23-Jan-2023: Concerns Over Aravali Safari Park
- Environmental Activists raise concerns over the 10,000-acre Aravali safari park Project proposed in Haryana.
- This project will be the largest such project in the world, aiming to boost tourism and employment opportunities for the local people.
- The project is being conceived and designed as a zoo safari and not a natural jungle safari to see native Aravalli wildlife in their natural habitat.
- Conservation of the Aravallis does not even get a mention in the aims of the project mentioned in the Proposition.
- Vehicular traffic and construction in the area, the proposed safari park will also disturb the aquifers under the Aravalli hills that are critical reserves for the water-starved districts.
- The group has objected to the ‘underwater zone’ envisioned in the park since the site is a “water-scarce region”.
- The location falls under the category of ‘forest’ and is protected under the Forest Conservation Act 1972.
- The construction proposed by the Haryana tourism department in May 2022 would be illegal and further damage the already damaged Aravalli ecosystem.
- Wildlife and Forests are protected in India through the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, Protected Areas, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), National Green Tribunal, Indian Forest Act, 1927, The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2006, Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, and Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.
16-Jan-2023: Water Crisis Due to Dam Sedimentation
United Nations Institute for Water, Environment and Health report on dam sedimentation
- In 2050, 50,000 large dams across the world will lose 24-28% water storage capacity due to sediment trapped in them
- Water reservoirs have already lost about 13-19% capacity to sedimentation
- United Kingdom, Panama, Ireland, Japan, and Seychelles will experience the highest water storage losses by 2050 from 35-50% of their original capacities
What is Sedimentation with Respect to Dams?
Sedimentation is the accumulation of sediments such as sand, gravel, and silt at the bottom of a reservoir created by a dam. This reduces the overall storage capacity of the reservoir and may require dredging to remove the sediment.
What is Dredging?
- Dredging is the process of removing sediment that has accumulated at the bottom of a reservoir
- Mechanical dredging with a dredge machine or hydraulic dredging with a high-pressure water jet can be used
- The sediment removed during dredging is typically disposed of in a designated area away from the dam
Causes of Sedimentation
- Erosion upstream of the dam
- Runoff from urban and agricultural areas
- Natural processes
- Climate change
- Deforestation
- Poor dam maintenance
Consequences of Dam Sedimentation
Environmental:
- Reduced water storage capacity in the reservoir
- Increased risk of dam failure
- Loss of habitat for aquatic species
Economic:
- Increased cost of maintenance and dredging
- Loss of hydroelectric power generation
- Reduced irrigation and water supply for agriculture and industry
- Loss of revenue from recreational activities
- Damage to dam structure and turbines
Solutions:
- Regular inspections and monitoring
- Emergency action plans
- Environmental impact assessment
- Public consultation and participation in the decision-making process
10-Jan-2023: Northern Coalfields Limited to Produce M-Sand from Overburden
Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), the Miniratna coal-producing company is all set to start production of ‘M-Sand’-the core material used in construction in civil works in its Amlohri Project. The initiative is based on promoting sustainable practices under the mentorship of the Ministry of Coal for maximizing the utilization of natural resources and minimizing the adverse impact of mining. Eyeing on business diversification while focusing on the ecological balance, the company has set up a Sand manufacturing plant using its Over Burden (OB) as raw material.
This pro-environment initiative of the company will assist to conserve river bed erosion and preserve aquatic ecosystems. Recently NCL has secured consent to operate (CTO) which paves the path towards commercial production and auction of M-Sand which is likely to begin next month.
A whopping 410 Million Cubic Meters of Over Burden (OB) is required to be removed to extract the coal below. The material above the coal seam (layer) is known as Overburden (OB). This huge quantity is roughly 4 times the amount of coal to be extracted. NCL produces over 122 Million Tonnes of coal annually from its 10 open-pit mines. The huge quantity of Over Burden (OB) occupies large space and is a waste material.
The groundbreaking initiative is a win-win situation for the company, government, and local stakeholders. NCL will produce about 3 Lakh Cubic Meters of M-Sand annually and will be using 1429 Cubic Meters Over Burden each day to make 1000 Cubic Meters of sand per day. The ‘M-Sand’ produced will be e-auctioned at a much cheaper base price and of superior or par quality compared to presently available sand in the market.
After the successful commencement of this plant, the company is also considering to establish more such innovative Over Burden to M-Sand making units in different production projects. In the backdrop of NCL’s topsoil having good composition of silica, the possibility is also being explored for making Solar Panels, Glass, GRP Pipes and other materials.
NCL is one of the flagship subsidiaries of Coal India Limited, known for its 10 highly mechanized mines and its pivotal role in catering to the power sector. The company is located in Singrauli and Sonbhadra districts of MP and UP states respectively and has been entrusted with coal production and dispatch targets of 122 million tonnes in the current fiscal 2022-23.