Extremophiles are organisms that thrive in extreme environmental conditions, which would typically be inhospitable to most life forms. They have developed unique adaptations to survive in such environments through specialized biological and biochemical processes.

Characteristics of Extremophiles:

• Adaptation: Extremophiles adapt to extreme environments such as high or low temperatures, extreme pH levels, high salinity, high pressure, or exposure to radiation.
• Types of Extremophiles: Most extremophiles are microorganisms, particularly prokaryotes like bacteria and archaea, although some eukaryotes also exhibit extremophilic traits.

Types of Extreme Environments and Corresponding Extremophiles:

• Thermophiles: Thrive in extremely hot environments (e.g., hot springs, hydrothermal vents).
• Psychrophiles: Adapt to extremely cold environments (e.g., deep ocean waters, polar ice caps).
• Acidophiles: Survive in highly acidic environments (e.g., sulfuric pools, acid mine drainage).
• Halophiles: Live in high-salinity environments (e.g., salt lakes, salt flats).
• Barophiles (Piezophiles): Thrive under high pressure (e.g., deep-sea trenches).
• Radiophiles: Survive high levels of radiation (e.g., some bacteria found in nuclear reactors or microwave ovens).

Applications of Extremophiles:

• Bioremediation:
• Extremophiles play a critical role in bioremediation, where they are used to clean up pollutants from extreme environments.
• Example: Acidophilic bacteria are used in bioleaching, a process of extracting metals from ores in mining operations.
• Decomposition:
• Extremophiles act as decomposers in extreme environments, helping to break down organic matter, recycle nutrients, and sustain ecosystems in these harsh conditions.
• Industrial Enzymes (Extremozymes):
• Extremophiles produce enzymes called extremozymes that function under extreme conditions, such as high temperatures or acidic environments. These enzymes are useful in various industrial applications.
• Example: Taq polymerase, an enzyme from the thermophilic bacterium Thermus aquaticus, is widely used in Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for amplifying DNA.

Conclusion:

Extremophiles are remarkable organisms that push the boundaries of where life can exist. Their unique capabilities have valuable applications in biotechnology, environmental science, and industry, providing insights into the potential for life in extreme conditions on Earth and possibly other planets.

Why in the News?

The Cabinet recently approved the Sustainable Livestock Health and Production Scheme with a total outlay of ₹1,702 crore. This initiative aims to increase farmers' income from livestock and dairy production.

Key Components of the Scheme:

• Animal Health Management: Enhancing veterinary education and infrastructure.
• Dairy Production and Technology Development: Fostering innovation and efficiency in dairy practices.
• Animal Genetic Resource Management: Improving livestock quality and productivity.
• Animal Nutrition: Focusing on the health and productivity of small ruminants.

Status of the Livestock Sector in India

• Largest Population: India has the world's largest population of livestock.
• Meat Production: It is the largest producer of buffalo meat and the second-largest producer of goat meat.

Significance of the Livestock Sector

• Contribution to GDP:
• The livestock sector contributed 30.19% of the Agricultural and Allied Sector GVA and 5.73% of Total GVA in 2021-22.
• Employment Generation:
• Livestock rearing provides a livelihood for over 70% of rural households, primarily benefiting small and marginal farmers and landless laborers.
• Interlinkages with Agriculture:
• The sector is essential for producing organic inputs like manure, and agricultural waste is often used as fodder.
• Food and Nutritional Security:
• Livestock products (milk, meat, eggs) are vital for nutrition, particularly for children and women. India ranks first in global milk production, contributing 23% of total production.

Issues Faced by the Livestock Sector

• Health and Veterinary Issues:
• Economic Losses: High losses from diseases like Haemorrhagic Septicaemia and Foot and Mouth Disease.
• Inadequate Infrastructure: Limited veterinary colleges lead to a shortage of veterinarians.
• Antimicrobial Resistance: High antibiotic use, especially in the poultry sector.
• Economic Issues:
• Low Productivity: Average productivity of cattle is below the global average.
• Unorganized Sector: A significant portion of meat production is unregistered.
• High Marketing Costs: Marketing and transaction costs account for 15-20% of sale prices.
• Low Insurance Coverage: Only 15.47% of livestock is insured.
• Fodder Shortages: Insufficient land is allocated for fodder production.
• Inadequate Extension Services:
• Lack of dedicated livestock extension programs, focusing mainly on animal health.
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
• Livestock contributes significantly to global enteric methane emissions.

Initiatives for India’s Livestock Sector

• Rashtriya Gokul Mission: Promotes the development and conservation of indigenous breeds.
• National Livestock Mission: Aims for qualitative and quantitative improvements in livestock production.
• Kisan Credit Card (KCC): Extension to livestock farmers to facilitate credit access.
• Dairy Development Programs: Initiatives like the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) enhance the dairy sector.
• Disease Control Programs: Includes the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) for FMD and Brucellosis.

Way Forward

• Strengthening NADRS: Improve infrastructure and digitalize the National Animal Disease Reporting System for real-time reporting.
• Mobile Veterinary Services: Provide essential veterinary services to remote areas.
• Integrated Farming Systems (IFS): Promote livestock-based IFS to optimize resource use and productivity.
• Market Access: Establish efficient value chains and digital platforms for livestock marketing.
• Increase Insurance Coverage: Enhance livestock insurance to reduce risk for owners.
• Area-Specific Policies: Formulate policies tailored to the needs of specific regions, particularly rain-fed areas.

The sustainable development of the livestock sector is vital for enhancing farmers' incomes, ensuring food security, and promoting rural livelihoods in India.

Sea Level Rise (SLR) is a critical environmental issue gaining attention due to its potential impact on coastal cities and ecosystems. The recent report titled 'Sea Level Rise Scenarios and Inundation Maps for Selected Indian Coastal Cities' by the Centre for Study of Science, Technology, and Policy (CSTEP) highlights the alarming rate of sea-level rise in India.

Key Observations from the Report

• Maximum Sea Level Rise (1991–2020):
• Mumbai saw the highest increase in sea level (4.44 cm), followed by Haldia (2.72 cm), Visakhapatnam (2.38 cm), and other coastal cities.
• Submergence by 2040:
• More than 10% of land in Mumbai, Yanam, and Thoothukudi is projected to be submerged.
• 5%–10% of land in Panaji and Chennai and 1%–5% in Kochi, Mangaluru, Visakhapatnam, and others will also face submersion due to rising sea levels.

Factors Contributing to Sea Level Rise

• Ocean Thermal Expansion:
• Oceans absorb over 90% of the heat trapped by greenhouse gases, causing water expansion as temperatures rise.
• Ice Melting:
• The melting of glaciers, ice caps, and ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica further contributes to the rise in sea levels.

Impacts of Sea Level Rise

• Increased Coastal Erosion:
• Rising sea levels lead to more frequent and extreme coastal flooding and storm surges, accelerating coastal erosion.
• Around 32% of India's coastline has experienced erosion between 1990 and 2018 (NCCR report).
• Coastal Inundation and Flooding:
• Low-lying coastal regions are at higher risk of flooding and inundation due to increased sea levels, impacting both urban and rural areas.
• Freshwater Salinization:
• Saltwater intrusion threatens freshwater sources, including aquifers and river deltas, affecting drinking water supplies and agriculture.
• Coastal Community Displacement:
• Low-lying communities, particularly in South Asia, are at risk. Approximately 3.6 million people have been displaced in the region over the past decade (Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre).
• Coastal Habitat Loss:
• Critical ecosystems like mangroves, salt marshes, and coral reefs face severe threats. The Gulf of Mannar's coral reefs are already at risk.
• Infrastructure Vulnerability:
• Urban infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and buildings face higher risk from rising waters and floods, necessitating costly repairs and upgrades.

Steps Taken by the Government of India

• Protection and Control of Coastal Erosion (2020):
• The Central Water Commission has issued guidelines for designing coastal protection measures based on varying erosion rates across India's coastline.
• Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI):
• The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) developed a CVI to assess coastal vulnerability based on seven key parameters, including sea-level change rate, coastal geomorphology, and tidal range.
• National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF):
• Under the 15th Finance Commission, ₹1000 crore is allocated for the resettlement of people displaced due to coastal erosion.
• Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2019:
• Issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, this regulation aims to conserve coastal stretches while ensuring the livelihood security of coastal communities, including fisherfolk.
• Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes (MISHTI):
• Launched to develop 540 sq. km of mangrove forests across 11 states and 2 union territories to protect shorelines and generate income for coastal communities.
• Shelterbelt Plantations:
• Rows of trees planted along the coastline act as natural buffers to reduce sea erosion, as seen in the coastal district of Ramanathapura

Adaptation strategies

Adaptation strategies for sea-level rise are crucial in mitigating the risks and ensuring the resilience of coastal regions. Below are some key strategies:

1. Build Flood Barriers to Protect Infrastructure

• Ecosystem-Based Coastal Protection:
• Utilizing natural defenses, such as oyster beds, coral reefs, and mangrove forests, helps absorb wave energy, reducing coastal erosion and acting as natural breakwaters.
• Example: Oyster beds can act as natural buffers, minimizing the impact of waves and storm surges.
• Man-Made Structures:
• Seawalls, levees, and dikes constructed from concrete or masonry provide a robust barrier against rising seas and storm surges.
• Example: Seawalls along cities like Mumbai, which have long coastlines, can prevent flooding and protect infrastructure.

2. Sea-Level Rise and Storm Surge Modelling

• Modelling and Predictive Tools:
• Conducting sea-level rise and storm surge modeling is essential for identifying vulnerable areas and informing the strategic placement of critical infrastructure like roads, power plants, and hospitals.
• Data-driven decision-making can significantly reduce the risks to coastal populations and economies.

3. Floating Cities

• Flood-Proof Urban Development:
• Cities built on floating platforms are emerging as innovative solutions to address urban flooding due to sea-level rise. This concept is being pioneered in countries like Maldives and South Korea.
• These cities are designed to rise and fall with the tides, ensuring continuous habitation without flooding risks.

4. Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM)

• Sustainable Coastal Development:
• ICZM promotes the sustainable development of coastal zones by integrating environmental, social, and economic factors to protect coastal ecosystems while ensuring the security of coastal communities.
• It focuses on balancing development with the conservation of sensitive habitats like mangroves, wetlands, and coral reefs.

5. Push for a Climate Action Plan

• Comprehensive Climate Policies:
• Cities and states should develop climate action plans addressing sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events linked to climate change. These plans should include mitigation (reducing emissions) and adaptation strategies tailored to local conditions.
• Example: Cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata could benefit from localized climate action plans that incorporate adaptive infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and community resilience-building.

Adopting these strategies can help protect lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure from the detrimental effects of rising sea level

Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 aims to enhance urban infrastructure in India, focusing on water supply, sewage treatment, and the rejuvenation of water bodies and parks. The initiative is part of the government's 100-day agenda during its third term and has a projected budget of ₹5,000 crore.

Key Objectives

• Water Supply Coverage:
• Achieve 100% water supply coverage to all households in approximately 4,700 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) by providing 2.68 crore tap connections.
• Sewage and Septage Management:
• Attain 100% sewage and septage coverage in 500 AMRUT cities, providing 2.64 crore sewer connections.
• Water Body Rejuvenation:
• Focus on the rejuvenation of water bodies and urban aquifer management to enhance freshwater supply and reduce reliance on groundwater.
• Wastewater Management:
• Recycle and reuse treated wastewater to meet 20% of urban water needs and 40% of industrial demand.
• Pollution Prevention:
• Protect freshwater bodies from pollution to ensure sustainable natural resource management.

Coverage and Reach

• Extends from 500 cities in the initial phase to 4,800 cities and towns.
• Will provide tap connections to 26.8 million urban households, benefiting over 10.5 crore people in urban areas.

Features of AMRUT 2.0

• Comprehensive Urban Coverage:
• The mission now encompasses all 4,372 cities in India, covering 100% of urban areas.
• Circular Economy Promotion:
• Encourages the creation of a City Water Balance Plan for each city to promote recycling and reuse of treated sewage, along with water conservation efforts.
• Digital and Global Technological Integration:
• The initiative aims to be paperless, embracing digital solutions.
• Pey Jal Survekshan:
• Conducts assessments of water distribution, wastewater reuse, and water body mapping to promote competition among cities.
• Support for Aatma Nirbhar Bharat:
• Encourages startups and entrepreneurs, fostering a gig economy and involving youth and women in urban development.
• Urban Water Information System:
• Development through the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) to aid in aquifer management.
• Capacity Building Programs:
• Targeted training for all stakeholders, including contractors, plumbers, plant operators, and students.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPP):
• Cities with populations over one million are required to undertake PPP projects worth at least 10% of their total project funds, potentially utilizing various funding models.

Reform Agenda under AMRUT 2.0

The AMRUT 2.0 initiative includes a robust reform agenda aimed at improving urban infrastructure, particularly in water supply and sewage management.

Key Reforms

• Property Tax Reforms:
• Mandatory notifications related to property tax based on circle rates, with periodic increases.
• User charges for operation and maintenance costs must also be implemented.
• Incentive-Based Reforms:
• Rejuvenation of water bodies.
• Reduction of non-revenue water to 20%.
• Implementation of rainwater harvesting in all institutional buildings.
• Reuse of 20% of treated wastewater.
• Reuse of wastewater to meet 40% of industrial water demand.
• Development of green spaces and parks.
• Improving credit ratings and access to market finance for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
• Enhancing land use efficiency through GIS-based master planning and efficient town planning.

Challenges Faced

• Outdated Infrastructure:
• Many cities struggle with old water supply and sewerage systems, making integration of new systems complex and costly. According to NITI Aayog, 31% of urban households lack piped water, and 67.3% are not connected to a piped sewerage system.
• Technology Adoption:
• Slow adoption of technologies like IoT monitoring systems and GIS tools, particularly in smaller cities where there is limited awareness and technical expertise.
• Lack of Community Participation:
• Governance is often dominated by bureaucrats and large technology firms, with minimal representation from elected city officials. This top-down approach can lead to community disengagement.
• Deteriorating Air Quality:
• While AMRUT 2.0 focuses on water and sewage, air quality issues remain unaddressed. The previous phase (AMRUT 1.0) did not effectively tackle air quality concerns, which continue to worsen in urban areas.
• Delayed Fund Release:
• Delays in fund transfers from the central government to states, and from states to ULBs, disrupt project timelines and can lead to cost overruns.
• Progress Monitoring:
• Many ULBs do not maintain accurate, up-to-date data, hindering effective decision-making and project oversight.
• Environmental Concerns:
• Meeting increased water demand can lead to over-extraction of groundwater and reliance on distant sources, potentially causing environmental degradation.
• Sustainability:
• Developing infrastructure that is resilient to climate change poses a significant challenge. This requires eco-friendly construction practices, efficient waste management, and strategies for adaptation to climate impacts.

Government’s 100-Day Agenda

The government’s 100-Day Agenda outlines key initiatives aimed at improving urban infrastructure and addressing critical issues related to water and sewage management. Here are the primary components:

• Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs):
• Commissioning of STPs: The agenda includes the commissioning of sewage treatment plants with a total capacity of 500 million litres per day (MLD), which will benefit approximately 6 lakh households.
• Water Treatment Plants:
• Commissioning of Water Treatment Plants: Approval for 150 MLD of water treatment plants, aimed at serving around 2 lakh households.
• Delhi Master Plan 2041:
• Approval of the Master Plan: The agenda emphasizes the approval of the Delhi Master Plan 2041, which aims to guide the city's development and infrastructure improvements over the coming decades.
• Greenfield Cities:
• Incubation of New Cities: The plan includes the incubation of eight greenfield cities, each receiving ₹1,000 crore in funding, as recommended by the 15th Finance Commission. This initiative aims to promote sustainable urban development and relieve congestion in existing urban areas.

Conclusion

The 100-Day Agenda focuses on significant investments in sewage and water treatment infrastructure, alongside strategic planning for urban development in Delhi and the creation of new cities. These initiatives are designed to enhance living conditions, improve sanitation, and promote sustainable urban growth.