Environment and Wildlife: Key Updates from the Lok Sabha

Keywords: NCAP, Western Ghats, GHG emissions, coastal erosion, elephant attacks, ex-gratia, human-wildlife conflict, air pollution.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) presented updates on critical environmental initiatives, ecological concerns, and wildlife issues during the recent Lok Sabha session. Here are the key highlights:

1. National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)

The NCAP aims to achieve a 40% reduction in PM10 levels or adherence to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) of 60 μg/m³ by 2025-26.

• Progress in FY 2023-24:
  • 97 out of 130 cities showed improvement in air quality compared to FY 2017-18.
  • 55 cities achieved a reduction of 20% or more in PM10 levels.
  • 18 cities met the NAAQS for PM10.

The programme reflects India’s commitment to tackling air pollution through targeted initiatives, including monitoring, infrastructure development, and policy interventions.

2. Ecologically Sensitive Areas in the Western Ghats

To safeguard the biodiversity of the Western Ghats, the Union Ministry reissued a draft notification for Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs) on July 31, 2024, based on the recommendations of the High-Level Working Group (HLWG).

• Extent of the Western Ghats: 56,825 sq km across Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.
• Kerala Proposal: The Kerala government proposed designating 8,590.69 sq km across 98 villages in 12 districts as ESA based on community feedback.

The initiative seeks to balance biodiversity conservation and socio-economic development in the region.

3. Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Agriculture

Agricultural emissions were reported at 420.97 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2019, according to the Third National Communication (TNC) report submitted to the UNFCCC.

• Share of agriculture in total GHG emissions has declined:
  • 23% (2000) → 18% (2010) → 13.44% (2019).
• Trends in emissions: While emissions per ton of food grain production have decreased, emissions per hectare have risen due to increased fertilizer usage.

The decline in the share of agricultural emissions underscores India’s progress in agricultural efficiency and climate-smart practices.

4. Human-Wildlife Conflict: Elephant Attacks

The number of human fatalities due to elephant attacks has risen:

• 2023-24: 628 deaths.
• 2022-23: 610 deaths.

The increase highlights the urgent need for mitigating human-wildlife conflicts through measures like elephant corridors, early-warning systems, and public awareness campaigns.

5. Coastal Erosion and Stability

As per the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR):

• 33.6% of India’s coastline is under erosion.
• 26.9% is under accretion (growing), and 39.6% remains stable.
• Karnataka Coastline:
  • 50% stable, 26% accreting, and 24% eroding.

Coastal erosion highlights the impacts of climate change and necessitates long-term strategies like natural barriers, afforestation, and sustainable development practices.

6. Enhanced Ex-Gratia for Human-Wildlife Conflicts

The ex-gratia relief for deaths or permanent incapacitation due to wild animal attacks has been doubled from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats.

• Funding Ratio:
  • 60:40 for general states.
  • 90:10 for north-eastern and Himalayan states.

This increase underscores the government’s efforts to support affected families while addressing human-wildlife conflicts.

Conclusion

These updates reflect the government’s multi-faceted approach to addressing air pollution, conserving biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and resolving human-wildlife conflicts. Initiatives like NCAP, ESA declarations, and enhanced ex-gratia payments demonstrate India’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection.

Stay tuned for live updates on the rupee’s movement and real-time business news on Kanishk Social Media—your go-to source for comprehensive stock market and legal news.