7) The Tiger population in India has more than doubled in the past decade with focused conservation efforts , however man-Tiger conflicts have also been on the rise in India. Does this call for a rethink of conservation policies?  Examine. (250 words)

Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment .

7) The Tiger population in India has more than doubled in the past decade with focused conservation efforts , however man-Tiger conflicts have also been on the rise in India. Does this call for a rethink of conservation policies?  Examine. (250 words)

The hindu

Why this question:

The article provides for an assessment of rising man-animal conflict and on how development projects in tiger habitats and the fragmentation of migration corridors have called for a rethink of conservation policies.

Key demand of the question:

The answer must first appreciate how the dedicated conservation policies have helped double the Tiger population in the past decade, however the policies have missed to take into account the limited habitat for the increased population leading to man-animal conflicts. You must analyse the current conservation policies, what needs to be done to manage the situation in the best interest.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin with quoting some facts justifying rising population of the wild cats due to directed conservation programmes in the country. Also highlight the recent examples of man-animal conflicts.

Body:

Discuss the following :

• Causes of Man-Animal conflict: specific to Wild cats
• Impact of Man-Animal Conflict
• Case-Studies like Tiger-Human Conflict- Pilbhit Tiger reserve,
• Government Initiatives in this direction – Ministry of Environment and Forest and Climate Change Guidelines on Man-Animal conflict, Best International Practice etc.
• What changes are needed in the current conservation policies to overcome the problem.

Conclusion:

Conclude with Environmental justice and man -animal harmony as the need of the hour