(a) whether the Government is aware that there is an unabated threat in maintaining the Buffer Zones of National Biosphere Reserves; and
(b) if so, the status of Buffer Zones around the National Biosphere Reserves in the country along with the measures taken at national and international level to protect and preserve these critical Buffer Zones ?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS ( SHRI NAMO NARAYAN MEENA)
(a) & (b) The Buffer Zones of the National Biosphere Reserves are inhabited by traditional communities who largely depend on locally available natural resources for their livelihood. The Central Government has allocated an amount of Rs. 35.00 crores to be spent on management of the existing 13 Biosphere Reserves and identified potential sites on 100% grant basis during Xth Plan Period. The scheme on the Biosphere Reserves is implemented by the respective State Governments through designated agencies to augment regeneration of resources, and develop alternate livelihood options for inhabitants of Buffer Zones, including management of cattle pressure. The activities are monitored by State Level Steering Committees and reviewed by National Level Committee.
Some critical reserves such as Gulf of Mannar and Sunderbans, where human pressure is very high, are also receiving international funding.