Tiger tourism and India

Wildlife tourism refers to the type of tourism where the motive of the tourist is to experience wildlife in its natural surroundings and admire the beauty of exotic, wild species. Wild life tourism is a debatable concept in India. It has two perceptions where one perception is about setting wildlife apart from tourism to protect the endangered species whereas the second perception is to promote wildlife tourism for the conservation of the species. With 99 national parks and more than 400 wildlife sanctuaries, India has rich population of flora and fauna. Though there are many species of flora and fauna, Tiger has emerged as the most important wildlife tourism product. The 30% percent increase in the last four years has also opened the gates for more people to come see the majestic species in the wilderness.     

Many people are under the impression that India does not have strong wildlife conservation laws. On the contrary, India has some of the most stringent legislations to protect wildlife and habitats. It is also vital to understand which institutions control land in India before any conservation interventions can be attempted in any landscape. The legal status of the land must first be ascertained so that one can engage with the correct authorities or agencies. The Wildlife (Protection) Act (WLPA), 1972 is an important statute that provides a powerful legal framework for prohibition of hunting, protection and management of wildlife habitats, establishment of protected areas, regulation and control of trade in parts and products derived from wildlife, and management of zoos. The WLPA provides for several categories of Protected Areas/Reserves such as National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Tiger Reserves, Conservation Reserves, and Community Reserves. National parks and Tiger Reserves are by law more strictly protected, allowing virtually no human activity except that which is in the interest of wildlife conservation. Grazing and private tenurial rights are disallowed in National Parks but can be allowed in sanctuaries at the discretion of the Chief Wildlife Warden. The amended WLPA does not allow for any commercial exploitation of forest produce in both national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, and local communities can collect forest produce only for their bona fide needs. Community reserves and conservation reserves are two new categories of protected areas that have been included under the WLPA. These two categories provide a greater role for local communities, stakeholders and civil society as well as the opportunity to protect many areas of conservation value that cannot be designated under strict categories such as wildlife sanctuaries or national parks.

Similarly, the National Wildlife Action Plan of 2002 which replaces the earlier plan adopted in 1983 most closely represents an actual policy on protection of wildlife. It focuses on strengthening and enhancing the protected area network, on the conservation of endangered wildlife and their habitats, on controlling trade in wildlife products and on research, education, and training. Mainly, these two laws have deal with wildlife tourism in India. These laws define areas which are open for touristic activities and any kind of touristic activities outside the designated area is punishable by law. This provides protection of the species and on the other hand enables sustainable wildlife tourism. Under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, the state governments have to notify the list of core and buffer areas of tiger reserves in their territory. Core zone (critical tiger habitats) i.e. where tigers usually rest, reside, feed and breed. Therefore, Government aims at preventing any disturbance in such areas, including tourism. Buffer zones constitute the fringe areas (The outside boundary or surface of something) of tiger reserves up to 10 KMs where tourism is allowed. An important judgement taken by the Supreme Court in July 2012 was to ban tiger tourism from the core areas of tiger reserves. This was perceived negatively but it had to be done for the protection of the species. But after a few months it was lifted as the absence of tourism might lead to poaching activities.   

Tiger tourism has mainly emerged because of the Project Tiger which is central scheme started in 1973 and is currently being implemented in 41 Tiger Reserves in 17 states. Project Tiger aims at ‘in-situ’ conservation or on site conservation. Project Tiger provides for staff, equipment, and infrastructure in tiger reserves. It also provides compensation, in case a man or livestock is killed by wild animals etc. National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body which coordinate, implement and monitor Project Tiger along with preparing annual reports.

There are many pros and cons associated with tiger tourism in India. The advantage from tiger tourism is that tiger tourism sector accounts as a major source of income to the domestic economy. There are towns which depend on tiger tourism such as Ranthambore in Rajasthan where tiger tourism offers direct as well as indirect livelihood opportunities to the local people. Similarly, the state of Madhya Pradesh has recorded high level of employment opportunities for the locals through tiger tourism. Tourism actually has helped in the boom of tiger population as through tourism there are more ears and eyes present on the ground level and presence of tourists does not deter tiger’s willingness to hunt or breed. Through tourism, poaching rate has actually come down and most poaching activities are reported during the off season. Touristic activities also reduce the dependence of the local communities on the forest for their livelihood.

The loopholes in tiger tourism can be noted on the recklessness of the tour operators who offer day and night tours. The amount of chaos due to the vehicles, honking, shouting and flash lights might disturb the tigers. Unsustainable constructions of resorts, guest houses, camps lead to degradation of forests. With more tourists, there will be more wastes which degrade the environment.

Wildlife tourism sector has made India prominent in the world map and in recent years the boom of this sector has also seen the decrease in poaching activities which is one of the reasons for the increase in tiger population. But the problem lies in the fact that other important species are not as lucky as the tiger. The status of the Asian Rhino, Gibbon etc. is reaching the endangered mark and they are still being poached recklessly. No particular scheme is there for such species. The plight of smaller species is also not in good shape. For having a successful wildlife tourism sector, India needs to broaden its horizon and implement schemes like Project Tiger for other species as well.

References:

·         http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2012/oct/18/india-lifts-ban-tiger-tourism

·         http://www.sanctuaryasia.com/magazines/cover-story/6827-wildlife-tourism-can-india-turn-it-into-a-conservation-tool.html

·         http://www.conservationindia.org/topics/wildlife-tourism

http://www.thewildlifeofindia.com/blog/increase-in-wildlife-tourism-a-positive-step-towards-conservation.html

Indian Football: Ache din kab ayenge?

As a child born in the early nineties, I was more of a cricket buff. The flashy batting of the Sri Lankans, fiercest bowling attacks of the Africans and Australians, and of course the frail one-man batting line up of Indians; cricket was absolutely a bliss. But then as time passed, Indian cricket evolved so did the fans of the game.With 2 World Cups, 2 Champions Trophy, 1 T20 World Cup and attaining temporary supremacy in Tests, and a very rich board; India has become a juggernaut in International Cricket.

I don't recall exactly when I started watching football, but I do follow football because of the love I developed for the game. Because I was only a player with limited abilities, watching football became an obsession. I chose Manchester United as my mecca in the footballing world and was fascinated by France (Zidane era) before attaining puberty. In the I-League, I followed Bengaluru FC, ISL its NorthEast FC and teams from other European leagues as well. But I did start watching football with France and Manchester United  and later on moved to Indian football and I would not deny that.

There is a distinction in loving the game and following a football club which many people don't understand. 

When I talk about Indian Football, its always the one story that I hear about how the Indian football team qualified during 1950 Jules Rimmet Trophy (Currently, FIFA World Cup), Brazil but couldn't play to their merit because 'they were used to barefoot football'. I am pretty sure most of football fans from India must be familiar with this story. But then the truth is that India never sent a team to Brazil that is why we didn't play. The reasons were lack of communication, finance and most importantly, selection of the team.  See, 1950 was also the year India was hosting the Asian Games which was postponed to 1951. This was also another reason for not sending a team since it was the first time where Indians were the hosts and spending money on a football team for Brazil? Are you kidding? Anyway, Indian football's past is filled with one major success i.e. the 1948 World cup for playing in it, Nehru Cup and 'few cups here and there'.

Yesterday (12th March, 2015) I watched the pre-qualifier for 2018 World Cup, Russia against Nepal. I must admit that in all the years I've seen India playing football, they played the most attractive football yesterday. The pressing, the long through balls, the defensive abilities and some partially shoddy finishing got us the result of two nil. I still feel we could have scored at least 5 goals. But what I didn't like was the empty stadiums, and the horrible broadcasting. The pitch was great and so were the match officials. Star Sports, who created such massive PR strategies for the Indian Super League (ISL) was only limited to the bill boards in this match. If people do not even know that there's a crucial match for the national team, then how do you expect the fans to follow the national team? The All India Football Federation (AIFF) officials were present and were saying how India is going great in football but is it the case here?

One can easily point fingers to cricket and the Indian football fans who only watch leagues from other countries but fail to follow football in India except the ISL. But then it won't be justified and these excuses are not genuine any more.

Indian Football following is in a rut which is not a surprise and football lovers from India cannot be blamed for supporting European clubs because there is a acute weakness in the communication process of the AIFF. Private news channels rarely feature I-League or Santosh Trophy features in their sports segment. Online content is also minimal for these competitions. The ISL was an absolute success which attracted record number of fans in the stadiums. One might say that it was the presence of international stars that made it happen. But besides retired international footballers, it was the brilliant PR strategies, Private partnership, humongous money by the government  and a pro-active role of the AIFF that made it a big thing. Then what in the world is happening in the domestic league and cups? Why are the stadiums empty in an international qualifier when the basic tickets are just for INR 100.

There is a need to strengthen the communication in terms of fans. Star Sports can further enforce their media dictatorship by showing more action from I-league and other domestic cups and creating shows like 'Sizzling Chettri' or 'Subroto, the Wall' and can begin with something basic like 'Know your players'. But on a serious note, if private parties are given more investment opportunities and the football board be de-centralized, there is a chance that the sleeping giant, India can also dominate in the game of football. I am no expert in sports management but its even clear to me that the present set up is not working out. If ISL can be a big deal, why can't I-League and cup games be leveled to the same heights? Bengaluru FC is one team in the I-League where the fans even travel for away games! How did they do it? they just 'connected' with the fans.

BCCI has shown how money changes fortunes, then what is up with AIFF? Media houses and private parties have to take the initiative to strengthen the game in India. Currently, we are 171 (February 2015 ratings) in the World Rankings which is a shame because finances wise, India is better than most African countries in the rankings. Then where is it going wrong? India is not short of football fans but why the half-empty stadiums? Communication is the most crucial aspect which should be prioritized by the AIFF.

Lets support the game and our country, rather than sulking and shouting 'we never qualify' song. Small drops make up an ocean. Lets give the game a chance to thrive in a country driven by cricket, Bollywood, Ache din and Bans.

For starters, knowing the name of the players might be a good idea.   

                 

       

Y U do this, Oh! Manchester United?

I remember an interview, where someone said that Sir Alex just before  the game with Spurs, just came inside the dressing room and said," Its  just Totenham, Lads" and left. That was confidence. 

Been a United Fan for the last 12 years (Die-hardness was sprinkled when I learnt the rules of the game, courtesy FIFA 2005)  and have never seen such monotonous back passes and long balls in the history of United gameplay.

Though it would wrong to directly target Van Gaal but then I do feel there is something wrong with his 'philosophy', atleast in the Premier League. The possession football was usually employed by United in Champions league with bigger clubs rather than being used with clubs like Burnley, OPR in this season (No Offence). 

Now I am even scared when we face the teams in the relegation zone. Confidence has gone for hike from the team. If not for David De Gea, we would have been 10th or 11th in the league.

The primary problem is that we do not have a fixed team. The back four changes in almost all the games, our main striker was played out of position, Falcao is not the same anymore, Fellaini is getting more chances than Mata, Di Maria is losing his confidence, Janujaz is becoming 'Nani-er'. Out of the 150M spent, only Blind and Rojo have given satisfactory performances.

LVG is a good tactician but he mostly thrives in a Galácticos system. Whereas, currently United are not anyway near that. 

The thing about losing is, if you play attractive football and loose even the opponents respect you. But if you win because of luck and long balls then behold the memes and importantly the morale of the fans goes for the toss.

Losing is a part of the game. Great teams have lost their way but have come back. Liverpool, Arsenal and this time Southampton are some examples. I don't mind losing but the way United has lost the games this season is frustrating. When you have a designated RB in the squad, Valencia has been fielded there. A versatile midfielder, Carrick is played in the defense. What's next, Valdes as a striker?

The spirit of attacking football is dying out, for which the devils were famous for. I  am pretty impressed by the way the Gunners, West Ham and Southampton have played. There is an intent of attacking, one touch football. I am sorry to say but United are desperately using long ball tactics which is not creative at all (read desperation) and is the basics in Football tactics 101.

The remaining fixtures are going to be really difficult. It will decide if we will play Champions league or Europa league. The way we have played this season, we actually do not deserve to be in the Champions league.

As a die hard fan, I am more than happy to be in the losing side than winning games based on luck, long-ball and back passes.

I hope and wish that we can see the attacking and not-giving-a-fuck Manchester United in the future, most importantly in the near future.  

Watching a match till 3:30 AM and going to office after sleeping 3 hours is not a child's play and needs Cojones. I hope see some from Manchester United too. Redemption is the right word here.

GGMU.

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.

The art of procastination

Sitting at the same place
Checking the clock, expecting the time for solace
With unending deadlines looming over head
He fantasizes of painting the town red.

Monday to Friday, all looks the same
With the free office internet, he is always game
From close friends to distant relatives, he chats with them all
In the allotted nine hours, he is having a ball

The toilet, canteen, terrace becoming his lair
With innumerable cigarettes up in the air, he even finds time for his hair
As the multiple tabs are piling on,
He realizes that its time to move on.

As the clock shrieks six
His mind is in a fix
The time for solace has arrived
But the assignment has still not been derived

I will do it tomorrow, exults the golden boy
While his mind experiences a gust of ardent joy
He has indeed survived another day,
With the art of procrastination in his bay. 
      

Climate change: Time to take action

Climate change: Time to take action

With natural calamities on the rise, it is without reasonable doubt that climate change is real. No matter what people may believe, climate change is happening and India should buckle up to at least minimise natural tragedies like the one in Jammu & Kashmir. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) recent annual report, the global temperature is going to increase by 2 to 3 degrees by 2030. Climate change is no longer a notion but comes with scientific facts and data.

The good thing about climate change is that its impacts are predictable and human actions can restore such changes over a period of time. However, the bad news is that more than half of India’s population does not have much knowledge about climate change and an overwhelming sentiment is that since we are a developing nation, we need to first get admitted into the ‘developed club’, i.e. we can still release substantial amounts of carbon emissions, and fulfil our ‘superpower’ dreams.

The impacts of climate change over India are pretty diverse. In Assam, incessant rains are creating havoc, loss of life and property with each passing day. Similarly, the rain is playing hide and seek with Delhi with highly unpredictable rainfall patterns.

In the hilly parts of the country, landslides too are becoming a regular phenomenon, courtesy - massive deforestation. In pursuit of development, we are busy chasing foreign investment, and the recent ‘Make in India’ campaign simply shows India’s lethargic approach over fighting climate change. It is a helpless situation where one is witness to such stark environmental changes and is not able to do anything about it. 

The need of the hour is a reality check.

Currently, India is focussing more on its developmental needs which seems justified when we look at the percentage of the poor and the unemployed. But, development would be justified only if environment is sustained. A recent World Health Organization report cited that Delhi’s air is so polluted that breathing here is equivalent to being a chain smoker.

The National State Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) was released in 2009. The objective of the action plan was to come out with a comprehensive framework to address climate change and bring in mitigation and adaptation approaches to policy–making processes. All the states have been asked to develop a State Action Plan on Climate Change. In 2014, only seven states have their action plans. Work towards tackling climate change is underway but the pace is very slow. Numerous studies by organisations like Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ), Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) etc. and Central governmental agencies like the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, have analysed the vulnerabilities from a climate change perspective and say that the rural poor will face the most impacts of a changing climate.

At the least, India will have to follow five important approaches to strengthening its stand on tackling climate change.

The first and foremost approach of policy makers should be to lay stress on the dissemination of knowledge on climate change and creating awareness amongst people.

Second, adaptation and mitigation have to be given more importance. According to Climate Action, EU, "adaptation means anticipating the adverse effects of climate change and taking appropriate action to prevent or minimise the damage they can cause, or taking advantage of opportunities that may arise. It has been shown that well planned, early adaptation action saves money and lives later."

Whereas according to United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), “Climate Change Mitigation refers to efforts to reduce or prevent emission of greenhouse gases. Mitigation can mean using new technologies and renewable energies, making older equipment more energy efficient, or changing management practices or consumer behaviour. It can be as complex as a plan for a new city or as a simple as improvements to a cook stove design. Efforts underway around the world range from high-tech subway systems to bicycling paths and walkways. Protecting natural carbon sinks like forests and oceans, or creating new sinks through green agriculture are also elements of mitigation".

The policy makers have to keep these two approaches in mind while formulating climate change policies since now it is about limiting and adjusting the damages rather than repairing it.

Third, strengthening the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is of upmost importance. The NDMA is the backbone, in terms of rehabilitating the nation in the event of any natural or manmade calamity. With increasing climate change induced disasters, the NDMA needs to be strengthened to be able to minimise the loss of lives and property by taking effective steps. A stronger NDMA will provide better and faster rehabilitation approaches.

There is a need to employ a multi-dimensional approach in analysing climate change in the Indian context. For instance, the fact that the National Action Plan for Climate Change (NAPCC) recognises the relationship of climate change and gender but there is no concrete approach on tackling climate change’s impact on gender, which is of grave concern.

Policy makers need to broaden their horizon and look for unconventional as well as conventional ways of inculcating adaptation and mitigation into policy making. Similarly, other sectors like health, renewable technology, agriculture, forestry, industries, and water issues require equal attention which is only possible by creating separate departments for strengthening each sector without any administrative and jurisdictional confusion.

Also special consideration and attention need to be placed on the diversity of the country. Applying one particular approach on the whole nation will only worsen the strengthening process. The topography, demography has to be taken into consideration as well as the rural urban divide. Therefore any approach or step should be aimed at being context-specific to maximise its impact. 

Lastly, the government must push for a carbon neutral economy. As a developing country, the impetus is on attaining a developed status. There is no problem in pursuing development but the pursuit becomes a constraint if the cost for development is a degraded environment. A carbon neutral economy will sustain development and environmental restoration simultaneously. Subsidising renewable technology is one way of embarking on the path towards a carbon neutral economy.

The climate is changing and will continue to change. Therefore it is we, the people, who have to take the responsibility of restoring the environment. It is a fact we all need to realise. At the end of the day, a healthy GDP, better economy, high standard of living etc. is only valid if we have a liveable atmosphere. Complacency is not going to save the world. Actions will. We can’t wait till tomorrow. This is our only home.

 
The path is full of uncertainties but there has to be a start somewhere.