Syllabus- Natural resources: Forest resources- Commercialization of forests – Forest Acts vs Forest dwellers/ users; Water: surface water and groundwater, competing demand for water – drinking, industrial and agriculture.
Number of questions- Mains: 02, Prelims – 10
Mains Questions of the day-
1.Recently, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has released the report with the theme ‘overcoming water challenges in agriculture’. What has made Indian agriculture practices water inefficient? What is being done by the government to overcome water challenges in agriculture?
Introduction:
Discuss some important current statics related to the water use in agriculture sector.
Body:
- Explain the reasons of inefficient use of water in agriculture.
- Mention the government initiatives to overcome those challenges.
Conclusion:
- Climate sensitive agricultural policies:
Price reforms and doing away with unsustainable subsidy is need of the hour for resolving the water crisis caused by the agriculture.
- The spread of drip and sprinkler irrigation systems should be increased rapidly with state support.
- Promotion of new agronomic practices:
- Like sub-surface irrigation, raised bead planting ridge-furrow method of sowing, and precision farming, Zero budget natural farming, conservation farming etc.
- They have the potential to enhance water-use efficiency in agriculture.
- The need to “produce more with less” is underscored by the fact that 90% of freshwater consumption in India is cornered by the agriculture sector.
- With the growing population demand for fresh water would also rise.
- Therefore, holistic and integrated approach should be devised for efficient conservation and utilization of water mainly in agriculture.
Content:
- Depletion of water resources due to overuse and decline in water supplies due to climate change is pushing India closer to the tipping point of water scarcity.
- Apart from these, several government policies especially pertaining to Agriculture (minimum support price), also resulted in over-exploitation of water.
- The fact that 90% of freshwater consumption in India is cornered by the agriculture sector
The following are the reasons of inefficient water usage in agriculture: –
- Water intensive crops:
The most important crops of India like rice, wheat and sugarcane, are the most water consuming crops.
- Unintended consequences of government policies that changed the cropping pattern for worse: This resulted in withdrawal of more ground water for sustaining and enhancing the production.
For example:
- Green revolution led to marginalization of water efficient crops (millets, oilseeds and pulses) and promotion of water intensive wheat and rice.
- Rice and sugarcane are more suitable for eastern states (they receive better rainfall and are also endowed with perennial rivers).
- However, Punjab produces more rice and Maharashtra produces more Sugarcane than eastern states.
- Degradation of soil in Green revolution belt reduced the water productivity:
- Excessive use of fertilizers and chemicals has degraded the soils in these areas thereby reducing the water holding capacity (WHC) of soil.
- This resulted in increased demand of water for cultivation.
- For example: Punjab requires 2-3 times more water than Bihar and West Bengal to produce a kilogram of rice.
- Traditional irrigation practices:
Majority of the farmers practice flood irrigation method which has only 50% water use efficiency.
- Poor conservation of water:
- According to the Central Water Commission, India requires at most 3,000 billion cubic meters of water annually and receives 4,000 billion cubic meters of rain.
- However, India captures only 8% of its annual rainfall (the lowest in the world).
- Additionally, about 80% of the water that reaches households, leaves as waste and pollutes our water bodies and environment.
The following are the government schemes/policies to overcome water challenges in Agriculture:
- Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY):
It is an overreaching scheme of Ministry of agriculture cooperation and farmer’s welfare with vision to ensure access to some means of protective irrigation to all agricultural farms in the country (Har Khet ko Pani).
Two of its components ensure high water use efficiency of irrigation projects.
- Per Drop More Crop (PMKSY- PDMC) focusing on micro irrigation systems (sprinkler, drip, pivots, rain-guns etc.) that promote precision farming by making water available in a targeted manner to the root zone of crops.
- Watershed Development Component of PMKSY (WDC-PMKSY): This component pertains to effective management of runoff water and improved soil & moisture conservation activities such as ridge area treatment, drainage line treatment, rain water harvesting, in – situ moisture conservation and other allied activities on watershed basis.
- Micro irrigation fund:
- Micro Irrigation Fund corpus of Rs. 5000 crores have been created with National Bank of Agricultural and Rural Development (NABARD) to supplement the PMKSY-PDMC.
- It aims to extend loans to state governments to undertake special and innovative projects in micro irrigation.
- Jal Shakti Abhiyaan:
A campaign for water conservation and water security was launched by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The campaign is driven by citizen participation and has 5 important water conservation interventions:
- Rainwater harvesting
- Renovation of traditional and other water bodies/tanks
- Reuse bore well recharge structures
- Watershed development and
- Intensive afforestation.
- Crop diversification/Promotion of millets:
- Millets consists of Jowar, Bajra, Ragi and minor millets together termed as nutri-cereals (due to presence of high amount of micronutrients).
- These are climate smart crops (resistant to climate change) are highly resistant to water scarcity.
- Therefore, following efforts are made for their promotion (enhancing cultivation and consumption):
- Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare is running a Rs 600-crore scheme to increase the area, production and yield of nutri-cereals.
- Minimum support price (MSP) on millets was hiked this year.
- Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is preparing a perspective Action Plan for increasing export of Millet and Millet Products for a period five years (2021-2026).
2.All state governments need to speed-up the implementation of Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006. Mention the issues in effective implementation of Forest Rights Act 2006?
Introduction:
Write briefly about Forest Rights Act 2006 and its importance in India.
Body:
Mention the issues in effective implementation of FR Act.
Conclusion:
- The implementation of FRA should not be seen as a strategy merely to enhance the welfare of the tribal communities but also as an effective strategy for the protection of forests too.
Content:
Forest Rights Act 2006:
- It provides the forest dwelling scheduled tribes (FDSTs) and other traditional forest dwellers (OTFDs) for the individual and community forest rights that are categorised into following types:
- Title rights:
Ownership of land that is being cultivated by tribals or forest dwellers as on 13 December 2005, subject to a maximum of 4 hectares.
- Community rights:
Community Rights are given to activities such as grazing areas, fishing, accessing water bodies in forests, to pastoralist routes, etc. and to intellectual property and traditional knowledge related to biodiversity and cultural diversity
- Relief and development rights:
Relief and development rights to rehabilitation in case of illegal eviction or forced displacement, and to basic amenities, subject to restrictions for forest protection.
- Forest management rights:
These rights to protect, regenerate or conserve or manage any community forest resource which the communities have been traditionally protecting and conserving for sustainable use.
- Right to collect and sell minor forest produce (MFP):
These include forest products like tendu leaves, honey and other products that have commercial value.
- Knowledge Rights:
Right to intellectual property and traditional knowledge, recognition of traditional customary rights.
- The Gram Sabha is the authority to initiate the process for determining the Individual Forest Rights (IFR) or Community Forest Rights (CFR) or both that may be given to FDST and OTFD.
- The Act also defines: Community Forest Resource, Minor Forest produce, FDST, OTFD, Critical Wildlife Habitat, Forest villages.
Importance of Forest rights in India:
- Reversing the historical Injustice:
By recognising the rights that were denied to FDST and OTFD since colonial times.
- Curbing extremism:
Implementation of FRA in Left Wing Extremism affected districts not only leads to the development of forest dwellers but also build a relationship of trust and bond between them and the government, thereby reducing land conflict and other grievances.
- Conservation of forests:
By recognizing the symbiotic relationship of the forest dwelling communities with the forests.
- Decentralization:
It provides for democratic decentralisation through Gram Sabhas which facilitates communities to discuss, debate, decide, and effectively implement forest management plans.
Issues in effective implementation of the Act:
- High rejection of claims:
A large number of claims are being rejected; pending or limited rights are recognised.
- Lack of awareness and capacity:
Many tribal communities or grama sabhas are unaware of the provisions of Forest Rights Act (and especially Community Forest Rights). Hence, they have not taken adequate efforts to file their claims.
- Diversion of tribal Lands:
As per a study, there has already been a diversion of around 0.39 million hectares (ha) of forest land between 2008 and 2019.
- Lack of Political will:
Rights of forest dwelling communities is in direct conflict with the ease of doing business and also challenges the power and authority of the Forest Department that may not be willing sharing of power with Gram Sabha for conservation and management of forest resources.
- Administrative challenges:
- There are multiple laws (like state laws, excise laws) that are in conflict with Forest Rights Act
- Inadequate financial and administrative support to implement the law.
- Lack of coordination between the tribal, revenue and forest department.
- Poor or non-functioning of district and sub-division level committees.
- Dissatisfactory Rehabilitation and compensation etc.
Way forward-
- Institutional capacity building:
- Relevant maps and documents should be made available to simplify the task of the Gram Sabha.
- Also, ensure training and capacity building along with promoting learning and experience sharing among concerned authorities such as Panchayats, Gram Sabha, etc.
- Sensitising bureaucracy:
To encourage forest officials at different levels to assume a positive attitude towards the implementation of FRA.
- Using technology to strengthen outreach:
For instance, GPS survey maps can be used to resolve competing claims at the local level.
- Expedite the process of claims:
There is a need for reviewing all rejected and pending claims to individual and community forest rights expeditiously.
- Transparency and accountability:
- On decision making related to claims procedure.
- The reasons for rejection or delay in recognition of claims should be conveyed to them (tribals).
- Large-scale awareness and information dissemination campaigns are required at local level informing both tribal and lower level officials.
Prelims Questions of the day:
1.According to NITI Aayog report, nearly how much percentage of surface water in India is unfit for consumption?
- 80%
- 70%
- 50%
- 25%
Answer: B
Explanation:
Water Pollution:
• Around 70% of surface water in India is unfit for consumption (NITI Aayog).
• More than 60 per cent of sewage generated by urban India is untreated and enters water bodies like rivers, urban water bodies etc. (NGT).
• 80% of marine pollution originates on land.
2. Which of the following is related to the ‘GloLitter Partnerships Project’?
- Surface water conservation and management
- Ground water conservation and management
- Marine plastic litter
- Rains water harvesting
Answer: C
Explanation:
- GloLitter Partnerships Project was launched by the International Maritime Organization(IMO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations(FAO). The Government of Norway provided initial funding for the project.
- Aim: The project aims to help the maritime transport and fishing sectors to adapt to a low-plastic future. To achieve this goal, this initiative will assist developing countries to apply best practices for prevention, reduction, and control of marine plastic litter from those sectors.
- Participating Countries: 30 Countries will be participating in the project. India is one of the participating countries.
- Significance:
- The project will promote compliance with the Voluntary Guidelines of the MARPOL Convention. It contains regulations against discharging plastics into the sea.
- Further, protecting the marine environment is also the objective of Sustainable Development Goal(SDG) 14.
3.Which of the following scheme is related to the groundwater conservation?
- Atal Bhujal Yojana
- National Water Mission
- Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban)
- Jal Jeevan Mission(rural)
Answer: A
Explanation:
Atal Bhujal Yojana:
- It is a central sector scheme worth Rs. 6,000 crores for sustainable management of groundwater with community participation.
- It envisages people’s participation through the formation of ‘Water User Associations’, water budgeting, preparation and implementation of Gram-panchayat-wise water security plans, etc.
4.Which of the following ministry is responsible for implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission (urban)?
- Ministry of housing and urban affairs
- Ministry of Jal Shakti
- Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
- Ministry of Rural Development
Answer: A
Explanation:
Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban):
In the Budget 2021-22, Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban) was announced under the Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry to provide universal coverage of water supply to all households through functional taps in all statutory towns in accordance with Sustainable Development Goal- 6 (clean water and sanitation).
5.Which of the following agency is not responsible for release of Composite Water Management?
- Ministry of Jal Shakti
- Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
- Niti Aayog
- Ministry of Rural Development
Answer: B
Explanation:
NITI Aayog’s Composite Water Management Index:
NITI Aayog in association with Ministry of JAL Shakti and Ministry of Rural Development released Composite Water Management Index 2.0.
About Report
- NITI Aayog first launched and conceptualized the Composite Water Management Index in 2018 as a tool to instil a sense of cooperative and competitive federalism among the states.
- It provided actionable guidance to States on where they were doing well absolutely and relatively and what they needed to focus on to secure their water.
- With the objective of achieving effective utilization of water, NITI Aayog has developed the Composite Water Management Index
6.Which of the following agency is responsible for taking measures to improve the safety and security of international shipping and to prevent pollution from ships?
- International Maritime Organization
- MARPOL
- Pacific Rim Association
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations(FAO)
Answer: A
Explanation:
International Maritime Organization(IMO):
- The IMO is a specialized agency of the UN that engages in shipping safety and security all over the world.
- The United Nations established IMO after an agreement during the Geneva Conference of 1948.
- Ten years later, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) had its first meeting in 1959.
- With its headquarters in London, United Kingdom, the IMO is responsible for the safety and security of shipping.
- IMO also looks after the prevention of marine pollution by ships.
7.Which of the following techniques is/are used for reducing the total dissolved solids (TDS) in the water?
- Osmosis
- Ion exchange
- Distillation
- Both B and C
Answer: D.
Explanation:
- The techniques which are used for reducing the total dissolved solids (TDS) in the water include Osmosis and Distillation.
- In biology, osmosis is the movement of water molecules from a solution with a high concentration of water molecules to a solution with a lower concentration of water molecules, through a cell’s partially permeable membrane.
- Distillation is a method to separate a mixture of liquid components into individual liquid components. – The separation of liquids is based on the boiling points of the liquid components.
8.Which of the following scheme is related to enhancing the water-use efficiency by better on-farm management practices?
- Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana
- Jal Shakti Abhiyan
- Jal Jeevan Mission(Rural)
- Atal Bhujal Yojana
Answer: A
Explanation:
- The scheme was launched in 2015-16, with an aim to enhance water-use efficiency by better on-farm management practices. It seeks to promote water-use efficiency in Agriculture by appropriate technological interventions as per the requirement of the crop and the soil.
- The scheme seeks to enhance the micro-irrigation potential of the country by using technologies like Drip irrigation, Sprinkler irrigation etc.
- The scheme is guided by a four-pronged vision:
- Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme: The scheme has been launched to accelerate the implementation of irrigation projects held up due to financial constraints. It provides funds for the development of Major/medium irrigation projects, in the form of Central assistance to the States.
- Har Khet ko Pani: It seeks to provide irrigation to each field through Surface Minor Irrigation (SMI) scheme and Repair, renovation and restoration of water bodies.
- Per Drop More Crop: The idea here is to promote the efficiency and utilization of water in such a way as to optimize the use of available water by using precision technologies like drip and sprinkler irrigation system.
- Watershed Development: The objective of the program is to mitigate the adverse effects of drought on livestock and crops, and to encourage the restoration of ecological balance, thereby leading to the development of the village community.
9.Which of the following agency is responsible for regulating the extraction of groundwater?
- Central water Commission
- Central Ground Water Authority
- NABARD
- Small Farmers’ Agri-Business Consortium
Answer: B
Explanation:
- The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) under the Jal Shakti Ministry recently issued the latest guidelines to regulate the extraction of groundwater.
- New groundwater guidelines were necessitated because the guidelines issued by the Centre on December 12, 2018 were struck down by the National Green Tribunal in January 2019.
- Since then, there were no guidelines under which No Objection Certificate (NOC) for groundwater withdrawal can be issued.
- New Guidelines have pan India applicability.
10.Which of the following state launched the Scheme “Paani Bacho, Paise Kamao”?
- Utttar Pradesh
- Harayaana
- Punjab
- Delhi
Answer: C
Explanation:
“Paani Bacho, Paise Kamao” (save water, earn money) scheme:
- It was launched by Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) to provide direct benefit transfer for electricity to agricultural consumers.
- Farmers get Rs 4 as direct benefit for each unit of electricity saved.