UPSC Mains Previous Year Questions 2020: GS3 Environment & Ecology | Environment for UPSC CSE PDF Download

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:

• Public Consultation Process: The draft notification proposes a reduction in the public response period during a public hearing from 30 to 20 days for applications seeking environmental clearance.
• Post-facto Approval: The new draft allows for post-facto approval, meaning clearances for projects can be granted even if construction has started or the project is in progress without securing environmental clearances, a change not allowed in the 2006 notification.
• Compliance Report: While the 2006 notification required a project proponent to submit reports every six months, the new draft mandates submission only once a year.
• Central Government Powers: The draft notification grants the central government the authority to categorize projects as 'strategic,' preventing the disclosure of information related to such projects in the public domain.

Concerns Regarding the Draft EIA 2020:

• Exemptions in Public Consultation: Public consultation is exempted in various areas, limiting public participation in the EIA process.
• Reduced Period for Public Hearing: A shortened period for public hearings and objections poses challenges in areas with limited access to information and where people are unaware of the EIA process.
• Intentions Behind the Draft: While introduced to enhance transparency and efficiency through online systems, further delegation, and process standardization, concerns are raised that the draft may prioritize commercial projects over environmental protection.

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)
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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:

• Campaign Focus: A collaborative effort involving various ministries of the Government of India and state governments to address water conservation and security.

• 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:

  • Water conservation and rainwater harvesting.
  • Renovation of traditional and other water bodies/tanks.
  • Reuse of water and recharging of structures.
  • Watershed development.
  • Intensive afforestation.

• 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)
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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):

• Air Quality Reduction Targets: The NCAP strives to achieve a national-level goal of 20-30% reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 concentration by 2024, with the base year being 2017.
• Non-Attainment Cities: Identifying 122 non-attainment cities across India based on Air Quality data from 2014-2018.
• City-Specific Action Plans: Preparation of action plans for each city, encompassing measures such as enhancing monitoring networks, reducing vehicular and industrial emissions, and increasing public awareness.
• Monitoring Mechanism: Regular monitoring of city-specific action plans by Committees at Central and State levels, including Steering Committee, Monitoring Committee, and Implementation Committee.
• Air Quality Monitoring: State Pollution Control Boards monitor city air quality and publish results. Some Smart Cities have Integrated Command and Control Centres connected to Air Quality Monitors for effective monitoring.
• E-Mobility and Infrastructure: Proposing state-level plans for e-mobility in the two-wheeler sector, augmenting charging infrastructure, implementing BS-VI norms, enhancing public transportation, and adopting third-party audits for polluting industries.
• Collaborative Approach: The NCAP adopts a collaborative, multi-scale, and cross-sectoral coordination model involving relevant Central Ministries, State Governments, and local bodies.
• Dynamic Nature: While the set targets may seem less ambitious, the NCAP is envisioned to be dynamic, evolving based on additional scientific and technical information.