Since the establishment of India’s first national park in 1936, the country has made significant strides in conserving its rich biodiversity. Initially home to just five national parks by 1970, India’s commitment to conservation led to the enactment of the Wildlife Protection Act in 1972 and the initiation of Project Tiger in 1973, aimed at safeguarding critical habitats for endangered species.

Under these legislative frameworks, India’s national park system has flourished, with 106 existing parks covering 44,402.95 km², constituting 1.35% of the nation’s land area. This network of protected areas, designated as International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) category II sites, serves as vital refuges for diverse flora and fauna.

Expanding Horizons: Proposed National Parks

Beyond the existing parks, India has ambitious plans for conservation expansion. The Protected Area Network Report proposes an additional 75 national parks, spanning 16,608 km². Upon full implementation, the total number of national parks will rise to 176, further fortifying the country’s commitment to biodiversity preservation.

Hemis National Park: A Jewel in India’s Conservation Crown

Among India’s national parks, Hemis National Park stands out as the largest, covering a vast expanse of 4,400 km². Nestled in the rugged terrain of the Himalayas, this park serves as a sanctuary for iconic species like the snow leopard and the Himalayan brown bear, epitomizing India’s dedication to protecting its most vulnerable wildlife.

Understanding National Parks: A Global Perspective

National parks serve as vital sanctuaries for conservation efforts worldwide, reflecting a shared commitment among nations to preserve natural heritage. These protected areas, designated by governments, encompass diverse landscapes, from pristine wilderness to semi-natural environments, symbolizing both the legacy of the past and the promise of the future.

The establishment of national parks traces back to pivotal moments in history, with Yellowstone National Park recognized as the world’s first official national park in 1872. While other areas, like the Tobago Main Ridge Forest Reserve and the region surrounding Bogd Khan Uul Mountain, predate Yellowstone in terms of legal protection, Yellowstone’s designation marked a significant milestone in the global conservation movement.

Parks Canada, founded in 1911, further catalyzed the evolution of national park systems, pioneering the concept of a dedicated national park service. As nations recognized the intrinsic value of preserving natural spaces, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) emerged as a pivotal organization, defining the parameters of national parks through its Category II classification of protected areas.

Defining National Parks: The Role of IUCN

The IUCN, through its World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA), has played a central role in shaping the definition and criteria for national parks. While the organization identified over 6,000 national parks worldwide in 2006, ongoing discussions continue to refine and expand upon the understanding of what constitutes a national park.

Accessible Conservation: A Shared Vision

One common feature of national parks is their accessibility to visitors, aligning with the principle of conservation for the benefit of present and future generations. Whether it’s exploring the rugged landscapes of Yellowstone or witnessing the diverse wildlife of Africa’s savannas, national parks serve as platforms for education, recreation, and inspiration.

A Global Commitment to Conservation

From the iconic wilderness of North America to the pristine forests of Asia, national parks stand as testaments to humanity’s resolve to protect and preserve the natural world. As nations collaborate and innovate in the realm of conservation, the legacy of national parks continues to evolve, ensuring that ‘wild nature’ endures as a beacon of national pride and global stewardship.

State-wise List of National Parks

State & UT	No. of NP	Name of National Parks across India	Area (km2)
1.  Andhra Pradesh	3	Andhra Pradesh: 1. Papikonda National Park 2. Sri Venkateswara National Park 3. Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary)	1368.87
2.  Arunachal Pradesh	2	Arunachal Pradesh: 1. Namdapha National Park 2. Mouling National Park	2,290.82
3.  Assam	7	Assam: 1. Kaziranga National Park 2. Manas National Park 3. Nameri National Park 4. Dibru-Saikhowa National Park 5. Orang National Park 6. Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary 7. Raimona National Park	2,664.58
4.  Bihar	1	Bihar: 1. Valmiki National Park	335.65
5.  Chhattisgarh	3	Chhattisgarh: 1. Indravati National Park 2. Kanger Valley National Park 3. Guru Ghasidas (Sanjay) National Park	2,899.08
6.  Goa	1	Goa: 1. Mollem National Park (Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary)	107.00
7.  Gujarat	4	Gujarat: 1. Gir National Park 2. Vansda National Park 3. Blackbuck National Park 4. Marine National Park	480.12
8.  Haryana	2	Haryana: 1. Sultanpur National Park 2. Kalesar National Park	48.25
9.  Himachal Pradesh	5	Himachal Pradesh: 1. Great Himalayan National Park 2. Pin Valley National Park 3. Khirganga National Park 4. Indrahar Pass National Park 5. Inderkilla National Park	2,256.28
11. Jharkhand	1	Jharkhand: 1. Betla National Park	226.33
12. Karnataka	5	Karnataka: 1. Bandipur National Park 2. Nagarhole National Park 3. Anshi National Park 4. Bannerghatta National Park 5. Kudremukh National Park	2,794.05
13. Kerala	6	Kerala: 1. Periyar National Park 2. Silent Valley National Park 3. Eravikulam National Park 4. Mathikettan Shola National Park 5. Pambadum Shola National Park 6. Anamudi Shola National Park	558.16
14. Madhya Pradesh	11	Madhya Pradesh: 1. Kanha National Park 2. Bandhavgarh National Park 3. Pench National Park 4. Panna National Park 5. Satpura National Park 6. Sanjay National Park 7. Van Vihar National Park 8. Mandla Plant Fossils National Park 9. Madhav National Park 10. Fossil National Park 11. Kuno National Park	4349.14
15. Maharashtra	6	Maharashtra: 1. Tadoba National Park 2. Sanjay Gandhi National Park 3. Chandoli National Park 4. Gugamal National Park 5. Navegaon National Park 6. Pench National Park (Maharashtra)	1,273.60
16. Manipur	2	Manipur: 1. Keibul Lamjao National Park 2. Sirohi National Park	140.00
17. Meghalaya	2	Meghalaya: 1. Balphakram National Park 2. Nokrek National Park	267.48
18. Mizoram	2	Mizoram: 1. Murlen National Park 2. Phawngpui Blue Mountain National Park	150.00
19. Nagaland	1	Nagaland: 1. Intanki National Park	202.02
20. Odisha	2	Odisha: 1. Simlipal National Park 2. Bhitarkanika National Park	990.70
21. Punjab	0		0.00
22. Rajasthan	5	Rajasthan: 1. Ranthambore National Park 2. Sariska National Park 3. Keoladeo National Park 4. Darrah National Park 5. Mukundra Hills National Park	3,947.07
23. Sikkim	1	Sikkim: 1. Khangchendzonga National Park	1,784.00
24. Tamil Nadu	5	Tamil Nadu: 1. Mudumalai National Park 2. Indira Gandhi (Annamalai) National Park 3. Guindy National Park 4. Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park 5. Mukurthi National Park	827.51
25. Telangana	3	Telangana: 1. Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park 2. Mrugavani National Park 3. Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park	19.62
25. Tripura	2	Tripura: 1. Clouded Leopard National Park 2. Rajbari National Park	36.71
26. Uttar Pradesh	1	Uttar Pradesh: 1. Dudhwa National Park	490.00
27. Uttarakhand	6	Uttarakhand: 1. Jim Corbett National Park 2. Valley of Flowers National Park 3. Rajaji National Park 4. Nanda Devi National Park 5. Gangotri National Park 6. Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary	4,915.02
28. West Bengal	6	West Bengal: 1. Sundarbans National Park 2. Neora Valley National Park 3. Buxa Tiger Reserve 4. Gorumara National Park 5. Jaldapara National Park 6. Singalila National Park	1,981.48
29. Andaman & Nicobar	6	Andaman & Nicobar: 1. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park 2. Rani Jhansi Marine National Park 3. North Button Island National Park 4. Middle Button Island National Park 5. South Button Island National Park 6. Mount Harriet National Park	1,216.95
30. Chandigarh	0		0.00
31. Dadra & Nagar Haveli	0		0.00
32. Daman & Diu	0		0.00
33. Delhi	0		0.00
34. Jammu & Kashmir	4	Jammu & Kashmir: 1. Dachigam National Park 2. Hemis National Park 3. Kishtwar National Park 4. Salim Ali National Park	2432.45
36. Ladakh	1	Ladakh: 1. Hemis National Park	3350.00
37. Lakshadweep	0		0.00
38. Puducherry	0		0.00
TOTAL	106		44,402.95

Here are some important points about National Parks in India:

1. Largest National Park: Hemis National Park, located in Jammu & Kashmir, is the largest national park in India.
2. Smallest National Park: South Button Island National Park, situated in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, holds the distinction of being the smallest national park in India.

Here are the oldest national parks in India along with the year of their establishment:

1. Corbett National Park: Established in 1936, Corbett National Park, located in Uttarakhand, is one of the oldest national parks in India. It was established to protect the endangered Bengal tiger.
2. Kanha National Park: Established in 1955, Kanha National Park, located in Madhya Pradesh, is one of the earliest national parks in India. It is famous for its population of Bengal tigers, leopards, and Indian wild dogs.
3. Tadoba National Park: Also established in 1955, Tadoba National Park, situated in Maharashtra, is among the oldest national parks in India. It is known for its high density of tigers and is one of the best places to spot these majestic creatures in the wild.

Here are the three newest national parks in India along with their respective years of establishment:

1. Dihing Patkai National Park: Established in 2021, Dihing Patkai National Park is located in Assam. It encompasses the Dihing Patkai Elephant Reserve and is known for its rich biodiversity, including various species of mammals, birds, and plants.
2. Raimona National Park: Also established in 2021, Raimona National Park is situated in the Kokrajhar district of Assam. It is part of the Bodoland Territorial Region and is home to diverse ecosystems, including grasslands, wetlands, and forests.
3. Jaldapara National Park: Although not the newest, Jaldapara National Park, established in 2014, is also worth mentioning. Located in West Bengal, it is known for its population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses, elephants, and Bengal tigers.These national parks have a rich history of conservation efforts and provide habitats for a wide variety of flora and fauna, contributing significantly to India’s natural heritage.

These national parks have a rich history of conservation efforts and provide habitats for a wide variety of flora and fauna, contributing significantly to India’s natural heritage.

Source: Wiki

Photo Source: ST

Static GK