JIM CORBETT NATIONAL PARK
- ENVIRONEMNT
News: The
Supreme Court's recent hearing on a plea against the Jim Corbett National
Park's decision to allow private operator's buses to ply within
the core area of the tiger reserve in Uttarakhand has brought to the
forefront the delicate balance between conservation and development.
What’s in the news?
Importance of Balance:
- The
Supreme Court's emphasis on balancing rights highlights the need for a
nuanced approach towards conservation.
- On
one hand, there is a need to protect India's rich biodiversity and
preserve natural habitats for future generations.
- On
the other hand, there are legitimate concerns about livelihoods and
economic development.
How can balance between conservation and
development be achieved?
Achieving a balance between conservation and
development in the case of Jim Corbett National Park requires a multi-faceted
approach.
- Sustainable
Tourism: Implement responsible and regulated
tourism practices that prioritize wildlife viewing and minimize human
impact on the ecosystem. This can include:
- Limiting
the number of tourists and vehicles entering the park.
- Implementing
eco-friendly transportation options, such as electric or solar-powered
vehicles.
- Providing
education and awareness programs for tourists on responsible wildlife
viewing and park rules.
- Alternative
Livelihoods: Support alternative livelihood
options for local communities that reduce their dependence on forest
resources and promote coexistence with wildlife. This can include:
- Promoting
ecotourism-related jobs, such as guides, hospitality staff, and nature
interpreters.
- Encouraging
sustainable agriculture practices, such as organic farming and
permaculture.
- Supporting
local entrepreneurship in crafts, handicrafts, and other non-forest-based
industries.
- Compensation
Mechanisms: Establish fair compensation
mechanisms for local communities affected by conservation efforts. This
can include:
- Providing
financial compensation for crop damage or livestock loss due to wildlife
conflict.
- Offering
alternative land use options or relocation packages for communities
living within the park's boundaries.
- Community
Engagement: Foster active community engagement
in conservation efforts through participatory decision-making processes.
This can include:
- Establishing
village-level conservation committees to monitor human-wildlife conflict
and develop mitigation strategies.
- Conducting
regular community outreach programs to educate locals about conservation
goals and benefits.
- Infrastructure
Development: Develop infrastructure that
supports both conservation and development goals
About Jim Corbett National Park:
- Located
in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, Jim Corbett National Park is
India's oldest national park, established in 1936.
- It
is named after the legendary hunter-turned-conservationist, Jim Corbett.
- The
park is part of Project Tiger, a conservation program launched in 1973 to
protect Bengal tigers.
- The
core area of Jim Corbett National Park spans around 312 square kilometers.
- The
park is renowned for its rich biodiversity and is home to over 500 species
of plants, 600 species of birds, and a wide range of fauna, including the
majestic Bengal tiger.
- It
is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, attracting
millions of visitors every year.
- Core
Area: The core area of a national park or wildlife
sanctuary refers to the most sensitive and protected zone within the
reserve.
- This
area is designated as a habitat for endangered species and is strictly
protected from human interference.
The core area is typically free from human
settlements, agriculture, and other anthropogenic activities that could harm
the ecosystem.
Source: https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/national/2024/07/12/lgd27-sc-corbett-bus.html