Paddy blast, caused by a fungus (Magnaporthe oryzae), frequently damages rice crops during Bihar’s monsoon-heavy Kharif season. Important for agriculture-related science questions.

Explanation: Baer’s Pochard, a diving duck, is listed as Critically Endangered and has been spotted in wetlands of eastern UP. Habitat degradation and hunting are primary threats. Conservation measures include wetland protection and awareness.

Explanation: Eucalyptus, though fast-growing, depletes groundwater and reduces biodiversity due to allelopathy. Its monoculture plantations in UP have faced criticism. Experts suggest replacing it with native species for sustainable forestry.

Explanation: This state-run program encourages mass tree plantation drives, especially during monsoons. It also creates awareness about solid waste management, air quality, and river pollution. It engages schools, NGOs, and local authorities.

Explanation: Rivers like Ghaghara, Rapti, and Gandak carry heavy monsoon runoff from Nepal, leading to floods in eastern UP. The flat terrain and encroachment of drainage channels worsen the situation. Floodplain zoning is still weak.

Explanation: Under this program, municipal solid waste is converted into compost, energy, or recycled materials. Cities like Lucknow and Varanasi have pilot projects. It aligns with Swachh Bharat and circular economy principles.

Explanation: Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide piped water to every rural household by 2024. In UP, it focuses on arsenic- and fluoride-affected districts. It is a step toward water security and women’s empowerment.

Explanation: Water hyacinth chokes ponds and lakes, reducing oxygen levels and hindering fish movement. Its uncontrolled spread in UP’s wetlands threatens biodiversity and reduces utility for irrigation and drinking.

Explanation: This central scheme is being implemented in various UP cities like Lucknow and Agra to create urban forests on vacant lands. It aims to improve urban air quality and promote public awareness about the environment.

Explanation: According to the India State of Forest Report 2023, UP’s forest cover is 9.23% of its geographical area, which is lower than the national average. This highlights the need for afforestation and conservation programs.

Explanation: UP relies heavily on coal-fired thermal power plants, especially in Sonbhadra and Anpara, which emit large quantities of carbon and particulate matter. This leads to acid rain, respiratory issues, and ecological damage.

Explanation: The Vindhya hills support a unique ecosystem of dry deciduous forests that act as corridors for species like leopards, sloth bears, and hyenas. Conservation in this region helps prevent habitat fragmentation and species isolation.

Explanation: This project, launched under the Namami Gange mission, focuses on conserving the endangered Gangetic dolphin, India’s national aquatic animal. UP is a critical habitat with large populations near Varanasi and Farrukhabad.

Explanation: Kanpur has frequently topped the list of most polluted cities globally, particularly in PM2.5 levels. The term 'Airpocalypse' refers to life-threatening air quality that affects lungs and heart. Seasonal smog worsens this crisis.

Explanation: Ken, Chambal, and Betwa originate outside UP but flow through Bundelkhand before meeting the Yamuna. Due to poor rainfall and excessive damming, these rivers often run dry in summer, causing ecological stress.

Explanation: The policy aims to increase forest cover to 15% by encouraging afforestation, eco-restoration, and participatory forest management. It emphasizes balancing ecology with livelihood needs of forest dwellers. Special attention is given to degraded forest lands.

Explanation: Sonbhadra, often called the ‘Energy Capital’ of India, also has dense forests due to its hilly terrain. It borders the Vindhya and Kaimur hills. However, mining activities have posed a threat to this ecology.

Explanation: UP has multiple Ramsar sites, including Haiderpur, Parvati Arga, and Okhla, which support rich biodiversity and migratory birds. These wetlands are crucial for groundwater recharge and climate regulation. Protection under Ramsar ensures international support.

Explanation: Located in the Bundelkhand region, Banda faces recurring droughts due to erratic rainfall and poor water conservation. Traditional tanks have dried up, worsening the agrarian crisis. Water harvesting efforts are now being revived.

Explanation: UP experiences hot summers, cold winters, and moderate to high monsoon rains, characteristic of a humid subtropical climate. This variation supports diverse agricultural activities. However, it also makes the state vulnerable to both floods and droughts.

Explanation: As population pressure increases, forest lands are converted into farmland and settlements in the Terai region. This leads to habitat fragmentation and loss of biodiversity. Encroachments also threaten protected areas.

Explanation: Districts like Ballia, Ghazipur, and Varanasi suffer from arsenic in groundwater due to natural geogenic processes. Long-term consumption leads to skin lesions and cancer. Government schemes now aim to provide piped surface water.

Explanation: 'Namami Gange' is a flagship initiative by the central government with significant implementation in UP, where the Ganga flows for 1,140 km. It aims to reduce pollution, promote riverfront development, and encourage public participation.

Explanation: Dudhwa National Park, Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, and Katarniaghat form a contiguous habitat in the Terai region and are crucial for tiger conservation. Together, they form the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger. They also host swamp deer and elephants.

Explanation: High vehicular density, construction dust, and coal-based industries significantly contribute to poor air quality in UP’s major cities. Kanpur often ranks among the world’s most polluted cities in global indices. Lack of public transport worsens the issue.

Explanation: Despite being a lifeline for Lucknow, the Gomti River is highly polluted due to untreated sewage and industrial effluents. CPCB lists it among the most polluted stretches in India. Its ecological health has deteriorated significantly in recent decades.

Explanation: TAL includes forest areas and protected reserves in UP, Bihar, and Uttarakhand. It focuses on connectivity for elephants and tigers across fragmented habitats. It is supported by WWF and government agencies for corridor protection and community-based conservation.

Explanation: Sugarcane requires massive water input, and the associated mills further consume and pollute water. In regions like Western UP, groundwater over-extraction is alarming. Sustainable farming techniques and drip irrigation are being promoted.