Bandipur, located in the state of Karnataka, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary as a Project Tiger Reserve. Established in 1973, it was among the first nine reserves to be brought under the flagship programme of Project Tiger. Bandipur is an important component of the country’s first biosphere reserve, the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, and is home to a large number of tigers, as well as the largest Asian elephant population in the country.
The Project Tiger Initiative
The Indian government passed the Wildlife Protection Act in 1972 for the protection and preservation of different species of flora and fauna. The Project Tiger initiative was launched the following year by the Indira Gandhi government with an ambitious aim of increasing the population of tigers in the country. The initial reserves covered under Project Tiger were Jim Corbett, Manas, Ranthambore, Simlipal, Bandipur, Palamau, Sundarbans, Melghat, and Kanha national parks.
Tiger Reserves in India
From nine tiger reserves since its formative years, the Project Tiger coverage has increased to 54 at present, spread out in 18 of our tiger range states. The tiger reserves are constituted on a core/buffer strategy. Core areas have the legal status of a national park or a sanctuary, while buffer or peripheral areas are a mix of forest and non-forest land, managed as a multiple-use area.
Indian Initiatives for Tiger Conservation
- The Indian government has initiated measures to protect tigers and their habitats
- The Tiger Protection Force was established to combat poachers
- Villagers were relocated to reduce human-tiger conflicts
- The National Tiger Conservation Authority was created in 2005 to manage Project Tiger and tiger reserves in India
- Centrally Sponsored Schemes like Project Tiger and Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats provide financial and technical aid to states
- Tiger reserves generate around 4.3 million man-days of employment in 54 locations
- The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) funds voluntary village resettlement from core areas of the Tiger Reserves
- The Indian government increased punishment for offenses involving a tiger reserve or its core area
- The government increased anti-poaching activity, including monsoon patrolling, and established state-level steering committees and Tiger Conservation Foundation.
Challenges and the Way Forward
- India has succeeded in protecting tigers at the protected area level
- However, conservation at the ecosystem level is still lacking
- Development of tiger corridors and interconnections between various ecosystems is necessary
- Collaborative efforts between the government, local communities, and NGOs are crucial for protecting ecosystems and ensuring the survival of tigers
- Conservation of tigers and their habitats is essential for preserving biodiversity
- Tiger conservation also contributes to the provision of ecosystem services like clean air, water, and soil
- India needs to prioritize ecosystem-level conservation to ensure the survival of tigers and the benefits they provide.
Why In News
The 50th anniversary of Bandipur as a Project Tiger Reserve was recently celebrated with great enthusiasm and pride.Having completed 50 successful years as a Project Tiger Reserve, Bandipur has become a shining example of conservation and wildlife preservation.
MCQs about Bandipur Tiger Reserve
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In which year was Bandipur established as a Project Tiger Reserve?
A. 1972
B. 1973
C. 1974
D. 1975
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Which state is Bandipur located in?
A. Tamil Nadu
B. Kerala
C. Karnataka
D. Andhra Pradesh
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What is the largest animal population in Bandipur?
A. Bengal Tigers
B. Indian Rhinoceros
C. Asian Elephants
D. Indian Bison
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What is the primary aim of Project Tiger?
A. To increase the population of tigers in the country
B. To protect and preserve different species of flora and fauna
C. To provide employment opportunities to local communities
D. To establish biosphere reserves in the country
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