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For example, plants are eaten by insects, who are eaten by frogs, these frogs are eaten by
fish, who are eaten by human beings.
Plant > insect > frog > fish > human.
This sequence is known as Food chain.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Description
Starts with green plants.e.g. Grass> grasshoppers> birds>
hawks.
Also starts with green plants but here smaller organisms
depending on larger organism. e.g. Grass> cow> lice.
Starts with dead plant/animal/ waste material> decomposers.
*Detrius = dry leaves, dead plant, animal remains, dead skin cells, other organic waste (urine,
excreta).
Ecological Pyramids
You already know about the food chain: grass > Grasshoppers >birds >hawk.
Each step or level is known as Trophic level.
If we draw these trophic levels in a verticle fashion, a pyramid is created. This pyramid is
known as Ecological pyramid.
The Autotrophs (green plants) = base of the pyramid
The top carnivores (lion tigers) = tip (apex) of this pyramid.
Types of Pyramids
1. Pyramid of numbers,
2. Pyramid of biomass
3. Pyramid of energy or productivity
Food Web
Suppose in a jungle, the deer species is wiped out due to some human poaching/ diseases
/ natural disaster.
Then its predators (lion,tiger) can feed on other animals such as fox, wolf, crane, peacock
etc. until deer population grows again.
Thus, food web= help living organism survive in case of minor or major setbacks in their
food chain.
food web=provides stability to the ecosystem.
So far you know what is food chain and what is food web.
You also know what is Trophic level. (each step in a food chain).
When energy is passed from one tropic level to next trophic level, some part of energy is
wasted. So energy declines as we move up in the chain/ web / pyramid.
Why?
1.
2.
3.
4.
So the energy stored in the skin, hair, bone and teeth of a deer =not moved up in the food
chain.
However this energy is later utilized when scavenger (hyena) comes into picture. Because
Hyenas stomach acid is so powerful, it can digest the skin, hair, bone, teeth and other
remnants of a deer corpse.
When energy changes from one form to another, some of the energy is Lost. Suppose a
jungle receives 1000 calories worth Sunlight everyday.
Most of the sunlight is not absorbed; some is reflected back to space.
Out of the sunlight that is absorbed, only a small portion is utilized by green plants
Out of which the plant uses up some for respiration, therefore only 100 calories are stored
as energy rich materials.
Now a deer, eats the green plant containing 100 cal of food energy.
The deer uses some of it for its own metabolism and stores only 10 cal as food energy.
A tiger eats the deer gets an even smaller amount of energy.
Thus usable energy decreases from sunlight to producer(green plant) to herbivore(deer)
to carnivore(tiger).
Therefore, the energy pyramid will always be upright.
The loss of energy (explained in previous para) limits the number of trophic levels in the
ecosystem.
Hence trophic levels are seldom more than five.
This also explains why the steps in a food chain are limited to four or five.
Energy=Unidirectional
Nutrients/Material=Cyclic
Entry of DDT and other pesticides, damages this smooth cycle of nutrient movement. Lets
check how:
DDT=dichloro-diphenyl trichloroethane.
It is a broad spectrum pesticide (meaning it can kill variety of insects, not just one or
two.)
It lasts for a relatively long time (nearly 20 years) after one application.
DDT is cheap to produce, been extensively used across world.
Problem: DDT cannot be metabolized (digested) by any living organism.
So the amount of DDT keeps increasing as we move up in the food chain. This
phenomenon is known as bio magnification.
Bio magnification is bad because it produces variety of diseases in the species + its
offsprings (babies) via teratogenesis.
Teratogenesis = formation of defective embryo.
To sum up
Biotic Potential.
Biotic
potential
Example
Why?
High
low
Carrying Capacity
It means the maximum population that an environment can support and sustain.
When the carrying capacity is reached, birth rates equal death rates and the population
should maintain a steady state equilibrium.
Interspecies relations
Interaction
1. Mutualism
Species Species
Example
A
B
Enjoys
Enjoys
2. Commensalism
3. Predation
4. Parasitism
5. Competition
6. Amensalism
Enjoys
Enjoys
Enjoys
Harmed Harmed
Predation vs Parasitism
Predation
Parasitism
Mock questions
Q1. Correct statements about Bio magnification
1. It is a natural phenomenon occurring since stone-age.
2. It is associated with biodegradable chemicals.
3. Bio Magnification protects biodiversity.
a.
b.
c.
d.
Only 1 and 2
Only 2 and 3
Only 1 and 3
None.
a.
b.
c.
d.
Only 1
Only 2
Both
None
a.
b.
c.
d.
Only 1 and 2
Only 1 and 3
Only 1, 2 and 3
Only 1
Only 1
Only 2
Both
None
Only 1
Only 2
Both
None
Q6. The usable energy decreases as we move up in the food chain. Which among the following
explains this phenomenon?
a.
b.
c.
d.
a.
b.
c.
d.
Only 2 and 3
Only 1 and 4
Only 1, 2 and 4
Only 1
Only 1
Only 2
Either 1 or 2
None.
Here jungle c has the most biodiversity. [jungle b also has 220 animals but variety is less.]
Isolated islands have limited number of variety in plants and animals compared to
tropical rainforest or coral reefs. Because number of competitors and predators are
limited.
In the subtropical and polar regions of Northern Hemisphere, the climate is very cold, the
region had gone through ice-ages = less population =less competition =less predators
=less evolution= less biodiversity of plants and animals (compared to African or
Brazilian jungle)
In general, you will find less variety in plant and animal species in some European
country (Ukraine) compared to a tropical country like Vietnam.
So, As you move from equator towards the poles, biodiversity decreases. (latitudes)
Talking about Europe, almost all plans eaten today in Europe have originated in the developing
countries around the equator.
Coffee: Ethiopia
Rice: India
Wheat: turkey and Afghanistan
Soya, cucumber, orange: china
Keystone species
These species determine the ability of a large number of other species to survive.
When the keystone species becomes extinct. It has snowballing (=cascading) effect on
extinction of other species (just like increase in petrol price on inflation)
Examples of keystone species
o Bees : pollination of fruits and flowers. Albert Einstein once said, if the
honeybee goes extinct, we have four more years on earth.
o Plankton : food of many fishes
Blue whales
Largest mammals on Earth. Elephents are the largest mammals on land only.
International whaling commission (IWC) was set up in 1946 to fix anyone hunting quotas
for the countries. Since 1980s IWC called for a halt on whale poaching
But Japan, Norway and Ireland are major countries that still continue to indulge in whale
hunting, they are unhappy with IWC and cites restrictions.
Non-native species
For example, in the 18th century, rabbits introduced in Australia for sport shooting.
Since they were a non-native species in Australia, it meant they had no predators or
competitors to control their population. They destroyed a vast range of plants and reduced
the forest area.
Rats of several species were unintended stowaways* on oceanic voyages, and thus spread
around the world.
Infected humans took the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which caused aids from
Africa to the rest of the world.
Stowaways= a person who hides aboard a ship or plane in the hope of getting free
passage
Birds are very important for seed dispersal, insect and rodent control, scavenging
(vultures), and pollination.
Many birds are also sentinel species e.g.Vultures
Colombia has more than 1800 species of birds = most bird-diverse country
Indias got about 1250 =we rank in top-10 in terms of bird diversity.
When Animals are treated with Diclofenac, this drug keeps accumulating in their body.
When these animals die, Vultures eat them = kidney failure =death of vulture.
Hence Government of India banned Veternary Diclofenac. Now farmers have to use
other expensive drugs instead of Diclofenac.
Bigger Why should we care? Let the vultures die! What difference does it make to us or
to the environment ?
Well, Less vultures= more dead animals for dogs to eat = dog population increases =
more problem of rabies.
Secondly, vultures digestive system can destroy many parasites, but dogs digestive
system cannot. Hence dogs who eat dead animals are more disease carriers than vultures.
It is an area unusually rich in biodiversity of birds and animals, but they are under
constant threat of overexploitation. Such an area is called a biodiversity hotspot
Example of biodiversity hotspots in India : eastern Himalayas, western Ghats. (more in
separate articles)
But under the green revolution program, the government introduced HYV (high yielding
variety) seeds. So, instead of 30,000 indigenous varieties of rice, now Indian farmers
plant only 12 HYV rice varieties.= reduced biodiversity of rice.
The illegal smuggling of rare species, exotic pets (orangutan), ornamental plants (orchid,
cactus) is estimated to be $8 billion per year, which is second only to the illegal weapons
smuggling.
Cites convention restricts the trade of endangered plants and animals and also the trade of
clothing, food, medicine, and souvenirs, produced out of these species.
Cites is a step by worlds oldest global environmental organization IUCN = international
union for conservation of nature and natural resources (iucn), hq: Switzerland.
The same ICUN maintains the red list of threatened species.
(a.)Biosphere Reserve
(b.) Botanical Garden
(c.) National Park
In this case, you identify an area with high biodiversity (= this area has lot of number and
variety of plants and animals)
And then, you isolate and protect this area from human activities by establishing a natural
park/sanctuary/biosphere reserve etc.
Very essential for Big animals like elephants, rhinos, tigers: they require huge area.
Seed Banks
every seed has an expiry date, you cannot store it for an indefinite time. So every once in
a while, you have to take out the seeds, germinate them and get new seeds and store them
again.
Multinational companies such as Monasoto have excellent infrastructure for these
activities, but they care for storing the seeds of commercially viable species only. Ex.
Wheat, maize, rice, potato, brinjal etc. for doing research and development on them, and
create new hybrid varieties.
They have no interest in protecting some unknown grass or fruit of jungle on the verge of
extinction, this duty falls on the (inefficient) government agencies.
Zoos
You can bring some endangered species in zoo, try to breed them, and reintroduce their
offsprings in the jungle. (done in case of pandas, orangutans etc.)
Enforces minimum standards and norms for upkeep and health care of animals in Indian
Zoos
Restrains mushrooming of unplanned and ill-conceived Zoos that were cropping up as
adjuncts to public parks, industrial complexes and waysides.
Zoo Problems
Not all species can breed in captivity. Life expectancy of Caged Ex-situ animal is less
compared to its in-situ cousin.
Offsprings born in captivity, have problems in adjusting and surviving in jungles.
Tiger cub born in zoo, feeding on readymade meat, living in a small area, cannot easily
survive in a jungle. It doesnt know how to efficiently move in a jungle and hunt animals.
Zoos require huge land, lot of funds, trained personnel.
Zoos concentrate on protection and breeding of big and popular species such as Tiger,
Panda, orangutans, etc. as it brings more public support and funds.
But small and unknown species such as frogs and birds get neglected.
1. Buy Kung Fu Panda and Tigress , to bring more of visitors and earn more ticket
revenue.
2. African Lion, the election symbol of ruling party to get more funds in next budget.
3. Those Small frogs, birds and snakes, on the verge of Extinction.
4. No purchase, return the money back to that Charity org.
Interval WFST:
Which of the following is true about Indian and African Elephants
A. For African Elephants: Only males have tusks but females dont.
B. For Indian Elephants: Only females have tusks but males dont.
for example, BOTANIC GARDEN OF THE INDIAN REPUBLIC (BGIR), NOIDA has
been set up to facilitate ex situ conservation and propagation of rare and threatened
indigenous plants of the country
Problem: area and funds :
They do not get as much media attention, public support and charity like the zoos.
1. Ex-situ is the most convenient and effective method for saving big animals.
2. Central Zoo authority looks after the matters related to prevention of cruelty to
animals.
3. Human activities are allowed in National parks but not in wild-life sanctuaries.
4. India has more National parks compared to Wild-life sanctuaries.
5. Wild Ass is only found in Ranthambhor, Rajasthan.
6. Bactrian camel (Two Humped Camel) is a native to Central America.
7. Aquarium is an example of In-situ method of biodiversity conservation.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Wonder Plant,
Ladakh Gold,
Golden Bush or
Gold Mine.
Under this initiative, Eco Task Force Battalions and Womens Self-help groups will be
mobilised for plantation of seabuckthorn in remote areas.
Research and Development (R&D) for cultivation and commercial processing in
collaboration with China, Russia, Pakistan, Germany etc nations where this plant is
found.
Explanation#1
It is a shrub and not a tree, so you cannot take timber (wood) of great commericial
value out of it! So, Eliminate Options involving Statement #4.
Both Statement #1 and Statement #3 are correct from above article.
Therefore, Final answer (C)
Source:
Press Note by Ministry of Environment and Forest.
Explanation#2
Verdict
Wait for UPSC to give official answerkey in RTI reply next year (2013)
The habitats of the Ganga River Dolphins are shrinking as smaller rivers are drying up
and bigger rivers do not have uninterrupted flow of water in various parts.
Thus the Ganga River Dolphins are perhaps one of the few creatures which face
extinction due to the destruction of their habitat instead of being hunted or poached.
Although, these river dolphins are hunted for their oil and sometimes they get stuck in the
nets of the fishermen and die.
By declaring the Ganga River Dolphin as the National Aquatic Animal of India there will
be some focus on the plight of these animals.
Classification of Himalayas
Method #1
1.
2.
3.
4.
Method#2
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
earthquakes,
landslides,
avalanches,
flash floods
forest fires
soil erosion
Landslides: Reasons
1.
2.
3.
4.
Such activities have disrupted the ecological balance, thereby resulting in loosening of the soil.
During the heavy rain, this leads to soil erosion and frequent landslides
Landslides: Damage
Every year, landslides in the region kill dozens of people and cause widespread damage
to several villages such that they have now become almost unfit for habitation.
They create blockades in the road network and river system, which in turn, cause floods.
The terraced farm fields have been destroyed that cannot be easily renovated or made
productive again.
The road network remains closed for long periods causing indescribable hardship to the
villagers who get their basic supplies and provisions from the neighbouring areas.
Water source is also disrupted due to landslides as they are breached from several places
and are choked by the debris.
The sediment load of rivers has also increased considerably, causing problems like
irregular courses and frequent breaching of the banks, which create uncertainty regarding
the river course and unexpected floods.
The water channels are affected from the up hillside due to which the villagers are devoid
of water for irrigation purposes. This adversely affects agriculture production in the
region.
Ref
IGNOU MPA 018/Chapter 3.
What is FAO?
To understand and appreciate the nature friendly agricultural practices of local and tribal
populations around the world.
To document indigenous knowledge.
To conserve and promote these knowledge at global scale to promote food security,
sustainable development.
Providing incentives for local population by measures like eco-labeling, eco-tourism.
Why is it done?
-A site with all the above characteristics, if under stress or threat of degradation is chosen.
Various sites across the world from china, srilanka, argentina, peru etc. have been recognized
under GIAHs.
Now our focus: two sites recognized in India and 6 more recognized as potential sites:
This region has rich biodiversity, growing several varieties of paddy, millets, pulses,
oilseeds, vegetables.
Region primarily a tribal district inhabited by khonds, bonda tribes practicing poddhu
(shifting) cultivation.
Shifting cultivation loss of forest cover = hurting the biodiversity.
Soil erosion, Soil degradation, habitat loss.
Illiteracy, large family, small farm holding size.
The socio-economic indicators are very poor here nearly 84% living in abject poverty.
Grains such as maize, rice, rajmah/lentils, fruit and vegetable crops and pulses.
Problems
1. Loss of productivity due to the lack of agricultural management practices
2. Climate change vulnerabilities, water scarcity and weather vagaries
3. Efforts from the younger generation to appreciate and conserve heritage systems absent.
Kuttanad:
Kuttanad is a delta region of about 900 sq. km situated in the west coast of Kerala State,
India.
Unique feature: Below sea level rice cultivation site, only such system in India.
Farmers of Kuttanad have developed and mastered the spectacular technique of below sea
level cultivation over 150 year ago.
They made this system unique as it contributes remarkably well to the conservation of
biodiversity and ecosystem services including several livelihood services for local
communities.
Contribute to awareness-raising
promote use of modern technologies to conserve the heritage systems.
Documenting the traditional knowledge.
Provide capacity building training for farmers to increase productivity and marketing
practices.
Modernization, commercialization strategies establishing standards, eco labeling.
Establishing sustainable practices amongst the tribals utilizing their knowledge, modern
technologies.
Ladakh is located on the high Tibetan plateau between India and the Himalayan
Mountains to the south, China and the Karakoram Mountains to the north, and Indian
Kashmir to the west.
Four types of land are cultivated: Zhing (cultivated land), Zhing Zhang (well fertilized
land), Rizhing (stony land), Thang Zhing (pasture land). Apricots, apples and walnuts are
cultivated in deep valleys.
Organic composting is said to be an indigenous technique here
Western cultural intrusion, urban consumerism are said to be threatening factors.
Promoting its uniqueness especially amidst harsh terrains is essential.
Raikas:
The Raikas are a pastoral caste Camel herding is their heritage. They live in groups of 420 families on the outskirts of villages and combine crop production during the summer
rains with pastoralism during the autumn-spring dry season.
The Raikas face several threats: Camel herding is no longer profitable, Droughts,
Decrease in common pasture lands, disease and fodder scarcity, privatization of land
Government support, help to withstand climate change, drought conditions need to be
provided to preserve this heritage group.
Korangadu:
The Korangadu silvo-pastoral system exists in the semiarid tract of the Erode,
Coimbatore, Karur, Dindigul districts of Tamil Nadu.
Innovative fencing mechanism of land by live mullukiluvai (Commiphora berryi), a
thorny drought resistant shrub.
The nations, whove signed UNFCCC convention, meet every year to discuss climate
change strategy.
These meetings are called Conference of the Parties (COP)
The first COP (COP 1) was held in Berlin.
Third COP (COP 3) held in Kyoto, Japan. It was here the famous Kyoto Protocol came in
to existence.
2011: COP held in Durban, S.Africa.
2012: COP will be held in Doha, Qatar in November 2012 (so it becomes important topic
for next prelims!)
The developed countries such as US,UK have already polluted the atmosphere with
greenhouse gases (GHGs) through industrialization. So theyre the one who
created/started global warming and all the mess.
While Developing countries (India and Brazil) have started polluting the world only
recently.
Therefore, the developing countries such as India, Brazil should share less of the burden
of lowering overall emissions.
And Developed countries (US,UK) should bear more responsibility in fixing this global
warming mess etc. because theyre the one more responsible for it.
So, while it is the Common responsibility of every nation of this world, to reduce
Green house gas emission, but there should be some difference between the responsibility
given to developed countries and developing countries.
Kyoto Protocol follows that principle and assigns separate responsibilities to the
countries.
Annex
Annex means some elaboration/detail given at the end of a book/treaty.
Annex What?
Annex I
Annex
II
Non
Annex
It gives the list of 6 Green House gases that are responsible for the whole problem
Annex
A
Annex
B
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Suppose Abdul, Bhide and Champak (ABC) goto a Gujarati dining hall. This hall serves
only fixed dish i.e. 1 sabji, 4 roti,dal and rice. And each dish costs Rs.50. If you want
more roti then youll have to pay extra 5 rupees per roti.
Now Champak is an old man so he cannot eat all the 4 rotis served in his plate. He eats
only two rotis.
On the other hand, Abdul and Bhide are quite hungry, so they want more, they take 1-1
roti each from Champaks plate and agree to pay 5-5 rupees to him.
Another example: You know how broadband internet billing works= there are plans for
example 2GB plan for Rs.500 That means as long as you download music, movies etc.
worth less than or equal to 2GB then youll get bill of Rs.500 but if you download more
files above 2GB quota, then company will charge you Rs.1 per MB of extra download.
Similarly, Under Kyoto Protocol, each Annex-B country is given emission target quota
(Kyoto Units).
For example, for the year 2009, Australias allowed quota was 2,957,579,143 Kyoto
units. (each unit is equivalent to 1 ton of carbon dioxide)
Now, as long as Australia emits that much green house gas= no problem.
So first of all, Australian Government should do all steps to make sure it doesnt cross
that quota for example
o Making compulsory anti-pollution laws: for example a Tire making company with
daily output of 200 tires must not emit more than 200 tonnes of green house gas
per year.
o Promoting solar energy, reducing tax on solar cells, wind mill equipments etc.
o If a family buys second car then it will have to pay higher tax (just like Chinas
one child policy but with cars!)
if a kid is found bunking his college lecture and loitering on his motorbike then
hell be fined for polluting the environment.
But even after all these measures, if Australia wants to emit more green house gas, then it
will have to buy additional quota or units from another country. Kyoto Protocol allows
three mechanisms to do so
o
Suppose Annex B country Australia is given emission quota of 200 units, but it emits 210
units of green house gas.
But Australia can finance a solar power project in some village of India (Non-Annex or
developing Country) and get certificate that the solar plant led to reduction of 10 units of
green house gas. In this way, Australia will remain in its quota/limit.
Similarly, suppose Australian Government has passed a law that a steel production
company with output of 200 tonnes of steel per a day, must not emit more than 10 units
of green house gas in a year.
o But this company wants to produce more steel, then its green house gas emission
has increased to 11 units. (1 more unit above the quota)
o So this company can also do some solar-projects in India, Brazil etc. and get a
certificate that it has led to reduction of 1 unit of GHG emission. = problem
solved.
US President George W Bush refused to ratify Kyoto protocol saying that it would
gravely damage the US economy.
for example a US steel company would need to either buy Carbon Credits from another
company or invest in some projects in a developing country), while an Indian or Chinese
Steel company has no such obligation so their cost of production = low, hence they can
sell their products @lower MRP = US steel company will loose customers.
So US Government feels is that the treaty is fatally flawed, because it does not require
developing countries (especially India and China) to commit to emissions reductions.
After President Bush, President Obama too, didnt ratify Kyoto protocol for the same
reason. (plus we should also understand that the powerful US industrialist lobby may stop
election funds to a candidate, if he is in favor of Kyoto protocol, so USA is unlikely to
ratify Kyoto or any such future protocols that are legally binding!)
In 2011, Canada, become the first country to quit the Kyoto Protocol on climate
change, saying the 1997 accord was handicapped because top green house emitters like
the United States and China not covered by it. (Because USA has refused to ratify the
treaty and China being an Annex II country has no compulsory responsibility to cut
down emission.)
Recall that UNFCCC countries meet every year and it is called Conference of Parties
(COP).
15th such meeting was held @Copenhagen, Denmark = COP15
In the meeting, the BASIC blocBrazil, South Africa, India and Chinaand the U.S.,
came up with a political agreement.
This agreement is known as the Copenhagen Accord.
It says all countries should pledge to reduce Green House Gas (GHG) emission but all of
the pledges made under the Copenhagen Accord are voluntary; There are no binding
obligations placed on these pledges by the UNFCCC or any other international body.
UNFCCC acknowledged the Copenhagen Accord and has assisted in collecting the GHG
reduction pledges of various countries.
Copenhagen Accord also lays the groundwork for financial commitments from developed
countries (US,UK) to developing countries (India,Brazil etc) for climate change
mitigation and adaptation efforts.
United States
China is the world leader in total annual Green House Gas emissions
U.S. is second.
EU is third.
United States is the only Annex I country that has not ratified the Kyoto Protocol.
In line with the Copenhagen Accord, the U.S. has pledged a 17% reduction in GHG
emissions, against a 2005 baseline, by 2020. (but this is not legally binding).
As we saw earlier, US is not in favour of any legally binding commitments. Besides,
Obama has to face election in November.
BASIC Countries
Not really a player, these are the future victims if green house gas emission is not
reduced.
AOSIS is an team of 43 small island and low-lying coastal countries (Barbuda,
Bahamas, Barbados, Cuba etc.)
More green house gas = rise in global temperature = ice melts= sea level rise =many of
these areas to become uninhabitable.
Each group assess the report in their respective proficiency and then a succinct conclusion can be
configured out.
1990
Second
1995
Third
2001
Fourth
2007
Why important?
The fourth Assessment Report (AR4) of the intergovernmental panel on climate change (IPCC)
said that most of the warming that has taken place since the middle of the last century is very
likely the result of increase in the concentration of human-induced greenhouse gases. A hot
topic.
Fodder material can be mug up through the Yojana Disaster Management in India, comprising
Harnessing technology to employ systems which can efficiently predict monsoon, Early
Warning System and bla.. bla.
Formulating a National Action Plan.
Implementation and regular assessment
Ascertaining the post disaster effects which are generally not counted in monetary terms
as well as social terms.
Encourage the people to emit less and to plant more and all that.
Formulating the new policies like Carbon Trading, whose target is to ultimately bring
down the concentration of GHG irrespective of the nations.
Under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, the state governments have to notify the list of core
and buffer areas of tiger reserves in their territory.
Core zone (critical tiger habitats): This is where tigers usually rest, reside, feed and breed.
Therefore, Government should prevent any disturbance in such areas, including tourism.
Buffer zone = areas that lie in the periphery of the core zone.
Buffer zones constitute the fringe areas (=The outside boundary or surface of something)
of tiger reserves up to 10 kms. Following map should clear the concept:
What is NTCA?
Deforestation because of
o Human pressure: farming, mining, illegal felling of trees.
o Grazing of domestic animals
Because of Deforestation, the size of tiger-prey (Deer, sambar etc.) has declined.
Hence tigers have to come outside the protected areas to hunt for animals, including
domestic cattle. This leads to man-animal conflict, tiger deaths in road accidents, and
provides ample opportunities to poachers.
Tiger breeding/ reproduction is reduced/disturbed due to highways, noise pollution,
tourism etc.
Tiger is a territorial animal, which advertises its presence in an area through urine
marking and maintains a territory. Therefore, to support a population of 80-100 tigers,
youd need a protected area of atleast 1000 sqkm- totally undisturbed. Otherwise the male
tigers would fight, maim and kill eachother and the weaker ones would be forced to hunt
in surrounding villages- leading to man-animal conflicts.
But because of the highways, villages, farming activities, the Habitats are getting
fragmented. Habitat Fragmentation = bad for tigers. They cannot move, hunt or breed
freely in small and fragmented habitats.
Insurgency in North East and naxals in Central India= Forest dept. cannot efficiently
work and protect tigers.
International Cooperation
1. India has a bilateral understanding with Nepal on controlling trans -boundary illegal trade
in wildlife and conservation,
2. India has signed a protocol on tiger conservation with China
3. India has signed a protocol has with Bangladesh for conservation of tigers in Sunderban
region.
4. India has Constituted a group on tiger and leopard conservation with Russia.
5. India is a party to Convention on Inter national Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
Fauna and Flora (CITES)
6. Unlike China, India doesnt support captive breeding of tigers (breeding tigers on a
commercial scale, to sell their hides and bones later, just like a poultry farm).
7. India made an appealing to China to phase out tiger farming and eliminate stockpiles of
tiger body parts and derivatives.
Now coming to the topic of SC Ban on Tiger Tourism
Timeline of Events
July 2012: SC bans tourism
One Mr.Ajay Dubey (NGO named Prayatna) filed a public interest litigation (PIL) in Supreme
court.
He argued that
1. Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 implies that tourism to all core tiger habitats in India
should be banned.
2. But yet, Several state Governments have allowed the construction of hotels, resorts and
shops inside the core areas of tiger reserves.
So, Supreme court looked into the matter and imposed a temporary ban on all tourism in the core
areas of tiger reserves.
Pro-Tourism Arguments
Misleading information by Media
Consider this- Supreme Court has only banned tourism activity in the CORE zone and
not in the buffer zone.
Yet the media covered the whole news in such a sensationalized manner that potential
tourists thought SC has completely banned tourism in tiger reserves. Hence they
cancelled their trips.
The truth is, the tourism was still permitted in buffer zones and many a times, tourists can
get a glimpse of tigers and other wildlife, while touring in the buffer zones.
For example, in Uttarakhands Jim Corbett National Park and Assams Kaziranga
Wildlife Reserve, nobody is allowed to go into 95% of the core area. So even before the
SC ban, for all these years, tourists were seeing the buffer area only.
Employment
1. Tiger tourism is an 18 million dollar$ industry.
2. In Madhya Pradesh Alone, more than 20,000 people earn their livelihood through tigertourism activities related activities.
3. There are entire towns that rely on tourism. Ranthambhore [a National Park in Jaipur]
alone gets 2 lakh tourists per year and provides employment to almost 4,000 local people
directly (from hotel managers, travel guide, waiters, cooks etc) and perhaps 10 times that
amount indirectly (rickshaw drivers, fruit-vegetable-milk suppliers etc.)
4. Tourist season is October to March. And generally they get huge bookings during Diwali
Season. But if tourism activities are banned then all those potential customers might
prefer to go vacation elsewhere. Thus severely affecting the livelihood of so many
people.
Presence of tourists provides extra eyes and ears to the Forest Department.
It helps protect the animals by deterring poachers and loggers,
It does not affect the animals willingness to hunt or breed.
Seventeen tiger reserves have few or no tigers left in them. No tourism has ever been
allowed in or near these reserves. Instead, loggers arrived, thinned the jungle then tigers
were forced to hunt outside core areas and poachers got easy opportunities to kill them.
5. Poachers are the largest threat to tigers, not tourism. And the solution thus, is
improvement in law enforcement rather than a ban on tourism.
Anti-Tourism Arguments
1. The tour operators run wildlife safaris day and night. All the vehicle movement,
honking, shouting, camera flashes disturb the tigers.
2. Construction of hotels, shops etc = deforestation.
2. Shall aim to generate at least 50 % of their total energy and fuel requirements
from alternate energy sources (solar and biogas)
3. Waste recycling, water management,
4. Natural cross-ventilation (to reduce the need for AC),
5. No use of asbestos,
6. Discharge of only treated sewage,
7. No air pollution,
8. Minimal outdoor lighting outside the building
9. They should merging with the surrounding landscape, via right combination of
wall colors and aesthetic architecture.
Now, Union Government filed an affidavit in the Supreme court and said Please see this list of
guidelines framed by NTCA. Well make sure that tourism doesnt harm the tigers. Now please
lift the ban.
Supreme Court considers the plea of Government and passes judgment: ok well very,
since youve framed the new guidelines, We lift the ban.
but from now onwards, all the tourism activities must be regulated in very strict manner.
And We also direct the state governments to prepare their tiger conservation plan within
in six months and submit it to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) for
approval.
Conclusion
In last century, there were more than 40,000 tigers in India, now barely 1700 left.
Tiger protection is not the job of Forest Department alone. It requires coordination
between and stakeholders, including the departments forestry, agriculture, social welfare,
tourism, fisheries, tea -coffee estates, road and rail transport, mining, thermal power
plants, irrigation projects, temples, tour operators, tourists, Gram Sabha, local villagers.
Unless each and every one of them is sensitized about the issue, tiger may not survive to
see the next century.
Cheetah
A side note for for GK
Ministry of Environment and Forests has decided to take up reint roduction of cheetah in
the States of Rajasthan (Shahgarh area) and Madhya Pradesh (Kuno- Palpur and
Noradehi Wildlife Sanctuaries).
The said States would receive 100 % support towards village relocation.
State
Kawal
Andhra Pradesh
Nagarjunsagar
Andhra Pradesh
Namdapha
Arunachal Pradesh
Pakke
Arunachal Pradesh
Manas
Assam
Nameri
Assam
Kaziranga
Assam
Valmiki
Bihar
Achanakmar
Chattisgarh
Udanti-Sitanadi
Chattisgarh
Indravati
Chhattisgarh
Palamau
Jharkhand
Karnataka
Bandipur
Karnataka
Bhadra
Karnataka
Dandeli-Anshi
Karnataka
Nagarahole
Karnataka
Periyar
Kerala
Parambikulam
Kerala
Kanha
Madhya Pradesh
Pench
Madhya Pradesh
Bandhavgarh
Madhya Pradesh
Panna
Madhya Pradesh
Satpura
Madhya Pradesh
Sanjay-Dubri
Madhya Pradesh
Sahyadri
Maharashtra
Melghat
Maharashtra
Tadoba-Andhari
Maharashtra
Pench
Maharashtra
Dampa
Mizoram
Similipal
Odisha
Satkosia
Odisha
Ranthambore
Rajasthan
Sariska
Rajasthan
Anamalai
Tamil Nadu
Kalakad-Mundanthurai
Tamil Nadu
Mudumalai
Tamil Nadu
Dudhwa
Uttar Pradesh
Corbett
Uttarakhand
Sunderbans
West Bengal
Buxa
West Bengal
Pilibhit UP
Ratapani MP
Sunabeda Odisha
Mukundara Hills Raj.
Satyamangalm TN
And, Final approval has also been accorded to Kudremukh (Karnataka) for declaring as a tiger
reserve.
NTCA has also requested the State Governments, to file proposals to create Tiger reserves in
following areas.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Bor (Maharashtra),
Suhelwa (Uttar Pradesh),
Nagzira-Navegaon (Maharashtra)
Gu ru Ghasidas National Park (Chhattisgarh)
Mhadei Sanctuary (Goa)
Srivilliputhur Grizzled Giant Squirrel / Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuaries / Varushanadu
Valley (Tamil Nadu).
Planktons
autotrophic= they depend on the sun for the energy they need to produce their food.
Thus microscopic phytoplankton are very important to all living organisms in the sea.
The blue whale feeds throughout the summer on krill that are abundant in the cold, polar
water of both the northern and southern hemisphere.
In the late fall, the blue whale migrates on the warmer waters of the tropics where the
water is warmer.
There are no krill in tropical areas of the ocean so the blue whale must live off its blubber
for the entire time it spends there. (Blubber = fat stored in Whale body)
When there is oil-spill, it reduces the planktonic creature and thus affects the whole food
chain.
Hydrocarbon-eating bugs
In early 2012, there was an oil spill in Gulf of Mexico- from British Petroleums
Deepwater Horizon rig.
Scientists found growing population of carbon-eating bacteria about six miles from the
leak. (oceanospirillale)
Each time the scientists got back to the laboratory to test the sea-water samples, the bugs
had already eaten all the oil in them.
Adipic acid is produced from fossil fuel, and the pollution released from the refinement
process contributes significantly to global warming
Adipic acid is required for nylon production.
Now scientists have came up with process to produce eco-friendly adipic acid.
Theyll convert cheap sugars into adipic acid, instead of using fossile fuel.
Rich and affluent people in Vietnam, are using Rhino horn power to spice up their
alcoholic drink in parties. (miracle cure for cancer, AIDS..you get the idea, just like tiger
bones)
Because of this demand, more and more rhinos are hunted in Africa.
Vietnamese government, is accused of not taking the crisis seriously, despite pressure
from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites).
Vietnam is the only country in the world where rhino horn grinding bowls are mass
produced. It shows that Vietnamese Government is not serious in cracking this illegal
business.
Asian Ladybug
Previously, elephant breeders could only use a limited number of elephant bulls living in
zoos, as semen could not be frozen and had to be used within twelve hours. But scientists
have now solved this problem using the new sperm freezing method.
This new freezing method could also be used with other endangered species like
rhinoceros and gorilla
electronic devices such as integrated circuits, chips and tools etc. when discarded, they
are called e-waste.
It is estimated that e-waste alone accounts for over 70 per cent of toxic wastes currently
found in landfills
we use electronic devices such as pacemakers and other sensors that are implanted in our
bodies. The trouble with them is that once they are past their use, we need to surgically
remove them (and perhaps implant a fresh one). How nice it would be if only they
dissolve away and get removed from the body; much the way we discard our body liquids
and solids every day!
Scientists are now working on such biodegradable electronic devices.
Agro related
Senescence in fruits
Why Water=Transparent?
If a material does not absorb any part of the visible range of light, then the object either
appears colourlessly transparent
Water has molecules that do not have the kind of electrons which absorb any portion of
the visible range (but have electrons that absorb only in the invisible ultraviolet range) of
light
That is why water appears transparent. Several other liquids, such as benzene, alcohol,
chloroform, coconut oil, etc also look transparent for this reason.
Sapota
Rice blast
is a fungal infestation known to occur in all the rice growing areas of the county. The disease
attacks all the parts of the crop growing above the soil.
Chawki
refers to young silk worms reared from hatching to second moult stage. The quality of
these worms forms the crux of successful silkworm rearing.
If the chawki worms are not reared properly, the later stages will result in crop losses.
Chawki Rearing
PSTOL1
Disasters
1. Mt Tongariro- Volcano erupted here, in New Zealand
2. LAquila quake
With every 1 degree Celsius rise in temperature, tropical regions will see 10 per cent
heavier rainfall extremes, with possible impacts for flooding in populous regions
Ref
The Hindu S&T section, Sept-Oct 2012
Amur Falcon
Nicobar scrubfowl/Megapod
Nicobar scrubfowl/Megapod
Narcondam Hornbill
Narcondam is an extremely remote, tiny island in the Andaman and Nicobar Island
group, and is home to about 300 Narcondam hornbills, a species that is found nowhere
else in the world.
Why in news? Because The Coast Guard wanted to set up a surveillance radar here, but
environment ministry rejected the proposal.
Narcondam Hornbill
Mock Questions
MCQs
Q1. Which of the following statements are correct?
1. Amur falcon is a bird species native to North East India.
2. Nicobar Megapod is a critically endangered insect under IUCN.
Q2. Narcondam Hornbill Is found in
a.
b.
c.
d.
Mains
1. Write a short note on the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS). 10marks
Interview
1. With respect to, the tussle between Navy/Coast Guards vs. Environment Ministry, What
is more important: National security or conservation of an endangered species? And
why?
2. What do you know about Migratory Species? Do you know names of any sites your
state/district, that are frequented by migratory species?
3. There are reports of large scale poaching of Migratory birds in your area. This is the only
source of livelihood for many villagers and favorite dish among urban class. Forest
officers are reluctant to detain anyone, fearing possible protests and unrest in the
villages. As the District collector what steps will you take?
The IUCN enjoys observer status at the United Nations General Assembly.
What is CITES?
CITES has no enforcement authority (i.e. doesnt have its own police force or militia).
CITES classifies species into three categories Appendix I, II and III and regulates their
trade via cooperation of various nations.
Appendix
Appendix
I
Appendix
II
Appendix
III
There are almost 1000 plant and animal species in this list.
Their trade =totally banned, unless exeptional situation.
Species that are not necessarily threatened, but will get threatened if their
trade is not controlled.
Businessmen will need to get licence from relevant authorities to export such
plants/ animals/their products.
The Government can give licence if it certain that that trade will not be
harmful to the survival of the species in the wild
list of species included at the request of any one nation but needs the
The countries that have ratified the CITES are called parties.
Although CITES is legally binding on the Parties, it does not take the place of national
laws. Rather it provides a framework respected by each Party. So These parties have to
do two things
CITES has no enforcement authority, but rather depends on the voluntary development of
laws and enforcement procedures within each nation.
However, laws among nations vary greatly, and even when strong laws exist, many
national authorities lack the resources, political will, or both to enforce them.
Many believe that CITES has become a battleground between developed nations, which
typically promote bans on endangered species trade, and developing nations, which often
seek such trade as a viable economic strategy.
Confiscated endangered species in some countries have been released into nature
preserves without adequate consideration of potential ecological impacts.
For example, Malayan pangolins, does not naturally occur in China, but have been
released into China, where they can compete with native animals. (Non-Native Species)
The inclusion of a species in Appendix I can drive up black-market prices for that
species, encouraging more poaching and stockpiling of commodities, including
rhinoceros horn, elephant ivory, and tiger bone.
Sometimes it is hard to distinguish parts of an endangered species from parts of a
nonendangered species. For example, all bear gallbladders look to that of nonendangered
animals as domestic pigs= problem in legit trading of domestic pigs bodyparts.
Major threats to endangered species come from deforestation, Habitat destruction, and
other environmentally destructive policies.
But theyre are outside the scope of CITES.
Only 1
Only 2
Both
None
Only 1
Only 2
Both
None
GS Mains
1. Steps taken by India, to stop illegal trade of wildlife. 10m
2. What do you understand by the term CITES? What steps, apart from those mentioned in
CITES, should be taken to protect the wildlife? 15m
3. Name any three critically endangered species in India, according to the IUCN Red list.
Enumerate the measures taken to protect them. 25m
Earthwatch
Global Environment Outlook
(GEO)
Earth Summit?
In the late 80s, the UNEP members decided we should have some sort of international
agreement to protect biodiversity.
They worked on a draft Agreement. (Nairobi Conference)
In 1992, when Earth Summit was held in Rio, Brazil, these UNEP people put that draftagreement on the table, and requested various countries to sign it.
This signed international agreement is known as Convention on Biodiversity. (Official
name =Convention on Biological Diversity)
Earth summit,1992 gave birth to many things. But three important kids were
Mission
Protect Biodiversity
Reverse Climate Change
3. Agenda 21
As the year progressed, these three kids (CBD, UNFCC, Agenda 21) grew up, had their own
kids.
Mission
1. Protect Biodiversity
Earth Summits
result
CBD
UNFCCC
Agenda 21
Their kids
1. Aichi Targets
2. Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
3. Nagoya Protocol on Genetic
Resources
1. Kyoto Protocol
2. Copenhagen Accord
1. RIO+20
Once ^this is clear, observe the following timeline to see the bigger picture of how every piece
fits into the puzzle.
What is CBD?
Leads to
COP meetings, Aichi Targets.
Cartagena Biosafety Protocol
Nagoya Genetic Resources Protocol
To fund various projects, activities under CBD, you need truckload of cash.
This cash comes through an organization named as Global Environment Facility (GEF).
GEF gets money from world bank, UN, various (rich) nations and trust organization,
companies etc.
GEF gives that money to finance many environment related activies including
Mock Questions
Q. Which of the following statements are correct?
1. Parties of UNFCCC are required to create National Biodiversity Strategies and Action
Plans (NBSAP).
2. Nagoya and Cartagena Protocols are part of Agenda 21.
a.
b.
c.
d.
Only 1
Only 2
Both
None
Genetic Resources
Sustainable Development
Climate Change
a.
b.
c.
d.
Only 1
Only 2
Only 2 and 3
Only 1 and 3
a.
b.
c.
d.
Biohazard
Biosafety
Biodiversity
Only 1 and 2
Only 2 and 3
Only 1 and 3
All of them.
Only 1
Only 2
Both
None
This short term plan is officially known as Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020.
It is a a ten-year framework for action by all countries to save biodiversity.
This short term plan provide a set of 20 ambitious yet achievable targets, collectively
known as the Aichi Targets.
Strategic goal A
Address the causes of biodiversity loss
Strategic Goal B:
Reduce the direct pressure on biodiversity and promote sustainable use
5. Reduce the rate of natural habitat loss + forest loss by at least 50%
6. Reduce overfishing
7. Agriculture, aquaculture and forestry in sustainable manner
8. Reduce pollution and excessive use of fertiliser
9. Prevent invasive alien species (non-native)
10. Minimise the choral reflow destruction, ocean acidification
Strategic Goal C
Safeguard ecosystems, species and genetic diversity
11. Conserve terrestrial and inland water, coastal marine areas
12. Prevent extinction of threatened species
13. Maintain genetic diversity of agro-plants, domesticated animals and minimising genetic
erosion
Strategic Goal D
Biodiversity benefits to all
14. Safeguard ecosystems for women, tribals, and poor.
15. Combat desertification and restore the degraded ecosystem
16. Operationalise the nagoya protocol on genetic resources, via national legislations
Strategic Goal E
Participatory planning, capacity building
17. National biodiversity strategy and action plans update for participation
18. Integrate the knowledge of tribal communities
19. Scientific and technological knowledge sharing application
20. Financial resources mobilisation
For most species of animals, body mass increases the closer you get to the poles.
The bigger you are, the more fat you can store to help you get through the winter.
bigger animals have a smaller surface area-to-volume ratio, which helps reduce heat lossa pattern known as Bergmanns Rule.
Seasonwatch
builds up baseline data about the flowering and
participants in this activity identify migrant
fruiting of trees, to work on climate-season
birds and note down the first sighting and feed it
change from ecological angle.
into the online database: www.migrantwatch.in
www.seasonwatch.in
Two-humped camel
Found in cold deserts of central Asia. (China, Mongolia)
They consume eight times more salt than cattle and have twice the blood glucose levels
of other ruminants, yet do not develop diabetes or hypertension.
They also produce unique disease-fighting proteins called heavy-chain antibodies, which
interest pharmaceutical engineers.
The Ross Sea, located in arm of the southern Pacific Ocean in Antarctica.
Ross sea is populated by seals, whales, fish, penguins and other birds.
Environment activists want to create Marine protected zones (MPAs) in Ross sea= where
fishing would be totally banned.
Lake Vida
in East Antarctica
hosts some newly discovered microbes, 60 feet below ice.
Thus proving that where there is water, there is life.
Chromatophores
Right now, the lipstick colores are made using artificial chemicals.
These chemicals can cause allergy and even cancer.
Scientists have now found reddish-brown spores in squid skin that can be used for
lipstick colors.
They are screening it for consumer acceptance applying hedonic scale method.
Hedonic Scale is used in food science, marketing research where the respondents indicate
the extent to which they either like or dislike for a particular product sample.
Brevetoxin-2
Mock Questions
Q1 Which of the following is incorrectly matched
1. Migrantwatch
2. Chromatophores
3. Seasonwatch
a.
b.
c.
d.
Only 1
Only 1 and 2
Only 3
All of them
1. Two-horned Rhino
2. Two-humped Camel
a.
b.
c.
d.
India
Mongolia
Only 1
Only 2
Both
None
a.
b.
c.
d.
Only 1
Only 2
Both
None
SIX States
1. Gujarat (portions of Dang Forests).
2. Maharashtra
3. Karnataka
4. Goa
5. Kerala
6. Tamilnadu
Administrative Regions
(no need to mugup table, but if youre from any of these districts, be more prepared for profile
based interview questions on Western Ghats).
GujaratMaharashtraKarnatakaKerala
The Dangs Ahmednagar
Navsari
Kolhapur
Valsad
Nandurbar
Nashik
Pune
Raigarh
Ratnagiri
Satara
Sindhudurg
Thane
Belgaum
Chamrajnagar
Chikmagalur
Dakshin Kannad
Davanagere
Hassan
Kodagu
Mysore
Shimoga
Udupi
Uttar Kannada
TN
Idukki
Coimbatore
Kannur
Dindugal
Kasaragod
Erode
Kollam
Kanyakumari
Kottayam
Nilgiris
Kozhikode
Tirunelveli
Malappuram
Tiruppur
Palakkad
Theni
Pattanamtitta
Virudunagar
Thiruvananthapuram
Thrissur
Wayanad
Eastern
Discontinuous hills (thanks to River deltas)
lower: 500-700 m
Dewodi Munda (Odisha) (as per Majid Hussein)
Long broad rivers, form delta.
Krishna, Kaveri, Godawai (these origin from Western Ghats
though)
and Mahanadi
Into Bay of Bengal.
Eastern Slope
70-200cm
Moist Deciduous (also known as Monsoon
forest)
Trees shed leaves during dry season.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Teak
Sal
Shisham
Mahua
Sandalwood
Mahua
Three main rivers of South India= Krishna, Godavari and Kaveri. They originate from
Western Ghats.
Traditionally these water resources were used to irrigate the valleys for paddy and
arecanut cultivation.
But later, construction of major river valley projects =irrigation + power generation.
The steep slopes to the western Ghats = ideal for constructing dams and hydel power
generation.
In recent years construction of resorts and hill stations started around lakes and rivers.
E.g. Amba Valley, Lavasa.
Rivers flowing from the Western Ghats drain almost 40% of land in India.
Roughly 250 million people depend on these rivers .
From Western Ghats, rivers originate and flow in both directions: West and East.
Coastal plains between Western Ghats and the Arabian sea are very narrow. Hence, these
coastal rivers are short (compared to East flowing rivers)
Origin
Length (km)
Water Basin
covers
Other names
Godavari
Nasik, Mah.
1500
Krishna
Mahabaleshwar
1400
Kaveri
Brahmagiri Range
750
Mah, Karn, AP
Karn, Ker, TN
Dakshin Ganga/Vridha
Ganga
Ganga of South
Sivasamudram water
falls.
Misc.notes
1. Manjra
2. Wainganga
3. Penganga
Tributaries
Type of Delta?
Lobate
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Tungabhadra
Koyana
Ghatprabha
Musi
Bhima
Arcuate
1.
2.
3.
4.
Amravati,
Bhavani,
Hemavati
Kabini.
Quadrilateral
Sahyadri
Nilgiri hills
Same as above
Anaimalai + Cardamom hills.
Agro
Agriculture in Western Ghats
Region
Cultivation of
Valleys
Paddy
Hill slops
Coastal
areas
Plantation crops
Introduced by Europeans in Western Ghats Native to Western Ghats
1. Tea
2. Coffee
1. Pepper
3. Rubber
2. Cardamom
4. Tapioca
5. Potato
Forest produce
Nasikabactrachus sahyadrensis
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Tiger
Elephant
The Indian Bison
Lion-Tailed Macaque
Wynad Laughing Thrush (Songbirds)
Travancore Tortoise
Uropeltid Snakes
Several Species Of Legless Amphibians.
Anyways, the British used these three channels for resource extraction and exploitation
in Western Ghats.
Later they started giving away land in the Sahyadri region (Maharashtra) at throwaway
prices, to expand urban and industrial settlements of Mumbai-Thane, Nashik, Pune
region. (And this trend has continued in the present times as well.)
Nowadays, Whether virgin lands in the Sahyadris, is opened up for development of urban
areas, hill stations, farm house plots or holiday resorts= bad for biodiversity.
The first railway across the Western Ghats was built from Mumbai to Pune, and was
completed in 1863.
railway line was instrumental in transporting forest, agricultural produce, timber etc. from
jungles to the untapped market in Peninsular India as well as Europe.
Thanks to railways, timber from the Western Ghats could be transported to most corners
of the country, through the medium of railways.
Dams
Britishers build the first dam First dam in the Northern Western Ghats in British India
was built in Mumbai at Vihar in 1860.
After that, they constructed of over 20 dams till 1947.
1. British Raj
2. 1947 to 80s
3. 80s onwards
Shifting cultivation
banned
State takeover forest lands.
large-scale teak
plantations
Biosphere Reserves +
Ecologically Sensitive Areas
established.
1. between 19201990, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu have lost about 40% of their
original forest cover.
2. Rise in Population and industrialization.
3. tourism, holiday resorts.
4. River valley projects= forest area is being submerged.
5. Mining mafias encroaching in forest lands
6. soil erosion, land slides
7. Railways, roads and other infra.projects = natural habitats getting fragmented + road / rail
accidents killing wildlife animals.
Fisheries
Fish consumption =traditional source of protein poor people in Western Ghats.
Problem areas in fisheries
1. Unscientific methods of collection (use of poisons, electro-fishing, dynamiting etc.)
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Exotic Species=BAD4Biodiversity?
Exotic species Belong to some other area/ place / region
Endemic species Found in the particular place only.
Consider this case: Periyar Lake is one of the biodiversity hotspots of Kerala.
Exotic fish species such as Cyprinus carpio have been introduced here for breeding.
But their food preference is similar to endemic species= competition for food=endemic
fish population affected.
Similar case with exotic high-yielding African catfish.
Alien species such as catla, rohu and mrigal have been cultured in most of the reservoirs
and ponds of Kerala.
And because of them endemic fish populations=declined.
Opencast mining has induced significant changes in water quality and quantity besides
causing topographical, morphological, and land use changes.
Suspended particulate matter in the mine =air pollution
Tailings (residual material) is discharged in water. This water is used for paddy
cultivation= soil fertility declined.
During rain, direct surface runoff from the adjoining mine dumps into the agricultural
lands= soil pollution.
Mining activities require considerable pumping out of water.
Hence water tables drop due to the drainage of water into mining pits =local wells go dry
= shortage of water for drinking and farming.
This severely affects the poor women, because theyve to travel long in search of water.
Air quality
The ores are transported from Karnataka to Goa on a massive scale. But Why?
1. for blending with local ore for its upgrading the quality before export.
2. exporting through Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) in Goa.
ok then whats the problem?
1. enormous traffic problems because trucks movement
2. Trucks are often overloaded, and uncovered= spillover, accidents.
3. It has increased air pollution =health problems for local folks.
Sand Mafias
During dry season, sand-mafias dig away sand from the river beds.
Indiscriminate sand mining= water tables lowered.
River beds in some stretches are lower than the sea level = saline ingress =drinking water
is also salty and unfit for agriculture= crop losses
In Goa alone, the government itself has acknowledged that over half of the 300 odd
mining leases are located close to water bodies= water pollution.
Selaulim dam= drinking water to 50% public of Goa.
About 180 mining permissions are given within one kilometer of this project.=again
water pollution.
The states in Western Ghats have large-scale iron and steel, cement, petroleum
refineries, sugar, distilleries, fertilizers and petrochemical industries.
All of which are large energy consumers.
Therefore, many thermal power projects are commissioned in these states.
Thermal power plants increase the temperature of nearby regions.
Higher temperatures of water= better dissolution of toxic chemicals from air=bad for
environment, bad for fishes.
Thermal power plants emit Fly ash.
Particles of fly ash also contain toxic elements such as lead and mercury
When fly ash is deposited in the marginal areas of the river= Reproduction of fish is
affected.
Thick deposits of fly ash at the bottom of lake/rivers make the nutrients unavailable to
aquatic life.
Western Ghats=hilly terrain, thick forests, heavy rains, roads get washed off.
So in In the ancient and medieval times, the Transport and communication = very
difficult.
In fact, the strength of the Maratha empire rested on the strategic advantages of this
inaccessible terrain.
But after independence, = major river valley and mining projects =lead to development of
extensive transport and communication facilities.
Problem?= Growth of roads +railway lines across the Ghats = connectivity between
natural habitats disrupted. = bad for biodiversity+accidents.
Emergence of a large wealthy middle class = holiday resorts etc.
availability of powerful earth-moving machinery,
The Western Ghats are beginning to be urbanized.
But it leads => biodiversity destroyed + local tribes displaced.
Gardens
To sumup Developmental activities associated with these projects are roads, terracing,
vegetation cutting, construction and landscaping, all proving dangerous to biodiversity.
For example setting up temporary colony/slum of laborers for constructing resorts and
farm houses in Western Ghat.
This leads to new problems such as
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Monoculture Plantation=Bad?
By Government
Monoculture plantation means forest department just grows only one type of tree in a
particular area.
Government usually starts monoculture plantation to reverse the deforestation (caused by
mining, forest-fire, illegal felling of tress etc.)
It was attempted in India, in the 80s. Large plantations of Eucalyptus tree were setup in
Western Ghats.
But Monoculture plantation is bad from biodiversity point of view. Why?
Because in a jungle, the insects, birds, monkeys etc. require multiple species of trees for
their food and survival.
When Monoculture plantation is introduced, these animals/birds/insects start migrating to
other areas in search of more suitable living conditions.
Hence Monoculture plantations are sometimes called Green deserts (because like
deserts, very few species live here.)
By farmers
The term Monoculture plantation is also used when big farmer establishes a permanent
tea/coffee/rubber etc. plantation.
These plantations lead to soil erosion, degradation of river ecosystems and toxic
contamination of the environment.
The use of pesticides like DDT was started in the tea plantations during the British period
itself.
The quantity of toxic pesticides being pumped into the plantations is so huge it has
severely affected the biodiversity of Western Ghats.
Therefore, Instead of monoculture, we should use polyculture/mixed cropping systems.
It will help to reduce soil erosion, improve water holding capacity of the soil and improve
economic returns from unit area.
Tribals
Western Ghats has a large tribal population only in a few pockets such as the
1.
2.
3.
4.
Dangs
Thane
Wynaad
Nilgiris
Cholanaikas
Theyre the only truly stone age hunting gathering tribe of Peninsual India.
They live in Nilgiris.
1. Over bureaucratization =corruption. For example a farmer would need to pay bribe get
clearance to dig well/bore in his own farm.
2. little or no meaningful participation by the local community.
The Western Ghats has thousands of endemic species of flowering plants, fish, frogs,
birds and mammals.
Therefore, entire Western Ghats should be designated as Ecologically sensitive zones.
Gadgil recommends that entire Western Ghat should be divided into 3 zones (actually 4)
1. Zone 1
2. Zone 2
3. Zone 3
4. PA
final demarcation of the Zones should be done by Western Ghats Ecology Authority
(WGEA).
And that too, after taking extensive inputs from local communities and local bodies,
namely, Gram Panchayats, Taluka Panchayats, Zilla Parishads, and Nagarpalikas
Hierarchy
Western Ghats Ecology Authority
Union
State Western Ghats Ecology Authorities In 6 states
District Ecology Committee
In districts under Western Ghat
Structure
1. Chairman A retired judge of the Supreme Court, preferably from the Western Ghats
region.
2. Experts from biology, law, science, sociology etc.
Functions
1. conservation, sustainable development and Eco restoration of the Western Ghats
2. Environmental Impact Analysis and Clearance process in Western Ghats.
3. Its recommendations will be ordinarily binding. (just like National Board of Wildlife
whose decisions are rarely tampered with and by and large have been approved even by
the Supreme Court of India.)
4. WEGA will decide location of industry, land use planning in Western Ghats.
5. Prevent activity having negative environmental, social and ecological impact on Western
Ghats.
6. Can issue directions to the state government or agencies to prevent any negative impacts
on the Western Ghats.
7. Authority shall also be the final authority for demarcating the areas under the
Ecologically Sensitive Zones #1, 2 and 3.
8. Power to levy fines and other punitive measures
9. Right to call for files, records, evidences etc. under Civil Procedure Code.
Zonal recommendations
As we saw earlier: Gadgil recommended Western Ghats to be divided into three ecologically
sensitive zones. Here theyre:
Ecologically Sensitive Zone (ESZ)
Zone #1
Zone #2
Donot give new licenses for mining.
Mining
Zone #3
Allow New mining license
only IF scarce minerals not
available on the plains.
Where mining
Existing mines should
Transport
Tourism
General recommendations
Agro
Animal
husbandary
Fisheries
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Awareness
Sci-Tech and
IT
17. Use them for impact assessment for all new projects such as dams, mines,
tourism, and housing.
18. Prepare hydrological data base of rivers
Construction
Misc
Ok everything sounds well and good with Gadgils report, then why is there a controversy? Well see
that in fourth and last article of this series:
Madhav Gadgil had proposed that Environmental Clearance should not be given to any
large scale dams in zone #1 and #2.
And on the same logic, he also recommended dont give environmental clearance to the
two proposed dams in Kerala and Karnataka.
lets see why?
Project
Athirappilly Project Gundia
State
Kerala
Karnataka
River
Chalakudy
Gundia
Capacity (MW) approx. 150+
200
- Some new species of plants reported in this region- critically endangered species of
riparian trees found here.
Kerala has four species of Hornbills
1.
2.
3.
4.
Fishes
Entire project area falls under the migratory route of elephants, project
Elephant.
cane turtle, an endemic and endangered species, first reported here, is currently
the only place where they could be seen in reasonable numbers
Elephant
Monkeys
Turtles
Adar tribe is considered to be the most primitive of the South Indian forest tribes
They are a primitive hunter and food gatherer tribe originally restricted to the forests and
hill tracts of Chalakudy river basin.
Their population is fewer than 1500.
Theyll be affected by the dam.
Given these factors, Madav Gadgil panel has recommended not to construct the Athirappilly
dam.
Therefore Madav Gadgil panel has recommended not to construct dam on Gundia river.
The Supreme Court of India has recognized that the right to information is a fundamental
right of the citizens of India under Article 19 (1) of the Constitution of India.
The RTI Act has codified this fundamental right 19(1) by stating that every citizen shall
have the right to information.
The RTI Act recognises that a democracy requires an informed citizenry and
transparency of information,
Therefore, all agents of Government must be responsible for their conduct.
The people of this country have a right to know every public act, everything that is done
in a public way by their public functionaries.
If Gadgil report is disclosed, itll enable citizens to debate in an informed manner and
they can provide useful feedback to the government.
R.T.I Act requires suo moto disclosure by the public authority while formulating
important policies and not after formulating them.
Therefore I direct the Ministry of Environment and Forests to publish the report of Gadgil
panel.
And thus, environment ministry had to upload the PDF file on its website, (somewhere in mid2012)
Judiciary=taarikh pe taarikh.
Similarly Government=Committee pe Committee.
Since Government did not like Gadgils recommendations, they formed a new committee
headed by Kasturi Rangan to study the report of Gadgil Panel!
Ive merely pointed out many inconvenient truths but Government is trying to suppress
my report and evade a democratic debate on its recommendations.
And this Kasturi Rangan fellow is keeping me completely out of the loop while assessing
my report!
Gadgil says NO to Athirappally hydroproject but it is essential for our states energy
security.
Keralas total hydel potential was estimated to be 6,000 MW, only 35 per cent of it had
been harnessed so far.
But Gadgil has instead suggested decommissioning of dams which were 35 to 40 years
old.
This would pose a question mark on the existing and proposed power projects and would
plunge our state into darkness.
Gadgil did not make concrete proposals on Revenue loss suffered by the state
Government while implementing the recommendations (e.g. no mining in zone#1=no
royalties payment from miners.)
This has greatly upset the mining lobby. Now their agents are provoking the farmers and
tribals in Western ghat region with baseless rumor that Gadgil has recommend to throw
you out of your villages and make wildlife sanctuaries everywhere!
So now some farmers and tribals are protesting against Gagdils report.
Gadgil
clarifies