Social Sciences: Class 10 (Part 1) — Chapter 2: Forest and Wildlife Resources

2.1 Introduction to Biodiversity

We share this planet with millions of other living beings, starting from micro-organisms and bacteria, lichens to banyan trees, elephants and blue whales. This entire habitat has immense biodiversity.

Biodiversity or Biological Diversity is immensely rich in wildlife and cultivated species, diverse in form and function but closely integrated in a system through multiple network of interdependencies.

2.2 Flora and Fauna in India

India is one of the world’s richest countries in terms of its vast array of biological diversity. This is possibly twice or thrice the number yet to be discovered. However, these diverse flora and fauna are under great stress mainly due to insensitivity to our environment.

2.3 Conservation of Forest and Wildlife in India

Conservation preserves the ecological diversity and our life support systems – water, air and soil. It also preserves the genetic diversity of plants and animals for better growth of species and breeding.

The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act

Implemented in 1972, with various provisions for protecting habitats. An all-India list of protected species was published. The thrust of the programme was towards protecting the remaining population of certain endangered species by banning hunting, giving legal protection to their habitats, and restricting trade in wildlife.

Project Tiger

Launched in 1973, Project Tiger is one of the well-publicised wildlife campaigns in the world. Tiger population had dwindled to 1,827 from an estimated 55,000 at the turn of the century. Major threats include poaching for trade, shrinking habitat, depletion of prey base species, and growing human population.

Key tiger reserves in India include:

Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand
Sunderbans National Park in West Bengal
Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh
Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan
Manas Tiger Reserve in Assam
Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala

2.4 Types and Distribution of Forest and Wildlife Resources

Forest resources in India are classified under three main categories managed by the government through the Forest Department:

Forest Classifications

Reserved Forests: More than half of the total forest land has been declared reserved forests. They are regarded as the most valuable for the conservation of forest and wildlife resources.
Protected Forests: Almost one-third of the total forest area is protected forest, declared by the Forest Department to protect it from any further depletion.
Unclassed Forests: Other forests and wastelands belonging to both government and private individuals and communities.

Reserved and protected forests are also referred to as permanent forest estates. Madhya Pradesh has the largest area under permanent forests (75% of its total forest area).

2.5 Community and Conservation

Conservation strategies are deeply rooted in traditional Indian communities who often struggle to conserve these habitats alongside government officials to secure their long-term livelihood.

Community Movements and Initiatives

Sariska Tiger Reserve: Villagers fought against mining by citing the Wildlife Protection Act.
Bhairodev Dakav ‘Sonchuri’: Inhabitants of five villages in Alwar district, Rajasthan, declared 1,200 hectares of forest as a protected area with their own rules.
Chipko Movement: Successfully resisted deforestation in several areas of the Himalayas and promoted community afforestation with indigenous species.
Beej Bachao Andolan and Navdanya: Demonstrated that diversified crop production without synthetic chemicals is economically viable.
Joint Forest Management (JFM): Involves local communities in the management and restoration of degraded forests. Formally existed since 1988 in Odisha.

Sacred Groves

Nature worship has preserved several virgin forests in pristine form called Sacred Groves (forests of God and Goddesses). Specific communities revere particular trees: