Environment ( National parks of India )

1. Introduction

National Parks are one of the most significant components of India’s biodiversity conservation framework. They represent areas strictly protected for the preservation of flora, fauna, and ecological processes in their natural state. These parks play a vital role in environmental protection, wildlife conservation, and eco-tourism, forming an essential topic for UPSC under Environment and Ecology.

2. Definition and Legal Framework

• Definition (as per Wildlife Protection Act, 1972):
  A National Park is a natural area designated by the state government, aimed at protecting the ecological, faunal, floral, and geomorphological aspects of the region.
• Legal Status:
  Declared under Section 35 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• Prohibitions:
• No human activities like grazing, hunting, or forestry operations are allowed.
• Limited tourism may be permitted under strict regulation.

3. Objectives of National Parks

• Conservation of wildlife and biodiversity.
• Protection of endangered species and ecosystems.
• Promotion of ecological research and education.
• Maintenance of ecological balance and natural processes.
• Promotion of sustainable eco-tourism.

5. Historical Background

• India’s first National Park – Jim Corbett National Park (est. 1936, Uttarakhand, formerly Hailey National Park).
• After the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, several parks were notified.
• The Project Tiger (1973) gave new momentum to tiger conservation and led to the creation of tiger reserves within national parks.

6. Distribution and Numbers

• As of 2025, India has ~108 National Parks, covering about 44,400 sq. km, which is 1.35% of India’s geographical area.
• The largest National Park – Hemis National Park (Jammu & Kashmir, 4,400 sq. km).
• The smallest National Park – South Button Island National Park (Andaman & Nicobar Islands, 0.03 sq. km).

7. Important National Parks (State-wise Highlights)

• Uttarakhand: Jim Corbett, Rajaji
• Madhya Pradesh: Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Satpura, Pench
• Assam: Kaziranga (UNESCO Site), Manas (UNESCO Site), Nameri
• Rajasthan: Ranthambore, Keoladeo (UNESCO Site), Desert NP
• Gujarat: Gir NP (only home of Asiatic lions)
• West Bengal: Sundarbans (UNESCO Site, Tiger Reserve)
• Karnataka: Bandipur, Nagarhole
• Kerala: Periyar, Eravikulam
• Maharashtra: Tadoba, Sanjay Gandhi NP
• J&K/Ladakh: Hemis NP
• Andaman & Nicobar: Campbell Bay, Mahatma Gandhi Marine NP

8. Role in Conservation

• Tiger Conservation: Several national parks are part of tiger reserves under Project Tiger.
• Biodiversity Hotspots: Many parks fall within Western Ghats, Eastern Himalayas, and Indo-Burma regions.
• Climate Regulation: Act as carbon sinks and stabilize local climates.
• Habitat Restoration: Facilitate the revival of threatened species (e.g., one-horned rhinoceros in Kaziranga).

9. Challenges

• Human-Wildlife Conflict: Encroachment and cattle grazing near buffer zones.
• Poaching and Illegal Trade: Rhino horns, tiger skins, etc.
• Tourism Pressure: Disturbs animal habitats.
• Climate Change: Alters ecosystem patterns.
• Insufficient Funding and Manpower: Limits conservation efficiency.

10. Government Initiatives

• Project Tiger (1973) and Project Elephant (1992)
• Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (2008)
• Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) around parks for buffer protection
• National Biodiversity Authority (2003) under Biological Diversity Act, 2002
• Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (2007) for curbing illegal trade

11. International Recognition

Several Indian National Parks are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, e.g.:

• Kaziranga (Assam)
• Keoladeo (Rajasthan)
• Manas (Assam)
• Sundarbans (West Bengal)
• Great Himalayan National Park (Himachal Pradesh)

12. Conclusion

National Parks are the heart of India’s conservation strategy. They embody the nation’s commitment to preserving its ecological heritage and biodiversity for future generations. Effective management, local community involvement, and sustainable tourism are key to ensuring their long-term survival.

In essence, India’s National Parks are not merely protected spaces—they are living laboratories of nature and culture.