Current Affairs - Environment

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) introduced the "Blue Category" as part of its revised industrial classification based on the Pollution Index. This newly classified colour is specifically designated for essential environmental services such as waste-to-energy plants and compressed biogas facilities. These services, while crucial for sustainability, generate relatively low pollution compared to heavier industries. The Blue Category complements the existing colour-based classification system of Red, Orange, Green, and White by providing a distinct slot for low-pollution but essential infrastructure. It also offers a two-year extension for consent validity, encouraging the growth of environmentally responsible sectors.

In 2024, Tanzania experienced its hottest year on record, with the national average temperature reaching 24.3°C, surpassing the previous record set in 2023. The significant rise in nighttime minimum temperatures, which were 1.1°C higher than the long-term average, was a key contributor to this record-breaking heat. Additionally, Tanzania recorded exceptional rainfall, making it the fourth wettest year in history. This extreme climate, influenced by El Niño and the Positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), has raised concerns about the impact on agriculture, as 80% of the country’s population depends on farming.

The Thar Desert has seen a significant 38% annual increase in greening over the past two decades, primarily driven by enhanced monsoon rainfall and the expansion of agriculture. This change indicates a positive shift in the desert’s ecosystem, showing that, despite its arid nature, the region is experiencing notable vegetation growth. The greening trend is particularly significant as it is linked to both natural rainfall patterns and human activities, such as agricultural expansion. This process may help mitigate desertification and improve the region's biodiversity over time.

The National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM), launched in 2025, has set a comprehensive roadmap to bolster India’s clean energy future. One of its core objectives is to complete 1,200 mineral exploration projects and auction 100 mineral blocks by the year 2030. This mission plays a vital role in achieving self-reliance in critical minerals essential for clean energy technologies, including solar power, wind energy, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems. By securing access to minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements through both domestic and international channels, the mission supports India’s transition to a sustainable and resilient energy economy.

NTPC’s Talcher Kaniha Super Thermal Power Station achieved a significant environmental milestone by attaining 100% ash utilization in the financial year 2024–25, a notable rise from 68% in the previous year. The plant successfully managed 67 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of fly ash, which was repurposed for infrastructure development, including major projects by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and road construction in Odisha. This aligns with eco-regulations set by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, minimizing environmental hazards related to ash disposal and reinforcing NTPC’s commitment to sustainable and responsible energy production practices.