GEOGRAPHY OF INDIA

Physical Geography

Western Disturbances

Context: Following the weakening and eastward movement of a recent Western Disturbance, Northwest India is currently experiencing a brief, temporary respite from rain and thunderstorms.

About Western Disturbances

These are extra-tropical storm systems that originate in the Mediterranean Sea and travel eastward towards the Indian subcontinent.

Consequently, weather conditions across vast regions including parts of Pakistan, India, Nepal, and Bangladesh are affected.

Western Disturbances primarily impact India during the winter months, spanning from November to March.

They bring rainfall and snowfall that are vital for the Rabi crop season, particularly across Northwest India, including Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi.

Origin and Naming of Western Disturbances

- Western Disturbances are named as such due to their origin and movement patterns.

These weather systems originate in the western parts of the globe, specifically within the Mediterranean region.

When they form in the Mediterranean Sea and its adjoining areas, they are referred to as Western Disturbances.
The term “Disturbance” refers to the disruptive nature these weather systems exhibit as they travel eastward from their point of origin towards the Indian subcontinent and beyond.
While these phenomena are known as Western Disturbances in India, similar weather events in other parts of the world may be referred to by different names, depending on their specific origins and impacts.

The Teesta River

Context: Recently, the Government of Bangladesh sought China’s “involvement and support” for the Teesta River restoration project.

About Teesta River

- It originates from Lake ‘Tso Lhamo,’ situated in the North Sikkim region of India at an elevation of approximately 5,280 meters.
- It is a glacier-fed river; the ‘Pahurni’ and ‘Khangse’ glaciers, along with Lake ‘Tso Lhamo,’ serve as the primary water sources for its flow.

It is a major tributary of the Brahmaputra River (known as the ‘Jamuna’ in Bangladesh).

83% of the river’s catchment area lies within India, while the remaining 17% is located in Bangladesh.

Environment and ecology

Human-Wildlife Conflict

Human-Wildlife Conflict occurs when encounters between humans and wildlife lead to negative consequences, such as loss of property, livelihoods, and human life.
It poses a serious global threat to sustainable development, food security, biodiversity conservation, and health; it negatively impacts both humans and wildlife, while also hindering the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Aichi Biodiversity Targets.
Human-Wildlife Conflict has been recognized as a global concern within the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework of the United Nations’ ‘Convention on Biological Diversity’ (UN CBD).

Causes of Human-Wildlife Conflict

An expanding human population pushes settlements closer to protected forest areas, thereby increasing encounters between humans and wildlife.
The primary cause of this degradation is the cultivation of exotic plant species specifically Acacia, Mangium, and Eucalyptus within forest areas for commercial purposes.
Changing agricultural practices also contribute to the issue; these practices lure wildlife out of forest areas when they are unable to find sufficient fodder within their natural habitats.

Consequences of Human-Wildlife Conflict

Human-wildlife conflict results in significant loss of life and injuries. E.g.: It is estimated that between 2021 and 2025, approximately 344 people lost their lives in human-wildlife conflict incidents across the state of Kerala.
Crop damage, livestock loss, and property damage translate into substantial financial losses for farmers. Farmers lose 10–15 percent of their annual yield to animals that damage crops such as elephants, Nilgai, wild boars, and monkeys.
Wildlife is frequently killed, either accidentally or as acts of retaliation; this undermines species conservation efforts.

Key Measures and Strategies Implemented by the Government of Tamil Nadu

- AI-based Early Warning Systems: The Government of Tamil Nadu has launched a first-of-its-kind AI-based Command and Control Centre that utilizes thermal cameras, ground sensors, and satellite data to monitor and predict the movements of elephants and leopards in sensitive areas such as the Valparai Plateau and the Nilgiris.

Technological Applications: With the aim of preventing animals from entering villages, a project is currently being implemented to replace traditional and less-effective barriers with “Smart” solar-powered electric fences.

Rapid Rescue Teams (RRTs): 28 Rapid Rescue Teams, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, have been deployed to handle human-animal conflict situations arising in the field.
Habitat Improvement and Fodder Management: The government is focusing on improving animal habitats by removing invasive alien plant species and planting nutrient-rich native vegetation with the aim of encouraging animals to remain within the forests and reducing the need for them to stray into agricultural lands.
Community Participation: Protection initiatives known as “Suraksha Kavach” are being implemented by actively engaging local communities in conservation measures, such as the formation of surveillance committees.
Enhanced Compensation: The compensation amount for loss of life resulting from human-animal conflicts has been increased from ₹5 lakhs to ₹10 lakhs.
Special Schemes: Unique action plans have been formulated and are being implemented for specific animal species (e.g., ‘Mission SARPA’ for snakebite treatment, and special schemes for Bonnet Macaques and wild boars).
Anti-Poaching Surveillance Camps: These camps have been established specifically to monitor the movements of elephant herds, particularly in areas such as Lower Kotagiri and Gudalur.