Current Affairs - Environment

Vembanad Lake, also known as Vembanad Kayal or Kochi Lake, is India’s longest lake and the largest in Kerala, spanning across Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam. Designated a Ramsar site in 2002, it plays a vital ecological and cultural role, supporting biodiversity, traditional fishing, and events like the famous Vallam Kali boat race. However, the lake is experiencing alarming degradation due to pollution, encroachment, and invasive species, resulting in a sharp 66% drop in fish catch and weakened flood control. Fed by four rivers and divided by the Thanneermukkom barrage, the lake’s health is crucial to the region’s environmental sustainability.

The Caspian Sea, the world’s largest inland water body and a tectonic lake is facing a drastic decline in water levels due to rising global temperatures. Even with global warming kept below 2°C, it is expected to drop 5–10 meters and could fall by as much as 21 meters by the end of the century. This poses a severe threat to unique species like the endangered Caspian seal and the critically endangered Beluga sturgeon. In addition, ports, hydrocarbon sites, and public health are at risk due to the exposure of contaminated seabeds, mirroring the disastrous consequences observed in the Aral Sea region.

Project SeaCURE is a UK pilot initiative focused on combating climate change by improving the ocean’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide. The project works by extracting CO₂ directly from seawater through a chemical process that acidifies the water, causing the CO₂ to be released and captured before it can re-enter the atmosphere. This innovative technique leverages the ocean’s natural carbon sink capacity and aims to offer a scalable, cost-effective method to reduce atmospheric CO₂ levels. If successful, it could become a vital tool in the global effort to mitigate climate change.

Karad, located in the Satara district of Maharashtra, has made significant strides in sanitary waste management. The city has successfully implemented a comprehensive system for the segregation, collection, and processing of sanitary and biomedical waste. On a daily basis, Karad handles around 300 to 350 kg of such waste, including items like sanitary napkins, diapers, and hygiene products. These are collected from various sources such as hospitals, clinics, homes, and public places. This achievement underscores the city’s commitment to sustainable and hygienic waste disposal practices, setting an example for other urban areas.

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.