• 13 Nov 2024

Trees Cut Down for Proposed Kanwar Yatra Route

Why in News? 

According to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), authorities have cut around 17,600 trees in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad, Meerut, and Muzaffarnagar districts to make way for a new Kanwar Yatra route.

Key Points

• Background: 
  • Earlier this year, the NGT took suo motu cognizance of a news report regarding the Uttar Pradesh government's plan to cut down 1,12,722 trees. 
  • The purpose of this large-scale tree-cutting was to facilitate a proposed Kanwar Yatra route between Muradnagar in Ghaziabad and Purkaji in Muzaffarnagar. 
• Findings of the Interim Report: 
  • In August 2024, the NGT established a joint panel to examine the environmental concerns associated with this project. 
  • The report, based on data from the Irrigation Department, highlighted that initial permission allowed for felling 1,12,722 trees, but the target was later reduced to 33,776 trees. 
• The NGT instructed the Uttar Pradesh government to clarify if the calculation of trees to be cut follows the U.P. Protection of Trees Act, 1976. 
  • The government must also specify if additional vegetation such as plants and bushes, which may be removed for road construction, fall under the Act's definition of trees. 

The Kanwar Yatra

• It is a Hindu pilgrimage in the month of Shravana, by Lord Shiva devotees.  
• The devotees travel to pilgrimage places like Haridwar, Gaumukh, Gangotri in Uttarakhand, Sultanganj in Bihar, Prayagraj, Ayodhya, and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, and return by carrying Ganga water in kanwars to seek the blessings of Shiva.  
  • The water is offered to Shiva temples, including the 12 Jyotirlingas across India and other shrines like the Pura Mahadev Mandir and Augharnath in Uttar Pradesh, the famous Kashi Vishwanath temple, and the Baba Baidyanath Temple in Deoghar, Jharkhand. The ritual is known as Jal Abhishek.

Full Motion Simulator Facility Inaugurated in Agra

Why in News? 

Recently, the Indian Air Force (IAF) C-295 Full Motion Simulator (FMS) was inaugurated in Air Force Station Agra, Uttar Pradesh. It will allow a significant proportion of pilot training to be undertaken in the simulator, thereby saving precious flying hours on the aircraft.

Key Points

• The simulator offers pilots near-realistic training, replicating missions such as tactical airlift, para-dropping, para-trooping, medical evacuation, and disaster relief. 
  • It also simulates critical scenarios, enhancing pilots' readiness for real-world operations and improving their ability to make rapid, high-stakes decisions, which boosts the overall safety of military flights. 
• The introduction of the C-295 aircraft into the IAF strengthens the country’s aerospace industry, as it marks the beginning of "Atmanirbhar Bharat" in private-sector transport aircraft production. 
• C-295 Aircraft:  
  • It is a transport aircraft of 5-10 tonne capacity with contemporary technology. 
  • Robust and reliable, it is a versatile and efficient tactical transport aircraft which can perform a number of different missions. 
  • Features: 
    • The aircraft, with a flight endurance of up to 11 hours, can carry out multi-role operations under all weather conditions. 
    • It can routinely operate day as well as night combat missions from desert to maritime environments. 
    • It has a rear ramp door for quick reaction and para dropping of troops and cargo. Short take-off/land from semi-prepared surfaces is another of its features. 
  • Replacement: 
    • It will replace the Indian Air Force’s ageing fleet of Avro-748 planes. 
      • The Avro-748 planes are a British-origin twin-engine turboprop, military transport and freighter with a 6-tonne freight capacity.

Haryana Records Lowest Sex Ratio

Why in News? 

According to the Haryana government, the Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) of Haryana, infamous for female foeticide, has reached its lowest level in eight years.

Key Points

• Decline in Sex Ratio in Haryana: 
  • The sex ratio in Haryana was recorded at 905 for the first 10 months of 2024, which is a drop of 11 points from 2022. 
  • This is one of the lowest figures since 2016, indicating a persistent challenge for the state. 
  • Districts with Lowest Sex Ratios: 
    • Gurugram: 859 
    • Rewari: 868 
    • Charkhi Dadri: 873 
    • Rohtak: 880 
    • Panipat: 890 
    • Mahendragarh: 896 
  • Haryana remains below the World Health Organization’s recommended ideal sex ratio of 950. 
  • Gurugram's poor performance was partially attributed to technical issues on the state portal during June to August 2024, resulting in fewer birth registrations. 
• Impact of the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Campaign: 
  • The “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” campaign, launched in 2015, initially raised the sex ratio to 923 by 2019. 
    • However, a decline began again in 2020, with the trend continuing to the present. 
• Societal and Cultural Challenges: 
  • There remains a preference for sons in Haryana, driven by socio-economic factors and cultural norms. 
  • Families fear potential dishonor from daughters eloping, consider dowry burdens, and see limited economic returns from girls. 
• Cross-State Impact of Gender Preference: 
  • Neighboring states like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Rajasthan reportedly attract Haryana residents for illegal gender-based abortions due to less stringent regulations. 
    • Ultrasound operators in these states sometimes misreport fetal gender for financial gain. 
• Enforcement and Challenges in Gender Testing: 
  • Since 2005, Haryana has conducted around 1,200 raids to curb illegal gender determination, but success rates are falling as practitioners become more cautious. 
• Social Consequences of Gender Imbalance: 
  • Due to a skewed sex ratio, many men in Haryana struggle to find marriage partners, with some villages reporting hundreds of unmarried men. 
  • In some families, neglect and malnutrition disproportionately affect girls, leading to health issues or early death.

Female Infanticide and Foeticide 

• India has one of the highest rates of female foeticide in the world. 
• Female foeticide is due to strong son preference, the practice of dowry and the patrilineal necessity of heir. 
• The census of 2011 has recorded the lowest ever sex ratio of 914 in the age group 0-6 years with 3 million missing girls; from 78.8 million in 2001 to 75.8 million in 2011.

Development of Integrated Manufacturing Cluster in Gaya

Why in News? 

Recently, National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) and the Bihar Industrial Area Development Authority (BIADA) have signed the State Support Agreement (SSA) and Shareholder Agreement (SHA) for the establishment of an Integrated Manufacturing Cluster (IMC) in Gaya.

Key Points

• Vision of the Project: 
  • It aims to establish an IMC in Gaya, part of the Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC). 
  • The project aligns with the ‘Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi’ vision, blending industrial growth with the cultural heritage of Gaya, a renowned pilgrimage and heritage tourism site. 
• Industrial Growth and Employment Generation: 
  • IMC Gaya, located near Gaya International Airport, with a project cost of Rs 1,339 crore is expected to generate approximately 1,09,185 jobs, boosting local economic growth. 
  • Targeted industries include building materials, agri-food processing, leather goods, garments, furniture, handloom, handicrafts, engineering, fabrications, and medical equipment. 
• Strategic Connectivity and Access: 
  • IMC Gaya offers strategic connectivity with National Highways, Gaya Junction, and the upcoming New Paharpur Railway Station. 
  • Key airports include Gaya International, Patna International, and Ranchi Airport. 
  • It is close to major ports and inland terminals like Haldia Port, Gaighat in Patna, and Ramnagar in Varanasi enhances logistics. 
  • Three greenfield road projects are also proposed to improve accessibility, leveraging connections like the Golden Quadrilateral and multi-track railways. 
• Planned Infrastructure and Facilities: 
  • Facilities include a skill development center, fire station, administrative office, parking, and commercial space to support industries. 
  • Infrastructure includes Common Effluent Treatment Plant, Sewage Treatment Plant, Water Treatment Plant, Solid Waste Management, stormwater drainage, and green landscaping. 
  • The IMC Gaya is anticipated to drive economic growth, create extensive employment, and strengthen Bihar’s role as an industrial hub in Eastern India, advancing the ‘Make in India’ vision. 

Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC)

• It covers Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal. 
• The Project extends from Amritsar (Punjab) to Dankuni (West Bengal) for a length of 1839 kms. 
• The Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor is the backbone of this economic corridor.

Igas Bagwal Festival

Why in News? 

Igas Bagwal, also known as Budhi Diwali or Harbodhni Ekadashi, is a traditional festival celebrated in Uttarakhand 11 days after Diwali. The festival reflects the cultural heritage of the state, uniting communities through shared traditions and festivities.

Key Points 

• Origins and Significance: 
  • Igas Bagwal is celebrated on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi and marks the end of Lord Vishnu’s four-month rest period, an auspicious time for new beginnings. 
  • The term "Igas" resonates with cultural pride and mythological reverence in Uttarakhand. 
  • It is believed that when news of Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya reached Uttarakhand 11 days after Diwali, locals celebrated their version of Diwali. 
  • Another legend celebrates the victory of Garhwali warrior Madhav Singh Bhandari over Tibet at Dapaghati, commemorated by the community as a symbol of unity and valor. 
• Bhailo- The Torch Tradition: 
  • Villagers create large torches called Bhailo or Andhaya by binding pinewood sticks, which are lit and swung overhead, symbolizing the banishment of darkness. 
  • This torch ritual is also believed to invoke blessings of prosperity from Goddess Lakshmi. 
• Festival Rituals and Cattle Honoring: 
  • Cattle, essential to Uttarakhand's agrarian lifestyle, are honored during Igas Bagwal. Villagers wash and decorate them with turmeric and mustard oil. 
  • Special meals are prepared for the animals, and traditional delicacies are shared among villagers to celebrate communal harmony. 
• Efforts to Preserve Igas Bagwal: 
  • Local authorities and cultural organizations promote Igas Bagwal through programs and awareness campaigns, aiming to preserve the festival's heritage. 
  • Youth-focused initiatives emphasize the cultural significance of Igas Bagwal, ensuring its legacy endures for future generations.

Sirpur Lake

Why in News? 

Recently, on the National Green Tribunal's order, a team from the Indore Municipal Corporation removed encroachments and cleared stalls from the catchment area of Sirpur Lake. 

• It was designated a Ramsar site under the Ramsar Convention on January 7, 2022.

Key Points 

• About Sirpur Wetland: 
  • It is a Human-made wetland, often called Pakshi Vihar (bird sanctuary). It is located in Indore district of Madhya Pradesh. 
  • It is more than 130 years old, made by Maharaja Shivaji rao Holkar to generate water supply for the city of Indore. 
  • It is a shallow, alkaline, nutrient-rich lake that floods during monsoon. 
• Biodiversity: 
  • Hosts around 175 terrestrial plant species and six types of macrophytes. 
  • Supports 30 fish species (natural and cultured), and eight species of reptiles and amphibians. 
  • Home to 130 bird species, including resident and migratory birds such as, Common pochard (Aythya ferina), Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus), Indian river tern (Sterna aurantia). 
  • Attracts a large congregation of waterbirds in winter, making it a significant seasonal habitat. 
• Benefits to Local Communities: 
  • Provides fisheries and medicinal plants. 
  • Acts as a flood buffer and helps regulate the local microclimate. 
  • Offers opportunities for spiritual enrichment, recreation, and educational activities. 
• Conservation Status: 
  • The site currently lacks a formal management plan and does not have national legal conservation status.