India’s comprehensive framework for forest and wildlife conservation reflects a balance between developmental needs and ecological preservation. Collaborative efforts across legal, administrative, and enforcement levels are pivotal in ensuring the sustainability of the country’s rich biodiversity.
The Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Kirti Vardhan Singh, addressed the Lok Sabha on Monday, detailing ongoing efforts to protect India’s forests and wildlife. His written reply outlined the legal, administrative, and strategic frameworks in place, emphasizing state and central government collaboration.
Legal Framework for Conservation
The primary responsibility for managing forests and wildlife rests with state governments and Union Territory administrations. Legal protections include the Indian Forest Act of 1927, the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, and various state-level acts. Development projects are governed by the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, which mandates minimizing tree felling and prescribing compensatory plantations.
The Environmental Protection Act of 1986 further requires clearance from State Environment Impact Assessment Authorities (SEIAA) for projects impacting forests, ensuring ecological concerns are addressed.
Efforts to Combat Illegal Activities
Incidents of illegal deforestation, logging, and wildlife crimes are prosecuted under relevant laws, with offenders brought to justice by competent courts. The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) plays a critical role in curbing wildlife offenses. Between 2019 and 2023, 166 joint operations in the North Eastern Region resulted in the arrest of 375 wildlife offenders. These efforts included the species-specific operation “LESKNOW,” which targeted lesser-known wildlife involved in illegal trade.
Alerts and advisories issued by the WCCB further empower state and central agencies to take preventive measures against poaching and wildlife trafficking.
Protected Areas and Endangered Species
India has established an extensive network of protected areas, including 106 national parks, 573 wildlife sanctuaries, 123 conservation reserves, and 220 community reserves, covering approximately 1,78,640.69 square kilometers. These zones protect endangered species such as tigers, elephants, and snow leopards, listed under Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The North Eastern Region alone has 17 national parks, 59 wildlife sanctuaries, one conservation reserve, and 134 community reserves, reflecting focused conservation efforts.
State and Central Collaborative Schemes
The Ministry supports states and UTs through centrally sponsored schemes like the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats, Project Tiger and Elephant, the Green India Mission, and Forest Fire Prevention and Management programs. These initiatives are funded through annual plans of operation submitted by states and CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority) resources.
Elephant Corridors and Management
A notable initiative is the identification of 150 elephant corridors across 15 states, including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Assam. These corridors ensure safe passage for elephants, mitigating human-wildlife conflict. In Tamil Nadu’s Segur Elephant Corridor, the state government sealed illegal resorts obstructing elephant movement, following a Supreme Court order.
Commitment to Sustainability
India’s comprehensive framework for forest and wildlife conservation reflects a balance between developmental needs and ecological preservation. Collaborative efforts across legal, administrative, and enforcement levels are pivotal in ensuring the sustainability of the country’s rich biodiversity.
Government Addresses Crop Damage by Wild Animals
Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh also briefed the Lok Sabha on measures to mitigate crop damage caused by wild animals. He said that while the ministry does not compile data on crop losses, it oversees initiatives under state and central schemes to address human-wildlife conflict.
The government implements centrally sponsored schemes like the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats, Project Tiger, and Project Elephant. These programmes include constructing barriers such as solar-powered fences and bio-fencing, improving forest habitats to reduce wildlife migration into farmland, and forming anti-depredation squads.
He gave data on this as well. In December 2023, he said, ex-gratia relief amounts were increased to support victims of wild animal attacks. Current compensations include ₹10 lakh for death or permanent incapacitation, ₹2 lakh for grievous injuries, and up to ₹25,000 for minor injuries. For crop or property damage, state governments follow their prescribed cost norms. The Wildlife (Protection) Act empowers authorities to capture and relocate problematic animals scientifically to safeguard affected communities. This multi-faceted approach aims to balance conservation efforts with agricultural protection.
