Environment and Ecology: March 2025 UPSC Current Affairs | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

World Air Quality Report 2024

Why in News?

The latest findings from the 2024 World Air Quality Report highlight alarming air pollution levels, particularly in Delhi, which has been identified as the most polluted capital city globally. This report, produced annually by IQAir, provides comprehensive data on air quality across various regions.

Key Takeaways

• Delhi has an average PM 2.5 concentration of 91.8 µg/m³, making it the most polluted capital city in the world.
• India holds the position of the fifth most polluted country globally, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 50.6 µg/m³.
• Thirteen out of the twenty most polluted cities worldwide are located in India.

Additional Details

• PM 2.5: Particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers, which poses significant health risks due to its ability to penetrate deeply into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.
• Most Polluted Cities: Byrnihat, located on the Assam-Meghalaya border, tops the list as the most polluted city globally.
• Comparatively, in 2023, India ranked as the third most polluted country.

This report underscores the critical need for enhanced air quality management and the implementation of effective policies to mitigate pollution levels, particularly in heavily affected regions like India.

Concerns with Great Nicobar Island Project

Why in News?

The proposed Rs 80,000 crore mega infrastructure project on Great Nicobar Island (GNI) has raised serious concerns among environmental activists. Spearheaded by NITI Aayog, the project includes significant developments such as a transshipment terminal at Galathea Bay, a greenfield airport, a new township, and a tourism project that features a gas-powered plant.

Key Takeaways

• The project threatens primary tropical rainforests and biodiversity.
• Environmental and legal concerns have been raised regarding compliance with existing regulations.
• The project has implications for national security and economic development.

Additional Details

• Massive Deforestation: The project is expected to destroy approximately 130 sq km of primary tropical rainforest, leading to significant biodiversity loss and ecological imbalance. Initial estimates of tree cutting (8.65–9.64 lakh) were found to be much lower than actual numbers, which could potentially exceed 10 million trees.
• Impact on Wildlife: The project poses a threat to species such as the nesting leatherback sea turtle. The Galathea Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, designated for marine turtle conservation in 1997, was denotified in 2021 for the port, contradicting India's Marine Turtle Action Plan (2021).
• Legal Concerns: The SC-appointed Shekhar Singh Commission report from 2002 recommended a total ban on tree felling in tribal reserves and national parks, a rule that is not being followed. Additionally, there is a lack of consultation with indigenous communities like the Shompen, whose livelihoods depend on these forests.
• Government Stand: The Ministry of Home Affairs cites security concerns to withhold project details, while the Ministry of Shipping promotes high-end tourism, leading to a strategic contradiction.

The Great Nicobar Island Project holds significant strategic and economic importance for India, particularly in enhancing national security and bolstering economic development. However, the environmental and social challenges it presents must be addressed to ensure sustainable progress.

NBWL and Wildlife Conservation

Why in News?

The Prime Minister chaired the 7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) at the Gir National Park in Junagadh, Gujarat, on the occasion of World Wildlife Day (3 March). Several initiatives for wildlife conservation were announced during this meeting.

Key Takeaways

• Great Indian Bustard Conservation Plan to protect a critically endangered species.
• New conservation initiatives for Gharials to support their declining population.
• Establishment of a Centre for Excellence in Management for Human-Wildlife Conflict at the Wildlife Institute of India.
• Emphasis on using AI, ML, remote sensing, and geospatial mapping for wildlife management.
• Foundation stone laid for the National Referral Centre for Wildlife in Junagadh.
• Formation of new task forces for the conservation of the Indian Sloth Bear, Gharials, and Great Indian Bustard.
• Expansion of Project Cheetah and Project Lion to enhance Asiatic Lions' range.
• Release of Riverine Dolphin Estimation Report finding 6,327 dolphins in major river basins.
• Call for collecting traditional knowledge on wildlife conservation for research.
• Emphasis on community participation, notably the role of the Maldhari community in lion conservation.

Additional Details

• What is NBWL: The NBWL is a statutory body constituted under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. It serves as the apex body for wildlife conservation and development in India.
• Composition: The committee consists of 47 members, including conservationists, government officials, and is headed by the Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change as the Vice-Chairperson.
• Functions: The NBWL is tasked with promoting the conservation and development of wildlife and forests, ensuring no tiger reserves are diverted to unsustainable uses without its approval.

The initiatives announced during the NBWL meeting highlight the government's commitment to wildlife conservation and the importance of integrating community efforts and modern technology in safeguarding India's biodiversity.