India's Grasslands: Vital Ecosystems Under Threat

The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife has highlighted the critical importance of grasslands, recognizing them as essential ecosystems for wildlife conservation and human livelihoods. They stressed the need to consider grasslands alongside forests in conservation strategies, advocating for potential amendments to forestry guidelines to facilitate grassland restoration under compensatory afforestation mechanisms. This move aims to protect species such as the Great Indian Bustard and the Lesser Florican.

India's drylands, largely dependent on grassland ecosystems, span approximately 69% of the country. These areas are significant carbon sinks, holding a substantial portion of terrestrial carbon, with restored grasslands showing remarkable sequestration potential. India aims to enhance its carbon sinks significantly by 2035, making grassland conservation a key component of its climate commitments.

The committee also addressed the needs of pastoral communities, whose seasonal migrations often cross protected forest areas. Studies are being initiated to understand conservation challenges related to nomadic herders in several states, focusing on issues like shrinking pasture availability and degradation. Efforts are also in motion to introduce cheetahs in Banni grasslands, including habitat and prey augmentation.

Concerns remain regarding land-use changes and the impact of policies allowing plantations on degraded lands, which could affect biodiversity-rich common lands. The importance of community-led conservation, as seen in Banni, and accurate mapping of grasslands are emphasized for effective management and protection.