Environment & Ecology - 3 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

New Target to Reduce Air Pollution

The government has recently revised the target for reducing particulate matter concentration in cities covered under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). The new goal aims for a 40% reduction by 2026, which is higher than the previous target of 20 to 30% reduction by 2024.

National Clean Air Programme: An Overview

The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) is a national framework for air quality management, launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in January 2019. Its primary objective is to reduce the concentration of particulate matter (PM) in the air by at least 20% in the next five years, with 2017 as the base year for comparison. The program covers 132 non-attainment cities, which are those that have fallen short of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for over five years.

Key Points:

• NCAP is the first-ever effort in the country to frame a national framework for air quality management with a time-bound reduction target.
• The program seeks to reduce the concentration of coarse (PM10) and fine particles (PM2.5).
• The target for PM reduction is set at 20% in the next five years, with 2017 as the base year for comparison.
• The program covers 132 non-attainment cities, which were identified by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
• Non-attainment cities are those that have fallen short of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for over five years.
• NAAQs are the standards for ambient air quality with reference to various identified pollutants notified by the CPCB under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
• The list of pollutants under NAAQS includes PM10, PM2.5, SO₂, NO₂, CO, NH₃, Ozone, Lead, Benzene, Benzo-Pyrene, Arsenic, and Nickel.

Goal:

• The aim is to improve and enhance the efficiency of the air quality monitoring networks across India.
• To have effective data dissemination and public outreach systems to implement prompt measures to prevent and mitigate air pollution.
• To develop a practical management strategy to prevent, control and mitigate air pollution.

Initiatives taken by India for Controlling Air Pollution

System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) Portal:

• Developed to forecast and provide real-time information on air quality in major cities.
• Provides information on air quality in terms of AQI (Air Quality Index).

Air Quality Index (AQI):

• Developed for eight pollutants, including PM2.5, PM10, Ammonia, Lead, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, ozone, and carbon monoxide.
• Measures the level of air pollution in a given area, helps in informing people about the quality of air, and encourages them to take appropriate measures.

Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) (for Delhi):

• A comprehensive plan to combat air pollution in Delhi.
• Implemented in a phased manner depending on the air quality of the city.
• It includes measures like stopping construction activities, shutting down thermal power plants, and implementing odd-even road rationing for private vehicles.

For Reducing Vehicular Pollution:

• Implementation of BS-VI Emission Standards for vehicles.
• Encouragement for Electric Vehicles (EVs) through the FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles in India) scheme.
• Implementation of Odd-Even Policy as an emergency measure (for Delhi) during periods of high pollution.

New Commission for Air Quality Management:

• Established to ensure better coordination among different agencies involved in controlling air pollution.
• Provides directions to state governments to control air pollution in non-attainment cities.

Subsidy to farmers for buying Turbo Happy Seeder (THS) Machine:

• Given to reduce stubble burning, a significant contributor to air pollution in Northern India.

National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP):

• Regular monitoring of four air pollutants, including SO₂, NO₂, PM10, and PM2.5, at all locations.
• It helps to keep track of the air quality of the country and take appropriate measures to control air pollution.

Cheetah Reintroduction in India

• The cheetah, which belongs to the Panthera, Puma, and Acinonyx genus, will be introduced as the fifth big cat in India after Tiger, Lion, Leopard, and Snow Leopard.
• In 2009, India's former environment minister approved the cheetah re-introduction plan, but the Supreme Court rejected it in 2013.
• The Indian government re-introduced the cheetah project in 2017, and the Supreme Court approved it in 2020 on an experimental basis.
• Eight African cheetahs will be translocated from Namibia to Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park.
• This will be the first time that a large carnivore will be transferred from one continent to another.
• The aim is to establish a cheetah metapopulation that will contribute to the worldwide conservation of the animal and restore India's historical ecological balance.
• The conservation of cheetahs is expected to rejuvenate the grassland forests and their ecosystems, similar to how Project Tiger has aided in the restoration of forests and their associated species.

About Cheetah

• The cheetah has a long history in India, as depicted by a Neolithic cave painting found in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh.
• The name "cheetah" is believed to have originated from the Sanskrit term "Chitrak," meaning "the spotted one."
• The cheetah disappeared from India in 1947, and they were hunted down and killed brutally, leading to their official declaration of extinction by the Indian government in 1952.
• The cheetah has also become extinct in 14 other countries since the 1940s, including Jordan, Iraq, Israel, Morocco, Syria, Oman, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Djibouti, Ghana, Nigeria, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

Seven Big Cats

Tiger (Panthera Tigris):

• The tiger is an ancient species and the largest of all wild cats.
• It is primarily found in forests, from the Siberian taiga to the Sunderban Delta.
• Listed as "Endangered" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
• It is the national animal of India, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and South Korea.

Lion (Panthera Leo):

• The lion is native to Africa and Asia and usually lives in groups called "Prides".
• Listed as "Vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
• One of the most recognizable animal symbols, featured from Ashokan Pillars to the entrance of Buckingham Palace.
• Usually found in open forests.

Jaguar (Panthera Onca):

• The largest cat in America and has the strongest bite.
• Melanistic (Black) jaguars are the most common ones and are often called Black Panthers.
• Listed as "Near Threatened" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Genus Acinonyx (Cheetah):

• The cheetah is the only living species in this unique genus within the cat family.
• Listed as "Vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
• Known for being the fastest land mammal and has a grip that allows it to accelerate faster than a sports car (0-100 km/hr in 3 sec.).

Leopard (Panther Pardus):

• The leopard is similar in appearance to the jaguar and is the most adaptable of all big cats.
• Can survive in diverse habitats at all altitudes across Africa and Asia.
• Melanistic leopards are called black panthers.

Snow Leopard (Panthera Uncia):

• Lives above the snow line in Central and South Asia.
• Cannot roar and has the longest tail of all big cats.
• Listed as "Vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
• State animal of Ladakh and Himachal.

Genus Puma (Cougar):

• This genus has only one extant species which is known as the cougar.
• The second largest cat in America after the jaguar.
• Range from the Canadian Yukon to the Southern Andes.

Reintroduction of Cheetahs in Kuno National Park

• Semi-arid grasslands and forests in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh are habitats for both Cheetahs and Asiatic Lions.
• Similarities in rainfall, temperature, and altitude between Kuno and South Africa/Namibia.
• Kuno has a diverse prey population, including peafowl, wild pigs, gazelle, langurs, chital, sambhar, and nilgai.

Associated risks of translocation

• Genetic diversity: Difficulty in finding genetically suitable animals can lead to inbreeding and depression in the new population of Cheetahs.
• Habitat and prey base: The factors responsible for the extinction of the species must be dealt with to secure the habitat in the wild before translocation. Physical security, enough space, and ample food are priorities.
• Landscape viability: Cheetahs will remain susceptible to demographic and environmental events in a fragmented landscape.

Way forward

• A strategy for monitoring with veterinary oversight and scientific assessment of the degree of adaptation is required.
• Outreach and awareness events to familiarize locals with the reintroduction strategy and sensitize the youth. Chintu Cheetah is the designated mascot for the Cheetah introduction project.
• Equal consideration for the protection of native species and their habitat. Develop a proper rehabilitation policy that includes proper communication between administrative officers and residents.

International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA)

Context:

The 9th Governing Body Session of the "International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture" (ITPGRFA) is scheduled to be held in India.

About:

• The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) is a legally binding agreement adopted in November 2001.
  • Adopted during the 31st session of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Rome.
  • Entered into force on June 29, 2004.
  • Currently has 149 Contracting Parties, including India.
• The treaty aims to achieve food and nutritional security, as well as climate resilient agriculture.
  • Countries are inter-dependent for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA).
  • A global order is essential to facilitate access and benefit sharing.
• The treaty formally acknowledges the contribution of indigenous people and small-holder farmers as traditional custodians of the world's food crops.
• The treaty was aimed at:
  • Recognizing the significant contribution of farmers to the diversity of crops that feed the world.
  • Establishing a global system to provide farmers, plant breeders, and scientists with access to plant genetic materials.
  • Ensuring that recipients share benefits they derive from the use of these genetic materials with the countries where they have originated.

Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment)

Why in News:

• Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister at the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, with the presence of the U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

Importance of Individual and Community Actions in Addressing Environmental Degradation and Climate Change

• Environmental degradation and climate change are global issues that impact ecosystems and populations worldwide.
• Macro measures such as policy reforms, economic incentives, and regulations have been implemented over the past two decades to address these issues globally.
• However, there has been limited attention to actions required at the individual and community level.
• Changing individual and community behavior alone can significantly reduce environmental and climate crises.
• The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) states that if one billion people out of the global population of eight billion adopt environment-friendly behaviors in their daily lives, global carbon emissions could drop by approximately 20%.
  • This highlights the potential impact of individual actions on the environment.
• Therefore, it is essential to encourage and promote environment-friendly behaviors at the individual and community level to combat environmental degradation and climate change.
  • For instance, actions such as reducing plastic usage, conserving energy, and promoting sustainable transportation can have a significant impact.

Introduction to Mission LiFE

• Mission LiFE was announced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, at the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP26).
• The goal of Mission LiFE is to emphasize individual behaviors in the global climate action narrative.
• The initiative aims to replace the current 'use-and-dispose' economy, characterized by mindless and destructive consumption, with a circular economy based on mindful and deliberate utilization.
• LiFE envisions a circular economy that would contribute to sustainable development and the well-being of people and the planet.
• The initiative focuses on encouraging individuals to adopt sustainable behaviors such as reducing waste, conserving resources, and using renewable energy.
• By promoting these behaviors, LiFE aims to mitigate the impact of climate change and environmental degradation caused by excessive consumption and waste.

Approach:

• Emphasis on individual behaviors: Initiate a mass movement by focusing on attitudes and behaviors of individuals and communities
• Global co-creation: Gather practical and scalable ideas from the world's best minds, universities, think tanks, and international organizations
• Capitalize on local cultures: Utilize climate-friendly social norms, beliefs, and daily household practices from different cultures to advance the campaign

Objectives:

• Promote an environmentally conscious lifestyle based on "mindful and deliberate utilization" instead of "mindless and wasteful consumption"
• Use collective action to motivate individuals worldwide to adopt simple climate-friendly actions in their daily lives
• Establish and foster a global community of "Pro-Planet People" (P3) who are dedicated to adopting and promoting environmentally friendly lifestyles
• Harness the power of social networks to shape social norms around climate.

India's track record:

• India has a history of translating the aspirations of national missions into whole-of-society efforts, as seen with the success of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
• The Prime Minister and Secretary-General are calling on consumers worldwide to become "Pro Planet People" by 2027, encouraging simple lifestyle changes that can lead to transformational change.
• At COP26, PM Narendra Modi announced India's Panchamrit strategy that includes initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
• Other national schemes, such as the National Action Plan on Climate Change, National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), and National Biofuel Policy, are also related initiatives.

Initiatives Related to Climate Change:

• Glasgow Climate Meet (COP26): At the COP26 summit in Glasgow, the Paris Agreement mechanism of obtaining pledges from countries and gradually increasing them was strengthened.
• Panchamrit Strategy: During COP26, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the Panchamrit strategy, which includes goals for climate action and involves initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
• International Solar Alliance (ISA): The ISA is a collaboration between India and France aimed at mobilizing efforts against climate change through the use of solar energy solutions.
• Various National Schemes: India has implemented several national schemes to address climate change, including the National Action Plan on Climate Change, the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), and the National Biofuel Policy.

Future Prospects:

• India, the UN, and 26 other entities are committed partners in this mission to give new life to climate action.
• With over 1.3 billion people, India is an excellent place to start the Jan Andolan as a true mass movement.
• The Paris Agreement and COP26 summit represent urgent, collective steps to limit emissions.
• A global movement requires guiding frameworks and information sharing.

UNESCO: Mawmluh Cave in Meghalaya first Indian Geoheritage Site

• The International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) has recognized the Mawmluh Cave in Meghalaya, India, as one of the first 100 geological heritage sites.
• The IUGS will present the full list of the 100 geological heritage sites at its 60th-anniversary event in Zumaia, Spain.
• The recognition of the 100 geological heritage sites is expected to initiate an effort to designate iconic geological sites worldwide that are widely acknowledged for their impact on understanding the Earth and its history.
• The Society of Earth Scientists submitted the proposal to recognize Mawmluh Cave as one of the first 100 global geoheritage sites.
• Over 200 specialists from almost 40 countries and 10 international organizations participated in the identification and shortlisting of the sites.

Measurements and Features of Mawmluh Cave

• Mawmluh Cave is located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya and has been recognised as one of the first 100 IUGS geological heritage sites.
• The cave is the fourth longest cave in the Indian subcontinent with a length of 7.2kms.
• It is a maze-like structure with many openings and is adorned with various geological formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, columns, drapes and moon milk.
• The cave is situated at an altitude of 4503m and is particularly famous for its stalagmite formations.
• Mawmluh Cave features a pool that is formed from the confluence of five different rivers that flow through the cave.

Important takeaways about International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) and International Science Council (ISC):

• The International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) is a large scientific organization of UNESCO.
• IUGS was founded in 1961 and has its headquarters in Paris, France, with a secretariat in Beijing, China.
• The motto of IUGS is "Earth Science for the Global Community."
• IUGS is a parent organization of the International Science Council (ISC).
• The International Science Council was founded on July 4, 2018, and is headquartered in Paris, France.
• Peter Gluckman is the President of the International Science Council.

Vulture Conservation

Context:

• The Tamil Nadu Government has recently established a State-level committee to develop an institutional framework for the effective conservation of vultures.
• The vulture population in India saw a drastic decline of 96% between 1993 and 2003, which raised concerns about their survival.
• To address this, the Central government introduced two national-level action plans in 2006 and 2020-2025 to protect the species.
• One of the essential action points in the ongoing plan is to form State-level committees to conserve the critically endangered vultures.

Tamil Nadu is home to four types of Vulture species

Oriental white-backed vulture:

• Most common vulture species in Africa
• Initially classified as Least Concern in 1988 due to large population and range
• Reassessed as Near Threatened in 2007 IUCN Red List
• Added to Endangered species list in 2012
• Up-listed to Critically Endangered in 2015 due to extreme risk of extinction

Long-billed vulture:

• Native to India, Pakistan, and Nepal
• Critically Endangered on IUCN Red List since 2002
• Died of diclofenac poisoning, which causes kidney failure
• Breeds mainly on hilly crags in central and peninsular India
• Population decreased by 99% to 97% in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India
• Diclofenac is believed to be swallowed by vultures with the flesh of dead cattle given the drug in their last days of life

Red-headed vulture:

• Mainly found in the Indian subcontinent with small populations in Southeast Asia
• Has no subspecies
• Range localized primarily in northern India
• Up-listed to Critically Endangered in 2007 IUCN Red List

Egyptian vulture:

• Also known as the white scavenger vulture or pharaoh’s chicken
• Only member of the genus Neophron
• Widely distributed from the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa to India
• Endangered on IUCN Red List.

Conservation Strategies for Vultures in India:

• Protecting nesting and roosting sites by identifying and removing potential threats.
• Ensuring food and water sources are available for vultures.
• Studying vulture behavior and habitat use to better understand their needs.
• Implementing the Vulture Recovery Plan, which includes banning the veterinary use of diclofenac and finding suitable substitutes, as well as setting up conservation breeding centers for vultures.
• Enforcing the Action Plan for Vulture Conservation 2020-2025.
• Addressing concerns raised in a PIL filed in Delhi High Court regarding the toxicity of nimesulide, aceclofenac, and ketoprofen to vultures.
• Establishing a committee comprised of members from the Bombay Natural History Society and the Indian Veterinary Research Institute to create a release policy for vultures bred at conservation centers.