PM Modi Chairs NBWL Meeting: Major Wildlife Conservation Initiatives Announced
(Source – Indian Express, Section – Cover Page- Page No. – 01)
Topic: GS3 – Environment – Conservation |
Context |
|
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) |