Source: TH
Context: Satkosia Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha faces human-wildlife conflict as 674 families have been relocated from forest areas under the tiger conservation initiative.
- Despite resettlement efforts, STR remains one of the four notified tiger reserves in India without a single tiger.
About Satkosia Tiger Reserve:
- Location: Spans Angul, Cuttack, Boudh, and Nayagarh districts in Odisha.
- Established: 2007, by merging Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary (1976) and Baisipali Wildlife Sanctuary (1981).
- Total Area: 1,136.70 sq. km.
- Geographical Significance: A transitional zone between Eastern Ghats and Deccan Plateau, promoting rich biodiversity.
- Fauna: Previously home to 12 tigers (2007), but the 2022 census found none; shelters elephants, leopards, mugger crocodiles, wild dogs, and 200+ bird species.
- Flora: Houses 400+ plant species, including Sal, Mahua, Bamboo, and medicinal plants.
- Ramsar Site: Recognized as a wetland of international importance.
- Tiger Reintroduction: Initiated in 2018 with two tigers from Madhya Pradesh; failed due to poaching and mismanagement.
- Human Settlements: 234 villages in the surrounding impact zone, creating conflicts over land and resources.
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
What is NTCA?
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), responsible for tiger conservation and habitat management in India.
Established In:
- 2006, under Section 38L of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (Amendment 2006).
Chaired By:
- Union Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change.
- Vice-Chairperson: Minister of State (MoEFCC).
- Members: Includes experts in wildlife, ecology, and environmental law.
Structure of NTCA:
- Chairperson: Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change.
- Vice-Chairperson: Minister of State (MoEFCC).
- Members: –Secretary (MoEFCC), Director General of Forests & Special Secretary, Chief Wildlife Wardens from Tiger Reserve States, Experts from Wildlife, Tribal Affairs, and Environmental Law, NGO Representatives in Wildlife Conservation
Functions & Powers of NTCA:
- Implementation of Project Tiger: -Oversees funding and management of all 58 tiger reserves.
- Approval of Tiger Conservation Plans (TCPs): Ensures scientific management of tiger habitats.
- Habitat Protection & Corridor Development:-Focuses on minimizing human-wildlife conflict and expanding buffer zones.
- Monitoring & Evaluation: -Conducts tiger population assessments every four years using M-STrIPES technology.
- Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation: –Relocation of villages from core zones under voluntary resettlement programs.
- Legal Authority: -Empowers states to declare, demarcate, and manage tiger reserves.
- Public Awareness & Capacity Building: -Promotes eco-tourism, community involvement, and anti-poaching initiatives.
