f ~n • to -«. 244] Nc. 244] ~flltiHUI EXTRAORDINARY m1JIII-~ 4
PART m-Section 4 ~~~ PUBI1SIIED BY AUTIfORfIY ';rf~, 6J6WR!cu<,~ 8, 2012~ 17, 1934 NEW DELHI, TIlURSDAY; NOVEMBER 8, 20121KARTIKA 17, 1934 Q4fciHOI t1!i <r-l' ~ (~ 'iiqJV ~ 1J.l{b";{UI ) ~ ~ ~;ft, 15~, 2012 li. 1S-31/2012-~~.·-~, (,~~ ~ mlBtfl W~ em cp;r ;ffiq (marur) 31f~, 1972 qft ~ 38-'tlT q;1 '01:Hmr ( 1) ~ m(Tf) ~ ;9.t:.Wr ~ Tffclfqf~<ff ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ am:~ ~ ~ wrr~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 31Rf~ ~ '~'3itt 'If>~' (<h1r) &hf -q ~ ~ ~ rnu:~ qf{41'if91 ~ ~ ~ 3lf~ ~~~t;
am~, ~ mcnR, cp;r ~ (m~) 3lf~, 1972 q.ft tmT 38-'tlT Cfl1'01:I-tmT (1) <fi m(11) et 31~ <Mf '31~ ma:hij am '~t eM ofu:111k" ~ ~ ~"lJTCl1TU am:~ 1i<k"1 \ft t,emf.1<m:r ~ ~ ~ -q am ~ mcr-Tam ltt cr-Ta:hij -q "CJV' -ffi(;lUT <ii' ~ -q ~<ti ~ f~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ t;
3TIf:, 3l<'i, cp;r 'ifior (m&1lTl.ml:lf.r<m,1972 (1972 em 53) Cfl1~ 38-'tlT Cfl1'01:I-m"U (1) <fi m(Tf) ~ 31~ ~ ~ ~ ~:If 3ll~~ ~ m&lUT W~ mu1JiT.~.-3-112003--qr.iT., ~ 2r ~, 2008 r;m~ ~ ~ ~ ~ q;1 '01 Gffi'T1 cf; ~ 3lfmfifu "i.fffit ~ ~ ~ 31f~ ~ ~ ~ TfllT t<n ~ em ~ foii"7.ff TfllT ~, ~ cxmr m&lUT"5lW~m~ am % '~t ~ m$l-q &ml ~ <f; ~ cf; ~ a~ fcm!,,~qffi f'iC1fctf{iffl ~ ~ 0AmT -t am~ amff\T(l ~~ -q ~ f5fi'"lICfli.1I41cf; fu~~ ~ 11ACfi ~<N?ffl 'ROT t31~ :-
1.m~Olm.-~ lWfWf ft:R;mT Cfi1 W&Nf 1Tll~ TX1T'J ~ "%'~UT (~TJfclfcif~ ct~ ~ ~ 11PfCfi ~ ~ "'1ft1:rhr;n) ~ ~m, 2012 ~. I mtT-efi '&ffil QR4'hi,." cfl fffil: ~ ~ (~) w~, 1972 qft mu 38-l'JT (1) (11) ~ ~ ql.h~~iffu;~i" ~-1
2. CI.lTVm~.- ( 1) ~ 'BTcfiR, ~ am cr-T~ ~ lITUlli U, ~ omn~ Wi, ~ ~ ~ ~ WTR ~ mm q;1~~am~~~~tl
(2) cp;r~ mll:fUT~~~ ~-~ COT~ (i2l'T ~ afr{~31T~ f5fi<iloqll9 <fiTd*1{c:Jf"l(€l ~mqmT emt I 4253 GlI2012 MINI. TRY OF ENVIRON1\' ENT AND FORESTS (I 'ATiONAL TIG)..,H. COiJSF.:l~"J.','ION AlL'. GPrfV) NOTIFICATION New Delhi, the 15thOctober, 2012 No. 15-31/2012-NTCA.-Whcreas, the National Tiger Conservation Authority under clause (c) of sub-section ( I) of Section 38-0 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 has the p()\\ er \() lay dm,vnnormative standards for tourism activitites and guidelines for project tiger re,r tiger conservation in the buffer and core areas of tiger reserves to ensure their due com]) Iiancl':
And whereas, the Central Government is committed to frame comprehensive guidelines with regard to fixation of core areas and buffer areas and tourism including wel fare and religious tourism as contemplated under clause (c) of sub-section (1) of section 38-0 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 as well with regard to the protection of tigers in forest and non-forest areas;
Now, therefore, in pursuance of the powers conferred under clause (c) of sub-section (I) of section 38-0 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 (53 of 1972) and in supersession of the Guidelines issued by the National Tiger Conservation Authority vide number F.No. 3-1/2003-PT. dated the 21st February, 2008, except as regard to things done or omitted to be done before such supersession, the National Tiger Conservation Authority hereby makes the following guidelines to be followed for the purpose of tiger conservation in the buffer and core area of tiger reserves and lay down nonnative standards for tourism activities in tiger reserves, namely:-
1. Short title. These guidelines may be called the National Tiger Conservation Authority (Normative Standards for Tourism activities and Project Tiger) Guidelines,
2012.
PART-A GUIDELINES UNDER SECTION 38-0 (c) OF THE WILD LIFE (rROTECTION) ACT, 1972FOR PROJECT TIGER
(i) The Central Government, through the Ministry of Environment and Forests provides technical guidance and financial support to various State Governments, inter alia, for tiger conservation.
(2) The State Governments are responsible for c1ay-to-day management and implementing the policies and plans relating to wildlife conservation.
3.1 "Project Tiger", now ongoing as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, was launched by the Government of India in 1973 in nine reserves of different States (Assam, Bihar, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal) over an area of approximately 14,000 sq. km. Since then, the project coverage has expanded considerably to 41 tiger reserves (TR), encompassing an area of around 63874.68 sq.km. in 17 tiger States with 35123:95 sq.km. of notified corel critical tiger habitats and 28750.73 sq.km. of buffer / peripheral areas in 17tiger States. This amounts to 2% of the country's geographical area. The total core/critical tiger habitat of 41 tiger reserves amount to 5.2% of the country's forest cover. There are 668 protected areas in the country (September, 2012), out of which 41 have been designated as core/critical tiger habitats (6%). The in-principle approval has been accorded by the National Tiger Conservation Authority for creation of five new tiger reserves, and the sites are:, Pilibhit (Uttar Pradesh), Ratapani (Madhya Pradesh), Sunabeda (Odisha), Mukundara Hills (including Darrah, Jawahar Sagar and Chambril Wildlife Sanctuaries) (Rajasthan) and Satyamangalam (Tamil Nadu). Final approval has also been accorded to Kudremukh (Karnataka) for declaring as a tiger reserve. Also the concerned State Governments have been advised to send proposals for declaring the following areas as tiger reserves: (i) Bor (Maharashtra), (ii) Suhelwa (Uttar Pradesh), (iii) Nagzira-Navegaon (Maharashtra), (iv) Guru Ghasidas National Park (Chhattisgarh), (v) Mhadei Sanctuary (Goa) and (vi) Srivilliputhur Grizzled Giant Squirrel / Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuaries / Varushanadu Valley (Tamil Nadu).
3.2 Due to ongoing conservation efforts under the Project in designated tiger reserves, India has the maximum number of tigers along with its source areas amongst the 13 tiger range countries in the world. Project Tiger has put the endangered tiger on an assured, path of recovery, as revealed in the country level assessment of tiger, co-predators, prey and habitat. The recent (2010) findings in this context indicate a poor status of tiger population in areas outside tiger reserves and protected areas. The tiger population, by and large, in tiger reserves and protected areas of such States are viable, while requiring ongoing conservation efforts.
3.3 Project Tiger has a holistic, ecosystem approach. Its core-buffer strategy, protection and development initiatives gave anew perspective to the concept of wildlife management in our country and is a "role model" for in-situ conservation.
4.1 The second countrywide assessment of the status of tigers, co-predators and their prey was released in March, 20II. This assessment of 2010 is the second such countrywide assessment using the refined methodology as recommended by the Tiger Task Force. The findings indicate a countrywide 20% increase in the number of tigers in the year 2010 with an estimated number of 1706 (1520- 1909). In the year 2006 estimated number of tigers was 1411 (1165-1657). A decline of 12.6% in tiger occupancy from connecting habitats has also been reported. This has occurred in peripheral and dispersal areas having low densities outside tiger reservesandtiger sourcepopulations.
4.2 The increase inthe number of tigers isdue to the fact that tiger populations in Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Karnataka have shown an increase intiger density. The inclusionof Sunderbans, someportions of North East and partsofMaharashtra havealso contributed to the increase.
4.3 Tiger occurrence and density were dependent on availability of habitats that wereremote, withminimal humandisturbanceandhavingahighavailability of largewild prey (chital, sambar, gaur, andwildpig).
4.4 Tiger occupied forests in India were classified into following landscape complexes, namely:
(a) Shivalik HillsandtheGangetic Plain,
(b) Central India
(c) Eastern Ghats,
(d) WesternGhats,
(e) North-Eastern HillsandBrahmaputra Plains, and
(f) Sunderbans.
4.4.1 InShivalik hills and Gangetic Plain Landscape tigers occupied 6712km2 of forested habitats with an estimated population of 353 (320 to 388) in five separatepopulations.
4.4.2 Central Indian Landscape (inclusive of Nagarjunasagar Srisailam of the Eastern Ghats) tiger presencewas reported from39,017 km2 with an estimated population of 601 (518 to 685) distributed in 20 tiger populations with a few other sporadic occurrences.
4.4.3 Western Ghats Landscape was 29,607 km2and registered a decline of about
11.5%compared to that of 2006. Thecurrent tiger population was estimated at 534(500to 568) registering ariseof about 32%since2006.
4.4.4 Tiger occupancy of 4.903 km2 and population numbers between 118 to 178 tigers should be considered as minimal for the North East since systematic coverageof theentire landscapewasnotdone.
4.4.5 Population estimation of the Sundarbans tigers was donewith a combination of camera trapping and satellitetelemetry. A tiger density of 4.3 (se0.3) tigers per 100km2 wasestimated. Thetotal population for the Indian Sundarbanswas estimated to bebetween64to90tigers.
4.5. Currently, Nagarhole-Bandipur-Mudumalai- Wayanad-Moyar-Segur, Corbett, Sundarbans (India and Bangladesh) and Kaziranga-KarbiAnglong have the required number of tiger for long term survival without immigration. The remaining tiger populations require habitat connectivity for genetic and demographic viability.
Landscape Tiger estimation 2006 Tiger estimation 2010 complex Statisti Populati Statisti Statisti Population Statisti cal on estimate cal cal estimate cal Lower Upper Lower Upper limit limit limit limit Shivalik-Gangetic 259 297 335 320 353 388 plains Central Indian & 486 601 718 518 601 685 Eastern ghats Western ghats 336 402 487 500 534 568 Northeastern hills 84 100 118 118 148 178 and Brahmaputra flood plains Sunderbans Not Not Not 64 70 90 assessed assessed assessed Total 1165 1411 1657 1520 1706 1909
4.7. The Tiger Occupied Landscape Complex, the tiger reserves in India and the proposed / recommended Tiger Reserves in India has been shown in following maps:
~--, -Z. (..-.
.I "'1IIlIu.. -.. -~ -1._ • s"•••••• 'I. •••••••• 10 ....,.
II •••• U. •••• I).••••••••,.. ~"-.. .-.,.,. ..•....
'I v•••••,... ,........•.. - .ll~n. _ ~:.=::.-•.. .-:n. _ a. _
21. ~(""'0IIlAU JO . .-.->l _ ft =-:N.••••••••••••••., ...••....
•.. -". ...........,o.AI.... -•.. -.. ...•..•..•......•..
41. ••••• __ TR
1. PILIBHIT
2. SATYAAtAHGALAM
3. SUNABEO.A.
.• AATAPANI
5. MUKUNOARA HIUS •. Aeemmend TA 1 IOHElWA '.llOlI J , NAW£GAONoNAGZlRA
4. GURU OKAIIDAI
5."NlDEI L IRMlU"UTMUIV.•.•..........
Independent assessment of tiger reserves based on International Union for Conservation of Nature criteria, as adapted to our conditions, was done for the first time in 2005-2006 for 28 tiger reserves. This assessment was peer reviewed by International Union for Conservation of Nature experts. Both assessments as well as peer review reports were placed before both the Houses of the Parliament in 2006.
The second round of independent assessment based on refined criteria has been done in 20I0-20 II for 39 tiger reserves. This is also based on globally used framework, as adapted to our conditions. In all, five independent teams conducted the evaluation using 30 indicators. The framework consisted of 6 elements: context, planning, inputs, process, outputs and outcomes.
The 39 tiger reserves were grouped in landscape clusters as followed in country level tiger. estimation. An additional category comprising of tigers in 'red corridor' (areas affected by left wing extremism) was also included. The outcome of the evaluation is as below:
Rating Number of Tiger Percentage Reserves Very Good 15 38 Good 12 31 Satisfactory 8 21 Poor 4 ~ - " , 10 Total 39" w , ·100 I . I , The Management ;Effectiveness Evaluation ratings of 2010-2011 and 2005- 20~6 have been compared for 28 tiger reserves. which were part of 2005-2006 ev luation. The 'vel-y goOO' rating in~reased by 4%, the 'good' rating inCreasc:dby' 3%, 'satisfactory' rating decreased by 7%, while there is a status qu for the 'poor' ratiqg. __ - Table-1: Management Effectiveness Evaluation Score (% age) of Landscape Clusters (2010-11) Cluster Cluster Name States No. of Mean Management Number Tiger Management Effectiveness Reserves Effectiveness Evaluation Evaluation Score Score% Range% (I) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) I Shivalik- Gangetic Uttar Pradesh, 8 64 56-73 Plain Landscape Uttarakhand, Complex and Rajasthan, Central Indian Maharashtra Landscape I Complex and I Eastern Ghats Landscape Complex II Central Indian Madhya 6 79 56-88 Landscape Pradesh Complex and Eastern Ghats Landscape Complex III Shivalik-Gangetic Bihar. 8 42 33-63 Plain LarlJ~"ape I Cnhdttisgarh, Complex and Odisha. Andhra Central Indian i Pradesh, Landscape I Jharkhand iI Complex and I Eastern Gha_" I I, I Landscape I Complex --- ~_.
. IV Western Ghats Kamdtaka, 9 75 63-80 Landscape Kerala, Tamil Complex Nadu t-V North East Hills Arunachal 66 56-77 and Brahm:tputra Pradesh, iFlood Plain., and Assam, I ~ Sundarbans iv1ilAJ1~"l1j,West I IBengal =133-88TOTAL 39 6~ -- S.No. Category Name of Tiger Reserve
1. Very Good Annamalai, Bandhavgarh, Bandipur, Bhadra," Dandeli-Anshi, Kalakad-Mundanthurai, Kanha, Kaziranga, Mudumalai, Parambikulam, Pench (Madhya Pradesh), Periyar, Satpura, Sundarbans
2. Good Buxa, Corbett, Dampa, Dudhwa, Manas, Melghat, Nagarole, Pakke, Pench (Maharashtra), Ranthambhore, Tadoba-Andhari
3. Satisfactory Achanakmar, Nameri, Namdapha, Sanjay, Sayadari, Valmiki
4. Poor Satkosia Table-2(b): Category-wise outcome of MEE Process (2010-11) of Tiger Reserves falling in the 'Red Corridor' S. No. Category Name of Tiger Reserve
1. Very Good ---
2. Good Nagarjunasagar-Srisai lam
3. Satisfactory Similipal
4. Poor Indravati, Palamau, Udanti-Sitanadi Table-2(c): Category-wise outcome of MEE Process (20lO-H) of Tiger Reserves, which had recently lost all tigers S.No. Category Name of Tiger Reserve
1. Very Good Panna
2. Good --- .
3. Satisfactory Sariska
4. Poor --- Rating Number of Percentage Tiger Reserves Very Good 15 38 Good 12 31 Satisfactory 8 21 Poor 4 10 TOTAL 39 Category 2005-06 0/0 2010-11 % Very Good 09 32 10 36 Good 10 36 11 39 Satisfactory 07 25 05 18 Poor 02 07 02 07 TOTAL 28 28 ~ satislldion popuWtontr ••• fA tigIIr &01•••. ~ LocoI ••••••••••• _r__ EWIIuItion fA r~cWmonitOflng it•• PrOC*UfA~ntMndNng A6eqUKy d centr. gowrnrnent funclng I I Uvefihood support to toc:.I communit •• AdoquKyof .bIIegovemrMnt funding F.ffec:tive"e•• of pubUc participation Vil._ pIonning Di$~ of information to public Stakeholderl*'1icipation Biotic~ •••core•.•.
Act.quacy of trained manpower rwourOK The reasons for tiger decline in areas outside tiger reserves and protected areas are as below:
(i) Degradation of forest status outside Protected Areas and Tiger Reserves owing to:
(a) human pressure;
(b) livestock pressure; and
(c) ecologically unsustainable land uses.
(vi) Loss of reproduction owing to disturbance on account of heavily used infrastructure like highways, etc.
Owing to habitat fragmentation on account of ecologically unsustainable land uses, biotic pressure and poaching, the following approach is imperative.
7.1 Consolidating and strengthening the "source" population of tiger and its prey intiger reserves, protected areas and tiger bearing forests.
(i) Protection, antipoaching operations and intelligence networking;
(ii) Strengthening of infrastructure within tiger reserves;
(iii) Creation of inviolate space through relocation;
(iv) Capacity building of frontline staff, local people and officers and strengthening of training centres and training in related fields, including enforcement, intelligence networking, tourism activities, etc.
This involves the following managerial intervention, namely:
(i) actively providing incentives to local people for the eco-system services and corridor values provided by them by not degrading the forest (payment for eco-system services);
(ii) incentives to local people for taking up plantations and protecting natural root stocks besides preventing fr~egrazing;
(iii) encouraging stall feeding of cattle and fostering marketing of dairy products;
(iv) providing subsidized gas connection to local people for reducing their dependency on forest towards fuel wood collection.
7.3.1 Tiger is a territorial animal, which advertises its presence in an area and maintains a territory. It is a well known fact that partial overlaps of resident male territories in an area do occur. However, the degree of overlap increases lethal internecine combats. Several female territories do occur in an overlapping manner within the territory of a male tiger. The tiger land tenure dynamics ensures presence of prIme adult inhabitants which act as source populations, periodically replacing old malesbyyoungadults fromnearby forestareas (Plate 1).
7.3.2 The ongoing study and analysis of available research data on tiger ecology indicate, that theminimumpopulation of tigresses in breeding age, which are needed .tomaintain aviable population of 80-100 tigers (in and around core areas) require an inviolate space of 800 -1200 sq km. Tiger being an "umbrella species", this will also ensureviablepopulationsof other wildanimals (co-predators, prey) and forest, thereby ensuring the ecological viability of the entire area or habitat. Therefore, buffer areas with forest connectivity are imperativefor tiger dynamics, since such areas foster sub adults, young adults, transients and oldmembers of thepopulation. The young adults periodically replace the resident ageingmales and females fromthe sourcepopulation area.
7.3.3 The buffer area, absorbs the "shock" of poaching pressure on populations of tiger and other wi~danimals. In case of severe habitat depletion in buffer areas, the sourcepopulationwouldgettargetedClndeventually decimate.
Plate 1: Tiger Land Tenure Dynamics. Minimum population of tigers in breeding age needed for maintaining a viablepopulation (80-100 tigers), which require an inviolate space of 800-1200 square kilometres
7.4.1 Isolated populations of wild animals face the risk of extinction owing to insularization. Habitat fragmentation adversely affects wildlife due to decreased opportunity available for wild animal movement fromdifferent habitats. This in turn prevents gene flow in the landscape. The equilibrium theory of island biogeography predicts greater species richness in largewildlife areas or in smaller areas connected by habitat corridors owing to increasedmovements of wild animals. Such connecting habitats, apart from facilitating animal movements also act as refuge for spill over populations fromthecoreareas. Theymay also act as smaller "source" by facilitating breeding andmovement of nativewildlife populations to colonize adjoining habitats.
Natural linear features like rivers or mountain ranges may act as boundaries for wildlife populations. However, disturbance of corridors on account of 'human interventions (highways, canals, industries, roads, railway tracks, transmission lines) is deleterious towildlife.
7.4.2 "Source" populations are thosewhich produce a surplus of animals which are potential colonizers. Ontheother hand,'''Sinks'' arethosepopulations inwhich deaths exceedbirths, andtheir persistencedependsonregular influx of immigrants (plate2).
7.4.3 Patches of suitable habitats in the landscapemay support wildlife populations (local populations), which may be separated fromone another on account of various disturbance factors. Collectively, such patches of local populations are known as "regional populations". This general situation of sub divided populations interacting with one another in a landscape to supplement new genes through movement, is known as a"meta population". In the context of tiger land tenure dynamics, the corebuffer areas conform to the "island-mainland" or "coresatellite" form of meta population model. The coreareaof atiger reserveprovides a source of colonizers for the surrounding local populations of different sizes and varying degrees of isolation.
Thecoreareamay not readily experienceextinction owing to theprotection inputs for maintaining its inviolate nature. However, the surrounding isolated patches in the buffer areamay suffer fromlocal extinction if wildlife concerns arenotmainstreamed in the area. Therefore, a meta population management approach is required for the buffer zoneaswell ascorridors to facilitate.-
(a) supplementing declining local tiger populations;
(b) facilitating re-colonization inhabitatpatches through restorativemanagement;
(c) providing opportunity to tiger for colonizing new areas through patches of habitats (stepping stones) between isolatedpopulations (plate 3).
_COIl _1UFfU Plate3:Meta population dynamics. Corridors become crucial/or maintaining viabUlty0/ Population 2asbyitselfit does not have the habitat tosustain greater than 20breeding tigers
7.5 Mainstreaming tiger and wildlife concerns in the landscape through smart practices with other secto~ to prevent and .address man-tiger conflicts.
Involvement of different sectors, such as: forestry, agriculture, welfare activities through thedistrict Collector sector, tourism, fisheries, tea-coffee estates, roadand rail transport, industry, mining, thermal power plants, irrigation projects, temple tourism and communication projects operating in the landscape will be instrumental in effectively addressing human-tiger conflicts besides being helpful in mainstreaming tiger andwildlifeconcerns.
_caoAtol _Bullw_ ___ IRU __ Lll1dIFU ___ IF) _ ""••mlll1d 1PL) Several milestone initiativeshavebeen taken inthe last fewyears to strengthen tiger conservation in the country. Certain recommendations of the Tiger Task Force constituted by the National Board for Wildlife have been implemented. These initiatives, inter alia, includethefollowing, namely:
8.1. Amendment of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 making enabling provisions for constituting the National Tiger Conservation Authority and the Tiger andOther Endangered SpeciesCrimeControl Bureau.
8.2. Enhancement of punishment for offence in relation to the core area of a tiger reserve or where the offence relates to hunting in the tiger reserves or altering the boundaries of tiger reserves, etc.
8.3. Strengthening of antipoaching activities, including special strategy ~for monsoon patrolling, by providing funding support to tiger reserv.eStates, as proposed by them, for deployment of antipoaching squads involvingex-army personnel or home guards, apart fromworkforce comprising of local people, inaddition to strengthening of communication andwireless facilities.
8.4. Constitution of theNational Tiger Conservation Authority with effect fromthe 4th September, 2006, for strengthening tiger conservation by, inter alia, ensuring normative standards intiger reservemanagement, preparation of reserve specific tiger conservation plan, laying down annual audit report before Parliament, constituting State level Steering Committees under the Chairmanship of Chief Ministers and establishment of Tiger Conservation Foundation.
8.'5. Constitution of amultidisciplinary Tiger andOther Endangered Species Crime Control Bureau (WildlifeCrimeControl Bureau) witheffect fromthe6th June, 2007to effectively control illegal trade inwildlife.
8.6. The in-principle approval has been accorded by, the National Tiger Conservation Authority for creation of five new tiger reserves, and the sites are:, Pilibhit (Uttar Pradesh), Ratapani (Madhya Pradesh), Sunabeda (Odisha), Mukundara Hills (including Darrah, Jawahar Sagar andChambal WildlifeSanctuaries) (Rajasthan) and Satyamangalam (Tamil Nadu). Final approval has been accorded to Kudremukh (Karnataka) for declaring asatiger reserve. TheStateGovernments havebeenadvised to send proposals for declaring the following areas as tiger reserves: (i) Bor (Maharashtra), (ii) Suhelwa (Uttar Pradesh), (iii) Nagzira-Navegaon (Maharashtra),
(iv) GuruGhasidas National Park (Chhattisgarh), (v)Mhadei Sanctuary (Goa) and (vi) Srivilliputhur Grizzled Giant Squirrel / Megamalai WildlifeSanctuaries / Varushanadu Valley (Tamil Nadu).
8.7. Therevised Project Tiger guidelineshavebeen issuedto StateGovernments for strengthening tiger conservation, which apart from ongoing· activities, inter alia, include financhll support to States for enhanced village relocation or rehabilitation package for people living incore or critical tiger habitats (fromRs. 1lakhper family to Rs. 10lakhs per family), rehabilitation or resettlement !Jfcommunities involved in traditional hunting, mainstreaming livelihood andwildlife concerns in forests outside tiger reserves and fostering corridor conservation through restorative strategy to arrest habitat fragmentation.
8.8. A scientific methodology for estimating tiger (including co-predators, prey animals and assessment of habitat status) has been evolved and mainstreamed. The findings of this estimation and assessment are bench marks for future tiger conservation strategy.
8.9. An areaof 35123.9547 sq. km. has beennotified by 17Tiger States as coreor critical tiger habitat under section 38V of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in2006.
8.10. Financial and technical help is provided to the State Governments under various Centrally Sponsored Schemes, such as Project Tiger and Integrated Development of WildlifeHabitats for enhancing thecapacity and infrastructure of the StateGovernments for providingeffectiveprotectiontowildanimals.
8.11. India has a bilateral understanding with Nepal on controlling trans-boundary illegal trade inwildlife and conservation, apart fromaprotocol on~igerconservation withChina.
8.12. A protocol has been signed in September, 2011 with Bangladesh for conservation of theRoyal Bengal Tiger of theSunderban.
8.13. A sub-group on tiger and leopard conservation has been constituted for cooperation with the Russian Federation.
8.14. A Global Tiger Forum of Tiger Range Countries has been created for addressing international issues related to tiger conservation.
8.15. During the 14 th meeting of the Conference of Parties to CITES, which was held from 3 rd to 15 th June, 2007 at The Hague, India introduced a resolution along with China, Nepal and the Russian Federation, with direction to Parties with operations breeding tigers on a commercial scale, for restricting such captive populations to a level supportive only to conserving wild tigers. The resolution was adopted as a decision with minor amendments. Further, India made an intervention appealing to China to phase out tiger farming and eliminate stockpiles of Asian big cats' body parts and derivatives. The importance of continuing the ban on trade of body parts of tigers was emphasized.
8.16. Based on India's strong intervention during the 62nd meeting of the Standing Committee of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) at Geneva from 23-27 July, 2012, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora Secretariat has issued a notification No. 2012/054 dated the 3 rd September, 2012 to Parties to fully implement Decision 14.69 and report to the Secretariat by 25 September, 2012 (Progress made on restricting captive breeding operations of tigers etc.).
8.17. As a part of active management to rebuild Sariska and Panna Tiger Reserves where tigers have become locally extinct, reintroduction of tigers and tigresses have been done.
8.18. Special advisories issued for in-situ build ul' of prey base and tiger population through active management in tiger reserves having low population status of tiger and its prey.
8.19. The policy initiatives announced by the Finance Minister in his Budget Speech ofthe 29 th February, 2008, inter alia, contains action points relating to tiger protection.
Based on the one tim~ grant of Rs. 50.00 crore provided to the National Tiger Conservation Authority ~NTCA) for raising, arming and deploying a Special Tiger Protection Force, the proposal for the said force has been approved by the competent authority for 13 tiger reserves. Rs. 93 lakhs each has been released to Cvrbett, Ranthambhore and Dudhwa '11gt;f Reserve for creation of STPF during 200Sl-2009.
Since then, the guidelines of the STPF have been revised f(lf ueploying forest personnel in place of Police as an option-II, with scope f0: involving local people like the Van Gujjars. During the year 2010-201; and 2011-2012, an amount of Rs. 270 lakhs has been provided to the Similipal Tiger Reserve for raising, arming and deploying the STPF. The States of Karnataka and Maharashtra have already deployed the STPF.
8.20. In collaboration with TRAFFIC-INDIA, an online tiger crime data base has been launched, and Generic, Guidelines for preparation of reserve specific Security Plan has been evolved.
"'ART 1Il--SEC'. 4]
8.21. Implementing a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with tiger States, linked to fund flows for effective implementation of tiger conservation initiatives.
8.23. Special crack teams sent to tiger reserves affected by left wing extremismand lowpopulation status oftiger and itsprey;
8.24. Chief Ministers of Stateshaving tiger reservesaffected by leftwingextremism and lowpopulation statusof tiger and itsprey addressed fortaking special initiatives.
8.25. Steps taken for modernizing the infrastructure and field protection, besides launching 'Monitoring system for Tigers' Intensive Protection and Ecological Status (M-STrIPES)' for effective fieldpatrollingandmonitoring.
8.26. Steps taken for involvement of Non-Governmental Experts in the ongoing all Indiatiger estimation.
8.27. Initiatives taken for improving the field delivery through capacity building of fieldofficials, apart fromproviding incentives.
8.28. Action initiated for using InformationTechnology to strengthen surveillance in tiger reserves.
8.29. The second round of country level tiger status assessment completed in 2010, \\ iththe findings indicatingan increasewithatiger populationestimateof 1706, lower and upper limits being 1520and 1909 respectively, as compared to the last country level estimation of 2006, with anestimateof 1411, lower and upper limits being 1165 and 1657,respectively.
8.30. The second round of independent assessment of Management Effectiveness Evaluation of Tiger Reserves done in 2010-2011 for 39 tiger reserves based on globally used framework.
8.32. Providing special assistance for mitigation of human-tiger conflicts in problematic areas.
8.33. Asan outcome of the fourthTrans-border ConsultativeGroupMeeting held in New Delhi, a joint resolution has been signed with Nepal for biodiversity and tiger conservation.
8.':;4. Regional Offices of the National Tiger Conservation Authority sanctioned at Nagpur, Benga!uruandGuwahati.
: ~TfT1III ~rs 41
8.36. The Revised Cost Estimate of Project Tiger has also been approved by the competent authority in August, 2011 by enhancing the allocation for the Xlth Plan period from Rs.650 crore of central assistance to Rs. 1216.86 crore. The upward revision has been necessitated due to increased action for relocation of villages from thenotifiedcoreandcritical tiger habitatsasalso inclusionof additional components.
9.1. Stepping up protection by supporting the States for ralsmg, arming and deploying the Special Tiger Protection Force (so far, the STPF has been constituted only in Karnataka for Nagarahole and Maharashtra for Tadoba- Andhari and Pench; funding support has been provided to Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Rajasthan whereprocess of constituting the same is ongoing.
Funding has also been provided to Odisha for STPF constitution at Similipal Tiger Reserve).
9.2. Need for enhanced funding support to States for voluntary village relocation from core are.asto provide inviolate space for tigers (800-1200 sq.km.) for aviablepopulation.
9.7. Addressing the issue of Iivelibood dependency in the fringes of core/critical tiger habitats by supporting theStates for managing thebuffer/peripheral areas of tiger reserves as a multiple use zone through village level participatory planning for ecodevelopment with reciprocal commitments (out of 41 tiger reserves 41 have notified buffer area). The details of core and critical tiger habitats and buffer and peripheral areas notified by tiger reserves art· at Appendices-A and B.
9.8. Launching Phase-IV tiger reserve level continuous monitoring with capacity building.
9.9. Active management invol1vingtranslocation of tiger to suitable low den::ity tiger habitats withina landscape.
~.11. Strengtbening the Regional Offices of the NTCA at Nagpur, Guwahati and Bengaluru (AIGs posted at Nagpur and Bengaluru Regional Offices; IGFs are required to beposted inthe3Regional Offices, besides anAIG atGuwahati).
9.12. Declaring and consolidatinlg new tiger reserves (5 have been given inprinciple approval, and for atnother6, the States have been advised, besides accordingapproval for onetiger reserveinKarnataka).
9.13. Fostering awareness I supporting reserve specificcommunication strategy to elicit public support for tiger conservation with the active involvement of Panchayati Raj institutions.
10.1 Stepping up protection: (antipoaching squadffiger Protection Force deployment) The antipoaching operations in tiger reserves are site specific. However, the following activities, inter alia, formpart of the protection strategy in tiger reserves, namely:-
(a) Raising, arminganddeploymentof Special Tiger Protection Force.
(b) Useof informationtechnology inwildlifecrimeprevention.
(c) LaunchingM-STrIPES for fieldpatrolling.
(d) Deployment of antipoachingsquads.
(e) Establishing and maintenance of existing patrolling campslchowkis and deployment of camp labourers forpatrolling.
(t) Organising vehicular patrolling by constitUtingsquads (Tiger Protection Force), comprising of field staff, labourers and police/SAF/ex-army personnel, with wireless handset and paraphernalia for apprehending offenders, apart fromprescribingapatrollingcalendar for thesquad.
(g) Establishing andmaintenanceof wirelessnetwork.
(h) Organising surprise raidsjointly with the local police in railway stations, local trains, bus-stops, buses, catchersandcafeteria.
(i) Ensuring special site-specific protection measures, during monsoon as 'Operation Monsoon' - considering the terrain and accessibility of ProtectedAreas.
G) Deployment of ex-army personnel I homeguards.
(k) Deployment of local work force for patrolling, surveillance of water holes, manningbarriers.
(I) Procurement of armsandammunition.
(m) Procurement/maintenance of elephant squads.
(n) Rewards to informers.
(0) Legal support for defendingcourtcases.
(p) Procurement of vehicles, boats.
(q) Procurement offield gear, nightvisiondevice.
10.2. Deciding inviolate spaces for wildlifeand relocation of villagers fromcore or critical tiger habitats in Tiger Reserves within a timeframe and settlement of rights.
10.2.1.The Wild Life (Protection)' Act, 1972, as well as the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, require that rights of people (Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers) recognized in forest areas within core and critical tiger or wildlife habitats of tiger reserves or protected areas may be modified and resettled for providing inviolate spaces to tiger or wild animals. This requires payment of compensation (rights settlement inaddition to the relocation packageofferedunder theCentrally Sponsored Scheme at present). Chapter IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 (section 24) provides for acquisition of rights inor over the landdeclared by the StateGovernment under section 18 (for constituting a Sanctuary) or section 35 (for constituting a National Park). Sub-section (2) of section 24 of theWild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 authorizes the Collector. to acquire such land or rights. Therefore, payment of compensation for the immovable property of people forms part of modifying or settlingtheir rightswhich isastatutory requirement.
10.2.2.The ongoing study and the analysis of the available research data on tiger ecology indicate that theminimumpopulation of tigresses in breeding age, which are needed tomaintainaviablepopulationof80-100 tigers (inandaround core) requirean inviolate space of 800-1200 sq. km. Tiger being an "umbrella species", this will also ensureviablepopulations of other wildanimals (co-predators, prey) and forest, thereby ensuring the ecological viability of the entire area and habitat. Thus, it becomes an ecological imperative to keep thecoreareasof tiger reserves inviolate for the survival of sourcepopulations of tiger andotherwildanimals.
(a) Option I - Payment of the entire package amount (Rs. 10 lakhs per family) to the family in case the family opts so, without involving any rehabilitation or relocationprocess bytheForest Department.
(b) Option II - Carrying out relocation or rehabilitation of village from protected areaor tiger reserveby theForestDepartment.
The following activities, inter alia, would form part of reinforcing the infrastructureof Tiger Reserves (includingsupport tonew tiger reserves), namely:-
(a) Civil Works (staff quarters, family hostels, office improvement, patrolling camp, housekeepingbuildings, museum, culverts).
(b) Maintenance, creationandupgradationof roadnetwork.
(c) Maintenanceandcreationof wireless tower.
(d) Maintenanceandcreationof firewatchtower.
(e) Maintenance andcreationof bridges, dams, anicuts.
(t) Maintenance, creationof firelinesandfirebreaks.
(g) Maintenanceandcreationof earthenponds.
(h) Procurement, maintenanceof vehicles (Gypsy, Jeep, Truck, Tractor etc.).
(i) Habitat improvementworks.
G) Procurement of hardware, software and Geographical Information System (GIS).
(k) Procurement of compass, range finder, Global Positioning System (GPS), cameratraps.
(I) Procurement of satellite imageries formanagement planning.
(m) Mapdigitization facility formanagement planning.
These, inter alia, may include, weed eradication, removal of gregarious plant growth from grasslands, grass improvement, water retention structures and the like.
These initiatives would increase the forage and browse values of the habitat for wild animals.
10.5. Addressing man-animal conflict (ensuring uniform, timely compensation for human deaths due to wild animals, livestock depredation by carnivores, crop depredation bywild ungulates) (compensation for crop loss isanew component):
(a) payment of compensation for cattle lifting, death of human beings and cropdepredation duetowild animals.
(b) creation of cropprotection structures.
(c) procurement and deployment of traps, cages to catch problematic animals.
(d) procurement of tranquilizing equipments, rescuevehicles anddrugs.
The fringe areas around tiger reserve have corridor value, and their ecological sustainability is important to prevent the area from becoming ecological sinks on account of over use of resources and unwise land use. This calls for delineation of buffer zonearound atiger reserve to incorporate such fringeareas so that it can fulfill thefollowingobjectives, namely:
(a) providing ecologically viable livelihood options to local stakeholders for reducing their dependency on forests.
(b) conserving the forest area through restorative inputs involving local people for providing habitat supplement to wild animals moving out of coreareas.
There isanurgent need to launcharehabilitation and development programme for the denotified tribes and tribes involved in traditional hunting, living around tiger, reserves and tiger corridors. The following denotified tribes and communities are involved in traditional hunting of· wild animals : Behelias, Ambalgars, Badaks, Mongias, Bavariyas, Monglias, Pardhi, Boyas, Kaikads, Karwal Nat, Nirshikaris, Picharis, Valayaras, Yenadis, Chakma, Mizo, Bru, SolungandNyishi. While this list is notexhaustive, around 5,000such families arerequired to betaken upunder awelfare programme (forming part of NTCA initiatives) during the Plan period. The rehabilitation and welfare package should be evolved in a site specific, consultative manner with livelihood options, to include : wages for such people towards their deployment in foot patrolling for protecting wildlife, providing agricultural landwith irrigation, basic health care, housing and related community welfare inputs and basic education facilities. The experience gained inthe past for settling denotified tribes b~ the salvation army is required to be considered dispassionately while structuring tre programme.
The All India tiger estimation using the new methodology approved by the Tiger Task Force has resulted in apermanent monitoring protocol for the field units.
The Phase-IV, tiger reserve level, would be launched to monitor the source populations of tiger. Further, assistancewould beprovided for fostering field oriented research and to equip the staff with facilities like Global Positioning System (GPS), camera traps, night vision, range fmder and related accessories including hardware and software.
(a) Capacity building and training.
(b) Providing project allowance and special incentives.
(c) Specialized training in the use of Geographical Information System (GIS), antipoaching operations.
(d) Specialized training injurisprudence and wildlife forensics.
(e) Study tours for appraisal of good practices in other reserves.
(f) Dissemination workshops.
(g) Specialized training in park interpretation.
(h) Specialized training inmanagement planning.
10.9.2 The above inputs are extremely important for enhancing the skill offield staff.
Several instances of poaching occur for want of specialized training in crime detection and related skills. .
10.10. Mainstreaming wildlife concerns in tiger bearing forests and fostering corridor conservation through restorative strategy involving locals to arrest fragmentation of habitats.
(a) Redressing man-animal conflict.
(b) Capturing problematic and aberrant wild animals.
(c) Monitoring of wild animal~.
(d) Antipoaching operations.
(e) Habitat improvement measures.
10.1l.Safeguards and Retrofitting measures in the interest of wildlife conservation.
Several tiger reserves are affected on account of heavily used infrastructure like roads, railway tracks etc. The high tension electric lines passing through many reserves cause mortality of wild animals due to electrocution by pOachers. In the interest of wild animals several safeguards as well as retrofitting measures may be required, which would be supported on a site-specific basis.
10.12. Providing basic infrastructure. The expenditure for consultancy, field visits by expert teams, all India tiger estimation and continuous monitoring of tigers (Phase-IV), support for monitoring tigers outside tiger reserves through National Tiger Conservation Authority grant, developing a National Repository of Camera Trap Photo Database of tiger, strengthening of National Tiger Conservation Authority at the Center and Regional Offices, besides establishing a monitoring lab.
[PARTIII-SEC. 4] The second round of independent monitoring has been completed using globally accepted indicators. Thiswouldbefurther refmedandcontinued.
'Project Tiger' has a holistic ecosystem approach. Though the focus is on the flagship species 'tiger', the project strives to maintain the stability of ecosystem by fostering other trophic levels in the food chain. This is essential to ensure an ecologically viable population of tiger, which is at the 'apex' of the ecological food chain. The·community pressures on forests are ever on the increase in developing countries and India is no exception. As a sequel, the tiger habitat has become fragile andweak at several places, warranting afocusedconservation approach. Our protected areas and tiger reserves are analogous to "islands" in an ocean of the other-use patterns. Empirical evidences from 'island biogeography' indicate that "isolated" reserves lose their species rapidly owing to 'ecological insularization'. Further, apart from fragmentation, the situation is aggravated by degraded forest cover owing to biotic pressure, dislocated prey - predator ratio, absence of effective measures to ensurethedesired level of protection and lack of eco developmental initiatives for the fringe dwelling stake holders to reduce their dependency on forest resources. Since 'Project Tiger' would go a long way in redressing the above situation, the Steering Committee of Project Tiger in its meeting held on the 23rd January, 2003 recommended inclusion of new tiger reserve areas so as to increase the total area of 'Project Tiger' fromexisting 37761 sq. kms. to 50,000sq. kms. during theTenth Plan period.
10.15. Provision of Project Allowance to staff of Project Tiger.
The tiger States would be supported (100%) for Project Allowance to staff of tiger reserves.
10.16. Staff welfare activities.
Staff welfare inputs likeresidential accommodation for thechildren of frontline staff innearby towns or villages; supply of kerosene, medicine, fieldkit, mosquito net, torchandthe likewould besupported.
'Tourism' in the context of Tiger Reserves is ~ontemplated as "ecotourism", which needs to be ecologically sustainable nature-tourism. This is emerging as an important component of tourism industry: It is distinct from 'mass tourism', having sustainable, equitable, community based effort for improving the living standards of local, host communities livingon the fririgesof tiger reserves. Ecotourism isproposed to be fostered under 'Project Tiger' to benefit thehost community inaccordancewith tiger reserve specific Tourism 'Plan forming' part of the Tiger Conservation Plan, subject to regulation as per carrying capacity, with a focus on buffer areas. Since, tourism has been happening in areas of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries which are now designated as core or critical tiger habitat, regulated low impact tourism (visitation) would be allowed in such areas subject to site specific carrying capacity.
However, no new tourism infrastructure should be permitted in such core and critical tiger habitats. Further, the buffer forest areas should also be developed as wildlife habitats with the active involvement of local people living in such areas. This would provide extended habitat to tiger population for its life cycle dynamics, besides benefitting local people from ecotourism activities in such areas while reducing the resource dependency of people on core or critical tiger habitats and human-tiger interface conflicts. The opportunities for stakeholders would include management of low cost accommodation for tourists, providing guide services, providing sale outlets, managing excursions, organizing ethnic dances and the like.
In all, approximately 24 lakh mandays are generated annually with 50% central assistance amounting to around Rs. 24 crores (excluding matching 50% share given by States) under 'Project Tiger'. Many local tribes constitute such local workforce (besides non-tribals), such as Baigas, Gonds in Madhya Pradesh, Gonds in Maharashtra, Chenchus in Andhra Pradesh, Sholigas in Kamataka, Guijars in Uttarakhand and lrulas in Tamil Nadu to name a few. The deployment of such local tribals has been fostered and encoun.ged in the last two years.
12. _ Details of funding allocation under Project Tiger since inception over various Plan periods.
Project Tiger is an ongoing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, launched in 1973. Over the years, the project coverage has expanded considerably. The provisions made in the Five Year Plans for the project since beginning are as below: • FiveYear Plan Rs. in lakhs
(1) (2) ..
N Plan (only 1973-74) 2.53 V Plan (1~74-75 to 1978-79) 387.25 Rolling Plan (1979-80) 63.90 VI Plan (1980-81 to 1984-85) 494.86 VII Plan 1475.42 1990-92 700.9' 1991-93 549.81 VIII Plan ::u~90.09 IX Plan 7500.00 X Plan 15000.00 XI Plan 79219.96
109284.8or l092.8S TOTAL erora List of core and critical tiger habitats of Tiger Reserves in India, notified under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2006 (as on24.09.2012) SI. No. Year of Name of Tiger Reserve State Area of the core / creation critical tiger habitat (In Sq.
Kms.)
1 2 3 4 5 1 1973-74 Bandipur Karnataka 872.24 2 1973-74 Corbett Uttarakhand 821.99 3 1973-74 Kanha Madhya Pradesh 917.43 4 1973-74 Manas Assam 840.04 5 1973-74 Melghat Maharashtra 1500.49 6 1973-74 Palamau Jharkhand 414.08 7 1973-74 Ranthambore Rajasthan 1113.364 8 1973-74 Similipal Odisha 1194.75 9 1973-74 Sunderbans West Bengal 1699.62 1(\ 1978-79 Periyar Kerala 881.00 11 1978-79 Sariska Rajasthan 881.1124 12 1982-83 Buxa West Bengal 390.5813 13 1982-83 Indravati Chhattisgarh 1258.37 14 1982-83 Nagarjunsagar Andhra Pradesh 3721.00" 15 1982-83 Namdapha Arunachal Pradesh 1807.82 16 1987-88 Dudhwa Uttar Pradesh 1093.79 17 1988-89 Kalakad..Mundanthurai Tamil Nadu 895.00 18 1989-90 Valmiki Bihar 598.45 19 1992-93 Pench Madhya Pradesh 411.33 20 1993-94 Tadoba-Andhari Maharashtra 625.82 21 1993-94 Bandhavgarh Madhya Pradesh 716.903 22 1994-95 Panna Madhya Pradesh 576.13 23 1994-95 Dampa Mizoram 500.00 24 1998-9~ Bhadra Karnataka 492.46 25 1998-99 Pench Maharashtra 257.26 26 1999-2000 Pakke Arunachal Pradesh 683.45 27 1999-2000 Nameri Assam 200.00 28 1999-2000 Satpura Madhya Pradesh 1339.264 29 2008-2009. Anamalai TamilNadu 958.59 30 2008-2009 Udanti-Sitanadi Chattisgarh 851.09 31 2008-2009 Satkosia Odisba 523.61.
32 2008-2009 Kaziranga Assam 625.58 33 2008-2009 Achanakmar Chattisgarb 626.195 ...•..
34 2008-2009 Dandeli-Anshi KamataIca 814.814 t 35 2008-2009 Sanjay-Dubri Madhya Pradesh 812.571 36 2008-2009 Mudumalai Tamil Nadu 321.00 37 2008-2009 Nagarahole Karnataka 643.35 38 2008-2009 Parambikulam Kerala 390.89 39 2009-2010 Sahyadri Maharashtra 600.12 40 2011-2012 Biligin Ranganathan Temple Karitataka 359.10.
41. 2012-2013 KawaI Andhra Pradesh 893.23 TOTAL 35123.9547 •• Government of Andhra Pradesh hasnotified GundlaBrahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary as an extended core to Nagarjunasagar SrisailamTiger Reserve (NSTR). The extended area is 1194sq.km. Hencethetotal coreareaofNSTR is3721sq.km.
List of Buffer and peripheral areas in India. notified under the Wildlife (Protection) Act. 1972. as amended in 2006 (24.09.2012) SI.No. Vearof Name of Tiger Reserve State Area of the creation buffer I peripheral Un'Sq. Kms.)
1 2 3 4 5 1 1973-74 ' Bandipur Karnataka 584.06 2 1973-74 Corbett Uttarakhand 466.32 3 1973-74 Kanha Madhya Pradesh 1134.361 4 1973-74 Manas Assam. 2310.88 5 1973-74 Melghat Maharashtra 1268.03 6 1973-74 Palamau Jharkhand 7Is.85 7 1973-74 Ranthambore Rajasthan 297.9265 8 1973-74 Similipal Odisha 1555.25 9 1973-74 Sunderbans West Bengal 885.27 10 1978-79 Periyar Kerala 44.00 11 1978-79 Sariska Rajasthan 332.23 12 1982-83 Buxa WestBenga! 367.3225 13 1982·83 Indravati ' Chhattisgarh 1540.70 14 1982·83 Nagarjunsagar Andhra Pradesh 1175.51 15 1982.•83 Namdapha Arunachal Pradesh 245.00 16 1987-88 Dudhwa Uttar Pradesh 1107.9848 ...~:
....... - . ... -. . .. .... - , .--.-.- ..-- . _. __ .......... ...~..- _.. .._- ..~-- .. .,.- - ...
17 1988-89 Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tamil Nadu 706.542 18 1989-90 Valmiki Bihar 300.93 19 1992-93 Pench Madhya Pradesh 768.30225 20 1993-94 Tadoba-Andhari Maharashtra II 01.771 1 21 1993-94 Bandhavgarh Madhya Pradesh 820.03509 22 1994-95 Panna Madhya Pradesh 1002.42 23 1994-95 Dampa Mizoram .
488.00 24 1998-99 Bhadra Karnataka 571.83 25 1998-99 Pench Maharashtra 483.96 26 1999-2000 Pakke Arunachal Pradesh 515.00 27 1999-2000 Nameri Assam 144.00 28 1999-2000 Satpura Madhya Pradesh 794.04397 29 2008-2009 Anamalai Tamil Nadu 521.28 30 2008-2009 Udanti-Sitanadi Chattisgarh 991.45 31 2008-2009 Satkosia Odisha 440.26 32 2008-2009 Kaziranga Assam 548.00 33 2008-2009 Achanakmar Chattisgarh 287.822 34 2008-2009 Dandeli-Anshi Karnataka 282.63 35 2008-2009 Sanjay-Dubri Madhya Pradesh 861.931 36 2008-2009 Mudumalai Tamil Nadu 367.59 37 2008-2009 Nagarahole Karnataka 562.41 38 2008-2009 Parambikulam Kerala 252.772 39 2009-2010 Sahyadri Maharashtra 565.45 40 2011-2012 Biligiri Ranganathan Temple Karnataka 215.72
41. 2012-2013 Kawai Andhra Pradesh 1125.89 TOTAL 28750.73
13.1. 'Project Tiger' is an ongoing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the Ministry of Environment and Forests. The revised guidelines incorporate the additional activities for implementing the urgent recommendations of the Tiger Task Force, constituted by the National Board for Wildlife, chaired by the Hon'ble PrimeMinister. These, inter alia, include support for implementing the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 as amended by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2006, which came into force with effect from the 4th September,
2006.Theactivities areas follows:
(i) antipoaching initiatives;
(ii) strengthening infrastructurewithin tiger reserves;
(Hi) habitat improvementandwater development;
(iv) addressingman-animal conflicts;
(v) co-existenceagenda inbuffer and fringeareaswith landscapeapproach;
(vi) deciding inviolate spaces and relocation of villages from critical tiger habitats within a timeframe by providing a better relocation package, apart fromsupporting States for settlement of rights of such people;
(vii) rehabilitation of traditional hunting tribes living in and around tiger reserves;
(viii) providing supportto Statesfor researchand fieldequipments;
(ix) supporting States for staff development and capacity building in tiger reserves;
(x) mainstreaming wildlife concerns in tiger bearing forests outside tiger reserves, and fostering corridor conservation in such areas through restorative strategy involving local people to arrest fragmentation of habitats;
(xi) providing safeguards and retrofitting measures in and around tiger reserves andtiger bearing forests forwildlifec.onservation;
(xii) strengthening the infrastructure of National Tiger Conservation Authority attheCentre;
(xiii) carrying out independent monitoring and the evaluation of tiger reserves;
(xiv) establishment anddevelopmentof eight new tiger reserves;
(xv) provision of project allowance to all categories of staff working in tiger reserves;
(xvi) providing residential amenities to facilitate basic education to children of frontline fieldstaff posted intiger reserves;
(xvii) providing assistance to States for fostering ecotourism to benefit local people.
13.2. 'Project Tiger' was launched in April, 1973 with the objective "to ensure maintenance of a viable population of Tigers in India for scientific, economic, aesthetic, cultural and ecological values, and to preserve for all times, areas of biological importance as a national heritage for the benefit, education and enjoyment ofthe people".
13.3. The 'Project Tiger' has been successfully implemented, and at present, there are 41 Tiger Reserves in 17 States, covering an area of 63874.68 sq. kIn. Apart .from the above, 5 have been given in-principle approval, and for another 6, the State Governments have been advised, besides according' approval for one tiger reserve in Karnataka. The selection of reserves has been guided by the need to conserve unique ecosystem and habitat types across the geographic distribution of tigers in the country.
13.4. Conservation of endangered species and their habitat, strengthening and enhancing the Protected Area Network, control of poaching, monitoring, rt;:search and ensuring people's participation in Wildlife Conservation have been ac:corded high priority in the National Wildlife Action Plan and the Wildlife Conse:rvation Strategy, 2002.
During present plan period, 100% Central Assistance is. being made availatble to States for expenditure on all non-recurring items; for recurring items, the Central Assistance is restricted to 50% of the expenditure, while the matching grant is provided by the Project States. The activities and field inputs under 'Project Tiger', inter alia, include : (Non recurring) strengthening of protection, deploym1ent of armed squads in tiger reserves, creating basic infrastructure for management, roads, wireless, civil works, habitat development, augmenting water res1ources, compensatory ameliorative measures for habitat restoration, eco-development, village relocation, use of Information Technology in crime detection, establishment of a digitized database in tiger reserves having collaborative linkage with Project Tiger Directorate in the Geographical Information System (GIS) domain, monitoring and evaluation of tiger reserves, monitoring of habitat status, carrying out All India Estimation of Tigers, co-predators and prey animals in the Geographical Information System (GIS) domain with the state of art technology, continuous monitoJring of tiger populations in various tiger range States (tiger reserves and other forest areas outside tiger reserves), fostering wildlife viewing for tourists in tiger res\erves, providing compensation to villagers for human deaths and livestock depredation by carnivores in tiger reserves, staff welfare measures, providing 'Project Allowance' to all categories of staff working in tiger reserves, establishment of veterinary facility, and fostering research and research projects relating to tiger conservation, replacement and purchase of new vehicles for existing and new tiger reserves to ensure staff mobility. (Recurring) creation and deployment of local work force for patrolling and barriers, habitat improvement, providing salt licks, water facility, fire protection measures, mai~tenance of various items, publicity and extension and legal assistance.
15.1. The Central Government had launched 'Project Tiger' to promote conservation of the tiger, since the significance of its conservation has ramifications beyond State boundaries. Management of forests and wildlife is primarily the responsibility of concerned States. The field implementation of the project, protection and management in the designated reserves is done by the project States, who also provide -- thematching grant to recuning items of expenditure, deploy field staff and officers, and givetheir salaries. The Project Tiger Directorate of theMinistry of Environment and Forests was mandated with the task of providing technical guidance and funding support.
.
15.2. The implementation of 'Project Tiger' over the years has highlighted theneed for a statutory authority with legal backing to ensure tiger conservation. On the basis of the recommendations of National Board for Wild Life under the Chairmanship of the Hon'ble Prime Minister, a Task Force was set up to .look into the problems of tiger conservation in the country. The recommendations of the said Task Force, inter alia include strengthening of 'Project Tiger' by giving it statutory and administrative powers, apart from creating the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau. It has also recommended that an annual report should be submitted to the Central Government for laying in Parliament, so that commitment to 'Project Tiger' is reviewed from time to time, in addition to addressing the concerns of local people.
Broadly, theurgent recommendations of thesaidTask Forceareasbelow:
(i) Reinvigorating theconstitution of governance.
(ii) Strengthening efforts towards protection of tiger, checking poaching, convicting wildlife criminals and breaking the international trade network inwildlifebodypartsandderivatives.
(Hi) Expanding theundisturbedareas for tiger by reducing human pressure.
(iv) Repair therelationshipwith local peoplewho sharethetigers habitat by fieldingstrategies for coexistence.
(v) Regenerate the forest habitats in the fringes of the tigers protective enclaves by investing in forest, water and grassland economies of the people.
15.3 The tiger reserves are faced with ecological disturbances and various other problems. Fragmentation of habitats occurs owing tooveruse of forest habitats, apart from conflicting land uses leading to loss of habitat. There are also in some cases, significant village population with largenumber of cattle, which graze in the forests, leading to ecological degradation, apart· from major sources of regular or intermittent disturbance, such as temples and commercial entities, such as, tea estates. This also leads toman-animal conflicts, resulting intiger andpreymortality.
15.4. Several constraints affect field implementation of the project, such as, delayed release of Central Assistance given to the States for Field Units, staff vacancies, ageing of field staff, lack of capacity building initiatives, weak enforcement and monitoring of protection work, etc. The events in the recent past have highlighted the fact that there is a need in the States for greater commitment and vigilance. The.field administration managing the tiger reserves require capacity buildingandsupervision.
15.5. There is also an urgent need to strengthen the system at the Central Government level (project Tiger Directorate), which has the mandate to oversee and guide tiger conservation in the country. Involvement of States and strengthening the field administration, supervision of the project and building a participatory base by including interests of local people living in and around tiger reserves areextremely important.
,
15.6. Considering the urgency of the situation, 'Project Tiger' has been converted intoastatutory authority National Tiger ConservationAuthority (NTCA) byproviding enabling provisions in the Wild Life (protection) Act, 1972 through an amendment, namely, the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2006. This forms one of the urgent recommendations of theTiger Task Forceappointedby thePrimeMinister. The NTCA would address theecological aswell as administrative concerns for conserving tigers, by providing a statutory basis for protection of tiger reserves; apart from providing strengthened institutional mechanisms for the protection of ecologically sensitive areas and endangered species. TheAuthority would also ensureenforcing of guidelines for tiger conservation andmonitoring compliance of the same, apart from placement of motivated and trained officers havjng good track record as Field Directors of tiger reserves. It would also facilitate capacity building of officers and staff posted intiger reserves, apart fromatimeboundstaff development plan.
15.7. Despite three decades of 'Project Tiger' and the efforts of the Centre and State Governments, tiger continues to remain one of the most endangered large predators in the world. The causative factors aremany, and to name a few, wemay mention the important ones like loss of habitat due to agriculture expansion and development, revenge killings by people due to man-animal conflicts and above all, the demand for the body parts and derivatives of tiger in the illegal international market. These factors contribute to the decimation of our in-situ population in the wild. Therefore, continuance of a focused, species- specific, multifaceted, ecosystem project like 'Project Tiger' becomes important and crucial at this juncture to address thethreats faCedby the tiger and itshabitat.
15.8. The three key imperatives in tiger conservation which necessitate a 'project mode' are, namely, a focused approach to prioritize actions, in the interest of tiger conservation (within and outside the tiger reserves), eliciting the support of local stakeholder communities and ensuring the necessary infrastructure for protection and management. Considering the fact that conservation of tiger has ecological and national significance transcending State boundaries, the Central Government provides funding support and technical guidance to States through the ongoing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Project Tiger and other schemes for wildlife conservation. Tigers arepresent intheforestsof seventeen States in our country at present, which also include their protectedareasandtiger reserves.
15.9 The distribution of tigers and their density vary in States due to several ecological and human reasons, such as, the forest cover, terrain, natural prey availability, presence of undisturbed habitat and the quality of managerial efforts taken towards protection. Since tigers are at the top of the ecological "food -chain", their conservation results in the overall conservation of all other species of plants and animals occupying the ecosystem. Wecan say that tigers are indicators of the well being of the ecosystem. A healthy tiger population indicates that the other ecological components in its habitat are equally robust, since tigers need large amount of prey and good habitat. The investmentsmade in aproject of this kind are morethanjustified.
16. Ongoing activities and additionalities to be supported under the revised Centrally Sponsored~heme ofProjed Tiger.
16.1. Anti-poaching activities (ongoing) (non recurring for antipoaching Squadand Tiger Protection Force deployment, and recurring for wagestowards The antipoaching· operations in tiger reserves are site specific. However, the following activities, inter alia, would formpart of theprotection strategy intiger reserves, namely:
(i) Providing 100% support to tiger reserves for raising, arming and deploying Special Tiger ProtectionForce(STPP).
(ii) Deployment of antipoachingsquads.
(iii) Establishing andmaintenanceof existingpatrolling camps/chowkis and deployment of camp labourersfor patrolling.
(iv) Organisingvehicular patrolling by constituting squads (Tiger Protection Force), comprising of field staff, labourers and police or SAF or ex-army personnel or homeguards with wireless handset and paraphernalia for apprehending offenders, apart from prescribing a patrollingcalendar for thesquad.
(v) Establishingandmaintenanceof wirelessnetwork.
(vi) Organising surprise raids jointly with the "local police in railway stations, local trains, bus-stops,buses, catchers andcafeteria.
(vii) Ensuring special site-specific protection measures during monsoon as 'Operation Monsoon' - considering the terrain and accessibility of ProtectedAreas.
(viii) Deployment of ex-armypersonnel andhomeguards.
(ix) Deployment of local work force for patrolling, surveillance of water holes,manningbarriers.
(x) Procurement of armsandammunition.
(xi) Procurement/maintenanceof elephant squads.
(xii) Rewards to informers.
(xiii) Legal support for defendingcourt cases.
(xiv) Procurement of vehicles, boats.
(xv) Procurement fieldgear, nightvisiondevice.
16.2. Strengthening of infrastructure within Tiger Reserves (ongoing) (non recurring for newcivilworks and recurring for maintenance).
The following activities, inter alia, wouid form part of reinforcing the infrastructureof tiger reserves(includingsupport tonewtiger reserves):
(i) Civil Works (staff quarters, family hostels, office improvement, patrollingcamp, housekeepingbuildings, museum, culverts).
(ii) Maintenance, creationandupgradationof roadnetwork.
(iii) Maintenanceandcreationof wirelesstower.
(iv) Maintenanceandcreationof firewatchte·",er.
(v) Maintenanceandcreationofbndges, dams, anicuts.
(vi) Maintenance, creationoffirelines andfirebreaks.
(vii) Maintenanceandcreationof earthenponds.
(viii) Procurement andmaintenanceof vehicles (Gypsy, Jeep, Truck, Tractor etc.).
(ix) Habitat improvementworks.
(x) Procurement of hardware, software/ Geographical Information System (GIS).
(xi) Procurement of compass, rangefinder, Global Positioning System (OPS), camera traps.
(xii) Procurement of satellite imageriesformanagement planning.
{xiii) Mapdigitization facility formanagement planning.
(xiv) Monitoring system for Tigers' Intensive ~rotection and Ecological Status (M-STriPES) monitoring.
(xv) E-surveillance.
16.3. Habitat improvement and water development (ongoing) (recurring).
These, inter alia, may include: weed eradication, removal of gregarious plant growth from grasslands, grass improvement, water retention structures and the like. These initiatives would increase the forage andbrowsevalues of thehabitat for wildanimals.
16.4. Addressing man-animal conflict (ensuring uniform, timely compensation for human deaths due to wild animals, livestock depredation by carnivores, crop depredation· by wild ungulates) (compensation for crop loss is a new component) (non recurring).
16.4.1. Thiswould involve:
(i) Payment of compensation for cattle lifting, deathof humanbeingsand cropdepredation* duetowildanimals.
(ii) Creation of cropprotection structures.
(Hi) Procurement and deployment traps, cagestocatchproblematic animals.
(iv) Procurement of tranquilizingequipments, rescuevehicles anddrugs.
16.4.2. The above initiatives are extremely important to avoid as well as redress the "park-people" interfaceconflicts.
(* would be supported as per prevailing nonns of the State, in thedelineated buffer area as explained in Section 38V of the Wild Life(Protection) Act, 1972, asamended in2006.)
16.5. Co-existence agenda in buffer and fringe areas (landscape approach, sectoral integration, ecologically sustainable development programme, livelihood options and eco-tourism) (new activity fin case of tiger reserves where buffer has not been notified so far) (non recurring).
The fringe areas around tiger reserve have corridor value, and their ecological sustainability is important to prevent the area from becoming ecological sinks on account of over use of resources and unwise land use. This calls for delineation of buffer zone around atiger reserveto incorporate such fringeareas so that itcan fulfill the followingobjectives, namely:
(i) Providing ecologically viable livelihoodoptions to local stakeholders for reducing their dependency on forests.
(;i) Conserving the forest area through restorative inputs involving local p.;ople for providing habitat supplement to wild animals moving out of coreareas.
A comparative assessment of the forest cover status of outer fringe areas of tiger reserves up to a radial distance of 10kms. has been done in collaboration with the Forest Survey of India. The States are required to delineate the fringe or buffer area around the core zones of tiger reserves, and submit a Tiger Conservation Plan as required under section 38 V of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, to ensure wildlife conservation while addressing the livelihood issues relating to local people.
16.6 Rehabilitation package for traditional hunting tribes living around tiger reserves (newactivity) (non recurring).
There is an urgent need to launch a rehabilitation and development programme for the denotified tribes and tribes involved in traditional hunting, living around tiger reserves and tiger corridors. The following denotified tribes and communities are involved in traditional hunting of wild animals: Behelias, Ambalgars, Badaks.
Mongias, Bavariyas, Monglias, Pardhi, Boyas, Kaikads, Karwal Nat. Nirshibris, Picharis, Valayaras, Yenadis, Chakma, Mizo, Bru, Solung and Nyishi. While this list is not exhaustive, around 5,000 such families are required to be taken up under a welfare programme (forming part of NTCA initiatives) during the Plan period. The rehabilitation and welfare package should be evolved in a site specific, consultative manner with livelihood options, to include: wages for such people towards their deployment in foot patrolling for protecting wildlife, providing agricultural land with irrigation, basic health care, housing and related community welfare inputs and basic education facilities. The experience gained in the past for settling denotifled tribes by the salvation army is required to be considered dispassionately while structuring the programme.
The All India tiger estimation using the new methodology approved by the Tiger Task Force has resulted in a permanent IT'onitoring protocol for the field units. The format and protocol used for the Phase-I data collection in the new estimation process should be adopted for day-to-day field monitoring. Further, assistance would be provided for fostering field oriented research and to equip the staff with facilities like Global Positioning System (GPS), camera traps, night vision, range finder and rela!~d accessories including hardware and software. As decided in the 1sl meeting of the National Tiger Conservation Authority, the tiger reserves are required to carry out the day to day monitoring of wild animals using the refined process in tht>GIS domain, which would enable "forecasting" vis-A-vis wildlife protection.
(i)
(ii)
(iii) Capacity building and training.
Providing pruject allowance and special incentives.
Specialized tr..i!'ling in the use of Global Information System (GIS), antipoaching operati(.ns.
Specialized tl3ining III jurisprudence and wildlife forensics.
Study tours fOl appraisal of good practices in other reserves.
Dissemination workshops.
Specialized training in park interpretation.
Specialized training inmanagement planning.
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii) The above inputs are extremely important for enhancing the skill of field staff.
Several instances of poaching occur for want of specialized training in crime detection and related skills.
16.9. Deciding inviolate spaces for wildlife and relocation of villagers from core or critical tiger habitats in tiger reserves within a timeframe and settlement of ~ (settlement of rights is a new activity) (non recurring).
16.9.1. The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, as well as the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, require that rights of people (Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers) recognized in forest areas within core and critical tiger and wildlife habitats of tiger reserves and protected areas may be modified and resettled for providing inviolate spaces to tiger and wild animals. This requires payment of compensation (rights settlement in addition to the relocation package offered under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme at present). Chapter IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 (section 24) provides for acquisition of rights in or over the land declared by the State Government under section 18 (for constituting a Sanctuary) or section 3S (for constituting a National Park). Sub-section (2) of section 24 of the said Act, authorizes the Collector to acquire such land or rights. Therefore, payment of compensation for the immovable property of people forms part of modifying or settling their rights which is a statutory requirement.
16.9.2. The ongoing study and the analysis of the available research data on tiger ecology indicate that the minimum population of tigresses in breeding age, which are needed to maintain a viable population of 80-100 tigers (in and around core) require an inviolate space of 800-1000 sq km. Tiger being' an "umbrella species", this will also ensure viable populations of other wild animals (co-predators, prey) and forest, thereby ensuring the ecological viability.ofthe entire area or habitat. Thus, it becomes an ecological imperative to keep the core areas of tiger reserves inviolate for the survival of source populations of tiger and other wild animals.
16.9.3. Based on the recommendations of the professional agency, a new package for village relocation and rehabilitation has been proposed, with the following options and norms, which adequately covers the "National Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy, 2007", while taking into consideration the difficulties and imperatives involved in relocating people living in forest areas.
Option I - Payment of the entire package amount (Rs. 10 lakhs per family) to the family in case the family opts so, without involving any rehabilitation and relocation process by the Forest Department.
Option II - Carrying out relocation and rehabilitation of village from protected area and tiger reserve by the Forest Department.
(i) In case of option I, a monitoring process involving the District Magistrate of concerned District would be ensured so that the villagers rehabilitate themselves with the package money provided to them. In this regard, a mechanism involving handholding, preferably by external agencies should also be ensured, while depositing a considerable portion of the amount in the name of the beneficiary in a nationalized bank for obtaining income through interest generated.
(ii) In case of option II, the following package (per family) is proposed, at the rate ofRs. 10 lakhs per family, namely:
(a) Agriculture landprocurement : 35%of thetotal package (2hectare) anddevelopment
(b) Settlement of rights 30%of thetotal package
(c) Homestead landandhouseconstruction : 20%of thetotal package
(d) Incentive 5%of thetotal package
(e) Community facilities commuted by the family : 10%of thetotal package (access road, irrigation, drinking water, sanitation, electricity, tele-communication,. community center, religious places of worship, burial and cremati~n ground) (Hi) The relocation process would be monitored and implemented by the following two Committees, namely:
Chief Secretary of the State Secretaries of related departments State Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Non-official members of respective Tiger Conservation Foundation Chief Wildlife Warden Chairman Members Member Members District level Implementing Committee for ensuring convergence of other seeton, consisting of:
District Collector Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Representative officials from Public Works Department (PWD), Social Welfare, Tribal Department, Health Department, Agriculture Department, Education Department, Power and Irrigation Departments Deputy Director of the tiger reserve or protected area Chairman Member Members
(iv) The above cost norms are indicative in nature to facilitate flexibility for State and site specific situation, and may be modified to allow inter component as well as inter family adjustments by respective State Governments as per site specific requirements.
(v) The relocated village would be taken up on a priority basis for eco development as well as local development through convergence of District level schemes.
(vi) The labour oriented works involved in the relocation process would be preferably implemented through the villagers who are being relocated, 'so that they derive benefits out of the same apart fromensuring the field implementation to their satisfaction.
(vii) In case resettlement has been doneona forest land, thenew settlement will be eligible for access to forest resources for their bonafideusethrough theVillageLevel CommitteeandGramSabhas.
(viii) The District Administration would facilitate fair price shop, education, health centrecloseto the relocated site.
(ix) "Handholding" after relocation would beensured through the forest department with ongoing ecodevelopmental inputs through Central assistance ~nd district administration involving convergence of schemes. In this effort help of competent independent agenciesmaybesoughtwherever available.
(x) The relocated villagers would be given priority for livelihood options emanating fromtheprotected area.
(xi) In case the cost of relocation including settlement of rights per family exceeds Rs. 10lakhs, theStateGovernment has tomeet theextracost.
(xii) The relocation process would be an open ended one, since the progress of relocation process would depend on performance byStates.
16.10 Mainstreaming wildlife concerns in tiger bearing forests and fostering corridor conservation through restorative strategy involving locals to arrest fragmentation of habitats (newactivity) (nonrecurring).
16.10.1. The forests connecting tiger reserves or protected areas have tigers and other wild animals in most of the States. At present, there is no Scheme for addressing wildlife concerns in such areas, where restorative as well as protective inputs are required. The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, provides for addressing suchcorridor areas. This, inter alia, would involvethefoHowing,namely:
(i) Redressing man-animal conflict.
(ii) Capturing problematic andaberrantwildanimals.
(iii) Monitoring of wild animals.
(iv) Antipoaching operations.
(v) Habitat improvement measures.
16.10.2. The communities living in fringe areas of National Parks, Sanctuaries and tiger reserves suffer from frequent depredation of their crops on account of damage caused by wild herbivores like blue bull, black buck, wild pig and elephants. The situation becomes acute in certain pockets, sincepeopledepend ona3ingleannual rain fed cropwith low productivity.,This is one of the major reasons for man-animal conflicts around our Tiger Reserves and Protected Areas, and is a serious bottleneck in enlisting themuchneeded local support forwildlifeconservation.
16.10.3 Under Section 11of the Wild Life (protection) Act, 1972, the State Chief Wildlife Wardens and officers authorized on his behalf can permit killing of wild animals causing destruction to life and property, including standing crops. However, rural communities 00 not favour such killings due to religious sentiments attached to these animals. Trapping and translocation of such wild animals which gain a pest value is neither feasible nor cost effective. Therefore, the situation calls for adequately compensating the stakeholder communities around tiger reserves from this recurring loss. This would be supported as per prevailing norms of the State, in the delineated buffer area as explained in Section 38V of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972,asamended in2006.
16.11 Safeguards and Retrofitting measures in the interest of wildlife conservation (new activity) (non recurring).
Several tiger reservesareaffectedonaccountof heavily used infrastructure likeroads, railway tracks and others. The high tension electric lines passing through many reserves cause mortality of wild animals due to electrocution by poachers. In the interest of wild animals several safeguards as well as retrofitting measures may be required, whichwould besupportedonasite-specific basis.
16.12 Providing basic infrastructurelProject Tiger Headquarter expenditure for consultancy, field visits byexpert teams, all India tiger estimation/ continuous monitoring of tigers (Phase-IV), support for monitoring tigers outside tiger reserves through NTCA grant, developing a National Repository of Camera Trap Photo Database of tiger, strengthening of NTCA at the Centre and Regional Offices, besides establishing amonitoring lab(nonrecurring).
16.13 Independent monitoring and evaluation of tiger reserves (ongoing) (non recurring).
The independent monitoring of tiger reserves was carried out using as many as 45 parameters by a panel of experts, based on International Union for Conservation of Nature format. Themonitoring reportswerepeer reviewed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and placed before the Parliament. An independent Management Effectiveness Evaluation was again carried out in 2010- 2011, which would be repeated again in subsequent years.
16.14 Establishment and development of new tiger reserves (new activity) (recurring and non recurring as indicated for various. activities).
16.14.1 'Project Tiger' has aholistic ecosystemapproach. Though the focus is on the flagship species 'tiger', the project strives to maintain the stability of ecosystem by fostering other trophic levels in the food chain. This is essential to ensure an ecologically viable population of tiger, which is at the 'apex' of the ecological food chain. The community pressures on forests are ever on the increase in developing countries, and India is no exception. As a sequel, the tiger habitat has become fragile and weak at several places, warranting a focused conservation approach. Our protected areas and tiger reserves areanalogous to "islands" in an ocean of the otherusepatterns. Empirical evidences from 'island biogeography' indicate that "isolated" [PART III-SEC. 4] reserves lose their species rapidly owing to 'ecological insularization'. Further, apart from fragmentation, the situation is aggravated by degraded forest cover owing to biotic pressure, dislocated prey - predator ratio, absence of effective measures to ensure the desired level of protection and lack of eco developmental initiatives for the fringe dwelling stake holders to reduce their dependency on forest resources.
Since 'Project Tiger' would go a long way in redressing the above situation, the Steering Committee of Project Tiger in its meeting held on 23 rd January, 2003 recommended inclusion of new tiger reserve areas so as to increase the total area of 'Project Tiger' from existing 37761 sq. kms. to 50,000 sq. kms. during the X Plan period. .
16.14.2 In~principle approval has been accorded for declaring the following tiger reserves:
SI. No. Name of Tiger Reserve State
1. Ratapani Madhya Pradesh
2. Sunabeda Odisha
3. Pilibhit Uttar Pradesh
4. Mukundara Hills Rajasthan (including Darrah, Jawahar Sagar and Chambal Wildlife Sanctuaries)
5. Sathyamangalam Tamil Nadu
16.14.3 Further, the following areas have been suggested, by the National Tiger Conservation Authority to States, for creation as tiger reserves are given below:
SI. No. Name State
1. Nagzira-Navegaon Maharashtra
2. Bor Maharashtra
3. Suhelwa Uttar Pradesh
4. Guru Ghasidas Chhattisgarh 5; Mahdei Goa
6. Srivilliputhur Grizzled Giant Squirrel / Megamalai Tamil Nadu Wildlife Sanctuaries / Varushanadu Valley i6.14.4 Final approval has been accorded' for the Kudremukh Tiger Reserve (Kamataka).
16.15 Provision of Project Allowance to staff (all categories) of Project Tiger (providing project allowance to Ministerial staff is a new component) (non recurring).
16.15.1 The officers and staff of tiger reserves receive Project Allowance as approved by the Expenditure Finance Committee and Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs during IX plan period as detailed below:
Field Director Deputy Director - @ Rs. 1000 per month - @ Rs. 750 per month Assistant Directorl ResearchOfficerN eterinaryOfficer (equivalent rank) ForestRanger andequivalent rank .Foresterandequivalent rank ForestGuardandequivalent rank - @Rs. 500permonth -@Rs. 450permonth -@Rs. 350permonth
16.15.2 The offices of tiger reserves are located in remote places. More often than not, theministerial staff prefer postings elsewhere in regular Forest Division offices, as a result of which the routine official working in the Project Tiger Office are adversely affected. Further, several ongoing complimentary schemes from the Collector Sector arealsodovetailed in tiaer reserves as apart of the eco development strategy to benefit thestakeholders. Suchongoing schemes, enhance the officework and therefore, able ministerial support becomes extremely crucial. However, to auract the bes~talent, it is proposed to extend the project allowance to ministerial staff working intiger reservesas indicatedbelow:- Class II Class III Class IV, Rs500(per :mployee permonth) Rs350(per employeepermonth) Rs200 (per employeepermonth)
16.15.3 The above rates were doubled for the existing categories of eligible employees with the approval of the Ministry of Finance with effect from the 1sl September, 2008.
The field staff of tiger reserves serve in remote and difficult areas, often subjected to endemic diseases like malaria, dengue,.water-borne infections, apart from facing the risk of chance encounters with wild animals. Further, such postings arenormally 'non- family postings', and the frontlinepersonnel has to ~ar thecost of maintaining his family in a nearby village or town having the basic schooling and medical facilities. It is relevant to add, accommodation in such rural areas are seldomreadily available. In addition, the field staff of a tiger reserve, unlike his counterpart in Tenitorial Forest Divisions, has also to bear the brunt of local community dwelling in fringeareas, owing to restrictions on the latter for free access to forest resources.
Thus, the role of a frontlinefield personnel in a protected area or tiger reserve is different from his e:wnlerpart in regular Forest Divisions. The physical assault on the .ff of tipr n:sc:n'CSaaxlprotected areas by peoplenurturing agrudgeagain~tthe management is more common, often resulting in casualties. Therefore it bet::omes essential to provide amenities fa' staff welfare, to attract the bf':;t i.<lientin the working age lfOuP. During the Plan period, staff welf~Jc inputs like residential lCCOI11IIlodationfor the children of frontline st?.~;u nearby towns or villages, supply of kerosene, medicine, fieldkit,mosquitonet, torch andthe likewould besupported.
16.17 Fosterial ToarlsmJEcotourism in tiger reserves (new activity) (non reeurriag). .
'Towism' in the context of tiger reserves is contemplated as "ecotourism", which needs to be ecolosically sustainable nature-tourism. This is emerging as an important componcat of tourism industry. It is distinct from 'mass tourism', ha.ving sustainable, equitable, community based effort for improving the living standards of local, host communities livingon the fringes of tiger reserves. Ecotourism isproposed to be fostered under 'Project Tiger' to benefit thehost cominunity inaccordance with tiger reserve specific Tourism Plan forming part of the Tiger Conservation Plan, subject to regulation as per carrying capacity, with a focus on buffer areas. Since, tourism has been happening in areas of national parks andwildlife sanctuaries which are now designated as core and critical tiger habitat, regulated low impact tourism (visitation) would be allowed in such areas subject to site specific carrying capacity.
However, no new tourism infrastructure should bepermitted in such core and critical tiger habitats. Further, the buffer forest areas should also be developed as wildlife habitats with the active involvement of local people living in such areas. This would provide extended habitat to tiger population for its life cycle dynamics, besides benefitting local people from ccotourism activities in such areas while reducing the resource dependency of people on core and critical tiger habitats and human-tiger interface conflicts. The opportunities for stakeholders would includemanagement of low cost accommodation for tourists, providing guide services, providing saleoutlets, managingexcursions, organizing ethnic dancesandthe like.
16.18 Cbanle in tbe funding pattern in respect of Nortb Eastern States by i.creasing tbe centnl sbare from tbe existing SO% to 90% for Recurring Expenditure, witb tbe States' sbare becoming 10%. Tbe ongoing support for Ne!!-~eeurring Expenditure would continue to be 100-.4.
There is considerable delay in the release of central assistance to the field formations (tiger reserve) by the North Eastern States under the Project Tiger Scheme, owing to nonavailability of matching Stateshare for recurringactivities, despiteallocation from the Centre. There has been ademand for increasingthe central share in the recurring component of funding support. Accordingly, thecentral sharehasbeen increased from 50%to 90% for recurring itemsof expenditure.
16.19 Raising compensation for man-animal conOict to as. 21akhs in ease of loss of buman life, 30 per cent of tbe same for grievous injury and cost of treatment for minor injury (Non-Recurring).
The human-wildlife interface is extremely sensitivedue to spill over of wild animals fromcore areas of tiger reserves. The lossonaccount of suchdepredation needs to be compensated adequately in a time bound manner to avoid 'revenge killings'. The compensation onman-wildlife conflict hasbeendoubled fromRs. 1lakhto Rs. 2 lakh in the case of loss of human life, while the compensation for serious injury has been retained at 300!o of the amount of compensation on death, besidesmeeting the cost of treatment of minor injuries to peopleduetowildlife.
16.20 Acquisition of private land for making tbe core and critical tiger babitat inviolate (Non-Recurring).- In several tiger reserves, there are private land holdings/estates within the core and critical tiger habitats of tiger reserves. Theabovecomponent hasbeen included under the P;oject Tiger Scheme for providing 100010 central assistance to States to acquire suchareas, if necessary, formaking thecore/critical tiger habitat inviolate.
16.21 Establisbment of Tiger Safari, interpretatioa and awareness centres under tbe existing component of 'co-existence agenda in buft'er and fringe areas', and management of such centres through the respective Panchayati Raj Institutions (creation - Non-Recurring; maintenance - Recurring).
The Tiger Safaris may be established in the buffer areas of tiger reserves which experience immense tourist influx in the core/critical tiger habitat for viewing tiger.
The interpretation and awareness centres would also be supported insuch buffer areas to foster awareness for eliciting public support. The management of such centres wouldbethrough therespectivePanchayati Raj (PR) institutions.
16.22 Re-introduction of Cheetah in the States of Madhya Pradesh and Rajathan under the Scheme at a cost of Rs. 50 crores after ensuring the historical co-existenu of Cheetah with other carnivores, especially the tiger.
Reintroduction of large carnivores has increasingly been recognised as a strategy to conserve threatened species and restore ecosystem functions. The Cheetah is theonly larat carnivore that has been extirpated, mainly by over-hunting in India in historical times. Based on the recommendations of an expert group involving the Wildlife Institute of India, the Ministry of Environment and Forests has decided to take up reintroduction of cheetah in the States of Rajasthan (Shahgarh area) and Madhya Pradesh (Kuno-Palpt.lr and Noradehi Wildlife Sanctuaries). The said States would receive 100% support towards village relocation, habitat management and restoration, holding facility, vetc,rinaryfacility, training professionals, monitoring, procurement of cheetah, eco-development inthefringesandmaintenance. .
TheTiger Reserve States would be required to enter into aTripartite Memorandum of Understanding 'withthe Ministry of Environment and Forests, as provided in the formatatAppendh-C.
11. The Tiger Reserves would receive funding support under the ongoing Centrally sponsored Scheme of 'Project Tiger' on the basis of a reserve specific Tiger Conservaltion Plan as required under Section 38V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2006. This should beprepared in accordance with the guidelines issued by the National Tiger Conservation Authority. Till the preparation andsapprovalof theTiger Conservation Planvis-A-vistheprovisions of the WildLife (Prote;ction)Act, 1972, thetiger Stateswould berequired to sendan interim IndicativeTiger Conservation Planwhich should formthebasis of theAnnual.plan of Operations to obtain funding supportunder 'Project Tiger'.
19. The centrality of Panchayati Raj Institution should be ensured through consultation . for deployment of local workforce, issues relating to man - animal conflicts, livelihood options, villagerelocationandeco-tourism.
TRIPARTITE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (NATIONAL TIGER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY) BIKANER HOUSE, SHAHJAHAN ROAD, NEW DELID GOVERNMENT OF .•.•.•.•,AND FIELD DIRECTOR •••.••••••TIGER RESERVE TheGovernment of Indiahas revamped itsTigerConservationProgramme throughthe settingof theNational Tiger ConservationAuthority. Theurgency insavingthetiger, India's national animal enjoins on the Centre, Stateand Tiger Reserve Management onerous responsibilities, effective discharge of which is essential. This tripartite memorandum seeks to lay our respective responsibilities and reciprocal commitments linkedto fund flowstoenSUreeffectivetiger conservation inthecountry.
This tripartite Memorandum of Understanding made this " ..day of ... , between the Ministry of Environment and Forests, acting through the National Tiger Conservation Authority, Annexe No.5, Bikaner House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi-II 0011(hereinafter referredto-asthe 'NTCA ') of theFirst Part, the State Government of ---' acting through (designation and office address) (hereinafter referred to as the State Government), of the Second Part, and the Field Director of Tiger Reserve(hereinafter referredto astheFieldDirector), of theThird Part.
Whereas the State Government has submitted a pr-oposal to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, through the Field Director, seeking fmancial assistance for protection and development of tiger reserve, hereinafter referred to as the " " Andwhereas theMinistry of Environment andForests is ready andwilling to exteftd financial support for the approved itemsof thesaidwork, onthe terms andconditions givenbelow for theyear 2009-2010andther-eafter.
(1) Funding support under Project Tiger shall be made available to the Tiger Reserve in two phases, on receipt of the Annual Plan of Operation with cost estimates of proposed field initiatives, based on tiger reserve specific "Tiger Conservation Plan".
(2) The first installment of the fundingsupport under Project Tigerwould bedone by four weeks after receipt of the Annual Plan of Operation from respective State Governments, subject to the availability of funds and directives of the Ministry of Finance.
The second installment of the funding support under Project Tiger would be released by two weeks after receipt of Utilisation Certifidlte pertaining to previous year from the States alongwith 60% Utilisation ReROrtof funding support released as first installment during the current fmancia~ear, and the Progress Report in the desired format from the Field Director,· duly recommended by theChief WildlifeWardenof theState.
Teehnical guidance in the form of advisory would be provided to the Field Director under intimationto theStateGovernment intheTiger Reserve, within the.ambit of the provisions contained ~ the Wilc;tlife(Protection) Act, 1972, withregardto conservationof tigersandtheir habitat.
Anecological auditingonthe impactof investmentmade in:the reserveshall be carried outasper prescribedcriteria.
(1) The Tiger Conservation Plan, as required under section 38V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2006,· shall be prepared for the Tiger Reserve for which the fundingsupport is being sought from , as per theprescribed guidelineswithin6months from .
(2) The core or critical tiger habitat and the buffer or peripheral area shall be delineated and notified as required under the Wildlife (protection) Act, 1972, asamended in2006within6months from .
(3) The staff vacancies shall be filled up by for ensuring effective . implementation and field protection, after fixing area norms vis-A-vis the topography within6months from .
(4) The money released under Project Tiger shall bemade available to the tiger reserve within 2 weeks of its receipt in the State for implementing tiger conservation initiatives, as proposed in the ADnud Plan of Operations, with due compliance of the nonnative guidelines and advisories of the said.
Authority.
(5) The StateGovernment shall post amotivated officer with proven track record, preferably trained in wildlife management, as the Field Director of the Tiger Reserve, with a minimum tenure of three years (extendable if the situation w