Context:
Union Cabinet approved continuation of Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats.
Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH):
- Objective – Centrally sponsored umbrella scheme launched by the Ministry of Environment for the development of wildlife habitats in India.
- Components –
- Support to Protected Areas such as National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, conservation reserves, and Community Reserve
- Protection of Wildlife outside Protected Areas.
- Recovery Programs – Focus on saving critically endangered species and habitats.
- Currently, 22 species identified under the Species Recovery Program.
Sub-schemes Under IDWH:
- Project Tiger (1973) – Benefits 55 Tiger Reserves (TRs) across 18 tiger range states, distributed in 5 landscapes.
- Supports Project Cheetah
- Development of Wildlife Habitats – Includes Project Dolphin and Project Lion.
- Project Elephant (1992) – Aims to protect elephants, their habitats, and corridors.
- Addresses human-animal conflict and welfare of captive elephants.
- Implemented in 22 elephant range states/UTs.
Source: Hindustan Times
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements:
Once the Central Government notifies an area as a ‘Community Reserve’
1. the Chief Wildlife Warden of the State becomes the governing authority of such forest
2. hunting is not allowed in such area
3. people in such areas are allowed to collect non-timber forest produce
4. people of such areas are allowed traditional agricultural practices
How many of the above statements are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Statement 4 is not correct: Community Reserve is meant for the conservation of wildlife and their habitat, and these activities may be restricted if they pose a threat to the conservation objectives.
