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Namami Gange Programme

Launched in June 2014 with a budget of Rs.20,000 crore, the Namami Gange Program was initiated to revive the River Ganga and its tributaries. Recognizing the program's broad scope and importance, the Indian government has sanctioned Namami Gange Mission-II with a budget of Rs.22,500 crore, extending until 2026.

• The mission is dedicated to achieving dual goals: the efficient reduction of pollution and the preservation and revitalization of the National River Ganga.

Namami Gange Program's Key Features

The Namami Gange Program, recognized as a 'Flagship Programme' by the Union Government in June 2014, operates as an Integrated Conservation Mission. The program's primary pillars encompass sewage treatment infrastructure, riverfront development, river surface cleaning, biodiversity conservation, afforestation, public awareness, industrial effluent monitoring, and the establishment of Ganga Grams.

• Significant Emphasis on Sewage Treatment Infrastructure: The program places considerable focus on enhancing sewage treatment infrastructure within the Ganga basin. Its goal is to construct over 1,500 sewage treatment plants across the basin, providing a total treatment capacity of 4,000 MLD (million liters per day).
• River Surface Cleaning: Efforts to cleanse the river surface involve the deployment of trash skimmers and river cleaning machines. This also includes the installation of floating treatment plants and the development of a mobile application for citizens to report instances of waste dumping into the river.
• Biodiversity and Afforestation: The program seeks to enhance the river's biodiversity by establishing nurseries for aquatic plants and animals. Additionally, it concentrates on afforestation activities in the river basin, including tree planting along the riverbank and the restoration of degraded forests.
• Public Awareness: A key objective is to foster public awareness regarding the significance of the Ganga and its conservation. This involves organizing events such as cleanliness drives, Ganga aartis, and river festivals.
• Industrial Effluent Monitoring: The program aims to monitor industrial effluents discharged into the Ganga and its tributaries. This includes the implementation of online monitoring systems for all major industries situated in the river basin.
• Ganga Gram: The program aspires to develop 4,470 Ganga Grams (villages on the riverbanks) as models for sustainable development. This entails providing basic amenities such as toilets, solid waste management systems, and biogas plants.

Implementation of the Program

The Namami Gange program involves multiple components and projects, including the construction of sewage treatment plants, cleaning of riverbanks, afforestation, and public awareness campaigns. It operates under the Ministry of Jal Shakti and is implemented by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) along with state governments, local authorities, and various stakeholders.

• The program is being implemented by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), and its state counterpart organizations, known as State Program Management Groups (SPMGs).
• The implementation of the program has been divided into entry-level activities (for immediate visible impact), medium-term activities (to be implemented within 5 years of time frame), and, long-term activities (to be implemented within 10 years).
• Entry-level activities include river surface cleaning, medium-term activities will focus on arresting the municipal and industrial pollution entering into the river, and in the long-term, providing adequate flow to the river is envisioned through the determination of e-flow, increased water-use efficiency, and improved efficiency of surface irrigation.

Significance of the Namami Gange Program

The Namami Gange program holds not only symbolic importance in India's cultural heritage but also serves as a crucial water source for millions. Several key reasons underscore the program's significance:

• Environmental Protection: The program focuses on reducing pollution in the Ganga River and its tributaries, positively impacting the environment and the health of local residents. Measures include constructing sewage treatment plants, developing riverfronts, and cleaning river surfaces.
• Economic Development: The Ganga River basin sustains a significant population whose livelihoods depend on the river. The Namami Gange program is anticipated to generate economic opportunities in the region, spanning tourism, agriculture, and fisheries.
• Cultural Significance: The Ganga River holds sacred importance for Hindus, who believe that bathing in its waters purifies the soul. The Namami Gange program aims to safeguard and preserve the cultural heritage associated with the river.
• Integrated River Basin Management: Taking a holistic approach, the program addresses river management by considering the entire basin and its interconnected ecosystems.
• International Image: As a symbol of India's cultural heritage, the Ganga River has global recognition. The Namami Gange program is poised to enhance India's international image, showcasing the country's commitment to safeguarding natural resources and cultural heritage.

Challenges:

Despite notable efforts and achievements, the Namami Gange Program encounters several challenges in its implementation:

• Limited Funding: While the program boasts a substantial budget of Rs. 20,000 crores, it may not be adequate to comprehensively address all issues related to Ganges River pollution.
• Lack of Infrastructure: Inadequate sewage treatment plants and outdated technologies pose significant challenges. Construction of new infrastructure faces hurdles such as land acquisition and environmental clearances.
• Lack of State Cooperation: The Ganges River spans multiple states, necessitating cooperation from all states for successful program implementation.
• Industrial Pollution: Industries like paper mills, tanneries, and chemical factories contribute significantly to Ganges River pollution, presenting a challenge in bringing them under the program's ambit.
• Involvement of Local Communities: Creating awareness and involving local communities are critical for the program's success.
• Inadequate Monitoring and Enforcement: Despite the establishment of a monitoring mechanism, enforcement of regulations is lacking. This results in industries, municipalities, and individuals discharging untreated waste into the river.

Way Forward

To overcome the obstacles faced by the Namami Gange Program and realize its goals, the following measures can be implemented:

• Enhancing Community Participation: The success of the program hinges on active involvement from the local community. Engaging them in monitoring progress and ensuring sustainability is vital.
• Adopting Innovative Technologies: Leveraging cutting-edge technologies is crucial for monitoring pollution levels. Remote sensing technology can pinpoint pollution sources, while artificial intelligence can analyze collected data effectively.
• Building Institutional Capacity: Strengthening the program's institutional capacity through staff training and infrastructure development is imperative for its success.
• Addressing Industrial Pollution: Given the significant role of industrial effluent discharge in Ganga pollution, a heightened focus on monitoring and controlling industrial pollution is essential.
• Involving the Private Sector: The private sector can play a pivotal role in program implementation. Encouraging private sector investment through public-private partnerships can enhance the program's impact.
• Promoting Afforestation: Afforestation initiatives can mitigate soil erosion, improve soil health, and raise the groundwater table, contributing to the overall health of the river.
• Conducting Awareness Campaigns: Running awareness campaigns through various channels, such as street plays, radio, television, and social media, is essential to educate the public about the significance of maintaining a clean Ganga.

Conclusion

• In conclusion, the Namami Gange program stands as a crucial initiative to revive and preserve the Ganga River, a lifeline for millions in India. The program has made considerable progress, implementing measures to combat pollution, enhance river flow, and raise public awareness.
• The restoration of the Ganga is a complex task, given the dense population and industrial activity along its course. The program is a significant effort to tackle water pollution and ecological degradation while acknowledging the cultural and spiritual importance of the river.
• However, challenges persist, including the effective operation of sewage treatment plants and monitoring industrial effluent discharge. The program must persist with a long-term vision and unwavering commitment to achieving its objectives.
• Namami Gange transcends being merely an environmental initiative; it is an economic and cultural imperative for the country. With renewed dedication, India can ensure the sustainable development of the Ganga River, securing a better future for generations to come.

Ipbes Assessment Report on Invasive Alien Species and Their Control

The recently unveiled publication from the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) is the "Assessment Report on Invasive Alien Species and their Control." This report, sanctioned in Bonn, Germany, by delegates from the 143 member States of IPBES, comprehensively examines the effects of alien species on biodiversity. Conducted over a span of four years, the study enlisted the expertise of 86 prominent professionals from 49 countries, incorporating insights from over 13,000 references.

Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)

Overview:

• Established as an independent intergovernmental entity by States, the IPBES was founded in Panama City in April 2012 with the participation of 94 Governments. Its primary objective is to enhance the science-policy interface concerning biodiversity and ecosystem services, with a focus on conserving and sustainably utilizing biodiversity for long-term human well-being and sustainable development. 
• While not part of the United Nations, the IPBES receives secretariat services from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The headquarters are located in Bonn, Germany.

Noteworthy Publications:

• The IPBES has issued influential assessment reports, including the 2019 Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. This report underscored the concerning pace of biodiversity loss and its implications for human well-being.

Functions:

• The IPBES carries out its work through four interrelated functions:

Assessments:

• Conducting assessments on specific themes (e.g., "Pollinators, Pollination, and Food Production"), methodological issues (e.g., "Scenarios and Modeling"), and at regional and global levels (e.g., "Global Assessment of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services").

Policy Support:

• Identifying policy-relevant tools and methodologies, facilitating their application, and encouraging further development.

Building Capacity & Knowledge:

• Identifying and addressing the capacity, knowledge, and data requirements of member States, experts, and stakeholders.

Communications & Outreach:

• Ensuring the broadest dissemination and impact of its work through effective communication and outreach initiatives.

Key Highlights of the Assessment Report on Invasive Alien Species and their Control

• 37,000 alien species have been introduced
  • There are 37,000 alien species, including plants and animals, that have been introduced by many human activities to regions and biomes around the world.
  • More than 3,500 out of the 37,000 introduced alien species pose major global threats to nature, economy, food security and human health.
• Invasive species: one of the major drivers for bio-diversity loss
  • Invasive alien species (IAS) play a key role in 60% of global plant and animal extinctions, and cost humanity more than $400 billion a year.
  • These species are one of the five major direct drivers of biodiversity loss
    • The other four are land and sea use change, direct exploitation of organisms, climate change, and pollution.
  • Most negative impacts are reported on land (about 75%) – especially in forests, woodlands and cultivated areas – with considerably fewer reported in freshwater (14%) and marine (10%) habitats.
  • Invasive alien species are most damaging on islands, with numbers of alien plants now exceeding the number of native plants on more than 25% of all islands.
• Number of alien species increasing at unprecedented rates
  • The report has noted that the number of alien species (species introduced to new regions through human activities) has been rising continuously for centuries in all regions.
  • However, these are now increasing at unprecedented rates, with increased human travel, trade and the expansion of the global economy.
  • The report warned that warming temperatures and climate change could favour the “expansion of invasive species’’.
• Not all alien invasive species have negative impacts
  • Not all alien species establish and spread with negative impacts on biodiversity, local ecosystems and species, but a significant proportion do – then becoming known as invasive alien species.
  • About 6% of alien plants; 22% of alien invertebrates; 14% of alien vertebrates; and 11% of alien microbes are known to be invasive, posing major risks to nature and to people.
  • Nearly 80% of the documented impacts of invasive species on nature’s contribution to people are negative.
• Examples of invasive alien species
  • The water hyacinth is the world’s most widespread invasive alien species on land.
  • Lantana, a flowering shrub, and the black rat are the second and third most widespread globally.
  • The brown rat and the house mouse are also widespread invasive alien species.
• The global economic cost of invasive alien species
  • The report said that the annual costs of invasive alien species have at least quadrupled every decade since 1970, as global trade and human travel increased.
  • In 2019, the global economic cost of invasive alien species exceeded $423 billion annually.

Other impacts ofinvasive alien species

• The report identifies a decline in food supply as the predominant consequence of alien invasive species. Instances include the European shore crab affecting commercial shellfish beds in New England and the Caribbean false mussel causing harm to vital fishery resources in Kerala by eradicating native clams and oysters. 
• The Caribbean false mussel, originally from the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of South and Central America, is believed to have reached India through maritime transport.
  Invasive species such as Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegyptii contribute to the spread of diseases like malaria, Zika, and West Nile Fever. 
• Others, like the water hyacinth in Lake Victoria, East Africa, result in tilapia depletion, impacting local fisheries and livelihoods. Additionally, invasive alien species can exacerbate the effects of climate change; certain plants, particularly trees and grasses, can be highly flammable and intensify fires.
• Regarding national responses, approximately 80% of countries have integrated targets related to invasive alien species management into their national biodiversity plans. However, only 17% explicitly address the issue in their national legislation, and nearly half of all countries (45%) do not allocate resources to biological invasion management.
• In December 2022, governments collectively committed to reducing the rate of introduction and establishment of invasive alien species by at least 50% by 2030, as outlined in target 6 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Undp Launches National Carbon Registry

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has developed an open-source software known as the National Carbon Registry, designed to efficiently handle national data and processes associated with carbon credit trading.

About:

• Accredited as a digital public good (DPG), this software, named the National Carbon Registry, utilizes open-source code that countries can adapt to meet their specific requirements. 
• It consists of various modules, software components, and technical documentation that countries can tailor, potentially reducing costs and implementation timelines.
• The registry adheres to best practices and insights from countries, backed by support from the Digital4Climate Working Group, which includes UNDP, World Bank, UNFCCC, and EBRD. This initiative is geared towards establishing a digital public infrastructure to tackle climate challenges and navigate carbon markets. 
• The software is also in harmony with the guidelines of the Paris Agreement's Article 6 and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), acknowledging the escalating global interest in carbon markets for greenhouse gas emission reduction.

Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan

The latest headlines feature the announcement of the awards for the 2023 Swachh Vayu Survekshan (Clean Air Survey), conducted by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Key Insights from SVS 2023

Overview:

Swachh Vayu Survekshan (SVS) is a recent initiative led by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to assess and rank cities based on air quality and the implementation of approved activities under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in 131 non-attainment cities. Cities are designated as non-attainment if, over a continuous 5-year period, they consistently fail to meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for PM10 or NO2. The city categorization aligns with the 2011 population census.

Criteria:

• Cities underwent evaluation on eight key parameters:
  • Control of biomass
  • Municipal solid waste burning
  • Road dust
  • Dust from construction and demolition waste
  • Vehicular emissions
  • Industrial emissions
  • Public awareness
  • Improvement in PM10 concentration

Performance:

For Cities with a Population of One Million Plus:

• Top 3: Indore, Agra, and Thane
• Lowest Performers: Madurai (46), Howrah (45), and Jamshedpur (44)
• Bhopal ranked 5th, while Delhi secured the 9th position

For Cities with a Population of Three to Ten Lakhs:

• Top 3: Amravati, Moradabad, and Guntur
• Lowest Performers: Jammu (38), Guwahati (37), and Jalandhar (36)

For Cities with a Population Less than Three Lakhs:

• Top 3: Parwanoo, Kala Amb, and Angul
• Lowest Performer: Kohima (39)

Comparative Analysis:

• In SVS 2022, the top three positions (million-plus category) were held by Uttar Pradesh cities—Lucknow (1), Prayagraj (2), and Varanasi (3). However, all three cities have seen a decline in their rankings this year.

Note:

• In 2020, the Prime Minister of India announced the intent and plan to improve the air quality in more than 100 cities through a holistic approach. 
• In the context, the MoEFCC has been implementing a National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) as a national-level strategy outlining the actions for reducing the levels of air pollution at city and regional scales in India since 2019.

What is the NCAP?

• About: The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aims to systematically address air pollution by engaging all stakeholders and ensuring necessary action.
  • 131 cities have been identified for the implementation of the city specific action plans under NCAP. 
• Target: It is the first-ever effort in the country to frame a national framework for air quality management with a time-bound reduction target.
  • It seeks to cut the concentration of coarse (PM10) and fine particles (PM2.5) by at least 20% in the next five years (base year for comparison - 2017). 
• Monitoring: The “PRANA” portal has also been launched by MoEFCC for: 
  • Monitoring implementation of NCAP. 
  • Monitoring the action plans and implementation status of cities. 
  • Sharing best practices adopted by cities for others to emulate.

Climate Services Report For 2023

Key Report Findings

• The report highlights significant concerns, including the potential reversal of decades of health progress due to climate change. Currently, less than 25% of global health ministries utilize climate information to monitor climate-related health risks. 
• Despite air pollution ranking as the fourth-largest health risk factor, a mere 2% of international climate finance is allocated to address this critical issue. However, there is a positive trend as climate finance has doubled, averaging $1.3 trillion annually in 2021 and 2022.

Recommendations

• The report underscores the imperative for collaborative efforts between health and climate agencies, particularly in vulnerable regions like Africa, to address the intricate relationship between climate and health. 
• It emphasizes the necessity of building in-country capacities to enhance local knowledge and proposes policy mandates for health and meteorological entities to engage in meaningful collaboration.

About WMO (Headquarters: Geneva; Established: 1950):

• The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is an intergovernmental organization and a specialized agency of the United Nations. 
• It is dedicated to fostering international cooperation and coordination regarding the state and behavior of Earth's atmosphere, weather, and climate, as well as the distribution of water resources. 
• With 193 members, including India, WMO plays a crucial role in global meteorological and climatological endeavors.