Q1; How does the draft Environment Impact Assessment(EIA)Notification, 2020 differ from the existing EIA Notification, 2006? (Environment and Ecology)
Ans:
Proposed Changes in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification:The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has recently introduced a draft Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) notification in 2020, aiming to replace the existing one from 2006. EIA is a crucial process for evaluating the potential environmental impact of a proposed project.
Environmental Impact Assessment Overview: Under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, India established its first EIA norms in 1994, creating a legal framework to regulate activities that access, utilize, and affect (pollute) natural resources. Since then, every development project has been required to undergo the EIA process to obtain prior environmental clearance. This process involves considering public views before granting final approval for any developmental project or activity.
Differences Between Draft EIA Notifications 2020 and 2006:
Concerns Regarding the Draft EIA 2020:
Q2: What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security? (Environment and Ecology)
Ans:
Jal Shakti Abhiyan Overview: The Jal Shakti Abhiyan is a time-bound, mission-mode campaign aimed at water conservation and water security. It serves as a mass movement, bringing together all stakeholders for a comprehensive water conservation drive. The campaign primarily targets water-stressed blocks and districts.
Water Scarcity in India: India, with nearly 17.7% of the world's population, has access to only 4% of usable water sources. Poor resource management and insufficient government attention are major contributors to water scarcity. A June 2019 NITI Aayog report highlights the severe water crisis, affecting approximately 600 million people or about 45% of India's population. The report predicts cities running out of groundwater by 2020, 40% of the population lacking access to drinking water by 2030, and a 6% GDP loss by 2050 due to the water crisis.
Salient Features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan:
Target Areas: Focus on water-stressed districts and blocks.
Key Interventions: Teams from the central government, working with district administration, will implement five crucial water conservation interventions:
Supplementary Interventions: Additional measures include developing block and district water conservation plans, promoting efficient water use for irrigation, and guiding crop choices through Krishi Vigyan Kendras.
Jal Jeevan Mission: Launched in response to the 2019 water crisis, the Jal Shakti Abhiyan aims to ensure water source sustainability in rural areas, complementing the ongoing Jal Jeevan Mission by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Q3: What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the government of India? (Environment and Ecology)
Ans:
National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) is a comprehensive national framework aimed at managing air quality, featuring time-bound reduction targets. The NCAP is designed as a mid-term, five-year action plan, with its initiation in 2019.
Key Features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP):
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