September-Environment & Ecology

1: Biodiversity & Wetland Conservation

1. Ramsar Milestone: India Reaches 96 Sites

In September 2025, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) designated two new Wetlands of International Importance, solidifying India’s position as the leader in Asia and 3rd globally (after the UK and Mexico).

• New Sites:
  1. Siliserh Lake (Rajasthan): Located in the Alwar district, it became the 5th Ramsar site for Rajasthan.
  2. Kopra Reservoir (Chhattisgarh): Located in Bilaspur, this marks Chhattisgarh’s first-ever Ramsar site.
• Bihar’s Expansion: Earlier in the year, Gokul Jalashay and Udaipur Jheel (oxbow lakes) were added, bringing Bihar’s total to five.
• Wetland Cities: Udaipur and Indore were officially recognized as India's first Ramsar Wetland Cities, a new category focusing on urban-wetland harmony.

2. Tiger Conservation & "Estimation 2025"

• Madhav Tiger Reserve (MP): Officially notified in late 2025, enhancing the tiger corridor in Central India.
• National Estimation: September saw the initiation of the 6th All India Tiger Estimation.
  • Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (TN) was temporarily closed in late September to conduct training for forest officials participating in this massive five-yearly census.
• Mhadei Tiger Reserve (Goa): Remained in the news as the Supreme Court investigated "missing records" regarding its designation, highlighting a legal battle between conservationists and the state government.

2: Pollution, Energy & Circular Economy

3. The "Eco-Mark" Revolution

• New Rules (Sept 26): India notified the Eco-Mark Rules, 2025, replacing the 1991 scheme.
• Goal: To prevent "Greenwashing" (misleading environmental claims). Products will now be labeled based on Resource Efficiency and Lower Energy Consumption, aligning with the Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) framework.

4. Renewable Energy & Green Hydrogen

• 50% Non-Fossil Milestone: By September 2025, India surpassed its 2030 NDC target early, with non-fossil sources (Solar, Wind, Nuclear, Hydro) now making up over 50% of the total installed power capacity.
• Solar Manufacturing: India's solar module manufacturing capacity reached 144 GW per annum, positioning it as a global challenger to China.
• Green Hydrogen R&D: The government sanctioned ₹115 crore for 23 new R&D projects under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, focusing on "Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters."

3: Climate Change & Extreme Weather Reports

5. "Climate India 2025" Report (CSE/DTE)

• The Findings: A staggering 99% of the days between January and September 2025 saw extreme weather events in India.
• The Impact: Casualties from lightning, floods, and heatwaves rose by 48% over the last four years. Himachal Pradesh was the worst-hit state, recording extreme weather on 217 out of 273 days.

6. UNEP Emissions Gap Report 2025

• Global Alert: The report warned that even with current pledges, the world is on track for 2.3–2.5°C of warming.
• India's Status: India recorded the highest absolute rise in total Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in the previous year, though its per capita emissions remain well below the global average.