9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – January 6th, 2023

Print Friendly and PDF

Dear Friends,

9 PM Brief is our prime initiatives for the preparation of current affairs. What we are providing in this initiative:

  • Ensure that all relevant facts, data, and arguments from today’s newspaper are readily available to you.
  • We have widened the sources to provide you with content that is more than enough and adds value not just for GS but also for essay writing.

It is our endeavor to provide you with the best content, and your feedback is essential for the same. We will be anticipating your feedback and ensure the blog serves as an optimal medium of learning for all the aspirants.

For previous editions of 9 PM BriefClick Here

For individual articles of 9 PM BriefClick Here

Download Factly and 9 PM Weekly Compilations | Arranged Subject-wise and Topic-wise

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 1

The State blurs the distinction between legal and illegal — and punishes the poor

Source– The post is based on the article “The State blurs the distinction between legal and illegal — and punishes the poor” published in The Indian Express on 6th January 2023.

Syllabus: GS1- Urbanisation

Relevance– Issues related to land in urban areas

News– The article explains the issues of illegal encroachment in urban areas.

Why is illegal encroachment of land prevalent in India?

Encroachment on land belonging to government authorities is a big issue. This is despite the strictures of the master plan.

In our cities, land zoned for agricultural purposes has been converted to farmhouses. These areas eventually transform from being “unauthorised” to “authorised”.

In case of greenfield developments, land politics takes place. Complex financial and administrative arrangements are utilised by both private and government agents for illegal acts upon the land.

Village lands acquired by the state  are frequently taken over by well-off citizens and private developers who build private property across them. The land taken over by private companies and individuals eventually converts to legal estate.

Poor migrants to the city also occupy spaces in ad hoc ways. This requires dealing with the state, land mafias, corrupt bureaucracies and the original landowners who sell their lands for “illegal” occupation. It produces a fragile urban environment.

What are the challenges related to illegal encroachment of land?

The government action on illegal occupation depends on who occupies this land. It leads to dislocation of people. It institutionalised the illegality that is nurtured by the state.

The strategy of dealing with encroachments through demolitions and evictions mainly affect the poor. It damages already vulnerable lives while also failing as public policy.  It offers no long-lasting solution to the problems of making better cities in any way.

It diminishes public welfare by depriving populations of educational, financial, and residential security without any meaningful positive outcomes. It cannot offer any solutions to real-world problems like housing, or public infrastructure.

What is the way forward to the problem of encroachment?

There is a need for holistic urban planning that is not fractured. Multiple authorities should not be allowed free play over lands owned by them. This requires thinking of the city as an organism with complex social needs, rather than merely an economic entity.

Courts should recognise their role as protectors of citizens from the arbitrariness of state action. Cities need to develop a sense of compassion for urban life at its margins.

GS PAPER - 2

Free speech in India: How Free Speech Is Little Freer

Source: The post is based on the article “How Free Speech Is Little Freer” published in The Times of India on 6th January 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.

Relevance: About the SC ruling on free speech in India.

News: Recently, the Supreme Court has ruled that Articles 19(1) (free speech) and 21 (right to life and personal liberty) can be enforced against private entities also.

What are the salient points in the recent SC ruling on Free speech?
Read here: Supreme Court expands Article 19 ambit
What are the implications of the SC ruling on Free speech?
Read here: How Free Now? – SC did well to warn against further restrictions on free speech. But misuse of IPC provisions needs checking too
About Article 19 of the Indian Constitution
Read here: Article 19 of Indian Constitution

In short, Article 19(1)(a) gives citizens the right to freedom of speech and expression. Article 19(2) enlists certain grounds on the basis of which the state, through a law, can impose reasonable restrictions on this right.

If the restrictions imposed by a law are not ‘reasonable’, SC or a high court may strike down the law.

In Shreya Singhal case: The SC struck down Section 66A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 for imposing an unreasonable restriction on free speech. On the other hand, the court held that Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code (which criminalises sedition) imposes a reasonable restriction on free speech.

What is the constitutional history of free speech in India?

The framer of the constitution gave a right to free speech which could be restricted on explicitly stated grounds. Such as libel, slander, defamation, contempt of court, decency or morality, and anything which undermines the security of or tends to overthrow the state.

In 1950, the government banned and pre censored two weeklies respectively in the interests of public order. But the court overruled it as public order was not one of the enlisted restrictions.

Hence, the government amended Article 19(2) and introduced a host of additional grounds (including public order) to restrict free speech. More grounds were subsequently added.

How has the right to free speech in India developed since then?

The scope of the right to free speech has been incrementally expanded and the restrictions have been more clearly defined. For instance,

-SC has read the freedom of the press into Article 19(1) (a). This includes the right to freely publish and circulate information, opinions, as well as advertisements.

-SC recognised the right to know as a part of free speech by holding that voters are entitled to receive information about the criminal antecedents of candidates.

-The courts have held the significance of free speech in artistic expression also. For example, a) In 2008, the Delhi HC found that a painting by MF Husain depicting Bharat Mata did not attract any of the restrictions enlisted under Article 19(2). The court emphasised the need to strike a balance between obscenity and creativity, b) In 2018, SC held that state governments could not impose prior restraints on the exhibition of Padmaavat after the CBFC had certified it.

What is the observation of Free speech in India?

Overall, the right to free speech can only be curtailed on the basis of the enlisted grounds, and no others. The judiciary is the ultimate custodian of everyone’s free speech, irrespective of whether they are a minister or ordinary citizens.

 

 

Stabilising ties with Nepal in uncertain times

Source– The post is based on the article “Stabilising ties with Nepal in uncertain times” published in The Hindu on 6th January 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- India and its neighbourhood relations

Relevance– India and Nepal bilateral relations

News– The article explains the significance of recent election results for bilateral relations. It also explains the China factor in relationships and suggests the steps needed for improving ties.

What is the significance of election results in Nepal for bilateral relations?

Prachanda has become the Prime Minister. He decided to revive his earlier alliance with former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, who heads the CPN.

On the positive side, it includes the peaceful mainstreaming of the Maoist movement into the democratic structure, and the integration of guerrillas into the Nepal Army. The peaceful transfer of power, the adoption of a Constitution and the emergence of a federal structure are another political developments

On the negative side, the hung Parliament may lead to instability. This could translate into an inability to deal with the many daunting challenges confronting the country.

The continuing unpredictability in the India-Nepal cooperation due to frequent changes of government is another cause of concern.

Why should India not overemphasise the China factor?

India is used to dealing with political instability in Nepal and anti-India or pro-China leaders heading governments. Its focus for many years has been on non-partisan support for inclusive economic development, interdependence, communication links, and people-to-people contacts.

The extent of its linkages of history, geography, culture, religion, and economy with Nepal facilitate management of its security concerns within tolerable limits.

Moreover, leaders like Prachanda and Mr. Oli are seasoned veterans capable of making  judgments in their long-term political interests. They talk about the new government adopting a policy of “equi-proximity” with India and China.

It is evident even in robust democracies that ideological consistency has less meaning in the politician’s search for power. Labels such as ‘pro-India’ or ‘anti-India’ should not be taken very seriously. Even, ultranationalist leaders such as Mr. Oli and Prachanda have sometimes questioned the senseless opposition to India.

Public opinion in Nepal is now sensitive to Chinese intentions, the risks of falling into a debt trap, and the limitations in terms of Chinese capacities in comparison to India’s. China’s image has deteriorated because of COVID-19.

What is the way forward for the Indo-Nepal relationship?

India, however, cannot be complacent. Traditional irritants such as the 1950 India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship and the border issue should be resolved in an open and transparent manner.

Worldview of the East India Company or British India should not determine the policies. Nepal is a transforming country. India is a player on the global stage. The world itself is heading towards major transformations, changing priorities and boundless possibilities.

The COVID-19 crisis is one of the largest shocks to the global socioeconomic framework. It is the time for fresh thinking on issues like economic recovery; bilateral, sub-regional and regional cooperation; restructuring supply chains.

Other issues that need attention are security; energy cooperation; development; people-to-people contacts and soft power to maximise mutual advantage.

Empathy is an urgent necessity for sustainable friendly ties. It is the will of stakeholders from each side to understand each other’s concerns.

There is a need for a diverse but balanced and constructive approach to India-Nepal relations.

GS PAPER - 3

Jolt From Joshimath – Govts have finally woken up to a hill town being on the brink of an ecological disaster. But more needs to be done

Source: The post is based on the article “Jolt From Joshimath – Govts have finally woken up to a hill town being on the brink of an ecological disaster. But more needs to be done” published in The Times of India on 6th January 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Disaster and disaster management.

Relevance: About the construction work in the Himalayan region.

News: After protests in Uttarakhand’s Joshimath over deepening cracks in houses, the district administration has halted road and power plant construction works in the vicinity, including the char dham road work.

About the construction work in the Himalayan region

The Garhwal division is among India’s most vulnerable regions. From 1976 to 2022, multiple government committees issued warnings to stop heavy construction activities.

But the state and Centre did not halt the projects. As a result, the 2013 Uttarakhand floods, and last year’s Chamoli disaster were caused by a rock and ice avalanche that killed 200 people in Joshimath’s vicinity and damaged two hydel projects.

Read more: Reasons and Solutions for disaster management in Uttarakhand
What should be done to protect hilly and coastal regions?

Change the development strategy: Before it is too late, the government should change the frequent cave-ins and landslides marring these projects.

Revisit the quality of environmental impact assessment(EIA): For instance, Manipur’s government decided to “revisit” the Imphal-Jiribam rail link’s EIA after a landslide.

Take eco-friendly measures: By halting construction activities the government may dampen economic growth and job creation, but it significantly reduces the dangers of a huge ecological disaster.

Adequate assessment of landslide risks and proper preliminary structural engineering works are required to stabilise subsequent constructions in hilly and coastal regions.

 

Green hydrogen mission: A green promise

Source: The post is based on the following articles

“A green promise – Small enterprises can be the mainstay of the green economy” published in The Hindu on 6th January 2023.

“Green hydrogen has got a spark that it deserves” published in the Livemint on 6th January 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

Relevance: About green hydrogen mission.

News: The Union Cabinet has recently approved the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

About the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
Read here: Cabinet approves National Green Hydrogen Mission

By 2030, the mission aims to have at least 5 million metric tonnes of annual green hydrogen production, electrolyser capacity of 60-100 gigawatts and a 125-gigawatt renewable energy capacity for green hydrogen and its associated transmission network.

What is green hydrogen?
Read more: Green Hydrogen: Potential, Issues and Solutions – Explained, pointwise
What is the need for a green hydrogen mission?

a) Green hydrogen holds the promise of global leadership as the industry is still nascent worldwide, b) The EU, US and others have allocated big budgets for cleanly made hydrogen that can fuel vehicles, furnaces and other fuel-guzzlers, and c) Hydrogen is an essential industrial fuel that has a range of uses from producing ammonia, making steel and cement, to powering fuel cells that can run buses and cars. But, the cheapest way to manufacture this is to rely on fossil fuel. With a dedicated green mission India can generate it without any concerns of global warming.

What are the potential uses of Green Hydrogen?
Read here: Application of Green hydrogen

a) Ideal way to decarbonize transport and other sectors like steel, b) Provide much-needed policy flexibility for the government. For instance, as technology widens India’s fuel choice set, the government will get more space to manage external trade balances.

What are the potential challenges in implementing the green hydrogen mission?

High cost: Right now, an estimated ₹300-400 is required to produce a kilogram of green hydrogen. This must be brought down to under ₹100 for Indian output to be globally competitive.

Issue of efficiency: To improve efficiency every link of the supply chain has to be kept secure, that includes cheaply made but dependable electrolysers. Domestic energy deficiency has been a constraint in India.

India’s potential to deliver: Despite policies, India has not managed to be a net exporter of solar cells, semiconductors or wind power components. This is because India’s underlying manufacturing base continues to be weak and unable to efficiently absorb and utilise global capital.

What should be done to achieve green hydrogen mission targets?

India should move towards decarbonization. This is because at present decarbonization is a big policy focus around the world. For that, the green hydrogen mission is a good step. But it should be accompanied by a) Extension of production-linked incentive schemes to the green hydrogen sector, b) Investment in Cutting-edge R&D technologies, and c) Strengthening small manufacturing and allied enterprises’ infrastructure. This will create a strong manufacturing base as small enterprises will be the mainstay of any green economy.

 

 

Towards making India an uplinking hub

Source– The post is based on the article “Towards making India an uplinking hub” published in The Hindu on 6th January 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Relevance– Issues related to commu7nication sector

News– The article explains the major developments in the television industry since its inception. It also explains the recent policy developments in this industry and their rationale behind these policy decisions

What are recent developments in the television industry?

In 2021, the Cable Television Network Rules, 1994, were amended to include a statutory mechanism for grievance redressal of viewers relating to content broadcast by television channels.

In 2022, the Union Cabinet approved the policy guidelines for the uplinking and downlinking of television channels from India.

Uplink refers to the link from a ground station up to a satellite. Adownlink is the link from a satellite down to one or more ground stations or receivers.

What were the major developments in the television industry up to the 1990s?

Television started in India in September 1959. For almost three decades, broadcasting was solely under the control of the state.

In the early 1990s, cable television arrived in India. The government was unprepared to check transmission and broadcast through foreign satellites. Cable television networks grew at a very fast pace, and foreign television networks invaded our culture through their programmes.

In order to regulate the cable network industry and to make registration of cable operators mandatory, the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 was brought in. In 2000, the first license to set up a teleport was given. It is an earth station facility from where TV signals can be uplinked to a geostationary satellite.

After the 1990s, some people in India joined hands with some Non-Resident Indians in Hong Kong to launch the country’s first private television channel called Zee TV, in October 1992.

In the next few years, Business India Television; Asia Television Network, and Jain TV also began operating. All these channels flew out tapes every day to Hong Kong, Singapore or Moscow for uplinking. Broadcasting was obviously an expensive and cumbersome affair.

What were the developments in the television industry after the 2000s?

The  Indian broadcasters were allowed to uplink from Indian soil. The facility was made available through Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited.

Government of India, notified the ‘Guidelines for Uplinking from India’ in July 2000 and private broadcasters got permission to set up their own earth stations and to uplink. The first license was given to TV Today Network Limited in November 2000. In 2001, five broadcasters set up their earth stations with the facility to uplink.

The MIB issued uplinking and downlinking policy guidelines in 2011 for private satellite TV channels and teleports.

What is the rationale behind the recent policy guidelines for uplinking and downlinking of television channels?

The decision has been taken in view of the challenges from the evolving broadcasting technology, changes in market scenarios and other operational developments in the broadcasting sector.

The guidelines aim to create a conducive environment in line with the principle of ease of doing business on a sound regulatory framework. But more importantly, these are aimed at making India a teleport hub for other countries.

Time to take stock – on India’s military preparedness

Source: The post is based on an article “Time to take stock” published in Business Standard on 6th January 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Security

Relevance: challenges with the Indian military

News: India is the world’s only major country that faces a three-and-a-half front military threat. The article discusses the military challenges that India faces.

What are the challenges with Indian and its military?

a) threat from two nuclear armed nation (Pakistan and China), b) insurgencies in Kashmir and north-east, c) increasing threats from China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in land and in ocean, d) lack of long-term National Security Strategy (NSS), e) inadequate defence budget which leads to lack of manufacturing of defence equipment.

Moreover, India’s military deployment has now shifted its focus from Pakistan towards China and India has also made organisational changes in its military.

What organisational changes have been brought in Indian military?

Government has restructured 17 single-service commands into a smaller number of tri-service theatre commands. However, concerns such as reporting authority to which theatre commands will report in the war time still remain.

Moreover, there has been very little change in the functioning of Indian armed forces even after creating a tri-service Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in 2020.

Further, to increase the defence budget government has reduced the pension budget and has come up with Agnipath Yojana.

What can be done to improve the Indian military?

First, India remains the only major military power that has not laid out its strategic objectives in a published NSS. Therefore, it should focus on bringing a National Security Strategy (NSS). This would help in building national defence strategy with clear military ambitions.

Second, there is a need for creation of a higher defence organisation with representatives from all the ministries in order to have a national political consensus to the military.

How an orderly transition to net zero could propel growth

Source– The post is based on the article “How an orderly transition to net zero could propel growth” published in The Indian Express on 6th January 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Environment

Relevance– Issues related to climate change

News– The article explains the challenges in achieving net zero emission. It also suggests the steps needed to be taken to achieve the decarbonisation path.

India’s per capita emissions are relatively low at 1.8 tons of CO2e per person, but we are still the world’s third-largest single emitter. India has pledged for net zero by 2070.

What are the challenges faced by decarbonisation and emission reduction in India?

This will not be easy. On its current trajectory, India’s emissions are set to grow from 2.9 GtCO2e a year to 11.8 GtCO2e in 2070.

It will come with a huge cost. According to a recent McKinsey report, effective decarbonisation, down to 1.9 GtCO2e by 2070, would require India to spend a total of $7.2 trillion on green initiatives by 2050. Deeper decarbonisation that would reduce emissions to just 0.4 GtCO2e by 2050 would require $12 trillion in total green investments by 2050.

Why is the decarbonisation path beneficial for the Indian economy?

An orderly transition to net zero will create an engine for growth. If India shifted to a renewable  based energy and materials system, it could save as much as $3 trillion in foreign exchange by 2070.

India is in a situation where scope for investment is large. Three-quarters of the buildings, infrastructure, and industrial capacity of India in 2050 is yet to be built. We have a choice to invest in current technologies or to invest futuristically.

Futuristic investment will need India to take urgent actions on regulation, technology development, and technology adoption. This is something that India has done before. In renewable power, it has built the right policies, strong institutions and industrial capabilities in the last decade.

India also has other advantages. For example, it has high taxation on automotive fuels. This makes electric vehicles competitive against petrol or diesel ones.

What is the way forward to net zero in India?

There is a need to set out five-year, 10-year, and 25-year national decarbonisation plans. The green technologies require higher upfront investment and.

There is a need to define a national land use plan. India can have a shortage of land for its dual goals of growth and decarbonisation. McKinsey estimates that renewable power and forest carbon sinks need 18 million additional hectares of land.

India would need to maximise the use of barren land for renewable power, urbanise vertically, improve agricultural productivity, and increase forest density. It requires establishing a national authority, in consultation with the states, to set land-use guidelines.

It is required to accelerate compliance with carbon markets. Pricing carbon creates demand signals that accelerate emissions reductions.

India needs imagination, realism, determination and a sense of urgency to achieve net zero.

Cleaning of River Ganga – Explained, pointwise

For 7PM Editorial Archives click HERE
Introduction

The meeting of the National Ganga Council was held recently. National Ganga Council is the apex body for superintendence, direction and control for the initiatives for the cleaning of River Ganga under the Namami Gange Mission. At the meeting, National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) informed the Council that the Union Government has spent more than INR 13,000 crore on cleaning the Ganga since 2014. In December 2021, the Director-General of NMCG had informed that large stretches of the Ganga river have been cleaned, but the mission is not over yet. There are several challenges in cleaning of River Ganga. The Government must continue its mission-mode approach till the entire stretch of the river is clean and rejuvenated.

What are the major pollutants polluting the River Ganga?

Industrial Effluents: Industrial effluents from manufacturing and other units are discharged untreated into the river Ganga. Many big and small cities and industrial towns are situated on banks of the Ganga including Kanpur, Prayagraj, Varanasi etc.

Domestic Sewerage: Domestic sewerage waste, especially in large urban centres, is discharged untreated into the Ganga. In addition, the use of detergents by laundry services (dhobis) which wash clothes on the river banks contribute to chemical pollution in the river.

Agricultural Waste: Pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers used in farms ultimately reaches the river through run-off. The Indo-Gangetic plains feed ~40% of the Indian population.

Solid and Bio-medical Waste Disposal: Domestic and other solid waste is dumped directly or indirectly into the river throughout the entire stretch. Moreover, the waste from hospitals and nursing homes, which should be appropriately treated, are disposed of untreated into the rivers resulting in polluted water giving rise to several water-borne diseases.

Social and Cultural Practices: Practices like cremation of dead bodies on river banks, and religious offerings in the river also result in local pollution.

Water Extraction: A vast quantity of water is extracted from the Ganga River (through canals, urban water supply systems) which reduce river run-off. Construction of dams (Uttarakhand) have also reduced flow of fresh water. While this does not directly result in pollution, the reduced run-off increases the severity of pollution from other sources.

What steps have been taken for the cleaning of River Ganga?

Ganga Action Plan (GAP): It was launched in 1986. The primary purpose of this plan was to clean up the Ganga River by reducing and removing pollution from cities along its banks. The Central Ganga Authority was founded in 1985, and a Ganga action plan was launched in 1986 to clean up the Ganga.

Central Ganga Authority (CGA): It was created under the Ministry of Environment. The CGA was responsible for the implementation of the Ganga Action Plan and for establishing future policies and programs. It was later renamed the National River Conservation Authority (NRCA).

National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA): The Government constituted the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) in February 2009 under Section 3(3) of the Environment Protection Act, 1986. The NGRBA was a planning, financing, monitoring and coordinating body of the Union and the State Governments. The objective of the NGRBA is to ensure effective abatement of pollution and conservation of the river Ganga by adopting a river basin approach for comprehensive planning and management.

Namami Gange Programme: It is an Integrated Conservation Mission (approved as ‘Flagship Programme’) launched by the Union Government in June 2014 with budget outlay of INR 20,000 Crore to accomplish the twin objectives of effective abatement of pollution, and conservation and rejuvenation of River Ganga. The Ministry of Jal Shakti is responsible for its implementation. The Vision for Ganga Rejuvenation includes restoring the Aviral Dhara (Continuous Flow ), Nirmal Dhara (Unpolluted Flow), Geologic Entity (protection of geological features) and Ecological Entity (protection of aquatic biodiversity).

The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and its State counterpart organisations, known as State Program Management Groups (SPMGs), are in charge of putting the programme into action. The Main Pillars of the Programme are: (a) Sewerage Treatment Infrastructure; (b) River-Surface Cleaning; (c) Afforestation; (d) Industrial Effluent Monitoring; (e) River-Front Development; (f) Biodiversity (g) Public Awareness; (h) Ganga Gram.

National Mission for Clean Ganga(NMCG): It is a statutory authority established under the National Council for River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Act, 2016. In 2016, the Government issued a notification to authorise the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) to exercise powers under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

What are the challenges in cleaning of River Ganga?

Sewage Treatment: It have been at the centre of Ganga pollution abatement. Despite initiatives, there are challenges like delay in new projects because of land acquisition and other procedural requirements, poor performance of Sewage treatment plants (STPs) and lack of sewerage network in cities. Industries find it easy to dispose their entire waste in the common drain which carries both domestic as well as industrial waste into the river. This is due to lax implementation.

Restoring the Flow: With enough flow, a  river acts as self-purifying system. However, the Ganga fails this basic test except during monsoons. So it’s not just about unclean Ganga. It is about the existence of Ganga (or adequate water flow). Due to restrictions and decrease in flow, the velocity of water decreases and siltation increases and the self-purification capacity decreases.

Sludge Control: While the containment of human waste has be largely achieved by Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) through construction of toilet in Ganga grams, its safe disposal still poses a huge challenge. Faecal sludge is a bigger pollutant than sewerage. While the BOD of sewage is 150-300 mg/l, that of faecal sludge would be 15,000-30,000 mg/l.

Sludge Load in Ganga Cleaning of River Ganga UPSC

Source: Down to Earth

Cost Overruns: The costs of the programme have increased as a result of delays in multiple projects, and ineffective financial management.

Governance Issues: The Ganga Action Plans lacked the coordination of various Ministries. Lack of coordination results in faulty execution, delays and cost overruns.

What more should be done for cleaning of River Ganga?

Autonomous Agency: Experts contend that National Ganga Council (NGC) should be an autonomous agency independent from the Government. Environmental Experts who are familiar with the river should be members of this body rather than bureaucrats because they have more relevant experience.

Improving Flow: The designs of hydroelectric projects can be tweaked in such a manner that they consume less water. Lesser storage will improve water-flow downstream restoring the self-purifying capabilities of the Ganga river. It may raise the cost of the projects but should be done for long-term preservation of the Ganga.

Better Coordination: The National Ganga Council met after ~3 years. More frequent meetings will help improve coordination between Ministries and Union and State Governments.

Decentralisation: Some critics argue that the Programme is centralized, largely driven by the Union Government. Greater involvement of State and Local Governments (bottom-up approach) can help in better implementation.

Initiatives by NMCG: Environment Experts have suggested several steps that NMCG can undertake for Ganga Rejuvenation like decentralised Sewage Treatment Plants (dSTPs), develop local storages (ponds/wetlands), identify and protect ‘river corridors’, restoring base flow through groundwater recharge etc.

Steps by NMCG for Cleaning of River Ganga UPSC

Source: Down to Earth

Conclusion

The Director General of NMCG has said that there has been considerable improvement in the status of cleaning of Ganga river. The Central Pollution Control Board and a special cell have been monitoring real-time water quality of Ganga. In terms of Dissolved Oxygen (DO), the entire stretch of Ganga meets the standards from Uttarakhand to West Bengal. These are measured at nearly 90 stretches. The Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels are met in at least 60. The Kanpur BOD used to be 10 at one point and now is 3-4. So, there is significant improvement. Yet, there are many challenges that remain, and Ganga is far from being free of pollution. The Government should build on the success of the programme and scale up its efforts till the River Ganga is restored to its pristine glory.

Syllabus: GS III, Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation.

Source: Indian Express, Indian Express, Down to Earth, Down to Earth, The Hindu, NMCG

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Sorry, there are no articles today from this source

Blog
Academy
Community