The Union Home Ministry has reimposed the Protected Area Regime (PAR) in Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram. The move aims to monitor the movement of foreigners amid growing security concerns arising out of the influx from neighbouring countries. Read here to learn more about PAR.
The Protected Area Regime (PAR) is a regulatory framework under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, of 1958. It restricts the entry and movement of foreign nationals in areas deemed sensitive due to security, cultural, or strategic reasons.
From now on, foreigners visiting the three northeastern States would have to seek prior permission and special permits from the government.
The relaxation has been withdrawn after a gap of 14 years.
Protected Area Regime (PAR) in Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram: Reimposition
The Union Home Ministry has reimposed the Protected Area Regime (PAR) in Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram, requiring foreigners to obtain prior permission and special permits to visit these states.
This measure aims to address security concerns arising from the influx of individuals from neighbouring countries.
What is the Protected Area Regime (PAR)?
PAR is a regulation under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, of 1958, which restricts the entry of foreigners into certain areas close to international borders due to security, cultural sensitivity, or strategic importance.
- Foreign nationals need prior approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) or designated state authorities to enter Protected Areas.
- Protected Areas in India: These include regions in the northeastern states, parts of Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh.
Special Considerations:
- Entry restrictions are enforced to safeguard indigenous communities and their cultural heritage.
- Aimed at addressing security concerns due to the strategic location of these areas, often bordering other nations.
Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958
The Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, of 1958, was issued under the Foreigners Act, of 1946, to regulate the movement and stay of foreigners in sensitive and strategically important areas in India, particularly near the country’s international borders.
Key Provisions of the 1958 Order:
- Restricted Access for Foreigners:
- Foreigners are prohibited from entering or staying in protected areas unless they obtain prior permission from the Government of India.
- Grant of Protected Area Permit (PAP):
- Foreign nationals must apply for a Protected Area Permit (PAP) to enter these areas.
- PAP applications are processed through the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and require approval from the relevant state governments.
- Conditions for Issuance of PAP:
- Typically issued for groups of tourists (2 or more) travelling through registered travel agents.
- Individual permits may be granted in exceptional cases.
- The duration of the stay and areas of movement are specified in the permit.
- Prohibited Activities:
- Engaging in activities that may endanger public order or national security.
- Any unauthorized extension of stay or deviation from specified routes.
- Exemptions:
- Citizens of some countries may be exempted from the PAP requirement for specific regions, subject to bilateral agreements.
- Indian citizens travelling to these regions are generally not subject to this order.
Background of PAR in the Northeast
- Previous Relaxation: The regime was relaxed for Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram in 2010 to boost tourism and encourage international engagement.
- Current Reimposition: After 14 years of relaxation, the reimposition reflects heightened security concerns, particularly the influx of people from Myanmar and Bangladesh.
Reasons for Reimposing PAR
- Security Concerns:
- Growing instances of illegal migration and cross-border movement from Myanmar due to political instability and ethnic conflicts.
- Concerns about insurgent activities and other security challenges in the region.
- Monitoring Foreign Movement: To regulate the movement of foreigners and prevent misuse of entry points for illegal activities.
- Safeguarding Cultural Integrity: Protection of sensitive indigenous cultures and traditions in the region.
Implications of Reimposing PAR
- For Foreign Visitors: Foreigners will now require special permits and approvals, potentially discouraging tourism.
- Impact on Tourism and Development: Restrictions may slow down international tourism and investments in these states, reversing the benefits gained during the relaxation period.
- Enhanced Security: Facilitates better control over foreign movements and addresses illegal migration concerns.
- Border Control: Strengthens India’s border management by reducing unauthorized cross-border activities.
Challenges Associated with PAR in the Northeast
- Administrative Bottlenecks: Obtaining PAPs can be time-consuming and cumbersome for foreign nationals, deterring tourism and investment.
- Security Concerns: The region’s proximity to international borders and the presence of insurgent groups pose security challenges.
- Preservation of Indigenous Cultures: Balancing cultural preservation with tourism and development remains a challenge.
- Lack of Infrastructure: Poor Road connectivity and limited facilities hinder the effectiveness of PAR relaxation policies.
Tourism Promotion vs. Security
The implementation of protected area regimes often involves a trade-off between promoting tourism for economic development and ensuring national security. This challenge is particularly pronounced in sensitive regions with ecological and strategic significance.
Key Challenges:
Economic Imperatives
- Revenue Generation: Tourism, especially eco-tourism, contributes significantly to the economy by generating revenue and creating jobs.
- Community Livelihoods: Local communities often depend on tourism for their livelihood, necessitating open access to protected areas.
Security Concerns
- Geopolitical Sensitivity: Many protected areas are located near international borders, making them vulnerable to illegal activities, infiltration, or smuggling.
- Environmental Protection: Over-tourism can degrade fragile ecosystems, defeating the purpose of protecting such areas.
- Terrorism and Insurgency: Some protected areas, particularly in conflict-prone regions, are used as hideouts for insurgent groups or other anti-national activities.
Approaches to Balance Tourism and Security
Regulated Access
- Permits and Zoning: Allow limited access through permits, defining zones for tourism and zones strictly for conservation and security.
- Carrying Capacity Studies: Assess the ecological and infrastructural limits to avoid over-tourism.
Technology Integration
- Surveillance Systems: Use drones, CCTV cameras, and GIS technology for real-time monitoring of protected areas.
- Digital Passes and Tracking: Introduce digital passes for tourists with tracking to ensure adherence to guidelines.
Infrastructure Development
- Sustainable Infrastructure: Develop eco-friendly facilities that cater to tourists while minimizing environmental impact.
- Border Tourism Initiatives: Promote tourism in border areas with a heavy security presence, ensuring safety while boosting local economies.
Stakeholder Collaboration
- Involvement of Local Communities: Engage local communities in eco-tourism initiatives to create economic incentives while ensuring they act as custodians of security.
- Coordination Between Agencies: Ensure seamless collaboration between tourism, forest, and defence departments.
Awareness Campaigns
- Responsible Tourism: Educate tourists on the importance of respecting local laws, customs, and environmental guidelines.
- Citizen Reporting Systems: Encourage visitors to report suspicious activities.
Case Studies:
Kaziranga National Park, India
- Challenge: Protection of one-horned rhinoceroses from poaching while promoting tourism.
- Solution: Strict anti-poaching patrols combined with regulated safari tours and eco-lodges.
Siachen Base Camp Tourism
- Challenge: Balancing military security with adventure tourism.
- Solution: Restricted civilian access with strict protocols, boosting tourism without compromising security.
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
- Challenge: Balancing high tourist footfall with conservation.
- Solution: Stringent visitor regulations and extensive monitoring systems.
Way Forward
- Balanced Approach: Strike a balance between national security and promoting tourism and economic development in the region.
- Improved Border Surveillance: Deploy advanced technologies and enhance patrolling to manage cross-border movement effectively.
- Engagement with Local Communities: Include local stakeholders in discussions to ensure cultural and security concerns are addressed.
- Streamlined Permit Processes: Ensure that the process of obtaining permits is efficient and does not deter genuine tourists or investors.
Conclusion
The reimposition of the Protected Area Regime reflects India’s commitment to addressing security challenges in sensitive border states.
While necessary for national security, it is equally important to ensure the economic and cultural aspirations of the northeastern states are safeguarded.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the Protected Area regime?
Ans: According to the Union Home Ministry’s guidelines, a foreign national is not allowed to visit a ‘Protected Area’, as laid down in the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958, “unless it is established to the satisfaction of the Government that there are extraordinary reasons to justify such a visit”.
Q. What is the difference between protected areas and restricted areas?
Ans: Unlike Protected areas, Restricted areas are generally available for individual travellers and can be issued by overseas embassies or even, in some cases such as Port Blair’s Veer Savarkar International Airport, on the spot. Indian citizens do not need special permission to visit restricted areas.
Related articles:
- Northeast India: Insurgency and other issues
- PM-Development Initiative for North-East Region (PM-DevINE)
- Assam-Meghalaya border dispute
- Illegal immigration across the world
- Refugee crisis in India
-Article by Swathi Satish
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