Daily Prelims Notes 10 March 2024

Daily Prelims Notes

10 March 2024

Table Of Contents

1. Bengaluru water crisis: Is the southern metropolis heading towards Day Zero?
2. Tri-service exercise ‘Bharat Shakti’ to demonstrate prowess of indigenously manufactured equipment
3. Center issues directive to prevent tailgating at airport e-gates
4. Cabinet approves Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialization Scheme 2024
5. EC quits, Commission down to one; PM panel to meet next week to fill vacancies
6. Why India urgently needs a legal framework for genomics
7. Countries hope to bring BBNJ or High Seas treaty into force by 2025; only 2 have ratified it so far
8. Nutritional crisis: India has most ‘zero-food’ children at 6.7 million; third highest prevalance among 92 LMICs
9. Sela Tunnel

1. Bengaluru water crisis: Is the southern metropolis heading towards Day Zero?

Subject: Geography

Section: Oceanography

Context:

• Bengaluru, India’s third-most populous city, faces its most severe potable water crisis in its nearly 500-year history. Over 30 localities are receiving water on a rotational basis every other day, risking reaching a ‘Day Zero’ scenario akin to Cape Town in 2018.
• Day Zero: The day when the municipal water supply for this major city was estimated to run out.

Causes of water crisis:

• The crisis is attributed to the destruction of water bodies and wetlands due to real estate expansion since 1990, mirroring Cape Town’s experience.
• Bengaluru now relies on distant river water, compromised by recurring droughts.
• A 2016 International Lake Conference predicted this scenario, citing government policies over the past 30 years that favored urban development over environmental preservation.
• Impact of Urbanisation:
  • A study by the Indian Institute of Science highlights the negative effects of unplanned urbanisation on Bangalore’s ecology, hydrology, and environment. It points to increased pollution, water scarcity, and mismanagement of waste due to rapid urban expansion.
• Deterioration of Lakes:
  • Bengaluru’s 262 lakes in 1961 have dwindled to 81, mainly due to real estate developments.
  • Only 33 of these lakes remain functional, protected by their location in non-reclaimable zones.Pollution has significantly reduced the quality and sustainability of these water sources.

Government and Community Response:

• The Karnataka government has advised focusing on areas with contaminated wells and directed Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to protect water bodies by removing encroachments and penalising waste dumping. Meanwhile, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) have implemented water rationing, banned non-essential water usage, and are exploring alternative conservation methods, such as using disposable cutlery and wet wipes to reduce water consumption.

Lake in news:

• Several species of birds are being sighted at Doddakallasandra Lake in South Bangaluru.

Details:

• The lake became a temporary habitat for several bird species including painted storks, black-headed ibis, little egrets, sandpipers, black-winged stilts, cormorants, grey-headed swamphens, peacocks, and glossy ibises.
• Many of these birds, characterized by their long legs and bills, depend on wetlands for foraging.
• Painted storks, listed as “Near Threatened” on the IUCN Red List, were among the notable visitors with their distinctive pink flight feathers. Purple swamphens were also seen engaging in playful chases.

Source: DTE

2. Tri-service exercise ‘Bharat Shakti’ to demonstrate prowess of indigenously manufactured equipment

Subject: Science and tech

Section: Defence

Context:

• The integrated tri-service exercise ‘Bharat Shakti’ at Pokhran field firing ranges in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district on March 12 will showcase the shock and awe, maneuver and fighting capabilities of the armed forces.

More on news:

• Mega exercise ‘Bharat Shakti’ to be held at Pokhran on March 12 is expected to be witnessed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with the top military brass and will showcase the “shock and awe” impact that the armed forces seek to achieve in an operational situation with maneuver and fighting capabilities.

About Bharat Shakti:

• ‘Bharat Shakti’ will demonstrate the prowess of indigenously manufactured defense equipment of the three services.
• The proceedings will commence with the Army’s Special Forces, MARCOS of the Indian Navy and GARUDS of the Indian Air Force.
• The integrated tri-service firepower and maneuver exercise at Pokhran will be held for about 50 minutes.
• LCA Tejas, ALH Mk-IV, LCH Prachand, mobile anti-drone system, BMP-II and its variants, NAMICA (Nag Missile Carrier), T90 tanks, Dhanush, K9 Vajra and Pinaka rockets are among the platforms that will be demonstrated.
• The first-of-its-kind exercise on such a scale is “not tailored towards any direction (northern or western border) or any adversaries”.
• Various types of Radar, UAV-launched precision-guided munition, Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicles, and drones of various types, including logistic drones and swarms of drones, and 3D-printed bunkers will be part of the exercise.
• The global share in Indian armed forces capability development projects has  steadily declined, whereas the share of the domestic component has increased considerably.

Pokhran

• Pokhran is a remote location in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district.
• With the approval of the then prime minister Indira Gandhi, the Test Range in Pokhran hosted the detonation of India’s first nuclear device in 1974.
• The test was known as a “Peaceful Nuclear Explosive” among government officials. After the detonation, it came to be known as Operation Smiling Buddha while the MEA called it ” Pokhran I”.
• The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre preferred to conduct the tests in the remote desert of Rajasthan due to the topography and the weather of the region. 
• The test was conducted during the month of May when the wind in the region created serious sandstorms. The sandstorms obstruct a clear view to American spy satellites.
• Also, the infrared sensors do not pick up such activity due to the temperature that increases over 50 degrees during the daytime.
• To maintain the secrecy of the test the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre conducted the nuclear test in Pokhran.
• After conducting the test, the government announced that it did not intend to manufacture nuclear weapons but just wanted to make India self-reliant in nuclear technology.
• Twenty-four years after the first test was conducted, the Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation and Atomic Energy Commission conducted five more nuclear tests on May 11, 1998.

About LCA Tejas:

• The Light Combat Aircraft(LCA) programme was started by the Government of India in 1984 when they established the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) to manage the LCA programme.
• It replaced the aging Mig 21 fighter planes.
• Designed by –Aeronautical Development Agency under the Department of Defence Research and Development.
• Manufactured by -State-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited(HAL).
• It is the lightest, smallest and tailless multi-role supersonic fighter aircraft in its class.

About LCH Prachand:

• The Indian Air Force formally inducted the indigenously developed multi-role Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), Prachanda which is suitable for operating in high-altitude battlefields.

About NAMICA:

• Nag is a third-generation, fire-and-forget, anti-tank guided missile developed by India’s state-owned Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to support both mechanized infantry and airborne forces of the Indian Army.
• It is an all weather condition with day and night capabilities and with a minimum range of 500m and maximum range of 4 km.
• Nag can be launched from land and air-based platforms. The land version is currently available for integration on the Nag missile carrier (NAMICA)

About T90 tank:

• The T-90 is a third-generation Russian main battle tank developed to replace the T-72.
• It uses a 125 mm 2A46 smoothbore main gun, the 1A45T fire-control system, an upgraded engine, and gunner’s thermal sight.

About K9 Vajra:

• The K9 VAJRA-T 155mm/ 52 is a tracked self-propelled howitzer (a short gun for firing shells on high trajectories at low velocities), which has its roots in the K9 Thunder, the mainstay of the South Korean Army.
• It offers a high rate of fire at long-range and is compatible with Indian and standard North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) ammunition.
• The K9 Thunder platform is made of all-welded steel armor protection material.

About Pinaka:

• The Pinaka, which is primarily a multi-barrel rocket system (MBRL) system, can fire a salvo of 12 rockets over a period of 44 seconds.
• In the battlefield, long range artillery systems like Pinaka are used for attacking the adversary targets prior to the close quarter battles which involve smaller range artillery, armoured elements and the infantry
• The development of the Pinaka was started by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in the late 1980s, as an alternative to the multi-barrel rocket launching systems of Russian make, called the ‘Grad’, which are still in use.

3. Center issues directive to prevent tailgating at airport e-gates

Subject: Schemes

Section: Economy

Context:

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has asked airports and airlines to use better technology and assign more manpower resources to prevent passengers from tailgating through automatic gates at various check-points.

What is tailgating (piggybacking)?

• Tailgating, sometimes referred to as piggybacking, is a type of physical security breach in which an unauthorized person follows an authorized individual to enter secured premises.
• Tailgating is one of the simplest forms of a social engineering attack.
•  It is an easy way for an unauthorized party to get around security mechanisms that are assumed to be secure

More on news:

• The government directive follows two serious security breaches within a span of 10 days in February, when ticketless travelers were able to enter the passenger building at Mumbai airport and even enter the boarding gate.
• Digi Yatra, a biometric-based boarding system, which allows passengers to use their facial scan as a ticket, has been rolled out at 13 airports so far and 24 more airports will get the facility in 2024.
• E-gate manufacturers have been asked to improve their technology to ensure that two passengers cannot pass through them at the same time.

About Digi Yatra:

• The project is being implemented by the DigiYatra Foundation — a joint-venture company whose shareholders are the Airports Authority of India (26% stake) and Bengaluru Airport, Delhi Airport, Hyderabad Airport, Mumbai Airport and Cochin International Airport hold the remaining 74% of the shares.
• In the first phase, the initiative will be launched at seven airports, starting with three —Delhi, Bengaluru, and Varanasi, followed by four airports namely Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, and Vijayawada by March 2023.
• The facial recognition system at various airports across the globe, including Dubai, Singapore, Atlanta and Narita (Japan), have helped bring in efficiency.

Key features of the initiative and how it works–

• Centralized registration system for passengers and each of them would get a unique ID on booking the tickets
• ID can be created by sharing name, e-mail id, mobile number and details of any identity proof, including Aadhaar
• The airline would share the passenger data and the ID with the airport from where the passenger would be flying out
• Optionally linking of Aadhaar to airlines at the time of booking for faster airport entry and automated check-ins without requiring any paper-based interventions
• A biometrics-based digital processing system for passenger entry and related requirements at the airport
• Voluntary for passengers on whether to opt for facial recognition biometric for air travel
• The Digi Yatra platform would be operational by February 2019
• Will be available at major airports in the country
• Real-time notifications about congestion and delays of flights
• Passengers would be notified when their luggage reaches the baggage claim belt.

4. Cabinet approves Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialization Scheme 2024

Subject: Schemes

Section: Economy

Context:

• The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the proposal of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade for Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialization Scheme, 2024 (UNNATI – 2024) for a period of 10 years from the date of notification along with 8 years for committed liabilities at a total cost of Rs.10,037 crore.

About the scheme:

• Government of India has formulated New Industrial Development Scheme, UNNATI (Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialization Scheme), 2024 as a Central Sector Scheme for the development of Industries and generation of employment in the states of North East Region.
• The scheme’s main objective is to generate gainful employment, which will lead to the area’s overall socio-economic development.
• It will create productive economic activity in the manufacturing and service sectors.
• This will be a Central Sector Scheme.

Salient features of the scheme:

• Scheme period: The scheme will be effective from the date of Notification and up to 31.03.2034 along with 8 years of committed liabilities.
• Application period for registration: Industrial unit will be allowed to apply for registration from the date of notification up to 31.03.2026
• Grant of registration: All applications for registration shall have to be disposed of by 31.03.2027
• Commencement of Production or operation: All eligible Industrial Units to commence their production or operation within 4 years from the grant of registration.
• Districts are categorized in two zones: Zone A (Industrially Advanced Districts) & Zone B (Industrially Backward Districts)
• Earmarking of funds: 60% of the outlay of Part A has been earmarked to 8 NE states and 40% on First-In-First-Out (FIFO) basis.
• For Micro industries (defined as per MSME industry norms), the P&M calculation will include the building construction and P&M costs for Capital Investment Incentive.
• All new Industrial units and Expanding units would be eligible for the respective incentives.

Implementation strategy:

• DPIIT will implement the scheme in cooperation with the states. Implementation will be overseen by following committees at the national and state levels.
• The Steering Committee, headed by the Secretary, DPIIT (SIIT), will decide upon any interpretation of the scheme within its overall financial outlay and issue detailed guidelines for execution.
• The State Level Committee, headed by the state’s Chief Secretary, will monitor implementation, checks and balances, ensuring transparency and efficiency.
•  The Secretary Level Committee, headed by the senior Secretary of the state (Industries), will be responsible for implementing the scheme, including the recommendation of registration and incentives claims.

Incentives under the scheme:

Maximum Eligible benefits to one unit from all components of the scheme: Rs. 250 Cr.

5. EC quits, Commission down to one; PM panel to meet next week to fill vacancies

Subject: Polity

Section: National Body

Context:

• Barely days before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections were expected to be announced, Election Commissioner Arun Goel resigned.

More on news:

• Goel’s resignation as Election Commissioner is only the third instance in the poll watchdog’s history.

About Election Commission:

• The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering Union and State election processes in India.
• The body administers elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and State Legislative Assemblies in India, and the offices of the President and Vice President in the country.
• Part XV of the Indian constitution deals with elections, and establishes a commission for these matters.
• Article 324 to 329 of the constitution deals with powers, function, tenure, eligibility, etc of the commission and the member

Appointment of Election Commissioners:

• The CEC and ECs will be appointed by the President upon the recommendation of a Selection Committee.
• Appointment of the Commission:  The Commission will be appointed by the President, upon the recommendation of the Selection Committee.
• The Selection Committee will comprise the Prime Minister, Cabinet Minister, and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha (or leader of the single largest opposition party).
• A Search Committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary will suggest five names to the Selection Committee.
• The Selection Committee may consider any person other than those suggested by the Search Committee.
• Recommendations of the Selection Committee will be valid even when there is a vacancy in this Committee.
• Eligibility for the posts includes holding (or having held) a post equivalent to the Secretary to the central government.
• The salary and conditions of service of the CEC and ECs will be equivalent to that of Cabinet Secretary.  Under the 1991 Act, it was equivalent to the salary of a Supreme Court Judge.

Term and reappointment:

• Members of the Election Commission will hold office for six years, or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
• Members of the Commission cannot be re-appointed.
• If an EC is appointed as a CEC, the overall period of the term may not be more than six years.

Salary and pension:  

• The salary, allowances, and other conditions of service of the CEC and ECs will be equivalent to that of the Cabinet Secretary.  
• They will have an option to draw pension and other retirement benefits from the service that they belonged to previously.

Removal:

• The CEC may be removed in the same manner and on the same grounds as a Supreme Court Judge.  
• ECs may be removed only upon the recommendation of the CEC.

6. Why India urgently needs a legal framework for genomics

Subject: Science and tech

Section: Biotech

Advances in Genomics:

• The past two decades have witnessed remarkable progress in genomics, highlighted by the ability to sequence, analyze, and interpret genomes on an unprecedented scale.
• The dropping costs of sequencing forecast a surge in clinical genome sequencing applications. Population-scale genome programs worldwide are laying the groundwork for a significant shift in healthcare and research.

India’s Progress:

• India‘s journey in human genomics began with its first genome sequencing in 2009, reaching 1,000 genomes by 2019, and recently completing 10,000 genomes.
• These milestones have provided valuable insights into population-specific diseases, prevalence rates, and have underpinned decision-making and research acceleration.
• Challenges and Opportunities:
  • Given India’s vast, diverse population of over 1.4 billion, there is a critical need for ambitious and practical strategies to ensure genomics benefits reach everyone. This requires large-scale sequencing efforts, a robust legal and policy framework, and active industry participation.

• Establishing a legal framework for data protection is urgent. While the Health Ministry Steering committee clearances are required for research collaborations, the Director General of Foreign Trade notificationenables samples to cross borders for commercial purposes, leading to foreign entities conducting research on Indian samples without significant local oversight.
• Genetic testing services in India operate in silos, creating fragmented genetic data pools. Aggregating test results could enhance public health decisions but lacks a system for collection and analysis, hindering accessibility for health policy-making.
• The potential for genetic information discrimination exists without laws to prevent it, affecting insurance and societal treatment. Moreover, market forces may exacerbate healthcare access disparities, particularly affecting the poor and ethnic minorities. Ensuring diversity in genetic data is essential to avoid exacerbating healthcare inequalities.
• Ethical usage of genomics is crucial. This includes evidence-based application, ensuring test quality, and preventing misuse. Countries have developed guidelines and policies for ethical genomics use, a model India needs to adopt supported by legal measures.

The Role of Policies:

• Effective regulations and clear policies are vital for advancing human genomics ethically and equitably. They foster trust, encourage collaboration, and support innovation, aligning with societal needs to maximize healthcare benefits from genomics.
• India has the potential to lead in making genomics accessible on a massive scale, offering significant health and quality of life improvements. Achieving this requires proactive efforts in policy-making, regulation, and ensuring ethical and equitable use of genomics technologies.

Source: TH

7. Countries hope to bring BBNJ or High Seas treaty into force by 2025; only 2 have ratified it so far

Subject: Environment

Section: Int conventions

Context:

• The Blue Leaders High-Level Event on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction was held in Belgium on March 7, 2024, aiming to encourage nations to ratify a new treaty focused on protecting the high seas from threats like pollution, climate change, and overfishing.

Treaty Details:

• The treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ Treaty) was agreed upon in March 2023 and formally adopted two months later.
• The treaty focuses on increasing protected marine areas, equitable sharing of profits from marine genetic resources, and establishing guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for ocean activities.
• Countries such as Belgium, Cape Verde, Greece, Monaco, Nigeria, Norway, and the UK participated in the event.
• To date, 88 countries have signed the treaty, with Chile and Palau being the only two to have ratified it.
• The treaty will officially come into force once 60 countries ratify it.
• Goals and Challenges:
  • The treaty aims to address the lack of protection in the high seas, which constitute over two-thirds of the global ocean yet have only 1.44% designated as protected areas.
  • It also aims to ensure fair distribution of benefits from marine genetic resources and to set protocols for environmental impact assessments of oceanic activities.

• Implementation and Future Efforts:
  • After ratification, significant efforts will be required to operationalize the treaty, including establishing procedures, budgets, and deciding on the location for the Secretariat, with Belgium offering to host it in Brussels.
  • Additionally, there is a push to protect at least 30% of marine life by 2030, a target that aligns with the “Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.”
  • Effective conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity under the BBNJ Treaty will require strong scientific support.

What is the BBNJ Treaty?

• The “BBNJ Treaty”, also known as the “Treaty of the High Seas”, is an international agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction, currently under negotiation at the United Nations.
• The treaty will belegallybindingin nature.
• This new instrument isbeing developed within the framework of the UNCLOS,the main international agreement governing human activities at sea.
• It will achieve a more holistic management of high seas activities, which should better balance the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.
• BBNJ encompasses the high seas, beyond the exclusive economic zones or national waters of countries.
  • According to theInternational Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), these areas account for “almost half of the Earth’s surface”.
  • These areas arehardly regulated and also least understood or explored for its biodiversity – only 1% of these areas are under protection.
• An important element under the treaty: The benefit sharing of marine genetic resources (MGRs).
  • It includes marine plants, animals and microbes from areas beyond national jurisdiction.
  • The element aims to address the inequalities in sharing benefits from samples, basic and applied research results as well as monetary benefit sharing from MGRs.
• Launched at the One Ocean Summit in February 2022, the High Ambition Coalition on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction brings together many delegations engaged in the BBNJ negotiations on a common and ambitious outcome at the highest political level.
• The negotiations are centred around a package of elements agreed upon in 2015, namely:
  • the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction, in particular, together and as a whole, marine genetic resources, including questions on the sharing of benefits
  • area-based management tools, including marine protected areas
  • environmental impact assessments
  • capacity-building and the transfer of marine technology

India’s Stance and Global Concerns:

• India has not signed the treaty but expressed support for its implementation at the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration in September 2023.
• There are concerns about potential delays in ratification, reminiscent of the lengthy process for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas.
• However, there’s optimism due to strong political momentum and support for the treaty.

Source: DTE

8. Nutritional crisis: India has most ‘zero-food’ children at 6.7 million; third highest prevalance among 92 LMICs

Subject: Schemes

Section: Health

Context:

• A recent study highlights the alarming prevalence of children aged 6-23 months in 92 low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) who did not consume any food over 24 hours.

Definition of ‘Zero-food’ Children:

• ‘Zero-food’ children refer to those who did not consume any animal milk, formula, or solid or semisolid food during the last 24 hours.
• This category is critical because, at approximately six months of age, breastfeedingalone is insufficient to meet the nutritional needs of a child.
• Introducing solid or semisolid foods alongside breastfeeding is essential for fulfilling the nutritional needs of early childhood, playing a pivotal role in child growth and development.

Details:

• India, with 6.7 million ‘zero-food’ children, leads the count, constituting nearly half of the surveyed group’s total.
• This is despite the crucial need for solid or semisolid foods alongside breastfeeding to meet the nutritional requirements during early childhood, crucial for growth and development.
• India ranks third highest globally, with 19.3% of children not receiving food, following Guinea (21.8%) and Mali (20.5%).
• Nigeria and Pakistan also report significant numbers of ‘zero-food’ children, stressing the urgent need for targeted nutritional interventions in these regions.

Study findings:

• The study analysed data from demographic and health surveys (DHS) and multiple indicator cluster surveys (MICS) covering 276,379 children across 92 LMICs. The analysis focused on feeding practices, excluding breastfeeding and liquid feedings outside of a sensitivity analysis.
• 13.9 million children (10.4% of the sample) had not consumed any food in the last 24 hours.
• South Asia and West and Central Africa reported the highest prevalence of ‘zero-food’ instances.
• Over 99% of ‘zero-food’ children had been breastfed during the same period, indicating they received some form of nutrition.
• Latin America and the Caribbean, and East Asia and the Pacific, showed the lowest prevalence of ‘zero-food’ children.

Implications:

• The study underscores the significant impact of adequate feeding on reducing mortality, and malnutrition, and improving brain development and school readiness.

Government initiatives to curb malnutrition in India:

• Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme: It was launched in 1975 and the program aims to provide food, preschool education, primary healthcare, immunization, health checkups, and referral services to children under 6 years old and their mothers.
• Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): It is a Centrally Sponsored DBT scheme with a cash incentive of ₹ 5000/- (in three instalments) being provided directly in the bank/post office account of Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers.
• National Nutrition Mission (NNM): The government of India has launched the National Nutrition Mission (NNM), also known as POSHAN Abhiyaan, to eradicate malnutrition by the year 2022.
• Anaemia Mukt Bharat Abhiyan: The mission was launched in 2018 to accelerate anaemia decline by one to three percentage points annually.
• Mid-day Meal (MDM) scheme: It aims to improve nutrition levels among school children in addition to increasing enrolment, retention, and attendance.
• National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013: NFSA Assuring food and nutrition security for the most vulnerable is the aim of this law, which makes access to food a legal entitlement.
• National Nutrition Strategy by NITI Aayog:
  • The nutrition strategy envisages a framework wherein 4 proximate determinants of nutrition – uptake of health services, food, drinking water and sanitation and income and livelihoods work together to accelerate the decline of malnutrition in India.
  • The Strategy envisages a Kuposhan Mukt Bharat – linked to Swachh Bharat and Swasth Bharat. Focus on behavioural change.
  • The aim is to ensure that States create customized State/ District Action Plans to address local needs and challenges with a greater role for panchayats and urban local bodies.

Source: DTE

9. Sela Tunnel

Subject: Geography

Section: Map

Context: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi virtually dedicated to the nation the Sela Tunnel project during the Viksit Bharat Viksit North East programme in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh on March 09, 2024

Details:

• The tunnel has been constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) at an altitude of 13,000 feet on the road connecting Tezpur, Assam to Tawang in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. Built at a total cost of Rs 825 crore, the tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity to Tawang across Sela Pass on the Balipara – Chariduar – Tawang Road, boosting the preparedness of the Armed Forces and augmenting the socio-economic development of the border region.
• The Sela Tunnel, a strategically vital infrastructure project in Arunachal Pradesh, is nearing completion.
• Sela Tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity and improve the ease of travel for the people of Tawang
• The Sela Tunnel has been excavated below the Sela Pass, a high-altitude mountain pass situated at an elevation of 4,200 meters (13,800 feet) above sea level.
• The region experiences heavy snowfall and landslides, leading to frequent closures of the pass, effectively cutting off Tawang from the rest of Arunachal Pradesh.