7 Major Environmental Movements in

The contemporary India experiences an almost unrestricted exploitation of resources because of the lure of new consumerist lifestyles. The balance of nature is disrupted. This has led to many conflicts in the society. In this article, we discuss the major environmental movements in India.

What is an Environmental Movement?

An environmental movement can be defined as a social or political movement, for the conservation of environment or for the improvement of the state of the environment. The terms ‘green movement’ or ‘conservation movement’ are alternatively used to

1/8 denote the same. The environmental movements favour the sustainable management of natural resources. The movements often stress the protection of the environment via changes in public policy. Many movements are centred on ecology, health and human rights. Environmental movements range from the highly organized and formally institutionalized ones to the radically informal activities. The spatial scope of various environmental movements ranges from being local to the almost global.

Major Environmental Movements in India

Some of the major environmental movements in India during the period 1700 to 2000 are the following.

1.Bishnoi Movement

Year: 1700s Place: Khejarli, Marwar region, state. Leaders: Amrita Devi along with Bishnoi villagers in Khejarli and surrounding villages. Aim: Save sacred trees from being cut down by the king’s soldiers for a new palace.

What was it all about: Amrita Devi, a female villager could not bear to witness the destruction of both her faith and the village’s sacred trees. She hugged the trees and encouraged others to do the same. 363 Bishnoi villagers were killed in this movement. The Bishnoi tree martyrs were influenced by the teachings of Guru Maharaj Jambaji, who founded the Bishnoi faith in 1485 and set forth principles forbidding harm to trees and animals. The king who came to know about these events rushed to the village and apologized, ordering the soldiers to cease logging operations. Soon afterwards, the maharajah designated the Bishnoi state as a protected area, forbidding harm to trees and 2/8 animals. This legislation still exists today in the region.

2. Chipko Movement

Year: 1973 Place: In Chamoli district and later at Tehri-Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. Leaders: Sundarlal Bahuguna, Gaura Devi, Sudesha Devi, Bachni Devi, Chandi Prasad Bhatt, Govind Singh Rawat, Dhoom Singh Negi, Shamsher Singh Bisht and Ghanasyam Raturi. Aim: The main objective was to protect the trees on the Himalayan slopes from the axes of contractors of the forest.

What was it all about: Mr. Bahuguna enlightened the villagers by conveying the importance of trees in the environment which checks the erosion of soil, cause rains and provides pure air. The women of Advani village of Tehri-Garhwal tied the sacred thread around trunks of trees and they hugged the trees, hence it was called ‘Chipko Movement’ or ‘hug the tree movement’. The main demand of the people in these protests was that the benefits of the forests (especially the right to fodder) should go to local people. The Chipko movement gathered momentum in 1978 when the women faced police firings and other tortures. The then state Chief Minister, Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna set up a committee to look into the matter, which eventually ruled in favor of the villagers. This became a turning point in the history of eco-development struggles in the region and around the world.

3. Save Silent Valley Movement

3/8 Year: 1978 Place: Silent Valley, an evergreen tropical forest in the Palakkad district of Kerala, India. Leaders: The Kerala Sastra Sahitya Parishad (KSSP) an NGO, and the poet-activist Sughathakumari played an important role in the Silent Valley protests. Aim: In order to protect the Silent Valley, the moist evergreen forest from being destroyed by a hydroelectric project.

What was it all about: The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) proposed a hydroelectric dam across the Kunthipuzha River that runs through Silent Valley. In February 1973, the Planning Commission approved the project at a cost of about Rs 25 crores. Many feared that the project would submerge 8.3 sq km of untouched moist evergreen forest. Several NGOs strongly opposed the project and urged the government to abandon it. In January 1981, bowing to unrelenting public pressure, Indira Gandhi declared that Silent Valley will be protected. In June 1983 the Center re-examined the issue through a commission chaired by Prof. M.G.K. Menon. In November 1983 the Silent Valley Hydroelectric Project was called off. In 1985, Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi formally inaugurated the Silent Valley National Park.

4. Jungle Bachao Andholan

4/8 Year: 1982 Place: Singhbhum district of Bihar Leaders: The tribals of Singhbhum. Aim: Against governments decision to replace the natural sal forest with Teak.

What was it all about: The tribals of Singhbhum district of Bihar started the protest when the government decided to replace the natural sal forests with the highly-priced teak. This move was called by many as “Greed Game Political Populism”. Later this movement spread to Jharkhand and Orissa.

5. Appiko Movement

Year: 1983 5/8 Place: Uttara Kannada and Shimoga districts of State Leaders: Appiko’s greatest strengths lie in it being neither driven by a personality nor having been formally institutionalised. However, it does have a facilitator in Pandurang Hegde. He helped launch the movement in 1983. Aim: Against the felling and commercialization of natural forest and the ruin of ancient livelihood.

What was it all about: It can be said that Appiko movement is the southern version of the Chipko movement. The Appiko Movement was locally known as “Appiko Chaluvali”. The locals embraced the trees which were to be cut by contractors of the forest department. The Appiko movement used various techniques to raise awareness such as foot marches in the interior forest, slide shows, folk dances, street plays etc. The second area of the movement’s work was to promote afforestation on denuded lands. The movement later focused on the rational use of ecosphere through introducing alternative energy resourceto reducece pressure on the forest. The movement became a success. The current status of the project is – stopped.

6. Narmada Bachao Andholan (NBA)

Year: 1985 Place: Narmada River, which flows through the states of , and . Leaders: Medha Patker, Baba Amte, adivasis, farmers, environmentalists and human rights activists. Aim: A social movement against a number of large dams being built across the

6/8 Narmada River.

What was it all about: The movement first started as a protest for not providing proper rehabilitation and resettlement for the people who have been displaced by the construction of Sardar Sarovar Dam. Later on, the movement turned its focus on the preservation of the environment and the eco-systems of the valley. Activists also demanded the height of the dam to be reduced to 88 m from the proposed height of 130m. World Bank withdrew from the project.

The environmental issue was taken into court. In October 2000, the Supreme Court gave a judgment approving the construction of the Sardar Sarovar Dam with a condition that height of the dam could be raised to 90 m. This height is much higher than the 88 m which anti-dam activists demanded, but it is definitely lower than the proposed height of 130 m. The project is now largely financed by the state governments and market borrowings. The project is expected to be fully com​pleted by 2025.

Although not successful, as the dam could not be prevented, the NBA has created an anti- big dam opinion in India and outside. It questioned the paradigm of development. As a democratic movement, it followed the Gandhian way 100 per cent.

7. Tehri Dam Conflict

Year: 1990’s Place: Bhagirathi River near Tehri in Uttarakhand. Leaders: Sundarlal Bahuguna Aim: The protest was against the displacement of town inhabitants and 7/8 environmental consequence of the weak ecosystem.

Tehri dam attracted national attention in the 1980s and the 1990s. The major objections include, seismic sensitivity of the region, submergence of forest areas along with Tehri town etc. Despite the support from other prominent leaders like Sunderlal Bahuguna, the movement has failed to gather enough popular support at national as well as international levels.

8/8 Biodiversity of India

Biodiversity is fundamental to addressing some of the world’s greatest challenges such as climate change, sustainable development and food security. India is known for its rich biological diversity. The country has already documented over 91,000 species of animals and 46,000 species of plants in its ten bio-geographic regions.

India as a Mega Diverse Country

India is one of the 17 mega diverse countries classified by Conservation International. The mega diverse counties are the following:

1. 2. Brazil 3. China 4. Colombia 5. Democratic Republic of the Congo 6. Ecuador 7. India 8. Indonesia 9. Madagascar 10. 11. Mexico 12. Papua New Guinea 13. Peru 14. Philippines 15. 16. United States 17. Venezuela

India is also recognised as one of the eight Vavilovian Centres of Origin and Diversity of Crop Plants. Nearly 65,000 native plants are still used prominently in indigenous health care systems. Here we have more than 300 wild ancestors and close relatives of cultivated plants still growing and evolving under natural conditions.

1/2 Ten Biogeographic Zones in India

There are 10 biogeographic zones in India. They are the following:

1. Trans Himalayan zone. 2. Himalayan zone. 3. Desert zone. 4. Semiarid zone. 5. Western ghat zone. 6. Deccan platea zone. 7. Gangetic plain zone. 8. North east zone. 9. Coastal zone. 10. Islands present near the shore line.

Critically Endangered Animal Species of India

Click to explore the list of critically endangered animal species of India.

2/2 Biodiversity Protection: Steps Taken By Indian Government

India is a signatory to several major international conventions relating to conservation and management of wildlife. Some of these are Convention on Biological Diversity, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals etc. Financial and Technical assistance is provided to State/Union Territory Governments for protection and Management of Protected Areas as well as other forests under various Centrally Sponsored Schemes.

Biodiversity of India and need for protection

India is one among the 17 mega-diverse countries of the world. But many plants and animals are facing the threat of extinction. To protect the critically endangered and other threatened animal and plant species, Government of India has adopted many steps, laws and policy initiatives.

Steps Taken By Government for Biodiversity Protection

Indian Government has taken various biodiversity protection steps. Important measures include:

1. The Central Government has enacted the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. The Act, inter alia, provides for the creation of Protected Areas for the protection of wildlife and also provides for punishment for hunting of specified fauna specified in the schedules I to IV thereof. 2. Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules 2010 have been framed for the 1/3 protection of wetlands, in the States. 3. The Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Eco-System also provides assistance to the States for the management of wetlands including Ramsar sites in the country. 4. Wildlife Crime Control Bureau has been established for control of illegal trade in wildlife, including endangered species. 5. Wildlife Institute of India, Bombay Natural History society and Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History are some of the research organisations undertaking research on conservation of wildlife. 6. The Indian Government has banned the veterinary use of diclofenac drug that has caused the rapid population decline of Gyps vulture across the Indian Subcontinent. Conservation Breeding Programmes to conserve these vulture species have been initiated at Pinjore (Haryana), Buxa (West Bengal) and Rani, Guwahati (Assam) by the Bombay Natural History Society. 7. The Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats‘ has been modified by including a new component namely ‘Recovery of Endangered Species‘ and 16 species have been identified for recovery viz. Snow Leopard, Bustard (including Floricans), Dolphin, Hangul, Nilgiri Tahr, Marine Turtles, Dugong, Edible Nest Swiftlet, Asian Wild Buffalo, Nicobar Megapode, Manipur Brow-antlered Deer, Vultures, Malabar Civet, Indian Rhinoceros, Asiatic Lion, Swamp Deer and Jerdon’s Courser. 8. Under the ‘Recovery of Endangered Species’ component of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats’ for the recovery of endangered species viz. Hangul in Jammu and Kashmir, Snow Leopard in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh, Vulture in Punjab, Haryana and Gujarat, Swiftlet in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Nilgiri Tahr in , Sangai Deer in Manipur, the government has to spend lakhs of rupees. 9. Protected Areas, viz, National Parks, Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves all over the country covering the important habitats have been created as per the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 to provide better protection to wildlife, including threatened species and their habitat. 10. Financial and technical assistance is extended to the State Governments under various Centrally Sponsored Schemes, viz, ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats’, ‘Project Tiger’ and ‘Project Elephant’ for providing better protection and conservation to wildlife. 11. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been empowered under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 to apprehend and prosecute wildlife offenders. 12. The State Governments have been requested to strengthen the field formations and intensify patrolling in and around the Protected Areas.

Important Indian Acts passed related to Environment and Bio Diversity

2/3 1. Fisheries Act 1897. 2. Indian Forests Act 1927. 3. Mining and Mineral Development Regulation Act 1957. 4. Prevention of cruelty to animals 1960. 5. Wildlife protection act 1972. 6. Water (prevention and control of pollution) act 1974. 7. Forest Conservation Act 1980. 8. Air(prevention and control of pollution) act 1981. 9. Environment Protection Act 1986. 10. Biological Diversity Act 2002. 11. Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers (recognition of rights) act 2006.

Policies related to Environment and Bio Diversity

1. National Forest Policy. 2. National Conservation Strategy and Policy statement on Environment and Development. 3. National Policy and macro-level action strategy on Biodiversity. 4. National Biodiversity Action Plan (2009). 5. National Agriculture Policy. 6. National Water Policy. 7. National Environment Policy (2006).

3/3 Biosphere Reserves of India : Names and Location

Biosphere Reserves are large areas of bio diversity where flora and fauna are protected. These regions of environmental protection roughly correspond to IUCN Category V Protected areas. The Indian government has established 18 Biosphere Reserves of India, which protect larger areas of natural habitat (than a National Park or Wildlife Sanctuary).

Biosphere Reserves of India often include one or more National Parks or sanctuaries, along with buffer zones that are open to some economic uses. Protection is granted not only to the flora and fauna of the protected region, but also to the human communities who inhabit these regions, and their ways of life.

List of Biosphere Reserves of India

NB: Those Biosphere reserves in bold are part of World Network of Biosphere Reserves too.

Sl. Year Name State Type Key Fauna No

1 2008 Great Rann of Kutch Gujarat Desert Indian Wild Ass

2 1989 Gulf of Mannar Tamil Nadu Coasts Dugong or Sea Cow

3 1989 Sundarbans West Bengal Gangetic Royal Bengal Tiger Delta

4 2009 Cold Desert Himachal Pradesh Western Snow Leopard Himalayas

5 1988 Nanda Devi Uttarakhand Western NA Himalayas

6 1986 Nilgiri Biosphere Tamil Nadu, Western Nilgiri Tahr, Lion-tailed Reserve Kerala and Ghats macaque Karnataka

7 1998 Dihang-Dibang Arunachal Pradesh Eastern NA Himalaya

8 1999 Pachmarhi Madhya Pradesh Semi-Arid Giant Squirrel, Flying Biosphere Reserve Squirrel

9 2010 Seshachalam Hills Eastern NA Ghats

10 1994 Simlipal Deccan Gaur, Royal Bengal Peninsula Tiger, Wild elephant

11 2005 Achanakamar - Madhya Pradesh, Maikala NA Amarkantak Chhattisgarh Hills

12 1989 Manas Assam East Golden Langur, Red Panda Himalayas

1/2 13 2000 Khangchendzonga Sikkim East Snow Leopard, Red Panda Himalayas

14 2001 Agasthyamalai Kerala, Tamil Nadu Western Nilgiri Tahr, Elephants Biosphere Reserve ghats

15 1989 Great Nicobar Andaman and Islands Saltwater Crocodile Biosphere Reserve Nicobar Islands

16 1988 Nokrek Meghalaya East Red Panda Himalayas

17 1997 Dibru-Saikhowa Assam East Golden Langur Himalayas

18 2011 Panna Madhya Pradesh Ken River Tiger, Chital, Chinkara, Sambharand Sloth bear

Biosphere Reserves of India in World Network of Biosphere Reserves

Nine of the eighteen biosphere reserves of India are a part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, based on the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme list. They are given in ‘bold’ in the above list.

Main differences between Biosphere Reserves, National Park and Wild Life Sactuaries

Biosphere Reserves are the biggest entity among the three. The level of restriction in the increasing order is Biosphere Reserves, Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks. The Indian government has established 18 Biosphere Reserves of India, roughly corresponding to IUCN Category V Protected areas. India has over 441 animal sanctuaries, referred to as Wildlife sanctuaries (IUCN Category IV Protected Area). The National parks of India are IUCN category II protected areas. As of April 2012, there Biosphere Reserves : Schematic Representation were 102 national parks in India and more parks on the process of getting commissioned.

2/2 Critically Endangered Animal Species of India

Among the classification of threatened species, the category Critically Endangered corresponds to the greatest risk. In India, there are 70+ critically endangered animals and 60+ critically endangered plants. 300+ animals fall under the category of endangered while 140+ plants fall under the category of endangered. This post is a detailed list of the critically endangered animal species in India. These include mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, fishes, corals and so on.

When is a species considered critically endangered?

Critically endangered is the highest risk category assigned by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List to wild species. There are five quantitative criteria to determine whether a taxon is threatened. A taxon is critically endangered when the best available evidence indicates that it meets any of the following criteria:

1. Populations have declined or will decrease, by greater than 80% over the last 10 years or three generations. 2. Have a restricted geographical range. 3. Small population size of less than 250 individuals and continuing decline at 25% in 3 years or one generation. 4. Very small or restricted population of fewer than 50 mature individuals. 5. High probability of extinction in the wild.

The Critically Endangered list includes 10 mammals, 15 birds, 6 reptiles, 19 species of amphibians, 14 fishes etc.

Critically Endangered Mammals

1. Pygmy Hog (Porcula salvania). 2. Andaman White-toothed Shrew (Crocidura andamanensis) 3. Jenkin’s Andaman Spiny Shrew (Crocidura jenkinsi) 4. Nicobar White-tailed Shrew (Crocidura nicobarica) 5. Kondana Rat (Millardia kondana) 6. Large Rock Rat or Elvira Rat (Cremnomys elvira) 7. Namdapha Flying Squirrel (Biswamoyopterus biswasi) 8. Malabar Civet (Viverra civettina) 9. Sumatran Rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) 10. Javan Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus)

Critically Endangered Birds

1/4 According to International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list of birds, the information contained in the IUCN Red list version 2013.2 indicates that 15 species of birds from India are critically endangered.

No Common Name Scientific Name

1 Baer’s Pochard Aythyabaeri

2 Forest Owlet Heteroglauxblewitti

3 Great Indian Bustard Ardeotisnigriceps

4 Bengal Florican Houbaropsisbengalensis

5 Siberian Crane Grusleucogeranus

6 Spoon-billed Sandpiper Eurynorhynchuspygmeus

7 Sociable Lapwing Vanellusgregarius

8 Jerdon’s Courser Rhinoptilusbitorquatus

9 White backed Vulture Gyps bengalensis

10 Red-headed Vulture Sarcogypscalvus

11 White-bellied Heron Ardeainsignis

12 Slender-billed Vulture Gyps tenuirostris

13 Indian Vulture Gyps indicus

2/4 14 Himalayan Quail Ophrysiasuperciliosa

15 Pink-headed Duck Rhodonessacaryophyllacea

Critically endangered birds in India under a different classification can be grouped as:

1. Migratory Wetland Species – Baer’s Pochard (Aythya baeri), Siberian Crane (Leucogeranus leucogeranus), Spoon-billed Sandpiper (Eurynorhynchus pygmeus) 2. Non-migratory Wetland Species – White-bellied Heron (Ardea insignis) 3. Grassland Species – Bengal Florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis), Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps), Jerdon’s Courser(Rhinoptilus bitorquatus), Sociable Lapwing (Vanellus gregarius) 4. Forest Species – Forest Owlet (Heteroglaux blewitti) 5. Scavengers – Indian Vulture (Gyps indicus), Red-headed Vulture (Sarcogyps calvus), Slender-billed Vulture (Gyps tenuirostris), White-backed Vulture (Gyps bengalensis). 6. Practically extinct – Himalayan Quail (Ophrysia superciliosa), Pink-headed Duck (Rhodonessa caryophyllacea)

Extra note : In the lower risk categories, the agency included 14 bird species as Endangered and 51 as vulnerable ones. In the latest list, two birds – the River Lapwing and River Tern – that were listed as species of least concern have been registered as near threatened. A third bird, the long-tailed duck, which has been sighted in India on a few occasions, has moved from ‘least concern’ to ‘vulnerable’ on the red list.

Critically Endangered Reptiles

1. Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) 2. Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) 3. Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) 4. Four-toed River Terrapin or River Terrapin (Batagur baska) 5. Red-crowned Roofed Turtle or the Bengal Roof Turtle (Batagur kachuga) 6. Sispara day gecko (Cnemaspis sisparensis)

3/4 Critically Endangered Amphibians

1. Anamalai Flying Frog (Rhacophorus pseudomalabaricus) 2. Gundia Indian Frog (Indirana gundia) 3. Kerala Indian Frog (Indirana phrynoderma) 4. Charles Darwin’s Frog (Ingerana charlesdarwini) 5. Kottigehar Bubble-nest Frog (Micrixalus kottigeharensis) 6. Amboli Bush Frog (Pseudophilautus amboli) 7. Chalazodes Bubble-Nest Frog (Raorchestes chalazodes) 8. Small Bush Frog (Raorchestes chotta) 9. Green-eyed Bush Frog (Raorchestes chlorosomma) 10. Griet Bush Frog (Raorchestes griet) 11. Kaikatt’s Bush Frog (Raorchestes kaikatti) 12. Mark’s Bush Frog (Raorchestes marki) 13. Munnar Bush Frog (Raorchestes munnarensis) 14. Large Ponmudi Bush Frog (Raorchestes ponmudi) 15. Resplendent Shrub Frog (Raorchestes resplendens) 16. Sacred Grove Bush frog (Raorchestes sanctisilvaticus) 17. Sushil’s Bush Frog (Raorchestes sushili) 18. Shillong Bubble-nest Frog (Raorchestes shillongensis) 19. Tiger toad (Xanthophryne tigerinus)

Critically Endangered Fishes

1. Pondicherry Shark (Carcharhinus hemiodon) 2. Ganges Shark (Glyphis gangeticus) 3. Knife-tooth Sawfish (Anoxypristis cuspidata) 4. Large-tooth Sawfish (Pristis microdon) 5. Long-comb Sawfish or Narrow-snout Sawfish (Pristis zijsron)

Critically Endangered Corals

1. Fire corals (Millepora boschmai)

Critically Endangered Spiders

1. Rameshwaram Ornamental or Rameshwaram Parachute Spider (Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica) 2. Gooty Tarantula, Metallic Tarantula or Peacock Tarantula (Poecilotheria metallica

4/4 Geographical Indication (GI) Tags in India: Memorize Faster

Have you heard of Aranmula Kannadi which is a unique handicraft from Kerala? You might have heard of Kanchipuram Sarees of Tamil Nadu and Madhubani Paintings of Bihar. All these are unique products from a particular location. Such products now bear an additional tag – Geographical Indication.

What is a Geographical Indication?

A geographical indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. In order to function as a GI, a sign must identify a product as originating in a given place.

For example, Blue pottery of Jaipur.

1/12 Significance of GI tag

You might have heard of intellectual properties rights like Copyright, Patent, Trademark etc. Geographical Indication Tag provides similar rights and protection to holders.

A geographical indication right enables those who have the right to use the indication to prevent its use by a third party whose product does not conform to the applicable standards. For example, in the jurisdictions in which the Darjeeling geographical indication is protected, producers of Darjeeling tea can exclude the use of the term “Darjeeling” for tea not grown in their tea gardens or not produced according to the standards set out in the code of practice for the geographical indication.

2/12 Significance of Geographical Indications for Competitive Exams

Geographical Indication is one of the hot question topics for almost all competitive exams including UPSC Civil Services Prelims. Knowledge of students on Indian culture and diversity is tested by different question formats connected to GI tags – including ‘Match the following’ questions. As we have prepared this compilation state-wise, we hope it would be very easy for students to connect different GI to corresponding states.

GI tags – a requirement of TRIPS agreement

India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection)Act, 1999 has come into force with effect from 15th September 2003. Darjeeling Tea was the first Indian product to get the geographical indication tag. In 2004, the famous beverage got the recognition. India has 236 GI products registered so far and over 270 more products have applied for the label.

Geographical Indication (GI) Tags in India: State-wise Compilation

This post is a compilation of Geographical Indication Tags (GI Tags) in India, arranged state-wise. The state-wise compilation will help students to memorize the cultural identities of a place faster.

State-wise compilation of Geographical Indications

Andhra Pradesh

Sl.No. Geographical Indication Type

1. Srikalahasthi Kalamkari Handicraft

2. Kondapalli Bommalu Handicraft

3. Machilipatnam Kalamkari Handicraft

4. Budiiti Bell & Brass Craft Handicraft

5. Andhra Pradesh Leather Puppetry Handicraft

6. Uppada Jamdani Sarees Handicraft

7. Tirupati Laddu[a] Foodstuff

8. Guntur Sannam Chilli Agricultural

9. Venkatagiri Sarees Handicraft

10. Bobbili Veena Handicraft

3/12 11. Mangalagiri Sarees and Fabrics Handicraft

12. Dharmavaram Handloom Pattu Sarees and Paavadas Textile

Asom

Sl.No Geographical Indication Type

1. Assam (Orthodox) Logo Agricultural

2. Muga Silk of Assam (Logo) Handicraft

3. Muga Silk Handicraft

Bihar

Sl.No. Geographical Indication Type

1. Madhubani paintings Handicraft Handicraft

2. Applique – Khatwa Patch Work of Bihar Handicraft

3. Sujini Embroidery Work of Bihar Handicraft Handicraft

4. Bhagalpur Silk Handicraft Handicraft

Chhattisgarh

Sl.No. Geographical Indication Type

1. Bastar Dhokra Handicraft

2. Bastar Wooden Craft Handicraft

3. Bastar Craft Handicraft

4. Bastar Dhokra (Logo) Handicraft

5. Champa Silk Saree and Fabrics Handicraft

Goa

Sl.No Geographical Indication Type

1. Fenni Manufactured

Gujarat

Sl.No Geographical Indication Type

1. Tangaliya Shawl Handicraft

2. Surat Zari Craft Handicraft

3. Gir Kesar Mango Agricultural

4. Bhalia Wheat Agricultural

4/12 5. Kachchh Shawls Handicraft

6. Patan Patola Handicraft

7. Sankheda Furniture Handicraft

8. Kutch Embroidery Handicraft

Haryana

Sl.No Geographical Indication Type

1. Phulkari* Handicraft

*Also in Punjab and Rajasthan

Himachal Pradesh

Sl.No Geographical Indication Type

1. Kullu ShawL (Logo) Textile

2. Kangra Tea Agricultural

3. Chamba Rumal Handicraft

4. Kinnauri Shawl Handicraft

J & K

Sl.No Geographical Indication Type

1. Kashmir Papier Mache Handicraft

2. Kashmir Walnut Wood Carving Handicraft

3. Khatamband Handicraft

4. Kani Shawls Handicraft

5. Kashmir Pashmina Handicraft

Karnataka

Sl.No Geographical Indication Type

1. Byadgi chilli Agriculture

2. Kinnal Toys Handicraft

3. Mysore Agarbathi Manufactured

4. Bangalore Blue Grapes Agriculture

5. Mysore Pak Sweets

6. Bangalore Rose Onion Agriculture

5/12 7. Coorg orange Agriculture

8. Mysore silk Handicraft

9. Handicraft

10. Channapatna Toys & Dolls Handicraft

11. Mysore Rosewood Inlay Handicraft

12. Mysore Sandalwood Oil Manufactured

13. Mysore Sandal Soap Manufactured

14. Kasuti Embroidery Handicraft

15. Mysore Traditional Paintings Handicraft

16. Mysore betel leaf Agricultural

17. Nanjanagud Banana Agricultural

18. Mysore Jasmine Agricultural

19. Udupi Jasmine Agricultural

20. Hadagali Jasmine Agricultural

21. Ilkal saree Handicraft

22. Navalgund Durries Handicraft

23. Karnataka Ware Handicraft

24. Molakalmuru Sarees Handicraft

25. Monsooned Malabar Arabica Coffee Agricultural

26. Monsooned Malabar Robusta Coffee Agricultural

27. Coorg Green Cardamom Agricultural

28. Dharwad Pedha Foodstuff

Kerala

Sl.No Geographical Indication Type

1. Aranmula Kannadi Handicraft

2. Alleppey Coir Handicraft

3. Balaramapuram Sarees and Fine Cotton Fabrics Handicraft

4. Brass broidered coconut shell craft of Kerala Handicraft

5. Cannanore Home Furnishings Handicraft

6. Central Travancore Jaggery Agricultural

7. Chendamangalam Dhoties & Set Mundu Handicraft

8. Chengalikodan Banana Agriculture

9. Kasaragod Sarees Handicraft

6/12 10. Kuthampally dhoties and set mundu Clothing

11. Maddalam of Palakkad Handicraft

12. Payyannur Pavithra Ring Handicraft

13. Pokkali Rice Agriculture

14. Screw Pine Craft of Kerala Handicraft

15. Vazhakulam Pineapple Agriculture

16. Wayanad Gandhakasala Rice Agriculture

17. Wayanad Jeerakasala Rice Agriculture

18. Navara rice Agricultural Agriculture

19. Palakkadan Matta Rice Agriculture

20. Spices Alleppey Green Cardamom Agriculture

Madhya Pradesh

Sl.No Geographical Indication Type

1. Chanderi Fabric Handicraft

2. Leather Toys of Indore Handicraft

3. Bagh Prints of Madhya Pradesh Handicraft

4. Bell Ware of Datia and Tikamgarh (Logo) Handicraft

5. Bell Metal Ware of Datia and Tikamgarh Handicraft

6. Maheshwar Sarees & Fabrics Handicraft

Maharashtra

Sl.No Geographical Indication Type

1. Solapuri Chaddar Handicraft

2. Terry Towel Handicraft

3. Nagpur Orange Agricultural

4. Puneri Pagadi Handicraft

5. Nashik valley wine Manufactured

6. Sarees and Fabrics Handicraft

7. Mahabaleshwar Strawberry Agricultural

8. Nashik Grapes Agricultural

9. Nashik Grapes Agricultural

10. Kolhapur Jaggery Agriculture

7/12 Manipur

Sl.No Geographical Indication Type

1. Shaphee Lanphee Textile

2. Wangkhei Phee Textile

3. Moirang Phee Textile

Nagaland

Sl.No Geographical Indication Type

1. Naga Mircha Agricultural

Odisha

Sl.No Geographical Indication Type

1. Kotpad Handloom fabric Handicraft

2. Orissa Ikat Handicraft

3. Konark Stone Carving Handicraft

4. Handicraft

5. Pipili Applique Work Handicraft

6. Saree and Fabrics Handicraft

7. Gopalpur Tussar Fabrics Handicraft

8. Kewda Rooh Agricultural

9. Agricultural

10. Dhalapathar Parda & Fabrics Handicraft

11. Sambalpuri Bandha Saree & Fabrics Handicraft

12. Bomkai Saree & Fabrics Handicraft

13. Habaspuri Saree & Fabrics Handicraft

14. Patta (Phoda Kumbha) Saree& Handicraft

15. Odisha Pattachitra (Logo) Textile

Punjab

Sl.No Geographical Indication Type

Phulkari* Handicraft

*Also in Haryana and Rajasthan

Rajasthan 8/12 Sl.No Geographical Indication Type

1. Kota Doria Handicraft

2. Blue Pottery of Jaipur Handicraft

3. Molela Clay Work Handicraft

4. Kathputlis of Rajasthan Handicraft

5. Sanganeri Hand Block Printing Handicraft

6. Bikaneri Bhujia Agricultural

7. Kota Doria (Logo) Handicraft

8. Phulkari* Handicraft

9. Bagru Hand Block Print Handicraft

10. Thewa Art Work Handicraft

11. Makrana marble Natural Goods

*Also in Haryana and punjab

Tamil Nadu

Sl.No Geographical Indication Type

1. Salem Fabric Handicraft

2. Kancheepuram Silk Handicraft

3. Bhavani Jamakkalam Handicraft

4. Madurai Sungudi Handicraft

5. Coimbatore Wet Grinder Manufactured

6. Paintings Handicraft

7. Temple Jewellery of Nagercoil Handicraft

8. Thanjavur Art Plate Handicraft

9. E. I. Leather Manufactured

10. Salem silk Handicraft

11. Kovai Cora Cotton Handicraft

12. Arani Silk Handicraft Handicraft

13. Bronze Icons Agricultural

14. Eathomozhy Tall Coconut Agricultural

15. Handicraft Handicraft

16. Nilgiri(Orthodox) Logo Agricultural

17. Virupakshi Hill Banana Agricultural

9/12 18. Sirumalai Hill Banana Agricultural

19. Madurai Malli Agricultural

20. Pattamadai Pai (‘Pattamadai Mat’) Handicraft

21. Nachiarkoil Kuthuvilakku (‘Nachiarkoil Lamp’) Handicraft

22. Chettinad Kottan Handicraft

23. Toda Embroidery t Handicraft

24. Thanjavur Veenai Handicraft

Telangana

Sl.No Geographical Indication Type

1. Pochampally Ikat Handicraft

2. Filigree of Karimnagar Handicraft

3. Nirmal toys and craft Handicraft

4. Nirmal furniture Handicraft

5. Nirmal paintings Handicraft

6. Gadwal Sarees Handicraft

7. Hyderabadi Haleem Foodstuff

8. Cheriyal Paintings Handicraft

9. Pembarthi Metal Craft Handicraft

10. Siddipet Gollabhama Handicraft

11. Narayanpet Handloom Sarees Handicraft

Uttar Pradesh

Sl.No Geographical Indication Type

1. Allahabad Surkha Agricultural

2. Lucknow Chikan Craft Handicraft

3. Mango Malihabadi Dusseheri Agricultural

4. Banaras Brocades and Sarees Handicraft

5. Banaras Brocades and Sarees (Logo) Handicraft

6. Hand made Carpet of Bhadohi Handmade Carpets

7. Agra Durrie Handicraft

8. Farrukhabad Prints Handicraft

9. Lucknow Zardozi Handicraft

10. Kalanamak Rice Agricultural

10/12 11. Firozabad Glass Handicraft

12. Kannauj Perfume Manufactured

13. Kanpur Saddlery Manufactured

14. Moradabad Metal Craft Handicraft

15. Saharanpur Wood Craft Handicraft

16. Handmade Carpets of Mirzapur Handmade Carpets

17. Handmade Carpets of Banaras Handmade Carpets

18. Agra Petha Sweets

19. Mathura Peda Sweets

20. Nizamabad black clay pottery Handicraft

21. Varanasi Wooden Lacquerware &Toys Handicraft

West Bengal

Sl.No Geographical Indication Type

1. Darjeeling Tea (word & logo) Agricultural

2. Nakshi Kantha Handicraft

3. Laxman Bhog Mango Agricultural

4. Himsagar(Khirsapati Mango) Agricultural

5. Fazli Mango Agricultural

6. Santipore Saree Handicraft

7. Baluchari Saree Handicraft

8. Dhaniakhali Saree Handicraft

Summary: GI Tags

Geographical Indications of Goods are defined as that aspect of industrial property which refer to the geographical indication referring to a country or to a place situated therein as being the country or place of origin of that product. Typically, such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness which is essentially attributable to the fact of its origin in that defined geographical locality, region or country. Under Articles 1 (2) and 10 of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, geographical indications are covered as an element of IPRs. They are also covered under Articles 22 to 24 of the Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement, which was part of the Agreements concluding the Uruguay Round of GATT negotiations. Proponents of GIs regard them as strong tools for protecting their national property rights. Opponents, however, consider GIs as barriers to trade.

11/12 Hotspots – World Heritage Sites – Biosphere Reserves – National Parks – Sanctuaries – Tiger Reserves

Bio Diversity Hot-spots, World Heritage Sites, Biosphere Reserves, National Parks, Wild Life Sanctuaries, Botanical Gardens : these related but confusing terms which denote areas where environment and wildlife are protected are important of UPSC Civil Services Prelims, Mains and Interview. Every student of environment is advised to update himself with the differences and latest statistics regarding these hot terms.

1. Bio Diversity Hot Spots 2. World Heritage Sites 3. Biosphere Reserves 4. National Parks 5. Wildlife Sanctuaries 6. Tiger Reserves 7. Reserve Forests : Coral Reefs and Mangrove Forests 8. Zoos and Botanical Gardens

Bio Diversity Hot Spots

A biodiversity hotspot is a region with a significant reservoir of biodiversity that is under threat from humans. To qualify as a biodiversity hotspot on Myers 2000 edition of the hotspot-map, a region must meet two strict criteria: it must contain at least 0.5% or 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics, and it has to have lost at least 70% of its primary vegetation. Around the world, 25 areas qualify under this definition, with nine others possible candidates. 3 regions that satisfy these criteria exist in India and they are : The Western Ghats and Sri Lanka, The Eastern Himalayas and Indo-Burma.

World Heritage Sites

Sites on the World Heritage List are cultural, natural or mixed properties recognized by the World Heritage Committee (UNESCO) has being of outstanding universal value. There are 29 World Heritage Sites in India, 23 are cultural sites and the other six are natural sites.

1/2 As of date, there are 911 sites under the World Heritage List, which cover 711 cultural sites, 180 natural sites and 27 mixed properties encompassing 152 countries.

Biosphere Reserves

Biosphere Reserves are areas of terrestrial and coastal ecosystems which are internationally recognized within the framework of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.

The Indian government has established 18 Biosphere Reserves of India, (categories roughly corresponding to IUCN Category V Protected areas), which protect larger areas of natural habitat (than a National Park or Animal Sanctuary), and often include one or more National Parks and/or preserves, along buffer zones that are open to some economic uses. Protection is granted not only to the flora and fauna of the protected region, but also to the human communities who inhabit these regions, and their ways of life.

National Parks

The National parks of India are IUCN category II protected areas. As of April 2012, there were 102 national parks in India and more parks on the process of getting commissioned.

Wildlife Sanctuaries

India has over 441 animal sanctuaries, referred to as Wildlife sanctuaries (IUCN Category IV Protected Area). Among these, the 28 Tiger Reserves are governed by Project Tiger, and are of special significance in the conservation of the tiger. Some wildlife sanctuaries are specifically named Bird Sanctuary, e.g. Keoladeo National Park before attained National Park status. Many National Parks were initially Wildlife Sanctuaries.

Tiger Reserves

There are more than 40 tiger reserves in India, which are governed by Project Tiger which is administered by the National Tiger Conservation Authority.

Reserve Forests : Coral Reefs and Mangrove Forests

There are 4 important areas of coral reefs and 34 mangrove forests in India.

Zoos and Botanical Gardens

Areas of artificial flora and fauna conservation.

2/2 IUCN Classification : Critically Endangered, Endangered and Vulnerable

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is the world’s oldest and largest global environmental organisation. Founded in 1948, today IUCN the largest professional global conservation network. IUCN has more than 1,200 member organizations including 200+ government and 900+ non-government organizations. The Union’s headquarters are located in Gland, near Geneva, in Switzerland.

More about IUCN

Governance by a Council elected by member organizations every four years at the IUCN World Conservation Congress. Funded by governments, bilateral and multilateral agencies, foundations, member organisations and corporations. Official Observer Status at the United Nations General Assembly.

What does IUCN do?

Conserving biodiversity is central to the mission of IUCN. The main areas of function are:

1. Science – the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™. 2. Action – hundreds of conservation projects all over the world. 3. Influence – through the collective strength of more than 1,200 government and non- governmental Member organizations.

How does IUCN work?

The work is framed by a Global Programme, developed with and approved by IUCN member organisations every four years. The current programme runs from 2012 to 2016. IUCN’s Global Programme is coordinated by IUCN’s Secretariat and delivered in conjunction with IUCN member organisations, Commissions and IUCN’s theme-based programmes.

IUCN Red Data Book : Threatened Species classification

Threatened species are any species which are vulnerable to extinction in the near future. International Union for Conservation of Nature treats threatened species not as a single category, but as a group of three categories: vulnerable, endangered, and critically endangered, depending on the degree to which they are threatened.

1/3 Critically Endangered Species

Critically Endangered (Cr) is the highest risk category assigned by the IUCN for wild species. Critically endangered species means a species numbers have decreased, or will decrease by 80% within three generations. It is therefore considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

Endangered (EN) species

Endangered (EN) species is a population of organisms which is at risk of becoming extinct because it is either few in numbers, or threatened by changing environmental or predation parameters. Also it could mean that due to deforestation there may be a lack of food and/or water. It is therefore considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild.

Vulnerable (VU) species

Vulnerable (VU) species is a species which has been categorised by the IUCN as likely to become endangered unless the circumstances threatening its survival and reproduction improve. It is therefore considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.

Other divisions: Extinct, Functionally Extinct and Extinct in the wild

A species becomes extinct when the last existing member of that species dies. Extinction therefore becomes a certainty when there are no surviving individuals that are able to reproduce and create a new generation.

A species may become functionally extinct when only a handful of individuals survive, which are unable to reproduce due to poor health, age, sparse distribution over a large range, a lack of individuals of both sexes (in sexually reproducing species), or other reasons.

An important aspect of extinction at the present time is human attempts to preserve critically endangered species, which is reflected by the creation of the conservation status “Extinct in the Wild” (EW). Species listed under this status by IUCN are not known to have

2/3 any living specimens in the wild, and are maintained only in zoos or other artificial environments. Some of these species are functionally extinct; as they are no longer part of their natural habitat and it is unlikely the species will ever be restored to the wild.

Reasons for species extinction

Main reasons for extinction are either natural or manmade. Through evolution, new species arise through the process of speciation and species become extinct when they are no longer able to survive in changing conditions or against superior competition. A typical species becomes extinct within 10 million years (1 crore year) of its first appearance although some species, called living fossils, survive virtually unchanged for hundreds of millions of years. Extinction, though, is usually a natural phenomenon; it is estimated that 99.9% of all species that have ever lived are now extinct.

Various anthropogenic activities causing extinction are manmade reasons. Only recently scientists have become alarmed at the high rates of recent extinctions due to various anthropogenic activities. Some of these anthropogenic activities include intentional or accidental introduction of invasive alien species, over exploitation and unscientific collection of Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFPs) including medicinal plant, climate change, unsustainable tourism, habitat destruction, encroachment etc.

Status of Plants and Animals : 2012 list

Of the total 63,837 species globally assessed plants and animals, the IUCN classified the numbers as below in 2012.

1. 81 as Extinct. 2. 63 as Extinct in the Wild. 3. 3,947 as Critically Endangered. 4. 5766 species in Endangered. 5. 10,104 in Vulnerable. 6. 4,467 in Near Threatened. 7. 10,497 species – Data Deficient.

List of Extinct Plants in India

Extinct plants are enlisted in Red Data book of Botanical Survey of India. As per the Red Data book of Botanical Survey of India (BSI), 17 plants have been recorded as extinct. However, during recent exploration by BSI in some of the previously unexplored areas, numbers of such reported extinct species of plants have been rediscovered.

Critically Endangered Animal Species of India

3/3 Ramsar sites (Wetlands) in India: Memorize faster

A wetland is a place where the land is covered by water. Marshes, ponds, the edge of a lake/ocean, the delta at the mouth of a river, low-lying areas that frequently flood — all of these are wetlands. Wetlands of international importance are also known as Ramsar sites.

Why wetlands are called ‘Ramsar sites’?

Ramsar is a city in Iran. In 1971, an international treaty for conservation and sustainable use of wetlands was signed at Ramsar. The Convention’s mission is “the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local and national actions and international cooperation, as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development throughout the world”.

More than 2200 wetlands of international importance!

Today, the Ramsar List is the world’s largest network of protected areas. There are currently over 2,200 Ramsar Sites around the world. They cover over 2.1 million square kilometres, an area larger than Mexico. The world’s first Site was the Cobourg Peninsula in Australia, designated in 1974. The largest Sites are Ngiri-Tumba-Maindombe in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Queen Maud Gulf in ; these Sites each cover over 60,000 square kilometres. The countries with the most Sites are the with 170 and Mexico with 142. Bolivia has the largest area with 148,000 km2 under Ramsar protection.

1/4 Ramsar sites (Wetlands) in India: State-wise compilation

Sl. No. Wetland name State

1. Kolleru Lake Andhra Pradesh

2. Deepor Beel Assam

3. Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary Gujarat

2/4 4. Chandertal Wetland Himachal Pradesh 5. Pong Dam Lake

6. Renuka Wetland

7. Hokera Wetland Jammu & Kashmir 8. Surinsar-Mansar Lakes

9. Tsomoriri

10. Wular Lake

11. Ashtamudi Wetland Kerala 12. Sasthamkotta Lake

13. Vembanad-Kol Wetland

14. Bhoj Wetland Madhya Pradesh

15. Loktak Lake* Manipur

16. Bhitarkanika Mangroves Orissa 17.

18. Harike Lake Punjab 19. Kanjli

20. Ropar

21. Sambhar Lake Rajasthan 22. Keoladeo National Park*

23. Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary Tamil Nadu

24. Rudrasagar Lake Tripura

25. Upper Ganga River (Brijghat to Narora Stretch) Uttar Pradesh

26. East Calcutta Wetlands West Bengal

*Both sites are included in Montreux Record.

Three pillars of Ramsar Convention

3/4 Under the “three pillars” of the Convention, the Contracting Parties commit to:

1. work towards the wise use of all their wetlands; 2. designate suitable wetlands for the list of Wetlands of International Importance (the “Ramsar List”) and ensure their effective management; 3. cooperate internationally on transboundary wetlands, shared wetland systems and shared species.

The Montreux Record

The Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites on the List of Wetlands of International Importance where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur as a result of technological developments, pollution or other human interference. It is maintained as part of the Ramsar List.

Interesting facts about Ramsar Convention/Sites

The number of contracting parties is 169. At the time of joining the Convention, each Contracting Party undertakes to designate at least one wetland site for inclusion in theList of Wetlands of International Importance. The inclusion of a “Ramsar Site” in the List embodies the government’s commitment to take the steps necessary to ensure that its ecological character is maintained. Wetlands included in the List acquire a new national and international status: they are recognized as being of significant value not only for the country or the countries in which they are located, but for humanity as a whole. There are nine criteria for identifying wetlands of international importance. There are six Ramsar regions. The 2nd of February each year is World Wetlands Day, marking the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971. The Ramsar Sites Information Service (RSIS) is a searchable database which provides information on each Ramsar Site. The Ramsar Convention works closely with six other organisations known as International Organization Partners (IOPs). These are: Birdlife International. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). International Water Management Institute (IWMI). Wetlands International. WWF International. Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT).

4/4 Ramsar sites (Wetlands) in India: Memorize faster

A wetland is a place where the land is covered by water. Marshes, ponds, the edge of a lake/ocean, the delta at the mouth of a river, low-lying areas that frequently flood — all of these are wetlands. Wetlands of international importance are also known as Ramsar sites.

Why wetlands are called ‘Ramsar sites’?

Ramsar is a city in Iran. In 1971, an international treaty for conservation and sustainable use of wetlands was signed at Ramsar. The Convention’s mission is “the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local and national actions and international cooperation, as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development throughout the world”.

More than 2200 wetlands of international importance!

Today, the Ramsar List is the world’s largest network of protected areas. There are currently over 2,200 Ramsar Sites around the world. They cover over 2.1 million square kilometres, an area larger than Mexico. The world’s first Site was the Cobourg Peninsula in Australia, designated in 1974. The largest Sites are Ngiri-Tumba-Maindombe in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Queen Maud Gulf in Canada; these Sites each cover over 60,000 square kilometres. The countries with the most Sites are the United Kingdom with 170 and Mexico with 142. Bolivia has the largest area with 148,000 km2 under Ramsar protection.

1/4 Ramsar sites (Wetlands) in India: State-wise compilation

Sl. No. Wetland name State

1. Kolleru Lake Andhra Pradesh

2. Deepor Beel Assam

3. Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary Gujarat

2/4 4. Chandertal Wetland Himachal Pradesh 5. Pong Dam Lake

6. Renuka Wetland

7. Hokera Wetland Jammu & Kashmir 8. Surinsar-Mansar Lakes

9. Tsomoriri

10. Wular Lake

11. Ashtamudi Wetland Kerala 12. Sasthamkotta Lake

13. Vembanad-Kol Wetland

14. Bhoj Wetland Madhya Pradesh

15. Loktak Lake* Manipur

16. Bhitarkanika Mangroves Orissa 17. Chilika Lake

18. Harike Lake Punjab 19. Kanjli

20. Ropar

21. Sambhar Lake Rajasthan 22. Keoladeo National Park*

23. Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary Tamil Nadu

24. Rudrasagar Lake Tripura

25. Upper Ganga River (Brijghat to Narora Stretch) Uttar Pradesh

26. East Calcutta Wetlands West Bengal

*Both sites are included in Montreux Record.

Three pillars of Ramsar Convention

3/4 Under the “three pillars” of the Convention, the Contracting Parties commit to:

1. work towards the wise use of all their wetlands; 2. designate suitable wetlands for the list of Wetlands of International Importance (the “Ramsar List”) and ensure their effective management; 3. cooperate internationally on transboundary wetlands, shared wetland systems and shared species.

The Montreux Record

The Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites on the List of Wetlands of International Importance where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur as a result of technological developments, pollution or other human interference. It is maintained as part of the Ramsar List.

Interesting facts about Ramsar Convention/Sites

The number of contracting parties is 169. At the time of joining the Convention, each Contracting Party undertakes to designate at least one wetland site for inclusion in theList of Wetlands of International Importance. The inclusion of a “Ramsar Site” in the List embodies the government’s commitment to take the steps necessary to ensure that its ecological character is maintained. Wetlands included in the List acquire a new national and international status: they are recognized as being of significant value not only for the country or the countries in which they are located, but for humanity as a whole. There are nine criteria for identifying wetlands of international importance. There are six Ramsar regions. The 2nd of February each year is World Wetlands Day, marking the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971. The Ramsar Sites Information Service (RSIS) is a searchable database which provides information on each Ramsar Site. The Ramsar Convention works closely with six other organisations known as International Organization Partners (IOPs). These are: Birdlife International. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). International Water Management Institute (IWMI). Wetlands International. WWF International. Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT).

4/4 UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites: Names from India

World Heritage is the designation for places on Earth that are of outstanding universal value to humanity. Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Galápagos Islands in Ecuador, the Taj Mahal in India, the Grand Canyon in the USA, or the Acropolis in Greece are examples of the 1000+ natural and cultural places inscribed on the UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites List to date.

What is a World Heritage Site?

A World Heritage Site is a place on earth having a special cultural or physical significance and outstanding universal value to the humanity. It may be a building, a city, a complex, a desert, a forest, an island, a lake, a monument, or a mountain. They have been inscribed on the World Heritage List to be protected for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.

According to the sites ranked by country, Italy is home to the greatest number of World Heritage Sites with 51 sites, followed by China (48), Spain (44), France (41), Germany (40), Mexico (33), and India (32).

Who lists World Heritage Sites? 1/5 A world Heritage site is listed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) which is based in Paris, France. The International World Heritage Programme administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee establishes the sites to be listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The World Heritage Committee is responsible for the implementation of the World Heritage Convention (The Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage or the World Heritage Convention), defines the use of the World Heritage Fund and allocates financial assistance upon requests from States Parties. It is composed of 21 state parties which are elected by the General Assembly of States Parties for a four-year term. Currently, India is a member of the World Heritage Committee.

How is a World Heritage Site selected?

The first step towards the listing is the nomination of a site by the respective government of a country. The site should have an Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) for World Heritage nomination. To determine the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) for World Heritage nomination, there are ten enlisted criteria. The proposed nomination must satisfy at least one of these ten criteria. The Nomination File is then evaluated by the International Council on Monuments and Sites and the World Conservation Union. These bodies then make their recommendations to the World Heritage Committee. The Committee meets once per year to determine whether or not to inscribe each nominated property on the World Heritage List and sometimes defers the decision to request more information from the country which nominated the site.

What are the ten criteria for determining Outstanding Universal Value (OUV)?

(i) to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;

(ii) to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town- planning or landscape design;

(iii) to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;

(iv) to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;

(v) to be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change;

2/5 (vi) to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance. (The Committee considers that this criterion should preferably be used in conjunction with other criteria.

(vii) to contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;

(viii) to be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth’s history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features;

(ix) to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;

(x) to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.

How does this program helps the listed site and the country?

When a site is inscribed on the World Heritage List, the resulting prestige often helps raise awareness among citizens and governments for heritage preservation. Greater awareness leads to a general rise in the level of the protection and conservation given to heritage properties. A country may also receive financial assistance and expert advice from the World Heritage Committee to support activities for the preservation of its sites. The site will also get immediate international recognition which boosts the tourism of the country.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is the nodal agency for forwarding any request for World Heritage status to any Indian site whether cultural or natural. Based on the proposals received from the Central or State Government agencies as well as management Trusts, etc., and after their due scrutiny, the Government forwards the nomination dossiers to the World Heritage Center. India now has 35 sites, including 27 cultural properties, seven natural sites and one mixed site, notified as World Heritage Sites. The latest entries in 2016 were – (1) Nalanda University (2) Capitol Complex and (3) Khangchendzonga National Park (mixed site). The list of places in India which have been granted World Heritage status by UNESCO is given below:

Cultural Sites

Under protection of Archaeologic Survey of India

S.No Name of Site State

1. Ajanta Caves (1983) Maharashtra

3/5 2. Ellora Caves (1983) Maharashtra

3. Agra Fort (1983) Uttar Pradesh

4. Taj Mahal (1983) Uttar Pradesh

5. Sun Temple, Konarak (1984) Odisha

6. Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (1984) Tamil Nadu

7. Churches and Convents of Goa (1986) Goa

8. Group of Temples, Khajuraho (1986) Madhya Pradesh

9. Group of Monuments at Hampi (1986) Karnataka

10. Group of Monuments, FatehpurSikri (1986) Uttar Pradesh

11. Group of Temples, Pattadakal (1987) Karnataka

12. Elephanta Caves ( 1987) Maharashtra

13. Great Living Chola temples at Thanjavur, Gangaikondacholapuram and Tamil Nadu Darasuram (1987 & 2004)

14. Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989) Madhya Pradesh

15. Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi (1993) Delhi

16. Qutb Minar Complex, Delhi (1993) Delhi

17. Prehistoric Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003) Madhya Pradesh

18. Champaner-Pavagarh Archaeological Park (2004) Gujarat

19. Red Fort Complex, Delhi (2007) Delhi

20. Hill Forts of Rajasthan (Chittaurgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Jaisalmer and Rajasthan Ranthambhore, Amber and Gagron Forts) (2013) Note: Amber and Gagron Forts are under protection of Rajasthan State Archaeology and Museums

21. Rani ki Vav (2014) Gujarat

22. Nalanda Mahavihara (Nalanda University) (2016) Bihar

23. Capitol Complex (2016) Chandigarh

Under Protection of Ministry of Railways

24. Mountain Railway of India ( Darjeeling,1999), Nilgiri (2005), West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kalka-Shimla(2008) Himachal Pradesh

25. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) Maharashtra (2004)

Under Protection of Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee

4/5 26. Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya (2002) Bihar

Under Protection of Rajasthan State Archaeology and Museums Department

27. Jantar Mantar, Jaipur (2010) Rajasthan

Natural Sites

Under Protection of Ministry of Environment & Forest

28. Kaziranga National Park (1985) Assam

29 Manas Wild Life Sanctuary (1985) Assam

30. Keoladeo National Park (1985) Rajasthan

31. Sunderban National Park (1987) West Bengal

32. Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks Uttarakhand (1988, 2005)

33. Western Ghats (2012) Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra,Tamil Nadu

34. Great Himalayan National Park (2014) Himachal Pradesh

35. Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP) (2016)* [Mixed Sikkim site]

5/5