Conservation in India

In today’s modern and ever developing world, conservation has become more important than ever before. As species of flora and fauna dwindle at an alarming rate, it is of high importance to conserve the remaining ones before they disappear too. Many governments and NGOs around the world have taken in account this need of the hour and are putting in their best efforts to conserve the various species which call Earth their home (including our own!). One of the stalwarts of conservation in today’s world is, without a doubt New Zealand. It is as much as 40 years ahead of India in terms of conservation sciences and efforts. Even countries like the USA and Australia have been torch bearers in conservation. And a big reason for the smashing success of conservation efforts around the world is involvement of the youth.

It turns out to be a huge irony that the youngest country in the world, India, has almost nil oppurtunities for teenagers to get involved in conservation work. Fortunately or unfortunately, the conservation sphere in India is more or less, under the control of the Central government. And, it has never made an effort to include youth(especially teenagers) into protecting our environment. For example, the USA has the Student Conservation Association, for high school students and others, School for International Training, Operation Wallacea and Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique also gives teenagers a chance to help out the staff in conserving the species in it. Although, organisations like WWF have volunteer opportunities in India but they are only for 18 year old and above. Another problem is how NBWL has been endlessly clearing projects for road construction, storage facilities and industrial projects etc. which many a times require clearing of protected forests and pass through the boundaries of wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and tiger reserves etc. and which violate EIA norms. It is also  interesting to note that the restrictions of EIA on development projects around “protected areas” covering 30 sectors, omits all railway projects from it’s ambit. The uncontrolled trawling operations on coast of Odisha have made it into a cemetery for Olive Ridley turtles.

The solution to all this is not very complicated. We need to include the younger population in conservartion efforts and awareness. We need to have more stringent laws against environmental degradation in the name of development and move towards sustainable development. It is important for everyone to realise that it is their moral responsibilty to conserve this planet, its resources and all its life, and not just something to be taken care of by government agencies and NGOs. At last, we must remember the words of Mr Lester Brown that “we have not inherited this earth from our forefathers; we have borrowed it from our children”.

“No matter how few possessions you own or how little money you have, loving wildlife and nature will make you rich beyond measure.” – Paul Oxton