Daily News Analysis

Jim Corbett National Park:

stylish_lining


 

Jim Corbett National Park:

Jim Corbett National Park, located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, is one of the most renowned national parks in India. It is part of the Corbett Tiger Reserve and plays a significant role in wildlife conservation, particularly in protecting the Bengal tiger. Established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, it is the oldest national park in India and the first to be included under the Project Tiger initiative in 1973.

Key Facts

  • Location: Nainital district, Uttarakhand.

  • Established: 1936 (as Hailey National Park), renamed Jim Corbett National Park in 1957.

  • Significance: The first park under Project Tiger (1973) to protect the Bengal tiger.

  • Part of: Corbett Tiger Reserve.

  • Core Zone: Strictly protected area for conservation, with no human activity allowed.

  • Buffer Zone: Surrounds the core zone, allowing sustainable nature conservation and compatible human activities like eco-tourism and controlled agriculture.

Conservation Challenges and Legal Context

Recently, the Supreme Court of India (SC) addressed a significant conservation issue involving the operating of private buses within the core and buffer zones of Jim Corbett National Park. This raised concerns about the balance between wildlife conservation and the needs of local communities.

  • 2020 Decision: The Uttarakhand government allowed private buses to operate within the core area of Jim Corbett National Park. This decision was challenged in the Supreme Court.

  • 2021 Stay: The SC stayed the decision to allow private buses, citing concerns over the potential ecological impact on the park's sensitive environment.

Legal Framework:

  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (Section 38(O)):

    • Prohibits the diversion of tiger reserves for ecologically unsustainable uses.

    • Approval Required: Any such diversion must be approved by the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) on the advice of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).

    • The law mandates that any changes in land use within the protected areas must adhere to strict guidelines to preserve the ecosystem.

Supreme Court's Role and Stance

The Supreme Court emphasized the need to find a balance between wildlife conservation and local community needs. The court highlighted the importance of preserving the core zones for ecologically sensitive uses while also addressing the livelihoods and mobility needs of the local population.

The case underlines the challenge of balancing development and conservation goals. While tourism is vital for local economies, any increase in human activity, especially in the core zone, can disrupt delicate wildlife habitats and disturb the park's ecosystem.

Jim Corbett National Park's Role in Tiger Conservation

Jim Corbett National Park is a critical part of India's tiger conservation efforts:

  • First Under Project Tiger: Jim Corbett was the first national park to be included in Project Tiger, a significant wildlife conservation initiative launched in 1973 to protect the Bengal tiger from extinction.

  • Tiger Population: It plays a pivotal role in the conservation of tigers, with a thriving population of Bengal tigers.

  • Ecotourism: The park is also a major ecotourism destination, contributing to both wildlife conservation and the local economy. However, this has to be carefully managed to avoid harming the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

Conclusion

Jim Corbett National Park remains one of India's most important wildlife sanctuaries, known for its tiger population and natural beauty. However, the recent legal issues concerning the operation of private buses in the core and buffer zones highlight the ongoing challenges in balancing conservation with local needs. Going forward, effective management and strict adherence to conservation laws will be essential to maintain the park’s ecological health while also supporting the livelihoods of local communities.


 

Collegium System of Judicial Appointments in India

The Collegium system refers to India's judicial process for appointing and transferring judges to the Supreme Court and High Courts. While the system plays a crucial role in maintaining judici
Share It

Sea-Level Rise

Coral micro-atolls are essential natural recorders of sea-level rise (SLR), offering valuable insights into past and present oceanic changes. These disk-shaped coral colonies provide a unique meth
Share It

India’s Strategy in the Indian Ocean

Why the Indian Ocean Matters: Strategic Importance: The Indian Ocean is the third-largest ocean in the world, hosting 1/3rd of the global population and acting as a crucial maritime trade
Share It

ASEAN Centrality

Why in the News? ASEAN’s central role in the Indo-Pacific is increasingly under strain due to rising great-power rivalry, shifting global trade dynamics, and the evolving regional order.
Share It

2025 SCO Summit in Tianjin

The 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit held in Tianjin, China in 2025 brought together the heads of state of member countries to address a broad spectrum of issues, including secu
Share It

India’s Carbon Emissions Trading System

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has made a significant stride in India’s climate strategy by setting up the National Designated Authority (NDA) to implement a
Share It

Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025

The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025 was introduced in the Lok Sabha to amend various provisions across several central acts with the goal of decriminalizing offences and promoting
Share It

Fair and Representative Global Order

India’s External Affairs Minister recently called for a fair and representative global order during the BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival. The statement highlights the growing need for reforms
Share It

India's First EMI-Based Credit Card

Recently, Unity Small Finance Bank and BharatPe launched India's first EMI-driven credit card on the RuPay network. This innovative product allows users to pay for their purchases in full or c
Share It

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)

Why in News? Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have gained prominence for their vital role in promoting collective action, protecting rights, and filling gaps in governance. They serve as cata
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS