(a) whether the Government has taken note of encroachments in various national parks in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise; and
(c) the steps taken to evict the encroachments and to protect the land of national parks in the country?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)
(a) and (b) Management of Protected Areas including the National Parks is the primary responsibility of the State Governments/UT Administrations. The information regarding encroachments in various National Parks in the country has not been collated in this Ministry.
(c) Encroachment in Protected Areas/notified forest area including National Parks is prohibited under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, the Indian Forest Act, 1927, the State Forest Acts, and as per the orders of Hon’ble Supreme Court issued from time to time and the State Governments/UT Administrations are empowered to take suitable action under the same. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change provides technical and financial assistance to the States/UTs under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes, development of Wildlife Habitats, Project Tiger and Project Elephant for protection and development of Protected Areas including those aimed at patrolling of the areas, with a view inter-alia for prevention of encroachment.
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