1.

Next Phase of Conservation Plan for Great Indian Bustard

Overview

• Funding Approval: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)

allocates Rs 56 crore for Great Indian Bustard (GIB) and Lesser Florican conservation.
• Goals: Complete breeding centers, habitat development, and release captive-bred birds.
• Components: In-situ conservation, arti cial insemination, and population estimation across
range states.
Project Details

• Breeding Centers: Enhance facilities in Jaisalmer and Sorsan for captive breeding.
• In-situ Conservation: Expand efforts in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh,
and Madhya Pradesh.
• Timeline: Population estimates by 2026, rewilding by 2027, ongoing Supreme Court
oversight.
Challenges

• Power Lines: Major threat despite conservation efforts.

• Legal Oversight: Supreme Court involvement in protection and policy decisions.
Conclusion

• Future Prospects: Critical phase in safeguarding Great Indian Bustard and Lesser Florican
populations amidst habitat challenges and legal complexities.

2. Court on Climate Right and How India Can Enforce It

Background of the Case

• Great Indian Bustard Habitat: Debate on electricity lines in endangered bird habitat.
• Government Stance: Protecting bird habitat vs. renewable energy potential.
• Supreme Court Judgment: Prioritizes transmission infrastructure for renewable energy.
• Introduction of 'Climate Right': Constitution now includes right to be free from climate
harm.
Implications of Supreme Court’s Recognition of the Climate Right

• Increased Climate Litigation: Citizens can demand government climate action, leading to
more climate cases.
• Judicial Precedents: Courts will shape 'climate right' scope through case law.
• Government Accountability: Courts may scrutinize government climate policies.
• Policy Reformation: Policies across sectors must align with new climate right.
• Framework for Legislation: Potential for comprehensive climate legislation.
• Climate Action Plans: Required at all government levels to mitigate and adapt to climate
impacts.
Unresolved Questions and Their Impact on Government Agenda

• Clean Energy Focus: Might overshadow other critical aspects like adaptation and local
resilience.
• Ambiguity in Climate Rights Protection: Unclear methods and effectiveness of protection.
• Impact on Government Agenda: Gradual judicial decisions vs. comprehensive new
legislation.
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 • Comparison of Approaches: Court-based actions vs. structured legislation for uni ed
climate governance.
Suggestions for Formulating Climate Legislation for Indian Needs

• Customisation: Tailored climate law for India's unique context, not just replicating other
nations.
• Comprehensive Goals: Sustainable cities, transport, climate-resilient crops, and ecosystem
protection.
• Mainstreaming Climate Change: Integrate climate considerations across development
processes.
• Learning from International Practices: Adapt lessons from other countries to t India's
needs.
• Federalism: Ensure effective climate action within India’s federal structure, empowering
states and local governments.
Conclusion

• Landmark Decision: Supreme Court’s recognition of climate right has transformative

implications.
• Opportunity for Leadership: India can lead in addressing global climate challenges
through legal, policy, and social innovations.

3. Human-Animal Con ict

Overview:

• De nition: Con ict between humans and wildlife leading to various impacts like crop loss,
livestock predation, injuries, and fatalities.
• Examples: States like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala report
signi cant incidents annually.
Causes:

• Habitat Loss: Rapid urbanization and industrialization encroach upon wildlife habitats.
• Climate Change: Altered migration patterns and resource scarcity exacerbate con icts.
• Legal Framework: Indian Constitution mandates wildlife protection; Wildlife Protection
Act amendments address habitat corridors.
Mitigation Efforts:

• Ele-fence Project: AI-based smart fence in Wayanad aims to monitor and deter elephant-
human con icts effectively.
• Challenges: Previous methods like trenches and solar fencing proved inadequate.
Conclusion:

• Holistic Approach: Collaborative efforts needed for sustainable coexistence between

humans and wildlife, ensuring biodiversity conservation.
This summarization encapsulates the complex issue of human-animal con ict in India and ongoing
efforts to mitigate it, including innovative technologies like the Ele-fence project.
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 [Link] Imperative and Environmental Concerns in the Great Nicobar
Project

The proposed Rs 72,000-crore infrastructure upgrade at Great Nicobar Island has sparked
controversy and opposition due to concerns over its impact on the island's indigenous people and
fragile ecosystem.

Great Nicobar Island:

• Geographical Location:

◦ Southernmost island of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago.

◦ Located in the eastern Bay of Bengal, it is near international shipping routes.
• Ecosystem:

◦ Features tropical wet evergreen forests, mountain ranges, and coastal plains.
◦ Home to endangered species including the leatherback sea turtle and Nicobar
Megapode bird.
• Tribes of Nicobar:

◦ Includes the Shompen, hunter-gatherers depending on forest and marine resources.

◦ Nicobarese, largely relocated after the 2004 tsunami, now living in a tribal reserve.
Great Nicobar Island Project:

• Background:

◦ Environmental clearance granted in November 2022 for a comprehensive

development project.
◦ Aimed at leveraging the island's strategic location and economic potential.
• Proposed Infrastructure:

◦ Includes an international container trans-shipment terminal (ICTT), green eld

international airport, township development, and power plant.
◦ Port and airport to have dual military-civilian functions.
• Strategic and Economic Reasons:

◦ Strategic importance due to proximity to international shipping lanes and Indo-

Paci c choke points.
◦ Economic potential as a hub for cargo transshipment and regional maritime
activities.
Concerns:

• Environmental Impact:

◦ Massive infrastructure development could lead to deforestation, loss of mangroves,

and disruption of coral reefs.
◦ Threatens local biodiversity including the Nicobar Megapode and leatherback turtles.
• Impact on Indigenous People:

◦ Project could adversely affect the Shompen tribe's habitat and livelihood, violating
tribal rights.
◦ Allegations of inadequate consultation and incomplete information sharing with the
Tribal Council.
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 • Seismic Risks:

◦ Located in a seismically active zone with past tsunami impacts, raising concerns
about safety and environmental stability.
• Legal and Regulatory Challenges:

◦ National Green Tribunal's intervention for review of environmental and forest

clearances highlights ongoing legal scrutiny and environmental concerns.

[Link] Freddy: Record-Breaking Longevity and Impact

Introduction

Cyclone Freddy recently set a new global record as the longest-lived tropical cyclone, spanning an
astonishing 36 days. This cyclone traveled over 12,785 km from Australia to Africa, causing
widespread devastation and economic losses along its path.

Details of Cyclone Freddy

• Formation and Path:

◦ Formed off the northwestern coast of Australia on February 4, 2023.

◦ Made landfall in Madagascar on February 21 and dissipated over Malawi on March
14.
• Impact:

◦
Brought erce winds, intense rainfall, and storm surges to Madagascar,
Mozambique, Malawi, and other regions.
◦ Total economic losses estimated at $481 million.
Scienti c Analysis and Records

• WMO Con rmation:

◦ Veri ed by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) as the longest-lived

tropical cyclone.
◦ Committee of international experts highlighted Freddy's multiple land interactions,
intensifying its impacts.
• Records Set:

◦ Rapid intensi cation occurred seven times, setting a new record.

◦ Accumulated cyclone energy equivalent to an entire North Atlantic hurricane season.
◦ Second longest distance traveled by a tropical cyclone in recorded history.
Signi cance and Challenges

• Implications:
◦ Demonstrates the potential of ocean-based cyclones to gather and unleash energy
over vast distances.
◦ Challenges forecasting and early warning systems due to rapid intensi cation and
complex trajectories.
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 [Link] Floods Devastate Bangladesh and Assam

Bangladesh Impact

• Overview:

◦
Almost 2 million people affected by ash oods, with over 31 reported deaths.
◦
Second wave of oods within a month, particularly affecting eastern regions like
Sylhet.
◦ Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar overwhelmed by oodwaters, causing
fatalities and displacements.
• Humanitarian Response:

◦Over 500 people evacuated to relief centers; urgent need for assistance highlighted
by UNICEF.
◦ Vulnerable children face risks of drowning, malnutrition, and waterborne diseases.
• Environmental Factors:

◦
Sylhet's vulnerability exacerbated by high precipitation and hilly terrain.
◦
Human interventions, including illegal hill-cutting and infrastructure development,
worsen ood impacts.
Assam Situation

• Impact:
◦ 29 deaths reported; oods affecting 10 out of 35 districts.
◦ Over 117,000 residents displaced; ongoing humanitarian efforts and rescue
operations.
Future Concerns

• Monsoon Season Continues:

◦ Forecast predicts worsening conditions over the next 24-48 hours.
◦ Continued risk of oods and landslides throughout the monsoon season in both
Bangladesh and Assam.

8. Kerala’s Pachathuruthu Initiative and Net Zero Carbon Target

Overview of Pachathuruthu Initiative:

• Objective: To green barren lands through tree planting and native species to enhance
biodiversity and sequester carbon.
• Expansion: Initiated in 2019, it has grown to cover 856.23 acres by 2024, with plans to
establish 1,000 such sites across Kerala.
Carbon Sequestration Challenges:

• Feasibility Concerns: Kerala aims for net zero carbon emissions by 2050 solely through
tree planting, which is deemed unrealistic.
• Quantitative Analysis: To offset projected emissions of 3.62 billion tonnes CO2, Kerala
would need six billion trees across 55 million acres, far exceeding available land.
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 • Effectiveness: Current project scale estimates absorption of only 12,000-20,000 tonnes CO2
annually by 2050, insuf cient against state emissions of 3.5 billion tonnes.
Energy Sector vs. Tree Planting:

• Alternative Strategies: Emphasizes energy ef ciency initiatives, projected to reduce 470

million tonnes CO2 annually by 2031 with Rs 4,453 crore investment.
• Comparison: Pachathuruthu project's contribution is minimal (0.02%) compared to energy
sector improvements.
Broader Environmental Impact:

• Greenhouse Gases: Net zero goals must address all greenhouse gases (GHGs), not just
CO2, including potent methane sources like agriculture and waste.
• Policy Recommendation: Urges comprehensive sector-wise emissions assessments and
robust policy interventions aligned with scienti c benchmarks.
Conclusion:

• Holistic Approach: Advocates integrating tree planting with broader systemic changes to
achieve lasting environmental impact.
• Policy Emphasis: Calls for realistic, diversi ed strategies encompassing all GHGs and
continual monitoring of emissions benchmarks.

9. Extreme Rainfall and Flooding in Delhi

Event Overview:

• Date: June 27, 2024

• Causes: Intense southwest monsoon onset coupled with an active western disturbance.
• Impacts: 11 deaths reported in New Delhi, including fatalities due to drowning in
submerged underpasses.
Meteorological Factors:

• Rainfall Data: Safdarjung observatory recorded 228 mm rainfall by June 28, the second
highest June rainfall since 1936.
• Monsoon Onset: Southwest monsoon onset was rapid and intense after a prolonged delay
from early to mid-June.
• Western Disturbance: Presence of a western disturbance and associated cyclonic
circulation exacerbated the rainfall intensity.
Changing Weather Patterns:

• Increased Frequency: Western disturbances, typically winter phenomena, are becoming

more frequent in summer due to a strengthening subtropical jet stream.
• Scienti c Analysis: Research indicates a doubling of western disturbances in June over the
past 20 years compared to the previous 50 years, in uenced by climate change.
Response and Mitigation:

• Emergency Response: Focus on mitigating impacts and ensuring safety of affected

populations.
• Long-term Planning: Emphasis on adaptive strategies to manage increased rainfall events
and associated risks in urban areas.
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 [Link] on Antarctica's Ice Shelves and Meltwater

Research Findings:

• Study Origin: Led by the University of Cambridge, researchers used AI technology to map
Antarctica's surface and discovered surprising levels of meltwater.
• Meltwater Composition: Slush, a water-saturated snow mix, constitutes 57% of all
meltwater on Antarctica's ice shelves. The remaining 43% is found in surface ponds and
lakes.
• Impact on Sea Levels: This discovery has signi cant implications for global sea level rise
due to the increased meltwater contribution previously underestimated by climate models.
• Publication: The study was published in Nature Geoscience.
Slush Characteristics and Impact:

• Formation and Heat Absorption: Slush forms when snow falls onto water surfaces and
absorbs more solar heat compared to ice or snow alone, leading to increased meltwater
production.
• Summer Accumulation: During Antarctica's summer, as temperatures rise, slush
accumulates on the ice shelves.
• Structural Impact: Slush can contribute to ice shelf instability by reducing air content,
forming ponds that induce fractures, and potentially leading to ice shelf collapse.
Methodology:

• AI Technology: Researchers used machine learning to map slush and meltwater lakes
across 57 Antarctic ice shelves from 2013 to 2021.
• Mapping Challenges: Mapping slush was challenging due to its resemblance to other
features like cloud shadows, but AI enabled accurate identi cation and mapping using
satellite imagery.
Research Importance:

• Previous Oversights: Past studies focused primarily on surface ponds, neglecting the
signi cant contribution of slush to meltwater dynamics and ice shelf stability.
• Hydrofracture Process: Understanding slush dynamics is crucial for predicting and
mitigating the hydrofracture process, where meltwater-induced fractures compromise ice
shelf integrity.
Future Directions:

• Long-term Monitoring: The research aims to continue monitoring slush dynamics during
Antarctic summers to assess changes over time and their implications.
• Policy and Environmental Impact: Insights from this study will inform policies aimed at
mitigating climate change impacts on Antarctic ice shelves and global sea levels.
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11. Vision India@2047: Pathway to Net Zero and Climate Resilience

Goals and Economic Vision:

•
Robust Economic Growth: India aims for signi cant economic growth by 2047, with
increased contributions from the Blue Economy, achieving per capita GDP and Human
Development Index comparable to developed nations.
• Minimal Environmental Footprint: Sustainable development pathways are crucial,
ensuring minimal environmental impact while progressing towards Net Zero emissions by
2070.
Challenges Addressed:

•Climate Impacts: Mitigating the growing climate impacts on all sectors is identi ed as a
critical national security and economic priority, alongside managing natural disasters and
climate vulnerabilities in neighboring countries.
Inter-Ministerial Coordination:

•
Collaborative Governance: Effective governance involves inter-ministerial coordination to
address climate hazards, sustainability challenges, and weather-readiness through scienti c
and technological innovations.
• Ministry Roles: Ministries such as MoEFCC, MoES, DA&FW, Jal Shakti, DST, DBT, and
MeitY lead efforts in data networks, climate modeling, and early warning systems tailored
for sectoral needs.
Synergistic Approach:

•
Vertical Integration: Sector-speci c strategies in water, agriculture, energy, health,
transportation, buildings, and infrastructure include early warnings and climate adaptation at
various timescales.
• Sustainability Pathway: Integration of nature-based solutions, regenerative agriculture, and
managing the food-water-energy-health nexus to achieve sustainability goals.
Innovation and Implementation:

•
Research and Development: Driving innovation across sectors to meet sustainability and
Net Zero targets, integrating disaster response, adaptation, and mitigation actions into scal
policies.
Regional and Global Leadership:

•Networked Governance: Establishment of regional centers as sustainability hubs,

leveraging academic institutions for local risk mapping and climate resilience strategies.
• International Collaboration: Leadership in climate resilience, offering technological
expertise and Earth System Modeling (ESM) to manage and minimize climate impacts
regionally and globally.
Sector-Speci c Initiatives:

• Climate-Smart Agriculture: Advancements in genomics, smart irrigation, and integrated

ecosystem management to ensure food security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Water Security: Enhanced management of water resources, including Himalayan glaciers,
smart irrigation, and water conservation through biotechnological innovations.
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Energy Transition: Adoption of solar, wind, and hydrogen energy sources, with advancements in
battery storage and electric vehicles, ensuring clean energy access and minimizing air and water
pollution.

Circular Economy and Sustainability: Embracing the principles of a circular economy,

leveraging biotechnologies for biofuel, bioenergy, and resource conservation to safeguard
sustainability pathways.