The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has urged the Uttarakhand government to avoid sensitive areas of the Shivalik Elephant Reserve during their exploration for land to expand Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport. This request is due to growing concerns about the environmental impact and the potential displacement and threat to various species of fauna.
Background Details
The area under consideration for airport expansion falls within a 10-kilometer radius of Rajaji National Park and is part of the Shivalik Elephant Reserve. This region is a biodiversity hub, known for its high density of elephants along with other wildlife species. Several social activists and local children have begun protests to oppose this expansion, invoking methods akin to the historical Chipko movement by tying protective strings around trees marked to be cut.
Environmental Concerns
The proposed expansion could pose severe threats to the local environment and wildlife. Thano, near Rajaji National Park, and the elephant corridor houses hundreds of species that might be displaced or endangered due to this development. The area also falls within seismic Zones IV and V, as mapped in the Earthquake Zoning Map, raising concerns about soil erosion and flood vulnerability. Recent criticisms paralleling these were raised against the Chardham Pariyojana, a connectivity improvement initiative in Uttarakhand led by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
About the Shivalik Elephant Reserve
Shivalik Elephant Reserve was established in 2002, under the government’s ‘Project Elephant,’ aimed at addressing man-animal conflicts, protecting elephants and their habitats, and ensuring the welfare of captive elephants. With one of the highest densities of elephants in India, it encompasses the Kansora-Barkot Elephant Corridor. The Indian elephant, currently listed as ‘Endangered’ in the IUCN Red List, is also included in Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and Appendix I of CITES.
Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park, located in Haridwar, spans 820 square kilometers along the Shivalik range foothills. Established in 1983, it amalgamates Rajaji, Motichur, and Chila sanctuaries. The park, named after freedom fighter C. Rajgopalachari, is renowned for its diverse forest types, rich biodiversity, and being the north-western habitat limit for Asian elephants. It was recognized as a Tiger Reserve in 2015.
Other Protected Areas in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand hosts several other notable protected regions. These include India’s first national park, Jim Corbett National Park; Valley of Flowers National Park and Nanda Devi National Park, both UNESCO World heritage sites; Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and Sanctuary; Gangotri National Park, and Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary.
Moving Forward
As plans for the airport expansion proceed, it’s crucial to remember the strategic importance of preserving the Shivalik Elephant Reserve. This biodiversity hub is home to various species, including elephants and leopards. Furthermore, India’s international environmental commitments under agreements like the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol must guide such development decisions.
