Dimple Arora reports on the blooming diversity of wildlife.
India has only 2.4% of the world’s land area but is home to 8% of known global biodiversity. The country has made significant progress in wildlife conservation over the past 9 years, since 2014. Some of the key developments and initiatives in this area are:
1. Tiger Conservation: India is home to the largest population of tigers in the world, and the country has taken several measures to protect this endangered species. One of the major initiatives is the “Project Tiger” launched in 1973, which has been successful in increasing the tiger population. In recent years, the government has also launched programs like “Sankalp Se Siddhi” to further strengthen tiger conservation efforts.
2. Elephant Conservation: India has the largest population of Asian elephants in the world, and the government has taken steps to protect them. The “Project Elephant” launched in 1992 aims to protect elephants and their habitats. Recently, the government has also launched a “Gaj Yatra” campaign to raise awareness about the conservation of elephants.
3. Forest Conservation: India has a diverse range of forests and wildlife, and the government has implemented several policies to protect them. The “National Afforestation Programme” launched in 2016 aims to increase forest cover and improve the quality of existing forests. The government has also implemented the “Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act” to compensate for the loss of forests due to development activities.
4. Endangered Species Conservation: India has several endangered species like the Indian rhinoceros, snow leopard, and lion-tailed macaque, among others. The government has taken measures to protect these species, including the “Project Snow Leopard” and “Project Rhino” initiatives.
5. Wildlife Crime Control: India has also been taking steps to combat wildlife crime, including poaching and illegal wildlife trade. The government has implemented the “Wildlife Crime Control Bureau” to monitor and investigate wildlife crimes and has also set up special task forces to deal with specific cases.
Therefore, India’s efforts towards wildlife conservation have been commendable, and the country has made progress in protecting its rich biodiversity. However, there are still challenges and areas for improvement, and continued efforts are needed to ensure the long-term survival of India’s wildlife.
