NOTWITHSTANDING all loud discussionson preserving national parks andNomr@es, the economics of the issue hasresnained largely unsubstantiated.Vlie"ntly, two studies were conducted bya research team at the Indira GandhiVwWtute of Development Research("M). Bombay, on the contingent valof the Borivli National Park and by M Murty and Sus, Institute of Economic Delhi, on the economic aspectsfto todtitife protection in the Keoladeo10how" park, Bharatpur.
The studies extensively documentuse of 'contingency valuationmehtods proving it to be a better means'IOU awaku the recreational aspects ofd natural reserves. It was found i4FW_Zto under-priced facilities (low fees, low accomodation the park incurs a large debt.
The IGIDR study cites the example ofMW aw. also known as Sanjay Gandhiasawl Park, which attracts more thanhon visitors annually. Thisparl incurred a staggering annualOf Rs 13 million in 1994. Morea adbon encroachers reside on the!JoWs kw~ft and about 1,800 adivasis bw mot* the park- Firewood collection !!&W ampaw kiling reduces forest cover md dqpades wilMe habitats.
The survey also revealed that peoplein Bombay were aware of the BNP'Simportance for whose upliftment theydisplayed a high degree of'willingnessto pay' - Rs 8 monthly per householdfor the next five years on an average.
The goal ofthe Bharatpur study was,to evaluate the application of currenttechniques of wildlife economics, toprovide data from a specific case studyat the Keoladeo National Park, and topropose possible policy options toimprove people-park relations.
Increased user charges or gate fees,wildlife protection tax on domesticnationals, and voluntary contributionsthrough environmental NGOS were suggested as efficient measures.