How the PESA has boosted forest conservation in India

Source: The post how the PESA has boosted forest conservation in India has been created, based on the article “How the PESA has boosted forest conservation in India” published in “The Hindu” on 25th June 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- environment conservation

Context: This article discusses the conflicts between conservation and resource extraction in India. It proposes that giving political representation to marginalized communities, through policies like PESA, can improve forest conservation and support the economic interests of these communities.

For detailed information on Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act, 1996 read this article here

What is the conflict in conservation efforts?

1. The conflict in conservation efforts in India primarily revolves around two issues: conservation versus local resource extraction and conservation versus economic development.
2. The central government often prioritizes large-scale economic projects like mining and dam construction over forest conservation, influenced by the political elite’s interests.

How the PESA has boosted forest conservation in India?

1. Mandated Representation: PESA mandates that all chairperson positions and at least half of the seats on local government councils in Scheduled Areas be reserved for Scheduled Tribes (STs). This political empowerment has directly influenced forest conservation efforts.
2. Increase in Tree Canopy: According to the study, areas with ST representation under PESA saw an average increase in tree canopy by 3% per year. This demonstrates a direct positive impact on forest cover.
3. Reduction in Deforestation: The same study found a significant reduction in the rate of deforestation in areas with ST representation. This indicates that when STs are involved in governance, there is a more pronounced commitment to preserving forests.
4. Resistance to Mining: With increased ST representation, communities were better able to resist mining and other large-scale commercial operations that lead to deforestation. Areas close to mines saw greater reductions in deforestation rates after PESA elections.
5. Comparison with FRA: The study shows that the Forest Rights Act (FRA) did not have additional impacts on conservation beyond those achieved by PESA, highlighting the effectiveness of PESA’s approach to mandated political representation for conservation.

What should be done?

1. Implement PESA effectively: Ensure full application of PESA rules to empower Scheduled Tribes (STs) through local governance, especially in regions like Gujarat where implementation has lagged.
2. Empower Scheduled Tribes through PESA: Enhance the representation of STs in local governance by fully implementing PESA, which mandates significant electoral quotas for STs. This empowerment leads to better forest stewardship, demonstrated by increased tree canopy and reduced deforestation rates, and equips ST communities to effectively resist destructive industrial activities such as mining.
3. Focus on democratic decentralization: Enhancing representative and accountable local governance involves giving local actors discretionary power over resource management, proving more effective than merely administrative approaches.
4. Establish a single umbrella institution: Create a centralized institution that empowers marginalized voices, balancing development and conservation efforts. This would consolidate power into a meaningful democratic authority, ensuring more effective management of forest resources and better representation of vulnerable communities’ interests.

Question for practice:

Examine how the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act has influenced forest conservation efforts in India.