Explanation:

The approval by the Haryana government of new Wildlife (Protection) Rules, which permit the shooting of male Nilgais (Boselaphus tragocamelus), has ignited a significant debate among various stakeholders, including environmental activists, local communities, and agriculturalists.

This decision, aimed at addressing the increasing human-wildlife conflict in the region, has been met with strong opposition, particularly from the Bishnoi community, known for their deep-rooted conservation values.

Nilgais

Nilgais, the largest antelopes in Asia, are native to the Indian subcontinent, including India, Nepal, and Pakistan. They typically measure between 1.7 to 2.1 meters in length, with males weighing between 109 to 288 kg and females between 100 to 213 kg.

Males are characterized by their bluish-grey coloration, while females exhibit a tawny hue. Both sexes possess a distinctive sloping back, thin sturdy legs, and a white throat patch. As diurnal animals, Nilgais are generally found in small groups of three to six and are known to be timid when threatened.

These animals inhabit grasslands and lightly wooded areas, often venturing into agricultural lands, which has led to increasing conflicts with farmers.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists Nilgais as "Least Concern," and they are protected under Schedule III of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. Despite their ecological significance and cultural reverence—Nilgais have been considered sacred in Hinduism since the Vedic period—their rising population has prompted calls for population management.

The Government's justification

Haryana forest department officials have stated that permissions to cull Nilgais damaging crops have been granted at the request of farmers since 1996.

The new rules are presented as a reiteration of existing regulations, with the government promising to analyze all representations before proceeding with the notification. Officials argue that the measures are necessary to protect farmers' interests and mitigate crop damage caused by the increasing Nilgai population.

Opposition from environmental activists and local communities

The decision to allow the shooting of male Nilgais has drawn fierce criticism from environmental groups and local communities. The All India Jeev Raksha Bishnoi Sabha, representing the Bishnoi community, has protested the decision, submitting a memorandum to the administration. Critics argue that the government's approach fails to address the root causes of human-wildlife conflict and that lethal measures are neither ethical nor sustainable.

Activists advocate for alternative solutions that prioritize coexistence and conservation. Suggestions include:

• Translocation: Relocating overpopulated Nilgais to other suitable habitats to reduce pressure on agricultural lands.
• Community reserves: Designating community reserves to create safe havens for Nilgais, allowing them to thrive without encroaching on farmland.
• Fencing techniques: Implementing innovative fencing methods, such as ‘Chara Bandhi’ and ‘Samuhik Taarbandhi,’ to protect crops from wildlife incursions.
• Insurance schemes: Supporting farmers through insurance schemes and timely compensation for crop losses to alleviate economic pressures.
• Habitat restoration: Focusing on conservation efforts that restore habitats and remove invasive species, thereby enhancing the ecological balance.
• Community engagement: Involving local communities in wildlife management and promoting traditional farming practices that are more compatible with wildlife conservation.