June-Environment & Ecology

1: Conservation Milestones & Wetlands

June 2025 was a "Green Month," specifically for wetlands and wildlife, timed with World Environment Day.

1. Two New Ramsar Sites (Rajasthan’s Milestone)

On June 4, 2025, the eve of World Environment Day, India officially added two more sites to the list of Wetlands of International Importance, taking the total count to 91.

• Khichan (Phalodi): Known as the "Demoiselle Crane Village," it hosts over 20,000 migratory cranes (Kurjan) annually from Southwest Europe and Central Asia. It is a prime example of community-led conservation.
• Menar (Udaipur): Recognized as India's "Bird Village." It consists of the Brahma and Dhand Talab lakes. It is famous for its "Zero-Poaching" community rules enforced by the local villagers for over 50 years.
• Significance: India now has the highest number of Ramsar sites in Asia and the 3rd highest globally. Rajasthan’s tally has increased to four.

2. World Environment Day (June 5, 2025)

• Host: Republic of Korea hosted the global celebrations.
• Theme: "Beat Plastic Pollution" (A global focus on reducing plastic waste and microplastics).
• India’s Focus: Prime Minister Modi highlighted the success of the Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) and reported that the EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) Portal has already processed over 103 lakh tonnes of plastic waste.
• The Plastic Pollution Literacy Kit: Launched by the UN in India, this digital tool aims to educate everyone from students to CEOs on phasing out single-use plastics.

3. Project Cheetah: Expansion Phase

In June 2025, the Ministry of Environment (MoEFCC) confirmed the move to the next phase of the Cheetah Reintroduction Project:

• New Home: Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary (MP) was prepared for its first batch of cheetahs.
• Population Update: The total count reached 30 cheetahs (including 19 cubs born on Indian soil), marking the successful transition from "reintroduction" to "population stabilization."

2: Energy Transition & Climate Reports

1. 50% Non-Fossil Fuel Milestone (5 Years Early)

• The Achievement: India officially crossed the 50% installed capacity mark for electric power from non-fossil fuel sources in June 2025.
• Context: This was a COP26 (Panchamrit) target set for 2030, but India achieved it five years ahead of schedule. Solar and Wind energy now dominate the new capacity additions.

2. India's First "Make-in-India" Green Hydrogen Facility

• The Launch: While the 10 MW foundation was laid earlier, the 1 MW pilot module at Deendayal Port (Kandla) became operational in June 2025.
• Significance: It is the first port-based green hydrogen project in India, using indigenous electrolyzers manufactured by L&T. It aims to decarbonize maritime operations.

3. State of India’s Environment 2025 (CSE Report)

Released on June 4, 2025, by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), this report provided a sobering reality check:

• Extreme Weather: India faced extreme weather events on 88% of the days in 2024.
• Internal Displacement: Triggered 5.4 million internal migrations, with floods in Assam being the primary driver.
• Groundwater Crisis: 135 districts are now drawing water from depths exceeding 40 meters, showing a doubling of the crisis since 2014.
• Legacy Waste: The report noted that despite the 2026 deadline, only 50% of legacy waste (old landfill sites) has been remediated.

4. EnviStats India 2025 (MoSPI)

The 8th issue of Environment Statistics was released on June 5:

• Temperature Trend: Annual mean temperature in India rose from 25.05 (2001) to 25.74 (2024).
• Biodiversity: India now accounts for 1,04,561 faunal species, roughly 6.2% of the world's total.

3: Wildlife Corridors & Sustainable Energy

1. Kumram Bheem Conservation Reserve (Tiger Corridor)

In June 2025, the Telangana government officially notified a critical wildlife link as a "Conservation Reserve" under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

• The Link: Connects Kawal Tiger Reserve (Telangana) with Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (Maharashtra).
• Significance: This corridor ensures genetic flow between isolated tiger populations and reduces human-animal conflict by providing a protected path through the Sahyadri mountain ranges.
• Flora: Dominated by Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests (Teak and Bamboo).

2. "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" (Plant4Mother) Campaign

Launched on World Environment Day (June 5), this mass plantation drive became a global movement.

• Achievement: By the end of June, over 142 crore trees were reported planted across India.
• Mechanism: Encourages citizens to plant a tree as a tribute to their mothers, combining emotional sentiment with climate action.

3. Milestone: 50% Non-Fossil Fuel Capacity

In a historic achievement for India's energy transition, the country officially hit its COP26 (Panchamrit) target 5 years ahead of schedule.

• The Data: As of June 2025, 50% of India's installed power capacity is now from non-fossil sources (Solar, Wind, Hydro, and Nuclear).
• Current Mix: Total capacity reached ~476 GW, with non-fossil sources contributing 235.7 GW.
• Global Rank: India now ranks 3rd in Solar and 4th in Wind power capacity globally.

4. Blue Economy & WTO Fisheries Agreement

• Nicaragua's Acceptance: In June, Nicaragua became the 101st member to accept the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.
• The Threshold: Only 10 more acceptances (out of 111) are needed for the treaty to enter into force.
• Impact: This treaty will prohibit harmful subsidies for IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing, which is a major win for marine biodiversity.

5. 3rd UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) Pre-cursor

Held in Nice, France (June 9–13), world leaders gathered to prepare the "Nice Ocean Action Plan."

• Key Announcement: France and several partners pledged to establish one of the world's largest networks of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), targeting 4 million km^2
• Med-Sea Warning: Data presented in June showed the Mediterranean Sea is warming 20% faster than the global average.