- The central govt’s ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats’ scheme gains momentum in UP
- All conservation work to be done under the project following the rulebook of UP govt
By Our Correspondent
Lucknow, January 25: Aiming to protect wildlife and provide habitats for them in the state, the Yogi government is implementing the central government’s ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats’ scheme in Uttar Pradesh.
To protect the wildlife in protected wildlife sanctuaries and other forest areas in the state, the government has made arrangements to keep the process of integrated development of wildlife habitats smooth.
In this regard, the state government has allocated Rs 4.85 crore to the Department of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change for the implementation of the plan, after obtaining financial and administrative approval.
All construction activities under this project will be completed following the rulebook of the Uttar Pradesh government, while all designated tasks will be carried out under the supervision of the Principal Chief Forest Conservator. The Principal Chief Forest Conservator will also ensure that there are no quality-related complaints in the construction activities.
The ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats’ umbrella scheme of the central government includes the Project Tiger (CSS-PT), Development of Wildlife Habitats (CSS-DWH), and Elephant Project (CSS-PE) centrally sponsored schemes. This scheme is being implemented in the tiger reserves and protected forest areas of Uttar Pradesh.
In addition, the activities included in this scheme involve employee development and capacity building, wildlife research and assessment, anti-poaching activities, wildlife veterinary care, addressing human-wildlife conflict, and promoting environmental tourism.
Additionally, financial assistance is provided to states for the relocation of communities from protected areas to other areas. The three components of this scheme include supporting protected areas (National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves), conservation of wildlife outside protected areas, and a reintroduction program to save critically endangered species and habitats.
Several other schemes are helping prevent human-wildlife conflict
In Uttar Pradesh, the state government is not only implementing the ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats’ but also several other schemes aimed at effectively preventing human-wildlife conflict.
Additionally, communities opting for voluntary relocation from Core/Critical Tiger Habitats benefit under the Project Tiger (CSS-PT) scheme, and 800 families benefit from the centrally sponsored scheme for the development of wildlife habitats.
This scheme is creating employment opportunities, resulting in economic upliftment for people in and around the tiger reserves/protected areas.
Simultaneously, there is a reduction in dependence on natural resources with the use of clean energy, leading to sustainable development. This indirectly benefits the local communities as well.
Employment opportunities are also being created
Through various conservation-driven initiatives in forest areas, the Yogi government is also providing opportunities for the local population to serve in roles such as guides, drivers, hospitality staff, and other supporting jobs.
These initiatives carried out in the context of conservation, promote self-reliance by imparting various skills to people through different environmental development projects. This enables them to be self-employed.
Furthermore, these programs lead to the creation of resources through tourist travel, which, in turn, aids in securing important areas for tiger habitats and wildlife conservation. Additionally, they help ensure food, water, and livelihood security, along with maintaining support systems for sustainable living.
