Tucked away in the limestone hills of Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills, the Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary has emerged as a critical ecological refuge even as it faces mounting human and industrial pressures. A recent scientific assessment underscores why this little-known forest matters not just for wildlife conservation, but also for water security, climate regulation, and sustainable livelihoods in a rapidly degrading landscape.
Why Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary Matters
Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 2014, Narpuh spans about 59.9 square kilometres and is the only protected area in the Jaintia Hills. More importantly, it represents the last remaining largely pristine forest tract in the region. In a state witnessing steady forest loss, Narpuh stands out as a rare ecological stronghold with significance that goes beyond its modest size.
The sanctuary lies in a limestone-rich landscape, shaping unique forest and cave ecosystems that remain poorly documented. Scientists describe it as one of Meghalaya’s most ecologically significant yet under-studied forests.
Rich Biodiversity in a Small Landscape
Early surveys and recent research indicate that Narpuh supports remarkably high biodiversity. It provides refuge to several threatened and endangered species, including the hoolock gibbon, India’s only ape species. Other notable fauna include clouded leopards, Himalayan black bears, hornbills, and a wide range of reptiles, amphibians, and freshwater fish.
Despite limited systematic research, studies have already recorded:
- More than 60 species of mammals
- Around 70 species of fish
- High diversity of birds, butterflies, and herpetofauna
Recent ecological assessments also point to high carbon stock and forest biomass, highlighting Narpuh’s role in carbon sequestration and regional climate regulation.
Industrial and Environmental Pressures Around the Sanctuary
Legal protection has not insulated Narpuh from intense external pressures. East Jaintia Hills is a hub of limestone mining and cement production, hosting more than ten cement plants in its vicinity. Activities such as mining, blasting, and heavy transportation generate vibrations, dust, and pollution that gradually degrade surrounding ecosystems.
Water systems are particularly vulnerable. Rivers like the Lukha, infamous for turning blue during winter due to pollution, raise concerns about long-term contamination of aquatic habitats and drinking water sources linked to the sanctuary.
On-Ground Conservation Challenges
Beyond industrial threats, the sanctuary faces a range of conventional conservation problems. These include bushmeat hunting, occasional illegal wildlife trade, and frequent road kills along National Highway-6 that skirts the landscape. Institutional constraints compound these challenges, with shortages of forest staff, inadequate funding, and limited infrastructure weakening enforcement and monitoring.
Crucially, a Management Effectiveness Evaluation, a standard tool to assess how well a protected area is being managed, has not yet been conducted for Narpuh.
Community Dependence and Eco-Sensitive Zone Tensions
Local communities, particularly Pnar villages around Narpuh, depend heavily on the forest for clean water, wild foods, medicinal plants, and firewood. At the same time, conservation efforts have generated tensions, especially after the notification of an Eco-Sensitive Zone in 2017.
The ESZ covers about 197 square kilometres and overlaps with privately owned and community-managed land. Concerns over land rights and livelihood restrictions persist, making it clear that conservation cannot succeed without meaningful participation of local institutions such as Dorbar Elakas and village councils.
An Untapped Opportunity for Research and Sustainable Development
Scientists describe Narpuh as a “goldmine” for future ecological research. Large parts of its biodiversity, ecosystem services, and climate functions remain poorly understood. Long-term biodiversity monitoring, stronger protection infrastructure, and community-inclusive governance could transform the sanctuary into a model of conservation-linked development.
Beyond wildlife protection, Narpuh supports water security, soil stability, carbon storage, and has potential for carefully managed eco-tourism, offering sustainable economic alternatives in a mining-dominated region.
What to Note for Prelims?
- Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in East Jaintia Hills district, Meghalaya.
- It is the only protected area in the Jaintia Hills.
- Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 2014; area is about 59.9 sq km.
- Home to hoolock gibbon, clouded leopard, Himalayan black bear, and hornbills.
- Eco-Sensitive Zone notified in 2017.
What to Note for Mains?
- Role of small protected areas in biodiversity conservation amid industrial landscapes.
- Impact of mining and cement industries on forests, water systems, and wildlife.
- Importance of community participation in conservation, especially in Sixth Schedule areas.
- Linkages between biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and livelihoods.
- Need for Management Effectiveness Evaluation and long-term ecological monitoring.
