Laksh Educational Society
IPEM Group of Institutions
IPEM Journals

IPEM Journals/Law/Vol. 9

REGULATING LANTANA CAMARA: A LEGAL ANALYSIS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO DEEPOR BEEL IN ASSAM

Dr. Gyanashree Dutta · Dr. Upankar Chutia

Vol 9, Issue 1 (2025)Pages 94-104Published 2025-12-30

Abstract

Lantana camara, an invasive alien plant species introduced during the colonial period, has become one of the most ecologically disruptive species in India, causing widespread degradation of terrestrial and wetland ecosystems. Its rapid proliferation, allelopathic properties, and resistance to natural predators have resulted in extensive displacement of native flora, alteration of soil composition, and loss of habitat for wildlife. This paper presents a legal analysis of the regulatory framework governing the control and management of Lantana camara, with a particular focus on Deepor Beel, a Ramsar-designated wetland located in Assam. Deepor Beel, already under severe stress from urban encroachment, solid waste dumping, and industrial runoff, faces additional ecological threats due to the spread of Lantana camara in its catchment and buffer zones, which has contributed to reduced biodiversity, altered hydrological cycles, and the fragmentation of wildlife corridors, particularly affecting the movement of elephants and wetland birds. The research examines the existing statutory and institutional mechanisms addressing invasive species, including the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, and the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, as well as national biodiversity action plans and management strategies. The research identifies critical gaps, such as the lack of a standalone national legislation specifically targeting invasive alien species, insufficient coordination between the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, State Forest Departments, and Biodiversity Management Commi ees, and limited scientific monitoring and data-driven eradication strategies. Judicial interventions, including directions from the Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal emphasizing ecosystem integrity and the public trust doctrine, are reviewed to assess their practical impact on controlling Lantana Camara (an invasive species) in ecologically sensitive regions like Deepor Beel. Through its focused case analysis, the paper argues that the management of Lantana camara requires a multi-tiered governance approach integrating ecological science, community participation, and legally enforceable restoration mandates. The research proposes establishing region-specific invasive species management plans, incentivizing removal and ecological restoration, and empowering local communities through biodiversity management commi ees for continuous monitoring and adaptive management. Strengthening these mechanisms is essential not only for biodiversity conservation but also for protecting the cultural, ecological, and livelihood significance of wetlands like Deepor Beel.

Keywords

  • Biological Diversity Act 2002
  • Deepor Beel
  • Invasive Alien Species Management
  • Lantana camara
  • Wetland Conservation

Author affiliations

  • Dr. Gyanashree Dutta, Associate Professor, School of Law, Dayananda Sagar University, Bengaluru
  • Dr. Upankar Chutia, Associate Professor, School of Law, Dayananda Sagar University, Bengaluru

How to cite

Dr. Gyanashree Dutta, Dr. Upankar Chutia, “REGULATING LANTANA CAMARA: A LEGAL ANALYSIS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO DEEPOR BEEL IN ASSAM IPEM Law Journal, vol. 9, pp. 94–104, Dec. 2025, doi

References (14)

  1. 1.Sakachep, Z. K., & Rai, P. K. (2021). Influence of invasive alien plants on vegetation of Hailakandi district, Assam, North-East, India. Indian Journal of Ecology, 48(1), 261–266. https://indianecologicalsociety.com/wp-content/themes/ecology/volume_pdfs/48(1)_removed%20(1)-43.pdf
  2. 2.Chakraborty, S. K., Sanyal, P., & Ray, R. (2023). Pollution, environmental perturbation and consequent loss of wetlands. In Wetlands Ecology (pp. 521–582). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-09253-4_8
  3. 3.Wittenberg, R., & Cock, M. J. W. (Eds.). (2001). Invasive alien species: A toolkit of best prevention and management practices. CAB International. https://doi.org/10.1079/9780851995694.0000
  4. 4.Kumar, S., Rahman, S., Nasreen, S., Akhtar, W., Kalita, A., & Hazarika, B. (n.d.). Ecological disruption in Assam: A review of key invasive plants and their impacts on biodiversity, ecosystem, socio-economy and livelihood. Current World Environment. https://www.cwejournal.org/vol3no3/pecological-disruption-in-assam-a-review-of-key-invasive-plants
  5. 5.Das, K., & Duarah, P. (2013). Invasive alien plant species in the roadside areas of Jorhat, Assam: Their harmful effects and beneficial uses. International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications, 3(5), 353–358.
  6. 6.Sarma, N., Shankar, U., & Mao, A. A. (2019). An assessment of the invasive flora of Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary in the Kamrup District of Assam, India. Pleione, 13, 326.
  7. 7.Singh, M. K., Verma, P., Bharti, A., & Kumar, R. (2018). Forest invasive species: A serious threat to native species in forest habitat of Assam, India. Archive of Life Science and Environment, 2(1), 97–104.
  8. 8.Choudhury, M. R., Deb, P., & Singha, H. (2017). Status of invasive plant species in the dry savanna grasslands of Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park, Assam. International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, 43(3), 245–250.
  9. 9.Vilà, M., Espinar, J. L., Hejda, M., Hulme, P. E., Jarošík, V., Maron, J. L., Pergl, J., Schaffner, U., Sun, Y., & Pyšek, P. (2011). Ecological impacts of invasive alien plants: A meta-analysis of their effects on species, communities and ecosystems. Ecology Letters, 14(7), 702–708. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1461-0248.2011.01628.x
  10. 10.Sharma, V. (2019). Weed as underutilized bio resource and management tool: A comprehensive review. Waste and Biomass Valorization, 10(7), 1795–1810. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12649-018-0212-2
  11. 11.Pyšek, P., Jarošík, V., Hulme, P. E., Pergl, J., Hejda, M., Schaffner, U., & Vilà, M. (2012). A global assessment of invasive plant impacts on resident species, communities and ecosystems: The interaction of impact measures, invading species' traits and environment. Global Change Biology, 18(5), 1725–1737. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2486.2011.02636.x
  12. 12.Sharma, G. P., & Raghubanshi, A. S. (2010). How Lantana invades dry deciduous forest: A case study from Vindhyan highlands, India. Tropical Ecology, 51(2), 305–316.
  13. 13.Vilà, M., Espinar, J. L., Hejda, M., Hulme, P. E., Jarošík, V., Maron, J. L., Pergl, J., Schaffner, U., Sun, Y., & Pyšek, P. (2011). Ecological impacts of invasive alien plants: A meta-analysis of their effects on species, communities and ecosystems. Ecology Letters, 14(7), 702–708. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1461-0248.2011.01628.x
  14. 14.Hulme, P. E. (2006). Beyond control: Wider implications for the management of biological invasions. Journal of Applied Ecology, 43(5), 835–847. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2664.2006.01227.x
REGULATING LANTANA CAMARA: A LEGAL ANALYSIS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO DEEPOR BEEL IN ASSAM | IPEM Journals