Index

• Biosphere Reserves

• Conservation and Management of Wetlands, Mangroves and Coral Reefs

• Significant achievement of Wetland, Mangroves and Coral Reefs during the year are :

• Mangroves

• Coral Reefs

• Biodiversity Conservation

• National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) Project

• Legislation

• Salient features of the Biodiversity Legislation

• Ratification of Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety by India

• The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (Biosafety Regulatory Framework in India)

• All India Coordinated Project on Taxonomy (AICOPTAX)

• Medicinal Plants

• Assistance to Botanical Gardens

• Establishment of National Botanic Garden at Noida-Delhi

• Forest Conservation

• Regional Offices of the Ministry

• Forest Policy

• Integrated Forest Protection Scheme

• Joint Forest Management (JFM)

• Wildlife Conservation

• Enforcement of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and Export- Import Policy

• Revision of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

• Indian Board for Wildlife (IBWL)

• Nation Wildlife Action Plan (NWAP)

• Development of National Parks and Sanctuaries

• Animal Welfare

• Regulatory

• Developmental

• Various Schemes Implemented by the Animal Welfare Division

• Educational

• National Institute of Animal Welfare (NIAW)

• Statutory Bodies

• Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI)

• Committee for Purpose of Control & Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CPCSEA)

• Project Tiger

• Approach

• Plan Achievement of Project Tiger Division

• India Eco-development Project

• Project Elephant

• Main Activities of Project Elephant

• Achievement

• Wildlife Institute of India

• Central Zoo Authority

• Evaluation and Grant of Recognition of Zoos

• Utilisation of grants-in-aid received from the Ministry

• Rescue Centres

• Training Courses

• Workshops and Conferences

• Providing technical and financial assistance to Zoos and other Institutions towards upgradation of technical know how

• Publications

• Website of Central Zoo Authority

• National Zoological Park

The Ministry has enunciated several policy instruments and has introduced various action programmes to address the problems of environment and to develop a holistic approach to consider several cross-sectoral issues having a direct bearing on conservation and sustainable uses of natural resources including forestry and wildlife.

Biosphere Reserves are areas of terrestrial and coastal ecosystems which are internationally recognized within the framework of UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme. These reserves are required to meet a minimal set of criteria and adhere to a minimal set of conditions before being admitted to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves designated by UNESCO for inclusion in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. The world’s major ecosystem types and landscapes are represented in this Network, which is devoted to conserving biological diversity, promoting research and monitoring as well as seeking to provide models of sustainable development in the service of mankind.

These reserves are rich in biological and cultural diversity and encompass unique features of exceptionally pristine nature. The goal is to facilitate conservation of representative landscapes and their immense biological diversity and cultural heritage, foster economic and human development which is culturally and ecologically sustainable and to provide support for research, monitoring, education and information exchange. The Scheme is a pioneering effort at pursuing the increasingly difficult yet urgent task of conserving ecological diversity under mounting pressures.

The thirteen Biosphere Reserves set up in the country so far not only aim to protect representative ecosystems, but also serve as laboratories for evolving alternative models of development. The Ministry provided financial assistance to the respective State Governments for conservation and management of these Biosphere Reserves. Research and development projects were also supported. On the basis of the proposal submitted by the Ministry, the International Coordinating Council (ICC) of Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme of UNESCO in November, 2001 approved designating the Sunderban (West Bengal) and Gulf of Mannar (Tamil Nadu) on the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. As a result, three Biosphere Reserves from India are now included on the World Network, the third being Nilgiri (Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu) which was designated during the year 2000. Efforts are on for getting other Biosphere Reserves included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. This facilitates international recognition and attracts additional funding in these sites. Agasthyamalai Hills in Kerala comprising an area of 1701 sq. km. has been designated as thirteenth Biosphere Reserve on 12th November, 2001. The Government of Tamil Nadu is considering inclusion of the adjoining areas in this Biosphere Reserve. The Secretariat for Global Environment Facility (GEF) have approved funding of a special project for long term conservation and sustainable utilization of the resources of the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve and the project is expected to be initiated during the current year.

Fig. 22. Osmunda regalis, a rare fern growing at Panchmari in Madhya Pradesh

The Ministry provided financial support to the respective State Governments for management interventions in the buffer zones of these biosphere reserves based on the recommendations of the Indian National MAB Committee. A number of research projects have been completed during the year which have provided baseline data helpful in the scientific management of these Reserves. A number of new research projects were also initiated during the year. The details of the research projects initiated and projects completed are given in Annexure V and VI respectively. A list of Biosphere Reserves set up so far along with their area and location is given in Table-2.

Table-2
Biosphere Reserves

Sl.No.	Name of the site &	Date of Notification	Location (State) and Bio-geographic area in sq.km		zones

1.	Nilgiri(5,520)		01.08.86	Part of Wynad, Nagarhole, Bandipur and Mudumalai, Nilambur, Silent Valley and Siruvani Hills (Tamil Nadu, 
						Kerala and Karnataka) - Western Ghats	
2.	Nanda Devi (5,860.69)	18.01.88	Part of Chamoli, Pithoragarh & Almora Districts (Uttranchal) - West Himalayas 
3.	Nokrek (820)		01.09.88	Part of Garo Hills (Meghalaya)- East Himalayas	
4.	Manas (2,837)		14.03.89	Part of Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon, Barpeta, Nalbari, Kamrup and Darang Districts (Assam) -East Himalayas
5.	Sunderbans (9,630)	29.03.89	Part of delta of Ganges and Barahamaputra river system (West Bengal) - Gigantic Delta	
6.	Gulf of Mannar (10,500)	18.02.89	Indian part of Gulf of Mannar between India and Sri  Lanka (Tamil Nadu) - Coasts 	
7.	Great Nicobar (885)	06.01.89	Southern most islands of Andaman and Nicobar (A&N Islands) - Islands	
8.	Similipal (4,374)	21.06.94	Part of Mayurbhanj district (Orissa) - Deccan Peninsula
9.	Dibru-Saikhowa (765)	28.07.97 	Part of Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts (Assam) - East  Himalayas	
10.	Dehang Debang (5,112)	02.09.98 	Part of Siang and Debang valley in Arunachal Pradesh  - East Himalayas	
11.	Pachmarhi (4,926.28)	03.03.99	Part of Betul, Hoshangabad and Chindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh - Semi-Arid-Gujarat Rajputana	
12.	Kanchanjunga (2,619.92)	07.02.2000	Parts of Kanchanjunga Hills in Sikkim -East Himalayas 
13.	Agasthyamalai (1701)	12.11.2001	Neyyar, Peppara and Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuaries and their adjoining areas in Kerala.

Index

Conservation and Management of Wetlands, Mangroves and Coral Reefs

Ramsar Convention defines "Wetlands" as areas of marsh fen, peat land or water, whether artificial or natural, permanent or temporary, with the water static or flowing, brackish or salt, including marine areas, depth of which does not exceed 6 meter. As such mangroves, corals, estuaries, creeks, bays, sea grasses and lakes, etc. are covered under this definition. Taking into consideration the ecological and economic significance of wetlands, mangroves and coral reefs, as well threats these fragile ecosystems are facing due to various anthropogenic activities, Ministry launched a Scheme on Conservation and Management of Wetlands, Mangroves and Coral Reefs during 1987. The Scheme is being continued in the Tenth Five Year Plan.

Based on the recommendations of National Committees on Wetlands, Mangroves and Coral Reefs, 24 wetland, 33 mangrove and four coral reef areas in the country have been identified by the Ministry for conservation and management till date. Objectives of the scheme cover, identification of priority areas for conservation and management and preparation of guidelines for implementation of Management Action Plans for these identified areas. Activities under these action plans include survey and demarcation, protection, afforestation, natural regeneration, restoration, catchment area treatment, pollution control, weed control, wildlife conservation, sustainable fisheries development, environmental education and certain eco-development activities through peoples’ participation.

Management Action Plans for the identified wetlands, mangroves and coral reefs, are implemented by the respective State Governments/UTs. To monitor progress of implementation of these Management Action Plans, State level Steering Committees have been constituted in all the concerned States. Research activities are promoted to integrate the same with the management. Thrust areas for research have been identified and Nodal institutions identified to pursue the same. Research Sub Committees to consider such proposals are constituted for Wetlands as well as Mangroves and Coral Reefs.

Meetings of the respective National Committees and Research sub-Committees on Wetlands and Mangroves and Coral Reefs have been held to review the progress of implementation of Management Action Plans as well as research projects during the Ninth Five Year Plan and decide priorities for the Tenth Five Year Plan. Management Action Plans and Research proposals to be implemented during the current financial year have been considered during these Meetings.

Some of the significant activities during the Ninth Five Year Plan include :

Fig. 23. Lagenandra ovata - marshy herb-endemic to Western Ghats

Fig. 24. Mangroves with well developed roots in Sunderban biosphere Reserve

Index

Significant achievement of Wetland, Mangroves and Coral Reefs during the year are :

Index

Mangroves

Index

Coral Reefs

- On the recommendations of the National Committee on Mangroves and Coral Reefs following coral reef areas in the country have been identified for intensive conservation and management since 1987:

- Andaman & Nicobar Islands

- Lakshdeep Islands

- Gulf of Kutch (Gujarat)

- Gulf of Mannar (Tamil Nadu)

Fig. 25. Reef flats with dead corals - Rutland Island

- Progress of implementation of Management Action Plans on all the identified Coral Reef areas was reviewed by the National Committee and financial assistance was extended to the respective States/UTs for implementation of Management of Action Plans during the year.

- Progress of implementation of activities of the National Coral Reef Research Centre in Port Blair was reviewed and grants received for strengthening infrastructure of this Centre leading to biophysical monitoring of health of Coral Reefs.

- Database Network and Website of Indian Coral Reef Monitoring Network (ICRMN) were updated and protocols for sharing of data have been finalized. Database CDs on all the identified Coral Reef areas as per the protocols of GCRMN have been prepared and are being launched on the Website of ICRMN for wider dissemination.

- Planning and Coordination Meeting and Review Workshop of Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) was organized at National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Goa and area specific Strategies and Monitoring Action Plans for all the identified Coral reef areas in the country have been discussed. Draft document on National Action Plan on Conservation and Management of Coral Reefs and Strategy for its implementation has been prepared.

- Project on Regeneration of Coral Reefs in Gulf of Mannar was launched with financial assistance from Coral Reef Degradation in Indian Ocean (CORDIO). DFID-RLA completed Pilot studies on Reef Livelihood Alternatives in Andamans, Lakshdweep and Gulf of Mannar (Tamil Nadu).

- Gulf of Mannar Coral Reef area in Tamil Nadu was included in the World List of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO.

- Final Workshop of UNDP/GEF PDFB Project on Management of Coral Reefs in Andamans was organized in Port Blair to discuss the Project Brief for next phase of this project.

- Under India-Australia Training and Capacity Building project on Coral Reefs a delegation of Scientists, policymakers and senior level managers visited various institutes including Great Barrier Reef area in Australia. Similarly a team of middle level managers and scientists from relevant academic institutions in India underwent a Training on Marine Protected Area Management in Australia. Two scientists from Zoological Survey of India, Marine Biological Station completed a Training in Taxonomy of Coral Reefs in Queensland Museum in Australia.

- Training Programmes on Biophysical and Socio-economic Monitoring of Coral Reefs for middle level Managers in India were organized at GEER Foundation, Ahmedabad and Port Blair.

- Research sub Committee on Mangroves and Coral Reefs reviewed progress of ongoing research projects on Coral reefs and recommended four new research projects during the current financial year as given in Annexure V.

Index

Biodiversity Conservation

‘Biodiversity’ is defined as the variability among living organisms and the ecological complexes of which they are part, including diversity within and between species and ecosystems. Biodiversity manifests at species, genetic and ecosystem levels.

Biological diversity has direct consumptive value in food, agriculture, medicine, industry. It also has aesthetic and recreational value. Biodiversity maintains ecological balance and continues evolutionary processes. The indirect ecosystem services provided through biodiversity are photosynthesis, pollination, transpiration, chemical cycling, nutrient, cycling, soil maintenance, climate regulation, air, water system management, waste treatment and pest control.

India is one of the 12 mega biodiversity countries of the world. From about 70% of the total geographical area surveyed so far, 46,000 plant species and 81,000 animal species have been described.

Fig. 26. Cycas beddomei Dyer - a rare cycad endemic to Eastern Ghats

India became a Party to the International Convention on Biological Diversity in May 1994. The three objectives of the Convention are (i) conservation of biological diversity (ii) sustainable use of components of biological diversity and (iii) fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of utilization of genetic resources.

The scheme on Biodiversity Conservation was initiated during 1991-92 to ensure coordination among various agencies dealing with issues relating to conservation of biodiversity and to review, monitor and evolve adequate policy instruments for the same.

Pursuant to India’s ratification of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on 18th February, 1994, steps have been initiated to meet the commitments/opportunities offered by it. The main implementation measures for the CBD are through national strategies, legislation and administrative instruments to be developed in accordance with each country’s particular conditions and capabilities.

Adopting a consultative process with the stakeholders, a National Policy and Action Strategy on Biological Diversity was drawn up as a macro-level statement of strategies, gaps and further actions needed for conservation, sustainable use and strategies and realization of actual and potential value of biological diversity. Emphasizing the need for conservation and analyzing provisions of the Convention, this macro-level policy identified the basic goals and thrust areas and outlines action points for conservation and management of biodiversity.

In order to prepare detailed microlevel action plans at state and regional levels based on the framework document, the Ministry has accessed funds from the Global Environment Facility for the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) project. The NBSAP project envisages assessment and stocktaking of biodiversity-related information at state level including distribution of endemic and endangered species and site specific threats and pressures. Key features of this project include an emphasis on decentralized state level planning, and the use of interdisciplinary working groups to involve all sectors concerned with biodiversity conservation. In all 69 Executing agencies are presently preparing action plans at four levels : local, state, ecoregional and thematic, which will be consolidated and developed into a national level action plan. NBSAP is India’s largest development and planning exercise on environment, based on a highly participatory approach. All the 69 plans are under finalization. The Technical and Policy Core Group has prepared the first draft of the National Plan and the same has been sent to executive agencies of State Action Plans, State Governments, experts, academic institutions etc. for comments.

Fig. 27. Isoetes - an endangered pteridophyte

A final National Workshop under NBSAP was organized in December 2002, to discuss the respective SAPs and the first draft of the National Plan and sharing of experience. About 250 participants 65 executing agencies participated in the workshop.

Further information on NBSAP project can be accessed through the website: http://sdnp.delhi.nic.in/nbsap

Index

Legislation

India’s richness in biological resources and indigenous knowledge relating to them is well recognized. One of the major challenges is in adopting an instrument which helps realise the objectives of equitable benefit sharing enshrined in the Convention. Towards this, a legislation on biodiversity was developed following an extensive consultative process. The legislation aims at regulating access to biological resources so as to ensure equitable sharing of benefits arising from their use. The Biological Diversity Bill, which was introduced in the Parliament on 15th May, 2000, was referred to the Department related Parliamentary Standing Committee for Science, Technology, Environment & Forests for examination and report.

After examination of witness and recording evidences, the Committee approved the Bill with some amendments. The Cabinet approved the proposal for moving the official amendments based upon the recommendations of the Committee. The Biological Diversity Bill has been passed by the Lok Sabha on 2nd December and by the Rajya Sabha on 11th December, 2002.

Fig. 28. Agapetes linearifolia from Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary

Index

Salient features of the Biodiversity Legislation

The main intent of the legislation is to protect India’s rich biodiversity and associated knowledge against their use by foreign individuals and organizations without sharing the benefits arising out of such use, and check biopiracy. The Act provides for setting up of a National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) in local bodies. NBA and SBB are required to consult BMCs in decisions relating to use of biological resources/related knowledge within their jurisdiction and BMCs are to promote conservation, sustainable use and documentation of biodiversity.

All foreign nationals/organizations require prior approval of NBA for obtaining biological resources and/or associated knowledge for any use. Indian individuals/entities require approval of NBA for transferring results of research with respect to any biological resources to foreign nationals/organizations for commercial purpose. Collaborative research projects, and exchange of knowledge and resources under these projects are exempted provided they are drawn as per the policy guidelines of the Central Government and have its approval.

Indian industry is required to give prior intimation to the concerned SBB about obtaining any biological resource for commercial use, and the SBB may restrict the activity if found to violate the objectives of conservation, sustainable use and benefit sharing. However Indian citizens/entities/local people including vaids and hakims to have free access to use biological resources within the country for their own use, medicinal purposes and research purposes. While granting approvals, NBA will impose terms and conditions to secure equitable sharing of benefits. Before applying for any form of IPRs in or outside India for an invention based on research or information on a biological resource obtained from India, prior approval of NBA will be required. There is an enabling provision for setting up a framework for protecting traditional knowledge. The monetary benefits, fees, royalties as a result of approvals by NBA to be deposited in National Biodiversity Fund which will be used for conservation and development of areas from where resource has been accessed, in consultation with the local self government concerned.

Provision for notifying Heritage Sites important from standpoint of biodiversity, by State Governments in consultation with local self government. Provision for notifying items, areas for exemption provided such exclusion does not violates other provisions. This is to exempt normally traded commodities so as not to adversely affect trade.

Index

Ratification of Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety by India

The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, the first international regulatory framework for safe transfer, handling and use of Living Modified Organisms (LMOs) was negotiated under the aegis of the Convention on the Convention on Biological Diversity.

The protocol offers a number of tools for promoting biosafety. It incorporates the use of Precautionary Principle, the application of Advance Informed Agreement, procedure for import of LMOs, Risk Assessment and Risk Management Framework, Capacity Building, public awareness and exchange of scientific and technical information on LMO’s through a Biosafety Clearing House Mechanism.

The protocol was adopted on 29th January 2000. The protocol has been signed by 103 countries (except USA). The Cabinet (GOI) approved the proposal and India signed the Biosafety Protocol on 23rd January 2001. The Cabinet has approved the ratification of the protocol on 5th September, 2002. The instrument for ratification has been deposited in the UN depositary. India is now a party to the protocol. So far 43 countries have ratified the protocol. The protocol will come into force on the 90th day after the date of deposit of the fiftieth instrument of ratification by countries that are Parties to the Convention.

Index

The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (Biosafety Regulatory Framework in India)

The biosafety regulatory framework in India consists of the Rules for the Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells 1989 issued by the Ministry of Environment and Forests under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and the guidelines issued by the Department of Biotechnology. As per these Rules, Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM) established under the Department of Biotechnology supervises research activities including small scale field trials. Approvals for large scale releases and commercialization of GMOs are given by the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC), established under the Ministry of Environment and Forests. In addition to these two committees under the Government of India, the 1989 Rules provide for establishing State Biotechnology Coordination Committees and District level committees for monitoring. The Rules also mandate that every institution engaged in GMO research establish an Institutional Biosafety Committee to oversee such research and to interface with the RCGM in regulating it.

Fig. 29. Saffron, Crocus sativus at Pampore in Kashmir

Fig. 30. Cactus hybrids

The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) set up under Rule 4 of the Rules for Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells, 1989 notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 accorded approval for commercial release of three Bt cotton varieties developed by Maharashtra Hybrid Seed Company (MAHYCO). The three approved hybrid varieties (Bt MECH-162, Bt MECH-184, Bt. MECH-12) are presently under cultivation only in six states namely Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Bt cotton is the first and only transgenic crop approved by the GEAC for commercial cultivation.

Index

All India Coordinated Project on Taxonomy (AICOPTAX)

A sound taxonomic knowledge base is a prerequisite for environmental assessment, ecological research, effective conservation, management and sustainable use of biological resources. However, it has been continuously felt that the taxonomic expertise in the country has been aging and declining in number. This has been happening when the need for a taxonomic stocktaking of the biodiversity is becoming increasingly important. In order to address this issue, the Ministry launched an All India Coordinated Project on Taxonomy (AICOPTAX) during 1999-2000.

The Sixth meeting of the Steering Committee of AICOPTAX was held on February, 2002. During the meeting it was decided that the Coordinating Units and Collaborating Units for Algae will be made effective. One Collaborating Unit for Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms was approved at the University Department of Botany, Punjab University in place of State Forest Research Institute, Itanagar. Also, it was decided that the proposed Chairs on Taxonomy will be offered soon. The Committee decided that each Chair will carry honorarium and suitable annual grant to facilitate travel and other expenses on the lines of Pitamber Pant Fellowship.

Index

Medicinal Plants

Medicinal Plants are identified as one of the thrust areas by the Ministry. The existing programmes encompassing activities in the area of medicinal plants have been continued to carry out conservation of medicinal plants found in the forest and protected areas and also cultivation of medicinal plants in the degraded forest areas.

Index

Assistance to Botanical Gardens

The scheme on assistance to Botanical Gardens and Centres for ex-situ conservation was initiated in 1992 to augment ex-situ conservation of rare endemic plants. One time financial assistance is provided to the existing botanical gardens for improvement of their infrastructural facilities to augment ex-situ conservation of rare endemic plants. The achievements made in these Botanic Gardens are periodically monitored with the help of Botanical Survey of India and regional offices of the Ministry.

Fig. 31. Embelica ribes (with immature fruits) - a threatened medicinal climber

Fig. 32. Capparis spinosa - a medicinal plant in the Indus Valley, Ladakh

The Ministry has constituted an Expert Group to identify and recommend proposals received under the scheme. The Botanical Survey of India helps in identification of rare endemic plants requiring ex-situ conservation. During the year, following institutions were provided financial support for improvement of infrastructure facility in their Botanical Garden :

Index

Establishment of National Botanic Garden at Noida-Delhi

A National Botanic Garden at Noida- Delhi was earlier decided to be set up by the Ministry to facilitate ex-situ conservation and propagation of threatened/endangered plants of the country to serve as a ‘centre of excellence’ for research and training, to cater to the conservation needs of the endangered species in the region and to build public awareness on the conservation needs through education on conservation of plant diversity. The scheme has been identified as a "Green Channel" project under the National Jai Vigyan Science & Technology Mission of the Ministry of Science & Technology for expeditious processing. The rationale for development of a Botanic Garden at NOIDA- Delhi stems from the urgent need for a conservation-oriented garden in the country. Setting up of the National Botanic Garden at NOIDA-Delhi aims at consolidating India’s plant conservation efforts in a major way as well as help India to fulfill its obligations as signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity (June, 1992).

Fig. 33. A view of Lloyds Botanical Garden at Darjeeling

The project with an outlay of Rs. 3777.85 lakhs, has been approved for implementation in the Tenth Five-Year period in its EFC meeting held on 17.1.2002. The National Botanic Garden will now be set up as part of the Botanical Survey of India, an organization of the Ministry. The NOIDA would contribute by way of deploying ministerial staff and other logistical support.

Index

Forest Conservation

Till November 2002, the Ministry received 133 proposals (forest land involved more than 20ha) from the States/Union Territories for getting approval under the Forest (Conservation) Act 1980 for diversion of forest land for non-forestry purpose. The status of these proposals are as under :-

I	Number of Proposals Received		30
	a)	Finally Approved:	07
	b)	Stage – I Approved:	23
	c)	Rejected	0

II Closed for non furnishing of information

by States/UT’s 0

III Proposal returned to/withdrawn by

the State Governments 0

IV Proposal under process in the Ministry 40

V Number of proposals pending with

State Governments for want of

additional information 63

In addition to the disposal of above proposals received during the year, the number of decisions issued during the year 2002, including those of previous years are as follows :

I	State II approval	:	56
II	State I approval	:	85
III	Rejected	:	19
		:	160

Index

Regional Offices of the Ministry

The primary functions of the Regional Offices of the Ministry are to monitor and evaluate the ongoing forestry projects and schemes with specific emphasis on conservation of forests and follow up action on the implementation of conditions and safeguards laid down by the Ministry while granting clearance to development projects under FCA/E(P)A. The Regional Chief Conservator of Forests are empowered to decide cases for diversion of forest land for non-forestry purposes upto the extent of five ha except mining and regularization of encroachment.

The Ministry has six Regional Offices located at Bangalore, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Lucknow, Shillong and Chandigarh with its headquarter in the Ministry at New Delhi. The Seventh Regional Office at Ranchi could not be made functional due to financial constraint. Details of the Regional Offices and their jurisdictions are given in Annexure-II.

Region-wise target and achievement of monitoring of approved projects under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980 and EPA 1986 for the year are given in Table-3.

Table-3
Statement Showing Region-wise Physical/Financial Targets and Achievements for Monitoring of Approved Project Under FCA 1980 and EPA 1986 for the Year 2002-2003


Regional		Physical									Financial
Offices		FCA (No. of Cases)	EPA(No. of Cases)	Site		No.of Cases	Target	Achievement
		Target	Achivement	Target	Achievement	Inspection	approved		(Rs. In Lakhs)
										Under FCA
										up to 20 ha

Bangalore	190	159		75	157		24		52		67.30	41.78	
Bhopal		160	113		75	97		33		223		70.30	40.00	
Bhubaneswar	200	88		85	82		11		9		71.30	46.51	
Lucknow		175	85		90	47		4		261		71.50	41.95	
Shillong	130	11		40	32		28		39		64.60	36.00	
Chandigarh	95	65		35	31		--		123		49.50	32.33	
RC (HQ)	Administrative/ Coordinating unit in the Ministry					105.50	65.00

Total		950	521		400	446		100		707		500.00	303.57
	

Ministry has notified Forest (Conservation) Rules, 2003 to supersede the rules made in 1981. The special features of the new rules are simplified format for application for forestry clearance, further simplified format for cases of renewal, fixation of time limit of 90 days at the level of State Government and 60 days at the level of Central Government for taking a decision and empowerment of regional officers to process the cases of forest land upto 40 ha. from the earlier limit of 20 ha.

Index

Forest Policy

The Forest Policy Division provides policy support in respect of forestry matters, and reviews the forest policy and also its relation to policies of other relevant sectors. Various legal issues viz., the State/Central Bills related with the forestry matters which are required to receive the assent of the President of India are examined by it. The Division also carries out several studies on current issues of national importance in forestry sector. Some of the findings of such studies that have been carried out recently are as follows:

A study has been carried out by the Institute of Economic Growth, Delhi on the contribution of forestry sector to GDP in India. As per the study report the gross value of goods and services provided by the forestry sector is estimated at Rs.26,329.8 crores, with the range varying from a minimum of Rs.19,846.35 crores to a maximum of Rs. 47,841.69 crores. Net of repairs, maintenance and other operational costs, the gross domestic product from the forestry sector comes to Rs.23,003.43 crores with the range being from Rs.16,519.98 crores to Rs 44,515.32 cores. As a percentage of GDP at market prices, the forestry sector now contributes 2.37% (1996-97 GDP at 1993-94 prices) instead of 1.2% as indicated by the CSO. If one were to go by the lower range of values, the contribution would be 1.7%. The higher range would yield a corresponding figure of 4.58%.

Fig. 34. Ecotourism along the mangrove forests in Goa

In pursuance of the recommendation of Shukla Commission which was set up by the Planning Commission to examine the backlog in basic minimum services and gaps in infrastructure sectors for the development in the North East, the North East Forest Policy Committee was constituted in November, 1998 under the chairmanship of Shri S.C. Dey to suggest a suitable Forest Policy for the North East within the framework of National Forest Policy, 1988. Some of the modifications/changes that have been recommended to the North East region are as follows:

As forestry has undergone many conceptual changes since the adoption of Indian Forest Act, 1927, it was decided to bring suitable amendments to this Act. After receiving the comments and suggestions on the proposed amendments from various organizations and NGOs the final draft is now under preparation for placing it before the Cabinet for approval.

Index

Integrated Forest Protection Scheme

Integrated Forest Protection Scheme has been formulated by the merger of the schemes of the 9th Five Year Plan ‘Forest Fire Control and Management’ and ‘Bridging of Infrastructure Gaps in the Forestry Sector in the North Eastern Region and Sikkim. The later scheme is now being extended to all the States and UTs during the 10th Five Year Plan. It is a 100% centrally sponsored scheme. The main components of the scheme are :

Both the components of the Scheme will be implemented in all the States and Union Territories

The Central Sector Component of Forest Fire Control and Management will be implemented by the Forest Protection Division of the Ministry and by the Forest Survey of India, Dehradun and other Central Institutions like Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, Dehradun, Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal, National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting.

The state Sector Component of the scheme will be implemented by the Forest Departments/Forest Corporations of the concern State Governments and UTs.

The 10th Plan outlay for the Scheme is Rs. 445 crore. The allocation for 2002-2003 is Rs. 65 crore of which Rs. 33 crore is earmarked for the North Eastern Sector. The Expenditure Finance Committee has approved the implementation of the scheme. Funds have already been released for the ongoing components of the scheme. Funds release with respect to the components of infrastructure development for forest protection and working plan preparation to states other than North East will be made only after the approval of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs.

Index

Joint Forest Management (JFM)

The National Forest Policy, 1988 envisages people’s involvement in the development and protection of degraded forests as a permanent resource base to fulfill the requirements of fuel wood, fodder and small timber to local communities as well as to develop the forests for improving the environment. In order to implement the policy prescription, the Ministry issued guidelines on June 1990 to involve the village communities in the development and protection of degraded forests on the basis of their taking a share from the usufruct from such areas. The concept of the Joint Forest Management (JFM) was accordingly initiated by the developing appropriate mechanisms.

So far, 27 States have issued resolution for JFM. As on 1.12.2002, 14.26 million ha. of forest lands in the country are being managed and protected by around 64,000 Committees. The activities under JFM programme are monitored by JFM Cell of the Ministry. The Ministry reviewed this programme after wider consultation with all the stakeholders and issued further guidelines to States for strengthening the programme. The guidelines inter-alia include providing legal backup to the JFM Committees, extension of JFM to good forest areas with sharper focus on activities concentrated on Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP) Management, increased participation of women, establishing conflict resolution mechanisms, integration of micro plan with the working plans, contribution for regeneration of resources, monitoring and evaluation. In order to monitor the programme properly, a format for monitoring of the JFM has been prepared and circulated to all the States. JFM Nodal officers have been appointed in all the States for better coordination of the JFM work.

A Committee was also constituted by the Ministry for preparing a JFM Scheme for the 10th Five Year Plan in order to ensure long term success. The scheme will be implemented though Forest Development Agencies (FDAs).

A JFM network is also operational under the Chairmanship of Director General of Forests and Special Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forests. To get the views and feedback from all the stakeholders, a forum has been set up by the stakeholders to provide a channel of information for the network. The forum is run by the NGOs and provides feedback to this Ministry in this regard.

Index

Wildlife Conservation

Various activities relating to wild life conservation and implementation of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 were carried out by the Ministry during the year. The details are as follows:

Index

Enforcement of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and Export- Import Policy

The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and Export and import Policy of India were continued to be enforced through the offices of the Regional Deputy Directors of Wildlife Preservation located at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai with the help of State Wildlife Department, the State Police Departments, the Customs Departments, BSF and Coastguards. The Regional Dy. Directors detected several cases of poaching of illegal trade in wildlife products during the year.

During the year, ban on export of 29 species of plant, plant portions and their derivatives obtained from wild were continued. Export of six species of exotic birds was continued, subject to pre shipment inspection and CITES permit wherever required.

Fig. 35. Indian lion at Nandan Kanan National Park

Index

Revision of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2002 was passed by the Parliament during the Winter Session of the Parliament, 2002. The Bill proposes to enhance penalties for violation of the provisions of the Act. It also proposes to create two new categories of Protected Areas, viz., ‘Conservation Reserve’ and ‘Community Reserve’.

Fig. 36. Agapetes mitrarioides Clarke from Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary

Recently, the status of the following species has been reported as endangered and hence the species were provided highest protection by including them in the Schedule I and part II of Schedule II of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

Fig. 37. Hetrometrus (c) kanarensis, endemic to Karnataka

Index

Indian Board for Wildlife (IBWL)

The IBWL is the apex advisory body in the field of Wildlife Conservation in the country and is headed by the Honorable Prime Minister of India. The IBWL was last reconstituted on 7.12.2001. The XXI meeting of the IBWL was held on 21.1.2002 under the Chairmanship of the Honorable Prime Minister of India at New Delhi. The Standing Committee of the Board has since met thrice on 26.2.2002, 12.7.2002 and on 8.11.2002 to discuss the important aspects relating to wild life.

Index

Nation Wildlife Action Plan (NWAP)

The first National Wildlife Action Plan (NWAP) of 1983 has been revised and the new Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016) has been adopted. The plan outlines the strategies, action points and the priority projects for conservation of wild fauna and flora in the country. In order to monitor the implementation of the National Wild Life Action Plan (2002-2016), a Monitoring Committee has been set up under the chairmanship of Addl. DGF(WL). The first meeting of the said committee was be convened on 16.1.2003.

Index

Development of National Parks and Sanctuaries

There are 89 National Parks and 500 Wildlife Sanctuaries in the country covering an area of 1.5664 lakhs sq.kms. During the year, financial assistance for Development of National Parks and Sanctuaries has been provided to 210 National Parks and Sanctuaries in 25 States including North-Eastern States and three UTs. During the year, Rs. 31.64 crores have been released so far. Under this scheme 100% Central Assistance is provided for non-recurring item of expenditure for National Parks and Sanctuaries, both; 50% assistance is also provided for recurring items of expenditure in case of National Parks. Further, Protected Areas in mountains, deserts and coastal regions supporting large population of endangered species like Snow leopard, Red Panda, Rhino, Sangai deer, Pharys’ leaf monkey, Musk Deer, Hangul, Great Indian Bustard, Chinkara and Black buck, are eligible for 100% Central assistance for both, recurring and non-recurring item of expenditure.

Index

Animal Welfare

The Animal Welfare Division became a part of Ministry of Environment and Forests in the month of July 2002. Earlier the Division was under Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. The mandate of Animal Welfare Division is to prevent the infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering on animals. To accomplish this mission three-pronged approach is being adopted by the Division :

Index

Regulatory

The main task of the Division is to implement effectively the various provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Under this Act, a number of Rules have been framed for various purposes. Some of the important Rules framed are :

The following action has been taken for ensuring more effective regulation of these Rules :

- Rules under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 which were notified by Animal Welfare Division, have been laid on the table of both Houses of Parliament during the current year. Details about them are given below :

- Performing Animals (Registration) Rules, 2001 (Notified on 26th March 2001).

- Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Transport of Animals on Foot) Rules, 2001 (Notified on 26th March 2001).

- Transport of Animals (Amendment) Rules, 2001 (Notified on 26th March 2001).

- Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Slaughter House) Rules, 2001 (Notified on 26th March 2001).

- Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Establishment and Regulation of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Rules, 2001 (Notified on 26th March 2001).

- Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001 (Notified on 24th December 2002).

- Performing Animals (Registration) Amendment Rules, 2001 (Notified on 8th January 2001).

Fig. 38. Grasslands and sholas in Indira Gandhi National Park, Anamalais, Western Ghats

- Experiments on Animals (Control and Supervision) (Amendment) Rules, 1998 (Notified on 26th August 1998).

- Breeding of and Experiments on Animals (Control and Supervision) Rules, 1998 (Notified on 15th December 1998).

- Breeding of an Experiments on Animals (Control and Supervision Amendment Rules, 2001 (Notified on 15th February 2001).

- 225 number of animals from circuses viz. Ajanta Circus, Asian Circus, Komal Circus etc. have been seized and transported to Rescue Centers at Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Bangalore, Tirupati and Jaipur.

- Made timely intervention in likely cases of animal sacrifices in various states including Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Orissa and Kerala and prevented the same.

- A total of 307 Societies for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCAs) stand constituted. The number rose to this level from around 250.

- Five proformae for monitoring compliance of Transport Rules, Slaughter House Rules, Performing Animals and Registration Rules, Registration of Cattle Premises Rules and Draught and Pack Rules have been sent to all State Departments of Animal Husbandry, Home, Urban Development and Transport for furnishing quarterly performance report.

Index

Developmental

The Division provides assistance for construction of Shelter Houses, Dispensaries etc. for stray, infirm and abandoned animals. It also gives grants for ambulances and vehicles in connection with treatment and transportation of sick, injured and rescued animals. Another major developmental programme is immunization and sterilization of stray dogs.

Index

Various Schemes Implemented by the Animal Welfare Division

Scheme for Shelter Houses for looking after the Animals – The objective of this scheme is to establish and maintain shelter houses for distressed animals in the country. Primarily NGOs, SPCAs are given grant up to Rs.22.50 lakhs.

Fig. 39. Sterculia urens at Madhav National Park, Madhya Pradesh

During the year so far Rs.2.86 crores has been released to 39 organizations in the states of Rajasthan, New Delhi, Gujarat, Orissa, Punjab, Haryana, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh Madhya Pradesh and Manipur. Some of the beneficiary organizations are Shri Bhagwan Mahavir Jain Gaushala Trust, Rajasthan, Circle of Animal Lovers, New Delhi, PFA, Ganjam, Orissa, PFA Sirohi, Rajasthan, PFA Haryana, Rohtak, Shri Gopal Gaushala Patran, Punjab, Bombay SPCA, Dushkal Gau Seva Samiti, Sumerpura, Rajasthan, Dayodaya Pashu Sansthan, Lalitpur, U.P., Akhil Bhartiya Maharishi Dayanand Gaushala, Rohtak, Dayodaya Pashu Seva Samiti, M.P., PFA, Ghaziabad, Shri Gurudev Parmarth Gaushala Trust Samithi, Ajmer, Rajasthan.

Scheme for Animal Birth Control and Immunization of Stray Dogs – The scheme is meant for controlling the population of stray dogs by sterilization and reducing incidences of Rabies by immunization. The NGOs and SPCAs working in collaboration with local bodies are eligible for this grant. The scheme has had the desired impact specially in large cities like, New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Panaji, Visakhapatnam, Pune, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad and there has been a perceptible improvement in controlling the dog population.

During the year, an amount of Rs.1.30 crore has been released to 49 organisations in the states of Punjab, Karnataka, Goa, New Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, U.P., Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Some organizations given grant under this schemes are Circle of Animal Lovers, New Delhi, Sanjay Gandhi Animal Care Centre, New Delhi, Fiendicoes SECA, New Delhi, Visakha SPCA, Visakhapatnam, Blue Cross Society of Pune, Blue Cross of India, Chennai, SPCA, Chennai, SPCA and PFA Kolkata. So far during the current year around 30,000 dogs have been covered under this programme.

Scheme for Provision of Ambulance Services to Animals in Distress – Under this scheme the animal welfare organization are given grant for purchase of suitable vehicle for transportation, rescue and also for providing emergency services to animals in distressed.

An amount of Rs.44.00 lakh has been released to organizations like Early Birds, Assam, PFA, Imphal, Gram Vikas Kalyan Samiti, Mathura, Shri Krishna Gau Seva Sansthan, Rajasthan, International Wildlife & Tiger Conservation, Jabalpur, PFA Sadhrana, (Gurgaon), Haryana, Circle of Animal Lvers, Sri Gurudev Parmarth Gaushala Trust, Ajmer and Pashupati Kalyan Parishad.

Scheme for Relief to Animals during Natural Calamities and Unforeseen Circumstances – The animal welfare organizations, State Government, Local Bodies etc. are given grant to make available emergency services to animals in distressed on account of Natural Calamities like earthquakes, cyclone, flood, drought etc.

During this financial year the target set by the Division is for giving grant of Rs.45 lakhs. Till date five states through organizations like MP Livestock & Poultry Development Corporation Ltd., (Rs.6.50 lakh), Rajasthan Livestock Development Board (Rs.10 lakh), U.P. Gauseva Aayog, Lucknow (Rs.7.50 lakh), Punjab Livestock Development Board, Punjab (Rs.10 lakh) and State SPCA, Orissa (Rs.7.50 lakh) have been given grant totaling to Rs.20.75 lakhs under Natural Calamity Scheme by way of 1st installment.

Index

The first National Seminar on "The Status of Animal Houses in India" was organized in June, 2002 in which more than 350 delegates participated. As an outcome of the Seminar, the following three Sub-Committees were formed.

A workshop for training the office-bearers of Societies for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and other selected Animal Welfare Organisations (AWOs) in state of U.P., was held in Lucknow in the month of December, 2002. The workshop was chaired by the State Minister for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development, U.P. and Gauseva Aayog, U.P. The other prominent speaker was Smt. Maneka Gandhi, Member of Parliament. Among the key recommendation of the workshop are :

Two more such workshops one at Bhopal and one at Orissa are proposed to be held.

The regular publication of Newsletters of CPCSEA & AWBI have also been carried for dissemination of information.

Index

National Institute of Animal Welfare (NIAW)

An Institute is being constructed at Ballabhgarh, District, Faridabad, Haryana for providing various courses on animal welfare. The Institute would also offer intensive specialized Diplomas in specific streams.

The National Institute of Animal Welfare, which would be functional during 2003, will work as a Teaching, Research and Extension Centre. It will impart teaching in disciplines like History of Animal Welfare Movement, Psychology of Animal Behaviour, Animal Diversity, Animal Laws, Animal Nursing, Animal Breeding, Zoo Management, Park Management, Aquatic Management, Animal Stress and Pain etc.

The Institute is at advanced stage of construction. One post of Director and 11 posts of Lecturers have been approved to begin with.

Index

Statutory Bodies

This is a statutory body under Section 4 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960, with head quarter at Chennai. Its basic mandate is to advise the Government on animal welfare issues, and create awareness in animal welfare.

Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) gives financial assistance to eligible Animal Welfare Organisations for Shelter Houses, Model Gaushalas for setting up of Bio-Gas Plants, Famine/Drought Relief, Earthquake Relief etc. in various states. The grant of Rs.10 crores was received by AWBI from Ministry of Culture on the occasion of 2600 year celebrations of Tirthankara Mahavir for distributing to Animal Welfare Organisations (AWOs) for the purpose of improving the facilities for shelter to needy animals and birds, alleviating the misery of animals and birds during any kind of disaster, providing medical facilities to animals and birds, and for creating necessary infrastructure for welfare and care of animals and birds etc. An amount of Rs.8.03 crores has been released.

The number of Animal Welfare Organisations (AWOs) registered with AWBI went up to 1800 from 1578 during the year.

A provision of Rs.4.65 crores under plan scheme and 53 lakhs under non-plan scheme has been made in the budget estimate for Animal Welfare Board of India. Out of this an amount of Rs.4.43 crores under plan scheme and 53.00 lakh under non-plan scheme have already been released.

So far State Animal Welfare Boards (SAWBs) have been constituted in 24 States/UTs.

Index

Committee for Purpose of Control & Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CPCSEA)

This is also a statutory body under Section 15 of Prevention of Cruelty to animals Act, 1960 with head quarter at Chennai. The mandate of this Committee is to register and monitor the animal breeders and institutions conducting experiments on animals. So far 731 units have been registered with this committee.

This first National Seminar on "The Status of Animal Houses in India" was organized in June, 2002 in which more than 350 delegates participated. Five zonal workshops have been conducted by CPCSEA during current financial year. 175 new Institutions have been registered with CPCSEA during the current year.

A provision of Rs. 45 lakhs was made in the current year’s Budget and the entire amount has been released.

The Committee has conducted six zonal workshops on "Laboratory Animal Science and Welfare" during the year 2002-2003 for Veterinarians, Biologists, Scientists and Technicians working in CPCSEA, registered Animal failities region-wise. An International conference on Alternatives to the use of Animals in Research & Education was orgainsed by the Committe alongwith Department of Biotechnology.

Index

Project Tiger

Project Tiger has been under implementation since 1973 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Government of India.

The main objective of the scheme is to ensure a viable population of tiger in India for scientific, economic, aesthetic, cultural and ecological values and to preserve areas of biological importance as natural heritage for the benefit, education and enjoyment of the people. Main objectives under the scheme include Wildlife management and protection measures.

Initially, the Project started with nine tiger reserves, covering an area of 16,339 sq.km. with a population of 268 tigers. And at present there are 27 tiger reserves covering an area of 37,761 sq.km. with a population of 1498 tigers. This amounts to almost 1.14% of the total geographical area of the country. Details of various Tiger Reserves alongwith their location and area are given in Table-4. The selection of reserves was guided by representation of ecotypical wilderness areas across the biogeographic range of tiger distribution in the country. Project Tiger is undisputedly a custodian of major gene pool in the country. It is also a repository of some of the most valuable ecosystem and habitats for wildlife.

The Tiger Reserves are constituted on a ‘core-buffer strategy’. The core area is kept free of biotic disturbances and forestry operations, where collection of minor forest produce, grazing, human disturbances are not allowed within. However, the buffer zone is managed as a ‘multiple use area’ with twin objectives of providing habitat supplement to the spill over population of wild animals from the core conservation unit, and to provide site specific ecodevelopmental inputs to surrounding villages for relieving the impact on the core. No relocation is visualized in the buffer area, and forestry operations, Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP) collection and other rights and concessions to the indigenous communities are permitted in a regulated manner to complement the initiatives in the core unit.

Project Tiger has put the tiger on an assured course of recovery from the brink of extinction, and has resurrected the floral and faunal genetic diversity in some of our unique and endangered wilderness ecosystem. The population of tigers in the country has increased significantly to about 4000 from less than 2000 at the time of launch of the project.

The effective protection and concerted conservation measures inside the reserves have brought about considerable intangible achievements also, viz. arresting erosion, enrichment of water regime and thereby improving the water table and overall habitat resurrection. Labour Intensive activities in tiger reserves have helped in poverty alleviation of the most backward sections and their dependence on forests has also reduced. The project has been instrumental in mustering local support for conservation programme in general.

Index

Approach

There has not been any major problem in release of the budget outlay in the last three years under the scheme. However, actual utilisation of funds has been affected due to delay in release of funds by the State Government to the field units. This matter has been discussed in the Steering Committee of the Project Tiger meeting held on 8.5.2000. On the part of this Ministry, it has been decided to release the first installment of Central assistance without waiting for the submission of UCs. However the second installment is released only after obtaining UCs.

Fig. 40. Tiger at Ranthambore National Park

Table-4
Name of the Tiger Reserves in Tiger Range States with year of Creation and Area


Sl.	Year of		Name of Tiger Reserve	State			Total Area
No.	Creation							in Sq. Kms.

1.	1973-74		Bandipur		Karnataka		866
	1999-2000	Nagarhole (extension)				643
2	1973-74		Corbett			Uttar Pradesh		1316
3	1973-74		Kanha			Madhya Pradesh		1945
4	1973-74		Manas			Assam			2840
5	1973-74		Melghat			Maharashtra		1677
6	1973-74		Palamau			Bihar			1026
7	1973-74		Ranthambhore		Rajasthan		1334
8	1973-74		Similipal		Orissa			2750
9	1973-74		Sunderbans		West Bengal		2585
10	1978-79		Periyar			Kerala			777
11	1978-79		Sariska			Rajasthan		866
12	1982-83		Buxa			West Bengal		759
13	1982-83		Indravati		Madhya Pradesh		2799
14	1982-83		Nagarjunsagar		Andhra Pradesh		3568
15	1982-83		Namdapha	 	Arunachal Pradesh	1985
16	1987-88		Dudhwa			Uttar Pradesh		811
	1999-2000	Katerniaghat-(extension)			551
17	1988-89		Kalakad- Mundanthurai	Tamil Nadu		800
18	1989-90		Valmiki			Bihar			840
19	1992-93		Pench			Madhya Pradesh		758
20	1993-94		Tadoba-Andheri		Maharashtra		620
21	1993-94		Bandhavgarh		Madhya Pradesh		1162
22	1994-95		Panna			Madhya Pradesh		542
23	1994-95		Dampha			Mizoram			500
24	1998-99		Bhadra			Karnataka		492
25	1998-99		Pench			Maharashtra		257
26	1999-2000	Pakhui- Nameri		Arunachal Pradesh-Assam	1206
27	1999-2000	Bori, Satpura, PanchmariMadhya Pradesh		1486

Total									37,761
	

In order to monitor the expenditure it is proposed to request the State Government to furnish, its allocation along with the financial and physical targets of Annual Plan of operations.

Index

Plan Achievement of Project Tiger Division

During the IX Plan the budget outlay was substantially increased to Rs.75.00 crores from Rs.40.00 crores in the VIII Plan period. Project Allowance to an extent of Rs.3.95 crores to field level staff was also funded under this scheme for the first time.

During this Plan period, funds to an extent of Rs.2.49 crores has been released for creation of Strike Force to combat the growing insurgency and extremist situations within the Tiger Reserves.

During the Plan period four new Tiger Reserves were declared and the details are in Table-5.

Table-5
New Tiger Reserves

Sl.	Tiger Reserve	State			Year of		Area (sq.Kms)	Funds 
No.						Formation 			Released

1	Bhandra		Karnataka		1998-99		492		318.459
2	Pench		Maharashtra		1998-99		257		223.421
3	Pakui-Nameri	Arunachal Pradesh/Assam	1999-2000	1206		93.100
4	Bori-Satpura 
	Panchmarhi	Madhya Pradesh		1999-2000	1486		75.220

								3441		710.200	

The effective protection and concerted conservation measures inside the reserves have brought about considerable intangible achievements also viz. arresting erosion, enrichment of water regime and thereby improving the water table and overall habitat resurrection. Labour intensive activities in tiger reserves have helped in poverty alleviation of the most backward sections and their dependence on forests has also reduced. The project has been instrumental in mustering local support for conservation programme in general.

During the X plan, it is envisaged to carry out on the Project with further imeptus on people’s support for conservation of nature and natural resources.

Index

India Eco-development Project

India Eco-development Project is being implemented in Seven Protected Areas in seven different States as an externally aided/Centrally Sponsored Plan Scheme under "Eco-development around Protected Areas including Tiger Reserves". It covers two National Parks and five Tiger Reserves. The main aim of the Project is to conserve bio-diversity through Eco-development, effective and extensive support for Eco-development and preparation of future Bio-diversity Projects. The project is being implemented in seven areas namely Buxa, Palamau, Nagarhole, Periyar, Pench, Ranthambore Tiger Reserves and Gir National Park.

An amount of Rs. 42.75 crores has been approved for States during the year and a sum of 15.60 crores, has been released till December, 2002.

Index

Project Elephant

Project Elephant was launched in February, 1992 to assist states having free ranging populations of wild elephants to ensure long term survival of identified viable populations of elephants in their natural habitats. The project is being implemented in 12 states, viz. Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Orissa, Tamilnadu, Uttaranchal and West Bengal. States are being given financial as well as technical assistance in achieving the objectives of the Project. Help is also provided to other states with small populations of elephants for the purpose of census, training of field staff and mitigation of human-elephant conflict.

Index

Main Activities of Project Elephant

Index

Achievement

Index

Wildlife Institute of India

The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) was established in 1982 under the Ministry of Agriculture and subsequently brought under the Ministry of Environment and Forests. The mandate of the Institute is to impart training, carry out research and advise on matter of conservation and management of wildlife. Wildlife Institute of India is an autonomous institute of the Ministry, with a 48 member WII Society headed by the Union Minister for Environment & Forests as the apex body. (The details of its research, education and training activities are given in Chapter seven and eight respectively).

Index

Central Zoo Authority

Central Zoo Authority (CZA) was established in 1992 under the provisions of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. The Authority consists of 10 members and one whole time Member Secretary and is chaired by the Minister, Environment and Forests, Government of India. Two committees namely ‘Administrative Committee’ under the Chairmanship of Director General of Forests and Technical Committee under the Chairmanship of Additional Director General of Forests (Wildlife) have been constituted for carrying out the functions of the Central Zoo Authority.

Fig. 41. An elephant at Corbett National Park

Main functions of the Central Zoo Authority are :

Details of activities performed by the Central Zoo Authority during the year are as follows :

Index

Evaluation and Grant of Recognition of Zoos

Renewal of recognition to eight large zoos, four medium zoos and two small zoos, which were evaluated, have been granted. The list of zoos granted recognition are in Table-6.

Ten mini zoos were evaluated during this year. Out of these zoos, renewal of recognition, was granted to two mini zoos. Show cause notices were issued to three mini zoos for not fulfilling the stipulated conditions of recognition. Recognition has been refused to three mini zoos and the State govt. has been asked to close these zoos. Recognition to two zoos has been withheld.

The Central Zoo Authority has been pursuing with the State Governments for closing down derecognized zoos. As a result of this, 90 mini zoos and deer parks have been closed so far. Ministry has also written to Chief Ministers of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Orissa and West Bengal, the states which have the largest number (51) of functional derecognized zoos, to close the operation of such zoos.

Index

Utilisation of grants-in-aid received from the Ministry

During the year the CZA has received Rs.1080 lakhs as Grants-in-Aid from the Ministry which has been utilised in following broad activities :-

Financial assistance of Rs.993.53 lakhs was released as Grant to Zoos for improvement of housing, veterinary care and upkeep facilities in the Zoos, creation of rescue centres in off the display areas of selected zoos, for rehabilitation of rescued animals and cost of feed and upkeep of rescued animals kept in rescue centres as under :-

Index

Rescue Centres

Ministry has assigned the responsibility to Central Zoo Authority for creation of rescue centres, for rehabilitation of circus animals, consequent upon ban on performance of wild animals in Circuses. Five rescue centers were identified for creation at Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Tirupati, Bannerghatta (Bangalore) and Nahargarh (Jaipur). All the five rescue centers have already been established and are functional. A total of 179 lions, 33 tigers, 18 bears, 8 panthers, and 11 monkey have been rescued from circuses and are now being housed in these centres. The Central Zoo Authority has released Rs. 186.10 lakhs towards establishment of rescue centres and feeding and health care for these animals.

Table-6
Zoos granted recognition during the year

Sl. No.	Large zoos				Medium Zoos				Small Zoos

1	Indira Gandhi Zoological Park,		Jawaharlal Nehru Biological Park,	Aurangabad Zoo	
	Visakhapatnam 				Bokaro
2	Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad	Bannerghatta Biological Park,		Indore Zoo
						Bangalore		
3	Arignar Anna Zoological Park,		Chennai Snake Park, Guindy
	Chennai
4	Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Park,	Children's Corner Zoo, Guindy
	Mysore
5	Kamla Nehru Zoological Park,	
	Ahmedabad
6	Veermata Jijabhai Udyan Zoo, Mumbai
7	Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, Patna
8	Kanpur Zoo

Index

Training Courses

Index

Workshops and Conferences

Index

Providing technical and financial assistance to Zoos and other Institutions towards upgradation of technical know how

With a view to provide the zoos services of experienced zoo designers in the country, empanelment of consultants were made by the Central Zoo Authority. Now the zoos can avail the services of these empanelled consultant for preparation of layout plans and construction of animal enclosures.

Under the National Zoo Animal Health coordinated programme, four Universities/Colleges have been identified. These institutions will provide facilities to the zoos in their region for specialised disease diagnosis and help in regular monitoring of diseases infecting wild animals. These institutes are Orissa Veterinary College, Bhubaneshwar, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai; Sher-E Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu; Assam Veterinary College, Guwahati and Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareily. So far financial assistance worth Rs.100.14 lakhs has been released to these universities/colleges for strengthening of clinical and diagnostic facilities.

The Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad has taken up a Project "Laboratory for Conservation of Endangered Species". The Project is being financed by Department of Bio-Technology and Central Zoo Authority while the land for locating the Centre has been provided by the Government of Andhra Pradesh. The Central Zoo Authority and Department of Biotechnology are contributing a total of Rs.2.00 crores and Rs.40.00 lakhs respectively per year for a period of five years for the construction of the building. The Authority has since released Rs. 1.60 crores towards the establishment of the facility. The Hon’ble Minister of Environment & Forests/Chairman, CZA laid the foundation stone of the Laboratory on 16.9.2001. The construction work is progressing as per schedule.

Index

Publications

Index

Website of Central Zoo Authority

An interactive website of the Central Zoo Authority (www.cza.nic.in) has been prepared and hosted. The complete inventory of animals of all the large, medium and small zoos are in the website. Zoos can now access their respective inventory and enter death, birth and other details directly.

Index

National Zoological Park

National Zoological Park, New Delhi was inaugurated on 1st November, 1959, with an aim to provide healthy yet cheap recreation to masses. The zoo is presently spread in an area of 176 acres and houses 1257 animals of 130 species. In the changed scenario of wildlife conservation, National Zoological Park, just like any other zoo is playing a major role in ex-situ conservation. The mission of National Zoological Park is to foster understanding, knowledge and appreciation for wildlife through education, research and caring of animals in simulated conditions.

In this efforts to reach nearer to the achievement of its goal, the following activities were taken up during the year:

- Students were given internship training at National Zoological Park.

Index