Concerns with Great Nicobar Island Project

For Prelims: Great Nicobar Island (GNI), Galathea Bay, Tropical Rainforest, Leatherback Sea Turtle, Galathea Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Coastal Regulation Zone, International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT), Maritime India Vision 2030. 

For Mains: Concerns associated with the Great Nicobar Island (GNI) project and way forward.

Source: HT 

Why in News?

The proposed Rs 80,000 crore mega infrastructure project on Great Nicobar Island (GNI) has raised serious concerns among environmental activists. 

• The project, spearheaded by NITI Aayog, includes a transshipment terminal in Galathea Bay, an greenfield airport, a greenfield township, and a tourism project with a gas-powered plant.

Click Here to Read: What is the Great Nicobar Island Project?  

What is Great Nicobar Island? 

What Concerns are Associated with the Great Nicobar Island Project? 

• Environmental Concerns: 
  • Massive Deforestation: The project will destroy 130 sq km of primary tropical rainforest, leading to biodiversity loss and ecological imbalance. 
    • Initial estimates of tree cutting (8.65–9.64 lakh) have been found to be significantly lower than actual numbers, potentially exceeding 10 million trees. 
  • Impact on Wildlife: The project threatens species like the nesting leatherback sea turtle in Galathea Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS). 
    • The Galathea Bay WLS, designated for marine turtle conservation in 1997, was denotified in 2021 for the port, contradicting India’s Marine Turtle Action Plan (2021). 
  • Compensatory Afforestation Issues: The diversion of pristine Nicobar forests is being “compensated” by land in Haryana and Madhya Pradesh, which does not replicate the biodiversity lost. 
  • Coral Reef Destruction: The coastline falls under Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ 1a), making ship-repair and other industrial activities a threat to marine ecosystems. 
• Legal Concerns: 
  • Violation of SC Orders: The SC appointed Shekhar Singh Commission 2002 report recommended a total ban on tree felling in tribal reserves and national parks and afforestation before felling, a rule not being followed. 
  • Lack of Tribal Consultation: The project disregards the rights and survival of indigenous communities like the Shompen, whose existence is deeply tied to these forests. 
  • Lack of Transparency: The government withheld environmental clearance details citing national security, but experts argue only the airport has a defense link, not the entire project. 
• Government Stand: 
  • Contradictory Stance: The Ministry of Home Affairs cites security concerns to withhold project details, while the Ministry of Shipping promotes high-end tourism, creating a strategic contradiction. 
  • Unplanned Additions: New additions like cruise terminals, shipbuilding, and EXIM ports can create additional pressure on the environment. 
  • The transshipment terminal's cost rose by 20% from 2021 to 2024. With new additions like a cruise terminal and ship-repair facilities likely to raise it further.

Note: CRZ 1A, a subcategory under the Coastal Zone Management Plan 2019, includes ecologically sensitive coastal areas e.g., presence of coral reefs vital for biodiversity and stability. 

• The Shekhar Singh Commission Report (2002) assessed the environmental and socio-cultural impacts of developmental activities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.  

What is the Significance of the Great Nicobar Island Project for India? 

• Strategic Importance: Nicobar's strategic location near the Malacca, Sunda, and Lombok Straits allows India to monitor key sea routes vital for global trade and energy supply. 
  • It is aligned with India's Act East Policy 2014 and the QUAD’s Indo-Pacific strategy, reinforcing regional security. 
  • A greenfield airport will speed up defense deployment, strengthening India's ability to monitor Chinese naval activity. 
• Economic Significance: The International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) is expected to reduce India’s reliance on foreign ports like Singapore and Colombo and position India as a global transshipment hub, attracting ships and investment. 
  • It is part of Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, supporting India's long-term economic strategy. 
• Sustainable Development: It  can boost high-end tourism like Singapore and the Maldives while ensuring sustainable development. 
  • A new township will attract businesses, improve living standards with better infrastructure, and promote renewable energy and sustainable housing with minimal environmental impact. 

Way Forward 

• Minimizing Ecological Damage: Conduct a comprehensive biodiversity assessment to identify critical habitats and explore alternative locations for infrastructure development while ensuring compliance with environmental laws. 
  • Prioritize restoration of degraded forests within the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to maintain ecological balance. 
• Tribal Rights Protection: Minimize displacement of Shompens and Nicobarese, ensure fair compensation, livelihood support, and skill development, and establish a community council for inclusive decision-making. 
• Strengthening Institutional Oversight: Form an independent monitoring body with environmentalists, local representatives, and officials to ensure compliance and accountability.  
• Resource Management: Develop sustainable water, food, and energy management while strengthening climate-resilient infrastructure and disaster preparedness. 

Drishti Mains Question:

Analyze the Great Nicobar Island (GNI) project's impact on India's national security while highlighting its environmental and social challenges.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Prelims 

Q. Consider the following statements: (2018)

1. The Barren Island volcano is an active volcano located in the Indian territory.
2. Barren Island lies about 140 km east of Great Nicobar.
3. The last time the Barren Island volcano erupted was in 1991 and it has remained inactive since then.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

(a) 1 only  

(b) 2 and 3 

(c) 3 only  

(d) 1 and 3 

 Ans: (a)

Q. Which one of the following pairs of islands is separated from each other by the ‘Ten Degree Channel’? (2014) 

(a) Andaman and Nicobar 

(b) Nicobar and Sumatra 

(c) Maldives and Lakshadweep 

(d) Sumatra and Java 

Ans: (a)

---

Mains 

Q. Project ‘Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of Indian government to improve relationship with its neighbours. Does the project have a strategic dimension? Discuss. (2015) 

Seagrass Conservation

For Prelims: Seagrass, Carbon Sequestration, Greenhouse gas emission, Global warming, Ocean currents, United Nations Environment Programme, Ocean acidification, Gulf of Mannar. 

For Mains: Significance of Seagrass and Concerns Related to it. 

Source: DTE 

Why in News?

A study in Nature reports that seagrasses are declining at a rate of 1–2% annually, with nearly 5% of species endangered due to human activities, highlighting the need to protect 30% of seagrass by 2030 to preserve biodiversity. 

What are Seagrasses?

• About: Seagrasses are submerged, flowering marine aquatic plants that grow in shallow coastal waters such as bays and lagoons.  
  • They possess small flowers and strap-like or oval leaves, forming dense underwater meadows. 
• Classification: Seagrasses belong to the order Alismatales and are classified into 4 families with around 60 species.  
  • Some of the important seagrasses are Sea Cow Grass (Cymodocea serrulata), Thready Seagrass (Cymodocea rotundata), Needle Seagrass (Syringodium isoetifolium), Flat-tipped Seagrass (Halodule uninervis), etc. 
• Key Features: 
  • Like terrestrial plants, seagrasses conduct photosynthesis and support marine biodiversity and enhance oceanic oxygen levels. 
  • Seagrasses reproduce both sexually and asexually.  
    • In sexual reproduction, submarine pollination transfers male pollen to female flowers underwater. Asexually, they propagate through rhizomes-horizontal underground stems, that enable regeneration after disturbances like grazing or storms. 
• Threats to Seagrass: 
  • Pollution: Industrial, agricultural, and urban waste degrade seagrass meadows. 
  • Coastal Development: Tourism and infrastructure projects disturb fragile ecosystems. 
  • Climate Change: Rising temperatures and ocean acidification threaten seagrass survival. 
  • Weak Enforcement: Despite existing laws, conservation efforts lack strict implementation. 

What is the State of Seagrass Conservation? 

• Current Status: Seagrass covers 0.1% of the ocean floor but supports marine life, major fisheries, and thrives in tropical and temperate coastlines. 
• Seagrasses in India: India's seagrass meadows span 516.59 sq km, sequestering 434.9 tonnes of CO₂ per sq km annually, with major concentrations in the Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep,  and the  Gulf of Kutch. 
• Conservation Efforts: 
  • India's Initiatives 
    • 2011-2020: 14 acres of seagrass restored in the Gulf of Mannar & Palk Bay (85-90% success rate). 
    • Community-led projects using bamboo frames & coconut ropes for transplantation in Palk Bay. 
  • Global Efforts: 
    • 23.9% of seagrass areas fall under Marine Protected Areas (MPA). Successful restoration in Virginia, USA (1,700 hectares of Zostera marina). 

What is the Significance of Seagrasses?

• Carbon Sequestration: Seagrasses store 11% of oceanic organic carbon and absorb 83 million tonnes of atmospheric carbon annually, sequestering carbon 35 times faster than rainforests. 
• Biodiversity Hotspot: It supports marine species, including endangered dugongs (sea cow) and green turtles, and sustains commercially important species like squids and cuttlefish. 
• Ecological Importance: Seagrass meadows support 750 fish species and 121 threatened marine species including endangered dugongs (sea cow), green turtles, squids and cuttlefish. 
  • These ecosystems contribute to 20% of global fishery landings. 
• Coastal Protection: They improve water clarity by trapping sediments, filter land-based pollutants, and prevent coastal erosion by stabilizing the seabed with their root systems. 
• Livelihoods & Fisheries: Seagrasses provide safe breeding grounds for juvenile fish and shield marine organisms from strong currents and predators, supporting ecosystems essential for fisheries and global food security. 

Way Forward

• Integration into Policy Framework: Seagrass conservation should be incorporated into India’s National Biodiversity Action Plan, ensuring policy support, funding, and sustainable management practices. 
• Expansion of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): MPAs should be expanded beyond 2.5% of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to protect and restore seagrass ecosystems. 
• Recognition in Climate Strategy: Seagrass should be recognized in India’s Blue Carbon Initiative to support climate commitments and carbon neutrality goals. 
• Assessment and Global Cooperation: Global cooperation is vital as seagrasses aid climate mitigation through carbon sequestration, coastal protection, and biodiversity conservation. The IUCN should assess their status for early intervention, preventing extinction and enhancing conservation efforts.  

Drishti Mains Question:

Discuss the ecological significance of seagrass meadows and the challenges they face due to human activities. Suggest measures for their conservation in India. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Prelims

Q. What is blue carbon?

(a) Carbon captured by oceans and coastal ecosystems 
(b) Carton sequestered in forest biomass and agricultural soils 
(c) Carbon contained in petroleum and natural gas 
(d) Carbon present in atmosphere 

Ans: (a)

Decline in MPLADS Funds

Source: BL 

Why in News? 

The latest data by Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) on the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) indicates a decline in the total funds released by the central government for the 17th Lok Sabha (2019-2024) compared to the 16th Lok Sabha (2014-2019). 

What are the Key Highlights of the MoSPI Data on MPLADS? 

• Decline in Funds: The MPLADS funds for the 17th Lok Sabha (2019-2024) totaled Rs 4,510 crore, a 65.2% decline from the 16th Lok Sabha, primarily due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 
• Utilization of Funds: In the 14th Lok Sabha, MPLADS funds saw 102% utilization, while the 16th and 17th Lok Sabhas recorded 99% and 98% utilization, respectively. 
• Regional Disparities: MPs from Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and West Bengal received the highest MPLADS funds, while those from Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab received the lowest. 
• Sector-wise Fund Distribution: During the 17th Lok Sabha period, Rs 1679 crore were allocated to infrastructure (railways, roads, bridges), followed by other public facilities and education. 

 

What is MPLADS?  

• About: MPLADS is a  Central Sector Scheme introduced in 1993 that enables the Members of Parliaments (MP) to recommend developmental work in their constituencies with an emphasis on creating durable community assets based on locally felt needs.  
• Implementation: A state-level nodal department oversees MPLADS, while district authorities sanction projects, allocate funds, and ensure implementation.  
• Funding Allocation: Each MP is allocated Rs 5 crore per year since 2011-12. Funds are disbursed by the Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation (MoSPI) to district authorities in two installments of Rs 2.5 crore each.  
  • Nature of Funds: Funds are non-lapsable and carried forward if not utilised in a given year. MPs must allocate a minimum of 15% and 7.5% of their funds to create assets for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), respectively.  

 

• Special Provisions: MPs can allocate up to Rs 25 lakh annually outside their constituencies or states for projects promoting national unity.  
  • For severe natural calamities, MPs can allocate up to Rs 1 crore for projects anywhere in India.  
• Projects Eligible Under MPLADS: MPLADS funds can be converged with the MGNREGS for durable asset creation and integrated with the Khelo India program for sports infrastructure development.   
  • Infrastructure support is permitted on lands owned by registered societies or trusts engaged in social welfare for at least three years, but prohibited for societies where the MP or their family members are office-bearers. 

What are the Main Arguments For and Against MPLADS? 

Click Here to Read: Arguments For and Against MPLADS 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Q. With reference to the funds under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), which of the following statements are correct? (2020)

1. MPLADS funds must be used to create durable assets like physical infrastructure for health, education, etc. 
2. A specified portion of each MP’s fund must benefit SC/ST populations. 
3. MPLADS funds are sanctioned on a yearly basis and the unused funds cannot be carried forward to the next year. 
4. The district authority must inspect at least 10% of all works under implementation every year. 

Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

(a) 1 and 2 only 

(b) 3 and 4 only 

(c) 1, 2 and 3 only 

(d) 1, 2 and 4 only

Solar Maximum Spurs Solar Missions

Source: IE 

NASA's PUNCH mission, aimed at studying the Sun's corona, is the third major solar mission since 2023, reflecting a rise in solar missions linked to the solar cycle, which is nearing its solar maximum. 

Solar Cycle: 

• The solar cycle is an 11-year period during which the Sun's magnetic field flips, causing the north and south poles to switch places. 
• During the solar maximum (when the Sun is most active), solar activity—such as sunspots, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections—increases, impacting satellite communications and power grids. 
  • Sunspots are small, dark, and cooler areas where the magnetic field is particularly strong. 
• The cycle ends with the solar minimum (when sunspot activity is at its lowest), leading to a decline in solar activity until the next cycle begins. 
  • The solar cycle is tracked by counting sunspots. 

Surge in Solar Missions: 

• The increased number of solar missions is due to the Sun approaching its solar maximum (2022-2024), providing the best opportunity to study its behavior. 
  • The next peak in solar activity is expected after 2035-2036. 

Earlier Solar Missions: Aditya L1 (India), Proba-3 (European Space Agency)  

Read More: NASA’s Punch Mission - Drishti IAS 

Turning Animal Liquid Waste into Fertilizer

Source: TH 

Scientists have developed an innovative electrochemical technique to extract urea from urine, transforming it into a fertilizer while addressing wastewater treatment challenges. 

• The new electrochemical process converts urine’s urea into Percarbamide, a crystalline peroxide derivative that can be used as fertilizer. 
  • It has achieved nearly 100% purity in extracting percarbamide from both human and animal urine. 
  • The extracted Percarbamide gradually releases nitrogen, enhancing crop growth and completing the nitrogen cycle. 
• Urine contains essential nutrients like phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen (urea), making it a potential natural fertilizer. 
• An adult produces 450–680 liters of urine annually that can produce 4 kg nitrogen, and 0.3 kg phosphorus, enough to grow wheat for a daily loaf of bread for a year. 
• It can help in achieving ODF++ status under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) that involves solid and liquid waste management and the dairy sector to reduce GHG emissions. 

Read More: Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 

Water Ice Beyond Lunar Poles

Source: IE 

Recent Chandrayaan-3’s ChaSTE (Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment) data suggests that water-ice may exist outside the Moon’s polar regions, particularly in high-latitude areas. 

• ChaSTE is a sort of a thermometer that measures surface and sub-surface temperatures near the Moon's poles. 
• ChaSTE data suggests shaded lunar slopes may resemble polar regions, potentially hiding subsurface water-ice. 
• Colder slopes away from the Sun may trap water-ice, extending its presence beyond polar craters for easier access in future missions. 
• Lunar water can support drinking, oxygen production, and splitting it into hydrogen and oxygen enables fuel production for deep-space missions. 
• Chandrayaan-3 soft-landed near the Moon's south pole on 23rd August, 2023, at a site later named 'Shiv Shakti Point'. 

Read More: Chandrayaan-3 

Cassava

Source: DTE 

Indigenous farming has preserved cassava's genetic diversity and earned the title of the ‘bread of the tropics’ for feeding nearly a billion people. 

About Cassava: Cassava (Yuca or Manioc) is a starchy root vegetable and the source of tapioca (a starch used in bakery products, paper, and adhesive industries). 

• It is native to South America and widely cultivated in tropical regions (Africa, Asia, and Latin America) for its resilience to drought and poor soils. 
  • Cassava cultivation in India is mostly confined to Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and North-Eastern States. 
• It is grown through stem cuttings, but Brazil's Kukurro tradition promotes genetic diversity by encouraging seed-based reproduction. 
• It supports gut health, regulates blood sugar, controls appetite, and lowers type 2 diabetes risk. 
• It is used in the production of bioethanol and biodegradable plastics, while its peels and leaves serve as animal fodder. 

Read More: Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)