Created at: August 06, 2024
This editorial is based on “Biodiversity needs a win against oil and gas” which was published in Hindustan Times on 07/05/2024. The article highlights the critical need for prioritizing conservation over development, particularly regarding Vedanta-owned Cairn's drilling proposal in Assam's Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, which threatens the endangered Hoolock Gibbon and regional biodiversity. It underscores the conflict between sustainability goals, such as railway electrification, and the imperative to protect fragile ecosystems. For Prelims: Biodiversity conservation, Assam's Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, Western Ghats, Sundarbans, Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani, Article 48A, Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, Biological Diversity Act, 2002, Madhav Gadgil Committee Recommendations, Kasturirangan Committee Recommendations, Lantana camara, India's coral reefs, Microplastic pollution. For Mains: Significance of Biodiversity for India, Efforts Related to Biodiversity Conservation in India, Key Threats to Biodiversity in India India stands at a critical juncture in its journey of development and biodiversity conservation. As one of the world's megadiverse countries, housing over 8% of global biodiversity in just 2.4% of the Earth's land area, India bears a unique responsibility towards nature conservation. Yet, the nation's rapid economic growth, urbanization, and industrial expansion are increasingly placing its rich ecosystems under threat. This delicate balance between progress and preservation is starkly illustrated by the recent controversy surrounding Vedanta-owned Cairn's proposal to drill in Assam's Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary. The project threatens the habitat of the endangered Hoolock Gibbon, India's only ape species, encapsulating the broader challenges the country faces in reconciling development needs with biodiversity conservation. India, as one of the world's megadiverse countries, has a crucial role to play in global biodiversity conservation. However, rapid urbanization, industrial expansion, and resource extraction are increasingly threatening its rich ecosystems. To address this, India needs to strengthen its environmental impact assessment processes, invest in comprehensive biodiversity mapping, and prioritize the protection of critical habitats. What is the Significance of Biodiversity for India? Ecological Significance: India is one of the 17 megadiverse countries. This rich biodiversity plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation. For instance, the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot, influences monsoon patterns that are vital for agriculture across the country. The mangrove forests of Sundarbans act as natural barriers against cyclones and tsunamis, protecting coastal communities. More than 50% of India's cultivated plants depend on pollinators to produce fruits, seeds and nuts. Economic Significance: Biodiversity forms the backbone of various economic sectors in India. India's forest biodiversity supports the livelihoods of about 275 million people who depend on forest resources. Ecotourism, centered around India's diverse flora and fauna, contributes significantly to the economy. Cultural and Traditional Significance: India's biodiversity is deeply intertwined with its cultural fabric. Many species hold religious or cultural significance, like the sacred groves that have helped preserve biodiversity for centuries. Traditional knowledge systems, particularly in medicine (Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani), are built upon the country's rich biodiversity.
Author: kjnkjnk