<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1624411966214" alt="A look at India's nuclear energy programme" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

The latest report by Swedish think tank Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) revealed that the global nuclear weapon deployment is on the rise for the first time since the end of the cold war. The researchers said the trend was worrisome.
"The overall number of warheads in global military stockpiles now appears to be increasing, a worrisome sign that the declining trend that has characterised global nuclear arsenals since the end of the Cold War has stalled," SIPRI researcher Hans M Kristensen said.
According to the report, 90% of the total nuclear arsenal remains with the cold war rivals i.e. Russia (former USSR), and the USA. The report also says that three countries, namely China, Pakistan, and India are rapidly modernising and boosting their nuclear arsenal. In this piece, we will be taking a look at India's Nuclear Power Program.
Although the word ‘Nuclear’ can be associated with mass destruction, ‘Nuclear Energy’ has a far wider meaning than just that. In the current scenario, in which the world is struggling with rising temperatures and the problems associated with it, experts look at Nuclear Energy as an alternative to the current energy system.&nbsp;
Developed countries like the US, and the EU are aiming for Carbon Neutrality, while developing countries like India are also under pressure to announce their net zero carbon emission plans. India is heavily reliant on traditional sources such as coal for its energy requirements. The demand for energy is going to increase further, and that is why India is desperately seeking alternatives. Though risky in other ways, Nuclear Energy does not emit CO2, and that makes it one of the options for India as it looks to reduce its carbon emissions in the future.
<ins>The program</ins>

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1624412052707" alt="A look at India's Nuclear Energy Programme" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

As on September, 2020, India has 22 operating nuclear reactors across the country, and their combined capacity totals 6.7 GW. This is about 2% of India's total energy demand. Though the number might look small, it has taken India a long time to reach this point. All of this started in the late 1940s under the supervision of Dr. Homi J Bhabha, who is also called the father of India's Nuclear Program.
The ambitious program was launched under the leadership of India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. The Government of India established the Department of Atomic Energy, in 1954, with the sole responsibility of looking after the program. India had to devise a strategy to maximise its resources as it had very limited Uranium, but Thorium was present in abundance in the country. Thorium, however, in its natural state, cannot be used as a fuel. After a series of reactions, it needs to be converted into its usable “fissile” form. Therefore, a three stage plan was conceived with the installation of natural uranium reactors in the first phase, followed by fast breeder reactors in the second phase, using plutonium from the first generation reactors with either uranium-238 or thorium in the blanket, and eventually followed by reactors based on the self-sustaining Thorium-Uranium-233 cycle.
The first break came in 1974 when India tested a fission device. The Government of that time called it a ‘peaceful' Nuclear Explosion. The tests were condemned globally. Due to the global eye, India could not carry on with follow up tests. These tests invited international sanctions which barred India from buying nuclear technology and materials from outside. The limited Uranium availability, and these sanctions crippled India's pace. Moreover, India could not invest too heavily in it since it was a still a less developed country. Since late 1990s, however, the program got a decisive push.
As India industrialised itself, it also helped in accelerating India's nuclear program.
The unexpected nuclear tests in Pokhran in 1998 which were again followed up by US sanctions were the result of this acceleration.
The programme, nevertheless, got a new lease of life with a turning point in India-US relations under then American President George W.Bush. The negotiations resulted in Indo-US nuclear deal of 2008 or less commonly known as the 123 agreement.
The deal allowed India to import uranium, and enter into collaboration with other countries to build reactors. This freedom has ushered a new era in India's Nuclear energy plans that has allowed us to move rapidly in the last decade.
<ins>The Present</ins>
India is lobbying hard to get a membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). The NSG is a multilateral export control regime, and a group of nuclear technology supplier countries that seek to prevent nuclear proliferation by controlling the export of materials, equipment, and technologies which can be used to manufacture nuclear weapons. India portrays itself as a responsible nuclear power by pointing towards its 'No first use policy', and its positive record in non-proliferation.
<ins>The future</ins>
The current Government has been quite vocal about India's plan to shift towards renewable energy sources from the currently used traditional sources. According to Planning Commission's report of 2006, India plans to generate 26 GW of energy by the year 2022, and increase it to 57 GW by 2032.
India is also under pressure to reduce its carbon emissions. Though its per capita carbon emissions are on the lower side, due to the huge population, India consumes a lot of energy. It is going to become the third highest energy consumer by 2030, according to the International Energy Agency.
Therefore, to make sure it's dependence on carbon emitting sources remains stable or goes down, India plans to increase its nuclear capacity to 63 GW by 2032, according to Ravi Grover, Vice-Chancellor of the Homi Bhabha National Institute, by building roughly 60 reactors. If successful, it would make India the world's second-biggest nuclear energy market after China.
Although the question remains, is it possible?
<ins>Hindrances to Projects</ins>
India's way to nuclear success was slow, but the scientific brilliance of Bhabha and other scientists, combined with the political will made sure it was steady. The country overcame many obstacles in its journey. Though the deal with the US eased out things, hindrances still remain.
There is a risk. The riches of nuclear power come in pair with the hazards of radioactivity. The world saw the damages caused by nuclear disasters of Chernobyl, and more recently of Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant. After the Fukushima incident, India too witnessed protests against some of the proposed nuclear plans.
While Nuclear energy solves the problem of CO2 wastes, it created a problem of its own – the radioactive waste. Experts are still contemplating about more effective ways of waste dumping. The usual pattern is to dig hundreds of meter deep into the ground, and dispose the waste down there, but certain apprehensions still remain.
The Uranium availability will always remain one of the major limitations to India's nuclear ambitions. The relaxation of sanctions through the N-deal has helped India to source the highly valuable material, but it is still not in sync with India's ambitious requirements.
India has huge thorium reserves which could potentially power its thorium reactors for hundreds of years to come. This forms the basis of its plans for the third stage, the large-scale deployment of thorium reactors. However, thorium technology continues to be a long-term goal, rather than an immediate option for the country. There is also the question of safety and security. No country in the world has yet demonstrated a viable and commercial thorium reactor programme.
Additionally, the nuclear power sector in India has witnessed its share of controversies and protests over issues of land ownership, location, as well as the safety &amp; security of power plants in the event of natural or man-made disasters. These have also contributed to the time and cost overruns of India’s nuclear power projects.
<ins>The privatisation push</ins>

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1624412620353" alt="A look at India's Nuclear Energy Programme" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>


Current Government's love for privatisation has been on full display since they were re-elected. The Government is willing to bring in more and more private players in every field including the nuclear energy programme.
On May 26, the Department of Atomic Energy announced its plan to construct its first research reactor based on PPP model. It also stated that private entities that are willing to invest in the construction of the reactor and its processing units will get exclusive rights to process and market the radioisotopes produced in the reactor.
<ins>Indo-Russian Nuclear Cooperation</ins>
India has civil nuclear agreements with 14 countries, but Russia has always held a position of great value in India's Nuclear Program. Before the India-US Nuclear deal of 2008, India could not trade the raw materials needed for Nuclear Energy creation, since it was not a member of NSG. India is not a member of NSG still or a signatory to Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT), but the 2008 deal has made things easy for it. Before that, one of the major partners for India in this field was the Soviet Union.
India had signed agreements with Soviet Union as early as the 1960s. India was provided with heavy water by the USSR after Canada abstained from doing so because of the tests of 1974.
Throughout the 1990s, when India’s engagement with the global nuclear market was minimal, Russia remained a key supplier of nuclear fuel to India. When the NSG came up in 1974 in response to India's nuclear tests, the only country that kept assisting India was the USSR. Russia is still very important part of India's future nuclear energy programs.
It is fair to say that Russia has been a prominent partner for India in the field of nuclear energy, but it is also collaborating with China at a large level.
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More on that, in the next article. Watch this space for more.&nbsp;

A look at India's Nuclear Energy Programme

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1621938344344" alt="Yaas: Tropical Cyclones & how they are named" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

Before India could track the losses on its western coasts due to the cyclone Tauktae, it has to deal with another 'very severe cyclonic storm', this time, on its eastern coasts. The cyclone 'Yaas' is expected to make a landfall on the coasts of Odisha and West Bengal on Wednesday.
Coasts of Bengal had seen the cyclone Amphan last year too. To review the preparedness of the likely to be affected states, Prime Minister Narendra Modi headed a high-level meeting on Sunday. State Governments have already started evacuation programs. Military aircrafts and warships had been put on standby for rescue and relief operations. Navy, Coast Guards, and Army are also ready for the same.
<ins>Cyclone Yaas</ins>
Yaas emerged as a low-pressure area over east central Bay of Bengal between 21 and 22 May, and is expected to touch speeds of 155-165 kmph, and even gust up to 185 kmph. The storm is expected to make landfall between Paradip and Sagar islands on May 26. It is projected to be a very severe cyclonic storm, which is a level 3 cyclone below Super Cyclone and Extremely Severe cyclone. To put into perspective, the recent cyclone, Tauktae, was an ‘extremely severe’ cyclonic storm. ‘Amphan’ of last year was a super cyclone.&nbsp;
‘Yaas’ has been named by the Gulf Kingdom of Oman. The Arabic meaning of Yaas is pessimism, while the Persian meaning is Jasmine.
<ins>Naming of Cyclones</ins>
Cyclone names have always fascinated people as they sound random, but are of different languages. A cyclone hitting India can have a name in different language, but a cyclone striking Thailand can have a familiar sounding name. There is a standard procedure which is followed before naming a specific cyclonic storm. The naming of cyclones is based on the region in which cyclone emerges. Worldwide there are 6 Regional Specialised Meteorological Centres (RSMC) which can be seen as 6 regional offices for identifying and naming cyclones.
The Indian Meteorological Department is one of these RSMCs. They have the responsibility to name cyclones emerging in North Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal, and the Arabian Sea. 13 members are provided with cyclone advisories from this centre, namely, India, Bangladesh, Iran, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, UAE, and Yemen.&nbsp;
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) maintains rotating list of names, which are submitted by the countries of a particular centre. The names can be submitted only within certain guidelines:-
<ol>
<li>The proposed name must be neutral to politics and political figures, religious beliefs, cultures, and genders.&nbsp;</li>
<li>It must not hurt the sentiments of any group of people across the world.</li>
<li>It must not be rude and cruel in nature.</li>
<li>The name must be short, easy to pronounce, and inoffensive to any member.</li>
<li>It must be of a maximum of eight letters, and be given with its pronunciation and voice over.</li>
<li>The names of cyclones developing over the north Indian Ocean will not be repeated. Once used, it will cease to be used again.</li>
</ol>
‘Tauktae’ was named by Myanmar, which literally meant a highly vocal snake. Cyclone ‘Fani’ is named after a Bengali word for the hood of a snake. It was given by Bangladesh. India gave cyclone ‘Vayu’ its name. Vayu hit Gujarat in 2017.
The next name in line is urdu word ‘Gulaab’, which means rose. Pakistan has suggested the name. After it, ‘Shaheen’ suggested by Qatar is lined up.
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Also read: <a href="https://policharcha.com/article/environment/f77f60b6-c2b6-4c3f-b232-e0dc7e57ceb2/cyclone-tauktae-ravages-western-coast-set-to-make-landfall-over-gujarat-at-kmph" target="_blank">How are cyclones classified</a>&nbsp;
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<ins>PM reviews the situation</ins>
At the high-level meeting, on Sunday, the PM asked officials to ensure proper coordination and planning with the state governments so that there is no disruption in Covid-19 treatments and the vaccine drives in the hospital.&nbsp;
"He (PM) also spoke about the need to involve district administrations in the planning and preparedness for better learning from best practices and seamless co-ordination. PM directed officials that advisories and instructions on dos and don’ts during the cyclone be made available in east to understand local languages to citizens of the affected districts,” a Government Press Release said on Sunday.
Home Minister Amit Shah also held a meeting to review the plans of the concerned states on Monday. The meeting was skipped by Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banarjee though.
A day before Prime Minister’s meeting, cabinet secretary Rajeev Guaba had also held a meeting of the National Crisis management Committee on May 22, with chief secretaries of all coastal states and the ministries concerned.&nbsp;
<ins>States’ preparations</ins>
West Bengal Government’s warnings prompted fishermen to return to the shores in the state. 12 NDRF teams have also been deployed to respond to the destruction by the cyclone Yaas, while SDRF, Disaster Management Group, and Civil Defence have also been put on standby. State government has also cancelled holidays of concerned officials to deal with the cyclone.
Districts of Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Balasore, Paradip, and Bhadrak in Odisha have already started receiving heavy rain from Monday. The state has targeted ‘zero casualties’ in its preparation plans. Evacuation plans, both pre-cyclone and post-cyclone rescue, and recovery operations plans have been laid out. As the cyclone intensifies into a severe cyclonic storm, 8 NDRF teams have been moved to Odisha. Bhubaneshwar Municipal Committee has planned to evacuate about 20,000 people form low lying areas of the region.
Both Odisha and West Bengal are not new targets of Cyclonic storms. Cyclone Amphan pumelled Bengal’s coast last year killing nearly a hundred people. It was the costliest cyclone ever in terms of damage caused recorded in the North Indian Ocean. A year earlier cyclone Fani swept through the shores of Odisha. It was recorded as the strongest cyclone to hit the state since 1999.
<ins>Understanding cyclone formation</ins>
The world experiences more than 70 cyclones in a year. Cyclone formation is a very complex phenomena. Basically when the sea gets warmer than usual, and the temperature difference between sea and air is large, the hot air above it rises. This causes an area of lower pressure below. Cool air then rushes into that void which again gets warm, and the cycle continues till it intensifies. The warmed, moist air rises, and cools the water in the air to form clouds. Fed by the ocean’s heat and water evaporating from the ocean surface, the whole system of clouds &amp; wind spins and grows. An eye is formed in the centre of system. The system which was already moving keeps gaining speed.&nbsp;
The system keeps on intensifying till it hits the land. On hitting the land, its source of energy, the warm water, is no more there, so the system slowly dies. Though the momentum can carry it deep into the land as well.
Global warming is thought of as the reason behind rising number of such cyclonic storms. Experts believe that due to global warming storms are intensifying at a rapid pace which is making it difficult to predict exact severity of recent storms. They intensify quickly and destruct more in short span of time.
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This article is written by Gaurav Thakur

Yaas: Tropical Cyclones & how they are named

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1621264026679" alt="Extremely Severe Cyclone Tauktae set to make landfall over Gujarat at more than 185 kmph" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

After ravaging through the coasts of Kerela, Goa, and Karnataka, cyclone Tauktae is expected to reach coasts of Gujarat later today. The cyclone, which has killed at least 7 people till Sunday, will gain speeds upto 185 kmph when it arrives at the shores of Gujarat.
In the morning the cyclone inched near Mumbai, forcing the concerned authorities to declare an orange alert. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport also suspended its operations from 11am to 2pm on Monday.
<ins>Karnataka</ins>
Cyclone Tauktae, named by Myanmar, violently swept through the coastal areas of Karnataka, Kerela, and Goa. Karnataka, till Sunday, had reported 4 deaths. More than 70 villages in 7 districts were affected by the cyclone. 15 stations in the state recorded 200 mm of rainfall with Nada station recording the most at 385 mm. Karnataka's Chief Minister directed the officials in coastal areas to reach the affected areas and provide relief work.
<ins>Kerela</ins>
Kerela is experiencing thunderstorms since Friday night which have damaged numerous crops and houses in coastal regions. Several dams reported rise in water levels in the state. A death was reported from the Idduki region, and at least 3 were reported injured. Hundreds of affected families were shifted to relief camps set up by the State Government.
<ins>Goa</ins>
Accidents due to heavy rainfall has contributed to 2 deaths in Goa. High intensity winds uprooted many electric poles disrupting the power supply in the area. Concerned officials have been working to normalise the situation. IMD Goa has predicted heavy rain in the region for the next two days.
<ins>Mumbai</ins>
Financial heart of India, Mumbai had to shift its patients infected with the coronavirus out of Covid centres to hospitals. Bandra-Worli sea link, Monorail services, and local trains in some parts were shut down as part of precautionary measures against the raging waters from the sea. Fortunately for the city, the cyclone is expected to come close but not affect the city much according to IMD.
<ins>Gujarat</ins>
The cyclone which at this point is recognised as a "very severe" cyclone will intensify into an "extremely severe" cyclone with wind speed touching upto 185 kmph by Tuesday. The shores of Gujarat are expected to bear the brunt of this extremely powerful storm. Over 1,50,000 people have been evacuated from the low lying regions of the state in more than 650 villages across 17 districts.
The Government also deployed 50 NDRF and SDRF teams as part of preparations. Gujarat Cheif Minister, Vijay Rupani told media that power supply will be damaged so the hospitals have been asked to ensure power backup. The Government has also put in place power breakup arrangements to ensure uninterrupted supply. He also assured that the Government has created buffer stock of Oxygen to ensure continuous oxygen supply in the hospitals.
Union Territories of Daman and Diu, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli are also expected to get a feel of the cyclone. The administration at these places had started reviewing their preparedness to safeguard its coasts.
The storm will touch the Gujarat shores between Porbandar and Mahuva in the district of Bhavnagar. According to the weather department Porbandar, Amreli, Junagadh, and Gir are expected to face the heaviest destruction by the storms. The coastal areas of Ahmedabad are likely to be inundated according to IMD.
<ins>Centre's response</ins>
Cyclone Tauktae has swept through India's western coasts at a time when the country is already reeling due to the destructive second wave of Coronavirus. To ensure the cyclone does not come in the way of India's fight against Covid, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on Sunday, chaired a high level meeting where he reviewed the preparedness against the pandemic in all the affected and likely to be affected areas.
According to the officials in the meeting, The Home Minister guided districts to make adequate arrangements for the security and well-being of all the patients. Shah also looked at the impact of cyclone on Oxygen generation plants, and also ensured the affected states of all Government help and co-operation. Coast Gaurds, Army, Navy, Air Force units were also put on standby by the Home Ministry. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also had reviewed the situation a day before on Saturday.

<ins>About Cyclone Tauktae</ins>
Tauktae will become the strongest cyclone to hit coasts of Gujarat since 1988. IMD warned about the formation of low pressure in southeast Arabian Sea. As it came close to Indian coast, it intensified into a cyclone, and as it is moving ahead, it is further intensifying into severe cyclonic storm.
The storm will escalate even more as it moves north and reaches Gujarat. It is likely to become an extremely severe storm with wind speeds touching 185 kmph.
Cyclone Tauktae's (pronounced as Tau'Te) name originates from a Burmese word which translates to Gecko – a "highly vocal lizard". The cyclone was named by Myanmar. Cyclone names are given by countries on rotation basis in a region.
<ins>Classification of cyclones</ins>
Cyclones are classified on the basis of wind speeds. In Indian Ocean region, the cyclones are classified as follows:-
<ul>
<li><ins>Deep Depression</ins>: If the depression intensifies to a certain point, it becomes a Deep Depression, which has speeds of between 32 and 38 mph (50-61 km/h).</li>
<li><ins>Cyclonic Storm</ins>: If the Deep Depression develops gale-force wind speeds of between 39 and 54 mph (62-88 km/h), it is called a Cyclonic storm, and the IMD assigns a name to it.</li>
<li><ins>Severe Cyclonic Storm</ins>: Severe Cyclonic Storms have storm-force wind speeds of between 55 and 72 mph (89-117 km/h)</li>
<li><ins>Very Severe Cyclonic Storm</ins>: Very Severe Cyclonic Storms have hurricane-force winds ranging in between 73 and 102 mph (118-166 km/h).</li>
<li><ins>Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm</ins>: Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storms have hurricane-force winds between 103 and 137 mph (166-221 km/h)</li>
<li><ins>Super Cyclonic Storm</ins>: The highest classification used in the North Indian Ocean is a Super Cyclonic Storm, which have hurricane-force winds of 138 mph (222 km/h) or above.</li>
</ul>
IMD has made clear that the current cyclone on India's eastern coasts is not expected to become a Super Cyclonic Storm, at the best (or worst), it will be an Extremely Severe Cyclonic storm.
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This article is written by Gaurav Thakur

Cyclone Tauktae ravages western coast, set to make landfall over Gujarat at 185 kmph

<img src="https://discussion.policharcha.in/1612749453502" alt="Quest for a green future; Hydrogen Energy Mission" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

In the budget speech this year, FM Nirmala Sitharaman has announced about launching a ‘Hydrogen Energy Mission’ in FY22. The proposed mission will find ways to produce Green Hydrogen – hydrogen generated using renewable energy resources.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while speaking at the Third Re-inVest Conference in November 2020, had announced plans to launch a comprehensive National Hydrogen Energy Mission. It is now proposed to launch a Hydrogen Energy Mission in 2021-22 for generating hydrogen from green power sources,” Sitharaman said.
The first element of the periodic table and, the most abundant element in the universe, Hydrogen is deemed as the fuel of the future. Hydrogen is used as fuel in rockets, and has application in Iron &amp; Steel industry.
According to the Power Ministry, India generates about 62 per cent of energy from thermal sources (non-renewable resources), out which 85 per cent of power comes from coal. Though, India is <a href="https://policharcha.com/article/environment/6f1e52b8-73cc-4044-93c0-5af1fa85ab7d/paris-agreement-can-india-keep-its-big-promises" target="_blank">doing fairly well to generate more energy from renewable sources</a>, this tilt towards Hydrogen is a welcome move.
<ins>Current Status</ins>
While the exact details about the planned mission is yet to be made available in the public domain, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) says that it is supporting R&amp;D by the industrial, academic, and research institutions on hydrogen energy and fuel. Challenges in production of green hydrogen, its efficient storage, and its utilisation for energy generation &amp; transport applications are being constantly addressed.
“With respect to transportation, major work has been supported to Banaras Hindu University, IIT Delhi, and Mahindra &amp; Mahindra. This has resulted in development and demonstration of internal combustion engines, two wheelers, three wheelers, and mini buses that run on hydrogen fuel. Two hydrogen refuelling stations have been established (one each at Indian Oil R&amp;D Centre, Faridabad and National Institute of Solar Energy, Gurugram),” mentions the MNRE on its official site.
FM Nirmala Sitharaman has also proposed to provide an additional capital of Rs 1500 crore to Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) for the financial year 2021-22.
Several nations like US, UK, Canada, Germany, China, Japan, South Korea, among others are presently investing in technologies related to green hydrogen for a sustainable future.
Even before getting elected, the US President Joe Biden had made promised that he will invest in Green Hydrogen to “secure our future”. The European Union has vowed to spend 430 billion Euros in Green Hydrogen.
Green Hydrogen can be the next big power source in the world, and India has also started on its way to tap its full potential. It can provide clean power in manufacturing, transportation, and other sectors, but its production demands a thorough research &amp; development to make it economically viable. A post-production infrastructure is also required for efficient storage and transportation.
China, on the other hand, is already the world’s largest producer of hydrogen as a fuel, but there is a catch. It produces grey and blue hydrogen. When the source of energy to extract hydrogen is non-renewable like natural gas or fossil fuels, then the resultant fuel is called Grey Hydrogen, whereas Blue Hydrogen is produced by extracting CO2 from methane.
These methods cause release of methane and CO2, both greenhouse gases that are responsible for global warming.
<ins>Way ahead</ins>
The rise in energy demand is having a significant impact on the environment. Moreover, energy sector is considered to be a major source for environmental concerns, including local air pollution, GHGs emissions, and thus it accounts for the implications associated with climate change.
Therefore, there is a powerful need to address the growth of energy demand, and at the same time provide clean energy to the masses, keeping the climate change threats under constant check.
This visionary step can prove to have prospective advantages as it will provide India a better alternative source of energy, and help achieve the environment protection goals set according to the Paris Agreement.
Hydrogen will prove to be the game changer in this regard, but for that to happen, India will have to focus on capacity building, especially in the R&amp;D arena.
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More to come
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Quest for a green future; Hydrogen Energy Mission

<img src="https://discussion.policharcha.in/1612143477288" alt="Story of India’s two model villages. Piplantri and Dharnai" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

<ins>Village 1 - Piplantari, Rajasthan</ins>

<img src="https://discussion.policharcha.in/1612143743503" alt="Story of India’s two model villages. Piplantari and Dharnai" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>


More often than not when we hear any news related to a girl child, or about a totally different subject like environment, our expectations are not very positive. It seems like our ears are fed up with listening depressing news about the crimes perpetrated by our fellow humans towards our daughters and the environment.
This time the story is a positive one, and quite inspirational. It is about a village named Piplantri in Rajsamand district of Rajasthan. Here people have a distinct way of celebrating the birth of a girl child, and that is by planting not just one or two, but 111 trees. Yes! That many trees start their life as siblings of a daughter. Quite amazing, is it not?
Recently, an IFS officer Parveen Kaswan, through his tweet, told the internet about this model village of India.
<ins>What are the sentiments behind this tradition?</ins>
This tradition was started in 2006 when the village Sarpanch, Shyam Sundar Paliwal lost his beloved daughter at a young age, and then decided to initiate this beautiful tradition of planting trees on the birth of every daughter in the village.&nbsp;
The thought behind this collective practice is that the nature should not pay the price for an increase in human population. Till now, lakhs of trees have been planted which include Neem, Mango, Sheesham, Amla, etc. Not just this, about 2.5 million Aloe Vera plants have been planted over the years which keep termites away from the growing trees, and provide a source of income to the villagers as Aloevera is used in production of medicines, cosmetics, and other products. This way has improved the economic condition of the villagers, increased the water level, and enriched the wildlife.
Moreover, after the girl child is born, her parents have to sign an affidavit, legally promising that they will take care of her proper education, and marry her only after she attains the legal age. They are also bound to look after the planted trees as well. This way both daughters and environment stay protected.
If that was not enough, a lump-sum amount of Rs 31,000 is collected by the villagers among themselves and from the parents. This amount is then put in a fixed deposit in the name of the girl child for 20 years to help her pursue higher studies in the future.&nbsp;
<ins>Village 2 – Dharnai, Bihar</ins>

<img src="https://discussion.policharcha.in/1612143803546" alt="Story of India’s two model villages. Piplantari and Dharnai" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>


From spending 30 years without any electricity, to becoming an energy independent village, the story of Dharnai is a case study in itself. Dharnai is a village near Bodhgaya (the place where Buddha attained enlightenment), in the Jehanabad district of Bihar. Recently, it became India’s first and only full-solar powered village.
About 450 houses, two schools, one hospital, 50 commercial buildings, and 60 street lights use solar energy. How did this transformation happen? How come the village became energy independent when it did not have electricity even after so many decades of independence, and relied on diesel and cow dung for power?
This initiative was taken by a non-profit organisation called Greenpeace, along with their partner organisations, Centre for Environment and Energy Development (CEED), and BASIX (a livelihood promotion institute).&nbsp;
The project was started in July, 2014 with an initial cost of Rs 3 crore, and in five years, what has been achieved is known to everyone. Villagers are employed to look after the grid, thus creating jobs. Since there is 24 hours electricity, children do not have to close their books once it gets dark. Healthcare and school infrastructure have significantly improved. Solar powered pumps are helping in agriculture too. All of this has truly transformed the lives of Dharnai.
India is tropical country and receives abundant solar radiation for at least 300 days in a year. This means the scope for utilising solar energy is much greater here, given that the requirement of that energy is by no means less.
In 2018, India declared all its villages to be electrically powered. A village is declared to be electrified if ten per cent of the households can access power, along with public institutions such as schools, panchayat office, health centres, dispensaries, and community centres.

Being Piplantari and Dharnai are not easy, but not impossible either.
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The article is written by Jayesh Dhyani, who is a civil services aspirant.

Story of India’s two model villages

<img src="https://discussion.policharcha.in/1608782150085" alt="More than 60 per cent rise in leopard population in India since 2014 as current count estimate is 12,852." style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

The Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Prakash Javadekar has released a report called ‘Status of Leopard in India - 2018’, according to which the population of Indian leopard has grown by more than 60 per cent since 2014, and the new estimated count now stands at 12,852.
According to the report, the state of Madhya Pradesh is home to the highest number (3,421) of leopards in India, followed by Karnataka (1,783) and Maharashtra (1,690).&nbsp;
Considering regionally, about 65 per cent (8,071) of the leopards are found in Central India (Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra), and the Eastern Ghats (Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, Odisha, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh), whereas other states like Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu are home 3,387 of these big cats.&nbsp;
The Shivalik and Gangetic plains of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are abode to 1,253 leopards, while the North-eastern hills accommodating only 141 of them.
<ins>Praise &amp; Progress</ins>
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to twitter to show his appreciation for India’s efforts in conservation of wildlife as he tweeted, “Great news! After Lions and Tigers, the Leopard population increases”.
India, the only place in the world where Asiatic Lions are found, has recorded an increase of 29 per cent in the population of lions in 2020 as the fresh figures have reached to 674.&nbsp;
Similar success has been meted in the protection of Tigers in India, where the numbers have risen to 2,987, thus accounting to around 70% of the world’s tigers.
Meanwhile,<a href="https://policharcha.com/article/environment/fc37d545-d2e9-4f8b-b40e-94d956431e4e/fastest-land-animal-to-grace-indian-grasslands-again" target="_blank"> India is on its way to introduce African Cheetah</a> to its vast grasslands and in doing so, the subcontinent would become the only place in the world that is an abode to all the big cats.
<ins>Concerns</ins>
Leopard is one of the five ‘big cats’ along with Lion, Tiger, Cheetah and Jaguar, and its fossils are believed to be at least 6 lakh years old. However, today the population of leopard is not even 10 per cent of what it used to be about 100 to 200 years ago. In fact, a study has shown that human interactions have claimed the lives of around 70 to 90 per cent of leopard population in India in the last couple of centuries.
The mammal is listed as ‘Near Threatened’ under the Red List of International Union for Conservations of Nature (IUCN). Under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, the leopard is included in the Schedule-I according to which it is an endangered species. Accordingly, hunting of the animals under this list is strictly prohibited until there is a threat to human life.
The fate of all the big cats has been same as all of them have been hunted for fun, and poached for their skin, teeth, and other body parts. Hopefully, we will see more growth in these numbers in the coming future as the Government of India raises its efforts to save not just these big cats, but also several other animal and plant species that are demanding immediate attention.

60% rise in leopard population in India; current count closes to 13K

<img src="https://discussion.policharcha.in/1608132196878" alt="Cheetah to be re-introduced in Indian grassland ecosystem." style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

India will be welcoming the fastest animal on land - the Cheetah, a mammal that has gone extinct in the Indian subcontinent long back in 1952 due to extensive hunting. It is believed that the Maharajah of Koriya (Chattisgarh) has killed the last male Cheetah in 1947 when he had gone out to hunting, just one of his recreational activities. The last female Cheetah was spotted in 1951-52 after which the Government of India declared the feline species as extinct.&nbsp;
Now, after almost seven decades, the GOI is planning to bring Cheetah back to Indian landmass. Recently, the Supreme Court gave permission to National Tiger Conservation Authority to introduce Cheetah in India, while also prescribing that it should be done on an “experimental basis” in carefully chosen habitats to determine its adaptability in the Indian conditions.
There are talks with Namibia, a country in South-West Africa, where vast deserts kisses the coldest ocean, and which is also home to a substantial number of African Cheetah.&nbsp;
Earlier in 1970s, India had also held contacts with Iran which is the only country left with Asiatic Cheetah, a sub-species that was familiar to India, but no more in existence. However, the deal did not get through. Today, the count of Asiatic Cheetah has been reduced to between 40 and 50 in Iran, hence the sub-species falls under ‘Critically endangered’ category of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).&nbsp;
Indian Government realised that it would not be possible to bring back Asiatic Cheetah, and therefore decided to go for African Cheetah. This particular sub-species is categorised as ‘vulnerable’ by IUCN, and its total population is around 7000 in the entire African continent.
Following the Supreme Court’s orders, the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun has begun its hunt for the habitat that would be most suitable for Cheetah. Its team of experts has visited a total of 5 locations in India, which are, Shahgarh area of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, Kuno Palpur sanctuary, Nauradehi sanctuary, Gandhi Sagar sanctuary and Madhav National park - all of these in Madhya Pradesh.
The introduction of Cheetah will mean that India will be only country in Asia that is home to all kinds of big cats and that would be something to boast about.
<ins>Why Madhya Pradesh?</ins>
The state located in the central region of India not only is an area with suitable conditions but also has a glorious record when it comes to conservation of big cats. Under the Project Tiger, several National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuary are now safe home to Bengal Tigers in Madhya Pradesh. Also, the environmentalists and wildlife experts have proposed to shift some of the Asiatic lions of Gir, Gujarat to these wildlife homes in Madhya Pradesh, although, the Gujarat Government has always refused to entertain such ideas as it prefers to keep the title of ‘the only home for Asiatic lions in the world’ exclusive to the state of Gujarat.
<ins>Criticism</ins>
This has brought some criticism from wildlife activists and experts who believe that the focus should be on saving Asiatic lions first as their population is under serious threat in any case of epidemic. In fact, last year 24 lions died due to spread of Canine Distemper Virus infection. Moreover, 204 lions, and 331 leopards have died in Gujarat in last 3 years.
According to wildlife activists, the quest to introduce African Cheetah to India is unnecessary as there are several other species like Asiatic lion, the Great Indian Bustard, the Indian Wolf, and the Caracal which demand attention for the matter of their survival.
<ins>Praise</ins>
On the other hand, some experts have hailed this attempt of introducing African Cheetah to India as they believe that it will be great for the country’s grassland ecosystem; a kind of ecosystem that has been craving for some attention.&nbsp;
Additionally, India now has all the financial capabilities and resources to embark on such a wildlife conservation programme. Plus, there are a lot of similarities between African and Asiatic Cheetah, and thus India will prove to be suitable habitat for the foreign big cat.

What are your views on the development? Be sure to leave a comment.

Fastest land animal to grace Indian grasslands again

<img src="https://discussion.policharcha.in/1606721005504" alt="Paris Agreement: Can India keep its big promises regarding climate change?" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

India’s leadership at the global level in the fight against climate change has just been acknowledged in the recent Climate Transparency Report of 2020. According to the report, India is the only G-20 country which is doing its “fair share” to achieve the target of keeping the average global temperature rise below 2 degree Celsius as per the Paris Agreement.&nbsp;
The promises made by India in the Paris Agreement include reduction in emissions intensity by 33-35% of the 2005 level by 2030, increase in non-fossil share of cumulative power generation capacity to 40% by 2030, and per capita emissions to never exceed those of developed nations.
<ins>How are other countries faring?</ins>

<img src="https://discussion.policharcha.in/1606721384474" alt="How are different countries doing according to the Climate Transparency Report of 2020" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

China, which is the second largest emitter of Green House Gases, has fared badly in this report as its efforts have been rated as “highly insufficient”. It is estimated that such a performance would result in an increase of more than 4 degree Celsius in the global temperature. A 4 degree increase in the average global temperature is dangerous, and certainly not in line with what has been envisioned in the Paris Accord. Even the countries like Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates have received the same ratings.
The European Union, the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Australia have fared a little better being rated as “insufficient”. This means that at this rate the global average temperature rise will be less than 3 degree celcius.
Unsurprisingly, United States which tops the list of biggest emitters has been rated as “critically insufficient” along with Russia.
The United States had formally withdrawn from the Paris deal on this November 4th, courtesy of the current president Donald Trump who called the deal as “unfair to the USA’s interests”. However, the president-elect Joe Biden has promised that his administration will make the US rejoin the deal on the very first day of his presidency.&nbsp;
The next round of talks will happen in Glasgow, Scotland in November, 2021 where all the member countries will submit their performance reports and set targets for future.
<ins>A Glance at Paris Agreement &amp; its Goals</ins>

<img src="https://discussion.policharcha.in/1606721643776" alt="India's promises at the Paris Agreement." style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

The Paris Agreement is an ambitious accord signed by 198 countries within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2015 during the 21st Conference of Parties in Paris, France.
The agreement aims to bring together member countries in their fight against the phenomenon of climate change which includes global warming, and change in weather patterns caused by human activities responsible for emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs).
The main goal of this treaty is to limit the increase in global temperature well below 2 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and to put efforts to limit the increase to below 1.5 degree Celsius by the year 2100.
Also, the climate change is inevitable, although we aim to mitigate it, so this agreement envisages a ‘climate change resilient’ world which can efficiently cope with the challenges of climate change and its adverse effects, thus assuring the survival of human race.
According to the Paris Agreement, all the participating countries have set for themselves some self-determined goals regarding the reduction of GHGs emissions, and have promised to fulfill these goals in a stipulated time. These self-determined targets are called as Nationally Determined Contributions. This agreement is not legally binding, and the countries cannot be penalised for not performing accordingly.
<ins>India’s performance</ins>
The Indian contingent will surely enter the Conference of Parties (2021) with its head held high as India is the only G-20 nation that has managed to get a rating of “2 degree Celsius compatible”, thanks to its consistent efforts towards reducing Green House Gases (GHGs) emissions and adoption of renewable sources of energy through its various schemes and policies.
<ins>Energy Supply</ins>
India has officially achieved complete electrification of its households in the year 2020. The electricity production in India is also moving towards de-carbonisation, plus it is fairly consistent with the Paris Agreement.
Considering fossil fuel resources, India’s coal power share in total electricity generation has also reduced. However, it is still nowhere consistent with the Paris Agreement as the total coal operation capacity of India is supposed to increase to 300 Giga Watt by 2027, that too after all the planning.
India’s coal production is also seeing an increase, especially after the sector’s privatisation, and some of the coal mines are located in ecologically sensitive regions.
Talking of renewable sources of energy, earlier India had set a target of attaining 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022, but last year this figure was increased and the target was set to a whopping 450 GW by the year 2030. The 450 GW figure includes 275 GW of renewable energy (solar and wind power), 75 GW of hydroelectricity, 15 GW of nuclear energy, and 100 GW from other “zero emission” sources.
Currently, about 89 GW (Solar and Wind) capacities are already operational, and projects worth 48 GW capacities are at bidding stage.
<ins>Industry</ins>
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency launched a scheme named Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Mechanism according to which energy efficiency targets have been set for industries. The industry which fulfills these targets is given a certificate and rewarded with incentives. This sector includes thermal power, cement, aluminium, textlies, iron &amp; steel, and accounts for 40% of the total energy consumption.
<ins>Transport</ins>
India has set a goal for 2030 that 30% of the newly sold vehicles till then will be electrically powered. This, in itself, is a ratification as the earlier target was of a 100%. This new bar is barely consistent with the Paris Agreement according to which India should have targeted at least 80%.
One of the measures taken by the GOI to increase the production and sale of electric vehicles is the scheme called Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME-II). This scheme provides incentives to the manufacturing companies as well as the customers through subsidies and tax concessions.
Notably, the Indian Railways announced in July this year that it will achieve complete electrification of railway networks till 2023, in order to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030.
<ins>Agriculture</ins>
India’s large population is engaged in agriculture sector where electricity (at subsidised rate) is used for pumping large amounts of water during irrigation, especially in the semi-arid areas like Punjab and Haryana. To address this issue, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has brought a scheme called PM Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (KUSUM) that will allow setting up of solar plants in rural areas with the help of the Government. These solar plants will be used by farmers to power their irrigation pumps and they will be paid for the surplus units by the power corporation.&nbsp;
The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture, launched in 2012, sought reduction in agricultural emissions, but failure of allocation of funds has dented its progress over the time.
The National Bank for Agriculture and Development (NABARD) has also launched various projects focused at rural energy management, renewable energy, and improving energy efficiency. The bank also educates farmers about the climate change and its impacts, and how to fight against it.
<ins>Forestry</ins>
The Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change has come up with a National Forest Policy which aims to guide India’s forest management for the next three decades, and calls for a minimum of one-third of India’s total geographical area to be under forest or tree cover.&nbsp;
Green India Mission is another initiative launched in 2014 under the same ministry, and sets goals to “protect and enhance” the “diminishing forests” of India while responding to climate change. However, the environmentalists have complained that only 34% of the fund has been allocated, thus limiting the success of the mission.
<ins>Economy wise</ins>
India’s economy has been badly hit by the Covid-19 pandemic as the demand and production both had fallen down. However, as the economy recovers slowly, India might not be consistent with the Paris Agreements when considering the targets for 2040 and further.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Considering the population of India, which is about overtake China very soon, the emission levels are expected to increase although the per capita figures for the same are much lower in India’s case when compared to other major global powers.
Climate Change is a relevant issue, and must be dealt with full sincerity from both the Government and the civil society. India is on its way to achieve the targets which were set by it back in 2015, but to become a world leader when it comes to tackling climate change and shifting to new &amp; renewable ways of energy production, India will have to make structural changes, backed by a solid policy implementation.

Paris Agreement: Can India keep its big promises?

<img src="https://discussion.policharcha.in/1590751325913" alt="Sundarbans – The first line of defence worst-hit by Amphan" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

Cyclone Amphan was one of the worst storms to hit the West Bengal Coastline in decades. Both, West Bengal which saw over 70 deaths, and Bangladesh have been ravaged by the storm. All of us had probably come across pictures and videos of the havoc the cyclone has caused in the cities and urban areas on social media or news reports, but very little is reported on the devastation Amphan left behind in Sundarbans.
The Sundarbans has always been Bengal’s first line of defence in the event of any cyclone hitting its coastline. This has caused the people of the region to be the most affected and at the mercy of the nature. Days after Amphan ravaged the entire state, the lives in Sundarbans have gone into a state of shock. Overnight thousands of people have been left homeless and without a livelihood. Power systems dislocated and mobile networks blacked out have rendered these people helpless. Yet, these are not even close to the long term problem that will continue to exist.
Winds blowing at speeds of 150kmph battered the coastal region of South Bengal at the time of landfall, wrecking the entire ecosystem. It was feared that the direction of the wind has caused more harm than the heavy wind itself.

<img src="https://discussion.policharcha.in/1590751461757" alt="Wind blew from south-southwest to the north northeast direction during Amphan." style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

South to north winds generally trigger a surge and movement of water from the sea to land. While cyclones like Alia in 2009, and Bulbul in November 2019, have caused a lot of damage in the region, due to the north to south direction of the wind, the inundation of water into landmass was little. Amphan, on the other hand, was a larger wind system which slightly changed the direction of the wind, causing it to blow from south-southwest to the north northeast. This slight change in direction was all it took to cause havoc, according to many researchers.
A bulk of embankments in the Sundarbans were also damaged which aggravated the ingress of seawater into the land. With such infrastructure heavily breached, it affected the livelihoods of many in the area, most of them who work in the primary sector.&nbsp;

The saline water in farmland not only destroyed the lush green paddy, which was the only source of income for many for the coming months, but also poisoned the soil, and it is believed that it will take many showers of monsoon rain before the soil is again cultivable. Saltwater has also mixed with freshwater bodies of the area which has left people without water that is suitable for irrigation. In these areas of freshwater, fishery was a source of income for many, but the saline water has killed thousands of fishes, which now float lifelessly in these still lakes.&nbsp;
The battle against saline water in the past has proved to be a herculean task. In 2009, after Cyclone Alia, forest officials spent a long time pumping out the water from the farmland.
Even resident farmers living in the area recognise the problem. They have grown accustomed to rebuilding houses, but saline water is a slow poison for their lands as some farmers claim that the farmland took 3 years to recover after Alia.
The people of Sundarbans are struggling to find even the basic necessities. Water is scarce, as saline water has also poisoned other water sources rendering them useless. As the high-speed winds destroyed the roofs of many houses in the area, water flooded into the house, destroying the little food grains and water people had. Hungry and homeless, the people in Sundarbans continue trying to survive the super cyclone, even today.
While livelihood and homes have been lost, observers feel that the ecologically-fragile region will see an emigration surge in the time to come. Most working in the primary sector have lost their source of income to the storm and migration to the city is the only hope.
When paddy fields were flooded with saline water during Alia in 2009, thousands of youth and male members of the families were forced out of the region in order to find better opportunities. The rising sea-level in the delta which is much higher than the global average has also contributed to the migration. About 40 lakh people of the Sundarbans have migrated to areas in North 24 Parganas, and South 24 Parganas of West Bengal in recent times.
Amphan has destroyed whatever was rebuilt after cyclone Alia struck, so experts and NGOs predict another wave of mass migration towards the cities. This is a huge problem, especially when the world is fighting a pandemic. It is also difficult for many migrant workers who are on their way back, coming home to another crisis.

<img src="https://discussion.policharcha.in/1590751644110" alt="Devastation caused by Amphan" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

<ins>The Mangrove shield and effect on wildlife</ins>
The world largest Mangrove forest time and again in history has protected the area. Acting like a shield, the mangrove ecosystem is quite resilient against momentary disturbances. The forest serves both direct and indirect measures to moderate the effects of strong winds and powerful storm surges. Directly, the mangrove provides additional drag during a storm surge, and thick canopy reduces the speed of the winds. Indirectly, the roots aid sedimentation and counteract erosional forces increasing the coastline which becomes a buffer for cyclones.
This protective work of the mangrove ecosystem has largely been overlooked. The forests have faced deforestation and overexploitation by human activities. Climate change which has caused the sea level to rise has also played a huge detrimental role. The rise sea level in the delta is higher than the global average at 3cms per year, and in the last 20 years, the Sundarbans has faced the highest rate of sea encroachment in the world.
The ignorance towards its reconstruction means that the forest’s protective mechanism has deteriorated over the years, along with its ability to sustain life, which include some of India’s most endangered species like the Royal Bengal Tiger, the Gangetic Dolphins, and Olive Ridley Turtles.
The fate of the wild animals in the aftermath of Cyclone Amphan also remains uncertain. Authorities say they probably have been affected the most.
Since the government imposed a countrywide lockdown, on March 25th, no motorboats have been allowed to maintain the forest tranquility. The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) explained that it was done so that the wildlife would get a congenial breeding ground.
Although vulnerable people were removed before the cyclone hit, from the coastal and forest area, there is very little information about how the wildlife has been affected.
The forest department, before the cyclone made landfall, formed rapid response teams and set up two control rooms. The DFO explained that this will allow the forest department to track any movement of tigers from the core reserve area to contagious villages.
Cyclones are a common occurrence in the area, and thus it becomes a necessity for the rebuilding of the mangrove ecosystem, so in the future cyclones of such measure don't cause similar or more devastating effects.
Relief work has already started with the Chief Minister of Bengal announcing a Rs 1000 crore fund for the rehabilitation and restoration of the area. However, in the long run, the development of the region should be attuned to ensure the protection of the mangrove ecosystem. Moreover, proactive work by both the Centre and State Governments along with the international community is required to systematically rebuild the Sundarbans. The mangrove system that continues to take the pounding of incoming cyclones can only reciprocate if the existing anthropogenic threats are mitigated.
It is only recently that the people from this area have received some relief from NGOs and the State Government. During the lockdown, it has become extremely difficult to mobilize and coordinate concentrated relief work. The lockdown also means that the families without income have to wait until the country is opened up to go out and find other sources of income. Till then, the survivability of the people is at the hands of the State, NGOs, and even the citizens of the country who can contribute to various fundraisers which have been set to help the people affected.

<ins>Fundraisers</ins> :-
<ol>
<li><a href="http://wbfin.gov.in/New_Fin/HomePage.aspx?fbclid=IwAR2bofEy_c67LV15Lt5ZIEqUmAkDgqHUtIJAYn8OGGIu1H5MaLN2FMcil6o" target="_blank">West Bengal State Emergency Relief Fund - The State Government’s official relief fund</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="http://ssdcindia.org.in/donate.php" target="_blank">Sundarban Social Development Centre - Non-Profit NGO working in the Sunderbans</a></li>
</ol>

Sundarbans – The first line of defence worst-hit by Amphan

<img src="https://discussion.policharcha.in/1587825132347" alt="Bio-medical waste" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

National Green Tribunal has expressed concern about the handling of bio-medical waste disposal in the wake of COVID-19 and directed the Central Pollution Control Board to mitigate the possible risk of unscientific disposal of the same. Pointing out that only 1.1 lakh out of 2.7 lakh healthcare facilities are authorised under Bio-medical Waste Management Rules 2016 so far, NGT has raised the issue of unscientific disposal of bio-medical waste by unauthorised healthcare facilities. The Green Bench has maintained that CPCB is a part of the essential health service providers.
A bench lead by Chairperson Justice Adarsh Goel through video conferencing questioned the gaps in compliance of the Bio Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016, which are applicable to the disposal of the bio-medical waste generated out of handling a viral disease to ensure protection of the environment and public health. The bench comprising Justice S.P Wangdi, and Justice Nagin Nanda stated, “the State PCBs have to take serious efforts to bridge gap to mitigate possible risk in terms of unscientific disposal of bio-medical waste and enforce rule of law.”
The bench also reviewed the guidelines for ‘handling, treatment, and disposal of waste generated during treatment, diagnosis, quarantine of COVID-19 patients’ issued by Central Pollution Control Board published on April 19. It suggested the need for scrutinizing the guidelines for the best practice and experience in all the aspects of scientific disposal of liquid and solid waste management are taken care at the institutional as well as individual level.
Further, the bench addressed the need to re-examine the effectiveness of the monitoring mechanism, including securing information by way of electronic means from the handlers by the state PCBs and Pollution Control Committees by developing necessary software.
They also raised the concern over the requirement of growing awareness by special awareness programmes like organising training in concerned local bodies, health departments, providing workers handling COVID-19 waste with adequate protective gear, adequate coordination with media, and other concerned regulatory authorities.

NGT bids to reinforce bio-waste management

<img src="https://discussion.policharcha.in/1585915221806" alt="Mother nature" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

With over 50,000 death globally, more than a million positive cases, and hundreds of million in a lockdown, the COVID-19 has indeed taken the world at its helm. Uncountable job losses, livelihoods crushed, business’ premature death, and economies under a gloomy sky; there is no quantification of how much loss the mankind will have to bear, but there is someone, who, in the meantime, is reaping benefits even in a time like this, and that is – the Mother Nature.
From clean water sources to dramatic fall in pollution level, Coronavirus pandemic has impacted environment positively. The UN’s Environment Programme Chief, Inger Andersen said, “Nature is sending us a message with the coronavirus pandemic and the ongoing climatic cries.”
Global industrial activities are ramping down due to the ongoing lockdown faced by various countries of the world. This has led to manufacturing sites, mines and various industries being shut, and vehicles and transportation system to come to a halt as if on-a-strike. Consequently, the graph of the emission level of harmful Hydrocarbons, Oxocarbons (CO2 and CO), and Nitrous oxides have dipped considerably.
According to the revelations by China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Wuhan - from where the virus had originated and which is also a major industrial hub - has recorded a 21.5% decline in the city’s air pollution levels amidst the lockdown.&nbsp;
A report in Carbon Brief stated that key industries in China were operating at much lower levels than during the lockdown. The oil refinery in Shandong province was operating at the lowest level since 2015, also average coal consumption at power plants reached a four-year low accounting for a 36% drop in consumption. As a result carbon dioxide emissions were reduced to 25%, according to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, an independent air pollution research organisation.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Many other regions are also observing significant environmental benefits as a consequence of the coronavirus outbreak.
Italy, after shutting down a huge portion of its economy, has seen a reduction in industrial activity across the economically vibrant northern swathe which has resulted in a decline in nitrogen dioxide emissions over the Po valley. Meanwhile, because of the shutdown of cruise and cargo ship traffic around Italy’s canal city Venice, the schools of fish are returning to the Venice lagoon and canals for the first time in decades.&nbsp;
New York also registered a 50% decline in carbon monoxide level which is primarily caused due to car emissions. The researchers at Columbia University also established that traffic level has reduced to 35% as compared to the data a year ago.
In the case of India, which has 6 of its cities ranked among the 10 most polluted cities of the world according to World Air Quality Report from IQAir, the Air Quality Index is shifting down from the red mark to green.&nbsp;
In Delhi, particulate matter (PM2.5) dropped by 30% from 165ug/m3 on March 21, a level considered as unhealthy, to 64ug/m3 on March 29, a level considered as moderate. The decreasing pattern of pollution is the same in 90 other cities where the air quality levels range from ‘good’ to ‘satisfactory’ currently. India also recorded for the lowest average level of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution in this spring season.&nbsp;
Welcoming reductions in pollution, environmentalists have asked the Government to accept it as a ‘wake-up call’ and stop its ‘obsession’ with ‘development’ at the cost of the environment.
The manifestation of positive impacts of Coronavirus on our environment is proving that nature really needed a break from us and since we were not ready to cooperate, nature took it itself.

Covid-19 - A break for the Mother Nature

<img src="https://discussion.policharcha.in/1584617404679" alt="Contamination of groundwater" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

As per a study conducted by researchers from Duke University, USA in collaboration with the Central Ground Water Board, and various State Ground Water departments, there is widespread contamination of groundwater across the country.
The level of uranium in groundwater exceeds the limit of 30 micrograms per litre established by the World Health Organization’s (WHO) provisional guidelines for safe drinking water standards. This was observed in various locations of the states like Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Jammu &amp; Kashmir.
The researchers have sampled water from 324 wells located in the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat, analysed the water chemistry, and measured the uranium isotope ratios. They additionally examined data from 68 similar studies undertaken in the past that evaluated the groundwater geochemistry in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and 14 other Indian states.&nbsp;
The condition of aquifers is the major reason for this contamination. Many aquifers in the concerned regions are composed of clay, silt, and gravel which get carried down from the Himalayan mountain ranges, weathered by streams or uranium-rich granitic rocks. When the groundwater levels decline due to over pumping of water for uses such as drinking, irrigation, etc., it induces oxidation conditions that intensify the extracted uranium’s solubility in the water.
Furthermore, when this extracted uranium interacts with other chemicals that can be found in groundwater, such as bicarbonate, it can supplement the solubility of uranium in water, resulting in further contamination.&nbsp;
Many man made factors such as decline in ground water table due to over exploitation of groundwater to support various human activities, and nitrate pollution contribute to the contamination of water in various parts of the country.
Various studies have shown that exposure to high levels of uranium in drinking water leads to chronic kidney diseases. The grave situation brings forward the need to revise the current water quality monitoring programs in the country, and recognise the health risks people are vulnerable to.
Additionally, it is important to develop appropriate remedial technologies to help combat this situation, and undertake preventive management practices to address the problem. It is important to devise procedures to help identify the at-risk areas for such radioactive contamination, and develop strategies to treat the cases of contamination. Most importantly, a standard needs to be established that specifies the permissible levels of uranium in drinking water that take into consideration the health risks of over exposure.
The Indian Standard (IS) for Drinking Water does specify the maximum permissible level for radioactive residues as alpha and beta emitters, and water containing radioactive residue higher than the specified limits is deemed unsuitable for consumption.
These specified limits are established for all radioactive elements clubbed together, including uranium, and there are no specific requirements for individual elements. According to a written reply by Rattan Lal Kataria, Minister of State for Jal Shakti and Social Justice and Empowerment, given to the Rajya Sabha on March 16, 2020, Bureau of Indian Standard is working to include the maximum permissible limit of Uranium at 30 microgram per litre of water, corresponding to WHO provisional guidelines, in all drinking water standards after following the required procedure.

Widespread contamination of groundwater in 16 states

<img src="https://discussion.policharcha.in/1582879544960" alt="Great Indian Bustard. Convention on conservation of migratory species of wild animals" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

The 13th Conference of Parties (CoP) to the Convention for Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) was held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat from 15th to 22nd February, 2020. India will assume the presidency of the Conference for the next three years after taking charge from its predecessor Philippines.
A total of ten new species were added to the appendices of CMS. Seven new species, namely the Asian Elephant, Jaguar, Bengal Florican, Great Indian Bustard, Little Bustard, Antipodean Albatross, and the Oceanic White-tip Shark, found a place in Appendix I which calls for strict actions to be taken for their conservation. The remaining three were added into the Appendix II which asks for a better international cooperation and conservation actions. The species were the Urial, Smooth Hammerhead Shark, and the Tope Shark.
The theme for the conference was ‘Migratory species connect the planet and together we welcome them home’. The mascot of this convention was the Great Indian Bustard, also known as Gigi, a bird which has been classified as critically endangered. The logo depicting the migratory species was inspired from a traditional South Indian art form known as Kolam.
This year’s convention was attended by 2550 people who were the delegates of member parties and representatives of UN agencies, NGOs, and various media organisations from around the world, thus making it the largest in its history.
After a report on the status of migratory species showed that despite the numerous efforts the number of such species is on the decline, CMS CoP-13 came up with the following measures:-
•	Promoting wildlife-friendly renewable energy
•	Enforcing the prohibition of illegal killing and trading of migratory birds
•	Mitigating the effects of linear infrastructure such as roads and highways on migratory species
•	Addressing the unsustainable use of aquatic wild meat
•	Implementing mitigation measures for sharks and rays in national fishing operations
•	Deepening the understanding related to the animal culture and social complexities for the conservation of endangered species
•	Investigating possible trade of the species included in CMS Appendix I&nbsp;

<ins>What are Migratory Species?</ins>
These are the species - terrestrial, avian, or aquatic - which migrate from one habitat to another in search of food, sunlight, and better climate condition during different times of the year. India is the temporary home to many migratory species such as Amur Falcons, Bar-Headed Geese, Black-necked Cranes, Marine Turtles, Humpbacked Whales, etc.
The subcontinent is also the part of Central Asian Flyway, a major bird flyway network between the Indian Ocean and The Arctic, which covers about 279 populations of 182 water-bird species out of which 29 are globally threatened ones.

<ins>Convention for Conservation of Migratory Species</ins>
Also known as the Bonn Convention (due to its origin in Bonn, Germany), it is an intergovernmental agreement between its 129 member parties who together aim to conserve the listed migratory species and their habitats. This treaty was signed in 1979 in Bonn, Germany and came into force in 1983 under the aegis of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
It is one of its kind global organisation which works towards protection of the migratory species at terrestrial, avian and aquatic level. Under the convention, the species threatened with extinction and require special attention are listed in Appendix I, whereas the species whose status could be enhanced with the better international cooperation and conservation actions fall under Appendix II.

10 new species added to UN’s CMS list as India assumes presidency

<img src="https://discussion.policharcha.in/1580488055423" alt="Plastic bottles that need to be processed as garbage." style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

India is the 5th largest economy in the world. Reading this would make any Indian proud, but it also brings a grim reality to light. India individually generated 62 million tonnes of waste (mixed waste containing both recyclable and non-recyclable waste) in 2016, and according to Press Information Bureau of India, India’s waste generation increases by 4% each year on average. Out of the total waste generated in our country, only 60% waste is collected, out of which only 20% is processed. That amounts to a mere 12% processing rate.
The capital of India, Delhi started popping-up on international news channels for its iconic mountain of garbage in Ghazipur, East Delhi. The permissible height of the landfill is 45-60 feet, and that height limit had already been reached in 2002. Currently, the height of the garbage mountain is estimated to be well over 180 feet and is predicted to surpass the height of The Taj Mahal in 2020.
Given that India is the 7th largest country in the world and have the second largest population, it may not be practical to implement a waste management strategy that is uniform in nature. India is known for its wide variety of social, and topographical variation, so it is safe to say that State Governments in India would have to come up with a solution that works best for their respective states. As quoted by one of the Ex Municipal Commissioners of the city of Surat, Mr. S.R. Rao, “A city is only as clean as its dirtiest areas”. To make a successful waste management strategy, State Governments need to recognize, support, and reward people and municipal workers on their participation and performance actively.
<ins>Some of the steps that can be taken towards a better waste management system all across India could be</ins>:-&nbsp;&nbsp;
· Given present practices in most of the households and commercial places, all of the waste produced is dumped into one waste bin and passed to municipal workers for dumping, making it more difficult and costlier for the municipal workers to segregate dry waste (recyclable waste) from the wet waste. Municipal committees could role out directions for households and commercial holdings to segregate waste at source. This will not only make it easier for municipal workers to collect the waste, but also achieve cost effectiveness.&nbsp;&nbsp;
· Many areas in India are still under slum type construction and don’t have enough space for the pervious method to function properly. Municipal committees could provide a temporary take-away waste bins in slums that could be cleared timely and help in better collection of waste around slums in cities across India.&nbsp;
· Many cities like Nasik, Maharashtra, do not provide public Kuda Ghars (garbage houses) near societies which could be breeding ground for many dangerous diseases and a source of hazardous gases in the environment. Municipal committees could provide daily collection of garbage through garbage trucks near societies at fixed timing every day. This method is effective for cities across India with a population of no more than 15,00,000 as it could become fuel inefficient in bigger cities and hence can pollute the environment instead.&nbsp;
· Given that all the power is concentrated to the higher rank officers in the municipal committee, one way to an effective and efficient waste collection system is to decentralise the power to the ground level. Municipal committee could instill power in every municipal worker working in a particular area and can build a reward system for them on their monthly performance, inculcating a sense of responsibility and reward expectation.&nbsp;&nbsp;
· In countries like Sweden, Denmark, and Finland more than 40% of the waste is incinerated for electricity generation. Similar projects could be pilot tested across cities around India. Giving an alternate source of electricity provision for cities and cutting down on the problem of frequent power cuts around the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;
· Countries like Singapore and Malaysia have inculcated a sense of cleanliness into its citizens, by imposing heavy traffic tickets and default charges on people seen littering in public places. Contrary to that, you would find people driving on Indian roads and pedestrians littering with no regret at all. Central Government could introduce littering fine to curb such practices.&nbsp;&nbsp;
· Educational institutes will also play a vital role in educating students about proper waste management practices. Schools could direct their students to contribute recyclable waste towards the school, while the school can arrange NGO driven classes pertaining to environmental health in exchange of recyclable waste to the NGOs.&nbsp;
· Decentralized composting - Disposal of wet waste and turning it into compost inside household premises, which further could be used to plant new trees and add nutrition to already planted flora in the household is a concept practiced in many economies around the world.
Rather than waste management just being a duty towards the society, it should be perceived more in the lines of a duty towards the future generations to come. Awareness towards waste management and sustainability is the topic of the hour for many economies around the world and it’s high time we turn our heads towards the same before it gets too late.

<ins>About the writer:</ins>
Madhav is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Finance from Stockholm School of Economics

India and its garbage processing

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10 more wetland sites from India have been given a Ramsar tag owing to India’s efforts towards conservation, restoration and rejuvenation of its wetlands. A Ramsar tag means that the wetlands will be identified as sites of international importance. Ramsar Convention, signed on February 2, 1971, is one of the oldest inter-governmental accord signed by member countries to preserve the ecological character of their wetlands of international importance.&nbsp;
The aim of the Ramsar list is to develop and maintain an international network of wetlands which are important for the conservation of global biological diversity and for sustaining human life through the maintenance of their ecosystem components, processes, and benefits. Wetlands declared as Ramsar sites are protected under strict guidelines of the convention.&nbsp;
The new sites included in the list consists of six wetlands from Uttar Pradesh, 3 from Punjab, and 1 from Maharashtra. The numbers of Ramsar sites in India are now 37 and the surface area covered by these sites is now 1,067,939 hectares. Maharashtra gets its first Ramsar site (Nandur Madhameshwar). Punjab which already had 3 Ramsar sites, adds 3 more to the list (Keshopur-Miani, Beas Conservation Reserve, Nangal), and UP with 1 Ramsar site has added 6 more (Nawabganj, Parvati Agra, Saman, Samaspur, Sandi and Sarsai Nawar).&nbsp;
Wetlands provide a wide range of important resources and ecosystem services such as food, water, fibre, groundwater recharge, water purification, flood moderation, erosion control, and climate regulation. They are, in fact, are a major source of water and our main supply of freshwater comes from an array of wetlands which help soak rainfall and recharge groundwater.

10 more Ramsar wetlands from India

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