Special Tiger Protection Force Approved by Arunachal Pradesh

Utkarsh Classes Last Updated 02-11-2023

Special Tiger Protection Force Approved by Arunachal Pradesh

State news 5 min read

The Arunachal Pradesh State Cabinet approved the constitution of Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) in the State for three Tiger Reserves of the State namely- Namdapha, Pakke and Kamlang. This decision will result in the creation of 336 regular posts in the state.

About Special Tiger Protection Force

As per the 2022 national tiger census, Arunachal Pradesh has recorded a total of nine tigers in its three reserves, which is a decline of 20 tigers from the previous census conducted in 2018.
The government has announced the creation of a specialized force called STPF, dedicated to the protection of tigers and their habitats, prevention of smuggling of wildlife articles, safeguarding of government assets in the reserves, and scientific management of forests.
The force will consist of one company of 112 personnel each for three tiger reserves, and each company will be divided into three platoons and 18 sections. This move is expected to provide effective protection to tigers and their habitats, and promote the conservation of wildlife habitats.
The cabinet observed that this will lead to protection of Tigers and their habitats, protection of wildlife habitats and prevention of other illegal activities in these tiger reserves.

Project Tiger

In order to promote the conservation of tigers, the Government of India launched "Project Tiger" on April 1, 1973.
This initiative has been the largest of its kind in the world. The states that are part of the project are responsible for implementing it in designated reserves, including the protection and management of the tigers.
They provide funding for recurring expenses, employ field staff and officers, and pay their salaries. Meanwhile, the Project Tiger Directorate of the Ministry of Environment and Forests is responsible for providing technical guidance and financial support.

Population of Tigers

According to government data, tigers in India have increased from 2,967 in 2018 to 3,682 in 2022, an annual rise of 6 percent.
According to recent data, Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of tigers in India, with 785 of them recorded in the last four years, which is an increase of 50 percent. Karnataka has the second-highest number of tigers with 563, followed by Uttarakhand with 560 and Maharashtra with 444. Additionally, the number of tigers in Rajasthan has significantly increased from 32 in 2006 to 88 in 2022.

National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) was established under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972.

The authority is comprised of:

Chairperson: Minister in charge of the Ministry of Environment and Forests

Vice-Chairperson: Minister of State in the Ministry of Environment and Forests

Members: Three members of Parliament, the Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, and other members.

The Hon’ble Prime Minister chaired the National Board for Wild Life, which recommended the formation of a Task Force to address the challenges facing tiger conservation in the country.
The Task Force's recommendations included strengthening Project Tiger by granting it statutory and administrative powers, as well as establishing the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau.

NOTE: The Uttarakhand government formed a Special Tiger Force (STF) for Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) in 2013.

Telangana established a Save Tiger Protection Force.

The latest and 55th Tiger Reserve in India is Veerangana Durgawati Tiger Reserve of Madhya Pradesh.

FAQ

Answer: 3

Answer: Telangana

Answer: Tiger Protection Force is the force dedicated to the protection of tigers and their habitats, prevention of smuggling of wildlife articles, safeguarding of government assets in the reserves, and scientific management of forests.