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  • Polavaram Project Controversy

    Why in the News?

    The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has restarted its protest against the Polavaram multipurpose project in Andhra Pradesh, claiming it will flood large areas in Malkangiri, Odisha, displacing many tribal communities.

    What were the recommendations by the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal (GWDT) 1969?

    The Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal (GWDT), was established to resolve water-sharing disputes concerning Godavari River water among the states of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh (now Chhattisgarh). It made several key recommendations regarding the utilization of Godavari River water. Notable points include:

    • Water Allocation: The Tribunal allowed Andhra Pradesh to divert 80 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of Godavari water at 75% dependability for irrigation and other uses, which could also substitute releases from the Nagarjunasagar project for the Krishna delta.
    • Inter-State Agreements: The Tribunal recognized various inter-state agreements that specified how water from the Godavari and its tributaries could be utilised, ensuring equitable distribution among the states involved.
    • Project Approvals: The GWDT endorsed the construction of projects like Polavaram, provided they adhered to specified Full Reservoir Levels (FRL) and operational guidelines.

    What are the social and environmental impacts of the Polavaram Project?

    • Social Impact: The project is expected to displace over 150,000 people across approximately 276 villages, with many of these being tribal communities. For every five acres irrigated, one tribal family is projected to lose their land.
      • Infrastructure Strain: The project has faced funding challenges for rehabilitation efforts, leading to halted work on necessary infrastructure like canals, which could exacerbate social tensions among displaced populations.
    • Environmental Impact: The dam’s backwaters will submerge an estimated 3,731 hectares of forest land. The environmental impact assessments have raised concerns about ecosystem disruption, including increased vulnerability to erosion and regional landslides.

    How is the project being managed politically and administratively?

    • National Project Status: Declared a national project under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act of 2014, the Central Government is responsible for executing the project while ensuring compliance with environmental and rehabilitation norms.
    • Polavaram Project Authority: A governing body has been established to oversee project execution, comprising representatives from both state and central governments. This authority is tasked with ensuring timely execution and adherence to regulatory requirements.
    • Political Dynamics: The project has become a focal point for regional politics, particularly as parties like the BJD leverage opposition against it to bolster their regional identity amidst changing political landscapes in states like Odisha.

    What are the legal and regulatory challenges faced by the Polavaram Project?

    • Ongoing Litigation: Multiple states have challenged the project in court on grounds of inadequate environmental assessments and potential adverse impacts on their territories. Legal disputes have persisted since at least 2011, complicating project timelines.
    • Regulatory Compliance Issues: Environmental clearances for the project have been contentious, particularly following changes in flood situation estimates that were not incorporated into updated designs. This has raised questions about compliance with earlier environmental impact assessments conducted in 2005.
    • Funding Challenges: Financial constraints have hindered progress on rehabilitation efforts for displaced populations, leading to further legal scrutiny regarding compliance with social justice norms and commitments made during project approval processes.

    Way forward:Ā 

    • Comprehensive Impact Assessment and Mitigation: Conduct updated environmental and social impact assessments, including backwater studies, and implement robust mitigation measures for displaced populations, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks.
    • Strengthen Inter-State Collaboration: Establish a transparent and inclusive mechanism involving all affected states to address concerns, promote equitable resource sharing, and expedite the resolution of legal and administrative challenges.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Constitutional mechanisms to resolve the inter-state water disputes have failed to address and solve the problems. Is the failure due to structural or process inadequacy or both? Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2013)

  • [7th December 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Public health ā€” insights from the 1896 Bombay Plague

    PYQ Relevance:

    Q) Public health system has limitation in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest? (UPSC CSE 2015)

    Mentorā€™s Comment: UPSC Mains have asked questions around the Public Health Policies (2017) and Newer Health Challenges (2020 and 2022).

    India is aiming for real-time public health monitoring platforms National Health Mission Health Management Information System (NHM-HMIS), and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) to enhance surveillance, monitoring, and resource allocation at primary healthcare levels.

    Todayā€™s editorial reflects on the historical context of the Bombay Plague of 1896 and its implications for contemporary public health practices. This content can be used as a case study while exchanging ideas on ā€˜Public Health Policies and challenges in Indiaā€™.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    There are ongoing discussions in Parliament around public health strategies in the wake of recent health crises, including the past COVID-19 pandemic.

    • By reflecting on historical lessons from the Bombay 1896 plague outbreak, we can analyze the significance of community engagement, comprehensive disease management strategies, and ethical considerations in health interventions.
    What were the Public Health Measures implemented by Britishers and how effective were they?

    ā€¢ Quarantine and Isolation: Infected individuals were forcibly removed from their homes and taken to plague hospitals or camps, where they were often separated from their families. This included door-to-door searches conducted by soldiers to identify the sick.
    ā€¢ Destruction of Property: Personal belongings and houses of the infected were often burned and demolished which led to substantial loss of property for many residents.
    ā€¢ Sanitation Campaigns: A large-scale sanitation initiative was launched, which included flushing sewers with seawater, washing streets with lime, and disinfecting homes.
    o Special camps were established for the treatment of the infected but often faced criticism for poor conditions and high mortality rates.
    ā€¢ Legislative Measures: The Epidemic Diseases Act of 1897 was enacted, granting authorities extensive powers to enforce health measures, including movement restrictions and compulsory examinations.

    Were they effective?
    ā€¢ Limited Success: The death toll exceeded 33,000 within a short period, indicating that these strategies did not sufficiently curb the outbreak.
    ā€¢ Social Backlash: Reports of disrespect during inspections and inadequate hospital conditions fueled anger, resulting in protests and even violent incidents against medical personnel.
    ā€¢ Migration and Spread: Many residents fled Bombay in response to the plague and government actions, which inadvertently contributed to the spread of the disease beyond urban areas.
    ā€¢ Long-term Impact: While some improvements in urban infrastructure and public health policies emerged post-plague, many immediate measures were criticized for their insensitivity to local customs and needs.

    What was positive in this policy implementation despite the criticism?

    • Emphasis on control over cases: The Indian Plague Commission’s approach during the 1896 Bombay Plague focused significantly on controlling the movement of people and the spread of the disease rather than directly addressing the health needs of affected individuals. Focus Areas were:
      • Railway Plague Inspection Stations Map (to monitor the movement of people) focused on railway networks and inspection points.
      • Chausa Observation Camp Plan detailed layouts of observation camps that reflected a militarized approach to quarantine with prominent police presence.
      • Khanpur Station Map illustrated disinfection zones and highlighted the role of police in maintaining control over these areas.
    • Cartographic Approach and Its Consequences: The maps were unusually colorful for administrative reports, possibly to convey a sense of effective control while downplaying the epidemic’s severity. The emphasis moved from identifying who was affected by the plague to understanding where the disease could potentially spread.
    • Prioritization of State Control: The Commission’s focus on control points indicated a prioritization of state mechanisms for surveillance rather than an understanding of epidemiological factors or community health requirements.
      • This approach raised concerns about the adequacy of public health responses that prioritized state security over effective disease management and community welfare.

    What lessons can contemporary public health systems learn from the Bombay Plague?

    • Community Engagement: Effective public health responses must include community cooperation. The mistrust generated by colonial policies highlights the need for transparent communication and involvement of local leaders in health initiatives.
    • Comprehensive Disease Management: The outbreak underscored the importance of not only immediate medical responses but also long-term strategies addressing underlying social determinants of health such as poverty and sanitation.
    • Ethical Considerations: The harsh measures taken during the plague raise ethical questions regarding public health interventions. Balancing individual rights with community safety remains a critical challenge for public health officials today.
    • Historical Reflection: Understanding past epidemics can inform current practices. The Bombay Plague illustrates how historical narratives shape contemporary health policies and societal attitudes toward disease management.

    https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/public-health-insights-from-the-1896-bombay-plague/article68955779.ece

  • [pib] Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana (PMKMY)

    Why in the News?

    • The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has provided state-wise details of farmers registered under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana (PMKMY).
      • Top Three States: Haryana (5,74,467), Bihar (3,45,038), Chhattisgarh (2,02,734).
      • Bottom Three States/UT: Lakshadweep (72), Ladakh (114), Goa (150).
    • Recently, the PMKMY (launched on 12th September 2019) has completed 5 successful years.

    About Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana (PMKMY)

    Details Type: Central Sector Scheme
    Objective: To provide a voluntary, contributory pension scheme for farmers aged 18ā€“40 years, ensuring ā‚¹3,000/month pension after they turn 60 years of age.
    Implementation & Structural Mandate Implemented by: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
    Pension Fund Manager: Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India
    State-wise Registration: Registered farmers are managed by the respective state governments in collaboration with LIC. The scheme encourages a structured approach involving the collection of contributions and government matching funds.
    Contribution: Farmers contribute between ā‚¹55 and ā‚¹200 per month, depending on their entry age.
    Beneficiaries & Benefits Beneficiaries: Farmers aged 18ā€“40 years.
    Benefits: Assured pension of ā‚¹3,000 per month post-60 years, matching contribution by the Government of India, administered by LIC.
    Exclusions: Income taxpayers, members of government pension schemes, and those already enrolled in other pension schemes.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment in agriculture? (2020)

    1. Fixing Minimum Support Price for agricultural produce of all crops
    2. Computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies
    3. Social Capital development
    4. Free electricity supply to farmers
    5. Waiver of agricultural loans by the banking system
    6. Setting up of cold storage facilities by the governments

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 2 and 5 only

    (b) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only

    (c) 2, 3 and 6 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

  • [pib] National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP)

    Why in the News?

    The Union Ministry of Health has re-strategized the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) under the 100-Day TB Elimination Campaign to reduce TB cases and mortality through targeted interventions and a multi-pronged approach.

    Menace of TB in India:

    • According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India accounted for 26% of global TB cases and deaths in 2023.
    • The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) conducted a National TB Prevalence Survey in 20 states, reporting 312 TB cases per lakh population.
      • The TB incidence rate decreased by 17.7%, from 237 per 100,000 in 2015 to 195 per 100,000 in 2023.
      • Similarly, TB-related deaths have declined by 21.4%, from 28 per lakh population in 2015 to 22 per lakh population in 2023.

    About the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP):

    Details
    About
    • Former Name: Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP)
    • Objective: To eliminate tuberculosis (TB) as a public health issue in India by 2025, as per PM Modi’s 2018 target.
    • Focus Areas: Early detection, complete treatment, prevention, and strengthening TB care and control services.

    Key Components of NTEP:

    • Universal Drug Susceptibility Testing (UDST): Early detection of drug-resistant TB.
    • Free Diagnosis and Treatment: Provided for all TB patients across India.
    • Nikshay: A case-based web-enabled TB information system for monitoring and case management.
    • Private Sector Engagement: Involving private healthcare providers for standardized care.
    Objectives under the National Strategic Plan 100-Day TB Elimination Campaign is an intensified effort launched to fast-track the detection and treatment of tuberculosis (TB) cases across the country.

    • Eliminate TB as a public health problem by 2025.
    • Achieve Universal Access to quality TB care.
    • Prevent the emergence of drug-resistant TB through early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
    • Reduce the burden of TB through preventive interventions and awareness campaigns.
    • Ensure better case management through Nikshay, a case-based monitoring system.
    • 6. Engage with the private sector to ensure standardized and quality TB care.
    Steps taken by Govt
    • Universal Drug Susceptibility Testing (UDST): Early detection of drug-resistant TB.
    • Free Diagnosis and Treatment: Provided for all TB patients.
    • Nikshay System: Web-enabled case-based monitoring and management system for TB patients.
    • Private Sector Engagement: Ensuring standardized TB care by involving private healthcare providers.
    • National TB Prevalence Survey: Conducted to assess the TB burden in 20 states.
    • Enhanced Diagnostic Facilities: Including genetic and molecular tests for early detection.
    • Targeted Interventions for Vulnerable Populations: Focus on high-risk groups, including children and marginalized populations.

  • Commissioning of INS TUSHIL

    Commissioning of INS TUSHIL

    Why in the News?

    INS Tushil, a multi-role stealth guided missile frigate, is set to be commissioned by the Indian Navy at Kaliningrad, Russia.

    About INS Tushil:

    Details
    • INS Tushil is a multi-role stealth guided missile frigate, part of the Krivak III class (Project 1135.6).
    • It is the seventh in the series of Krivak III frigates, following the Talwar-class ships (three built at Baltiysky Shipyard in St. Petersburg) and the Teg-class ships (three built at Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad).

    Development of INS Tushil:

    • Built at Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia.
    • Contract signed in Oct 2016 between Indian Navy, JSC Rosoboronexport, and Government of India.
    • Indian team of specialists from the Warship Overseeing Team monitored the construction.
    • Extensive trials, including Factory Sea Trials, State Committee Trials, and Delivery Acceptance Trials, were conducted in 2024.
    Special Features
    • Speed of over 30 knots
    • Stealth design with advanced radar-absorbing features.
    • Equipped with guided missiles, advanced weapon systems, and radars.
    • Enhanced combat capabilities with a focus on anti-surface and anti-air warfare.
    • Helicopter deck for operations.
    Significance
    • Boosts India’s naval capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
    • Part of an ongoing effort to modernize the fleet with advanced technologies.
    • Strengthens India-Russia defence ties.
    • Will be key in maritime security and regional defense, especially in contested waters.

  • How Oilfields Amendment Bill aims to delink petroleum, mineral oil production from mining activities

    Why in the News?

    The Rajya Sabha passed the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024, aimed at boosting domestic petroleum and mineral oil production while encouraging private investment to reduce reliance on imports.

    What is the Oilfields Bill?

    • The Oilfields Bill amends the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Act of 1948, which originally governed both oil and mineral operations. The amendment seeks to delineate the regulation of petroleum from mining activities, aligning it more closely with contemporary needs in the oil and gas sector. By doing so, it aims to boost domestic production and reduce reliance on imports.

    What are the major proposed changes?

    • Definition of Mineral Oils: The Bill expands the definition of “mineral oils” to include naturally occurring hydrocarbons such as crude oil, natural gas, coal bed methane, and shale gas/oil. However, it explicitly excludes coal, lignite, and helium from this definition.
    • Introduction of Petroleum Leases: The Bill replaces references to “mining leases” with “petroleum leases,” defining these leases as agreements for various activities including exploration and production of mineral oils. Existing mining leases will remain valid under this new framework.
    • Decriminalization of Offences: The Bill removes criminal penalties for violations of the Oilfields Act, replacing them with financial penalties. For instance, violations that previously could lead to imprisonment will now incur fines up to ā‚¹25 lakh, with additional daily penalties for ongoing violations.
    • Central Government Powers: The Bill empowers the central government to create rules regarding the granting and regulation of petroleum leases, including aspects like environmental protection and dispute resolution mechanisms.
    • Encouragement of Private Investment: It includes provisions aimed at attracting private investment into the sector by ensuring stable lease terms and clarifying regulatory frameworks.

    What are the criticisms and concerns?

    • Impact on State Rights: Critics, including members from the DMK party, argue that the Bill undermines state rights regarding taxation on mining activities. They fear that redefining leases could shift regulatory power away from states to the central government, potentially affecting state revenue from royalties.
    • Legal Challenges: There are concerns that framing petroleum operations under a different legal category could lead to conflicts with existing judicial rulings that affirm state powers over mining taxes. A recent Supreme Court ruling emphasized that states have exclusive rights to tax mining activities.
    • Environmental Concerns: Opposition members have raised alarms about the potential environmental impacts of allowing greater private sector involvement in petroleum extraction. They advocate for prioritizing public sector companies like ONGC over private entities.

    Way forward:Ā 

    • Balanced Federal Approach: Establish a collaborative mechanism between the Centre and states to address concerns over taxation and royalties, ensuring equitable revenue sharing while maintaining clear regulatory roles.
    • Sustainable Exploration Framework: Mandate robust environmental safeguards and prioritize public sector leadership alongside private investment to balance economic growth with ecological preservation.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Ā ā€œIn spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for Developmentā€. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2017)

  • Nagalandā€™s Hornbill Festival

    Why in the News?

    This yearā€™s edition of the Hornbill Festival has sparked a significant public debate regarding the relaxation of Nagalandā€™s liquor prohibition law, a subject that has been contentious for over three decades.

    What is Hornbill Festival?

    • The Hornbill Festival is a celebration held every year from 1 ā€“ 10 December, in Kohima, Nagaland.
    • The festival was first held in the year 2000.
    • It is named after Indian hornbill (Buceros bicornis), the large and colourful forest bird which is displayed in the folklore of most of the stateā€™s tribes.
    • Festival highlights include the traditional Naga Morungs exhibition and the sale of arts and crafts, food stalls, herbal medicine stalls, flower shows and sales, cultural medley ā€“ songs and dances, fashion shows etc.
    • It is a platform for showcasing the major cultural festivals of 14 recognised Naga tribes, each with its unique traditions and practices.
    • About Great Indian Hornbill:
      • IUCN Status: Vulnerable (upgraded from Near Threatened in 2018), CITES: Appendix I
      • Known as great pied hornbill, it is one of the largest hornbill species.
      • Can live up to 50 years in captivity.
      • Primarily fruit-eating, but also preys on small mammals, reptiles, and birds.
      • Revered in many tribal cultures and rituals due to its size and colour.
      • Found mainly in India, especially in the Western Ghats and Nilgiris.
      • Nilgiris North Eastern Range supports some of the highest densities of nesting birds.
      • Known as ā€˜forest engineersā€™ or ā€˜farmers of the forestā€™, they play a key role in seed dispersal of tropical trees, indicating the health and balance of their forest ecosystems.

    What is the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act 1989?

    • The NLTP Act is a law enacted by the Government of Nagaland that prohibits the production, sale, and consumption of alcohol in the state.
    • The Act is one of the most stringent liquor prohibition laws in India, and its core features are as follows:
    • Key Features of NLTP Act 1989:
      • Complete Ban on Alcohol: The NLTP Act bans the production, sale, and consumption of all forms of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits. This includes both local (like rice beer) and commercial alcohol.
      • Exceptions: There are some exceptions under the law, such as alcohol being allowed for medical or scientific purposes and in certain regulated settings, like special licenses for non-local tourists during specific events (e.g., the Hornbill Festival).
      • Support from Religious Groups: The Act has received strong support from Christian church bodies, which constitute a majority in the state, as they view alcohol consumption as morally unacceptable and harmful to community life.

    Role of Alcohol in the Hornbill Festival:

    • The Hornbill Festival is often seen as an exception to the state’s liquor prohibition.
    • Thutse (local rice beer) is traditionally consumed during the festival, and according to academic Theyiesinuo Keditsu, the Hornbill Festival is the only time in the year when the state permits the open sale and consumption of alcohol, including Thutse.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] In which of the following regions of India are you most likely to come across the ā€˜Great Indian Hornbillā€™ in its natural habitat?

    (a) Sand deserts of northwest India

    (b) Higher Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir

    (c) Salt marshes of western Gujarat

    (d) Western Ghats

  • [pib] National Library Mission

    Why in the News?

    The Union Minister for Culture and Tourism has provided information regarding the National Mission on Libraries (NML) Scheme in Rajya Sabha.

    About National Mission on Libraries (NML):

    Establishment Launched in 2012 by the Ministry of Culture to implement National Knowledge Commission (NKC, 2005) recommendations on library and information sciences development.
    Objectives To modernize public libraries, create a digital database, enhance library staff competence, and promote equitable library access, especially in backward areas.
    Structural Mandate Nodal Agency: Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation (RRRLF), Kolkata to oversee and coordinate efforts. (It is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture.)

    Key Components:

    1. National Virtual Library of India (NVLI): Digital resources, census of libraries, and reading habit studies.
    2. Model Libraries: 6 Ministry libraries, 35 state central libraries, 35 district libraries, and 629 district libraries with network connectivity.
    3. Library Survey: A survey of 5,000 libraries for infrastructure, resources, and usage data.
    4. Capacity Building: Training programs for improving skills and knowledge of library staff.

     

    PYQ:

    [2015] Indiaā€™s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) which has a database containing formatted information on more than 2 million medicinal formulations is proving a powerful weapon in countryā€™s fight against erroneous patents. Discuss the pro and cons of making the database available publicly available under open source licensing.

  • [pib] National Mission on Cultural MappingĀ Ā 

    Why in the News?

    The Union Minister for Culture and Tourism has provided details of the National Mission on Cultural Mapping in the Rajya Sabha.

    About National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM):

    Details
    • Launched by: Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
    • Implemented by: Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA).
    Aims and Objectives
    • Document Indiaā€™s cultural heritage, including art forms, artists, crafts, and performing arts.
    • Mapping of 6.5 lakh villages across India; Initial stages will focus on Bihar.
    • IT-enabled platform to store and manage cultural data. Web portal and mobile app (Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar).
    Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar (MGMD):

    • Part of NMCM, by the Ministry of Culture and IGNCA.
    • Purpose: Documents India’s villages, focusing on culture, history, and traditions.
    • 7 Categories: Covers Arts & Crafts, Ecology, Scholastic Traditions, Epics, History, Architecture, and unique features.
    Features
    • Raise awareness about cultural heritageā€™s role in economic development and national unity.
    • Create National Register of Artists and Art Practices.

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] Safeguarding the Indian Art Heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss.

  • India got its 58th Tiger Reserve

    Why in the News?

    • Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh has become India’s 57th tiger reserve after receiving approval from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
      • Madhav National Park also received approval to be declared a tiger reserve, which will make it Indiaā€™s 58th tiger reserve after the official notification.

    About Ratapani Tiger Reserve and Madhav Tiger Reserve:

    Ratapani TR Madhav TR
    Location
    • Raisen district, Madhya Pradesh, Vindhya Range, 50 km from Bhopal;
    • 824 sq km (318 sq mi) total area.
    • Shivpuri district, Madhya Pradesh, near the Madhav National Park;
    • 354.85 sq km (137.3 sq mi) total area.
    History
    • Established as Wildlife Sanctuary in 1976.
    • Designated as Tiger Reserve on 2 Dec 2024
    • It was initially a national park.
    • Designated as Shivpuri National Park in 1956.
    • Renamed as Madhav National Park in 1959 after Madho Raj Scindia, Maharaja of Gwalior.
    Flora and Fauna
    • Biome: Dry and moist deciduous forests, 55% covered with teak.
    • Fauna: Tigers, leopards, spotted deer, sloth bear, wild boar, sambar, jackals, wild dogs.
    • Water Bodies: Barna Reservoir, Ratapani Dam, seasonal streams.
    • Biome: Dry deciduous forests with significant scrub and grasslands.
    • Fauna: Tigers, leopards, spotted deer, sloth bear, wild boar, sambar, jackals, wild dogs.
    • Water Bodies: Sindh River, Pitakhal Lake, and seasonal streams.

     

    Why and when did the first Tiger Reserve come up in India?

    • A tiger reserve is a protected area created under the Project Tiger initiative launched in 1973 by the Indian government to protect tigers and their natural habitats.
    • A TR is administered by the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
    • These reserves are a part of the conservation efforts to ensure the survival of tigers, preserve biodiversity, and maintain ecological balance.
      • The first TR in India was the Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand, established in 1973. It was also the first national park to be part of the Project Tiger initiative.
    • Key Features of a Tiger Reserve:
      • Core Area: A core area is designated as a national park or sanctuary, where human activity is restricted to protect the wildlife.
      • Buffer Area: Surrounding the core area, the buffer zone consists of a mix of forest and non-forest land, used for controlled human activity while ensuring wildlife conservation. These buffer zones serve as transitional areas for wildlife, providing essential corridors for movement.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under ā€œCritical Tiger Habitatā€?

    (a) Corbett

    (b) Ranthambore

    (c) Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam

    (d) Sunderbans