On September 11, the Cabinet approved the continuation of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats. This initiative will extend into the 15th Finance Commission cycle with a total financial outlay of Rs. 2,602.98 crores. The scheme includes significant components such as Project Tiger, Project Elephant, and the Development of Wildlife Habitat. This decision is part of the government’s 100-day action plan.
Objectives of the Scheme
The scheme aims to:
- Strengthen the existing core components of wildlife conservation.
- Enhance technological interventions in various thematic areas related to tiger and wildlife habitats.
- Implement strategies over the current and upcoming financial year.
Project Tiger
The Project Tiger has integrated technology into daily management practices, utilizing the M-STrIPES mobile application (Monitoring System for Tigers, Intensive Protection and Ecological Status). This application aligns with the Digital India initiative and was instrumental during the 5th cycle of the All-India Tiger Estimation in 2022.
- Technological Aspects:
- Extensive deployment of camera traps in tiger habitats.
- Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for species-level identification.
- Implementation of conservation genetics for managing tiger populations.
Support for Other Projects
The Project Tiger also supports other ambitious wildlife initiatives:
- Project Cheetah: Continued support under the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats, with expanded introduction areas as per the Cheetah Action Plan.
- Project Dolphin: Equipment provisioning, including Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and passive acoustic monitoring devices, to support dolphin enumeration and habitat assessment.
- Project Lion: Strengthening activities according to the document titled “Lion @ 2047: A Vision for Amrut Kaal”.
Addressing Human-Wildlife Conflicts
Under the Project Elephant component, the scheme aims to leverage information and communication technology to address human-elephant conflicts, which have been tested experimentally and will now be deployed on a larger scale.
Impact on Protected Areas
The scheme will benefit:
- 55 tiger reserves
- 33 elephant reserves
- 718 protected areas and their zones of influence
These forests play a crucial role in combating climate change and ensuring national water security. The conservation efforts will also benefit keystone species such as tigers, elephants, cheetahs, snow leopards, and lions, while lesser-known species identified for the Species Recovery Programme will gain from the scheme’s continuation.
Economic Benefits
The continuation of the scheme is projected to generate more than 50 lakh man-days in livelihood opportunities through direct engagement and additional indirect employment via eco-tourism and related activities.
Conclusion
The Centrally Sponsored Scheme for the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats reflects the government’s commitment to tiger and wildlife conservation, ensuring a balance between economic growth and ecological sustainability.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the total outlay approved for the continuation of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme?
- A) Rs. 1,500 crores
- B) Rs. 2,602.98 crores
- C) Rs. 3,000 crores
- D) Rs. 2,000 crores
Answer: B) Rs. 2,602.98 crores
- Which mobile application is utilized for managing Project Tiger?
- A) EcoTrack
- B) M-STrIPES
- C) WildTrack
- D) TigerWatch
Answer: B) M-STrIPES
- What additional project is supported under the Project Tiger initiative?
- A) Project Leopard
- B) Project Cheetah
- C) Project Rhino
- D) Project Bear
Answer: B) Project Cheetah
- How many protected areas are expected to benefit from this scheme?
- A) 500
- B) 718
- C) 1,000
- D) 300
Answer: B) 718
- What is the projected livelihood generation through the scheme?
- A) 25 lakh man-days
- B) 50 lakh man-days
- C) 75 lakh man-days
- D) 100 lakh man-days
Answer: B) 50 lakh man-days