Environment and ecology Parvati-Arga Bird Sanctuary The Parvati-Arga Bird Sanctuary in Gonda district of Uttar Pradesh has been declared an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ). Eco-Sensitive Zones are declared around protected areas by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Environmentally sensitive zones In India, conservation planning follows an ecosystem-based approach to protect representative habitats. Eco-sensitive zones extend up to 10 km from protected areas, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries. While in India, until 2014, there were only 23 Eco-Sensitive Zones covering 25 protected areas, currently, 353 Eco-Sensitive Zone notifications have been issued covering 496 protected areas. Tamil Nadu has 69 Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs). Secondary Pollutants Context: A recent analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) shows that secondary pollutants contribute nearly one-third of Delhi’s annual PM2.5 load. Secondary pollutants are not emitted directly. They form in the atmosphere when primary pollutants (gases) react under the influence of sunlight, humidity, temperature, and stagnant air. Major Secondary Pollutants are Ammonium sulphate, Ammonium nitrate, Sulphuric acid, Nitric acid. India’s Clean Energy Achievements Global Ranking: India ranks 4th globally in total installed renewable capacity at 253.96 GW, with 23% year-on-year growth. Solar Capacity Growth: Increased by 34.98 GW to 132.85 GW (41% YoY growth). Wind Capacity Growth: Increased by 5.82 GW to 53.99 GW (12.5% YoY growth). Solar Capacity Growth: Increased by 34.98 GW to 132.85 GW (41% YoY growth). Wind Capacity Growth: Increased by 5.82 GW to 53.99 GW (12.5% YoY growth). China Dependence Reducing: Historically reliant on Chinese solar imports, India is now expanding domestic capacity.
