SNIPPETS : 30 DECEMBER 2025

POLICY

• MoRTH issues comprehensive tunnel safety guidelines after Silkyara Bend–Barkot (2023) collapse + addresses multiple tunnel failures, poor DPRs, weak geotechnical study & risk monitoring + mandates GBR, Risk Register, site-specific studies + stronger ground investigation for squeezing zones, rock bursts, gases, water ingress + balanced NATM/TBM use with continuous monitoring + robust emergency preparedness with escape pipes, rescue/survival containers, ERP updates + crucial for Himalayan terrain, border projects & expanding national tunnel network

ENVIRONMENT AND GEOGRAPHY

• NITK develops ML-based landslide early warning system for Western Ghats + region accounts for ~60% of India’s landslides, mostly rainfall-triggered + replaces rainfall-only alerts with SVALSA integrating rainfall , soil behaviour , surface deformation , hydrological data + powered by Python, KNN model, 3-stage warnings + aims to reduce false alarms, give reliable community alerts + funded by DST/IMPRINT/National Technical Textiles Mission + addresses residual soil instability + boosts disaster preparedness, community resilience & climate adaptation
• India set to lead Indian Ocean Region with 100+ UNESCO-certified ‘Tsunami-Ready’ villages + ensures public awareness, hazard mapping, evacuation routes, 24×7 alerts, mock drills & coordinated response + currently 24 certified, major push from Odisha (72 soon) + others: Gujarat, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Andaman & Nicobar + backed by INCOIS & ITEWC for real-time monitoring + boosts community resilience, local leadership, readiness for tsunamis, cyclones & storm surges + aligns with Sendai Framework and national disaster preparedness
• Kashmir’s apple industry (75–78% of India’s output) + rising concern over occupational pesticide exposure, not consumer risk + SKIMS studies report higher malignant brain tumour incidence, pesticide residues in blood + exposure to Chlorpyrifos, Mancozeb, Captan flagged for neurotoxicity & carcinogenic risk + workers face respiratory issues, skin problems, metabolic impacts + risks worsened by frequent spraying, poor safety gear, low awareness, runoff pollution + experts urge health screening, strict monitoring, training, PPE access, safer alternatives & long-term research

MISCELLANEOUS NEWS

• Punjab grants ‘Holy City’ status to Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib & Talwandi Sabo + linked to Sikh Takhts & deep historical-religious significance + bans on liquor, tobacco/cigarettes & meat in notified areas + aims to preserve sanctity, boost faith tourism & strengthen cultural identity + plans better pilgrim mobility & infrastructure + concerns include livelihood impact, community differences, implementation challenges + key governance test of balancing religion, economy & diversity under a policy framework