Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 08 March 2024

CONTENTS

1. Tourism in Wildlife Parks
2. Women in Leadership Roles

Tourism in Wildlife Parks

Context:

The Supreme Court of India has strongly criticized the Uttarakhand government for cutting down approximately 6,000 trees in the Jim Corbett National Park. The Court deemed the collaboration between forest officials and a prominent state politician to significantly expand a tiger safari within the park as a violation of conservation principles.

Relevance:

GS3- Environment

Mains Question:

With reference to the recent felling of trees in Corbett National Park to expand tiger safari, discuss the pros and cons of wildlife safaris and suggest a strategy that can ensure that tourism in wildlife parks is not at odds with conservation efforts. (15 Marks, 250 Words).

More on the Case:

• Justice B.R. Gavai, part of the three-judge Bench, emphasized that the well-being of the ecosystem relies on the presence of tigers in the forests.
• The Court highlighted the urgent need for tiger protection to safeguard the ecosystem from issues like illegal construction and unauthorized tree felling, such as the incident in Corbett.
• The judgment draws attention to the nexus between political corruption and environmental harm, especially concerning the management of wildlife parks.
• It raises questions about the compatibility of ‘tiger safaris’ in the buffer and fringe zones of wildlife parks with effective conservation measures.
• Additionally, the Court mentioned the disruptive impact of nearby resorts playing loud music, posing a threat to the park’s wildlife.

Jim Corbett National Park:

• Situated in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, the Corbett National Park, launched under the Project Tiger initiative in 1973, is the first National Park in India and is part of the Corbett Tiger Reserve.
• Originally established as Hailey National Park in 1936 to protect the endangered Bengal tiger, it is named after Jim Corbett, a key figure in its establishment.
• The park comprises a core area known as Corbett National Park and a buffer area that includes reserve forests and the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary.
• The entire reserve, spanning mountainous terrain within the Shivalik and Outer Himalaya geological provinces, is intersected by major rivers like Ramganga, Sonanadi, Mandal, Palain, and Kosi.
• The flora of the region includes dense moist deciduous forests housing 600 plant species, as per the Botanical Survey of India, including prominent trees like Sal, Khair, and Sissoo.
• In terms of fauna, Corbett is not only inhabited by tigers but also hosts leopards and various other mammals such as jungle cats, barking deer, spotted deer, sambar deer, and sloth, showcasing its rich biodiversity.

Protection Status of National Parks:

• The Wildlife (Protection) Act (WPA) of 1972 empowers the State Government to create National Parks in areas deemed ecologically, geomorphologically, and naturally significant.
• Although the WPA 1972 does not explicitly outline the conservation value difference between a National Park and a sanctuary, the primary aim of a national park is to safeguard the natural environment and preserve biodiversity.
• National Parks in India fall under IUCN category II protected areas, with Hailey National Park, established in 1936, being the country’s inaugural national park, now recognized as Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand.

Access to Protected Area:

Only the following are allowed entry into the national park:

• Individuals with residency permission from the Chief Wild Life Warden or an authorized officer.
• Individuals with property rights within the national park’s boundaries.
• Those traveling on public highways through the national park.
• Dependents of persons mentioned in clauses (a), (b), or (c) above.
• No one else is permitted to enter or reside in the national park without a granted permit.
• Public Servants on duty.

Permit Grant for Entry:

Upon application, the Chief Wild Life Warden can issue permits for various purposes, including wildlife investigation or study, photography, scientific research, tourism, and lawful business transactions within the national park.

Authority and Recommendations:

• The Chief Wild Life Warden holds the authority for controlling, managing, and maintaining all Protected Areas.
• The National Board for Wild Life may provide recommendations on establishing and managing national parks and activity restrictions.
• The State Board for Wild Life advises the State Government on designating and managing protected areas.

Allowed/Restricted Activities in National Parks:

• Human activity is restricted in National Parks, and livestock grazing and private tenurial rights are prohibited. Hunting or capturing species listed in the Schedule to the Wildlife Act is also prohibited.
• Wildlife exploitation, destruction, or habitat damage within a National Park is strictly prohibited, and these areas cannot be downgraded to “sanctuary” status.

Establishment and Boundary Changes:

Both federal and state governments can establish National Parks, but alterations to park boundaries require authorization through a State legislature resolution.

Wildlife Safaris:

• The Central Zoo Authority and the National Tiger Conservation Authority, both affiliated with the Union Environment Ministry, are expert bodies entrusted with the conservation and protection of wild animals. These organizations generally approve of tiger safaris, provided they adhere to a set of guidelines.
• The concept behind wildlife safaris in designated areas is to divert attention from the core zones of the forest, thus preserving its pristine nature and increasing public awareness about conservation. The primary objective of these safaris should be eco-tourism rather than commercial tourism.
• Nevertheless, there is a growing argument that such safaris could generate employment opportunities for locals, leading some state governments to endorse them.
• The recent relocation of cheetahs from Africa to Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh, aims to revive the cat’s presence and boost tourism.
• However, this approach is precarious and could easily result in political influence, as evidenced by the events in Corbett Park.

Conclusion:

The Court suggests that the Central government establish guidelines for safari operations, and it is crucial for the government to promptly act on this recommendation. Additionally, the government should exercise caution in its messaging regarding tourism and conservation to strike a balance between economic benefits and environmental protection.

Women in Leadership Roles

Context:

The much-delayed women’s reservation bill was unanimously passed in the Indian parliament. As Indian citizens, it is essential to acknowledge that this triumph is a narrative interwoven with not only struggles but also threads of hope. The approval of this historic bill marks a celebration of the resilience and bravery demonstrated by Indian women in the face of challenges.

Relevance:

GS1- Role of Women

Mains Question:

It is crucial recognise the pivotal role women’s participation plays in driving inclusive and sustainable development in India. In this context, analyse the steps taken in this regard and comment on their efficacy in ensuring gender equality. (10 Marks, 150 Words).

Gender Equality:

• Gender equality is integral to the three main pillars of sustainable development – economic, social, and environmental. According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), doubling the share of women in the workforce could elevate India’s GDP growth rate from 7.5 percent to 9 percent.
• Beyond economic considerations, gender equality and women’s empowerment are indispensable for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Significance of Women’s Reservation Bill:

• Throughout centuries, Indian women have battled against discrimination, marginalization, and violence to assert their fundamental rights and reclaim their standing in society.
• Despite confronting significant obstacles, Indian women have persevered, refusing to be passive observers and instead emerging as the architects of their own transformative journeys.
• The active participation of women is crucial for realizing demographic advantages in India. With one of the youngest populations globally, India must fully capitalize on its human capital.
• Empowering women through education and workforce participation can contribute significantly to strengthening India’s economic growth in the coming decades.
• Additionally, prioritizing women’s rights positions India as a responsible global power. As the home to one-sixth of humanity, our nation has a duty to lead in developing sustainable models that include women as equal partners.
• The current ranking of the country in the “UN: Women in Politics Report 2023” is 140th, reflecting a meager female representation of 15 percent in the Lok Sabha and 13.8 percent in the Rajya Sabha. In state legislative assemblies, women make up an average of 9 percent of total members.
• Therefore, the urgency for the women’s representation bill is not just a call for political reform but a fundamental stride towards societal advancement and inclusive governance.
• It is not merely a legislative requirement but a pivotal tool since having more women in positions of power and influence yields a range of benefits that extend well beyond gender equality.
• However, it was disheartening to witness the implementation of the bill being tied to two factors – census and delimitation, meaning it will come into effect many years after its passage.

Other Significant Initiatives:

• A decade has passed since the Indian government amended the Companies Act, requiring listed companies to have at least one woman on their board of directors. In 2013, India became the first developing country to implement quotas for women on boards.
• As of the end of FY23, more than 4,700 women directors were serving on the boards of 3,200 listed companies in the country.
• While this regulatory initiative has increased women’s representation in Indian corporate boardrooms to 18 percent in 2022, there is still much work to be done.
• The concerning fact that fewer than 20 percent of India’s women are involved in paid employment, in contrast to over 70 percent of men, highlights the pressing need to address this imbalance.

Way Forward:

• Despite the advancements, women continue to encounter distinctive challenges in their leadership journeys, including unconscious biases, limited access to mentorship and networking opportunities, and the ongoing struggle to balance work and personal responsibilities.
• India has taken the lead in reshaping the discourse on gender equality and empowerment, emphasizing not just women’s development but a more nuanced focus on women-led development.
• This narrative shift places women as active participants at the forefront of the development narrative, emphasizing their roles as agents, collaborators, and decision-makers in driving transformative socio-economic change.
• While applauding India’s efforts to establish benchmarks globally and regionally, there is a call for greater reflection on the national discourse surrounding women-led development.

Conclusion:

Celebrating women as catalysts capable of significant change raises the question of why more isn’t being done to harness this potential. Envision the transformative impact on society if we were to institutionalize women’s inherent potential at a national level! Aligning women’s empowerment with the vision of propelling India toward inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development is crucial. Failing to seize this opportunity would be a significant loss. The time for decisive action is now.