• UGI USER
  • Jun 25, 2024
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HOW THE PESA HAS BOOSTED FOREST CONSERVATION IN INDIA

Syllabus:

GS 2:

Indian Constitution — historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions, and basic structure.

Focus:

The Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act empowered the Scheduled Tribes as political actors, and as they needed to protect trees for their livelihoods, it made them hostile to commercial timber and mining interests.

About:

The Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) has empowered Scheduled Tribes (STs) as political actors and has played a significant role in boosting forest conservation efforts in India. This empowerment has also made these communities more resistant to commercial timber and mining activities, which threaten their livelihoods and the forests they depend on.

Background of the Practice

  • Empowerment through PESA: The Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act of 1996 empowered Scheduled Tribes by giving them political power and representation at local levels in “Fifth Schedule Areas.”
  • Resistance to Commercial Exploitation: As STs needed to protect trees for their livelihoods, they became more resistant to commercial timber and mining interests.
  • Economic Dependence on Forests: The dependence of these communities on forest resources for their daily needs made them natural allies in the fight for forest conservation.

Legal and Constitutional Arguments

  • Balancing Conservation and Development: The state has struggled to balance conservation with economic development, often prioritizing the interests of capital over those of local communities.
  • Decentralization and Representation: The study argues that providing mandated political representation to marginalized communities can boost conservation efforts while securing their economic interests.
  • Impact of PESA: The introduction of PESA elections mandated representation for STs, leading to increased resistance to commercial interests and better forest management.

Methodology

  • Data-Driven Study: The study used a data-driven analysis to examine the impacts of PESA on forest conservation in Scheduled Areas.
  • Comparison with Other Areas: Researchers compared areas with and without ST-mandated representation to identify differences in forest outcomes.

Key Findings

  • Improved Forest Outcomes: The study found that ST representation led to improved forest outcomes, with reduced deforestation and better management of forest areas.
  • Empowerment and Resistance: Empowered local communities began to resist commercial exploitation, prioritizing long-term sustainability over short-term economic gains.
  • Quantitative Evidence: The study provided quantitative evidence that ST representation in local governance significantly impacted forest conservation efforts.

Comparative Analysis

  • PESA vs. FRA: The study compared the impacts of PESA with the Forest Rights Act (FRA) of 2006, finding that PESA had a more significant influence on reducing deforestation and improving forest management.
  • Limited Impact of FRA: While the FRA had positive impacts, it did not have additional discernible impacts beyond the baseline improvements caused by PESA.

Policy Implications

  • Combining Decentralization with Representation: The research underscores the importance of combining decentralization with political representation to address environmental and economic challenges effectively.
  • Sustainable Management: Increasing the political power of local communities can lead to significant environmental benefits, promoting sustainable management of forest resources.

Case Studies on PESA

Gujarat: In Gujarat, PESA implementation has led to significant improvements in forest management. The mandated representation of STs in local governance has empowered communities to take control of their forest resources, leading to a marked decrease in deforestation rates.

  • Chhattisgarh: In Chhattisgarh, the introduction of PESA has seen tribal communities actively participate in forest conservation efforts. By having a say in local governance, these communities have successfully resisted commercial mining projects that threatened their forest lands.
  • Odisha: The state of Odisha has witnessed the positive impacts of PESA, where tribal communities have utilized their political power to manage and protect forest resources effectively. The empowerment through PESA has enabled these communities to engage in sustainable forest management practices, ensuring long-term ecological balance.

Conclusion

The PESA Act has been instrumental in boosting forest conservation in India by empowering Scheduled Tribes and giving them a political voice. This empowerment has made these communities more resistant to commercial exploitation of forest resources, leading to more sustainable management practices. The study highlights the need for policies that combine decentralization with political representation to effectively address environmental and economic challenges in forest areas.

Relevant Facts for UPSC

  • PESA Act 1996: Provides for self-governance through traditional Gram Sabhas for people living in Scheduled Areas.
  • Fifth Schedule: Relates to the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes.
  • Forest Rights Act 2006: Recognizes the rights of forest-dwelling tribal communities and other traditional forest dwellers to forest resources.
  • Decentralization and Grassroots Democracy: PESA empowers Gram Sabhas to manage resources, resolve disputes, and protect cultural identity and traditions.
  • Environmental Justice: PESA promotes environmental justice by ensuring that local communities have control over their resources, aligning with principles of sustainable development.
  • Economic Inclusion: By giving STs a political voice, PESA helps in integrating these marginalized communities into the broader economic framework, promoting inclusive growth.
  • Community-Led Conservation: The act fosters community-led conservation efforts, which are often more effective and sustainable than top-down approaches.

Mains Question

Discuss the role of the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) in empowering Scheduled Tribes and its impact on forest conservation in India. How does it compare with the Forest Rights Act (FRA) of 2006?

Source: The Indian Express