Question : WILDLIFE RESEARCH

(a) whether wildlife research, monitoring and training component of the Development of National Parks and Sanctuaries scheme has not received due emphasis;

(b) if so, the fact in this regard;

(c) whether the Government had reviewed the scheme in the initial phase of Ninth Plan period;

(d) if so, the shortcoming noticed in the implementation of said scheme; and

(e) the steps proposed/taken to rectify the deficiency during the Tenth Five Year Plan period and the result achieved in this regard so far?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)

(a) & (b) No, Sir. On the contrary, wildlife research, monitoring and training components have been given due emphasis and importance under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme “Development of National Parks and Sanctuaries”. On the basis of the proposals submitted by the State Government in the form of Annual Plan of Operation, technical and financial assistance are provided to the States for supporting wildlife research, monitoring and training.

(c) At the end of the Eighth Plan, the scheme “Development of National Parks and Sanctuaries” was evaluated by five organizations, namely:1. MS Swaminathan Research Foundation, Chennai2. Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal3. Development Alternatives, New Delhi4. Indian Society of Wildlife Research, Calcutta5. GEER Foundation, Gujarat.

(d) There were no major shortcomings noticed in the implementation of the said scheme. Instead, the evaluation teams had recommended for continuation of the scheme with enhanced funding.

(e) On the basis of the proposals received from the State Governments and subject to the availability of funds, assistance under the scheme has been extended to activities like procuring modern communication equipments, capacity building and training of staff, focused wildlife research and monitoring, improved infrastructure etc. This has led to a better understanding about the biodiversity and management of Protected Areas.