Human-wildlife conflict: why India need to handle it better

Since evolution of human beings, we have emerged as the biggest predators of all time. The industrial revolution triggered modernity and development across the globe which has both been a boon (economically) and a bane (environmentally) for humanity. The hunger for development has led to the loss of precious wildlife. According to a report released in September 2014 by World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), between 1970 and 2010 the world has lost 52% of wildlife species. With such a huge loss of wildlife species, there is a direct acceleration of climate change. The reason being, wildlife is a key component of the existing bio-diversity and such a huge loss is disrupting the ecological balance eventually changing the environment.

There are key cases which show that re-introduction of wildlife species can change and sustain the ecosystem. The perfect example is the re-introduction of wolves in the Yellowstone National Park in the United States of America.     

Though India only represents 2.4 percent of the world area but the faunal population accounts for 7.3 percent of the world. This faunal population boasts of the famous Royal Bengal Tiger, one-horned Rhinoceros, Asiatic Lion, and Leopard etc. The Western Ghat is the hotspot of biodiversity in the country. New species of reptiles and amphibians are still being discovered. The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 has also helped in the cause of protecting and supporting the faunal population.

But times are changing. Incessant poaching and frequent human-wildlife conflict is affecting the population of some of the prime species. In Assam, the one horned Rhino has been poached for its horn which according to voodoo belief is supposed to have medicinal qualities. Similarly, the story of Tiger and Leopard and the tusks of Elephants is another instance of the illegal trafficking of animal parts for profitable ventures.

In a developing country like India, the frequency of human-animal conflict is really high. Some of the classic examples can be of leopards in Guwahati, Assam; Mumbai, Maharashtra; Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. The story of leopards is just an instance regarding the situation in primary urban cities of the country. The popular belief is that the wild animals are encroaching upon the human settlements but the truth is that we have been encroaching upon the animal’s territories. The instance of leopard is also important because for animals like Tigers and Elephants which have dedicated protection movements and schemes the leopard has to protect and sustain itself.

Similarly, not all tigers are safe either. The tigers who roam in the periphery of the national parks are regularly involved in such conflicts. The documentary by Krishnendu Bose titled the Forgotten Tigers shows the plight of such tigers. Uncontrolled development is ripping up the habitats of the wildlife species which is a huge factor in the acceleration of climate change. Destruction of habitats also has affected the migratory birds nesting habits.

Development has only helped the humans but in return has forced some major wildlife species in the endangered list. Just blaming the policy makers is not the right approach either since we crave for better roads, better water supply and better infrastructure. With urbanization already taking a toll in the human occupied areas, the only remaining areas are the ones that belong to the faunal population.  

Though it is true that human-wildlife conflict is a global phenomenon but what matters is how one country handles the situation. For instance, in the case of most human wildlife interactions there are chaos with people crowding all over the place which only worsens the situation. It is quite surprising that in a country with billions of people there are so less such conflicts. More understanding and awareness is required especially for the people living near the wildlife sanctuaries and parks. A perfect example of managing human-wildlife conflict can be seen in this particular case in Sonitpur, Assam where a team of WWF with the local community didn’t let the situation go out of control. The forest officials have to do more than collaring the animals. Most importantly the community has to be involved so that there are no negative sentiments against the animals. Strengthening the Indian Forest Act can be a good beginning.

The existence of human beings is directly proportional to the existence of the flora and the fauna. The sooner we realize it, the longer we will exist.         

Why Indian cities need sustainability

Very often, the impacts of climate change are studied in terms of rural areas. The rural approach in terms of impact assessment from climate change is justified because the rural population of the country are the most vulnerable because of their dependency on natural resources. The government of India along with several key international and domestic non-governmental organisation are working towards adaptation and mitigation mechanisms to minimize the impacts of climate change mostly in rural areas.

With respect to climate change, adaptation means antedating the impacts of climate change and acclimating to the impacts either to minimize the damage (Switching to renewable sources) or to reap the benefit from the impacts (Changing agricultural patterns with respect to the changing climate). Mitigation means limiting the emissions of greenhouse gases by using new technology or renewable technology and by changing older technology more efficient.

The urban centers of India are also under pressure from the impacts of climate change. The impacts can be seen in the bad air quality levels in the major cities. Congestion, ground water pollution, lack of green cover, climate variability and change are gripping the urban cities. One must not overlook the contribution of the cities in the carbon emission list. The ever increasing automobiles on the street are emitting carbon dioxide, Air-conditioners, and other electric appliances are consuming electricity which is increasing the demand for more. According to the Food & Agriculture Organization of United Nations (FAO) report states that, “Cities occupy less than 3% of the global terrestrial surface but accounts for 78% of the carbon emissions”. The improvement in the quality of life is not improving the environment in the urban areas.  

The problem is the lack of attention from the policy makers. Considerable work has been done in the rural areas but somehow very little has been done in the urban settings. Though sustainable practices like carpooling and consumption of power saving home appliances are being followed by the people but it has not happened on a larger scale. The depleting levels and pollution of groundwater is another big problem in the urban areas.

The solution lies in developing a framework in tandem to the United Nation’s Sustainable cities programme. 

The main focus of the policy makers have to be on improving resource use and reducing pollution and poverty. The growing number of slums in urban hubs of India does not have access to the basic services. Waste management is a big issue in the urban areas where waste is being burnt in the open with the minimum segregation. Sanitation is another facet where much improvement is required. Open defecation and urination is also an issue in the urban areas. More public toilet complexes should be made for addressing this issue. From the gender perspective, women have been vulnerable because of the lack of sanitation infrastructure.

Safe drinking water is another issue where more emphasis should be given. The groundwater should be protected and new groundwater conservation and rainwater harvesting should be given priority. Increasing the green cover of urban areas should also be in the priority list of the policy makers as to tackle the increasing carbon emissions, green cover in a city is the necessary. For instance, the concept of urban green space can be implemented.    

Urban areas are the economic hotbeds where people come to better their standard of living. But without a healthy environment, there is no improvement in the standard of living. The need of the hour in India is more sustainable cities.