Indian
Year Book
(2022-23)
Chapter – 24. Environment
Ø THE Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) is the nodal agency in the central government for overseeing the implementation of India’s environment and forest policies and programmes.
Ø The Ministry is also the nodal agency for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED).
Ø The Ministry also coordinates with multilateral bodies such as the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD), Global Environment Facility (GEF) and regional bodies such as Economic and Social Council for Asia and Pacifi c (ESCAP) and South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) on matters pertaining to environment.
Botanical Survey of India
Ø Botanical Survey of India (BSI) is the apex research organisation under Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), for carrying out taxonomic and fl oristic studies on wild plant resources of the country.
Ø It was established in 1890 with the basic objective to explore the plant resources of country and to identify the plant species with economic virtues.
Ø Sir George King, the then Superintendent of the Royal Botanic Garden Calcutta, was appointed as fi rst ex-offi cio Honorary Director of the BSI.
Zoological Survey of India
Ø The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), undertakes survey, exploration and research leading to the advancement of our knowledge on the exceptionally rich faunal diversity of the country since its inception in 1916.
Note
· According to world bio-geographic classifi cation, India represent two of the major realms, the Palearctic and Indo-Malayan, and three biomes viz., tropical humid forests, tropical dry deciduous forests and warm deserts/semi deserts.
· Indian landmass has been classifi ed into 10 bio-geographic zones.
· ZSI documented the faunal resources in eight biogeographic zones, Himalayas with 30,377 species, Trans-Himalayas with 3,324 species, islands with 11,009 species, north-east with 18,527, desert with 3,346, semi-arid with 7424, coasts with 11,883 species, and Western Ghats with 17,099 species.
Ø ZSI is designated as Forensic Laboratory by Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India for solving wildlife case materials and supporting the MoEF&CC.
Forest Survey of India
Ø Forest Survey of India (FSI), a national level organisation under the Ministry is engaged in the assessment of the country’s forest resources on a regular interval.
Ø Established in 1981, the Forest Survey of India succeeded the “Pre-investment Survey of Forest Resources” (PISFR), a project initiated in 1965 by Government of India with the sponsorship of Food and Agriculture Organisation and United Nations Development Programme.
Ø The main objective of PISFR was to ascertain the availability of raw material for establishment of wood based industries in selected areas of the country.
Ø In its report in 1976, the National Commission on Agriculture (NCA) recommended the creation of a National Forest Survey Organisation for collection of reliable data through countrywide comprehensive forest resources survey at regular intervals.
Ø Consequently, PISFR was re-organised into FSI in June 1981.
Biodiversity Conservation
Ø The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is one of the key agreements adopted during the Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992.
Ø The objective of CBD are:
Ø conservation of biological diversity.
Ø sustainable use of its components.
Ø fair and equitable sharing of benefi ts arising out of the use of genetic resources.
Ø India enacted the Biological Diversity (BD) Act in 2002 to give effect to the provision of this Convention.
Ø India also prepared a National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) in 2008, and an Addendum to NBAP in 2014 with 20 national targets on biodiversity.
Ø The Nagoya Protocol on access and benefi t sharing (ABS) adopted under the aegis of CBD in 2010, is aimed at fair and equitable sharing of benefi ts arising from the utilisation of genetic resources.
Biosphere Reserves
Ø The idea of ‘Biosphere Reserves’ was intiated by UNESCO in 1973-74 under its Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme.
Ø The MAB, launched in 1970 by UNESCO, is a broad-based ecological programme.
Ø It is aimed y to develop within the natural and social sciences a basis for the rational use and conservation of the resources of the biosphere and for the improvement of the relationship between man and the environment
Ø to predict the consequences of today’s actions on tomorrow’s world
Ø to increase man’s ability to manage effi ciently the natural resources of the biosphere.
Ø The Indian National Man and Biosphere (MAB) Commitee identifi es and recommends potential sites for designation as Biosphere Reserves, following the UNESCO’s guidelines and criteria.
Ø There are 18 designated Biosphere Reserves (BRs) in all.
Ø Out of 18 Biosphere Reserves, 10 Biosphere Reserves have been included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves of UNESCO.
Biodiversity Conservation
Scheme Relating to Biosafety
Ø The scheme on Biodiversity Conservation was initiated during 1991-92 during the Eighth Plan period.
Ø It aims:
Ø to ensure coordination among various agencies dealing with the issues relating to conservation of biodiversity
Ø to review, monitor implementation of Cartegena Protocol on Biosafety, UNEP-GEF supported Capacity Building Project on Biosafety (Phase-II), and strengthening of Biosafety Management System.
Cartagena Protocol on
Biosafety (CPB)
· It was negotiated under the aegis of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and adopted in 2000.
· India is a party to the Protocol.
· The main objective of the Protocol is to ensure safe transfer, handling and use of living modifi ed organisms (LMOs) resulting from modern biotechnology that may have adverse effect on the conservation of bio diversity, taking taking into account the risk to human health.
Forest Policy
Ø Forest Policy Division deals with the National Forest Policy, 1988, Indian Forest Act, 1927, and its amendments including policy matters and legislative matters of other ministries and state governments related to forests.
Ø The Division is the National Focal Division for the international cooperation on United Nation Forum on Forestry (UNFF), Asia Pacifi c Forestry Commission (APFC), Asia Pacifi c Forest Invasive Species Network (APFISN), Committee on Forestry of FAO Research (COFO), UN-REDD and Centre for International Forestry (CIFOR) and International Poplar Commission of FAO.
Forest Conservation
Ø Forest Conservation division of the Ministry deals with the proposals seeking approvals for use of forest land for non-forestry purpose under Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
Ø The Act provides regulatory mechanism to permit only unavoidable use of forest land for various developmental purposes such as for drinking water projects, irrigation projects, transmission lines, railway lines, roads, power projects, defence related projects and mining.
Wildlife Conservation
Ø There is a Wildlife Division of the Ministry that has two sub-divisions, namely, Project Elephant Division and Wildlife Division.
Ø In addition, there are three autonomous bodies namely:
Ø Wildlife Institute of India (WII) for wildlife research and training.
Ø Central Zoo Authority (CZA) for conservation and zoo management.
Ø National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
Note
· The NTCA has been constituted by converting the Project Tiger Directorate into an autonomous body for tiger conservation.
· The National Zoological Park in the capital is also a part of the Wildlife Wing of the Ministry.
Ø The centrally sponsored scheme, ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats’.
Ø The scheme has following three components:
Ø support to Protected Areas (national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, conservation reserves and community reserves).
Ø protection of wildlife outside protected areas.
Ø recovery programmes for saving critically endangered species and habitats.
Asiatic Lion Conservation
Project
Ø This project was launched in January 2019, with an aim to protect and conserve the world’s last ranging free population of Asiatic Lion and its associated ecosystem.
Ø It is aimed at strengthening the ongoing measures for conservation and recovery of Asiatic Lion with the help of state-of-the-art techniques/ instruments, regular scientifi c research studies, disease management and modern surveillance/patrolling techniques.
Wildlife Crime Control
Bureau
Ø Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) is a statutory multi-disciplinary body established to combat organised wildlife crime in the country.
Ø The Bureau constituted in 2007, has its headquarters in New Delhi and fi ve regional offi ces at Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai and Jabalpur.
Ø It is mandated to collect and collate intelligence related to organised wildlife crime activities and to disseminate the same to state and other enforcement agencies for immediate action so as to apprehend the criminals.
Ø The Bureau has also been tasked:
Ø to establish a centralised wildlife crime data bank.
Ø coordinate actions by various agencies in connection with the enforcement of the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Ø assist foreign authorities and international organisations concerned to facilitate co-ordination and universal action for wildlife crime control.
Ø capacity building of the wildlife crime enforcement agencies for scientifi c and professional investigation into wildlife crime and assist state governments to ensure success in prosecutions related to wildlife crimes.
Ø advise the Government of India on issues relating to wildlife crimes having national and international ramifi cations, and on relevant policy and laws.
Central Zoo Authority
Ø The Central Zoo Authority with its headquarters in New Delhi was established in 1992 under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
Ø It aims to oversee the functioning of zoos in the country with the view to enhance their role in conservation.
Ø The main objective of the Central Zoo Authority is:
Ø to enforce minimum standards and norms for upkeep and healthcare of animals in the Indian zoos.
Ø to control the mushrooming of ill-conceived, ill-planned zoos.
Ø to monitor and evaluate the existing zoos.
Ø to suggest ways and means for the improvement of zoos to transform into potent centres for ex situ conservation of endangered wild fauna.
National Zoological Park
Ø The National Zoological Park (NZP) was set up in 1959.
Ø The main objectives are:
Ø to complement and strengthen the national efforts in conservation of the rich biodiversity of the country, particularly the wild fauna.
Ø supporting the conservation of endangered species by attempting their coordinated breeding under ex situ conditions
Ø raise stocks for rehabilitating them in wild as and when it is appropriate and desirable
Ø to inspire amongst zoo visitors empathy for wild animalsan understanding and awareness about the need for conservation of natural resources and maintaing ecological balance
Ø providing opportunities for scientifi c studies useful for conservation in general and creation of database for sharing between the agencies involved in in situ and ex situ conservation.
Project Elephant
Ø Project Elephant (PE) was launched by the Government of India in 1991-92 as a centrally sponsored scheme.
Ø Objectives:
· to protect elephants, their habitat and corridors.
· to address issues of man-animal conflict.
· ensure the welfare of domesticated elephants.
National Tiger
Conservation Authority / Project Tiger
Ø The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body constituted under enabling provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2006, for strengthening tiger conservation.
Ø ‘Project Tiger’ is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme providing funding support to tiger range states, for in-situ conservation of tigers in designated tiger reserves, and has put the endangered tiger on an assured path of recovery by saving it from extinction.
Project Tiger
Ø Project Tiger was launched in 1973 for conserving the tiger.
Ø From 9 tiger reserves since its formative years, the Project Tiger coverage has increased to 50, spread out in 18 of tiger range states.
Ø These reserves are constituted on a core/ buffer strategy.
Ø The core areas have the legal status of a national park or a sanctuary, whereas the buffer or peripheral areas are a mix of forest and non-forest land, managed as a multiple use area.
Ø The NTCA/ Project Tiger also conducts the country level assessment of the status of tiger, co-predators, prey and habitat once in four years, using the refi ned methodology, as approved by the Tiger Task Force.
Ø Due to the concerted efforts under the Project, India has the distinction of having the maximum number of tigers in the world - 2,967 - to be precise, as per the results of the 4th cycle of the All India Tiger Estimation.
Ø The tiger corridors for gene fl ow have been mapped in the GIS domain.
International Tiger’s Day
· International Tiger’s Day is held every year on 29th July to raise public awareness and support regarding several issues related to tiger conservation.
· The idea behind such an event came up at the St. Petersburg Tiger Summit in 2010.
· During the summit, a panel of experts declared a goal towards tiger conservation, which was to double its population by 2022.
Animal Welfare Board of
India
Ø AWBI is a statutory body established with headquarters at Chennai.
Ø Its basic mandate is to advise the government on animal welfare issues, and create awareness in animal welfare and to implement the regular schemes.
Environmental Impact
Assessment
Ø It is a planning tool to integrate environmental concerns into the developmental process from the initial stage of planning.
Ø It was fi rst used in India as early as 1978 with river valley projects, and later on extended to large public sector projects requiring Public Investment Board (PIB) clearance.
Ø These practices were formally codifi ed for the fi rst time in the EIA Notifi cation, 1994.
Ø This made the requirement of environmental clearance mandatory for 37 categories of projects/ processes, listed therein.
Ø The criterion of investment was the basis for the projects requiring environmental clearance in different sectors.
Air Pollution
Ø Air quality regulation and actions for abatement of air pollution is undertaken under various provisions of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and Environment (Protection) Act (EPA), 1986 which prescribes the mechanism and authorities for handling the issue.
Ø Particulate Matter (PM 10 and PM 2.5), NO and SO2 concentrations are a major concern.
Ø PM10 are inhalable coarse particles, which are particles with a diameter between 2.5 and 10 micrometers (pm) and PM 2.5 are fi ne particles with a diameter of 2.5 pm or less.
§
Measures to Combat Air Pollution
Ø National Ambient Air Quality Standards have been notifi ed for 12 pollutants under the EPA, 1986 along with 115 emission/effl uent standards for 104 different sectors of industries, besides 32 general standards.
Ø Government is executing a nation-wide programme of ambient air quality monitoring known as National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP).
Ø With reference to vehicular pollution, the steps taken include:
Ø introduction of cleaner/ alternate fuels like gaseous fuel (CNG,
LPG, etc.).
Ø ethanol blending.
Ø universalisation of BS-IV by 2017.
Ø leapfrogging from BS-IV to BS-VI fuel standards.
Ø on going promotion of public transport network of metro, buses, e-rickshaws and promotion of carpooling.
Ø streamlining granting of Pollution Under Control Certifi cate.
Ø lane discipline; vehicle maintenance; etc.
Ø National Air Quality Index (AQI) was launched in 2015 starting with 14 cities and then extended to 34.
Ø This plan specifi es actions required for controlling particulate matter (PM) emissions from various sources.
Ø It prevents PM 10 and PM 2.5 levels to go beyond ‘moderate’ national Air Quality Index (AQI) category.
Ø Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued a comprehensive set of directions for implementation of 42 measures to mitigate air pollution in major cities including Delhi and NCR.
Ø In order to involve people in the efforts, the government organizes a campaign called ‘Harit Diwali’.
Noise Pollution
Ø Under National Environmental Policy (NEP)- 2006, ambient noise has been included as a regular parameter for monitoring in specifi ed urban areas.
Ø Protocol for National Ambient Noise Monitoring Network Programme has been prepared.
Ø Central Pollution Control Board in association with state pollution control boards established Real Time National Ambient Noise Monitoring Network in 7 metropolitan cities and installed 70 noise monitoring systems in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Lucknow and Hyderabad.
Ø The steps taken to reduce noise pollution, inter alia, include:
Ø advisories for noise monitoring on the occasion of Diwali.
Ø prohibition of the use of fi reworks between 10.00 p.m. and 06.00 a.m.
Ø publicity regarding the ill-effects of fi recrackers, sensitisation of students through course curriculum besides general awareness building of public at large to avoid bursting of fi recrackers.
Ø issuance of directions under Section 5 of Environment (Protection), Act, 1986 and under Section 18 (1) (b) of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
Scheme of Common Effluent
Treatment Plants
Ø The concept of the Common Effl uent Treatment Plants (CETPs) arose in order to make a co-operative movement for pollution control.
Ø Wastewater treatment and water conservation are the prime objectives of the CETP.
Ø A centrally sponsored scheme has been undertaken by the government for enabling small scale industries (SSI).
Ø The salient features of the revised scheme include:
Ø the central subsidy has been enhanced from 25 per cent to 50 per cent of the project cost.
Ø all the three levels of treatment, primary, secondary and tertiary are to be covered for assistance.
Ø the management of the Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETP) is to be entrusted to a Special Purpose Vehicle registered under an appropriate statute.
Chemical Safety
Ø In order to ensure chemical safety, the Ministry notifi ed two sets of Rules under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, viz.,
Ø The Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemicals Rules, 1989 (MSIHC)
Ø The Chemical Accidents (Emergency, Planning, Preparedness, and Response) Rules (EPPR), 1996 " The main objectives of the MSIHC rules are to: y prevent major accidents arising from industrial activities.
Ø limit the effects of such accidents.
Ø A set of rules entitled Chemicals Accidents (Emergency Planning, Preparedness and Response) Rules, 1996 was notifi ed with the aim of providing administrative structure at national, state, district and local levels.
Ø The Chemical Accidents (EPPR) Rules, 1996, envisage a four-tier crisis management system in the country at the central, state, district and local levels.
Hazardous Waste Management
Ø To address the issue of ensuring management of hazardous waste during handling of such waste, Hazardous Waste (Management, Handling & Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2008, were notifi ed under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Ø The Rules lay down procedure towards this process by providing provisions for authorisation of units generating and using hazardous waste.
Ø It also provides for establishment of Treatment Storage and Disposal Facility (TSDF) for disposal of hazardous wastes.
Ø The rules have an important provision on regulation of import/export of hazardous waste in pursuance to our obligation under the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous wastes and their Disposal.
Ø India is party to the Convention. "
Ø The major salient features of Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016 include the following:
Ø the ambit of the Rules has been expanded by including ‘Other-Waste’
Ø authorisation and registration requirement is replaced with one permission, i.e., authorisation under the rules for all stakeholders handling the hazardous and other waste
Ø waste management hierarchy in the sequence of priority as prevention, minimisation, reuse, recycling, recovery, co-processing; and safe disposal being incorporated
Ø the process of import/export of waste under the rules has been streamlined by simplifying the procedure and by revising the list of waste regulated for import/ export
Ø a separate schedule has been introduced which comprises waste such as metal scrap, paper waste and various categories of electrical and electronic equipments for re-use purpose exempted from the need of obtaining Ministry’s permission.
Solid Waste Management
§
Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016
Ø The new rules are now applicable beyond municipal areas and extend to urban agglomerations; census towns; notified industrial townships; areas under the control of Indian Railways; airports, airbase; port and harbour; defence establishments’ special economic zones; state and central government organisations, places of pilgrimage, religious and historical importance.
Ø The segregation of waste at source has been mandated.
Ø Responsibilities of generators have been fi xed for segregation of waste into three streams, wet (biodegradable), dry (plastic, paper, metal, wood, etc.) and domestic hazardous wastes (diapers, napkins, empty containers of cleaning agents, mosquito repellents, etc.).
Ø The Rules provide ways for integration of waste pickers/rag pickers.
Ø The Rules mandate local bodies to frame their bye-laws to impose a ‘User Fee’, to be paid by the generator to waste collector and a ‘Spot Fine’ for littering and non-segregation.
Ø The concept of partnership as envisaged under Swachh Bharat has been introduced viz., bulk and institutional generators, market associations, event organisers and hotels and restaurants have been directly made responsible for waste segregation and management in partnership with local bodies.
Ø All resident welfare and market associations, gated communities and institutions with an area >5,000 sq.m., new townships and group housing societies have been made responsible to develop in-house waste handling, and processing arrangements for biodegradable waste.
Ø The 2016 Rules were amended in 2020 to include villages with a population more than 3,000.
Plastic Waste Management
Rules, 2016
Ø To address the issue of scientifi c plastic waste management, new regulations namely, the Plastic Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011, were notifi ed.
Ø The Rules provide for:
Ø increase in minimum thickness of plastic carry bags from 40 to 50 microns
Ø fi rst time cover and stipulate minimum thickness of 50 microns for plastic sheets being used for packaging and wrapping commodities to facilitate collection and recycle of plastic waste
Ø revamped pricing mechanisms for plastic carry bags by introducing plastic waste management fee to be paid by retailers/street vendors willing to provide carry bags as pre-registration charge
Ø ways and means to promote gainful utilization of plastic waste such as energy recovery, in road construction, etc.
Ø introducing user charge and spot fi nes by the local authority
Fly Ash Utilisation
Ø The fast-increasing demand of power coupled with its dependence on coal for about 2/3rd of its energy requirement is leading to generation of large volume of fl y ash.
Ø To address the environmental problems of
Ø flash disposal, notifi cation was issued on fl
Ø ash utilization in 1999 prescribing the targets for the f yash utilisation for coal/lignite power based thermal power stations with the aim to achieve 100 per cent utilisation in a phased manner. "
Ø The notification was amended in 2003, 2009 and in 2016.
Ø The utilisation of fl y ash has increased from 6.64 million ton in 1996-97 to a level of 107.77 million ton in 2015-16.
Ø Fly ash earlier considered to be “hazardous industrial waste” material, is now considered to be a useful and saleable commodity.
Ø The objectives of this notifi cation are:
Ø to protect environment. y conserve the top soil.
Ø prevent dumping of fl y ash from thermal power stations on land.
Ø to promote utilisation of ash in the manufacture of building materials and construction activity.
International Conventions
§
Basel Convention
· The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal was adopted in 1989 in Basel, Switzerland.
· The objective of the Basel Convention is to protect human health and the environment against the adverse effects of hazardous wastes.
Rotterdam Convention
Ø The Rotterdam Convention on the prior informed consent procedure for certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade came into force in 2004.
Ø India acceded to the convention a year later.
Ø The Designated National Authorities (DNAs) for India are in Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
Ø The Official Contact Points (OCPs) are designated in Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Ø There are 47 chemicals listed in Annex III to this Convention, which include 33 pesticides and 14 industrial chemicals.
Stockholm Convention
Ø The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) is a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from POPs.
Ø The Convention sought initially 12 chemicals, for restriction or elemination of the production and release. Now, the Convention covers 23 chemicals.
Ø The Convention came into force in 2004.
Ø India ratifi ed the Convention in 2006.
Ø In India, National Implementation Plan (NIP) has been developed through Global Environment Facility (GEF) funding.
Ø Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change serves as the focal point for GEF and Stockholm Convention.
Ø Designated national authorities are in Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers.
Minamata Convention on
Mercury
Ø In February 2009, the Governing Council of UNEP adopted Decision 25/5 on the development of a global legally binding instrument on mercury.
Ø At the Conference of Plenipotentiaries held in 2013 in Minamata and Kumamoto, Japan, the “Minamata Convention on Mercury”, a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of mercury, was formally adopted.
Strategic Approach to
International Chemicals Management
Ø In 2006, over 190 countries including India acceded to the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM).
Ø It is an international policy framework to foster sound management of chemicals.
National River
Conservation Plan
Ø The river conservation programme was initiated with the launching’of the Ganga Action Plan (GAP) in 1985.
Ø The Ganga Action Plan was expanded to cover other rivers under National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) in 1995.
Ø The objective of NRCP is to improve the water quality of rivers, which are major water sources in the country, through implementation of pollution abatement works in various towns along identifi ed polluted stretches of rivers on cost sharing basis between the central and state governments.
National Plan for
Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems
Ø The National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Eco-systems (NPCA) is a single conservation programme for both wetlands and lakes.
Ø It covers activities such as interception, diversion and treatment of wastewater, shoreline protection, lake front development, in-situ cleaning, i.e., desilting and de-weeding, storm water management, bioremediation, catchment area treatment, lake beautifi cation, survey and demarcation, bio-fencing, fi sheries development, weed control and biodiversity conservation along with encouraging community participation and creating awareness.
Conservation of Wetlands
Ø Major pressures on wetlands include fragmentation of hydrological regimes, siltation from degraded catchments, pollution, spread of invasive species and over-harvesting of resources.
Ø To control degradation and conserve wetlands, the National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP) was initiated in 1987 and fi nancial assistance is being provided to the state governments for implementing action plans for conservation and management of identifi ed wetlands.
Ramsar Convention
Ø As a commitment for conserving potential wetlands, India became a signatory to the Ramsar Convention in 1982.
Ø As per this Convention, India is committed for international cooperation and to take national action for conservation and wise use of wetlands.
Ø At present there are 42 Ramsar sites in India.
Ø Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules
Ø To implement the objectives of the convention, a regulatory mechanism was put in place through Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules in December 2010 vide GSR-951(E).
Ø Central Wetland Regulatory Authority (CWRA) has been constituted under the Wetlands Rules, 2010.
Ø About 25 wetlands spread over 14 states have already been notifi ed under these Rules.
World Wetlands Day
Ø World Wetland Day is celebrated on 2nd February for increasing awareness about the need for conservation and wise use of wetlands all over the world.
Ø On this occasion, in 2021 launch of a Centre for Wetland Conservation and Management as part of the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Chennai, was launched.
National Afforestation and
Eco-Development Board
Ø In order to promote afforestation, tree planting, ecological restoration and eco-development activities in the country, the National Afforestation and Eco Development Board (NAEB) was set up in 1992.
Ø Special attention is also given by NAEB to the regeneration of degraded forest areas and lands adjoining forest areas, national parks, sanctuaries and other protected areas as well as the ecologically fragile areas like the Western Himalayas, Aravallis, Western Ghats etc.
National Afforestation
Programme
Ø National Afforestation Programme (NAP) is a major afforestation scheme of the NAEB in the Government of India, launched in 2000-02.
Ø The programme is now implemented through a three-tier system of State Forests Development Agencies (SFDAs) at the state level, Forest Development Agencies (FDAs) at the district/forest division level and Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) at the village level.
Eco-Development Forces
Scheme
Ø Eco-Development Forces (EDF) Scheme was established in 1980s as a scheme under Ministry of Defence for ecological restoration of terrains, rendered difficult either due to severe degradation or remote location or diffi cult law and order situation.
Ø It is based on twin objectives of ecological regeneration in diffi cult areas, and promotion of meaningful employment to ex-servicemen.
National Mission for Green
India
Ø The National Mission for a Green India (GIM), one of the eight missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change aims at protecting and enhancing India’s diminishing forest cover to counter the perils of climate change.
Ø It envisages a holistic view of greening and focuses on multiple ecosystem services along with carbon sequestration and emission reduction as co-benefi t.
Ø Interventions:
· enhancing quality of forest cover and improving ecosystem services.
· ecosystem restoration and increase in forest cover.
· agroforestry and social forestry.
· promoting alternative fuel energy.
Declaring Eco-Sensitive
Areas in Western Ghats
The concept of Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) provides a mechanism to conserve biological diversity of an area while allowing for sustainable development to take place.
National Natural Resources
Management System
Ø The scheme “National Natural Resources Management System” (NNRMS) is a part of an umbrella scheme of the erstwhile Planning Commission-Planning Committee-National Natural Resources Management System (PC-NNRMS).
Ø It is in operation since 1985.
Ø The prime objective of PC NNRMS is utilisation of remote sensing technology for inventorisation, assessment and monitoring of country’s natural resources.
GLOBE
Ø The Global Learning and Observation to Benefi t the Environment (GLOBE) —an international science and education programme—provides a unique opportunity to the school students.
Ø It is to carry out various experiments so that they can learn about scientifi c protocols and perform environmental learning activities.
Ø The programme focuses on hands- on-approach based environmental learning and has tremendous potential in enhancing the quality of environment education.
National Green Tribunal
Ø The National Green Tribunal (NGT) was set up in 2010 under the NGT Act, 2010.
Ø It was established for the purpose of effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources including enforcement of any legal right relating to environment and giving relief and compensation for damages to persons and property and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
Ø It is a specialised body equipped with the necessary expertise to handle environmental disputes involving multi-disciplinary issues.
Ø The Tribunal shall not be bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, but shall be guided by principles of natural justice.
Ø The Tribunal is mandated to make an endeavour for disposal of applications or appeals fi nally within 6 months of fi ling.
Ø NGT has fi ve places of sitting, i.e, the Principal Bench in Delhi and Zonal Benches in Pune, Kolkata, Bhopal and Chennai.
Ø Apart from this, the Tribunal holds three circuit Benches at Shimla, Shillong and Jodhpur.
Climate Change
Ø Many important bilateral and multilateral meetings and negotiations are held at regular intervals, the 26th Conference of Parties being one of the most curcial meets
National and State Action
Plans on Climate Change
Ø The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) is being implemented through the nodal ministries in specifi c sectors/areas.
Ø Eight national missions in the area of solar energy, enchanced energy effi ciency, sustainable agriculture, sustainable habitat, water, Himalayan eco-system, Green India and strategic knowledge for climate change form the core of NAPCC.
National Adaptation Fund
for Climate Change
Ø National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC) is a central sector scheme under implementation in the 12th Five Year Plan with National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) as National Implementing Entity (NIE).
Ø The overall aim of the fund is to support concrete adaptation activities which are not covered under ongoing activities through the schemes of state and central government, that reduce the adverse impact of climate change facing communities, sectors and states.
Climate Change Action
Programme
§
‘Climate Change Action Programme’ was started in January
2014.
Ø It objective are:
· to create and strengthen the scientifi c and analytical capacity for assessment of climate change in the country.
· putting in place appropriate institutional framework for scientifi c.
· policy initiatives and implementation of climate change related actions in the context of sustainable development.
Ø The National Carbonaceous Aerosols Programme (NCAP) is a major multi-institutional and multiagency study.
Ø In this initiative, MoEFCC will collaborate with the Ministry of Earth Sciences, the Indian Space Research Organisation, the Ministry of Science and Technology and other associated agencies to enhance understanding of the role of black carbon in climate change through monitoring and assessment using modeling techniques.
Paris Agreement
Ø India ratifi ed the Paris Agreement to the UNFCCC in 2016.
Ø The action plan for implementation of Paris Agreement and its components is being developed
Green Climate Fund
Ø Green Climate Fund (GCF) is the operating entity of the fi nancial mechanism of the UNFCCC.
Ø It aims to deliver a 50:50 balance between mitigation and adaptation allocations in its portfolio.
Ø So far, three projects have been approved to India with a total cost of USD 177.8 million GCF funding.
Ø The total value of these three projects is USD 546.6 million to address both adaptation measures and mitigation action.
Climate Change Knowledge
Portal
Ø India’s Climate Change Knowledge Portal (www.cckpindia.nic.in) was launched in 2020.
Ø The portal is a single point information resource which captures sector-wise adaptation and mitigation actions that are being taken by the various line ministries in one place including updated information on their implementation.
Ozone Cell
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Ozone Layer Protection
· Ozone, a tri-atomic molecule of oxygen is formed from oxygen naturally in the upper levels of the earth’s atmosphere by high energy ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
· The UV radiation breaks down oxygen molecules, releasing free atoms, some of which bond with other oxygen molecules to form ozone.
· About 90 per cent of ozone formed in this way lies between 10 and 50 kilometres above the earth’s surface, called the Stratosphere.
· The ozone found in the part of the atmosphere is called the ozone layer.
· The ozone layer absorbs all the harmful UV-B radiations emanating from the sun.
· It protects plant and animal life from UV-B radiation. The UV-B radiation has the potential to cause skin cancer, cataract, suppress body’s immune system, decrease crop yield etc,
· This led to the adoption of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer in 1985 and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in 1987.
· Montreal Protocol: The mandate of the Montreal Protocol is to phase out the production and consumption of the Ozone Depleting Substances (ODSs).
· India is a party to the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and all its amendments/adjustments.
· The MoEFCC has set up the Ozone Cell as a National Ozone Unit (NOU) to render necessary services for effective and timely implementation of the protocol and its ODs phase-out programme in India.
United Nations Convention to Combat
Desertifi cation
Ø The concern for arresting and reversing land degradation and desertifi cation gets refl ected in many of the national policies, which have enabling provisions for addressing these problems.
Ø National Water Policy 2012
Ø National Forest Policy 1988
Ø National Agricultural Policy 2000
Ø Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
Ø Environment (Protection) Act, 1986,
Ø National Environmental Policy, 2006
Ø National Policy for Farmers, 2007
Ø National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA)-2007]
Ø It is also implicit in the goals of Sustainable Forest Management (SFM), Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Land Management (SLM).
Ø India became a signatory to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertifi cation (UNCCD) in 1994.
Ø MoEFCC is the nodal ministry in the Government of India for the UNCCD, and Desertifi cation Cell is the nodal point within MoEFCC to co-ordinate all issues pertaining to the convention. " United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Ø India is a member of UNEP and provides annual fi nancial contribution of USD 1,00,000 to UNEP Environment Fund.
Ø Three of the thirty-three members on UNEP’s International Resource Panel (IRP) are currently from India.
Global Environment
Facility
Ø India is a founding member of Global Environment Facility (GEF).
Ø Set up in 1991, GEF is the designated multilateral funding mechanism of 183 countries.
Ø The GEF mandate is decided as per the guidance provided by the Conference of Parties of the multilateral environmental conventions namely Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), United Nations Convention to Combat Desertifi cation (UNCCD), Stockholm Convention on PoPs and Minamata Convention on Mercury.
Ø The GEF grants are available under fi ve focal areas, namely, biodiversity, climate change, land degradation, international waters and chemicals and waste.
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