MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)
(a),(b), (c) & (d) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
SATATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a), (b), (c) & (d) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.160 ON PROTECTION OF TIGERS DUE FOR REPLY ON 14.03.2005.
(a) There is a decline in direct sighting of tigers in the Sariska Tiger Reserve, as reported by the State. However, no reports of collapse of administrative set up of National Parks and Sanctuaries and decrease in tiger numbers have come to light.
(b) The State has collected some indirect evidences regarding tiger presence during their intensive search in Sariska. The Wildlife Institute of India has been directed to undertake a detailed ecological study in the Sariska Tiger Reserve area for ascertaining the status of wild animals and other related factors to facilitate redressal.
(c) Yes sir.
(d) The State Governments have been advised to ensure protection for tiger conservation as per the guidelines of Project Tiger. Further, the following measures have been taken at the Government of India level to protect wild animals in the country:
(i) Legal protection has been provided to wild animals including tigers against hunting and commercial exploitation under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act. 1972.
(ii) Financial and technical help is being extended to the States under Centrally Sponsored Schemes for enhancing the capacity and infrastructure to provide effective protection to wild animals.
(iii) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been empowered under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 to apprehend and prosecute wildlife offenders.
(iv) The Ministry of Home Affairs has addressed all State Governments to lend a helping hand to the field formations to curb poaching and illegal trade in wildlife.
(v) A National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016) has been launched with several action points and priority projects for conservation and protection of wildlife in the country.
