Dibru-Saikhowa National Park: Location, Conservation, Major Threats | UPSC

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park in India's northeastern state of Assam, in the floodplains of Tinsukia and Dibrugarh districts, is India's most prominent biodiversity hotspot. It is a Biosphere Reserve and a Ramsar site famous for its one-of-a-kind semi-evergreen forests, grasslands and wetlands.

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Key Features Of The Dibru-Saikhowa National Park

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Ecological Importance of Dibru-Saikhowa National Park

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is one of the most essential parks that conserve biodiversity since it is the habitat of threatened species such as the river dolphin and white-winged wood duck. It controls the floods, maintains the wetlands, provides habitat to the migratory birds and acts as an essential carbon sink of the Brahmaputra flood plains.

• Biodiversity Hotspot: It has provided habitat to endangered animals such as white-winged wood ducks, Bengal tiger, Gangetic river dolphins, and feral horses.

• Flood Buffer: This is a natural buffer or cushion against seasonal floods of the Brahmaputra, thus minimizing damage downstream.

• Wetland Ecosystem Services: As a RAMSAR wetland for recharging the groundwater, removing impurities and ensuring the hydrological balance.

• Carbon Sink: Grasslands and dense forests sequester carbon and cushion the effects of climate change.

• Avifaunal Habitat: An Important Bird Area(IBA) of more than 300 species of birds that include migratory birds and contribute to ecological connectivity.

• Genetic Reservoir: Maintains a variety of flora and fauna, which is vital in ecological balance, science and the ecosystem's resilience.

• Livelihood Support: Supplies locals with ecosystem services like fisheries, eco-tourism, and pasture land, which are maintained in moderation.

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Major Threats

The Dibru-Saikhowa is at significant risk due to oil and gas exploration, frequent impoundments of the Brahmaputra, encroachment, poaching and species invasion. Changes in climate and development pressures also threaten its already vulnerable wetland and forest systems.

• Oil and Gas Exploration: Oil and gas exploration projects in and around the park threaten to pollute the area, destroy the habitat, and reduce biodiversity.
• Flooding and Erosion: Brahmaputra floods are common, causing erosion of riverbanks that reduces the park area and dislocates wildlife.
• Encroachment & Illegal Logging: Human settlements, agricultural expansion, and timber extraction degrade forest and wetland ecosystems.
• Poaching and overfishing: Threaten significant species such as river dolphins, turtles and migratory birds.
• Invasive Species: Introduction of foreign organisms depletes the diversity of native vegetation and changes the habitats.
• Industrial & Infrastructure Pressure: Infrastructure developments (roads, rail, mining) are splitters of wildlife corridors.
• Human-Wildlife Conflict: Loss of crops and livestock predation contributes to the animosity towards conservation.
• Climate Change: Increasing floods, unpredictable downpours, and wetland inundation threaten the unstable ecosystem.

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Conservation Efforts for Dibru-Saikhowa National Park

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, a Biosphere Reserve (1997) and a Ramsar Site (2022). Some of the conservation measures undertaken are eco-tourism promotion, the involvement of communities, restoration of habitat, and effective monitoring by the Assam Forest Department to suppress poaching and degradation of the ecology.

• Legal Protection –
  • Declared Wildlife Sanctuary (1890) → National Park (1999).
  • Protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• International Recognition –
  • Declared a Biosphere Reserve (1997).
  • Designated a Ramsar Site (2022) for wetland conservation.
  • Recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA).
• Eco-Tourism Initiatives – Promotion of responsible eco-tourism to reduce exploitation and create community-based conservation awareness.
• Community Participation – Local communities are involved in monitoring and sustainable resource use, reducing dependence on park resources.
• Wildlife Monitoring – The Assam Forest Department conducts regular patrolling, anti-poaching squads, and biodiversity surveys.
• Habitat Restoration – Afforestation and grassland management programmes to revive degraded patches.
• Awareness Campaigns – NGOs and government agencies conduct awareness drives about the ecological importance and species protection.
• Judicial Intervention – Court orders restricting oil and gas exploration within eco-sensitive zones of the park.

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Conclusion

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is a vital biodiversity asset of the Assamese state, supporting different species, wetlands, and woodland environments. Irrespective of the prevailing threats of human activities and climate change, long-term protection activities and input from the local community on the issue are vital to maintaining the biodiversity and ecological integrity of the place to be preserved by future generations.

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