Explanation: The concept of a Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) is a critical component of India's efforts to conserve and protect areas of significant ecological importance. The Biological Diversity Act, 2002, is a comprehensive legal framework that aims to conserve biodiversity, sustainable use of biological resources, and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of biological resources. Under this Act, Section 37(1) provides the authority to declare areas as BHS based on their ecological, environmental, and socio-economic significance.
Dalong Village, covering an area of 11.35 sq. km, was declared a BHS in May 2017. This declaration highlights the ecological importance of the area and the efforts made by the state of Madhya Pradesh to conserve its biodiversity. Madhya Pradesh is known for its rich biodiversity and has several protected areas and conservation sites. The state's commitment to biodiversity conservation is evident from the declaration of Dalong Village as a BHS.
It is important to note that the northeastern states of India, such as Manipur and Mizoram, are also known for their rich biodiversity. However, the specific site in question, Dalong Village, is located in Madhya Pradesh. This can lead to confusion, especially for those unfamiliar with the exact locations of various biodiversity sites in India.
Understanding the legal framework and the specific locations of BHS is crucial for students preparing for competitive examinations such as the UPSC Civil Services and State PSC Exams. The Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and the concept of BHS are significant topics in environmental conservation and geography, making them important for a comprehensive understanding of India's biodiversity and conservation efforts.
In summary, Dalong Village, declared a BHS in May 2017 under Section 37(1) of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, is located in Madhya Pradesh. This declaration underscores the state's commitment to biodiversity conservation and highlights the ecological significance of the area.