• The constitutional requirement for democratic governance stipulates that the government should be elected by the people, with the principle of 'one citizen-one vote-one value' being paramount.
• Historically, the number of seats in the Lok Sabha was determined based on population figures from the 1951, 1961, and 1971 Censuses, resulting in an average population per seat of 7.3 lahks, 8.4 lahks, and 10.1 lahks respectively.
• However, since the 1971 Census, the number of seats has been frozen to incentivize population control measures, ensuring that states with higher population growth do not gain disproportionately higher representation.
• This freeze was initially implemented through the 42nd Amendment Act until the year 2000 and extended by the 84th Amendment Act until 2026.
• Consequently, seat allocation is based on the population figures from the 1971 Census, with adjustments slated to occur following the first Census after 2026.
• Ordinarily, the delimitation process, including determining the number of seats, defining territorial constituency boundaries, and allocating reserved seats for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), would align with the Census of 2031, being the first Census post-2026.
• However, with the postponement of the 2021 Census and the approach of the year 2026, discussions are underway regarding the impending delimitation exercise.

5. International Practices in Seat Allocation

• In the United States, the number of seats in the House of Representatives, akin to India's Lok Sabha, has remained fixed at 435 since 1913. Despite the population increase from 9.4 crore in 1911 to an estimated 33.4 crore in 2023, the method of equal proportion is utilized to redistribute seats among states following each Census. This method aims to maintain fairness, ensuring that no significant gain or loss occurs for any state. For instance, after the 2020 Census, 37 states saw no change in their number of seats, while Texas gained two seats, five states gained one seat each, and seven states lost one seat each.
• In the European Union Parliament, comprised of 720 members, seat allocation among its 27 member countries follows the principle of degressive proportionality. This principle entails that the ratio of population to the number of seats increases as population size increases. For example, Denmark, with a population of around 60 lahks, has 15 seats (with an average population of 4 lahks per member), while Germany, with a population of 8.3 crores, has 96 seats (with an average population of 8.6 lahks per member).

6. Proposed Ideal Solution

• The dilemma between democratic and federal principles in delimitation can be effectively addressed by striking a balance that acknowledges the significance of both. A harmonious solution can be achieved by giving equal weight to democratic representation and federal structure.
• The number of Members of Parliament (MPs) in the Lok Sabha could be capped at the current level of 543 seats. This ensures continuity in representation from various states, thereby upholding the federal principle. MPs primarily legislate on matters listed in the Union List, such as Defense, External Affairs, Railways, Telecommunication, and Taxation, and hold the Central government accountable.
• To meet democratic representational requirements, the number of Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in each state can be increased in alignment with the current population. This adjustment can be made without altering the number of seats in the Rajya Sabha, thereby addressing the need for fair representation at the state level.
• Crucially, to strengthen democracy at the grassroots level, empowering local bodies like panchayats and municipalities is imperative. These entities engage directly with citizens on a daily basis and play a vital role in governance. Significant devolution of powers and finances to these bodies is essential to enhance democracy at the grassroots level, ensuring effective citizen participation in decision-making processes.

7. The Way Forward

Finding a balanced approach to delimitation that considers democratic representation, federal stability, and local governance empowerment is crucial for India's future. This proposed solution offers a starting point for discussion and debate to ensure a fair and effective delimitation process that strengthens the nation's democracy.

NILGIRI TAHR

 

 

1. Context

 

 Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiri Tahr population has recorded a steady rise with the third synchronised population estimation conducted in April 2026, putting the count at an estimated 1,364 individuals, showing a 4.68 per cent increase over last year.

 

 

2. About Nilgiri Tahr

 

The Nilgiri tahr is the sole species of mountain-dwelling ungulate native to southern India, out of the twelve such species found nationwide. It holds the distinction of being Tamil Nadu’s state animal.

Historically, the Nilgiri tahr inhabited the entire stretch of the Western Ghats. However, its range has now diminished drastically, and it survives only in a few isolated patches. Much of its original population has vanished, primarily due to extensive habitat destruction and hunting pressures.

This species, which is unique to the Western Ghats, is currently classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and receives the highest level of legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

According to a 2015 report by WWF India, the wild population of Nilgiri tahrs is estimated to be around 3,122 individuals

 

3. Distrinution and habitat of Nilgiri tahr

 

• The Nilgiri tahr is a sure-footed ungulate that inhabits the open montane grassland habitats at elevations from 1200 to 2600 m of the South Western Ghats. Currently, the Nilgiri tahr distribution is along a narrow stretch of 400 km in the Western Ghats between Nilgiris in the north and Kanyakumari hills in the south of the region.
• Though there are smaller populations found in the Palani hills, Srivilliputtur, and the Meghamalai and Agasthiyar ranges, only two well-protected, large populations are documented -- one from the Nilgiris and the other from the Anamalais, including the high ranges of Kerala.
• The Eravikulam National Park in Anamalai hills, Kerala, is home to the largest population of the Nilgiri tahr, with more than 700 individuals

 

4. Threats for Nilgiri tahr

 

• The Nilgiri tahr faces several threats to its survival, primarily due to widespread deforestation, which leads to significant loss of natural habitat. Its living space is further reduced by grazing competition from domestic livestock, the development of hydroelectric projects within its native range, and the spread of monoculture plantations.
• Additionally, although rare, the species is sometimes hunted for its meat and skin.
• The severe fragmentation of its habitat has caused a sharp decline in population in recent years. Activities such as plantation expansion continue to disturb the tahr’s natural environment, especially the grasslands and shola forests that are essential for its survival

 

5. Mukurthi National Park 

 

• Mukurthi National Park is a protected area located in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu and forms a part of the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which spans across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.
• The park lies in the western part of the Nilgiris Plateau and is particularly significant for its unique ecosystem comprising montane grasslands interspersed with shola forests. These high-altitude tropical forests are known for their rich biodiversity and ecological importance.
• Covering an area of around 78 square kilometers, Mukurthi National Park was originally established to protect the Nilgiri tahr, an endangered mountain ungulate endemic to the Western Ghats. Over the years, it has become a vital sanctuary not only for the Nilgiri tahr but also for many other endemic and endangered species of flora and fauna.
• The landscape of the park is marked by rolling grasslands, rugged peaks, and deep valleys. It receives heavy rainfall and has a cool, misty climate for most of the year, contributing to its lush vegetation.
• The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including species such as the Indian leopard, jungle cat, jackal, sambar deer, and a diverse range of birds, reptiles, and butterflies.
• Mukurthi is part of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its exceptional biological diversity. The park also plays a crucial role in preserving water sources, as many rivers and streams originate in this region.
• Owing to its fragile ecosystem and conservation priorities, tourism in Mukurthi is tightly regulated, with limited access to ensure minimal human interference.
• Overall, Mukurthi National Park stands as a symbol of conservation efforts in the Nilgiris, especially for the protection of the Nilgiri tahr and the preservation of the unique shola-grassland ecosystem that is increasingly under threat due to habitat degradation and climate change

 

For Prelims: Nilgiri tahr, Western ghats, IUCN Red List   For Mains: GS III - Environment & Ecology

 

Previous Year Questions   1.The "Red Data Books" published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) contain lists of (UPSC CSE 2011)   1. Endemic plant and animal species present in the biodiversity hotspots. 2. Threatened plant and animal species. 3. Protected sites for the conservation of nature and natural resources in various countries.   Select the correct answer using the codes given below: A.1 and 3 B.2 only C.2 and 3 D.3 only   Answer (B)

Source: The Hindu