The National Green Tribunal (NGT) in India puts a heavy fine on the Kerala government over the deteriorating condition of two prominent Ramsar wetlands. The wetland sites, Vembanad and Ashtamudi lakes, have seen a dramatic decline in their environmental health due to pollution and other unlawful activities. In other developments, Saudi Arabia is set to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as a dialogue partner, while the Indian Coast Guard conducts a regional search and rescue exercise in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. Meanwhile, scientists in Brazil have captured stunning images of “upward lightning”.
NGT Fines Kerala Government for Neglecting Ramsar Sites
The NGT has handed the Kerala government a hefty penalty of Rs 10 crore for failing to preserve and protect the Vembanad and Ashtamudi lakes, both featuring on the Ramsar list of prominent wetlands. The cause for the degradation of these sites, home to various plant and bird species, is primarily attributed to pollution resulting from dumped pharmaceutical waste, plastic, household trash, and waste from slaughterhouses.
Vembanad, the largest wetland ecosystem in Kerala and a Ramsar site since 2002, has suffered tremendously due to encroachments and ecological disruption. A recent study by the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies reveals a significant 85% drop in the water retention capacity of Vembanad lake over the past 120 years. Meanwhile, Ashtamudi lake, listed on the Ramsar list in August 2002, has been battling with mounting waste issues.
Numerous measures, including the formation of the Ashtamudi Wetland Management Authority, have been proposed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly’s Environment Committee. The committee recommended immediate rules against illegal demolition and dumping of boats in the lake, along with quarterly checks on coliform bacteria and oxygen levels in the lake by the state pollution control board.
Saudi Arabia to Join SCO as Dialogue Partner
Saudi Arabia has received approval to engage with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) as a dialogue partner. The SCO, established in 2001 by Russia, China, and former Soviet states in Central Asia, expanded to include India and Pakistan over time. It serves as a counterbalance to western influence in the region. Iran also joined as a full member in 2022.
The dialogue partner status can be seen as the initial step towards Saudi Arabia’s prospective full membership in the SCO. Countries affiliated with the organization are planning to conduct a “counter-terrorism exercise” together in Russia’s Chelyabinsk region in August 2023.
Indian Coast Guard Carries Out Search and Rescue Exercise
The Indian Coast Guard recently carried out a Regional Search and Rescue exercise in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. The drill simulated real-time maritime distress situations to highlight the operations of the Search and Rescue organization (SAR) in mass rescue operations. All stakeholders participated in the exercise, which effectively harnessed available resources for Maritime Search and Rescue contingency plans.
The area off Kakinada was chosen due to the large-scale exploration and production activities in the Krishna Godavari basin, which increases the likelihood of emergencies requiring a large scale SAR response.
Scientists Capture Images of Upward Lightning
In Brazil, researchers have successfully captured images of a rare phenomenon known as “upward lightning” or “upward flashes”. This phenomenon occurs when a self-initiated lightning streak develops from a tall object and moves upwards towards an electrified storm cloud. The event requires storm electrification and the presence of a cloud charge region. A tall object amplifies the electric field on the ground, leading to conditions that promote the initiation of an upward streak. The whole process is further triggered by the formation of a stepped leader, which completes the lightning channel and allows charges to move rapidly from the cloud towards the ground.
