Sagar Samriddhi
Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) has launched ‘Sagar Samriddhi. SAGAR SAMRIDDHI is an online dredging monitoring system which will accelerate ‘Waste to Wealth’ initiative.
- It is an online dredging monitoring system. Dredging is the removal of sediments and debris from the bottom of lakes, rivers, harbors, and other water bodies.The main purpose of dredging is to maintain or increase the depth of navigation channels, anchorages, and berthing areas so that larger ships can pass through and transport goods.
- This system has been developed by National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC), the technological arm of MoPSW.
- The NTCPWC was established under the Sagarmala Programme of MoPSW with the total investment of RS 77 Crores at IIT Madras in April 2023.
- The aim of the centre is to enable research & development for the marine sector, enabling solutions towards achieving the ultimate goal of building a robust marine industry in the country.
Pygmy Hog
- It is the smallest and rarest species of wild pig in the world.
- It is one of the very few mammals that build its own home, or nest, complete with a ‘roof’.
- It is an indicator species as its presence reflects the health of its primary habitat, tall and wet grasslands.
- Habitat: It prefers undisturbed patches of grassland dominated by early successional riverine communities, typically comprising dense tall grass intermixed with a wide variety of herbs, shrubs and young trees.
- Currently, the viable population of this pig in the wild is in the Manas Tiger Reserve in Assam.
- Conservation status:
- IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
Sukhna wildlife sanctuary
- It is located in the Chandigarh Union Territory.
- It forms the part of Sukhna Lake catchment area falling in Shivalik hills.
- Fauna: Sambar deer, Barking deer, and wild boar, as well as several species of birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
- Flora: The sanctuary is characterized by a mix of forests, grasslands, and wetlands, with the Sukhna Lake forming an important part of the ecosystem.