The National Tiger Conservation Authority asked to intervene with regard to tigress Sundari.

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