What is definition of National Park? 

National Park as per Section 35 of  Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 is  legally designated area for  absolute protection of ecological, faunal, floral  & zoological significance prohibiting any human interference unless explicitly permitted under strict regulations.

Unlike Wildlife Sanctuaries where controlled activities like grazing  & restricted tourism may be allowed National Parks receive  highest level of legal protection barring all forms of resource extraction except for scientific research, conservation projects  & eco-tourism under  Chief Wildlife Warden authorization.

As of 2024 India has 106 National Parks, spanning 44,402.95 sq. km (1.35% of  country’s land), managed by MoEFCC, State Forest Departments, NTCA  & WII. These parks play  crucial role in biodiversity conservation safeguarding endangered species,  & upholding India commitments under global agreements like  Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), SDG 15 (Life on Land),  &  Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

• Largest National Park:Hemis National Park, Ladakh (4,400 km²)
• Smallest National Park:South Button Island National Park, Andaman & Nicobar Islands (5.19 km²)

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Significance of National Parks: Ecological, Economic & Cultural Dimensions

These protected regions play  crucial & multifaceted role in preserving biodiversity, mitigating  impacts of climate change, maintaining hydrological balance, supporting eco-tourism-driven economies & protecting  cultural heritage of indigenous communities all of which collectively contribute to India long-term environmental sustainability & socio-economic stability.

1. Ecological & Biodiversity Conservation Benefits

National Parks are critical strongholds for endangered, vulnerable  & rare species many listed on  IUCN Red List relying entirely on strict legal protection  & scientific management for survival.

Kaziranga National Park, Assam  UNESCO World Heritage Site safeguards over 70% of  world Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros population underscoring  role of National Parks in preventing extinction, preserving genetic diversity  & shielding ecosystems from deforestation, habitat loss  & poaching.

Sundarbans National Park home to  world largest mangrove forest serves as  natural carbon sink absorbing millions of tons of CO₂ annually while protecting coastal communities from cyclones, rising sea levels,  & tidal surges.

2. Economic Contributions through Eco-Tourism & Sustainable Development

National Parks play  vital economic role, driving eco-tourism, job creation  & community led conservation forming  backbone of India  ₹20,000 crore wildlife tourism industry. They generate direct  & indirect employment for forest guides, conservationists, eco-tour operators, hospitality professionals  & tribal artisans.

3. Cultural & Anthropological Importance for Indigenous Tribes

National Parks hold deep cultural  & anthropological significance, preserving traditional knowledge, spiritual beliefs  & sustainable practices of indigenous communities who have long coexisted with nature.

Evolution of National Parks in India: From Ancient Traditions to Modern Conservation

1. Ancient India: Sacred Forests & Royal Hunting Reserves (Pre-18th Century)

India’s conservation ethos dates back to Vedic times when sacred groves (Dev Van/Devrai) were protected under Hindu, Buddhist & Jain traditions.

• Ancient textslike Atharva Veda & Manusmriti advocated wildlife protection.
• Emperor Ashoka (268–232 BCE)issued edicts restricting hunting & deforestation.
• Royal hunting reserves (Shikargahs) while meant for elite sport indirectly preserved wilderness.
• The Bishnoi community (1730)sacrificed their lives to protect Khejri trees exemplifying deep-rooted conservation ethics.

2. Colonial Era: State-Controlled Forest & Wildlife Policies (18th – 1947)

• Deforestation surgedunder British rule for timber & railway expansion endangering wildlife.
• Trophy hunting cultureled to mass killings of tigers, elephants & rhinoceroses.
• Indian Forest Act (1865, revised 1878, 1927)classified forests to regulate timber extraction.
• First Protected Areas (1900–1936):Kaziranga Reserve Forest (1905) & Hailey National Park (1936, now Jim Corbett) marked early conservation efforts.
• Despite these steps British policies prioritized commercial gains over ecological protection accelerating biodiversity loss.

3. Post-Independence Era: Birth of National Parks (1947–1972)

With independence India shifted towards conservation addressing deforestation & species decline.

• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972:
  • • Established  legal frameworkfor National Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries.
    • Banned hunting& designated core protected areas.
• Project Tiger (1973):
  • • Launched to protect dwindling tiger populations.
    • Established nine initial Tiger Reserves expanding conservation efforts.
• Rapid Expansion (1972–1980):
  • • National Parks like Bandhavgarh, Periyar & Sundarbanswere established across diverse ecosystems.
• This period institutionalized India National Park system transitioning from fragmented conservation efforts to structured network of protected areas.

4. Modern Conservation Era: Strengthening Laws & Technology (1980 – Present)

• Forest Conservation Act (1980):Curbed deforestation by restricting non-forestry land use.
• Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) Policy (2002):Created buffer zones to control urban & industrial encroachment.
• Cheetah Reintroduction (2022):India reintroduced cheetahs in Kuno National Park reviving an extinct species.
• Supreme Court Interventions:Landmark rulings have restricted commercial activities in National Parks & reinforced conservation laws.
• Technology-Driven Conservation:
  • • AI-powered camera traps, drones & surveillance systemsenhance anti-poaching & habitat monitoring.

Process of Establishment of National Parks in India

The establishment of National Parks in India is a structured process ensuring the highest level of legal protection & scientific management governed by the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (WPA, 1972), the Indian Forest Act, 1927 & environmental guidelines from MoEFCC.

Identification of Potential

first step involves an ecological assessment by State Forest Departments, wildlife organizations, scientific bodies like Wildlife Institute of India (WII). Key factors evaluated include species richness, habitat uniqueness, presence of endangered species.

Legal Notification

Once a potential area is identified State Government issues a notification in State Gazette under Section 35 of the WPA, 1972. This formally declares the intent to designate the area as National Park & imposes a moratorium on commercial, agricultural & industrial activities within its boundaries during the legal process. Temporary restrictions may also apply to tourism & resource extraction.

Settlement of Rights & Relocation

crucial stage involves addressing rights of local communities residing within the proposed National Park area. Under the Forest Rights Act, 2006 affected communities are either relocated with compensation or allowed to continue traditional practices under controlled conditions.

Final Notification & Legal Protection

After completing public consultations & addressing community rights State Government issues Final Notification under Section 35(4) of the WPA, 1972. This grants the area permanent legal status as a National Park prohibiting developmental or extractive activities except those authorized for scientific research, eco-tourism, sustainable management.

Source: Maps of India

Legal Framework Governing National Parks in India

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1. The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (WPA, 1972)

It serves as  principal legislation for  governance, management & enforcement of wildlife conservation laws across  country encompassing key provisions related to  classification of protected areas (including National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries & Conservation Reserves), legal restrictions on hunting & poaching, regulatory measures for biodiversity protection & guidelines for  scientific management of National Parks.

Under Chapter IV of  Act which specifically deals with Protected Areas it is explicitly stated that:

• No person shall destroy, exploit or remove any wildlife, forest produce or habitat components from National Park except under  provisions granted for scientific research, conservation projects or eco-tourism initiatives authorized by  Chief Wildlife Warden.
• No grazing of domestic cattle shall be permitted within National Park except under exceptional circumstances where it is deemed necessary for maintaining  ecological balance.
• Any developmental projects including infrastructure development, road construction, or industrial activities within or in close proximity to National Park must undergo rigorous environmental impact assessments (EIAs) & receive clearance from  National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) before being approved.

2. Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980

This Act plays crucial role in regulating deforestation, land conversion & commercial exploitation of forest resources particularly in cases where National Parks are located within Reserved or Protected Forests thereby ensuring that forest land cannot be diverted for non-forest purposes without obtaining prior approval from  Central Government.

3. Environmental Protection Act, 1986

Under this Act various environmental safeguards are mandated for industries, tourism projects & large-scale developmental activities in proximity to National Parks ensuring that environmental pollution, ecological degradation & anthropogenic pressures do not negatively impact  biodiversity of these protected areas.

Key Supreme Court Rulings on National Parks & Wildlife Protection

T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India (1996)

In one of  most landmark judgments in Indian environmental jurisprudence Supreme Court in  T.N. Godavarman case issued directives emphasizing  nationwide ban on tree felling in protected areas, stricter enforcement of wildlife protection laws & mandatory environmental clearances for projects near National Parks.

Goa Foundation v. Union of India (2013)

This ruling prohibited mining activities within  10-km eco-sensitive zone surrounding National Parks recognizing that industrial pollution & deforestation were severely impacting biodiversity conservation efforts.

Centre for Environmental Law v. Union of India (2013)

This judgment reinforced  importance of securing critical tiger habitats within National Parks leading to  strengthening of  National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) & ensuring stricter measures against encroachment.

Administrative Bodies & Institutions Governing National Parks in India

Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC)

It is  principal government body responsible for formulating policies, implementing conservation programs & overseeing National Park governance at  national level. It plays critical role in setting legislative guidelines, allocating funds for biodiversity conservation & approving large-scale projects that impact National Parks.

• One of its important functions is granting Environmental Clearances (EC) & Forest Clearances (FC)under  Environmental Protection Act, 1986 &  Forest Conservation Act, 1980 ensuring that any proposed developmental project in & around National Parks undergoes rigorous Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)before being approved.
• MoEFCC is also responsible for designating Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) around National Parks ensuring that buffer areasare maintained to reduce human-wildlife conflicts & prevent habitat fragmentation.

National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)

Chaired by  Prime Minister of India serves as  apex advisory body for wildlife conservation with  primary responsibility of:

1. Providing policy recommendations for National Park management.
2. Reviewing & approving projects that affect National Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries.
3. Ensuring scientific research & technological advancements are integrated into conservation efforts.

State Forest Departments & Chief Wildlife Wardens

State Forest Departments function as  primary enforcement & management agencies responsible for  day-to-day administration of National Parks. Chief Wildlife Warden (CWLW) of each state appointed under  Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 holds  statutory authority to grant limited permissions for research, tourism & community-based conservation initiatives.

National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)

National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) established under  Project Tiger initiative in 2005 plays  pivotal role in  protection & management of National Parks designated as Tiger Reserves ensuring that critical tiger habitats are safeguarded from poaching, habitat destruction & human encroachments.

Wildlife Institute of India (WII)

Headquartered in Dehradun serves as India premier research institution dedicated to wildlife ecology, biodiversity conservation & National Park management.

• WII conducts advanced research on habitat modeling, wildlife migration patterns & climate change impact assessments which help in drafting long-term conservation strategies.

Major Challenges Facing National Parks in India

Habitat Destruction & Fragmentation

• Infrastructure projectslike highways and railways disrupt ecosystems reducing genetic diversity and increasing human wildlife conflict.
• The Ken-Betwa River Link Projectthreatens Panna National Park altering river hydrology & endangering aquatic life and tiger habitats.

Poaching & Illegal Wildlife Trade

• Species like the Bengal Tiger, One-Horned Rhinoceros &Indian Pangolin face persistent threats from poaching.
• Smuggling networks in Assam & West Bengalexploit porous borders to traffic wildlife products to China & Southeast Asia.

Climate Change Impact

• Rising temperatures and erratic monsoons disrupt food chains & migration patterns.
• Himalayan parkslike Valley of Flowers & Nanda Devi face glacial melting threatening fragile ecosystems.

Human-Wildlife Conflict

• Expanding agriculture and settlements lead to crop damage, livestock predation, retaliatory killings.
• Kaziranga National Parksees frequent rhino attacks heightening tensions between locals & authorities.

Future Strategies for Sustainable National Park Management

To ensure that India National Parks remain resilient in  face of emerging challenges multi-pronged strategy must be adopted, integrating technology, policy reforms & community participation.

1. Strengthening Protected Area Connectivity & Creating Wildlife Corridors
2. Using Technology for Enhanced Surveillance & Anti-Poaching Measures
3. Integrating Local Communities in Conservation Programs
4. Legislative Reforms & Strengthening Law Enforcement

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Source: INDIAN EXPRESS

Classification as per different categories

Category	Geography	Ecosystem Types	Species Protected	Example National Parks
1. Himalayan Region	North  & North-East India (Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh)	Alpine, Temperate, Subalpine, Montane Forests, High-altitude Grasslands	Snow Leopard, Red Panda, Himalayan Monal, Musk Deer, Himalayan Tahr, Brown Bear, Monal Pheasant	Khangchendzonga NP (Sikkim), Nanda Devi NP (Uttarakhand), Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary (Uttarakhand), Kaziranga NP (Assam), Namdapha NP (Arunachal Pradesh)
2. Gangetic Plain	Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam	Tropical Deciduous Forest, Wetlands, Mangroves, Riverine Ecosystems	Royal Bengal Tiger, Gharial, Gangetic Dolphin, Indian Wolf, Sarus Crane, Bengal Florican	Sundarbans NP (West Bengal), Dudhwa NP (Uttar Pradesh), Bharatpur NP (Rajasthan), Kaziranga NP (Assam)
3. Western Ghats	Southern India (Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa)	Tropical Evergreen Forests, Montane Grasslands, Temperate Grasslands	Nilgiri Tahr, Lion-tailed Macaque, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Indian Leopard, Indian Elephant, Great Indian Hornbill	Silent Valley NP (Kerala), Periyar NP (Kerala), Bandipur NP (Karnataka), Agasthyakoodam NP (Kerala)
4. Deccan Plateau	Central  & Southern India (Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha)	Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests, Grasslands, Scrublands, Wetlands	Sloth Bear, Indian Tiger, Indian Wolf, Leopard, Indian Peafowl, Asiatic Lion, Striped Hyena	Tadoba NP (Maharashtra), Bandipur NP (Karnataka), Kanha NP (Madhya Pradesh), Pench NP (Madhya Pradesh)
5. Coastal & Marine	Coastal Regions of India (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andaman & Nicobar)	Coastal Mangroves, Coral Reefs, Beaches, Marine Ecosystems	Olive Ridley Turtle, Dugong, Saltwater Crocodile, Green Sea Turtle, Indian Coral Reef Fish	Gulf of Mannar Marine NP (Tamil Nadu), Rann of Kutch NP (Gujarat), Sundarbans NP (West Bengal), Andaman & Nicobar Islands NP
6. Desert Region	Rajasthan, Gujarat	Arid Grasslands, Sand Dunes, Desert Scrubland	Indian Gazelle (Chinkara), Blackbuck, Desert Fox, Great Indian Bustard, Indian Wild Ass	Desert NP (Rajasthan), Rann of Kutch NP (Gujarat), Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary (Gujarat)
7. Wetlands & Floodplains	North-East India, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Rajasthan	Wetlands, Floodplain Ecosystems, Marshy Lands, Riverine Wetlands	Bengal Florican, Marsh Crocodile, Sarus Crane, Waterfowl Species, Swamp Deer, Wild Buffalo	Bharatpur NP (Rajasthan), Kaziranga NP (Assam), Sultanpur NP (Haryana), Manas NP (Assam)
8. Tropical Forests	Western, Central,  & Eastern India (Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha)	Tropical Rainforests, Evergreen Forests, Wet Deciduous Forests, Mixed Forests	Indian Rhinoceros, Bengal Tiger, Indian Elephant, Malayan Giant Squirrel, Spotted Deer, Indian Bison	Kanha NP (Madhya Pradesh), Sundarbans NP (West Bengal), Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary (Karnataka), Indravati NP (Chhattisgarh)

Conclusion

India National Parks serve as irreplaceable biodiversity hotspots that not only conserve rare & endangered species but also act as crucial ecological buffers against climate change & environmental degradation. 

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