Daily Current Affairs : 18-September-2023
The Segur Elephant Corridor, nestled within the pristine Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, has recently been the center of a significant legal dispute. A committee appointed by the Supreme Court has declared 12 private resorts along this corridor as illegal. We will delve into the context, the ruling, and the implications of this decision, highlighting the need for a delicate balance between conservation and community welfare.
The Importance of the Segur Elephant Corridor:
The Segur Elephant Corridor plays a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It serves as a passageway for elephants and various wildlife species, facilitating their movement between different habitats. This connectivity is crucial for the survival and genetic diversity of these magnificent creatures and the overall health of the ecosystem.
The Legal Challenge:
The owners of the 12 resorts contested the committee’s declaration, arguing that the corridor did not constitute an elephant habitat. However, the committee ruled in favor of preserving the corridor, citing the presence of illegal structures that obstructed the free movement of elephants. This decision underscores the significance of protecting these corridors as critical elements of wildlife conservation.
Conservation Triumph:
The committee’s ruling can be seen as a triumph for wildlife conservation. It acknowledges the importance of safeguarding the Segur Elephant Corridor and sends a strong message that illegal constructions, even if they offer economic benefits, cannot be allowed to jeopardize the well-being of our natural heritage.
Economic Consequences for Local Communities:
While the decision to protect the corridor is undoubtedly a win for conservation, it also brings to light a critical issue – the economic consequences for local communities. Many people in these communities rely on employment opportunities provided by the resorts. The abrupt closure or demolition of these resorts could lead to job losses and economic instability.
Balancing Conservation and Community Welfare:
- Sustainable Alternatives: One approach to strike a balance is to explore sustainable alternatives for the affected communities. This might involve promoting eco-tourism, creating new job opportunities in conservation efforts, or offering financial support for transitioning to more eco-friendly practices.
- Community Involvement: Engaging local communities in conservation initiatives is crucial. They can become active participants in preserving the corridor and its wildlife, which can also lead to new sources of income through responsible tourism.
- Regulation and Compliance: Resort owners should be encouraged to comply with environmental regulations. Those willing to adapt and minimize their ecological footprint could be given a chance to continue operating with strict adherence to conservation guidelines.
- Compensation and Rehabilitation: Offering compensation and rehabilitation programs to affected communities can mitigate the immediate economic impact of the resort closures. This can include skill development and support for setting up alternative livelihoods.
Important Points:
- The Segur Elephant Corridor is crucial for elephant and wildlife movement in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
- A committee appointed by the Supreme Court declared 12 private resorts along the corridor as illegal.
- The resorts claimed the corridor was not an elephant habitat, but the committee ruled in favor of preserving it.
- The decision prioritizes conservation over illegal structures hindering elephant movement.
- The ruling has economic consequences for local communities relying on resort employment.
- Balancing conservation and community welfare is essential:
- Explore sustainable alternatives for affected communities.
- Engage local communities in conservation efforts and responsible tourism.
- Encourage resort owners to comply with environmental regulations.
- Offer compensation and rehabilitation programs to affected communities.
- The case underscores the need to consider both nature and people’s well-being in environmental preservation.
Why In News
A Supreme Court-appointed committee, in a landmark decision, has declared 12 private resorts along the Segur elephant corridor illegal, marking a significant step towards protecting this vital wildlife habitat. This ruling is expected to set a precedent for stricter conservation measures and reinforce the commitment to preserving India’s rich biodiversity.
MCQs about The Segur Elephant Corridor
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What is the primary purpose of the Segur Elephant Corridor?
A. To provide a shortcut for tourists
B. To facilitate the movement of elephants and wildlife
C. To create job opportunities for locals
D. To build resorts for recreational purposes
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Why did the Supreme Court-appointed committee declare 12 resorts along the Segur Elephant Corridor as illegal?
A. The resorts were not providing quality services.
B. The resorts were harming the environment.
C. The resorts did not have proper permits.
D. The resorts were not financially profitable.
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What economic consequences are mentioned in the essay regarding the closure of the resorts along the Segur Elephant Corridor?
A. Increased tourism revenue
B. Job losses in local communities
C. Expansion of eco-friendly businesses
D. Improved livelihoods for resort owners
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