Home / Environment / Manas Park Grasslands Vanish: Urgent Restoration Needed
Manas Park Grasslands Vanish: Urgent Restoration Needed
6 Jul
Summary
- Manas National Park grasslands have shrunk significantly since 1990.
- Invasive species, climate change, and water flow impact grassland health.
- Forest department prioritizes grassland restoration efforts.
The grasslands within Manas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are facing a critical decline, prompting the forest department to prioritize their restoration. These crucial habitats have shrunk from 53.61% in 1990 to 30.24% by 2019. Invasive plant species are identified as a primary cause, alongside factors like climate change and altered water flow from upstream developments.
The reduction in grassland area significantly impacts species dependent on this habitat, including critically endangered ones like the Bengal florican. Conservationists advocate for grassland and bamboo restoration while cautioning against tree plantations in former grassland zones. The forest minister has vowed to intensify efforts to eradicate invasive species and revitalize these vital ecosystems.
Beyond grassland conservation, the department also aims to boost tourism in other national parks to reduce pressure on Kaziranga. Efforts are underway to develop high-end tourism experiences to attract longer stays for research and wildlife purposes, thereby increasing revenue generation.
