Blackbuck Killed in Sirsa | Haryana | 26 Dec 2024

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 | Haryana | 26 Dec 2024

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 | Haryana | 26 Dec 2024

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.