Wildlife Conservation in India: Constitutional & Institutional Framework, Challenges, Schemes, and Initiatives

India is one of the 17 mega-diverse countries in the world in terms of biodiversity. Approximately 8% of global biodiversity is found in India, including 7% of mammals, 12% of birds, 6% of amphibians, and around 6% of flowering plants. Rapid population growth, urbanization, and industrialization pose serious threats to wildlife, making wildlife conservation in India increasingly critical.

Constitutional and Institutional Framework for Wildlife Conservation in India

1. Constitutional Provisions

• Article 48A (Directive Principles of State Policy): Directs the state to protect and improve the environment and wildlife.
• Article 51(A)(g) (Fundamental Duties): Mandates every citizen to protect the environment, forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife.
• Seventh Schedule (Concurrent List): ‘Forests’ and ‘protection’ are subjects shared between the Union and State governments.

2. Legal Framework

• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972:
  • The primary legislation for wildlife protection in India.
  • Contains four schedules, classifying species based on protection levels.
  • Provides for strict penalties and fines for violations.
  • Under this act, various protected areas are declared:
    • National Parks
    • Wildlife Sanctuaries
    • Conservation Reserves
    • Community Reserves

3. Key Institutions

• National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
• Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB)
• Wildlife Institute of India (WII) – serves as a research and training center.

Protected Area Network in India

• Approximately 5.32% of India’s total geographical area falls under protected areas.
• As of November 2023:
  • 100+ National Parks
  • 550+ Wildlife Sanctuaries
  • 100+ Conservation Reserves
  • 200+ Community Reserves

Major Achievements

1. Tiger Conservation (Project Tiger)
   • Launched in 1973; completed 50 years in 2023.
   • Tiger population increased from 2,967 in 2018 to 3,682 in 2022.
   • India achieved the TX2 Initiative goal of doubling tiger numbers four years ahead of schedule.
2. Elephant Conservation (Project Elephant)
   • Elephant population rose from 26,786 in 2018 to 29,964 in 2022.
   • Focus on Elephant Corridors and Human-Elephant Conflict Management.
3. Project Cheetah (2022)
   • Initiated with Asian cheetahs reintroduced from Namibia and South Africa.
   • Aims to restore extinct species into Indian ecosystems.
4. International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
   • Inter-governmental organization initiated by India.
   • Focus on conservation of big cats: tigers, lions, cheetahs, leopards, jaguars, snow leopards, etc.
   • Headquarters and secretariat to be established in India.

Major Challenges

Key Schemes and Initiatives

1. Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH)
   • Centrally sponsored scheme.
   • Supports wildlife corridors, buffer zone development, and community participation.
2. Species Recovery Programs
   • Focus on endangered species like Hangul, Snow Leopard, Ganga Dolphin, Bustard, etc.
3. Landscape Approach for Conservation
   • Connects protected areas via corridors to maintain genetic diversity and reproductive viability.
4. Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB)
   • Prevents illegal trade and poaching.
5. Role of NGOs
   • Active participation by Indian Wildlife Conservation Society, Wildlife Trust of India, WWF India, and others.

Way Forward

• Community-based Conservation: Link local communities to conservation benefits.
• Balanced Eco-tourism: Generate local employment while reducing tourism pressure.
• Scientific Research and Data-driven Policies: Develop modern DNA sequencing laboratories in WII and other institutions.
• Strengthening Wildlife Corridors: Ensure natural migration of species.
• Climate Adaptation Strategy: Redesign buffer zones in sensitive areas.
• Strict Enforcement: Adopt zero-tolerance policy against wildlife crimes.

Conclusion

India has made remarkable progress in wildlife conservation — programs like Project Tiger, Project Elephant, and Project Cheetah serve as global examples. Yet, with increasing human activity and climate change, conservation must be viewed as a complement to development.

“Protecting wildlife is not only an environmental necessity but also a prerequisite for human survival.”