UPSC Articles
The National Tiger Conservation Authority asked to intervene with regard to tigress Sundari.
Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-III – Biodiversity; Conservation
In News:
- National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has been asked to intervene in the ongoing tension between Odisha and Madhya Pradesh forest departments with regard to tigress Sundari.
Background information:
- The Odisha forest department had asked Madhya Pradesh to take back the translocated tigress ‘Sundari’, after she killed two people in the Satkosia Tiger Reserve (STR).
- Sundari was shifted from MP’s Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (BTR) to Satkosia Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha’s Angul district in 2018.
- She had been moved to Odisha a week after translocation of MB2 – a male tiger from Kanha.
- This pair was part of the country’s first Interstate tiger translocation project.
- MB2 was later killed by poachers in late 2018.
Important value additions
Inter-state tiger translocation project
- The Rs 19 crore ambitious tiger relocation exercise was conceived by the Union ministry of environment and forests, National Tiger Conservation Authority and Wildlife Institute of India.
- It was started in June 2018 under which six tigers (three pairs) from different reserves of Madhya Pradesh were to be sent to Odisha.
- NTCA had initially okayed the translocation of six tigers from MP to Odisha, but only two were shifted.
- The project which was shared between Centre and state governments has now been suspended following furious protests by Odisha villagers.
National Tiger Conservation Authority
- It was established in December 2005 following a recommendation of the Tiger Task Force which was constituted by the Prime Minister of India for reorganised management of Project Tiger and the many Tiger Reserves in India.
- The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 was amended in 2006 to provide for its constitution.
- It is responsible for implementation of the Project Tiger to protect endangered tigers.
- It is set up under the Chairmanship of the Minister for Environment and Forests.
- Composition:
- The Inspector General of Forest will be ex-officio Member Secretary
- 8 experts having qualifications and experience in wildlife conservation and welfare of people including tribals
- 3 Members of Parliament (2 from Lok sabha and 1 from Rajya Sabha)
- Functions:
- Lay down normative standards, guidelines for tiger conservation in the Tiger Reserves, National Parks and Sanctuaries.
- Provide information on protection measures.
- Facilitate and support tiger reserve management in the States through eco-development and people’s participation