(a) whether as per a survey, 73 species of birds are on the verge of extinction due to ruining of their natural habitat;
(b) if so, whether any survey had been conducted by Birdlife International in 1981 in respect of Asian birds indicating extinction of 51 species which has now gone upto 73;
(c) if so, the efforts made by the Government since 1981 uptill now to save the birds; and
(d) the amount spent in this regard so far ?
MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI T.R. BAALU)
(a) & (b) Several organisations including Birdlife International have been expressing concerns about decline in population of several bird species in India. As per the reports, 78 species of birds in India are threatened. No survey was carried out by Birdlife International in 1981. However, as per the report entitled `Birds to Watch - 1` (Red data book) published by International Council for Bird Preservation in 1988, 62 Indian bird species were reported threatened.
(c) Following important steps have been taken by the Central Government to protect the birds in the country:-
(i) Hunting of all wild animals and birds has been banned under Wildlife (Protection) Act.
(ii) Crucial habitats of various species of wild animals and birds have been notified as national parks and sanctuaries. Important national parks and sanctuaries are also notified as Ramsar Sites and World Natural Heritage Sites.
(iii) Regular patrolling of the area to control poaching and illegal trade in wild animals and their products is done. Cooperation of other enforcement agencies and international organizations is also taken in this regard.
(iv) Management of the Wildlife Habitats is done on scientific lines, allowing in national parks and sanctuaries only such activities which are for betterment of Wildlife.
(v) Financial assistance is provided to State Governments for effective management of national parks and sanctuaries.
(vi) Support scientific research for monitoring the population status of various species and evolving strategies for in-situ and ex-situ conservation of various species.
(vii) Transfer of technology to field managers through training and workshops.
(viii) Create awareness about the importance of Wildlife conservation.
(ix) Action to implement the recommendations of the International Workshop on vultures has been initiated.
(x) Various recommendations for Wildlife conservation was recently made at the meeting of State Ministers of Environment and Forests held at Coimbatore on 29th and 30th January 2000 and implementation of these recommendation known as, `Coimbatore Charter` will go a long way in mitigating many of the existing problems.
(d) The amount released in the last four years for bird sanctuaries is as follows:-
Year Amount (Rs. in lakh)
1997-98 166.984 1998-99 185.69 1999-2000 223.51 2000-2001 238.20