Degradation of Forest and Biodiversity in Sariska National Park, India and the Responsible Factors

Abstract

Degradation of forest resources and biodiversity of Sariska tiger reserve has become an important issue due to its severe impact on the economy of century old forest dwellers. Due to extensive pressure from the villagers for grazing and other forest products for their survival, rising man animal conflict there has been an increase in the degradation of forest and its bio-diversity leading to decline in resource base. People living in this forest depends extensively on their pastoral activities and thus on the quality of the forest directly and indirectly. Also their economy is partly dependent on the growth of tourism which is based on the flora and fauna of the reserve. This paper tries to examine the degradation of forest in Sariska Tiger Reserve and its impact on the economy of the villagers inside the reserve. Analysis of primary data and other secondary information reveals that the percentage of earning of the villagers varies from 85 to 100 per cent depending upon the level of degradation and available alternative opportunities. Their economy and sustenance has been highly affected owing to the unsustainable extraction practice and thus degradation directly and indirectly. It thus calls for suitable population relocation with appropriate compensation in the form of opportunity creation and promotion of nature based tourism to take off further pressure on this forest. Steps are necessary to regenerate the carrying capacity through improvement of resource base by participatory management.