Citizen science helps explore biodiversity trends in India

Citizen science plays an increasing role in exploring biodiversity trends in India

Citizens are now playing an increasing role in exploring recent trends in biodiversity. A recent study on the distribution and future habitat suitability models for the Malabar tree toad of the Western Ghats utilised data from a citizen science programme known as Mapping Malabar Tree Toad initiated by the India Biodiversity Portal. The study examined the effect of climate change on the Malabar tree toad and the possibility of availability of suitable habitats for the species in protected areas, both presently and in the future.

The study used 50 years of rainfall data and found that the rapid change in rainfall could have a significant impact on the species in the next 50 to 80 years.

Citizen science programmes can provide valuable ecological data on the distribution range of species, population trends, and the patterns and drivers of change, thus aiding in the management and conservation of these species (Mongabay, India)

India conducts a first comprehensive assessment of dolphins

A recent 8,000-kilometre aquatic survey carried out in India will help get a clear picture of the Ganges (Platanista gangetica) and Indus (Platanista minor) dolphins. This is the world’s first comprehensive assessment of dolphin populations in the country.

River dolphins are indicators of a healthy river ecosystem and are crucial for the aquatic environment. However, their numbers are dwindling due to a variety of reasons.

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change have collaborated with WII to assess the population of dolphins in the two rivers. The forest departments of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Punjab have also contributed to this effort.

The survey aims to plan conservation strategy for river and marine dolphins based on a year-round monitoring at key dolphin hotspots (Down To Earth).

Mumbai to soon get rid of plastic from its rivers and oceans

The growing population, large-scale economic activities, urbanisation and industrialisation coupled with inappropriate waste management practices have led to severe pollution of rivers, lakes, ponds, creeks, as well as oceans in Mumbai with sewage, industrial pollutants, untreated waste, garbage, and plastics..

The blockage caused by plastic waste and the accumulation of solid wastes like concrete and mud in the water channels presents a huge problem during the monsoons and Mumbai residents have to deal with water-clogged roads and flooded public infrastructure almost every year.

Plastic pollution also threatens the aquatic and marine ecosystems and even the cities' natural defense - the mangroves are not able to help as they continue to be threatened because of plastic waste and toxic pollutants.

To deal with this, The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with an international environmental group, The Ocean Cleanup, and their India partner Bharat Clean Rivers Foundation.

The Ocean Cleanup has developed innovative solutions to eliminate plastic waste in oceans and other water bodies and these technology-enabled solutions will help collect floating plastic pollutants from water without harming marine life (Change Started).

Ecomark Rules, 2024 introduced to promote environmentally friendly products in India

The Indian Government has introduced a new initiative aimed at promoting eco-friendly products through a set of guidelines. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has come up with the Ecomark Rules, 2024, which will provide a label to products meeting environmentally friendly criteria to empower consumers to make informed choices about the products they purchase.

The initiative aims to support products that have a lesser negative impact on the environment, and promote lower energy consumption, resource efficiency and conservation, and a circular economy. The initiative will help prevent fake or misleading claims about the environment friendliness of any product.

To be labelled as eco friendly, the product will have to produce a licence or a certificate of conformity to Indian Standards, as granted under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 to be eligible for an ‘Ecomark’. Companies will be able to apply for an Ecomark through the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). (The Better India).

Manyachiwadi village in Maharashtra becomes the state's first to run entirely on solar power

Residents from Manyachiwadi village in Satara district of Maharashtra lived in the shadows of darkness for a long time till the women of the village decided to do something about it.

They began to save Rs 100 a month, year after year and by 2008, they pooled their resources, contributing Rs 4,500 each to install solar systems in their homes.

The village partnered with a Pune-based solar company that equipped each house with a solar panel, a battery and two 20-watt light bulbs, which helped light the village. Trained local youths ensured that the solar systems ran smoothly.

The village was able to slash its electricity expenses by 70 percent in three years by 2013 and the village was until then paying up to Rs 65,000 a month to Maharashtra State Electricity Co. Ltd (MSEDCL). Manyachiwadi now supplies its surplus electricity to the MSEDCL in exchange for the power it occasionally draws from the grid (Village Square).

This is a roundup of news updates from the 1st of October to 15th of October 2024. Please read our policy roundups here.