India stands at a crossroads where rapid development and biodiversity conservation must coexist. As a megadiverse country, India holds 8% of the world’s biodiversity within just 2.4% of the Earth’s land area. However, industrial growth and urbanization are putting this rich biodiversity at risk. Focusing on Vedanta-owned Cairn’s drilling proposal in Assam’s Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, which threatens the endangered Hoolock Gibbon and regional ecosystems.
This editorial is based on “Biodiversity needs a win against oil and gas” published in the Hindustan Times on 07/05/2024. The article discusses the conflict between sustainability goals, such as railway electrification, and the need to protect fragile ecosystems.
Understanding this topic is crucial for UPSC students as it relates to multiple areas of the syllabus, including environmental conservation, government policies, and ethics. It provides insights into balancing development with ecological preservation, a key issue for policymakers. This knowledge will aid in answering questions on biodiversity, environmental laws, and sustainable development in both Prelims and Mains.
The Vedanta-owned Cairn’s drilling proposal in Assam’s Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary has sparked significant controversy, highlighting the tension between development and biodiversity conservation. This issue is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it encapsulates themes of environmental governance, sustainable development, and the impact of industrial activities on fragile ecosystems—topics frequently appearing in both Prelims and Mains examinations. Additionally, it connects with previous UPSC questions on biodiversity threats and conservation strategies, making it highly relevant for comprehensive exam preparation.
Biodiversity in India is a cornerstone for ecological balance, economic sustenance, cultural heritage, and scientific advancement. It supports life systems, influences climate, and provides resources vital for food, medicine, and livelihoods. Protecting this diversity is crucial for maintaining environmental stability and fulfilling the country’s development goals.
India’s biodiversity plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. The Western Ghats, for instance, influence monsoon patterns essential for agriculture, while the Sundarbans’ mangrove forests act as natural barriers against cyclones, protecting coastal communities. Additionally, over 50% of India’s crops depend on pollinators to produce fruits, seeds, and nuts.
Biodiversity underpins various economic activities in India. Forest resources support the livelihoods of approximately 275 million people. Additionally, ecotourism, which revolves around India’s rich flora and fauna, contributes significantly to the economy by generating employment and promoting sustainable development.
India’s biodiversity is deeply integrated with its cultural heritage. Sacred groves, which are protected due to religious beliefs, help preserve various species. Traditional knowledge systems like Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani are rooted in the country’s rich biodiversity, highlighting the importance of conserving these natural resources.
India’s biodiversity offers immense potential for scientific research and medicine. The country has contributed significantly to global medicine, such as the anti-malarial drug derived from the Cinchona tree. With over 8000 species of medicinal plants, India’s genetic diversity is crucial for developing climate-resilient and high-yielding crops.
Biodiversity plays a critical role in India’s climate change strategies. Forests, covering about 21.67% of India’s land, act as carbon sinks, sequestering around 7% of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions. This natural mitigation process is essential for combating climate change.
India has made significant strides in biodiversity conservation through various legal frameworks, policies, and community-driven initiatives. The nation’s rich species and ecosystem diversity necessitate robust conservation efforts to protect and sustain these invaluable resources for future generations.
India boasts a remarkable diversity of species and ecosystems, with over 1,03,258 species of fauna and 55,048 species of flora documented across its 10 biogeographic zones. Notably, 12,095 plant species are endemic, underscoring the country’s unique biodiversity.
India’s constitution mandates environmental protection through Article 48A and Article 51A(g). The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, provide comprehensive legal frameworks for biodiversity conservation. Supreme Court cases have further reinforced the right to a healthy environment and balanced species conservation with climate action.
Key committees like the Madhav Gadgil and Kasturirangan Committees have made significant recommendations for biodiversity conservation. The Madhav Gadgil Committee suggested designating 64% of the Western Ghats as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA), while the Kasturirangan Committee recommended 37% ESA coverage and restrictions on mining and large projects.
India’s biodiversity faces multiple threats from habitat loss, invasive species, climate change, human-wildlife conflict, genetic erosion, pollution, and challenges in policy implementation. These threats undermine the ecological balance and require urgent attention and action.
Rapid urbanization and agricultural expansion are leading to severe habitat loss in India. Between 2001 and 2020, the country lost 1.93 million hectares of tree cover. Projects like the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train, which cuts through critical habitats, exemplify the conflict between development and conservation.
Invasive species like Lantana camara and Parthenium hysterophorous are disrupting India’s ecosystems. Lantana has invaded 44% of India’s forests. Additionally, the spread of the Fall Armyworm since 2018 has severely impacted maize crops, showcasing the economic and ecological damage caused by invasive species.
Climate change is altering habitats and species migration patterns in India. Mangrove forests in the Sundarbans face threats from sea-level rise, while warming temperatures in the Himalayas push species like the snow leopard to higher altitudes. India’s coral reefs also face significant threats from climate change.
Human-wildlife conflicts are escalating as human settlements expand. India reports over 500 human and 100 elephant deaths annually due to such conflicts. Relocating tigers from the Ranthambore reserve due to human conflicts highlights the ongoing challenge of coexistence.
Modern agricultural practices are causing genetic erosion. The shift to hybrid crop varieties has led to the loss of traditional varieties, reducing resilience to pests and climate change. India’s rice varieties have declined from 110,000 in the 1970s to about 6,000 today, impacting food security.
Pollution in various forms is severely impacting biodiversity. The Yamuna River, for instance, is biologically dead for a 22 km stretch in Delhi due to industrial effluents. Microplastic pollution affects fish species in the Ganga, while light pollution disorients nesting sea turtles.
Despite robust environmental laws, implementation often falls short. The controversy over the Etalin Hydroelectric Project in Arunachal Pradesh highlights policy gaps. Effective execution of biodiversity conservation policies remains a significant challenge.
Urbanization is decimating urban ecosystems in India. The country has lost nearly one-third of its natural wetlands due to urban expansion and pollution. The decline of house sparrows in cities exemplifies the impact on common species and urban biodiversity.
To enhance biodiversity conservation, India needs to adopt comprehensive strategies, including ecosystem-based management, community-led initiatives, green infrastructure, sustainable agriculture, technology-driven conservation, biodiversity financing, climate-adaptive strategies, invasive species management, and genetic resource conservation.
Shifting from species-centric to ecosystem-based conservation is crucial. This involves identifying and protecting entire ecological networks. Initiatives like declaring the area around Mudumalai Tiger Reserve as an eco-sensitive zone are steps in this direction. Integrating mapping into land-use planning and providing incentives to local communities are essential for success.
Local communities play a vital role in conservation. The Van Panchayats in Uttarakhand and the ‘Cheetah Mitra’ initiative demonstrate the potential of community-led efforts. Strengthening Joint Forest Management Committees and providing legal recognition to Community Conserved Areas can enhance conservation outcomes.
Integrating biodiversity considerations into infrastructure development is essential. The National Highway Authority of India’s guidelines for animal passage are a positive step. Mandatory biodiversity impact assessments, developing national standards for wildlife crossings, and promoting urban biodiversity are crucial measures.
Sustainable agricultural practices support biodiversity conservation. Scaling up agroecological models, providing incentives for crop diversification, and creating market linkages for agrobiodiversity products are vital. These measures ensure economic viability while maintaining biodiversity.
Leveraging technology enhances conservation efforts. Drones for monitoring tigers in the Sundarbans and using satellite imagery for habitat changes are examples. AI and eDNA techniques can aid in real-time monitoring and non-invasive biodiversity assessments, respectively.
Sustainable financing is crucial for long-term conservation. Expanding the Compensatory Afforestation Fund and developing green bonds for biodiversity projects can provide the necessary financial support. These measures ensure the availability of resources for conservation initiatives.
Adaptive strategies are essential for biodiversity conservation in the face of climate change. Conducting vulnerability assessments, developing climate-resilient networks, and creating climate refugia in different biogeographic zones are vital measures to protect biodiversity.
Managing invasive species requires a coordinated approach. Establishing a national monitoring system, strengthening quarantine measures, and launching public awareness campaigns are essential. These measures help control the spread of invasive species and protect native ecosystems.
Preserving genetic diversity ensures future adaptability. Expanding gene banks, implementing in-situ conservation programs, and creating a digital database of genetic resources are necessary steps. Promoting genomics research can aid in the conservation of threatened species.
| Political: The Indian government enforces robust policies like the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. However, the effectiveness of policy implementation remains inconsistent, as seen with ongoing projects threatening protected areas like Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary. Economic: Biodiversity significantly contributes to India’s economy through ecotourism and forest resources that support the livelihoods of approximately 275 million people. Nonetheless, the economic drive for rapid industrialization often conflicts with conservation priorities. Social: Many species hold cultural and religious significance, influencing local conservation efforts. Traditional practices, like Ayurveda, rely on biodiversity but are threatened by habitat destruction and modern agricultural practices. Technological: Technological advancements, including the use of drones and AI for monitoring, present opportunities to enhance conservation efforts. These tools can help manage and protect biodiversity more effectively if integrated responsibly. Environmental: Biodiversity in India is crucial for ecological stability, acting as carbon sinks and supporting monsoon patterns essential for agriculture. Yet, threats like climate change, habitat loss, and invasive species continuously challenge these natural systems. Legal: Strong legal frameworks are in place, but the challenge lies in their enforcement and the frequent conflicts between development projects and conservation needs. Efforts to integrate environmental considerations into new developments are vital for sustainable progress. |
In conclusion, India’s journey toward balancing development and biodiversity conservation is a complex yet essential endeavor. The country’s rich ecosystems and unique species require thoughtful strategies and robust implementation to thrive amidst rapid economic progress. By embracing community-led initiatives, sustainable practices, and technological advancements, India can pave the way for a harmonious coexistence between human aspirations and nature’s invaluable heritage.
| UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Mains Q. Discuss the efforts and challenges of biodiversity conservation in India with examples from Assam’s Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary and the Western Ghats. (GS Paper III, 2022). Q. Biodiversity is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and supporting human life. Analyze the significance of biodiversity in India, considering its role in agriculture, medicine, and climate regulation. How does the loss of biodiversity affect these sectors? |
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