Dec-16Envi Flashcards
Dec-16Envi -Index
5.1. First 2G Ethanol Bio-Refinery in Punjab
5.2. Winter Fog Experiment
5.3. Dense Fog in North India due To Cyclonic Activity
5.4. Cyclone Vardah
5.4.1. Preparedness of State Government
5.5. Supreme Court: Air Pollution in Delhi NCR
5.6. NGT decisions
5.6.1 Directions on Sambhar Lake
5.6.2. NGT Bans Open Waste Burning
5.6.3 About NGT
5.7. Bacteria Resistant to “Last Resort” Antibiotic
5.8. Rising Temperatures Causes Soil to Release More
Co2
5.9. Solar Power in India
5.10. Atmospheric Moisture Affecting Rainfall and
Drought
5.11. Eco-Sensitive Zone: Sanjay Gandhi National Park
5.12. World Mountain Day
5.13. Water Day
5.14. Ammonia Detected First Time in Troposphere
5.15. Forest Fire
5.16. Safety Measures in Coal Mines
5.17. Giraffes Put on Extinction Watch List
5.1. FIRST 2G ETHANOL BIO-REFINERY IN PUNJAB
1st second generation ethanol bio-refinery will be set up in Bathinda in Punjab by HPCL
Benefits of Bio-ethanol Plants
Provide additional sources of remuneration to farmers
Reduction in CO2 emissions from the paddy straw which currently is burnt after harvesting
It will produce about 30,000 tonnes of bio-fertiliser per annum that can be used as soil nutrient.
It will produce more than 1 lakh kilograms of Bio-CNG per annum which can cater to transport and clean cooking requirements.
These Bio-refineries shall produce around 35-40 crore litres of ethanol annually, thus contributing significantly towards the EBP programme
Issues
Issues with first generation
One of the major drawbacks is that they come from biomass that is also a food source. This has led to increase in the volumes of crops being diverted away from the global food market and is blamed for the global increase in food prices over the last couple of years
Some biofuels have negative Net energy gain meaning that the energy expended to produce the biofuel is more than the energy gained from that harvest
2nd generation biofuels come from non-food biomass, but still compete with food production for land use.
Finally, 3rd generation biofuels present the best possibility for alternative fuel because they don’t compete with food. However, there are still some challenges in making them economically feasible.
Way Forward
It needs to be ensured that the production of biofuels does not lead to food shortages, water shortages, high food prices, deforestation and other ecological damages.
Biofuels are alternative sources to fossil fuels which can help India not only lower its import bill on oil but
also help conserve environment.
Box–Generations of Biofuels
First Generation Biofuel They are produced directly from food crops.
Crops such as wheat and sugar are the most widely
used feedstock
Second Generation Biofuel
They are produced from marginal croplands
unsuitable for food production or non-food crops
such as wood, organic waste, food crop waste and
specific biomass crops. For example- Jatropha
Thus, it overcomes over food vs fuel debate in first
generation biofuel.
It is also aimed at being cost competitive in relation to existing fossil fuels and increasing Net energy gains.
Third Generation Biofuels
It is based on improvements on the production of biomass by taking advantage of specially engineered energy crops such as algae as its energy source.
The algae are cultured to act as a low-cost, high-energy and entirely renewable feedstock.
Algae will have the potential to produce more energy per acre than conventional crops.
Fourth Generation Biofuels
Fourth Generation Bio-fuels are aimed at producing sustainable energy and also capturing and storing carbon dioxide.
This process differs from second and third generation production as at all stages of production the carbon dioxide is captured which can be then geo-sequestered.
This carbon capture makes fourth generation biofuel production carbon negative rather than simply carbon neutral, as it is ‘locks’ away more carbon than it produces.
—Fig—
5.2. WINTER FOG EXPERIMENT
Why in news?
Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) has launched Winter Fog Experiment (WIFEX 2016-17) to achieve better understanding of fog life cycle at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), Delhi.
The main scientific objective of this project is to study the characteristics and variability of fog events and associated dynamics, thermodynamics and fog microphysics.
Need of such experiment
The physical and chemical characteristics of fog, meteorological factors responsible for its genesis, sustenance, intensity and dissipation are poorly understood.
Similarly, meteorological conditions like humidity, wind and synoptic conditions are also not well studied.
Recent studies on fog in India during the past 10-15 years have prompted significant socio-economic concern due to increase in frequency, persistence and intensity of fog occurrence over the northern parts of the country.
It is one of the major weather hazards, impacting aviation, road transportation, economy and public life in the world’s most densely populated region.
Significance of experiment
It will help to achieve better understanding of fog life cycle and ultimately improve capability in fog prediction.
It will help reduce its adverse impact on aviation, transportation and economy, and loss of human life due to accidents.
Box–About Fog
Fog is a visible mass consisting of cloud water droplets suspended in the air or near the Earth’s surface.
Maximum fog occurrence over the Northwest India is about 48 days (visibility < 1000m) per year, and occurs mostly during the December-February time period.
Land use changes and increasing pollution in the region are responsible for growing Fog occurrence.
5.3. DENSE FOG IN NORTH INDIA DUE TO CYCLONIC ACTIVITY
Why in News?
This year fog has arrived early in north India under the influence of cyclonic activity in the Bay of Bengal and light easterly winds blowing over the Indo-gangetic plains.
What is it?
Low level easterly winds blowing from the Bay of Bengal due to cyclonic activity near the southeast of the Indian peninsula have brought humidity to the entire region.
This along with higher humidity near river beds has resulted in close to or above 75 percent humidity in most areas.
This has in turn led to lower temperatures and dense fog.
Easterlies from the Bay of Bengal are light, cold winds that have brought about humidity unlike the western disturbances that are colder and drier.
5.4. CYCLONE VARDAH
Why in News?
Cyclone Vardah made a landfall on Chennai on December 10, 2016 uprooting trees, causing heavy rainfall and bringing the metropolitan to a standstill.
About Cyclone Vardah
Cyclone Vardah is a tropical storm that originated in the Bay of Bengal.
It slammed Chennai and adjacent parts of Andhra Pradesh coast.
According to Assocham, Tamil Nadu has to bear a loss of around Rs. 6,749 crore ($1billion) due to the destruction caused by Vardah.
The storm triggered by the cyclone has caused damages to buildings, uprooted trees, and damaged banana plantations, papaya groves, rice paddies and others.
What is a Landfall?
A landfall is the intersection of the center of tropical cyclone with a coastline.
A landfall is often accompanied by strong winds, lashing rain and rising sea waves.
—Fig—
5.4.1. PREPAREDNESS OF STATE GOVERNMENT
Background
Post December 2015 floods, Chennai became a sitting example of bad land use, lousy urban planning and failure of disaster management machinery.
The state government has been building storm water drains, removing encroachments, de-silting water bodies, bridges and culverts.
It has also been organizing its early warning and disaster response machinery.
Present Status
The state’s response to Cyclone Vardah does show some improvement however, a lot is yet to be done.
There are more than 55,000 encroachments on the banks of the Adyar and Couum rivers and the Buckingham Canal.
Squatter homes are a threat to themselves as they do not have the structural integrity to divert flood waters.
Building storms drains may not be enough as Chennai grapples with many other natural shocks other than flooding due to heavy rain such as cyclones, heat waves and water scarcity.
Chennai’s growth agenda is posing a serious threat to its potential to absorb natural shocks.
Even if the Paris climate deal is honoured, a 2 degree rise in temperature has been predicted. This in turn would lead to a rise in sea level.
Chennai is looking at a 4.9 metres sea level rise along its coastline from a 2 degree temperature rise.
Other metropolitan cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata and Kochi are worse off and are looking at a vulnerable future.
Recommendations
The availability of open, unbuilt lands and water bodies must be maintained
Native vegetation cover and a healthy network of water bodies are needed to regulate micro climate and enhance local water security.
Making climate sensitive choices when it comes to urbanization and development is the need of the hour.
What are Cyclones?
Cyclones are tropical storms/rapidly rotating wind systems formed over tropical oceans.
They are characterized by low-pressure centres, a closed low-level atmospheric circulation, strong winds and thunderstorms that cause heavy rain.
Tropical storms are known by different names in different parts of the world such as Hurricane in the Atlantic, Typhoon in the Pacific and Cyclone in the Indian Ocean.
Tropical Storms/ Cyclones in India
India is exposed to nearly 10% of the world’s tropical cyclone owing to its long coastline.
Majority of cyclones originate in the Bay of Bengal and therefore mostly hit the east coast of the Indian sub-continent.
The Indian coast line was hit by other cyclones in 2016 such as Roanu and Nada.
5.5. SUPREME COURT: AIR POLLUTION IN DELHI NCR
Why in news?
The Supreme Court approved a comprehensive action plan to tackle air pollution emergencies in the capital.
Salient Features
The court directed the centre to adopt reports submitted by the Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA), which list steps to be taken whenever air quality deteriorates beyond a certain level.
EPCA’s reports categorize four levels of air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR) centred around Delhi, based on atmospheric particulate matter (PM) levels.
The plan sets in motion a series of steps that every authority-central government, Delhi government, municipal corporations and Delhi’s neighbouring states-need to take as pollution levels spike.
—Fig—
- NGT DECISIONS
- 5.6.1 DIRECTIONS ON SAMBHAR LAKE
Why in news?
National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Rajasthan government to cancel allotments of salt pans in the Sambhar Salt Lake that fall within the wetland.
Final NGT order
It directed the Rajasthan government to:
Cancel allotments of salt pans in the Sambhar Salt Lake that fall within the wetland and run contrary to the mandate of Wetland Rules, 2010.
Not to make any further allotments or permit new salt pans within the wetland areas or in the ‘no construction zone’ identified for the said purpose in accordance with the Wetland Rules, 2010.
Examine the sensitive issue in light of observations and recommendations made by the two expert committees in the year 2010 and gave six months’ time to implement the recommendations which should not be later than the 2017 monsoon.
Issues involved
The illegal business of brine extraction in the Sambhar Lake was first highlighted in the Vinod Kapoor fact-finding report in 2010.
The report had mentioned that 15-20 borewells were operating in every bigha of land during that period and over exploitation of water resources had lowered the groundwater level by almost 60 metres in the area.
In the PIL, it was alleged that in and around the Sambhar Lake, commercial and other activities detrimental to the eco-system of the wetland.
These activities were being carried out contrary to the provisions of the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules framed under the Environment Protection Acts of 1986 and 2010.
Box–About Sambhar Lake
Sambhar Salt Lake is India’s largest inland salt lake.
It is located in Nagaur and Jaipur districts of Rajasthan. It is surrounded on all sides by the Aravali hills.
It has been designated as a Ramsar site and also an Important Bird Area.
The site is important for a variety of wintering waterbirds, including large numbers of flamingos.
5.6.2. NGT BANS OPEN WASTE BURNING
NGT has specifically banned open burning of waste on lands, including at the landfill sites.
The Tribunal announced a fine of INR 5000/- in case of simple burning and INR 25,000/- in case of bulk waste burning.
5.6.3 ABOUT NGT
It has been established in 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010.
It has been established for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources.
It also includes enforcement of any legal right relating to environment and giving relief and compensation for damages to persons and property and for matters connected therewith.
It is a specialized body equipped with the necessary expertise to handle environmental disputes involving multi-disciplinary issues.
The Tribunal is not bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, and is guided by principles of natural justice.
The Tribunal is mandated to make and endeavour for disposal of applications or appeals finally within 6 months of filing of the same.
New Delhi is the Principal Place of Sitting of the Tribunal and Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai shall be the other four place of sitting of the Tribunal.
It adjudicates matters relating to following Acts-
Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991
Forest Conservation Act
Biological Diversity Act
5.7. BACTERIA RESISTANT TO “LAST RESORT” ANTIBIOTIC
Why in News?
Scientists at the Ohio State University have identified bacteria resistant to carbapenems in a swine farming operation.
What is it?
Scientists have recovered 18 isolates of multiple Enterobacteriaceae species harbouring the beta-lactamase gene IMP-27, which confers resistance to carbapenem antibiotics.
This family of bacteria includes pathogens such as Escherichia Coli.
While plasmid-mediated carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) have been earlier reported in European and Asian livestock, it is the first time they have been identified in US livestock.
Carbapenems are termed “critically important” for human health by WHO.
Carbapenems are a last line of defense against drug-resistant bacteria. It is used to treat diseases when no other antibiotics are known to work.
Significance
Although bacteria harbouring the gene have not been found in any of the pigs and are unlikely to have entered the food chain, the discovery raises concern over foodborne transmission of CRE.
Non-therapeutic uses of antibiotics in food and animals have made the fight against anti-microbial resistance all the more difficult.
Road Ahead
The WHO adopted a global action plan to combat anti-microbial resistance in May 2015.
As per the global action plan, all member countries are to submit national action plans to combat anti-microbial resistance by May 2017.
5.8. RISING TEMPERATURES CAUSES SOIL TO RELEASE MORE CO2
Why in News?
Rising global temperatures is triggering carbon release from the soil, according to a study published in the journal Nature.
More carbon dioxide in the air would accelerate planetary warming.
What is it?
Soils have accumulated vast amounts of organic matter especially in Tundra and Boreal forests.
As the soil warms, microbial activity picks up and carbon or methane is released. Both of which are active greenhouse gases which contribute to global warming.
Researchers analyzed data from 49 sites in different ecosystems; America, Europe and Asia.
With the current trend of climate change, an additional 55 trillion kilograms of carbon can be released into the atmosphere by 2050 from soil.
This is about 17 percent more than the projected emissions of human-related activities.
The study says that temperature rise of 1degree Celsius will result in the release of 30 pentagrams of carbon which is double the amount emitted due to human activities annually.
The massive jump in emissions can prove to be a serious setback to the efforts being made to keep the global temperatures from rising above 2 degree Celsius.
5.9. SOLAR POWER IN INDIA
Why in News?
Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) called for bids to install 1 GW rooftop solar power projects on central government buildings.
It is not only SECI’s largest tender but also the single-largest green energy tender in the world in the rooftop category.
The project puts India on track to fulfil the promise made under the Paris pact to fight climate change.
India has promised to get at least 40% of its total installed power from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.
Current Situation in India
In 2014, PM put a target of generation of 175GW of energy by 2022 through solar power.
The solar sector saw an impressive CAGR of 59% since 2012.
The installed capacity of the solar sector at the end of FY2016 was pegged at 6.8GW.
The share of renewable energy has also increased from 12.5% in FY2013 to 14.1% in FY2016.
India has the capacity to achieve 479GW of solar power and 410GW of wind power by 2047.
Challenges
One of the biggest challenges facing the country today is developing the renewable energy infrastructure and integrating the solar energy with the current supply.
Despite the fact that India’s installed capacity of renewable energy is in excess of its demand, yet there are areas that have no electricity or power cuts are frequent.
5.10. ATMOSPHERIC MOISTURE AFFECTING RAINFALL AND DROUGHT
Why in News?
According to a study, atmospheric rivers (AR) and low level jets (LLJ) play a major role in the occurrence of extreme rainfall events, and their absence leads to droughts.
The study was published in Annual Review of Environment and Resources.
What is it?
Atmospheric rivers are 1-2.km high and 300-500 km wide wind systems which carry huge amounts of water vapour. They stretch over a distance of 2000kms.
When Atmospheric Rivers make a landfall, they often release water vapour in the form of rain or snow. These events can turn extreme as well.
Atmospheric rivers carry 90 percent of ocean moisture transported to the mid-latitudes.
Similarly most of the moisture transported from ocean to land in the tropics is via low level jets.
While Atmospheric Rivers is an extra-tropical phenomenon, low level jets occur in both tropical and extra-tropical region.
Atmospheric rivers are essential as they provide rain and snow that is crucial to water supply.
Rainfall from low level jets occurs only in summer while that from Atmospheric Rivers could occurs in winter as well.
Significance
A detailed study of moisture transport can help make accurate future climate predictions.
It could help make better rainfall forecasts in monsoon region.
Studying atmospheric rivers and low level jets could throw light on the role of transport of moisture in intense rainfall events and droughts
5.11. ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE: SANJAY GANDHI NATIONAL PARK
Why in news?
Final Notification for an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) area of 59.46 sq kms was notified by the government in Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai.
What is Eco-Sensitive Zone? It is created to act as a buffer for further protection around Protected Areas (PAs) such as National Parks and Wildlife sanctuaries.
Activities around such areas are regulated and managed so as to protect the environment.
ESZ is notified under Section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest.
ESZ Guidelines classify activities under three categories:
Prohibited: Commercial Mining, Setting of Saw Mill, Setting of industries causing pollution, establishment of major hydroelectric projects etc.
Regulated: Felling of Trees, Establishment of hotels and resorts, erection of electrical cables, Drastic change of agricultural systems etc.
Permitted: Ongoing agriculture and horticulture practices by local communities, rain water harvesting, organic farming etc.
Many states are opposed to ESZ because of presence of minerals and resources side by side.
Local people in many areas are also opposed to ESZ for loss of livelihood due to restriction placed by it on various
Way Forward
Local communities should be incentivized and their participation should be ensured for successful implementation of ESZ.
State governments should balance the need for development, aspirations of local people and environmental conservation needs.
Box–Sanjay Gandhi National Park
It is part of Western Ghat Biodiversity complex
Mammals found - leopard, wild boar, four-horned antelope, black-naped hare, wild cat, jackal and porcupine
Birds- Lesser grebe, Purple Heron, Smaller Egret, Lesser Whistling Teal, Pariah Kite
Reptiles - Indian Cobra and Viper
