India has very robust biodiversity in the world. It has 8% of the world’s bio-diversity despite having only 2.5% of the world’s land mass, only 4% fresh rainwater resources, and 17% of the world’s human and cattle population. This is because the Indian ethos is living with nature. It is the only country that worships animals, reptiles, birds, and trees.
The history of India tells how people of the country have fought to protect biodiversity and tree cover without which the status of the county which is today wouldn’t have been possible. 300 years ago Rajasthan’s Khejadi village saw the first Chipko agitation when the king ordered the cutting of trees. After seeing people embracing the trees, the Diwan of the state ordered to cut the trees and hack the heads of the people if required. More than 300 Bishnoi people under the leadership of Amruta Devi sacrificed their lives to save the trees. We salute these martyrs for the cause of protecting nature.
India is one of the few countries whose tree cover is growing, it had 745 protected areas in 2014 and has increased to 987 protected areas today which was not possible without the staunch contribution of tribals, forest dwellers, and officials who are protecting the forests of India.
The Saga of increasing India’s biodiversity can be seen in numbers and varieties.
India has robust wildlife with more than 3000 tigers, which accounts for 75% of the world tiger population today. In 2010, it was 1700 only. 70% of the Asiatic lions are found in India, the number was 411 in 2010, which now stands at 674. The number of greater one-horned Rhinoceros increased from 2600 to 3000 plus. India has an elephant population of 33000, and the leopard population has grown to nearly 13000. We also have a large number of crocodiles and almost all kinds of wild animals.
Cheetah introduction has succeeded in Kuno forest. All 8 Cheetahs are doing well and more Cheetahs will be brought from Namibia.
India has been awarded the Guinness world record for the largest camera trap-based wild animal monitoring. India has 53 tiger reserves with a 75000 sq. km area. This attracts a large number of domestic and international tourists.
Conservation – a step ahead
It was found that many times wild animals come out of forests because of a lack of fodder and water. To minimize this human-animal conflict, India has taken augmentation of water and fodder in forest areas. For this, the new technology of LiDER was used. In case of deaths in such conflicts, the compensation has been increased from Rs. 10 lakhs to 15 lakhs. For those who want to settle outside the forest, the government is helping with money and other resources too.
The programs for the conservation of vultures, great Indian Bustard are progressing as per plan. 5 more endangered species are being recovered namely Red Panda, Batagur Baska, Arabian Sea Humpback Whale, Clouded Leopard, and Caracal. Not just various measures have also been taken to monitor forest fires, and India has succeeded at a great level in minimizing the damage.
Prime Minister Sri Narendra Modi has given a roadmap to increase wildlife and biodiversity. He has declared the mission Dolphin.
