Fri Jan 16 16:27:17 UTC 2026: # Guidelines Emerge for Religious Structures in Wildlife Sanctuaries

The Story:
An expert body of the Environment Ministry has released guidelines outlining the conditions under which land within wildlife parks and sanctuaries can be diverted for religious structures. This development follows a proposal in early 2024 regarding land diversion within the Balaram Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat, which houses two historical temples. The guidelines address a need for a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) due to several sanctuaries nationwide where rights and claims have not been settled, with differing opinions on how to manage religious sites within protected areas.

Key Points:

  • The guidelines were developed after a proposal to divert land in the Balaram Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary for religious purposes.
  • In July 2024, the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SCNBWL) initially cleared a proposal by a trust to “use” 0.35 hectares of forest land in the Balaram Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • The SCNBWL revoked the clearance in October 2024 after a member raised concerns about the legitimacy of the Trust’s claim to the land, warning it could set a precedent.
  • The Environment Minister (Bhupendra Yadav) suggested developing an SOP for applications involving religious institutions.
  • The guidelines treat any construction or expansion on forest land after 1980 as “encroachment,” but allow for exceptions with a “reasoned and documented order” from the State.
  • A decision on diverting 0.16 hectares of land in the Jamwaramgarh Wildlife Sanctuary for the Jamwa MataJi Temple was “deferred” in the December 2025 meeting.

Critical Analysis:
The historical context, which highlights the BJP and Sena’s victory in the BMC polls, alongside PM Modi’s expression of gratitude, suggest a possible connection between political victories and environmental policies. The BJP’s victory could give the party more leverage in influencing environmental decisions at the state level, potentially expediting the approval process for projects, including religious constructions, within wildlife sanctuaries. However, the Shiv Sena UBT reclaiming the Parbhani Civic Body may act as a balance.

Key Takeaways:

  • There is increasing pressure to accommodate religious structures within protected wildlife areas.
  • The new guidelines attempt to balance conservation with religious considerations.
  • The process remains complex, with decisions made on a case-by-case basis.
  • State governments have a crucial role in justifying any proposed regularizations.
  • The guidelines aim to prevent unchecked expansion of religious sites in sensitive ecological zones.

Impact Analysis:
These guidelines could have significant long-term implications for wildlife conservation in India. By establishing a framework for land diversion, it could open the door for increased development within protected areas, potentially fragmenting habitats and disrupting ecosystems. The extent of the impact will depend on how rigorously the guidelines are enforced and how carefully state governments evaluate proposals. It may also lead to court cases.

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