1. Supreme Court Calls for Nationwide Survey of Sacred Groves

Context: The Supreme Court of India has directed the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) to conduct a nationwide survey of sacred groves to ensure their protection and conservation.

Key Directives by the Supreme Court:

• Sacred groves should be classified as ‘forests’ and officially notified as ‘community reserves’ under the Wildlife Protection Act (WLPA) 1972.
• Each state government must form a ‘Community Reserve Management Committee’ to oversee the preservation and sustainable management of sacred groves.

What Are Sacred Groves?

Sacred groves are forest patches or tree clusters that hold religious, cultural, and ecological significance, traditionally protected by local communities.

• They are known by different names across India, such as:
  • Devarakadu (Karnataka)
  • Kavu (Kerala)
  • Sarna (Madhya Pradesh)
  • Oran (Rajasthan)
  • Devrai (Maharashtra)
  • Umanglai (Manipur)
  • Law Kyntang/Law Lyngdoh (Meghalaya)
  • Devan/Deobhumi (Uttarakhand)

Importance of Sacred Groves:

• Biodiversity Hotspots – Home to rare and endangered species.
• Climate Regulation – Help in carbon sequestration and maintaining microclimates.
• Water Conservation – Preserve natural springs and aquifers.
• Livelihood Support – Sustain traditional herbal medicine practices.
• Cultural Heritage – Represent deep-rooted spiritual traditions.
• Environmental Awareness – Encourage local conservation practices.

What Are Community Reserves?

The concept of community reserves was introduced through the Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Act, 2002, to recognize and protect community-managed ecosystems.

Key Features of Community Reserves:

• They are designated on private or community-owned lands where local communities actively participate in habitat conservation.
• Any land-use changes require approval from the reserve management committee and the state government.

• The Chief Wildlife Warden has the overall authority for managing the reserve.

Potential Conflict: WLPA vs. FRA

The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, was enacted to recognize and protect the rights of forest-dwelling communities over forests, including sacred groves.

• By classifying sacred groves as community reserves under WLPA, the Supreme Court’s directive may contradict the FRA’s objective of recognizing traditional community rights.

T.N. Godavarman v. Union of India (1996): A Landmark Case

The Supreme Court’s interpretation of Section 2 of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, in this case, established that ‘forest land’ includes:

1. Areas that qualify as ‘forests’ in the dictionary sense.
2. Any area recorded as forest in government records, regardless of ownership.

Way Forward: A Balanced Conservation Approach

• Inclusive Policy Formulation – The MoEF&CC should create a Sacred Grove Conservation Policy in collaboration with local communities, ensuring alignment with the FRA.
• Co-Management Model – Instead of handing full control to the Forest Department, a joint governance framework between Gram Sabhas and forest officials should be explored.
• Legal Harmonization – Clear legal reconciliation between the WLPA and FRA is essential to avoid conflicts and protect community rights.
• Scientific Mapping with Traditional Knowledge – Satellite technology should be combined with local knowledge to identify and manage sacred groves effectively.

A Step Towards Conservation with Community Involvement:

The Supreme Court’s directive aims to preserve India’s sacred groves, but it is crucial to balance environmental conservation with the rights of local communities. A cooperative and inclusive approach will ensure that these sacred forests continue to thrive for future generations.

2. Budget 2025: Urban Development Gets a Boost, But Challenges Persist

Context: The Union Budget 2025 has allocated 96,777 crore for urban development, reflecting a nominal increase from the previous year. However, after adjusting for inflation, the real value of the allocation has actually declined, raising concerns about the adequacy of funding for urban infrastructure and services.

Key Budget Highlights:

• Cuts in Key Schemes: The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) has faced significant budget reductions, creating a gap between policy ambitions and actual funding.
• Reduced Transfers to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs): Financial support to ULBs has been slashed, and the revenue loss due to GST has further strained their resources.
• More Funds for Metro Projects: Central Sector Schemes, particularly for metro rail expansion, have received increased allocations. However, funding for urban programs like the Swachh Bharat Mission and Smart Cities Mission has been cut.
• 10,000 Crore Urban Challenge Fund: A new initiative aimed at capital-intensive infrastructure projects has been introduced. However, concerns remain over its limited focus on sustainability, employment generation, and social equity.

Understanding India’s Urbanization:

Unlike industrialization-driven urbanization seen in the Global North, India’s urbanization is primarily driven by economic distress. This phenomenon, often termed “poverty-driven urbanization,” is characterized by both rural-to-urban and urban-to-urban migration.

• The COVID-19 pandemic exposed severe shortcomings in urban planning, with reverse migration highlighting deficiencies in basic infrastructure and services.

Major Urban Challenges in India:

1. Lack of Reliable Data:

• With the 2021 Census yet to be conducted, the exact urban population remains unclear. However, estimates suggest that 40% of India’s population now resides in urban areas.

2. Outdated Planning & Infrastructure Deficits:

• Spatial plans are outdated, leading to overcrowding, informal settlements, and slums.
• Development strategies prioritize capital investment over people-centric urban growth.

3. Climate Change & Environmental Risks:

• Indian cities face increasing threats from pollution, urban flooding, and heat island effects.
• Delhi NCR, in particular, has been severely impacted by these environmental concerns.

4. Governance & Funding Challenges:

• Despite the 74th Constitutional Amendment, urban planning remains controlled by undemocratic bodies, limiting the power of local governments.
• Cities receive only 0.5% of GDP in intergovernmental transfers, insufficient for comprehensive urban development.

Government Initiatives for Urban Development

1. Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) 2.0: Launched on October 1, 2021, for five years, aiming to achieve safe sanitation and scientific waste management in all cities.
2. AMRUT 2.0: Initiated on October 1, 2021, to make cities self-reliant and water-secure, focusing on sustainable water supply and sewage treatment.
3. Smart Cities Mission:  Aims to enhance urban living standards in 100 cities by developing efficient services, modern infrastructure, and a sustainable environment.

4. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) 2.0: 

• Aims to construct 1 crore affordable houses for the urban poor over the next five years.
• Investment: 10 lakh crore, with 2.30 lakh crore in government subsidies.

5. Street Vending Plans:

• Development of 100 weekly haats (markets) and street food hubs in key cities.
• States encouraged to design street-vending policies to support local vendors and micro-entrepreneurs.

Way Forward: Creating Sustainable and Inclusive Urban Spaces:

While progress has been made towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), urban areas continue to struggle with poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation.

1. Strengthening Urban Planning & Governance:

• India must adopt a comprehensive national strategy to enhance urban infrastructure, governance, and resource management.
• Cities should be treated as engines of economic growth, requiring consistent and substantial investments.

2. Sustainable Urban Development:

• Instead of promoting high-rise urban sprawl, low-rise, radial development models should be prioritized to reduce carbon emissions and improve urban sustainability.

3. Empowering Local Governments:

• Greater financial autonomy and decision-making power should be given to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) for effective urban management.

4. Climate Resilient Cities:

• Indian cities must focus on green infrastructure, climate adaptation, and disaster preparedness to tackle climate change challenges.

5. Prioritizing Employment & Social Equity:

• Urban development policies must integrate strategies for employment generation, affordable housing, and livelihood security for marginalized communities.

Conclusion:The Budget 2025 allocation for urban development reflects the government’s focus on infrastructure expansion but falls short in addressing sustainable and inclusive growth. To build resilient, efficient, and people-centric cities, India must shift towards long-term urban planning, climate-conscious development, and empowered local governance.

3. South Coast Raailway (SCoR) Zone: A Game Changer for Andhra Pradesh

Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the formation of the South Coast Railway (SCoR) Zone, marking it as India’s 18th railway zone under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the new zone’s headquarters in Visakhapatnam in January.

The reorganization involves splitting the Waltair Railway Division, with one section renamed Visakhapatnam Railway Division under SCoR, while the remaining part will be integrated into the Rayagada Division under the East Coast Railway (ECoR).

Why Was the South Coast Railway (SCoR) Zone Created?

Mandate Under Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014:

• Item 8 of Schedule 13 (Infrastructure) of the Act required Indian Railways to assess the feasibility of a new railway zone to cater to Andhra Pradesh’s growing needs.

Strategic & Economic Importance:

• The Central Government announced the creation of SCoR in February 2019 to enhance railway efficiency and manage increasing passenger and freight traffic.
• Key Benefits of the New Zone:
  • Strengthening industrial and agricultural growth.
  • Improving logistics support for major ports like Visakhapatnam and Krishnapatnam.
  • Boosting tourism to cultural and spiritual hubs like Tirupati.

Political Factors:

• The demand for a separate railway zone had been pending since Andhra Pradesh’s bifurcation in 2014.
• The decision was expedited after the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), an ally of the ruling BJP-led NDA government, came to power in Andhra Pradesh in 2024.

Divisions Under the South Coast Railway (SCoR) Zone:

Regional Coverage:

• The new zone will primarily cover Andhra Pradesh, with portions of Telangana and Tamil Nadu.

Key Railway Divisions Under SCoR:

• Vijayawada Division (from South Central Railway)
• Guntur Division (from South Central Railway)
• Visakhapatnam Division (formerly part of Waltair Division)

Major Routes Under Visakhapatnam Division (SCoR):

The Visakhapatnam Division will span approximately 410 km, covering important railway sections such as:

• Palasa–Visakhapatnam–Duvvada
• Kuneru–Vizianagaram
• Naupada Jn.–Paralakhemundi
• Bobbili Jn.–Salur
• Simhachalam North–Duvvada bypass
• Vadalapudi–Duvvada
• Visakhapatnam Steel Plant–Jaggayapalem

Rayagada Division Under East Coast Railway (ECoR):

• The remaining 680 km of Waltair Division will be reorganized into the Rayagada Division, headquartered in Odisha.
• Important Routes Under Rayagada Division:
  • Kottavalasa–Bacheli
  • Kuneru–Theruvali Jn.
  • Singapur Rd.–Koraput Jn.
  • Paralakhemundi–Gunpur

Why is the Waltair Division Important?

A Powerhouse for Freight Revenue:

• Waltair Division is a major contributor to Indian Railways’ earnings, driven by freight transport from Odisha and Chhattisgarh’s mining and steel industries.

Freight Performance of East Coast Railway (ECoR):

• In FY 2023-24, ECoR achieved a record-breaking freight loading of 250 million tonnes, surpassing its previous record.
• Division-wise freight contribution:
  • Khurda Road Division – 156.17 million tonnes
  • Waltair Division – 74.66 million tonnes
  • Sambalpur Division – 19.20 million tonnes
• ECoR became the first railway zone to surpass 200 million tonnes of freight loading for five consecutive years.

Political Opposition from Odisha:

• Odisha’s political leaders have opposed the reorganization, arguing that shifting a major revenue-generating part of ECoR to SCoR could negatively impact the state’s economy.
• The ECoR headquarters is based in Bhubaneswar, and this reorganization could lead to revenue losses for Odisha’s railway network.

The Road Ahead: What SCoR Means for India:

• Improved connectivity and railway efficiency in Andhra Pradesh.
• Boost to trade, tourism, and industrial development.
• Stronger logistics infrastructure for major ports and freight corridors.
• Possible political challenges as Odisha seeks to retain its economic stronghold.

The South Coast Railway Zone is a landmark step towards regional development, ensuring better railway infrastructure and economic growth for Andhra Pradesh while reshaping the freight and passenger landscape of Indian Railways.

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5. Meghalaya’s Debate Over Article 371: A Push to Revive Rat-Hole Mining

Context: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) has proposed that Meghalaya be brought under Article 371, similar to Nagaland’s Article 371A, to bypass the ban on rat-hole coal mining.

• Rat-hole mining has been banned in Meghalaya since 2014 by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) due to its environmental and safety risks.
• VPP argues that special constitutional status under Article 371 would allow Meghalaya to regulate its own resources without central interference.

The Argument for Article 371 in Meghalaya:

Rat-Hole Mining Ban and Its Impact:

• The NGT banned rat-hole mining in Meghalaya in 2014 due to severe environmental damage and hazardous working conditions.
• The Supreme Court upheld the ban, extending it to other northeastern states.

How Nagaland Avoids the Ban:

• Rat-hole mining continues in Nagaland despite environmental concerns because Article 371A prevents the NGT from intervening in the state’s resource management.
• Meghalaya’s Sixth Schedule already grants district councils power over land and forests, but central laws like the NGT ban still apply.

VPP’s Stand:

• If Meghalaya is granted Article 371, it could override central laws and independently decide on coal mining policies.
• They believe this would boost economic growth and employment in the state.

Counterarguments Against Article 371 for Meghalaya:

Opposition from Political Leaders:

• Most political parties oppose the demand for Article 371, arguing that it clashes with the Sixth Schedule’s existing autonomy.
• Meghalaya’s Tourism Minister and United Democratic Party (UDP) leader stated that Article 371 and the Sixth Schedule cannot coexist.

Legal and Structural Conflicts:

• The Sixth Schedule already grants autonomous powers to Meghalaya’s district councils on issues like land, forests, and social customs.
• Adding Article 371 could create legal confusion over which authority governs resource management.

Understanding Article 371: Special Provisions for Indian States

What is Article 371?

• Article 371 provides special provisions for certain states based on their unique socio-economic and political conditions.

• The provisions vary for each state, ensuring local governance over land, culture, and resources.

State-Wise Provisions Under Article 371:

The Sixth Schedule and Meghalaya’s Autonomy:

What is the Sixth Schedule?

• The Sixth Schedule grants special autonomy to tribal areas in northeastern states like Meghalaya, Mizoram, Assam, and Tripura.
• Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) govern these regions, making laws on land, forests, social customs, and village administration.

Powers of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs):

• Make laws on land, forests, and village administration.
• Regulate inheritance and social customs.
• Establish and manage schools, markets, roads, and dispensaries.
• Governance by up to 30 members, with 26 elected and 4 nominated by the governor.

Paragraph 12A of the Sixth Schedule:

• Allows state laws to override ADC laws in case of a conflict.

The Rat-Hole Mining Controversy:

What is Rat-Hole Mining?

• A highly dangerous method of coal extraction where workers dig narrow tunnels to extract coal.

Why Was It Banned?

• Severe environmental damage: Leads to deforestation and groundwater contamination.
• Extremely unsafe working conditions: Frequent accidents and child labor exploitation.
• The NGT banned it in 2014 due to its hazards to miners and the environment.

Illegal Mining Continues:

• Despite the ban, rat-hole mining continues illegally in parts of Meghalaya, leading to legal battles and enforcement challenges.

The Way Forward for Meghalaya:

Balancing Economic Growth with Environmental Safety:

• Granting Meghalaya Article 371 could bypass central regulations, but it may weaken environmental protections.
• Instead, the focus should be on legalizing and regulating coal mining under strict environmental and safety guidelines.

Strengthening Regulation and Law Enforcement:

• Meghalaya needs stronger enforcement against illegal rat-hole mining.
• Introducing scientific coal mining methods could help sustainably utilize resources while ensuring safety.

Exploring Alternatives to Article 371:

• Instead of seeking constitutional amendments, Meghalaya could push for specific mining regulations under the Sixth Schedule to balance autonomy and environmental responsibility.

Conclusion:

The debate over Article 371 in Meghalaya is driven by the desire to revive rat-hole mining, but it raises legal, environmental, and governance challenges. While economic benefits are undeniable, it is crucial to balance development with environmental sustainability and worker safety. Instead of pursuing Article 371, Meghalaya could focus on regulated and eco-friendly coal mining solutions within its existing Sixth Schedule framework.

6. New Zealand Raises Concerns Over Cook Islands’ Growing Ties with China

Context: New Zealand’s Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, has expressed concerns over the Cook Islands’ upcoming agreement with China.

• The Cook Islands’ Prime Minister, Mark Brown, is set to visit Beijing next week to finalize a “comprehensive strategic partnership” with China.
• New Zealand is worried about the security and strategic implications of the deal and has criticized the Cook Islands for not consulting them beforehand.

Cook Islands’ Relationship with New Zealand:

A Self-Governing Nation Under “Free Association” with New Zealand:

• The Cook Islands is a small Pacific nation that maintains a unique “free association” arrangement with New Zealand.
• This means the Cook Islands has its own government but relies on New Zealand for defense and foreign affairs.

Key Aspects of Their Relationship:

• New Zealand Citizenship: Cook Islanders hold New Zealand passports.
• Financial and Diplomatic Support: New Zealand provides economic aid, defense support, and diplomatic backing.
• Consultation on Security Matters: New Zealand expects to be informed about any agreements that may have strategic or security implications.

China’s Expanding Influence in the Pacific:

Growing Presence in the Region:

• China has been strengthening its ties with Pacific nations through economic aid, diplomatic engagements, and infrastructure projects.
• This expansion is seen as a challenge to the influence of New Zealand, Australia, and the U.S. in the Pacific.

Strategic Concerns for Western Powers:

• Western nations worry that China’s deepening relationships in the Pacific could lead to:
  • Military footholds in the region.
  • Economic dependence on China.
  • Shifts in regional alliances away from traditional partners like New Zealand and Australia.

About the Cook Islands:

Location & Governance:

• The Cook Islands is an island nation in Polynesia, South Pacific Ocean.
• It is self-governing but in free association with New Zealand.

Key Facts:

• Capital: Avarua, located on Rarotonga, the largest island.
• Government: Parliamentary democracy with a Prime Minister as head of government.
• Economic Focus: Tourism, offshore banking, and fishing are major contributors to the economy.

What’s Next?

• The Cook Islands’ state visit to Beijing will be closely watched by New Zealand and other Pacific nations.
• If the strategic partnership with China expands, it could reshape regional alliances and increase tensions in the Pacific.
• New Zealand may seek reassurances or new agreements to maintain its influence over the Cook Islands.

The outcome of this agreement could signal a shift in power dynamics in the Pacific, affecting not just the Cook Islands but the broader geopolitical landscape of the region.