History Of Jim Corbett National Park

A lot has been written about Jim Corbett National Park. Just google, you will get to know how popular is this mesmerizing national park—one of the biggest in India. Jim Corbett National Park is an amazing place. Known for its ravishing beauty and tiger reserve, the park is considered as the finest creation of mother nature. Corbett has a glorious past, which includes how the park was identified, settled and expanded.

During early 18th century, India was governed by the British. Before 1815-20, the forests of Corbett were the private property of the local administrators/rulers. Even the British had full control on India, they barely paid attention to upkeep of the Jim Corbett National park. They only focused on harnessing the natural resources and make profit from the jungle. 

In the year 1858, Major Ramsay became the first one to draw a comprehensive conservation plan to protect the forest. He made sure that his plan was implemented in letter and spirit. Ramsay’s efforts soon proved to be success as the condition of forest began to improve. By 1896, improvement was apparently seen and felt. Ramsay’s plan included special emphasis on the science of forestry. To make sure soil is intact, the British imposed ban on faming in the lower Patlidun valley. To avoid deforestation, population was shifted from the area. More security was provided to ward off illegal felling of trees. Licence system was introduced. In 1868, the Forest department took over the responsibility of the jungle and in 1879 the forest was declared reserved forest under the forest act.

In a letter dated Jan 3, 1907, Sir Michael Keen sought the government’s attention on making the forests into a game sanctuary. However, the proposal was turned down. In 1934, Sir Malcom Hailey who also happened to be the governor renewed the proposal for the sanctuary and sought enforcement of law to give it protection. Considering the possible delay due to complexity of law drafting, the area was declared as reserve forest by the Chief Conservator of forest. Later, the authorities in co-ordination with Major Jim Corbett demarcated the boundaries of the park and by 1936 a law called The United Province National Park Act was enforced. The reserved forest became the first national park of India. It was then named as Hailey National Park after its founder Sir Malcom Hailey.

Earlier, the park was only spread in an area of 323.75 sq km. But in an attempt to accommodate wild animals like tigers and elephants, the area of the park was expanded to present area of 550 sq km. In 1973, the Indian government (which had gained independence by this time) launched Project Tiger in the area. The project is the most prestigious and biggest comprehensive conservation project undertaken.

The Jim Corbett National Park has the distinction of having been chosen the venue for the inauguration of this project