Guidelines set for religious structures within wildlife sanctuaries
Expert panel formulates guidelines for religious sites within wildlife sanctuaries, balancing faith and conservation.
Photo by Kerin Gedge
Key Facts
Guidelines: Construction on forest land after 1980 is encroachment
Exception: Case-by-case basis with State's justified order
SCNBWL: Cleared proposal for land use in Balaram Ambaji Sanctuary
Land area: 0.35 hectares initially approved for use
UPSC Exam Angles
Environment and Ecology - Conservation efforts
Polity - Government policies and regulations
Ethics - Balancing development and environment
Visual Insights
Balaram Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary Location
Map showing the location of Balaram Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat, where the land diversion proposal was initially made.
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More Information
Background
The legal framework governing activities within wildlife sanctuaries in India has evolved significantly since the pre-independence era. Early conservation efforts, often driven by colonial interests in preserving hunting grounds, lacked a comprehensive legal basis. The first major legislation was the Wild Birds Protection Act of 1887, primarily focused on regulating hunting.
Post-independence, the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 marked a paradigm shift, providing a unified legal structure for wildlife conservation and establishing the concept of sanctuaries and national parks. This Act has been amended several times to strengthen protection measures, incorporate international conventions, and address emerging challenges such as human-wildlife conflict and habitat fragmentation. The Forest Conservation Act of 1980 further regulates the diversion of forest land for non-forestry purposes, adding another layer of scrutiny to activities within protected areas.
Latest Developments
Recent developments highlight a growing tension between developmental needs and conservation imperatives. The increasing number of infrastructure projects proposed within or near protected areas has led to heightened scrutiny and legal challenges. The Supreme Court has played a crucial role in interpreting and upholding environmental regulations, often intervening to protect ecologically sensitive zones.
Furthermore, there's a growing emphasis on community participation in conservation efforts, recognizing the rights and traditional knowledge of local communities. The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) has also become a significant player, managing funds collected for forest diversion to promote afforestation and habitat restoration. The use of technology, such as remote sensing and GIS, is also becoming increasingly important for monitoring and managing wildlife habitats.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972: 1. It provides for the creation of National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries. 2. It empowers the Central Government to declare any area as a Sanctuary. 3. The Act prohibits all forms of hunting within a Wildlife Sanctuary. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
All three statements are correct. The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 provides the legal framework for wildlife conservation in India, including the creation of protected areas and the regulation of activities within them.
2. With reference to the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, which of the following statements is NOT correct?
- A.It regulates the diversion of forest land for non-forestry purposes.
- B.It requires prior approval of the Central Government for such diversion.
- C.It applies only to forests owned by the government.
- D.It aims to conserve forests and prevent deforestation.
Show Answer
Answer: C
The Forest Conservation Act, 1980 applies to all forests, irrespective of ownership (government or private).
3. Consider the following statements regarding the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA): 1. CAMPA manages funds collected for forest diversion projects. 2. The funds are used exclusively for afforestation activities. 3. CAMPA operates at both the central and state levels. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: C
Statement 2 is incorrect. While afforestation is a primary focus, CAMPA funds can also be used for other activities like habitat restoration and wildlife management.
4. In the context of guidelines for religious structures within wildlife sanctuaries, which of the following factors is most likely to be considered by the expert body before granting approval for land diversion?
- A.The historical significance of the religious structure.
- B.The potential impact on the sanctuary's ecological integrity.
- C.The number of devotees visiting the religious structure.
- D.The financial contribution of the religious trust to the local economy.
Show Answer
Answer: B
The primary concern of the expert body would be the ecological impact of any land diversion within a wildlife sanctuary.
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