Biodiversity of Jharkhand: Flora and Fauna Under Threat

Jharkhand's rich biodiversity, characterized by unique flora and fauna, faces significant environmental challenges that necessitate robust conservation strategies and policy frameworks. The state is home to diverse ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands, which support a vast array of species. However, these ecosystems are increasingly under threat due to deforestation, mining activities, and climate change, making effective biodiversity conservation imperative.

Institutional and Legal Framework

• Biological Diversity Act, 2002: This Act regulates access to biological resources and associated knowledge, ensuring that local communities benefit from the use of their biodiversity (Section 3).
• Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980: This Act restricts the use of forest land for non-forest purposes, aiming to preserve forest cover and biodiversity (Section 2).
• Environment Protection Act, 1986: This Act empowers the Central Government to take measures to protect and improve the environment, crucial for biodiversity conservation (Section 3).

Key Challenges to Biodiversity

• Deforestation: Jharkhand has experienced significant deforestation, with forest cover at 23.49% as per the Forest Survey of India 2021. This translates to approximately 29,344 square kilometers of forest area.
• Mining Activities: The state holds 29% of India’s mineral resources, leading to extensive mining activities that threaten local ecosystems and biodiversity.
• Climate Change: According to the Jharkhand State Action Plan on Climate Change 2015, the state aims to increase forest cover by 33% by 2030, highlighting the urgency of addressing climate impacts on biodiversity.

Comparative Analysis of Conservation Policies

Critical Evaluation of Conservation Efforts

The conservation strategies in Jharkhand face several structural challenges. The lack of integrated policy frameworks that combine biodiversity conservation with local community engagement and economic incentives often leads to ineffective measures. Additionally, the enforcement of existing laws is often weak, undermining their intended impact.

• Policy Design: Current policies lack a cohesive strategy that integrates economic development with environmental sustainability.
• Governance Capacity: Limited resources and capacity at the local level hinder effective implementation of conservation measures.
• Structural Factors: Economic pressures from mining and agriculture often take precedence over environmental considerations.

PRACTICE QUESTIONS