panthera onca).
• They are large cats native to the mountain ranges of
• It is as shy as a normal leopard and very difficult to
Central and South Asia.
detect.
• Snow leopards prefer steep, rugged terrain with cliffs,
DISTRIBUTION IN INDIA
ridges, gullies, and slopes interspersed with rocky
Kerala (Periyar Tiger Reserve); Karnataka (Bhadra Tiger outcrops.
Reserve, Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve and Kabini Wildlife
Sanctuary); Chhattisgarh (Achanakmar Tiger Reserve); • Size of the global population vary from 4000 to 8500.
Maharashtra (Satara); Goa (Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary);

59
• Its sighting was reported from Thembang Community • 2015 designated as “International Year of the Snow
Conserved Area. Leopard”- To help spread the word amongst the people,
• Thembang lies outside the protected Namdapha government authorities, and conservation groups in each
National Park and Dibang Biosphere Reserve. range country
PROTECTION STATUS
IUCN Red List – Vulnerable
►COMMUNITY CONSERVED AREA
(CCA)
 CONSERVATION EFFORTS
• In 2004, WWF-India introduced the concept of CCAs in the
►GLOBAL SNOW LEOPARD states to empower local communities to become active
decision-makers and implement conservation initiatives.
ECOSYSTEM PROTECTION PROGRAM
• Local communities in these CCAs form committees to
• It seeks to address high-mountain development issues
undertake wildlife monitoring, patrolling and community-
using the conservation of the endangered snow leopard
based tourism activities.
as a flagship program.
• In 2013, the 12 snow leopard range countries and
partners signed the Bishkek Declaration and agreed to ►PROJECT SNOW LEOPARD BY INDIA
secure at least 20 snow leopard landscapes across the
cat’s range by 2020 or – “Secure 20 by 2020.” • It was launched in 2009 to safeguard and conserve India’s
unique natural heritage of high-altitude wildlife
• These countries are: Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India,
populations
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan,
Tajikistan, Uzbekistan • Range states- Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh,
Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim.
 CONSERVATION OF Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Orissa, Tamil

Nadu, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal.
ELEPHANTS
►PROJECT ELEPHANT
►ELEPHANT CORRIDORS
• Project Elephant (PE) was launched by the Government of
• Elephant corridors are narrow strips of land that allow
India in the year 1992 as a centrally sponsored scheme
elephants to move from one habitat patch to another.
with following objectives:
• There are 183 identified elephant corridors in India.
o To protect elephants, their habitat and corridors;
• Out of this 138 are State Elephant Corridors, 28 Inter-
o To address issues of man-animal conflict;
State Elephant Corridors and 17 are International
o Welfare of captive elephants; Elephant Corridors.
o Financial and Technical support are being provided to o Among state corridors, maximum numbers of them are
major elephant bearing States in the country; located in Meghalaya.
o The Project is being mainly implemented in 16 States / o Among, inter-state corridors, maximum are shared by
UT’s, viz. Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Jharkhand and Odisha.
Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala,

60
o Maximum International corridors India shares with o The E-8 countries comprise of India, Botswana, the
Bangladesh. Republic of Congo, Indonesia, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Tanzania,
and Thailand.
• This public initiative was aimed at increasing awareness

►MONITORING OF ILLEGAL KILLING
among people and developing friendship,
OF ELEPHANTS (MIKE) companionship between people and elephants.
• Mandated by COP resolution of CITES, MIKE program
started in South Asia in the year 2003 with following
purpose – ►ELEPHANT CENSUS
o To measure levels and trends in the illegal hunting of
• The states conduct the census based on an identical set
elephants;
of rules using:
o To determine changes in these trends over time; and
o Direct counting method: The direct counting method is
o To determine the factors causing or associated with such based on sighting of elephants
changes, and to try and assess in particular to what
o Indirect counting method: This method uses the
extent observed trends are a result of any decisions
elephant ‘dung decay’ formula, in which the analysis of
taken by the Conference of the Parties to CITES.
dung is used to estimate the population. This method
already been used in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
►HAATHI MERE SAATHI • Earlier, field officials were deputed inside a forest area
• It is a campaign launched by the MoEFCC in partnership for direct counting. It was expected that the entire area
with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI). would be covered. But, that is not possible because of
• The campaign was launched at the “Elephant- 8” many reasons. As a result, the population was
Ministerial meeting held in Delhi in 2011. underestimated in some places while duplication was
reported elsewhere. A simultaneous census will eliminate
• The E-8 ministerial meeting represented regions with all 3
species of elephants, viz., Asian elephant, African Bush these factors.
Elephant, African Forest Elephant.
►ELEPHANT RESERVES IN INDIA

There are 30 Elephant Reserves (ERs) in the country spread over 15 states.
SL. ELEPHANT RANGE ELEPHANT RESERVE WITH DATE OF STATE TOTAL AREA
NO NOTIFICATION (SQ. KM)
1. Mayurjharna ER(24.10.02) W. Bengal 414
2. Singhbhum ER (26.9.01) Jharkhand 4530
Eastern India 3. Mayurbhanj ER (29.9.01) Odisha 3214

I (South West Bengal-
4. Mahanadi ER (20.7.02) Odisha 1038
Jharkhand-Odisha)
5. Sambalpur ER (27.3.02) Odisha 427
6. Badalkhol-Tamorpingla Chhattisgarh 1048.30

(15.9.2011)
II North Brahamputra 7. Kameng ER (19.6.02) Arunachal 1892

61
(Arunachal – Assam) 8. Sonitpur ER (6.3.03) Assam 1420
9. Dihing-Patkai ER (17.4.03) Assam 937

South Brahamputra
III 10. South Arunachal ER Arunachal 1957.50
(Assam- Arunachal)
( 29-2-08 )
11. Kaziranga – Karbi Anglong ER (17.4.03) Assam 3270
Kaziranga 12. Dhansiri-Lungding ER (19.4.03) Assam 2740

IV
(Assam- Nagaland) 13. Intanki ER (28.2.05) Nagaland 202
14. Singphan ER (16.8.18)
Eastern Dooars 15. Chirang-Ripu ER (7.3.03) Assam 2600

V
(Assam- W. Bengal) 16. Eastern Dooars ER (28.8.02) W. Bengal 978
VI E. Himalayas (Meghalaya) 17. Garo Hills ER (31.10.01) Meghalaya 3,500
18. Mysore ER (25.11.02) Karnataka 6724
19. Dandeli ER (26.3.15 Karnataka

Nilgiri –Eastern Ghat
VII (Karnataka- Kerala- 20. Wayanad ER (2.4.02) Kerala 1200
Tamilnadu-Andhra)
21. Nilgiri ER (19.9.03) Tamil nadu 4663
22. Rayala ER (9.12.03) Andhra 766
South Nilgiri 23. Nilambur ER (2.4.02) Kerala 1419

VIII
(Kerala- Tamilnadu) 24. Coimbatore ER (19.9.03) Tamilnadu 566
Western Ghat 25. Anamalai ER (19.9.03) Tamilnadu 1457

IX
(Tamilnadu- Kerala) 26. Anamudi ER (2.4.02) Kerala 3728
Periyar 27. Periyar (2.4.02) Kerala 3742

X
(Kerala- Tamilnadu) 28. Srivilliputtur ER(19.9.03) Tamilnadu 1249
Northern India 29. Shivalik ER (28.10.02) Uttaranchal 5405

XI
(Uttaranchal-U.P.) 30. Uttar Pradesh ER (9.9.09) U.P. 744
►GAJ YATRA • It was organized in the Garo Hills in recognition of the

people’s initiative of community forests for human-
MOEFCC and the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) rolled out the elephant harmony and conservation of animals such as
‘Gaj Yatra’ from Tura in Garo Hills, Meghalaya. hoolock gibbon.
ABOUT GAJ YATRA ABOUT WILDLIFE TRUST OF INDIA (WTI)
• ’Gaj Yatra’ aims at securing 100 elephant corridors • An NGO to conserve wildlife and its habitat and to work
across India. for the welfare of individual wild animals, in partnership
• It is a mega-campaign by Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) with communities and governments.
and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) ABOUT INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR ANIMAL WELFARE
to raise awareness about the shrinking space for India's (IFAW)
wild elephants
An NGO working on conservation measures towards animal
• It was launched on World Elephant Day, August 12, welfare.
2017.

62
section 2
POLLUTION &
CLIMATE CHANGE

POLLUTION & CLIMATE CHANGE
COREknowledge
►GREEN HOUSE EFFECT (HFCs) propellants, solvents and fire
retardants.
• Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are a group of gases that are
able to absorb heat in the atmosphere keeping the Per fluorocarbons Produced as a by-product in
earth’s surface warm. This absorbed heat/thermal (PFCs) aluminium production and
radiation by the greenhouse gases is re-radiated back to manufacturing of semi-conductors.
earth’s surface in all directions.
Sulphur hexafluoride Used as tracer gas for leak detection,
• This ability of gases to trap heat in thermal form and
(SF6) used in electrical transmission
spread evenly at earth’s surface is known as Greenhouse
equipment
effect.
• The spreading of these greenhouse gases is responsible
for the heat required to sustain life on earth. But the
►GLOBAL WARMING POTENTIAL
presence of these GHGs in excess enhances the
Greenhouse effect which is creating global warming and (GWP)
consequently climate change. • Is a measure of how much energy the emissions of 1 ton
• Water vapour (H2O), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Nitrous Oxide of a GHG will absorb over a given period of time, relative
(N2O) and Methane (CH4) are the primary greenhouse to the emissions of 1 ton of carbon dioxide (CO2).
gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. • The larger the GWP, the more that a given gas warms the
• The most dominant greenhouse gas overall is water Earth compared to CO2 over that time period.
vapour, but it has a very short atmospheric lifetime • A GWP is calculated over a specific time interval,
(about 10 days) and is very nearly in a dynamic commonly 100 or 500 years.
equilibrium in the atmosphere, so it is not a forcing gas in
• The GWP depends on factors such as the absorption of
the context of global warming.
infrared radiation by a given species, the spectral location
• UNFCCC’s (United Nations Framework Convention on of its absorbing wavelengths and the atmospheric
Climate Change) Kyoto Protocol has recognised six lifetime of the species.
main greenhouse gases primarily responsible for global
• GWP for some GHGs
warming. They are:
o Carbon di Oxide (CO2): 1
GREEN HOUSE GAS SOURCES AND CAUSES
o Methane (CH4): 12
Carbon dioxide (CO2) Burning of fossil fuels, deforestation o Trifluoromethane (HFC-23): 12,400
Methane (CH4) Growing paddy, excreta of cattle and o Nitrous Oxide (N2O): 265
other livestock, termites, burning of o Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6): 23,500 (Highest GWP
fossil fuel, wood, landfills, wetlands, potential among known compounds)
fertilizer factories.
Nitrous oxides (N2O) Burning of fossil fuels, fertilizers;

►PARTICULATE MATTER
burning of wood and crop residue.
• Particulate matter suspended in air is dust and soot
Hydro fluorocarbons Used as refrigerants, aerosol released from the industrial chimneys.

64
• Their size ranges from 0.001 to 500 micrometers (μm) ENDOSULPHAN

in diameter. • Endosulfan is an organic chlorine pesticide and a
• Particles less than 10 μm float and move freely with colourless solid which emerged as a highly controversial
the air current. agrichemical due to its acute toxicity, endocrine effects,
and potential for bio-accumulation.
• Particles which are more than 10 μm in diameter settle
• Endosulfan is used as an insecticide on a variety of
down.
crops, including many food crops such as teas, grains,
• Particles less than 0.02 μm form persistent aerosols. fruit, vegetables, and also on non-food crops such as
• Major source of SPM (suspended particulate matter) are tobacco and cotton. It is also used as wood preservative.
vehicles, power plants, construction activities, oil refinery, • This chemical is classified among the worst of POPs
railway yard, market place, industries, etc. (persistent organic pollutants).
• According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), • It is listed in Annex A of Stockholm convention
particulate size 2.5 μm or less in diameter (PM 2.5) are
responsible for causing the greatest harm to human
health. These fine particulates can be inhaled deep into ►STOCKHOLM CONVENTION
the lungs and can cause breathing and respiratory
It is an International treaty and aims to eliminate or restrict
symptoms, irritation, inflammations and pneumoconiosis the production and use of Persistent Organic Pollutants
(a disease of the lungs due to inhalation of dust, (PoPs). India is a party to this treaty.
characterized by inflammation, coughing, and fibrosis).
 ANNEXES OF THE CONVENTION
The chemicals targeted by the Stockholm Convention are

listed in the annexes of the convention.
►PERSISTENT ORGANIC
ANNEX A
POLLUTANTS (POPS)
Parties must take measures to eliminate the production and
• POPs are chemical substances that: use of the chemicals listed under Annex A. Specific
exemptions for use or production are listed in the Annex
i) Persist in the environment,
and apply only to Parties that register for them.
ii) Bio-accumulate through the food web,
ANNEX B
iii) Pose a risk of causing adverse effects to human
Parties must take measures to restrict the production and
health.
use of the chemicals listed under Annex B in light of any
• The environment Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical applicable acceptable purposes and/or specific exemptions
Safety (IFCS) and the International Programme for listed in the Annex.
Chemical Safety (IPCS) prepared a list, known as the Dirty ANNEX C
Dozen:
Parties must take measures to reduce the unintentional
o Eight organ chlorine pesticides: aldrin, chlordane, DDT, releases of chemicals listed under Annex C with the goal of
dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor, mirex and toxaphene; continuing minimization and, where feasible, ultimate
elimination.
o Two industrial chemicals: hexachlorobenzene (HCB)
and the polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) group;
o Two groups of industrial by-products: dioxins and furans.

►FOG
• List of POPs can change and evolve over time.
Presence of heavy and extended period fog in the northern
• There is provision that developed countries provide new region (world’s most densely populated region) is one of the
and additional financial resources and measures to major weather hazards, impacting road, aviation
minimise/regulate POPs to developing nations. transportation, economy and public life.

65
• Fog is a visible mass consisting of cloud water droplets • Photochemical smog occurs in warm, dry and sunny
suspended in the air or near the Earth’s surface. climate. The main components of the photochemical
• Fog usually appears over a region of high pressure where smog result from the action of sunlight on unsaturated
humidity is greater than 75%. Moisture in the hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides produced by
atmosphere could condense around particulate matter of automobiles and factories. Photochemical smog has high
diameter in the range of nanometres, to cause fog. concentration of oxidising agents and is, therefore, called
as oxidising smog.
• Land use changes and increasing pollution are
responsible for growing fog occurrence. EFFECTS OF PHOTOCHEMICAL SMOG
TYPES OF FOG • The common components of photochemical smog are

ozone, nitric oxide, acrolein, formaldehyde and
1. Radiation Fog usually occurs on winter evenings as the
Peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN).
surface, and the air above it, cools. As surface heat
absorbed during the day is radiated, the ability of the air • Photochemical smog causes serious health problems.
to hold moisture is reduced, and water droplets are Both ozone and PAN act as powerful eye irritants.
formed. This kind of fog is also known as ‘ground fog’ as • Ozone and nitric oxide irritate the nose and throat and
it stays close to the surface, and “burns off” in the their high concentration causes headache, chest pain,
morning sun. dryness of the throat, cough and difficulty in breathing.
2. Advection Fog forms when warm, moist air passes over • Photochemical smog leads to cracking of rubber and
a cool surface causing water vapour to condense. extensive damage to plant life.
Advection fog mostly occurs where warm, tropical air • It also causes corrosion of metals, stones, building
meets cooler ocean water. If the wind blows in the right materials, rubber and painted surfaces.
direction, sea fog can be transported over coastal land
areas.
3. Valley Fog is the result of mountains preventing dense ►OZONE LAYER
air from escaping. The fog is trapped in the bowl of the • The Earth's atmosphere is divided into several layers.
valley and can last for several days.
• The lowest region, the troposphere, extends from the
4. Freezing Fog is the result of liquid droplets freezing on Earth's surface up to about 10 kilometres (km) in altitude.
solid surfaces. Cloud-covered mountaintops often see Virtually all human activities occur in the troposphere.
freezing fog. Mt. Everest, the tallest mountain on the planet, is only
about 9 km high.
►SMOG • The next layer, the stratosphere, continues from 10 km

to about 50 km. Most atmospheric ozone is concentrated
• The word smog is derived from smoke and fog. This is in a layer in the stratosphere, about 15-30 kilometers
the most common example of air pollution that occurs in above the Earth's surface.
many cities throughout the world.
• This ozone layer in the Earth’s stratosphere absorbs most
• Classical smog occurs in cool humid climate. It is a of the Sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation that may cause skin
mixture of smoke, fog and sulphur dioxide. Chemically, it cancer. It contains high concentrations of ozone (O3) in
is a reducing mixture and so it is also called as reducing relation to other parts of the atmosphere. Stratospheric
smog. Ozone is not harmful, but its presence on land is harmful.
►GROUND-LEVEL OZONE ►STRATOSPHERIC OZONE

Description • Bad Ozone • Good Ozone
• Part of Photochemical Smog • Natural filter that absorbs the Sun’s UV rays
• Found in Troposphere (0-15 Km) • Found in Stratosphere (15 - 35 km)

66
Sources Forms when Nitrous oxides (NOx) reacts with Naturally forms when Oxygen is in the presence of UV
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). radiation.
Effects • Eye and respiratory irritation Thinning of ozone shield that absorbs UV rays leads to crop
• Lung tissue damage, shortened lifespan damage, Aquatic life death, eye irritation and skin cancer.
and lung disease
• Corrosion in buildings, damage to crops,
increase in Vulnerability to diseases.
►BHARAT STAGE NORMS (BS c) Particulate matter like PM 2.5 and PM 10 are the most
harmful components and the BS VI will bring down the
NORMS) cancer-causing particulate matter in diesel cars by a
• Bharat stage norms are rules which determine the phenomenal 80%.
maximum limit of pollutants vehicles (Including motor
vehicles) can emit.
• The standards, based on European regulations were first ►AIR QUALITY INDEX (AQI)
introduced in the year 2000. • AQI is an initiative of the Ministry of Environment Forest
HISTORY AND FUTURE OF VEHICULAR EMISSION NORMS and Climate Change under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
IN INDIA • The index is constituted as a part of Government’s
• 1991 - Vehicular emission control norms introduced in mission to improve the culture of cleanliness and helps
India public to judge air quality within their vicinity. It is a
• 1999 - The Supreme court ordered the government to colour coded index.
follow Euro norms. • There are six AQI categories, namely Good,
• 2000 - Bharat stage I introduced Satisfactory, Moderately polluted, Poor, Very Poor,
and Severe.
• 2003 - Mashelkar Committee on ‘Auto fuel policy’
recommended for BS-III and BS-IV. • The index will measure eight major pollutants,
namely, particulate matter (PM 10 and PM 2.5),
• 2005 - BS-III introduced in 13 cities.
nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, ozone, carbon
• 2010- BS-III introduced in entire India. monoxide, ammonia and lead.
• 2012- Saumitra Chaudari Committee was set up ‘Auto
Vision and Fuel Policy 2025’ and submitted its report in
2014. ►NATIONAL AMBIENT AIR QUALITY
• 2017- April- BS-IV entire India STANDARDS (NAAQS)
• 2020- Plan to implement BS-VI directly bypassing BS-V • Are standards for ambient air quality set by Central
 BS VI is expected to be same as that of the Euro VI Pollution Control Board (CPCB), applicable nation wide
norms and will be declared by CPCB (Central • The CPCB has been conferred this power by the Air
Pollution Control Board) under the Ministry of (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
Environment & Forests and climate change.
• Further, a new National Air Quality Index (AQI) has been
a) The coming BS VI norms will cut down the presence of launched in October 2014 to disseminate information on
sulphur (in comparison to BS IV) from 50 ppm to 10 ppm air quality in an easily understandable form for the
(80%) general public.
b) Implementation of BS VI will ensure cutting down of • The measurement of air quality is based on eight
the harmful NOx (nitrogen oxides) from diesel cars by pollutants, namely, PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO, O3,
nearly 70%. In the petrol cars, they can be reduced by NH3, and Pb.
25%.

67
►OCEAN ACIDIFICATION • Deep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions can limit

acidification.
• A Chemical reaction: When carbon dioxide (CO2) is
absorbed by seawater, a chemical reaction occurs that
reduces seawater pH, carbonate ion concentration, and ►BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND
saturation states of biologically important calcium
carbonate minerals.
(BOD)
• Photosynthetic algae and seagrasses may benefit • It is the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by
from higher CO2 conditions in the ocean aerobic biological organisms to break down organic
material present.
• Carbonate minerals are the building blocks for the
skeletons and shells of many marine organisms. • It can be used as a gauge of the effectiveness
of wastewater treatment plants.
• It reduces the ability of reef-building corals to produce
their skeletons. • The more organic matter there is (e.g., in sewage and
polluted bodies of water), the greater the BOD; and the
• The entire food web is also at risk.
greater the BOD, the lower the amount of dissolved
oxygen available for higher animals such as fishes.
POLLUTANTS SOURCES HEALTH EFFECTS OTHER RELATED INFORMATION

Minamata Convention signed by UN in 2015
Minamata disease
and entered into force in 2017. It has imposed
(affects nerves)
Coal Combustion, ban on new mercury mines and declared
Mercury reacts inside the
1. Mercury small scale gold phasing out of new mines.
body to form Methyl
mining Kodaikanal mercury poisoning case that caused
mercury which is fatal for
poisoning of kodaikanal lake and led to closure
human health
of factory in 2001.
Used in Ni-Cd
batteries, colouration Itai Itai Disease
Western U.P is most affected by Cadmium
2. Cadmium of plastics and (Softening of bones and
poisoning in India.
various discarded causes kidney stones)
electronic products
Vehicular emissions,
Affects Liver and Kidney,
ore and metal MoEFCC has prohibited manufacture, trade,
mental retardation and
3. Lead processing, lead acid import and export of household and decorative
abnormality in fertility and
battery paints containing lead.
pregnancy
manufacturers, paints
Knock knee syndrome that
Fluoride in air, soil causes outward bending of Rajasthan, Gujarat and A.P are amongst the
4. Fluorine
and water knees, stiffness of joints, worst affected states in India
humped back.
Coal mines, heavy Pneumoconiosis also known
5. Coal Dust Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal
industry as black lung disease.
Alang in Gujarat is worst affected, Rajasthan,
Sand blasting, ship
6. Silica Silico - tuberculosis U.P, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha,
breaking industry
West Bengal
Nitrate contamination
Blue baby
of Ground Water due
syndrome(Decreased Rae Bareli district of U.P is worst affected by
6. Nitrate to pesticide in
oxygen carrying capacity of Nitrate pollution
agriculture and
haemoglobin)
vehicular emissions

68
Causes skin cancer, cancer

Ground water of lungs, affects kidney and
7. Arsenic Ganga Brahmaputra fluvial plains
contamination in rare cases is linked to
diabetes
Naturally occurring Kanpur is the most affected area along with
Respiratory and Gastro-
Hexavalent heavy metal, used in certain regions of West Bengal.
8. intestinal problems and
Chromium leather and tanneries CSIR has recently developed waterless chrome
Carcinogenic
industry tanning technology.
COMPOUNDS SOURCES HEALTH EFFECTS OTHER RELATED INFORMATION
Production and disposal of Poly

Vinyl Chloride, also production Causes Cardiovascular
1. Dioxins of chlorinated paper and diseases, diabetes, cancer,
biomedical waste is a source early menopause, etc
for Dioxins
It causes vomiting, DDT is to be banned under
Dichlorine
shakiness and seizures. It Stockholm convention from 2020
2. Diphenyl Pesticide usage
is considered as but India has strongly opposed the
Tricholoroethane
carcinogenic move
It has tendency to stay for long in
Used in mattresses and environment.
Brominated Flame Carcinogenic, development
3. electronic component to It is banned under Stockholm
Retardents retardant
reduce fire related injury Convention on Persistent Organic
Pollutant
Produced by mould where
Carcinogenic and ICRISAT has made peanuts free of
4. Aflatoxins cereals and oilseeds are
poisonous aflatoxins
mishandled
Naturally occurring radioactive It has spread across few areas of
5. Radon Lung cancer
gas Bangalore
Affects functioning of lung,

6. PM 2.5 Vehicular emission chronic cough, asthma and
heart disease
Affects functioning of lung,

7. PM 10 Vehicular emission chronic cough, asthma and
heart disease
It causes rashes in skin and

Polychlorinated Illegal or improper dumping of affects liver. It is a
8.
Biphenyl (PCB) PCB waste Carcinogenic compound of
chlorine.
Causes dysfunctioning of Kerala farmers have faced severe

endocrine glands and toxicity from Endosulphan
Sprayed as a pesticide on crop
9. Endosulphan affects DNA strands in pollution sprayed on cashew
such as tea, paddy, cashew, etc
human beings. plants.

69
It causes mental and It is banned under Stockholm

physical and physical Convention on Persistent Organic
disorders. Pollutant
Rem is the unit of biological

damage caused to human beings.
It is caused by exposure to Unsafe exposure to
It is equivalent to the injury caused
Radioactive Radioactive substances radiation leads to various
10 by given amount of X- ray.
Pollution Uranium, Thorium, Radium, heath problems such as
ATOMIC ENERGY REGULATORY
etc. cancer, mutation etc.
BOARD regulates radioactive
substances in India.
 INTERNATIONAL ►INTERGOVERNMENTAL PANEL ON

TREATIES AND CLIMATE CHANGE (IPCC)
ORGANISATIONS • It is a scientific government body under the United

Nations set up at the request of the member
►WORLD METEOROLOGICAL governments, dedicated to providing the world with an
objective, scientific view of climate change and its
ORGANISATION (WMO) political and economic impacts on the nations.
• Specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) with 191 • It was first established in 1988 by two United Nations
member States and Territories. organizations, the World Meteorological Organization
• As weather, climate and the water cycle know no national and the United Nations Environment Programme and
boundaries, international cooperation at a global scale is later endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly.
essential for the development of meteorology and • Membership of the IPCC is open to all members of the
operational hydrology as well as to reap the benefits WMO and the UNEP.
from their application. • The IPCC produces reports that support the UNFCCC,
• WMO provides the framework for such international which is the main international treaty on climate change.
cooperation. • The main objective of UNFCCC is to stabilize greenhouse
• The Organization plays a leading role in international gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that
efforts to monitor and protect the environment through would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference
its programs. with the climate system.
• IPCC reports cover the scientific, technical and socio-
• In collaboration with other United Nations agencies and
economic information relevant to understanding the
National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, WMO
scientific basis of risk of human induced climate change,
supports the implementation of a number of
its potential impacts and options for adaptation and
environmental conventions and is instrumental in
mitigation.
providing advice and assessments to governments on
related matters. These activities contribute towards
ensuring the sustainable development and well-being of ►UN ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM
nations.
(UNEP)
• Important Publications of WMO are:
• It is an agency of UN,
1. Greenhouse Gas Bulletin
• UN Environment Assembly was formed after 1972
2. Statement on the Status of World Climate Stockholm Conference.

70
• It's headquarter's is located in Kenya, Nairobi. o Asia and pacific

UN ENVIRONMENT ASSEMBLY (UN EA) o Europe
• It is the world's highest level decision making on the o Latina America and Caribbean
environment. o North America
• It meets every two years to set priorities for global o West Asia
environment policies and develop international
 ASSESSMENT ABOUT INDIA IN GEO-6
environmental law
• India could save at least $3 trillion (₹210 trillion approx.)
INITIATIVES BY UNEP
in healthcare costs if it implemented policy initiatives
• World Environment Day celebrated on 05 June consistent with ensuring that the globe didn’t heat up
• Formed IPCC along with WMO beyond 1.5 degrees Celsius by the turn of the century.
FOURTH UN EA • India’s stated commitment is to lower emissions intensity
• Theme: Innovative solutions for environmental of its GDP by 33-35% compared to 2005 levels by 2030;
challenges and sustainable consumption and production. • Increase total cumulative electricity generation from
• India presented two resolutions on single use plastics fossil free energy sources to 40% by 2030, and create
and sustainable nitrogen management. Both these additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tons through
resolutions were adopted. additional forest and tree cover
REPORTS PUBLISHED BY UNEP • India is on track to achieve two of these goals — of

emissions intensity and electricity generation
• Global Environmental Outlook
• However, these efforts are good for achieving the target
• Emissions Gap Report
of keeping rise in temperature upt o 2 degrees.
• Adaptation Gap Report
• To achieve 1.5-degree pathway it would have to
• Inclusive Wealth Report “abandon plans to build new coalfired power plants.
• Frontiers Report
►FAITH FOR EARTH INITIATIVE

►GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT OUTLOOK
• It was launched in 2017 by UNEP
(GEO)
• Aims to strategically engage with faith based
• The 1st publication was in 1997 and was originally organisations and partner with them to collectively
requested by Member States. achieve the SDGs.
• GEO is UNEP’s flagship environmental assessment. • Three main goals
• It is a flagship report because it fulfils the core functions o Inspire and empower faith organisations for
of the organization, which dates back to the UN General protecting environment.
Assembly resolution that established the UN
o To green faith based organisations investments and
Environment Programme in 1972.
assets to support the implementation of SDGs
 GEO-6 REPORT
o To provide them with networks to enable their
• The sixth GEO report or Geo-6 is the world’s most leaders to effectively communicate with decision
comprehensive environmental report, covering a makers and the public.
range of topics, issues and potential solutions.
• It aims to create a high level global “Coalition for
• The GEO-6 regional assessments have provided key Creation” is established to facilitate policy dialogue on
findings and policy messages for each of the six UN environmental issues that would encourage innovative
Environment regions. approaches to finding long-lasting solutions to
o Africa environmental challenges.

71
►UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON ii. They can sell emissions credits to nations whose
operators have difficulty meeting their emissions
CLIMATE CHANGE (UNFCCC) targets;
• UNFCCC is an international environment treaty opened iii. they get money and technologies for low-carbon
for signature in 1992. investments from Annex II countries;
• It came into force from 1994. iv. Developing countries may volunteer to become
• Secretariat is located in Bonn, Germany. Annex I countries when they are sufficiently
developed;
• The convention is legally non-binding, but makes
provisions for meeting called ‘protocols’ where v. India is Non Annex party to UNFCCC.
negotiating countries can set legally binding limits.
WHAT IT DOES?
• It aims to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in
►CONFERENCE OF PARTIES (COP)
the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous COP is the supreme governing body of the UNFCCC.
anthropogenic interference with the climate system.
Heads of state and other delegates from UN member
• The framework set no binding limits on greenhouse gas countries attend the conference.
emissions for individual countries and contains no
enforcement mechanisms. Instead, the framework
outlines how specific international treaties (called ►PARIS CLIMATE DEAL
"protocols" or "Agreements") may be negotiated to set
binding limits on greenhouse gases. At COP21, Parties to the UNFCCC reached this landmark
agreement to combat climate change and to accelerate and
• Kyoto Protocol was negotiated under this framework.
intensify actions and investments needed for a sustainable
• One of the first tasks set by the UNFCCC was for low carbon future.
signatory nations to establish national greenhouse
Salient features:
inventories of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and
removals, which were used to create the 1990 1. Long Term Goal: To limit global temperature increase to
benchmark levels for accession of Annex I countries to well below 2 degrees, while pursuing efforts to limit the
the Kyoto Protocol and for the commitment of those increase to 1.5 degrees.
countries to GHG reductions. Updated inventories must 2. Global Peaking: Reach global peaking of greenhouse
be regularly submitted by Annex I countries. Annex I, gas emissions as soon as possible
Annex II countries and developing countries. 3. Mitigation: Binding commitments by all parties (Both
PARTIES TO UNFCCC ARE CLASSIFIED AS developed and developing) to prepare, communicate
• Annex I countries: Industrialized countries and and maintain a nationally determined contribution (NDC)
economies in transition and to pursue domestic measures to achieve them.
Parties shall communicate their NDCs every 5 years and
• Annex II countries: Developed countries which pay for
provide information necessary for clarity and
costs of developing countries. Annex II countries are a
transparency. Each successive NDC will represent a
sub-group of the Annex I countries.
progression beyond the previous one and reflect highest
• Non-Annex I countries: Developing countries are not possible ambition.
required to reduce emission levels unless developed
4. Adaptation
countries supply enough funding and technology.
5. Loss and damage: Recognition of averting, minimizing
• Setting no immediate restrictions under UNFCCC serves
and addressing loss and damage associated with the
these purposes:
adverse effects of climate change, including extreme
i. It avoids restrictions on their development, because weather events and slow onset events. Further
emissions are strongly linked to industrial capacity; enhancement and strengthening of Warsaw
International Mechanism for Loss and Damage, which

72
will serve as the main vehicle for loss and damage under • It is a product of the Earth Summit held in Rio de
the agreement. Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992.
6. Global Stocktake: A ‘Global Stocktake’ to take place in • It is not legally binding but forms the basis for a new
2023 and every 5 years thereafter, will assess collective international partnership for sustainable development
progress toward meeting the purpose of the Agreement. and environmental protection worldwide.
Its outcome will inform Parties in updating and • It also emphasises the need to adopt the concept of
enhancing their actions and international cooperation. Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) for
7. Finance, Technology and capacity-building support sustainable utilisation of coastal and marine resources
and prevention of degradation of marine environment.
8. Voluntary cooperation/Market and non-market based
approaches.
►KYOTO PROTOCOL
►GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY • It is an international treaty negotiated under UNFCCC
(GEF) and adopted in 1997 in Kyoto, Japan and came into
force in 2005.
• It is an independently operating financial
• Parties: 192 (Canada withdrew). USA was not a part of
organization.
Kyoto Protocol.
• It was setup as a fund under World Bank in 1991.
• It gave binding targets to Annex I countries.
• In 1992, at the Rio Earth Summit, the GEF was
• The Kyoto Protocol implemented the objective of the
restructured and moved out of the World Bank system to
UNFCCC to fight global warming by reducing GHG
become a permanent, separate institution.
concentrations.
• Since 1994, however, the World Bank has served as the
• The Protocol is based on the principle of common but
Trustee of the GEF Trust Fund and provided
differentiated responsibilities: it puts the obligation to
administrative services.
reduce current emissions on developed countries on the
• It supports actions to combat major environmental basis that they are historically responsible for the current
issues such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
polluted international waters, land degradation and
• The Protocol’s first commitment period started in 2008
desertification, and persistent organic pollutants, as well
and ended in 2012.
as stimulate green growth.
• A second commitment period was agreed on in 2012,
• It also serves as the financial mechanism under the
known as the Doha Amendment to the protocol. This
UNFCCC, the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, the
has not entered into force as required number of nations
Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
has not ratified this amendment. Paris agreement (2015)
(2001), the United Nations Convention to Combat
is not an amendment to Kyoto Protocol but a separate
Desertification (2003) and the Minamata Convention on
instrument altogether.
Mercury (2013).
• Target under this protocol applies to following GHGs:
• UNDP is also an Implementing Agency for the GEF.
o Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide
• The GEF, although not linked formally to the Montreal
(N2O), Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6), Hydro fluorocarbons
Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer
(HFCs) and Per fluorocarbons (PFCs).
(MP), supports implementation of the Protocol in
countries with economies in transition. o Kyoto Protocol includes "flexible mechanisms" which
allow Annex 1 economies to meet their GHG targets by
purchasing GHG emission reductions from elsewhere.
These can be bought either from: financial exchanges
►AGENDA 21
(International Emissions Trading Scheme) or from
• It is an environmental action plan for the 21st century. projects which reduce emissions in non-Annex 1

73
economies under the Clean Development Mechanism • It has decided to give 50:50 balance between mitigation
(CDM), or in other Annex-1 countries under the Joint and adaptation.
Implementation (JI). Only CDM Executive Board- • It also aims for a floor of 50 percent of the adaptation
accredited Certified Emission Reductions (CER) can be allocation for particularly vulnerable countries, including
bought and sold in this manner. Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Small Island
Developing States (SIDS), and African States.
• It is headquartered in Sondo, South Korea.
►DOHA AMENDMENTS
• The Kyoto Protocol had initially assigned GHGs emission
►VIENNA CONVENTION
cut targets to the developed countries only till 2012.
• It is a Multilateral Environmental Agreement that was
• Developed countries wanted it to be extended till 2020.
agreed upon at the 1985 Vienna Conference and entered
• So, Doha Amendments to the Kyoto Protocol was made into force in 1988.
at Doha climate conference in 2012 and extended the
• It is one of the most successful treaties of all time.
obligation of the developed countries under Kyoto
• It has been ratified by 197 states.
Protocol to make targeted cuts in their greenhouse gas
(GHGs) emissions till 2020. • It acts as a framework for the international efforts to
protect the ozone layer.
• These are laid out in the accompanying Montreal
►BELMONT FORUM Protocol.
• Created in 2009, • Vienna convention is not legally binding.
• It is a high level group of the world's major funders of

global environmental change research and international
►MONTREAL PROTOCOL (MP)
science councils.
• Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the
• It provides an opportunity to identify, study and deliver
Ozone Layer is a protocol to Vienna Convention for the
international environmental research priorities.
Protection of Ozone Layer.
• India is a member of Belmont Forum, besides Australia,
• It is an international treaty and aims to protect the ozone
Brazil, Canada, European Commission, France, Germany,
layer by phasing out:
Japan, Netherland, South Africa, UK and USA etc.
1. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs),
• The Ministry of Earth Science represents India in the
2. Hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs),
Belmont Forum since 2012.
3. Hydrobromofluorocarbons (HBFCs),
• In order to coordinate the activities of the Belmont, a Full
time Secretariat is hosted by one of the Belmont forum 4. Carbontetrachloride (CCl4),
member on rotational basis. 5. Methylbromide (CH3Br),
6. Bromochloromethane (CH2BrCl),
7. Methyl chloroform (CH3CCl3),
►GREEN CLIMATE FUND (GCF)
8. Halons.
• In 2010, the UNFCCC had set Green Climate Fund (GCF) to
help developing countries to finance clean energy
projects other mitigation efforts and adaptation to
►CAPACITY-BUILDING INITIATIVE
climate change.
FOR TRANSPARENCY (CBIT) FUND
• National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
(NABARD) got accredited by the GCF as a national CBIT is an outcome of the UNFCCC's Paris agreement in
implementing entity for undertaking climate change 2015 and expected to address the issue of transparency.
related projects in India.

74
OBJECTIVES ►REDUCING EMISSIONS FROM

• To help developing countries monitor and report the DEFORESTATION AND FOREST
progress on their climate actions
DEGRADATION (REDD)
• Strengthening of national institutions of participating
• It is a mechanism negotiated under UNFCC since 2005.
members in transparency related activities with respect
to the Nationally Determined Contributions • Its objective is to mitigate climate change through
reducing net emissions of greenhouse gases through
• To bring transparency in the financial help, technology enhanced forest management in developing
transfer and capacity building support by the developed countries.
countries to developing countries. Both have to provide
• Inclusion of reducing emissions from land use change is
relevant information. considered essential to achieve the objectives of the
DESIGN UNFCCC.
• The fund will be set up by the GEF, with financial support • During the negotiations for the Kyoto Protocol the
from the developed nations like US, UK, Canada etc. inclusion of tropical forest management was debated but
eventually dropped due to anticipated methodological
• World Bank has been requested to act as the trustee for difficulties in establishing – in particular – additionality
the fund, who was also a trustee in the initial hand and leakage (detrimental effects outside of the project
holding of GEF area attributable to project activities).
• REDD+ (Defined in Bali Action Plan, 2007, CoP13)
WHAT CONSTITUTES "+"?
►KIGALI AGREEMENT (2016)
1. sustainable management of forests,
• The Kigali Agreement amended the 1987 Montreal 2. conservation of forest carbon stocks and
Protocol that was designed to close growing ozone hole
3. enhancement of forest carbon stocks.
by banning ozone-depleting substances.
• This amended Montreal Protocol which was initially

conceived only to plug gases that were destroying the ►DIFFERENCE BETWEEN REDD AND
ozone layer, now includes HFCs responsible for global
REDD+?
warming.
• REDD = "reducing emissions from deforestation in
• This move will help to prevent a potential 0.5 degree
developing countries"
Celsius rise in global temperature by the end of the
• REDD+ (or REDD-plus) = to "reducing emissions from
century.
deforestation and forest degradation in developing
• All signatory countries have been divided into three countries, and the role of conservation, sustainable
groups with different timelines to go about reductions of management of forests, and enhancement of forest
HFCs. carbon stocks in developing countries"
• First group includes countries like US and those in • REDD+ is essentially a vehicle to financially reward
European Union (EU). They will freeze production and developing countries for their verified efforts to reduce
emissions and enhance removals of greenhouse gases
consumption of HFCs by 2018. They will reduce them to
through a variety of forest management option.
about 15% of 2012 levels by 2036.
• India favours REDD+
• Second group includes countries like China, Brazil and all
of Africa which will freeze HFC use by 2024 and cut it to
20% of 2021 levels by 2045.
►BASEL CONVENTION
• Third group countries like India, Pakistan, Pakistan, Iran,
• Formally known as “The Basel Convention on the Control
Saudi Arabia etc will be freezing HFC use by 2028 and
of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and
reducing it to about 15% of 2025 levels by 2047.
their Disposal”

75
• Aims to reduce the movements of hazardous waste • This naming is of symbolic importance as the city went
between nations and specifically to prevent transfer of through devastating incident of mercury poisoning.
hazardous waste from developed to less developed • It is expected that over the next few decades, this
countries. international agreement will enhance the reduction of
• The Convention is also intended to: mercury pollution from the targeted activities
o Minimize the amount and toxicity of wastes generated, responsible for the major release of mercury to the
immediate environment.
o To ensure their environmentally sound management as
closely as possible to the source of generation,
o To assist Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in
►CLIMATE & CLEAN AIR COALITION
environmentally sound management of the hazardous
and other wastes they generate. (CCAC)
o It does not address the movement of radioactive waste. ABOUT CLIMATE & CLEAN AIR COALITION
o Its objective was to stop dumping of hazardous waste • It is a voluntary partnership of governments,
from developed countries in developing nations. intergovernmental organisations, businesses, scientific
institutions and civil society organisations committed to
protecting the climate and improve air quality through
actions to reduce Short lived climate pollutants.
►ROTTERDAM CONVENTION
• India is a not a member of this coalition
• Formally called as” Rotterdam Convention on the Prior
Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous CURRENTLY IT IS FOCUSED ON 4 SHORT LIVED CLIMATE
Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade” POLLUTANTS (SLCPS)
• Aims to promote shared responsibilities in relation to • Black Carbon

import of hazardous chemicals. • Methane
• What it does? • Hydroflurocarbons
o The convention promotes open exchange of information • Tropospheric Ozone
between importers-exporters of hazardous chemicals.
WHAT ARE SHORT LIVED CLIMATE POLLUTANTS (SLCPS)
o Calls on exporters of hazardous chemicals to use proper
• These are powerful climate forcers that remain in the
labelling, include directions on safe handling, and inform
atmosphere for a much shorter period of time than
purchasers of any known restrictions or bans.
carbon dioxide, yet their potential to warn the
o Signatory nations can decide whether to allow or ban the atmosphere can be many times.
importation of chemicals listed in the treaty.
• The SLCPs – Black Carbon, Methane, Hydroflorocarbons,
o Exporting countries are obliged to make sure that Tropospheric Ozone are responsible for 45% of current
producers within their jurisdiction comply. global warming.
o Convention has a list of substances which can change
and evolve over time.
►INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR
INTEGRATED MOUNTAIN
►MINAMATA CONVENTION DEVELOPMENT (ICIMOD)
• It is an international treaty that aims to protect human • ICIMOD is a regional intergovernmental learning and
health and the environment from anthropogenic knowledge sharing centre serving the 8 regional member
emissions and releases of mercury and mercury countries of the Hindu Kush Himalaya
compounds.
• Members: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China,
• The Convention is named after the Japanese city India, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan.
Minamata.

76
• Globalisation and climate change have an increasing greenhouse gas emissions and allows those industries
influence on the stability of fragile mountain ecosystems with low emissions to sell their extra allowances to larger
and the livelihoods of mountain people. emitters.
• It aims to assist mountain people to understand these 2. A carbon tax directly sets a price on carbon by defining a
changes, adapt to them. tax rate on greenhouse gas emissions or – more
• It is headquartered in Kathmandu, Nepal. commonly – on the carbon content of fossil fuels.
►CARBON CREDIT ►INTERNAL CARBON PRICING

• It is a permit that gives a company, country, etc., the right • An internal carbon price is a value that companies
to emit a specified amount of carbon compounds into voluntarily set for themselves, in order to internalise the
the atmosphere. economic cost of their greenhouse gas emissions. It can
be used both as risk management tool and as part of a
• It may be purchased, if emissions are expected to exceed
company’s decarbonisation strategy.
a quota or sold if the quota is not reached.
• An internal carbon price can help companies enhance
• An international carbon credit system was ratified in
their global strategies to become more resilient to
conjunction with the Kyoto Protocol, and its market
regulatory climate policies and more favourable to
mechanisms were clarified at the subsequent conference
emission reductions.
in Marrakesh.
• Internal carbon pricing primarily takes two forms:
o A shadow price represents a carbon value (determined
►CARBON PRICE by the company) that is incorporated into investment
decisions and applied to the greenhouse gas emissions
• A carbon price is a cost applied to carbon pollution to
generated by projects.
encourage polluters to reduce the amount of greenhouse
gas they emit into the atmosphere. o An internal carbon tax: a levy that companies
voluntarily apply to their operations and that increases
• There are two main types of carbon pricing:
operating costs depending on the resulting greenhouse
1. Emissions trading systems (ETS) – sometimes referred gas emissions; the company then uses the proceeds of
to as a cap-and-trade system – caps the total level of this tax as it sees fit.
 NATIONAL ORGANISATIO- • It also provides technical services to the Ministry of

Environment and Forests of the provisions of the
NS, SCHEMES, POLICIES, Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

• Further, CPCB is entrusted with the powers and functions
PROGRAMMES under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act,
1981.
►CENTRAL POLLUTION CONTROL
• Aims
BOARD (CPCB) o To promote cleanliness of streams and wells in different
• It is a statutory organisation that was constituted in areas.
1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of o To improve the quality of air and to prevent, control or
Pollution) Act, 1974. abate air pollution in the country.

77
►ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION ACT, • Giving relief and compensation for damages to persons
and property and for matters connected therewith or
1986 incidental thereto.
• It empowers the central government to establish • The tribunal has three courts in its principal Bench in
authorities under section 3(3) charged with mandate of Delhi and four zonal Benches — in the east, west, central
preventing environmental pollution in all its forms and to and south to encompass all States and Union Territories
tackle specific problems that are peculiar to different — and faces the prospect of functioning with less than
parts of the country. one-third of its sanctioned strength of 20.
OBJECTIVES NGT DEALS IN THE FOLLOWING ACTS
• To protect and improve environmental qualities. • The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act,
• To establish an authority to study, plan and implement 1974;
long term requirements of environmental safety. • The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act,
• To give directions and to co-ordinate a system of 1977;
adequate response to emergency situations threatening • The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980;
the environment.
• The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981;
• To create an authority with the purpose of environmental
• The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986;
protection and regulation of discharge of pollutants and
handling of harmful substances. • The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991;
• To co-ordinate the activities of various regulating • The Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
agencies.  It does not deal with Wildlife (Protection) Act
• To cover all problems relating to environment
comprehensively.
►NATIONAL ADAPTATION FUND FOR
CLIMATE CHANGE (NAFCC)
►NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL (NGT)
• NAFCC was operationalised in 2015-16.
• NGT is a tribunal set up to address environmental
• The fund is meant to assist national and state level
issues.
activities to meet the cost of adaptation measures in
• It is a statutory body established under the National areas that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse
Green Tribunal Act 2010. effects of climate change.
• One full time Chairperson, • This scheme has been taken as Central Sector
• Not less than ten but subject to maximum of twenty full Scheme with the National Bank for Agriculture and
time Judicial Members as the Central Government may, Rural Development (NABARD) as National
from time to time, notify; Implementing Entity (NIE).
• Not less than ten but subject to maximum of twenty full • The aim of the fund is to support concrete adaptation
time Judicial Members as the Central Government may, activities which are not covered under ongoing schemes
from time to time, notify. of State and National Government that reduce the
adverse effects of climate change facing community
AIMS
sector and states.
• Effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to
environmental protection and conservation of forests
and other natural resources, ►ENVIRONMENT IMPACT
• Enforcement of any legal right relating to environment, ASSESSMENT (EIA)
and
• The EIA, 2006 and CRZ, 2011 have been amended from
time to time to further streamline the clearance process.

78
• The amendments have also been done to address • The scheme would contribute to reduction of pollution
emerging concerns stemming from the need to integrate loads in lakes and wise use of wetland resources and
environmental concerns into the developmental process their services. NPCA is presently operational on cost
for achieving the goal of sustainable development. sharing between Central and respective state
• While according environmental clearance to governments.
development project, necessary conditions,
environmental safeguard and measures are stipulated
for their effective implementation during the ►NATIONAL WATER MISSION
construction and operation of the project.
• Objective of the National Water Mission is "conservation
of water, minimizing wastage and ensuring its more
equitable distribution both across and within States
►NATIONAL RIVER CONSERVATION through integrated water resources development and
PLAN (NRCP) management".
• The five identified goals of the Mission are:
• The river conservation programme was initiated with the
launching of the Ganga Action Plan (GAP) in 1985. (a) comprehensive water data base in public domain and
assessment of impact of climate change on water
• The Ganga Action Plan was expanded to cover other
resource;
rivers under National River Conservation Plan (NRCP)
in the year 1995. (b) promotion of citizen and state action for water
conservation, augmentation and preservation;
• The objective of NRCP is to improve the water quality of
rivers, which are major water sources in the country, (c) focused attention to vulnerable areas including over-
through implementation of pollution abatement works in exploited areas;
various towns along identified polluted stretches of rivers (d) increasing water use efficiency by 20 per cent, and
on cost sharing basis between the Central and state
(e) promotion of basin level integrated water resources
governments.
management.
►NATIONAL PLAN FOR ►NATIONAL WATER POLICY

CONSERVATION OF AQUATIC ECO- • The National Water Policy, 2012 was adopted by the
SYSTEMS (NPCA) National Water Resources Council.
• Emphasis on the need for a National Water Framework
• For conservation of lakes and wetlands, the Ministry was
earlier implementing two separate Centrally sponsored Law; comprehensive legislation for optimum
schemes, namely the 'National Wetlands Conservation development of inter-state rivers and river valleys;
evolving a system of benchmarks for water uses for
Programme' (NWCP) and the 'National Lake
Conservation Plan' (NLCP). different purposes to ensure efficient use of water;
setting up of Water Regulatory Authority by each state;
• To avoid overlap and promote better synergies, NLCP
and incentivizing recycle and reuse of water are some of
and NWCP have been merged into one integrated
the important recommendations in the Policy.
scheme, National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Eco-
• The Policy also lays emphasis on community participation
systems (NPCA).
in management of water resources projects and services;
• The scheme aims at holistic conservation and restoration
incentivizing water saving in irrigation through methods
of lakes and wetlands for achieving the desired water
like aligning cropping pattern with natural resource
quality enhancement, besides improvement in
endowments, micro irrigation, automated irrigation
biodiversity and ecosystem through an integrated and
operation, evaporation-transpiration reduction etc;
multidisciplinary approach and a common regulatory
undertaking conservation of rivers, river corridors, water
framework.
bodies and infrastructure in a scientifically planned

79
manner through community participation; and arresting o encouraging the adoption/utilization of traditional
declining ground water levels in over-exploited areas. knowledge in water resources conservation and its
management;
o utilizing sector level expertise from different levels in
►NATIONAL MISSION FOR CLEAN government, NGO's, citizens etc; and
GANGA o enhancing livelihood security through water security in
rural areas..
• Namami Gange Programme integrates the efforts to
clean and protect the river Ganga in a comprehensive
manner.
►RIVER INTERLINKING IN INDIA
• In order to speed up progress, the Centre decided to take
over 100 per cent funding of various activities/projects • Interlinking of Rivers is the joining of the networks of
and plans to provide for operation and maintenance of canals and reservoirs under the National Perspective
the assets for a minimum 10-year period. Plan (NPP) prepared by the Ministry of Water Resources,
River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.
• The primary focus of the programme is on pollution
abatement and by 2020, the gap in treatment capacity • National Water Development Agency (NWDA) has
for priority towns located along Ganga will be addressed. identified 14 links under Himalayan Rivers Component
and 16 links under Peninsular Rivers Component for
• Identified grossly polluting industries have been directed
inter-basin transfer of water based on field surveys and
to move towards implementing zero liquid discharge and
investigation and detailed studies.
installing real time effluent monitoring stations.
NATIONAL WATER DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (NWDA)
• Comprehensive river surface and ghat cleaning
programme has been initiated for major urban centres of • NWDA is a registered society under the Ministry of Water
Haridwar, Rishikesh, Gharmukteshwar, Mathura- Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation
Vrindavan, Kanpur, Allahabad, Varanasi, Patna, Sahibganj, set up in the year 1982 to carry out detailed studies,
Kolkata and Nabadwip. surveys and investigations in respect of Peninsular
component of National Perspective for Water Resources
• This programme will include solid waste management
Development.
and environmental monitoring/ surveillance of
drains. • It is responsible for the work of preparation of detailed
Project Reports (DPR) of various link proposals and Pre-
• Intensive afforestation drive has also been initiated along
feasibility Reports and feasibility reports of intra-State
the banks of the river with focus on regeneration of
links as proposed by the States.
native/medicinal species and providing comprehensive
intervention that leads to the overall objective of cleaning NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE PLAN (NPP)
river Ganga by reducing sediment load, recharging • NPP has 3 components-
ground water and reducing non-point source pollution.
a. Himalayan Component,
b. Peninsular River Component and
►JAL KRANTI ABHIYAN c. Inter-state River linking Component.
• Launched in the year 2015-16, to consolidate water • Himalayan Rivers Development envisages construction
conservation and management in the country of storage reservoirs on the main Ganga and the
through a holistic approach involving all stakeholders, Brahmaputra and their principal tributaries in India and
making it a mass movement. Nepal along with interlinking canal system to transfer
• Objectives: surplus flows of the eastern tributaries of the Ganga to
the West apart from linking of the main Brahmaputra
o Strengthening grass root involvement of all stakeholders
with the Ganga.
including Panchayati Raj Institutions and local bodies in
the water security and development schemes; o It will provide substantial flood control in the Ganga-
Brahmaputra basin.

80
o It would provide 40,000 cusecs to Calcutta Port and 8. National Mission on Strategic Knowledge on Climate
would provide navigation facilities across the country. Change
o The scheme will benefit our neighbours also – Nepal and
Bangladesh as well as the Northern and the Western
States in our country. ►JAWAHARLAL NEHRU NATIONAL
• Peninsular river development has been divided into SOLAR MISSION (JNNSM)
four major parts:
• Launched in 2010, the mission has set ambitious target
o Part-I- Interlinking of Mahanadi-Godavari-Krishna- of deploying 20,000 MW of grid connected solar power by
Pennar-Cauvery 2022.
o Part-II- Interlinking of West Flowing Rivers, North of • In 2014, the government revised the mission and has
Bombay and South of Tapi increased the target from 20,000 MW to 1, 00, 000 MW
o Part-III- Inter-linking of Ken with Chambal i.e., 100 GW.
o Part-IV - Diversion of West Flowing Rivers • The above capacity is proposed to be achieved via
deployment of 40,000 MW of Rooftop Solar Projects and
PROVISIONS RELATING TO WATER IN CONSTITUTION
60,000 MW of Large and Medium Scale Solar Projects.
• Entry 56 of List 1 of Schedule VII: (Union List), Shipping
and navigation in National waterways.
• Entry 17 of List II of Schedule VII: (State List), Inland ►SOLAR ENERGY CORPORATION OF
waterways, irrigation, drainage, canals, supplies, INDIA (SECI)
embankments.
• SECI is a central PSU under the administrative control of
• Article 262 empowers the parliament to legislate in
the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
disputes pertaining to Inter-state River Water Disputes.
established to facilitate the implementation of JNNSM
and achievement of targets set therein.
• It is the only Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU)
►NATIONAL ACTION PLAN FOR
dedicated to the solar energy sector.
CLIMATE CHANGE (NAPCC) • It was originally incorporated as a section-25 (not for-
• National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) is a profit) company under the Companies Act, 1956.
comprehensive action plan which outlines measures on
climate change related adaptation and mitigation while
simultaneously advancing development. ►INTERNATIONAL SOLAR ALLIANCE
• The 8 Missions form the core of the Plan, representing (ISA)
multi-pronged, long termed and integrated strategies for
• Indian and France invited over 100 countries to join the
achieving goals in the context of climate change.
ISA.
• The 8 missions are:
• The initiative was launched by them on 1st day of the
1. National Solar Mission Climate Change Conference (COP21), Paris Summit.
2. National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency • ISA is conceived as a coalition of solar resource rich
3. National Mission on Sustainable Habitat countries (countries lying fully or partially between the
Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn) to address
4. National Water Mission
their special energy needs and will provide a platform to
5. National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem collaborate on addressing the identified gaps through a
6. National Mission for Green India common, agreed approach.
7. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture • ISA has been envisioned as a specialized platform and
will contribute towards the common goal of increasing

81
utilization and promotion of solar energy and solar in place a system to collect back the packaging waste
applications in its member countries. generated due to their production (ET).
• The institutional structure of ISA consists of an • Burning of Solid Waste has been prohibited
Assembly, a Council and a Secretariat. The secretariat • Social Dimension has been adequately considered.
of the ISA is to be located in Gurugram, India. Rag pickers are to be integrated in the formal system.
• Its members will take coordinated actions through • Increasing Coverage: The new rules will now apply
programs and activities that will aggregate demands for much beyond the municipal areas, extending to urban
solar finance, solar technologies, innovation, R&D and agglomerations, census towns, notified industrial
capacity building. townships, areas under the control of Indian Railways,
ISA AND INDIA airports, airbase, port and harbour, defence
• India is betting big on solar power. India has scaled up its establishments, special economic zones, State and
renewable energy target from 30GW by 2016-17 to Central State and Central government organizations,
175GW by 2021-22. Of this, the highest share would be of places of pilgrims, religious & historical importance.
solar power (100GW-Solar, 60GW Wind energy, 15GW Event organizers, and new townships and group housing
Bio-mass energy). societies have been brought under the system. This
would bring 450 million people under its ambit against
• India, a country blessed with abundant sunshine, has
150 million previously.
also taken a lead role in setting up the International Solar
Alliance (ISA). • Waste-processing facilities to be set up by all local
bodies having a population of 1 million or more.
• The ISA gives India an opportunity to take a global
leadership role in the fight against climate change. The
secretariat of the ISA is to be located in India. It will also
host a meeting of ISA assembly every year.
►BIO-MEDICAL WASTE
MANAGEMENT RULES, 2016
• Bio-medical waste has been classified in to 4 categories
►NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF SOLAR
instead 10 to improve the segregation of waste at source
ENERGY and these 4 categories have colour-code.
It is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of New o Red Bin for plastic waste such as bottles, syringes, etc.
and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and is the apex National o Yellow Bin for infectious wastes such as cotton,
Research and Development institution in the field of Solar bandage, placenta, etc.
Energy. It is located at Gurugram.
o Blue Bin for glass bottles like discarded medicines
o Black Bin for needles without syringes, metal articles,
►SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT, 2016 etc.
RULES • Phase-out the use of chlorinated plastic bags, gloves and

blood bags within two years.
• Mandatory Segregation- All waste generators will have
to segregate and store the waste generated by them • The ambit of the rules has been expanded to include
under three separate categories - bio-degradable, non- vaccination camps, blood donation camps, surgical
bio-degradable and domestic hazardous waste - in camps or any other healthcare activity.
suitable bins before handing it over to authorised rag • Pre-treatment of the laboratory waste, microbiological
pickers or waste collectors. waste, blood samples and blood bags through
• Concept of Extended Producer Responsibility: Local disinfection or sterilisation on-site in the manner as
bodies can charge a fee from generator of wastes. The prescribed by WHO or NACO.
new rules have asked all such brand owners who sell • State Government to provide land for setting up common
products in non-biodegradable packaging material to put bio-medical waste treatment and disposal facility.

82
• No occupier shall establish on-site treatment and ►INDIAN NATIONAL CENTRE FOR
disposal facility, if a service of `common bio-medical
waste treatment facility is available at a distance of
OCEAN INFORMATION SERVICES
seventy-five kilometer. (INCOIS)
• The new rules prescribe more stringent standards for INCOIS is a unit of the Earth System Science Organization
incinerator to reduce the emission of pollutants in (ESSO), established as ESSO-INCOIS in 1999 under the
environment; Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
• Inclusion of emissions limits for Dioxin and furans; OBJECTIVES
• Establish a Bar-Code System for bags or containers To provide the best possible ocean information and
containing bio-medical waste for disposal. advisory services to society, industry, government agencies
• Provide training to all its health care workers and and the scientific community through sustained ocean
immunise all health workers regularly. observations and constant improvements through
systematic and focused research.
MAJOR ACTIVITIES
►E-WASTE MANAGEMENT RULES, • Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ): Identify the potential
2016 fishing zones to help the fishermen to get better catch.
• For the first time in India, Manufacturer, Dealer, • Tsunami Early Warning Centre (TEWS): To provide
Refurbisher and Producer Responsibility Organization important tsunami advisories to the people living in the
(PRO) has been made responsible for managing the e- coastal areas of the country.
waste. • Ocean State Forecast (OSF): To predict the surface and
• E-waste rules will now include Compact Fluorescent sub-surface features of the Indian Ocean in advance to
Lamp (CFL) and other mercury containing lamps, as well plan and execute commercial activities safely.
as other such equipment. • Ocean Observation Group (OOG): To measure and
• The rules will bring the producers under Extended monitor the surface temperature and salinity of the
Producer Responsibility (EPR), along with targets, i.e. upper 2000 meters of the ocean.
producers have been made responsible for collection of
E-waste and for its exchange.
• State Governments has been also introduced to ensure
►ECO CLUB
safety, health and skill development of the workers • Eco-clubs are formed in the schools all over the country.
involved in dismantling and recycling operations.
• It is conducted with a financial assistance of Rs. 2,500/-
• The process of dismantling and recycling has been per school per annum by the MOEFCC.
simplified through one system of authorization and that
• It is part of National Green Corps programme.
the Central Pollution Control Board will give the single
authorization throughout the country.
• Aim is to create environmental awareness amongst the
future generation
• Emphasizing that toxic constituents present in E-waste
and their disposal mechanism affect human health and
lead to various diseases, the transportation of E-waste
has been made more stringent.

83
CURRENTaffairs &
related concepts
►DEVICE WAYU ►BLACK CARBON
To combat the worsening air quality, National A Study has found increased concentration of black carbon
Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), the in Gangotri region even in winter months.
Nagpur-based laboratory of the Council of Scientific and FINDINGS
Industrial Research (CSIR), has developed the WAYU (Wind
• The high concentration of black carbon in January
Augmentation and Purification Units) device.
and February is not originating from local sources
ABOUT BANK because life remains near standstill as almost the entire
The WAYU device works in two stages. population in these areas migrates to the plains for the
• The first stage uses a fan to suck in air around the winter.
device, which contains all kinds of pollutants like dust • Thus, the study has deduced that black carbon is
and particulate matter. These are separated using three travelling from Mediterranean countries during the
blades of different dimensions. western disturbances and wind trajectories and it
• Post this in the second stage, the air enters into a may be one of the contributing factors leading to
specially designed chamber where oxidation takes place pollution and receding snowline in the Himalayas.
using activated carbon coated with titanium oxide. ABOUT BLACK CARBON
• The oxidation is supported by two ultraviolet lights. The • Black carbon is a potent climate-warming component
purified air is then pumped out into the atmosphere. of particulate matter
IMPACT • It is formed by the incomplete combustion of fossil
• The device has capacity to purify air in area of 500 square fuels, wood and other fuels.
metres. It consumes only half unit of electricity for 10 • It is a short-lived climate pollutant with a lifetime of
hours of running. only days to weeks after release in the atmosphere.
• The device can bring down the PM10 values from 600 • During this short period of time, black carbon can have
micrograms per cubic metre to 100 micrograms per cubic significant direct and indirect impacts on the climate,
metre. glacial regions, agriculture and human health.
• It also brings down PM 2.5 values from 300 micrograms
per cubic metre to 60 micrograms per cubic metre.
BLACK CARBON BROWN CARBON
• Black carbon is inorganic in nature consisting of soot • Brown carbon or organic carbon, unlike black carbon, comes
particles that directly come out of combustion from complex organic reactions in the airborne atmospheric
process, exhaust fumes that form part of particulate particles.
matter present in the air. • This includes tar material from smouldering fires or coal

84
• Black carbon absorbs sunlight and in turn warms the combustion, breakdown products from biomass burning, a
atmosphere. When inhaled it causes severe health mixture of organic compounds given off by vegetation. Brown
problems. carbon is light brown in colour and absorbs light in the ultraviolet
• Black carbon absorbs light in the visible spectrum. region.
• It absorbs both incoming and terrestrial radiations. • Brown carbon leads to the formation of ground level ozone in the
atmosphere.
►UTILISATION OF FLY ASH MAIN FINDINGS
• Fly ash is a by-product of burning pulverized coal Bioplastics, often promoted as a climate-friendly alternative
especially in electric power generating plants. During to petroleum-based plastics, may lead to an increase in
combustion, mineral impurities in the coal like clay, greenhouse gas emissions.
feldspar, quartz, and shale fuse in suspension and float ABOUT BIOPLASTICS
out of the combustion chamber with the exhaust gases.
• Bioplastics are in principle climate-neutral since they
Ash that falls at the bottom of the boiler is called bottom
are based on renewable raw materials such as maize,
ash.
wheat or sugar cane.
• Fly ash includes substantial amounts of oxides of silica,
• These plants get the CO2 that they need from the air
aluminium and calcium. Element like Arsenic, Boron,
Chromium, lead etc. are also found in trace through their leaves.
concentrations and is hazardous to environment and • Producing bioplastics therefore consumes CO2, which
health. The Fly ash causes air pollution, contaminate compensates for the amount that is later released at
water and soil systems. end-of-life.
SIGNIFICANCE • Overall, their net greenhouse gas balance is assumed to
• Fly ash exhibit cementitious properties to varying be zero.
degrees depending on the chemical and physical BIOPLASTIC LEADING TO HIGHER GHG EMISSION
properties of both the fly ash and cement. Compared to
• Production of bioplastics in large amounts would change
cement and water, the chemical reaction between fly ash
and calcium hydroxide typically is slower resulting in land use globally.
delayed hardening of the concrete. • This could potentially lead to an increase in the
• Fly ash chemically reacts with the by-product calcium conversion of forest areas to arable land.
hydroxide released by the chemical reaction between • However, forests absorb considerably more CO2 than
cement and water to form additional cementitious maize or sugar cane annually, if only because of their
products that improve many desirable properties of larger biomass.
concrete.
• Fly ash can be used as a replacement for some of the
Portland cement contents of concrete. It can be used in ►NITROGEN POLLUTION
the production of bricks for building construction. Central
Government has made it mandatory for use of fly ash 18 research institutions in India are among a group of 50
bricks in construction activities happening 500km around institutions — called the South Asian Nitrogen Hub
thermal power plants. (SANH) that have secured about ₹200 crores from the U.K.
government to assess and study the quantum and impact of
“nitrogen pollution” in South Asia.
►BIOPLASTICS FORMS OF NITROGEN
A study was conducted by the University of Bonn in • Nitrogen is one of the five major chemical elements that
Germany on the use of bioplastics and its effects on the are necessary for life.
environment.

85
• While nitrogen is the most abundant of these, more than o Optimize nitrogen’s beneficial in sustainable food
99% of it occurs as molecular nitrogen, or N2, which production
cannot be used by most organisms. o Minimize nitrogen’s negative effects on human health
• This is because breaking the triple bond holding the two and environment.
nitrogen atoms together requires a large amount of • The program is currently a sustained partner of Future
energy, which can be mustered only through high- Earth.
temperature processes or by a small number of nitrogen-
• INI holds conferences every three years.
fixing microbes.
• Indian scientist Nandula Raghuram has been elected
• Most living organisms can only make use of reactive
as the chair of INI. He is the first Indian and Asian to be
nitrogen, which includes inorganic forms of nitrogen like
elected.
ammonia, ammonium, nitrogen oxide, nitric acid, nitrous
oxide, and nitrate, and organic compounds like urea, WHAT IS CAUSING NITROGEN POLLUTION?
amines, proteins, and nucleic acids. In the pre-human world, a small amount of usable reactive
• It includes any nitrogen compound that is radioactively, nitrogen was created from N2 by lightning and biological
chemically or biological active and stratospheric ozone nitrogen fixation, but the spread of reactive nitrogen was
depletion. held in check by denitrification, a process that converts
reactive N back to N2.
N2 Un-reactive di-nitrogen; forms 78% of the air
This is no longer the case. Human beings have dramatically
we breathe
altered the nitrogen balance. We have done so by cultivating
NR Reactive nitrogen; fixed in soil by microbes; legumes, rice, and other crops that promote nitrogen
reacts to form different compounds with fixation, by burning fossil fuels, and by transforming
various impacts nonreactive atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia to sustain
food production and some industrial processes.
NH3 Ammonia; used for making fertilisers; can
o Nitrogen is a dominant gas in the atmosphere and is
escape into the air as a pollutant.
inert and doesn’t react.
NH4NO3 Ammonium nitrate, acts as fertiliser; when o However, when it is released as part of compounds from
synthesised in the atmosphere, contributes to agriculture, sewage and biological waste, nitrogen is
particulate matter, water pollution and results considered “reactive”, and it may be polluting and even
in eutrophication. exert a potent greenhouse gas effect.
N2O Nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas; depletes o Indian NO x emissions grew at 52 % from 1991 to 2001
ozone layer and 69% from 2001 to 2011.
o Nitrogen particles make up the largest fraction of PM2.5,
NOx Mixture of NO and NO2; a major air pollutant.
the class of pollutants closely linked to cardiovascular
NO3 Nitrate; the form in which nitrogen gets fixed and respiratory illness.
in soil; can pollute water sources; forms ozone, The recent global increase of reactive nitrogen by all human
which adds to particulate matter load. sources has far outstripped production from all natural
terrestrial systems, and since the 1960s, the rate of increase
has accelerated sharply.
INTERNATIONAL NITROGEN
INITIATIVE
• It is an international program, set up in 2003 under the ►INDIAN NITROGEN ASSESSMENT
sponsorship of Scientific Committee on Problems of the (INI)
Environment (SCOPE) and the International Geosphere-
• INI, is a book, is the first-ever quantitative assessment of
Biosphere Program (IGBP).
nitrogen pollution in India.
• Aim of INI are
• Key Findings of Indian Nitrogen Assessment:

86
(a) Nitrogen particles make up the largest fraction of • Aerosols are suspension of particles in the
PM2.5 (it is related to that class of pollutants which is atmosphere via both human-made and natural
related to cardiovascular and respiratory illness). sources.
(b) Agriculture remains the largest contributor to • E.g. Volcanic and desert dust, sulphate from coal.
nitrogen emissions. However, the non-agricultural
IMPACT ON MONSSON
emissions of nitrogen oxides and nitrous oxide are
growing rapidly, with sewage and fossil-fuel burning — • Studies suggest that aerosols may be a far more
for power, transport and industry — leading the trend. important factor than GHGs on impact on monsoon.
(c) Annual NOx emissions from coal, diesel and other fuel • They impact cloud formations because water
combustion sources are growing at 6.5% a year. condenses on them.
(d) Since 2002, N2O has replaced methane as the • They offset warming from greenhouse gases because
second largest Greenhouse Gas (GHG) from Indian they send some of the sun's radiant energy back to space
agriculture. exerting a cooling influence on Earth's climate.
(e) Chemical fertilizers (over 82% of it is urea) account • A good monsoon, which is produced by the difference in
for over 77% of all agricultural N2O emissions in temperature between land and sea, is thus weakened by
India. aerosol accumulation.
►FUTURE EARTH ►STAR RATING PROTOCOL

It is a global platform for international scientific
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs launched the
collaboration, providing the knowledge required for
Star Rating Protocol for garbage free cities under Swacch
societies in the world to face risks posed by global
Bharat Mission (Urban).
environmental change and to seize opportunities in a
transition to global sustainability. ABOUT RATINGS
Future Earth is at its core a ‘federation’ of projects and other • It aims to enthuse the cities with a spirit of healthy
initiatives related to Global Environmental Change. competition to improve their overall cleanliness.
Projects by Future Earth: These projects were launched • It is different from the Swachh Survekshan ranking
under the umbrella of four global environmental change survey as it will allow multiple cities to be awarded the
programmes: same star rating.
1. DIVERSITAS • A city should be ODF (Open Defecation Free) before it
2. The International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme could be given rating of 3 star or above.
(IGBP) • While cities may self-declare themselves as 1-star, 2-
3. The International Human Dimensions Programme (IHDP) star or 4-star, MoHUA will carry out an additional
4. The World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) verification through an independent third party to
certify cities as 3-star, 5-star or 7-star.
• Some further projects arose out of the Earth System
Science Partnership (ESSP). • The major focus in the ratings will be on waste storage
and litter bin.
ABOUT SBM (URBAN)
►AEROSOL IMPACT ON INDIAN It is an initiative under the Ministry of Housing and Urban
MONSOON Affiars with following components:
Climatologist from Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology • Construction of Household Toilets,

contended that aerosols (particulate matter) are the • Community and Public Toilets,
major cause of weakening of the monsoon.
• Solid Waste Management,
ABOUT AEROSOLS

87
• Information, Education & Communication (IEC) and Public ►BREATHE INDIA

Awareness,
Niti Aayog has proposed 15-point action plan titled
• Capacity Building and Administrative & Office Expenses
'Breathe India' for combating air pollution in ten most
(A&OE).
polluted cities in the country.
ABOUT SWACHH SURVEKSHAN
10 CITIES
• It aims to rank all the 4,041 cities and towns of the
Kanpur, Faridabad, Gaya, Varanasi, Patna, Delhi, Lucknow,
country based on infrastructure development for
Agra, Gurgaon and Muzzafarpur.
improved sanitation services and their sustainability,
outcomes, citizen connect and visible impact on BACKGROUND
ground. • A recent WHO global air pollution database (2018) has
• It is conducted by Quality Council of India. identified several of India’s top cities with some of the
highest levels of air pollution.
• Kanpur, Faridabad, Gaya, Varanasi and Patna are the
►BREATHE LIFE CAMPAIGN top five most polluted cities in the world.
• According to WHO, India has 14 out of the 15 most
• Joint campaign led by WHO, UNEP and the Climate and
polluted cities in the world in terms of PM 2.5
Clean Air Coalition (CCAC).
concentrations.
• This global campaign started in 2016.
• According to Health of the Nation’s States, household air
• It aims to mobilise cities and individuals to protect our pollution was responsible for 5% of the total disease
health and our planet from the effects of air pollution. burden in India in 2016, and outdoor air pollution was
OBJECTIVES responsible for 6% of the burden.
• Engage city, subnational and national governments to SOME OF THE IMPORTANT ACTION POINTS ARE
commit to achieving WHO Air Quality Guidelines by 2030. • Drive Mobility through Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEVs)
• Halve the number of air pollution by 2030. • Enact Strong Measures to Curb Vehicular Emissions
• Slow pace of climate change by 0.5 degrees Celsius by • Adopt Cleaner Construction Practices
2050.
• Tackle City Dust through Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) by
PROGRAMS UNDER THE CAMPAIGN adopting mechanical dust removal and mitigation
• Connect Cities: Provide a platform for cities to share measures
best practices and demonstrate progress in their journey • Implement a Business Model to Utilize Crop Residue:
to meeting WHO air quality targets by 2030.
• Implement a National Emissions Trading System
• Increase monitoring: Work with municipalities to
• Develop Consistent and Quantified National, Sub-
expand monitoring efforts that can keep citizens
National and Sectoral Plans
informed and facilitate more sustainable urban
development.
• Accelerate Solutions: Build demand for new solutions
that are working and support municipalities in effectively
►ANUPAM VERMA COMMITTEE
implementing in their own cities. The Government of India has decided to ban the use of 18
• Build Public awareness: increase support for city and pesticides following the recommendations of the Anupam
national action to reduce air pollution and short lived Verma Committee.
climate pollutants to meet health and development SIGNIFICANCE OF BAN
priorities by 2020, and the SDGs by 2030. • The pesticides proposed to be banned are harmful not
• Empower individuals: Educate people about the burden just to humans and animals but also leech into the
air pollution poses to our health and our climate. soil and water bodies and harm the aquatic ecosystem.
• They also lead to bioaccumulation.

88
• India is likely to improve its reputation in countries Management (SICOM) as blue flag beaches which
(where the concerned pesticides are banned) which include Maharashtra's Chiwla and Bhogave beaches and
imports food related products (both manufactured and one beach each from Puducherry, Goa, Daman and Diu,
raw) from India. Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• An integrated coastal management scheme, referred as
Beach Management Service (BeaMS) has also been
►PLASTIC BAN introduced by the ministry to reduce existing pollutants
on beaches and achieve such high international
Recently, India committed to eliminate all single-use plastic
standards.
in the country by 2022.
THE 13 BEACHES ARE:
ABOUT SINGLE USE PLASTIC
1. Shivrajpur (Dwarka), Gujarat
• Also referred as disposable plastics.
2. Ghoghla (Diu), Daman and Diu
• Commonly used for plastic packaging and include items
intended to be used only once before they are thrown 3. Bhogve (Sindhudurg), Maharashtra
away or recycled. 4. Miramar (Panjim), Goa
• It accounts for 50% of the plastic we use, with none 5. Padubidri (Udupi), Karnataka
states in India have plans in place to tackle single use 6. Kappad (Kozhikode), Kerala
plastics. 7. Emerald (Karaikal), Puducherry
BACKGROUND 8. Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
• India was the global host of 2018 World Environment 9. Rushikonda (Vishakhapatnam), Andhra Pradesh
Day (June 5, 2018) with “Beat Plastic Pollution” as the 10. Chandrabhaga (Puri), Odisha
theme, reflecting world commitment to combat single-
11. Tajpur (Purbi Midnapur) West Bengal
use plastic pollution.
12. Radhanagar (Havlock) Andaman & Nicobar
• According to United Nations Environment Programme
13. Bangaram, Lakshdweep
(UNEP) if current pollution rates continue, there will be
more plastic in the sea than fish by 2050, as globally, only BLUE FLAG STANDARDS
14% of plastics is recycled. • The Blue Flag beach standards were established by
Copenhagen-based Foundation for Environmental
Education (FEE) in 1985 in France.
►BLUE FLAG CERTIFICATION • The Blue Flag is an environmental award for beaches,
13 Indian beaches have been shortlisted for the Blue flag sustainable boating tourism operators, and marinas.
certification. • Only local authorities or private beach operators can
INDIA SPECIFIC DETAILS apply for a Blue Flag for beaches.
• The MOEFCC had started a pilot project under a Unified • The criteria for Blue Flag beaches cover four main area:
Coastal Areas Management Programme to develop the water quality, environmental management,
Indian beaches according to the Blue Flag standards in environmental education and safety.
December 2017. • Once the 33 criteria of blue flag standards are met by a
• Chandrabhaga beach of Odisha's Konark coast, the first beach, it is permitted to hoist the flag of BLUE FLAG on
to complete the tag certification process, will be the first the beach.
in Asia to get the Blue Flag certification. ABOUT SICOM
• Along with it, Maharastra’s Chiwla and Bhogave beach Established under MOEFCC, it is implementing the World
are also being developed for blue flag certification. Bank assisted Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM)
• Apart from them, 12 other beaches across are also project.
being developed by the Society for Integrated Coastal

89
►CLEAN AIR-INDIA INITIATIVE • the Secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on

Climate Change (UNFCCC),
Recently, the clean Air-India initiative was launched in Delhi
• the Climate and Clean Air Coalition to Reduce Short-Lived
by Prime Minister of Netherlands.
Climate Pollutants (CCAC) and
THE CLEAN AIR INDIA INITIATIVE IS A COLLABORATIVE
• the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
PROJECT BETWEEN
(UNECE).
• Get in the Ring (a platform for start-ups by the
PARTICIPANTS
government of the Netherlands),
• Ministers of Health and Environment and other
• Start-up India and
national government representatives;
• INDUS Forum (an online matchmaking platform of
• Representatives of intergovernmental agencies,
Indian and Dutch businesses).
health professionals, other sectors (e.g. transport,
AIM energy, etc.), as well as from research, academia and civil
• To curb air pollution in Indian cities by promoting society.
partnerships between Indian start-ups and Dutch
companies and build a network of entrepreneurs
working on business solutions for cleaner air. ►TECHNOSPHERE
• Under the initiative, an ‘INDUS impact’ projects is also • It is a major new concept/phenomenon of this planet
present which aims to halt the hazardous burning of and is extraordinarily rapid.
paddy stubble by promoting business partnerships that
• It is comprised of all of the structures that humans have
“up cycle” it.
constructed to keep them alive on the planet - from
• This entails using paddy straw as feedstock to make houses, factories and farms to computer systems, smart
materials that would find use in construction and phones and CDs, to the waste in landfills and spoil
packaging. heaps.
• Humans and human organisations also form part of it,
as the Technosphere is a system, with its own dynamics
►FIRST GLOBAL CONFERENCE ON
and energy flows and humans have to help keep it going
AIR POLLUTION AND HEALTH to survive.
The first Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health • The concept of Technosphere was proposed by US
was held at WHO Headquarters in Geneva. scientist Peter Haff.
BACKGROUND • The planet's technosphere now weighs some 30 trillion
• The conference responds to a World Health Assembly tons -- a mass of more than 50 kilos for every square
mandate to combat one of the world’s most significant meter of the Earth's surface, report investigators.
causes of premature death, air pollution, causing some 7
million deaths annually.
►TALANOA DIALOGUE SYNTHESIS
• Air pollution in most cities exceed recommended
WHO Air Quality levels and household air pollution is a REPORT AND YEARBOOK OF GLOBAL
leading killer in poor rural and urban homes. CLIMATE ACTION 2018
• Up to 1/3 of deaths from stroke, lung cancer and heart UNFCCC released two key publications - Talanoa Dialogue
disease are due to air pollution. Synthesis Report and Yearbook of Global Climate Action
ORGANIZERS 2018.
• UN Environment, HIGHLIGHTS
• World Meteorological Organization (WMO), • Both the reports are based on various studies and
climate reports such as IPCC report, Emission Gap

90
Report, WMO Greenhouse Gas Bulletin and other supporting decisions that serve the collective good in
inputs received from across the globe. accordance with the Pacific concept of “Talanoa”.
• It highlights that success in tackling the global climate FORMAT OF THE SUMMIT
crisis can be achieved, but only if public and private • The 2018 CVF Summit was organized entirely online as a
sector actions are urgently stepped up. “Virtual Summit”.
• The reports aim to respond to the three Talanoa • The use of this format aims to maximize cost-
Dialogue questions in regards to the progress on effectiveness, inclusivity and global participation, while
Climate actions. minimizing any adverse climate impacts of the meeting in
THREE TALANOA DIALOGUE QUESTIONS a demonstration of what can be achieved with the
1. Where are we? solutions of today.
• Overall, climate action is on the rise, generating ABOUT CVF

momentum throughout the planet and providing • Founded in 2009 by the Maldives, it is now an
opportunities and experiences that can be replicated. international partnership of the 48 countries most
• However, global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are vulnerable to climate change in Asia, Africa and Latin
still increasing, as is the concentration of GHGs in the America.
atmosphere. • Together, CVF countries take action and advocate to
2. Where do we want to go? bring about ambitious action to tackle the global threat
of climate change. The Forum’s member governments
It is imperative to keep global warming to below 1.5 °C,
represent over one billion people highly at risk from the
as a matter of life and death for small islands and other
dangers of climate change today.
vulnerable communities.
3. How do we get there?
• Strict adherence to climate goals as committed in ►INTERGOVERNMENTAL PANEL ON
NDCs and various global forums such as Doha CLIMATE CHANGE (IPCC) REPORT
Amendment to Kyoto Protocol, Paris Agreement, Sendai
The IPCC has released its Special Report titled “Global
Framework and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Warming of 1.5°C”, first in a series of Special Reports to be
Development.
produced in the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Cycle.
• Involvement of private sector, civil societies etc.
THEME
• Finance, Technological innovation and capacity
The report documents glaring evidence of the devastating
building of the nations.
impacts of climate change on the poor and on
developing countries.
 VIRTUAL CLIMATE SUMMIT KEY FINDINGS
• It is the 2018 Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) Summit • Human-induced global warming has in 2017 already
organised as part of the Talanoa Dialogue. reached 1°C above pre-industrial levels; the current
climate efforts of countries will take the world to 1.5°C
• It is the first heads of Government level conference.
between 2030 and 2052.
AIMS
• Impacts at 1.5°C are far greater than anticipated and
• The aim is to contribute to momentum and the raising estimated earlier.
of levels of climate action and ambition during the 2018-
o The world would witness greater sea level rise,
2020 period towards the safeguard of the world’s most
increased precipitation and higher frequency of
vulnerable groups from climate change threats.
droughts and floods, hotter days and heatwaves, more
• The Summit sought to encourage the sharing of intense tropical cyclones, and increased ocean
stories and perspectives on climate risks, new national acidification and salinity.
actions and opportunities related to climate action,

91
• Risk transition from 1.5°C to 2°C is very high and that the • The members of the conference did not agree to
effects at 2°C will be more devastating than what “welcome” the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
IPCC’s Fifth Assessment Report had indicated. Change (IPCC) report on 1.5°C. The US, Saudi Arabia,
o Coastal nations and agricultural economies like India Russia and Kuwait refused to “welcome” the IPCC report.
would be the worst affected. • The parties to the conference agreed to record the
o Decline in crop yields, unprecedented climate extremes pledges in a public registry, as per the existing interim
and increased susceptibility could push poverty by portal.
several million by 2050. • It was also agreed among the members that future
• Require a UNFCCC-plus approach: pledges should cover a “common timeframe” from
2031.
o Climate efforts cannot be restrictive to the UNFCCC and
the Paris Agreement. • The number of years for the timeframe will be decided
later.
• The world needs to think and devise more forums and
venues to address climate change. PENDING ISSUES
ABOUT IPCC Many difficult matters could not reach an agreement and
have been postponed to next year for resolution like
• IPCC is the UN body with 195 member states.
• ways to scale up existing commitments on emission
• Purpose: Assessing the science related to climate
reduction,
change.
• different ways of providing financial aid to the poor
• It was established by the United Nations Environment
nations,
Programme (UNEP) & the World Meteorological
Organization (WMO) in 1988. • wording that prevents double counting and
• whether member nations are doing enough to cut their
respective emissions.
►COP24
The 24th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change ►WMO GREENHOUSE GAS BULLETIN
(COP 24) was held in Katowice, Poland. Greenhouse Gas Bulletin-2018 has been published by
AGENDA OF COP 24 WMO.
The conference focused on three key issues ABOUT BULLETIN
• Finalization of guidelines/ modalities/rules for the • Published annually, the Greenhouse Gas Bulletin reports
implementation of Paris Agreement. on atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases.
• Conclusion of 2018 Facilitative Talanoa Dialogue (to • It is based on observations from the WMO Global
help countries implement NDC by 2020) Atmosphere Watch Programme (GAW), which tracks
the changing levels of greenhouse gases as a result of
• The stocktake of Pre-2020 actions implementation and
ambition o industrialization,
KEY OUTCOMES o energy use from fossil fuel sources,
• The participating nations agreed on the rules to o intensified agricultural practices,

implement the Paris Agreement that will come into o increases in land use and deforestation.
effect in 2020.
KEY FINDINGS
• The rules are regarding how the member nations will
• Carbon dioxide is the main long-lived greenhouse gas
measure the carbon-emissions and report on their
in the atmosphere. Concentrations reached 405.5 ppm in
emissions-cutting efforts.
2017, 146% of the pre-industrial era (before 1750).

92
• Methane (CH4) is the second most important long- • It addresses different aspects of weather and climate
lived greenhouse gas and is now 257% of the pre- services, which includes warnings for cyclone, storm
industrial level. surges, heat waves, thunderstorms etc.
• Atmospheric concentration of Nitrous oxide (N2O) in • It was started in 2012.
2017 was 329.9 parts per billion. This is 122% of pre-
ABOUT NFAR
industrial levels.
• NFAR comes under Indian Institute of Tropical
• CFC-11 (trichlorofluoromethane): Since 2012 its rate of
Management (IITM), Pune.
decline has slowed to roughly two thirds of its rate of
decline during the preceding decade. • Under this a state of the art research aircraft
equipped with instruments will be used for atmospheric
research.
►EMISSIONS GAP REPORT 2018 • It will take simultaneous measurements of aerosols,
9th edition of the UN Environment Emissions Gap Report trace gases, cloud microphysics and large scale
has been released. meteorological parameters at high temporal resolution
ABOUT REPORT and at different altitudes in different seasons over the
Indian sub-continent.
• It focuses on the “gap” between the emissions
reductions necessary to achieve the agreed targets at • Significance of NAFR lies in the fact that it deals with
lowest cost and the likely emission reductions from airborne measurements which are extremely important
full implementation of the Nationally Determined for aerosol sampling, measurement of cloud properties,
Contributions (NDCs), which form the foundation of the cloud physics, etc. which in turn is used for assessing air
Paris Agreement. pollution and its associated impacts.
• It is prepared by United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP).
MAJOR FINDINGS
►CBD: SHARM EL-SHEIKH
• Pathways reflecting current NDCs imply global warming DECLARATION
of about 3°C by 2100, with warming continuing Recently, Conference of the Parties (COP 14) to the
afterwards. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was held, adopting
• Global greenhouse gas emissions show no signs of Sharm El-Sheikh Declaration.
peaking. SHARM EL-SHEIKH DECLARATION
• Global CO2 emissions from energy and industry
• Declaration on Investing in Biodiversity for People and
increased in 2017, following a three year period of
Planet.
stabilization.
• Governments commit to mainstream biodiversity
through, integrating biodiversity values in legislative
►ATMOSPHERE & CLIMATE and policy frameworks, and development and finance
plans.
RESEARCH-MODELLING OBSERVING
OTHER IMPORTANT HIGHLIGHTS
SYSTEMS & SERVICES (ACROSS)
• New Deal for Nature: It is an agreement on a
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has
comprehensive and participatory process to develop
approved continuation of the scheme ACROSS during 2017-
post-2020 global biodiversity framework to further
2020 and establishment of National Facility Airborne
Research (NFAR) during 2020-21 and beyond. achieve the 2050 Vision for Biodiversity.
ABOUT ACROSS • Launch of International Alliance of Nature and

Culture to advance work on biological and cultural
• ACROSS scheme pertains to the atmospheric science
diversity in collaboration with the United Nations
programs of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

93
(UNESCO) and indigenous peoples and local • It will analyse how higher shares of renewable energy
communities. and increased energy
• It called for UN General Assembly to designate 2021 to • efficiency will impact relations between states and
2030 as the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration. thus reshape global energy diplomacy.
• It will suggest how countries can thrive in the new
energy economy in line with the Paris Climate
►IRENA REPORT Agreement objectives and the SDGs.
IRENA has come up with a study, titled ‘Water Use in
India’s Power Generation: Impact of Renewables and
Improved Cooling Technologies to 2030’. ►INCLUSIVE WEALTH REPORT 2018
ABOUT STUDY Inclusive Wealth Report 2018 was presented by the UN
• The report suggests that the combination of improved Environment.
power plant cooling technologies and renewable • It is a biennial report, released by UN Environment.
energy technologies could help the country lessen the
• It seeks to evaluate and report on a country’s wealth
intensity of fresh water use for electricity generation.
and wellbeing through the Inclusive Wealth index (IWI).
• Report finds that renewable energy has the potential to
o IWI is intended as a replacement to Gross Domestic
generate significant water savings, increase long-term
Product (GDP) and the Human Development Index
food sustainability and bolster energy security.
(HDI)
• The report also records renewables’ added benefits of
o It assesses a nation’s ability to look after its wealth in a
cutting pollution, fossil-fuel dependency and greenhouse
way that is sustainable and safeguards its future
gas (GHG) emissions.
generations.
ABOUT IRENA
HIGHLIGHTS
• The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an
• The inclusive wealth of one-third of the countries in
intergovernmental organization, founded in 2009.
the world has declined, but their gross domestic
• The agency is headquartered in Abu Dhabi. product (GDP) has increased.
• Aim: to promote adoption and sustainable use of • Global Structure of Capital, as of 2014, is composed of
renewable energy.
o produced capital (21%),
• It serves as the principal platform for international
o human capital (59% of which 26% education
cooperation, and a repository of policy, technology,
induced human capital and 33% is health induced
resource and financial knowledge on renewable energy.
human capital), and
• It is Permanent Observer to United Nation.
o natural capital (20%).
• India is a founder Member of the International
• The global level growth of each of the three capitals over
Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
the study period indicate that produced capital was
growing at an average rate of 3.8% per year and health
and education induced human capital was growing at
►GLOBAL COMMISSION ON THE
2.1%. Contrary, natural capital was decreasing at a rate
GEOPOLITICS OF ENERGY of 0.7% per annum.
TRANSFORMATION
Recently, IRENA launched the Global Commission on the ►OCEAN CLEANUP PROJECT
Geopolitics of Energy Transformation.
Recently, the Ocean Cleanup project was started in the
• It will work to achieve a better understanding of the
Pacific Ocean.
geopolitical implications of a largescale shift to
renewable energy.

94
ABOUT PROJECT first time GEF’s budget has been reduced since its
• Ocean Cleanup is a non-profit organisation which is origin.
developing advanced technologies to rid the world’s • The cut is because US has pledged to slash its
oceans of plastics. contribution to GEF by almost half.
• It is directed at cleaning The Great Pacific Garbage • It approved a grant of USD 15 million for the Bay of
Patch (GPGP) Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem (BOBLME) project,
ABOUT GPGP started by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization
(FAO) in 2009.
• It is a gyre of marine debris particles in the north
central Pacific Ocean. • On the sidelines of the assembly, the Green Climate Fund
(GCF) and the GEF have also agreed to take joint steps to
• It is located roughly from 135°W to 155°W and 35°N to
improve climate finance flows to best meet the needs
42°N, which is a zone between Hawaii and California.
of developing countries.
ABOUT GEF
►GLOBAL SOIL BIODIVERSITY ATLAS • It is a financial mechanism established under the 1992
Recently, the Global Soil biodiversity Atlas placed India Rio Earth Summit to help tackle our planet’s most
among countries whose soil biodiversity faces the pressing environmental problems.
highest level of risk. • It is managed by World Bank.
ABOUT ATLAS • Environmental Conventions under GEF financial
• It is a joint venture of the Global Soil Biodiversity mechanism on:
Initiative and the European Commission Joint o Convention on Bio diversity (CBD)
Research Centre. o Convention to combat desertification (UNCCD)
• Its findings were published as part of the Living Planet o Framework convention on climate change (UNFCCC)
Report, 2018 (published by WWF every two years). o Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic
Pollutants
FINDINGS OF LIVING PLANET REPORT
o Minamata Convention
• The current rate of species loss is 100 to 1,000 times o Montreal Protocol (provides support)
higher than only a few hundred years ago.
• 60% of all animals with a backbone were wiped out due
to human activity from 1970 to 2014. ►GLOBAL CARBON PROJECT
• The report says that the Earth has entered the sixth Global carbon emissions are set to hit an all-time high of
mass extinction event in the last half-a-billion years. 37.1 billion tonnes of CO2 in 2018, according to researchers
at the University of East Anglia (UEA) and the Global Carbon
• There has been a decline in mangroves by 30% to 50%
Project.
over the past 50 years.
FINDINGS
• Almost 50% of the globe’s shallow-water reefs have
declined in the last 30 years. • India, the third-highest contributor, is projected to see
emissions rise by 6.3% from 2017.
• The 2.7% projected global rise in 2018 has been driven
►SIXTH GEF ASSEMBLY SUMMIT by appreciable growth in coal use for the second year
Sixth GEF Assembly summit took place in Da Nang, Viet in a row, and sustained growth in oil and gas use.
Nam in June 2018. • The 10 biggest emitters in 2018 are China, U.S., India,
DETAILS Russia, Japan, Germany, Iran, Saudi Arabia, South Korea,
and Canada.
• It announced GEF replenishment of $4.1 billion, a cut in
the funding from USD 4.4 billion in 2014. This will be the • Limiting global warming to the 2015 Paris Agreement
goal of keeping the global temperature increase this

95
century to well below 2°C, would need carbon dioxide o Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and
emissions to decline by 50% by 2030 and reach net marine resources for sustainable development.
zero by about 2050. o Take urgent action to combat climate change and its
ABOUT PROJECT impacts.
• The Global Carbon Project was formed in 2001 o Ensure availability and sustainable management of
• Aim: To help the international science community to water and sanitation for all.
establish a common, mutually agreed knowledge WHAT IS BLUE ECONOMY?
base that supports policy debate and action to slow the • According to the World Bank, the blue economy is the
rate of increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. "sustainable use of ocean resources for economic
• It is a Global Research Project of Future Earth and a growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving
research partner of the World Climate Research the health of ocean ecosystem."
Programme. • For others, it simply refers to any economic activity in the
maritime sector, whether sustainable or not."
►SUSTAINABLE BLUE ECONOMY

CONFERENCE ►GLOBAL ARGO ARRAY PROGRAM
• The first Sustainable Blue Economy Conference was held • Argo is an international program that uses profiling floats
in Nairobi, capital of Kenya. to observe temperature, salinity, currents, and, recently,
bio-optical properties in the Earth's oceans.
• It was organized by Kenya and co-hosted by Japan and
Canada. • Argo fleet consists almost 4000 cylindrical free floating
devices that stand about 150 cms high and operate for
THEME
up to 5 years on battery power.
The blue economy and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
• Once deployed, the floats dive 1,000 metres deep, drift
Development
with ocean currents for several days, then sink an
AGENDA additional 1,000 metres before slowly rising to the
• Harness the potential of our oceans, seas, lakes and surface while collecting temperature and salinity data.
rivers to improve the lives of all, particularly people in • First float was deployed in 1999.
developing states, women, youth and Indigenous peoples
• Argo is one of the Central elements of the Global Ocean
• Leverage the latest innovations, scientific advances Observing System, which is co-sponsored by WMO and
and best practices to build prosperity while conserving Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of
our waters for future generations UNESCO.
BACKGROUND
It builds on the momentum of
►CLIMATE VULNERABLE FORUM
• the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,
MEETING
• the 2015 Climate Change Conference in Paris and
Climate Vulnerable Forum meeting was held in Marshall
• the UN Ocean Conference 2017 “Call to Action”.
Islands.
TRANSFORMING OUR WORLD: The 2030 Agenda for
ABOUT MEETING
Sustainable Development
• This was the first entirely online - Heads of
• Agreement outlines 17 non-binding goals termed as
Government level - intergovernmental meeting.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with 169 specific
targets that comprise different socio-economic issues. • Leaders at the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) have
called on world’s governments to raise the ambition of
• The non-binding SDGs in relation to blue economy:
their climate targets by 2020 in order to save vulnerable

96
nations threatened by warming beyond 1.5 degrees • The declaration has been signed by Democratic Republic
Celsius. of Congo, the Republic of Congo and Indonesia in the
ABOUT CVF backdrop of the 3rd Conference of Partners of the
Global Peatlands Initiatives (GPI), taking place in
• The CVF is an international cooperation group of
Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.
developing countries tackling global climate change.
• GPI is an initiative by leading experts and institutions to
• he CVF was founded by the Maldives government
before the 2009 United Nations Climate Change save peatlands as world’s largest terrestrial organic
Conference in Copenhagen, which sought to increase carbon stock and to prevent it being emitted.
awareness of countries considered vulnerable. ABOUT PEATLAND
• The CVF was formed to increase the accountability of • Peats are a heterogeneous mixture of plant material
industrialized nations for the consequences of global (vascular plants, mosses and humus) that had
climate change. accumulated in a water-saturated area and are only
• Afghanistan, Nepal and Bhutan are its members, partially decomposed due to absence of oxygen.
whereas India is one of the observer states. • The natural areas covered by peat are called
peatlands.
►2018 EARTH OVERSHOOT DAY • Various types of peat are – swamp forests, fens, bogs or
mires.
2018 Earth Overshoot Day is August 1, the earliest date
since ecological overshoot began in early 1970s. • They form where climate, bedrock and relief create an
area with permanent water saturation i.e. either in
ABOUT EARTH OVERSHOOT DAY
shallow water over layers of lake sediments (called
• It is date when humanity annual demand on nature terrestrialisation) or directly on mineral soil (called
exceeds what Earth can regenerate over the entire palaudification).
year.
• They are mostly found in permafrost regions towards
• It is calculated by Global Footprint Network and World
the poles and at high altitudes, in coastal areas, beneath
Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
tropical rainforest and in boreal forests.
ABOUT GLOBAL FOOTPRINT NETWORK
• Countries with largest peatland areas are – Russia,
• It is an international nonprofit organization founded Canada, Indonesia, USA, Finland etc.
in 2003 to enable a sustainable future where all people
have opportunity to thrive within the means of one
planet. ►LAND DEGRADATION NEUTRALITY
FUNCTIONS
(LDN) FUND
o It develops and promotes tools for advancing
Land Degradation Neutrality Fund (LDN Fund) was
sustainability, including ecological footprint and
biocapacity. launched at the 13th Conference of the Parties (COP13)
to the United Nations Convention to Combat
o It measures amount of resources we use and how much
Desertification (UNCCD) in Ordos, China.
we have.
ABOUT LDN FUND
o These tools aim at bringing ecological limits to center
of decision-making. • LDN fund is a first-of-its-kind investment vehicle
leveraging public money to raise private capital for
sustainable land management and landscape
►BRAZZAVILLE DECLARATION restoration activities worldwide.
Recently, Brazzaville Declaration was signed to promote • It will be independent from the UN and will be
better management and conservation of Cuvette managed by a private sector investment
Centrale Region in Congo Basin. management firm.

97
• It will invest in bankable projects on land • It then recycles them to produce natural incense,
rehabilitation and sustainable land management organic fertilizers and biodegradable packaging
worldwide, including material.
o sustainable agriculture, sustainable livestock • It helps in preventing chemical pesticides from
management, entering into the river through temple waste.
o agro-forestry, sustainable forestry, • Developed as the world’s first profitable solution to the
o renewable energy, infrastructure development, and monumental temple waste problem, the HelpUsGreen’s
eco-tourism. products are handcrafted by women who earlier used
to be manual scavengers.
ABOUT LDN
It is a state whereby the amount and quality of land
resources, necessary to support ecosystem functions, ►SOLAR GEO ENGINEERING
services and enhance food security, remains stable or
Developing Nations are planning to increase research in
increases within specified temporal and spatial scales and
dimming Sunlight through man made Sun-Shade to prevent
ecosystems.
climate change.
ABOUT UNCCD
ABOUT SOLAR GEO ENGINEERING
• Adopted in 1994 and entered into force in 1996
• It is a process through which the reflectivity (albedo) of
• It is the only internationally legally binding framework the Earth’s atmosphere or surface is increased, in an
set up to address the problem of desertification attempt to offset some of the effects of GHG-induced
• It recently released the first edition of Global Land climate change.
Outlook report. • The technique mimics big volcanic eruptions that can
• 2010 to 2020 has been declared as United Nations cool the Earth by masking the sun with a veil of ash or
Decade for Deserts and the Fight Against similar other things.
Desertification. THE METHODS INCLUDE:
• Space-Based Options/Space Sunshades e.g. using mirrors
in space, placing vast satellites at Lagrange Point 1, space
►UN CLIMATE ACTION AWARD
parasol, etc.
An Indian private project, HelpUsGreen is one of 15
• Stratosphere-Based Options such as injection of sulfate
ground-breaking projects from around the world that has
aerosols into the stratosphere.
won this year’s UN ‘Momentum for Change ’climate
action award. • Cloud-Based Options/Cloud Seeding e.g. Marine Cloud
Brightening (by spraying a fine seawater spray in the air),
ABOUT MOMENTUM FOR CHANGE INITIATIVE
seeding of high cirrus clouds with heterogeneous ice
• Momentum for Change is an initiative spearheaded by nuclei.
the UN Climate Change secretariat.
• Surface-Based Options e.g. whitening roofs, growing
• Momentum for Change recognizes innovative and more reflective crops, etc.
transformative solutions that address both climate
change and wider economic, social and environmental
challenges. ►GLOBAL COOLING INNOVATION
• The initiative recognizes ‘LIGHTHOUSE ACTIVITIES’ which
SUMMIT
are the most inspiring and transformational mitigation
and adaptation activities. These Lighthouse activities are Two-day Global Cooling Innovation Summit was held in New
showcased at the annual UNFCCC conferences. Delhi.
ABOUT HELPUSGREEN • The Summit is a first-of-its-kind solutions-focused event

that will bring together leaders from around the world
• The project collects flowers from temples and
to explore concrete means and pathways to address the
mosques across many cities\towns in Uttar Pradesh.
climate threat that comes from the growing demand
from room air conditioners.

98
• The event is jointly organized by the Department of ►GLEAM - GLOBAL LIVESTOCK

Science and Technology, Government of India, along
with Rocky Mountain Institute, Alliance for An Energy ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
Efficient Economy (AEEE), Conservation X Labs and CEPT MODEL
University.
• It is a modelling framework that simulates the interaction
• The summit will also see the launching of Global Cooling of activities and processes involved in livestock
Prize — Mission Innovation (MI) challenge that aims to production and environment.
spur development of a residential cooling solution that
• Global coverage of 6 livestock species and their edible
has at least five times (5x) less climate impact than
products: Meat and milk from cattle, buffalo, sheep and
today's standard.
goats, meat from pigs and eggs from chicken.
ABOUT GLOBAL COOLING PRIZE
• Estimation of greenhouse gas emissions from each stage
• The objective of this competition would be to develop a of production. The model covers methane, carbon
cooling technology that dioxide, nitrous oxide.
o requires radically less energy to operate,
o utilizes refrigerants with no ozone depletion potential
►LEAP - LIVESTOCK
and with low global warming potential, and
o has the potential to be cost-effective at scale.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
ABOUT MISSION INNOVATION
PERFORMANCE PARTNERSHIP
• Mission Innovation (MI) is a global initiative of 23 It is a multistakeholder initiative that is committed to
countries and the European Commission (on behalf of improving the environmental performance of livestock
the European Union) supply chains, whilst ensuring its economic and social
viability.
• It is working to reinvigorate and accelerate global clean
energy innovation with the objective to make clean
energy widely affordable. ►GACSA - GLOBAL ALLIANCE ON
• MI was announced at COP21, 2015 during Paris summit.
CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE
It is an inclusive, voluntary and action-oriented
multistakeholder platform on Climate-smart agriculture
►KORONIVIA JOINT WORK ON
(CSA).
AGRICULTURE (KJWA) Aspirational outcomes of GACSA:
• KJWA is a decision that was adopted at COP 23 of o Improve farmers’ agricultural productivity and incomes in
UNFCCC. a sustainable way.
• UNFCCC officially acknowledged the significance of the o Build farmers’ resilience to extreme weather and
agriculture sectors in adapting to and mitigating climate changing climate
change.
o Reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with
• FAO is working to support the development and agriculture
implementation of the KJWA.
 PROGRAMS BY FAO ►EPIC - ECONOMIC AND POLICY

►MICCA - MITIGATION OF CLIMATE ANALYSIS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
CHANGE IN AGRICULTURE PROGRAM EPIC program was created to fill the gap between research
and action in the interactions between climate change,
Address climate change in the agriculture, forestry and
agriculture and food security.
fisheries sectors and supports countries participating in the
climate change negotiation processes within the UNFCCC.

99
►GLOBALLY IMPORTANT KEY FINDINGS
AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE SYSTEMS • Out of the total emissions, energy sector accounted for
73%, IPPU 8%, agriculture 16% and waste sector 3%.
These are outstanding landscapes of aesthetic beauty that
combine agricultural biodiversity, resilient ecosystems and a • About 12% of the emissions were offset by the carbon
valuable cultural heritage such as: Saffron Heritage of sink action of forestland, cropland and settlements.
Kashmir, Kuttanad Below Sea Level Farming System,
Koraput Traditional Agriculture
►NATIONAL CENTRE FOR EARTH
SCIENCE STUDIES (NCESS)
►NATIONAL REDD+ STRATEGY
FORMATION
MoEFCC released National REDD+ Strategy, which will
• It was instituted as CESS by the government of Kerala in
help to fulfill India’s NDC commitment under Paris
1978, at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Agreement of climate change.
• CESS was the earliest institute in the country to embrace
REDD+ MEANS
the concept of Earth System Science (ESS).
• “Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest
WHO NOW CONTROLS IT?
Degradation”,
• Recognizing the growth potential of CESS, a committee
• conservation of forest carbon stocks,
recommended the taking over of CESS by the Ministry of
• enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India.
countries, and
• Hence it was incorporated as NCESS, as an autonomous
• sustainable management of forests institute under the Earth System Science Organization
REDD+ AIMS (ESSO) of MoES.
• To achieve climate change mitigation by incentivizing OBJECTIVES
forest conservation. To promote scientific and technological research and
• Address drivers of deforestation and forest degradation development studies in the earth sciences. It pursues
problems related to land, sea and atmosphere. Thus it:
• Carries out studies in river basin evaluation, ground
►INDIA’S SECOND BIENNIAL UPDATE water management, coastal erosion, and other special
REPORT (BUR) TO UNFCCC problems.
The Union Cabinet has approved Submission of India’s • Carries out research in earth system, micro-level
second Biennial Update Report (BUR) to the UNFCCC watershed planning, natural hazards management,
towards the fulfilment of the reporting obligation under chemical analysis, and studies of air, water, land, noise
the Convention. pollution, etc.
ABOUT UPDATES • Carries out environmental impact assessment, coastal

and estuarine management, terrain analysis, natural
• The second biennial update report aims to provide an
resources management, laser applications, river sand
update to India’s first biennial report to the United
mining, and micro-level planning.
Nation’s body on climate change.
• The report contains five major components including
national circumstances, national greenhouse gas
►PAR-TAPI-NARMADA INTER-STATE
inventory, mitigation actions, finance, technology and
capacity building needs and support received and RIVER LINK PROJECT
domestic monitoring, reporting and verification Gujarat government has expressed its inability to divert
arrangements. water for Maharashtra in Tapi basin as requested by

100
Maharashtra as part of the Par-Tapi-Narmada inter-state ABOUT MAHANADI RIVER

river link project. • The Mahanadi is one of the largest Indian peninsular
ABOUT RIVER LINK PROJECT rivers that drains into the Bay of Bengal.
• The projects envisages transfer of surplus water of • The 857 km long river originates in Raipur district of
rivers in Maharashtra and south Gujarat to feed the the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh and flows
command area of the Miyagam branch of Narmada through the eastern state of Orissa before meeting the
canal. sea.
• It will save water in Narmada dam, which will be taken • The major tributaries of Mahanadi are Seonath, Jonk,
to Saurashtra and Kutch. Hasdo, Mand, Ib, Ong, Tel etc.
• The project is aimed at diverting “surplus” water from
parts of west flowing rivers like the Par, the Nar, the
Ambika and the Auranga basins in Maharashtra.
►SWAJAL SCHEME
• The project of Par-Tapi-Narmada link generally falls in the The government launched Swajal schemes in 115
state of Gujarat except Jheri reservoir which falls in aspirational districts of the country.
Maharashtra state. • Swajal is a community owned drinking water
• Jheri dam is located in Nasik district of Maharashtra programme for sustained drinking water supply.
• While remaining dams viz. Mohankavchali, Paikhed, • Under the scheme, 90% of the project cost will be taken
Chasmandva, Chikkar, Dabdar and Kelwan dams are care by the Government and the remaining 10% of the
located in Valsad and Dang districts of Gujarat. project cost will be contributed by the community.
SIGNIFICANCE OF PROJECT • The Operations and management of the project will be

taken care by the local villagers.
• Providing irrigation benefits to the enroute command
and Narmada command, • It will involve an outlay of Rs 700 crores through flexible-
funds under the existing National Rural Drinking Water
• Generating hydropower of the order of 93.00 Mkwh
Programme (NRDWP) budget.
• Providing flood relief to the people residing in
ABOUT NRDWP
downstream areas.
• The NRDWP was started in 2009
It has major emphasis on ensuring sustainability (source)
►GREEN MAHANADI MISSION of water availability in terms of potability, adequacy,
convenience, affordability and equity.
Odisha government has launched Green Mahanadi
Mission.
• The Green Mahanadi Mission envisages rejuvenating ►GANGA VRIKSHAROPAN ABHIYAN
Mahanadi river and its tributaries Tel and Ib by
National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has started
increasing recharging capacity through massive
“Ganga Vriksharopan Abhiyan” in five main stem Ganga
plantation.
basin states – Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar,
• Under the mission, a green belt with width of 1 km will Jharkhand and West Bengal.
be created on both sides of the river beginning from
DETAILS
the place, where the river enters Odisha to Paradip,
where it merges with the Bay of Bengal. • The campaign has been initiated as part of the Forest
Interventions in Ganga component of Namami Gange
• A total of two crore saplings will be planted on the
programme.
banks of the Mahanadi.
• It aims to bring greater awareness among people and
• The plantation will be undertaken over 75,760 hectares
other stakeholders regarding the importance of
government land besides 47,470 hectares private land.
afforestation for the task of Ganga Rejuvenation.

101
• Schools, colleges and departments have been requested ►SARDAR SAROVAR DAM
to “Adopt a Plant” to make this campaign into a people’s
movement. ABOUT NARMADA RIVER
• State Forest Departments of respective states have • It is the largest west flowing river of the Peninsula.
been made the nodal agencies for the smooth and • It rises near Amarkantak range of mountains in Madhya
effective execution of the campaign. Pradesh.
IMPORTANCE OF AFFORESTATION IN GANGA BASIN • It passes through Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and
• Forests cause higher rainfall and raise water level in the Gujarat and finally meets the Gulf of Cambay.
rivers.
• The total length of the river from source to sea is 1312
• Healthy forest cover along the river provides self- kilometers.
cleaning ability to the river.
• Left bank tributaries are the Shakkar, the Sher, the
• Through their foliage, craggy bark and abundant leaf Tawa, the Dudhi and the Ganjal.
litter, trees and forests decrease the speed of water
• Right bank tributaries are Lohar, the Karam, the Choral,
dispersion and favour slow but greater infiltration of
the Barna and the Hiran.
rainwater to ensure smooth functioning of the
hydrological cycle. • The Tawa is the biggest tributary of the river Narmada
ABOUT THE DAM
• Dimensions: Length 1.2 Kms, Depth 163 metres, and
►SWAN RIVER PROJECT Height 138.68 metres
ABOUT SWAN RIVER
• Benefits: Electricity to be shared among the three states
• SWAN - the ancient Sombhadra River, originates in the of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat. While
Una district of Himachal Pradesh. water will be shared among four states – MP, Gujarat,
• The river has preserved and sustained human civilisation Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.
along its banks for ages. • Power generation: There are two power houses viz.
• The total length of the Swan River is 80 km, out of which River Bed Power House and Canal Head Power House
about 60 km. falls in Himachal Pradesh. The total length with an installed capacity of 1200 MW and 250 MW
of the Swan River is 80 km, out of which about 60 km. respectively.
falls in Himachal Pradesh. The total length of the Swan
River is 80 km, out of which about 60 km. falls in
Himachal Pradesh.The total length of Swan River is 80
►TUIDIMJANG DAM
km, out of which about 60 km falls in Himachal Pradesh.
CONCERNS REGARDING THE CONSTRUCTION OF DAM
• The catchment of Swan River is characterized by fragile
and vulnerable Shivalik hills and sparse vegetative cover. • A dam called Tuidimjang, on the Twigem river flowing
SWAN RIVER PROJECT into Myanmar from Manipur is being constructed by
Myanmar close to the boundary with India.
• It aims to regenerate forests, protect farmlands from
flooding and reduce soil erosion mainly in Una district, • Dam being built by Myanmar authorities is barely 100
bordering Punjab. metres from the Zero Line separating the two
countries.
• To carry out integrated watershed management activities
including afforestation, civil works for soil and water • International rules warrant border countries to check
management. activities in No Man’s Land – a 150-metre strip on either
• To carry out soil protection, land reclamation, and side of the boundary line.
livelihood improvement activities. • The topography of the area is such that the villages will
• It is based on the method of river engineering that be submerged if a dam comes up in the region.
widens or deepens rivers to increase the capacity for flow • Villagers along the border also face water scarcity.
volume at specific sections of the river.

102
• Main concerns are large scale submergence and ►KABANI RIVER

ecological disturbances.
• Kabani or Kapila, is a river in southern India.
• It originates in the Wayanad District of Kerala state by the
►LOKTAK LAKE confluence of the Panamaram River and the
Mananthavady River.
LOKTAK AND PHUMDIS
• It flows eastward to join the Kaveri River in Karnataka.
• It is a lake located near Moirang in Manipur state.
• The Kabini Forest reserve comprises the south-eastern
• It is famous for the floating biomass islands or phumdis: part of Nagarahole National Park.
The phumdis float during the rains and sink during the
• Butterfly species migrate and follow the Kabani river to
dry months, sucking nutrients from the lake bed to
reach the Ghats.
replenish their roots and float again when the next
monsoon cycle begins.
• The lake is a rich source of vegetation that has supported ►INDIA WATER IMPACT SUMMIT 2018
humans and animals for decades.
India Water Impact Summit 2018 was jointly organized by
• The Keibul Lamjao National Park lies in the heart of the
the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and the
lake.
Centre for Ganga River Basin Management and Studies
• Loktak Lake is a ‘wetland of international importance’ recently in New Delhi.
under the Ramsar Convention.
ABOUT SUMMIT
KEIBUL LAMJAO NATIONAL PARK
• It is an annual event where stakeholders get together to
• It is the only floating national park in the world. discuss, debate and develop model solutions for some of
• The national park is home to the endangered brown- the biggest water-related problems in the country.
antlered deer, the sangai, whose habitat is also under • The discussions this year will be on the rejuvenation of
threat. the Ganga River Basin.
LOKTAK HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT • There will be multi-country dialogue on the subject,
• It has disturbed the cycle of phumdis as it constantly with showcasing of technological innovations, research,
keeps the water level in the lake high. policy frameworks and funding models from India and
abroad.
• As a result, phumdis are unable to feed from the
nutrients on the bed, they are thinning out and even • The efforts may take various forms including (but not
breaking away. limited to): data collection (sensors, LIDAR, modelling
etc), hydrology, e-flows, agriculture, wastewater and
more.
 ENERGY CONSERVATION • The Act provides for the legal framework, institutional
arrangement and a regulatory mechanism at the Central
IN INDIA and State level for energy efficiency in the country.

• It called for the creation of Bureau of Energy Efficiency
►ENERGY CONSERVATION ACT, 2001 (BEE) at the central level to facilitate the implementation
of the EC Act.
• Considering the vast potential of energy savings and
benefits of energy efficiency, the Government of India • The Act provides regulatory mandate for: standards &
enacted the Energy Conservation Act in 2001. labelling of equipment and appliances; energy
conservation building codes for commercial buildings;

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energy consumption norms for energy intensive Transformers, Induction Motors, Direct Cool
industries ; and Establishment of Energy Conservation Refrigerator, electric storage type geyser, LEDs lamp,
Fund ( both at center and state) Variable Capacity Inverter Air conditioners and
Colour TVs.
• The energy efficiency labeling programs under BEE are
►BUREAU OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY intended to reduce the energy consumption of appliance
(BEE) without diminishing the services it provides to
consumers. As a result, the least-efficient products are
• It is a statutory body established in 2002, under the
removed from the market and more efficient products
Energy Conservation Act, 2001.
are introduced.
• It functions under the Ministry of Power.
ENERGY CONSERVATION BUILDING CODES (ECBC)
• Mandate: It facilitates the implementation of the EC Act
• The Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) was
by developing policies and strategies which focus on the
developed by Govt. of India for new commercial buildings
primary objective of reducing energy intensity of the
in May 2007.
Indian economy.
• ECBC sets minimum energy standards for new
• It is responsible for spearheading the improvement of
commercial buildings having a connected load of 100kW
energy efficiency of the economy through various
or contract demand of 120 KVA and above.
regulatory and promotional instruments
• While the Central Government has powers under the EC
• It coordinates with State level agencies and energy
Act 2001, the state governments have the flexibility to
consumers to perform functions and exercise powers
modify the code to suit local or regional needs and notify
that may be necessary for efficient use of energy and its
them.
conservation in India.
• Currently eight States and Union Territories (Rajasthan,
• The members of the governing council of the bureau are
Odisha, UT of Puducherry, Uttarakhand, Punjab,
appointed by the central government.
Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh & Telangana) notified and
• Minister of power shall be the ex-officio chairman of the adopted the code for their states.
bureau.
• The updated version of ECBC came in 2017 which sets
parameters for builders, designers and architects to
►SCHEMES TO PROMOTE ENERGY integrate renewable energy sources in building design
with the inclusion of passive design strategies.
CONSERVATION AND ENERGY
LEED
EFFICIENCY
• LEED or Leadership in Energy and Environmental
The Ministry of Power, through Bureau of Energy Efficiency Design, is the most widely used rating system for the
(BEE), has initiated a number of energy efficiency initiatives. design, construction and operation of high performance
Some major of them are: green buildings in the world.
Standards and Labeling (for equipment and appliances ) • Available for virtually all building, community and home
• Started in 2006, to provide the consumer an informed project types, LEED provides a framework to create
choice about the energy saving and thereby the cost healthy, highly efficient and cost-saving green buildings.
saving potential of the relevant marketed product. • LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of
• The scheme targets display of energy performance sustainability achievement.
labels on high energy end use equipment & appliances • To strengthen the global consistency of the LEED rating
and lays down minimum energy performance standards system, from 2014, GBCI (Green Business Certification
• Under the scheme the following are the mandatory Inc.) began managing the certification process for all
appliances - Room Air Conditioners, Fluorescent Tube LEED rating systems in India, including the LEED India
Lights, Frost Free Refrigerators, Distribution rating system, which was previously managed by the
Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).

104
GRIHA initiated the energy efficiency interventions in selected 25

• GRIHA is an acronym for Green Rating for Integrated SMEs clusters.
Habitat Assessment is a green building design • Bureau of Energy Efficiency, in collaboration with United
evaluation system Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), is
• GRIHA is a rating tool that helps people assesses the implementing the Global Environmental Facility (GEF)
performance of their building against certain nationally funded national project “Promoting energy efficiency and
acceptable benchmarks of accepted energy and renewable energy in selected micro, small and medium
environmental principles enterprises (MSME) clusters in India”
• It evaluates the environmental performance of a building • The project aims to develop and promote market
holistically over its entire life cycle, thereby providing a environment for introducing energy efficient
definitive standard for what constitutes a ‘green building’. technologies and enhancing the use of renewable energy
technologies in process applications in energy-intensive
• Internationally, GRIHA has been recognized as an
MSMEs in 5 sectors (brass, ceramics, dairy, foundry and
innovative tool for sustainable development by the
hand tools)
United Nations.
DEMAND SIDE MANAGEMENT (DSM) SCHEME
In order to tap the energy saving potential, Agriculture ►NATIONAL MISSION FOR
Demand Side Management (AgDSM) program was ENHANCED ENERGY EFFICIENCY
initiated by Bureau of Energy Efficiency with an objective to
(NMEEE)
induce energy efficiency in agriculture sector by creating
market based framework for implementation of few pilot • The National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency
projects and create awareness among end users & other (NMEEE) is one of the eight national missions under the
stakeholders for adoption of energy efficient pumpsets National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
(EEPS). • NMEEE aims to strengthen the market for energy
KUSUM efficiency by creating conducive regulatory and policy
regime and has envisaged fostering innovative and
• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has
sustainable business models to the energy efficiency
approved the launch of KUSUM, Kisan Urja Suraksha
sector.
evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan scheme which inter-alia
aims to promote use of solar energy among the farmers. • It is being jointly implemented by Bureau of Energy
The proposed scheme provides for: Efficiency and Energy Efficiency Services Limited EESL.
o Setting up of grid-connected renewable power plants

each of 500KW to 2 MW in the rural area;  COMPONENTS OF NMEEE
o Installation of standalone off-grid solar water pumps to ►PERFORM, ACHIEVE AND TRADE
fulfil irrigation needs of farmers not connected to grid;
and
(PAT)
o Solarization of existing grid-connected agriculture pumps • Launched in 2012, it is a regulatory instrument for
to make farmers independent of grid supply and also sell market assisted compliance mechanism to accelerate
surplus solar power generated to Discom and get extra implementation of cost effective improvements in energy
income. efficiency in large energy-intensive industries
o This scheme will be implemented by Ministry of Ministry • Industries in various sectors have been mandated to
of New and Renewable Energy. reduce their specific energy consumption (SEC) (energy
used per unit of production) to a specific target based on
ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN SMALL AND MEDIUM
their current levels of energy efficiency.
ENTERPRISES (SMES) SECTOR
• Units which are able to achieve SEC level that are lower
To encourage the energy efficient technologies and
than their targets can receive energy savings
operational practices in SME sectors in India, BEE has
certificates (ESCerts) for their excess savings.

105
• The ESCerts could be traded on the Power Exchanges super-efficient (SE) fans and sell the same at a discounted
and bought by other units under PAT who can use price.
them to meet their compliance requirements.
►ENERGY EFFICIENCY FINANCING
• Units that are unable to meet the targets either through
their own actions or through purchase of ESCerts are
PLATFORM (EEFP)
liable to financial penalty under the Energy Conservation Under this, MoUs have been signed with financial
Act. institutions to work together for the development of energy
• Industries covered under the PAT are: efficiency market and for the identification of issues related
to this market development.
1) Aluminium 2) Cement 3) Chlor Alkali 4) Fertilier 5) Pulp
and Paper 6) Thermal Power Stations 7) Textile 8) Iron and Facilitating Financial Institutions to invest in Energy
Steel 9) DISCOMs 10) Railways 11) Petroleum Refinery 12) Efficiency Projects and Programmes
Petrochemicals 13) Commercial Buildings (category hotel) or ►FRAMEWORK FOR ENERGY
establishments.
EFFICIENT ECONOMIC
►MARKET TRANSFORMATION FOR
DEVELOPMENT (FEEED)
ENERGY EFFICIENCY (MTEE)
Under this initiative two funds have been created viz.
• It aims to make the market shift to energy efficient Partial Risk Guarantee Fund for Energy Efficiency
appliances in certain sectors by using incentives and (PRGFEE) and Venture Capital Fund for Energy Efficiency
innovative business models. (VCFEE).
• Under MTEE, two programmes have been developed i.e.
►ENERGY SERVICE COMPANIES
Bachat Lamp Yojana (BLY) and Super-Efficient Equipment
Programme (SEEP). (ESCOS)
These are companies that offer energy services, usually
 BACHAT LAMP YOJANA (BLY)
design, retrofitting and implementation of energy efficiency
• It is a public-private partnership program comprising of projects after identifying energy saving opportunities
BEE, Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) and private through energy audit of existing facilities.
investors to accelerate market transformation in energy
It also helps in arranging finances for energy efficiency
efficient lighting.
projects by providing a savings guarantee, risk management
• Under this program, over 29 million incandescent bulbs in the implementation of the energy efficiency projects and
have been replaced by CFLs under this programme. also perform measurement and verification(M&V) activities
• In the next phase of BLY, BEE will promote use of LED to quantify actual energy savings post implementation of
lights using the institutional structure of BLY Programme. energy efficiency projects
SUPER-EFFICIENT EQUIPMENT
 EESL AND ITS INITIATIVES
PROGRAMME (SEEP)
• SEEP is a program designed to bring accelerated market ►ENERGY EFFICIENCY SERVICES
transformation for super-efficient appliances by LIMITED (EESL)
providing financial stimulus innovatively at critical point/s
of intervention. • It is Joint Venture of NTPC Limited, PFC, REC and
POWERGRID to facilitate implementation of energy
• Under this program, ceiling fan has been identifies as the
efficiency projects.
first appliance to adopted. SEEP for ceiling fans aims to
leapfrog to an efficiency level which will be about 50% • It got registered under the companies Act, 1956 in 2009.
more efficient than market average by providing a time • It will be the first such company exclusively for
bound incentive to fan manufacturers to manufacture implementation of energy efficiency in South Asia
and amongst a very few such instances in the world.

106
• EESL will also lead the market-related actions of the institutional consumers, to achieve scale, and limit the
NMEEE. peak energy demand to 90 GW by boosting savings.
►UJALA SCHEME: UNNAT JYOTI BY ►DISTRICT ENERGY IN CITIES

AFFORDABLE LEDS FOR ALL INITIATIVE
• The program is based on demand aggregation, mass • It is a multi-stakeholder partnership coordinate by UN-
awareness, bulk procurement, designed to attract the Environment with financial support from DANIDA, Global
support of utility companies, state governments, and the Environment Facility, and the Italian Ministry of
price conscious Indian public. Environment and Protection of Land and Sea.
• EESL procures the appliances and provides them to • The initiative aims to double the rate of energy
consumers at a rate of Rs 70/LED bulb, Rs 220/LED tube efficiency improvements for heating and cooling in
light and Rs 1110/Fan respectively. buildings by 2030, helping countries meet their climate
• The scheme involves no subsidies. and sustainable development goals.
• It supports local and national governments to build
►BUILDINGS ENERGY EFFICIENT know how and implement policies that will accelerate
PROGRAM (BEEP) investment in low-carbon and climate resilient district
energy systems.
• It is a bilateral cooperation project between the Ministry
of Power, Government of India, and the Federal • It currently provides technical support to cities in four
Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) of the Swiss pilot countries (China, Chile, India and Serbia) and ten
Confederation. replication countries (Argentina, Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Colombia, Egypt, Mongolia, Morocco, Russia, Seychelles
• Started in 2011, the project’s central focus is to help India
and Tunisia)
mainstream energy-efficient and thermally comfortable
(EETC) building design for both commercial and • In India, the program is running in the cities Amaravati,
residential buildings. BEEP works with building industry, Bhopal, Coimbatore, Pune, Rajkot and Thane (Pilot
policy makers, and building owners to catalyze adoption project). EESL is the national coordinator of the initiative
of EETC building design and technologies. in India
►EESL SUPER-EFFICIENT AIR ►CREATING AND SUSTAINING

CONDITIONING PROGRAM (ESEAP) MARKETS FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY
The efficiency of traditional room air conditioners is • It is a joint project of Global Environment Facility and
measured by EER(Energy Efficiency Ratio): Ratio of EESL.
capacity (in Watts) to the power consumption at nominal • The project will receive a composite funding of $454
voltage and frequency. However, new generation inverter million comprised of GEF grant and loan from Asian
ACs energy efficiency are measured by ISEER, which is a Development Bank.
seasonally adjusted energy efficiency.
► INDIAN SEASONAL ENERGY ►ENERGY EFFICIENCY REVOLVING

EFFICIENCY RATIO (ISEER) FUND (EERF)
The EERF will support 'proof of concept' investments for
• It is the ratio of the total amount of heat that the
new technologies of super-efficient ceiling fans, tri-
equipment may remove from the indoor air when
operated for cooling in active mode to the total amount generation technologies & smart grid applications and
of energy consumed by the equipment during the same scaling up energy efficiency financing and program
period. development to help cover initial investment costs of energy
efficiency programs like steet-lighting, domestic lighting,
• EESL under the ESEAP program is offering inverter ACs
five-star rated ceiling fans and agricultural pumps in the
with 5.2 ISEER. These ACs will have comprehensive three-
country.
year warranty. These ACs are being offered to

107
►LIGHTING A BILLION LIVES (LABL) • Reduction of refrigerant demand by 25% to 30% by

year 2037-38.
• It is a campaign started by TERI which promotes and
encourages people to use solar lanterns.
• The high-quality and cost-effective solar lanterns are ►STATE ENERGY EFFICIENCY
provided on a decentralized basis (through micro solar-
PREPAREDNESS INDEX
enterprises set-up in un-electrified or poorly electrified
villages) The Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE) under
the leadership of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)
• LaBL engages private sector through Corporate Social
Responsibility and is a great example of how public- and NITI Ayog has released the first Nationwide ‘State
private -people partnership can support rural Energy Efficiency Preparedness Index’ .
development. OBJECTIVES OF INDEX
• It has helped to strengthen the SHGs in the country and Help drive Energy Efficiency (EE) policies and program
can help India achieve SDG by making energy accessible implementation at state and local level
to poor.
• Highlight best practices and encourage healthy
competition among states
►ECO MARK • Track progress in managing states’ and India’s energy
footprint
• Under this initiative, all those households and other
consumer products which meet certain • Set a baseline for EE efforts to date and provide a
environmental criteria, are labelled with an foundation to set state-specific EE targets
environment friendly mark.
BACKGROUND
• Any product which is made, used or can be disposed in
• In 2001 the Energy Conservation Act was introduced
an environmental manner are given recognition.
which was instrumental in the formation of the Bureau of
• This project will help in capacity building as it conducts Energy Efficiency (BEE) and the State Designated Agencies
training workshops, seminars etc. on industry and (SDA) in the states.
environmental issue, thereby eventually leading to
• National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency
attitude change amongst the stakeholders of various
industries. (NMEEE) is one of the eight national missions under the
National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). NMEEE,
since 2011, aims to strengthen the market for energy
►DRAFT INDIA COOLING ACTION efficiency by creating conducive regulatory and policy
regime and has envisaged fostering innovative and
PLAN (ICAP)
sustainable business models to the energy efficiency
India has become the first country to release a draft India sector.
Cooling Action Plan (ICAP).
• The index was recently released to compliment such
ABOUT PLAN efforts.
• It focuses on Sustainable Cooling through Thermal
Comfort for All.
• It was released on the occasion of 24th World Ozone Day ►CHILLER STAR LABELLING
(16 September). PROGRAM
• Theme: "Keep Cool and Carry on” The Ministry of Power, Government of India launched
AIM OF PLAN Chiller Star Labelling Program.
• Reduction of cooling demand across sectors by 20% to PURPOSE
25 % by year 2037-38.
To encourage the deployment of Energy Efficient chiller
• Training of 100,000 service sector technicians by 2022- systems in the country.
23 under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana.

108
HIGHLIGHTS ►GREEN BONDS

• The Chiller Star Labelling Program has been formulated
Green bonds of huge amounts from India are stuck
by Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).
because of rising interest rates and global uncertainties.
• The program envisages providing star rating in terms of
• Green bonds are debt instruments like normal bonds.
its energy performance. Initially, the program is launched
on voluntary basis and will be valid upto 31st December • But the proceeds are used for renewable energy
2020. projects, or for services that are ecologically sustainable.
SIGNIFICANCE • The bond is voluntary and may be issued by a financial

institution, the government or even a company to raise
• This initiative will promote advancement technology
funds for a defined period.
for central HVAC (Heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning) systems • Asia as a whole issued $65 billion in green bonds over
2015-17 and China is the dominant issuer of green bonds
• It will also facilitate energy efficient solutions for the
internationally.
large commercial and industrial applications.
INDIAN GREEN BOND MARKET
• India entered the green bond market in 2015.
►INDIA’S FIRST EVER BIO-JET FUEL • YES Bank issued the first green bond for financing the
FLIGHT renewable and clean energy projects particularly, for
wind and solar.
Recently, India’s first ever bio-jet fuel flight taken off by
using the fuel developed by the CSIR-Indian Institute of • Gradually, the green bond market has expanded to
Petroleum (IIP). several public sector undertakings, state-owned
commercial banks, state-owned financial institutions,
ABOUT THE INITIATIVE
corporates, and the banking sector.
• Aircraft was powered with a blend of 75% air turbine fuel
• Green bond issuance is expected to zoom from India as
(ATF) and 25% bio-jet fuel made from jatropha crop.
the government is awarding big projects in the
• The bio-jet fuel developed by CSIR-IIP was recognised by renewable energy space to private companies, especially
American Standard for Testing and Material and in the solar power sector.
received a patent by 2011.
• However, the Indian green bond market hasn’t been
• International standards permit a blend rate of up-to 50% able to diversify itself much in the nature of assets for
bio fuel with ATF. funding, which are still focused on the ‘pure play’
ABOUT BIO JET FUEL renewable energy projects.
• It is a type of Biofuel which is produced from biomass • BSE launched the Green Index called Greenex, carbon-
resources and used in place of, or blended with ATF. efficient live index.
• Bio jet fuel can be produced from animal fat, used

cooking oil, waste dairy fat, sewage sludge, etc.
►NATIONAL POLICY ON BIOFUELS –
• The oil needs to have a freezing point below -47
degrees so it doesn’t freeze at altitudes at which planes 2018
fly. The Union Cabinet approved National Policy on Biofuels –
• It should not catch fire on ground when being 2018 to encourage the generation and use of biofuels.
transferred into a plane. FEATURES
• It must have the same density as ATF, have a certain • Categorisation of biofuels to enable extension of
calorific value and should not choke the filters. appropriate financial and fiscal incentives under each
• It has lower sulphur content which causes less wear category. The two main categories are:
and tear.

109
• Basic Biofuels- First Generation (1G) bioethanol & ABOUT ECBC-R

biodiesel
• It is prepared after extensive consultations with all
• Advanced Biofuels - Second Generation (2G) ethanol, stakeholders, consisting of architects & experts including
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) to drop-in fuels, third building material suppliers and developers.
Generation (3G) biofuels, bio-CNG etc.
• The code is expected to assist large number of architects
• Expands the scope of raw material for ethanol
and builders who are involved in design and construction
production by allowing use of Sugarcane Juice, Sugar
of new residential complexes.
containing materials like Sugar Beet, Sweet Sorghum,
Starch containing materials like Corn, Cassava, Damaged • It has potential for energy savings to the tune of 125
food grains like wheat, broken rice, Rotten Potatoes, unfit Billion Units of electricity per year by 2030, equivalent
for human consumption for ethanol production. to about 100 million ton of CO2 emission.
• Allows use of surplus food grains for production of
ethanol for blending with petrol to ensure appropriate
price to farmers during surplus. ►BIOMASS BASED COGENERATION
• Encourages setting up of supply chain mechanisms PROJECT
for biodiesel production from non-edible oilseeds, used
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy approved the
Cooking Oil, short gestation crops.
scheme namely “Scheme to support promotion of
ABOUT BIOFUEL biomass-based cogeneration in sugar mills and other
• Biofuel is any hydrocarbon fuel that is produced from industries in the country.”
organic matter in a short period of time.
ABOUT THE SCHEME
• This is in contrast with fossil fuels, which take millions of
• It will provide Central Financial assistance (CFA) for
years to form.
projects utilizing biomass like bagasse, agro-based
• Biofuels are considered renewable form of energy as it
industrial residue, crop residues, wood produced
emits less than fossil fuels.
through energy plantations, weeds, wood waste
DIFFERENT GENERATION BIOFUELS produced in industrial operations, etc.
• First Generation Biofuels: It uses the food crops like
• Municipal Solid Waste is not covered under the
wheat and sugar for making ethanol and oil seeds for bio
programme.
diesel by conventional method of fermentation.
ABOUT COGENERATION
• Second Generation Biofuels: It uses non-food crops and
feedstock such as Wood, grass, seed crops, organic waste • Cogeneration – ‘generating together’ – refers to the
are used in fuel preparation. process wherein we obtain both heat and electricity
• Third Generation Biofuels: It uses specially engineered from the same fuel at the same time.
Algae whose biomass is used to convert into biofuels. • A variety of fuels can be used for cogeneration including
The greenhouse gas emission here will be low in bagasse, natural gas, coal, and biomass.
comparison to others.
• Its advantages include:
• Fourth Generation biofuel: It aimed at not only
producing sustainable energy but also a way of capturing o lowering the cost of energy generation,
and storing CO2. o low capital investment,
o higher profitability of plant due to substantial reduction
in cost of production,
►ECO NIWAS SAMHITA 2018
o less consumption of costly and scarce fuels like diesel oil
The Ministry of Power has launched the ECO Niwas Samhita
etc.
2018, an Energy Conservation Building Code for
Residential Buildings (ECBC-R).
AIM
To promote energy efficiency in design and construction of
homes, apartments and townships.

110
section-3
GEOGRAPHY,
DISASTER
MANAGEMENT
MISCELLANEOUS
GEOGRAPHY & DISASTER MANAGEMENT
►FLOODS • As a result, the water carrying capacity of the rivers is

drastically reduced, resulting in floods.
• Floods occur due to heavy rainfall when the natural water
OBSTRUCTION
routes exceed their capacity to hold the entire mass. But
floods are not always caused by heavy rainfall. Obstruction caused by construction of embankments,
canals and railway related activities also results in floods.
• Floods are both natural and manmade.
DEFORESTATION
• The manmade component is dangerously mixing up with
the natural factors to make flooding that is propelled by Trees play a vital role to hold the surface on mountains and
natural factor more disastrous. create natural barriers for the rain waters. Therefore
deforestation of hill slopes results in the water level rivers
• Floods in India are most common and frequently
suddenly raising and causing floods.
occurring source of disaster. According to the National
Flood Commission about 40 million hectares of land area TOWN PLANNING
in the country is flood prone. The new addition to this is the phenomena of urban
• Over 60% of the flood damage results from river floods. flooding as witnessed in the metropolitan cities of Mumbai,
Another 40% is the result of heavy rainfall and cyclones, Chennai, Bengaluru and Srinagar.
most of which is in peninsular river basins. MONSOON PATTERN
• The major flood areas in India are in the Ganges- These factors are further compounded by irregular pattern
Brahmaputra-Meghna basin which accounts for nearly of monsoon, unseasonal rains or even shift in the traditional
60% of the total river flow of the country. periodicity of Monsoon.
• The total flood prone area in India is more than 4 crore
hectares. This area can be divided into four regions viz.
Brahmaputra Region; Ganga Region; North West Region; ►CYCLONES
and Central India and Deccan region.
• A cyclone is a large scale air mass that rotates around a
 MAJOR REASONS FOR FLOODS strong centre of low atmospheric pressure. A tropical
SEASONALITY cyclone is a rotating, organized system of clouds and
thunderstorms that originates over tropical or
The rainy season is heavily concentrated in a short span of
subtropical waters and has a closed low-level circulation.
3-4 months of the season. It results in heavy discharge from
Tropical cyclones rotate counter clockwise in the
rivers resulting in devastating floods at times.
Northern Hemisphere.
CLOUD BURST
• Hurricanes, cyclones, and typhoons are all the same
• A cloudburst is short-term extreme precipitation that weather phenomenon; it is just the use of different
takes place over a small area. names for these storms in different places. In the Atlantic
• Cloudbursts have a very specific definition: if rainfall of and Northeast Pacific, the term “hurricane” is used. The
about 10 cm or above per hour is recorded over a place same type of disturbance in the Northwest Pacific is
that is roughly 100 km in area, it is classified as a called a “typhoon” and “cyclones” occur in the South
cloudburst event. Pacific and Indian Ocean.
• And by this definition, 5 cm of rainfall in half an hour FORMATION
would also be classified as a cloudburst. • A cyclone is formed when a warm temperature of the sea
• This affects Western coast of Western Ghats, Assam and reaches a threshold level and the wind structure is rising.
sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Indo-Gangetic plains. In other words, Tropical Cyclones derive their energy
ACCUMULATION OF SILT from the warm tropical oceans and do not form unless
the sea-surface temperature is above 26.5°C.
• The Himalayan Rivers having huge ingredients bring in
large amount of silt and sand that ultimately get • However, once formed they can persist at lower
accumulated with no clearing operations taking place for temperatures and dissipate over land or colder oceans.
years on. The eye of the cyclone is the centre of the cyclone where

112
the focus lies. The areas surrounding the eye will be • Rip tides are dangerous because they catch swimmers
most affected because of the strong wind. unaware and pull them deep into the ocean.
STAGES
There are four stages that form a cyclone which include:
Formative Stage, Immature Cyclone, Mature Cyclone, Decay
►OCEAN SOCIETY OF INDIA (OSI)
stage • The Ocean Society of India (OSI) was formed in 2006 at
NAMING OF CYCLONES Kochi.
• World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and • It provides a forum for sharing the knowledge and
United Nations Economic and Social commission for experience of individuals, scientific institutions and
Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) started the tropical industrial organizations in ocean science, technology,
cyclone naming system in the year 2000. engineering and allied fields.
• Tropical cyclones are named to provide ease of • It acts as a link among academic and R&D institutions,
communication between forecasters and the general national policy making bodies, operational organisations
public regarding forecasts, watches, and warnings. and ocean industries by organizing programs such as
courses, lectures, symposia and topical reviews.
• The Cyclones worldwide are named by 9 regions — North
Atlantic, Eastern North Pacific, Central North Pacific,
Western North Pacific, North Indian Ocean, South West
►INDIAN MONSOON
Indian Ocean, Australian, Southern Pacific, South Atlantic.
• Cyclones in the North Indian Ocean basin are named by • Indian Monsoons are convection cells on a very large
scale.
the Indian Meteorological Department and the first
tropical cyclone was named in 2004 as Onil (given by • They are periodic or secondary winds with seasonal
Bangladesh). reversal in wind direction.
• Eight north Indian Ocean countries — Bangladesh, India, • India receives south-west monsoon winds in summer
the Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and and north-east monsoon winds in winter.
Thailand, gave eight names each which was combined • South-west monsoons are formed due to intense low
into a list of 64 names. One name from each country is pressure system formed over the Tibetan plateau.
picked in an order to name the cyclones.
• North-east monsoons are associated with high pressure
cells over Tibetan and Siberian plateaus.
• South-west monsoons bring intense rainfall to most of
►RIP TIDES
the regions in India and north-east monsoons bring
• Rip tides (also known as ebb jet or tidal jet) are rainfall to mainly south-eastern coast of India (Southern
powerful currents running perpendicular to the shore. coast of Seemandhra and the coast of Tamil Nadu.).
• They pull the water out into the ocean. • Countries like India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Myanmar
• The term rip tide is a misnomer as tides occur due to etc. receive most of the annual rainfall during south-west
moon’s gravitational pull while rip currents are caused monsoon season whereas South East China, Japan etc.,
due to shape of the shoreline or due to formation of during north-east rainfall season.
sandbar. FORMATION
• These currents may extend 200 to 2,500 feet lengthwise • India has two major monsoon patterns:
and less than 30 feet in width.
1. South West
• Tropical cyclone winds push waves up against the
2. North East
shoreline even if they are hundreds of miles away, so rip
tide warnings are often the first indication of a nearby • Various atmospheric conditions influence the monsoon
hurricane. winds.
Atmospheric conditions influencing the monsoon winds

113
1. The first condition is the differential heating and cooling • Normally, this warm water pools near Indonesia and the
of land and water. This creates low pressure on the Philippines. During an El Nino, the Pacific's warmest
landmass, while high pressure is created over the seas surface waters sit offshore of north-western South
around during day time, but is reversed during the night America.
time. • This phenomenon observed in the southern Pacific
2. The second condition is the shift in the position of Inter- Ocean which emerges after a gap of 3 to 7 years and is
Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). In summer, the associated with abnormally high rainfall which is
equatorial trough normally positioned about 5°N of the otherwise dry along the coast of Peru. This phenomenon
equator moves over the Ganga plain creating a monsoon result in floods in Peru while Pacific coast of Australia and
trough during the monsoon season. Indonesia have abnormally dry conditions that forces
3. The third condition is the presence of the high-pressure collapse of Agriculture with instances of Forest fire.
area that develops east of Madagascar. It is • During El Nino there are on average fewer hurricanes
approximately at 20°S over the Indian Ocean. The over the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf
intensity and position of this high-pressure area affects of Mexico. In the central Pacific Ocean El Nino brings
the Indian Monsoon. more typhoons, both north and south of the equator.
• The fourth condition develops during the summer - The Their more easterly genesis makes fewer of these
Tibetan Plateau gets intensely heated resulting in strong tropical cyclones reach Australia. In the northern Pacific
vertical air currents and high pressure over the plateau Ocean, the area with typhoons also shifts east. There are
about 9 km above sea level. no effects on the number of cyclones over the Indian
Ocean.
• The fifth condition develops during the summer due to
the movement of the westerly jet streams to the north of • The phenomenon is not well understood but it is related
the Himalayas and the presence of the tropical easterly to Ocean current and trade winds. In this Sea Surface
jet stream over the Indian Peninsula. Temperature (SST) increases above normal by 0.5
degree.
• By early September, the monsoon starts to withdraw or
retreat and is a more gradual process. By mid-October, it
withdraws completely from the northern half of the
peninsula. The withdrawal takes place progressively from
►INDIAN OCEAN DIPOLE
north to south from the first week of December to the • The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is defined by the
first week of January; this is the start of the winter difference in the sea surface temperature between
season. the two equatorial areas of the Indian Ocean – a
• The retreating monsoon winds move over the Arabian western pole near the Arabian Sea (in western Indian
Sea and the Bay of Bengal, and collect moisture on the Ocean) and an eastern pole closer to the Bay of Bengal
way and these monsoon winds reach the southern states (in eastern Indian Ocean).
of India by October, and are responsible for a second • The IOD affects the climate of Southeast Asia,
round of rainfall. These are called the winter monsoons. Australia and other countries that surround the Indian
• The winter monsoon is experienced in the states of Tamil Ocean Basin. The Indian Monsoon is invariably
Nadu and Andhra Pradesh in the first week of January. influenced by the IOD.
• IOD is simply the periodic oscillation of sea surface
temperatures, from ‘positive’ to ‘neutral’ and then
►EL NINO ‘negative’ phases. If the sea surface temperature of the
• El Nino is a climate cycle in the Pacific Ocean with a western end rises above normal (0.4°C) and becomes
global impact on weather patterns. The cycle begins warmer than the eastern end, it leads to a positive IOD.
when warm water in the western tropical Pacific Ocean This condition is favourable for the Indian Monsoon as it
shifts eastward along the equator toward the coast of causes a kind of barrier in the eastern Indian Ocean and
South America. the entire south-westerly winds blow towards the Indian
sub-continent.

114
• Accordingly, the waters in the eastern Indian Ocean cools ►HEATWAVES

down, which tends to cause droughts in adjacent land
• Heat wave in India is defined by the Indian
areas of Indonesia and Australia. Conversely, during a
Meteorological Department (IMD).
negative IOD period the waters of the tropical eastern
Indian Ocean are warmer than water in the tropical • A Heat Wave is a period of abnormally high
western Indian Ocean. This results in increased rainfall temperatures, more than the normal maximum
over parts of southern Australia. temperature that occurs during the summer season in
the North-Western parts of India.
• Heat Waves typically occur between March and June, and
►MADDEN JULIAN OSCILLATION in some rare cases even extend till July.
• Important atmosphere-ocean coupled phenomena in the CRITERIA FOR HEAT WAVES

tropics, has profound impact on Summer monsoon. • The IMD has given the following criteria for Heat Waves:
• It is Inter-seasonal climate variability (Lasting for few o Heat Wave need not be considered till maximum
weeks) as compared to ENSO which lasts for entire temperature of a station reaches at least 40 degree
season or few years. Celsius for Plains and at least 30 degree Celsius for
Hilly regions
• It involves deep convection coupled with atmospheric
circulation, moving slowly eastward over the Indian and o When normal maximum temperature of a station is less
Pacific Ocean. than or equal to 40 degree Celsius
 Heat Wave Departure from normal is 5 degree Celsius
to 6 degree Celsius
o The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and the El Nino are
independent climatic phenomena but often co-occur.  Severe Heat Wave Departure from normal is 7 degree
Celsius or more
o Both IOD and El Nino result in change of global wind
patterns. o When normal maximum temperature of a station is more
than 40 degree Celsius
o However, the cycle of IOD is shorter, while El Nino
condition could last for even two years. IOD commences  Heat Wave Departure from normal is 4 degree Celsius
in the month of May and end with the withdrawal of to 5 degree Celsius
Southwest Monsoon in the Indian sub-continent.  Severe Heat Wave Departure from normal is 6 degree
Celsius or more
• When actual maximum temperature remains 45 degree C
►CLOUD SEEDING or more irrespective of normal maximum temperature,
• Cloud seeding is the process of spreading either dry ice, heat waves should be declared.
or more commonly, silver iodide aerosols, into the upper
part of clouds to try to stimulate the precipitation
process and form rain. ►DROUGHT
• Since most rainfall starts through the growth of ice It is a period of below-average precipitation in a given
crystals from super-cooled cloud droplets (droplets region, resulting in prolonged shortages in the water supply.
colder than the freezing point, 32 deg. F or 0 deg. C) in CLASSIFICATION
the upper parts of clouds, the silver iodide particles are
• The National Commission on Agriculture in India
meant to encourage the growth of new ice particles.
classified three types of drought:
• The history of cloud seeding has experienced uncertain
o Meteorological drought is defined as a situation when
results because it can never be known whether a cloud
there is significant decrease from normal precipitation
that rains after seeding might have rained anyway. This is
over an area (i.e. more than 10 %).
because seeding is performed on clouds that look like
they have some potential for producing rain.

115
o Hydrological drought results from prolonged • The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is under
meteorological drought resulting in depletion of surface the NDMA. NDRF is a specialised force constituted for the
and sub-surface water resources. purpose of specialist response to a threatening disaster
o Agricultural drought is a situation when soil moisture situation or disaster.
and rainfall are inadequate to support healthy crop
growth.
►IMF REPORT: MANAGING FISCAL
• Drought is also classified on the basis of time of onset as
early season, mid-season and late season COSTS OF NATURAL DISASTERS
IMF has released a report on “How To Manage The Fiscal
Costs Of Natural Disasters”.
►ICE SHELF FINDINGS
• It is a floating extension of land-based glaciers which flow • Disproportionate Impact of Disaster on Low-income
into the ocean. countries: They tend to suffer large and lasting damage
• As they already float in the ocean, their melting does not relative to their economic sizes and populations.
directly contribute to sea-level rise. • Fiscal Imbalance: Natural disasters can deplete a
• The breaking of ice shelves is a natural process but global government’s fiscal position by eroding the revenue base
warming is thought to have accelerated this process. (on average by 10%) and increasing expenditures (on
average by 15%).
• In recent decades many major ice shelves have
disintegrated or lost substantial volume like Prince • Impact on Socio-economic Development: Disasters
Gustav channel, Larsen Inlet, Wilkins, Larsen A, Larsen B, undermine economic growth and set back development
etc. objectives, such as poverty reduction, especially in
developing and low-income countries with significant
infrastructure gaps and institutional constraints.
►MIDAS • Crowding out of Fund: Disaster often increases public

debt, leading to higher borrowing by government, and
• MIDAS = Impact of Melt on Ice Shelf Dynamics and
dampening of investment climate in country.
Stability.
BACKGROUND
• Project MIDAS is a UK-based Antarctic research project,
investigating the effects of a warming climate on the • According to International Disaster Database annual
Larsen C ice shelf. global economic losses on account of disasters are
estimated at around $306 billion.
• Similarly, the cost of natural disasters in India since
►NATIONAL DISASTER 2000 is estimated at Rs 4 lakh crore with over 75,000
deaths.
MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY (NDMA)
• Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction calls
• NDMA, established through the Disaster Management for reducing direct disaster economic loss in relation to
Act, 2005 is an agency of the Ministry of Home Affairs global gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030.
whose primary purpose is to coordinate response to
natural or man-made disasters and for capacity-building
in disaster resiliency and crisis response. ►NATIONAL DISASTER RISK INDEX
• The Prime Minister is the ex-officio chairperson of NDMA. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs with the support of
• The agency coordinates with the SDMAs to ensure a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have
holistic and distributed approach to disaster prepared for the first time a national disaster risk index for
management. India.

116
• The disaster risk index would map hazards and • It provides for establishment of National Dam Safety
vulnerabilities including economic vulnerabilities Authority as a regulatory body which shall discharge
across 640 districts and all states including UTs. functions to implement the policy, guidelines and
• The index factors in exposure of population, agriculture standards for dam safety in the country.
and livestock, environmental risk and the steps taken by • It provides for constitution of a State Committee on
the administration to mitigate the risks. Dam Safety by State Government.
• It will be used to prepare a composite disaster ABOUT STATE COMMITTEE ON DAM SAFETY
scorecard (DSC) to have a comprehensive assessment of • It will ensure proper surveillance, inspection, operation
hazards, vulnerabilities and risks of disasters at different and maintenance of all specified dams in that State and
levels, prevention of new risks and mitigation of existing ensure their safe functioning.
risks, and mainstreaming DRR across different sectors of
• Every state having specified number of dams will
development.
establish State Dam Safety Organization which will be
• The index is in line with India’s commitment to the manned by officers from the field dam safety preferably
Sendai Framework, where it has to substantially bring from the areas of dam-designs, hydro-mechanical
down disaster losses in terms of lives and properties. engineering, hydrology, geo-technical investigation,
ABOUT SENDAI FRAMEWORK instrumentation and dam-rehabilitation.
• Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030
(Sendai Framework) is the first major agreement of the
post-2015 development agenda, with seven targets and ►DUST STORM
four priorities for action. A violent storm led to deaths of more than 100 people in
• It was endorsed by the UN General Assembly following Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and Delhi-NCR.
the 2015 Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk ABOUT DUST STORM
Reduction (WCDRR), held in Sendai, Japan in March,
• A dust storm, or sandstorm, is a phenomenon common
2015.
in hot and dry climates.
• It is a 15-year, voluntary, non-binding agreement.
• The strong storms can develop in many parts of the
• It recognizes that the State has the primary role to world and can travel for thousands of miles or even
reduce disaster risk but that responsibility should be across oceans.
shared with other stakeholders including local
• A dust storm requires a large availability of dust, and
government, the private sector and other stakeholders.
enough sustained wind to lift the particles.
• It is the successor instrument to the Hyogo
• Dust storms also commonly occur with thunderstorms
Framework for Action (HFA) 2005-2015.
before it is about to rain.
• The rain water does not manage to reach the ground
as it is evaporated by the heat.
►DAM SAFETY BILL, 2018
• This causes the air to cool down, meaning there is an
The Dam Safety Bill, 2018 was introduced in Lok Sabha in
area of cold air sitting above the warm air on the
December 2018.
ground.
OBJECTIVE
• The cold air comes down in a down-burst which splashes
• To help develop uniform, countrywide procedures for against the surface which kicks the dust upwards.
ensuring the safety of dams.
WAY FORWARD
• To provide for proper surveillance, inspection,
• There is a need to check desertification which is
operation and maintenance of all specified dams in the
affecting nearly one-fourth of the nation.
country to ensure their safe functioning.
FEATURES OF BILL • Sustainable farming practices like Permaculture,
organic farming should be encouraged in areas with
• It provides for constitution of a National Committee on
degraded soil.
Dam Safety which shall evolve dam safety policies and
recommend necessary regulations

117
• There should be adoption of practices that reduce dust AGENDA

formation in Urban areas at construction sites,
• The conference represented a key milestone for
unpaved roads etc.
reflection on three years into the implementation of
• There needs to be more investment in disaster resilient the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction
infrastructure like storm shelters. 2015-2030.
• Specifically, the conference enabled governments and
stakeholders to review progress made against the
►UNISDR REPORT
commitments at the AMCDRR 2016, i.e. the New Delhi
• UN has released a report titled ‘Economic Losses, Declaration, the Asia Regional Plan, and ten stakeholder
Poverty and Disasters 1998-2017’.
voluntary action statements.
• It was compiled by the UN Office for Disaster Risk
ABOUT AMCDRR
Reduction.
• Established in 2005
HIGHLIGHTS
• It is a biennial conference
• The report highlights the impact of extreme weather
events on the global economy. • Jointly organized by different Asian countries and the
UNISDR.
• It states that the years between 1998 to 2017 have seen a
dramatic rise of 151% in direct economic losses from
climate-related disasters.
►SOUTH ASIA’S HOTSPOTS
• In terms of the impact of disasters on the global
economy between 1998 and 2017, affected countries World Bank has released its report titled “South Asia’s
reported direct losses of $2.908 trillion, more than Hotspots: The Impact of Temperature and Precipitation
twice of what was lost in the previous two decades. changes on living standards”.
• India suffered a whopping $79.5 billion economic loss ABOUT REPORT
due to climate-related disasters in the last 20 years. • It estimates how changes in temperature and monsoon
ABOUT UNISDR patterns will affect GDP and living standards in South
• It was established in 1999 as dedicated secretariat to Asian region.
facilitate implementation of International Strategy for • The report identifies “hotspots” as the states /districts
Disaster Reduction (ISDR). where these changes will have a notable effect on living
• It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. standards.
• Mandate: • It observed six countries in South Asia - Nepal,
o To serve as focal point in United Nations system Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri
for coordination of disaster reduction and Lanka for the study.
o To ensure synergies among disaster reduction SIGNIFICANCE

activities of United Nations system and regional It will be useful for designing social welfare programmes
organizations and activities in socio‐economic and by accounting for local socio-economic characteristics and
humanitarian fields. climate-related risks and reorient strategies and policies
targeted to hotspot inhabitants, the hidden victims of
climate change.
►ASIAN MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE
The Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction
2018 (AMCDRR 2018) was held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. ►GLACIAL LAKES
THEME Disaster managers and scientists in Sikkim are siphoning
Preventing Disaster Risk: Protecting Sustainable out excess water from a lake to prevent it from Glacial
Development Lakes Outburst Floods (GLOFs).

118
DETAILS understanding of the interaction between the

• GLOFs are a subject of concern in the Sikkim economy and the environment.
Himalayan region as several lakes have been formed • It can be used to measure the state of ecosystems,
due to melting of scores of glaciers in the region. flows of ecosystem services as well as changes in stocks
• Sikkim has installed a Lake monitoring and and flows of natural resources in relation to economic
information System (water level Sensor) at South changes.
Lhonak lake.
• The sensor gives the water level of the lake and also
monitored the lake level when there is sudden ►SOIL MOISTURE MAP
fluctuation in water level.
India Meteorological Department (IMD), for the first
ABOUT GLOFS time, has provided a country-wide soil moisture forecast.
• Floods caused due to outburst of glacial lakes is known ABOUT MAP
as Glacial Lakes Outburst Floods.
• This forecast is a joint exercise by IIT Gandhinagar and
• The moraine wall act as a natural dam, trapping the
the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
melt water from the glacier and leading to the formation
of a glacial lake. • It provides soil moisture forecast at seven and 30-day
• Retreat of glaciers in the wake of global warming is lead times.
expected to increase the number of glacier lakes and also • The product, termed ‘Experimental Forecasts Land
expand the size of the existing ones, which may result in Surface Products’ has been developed using the
GLOFs. ‘Variable Infiltration Capacity’ model that takes into
consideration soil, vegetation, land use and land
cover among other parameters.
►ENVISTATS INDIA 2018 REPORT
FINDINGS
Envistats India 2018 report by the Ministry of Statistics
and Programme Implementation (MOSPI), had revealed • The countrywide forecast prepared at the end of the
that India’s economic growth took a toll on its natural monsoon season suggests deficit soil moisture
assets like forests, food and clean air. conditions are likely in Gujarat, Bihar, Jharkhand,
HIGHLIGHTS Tamil Nadu and southern Andhra Pradesh.
• The average growth rate of gross state domestic product • It also indicates that soil moisture conditions in western
(GSDP) during 2005-15 for almost all the states was Uttar Pradesh, Bundelkhand, and Chhattisgarh are
around 7-8 per cent but 11 states registered a decline likely to be normal or surplus at the start of the Rabi
in their natural capital. sowing season.
• This model of economic growth may not let the country IMPORTANCE OF SOIL MOISTURE
sustain the rate of development for long.
• It acts as a nutrient itself and regulates soil
• Monitoring the natural capital is important and should be temperature.
one of the determiners for sustainable development.
• It serves as a solvent and carrier of food nutrients for
• According to MOSPI, the assessment of natural assets
plant growth.
is a reminder of how important is sustainable use of
natural resources and is likely to propel India on the path • Yield of crop is more often determined by the amount of
of compilation of ecosystem accounts. water available rather than the deficiency of other food
• The natural capital accounting (NCA) method has nutrients.
been used in this report, to account for income and costs • Soil forming processes and weathering depend on water.
associated with natural resource used.
• Microorganisms require water for their metabolic
NATURAL CAPITAL ACCOUNTING activities.
• Natural Capital Accounting or environmental-economic
accounting is a tool that can help to gain an

119
►REAL-TIME LANDSLIDE WARNING • 3-D atmospheric chemistry transport forecasting

modelling coupled with weather forecasting model to
SYSTEM provide 24-hour advance forecast of air pollutant levels;
Real-time landslide warning system has been set up in • display on LED and LCD screens located at 20 different
the Sikkim-Darjeeling belt of north-eastern Himalayas. locations in Delhi in a public friendly format and
SIGNIFICANCE displaying the online detailed information through the
Web portal.
It will help in saving lives and loss to property by issuing
advance alerts by 24 hours. o Pollutants monitored: PM1, PM2.5, PM10, Ozone, CO,
NOx (NO, NO2), SO2, BC, Methane (CH4), Non-methane,
ABOUT SYSTEM
hydrocarbons (NMHC), VOC’s, Benzene, Mercury.
• The warning system consists of over 200 sensors that
o Monitored Meteorological Parameters: UV Radiation,
can measure geophysical and hydrological parameters
Rainfall, Temperature, Humidity, Wind speed, Wind
like rainfall, pore pressure and seismic activities.
direction, and solar radiation.
• It has been deployed by the researchers of Kerala based
Amrita University in collaboration with the Sikkim
State Disaster Management Authority and partly
funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences
►PARIVESH
• MOEFCC launched an integrated environmental
management system named;
►SYSTEM OF AIR QUALITY AND • PARIVESH (Pro-Active and Responsive facilitation by
WEATHER FORECASTING AND Interactive, Virtuous and Environmental Single-window
Hub).
RESEARCH (SAFAR)
• It is a web based, role-based workflow application
• Introduced by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), GOI.
which has been developed for online submission and
• SAFAR for greater metropolitan cities of India is to monitoring of the proposals submitted by the
provide location specific information on air quality in proponents for seeking Environment, Forest, Wildlife and
near real time and its forecast 1-3 days in advance for the CRZ Clearances from Central, State and district level
first time in India. authorities.
• It has been combined with the early warning system on • It automates the entire tracking of proposals which
weather parameters. includes online submission of a new proposal,
• The implementation of SAFAR is made possible with an editing/updating the details of proposals and displays
active collaboration with local municipal corporations status of the proposals at each stage of the workflow.
and various local educational institutions and • The system includes monitoring of compliance reports
governmental agencies in that Metro city. including geo-tagged images of the site by regulatory
• The ultimate objective of the project is to increase body or inspecting officers even through the Mobile App
awareness among general public regarding the air quality for enhanced compliance monitoring
in their city well in advance so that appropriate mitigation • It also provides access to previous Environment
measures and systematic action can be taken up for Impact Assessment Reports, which is a valuable
betterment of air quality and related health issues. reservoir of information.
COMPONENTS OF SAFAR
• The development of emission inventory of air pollutants
for NCR and defining air quality index for India; ►COMMUNITY FOREST RESOURCE
• network of eleven Air Quality Monitoring Stations (AQMS) (CFR) MANAGEMENT
equipped with 11 automatic weather stations to provide People’s Forests Report was released by Centre for
near real time air quality information; Science and Environment (CSE) on Community Forest
Resource (CFR) management.

120
FINDINGS PURPOSE OF INDEX

• Poor implementation: Only seven states have To assess and improve the performance in efficient
formally recognized the rights of forest dwelling management of water resources.
communities (Only 3% of potential areas) to manage
FINDINGS
and govern their forest resources with huge disparities
among states. • Index evaluates states on nine broad sectors and 28
• Global Acceptance of CFR: As of 2013, at least 15.5%, of indicators.
the world’s forests were under some form of community • 14 of the 24 states analysed, scored below 50% on
control. water management and have been classified as “low
• CFR governance helping forest conservation: Forest- performers”.
dependent communities have adopted an innovative • 21 Indian cities including Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai
practice to manage their CFR areas, among which and Hyderabad will run out of groundwater by 2020,
protection from forest fires and the protocols for
affecting 100 million people.
sustainable harvest of NTFPs are common to most Gram
Sabhas. SIGNIFICANCE
• Improving Livelihood: CFR has increased collective • It will ensure that the principle of competitive and
bargaining power of community which has helped in cooperative federalism is actualised in India’s water
alleviating poverty and reverses the trend of management system
migration from forest areas. • It will help build pressure on states who have not
• Strengthening PVTG Status: Members from particularly performed well to improve their water management
vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) are benefitted from techniques as this is directly linked to agriculture
inclusive approach under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, prosperity in different states
which provide them a sustain source of livelihood and
• Data from Index can be used by researchers,
mainstreaming in the development process of country.
entrepreneurs, and policymakers to enable broader
ABOUT FOREST RIGHT ACT, 2006
ecosystem innovation for water in India.
It provides for a rights-based, democratic and decentralized
governance of forests. Rights recognized under FRA.
• Individual forest rights (IFR) to legally hold forestlands ►ENSEMBLE PREDICTION SYSTEMS
that the forest dwelling communities have been residing
IMD launched the Ensemble Prediction Systems (EPS) to
on and cultivating prior to 13 December 2005.
provide probabilistic weather forecasts upto next 10
• Community rights (CRs) of ownership, use and disposal
days.
of ‘minor forest produce’, also known as non-timber
forest produce (NTFP). CRs include rights of grazing, ABOUT EPS
collection of firewood, fish and other such products from • It has been developed jointly by the IMD, National
water bodies, as well as rights to biodiversity and Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting
intellectual property, including those related to (NCMRWF) and the Indian Institute of Tropical
traditional knowledge. Meteorology
• Community forest resource (CFR) rights under Section
• The new system consisting of eight petaflops high-
3(1)(i) to protect, regenerate, conserve or manage forest
power computing systems shall improve upon
resources for sustainable use, providing for community
deterministic forecasts that are prone to high margins of
governance of forests.
error.
• Under this, the area of spatial resolution, which is 23
►COMPOSITE WATER MANAGEMENT km presently, will reduce to 12 km, enabling the
INDEX meteorological department to give district-level
warning.
Recently, NITI Aayog released Composite Water
Management Index (CWMI). • With this new model, India joins the US with a model
that predicts with a 12 km resolution. Only the

121
'European Center for Medium Range Weather ABOUT NWIC

Forecast' has a better 9km resolution. • It would be a repository of nation-wide water
• Better forecasting would lead to better management of resources data
agriculture and water resources and would help to
• It will provide latest and reliable water data (other than
promote tourism, solar and wind energy.
classified data) through web-based India Water
ABOUT IMD Resources Information System (India-WRIS) on a GIS
• IMD established in 1875, is a principal government platform in Public Domain.
agency in all matters related to meteorology, • It will also collaborate with leading national and
seismology and allied subjects. international research institutes to provide technical
• Along with Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology support to central and state organisations dealing with
(IITM) and National Centre for Medium Range water emergency response of hydrological extremes.
Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), is under the • It is a component of National Hydrology Project and
administrative control of Ministry of Earth Sciences also in consonance with the National Water Mission
(MoES). which has an objective of “conservation of water,
minimizing wastage and ensuring its more equitable
distribution through integrated water resources
►CONFERENCE ON SUSTAINABLE development and management”.
WATER MANAGEMENT NATIONAL HYDROLOGY PROJECT
The first International Conference under the aegis of • It is a central sector scheme.
National Hydrology Project, Union Ministry of Water
• Under this, the Hydro-meteorological data will be stored
Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation was
and analyzed in real time basis and can be seamlessly
organized by Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) at
accessed by any user at State, District and Village level.
Indian School of Business (ISB), Mohali.
THEME WATER RESOURCE INFORMATION SYSTEM
Sustainable Water Management • It is a joint venture of the Central Water Commission

(CWC), Ministry of Water Resources and Indian Space
AIM
Research Organization (ISRO), Department of Space.
• To foster the participation of and dialogue between
• India-WRIS provides 'Single Window solution' for all
various stakeholders, including governments, the
water resources data & information in a national GIS
scientific and academic communities, so as to promote
framework.
sustainable policies for water management,
• To create awareness of water-related problems,
motivate commitment at the highest level for their ►EARLY WARNING DISSEMINATION
solution and thus promote better management of
water resources at local, regional, national and
SYSTEM (EWDS)
international levels. • The EWDS is a first of its kind automatic public address
• The main aim is to bring advancement in water system in the country to be operationalised in Odisha.
management system to further reduce flood and • It will alert population along coast through loud sirens
draughts all over the Globe. from towers installed at different locations.
• The EWDS for last mile connectivity is being implemented
under a World Bank project.
►NATIONAL WATER INFORMATICS
FEATURES
CENTRE
• Satellite-based mobile data voice terminals (SBMDVT)
The government has set up National Water Informatics
• Digital mobile radio (DMR)
Centre (NWIC) to maintain a comprehensive water
resources data. • Mass messaging system, and

122
• Universal Communication Interface (UCI) ABOUT EXERCISE

FUNCTIONING • India along with 23 other nations is participating in this
• The mass messaging system will facilitate sending major Indian ocean-wide tsunami mock drill
warning messages through SMS to all mobile phone • It involves evacuation of thousands of people from
subscribers in a particular locality or area. coastal areas in over half a dozen coastal states.
• UCI will help in inter-operability among different • This tsunami warning exercise is being organised by the
communication technologies. Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)
• With the press of the button, loud sirens will go off at the of UNESCO.
same time and the sound can be heard in localities to a
ABOUT IOC
radius of 1.5 km.
• UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic
• With this pre-warning, the EWDS will help the people to
Commission (IOC) promotes international cooperation
move to safer places. All these can be initiated before
and coordinates programmes in marine research,
government agencies start evacuation.
services, observation systems, hazard mitigation, and
capacity development to understand and manage the
►REGIONAL INTEGRATED MULTI- resources of the ocean and coastal areas.
HAZARD EARLY WARNING SYSTEM • The Commission aims to improve the governance,
management, institutional capacity, and decision-
FOR ASIA AND AFRICA (RIMES) making processes of its Member States with respect to
• It is an international and intergovernmental institution, marine resources and climate variability.
owned and managed by its Member States, for the
• It was the IOC that coordinated the setting up of the
generation and application of early warning information.
Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System
• It evolved from the efforts of countries in Africa and Asia, (IOTWMS) in the aftermath of December 2004 tsunami.
in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
• It mainly evolved through Phuket Ministerial Meeting on
Tsunami Early Warning Arrangement in January 2005 to ►GOOGLE FOR FLOOD FORECASTING
establish a tsunami early warning system in a multi-
Central Water Commission (CWC) has entered into a
hazard framework for Southeast Asia and the Indian
Collaboration Agreement with Google for flood forecasting.
Ocean.
ABOUT AGREEMENT
MAJOR TASKS
CWC and Google will share technical expertise in the fields
• Hazard monitoring, detection, analysis, prediction, and
of artificial intelligence, machine learning, geospatial
forecasting
mapping and analysis of hydrological observation data to
• Risk assessment
collaborate on:
• Potential impact analysis
• Improving flood prediction systems, which will help
• Generation of tailored risk information at different time provide location-targeted, actionable flood warnings.
scales
• High priority research project utilizing Google Earth
• Risk communication Engine to help visualize and improve flood
• Application of tailored risk information in decision- management.
making
• A cultural project to build online exhibitions on the
Rivers of India.
►INDIAN OCEAN WAVE EXERCISE SIGNIFICANCE
2018 • Saving of crore of rupees which otherwise would have to

be spent by the government on acquiring high resolution
Indian Ocean Wave Exercise 2018 (IOWave18) is being held DEM, high end computational resources and developing
in the Indian Ocean. dissemination platforms widely used by the masses.

123
• Enabling the Government as well as disaster • Importing sand from other countries such as Malaysia
management organisations to identify well in advance and Philippines to meet the requirement of coastal
the locations and population, which are at risk from states.
floods and require warnings and information. • Encouraging alternative technologies in construction
• Expected to be a milestone in flood management and in materials processing for reduced dependence on natural
mitigating the flood losses. sand.
• Classification of states: as Sand surplus State, Sand
sufficient State and Sand deficit State on the basis of
► ‘INDIA QUAKE’ AND ‘SAGAR VANI’ analysis of demand and supply situation and to help
APPS them in framing policy and regulation according to the
needs of the states.
The Ministry of Earth Sciences launched ‘India Quake’ app
• 360-degree monitoring mechanism: States need to
and ‘Sagar Vani’ app to enable users to receive information
create and establish a robust system to monitor and
about natural hazards on land and water.
measure the mined-out mineral at each lease location
ABOUT INDIA QUAKE and its transportation in the State.
• It has been developed by National centre for Seismology. SIGNIFICANCE OF SUSTAINABLE SAND MINING
• Purpose: automatic dissemination of earthquake • To ensure the conservation of the river equilibrium and
parameter such as location, time and magnitude after its natural environment by protection & restoration of
the occurrence of Earthquake and avoid delay of the ecological system.
information in the event of earthquake.
• To ensure there is no obstruction to the river flow, water
ABOUT SAGAR VANI transport and restoring the riparian habitats.
• It has been developed by Earth System Science • To avoid pollution of river water leading to water quality
Organization (ESSO) Indian National Centre for Ocean deterioration.
Information Services (INCOIS) under Ministry of Earth
• To prevent ground water pollution by prohibiting sand
Sciences.
mining on fissures where it works as filter prior to ground
• It is a software platform which uses state of art water recharge.
technology for dissemination of ocean related
information and advisory services such as Potential
Fishing Zone (PFZ) advisories, Ocean State Forecast (OSF),
►MEGHALAYAN AGE
High Wave Alerts and Tsunami early warnings.
Scientists have identified a new phase in Earth's
geological history called the Meghalayan age.
►SAND MINING • The Meghalayan Age, which is the subdivision of the
Holocene Epoch, began about 4,200 years ago.
The Ministry of Mines has released a “sand mining
framework” to assist the state governments in addressing • It has been officially ratified as the most recent unit of
the issues of the Sand mining sector. the Geologic Time Scale by the International Union of
Geological Sciences, an international NGO.
FEATURES OF FRAMEWORK
• The other two subdivisions of the Holocene Epoch — the
• To meet the growing pace of urbanization and
Early Holocene Greenlandian (11,700 years ago), Middle
infrastructure development alternatives should be
Holocene Northgrippian (8300 years ago) were also
explored like
approved.
• Manufactured sand (M-sand) which is produced by
• The Meghalayan Stage has been defined at a specific
crushing of rocks, quarry stones to a stipulated size of
level in a stalagmite in the Mawmluh caves — one of the
150 microns.
India’s longest and deepest — in Cherrapunji, Meghalaya.
• Sand produced from coal overburden.

124
GEO
OGRAPHY & DISASTER
R MANAGE
EMENT
• The
T onset of the age was marked by a severe 200--year • Crucial fo
or policy ma
akers and farrmers: Bay o
of Bengal
drought
d thatt resulted in the
t collapse o
of civilisationss and fed Southh West monssoon accountts for 70% o of India’s
human migrrations in Eg gypt, Greece,, Syria, Palestine, annual raainfall, thus better predicction would result in
Mesopotamiaa, the Indus Valley, and tthe Yangtze River better planning and poolicy making.
Valley.
V
GEO
OLOGICAL TIIME SCALE
►GEOGR
RAPHICA
AL INDICA
CATIONS (GI)
TAG
• The GI tag
t is an in
ndication wh ich is definite to a
geographical territory.
• It is used
d for agriculltural, naturaal and manu
ufactured
goods.
• For a pro
oduct to gett GI tag, thee goods nee
ed to be
produced or processed
d or prepared
d in that region.
• It is also essential
e that the product has special q
quality or
reputation
n.
ort and protect local produ
• GIs suppo uction (as opposed to
global pro
oduction)
• Generate local employm
ment
• They e mostly untouched by
are industrialisation,
originating
g in villages or
o small townss.
• This identtity helps in preventing m
misuse of a re
egistered
GI.
• The legal protection off GI boosts exxports. GI tag not only
helps the
e country’s export
e markeet but also helps in
►SAGAR NIDHI
N promoting
g economic prosperity of t he producerss.
Reccently, Indian Ocean Re esearch Veh icle (IORV) S

Sagar ACCREDITAT
TION
Nid
dhi as part of India- US S expeditionn seeking to find • GIs are co
overed as a co
omponent of iintellectual p
property
ansswers to vag garies of Ba ay of Benga l fed South--West rights (IP
PRs) under the Paris C Convention for the
Moonsoon was se et out in Indiian Ocean. Protectio
on of Industriial Property.
ABOUT SAGARN
NIDHI • At the International levvel, GI is goveerned by Worrld Trade
• It will sail through the Bayy of Bengal ccollecting datta on Organisattion’s (WTO’ss) Agreemen nt on Trade e-Related
Ocean conditions at diffe
erent depthss and location
ns. Aspects off Intellectual Property
P Righ
hts (TRIPS).
• It will study th
he underlying
g principles off interaction o
of the • In India,, Geographiical Indicati ons registra ation is
uppermost la
ayer of ocean with the atmo
osphere. administeered by the Geographical
G Indications o
of goods
(Registration and Proteection) Act, 1 999 which caame into
• It will also usse radiosond
des to gathe
er meteorolo
ogical
h effect from September
force with S 20003.
data.
d
• The Geographical Indiccations Act 20003 is adminisstered by
SIG
GNIFICANCE
the Controller Gene eral of Pattents, Desig gns and
• Help betterr prepare fo nsoon by Skillful
or the mon trademark ks. This Controller Generaal is also the Registrar
prediction of the varying patterns of mo
onsoon of Geograaphical Indicattions. The Geoographical Indications
• Overcome flaws
f with current m
models: presently, Registry iss situated in Chennai.
C
models of high clouds and interactio on of atmospphere
with
w the oce
ean are not wellw represen nted in computer
models thus limiting
l the fo
orecasting abiilities.

125
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPEC NS | PRELIMS COMPASS (C3 CURATION
CIAL EDITION N) for CSE 20019
SECTION 4
M C QS
ANSWER KEY

PRACTICE MCQs
Q1. Consider the following statements about the IPCC 2. Create an integrated knowledge base of three
Special Report titled “Global Warming of 1.5°C”: dominant greenhouse gases – carbon dioxide,
1. The report documents evidence of the devastating methane and nitrous oxide.
impacts of climate change on the poor and on 3. Address the challenge of increasing carbon
developing countries. emissions and declining food security on
2. It highlighted that the human-induced global agricultural practices and policies.
warming had in 2017 already reached 1.5°C above Select the correct answer using the code given below:
pre-industrial levels. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
3. It stated that the risk transition from 1.5°C to 2°C (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
would be very high and that the effects at 2°C
would be more devastating than what IPCC’s Fifth Q5. ‘Momentum for Change’ is an initiative of
Assessment Report had indicated (a) UN Climate Change secretariat
Which of the statements given above are correct? (b) UNEP
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) World Bank
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 (d) UNICEF
Q2. Consider the following statements regarding Sharm Q6. Consider the following statements about
El-Sheikh Declaration: International Whaling Commission (IWC):
1. It was adopted in recently held Conference of the 1. It is an organ of United Nations.
Parties (COP 14) to the Convention on Biological
2. It provides for proper conservation of whale stocks
Diversity (CBD)
and orderly development of the whaling industry.
2. Under this, governments commit to mainstream
3. India is not a member of IWC.
biodiversity through, integrating biodiversity values
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
in legislative and policy frameworks, and
(a) 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only
development and finance plans.
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
Q7. Consider the following statements about the Global
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Soil bio-diversity Atlas:
1. It is a joint venture of the Global Soil Biodiversity
Q3. ‘Green Good Deeds’ recently seen in news is related
Initiative and the European Commission Joint
to
Research Centre.
(a) Scheme launched by the Ministry of New and
2. Its findings were published as part of the Living
Renewable Energy to promote the use of Green
Planet Report, 2018 (published by WWF every two
Technologies.
years).
(b) Global campaign launched by UNEP to spread
3. The Global Soil biodiversity Atlas placed India
awareness about Green Technologies.
among countries whose soil biodiversity faces the
(c) Societal movement to protect environment and
highest level of risk.
promote good living.
Which of the statements given are correct ?
(d) Financial incentives provided by the Government to
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only
the Start-ups working on Green technologies.
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Q4. The Global Carbon Project was established to

Q8. The Global Pact for Environment, the resolution for
1. Accelerate clean coal technology innovation.
which was recently adopted by the UN General

127
PRACTICE MCQs
Assembly, seeks to address which one of the (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
following issues in our efforts to tackle the threats
to our environment ? Q12. Consider the following statements regarding the
(a) Wavering commitment of some countries to the bioplastics:
Paris Agreement. 1. Bioplastics are in principle climate-neutral since
(b) Fragmented nature of international environment they are based on renewable raw materials such as
law. maize, wheat or sugar cane.
(c) Climate finance. 2. Bioplastics may lead to an increase in greenhouse
(d) Common but differentiated responsibilities and gas emissions
respective capabilities. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q9. With reference to key takeaways from the Special (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C released
recently, consider the following statements: Q13. Consider the following statements about ‘Tx2’
1. Limiting warming to 1.5˚C brings a lot of benefits programme:
compared with limiting it to 2˚C. 1. The World Wildlife Foundation had launched its
2. Rapid and far-reaching changes must take place in ambitious Tx2 programme in 2010.
energy generation, land use, cities and industry to 2. The programme aims to double the world tiger
limit warming to 1.5˚C. population by 2022.
3. As opposed to previous approaches of IPCC’s study 3. Nepal is set to become the first country in the world
of warming, this report clearly links lifestyle choices to double its tiger population as part of the ‘Tx2’
with warming. programme.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Q10. Consider the following statements with reference to Q14. Recently in the news, where is the Serengeti
Eastern Ghats: National Park located?
1. Starting from West Bengal, the Ghats pass through (a) Kenya (b) Tanzania
Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and end in (c) Zambia (d) Zimbabwe
Tamil Nadu.
2. They play an important role in the monsoon break
Q15. The ‘Duar formations’ are important in the
of both North-East and South-West Monsoon.
Darjeeling, Sikkim and Arunachal Himalayas. These
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? formations, when compared to the other sections
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only of the Himalayas, replace the
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (a) Shiwaliks (b) Bugyals
(c) Cold deserts (d) Karewas
Q11. Consider the following statements regarding the
3D-printed reef installed in Maldives recently: Q16. Consider the following statements about the
1. It was developed using computer modelling and a aerosols:
3D printer. 1. Aerosols are suspension of particles in the
2. It is the world's largest 3D-printed reef. atmosphere via only human-made sources.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 2. Recent studies found that aerosols were the major
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only cause of weakening of the Indian monsoon.

128
PRACTICE MCQs
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (d) None of the above
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Q20. Consider the following statements with respect to
Envistats India 2018 report:
Q17. Consider the following statements about the ‘Star 1. It has been released by the Ministry of
Rating Protocol for garbage free cities’: Environment, Forest and Climate Change
1. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs recently 2. It had revealed that India’s economic growth took a
launched the Star Rating Protocol for garbage free toll on its natural assets like forests, food and clean
cities under Swacch Bharat Mission (Urban). air.
2. A city should be ODF (Open Defecation Free) before Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
it could be given rating of 3 star or above. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
3. There is no provision of third party verification. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only Q21. The Graded Response Action Plan, sometimes in
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 the news, has been prepared for implementation in
(a) The ten most polluted cities in India according to
Q18. Consider the following statements regarding the the World Health Organisation.
‘Blue flag beach standards’: (b) Every city where average PM2.5 concentration
1. The Blue Flag beach standards were established by values exceed five times the WHO threshold.
Copenhagen-based Foundation for Environmental (c) Haryana, Delhi and Western Uttar Pradesh only.
Education (FEE) in 1985 in France. (d) Only the National Capital Region
2. The Blue Flag is an environmental award for
beaches, sustainable boating tourism operators, Q22. Consider the following statements regarding the
and marinas. Biofuels:
3. Chandrabhaga beach of Odisha's Konark coast was 1. First Generation Biofuels uses non-food crops and
the first to complete the tag certification process feedstock such as Wood, grass, seed crops, organic
will be the first in Asia to get the Blue Flag waste are used in fuel preparation.
certification. 2. Second Generation Biofuels uses specially
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? engineered Algae whose biomass is used to convert
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only into biofuels.
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 3. Fourth Generation Biofuels are aimed at not only
producing sustainable energy but also a way of
Q19. Which of the following statement is NOT true with capturing and storing CO2.
respect to recently launched “Clean air India Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Campaign”? (a) 3 only (b) 1 and 3 only
(a) The campaign aims to curb air pollution in Indian (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
cities.
(b) It aims to promote partnerships between Indian Q23. Consider the following statements regarding the
start-ups and Dutch companies to fight the air soil moisture”
pollution. 1. It acts as a nutrient itself and regulates soil
(c) Under the initiative, an ‘INDUS impact’ projects is temperature.
also present which aims to halt the hazardous 2. It serves as a solvent and carrier of food nutrients
burning of paddy stubble by promoting business for plant growth.
partnerships that “up cycle” it. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

129
PRACTICE MCQs
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (a) 1 only (b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q24. The Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘Integrated Q28. What is it that makes the Kuttanad Wetland
Development of Wildlife Habitats’ has three Agriculture System unique ?
components. Which one of the following is not one a) Locals here practice the 2,000 year-old fish farming
among these three? technique, which has obviated the need for
(a) Support to Protected Areas such as National Parks application of fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides.
and Wildlife Sanctuaries b) It is the only system in India that favours rice
(b) Protection of Wildlife Outside Protected Areas cultivation below sea level in the land.
(c) Recovery Programmes for Saving Critically c) The traditional farming systems of the local
Endangered Species communities plays a role in conserving the rich
(d) Strengthening of Wildlife Division and floristic diversity consisting of about 2500 species of
Consultancies for Special Tasks flowering plants.
d) The jasmines that are cultivated here today were
Q25. Sustainable cooling is at the intersection of three introduced about 2,000 years ago from the Persian
international multilateral agreements. These Gulf.
include
1. Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol Q29. Consider the following statements about Great
2. Paris Climate Agreement Indian bustard:
3. Kyoto Protocol 1. Listed in Schedule II of the Indian Wildlife
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (Protection) Act, 1972.
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only 2. It has been identified as one of the species for the
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 recovery programme under the Integrated
Development of Wildlife Habitats.
3. Project Great Indian Bustard was initiated by the
Q26. One of the rarest flowers in the world, the Kurinji
state of Gujarat on World Environment Day 2013.
blooms just once in a Jupiter year, when it covers
the hills in a violet hue. The Paliyan tribe, a nomadic Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
community in this region, calculates age by the (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
number of Kurinji flowering cycles one has seen. (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
These flowers can be found in
(a) Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Park Q30. According to recent studies, the single biggest way
(b) Nallamala Hills an individual can reduce his or her carbon footprint
(c) Southern Western Ghats is to
(d) Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve (a) Modify one’s diet to include less meat.
(b) Avoid throwing food away.
Q27. Consider the following statements about ‘Climate (c) Drive electric cars instead of fossil fuel-guzzling
Justice’ vehicles.
1. Compels us to understand the challenges faced by (d) Take trains and buses instead of planes.
those people and communities most vulnerable to
the impacts of climate change. Q31. Consider the following statements about ‘The
2. Informs how we should act to combat climate Ocean Cleanup’, recently in the news:
change.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

130
PRACTICE MCQs
1. It is a policy advocacy organisation for governments Q36. Four crops provide two-thirds of the world’s food
in the western world for ways and means to reduce supply. These include wheat, rice and maize. The
plastic waste generation. fourth crop is
2. The organisation was instrumental in recently (a) Soybeans (b) Peas
getting the UN to adopt a resolution to completely (c) Tomatoes (d) Bananas
stop plastic waste from entering the oceans.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? Q37. Consider the following statements:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only 1. The Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP) was the
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 world’s first to be inscribed as a “Mixed World
Heritage Site”.
Q32. The C40 Cities group is an umbrella organisation 2. The KhangchendzongaBiosphere Reserve (KBR)
that co-ordinates the climate change activities of 96 comprises nearly a quarter of the entire
major urban centres around the world. Indian cities geographical area of Sikkim.
that are part of this network include Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. Mumbai 2. Bengaluru (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
3. Kolkata 4. Chennai (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
5. Delhi 6. Jaipur
Select the correct answer using the code given below: Q38. Which of the following Indian sites have been
(a) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only designated as Wetlands of International importance
(b) 2, 4 and 6 only under the Ramsar Convention?
(c) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 1. Sasthamkotta lake
(d) None of the above 2. Surinsar-Mansar lakes
3. Vembanad-Kol wetland
Q33. Which one of the following is NOT designated as a 4. Rangdum wetlands
UNESCO World Heritage Site and also is NOT on the Select the correct answer using the code given below:
UNESCO World Network of Man and Biosphere (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1 and 2 only
Reserves? (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(a) Sunderbans (b) Khangchendzonga
(c) Nanda Devi (d) Manas Q39. Consider the following statements about the cocoa
plant:
Q34. Why is a plant called ‘Lantana camara’ often 1. It needs humid tropical climates and the shade of
mentioned in news ? rainforests for its growth.
(a) Its extract is widely used in cosmetics. 2. In India, it is mainly cultivated in Meghalaya and
(b) It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in South Indian states.
which it grows. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(c) Its extract is used in the synthesis of pesticides. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(d) It is grown in urban water bodies that are (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
contaminated with heavy metals.
Q40. Consider the following statements with reference to
Q35. The gates of Idukki dam in Kerala were recently ecological succession:
opened after 26 years. This dam is on the river 1. It can occur in lifeless areas.
(a) Kabini (b) Valapattanam 2. A climax community results when the web of biotic
(c) Bharatapuzha (d) Periyar interactions becomes so intricate that no other
species can be admitted.

131
PRACTICE MCQs
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? one of the following best sums up the cause for this
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only “acceleration”?
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (a) Consumerism (b) Climate change
(c) Overpopulation (d) Poverty
Chiller Star Labelling Program Q45. The major causes of global sea level rise are
1. It has been formulated by Bureau of Energy 1. Thermal expansion caused by warming of the
Efficiency (BEE). ocean
2. This initiative will promote advancement 2. Land subsidence
technology for central HVAC (Heating, ventilation, 3. Increased melting of land-based ice
and air conditioning) systems. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 1 and 2 only
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Q46. A project like the Pakistani provincial government’s
Q42. Consider the following statements about Green ‘Billion Tree Tsunami’, recently in the news,can be
Mahanadi Mission: implemented in India in regions where
1. It has been launched by Chattisgarh government. (a) Desertification is taking place
2. Under the mission, a green belt with width of 1 km (b) Mangrove cover is depleting rapidly
will be created on both sides of the river (c) ‘Concrete’ jungles are replacing natural ones
3. The plantation will be undertaken over government (d) Native tree species are outnumbered by invasive
land only. species
(a) 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only Q47. Consider the following statements about recently
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 released Composite Water Management Index
(CWMI):
Q43. Consider the following statements about the Swajal 1. It has been released by NITI Aayog.
Scheme: 2. It will ensure that the principle of competitive and
1. Swajal is a community owned drinking water cooperative federalism is actualised in India’s water
programme for sustained drinking water supply management system.
2. Under the scheme, 90% of the project cost will be Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
taken care by the Government and the remaining (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
10% of the project cost will be contributed by the (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
community
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Q48. Consider the following statements regarding the
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only Green Bonds:
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 1. Green bonds are debt instruments like normal
bonds with no conditions on end use.
Q44. The Earth Overshoot Day has been accelerating 2. India entered the green bond market in 2015.
steadily, from October 15 thirty years ago to 3. YES Bank issued the first green bond for financing
September 30 two decades back to August 15 in the renewable and clean energy projects
2008. A few days ago, it was declared that the particularly, for wind and solar.
overshoot day arrives on August 1 this year. Which Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

132
PRACTICE MCQs
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 2. It is a web based, role-based workflow application
which has been developed for online submission
Q49. Consider the following statements about National and monitoring of the proposals.
Biofuel Policy of India, 2018: 3. It also provides access to previous Environment
1. Expands the scope of raw material for ethanol Impact Assessment Reports
production by allowing use of Sugarcane Juice, Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Sugar containing materials like Sugar Beet, Sweet (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only
Sorghum etc. (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
2. Allows use of surplus food grains for production of
ethanol Q54. Consider the following statements with respect to
3. Encourages setting up of supply chain mechanisms ‘State Energy Efficiency Preparedness Index’
for biodiesel production from non-edible oilseeds, 1. It has been released by The Alliance for an Energy
used Cooking Oil, short gestation crops. Efficient Economy (AEEE).
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 2. It will provide a foundation to set state-specific
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only Energy Efficiency targets.
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q50. The ‘Half-Earth Project’, recently in the news, is (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
related to
(a) Conserving natural heritage Q55. Consider the following statements about IUCN:
(b) Good governance 1. Its membership is composed of both government
(c) Free trade and civil society organisations
(d) Nuclear non-proliferation 2. The IUCN World Conservation Congresses have
produced key international agreements such as the
Q51. ‘SAWEN’, an intergovernmental body, it has similar Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
mandate with 3. It is the only environmental organisation with
(a) Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries official United Nations Observer Status
(b) TRAFFIC (Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network) Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(c) Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
Weapons (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
(d) World Water Council
Q56. Consider the following statements about single-use
Q52. Consider the following statements about the all- plastic
India ‘Gaj Yatra’: 1. India has pledged to do away with single-use plastic
1. It was recently launched in Karnataka by 2022.
2. The campaign aims at securing elephant corridors 2. Single-use include items intended to be used only
across India once before they are thrown away or recycled.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q53. Consider the following statements about the Q57. Consider the following statements regarding the
PARIVESH: ECO Niwas Samhita 2018:
1. It is an integrated environmental management 1. It is an Energy Conservation Building Code for
system launched by Indian government recently. Residential Buildings (ECBC-R).

133
PRACTICE MCQs
2. Its aim is to promote energy efficiency in design (c) Soy oil (d) Palm oil
and construction of homes, apartments and
townships. Q62. Compensatory Afforestation Funds have been
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? established only under the
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (a) Public Account of each state
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (b) Public Account of India and of each state
(c) Consolidated Fund of each state
Q58. Olive Ridleys Turtles are naturally found in India in (d) Consolidated Fund of India and of each state
1. Andhra Pradesh coast
2. Odisha coast Q63. The official history of Earth has a new chapter – and
3. Maharashtra coast we are in it. Called the ‘Meghalayan Age’ (within the
Select the correct answer using the codes below. Holocene epoch), its onset was marked by
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (a) Dramatic warming that ended the most recent
(c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 glacial period about 11,500 years ago.
(b) Abrupt cooling, attributed to vast volumes of
Q59. Consider the following statements about the the freshwater from melting glaciers running into the
Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on oceans and disrupting ocean currents.
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES): (c) A mega-drought that crushed a number of
1. It was established in 2017. civilisations worldwide.
2. All states members of the UN are eligible for IPBES (d) The beginning of Industrial revolution.
membership.
3. IPBES does for biodiversity what the Q64. Par-Tapi-Narmada inter-state river link project is
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change does envisaged for
for climate change. 1. Providing irrigation benefits to the enroute
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? command and Narmada command,
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only 2. Generating hydropower
(c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 3. Providing flood relief to the people residing in
downstream areas.
Q60. Consider the following statements: Select the correct answer using the code given below:
1. Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) of India has (a) 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only
been awarded Asia Environment Enforcement (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Awards, 2018 for excellent work done in combating
transboundary environmental crime. Q65. Consider the following statements regarding
2. Wildlife Crime Control Bureau is a statutory multi- recently unveiled National Wildlife Action Plan
disciplinary body. (NWAP) for 2017-2031:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1. It is the third National Wildlife Action Plan, spelling
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only out the future road map for wildlife conservation.
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 2. The plan has adopted the Landscape approach
rather than the earlier strategies more
Q61. ‘Vegetable oil’, commonly found as an ingredient in concentrated on national parks and wildlife
several packaged food products and other articles sanctuaries
in a supermarket, more often than not refers to 3. The plan also highlights role of private sector in the
which one of the following oils? wildlife protection.
(a) Soybean oil (b) Rapeseed oil Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

134
PRACTICE MCQs
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 24), held in Katowice, Poland:
1. The participating nations agreed on the rules to
Q66. Consider the following statements about the Asian implement the Paris Agreement that will come into
Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction: effect in 2020.
1. It is a biennial conference jointly organized by 2. The members of the conference agreed to
different Asian countries and the UNISDR. “welcome” the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
2. 2018 conference was held in Ulaanbaatar, Change (IPCC) report on 1.5°C.
Mongolia. 3. The parties to the conference agreed to record the
3. Theme of 2018 conference is ‘Preventing Disaster pledges in a public registry, as per the existing
Risk: Protecting Sustainable Development’ interim portal.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Q67. Consider the following statements regarding the Q70. A ‘flyway’ is a geographical region within which a
National Disaster Risk Index for India: single or a group of migratory species completes its
1. It has been prepared by the Union Ministry of annual cycle – breeding, moulting, staging and non-
Home Affairs with the support of United Nations breeding. Consider the following statements in this
Development Programme (UNDP). context:
2. It would map hazards and vulnerabilities including 1. There are nineteen flyways in the world.
economic vulnerabilities across 640 districts and all 2. Including the Central Asian Flyway, parts of India
states including UTs. are are visited by migratory birds belonging to
3. The index factors in exposure of population, three flyways.
agriculture and livestock, environmental risk and 3. Most of the species of migratory birds that visit the
the steps taken by the administration to mitigate Indian sub-continent use wetlands as habitats.
the risks. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Q71. “They are not dependent on any specific raw
Q68. Consider the following statements regarding the material, weight losing or otherwise. They largely
Inclusive Wealth Report 2018: depend on component parts which can be obtained
1. It is a biennial report, released by World Economic anywhere. These are generally not polluting
Forum. industries. The important factor in their location is
accessibility by road network”. Which of the
2. It assesses a nation’s ability to look after its wealth
following industries is correctly represented by the
in a way that is sustainable and safeguards its
above paragraph?
future generations.
(a) Household Industry
(b) Cottage industry
(c) Manufacturing industry
(d) Footloose industry
Q69. Consider the outcomes of the 24th Session of the of

the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations

135
PRACTICE MCQs
Q72. Which among the following sea routes is known as

the Big Trunk Route? Q77. With reference to dust particles in atmosphere,
(a) Cape of Good Hope Sea Route consider the following statements:
(b) Mediterranean–Indian Ocean Sea Route 1. They are generally concentrated in the lower layers
(c) Northern Atlantic Sea Route of the atmosphere.
(d) North Pacific Sea Route 2. They are highly concentrated in equatorial and
polar regions.
Q73. Which of the following is correct regarding the 3. They assist in the formation of clouds.
process of formation of Inter Tropical Convergence Which of the statements given above are correct?
Zone (ITCZ)? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(a) It is dynamically produced due to the rotation of (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
earth.
(b) It is formed by convergence of an Oceanic plate and Q78. Consider the following statements with regard to
Continental plate. coriolis force:
(c) It is formed by excessive rainfall in the tropical 1. It deflects the wind to the right direction in the
region. northern hemisphere.
(d) It is formed due to convection caused by high 2. It does not depend on the velocity of wind.
insolation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q74. The process of heating of the atmosphere through (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
vertical movement of air is called
(a) Advection (b) Radiation Q79. Consider the following statements regarding
(c) Conduction (d) Convection ‘Project Tiger’:
1. It was launched in 1973.
Q75. With reference to El-Nino, consider the following 2. Its objective was to ensure available population of
statements : tigers in India for scientific, economic, aesthetic,
1. It is an extension of the cold equatorial current. cultural and ecological value.
2. It results in the distortion of equatorial atmospheric Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
circulation. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
3. It results in irregularities in the evaporation of sea (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
water.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? Q80. Consider the following statements about the Green
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only Climate Fund:
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 1. The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is a fund established
within the framework of the UNFCCC.
Q76. Which among the following best describes albedo 2. It was formed in 2010.
of the earth? 3. It has set itself a goal of raising $100 billion a year
(a) It is the amount of energy absorbed by earth’s by 2020
surface due to land masses. Which of the statements given above are correct?
(b) It is the average amount of precipitation observed (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
on the earth. (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
(c) It is the amount of radiation reflected by the earth’s
surface.
(d) It is the gradient of salinity in the oceans.

136
PRACTICE MCQs
Q81. With reference to ‘Pondicherry shark’, consider the (d) World Health Organisation
following statements:
1. It is locally known as Pala Sora. Q86. “Colony Collapse Disorder” is related to which of the
2. It is listed as critically endangered under IUCN red following?
list. (a) Earthquake affected buildings
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (b) Death of coral reefs
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Death of bees
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (d) Loss of biodiversity
Q82. With reference to Mudumalai Tiger reserve, Q87. With reference to the “O-smart” Scheme, consider
consider the following statements: the following statements:
1. It is located in the state of Kerala. 1. It will help in effectively dealing with ocean
2. It is located within Nilgiri Biosphere reserve. disasters like Tsunami and storm surges.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 2. It will help in harnessing the vast ocean resources
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only of both living and non-living resources from the
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 seas around India.
Q83. With reference to Bonnethead shark, consider the (a) 1 only
following statements: (b) 2 only
1. It is the only shark which displays sexual (c) Both 1 and 2
dimorphism. (d) Neither 1 nor 2
2. It is the only shark species known to be
omnivorous. Q88. With reference to Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? hylocrius), consider the following statements:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only 1. It is endemic to the Eastern Ghats.
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 2. It is the state animal of Kerala.
3. It is listed as endangered under IUCN’s Red List.
Q83. Answer – (c) Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q84. Consider the following statements: (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
1. Simlipal Bio-Reserve is located in Madhya Pradesh.
2. Nokrek Bio-Reserve is located in Meghalaya. Q89. Dugong sea cow can be presently found in which of
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? the following regions?
(a) 1 only 1. Marine National Park, Gulf of Kutch
(b) 2 only 2. Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park and the Palk
(c) Both 1 and 2 Strait
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 3. Sunderbans
4. Lakshadweep
Q85. Global Ambient Air Quality Database is compiled by Select the correct answer using the code given below:
which of the following organisations? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 3 and 4
(a) United Nations Environment Programme (c) 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3
(b) World Economic Forum
(c) Green Peace Q90. Which of the following statements is/are correct?

137
PRACTICE MCQs
1. Sathyamangalam tiger reserve is located at the Q94. The International Union for Conservation of
confluence of western and eastern Ghats in the Nature’s (IUCN) red list of threatened species has
state of Kerala. placed Ortolan bunting in which of the following
2. Mudumalai Tiger reserve has tall grasses, category?
commonly referred to as ‘Elephant Grass’. (a) Critically endangered
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (b) “Least Concern” category.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Endangered
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (d) Near threatened
Q91. Which of the following statements is/are correct? Q95. Consider the following pairs:
1. Stubble burning has been a major concern in south- 1. Dudhwa National Park : Uttarakhand
east India. 2. Guindy National Park : Tamil Nadu
2. The most efficient technology available to counter 3. Chandaka Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary : Madhya
stubble burning is Turbo Happy Seeder. Pradesh
Select the correct answer using the code given below: 4. Kanha National Park : Uttar Pradesh
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (a) 2 only (b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only (d) 2, 3 and 4 only
Q92. With reference to ‘Third Pole’ glacier, consider the
following statements: Q96. Which of the following is/are the bio-reserve(s) in
1. The Third pole glacier is located in Europe. India?
2. It is the world’s third largest store of ice after 1. Nanda Devi
Antarctica and Greenland. 2. Pachmarhi
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 3. The Nilgiris
(a) 1 only 4. The Gulf of Mannar
(b) 2 only Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(c) Both 1 and 2 (a) 1 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
Q93. Consider the following statements: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
1. The Ocean Cleanup, a non-profit organization, is
developing advanced technologies to rid the world’s Q97. Consider the following statements:
oceans of plastic. 1. Coral polyps are short-lived microscopic organisms,
2. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is the largest which live in colonies.
accumulation of ocean plastic in the world and is 2. Coral polyps flourish in shallow, mud free and
located between Hawaii and California. warm waters.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 Q98. Consider the following pairs:
1. Dampa Tiger Reserve: Mizoram
2. Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary: Sikkim

138
PRACTICE MCQs
3. Saramati Peak: Nagaland 2. It is a protected ecological portion in the

Which of the pairs given above is /are correctly matched? Nelliampathy - Anamalai Hills of the Southern
(a) 1 only Western Ghats in India.
(b) 2 and 3 only Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(c) 1 and 3 only (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q99. Which of the following tribes comes/come in the Q103. With reference to the Bannerghatta National Park,
Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)? consider the following statements:
1. Shompens 1. It is located in the state of Karnataka.
2. Onge 2. The Park is part of a wildlife corridor for elephants
3. Sentinelese which connects the Biligirirangana Hills (BR
4. Jarawa Hills) and the Sathyamangalam forest.
Select the correct answer using the code given below: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Q104. With reference to the National Tiger Conservation
Authority (NTCA), consider the following
statements:
Q100. With reference to Amur Falcon, consider the
1. It is a statutory body created under the Wildlife
following statements:
Protection Act of 1972.
1. They are endemic to the eastern coast of India.
2. Its headquarter is in Dehradun, with three regional
2. They are listed as ‘critically endangered’ under the
offices at Nagpur, Guwahati and Bengaluru.
IUCN Red List.
3. The Prime Minister is the chairman of the NTCA.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) None of the above
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Tiger Census 2018:
Q101. Buddha Peacock or Buddha Mayoori was recently
1. It was conducted for tigers and leopards only.
declared as the state butterfly of which of the
2. MSTrIPES App has been used as technology support
following states?
for the census.
(a) Tamil Nadu
3. Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have
(b) Maharashtra
participated for the first time in the Tiger Census,
(c) Kerala
2018.
(d) Karnataka
Q102. With reference to the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve,
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
consider the following statements:
1. It is located in the state of Tamil Nadu.
Q106. With reference to Central Ground Water Authority,
Consider the following statements:

139
PRACTICE MCQs
1. It has been constituted under the Environment 1. The NCAP focuses on collaborative and
(Protection) Act, 1986 to regulate and control participatory approach covering all sources of
development and management of ground water pollution and coordination between relevant
resources in the country. Central Ministries, State Governments, local bodies
2. It has been accorded penal powers under the and other stakeholders.
environmental protection act 1986. 2. Technology Assessment Cell has been envisaged
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? under NCAP to evaluate the technologies having
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only significance in reference to prevention, control and
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 abatement of pollution.
Q107. Which of the following statements with respect to (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
Paris Agreement Rule Book is/are correct? (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
1. The Paris Rulebook, agreed at the UN climate
summit in Katowice gives countries a common Q110. Which of the following statements with respect to
framework for reporting and reviewing progress World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is/are correct?
towards their climate targets. 1. It is environmental arm of United Nations which
2. Under Paris agreement countries need to limit undertake study to track extinct species.
warming well below 1.5 degree Celsius, therefore 2. WWF and IUCN together created TRAFFIC, a wildlife
limiting CO 2 emissions to 50 per cent by 2030. trade monitoring network that works to ensure
3. The new rules allow flexibility for the most trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to
vulnerable countries, in submission of their the conservation of nature
quantified climate pledges, whereas all other 3. WWF is responsible for publication of Living Planet
countries will be bound to report on their climate Report.
action every two years, starting in 2024. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Q111. Which of the following statements with respect to
Q108. What do you understand by term BioBlitz, recently Royal Bengal Tiger in India is/are correct?
seen in the news? 1. They are found only in mangroves types of
(a) It is fast, violent attack on town, usually with bombs vegetation.
dropped from aircraft. 2. It is the only breed of tiger in this world which
(b) It is biological warfare where towns are attacked via inhabits mangrove forests and is found in
various biological and nerve agents. mangroves of Sundarbans.
(c) It is an organic process involving the remedy for 3. It is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
pesticide attacks and various diseases affecting Select the correct answer using the code given below:
vegetation. (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only
(d) It is an event that focuses on finding and identifying (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 3 only
as many species as possible in a specific area over a
short period of time. Q112. Which of the following species of tortoise/turtle
is/are listed as Vulnerable on IUCN Red list?
Q109. Which of the following statements with respect to 1. Indian Star Tortoise
National Clear Air Programme (NCAP) is/are 2. Olive Ridley
correct?
3. Saw-jawed Terrapin

140
PRACTICE MCQs
Select the correct answer using the code given below: Q116. The recent events of deaths of lions in the Gir forest
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only have been attributed to which of the following
(c) 3 only (d) 2 and 3 only reasons?
(a) Infighting
Q113. Which of the following statements with respect to (b) Canine distemper virus
Paris Climate deal is incorrect? (c) Goat Plague
1. The Paris Agreement central aim is to strengthen (d) Peste Des Petits Ruminants virus (PPRV)
the global response to the threat of climate change
by keeping a global temperature rise this century Q117. The famous Machhli tigress resided in which of the
well below 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial following Tiger Reserves?
levels. (a) Tadhoba Andhari (b) Sariska
2. The Paris Agreement requires all Parties to put (c) Ranthambore (d) Simlipal
forward their best efforts through binding
“nationally determined contributions”. Q118. With reference to IPCC (Intergovernmental panel on
3. Paris Agreement has not been ratified by countries Climate Change), Consider the following
as it requires ratification of 55 countries accounting statements:
for at least 55% of the global emissions. 1. It was set up in 1988 by the World Bank and United
Select your answer using the code given below: Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to provide
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 2 only policymakers with regular assessments of the
(c) 2 only (d) 3 only scientific basis of climate change.
2. IPCC undertakes scientific field projects to combat
Q114. Consider the following statements: Climate effectively.
1. The Aichi Biodiversity Targets were included in the Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Strategic Plan for Biodiversity for the 1990-2030 (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
period. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
2. It was adopted by the 10th meeting of the
Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Q119. Consider the following statements:
Biological Diversity. 1. The Global Carbon Project is a Global Research
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Project of Future Earth and a research partner of
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only the World Climate Research Programme.
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 2. It was formed to work with the international science
community to establish a common and mutually
Q115. Consider the following statements: agreed knowledge base to support policy debate
1. UNESCO Global Geoparks strive for an approach of and action.
combining conservation with sustainable Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
development while involving local communities. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
2. UNESCO Global Geoparks use Top Down approach. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
3. UNESCO Global Geoparks is a legislative
designation. Q120. South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? covers which of the following countries?
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only 1. Indonesia
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 2. Malaysia
3. Bhutan
4. Sri Lanka

141
PRACTICE MCQs
5. India (a) 1 only (b) 2 only

Select the correct answer using the code given below: (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) 3, 4 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Q125. Consider the following statements about
‘bioplastics’:
Q121. Consider the following statements about 1. Since they are derived from plant products, they
Dermophis donaldtrumpi: are biodegradable and so can be easily composted
1. The small, blind, creature is a type of caecilian that just like vegetable leftovers.
primarily lives underground. 2. Abundance of raw material for making bioplastics
2. It has been discovered in Panama and is makes them cheaper than conventional plastics.
particularly susceptible to the impacts of climate Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?
change. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Q126. Consider the following statements about “Argo”
which has been in the news recently:
Q122. Which of the following countries is/are not the 1. Argo is a global array of free-drifting profiling floats
members of the International Whaling Commission that measures the temperature and salinity of the
(IWC)? upper 2000 m of the ocean.
1. Japan 2. India 2. The Argo array is part of the Global Ocean
3. Pakistan 4. Brazil Observing System, Ocean View.
Select the correct answer using the code given below: Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 4 only (d) 2 and 3 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q123. Consider the following pairs: Q127. Which of the following factors will contribute in a
1. Kodagu forest circle - Karnataka shift towards a low carbon economy?
1. Improved urban planning
2. Terai Arc Landscape - Jharkhand
2. Development of clean energy
3. Gorumara wildlife - West Bengal
3. Increased use of fertilizers
division
Which of the pairs given above is/are not correctly
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only
matched?
(c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 3 only (d) 2 and 3 only
Q128. According to the draft Coastal Regulation Zone
Notification, 2018, CRZ-I A constitute which of the
Q124. Consider the following statements about “Help Us
following ecologically sensitive areas?
Green”:
1. Mangroves
1. Help Us Green collects temple ceremonial flowers
2. Corals and coral reefs
tossed into the Ganges and turns them into
sustainable incense. 3. Sand Dunes
2. It got the UN Climate Action Award in the Women 4. Turtle nesting grounds
for Results category. 5. Heritage sites
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Select the correct answer using the code given below:

142
PRACTICE MCQs
(a) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only Q132. Which of the following statements with respect to
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 the National Green Tribunal (NGT) is/are correct?
1. The Tribunal shall not be bound by the procedure
Q129. Consider the following statements about the laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908,
National Centre for Sustainable Coastal but shall be guided by the principles of natural
Management (NCSCM): justice.
1. It advises the Union and States/ Union Territory 2. NGT was created in the year 2010, in the light of the
Governments and other associated stakeholders on decisions taken at the United Nations Conference
policy and scientific matters relating to Integrated on Environment and Development held in Rio de
Coastal Management (ICZM). Janerio in 1992.
2. Integrated Social Sciences and Economics (ISE) Select the correct answer using the code given below:
comes under the Scientific Divisions of NCSCM. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Talanoa Dialogue, recently seen in news:
Q130. Which of the following statements with respect to 1. The Talanoa Dialogue was convened as a part of UN
Aravalli Mountains is/are correct? climate talks to enhance global ambition by 2020
1. Aravalli Mountains are the oldest range of fold and develop long-term, low-emission development
mountains in the Indian sub-continent, containing strategies.
two distinct groups of rocks, namely, 2. The objective of the dialogue is to take stock of the
metasedimentary rocks and metavolcanic rocks. progress of climate action since Paris Agreement
2. There is drastic decrease in the total area cover of and to inform the next round of Nationally
the Aravalli ranges, due to illegal mining and Determined Contributions (NDCs)
quarrying. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q134. Consider the following statements about Himalayan
Q131. With reference to Cuscuta Reflexa, often seen in the State Regional Council:
news, which of the following statements are 1. The Council is set up by the President and will work
correct? on five thematic areas significant for the Himalayas
1. It is a native parasitic plant species endemic to including tourism, skills, shifting cultivation, spring
some parts of Southern India, having property to revival and data.
check growth of invasive alien species. 2. The Council will act as the nodal agency for
2. It acts as an effective biocontrol agent for other sustainable development in the Himalayan states of
invasive alien species and limits their growth. Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh
3. It transmits viral diseases to host plants in addition and Sikkim only.
to affecting the seed germination process of the Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
host. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

143
PRACTICE MCQs
Q135. Which of the following best describes the event (d) It is an UNEP initiative to eradicate single use plastic
called ‘The Last Game’, which was recently in the across the world by 2030.
news?
(a) It refers to the effort by WHO (the World Health Q138. Consider the following statements about the
Organization) to eradicate Neglected Tropical problem of stubble burning in India:
Diseases from the tropical and sub-tropical nations 1. The problem of stubble burning is more prevalent
by 2020. after Rabi harvesting, than Kharif harvesting.
(b) It is NASA’s (National Aeronautics and Space 2. The incidence of stubble burning is present only in
Administration) mission to search the planet which Punjab, Haryana, UP and Rajasthan.
is as habitable as Earth. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(c) It is the event conducted by WWF (World Wide Fund (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
for Nature) to create awareness of the species that (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
are on the verge of extinction.
(d) It is UNEP’s (United Nations Environment
Q139. Recently an international initiative, called South
Programme) event at North pole to garner global
Asian Nitrogen Hub (SANH) has been started.
attention and support for the rapidly disappearing
Consider the following statements about SANH:
ice in the Polar regions.
1. This is an initiative by the United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP) and World
Q136. Which of the following statements about Ross Sea Meteorological Organization (WMO).
is/are correct?
2. The objective of this initiative is to assess and study
1. It is located in the Southern Ocean of Arctic and is the quantum and impact of “nitrogen pollution” in
the northernmost sea on Earth. South Asia, in particular from agriculture.
2. Ross sea has been declared as Marine Protect Area, 3. India is participating in the initiative.
which is considered to be the last great wilderness
Which of the statements given above are correct?
on Earth.
(a) 1 and 2 only
3. It is regarded as world’s largest protected area on
(b) 2 and 3 only
land or sea.
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Q140. Consider the following statements:
1. Mangroves for the Future (MFF) is a partner led
Q137. Which of the following best describes the term
initiative of World Wildlife Fund to promote
Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW), sometimes in
investment in coastal ecosystem conservation for
news?
sustainable development.
(a) It is an alliance of all the developing countries
2. MFF initiative also includes other coastal
spearheaded by India in its mission to abolish all
ecosystems such as coral reef, estuaries, lagoons.
single-plastic waste by 2022.
Which of the statement given above is/are correct?
(b) It is an alliance of developed countries which will
fund the developing countries in order to end
plastic waste by 2030.
(c) It is an alliance of global companies which have
Q141. Which of the following statements best describes
pledged finances to help eliminate plastic waste,
the initiative called e-Green Watch by India?
especially in the ocean.

144
PRACTICE MCQs
(a) It is an integrated e-governance portal used to 2. It is a Pan-India program.

process green bonds issues to public sector 3. It aims to reduce particulate matter pollution by 20-
companies. 30% in at least 102 cities by 2024.
(b) It is an initiative used to process complaints against Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
environmental violation into Forest Right Act. (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) It is an integrated e-governance portal under (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
CAMPA for automation, streamlining and effective
management of plantation and forestry works. Q145. Consider the following statements about Golden
(d) It is an e-governance initiative to create Langur:
environmental awareness amongst citizen and 1. It is listed as endangered in the IUCN Red Data
make them active participant to environment Book.
protection.
2. Golden Langur Population is limited only to the
higher reaches Assam and Arunachal Pradesh only.
Q142. Consider the following statements about the Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
difference between Baleen Whales and Sperm
Whales?
1. While Baleen whales undertake annual seasonal
migration between polar and equatorial areas,
Q146. Recently, Krills are shifting South towards
Sperm Whales do not.
Antarctica. Which of the following staments best
2. While Baleen whales have teeth, sperm whales do
describes the reason for it?
not have teeth.
(a) Low water and oxygen levels as well as possibly
toxic algae is causing the northern edges of
Southern oceans inhabitable
(b) Increased frequency of El-Nino in the edges of
Southern Hemisphere
Q143. Consider the following statements about ‘Global (c) Proliferation of invasive fish species the South
Tiger Forum’ (GTF): Atlantic and Pacific Ocean.
1. It is the only intergovernmental body established (d) Due to climate change, ocean water at the northern
with members from all tiger range countries. edge of Southern Oceans is becoming unhealthy for
2. The chairperson is usually a minister from one of them to reproduce.
the tiger range countries.
3. The secretariat of GTF is located in New Delhi. Q147. Which of the following are the objectives of the
4. UK is member of the GTF. Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate
Which of the statements given above are correct? Change?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only. 1. Conservation of flora and fauna
(b) 2 and 3 only. 2. Survey of flora and fauna
(c) 1 and 4 only. 3. Prevention and control of pollution
(d) 2, 3 and 4 only 4. Ensuring the welfare of animals
Q144. Consider the following statement about National (a) 1 and 3 only
Clean Air Program, launched recently? (b) 1, 2 and 3 only
1. It is a 15-year program aligned with SDG (c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(Sustainable Development Goal) to bring down (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
pollution levels in the country.

145
PRACTICE MCQs
Q148. Operation Save Kurma is an (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(a) operation conducted to combat illegal trade of
turtles to destinations abroad. Q152. Consider the following statements:
(b) operation conducted to breed endangered species 1. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
of vultures. is an intergovernmental organisation that supports
(c) operation conducted to combat hunting of Hangul. countries in their transition to a sustainable energy
(d) operation conducted to protect corals from invasive future.
species. 2. IRENA encourages governments to adopt enabling
policies for renewable energy investments, provides
Q149. Consider the following statements about Wayanad practical tools and policy advice to accelerate
Wildlife Sanctuary: renewable energy deployment.
1. It is a part of the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
and lies in the state of Kerala. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
2. The famous Banasura Sagar Dam lies in this (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Sanctuary.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Q153. With reference to the recently sighted cinereous
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only vulture in Jharkhand, Consider the following
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 statements:
1. It migrates from the mountainous regions of
Q150. Consider the following statements about the Europe and Asia to warmer places, including India.
functions of the Central Pollution Control Board 2. It is listed as Near Threatened in the IUCN’s Red list.
(CPCB): Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. To advise the Central Government on any matter (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
concerning prevention and control of water and air (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
pollution and improvement of the quality of air.
2. To plan and cause to be executed a nation-wide Q154. Which of the following exotic species is/are invading
programme for the prevention, control or grasslands of the Western Ghats?
abatement of water and air pollution. 1. Pine 2. Acacia
3. To organise through mass media, a comprehensive 3. Eucalyptus
mass awareness programme on the prevention, Select the correct answer using the code given below:
control or abatement of water and air pollution. (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Q155. Consider the following pairs:
National Park State
1. Mouling National : Meghalaya
1. The Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) is a
Park
global partnership of governments, businesses and
2. Sanjay Gandhi : Maharashtra
civil society only.
National park
2. The FCPF has created a framework and process for
REDD+readiness, which helps countries get ready 3. Shirui National : Manipur
for future systems of financial incentives for REDD+. Park
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (a) 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only

146
PRACTICE MCQs
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q160. Which of the following statements are correct
Q156. Consider the following statements: regarding the Green Climate Fund (GCF)?
1. Himalayan Griffon Vulture is listed as ‘Near 1. It is a fund created as a result of the Conference of
Threatened’ in the IUCN Red list. the Parties (COP 16) to the United Nations
2. It (Himalayan Griffon Vulture) is protected in Framework Convention on Climate Change
Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. (UNFCCC).
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 2. It is developed for both adaptation and mitigation
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only of climate change in developing countries.
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 3. The Fund has set itself a goal of raising $100 billion
a year by 2020.
Q157. With reference to ‘Painted storks’, consider the Select the correct answer using the code given below:
following statements: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
1. It is listed as ‘Near threatened’ in IUCN red list. (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
2. It is protected in Schedule I of the Wildlife
Protection Act 1972. Q161. Which of the following species are critically
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? endangered?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only 1. Assam Roofed Turtle
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 2. Namdapha Flying Squirrel
3. Indian Star Tortoise
Q158. Consider the following statements regarding the 4. Pygmy Hog
Environmental Performance Index (EPI): Select the correct answer using the code given below:
1. The 2018 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
finds that air quality is the leading environmental (b) 2, 3 and 4 only
threat to public health. (c) 2 and 4 only
2. The biennial report is produced by researchers at (d) 1, 2 and 4 only
Yale and Columbia Universities in collaboration with
the World Economic Forum. Q162. Which of the following protected areas are parts of
3. Switzerland leads the world in sustainability. the ‘Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve’?
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1. The Bandipur National Park
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only 2. The Silent Valley National Park
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 3. The Kaziranga National Park
4. The Mukurthi National Park
Q159. With reference to the Chilika Lake, consider the Select the correct answer using the code given below:
following statements: (a) 1 and 2 only
1. Nalabana island is located in this lake which is a (b) 1, 3 and 4 only
Bird sanctuary. (c) 1, 2 and 4 only
2. It is listed in the Montreax record. (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
3. It is home to the Irrawady Dolphin which is listed as
endangered under IUCN. Q163. Which of the following statements about the
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Irrawady dolphins is/are correct?
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

147
PRACTICE MCQs
1. They are found both in fresh water as well as

marine water and have their IUCN status as Q167. Consider the following statements about the
Vulnerable. Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI):
2. They are found in Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary 1. The CCPI is an instrument designed to enhance
and Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary in India. transparency in international climate politics.
Select the correct answer using the code given below: 2. Its aim is to put political and social pressure on
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only those countries that have, until now, failed to take
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 ambitious action on climate protection, and to
highlight those countries with best practice climate
Q164. Consider the following pairs: policies.
1. Thimlapura : Tamil Nadu Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Wildlife (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
Sanctuary (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
2. Jogimatti : West Bengal

National Park Q168. Consider the following statements with respect to
the Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHSs):
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
1. Under the Wildlife Protection Act, the State
Government, in consultation with the local bodies,
may notify areas of biodiversity importance as
‘Biodiversity Heritage Sites’ (BHSs).
Q165. Consider the following statements about the
2. The National Board for Wildlife, a statutory
Breathelife Campaign:
organisation, is responsible for issuing guidelines
1. It is a campaign led by UNEP, IUCN and UNFCCC.
for the selection and management of the
2. It aims to mobilise cities and individuals to protect Biodiversity Heritage Sites.
our health and planet from the effects of air
pollution.
Q169. Consider the following statements with respect to
Q166. Recently a French company has developed a tiny
the Global Partnership on Marine Litter (GPML):
tracker that can be inserted into horns of the rhino
1. It is a voluntary open-ended partnership for
to help conservationist monitor and protect the
international agencies, governments, businesses,
endangered species. Consider the following
academia, local authorities and non-governmental
statements with respect to rhinos:
organisations.
1. Sumatran rhinos are smallest of all rhinos bearing
2. UNEP acts as its secretariat and co-ordinates
IUCN status as Vulnerable.
among various stakeholders with relevant
2. They are poached mainly for their horns that have
initiatives.
medicinal value in Chinese culture and are
supposed to have water purifying abilities.
3. Unlike the horn of other animals their horns are
made up of only calcium and melanin that give it a
hard bony structure.
Q170. Which of the following best describes an initiative
Which of the statements given above are incorrect?
called the ‘Global Water Security and Sanitation
Partnership’ (GWSP)?
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

148
PRACTICE MCQs
(a) It is an initiative launched by the World Wide Fund Q173. Consider the following statements about the Bonn
for Nature to create awareness about the best Challenge:
water conservation practices around the world. 1. The Bonn Challenge is a global effort to bring 150
(b) It is a global partnership of organisations working in million hectares of the world’s deforested and
the field of water conservation and sanitation. degraded land into restoration by 2020 and 350
(c) It is an initiative launched by the World Bank and its million hectares by 2030.
partners for a water-secure world. 2. It was launched in 2011 by the Government of
(d) It is a partnership under the aegis of the United Germany and IUCN, and later endorsed and
Nations Environment Programme to campaign for extended by the New York Declaration on Forests at
water conservation across the world. the 2014 UN Climate Summit.
Q171. Which of the following best describes the ‘Caux (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
Dialogue on Land and Security’, recently seen in the (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
news?
(a) It is a dialogue process under the aegis of the UN Q174. Which of the following statements with respect to
Security Council, to come to a consensus regarding the initiative called ‘Horizon 2020’ is/are correct?
the security concerns of the Middle East. (a) It aims to de-pollute the Mediterranean by the year
(b) It is an annual event organised by the Initiatives for 2020, by tackling the sources of pollution that
Land, Lives and Peace, in collaboration with the UN account for around 80% of the overall pollution of
Convention to Combat Desertification, IUCN and the Mediterranean Sea.
the Initiatives of Change. (b) It is an initiative of the Government of India to help
(c) It is a flagship initiative the UN Convention to orphaned students in their education.
Combat Desertification, which aims to create (c) It is an initiative of the Government of India to
awareness about rapid land degradation. improve the level of education and make students
(d) It is a dialogue process under the United Nations, to ready for PISA, conducted by OECD.
bring consensus among countries for combating (d) It is an initiative under the World Bank to provide
terrorism across the world. country specific solution, so as to de-pollute water
bodies.
Q172. Consider the following statements with respect to
the Global Partnership on Forest and Landscape Q175. Consider the following pairs:
Restoration (GPFLR): SITE LOCATION
1. It is a proactive global multi-stakeholder network to
1. Svalbard Archipelago - Arctic Ocean
restore the world’s lost and degraded forests, and
2. Galapagos Island - Pacific Ocean
their surrounding landscapes.
2. It was initiated by the IUCN and it aims to regain 3. Lakshadweep - Indian Ocean
ecological functionality and enhancing human well- Archipelago
being across deforested or degraded forest Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
landscapes. (a) 3 only (b) 1 and 3 only
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only Q176. Which of the following statements are correct with
(c) Both 1 and 2 respect to ‘Sustainable Energy for All’ (SEforALL)?
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 1. It is an international organisation working with
leaders in the government, the private sector and

149
PRACTICE MCQs
the civil society to drive faster action toward the 2. The flying bulldog bee was listed as a ‘critically
achievement of sustainable development. endangered’ species by the IUCN Red List of
2. It is a global initiative launched under the aegis of Threatened Species.
the United Nations Secretary General. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
3. Its mandate is to send clear signal about the central (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
role of energy in ending poverty and halting (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
precipitous changes in our global climate.
Select the correct answer using the code given below: Q181. Consider the following statements about the Ghost
(a) 2 and 3 only (b) 1 and 3 only Nets, sometimes in news:
(c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 1. Ghost nets are commercial fishing nets that have
been lost, abandoned, or discarded at sea.
Q177. The term ‘Access and Benefit-Sharing’, sometimes 2. Ghost nets cause damage by entangling live coral,
mentioned in the news, is related to: smothering reefs and introducing parasites and
(a) The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) invasive species into reef environments.
(b) The Convention on International Trade in Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) The Wildlife Protection Act (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(d) The Environmental Protection Act
Q178. Which of the following best describes the term 1. Hog deer is found in the Keibul Lamjao National
‘Jamdani’, recently seen in the news? Park (KLNP) in Mizoram.
(a) It is a climate-friendly fine muslin textile of Bengal. 2. The hog deer or Pada is an endangered species in
(b) It is a traditional anti-fungal technique for cotton the IUCN Red List and is protected under Schedule I
clothes. of the Indian Wild life (Protection) Act, 1972.
(c) It is a neem-based organic pesticide. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(d) It a climate-friendly technique of painting on the (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
wall. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q179. Consider the following statements about the Q183. Which of the following statements is/are correct
Protected Planet Report: about the Hilsa Fish?
1. It assesses how protected areas contribute to 1. It is known to migrate from the Bay of Bengal into
achieving the Aichi Biodiversity Targets and relevant River Ganga, till Allahbad.
targets of the Sustainable Development Goals. 2. It is listed as ‘vulnerable’ under the IUCN’s Red List.
2. It is managed by the United Nations Environment Select the correct answer using the code given below:
World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP- (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
WCMC), with support from IUCN. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only Q184. Consider the following statements about the Blue
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Flag certification:
1. It is the tag given to environment-friendly and clean
Q180. Consider the following statements: beaches, equipped with amenities of international
1. The Flying bulldog bee lives in the Indonesian island standards for tourists.
region of North Moluccas. 2. The Chandrabhaga beach of Goa will be the first in
Asia to get the Blue Flag certification.

150
PRACTICE MCQs
the Biological Diversity Act:
Q185. Consider the following statements with respect to 1. The Biological Diversity Act was enacted in India in
plastic pollution: 2002, pursuant to the Convention on Biological
1. UNFCCC has launched the Clean Seas Campaign to Diversity (CBD).
eliminate micro-plastics in cosmetics and the 2. The Biological Diversity Act, 2002, covers Intellectual
wasteful usage of single-use plastic, by the year Property Rights (IPRs) regarding biological
2022. resources in India.
2. Presently, there exists no global legal treaty, which Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
aims to reduce plastic pollution, like carbon (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
emissions. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only Q189. Consider the following statements about the Green
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 New Deal (an environmental programme):
1. The Green New Deal aspires to make sweeping
Q186. Which of the following best describes the term changes to the environment and economy, and
‘Biotope’? meet all of the U.S.’s power demand from clean,
(a) An area of uniform environmental condition, renewable and zero emission energy sources by
providing living space for specific assemblage of 2030.
flora and fauna. 2. It takes its name from the former U.S. President
(b) A transition area between two biomes, where two Franklin Roosevelt’s famous New Deal, a series of
communities meet and integrate. economic and social measures launched in the
(c) It refers to the unique functional role and 1930s to end the Great Depression.
position of a species in its habitat or ecosystem. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(d) It is the area, in which an animal lives and moves on (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
a daily or periodic basis. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q187. Which of the following statements is/are correct Q190. Consider the following statements:
with respect to the Kyoto Protocol? 1. The United Nations World Water Development
1. It is an agreement under UNFCCC and the world’s Report (WWDR), is the UN-Water flagship report on
only legally binding treaty to reduce greenhouse water.
emissions. 2. The WWDR is a part of an ongoing worldwide
2. In the first period of the Protocol, from 2008 to assessment project to measure progress towards
2012, the participating countries committed to achieving the goals of sustainable development set
reduce their emissions by an average of 5 percent out by the United Nations.
below 1990 levels. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
3. During the second commitment period, the parties (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
committed to reduce GHG emissions by at least 18 (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
percent below 1990 levels, in the eight-year period,
from 2013 to 2020. Q191. Consider the following statements:
Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1. Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and
(a) 2 and 3 only (b) 2 only Respective Capabilities (CBDR–RC) is a principle

151
PRACTICE MCQs
within the United Nations Framework Convention (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
2. It acknowledges different capabilities and differing Q196. Consider the following statements:
responsibilities of individual countries in addressing 1. The corals are best developed on the seaward side
climate change. of the reef, where constantly moving waves, tides
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? and currents maintain an abundant supply of clear,
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only oxygenated water.
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 2. Non-reef building species of corals may survive in
the colder and even the deeper waters.
Q192. Consider the following pairs: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Project/Act Year (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
1. The Wildlife - 1972 (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

(Protection) Act
2. Project tiger - 1973 Q197. Which of the following statements, with respect to
the types of coral reefs, are correct?
3. Project Elephant - 2012
1. Fringing reef is partially submerged, separated from
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
the coast by a much wider and deeper channel or
lagoon.
(c) 3 only (d) None of the above
2. Barrier reef is a coralline platform, lying close to the
shore, extending outwards from the mainland,
Q193. Which of the following is/are Lion Habitat(s) in sometimes separated from the shore by a shallow
India? lagoon.
1. Girnar Sanctuary 3. Atolls are similar to fringing reefs, except that they
2. Pania Sanctuary are circular in shape, enclosing a shallow lagoon,
3. Mitiyala Sanctuary without any land in the centre.
Select the correct answer using the code given below: Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 (c) 2 and 3 only (d) None of the above.
Q194. With reference to the Great Indian Hornbill, Q198. Consider the following statements with respect to
consider the following statements: the coral reefs:
1. It is found mainly in the forests of Central India. 1. The coral reefs are generally absent on the western
2. It is listed as ‘vulnerable’ under the IUCN Red List. coasts of the continents, as they will not flourish,
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? where there are cold currents, because of the
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only upwelling of the cold water from the depths that
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 cools the warm surface water.
2. The reef building corals are normally distributed
Q195. Which of the following is/are part(s) of the Nilgiri along the tropical and sub-tropical zones, as the
Biosphere Reserve? water temperature must not fall below 20oC.
1. The Mudumalai Tiger Reserve 3. The coral reefs are not found in the higher depths,
because in the higher depths, sunlight is too faint
2. The Periyar Tiger Reserve
for photosynthesis to take place.
3. The Bandipur National Park
Which of the statements given above are correct?

152
PRACTICE MCQs
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q200. With reference to the Kole Wetland, consider the
Q199. Which of the following statements is/are correct following statements:
about the Urban Climate Change Resilience Trust 1. It has been recognised as one of India’s Important
Fund (UCCRTF)? Bird Areas by Birdlife International.
1. The UCCRTF was established under the Urban 2. It is listed under Ramsar List of Wetlands in India.
Financing Partnership Facility. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
2. The eligible countries to receive support from the (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
Fund are Bangladesh and Myanmar only. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

153
ANSWER KEYS
ANCIENT HISTORY & CULTURE
ANSWER KEYS
1. b 30. a 59. b 88. a 117. c 146. d 175. d
2. c 31. d 60. c 89. a 118. d 147. d 176. d
3. c 32. c 61. d 90. b 119. c 148. a 177. a
4. b 33. d 62. b 91. b 120. c 149. b 178. a
5. a 34. b 63. c 92. b 121. c 150. d 179. c
6. a 35. d 64. d 93. c 122. b 151. b 180. a
7. d 36. a 65. d 94. b 123. a 152. c 181. c
8. b 37. d 66. d 95. a 124. c 153. c 182. b
9. d 38. a 67. d 96. d 125. c 154. d 183. a
10. c 39. a 68. b 97. c 126. c 155. c 184. a
11. c 40. c 69. b 98. c 127. a 156. c 185. b
12. c 41. c 70. b 99. d 128. d 157. a 186. a
13. d 42. a 71. d 100. d 129. c 158. d 187. d
14. b 43. c 72. c 101. c 130. c 159. b 188. c
15. a 44. a 73. d 102. b 131. c 160. d 189. c
16. b 45. a 74. d 103. c 132. c 161. c 190. c
17. a 46. a 75. b 104. a 133. c 162. c 191. c
18. d 47. c 76. c 105. a 134. d 163. b 192. a
19. d 48. c 77. c 106. c 135. d 164. d 193. d
20. b 49. d 78. a 107. c 136. b 165. b 194. b
21. d 50. a 79. c 108. d 137. c 166. c 195. b
22. a 51. b 80. d 109. c 138. d 167. c 196. c
23. c 52. b 81. c 110. c 139. b 168. d 197. d
24. d 53. d 82. b 111. c 140. b 169. c 198. d
25. a 54. c 83. c 112. b 141. c 170. c 199. a
26. c 55. d 84. b 113. a 142. a 171. b 200. c
27. c 56. c 85. d 114. b 143. d 172. c
28. b 57. c 86. c 115. a 144. c 173. c
29. b 58. b 87. c 116. b 145. a 174. a

154


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