Cries from the Dooars: The invisible pain of people and wildlife in the changing North Bengal forests

The Dooars region of North Bengal, nestled in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, is a landscape of unparalleled natural beauty and rich biodiversity. However, beneath this verdant veneer lies a simmering crisis: the "invisible pain" of both human inhabitants and wildlife, primarily elephants and leopards. This crisis stems from rapid environmental degradation and habitat fragmentation, demanding urgent wildlife-sensitive land planning, restoration of critical corridors, and reforestation.

Historically, the Dooars, meaning 'doors' in local languages, served as gateways to Bhutan and the northeastern states. It has always been a region of intense human interaction with nature. During the British colonial era, extensive tracts of pristine forests were cleared for tea plantations and timber exploitation, initiating the first wave of habitat loss. Post-independence, the pressure intensified with a growing human population, expansion of agriculture, and infrastructure development like roads, railways, and human settlements. This relentless expansion has led to severe habitat fragmentation, isolating wildlife populations and disrupting their traditional migration routes, particularly for wide-ranging species like elephants.

What is happening now is a direct consequence of this historical trajectory. The once contiguous forests are now a patchwork of degraded forest patches, tea gardens, and human habitations. Wildlife corridors, vital for genetic exchange and safe movement, have been severed by developmental projects and encroachment. This forces animals like elephants and leopards into closer contact with human settlements, leading to increased human-wildlife conflict. Elephants raid crops, causing significant economic losses to farmers, while leopards, losing their natural prey base and territory, sometimes enter villages, leading to tragic encounters. This conflict not only results in loss of human lives and property but also leads to retaliatory killings of animals, exacerbating the problem.

Several key stakeholders are involved in this complex scenario. The **West Bengal Forest Department** and the **State Government** are primary actors, responsible for policy formulation, conservation efforts, and conflict management. **Local communities**, including farmers and tea garden workers, are at the forefront of the conflict, bearing the brunt of crop damage and human casualties. Their cooperation is crucial for successful conservation. **Wildlife** itself, particularly endangered species like elephants and leopards, are central stakeholders whose survival depends on effective interventions. **Tea garden owners and the industry** also play a significant role, as their landholdings often lie within or adjacent to critical wildlife habitats. Finally, **environmental NGOs and conservation groups** advocate for policy changes, conduct research, and work with local communities to find sustainable solutions.

This issue holds immense significance for India. The Dooars region is part of the Eastern Himalayas biodiversity hotspot, one of the world's most biologically rich and threatened ecoregions. The loss of biodiversity here has national and global implications. Ecologically, healthy forests are crucial for climate regulation, water security for downstream populations, and soil conservation. Socio-economically, the conflict impacts livelihoods, human safety, and the region's potential for eco-tourism. India, as a signatory to international conventions like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and a nation with a rich tradition of wildlife conservation (e.g., Project Elephant launched in 1992), has a moral and legal obligation to address these challenges.

Constitutionally, the protection of the environment and wildlife is enshrined in various 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 wildlife of the country." Furthermore, **Article 51A(g)**, a Fundamental Duty, states that it shall be the duty of every citizen of India "to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures." Key legislative instruments include the **Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972**, which provides a legal framework for the protection of wild animals, birds, and plants, and establishes protected areas. The **Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980**, regulates the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes, aiming to check deforestation. The **Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986**, provides a broad framework for environmental protection and improvement. The **National Forest Policy, 1988**, emphasizes the need to maintain environmental stability through preservation and restoration of ecological balance.

The future implications are stark. Without urgent and coordinated action, human-wildlife conflict will escalate, leading to further loss of life (both human and animal), increased economic hardship, and potential social unrest. Critical species like elephants and leopards face heightened threats of local extinction due to habitat loss and retaliatory killings. Conversely, if wildlife-sensitive land planning is implemented effectively, corridors are restored, and local communities are empowered to participate in conservation, the Dooars can become a model for human-wildlife coexistence. This would secure the region's ecological integrity, support sustainable livelihoods, and contribute significantly to India's national conservation goals, ensuring a healthier future for both people and wildlife in this vital region.