Protected Area Permits stopped in Arunachal to prevent Corona Virus

With the number of infections raising in India to 34, the Ministry of Home Affairs recently stopped issuing Protected Area Permits (PAPs) in Arunachal Pradesh.

Highlights

The step is being taken as it was learnt that the number of Corona Virus cases are increasing in India mainly because of persons with travel history. The GoI has also plans to close India-Myanmar border.

Protected Area Permits

The Protected Area Permits in India are in parts of Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan and Arunachal Pradesh. Currently, only touristic visit is allowed through Protected Areas limits in India. Even a person from these protected areas who is married to a non-Indian cannot settle permanently in these areas.

Legislation

The Foreign (Protected Areas) Order 1958 has guidelines about using the Protected areas and issuing Protected Area Permit.

The protected areas are governed by Ministry of Home Affairs. The tourists shall visit these areas only through registered travel agents. The citizens allowed to visit the protected areas include those from Bangladesh, Pakistan, China, Myanmar.

Restricted Area Permit

Like Protected Areas there are certain regions called Restricted Areas in the country. The usage and permits of these areas are provided in the Foreigners (Restricted Areas) order, 1963. The Restricted Areas in India are in the parts of Sikkim and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Month: Current Affairs - March, 2020