Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
5. The wildlife sanctuaries and national parks faces serious threat of habitat loss and fragmentation due to developmental projects and encroachment. Analyse. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Easy.
Reference: Environment by Shankar
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2022 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 highway project.
Next, about the other factors affecting wildlife sanctuaries and national parks – Road/Railway lines inside protected areas, Uncontrolled passage of heavy vehicles during night-time, Man-animal conflicts, Threat from invasive species
Next, Discuss the potential solutions to issues such as – involving local communities in decision making, building infrastructure, anti poaching camps etc
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
