General Awareness

ENVIRONMENT - January 2020

Jan 2020

Sep 02, 2026

Fifth Edition of Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar Campaign Launched

Union Minister Jitendra Singh launched the fifth edition of the Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar coastal cleanup campaign in September 2026. The campaign runs from 12 September to 19 September 2026 and focuses on reducing marine litter and cleaning coastal areas across India. Led by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, the initiative involves citizens, students, youth groups, coastal communities, NGOs and volunteers working toward ocean conservation, cleaner beaches, and sustainable waste management practices. The campaign aims to raise awareness, mobilize local action, and strengthen inter-agency coordination for long-term coastal health.

Campaign: Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar; edition five.
Duration: 12–19 September 2026.
Lead agency: Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Participants: citizens, students, NGOs, coastal communities.
Aim: reduce marine litter and improve coastal cleanliness.

Aug 31, 2026

Himachal Pradesh unveils ozone-based drinking water project

Himachal Pradesh announced the state’s first drinking water treatment project using ozone disinfection technology at Dehra in Kangra district. The government allocated ₹46 crore for the initiative, intended to improve water quality and taste while ensuring better disinfection. Officials said ozone treatment could be scaled to additional districts in subsequent phases, potentially enhancing public health outcomes and reducing contamination. The project aligns with broader state and national goals to modernize water infrastructure and adopt safer, more efficient treatment methods across rural and urban areas.

First ozone-based drinking water project announced in Himachal Pradesh.
Location: Dehra, Kangra district; ₹46 crore allocated.
Ozone used for disinfection to improve water quality.
Plans to expand to other districts in phases.
Aims to enhance public health and water taste.

Aug 27, 2026

165 butterfly species recorded in Dehing Patkai National Park, Assam

Assam's Dehing Patkai National Park, spanning the districts of Dibrugarh and Tinsukia, has recorded 165 butterfly species, highlighting the park's rich biodiversity. The lush tropical rainforest ecosystem supports many birds, mammals and insects, with a subset of species classified as endangered. The finding reinforces the park's ecological importance and the need for ongoing habitat protection and scientific monitoring. Local officials emphasise conservation as essential for sustaining butterfly populations and the broader biodiversity of the region, while communities and visitors are encouraged to engage in responsible tourism. This discovery adds to Assam's reputation as a biodiversity hotspot in the northeast.

165 butterfly species recorded in Dehing Patkai National Park
Park spans Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts, Assam
Includes endangered butterfly species
Highlights biodiversity of tropical rainforest ecosystem
Calls for ongoing habitat protection and monitoring
Supports sustainable local livelihoods through responsible tourism

Aug 26, 2026

India and Seychelles expand blue economy cooperation

India and Seychelles expanded cooperation to promote a sustainable blue economy in the Indian Ocean region. The agreement covers fisheries, aquaculture, marine scientific research, and technology development. It aims to improve resource management, boost scientific collaboration, and create economic opportunities for coastal communities in both nations. The partnership supports responsible use of marine resources, coastline protection, and climate resilience. It reflects India’s growing engagement with island nations and its commitment to maritime security and sustainable development. Officials said the collaboration would include joint research projects, training for local scientists, and shared data platforms to track fish stocks and ecosystem health. India values this partnership for regional stability.

Cooperation covers fisheries, aquaculture, marine science and technology
Aims for responsible use of marine resources and climate resilience
Strengthens India–Seychelles maritime and scientific ties
Plans joint research projects and data sharing
Supports sustainable development in the Indian Ocean

Aug 18, 2026

BRICS Environment Meetings 2026 hosted by India

India hosted the BRICS Environment Working Group meeting and the 12th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi in August 2026. The sessions focused on climate change, sustainability, and environmental cooperation among BRICS nations, with participants from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa outlining joint strategies for emissions reduction and green investment. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav chaired the ministerial discussions, emphasizing the need for practical cooperation on pollution control, waste management, and climate finance. Delegates reviewed ongoing initiatives in biodiversity protection and water management while agreeing to enhanced information sharing and capacity-building in member countries. The meetings reinforced BRICS’ role in shaping regional environmental policy.

BRICS Environment Working Group and Ministers’ Meeting were held in New Delhi, August 2026.
Focus on climate change, sustainability and environmental cooperation.
Bhupender Yadav chaired the ministerial discussions.
Agreed on enhanced information sharing and capacity-building.

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