Summary of Mangrove Ecosystem Importance and Strategies for Conservation

Mangroves, vital ecosystems known for their role in supporting coastal economies and providing protection against climate extremes, have historically been neglected in planning and policy agendas. This oversight is significant, as mangroves not only provide ecological benefits but also economic value, contributing billions in ecosystem services. The growing challenges of climate change, including severe weather events and rising sea levels, further highlight the necessity of prioritizing blue carbon ecosystems like mangroves.

Key Points:

• Economic and Ecological Value:

  • Economic valuation of mangroves ranges from ₹3,535 million in Pichavaram (Tamil Nadu) to ₹664 billion in the Sundarbans (West Bengal).
  • Carbon sequestration from mangroves in the Sundarbans is valued at ₹462 million annually.

• Role in Coastal Economies:

  • Mangroves serve as natural barriers protecting urban coastal areas and underpin fisheries, with fisherfolk relying on them as nurseries for juvenile fish.

• Impact of Urbanization:

  • Urban areas like Mumbai and Chennai face degraded mangrove ecosystems, which compromises biodiversity and the socio-economic conditions of local communities.

Strategies for Improvement

The Mangrove Coalition outlines three foundational strategies for enhancing mangrove conservation and sustainable economic use:

1. Embracing Technology:

   • Advanced technologies such as satellite imagery and geospatial Artificial Intelligence are essential for accurate mangrove mapping and blue carbon quantification.
   • These advances aid policy formulation and restoration efforts that recognize the significance of natural capital.

2. Community-Led Conservation:

   • Empowering local communities who depend on mangroves for their livelihood is critical for sustainable stewardship.
   • Healthy mangrove systems correlate with greater fish stocks, improving the livelihoods of coastal communities.
   • Integrated models like Eco-Development Committees (EDCs) and Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) can effectively manage urban mangroves and create alternative livelihood opportunities, including aquaculture and eco-tourism.

3. Citizen Science Engagement:

   • Stakeholder involvement through citizen science can stimulate interest and investment in mangrove conservation.
   • Community monitoring initiatives enhance understanding of mangrove health and foster a collaborative approach to ecosystem management.

Assessment Tools and Framework

Regular monitoring of mangrove ecosystems should incorporate indicators such as:

• Changes in mangrove area.
• Freshwater flow dynamics.
• Biodiversity assessments (avian, floral, molluscan, and fish diversity).
• Community perceptions and dependence on ecosystem services.

Such assessments are vital for guiding management practices and restoring mangrove health.

Conclusion

Conserving mangrove ecosystems requires a coalition approach where stakeholders from science, business, and communities collaborate. Policymakers are urged to recognize mangroves as essential climate and economic infrastructure rather than merely biodiversity zones. Sustainable stewardship necessitates fostering a symbiotic relationship between mangrove health and community well-being to advance resilience against climate change.

Key Recommendations:

• Recognize and integrate the economic importance of mangroves in policy frameworks.
• Engage communities in conservation efforts to build resilience and sustainable practices.
• Utilize technological advancements for better mapping and monitoring of mangrove health.

Published: August 02, 2025, by Madhav Pai, Soumya Swaminathan, and Sejal Worah

The Himalayan Zoological Park near Gangtok, Sikkim, has marked a significant achievement in wildlife conservation with the birth of two red panda cubs on June 15, 2025, after a seven-year hiatus in successful breeding. The announcement was made on August 1, 2025, underscoring the importance of this event for the park's Red Panda Conservation Programme, which has been operational since 1997. The challenging past several years featured two outbreaks of canine distemper, a viral disease that severely impacted the captive red panda population.

Key Highlights:

• Birth of Cubs:

  • Two red panda cubs were born to parents Lucky-II and Mirak on June 15, 2025. This is the first litter for the pair.

• Conservation Programme:

  • The Red Panda Conservation Programme was initiated in 1997. The park's director, Sangay Gyatso, noted that the birth is a significant milestone after a seven-year period which saw no successful births due to disease outbreaks.

• Canine Distemper:

  • Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that affects various organ systems in canines and other carnivores, which previously threatened the park's red panda population.

• Genetic Foundation:

  • The breeding program began with a female red panda Preeti from Rotterdam Zoo and Jugal from Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, laying a crucial genetic foundation for future breeding.

• Genetic Diversity:

  • In 2005, breeding efforts were bolstered by incorporating a wild-origin pair, Lucky and Ram, which aimed to enhance the genetic diversity of the red panda population in the park.
  • The cubs born are tracked through national and international studbooks to maintain healthy genetic variability and foster global breeding cooperation.

• Breeding Behavior:

  • Red pandas breed from November to January, with a gestation period of five months. Birth typically occurs in warmer months between June and August in hidden nests.
  • The male red panda, Lucky-II, exhibited rare parental involvement by participating in nest-building alongside Mirak.

• Cub Rearing Information:

  • The cubs will be kept away from public exposure until they mature. They will stay with their mother for more than a year, reaching full size by 12 months and sexual maturity by 18 months.

• Park Location and Biodiversity:

  • The Himalayan Zoological Park spans 205 hectares, located at an average elevation of 1,780 meters and is home to various other species, including snow leopards, Himalayan palm civets, monals, Himalayan black bears, and crimson-horned pheasants.

• Significance of the Achievement:

  • The successful birth of these red panda cubs symbolizes a renewed hope for the conservation of this endangered species in Sikkim and highlights the program's resilience and the commitment of its dedicated team.

This occasion not only showcases a triumph in wildlife conservation efforts but also serves as an important reminder of the fragile nature of biodiversity and the necessity for ongoing efforts to protect endangered species like the red panda.

Summary of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Announcement on the Grassland Bird Census in Kaziranga National Park:

On July 27, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the completion of a groundbreaking "first-ever grassland bird census" conducted in Assam's Kaziranga National Park as part of his Mann ki Baat radio program. The census, which took place from March 18 to May 25, aimed to assess the population of grassland bird species, a significant endeavor given that 70% of the national park is comprised of grasslands.

Key Highlights:

• Research Initiation: The survey was initiated by Chiranjib Bora, a doctoral student studying the endangered Black-breasted Parrotbill. Bora received support through an INSPIRE fellowship from the Department of Science & Technology, which included acoustic monitoring tools.
• Methodology Overview: The census employed innovative passive acoustic recording techniques, which proved effective in observing the elusive grassland birds. Acoustic recorders were strategically placed near grasslands during the birds' breeding season to capture their vocalizations.
  • By utilizing software like Birdnet, which employs machine learning to identify bird species by their calls, the research team was able to analyze recorded sound files for bird identification.
  • The survey encompassed 29 locations within the national park using six acoustic recorders.

Census Findings:

• A total of 43 grassland bird species were recorded, including:
  • 1 Critically Endangered species
  • 2 Endangered species
  • 6 Vulnerable species
• Notably, a breeding colony of the endangered Finn's Weaver, endemic to the Brahmaputra flood plains, was discovered, comprising over 85 nests.

Significance of Findings:

• Grassland birds serve as important indicators of ecosystem health. The presence of diverse grassland bird species signals a healthy habitat. This is analogous to how Body Mass Index (BMI) is used to assess human health.
• The discovery of the Finn's Weaver breeding colony signifies positive conservation outcomes.

Conservation Concerns:

• Grassland habitats in Assam have faced severe degradation, with an estimated 70% loss over the past 40 years due to various factors:
  • Anthropogenic Factors: Overgrazing and conversion of grasslands for agriculture.
  • Ecological Succession: Natural processes that lead grasslands to transition into forested areas.
• Climate change exacerbates these threats, potentially impacting species populations. For instance, the visibility of the Bengal Florican has diminished significantly, raising concerns about the influence of climate factors on its survival.

Conclusion: The grassland bird census in Kaziranga National Park showcases the effective integration of technology in wildlife research and highlights the pressing need for conservation efforts to protect fragile grassland ecosystems. As grassland birds are sensitive indicators of health within their habitats, their survival is crucial for maintaining ecological balance.

Important Sentences:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the first-ever grassland bird census in Kaziranga on July 27, 2023.
• The census was conducted from March 18 to May 25, 2023, involving forest officials and conservationists.
• It employed passive acoustic recording techniques to monitor grassland birds, an innovative approach to studying elusive species.
• The survey recorded 43 grassland bird species, including critical and endangered varieties.
• A significant discovery was a breeding colony of the endangered Finn's Weaver, comprising over 85 nests.
• Grassland birds are indicators of ecosystem health, and their presence is vital for conservation.
• Concerns exist over habitat loss due to anthropogenic factors and climate change, threatening the species' survival.

In a recent episode of the "Mann ki Baat" radio program on July 27, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the inaugural grassland bird census conducted in Kaziranga National Park, Assam. This survey, which ran from March 18 to May 25, aimed to assess the population of grassland birds in a park where 70% of the landscape comprises grasslands.

Key Highlights:

• Initiation of the Census: The project began when Chiranjib Bora, a doctoral student studying the threatened Black-breasted Parrotbill, received an INSPIRE fellowship from the Department of Science & Technology. Equipped with acoustic monitoring tools, he collaborated with Kaziranga officials for the census.

• Objectives: The main aim was to document the species of grassland birds, which are often rare, small, and well-camouflaged, making them difficult to count using traditional visual methods. The survey focused on 10 species that are globally threatened or endemic to the Brahmaputra floodplains, including:

  • Bengal Florican
  • Swamp Francolin
  • Finn’s Weaver
  • Swamp Grass Babbler
  • Jerdon’s Babbler
  • Slender-billed Babbler
  • Black-breasted Parrotbill
  • Marsh Babbler
  • Bristled Grassbird
  • Indian Grassbird

• Surveillance Methodology: This survey employed a unique methodology involving passive acoustic recording. Acoustic recorders were strategically placed in tall trees near grasslands during the breeding season (March-May) to capture the vocalizations of the birds, which are more active during this time.

  • After gathering data over three days, the recordings were analyzed. Various tools were used, including software for sound spectrograms and the Birdnet tool, which utilizes machine learning for bird song identification. The survey covered 29 locations within the national park using six recorders.

• Findings: The study documented a total of 43 grassland bird species, which included:

  • 1 Critically Endangered species
  • 2 Endangered species
  • 6 Vulnerable species (according to the IUCN Red List).

  Notably, a breeding colony of the endangered Finn’s Weaver was discovered, containing over 85 nests, marking a significant ecological finding.

• Ecosystem Significance: According to Dr. Sonali Ghosh, Director of Kaziranga National Park, grassland birds serve as indicators of ecosystem health, similar to how Body Mass Index (BMI) reflects human health. The presence of these birds suggests a healthy habitat, though numerous threats pose risks to their existence.

Threats to Grassland Birds:

• Habitat Loss: Assam has lost approximately 70% of its grasslands over the past four decades due to:

  • Overgrazing
  • Agricultural encroachment
  • Natural ecological succession leading to forestation.

• Climate Change: The impacts of climate change are also concerning. For instance, observations of the Bengal Florican showed a drastic population decline compared to past surveys, prompting further research on the cause of such declines.

Conclusion:

The first-ever grassland bird census in Kaziranga National Park highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts for grassland birds and their habitats. The census not only provides critical data for understanding current avian populations but also emphasizes the significant ecological challenges they face.

Important Points:

• The grassland bird census took place in Kaziranga National Park from March 18 to May 25, 2023.
• 43 grassland bird species were documented, including several threatened ones.
• Unique acoustic monitoring techniques were employed for data collection.
• Significant threats to bird populations include habitat destruction and climate change.
• Grassland birds are crucial indicators of ecosystem health.

Summary of Achievements Under the Namami Gange Mission

The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has made significant progress under the Namami Gange Programme, a government initiative aimed at revitalizing the Ganga River and its tributaries. Below are key achievements and metrics reported as of June 2025.

Key Achievements

• Sewerage Infrastructure Projects:

  • 212 sewerage infrastructure projects totaling ₹34,526 crore have been initiated, improving water quality with a treatment capacity of 6,540 Million Liters per Day (MLD).
  • 136 Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) with a capacity of 3,780 MLD are fully operational.

• Industrial Pollution Abatement:

  • Three Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) sanctioned, including:
    • Jajmau CETP (20 MLD).
    • Banther CETP (4.5 MLD).
    • Mathura CETP (6.25 MLD), of which two projects are completed.

• Grossly Polluting Industries (GPIs):

  • Since inspections commenced in 2017, a total of 4,246 GPIs have been inventoried.
  • Compliance status: 2,682 compliant, 517 non-compliant (26 have closure notices), 523 temporarily closed, and 278 permanently closed.
  • The Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) load has reduced from 26 tons per day in 2017 to 13.73 TPD in 2023, alongside a reduction in effluent discharge from 349 MLD to 249.31 MLD.

• Monitoring and Compliance:

  • An online dashboard named "PRAYAG" has been established for real-time monitoring of river water quality and STP performance.
  • Implementation of minimum e-flow norms since October 2018, ensuring sustainable river health monitored by the Central Water Commission (CWC).

Biodiversity Conservation Efforts

• Biodiversity Parks and Wetlands:

  • Seven Biodiversity Parks in Uttar Pradesh and five priority wetlands across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand have received sanction.

• Afforestation and Fish Conservation:

  • 33,024 hectares afforested along the Ganga, with an expenditure of approximately ₹414 crores.
  • 16 million Indian Major Carp fingerlings released to conserve fish biodiversity.

• Species Rehabilitation Programs:

  • Collaborative projects for the conservation of aquatic species, with noted increases in species sightings, including Dolphins, Turtles, and Otters.

Public Engagement and Awareness Initiatives

• District Ganga Committees:

  • 139 District Ganga Committees (DGC) conduct regular meetings, with over 4,377 meetings held by July 2025.

• Public Campaigns:

  • Events like Ganga Utsav, Nadi Utsav, and regular cleanathons to foster public awareness and participation in Ganga conservation.

Water Quality Improvements

• Water Quality Assessments:

  • Reports from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) classify various river stretches based on pollution levels:
    • Uttarakhand (BOD < 3 mg/l) is clear of pollution.
    • Parts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal show varying levels of BOD indicating pollution but have improved overall water quality.

• Biological Water Quality (BWQ):

  • Results from 2024–2025 indicate BWQ largely ranged from ‘Good’ to ‘Moderate’, and species diversity suggests improvements in river health.

• Dolphin Population Recovery:

  • The dolphin population has more than doubled from approximately 2,500-3,000 in 2009 to 6,327 in current estimates.

Financial Disbursement and Oversight

• Funding Disbursement:

  • NMCG has disbursed ₹19,679.84 crore from FY 2014-2015 through June 2025 for various approved projects.

• Challenges:

  • Delays attributed to land acquisition, statutory clearances, and permissions.

The efforts under the Namami Gange Mission signify a comprehensive approach to river conservation, ecological restoration, and sustainable management of water resources.

Important Sentences:

• NMCG has initiated 212 sewerage projects costing ₹34,526 crores for Ganga remediation.
• 136 STPs with 3,780 MLD capacity are operational, and three CETPs have been sanctioned.
• GPIs inspection has resulted in a BOD reduction from 26 TPD in 2017 to 13.73 TPD in 2023.
• The dolphin population has increased significantly from 2009 to 2023.
• A total of ₹19,679.84 crore has been disbursed under the programme through June 2025.

Summary of the Article on Sea-Level Rise and Coastal Vulnerabilities in India

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information and Services (INCOIS), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, has released an interim report assessing climate change-induced extreme sea levels and coastal vulnerabilities across India. This report is part of the Deep Ocean Mission and includes vulnerability maps for 11 coastal locations, such as Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.

Key Findings from the Report:

• Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) maps at a scale of 1:100,000 were created to evaluate the implications of sea-level rise based on various parameters, including:
  • Coastal slope
  • Shoreline change rate
  • Coastal elevation
  • Tidal range
  • Significant wave height
• A demarcated “Hazard line” by the Survey of India (SOI) indicates areas prone to flooding due to water level fluctuations and shoreline changes.

Government Initiatives:

The Indian government has established several strategies and action plans targeted at climate change adaptation and resilience-building in coastal regions:

• Implementation of the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), which encompasses nine Missions focused on adaptation in areas including:

  • Water
  • Habitat
  • Agriculture
  • Himalayan ecosystems
  • Human health
  • Climate change strategic knowledge

• Each of the 34 States and Union Territories has formulated State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCCs) that align with their unique ecological and socio-economic conditions.

Financial Support Measures:

• The Guidelines for Appraisal and Release of Funds for Coastal and River Erosion, announced on June 20, 2024, emphasize erosion mitigation and displacement resettlement funded through the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF), with an allocation of ₹1500 crore for 2021–2026.
• Support for smaller coastal cities impacted by erosion through financial and logistical assistance from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).

Technical Support and Development:

• The National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) develops Shoreline Management Plans (SMP) to tackle erosion and climate change challenges effectively.
• A report and atlas detailing existing coastal bio-shields that serve as nature-based solutions have been compiled to enhance coastal resilience.

Community Involvement and Sustainable Development:

• The Integrated Coastal Risk Mitigation and Resilience Programme (ICRMRP), facilitated by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), incorporates community participation and spatial planning to bolster resilience efforts.
• This seven-component framework includes risk assessments, early warning systems, and emphasizes sustainable development planning.

Important Points:

• INCOIS has prepared vulnerability maps and indices assessing Indian coastal areas.
• A "Hazard line" integrates various factors influencing flood risks.
• The NAPCC facilitates climate adaptation through specific Missions.
• States have created SAPCCs tailored to local needs.
• NDMF allocation aims to manage coastal erosion and displaced populations.
• NCCR supports coastal management and biodiversity through technical assessments.
• ICRMRP focuses on community-driven planning for resilience.

This information was presented by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, in a written response in the Rajya Sabha.

Summary of the Namami Gange Programme and its Achievements

The Namami Gange Programme (NGP), launched by the Government of India (GoI) in 2014-15, is a significant initiative aimed at the rejuvenation of river Ganga and its tributaries. Initially planned for five years ending March 2021, the program has been extended until March 2026 due to the ongoing pollution challenges.

Financial Allocations:

• The total budgetary allocation from FY 2014-15 to FY 2024-25 stands at ₹ 23,424.86 crore, with another ₹ 3,400 crore allocated in the Budget Estimates (BE) for FY 2025-26.
• Thus, the cumulative allocation for the NGP up to FY 2025-26 is projected to be ₹ 26,824.86 crore.

Program Interventions: The NGP encompasses a variety of comprehensive interventions to address pollution in the Ganga and its tributaries, including:

• Wastewater treatment,
• Solid waste management,
• River front management (including ghats and crematoria development),
• E-flow (environmental flow),
• Afforestation,
• Biodiversity conservation, and
• Public participation.

A total of 502 projects have been sanctioned under the program, with 323 projects successfully completed.

Assessment and Current Status: According to the assessment of Priority River Stretches (PRSs) conducted in 2022, the conditions of the river vary by region:

• Uttarakhand: No polluted stretches (BOD < 3 mg/l),
• Uttar Pradesh: Stretches from Farrukhabad to Allahabad and Mirzapur to Ghazipur categorized as Priority Class V (BOD 3–6 mg/l),
• Bihar: Polled stretches near Buxar, Patna, Fatwah, and Bhagalpur in Priority Class IV (BOD 6–10 mg/l),
• Jharkhand: No polluted stretches (BOD < 3 mg/l),
• West Bengal: Stretch from Behrampur to Haldia falls under Priority Class IV (BOD 6–10 mg/l).

Additionally, the levels of Dissolved Oxygen (DO) have been maintained within standards set for primary bathing water quality, which supports the aquatic ecosystem.

Reduction in Pollution Load: Since the initiation of annual inspections of Grossly Polluting Industries (GPIs) by third-party technical institutes in 2017, significant reductions in pollution have been observed:

• BOD load reduced from 26 tons per day in 2017 to 13.73 tons per day in 2023.
• Effluent discharge decreased from 349 million liters per day (MLD) in 2017 to 249.31 MLD in 2023.

Biodiversity Monitoring: The biological water quality (BWQ) during monitoring from 2024-25 indicated predominantly 'Good' to 'Moderate' conditions. Furthermore, the dolphin population, an important ecological indicator, has seen a significant rise from approximately 3,500 individuals in 2015 to around 6,327 in recent surveys (2021-2023). This marks more than a twofold increase since 2009, with dolphins also recorded in additional rivers in the Ganga basin.

International Recognition: The Namami Gange initiative has gained international acclaim, being recognized by the United Nations as one of the top 10 World Restoration Flagships aimed at restoring natural environments. The award was presented at the 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) held in Montreal, Canada, on December 14, 2022, which coincided with World Restoration Day.

Parliamentary Reporting: This information was provided by the Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri Raj Bhushan Choudhary, in a written response to questions in the Lok Sabha.

Important Points:

• Namami Gange Programme launched in 2014-15; extended to March 2026.
• Total allocation for NGP until FY 2025-26 is ₹ 26,824.86 crore.
• 502 projects initiated; 323 completed.
• Varied water quality across states with classifications based on BOD levels.
• Significant reductions in BOD and effluent discharge from industries.
• Dolphin population increased significantly over the past decade.
• UN recognition of NGP as a leading restoration initiative.
• Information presented by the Minister of State for Jal Shakti in Lok Sabha.