The Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of media reports to address rampant and illegal sand mining threatening the fragile lotic ecosystem of the National Chambal Sanctuary. This sanctuary is a critical habitat and breeding ground for the critically endangered gharials. The court noted that previous relocation efforts for gharials failed as the new areas were also exploited by sand mining mafias. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had previously ordered monitoring of illegal mining based on a report highlighting it as the biggest threat to the sanctuary, affecting habitat, river morphology, and water retention properties.
- The Supreme Court initiated suo motu proceedings to protect the National Chambal Sanctuary from illegal sand mining.
- The sanctuary is vital for critically endangered gharials, whose habitat is being destroyed.
- Previous attempts to relocate gharials failed due to continued mining in new areas.
A study in Assam's Sonitpur district revealed a concerning link between human-wildlife conflict prevention groups (HWCPGs) and elephant deaths. While HWCPGs are intended to mitigate conflict, the study found that 40% of elephant deaths in the area occurred in villages with such groups. The study suggests that the formation of HWCPGs might be a reactive measure in areas already experiencing high conflict, rather than a proactive solution. It highlights issues like inadequate training, lack of resources, and potential for HWCPGs to exacerbate conflict if not properly managed, calling for a re-evaluation of their effectiveness and implementation strategies.
- A study in Sonitpur district, Assam, found a correlation between the presence of Human-Wildlife Conflict Prevention Groups (HWCPGs) and elephant deaths.
- 40% of elephant deaths in the study area occurred in villages where HWCPGs were active.
- The study suggests that HWCPGs might be formed reactively in high-conflict zones, rather than proactively preventing conflict.
The Musi Riverfront Development Project in Hyderabad aims to transform the seasonal Musi River into a perennial one, developing leisure spaces, shopping areas, and heritage structures along its 55-km course. The project involves channeling water from the Godavari River via Mallanna Sagar Reservoir and establishing 39 new sewage treatment plants. However, the project faces significant opposition from residents, voluntary organizations, and activists due to forced evictions from riverbed slums and land acquisition without a detailed project report. Critics argue that the project treats residents as obstructions rather than partners and raises concerns about transparency and displacement.
- The Musi Riverfront Development Project aims to rejuvenate the Musi River in Hyderabad, making it perennial and developing its banks.
- Key components include channeling water from the Godavari River and constructing new sewage treatment plants.
- The project faces strong opposition due to forced evictions of riverbed residents and land acquisition issues.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) reported that two cheetahs from Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh have moved to Rajasthan, demonstrating natural territorial behavior. This movement is part of the Project Cheetah, which aims to reintroduce cheetahs into India after their extinction. The cheetahs are being tracked via satellite and radio-collars. While some have moved to Rajasthan, others remain in Kuno or have been relocated within Madhya Pradesh. Botswana is set to send more cheetahs to India under the program, which began in September 2022, with 29 adult cheetahs already translocated from Africa since 2022.
- Cheetahs translocated to Kuno National Park are exhibiting natural territorial behavior by moving to neighboring states like Rajasthan.
- The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is tracking these cheetahs using satellite and radio-collar technology.
- Project Cheetah aims to reintroduce cheetahs into India, with animals sourced from South Africa and Botswana.
The Karnataka High Court has directed the State government to issue a notification to include an additional 55 sq. km of the Kappatagudda reserve forest into the Kappatagudda Wildlife Sanctuary in Gadag district. This directive aligns with a unanimous resolution passed by the Karnataka State Wildlife Board (KSWB) in January 2019, which had resolved to declare the entire 300 sq. km of the reserve forest as a sanctuary. The court noted that only 244.15 sq. km was declared in the May 2019 notification, making the reduction arbitrary and contrary to the Board's decision.
- The Karnataka High Court ordered the State government to expand the Kappatagudda Wildlife Sanctuary.
- An additional 55 sq. km of the Kappatagudda reserve forest in Gadag district must be included.
- This directive upholds a 2019 resolution by the Karnataka State Wildlife Board to declare the entire 300 sq. km as a sanctuary.
Climate change's severe impacts are pushing for a renegotiation of fundamental international law principles, including permanent sovereignty over natural resources (PSNR), statehood, and maritime zones. The urgency to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C demands phasing out fossil fuels, requiring developed nations to provide finance and technology to developing countries. Sea-level rise threatens the statehood of small island nations and unsettles maritime baselines, necessitating new legal frameworks for climate refugees and a reinterpretation of UNCLOS rules. States must prioritize these renegotiations to address climate-induced risks effectively.
- Climate change is compelling a re-evaluation of core international law principles like permanent sovereignty over natural resources and the criteria for statehood.
- The global imperative to restrict temperature rise necessitates a phase-out of fossil fuels, with developed countries expected to support developing nations with finance and technology.
- Sea-level rise poses an existential threat to small island states' statehood and complicates the definition of maritime zones, requiring new legal interpretations.
Nuclear facilities worldwide face unprecedented threats, exemplified by Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia plant and targeted strikes on Iranian sites by the U.S. and Israel. Such attacks, including those on Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, risk releasing long-lived isotopes like caesium-137, causing acute radiation sickness and contaminating land for decades. The article highlights that military force fails to achieve strategic resolution and can accelerate clandestine nuclear activities, emphasizing diplomacy and verification frameworks as the safest path to stability. Military action risks refugee exodus, asymmetric retaliation, and nuclear disaster.
- Nuclear facilities globally are under unprecedented threat, with examples including Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia plant and Iranian sites.
- Targeted strikes on nuclear facilities, such as those enriching uranium, risk catastrophic environmental and humanitarian consequences, including widespread radioactive contamination.
- Military actions against nuclear sites are counterproductive, potentially leading to accelerated clandestine operations and undermining diplomatic efforts.
India's religious geography is deeply intertwined with its ecological one, with sacred sites often located in sensitive habitats. Rising visitor numbers and commercialization are pressuring forest ecosystems, transforming seasonal rituals into mass tourism. The challenge is to govern this intersection without undermining ecological integrity or forest-dwelling communities' rights. A recent debate in the SCNBWL regarding religious structures in sanctuaries highlighted this tension. A clear no-expansion principle for core forest areas is recommended, while allowing for recognition of long-standing sites under strict, impact-based regulation. Guidelines from ATREE and WWF propose a "green pilgrimage model" focusing on caps on pilgrim numbers, transport restrictions, waste management, and multi-stakeholder governance to integrate ecological protection with cultural continuity.
- Religious sites in India are often located in ecologically sensitive areas, facing pressure from increasing religious tourism.
- The debate in the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SCNBWL) highlights the tension between religious expansion and conservation.
- A "no-expansion principle" is recommended for new constructions or enlargement of existing structures within core forest areas.
India's religious geography often overlaps with ecologically sensitive areas, creating conflict between faith and conservation. Rising visitor numbers and commercialisation of pilgrimage routes are intensely pressuring forest ecosystems. A recent case involving a religious establishment expansion in a Gujarat sanctuary highlighted this tension. The article advocates for a 'green pilgrimage model' with a clear no-expansion principle for new constructions in core forest areas. It emphasizes recognizing long-standing sites subject to strict, impact-based regulation, including caps on pilgrim numbers and robust controls on waste and water use. Multi-stakeholder governance and mandatory settlement of forest rights are crucial for sustainable management.
- Religious sites and pilgrimage routes in India frequently coincide with ecologically sensitive protected areas, leading to environmental pressure from mass tourism.
- The Forest (Conservation) Act and Wildlife (Protection) Act generally treat new constructions on forest land as encroachment, highlighting the legal conflict.
- A 'green pilgrimage model' is proposed, advocating a strict no-expansion principle for new structures in core forest areas.
The 2026-27 Union Budget announced a 'Coconut Promotion Scheme' to rejuvenate old gardens and expand cultivation. However, experts argue that the focus must shift from mere productivity to climate-resilient sustainability. India is the world's largest producer and consumer of coconuts, but the industry faces threats from rising temperatures and diseases like root wilt. The article suggests that the Coconut Development Board (CDB) should prioritize developing drought-tolerant genotypes and fostering farmer producer organisations (FPOs) rather than just distributing seedlings. It also highlights the failure of previous cluster development programs due to high investment barriers and lack of institutional voice for farmers.
- The 'Coconut Promotion Scheme' aims to rejuvenate non-productive gardens and establish new plantations.
- Climate change poses a significant threat, with projections suggesting temperatures in coconut-growing regions could rise by 1.6-2.1°C by 2050.
- Sustainability requires the development of climate-resilient, salt-tolerant, and disease-resistant coconut varieties.
In a significant boost to India's cheetah reintroduction program, nine cheetahs from Botswana were released into enclosures at Kuno National Park (KNP) in Madhya Pradesh. This is the third batch of big cats brought from Africa, bringing India's total cheetah population to 48. The group includes six females and three males. While the project has faced challenges, including the deaths of 21 animals (adults and cubs) due to various causes, officials remain optimistic. Future plans include expanding the reintroduction to the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary to manage the population across different habitats and ensure long-term survival.
- Project Cheetah is the world's first intercontinental large wild carnivore translocation project aimed at restoring the species in India.
- The new batch consists of nine cheetahs donated by Botswana during President Droupadi Murmu's visit to the country last year.
- Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh is the primary site, but Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary is being prepared as a second home to avoid over-concentration.
India is repositioning critical minerals as a core pillar of its industrial and energy security. The 2026 Budget reflects this shift by removing import duties on capital goods for processing and reducing duties on monazite sands. The government has launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) with a ₹16,300 crore outlay to discover and process 30 identified minerals. To de-risk exploration, India is adopting an AI-first approach and leveraging international partnerships with the US, UK, and Australia. The goal is to build a domestic ecosystem for batteries, solar modules, and electric vehicles while ensuring technological sovereignty in a turbulent global market.
- The National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) targets 1,200 exploration projects by FY2031 to secure mineral supply chains.
- India has identified 30 critical minerals, including lithium and beryllium, which were previously classified as restricted atomic minerals.
- The strategy emphasizes 'AI-first' exploration, utilizing seismic AI tools like Mission Anveshan for hydrocarbon and mineral discovery.
Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) refers to technologies that capture CO2 emissions and convert them into valuable products like fuels and chemicals. Unlike Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), which stores CO2 underground, CCU promotes a circular economy. This technology is essential for 'hard-to-abate' sectors like steel and cement. India, the world's third-largest CO2 emitter, has developed a draft 2030 roadmap for CCUS. However, high costs, energy intensity, and the lack of infrastructure remain significant hurdles. International strategies, such as the EU Bioeconomy Strategy, also support CCU as a pathway to sustainability.
- CCU converts captured CO2 into inputs for fuels, chemicals, building materials, or polymers.
- The technology is vital for decarbonizing carbon-intensive sectors that are difficult to transition to renewables.
- India's 2070 net-zero target and circular economy goals are supported by the adoption of CCU.
Scientific studies have revealed significant microplastic and nanoplastic contamination in bottled water across India, including major cities like Mumbai and coastal Andhra Pradesh. These particles, smaller than five millimetres, can carry toxic additives like phthalates and antimony that leach from plastic containers, especially when exposed to heat. Current regulatory standards by FSSAI and BIS focus primarily on pathogens and do not include testing for microplastics or long-term chemical exposure. The article advocates for strengthening municipal water supplies and updating regulatory frameworks to include routine testing for plastic-derived contaminants to protect public health.
- Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than five millimetres that can bypass biological barriers and carry toxins.
- Leaching of chemicals like antimony and phthalates increases when plastic bottles are stored in direct sunlight or high temperatures.
- Current BIS and FSSAI standards lack protocols for monitoring microplastics and nanoplastics in packaged drinking water.
The Supreme Court observed that addressing human-wildlife conflict in southern India requires a humanitarian approach and direct engagement with local communities. Chief Justice Surya Kant noted that the situation in parts of Kerala and other southern states is 'alarming'. The court emphasized that mere judicial orders are insufficient; instead, authorities must reach out to local people in their own language and understand their socio-economic conditions. The bench criticized the use of cruel methods like spikes or fireballs to drive away elephants and highlighted that commercial interests often exploit these conflict situations.
- Judicial orders alone cannot solve complex human-wildlife conflicts without ground-level community engagement.
- A humanitarian approach is necessary to understand the economic interests and sensitivities of local populations.
- The court flagged the systematic evasion of laws and the use of cruel deterrence methods against wildlife.
At the India Energy Week 2026, Prime Minister Modi emphasized India's $500 billion investment opportunities in the energy sector, focusing on green hydrogen and its derivative, green ammonia. The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) recently concluded a successful auction under the SIGHT programme, attracting 15 bidders. This auction model is seen as a global benchmark, achieving prices significantly lower than international standards. Green ammonia, produced by combining nitrogen with green hydrogen, is crucial for decarbonizing industries like fertilizers and marine fuel. The initiative aims to insulate India from global gas market volatility and currency risks.
- Green ammonia is produced by combining nitrogen with green hydrogen, serving as a clean alternative for fertilizers and fuel.
- SECI's auction under the SIGHT programme resulted in seven successful awardees for 7,24,000 tonnes of green ammonia.
- The discovered prices for green ammonia in India range between ₹49.75 and ₹64.74 per kg.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has upheld the environmental clearance for the ₹80,000-90,000 crore 'Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island' project. The project includes an International Container Transshipment Terminal, a greenfield airport, a power plant, and a township. While environmentalists raised concerns about the impact on leatherback sea turtles and coral colonies, the NGT adopted a 'balanced approach,' weighing environmental safeguards against national security. The tribunal ruled that the project is strategically vital due to its proximity to the Malacca Strait and will not displace the Shompen and Nicobari tribes.
- The NGT cleared the Great Nicobar project, emphasizing its strategic importance near the Malacca Strait for maritime security.
- The project involves the translocation of approximately 16,150 coral colonies to suitable recipient sites to mitigate environmental impact.
- The tribunal stated that the habitat rights of the Shompen and Nicobari tribes would be protected under the Forest Rights Act.
The Nilgiri Tahr, an endangered mountain goat endemic to the southern Western Ghats, is facing severe population stress due to habitat loss. Once widely distributed across the range, the species now survives only in fragmented pockets. The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has initiated targeted conservation measures to protect the remaining herds. These high-altitude grassland specialists are vital indicators of the health of the Western Ghats ecosystem. Efforts are focused on habitat restoration and mitigating human-induced pressures to ensure the survival of this iconic species in its natural environment.
- The Nilgiri Tahr is the state animal of Tamil Nadu and is endemic to the southern Western Ghats.
- The species is currently classified as 'Endangered' on the IUCN Red List due to habitat fragmentation.
- Habitat loss and climate change are the primary drivers of the population decline in high-altitude grasslands.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) recently ruled that environmental safeguards for the Great Nicobar Project are in place, emphasizing its strategic utility. However, the project remains controversial due to its potential impact on the region's pristine biodiversity and indigenous tribes like the Shompen and Nicobarese. The project envisages a trans-shipment port, an international airport, and a power plant. Critics argue that the felling of nearly nine lakh trees and the disturbance to leatherback turtle nesting grounds constitute an irreparable loss. The NGT has ordered a review of the environmental aspects, highlighting the classic conflict between development and conservation.
- The Great Nicobar Island Project (GNIP) includes a trans-shipment port, airport, township, and a 450 MVA power plant.
- Environmentalists warn about the loss of 130 sq. km of tropical forest and impact on leatherback turtle nesting.
- The project affects the community rights of local Shompen and Nicobarese tribes under the Forest Rights Act.
According to the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), India needs to mobilize approximately $22 trillion, or $500 billion annually, to meet its Net Zero target by 2070. Achieving this requires a synchronized effort between government, private finance, and philanthropy. The GEAPP emphasizes the need for bankable projects to attract global investment and the alignment of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs). At the Mumbai Climate Week, a national platform was unveiled to deploy $25 million for modernizing power distribution and integrating renewable energy, aiming to create proof-of-concept projects for larger investments.
- India's total financial requirement for Net Zero by 2070 is estimated at $22 trillion.
- Annual mobilization of $500 billion is necessary to transition the energy sector and integrate renewables.
- Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) and private sector alignment are crucial for funding viability.
To reach net-zero emissions by 2070, India must decarbonize its steel sector, a major industrial polluter. The Ministry of Steel has identified 14 task forces to create a roadmap for low-carbon production. While 'green steel' carries a price premium, its impact on large infrastructure project costs is estimated at only 5.5%. The article suggests using public procurement as a lever, leveraging the 'Green Star' rating system and 'Made in India' QR codes for verification. Aligning Production Linked Incentives (PLI) with green hydrogen missions is crucial for scaling industry response and bypassing international carbon tariffs.
- Steel remains one of India's largest industrial sources of CO2 emissions, making its decarbonization vital for climate goals.
- A 'Green Steel Taxonomy' with a 3 to 5-star rating system has been introduced to rank steel by emission intensity.
- International examples like Japan's Green Purchasing framework and California's Buy Clean model offer templates for green procurement.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has cleared the ₹92,000-crore Great Nicobar Island mega-infrastructure project, dismissing petitions challenging its environmental clearance. The project includes an International Container Transshipment Terminal, a greenfield airport, a power plant, and a township. The NGT emphasized the project's strategic and national importance, stating that adequate safeguards are provided in the environmental clearance conditions. It directed the Environment Ministry to ensure the protection of coral reefs and leatherback turtle nesting sites. While the NGT cleared the environmental aspect, forest clearance challenges remain pending in the Calcutta High Court, and local tribes have raised concerns regarding land rights.
- The project is deemed of strategic, defense, and national importance for India's maritime security in the Indian Ocean.
- A high-powered committee (HPC) was formed to address ecological concerns like coral reef protection and turtle nesting sites.
- The NGT ruled that three-season environmental data was not mandatory because there is no high erosion site in the region.
Bio-based chemicals, produced from biological feedstocks like sugarcane and corn, offer a sustainable alternative to petrochemicals. India is well-positioned to scale this sector due to its large agricultural base and expertise in fermentation. The government has prioritized this area under the Department of Biotechnology’s BioE3 policy. While the India enzymes market is growing, it remains consolidated, with a few top players holding 75% of the market share. Challenges include the high cost of bio-based products compared to petrochemicals and the need for shared biomanufacturing infrastructure like biofoundries to reduce capital risk for firms.
- Bio-based chemicals include organic acids, bio-alcohols, and solvents used in diverse industries.
- India's BioE3 policy (Economy, Environment, and Employment) is the primary driver for this sector.
- The sector aims to reduce India's heavy import dependence on petrochemicals.
The Piton de la Fournaise volcano, located on the French overseas island of La Réunion in the Indian Ocean, erupted for the second time this year on February 13. Known as one of the most active volcanoes globally, the eruption featured significant smoke and lava flows in the island's southeast region. Such eruptions are frequent for this shield volcano, which is a major geological feature of the Réunion hotspot. The event underscores the active tectonic and volcanic nature of the Indian Ocean basin.
- Piton de la Fournaise is a shield volcano and one of the most active in the world.
- It is located on La Réunion, a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean.
- The volcano is associated with the Réunion hotspot, which also played a role in the formation of the Deccan Traps in India.