Current Affairs - Environment

Khijadiya Sanctuary in Gujarat has been identified as a critical breeding stronghold for the Black-necked Stork. A scientific study conducted by the Gujarat Ecological Education and Research (GEER) Foundation confirmed four active nests, with each breeding pair successfully producing two fledglings. The sanctuary recorded a peak seasonal population of 21 Black-necked Storks, including eight juveniles and five non-breeding adults. Located in Jamnagar district, Khijadiya is a Ramsar Site designated in 2022 and is notable for its combination of freshwater and saltwater wetland habitats, making it an important site for bird conservation.

VOC Port, officially known as V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, became India’s first major port to be recognised as Scope-2 emission-free on August 10, 2026. Located in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, the port achieved this milestone with renewable energy accounting for 93.89% of its total electricity consumption during 2025-26. It also received ISO 50001:2018 certification for its Energy Management System from Bureau Veritas. The port operates solar and wind power facilities and is developing green hydrogen and green methanol infrastructure as part of its broader clean-energy initiatives.

Killai, located in Cuddalore district near the ecologically significant Pichavaram Mangrove Forest, has become Tamil Nadu's first Climate-Resilient Village. The village has adopted a community-based approach to address climate challenges such as cyclones, coastal erosion, sea-level rise, flooding, and saltwater intrusion. Its model integrates scientific planning, ecosystem conservation, climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable water management, disaster preparedness, and climate-smart livelihoods. The initiative demonstrates how active community participation and nature-based solutions can strengthen resilience, protect livelihoods, and serve as a model for other vulnerable coastal regions across India.

Assam is home to the Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, where a 12-year biodiversity survey conducted between 2012 and 2024 documented 281 butterfly species. The findings were published in the book Butterflies of Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, released on 20 July 2026. Located in Jorhat district, the 20.98 sq km sanctuary is the only protected area in India named after the Hoolock Gibbon, the country's only ape. The sanctuary, designated in 1997, is known for its evergreen forest canopy and rich biodiversity, making it an important centre for wildlife conservation and ecological research.

Ahmedabad created a Guinness World Record by planting 361,000 saplings in just one hour using the Miyawaki afforestation method. The plantation drive was organised by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) on July 12, 2026, at Bhadaj near the Gota-Godhavi Canal with the participation of more than 25,000 volunteers. Around 35 indigenous tree species suitable for Gujarat's climate were planted to promote biodiversity and ecological restoration. The Miyawaki method enables dense forest growth in smaller areas with minimal maintenance, making it an effective approach for increasing green cover and combating climate change.