Protected Area Regime (PAR)

Current Context : The Union Government has re-imposed the Protected Area Regime (PAR) in Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland to address security concerns.

PAR was scrapped in 2011 to boost tourism in these states.

About PAR

The Protected Area Regime (PAR) in India is a regulatory framework that restricts the entry and movement of foreign nationals in certain areas designated as “Protected Areas”.

• Regulation: Governed by the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958.

Areas Covered

1. Entire state of Arunachal Pradesh.
2. Specific parts of:
   • Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland(currently reinstated).
   • Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand.
3. All regions between the ‘Inner Line’ and the International Border of the respective state.

Key Provisions

• Special Permit Requirement:Foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) to enter these regions.
• Issuing Authority:The permits are issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

Validity: Generally valid for 10 days, extendable under special conditions.