The Union Government has recently reimposed the Protected Area Regime (PAR) in three northeastern states: Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland. This decision reverses the 2011 move to scrap the regime, which was aimed at promoting tourism in these regions.
What is the Protected Area Regime (PAR)?
The Protected Area Regime is governed by the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958, which places restrictions on the movement of foreign nationals in certain regions of India.
Key Features of PAR:
Legal Framework: Enforced under the Foreigners Act, 1946, through the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958.
Areas Covered:
Applies to all regions between the ‘Inner Line’ and the International Border of a state.
Entire Arunachal Pradesh and parts of Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand are also under this regime.
Entry Regulations: Foreign nationals must secure a special permit from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) or other designated authorities.
Permit Validity: Typically valid for 10 days, extendable in special cases.
Exemptions: Citizens of Bhutan are usually exempt from these restrictions.
Rationale Behind Reimposition
Security Concerns:
Proximity to international borders raises the risk of infiltration and other cross-border activities.
Ensures tighter monitoring of movement in sensitive areas.
Socio-Cultural Preservation:
Aims to protect the unique tribal cultures and traditions from external influences.
Economic and Environmental Factors:
Controls unchecked tourism and its impact on fragile ecosystems in the region.
Geopolitical Sensitivities:
Northeast India shares borders with several countries, including China, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. Maintaining restricted access helps safeguard India’s strategic interests.
Impact of PAR on Tourism and Development
Positive Impacts:
Controlled Tourism: Helps manage the ecological balance while allowing limited tourism.
Cultural Protection: Restricts cultural disruptions caused by uninhibited tourist activities.
Challenges:
Tourism Revenue: Reduced footfall from international tourists could impact local economies.
Administrative Bottlenecks: Complicated permit processes can deter genuine visitors.
Broader Implications
The PAR reflects the ‘Inner Line Permit (ILP)’ system already in place for Indian citizens in parts of the northeast, including Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Manipur. Both PAR and ILP highlight the region's unique socio-political dynamics and underline the need for balanced governance to ensure development while respecting local cultures and security requirements.
For aspirants preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Exam, understanding PAR offers insights into the complex interplay of security, tourism, and tribal rights in India's border states.
Practice Question
Consider the following statements regarding the Protected Area Regime (PAR):
The regime applies only to states in the northeastern region of India.
Foreign nationals need special permits issued by the Union Ministry of External Affairs to visit protected areas.
The entire state of Arunachal Pradesh is covered under the PAR.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 2 and 3 only
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