(a) whether a number of endangered species of flora and fauna in Uttarakhand and Karnataka are on the verge of extinction due to forest fires;
(b) if so, the details thereof including the total number of such species in the region and the impact of forest fires on such species; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government to protect the endangered species of flora and fauna from the forest fires?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)
(a) and (b) There are no reports available in the Ministry indicating that a number of endangered species of flora and fauna in Uttarakhand and Karnataka are on verge of extinction due to forest fires.
(c) The important steps taken by the Government to protect the endangered species of flora and fauna from the forest fires:
i.The Ministry supports the efforts of State/Union Territory Governments in prevention and control of forest fire by providing financial assistance for various forest fire prevention and management measures under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme - Forest Fire Prevention and Management Scheme and protection and conservation of wildlife and its habitats under Centrally Sponsored Scheme – Development of Wildlife Habitat, Project Tiger and Project Elephant.
ii.Protected Areas, viz., National Parks, Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves, Reserve Forests, Protected Forests covering important wildlife habitats have been created all over the country under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, Indian Forest Act, 1927 and various State Forest Acts to provide protection including against forest fires to wild animals, birds and their habitats.
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