NCERT · Class 10 · Social Science · Geography: Forest and Wildlife ResourcesExplain the various measures and strategies adopted for the conservation of forests and wildlife in India.

Introduction to Conservation\nConservation of forests and wildlife is crucial for maintaining ecological balance, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring the survival of human life. In India, several measures have been initiated by the government and communities to protect these natural resources.

Government Initiatives and Legislation

• Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: This was implemented with various provisions for protecting habitats. An all-India list of protected species was published. The thrust was on protecting the remaining population of certain endangered species by hunting ban, giving legal protection to their habitats, and restricting trade in wildlife.
• Establishment of National Parks and Sanctuaries: The central and state governments established national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves to protect flora and fauna in their natural habitats. Projects for specific animals, such as Project Tiger, Project Elephant, and the One-horned Rhinoceros, have yielded positive results.

Role of Communities and Traditional Practices

• Local Participation: In many areas, local communities are partnering with government officials to protect habitats, recognizing that their own livelihoods depend on these resources.
• Sacred Groves: Nature worship is an age-old tribal belief that has conserved pristine forests called sacred groves. These patches of forests or parts of large forests have been left untouched by local people and any interference with them is banned.
• Chipko Movement: This famous movement in the Himalayas successfully resisted deforestation in several areas and showed that community afforestation with indigenous species can be successfully carried out.