India’s national parks are vital ecosystems that harbor diverse wildlife and contribute to the country’s biodiversity. Recent news regarding various national parks highlights both the conservation challenges they face and the initiatives being undertaken to protect them.
- Keibul Lamjao National Park: The Sangai, a rare species of deer found in Manipur’s Keibul Lamjao National Park, is facing a worrying decline in population, raising concerns about the conservation status of this unique species.
- Kaziranga National Park: The President of India inaugurated the Gaj Utsav-2023 at Kaziranga National Park, emphasizing the importance of elephant conservation and promoting awareness about wildlife protection.
- Kudremukh National Park: Despite objections raised by a Supreme Court-appointed committee, KIOCL seeks approval to submerge 700 acres of Western Ghats forest for a project, sparking controversy over environmental conservation and development priorities.
- Galathea Bay National Park: The approval of a development project in Greater Nicobar island raises concerns about its potential impact on local mangroves and coral reefs, posing threats to biodiversity in the vicinity of Galathea Bay and Campbell Bay National Parks.
- Kuno National Park: The recent death of a cheetah in Kuno National Park underscores the challenges faced in wildlife conservation and highlights the need for effective management strategies to protect endangered species.
- Jim Corbett National Park: Uttarakhand High Court’s order for a CBI probe into illegal construction inside Corbett National Park reflects the ongoing struggle to maintain the integrity of protected areas against encroachments and unauthorized activities.
- Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park: Tamil Nadu plans to introduce a dolphin safari at the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, aiming to promote eco-tourism and raise awareness about marine conservation in the region.
- Guru Ghasidas (Sanjay) National Park: Chhattisgarh’s decision to put the Guru Ghasidas Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve notification on hold highlights the challenges of balancing conservation efforts with industrial and resource development priorities.
- Mukurthi National Park: Combing operations conducted in areas surrounding Mukurthi National Park in the Nilgiris aim to address concerns about illegal activities such as poaching and encroachments, ensuring the protection of the park’s biodiversity.
- Intanki National Park: The re-wilding of Asian Giant Tortoises in Nagaland’s Intanki National Park represents a proactive conservation effort to restore endangered species populations and preserve the park’s ecological balance.
India’s national parks play a crucial role in conserving biodiversity and promoting ecological balance. However, they face various challenges such as habitat loss, illegal activities, and developmental pressures. It is essential to continue implementing effective conservation strategies and raising awareness to ensure the long-term survival of these precious natural habitats and the species they support.