State Cabinet approved the inclusion of the entire Majuli island, and a five km radius of both Barpeta Satra and Bordowa Than in Battadrava as ‘heritage blocks’, which will restrict buying and selling of land.
Protected Area
A protected area is a clearly defined geographical space, recognised, dedicated and managed, through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values. (IUCN Definition, 2008)
New Heritage Blocks: Assam government has approved the creation of ‘heritage blocks’ to protect cultural and historic sites.
Designated Areas:
Entire Majuli island
5 km radius around Barpeta Satra
5 km radius around Bordowa Than in Battadrava
Land Restrictions:
Only residents with three generations of lineage can buy or sell land within these blocks.
Initial sites identified; more may be added based on public demand.
Legislative Action:
A bill will be introduced to amend the Assam Land and Revenue Regulation Act of 1886, adding Chapter 12.
This amendment follows the precedent set by Chapter 10, which protected tribal belts and blocks.
World Heritage Site Proposal: The government aims to seek World Heritage Site status for Majuli island to protect its spiritual and cultural heritage.
Micro Tribal Belts and Blocks:
New concept to create micro tribal belts and blocks.
Villages with over 80% SC and ST population will be declared as such.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has established six categories for Protected Areas through its World Commission on Protected Areas. These categories are:
Category Ia – Strict Nature Reserve: Areas managed primarily for scientific research with minimal human interference, such as the Urwald Rothwald in Austria.
Category Ib – Wilderness Area: Regions set aside for wilderness preservation, exemplified by the wilderness areas in the Sami native region of Finland.
Category II – National Park: Areas designated for the protection of ecosystems and for recreational use. Ex: Kaziranga National Park
Category III – Natural Monument or Feature: Sites conserved for their specific natural attributes, such as cliffs, caves, or forest groves. An example is the Cono de Arita in Argentina.
Category IV – Habitat/Species Management Area: Zones focused on the protection of specific species or habitats. Ex: The Galapagos, Ecuador
Category V – Protected Landscape/Seascape: Areas preserved for their overall landscape or seascape values, allowing interaction with surrounding communities. An example is the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
Category VI – Protected Area with Sustainable Use of Natural Resources: Areas where conservation of ecosystems and habitats is coupled with sustainable use of natural resources and cultural values.
These varied categories of protected areas are crucial for protecting India's biodiversity and conserving its ecosystems. By creating a comprehensive Protected Area Network, India demonstrates its dedication to sustainable development and balancing human activities with natural preservation.
