Module 76. Protected Areas of India

Protected Areas (PAs) form the cornerstone of India’s strategy for biodiversity conservation. They are demarcated geographical regions designated for the protection and maintenance of biological diversity, along with associated natural and cultural resources. India, one of the 17 megadiverse countries of the world, has adopted a comprehensive network of protected areas under various categories such as National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves, and Community Reserves. These areas play a critical role in safeguarding endangered species, preserving ecological processes, and promoting sustainable human–nature coexistence.

Concept and Legal Framework

Protected Areas in India are established under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which provides a legal basis for the creation, management, and protection of wildlife habitats. The Act classifies protected areas into four main types:

1. National Parks – Areas strictly reserved for the protection of wildlife and ecosystems, where human activity is minimal and only permitted for scientific, educational, or aesthetic purposes.
2. Wildlife Sanctuaries – Areas where certain human activities such as grazing or resource use may be permitted under controlled conditions while prioritising wildlife protection.
3. Conservation Reserves – Buffer areas linking protected regions, established on government-owned land in consultation with local communities to promote conservation outside core protected zones.
4. Community Reserves – Areas managed by local communities or private individuals that contribute to the protection of biodiversity and sustainable resource use.

In addition to these, India recognises other conservation designations such as Biosphere Reserves, Tiger Reserves, Elephant Reserves, Ramsar Wetlands, and Marine Protected Areas.

Extent and Distribution of Protected Areas

As of 2025, India has a well-structured network of 998 Protected Areas, covering approximately 5.26% of the country’s total geographical area. This network includes:

• 108 National Parks
• 567 Wildlife Sanctuaries
• 99 Conservation Reserves
• 224 Community Reserves

The spatial distribution of these protected areas varies across the states and biogeographic zones of India. The largest concentration is found in Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Assam, reflecting their rich ecological diversity.

National Parks of India

National Parks represent the highest level of protection under Indian law. They conserve distinctive ecosystems and serve as core areas for scientific research and wildlife management.
Notable National Parks

• Jim Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand) – India’s first national park, established in 1936, and a major part of Project Tiger.
• Kaziranga National Park (Assam) – Known for the world’s largest population of the one-horned rhinoceros and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Sundarbans National Park (West Bengal) – A mangrove ecosystem home to the Royal Bengal Tiger.
• Gir National Park (Gujarat) – The only natural habitat of the Asiatic Lion.
• Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) – A Ramsar site and bird sanctuary renowned for migratory species.
• Hemis National Park (Ladakh) – One of the largest high-altitude parks in the world, known for the snow leopard.

Wildlife Sanctuaries

Wildlife Sanctuaries are designated primarily for the protection of specific species or groups of species. They allow for limited human activity and play a vital role in biodiversity conservation.
Prominent Wildlife Sanctuaries

• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) – Rich in flora and fauna, centred around Periyar Lake.
• Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (Assam) – Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a tiger and elephant reserve.
• Chilika (Nalaban) Wildlife Sanctuary (Odisha) – Important for migratory birds and aquatic biodiversity.
• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (Kerala) – A crucial habitat for migratory birds in the Vembanad wetland system.

Wildlife Sanctuaries are often linked to nearby National Parks to form larger ecological corridors, essential for species migration and genetic diversity.

Biosphere Reserves and Other Protected Networks

Biosphere Reserves are designated under the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme to promote a balanced relationship between humans and nature. They consist of three zones: the core, buffer, and transition areas, allowing a combination of strict protection and sustainable use.
India currently has 18 Biosphere Reserves, of which 12 are part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves, including:

• Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (Tamil Nadu–Kerala–Karnataka)
• Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (Uttarakhand)
• Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve (West Bengal)
• Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve (Madhya Pradesh)
• Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve (Tamil Nadu)

Tiger Reserves, established under Project Tiger (1973), are specialised protected areas for tiger conservation. India has 54 Tiger Reserves, covering over 75,000 sq. km, governed by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). Notable reserves include Bandhavgarh, Ranthambhore, Kanha, Corbett, and Sundarbans.
Similarly, Elephant Reserves have been created under Project Elephant (1992), aimed at protecting elephant habitats and migration corridors. India currently has 33 Elephant Reserves, spread across 14 states.

Marine and Coastal Protected Areas

India’s coastal and marine ecosystems, including mangroves, coral reefs, and lagoons, are conserved through Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Important examples include:

• Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park (Tamil Nadu)
• Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (Andaman and Nicobar Islands)
• Marine National Park (Gulf of Kachchh, Gujarat)

These areas protect diverse marine life, including coral reefs, seagrasses, turtles, and cetaceans.

Management and Institutional Framework

Protected areas are managed under a combination of national and state-level agencies. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is the nodal authority for overall policy and coordination. The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) provide scientific and technical inputs.
At the state level, Chief Wildlife Wardens are responsible for implementation, supported by forest departments, local bodies, and community institutions. Management plans typically focus on:

• Habitat restoration and anti-poaching measures.
• Community participation through eco-development programmes.
• Monitoring of flora and fauna populations.
• Research, education, and eco-tourism promotion.

Challenges in Protected Area Management

Despite considerable progress, several challenges persist in the effective management of protected areas:

• Human–Wildlife Conflict – Encroachment, crop depredation, and livestock predation lead to friction between local communities and wildlife.
• Habitat Fragmentation – Infrastructure development, mining, and agriculture have reduced ecological connectivity.
• Poaching and Illegal Trade – Endangered species such as tigers, rhinos, and pangolins remain vulnerable to poaching.
• Invasive Species and Climate Change – Alteration of habitat conditions threatens native biodiversity.
• Livelihood Dependence – Many rural and tribal communities depend on forest resources, necessitating inclusive conservation strategies.

Community and International Initiatives

The inclusion of local communities is increasingly recognised as vital to conservation success. Programmes such as the Eco-Development Scheme, Joint Forest Management (JFM), and establishment of Community Reserves foster community stewardship.
India’s protected areas also align with international commitments such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Ramsar Convention, CITES, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The country has pioneered initiatives like the Project Snow Leopard and the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) to ensure holistic conservation.

Significance of Protected Areas

Protected Areas are indispensable for conserving India’s biological heritage and ecological stability. They provide a refuge for nearly 8% of the world’s recorded species, regulate the environment, support tourism, and secure ecosystem services like water, soil fertility, and carbon sequestration.