Current Affairs - Environment

Vatsala, Asia’s oldest elephant, passed away at over 100 years of age in the Panna Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, on July 8, 2025. Originally from the Nilambur forests of Kerala, she was relocated to Madhya Pradesh in the 1970s and became a central figure in tiger tracking and forest patrol at Panna National Park. Even after retirement in 2003, she remained active in conservation efforts by mentoring younger elephants. Panna Tiger Reserve, known for its success in tiger reintroduction after facing extinction from poaching, gained further prominence through Vatsala’s iconic presence and contribution to wildlife conservation in the region.

Beginning July 1, 2025, New Delhi will enforce a ban on the refuelling of petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years. This regulation is part of a broader strategy to improve air quality in the capital city. The Delhi government has implemented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) requiring petrol pumps to log all instances where fuel is denied to such outdated vehicles. The initiative is aimed at reducing vehicular emissions, which contribute significantly to air pollution levels, and ensuring that only environmentally compliant vehicles are allowed access to fuel in the city.

Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, has been chosen for a major sustainability milestone with its mud crab fishery nominated for Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification. This marks the first time an inland fishery in India is being considered for such a globally recognized eco-label. The certification ensures sustainable fishing practices that preserve biodiversity, maintain healthy fish stocks, and support community livelihoods. A collaborative effort between ICAR-CIFRI and the Chilika Development Authority, this initiative not only boosts the export value of mud crab but also strengthens India’s commitment to responsible fishing under global sustainability standards.

India’s first butterfly sanctuary was established in the state of Kerala by renaming the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary to the Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary. Located in the Western Ghats’ Kannur district, the sanctuary spans 55 square kilometres and shelters more than 266 butterfly species—over 80% of Kerala’s total butterfly diversity. This transformation followed decades of surveys, conservation efforts, and advocacy aimed at protecting butterfly habitats and migration corridors. The sanctuary now serves as a hub for eco-tourism, scientific research, and community-based conservation, highlighting Kerala’s commitment to protecting pollinators vital to the ecosystem.

The Kerala High Court has taken a significant environmental step by imposing a ban on single-use plastic items, specifically targeting hilly tourist destinations. Additionally, the use of plastic bottles is now regulated at large public gatherings, including weddings and official government functions. This move aims to reduce plastic pollution in ecologically sensitive and highly visited areas. However, the court made it clear that the ban does not extend to non-woven polypropylene bags that meet the minimum thickness requirement of 60 grams per square metre, indicating a balanced approach to sustainability and practicality.