Question : FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR CONSERVATION OF WILDLIFE



(a) whether the Union Government has received any proposal for financial assistance from State Governments including Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh for the projects relating to the protection and conservation of the wildlife and their habitat;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the funds sanctioned/released so far, State-wise; and

(c) the other steps being taken by the Government for the protection and conservation of wildlife and their habitat?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)

(a)&(b) Yes Sir. Union Government has received proposals for financial assistance from State/UT Governments including Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh for protection and conservation of the wildlife and their habitats under various Centrally sponsored Schemes viz. `Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats`, `Project Tiger` and `Project Elephant`.Details of the State-wise release of funds under various Centrally Sponsored Schemes for the financial year 2010-11 till date is at Annexure-I.

(c) Steps taken by the Government for the protection and conservation of wildlife and their habitat are as follows:
1. Threatened species of wildlife are listed in the Schedules of the Wildlife (Protection), Act, 1972, thereby according them the highest degree of protection.
2. Financial and technical assistance is provided under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes of `Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats`, `Project Tiger` and `Project Elephant` for providing better protection and conservation of wildlife.
3. Legal protection has been provided to endangered wild animals and plants against hunting and commercial exploitation under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
4. The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, has been amended from time to time and made more stringent against wildlife related offences.
5. A network of Protected Areas has been established to conserve and protect wildlife and their habitats.
6. Wildlife Crime Control Bureau has been set up to check illegal trade in wildlife and its products.