Oct 04 2024

People’s Plan Campaign 2024

People’s Plan Campaign 2024

Context: The Ministry of Panchayati Raj organised a National Workshop on the People’s Plan Campaign 2024 -Sabki Yojana Sabka Vikas, which set the stage for the nationwide launch of the campaign.

About People’s Plan Campaign

  • It is an annual initiative launched by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj in 2019  to promote participatory planning in rural India, aligning with the vision of decentralised governance. 
  • Objective: It ensures that Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) lead the development process by engaging local communities to draft Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs).
  • The 2024 campaign builds on previous efforts, with a key focus on integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into rural development strategies.

Key Components of the Campaign

  • Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP): Community-driven plan developed by Panchayats that reflects local priorities and integrates SDG targets.
  • Village Prosperity and Resilience Plan (VPRP): Prepared by Self Help Groups (SHGs), this plan moves from a focus on poverty reduction to community resilience and prosperity.
  • Special Gram Sabhas: Regular meetings with the participation of local residents to discuss development plans and ensure transparency.
  • Integration of Technology: Use of AI/ML-based planning tools such as SVAMITVA maps, which provide insights into rural infrastructure, water bodies, and solar potential, helping improve resource allocation and project implementation.

Nepal, India, Bangladesh Sign Tripartite Agreement for Cross-Border Electricity Trade

Context: India, Nepal, and Bangladesh have signed a trilateral agreement to export 40 megawatts of electricity from Nepal to Bangladesh via India’s power grid.

Key Highlights of the agreement:

  • Export Timeline: Nepal will export surplus electricity to Bangladesh from June 15 to November 15 annually.
  • Initial Phase: In the first phase, Nepal will export 40 MW of hydroelectricity to Bangladesh via India.
  • Economic Benefits: Nepal is expected to earn around USD 9.2 million annually from the electricity exports.
  • Parties Involved: The MoU was signed in Kathmandu between NEA Executive Director , NTPC Vidyut Byapar Nigam CEO , and Bangladesh Power Development Board Chairman.

 

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Recasting its flagship scheme on labelling of eco-friendly products, recently, the Union Environment Ministry notified the Ecomark Rules 2024, almost a year after its draft rules were notified.

green products

Ecomark Rules 2024

  • The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has notified the Ecomark Rules.
  • Alignment: Part of the LiFE Mission (Lifestyle for Environment) launched by PM Narendra Modi in 2021.
  • Replace: It replaces the Ecomark scheme of 1991.
  • The scheme will be implemented by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in partnership with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

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Key Objectives of Ecomark Rules 2024

  • Promoting Green Industries: The initiative encourages the production and consumption of eco-friendly products, promoting sustainability and energy/resource efficiency.
  • Consumer Awareness: Ecomark aims to help consumers make informed purchase decisions by identifying products with lower environmental impacts.
  • Circular Economy: Supports resource conservation and promotes recycling and reduction of waste, aligning with the ‘LIFE (Lifestyle for Environment)’ principle.

Eligibility Criteria for Ecomark

  • Products must reduce pollution, minimise waste, or eliminate environmental emissions.
  • Recyclability: Preference for products made from recycled materials or those that are recyclable.
  • Conservation of Resources: Reducing the use of non-renewable energy and natural resources.
  • Environmental Impact: Consideration of the production process, including raw material sourcing, emissions, and the use of recycled or non-hazardous substances.

Products Covered under Ecomark

  • Cosmetics: Skin powder, including that for infants; tooth powder and toothpaste; skin cream; hair oil; shampoo; soap; hair cream; nail polish; aftershave lotion; shaving cream; cosmetic pencil; lipstick; etc.
  • Soaps and Detergents: Environmentally friendly variants.
  • Food Items: Edible oils, tea, coffee.
  • Electric/Electronic Goods: TVs, refrigerators, food mixers, geysers, toasters, fans, etc.
  • Textiles: Eco-friendly fabrics and garments.

Application and Verification Process

  • Application: Manufacturers must apply for Ecomark to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
  • Verification: CPCB, or a designated verifier, will assess compliance through a detailed report.
  • Validity: The Ecomark will be valid for three years or until criteria changes. It can be renewed.

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Compliance and Monitoring

  • Annual Report Submission: Holders of Ecomark must submit annual reports to the CPCB by May 31 each year.
  • Penalty for False Information: The CPCB can suspend or cancel the mark if false information is provided, though the holder can appeal such decisions.

Institutional Framework

  • Steering Committee: Headed by the Environment Secretary, comprising members from various ministries, CSIR, BIS, and CPCB.
  • Role: The committee will recommend products, periodically review criteria, and support research for verifying environmental impacts.

Significance of Eco Mark

  • Promotes Sustainable Development: Ecomark plays a key role in aligning industrial practices with sustainable development goals (SDGs).
  • Encourages Eco-friendly Innovations: Push industries toward environmentally responsible technologies and processes that reduce resource consumption and pollution.
  • Reduces Environmental Degradation: By incentivizing the production of eco-friendly products, helps in mitigating pollution, reducing waste, and lowering the carbon footprint across various sectors.
  • Empowers Consumers: Empowers consumers to make informed and conscious decisions, enabling them to contribute to environmental conservation by choosing green products over conventional ones.
  • Supports National and International Environmental Commitments:
    • The scheme helps meet climate-related targets under international agreements, such as the Paris Agreement and Biodiversity Conservation Initiatives.
  • Encourages Green Manufacturing: Motivates manufacturers to shift towards environmentally friendly production processes.
    • Encourages the growth of green industries in India.

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Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

  • Formed: It was constituted in September 1974 under the Water Prevention and Control of Pollution Act, 1974.  
  • Powers: It is also entrusted with the powers and functions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
  • Principal Functions: 
    • To promote cleanliness of streams and wells in different areas of the States by prevention, control and abatement of water pollution, and 
    • To improve the quality of air and to prevent, control or abate air pollution in the country.
    • It also provides technical services to the Ministry of Environment and Forests of the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

About Ecomark Scheme

  • Launch: The Ecomark Scheme was initiated by the Government of India in 1991.
  • Administration: It is administered by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), with oversight by the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change.
  • Symbol: The symbol for Ecomark is the ‘Matka’ (earthen pot), which represents eco-friendly products in the Indian market.
  • Voluntary Basis: The scheme operates voluntarily, non-binding, allowing manufacturers to apply for the label.
  • Compliance with Standards: Products displaying both the ECO Logo and ISI Mark indicate they meet environmental criteria as well as quality standards specified in relevant Indian Standards.

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About Mission LiFE

  • Mission LiFE was launched by the Honourable Prime Minister on October 20, 2022,.
  • It promotes an eco-friendly lifestyle centred around mindful and purposeful use, rather than thoughtless and wasteful consumption.
  • The concept of Mission LiFE, which stands for “LiFEStyle For Environment”, was first introduced by Prime Minister Modi at COP26 in Glasgow on November 1, 2021
  • Objective: 
    • To shift from a “use-and-dispose” economy to a circular economy based on conscious and intentional consumption.
    • To encourage people to live in a sustainable and environmentally conscious way. 
    • To motivate at least 1 billion people to take individual and group actions to protect and conserve the environment between 2022 and 2028.
  • It emboldens the spirit of the P3 model, i.e. Pro Planet People.
  • It functions on the basic principles of ‘Lifestyle of the planet, for the planet and by the planet’.

The All Odisha Leopard Estimation 2024, released recently, estimates the State’s leopard population to range between 668 and 724, with a median count of 696.

All Odisha Leopard Estimation 2024

  • Key Highlights: 
    • Leopard Population Increase: Odisha’s leopard population has risen by 22% between 2022 and 2024, from 568 to 696 leopards.
    • 2024 Leopard Estimation: The All Odisha Leopard Estimation 2024 reported a range of 668 to 724 leopards, with a median of 696.
    • Comparison to Previous Census: In 2018, NTCA estimated the population at 760 leopards; however, it dropped to 568 by 2022.
    • Statewide Monitoring: The estimation was conducted across 47 forest divisions using both field surveys and camera traps.
    • Melanistic Leopards: Rare melanistic leopards (black panthers) were recorded in Odisha.
      • Melanism is a common trait in leopards, causing their entire skin and spots to turn black. It’s caused by a recessive mutation in the ASIP (agouti signalling protein) gene. 

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  • Estimation Techniques:
    • Camera Traps: Leopards were identified using camera traps, focusing on their unique rosette patterns. 
      • This technique is widely used in national leopard population assessments.
    • Field Survey: Indirect evidence, including pugmarks, scats, scrapes, and vocalisations, was used to track leopard presence.
  • Important Habitats:
    • Similipal Tiger Reserve: Largest leopard population in the state. This landscape is vital for leopard dispersal to nearby wildlife sanctuaries like Hadagarh and Kuldiha.
    • Satkosia Landscape: Holds the second-highest leopard population in the state.
    • Hirakud Wildlife Division: Including Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, it has a significant leopard population.
    • Leopard Presence in Non-Protected Areas: 45% of leopards live outside protected areas in territorial forest divisions.

Leopard Population in India: Fifth Cycle Leopard Population Estimation (2022)

  • Released: In 2024 by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
  • Involved Organisations: The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and Wildlife Institute of India (WII), along with State Forest Departments,
  • Coverage of the survey: Leopard Population concentrated on roughly 70% of the animals’ predicted habitat and encompassed 18 states in India. 
    • The estimation covered the main areas for tiger conservation—forested habitats—within 18 tiger states. 
    • High Himalayan (above 2000 m) and non-forested areas were not included.
  • Methodology: To estimate leopard abundance, photo-captures were combined with spatial data on prey, habitat, and anthropogenic factors using a likelihood-based spatially explicit capture mark-recapture (SECR) covariate framework.
  • Population Estimate: 13,874 leopards are thought to exist in India, a stable number when compared to the 2018 estimate (12852). 
  • Geographical  Trends: The population of Central India is constant or slightly increasing, although areas such as the Shivalik hills and Gangetic plains are declining. 
    • The selected areas are growing at a rate of 1.08% annually overall.
  • Distribution by State: With 3907 (2018: 3421) leopards, Madhya Pradesh has the highest population in the nation. It is followed by Maharashtra (2022: 1985; 2018: 1,690), Karnataka (2022: 1,879; 2018: 1,783), and Tamil Nadu (2022: 1,070; 2018: 868).
  • Environment: The tiger reserves or locations with the greatest concentration of leopards are Satpura (AP), Panna (MP), and Nagarjunasagar Srisailam (AP).
  • Declining Population: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and West Bengal recorded a combined 150% increase to 349 large cats
    • Uttarakhand reported a 22% fall in big cat numbers, presumably due to poaching and man-animal conflict.

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About Indian Leopard

  • The Indian Leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) is a leopard subspecies that is widespread throughout the Indian subcontinent.
  • They are the smallest of the big cats.
  • They are noted for their capacity to adapt to a range of environments.
  • They are strong and agile predators capable of climbing trees and dragging their victim to safety.
  • Conservation status: Vulnerable (IUCN Red List).
  • Appendix I of CITES and Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

Britain has agreed to give up sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, ending a long-standing dispute over the United Kingdom’s last African colony.

  • This came after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that the UK unlawfully separated the Chagos archipelago from Mauritius before granting it independence

Background of Chagos Islands

  • 19th Century: The Chagos Islands were governed from Mauritius, which was then a British colony.
  • Chagos IslandsMauritius Independence in 1968: While Mauritius gained independence, the Chagos Archipelago remained under British control, with the UK referring to it as the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT).
  • Strategic Importance: The archipelago includes the Diego Garcia airbase, which is strategically significant for both the UK and US.
  • Lease of Diego Garcia in 1966: Britain leased Diego Garcia, the largest of the Chagos Islands, to the United States, which sought a military base in the region.
  • Recent Developments: The current agreement follows 13 rounds of negotiations, which began in 2022, and comes after rulings in 2019 and 2021 by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the United Nations General Assembly, and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), supporting Mauritius’ claim to sovereignty.
  • Treaty Provisions: As part of the treaty, the UK will maintain control of the UK-US military base on Diego Garcia but will return the rest of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius.

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About Chagos Archipelago

Chagos Islands

  • Chagos Islands Location: The Chagos Archipelago is located in the central Indian Ocean, south of the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent.
  • Key Islands
    • Diego Garcia atoll
    • Danger Island
    • Egmont Islands
    • Eagle Islands
    • Nelsons Island
    • Peros Banhos atoll.
  • Climate: Tropical marine climate
  • The islands form a semicircular group open on the eastern side, with Diego Garcia being the largest and most southerly island, covering an area of 30 km².
  • The highest point on the Island  is an ocean-side dune on Diego Garcia, which rises to an elevation of only 9 metres.

In a recent study published in Nature Communications, researchers at Purdue University have successfully levitated fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) in a vacuum and spun them at ultra-high speeds, paving the way for new applications in various industries.

About Fluorescent Nanodiamonds (FNDs)

  • Definition: Fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) are nanometre-sized diamonds composed of carbon nanoparticles. 
  • Key Characteristics of Fluorescent Nanodiamonds (FNDs)
    • Production Process: Created through high-temperature and high-pressure methods.
    • Stability: FNDs are stable under light and Non-toxic to living things.
    • Fluorescence: They exhibit a long fluorescence lifespan of over 10 nanoseconds, outperforming quantum dots. 
      • FNDs don’t blink when irradiated for a long time.
      • Fluorescence is the property of some materials to emit light of lower frequency when irradiated with light of a higher frequency. 
  • Applications of Fluorescent Nanodiamonds (FNDs):  
    • Medical Diagnostics: FND helps in High-resolution imaging for cellular and molecular visualisation.
      • Track Cells: In biology, scientists use FNDs to track cells and their progeny over long periods.
      • Enhanced Imaging Techniques: FNDs improve the correlation between different imaging modalities, allowing for comprehensive analysis of samples.
    • Industrial Applications of Fluorescent Nanodiamonds (FNDs): 
      • Gyroscopes: The properties of FNDs can be harnessed to create advanced gyroscopes for measuring rotation.
      • Doping for Enhanced Properties: Modifying FNDs by adding nitrogen can improve their functionality for applications in quantum technology.
      • Temperature Sensing: Precise microscale temperature measurements in biological and industrial settings.
      • Sensitive Accelerometers: FNDs can detect minute changes in acceleration, making them suitable for high-value sensors in various industries.
    • Quantum Computing: FNDs can be engineered to host spin qubits, contributing to the development of quantum computing technologies.
    • Biosensing: FNDs can be used to detect environmental pollutants or biomarkers, contributing to ecological and health monitoring.

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Associated Concepts to FND

  • Quantum Spin: Quantum spin is a fundamental property of tiny particles, like electrons, that can be thought of as a kind of intrinsic “rotation”.
    • The spin of an electron can point in two main directions i.e “up” and “down.”
  • Berry Phase: The Berry phase is a concept in quantum mechanics that describes a phenomenon where the state of a particle changes as it moves around a closed path in space. 
    • In quantum mechanics, when an electron goes through various states and returns to its original state, its wave function can pick up an extra phase: the Berry phase.
    • By showing they could measure the Berry phase of the spin qubits due to the rotation, the Purdue team’s work opens the door for using FNDs in new contexts.
  • Nitrogen Vacancy (NV) Centres: NV centres are specific defects in diamond crystals where a nitrogen atom replaces a carbon atom, creating a vacancy (missing carbon atom) in the lattice.
    • This structure allows for unique electronic properties.

The Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai granted GI tags to eight Bodo products.

About Eight GI Bodo Products

Rice Beer Varieties:
  • Bodo Jou Gwran:
  • Contains the highest alcohol content (16.11%) among rice beers.
    • Made by the Bodo community.
  • Maibra Jou Bidwi: 
  • Also called “Maibra Jwu Bidwi” or “Maibra Zwu Bidwi,”.
  • Bodo Jou Gishi:
  • Another traditional rice-based alcoholic beverage.
  •  Believed to have originated from Lord Shiva and considered medicinal.
Traditional Food Items:

  • The Association of Traditional Food Products successfully applied for four GI tags:
  • Bodo Napham: 
  • A fermented fish dish prepared anaerobically in a sealed container for 2-3 months. 
    • Fermentation is a preferred preservation method due to high rainfall and limited fish availability.
  • Bodo Ondla: 
  • A curry made from rice powder, flavoured with garlic, ginger, salt, and alkali.
  • Bodo Gwkha: 
  • Also called “Gwka Gwkhi,” prepared during the Bwisagu festival.
  • Bodo Narzi:
  • A semi-fermented dish made from jute leaves, which are rich in Omega 3, vitamins, calcium, and magnesium.
Traditional Clothing: Bodo Aronai

  • A small traditional cloth (1.5-2.5 meters long, 0.5 meter wide), received a GI tag after an application by the Association of Traditional Bodo Weavers.
  • Bodo traditions are reflected in dance, music, festivals, and clothing, with designs inspired by nature, including trees, flowers, mountains, and birds.

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What is a GI Tag?

  • A Geographical Indication (GI tag) is a label for products that come from a specific place and have special qualities linked to that region.

Other GI Tags in Assam

  • Assam (Orthodox) Logo
  • Muga Silk of Assam (Logo)
  • Joha Rice
  • Boka Chaul
  • Muga Silk
  • Assam Karbi Anglong Ginger
  • Tezpur Litchi
  • Kaji Nemu
  • Chokuwa Rice
  • Gamosa

  • Type of Protection: It acts as a legal right to protect the product’s quality and reputation based on its origin.
  • Legal Framework
    • International Recognition: GI tags are accepted under global agreements like the Paris Convention and TRIPS Agreement.
  • Types of Products
    • Wide Range: GI tags apply to various products like food items, agricultural products, wines, handicrafts, and more.
    • Specific Qualities: The product must have unique qualities or characteristics tied to its region.

Benefits of a GI Tag

  • Prevents Misuse: It stops others from using the label for products that don’t meet the set standards.
  • Exclusive Use: Only authorised producers can use the GI tag for their products.
  • Protection from Copying: Protects against imitation or fake versions of the product.
  • Legal Action: Producers can take legal steps against anyone violating their GI rights.

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Bodo Community

  • Origin: The Boro (or Bodo) is an ethnolinguistic group from Assam, India.
  • Geographical Spread: They live mainly in the Bodoland Territorial Region of Assam but are also present in other districts of Assam and Meghalaya.

Recognition and Language

  • Scheduled Tribe Status: Listed as “Boro” and “Borokachari” in The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950.
  • Boro Language: A Boro-Garo language of the Tibeto-Burman family, recognized as one of India’s 22 Scheduled languages.
  • Bilingualism: Most Boros speak Assamese as a second language.

Historical Background

  • Prehistoric Settlers: The Boro and other Bodo-Kachari groups migrated over 3,000 years ago.
  • Occupation: Primarily settled farmers with traditional irrigation systems called “dong.”

Special Status

  • Plains Tribe: Recognized under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
  • Autonomous Region: They have special powers in the Bodoland Territorial Region.

The Union Cabinet approved classical language status for five more languages i.e. Marathi, Bengali, Assamese, Pali, and Prakrit.

Revised Criteria for Classical Language Status

  • Earlier classical languages: Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Sanskrit, and Odia.
  • The Linguistics Expert Committee revised the criteria for classical status in July 2024. 
    • This committee includes representatives from the Union Ministries of Home and Culture and linguistic experts, chaired by the Sahitya Akademi.

What are classical languages?

  • Indian classical languages, also known as Shastriya Bhasha, refer to languages with a deep historical background, rich literary traditions and a unique cultural heritage. 
  • These languages have significantly contributed to the intellectual and cultural development of the region, with their texts offering valuable insights into various domains like literature, philosophy and religion.

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Criteria For Classical Language Status: The Ministry of Culture has rules that must be followed in order to be classified as a classical language in India:

  • Ancient origin: The language should have high antiquity of its early texts/recorded history over a period of 1,500-2,000 years.
  • Literary heritage: The language should contain a body of ancient literature or texts that is considered a valuable heritage by generations of speakers.

The Constitution of India contains several provisions regarding languages

  • Eighth Schedule: Lists the official languages of India, which initially included 14 languages but has been expanded to 22 languages.
    • These languages are recognized for use in government communication, examinations, and legislative matters.
    • 9 Classical Languages are listed under the 8th Schedule of the Constitution, whereas, Pali and the Prakrit(s) are designated “classical” but not included in the 8th Schedule.
  • Article 120: It states that business in Parliament is to be conducted in Hindi or English. 
    • However, members can speak in their native languages with prior permission of the Presiding Officer of the house.
  • Article 210: It allows the use of Hindi, English, or the language of the respective state.
    • However, English can continue to be used for legislative purposes as long as the legislature permits it.
  • Article 345: States that the legislature of a state may adopt one or more languages for official purposes of the state, but until that happens, English will continue as an official language for those purposes.

  • Originality: The literary tradition should be original and not borrowed from another speech community.
  • Discontinuity from modern avatars: The said language and literature should be distinct from its modern format with a marked discontinuity between the classical language and its later forms or its offshoots.

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Benefits of Classical Status

  • Academic and Research Support: Establishment of Centres of Excellence for studies in classical languages.
  • International Awards: Two major annual international awards for scholars in classical languages.
  • Professional Chairs: University Grants Commission (UGC) is requested to create academic chairs for the languages in Central Universities.
  • Cultural Recognition: The recognition honours the literary and historical contributions of these languages to Indian heritage.
  • Job Creation: The preservation, documentation, and digitization of ancient texts will create employment opportunities in fields like archiving, translation, publishing, and digital media.

India’s legacy waste project under Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 has remediated just 19.43% of large dump sites by mid-2024.

About Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) 

  • Launch:  Launched by the Central government on October 2, 2014, with the goal of eliminating open defecation and creating Open Defecation Free (ODF) villages by October 2, 2019, marking Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary.

About Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 (SBM-U 2.0)

Legacy Waste Management

  • Launch: Launched in 2021 as a five-year initiative to make all cities “garbage-free” by 2026.
  • Aim: To maintain ODF status across 4,372 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
  • Nodal Ministry: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
  • Key Vision: Focus on 100% source segregation, door-to-door waste collection, and scientific management of all waste fractions.
    • Provision for scientific landfills to safely dispose of untreated inert waste and process rejects to prevent new dumpsites.
    • Under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0, all legacy landfills are to be cleared by 2026.
  • Legacy Dumpsite Remediation
    • SBM-U 2.0 includes plans to remediate all legacy waste dumpsites and convert them into green zones.
    • A total of ₹3,226 crore in Central Share (CS) assistance has been approved for this remediation effort.

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About Legacy Waste Dumpsites

  • Definition: Legacy dumpsites are waste disposal sites that have accumulated solid waste over many years in an unscientific and uncontrolled manner. 
    • Example: Mumbai’s Deonar dumpsite, Pirana site in Ahmedabad, Delhi’s Ghazipur and Bhalaswa sites, in Mumbai, Chennai’s Kodungaiyur site etc.

Legacy Waste or Aged Waste refers to waste that has accumulated over time in landfills or other disposal sites and has not been processed or treated adequately. 

    • These dumpsites have become large “garbage hills” due to the lack of proper waste management facilities. 
  • Components of Legacy waste: It includes a mix of organic waste, plastics, metals, and hazardous materials, posing significant environmental and health risks.
  • Approaches to treat Legacy waste or Aged waste:
    • Scientific Capping; Typically applied to landfills constructed scientifically (engineered landfills / sanitary landfills). It Involves covering the landfill with layers of materials to prevent leachate and gas emissions.
    • Landfill Mining / Biomining: which is a technically assisted and economically managed extraction of recyclables and other revenue-generating fractions from waste materials already been disposed of by landfilling
      • Biomining of dumpsites is typically aided by a process called bioremediation. 
    • Bioremediation: It is a  microbe-mediated degradation of organic waste carried out by adding biological inoculum to the dumpsite.
      • Bioremediation is effective only in dumpsites with higher organic content, typically where fresh waste is mixed with legacy waste.

Associated Data with Legacy Dumpsites

  • Solid Waste Management (SWM) is a State subject.
  • According to the State of India’s Environment 2023 report, Municipal solid waste generation in India is estimated to be around 1,50,000 tonnes per day
  • Dumpsites in India: India has over 3,000 legacy waste dumpsites, with 2,424 containing more than 1,000 tonnes of waste.
  • Land Clearance in Major Cities: The SBM dashboard maintained by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs showed on September 27, 2024 that out of the 69 landfill sites in cities with population over 1 million, land is yet to be cleared in 35 sites.
  • Buried Prime Real Estate: According to estimates of the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry, approximately 15,000 acres of prime real estate is buried under nearly 16 crore tonnes of legacy waste across the country.

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Hazards Associated With Legacy Waste Dumpsites

  • Health Hazard: Legacy waste dumpsites pose significant health risks to nearby communities and the workers involved in the Waste Management Chain. 
    • Legacy dumpsites can attract pests and vermin, leading to public health concerns.
    • Example: Respiratory issues, skin diseases, and other chronic health problems.
  • Environmental Hazard: These dumpsites can lead to soil and water pollution, affecting local ecosystems. Toxic leachates can contaminate groundwater sources, harming plants and animals.
    • Air quality may deteriorate due to the release of harmful gases from decomposing waste, contributing to air pollution and climate change.
  • Economic Impact: Legacy waste dumps can lower property values in nearby areas, negatively affecting real estate markets.
    • Remediation Efforts undertaken by the Governments can be expensive requiring diversion of funds from essential services.
  • Space Constraints: Growing urban populations lead to a scarcity of available land, and legacy dumpsites occupy valuable space that could be used for housing, parks, or commercial purposes.
  • Fire Hazard: These Dumpsites pose fire hazards, as decomposing organic waste can create conditions conducive for spontaneous combustion.
    • Example: Ghazipur landfill, Delhi. Fires often break out here, mostly because of the methane generated as the waste decomposes.

Key Concerns on Legacy Waste Remediation

  • Inefficient Bioremediation Methods: Bioremediation may not work effectively for all types of legacy waste, especially in older landfills where the waste composition has changed significantly over time.
    • The success of bioremediation can vary significantly based on site-specific conditions, including microbial population, moisture levels, and oxygen availability. This inconsistency can lead to unpredictable outcomes.
    • It can be a slow process, often requiring years to achieve desired results
    • Poor waste segregation at source leads to mixed waste at landfills, making bioremediation more complex and less efficient.
  • Simultaneous Dumping of Fresh Waste: Many dumpsites undergoing remediation continue to receive fresh waste, undermining the progress of clearing legacy waste and prolonging the process indefinitely.
    •  Both legacy and fresh waste management must be complementary activities.
  • Contamination Risks in Generated Material: Fine soil-like material produced from the remediation process may contain heavy metals, raising concerns about its use as compost, potentially leading to environmental and health hazards.
  • Limited Alternative Waste Processing Facilities: The lack of designated locations to process fresh waste forces continued dumping at the same sites, complicating the remediation efforts.

Possible Call of Action for Legacy Waste Management

  • Enhanced Understanding of Waste Composition: There is a need to conduct detailed analysis of legacy waste to understand its composition. This knowledge can guide effective bioremediation strategies and recycling efforts.

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Successful Examples of Legacy Waste Management in India:

  • Indore:  Indore has been recognized as one of the cleanest cities in India due to its effective waste management strategies. It has successfully remediated its landfill through bio-mining.
  • Delhi: It has developed waste-to-energy plants to convert municipal solid waste into energy, reducing the volume of waste sent to landfills. Legacy waste treatment and sorting is being carried out in the  Okhla dumpsite
  • Kerala’s Kudumbashree Mission: It empowers local self-governments to manage solid waste through community participation, focusing on source segregation and decentralised waste processing.

  • Infrastructure Development for Waste Management
    • Collection and Sorting Centers: Establish designated facilities for efficient waste collection and sorting, streamlining the waste management process.
    • Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs): Invest in MRFs to recover valuable materials from waste, enhancing recycling efforts and minimising landfill usage.
    • Wet and Dry Waste Processing Facilities: Implement separate facilities for composting organic waste and recycling dry waste to further reduce reliance on landfills.
  • Focus on Organic Waste Treatment: Promote the treatment of organic waste through composting and bio-methanation to convert waste into fuel, reducing landfill pressure.
  • Strict Implementation of Waste Management Rules: Enforce regulations like the “Polluter Pays Principle” to hold waste generators accountable and incentivize responsible waste practices.
  • 4 R’s Principle: Encourage individuals to adopt the principles of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Recover (4 R’s) at home and work to reduce waste generation effectively.
  • Utilisation of Scrap: Implement systems to recover scrap polymeric and combustible materials (4-19% of legacy waste) for producing refuse-derived fuel (RDF) for electricity generation.
    • Explore using the fine fraction of decomposed organic waste, combined with silt and construction and demolition (C&D) waste, as soil cover in engineered landfills.
  • Integration of Informal Waste Workers in Waste Management Chain: Mechanisms must be established that guarantee fair wages, access to benefits etc to the Informal Workers.
    • Additionally, training programs should be provided to enhance their skills in waste sorting, recycling, and safe handling practices, improving overall waste management efficiency.

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AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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