We need to control animal populations: Anil Madhav Dave

Minister of state for environment, forests and climate change Anil Madhav Dave says he is committed to conservation, but feels that certain animal populations need to be controlled by means other than culling to contain man-animal conflict. He also speaks on GM foods, Western Ghat conservation and climate change. Excerpts from a conversation with TOI:

National Board for Wildlife has cleared the Ken-Betwa river linking project. When will environment and forest clearances follow?

Both clearances are expected soon. We want this project to be completed. We want this to happen so that we can do a cost-benefit analysis and move accordingly. Both forest and environment clearances may come simultaneously.


Uttarakhand dam projects have become controversial, in view of the ecologically fragile nature of the region. How will you act to protect environment and ensure ecological flow of Ganga?

We are looking at all aspects of such projects very carefully. Final decision will be taken in consultation with all stakeholders, keeping in mind the environment of the region, employment and electricity needs of the people of Uttarakhand. It will take 2-3 more months to arrive at a final decision.

Has any decision been taken on commercial release of genetically modified mustard?

No. The matter is still with an expert sub-committee of the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee. It will come to me once the subcommittee takes a decision. Any decision will be taken on the basis of science, and that too on science that has not been twisted by presenting wrong data. We want to take a correct decision so that 10-20 years later, no one can say it was a wrong decision.

The draft of National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-31) is ready. Is there a timeline to come out with the final plan?

We have not yet finalised a date but it will be soon. Our track record and our practices in wildlife conservation are very good. The world is looking at us, the way we conserve tigers, elephants and rhinos. But at the same time, we will also have to think about fixing an upper limit of animal population to avoid risks to farmers and human settlements. We have seen how monkeys, pigs and nilgais make lives of people, specifically farmers, difficult. We have to think about them when such animals destroy their crops — their hard work of four-five months.

Can we go for selective and supervised culling, the way it is practised in some western countries?

No. We won’t go for such an option. India is a country where people believe in non-violent action. Violent actions are not acceptable here.

Then how will you control animal population?

We also have increasing instances of leopards entering human settlements.

That’s why I am talking about fixing an upper limit for animal populations, keeping in mind habitat and other resources. We need to look at ways (through scientific interventions) to control their populations. Conservation of wildlife is a serious issue. At the same time, controlling their population is also a serious issue. We have to think about the issue of animal management to avoid man-animal conflict and animal-animal conflict.

NDA rule has seen a number of environment clearances which critics find detrimental to environment.

I firmly believe that environment protection and development can go hand in hand. Whatever you do, there will be some who will always criticise. We want to take the right decisions for the larger interest of people while taking care of the environment. Why would you stop industries which follow rules and adhere to best practices in protecting environment? We took balanced and correct decisions.

When will the eco-sensitive zone of Western Ghats be finally notified? It has been dragging for years.

We have decided to notify it soon, maybe early next year. It is being finalised. We can notify it as early as possible so that law and regulations are in place to prevent encroachments.

We can always modify it, considering suggestions from stakeholders.

What are the focus areas in the new year?

We would like to focus on forests, waste management and India’s ‘national action plan’ which we have promised as the country’s INDC (Intended Nationally Determined Contribution) as part of the Paris agreement on climate change. We would like to focus on increasing forest cover (carbon sink). All this can be done with the help of people. These issues cannot be addressed while discussing them in five-star hotels.