New Delhi (Agency): The Nilgiri Documentation Centre (NDC), a reputable institution in Tamil Nadu, has expressed serious concerns over the state’s decision to employ non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the conservation of forest and wildlife. This decision has been seen as a potentially damaging move, especially concerning the protection of the Nilgiri Tahr, the state animal of Tamil Nadu.
According to the NDC, the recent formation of a non-governmental panel for the conservation of the Nilgiri Tahr has raised eyebrows. The move appears to signal a lack of faith in the Tamil Nadu forest department’s ability to manage its protected areas such as sanctuaries, reserves, and national parks.
More than twenty years ago, a separate national park was established specifically to protect the Nilgiri Tahr. Since then, there has been no indication that the forest department has faltered in managing the park. Additionally, there have been no reports of the Tahr’s population declining or facing any other threat.
The NDC questions the necessity and effectiveness of this newly formed amateur panel. They have expressed concerns about the use of “outdated study methods like sedation and radio collaring by amateur investigators” that may cause irreparable harm to the endangered state animal.
D. Venugopal, the director of the NDC, highlighted the Tamil Nadu forest department’s esteemed history and reputation. As the oldest forest department in the country, it has been highly regarded for its work in forest and wildlife conservation. Venugopal emphasized that involving NGOs in serious matters of forest and wildlife management can cause “substantial, long-term harm to the state.”
The NDC’s concerns stem from the fact that many of these NGOs lack the qualifications, experience, or responsibility required to handle such vital issues. Often, their only credential is media coverage, and their interference in departmental matters may discourage and demoralize the distinguished forest personnel.
The NDC’s warning draws attention to the importance of relying on reputable forest and wildlife institutions that have the necessary expertise. They believe that these institutions can adequately supply the expertise that the state forest department may need, rather than resorting to NGOs with potentially inadequate qualifications.
The situation raises essential questions about the proper management and conservation of the state’s natural resources. It emphasizes the need for careful consideration and collaboration between governmental bodies and specialized institutions, ensuring that protection measures are both effective and aligned with the best interests of the state’s unique wildlife and environment.
