• UGI USER
  • Apr 25, 2024
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SC WARNS OF DIRE CONSEQUENCES IF HUMAN-WILDLIFE CONFLICTS PERSIST.

Why in the news?

Human-wildlife conflicts endanger forests and wildlife; the Supreme Court emphasises resolutions to preserve ecological balance.

About the Warning by the Supreme Court:

  • The SC cautioned about the perilous impact of human-wildlife conflicts on forests and wildlife.
  • Justice B.R. Gavai emphasised the necessity of resolving conflicts to preserve forests and wildlife.
  • Balancing the rights of both stakeholders is crucial to ensure the coexistence of humans and wildlife.
  • The case revolved around demarcating boundaries of Assam’s Pobitora wildlife sanctuary and settling rights of villagers.
  • The Assam government formed a committee to survey and propose alterations to protect wildlife and human rights.
  • The proposals will undergo scrutiny by the National Board of Wildlife and the Supreme Court.
source:mdpi
What is  the National Board of Wildlife ?

  • Status: NBWL is a statutory body under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
  • Mandate: It reviews wildlife matters and approves projects in national parks and sanctuaries (Protected Areas).
  • Composition: It comprises 47 members, chaired by the Prime Minister.
  • Timeline: Established in 2003, reconstituted in 2014.
  • Standing Committee: Delegated powers by the environment ministry, chaired by the Union Minister of Forests and Wildlife.

About Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary:

  • Rhino Density: Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary boasts the highest density of one-horned rhinos globally, second only to Kaziranga National Park in Assam.
  • Mini Kaziranga: Often referred to as ‘Mini Kaziranga’ due to its similar landscape and vegetation.
  • Biodiversity: Home to endangered one-horned rhinoceros, along with leopards, wild cats, buffalo, and various other mammals.
  • Habitat: Comprises 72% wet savannah dominated by Arundo donax and Saccharum, with the remainder covered by water bodies.