TODAY’S ANALYSIS(28 August 2024)

TODAY’S ANALYSIS (28

August 2024)

TOPICS TO BE COVERED

• WHY DO DOCTORS WANT A CENTRAL LAW TO PROTECT THEMSELVES AGAINST ATTACKS & VIOLENCE?

• CHILE’S ATACAMA SALT FLAT SINKING DUE TO LITHIUM MINING.

• MCQs

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WHY DO DOCTORS WANT A CENTRAL LAW TO PROTECT THEMSELVES AGAINST ATTACKS & VIOLENCE?

Doctors in India have been demanding for a central law to protect themselves from violence, particularly following the tragic rape-murder of a junior resident at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata.

• The incident sparked protests, with healthcare professionals demanding stringent legal measures to safeguard their safety.

• Despite some doctors calling off their protests after Supreme Court intervention, tensions remain high, with ongoing agitation in certain areas.

REASONS FOR DEMANDING A CENTRAL ACT

• Prevalence of Violence:

• Frequent Incidents: Violence against healthcare workers is a recurrent issue across India. Reports indicate that over 75% of doctors have experienced some form of violence, with physical attacks affecting around 12%.

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• Specific Cases: Between January 2018 and September 2019, the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy documented at least 56 incidents of violence against healthcare professionals.

• Need for Specialized Legislation:

• Current Laws: While existing laws address violence, doctors argue that these are insufficient. They seek a specific law with harsher penalties and larger fines tailored to their unique working conditions.

• ‘The Healthcare Service Personnel and Clinical Establishments (Prohibition of violence and damage to property) Bill, 2019’: A draft law prepared after nationwide protests proposed imprisonment from six months to ten years and fines ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 10 lakh, depending on the severity of the offense. However, this draft was rejected during consultations with the MHA.

• Support from Medical Community:

• Padma Awardees' Petition: In August 2023, 70 Padma awardee doctors urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the enactment of a central law, emphasizing the unique and hazardous conditions faced by healthcare professionals.

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• Concerns Highlighted: Dr. Harsh Mahajan noted the harsh conditions, including long working hours and inadequate security, which increase the risk of violence against doctors.

CENTRE’S STAND

• Existing Laws and Their Limitations:

• State Laws: There are already 26 state laws addressing violence against healthcare workers, with provisions for cognizable and non-bailable offenses. However, these laws have not effectively deterred attacks.

• Systemic Issues: Health Ministry officials argue that systemic improvements, such as better security and surveillance in hospitals, are needed. They suggest that a new central law might not address the core issues, as exemplified by the RG Kar incident being a criminal case beyond the purview of a specialized law for healthcare workers.

• Criticism of the 2019 Draft Law:

• Rejection Reasons: The 2019 draft law was rejected due to concerns about overlapping provisions with the penal code, insufficient stakeholder consultation, and federalism issues. The draft was never published for public feedback.

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• Private MPs’ Bills: Various private MPs have proposed similar bills over the years, including Shrikant Eknath Shinde (2019), DNV Senthil Kumar (2022), and Shashi Tharoor (2023). Despite these efforts, no comprehensive central law has been enacted.

• COVID-19 Ordinance:

• Temporary Measures: In response to increased violence during the pandemic, the government introduced an Ordinance in 2020 amending the Epidemic Diseases Act. This Ordinance included provisions for imprisonment up to seven years and fines up to Rs 5 lakh, highlighting the severity of the issue.

THE 2019 DRAFT LAW

• Penalties for Violence:

• Imprisonment: Six months to five years, with more severe cases involving “grievous hurt” attracting three to ten years.

• Fines: Ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 5 lakh for general cases and Rs 2-10 lakh for serious offenses.

• Property Damage: Compensation was set at twice the fair market value of damaged property.

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RECENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

In response to the Kolkata incident, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has mandated enhanced security in healthcare facilities. Key recommendations include:

• High-Resolution CCTV Cameras: Installation across key areas to monitor and deter potential threats.

• Control Rooms for Emergency Response: To ensure quick and effective handling of emergencies.

• Secure Duty Rooms and Transport: Enhanced safety measures for female healthcare professionals.

• Training for Security Personnel: Ensuring guards are well-trained in handling emergencies and maintaining security.

• Coordination with Local Authorities: Improved collaboration with local police and emergency services for a swift response.

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CHILE’S ATACAMA SALT FLAT SINKING DUE TO LITHIUM MINING

Why in News?

A recent study has revealed that Chile's Atacama salt flat is subsiding at a rate of 1 to 2 centimeters annually due to lithium mining activities. This research, published in the journal IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing, highlights the environmental impact of lithium extraction, which is crucial for producing batteries used in electronic devices and electric vehicles.

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THE DETAILS OF THE STUDY

• Study Details:

• Research Conducted By: University of Chile.

• Data Analyzed: Satellite imagery from 2020 to 2023.

• Key Findings: The study observed significant subsidence in areas where lithium brine extraction is concentrated, particularly in the southwest of the salt flat. This subsidence results from the rapid pumping of lithium-rich brine, which exceeds the natural recharge rate of the aquifers.

HOW LITHIUM MINING CAN LEAD TO SALT FLAT SINKING?

Lithium mining often involves extracting lithium from brine, a salty water solution found in salt flats. This process can lead to the subsidence or sinking of the salt flat.

How it happens:

• Brine Extraction: To obtain lithium, large quantities of brine are pumped to the surface. This depletes the underground aquifer.

• Aquifer Depletion: When the aquifer is depleted, the underlying geological formations lose their support.

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• Subsidence: Without the support of the aquifer, the land above can begin to sink or subside. This can cause cracks, fissures, and other structural damage.

• Salt Flat Damage: In the case of salt flats, subsidence can disrupt the delicate balance of salt and water, potentially harming the unique ecosystems that depend on them.

THE FINDINGS IN SIMPLE WORDS

The excessive pumping of brine for lithium extraction can lead to aquifer depletion, which in turn causes the ground to subside, impacting salt flats and their surrounding environments.

This is a significant environmental concern, particularly in regions with valuable salt flat ecosystems.

FALLOUT OF LITHIUM MINING

• Water Usage:

• Demand: Producing one ton of lithium requires 2,000 tons of fresh water, a resource already scarce in the Atacama Desert.

• Impact: This high water consumption depletes local water resources, affecting both indigenous communities and wildlife.

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• Environmental Contamination:

• Chemicals Used: Sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide are employed in the extraction process.

• Consequences: These chemicals contaminate soil and water, posing risks to ecosystems and species.

• Impact on Biodiversity:

• Flamingos: A 2022 study noted a decline in flamingo populations in the Atacama due to reduced water levels and habitat degradation, which affects their reproduction rates.

CONCLUSION

The study on the Atacama salt flat shows the significant environmental costs of lithium mining, despite its crucial role in advancing green technologies. The subsidence of the salt flat, combined with the high water consumption and chemical pollution associated with lithium extraction, highlights the need for more sustainable mining practices. Addressing these environmental impacts is essential to balance the benefits of lithium for technological advancement with the preservation of vital ecosystems and resources in one of the world’s most arid regions.

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MCQs

1. Which of the following can be the reasons for a specified central law not been adopted for the healthcare workers?

1. Federalism issues.

2. Laws in the state already are present.

(A) Only 1

(B) Only 2

(C) Both 1 & 2

(D) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans. (C)

2. Consider the following statements and mark the correct one:

1. The Union Ministry for Health & Family Welfare has instructed to install high resolution CCTV cameras in healthcare institutions.’

2. The Ministry has also ordered cancellation of night shifts for all the female doctors & staff.

(A) Only 1

(B) Only 2

(C) Both 1 & 2

(D) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans. (A)

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3. Which of these countries is/are part of the Lithium Triangle?

1. Argentina

2. Brazil

3. Chile

(A) Only 1

(B) All of the above mentioned

(C) Only 1 & 2

(D) Only 1 & 3

Ans. (D)

4. Consider the following statements and mark how many are correct?

1. Atacama Salt lake is the largest saltwater lake in the world.

2. Lithium is extracted from the brine of salt flats.

3. Brine helps to hold the land & prevents it from subsidence.

(A) Only 1 statement is correct.

(B) Only 2 statements are correct

(C) All the statements are correct.

(D) None of the statements are correct.

Ans. (B)