India’s Wildlife Conservation Milestones

13 Mar India’s Wildlife Conservation Milestones

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs”  and Topic details India’s Wildlife Conservation Milestones.

SYLLABUS MAPPING:

GS-3-Environment-India’s Wildlife Conservation Milestones

FOR PRELIMS

What are the major challenges to wildlife conservation in India

FOR MAINS

What are the key constitutional and legal provisions for wildlife conservation in India?

Why in the news?

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visited Gir National Park in Gujarat to chair the 7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife, reviewing key conservation efforts. The meeting focused on the expansion of protected areas, updates on Project Tiger, Project Elephant, and Project Snow Leopard, and new initiatives for the conservation of Asiatic lions, dolphins, and other endangered species. It also highlighted the establishment of the International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA) to strengthen global big cat conservation. Aligning with the WWD 2025 theme, “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet,” the discussions emphasized sustainable financial strategies for conservation, reaffirming India’s commitment to protecting biodiversity at both national and global levels.

Wildlife Conservation Constitutional Mandate

1. Article 48A: Directs the state to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife.
2. Article 51A(g): Imposes a fundamental duty on citizens to protect and improve the natural environment, including wildlife.
3. Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Provides legal protection to wildlife species and establishes protected areas.
4. Forest Conservation Act, 1980: Regulates deforestation and ensures the protection of forests.
5. Biodiversity Act, 2002: Promotes sustainable use of biodiversity and conservation of biological resources.
6. Supreme Court Judgments: Various rulings reinforce the need for wildlife protection as part of constitutional rights.
7. State Laws & Policies: Different states have their own regulations to complement national wildlife conservation efforts.

Need for Wildlife Conservation 

1. Biodiversity Protection: Ensures ecological balance and prevents species extinction.
2. Environmental Stability: Wildlife plays a crucial role in maintaining climate, air, and water cycles.
3. Livelihood and Economy: Many communities depend on forests and wildlife tourism for their income.
4. Cultural and Ethical Significance: Many species hold religious and cultural importance in India.
5. Food Chain Balance: Protecting wildlife helps maintain predator-prey dynamics and ecosystem stability.
6. Scientific Research and Medicine: Many plants and animals contribute to medical discoveries and genetic research.
7. Disaster Prevention: Forests and wildlife help prevent soil erosion, landslides, and floods.
8. Climate Change Mitigation: Forests absorb carbon dioxide, reducing global warming impacts.

Govt. of India Policies toward Wildlife Conservation 

What are the challenges  to Conserve Wildlife in India 

1. Deforestation & Habitat Loss: Urbanization, agriculture, and infrastructure projects lead to loss of wildlife habitats.
2. Human-Wildlife Conflict: Increasing encroachments lead to conflicts between animals and humans, causing casualties.
3. Poaching & Illegal Wildlife Trade: Endangered species are targeted for body parts, skins, and exotic pet trade.
4. Climate Change: Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns affect species migration and survival.
5. Weak Law Enforcement: Despite strong laws, implementation remains weak due to a lack of resources and corruption.
6. Pollution & Plastic Waste: Rivers, forests, and air pollution affect wildlife health and breeding.
7. Lack of Public Awareness: Many people are unaware of wildlife conservation laws and their importance.
8. Invasive Species: The introduction of non-native species disrupts local ecosystems and threatens native wildlife.

Way forward sustainable wildlife conservation 

1. Strengthening Protected Areas: Expanding and effectively managing national parks, sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves.
2. Community Participation: Encouraging local communities to participate in conservation efforts and eco-tourism.
3. Strict Law Enforcement: Strengthening anti-poaching laws and increasing penalties for wildlife crimes.
4. Use of Technology: Implementing AI, satellite monitoring, and drones for tracking wildlife and preventing poaching.
5. Habitat Restoration: Afforestation, wetland conservation, and reducing deforestation to restore wildlife habitats.
6. Reducing Human-Wildlife Conflict: Developing corridors, compensation programs, and early warning systems.
7. Education & Awareness: Running campaigns, school programs, and media initiatives for wildlife conservation.
8. International Cooperation: Collaborating with global organizations and neighbouring countries for species protection.

Conclusion

Wildlife conservation is critical for maintaining ecological balance, ensuring sustainable livelihoods, and combating climate change. India has made significant progress through legal frameworks, conservation programs, and international collaborations. However, challenges such as habitat destruction, human-wildlife conflicts, and illegal wildlife trade persist. Strengthening laws, increasing public awareness, using technology, and involving local communities will be key to ensuring long-term wildlife conservation and sustainability.

Download Plutus IAS Current Affairs (Eng) 13th Mar 2025

Prelims Questions