Prelims Perspective: What needs to be learned?

  • Lohit River and its tributaries
  • Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) – Components
  • White-Bellied Heron 

Mains Perspective: Notes need to be prepared

  • Himalayan Drainage System (GS I- Geography)
  • Environment Degradation and Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) (GS III – Environment)

What needs to be known?

  • Lohit River
    • What is it?: An eastern tributary of the Brahmaputra River, which originates from the Tibet region of China.
    • Basin States in India: Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. 
    • Recent Development: EIA conducted for the Kalai-II hydroelectric project and its impact on the white-bellied heron bird.
  • Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) 
    • What is it?: EIA is a process of evaluating the likely environmental impacts of a proposed project or development.
    • Legal Support: Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
    • Steps: Screening, Scoping, Baseline Assessment, Impact Assessment, Mitigation Measures, Public Consultation, Decision-Making.
  • White-Bellied Heron Bird
    • Habitat: It inhabits the wetlands of tropical and subtropical forests in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas.
    • Threats: It is threatened by habitat loss due to conversion of wetlands for agriculture and the expansion of settlements.
    • Conservation Steps
      • IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
      • Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule-I

Source: The Indian Express