Initiatives like ‘Gajah Suchana’ and the Captive Elephant Rules provide a framework to combat illegal activities and improve the welfare of captive elephants. Similarly, the ambitious Great Indian Bustard conservation programme reflects India’s resolve to protect its unique biodiversity.
On Thursday, the Rajya Sabha heard of a series of updates on critical environmental and wildlife issues, highlighting the government’s efforts in forest management, elephant conservation, and the preservation of endangered species like the Great Indian Bustard. Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Kirti Vardhan Singh, provided detailed written responses, shedding light on the challenges and progress in these areas.
Forest Survey of India: Expanding the Scope
The India State of Forest Report (ISFR), a biennial assessment by the Forest Survey of India (FSI) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, faced a delay in its 2023 publication. The postponement was attributed to the expansion of its scope, now covering data from 751 districts, compared to 638 districts in earlier reports.
The ISFR provides a comprehensive overview of the country’s forest cover, including lands larger than one hectare with a tree canopy density exceeding 10 percent, irrespective of legal status or ownership. This definition encompasses diverse landscapes, including orchards, bamboo groves, and palm plantations.
However, the report also revealed concerning trends regarding forest land diversion. From April 1, 2019, to March 31, 2024, the Ministry approved the diversion of 95,724.99 hectares of forest land for non-forestry purposes. To mitigate this, the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016, facilitated afforestation efforts. Between 2019 and 2024, approximately 252,000.44 hectares of land were earmarked for compensatory afforestation under various state-level Annual Plan of Operations (APOs). These initiatives aim to offset the ecological losses caused by development projects.
Combatting Illegal Elephant Transfers
Addressing concerns over the illegal transfer and transport of elephants, the Minister emphasised the government’s commitment to safeguarding these majestic animals. Representations and complaints are forwarded to Chief Wildlife Wardens (CWLWs) of states and union territories for action under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
A significant step in this direction has been the development of the ‘Gajah Suchana’ mobile application in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India. This app enables the collection of biological samples from captive elephants for DNA profiling, creating a comprehensive genetic and morphological database. This centralised repository aids in validating the identities of elephants during transfers and serves as a critical tool in forensic procedures and legal cases.
Furthermore, the government introduced the Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024, to regulate the movement of captive elephants within and across states. A High-Powered Committee, constituted following a Supreme Court directive, oversees these transfers, ensuring adherence to legal and ethical standards.
Conservation of the Great Indian Bustard
In a move to protect one of the world’s most critically endangered birds, the Great Indian Bustard (GIB), the Ministry outlined a robust Conservation Action Plan supported by the National Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA). A funding of ₹77.05 crore has been allocated for a five-year period starting in 2024 for the conservation of both the Great Indian Bustard and the Lesser Florican.
The plan builds on a programme initiated in 2016 with an outlay of ₹33.85 crore, which achieved several milestones, including:
- Establishing conservation breeding facilities in Sam and Ramdeora, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
- Securing a partial founder population for captive breeding.
- Advancing ecological knowledge through range-wide surveys, telemetry, and habitat monitoring.
- Using research and advocacy to guide habitat improvement initiatives.
Additionally, the Ministry is working on innovative conservation techniques such as artificial insemination, community participation, and predator management. A notable international collaboration with the International Fund for Houbara Conservation in the UAE aims to strengthen efforts to save the Great Indian Bustard.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
India’s environmental challenges are multifaceted, ranging from balancing development and conservation to addressing illegal activities and habitat loss. The ISFR’s expanded scope underscores the government’s commitment to providing a more granular understanding of forest resources. However, the significant diversion of forest lands highlights the ongoing conflict between infrastructure growth and ecological preservation.
In wildlife conservation, initiatives like ‘Gajah Suchana’ and the Captive Elephant Rules provide a framework to combat illegal activities and improve the welfare of captive elephants. Similarly, the ambitious Great Indian Bustard conservation programme reflects India’s resolve to protect its unique biodiversity.
As the country moves forward, the integration of technology, international collaboration, and community engagement will be pivotal. These measures not only aim to mitigate environmental degradation but also ensure that future generations inherit a thriving natural heritage.
