On the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)
Context: The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), initiated by the Indian government in 2019, aimed to reduce atmospheric Particulate Matter (PM) levels by 20-30% by 2024, based on 2017 levels. This target was later revised to a 40% reduction by 2026. The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change allocated ₹10,422.73 crore to facilitate this initiative. Despite proactive […]
India Loses 2.33 Million Hectares of Tree Cover Since 2000
Context: Recent data from the Global Forest Watch (GFW) monitoring project shows that India has experienced a loss of 2.33 million hectares of tree cover since the year 2000. This decline represents a 6% reduction in tree cover over this period. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Key Findings of Global […]
Restoring Earth’s Right to Good Health
Context: In a groundbreaking ruling, the European Court of Human Rights has found the Government of Switzerland culpable of breaching the rights of a cohort of elderly women belonging to a Swiss civil society group named KlimaSeniorinnen. The court emphasized that the government’s efforts to mitigate emissions were insufficient and had failed to shield women from […]
Green Credit Programme
Context: Recently, the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change(MoEFCC) has clarified that under the Green Credit Program(GCP) primacy must be accorded to restoring ecosystems over merely tree planting. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Green Credit Programme: Objectives: Tradable Credits: Program Administrator: Green Credit Activities: The programme promotes a range of activities that contribute to environmental […]
Right to Protection from Climate Change Impacts
Context: The Supreme Court of India recently acknowledged the right to protection from the impacts of climate change as part of the fundamental rights to life (Article 21) and equality (Article 19) enshrined in the Indian Constitution. This landmark ruling was made during a case concerning the conservation of the Great Indian Bustard and the […]
Land Conflict Watch Links Land Conflicts to Forest Rights Act Enforcement
Context: A recent report by Land Conflict Watch, a data research agency tracking land-related conflicts in India, has highlighted a notable correlation between land conflicts and the enforcement of the Forest Rights Act (FRA). The findings suggest that the implementation and interpretation of the FRA may be contributing to conflicts over land rights and ownership, […]
The Great Indian Bustard and Climate Action Verdict
Context: In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court of India has acknowledged the existence of a fundamental entitlement to freedom from the adverse effects of climate change (referred to as ‘the right’ hereafter). The decision has drawn considerable attention from environmentalists, primarily focusing on its implications for safeguarding the Great Indian Bustard. This article takes a […]
Decoding the Judgment on Jim Corbett
Context: In a March ruling, the Supreme Court exposed the corrupt collaboration between politicians, forest officials, and local contractors responsible for the unlawful felling of 6,000 trees in the Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand. This situation underscores a stark reality: despite conservation objectives being enshrined in policies and laws such as the Wildlife Protection Act of […]
About The Invasive Alien Species
Context: In a bid to manage the teeming population of invasive chital (spotted deer) in Ross Island the Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration recently sought help from the Wildlife Institute of India. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Invasive Alien Species: Invasive alien species, also known as invasive exotic species or […]
Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve
Context: Recently, several restrictions have been imposed on visitors to the Ahobilam Temple Complex, which is located within the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Key points: Heatwave Restrictions at Cheethal Base Camp Wildlife in Nallamala Forest Area Ahobilam National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) Ahobilam Temple Complex Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam […]