For this article:

8 Feb 2026·Source: The Indian Express
4 min
Environment & EcologyNEWS

Irrigation Project Approved in Durgavati Reserve Core Area

Wildlife committee greenlights irrigation project within Durgavati reserve's core, raising environmental concerns.

An irrigation project has been cleared by the wildlife committee for implementation in the core area of the Durgavati reserve. This decision raises concerns about potential environmental impacts on the protected area's biodiversity and ecological balance. The approval highlights the ongoing tension between development needs and conservation priorities, particularly in ecologically sensitive zones.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper III: Environment and Ecology - Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment

2.

Connects to syllabus topics on environmental legislation, protected areas, and sustainable development

3.

Potential question types: Statement-based MCQs on environmental laws, analytical questions on balancing development and conservation

Visual Insights

Durgavati Reserve Location

Shows the location of Durgavati Reserve, where the irrigation project has been approved.

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📍Madhya Pradesh
More Information

Background

The approval of an irrigation project in the core area of the Durgavati Reserve highlights the ongoing tension between development and conservation. Understanding the history of protected areas in India is crucial. The concept of establishing protected areas gained momentum during the British colonial era, with the initial focus on preserving forests for timber and hunting. This led to the creation of the first forest reserves, laying the groundwork for future conservation efforts. The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 marked a significant turning point, providing a legal framework for the creation and management of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Over time, the approach to conservation has evolved from a purely protectionist model to one that incorporates community participation and sustainable development. The establishment of Project Tiger in 1973, for example, demonstrated a commitment to conserving specific endangered species and their habitats. Subsequent amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act have strengthened the legal framework for conservation and addressed emerging challenges such as wildlife crime and human-wildlife conflict. The concept of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has also become increasingly important in evaluating the potential impacts of development projects on protected areas. The legal and constitutional framework for environmental protection in India is enshrined in several key provisions. Article 48A of the Constitution directs the State to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife. Article 51A(g) imposes a fundamental duty on every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment. The Environment Protection Act of 1986 provides a comprehensive framework for environmental regulation and pollution control. These legal and constitutional provisions provide the basis for challenging projects that may have adverse impacts on protected areas.

Latest Developments

Recent years have seen increased scrutiny of development projects in ecologically sensitive zones. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has been playing a crucial role in granting environmental clearances for such projects. However, concerns remain about the effectiveness of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process and the enforcement of environmental regulations. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has emerged as an important forum for challenging projects that violate environmental laws. The ongoing debate revolves around balancing development needs with the imperative of conserving biodiversity and ecological integrity. Different stakeholders, including government agencies, private developers, and environmental groups, have varying perspectives on this issue. There is a growing recognition of the need for more sustainable development practices that minimize environmental impacts and promote community participation. The concept of ecological services, which recognizes the economic value of natural ecosystems, is gaining traction. Looking ahead, it is expected that environmental regulations will become more stringent and that the EIA process will be further strengthened. The government has set ambitious targets for expanding protected areas and restoring degraded ecosystems. The success of these efforts will depend on effective collaboration between government agencies, local communities, and other stakeholders. The use of technology, such as remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS), is also expected to play an increasingly important role in monitoring and managing protected areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key concerns regarding the irrigation project approved in the Durgavati Reserve's core area for the UPSC Prelims?

The primary concern is the potential negative impact on the reserve's biodiversity and ecological balance. The approval highlights the conflict between development needs and conservation priorities in sensitive ecological zones. For prelims, focus on understanding the terms 'core area' and 'buffer zone' in the context of protected areas.

Exam Tip

Remember to differentiate between core and buffer zones. Core zones have the highest level of protection.

2. What is the difference between a 'core zone' and a 'buffer zone' in the context of wildlife reserves, and why is this distinction important regarding the Durgavati Reserve project?

A core zone is the innermost area of a protected area, receiving the highest level of protection and typically free from human activity. A buffer zone surrounds the core zone and allows for some regulated human activity to minimize disturbance to the core. The Durgavati project's approval in the core area raises concerns because this area is meant to be strictly protected.

  • •Core Zone: Highest protection, no human activity
  • •Buffer Zone: Surrounds core zone, regulated activity
3. Why is the Durgavati irrigation project news, and what are the recent developments related to it?

The project is in the news because the wildlife committee approved it for implementation in the core area of the Durgavati reserve, raising environmental concerns. Recent developments involve increased scrutiny of development projects in ecologically sensitive zones and debates about balancing development with conservation.

4. What are the potential environmental impacts of approving an irrigation project in the core area of a wildlife reserve like Durgavati?

Based on available information, the potential impacts include disruption of the ecological balance, habitat loss for wildlife, and potential threats to biodiversity. The core areas are meant to be strictly protected, and any development activity can have cascading effects on the ecosystem.

5. What are the pros and cons of approving irrigation projects in ecologically sensitive zones, particularly from the perspective of sustainable development?

Pros include potential benefits for local agriculture and water supply. Cons involve environmental damage, habitat loss, and disruption of ecological balance. Sustainable development requires carefully weighing these factors and finding solutions that minimize environmental impact while addressing development needs.

6. How might the approval of the Durgavati irrigation project impact common citizens, both positively and negatively?

Positively, it could improve access to water for agriculture, potentially boosting local economies. Negatively, environmental damage could affect water quality, lead to loss of natural resources, and impact livelihoods dependent on the ecosystem. The effects depend on the long-term sustainability of the project.

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 allows hunting of endangered species with the permission of the Chief Wildlife Warden. 3. It established the National Board for Wildlife. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 3 only
  • B.2 only
  • C.1, 2 and 3
  • D.1 only
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 provides the legal framework for the creation and management of National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in India. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The Act strictly prohibits hunting of endangered species. Permission is only granted under exceptional circumstances for specific purposes like scientific research. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The Act established the National Board for Wildlife, which is the apex advisory body on all wildlife-related matters.

2. In the context of environmental conservation, what does the term 'Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)' refer to?

  • A.A financial audit of environmental projects
  • B.A process of evaluating the likely environmental impacts of a proposed project or development
  • C.A government scheme for promoting renewable energy
  • D.A tax levied on polluting industries
Show Answer

Answer: B

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a systematic process of evaluating the potential environmental consequences of a proposed project, policy, plan, or program. It aims to identify and mitigate adverse impacts before they occur. It is a crucial tool for ensuring sustainable development and protecting the environment.

3. Which of the following articles of the Indian Constitution directly relates to the protection and improvement of the environment?

  • A.Article 14
  • B.Article 21
  • C.Article 48A
  • D.Article 300A
Show Answer

Answer: C

Article 48A of the Indian Constitution directs the State to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country. It was inserted into the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976.

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