Centre Okays Rs 2,603 Crore for Wildlife Habitat Development Scheme

In a renewed commitment to tiger and wildlife conservation while ensuring that both economy and ecology thrive, the Cabinet has sanctioned the continuation of the Wildlife Habitat Development Scheme with a significant outlay of Rs 2,602.98 crore. This extensive initiative is set to benefit 55 tiger reserves, 33 elephant reserves, 718 protected areas, and their influence zones.

The scheme aims to generate over 50 lakh man-days through direct engagement, complemented by indirect employment opportunities arising from eco-tourism and related activities.

This mammoth project integrates the crucial components of Project Tiger, Project Elephant, and the Development of Wildlife Habitat. It was part of the ambitious 100-day action plan of the government, according to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.

“The scheme, while reinforcing existing core components, plans to ramp up technological interventions across various thematic areas over the current and next financial year in our tiger and wildlife-bearing forests,” noted the ministry.

One of the key technological tools in Project Tiger is the M-STrIPES (Monitoring System for Tigers, Intensive Protection, and Ecological Status) mobile application. This app aligns with the ‘Digital India’ initiative and was extensively utilized for gathering field-level ecological data during the fifth cycle of the All-India Tiger Estimation in 2022.

Conservation genetics has also played a crucial role in tiger conservation. An SOP for translocating tigers based on their genetic composition has been issued. Moreover, genetics is being employed to determine tiger numbers in low-density landscapes, as well as to study their dietary ecology.

The Project Tiger component also plays a role in supporting the ambitious Project Cheetah in India, which will continue under the broader scheme of Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats.

Additionally, Project Dolphin is proposed to be supported by providing equipment such as Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and passive acoustic monitoring devices for monitoring dolphin numbers and their habitat. Project Lion, too, will receive a boost under the Development of Wildlife Habitat scheme as per the activities outlined in the “Lion @ 2047: A vision for Amrut Kaal” document.

Information and communication technology interventions will also be leveraged under the Project Elephant component to address human-elephant conflicts. While these technologies have been experimentally tested, they will now be deployed on a larger scale.

The comprehensive approach to wildlife habitat development reflects a balanced strategy to conserve biodiversity while promoting sustainable livelihoods and technological advancements in wildlife management.