MoEFCC Considers Second Asiatic Lion Population, Supreme Court Translocation Order to Kuno Pending

SC Extends 10-km Mining Ban to All Wetland Reserves; India Reaches 101 Ramsar Sites

The Supreme Court has extended its February 2024 direction requiring prior approval for mining within 10 km of Asan Wetland Conservation Reserve to all wetland conservation reserves across India. This creates a judicial safeguard for Ramsar sites and other notified wetlands, filling a gap in the Wetlands Rules 2017 which lack statutory buffers. Students must note the 101 Ramsar sites in India and the shift from 2010 to 2017 Rules.

Assam Seeks 1 km Eco-Sensitive Zone for Kaziranga: SC Allows Flexible Buffer Zone

The Assam government's proposal to reduce the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kaziranga National Park from the default 10 km to just 1 km has ignited a debate on conservation vs. development. This news is critical for understanding ESZ regulations under the Environment Protection Act, the Supreme Court's 2023 ruling on flexible buffer zones, and the implications for wildlife corridors. Prelims focus: ESZ definition, MoEFCC guidelines, SC orders. Mains angle: environment vs. development trade-off, wildlife conservation policies.

SC Sets Aside NGT Order on Art of Living, Directs DDA to Refund ₹5 Crore Compensation

The Supreme Court has set aside a 2017 NGT order that held the Art of Living Foundation responsible for damaging the Yamuna floodplains during its 2016 World Culture Festival. The Court directed the DDA to refund the ₹5 crore environmental compensation deposited by the foundation, while also ordering DDA to continue floodplain rehabilitation work.

Supreme Court Allows Narrow Post-Facto Environment Clearance Amnesty, Sets Aside 2021 OM

The Supreme Court struck down the 2021 Office Memorandum that allowed blanket regularisation of projects without prior environmental clearance. However, it permitted a narrowly tailored amnesty scheme if justified by compelling public interest, shifting from its earlier absolute ban. This judgment reinforces the precautionary principle and proportionality, requiring the government to demonstrate necessity and weigh environmental costs.

15th FC Air-Quality Grant: BMC Spends ₹573.88 Cr, but Mumbai Clean Air Rank Falls to 28th

BMC spent 92.54% (₹573.88 Cr) of the 15th Finance Commission's air-quality grant, but Mumbai's clean air ranking slipped to 28th from 25th. The bulk (79.56%) went to electric buses, yet BEST's fleet shrunk and half the buses are undelivered. This is a classic case of misaligned spending – examiners will ask why funds meant for pollution mitigation were diverted without addressing local hotspots.

7th ESA Draft Notification: 9,993.7 sq km in 131 Kerala Villages Under Western Ghats Regulation

The 7th draft ESA notification for Kerala's Western Ghats has triggered protests from settlers and farmers who fear displacement and land-use restrictions. The notification covers 9,993.7 sq km across 131 villages, but the state government wants it reduced to 8,590.69 sq km excluding human habitations. This is a decade-old conflict between ecological conservation and livelihood rights, with implications for UPSC GS3 (Environment) and GS2 (Federalism, Governance).

SC-NBWL Recommends Pygmy Hog for Critically Endangered List Under IDWH Scheme

The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) has recommended adding the pygmy hog, the world's smallest and rarest wild pig, to the list of critically endangered species under the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) scheme. This move signals a renewed focus on grassland conservation and species recovery, with potential expansion to West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh.

SC-NBWL Clears 1,800 MW Hydropower Project in Panna-Ranipur Tiger Corridor Despite DFO Concerns

The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) has recommended clearance for a 1,800 MW pumped storage hydropower project in the Panna-Ranipur tiger corridor, overruling objections from a Madhya Pradesh forest officer who warned of corridor fragmentation. The project requires 411.48 hectares of forest land and will be allowed with mitigation measures including three wildlife overpasses. This decision highlights the tension between renewable energy expansion and wildlife conservation.