Not ‘wastelands’: Western India’s savannas have existed for centuries, medieval Marathi literature reveals

The recent research highlighting the ancient origins of Western India's Deccan savannas as open, grassy ecosystems for at least 750 years offers a profound re-evaluation of how we perceive and manage India's diverse landscapes. For too long, these unique ecosystems have been mislabeled as 'wastelands' or 'degraded forests,' a perception largely rooted in colonial-era forestry policies that prioritized closed-canopy forests and timber production. This new understanding, drawing evidence from medieval Marathi literature, challenges this historical misconception and underscores the inherent ecological value and historical continuity of these savannas.

Historically, the British colonial administration, with its focus on revenue generation from timber, often viewed non-forested areas like grasslands and savannas as unproductive or 'wastelands.' This perspective led to policies aimed at converting these areas into plantations or deeming them available for other forms of land use. Post-independence, this colonial legacy persisted, influencing land classification systems and conservation strategies. The term 'wasteland' often implies a lack of ecological value, making these areas vulnerable to conversion for agriculture, infrastructure projects, or even afforestation drives that might introduce non-native species, inadvertently destroying their unique biodiversity and ecological functions. The new research, by demonstrating the long-standing existence of these savannas, provides critical scientific backing to challenge this narrative.

Key stakeholders in this discourse include the scientific community (researchers, ecologists, historians), environmental conservation organizations, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), state forest departments, local communities residing in and around these savannas, and policymakers. Researchers are crucial for providing evidence-based insights. Environmentalists advocate for the protection of these unique habitats. Government bodies are responsible for land classification, policy formulation, and enforcement. Most importantly, local communities, who have coexisted with these savannas for centuries, possess invaluable traditional ecological knowledge that can inform sustainable management practices. Their livelihoods often depend on these ecosystems, making them vital partners in conservation efforts.

This research matters immensely for India. Ecologically, savannas are biodiversity hotspots, supporting unique flora and fauna adapted to open, grassy environments. Many endemic species, including several grassland birds, mammals, and insects, depend on these habitats. Correctly identifying them as distinct ecosystems, rather than 'wastelands,' is the first step towards their effective conservation. Policy-wise, it necessitates a re-evaluation of land classification systems and conservation strategies. Instead of afforestation, which can harm savanna ecosystems, the focus should shift to protecting and restoring their natural characteristics. This aligns with India's commitments to biodiversity conservation under international agreements like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

From a constitutional perspective, the protection of such vital ecosystems resonates with several provisions. Article 48A of the Directive Principles of State Policy mandates that "the State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wild life of the country." Furthermore, Article 51A(g) outlines a Fundamental Duty of every citizen "to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures." Specific legislative frameworks like the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, provide legal tools for conservation, although their implementation often needs to be more nuanced to recognize non-forest ecosystems like savannas. The National Forest Policy, 1988, while emphasizing forest cover, also needs to evolve to explicitly recognize and protect other critical ecosystems. This research could also influence the application of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, in recognizing and conserving unique savanna biodiversity.

Looking ahead, this study has significant future implications. It could lead to a paradigm shift in India's conservation policy, moving beyond a forest-centric approach to embrace a broader ecological understanding. There is a strong case for developing specific 'Grassland and Savanna Conservation Policies' akin to wetland conservation policies. This would involve dedicated research, habitat management, and community engagement programs. It could also influence land-use planning, ensuring that developmental projects do not inadvertently destroy these ancient ecosystems. The recognition of savannas as 'Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures' (OECMs) under global conservation targets, as suggested by the IUCN, could gain traction in India. Ultimately, this research empowers conservationists and policymakers to challenge outdated classifications and work towards a more ecologically informed and historically sensitive approach to environmental protection, ensuring that India's natural heritage, in all its diverse forms, is preserved for future generations.