India’s New Project to Monitor Tigers Outside Reserves
(Source – Indian Express, Section – Cover Page, Page – 01)
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Topic: GS3 – Environment – Conservation |
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Context |
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Analysis of the news:
Need for the Project
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With nearly 30% of India’s tiger population living outside protected reserves, there is an urgent need for structured monitoring and conservation efforts.
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These tigers face higher risks of poaching, human-wildlife conflict, and habitat fragmentation.
Key Objectives
The project aims to:
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Strengthen monitoring of tigers outside reserves
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Mitigate human-animal conflicts
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Prevent poaching and illegal wildlife trade
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Promote community participation in conservation efforts
Implementation Strategy
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The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) will implement the project across 80 forest divisions in 10 states, prioritizing areas with recurring human-wildlife conflicts like Wayanad (Kerala), Chandrapur (Maharashtra), and Pilibhit (Uttar Pradesh).
Funding and Resource Allocation
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The initiative has a proposed budget of ₹176.45 crore until 2026-27, with funding sought from the National Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA).
Challenges and the Way Forward
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Human-Tiger Conflict: With 378 human deaths due to tiger encounters since 2020, increased compensation for victims and proactive conflict mitigation measures are necessary.
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Poaching Risks: Cases in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra highlight the need for enhanced patrolling and intelligence-driven wildlife protection.
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Community Engagement: Conservation success depends on local communities’ cooperation through awareness programs and sustainable livelihood options.
Conclusion
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By addressing these concerns, the initiative can strengthen India’s tiger conservation efforts beyond protected reserves, ensuring a balanced coexistence between humans and wildlife.
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Practice Question: Discuss the challenges posed by the increasing presence of tigers outside notified reserves in India. How can the proposed “Tigers Outside Tiger Reserves” project help in mitigating human-wildlife conflict and ensuring conservation efforts? (250 Words /15 marks) |
