(a) the total numbers of wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, biological parks, bio-diversity parks in the country, State/UT-wise including Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Karnataka;
(b) whether the Government is considering for the expansion/growth of these wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, biological parks, bio-diversity parks, if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the amount of funds allocated by the Government for the said sanctuaries/parks during the last five years?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)
(a) As per the available information, there are 104 National Parks, 551 Wildlife Sanctuaries and 143 recognised Zoological Parks in the country including Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Karnataka. State/UT-wise list of National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries and recognized Zoological Parks is given in the Annexure-I. However the number of Biodiversity Parks is not compiled in the Ministry.
(b) Declaration of National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries and Zoological Parks falls under the jurisdiction of State Government. However, any alteration in the boundaries of National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries requires prior approval of National Board for Wildlife.
(c) Details of funds released to National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries under the Centrally Sponsored scheme of ‘Development of Wildlife Habitats’ and to recognized Zoological Parks by the Central Zoo Authority during the last five years is given in the Annexure-II & III.
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