News Courtsey: PTI
Photo Courtsey: Self
Environment Ministry approves tiger relocation protocol
New Delhi (PTI): The Environment Ministry has approved a blueprint for tiger relocation prepared by National Tiger Conservation Authority, paving the way for the second phase of big cat population revival plan in the Sariska reserve of Rajasthan.
"I have approved the protocol. It is an important plan for better tiger conservation in the country whenever there is translocation of animal," Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh told PTI.
After shifting three tigers -- a male and two females -- last year, the Rajasthan government had put on hold its plan to relocate two more animals after NTCA decided to frame guidelines detailing steps needed for the translocation process to be adopted by the states.
"The protocol has minute details such as which type of animal of what age can be translocated on what conditions.Though there were already translocation guidelines but the protocol will be like a Bible for the wildlife officials planning to shift the tiger from one reserve to another. They will have to strictly adhere to the norms," a senior NTCA official said.
Prepared by the NTCA in association with the wildlife experts and Dehradun-based Wildlife Institute of India (WII), the protocol is based on international guidelines.
The official said that the protocol which is exhaustive in nature dwells in detail about the pre and post-release strategy and seek long-term plan for the survival of the tiger before any attempt is made to relocate it from one habitat to another.
Binding on every state, as per the protocol, the tiger relocation will take place under the monitoring of the officials from WII, forest departments and experts. Also to ensure smooth translocation, the protocol gives absolute power to the NTCA oversight committee to monitor the shifting process whenever it feels like.
The need for detailed guidelines in the form of a protocol was felt after wildlife experts like Belinda Wright approached the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh alleging that Madhya Pradesh Government had overlooked basic norms while shifting two tigresses from Kanha reserve and Bandhavgarh park to Panna sanctuary a few months ago.
They had alleged that without ensuring conducive environment for the feline in Panna, the Madhya Pradesh government shifted the animals.
No comments:
Post a Comment