Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, addressed three significant environmental issues in the Lok Sabha today, November 25, through written replies. The Minister provided insights and updates on critical topics, including the rise in tiger populations across the country, the pressing issue of air pollution caused by stubble burning, and the ongoing developments surrounding the Great Nicobar Island Project.
India’s Tiger Population Rises
India’s tiger population has seen a significant increase, with the All India Tiger Estimation 2022 reporting an estimated 3,682 tigers (range 3,167-3,925), compared to 2,967 in 2018 (range 2,603-3,346) and 2,226 in 2014 (range 1,945-2,491), reflecting a 6% annual growth in consistently sampled areas. To manage human-wildlife conflicts arising from this growth, the Government of India, through the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), employs a three-pronged strategy. This includes logistical support under Project Tiger for infrastructure, awareness, and staff training; restricting habitat interventions to balance tiger populations within reserves; and issuing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to address tiger straying, livestock depredation, and relocation. Additionally, site-specific habitat improvement efforts are funded under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats, aligning with Tiger Conservation Plans to ensure sustainable tiger population management.
Air Pollution caused by Stubble Burning
Air pollution in Delhi-NCR results from various sources, including vehicular and industrial emissions, construction dust, and biomass burning, compounded by adverse weather conditions in winter. Stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana, and nearby states significantly impacts air quality during October-November. Efforts to address this include protocols by ISRO for monitoring crop residue burning, the Commission for Air Quality Management’s (CAQM) directives for biomass co-firing in thermal power plants, and subsidies for crop residue management machinery. Since 2018, over ₹3,600 crore has been allocated for residue management, distributing 3 lakh machines. CAQM also mandates state-specific action plans and enforcement measures to curb stubble burning, while promoting initiatives like bio-decomposers and pelletization plants to utilize crop residues sustainably.
Great Nicobar Island Project
The decision to approve the Great Nicobar Island development project was made after carefully considering its potential environmental impacts and recognizing its strategic, defense, and national importance. In accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification of 2006, prior environmental clearance is mandatory for such projects. This clearance process involves several stages, including screening, scoping, public consultation, and appraisal, to ensure comprehensive assessment and the development of an Environmental Management Plan (EMP). Leading statutory and non-statutory bodies, such as the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON), Wildlife Institute of India (WII), and Indian Institute of Science (IISc), contributed to the preparation of the EIA/EMP report. Additionally, specialized institutions like IITs, National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), and National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) participated in the appraisal process.
The project underwent rigorous scrutiny by an independent Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) comprising experts in science and engineering. Environmental clearance was granted with 42 specific conditions to safeguard marine and terrestrial biodiversity. To ensure compliance, three independent monitoring committees have been established to oversee pollution control, biodiversity conservation, and welfare measures for indigenous communities like the Shompen and Nicobarese. These measures aim to balance development with ecological and social responsibility.
I truly appreciate this post. I have been looking everywhere for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thx again