Project Tiger: A Conservation Triumph
Source: A look at Project Tiger, 50 years on (The Hindu, January 9, 2024)
- Establishment and Growth: India’s commitment to safeguard tigers began with the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972. This led to the creation of spaces known as National Parks, where forest rights were taken over by the State. Wildlife Sanctuaries were also established with limited permitted rights. Out of this legislation, Project Tiger was born.
- Expansion Over the Years: Beginning with nine reserves covering 9,115 square kilometers in 1973, the project now includes 54 reserves across 18 states, sprawling over 78,135.956 square kilometers. Within this expanse, Critical Tiger Habitats (CTH) protect 42,913.37 square kilometers, making up 26% of National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuary lands.
- Tiger Population and Habitat: Recent studies using camera traps recorded an estimated population of 3,167-3,925 tigers in 2022. The government demarcated CTHs as a sanctuary for tigers and beyond these are Buffer Areas. These are regions blending forest and non-forest land aimed at including communities in conservation efforts.
- Impact on Communities: While the protective measures were well-meaning, the fortress-like conservation practices led to the displacement of local populations. These communities had historically lived in harmony with tigers, but faced upheaval due to the new policies.
Forest Rights and Conservation Efforts in India
- The Forest Rights Act of 2006: The Forest Rights Act (FRA) of 2006 acknowledged the traditional and customary rights over forest land. This included lands within tiger reserves. It established that local Gram Sabhas, or village councils, would have the power to outline and enforce these rights. These local bodies were tasked with protecting and managing the forests as well as the wildlife and biodiversity within their historic boundaries. The Act has impacted the lives and livelihoods of approximately 200 million people across over 170,000 villages.
- Critical Wildlife Habitats: Under the FRA, the concept of Critical Wildlife Habitats (CWH) was introduced. These areas are similar to Critical Tiger Habitats (CTH), but they come with a crucial stipulation: once declared a CWH, the land cannot be used for non-forest purposes.
- Implementation Delays and Challenges: The government had set out to implement the FRA Rules at the beginning of 2009. However, in November 2007, there was a push from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) for Chief Wildlife Wardens to identify CTHs, which was a rushed process. Without adhering to the legal provisions, 26 tiger reserves across 12 states were delineated under the Wildlife Protection Act (WLPA). This notification included over 25,000 square kilometers, most of which were CTHs without any buffer zone, a mistake that India is dealing with today. Buffer Zones were later added in 2012, following a Supreme Court order.