Latest news with #SC-NBWL
Indian Express
13-07-2025
- General
- Indian Express
UPSC Key: Eco-Sensitive Zones, Stablecoins and Special Intensive Revision
Important topics and their relevance in UPSC CSE exam for July 13, 2025. If you missed the July 12, 2025, UPSC CSE exam key from the Indian Express, read it here. Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: General issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change – that do not require subject specialisation. Mains Examination: General Studies-II, III: Government policies and interventions, Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment. What's the ongoing story: The standing committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL), has decided to revisit the government's 2011 guidelines on declaration of eco-sensitive zones (ESZ) around national parks and wildlife sanctuaries to make them more site-specific and tuned to ecological and socio-economic realities of each region, as per the minutes of its June 26 meeting. The meeting was chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. Key Points to Ponder: • What are eco-sensitive zones (ESZ)? Why are they created? • What are national parks and wildlife sanctuaries? • What is the significance of ESZs in the context of wildlife conservation in India? • Read about the National Board for Wildlife. • Know the 2011 guidelines on eco-sensitive zones? • How a blanket 10-km rule for ESZs does not serve the ecological or socio-economic objectives of conservation. • What are the challenges faced by states in implementing the ESZ guidelines? • What can be the implications of ESZ guidelines on local communities and development? • Why do marine sanctuaries need distinct regulatory frameworks than land-based sanctuaries? • What effects do extensive renewable energy projects in ESZs have on the environment and ecology? Key Takeaways: • The SC-NBWL decided that the Union Environment Ministry will prepare a note on the ESZ issue and carry out international consultations with the impact assessment, eco-sensitive zone, forest conservation, wetland and other relevant divisions. • ESZs are demarcated and notified to create a buffer around protected areas such as parks and sanctuaries to regulate activities. The 2011 guidelines have laid down an indicative framework on demarcation of ESZs ranging from identification of land use around parks, grouping of activities as permitted, regulated, prohibited and promoted. States also ought to prepare a zonal master plan within two years of an ESZ notification. • Minister Yadav suggested that a note must be prepared on the revision of guidelines and circulated to various ministries and states to invite suggestions, as per the minutes. Yadav said that extending a blanket 10-km ESZ to all protected areas, irrespective of local ecological and geographical conditions, will not serve the intended purpose. • He went on to cite the examples of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) in Mumbai and the Asola Bhatti wildlife sanctuary in Delhi, both located in urban areas, to underline his point. In hill states like Himachal Pradesh, Yadav said that approximately 65 per cent of the area is already under forest or protected status and 'further rigid imposition of ESZ norms could hinder local development without proportional ecological gains,' he said. • 'Therefore, ESZ rules should not be uniform across the country; instead, they must be adapted to reflect the specific ecological and socio-economic realities of each region,' he added. • Meanwhile, Wildlife Institute of India (WII) director Virendra Tiwari (now former director), pointed out that existing guidelines tuned towards land-based sanctuaries may not suit marine sanctuaries and their eco-systems. '…There may be specific regulatory principles tailored to the unique ecological characteristics and conservation needs of marine ecosystems,' he stated. • For protected areas where the process of ESZ demarcation has not been undertaken, areas within a 10-km range of the protected area boundary is considered as the default ESZ, based on the Supreme Court's directions. • H S Singh, non-governmental member of the SC-NBWL who raised the agenda in the meeting, said that certain activities that were once categorised as 'promoted', but if their scale was big, they could pose a threat to flora and fauna. In his agenda brief, Singh said that giant solar or wind energy plants using large sprawl of lands around parks may threaten wildlife and their migration routes. He advocated that such projects should be regulated in ESZs. The 2011 guidelines already mention that ESZs can be flexible and protected-area specific. • The SC-NBWL advises the government on wildlife conservation, policy and appraises projects that fall in areas inside and around protected areas such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Do You Know: • The National Environment Policy (2006) defines Eco-Sensitive Zones as 'areas with unique environmental resources that require special attention for their conservation' because they feature landscape, wildlife, biodiversity, historical, and scenic qualities. • The concept of Eco-Sensitive Zones was proposed at the XXI meeting of the Indian Board for Wildlife on January 21, 2002, when the Wildlife Conservation Strategy, 2002, was approved. • According to the guidelines issued by the Environment Ministry on February 9, 2011, ESZs are created as 'shock absorbers' for the protected areas, to minimize the negative impact on the 'fragile ecosystems' by certain human activities taking place nearby. Furthermore, these areas are meant to act as a transition zone from areas requiring higher protection to those requiring lesser protection. • The guidelines also state that the ESZs are not meant to hamper the daily activities of people living in the vicinity, but are meant to guard the protected areas and 'refine the environment around them'. • To do so, the guidelines list the activities prohibited in an ESZ, such as commercial mining, saw mills, commercial use of wood, etc., apart from regulated activities like felling of trees. Lastly, there are permitted activities like ongoing agricultural or horticultural practices, rainwater harvesting, organic farming, among others. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Explained: What are Eco-Sensitive Zones 📍SC modifies order on eco-sensitive zone around national parks, sanctuaries Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme: (1) In which one among the following categories of protected areas in India are local people not allowed to collect and use the biomass? (UPSC CSE 2012) (a) Biosphere Reserves (b) National Parks (c) Wetlands declared under Ramsar Convention (d) Wildlife Sanctuaries (2) With reference to the Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ), consider the following statements: 1. ESZs are defined in the Biodiversity Act, 2002. 2. These are the areas that have unique environmental resources that require special attention for their conservation. 3. The idea of Eco-Sensitive Zones was mooted during the Wildlife Conservation Strategy, 2002. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Indian Polity and Governance-Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc. Mains Examination: General Studies II: Salient features of the Representation of People's Act, Constitution of India — features, significant provisions and basic structure. What's the ongoing story: A day after a petition was filed in the Supreme Court challenging the Election Commission's (EC) controversial Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, the poll panel wrote to Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of all other states on July 5, directing them to begin preparations for a similar exercise — this time with January 1, 2026, as the qualifying date, The Sunday Express has learned. Key Points to Ponder: • Read about the Election Commission of India (ECI) and Representation of the People Act, 1950. • Why is the Election Commission revising electoral rolls in Bihar, and when have revisions happened previously? • What are the constitutional and legal mandates empowering the ECI to carry out SIR? • How does the current revision announced on June 24 differ from previous revision drives? • Compare the SIR measures in Bihar with Assam NRC exercise. • What are the challenges and implications of requiring birth date/place proof for different age cohorts during roll revision? • What can be the implications of shifting the onus of voter registration from the State to citizens, especially in states with high poverty and migration? • What measures should be taken to balance electoral integrity with inclusivity? Key Takeaways: • The qualifying date mentioned in the letter indicates that while the nationwide exercise may start soon, a final timeline for the rest of the country is yet to be decided — though the aim is to include everyone who turns 18 years of age by January 1, 2026. • Since 2003 has been chosen for Bihar as 'probative evidence of eligibility' —meaning voters on the electoral roll that year, when the last intensive revision was done, will be presumed Indian citizens unless proven otherwise—other states are also likely to use the year of their last intensive roll revision as the cut-off for presumption of citizenship for existing voters. For instance, Delhi's electoral roll was last intensively revised in 2008. • In its instructions, the Commission — referring to paragraph 10 of its order dated June 24, when it formally announced the SIR in Bihar and said detailed guidelines for the rest of the country would follow — has asked all CEOs to complete 'pre-revision activities.' • During the hearing on Thursday (July 10), the SC raised concerns about the timing of the exercise and whether it could be delinked from the state election. Justice Joymalya Bagchi, part of the two-judge bench, flagged the risk of disenfranchising voters by removing names from the rolls just months before polling, even if the broader objective of cleansing the rolls is legitimate. • The Supreme Court eventually declined to restrain the EC from proceeding with its intensive revision of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar but suggested that the poll panel also consider Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards for the purpose of updating the rolls. If accepted, this would widen the ambit of the current 11-document list — which has already triggered widespread panic and confusion on the ground. • As the ongoing series in The Indian Express shows, Aadhaar, Voter ID, and ration cards are the documents most families in Bihar possess. The fact that none of these meets the current eligibility requirement has sparked concern among voters across the state. • The issue is particularly pressing for marginalised groups, including Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) and minorities, prompting many to call it an 'NRC through the backdoor.' That's why the three newly suggested documents may offer relief — they're far more accessible. • The ECI's stated reason for the exercise is the 'significant change' in the electoral rolls over time, with large-scale additions and deletions since the last intensive revision. It has attributed these shifts to rapid urbanisation, increased migration for education and livelihood, and the tendency of voters to register at new addresses without deleting their names from the rolls of their previous residence. Hence, duplicate entries have become increasingly common. • This isn't the first intensive revision of electoral rolls. Such exercises — in all or some parts of the country — have previously been undertaken in 1952–56, 1957, 1961, 1965, 1966, 1983–84, 1987–89, 1992, 1993, 1995, 2002, 2003, and 2004. However, the current revision announced on June 24 differs from previous drives in two key aspects, first reported by The Indian Express on July 10. • One, for the first time, the SIR — essentially a fresh preparation through door-to-door enumeration — places the burden of proof on already enrolled voters (on the question of citizenship) at the draft roll stage. Two, it disregards the 'sanctity' of the existing electoral roll — something the Election Commission (EC) had consistently instructed its officers to uphold in all earlier revisions. Do You Know: • Under the EC's June 24 order, any person not listed in the 2003 electoral rolls in Bihar — an estimated 2.93 crore individuals — must submit at least one of these documents to prove their eligibility (essentially, age and Indian citizenship) to be included in the final roll. In effect, even voters who were added to the rolls after 2003 and have voted in subsequent Assembly and Lok Sabha elections will now have to prove their eligibility again. • The 11 documents include: any identity card or pension payment order issued to a regular employee or pensioner of any Central or State Government/PSU; any identity card, certificate, or document issued by Government/Local Authorities, Banks, Post Office, LIC, or PSU prior to July 1, 1987; a birth certificate issued by the competent authority; passport; matriculation or educational certificate issued by recognised boards or universities; permanent residence certificate issued by the competent state authority; forest rights certificate; OBC, SC, ST, or any caste certificate issued by the competent authority; the National Register of Citizens (where applicable); family register; and land or house allotment certificate issued by the government. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Starting with Bihar, fresh electoral rolls: Proof of birth date for those not in 2003 list 📍Revision of Bihar electoral rolls: Why, how Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme: (3) Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2017) 1. The Election Commission of India is a five-member body. 2. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections. 3. Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognised political parties. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 3 only How EC prepared electoral rolls for free India's first polls Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: History of India and Indian Polity Mains Examination: General Studies-I, II: Post-independence consolidation and reorganisation within the country, Salient features of the Representation of People's Act. What's the ongoing story: Shyamlal Yadav writes- 'The confusion on the ground that has marked the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar brings to mind the mammoth task involved in preparing the electoral rolls for the 1952 election. Key Points to Ponder: • Read about the Election Commission and Representation of the People Act, 1950. • What were the challenges faced in the preparation of electoral rolls for the first general election? • What was the key eligibility criteria laid down for inclusion in the first electoral rolls of independent India? • What were the strategies adopted by the ECI to ensure the inclusion of women and Scheduled Castes in the first electoral rolls? • What is the significance of the Constituent Assembly's decision to implement universal adult suffrage in the first general elections? • Compare the challenges in voter registration during the first general elections with the contemporary issues in electoral roll revision. • What lessons can be drawn from 1951-52 for today's electoral processes? Key Takeaways: • 'With a population of approximately 34.8 crore and given the widespread illiteracy, diverse geographical terrain, and the aftermath of the Partition, creating accurate electoral rolls was a tough administrative task.' • 'In July 1947 itself, the Constituent Assembly had decided to grant voting rights to every citizen aged 21 or older, a bold commitment to universal adult suffrage for a young nation. By March 1948, the Assembly Secretariat issued detailed directions to states for preparing draft electoral rolls. These directions specified eligibility criteria: voters had to be Indian citizens, at least 21 years old as of January 1, 1949, and residents of a village or electoral unit for at least 180 days in the year ending March 31, 1948.' • 'The details sought for the proposed rolls included: the voter's name, parent or spouse's name, address, sex, age, and, religion or caste to determine eligibility for reserved seats for Muslims, Christians, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes. The Constituent Assembly had initially considered reserving seats for Muslims and Christians, apart from SCs and STs. However, in May 1949, the Assembly reversed its plan to reserve seats for Muslims and Christians. Consequently, states were directed to remove these details from the rolls.' • 'One of the key challenges for the enumerators was to register displaced persons. States were advised to include these individuals based on a simple declaration of their intent to reside permanently in India, regardless of their actual residency period. This pragmatic approach ensured the inclusion of refugees, many of whom lacked documentation due to the chaos of Partition and the resultant influx of refugees from West Punjab and East Bengal in the newly created Pakistan.' • 'In July 1948, the Constituent Assembly publicised the voter enumeration process with January 1, 1949, as the reference date for the electoral rolls.' • 'The Constitution's provisions on citizenship and the establishment of the Election Commission of India took effect on November 26, 1949, with the full Constitution of India enforced on January 26, 1950.' • 'The Election Commission of India (ECI) was established on January 25, 1950, with Sukumar Sen appointed as the Chief Election Commissioner. Operating as a single-member body, the ECI took full control of the electoral process after that.' • The Representation of the People Act, 1950, enacted in April that year, provided the legal framework for voter qualifications and roll preparation. However, it introduced changes that • 'Now, with the new law in hand, the ECI directed state governments to prepare supplementary rolls to list voters who might have turned 21 years between January 1949 and March 1950 or may have met the new residency criteria. Special provisions were made for armed forces personnel and certain government employees, whose names were listed separately to facilitate postal voting.' • 'A big challenge was to register displaced persons, particularly in Punjab, West Bengal, Delhi, and Assam. The inclusion of marginalised groups, such as women and Scheduled Castes, required innovative approaches. Many women, particularly in rural areas, were reluctant to provide their names, often registering under their husband's or father's name.: • 'The final delimitation report by the Election Commission was completed by August 1951, enabling the final publication of rolls. The final publication of the voter rolls began in September 1951, with the last rolls published on November 15, 1951. The final electoral rolls included 17.32 crore voters (excluding J&K), approximately 49 per cent of the country's population of 35.67 crore (excluding J&K). With an adult population (over 21 years of age) of about 18.03 crore, the enrollment was nearly 96 per cent.' Do You Know: • The ECI is a permanent, independent, and constitutional authority responsible for conducting free and fair elections in the Union and the States of India. • The ECI is empowered to supervise, oversee, and manage elections to Parliament, state legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice-President of India. Since the ECI does not oversee elections to state-level urban bodies like municipalities and panchayats, there is a separate State Election Commission. • The Constitution has the following articles (Articles 324–329) to empower the Election Commission and provide insight into the potential roles and functions of the commission. • Article 324: The superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of the electoral rolls for, and the conduct of, all elections to Parliament and the Legislature of every state and of elections to the offices of President and Vice-President. • Article 325: No individual to be excluded from electoral rolls on the basis of religion, race, caste, sex or any of them. • Article 326: Adult suffrage shall be the basis for elections to the House of the People and to the Legislative Assemblies of States. • Article 327: Parliament may, according to the provisions of this Constitution, from time to time enact laws with respect to all matters relating to elections to Parliament and Legislative Assemblies of States. • Article 328: A state's Legislature may from time to time by law make provision with respect to all matters relating to, or in connection with, the elections to the House or either House of the Legislature. • Article 329: The article prohibits the courts from becoming involved in electoral matters. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍History Headline | 1920: The start of India's election journey Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme: (4) Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2018) 1. In the first Lok Sabha, the single largest party in the opposition was the Swatantra Party. 2. In the Lok Sabha, a 'Leader of the Opposition' was recognised for the first time in 1969. 3. In the Lok Sabha, if a party does not have a minimum of 75 members, its leader cannot be recognised as the Leader of the Opposition. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance Mains Examination: General Studies-II, III: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests, Economy. What's the ongoing story: On June 24, the Switzerland-based Bank for International Settlements (BIS) sounded a stark warning for policymakers pushing forward with the adoption of stablecoins — the asset-backed cryptocurrencies fall short of being money and they could pose risks to financial stability if allowed to grow. However, 2025 has been a watershed year of sorts for stablecoins, which are essentially private cryptocurrencies linked to an actual asset, usually the US dollar. Key Points to Ponder: • Read about the Bank for International Settlements (BIS). • What are Stablecoins? • What are cryptocurrencies? • What are the advantages and disadvantages of Stablecoins? • What is the difference between cryptocurrency and digital currency? • What are the key concerns associated with Stablecoins? • How do Indian laws govern cryptocurrency? • What is the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins Act (GENIUS Act)? • How might the GENIUS Act and the STABLE Act influence global crypto governance? • Read about the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)? Key Takeaways: • Days earlier, on June 17, the US Senate passed the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins Act (GENIUS Act). A week prior to that, the Digital Asset Basic Act bill was introduced in South Korea's National Assembly. Under this bill, domestic firms can issue their own stablecoins pegged to the South Korean won. In May, Hong Kong 's Legislative Council passed a stablecoin legislation to establish a licensing regime for local 'fiat-referenced stablecoins' issuers. • To be sure, new laws backing stablecoins underscore the need to ensure the protection of the general public and compliance with anti-money laundering requirements, among others. • Stablecoins have a limited use case. While being pegged to a currency such as the US dollar can reduce the volatility in the value of a stablecoin, experts are unsure about what the cryptocurrency has to offer. • According to the BIS, while stablecoins display 'some attributes of money', they were '…unsound money, with real societal costs… that fail the triple test of singleness, elasticity and integrity.' The BIS also has a more fundamental problem with stablecoins. It pointed out that there is an 'inherent tension between stablecoin issuers' ability to fully uphold their promise of stability and their pursuit of a profitable business model.' • Despite the warnings, lawmakers in the West as well as the East are moving ahead with frameworks for the issuance of private stablecoins. However, their objective may not necessarily be so much about boosting crypto and digital ecosystems. Instead, they may be looking to push demand for their respective national currencies, such as the Korean won and the Chinese yuan. • The US, China, and South Korea are not alone in trying to create global demand for their currencies — India, too, has been doing so, albeit through a different route on account of the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) opposition to stablecoins. Apart from its well-known criticism of 'not even a tulip' backing private cryptocurrencies, the RBI views an increased acceptance of US dollar-linked private cryptocurrencies resulting in dollarisation of the Indian economy — a situation where the US dollar becomes increasingly acceptable in the country and begins to substitute the rupee. This can lead to domestic policies not having their desired impact because the government or the RBI cannot control the supply of the US dollar. • As such, the Indian government has looked to popularise the UPI as a payment mechanism and model around the world. The central government is working to encourage international trade settlement in rupees and the RBI is pressing hard with multiple use-cases for its Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). Do You Know: • A cryptocurrency is a medium of exchange, such as the rupee or the US dollar, but is digital in format and uses encryption techniques to both control the creation of monetary units and to verify the exchange of money. • It is based on a network that is distributed across a large number of computers. It is nearly impossible to counterfeit or double-spend. Many cryptocurrencies are decentralised networks based on blockchain technology. • In traditional financial transactions involving fiat money, a third-party organisation—usually a central bank—ensures that the currency is authentic and that the transaction is properly recorded. • In contrast, with cryptocurrencies, a network of private computers is continuously engaged in authenticating the transactions by solving complex cryptographic puzzles. Those who successfully solve these puzzles are rewarded with cryptocurrencies. This process is known as mining. At the backend of these transactions is a technology called 'blockchain'. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍GENIUS Act: What US draft stablecoin regulation means for the crypto landscape 📍How are cryptocurrency and blockchain technology relevant to the UPSC exam? Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme: What is Cryptocurrency? How does it affect global society? Has it been affecting Indian society also? (UPSC CSE 2019) Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance, Economic Development Main Examination: General Studies II: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests. What's the ongoing story: President Donald Trump on Saturday (July 12, 2025) announced he's levying tariffs of 30% against the European Union and Mexico starting August 1. Key Points to Ponder: • What are tariffs, and how do tariffs work? • What are the key reasons behind the US government's decision to increase tariffs? • How do countries generally retaliate against tariffs? • What are the potential consequences of such retaliatory measures? • In what ways can the Trump administration's tariff policies impact India's economy and trade relations with the U.S.? Key Takeaways: • Trump detailed the planned tariffs in letters posted to his social media account. They are part of an announcement blitz by Trump of new tariffs with allies and foes alike, a bedrock of his 2024 campaign that he said would set the foundation for reviving a US economy that he claims has been ripped off by other nations for decades. • In his letter to Mexico's leader, President Claudia Sheinbaum, Trump acknowledged that the country has been helpful in stemming the flow of undocumented migrants and fentanyl into the US. But he said the country has not done enough to stop North America from turning into a 'Narco- Trafficking Playground.' • European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen responded by noting the bloc's 'commitment to dialogue, stability, and a constructive transatlantic partnership.' 'At the same time, we will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required,' von der Leyen said in a statement. • Von de Leyen added that the EU remains committed to continuing negotiations with the US and coming to an agreement before Aug. 1. Trade ministers from EU countries are scheduled to meet Monday to discuss trade relations with the US, as well as with China. • The Mexican government said it was informed on Friday during high-level talks with U.S. State Department officials that the Trump letter was coming. Do You Know: • Tariffs are taxes or duties imposed by a government on imported goods and services. Their objective is to make foreign products more expensive compared to domestically produced goods, thereby encouraging consumers to prefer local products. Tariffs also act as a protective measure for domestic industries against foreign competition. Additionally, they serve as a source of revenue for the government. • The mechanics of tariffs are simple: when goods cross into a country, the government imposes a fee. These fees can either be a percentage of the goods' value (ad valorem tariffs) or a fixed amount per unit of goods (specific tariffs). Tariff rates vary depending on the product, its country of origin, and any existing trade agreements between the nations involved. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍'EU remains ready to protect interests': After Trump ratchets up trade pressure with 30% tariffs on EU, Mexico, a strong global response 📍UPSC Issue at a Glance | Tariff war: 4 Key Questions You Must Know for Prelims and Mains UPSC Prelims Practice Question Covering similar theme: (5) Consider the following statements: 1. Tariffs are taxes or duties imposed by a government on imported goods and services. 2. Objective of tariffs is to make foreign products more expensive compared to domestically produced goods Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – Indian Express UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Roshni Yadav is a Deputy Copy Editor with The Indian Express. She is an alumna of the University of Delhi and Jawaharlal Nehru University, where she pursued her graduation and post-graduation in Political Science. She has over five years of work experience in ed-tech and media. At The Indian Express, she writes for the UPSC section. Her interests lie in national and international affairs, governance, economy, and social issues. You can contact her via email: ... Read More
India.com
11-07-2025
- Politics
- India.com
India to start work on mega projects bordering China at..., Modi govt approves 30 projects, Siachen Glacier to...
(File) New Delhi: The government has approved many important defense projects for the border with China. These projects are spread from East Ladakh to Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. These include infrastructure for forward aviation bases, construction of facilities for missiles and important road links on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and other strategic points. These projects have been approved by the Standing Committee (SC-NBWL) of the National Board for Wildlife. Why is SC-NBWL's approval needed? This meeting was held on 26 June and where SC-NBWL evaluated more than 30 defense and infrastructure related projects and approved all of them. Of these, 26 projects are in Ladakh. The meeting was chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav. Wildlife Board approval is necessary for these projects because these projects are in protected areas like Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary and Changthang Cold Desert Sanctuary (Ladakh), Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary (Arunachal Pradesh) and Pangolakha Sanctuary (Sikkim). Which other projects are approved by SC-NBWL? The SC-NBWL has also approved the work of Arunachal Frontier Highway near the Myanmar border. The most important project was the road between Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) to Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) hut. The 10.26 km long road is to be built at the place where senior army officers of India and China meet to discuss border related issues. This area is at an altitude of 17 thousand feet above sea level and also has the highest airstrip. The Defence Ministry had told SC-NBWL that there is no road between these two while on the other side China is building a solid road. Which animals are living in the sanctuary? Karakoram Sanctuary is home to Tibetan deer, shapo, wild yak, bharal, snow leopard, Himalayan grey wolf, lynx and marmot. Dibang Sanctuary is home to leopard and tiger while Asiatic black bear lives in Pangolakha Sanctuary in Sikkim along with other animals. Houses for soldiers of Artillery Regiment Apart from this, the other important projects that have been approved include housing for the personnel of the Artillery Regiment, a field hospital, construction of aviation infrastructure for the Forward Aviation Base in Shyok and construction of technical infrastructure to detect equipment of short-range surface-to-air missiles, etc. Apart from this, approval has also been given for the Siachen region. The Defense Ministry said that the Partapur project will be important for flight activities in the Siachen Glacier.
Indian Express
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Ladakh to Arunachal, 30 Defence projects get wildlife panel nod
From infrastructure for a forward aviation base, facilities for missiles and vital road linkages along the Line of Actual Control, the standing committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) has approved proposals for critical Defence projects along the boundary with China, stretching from eastern Ladakh to Sikkim to Arunachal Pradesh. It has also cleared construction of the Arunachal Frontier Highway close to the Myanmar border, through the core zone of the Namdapha Tiger Reserve subject to mitigation measures to minimise impact on wildlife and their habitats. The project will divert 310 hectares of forest from the tiger reserve — committee members have noted it will also lead to tree felling. One of the most significant projects approved was a 10.26-km road link between Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) to the Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) Hut where senior Indian and Chinese Army officers meet to discuss border issues. At a height of 17,000 feet, DBO is the country's northernmost military outpost where the highest airstrip is also located. Last October, the SC-NBWL had approved an alternate route to DBO for quick movement of troops and resources. The Ministry of Defence had told the wildlife board panel that no road exists between DBO and the Old BPM Hut, which is frequented often by the Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police personnel. 'On the other hand, the Chinese side is building a concrete road between TWD (akin to DBO on our side) to the Chinese temporary meeting point of 9-18 metre width,' it stated. The SC-NBWL took up over 30 defence and infrastructure projects – 26 of them located in Ladakh – for appraisal in their meeting on June 26 and approved all of them, minutes of the meeting show. The meeting was chaired by Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The projects require wildlife clearance since they are located across the Karakoram wildlife sanctuary and Changthang Cold Desert sanctuary in Ladakh, Dibang wildlife sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh and Pangolakha sanctuary in Sikkim. The Karakoram sanctuary is home to the Tibetan antelope, Shapo, Wild Yak, Bharal, snow leopard, Himalayan grey wolf, lynx and marmot. The Dibang sanctuary is home to the leopard and tiger while the Asiatic Black Bear, among other fauna, resides in the Pangolakha sanctuary. Other critical projects accorded approval include those for housing troops of artillery regiment and a field hospital; housing troops for reconnaissance and observation flight and holding of helicopters; construction of aviation infrastructure for a forward aviation base at Shyok and creation of technical infrastructure to locate equipment of short-range surface-to-air missiles. The approval for housing troops engaged in reconnaissance and observation flights duty and holding of helicopters at Partapur will be important for flying operations in the Siachen Glacier, the Defence ministry said in its proposal. The missile unit facility will include a command and control for operational activities, shelters for troops and training spaces. For infrastructure along the LAC in the North-East, the wildlife board panel cleared the Malinye-Balua-Kapuda road over 121 hectares of forest land in the Anini forest division subject to conditions. The SC-NBWL said that the project has to include an animal passage plan to mitigate the project's impact on faunal biodiversity. The road project was proposed to strengthen security infrastructure along the China border. In Sikkim, a border outpost at Pangola in Pakyong district and the Rishi-Rongli-Kupup road improvement have been approved, subject to mitigation measures such as animal passage plans. Under Project Swastik, the Border Roads Organisation has proposed improvement of the Rishi-Rongli-Kupuo road to a national highway double-lane specification. An award-winning journalist with 14 years of experience, Nikhil Ghanekar is an Assistant Editor with the National Bureau [Government] of The Indian Express in New Delhi. He primarily covers environmental policy matters which involve tracking key decisions and inner workings of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. He also covers the functioning of the National Green Tribunal and writes on the impact of environmental policies on wildlife conservation, forestry issues and climate change. Nikhil joined The Indian Express in 2024. Originally from Mumbai, he has worked in publications such as Tehelka, Hindustan Times, DNA Newspaper, News18 and Indiaspend. In the past 14 years, he has written on a range of subjects such as sports, current affairs, civic issues, city centric environment news, central government policies and politics. ... Read More
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Centre plans revision of eco-sensitive zone guidelines amid concerns
The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) has called for a review of the guidelines governing Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) around protected areas, stressing the need for a more "flexible" and "site-specific" approach that balances conservation goals with local socio-economic "realities". ESZs are buffer areas created around protected forests, wildlife sanctuaries and national parks to protect wildlife and biodiversity from harmful human activities, such as mining, construction and polluting industries. Activities like farming, eco-tourism and the use of renewable energy are usually allowed with restrictions in these areas. Chairing a meeting of the SC-NBWL on June 26, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said, "Strict protection must be ensured for core areas, especially those that are the origin points of tributaries and critical water resources. However, extending a blanket 10-kilometre ESZs to all protected areas, irrespective of local ecological and geographical conditions, would not serve the intended purpose." According to the minutes of the meeting, Yadav cited examples like the Asola, Sukhna and Hastinapur sanctuaries and the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, where uniform ESZ rules are creating "significant challenges". "In states like Himachal Pradesh, where approximately 65 per cent of the land is already under forest or protected status, a rigid imposition of ESZ norms could hinder local development, without proportional ecological gains. Therefore, ESZ rules should be adapted to reflect the specific ecological and socio-economic realities of each region," the minister said. The member secretary suggested that the ESZ guidelines may be revisited to provide better ecological safeguards. This should involve stakeholder consultations, including inputs from state governments, relevant ministries, environmental experts and the ESZ division. A formal inter-ministerial consultation has been suggested to solicit views from all the departments concerned, before finalising any changes in the guidelines. Following the discussion, the SC-NBWL directed the environment ministry to prepare a note on the issue. This will be followed by a consultation with relevant divisions of the ministry and later, a joint meeting of the ESZ and wildlife divisions. The final recommendations will be submitted to the committee for further deliberations. The issue was placed on the agenda by NBWL member H S Singh, who said that ESZ guidelines, while intended to be flexible, are often treated by state authorities as rigid rules. Singh recalled that during the preparation of a zonal master plan in Gujarat, he had recommended prohibition of sand mining up to three kilometres around a national park and regulation beyond that. "However, the notification mentioned complete prohibition of mining activities within a notified ESZ. The guidelines for the preparation of proposals for the declaration of ESZs around national parks and sanctuaries, therefore, require amendments," he said. Several members and state officials flagged concerns over the negative impact of blanket ESZ provisions. The chief wildlife warden (CWLW) of Himachal Pradesh said while ESZs have been notified around multiple sanctuaries in the state and zonal master plans (ZMPs) are being prepared, the inclusion of certain activities in the prohibited or regulated categories is affecting local communities. "Restrictions imposed ... on industries, mining and other commercial activities are resulting in hardships to the affected population," he said. Unlike in protected areas, where compensation is provided during the settlement of rights, no such relief exists for ESZs. "As we move forward with the preparation of ZMPs, these issues are expected to become more pronounced," he said. The CWLW of Karnataka raised concerns about the immediate imposition of a default 10-kilometre ESZ from the date of declaring a new national park or sanctuary. He proposed a two-year transitional period during which existing activities may continue and operators of prohibited activities are given time to either phase out or relocate. He said final ESZ notifications should follow stakeholder consultations and be issued within this window. The CWLW of Tamil Nadu said the default ESZ provision is discouraging the declaration of new protected areas. "Many such proposed notifications are being deferred or scaled down due to anticipated issues arising from ESZ restrictions. A more flexible and site-specific ESZ framework is essential to encourage conservation, without creating unintended hardships," he said. NBWL member R Sukumar said a 10-km ESZ around a small bird sanctuary of about one square kilometre is meaningless. The director of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) said the current ESZ guidelines are designed primarily with terrestrial sanctuaries in mind and often do not apply well to marine ecosystems. The CWLW of Kerala said a proposal to declare 150 sq. km as a sanctuary around the Silent Valley National Park was rejected by the State Board for Wildlife due to fears that it would automatically lead to default ESZ restrictions. The committee noted that the sectors most impacted by ESZ guidelines include mining, highways, railways, housing and tourism.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Centre seeks to relax eco-zone norms as states flag development hurdles
The standing committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) has proposed revising guidelines for eco-sensitive zones (ESZs) around protected areas. The aim is to adopt a more 'flexible' and 'site-specific' model that balances conservation needs with local socio-economic realities, news agency PTI reported on July 11. ESZs serve as protective buffers around forests, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, restricting activities such as mining, construction and industrial operations. Regulated farming, eco-tourism and renewable energy use are typically allowed. The SC-NBWL has recommended a comprehensive review of current ESZ guidelines, with consultations planned involving state governments, environmental experts and various ministries. A formal inter-ministerial discussion is also expected before finalising any changes. 'Strict protection must be ensured for core areas, especially those that are the origin points of tributaries and critical water resources,' Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav is quoted as saying at a SC-NBWL meeting on June 26. 'However, extending a blanket 10-kilometre ESZ to all protected areas, irrespective of local ecological and geographical conditions, would not serve the intended purpose,' he said. He pointed to locations such as Asola, Sukhna, Hastinapur sanctuaries, and Sanjay Gandhi National Park, where uniform rules have led to 'significant challenges'. 'In states like Himachal Pradesh, where approximately 65 per cent of the land is already under forest or protected status, a rigid imposition of ESZ norms could hinder local development, without proportional ecological gains,' Yadav added. He called for ESZ rules that reflect regional conditions. Following the meeting, the committee instructed the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to draft a detailed note, to be reviewed by the ESZ and wildlife divisions. Final recommendations will be submitted to the committee. NBWL member H S Singh, who initiated the agenda item, said that states often interpret ESZ guidelines as fixed mandates. Referring to Gujarat's zonal master plan (ZMP), he said: 'I recommended prohibition of sand mining up to three kilometres around a national park and regulation beyond that. However, the notification mentioned complete prohibition of mining activities within a notified ESZ.' He called for a revision of ESZ proposal guidelines. States raise objections Officials and members from various states also raised concerns over the unintended effects of blanket ESZ provisions. The Chief Wildlife Warden (CWLW) of Himachal Pradesh said while ZMPs are being prepared for many sanctuaries, restrictions on industries and commercial activities are causing hardships to locals. He pointed out that unlike protected areas, ESZs offer no compensation for lost rights. 'As we move forward with the preparation of ZMPs, these issues are expected to become more pronounced,' he said. The CWLW of Karnataka objected to the automatic imposition of a default 10-kilometre ESZ after declaring a new sanctuary. He proposed a two-year transition period during which existing activities could continue, giving time for relocation or phasing out prohibited operations. He also recommended stakeholder consultations before final notifications are issued. The CWLW of Tamil Nadu said the default ESZ rule discourages the creation of new protected areas. 'Many such proposed notifications are being deferred or scaled down due to anticipated issues arising from ESZ restrictions. A more flexible and site-specific ESZ framework is essential to encourage conservation, without creating unintended hardships,' he said. NBWL member R Sukumar added that imposing a 10-kilometre ESZ around a one-square-kilometre bird sanctuary 'is meaningless'. The Director of the Wildlife Institute of India noted that current ESZ rules mainly apply to terrestrial ecosystems and are often unsuitable for marine environments. The CWLW of Kerala said a proposal to declare 150 sq. km of land near Silent Valley National Park as sanctuary was rejected by the State Board for Wildlife, fearing automatic enforcement of default ESZ norms.
