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Tag: Jharkhand climate change initiatives

  • “Comprehensive Guide to Jharkhand’s Environment, Climate Action & Forest Policies”

    Jharkhand, rich in natural resources and biodiversity, has been taking remarkable strides in environmental protection and climate resilience over the past decade. With the launch of key policies like the Mukhyamantri Jan Van Yojana (2015) to boost afforestation, the Eco-Tourism Policy (2015) to promote sustainable travel, and the targeted implementation of the Forest Rights Act, the state is actively involving local communities in conservation efforts. Additionally, ambitious schemes like MGNREGA-based Dobha Construction aim to combat drought through rainwater harvesting, while the Jharkhand State Climate Change Cell works on climate monitoring and adaptation. Initiatives supporting lac cultivation in tribal districts such as Khunti and Simdega, along with modern solid waste management projects through PPP models, reflect the state’s integrated approach to environmental sustainability. Efforts are further strengthened through the Jharkhand Renewable Energy Development Agency (JREDA) and the adoption of the Jharkhand Energy Policy 2012, which emphasize the shift toward solar and wind energy. Rare species conservation like Kalpataru trees and innovative academic collaborations such as the IGNOU-led watershed management diploma place Jharkhand at the forefront of eco-conscious governance. This blog offers a comprehensive overview of Jharkhand’s green policies, sustainable development goals, and climate action initiatives, which are crucial for aspirants of competitive exams like JPSC, JSSC, and UPSC, as well as for researchers and environmental enthusiasts alike.

    What is Environment?

    • The environment is the surrounding composed of biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components.
      • Biotic components: Microorganisms, plants, animals, and humans.
      • Abiotic components: Air, water, soil, mountains, plateaus, rocks, and associated processes.
    • Environment is classified into:
      • Natural Environment: Formed by nature (air, water, soil, plants, animals).
      • Cultural (Man-made) Environment: Modified by human activities like industry, agriculture, urbanization, and transport.
    • Key Concern: Uncontrolled human interference has led to pollution, climate change, biodiversity loss, and natural disasters, making immediate corrective actions necessary.

    Environmental Pollution

    • Definition: The entry of undesirable substances (pollutants) into the environment.
    • Pollutants may be solid, liquid, gas, or forms of energy like noise, heat, or radioactivity.

    Types of Pollution:

    1. Air Pollution
    2. Water Pollution
    3. Soil Pollution
    4. Noise Pollution
    5. Thermal Pollution

    Air Pollution

    • Defined as the imbalance in the composition of atmospheric gases due to physical, chemical, or biological particles.

    Key Causes:

    • Uncontrolled deforestation for human needs ➤ ↓ Oxygen, ↑ CO₂
    • Emissions from industries and vehicles ➤ Sulphur oxides, Nitrogen oxides, CFCs, CO, CO₂
    • Methane emissions from agricultural marshlands ➤ A major greenhouse gas

    Greenhouse Effect & Global Warming:

    • Carbon dioxide is the most responsible gas for the enhanced greenhouse effect.
    • Other gases: Methane, CFCs, HFCs, Sulphur & Nitrogen oxides
    • Effect: Increase in Earth’s average temperature ➤ Global Warming

    Global Warming

    • Leads to:
      • Rising global temperatures
      • Increased humidity
      • More intense tropical cyclones, especially affecting Jharkhand via Bay of Bengal storms ➤ Loss of life & property
      • Altered rainfall patterns (e.g., changes in El-Niño) ➤ Negative effect on Indian monsoon & agriculture

    Ozone Depletion

    • Ozone layer in the atmosphere absorbs UV rays, protecting life from skin cancer and other diseases.
    • Cause: Increased CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons) ➤ Ozone depletion
    • Consequences:
      • More UV radiation
      • Enhanced global warming
      • Adverse effects on photosynthesis and plant productivity
      • Damage to genetic structure of living organisms ➤ Decreased immunity and resistance
      • Rise in skin cancer, cataract, and other skin/eye diseases

    Note: Jharkhand’s vegetation-rich areas are negatively impacted due to ozone depletion, affecting biodiversity and ecosystem balance.

    Acid Rain

    • Cause: Emission of Sulphur and Nitrogen oxides from fossil fuels

    Jharkhand-specific Issues:

    • Tribal and rural populations still use firewood and fossil fuels due to lack of awareness.
    • Rapid increase in vehicle numbers post state formation ➤ Use of petrol & diesel

    Effects of Acid Rain:

    • Increased soil acidity ➤ Reduced fertility
    • Water pollution ➤ Affects aquatic ecosystems & biodiversity
    • Chemical erosion of historical monuments

    Water Pollution

    • Occurs when dissolved or insoluble substances in water increase, changing color, taste, and quality.

    Major Causes:

    • Dumping of domestic waste: human waste, plastics, etc. into water bodies.
    • Industrial effluents: Chemicals, acids, alkalis from factories.
    • Pesticides and fertilizers washed off into rivers by rain.

    Effects:

    • Unclean drinking water ➤ Health hazards
    • Reduced soil fertility when polluted water enters the land
    • Loss of biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems

    Soil Pollution

    • Defined as undesirable changes in the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil.

    Consequences:

    • Reduced soil quality
    • Negative impact on plant growth
    • Health risks to humans and animals
    • Decreased biodiversity

    Key Causes:

    • Use of plastic bags
    • Excessive chemicals and pesticides
    • Deforestation ➤ Leads to soil erosion
    • Water pollution

    Exam Note:

    Facts marked with an asterisk (*) have been asked in various competitive exams conducted in Jharkhand. They are important for JPSC, JSSC, and other state-level examinations.

    Soil Acidity in Jharkhand

    • Nearly 10 lakh hectares of cultivable land in Jharkhand is acidic, with a pH below 5.5.
    • More than 50% of the total land in the northeastern regions (Dhanbad, Giridih, Hazaribagh, Bokaro, Jamtara, Ranchi) is acidic.

    Deficiency of Nutrients in Soil

    • Phosphorus Deficiency (80%):
      • Affects Gumla, Simdega, West Singhbhum, East Singhbhum, Seraikela-Kharsawan.
    • Sulphur Deficiency (60–80%):
      • Found in Lohardaga, Latehar, East Singhbhum.
    • Sulphur Deficiency (30–60%):
      • Seen in Ranchi, Gumla, East Singhbhum, Seraikela-Kharsawan.
    • Sulphur Deficiency (5–30%):
      • Reported in Garhwa, Deoghar, Dumka, Sahibganj, Godda and others.

    Noise Pollution

    • Defined as unwanted sound that adversely affects physical and mental health of living beings.
    • Global safe limits:
      • Day: 45 decibels
      • Night: 35 decibels
    • Major causes:
      • Anthropogenic: Industries, transport, and entertainment systems.
      • Natural: Thunderstorms, rainfall, lightning, cyclones, etc.

    Thermal Pollution

    • Caused by hot water discharge used to cool thermal and nuclear plants.
    • It severely impacts aquatic ecosystems and animal health.

    Climate Change

    • Defined as changes in climate over time, typically studied over 15-year periods.
    • A grave global issue now threatening the biosphere’s existence.

    Major Causes of Climate Change

    • Increase in greenhouse gases.
    • Rise in ozone-depleting substances.
    • Increase in pollutants causing acid rain.

    Consequences of Climate Change

    • In humid tropical regions:
      • Increased humidity and rainfall.
      • Rise in cyclone intensity and frequency.
      • Floods due to heavy rain.
    • In arid/semi-arid zones:
      • Higher evaporation rates.
      • Drought-like conditions due to water source depletion.
    • In mid-latitude regions:
      • Increased cyclone formation and flooding.
    • In high-latitude regions:
      • Glacial melt, flooding, and rise in sea level.

    Global Climate Change Initiatives

    • 1979: First Climate Conference in Geneva.
    • 1985: Vienna Convention in Austria to address ozone depletion (focus on CFCs and Methyl Bromide).
    • 1987: Montreal Protocol signed in Canada to ban CFCs.
      • September 16 declared as World Ozone Day.
    • 1992: Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
      • Formation of UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change).
    • 1994: Beginning of COP Conferences.
    • 1997: Kyoto Protocol signed in Japan to reduce carbon emissions.

    Jharkhand’s Response to Climate Change

    • Establishment of a State Climate Centre with support from UNDP.
    • On 30 June 2008, the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) was released.
    • In 2013, Jharkhand released its own SAPCC (State Action Plan on Climate Change).
      • Seraikela-Kharsawan identified as the most climate-vulnerable district.
    • Green India Mission also selected Seraikela-Kharsawan under NAPCC.
    • CCKN-IA (Climate Change Knowledge Network in Indian Agriculture) launched in 2013:
      • Focus on ICT-based platforms to support agriculture.
      • Implemented in Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Odisha.

    Climate Change Impacts on Jharkhand

    • By 2050, summer temperatures may increase by 2–3°C, while winter temperatures may rise by 4.7–5.2°C.
    • Only 23% of Jharkhand’s land is under agriculture, which heavily depends on monsoons.
    • Of India’s 15 agro-climatic zones, 3 are in Jharkhand:
      • Central North-Eastern Plateau
      • Western Plateau
      • South-Eastern Plateau
    • Agriculture contributes ~17% to Jharkhand’s GSDP.
      • 70% of the population depends on agriculture.
    • Average annual rainfall: 1149.3 mm, of which:
      • 83% from South-West monsoon.
      • 6.5% from retreating monsoon.
      • 4% from western disturbances.
      • 6.5% from pre-monsoon showers.
    • In the last 100 years, Jharkhand has lost 150 mm of annual rainfall.

    Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation in Jharkhand

    • Jharkhand is nationally recognized for its rich climate and biodiversity.
    • Forest regions like Netarhat, Pithoria Valley, Saranda, Parasnath Hills, Dalma Hills, Hazaribagh, and Palamu are biodiversity hotspots.

    Threats to Biodiversity

    • Rising pollution has adversely impacted plant and animal life.
    • Deforestation due to:
      • Industrialization
      • Road construction
      • Expansion of agriculture
    • This leads to both environmental degradation and biodiversity loss.

    Government Conservation Efforts

    • The Department of Forest, Environment, and Climate Change is actively involved in:
      • Afforestation
      • Public awareness campaigns
      • Legal measures to control pollution

    Vultures – Endangered in Jharkhand

    • Three vulture species found in Jharkhand:
      • Gyps bengalensis
      • Gyps indicus
      • Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus)
    • Rapid decline in population due to:
      • Use of Diclofenac (painkiller used in veterinary care) ❗
      • Loss of nesting trees due to deforestation.

    Afforestation & Green Initiatives

    • In 2015, the “Mukhyamantri Jan Van Yojana” was launched to increase forest cover across the state.
      Under this scheme, people are encouraged to plant trees on private land, with the Forest Department reimbursing 75% of the plantation and maintenance cost.
      ⭐ Frequently asked in competitive exams.
    • The state encourages the eco-friendly plantation of “Kalpataru” trees, known for high water retention and suitability in arid regions.
      India has only 9 Kalpataru trees, out of which 4 are found in Jharkhand.
      ⭐ Important for state-level environmental facts.

    Eco-Tourism Policy (2015)

    • Jharkhand introduced an Eco-Tourism Policy in 2015 to promote sustainable tourism and biodiversity conservation.
    • Key destinations being developed under this initiative include:
      • Fossil Park in Sahibganj
      • Canary Hill in Hazaribagh
      • Trikut Hills in Deoghar
      • Tilaiya Dam in Koderma
      • Palamu Tiger Reserve
      • Netarhat in Latehar
      • Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary in Jamshedpur
      • Parasnath Hills in Giridih
    • To enhance community participation, local villagers are being trained as ‘Nature Guides’, promoting tourism-based livelihoods.

    Water Resource Conservation

    • To combat drought conditions, the state launched the Dobha Construction Program under MGNREGA.
      • In 2016-17, ₹200 crore was allocated for this program.
      • A target of 6 lakh Dobhas (small water harvesting ponds) was set for that fiscal year.

    Forest Rights Act Implementation

    • Under the Forest Rights Act, land titles are distributed to Scheduled Tribes and traditional forest dwellers residing on forest land since before 2006.
      ⭐ Frequently asked in tribal and forest policy topics.

    Urban Environmental Awareness

    • Recreational Parks are being developed in urban areas to:
      • Spread awareness about environmental protection
      • Educate the public on pollution control and climate change

    Lac Cultivation and Livelihood Promotion

    • The government is promoting lac cultivation as a sustainable livelihood.
    • Target districts: Ranchi, Khunti, West Singhbhum, Simdega, Gumla, Latehar, Palamu
    • Implementation through Forest Management Committees and Self-Help Groups (SHGs)

    Solid Waste Management (SWM)

    • Approved under PPP mode in Ranchi, Pakur, Dhanbad, and Chakulia.
    • Hitachi (Japan) has been invited to set up a waste-to-energy plant.
    • Essel Eco has been entrusted with Ranchi’s sanitation and waste management for the next 25 years.

    Climate Change Action

    • The Government of India launched eight national missions on climate change.
    • In response, Jharkhand has established the Jharkhand State Climate Change Cell for interdepartmental coordination. The cell focuses on:
      • Balancing economic development and ecological stability
      • Alleviating poverty
      • Securing livelihoods
    • Jharkhand is witnessing significant climate variability:
      • Between 2020 and 2050, expected:
        • Summer temperatures to rise by 2–3°C
        • Winter temperatures by 4–5°C
    • The Climate Change Cell has set goals to:
      • Identify climate-affected areas
      • Map highly sensitive regions
      • Monitor pollution from coal and mining industries
      • Integrate vulnerable zones into state policies and planning

    Pollution Control and Environmental Regulation

    • The Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board (JSPCB) was established in 2001.
      • A regulatory body that enforces pollution control standards.
      • Encourages industries to adopt advanced and clean technologies.

    Renewable Energy Promotion

    • In 2012, the Jharkhand Energy Policy was declared.
      • Focus: Promotion of non-conventional energy sources
    • In 2001, the Jharkhand Renewable Energy Development Agency (JREDA) was formed to drive clean energy development.
      ⭐ Often cited in energy and environment sections of competitive exams.

    Water Policy and Disaster Resilience

    • Jharkhand State Water Policy (2011) aims at sustainable water management.
      • Developed to reduce vulnerability to natural disasters such as droughts and floods.

    Education & Skill Development in Water Management

    • IGNOU, in collaboration with the Jharkhand Watershed Mission, offers a diploma course in Watershed Management.
      • Jharkhand is the first state in India to do so.
        ⭐ A frequently cited fact in environment and education-related questions.

    Conservation of Endangered Plant Species

    • The state is also taking steps to protect rare species like:
      • Makhan Katori plant
      • Shivalingam flower

    Summary of Key Highlights

    • Mukhyamantri Jan Van Yojana (2015) reimburses 75% tree planting cost.
    • Eco-Tourism Policy enhances tourism and local livelihood.
    • 6 lakh Dobhas targeted in 2016-17 to fight drought.
    • JREDA (2001) and Energy Policy (2012) promote renewables.
    • Solid waste-to-energy plants planned with Japanese collaboration.
    • Climate Change Cell maps vulnerable areas and controls mining pollution.
    • Kalpataru trees, rare and water-efficient, being preserved in the state.
    • Jharkhand first in India to offer watershed management diploma via IGNOU.