Relevance: GS III (Environment – Conservation & Protected Areas) | Source: The Hindu

1. The Core Conflict

A delicate balance exists between “Freedom of Religion” and “Ecological Integrity.” The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SCNBWL) has intervened to set a clear precedent: Faith cannot override Forest Laws.

  • The Trigger: A proposal to divert forest land for a religious trust in the Balaram Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary (Gujarat) was revoked.
  • The Reason: The Committee found that the trust had no recorded rights in the government settlement records. Allocating protected land without legal basis would open the floodgates for similar demands nationwide.

2. The New “Red Line” (Guidelines)

To prevent future conflicts, the Committee laid down specific norms:

  • The “1980” Cut-off: Any construction or expansion of religious structures on forest land that occurred after 1980 is to be treated as “Illegal Encroachment”.
    • Why 1980? This aligns with the enactment of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, which restricted the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes.
  • Strict Scrutiny: “Matters of faith” are not sufficient grounds for land diversion. Regularization is only possible if the State proves historical rights via a “reasoned and documented order.”

3. Ecological Significance

Why is the Balaram Ambaji Sanctuary important?

  • It is part of the Aravalli Ecosystem.
  • It acts as a crucial Wildlife Corridor connecting the forests of North Gujarat with the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan, allowing the genetic dispersal of species like Sloth Bears and Leopards. Unregulated religious tourism here causes fragmentation and human-wildlife conflict.

UPSC Value Box

Concept / Institution

Relevance for Prelims
National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) A Statutory Body under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Chairman: Prime Minister. It is the apex policy-making body for wildlife.
Standing Committee (SCNBWL) The Real Decision Maker. Since the PM cannot attend every meeting, this committee handles project clearances in Protected Areas. Chaired by: Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 Crucial for “Settlement of Rights.” It mandates that before an area is managed as a sanctuary, the rights of traditional dwellers (including access to places of worship) must be legally settled.

Q. With reference to the governance of wildlife in India, consider the following statements:

  1. The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) is a statutory body constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
  2. The Standing Committee of the NBWL is chaired by the Prime Minister.
  3. The Balaram Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary serves as an ecological corridor connecting Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: (b)

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