In News:

Defying prohibitory orders, members of the Kurmi community in Jharkhand launched a rail blockade across several stations to demand Scheduled Tribe (ST) status and the inclusion of the Kurmali language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. The agitation, organized under the banner of the Adivasi KurmiSamaj (AKS), disrupted train services across the South Eastern and East Central Railway divisions.

About the Kurmi Community

• Origins and Identity:The Kurmis (also known as Kunbi in some regions) are traditionally an agricultural community, predominantly Hindu, found across eastern Uttar Pradesh, southern Awadh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of Odisha.The name “Kurmi” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Krishi” (agriculture), symbolizing their deep connection with farming.
• Historical Background:Historically, Kurmis are believed to be descendants of Kshatriya warriors who took to agriculture. Renowned for their hard work, soil management, and egalitarian culture, the community was lauded by both Mughal and British administrators for its agrarian contributions.
• Social Status:Currently, Kurmis are classified as Other Backward Class (OBC) in most Indian states. However, the community contends that their socio-cultural roots align more closely with tribal heritage, warranting ST recognition.
• Sub-Groups and Culture:The community is divided into several gotras (clans), including Chandel, Chauhan, Solanki, Tomar, Baghel, and Sengar. They are known for maintaining strong community networks and gender-inclusive social practices.

About the Kurmali Language

• Linguistic Affiliation:Kurmali belongs to the Indo-Aryan language family and is primarily spoken in Jharkhand, Bihar, and Odisha.
• Cultural Significance:It serves as a marker of Kurmi identity and is used in folk traditions, oral histories, and local communication.
• Demand for Recognition:Inclusion in the Eighth Schedule would ensure state-supported promotion, education, and preservation of the language, similar to other recognized regional languages.

Government Response and Implications

The Jharkhand administration has maintained a cautious approach, emphasizing the need for maintaining law and order while acknowledging the sensitivity of the community’s demands.The demand for ST status involves constitutional and demographic considerations, requiring evaluation by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and approval by Parliament under Article 342 of the Constitution.

In News:

India and Bhutan share one of the most successful models of hydropower cooperation in South Asia. The launch of the 1125 MW Dorjilung Hydropower Project in Bhutan, with Tata Power’s equity participation alongside Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC), marks a turning point in cross-border energy diplomacy. Unlike earlier projects dominated by Indian government financing, Dorjilung reflects a shift towards Public–Private Partnership (PPP), multilateral funding, and private sector involvement.

Key Features of the Project

• Type: Run-of-the-river scheme on the Kurichhu River (tributary of Drangmechhu, flows into India).
• Location: Mongar and Lhuentse districts, eastern Bhutan.
• Technical Specs:
  • Dam height: ~139.5 m (concrete-gravity).
  • Headrace tunnel: 15 km.
  • Powerhouse: 6 Francis turbines.
  • Annual generation: ~4.5 TWh.
• Cost: USD 1.7 billion (~?150 billion).
• Funding: World Bank.
• Equity Structure: DGPC (60%) + Tata Power (40%).
• Timeline: Commissioning expected by 2032.

India–Bhutan Energy Ties

• Existing Cooperation:
  • Governed by the 2006 Bilateral Agreement on Hydropower Cooperation (protocol revised 2009).
  • 4 operational projects supplying power to India: Chhukha (336 MW), Kurichhu (60 MW), Tala (1020 MW), Mangdechhu (720 MW).
  • Punatsangchhu I (1200 MW) and Punatsangchhu II (1020 MW) under construction.
• Economic Importance for Bhutan:
  • Hydropower exports = 40% of govt revenue and 25% of GDP.
  • India buys surplus electricity, ensuring stable market access.
• India’s Strategic Interest:
  • Ensures clean energy imports.
  • Strengthens regional energy security.
  • Counters Chinese presence in the Himalayan hydropower sector.

What Makes Dorjilung Different?

• PPP & Private Sector Role: First large-scale project with an Indian private company (Tata Power) holding major equity.
• Diversified Financing: World Bank funding reduces Bhutan’s dependence on Indian grants and credit lines.
• B2B Model: Moves from a government-to-government (G2G) model to business-to-business (B2B), granting Bhutan greater autonomy and bargaining parity.
• Integrated Renewable Plan: Tata Power–DGPC partnership envisions 5000 MW clean energy capacity, including:
  • Dorjilung (1125 MW)
  • Gongri (740 MW)
  • Jeri Pumped Storage (1800 MW)
  • Chamkharchhu IV (364 MW)
  • Solar projects (500 MW).

Strategic & Geopolitical Significance

• For Bhutan:
  • Reduces financial vulnerability by avoiding overdependence on Indian government aid.
  • Attracts global institutions (World Bank), raising international credibility.
  • Boosts local development in eastern districts (infrastructure, jobs).
• For India:
  • Enhances energy security via long-term clean energy imports.
  • Strengthens economic diplomacy with a trusted neighbour.
  • Counters China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) push in Himalayan hydropower (e.g., Nepal’s tilt towards Chinese funding).
  • Supports Paris Agreement & renewable targets.
• For the Region:
  • Creates scope for regional energy grids under BIMSTEC and BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal).
  • Encourages private-sector led cross-border energy trade.

Challenges Ahead

• Delayed Timelines: Past Bhutanese projects (e.g., Punatsangchhu I & II) suffered huge delays and cost overruns.
• Debt Burden: Large projects raise Bhutan’s external debt, though hydropower revenue offsets this risk.
• Environmental Concerns: Dam construction in fragile Himalayan ecosystems risks landslides, habitat loss, and displacement.
• Domestic Politics: Growing debate within Bhutan on overdependence on India; balancing autonomy with partnership is key.
• Regional Rivalries: India’s refusal to import power from Chinese-funded projects in Nepal shows how geopolitics can complicate energy trade.

Way Forward

• Diversify Financing: Blend of multilateral, private, and bilateral sources to reduce dependency risks.
• Strengthen Grid Connectivity: Expand India–Bhutan–Bangladesh power corridors.
• Sustainable Practices: Ensure climate-resilient dam design, environmental safeguards, and local community participation.
• Expand Solar–Hydro Synergy: Hybrid models (hydropower + solar) to ensure round-the-clock renewable supply.
• Institutional Mechanisms: Strengthen the India–Bhutan Joint Group on Hydropower Projects for dispute resolution and faster approvals.

In News:

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Assam, is renowned for its high density of the Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros and diverse biodiversity. The sanctuary, covering 38.85 km², is facing a growing concern as one of its major wetlands, TamulidobaBeel, is drying up. This situation underscores the urgent need for habitat management to protect the sanctuary's wildlife.

About Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Location: Located within 30 km of Guwahati, Assam, it was established in 1998 and spans 48.81 km².
• Fauna: Famous for its rhino population, the sanctuary also houses leopards, wild boars, barking deer, wild buffaloes, and over 2,000 migratory birds.
• Flora: The sanctuary is dominated by wet savannah and marshland, though the invasive water hyacinth is a significant problem, especially for waterfowl.

TamulidobaBeel: A Crucial Wetland

• Role: A key water body within the sanctuary, TamulidobaBeel is vital for rhinos, water buffaloes, and migratory birds.
• Drying Concern: Experts and locals have observed the early drying up of the Beel, a trend that has worsened over the past few years. Migratory birds have already abandoned the wetland earlier than expected, signaling a broader ecological imbalance.

Factors Contributing to Drying of the Wetland:

• Siltation: The deposition of silt has significantly reduced water retention in the Beel.
• Climate Change: Predictions of a hotter weather season (March-May 2025) by the India Meteorological Department suggest further strain on the sanctuary's water resources, affecting biodiversity.

Ecological Implications:

• Rhino Habitat Impact: About 20-25 rhinos are regularly found near TamulidobaBeel. The drying of this wetland increases water scarcity in their core habitat, risking human-animal conflicts as rhinos may stray outside the sanctuary.
• Bird Migration: The Beel also serves as a migratory bird hub, particularly in winter. Early drying may disrupt migration patterns, affecting bird populations.

Government Response and Measures:

• Desilting Efforts: The Forest Department has taken proactive measures, including desilting the Beel to restore water levels and maintain its ecological functions.
• Expert Consultations: Collaborations with institutions like IIT Guwahati are underway to assess and manage the wetland restoration scientifically.
• Long-term Plans: Restoration efforts are focused on improving water retention and managing silt deposition, alongside broader habitat management initiatives.

Expert Recommendations:

• Experts emphasized the critical need for scientific habitat management and stressed the importance of restoring wetlands to ensure the sanctuary's long-term ecological balance.
• The government must focus on sustainable habitat conservation and water management strategies to protect species, especially the rhinos.