Conserving Protected Areas in India | 09 Nov 2024

Source: HT 

Why in News?

The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) delayed a proposal from a company's subsidiary for oil exploration in the Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary in Assam, which is home to the endangered hoolock gibbons.  

• The sanctuary's importance as the habitat for India's only ape species, coupled with growing concerns over encroachment and development, has sparked debates on balancing development and conservation. 

What are Protected Areas and Related Regulations in India? 

• About:   
  • Protected areas (PAs) are designated regions aimed at conserving biodiversity and protecting wildlife from human interference.  
• Classification and Regulation:  
  • National Parks: National Parks are the most protected areas in India, offering the highest level of legal protection. 
    • These areas are declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act (WPA) 1972, and no human activities, except for scientific research and controlled tourism, are allowed within their boundaries. 
    • Developmental activities such as mining, logging, and grazing are strictly prohibited. 
    • The State Government is responsible for managing National Parks, but the National Wildlife Board (NWLB) and National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) may also be involved, especially for specific species like tigers. 
  • Wildlife Sanctuaries: Wildlife Sanctuaries also fall under the WPA, 1972 but offer somewhat more flexibility than National Parks. 
    • They allow certain human activities, such as grazing and the collection of forest products, provided they do not adversely affect wildlife. 
    • Management of Sanctuaries falls under the jurisdiction of State Forest Departments with support from wildlife organisations and experts. 
  • Conservation Reserves: Conservation Reserves are areas designated under the WPA where wildlife and biodiversity are protected, but human activities, like grazing and firewood collection, are allowed under regulation. 
    • These areas are created to buffer critical habitats, protect wildlife corridors, and conserve biodiversity outside heavily protected zones. 
    • These areas allow local communities to participate in conservation efforts while maintaining sustainable livelihoods. 
    • The State Government manages these areas with involvement from local stakeholders and conservationists. 
  • Community Reserves: Community Reserves are areas designated for conservation that involve direct participation from local communities in preserving natural resources and wildlife. 
    • These reserves can be set up on private or community-owned land, with the goal of improving biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource management. 
    • Activities like tourism, agriculture, and small-scale forest product extraction are permissible as long as they align with conservation goals. 
    • Managed by the State Government, but with significant input from local communities and NGOs. 

What are the Issues and Challenges Related to Protected Areas? 

• Encroachment and Developmental Activities: There is growing pressure from infrastructure projects, including roads, industrial zones, and mining, which are increasingly encroaching on protected areas.  
  • For example, proposals for road construction through Kaziranga National Park and the establishment of industrial zones near Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary have raised concerns about habitat destruction.  
• Lack of Enforcement and Monitoring: One of the critical issues in the management of PAs is the lack of effective enforcement of laws.  
  • In some cases, protected areas are unable to prevent illegal activities due to insufficient manpower, poor monitoring systems, and corruption. 
• Conflicts Between Conservation and Development: The tension between conservation and development interests often leads to policy conflicts.  
  • In Assam, for instance, the Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary have been subjects of such debates, with industrialists pushing for projects that threaten the ecological integrity of these areas. 
• Political and Institutional Failures: The failure of local governments and forest departments to take timely and effective action against violations in protected areas has also led to the erosion of conservation efforts.  
  • Political pressures sometimes override environmental concerns, as seen in the case of Assam's controversial approval for a road through the Barak Bhuban Wildlife Sanctuary or the planned hotel constructions near Kaziranga. 
• Community Resistance and Land Rights: The imposition of conservation regulations often leads to conflicts with local communities, especially when their traditional livelihoods are disrupted.  
• Climate Change and Habitat Loss: Many protected areas are facing the compounded threat of climate change, which alters habitats, shifts species' ranges, and increases the frequency of extreme weather events.  

What Should be the Way Forward? 

• Strengthen Enforcement Mechanisms: Effective monitoring, patrolling, and surveillance of protected areas are essential to prevent encroachment and illegal activities. 
  • For instance, the recent death of elephants in Bandhavgarh National Park highlights a critical lapse in wildlife management. Such negligence must be addressed to prevent future tragedies in protected areas. 
• Clear Guidelines for Development Projects: A more transparent and robust mechanism must be put in place for approving development projects near or within protected areas.  
  • The guidelines should ensure that any proposed project undergoes a thorough environmental impact assessment, with specific measures to mitigate damage to wildlife habitats. 
• Inclusive Conservation Models: Local communities must engage in conservation, with expanded conservation and community reserve models promoting sustainable livelihoods.  
  • These models should include capacity-building programs to help communities develop alternative income sources that are not detrimental to wildlife. 
• Legal and Institutional Reforms: The existing legal frameworks, while comprehensive, need better implementation. The Forest (Conservation) Act and WPA should be reinforced with stricter penalties for violations, and local government institutions should be made accountable for failing to uphold conservation laws.  
  • The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has shown a proactive role in addressing violations, but the speed of legal processes needs improvement. 
• Addressing Climate Change Threats: Protected areas vulnerable to climate change require adaptive conservation strategies addressing shifting environmental conditions. 
• Public Awareness and Advocacy: Raising public awareness on protected areas and wildlife is crucial. NGOs, activists, and media must highlight conservation and promote debate on balancing development and environmental protection.