Significant Rise Himalayan Glacial Lakes Increase 10.81% from 2011 to 2024
According to a government report, glacial lakes and water bodies in the Himalayan region have experienced a 10.81% increase in area from 2011 to 2024, primarily driven by climate change. This expansion raises concerns about the heightened risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). The report, accessed by PTI from the Central Water Commission (CWC), highlights that lakes in India have seen an even more significant growth, with a surface area increase of 33.7%.
The total area of glacial lakes in India grew from 1,962 hectares in 2011 to 2,623 hectares in 2024, marking a 33.7% increase.
A total of 67 lakes in India experienced over 40% increase in surface area, categorising them as high-risk for GLOFs.
The most notable expansions were recorded in Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
Overall, glacial lakes across the Himalayan region increased from 533,401 hectares in 2011 to 591,108 hectares in 2024.
India Commits to 30% Protected Areas in Updated Biodiversity Plan
India unveiled its updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) during the 16th UN Biodiversity Conference in Cali, Colombia, committing to protect at least 30% of its terrestrial, inland water, and coastal marine areas by 2030. This ambitious target aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF), adopted at the previous conference in 2022, which aims for global protection of 30% of land and ocean areas while restoring degraded ecosystems crucial for providing clean water and air.
Nov 04, 2024
Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park Set to Achieve India's First IGBC Certification
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that the Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park, located in the Bankhandi area of Kangra's Dehra assembly constituency, will be the first zoo in India to receive certification from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).
This certification will recognise the zoo's commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly infrastructure, setting a precedent for conservation efforts in the country.
Nov 03, 2024
Umbrella Conservation Project Covering Five Wild Animal Species
The wildlife wing of the Pune forest department proposed an umbrella conservation project covering five wild animal species namely wolf, jackal, fox, civet and hyena. Together, these species are called 'Mizo-Carnivorous' by the forest department. The conservation plan has been submitted to the forest head office.
Oct 30, 2024
Solex Energy Partners with SBI for Solar Project Financing
Solex Energy partnered with the State Bank of India (SBI) to provide financing options for solar projects, targeting commercial, industrial, and institutional customers. Under this collaboration, SBI will offer loans up to Rs. 10 crore through its Surya Shakti Solar Finance Scheme, aiming to make solar energy more accessible and affordable in India.
Solex Energy will support clients with site evaluations, project design, and regulatory approvals, while SBI will facilitate a seamless loan application process through a digital platform. This partnership aligns with a growing trend, as seen in Tata Power Solar's agreement with ICICI Bank to finance solar units for various customers.
Oct 29, 2024
NTPC and Indian Army Join Hands for Round-the-Clock Power Supply using Green Hydrogen
State-owned power generator NTPC partnered with the Indian Army to set up a Solar Hydrogen-based microgrid at Chushul, Ladakh. This will provide a stable power supply using Green Hydrogen in off-grid Army locations. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid the foundation stone of this project.
NTPC designed this Solar Hydrogen-based microgrid system to operate independently, using hydrogen as an energy storage medium. This project will supply 200kW of power round-the-clock throughout the year.
This system will replace existing diesel gensets at off-grid Army locations, providing a sustainable power supply despite harsh winter conditions, where temperatures drop to -30°C at an altitude of 4,400 meters. NTPC will maintain the project for 25 years.