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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on August 05, 2024
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For Preliminary Examination: Eco Sensitive Zone, National Green Tribunal (NGT)
For Mains Examination: GS III - Environment & Ecology
Context:
The National Green Tribunal urges the environment ministry to finalise a timeline for declaring the Western Ghats as an eco-sensitive zone, addressing concerns over illegal construction and mining in the Brahmagiri hills
Read about:
What is an Eco-Sensitive Zone?
What is the National Green Tribunal (NGT)?
Key takeaways:
- The Southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) decided on Tuesday to take up a case suo motu concerning the devastating landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad, which resulted in numerous fatalities.
- The bench, consisting of judicial member Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayanan and expert member K. Satyagopal, instructed the registry to schedule the case.
- They also directed Kerala's standing counsel to gather data on potential trigger points, such as roads, buildings, and existing quarries in and around the impacted villages. “We are deeply concerned,” remarked Justice Pushpa.
- Experts attribute this to human activities and view it as a warning for other states, including Tamil Nadu, which permit unregulated and unscientific constructions in hilly areas without proper risk assessment.
- The Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel's 2011 report to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change designated Vythiri, Mananthavady, and Sultan Bathery taluks in Wayanad as part of the ‘Ecologically Sensitive Zone (ESZ)-1’. This classification prohibits land use changes from forest to non-forest uses or from agricultural to non-agricultural use
- This area contains some of the oldest rock formations in the world, dating back 2,500 million years. Frequent flooding occurs in Mananthavady and Vythiri, primarily because 75% of the streams, which are crucial water sources for Panamaram and Mananthavady, have been reclaimed.
- A 2017 soil survey indicated that 70% of the first and second-order streams feeding into three rivers at Panamaram, Mananthavady, and Basavali had been encroached upon.
- Following the 2018 floods, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) conducted a survey in Kozhikode, Kannur, and Wayanad. They found that although rain was the main cause of most landslides, the actual trigger was unscientific construction on the hills' slopes
Eco-Sensitive Zones
An Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ), also known as an Ecologically Fragile Area (EFA), is a designated area around protected areas such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. The primary purpose of declaring ESZs is to create a buffer zone that reduces the impact of human activities on these protected regions. The goal is to conserve biodiversity and protect the environment while allowing for regulated and sustainable development in the surrounding areas.
Key Features of Eco-Sensitive Zones:
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Buffer Zone: ESZs act as a buffer for protected areas to minimize the negative impact of human activities and developmental projects on the core protected zones.
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Regulated Activities: Certain activities are regulated within ESZs to ensure they do not harm the environment. This includes restrictions on industrial activities, mining, construction, and other projects that may negatively impact the ecology.
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Permitted Activities: Sustainable and eco-friendly activities, such as agriculture, horticulture, organic farming, and eco-tourism, are often permitted and encouraged within ESZs.
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Prohibited Activities: Activities that can cause significant environmental damage, such as commercial mining, major hydroelectric projects, and extensive construction, are generally prohibited within ESZs.
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Conservation Goals: ESZs aim to protect the flora and fauna of the region, preserve the natural landscape, and maintain ecological balance.
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Community Involvement: The management of ESZs often involves local communities to ensure sustainable development while protecting the environment. This can include awareness programs, community-based conservation projects, and participation in decision-making processes
Examples of Eco-Sensitive Zones:
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Western Ghats: A significant portion of the Western Ghats has been designated as an ESZ due to its rich biodiversity and the presence of numerous endemic species.
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Sundarbans: The Sundarbans region, known for its unique mangrove forests and Bengal tiger population, is another example of an ESZ.
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Himalayan Region: Several areas in the Himalayan region have been declared ESZs to protect the fragile mountain ecosystems and diverse wildlife.
1.In which one among the following categories of protected areas in India are local people not allowed to collect and use the biomass? (UPSC CSE 2012)
(a) Biosphere Reserves
(b) National Parks
(c) Wetlands declared under Ramsar Convention
(d) Wildlife Sanctuaries
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Answer (b)
In National Parks, local people are not allowed to collect and use biomass. National Parks have stricter regulations compared to other protected areas to ensure the highest level of protection and conservation for wildlife and their habitats.
So, the correct answer is:
(b) National Parks
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- Ladakh, the arid cold desert situated at the far northern edge of the country, is experiencing severe heat this summer due to a significant rainfall deficit. Typically, July and August are the hottest months for Ladakh, Jammu, and Kashmir.
- In Leh, maximum temperatures frequently reach 33 degrees Celsius annually. However, this July, the maximum temperature hit 33.5°C on the 28th.
- Historical data from 1973 to 2024 show multiple instances of temperatures exceeding 33°C, with the highest being 36.6°C in 2013, followed by 35.4°C in 1995, and 35.2°C in 2001.
- This year, the Leh division of Ladakh received only 3 mm of rainfall compared to the usual 15 mm, leading to an 88% rainfall deficit with only 12% of the expected precipitation.
- According to the Met Centre Leh, 2023 saw the highest rainfall in July over the past 14 years, with 58.8 mm, followed by 32 mm in both 2018 and 2015
- Cold deserts receive very little rainfall, often less than 250 mm (10 inches) annually. The precipitation they do receive is usually in the form of snow rather than rain
- These deserts experience cold temperatures, especially during the winter months. Summer temperatures can be mild to warm, but winters are often freezing
- There is a significant temperature variation between day and night, as well as between summer and winter seasons. Daytime temperatures can be quite warm, while nighttime temperatures drop drastically
- Due to the low precipitation and harsh climatic conditions, vegetation is sparse. The plant life that does exist is adapted to survive in dry, cold conditions
- Cold deserts are typically found at high altitudes or in high-latitude regions. Notable examples include the Gobi Desert in Asia, the Great Basin Desert in the United States, and parts of the Antarctic Desert
- The soil in cold deserts is often sandy or rocky, with little organic matter due to the sparse vegetation
Examples of Arid Cold Deserts:
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Ladakh: Located in the northern part of India, Ladakh is an example of a cold desert. It has a high altitude and experiences extreme cold temperatures with very little rainfall.
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Gobi Desert: Situated in northern China and southern Mongolia, the Gobi Desert is known for its cold winters and dry conditions.
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Antarctic Desert: The Antarctic Desert is the coldest desert in the world, characterized by extremely low temperatures and minimal precipitation, mostly in the form of snow.
1. Appropriate alternate technologies are not sufficiently available.
2. India cannot invest huge funds in research and development.
3. Many developed countries have already set up their polluting industries in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
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Answer (a)
India faces challenges in addressing Global Warming: Developing and underdeveloped nations lack access to advanced technologies, resulting in a scarcity of viable alternatives for combating climate change. Being a developing nation, India relies partially or entirely on developed countries for technology. Moreover, a significant portion of the annual budget in these nations is allocated to development and poverty alleviation programs, leaving limited funds for research and development of alternative technologies compared to developed nations. Analyzing the statements provided: Statements 1 and 2 hold true based on the aforementioned factors. However, Statement 3 is inaccurate as the establishment of polluting industries by developed countries within India is not feasible due to regulations governing industrial setup
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- The study's findings enhance the understanding of factors influencing inappropriate antibiotic access practices across various domains, enabling targeted interventions to combat antibiotic resistance.
- The research also revealed the widespread misuse of antibiotics, such as obtaining them without prescriptions and from unlicensed providers and informal sources.
- It was discovered that non-prescribed antibiotic access was more common among urban residents and those without health insurance. This indicates that concerns about distance, drug availability, and the convenience of public healthcare facilities were significant factors for these individuals.
- Additionally, women and rural residents were more likely to obtain antibiotics from unauthorized sources.
- The study conducted by Dumessa Edessa from Haramaya University, Ethiopia, found that unrestricted antibiotic sales in urban areas allowed for non-prescribed access, whereas in rural areas, unlicensed providers commonly facilitated this practice.
- Among the 1,245 individuals who received antibiotics, the majority were females (61 percent), children under five (30.3 percent), and young adults (29.8 percent). Although official drug suppliers (hospitals, health centers, pharmacies, or drugstores) provided 69 percent of recent antibiotic access, primary clinics (22.2 percent) and kiosks (8 percent) also played significant roles.
- Inappropriate antibiotic access practices occurred in 45.6 percent of cases, with 15.1 percent not prescribed, 21.8 percent from unlicensed providers, and 8.7 percent from informal sellers.
- Inappropriate antibiotic access practices can undermine their effectiveness and lead to bacterial antimicrobial resistance, which has become one of the greatest threats to human health, contributing to an estimated 7.7 million deaths worldwide in 2019
1.Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India? (UPSC 2019)
- Genetic predisposition of some people
- Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases
- Using antibiotics in livestock farming
- Multiple chronic diseases in some people
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 4
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Answer (b)
Based on this analysis, the correct options are: 2. Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases 3. Using antibiotics in livestock farming Therefore, the correct answer is (b) 2 and 3 only |
- The NTA was established in 2017 as an independent and self-sufficient testing organization under the Ministry of Education, previously known as the Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD).
- It is recognized as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act, of 1860, and is subject to the Right to Information (RTI) Act. Prior to the creation of the NTA, various government entities such as the University Grants Commission (UGC), the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), and central universities like Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) conducted their own examinations
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The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate), organized by the National Testing Agency (NTA), is used for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other related programs in both government and private institutions.
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The resolution proposed that the Rajya Sabha urge the government to legislate to remove education from the concurrent list and shift it to the state list in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution.
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It also advocated for the abolition of NEET and the NTA, suggesting a return to state-specific criteria for medical admissions, which are tailored to the unique needs of individual states. Additionally, the resolution called for a compensation of Rs 1 crore for families affected by the NEET exam.
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In presenting the resolution, Abdulla emphasized the perceived "injustice" faced by students from certain states and the encroachment on the autonomy of state governments regarding medical education
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Answer (3)
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- The National Mission for a Green India, commonly referred to as the Green India Mission (GIM), is one of the eight missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
- Launched in February 2014, its primary goal is to safeguard the nation's biological resources and associated livelihoods from the threats posed by climate change, while emphasizing the critical role of forestry in ecological sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and ensuring food, water, and livelihood security.
- GIM aims to protect, restore, and enhance India's forest cover in response to climate change through both adaptation and mitigation measures, adopting a comprehensive approach to greening that goes beyond tree planting.
- The mission focuses on various ecosystem services, including biodiversity, water, biomass, and the preservation of mangroves, wetlands, and critical habitats, in addition to carbon sequestration.
- The mission's objectives include increasing forest and tree cover, improving the quality of existing forests, enhancing ecosystem services such as biodiversity and carbon sequestration, and improving hydrological services.
- It also aims to provide provisioning services like fuel, fodder, timber, and non-timber forest products, and to boost forest-based livelihood incomes for communities living in and around forests.
- The integration of traditional ecological knowledge, forestry science, and advanced technology is expected to enhance the effectiveness of the mission's interventions.
- GIM seeks to converge with complementary schemes and programs for better coordination in developing forests and their surrounding areas sustainably and holistically. A multidisciplinary team, including both government and NGO representatives, will facilitate planning and implementation at the cluster or landscape unit level.
- The mission's landscape approach, which treats large contiguous areas of forest and non-forest land at different scales, is designed to better meet national and state forest policy targets.
- An integrated cross-sectoral approach will be applied to both public and private lands, with active involvement from grassroots organizations and local communities in planning, decision-making, implementation, and monitoring.
- Additionally, GIM will address the factors contributing to deforestation across the country, emphasizing processes to halt 'de-greening'
- Carbon dioxide
- Carbon monoxide
- Nitrogen dioxide
- Sulfur dioxide
- Methane
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 2, 3 and 4 only
C. 1, 4 and 5 only
D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
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Answer (B)
In the cities of our country, the atmospheric gases normally considered in calculating the value of the Air Quality Index (AQI) are:
Methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are not typically included in the AQI calculations |
- The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has introduced new guidelines to establish eco-sensitive zones (ESZs) around Protected Areas to prevent ecological harm from developmental activities near National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
- Announced on February 9, 2011, these guidelines aim to ensure that these zones function as "shock absorbers" for protected areas by regulating and managing surrounding activities.
- The guidelines were updated on the ministry's website today. The ministry emphasized the importance of creating an inventory of various land-use patterns and the types and numbers of industries operating around each protected area.
- The primary goal is to regulate certain activities around National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries to minimize their negative impact on the fragile ecosystems of these protected areas.
- The guidelines outline activities that could be allowed, promoted, regulated, or prohibited, providing a crucial checklist for conservationists to identify potential threats in ESZs.
- For this purpose, the ministry has requested all states to form a committee including the wildlife warden, an ecologist, and a revenue department official from the concerned area to recommend the necessity and extent of an eco-sensitive zone.
- This committee could also propose the best management methods for these zones and outline broad thematic activities for the master plan, classifying activities as prohibited, restricted with safeguards, or permissible. Prohibited activities include commercial mining, sawmills, pollution-causing industries, commercial firewood use, and major hydro-power projects.
- Tourism activities such as flying over protected areas, discharging effluents, and solid waste disposal in natural water bodies or terrestrial areas are also prohibited.
- Regulated activities include tree felling, significant agricultural system changes, commercial use of natural water resources, groundwater harvesting, and setting up hotels and resorts.
- Permitted activities include ongoing agriculture and horticulture practices by local communities, rainwater harvesting, organic farming, adoption of green technology, and renewable energy use.
- The width of the ESZ and the type of regulation may vary for each protected area, generally extending up to 10 kilometers around the protected area. The ministry has asked all states and union territories to submit site-specific proposals to establish ESZs, but only a few states have done so.
- As a result, the ministry decided to create guidelines to assist states and union territories in declaring eco-sensitive zones around national parks and wildlife sanctuaries
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Answer (D)
Let's analyze them:
Therefore, both statements are incorrect. |
| Subject | Topic | Description |
| Polity | Indian Constitution | Constitutional bodies |
| History | Ancient History | Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC) |
| Economy | NCERT Class 9 | People as a Resource |
| Geography | NCERT Class 9 | Physical Features of India |
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