Published in Dwarka Express on 15.4.23

On 6.4.23, a question was asked by a BJP Member Sushil Kumar Modi in Rajya Sabha about the area of forests diverted in the last 5 years.  Ashwini Kumar Choubey, the Minister of state in the ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEF & CC) answered that during the last 5 years, various approvals for diversion of forest land for non-forestry purpose including for infrastructure and industrial projects, involving an area of 889.03 Sq. kms have been accorded by the Central Government under the provisions of Forest (Conservation) Act,1980. Or on a comparative term, a forest land equal to Sariska Tiger Reserve (881 Sq kms) has vanished.

Interestingly it is claimed that during the last 4 years, 200 tigers have been added to the Indian count, taking the total number of tigers to 3167, almost three fourth of world tiger population. Out of the 889 Sq. kms of the sacrificed forest land, 194 Sq. kms have gone to ROADS, 188 Sq kms for MINING and 133 Sq kms for IRRIGATION. As per the tabled data, the forests have given way to about 26 avenues such as railways, defence etc. which are treated necessary for development.

According to Dr Ullas Karanth, a Conservation Zoologist, who dedicated his life for tiger conservation, we have 380000 Sq kms available for tiger conservation. Even if a set of 5 tigers have a territory of say, 100 Sq kms, India would have a minimum of 10000 tigers by now. He laments over lack of scientific temperament to achieve the same. Besides, the effective conservation of wildlife squarely depends on the political will and the only way it is possible is by increasing the much-needed forest cover. Not only tigers but reports indicate that elephants and wild animals emerge out of the jungles in search of food and water while locals make a big hue and cry for their safety, resulting in man-animal conflicts. This is the reason why scientists and environmentalists become vociferous, seeking tangible solutions, whenever an infra project encroaches forest areas. When affected locals protest, they are branded as pro-environment, anti-development proponents. When places like Joshi Math disappear, then we do a post mortem and conclude that the destruction is due to tunnelling and large infra projects. Environmental Impact Assessment provisions are flexed so that the existing stringent norms do not come in the way of developmental projects. It is emphatic that the environmental clearances are accorded in an equitable manner