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 Interstatetiger 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
