24.

Protected Areas
India is one of the 17 mega diverse countries of the world. With only 2.4% of the world’s land
area, 16.7% of the world’s human population and 18% livestock, it contributes about 8% of the
known global biodiversity, however, putting enormous demands on our natural resources. India
is home to world’s largest wild tigers population and has got unique assemblage of globally
important endangered species like Asiatic lion, Asian Elephant, One-horned Rhinoceros,
Gangetic River Dolphin, Snow Leopard, Kashmir Stag, Dugong, Gharial, Great Indian Bustard,
Lion Tailed Macaque etc.

Protected Area Network in India:

A National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), chaired by the Prime Minister of India provides for
policy framework for wildlife conservation in the country. The National Wildlife Action Plan
(2002-2016) was adopted in 2002, emphasizing the people’s participation and their support for
wildlife conservation. India’s conservation planning is based on the philosophy of identifying
and protecting representative wild habitats across all the ecosystems. The Indian Constitution
entails the subject of forests and wildlife in the Concurrent list. The Federal Ministry acts as a
guiding torch dealing with the policies and planning on wildlife conservation, while the
provincial Forest Departments are vested with the responsibility of implementation of national
policies and plans.

A network of 668 Protected Areas (PAs) has been established, extending over 1,61,221.57 sq.
kms. (4.90% of total geographic area), comprising 102 National Parks, 515 Wildlife Sanctuaries,
47 Conservation Reserves and 4 Community Reserves. The State/Union Territory wise details of
PAs in the country with year of notification and area is given at Annexure-I. 39 Tiger Reserves
(Annexure-II) and 28 Elephant Reserves (Annexure-III) have been designated for species
specific management of tiger and elephant habitats. UNESCO has designated 5 Protected Areas
as World Heritage Sites. As the ecosystems and species do not recognise political borders, the
concept of Transboundary Protected Areas has been initiated for coordinated conservation of
ecological units and corridors with bilateral and/or multilateral cooperation of the neighbouring
nations. There are 4 categories of the Protected Areas viz, National Parks,

66
 Protected Areas

National Park Wildlife Sanctuary Biosphere Reserve

National Park
National Park is an area having adequate ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, natural or
zoological significance. The National Park is declared for the purpose of protecting, propagating
or developing wildlife or its environment, like that of a Sanctuary. The difference between a
Sanctuary and a National Park mainly lies in the vesting of rights of people living inside. Unlike
a Sanctuary, where certain rights can be allowed, in a National Park, no rights are allowed. No
grazing of any livestock shall also be permitted inside a National Park while in a Sanctuary, the
Chief Wildlife Warden may regulate, control or prohibit it. In addition, while any removal or
exploitation of wildlife or forest produce from a Sanctuary requires the recommendation of the
State Board for Wildlife, removal etc., from a National Park requires recommendation of the
National Board for Wildlife (However, as per orders of Hon’ble Supreme Court dated 9th May
2002 in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 337 of 1995, such removal/ exploitation from a Sanctuary also
requires recommendation of the Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife).

Sanctuaries
Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves. Sanctuary is an area which is of
adequate ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, natural or zoological significance. The
Sanctuary is declared for the purpose of protecting, propagating or developing wildlife or its
environment. Certain rights of people living inside the Sanctuary could be permitted. Further,
during the settlement of claims, before finally notifying the Sanctuary, the Collector may, in
consultation with the Chief Wildlife Warden, allow the continuation of any right of any person in
or over any land within the limits of the Sanctuary.

Conservation Reserves
Conservation Reserves can be declared by the State Governments in any area owned by the
Government, particularly the areas adjacent to National Parks and Sanctuaries and those areas

67
which link one Protected Area with another. Such declaration should be made after having
consultations with the local communities.

Conservation Reserves are declared for the purpose of protecting landscapes, seascapes, flora
and fauna and their habitat. The rights of people living inside a Conservation Reserve are not
affected. Community Reserves can be declared by the State Government in any private or
community land, not comprised within a National Park, Sanctuary or a Conservation Reserve,
where an individual or a community has volunteered to conserve wildlife and its habitat.
Community Reserves are declared for the purpose of protecting fauna, flora and traditional or
cultural conservation values and practices. As in the case of a Conservation Reserve, the rights of
people living inside a Community Reserve are not affected.

Regulations/ laws relating to Protected Areas (PAs):

The PAs are constituted and governed under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act,
1972, which has been amended from time to time, with the changing ground realities concerning
wildlife crime control and PAs management. Implementation of this Act is further
complemented by other Acts viz. Indian Forest Act, 1927, Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980,
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and the Scheduled
Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006. The
Wildlife Crime Control Bureau of the Central Government supplements the efforts of provincial
governments in wildlife crime control through enforcement of CITES and control of wildlife
crimes having cross-border, interstate and international ramifications. In order to strengthen and
synergise global wildlife conservation efforts, India is a party to major international conventions
viz. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora (CITES),
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), International Convention for the
Regulation of Whaling, UNESCO-World Heritage Committee and Convention on Migratory
Species (CMS).

Main issues concerning the management of Protected Areas:

Wildlife conservation and management in India is currently facing a myriad of complex
challenges that are both ecological and social in nature. Issues such as habitat loss/fragmentation,
overuse of biomass resources in the context of biotic pressures, increasing human-wildlife
conflicts, livelihood dependence on forests and wildlife resources, poaching and illegal trade in

68
wildlife parts and products, need for maintaining a broad base of public support for wildlife
conservation exemplify and characterize the contemporary wildlife conservation scenario in
India. The government and the civil society are taking several measures to address these issues.
Improved synergies and better coordination amongst the wide array of stakeholders are needed to
meet the challenges of conserving India’s diverse wilderness resources. In 1972, Wildlife
Protection Act was passed under which various wildlife sanctuaries and national parks have been
set up.

 National Parks are habitat oriented, under which protection is given to all species living
in a specific region.
 The largest National Park of India is located in Leh (Ladakh) known as Hemis National
Park.
 The Smallest National Park in India is in South Button Island in Andaman and Nicobar
Islands (0.03 sq. km.)

 Galathea Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (Great Nicobar Island) is one of the most important coastal
and marine biodiversity areas and Marine Turtle Habitat in India.
 India’s first national park was maximum number of national parks (10) followed by Andaman
and Nicobar (9).
 As of 2021, there are 544 W
 Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 provides for the protection of wild animals, birds and
plants. The act contains seven schedules which gives varying degree of protection.
 Schedule I and Part 2 of Schedule II provide absolute protection.
 Madhav Gadgil Committee (2011) and Kasturirangan committee (2013) have
recommendation on Eco-Sensitive Zones in Western Ghats.
 Wildlife Crime Control Bureau is a statutory multidisciplinary body established by the
government of India under the Ministry of Environment and Forrest to combat organised
wildlife crime in the country.
 The Bureau has its headquarter New Delhi and five regional offices at Delhi, Kolkata,
Mumbai, Chennai and Jabalpur.
 It was created on 6 June, 2007 by amending the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
 The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change, established in 1982 at Chandrabani, Dehradun
in Uttrakhand.

69
 25. Biosphere Reserves
'Biosphere Reserves' - was initiated under UNESCO's 'Man & Biosphere1 (MAB) programme in
1971. The purpose of its formation is to conserve in situ all forms of life, along with its support
system, in its totality, so that it could serve as a referral system for monitoring and evaluating
changes in natural ecosystems. The first biosphere reserve of the world was established in 1979;
since then, the network of biosphere reserves has increased to 564 in 109 countries across the
world (MAB, 2010). Presently, there are 18 existing biosphere reserves in India. Some of the
famous biosphere reserves are Sunderbans in West Bengal, Khangchendzonga mountain ranges
in Sikkim, Nandnadevi mountain ranges in Uttarakhand, Gulf of Mannar, Rann of Kutch in
Gujarat etc.

Thus, the protected area network plays a significant role in conservation, and regardless of the
country - India or others, where the common aim is to preserve the ecological wealth by
continuing conservation efforts.

Conserving Protected Areas

 Reduce forest-based dependence of locals/tribals living on the forest fringes, by providing
them alternate livelihood options.
 Increased vigilance and patrolling to counter poaching and other crimes
 Increased awareness amongst people and sensitivity towards the last strongholds of our
country that support wildlife.
 Biosphere reserves are terrestrial and coastal/marine ecosystem made to conserve the
biodiversity. These are the sites recognized under UNESCO’S Man and Biosphere (MAB)
programme to promote sustainable development based on local community efforts.
Biosphere Reserves was initiated by UNESCO in 1971.

Core Zone: It contains suitable habitat for numerous plants and animal species including
higher order predators. Core Zone should be kept free from human interference. This is strictly
prohibited area.

70
Buffer Zone: The buffer zone surrounds or adjoins the core areas, and is used for activities
compatible with sound ecological practices which can reinforce scientific research, monitoring,
training and education.

Transition Zone: The transition area is the part of the reserve where his greatest activity is
allowed, fostering economic and human development that is socio-culturally and ecologically
sustainable.

India has 18 Biosphere Reserves and with the inclusion of Panna Biosphere Reserve (MP), in
2020, the number of UNESCO designated World Natural Biosphere Reserves under MAB has
raised to 12.

Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn Convention)

It is the only global convention specializing in conservation of migratory species, their habitats
and migration routes. It came into force in 1983.

Difference between National Park, Wildlife Sanctuary and

Biosphere Reserve
National Park Sanctuary Biosphere Reserve

Habitat oriented, protection is Generally species-oriented Ecosystem-oriented i.e. all

given to all species of that such as citrus, pitcher plant forms of life.
region. etc.

Boundaries fixed by Boundaries are not sacrosanct Boundaries fixed by

legislation. / fixed. legislation.

Tourism permissible. Tourism permissible. Tourism generally not

permissible.

Lack of research and Lack of Research and Research and scientific

Scientific management. Scientific management. management is encouraged.

Comes under WPA, 1972. Come under WPA, 1972. Come under UNESCO-MAB
program.

International Day for Biological Diversity:

 International Biodiversity Day is observed every year on 22 May to generate awareness

for biodiversity issues.

71
 26. The International Union for Conservation of Nature

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), in full International Union for
Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, formerly called World Conservation Union,
network of environmental organizations founded as the International Union for the Protection of
Nature in October 1948 in Fontainebleau, France, to promote nature conservation and the
ecologically sustainable use of natural resources. It changed its name to the International Union
for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) in 1956 and was also known as the
World Conservation Union (IUCN) from 1990 to 2008. The IUCN is the world’s oldest global
environmental organization. Its headquarters are in Gland, Switz.

Through its member organizations, the IUCN supports and participates in environmental
scientific research; promotes and helps implement national conservation legislation, policies, and
practices; and operates or manages thousands of field projects worldwide. The IUCN’s activities
are organized into several theme-based programs ranging from business and biodiversity to
forest preservation to water and wetlands conservation. In addition, a smaller number of
special initiatives draw upon the work of different programs to address specific issues, such
as climate change, conservation, and poverty reduction. The volunteer work of more than 10,000
scientists and other experts is coordinated through special commissions on education and
communication; environmental, economic, and social policy; environmental law; ecosystem
management; species survival; and protected areas. All of the IUCN’s work is guided by a global
program, which is adopted by member organizations every four years at the IUCN World
Conservation Congress.

The IUCN maintains the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, a comprehensive assessment of
the current risk of extinction of thousands of plant and animal species. The organization also
publishes or coauthors hundreds of books, reports, and other documents each year. The IUCN
has been granted observer status at the United Nations General Assembly.

The IUCN’s membership includes more than 1,000 governmental and nongovernmental
organizations from more than 140 countries. It is governed by a democratically elected council,

72
 which is chosen by member organizations at each World Conservation Congress. The IUCN’s
funding comes from a number of governments, agencies, foundations, member organizations,
and corporations.

India became a state member of IUCN in 1969 and IUCN office was established in New Delhi
(2007).

 The World Wide Fund for Nature is an international non-governmental organization

founded on 24 April, 1961, working in the field of Wildlife Preservation and the reduction
of human impact on the environment.
 Its headquarter is located in Gland, Switzerland.

 The Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
(CITES) is an international agreement between the governments, administered through United
Nation Environment Program (UNEP).

International Decades (United Nations)

 International Decade on Ecosystem Restoration -2021-30

 Water for Sustainable Development -2018-28
 International Decade on Biodiversity -2011-2020

73
 27. Conservation Efforts of Forest and Wildlife in India
Conservation in the background of rapid decline in wildlife population and forestry has become
essential. But why do we need to conserve our forests and wildlife? Conservation preserves the
ecological diversity and our life support systems – water, air and soil. It also preserves the
genetic diversity of plants and animals for better growth of species and breeding. For example, in
agriculture, we are still dependent on traditional crop varieties. Fisheries too are heavily
dependent on the maintenance of aquatic biodiversity. In the 1960s and 1970s, conservationists
demanded a national wildlife protection programme. The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act was
implemented in 1972, with various provisions for protecting habitats. An all-India list of
protected species was also published. The thrust of the programme was towards protecting the
remaining population of certain endangered species by banning hunting, giving legal protection
to their habitats, and restricting trade in wildlife.

Subsequently, central and many state governments established national parks and wildlife
sanctuaries about which you have already studied. The central government also announced
several projects for protecting specific animals, which were gravely threatened, including the
tiger, the one horned rhinoceros, the Kashmir stag or hangul, three types of crocodiles – fresh
water crocodile, saltwater crocodile and the Gharial, the Asiatic lion, and others. Most recently,
the Indian elephant, black buck (chinkara), the great Indian bustard (godawan) and the snow
leopard, etc. have been given full or partial legal protection against hunting and trade throughout
India.

The conservation projects are now focusing on biodiversity rather than on a few of its
components. There is now a more intensive search for different conservation measures.
Increasingly, even insects are beginning to find a place in conservation planning. In the
notification under Wildlife Act of 1980 and 1986, several hundred butterflies, moths, beetles,
and one dragonfly have been added to the list of protected species. In 1991, for the first time
plants were also added to the list, starting with six species.

74
Types and Distribution of Forest and Wildlife Resources:
Even if we want to conserve our vast forest and wildlife resources, it is rather difficult to
manage, control and regulate them. In India much of its forest and wildlife resources are either
owned or managed by the government through the Forest Department or other government
departments.

These are classified under the following categories.

(i) Reserved Forests: More than half of the total forest land has been declared reserved
forests. Reserved forests are regarded as the most valuable as far as the conservation of
forest and wildlife resources are concerned.
(ii) Protected Forests: Almost one-third of the total forest area is protected forest, as declared
by the Forest Department. This forest land are protected from any further depletion.
(iii) Unclassed Forests: These are other forests and wastelands belonging to both government
and private individuals and communities. Reserved and protected forests are also
referred to as permanent forest estates maintained for the purpose of producing timber
and other forest produce, and for protective reasons.

Madhya Pradesh has the largest area under permanent forests, constituting 75 per cent of its
total forest area. Jammu and Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West
Bengal, and Maharashtra have large percentages of reserved forests of its total forest area
whereas Bihar, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha and Rajasthan have a bulk of it
under protected forests. All North-eastern states and parts of Gujarat have a very high
percentage of their forests as unclassed forests managed by local communities.

The Institutional Framework for Wildlife Conservation in India

State Government Institutions:

State governments exercise complete administrative control over all statutorily recognized
forests and other government-owned lands in the country. The state government’s power to
constitute reserved forests, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries is absolute but it has to seek
prior approval of the Central Government for de-reservation, de-notification, diversion, logging,
or leasing of forests for non-forestry activities.

75
Statutory Bodies

Several statutory bodies require to be constituted at the federal and state levels with varying
mandates to enforce, advise, and monitor a wide range of issues concerning forests, wildlife and
environment. Some of the key bodies include the following:

(a) The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) (formerly known as the Indian Board for Wildlife)
is constituted under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and chaired by the Prime Minister with
the Minister of Environment and Forests as the vice-chair. Apart from a number of government
functionaries drawn from both the Central and State governments, five non-governmental
organizations and ten conservationists/ecologists are nominated to the NBWL. The board advises
the federal and state governments in matters concerning wildlife conservation policy, illegal
trade and poaching, management of national parks and sanctuaries, impact assessments of
projects on wildlife, and other related issues. The tenure of each board is 3 years, after which a
new one is constituted.

(The NBWL is ordinarily expected to meet at least once a year, but this does not always happen.
However, a Standing Committee of the NBWL, comprising of a few government and non-
government members of the NBWL, meets every three months under the chairmanship of the
Union Minister of Environment and Forests, primarily to examine proposals for non-forestry use
of forestland within National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries, and issue or deny permissions.
These include, among others, proposals for highways, dams, industries and mining. The
minutes of every Standing Committee meeting are put up on the website of the MoEF).

(b) State Boards for Wildlife at the state level similarly advise the state governments in selection
and management of protected areas and other matters connected with the protection of wildlife.
The SBWL is headed by Chief Minister, with the Forest Minister of the State as the Vice Chair.

(In many states, the SBWL is either totally defunct or simply a rubber stamp. Very often, retired
government officials and ‘nature enthusiasts’ with questionable knowledge and credentials make
up the board, thus making it fairly ineffective).

(c) The Biodiversity Act, 2002 mandates the constitution of a National Biodiversity Authority
which, among other responsibilities, advises the Union and State governments on matters

76
relating to biodiversity conservation, equitable sharing of benefits arising out of biological
resource utilization; regulating access to biodiversity and initiating measures to oppose the
granting of Intellectual Property Rights on any biological resource obtained from India.

(d) Central and State Pollution Control Boards have been constituted under the Environment
Protection Act (EPA), 1986 with wide-ranging powers to regulate the setting up of industries in
Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs) and to inspect and prosecute individuals or industries who
violate specified pollution control norms.

(e) The Central Empowered Committee (CEC): initially constituted under the Environment
Protection Act, 1986 for a period of five years, starting in September 2002, it functions as a
Committee of the Supreme Court to assist and monitor compliance of the orders of the Supreme
Court in the major public interest litigation (Writ Petition (Civil) 202/1995 – Godavarman
Tirumalpad v/s Union of India & others) concerning protection of forests, wildlife, and related
issues.

(f) National Green Tribunal (2009): The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is a institution that is
empowered to adjudicate environmental disputes. The tribunal has jurisdiction over all civil
cases where a substantial question relating to the environment – arising out of the
implementation of the Environment Protection Act, Forest Conservation Act, Biodiversity Act,
Water (Prevention and control of pollution) Act, and related laws – is involved. The National
Green Tribunal is intended to drive effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to
environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources, including
enforcement of any legal right relating to environment, and giving relief and compensation for
damages to persons and property and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

(g) Forest Advisory Committee (FAC): Is a statutory committee constituted under Section 3 of
the Forest Conservation Act to consider proposals for diversion of forestland (other than in
National Parks or Sanctuaries) for non-forestry purposes, and render advice to the Central
Government.

77
 Project Tiger
 Government of India has taken a pioneer initiative for conserving the tiger by launching the
Project Tiger in 1973. IUCN has specified tiger as an endangered species.

India established Jim Corbett National Park as the first Tiger Reserve on 1st April, 1973

 From 9 tiger reserves since its formative year, the Project, spreading in 18 tiger range states in
India.

Important International Days

 World Wetlands Day 2nd February

 International Polar Bear Day 27th February

 International Day of Action of Rivers 14th March

 World Wildlife Day 3rd March

 World Sparrow Day 20th March

 International Day of forest 21tst March

 World Water and Sanitation Day 22nd March

 World Earth Day 22nd April

 World Migratory Bird Day 2nd Sat. in May

 International Day for Biological Diversity 22nd May

 World Turtle Day 23rd May

 World Environment Day 5th June

 World Oceans Day 8th June

 World Day to combat Desertification and Drought 17th June

 World Population Day 11th July

 International Tiger Day 29th July

 World Lion Day 10th August

78
  World Elephant Day 12th August

 World Orangutan Day 19th August

 International Day for the Preservation of Ozone 16th September

Layer

 World Water Monitoring Day 18th September

 Zero Emissions Day 21st September

 World Rhino Day 22nd September

T x 2 Programme
 It was launched by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in 2010 at St Petersburg Tiger
Summit held Russia. Under it, 13 tiger range countries had agreed to double the world
tiger population by 2022. 13 Tiger Range countries are India, Laos, Cambodia,
Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Nepal, Russia
and Indonesia.
 Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (Uttar Pradesh) in November 2020 bagged first ever Tx2
international award for doubling the number of Tigers in 4 years (25 in 2014 to 665 in
2018) against a target of 10 years.

National Tiger Conservation Authority

 It is a statutory body under Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change constituted
under the enabling provision of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 as amended in 2006.
 Its aim is to decide standards for tiger reserves, planning for tiger protection and to present
annual report in parliament.

Tiger Census
According to Tiger Census, 2018 (fourth Tiger Census) released on International Tiger Day
(29th July 2019) the total count of Tiger has risen to 2,967 from 2,226 in 2014.

Census data of all the 4 Tiger Census

Year Tiger Count

2006 1411

2010 1706

2014 2226

79
 2018 2967

Highest Number of Tigers

State Tiger Count

Madhya Pradesh 526

Karnataka 524

Uttarakhand 442

Maharashtra 312

Tamil Nadu 264

India’s first specialized hospital for

elephants has been formally opened in
Mathura, Uttar Pradesh in November
2018.

Crocodile Conservation Project

 Crocodile Conservation Project was launched in 1975 with support from UNDP and FAO to
protect the remaining population of crocodiles in their natural habitat by creating sanctuaries,
promoting captive breeding and rearing and to take up research to in order improve
management.
 An Olive Ridley sea turtle has been designated in the list of Ramsar Wetland of International
Importance in 2002.

Odisha’s Bhitarkanika National Park is home to world’s largest white

crocodile park in Kendrapara district.

 For the conservation of Critically Endangered Gharial the National Chambal Gharial Wildlife
Sanctuary was created in 1979.
 Other Projects include Baula Project at Dangamal (Odisha), Mugger Project at Ramatirtha
(Odisha), Gharial Project at Tikar Pada (Odisha).

80