Overview of the Report

The State of the World’s Forests 2024 report, released by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, offers an in-depth analysis of global forest conditions and trends. It highlights both positive and concerning aspects of the world’s forests, reflecting recent developments and ongoing challenges.

Key Highlights

a. Forest Area and Coverage:

• Global Forest Area: In 2020, the world’s forests covered approximately 4.1 billion hectares (ha), which constitutes 31% of the global land area.
• Top Forested Countries: Russia, Brazil, Canada, the United States, and China collectively account for 54% of the world’s forest area. Additional countries including Australia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Indonesia, Peru, and India together contribute about two-thirds of the global forest area.

b. Trends in Deforestation:

• Historical Data: Between 1990 and 2020, approximately 420 million hectares of forest were converted to other land uses.
• Decline in Deforestation Rates: The rate of deforestation has decreased from 15.8 million hectares per year (1990-2002) to 10.2 million hectares per year (2015-2020).
• Regional Deforestation Rates: Africa experienced deforestation at a rate of 4.41 million hectares annually, South America 2.95 million hectares, and Asia 2.24 million hectares.

c. Forest Area Gains:

• Countries with Gains: In 2020, ten countries recorded annual increases in forest area, including China, Australia, India, Chile, Viet Nam, Turkey, the United States, France, Italy, and Romania.
• India’s Performance: India gained 266,000 hectares of forest annually from 2010 to 2020, ranking third globally for forest area gains.

d. Mangrove Forests:

• Global Mangrove Area: The total global mangrove area is 14.8 million hectares. South and Southeast Asia contribute nearly 44% of this total.
• Trends in Mangrove Loss and Gain: The rate of gross global mangrove loss decreased by 23% between 2000-2010 and 2010-2020, though gains in mangrove area also saw a slight reduction. Asia remains a significant contributor to both mangrove loss and gains.

e. Impact of Fires:

• Global Fire Impact: An estimated 340-370 million hectares of land are impacted by annual fires.
• Carbon Emissions: Fires in 2023 emitted 6,687 megatons of carbon dioxide, more than double the emissions from fossil fuel burning by the European Union.

Key Insights and Implications

a. Positive Developments:

• Reduced Deforestation Rates: The decline in deforestation rates is a positive sign, indicating some success in forest conservation efforts and changes in land use practices.
• Forest Area Gains: Several countries, including India, are showing progress in increasing their forest cover, which contributes to global environmental health.

b. Ongoing Challenges:

• Forest Degradation: Despite improvements, significant areas of forest continue to be lost due to various factors, including agriculture, logging, and infrastructure development.
• Climate Change Impact: Climate change poses a growing threat to forest ecosystems, affecting their health and resilience.
• Fire-Related Emissions: The substantial carbon dioxide emissions from fires highlight the need for better fire management and climate change mitigation strategies.

c. Regional Variations:

• Differing Regional Trends: The report underscores varying regional impacts on forests, with some areas experiencing more severe deforestation and degradation than others.
• Mangrove Ecosystems: The situation of mangrove forests, while showing some improvements, still requires focused conservation efforts, particularly in Asia.

Way Forward

a. Continued Monitoring and Research:

• Enhanced Data Collection: Ongoing monitoring and improved data collection are crucial for understanding forest health and trends.
• Research on Climate Impact: Further research is needed to assess the impacts of climate change on forest ecosystems and to develop adaptive management strategies.

b. Strengthened Conservation Efforts:

• Global and Local Initiatives: Both global commitments and local actions are necessary to address deforestation and forest degradation.
• Policy Implementation: Effective implementation of forest conservation policies and sustainable land management practices is essential.

c. Fire Management:

• Improved Fire Management: Developing and implementing better fire management practices can help reduce the frequency and severity of forest fires.
• Climate Action: Integrating forest fire management with broader climate action strategies can help mitigate emissions and protect forest ecosystems.

Introduction

Central Hall, situated within the historic Parliament House Complex in New Delhi, is a venue of significant historical and architectural value. It has played a central role in India's democratic journey and continues to be a symbol of the country's governance.

About the Parliament House Complex

The Parliament House Complex comprises several important buildings:

• New Parliament House: Opened last year, it houses the current legislative sessions.
• Old Parliament House: This includes the Central Hall and remains a symbol of India's parliamentary history.
• Constitution House: Formerly the iconic circular building now renamed to reflect its significance.
• Parliament House Annexe: Provides additional facilities for parliamentary functions.
• Parliament Library Building: Holds a vast collection of parliamentary records and resources.

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is the custodian of this complex, ensuring its upkeep and overseeing its functions.

Central Hall: Historical Background and Usage

• Establishment and Early Use: Established in 1927, Central Hall initially functioned as a library for the members of the legislature.
• 1946-1949: During this period, it was transformed into the Constituent Assembly Hall, where the Indian Constitution was debated and drafted.
• Independence Day: On August 15, 1947, Central Hall was the site of the historic transfer of power from British rule to independent India. Jawaharlal Nehru delivered his famous "Tryst with Destiny" speech here.

Architectural Features

• Design: The Hall is octagonal with a prominent dome, reflecting classical architectural styles.
• Seating: It is designed to accommodate joint sessions of the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
• Decor: The walls are adorned with portraits of key figures from the Indian freedom movement and past Presidents and Prime Ministers.

Functions and Usage

• Joint Sessions: Central Hall has been used for the President’s Address to both houses of Parliament and for important parliamentary events, including awards and farewells.
• Meetings: It serves as a venue for informal discussions and meetings among parliamentarians.
• Ceremonial Occasions: The Hall has hosted the swearing-in of Presidents and Prime Ministers.
• Addresses by Foreign Dignitaries: It has seen addresses by international figures, including the last address by IPU President Duarte Pacheco in March 2021 and President Barack Obama in November 2010.

Current Status

• Usage: While the old Parliament House's chambers are no longer used for legislative sessions, the new Parliament House accommodates these functions. However, the old building still houses some offices of the Parliament Secretariat.

Political Party Usage

• Event Venue: Central Hall is not typically used for private political events but can be employed for significant party meetings and coalition events. For instance, in May 2014, Narendra Modi was elected as the leader of the BJP Parliamentary Party in Central Hall, demonstrating its continued relevance in parliamentary activities.

Conclusion

Central Hall remains a cornerstone of India's democratic legacy, reflecting both its historical significance and its role in contemporary parliamentary functions. It stands as a testament to India's journey from colonial rule to independence and its ongoing democratic processes.

The increasing frequency of disasters, especially during the monsoon season, highlights the urgent need for urban development strategies that prioritize disaster resilience in Indian cities. Here’s an overview of the current situation, vulnerabilities, and what constitutes a disaster-resilient city:

Current Context

Rising Disaster Frequency:

• Problem: Indian cities are increasingly facing various disasters, exacerbated by the monsoon season. The recent torrential rains in Shimla and Solan, Himachal Pradesh, which caused landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts, underscore the challenges urban areas face in handling such events.

Vulnerabilities of Indian Cities

• Population Centers:
• Current Status: Over 30% of India's population lives in cities, and this is projected to rise to 40% by 2030.
• Risk: High population density and developmental pressures in urban areas inherently increase the risk of disasters and make effective management more complex.
• Unplanned Urbanization:
• Issue: Urban growth in India has largely been unplanned, leading to significant environmental and resource degradation.
• Example: Cities like Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai were already experiencing severe environmental degradation before 2014.
• Climate Change:
• Impact: Climate change amplifies infrastructure strain, leading to more frequent and severe climate-related disasters such as heatwaves, urban floods, and cyclones.
• Existing Vulnerabilities:
• Challenges: Urban settings face inherent vulnerabilities, including urban poverty, informal employment, and social inequality, which exacerbate the impact of disasters.

Characteristics of a Disaster-Resilient City

According to the National Institute of Disaster Management, a disaster-resilient city is characterized by the following:

• Adherence to Building Codes:
• Safety Measures: Ensures that building codes are followed and that informal settlements are not located in high-risk areas such as flood plains or steep slopes.
• Effective Local Government:
• Governance: Features an inclusive, competent, and accountable local government that focuses on sustainable urbanization and disaster risk reduction.
• Local Information Base:
• Data Management: Maintains a shared, local information base on disaster losses, hazards, risks, and vulnerabilities, which helps in informed decision-making.
• Community Empowerment:
• Participation: Encourages public participation in planning and decision-making processes, values local and indigenous knowledge, and leverages local resources and capacities.
• Disaster Anticipation and Mitigation:
• Preparedness: Implements measures to anticipate and mitigate disaster impacts, including the use of monitoring and early warning technologies to protect infrastructure and community assets.
• Response and Recovery:
• Resilience: Capable of effective response, immediate recovery, and restoration of basic services to resume social, institutional, and economic activities swiftly after a disaster.

Initiatives and Mechanisms for Developing Urban Disaster Resilience

To enhance urban disaster resilience in India, various initiatives and mechanisms have been established, addressing governance, local responsibilities, and funding. Here’s a detailed look at these efforts:

1. Governance Framework

• Disaster Management Act, 2005:
• Institutions: Establishes bodies like the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs), and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
• Objective: Ensures a structured approach to disaster management through a clear mandate and institutional support.
• National Policy on Disaster Management, 2009:
• Vision: Aims to create a safe and disaster-resilient India through a holistic, proactive, multi-disaster approach, incorporating technology and strategic planning.
• National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) 2016:
• Framework: Provides guidelines for all phases of disaster management, from preparedness to recovery, guiding government agencies in their roles and responsibilities.

2. Role of Urban Local Governments (ULGs)

• Responsibilities: ULGs are crucial in disaster resilience through:
• Building Codes: Enforcing regulations to ensure safety in construction.
• Urban Planning: Developing and implementing land use regulations and zoning laws.
• Basic Infrastructure: Providing essential services like fire protection, healthcare, and emergency response planning.

3. Government Schemes

• Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT):
• Focus: Aims to transform cities into smart, sustainable, and livable spaces.
• Housing for All (Urban) Scheme:
• Goal: Ensures affordable housing and improved urban infrastructure.
• Smart Cities Mission:
• Objective: Develops cities with smart solutions to improve urban living standards and economic growth.

4. Climate Smart Cities Assessment Framework

• Indicators: Evaluates cities based on:
• Urban Planning: Integrating climate resilience into planning processes.
• Green Cover and Biodiversity: Enhancing green spaces and biodiversity.
• Energy and Green Buildings: Promoting energy efficiency and sustainable building practices.
• Mobility and Air Quality: Improving transportation systems and air quality.
• Water Management: Efficient water use and management practices.
• Waste Management: Effective waste disposal and recycling systems.

5. Union Budget 2024-25

• Electric Bus Systems:
• Investment: ₹1,300 crore allocated to encourage the adoption of electric buses, promoting eco-friendly and cost-effective public transportation solutions.

Challenges in Building Disaster Resilience

• Lack of Planning:
• Issue: 65% of Indian cities lack master plans, and existing plans often overlook climate change impacts.
• Governance Issues:
• Problem: Political influences can lead to uncontrolled development in disaster-prone areas.
• Concretization:
• Effect: Increasing urbanization with concrete surfaces exacerbates heat island effects and reduces green spaces.
• Crumbling Infrastructure:
• Concern: Inadequate sewerage and drainage systems lead to frequent waterlogging and flooding.
• Insufficient Health Infrastructure:
• Need: There is a lack of adequate resources and a rapid response system in times of crisis.
• Departmentalization:
• Issue: Fragmented departmental operations complicate integrated disaster management.
• Lack of Private Funding:
• Challenge: Stagnant private investment exacerbates the infrastructure funding gap.

Way Forward

• Governance:
• Decentralization: Disaster management should be devolved to municipalities with empowered functionaries for better implementation and oversight.
• Finance:
• Climate Finance: Explore creation of land banks, CSR funding, and public-private partnerships (PPPs) to address funding needs for disaster resilience and sustainable development.
• Participatory Planning:
• Inclusivity: Involve communities in planning and decision-making, considering informal sectors and vulnerabilities.
• Nature-Based Developments:
• Integration: Utilize natural materials and designs in construction to reduce vulnerability, as seen in Uttarakhand where concrete structures were associated with higher fatalities.
• Greening Urban Spaces:
• Strategy: Develop multiple small green spaces throughout cities to manage microclimates effectively, as opposed to focusing on large, single green areas.

By addressing these challenges and leveraging existing and proposed initiatives, Indian cities can enhance their resilience to disasters, ensuring safer, more sustainable urban environments