The Delhi High Court recently expressed its apprehensions over the proposed “Walk with Wildlife” event, an initiative by the Delhi government’s forest department. The event is scheduled to take place at the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary. Several key issues were flagged by the court, including the lack of a precise animal count within the sanctuary and the absence of demarcation of core and buffer zones. These issues raise queries on the impact such events could have on the wildlife in the sanctuary.
Concerns Over Count of Sanctuary Animals
A pivotal point raised by the Delhi High Court was the lack of accurate animal count in the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, including leopard population. The court expressed doubt on how the forest department plans to familiarize people with the wildlife without having comprehensive knowledge about the animal count. This concern roots from the perspective that without this crucial information, it becomes challenging to protect and conserve the wildlife, especially when exposing them to human presence during initiatives like the ‘Walk with Wildlife.’
Requirement for Demarcation
Another significant concern discussed by the court was the necessity of drawing a clear distinction between core and buffer areas within the sanctuary. Core areas are those with minimal human interference, home solely to the wildlife. In contrast, buffer zones serve as transitional spaces where controlled human activities may be permitted. However, the court noted that there is currently no such demarcation within the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary. The absence of these defined areas may pose potential risks to wildlife and their habitats due to unregulated human activity.
About Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary
The Asola-Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary spans an area of 32.71 sq km and lies on the Southern Delhi Ridge of the Aravalli hill range. It is not confined to Delhi alone but extends to the northern parts of Faridabad and Gurugram districts of Haryana state, lining the Delhi-Haryana border. This large expansiveness requires a systematic approach to managing wildlife, which necessitates critical concerns such as precise animal counts and clear demarcation of zones.
The Significance of Wildlife Management
Effective management of wildlife sanctuaries is integral to conserving biodiversity and preserving natural habitats. Various measures are essential for efficient wildlife management, including precise animal counts and appropriate zoning. Precise counting of animals provides an estimate of the wildlife population, aiding conservation efforts, and monitoring changes in population trends. On the other hand, demarcating core and buffer zones within the sanctuary aids in balancing conservation efforts with permissible human interaction, ensuring the least disturbance to the wildlife.
Ideal Scenario for Wildlife Encounters
Events like ‘Walk with Wildlife’ are crucial for enhancing public awareness about nature and wildlife conservation. However, such initiatives need to be thoughtfully planned and executed, considering the welfare and conservation of wildlife. Authorities must ensure the least disturbance to the wildlife and their habitats during these encounters. Additionally, through proper zoning and maintaining accurate animal counts, authorities can effectively manage the sanctuaries while providing individuals with valuable wildlife experiences.
The Delhi High Court’s concerns underline the necessity for transparent planning and systematic execution in wildlife initiatives. It also emphasizes the importance of having precise knowledge of sanctuary inhabitants and clear demarcation of zones within the sanctuary. These measures are crucial not just for the effective running of such events but also for the broader goal of wildlife conservation.