Forest Clearance for Puri Airport Deferred Over Wildlife Concerns

Forest Advisory Committee (FAC)

1. The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) is a special expert committee formed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) of the Government of India.
2. It looks at whether forest land can be used for big projects like airports, roads, dams, mining, etc.
3. It was created under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 to make sure that forests are protected and only used for development when absolutely necessary.

Members

1. The FAC includes forest and environmental experts, senior government officials, and scientists.
2. It may also include members from wildlife institutes or universities.

Functions

1. To examine proposals where someone wants to use forest land for non-forest purposes (like industries, highways, etc.).
2. To advise the central government whether such use should be allowed or not.
3. To check if the project has proper plans to protect wildlife and reduce environmental damage.
4. To suggest conditions and safeguards if permission is granted.

 Central Asian Flyway (CAF)

1. The Central Asian Flyway (CAF) is one of the nine major migratory bird flyways in the world.
2. It covers a large geographical area of 30 countries from the Arctic Ocean in the north to the Indian Ocean in the south, and from Siberia in the east to West Asia and the Maldives in the west.

Key Features of the Central Asian Flyway (CAF)

India’s Role in the CAF

1. India is a key country in the flyway as it provides wintering grounds and wetlands for numerous species.
2. Important Indian wetlands in the CAF:
   1. Chilika Lake (Odisha)
   2. Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan)
   3. Sambhar Lake (Rajasthan)
   4. Harike Wetland (Punjab)
   5. Point Calimere (Tamil Nadu)
3. Conservation Efforts
   1. India hosted the 13th Conference of Parties (CoP13) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) in Gandhinagar, 2020.
   2. The National Action Plan for Conservation of Migratory Birds along the Central Asian Flyway (2018–2023) was developed.
   3. Focus on wetland protection, international cooperation, and community participation.

Challenges

Way Forward (Solutions)

1. Loss of 13,000 trees which act as a natural barrier against cyclones.

Prepare and implement a Compensatory Afforestation Plan; plant trees in cyclone-prone areas to maintain protection.

2. Risk to Olive Ridley turtle nesting sites, especially near Balukhand Sanctuary.

Conduct wildlife impact assessment and prepare a turtle-specific conservation and protection plan.

3. Threat to migratory birds using the Central Asian Flyway.

Work with experts like Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and ZSI to map migration routes and take protective steps

4. Danger of bird strikes due to proximity to Chilika Lake.

Set up bird monitoring systems, flight schedule adjustments during peak migration seasons.

5. Possible harm to Irrawaddy dolphins.

Continue and complete the ZSI study, and follow its recommendations strictly

6. Violation of Forest and CRZ laws due to early construction (boundary wall).

Ensure full legal compliance and take action against premature work, avoid further violations

7. Lack of climate adaptation measures for cyclone-prone areas.

Submit a clear climate risk and disaster management plan before starting construction

Keyword

Simple Meaning

Forest Clearance

Official permission needed to use forest land for non-forest purposes.

Olive Ridley Turtles

A rare and protected sea turtle species that nests along the Odisha coast.

Irrawaddy Dolphins

A unique and endangered dolphin species found in coastal and freshwater areas like Chilika Lake.

Migratory Birds

Birds that travel long distances between countries during different seasons.

Chilika Lake

Asia’s largest coastal lagoon in Odisha, home to many bird and fish species.

Balukhand Wildlife Sanctuary

A protected area near Puri where Olive Ridley turtles nest.

Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ)

Rules to protect India’s coastal areas from harmful construction activities.

Site-specific Wildlife Conservation Plan

A detailed plan to reduce harm to animals in a specific area during development work.

Ensure IAS Mains Question

Q. The proposed Shree Jagannath International Airport in Puri has highlighted the complexities of balancing infrastructure development with ecological conservation. Discuss the environmental and legal challenges associated with the project and suggest a way forward to ensure sustainable development. (250 words)

Ensure IAS Prelim MCQ

Q. With reference to the Central Asian Flyway (CAF), consider the following statements

1. It is one of the major migratory bird routes that passes through both Europe and North America.
2. The CAF includes countries such as India, Kazakhstan, and the Maldives.
3. Chilika Lake in Odisha lies along the Central Asian Flyway.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: b

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The CAF does not pass through Europe and North America. It covers parts of Central, South, and West Asia.

Statement 2 is correct: India, Kazakhstan, and the Maldives are all part of the CAF.

Statement 3 is correct: Chilika Lake lies along the CAF and is an important wintering ground for migratory birds.