• 26 Dec 2024

Kashmir Papier Mache

Why in News? 

• Recently, The dodo has become a popular papier mache product in Srinagar. It was once native to Mauritius and a national emblem. 

 

 Key Points 

• Craftsmanship and Production: 
  • Creating large papier mache dodos in Kashmir’s workshops takes 5-10 days. 
  • The colourful designs, featuring floral and forest motifs, highlight the ecological causes of the dodo’s extinction. 
• History of Papier Mache in Kashmir: 
  • Papier-mâché is a traditional handicraft in Kashmir that involves the use of paper pulp to create colorful, intricately decorated objects. 
  • Origin: 
    • The tradition of papier-mâché in Kashmir is said to have begun in the 15th century when Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin invited artists and craftsmen from Central Asia to teach the locals their skills.  
  • Objects: 
    • Papier-mâché objects in Kashmir can include vases, bowls, cups, boxes, trays, and lamp bases. They are often coated in lacquer to protect them from water and make them more durable.  
  • Designs: 
    • Popular designs include the Hazara pattern, which is meant to depict every type of flower, and the Gul-i-wilayat pattern, which features flowers, stems, foliage, and sometimes birds.  
  • Protection: 
    • The Government of India protects papier-mâché under the Geographic Indication Act of 1999.  

 Dodos 

 

• Scientific name: Raphus cucullatus 
• Characteristics: It had grayish feathers and a distinctive large, hooked beak. 
• Habitat: Endemic to the island of Mauritius and lived in forests. 
• Evolutionary History: It evolved to be flightless due to the absence of predators on Mauritius. 
  • The dodo likely had strong running abilities. 
• Extinction: Extinct in 1681. 

Efforts to Mitigate Risks Due to Glacial Lake

Why in News? 

The Jammu & Kashmir government has intensified efforts to monitor and mitigate the risks of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in response to the growing threats posed by glacial lake overflows. 

 Key Points 

• Scientific Expeditions for Hazard Preparedness: 
  • The Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction has initiated scientific expeditions to enhance preparedness and understanding of GLOF hazards. 
  • These expeditions are collecting valuable data on lake conditions, environmental factors, and potential GLOF risks. 
• Study of Glacial Lakes in Kishtwar District: 
  • The Department of Environmental Sciences at the Central University of Jammu, led a comprehensive study on three critical glacial lakes: Mundiksar, Hangu, and an unnamed lake. 
  • These lakes have been flagged as high-risk areas for GLOFs. 
  • Geological Survey of India (GSI) conducted a detailed study of Bram Sar Lake in Kulgam district to assess its potential GLOF risks. 
• Kashmir Field Expeditions: 
  • In June 2024, the University of Kashmir’s Department of Geography & Disaster Management studied two additional glacial lakes in the region. 
  • The expeditions aim to formulate risk mitigation strategies and enhance early warning systems based on the data collected. 
  • Phase-Wise Implementation: 
    • Phase One: Focuses on identifying high-risk glacial lakes using assessments from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), and Central Water Commission (CWC). 
    • Phase Two: Develops and implements specific mitigation measures, including lake-lowering techniques. 
  • Early Warning System (EWS): 
    • A fully functional GLOF Early Warning System will be established to enhance preparedness and ensure effective responses to potential GLOF events. 
    • In April 2024, the government constituted the Focused Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Monitoring Committee (FGMC) to implement targeted mitigation measures for glacial lake overflows. 

 Glacial Lake Outburst Flood 

• A GLOF is a type of flood occurring when water dammed by a glacier or a moraine is released suddenly. 
• When glaciers melt, the water in these glacial lakes accumulates behind loose naturally formed 'glacial/moraine dams' made of ice, sand, pebbles and ice residue.  
• Unlike earthen dams, the weak structure of the moraine dam leads to the abrupt failure of the moraine dam on top of the glacial lake, which holds a large volume of water.  
• A catastrophic failure of the dam can release the water over periods of minutes to days causing extreme downstream flooding. 

Blackbuck Killed in Sirsa

Why in News? 

Recently, a blackbuck poaching incident in Jandwala Bishnoiyan village, Sirsa district, has outraged the Bishnoi community.  

• The community, known for its commitment to wildlife conservation, is demanding stronger action to safeguard endangered species and prevent further poaching. 

 Key Points 

• About the Incident: 
  • On 23^rd December 2024, the carcass of a five-year-old male blackbuck was found with cut marks, indicating poaching. 
  • Veterinary surgeon conducted the post-mortem, identifying a punctured wound as evidence of poaching. 
    • Other animals, such as a nilgai and calves, might have also been poached in the area. 
• Conservation Concerns: 
  • Local conservationists are alarmed by the declining blackbuck population in the region. 
  • The Akhil Bhartiya Jeev Raksha Bishnoi Sabha, highlighted the impact of de-notification of sanctuaries in 2017 on wildlife in villages like Jandwala Bishnoiyan, Ganga, and Bhaukhera. 
  • Blackbucks and chinkara deer populations have significantly decreased since de-notification. 
  • A case has been registered under Sections 9, 39, 49, 51, and 54 of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.  

 Blackbucks 

 

• About: 
  • The Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra), or the Indian Antelope, is a species of antelope native to India and Nepal. 
    • It is widespread in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and other areas throughout peninsular India. 
  • It is considered as the epitome of grassland. 
  • The blackbuck is a diurnal antelope (active mainly during the day). 
• Recognition: 
  • It has been declared as the State Animal of Punjab, Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh. 
• Cultural Importance: 
  • It is a symbol of purity for Hinduism as its skin and horns are regarded as sacred objects. For Buddhism, it is a symbol of good luck. 
• Protection Status: 
  • Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule I 
  • IUCN Status: Least Concern 
  • CITES: Appendix III 
• Threat: 
  • Habitat Fragmentation, Deforestation, Natural Calamities, Illegal Hunting. 
• Related Protected Areas: 
  • Velavadar Blackbuck Sanctuary - Gujarat 
  • Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary - Tamil Nadu 
  • In 2017, the Uttar Pradesh State Government approved the plan of setting up the Blackbuck Conservation Reserve in the trans-Yamuna belt near Prayagraj. It would be the first conservation reserve dedicated to the blackbuck. 
  • Tal Chhapar Sanctuary- Rajasthan 

Geospatial Survey to Combat Illegal Mining

Why in News? 

• Recently, Haryana has ordered a geospatial survey of the Aravallis near the Rajasthan border. The survey will demarcate banned mining areas in Haryana and identify licensed mines in Rajasthan to curb illegal mining. 

 Key Points 

• About the Survey: 
  • Conducted by Haryana Space Applications Centre (HARSAC), the survey aims to define the jurisdiction of Haryana and Rajasthan over various hills and update revenue records. 
• Addressing Jurisdictional Issues: 
  • Illegal mining mafias exploit the jurisdictional ambiguity over the Aravalli hills. 
  • The Enforcement Bureau registered an First Information Report (FIR) for the illegal mining of 6,000 metric tonnes of hill in Rava village. 
• Illegal Mining: 
  • About: 
    • Illegal mining is the extraction of minerals, ores, or other valuable resources from land or water bodies without the necessary permits, licenses, or regulatory approvals from government authorities. 
    • It can also involve the violation of environmental, labor, and safety standards. 
  • Issues: 
    • Environmental Degradation: 
      • It can lead to deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution and can result in the destruction of habitats for wildlife, which can have serious ecological consequences. 
    • Hazards: 
      • Illegal mining often involves the use of hazardous chemicals such as mercury and cyanide, which can pose serious health risks to miners and nearby communities. 
    • Loss of Revenue: 
      • It can lead to a loss of revenue for governments as miners may not pay appropriate taxes and royalties. 
      • This can have significant economic impacts, particularly in countries where natural resources are a major source of revenue. 
    • Human Rights Violations: 
      • Illegal mining can also result in human rights violations, including forced labor, child labor, and exploitation of vulnerable populations. 

 The Aravallis 

• About:  
  • The Aravalli Range extends from Gujarat to Delhi through Rajasthan, 692 km in length and varies between 10 to 120 km in width. 
    • The range acts as a natural green wall, with 80% located in Rajasthan and 20% in Haryana, Delhi, and Gujarat. 
  • The Aravalli mountains are divided into two main ranges – the Sambhar Sirohi Range and the Sambhar Khetri Range in Rajasthan, where their extension is about 560 km. 
  • It serves as an ecotone between the Thar Desert and the Gangetic Plain. 
    • Ecotones are areas where two or more ecosystems, biological communities, or biotic regions meet. 
  • Gurusikhar (Rajasthan), the highest peak in the range, reaches an elevation of 1,722 meters. 
• Significance of Aravallis: 
  • The Aravallis prevent the Thar Desert from encroaching on the Indo-Gangetic plains, historically serving as a catchment for rivers and plains. 
  • The range supports 300 native plant species, 120 bird species, and exclusive animals like jackals and mongooses. 
  • During monsoons, the Aravallis direct monsoon clouds eastward, benefiting sub-Himalayan rivers and North Indian plains. In winter, they shield fertile valleys from cold westerly winds. 
  • The range aids in groundwater replenishment by absorbing rainwater, thus reviving groundwater levels. 
  • The Aravallis act as the “lungs” for Delhi-NCR, mitigating some effects of the region's severe air pollution. 

State Level Awards on Good Governance Day

Why In News? 

Recently, state-level awards were organised on Good Governance Day in Gurugram district of Haryana. 

 Key Points 

• Top Performing Districts in Haryana: 
  • Kaithal secured the first position among top-performing districts in Haryana. 
  • Fatehabad and Jhajjar were placed second and third. 
• State Flagship Scheme Awards: 
  • Mukhya Mantri Shehri Awas Yojana: 
    • Mukhya Mantri Shehri Awas Yojana secured top honours in the category. 
    • It was launched to fulfill the housing aspirations of poor families, to provide housing for every impoverished individual. 
    • Under the state scheme, 15,250 beneficiaries were given land plot allotment certificates. 
  • Tohana Paddy Stubble Management Project: 
    • The Crop Residue Management scheme was placed second in the category. 
    • This is aimed at making the collection and storage of crop residues more convenient. Additionally, officials are working on establishing partnerships with industries to purchase these crop residues. 
  • Haryana Project Monitoring System (HPMS) Portal: 
    • HPMS Portal secured the third prize. 
    • It is a web-based information Dashboard which will help to monitor and evaluate the implementation progress of infrastructure-based projects 
  • Ambala Municipal Corporation’s Initiatives: 
    • Monthly Pass System and awarded fourth prize. 
• Special Departmental Awards: 
  • Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam: 
    • Recognized for its waiver of monthly minimum charges scheme. 
  • NIPUN Haryana Mission Monitoring System: 
    • Awarded second prize under Haryana Shoksha Paroyojna Parishad. 

 Good Governance Day  

• It is celebrated on 25^th December to raise awareness among citizens about government accountability and effective administration.  
  • The theme for 2024 is “India’s Path to a Viksit Bharat: Empowering Citizens through Good Governance and Digitalisation.”  
• It was started in the year 2014 to honor the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.  
• The birth anniversary of Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya is also observed on 25^th December. 

PM Laid Foundation Stone of Ken-Betwa Project

Why in News? 

Recently, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of the Ken-Betwa river linking project at Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh. 

• It is the first such initiative under the National river interlinking policy. 

 Key Points 

• The Ken-Betwa Link Project: 
  • The project aims to provide drinking water to 44 lakh people of Madhya Pradesh and 21 lakh people in Uttar Pradesh. 
  • 7.18 lakh farmer families in 2,000 villages will benefit from improved irrigation. 
  • The project will generate 103 MW of hydropower and 27 MW of solar energy. 
  • The project embodies cooperation between the central government, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, realising the late PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s river-linking vision. 
• Economic and Environmental Impact: 
  • Ensures ample water for irrigation, drinking, and industrial uses. 
  • Promotes economic growth, tourism, and employment opportunities in Bundelkhand. 
  • Addresses groundwater scarcity in the drought-hit Bundelkhand region. 
• Conservation Efforts: 
  • Focus on restoring Chandela-era heritage ponds in Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, and Niwari districts. 
  • Continuous water supply to wild animals in the Panna Tiger Reserve. 
  • Flood relief for Banda district in Uttar Pradesh. 

 National Interlinking of Rivers Authority 

• The national interlinking of rivers (ILR) is the idea that rivers should be inter-connected, so that water from the surplus rivers and regions could be transferred to deficient regions and rivers to address the issue of water scarcity. 
• This led to the setup of the National Water Development Agency (NWDA) in 1982.