What’s in today’s article?

• Why in the News?
• About Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006
• News Summary
• Ministry’s Directives to States

Why in the News?

• The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) has underscored the importance of protecting forest-dwelling communities from unlawful eviction, as mandated by the Forest Rights Act (FRA).
• In a recent directive to states, the Ministry emphasized the need for institutional mechanisms to ensure compliance with the law and establish a grievance redressal framework.

About Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006

• The Forest Rights Act, 2006 (officially known as the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act) is a landmark legislation aimed at recognizing and securing the rights of forest-dwelling communities in India.
• Key Objectives:
  • Recognition of Rights: To recognize the historical rights of forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFDs) over forests they depend on for their livelihood.
  • Protecting Livelihoods: Ensuring the sustainable use of forest resources by local communities.
  • Empowering Communities: Granting legal rights to forest land and resources to these communities.
• Types of Rights Recognized:
  • Individual Rights: Ownership and access to forest land for cultivation and habitation.
  • Community Rights:
    • Use of minor forest produce (e.g., bamboo, honey, lac).
    • Grazing rights and access to water bodies.
    • Management and conservation of forests by local communities.
  • Community Forest Resource Rights: Rights to protect, regenerate, and manage forests sustainably.
• Key Features:
  • Ownership of Land: Recognizes land up to 4 hectares per family for cultivation.
  • Protection Against Eviction: Prevents eviction of forest dwellers without proper recognition and settlement of rights.
  • Role of Gram Sabha: Empowers the Gram Sabha (village assembly) to determine the rights of individuals and communities.
  • Conservation Focus: Encourages sustainable management of forests while protecting biodiversity.
• Challenges:
  • Delayed Implementation: Slow progress in recognizing rights across states.
  • Proof of Eligibility: Difficulty in providing documentary evidence by forest-dwelling communities.
  • Conflict with Conservation Laws: Balancing rights with wildlife and forest conservation initiatives.
  • Opposition from Industries: Resistance from industries reliant on forest resources.

News Summary

• The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has underscored the importance of protecting forest-dwelling communities from unlawful eviction, as mandated by the Forest Rights Act.
• The Ministry's action comes in response to multiple complaints from villages located within tiger reserves in states such as Madhya Pradesh (MP), Maharashtra, and West Bengal.
• Residents alleged that they were being pressured to vacate their traditional lands without proper recognition of their rights under the FRA and the Wildlife Protection Act.
  • Madhya Pradesh: In December, 52 Gram Sabhas from the Durgavati Tiger Reserve submitted representations, prompting the Ministry to request the state tribal development department to address these issues.
  • Maharashtra: In October, similar complaints were raised by Rantalodhi village residents in the Tadoba Tiger Reserve.
• These grievances have highlighted the need for greater accountability and adherence to legal provisions in relocation efforts.

Ministry’s Directives to States

• To address these concerns, the Ministry has instructed state tribal development and forest departments to submit detailed reports on:
  • Villages in Tiger Reserves: Names and numbers of villages located within tiger reserves.
  • Demographic Information: Tribes and forest-dwelling communities residing in these villages.
  • Forest Rights Claims: Data on claims received, vested, and rejected under the FRA.
  • Consent and Compensation: Processes for obtaining free and informed consent of gram sabhas and the compensation plans for relocation.
• The Ministry reiterated that Section 4(2) of the FRA explicitly safeguards forest-dwelling communities by legally recognizing their rights, prohibiting unlawful eviction, and ensuring that resettlements are voluntary and conducted with informed consent.

Q1.What is Minor Forest Produce?

 Minor Forest Produce (MFP) is a term for non-timber forest products that come from plants. These include: bamboo, brushwood, canes, honey, waxes, lac, tendu/kendu leaves, medicinal plants and herbs, roots, and tubers.

Q2. What is the role of NTCA?

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body tasked with the management of Project Tiger and the many Tiger Reserves in India.

Source : IE

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Stand of Court on this issue
• Agony suffered by the elephants used in in religious ceremonies
• Continued Supply from the Wild
• Way forward

Why in News?

Recently, a disturbed male elephant injured 24 people during a mosque feast in Malappuram, Kerala. The incident has revived debates on animal welfare and public safety, especially following recent legal disputes over using elephants in ceremonies. 

Kerala reported 24 captive elephant deaths in 2024 and 154 since 2019, while domestic elephants killed 196 people at festivals between 2011 and 2023. 

Last month, the Supreme Court invoked volenti non fit injuria (voluntary assumption of risk) to state that devotees accept the risks of attending festivals with paraded elephants.

Stand of Court on this issue

• Kerala High Court's Suo Moto Intervention
  • In November 2024, the Kerala High Court mandated safety measures for festivals involving elephants, including:
    • 3 meters between two elephants
    • 5 meters between an elephant and flaming torches
    • 8 meters between an elephant and the public or percussion displays
    • 100 meters between elephants and fireworks
  • These measures effectively limited the number of elephants paraded, based on available space.
• Impact on Thrissur Pooram
  • The restrictions affected Kerala's largest religious festival, Thrissur Pooram, started in the late 18th century by Sakthan Thampuran, Maharaja of Kochi. 
  • Festival organizers argued that maintaining a 3-meter distance was impractical and approached the Supreme Court (SC).
• Supreme Court's Decision
  • The SC stayed the Kerala HC order, emphasizing that courts should not engage in law-making. 
  • The apex court reverted to the safety norms under the Kerala Captive Elephants (Management and Maintenance) Rules, 2012, which are often violated.
    • Animal rights activists have highlighted frequent breaches of the 2012 rules.
    • They cite examples like the January 5 incident where five elephants were paraded within the confined compound of Thrissur’s Thiruvambady temple.

Agony suffered by the elephants used in in religious ceremonies

• Elephants Have No Choice
  • Unlike devotees who voluntarily attend festivals, elephants are forced into these events without consent. 
  • The elephant involved in the recent tragedy, had a history of stress-induced aggression, including injuring its keeper in January 2024. 
  • Despite this, the animal was reemployed after a brief break.
• Stress and Health Impacts on Captive Elephants
  • A 2019 study by the Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) revealed that prolonged participation in religious ceremonies puts elephants under severe stress. 
  • Key findings include:
    • Elevated stress hormones (glucocorticoid metabolites) were detected in elephants subjected to chaining and long working hours.
    • Stress led to hyperglycemia, suppressed immune responses, delayed wound healing, and even neuronal cell death.
    • Captive elephants at zoos or forest camps had significantly lower stress levels than those at festivals.
• Visible Signs of Distress
  • Captive elephants display clear signs of extreme stress, such as:
    • Head bobbing, weaving, and swaying, which indicate monotony and mental distress.
    • Physical strain from repetitive actions like kneeling or trunk lifting.
    • Overexertion and lack of exercise due to prolonged standing at one spot.
    • Noise and light exposure further exacerbate their suffering during festivals.

Continued Supply from the Wild

• Legal Restrictions on Capturing Wild Elephants
  • The Madras High Court, in September 2021, reaffirmed the 1977 ban on capturing wild elephants, except for treatment of animals unable to survive in the wild. 
  • Trading captive elephants was banned in 1986, but gifting legally possessed captive elephants to capable caretakers remained permitted, creating loopholes.
• Supply from the Wild
  • Despite bans, wild elephants continue to meet demand in temples, particularly in southern states. Key factors include:
    • Ineffective Breeding in Captivity: Breeding is challenging due to the aggressive behavior of males in musth and unproductive forest mating strategies for captive females.
  • Illegal Practices: Wild-caught elephants are misrepresented as captive-bred by removing microchips meant for domestic elephants and implanting them in wild ones.
• Exploiting Human-Wildlife Conflict
  • Man-elephant conflicts provide further opportunities for capturing wild elephants. 
  • Politicians have proposed capturing so-called "problem elephants" and sending them to temples, which appeases both villagers and temple trusts, perpetuating the cycle of captivity.

Way forward

• Amendment to the Wildlife Act (2022)
  • The 2022 amendment to the Wildlife Act introduced a provision allowing the central government to frame rules for the transfer of elephants for “religious and other” purposes. 
  • This change risked undoing the conservation gains made since the Act’s inception in 1972.
• Steps Toward Regulation: DNA Mapping
  • To curb the misuse of microchips in identifying captive elephants, the Centre launched a DNA profiling initiative in August 2022.
  • First Phase Results: Within six months, 270 captive elephants were genotyped.
  • Objective: Detect captive bloodlines and ensure better regulation of elephant ownership and transfer.
• Cultural Context and Finding Balance
  • Elephants are deeply tied to Kerala’s cultural traditions, making their removal from festivals unlikely. 
  • Experts emphasize finding a middle ground, suggesting:
    • Leveraging Kerala’s cultural association with elephants to ensure their welfare.
    • Using recent Kerala High Court directions to enhance safety measures during festivals.
  • Activists argue that courts should guide practices rather than legislate, enabling safer elephant participation while respecting traditions.

Q.1. How do temple festivals impact the welfare of elephants?

Temple festivals subject elephants to extreme stress due to chaining, long working hours, noise, and light exposure. Studies show elevated stress hormones, suppressed immunity, and delayed healing in elephants, highlighting the need for humane practices to ensure their well-being.

Q.2. Why does the demand for temple elephants fuel wild captures?

Breeding elephants in captivity is challenging, leading to the illegal capture of wild elephants. Loopholes in regulations and man-elephant conflicts further enable their exploitation, perpetuating the demand for elephants in temple ceremonies.

Source: IE

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Z-Morh Tunnel
• Significance of Z-Morh Tunnel

Why in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 6.5 km Z-Morh Tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district. 

Built at a cost of ₹2,400 crore on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway, the tunnel ensures seamless connectivity between Gagangir and Sonamarg, facilitating summer travel to Ladakh and improving regional accessibility. 

The project, overseen by National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), began in May 2015 and was completed in 2024. It is hailed as an "engineering marvel" and a game changer for the region.

Z-Morh Tunnel

• About
  • The Z-Morh Tunnel, a strategic infrastructure project connecting Sonamarg to the Kashmir Valley year-round is part of the broader Zojila Tunnel Project.
    • Zojila Tunnel Project aims to ensure uninterrupted connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh.

• The name “Z-Morh” derives from the Z-shaped roadway that existed before the tunnel’s construction.
• Timeline and Challenges
  • Initial Delays: Conceived in 2012 by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the project stalled due to financial and administrative challenges under the initial contractor, Tunnelway Ltd.
  • Retendering (2019): After IL&FS halted work in 2018 due to financial stress, the project was retendered.
  • Duration: Originally expected to be completed by 2016-2017, delays shifted the timeline to 2024 for the Z-Morh Tunnel, while the Zojila Tunnel is targeted for December 2026.
  • Soft Opening: Conducted in February 2024, with the final inauguration delayed due to the Model Code of Conduct for Jammu and Kashmir elections.
• Technological Advancements
  • The two-lane tunnel features advanced technologies for real-time updates and seamless connectivity. 
  • Equipped with a 7.5-meter-wide parallel escape passage for emergencies, it ensures enhanced safety and a superior travel experience. 
  • Vehicles can now travel at speeds of up to 70 km/h, reducing travel time between Srinagar and Sonamarg, with a capacity to handle 1,000 vehicles per hour.

Significance of Z-Morh Tunnel

• Strategic Importance
  • The Z-Morh Tunnel, located at an altitude of 8,650 feet, plays a crucial role in India's defense needs by ensuring all-weather connectivity to the strategically vital Ladakh region. 
  • It also strengthens the link between the Union Territory of Ladakh and the rest of the country, bypassing landslide and avalanche-prone routes.
  • The tunnel, along with the under-construction Zojila Tunnel, ensures uninterrupted access to Baltal and Ladakh for both civilian and military traffic, boosting regional mobility and strategic preparedness.
• Reduced Dependence on Air Transport
  • Currently, the Indian Army relies heavily on the Indian Air Force for maintaining forward positions in Ladakh. 
  • The Z-Morh Tunnel will enable efficient and cost-effective road transportation of troops, equipment, and supplies, reducing the burden on military aircraft and extending their operational lifespan.
• Defense Preparedness and Geopolitical Advantage
  • In a region marked by geopolitical tensions with both Pakistan and China, the Z-Morh Tunnel strengthens India’s defense posture. 
  • Enhanced road access to critical areas like the Siachen Glacier, the Turtuk sub-sector, and other border posts will allow for faster deployment and better logistical support
• Boost to Winter Tourism
  • The Z-Morh Tunnel transforms Sonamarg into a year-round tourist destination by mitigating snowfall-related disruptions. 
  • It facilitates winter tourism, adventure sports, and economic growth, with the potential to develop Sonamarg into a premier skiing destination, complementing Gulmarg.
• Economic Impact
  • By enabling all-weather access to Sonamarg, the tunnel supports local livelihoods, expands tourism opportunities, and paves the way for the development of winter sports infrastructure, significantly contributing to the region's economic growth.

Q.1. What makes the Z-Morh Tunnel strategically important?

The Z-Morh Tunnel ensures all-weather connectivity to Ladakh, vital for India's defense. It enables faster troop movement, reduces reliance on air transport, and strengthens access to critical border areas amid regional geopolitical tensions.

Q.2. How will the Z-Morh Tunnel boost tourism and local economy?

By providing year-round access to Sonamarg, the Z-Morh Tunnel promotes winter tourism, adventure sports, and economic growth. It supports local livelihoods and positions Sonamarg as a premier skiing destination, complementing Gulmarg.

Source: TH | IE | TH

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Overview of Fertiliser Sector in India
• What is Urea Fertilizer?
• Rising Domestic Urea Production
• Greenfield Projects and Efficiency
• Make vs. Buy Debate
• Strategic Shift and Policy Recommendations
• Conclusion

Why in News?

• Amid challenges in the fertilizer sector, such as shortages in di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) and limited investments in manufacturing, India's urea industry has achieved significant progress.
• Domestic production has risen considerably, reflecting efforts toward the central government's goal of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance).

Overview of Fertiliser Sector in India:

• The Economic Survey 2023-24 states that the Indian Agriculture sector provides livelihood support to about 42.3% of the population and has a share of 18.2% in the country’s GDP at current prices.
• Fertilizers, water and seeds are vital inputs for achieving higher agricultural production in the country.
• Government has undertaken various efforts during the last decade due to which the total fertilizer production has increased from 385.39 million tonnes (mt) in 2014-15 to 503.35 mt in 2023-24.
• Several measures were undertaken by the Government to increase the total fertilizer production in the country.
  • Urea Subsidy Scheme,
  • New Urea Policy 2015,
  • Nutrient based Subsidy scheme, etc.
• Besides, it also promotes sustainable methods such as the use of alternative fertilizers viz., Nano Urea, Nano DAP and organic fertilizer in the country.

What is Urea Fertilizer?

• It is a nitrogen-rich fertilizer (46% nitrogen) used to promote crop growth and development.
• It's a low-cost fertilizer. Its high nitrogen content makes transportation and storage less expensive.
• Urea is absorbed by plants directly or converted to ammonia and carbon dioxide by soil microorganisms.
• It can also be used as a cattle feed supplement, and has industrial applications, such as in the production of plastics.

Rising Domestic Urea Production:

• Growth trends: Between 2011-12 and 2023-24, domestic urea production rose from 22 million tonnes (mt) to 31.4 mt, while imports decreased from 7.8 mt to 7 mt.
• Import reduction: The current fiscal recorded a 31.7% drop in imports, potentially reducing imports to below 5 mt, the lowest since 2006-07.

Greenfield Projects and Efficiency:

• New plants:
  • Six new urea plants contributed significantly to increased production, with a combined output of 7.55 mt in 2023-24.
  • Investments ranged from Rs 6,000-8,600 crore per plant.
  • Plants include those by HURL, Chambal Fertilisers, Matix Fertilisers, and RFCL.
• Energy efficiency:
  • New plants consume about 5 giga-calories (GCal) per tonne, compared to 5.5-6.5 GCal for older units.
  • The Matix Fertiliser plant in Panagarh (West Bengal) emerged as the most energy-efficient, with 4.856 GCal/tonne consumption.
• Regional focus: These plants cater to “new Green Revolution” areas like Eastern UP, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand and Telangana, providing a 20% market share in Eastern India.
  • Older units such as the National Fertilizers Ltd’s (NFL) Bathinda, Nangal and Panipat, caters to farmers in Punjab and Haryana.
• Upcoming projects: (Talcher Fertilizer Plant)
• Located in Odisha, this Rs 17,080 crore plant will use coal as a feedstock with advanced coal gasification technology.
• Coal blending with petroleum coke aims to maximize indigenous resources.

Make vs. Buy Debate:

• Cost comparison:
  • Domestic production costs: $427-$493 per tonne, depending on tax adjustments.
  • Imported urea costs: $370-403 per tonne.
• Logistics advantage:
  • Transport and bagging costs make imported urea less viable for northern and eastern regions.
  • Domestic plants reduce logistical expenses and provide employment and economic activity under the Make-in-India initiative.

Strategic Shift and Policy Recommendations:

• Regional production strategy:
  • Focus on increasing production in Northern and Eastern India while optimizing imports for Peninsular India.
  • Shut down older, inefficient plants to enhance energy efficiency.
• Rational pricing:
  • Urea’s farmgate price has been fixed at Rs 5,360/tonne since 2012, leading to excessive consumption.
  • Rational pricing is crucial for balanced fertilizer use and reducing dependency on both production and imports.

Conclusion:

• India’s urea industry has made significant strides toward self-reliance with new energy-efficient plants and strategic investments.
• However, achieving a sustainable balance between domestic production and imports requires policy interventions in pricing, regional production focus, and the judicious application of fertilizers.

Q.1. What is the New Urea Policy 2015?

The NUP was announced by the Department of Fertilizers in 2015, to increase the production of urea domestically, make urea production more energy efficient, and reduce the government's subsidy burden.

Q.2. What is the new Green Revolution?

The new green revolution is a set of approaches to agriculture that aims to increase food production while reducing environmental damage and benefiting poor farmers.

Source: IE | PIB