UKPSC Monthly Current Affairs: March 2024 | Monthly Current Affairs UKPSC - UKPSC (Uttarakhand) PDF Download

Human-Wildlife Conflict in Uttarakhand

According to the State Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal, 444 people in the Himalayan state have lost their lives to since 2017.

Key Points

• A total of Rs 21.3 crore has been disbursed to family members of the victims.
• In addition to increasing the compensation amount for victims, it is for the first time that the state has made the provision to give ex-gratia to those attacked by honeybee, hornet, monkey and
• Ex-gratia payment is the money which is paid due to moral obligation and not due to legal obligation.

Launch of New Helicopter Service in Uttarakhand

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has recently inaugurated a new helicopter service in Uttarakhand aimed at enhancing connectivity within the state.

• The newly introduced helicopter service will connect Haldwani with Munsiyari, Pithoragarh, and Champawat, significantly reducing the travel distance between these remote areas.
• This initiative is part of the Regional Connectivity Scheme, which seeks to improve accessibility to remote regions in Uttarakhand. Given the state’s challenging terrain, this aerial connectivity will facilitate not only regular travel but also critical emergency response operations.
• The launch of this helicopter service follows the recent inauguration of a new terminal building at Jolly Grant Airport and includes the announcement of upcoming air routes such as Dehradun to Amritsar, Dehradun to Pantnagar, and Dehradun to Ayodhya.

About the Regional Connectivity Scheme: UDAN

• UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagarik) is a scheme launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation to promote regional airport development and enhance regional connectivity.
• It is part of the National Civil Aviation Policy 2016 and is applicable for a period of 10 years.
• Phases of UDAN:
• Phase 1 (2017): Aimed at connecting underserved and unserved airports in the country.
• Phase 2 (2018): Focused on expanding air connectivity to more remote and inaccessible areas.
• Phase 3 (November 2018): Enhanced air connectivity to hilly and remote regions.
• Phase 4 (December 2019): Targeted connecting islands and other remote areas.
• Phase 5 (April 2023): Emphasized Category-2 (20-80 seats) and Category-3 (>80 seats) aircraft without distance restrictions between origin and destination.

33 Infrastructure Projects in Uttarakhand

Recently, the Centre has sanctioned Rs 559 crore for 33 infrastructure projects in Uttarakhand. This funding comes as part of an additional allocation under the ‘Scheme for special assistance to states for capital investment 2023-24’.

Some of the key projects include:

• Rs 26 crore for a tunnel parking facility near Kempty Fall.
• Rs 10.8 crore for an interstate bus terminal at Herbertpur, Dehradun.
• Rs 17 crore for façade enhancement of Mall Road in Mussoorie.
• Rs 20 crore for strengthening the police force.
• Rs 100 crore for health infrastructure at Haridwar Medical College.
• Rs 51 crore for construction of Shaurya Sthal in Dehradun.
• Rs 88 crore for the Song Dam Multipurpose project.
• Rs 25 crore for residential buildings for cops in Udham Singh Nagar, Haridwar, and Dehradun.

Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment Scheme

• Launched in FY 2020-21 in response to the Covid-19 Pandemic.
• Expanded and continued as ‘Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2023-24’ with an allocation of Rs 1.3-lakh crore.

Ban on Tiger Safari in Jim Corbett National Park

Recently, the Supreme Court criticized the Uttarakhand government for illegal tree cutting and construction activities in Jim Corbett National Park. The court is reviewing the possibility of allowing tiger safaris in the park's buffer or fringe areas.

• The Supreme Court also directed the establishment of a committee to suggest measures for reducing environmental damage and to hold responsible parties accountable.
• The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) had previously rejected the idea of tiger safaris in national parks, prioritizing animal welfare over tourism.
• Jim Corbett National Park, located in Uttarakhand's Nainital district, was the first national park in India and the starting point of Project Tiger in 1973. The park, initially established in 1936 to protect the Bengal tiger, is named after Jim Corbett, who was instrumental in its creation.
• The core area of the park is designated as Corbett National Park, while the buffer zone includes reserve forests and the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary. The entire reserve is situated in the Shivalik and Outer Himalaya regions, with major rivers such as Ramganga, Sonanadi, Mandal, Palain, and Kosi flowing through it.
• The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), established in 2005 under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, is responsible for strengthening tiger conservation in India.

Concerns over Fast-Growing Glacial Lake in Uttarakhand Himalayas

Scientists from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG) in Dehradun have raised alarms about the rapidly expanding Bhilangana glacial lake in Uttarakhand, which has increased to approximately 0.38 square kilometers over the past 47 years. This growth poses a potential threat to downstream communities.

• Glacial lakes form when melting glaciers accumulate water, and with rising global temperatures, many glaciers are retreating quickly, leading to the formation of numerous such lakes. If these lakes become unstable, they can unleash massive floods downstream.
• Studies indicate that over a thousand glacial lakes have formed in the Uttarakhand Himalayas, but understanding of these lakes is limited due to insufficient ground-based research. Currently, 13 moraine-dammed glacial lakes and around ten glaciers in Uttarakhand are under continuous monitoring due to their potential threat to downstream populations.
• Similar incidents have occurred in the past, such as the Kedarnath disaster in 2013, the Rishiganga-Dhauliganga glacial avalanche in 2021, and more recently in Sikkim's South Lhonak Lake. According to the Geological Survey of India (GSI), there are about 9,575 glaciers in the Indian Himalayan Region, with 980 located in Uttarakhand, where the most sensitive glaciers are being closely monitored.

Gangotri Glacier

The Gangotri Glacier is the largest glacier in the Uttarakhand Himalayas, stretching nearly 30 kilometers in length. However, it is retreating at a rate of approximately 15 to 20 meters per year. This phenomenon of glacial retreat is a concerning indicator of climate change and its impact on mountainous regions.

Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG)

• The Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology is an autonomous research institution under the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India. 
• It was established in June 1968 as a small unit within the Botany Department of Delhi University and later moved to Dehra Dun in April 1976. The institute focuses on research in the field of Himalayan geology and related areas.

Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)

• A Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) is a catastrophic event that occurs when the dam holding back a glacial lake fails, releasing a massive volume of water. This failure can be triggered by various factors, such as rapid glacier melting, heavy precipitation, or the inflow of meltwater into the lake.

Causes of GLOFs:

• GLOFs can be triggered by changes in the glacier’s volume, water level of the lake, or seismic activity like earthquakes.
• The retreat of glaciers due to climate change in the Hindu Kush Himalayas has led to the formation of new glacial lakes, increasing the risk of GLOFs.

Recent Incident in Uttarakhand:

• In February 2021, the Chamoli district in Uttarakhand experienced flash floods that are suspected to have been caused by GLOFs.

Moraine-Dammed Lake

• A moraine-dammed lake forms when a terminal moraine blocks meltwater from exiting a valley. As a glacier retreats, it leaves behind a space filled with debris, known as moraine. Meltwater from the retreating glaciers seeps into this space, creating a ribbon-shaped lake due to the pattern of ice melt.
• However, this meltwater accumulation can lead to a Glacier Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF), causing severe damage to the surrounding environment and communities.

India to Deploy Soldiers Along Border with China in Uttarakhand

In response to the ongoing border disputes and to strengthen its presence along the China-India border, the Indian government has deployed a contingent of 10,000 soldiers to safeguard the strategically important 532 km stretch in the northern states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

• This deployment underscores the region's growing significance and sensitivity in the eyes of Indian leadership, especially following increased infrastructure investment and development in the area over the past decade.
• Following the deadly clash in 2020 at the Galwan area of Eastern Ladakh, where 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives, India had already repositioned an additional 50,000 soldiers to patrol its border with China. The recent troop deployment further highlights the heightened focus on securing this sensitive border region.

Uttarakhand Government to Form Committee for Char Dham Yatra Preparations

Recently, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami of Uttarakhand has instructed officials to set up a committee to get ready for the upcoming Char Dham Yatra. During a recent meeting, the Chief Minister emphasized several important measures to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage.

• CCTV Installation: CCTV cameras should be installed along the Char Dham routes and in sensitive areas to enhance security.
• Live Monitoring: There should be live monitoring of all the Char Dhams from the government level, and the disaster control room must be properly operational.
• Plastic-Free Initiative: Efforts should be made to ensure a plastic-free environment during the Char Dham Yatra.
• 24-Hour Power Supply: A continuous power supply should be guaranteed in all the Dhams, and streetlights need to be installed along the routes.
• Medical Arrangements: Medical staff and necessary equipment, including life-saving medicines, portable oxygen cylinders, and ambulances or air ambulances, should be arranged at temporary medical centres along the yatra routes.
• Veterinary Care: Veterinarians should be deployed along the routes to prevent diseases in horses and mules used for the yatra.
• Security Arrangements: Security forces should be deployed, and police officers of the rank of additional superintendent and above should be appointed to manage traffic during the pilgrimage period.

Yamunotri Dham:

• Location: Uttarkashi district.
• Dedicated to: Goddess Yamuna.
• Significance: The River Yamuna is the second-most sacred river in India, after the River Ganga.

Gangotri Dham:

• Dedicated to: Goddess Ganga.
• Significance: The Ganges River is considered the most sacred of all Indian rivers.

Kedarnath Dham:

• Location: Rudraprayag district.
• Dedicated to: Lord Shiva.
• Significance: Located on the bank of the Mandakini River, Kedarnath is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are divine representations of Lord Shiva in India.

Badrinath Dham:

• Location: Chamoli district.
• Significance: Home to the sacred Badrinarayan Temple, Badrinath Dham is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the holy shrines for Vaishnavites in India.

Hundreds Gather to Protect Ancient Trees in Uttarakhand

Recently, a large group of people, including men, women, and children, came together at the sacred Jageshwar Dham in Almora district, Uttarakhand, to tie raksha sutras (threads for protection) around the region's renowned Himalayan cedar trees ( Cedrus deodara ).

• Some of these trees are over 500 years old and encircle one of the world's largest clusters of 125 temples within a single complex, located at an elevation of 1,870 metres above sea level.
• The raksha sutra was tied around more than 1,000 trees slated for removal due to a road widening project.
• This initiative is part of the State government's "Manas Khand Mandir Mala Mission," aimed at improving access to approximately 50 temples in Uttarakhand.

Chipko Movement

• The gathering is reminiscent of the famous Chipko movement from the 1970s, which aimed to protect Uttarakhand's forests from rapid industrialization and destruction.
• This is not the first instance of the State government facing criticism for its tree cutting practices in Jageshwar.
• In September 2018, the Uttarakhand High Court prohibited all construction activities around the Jageshwar temple site until the government established building regulations.
• The court took suo motu cognizance of the "unplanned and unauthorized" construction in the area and ordered the cessation of the Aartola-Jageshwar road construction.

Cedar Trees

• Cedrus deodara, commonly known as the deodar cedar, is a species of coniferous tree native to the western Himalayas.
• These trees are highly valued for their timber and are also cultivated for their ornamental beauty.
• Deodar cedars are well-adapted to cold climates and are typically found at higher elevations, making them suitable for temperate and subalpine regions.
• They are often used in landscaping and as ornamental trees in parks and gardens due to their attractive, pyramid-shaped growth and aromatic wood.
• Additionally, deodar cedars provide habitat and food for various wildlife, including birds and small mammals.

Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission

• The Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission aims to enhance infrastructure and facilities along the routes leading to various temples in Uttarakhand.
• The mission includes the development of better roads, transportation facilities, and accommodation options such as hotels and homestays to accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims expected over the next 25 years.
• In the first phase, 16 temples in the Kumaon division will be developed under this mission.
• Some of the identified temples for development include:
• Jageshwar Mahadev Temple, Almora
• Chitai Golu Temple
• Suryadev Temple, Katarmal
• Kasar Devi Temple
• Nanda Devi Temple
• Patal Bhuvaneshwar Temple, Pithoragarh
• Haat Kalika Temple
• Bagnath Temple, Bageshwar
• Baijnath Temple
• Patal Rudreshwar, Champawat
• Maa Purnagiri Temple
• Maa Barahi Devi Temple
• Baleshwar Temple
• Naina Devi Temple, Nainital
• Kainchi Dham Temple and Chaiti Dham Temple, Udham Singh Nagar

Chipko Movement

• The Chipko Movement was a peaceful protest that started in 1973 in the Chamoli district of Uttar Pradesh, now part of Uttarakhand.
• The term "chipko" means "to embrace," as villagers hugged and surrounded trees to stop them from being cut down.
• This movement is well-known for the involvement of women in protecting forests, which also changed how people viewed women's roles in society.
• One of its major achievements was raising awareness about people's rights to forests and how local activism can impact environmental policies.
• The movement led to a ban on cutting down trees on steep slopes and high altitudes in 1981.

Uttarakhand Government Announces Subsidy for Employment-Oriented Industries

Recent Decision: The Uttarakhand government has recently announced a subsidy program to encourage the establishment of employment-oriented industries such as hospitals, schools, hotels, and film cities across the state.

• Minimum Investment: The minimum investment requirement for setting up these industries has been set at Rs 50 crore for hilly areas and Rs 100 crore for plain areas.
• Subsidy Details: Industrial institutions established under this policy will receive a subsidy of 25% of the total cost, with a maximum limit of Rs 100 crore.
• Phased Subsidy: The subsidy will be disbursed in five phases, post the completion of the project.
• Duration of Policy: This policy will be in effect until December 31, 2030.

Atal Ayushman Yojana 

•  100% medical reimbursement has been approved for dialysis under the Atal Ayushman Yojana. 

Public Private Partnership (PPP) 

•  The operation of the Cancer Hospital in Harrawala and the Mother-Child Medical Institute has been approved through Public Private Partnership (PPP). 

 Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri — Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) 

•  Launched in February 2018, AB PM-JAY is the world’s largest health insurance scheme fully financed by the government. 
•  It offers a sum insured of Rs. 5 lakh per family for secondary and tertiary care, covering surgery, medical and day care treatments, medications, and diagnostics. 

Asian Development Bank Approves Funding for Development Projects in Tehri

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has recently approved funding of Rs 1,294 crore for various development projects in Tehri district, Uttarakhand. 

•  The funding will be shared in an 80:20 ratio, with ADB covering 80% of the expenses and the Uttarakhand government bearing 20%. 
•  To promote sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient tourism, the Uttarakhand government plans to develop the Tehri dam reservoir and surrounding areas as a special tourist area. This initiative led to the establishment of the Tehri Special Area Development Authority (TADA) under the Tehri Special Area Development Act, 2013. 
•  Following consultations with the Department of Economic Affairs, Government of India, and proposals to ADB, a project management unit has been set up to oversee the implementation of the identified projects. 
•  Seven priority projects have been identified, including: 
•  Dobra-Chanthi Bridge 
•  Tourism Road : A 15.7-kilometer road from Koti Colony to Dobra-Chanthi, featuring a dedicated cycling track, viewpoints, and a hawker area. 
•  Glass Bottom Pedestrian Suspension Bridge : A 450-meter bridge from Koti Colony to Tiwar village. 
•  Cultural Haat and Theme Park : A cultural market and Uttarakhand architecture theme park at Dobra-Chanthi. 
•  Village Infrastructure Upgradation : Enhancements in Tiwar village infrastructure. 
•  New Ropeway Project : At Tipri-Madan Negi. 
•  The project aims to develop tourism infrastructure while enhancing green cover, generating livelihoods, managing solid and liquid waste, and minimizing disruption to the natural and socio-cultural environment. 
•  A total of 56 positions have been sanctioned for the project, including engineers, architects, environment experts, gender experts, and community experts, ensuring adherence to international environmental and socio-cultural standards. 
• The project will enhance smart infrastructure by implementing a weather monitoring system, environmental data collection, and setting up an integrated command control centre.
• The Asian Development Bank (ADB), founded in 1966 and comprising 68 members (49 from the Asia-Pacific region), is dedicated to fostering a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific while continuing its efforts to eliminate extreme poverty. ADB provides loans, technical assistance, grants, and equity investments to support social and economic development in the region. As of December 31, 2019, ADB's largest shareholders are Japan and the United States (each holding 15.6% of total shares), followed by the People's Republic of China (6.4%), India (6.3%), and Australia (5.8%). The bank is headquartered in Manila, Philippines.

President Approves Uniform Civil Code in Uttarakhand

Overview of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

• The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to replace personal laws based on the scriptures and customs of each major religious community in India with a common set governing every citizen.
• It seeks to ensure all citizens of India are treated equally under the same set of secular civil laws.
• The UCC is intended to promote national integration and gender justice, though it has faced opposition as a potential threat to religious freedom and diversity.
• Goa is the only state in India with a UCC, known as the Goa Civil Code, which was retained after the state was liberated from Portuguese rule in 1961.

President's Assent to the UCC in Uttarakhand

• The UCC Bill, passed by the Uttarakhand Assembly, has become law with President Droupadi Murmu's assent.
• Uttarakhand is the first state in India to adopt the UCC post-Independence.
• The President approved the UCC under Article 201 of the Constitution of India.

Implications of the UCC

• The UCC is expected to promote social harmony and equality by ensuring equal rights for all citizens.
• Its implementation aims to curb the oppression of women and enhance social equality.

Article 44 and the Directive Principles of State Policy

• Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, which is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy, mentions the UCC.
• These principles guide the state in policymaking and are not legally enforceable.

Article 201 of the Constitution

• Article 201 allows the President to assent to or withhold assent from a Bill reserved for their consideration.
• The President can also direct the Governor to return the Bill to the State Legislature for reconsideration.

Gartang Gali: A Historical Trade Route

Gartang Gali, located in the Nelong Valley of Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, was once a vital Silk Road trade route connecting India and Tibet. This route facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultural influences between different regions.

Present-Day Gartang Gali

• Today, Gartang Gali is a unique tourist attraction, offering a secluded retreat away from the crowded tourist spots. Its off-the-beaten-path location appeals to travelers seeking authentic experiences and tranquility in nature.
• The village is home to the Bhotiya tribe, an indigenous community known for their resilience, traditional way of life, and rich cultural heritage.

The Gartang Gali Cliff-Side Hanging-Stairway

• The Gartang Gali cliff-side hanging-stairway, also referred to as the Gartang Gali bridge, spans 500 meters along a vertical ridge at an altitude of 11,000 feet in the Nelang river valley.
• It was built in the traditional native style by Pathan traders from Peshawar, serving as a crucial trade route between Tibet and India.
• However, after the Sino-Indian War in 1962, access to the area was restricted by the Indian military, leading to the bridge's deterioration.
• In 2015, India reopened the area for tourism, and efforts were made to restore the wooden stairway using traditional methods. After 59 years, the bridge was finally reopened to the public in August 2021.

The Silk Road: A Historical Overview

• The Silk Road was an ancient network of trade routes that connected the East and West, stretching from China to the Mediterranean Sea. It played a significant role in cultural exchange and the establishment of long-distance political and economic ties between various civilizations, including China, the Indian subcontinent, Persia, Europe, the Horn of Africa, and Arabia.
• The term "Silk Road" originated from the flourishing trade of Chinese silk along these routes, especially during the Han dynasty. However, the Silk Road was not limited to the exchange of silk; it also facilitated the trade of various other goods, technologies, religions, and even diseases.
• The Bhotia or Bhotiya tribe is an occupational caste of shepherds in Uttarakhand, India. They are primarily scattered across the seven main river valleys in the border districts of Pithoragarh, Chamoli, and Uttarkashi.

The Seven Major Bhotiya Groups in Uttarakhand

• Johari: Inhabiting the Johar Valley.
• Darmiya: Residing in the Darmiya Valley.
• Chaudansi: Found in the Chaudansi region.
• Byansi: Living in the Byans Valley.
• Marchha: Located in the Mana Valley.
• Tolchha: Residing in the Niti Valley.
• Jadh: Inhabiting the Jadh Valley.

Uttarakhand Government Strengthens Forest Panchayats

Recent Approval of Forest Panchayat Amendment Rules

• The Uttarakhand government has approved the Forest Panchayat Amendment Rules to empower and strengthen Van Panchayats, aiming to make them more self-reliant.
• These rules amend the British-era 'Acts of Forest Panchayat' to modernize and enhance the functioning of these community forest management bodies.

Formation and Responsibilities of Forest Panchayats

• A new nine-member forest panchayat will be established under the amended rules.
• This panchayat will have rights and responsibilities in areas such as herbal production, tree planting, forest fire prevention, and other forest management activities.

Integration with Local Bodies

• For the first time, three-tier local bodies have been linked to the forest management of Van Panchayats, promoting better coordination and governance in forest management.

Historical Context of Van Panchayats

• Van Panchayats are legally demarcated village forests introduced in 1921, where village communities manage and share the natural resources.
• Uttarakhand is the only state in India implementing the van panchayat system, which has a historical significance in community forest management since 1930.

Current Status and Area Covered

• Currently, there are 11,217 forest panchayats in Uttarakhand, covering an area of 4.52 lakh hectares of forest.

Approval of Clean Mobility Transformation Policy

• The cabinet also approved the 'Uttarakhand Clean Mobility Transformation Policy' to enhance public transport in urban areas and reduce pollution from old diesel buses and three-wheeler tempos.
• The policy will initially be implemented in Dehradun and later extended to other districts.

Development Schemes Launched by Uttarakhand Chief Minister in Gopeshwar

Recently, the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various development schemes worth Rs 229.3 crores in Gopeshwar, Chamoli district.

• The schemes were launched during a 'Beneficiary Honor Ceremony' at the Police Ground Gopeshwar.
• The Chief Minister made several announcements for the district's development, including:
• Early completion of the Hapla-Dhotidhar motor road.
• Approval for the construction of a motor road in Dasholi block.
• Construction of a hanging bridge on the Ramganga river in Karnaprayag.
• Establishment of Gau-Sarakshan Seva in four development blocks in Tharali assembly.
• Approval of a Center of Excellence in public interest in Tharali Kulsari.
• The Chief Minister also handed over keys to beneficiaries of houses built under various housing schemes, including:
• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) and (Rural).
• Chief Minister’s Self-Employment Scheme.
• Other beneficiaries received support under women empowerment initiatives and for remarkable work in community service.
• A cheque of Rs 20 lakh was also given to Devbhoomi Matsya Jeevi Sahakarita Samiti for their contributions.

Increase in Income for Millet Farmers in Uttarakhand: A Study

A recent study by the Indian Institute of Management, Kashipur, has found that 75% of millet-growing farmers in Uttarakhand have experienced a 10-20% increase in their annual income due to the government's push for millet farming. 

• The study, titled "Millet Production in Uttarakhand: An Empirical Analysis of its Socio-Economic Impact and Marketability Challenges," was conducted on over 2,100 farmers and aimed to address the marketability challenges of millet production.
• Despite the increase in income, many farmers are still unaware of the rising demand for millet-based products and continue to grow millets on a smaller scale for personal consumption. The study was carried out over six months by a team of professors and data collectors from the institute and focused on major hilly regions of Uttarakhand, including Pithoragarh, Joshimath, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli.

Government Initiatives to Promote Millet Farming

The government has implemented several initiatives to promote millet farming and increase its economic presence, including:

• National Millets Mission (NMM): Launched in 2007 to promote the production and consumption of millets.
• Price Support Scheme (PSS): Provides financial assistance to farmers for the cultivation of millets.
• Development of Value-Added Products: Encourages the production of value-added millet-based products to boost demand and consumption.
• Public Distribution System (PDS): Promoting millets in the PDS to make them accessible and affordable to the masses.
• Promotion of Organic Farming: Encouraging organic farming of millets to increase production and consumption.

Infrastructure Development in Uttarakhand Gets Approval

• The Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) has recently approved Rs. 101.27 Crore for the Uttarakhand government to enhance educational infrastructure.
• The allocated funds aim to develop educational institutions catering to a population of 1,05,818 Lakh, with over 25% belonging to minority communities.
• MoMA recognizes the significance of inclusive and comprehensive infrastructure throughout students' educational journey. These approved projects for educational infrastructure development in colleges highlight the crucial role of higher education in fostering analytical skills, career advancement, and overall academic and professional growth for the youth in the state.

Constitutional Provisions for Minorities

• Article 29: This article ensures that any group of citizens in India with a unique language, script, or culture has the right to preserve it. It protects both religious and linguistic minorities. However, the Supreme Court clarified that the article's scope is not limited to minorities, as the term "section of citizens" includes both minorities and the majority.
• Article 30: Article 30 grants all minorities the right to establish and manage educational institutions of their choice. Unlike Article 29, the protection under Article 30 is exclusive to minorities, whether religious or linguistic, and does not extend to any section of citizens.
• Article 350-B: Inserted by the 7th Constitutional Amendment in 1956, this article provides for the appointment of a Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities by the President of India. The Special Officer's duty is to investigate matters related to the safeguards for linguistic minorities as outlined in the Constitution.

Dilip Jawalkar Appointed as Uttarakhand's Home Secretary

The Uttarakhand government has appointed IAS officer Dilip Jawalkar as the new Home Secretary. 

• Previously serving as Secretary of Finance, Jawalkar has been chosen to take on the responsibilities of Home Secretary in the state.
• The Election Commission had directed the removal of home secretaries holding concurrent positions in chief minister's offices to prevent conflicts of interest during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Shift of Government Buildings from Red Zone in Joshimath

Recently, the District Magistrate (DM) of Chamoli directed officials to survey government buildings and properties in the unsafe red zone of Joshimath, which has been affected by land subsidence, and relocate them to safer areas.

• The DM also instructed officials to present all rehabilitation options to families affected by subsidence in the red zone.
• The Joshimath Bachao Sangharsh Samiti and Joshimath Mool Niwasi Swabhiman Sangathan have opposed the state government's rehabilitation policy, proposing 15 demands, including measures to address the land subsidence issue and providing displacement allowances to affected individuals.
• Joshimath is a hilly town situated on the Rishikesh-Badrinath National Highway (NH-7) in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. It serves as a crucial stop for tourists heading to Badrinath, Auli, the Valley of Flowers, and Hemkund Sahib, among other significant religious and tourist sites.
• The town also holds strategic importance for the Indian armed forces and houses one of the Army's key cantonments. Located in high-risk seismic Zone-V, Joshimath is traversed by fast-flowing streams originating from the confluence of the Dhauliganga and Alaknanda rivers at Vishnuprayag. The town is renowned for one of the four cardinal maths established by Adi Shankara, alongside Sringeri in Karnataka, Dwarka in Gujarat, and Puri in Odisha, with Joshimath being the northernmost among them.

Background

• 2021: Initial reports of cracks in walls and buildings in Joshimath, Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, due to frequent landslides and flooding.
• 2022: Uttarakhand government’s expert panel identified areas of Joshimath as “sinking” due to a combination of man-made and natural factors.
• Expert Findings: Gradual or sudden sinking of the earth’s surface caused by the removal or displacement of subsurface materials was discovered to be the cause of structural defects and damage throughout the city.

Reasons for Sinking

• Ancient Landslide Site: Joshimath is situated on a deposit of sand and stone, not solid rock, and rests on an ancient landslide, as per the 1976 Mishra Committee report. The report also noted that river currents from the Alaknanda and Dhauliganga rivers are contributing to ongoing landslides.
• Geographic Factors: The area consists of scattered rocks covered with old landslide debris, including boulders, gneissic rocks, and loose soil, all of which have a low bearing capacity. The gneissic rocks are highly weathered, have low cohesion, and develop high pore pressure when saturated with water, particularly during the monsoon season.
• Construction Activities: Increased construction, hydroelectric projects, and the widening of National Highway (NH) have destabilized the slopes significantly over the past few decades.
• Land Erosion: Erosion caused by running streams from Vishnuprayag and sliding along natural streams has also contributed to the city’s deterioration.

Impact

• Displacement: At least 66 families have evacuated Joshimath due to the severity of the situation.
• Structural Damage: 561 houses have reported cracks, indicating widespread structural damage.
• Affected Population: Over 3000 people have been impacted by the sinking and structural issues in the town.

Over 700 Yoga Exponents Participated in Global Fest in Uttarakhand

International Yoga Festival

• Recently, more than 700 yoga exponents and practitioners from India and abroad participated in the week-long annual International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand.
• The festival, organized by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, took place at the Yog Bharat Ganga Ghat in Muni-Ki-Reti.
• The state government aims to promote Rishikesh as the global yoga capital by providing a platform for yoga enthusiasts, trainers, and experts through this festival.
• Renowned yoga and religious institutions such as Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute, Isha Foundation, Shivanand Ashram, Manav Dharma Ashram, and Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram also participated in the event.

Expert Teams to Evaluate High-Risk Glacial Lakes in Uttarakhand

The Uttarakhand government has recently established two expert teams to assess and survey five glacial lakes in the state that are at high risk of These teams are expected to begin their work in May-June 2024.

"outburst floods."

Of the 188 glacial lakes in the Himalayan region, 13 are found in Uttarakhand.

• In February 2021, Uttarakhand experienced a devastating glacial lake outburst in the Chamoli district, which resulted in the destruction of a small hydel project on the Rishiganga River and caused flash floods, leading to loss of life.
• The 13 glacial lakes in Uttarakhand have been classified into three categories: with 'A' representing highly sensitive lakes.
• 'A', 'B', and 'C',
• Among the 13 glacial lakes, five are in category 'A' (highly sensitive), four in category 'B' (sensitive), and four in category 'C' (relatively less sensitive).
• The five highly sensitive lakes include four in Pithoragarh district and one in Chamoli. The four sensitive lakes are located in Pithoragarh (two), Chamoli (one), and Tehri (one).

Geological Survey of India, Lucknow

• The first team, comprising experts from various institutions including the the Geological Survey of India, Lucknow, the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Dehradun, the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority, and the Uttarakhand Landslide Mitigation and Management Centre, will assess the sensitivity of two glacial lakes.

National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee,

• Their work will involve satellite data analysis, data collection, bathymetry, and area surveys.

Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology

• The second team, led by the in Pune and including the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, the Geological Survey of India, the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority, and the Uttarakhand Landslide Mitigation and Management Centre, will study and survey the other three glacial lakes in category 'A'.

Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC)

• The is involved in research, higher education, and training in remote sensing, geoinformatics, and GPS technology for natural resource management, environmental monitoring, and disaster management. Established in 1966 under the Indian Department of Space, the institute is located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

Indian Institute of Remote Sensing

• According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), glacial retreat due to climate change in the Hindu Kush Himalayas has led to the formation of numerous new glacial lakes, which are a major cause of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).

Uttarakhand to Relocate Four Tigers to Rajasthan

The Uttarakhand government has recently approved the translocation of four tigers to Rajasthan in response to a request from the authorities there. According to the guidelines of the NTCA, the tigers being sent to Rajasthan will not be captured from protected forest areas but from .

• National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)buffer zones: A similar request for the relocation of three tigers to Odisha has also been received and is currently under consideration.
• Request from Odisha: The requests from the governments of Rajasthan and Odisha for the translocation of tigers were made following the success of a tiger relocation project in Uttarakhand, where four big cats were moved from to .

National Tiger Conservation Authority

• The NTCA is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change.
• It is located in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, along the foothills of the Shivalik range, and is part of Rajaji National Park.

Rajaji National Park

• Rajaji National Park was established in 1983 after the amalgamation of three sanctuaries in Uttarakhand: Rajaji, Motichur, and Chila.
• The park was named after the famous freedom fighter C. Rajgopalachari, popularly known as "Rajaji."
• In 2015, Rajaji National Park was declared a Tiger Reserve, becoming the 48th tiger reserve in India.