The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and the Environment Protection Act, 1986, are closely related in the context of environmental governance in India. The Environment Protection Act serves as the overarching legal framework, while the EIA process is a mechanism established under this act to assess and manage the environmental impacts of developmental activities.

• Environment Protection Act, 1986:

  • The Environment Protection Act is a comprehensive legislation enacted in India to provide for the protection and improvement of the environment. It empowers the central government to take measures to address environmental issues, regulate activities that may have adverse impacts on the environment, and prescribe standards for emissions or discharges.
  • The act grants the government the authority to lay down procedures and safeguards to prevent environmental pollution and conserve natural resources.
  • It enables the government to take punitive actions against those who violate environmental laws and regulations.

• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA):

  • The EIA is a process mandated under the Environment Protection Act, 1986. It is a systematic evaluation of the potential environmental impacts of proposed projects, policies, or programs before they are approved or implemented.
  • The EIA process is designed to ensure that decision-makers have comprehensive information about the environmental consequences of a project, allowing them to make informed decisions and take necessary measures to minimize adverse impacts.
  • The EIA process involves screening, scoping, baseline studies, impact prediction, alternatives assessment, public participation, and the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

• Relationship between EIA and Environment Protection Act:

  • The EIA process is explicitly mentioned in the Environment Protection Act, and it is through this act that the government has the authority to establish procedures for carrying out EIAs.
  • Section 3(2)(v) of the Environment Protection Act empowers the central government to take measures to conduct environmental impact assessments, and Section 3(2)(i) gives the government authority to set standards for emissions or discharge of environmental pollutants.
  • The EIA Notification of 1994 and subsequent amendments provide the procedural details for conducting EIAs in various sectors. These notifications are issued under the powers conferred by the Environment Protection Act.
  • The Environment Impact Assessment process, therefore, operates within the legal framework established by the Environment Protection Act, ensuring that proposed projects are evaluated for their environmental impacts and that appropriate measures are taken to protect the environment

• EIA helps in systematically identifying and evaluating potential environmental impacts of proposed projects, policies, or programs. This includes impacts on air quality, water resources, biodiversity, ecosystems, and the overall environment
• EIA provides decision-makers, including government authorities, project developers, and the public, with comprehensive and scientifically sound information about the potential environmental consequences of a proposed activity. This enables informed decision-making and allows for the consideration of environmental concerns in the decision-making process
• Through the EIA process, potential adverse environmental impacts are identified, and mitigation measures are proposed. These measures aim to avoid, minimize, or compensate for negative effects, ensuring that the project is designed and implemented in a way that reduces environmental harm
• EIA involves public participation, allowing local communities and stakeholders to voice their concerns and opinions regarding proposed projects. This ensures that the decision-making process is transparent, inclusive, and considers the perspectives of those directly affected by the project
• Many countries have regulations that require the conduct of EIAs for certain types of projects. EIA, therefore, helps in ensuring compliance with environmental laws and regulations. Failure to comply may result in legal consequences for project developers
• EIA is a key instrument for promoting sustainable development by integrating environmental considerations into the planning and execution of projects. It helps strike a balance between developmental needs and environmental conservation, ensuring that economic growth does not come at the expense of environmental degradation
• Conducting an EIA at the early stages of project planning allows for the early detection of potential environmental issues. This proactive approach helps in avoiding costly and challenging environmental problems that might arise if issues are identified only after project implementation has begun
• EIA is often required for projects that may have transboundary environmental impacts. It facilitates international cooperation by providing neighboring countries with information about potential cross-border environmental effects, fostering collaboration in addressing shared environmental concerns

• EIA in India is governed by the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and the EIA Notification issued under this act. The EIA Notification provides the procedural framework for conducting EIAs and specifies the categories of projects that require clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) before they can proceed
• The EIA process in India applies to a wide range of projects, including industrial, mining, infrastructure, and urban development projects, among others. The EIA Notification categorizes projects into various categories based on their potential environmental impacts and establishes different clearance procedures for each category
• The EIA process in India typically involves several stages, including screening, scoping, baseline data collection, impact prediction, alternatives assessment, public consultation, preparation of the Environmental Impact Assessment report, and decision-making by regulatory authorities
• Public participation is a key component of the EIA process in India. The EIA Notification requires project proponents to conduct public consultations to gather feedback and address concerns from affected communities and stakeholders. Public hearings are held to provide an opportunity for the public to express their views on proposed projects.
• Projects that are subject to EIA in India require environmental clearance from the MoEFCC or State Environment Impact Assessment Authorities (SEIAAs) before they can proceed. The clearance is granted based on the findings of the EIA report and compliance with environmental conditions and mitigation measures

For Prelims: General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change For Mains: General Studies III: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

 

 

Source: Indianexpress

FARMERS PROTESTS

 

 

1. Context

 

On February 13 2024, groups of farmers heeded a call given by the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and began a march to the national capital, to press for fulfilment of their demands, which include a legal guarantee for purchasing crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP) and a farm loan waiver.

 

2.Why are Farmers Protesting Again?

 

Farmers' demands include:

• A legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) for all crops, as per Swaminathan panel formula
• A full debt waiver for farmers
• A monthly pension of Rs 10,000 for all farmers above 60 years
• A doubling of farmers' income
• Loan waivers
• The implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's formula
• Withdrawal of cases against farmers during the 2020 protest
• At least 50% profit over the overall cost of production
• Legislation to guarantee minimum prices
• Penalization for those who sell fake seeds, pesticides, and fertilizers
• Action against a federal minister whose son was arrested during the 2021 protest
• India's exit from WTO and free-trade agreements

3.What has been the government’s stance?

 

• The central government has consistently stated that it is not feasible to declare a guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP). According to Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda, any legislation concerning a guaranteed MSP would require a comprehensive examination of all perspectives.
• The current protests among farmers bring back memories of the year-long agitation that took place in 2020-21, during which numerous farmers staged protests at various locations around the borders of Delhi.
• During this period, farmers were advocating for the repeal of three agricultural laws enacted by the central government, which they argued were detrimental to the interests of the agricultural community.
• These laws included the Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, and the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act. In 2021, the government rolled back these laws. One of the primary demands during this agitation was the assurance of crop purchases at MSP.
• Additional demands encompass a complete waiver of loans for farmers and farm labor, a monthly pension for farmers and farm laborers at the age of 58, withdrawal of the Electricity Amendment Bill, 2020, reintroduction of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013 to ensure farmers' consent and compensation at four times the collector rate, and the provision of 200 days of employment annually at a daily wage of ₹700 under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, among others

 

 

What are the primary demands of Farmers?   The primary issue raised by the farmers engaged in protests is the absence of legislation on Minimum Support Price (MSP), and they express frustration that the Union government is neglecting their other demands despite repeated appeals. MSP is the guaranteed price at which the government commits, in theory, to purchase agricultural produce from farmers. This assurance applies to 22 crops, predominantly grains, pulses, oilseeds, paddy, and copra. Studies indicate that only a limited proportion of farmers in the country actually benefits from MSPs. Farmers allege that while the government pledged to address their concerns in the earlier protests, it has been sluggish in fulfilling its commitments

 

 

4.What is Minimum Support Price?

 

• Minimum Support Price (MSP) is a price at which the government of a country guarantees to purchase the agricultural produce from farmers, ensuring that they receive a remunerative and stable income for their crops. MSP is typically set by the government to provide a safety net for farmers, especially during times of market fluctuations and price volatility.
• The MSP is determined based on various factors, including the cost of production, market prices, demand and supply conditions, and the overall economic and agricultural policies of the government. It serves as a form of price assurance to encourage farmers to cultivate certain crops, even in the face of market uncertainties.
• In many countries, including India, the government announces MSPs for various crops each year. The objective is to protect farmers from price fluctuations and market risks, ensuring a minimum level of income for their produce. The government often procures crops at MSP through state agencies or designated procurement centers.
• While MSP is intended to benefit farmers, there can be challenges and criticisms associated with its implementation. Critics argue that MSPs may distort market dynamics, lead to overproduction of certain crops, and may not effectively reach all farmers, particularly those in remote or marginalized areas.
• In India, MSP is a crucial aspect of agricultural policies, and discussions around it have been central to recent farmer protests, with demands for legal guarantees and broader coverage of crops under MSP

5. What were the reasons for Previous Protests?

 

• Opposition arose against three proposed laws that aimed to relax regulations surrounding the sale, pricing, and storage of agricultural produce, regulations that have safeguarded farmers from the open market for many years.
• Farm unions contended that these laws would expose farmers to the influence of large corporations and jeopardize their livelihoods. Despite months of asserting that the reforms would be advantageous for farmers, Prime Minister Modi declared the repeal of the laws on November 19, 2021. Shortly afterward, the parliament ratified the bill to annul the reforms.
• While hailed as a triumph for farmers and a notable demonstration of how mass protests can effectively challenge the government, the farmers did not immediately disband from the protest sites. They persisted until the government issued a formal letter, acknowledging many of their additional demands.
• Additionally, the government committed to providing compensation to the families of farmers who lost their lives during the protests. In response to the demand for a minimum support price, the government pledged to establish a committee comprising representatives from federal and state governments, agricultural scientists, and farmer groups

6. Way forward

 

Farmers form the most influential voting bloc in India and analysts say the government would not want to rub them the wrong way just weeks before India holds general elections.

The farmers' march has brought back memories of the chaos which prevailed in India's capital during their first protest - bringing life around Delhi's borders to a standstill for months on end.

Mr Modi's government has so far held two new rounds of talks with the farm leaders. However, the farmers called the talks "delaying tactics" and refused to call off their protest.

 

For Prelims: Economic and Social Development For Mains: General Studies III: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices

 

Previous Year Questions 1.Which of the following factors/policies were affecting the price of rice in India in the recent past? (UPSC CSE, 2020) (1) Minimum Support Price (2) Government’s trading (3) Government’s stockpiling (4) Consumer subsidies Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 4 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Answer (d) 2.In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment in agriculture? (UPSC CSE 2020) (1) Fixing Minimum Support Price for agricultural produce of all crops (2) Computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (3) Social Capital development (4) Free electricity supply to farmers (5) Waiver of agricultural loans by the banking system (6) Setting up of cold storage facilities by the governments. In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment in agriculture? Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 5 only (b) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only (c) 2, 3 and 6 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 Answer (c) 3.The Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane is approved by the (UPSC GS1, 2015) (a) Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (b) Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (c) Directorate of Marketing and Inspection, Ministry of Agriculture (d) Agricultural Produce Market Committee Answer (a)

Source: The Hindu

PLASTIC PARTICLES

 

 

1. Context

 

A litre of bottled water can contain more than one lakh particles of micro- and nano-plastics, with 90% of those being the latter, a new study has reported. Nanoplastics are minute, with dimensions ranging from 1 nanometre to 1 micrometre. The new findings indicate bottled water contains a much greater concentration of of these minuscule plastics particles than previously expected.

 

2. How was the study conducted?

• Nanoplastics pose a challenge for analysis primarily due to their small size and the limitations of existing diagnostic methods in detecting them. In an effort to overcome these hurdles, the researchers conducted an experiment employing a specialized hyperspectral stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) imaging platform.
• This setup enabled the acquisition of multiple images of molecular structures at various wavelengths, providing the scientists with a comprehensive view to decipher the object's composition.
• SRS microscopy, utilizing the Raman effect or Raman scattering, involves directing light of a specific frequency at a group of atoms or molecules.
• These entities absorb and scatter some of the energy in different directions, constituting inelastic scattering.
• The research team utilized the SRS imaging platform in conjunction with a custom algorithm designed to identify plastics.
• This algorithm extracted intricate details, specifically at the single-particle level, regarding the chemical composition from the data generated by the SRS platform.
• Upon validating that this integrated apparatus could rapidly and accurately detect plastic particles, the researchers applied it to investigate micro- and nano-plastics using bottled water as a model system

3.Findings of the report

 

• The investigation disclosed the existence of approximately 240,000 micro- and nano-plastic particles per liter of bottled water, with a margin of error of 130,000. Drawing from the substantial scale of these findings, significantly surpassing previous reports focused solely on larger microplastics, the researchers suggested that experts might have been underestimating the concentration of microplastics in bottled water.
• In terms of assessing human exposure, these values are considerably higher than those currently documented in the literature, primarily due to the newly identified nanoplastic fraction of plastic particulate.
• These minute particles, previously unseen through conventional imaging, constitute approximately 90% of the total population of detected plastic particles. The remaining 10%, identified as microplastics, exhibit a concentration of around 30,000 particles per liter, predominantly below 2 micrometers in size.
• Larger particles (2 micrometers), more easily discernible under regular optical microscopy, align with reported microplastic analyses, depending on detection limits determined by distinct technologies
• Traditional single-particle chemical imaging methods like Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman microscopy face limitations in instrumental resolution and detection sensitivity, restricting their capacity to explore the chemical composition of materials beyond the microscopic scale.
• Meanwhile, advanced techniques capable of tracking individual particles such as atoms and molecules, like electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, lack the ability to distinguish between different compositions, preventing unique material identification

4.Which plastics are in the water?

• The algorithm employed by the research team to detect the presence of plastics in bottled water could identify various types, including polyamide 66, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene, polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
• The study confirmed the breakdown of plastic content in real-world water samples beyond the micrometer scale. Notably, the research team utilized the SRS platform, revealing a 'hidden world' of even smaller plastic particles that conventional imaging techniques had overlooked.
• The researchers also noted a complex relationship among the compositions, shapes, and sizes of plastic particles when counting them in the model system. For instance, polystyrene particles were found to be approximately 100-200 nanometers in size, while PET particles measured around 1-2 micrometers.
• According to the researchers, this discrepancy "explains why PET is a more significant component when measuring [the particles] in mass, while polystyrene clearly dominates when counting the number of particles."
• The publication of this study coincides with a critical time when plastic pollution has become a defining concern, with microplastics discovered in diverse ecosystems, ranging from ocean trenches to the summits of Himalayan mountains.
• Additionally, studies have indicated that plastic items can degrade into sub-micrometer pieces, enabling them to breach biological barriers and enter various parts of living beings' bodies

5. Nano Particles

 

• Nano particles refer to extremely small particles with dimensions typically in the nanometer range, which is on the scale of 1 to 100 nanometers. These particles can be composed of various materials, including metals, metal oxides, polymers, or carbon-based substances.
• Due to their minuscule size, nano particles often exhibit unique physical, chemical, and biological properties that differ from their bulk counterparts.
• Nano particles have gained significant attention in various scientific and technological fields due to their potential applications in areas such as medicine, electronics, materials science, and environmental science.
• In medicine, for example, nano particles can be designed for targeted drug delivery to specific cells or tissues. In electronics, they may be used to enhance the performance of electronic devices. In materials science, nano particles can be incorporated into materials to impart specific properties.
• However, the use of nano particles has also raised concerns, particularly in terms of environmental and health impacts.
• The small size of these particles allows them to interact with biological systems in ways that larger particles might not, and there is ongoing research to understand the potential risks associated with their use and exposure.
• It's important to note that the term "nano particles" is quite broad, encompassing a wide range of materials and applications across different scientific disciplines

6. Way Forward

 

A study has confirmed the fragmentation of the plastic content of real-world water samples beyond the micrometre scale. Its findings are distinguished by the research team’s use of a technique that could reveal a ‘hidden world’ of even smaller plastic particles that have eluded conventional imaging methods

 

 

Previous Year Questions   1.Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2022)   1. Other than those made by humans, nanoparticles do not exist in nature. 2. Nanoparticles of some metallic oxides are used in the manufacture of some cosmetics. 3. Nanoparticles of same commercial products which enter the environment are unsafe for humans. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 Only B. 3 Only C. 1 and 2 D. 2 and 3 Answer (D) 2.There is some concern regarding the nanoparticles of some chemical elements that are used by the industry in the manufacture of various products. Why? (UPSC CSE 2014) 1. They can accumulate in the environment, and contaminate water and soil. 2. They can enter the food chains. 3. They can trigger the production of free radicals. Select the correct answer using the code given below. A.1 and 2 only B.3 only C.1 and 3 only D.1, 2 and 3 Answer (D)

Source: The Hindu