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Important Wildlife Conservation Projects in India
Wildlife plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, impacting various aspects of the environment. Its significance extends to economic, investigative, genetic, and cultural domains, contributing to biodiversity conservation. In India, strict laws are in place to safeguard wildlife and biodiversity. The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 is a crucial legislative measure to preserve wild animals, birds, and plants to ensure India's ecological and environmental security. Additionally, the establishment of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau further reinforces efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade, particularly the trafficking of endangered species.
The Constitution of India, 1950, mandates citizens to uphold the fundamental duty of protecting wildlife and demonstrating compassion towards living creatures, as outlined in Article 51A(g). Furthermore, Article 48A directs the State to actively safeguard and enhance the forests and wildlife across the nation. The subject of wildlife protection is enumerated in the Concurrent List of the Constitution, listed under Schedule VII List III. This allocation of responsibility signifies that both the Union and State Governments possess the authority to govern wildlife conservation efforts.
The Wildlife Conservation Projects in India
Project Tiger- By the close of the 20th century, the Bengal tiger population faced a precipitous decline. In response, the Government of India launched Project Tiger in 1972, spearheaded by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, to safeguard their existence. The initiative commenced with the establishment of Palamu Tiger Reserve in Jharkhand and Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand in 1973. Subsequently, the National Tiger Conservation Authority, overseeing the project, was established in December 2005.
The rampant development activities including dam construction, mining, railway projects, and industrial ventures led to widespread deforestation and habitat degradation, exacerbating the tiger population's decline. Furthermore, the demand for tiger body parts in traditional Chinese medicine fueled poaching activities, further endangering the species.
The primary objective of Project Tiger is to prevent tiger extinction by ensuring a sustainable population within their natural habitat. Initially launched with nine reserves in 1973-74, the project has since expanded to encompass 54 reserves. Notably, the initiative has yielded significant success in rejuvenating tiger habitats and bolstering their populations in protected areas.
Project Rhino (Indian Rhino Vision 2020)
Launched in 2005, the Indian Rhino Vision 2020 embarked on an ambitious mission to safeguard the population of larger one-horned rhinoceros to at least 3000 across 7 protected areas in Assam by 2020. These protected areas include Kaziranga, Pobitora, Orang, and Manas National Parks, along with Burachapori, Laokhowa, and Dibru Wildlife Sanctuaries. A pivotal strategy of the IRV2020 involved wild-to-wild translocation, which aimed to relocate rhinos from the densely populated Kaziranga National Park to less inhabited national parks like Manas. Wildlife enthusiasts can witness the One-Horned Rhinos through the Indian Wildlife Safari Booking System , especially for Kaziranga National Park.
In Asia, three species of rhinoceros exist: the Greater One-Horned Rhino, the Javan Rhino, and the Sumatran Rhino. However, the survival of these majestic creatures faces grave threats primarily from poaching for their horns and habitat destruction. The IRV2020 endeavors to combat these challenges and secure the future of Asia's rhinoceros population.
Project Snow Leopard- The snow leopard, a species endemic to the Himalayan regions, is found across states such as Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh. Classified as 'vulnerable' by Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and the IUCN, it faces significant threats from poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict.
In 2019, the Government of India initiated the 'First National Protocol to Enumerate Snow Leopard Population Assessment,' employing technological tools like camera traps and scientific surveys. Concurrently, Project Snow Leopard, launched in 2009, adopts a participatory conservation approach, focusing on safeguarding snow leopards and other endangered species while ensuring the well-being of local communities. The project also emphasises the strengthening of anti-poaching measures.
Key protected areas under Project Snow Leopard include The Great Himalayan National Park, Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, The Sacred Himalayan Landscape, Hemis National Park, Pin Valley National Park, and Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary. Notably, the Ladakh region serves as a model for snow leopard conservation, showcasing effective conservation practices for other states to emulate.
Project Elephant- In 1992, the Ministry of Environment and Forest of India initiated 'Project Elephant' to provide technical and financial support to state efforts in managing the free-ranging population of Wild Asian Elephants. Unlike Bengal Tigers, elephants face the threat of debilitation rather than extinction. To safeguard these majestic creatures, the Elephant Protection Act of 1879 was enacted nationwide.
In 1992, the Ministry of Environment and Forest of India initiated 'Project Elephant' to provide technical and financial support to state efforts in managing the free-ranging population of Wild Asian Elephants. Unlike Bengal Tigers, elephants face the threat of debilitation rather than extinction. To safeguard these majestic creatures, the Elephant Protection Act of 1879 was enacted nationwide.
India is home to approximately 29,000 elephants spread across 33 elephant reserves. However, only 65% of elephant corridors are currently protected. Recognized as a national heritage, elephants hold significant cultural and ecological importance, underscoring the critical need for monitoring and safeguarding their population.
Project Elephant aims to preserve elephant populations, safeguard elephant corridors and habitats, mitigate human-elephant conflict, and ensure the security of domesticated elephants. This initiative plays a crucial role in combating poaching and illegal ivory trade, thereby contributing to the conservation of elephants and their habitats.
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