Current Affairs - Environment

The first-ever Grassland Bird Census in Assam was held in Kaziranga National Park between March 18 and May 25, 2025. This initiative aimed to study and document bird species that inhabit the grassland ecosystems within the park. During the survey, 43 species of grassland birds were recorded, showcasing the park's rich avian biodiversity. A particularly significant finding was the documentation of over 85 nests of the endangered Finn’s Weaver, a species that is endemic to the Brahmaputra floodplains. This census marks a crucial step toward targeted conservation of grassland habitats and their bird populations in the region.

Between 1998 and 2022, the coral cover in Lakshadweep dropped from 37.24% to 19.6%, marking an approximate 50% reduction over 24 years. This drastic decline has been primarily driven by repeated mass bleaching events linked to ENSO phenomena and amplified by global climate change. Despite declining coral mortality in successive bleaching events, the slowed recovery rate signals worsening long-term reef health. Coral reefs in Lakshadweep are critical for biodiversity, coastal protection, and local livelihoods. The 50% loss highlights the urgent need for climate adaptation policies, expanded marine protected areas, and improved reef monitoring and restoration efforts.

Tamil Nadu has approved the establishment of a dedicated Hornbill Conservation Centre at the Anamalai Tiger Reserve in Coimbatore. This initiative is aimed at protecting hornbill species native to the Western Ghats, including the Great Hornbill, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, and Indian Grey Hornbill. Funded by ₹1 crore from the Endangered Species Conservation Corpus Fund, the centre will focus on scientific research, ecological restoration, and community involvement. Key activities will include nest monitoring, habitat restoration with native trees, and a nest adoption programme. The project reflects Tamil Nadu’s commitment to avian conservation and biodiversity protection in a critical ecological zone.

The Indian government is preparing to implement the CAFE-III and CAFE-IV norms over a ten-year period from 2027 to 2037. These norms are part of a broader push to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce CO₂ emissions across all passenger vehicles under 3,500 kg, including those powered by petrol, diesel, LPG, CNG, hybrids, and electric powertrains. CAFE, which stands for Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency, was introduced in 2017 by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency under the Ministry of Power. The target year 2037 marks the end of this regulatory roadmap aimed at ensuring cleaner and more energy-efficient transportation in India.

India’s first Aqua Tech Park was inaugurated in Sonapur, near Guwahati, Assam, by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The park aims to introduce advanced fish farming technologies such as aquaponics and biofloc systems to boost fish production and increase farmers' income. Set up by the NGO Kolong Kopili in collaboration with NABARD, ICAR-CIFA, Selco Foundation, and the Fishery Department, the park is designed to modernise aquaculture in Assam. Despite being rich in water resources, Assam has traditionally relied on other states for fish. This park will empower local farmers and youth by offering training and creating employment opportunities in the fisheries sector.