The Madhya Pradesh Cabinet has approved a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the conservation of tiger populations within the state's nine tiger reserves. This scheme, titled 'Development of Buffer Zones in Tiger Reserves', carries a total budget of ₹145 crore and will be implemented over the financial years 2025-26 and 2027-28. The approval came during a Cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.

Key aspects of the scheme are:

• Establishment of Buffer Zones: The initiative focuses on developing buffer zones around tiger reserves, which are ecologically sensitive areas crucial for wildlife protection.
• Installation of Chain-Link Fencing: One of the primary activities involves installing chain-link fencing in these buffer areas to guard against encroachments and protect wildlife.
• Development of Ecosystems: Additional activities include the enhancement of grasslands and the creation of water resources that are vital for sustaining the flora and fauna within the reserves.
• Wildlife Protection and Fire Safety: The scheme includes measures to ensure wildlife protection and implement fire safety protocols in these areas.
• Health Monitoring and Treatment: There will be health monitoring and treatment programs for wild animals to support their survival and health.
• Community Skill Training: Skill development programs will be organized for local communities to engage them in conservation efforts, fostering a cooperative relationship between humans and wildlife.

An important highlight from the state's recent conservation efforts is the increase in the tiger population, which has risen from 526 to 785 in the buffer zones surrounding the nine tiger reserves over the past four years. This surge emphasizes the significance of continued conservation measures and the potential for further growth in tiger numbers under this new scheme.

In summary, the government of Madhya Pradesh is taking robust steps to bolster wildlife conservation through the implementation of a well-funded, multi-faceted scheme aimed at protecting and enhancing the ecological balance of its tiger reserves.

Important Points:

• Madhya Pradesh Cabinet has in-principle approved the development of buffer zones in nine tiger reserves.
• The scheme has a budget of ₹145 crore for the financial years 2025-26 and 2027-28.
• Key elements include chain-link fencing, wildlife protection, and fire safety measures.
• Other components involve the development of grasslands, water resources, and health monitoring for wild animals.
• Skill training programs for local communities are also part of the initiative.
• The tiger population in these buffer zones has risen from 526 to 785 in the last four years, indicating successful conservation efforts.
• The initiative highlights the commitment of the Madhya Pradesh government to enhance biodiversity and ecological conservation.

The Supreme Court of India has engaged the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) to evaluate the impact of glass industries on the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This initiative arises from concerns about pollution affecting the monument’s integrity. The Justices A.S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan emphasized that should NEERI present a negative report indicating harm from these industries, the court would not hesitate to mandate their relocation.

Key actions and directives from the court include:

• NEERI Study: The Supreme Court has mandated NEERI to conduct a comprehensive study to determine the extent of pollution resulting from glass industries near the Taj Mahal. The court expects a timeline for this assessment.

• Government Cooperation: The court directed the government and relevant agencies to fully assist NEERI in its study, ensuring that the research can be conducted effectively.

• Pollution Concerns: The judges expressed a firm stance against any pollution that threatens the Taj Mahal's condition. They stated, “If we find that these industries are causing pollution, we won’t hesitate to order shifting them."

• U.P. Pollution Control Board: The court ordered the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board to form a team that will inspect the glass industries identified in a recent affidavit and provide an interim report regarding the pollutants emitted by these facilities.

• Previous Critique: In earlier hearings, the Supreme Court criticized the authority responsible for protecting the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) and questioned the efficacy of their efforts, implying that the preservation of the monument was being treated as a trivial matter.

Overall, the Supreme Court's actions reflect a serious commitment to safeguarding the Taj Mahal from environmental harm while holding accountable those industries that may contribute to pollution. The involvement of NEERI and the Pollution Control Board underscores the urgency and importance of preserving this cultural heritage site.

Important Points:

• The Supreme Court has tasked NEERI with studying the impact of glass industries on the Taj Mahal.
• Adverse reports from NEERI may lead to the relocation of these industries.
• The court demands government and agency cooperation for the assessment.
• The court is concerned about pollution affecting the Taj Mahal’s preservation.
• The U.P. Pollution Control Board is directed to investigate the highlighted industrial units.
• The court has previously criticized the authorities’ lack of effective environmental protection around the Taj Mahal.

On April 20, 2025, Dr. Musonda Mumba, the Secretary General of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, highlighted that India now boasts 89 Ramsar sites, surpassing China's 82 sites, during the Sinhasi Social Impact Conference 2 focused on Wetland Conservation and Climate Change. Dr. Mumba emphasized the critical role wetlands play in the ecosystem, including fresh water supply, carbon storage, and biodiversity support. Despite their importance, wetlands face significant threats, having lost 87% of their area since 1700, with a current loss rate three times faster than tropical forests.

Key Points:

• Ramsar Sites Count: India has 89 Ramsar sites, while China has 82.
• Importance of Wetlands:
  • Source of nearly all of the world's fresh water.
  • Act as the largest carbon sinks.
  • Purify and filter harmful waters.
  • Provide jobs and sustainable livelihoods.
  • Habitat for nearly half of all animal species.
• Concerning Trends:
  • 87% of wetlands lost since 1700.
  • 35% of wetlands lost since 1970.
  • Wetlands are disappearing at a rate three times faster than tropical forests.
  • Approximately 4,875 wetland-dependent species are at risk of extinction.
• Waste Management Issue: Over 80% of wastewater is released into wetlands, necessitating immediate action for their protection.
• Karnataka's Wetlands: Kumar Pushkar from the Karnataka Forest Department reported that Karnataka has 14,936 wetlands, covering 0.79 million hectares, which is 4.1% of the state's geographical area.
• Urban Pressure: The rising population, particularly in urban areas like Bengaluru, has escalated the demand for water, adversely affecting the underground water table, which now often lies at depths of 1,500 feet.
• Conservation Efforts: The Karnataka Forest Department is implementing various initiatives aimed at the conservation and management of the state's wetlands, despite no significant change in the total wetland area, indicating stable conditions.

Dr. Mumba's remarks serve as a wake-up call regarding the rapid degradation of wetlands worldwide, underlining the urgency of conservation efforts to protect these critical ecosystems for future generations.