Hindu Editorial Analysis : 17-August-2023

In a recent move, the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) undertook a significant restructuring in the realm of wildlife conservation by merging several key offices. The amalgamation involved the Forest Survey of India (FSI), the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), and the Central Zoo Authority (CZA). Additionally, the Project Tiger division and Project Elephant were integrated, leading to the formation of a new entity known as the ‘Project Tiger and Elephant Division’ under the MoEF&CC.

Project Tiger: A Historic Initiative

Originating as a response to rampant hunting and poaching that threatened not only tigers but also other wildlife, the Wildlife Protection Act was enacted by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1972. Subsequently, the Central government introduced Project Tiger on April 1, 1973, with the primary goal of safeguarding tigers through conservation efforts.

Key Aspects of Project Tiger
  1. Preservation of Tigers and Their Habitat: Beyond its focus on the majestic big cats, Project Tiger also underscored the necessity of protecting their natural habitats, recognizing that tigers occupy the apex of the food chain and are integral to the ecosystem.
  2. Tiger Population Rise: The implementation of Project Tiger yielded positive results, evident in the gradual rise of the tiger population. By the 1990s, the tiger count had climbed to an estimated 3,000. Presently, India is home to 54 tiger reserves, covering 75,000 square kilometers. The tiger population in the country now stands at 3,167, marking a significant increase from 1,411 in 2006, 1,706 in 2010, and 2,226 in 2014.
Project Elephant: Addressing Human-Elephant Conflict

Introduced in 1992, Project Elephant aimed to offer financial and technical support to states harboring substantial elephant populations. The initiative, a centrally sponsored scheme, prioritized the protection of elephants, their habitats, and migration corridors. Moreover, it addressed challenges arising from human-elephant conflicts and the welfare of domesticated elephants.

Challenges Surrounding the Mergers
  1. NTCA Opposition: The merger faced opposition from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), expressing concerns about administrative confusion, loss of independence, and interference in decision-making.
  2. Dilution of Environmental Organizations: Critics argued that merging these offices might weaken key environmental bodies, depriving them of authority. For instance, the existing NTCA’s ability to contest forest clearances for projects affecting Tiger Reserves could have been compromised.
  3. Lack of Objective Basis: Critics also questioned the absence of objective criteria in reorganizing regional offices and combining Project Tiger and Project Elephant. The restructuring seemed to lack a well-defined rationale.
The Need for Focused Elephant Conservation
  1. Indian Elephant Vulnerability: Given the precarious status of Indian elephants, experts emphasize the importance of sustaining a separate division dedicated to elephant conservation.
  2. Specialized Attention: The distinct characteristics and challenges faced by elephants necessitate a dedicated approach that addresses issues of human-elephant conflict, habitat preservation, and overall welfare.
Why In News

Recently, in a significant administrative reorganization, the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) undertook the merger of key institutions working towards conservation and protection. The offices of the Forest Survey of India (FSI), the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), and the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) were brought together, aiming to foster better coordination and synergy in India’s conservation efforts.

MCQs about Enhancing Indian Wildlife Conservation

  1. What is the primary goal of Project Tiger, which was launched by the Central government in 1973?
    A. Promoting domesticated elephant welfare
    B. Addressing human-elephant conflicts
    C. Conserving tigers and their natural habitats
    D. Enhancing wildlife crime control
    Correct Answer: C. Conserving tigers and their natural habitats
    Explanation: Project Tiger was initiated to tackle the issue of hunting and poaching of tigers and other wildlife, with a focus on preserving both the tiger species and its habitat.
  2. Which government ministry oversaw the recent merger of key offices and initiatives related to wildlife conservation in India?
    A. Ministry of Natural Resources
    B. Ministry of Wildlife Protection
    C. Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
    D. Ministry of Animal Welfare
    Correct Answer: C. Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
    Explanation: The recent merger of offices such as the National Tiger Conservation Authority, Project Elephant, and others was carried out by the MoEFCC.
  3. What was the major concern raised by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) regarding the merger of wildlife management offices?
    A. Loss of focus on discharging duties
    B. Administrative confusion and chaos
    C. Lack of funding for conservation efforts
    D. Absence of dedicated wildlife reserves
    Correct Answer: B. Administrative confusion and chaos
    Explanation: The NTCA opposed the merger due to fears of administrative confusion, loss of independence, and interference in decision-making.
  4. Why is maintaining a separate division for elephant conservation important?
    A. To increase funding for all wildlife initiatives
    B. To improve coordination between tiger and elephant conservation
    C. To address specific challenges faced by elephants and human-elephant conflicts
    D. To minimize the role of NTCA in decision-making
    Correct Answer: C. To address specific challenges faced by elephants and human-elephant conflicts
    Explanation: The need for a focused approach in elephant conservation due to the unique challenges these animals face, including conflicts with humans and habitat preservation.

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