Wildlife sanctuaries and national parks are confronted with a grave threat as they experience habitat loss and fragmentation due to various developmental projects and encroachment activities.

Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment

5. Wildlife sanctuaries and national parks are confronted with a grave threat as they experience habitat loss and fragmentation due to various developmental projects and encroachment activities. Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the threats faced by the wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in India.

Directive word: 

Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by mentioning that The Union Government has established a country-wide protected area network for protection of these species and their habitats of threatened flora and fauna under Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

Body:

First, write about the threats to wildlife sanctuaries and national parks from habitat loss. Substantiate with examples. For e.g: Clearance of partis of Valley of flowers for Chardham road project.

Next, write the reasons for decline in key species – due to over-collection to supply domestic and foreign medicinal markets, over exploitation, forest degradation etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.