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PM Modi Chairs NBWL Meeting: Major Wildlife Conservation Initiatives Announced

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(Source – Indian Express, Section – Cover Page- Page No. – 01)

Topic: GS3 – Environment – Conservation
Context
  • PM Modi chaired the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) meeting at Gir National Park, announcing key wildlife conservation initiatives, including Project Cheetah expansion and new plans for lions, gharials, and the Great Indian Bustard.

 Analysis of the news:

Expansion of Project Cheetah

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the expansion of Project Cheetah to Gandhisagar Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh and Banni Grasslands in Gujarat.
  • This move aims to strengthen cheetah conservation efforts and expand their habitat beyond Kuno National Park.

Project Lion and Asiatic Lion Population Estimation

  • The government allocated ₹2,900 crore for Project Lion over the next decade to increase the range of Asiatic lions across Saurashtra.
  • Additionally, the Asiatic Lion population estimation will begin in May 2024 as part of regular conservation efforts.

Great Indian Bustard and Gharial Conservation

  • A National Great Indian Bustard Conservation Plan was announced, though its integration with the existing recovery plan remains unclear.
  • The Gharial conservation project aims to address the declining population of this critically endangered crocodilian species.

Human-Wildlife Conflict Management

  • A Centre of Excellence for Human-Wildlife Conflict Management will be set up at the Wildlife Institute of India in Coimbatore.
  • It will provide advanced technology, surveillance systems, and capacity-building for field practitioners to mitigate conflicts.

First Riverine Dolphin Estimation Report

  • Modi released the first-ever riverine dolphin estimation report, revealing 6,327 river dolphins across the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus river basins, emphasizing the need for focused conservation efforts.

Use of Technology in Wildlife Conservation

  • The PM stressed the need for remote sensing, geospatial mapping, AI, and machine learning to tackle forest fires and human-animal conflicts. He also emphasized documenting traditional knowledge related to forest and wildlife conservation.

Community Participation in Wildlife Conservation

  • Modi highlighted the crucial role of local communities, such as the Maldharis, in lion conservation and called for community-driven conservation efforts beyond government initiatives.

International Leadership in Big Cat Conservation

  • The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), launched in 2023, was reviewed, with Modi urging India to continue leading global efforts in big cat conservation.

Conclusion:

  • The NBWL meeting, chaired by PM Modi, reaffirmed India’s commitment to wildlife conservation through new initiatives and expanded projects.
  • Emphasizing community participation, technological advancements, and strategic funding, the government aims to enhance biodiversity protection while addressing human-wildlife conflicts effectively.
Practice Question: Discuss the significance of India’s recent wildlife conservation initiatives. How can community participation and technology aid in mitigating human-wildlife conflicts? (150 Words /10 marks)

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