Down To Earth (16-31 December, 2024)

Problem with Current Practices

• Currently, the discharge of effluent is adding to the water crisis by degrading available water through pollution.
• It also contributes to health crises as societies continue to drink water contaminated with sewage.
• Most cities either do not treat or safely dispose of the bulk of human excreta. It is because toilets are often confused with sanitation.
• Toilets are mere receptacles to receive waste, and when flushed, the waste flows into a piped drain, which may or may not be connected to a sewage treatment plant (STP).

Concerns of Using Waste-Water

• Impact on Soil: Wastewater irrigation could lead to temporal and long-term salinization due to its salts (cations and anions) content. It can cause an adverse impact on soil structure.
• Wastewater has a relatively high Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) in comparison with fresh water. High SAR of irrigation water could have adverse impacts on crops and soil.
• Return Water From Farm Fields: Since the quality of treated wastewater is dependent on the source of the water, type of usage and the treatment technology, the treated wastewater may still contain some pollutants or contaminants.
• It has the potential of polluting surface/ground water sources while flowing back from the farm fields.
• Risk of Pathogen Exposure: There are possibilities of pathogens being present even after treatment of waste water, if disinfection or advanced filtration treatment such as membranes are not part of the treatment system.
• Bio Accumulation: Heavy metals present in the waste water can accumulate in the environment and enter the food chain.
• Even at the low concentration levels, long term irrigation can pose risk for the environment and human health.
• Weeds & Mosquitoes: A rise in weeds is observed in fields using wastewater for agriculture, thereby, increasing the amount of pesticide applied.
• The practice of storing the wastewater before applying to the fields creates breeding grounds for the disease carrying mosquitoes.

Solutions and Best Practices

• One approach is to use individual septic tanks, which can retain sludge and discharge liquid through a soak pit.
• However, these tanks need to be constructed well and regularly maintained.
• Another solution is to intercept sewage through tankers for transportation to treatment facilities, rather than relying on capital-intensive underground pipes.

Key Initiatives and Success Stories

• Wastewater Reuse: The Union Ministry of Jal Shakti has mandated that cities must recycle and reuse at least 20% of the water they consume.
• It aims to promote a circular economy and address freshwater scarcity.
• Successful examples include cities that have transformed treated wastewater into a valuable resource, meeting urban water needs while alleviating climate-induced water stress.
• Excreta Management: CSE emphasizes the importance of connecting the dots between excreta production, pollution, and the opportunity to reuse and recycle waste.
• Best practices include the use of septic tanks and sewage treatment plants to safely dispose of and treat excreta.
• Solid Waste Management: Various cities in India are adopting innovative methods to manage solid waste.
• It includes segregation at source, composting organic waste, and recycling materials like plastics and metals.
• These practices not only reduce landfill burden but also create economic opportunities through the sale of recycled products.
• Energy from Waste: Technologies like anaerobic digestion and waste-to-energy plants are being used to generate biogas and electricity from organic waste.
• It not only provides a renewable energy source but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Policy and Community Engagement

• Programs like the Swachh Bharat Mission and Smart Cities Mission encourage cities to adopt sustainable waste management practices.
• Additionally, community engagement and awareness campaigns are essential to ensure public participation and support for these initiatives.

Stubble Burning

Context

• According to the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Madhya Pradesh is emerging as a hotspot for stubble burning, surpassing Punjab and Haryana.

About the Stubble Burning in India

• Stubble burning, the practice of setting fire to crop residues after harvest, remains a significant environmental and public health issue in India.
• Predominantly observed in the states of Punjab and Haryana, this practice contributes to severe air pollution, affecting not only the local population but also the air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR), including Delhi.

Causes of Stubble Burning

• The primary reason for stubble burning is the short window between the harvesting of paddy and the sowing of wheat.
• Farmers resort to burning crop residues to quickly clear their fields. The use of combine harvesters, which leave behind substantial stubble, exacerbates the problem.
• Additionally, the lack of affordable and efficient alternatives for residue management forces farmers to burn the stubble.

Practice and Its Impacts

• Farmers in Punjab and Haryana resort to stubble burning primarily due to economic constraints and the lack of viable alternatives.
• The high cost of machinery for residue management and the absence of sufficient incentives push farmers to burn the stubble, which is a quick and cost-effective method to clear fields for the next crop cycle.
• The smoke from these fires contains harmful pollutants, including particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds, which contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and smog.
• It not only deteriorates air quality but also poses serious health risks, such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Government Efforts and Challenges

• The Union Agriculture Minister recently reported a significant decrease in stubble burning incidents, with a 35% reduction in Punjab and a 21% reduction in Haryana compared to the previous year.
• However, the problem is far from resolved, and continuous efforts are required to achieve sustainable solutions.

Innovative Solutions and Future Directions

• These include the promotion of in-situ residue management techniques, such as the use of Happy Seeders and Super Straw Management Systems, which allow farmers to sow the next crop without removing the stubble.
• Additionally, ex-situ solutions like converting crop residues into biofuels, compost, and other valueadded products are being encouraged.

Climate Obligations and International Court of Justice (ICJ)

Context

• Recently, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) began public hearings in a case to provide its advisory opinion on the obligations and legal consequences of countries on climate change, and concluded hearings on the obligations of states regarding climate change.

Background and Significance

• The case was spearheaded by small island nations, such as Vanuatu, which are facing existential threats due to rising sea levels and extreme weather events.
• These nations argued that the failure of high-emitting states to meet their climate obligations constitutes an internationally wrongful act.
• Vanuatu’s special envoy for climate change emphasized the dire consequences of inaction, stating that the outcome of these proceedings will determine the fate of vulnerable nations and the future of our planet.

Key Questions

• Obligations of States: What are the legal obligations of states under international law to ensure the protection of the climate system and other parts of the environment from greenhouse gas emissions?
• Legal Consequences: What are the legal consequences for states that fail to meet these obligations, especially for those that have caused significant harm to the climate system?
• Impact on Vulnerable States: How do these obligations and consequences affect states that are particularly vulnerable to climate change, such as small island developing states?
• Rights of Future Generations: What are the implications for the rights of present and future generations affected by climate change?

Key Arguments

• During the hearings, various countries presented their views on the legal responsibilities of states under international law.
• Brazil highlighted its commitment to reducing emissions despite facing significant challenges like poverty eradication.
• China, on the other hand, urged the ICJ to focus on existing frameworks such as the Paris Agreement and avoid creating new legal obligations.
• The small island developing states (SIDS), represented by the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), called for the recognition of maritime zones and statehood even if territories are inundated.
• They stressed the principle of ‘Common But Differentiated Responsibilities’ asserting that developed countries bear the greatest burden in addressing the climate crisis.

Potential Impact

• While the ICJ’s advisory opinion will be nonbinding, it is expected to shape the future of international climate law significantly.
• The proceedings have already brought global attention to the urgent need for stronger climate action and accountability.
• The case underscores the importance of international cooperation in combating climate change and protecting vulnerable communities.

Deep Sea Mining

Context

• Recently, Norway said it has suspended plans to start giving licences for deep-sea mining in 2025.
• Earlier, Norway's parliament gave approval in January 2024 to allow mining rights in 280,000 sq km, to reduce reliance on countries like China for critical minerals and metals.

About the Deep Sea Mining

• It involves extracting valuable metals and minerals from the seabed, which are crucial for modern technologies such as smartphones, electric vehicles, and renewable energy systems.

Riches of the Deep

• The ocean floor is home to a variety of mineral deposits, including polymetallic nodules, cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts, and massive sulphide deposits. These resources are found in different geological settings:
• Polymetallic Nodules: These are potato-sized lumps scattered across the ocean floor, rich in manganese, nickel, cobalt, and copper.
• Cobalt-Rich Ferromanganese Crusts: These crusts form on seamounts and ridges, containing high concentrations of cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements.
• Massive Sulphide Deposits: Found around hydrothermal vents, these deposits are rich in copper, gold, zinc, and silver.

Environmental Concerns

• Habitat Destruction: Mining operations can destroy habitats and the unique species that inhabit them.
• Sediment Plumes: The process of extracting minerals can create plumes of sediment that spread over large areas, affecting marine life.
• Pollution: Chemicals used in the mining process can contaminate the water, posing risks to marine organisms.

Regulatory Framework

• The International Seabed Authority (ISA), established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), is responsible for regulating deep sea mining activities.
• The ISA issues licenses for exploration and sets guidelines to ensure that mining is conducted responsibly. However, there is ongoing debate about the adequacy of these regulations and the need for stricter environmental safeguards.

Current Developments

• Several countries and companies have obtained licenses to explore deep sea mineral resources.
• Notable areas of interest include the ClarionClipperton Zone in the Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean Ridge, and the Rio Grande Rise in the Atlantic Ocean. These regions are believed to hold vast quantities of valuable minerals, making them prime targets for future mining operations.

Compensatory Afforestation

Context

• Around 21 gram panchayats in the Gandhamardan hill region of Odisha began protests after an Adani Group company acquired some 45 hectares around the villages.
• While the company claims that the land is for compensatory afforestation, people fear it would result in bauxite mining in the biodiversity-rich region.

About the Compensatory Afforestation

• It is a crucial environmental strategy aimed at mitigating the loss of forest cover due to non-forestry activities such as mining, infrastructure development, and industrial projects.
• It involves planting trees on non-forest land or degraded forest land to compensate for the forest area diverted for these activities.
• The goal is to ensure that the ecological balance is maintained and that the adverse effects of deforestation are minimized.

Process of Compensatory Afforestation

• The process of CA begins when a project proponent identifies land for afforestation and proposes it to the state forest department.
• If the proposal is approved, the project proponent pays for the land, which is then transferred to the forest department.
• The forest department undertakes the plantation work on this land, ensuring that the ecological functions of the lost forest are restored.

Legal Framework

• The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, is the cornerstone of India’s compensatory afforestation policy.
• It mandates that whenever forest land is diverted for non-forest purposes, the project proponent must provide an equivalent area of non-forest land for afforestation or undertake afforestation on degraded forest land twice the area of the diverted forest.

Implementation and Monitoring

• MoEFCC oversees the implementation of compensatory afforestation. It involves:
• Identification of Land: Non-forest land or degraded forest land is identified for afforestation.
• Preparation of Afforestation Plan: A detailed plan, including the type of species to be planted, the cost structure, and the timeline, is prepared.
• Funding: Funds for afforestation are provided by the project proponent and are managed by the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA).
• Execution and Monitoring: The afforestation activities are carried out by the state forest departments, and the progress is monitored by both state and central authorities.

Challenges and Concerns

• Land Availability: Finding suitable non-forest land for afforestation can be difficult, especially in densely populated regions.
• Quality of Afforestation: Ensuring that the afforested land achieves the ecological functions of the original forest is challenging. Often, the newly planted forests do not match the biodiversity and ecological value of the natural forests they replace.
• Monitoring and Maintenance: Effective monitoring and maintenance of afforested areas are crucial for the success of CA. However, there are often gaps in these processes, leading to poor survival rates of planted trees.

Oil Leakage

Context

• Recently, thousands of litres of fuel are reported to have been released because of a leak at a Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) depot in Elathur, Kozhikode, Kerala.

About Oil Leakage

• It, often referred to as oil spills, is a significant environmental hazard that has far-reaching consequences for ecosystems, human health, and economies.
• These incidents can occur due to various reasons, including accidents during drilling, transportation mishaps, or operational failures at oil wells.
• One notable example is the Baghjan oil well blowout in Assam, India, which highlighted the severe impacts of such events.

Causes of Oil Leakage

• Pipeline Failures: Aging infrastructure, corrosion, and mechanical failures can lead to pipeline ruptures.
• Operational Errors: Human errors during maintenance or operational activities can cause accidental spills.
• Natural Disasters: Events like floods and cyclones can damage oil storage facilities and pipelines, leading to leaks.

Consequences

• Environmental Damage: Oil spills contaminate water bodies, soil, and air. They severely affect marine and terrestrial ecosystems, leading to the death of wildlife and destruction of habitats.
• Health Hazards: Exposure to spilled oil and its fumes can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and other health issues in humans.
• Economic Losses: The cleanup process is costly, and the affected areas often suffer long-term economic setbacks, particularly in industries like fishing and tourism.

Prevention and Mitigation

• Enhanced Safety Standards: Implementing and adhering to strict safety regulations during drilling and transportation.
• Advanced Technology: Utilizing modern technology for early detection and rapid response to leaks.
• Emergency Preparedness: Training personnel and equipping them with the necessary tools to handle emergencies effectively.

Mitigation Measures

• Regular Inspections and Maintenance: Ensuring pipelines and storage facilities are regularly inspected and maintained to prevent leaks.
• Emergency Response Plans: Developing and implementing effective emergency response plans to quickly address spills and minimize their impact.
• Technological Innovations: Using advanced technologies for leak detection and containment to reduce the risk and impact of oil spills.

Forest Fire

Context

• Recently, Kullu region in Himachal Pradesh was hit by multiple fire incidents, with flames engulfing nearly 100 hectares.
• The fires are reported to be a result of a three-monthlong drought in Kullu, leaving the forest regions dry.

About the Forest Fire

• Forest fires, also known as wildfires, are uncontrolled fires that spread rapidly through vegetation, often causing significant environmental, economic, and social impacts.
• These fires can be triggered by natural causes such as lightning or human activities like unattended campfires, agricultural burning, and arson.

Causes and Consequences

• Natural Causes: Lightning strikes are a common natural cause of forest fires. In some ecosystems, such as the boreal forests of North America, lightning-induced fires play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by clearing old vegetation and promoting new growth.
• Human Activities: According to the Forest Survey of India (FSI), around 95% of forest fires are caused by human activities. These include:
• Slash-and-Burn Agriculture: Commonly practiced in the northeastern states, this method involves clearing land by burning vegetation, which can lead to uncontrolled fires.
• Negligence: Careless disposal of cigarettes, campfires, and agricultural residue burning are significant contributors.
• Deliberate Acts: In some cases, fires are set intentionally for land clearing or poaching.
• Climate Change: Rising global temperatures and prolonged droughts have increased the frequency and intensity of forest fires.
• Warmer temperatures dry out vegetation, making it more susceptible to ignition.
• Climate change also extends the fire season, leading to more prolonged and severe fire events.

Environmental Impact

• Loss of Biodiversity: Fires can destroy habitats, leading to the loss of plant and animal species. Some species may take years to recover, while others may be lost forever.
• Air Quality: Smoke from forest fires contains harmful pollutants, including particulate matter and carbon monoxide, which can affect air quality and human health.
• Carbon Emissions: Forest fires release significant amounts of carbon dioxide, contributing to global warming. The loss of forests also reduces the planet’s capacity to absorb carbon dioxide, exacerbating climate change.

Socio-Economic Impact

• Property Damage: Fires can destroy homes, infrastructure, and agricultural land, leading to substantial economic losses.
• Health Risks: Exposure to smoke and pollutants from forest fires can cause respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and other health issues.
• Displacement: Communities living in fire-prone areas may be forced to evacuate, leading to temporary or permanent displacement.

Mitigation and Management

• Prevention: Public awareness campaigns, strict enforcement of fire regulations, and the use of firebreaks can help prevent the occurrence of forest fires.
• Preparedness: Developing early warning systems, conducting regular fire drills, and training firefighters are essential for preparedness.
• Response: Rapid response teams equipped with modern firefighting tools and technologies are crucial for controlling and extinguishing fires. International cooperation and resource sharing can also enhance firefighting efforts.

Mitigation Measures

• Forest Fire Alert System: The Forest Survey of India has developed the Forest Fire Alert System (FAST) 3.0, which uses satellite data to provide near-real-time alerts to state forest departments and other stakeholders.
• Community Involvement: Engaging local communities in fire prevention and control activities is crucial. Awareness campaigns and training programs help in educating people about the risks and prevention methods
• Policy and Legislation: Strengthening forest laws and policies to penalize negligent and deliberate firesetting activities is essential. MoEFCC plays a pivotal role in this regard.
• Technological Interventions: The use of drones, remote sensing, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for monitoring and managing forest fires is being increasingly adopted.

Illegal Riverbed Mining in Kashmir

Context

• Once a lifeline for households in the district, the Doodh Ganga river in Budgam district, Jammu and Kashmir, remains in a dire state even two years after the National Green Tribunal’s blanket ban on riverbed mining.

Scope of the Problem

• Illegal riverbed mining involves the unauthorized extraction of sand, gravel, and other materials from riverbeds. It is rampant across many parts of India, including states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Jammu & Kashmir.
• The demand for construction materials has driven this illegal activity, often carried out with heavy machinery, leading to severe ecological and social consequences.

Environmental Impact

• Ecosystem Disruption: The extraction of riverbed materials disrupts the natural flow of rivers, leading to erosion, altered river courses, and loss of habitat for aquatic life.
• For instance, in the Sukhnag River in Kashmir, illegal mining has caused significant damage to the river’s flora and fauna, including the death of thousands of trout.
• Water Quality Degradation: Mining activities increase the turbidity of river water, affecting its quality and making it unsuitable for drinking and irrigation.
• The increased sediment load can also harm aquatic plants and animals.
• Biodiversity Loss: The destruction of riverbeds impacts the biodiversity of the region.
• Many species of fish and other aquatic organisms are directly affected by the loss of habitat and changes in water quality.

Social and Economic Consequences

• Livelihoods at Risk: Local communities that depend on rivers for their livelihoods, such as fishing and agriculture, are severely affected.
• The decline in fish populations and the degradation of agricultural land due to mining activities threaten their economic stability.
• Health Hazards: The increased dust and pollution from mining operations pose health risks to nearby communities.
• Respiratory problems and other health issues are common in areas affected by illegal mining.
• Corruption and Violence: The illegal mining industry is often linked with corruption and violence.
• There are numerous reports of clashes between miners and local communities, as well as between different mining factions.

Legal and Regulatory Framework

• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Supreme Court of India have issued several directives to curb illegal mining, but implementation on the ground is often lacking.

Steps Forward

• Strengthening Enforcement: There is a need for stronger enforcement of existing laws and regulations.
• It includes regular monitoring of riverbeds, strict penalties for violators, and the use of technology to track illegal activities.
• Community Involvement: Empowering local communities to participate in monitoring and reporting illegal mining activities can be an effective strategy.
• These can help in the sustainable management of river resources.
• Sustainable Alternatives: Promoting the use of alternative materials for construction and encouraging sustainable mining practices can reduce the pressure on riverbeds.
• Research and development in this area are essential for long-term solutions.
• Awareness and Education: Raising awareness about the environmental and social impacts of illegal riverbed mining is crucial.
• Educational campaigns can help in building public support for conservation efforts.

Chemical Pollution and Impact on Human

Context

• Chemical pollution is the most underrated and underreported risk of the 21st century that threatens all species and regions.

About

• Chemical pollution is a pressing environmental issue that poses significant risks to human health and ecosystems. It involves the release of harmful chemicals into the environment, which can originate from various sources such as industrial activities, agricultural practices, and household products.

Causes of Chemical Pollution

• Industrial Activities: Factories and manufacturing plants release a variety of pollutants, including heavy metals, solvents, and toxic by-products, into the air, water, and soil.
• Agricultural Practices: The use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers in agriculture contributes to chemical runoff into water bodies, affecting both aquatic life and human populations.
• Household Products: Everyday items such as cleaning agents, paints, and personal care products contain chemicals that can pollute indoor and outdoor environments.

Global Efforts

India’s Efforts

• Environment Protection Act, 1986: It provides the framework for the protection and improvement of the environment. It empowers the central government to take measures to protect and improve environmental quality and control pollution.
• Manufacture, Storage, and Import of Hazardous Chemicals Rules, 1989: These rules regulate the handling of hazardous chemicals to prevent accidents and ensure safety in industrial operations.
• National Green Tribunal (NGT): It plays a pivotal role in adjudicating environmental cases and enforcing legal rights related to the environment.
• Chemical Accidents (Emergency Planning, Preparedness, and Response) Rules, 1996: These rules aim to prevent and mitigate chemical accidents through proper planning and preparedness.
• Corporate Responsibility: Indian industries are increasingly adopting sustainable practices and technologies to reduce chemical emissions and waste. Companies are also engaging in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives to support environmental conservation.

Chemicals Being Invented, Released Too Rapidly for Scientists to Track’

Context

• According to a report by Planet Tracker, since 2010, approximately 125 million tonnes of chemicals have been released from petrochemical facilities in Europe’s trilateral chemical region—Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands.

About

• The release of such vast quantities of chemicals has resulted in the loss of 24,640 years of healthy life and has potentially affected billions of species within ecosystems.
• Despite these severe impacts, the health consequences of petrochemical pollution often do not receive the attention they deserve.
• Local communities may remain unaware of the toxic chemicals being released in their vicinity, and even when data is reported, it often arrives too late to prompt timely action.

River Pollution

Causes of River Pollution

• Industrial Discharge: Industries along riverbanks discharge untreated or inadequately treated effluents into rivers. This includes heavy metals, chemicals, and other toxic substances that degrade water quality and harm aquatic life.
• Sewage and Domestic Waste: Urbanization has led to increased sewage and domestic waste being dumped into rivers. Many cities lack adequate sewage treatment facilities, resulting in untreated waste entering water bodies.
• Agricultural Runoff: The use of fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture leads to runoff that carries these chemicals into rivers, causing nutrient pollution and eutrophication.
• Solid Waste: Improper disposal of solid waste, including plastics, contributes to river pollution. This waste clogs waterways and harms wildlife.

Pesticide Regulation

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