(a) the total number of National Parks and Sanctuaries in the country;
(b) the physical, social, economic and ecological infrastructure facilities in each of them;
(c) whether these National Parks and Sanctuaries are connected by networking;
(d) if not, whether there is a plan to connect these parks and sanctuaries by net working; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
A N S W E R
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS
(SHRI BABU LAL MARANDI)
(a) As per the information last compiled by the Ministry there are 86 national parks and 448 sanctuaries in the country.
(b) The national parks and sanctuaries have basic infrastructure for protection and conservation of wildlife and its habitat. The Central Government provide funding for the objectives mentioned above through centrally sponsored schemes, `Development of National Parks and Sanctuaries`, `Project Tiger` and `Project Elephant`. For socio economical objectives a separate scheme `Eco Development around National Parks and Sanctuaries including Tiger Reserves` is also being implemented by the Government of India.
(c),(d)&(e) Major national parks and sanctuaries particularly those covered by `Project Tiger` have internet linkages.