Glimpses of Initiatives taken for Elephant Conservation in India...

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

Issues discussed in Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha:

1. Project Elephant 4

2. Protection of Elephants 4

3. Elephant Corridors & Reserves 6

4. Elephant Population 10

5. Human –Wildlife Conflicts 12

6. Elephant –Train Collisions (Mortality) 14

7. Elephant in Captivity 17

8. Elephant Menace 20

9. Press Information Bureau Highlights on Elephant Conservation in India 21

10. Maps

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INTRODUCTION

Asian and African Elephants are facing extinction due to illegal poaching for high demand of ivory, tusks &

other body parts; as a result these both elephants are also listed in IUCN Red list of Threatened Species as

‘Endangered Asian Elephants’ and ‘Vulnerable African Elephants’. Indian elephant (Elephas Maximus

Indicus) is also listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 by GoI. Several developmental

activities like urbanization, deforestation, mining and agricultural activities, etc. affects the habitat to

fragmentation of Asian Elephants, thus creats human- elephant conflicts. 12 august is celebrated every year

as World Elephant day worldwide. India is home to between 50 and 60% of all of Asia’s wild elephants and

about 20% of the domesticated elephants.

Main purpose of this compiled report on Elephant Conservation in India is to highlight the issues related to

protection of elephants within corridors & habitation, census trend and Legislations, regulations amended to

conserve elephants formulated in India by Government of India discussed in both houses of Parliament.

Report cosists such cocerns of elephant protection starts with Centrally sponsored Scheme ‘Project Elephant’

launched in 1992 by Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, GoI to provide financial and

technical support of wildlife management efforts by states for their free ranging populations of wild

Elephants and monitoring against poaching. National Elephant Conservation Authority (NECA) is created

under Project Elephant. Ministry of Railways have been developed various measures and steps jointly with

Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change to protect elephants from getting hit, trapped and killed

by railway tracks. Elephant corridors have been identified with the help of The Elephant Task Force

Report, 2010 “Gajah” and State Forest Departments of elephant range states and till date total no. of 100

elephant corridors have been identified in the country. Many steps have been undertaken by GoI to protect

corridors of elephants.

All India Synchronized Elephant Population Estimation, 2017 is under process and from 1993 (25569

elephants) to 2012 (30711 elephants) increasing population of elephants have been estimated. International

bilateral initiative for elephants been taken during the ‘First Indo-Bangladesh Dialogue on Trans-boundary

Conservation of Elephants’ held on 19-20, August, 2015 at Kolkata to facilitate natural migration of elephants

between two countries through identified elephant corridors. Human-wildlife conflict cases have been

reported in identified elephant corridors. Sometimes incidences of elephants straying into human habitats

and menace also happened and several reasons behind these cases are fragmentation and degradation of

elephant habitats and change migratory paths due to developmental activities and disturbance. Captivity of

elephants has been stricted under the norms and regulations issued by Central Government under Wildlife

Protection Act, 1972 and Guidelines for Welfare and Management of Captive Elephants dated 08.01.2008

and deals as per law to prevent illegal captive elephants and violations i.e., elephants in zoos, parading of

elephants, tranquilizers for Elephants, electrocution of elephants and elephant tusk trade racket. At the end

of the report Press Information Bureau highlights also have been included to understand the preservance and

importance of elephant conservation.

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About ENVIS Scheme: The need for environmental information arises at all levels, from that of senior

decision-makers, at the national and international levels to the grass roots and individual levels.

Environmentally sound decisions, which are a must for achieving sustainable development, are not possible

in an information vacuum. Environmental information is, therefore, of vital importance. Realizing the

importance of environmental information, an Environmental Information System (ENVIS) has been

established by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change in 1982 to provide information to

decision-makers, policy- planners, scientists, etc. all over the country. Dissemination of information to the

users is the most vital component in the whole system for providing the users satisfaction. ENVIS is a

decentralised network information system consisting of Focal Point in the Ministry coordinating the activities

of a chain of various subject specific centres, known as ENVIS Centres located in various prestigious

institutions/organizations all over the country. The purpose of the ENVIS Centre is to cater to the needs of

the people who do not have access to highly equipped libraries and network systems.

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ISSUES DISCUSSED IN LOK SABHA & RAJYA SABHA

PROJECT ELEPHANT

Financial and technical assistance is provided to elephant range states under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘Project Elephant’ based on Annual Plan of Operations submitted by the State Governments. The objectives of the Project Elephant Scheme are:

(i) Conservation of Indian elephants and its habitat. (ii) Addressing issues relating to human elephant conflict. (iii) Welfare of Captive elephants.

The funds are released to State Government on receipt of Annual Plan of Operations and availability of funds under the scheme. State Governments are reminded periodically to submit their Annual Plan of Operations in time and as per norms of the scheme to avoid delays.

National Elephant Conservation Authority: The proposal for creation of National Elephant Conservation Authority (NECA), as a part of the proposal for continuation the Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘Project Elephant’ in XIIth Plan, was considered in the meeting of the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) in Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) on 25.06.2013. The committee did not recommend the proposal given the present lack of any enabling statutory provision in the law.

The State of Chhattisgarh was included in the Project Elephant by Ministry of Environment and Forests in the year 2006-2007 and Rs. 80 lakhs was allocated during the year. Every year the funds are released to Chhattisgarh for elephant project and till date an amount of Rs. 6.16 crores have been released to the State. The State Government of Chhattisgarh had forwarded a proposal for Rs. 43.02 crore to include the State of Chhattisgarh in Project Elephant in April, 2005 to Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India

(Source: USQ No.1626 dated 8th March 2016, answered by Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shrimati Rita Tarai)

(Source: USQ No.3025 dated 10th February 2014, answered by Dr. M. Veerappa Moily, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Dr. P. Venugopal & Shri Sugumar K)

(Source: USQ No.4422 dated 22th April 2013, answered by Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri Vishnu Dev Sai)

PROTECTION OF ELEPHANTS

Railway has developed the following process/steps/corrective measures for protection of elephants getting killed on railway tracks:-

Imposition of suitable speed restrictions in identified locations keeping the joint advisory of Ministry of Environment & Forest and Ministry of Railways and train operation requirements in consideration, provision of signage boards on identified corridors to alert the loco pilots, training programme to sensitise train crew and Station Masters on a regular basis, deputing of staff of Forest Department in the control office, need-based clearance of vegetation on the sides of the track within railway land, VHF communication links between forest officials and stations, construction of underpasses and ramp passes for the movement of elephants at identified locations, construction of girder bridges at the entrance of the deep cuttings to prevent elephants getting trapped, and provision of fencing at isolated locations etc.

Under the Centrally-sponsored Scheme “Project Elephant” (CSS-PE) of the Ministry of Environment and Forests financial assistance is provided to the states, for inter alia the following activities in elephant habitats and corridors:-

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(a) Improvement of habitats / corridors by enrichment plantation/eco restoration (b) Removal of invasive species (c) Creation of water bodies/ salt licks (d) Fire protection measures (e) Eco-restoration of corridors/migration routes and paths including acquisition and relocation (f) Soil and water conservation measures 138, 28 and 17 State, inter-State and international elephant

corridors have been identified, respectively. Out the above corridors 88 have been identified as priority ones.

Elephant is included under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The Central Government is providing financial assistance to States under the Centrally-sponsored Scheme Project Elephant since 1992, for protection and management of elephants and its habitat. The Elephant range States have taken various activities to mitigate Man-Elephant conflict, improvement of Elephant Habitat, restoration of Elephant Corridors and various awareness programmes under the scheme. Some of the activities are as follows:

(a) For better management of wild Elephants and their habitats, 28 Elephant Reserves have been established by the States.

(b) Habitat improvement and restoration of Elephant Corridors in Elephant Range States under CSS-PE. (c) Infrastructure improvement in Elephant Reserves for effective management of elephant population. (d) Anti depredation squads, anti poaching squads and trekkers are engaged for protection of elephants. (e) To restrict menace of elephants to human habitations, solar fencing, trenches and stone walling are

being provided in the depredation prone localities. (f) Studies on various issues such as man animal conflict, carrying capacity of elephant habitat are

encouraged. (g) Awareness programme among the local villagers are taken to minimize conflict with wild elephants.

There have been no reports of killing of elephants for ivory with the indirect help of forest officials. Many initiatives have been taken by states such as forming committees at the village level for protection of elephants by involving local communities, watch tower and solar fencing for better protection and management of elephants. (Source: USQ No.848 dated 24th July 2017, answered By Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question

was raised by Shri Harshvardhan Singh Dungarpur)

(Source: USQ No.4531 dated 29th March 2017, answered by Shri Rajesh Gohain, Minister of State in the Ministry of Railways. The question was raised by Shri Ram Tahal Chaudhary)

(Source: USQ No.1937 dated 23rd July 2014, answered by Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri Laxman Giluwa, Shri P.C. Gaddigoudar & Shri Sunil Kumar Singh)

(Source: USQ No.4471 dated 22nd April 2013, answered by Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri Adagooru Vishwanath)

(Source: SQ No *290 dated 18nd March 2013, answered by Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri Pulin Bihari Baske & Shri Chaudhary Lal Singh)

(Source: USQ No.2159 dated 11th March 2013, answered By Shrimati Jayanthi Natrajan, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

The question was raised by Shri Adhalrao Patil Shivaji, Shri Anandrao Adsul, Shri Gajanan D. Babar, Shri Madhu Goud Yaskhi, Shri Dharmendra Yadav & Shri Asaduddin Owaisi)

(Source: USQ No.6150 dated 14th May 2012, answered By Shrimati Jayanthi Natrajan, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri Ahir Vikrambhai Arjanbhai Maadam)

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ELEPHANT CORRIDORS & RESERVES

101 elephant corridors in the country have been documented by the Wildlife Trust of India with assistance from State Forest Department of elephant range states. The United Kingdom based organization, Elephant Family, has partly funded ground truthing of these corridors. In order to facilitate safe movement of elephants and to minimize human elephant conflicts, the Government encourages voluntary resettlement of people outside elephant corridors. No persons have been shifted out of elephant corridors without their consent.

Elephant Family, an international NGO, has reportedly pledged to raise funds for protection and securing of elephant corridors in India. It is currently assisting Forest Department and Wildlife Trust of India in securing

1. Kalapahar- Daigurung elephant corridor in Karbi Anglong district, Assam and 2. Tirunelli-Kudrakote elephant corridor in Wayanad district, Kerala.

Elephant corridors are secured through voluntary relocation of settlements and/or acquisition of land. In case of Kalapahar- Daigurung elephant corridor voluntary relocation of two settlements is involved and in case of Tirunelli-Kudrakote 25 acres of land has been purchased from 37 families for facilitating movement of elephants.

The Elephant Task Force Report, 2010 “Gajah” has identified 88 elephant corridors (27 priority I and 61 priority II) in the country, out of these 7 corridors has become dysfunctional and 18-20 new corridors are being used by elephants. Thus at present there are approximately 100 elephant corridors in the Country. Elephant Family has funded protection and securing of only 2 corridors (Kalapahar- Daigurung elephant corridor in Karbi Anglong district, Assam and Tirunelli-Kudrakote elephant corridor in Wayanad district, Kerala). Consent and cooperation of local people is obtained for protection and securing of elephant corridors. Singhbum elephant reserve, covering 4529.90 Sq. Km area, has been notified by the Government of Jharkhand, vide notification dated 26.09.2001. No report has been received from the State Governments regarding shrinkage of elephant habitat by more than half in Western Ghats.

Steps undertaken by the Government to protect the Elephant Corridors are given below:

(a) Financial and technical assistance is provided to 16 elephant range states under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘Project Elephant’.

(b) Improvement of elephant habitat, including Elephant Reserves and Corridors (c) Regular and extensive patrolling of forest areas and anti poaching measures by frontline filed staff

of the State Forest Departments. (d) Trainings and awareness camps are organised regularly for local people for conservation of elephants

and other wildlife. (e) Local communities are organised into Joint Forest Management Committees/Ecodevelopment

Committees for protection of elephant habitat, including elephant corridors.

Habitat improvement and eco-restoration is taken up in critical areas of elephant reserves and corridors.

ELEPHANT CORRIDORS IDENTIFIED BY ELEPHANT TASK FORCE “GAJAH” Sl. No. Priority I - Elephant Corridors

1 Elephant Corridor 2 Chilla-Motichur 3 Rawasan-Sonanadi (Via Lansdowne) 4 South Patlidun-Chilkiya 5 Malani Kota 6 Simlipal-Satkosia 7 Baula-Kuldhia 8 Kotgarh-Chandrapur 9 Buxa-Ripu at Sankosh

10 Ankua-Ambia 11 Pakke-Doimara at Dezling

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12 Pakke-Papum at Longka Nullah 13 Kalapahar-Daigurung 14 Kaziranga- Karbi Anglog at Panbari 15 Kaziranga- Karbi Anglong at Kanchanjuri 16 Pakke-Doimara at Tipi 17 Baghmara-Balpakram 18 Siju Rewak 19 Edayarhalli-Doddasampige 20 Kaniyanpura-Moyar 21 Anaimali at Punachi 22 Anaimalai between Siluvaimedu-Kadamparai 23 Chamranagar-Talamalai at Muddahalli 24 Kalamali - Singara and Avarahalla 25 Moyar-Avarahalla 26 Tirunelli - Kudrakote 27 Buoolavampatti-Attapadi 28 Anaimalai at Waterfalls Estate

Sl. No. Priority II - Elephant Corridor 1 Kansrau-Barkote 2 Motichur-Gohri 3 Rawasan-Sonanadi (Via Bijnor FD) 4 Chilkiya-kota 5 Fatehpur-Gadgadiya 6 Gora Rankhu and Gorai-Tanda 7 Kilpura-khatima-surai 8 Lagga Bagga - Kishenpur 9 Mahilong-Kalimati 10 Chandil-Matha 11 Dalma-Chandil 12 Dalma-Rugai 13 Jhunjhaka-Banduan 14 Dalapani-Kankrajhor 15 Dumriya-Nayagram 16 Dumriya-Kundaluka and Murakanjia 17 Leda-Bera 18 Anjadbera-Bichaburu 19 Karo-Karampada 20 Badampahar-Dhobadhobil 21 Badampahar-Karida East 22 Kahneijena-Anantpur 23 Tal-Kholgarh 24 Nuahgaon-Baruni 25 Mahananda-Kolbari and Tukriajhar 26 Apalchand-Mahananda 27 Apalchand-Gorumara 28 Apalchand-Kalimpong at mal block (Via Sylee) 29 Apalchand-Kalimpong at mal block (Via Meenglass) 30 Chapramari-Kalimpong 31 Rethi-Central Diana 32 Rethi-Moraghat 33 Dumchi-Rethi 34 Titi-Dumchi 35 Buxa - Titi (Via Torsa) 36 Uxa - Titi (Via Beech and Barnbari) 37 Nemati - Chilapata

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38 Pakke-Papum at Seijosa Nullah 39 Durpong-Doimukh at Khundakhuwa 40 Dulung-Subansari 41 D'ering - Mebo at Sigar Nalah 42 D'ering - Mebo at Kongkul 43 Kotha Burhidihing 44 Upper Dihing East - Upper Dihing West Block at Bogapani 45 Upper Dihing East - Upper Dihing West Block Between Golai-Pawai 46 Kukurakata-Bagser at Amguri 47 Charduar-Singri Hill 48 Saipunj-Narpuh 49 Rewak-Imangiri 50 Nokrek-Imangiri 51 Ranggira-Nokrek 52 Karadikkal-Madeswara 53 Tali 54 Chamrajnagar- Talamalai at Punjur 55 Talamalai-Guttiyalattur 56 Avarahalla-Sigur 57 Kalhatti-Sigur at Glen Corin 58 Nilambur Kovilakam - New Amarambalam 59 Periya at Pakranthalam 60 Kottiyur-Periya 61 Kallar at Gandhapallayam

DETAILS OF ELEPHANT RESERVES UNDER PROJECT ELEPHANT IN THE COUNTRY

Sl. No. Elephant range Elephant Reserve with Date of Notification State

I Eastern India (South West Bengal -Jharkhand - Odisha)

1. Mayurjharna ER (24.10.02) West Bengal

2. Singhbhum ER (26.9.01) Jharkhand

3. Mayurbhanj ER (29.9.01) Odisha

4. Mahanadi ER (20.7.02) Odisha

5. Sambalpur ER (27.3.02) Odisha

6. Badalkhol-Tamorpingla (15.9.2011) Chhattisgarh

II North Brahamputra (Arunachal –Assam)

7. Kameng ER (19.6.02) Arunachal Pradesh

8. Sonitpur ER (6.3.03) Assam

III South Brahamputra (Assam-Arunachal) 9. Dihing-Patkai ER (17.4.03) Assam

10. South Arunachal ER (29.2.08) Arunachal Pradesh

IV Kaziranga (Assam-Nagaland)

11. Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong (17.4.03) Assam

12. Dhansiri-Lungding ER (19.4.03) Assam

13. Intanki ER (28.2.05) Nagaland

V Eastern Dooars (Assam-W.Bengal) 14. Chirang-Ripu ER (7.3.03) Assam

15. Eastern Dooars ER (28.8.02) West Bengal

VI E. Himalayas (Meghalaya) 16. Garo Hills ER (31.10.01) Meghalaya

VII Nilgiri-Eastern Ghat (Karnataka-Kerala-Tamil Nadu-Andhra)

17. Mysore ER* (25.11.02) Karnataka

18. Dandeli ER# (26.3.2015) Karnataka

19. Wayanad ER (2.4.02) Kerala

20. Nilgiri ER (19.9.03) Tamil Nadu

21. Rayala ER (9.12.03) Andhra Pradesh

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VIII South Nilgiri (Kerala-Tamil Nadu) 22. Nilambar ER (2.4.02) Kerala

23. Coimbatore ER (19.9.03) Tamil Nadu

IX Western Ghat (Tamil Nadu-Kerala) 24. Anamalai ER (19.9.03) Tamil Nadu

25. Anamudi ER (2.4.02) Kerala

X Periyar (Kerala-Tamil Nadu) 26. Periyar (2.4.02) Kerala

27. Srivilliputtur ER (19.9.03) Tamil Nadu

XI Northern India (Uttaranchal-U.P.) 28. Shivalik ER (28.10.02) Uttaranchal

29. Uttar Pradesh ER (9.9.09) Uttar Pradesh

* With the notification of Dandeli Elephant Reserve, Karnataka on 26.03.2015, the total number of Elephant Reserves (ERs) in the country has become 29.

# Inclusion of Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary and neighbouring areas under Mysore Elephant Reserve (1331.94 sq.km.).

STATE WISE ELEPHANT RESERVES IN THE COUNTRY

Sl. No. State Number of Elephant Reserves 1 Andhra Pradesh 1

2 Arunachal 2

3 Assam 5

4 Chhattisgarh 1

5 Jharkhand 1

6 Karnataka 1

7 Kerala 4

8 Meghalaya 1

9 Nagaland 1

10 Odisha 3

11 Tamil Nadu 4

12 Uttarakhand 1

13 U.P 1

14 West Bengal 2

Total 28

(Source: USQ No. 1440 dated 25th July 2017, answered by Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri Laxman Giluwa)

(Source: USQ No. 6053 dated 11th April 2017, answered by Shri Anil Madhav Dave, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri B. Senguttuvan)

(Source: USQ No. 2576 dated 10th May 2016, answered by Shri Anil Madhav Dave, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri Laxman Giluwa)

(Source: USQ No. 1419 dated 3rd May 2016, answered by Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri B. Senguttuvan)

(Source: USQ No. 1663 dated 8th March 2016, answered by Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri Pralhad Joshi)

(Source: USQ No. 238 dated 1st December 2015, answered by Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shrimati Kamla Devi Paatle)

(Source: USQ No. 108 dated 21st July 2015, answered by Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri Ramesh Bidhuri and Shri S.P. Muddahanume Gowda)

(Source: USQ No. 2094 dated 10th March 2015, answered by Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri Devusinh Chauhan, Shri Laxman Giluwa & Shri Anto Antony)

(Source: USQ No. 421 dated 1st December 2015, answered by Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri Sunil Kumar Singh)

(Source: USQ No. 146 dated 9thJuly 2014, answered by Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised By Shrimati Kamla Devi Patle)

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Source: USQ No. 2703 dated 26th August 2013, answered by Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised By Shri Hemanand Biswal)

(Source: USQ No. 1148 dated 4th March 2013, answered by Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised By Shri B.Y. Raghavendra & Shri Nalin Kumar Kateel)

(Source: USQ No. 603 dated 26th November 2012, answered by Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Dr. M. Thambidurai)

(Source: USQ No. 3546 dated 3rd September2012, answered by Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri P. Viswanathan)

(Source: USQ No. 496 dated 13th August 2012, answered by Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri Sivasami C)

ELEPHANT POPULATION

Only one species, Indian Elephant (Elephas Maximus Indicus) is found in the country. The All India Synchronized Elephant Population estimation, 2017 is under process and the results of the estimation is not compiled so far. As per 2012 census, elephant population in the country is 29391-30711. State-wise elephant population is given beow in the table:

REGION STATE ELEPHANT POPULATION

2007 2012

North-East

Arunachal Pradesh 1690 890 Assam 5281 5620 Meghalaya 1811 1811* Nagaland 152 212 Mizoram 12 0 Manipur 0 0 Tripura 59 59 West Bengal (North) 300-350 647

Sub total 9305-9355 9239

East

West Bengal (South) 25 # Jharkhand 624 688 Orissa 1862 1930 Chattisgarh 122 247

Sub total 2633 2865

North Uttarakhand 1346 1346* Uttar Pradesh 380 291

Sub total 1726 1637

South

Tamilnadu 3867 4015 Karnataka 4035 5648-6488 Kerala 6068 5942-6422 Andhra Pradesh 28 41 Maharashtra 7 4

Sub total 14005 15650-16970 GRAND TOTAL 27669-27719 29391-30711

* Meghalaya and Uttarakhand has not conducted elephant census after 2007. Therefore, the figure of 2007 has been maintained for 2012 as well.

# The figure for North and South Bengals are combined.

The number of elephants is not declining in the country over the years. As per elephant population survey carried out in 2007 and 2012, increase in elephant population has been recorded in the States of Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Nagaland, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. The Government do not propose to control population of wild elephants in the country. No report regarding missing elephants from the license owners/mahouts has been received in the Ministry in the recent past. Writ Petition No. 107 of year 2013 is filed in the Hon’ble Supreme Court to take steps to minimize deaths of elephants due to train accidents and No directive has been issued in the case by Hon’ble Supreme Court so far.

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The details of estimated population of elephants in the country over a period of time are given below:

YEAR 1993 1997 2002 2007 2012

Elephant Population 25569 25842 26373 27669-27719 29391-30711

As per available information elephant population in the country is increasing.

Measures taken by the Government to protect elephant population in the country are given below:

(i) Financial and technical assistance is provided to elephant range states under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes ‘Project Elephant’ for conservation and management of elephants, protection of elephant habitat and corridors and welfare of captive elephants.

(ii) The State has notified good elephant habitats as “Elephant Reserves”, for better conservation and management of elephants. So far 29 Elephant Reserves have been established in 14 States.

(iii) Elephant is included under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, to provide it highest degree of legal protection.

(iv) Regular and extensive patrolling of forest areas and anti poaching measures by frontline filed staff of the State Forest Departments.

(v) Trainings and awareness camps are organised regularly for local people for conservation of wildlife.

(vi) Local communities are organised into Joint Forest Management Committees / Ecodevelopment Committees for protection of wildlife habitat, including elephant corridors.

(vii) Habitat improvement and eco-restoration is taken up in critical areas of elephant reserves and corridors.

Movement of Elephants: The cross border movement of elephants across India-Bangladesh borders takes place along the international boundaries, in the States of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and West Bengal. During the ‘First Indo-Bangladesh Dialogue on Trans-boundary Conservation of Elephants’ held on 19-20, August, 2015 at Kolkata, it was recommended to facilitate natural migration of elephants between two countries through identified elephant corridors. A proposal for trans-boundary conservation has been formulated and communicated to the Government of Bangladesh for consideration. As an international bilateral matter, no time frame can be specified for concurrence and implementation.

(Source: USQ No. 1435 dated 25th July 2017, answered by Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Dr. K. Gopal)

(Source: USQ No. 4222 dated 28th March 2017, answered by Shri Anil Madhav Dave, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shrimati P.K., Sreemathi Teacher)

(Source: USQ No. 2202 dated 29th November 2016, answered by Shri Anil Madhav Dave, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri Anshul Verma)

(Source: USQ No.3722 dated 22nd December 2015, answered by Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri Venkatesh Babu T.G)

(Source: USQ No.6364 dated 5th May 2015, answered by Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri Ram Charan Bohra)

(Source: USQ No.2725 dated 9th December 2014, answered by Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri Sisir Kumar Adhikari, Shri Bheemrao B. Patil & Shri Sunil Kumar Singh)

(Source: USQ No.206 dated 9th July 2014, answered by Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shrimati K.Maragatham)

(Source: USQ No.1883 dated 19th August 2013, answered by Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri N. Peethambara Kurup)

(Source: SQ No.*470 dated 29th April 2013, answered by Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Adv. A. Sampath & Shri P.K. Biju)

(Source: USQ No.481 dated 13th August 2012, answered by Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Dr. P. Venugopal)

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HUMAN –WILDLIFE CONFLICTS

The information available with the Ministry indicates a fluctuating statistic in the incidences of human wildlife conflict in the country. The details of human wildlife conflict cases are not compiled at the level of Central Government. However, the State-wise details of loss of human lives due to tiger and elephant, during the last three years, as available in the Ministry, are given in the table:

Number of Human Deaths caused by elephant from 2013-14 to 2016-17

S. No. State 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 (upto 9.2.2017) 1 Andhra Pradesh 2 2 NR 2 Arunachal Pradesh 7 1 1 3 Assam 87 54 31 69 4 Chhattisgarh 23 32 59 67 5 Jharkhand 56 53 66 42 6 Karnataka 33 38 26 7 Kerala 7 20 INR 8 Maharashtra 0 3 0 0 9 Meghalaya 10 3 9 10 Nagaland 0 1 1 11 Odisha 67 64 63 12 Tamil Nadu 52 31 47 13 Tripura 0 1 0 2 14 Uttar Pradesh INR INR INR 15 Uttarakhand INR INR INR 16 West Bengal 69 89 112 65

TOTAL 413 392 415 245

NR-Not Received

INR-Information Not Received

The Central Government provides financial assistance to State/Union Territory Governments under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes of ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats’, ‘Project Tiger’ and ‘Project Elephant’ for management of wildlife and its habitats in the country. The activities supported under the scheme inter-alia include construction/erection of physical barriers, such as barbed wire fence, solar powered electric fence, biofencing using cactus, boundary walls etc. to prevent the entry of wild animals into human habitat: improvement of augmenting the availability of food and water in forest areas to reduce the entry of animals from forests to habitations; payment of ex-gratia relief to the victims of wild animal attacks and depredation.

Taking note of the human-animal conflict the Government of India has taken the following measures to mitigate the problem.

i. Financial assistance is provided to the State Governments under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes, viz., ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats’, ‘Project Tiger’ and ‘Project Elephant’ for improvement of forest and wildlife areas like the national parks and sanctuaries to augment food and water availability in forests which can reduce migration of animals from forests to the habitations.

ii. Construction of barriers like boundary walls and solar-powered electric fences around the sensitive areas to prevent wild animal attacks. These activities are also eligible for Central assistance.

iii. Development of necessary infrastructure and support facilities for immobilization of the identified problematic animals through tranquilization, and their relocation to the natural habitat or rehabilitation in rescue centers.

iv. The Chief Wildlife Wardens of the States/Union Territories are empowered to permit hunting of problematic animals under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

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v. Programmes are launched to sensitize people and create awareness about the Do''s and Don’ts in case of scare and attacks of wild animals.

vi. Eco-development activities are undertaken in villages around Protected Areas to elicit the cooperation of communities in management of the Protected Areas which includes actions to address the grievances of people regarding human-wildlife conflicts.

LIST OF IDENTIFIED ELEPHANT CORRIDORS

State Corridor Inter-State Corridor International Corridor State Number States Number 2 Countries Number

Meghalaya 26 Jharkhand– Odisha 8 Indo-Bangladesh 6 Odisha 21 Arunachal– Assam 4 Indo- Bhutan 4 Tamilnadu 19 Karnataka– Tamilnadu 4 Indo- Myanmar 4 Assam 15 Assam– Nagaland 3 Indo – Nepal 3

West Bengal 14 Jharkhand –

3 West Bengal

Kerala 12 Arunachal– Nagaland 2 Karnataka 9 Jharkhand– M.P. 1 Arunachal Pradesh 8 Odisha–W. Bengal 1 Jharkhand 6 Karnataka– Kerala 1 Uttrakhand 5 Kerala-Tamilnadu 1 Uttar Pradesh 3

Total 138 Total 28 Total 17 Elephants straying into human habitations: The incidences of elephants straying into human habitation has increased during the last few years. The reasons of elephants straying into human habitation are:

(i) Fragmentation and degradation of elephant habitats. (ii) Lack of sufficient food and water in their natural habitats. (iii) Change in the migratory paths due to disturbance/development (iv) Rapid expansion of human habitations and agriculture near elephant reserves and elephant habitats.

There is loss of life, property and damage to crops due to depredation by elephants and other wild animals in Chhattisgarh in 2017.

The management and protection of wild animals in the State/ Union Territory is carried out by the concerned State/Union Territory Governments. Details of wild animals venturing into human habitats reported during the last three years are not collated in the Ministry.

(Source: USQ No.2581 dated 1st August 2017, answered by Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri Kunwar Pushpendra Singh Chandel)

(Source: USQ No. 42 dated 17st July 2017, answered by Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri Ram Vichar Netam)

(Source: USQ No.843 dated 24st July 2017, answered by Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri A. Vijayakumar)

(Source: USQ No.853 dated 24st July 2017, answered by Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Dr. Kanwar Deep Singh)

(Source: SQ No.*158 dated 31st July 2017, answered by Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri Rajkumar Dhoot)

(Source: USQ No. 1955 dated 20st March 2017, answered by Shri Anil Madhav Dave, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri Narayan Lal Panchariya)

(Source: USQ No. 1322 dated 28th November 2016, answered by Shri Anil Madhav Dave, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri Narendra Kumar Swain)

(Source: SQ No.*154 dated 16th December 2013, answered by Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri N. Dharam Singh)

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ELEPHANT –TRAIN COLLISIONS (MORTALITY)

Reports of collisions of elephants with trains are received from states, from time to time.

Elephants Killed in Accidents: Thirty five elephants have been killed on railway tracks during last three years i.e. during 2014 to 2016 and five elephants have been killed during current year upto July 2017.

A number of measures have been taken by Railways in coordination with Ministry of Environment and Forest which include the following:

(i) Imposition of speed restrictions in identified locations. (ii) Provision of signage board (iii) Sensitization of Train Crew and Station Masters on a regular basis, (iv) Need based clearance of vegetation on the sides of the track within railway land (v) Construction of underpasses and ramps for the movement of elephants at identified locations and (vi) Provision of fencing at isolated locations.

The above measures have helped in controlling death of wild animals.

Elephant corridors have been identified by Indian Railways in coordination with Ministry of Environment and Forest. Speed restrictions on vulnerable sections, signage boards to pre-warn train drivers and whistle continuously to warn the elephants have also been provided wherever required. In most of the cases, Zonal Railways have conducted inquiry in the matter. However, in few cases, where elephants were killed on non identified Elephant corridors/ locations, and where no prior information was available with Railways from Forest Department, inquiries have not been conducted.

State-wise details of unnatural elephant deaths, including due to train accidents, for last seven years are.

ELEPHANT CASUALTIES IN TRAIN ACCIDENTS

State 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 Assam 5 5 7 1 3 3 West Bengal 12 3 4 13 3 5 Tamilnadu Information not received Jharkhand 1 1 1 1 0 0 Kerala 1 0 0 0 0 0 Odisha 0 2 11 1 0 1 Tripura 1 0 0 0 0 0 Uttarakhand 0 0 2 0 0 0 Uttar Pradesh 0 0 0 1 0 0 Total 20 11 25 17 6 9

TOTAL ELEPHANT MORTALITY FROM 2010-2014

State 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 Andhra Pradesh 2 0 0 1 2 Arunachal

0 0 0 0 Information not received Pradesh Assam 12 14 23 14 3 Chattisgarh 3 4 4 Information not received Jharkhand 2 4 4 4 0 Karnataka 20 15 14 5 15 Kerala 7 4 4 0 3 Maharashtra 0 0 0 0 0

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Meghalaya 1 4 9 6 4 Nagaland 0 0 0 0 0 Odisha 36 23 31 18 9 Tamilnadu Information not received Tripura 1 0 0 0 1 Uttar Pradesh 0 3 0 1 0 Uttarakhand 0 1 5 0 0 West Bengal 16 7 6 23 Information not received

Total 100 79 100 72 37

The Government has taken the following measures, to minimise accidental deaths of elephants due to train hits:

(i) Identification of vulnerable sections of railway tracks. (ii) Regular patrolling of vulnerable stretches of railway tracks by frontline forest staff and wildlife

watchers. (iii) Forming co-ordination committees of officers of Railways and SFDs. Exchange of

emails/telephone numbers of concerned officers. (iv) Sending letters, emails, SMS messages regarding presence of elephants near vulnerable railway

tracks. (v) Clearing of vegetation along railway tracks to allow unhindered and clear view of train drivers. (vi) Providing signage’s at suitable points to alert train drivers about elephant presence. (vii) Avoid dumping of food waste along railway track to avoid unnecessary congregation of elephants

and other wild animals near railway track. (viii) Moderating slopes for elevated sections of railway tracks so that elephants can negotiate these

easily. (ix) To provide under pass/over pass at selected places for safe passage of elephants. (x) Regulation of train speed from sunset to sunrise in vulnerable stretches. (xi) Sensitisation of staff of SFDs, Railways and local people. (xii) In order to develop specific strategies and for better coordination committees have been constituted

between Zonal Railway Offices and State Forest Departments.

Steps undertaken by the Government to reduce human animal conflicts are given below:

(i) Financial and technical assistance is provided to State/Union Territory Governments under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitat’, ‘Project Tiger’ and ‘Project Elephant’, augmenting their efforts for management of wildlife and their habitats.

(ii) Improvement of Protected Areas, Tiger Reserves and Elephant Reserves. (iii) Regular and extensive patrolling of forest areas and anti poaching measures by frontline filed staff

of the State Forest Departments. (iv) Trainings and awareness camps are organised regularly for local people for conservation of

wildlife. (v) Local communities are organised into Joint Forest Management Committees/Eco-development

Committees for protection of wildlife habitat, including elephant corridors. (vi) Habitat improvement and eco-restoration is taken up in critical areas of tiger reserve, elephant

reserves and corridors. While considering cases for clearance under Forest Conservation Act, 1980 falling in Elephant Corridors and Elephant Reserves, the matter is dealt as per rules and as per recommendations of Chief Wildlife Wardens of concerned States/UTs.

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The Government has taken the following measures, in consultation with Ministry of Railways and State Forest Departments, to prevent accidental deaths of elephants:

(i) A general advisory was issued jointly to all the railway zones and relevant states suggesting measures to prevent collision of trains with wild elephants. Some of the important recommendations are given below:

(a) Clearance of vegetation on the sides of railway tracks. (b) Underpasses/overpasses/girder bridges across vulnerable stretches of railway tracks to allow

safe passage elephants. (c) Signage boards to pre-warn the train drivers at selected points. (d) Sensitization programmes for Train Drivers/Guards/Station Masters. (e) Engagement of elephant trackers and communication with Station Masters. (f) To keep Railway tracks free from food wastes that attracts elephants.

(ii) A permanent coordination committee has been constituted jointly by the Ministry of Railways and the Ministry of Environment and Forests to share information and monitor the implementation of the advisory.

(iii) In order to develop specific strategies and Standard Operating Procedures and for better coordination committees have been constituted between Zonal Railway Offices and State Forest Departments.

(iv) Ministry of Railways has also been requested to regulate the speed of trains in identified vulnerable sections between sunset and sunrise.

(v) The coordination between local railway authorities and forest authorities at Central and State/Zonal levels have been effective. As a result of this elephant mortality due to train accidents has reduced to 6 in the year 2014- 15 as against 20 in 2010-11.

(Source: USQ No.3562 dated 3rd April 2017, answered by Shri Anil Madhav Dave, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri Harivansh)

(Source: USQ No.763 dated 7th February 2017, answered by Shri Anil Madhav Dave, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri Parvesh Sahib Singh)

(Source: USQ No.682 dated 19th July 2017, answered by Shri Rajesh Gohain, Minister of State in the Ministry of Railways. The question was raised by Shri Ram Charan Bohra)

(Source: SQ No.*125 dated 8th December 2015, answered by Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri C. Mahendran)

(Source: USQ No. 4543 dated 21st April 2015, answered by Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri R. P. Marutharajaa and Shri B.V. Naik)

(Source: USQ No. 4204 dated 7st August 2014, answered by Shri Manoj Sinha, Minister (state) for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri dharmendra Yadav)

(Source: USQ No. 3936 dated 6st August 2014, answered by Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri Nalin Kumar Kateel, Shri Prathap Simha, Dr. C. Gopalakrishnan, Shri Bidyut Baran Mahato &

Kumari Shobha Karandlage)

(Source: SQ No. *11 dated 5st December 2013, answered by Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, Minister of Railways. The question was raised by Mahendra Kumar Roy & Asaduddin Owaisi)

(Source: USQ No. 1746 dated 7st March 2013, answered by Shri Kotla Jaya Surya Prakash Reddy, Minister of State in the Ministry of Railways. The question was raised by Anandrao Vithoba Adsul)

(Source: SQ No.*268 dated 30st August 2012, answered by Shri Mukul Roy, Ministry of Railways. The question was raised by Maneka Sanjay Gandhi)

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ELEPHANT IN CAPTIVITY

The Central Government has issued guidelines for care and management of captive elephants in the country on 08.01.2003. These guidelines have laid down norms for transportation, housing, feed, veterinary care and other norms for care and management of captive elephants in the country.

The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and Guidelines for Welfare and Management of Captive Elephants dated 08.01.2008 issued by the Ministry, deals with provisions relating to captive elephants in the country. Complaints regarding illegal captive elephants and violation of provisions of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 are received from time to time and dealt as per law. Action on complaints about illegal captive elephants are taken through the Chief Wildlife Warden of the concerned State/UT.

Parading of Elephants: The Government is aware of observations of the Hon’ble Supreme Court on parading of elephants in religious ceremonies and festivals in the State of Kerala. At present there is no proposal to introduce a new legislation to regulate the engagement of elephants in religious ceremonies and festivals.

Shifting of Elephants from Zoos: Several Zoos have sought exemption from shifting of elephants from their Zoos. The details and reasons thereof are given in the table:

List of zoos who have submitted their request to exempt from transfer of Indian Elephants:-

Sl. No. Name of the Zoos No. of elephant

housed (M:F) Reasons therefore

1 Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 5:01

Claims to have biggest enclosure for elephants with good vegetation & water facilities & receives rescued and seized elephants regulary.

2 M. C. Zoological Park, Chhatbir, Punjab 2:04 Provided with large moated & open enclosure.

3 Sanjay Gandhi Zoological Park, Patna, Bihar 0:01 The elephant is suffering from arthritis

4 Veermata Jijabai Bhosle Udyan Zoo, Byculla, Mumbai, Maharashtra 0:02 Old age (50+), the elephants are kept free to roam in their

enclosure. Area of the enclosure is about 400 sq. mts.

5 Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 1:01

The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) & Chief Wildlife Warden, Kerala has requested to allow Maheshwari, an elderly albino elephant housed at the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, Thiruvananthapuram due to its old age (around 80 years) and its fragile health conditions.

6 National Zoological Park, New Delhi 1:01 Officials of Corbett Tiger Reserve had intimated that on health ground implementation of the transfer of elephants from National Zoological Park, Delhi is not feasible.

7 Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 1:00

The zoo has already transferred two nos. of elephants to elephant camp. However the zoo has submitted their request to retain one elephant due to erratic behavior.

8 Assam State Zoo, Guwahati, Assam 0:03

Chief Wildlife Warden, Assam has requested to allow to retain two young elephants and one mother which are housed in open area. The elephants are regularly taken for exercise & bathing. These young once are rescued and received in Zoo.

9 Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, Mysore (Zoo Authority of Karnataka, Mysore) Karnataka

5:05 The zoo claimed to have adequate space for housing which meets the biological needs of the animals and experienced keepers to handle the animals.

10 Dr. Shivaram Karanth Pilikula Biological Park, Mangalore, Karnataka 1:01 As the female elephant was pregnant and now is with

newly born baby.

The Central Zoo Authority has constituted a Committee comprising of four Members for appraisal of housing facilities provided in zoos with respect to elephants. The Committee had carried out field appraisal and submitted a report. Important recommendations of the Committee, inter-alia, are as follows:

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1. Central Zoo Authority upholds ban on zoos that lack space and appropriate environment for housing elephants.

2. Central Zoo Authority bans further intake of elephants (except elephants rescued from the wild, confiscated and old / abandoned / abused elephants, as mentioned in Central Zoo Authority guidelines on dealing with rescued animals).

3. Central Zoo Authority may permit some zoos to house elephants subject to the zoo’s willingness to provide increased area, a better environment, higher quality of welfare for elephants and comply with CZA guidelines and specific conditions laid down by Central Zoo Authority subcommittee for the housing of elephants.

Zoos that are able to provide large forested/vegetated environment, lakes or water body, adequate space and expert veterinary support may be considered by Central Zoo Authority for retention of elephants provided the above conditions are met with. The Central Zoo Authority has set up a three members Appraisal Committee comprising of experts on elephant, animal welfare and rescue and rehabilitation of wild animals to carry out evaluation of the housing facilities provided to the elephants in zoos, so that necessary decision can be taken on the issue of relocation of elephants from zoos to forest camp.

Tranquilizers for Elephants: No suggestions have been received from elephant darting experts on introduction of new tranquilizers. While darting problematic animals near crowded places, help is sought from concerned district administration, police and other agencies, for mob control. No new drugs have been introduced recently for tranquilization of elephant and other large animals. Tranquilizing drugs for large wild animals are not available in India and are to be imported. Director, Nandankanan Zoo, Bhubaneswar has been authorized to import in bulk the tranquilizing drugs and their antidotes, for use by state forest departments, within the country.

Animals falling prey to electric lines: With respect to Project Elephant Chief Wildlife Wardens have been requested to take up the issues with electricity departments to prevent sagging of electric transmission lines and maintenance to minimum ground clearance as per Rule 77 of Indian Electricity Rules, 1956.

Elephant Casualties by Electrocution from 2015-16 and 2016-17

S. No. State 2015-16 2016-17 (upto 9.2.2017) 1 Andhra Pradesh INR 2 Arunachal Pradesh 0 3 Assam 3 10 4 Chhattisgarh 5 3 5 Jharkhand 0 0 6 Karnataka 1 7 Kerala INR 8 Maharashtra 0 0 9 Meghalaya 0

10 Nagaland 0 11 Odisha 14 12 Tamil Nadu 7 13 Tripura 0 0 14 Uttar Pradesh INR 15 Uttarakhand INR 16 West Bengal 15 8

Total 45 21

*INR = Information Not Received.

Elephant tusk trade racket: As per information received from the Government of Andhra Pradesh, two elephant tusks were stolen on 14.02.2017 from Narayanapuram Beat Office under Chittoor Forest Division. An FIR has been registered on 19.02.2017. The culprit has been arrested and elephant tusks have been recovered. These are presently under custody of the Court. State governments recognise such work in

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accordance with their policy for reward and recommendation. Seized animal articles are kept in strong rooms observing all due procedures and formalities. Instructions have been issued to Ananthapuramu and Chittoor Forest Divisions to strengthen measures to prevent recurrence of such instances in future. Animals in drought affected forests: Conservation and management of wildlife and its habitats is the mandate of the state concerned. Central Government provides financial assistance to State/Union Territory Governments under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes of 'Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats', 'Project Tiger' and ’Project Elephant' for activities inter-alia soil moisture conservation activities like gully plugging, contour bunding, staggered trenches etc.; water augmenting activities like creation of water harvesting /retention structures like bunds, tanks, check dams, well, ponds stream etc. for augmenting their efforts for management of wildlife and their habitats. State-wise details of financial assistance released under these Centrally Sponsored Schemes during the last three years for various activities including the above is given in the table: Details of funds released to State Governments under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘Project Elephant’ during last three years

Sl. No State/UTs 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16

1 Andhra Pradesh - 13.523 - 2 Arunachal Pr. 83.48 97.714 61.206 3 Assam 173 236.664 - 4 Chhattisgarh 49.622 43.7456 21.91 5 Jharkhand 95.655 88.4256 53.453 6 Karnataka 325.412 225.319 181.054 7 Kerala 252.9 236.72 204.54 8 Maharashtra 18.682 38.202 8.062 9 Meghalaya 101 118.838 81.387 10 Nagaland 21.75 44.8132 15.44 11 Orissa 257.6 153.35 105.63 12 Tamil Nadu 211 251.208 160.533 13 Tripura 9.766 6.03 26.10932 14 Uttar Pradesh - 5.16 15.33 15 Uttarakhand 115.068 103.908 82.61 16 West Bengal 97.626 103.814 105.174 17 Haryana 30.97 - 10 18 Bihar - - 3.008

Total 1843.53 1767.434 1135.4463

(Source: USQ No.860 dated 24th August 2017, answered by Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri Ranjib Biswal)

(Source: USQ No.4194 dated 10th April 2017, answered by Shri Anil Madhav Dave, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri Bhupender Yadav)

(Source: USQ No.41 dated 18th July 2016, answered by Shri Anil Madhav Dave, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Dr. R. Lakshmanan)

(Source: USQ No.3732 dated 9th August 2016, answered by Shri Anil Madhav Dave, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Dr. C. Gopalakrishnan)

(Source: USQ No.269 dated 26th April 2016, answered by Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri Malyadri Sriram)

(Source: USQ No.1652 dated 9th May 2016, answered by Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shrimati Jharna Das Baidya)

(Source: USQ No.2783 dated 15th March 2016, answered by Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri Ram Charitra Nishad)

(Source: USQ No.3734 dated 22nd December 2015, answered by Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Dr Shashi Tharoor)

(Source: USQ No.478 dated 26nd November 2014, answered by Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri J.C. Divakar Reddy)

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(Source: SQ No.*477 dated 29nd April 2013, answered by Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri Kapil Muni Karwariya)

(Source: USQ No.506 dated 13nd August 2012, answered by Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri Suresh Kumar Shetkar)

ELEPHANT MENACE

Reports of damage to properties and crops as well as loss of human lives by elephants and other wild animals are received from various parts of the country, from time to time. The compensation to victims of wildlife depredation in case of loss of crops and properties, is as per official assessment of the damage caused. An ex-gratia amount of Rs. two lakhs is paid by Central Government in case of human deaths. Reports of damage caused by elephant are received from various part of country, including Karnataka. Rise in the number of such incidents is due to fragmentation of forests and increased in human population.

Reports of elephants from Nepal entering into the bordering areas of Supaul District (Basantpur Block) of Bihar have been received. The elephants strayed from Nepal after a shortwhile returned to Nepal. There have been no reports of any damage to humans or property. The Divisional Forest Officer, Saharsa has taken up the matter with the concerned officials of Nepal. Patrolling is being done for this purpose.

In 2013, Wild elephants have caused human loss & injury and also damaged properties in Chhattisgarh State including Sarguja, Korba and Jashpur District. MoEF, GOI vide its letter No. 2-13/2002-PE dated 05-10-2007 accorded sanction for creation of two elephant reserves in Chhattisgarh namely

(i) Badalkhol-Manora & Tamorpingla and (ii) Lemru Elephant Reserve. Sarguja-Jashpur Elephant Reserve has been notified by Chhattisgarh

State Government on 15-09-2011.

State-wise details of damage due to elephant depredation during the last three years are given below in the table.

HUMAN DEATHS CAUSED BY ELEPHANTS

Sl. No. 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 Andhra Pradesh 1 2 2 0 2

Arunachal Pradesh 0 7 1 1 Information not received from state

Assam 79 87 54 31 69 Chhattisgarh 22 23 32 59 67 Jharkhand 60 56 53 66 42 Karnataka 37 33 38 47 49 Kerala 13 7 20 Information not received from state Maharashtra 0 0 3 0 0

Meghalaya 1 10 3 9 Information not received from state

Nagaland 0 0 1 1 1 Odisha 83 67 64 63 62 Tamil Nadu 50 52 31 47 43 Tripura 0 0 1 0 2 Uttar Pradesh 0 Information not received from state

Uttarakhand 7 Information not received from state 7 7 4

West Bengal 69 69 89 112 82 TOTAL 422 413 414 443 423

The data in respect of other wildlife is not maintained in the Ministry

(a) There is no proposal at present to revise the rate of compensation being paid to victims of wildlife depredation.

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(b) Steps undertaken by the Government to check the menace caused by wild animals are given below:


(ii) Improvement of Protected Areas, Tiger Reserves and Elephant Reserves. (iii) Regular and extensive patrolling of forest areas and anti poaching measures by frontline filed

staff of the State Forest Departments. (iv) Trainings and awareness camps are organised regularly for local people for conservation of

wildlife. (v) Local communities are organised into Joint Forest Management Committees/Eco-development

Committees for protection of wildlife habitat, including elephant corridors. (vi) Habitat improvement and eco-restoration is taken up in critical areas of tiger reserve, elephant

reserves and corridors.

The details of compensation paid to the victims of elephant depredation for last three years are given below:

Years Compensation paid for human depredation

caused by elephants (Amount Rs. In Lakhs)

Compensation paid for crop and property depredation caused by elephants

(Amount Rs. In Lakhs) 2014-15 923.27 4249.17 2015-16 1144.63 3933.93 2016-17 893.91 2784.88

(Source: USQ No.3543 dated 8th August 2017, answered by Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri D.K. Suresh)

(Source: USQ No.2982 dated 15th March 2016, answered by Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri Saumitra Khan, Shri Laxman Giluwa and Shri Ram Tahal Choudhary)

(Source: USQ No.5350 dated 29th April 2013, answered by Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shri Vishwa Mohan Kumar)

(Source: USQ No.2096 dated 11th March 2013, answered by Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The question was raised by Shrimati Kamla Devi Patle)

PRESS INFORMATON BUREAU HIGHLIGHTS ON ELEPHANT CONSERVATION IN INDIA

Environment Minister attends World Wildlife Day Celebrations at National Zoological Park Ministry of Environment and Forests 03-March, 2017

Emphasising that India has always been at the forefront of conservation of wildlife, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Anil Madhav Dave, said that common people too had been protecting the forests and wildlife even before India got its independence. Addressing the World Wildlife Day celebrations at the National Zoological Park here today, Shri Dave said that the number of lions in Gir stands at 522. “India has the highest number of tigers in the world and other species such as one-horned rhinoceros. Conservation of wildlife is our collective responsibility and duty”, the Minister added. He also urged the gathering to fight all obstacles to wildlife conservation.

Earlier, a symbolic ceremonial burning of the seized wildlife articles was organized at the National Zoological Park to mark the occasion. Some of the articles incinerated include – 100 leopard skin, 5 tiger skin, 2 lion skin, 1451 snakes skin, 10 elephant tusks and 30 kg tiger bones. The articles will continue to burn for three days. A committee has been formed to oversee the burning. State Governments have also been requested to organize inviolable programmes, including symbolic incineration of seized wildlife articles on the occasion. The theme for this year’s celebration of World Wildlife Day is “Listen to the Young Voices”.

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The Government has been providing financial assistance to State Governments to supplement their share for the purpose of habitat improvement and conservation of wildlife. Some of the assistance is through dedicated “Projects”, namely, Project Tiger and Project Elephant. The budgetary allocation for wildlife conservation has been enhanced from Rs. 346.38 crore in 2015-16, Rs. 475 crore in 2016-17 and Rs. 522.50 crore for 2017-18.

Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change, in association with Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, National Zoological Park, National Museum of Natural History, Environmental Information System (ENVIS), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), TRAFFIC, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI) and Sulabh International organised various competitions for school/ college students including ‘Divyang’ students at the National Zoological Park. Films on different aspects of wildlife conservation and illegal trade are also being screened since February 27, 2017 at the Indira Paryavaran Bhawan, Jor Bagh, New Delhi, for school students to raise awareness among them regarding the importance of wildlife conservation.

India is renowned for the conservation of animals and birds. Wildlife is an integral part of our life. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is the nodal agency in the administrative structure of the Central Government for the planning, promotion, co-ordination and overseeing the implementation of India's environmental and forestry policies and programmes. Not only the animals and birds, forests are also worshipped in the form of ‘Sacred Groves’. Several communities like Bishnois of Rajasthan, the Maldhari communities of Gir in Gujarat have contributed immensely towards the conservation and protection of wildlife. The exemplary role played by the millions of people residing in the vicinity of forests is laudable and has resulted in increased populations of endangered animals like tigers, elephants, rhinos and other species.

Charge d’Affaires, US Embassy, Ms. Mary Kay Carlson, Additional Director General, MoEF&CC, Dr. Anil Kumar, officers of MoEF&CC, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) and students from Delhi schools were also present on the occasion.

http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=158828

“OPERATION THUNDERBIRD” and “OPERATION SAVE KURMA” Result in huge seizures throughout the Country Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change 02-March, 2017

In a major success in the fight against wildlife crime, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, coordinated “OPERATION THUNDER BIRD” in India, from January 30-February 19, 2017. Operation Thunderbird is the code-name for INTERPOL’s multi-national and multi-species enforcement operation

A total of 2, 524 Live species of scheduled animals, 19.2 kg of elephant ivory, 1 tiger skin, 9 carcasses of wild animals, 1 organ pipe coral, 1 jar snake venom, 8 leopard skins and 1 Indian Mujtac skin was seized. The operation brought about a unanimous approach by the state enforcement agencies in the fight against wildlife crime in the country. 71 persons were arrested during the operation, which saw an overwhelming response from the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Maharashtra, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Uttrakhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.


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Preceding this operation, WCCB had convened a species specific operation on turtles, code named OPERATION SAVE KURMA” from December 15 last year to January 30, this year. A total of 15, 739 live turtles were recovered from 45 suspects, having inter-state linkages. The operation brought about an awareness among the enforcement agencies to focus on the existing trade routes and major trade hubs in the country, which will be specifically focused in future.


2016: At A Glance Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change 30-December, 2016

Environment Minister sought a detailed report on elephant deaths, directed authorities to take steps for conservation of elephants. Ministry initiated steps to prepare a Regional Landscape Plan for the conservation of elephants in the East Central Elephant Landscape.


Environment Minister Seeks Detailed Report on Elephant Deaths, Directs Authorities to take Steps for Conservation of Elephants Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change 27-August, 2016

The Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Anil Madhav Dave, has sought a detailed report on the train accident in Bishnupur area of West Bengal yesterday, in which three elephants were killed. Shri Dave has asked all concerned local authorities to ascertain the exact reasons behind the train accident. The Environment Minister has also directed State Forest Department officials to discuss the issue with Railways authorities and put in place appropriate measures for the conservation of elephants.

The Environment Ministry has initiated steps to prepare a Regional Landscape Plan for the conservation of elephants in the East Central Elephant Landscape, comprising the states of West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand and other elephant areas.

The West Bengal Forest Department has also prepared a three-year action plan for controlling human-elephant conflict in South Bengal. The State Forest Department will send SMS alerts to Railway authorities on the movement of elephants near railway tracks to prevent accidents. State Forest Department officials will also hold a meeting with Railway authorities today, following yesterday’s train accident in Bishnpur area of West Bengal.





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‘Be Sensitive Towards Wild Animals and Elephants’: Anil Dave Environment Minister Inaugurates World Elephant Day Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change 12-August, 2016

The Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Anil Madhav Dave, has urged the students to be sensitive towards wild animals and the elephant, in particular. Addressing a gathering of school students on the occasion of World Elephant Day here today, Shri Dave said that sensitivity has been a hallmark of the Indian civilization. He added that students must shun use of ivory products and other products made from animals’ skin.

The Environment Minister said that like all animals, the elephant teaches us several lessons. He pointed out that elephant’s trunk is extremely sensitive and teaches all of us to be sensitive. The Minister added that while the trunk of an elephant is extremely sensitive and can even lift a needle and on the other hand has the strength to lift heavy logs of wood. “The elephant has an extremely sharp memory. Similarly, students also must be able to fully memorise a line or a chapter from a book”, the Environment Minister told the students. Shri Dave said that an elephant is one of the five most intelligent animals.

The Minister also administered a pledge to the school students on the occasion. The students joined hands for elephant conservation and also undertook a conservation march. The school students also participated in a slogan-writing competition and a quiz competition were also organised.


Endangered Species Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change 09-August, 2016

The Government has established a Protected Area (PA) Network (730 PAs including 103 National Parks, 535 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 26 Community Reserves, and 66 Conservation Reserves in different biogeographic regions) towards conservation of threatened (including endangered and vulnerable) species, which primarily covers habitats of threatened megafauna, such as tiger, rhino, elephant, etc.

http://pib.nic.in/newsite/mbErel.aspx?relid=148581

Death of Elephants on Train Tracks and Electric Fencing Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change 18-July, 2016

Reports of elephant mortalities, due to train accidents and electrocution, are received from States from time to time. Some of the steps taken to prevent elephant mortalities due to train accidents and electrocution are given below:

(i) A general advisory was issued jointly to all the railway zones and relevant States Governments suggesting measures to prevent collision of trains with wild elephants. Some of the important recommendations are given below:

(a) Clearance of vegetation on the sides of railway tracks. (b) Underpasses/overpasses/girder bridges across vulnerable stretches of railway tracks to allow

safe passage elephants. (c) Signage boards at selected points to alert train drivers. (d) Sensitization programmes for Train Drivers/Guards/Station Masters. (e) Engagement of elephant trackers and communication with Station Masters. (f) To keep Railway tracks free from food wastes, that attracts elephants.


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(v) Chief Wildlife Wardens has been requested to take up the issue with electricity departments to prevent sagging of electric transmission lines and maintenance to minimum ground clearance as per rules.

(vi) Financial and technical assistance is provided to elephant range states under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘Project Elephant’ for conservation and management of elephants.

(vii) Twenty nine Elephant Reserves have been notified in 14 States for conservation of elephants.

(viii) Elephant is included under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, to provide it highest degree of legal protection.

(ix) Improvement of elephant habitat, including Elephant Reserves and Corridors is carried out regularly.

(a) There is no proposal at present with the Government to formulate the policy to prevent elephant deaths due to train accidents and electrocution.

(b) Advisories have been issued to concerned agencies; consequently elephant deaths due to train accidents and electrocution have reduced significantly.

This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Anil Madhav Dave, in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.


Solution to Hardships of Human Beings and Wild Animals Ministry of Environment and Forests 06-August, 2015

Estimates of population of major wild animals indicate that there has been an increase in number of animals. The number of Asiatic lions has increased from 304 in 1995 to 523 in 2015, Tiger has increased from 1411 in 2006 to 2226 in 2014 and the Elephants from 25569 in 1993 to 29391-30711 in 2012.

Incidences of loss of human lives and damage to crops by wild animals are reported in various parts of the country from time to time. As such data of such incidents are not collated in the Ministry. However, the reports received from the States in National Tiger Conservation Authority and Project Elephant indicate the following data on human death due to Tiger and Elephant.

Year Tiger Elephant 2012-13 22 371 2013-14 24 335 2014-15 26 63

Current Year Not available Not available

Degradation of the habitat including, depletion of water and food availability is considered some of the reasons for wild animals to come out of its natural habitat.


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Wildlife management primarily focuses on improvement of habitats of wild animals by augmenting the availability of food and water in forest areas to reduce the entry of animals from forests to habitations.

The Central Government provides financial assistance to State/Union Territory Governments under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes of 'Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats', 'Project Tiger' and ’Project Elephant', for augmenting their efforts for management of wildlife and their habitats.

The assistance is also provided to the States for payment of ex-gratia relief, management of wildlife conflict situations and construction/erection of physical barriers, such as barbed wire fence, solar powered electric fence, bio-fencing, boundary walls etc. wherever feasible. In many parts of the country, anti-depredation squads have also been set up to drive away problematic animals.

Keeping in view the losses to crops inflicted by the wild animals, this Ministry, on 24th December, 2014 issued an advisory to the States highlighting the legal provisions under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 to deal with the human-wildlife conflict situations. Vide this advisory, Ministry has also sought proposals from State/Union Territory Governments, after objective assessment of the situation with details of the areas in which notification under section 62 of the Act, declaring any wild animals as vermin for specified period, could be helpful in management of conflict. The same advisory has also been sent to the Chief Minister’s and Environment and Forest Minister’s of all the States/Union Territory Governments and also to all the Council of Minister’s in the Government of India.

Further, Ministry has also issued a detailed advisory on 1st June, 2015 to the State/Union Territory Governments regarding the priority actions for management of human wildlife conflict. The State/UT Governments have been requested to institute a ‘Human Wildlife Management Strategy’ along with other suggested measures for the proper management and prevention of human wildlife conflict situations.

This information was given by Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Prakash Javadekar, in Rajya Sabha.


Special Programme for Recovery of Critically Endangered Species Ministry of Environment and Forests 08-August, 2013

This Ministry provides financial and technical assistance to the State/Union Territory Governments for protection and conservation of wildlife life and its habitats under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats’, which inter alia includes a component “Recovery Programmes for Critically Endangered Species”. . This was stated by Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests, in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.

The Minister further stated that an amount of Rs. 2280.278 lakh has been released for recovery programme of eight critically endangered species including Snow Leopard, Hangul, Dugongs, Edible-nest Swiftlets, Asian Wild Buffalo, Manipur Brow-antlered deer, Vultures and Asiatic Lion as per the proposals received from various State/Union Territory Governments during the last five years.

The steps taken by the Government for conservation of endangered species of wild flora and fauna including in the country include:

i. Legal protection has been provided to wild animals against hunting and commercial exploitation under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

ii. The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 has been amended and made more stringent. The punishment for offences under the Act have been enhanced. The Act also provides for forfeiture of any equipment, vehicle or weapon that is used for committing wildlife offence(s).


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iii. Protected Areas, viz., National Parks, Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves covering important wildlife habitats have been created all over the country under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 to conserve wild animals and their habitats.

iv. The Government had launched two programmes, namely, Project Tiger and Project Elephant aimed at protection of endangered species with specific focus on tigers and elephants respectively. As a result of the efforts made in these two programmes, tiger population in the country has shown increasing trend and elephant population has remained steady during last few years.

v. Financial and technical assistance is provided to the State/ Union Territory Governments under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes of ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats', ‘Project Tiger’ and ‘Project Elephant’ for providing better protection to wildlife, and improvement of its habitat.

vi. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been empowered under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 to apprehend and prosecute wildlife offenders.

vii. The State/Union Territory Governments have been requested to strengthen the field formations and intensify patrolling in and around the Protected Areas.

viii. The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau has been set up to strengthen the enforcement of law for control of poaching and illegal trade in wildlife and its products.

ix. Strict vigil is maintained by the officials of State Departments of Forests and Wildlife. http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=97914

Protection of Elephants Ministry of Environment and Forests 22-April, 2013

As per the last census (2007), the number of estimated population of elephants in the country are in the range of 27669-27719 (Average 27,694). This was stated by Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today. The details, state wise, are given below:-

Population of wild elephants as reported by States

REGION STATE ELEPHANT POPULATION

1993 1997 2002 2007

North-East

Arunachal Pradesh 2102 1800 1607 1690 Assam 5524 5312 5246 5281 Meghalaya 2872 1840 1868 1811 Nagaland 178 158 145 152 Mizoram 15 22 33 12 Manipur 50 30 12 - Tripura 100 70 40 59 West Bengal (North) 186 250 292 300-350

Total for North-East 11027 9482 9243 9305-9355

East

West Bengal (South) 14 26 36 25 Jharkhand 550 618 772 624 Orissa 1750 1800 1841 1862 Chhattisgarh - - - 122

Total for East 2314 2444 2649 2633 North Uttarakhand 828 1130 1582 1346 Uttar Pradesh 47 70 85 380

Total for North 875 1200 1667 1726 South Tamil Nadu 2307 2971 3052 3867 Karnataka 5500 6088 5838 4035


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Kerala 3500 3600 3850 6068 Andhra Pradesh 46 57 74 28 Maharashtra - - - 7

Total for South 11353 12716 12814 14005 GRAND TOTAL 25569 25842 26373 27669-27719

There have been no reports of killing of elephants for ivory with the indirect help of forest officials. Many initiatives have been taken by states such as forming committees at the village level for protection of elephants by involving local communities, watch tower and solar fencing for better protection and management of elephants, the Minister added.

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Steps Taken for Protection of Endangered Species Ministry of Environment and Forests 11-April, 2013 The Government has taken several steps for protection of endangered species of wild animals in the country, which are as following:-

i. Legal protection has been provided to wild animals against hunting and commercial exploitation under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

ii. The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 has been amended and made more stringent. The punishment for offences under the Act have been enhanced. The Act also provides for forfeiture of any equipment, vehicle or weapon that is used for committing wildlife offence(s).

iii. Protected Areas, viz., National Parks, Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves covering important wildlife habitats have been created all over the country under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 to conserve wild animals and their habitats.

iv. Financial and technical assistance is provided to the State/ Union Territory Governments under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes of ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats', ‘Project Tiger’ and ‘Project Elephant’ for providing better protection to wildlife, and improvement of its habitat.

v. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been empowered under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 to apprehend and prosecute wildlife offenders.

vi. The State/Union Territory Governments have been requested to strengthen the field formations and intensify patrolling in and around the Protected Areas.

vii. The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau has been set up to strengthen the enforcement of law for control of poaching and illegal trade in wildlife and its products.

viii. Strict vigil is maintained by the officials of State Departments of Forests and Wildlife.

The periodic assessments carried out in respect of prioritized species, rhinoceros and lion, have indicated improvement in their population status.

The Ministry of Environment & Forests also provides financial assistance to State Governments for undertaking “Recovery Programmes for saving critically endangered species” as a component of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats’. Budget is not allocated separately for this component. At present, sixteen species have been prioritized for taking up such recovery programmes which include Snow Leopard, Bustards (including Floricans), River Dolphin, Hangul, Nilgiri Tahr, Marine Turtles, Dugongs and coral reefs, Edible-nest Swiftlets, Asian Wild Buffalo, Nicobar Megapode, Manipur Brow-antlered deer, Vultures, Malabar civet, the great one-horned rhinoceros, Asiatic Lion, Swamp deer and Jerdon’s Courser.


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Under the component “Recovery Programmes for Saving Critically Endangered Species” of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme “Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats” (CSS-IDWH) financial assistance has been provided for eight critically endangered species including Snow Leopard, Hangul, Dugongs, Edible-nest Swiftlets, Asian Wild Buffalo, Manipur Brow-antlered deer, Vultures and Asiatic Lion as per the proposals received from various State/Union Territory Governments. The details of financial assistance released to the State/Union Territory Governments for undertaking Recovery Programmes for saving critically endangered species under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme “Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats” during the last three years are as follows:

Year Amount released (Rs. in lakhs)

2009-10 72.95

2010-11 858.593

2011-12 788.317

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Environment and Forests Minister Reviews Recent Elephant Deaths due to Collision with Trains in Odisha and West Bengal Ministry of Environment and Forests 08-January, 2013

Minister of State Environment and Forests (I/C) Smt. Jayanthi Natarajan today chaired an urgent meeting of a Coordination Committee of officials from the Railway Ministry and the Ministry of Environment and Forests. The Railway officials included Member of the Railway Board, Shri Srivastava, Director, Shri R. Gopalakrishnan, and Executive Director Shri Behra. Environment and Forest Secretary Shri Rajagopalan, ADG Wildlife Shri Garbyal and others were present. The Minister reviewed the recent deaths of elephants due to collision with trains in Ganjam District of Odisha, and in West Bengal. She stated that the Orissa incident was particularly tragic and violent, as it involved the death of five elephants including a pregnant female with foetus. She also emphasized the urgent imperative to prevent such terrible accidents from happening in the future.

The Minister stressed that such accidents not only pose a grave danger to the passengers in the train, but are also a severe danger to wildlife, and to the conservation of our national heritage animal, the elephant. She stressed that it was the duty of every citizen to preserve, protect and nourish our wildlife heritage, particularly since these animals are helpless in facing the challenge of biotic pressure. She requested the cooperation of railway officials in ensuring that speeding trains do not pose a threat to wild life, especially in vulnerable patches, which have already been identified as wild life crossing spots.

The following decisions were taken at the meeting.

1. Railway officials would reiterate and disseminate once again the advisory dated 30th March, 2010 which had been issued earlier, wherein vulnerable patches for wildlife would be identified, and signage put up to warn train drivers and other railway personnel, thick vegetation growing along both sides of the track which pose a hazard would be removed by the railways, attendants working in pantry cars on the trains would be directed not to throw food stuff out on the track, which may attract wild life, and above all, that trains should slow down at designated, identified vulnerable patches, in order to avoid death of wild life. Thus it was decided that the earlier advisory would be circulated once again, and directions given to railway officials to follow the guidelines.

2. The Minister also took a decision to start a pilot scheme to electronically tag all elephants particularly in high traffic areas, so that wildlife and forest personnel could keep track of their movements, and warn railway officials well in time to enable them to avoid accident. Often the time lag between

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spotting of the elephant, and the information reaching the driver of the train was too little to enable effective action to prevent accidents. Once elephants are electronically tagged, forest personnel could track their movements, and keep them from harm.

3. It was decided to update the list of well known vulnerable patches for wild life, and convey these to the Railways to enable them to give directions for trains to slow down their speed in these patches in the normal course. Railway officials emphasized that this could be done only for very small stretches, as generally slowing down of trains would be very unviable both in terms of traffic management and economic implications. Nevertheless, the Minister requested that in the interests of conservation of wildlife, railways should take serious note of wildlife issues, as even the Constitution mandated the preservation of our precious wildlife, and factor this into their work plan.

4. A further decision was taken at the meeting, that in prominent wildlife areas, or wherever considered necessary or feasible, forest officials could be posted at Railway control rooms to coordinate with, and keep railway staff informed regarding the movement of wild life, particularly elephants, to enable railway authorities to take preventive action, well in advance. Railway staff are equipped with walkie talkies, and the control room should be in constant touch with them in this regard.

5. The Minister requested the railway authorities to issue strict instructions to all field personnel, emphasizing the importance of the protection and conservation of wild life, in this case, elephants.

6. Finally, it was decided that coordination between MoEF and Railways would continue, and all efforts would be taken to ensure the safety of wild life.

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Protection of Animals at Kaziranga National Park Ministry of Environment and Forests 21-August, 2012

Mortality of wild animals due to flood has been reported during the year only in the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve (Assam), which includes the Kaziranga National Park. As reported by the State, a total of 631 animal deaths have occurred in Kaziranga due to high floods during June-July, 2012, and the details are as follows:

Flood is a recurring natural phenomenon in Kaziranga which creates a variety of habitats suitable for different species. Under the ongoing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Project Tiger, funding support is provided to the reserve, which, interalia, includes flood mitigation measures. The current floods brought in much more water than the ecological requirement of the floodplain habitat, resulting in mortality of wild animals as well as damage to physical infrastructure like roads, anti-poaching camps, artificial high grounds etc. During similar high floods of 1988 and 1998 in the said area, mortality of 1203 and 652 wild animals respectively, was recorded by the State.

Advisories/guidelines have been issued to States, including Assam, under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Project Tiger, vis-à-vis the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 to protect/conserve the habitat from various decimating factors, like encroachment, ecologically unsustainable land use and poaching. Further, the State of Assam has also been advised to propose the Karbi-Anglong Wildlife Sanctuary as a tiger reserve with a view to improve its conservation status.

The above information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.


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Ministry of Environment and Forests Reviews Flood Situation in Kaziranga Tiger Reserve Ministry of Environment and Forests 09-July, 2012

The Ministry of Environment and Forests reviewed flood situation in Kaziranga Tiger Reserve of Assam. The Kaziranga Tiger Reserve has an area of 1033 sq.km., which includes the Kaziranga National Park (859 sq.km.), Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary (44 sq.km.) and Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary (70 sq.km.). The reserve is located in Nagaon, Golaghat and Sonitpur District of Assam and is bounded by the Brahmaputra, and to the South of the Karbi Anglong Wildlife Sanctuary. The National Highway 37 separates the reserve from the said Sanctuary.

Being located in the Brahmaputra Flood Plains, the reserve is prone to annual floods. However, the normal flood inundation is inherent and important aspect of the Kaziranga ecosystem to maintain the large number of water bodies (around 175) and the floral/faunal biodiversity of the area.

Dr. M. Firoz Ahmad, Member, NTCA (National Tiger Conservation Authority) was asked to make a spot appraisal of Kaziranga in the wake of recent floods. The wild animal deaths based on the said report are as below:

Species Number of death Total population % death Buffalo 1 - - Jackle 1 - - Elephant 2 1165 0.17 Hogbadger 2 - - Python 2 - - Porcupine 5 - - Swamp deer 10 1169 0.86 Sambar 15 - - Rhino 17 2290 0.74 Wild boar 28 Hog deer 512 40000 1.28

Total 595 - -

As per the report, most of the Rhino deaths were from the older age group, besides calves. However, three of them have been poached. The hog deer mortality, in particular has been reported very high (512). The report has highlighted the need for relieving the corridor areas from human pressure and avoiding change in land use pattern.

The park management has deployed patrolling staff for the protection of wild animals along the highways by creating barriers alongwith 24x7 surveillance. The staff of Karbi Anglong Sanctuary was also co-opted to strengthen protection in the area. Besides to safeguard wild animals from drowning in floods, artificial mounds / bunds have also been created at various places. Wild animals are also rescued through boats. Under the ongoing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Project Tiger, funding support is provided to the State for such protection initiatives. During the last financial year, an amount of Rs. 4.27 crores of central assistance was released to Kaziranga under Project Tiger, this inter alia, includes creation of a large number of patrolling camps within the reserve, besides other protection measures. An alternate alignment has been agreed upon for diverting / widening the NH-37. However, since the said highway is in use, the NHAI would be approached for providing flyovers at vantage points for the traffic. This would prevent road hits, while providing safe passage for wild animals from beneath.

Earlier, the State has been requested to declare the adjoining Karbi Anglong Wildlife Sanctuary as a Tiger Reserve to enable adequate protection with Project Tiger assistance. This would be reiterated for expediting the same. The Member Secretary, NTCA would be visiting the reserve alongwith his team for spot appraisal / review, to strengthen the efforts by assisting the State. During normal floods, which are recurring feature,

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there is less mortality of wild animals. However, flash floods do occur due to breaches in the upper areas of Brahmaputra, which result in increased deaths of wild animals. During 1998, a similar flood situation occurred in Kaziranga resulting a large number of wild animal deaths in the area.



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Delhi

Lakshadweep

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Haryana

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ELEPHANT RESERVE & REGIONINDIA±

(Map prepared by IGCMC, WWF-India) (Data Source: Project Elephant, MOEF & CC, India)

Legend

RegionÅ Elephant Reserve

North

South

East

North- East

Andaman & Nikobar

Rajasthan

Gujarat

Maharashtra Orissa

Madhya Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh

Karnataka

Bihar

Jammu & Kashmir

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Chha

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Punjab

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Kerala

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Arunachal Pradesh

Manipur

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Nagaland

Tripura

Sikkim

Goa

Delhi

Lakshadweep

Daman & Diu

Haryana

HimachalPradesh

Meghalaya

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212

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16905281

152

ELEPHANT POPULATION OF INDIA(YEAR 2007 & 2012)±

(Map prepared by IGCMC, WWF-India) (Data Source: Project Elephant, MOEF & CC, India)

LegendElephant Population

Year 2007

Year 2012

Year-wise compilation of Questions/Answers and Statements from the Lok Sabha during the year 2012-2017

(Information as on 8th August, 2017)

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3543 TO BE ANSWERED ON 08.08.2017

Elephant Menace

3543. SHRI D.K. SURESH: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is aware of the rise in incidents of elephant menace in the country including Karnataka in the recent years and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government has made any assessment of the losses incurred due to elephant raids on standing crops, human settlements etc.;

(c) if so, the details of the loss of standing crops and human casualties during each of the last three years, State-wise;

(d) whether the Government has paid any compensation to the affected families; (e) if so, the details thereof during the said period; and (f) whether the Government has any proposal to prevent elephant menace by installing solar

fencing and using state-of-the-art technology and if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

(DR. HARSH VARDHAN)

(a) Yes Sir, reports of damage caused by elephant are received from various part of country, including Karnataka. Rise in the number of such incidents is due to fragmentation of forests and increased in human population. Number of people killed, State-wise, due to elephant attacks is given at Annexure.

(b)&(c) No, scientific, country wide, study has been carried out to assess losses incurred by

elephant raids on crops and human settlements. (d)&(e) Yes Sir, the details of compensation paid to the victims of elephant depredation for

last three years are given below: Years Compensation paid for human

depredation caused by elephants (Amount Rs. In Lakhs)

Compensation paid for crop and property depredation caused by elephants (Amount Rs. In Lakhs)

2014-15 923.27 4249.17 2015-16 1144.63 3933.93 2016-17 893.91 2784.88

(f) Yes Sir, following steps are taken by the Government to minimize the impacts of elephant depredation:

(i) Financial and technical assistance is provided to elephant range states under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes ‘Project Elephant’.

(ii) Elephant range States notify the critical elephant habitats as “Elephant Reserves” for better management of wild elephants. So far 29 Elephant Reserves have been established in 14 States

(iii) Elephant is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, to provide it highest degree of legal protection.

(iv) Solar powered fencing and elephant proof trenches are used to prevent elephant menace.

(v) The latest technologies such as WhatsApp, SMS based alert system, use of Radio Collaring of elephant etc. are used to minimise elephant depredation.

(vi) Improvement of National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuary, Critical habitat, including Elephant Reserves and Corridors is carried out regularly.

(vii) Use of used rails to create elephant proof barrier.

********

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED

QUESTION NO. 3543 RAISED BY SHRI D.K. SURESH REGARDING ‘ELEPHANT MENACE’

DUE FOR REPLY ON 08.08.2017.

DETAILS OF HUMAN DEATHS DUE TO ELEPHANT ATTACKS

S.No. State 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 1 Andhra Pradesh 2 0 2

2 Arunachal Pradesh 1 1 Information not received

3 Assam 54 31 69 4 Chhattisgarh 32 59 67 5 Jharkhand 53 66 42 6 Karnataka 53 47 49 7 Kerala 20 Information

not received Information not

received 8 Maharashtra 3 0 0 9 Meghalaya 3 9 Information not

received 10 Nagaland 1 1 1 11 Odisha 64 63 62 12 Tamil Nadu 31 47 43

13 Tripura 1 0 2 14 Uttar Pradesh Information not

received Information not received

Information not received

15 Uttarakhand 7 7 4 16 West Bengal 89 112 82

Total

414 443 423

OIH


LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 2581 TO BE ANSWERED ON 01.08.2017

Human-Wildlife Conflict

2581. SHRI KUNWAR PUSHPENDRA SINGH CHANDEL:

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state: (a) whether there has been any rise in human-wildlife conflicts during the last few years; (b) if so, the details of the loss of human lives during the last three years, State-wise; (c) whether special measures have been taken by the Government for safety in human

settlements situated on the periphery of wildlife sanctuaries/national parks; and (d) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (DR. HARSH VARDHAN)

(a)&(b) The information available with the Ministry indicates a fluctuating statistic in

the incidences of human wildlife conflict in the country. The details of human wildlife conflict cases are not compiled at the level of Central Government. However, the State-wise details of loss of human lives due to tiger and elephant, during the last three years, as available in the Ministry, are given in Annexure-I and Annexure-II.

(c)& (d) The Central Government provides financial assistance to State/Union

Territory Governments under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes of ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats’, ‘Project Tiger’ and ‘Project Elephant’ for management of wildlife and its habitats in the country. The activities supported under the scheme inter-alia include construction/erection of physical barriers, such as barbed wire fence, solar powered electric fence, bio- fencing using cactus, boundary walls etc. to prevent the entry of wild animals into human habitat: improvement of augmenting the availability of food and water in forest areas to reduce the entry of animals from forests to habitations; payment of ex-gratia relief to the victims of wild animal attacks and depredation.

*****

Annexure-I

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) & (b) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2581 REGARDING “HUMAN- WILDLIFE CONFLICT” BY SHRI KUNWAR PUSHPENDRA SINGH CHANDEL DUE FOR REPLY ON 01.08.2017.

Details of Human death by tiger attacks in the states for calendar year

(During last three years and current year)

S. No. State 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18(as on 18.5.2017)

1 Andhra Pradesh 0 0 0 0 2 Arunchal Pradesh 0 0 0 0 3 Assam 0 0 0 0 4 Bihar 0 0 0 0 5 Chhattisgarh 0 0 0 0 6 Jammu& Kashmir 0 0 0 0 7 Jharkhand 0 0 0 0 8 Karnataka 4 2 0 0 9 Kerala 1 1 0 0 10 Madhya Pradesh 6 6 3 0 11 Maharashtra 8 0 4 4 12 Mizoram 0 0 0 0 13 Odisha 0 0 0 0 14 Rajasthan 0 1 0 0 15 Tamil Nadu 1 1 0 0 16 Telangana 0 0 0 0 17 Uttar Pradesh 0 1 6 7 18 Uttarakhand 0 1 1 2 19 West Bengal 14 18 0 0

Total 34 31 14 13

Annexure-II

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) & (b) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2581 REGARDING “HUMAN- WILDLIFE CONFLICT” BY SHRI KUNWAR PUSHPENDRA SINGH CHANDEL DUE FOR REPLY ON 01.08.2017.

Number of Human Deaths caused by elephant form 2013-14 to 2016-17

S. No. State 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 (upto 9.2.2017)

1 Andhra Pradesh 2 2 NR

2 Arunachal Pradesh 7 1 1

3 Assam 87 54 31 69 4 Chhattisgarh 23 32 59 67 5 Jharkhand 56 53 66 42 6 Karnataka 33 38 26 7 Kerala 7 20 INR 8 Maharashtra 0 3 0 0 9 Meghalaya 10 3 9 10 Nagaland 0 1 1 11 Odisha 67 64 63 12 Tamil Nadu 52 31 47 13 Tripura 0 1 0 2 14 Uttar Pradesh INR INR INR 15 Uttarakhand INR INR INR 16 West Bengal 69 89 112 65 Total 413 392 415 245

NR-Not Received



LOK SABHA


Elephant Census

1435. DR. K. GOPAL:

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that four States have decided to conduct a synchronized elephant

census; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether these four States together have the maximum number of human elephant conflict

prone regions in the country; (d) whether it is also true that the Government had asked other States to conduct the census

of elephants; and (e) if so, the details thereof

ANSWER


(a) to (e) The All India Synchronized Elephant Population estimation, 2017 is under process

and the results of the estimation is not compiled so far.

********

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1440 TO BE ANSWERED ON 25.07.2017

Elephant Zone

1440. SHRI LAXMAN GILUWA:

OIH


(a) the details of the efforts made by the Government to set up elephant zone in Singhbhum

area of Jharkhand; (b) the success achieved by the Government in this regard so far; and (c) the time by which elephant zone is likely to be set up in Singhbhum area of Jharkhand?

ANSWER


(a) to (c) Singhbhum elephant reserve, covering 4529.90 Sq.Km area, has been notified by

the Government of Jharkhand, vide notification dated 26.09.2001.

********

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

LOK SABHA


ELEPHANTS KILLED IN ACCIDENTS

†682. SHRI RAM CHARAN BOHRA :

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

(a) the number of elephants killed on railway tracks during the last three years and the current year;

(b) whether the Government has taken any steps to check such accidents and find a permanent solution to this problem;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government has identified elephant corridors for constructing speed breakers and installing sign boards; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

(a) Thirty five elephants have been killed on railway tracks during last

three years i.e. during 2014 to 2016 and five elephants have been killed

during current year upto July 2017.

(b) and (c) A number of measures have been taken by Railways in coordination with Ministry of Environment and Forest which include the

…2/-

-2-

following:

(i) Imposition of speed restrictions in identified locations,

(ii) Provision of signage board,

(iii) Sensitization of Train Crew and Station Masters on a regular basis,

(iv) Need based clearance of vegetation on the sides of the track within railway land,

(v) Construction of underpasses and ramps for the movement of elephants at identified locations and

(vi) Provision of fencing at isolated locations.

The above measures have helped in controlling death of wild animals.

(d) and (e) Elephant corridors have been identified by Indian Railways in

coordination with Ministry of Environment and Forest. Speed restrictions

on vulnerable sections, signage boards to pre-warn train drivers and

whistle continuously to warn the elephants have also been provided

wherever required.

***


LOK SABHA


Elephant Corridors

6053. SHRI B. SENGUTTUVAN:


(a) whether the United Kingdom based charity organisation, Elephant Family, is committed

to setting up 100 elephant corridors in various States of the country in association with Wildlife Trust of India;

(b) whether the facilitation of movement of elephants through the corridors involves rehabilitation of the villagers living in the corridors and if so, the reaction of the Government thereto;

(c) whether the 100 elephant corridors that the charity organisations wants to work on have been identified and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the consent and cooperation of the local populace have been enlisted for this project; and


ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIORNMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI ANIL MADHAV DAVE)

(a) to (c) 101 elephant corridors in the country have been documented by the Wildlife Trust of

India with assistance from State Forest Department of elephant range states. The United Kingdom based organization, Elephant Family, has partly funded ground- truthing of these corridors. In order to facilitate safe movement of elephants and to minimize human elephant conflicts, the Government encourages voluntary resettlement of people outside elephant corridors.

(d) & (e) No persons have been shifted out of elephant corridors without their consent.

**********


LOK SABHA


PROTECTION OF ELEPHANTS

†4531. SHRI RAM TAHAL CHOUDHARY:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Railways has developed any process for protecting the elephants from getting killed by trains;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER


(SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

(a) & (b) Yes, Madam. Railway has developed the following

process/steps/corrective measures for protection of elephants

getting killed on railway tracks:-

Imposition of suitable speed restrictions in identified locations

keeping the joint advisory of Ministry of Environment & Forest and

Ministry of Railways and train operation requirements in

consideration, provision of signage boards on identified corridors

to alert the loco pilots, training programme

…2/-

-2- to sensitise train crew and Station Masters on a regular basis,

deputing of staff of Forest Department in the control office,

need-based clearance of vegetation on the sides of the track

within railway land, VHF communication links between forest

officials and stations, construction of underpasses and ramp

passes for the movement of elephants at identified locations,

construction of girder bridges at the entrance of the deep cuttings

to prevent elephants getting trapped, and provision of fencing at

isolated locations etc.

(c) Does not arise.

*****


LOK SABHA


Elephant Population

4222. SHRIMATI P.K.

SREEMATHI TEACHER: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

(a) the number and species of Elephants found in the country, State-wise; (b) the trend in Elephant population and projected increase/decline in the coming years; and (c) the measures taken by the Government to protect the Elephant population in the

country?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI ANIL MADHAV DAVE)

(a) Only one species, Indian Elephant (Elephas Maximus Indicus) is found in the country.

As per 2012 census, elephant population in the country is 29391-30711. State-wise elephant population is given in Annexure.

(b) As per available information elephant population in the country is increasing. (c) Measures taken by the Government to protect elephant population in the country are

given below:

(i) Financial and technical assistance is provided to elephant range states under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes ‘Project Elephant’ for conservation and management of elephants, protection of elephant habitat and corridors and welfare of captive elephants.



(iv) Regular and extensive patrolling of forest areas and anti poaching measures by frontline filed staff of the State Forest Departments.

(v) Trainings and awareness camps are organised regularly for local people for conservation of wildlife.

(vi) Local communities are organised into Joint Forest Management Committees/Eco- development Committees for protection of wildlife habitat, including elephant corridors.

(vii) Habitat improvement and eco-restoration is taken up in critical areas of elephant reserves and corridors.

**********

ANNEXURE

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4222 RAISED BY SHRIMATI P.K. SHREEMATHI TEACHER REGARDING ‘ELEPHANT POPULATION’ DUE FOR REPLY ON 28.03.2017.


REGION STATE ELEPHANT POPULATION 2007 2012

North-East Arunachal Pradesh 1690 890 Assam 5281 5620 Meghalaya 1811 1811* Nagaland 152 212 Mizoram 12 - Manipur - - Tripura 59 59 West Bengal (North) 300-350 647

Sub total 9305-9355 9239 East West Bengal (South) 25 #

Jharkhand 624 688 Orissa 1862 1930 Chhattisgarh 122 247

Sub total 2633 2865

North Uttarakhand 1346 1346* Uttar Pradesh 380 291 Sub total 1726 1637

South Tamil Nadu 3867 4015 Karnataka 4035 5648-6488 Kerala 6068 5942-6422 Andhra Pradesh 28 41 Maharashtra 7 4 Sub total 14005 15650-16970

GRAND TOTAL 27669-27719 29391-30711

* Meghalaya and Uttarakhand has not conducted elephant census after 2007.

Therefore, the figure of 2007 has been maintained for 2012 as well.

# The figure for North and South Bengals are combined.


LOK SABHA


Elephant –Train Collisions

763. SHRI PARVESH SAHIB SINGH:


(a) whether there have been reports of collisions of elephants with trains in the past two

years and if so, the details thereof including the casualties resulting from the same; (b) the details of the steps taken by the Ministry to reduce the number of such incidents; (c) the efforts made by the Government to reduce animal human conflict during the said

period; (d) whether any report has been received regarding constructions, new or previously existing,

or environmental clearances granted by the Ministry around the elephant corridors of late; and


ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI ANIL MADHAV DAVE):

(a) Yes Sir, reports of collisions of elephants with trains are received from states, from time

to time. Details of elephant deaths due to collision with train are given in Annexure.

(b) The Government has taken the following measures, to minimise accidental deaths of elephants due to train hits:

(i) Identification of vulnerable sections of railway tracks. (ii) Regular patrolling of vulnerable stretches of railway tracks by frontline forest

staff and wildlife watchers. (iii) Forming co-ordination committees of officers of Railways and SFDs. Exchange

of emails/telephone numbers of concerned officers. (iv) Sending letters, emails, SMS messages regarding presence of elephants near

vulnerable railway tracks. (v) Clearing of vegetation along railway tracks to allow unhindered and clear view of

train drivers. (vi) Providing signages at suitable points to alert train drivers about elephant presence. (vii) Avoid dumping of food waste along railway track to avoid unnecessary

congregation of elephants and other wild animals near railway track. (viii) Moderating slopes for elevated sections of railway tracks so that elephants can

negotiate these easily.

(ix) To provide under pass/over pass at selected places for safe passage of elephants. (x) Regulation of train speed from sunset to sunrise in vulnerable stretches. (xi) Sensitisation of staff of SFDs, Railways and local people. (xii) In order to develop specific strategies and for better coordination committees have

been constituted between Zonal Railway Offices and State Forest Departments.

(c) Steps undertaken by the Government to reduce human animal conflicts are given below: (i) Financial and technical assistance is provided to State/Union Territory

Governments under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitat’, ‘Project Tiger’ and ‘Project Elephant’, augmenting their efforts for management of wildlife and their habitats.

(ii) Improvement of Protected Areas, Tiger Reserves and Elephant Reserves. (iii) Regular and extensive patrolling of forest areas and anti poaching measures by

frontline filed staff of the State Forest Departments. (iv) Trainings and awareness camps are organised regularly for local people for

conservation of wildlife. (v) Local communities are organised into Joint Forest Management Committees/Eco-

development Committees for protection of wildlife habitat, including elephant corridors.

(vi) Habitat improvement and eco-restoration is taken up in critical areas of tiger reserve, elephant reserves and corridors.

(d) & (e) While considering cases for clearance under Forest Conservation Act, 1980 falling in

Elephant Corridors and Elephant Reserves, the matter is dealt as per rules and as per recommendations of Chief Wildlife Wardens of concerned States/UTs.

**********

ANNEXURE

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 763 RAISED BY SHRI PARVESH SAHIB SINGH REGARDING ‘ELEPHANT –TRAIN COLLISIONS’ DUE FOR REPLY ON 07.02.2017.


State 2014-15 2015-16

Assam 3 3

West Bengal 3 5 Tamil Nadu 0 0

Jharkhand 0 0

Kerala 0 0

Odisha 0 1

Tripura 0 0

Uttarakhand 0 0

Uttar Pradesh 0 0

Total 6 9

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA



Elephant Population

2202. SHRI ANSHUL VERMA:

OIH


(a) whether the Government is aware of the fact that the population of elephants get affected

due to their regular travel across Indo-Bangladesh border and if so, the details thereof; (b) whether a corridor is proposed to be created to ensure the movement of elephants across

the international border and if so, the details thereof; and (c) the time by which the said proposal is likely to be implemented?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

(SHRI ANIL MADHAV DAVE)

(a) Yes Sir. The cross border movement of elephants across India-Bangladesh borders

is known to take place sometimes.

(b) During the ‘First Indo-Bangladesh Dialogue on Trans-boundary Conservation of Elephants’ held on 19-20, August, 2015 at Kolkata, it was recommended to facilitate natural migration of elephants between two countries through identified elephant corridors.

(c) A proposal for trans-boundary conservation has been formulated and communicated

to the Government of Bangladesh for consideration. As an international bilateral matter, no time frame can be specified for concurrence and implementation.

****


LOK SABHA


Elephant in Captivity

3732. DR. C. GOPALAKRISHNAN:


(a) whether the Government has formulated any rules and guidelines under the Wildlife

Protection Law permitting any individual to keep an elephant under custody;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has received any requests from any individual to keep an elephant under custody; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER


(SHRI ANIL MADHAV DAVE):

(a) ) & (b) Yes Sir. The Central Government has issued guidelines for care and management of captive elephants in the country on 08.01.2003. These guidelines have laid down norms for transportation, housing, feed, veterinary care and other norms for care and management of captive elephants in the country.

(c) No Sir.

(d) Does not arise.

*******

OIH


LOK SABHA


Elephant Zone

2576. SHRI LAXMAN GILUWA:

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government proposes to set up elephant zone in Singhbum area of

Jharkhand; (b) if so, the details thereof and the progress made so far in this regard; and (c) the time by which the elephant zone is likely to be set up in the Singhbum area of

Jharkhand?

ANSWER


(SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)

(a) to (c) Singhbum elephant reserve, covering 193 Sq. Km area, has been notified by the

Government of Jharkhand, vide notification dated 26.09.2001.

*****


LOK SABHA


Elephant Corridor

1419. SHRI B. SENGUTTUVAN:


(a) whether a charity organisation, Elephant Family is committed to setting up 100 elephant

corridors in various States of the country in association with Wildlife Trust of India and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the facilitation of movement of elephants through the corridors involves rehabilitation of the villagers living in the corridors and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the 100 elephant corridors that the Charity Organisation wants to work on have been identified and if so, the details thereof; and

(d) whether the consent and cooperation of the local populace have been enlisted for this project and if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER



(a) Elephant Family, an international NGO, has reportedly pledged to raise funds for

protection and securing of elephant corridors in India. It is currently assisting Forest Department and Wildlife Trust of India in securing (i) Kalapahar- Daigurung elephant corridor in Karbi Anglong district, Assam and (ii) Tirunelli-Kudrakote elephant corridor in Wayanad district, Kerala.

(b) Elephant corridors are secured through voluntary relocation of settlements and/or

acquisition of land. In case of Kalapahar- Daigurung elephant corridor voluntary relocation of two settlements is involved and in case of Tirunelli-Kudrakote 25 acres of land has been purchased from 37 families for facilitating movement of elephants.

(c) The Elephant Task Force Report, 2010 “Gajah” has identified 88 elephant corridors in the

country, out of these 7 corridors has become dysfunctional and 18-20 new corridors are being used by elephants. Thus at present there are approximately 100 elephant corridors in the Country. Elephant Family has funded protection and securing of only 2 corridors, mentioned in part (a) of the question.

(d) Consent and cooperation of local people is obtained for protection and securing of

elephant corridors.

*****


LOK SABHA


Illegal Captivity of Elephants

269. SHRI MALYADRI SRIRAM:


(a) the provisions of law for taking action against the persons/owners for keeping custody of

elephants; (b) whether there are reports of elephants in illegal captivity in the country and if so, the

details thereof; (c) whether the Government has any plan to rescue the said jumbos from illegal captivity;

and (d) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER



(a) The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and Guidelines for Welfare and Management of

Captive Elephants dated 08.01.2008 issued by the Ministry, deals with provisions relating to captive elephants in the country.

(b) Complaints regarding illegal captive elephants and violation of provisions of

Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 are received from time to time and dealt as per law. (c) & (d) Action on complaints about illegal captive elephants are taken through the Chief

Wildlife Warden of the concerned State/UT.

*****


LOK SABHA


Elephant Menace

2982. SHRI SAUMITRA KHAN:

SHRI LAXMAN GILUWA SHRI RAM TAHAL CHOUDHARY:


(a) whether there are reports of rampaging elephants and other wild animals causing loss of

life and damage to property and crops in the country including Jharkhand; (b) if so, the details thereof during the last three years and the current year, State-wise; (c) the amount and rate of compensation paid in this regard along with the number of

beneficiaries during the said period, State-wise; (d) whether the Government proposes to revise the rate of compensation being paid to

victims and if so, the details thereof; and (e) the measures being taken by the Government to check the menace caused by wild

animals including elephants in the country?

ANSWER



(a) ) to (c) Yes sir, reports of damage to properties and crops as well as loss of human lives

by elephants and other wild animals are received from various parts of the country, from time to time. The compensation to victims of wildlife depredation in case of loss of crops and properties, is as per official assessment of the damage caused. An ex-gratia amount of Rs. two lakhs is paid by Central Government in case of human deaths. State-wise details of damage due to elephant depredation and compensation paid to victims during the last three years are given in Annexure I (A), I (B) and I(C). The data in respect of other wildlife is not maintained in the Ministry

(d) There is no proposal at present to revise the rate of compensation being paid to victims of wildlife depredation.

(e) Steps undertaken by the Government to check the menace caused by wild animals

are given below:


(ii) Improvement of Protected Areas, Tiger Reserves and Elephant Reserves. (iii) Regular and extensive patrolling of forest areas and anti poaching measures by


conservation of wildlife. (v) Local communities are organised into Joint Forest Management

Committees/Eco-development Committees for protection of wildlife habitat, including elephant corridors.

(vi) Habitat improvement and eco-restoration is taken up in critical areas of tiger reserve, elephant reserves and corridors.

*******

ANNEXURE I (A)

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) to (c) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2982 RAISED BY SHRI SAUMITRA KHAN, SHRI

LAXMAN GILUWA AND SHRI RAM TAHAL CHOUDHARY REGARDING ‘ELEPHANT MENACE’ DUE FOR REPLY ON 15.03.2016.

HUMAN DEATHS CAUSED BY ELEPHANTS 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

Andhra Pradesh 1 2 2

Arunachal Pradesh 0 7 Information not received from state

Assam 79 87 54

Chhattisgarh 22 23 32

Jharkhand 60 56 53

Karnataka 37 33 38

Kerala 13 7 20

Maharashtra 0 0 3

Meghalaya 1 10 3

Nagaland 0 0 1

Odisha 83 67 64

Tamil Nadu 50 52 31

Tripura 0 0 1

Uttar Pradesh 0 Information not received

Uttarakhand 7 Information not received

West Bengal 69 69 89

Total 422 413 391

ANNEXURE I (B)



Amount of compensation paid for loss of life from 2012-2014

Rs. in Lakhs

2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 upto 31st March, 2015

Andhra Pradesh 2.50 5.00 11.00

Arunachal Pradesh 0 1.00 Information not received from

state

Assam 58.00 77.40 Information not received from

state

Chhattisgarh 42.00 Information not received from state

Jharkhand 91.17 109.28 107.50

Karnataka 185.00 165.00 190.00

Kerala 23.40 6.63 61.00

Maharashtra 0 0 15.00

Meghalaya 3.00 4.00 7.00

Nagaland 0 1.00 2.00

Orissa 147.93 122.4 137.90

Tamil Nadu Information not received from state

Tripura 0 0 0

Uttar Pradesh 0 Information not received from state

Uttarakhand 14.00 Information not received from state

West Bengal 63.30 12.91 Information not received

Total 630.30 504.62.32 531.40

ANNEXURE I(B)



Compensation Paid for Loss Crops/Properties due to Damages Caused by Elephant Depredation during last 3 years

Rs. in Lakhs 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15


Arunachal Pradesh 0 35.26 Information not received from state

Assam 66.87 49.01 1.61

Chhattisgarh 226.72 345.83 269.63

Jharkhand 120.19 275.61 501.57

Karnataka 1308.83 993.81 1239.38

Kerala 308.54 124.82 264.59

Maharashtra 86.83 118.8 123.43

Meghalaya 60.00 71.49 14.95

Nagaland 9.00 5.15 4.60

Orissa 800.52 983.21 979.70

Tamil Nadu 1658 (No. of

incidents)

979 (No. of

incidents)

2258 (No. of incidents)

Tripura 0 0 0.91

Uttar Pradesh 3.24 Information not received from state

Uttarakhand 0 Information not received from state


Total 3404.86 3029.33 3452.69


LOK SABHA


Tranquilizers for Elephants

2783. SHRI RAM CHARITRA NISHAD:


(a) whether the elephant darting experts have suggested the introduction of new tranquilizers

and involvement of a host of officials in mob control measures while restrive animals are being darted;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto; (c) whether several new drugs are being used worldwide for tranquilizing wild animals,

including elephants but many of them are still not available in India; and (d) if so, the reasons therefor and the corrective steps taken by the Government in this

regard?

ANSWER



(a) & (b) No suggestions have been received from elephant darting experts on introduction of

new tranquilizers. While darting problematic animals near crowded places, help is sought from concerned district administration, police and other agencies, for mob control.

(c) & (d) No new drugs have been introduced recently for tranquilization of elephant and other

large animals. Tranquilizing drugs for large wild animals are not available in India and are to be imported. Director, Nandankanan Zoo, Bhubaneswar has been authorized to import in bulk the tranquilizing drugs and their antidotes, for use by state forest departments, within the country.

*******


LOK SABHA


Elephant Corridors

1663. SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI:


(a) whether any survey of the locations of the elephant corridors in the country has been

undertaken and if, the details thereof; and (b) the details of the steps undertaken by the Government to protect the elephant corridors

from illegal encroachment?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)

(a) The Elephant Task Force Report, 2010 titled ‘Gajah’ has identified 27 priority I and 61

priority II elephant corridors. Details of the corridors are given in Annexure.

(b) Steps undertaken by the Government to protect the Elephant Corridors are given below:

(i) Financial and technical assistance is provided to 16 elephant range states under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘Project Elephant’.

(ii) Improvement of elephant habitat, including Elephant Reserves and Corridors (iii) Regular and extensive patrolling of forest areas and anti poaching measures by


conservation of elephants and other wildlife. (v) Local communities are organised into Joint Forest Management Committees/Eco-

development Committees for protection of elephant habitat, including elephant corridors.

(vi) Habitat improvement and eco-restoration is taken up in critical areas of elephant reserves and corridors.

********

ANNEXURE

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1663 RAISED BY SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI REGARDING ‘ELEPHANT CORRIDORS’ DUE FOR REPLY ON 08.03.2016.

Elephant Corridors identified by Elephant Task Force “Gajah”

Priority I Elephant Corridors Priority II Elephant Corridors

S.No. Elephant Corridor S.No. Elephant Corridor 1. Chilla-Motichur 1. Kansrau-Barkote 2. Rawasan-Sonanadi (Via

Landsdown) 2. Motichur-Gohri

3. South Patlidun-Chilkiya 3. Rawasan-Sonanadi (Via Bijnor FD)

4. Malani Kota 4. Chilkiya-kota 5. Simlipal-Satkosia 5. Fatehpur-Gadgadiya 6. Baula-Kuldhia 6. Gora Rankhu and Gorai-Tanda 7. Kotgarh-Chandrapur 7. Kilpura-khatima-surai 8. Buxa-Ripu at Sankosh 8. Lagga Bagga - Kishenpur 9. Ankua-Ambia 9. Mahilong-Kalimati 10. Pakke-Doimara at Dezling 10. Chandil-Matha 11. Pakke-Papum at Longka Nullah 11. Dalma-Chandil 12. Kalapahar-Daigurung 12. Dalma-Rugai 13. Kaziranga- Karbi Anglog at

Panbari 13. Jhunjhaka-Banduan

14. Kaziranga- Karbi Anglong at Kanchanjuri

14. Dalapani-Kankrajhor

15. Pakke-Doimara at Tipi 15. Dumriya-Nayagram 16. Baghmara-Balpakram 16. Dumriya-Kundaluka and

Murakanjia 17. Siju Rewak 17. Leda-Bera 18. Edayarhalli-Doddasampige 18. Anjadbera-Bichaburu 19. Kaniyanpura-Moyar 19. Karo-Karampada 20. Anaimali at Punachi 20. Badampahar-Dhobadhobil 21. Anaimalai between Siluvaimedu-

Kadamparai 21. Badampahar-Karida East

22. Chamranagar-Talamalai at Muddahalli

22. Kahneijena-Anantpur

23. Kalamali - Singara and Avarahalla 23. Tal-Kholgarh 24. Moyar-Avarahalla 24. Nuahgaon-Baruni 25. Tirunelli - Kudrakote 25. Mahananda-Kolbari and

Tukriajhar 26. Buoolavampatti-Attapadi 26. Apalchand-Mahananda 27. Anaimalai at Waterfalls Estate 27. Apalchand-Gorumara

28. Apalchand-Kalimpong at mal block (Via Sylee)

29. Apalchand-Kalimpong at mal block (Via Meenglass)

30. Chapramari-Kalimpong 31. Rethi-Central Diana 32. Rethi-Moraghat 33. Dumchi-Rethi 34. Titi-Dumchi 35. Buxa- Titi (Via Torsa) 36. uxa- Titi (Via Beech and

Barnbari) 37. Nemati - Chilapata 38. Pakke-Papum at Seijosa Nullah 39. Durpong-Doimukh at

Khundakhuwa 40. Dulung-Subansari 41. D'ering - Mebo at Sigar Nalah 42. D'ering - Mebo at Kongkul 43. Kotha Burhidihing 44. Upper Dihing East - Upper

Dihing West Block at Bogapani 45. Upper Dihing East - Upper

Dihing West Block Between Golai-Pawai

46. Kukurakata-Bagser at Amguri 47. Charduar-Singri Hill 48. Saipunj-Narpuh 49. Rewak-Imangiri 50. Nokrek-Imangiri 51. Ranggira-Nokrek 52. Karadikkal-Madeswara 53. Tali 54. Chamrajnagar- Talamalai at

Punjur 55. Talamalai-Guttiyalattur 56. Avarahalla-Sigur 57. Kalhatti-Sigur at Glen Corin 58. Nilambur Kovilakam - New

Amarambalam 59. Periya at Pakranthalam 60. Kottiyur-Periya 61. Kallar at Gandhapallayam


LOK SABHA


Project Elephant

1626. SHRIMATI RITA TARAI:


(a) the details of initiatives taken up under ‘Project Elephant’ in the country; (b) the funds allocated, released and utilised under the said project during each of the last

three years, State-wise; (c) whether there has been any delay in release of funds to the States; and (d) if so, the details thereof and the corrective steps taken by the Government thereon?

ANSWER


(a) Financial and technical assistance is provided to elephant range states under the

Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘Project Elephant’ based on Annual Plan of Operations submitted by the State Governments. The objectives of the Project Elephant Scheme are:

(i) Conservation of Indian elephants and its habitat. (ii) Addressing issues relating to human elephant conflict. (iii) Welfare of Captive elephants.

(b) Details of funds allocated, released and utilized under the scheme Project Elephant

during last three years are given in Annexure. (c) & (d) The funds are released to State Government on receipt of Annual Plan of Operations

and availability of funds under the scheme. State Governments are reminded periodically to submit their Annual Plan of Operations in time and as per norms of the scheme to avoid delays.

*******

ANNEXURE

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (b) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1626 RAISED BY SHRIMATI RITA TARAI REGARDING ‘PROJECT ELEPHANT’ DUE FOR REPLY ON 08.03.2016.

Funds Allocated, Released and Utilized under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme “Project Elephant”

Sl. No State/UTs 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 (as on 3.3.2016) Allocation Released Utilized Allocation Released Utilized Allocation Released Utilized 1. Andhra Pradesh 17.10 - - 15.35 13.523 NR 11.02 - NR 2. Arunachal Pradesh 108.96 83.48 - 87.30 97.714 97.714 70.64 61.206 NR 3. Assam 215.19 173.00 173.00 292.83 236.664 NR 282.11 - - 4. Chhattisgarh 63.29 49.622 45.43 49.24 43.7456 52.50 29.46 21.91 NR 5. Jharkhand 129.28 95.655 91.104 109.68 88.4256 83.301 79.75 53.453 NR 6. Karnataka 379.68 325.412 280.646 275.19 225.319 275.06 230.32 181.054 115.35 7. Kerala 297.89 252.90 294.09 296.85 236.72 236.17 254.71 204.54 150.57 8. Maharashtra 23.47 18.682 19.15 9.54 38.202 38.020 9.08 8.062 NR 9. Meghalaya 126.43 101.00 101.00 117.64 118.838 118.84 88.30 81.387 72.34 10. Nagaland 21.75 21.75 17.77 17.77 44.8132 14.216 12.92 15.44 NR 11. Odisha 257.60 257.60 240.91 170.08 153.35 169.054 128.04 105.63 40.37 12. Tamil Nadu 264.28 211.00 212.311 247.65 251.208 200.707 184.45 160.533 NR 13. Tripura 12.72 9.766 7.265 5.97 6.03 8.418 4.31 26.109 NR 14. Uttar Pradesh 42.49 - 25.00 25.69 5.16 23.73 22.67 15.33 NR 15. Uttarakhand 165.46 115.068 116.18 148.60 103.908 NR 102.21 82.61 49.55 16. West Bengal 132.41 97.626 134.446 102.62 103.814 92.619 74.09 56.83 NR 17. Rajasthan - - - - - - 6.76 - - 18. Andaman & Nicobar - - - - - - 8.53 6.775 - 19. Bihar - - - - - - 5.64 3.008 - 20. Punjab - - - - - - 0.97 - - 21. Gujarat - - - - - - 2.42 - - 22. Haryana - 30.97 - - - - 1.60 10.00 - 23. Manipur - - - - - - - 24. Mizoram - - - - - - -

Total 2258.00 1843.531 1758.302 1972.00 1767.4344 1410.349 1610.00 1093.877 428.18

• NR - Utilization Certificate not received.


LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3734 TO BE ANSWER ON 22.12.2015

Parading of Elephants

3734. DR SHASHI THAROOR:


(a) whether the Government has taken note of the observations of the Supreme Court on

parading of elephants in religious ceremonies and festivals in the state of Kerala; (b) if so, whether a Bill to regulate the engagement of elephants in religious ceremonies and

festivals is likely to be introduced; (c) if so, the details thereof; (d) whether reasonable provisions to protect elephants without hurting the religious

sentiments of the people of Kerala would be incorporated in the said Bill; and (e) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER



(a) Yes Sir, the Government is aware of observations of the Hon’ble Supreme Court on

parading of elephants in religious ceremonies and festivals in the State of Kerala.

(b) &(c) At present there is no proposal to introduce a new legislation to regulate the engagement of elephants in religious ceremonies and festivals.

(d) & (e) The question does not arise.

*****


LOK SABHA


Movement of Elephants

3722. SHRI VENKATESH BABU T.G.:


(a) whether the Government is aware that cross border movements of elephants along Indo-

Bangla border affects their genetic stock; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether there is any proposal to lay a route to ensure that elephants go across the

international boundary with ease; (d) if so, the details thereof; and (e) the time by which the above proposal is likely to be implemented?

ANSWER



(a) ) & (b) Yes Sir. The cross border movement of elephants across India-Bangladesh

borders takes place along the international boundaries, in the States of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and West Bengal.

(c) During the ‘First Indo-Bangladesh Dialogue on Trans-boundary Conservation of

Elephants’ held on 19-20, August, 2015 at Kolkata, it was recommended to facilitate natural migration of elephants between two countries through identified elephant corridors.

(d) & (e) The above proposal, after inter-ministerial consultations, will be placed before the

Government of Bangladesh for consideration.

**********


LOK SABHA

STARRED QUESTION NO. *125 TO BE ANSWERED ON 08.12.2015

Elephant Mortality

*125. SHRI C. MAHENDRAN:


(a) whether the Government is aware of the increasing incidents of elephant mortality

reported from various parts of the country, particularly at railway tracks; (b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise; and (c) whether the Government has taken up the matter with the Railway authorities as well

as the State Governments so as to protect elephants and if so; the details thereof?

ANSWER



(a) to (c) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

*******

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) to (c) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *125 REGARDING ‘ELEPHANT MORTALITY’ DUE FOR REPLY ON 08.12.2015

(a) to (b) Yes Sir. State-wise details of unnatural elephant deaths, including due to train accidents, for last five years are at Annexure I.

(c) The Government has taken the following measures, in consultation with Ministry of

Railways and State Forest Departments, to prevent accidental deaths of elephants:

(i) A general advisory was issued jointly to all the railway zones and relevant states suggesting measures to prevent collision of trains with wild elephants. Some of the important recommendations are given below: (a)Clearance of vegetation on the sides of railway tracks. (b) Underpasses/overpasses/girder bridges across vulnerable stretches of

railway tracks to allow safe passage elephants. (c) Signage boards to pre-warn the train drivers at selected points. (d) Sensitization programmes for Train Drivers/Guards/Station Masters. (e)Engagement of elephant trackers and communication with Station

Masters. (f) To keep Railway tracks free from food wastes that attracts elephants.

(ii) A permanent coordination committee has been constituted jointly by the

Ministry of Railways and the Ministry of Environment and Forests to share information and monitor the implementation of the advisory.



(v) The coordination between local railway authorities and forest authorities at Central and State/Zonal levels have been effective. As a result of this elephant mortality due to train accidents has reduced to 6 in the year 2014- 15 as against 20 in 2010-11.

*******

ANNEXURE I (A)

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) & (b) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *125 REGARDING ‘ELEPHANT MORTALITY’ DUE FOR REPLY ON 08.12.2015.

Elephant Casualties due to Train Accidents

State 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

Assam 5 5 7 1 3

Andhra Pradesh

0 0 0 0 0

Chhattisgarh 0 0 0 0 0

West Bengal 12 3 4 13 3

Tamil Nadu Information not received

Jharkhand 1 1 1 1 0

Kerala 1 0 0 0 0

Karnataka 0 0 0 0 0

Nagaland 0 0 0 0 0

Odisha 0 2 11 1 0

Tripura 1 0 0 0 0

Uttarakhand 0 0 2 0 0

Uttar Pradesh

0 0 0 1 0

Total 20 11 25 17 6

ANNEXURE I (B)

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) & (b) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *125 REGARDING ‘ELEPHANT MORTALITY’ DUE FOR REPLY ON 08.12.2015.

Total Elephant Mortality from 2010-2014 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

Andhra Pradesh 2 0 0 1 2

Arunachal Pradesh

0 0 0 0 Information not received

Assam 12 14 23 14 3

Chhattisgarh 3 4 4 Complete information not received from state

Jharkhand 2 4 4 4 0

Karnataka 20 15 14 5 15

Kerala 7 4 4 0 3

Maharashtra 0 0 0 0 0

Meghalaya 1 4 9 6 4

Nagaland 0 0 0 0 0

Orissa 36 23 31 18 9

Tamil Nadu Information not received from state

Tripura 1 0 0 0 1

Uttar Pradesh 0 3 0 1 0

Uttarakhand 0 1 5 0 0

West Bengal 16 7 6 23 Complete information not received from

state 100 79 100 72 37

OIH GOVERNMENT OF INDIA



Elephant Corridor

238. SHRIMATI KAMLA DEVI PAATLE: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

(a) the details of Elephant Sanctuaries/ Elephant Corridor/Roaming areas in the country and the measures taken by the Government to ensure a safe passage in these areas, State-wise;

(b) whether there is an increase in the incidents of heavy destruction of crops and houses and trampling/crushing/injuring of the people by the elephants in some areas in the country;

(c) if so, the details thereof State-wise including Chhattisgarh; (d) whether the Government proposes to create new elephant corridors/roaming areas/

sanctuaries in the country; and (e) if so, the details thereof and the salient features of these projects, State-wise including

Chhattisgarh?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)

(a) State-wise details of ‘Elephant Reserves’ and ‘Elephant Corridors’ in the country are given in Annexure-I. Measures taken to ensure safe passage of elephants in these areas are given below:

(i) Financial and technical assistance is provided to 16 elephant range states under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘Project Elephant’.

(ii) Regular and extensive patrolling of forest areas and anti poaching measures by frontline filed staff of the State Forest Department.

(iii) Trainings and awareness camps are organised regularly for local people for conservation of elephants and other wildlife.

(iv) Habitat improvement and eco-restoration is taken up in critical areas of elephant reserves and corridors.

(b) & (c) A definite increasing trend in incidents of destruction of crops/properties and injury/death of people could not be established. State-wise details of damages, due to elephant depredation, during last 3 years, are given in Annexure II.

(d) & (e) There is no proposal, at present, to create new elephant reserves and corridors in the country.

********

ANNEXURE -I

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 238 RAISED BY SHRIMATI KAMLA DEVI PAATLE REGARDING ‘ELEPHANT CORRIDOR’ DUE FOR REPLY ON 01.12.2015.

Elephant Reserves and Corridors in the Country

Landscape State Number of Elephant Reserves

Number of Elephant Corridors

North-Eastern Arunachal Pradesh 2

Assam 5 Meghalaya 1 Nagaland 1 Tripura 0

Subtotal 9 22 Central West Bengal 2

Jharkhand 1 Orissa 3 Chhattisgarh 1

Subtotal 7 34 North Western Uttarakhand 1

Uttar Pradesh 1 Subtotal 2 12 Southern Tamil Nadu 4

Karnataka 2 Kerala 4 Andhra Pradesh 1

Subtotal 11 20 GRAND TOTAL 29 88

ANNEXURE -II (A)

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (b) & (c) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 238 RAISED BY SHRIMATI KAMLA DEVI PAATLE REGARDING ‘ELEPHANT CORRIDOR’ DUE FOR REPLY ON 01.12.2015.

Number of Human Causalities Caused by Elephant Depredation during last 3 years

2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

Andhra Pradesh 1 2 2

Arunachal Pradesh 0 7 Information not received from state

Assam 79 87 54


Jharkhand 60 56 53

Karnataka 37 33 38

Kerala 13 7 20

Maharashtra 0 0 3

Meghalaya 1 10 3

Nagaland 0 0 1

Odisha 83 67 64

Tamil Nadu 50 52 31

Tripura 0 0 1




422 413 391

ANNEXURE -II (B)

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (b) & (c) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 238 RAISED BY SHRIMATI KAMLA DEVI PAATLE REGARDING ‘ELEPHANT CORRIDOR’ DUE FOR REPLY ON 01.12.2015.


Rs. in Lakhs

2012-13 2013-14 2014-15



Assam 66.87 49.01 1.61

Chhattisgarh 226.72 345.83 269.63

Jharkhand 120.19 275.61 501.57

Karnataka 1308.83 993.81 1239.38

Kerala 308.54 124.82 264.59

Maharashtra 86.83 118.8 123.43

Meghalaya 60.00 71.49 14.95

Nagaland 9.00 5.15 4.60

Orissa 800.52 983.21 979.70

Tamil Nadu 1658 (No. of incidents)



Tripura 0 0 0.91




3404.86

3029.33

3452.69


LOK SABHA


Elephant Habitation

421. SHRI SUNIL KUMAR SINGH:


(a) whether the Elephant habitat areas in the Western Ghats have shrunk by more than half as

per a recent survey; (b) if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor; and (c) the details of the fresh steps taken by the Government to devise more effective

conservation strategies and monitor the efficacy of their implementation in the face of increasing habitat loss, conflicts with humans and poaching?

ANSWER



(a) & (b) No report has been received from the State Governments regarding shrinkage of

elephant habitat by more than half in Western Ghats.

(c) Details of steps taken for effective conservation of elephant habitat, poaching and human elephant conflicts are given below:-

(i) Financial and technical assistance is provided to elephant range States under

Centrally Sponsored Scheme-“Project Elephant”. (ii) State-wise elephant census is conducted across the country regularly at in interval

of 5 years. (iii) Eco-sensitive zones are established around protected areas. (iv) Wildlife conservation through local participation involving Eco-Development

Committees (EDCs) and Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs). (v) Regular patrolling of elephant habitat by field staff of State Forest Departments. (vi) Wildlife Crime Control Bureau is assisting State Government in controlling

poaching of wildlife and other wildlife related crimes. (vii) Regular training of refreshers course are conducted for field staff regularly. (viii) Erection of solar powered fences and digging of elephant proof trenches (ix) Control of forest fires in forest areas (x) Improvement and restoration of elephant habitat.

*****



LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 108

TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.07.2015

Tiger/Elephant Reserves 108. SHRI RAMESH BIDHURI:

SHRI S.P. MUDDAHANUME GOWDA: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

(a) the names of Tiger reserves under Project Tiger and Elephant reserves under Project Elephant

in the country, State-wise; (b) whether the Government has any plan to create new Tiger and Elephant reserves in the country

and if so, the details thereof; (c) the details of the funds allocated and disbursed for Project Tiger and Project Elephant during

each of the last three years and the current year, State-wise; (d) the progress made so far under project Tiger and project Elephant in the country; and (e) the number of complaints of human infiltration in the tiger reserves received during the said

period and the action taken thereon along with the steps taken to check the said incidents?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR) (a) The details of Tiger Reserves under Project Tiger and Elephant Reserves under Project Elephant

in the country, State-wise, are at Annexure-I (a) & (b) respectively. (b) In-principle approval has been accorded by the National Tiger Conservation Authority for

creation of three new tiger reserves: (i) Ratapani (Madhya Pradesh), (ii) Sunabeda (Odisha) and (iii) Guru Ghasidas (Chhattisgarh). Elephant reserves are created as per recommendations received from concerned State Government based on the conservation need and other factors.

(c) The details of funds allocated/disbursed for Project Tiger alongwith utilisation by States and Project Elephant during each of the last three years and the current year, State-wise, are at Annexure-II (a) & (b) respectively.

(d) The assessment of the status of tigers, co-predators and their prey 2014 using the refined methodology has shown a countrywide 30% increase in tiger numbers with an estimated number of 2226 (range 1945-2491) as compared to 2010 estimation [1706 (1520-1909 tigers)]. The details of tiger estimation pertaining to tiger landscapes in the country, for the years 2010 and 2014 are at Annexure-III. As per efforts made by the Government of India through Project Elephant, the population of wild elephant in the country has increased from 26373 in 2002 to 29391-30711 in 2012 as at Annexure-IV.

(e) No complaints of human infiltration in the tiger reserves during the said period were received by the National Tiger Conservation Authority. However, in event of such situation, the State takes action through concerned field formations as per provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

***

ANNEXURE-I (a)

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 108 ON TIGER/ELEPHANT RESERVES DUE FOR REPLY ON 21.07.2015.

Details of Tiger Reserves under Project Tiger in the country, State-wise

Sl. No. State Name of Tiger Reserve

1 Andhra Pradesh (1) Nagarjunasagar Srisailam 2 Arunachal Pradesh (2) Namdapha

(3) Pakke 3 Assam (4) Kaziranga

(5) Manas (6) Nameri

4 Bihar (7) Valmiki 5 Chhattisgarh (8) Achanakmar

(9) Indravati (10) Udanti-Sitanadi

6 Jharkhand (11) Palamau 7 Karnataka (12) Bandipur

(13) Bhadra (14) Biligiri Ranganatha Temple (15) Dandeli-Anshi (16) Nagarahole

8 Kerala (17) Parambikulam (18) Periyar

9 Madhya Pradesh (19) Bandhavgarh (20) Kanha (21) Panna (22) Pench (23) Sanjay-Dubri (24) Satpura

10 Maharashtra (25) Bor (26) Melghat (27) Pench (28) Nawegaon-Nagzira (29) Sahyadri (30) Tadoba-Andhari

11 Mizoram (31) Dampa 12 Odisha (32) Satkosia

(33) Similipal 13 Rajasthan (34) Mukandra Hills

(35) Ranthambhore (36) Sariska

14 Tamil Nadu (37) Anamalai (38) Kalakad Mundanthurai (39) Mudumalai (40) Sathyamangalam

15 Telangana (41) Amrabad

(42) Kawal 16 Uttarakhand (43) Corbett

(44) Rajaji 17 Uttar Pradesh (45) Dudhwa

(46) Pilibhit 18 West Bengal (47) Buxa

(48) Sundarbans

***

ANNEXURE-I (b)

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 108 ON TIGER/ELEPHANT RESERVES DUE FOR REPLY ON 21.07.2015.

Details of Elephant Reserves under Project Elephant in the country

Sl. No.

Elephant range Elephant reserve with date of notification

State

I Eastern India (South West Bengal-Jharkhand-Odisha)

1. Mayurjharna ER (24.10.02) West Bengal

2. Singhbhum ER (26.9.01) Jharkhand

3. Mayurbhanj ER (29.9.01) Odisha

4. Mahanadi ER (20.7.02) Odisha

5. Sambalpur ER (27.3.02) Odisha

6. Badalkhol-Tamorpingla (15.9.2011)

Chhattisgarh

II North Brahamputra (Arunachal –Assam) 7. Kameng ER (19.6.02) Arunachal Pradesh

8. Sonitpur ER (6.3.03) Assam

III South Brahamputra (Assam-Arunachal) 9. Dihing-Patkai ER (17.4.03) Assam

10. South Arunachal ER (29.2.08)

Arunachal Pradesh

IV Kaziranga (Assam-Nagaland) 11. Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong (17.4.03)

Assam

12. Dhansiri-Lungding ER (19.4.03)

Assam

13. Intanki ER (28.2.05) Nagaland

V Eastern Dooars (Assam-W.Bengal) 14. Chirang-Ripu ER (7.3.03) Assam

15. Eastern Dooars ER (28.8.02)

West Bengal

VI E. Himalayas (Meghalaya) 16. Garo Hills ER (31.10.01) Meghalaya

VII Nilgiri-Eastern Ghat (Karnataka-Kerala-Tamil Nadu-Andhra)

17. Mysore ER* (25.11.02) Karnataka

18. Dandeli ER# (26.3.2015) Karnataka

19. Wayanad ER (2.4.02) Kerala

20. Nilgiri ER (19.9.03) Tamil Nadu

21. Rayala ER (9.12.03) Andhra Pradesh

VIII South Nilgiri (Kerala-Tamil Nadu) 22. Nilambar ER (2.4.02) Kerala 23. Coimbatore ER (19.9.03) Tamil Nadu

IX Western Ghat (Tamil Nadu-Kerala) 24. Anamalai ER (19.9.03) Tamil Nadu 25. Anamudi ER (2.4.02) Kerala

X Periyar (Kerala-Tamil Nadu) 26. Periyar (2.4.02) Kerala

27. Srivilliputtur ER (19.9.03) Tamil Nadu

XI Northern India (Uttaranchal-U.P.) 28. Shivalik ER (28.10.02) Uttaranchal

29. Uttar Pradesh ER (9.9.09) Uttar Pradesh * With the notification of Dandeli Elephant Reserve, Karnataka on 26.03.2015, the total number

of Elephant Reserves (ERs) in the country has become 29. # Inclusion of Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary and neighbouring areas under Mysore Elephant

Reserve (1331.94 sq.km.).

***

ANNEXURE-II (a)

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (c) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 108 ON TIGER/ELEPHANT RESERVES DUE FOR REPLY ON 21.07.2015.

Details of the funds allocated / disbursed and utilised for Project Tiger during each of the last

three years and the current year, State-wise, under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Project Tiger

(Rs. in lakhs)

Sl. No.

States 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 (as on 15.7.2015)

Allocated/ released

Utilised Allocated/ released



Utilised

1. Andhra Pradesh

404.8904 248.607 211.7804 289.83200 184.141

Final Utilisation

Certificate is yet to be received.

0.00* - 2 Arunachal

Pradesh 420.0872 420.0733 757.1705 736.67229 658.426 0.00* -

3 Assam 373.894 569.852 808.9665 1248.9560 1509.389 0.00* - 4 Bihar 311.064 189.21918 285.0898 285.1302 317.096 207.73051 - 5 Chhattisgarh 532.4632 512.15217 583.056 550.9530 609.827 0.00* - 6 Jharkhand 107.44023 118.512 251.168 194.8475 199.080 47.98470 - 7 Karnataka 933.5311 1902.39 2016.0318 1851.0818 1565.773 704.27136 - 8 Kerala 514.835 499.446 489.296 495.056 517.5351 346.06320 - 9 Madhya

Pradesh 5772.3638 5727.843 4815.734 2052.847 4335.118 566.13040 -

10 Maharashtra 848.4083 946.8903 3453.3483 1378.21395 3425.524 1339.47890 - 11 Mizoram 468.31 241.31 233.68 233.68 232.189

153.95840 -

12 Odisha 163.756 298.863 786.9 804.55374 707.391 377.34640 - 13 Rajasthan 4090.567 2840.29 512.848 916.970 627.192 0.00* - 14 Tamil Nadu 445.983 444.274 763.255 723.308 864.316 540.17128 - 15 Uttarakhand 160.69 247.025 384.045 355.285 391.1941 293.93160 - 16 Uttar

Pradesh 334.055 522.086 525.876 496.249 760.928 0.00* -

17 West Bengal 404.916 312.95799 348.516 438.00091 596.882 376.50781 - 18 Goa 0.00 0.00 2.05 0.00 0.00 0.00* - 19 Telangana 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 86.01440 - Total 16,287.25423 16,041.79097 17,228.81133 13051.63639 17,502.00 5,039.58896 -

* Yet to be released NB:- Utilised amount is more than the released amount owing to carried over unspent funds of the previous years.

***

ANNEXURE-II (b)

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (c) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 108 ON TIGER/ELEPHANT RESERVES DUE FOR REPLY ON 21.07.2015.

Details of the funds released under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Project Elephant during

each of the last three years and the current year, State-wise

(Rs. in Lakhs)

Sl. No. State / UTs 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 (as on

15.07.2015) 1. Andhra Pradesh 11.28 - 13.523 - 2. Arunachal Pradesh - 83.48 97.714 - 3. Assam 250.00 173.00 236.664 - 4. Chhattisgarh 60.29 49.622 43.7456 21.91 5. Jharkhand 59.512 95.655 88.4256 - 6. Karnataka 240.296 325.412 225.319 181.054 7. Kerala 294.89 252.90 236.72 204.54 8. Maharashtra 20.47 18.682 38.202 - 9. Meghalaya 106.875 101.00 118.838 - 10. Nagaland 18.75 21.75 44.8132 - 11. Odisha 210.00 257.60 153.35 - 12. Tamil Nadu 250.312 211.00 251.208 - 13. Tripura 5.77 9.766 6.03 - 14. Uttar Pradesh 14.76 - 5.16 15.33 15. Uttarakhand 161.46 115.068 103.908 - 16. West Bengal 91.865 97.626 103.814 56.83 17. Haryana - 30.97 - - Total 1796.53 1843.531 1767.4344 479.664

***

ANNEXURE-III

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (d) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 108 ON TIGER/ELEPHANT RESERVES DUE FOR REPLY ON 21.07.2015.

Details of tiger estimation pertaining to tiger landscapes in the country,

for the years 2010 and 2014

Tiger Population

State 2010 2014 Increase / Decrease / Stable

Shivalik-Gangetic Plain Landscape Complex

Uttarakhand 227 (199-256) 340 Increase Uttar Pradesh 118 (113-124) 117 Stable Bihar 8 (-) 28 Increase Shivalik Gangetic 353 (320-388) 485 (427-543) Increase Central Indian Landscape Complex and Eastern Ghats Landscape Complex

Andhra Pradesh (including Telangana) 72 (65-79) 68 Stable Chhattisgarh 26 (24-27) 46 Increase Madhya Pradesh 257 (213-301) 308 Increase Maharashtra 169 (155-183) 190 Increase Odisha 32 (20-44) 28 Stable Rajasthan 36 (35-37) 45 Increase Jharkhand 10 (6-14) 3+ Decrease* Central India 601 (518-685) 688 (596-780) Increase Western Ghats Landscape Complex Karnataka 300 (280-320) 406 Increase Kerala 71 (67-75) 136 Increase Tamil Nadu 163 (153-173) 229 Increase Goa - 5 Increase Western Ghats 534 (500-568) 776 (685-861) Increase North Eastern Hills and Brahmaputra Flood Plains

Assam 143 (113-173) 167 Increase Arunachal Pradesh - 28♣ Increase Mizoram 5 3+ Stable North West Bengal - 3 ** North East Hills, and Brahmaputra 148 (118-178) 201 (174-212) Increase Sunderbans 70 (64-90) 76 (92-96) Stable

TOTAL

1706 (1520-1909)

2226 (1945-2491)

Increase

+ From scat DNA ♣ From camera trap data and scat DNA * Much of the tiger occupied areas could not be surveyed owing to naxal problem ** Tiger estimation was not done in the year 2010

***

ANNEXURE-IV

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (d) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 108 ON TIGER/ELEPHANT RESERVES DUE FOR REPLY ON 21.07.2015.

Details of wild elephants, as reported by States REGION STATE 2002 2007 2012 North-East Arunachal

Pradesh 1607 1690 890

Assam 5246 5281 5620 Meghalaya 1868 1811 1811* Nagaland 145 152 212 Mizoram 33 12 - Manipur 12 - - Tripura 40 59 59 West Bengal (North)

292 300-350 647

Total for North-East

9243 9305-9355 9239

East West Bengal (South)

36 25 #

Jharkhand 772 624 688 Orissa 1841 1862 1930 Chhattisgarh - 122 247

Total for East 2649 2633 2865

North Uttarakhand 1582 1346 1346* Uttar Pradesh 85 380 291 Total for North 1667 1726 1637

South Tamil Nadu 3052 3867 4015 Karnataka 5838 4035 5648-6488 Kerala 3850 6068 5942-6422 Andhra Pradesh 74 28 41

Maharashtra - 7 41 Total for South 12814 14005 15650-16970

GRAND TOTAL

26373 27669-27719 29391-30711

* Meghalaya and Uttarakhand has not conducted elephant census after 2007. Therefore,

the figure of 2007 has been maintained for 2012 as well. # The figure for North and South Bengal are combined.

***


MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT. FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE


Decreasing Elephant Population

6364. SHRI RAM CHARAN BOHRA:


(a) whether the population of elephant is declining over the years; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) the number of elephants in the country where project elephant is being implemented, location and State -wise; (d) the efforts being made to increase the number of elephants in the country; and (e) the achievements as a result of the said measures ?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR) (a) & (b) No Sir. The number of elephants is not declining in the country over the years. The details of estimated population of elephants in the country over a period of time are given below: YEAR

2002 2007 2012

Elephant Population

26373 27669-27719 29391-30711

(c) The number of elephants in the country, where project elephant is being implemented, State- wise is given in Annexure.

(d) & (e) Yes Sir, Efforts are being made to conserve and increase elephant population in the Country.

1. The Central Government is providing technical and financial assistance to elephant range States for conservation and welfare of elephants in the country under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme " Project Elephant". Major components of the scheme are:

(i) to mitigate Human- Elephant Conflict,

(ii) improvement of elephant habitats,

(iii) restoration of elephant corridors,

(iv) protection of elephants,

(v) welfare of captive elephants, and

(vi) to organize awareness programmes

2. The elephant range States notify the elephant habitats as “Elephant Reserves” for better management of wild elephants. So far 29 Elephant Reserves have been established in 14 States.

3. Elephant is included under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 for providing it highest degree of legal protection.

***

ANNEXURE

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (c) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 6364 RAISED BY SHRI RAM CHARAN BOHRA REGARDING ‘DECREASING ELEPHANT POPULATION’ DUE FOR REPLY ON 05.05.2015.


REGION STATE ELEPHANT POPULATION 2002 2007 2012

North-East Arunachal Pradesh 1607 1690 890

Assam 5246 5281 5620 Meghalaya 1868 1811 1811* Nagaland 145 152 212 Mizoram 33 12 - Manipur 12 - - Tripura 40 59 59 West Bengal (North) 292 300-350 647

Sub total 9243 9305-9355 9239 East West Bengal (South) 36 25 #

Jharkhand 772 624 688 Orissa 1841 1862 1930 Chhattisgarh - 122 247

Sub total 2649 2633 2865

North Uttarakhand 1582 1346 1346* Uttar Pradesh 85 380 291 Sub total 1667 1726 1637

South Tamil Nadu 3052 3867 4015 Karnataka 5838 4035 5648-6488 Kerala 3850 6068 5942-6422 Andhra Pradesh 74 28 41

Maharashtra - 7 4 Sub total 12814 14005 15650-16970

GRAND TOTAL 26373 27669-27719 29391-30711

* Meghalaya and Uttarakhand has not conducted elephant census after 2007. Therefore, the figure of 2007 has been maintained for 2012 as well.

# The figure for North and South Bengals are combined. ******


LOK SABHA


Elephant Mortality

4543. SHRI R. P. MARUTHARAJAA: SHRI B.V. NAIK: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is aware of the increasing incidents of elephant mortality and accidental deaths of wild animals reported from various parts of the country particularly at railway tracks;

(b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether the Ministry has taken up the matter with the railway authorities and also with the

State Governments to protect the elephants and other wild animals; and; (d) if so, the details and outcome thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI PRAKESH JAVADEKAR): (a) & (b) Yes Sir. The details of elephant deaths due to train hits, state-wise, as reported by the

States, for the current and the last three years are at Annexue I.

(c) The Government has taken the following measures in consultation with Ministry of Railways to prevent accidental deaths of elephants:

(i) A general advisory was issued jointly to all the railway zones and relevant states

suggesting measures to prevent collision of trains with wild elephants. These are as following: (a) Clearance of Vegetation on the sides of Railway tracks. (b) Underpasses/overpasses across the Railway track to allow elephants to

escape. (c) Signage boards to pre-warn the Train Drivers. (d) Sensitization programmes for Train Drivers/Guards/Station Masters. (e) Engagement of Elephant trackers by MoEF and communication with

Station Masters. (f) To keep Railway track free from food waste that attracts elephants.

(ii) A permanent coordination committee has been constituted jointly by the Ministry of Railways and Ministry of Environment and Forests to share information and monitor the implementation of the advisory.

(iii) Ministry of Railways has also been requested to regulate the speed of trains in identified vulnerable sections.

(iv) Nodal officers have been designated in State Forest Departments and Railways in the vulnerable sections to facilitate quick sharing of information.

(d) The coordination between local railway authorities and forest authorities has been effective. In 2014-15 number of casualties of wild elephants due to train accident has been 2.

**********

ANNEXURE I

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) & (b) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4543 REGARDING ‘ELEPHANT MORTALITY’ DUE FOR REPLY ON 21.04.2015.


State 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14

2014-15

Assam 7 0 0 West Bengal 3 4 9 2

Tamil Nadu 0 0 0 Jharkhand 1 0 1 Kerala 0 0 1 Odisha 2 10 1 Tripura 0 0 0 Uttarakhand 0 2 0 Uttar Pradesh 0 0 1

Total 13 16 13 2

ANNEXURE II

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (d) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1937 REGARDING ‘PROTECTION OF ELEPHANTS’ DUE FOR REPLY ON 23.07.2014.

List of identified elephant corridors

State Corridor Inter-State Corridor International Corridor State Number States Number Countries Number Meghalaya 26 Jharkhand– Odisha 8 Indo-Bangladesh 6 Odisha 21 Arunachal– Assam 4 Indo- Bhutan 4 Tamilnadu 19 Karnataka–

Tamilnadu 4 Indo- Myanmar 4

Assam 15 Assam– Nagaland 3 Indo – Nepal 3 West Bengal 14 Jharkhand –

West Bengal 3

Kerala 12 Arunachal– Nagaland

2

Karnataka 9 Jharkhand– M.P. 1 Arunachal Pradesh

8 Odisha–W. Bengal 1

Jharkhand 6 Karnataka– Kerala 1 Uttrakhand 5 Kerala-Tamilnadu 1 Uttar Pradesh 3 Total 138 Total 28 Total 17




Elephant Corridors

2094. SHRI DEVUSINH CHAUHAN:

SHRI LAXMAN GILUWA: SHRI ANTO ANTONY:


(a) the details of the Elephant corridors/elephant zones located in the country, along with the measures taken to improve the efficacy of such corridors/zones State-wise;

(b) whether the Government proposes to set up more elephant corridors and elephant zones in the country including Jharkhand;

(c) if so, the details thereof; and (d) the salient features of the Elephant corridor project in the country along with the funds

sanctioned/released for various projects during each of the last three years and the current year, State-wise?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)

(a) State-Wise Details of Elephant Reserves in the country are given in Annexure-I. Steps taken to improve efficacy of elephant reserves/corridors are given below;

(i) Financial and Technical assistance is provided to 16 elephant range states under the

Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘Project Elephant’. (ii) Regular and extensive patrolling and anti poaching measures are taken. (iii) Trainings and awareness camps are organised regularly for local people for

conservation of elephants and other wildlife. (iv) Habitat improvement and eco-restoration is taken up in critical areas of elephant

corridors. (v) Forest Protection Force is deployed in vulnerable forest areas.

(vi) Mitigation measures for human elephant conflict, including ex-gratia payment to villagers for loss of life and property, are adopted.

(b)&(c) Elephant Task Force has recommended declaration of a total of 32 Elephant Reserves

across the country. No additional elephant corridor is proposed to be created in Jharkhand.

(d) Elephant Corridors link two or more patches of forests within elephant reserves. Details

of funds related to States under ‘Project Elephant’ Scheme during 2011-12 to 2014-15 are given in Annexure-II.

***

ANNEXURE I

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2094 REGARDING ‘ELEPHANT CORRIDORS’ DUE FOR REPLY ON 10.03.2015.

State wise Elephant Reserves in the Country

S. No State Number of Elephant Reserves

1. Andhra Pradesh 1 2. Arunachal 2 3. Assam 5 4. Chhattisgarh 1 5. Jharkhand 1 6. Karnataka 1 7. Kerala 4 8. Meghalaya 1 9. Nagaland 1 10. Odisha 3 11. Tamil Nadu 4 12. Uttarakhand 1 13. U.P 1 14. West Bengal 2 Total 28

ANNEXURE II

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (d) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2094 REGARDING ‘ELEPHANT CORRIDORS’ DUE FOR REPLY ON 10.03.2015.

STATE WISE FUND RELEASED UNDER CENTRAL SPONSORED SCHEME (CSS) OF PROJECT ELEPHANT

(Amount Rs. in Lakh)

2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 (As on 28/02/2015)

Sl. No

State/UTs Amount Released

Amount Released

Amount Released

Amount Released

1 Andhra Pradesh - 11.28 - 13.523 2 Arunachal Pr. 55.00 - 83.48 97.714 3 Assam 200.00 250.00 173.00 236.664 4 Chhattisgarh 150.00 60.29 49.622 43.7456 5 Jharkhand 105.87 59.512 95.655 88.4256 6 Karnataka 261.83 240.296 325.412 225.319 7 Kerala 282.55 294.89 252.90 236.72 8 Maharashtra 20.29 20.47 18.682 38.202 9 Meghalaya 128.52 106.875 101.00 118.838 10 Nagaland 25.00 18.75 21.75 44.8132 11 Orissa 214.60 210.00 257.60 153.35 12 Tamil Nadu 228.49 250.312 211.00 251.208 13 Tripura 6.00 5.77 9.766 6.03 14 Uttar Pradesh 49.30 14.76 - 5.16 15 Uttarakhand 141.99 161.46 115.068 103.908 16 West Bengal 224.50 91.865 97.626 103.814 17 Haryana - - 30.97 - Total 2093.94 1796.53 1843.531 1767.4344

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE

LOK SABHA


Missing Elephants

2725. SHRI SISIR KUMAR ADHIKARI:

SHRI BHEEMRAO B. PATIL: SHRI SUNIL KUMAR SINGH:


(a) whether the Government has received reports of deaths/missing of elephants from the license owners/mahouts in the recent past;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the number of elephants recovered so far and the action taken against the responsible persons, separately;

(c) whether the Government is aware of the Public Interest Litigation filed in the Supreme Court to curb accidental deaths of elephants;

(d) if so, the names of the State Governments to whom directives have been issued by the Government to stop accidental death of elephants and the outcome thereof; and

(e) whether a high growth of elephant population has been reported in some of the States, if so, the details thereof and the steps proposed to be taken to control the same?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR) (a) No report regarding missing elephants from the license owners/mahouts has been received

in the Ministry in the recent past. (b) Does not arise.

(c) Yes sir. Writ Petition No. 107 of year 2013 is filed in the Hon’ble Supreme Court to take

steps to minimize deaths of elephants due to train accidents.

(d) No directive has been issued in the case by Hon’ble Supreme Court so far.

(e) As per elephant population survey carried out in 2007 and 2012, increase in elephant population has been recorded in the States of Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Nagaland, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. The Government do not propose to control population of wild elephants in the country.

*********


LOK SABHA


Elephant Tusks for Display

478. SHRI J.C. DIVAKAR REDDY: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

(a) whether defence units across the country have sought elephant tusks to be displayed in their halls and mess units;

(b) if so, the details of tusks provided to defence units State/UT-wise during the last three

years and the current year; and (c) the response of the Government thereon?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR) (a) & (c) Sir, the information is being collected from the Ministry of Defence and all states.

***

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 4204

ANSWERED ON:07.08.2014

ELEPHANT CASUALTIES

DHARMENDRA YADAV

(a) whether several elephants including their calves have been killed on railway tracks in elephant corridors due to high speed of trains;

(b) the number of cases reported during the last three years and the current year;

(c) whether the Ministry of Environment and Forests has issued advisory for slowing down trains in elephant corridors; and

(d) if so, the corrective measures/ steps taken by the Railways in pursuance of the advisory?

Will the Minister of RAILWAYSbe pleased to state:-

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

(a) & (b) During the last three years and the current year, eight cases of hitting of elephants with trains in Elephant Corridors and 23 cases at other locations have been reported in which 55 elephants were killed. Trains run at restricted speed in the identified Elephant Corridors.

(c) & (d) Ministry of Environment and Forest has issued various advisories which have laid down various steps including the aspect of speed. Accordingly, the Railway has taken following steps /corrective measures in pursuance of the requests received from the Ministry of Environment and Forest :-

Imposition of suitable speed restrictions in identified locations keeping advisory of Ministry of Environment and Forest and train operation requirements into consideration, provision of signage board to alert the loco pilots, training programme to sensitise train crew and Station Masters on a regular basis, deputing of staff of Forest Department in the control office, need based clearance of vegetation on the sides of the track within railway land, construction of underpasses for the movement of elephants at identified locations, construction of ramps, construction of girder bridges at the entrance of the deep cuttings, and provision of fencing at isolated locations etc.


LOK SABHA


Poaching of Elephants

3936. SHRI NALIN KUMAR KATEEL: SHRI PRATHAP SIMHA: DR. C. GOPALAKRISHNAN: SHRI BIDYUT BARAN MAHATO: KUMARI SHOBHA KARANDLAGE: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

(a) whether unnatural deaths including killing of elephants have been reported from various States;

(b) if so, the details thereof during the last three years and the current year, State-wise; (c) the action taken by the Government in this regard and steps taken for protection of

elephants; and (d) the funds released for protection of elephants and restoration of elephant corridors

separately, State-wise?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)

(a) & (b) Yes Sir. The details of elephant deaths due to train hits, electrocution, poaching and

poisoning, state-wise, as per the available records in the Ministry, for the last three years are at Annexure I.

(c) Important action taken by the Government for protection of Elephant are as below:

(i) Joint advisories have been issued by Ministry of Environment and Forests

(MoEF) and Ministry of Railways (MoRs) to all the concerned states to take precautionary measures to avoid deaths of elephants by speeding trains. These are as following:

1. Clearance of Vegetation on the sides of Railway tracks. 2. Underpasses/overpasses across the Railway track to allow elephants to

escape. 3. Signage boards to pre-warn the Train Drivers. 4. Sensitising programmes for Train Drivers/Guards/Station Masters.

5. Engagement of Elephant trackers by Ministry of Environment and Forests and communication with Station Masters.

6. To keep Railway track free from food waste that attracts elephants.

(ii) A committee for strengthening of Elephant Reserves and Elephant Corridors has been constituted in January, 2013 as per one of the decisions in the 6th meeting of National Board of Wildlife.

(iii) The Central Government has been providing financial assistance to States under

the Centrally Sponsored Scheme “Project Elephant” since 1992, for following activities:

1. Protection of Elephant with establishment of anti-poaching camps, reward to

informers and expenses on intelligence gathering etc. 2. Protection of Elephant Habitat and Corridors. 3. Eliciting Public Support Services including Eco-development. 4. Improvement of support Services (including monitoring, training and

research). 5. Captive Elephant management and welfare.

(iv) A Steering Committee has been constituted by the Ministry to monitor and

review the implementation of Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Project Elephant. (v) A network of 28 Elephant Reserves has been established by the States for better

management of wild elephants. (vi) Elephant is included under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 for

priority protection and management.

(d) Details of State-wise release of funds under Centrally Sponsored Scheme “Project Elephant” during the last three years are at Annexure II.

**********

ANNEXURE I

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) & (b) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3936 REGARDING ‘POACHING OF ELEPHANTS’ DUE FOR REPLY ON 06.08.2014.

2011-12

2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

Sl. No

State/UTs Train hit

Electrocution

Poaching Poisoning Train hit

Electrocution Poaching Poisoning

Train hit

Electrocution

Poaching Poisoning Train hit

1 Andhra Pradesh 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

2 Arunachal Pradesh 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

3 Assam 7 5 1 3 0 11 2 3 0 2 1 1 0

4 Chhattisgarh 0 2 0 2 0 4 0 0 0 3 0 0 0

5 Jharkhand 1 - - - 0 - - - 1 - - - 0

6 Karnataka 0 15 0 0 0 14 0 0 0 3 1 0 0

7 Kerala 0 3 0 1 0 4 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

8 Maharashtra 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

9 Meghalaya 0 3 1 0 0 9 0 0 0 1 1 0 0

10 Nagaland 0 - - - 0 - - - 0 - - - 0

11 Odisha 2 13 4 4 10 13 4 3 1 3 2 1 0

12 Tamil Nadu 0 - - - 0 - - - 0 - - - 0

13 Tripura 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

14 Uttar Pradesh 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

15 Uttarakhand 0 1 0 0 2 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

16 West Bengal 3 3 0 1 4 1 1 0 9 2 2 0 2

Total 13 48 6 11 16 59 7 6 13 16 7 2 2

Annexure II

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (d) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3936 REGARDING ‘POACHING OF ELEPHANTS’ DUE FOR REPLY ON 06.08.2014.

State-wise release of funds under Centrally-sponsored Scheme “ Project Elephant” during the last three year.

Rs. in lakhs

2011-12 2012-13 2013-14

Sl. No State/UTs Amount Released

Amount Released Amount Released

1 Andhra Pradesh - 11.28 - 2 Arunachal Pr. 55.00 - 83.48 3 Assam 200.00 250.00 173.00 4 Chhattisgarh 150.00 60.29 49.622 5 Jharkhand 105.87 59.512 95.655 6 Karnataka 261.83 240.296 325.412 7 Kerala 282.55 294.89 252.90 8 Maharashtra 20.29 20.47 18.682 9 Meghalaya 128.52 106.875 101.00 10 Nagaland 25.00 18.75 21.75 11 Orissa 214.60 210.00 257.60 12 Tamil Nadu 228.49 250.312 211.00 13 Tripura 6.00 5.77 9.766 14 Uttar Pradesh 49.30 14.76 - 15 Uttarakhand 141.99 161.46 115.068 16 West Bengal 224.50 91.865 97.626 17 Haryana - 30.97 Total 2093.94 1796.53 1843.531


MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE


Protection of Elephants

1937. SHRI LAXMAN GILUWA: SHRI P.C. GADDIGOUDAR: SHRI SUNIL KUMAR SINGH: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

(a) whether incidents of elephant deaths due to accidents on railway tracks after being hit by moving trains in various National Parks and forests have been reported;

(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise including Jharkhand during the last three years and the current year;

(c) the action taken/proposed to be taken in this regard; (d) whether the Government has any projects/programmes for the restoration of elephant

corridors in the country and if so, the details thereof including the critical corridors indentified in the country; and

(e) the efforts made by the Government to protect wild elephants and their habitats in the country?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR) (a) & (b) The details of elephant deaths due to train hits, state-wise, as reported by the States,

for the current and the last three years are at Annexue I.


(i) A general advisory was issued jointly to all the railway zones suggesting

measures to prevent collision of trains with wild elephants. These are as following: (a) Clearance of Vegetation on the sides of Railway tracks. (b) Underpasses/overpasses across the Railway track to allow elephants to

escape. (c) Signage boards to pre-warn the Train Drivers. (d) Sensitization programmes for Train Drivers/Guards/Station Masters. (e) Engagement of Elephant trackers by MoEF and communication with

Station Masters. (f) To keep Railway track free from food waste that attracts elephants.

(ii) A permanent coordination committee has been constituted jointly by the Ministry of Railways and Ministry of Environment and Forests to share information and monitor the implementation of the advisory.

(iii) Ministry of Railways has also been requested to regulate the speed of trains in identified vulnerable sections.

(iv) Nodal officers have been designated in State Forest Departments and Railways in the vulnerable sections to facilitate quick sharing of information.

(d) Under the Centrally-sponsored Scheme “Project Elephant” (CSS-PE) of the Ministry of Environment and Forests financial assistance is provided to the states, for inter alia the following activities in elephant habitats and corridors:- (i) Improvement of habitats / corridors by enrichment plantation/eco restoration (ii) Removal of invasive species (iii) Creation of water bodies/ salt licks (iv) Fire protection measures (v) Eco-restoration of corridors/migration routes and paths including acquisition

and relocation (vi) Soil and water conservation measures

138, 28 and 17 State, inter-State and international elephant corridors have been identified, respectively. The State-wise details in this regard are at Annexure II. Out the above corridors 88 have been identified as priority ones.

(e) Elephant is included under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The Central Government is providing financial assistance to States under the Centrally-sponsored Scheme Project Elephant since 1992, for protection and management of elephants and its habitat. The Elephant range States have taken various activities to mitigate Man-Elephant conflict, improvement of Elephant Habitat, restoration of Elephant Corridors and various awareness programmes under the scheme. Some of the activities are as follows:

(i) For better management of wild Elephants and their habitats, 28 Elephant

Reserves have been established by the States (ii) Habitat improvement and restoration of Elephant Corridors in Elephant Range

States under CSS-PE. (iii) Infrastructure improvement in Elephant Reserves for effective management of

elephant population. (iv) Anti depredation squads, anti poaching squads and trekkers are engaged for

protection of elephants. (v) To restrict menace of elephants to human habitations, solar fencing, trenches

and stone walling are being provided in the depredation prone localities. (vi) Studies on various issues such as man animal conflict, carrying capacity of

elephant habitat are encouraged. (vii) Awareness programme among the local villagers are taken to minimize conflict

with wild elephants.

**********

ANNEXURE I

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) & (b) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1937 REGARDING ‘PROTECTION OF ELEPHANTS’ DUE FOR REPLY ON 23.07.2014.


State 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14

2014-15

Assam 7 0 0 West Bengal 3 4 9 2

Tamil Nadu 0 0 0 Jharkhand 1 0 1 Kerala 0 0 1 Odisha 2 10 1 Tripura 0 0 0 Uttarakhand 0 2 0 Uttar Pradesh 0 0 1

Total 13 16 13 2

ANNEXURE II

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (d) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1937 REGARDING ‘PROTECTION OF ELEPHANTS’ DUE FOR REPLY ON 23.07.2014.





West Bengal 3


2





LOK SABHA


Census of Elephants and Tigers

206. SHRIMATI K.MARAGATHAM: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

(a) the findings of the latest census of wild elephants and tigers in the country conducted by the Government;

(b) whether there has been an increase or decrease in the numbers when compared to the previous census and if so, the details thereof and reasons therefor; and

(c) the steps taken by the Government to protect the lives of wild animals in the country?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE

(SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR):

(a) to (c) The last census (population estimation) of wild elephants in the country was conducted

during 2012, by the States. The details of elephant estimation for the years 2007 and 2012 are at Annexure-I. The findings of tiger census (population estimation) for the year 2006 and 2010 are at Annexure-II. The country level population of elephants and tigers show an increasing trend, when compared to last estimations. Various measures and steps have been taken up by the Government for protecting the lives of wild animals in the country including enactment of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and rules thereunder. More than 1,60,000 Sq. km. of forests have been notified as protected areas. These include 102 National Parks, 517 Sanctuaries, 47 Conservation Reserves and 4 Community Reserves. 30 National Parks and 42 Wildlife Sanctuaries have been taken up for tiger conservation as 44 Tiger Reserves under Project Tiger, wherein, States are provided central funds for conservation of tiger habitats. The Government of India also provides assistance to the States through the Centrally Sponsored Schemes of ‘Project Elephant’ and ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats’ for conservation and protection of wild animals in the country.

***

ANNEXURE I

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) to (c) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 206 REGARDING ‘CENSUS OF ELEPHANTS AND TIGERS’ DUE FOR REPLY ON 09.07.2014.

Details of elephant estimation for the year 2007 and 2012

* Meghalaya and Uttarakhand has not conducted elephant census after 2007. Therefore, the

figure of 2007 has been maintained for 2012 as well.

Sl. No. States Elephant population 2007 2012

1. Arunachal Pradesh 1690 890 2. Assam 5281 5620 3. Meghalaya 1811 1811 * 4. Nagaland 152 212 5. Tripura 59 59 6. West Bengal 325-350 647 7. Jharkhand 624 688 8. Odisha 1862 1930 9. Chhattisgarh 122 247 10. Uttarakhand 1346 1346 * 11. Uttar Pradesh 380 291 12. Tamil Nadu 3867 4015 13. Karnataka 4035 5648-6488 14. Kerala 6068 5942-6422 15. Andhra Pradesh 28 41 16. Maharashtra 7 4

27657-27682 29391 - 30711

ANNEXURE II

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) to (c) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 206 REGARDING ‘CENSUS OF ELEPHANTS AND TIGERS’ DUE FOR REPLY ON 09.07.2014.

Details of tiger estimation for the year 2006 and 2010

State Tiger Population

2006 2010 Estimate

(Number) Statistical Lower Limit

Statistical Upper Limit

Estimate (Number)

Statistical Lower Limit


Shivalik- Gangetic Plain Landscape Complex

Uttarakhand 178 161 195 227 199 256 Uttar Pradesh 109 91 127 118 113 124 Bihar 10 7 13 8 (-)*** (-)*** (-)*** Shivalik-Gangetic landscape

297 259 335 353

320 388

Central Indian Landscape Complex and Eastern Ghats Landscape Complex Andhra Pradesh 95 84 107 72 65 79 Chhattisgarh 26 23 28 26 24 27 Madhya Pradesh 300 236 364 257 213 301 Maharashtra 103 76 131 169 155 183 Odisha 45 37 53 32 20 44 Rajasthan 32 30 35 36 35 37 Jharkhand Not assessed 10 6 14

Central Indian landscape

601 486 718 601 518 685

Western Ghats Landscape Complex Karnataka 290 241 339 300 280 320 Kerala 46 39 53 71 67 75 Tamil Nadu 76 56 95 163 153 173 Western Ghats landscape

402 336 487 534 500 568

North Eastern Hills and Brahmaputra Flood Plains Assam 70 60 80 143 113 173 Arunachal Pradesh 14

12 18 Not assessed Not assessed Not assessed

Mizoram 6 4 8 5 (-)*** (-)*** (-)*** Northern West Bengal

10 8 12 Not assessed Not assessed Not assessed

North East Hills, and Brahmaputra landscape

100

84 118 148

118 178

Sundarbans Not assessed Not assessed Not assessed 70

64 90

TOTAL 1411 1165 1657 1706 1520 1909

*** Statistical lower / upper limits could not be ascertained owing to small size of the population.




Elephant Reserve

146 SHRIMATI KAMLA DEVI PATLE: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has granted approval to establish an Elephant Reserve in Chhattisgarh;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with funds sanctioned and released for the purpose; (c) the time by which the said Project is likely to get completed; and (d) the measures taken by the Government to protect and conserve elephants while mitigating

man-elephant conflicts?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR):

(a) to (c) The Government of India has given approval for establishment of the following two elephant reserves in Chhattisgarh viz. Lemru in Korbat and Badalkhol-Tamparpingla in Jashpur and Sarguja, of which the latter has been notified by the State Government in September, 2011.Financial assistance of Rs. 4.8 crore and Rs. 1.09 crore, have been released to State, for conservation of the elephant population and habitats, during XI Plan and the last two years, respectively. Presently, centrally sponsored Scheme Project Elephant is approved for its continuation till the end of XII plan.

(d) Various measures and steps have been taken by the Government for protecting and conserving elephants including its inclusion in the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. 14 elephant range States have notified 28 Elephant Reserves covering an area of more than 60,000 sq km for conservation and management of wild elephants. The Central Government provides financial assistance to the states for protection and conservation of elephants in the country under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘Project Elephant’. Various activities are planned and taken up under the scheme to mitigate Man-Elephant conflict, improvement of Elephant Habitats, restoration of Elephant Corridors and various awareness programmes. Some of the activities are as follows:

i. Habitat improvements and restoration of Elephant Corridors in PE Range states under PE Scheme (CSS)

ii. Infrastructure improvement in Elephant Reserves for effective management of elephant population.

iii. Anti depredation squads, anti poaching squads and trekkers are engaged for protection of elephants.

iv. To restrict menace of elephants to human habitations, solar fencing, trenches and stone walling are being provided in the depredation prone localities.

v. Studies on various issues such as man animal conflict, carrying capacity of elephant habitat are encouraged.

vi. Awareness programme among the local villagers are taken to minimize the loss of life of the wild elephants.

*******

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT & FORESTS

LOK SABHA


National Elephant Conservation Authority

3025. DR. P. VENUGOPAL:

SHRI SUGUMAR K: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has decided to set up a National Elephant Conservation Authority on the lines of existing National Tiger Conservation Authority in the country;


(c) whether the Government has any proposal to declare existing elephant reserves as Ecologically Sensitive Areas under the Environment Protection Act, 1986;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the provisions contained in the Act would make difficult to alter land use without prior permission of authorities; and

(f) if so, the details thereof ?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS ( Dr. M. VEERAPPA MOILY): (a) & (b) The proposal for creation of National Elephant Conservation Authority (NECA),

as a part of the proposal for continuation the Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘Project Elephant’ in XIIth Plan, was considered in the meeting of the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) in Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) on 25.06.2013. The committee did not recommend the proposal given the present lack of any enabling statutory provision in the law.

(c) to (f) No Sir.

*******


LOK SABHA

STARRED QUESTION NO. *154


Human –Animal Conflicts

*154. SHRI N. DHARAM SINGH: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

(a) the details of elephant corridors set up in the country, State-wise;

(b) whether the Government has taken note of the wild animals including elephants entering into villages and causing huge damage to human life thereby creating mess in the human habitations and also causing damage to crops and properties in the country;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government proposes to establish more elephant corridors in the country to curb the rising incidents of such conflicts; and

(e) If so, the details thereof and the funds allocated for Project Elephant for this purpose during the last three years and the current year, State-wise?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN):

(a) to (e) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

********

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF THE LOK SABHA

STARRED QUESTION NO. 154 BY SHRI N. DHARAM SINGH, MP REGARDING

“HUMAN-ANIMAL CONFLICTS” DUE FOR ANSWER ON 16.12.2013.

(a) There is no practice of setting up of elephant corridors in the country. However, as a

part of the Centrally-sponsored Scheme “Project Elephant” (CSS-PE) of the Ministry of

Environment and Forests, 138, 28 and 17 State, inter-State and international elephant

corridors have been identified, respectively. The State-wise details in this regard are at

Annexure I. Activities qualifying for Central-assistance in these areas under the

Scheme are the following:-

i. Improvement of habitats / corridors by enrichment plantation/eco restoration

ii. Removal of invasive species

iii. Creation of water bodies/ salt licks

iv. Fire protection measures

v. Eco-restoration of corridors/migration routes and paths including acquisition and

relocation

vi. Soil and water conservation measures

The elephant bearing States have been requested to secure the identified corridors and

financial assistance is provided to them for this purpose under CSS-PE.

(b)&(c) Yes sir. Taking note of the human-animal conflict the Government of India has taken

the following measures to mitigate the problem.

i. Financial assistance is provided to the State Governments under the Centrally

Sponsored Schemes, viz., ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats’, ‘Project

Tiger’ and ‘Project Elephant’ for improvement of forest and wildlife areas like the

national parks and sanctuaries to augment food and water availability in forests

which can reduce migration of animals from forests to the habitations.

contd…

:2:

ii. Construction of barriers like boundary walls and solar-powered electric fences

around the sensitive areas to prevent wild animal attacks. These activities are also

eligible for Central assistance.

iii. Development of necessary infrastructure and support facilities for immobilization

of the identified problematic animals through tranquilization, and their relocation

to the natural habitat or rehabilitation in rescue centers.

iv. The Chief Wildlife Wardens of the States/Union Territories are empowered to

permit hunting of problematic animals under the provisions of the Wildlife

(Protection) Act, 1972.

v. Programmes are launched to sensitize people and create awareness about the Do''s

and Don’ts in case of scare and attacks of wild animals.

vi. Eco-development activities are undertaken in villages around Protected Areas to

elicit the cooperation of communities in management of the Protected Areas which

includes actions to address the grievances of people regarding human-wildlife

conflicts.

(d) There is no proposal to establish any elephant corridor in the country.

(e) Details of State-wise release of funds under Centrally-sponsored Scheme “Project

Elephant”, which is a comprehensive programme for conservation of elephants and

includes assistance for securing of elephant habitats and corridors, during the last three

years and the current year are at Annexure II.

*****

ANNEXURE I

ANNEXURE TO THE STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e)

OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 154 REGARDING “HUMAN-

ANIMAL CONFLICTS” DUE FOR ANSWER ON 16.12.2013





West Bengal 3


2




ANNEXURE II

ANNEXURE TO THE STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (A) TO (E)

OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 154 REGARDING “HUMAN-

ANIMAL CONFLICTS” DUE FOR ANSWER ON 16.12.2013

State-wise release of funds under Centrally-sponsored Scheme “ Project Elephant during

the last three years and the current year.

(Rs. in lakh)

Sl. No

State/UTs 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14

1 Andhra Pradesh 15.00 - 11.28 - 2 Arunachal Pr. 10.00 55.00 - 83.48 3 Assam 139.55 200.00 250.00 173.00 4 Chhattisgarh 75.00 150.00 60.29 49.622 5 Jharkhand 80.00 105.87 59.512 65.655 6 Karnataka 300.76 261.83 240.296 325.412 7 Kerala 265.39 282.55 294.89 195.01 8 Maharashtra 29.00 20.29 20.47 18.682 9 Meghalaya 103.838 128.52 106.875 101.00 10 Nagaland 41.30 25.00 18.75 17.40 11 Orissa 113.50 214.60 210.00 206.00 12 Tamil Nadu 226.879 228.49 250.312 211.00 13 Tripura - 6.00 5.77 - 14 Uttar Pradesh 80.15 49.30 14.76 - 15 Uttarakhand 206.82 141.99 161.46 115.068 16 West Bengal 410.206 224.50 91.865 97.626 17 Haryana 100.00 - - Total 2197.393 2093.94 1796.53 1688.955


LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO: *11

ANSWERED ON: 05.12.2013

ELEPHANTS KILLED ON RAIL TRACKS

*11 MAHENDRA KUMAR ROY ASADUDDIN OWAISI Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:- (a) the number of elephants killed on the railway tracks during the last three years and the current year in the country, zone-wise; (b) whether the Railways have conducted any inquiry in the matter; (c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and (d) the steps taken/being taken by the Railways to check recurrence of such incidents on the Railway tracks in the country in future? ANSWER MINISTER OF RAILWAYS (SHRI MALLIKARJUN KHARGE) (a) to (d) : A Statement is laid on the Table of the House. STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF STARRED QUESTION NO. 11 BY SHRI MAHENDRA KUMAR ROY AND SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 05.12.2013 REGARDING ELEPHANTS KILLED ON RAIL TRACKS. (a) The number of elephants killed on railway tracks during the last three years and the current year in the country, zone wise are as under : Year East East Northern Northeast Southern South South Total Central Coast Railway Frontier Railway Eastern Western Railway Railway Railway Railway Railway 2010 NIL NIL NIL 19 1 NIL 20 2011 1 1 NIL 7 NIL NIL 9 2012 NIL 6 NIL 6 NIL 3 15 2013 NIL NIL 2 16 NIL 1 2 21 (up to 28.11. 13) Total 1 7 2 48 1 4 2 65

(b) Yes, Madam. In most of the cases, Zonal Railways have conducted inquiry in the matter. However, in few cases, where elephants were killed on non identified Elephant corridors/ locations, and where no prior information was available with Railways from Forest Department, inquiries have not been conducted. (c) The details of inquiries are hereunder: Year No. of No. of inquiries No. of inquiries incidents ordered completed 2010 10 6 6 2011 7 5 5 2012 8 1 1 2013 (upto 10 7 6 28.11.13) (d) Following steps have been taken to check recurrence of such incidences on Railway Track resulting in deaths of elephants: (i) Ministry of Railways is holding regular meetings with the Ministry of Environment and Forests to take remedial measures for controlling elephant casualties. (ii) Elephant corridors have been identified by the Forest Department, and on such corridors speed restrictions have been imposed. (iii) Signage boards have been provided to pre-warn the train drivers. (iv) Advisory to Zonal Railways have also been issued to sensitise Train Crew and Station Masters on a regular basis. (v) Instructions have also been issued for need based clearance of vegetation on the sides of the track within railway land. (vi) Construction of underpasses for the movement of elephants at identified locations in consultation with the Forest Department of State Govt. & MoEF. (vii) Construction of ramps in Jaldapara wild life sanctuary. (viii) Construction of girder bridges to check the entry of elephants into deep cuttings. (ix) Provision of fencing at isolated locations where visibility is impaired due to curvature. (x) Provision of solar lights at vulnerable locations to deter elephants from crossing railway tracks. (xi) VHF (Walkie-Talkie) communication has been established between Railway and Forest officials for faster flow of information of elephant sighting so that necessary action can be taken to alert the loco pilots.


LOK SABHA


Elephant Corridors

2703. SHRI HEMANAND BISWAL: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government has any proposal for setting up of elephant corridors in

various States including Sundargarh in Odisha to curb the rising incidents of man-elephant conflicts in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof and funds earmarked therefor; and (c) the time by which it is likely to be set up?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN): (a) to (c) Under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme Project Elephant, a provision for

securing elephant corridors is listed as one of the activities for which central assistance can be provided to the states. The activities are proposed by the states in their respective Annual Plans of Operations for Project Elephant. No proposal has been received from the state of Odisha for any activity for securing a corridor at Sundargarh.

*********


LOK SABHA


Decline in Population of Asian Elephants

1883. SHRI N. PEETHAMBARA KURUP: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the population of Asian elephants has been declining in the country; (b) if so, the details thereof, especially in North-Eastern States and the reasons therefor; (c) whether a large number of elephants have reportedly been killed in various parts of the

country; (d) if so, the details thereof; and (e) the action taken by the Government to protect and conserve the elephants?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN): (a)&(b) The estimates of population of elephants in the country over a period of time does

not indicate a declining trend. Following are the estimates of population of elephants in the country.

YEAR 1997 2002 2007 2012

Elephant Population 25842 26373 27669-27719 29391-30711

(c)&(d) The details of mortality of elephants during the last three year and the current year,

as per information available in the Ministry is given at Annexure. (e) 1. The Central Government provides financial assistance to the states for protection and

conservation of elephants in the country under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘Project Elephant’. The Elephant range states identify the elephant habitats as “Elephant Reserves” under the project for better management of Wild Elephants. So far 28 Elephant Reserves have been established by 14 states. Various activities are planned and taken up under the scheme to mitigate Man-Elephant conflict, improvement of Elephant Habitats, restoration of Elephant Corridors and various awareness programmes. Some of the activities are as follows: i. Habitat improvements and restoration of Elephant Corridors in PE Range

states under PE Scheme (CSS)

ii. Infrastructure improvement in Elephant Reserves for effective management of elephant population.

iii. Anti depredation squads, anti poaching squads and trekkers are engaged for protection of elephants.

iv. To restrict menace of elephants to human habitations, solar fencing, trenches and stone walling are being provided in the depredation prone localities.

v. Studies on various issues such as man animal conflict, carrying capacity of elephant habitat are encouraged.

vi. Awareness programme among the local villagers are taken to minimize the loss of life of the wild elephants.

2. To secure the future of the elephants in India, the Ministry of Environment and Forests has constituted an Elephant Task Force which has submitted its report “Gajah” to the Ministry in 2010.

3. As per one of the decisions in the 6th meeting of National Board of Wild Life, a committee for strengthening of Elephant Reserves and elephant corridors has been constituted in January, 2013.

4. Joint advisories have been issued by Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) and Ministry of Railways (MoR) to all the concerned states to avoid deaths of elephants by speeding trains.

*******

ANNEXURE

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (c) & (d) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 1883 REGARDING ‘DECLINE IN POPULATION OF ASIAN ELEPHANTS’ FOR REPLY ON 19.08.2013.

Details of elephant mortality for the last three years and current year, as reported by States

Sl. No.

Species 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

2013-14

Elephant Poaching Poisoning Train accidents

Poaching Poisoning

Train accidents

Poaching Train accidents

Train accidents

TOTAL 26 0 19 13 1 13 0 16 3

******

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

LOK SABHA


Census of Elephants and Tigers

*470. ADV. A. SAMPATH:

SHRI P.K. BIJU: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has conducted any census regarding the number of elephants and tigers in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the years in which the last two censuses were conducted; (c) the number of tigers and elephants in the country, State-wise; and (d) the steps taken by the Government to start new projects to save and increase the

number of wild animals particularly elephants and tigers?

ANSWER


(a) to (d) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

*******

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) to (d) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *470 REGARDING ‘CENSUS OF ELEPHANTS AND TIGERS’ DUE FOR REPLY ON 29.04.2013 (a) to (c) Yes Sir. The Government of India conducts census of wild elephants and tigers in

the country periodically. The census of wild elephants is done at an interval of 5 years. The latest state-wise population of elephants was compiled during 2012. The details of elephant estimation for the year 2007 and 2012 are at Annexure-I. The details of tiger estimation for the year 2006 and 2010 are at Annexure-II. The country level population of elephants and tigers has shown an increasing trend.

(d) In-principle approval has been accorded by the National Tiger Conservation Authority for creation of four new tiger reserves, and the sites are:, Pilibhit (Uttar Pradesh), Ratapani (Madhya Pradesh), Sunabeda (Odisha), and Mukundara Hills (including Darrah, Jawahar Sagar and Chambal Wildlife Sanctuaries) (Rajasthan). Final approval has been accorded to Kudremukh (Karnataka) for declaring as a tiger reserve. The State Governments have been advised to send proposals for declaring the following areas as tiger reserves: (i) Bor (Maharashtra), (ii) Suhelwa (Uttar Pradesh), (iii) Nagzira-Navegaon (Maharashtra), (iv) Guru Ghasidas National Park (Chhattisgarh), (v) Mhadei Sanctuary (Goa) and (vi) Srivilliputhur Grizzled Giant Squirrel / Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuaries / Varushanadu Valley (Tamil Nadu).

As regards, wild elephants, many initiatives have been taken by the Government such as creation of elephant reserves, restoring elephant habitats, strengthening of anti-poaching camps, setting up of effective intelligence gathering system, regular and intensive patrolling around elephant habitats and their migratory routes, constitution of eco development committees etc. The last elephant reserve was notified in Chhattisgarh (Badalkhol- Tamorpingla) in September, 2011.

******

ANNEXURE I

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) to (c) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *470 REGARDING ‘CENSUS OF ELEPHANTS AND TIGERS’ DUE FOR REPLY ON 29.04.2013.

Details of elephant estimation for the year 2007 and 2012

* Meghalaya and Uttarakhand has not conducted elephant census after 2007. Therefore the figure of 2007 has been maintained for 2012 as well.

Sl. No. States Elephant population 2007 2012

1. Arunachal Pradesh 1690 890 2. Assam 5281 5620 3. Meghalaya 1811 1811 * 4. Nagaland 152 212 5. Tripura 59 59 6. West Bengal 325-350 647 7. Jharkhand 624 688 8. Orissa 1862 1930 9. Chhattisgarh 122 247 10. Uttarakhand 1346 1346 * 11. Uttar Pradesh 380 291 12. Tamil Nadu 3867 4015 13. Karnataka 4035 5648-6488 14. Kerala 6068 5942-6422 15. Andhra Pradesh 28 41 16. Maharashtra 7 4

27657-27682 29391 - 30711

ANNEXURE II

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) to (c) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *470 REGARDING ‘CENSUS OF ELEPHANTS AND TIGERS’ DUE FOR REPLY ON 29.04.2013.



2006 2010 Estimate



Estimate (Number)



Shivalik- Gangetic Plain Landscape Complex Uttarakhand 178 161 195 227 199 256 Uttar Pradesh 109 91 127 118 113 124 Bihar 10 7 13 8 (-)*** (-)*** (-)*** Shivalik-Gangetic landscape

297 259 335 353

320 388

Central Indian Landscape Complex and Eastern Ghats Landscape Complex Andhra Pradesh 95 84 107 72 65 79 Chhattisgarh 26 23 28 26 24 27 Madhya Pradesh 300 236 364 257 213 301 Maharashtra 103 76 131 169 155 183 Odisha 45 37 53 32 20 44 Rajasthan 32 30 35 36 35 37 Jharkhand Not

assessed 10 6 14


601 486 718 601 518 685

Western Ghats Landscape Complex Karnataka 290 241 339 300 280 320 Kerala 46 39 53 71 67 75 Tamil Nadu 76 56 95 163 153 173 Western Ghats landscape

402 336 487 534 500 568

North Eastern Hills and Brahmaputra Flood Plains Assam 70 60 80 143 113 173 Arunachal Pradesh 14

12 18 Not

assessed Not assessed

Not assessed

Mizoram 6 4 8 5 (-)*** (-)*** (-)*** Northern West Bengal

10 8 12 Not assessed

Not assessed

Not assessed


100

84 118 148

118 178

Sundarbans Not assessed

Not assessed

Not assessed 70

64 90

TOTAL 1411 1165 1657 1706 1520 1909

*** Statistical lower / upper limits could not be ascertained owing to small size of the population.


MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS


Destruction from Elephants

5350. SHRI VISHWA MOHAN KUMAR: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has noticed that a herd of elephants has entered into Basantpur, Virpur and Bhimnagar areas of Supaul district of Bihar from Nepal and wrecked havoc causing the casualty in the said area:

(b) if so, whether the Government has given any suggestions to the Government of Nepal to check such incidents;

(c) if not, the reasons therefor; and (d) the action taken by the Government to stop such destruction?

ANSWER


(a) Yes Sir. Reports of elephants from Nepal entering into the bordering areas of Supaul District (Basantpur Block) of Bihar have been received. The elephants strayed from Nepal after a shortwhile returned to Nepal. There have been no reports of any damage to humans or property.

(b), (c) & (d) The Divisional Forest Officer, Saharsa has taken up the matter with the concerned officials of Nepal. Patrolling is being done for this purpose.

*******


MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT & FORESTS

LOK SABHA

STARRED QUESTION No. *477 TO BE ANSWERED ON 29.04.2013

Shifting of Elephants from Zoos

* 477. SHRI KAPIL MUNI KARWARIYA: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government has constituted any panel to review the arrangement relating to shifting of elephants from zoos to open areas/ Elephant camps run by forest departments of respective States; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether some of the zoos have sought exemption from shifting of elephants from their zoos; (d) if so, the details thereof and the reason therefor; and (e) the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN)


*****

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION No. *477 REGARDING ‘SHIFTING OF ELEPHANTS FROM ZOOS” BY SHRI KAPIL MUNI KARWARIYA DUE FOR REPLY ON 29.04.2013. (a) No, Sir. (b) Does not arise. (c) & (d) Yes, Sir. Several Zoos have sought exemption from shifting of elephants from their Zoos. The details and reasons thereof are annexed at Annexure. (e) The Central Zoo Authority has constituted a Committee comprising of four Members for appraisal of housing facilities provided in zoos with respect to elephants. The Committee had carried out field appraisal and submitted a report. Important recommendations of the Committee, inter-alia, are as follows:

1. Central Zoo Authority upholds ban on zoos that lack space and appropriate environment for housing elephants.

2. Central Zoo Authority bans further intake of elephants (except elephants rescued from the wild, confiscated and old / abandoned / abused elephants, as mentioned in Central Zoo Authority guidelines on dealing with rescued animals).

3. Central Zoo Authority may permit some zoos to house elephants subject to the zoo’s willingness to provide increased area, a better environment, higher quality of welfare for elephants and comply with CZA guidelines and specific conditions laid down by Central Zoo Authority subcommittee for the housing of elephants.

4. Zoos that are able to provide large forested/vegetated environment, lakes or water body, adequate space and expert veterinary support may be considered by Central Zoo Authority for retention of elephants provided the above conditions are met with.

*****

ANNEXURE

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (c)and (d) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION No. *477 REGARDING ‘SHIFTING OF ELEPHANTS FROM ZOOS” BY SHRI KAPIL MUNI KARWARIYA DUE FOR REPLY ON 29.04.2013.

List of zoos who have submitted their request to exempt from transfer of Indian Elephants:-

S. No.

Name of the Zoos No. of elephant housed (M:F)

Reasons therefore

1 Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

5:1 Claims to have biggest enclosure for elephants with good vegetation & water facilities & receives rescued and seized elephants regulary.

2 M. C. Zoological Park, Chhatbir, Punjab

2:4 Provided with large moated & open enclosure.

3 Sanjay Gandhi Zoological Park, Patna, Bihar

0:1 The elephant is suffering from arthritis

4 Veermata Jijabai Bhosle Udyan Zoo, Byculla, Mumbai, Maharashtra

0:2

Old age (50+), the elephants are kept free to roam in their enclosure. Area of the enclosure is about 400 sq. mts.

5. Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

1:1 The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) & Chief Wildlife Warden, Kerala has requested to allow Maheshwari, an elderly albino elephant housed at the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, Thiruvananthapuram due to its old age (around 80 years) and its fragile health conditions.

6. National Zoological Park, New Delhi

1:1 Officials of Corbett Tiger Reserve had intimated that on health ground implementation of the transfer of elephants from National Zoological Park, Delhi is not feasible.

7. Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

1:0 The zoo has already transferred two nos. of elephants to elephant camp. However the zoo has submitted their request to retain one elephant due to erratic behavior.

8. Assam State Zoo, Guwahati, Assam

0:3 Chief Wildlife Warden, Assam has requested to allow to retain two young elephants and one mother which are housed in open area. The elephants are regularly taken for exercise & bathing. These young once are rescued and received in Zoo.

9. Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, Mysore (Zoo Authority of Karnataka, Mysore) Karnataka

5:5 The zoo claimed to have adequate space for housing which meets the biological needs of the animals and experienced keepers to handle the animals.

10. Dr. Shivaram Karanth Pilikula Biological Park, Mangalore, Karnataka

1:1 As the female elephant was pregnant and now is with newly born baby.

******


MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT & FORESTS


Proposal for Elephant Project

4422. SHRI VISHNU DEV SAI: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the State Government of Chhattsgarh has forwarded a proposal to the Union Government for the elephant project; and

(b) if so, the details of the action taken by the Government thereon along with the time by which the approval is likely to be granted?

ANSWER


(a) Yes, the State Government of Chhattisgarh had forwarded a proposal for Rs. 43.02 crore to include the State of Chhattisgarh in Project Elephant in April, 2005 to Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India.

(b) The State of Chhattisgarh was included in the Project Elephant by Ministry of Environment and Forests in the year 2006-2007 and Rs. 80 lakhs was allocated during the year. Every year the funds are released to Chhattisgarh for elephant project and till date an amount of Rs. 6.16 crores have been released to the State. The details of the amount released, year wise, are given in Annexure.

*******

ANNEXURE

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (b) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 4422 REGARDING ‘PROPOSAL FOR ELEPHANT PROJECT’ DUE FOR REPLY ON 22.04.2013.

Amount released to Chhattisgarh year wise

(Rs. in lakhs)

******

Sl. No. Year Amount released

1. 2006-07 80.00 2. 2007-08 83.77 3. 2008-09 60.43 4. 2009-10 111.22 5. 2010-11 75.00 6. 2011-12 145.57 7. 2012-13 60.29

Total 616.28


LOK SABHA



4471. SHRI ADAGOORU VISHWANATH: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of elephants across the country as in December, 2012, State-wise; (b) whether a number of elephants are killed for ivory with the indirect help of the forest

officials; (c) if so, the number of such cases which have been reported during the last three years and

the current year; and (d) the steps taken by the Government to protect these elephants from hunters?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN): (a) As per the last census (2007), the number of estimated population of elephants

in the country are in the range of 27669-27719 (Average 27,694). The details, state wise, are given in Annexure.

(b) (c) & (d) There have been no reports of killing of elephants for ivory with the indirect

help of forest officials. Many initiatives have been taken by states such as forming committees at the village level for protection of elephants by involving local communities, watch tower and solar fencing for better protection and management of elephants.

*******

ANNEXURE

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 4471 REGARDING ‘PROTECTION OF ELEPHANTS’ DUE FOR REPLY ON 22.04.2013.


REGION STATE ELEPHANT POPULATION 1993 1997 2002 2007

North-East Arunachal Pradesh

2102 1800 1607 1690

Assam 5524 5312 5246 5281 Meghalaya 2872 1840 1868 1811 Nagaland 178 158 145 152 Mizoram 15 22 33 12 Manipur 50 30 12 - Tripura 100 70 40 59 West Bengal (North)

186 250 292 300-350


11027 9482 9243 9305-9355


14 26 36 25

Jharkhand 550 618 772 624 Orissa 1750 1800 1841 1862 Chhattisgarh - - - 122

Total for East

2314 2444 2649 2633

North Uttarakhand 828 1130 1582 1346 Uttar Pradesh 47 70 85 380 Total for North

875 1200 1667 1726

South Tamil Nadu 2307 2971 3052 3867 Karnataka 5500 6088 5838 4035 Kerala 3500 3600 3850 6068 Andhra

Pradesh 46 57 74 28

Maharashtra - - - 7 Total for South

11353 12716 12814 14005

GRAND TOTAL

25569 25842 26373 27669-27719

******


LOK SABHA



*290. SHRI PULIN BIHARI BASKE: SHRI CHAUDHARY LAL SINGH: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the number of elephants is declining in the country over a period of time; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) the number of elephants in the country where ‘Project Elephant’ has been implemented,

area-wise; (d) whether any efforts are being made to increase the elephant population in the country;

and (e) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

ANSWER



******

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) to (e) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO *290 REGARDING ‘PROTECTION OF ELEPHANTS’ DUE FOR REPLY ON 18.03.2013. (a) & (b) No Sir. The number of elephants is not declining in the country over a period of

time. The details of estimated population of elephants in the country over a period of time are given below.

YEAR 1997 2002 2007

Elephant Population 25842 26373 27669-27719

(c) The number of elephants in the country where project elephant have been

implemented, area-wise and state-wise is given in Annexure. (d) & (e) Yes Sir. Efforts are made to protect and increase the elephant population in the

country. The Central Government is releasing funds for protection and conservation of elephants in the country under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Project Elephant. The Elephant range states have taken various activities to mitigate Man-Elephant conflict, improvement of Elephant Habitat, restoration of Elephant Corridors and various awareness programmes under the scheme. Some of the activities are as follows:

1) Habitat improvements and restoration of Elephant Corridors in PE Range

states under PE Scheme (CSS) 2) Infrastructure improvement in Elephant Reserves for effective management of

elephant population. 3) Anti depredation squads, anti poaching squads and trekkers are engaged for

protection of elephants. 4) To restrict menace of elephants to human habitations, solar fencing, trenches

and stone waling are being provided in the depredation prone localities. 5) Studies on various issues such as man animal conflict, carrying capacity of

elephant habitat are encouraged. 6) Awareness programme among the local villagers are taken to minimize the loss

of life of the wild elephants. 7) For better management of Wild Elephants, 28 Elephant Reserves have been

established by the states. 8) To secure the future of the elephants in India, the Ministry of Environment and

Forests has constituted an Elephant Task Force which has submitted its report “Gajah” to the Ministry in 2010.

9) To monitor and review the CSS scheme of PE, a steering committee has been constituted by the Ministry.

10) As per one of the decisions in the 6th meeting of NBWL, a committee for strengthening of Elephant Reserves and elephant corridors has been constituted in January, 2013.

11) As per one of the Elephant Task Force recommendations, creation of National Elephant Conservation Authority (NECA) is under process.

12) Joint advisories have been issued by Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) and Ministry of Railways (MoRs) to all the concerned states to avoid deaths of elephants by speeding trains.

*******

ANNEXURE

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (c) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO *290 REGARDING ‘PROTECTION OF ELEPHANTS’ DUE FOR REPLY ON 18.03.2013.


REGION STATE ELEPHANT POPULATION 1993 1997 2002 2007

North-East Arunachal Pradesh

2102 1800 1607 1690


186 250 292 300-350


11027 9482 9243 9305-9355


14 26 36 25


Total for East

2314 2444 2649 2633


875 1200 1667 1726


Pradesh 46 57 74 28


11353 12716 12814 14005

GRAND TOTAL

25569 25842 26373 27669-27719

*****


LOK SABHA


Legal Protection to Elephant Reserves

2159. SHRI ADHALRAO PATIL SHIVAJI: SHR ANANDRAO ADSUL: SHRI GAJANAN D. BABAR: SHRI MADHU GOUD YASKHI: SHRI DHARMENDRA YADAV: SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state: (a) whether the Ministry has constituted a committee to review as to how elephant reserves and

corridors can get a higher level of legal protection under existing green laws; (b) if so, the terms of reference of the committee along with the time by which the aforesaid

committee is likely to submit its report to the Government; and (c) the steps taken by the Government to regulate activities detrimental to the Pachyderm while

not hurting rights of people living in these zones?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATRAJAN) (a) & (b) Yes, Sir. The details of the committee along with the terms of reference are at

Annexure. (c) The Government has taken following steps to regulate activities detrimental to this

pachyderm. a. Project Elephant provides assistance to the states for improvement of the habitats,

acquisition of private lands in identified corridors and payment of ex-gratia assistance for damage to life and property by the wild elephants.

b. Creation of Elephant Task Force. c. A separate committee has been constituted to strengthen the Elephant Reserves

and Elephant Corridors. d. Regulations in existence under Environmental Protection Act 1986, Forest

Conservation Act 1980 and Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 are in force, and are invoked in case of habitats of elephants also, as applicable.

*****

OIH GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

LOK SABHA


Loss of Life and Property by Elephant Menace

2096. SHRIMATI KAMLA DEVI PATLE: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

(a) whether loss of life and property is being caused by elephant menace in Sarguja, Jashpur and Korba areas of Chhattisgarh;

(b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether the Government has given approval for Elephant Sanctuary in Chhattisgarh; (d) if so, the details thereof and the details of funds approved/released for this project: and (e) the time by which the project is likely to be completed?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATRAJAN)

(a) Yes, Wild elephants have caused human loss & injury and also damaged properties in Chhattisgarh State including Sarguja, Korba and Jashpur District.

(b) Details of loss/damage is shown in Annexure-I

(c) MoEF, GOI vide its letter No. 2-13/2002-PE dated 05-10-2007 accorded sanction for creation of two elephant reserves in Chhattisgarh namely 1. Badalkhol-Manora & Tamorpingla 2. Lemru Elephant Reserve

Sarguja-Jashpur Elephant Reserve has been notified by Chhattisgarh State Government on 15-09-2011.

Government has not given any approval for Elephant Sanctuary in Chhattisgarh.

(d) For elephant habitat development in Chhattisgarh State following schemes are running. Details of allotment and expenditure in the last three years are below:-

(Rs. in lakhs) Major Head

Year 2009-10 Year 2010-11 Year 2011-12 Year 2012-13 Total Amount

Released amount

Exp. Released amount



Exp. (Jan, 2013)

Released amount

Exp.

5502 (Project Elephant)

121.00 118.27

75.00 73.30

90.00 98.27 108.27 47.70

394.00 337.54

6991 (Elephant habitat development)

210.00 206.66

400.00 241.06

500.00 478.04

600.00 10.67

1710.00

936.43

(e) There is no scheduled period for completion of the above schemes.

Annexure-I Details of loss and damage done by the Elephants Sarguja, Jashpur and Korba areas of Chhattisgarh as sought in Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2096.

(Rs. in lakhs) Name of District

Loss of life Loss of Property

Crop House No. of case Amount

paid No. of case Amount

paid No. of case Amount

paid Year 2009-10

Sarguja 12 18.00 4585 48.20 583 8.29 Jashpur 6 9.00 2913 46.12 201 5.66 Korba 1 1.50 654 5.94 20 0.77 Total 19 28.50 8152 100.26 804 14.72

Year 2010-11 Sarguja 9 16.50 4773 65.46 417 9.31 Jashpur 6 9.50 3747 37.83 303 5.61 Korba 1 2.00 663 5.85 16 0.35 Total 16 28.00 9183 109.14 736 15.27

Year 2011-12 Sarguja 10 20.00 4139 59.53 639 11.22 Jashpur 13 26.00 4632 50.77 263 3.14 Korba 1 2.00 1672 5.12 1 0.02 Total 24 48.00 10443 115.42 903 14.30

Year 2012-13 (till in December 2012) Sarguja 6 12.00 4337 51.46 186 1.86 Jashpur 5 8.05 4001 39.45 359 7.64 Korba - - 2961 20.31 - - Total 11 20.05 11299 111.22 545 9.50

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 1746

ANSWERED ON:07.03.2013

CASUALTIES OF ELEPHANTS

ANANDRAO VITHOBA ADSUL

(a)whether several accidents on rail tracks occurred in elephant corridors during the recent past killing number of elephants due to high speed of trains;

(b)the number of cases reported during the last six months, zone-wise;

(c)whether the Ministry of Environment and Forests has issued advisory to ensure that trains slow down sufficiently in elephant corridors;

(d)if so, the instructions issued by the Railways to all divisions in this regard;

(e)whether the Railways have put up an elephant crossing signboards on the routes where elephants cross the tracks; and

(f)if not, the reasons therefor and the steps taken to implement the said instructions?

Will the Minister of RAILWAYSbe pleased to state:-

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI KOTLA JAYA SURYA PRAKASH REDDY)

(a) to (f) : A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (f) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1746 BY SHRI ANANDRAO ADSUL, SHRI PRABODH PANDA, SHRI GAJANAN D. BABAR, SHRI DHARMENDRA YADAV AND SHRI ADHALRAO PATIL SHIVAJI TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 07.03.2013 REGARDING CASUALTIES OF ELEPHANTS

(a) &(b)Zone-wise number of cases (accidents) reported on Railway Track killing elephants during the last six months till 28.02.2013 is as under:

East Coast Northern Northeast South Western TOTAL Railway Railway Frontier Railway Railway

1 1 2 1 5

(c) to (e) : Advisory to Zonal Railways have been issued to sensitise Train Crew and Station Masters on a regular basis. A Permanent Co-ordination Committee has been formed at Zonal Railway level and at Ministry level (Ministry of Railways & Ministry of Environment and Forests) to monitor/review the steps taken on mitigation of such incidence. Ministry of Railways is holding regular meetings with the Ministry of Environment and Forests to take remedial measures for controlling elephant casualties. Elephant corridors have been identified by the Forest Department, and on such corridors, speed restrictions have been imposed and signage boards provided to pre- warn the train drivers. Instructions have also been issued for need based clearance of vegetation on the sides of the track within railway land.

In consultation with the Ministry of Environment & Forests (MOEF) and Forest Departments of the State Governments, Railways is also attempting to find a more lasting solution in the matter through deposit works consisting of measures such as construction of ramps and underpasses etc., the cost of which will be borne by the Forest Department.

(f):Does not arise.


LOK SABHA


Elephant Corridor Project

1148. SHRI B.Y. RAGHAVENDRA, SHRI NALIN KUMAR KATEEL: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the proposal of Elephant corridor project was opposed by local people at Pushpagiri sanctuary in Karnataka;

(b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether the Government has taken steps to solve the issue in consultation with local

people and State Government authorities; and (d) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN): (a) (b) (c) & (d) There is no proposal for Elephant Corridor project pertaining to Pushpagiri

Sanctuary in Karnataka.

*******


LOK SABHA


Elephant Conservation Parks

603. DR. M. THAMBIDURAI: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government proposes to establish Elephant Conservation Parks in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof, Location-wise and State-wise including Tamil Nadu; (c) the funds allocated or proposed to be allocated to the said parks; and (d) the time by which these parks are likely to be established?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN): (a) No, Sir.

(b) to (d) Does not arise in view of the reply to part (a) of the question.

******


LOK SABHA


Creation of Elephant Reserves at Lemru

3546. SHRI P. VISWANATHAN:

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has given approval of two elephant reserves at Lemru in Korbat (450 sq km) and Badalkhot tamarpingla in Jashpur and Sarguja (1048 sq km);

(b) if so, the total amount released under project Elephant to the State Government of Chhattisgarh;

(c) whether the total area approved by the Government has been reduced subsequently; (d) if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor; and (e) the corrective steps taken by the Government thereon?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

(SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARJAN)

(a) Yes, the Government of India has given approval of two elephant reserves at Lemru in Korbat (450 sq km) and Badalkhot tamparpingla in Jashpur and Sarguja (1048 sq km):

(b) So far the total amount released under Project Elephant to the State Government of Chhattisgarh in the last five years i.e. from 2006-07 till date is Rs. 959.98 lakhs.

(c) to (e) Till date, Government of Chhattisgarh has notified Jashpur - Sarguja Elephant Reserve (1143.34 sq km) vide notification No. F 8-6/2007/10-2 dated 15.9.2011. At this moment, the question of total area been reduced does not arise.

*******


LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO:268 ANSWERED ON: 30.08.2012

CASUALTIES OF ELEPHANTS

*268 MANEKA SANJAY GANDHI Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:- (a) the number of elephants killed on railway tracks during the last three years and the current year; (b) whether steps have been taken by the Railways/ Government to mitigate casualties in this regard and find lasting solution in the matter; (c) if so, the details thereof; (d) whether the Elephant Corridors have been identified, for imposing speed restrictions and putting up of signage boards; and (e) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER MINISTER OF RAILWAYS (SHRI MUKUL ROY) (a) to (e) : A Statement is laid on the Table of the House. STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF STARRED QUESTION NO.268 BY SHRIMATI MANEKA GANDHI TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 30.08.2012 REGARDING CASUALTIES OF ELEPHANTS (a) The number of elephants killed on railway tracks during the last three years and the current year are as under :

Year East Central Railway

East Coast Railway

Northeast Frontier Railway

Southern Railway

South Eastern Railway

2009 NIL NIL 5 4 NIL 2010 NIL NIL 19 1 NIL 2011 1 1 7 NIL NIL 2012 (up to 15.08.12)

NIL NIL 5 NIL 3

(b) Yes, Madam. (c) Ministry of Railways is holding regular meetings with the Ministry of Environment and Forests to take remedial measures for controlling elephant casualties. Elephant corridors have been identified by the Forest Department, and on such corridors speed restrictions have been imposed and signage boards provided to pre-warn the train drivers. Advisory to Zonal Railways have also been issued to sensitise Train

Crew and Station Masters on a regular basis. Instructions have also been issued for need based clearance of vegetation on the sides of the track within railway land.

As per the advice of Forest Department, Railways is also attempting to find a more lasting solution in the matter through deposit works consisting of measures such as ramps and underpasses etc., the cost of which will be borne by the Forest Department. (d) Yes, Madam. The elephant corridors are identified in consultation with Forest Department. (e) The details are as under:-

RAILWAY SECTION LOCATION

NAME OF FOREST SPEED RESTR-ICTION (KMPH)

REMARKS

EAST CENTRAL

Chhipadohar-Hehegara of Barkakana - Garwa Road section

Km 245/33 -37 (Up) & Km 245/34 -38 (Dn)

Bela Forest of Palamu District

25

NORTHERN Laksar-Dehradun

Km 31 - 52 Rajaji National Park - Caution signage boards provided

NORTHEAST FRONTIER

Kamakhya Jn-Goalpara Town-New Bongaigaon

Km 65/7-68/3

Rani Reserve Forest 50

Kamakhya Jn-Goalpara Town-New Bongaigaon

Km 163/0-168/0

Rani Reserve Forest 50

Guwahati-Lumding

Km 174/1-174/4 and Km179/4-179/7

Uddali Bananchal 50

Lumding –Furkating

Km 236/5-236/8

Daidali Reserve Forest 50

Furkating -New Tinsukia

Km 372/2-373/4

Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary 50

Furkating-Jorhat Town –Mariani

Km 80/7-82/0 and Km 82/6- 83/3

Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary 50

Makum Jn-Ledo

Km 20/0-20/5

Upper Dihing ReserveForest

50

Alipurduar Jn-Siliguri Jn-New Jalpaiguri

Km 16/5-27/0

Mahananda ReserveForest 50


Km 65/8-68/9

Chaparmari Wildlife Sanctuary

50



REMARKS

NORTHEAST FRONTIER


Km 128/1-130/8

Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary

50


Km140/2-141/3

Buxa Tiger Reserve 50


Km16/0-34/2

Mahananda ReserveForest 50 during night only


Km 81/6-100/6

Outside Forest 50 during night only


Km 114/4-168/0

Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary & Buxa Tiger

Reserve

50 during night only

SOUTHERN

Podanur-Pallakkad (A line)

Km 505-508 Km 510-513

Walayar

Time Period Up Dn Day time (06:00-18:00 hrs)

65 25 (Goods) 65 (Pass-enger)

Night time (18:00-06:00 hrs)


Podanur-Pallakkad (B line)

Km 505-508 Km 510-513 Km 515-517

Walayar

Time Period Up Dn Day time (06:00-18:00 hrs)


Night time (18:00-06:00 hrs)


SOUTH EASTERN

Sonua-Jaraikela in Chakradharpur-Rourkela(UP)

Km 332/25-384/11

Saranda - Blow Long Whistle, sharp Look Out

Sonua-Jaraikela in Chakradharpur-Rourkela(DN)

Km 384/11-332/25

Saranda - Blow Long Whistle, sharp Look Out



REMARKS

Bimalgarh-Kiriburu

Km 487-494

Saranda 20

Jinkpani-Singhpokharia (UP)

Km 321/32-34

Fringe area of SarandaForest

- Sharp Look Out

Jinkpani-Singhpokharia (DN)

Km 321/32-34


- Sharp Look Out

Maluka-Noamundi(UP)

Km 356/19-374/5


- Blow Long Whistle, sharp Look Out (from18.00 hrs to 06.00 hrs), identified on 21.8.12

Noamundi-Maluka(DN)

Km 374/6-356/20


- Blow Long Whistle, sharp Look Out (from18.00 hrs to 06.00 hrs), identified on 21.8.12

Padapahar-Jamkundia(UP)

Km 371/19-379/39


40 Blow Long Whistle, sharp Look Out (from18.00 hrs to 06.00 hrs), identified on 24.8.12

Jamkundia -Padapahar(DN)

Km 379/40-371/30



Jaroli-Nayagarh

Km 412/11-412/20



SOUTH WESTERN

Rayakottai-Periyanayaktone in Bangalore-Salem section

Km 125-133

Udaya-durgam 40 during night only

*****


LOK SABHA


Census for Elephants

481. DR. P. VENUGOPAL: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has any proposal to conduct National Elephant census in the country.

(b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) the time by which it is likely to be completed?

ANSWER


(a),(b)&(c) The nationwide census of Elephant population in the country is conducted at the

interval of 5 years and the previous such census was carried out during 2007-08. The elephant census is being conducted in the current financial year in all the elephant ranging states. Since elephants are long ranging animals, the nationwide census is undertaken simultaneously across all the states in a range, by coordinating the census exercise with all the neighboring states.

********


LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTIONNo. 506


Relocation of Elephants

506 SHRI SURESH KUMAR SHETKAR

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government as set up a panel to take a new look at its order for relocation of

elephants from zoos to forest camps near sanctuaries which had met with stiff resistance from several zoo directors across the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof; (c) the incidents reported so far during the last three years; (d) the road plan prepared to avoid such incidents in future; and (f) the guidelines given to States by the Government in this regard?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (I.C.) IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SMT. JAYANTHI NATARAJAN)

*********************** (a) Yes, Sir. The Central Zoo Authority has set up a three members Appraisal Committee comprising of experts on elephant, animal welfare and rescue and rehabilitation of wild animals to carry out evaluation of the housing facilities provided to the elephants in zoos, so that necessary decision can be taken on the issue of relocation of elephants from zoos to forest camp. (b) & (c) Directors of zoos at Hyderabad, Mysore, Bangalore, Trivandrum, Pune and others have requested to retain the elephants within the respective zoos providing justification for the same. (d) The Central Zoo Authority has proposed to hold a stakeholders workshop on “Elephant upkeep in the Zoos” involving Animal Welfare Activists, NGOs, Scientists, Zoos, Forest Department Personnel including Chief Wildlife Wardens to come up with the recommendations to be adopted regarding the rehabilitation of the elephants in the zoos. (e) As per the advisory issued by the Central Zoo Authority vide letter dated 7th November 2009, the zoos have been advised to rehabilitate elephants to the rehabilitation camps/ elephant camps / facilities available with the forest department at National Parks/ Wildlife Sanctuaries/ Tiger Reserves for departmental use.

***************


LOK SABHA


Restoration of Elephant Corridors

496. SHRI SIVASAMI C:


(a) whether the most of the elephant corridors in Karnataka were under threat according to experts;

(b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether the development activities, human settlements are narrowing elephant

corridors; (d) if so, the details thereof; (e) whether the experts have opined for an urgent need to restore the elephant corridors

in Karnataka; and (f) if so, the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN) (a),(b),(c)&(d) The Hon’ble High Court of Karnataka has constituted Elephant Task Force

chaired by Dr. R.Sukumar, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore to examine and report regarding various issues pertaining to human-elephant conflict, including matters related to elephant corridors. In this regard, the Hon’ble High Court of Karnataka has ordered the Task Force to submit the report on or before 06-09-2012. So far the report has not been submitted by the Task Force.

(e)&(f) No report has been received in this regard. However, the forest department in the interest of establishing corridor connectivity between existing wildlife habitats (protected area) has already taken many steps such as acquiring 25.37 acres of land in Chamarajanagara district between BRT Tiger Reserve and Kollegal Reserve Forests for establishing the elephant corridor between these two areas and also notified 50.49 sq kms in Gundlupet Taluk adjoining the Bandipur Tiger Reserve as a part of Kanyanpura Elephant Corridor.

*******


LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.6150



6150. SHRI AHIR VIKRAMBHAI ARJANBHAI MAADAM: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state: (a) whether the population of elephants has been decreasing in the country; (b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the number of elephants during the last three years, year-

wise; and (c) the steps taken by the Government to increase the population of elephants?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN)

(a) and (b) No, Sir. In fact, as per the census of elephant population, which are undertaken in the country at the interval of five years, the population of wild elephants in the country has been increasing since 1980. The details of elephant population, as estimated during the previous three census operations, are as follows:

Year of census Estimated population of elephants 1997 25877 2002 26413 2007 27669

No nationwide census of elephant population has been undertaken during last three years.

(c ) The Ministry provides technical and financial assistance to State Governments in elephant range states under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘Project Elephant’ for scientific management of elephant habitats including taking up measures for improvement of elephant habitat, undertaking measures for mitigating human-elephant conflict, strengthening machinery in forest areas for better protection of elephants, creating mass awareness about protection of elephants, and enforcement of the provisions of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 against poaching of elephants and illegal trade in captive elephants and ivory.

**********

Year-wise compilation of Questions/Answers and Statements from the Rajya Sabha during the year 2012-2017

(Information as on 31st August, 2017)


RAJYA SABHA

STARRED QUESTION No. *158 TO BE ANSWERED ON 31.07.2017

Man-animal conflict

*158. SHRI RAJKUMAR DHOOT:


(a) whether it is a fact that according to a recent study, there are two deaths everyday due to man-animal conflict and if so, the details thereof; and

(b) what remedial measures Government proposes to take in the matter?

ANSWER

MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

(DR. HARSH VARDHAN)

(a) and (b) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

***

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) AND (b) OF RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *158 REGARDING “MAN-ANIMAL CONFLICT” BY SHRI RAJKUMAR DHOOT DUE FOR REPLY ON 31.07.2017.

(a) Deaths due to Man-animals conflict on day to day basis are not collated in the Ministry. However, details due to man-animal conflict as available in the ministry are given in the Annexure-I and Annexure-II.

(b) The Government has taken following remedial measures to mitigate man-animal conflict-

i. Provisions provided under Section 11 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, inter-alia, empowering the Chief Wildlife Warden and authorised officer to take necessary steps to handle problematic wild animals.

ii. Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)/ guidelines for management of major problematic animals like tiger, elephant, leopard, rhino etc are being used by the respective state governments.

iii. Construction/erecting of physical barriers, such as barbed wire fence, solar powered electric fence, bio-fencing using cactus, boundary wall etc. to prevent the entry of wild animals into crop field.

iv. Improvement of wildlife habitats by augmenting the availability of food and water in forest areas to reduce the entry of animals from forest to human habitations.

The Ministry has issued guidelines in context of human-wildlife conflict to the Chief Wildlife Wardens of all the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations dated 24th December, 2014 and 1st June, 2015. The Ministry has specifically sought proposal from States/UTs, after objective assessment of the situation, details of the areas in which it is essential to reduce the over-population of wild animals for specified period.

Annexure-I

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) OF RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *158 REGARDING “MAN-ANIMAL CONFLICT” BY SHRI RAJKUMAR DHOOT DUE FOR REPLY ON 31.07.2017.

Details of Human death by tiger attacks in the states for calendar year (During last three years and current year)

S. No. State 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18(as on

18.5.2017) 1 Andhra Pradesh 0 0 0 0 2 Arunchal Pradesh 0 0 0 0 3 Assam 0 0 0 0 4 Bihar 0 0 0 0 5 Chhattisgarh 0 0 0 0 6 Jammu& Kashmir 0 0 0 0 7 Jharkhand 0 0 0 0 8 Karnataka 4 2 0 0 9 Kerala 1 1 0 0 10 Madhya Pradesh 6 6 3 0 11 Maharashtra 8 0 4 4 12 Mizoram 0 0 0 0 13 Odisha 0 0 0 0 14 Rajasthan 0 1 0 0 15 Tamil Nadu 1 1 0 0 16 Telangana 0 0 0 0 17 Uttar Pradesh 0 1 6 7 18 Uttarakhand 0 1 1 2 19 West Bengal 14 18 0 0

Total 34 31 14 13

Annexure-II

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) OF RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *158 REGARDING “MAN-ANIMAL CONFLICT” BY SHRI RAJKUMAR DHOOT DUE FOR REPLY ON 31.07.2017.

Number of Human Deaths caused by elephant form 2013-14 to 2016-17

S. No. State 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17

(upto 9.2.2017) 1 Andhra Pradesh

2 2 NR

2 Arunachal Pradesh

7 1 1

3 Assam 87 54 31 69 4 Chhattisgarh 23 32 59 67 5 Jharkhand 56 53 66 42 6 Karnataka 33 38 26 7 Kerala 7 20 INR 8 Maharashtra 0 3 0 0 9 Meghalaya 10 3 9 10 Nagaland 0 1 1 11 Odisha 67 64 63 12 Tamil Nadu 52 31 47 13 Tripura 0 1 0 2 14 Uttar Pradesh INR INR INR 15 Uttarakhand INR INR INR 16 West Bengal 69 89 112 65 Total

413 392 415 245

NR-Not Received



RAJYA SABHA


Elephants straying into human habitations

853. DR. KANWAR DEEP SINGH: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the incidence of elephants straying into human habitations has been increasing; (b) if so, the reasons therefor; (c) the number of human causalties which have taken place due to their attacks during the last

three years; and (d) the details of steps taken to tackle this problem?

ANSWER

MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (DR. HARSH VARDHAN):

(a) Yes sir. The incidences of elephants straying into human habitation has increased during the last few years.

(b) The reasons of elephants straying into human habitation are:

(i) Fragmentation and degradation of elephant habitats. (ii) Lack of sufficient food and water in their natural habitats. (iii) Change in the migratory paths due to disturbance/development (iv) Rapid expansion of human habitations and agriculture near elephant reserves and

elephant habitats.

(c) The details of human deaths due to elephant attacks during the last year are given in Annexure.

(d) The measures taken by the Government to reduce man elephant conflicts are given below:

(i) Financial and technical assistance is provided to elephant range states under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes ‘Project Elephant’.

(ii) The elephant range States notify the elephant habitats as “Elephant Reserves” for better management of wild elephants. So far 29 Elephant Reserves have been established in 14 States


(iv) Improvement of Protected Areas, habitat, including Elephant Reserves and Corridors is carried out regularly.

(v) Regular and extensive patrolling of forest areas and anti poaching measures by frontline filed staff of the State Forest Departments.

(vi) Trainings and awareness camps are organised regularly for local people for conservation of elephants and other wildlife.

(vii) Local communities are organised into Joint Forest Management Committees/Eco-development Committees for protection of elephant habitat, including elephant corridors.

(viii) To reduce man-elephant conflict and to avoid retaliatory killing of elephants. Compensation is provided to local communities for loss of their property and life caused by wild elephants.

**********

ANNEXURE

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (c) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED

QUESTION NO. 853 RAISED BY DR. KANWAR DEEP SINGH REGARDING ‘ELEPHANTS

STRAYING INTO HUMAN HABITATIONS’ DUE FOR REPLY ON 24.07.2017.

DETAILS OF HUMAN DEATHS DUE TO ELEPHANT ATTACKS

S.No. State 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 (upto9.2.2017)

1 Andhra Pradesh 2 0 0

2 Arunachal Pradesh 1 1 Information not received

3 Assam 54 31 69 4 Chhattisgarh 32 59 67 5 Jharkhand 53 66 42 6 Karnataka 38 26 38 7 Kerala 20 Information

not received Information not

received 8 Maharashtra 3 0 0 9 Meghalaya 3 9 Information not

received 10 Nagaland 1 1 1 11 Odisha 64 63 62 12 Tamil Nadu 31 47 43 13 Tripura 1 0 2 14 Uttar Pradesh Information not



15 Uttarakhand 5 6 Information not received

16 West Bengal 89 112 82 Total 397 421 406


RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 848 TO BE ANSWERED ON 24.07.2017

Funds for wildlife protection

848. SHRI HARSHVARDHAN SINGH DUNGARPUR: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

(a) whether Government has received proposals from various State Governments including Rajasthan requesting for funds for wildlife protection; and

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the funds allocated to each of the States?

ANSWER MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (DR. HARSH VARDHAN) (a) and (b) The Government of India has received proposals from various State/Union

Territory Governments including Rajasthan for central assistance during the financial year 2017-18 for protection of wildlife and its habitats under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes of ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats’, ‘Project Tiger’ and ‘Project Elephant’. State-wise details of proposals received and funds released under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes of ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats’, ‘Project Tiger’ and ‘Project Elephant’ as on date is given in the Annexure.

***

ANNEXURE

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a)AND (b) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 848 REGARDING ‘FUNDS FOR WILDLIFE PROTECTION’ BY SHRI HARSHVARDHAN SINGH DUNGARPUR DUE FOR REPLY ON 24.7.2017.

State-wise details of proposal received and fund released during 2017-18 under CSS-‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats’(IDWH), Project Tiger, and “Project Elephant’

(Rs. in lakhs)

S.No State/Union Territory

IDWH Project Tiger Project Elephant

Amount

proposed

Amt Released

(As on 19.7.2017)

Amount proposed

Amt Released

(As on 19.7.2017)

Amount proposed

Amt Released

(As on 19.7.2017)

1 Andaman & Nicobar Islands

468.80 - NA NA

2 Andhra Pradesh 250.00 - 698.471 180.246 28.99 -

3 Arunachal Pradesh NR - 1601.583 147.1032 NR -

4 Assam 866.353 - 4580.449 - 646.25 - 5 Bihar 2594.04 - 1155.27 1.00 NR - 6 Chhattisgarh 3250.85 - 1921.723 - NR -

7 Goa 287.90 - NA - NA - 8 Gujarat 975.53 - NA - NA - 9 Haryana 50.00 - NA - 245.00 17.76 10 Himachal Pradesh 428.30 - NA - NA - 11 Jammu & Kashmir 508.91 - NA - NA - 12 Jharkhand 227.998 - 400.00 262.758 210.00 - 13 Karnataka 916.66 - 5837.883 257.16 656.25 - 14 Kerala 1354.51 - 2350.107 215.813 1199.50 - 15 Madhya Pradesh 1787.20 - 61487.07 310.992 14.76 - 16 Maharashtra 1320.106 - 8306.539 1031.158 349.60 21.60 14 Manipur 1558.676 162.25 NA - 20.00 10.80 15 Meghalaya 242.493 0 NA - 256.00 99.04 19 Mizoram 697.316 462.025 355.34 - NA - 20 Nagaland 332.488 111.29 NA - 112.42 25.20 21 Odisha 806.613 275.167 2386.294 676.5776 478.00 - 22 Rajasthan 1963.51 - 6089.18 319.734 34.19 10.315 23 Sikkim 403.85 161.72 NA - NA - 24 Tamil Nadu 658.559 294.279 7236.018 - NR - 25 Telengana 333.00 - 785.811 - NA - 26 Tripura 412.39 - NA - 149.15 10.08 27 Uttar Pradesh 1535.618 320.388 6391.922 218.65 249.14 - 28 Uttarakhand 2958.02 - 8927.793 - 494.03 128.875 29 West Bengal 1058.28 - 2116.481 200.49 167.92 -

TOTAL 28247.97 1787.119 122627.934 3821.6818 5311.20 323.7062

NR-not received NA-not applicable.


RAJYA SABHA


Increasing attacks on human beings by wild life

843. SHRI A. VIJAYAKUMAR: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state: (a) whether Government is aware of the fact that there has been increasing incidents of

attacks on human beings by wild animals in recent years; (b) if so, the number of persons attacked/killed by wild animals during the last three years; (c) if so, the compensation for wild animal attacks are being misused by tribals in some

States; and (d) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER


(a)&(b) No increase in number of deaths due to wild animal (tiger and elephants) attacks has been reported lately. The details of human causality due to tiger and elephant during the last three years, State wise, are given in Annexure-I and Annexure-II.

(c)&(d) No instances have been reported.

***

Annexure-I

Details of Human death by tiger attacks in the states for calendar year (during last three years and current year)

S. No. State 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18(as on

18.5.2017) 1 Andhra Pradesh 0 0 0 0 2 Arunchal Pradesh 0 0 0 0 3 Assam 0 0 0 0 4 Bihar 0 0 0 0 5 Chhattisgarh 0 0 0 0 6 Jammu& Kashmir 0 0 0 0 7 Jharkhand 0 0 0 0 8 Karnataka 4 2 0 0 9 Kerala 1 1 0 0 10 Madhya Pradesh 6 6 3 0 11 Maharashtra 8 0 4 4 12 Mizoram 0 0 0 0 13 Odisha 0 0 0 0 14 Rajasthan 0 1 0 0 15 Tamil Nadu 1 1 0 0 16 Telangana 0 0 0 0 17 Uttar Pradesh 0 1 6 7 18 Uttarakhand 0 1 1 2 19 West Bengal 14 18 0 0

Total 34 31 14 13

Annexure-II Number of Human Deaths caused by elephant form 2013-14 to 2016-17

S. No. State 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17

(upto 9.2.2017) 1 Andhra Pradesh

2 2 NR

2 Arunachal Pradesh

7 1 1

3 Assam 87 54 31 69 4 Chhattisgarh 23 32 59 67 5 Jharkhand 56 53 66 42 6 Karnataka 33 38 26 7 Kerala 7 20 INR 8 Maharashtra 0 3 0 0 9 Meghalaya 10 3 9 10 Nagaland 0 1 1 11 Odisha 67 64 63 12 Tamil Nadu 52 31 47 13 Tripura 0 1 0 2 14 Uttar Pradesh INR INR INR 15 Uttarakhand INR INR INR 16 West Bengal 69 89 112 65 Total

413 392 415 245

NR-Not Received



RAJYA SABHA


Animals falling prey to electric lines

860. SHRI RANJIB BISWAL: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE - be pleased to state: (a) whether it is a fact that more animals are falling prey to electric lines in farmlands,

plantations, around human settlements, etc.; (b) if so, the total number of animals electrocuted during the last year and the current year; (c) whether any guidelines have been issued by the Centre to the States in this regard; and (d) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the State Governments for violation, if

any, of those guidelines due to which animals fell prey to electric lines?

ANSWER


(a)&(b) Reports have been received regarding animals falling prey to electric lines in farmlands, plantations, around human settlements, etc. as per the information available in the Ministry. Details are given in Annexure-I and Annexure-II.

(c) &(d) The National Tiger Conservation Authority has issued generic guidelines for preparation of a Security Plan for tiger reserves which inter alia advises to carry out resource mapping which necessarily should include locations of electric transmission lines and electrical substations, besides carrying out patrolling. Further, such sensitive locations are mapped out in the overarching Tiger Conservation Plan mandated under section 38V of the Wildlife (Protection), Act 1972 for which dedicated prescriptions like Electric Line Patrolling are prepared and carried out. With respect to Project Elephant Chief Wildlife Wardens have been requested to take up the issues with electricity departments to prevent sagging of electric transmission lines and maintenance to minimum ground clearance as per Rule 77 of Indian Electricity Rules, 1956.

***

ANNEXURE-I

Elephant Casualties by Electrocution from 2015-16 and 2016-17

S. No. State

2015-16 2016-17 (upto 9.2.2017)

1 Andhra Pradesh

INR

2 Arunachal Pradesh

0

3 Assam 3 10 4 Chhattisgarh 5 3 5 Jharkhand 0 0 6 Karnataka 1 7 Kerala INR 8 Maharashtra 0 0 9 Meghalaya 0 10 Nagaland 0 11 Odisha 14 12 Tamil Nadu 7 13 Tripura 0 0 14 Uttar Pradesh INR 15 Uttarakhand INR 16 West Bengal 15 8 Total 45 21

*INR = Information Not Received.

ANNEXURE-II

Tigers Casualties by Electrocution from 2012-16 and 2016-17

S. No. Year death 1. 2012 12 2. 2016 4 3. 2017 2 Total 18




Ruckus created by elephants and other wild animals in Chhattisgarh

42. SHRI RAM VICHAR NETAM: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

(a) whether Government has received information about the loss of life and property and the damage to crops due to ruckus created by elephants and other wild animals in Chhattisgarh;

(b) if so, the details thereof during the last three years and current year and area-wise; (c) the amount and rate of compensation disbursed during the said period in this regard and

the details of the number of beneficiaries, area-wise; and (d) whether any steps are being taken by Government to prevent such ruckus in the rural areas

of Chhattisgarh and if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE (DR. HARSH VARDHAN):

(a) Yes Sir, there is loss of life, property and damage to crops due to depredation by elephants and other wild animals in Chhattisgarh.

(b) Details of loss of life, property and crops due to wildlife depredation for last three years and current year are given in Annexure- I.

(c) The amount of compensation disbursed is given in Annexure-II. The rate of compensation paid is as per Government of Chhattisgarh Order No. F.7-32/2003/10-2 dated 16th June, 2015.

(d) The measures taken by the Government to reduce man animal conflicts are given below: (i) Elephant is included under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972,

to provide it highest degree of legal protection. (ii) Financial and technical assistance is provided to elephant range states under

the Centrally Sponsored Schemes ‘Project Elephant’ and ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitat’.

(iii) The Government of Chhattisgarh have notified ‘Badalkhol-Tamorpingla Elephant Reserve’ for conservation of elephants.

(iv) Improvement of Protected Areas, wildlife habitat, including Elephant Reserves and Corridors is carried out regularly.

(v) Regular and extensive patrolling of forest areas and anti poaching measures by frontline filed staff of the State Forest Departments.

(vi) Trainings and awareness camps are organised regularly for local people for conservation of elephants and other wildlife.

(vii) To reduce man-elephant conflict and to avoid retaliatory killing of elephants. Compensation is provided to local communities for loss of their property and life caused by wild elephants.

(viii) Local communities are organised into Joint Forest Management Committees/Eco-development Committees for protection of elephant habitat, including elephant corridors.

(ix) Elephant groups are regularly tracked by the forest staff and alerts are aired everyday through radio program named ‘Hamar Haathi Goth’ that provides details of elephants location and possible direction of their movement.

**********

ANNEXURE-I

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (b) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED

QUESTION NO. 42 RAISED BY SHRI RAM VICHAR NETAM REGARDING ‘RUCKUS

CREATED BY ELEPHANTS AND OTHER WILD ANIMALS IN CHHATTISGARH’ DUE FOR

REPLY ON 17.07.2017.

DETAILS OF HUMAN DEATHS, LOSS TO PROPERTY AND CROP DAMAGE CAUSED BY ELEPHANTS AND OTHER WILD ANIMALS

2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18

(upto May 2017) Human Deaths 57 109 110 19

Loss to Property

794 2743 2572 501

Crop Damage 12804 22657 23073 4188

ANNEXURE-II

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (c) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 42 RAISED BY SHRI RAM

VICHAR NETAM REGARDING ‘RUCKUS CREATED BY ELEPHANTS AND OTHER WILD ANIMALS IN CHHATTISGARH’ DUE FOR REPLY

ON 17.07.2017.

AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION PAID TO VICTIMS OF DEPRADATION CAUSED BY ELEPHANTS AND OTHER WILD ANIMALS

2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 (upto May 2017)

Amount (Rs. In Lakhs)

Number of Beneficiaries







Human Deaths

155.00 57 192.60 109 44.00 110 64.00 18

Loss to Property

348.56 794 252.19 2743 481.95 2574 182.11 501

Crop Damage

267.98 12804 724.31 22657 878.88 23073 229.76 4188


RAJYA SABHA


Elephant tusk trade racket

4194. SHRI BHUPENDER YADAV: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that elephant tusk trade racket has been busted in Andhra Pradesh, where tusks were being stolen from the Forest Department’s office;

(b) if so, what necessary actions have been taken in this regard; (c) whether volunteers who busted this racket have been revered for their commendable work

by the State Government; and (d) the steps taken by Government to tighten the security of strongrooms of forest departments

to prevent such breaches in security?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIORNMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI ANIL MADHAV DAVE)

(a) As per information received from the Government of Andhra Pradesh, two elephant tusks were stolen on 14.02.2017 from Narayanapuram Beat Office under Chittoor Forest Division.

(b) An FIR has been registered on 19.02.2017. The culprit has been arrested and elephant tusks have been recovered. These are presently under custody of the Court.

(c) State governments recognise such work in accordance with their policy for reward and recommendation.

(d) Seized animal articles are kept in strong rooms observing all due procedures and formalities. Instructions have been issued to Ananthapuramu and Chittoor Forest Divisions to strengthen measures to prevent recurrence of such instances in future.

*****


RAJYA SABHA


Protection of elephants/wild animals from speeding trains

3562. SHRI HARIVANSH: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

(a) whether Government has asked States to put the forest staff on high alert to avoid elephants and other wild animals being killed by speeding trains;

(b) the response of the concerned States in this regard; and (c) the number of casualties of wild animals during the last year, States -wise?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI ANIL MADHAV DAVE) (a)&(b) Chief Wildlife Wardens of elephant and tiger range States were directed to put their

frontline forest staff on high alert and take suitable preventive actions to minimise death/injury to elephants and other wild animals due to train accidents.

(c) State wise casualty figures of elephant and tiger due to train accidents, during the last

year, is given in Annexure.

**********

ANNEXURE ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (c) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3562 RAISED BY SHRI HARIVANSH REGARDING ‘PROTECTION OF ELEPHANTS/WILD ANIMALS FROM SPEEDING TRAINS’ DUE FOR REPLY ON 03.04.2017.

ELEPHANT AND TIGER CASUALTIES IN TRAIN ACCIDENTS DURING 2016

State Elephant Tiger Assam 10 0 West Bengal 3 0 Tamil Nadu 2 0 Jharkhand 2 0 Kerala 2 0 Odisha 0 0 Tripura 0 0 Uttarakhand 1 1 Uttar Pradesh 0 0 Maharashtra 0 0 Chhattisgarh 0 0 Madhya Pradesh 0 2 Total 20 3


RAJYA SABHA


Wild Animals Venturing into Human Habitats

1955. SHRI NARAYAN LAL PANCHARIYA Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state

(a) The number of incidents of wild animals venturing into human habitats reported during the last three years;

(b) whether there have been any loss of human or animal life in such cases, if so, the details thereof; and

(c) whether Government has conducted any study to identify the reasons therefor, if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI ANIL MADHAV DAVE) (a) The management and protection of wild animals in the State/ Union Territory is carried

out by the concerned State/Union Territory Governments. Details of wild animals venturing into human habitats reported during the last three years are not collated in the Ministry.

(b) As per the information available in the Ministry, the number of human deaths caused by elephant and tiger and death of animals (tiger and elephant) during last three years is given in the Annexure-I and Annexure-II.

(c) No specific study has been conducted across the country regarding the reasons of venturing of wild animals into human habitats. However, Based on the expert opinion and reports received from various agencies, following reasons can be attributed to the loss of human life and domestic livestock due to wild animals:

i. Habitat fragmentation, degradation and loss due to increase of human population and encroachment into wilderness resulting in scarcity of area for space and food for wildlife.

ii. Some species like rhesus macaques and nilgai have actually benefited from human modification of natural habitats (open garbage dumps and increase in agriculture) and thereby increase in numbers to create conflict with human interests.

iii. Disruption and encroachment of traditional movement corridors due to

developmental and habitat alteration. iv. Change in traditional land use patterns.

*****

ANNEXURE-I

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (b) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1955 REGARDING ‘WILD ANIMALS VENTURING INTO HUMAN HABITATS’ BY SHRI NARAYAN LAL PANCHARIYA DUE FOR REPLY ON 20.03.2017.

Details of loss of human lives by tiger attack during the last three years

S. No. State 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16

1 Andhra Pradesh 0 0 0 2 Arunachal Pradesh 0 0 0 3 Assam 0 0 0 4 Bihar 1 0 0 5 Chhattisgarh 0 0 0 6 Jammu & Kashmir 0 0 0 7 Jharkhand 0 0 0 8 Karnataka 5 4 2 9 Kerala 0 1 1 10 Madhya Pradesh 2 6 6 11 Maharashtra 3 8 0 12 Mizoram 0 0 0 13 Odisha 1 0 0 14 Rajasthan 0 0 1 15 Tamil Nadu 3 1 1 16 Telangana 0 0 0 17 Uttar Pradesh 8 0 1 18 Uttarakhand 4 0 1 19 West Bengal 9 14 18 TOTAL 36 34 31

ANNEXURE-I

State-wise details of human casualty/ death during last three year as reported by Project Elephant Division

State 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16

Andhra Pradesh 2 2 NR Arunachal Pradesh 7 1 1 Assam 87 54 92 Chhattisgarh 23 32 NR Jharkhand 56 53 66 Karnataka 33 38 26 Kerala 7 20 6* Maharashtra 0 3 0 Meghalaya 10 3 9 Nagaland 0 1 1 Odisha 67 64 63 Tamil Nadu 52 31 47 Tripura 0 1 NR Uttar Pradesh Information not received Uttarakhand Information not received West Bengal 69 89 108 TOTAL 413 392 419

Annexure-II

Details of elephant deaths in the country, State-wise and year-wise during the last three years, as reported by States

State 2013-2014 2014-2015 2015-2016

Poaching Poisoning Electrocution

Poaching Poisoning

Electrocution

Poaching Poisoning Electrocution

Andhra Pradesh

0 0 1 0 0 2 NR NR NR

Arunachal Pradesh

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Assam 5 1 7 1 3 13 2 1 5

Chhattisgarh Information not received from

the State Information not received from

the State NR NR NR

Jharkhand 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Karnataka 1 0 4 0 0 15 2 0 1 Kerala 0 0 0 0 0 3 NR NR NR Maharashtra 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Meghalaya 3 0 3 2 0 3 1 0 0 Nagaland 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 Orissa 10 1 6 4 1 4 2 0 14 Tamil Nadu 2 0 6 0 0 8 0 0 7 Tripura 0 0 0 0 1 0 NR NR NR

Uttar Pradesh

Information not received from the state


NR NR NR

Uttarakhand



NR NR NR

West Bengal 4 0 6 3 0 12 1 0 19 TOTAL 27 2 34 10 5 60 12 1 46

Annexure –II

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (b) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1955 REGARDING ‘WILD ANIMALS VENTURING INTO HUMAN HABITATS’ BY SHRI NARAYAN LAL PANCHARIYA DUE FOR REPLY ON 20.03.2017.

Details of tiger deaths in the country, State-wise and year-wise during the last three years and current year, as reported by States

2014 2015 2016 S.

No. States Under

Scrutiny Confirmed poaching including

seizure

Natural and Other cases

Under Scrutiny

Confirmed poaching including seizure


Under Scrutiny

Confirmed poaching including

seizure


1 Andhra Pradesh

0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2 Arunachal Pradesh

0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0

3 Assam 5 0 1 4 1 0 4 2 1 4 Bihar 0 0 3 0 0 2 1 3 0 5 Chhattisgarh 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 6 Delhi 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 7 Jharkhand 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 Karnataka 2 0 5 0 4 11 4 3 10 9 Kerala 2 1 1 0 0 6 3 1 1 10 Madhya

Pradesh 0 3 13 0 6 9 8 6 18

11 Maharashtra 1 3 6 7 1 4 7 1 8 12 Mizoram 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 Nagaland 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 14 Odisha 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 15 Rajasthan 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 3 16 Tamil Nadu 3 4 10 0 1 5 5 1 2 17 Uttarakhand 0 2 6 2 2 6 5 6 3 18 Uttar

Pradesh 1 0 1 0 4 0 1 1 2

19 West Bengal 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 20 Goa 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 21 Telangana 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 Total 14 19 46 13 21 47 42 31 48 GRAND

TOTAL 79 81 121


RAJYA SABHA


Death of people due to animal attack 1322. SHRI NARENDRA KUMAR SWAIN:


(a) whether the number of people died due to tiger and elephant attack has increased in recent years in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof during the last three years, State-wise; (c) the States which have approached the Central Government for additional funds for making

safe zones for these animals; and (d) the details of these States and the funds released to those States during the current year?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI ANIL MADHAV DAVE) (a) & (b) As per the latest information received from the States, the number of people died due

to tiger attack is showing decreasing trend. The State-wise details of last three years are at Annexure-I.

In so far as human deaths due to elephant attack is concerned, information received from States as well as that provided by the concerned division, does not show a consistent trend. The total human death due to elephant attack was 407 in 2013-14, 390 in 2014-15 and 462 in 2015-16. State-wise details of human death due to elephant attack during the last three years is at Annexure-II.

(c) & (d) No proposal has been received from any State Government for additional funds for

providing safe zones for those animals. However, funding assistance is given to the tiger range States / tiger reserves under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Project Tiger, on their demand in the Annual Plan of Operation for various activities, which inter alia, include provision for ex-gratia payment, mitigation of human wildlife conflict and habitat development. Funding assistance is also given under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Project Elephant to the States for elephant conservation.

Details of funds released under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Project Tiger and Project Elephant for various activities, inter alia including the above components, released to States during current year is at Annexure-III (a) & III (b) respectively.

***

ANNEXURE-I

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) & (b) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1322 ON DEATH OF PEOPLE DUE TO ANIMAL ATTACK DUE FOR REPLY ON 28.11.2016

State-wise details of people died due to tiger attack, during last three years

S. No. State 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16

1 Andhra Pradesh 0 0 0 2 Arunachal Pradesh 0 0 0 3 Assam 0 0 0 4 Bihar 1 0 0 5 Chhattisgarh 0 0 0 6 Jammu & Kashmir 0 0 0 7 Jharkhand 0 0 0 8 Karnataka 5 4 2 9 Kerala 0 1 1 10 Madhya Pradesh 2 6 6 11 Maharashtra 3 8 0 12 Mizoram 0 0 0 13 Odisha 1 0 0 14 Rajasthan 0 0 1 15 Tamil Nadu 3 1 1 16 Telangana 0 0 0 17 Uttar Pradesh 8 0 1 18 Uttarakhand 4 0 1 19 West Bengal 9 14 18 TOTAL 36 34 31

***

ANNEXURE-II

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) & (b) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1322 ON DEATH OF PEOPLE DUE TO ANIMAL ATTACK DUE FOR REPLY ON 28.11.2016

State-wise details of human death due to elephant attack during the last three years

S. No. State 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16

1 Andhra Pradesh 2 2 1 2 Arunachal Pradesh 7 1 1 3 Assam 81 51 118 4 Chhattisgarh 23 32 0 5 Jammu & Kashmir 0 0 0 6 Jharkhand 56 53 66 7 Karnataka 33 38 30 8 Kerala 7 20 - 9 Maharashtra 0 3 0 10 Meghalaya 10 3 9 11 Nagaland 0 1 1 12 Odisha 67 65 81 13 Tamil Nadu 52 31 47 14 Tripura 0 1 - 15 West Bengal 69 89 108 16 Madhya Pradesh 0 0 0 17 Mizoram 0 0 0 TOTAL 407 390 462

***

ANNEXURE-III (a)

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (c) & (d) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1322 ON DEATH OF PEOPLE DUE TO ANIMAL ATTACK DUE FOR REPLY ON 28.11.2016

Details of funds released under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Project Tiger for various activities, released to States during current year (Rs. in Lakhs)

Sl. No.

States

2016-17 (as on 31.10.2016)

1 Andhra Pradesh 173.486 2 Arunachal Pradesh 522.945 3 Assam 649.213 4 Bihar 384.655 5 Chhattisgarh 626.567 6 Jharkhand 251.949 7 Karnataka 2841.8574 8 Kerala 623.543 9 Madhya Pradesh 7458.9974 10 Maharashtra 4956.65 11 Mizoram 234.438 12 Odisha 719.848 13 Rajasthan 280.623 14 Tamil Nadu 838.258 15 Telangana 239.259 16 Uttarakhand 961.383 17 Uttar Pradesh 1057.045 18 West Bengal 536.1407

Total 23356.8575

***

ANNEXURE-III (b)

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (c) & (d) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1322 ON DEATH OF PEOPLE DUE TO ANIMAL ATTACK DUE FOR REPLY ON 28.11.2016

Details of funds released under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Project Elephant for various activities, released to States during current year (Rs. in Lakhs)

Sl. No. State / Union Territory 2016-17 (as on 23.11.2016)

1 Andhra Pradesh 13.62282 2 Arunachal Pradesh 80.0496 3 Assam - 4 Chhattisgarh 61.1624 5 Jharkhand 73.47 6 Karnataka 254.80 7 Kerala 343.89696 8 Maharashtra 14.335 9 Meghalaya 104.2128 10 Nagaland 20.3143 11 Odisha 182.4276 12 Tamil Nadu 25.80 13 Tripura 22.464 14 Uttar Pradesh 14.174 15 Uttarakhand 175.4576 16 West Bengal 101.45 17 Haryana - 18 Bihar 16.2904 19 Rajasthan 15.84 20 Punjab 1.825 21 Madhya Pradesh 6.8442

TOTAL 1528.43668

***


RAJYA SABHA


Death of elephants in Tamil Nadu

1530. SHRIMATI KANIMOZHI: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that, in a span of just one month, around 7 elephants have died in Coimbatore and Nilgiris districts of Tamil Nadu;

(b) the steps taken by Government to study the causes of such frequent deaths of elephants in the region; and

(c) the schemes/measures taken by Government, so far, in reducing the unnatural deaths of wildlife such as elephants in the region as well as for reducing the man animal conflicts?

ANSWER


(SHRI ANIL MADHAV DAVE):

(a) As per information received from State Government, six elephants have died in

Coimbatore and Nilgiris districts of Tamil Nadu between 20.06.2016 to 06.07.2016.

(b) The causes of elephant deaths in the region are natural deaths, train accidents, road accidents and bodily injuries.

(c) The measures taken by the Government to reduce death of wildlife such as elephants as

well as mitigation of man animal conflicts are given below:

(i) Financial and technical assistance is provided to elephant range states under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes ‘Project Elephant’ and ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitat’.



(iv) A general advisory was issued jointly to all the railway zones and relevant States Governments suggesting measures to prevent collision of trains with wild elephants. Some of the important recommendations are given below:

(a) Clearance of vegetation on the sides of railway tracks. (b) Underpasses/overpasses/girder bridges across vulnerable stretches of

railway tracks to allow safe passage elephants. (c) Signage boards at selected points to alert train drivers. (d) Sensitization programmes for Train Drivers/Guards/Station Masters. (e) Engagement of elephant trackers and communication with Station

Masters. (f) To keep Railway tracks free from food wastes, that attracts elephants.

(v) A permanent coordination committee has been constituted jointly by the Ministry of Railways and the Ministry of Environment and Forests to share information and monitor the implementation of the advisory.

(vi) Improvement of elephant habitat, including Elephant Reserves and Corridors is carried out regularly.

(vii) Regular and extensive patrolling of forest areas and anti poaching measures by frontline filed staff of the State Forest Departments.

(viii) Trainings and awareness camps are organised regularly for local people for conservation of elephants and other wildlife.

(ix) Local communities are organised into Joint Forest Management Committees/Eco-development Committees for protection of elephant habitat, including elephant corridors.

*******


RAJYA SABHA


Death of elephants on train tracks and electric fencing

41. DR. R. LAKSHMANAN: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

(a) whether Government is aware of the fact that a number of elephants die while trying to cross the train tracks and coming in contract with electric fencing across the country;

(b) if so, the details of steps proposed to be taken by the Government to prevent such incidents in which elephant and its calf dies;

(c) whether any proposal is pending with Government to formulate any comprehensive policy to prevent such incidents;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and (e) if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI ANIL MADHAV DAVE) (a) Yes Sir, reports of elephant mortalities, due to train accidents and electrocution, are

received from States from time to time.

(b) Some of the steps taken to prevent elephant mortalities due to train accidents and electrocution are given below:

(i) A general advisory was issued jointly to all the railway zones and relevant States

Governments suggesting measures to prevent collision of trains with wild elephants. Some of the important recommendations are given below:

(a) Clearance of vegetation on the sides of railway tracks. (b) Underpasses/overpasses/girder bridges across vulnerable stretches of

railway tracks to allow safe passage elephants. (c) Signage boards at selected points to alert train drivers. (d) Sensitization programmes for Train Drivers/Guards/Station Masters. (e) Engagement of elephant trackers and communication with Station

Masters. (f) To keep Railway tracks free from food wastes, that attracts elephants.




(v) Chief Wildlife Wardens has been requested to take up the issue with electricity departments to prevent sagging of electric transmission lines and maintenance to minimum ground clearance as per rules.

(vi) Financial and technical assistance is provided to elephant range states under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘Project Elephant’ for conservation and management of elephants.

(vii) Twenty nine Elephant Reserves have been notified in 14 States for conservation of elephants.

(viii) Elephant is included under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, to provide it highest degree of legal protection.

(ix) Improvement of elephant habitat, including Elephant Reserves and Corridors is carried out regularly.

(c) There is no proposal at present with the Government to formulate the policy to prevent

elephant deaths due to train accidents and electrocution.

(d) Does not arise.

(e) Advisories have been issued to concerned agencies; consequently elephant deaths due to train accidents and electrocution have reduced significantly.

*******


RAJYA SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1652 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.05.2016

Animals in drought affected forests

1652. SHRIMATI JHARNA DAS BAIDYA: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

(a) whether Government has taken any steps for the protection of animals in

drought affected forests; and (b) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER


(a)&(b) Conservation and management of wildlife and its habitats is the mandate of the state concerned. Central Government provides financial assistance to State/Union Territory Governments under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes of 'Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats', 'Project Tiger' and ’Project Elephant' for activities inter-alia soil moisture conservation activities like gully plugging, contour bunding, staggered trenches etc.; water augmenting activities like creation of water harvesting /retention structures like bunds, tanks, check dams, well, ponds stream etc. for augmenting their efforts for management of wildlife and their habitats. State-wise details of financial assistance released under these Centrally Sponsored Schemes during the last three years for various activities including the above is given in the Annexure.

***

ANNEXURE ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) And (b) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1652 REGARDING “ANIMALS IN DROUGHT AFFECTED FORESTS” BY SHRIMATI JHARNA DAS BAIDYA DUE FOR REPLY ON 09.05.2016 Details of funds released to State Governments under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats’ (IDWH) during last three years

(Rs. in Lakhs)

S.No. Name of States/UTs 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16

1 A& N Islands 150.00 00 100.00 2 Andhra Pradesh 00 63.31 0 3 Arunachal Pradesh 220.439 00 304.02 4 Assam 138.88 149.11 87.10 5 Bihar 34.8715 85.249 108.011 6 Chhattisgarh 408.74 482.087 213.409 7 Goa 00 00 00 8 Gujarat 537.84457 634.94 395.798 9 Haryana 00 14.71 99.33

10 Himachal Pradesh 475.849 430.345 431.837 11 Jammu & Kashmir 485.747 506.761 354.00 12 Jharkhand 97.7655 101.12 18.62 13 Karnataka 351.00 483.7769 262.13 14 Kerala 505.782 818.491 967.386 15 Madhya Pradesh 454.354 371.354 394.565 16 Maharashtra 470.772 402.723 277.94 17 Manipur 80.80 129.192 248.919 18 Meghalaya 25.56 44.87 38.3902 19 Mizoram 210.334 131.54134 94.55 20 Nagaland 15.375 85.155 235.48 21 Odisha 341.7448 350.3229 246.8365 22 Rajasthan 430.884 367.296 314.788 23 Sikkim 129.27836 169.15643 290.32635 24 Tamil Nadu 277.7918 280.626 113.261 25 Telangana -- - -- 26 Uttar Pradesh 323.531 224.899 235.05 27 Uttarakhand 326.282 141.116 188.318 28 West Bengal 184.3735 108.847 100.934 29 Puducherry 0 12.00 00 TOTAL 6677.99903 6588.99857 6120.99905

ANNEXURE ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) And (b) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1652 REGARDING “ANIMALS IN DROUGHT AFFECTED FORESTS” BY SHRIMATI JHARNA DAS BAIDYA DUE FOR REPLY ON 09.05.2016 Details of funds released to State Governments under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘Project Tiger’ during last three years

(Rs. in lakhs) S.No. Name of State 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16

1 Andhra Pradesh 211.7804 184.141 0 2 Arunachal Pradesh 757.17053 658.426 429.539 3 Assam 808.9665 1509.389 1425.413 4 Bihar 285.0898 317.096 223.55051 5 Chhattisgarh 583.056 609.827 398.945 6 Goa 2.05 0 0 7 Jharkhand 251.1680 199.08 47.9847 8 Karnataka 2016.0318 1565.7726 1378.1944 9 Kerala 489.296 517.5351 396.601 10 Madhya Pradesh 4815.734 4335.1182 1421.007 11 Maharashtra 3453.3483 3425.5241 3923.0789 12 Mizoram 233.68 232.1896 187.9845 13 Odisha 786.90 707.3885 544.80052 14 Rajasthan 512.848 627.192 1257.808 15 Tamil Nadu 763.255 864.316 1950.17128 16 Telangana - 0 214.8192 17 Uttar Pradesh 525.876 760.9283 624.5463 18 Uttarakhand 384.045 391.19 683.98538 19 West Bengal 348.516 596.8825 376.50781 TOTAL 17228.81133 17501.9959 15484.9365

ANNEXURE ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) And (b) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1652 REGARDING “ANIMALS IN DROUGHT AFFECTED FORESTS” BY SHRIMATI JHARNA DAS BAIDYA DUE FOR REPLY ON 09.05.2016 Details of funds released to State Governments under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘Project Elephant’ during last three years

Sl. No

State/UTs 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16

1 Andhra Pradesh - 13.523 - 2 Arunachal Pr. 83.48 97.714 61.206 3 Assam 173.00 236.664 - 4 Chhattisgarh 49.622 43.7456 21.91 5 Jharkhand 95.655 88.4256 53.453 6 Karnataka 325.412 225.319 181.054 7 Kerala 252.90 236.72 204.54 8 Maharashtra 18.682 38.202 8.062 9 Meghalaya 101.00 118.838 81.387 10 Nagaland 21.75 44.8132 15.44 11 Orissa 257.60 153.35 105.63 12 Tamil Nadu 211.00 251.208 160.533 13 Tripura 9.766 6.03 26.10932 14 Uttar Pradesh - 5.16 15.33 15 Uttarakhand 115.068 103.908 82.61 16 West Bengal 97.626 103.814 105.174 17 Haryana 30.97 - 10.00 18. Bihar - - 3.008

Total 1843.531 1767.4344 1135.44632


RAJYA SABHA


Rise in Man-animal conflict

44. SHRI ANIL DESAI: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state: (a) whether there has been an alarming rise in man-animal conflicts during the last few

years and fatalities often involve elephants, leopards, bears, boars and tigers; and (b) if so, what steps the Ministry is taking to protect the natural heritage so that man and

animal can live in harmony?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR) (a) Incidences of negative human-wildlife interactions including the loss of human lives and damage to crops by wild animals are reported in various parts of the country from time to time. Management of forest and wildlife is the responsibility of State Governments. As such State-wise and year-wise data of such incidents are not collated in the Ministry. However, the reports received from the States in National Tiger Conservation Authority and Project Elephant indicate the following data on human casualties due to Tiger and Elephant.

Year Tiger Elephant 2012-13 22 371 2013-14 24 335 2014-15 26 63 Total 72 769

(b) The Central Government provides financial assistance to the States/ Union Territory Governments under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes of 'Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats', 'Project Tiger' and ’Project Elephant' for the management of wildlife and its habitats in the country, which inter alia helps in preventing human-animal conflict. The activities supported under the Schemes inter alia include construction /erection of physical barriers, such as barbed wire fence, solar powered electric fence, bio-fencing using cactus, boundary walls etc. to prevent the entry of wild animals into crop fields; improvement of wildlife habitat of wild animals by augmenting the availability of food and water in forest areas to reduce the entry of animals from forests to habitations and setting up of anti-

depredation squads to drive away problematic animals. As an immediate measure, states can also provide ex-gratia relief to the victims of wildlife attack on life or property.

Further, keeping in view the losses to crops inflicted by the wild animals, this Ministry, on 24th December, 2014 issued an advisory to the States highlighting the legal provisions under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 to deal with the human-wildlife conflict situations. Vide this advisory, Ministry has also sought proposals from State/Union Territory Governments, after objective assessment of the situation with details of the areas in which notification under section 62 of the Act, listing wild animals in Schedule V for specified period, could be helpful in management of conflict.

Further to this, Ministry has also issued a detailed advisory on 1st June, 2015 to the State/Union Territory Governments regarding the priority actions for management of human wildlife conflict.

****


RAJYA SABHA


Action plan to save wildlife

1783. SHRI BAISHNAB PARIDA: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

(a) whether Government has worked out an action plan to save wildlife in the country; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) what is the status of saving the elephants in the elephant corridors; and (d) how it has been controlled?


(a) and (b) National Wildlife Action Plans have been formulated and implemented in the country. At present, the second National Wild Life Action Plan (2002-2016) is in operation. Broadly, the Action Plan encompasses the following important strategies for wildlife conservation:

i. Strengthening and enhancing Protected Area network ii. Effective management of Protected Areas iii. Conservation of wild and endangered species and their habitats iv. Control of poaching and illegal trade in wild animal and plant

species v. Ensuring Peoples’ participation in wildlife conservation vi. Strengthening domestic legislations vii. Enhancing financial allocation for ensuring sustained fund flow

to wildlife sector viii. Integration of Action Plan with other Sectoral programmes.

(c) and (d) In order to provide focused conservation and protection to Asian Elephants, the Government of India has launched ‘Project Elephant’ in 1992 with following objectives :

i. To protect elephants, their habitat and corridors ii. To address issues of man-animal conflict

iii. Welfare of captive elephants Further, the Elephant Task Force Report 2010 titled ‘Gajah’ has identified 27 Priority-I and 61 Priority-II Elephant corridors. Details of the corridors are given at Annexure. The following are the important steps taken to protect Elephants and their habitats including corridors: i. Financial assistance provided to 16 Elephant range States under

the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of ‘Project Elephant’; ii. Improvement of elephant habitat, including Elephant Reserves

and Corridors carried out; iii. Eco-restoration is taken up in critical areas of elephant reserves

and corridors; iv. Training and awareness camps are organized regularly for local

people for conservation of elephants and other wildlife; v. Local communities are organized into Joint Forest Management

Committees/Eco-development Committees for, inter-alia, protection of elephant habitat, including elephant corridors.

***

ANNEXURE

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (c) AND (d) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1783 REGARDING ‘ACTION PLAN TO SAVE WILDLIFE’ RAISED BY SHRI BAISHNAB PARIDA, DUE FOR REPLY

OF 14.03.2016 ***

Elephant Corridors identified by Elephant Task Force “ Gajah”

Priority- I Elephant Corridors Priority- II Elephant Corridors

S.No. Elephant Corridor S.No. Elephant Corridor

1 Chilla-Motichur 1 Kansrau-Barkote

2 Rawasan-Sonanadi (Via Landsdown)

2 Motichur-Gohri

3 South Patlidun-Chilkiya 3 Rawasan-Sonanadi (Via Bijnor FD)

4 Malani Kota 4 Chilkiya-kota

5 Simlipal-Satkosia 5 Fatehpur-Gadgadiya

6 Baula-Kuldhia 6 Gora Rankhu and Gorai-Tanda

7 Kotgarh-Chandrapur 7 Kilpura-khatima-surai

8 Buxa-Ripu at Sankosh 8 Lagga Bagga - Kishenpur

9 Ankua-Ambia 9 Mahilong-Kalimati

10 Pakke-Doimara at Dezling 10 Chandil-Matha

11 Pakke-Papum at Longka Nullah

11 Dalma-Chandil

12 Kalapahar-Daigurung 12 Dalma-Rugai

13 Kaziranga- Karbi Anglog at Panbari

13 Jhunjhaka-Banduan

14 Kaziranga- Karbi Anglong at Kanchanjuri

14 Dalapani-Kankrajhor

15 Pakke-Doimara at Tipi 15 Dumriya-Nayagram

16 Baghmara-Balpakram 16 Dumriya-Kundaluka and Murakanjia

17 Siju Rewak 17 Leda-Bera

18 Edayarhalli-Doddasampige 18 Anjadbera-Bichaburu

19 Kaniyanpura-Moyar 19 Karo-Karampada

20 Anaimali at Punachi 20 Badampahar-Dhobadhobil

21 Anaimalai between Siluvaimedu-Kadamparai

21 Badampahar-Karida East

22 Chamranagar-Talamalai at Muddahalli

22 Kahneijena-Anantpur

23 Kalamali - Singara and Avarahalla

23 Tal-Kholgarh

24 Moyar-Avarahalla 24 Nuahgaon-Baruni

25 Tirunelli - Kudrakote 25 Mahananda-Kolbari and Tukriajhar

26 Buoolavampatti-Attapadi 26 Apalchand-Mahananda

27 Anaimalai at Waterfalls Estate

27 Apalchand-Gorumara

28 Apalchand-Kalimpong at mal block (Via Sylee)

29 Apalchand-Kalimpong at mal block (Via Meenglass)

30 Chapramari-Kalimpong

31 Rethi-Central Diana

32 Rethi-Moraghat

33 Dumchi-Rethi

34 Titi-Dumchi

35 Buxa- Titi (Via Torsa)

36 uxa- Titi (Via Beech and Barnbari)

37 Nemati - Chilapata

38 Pakke-Papum at Seijosa Nullah

39 Durpong-Doimukh at Khundakhuwa

40 Dulung-Subansari

41 D'ering - Mebo at Sigar Nalah

42 D'ering - Mebo at Kongkul

43 Kotha Burhidihing

44 Upper Dihing East - Upper Dihing West Block at Bogapani

45 Upper Dihing East - Upper Dihing West Block Between Golai-Pawai

46 Kukurakata-Bagser at Amguri

47 Charduar-Singri Hill

48 Saipunj-Narpuh

49 Rewak-Imangiri

50 Nokrek-Imangiri

51 Ranggira-Nokrek

52 Karadikkal-Madeswara

53 Tali

54 Chamrajnagar- Talamalai at Punjur

55 Talamalai-Guttiyalattur

56 Avarahalla-Sigur

57 Kalhatti-Sigur at Glen Corin

58 Nilambur Kovilakam - New Amarambalam

59 Periya at Pakranthalam

60 Kottiyur-Periya

61 Kallar at Gandhapallayam

***


RAJYA SABHA


Compilation of damage due to man-elephant conflict

2452. DR K. P. RAMALINGAM: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that for the first time ever, the extent of crop and property damages as

well as human casualties due to man-elephant conflict has been compiled; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether it is also a fact that at least 350 human lives are lost every year due to man-elephant

conflict across the country; and (d) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER


(a) to (d) The data on damage, to crops and properties as well as human deaths due to human elephant conflicts, is compiled regularly by Central and State Governments. State-wise information on crop, property damages and human casualties due to man-elephant conflicts, during last three years, is at Annexure I(A) and Annexure I(B).

*****

ANNEXURE - I(A)

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) to (d) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2452 REGARDING ‘COMPILATION OF DAMAGE DUE TO MAN-ELEPHANT CONFLICT’ DUE FOR REPLY ON 21.12.2015.


2012-13 2013-14 2014-15



Assam 66.87 49.01 1.61

Chhattisgarh 226.72 345.83 269.63 Jharkhand 120.19 275.61 501.57 Karnataka 1308.83 993.81 1239.38

Kerala 308.54 124.82 264.59 Maharashtra 86.83 118.8 123.43 Meghalaya 60.00 71.49 14.95

Nagaland 9.00 5.15 4.60 Orissa 800.52 983.21 979.70

Tamil Nadu 1658 (No. of

incidents)

979 (No. of

incidents)


Tripura 0 0 0.91




3404.86

3029.33

3452.69

ANNEXURE - I (B) ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) to (d) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2452 REGARDING ‘COMPILATION OF DAMAGE DUE TO MAN-ELEPHANT CONFLICT’ DUE FOR REPLY ON 21.12.2015.

HUMAN DEATHS CAUSED BY ELEPHANTS

2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

Andhra Pradesh 1 2 2 Arunachal Pradesh 0 7 Information not received

from state Assam 79 87 54


Jharkhand 60 56 53

Karnataka 37 33 38

Kerala 13 7 20

Maharashtra 0 0 3

Meghalaya 1 10 3

Nagaland 0 0 1

Odisha 83 67 64

Tamil Nadu 50 52 31

Tripura 0 0 1




Total 422 413 391


RAJYA SABHA


Human-elephant conflicts

*237. DR. CHANDAN MITRA:


(a) the number of people and elephants killed in human-elephant conflicts and crops

damaged by elephants across the country during the last three years, year-wise and State-wise including Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal;

(b) whether Government has conducted any study about migration pattern movement of elephants in order to avoid such conflicts and if so, the details thereof: and

(c) the steps taken by Government for satellite tracking of select elephants through radio collars, in order to avoid such incidents by providing real time information to villagers about their movement?

ANSWER



*******

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) to (c) OF THE RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *237 REGARDING ‘HUMAN-ELEPHANT CONFLICTS’ DUE FOR REPLY ON 21.12.2015 (a) State-wise number of human and elephants killed in human elephant conflict and crops

damaged by elephants across the country during the last three years is given in Annexure I.

(b) Wildlife Trust of India with approval of the Ministry has conducted a study about migration patterns of elephants and identification of elephant corridors in the country. This study has not covered issues relating to human elephant conflicts. It has identified and documented 88 elephant corridors across the country.

(c) The wild elephants were radio collared in various studies, covering various regions in the country, from time to time in studies conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun and Asian Nature Conservation Foundation, Bangalore. However, these studies did not cover collection of real time data about movement of elephants, for minimizing human elephant conflicts.

*******

ANNEXURE –I

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) OF THE RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *237 REGARDING ‘HUMAN ELEPHANT CONFLICTS’ DUE FOR REPLY ON 21.12.2015.

STATE-WISE NUMBER OF HUMAN AND ELEPHANTS KILLED IN HUMAN ELEPHANT CONFLICT AND CROPS DAMAGED BY ELEPHANTS

ACROSS THE COUNTRY

State

2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 Human Deaths

Elephant Deaths

Compensation paid for loss of crops/property (Rs. in lakhs)

Human Deaths

Elephant Deaths


Human Deaths

Elephant Deaths


Andhra Pradesh 1 1 3.70 2 1 16.88 2 2 52.32

Arunachal Pradesh

0 0 0 7 0 35.26 Information not received



Assam 79 23 66.87 87 14 49.01 54 3 1.61 Chhattisgarh 22 4 226.72 23 Complete

information not received

345.83 32 Complete information not received

269.63

Jharkhand 60 4 120.19 56 4 275.61 53 0 501.57 Karnataka 37 14 1308.83 33 5 993.81 38 15 1239.38

Kerala 13 4 308.54 7 0 124.82 20 3 264.59 Madhya Pradesh 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0

Maharashtra 0 0 86.83 0 0 118.8 3 0 123.43 Meghalaya 1 9 60.00 10 6 71.49 3 4 14.95

Nagaland 0 0 9.00 0 0 5.15 1 0 4.60

Odisha 83 31 800.52 67 18 983.21 64 9 979.70

Tamil Nadu 50 Information not received


52 Information not received




Tripura 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0.91 Uttar Pradesh 0 0 3.254 Information

not received 1 Information not



Uttarakhand 7 5 0 Information not received




West Bengal 69 6 410.42 69 23 9.46 89 Complete information not received


Total 422 101 3404.86 413 72 3029.33 391 39 3452.69


RAJYA SABHA


Shrinking of elephant habitat

1650. SHRI D.KUPENDRA REDDY: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact the Elephant habitat area in Western Ghats has shrunk by more than half as per a recent survey;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor;

(c) whether it is also a fact that about hundreds of elephants are found dead during the last few months due to poaching; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Central Government for their conservation in this regard?


(a) No Sir.

(b) Question does not arise.

(c) Poaching of 16 elephants has been reported from Western Ghats during the year 2015.

(d) Following steps have been taken by the Government for conservation of elephants in the country:

(i) Elephants has been classified in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 to provide highest legal protection to it.

(ii) Financial and technical assistance is provided to elephant range states under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘Project Elephant’.

(iii) 29 Elephant Reserves have been notified in the country till date. (iv) Regular nationwide elephant census is conducted at interval of 5 years. (v) Wildlife Crime Control Bureau is assisting Chief Wildlife Wardens of Elephant

Reserve States in prosecution and detection of Crimes relating to poaching of elephants and smuggling of ivory.

********


RAJYA SABHA


Death of wild animals by speeding trains

1626. SHRI PARVEZ HASHMI: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

(a) the number of elephants and other wild animals run over by trains running between Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh during 2015;

(b) the details of measures taken by Government to prevent such accidental deaths of wild animals;

(c) whether Government is contemplating change of railway routes from the national corridors of wild elephants; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?


(a) Number of elephants and other wild animals run over by trains in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh during 2015 are given below.

Elephant Tiger Leopard Blue Bull

Sambar Cheetal Black Buck

Wild Boar

Muggar Crocodile

Peacock

Uttar Pradesh

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1

Madhya Pradesh

0 0 1 1 1 3 2 1 0 1

(b) State Forest Department co-ordinates with Indian Railways and issues alerts to loco pilots when movements of elephants are noticed near railway tracks.

(c) & (d) None of the Priority -I Elephant Corridors identified by Elephant Task Force Report, 2010 ‘Gajah’ are located in Madhya Pradesh or Uttar Pradesh. Hence, there is no proposal to change railway routes, at present.

********


RAJYA SABHA


Elephant deaths in Dooars area of West Bengal

*157. SHRI RITABRATA BANERJEE: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the number of elephant deaths in trains accidents are increasing in West Bengal’s Dooars area;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) what remedial measures are taken to stop such accidents?



******

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) to (c) OF THE RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *157 REGARDING ‘ELEPHANT DEATHS IN DOOARS AREA OF WEST BENGAL’ DUE FOR REPLY ON 14.12.2015

(a) An increasing trend was observed, in elephant deaths due to train accidents in Dooars area of West Bengal, during 2011-2014. However, the rate of train hits of elephants in the region has since been arrested.

(b) Details of elephant deaths by train accidents in West Bengal’s Dooar’s area during last five years are given below.

S.No. Years North Bengal (Dooar’ Area)

1. 2011-12 3 2. 2012-13 7 3. 2013-14 12 4. 2014-15 2 5. 2015-16

(till date) 1

(c) Remedial measures taken the Government to prevent such accidents are given below.

(i) Speed limit restrictions on trains are imposed at vulnerable stretches (ii) Clearance of vegetation along railway tracks is done regularly to

improve visibility of trains drivers. (iii) Signage boards are put up at selected places to pre-warn train drivers. (iv) Sensitization programmes are taken up for Train Drivers/

Guards/Station Masters. (v) Forest Department staff are posted in Alipurduar Junction Control

Office, who are engaged in wireless communication about elephant movement with Railway authorities for taking necessary action as soon as possible.

(vi) 5 new passes have been constructed to facilitate movement of elephants in Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary.

(vii) 2 ramps of 20 meters width have been constructed in Jaldapara National Park.

(viii) Railway girders and Rail fencing have been constructed at vulnerable stretches in Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary.

*******


RAJYA SABHA


Establishment of National Elephant Conservation Authority

*159. SHRI TIRUCHI SIVA:

Will the Minister of Environment, Forests and Climate Change be pleased to state:

(a) the State-wise data regarding the recommended amount for Project Elephant as well as, the amount actually sanctioned;

(b) the current status regarding the establishment of a National Elephant Conservation Authority (NECA) as recommended by the Elephant Task Force in their report titled, ‘Gajah: Securing the future for Elephants in India’ which was submitted on the 31st of August, 2010: and

(c) what are the reasons for the delay in the establishment of the NECA?



******* STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) to (c) OF THE RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *159 REGARDING ‘ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIONAL ELEPHANT CONSERVATION AUTHORITY’ DUE FOR REPLY ON 14.12.2015

(a) The state-wise details of the funds allocated and sanctioned to the elephant range States under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘Project Elephant’, for the last 5 years and current year is given at Annexure I (A) and Annexure I (B).

(b) & (c) The proposal for creation of National Elephant Conservation Authority (NECA),

as a part of the proposal for continuation the Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘Project Elephant’ in XIIth Plan, was considered in the meeting of the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) in the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change held

on 25.06.2013. The EFC committee did not recommend the proposal, given the present lack of any enabling statutory provisions in the law.

*******

ANNEXURE I (A)

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) OF THE RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *159 REGARDING ‘ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIONAL ELEPHANT CONSERVATION AUTHORITY’ DUE FOR REPLY ON 14.12.2015.

STATE WISE TENTATIVE ALLOCATION UNDER THE SCHEME

‘PROJECT ELEPHANT’

(Amount Rs. in Lakh) Sl. No

State/UTs 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16

1. Andhra Pradesh

55.00 14.33 14.10 17.10 15.35 11.02

2. Arunachal Pradesh

100.00 90.91 105.96 108.96 87.30 70.64

3. Assam 250.00 266.43 312.19 215.19 292.83 282.11 4. Chhattisgarh 120.00 48.62 60.29 63.29 49.24 29.46 5. Jharkhand 190.00 108.59 126.28 129.28 109.68 79.75 6. Karnataka 300.00 237.17 276.68 379.68 275.19 230.32 7. Kerala 300.00 247.26 294.89 297.89 296.85 254.71 8. Maharashtra 50.00 20.29 20.47 23.47 9.54 9.08 9. Meghalaya 90.00 102.99 123.43 126.43 117.64 88.30 10. Nagaland 40.00 16.42 18.75 21.75 17.77 12.92 11. Odisha 175.00 214.68 254.60 257.60 170.08 128.04 12. Tamil Nadu 300.00 224.99 261.28 264.28 247.65 184.45 13. Tripura - 9.02 9.72 12.72 5.97 4.31 14. Uttar Pradesh 100.00 34.82 39.49 42.49 25.69 22.67 15. Uttarakhand 230.00 141.01 161.46 165.46 148.60 102.21 16. West Bengal 200.00 111.58 128.41 132.41 102.62 74.09 17. Rajasthan - - - - - 6.76 18. Andaman &

Nicobar - - - - - 8.53

19. Bihar - 1.04 - - - 5.64 20. Punjab - - - - - 0.97 21. Gujarat - - - - - 2.42

ANNEXURE I (B)

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) OF THE RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *159 REGARDING ‘ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIONAL ELEPHANT CONSERVATION AUTHORITY’ DUE FOR REPLY ON 14.12.2015.

STATE WISE FUND SANCTIONED UNDER THE SCHEME

‘PROJECT ELEPHANT’

(Amount Rs. in Lakh)

22. Haryana - 7.77 - - - 1.60 23. Manipur - 0.73 - 24. Mizoram - 1.35 - Total 2500.00 1900.00 2208.00 2258.00 1972.00 1610.00

Sl. No

State/UTs 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 (As on

09/12/2015) 1 Andhra

Pradesh 15.00 - 11.28 - 13.523

2 Arunachal Pradesh

10.00 55.00 - 83.48 97.714

3 Assam 139.55 200.00 250.00 173.00 236.664 4 Chhattisgarh 75.00 150.00 60.29 49.622 43.7456 21.91 5 Jharkhand 80.00 105.87 59.512 95.655 88.4256 53.453 6 Karnataka 300.76 261.83 240.296 325.412 225.319 181.054 7 Kerala 265.39 282.55 294.89 252.90 236.72 204.54

8 Maharashtra 29.00 20.29 20.47 18.682 38.202 8.062 9 Meghalaya 103.838 128.52 106.875 101.00 118.838 72.344 10 Nagaland 41.30 25.00 18.75 21.75 44.8132 15.44 11 Odisha 113.50 214.60 210.00 257.60 153.35 105.63 12 Tamil Nadu 226.879 228.49 250.312 211.00 251.208 160.533 13 Tripura - 6.00 5.77 9.766 6.03 26.10932 14 Uttar

Pradesh 80.15 49.30 14.76 - 5.16 15.33

15 Uttarakhand 206.82 141.99 161.46 115.068 103.908 82.61 16 West

Bengal 410.206 224.50 91.865 97.626 103.814 56.83

17 Haryana 100.00 - - 30.97 - 10.00

18 A& N Islands

- - - - - 6.77544

Total 2197.393 2093.94 1796.53 1843.531 1767.4344 1020.62076


RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.840 TO BE ANSWERED ON 07.12.2015

Improvement of bird sanctuaries and zoological parks

840. DR. V. MAITREYAN: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

(a) whether Government envisages to improve wildlife, bird sanctuaries and zoological parks

in the country to protect endangered animals and birds; (b) the details of funds allocated and disbursed during the last five years, year-wise; (c) the details of progress made under Project Elephant and Save Tiger Projects during the

last five years; and (d) the steps taken by Government to develop bird sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu and to develop

Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON)?


(a)&(b) The Ministry is implementing various Centrally Sponsored Schemes and Central Scheme for improvement of wildlife, bird sanctuaries and zoological parks in the country to protect endangered animals and birds. Central assistance is provided to State/ UT Governments under these schemes for protection and conservation of wildlife including birds and its habitats. Year-wise details of funds released under these Centrally sponsored schemes to State/UT Governments during the last five years is as below:

(Rs. in crores) Name of the scheme Years

2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats

74.38 68.73 74.89 66.78 65.89

Project Tiger 178.72 160.62 162.87 172.288 175.02 Project Elephant 21.976 20.895 17.965 18.435 17.67

Details of funds released to various Zoological Parks/Organisation engaged in improvement and protection of endangered animals and birds during last five years are as below:

(Rs. in crores) Name of the scheme Years

2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 Central Zoo Authority 15.88 16.05 17.12 24.46 24.52

(c) Financial assistance is provided to Elephant Range States for conservation of elephant and their habitats. As a result elephant population has increased from 27657-27682 in 2007 to 29391-30711 in 2012. Under Project Tiger several initiatives have been taken during last five years. Details of initiatives taken are given in the Annexure.

(d) Development of sanctuaries including bird sanctuaries is the responsibility of the concerned State Governments. The Ministry provides financial and technical assistance to the State Governments including State Government of Tamil Nadu for protection and conservation of wildlife including birds and its habitats under various Centrally Sponsored Schemes. The Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) has been set up by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in June 1990 for studies related to birds and their conservation. The Centre is being supported by MoEF&CC under the Central Sector Scheme ‘Centre of Excellence’.

***

ANNEXURE

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (C) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 840 REGARDING ‘IMPROVEMENT OF BIRD SANCTUARIES AND ZOOLOGICAL PARKS’ BY DR. V. MAITREYAN DUE FOR REPLY ON 07.12.2015.

Initiatives taken by the Government of India through the National Tiger Conservation Authority for protection and conservation of tigers and other wild animals Legal steps 1. Amendment of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 in 2006 to provide enabling provisions for constituting the National Tiger Conservation Authority under section 38 IV B and the Tiger and Other Endangered Species Crime Control Bureau under section 38 IV C. 2. Enhancement of punishment for offence in relation to the core area of a tiger reserve or where the offence relate to hunting in the tiger reserves or altering the boundaries of tiger reserves, etc. 3. Comprehensive guidelines under section 38O 1 (c) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 issued for Project Tiger and Tourism in Tiger Reserves on 15th October, 2012. Administrative steps 4. Constitution of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) with effect from the 4th September, 2006, for strengthening tiger conservation by, interalia, ensuring normative standards in tiger reserve management, preparation of reserve specific tiger conservation plan, laying down annual audit report before Parliament, constituting State level Steering Committees under the Chairmanship of Chief Ministers and establishment of Tiger Conservation Foundation. 5. Constitution of a multidisciplinary Tiger and Other Endangered Species Crime Control Bureau (Wildlife Crime Control Bureau) with effect from the 6th June, 2007 to effectively control illegal trade in wildlife. 6. Strengthening of antipoaching activities, including special strategy for monsoon patrolling, by providing funding support to tiger reserve States, as proposed by them, for deployment of antipoaching squads involving ex-army

personnel or home guards, apart from workforce comprising of local people, in addition to strengthening of communication and wireless facilities. 7. The in-principle approval has been accorded by the National Tiger Conservation Authority for creation of three new tiger reserves, and the sites are: Ratapani (Madhya Pradesh), Sunabeda (Odisha) and Guru Ghasidas (Chhattisgarh) and Orang National Park (Assam). The State Governments have been advised to send proposals for declaring the following areas as tiger reserves: (i) Suhelwa (Uttar Pradesh), (ii) Mhadei Sanctuary (Goa), (iii) Srivilliputhur Grizzled Giant Squirrel / Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuaries / Varushanadu Valley (Tamil Nadu), (iv) Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary (Arunachal Pradesh) and (v) Cauveri-MM Hills (Karnataka). 8. Rajaji National Park (Uttarakhand) has been declared / notified as 48th Tiger Reserve. Besides the recently notified tiger reserves include: Kawal (Telangana), Sathyamangalam (Tamil Nadu), Mukandra Hills (Rajasthan), Nawegaon-Nagzira (Maharashtra), Amrabad (erstwhile Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve portion) (Telangana), Pilibhit (Uttar Pradesh) and Bor (Maharashtra). 9. The revised Project Tiger guidelines have been issued to State Governments for strengthening tiger conservation, which apart from ongoing activities, inter alia, include financial support to States for enhanced village relocation or rehabilitation package for people living in core or critical tiger habitats (from Rs. 1 lakh per family to Rs. 10 lakhs per family), rehabilitation or resettlement of communities involved in traditional hunting, mainstreaming livelihood and wildlife concerns in forests outside tiger reserves and fostering corridor conservation through restorative strategy to arrest habitat fragmentation. 10. A scientific methodology for estimating tiger (including co-predators, prey animals and assessment of habitat status) has been evolved and mainstreamed. The findings of this estimation and assessment are bench marks for future tiger conservation strategy. 11. The 18 tiger States have notified the core/critical tiger habitat (39709.84 sq. km.), and the buffer/peripheral area (30161.80 sq.km.) of all the 48 tiger reserves in the country, under section 38V of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2006. 12. Regional Offices of the National Tiger Conservation Authority are operational at Nagpur, Bengaluru and Guwahati headed by an Inspector General of Forests. Financial steps

13. Financial and technical help is provided to the State Governments under various Centrally Sponsored Schemes, such as “Project Tiger” and “Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats” for enhancing the capacity and infrastructure of the State Governments for providing effective protection to wild animals. International Cooperation 14. India has a bilateral understanding with Nepal on controlling trans-boundary illegal trade in wildlife and conservation, apart from a protocol on tiger conservation with China. 15. A protocol has been signed in September, 2011 with Bangladesh for conservation of the Royal Bengal Tiger of the Sunderban. 16. A sub-group on tiger and leopard conservation has been constituted for cooperation with the Russian Federation. 17. India is the founder member of the Global Tiger Forum of Tiger Range Countries for addressing international issues related to tiger conservation. 18. During the 14th meeting of the Conference of Parties to CITES, which was held from 3rd to 15th June, 2007 at The Hague, India introduced a resolution along with China, Nepal and the Russian Federation, with direction to Parties with operations breeding tigers on a commercial scale, for restricting such captive populations to a level supportive only to conserving wild tigers. The resolution was adopted as a decision with minor amendments. Further, India made an intervention appealing to China to phase out tiger farming and eliminate stockpiles of Asian big cats body parts and derivatives. The importance of continuing the ban on trade of body parts of tigers was emphasized. 19. Based on India’s strong intervention during the 62nd meeting of the Standing Committee of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) at Geneva from 23-27 July, 2012, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora Secretariat has issued a notification No. 2012/054 dated the 3rd September, 2012 to Parties to fully implement Decision 14.69 and report to the Secretariat by 25 September, 2012 (Progress made on restricting captive breeding operations of tigers etc.). OTHER MISCELLANEOUS STEPS 20. Creation of Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF): The Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) has been made operational in the States of Karnataka

(Bandipur), Maharashtra (Pench and Tadoba-Andhari) and Odisha (Similipal), out of 13 initially selected tiger reserves, with 100% central assistance under the ongoing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Project Tiger. In-principle approval has been accorded for creation of the said force in Nawegoan-Nagzira, Melghat (Maharashtra), Kawal and Amrabad (erstwhile Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve portion) Tiger Reserves (Telangana). 21. In collaboration with TRAFFIC-INDIA, an online tiger crime data base has been launched, and Generic Guidelines for preparation of reserve specific Security Plan has been evolved. 22. Implementing a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with tiger States, linked to fund flows for effective implementation of tiger conservation initiatives. 23. Steps taken for modernizing the infrastructure and field protection, besides launching ‘Monitoring system for Tigers’ Intensive Protection and Ecological Status (M-STrIPES)’ for effective field patrolling and monitoring. 24. Steps taken for no-cost involvement of Non-Governmental Experts in the all India tiger estimation. 25. Initiatives taken for improving the field delivery through capacity building of field officials, apart from providing incentives. 26. As a part of active management to rebuild Sariska and Panna Tiger Reserves where tigers have become locally extinct, reintroduction of tigers and tigresses have been done. The successful reintroduction of wild tigers in Sariska is a unique exercise and is the first of its kind in the world. The reintroduced tigresses are breeding. The tiger reintroduction initiative at Panna (MP) has been very successful. 27. Special advisories issued for in-situ build up of prey base and tiger population through active management in tiger reserves having low population status of tiger and its prey. 28. All India Tiger, Co-predators and Prey Estimation, 2014:- The third round of country level tiger status assessment completed in 2014, with the findings indicating an increase with a tiger population estimate of 2226 (lower and upper limits being 1945 and 2491 respectively), as compared to the last country level estimation of 2010, with an estimate of 1706 (lower and upper limits being 1520-1909 tigers), and 2006 estimation, with an estimate of 1411 (lower and upper limits

being 1165 and 1657). At present, India has around 70% of tiger population and its source areas amongst the 13 tiger range countries in the world, owing to its long history of conserving the species through Project Tiger (2.12% of country’s geographical area spread out in 48 tiger reserves in 18 States). 29. Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE): A report on Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) of Tiger Reserves was released on January, 2015, containing the third round of independent assessment based on refined criteria done in 2013-14 for 43 tiger reserves. Out of 43 tiger reserves, 17 were rated as ‘very good’, 16 as ‘good’ and 10 as ‘fair’. 30. Providing special assistance for mitigation of human-tiger conflicts in problematic areas. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) 31. A ‘Standard Operating Procedure’ for dealing with tiger deaths has been issued, based on advisories of Project Tiger / National Tiger Conservation Authority, with inputs from Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, State officials and experts, fine tuned to meet the present challenges. 32. A ‘Standard Operating Procedure’ for dealing with straying tigers in human dominated landscape has been issued. 33. A ‘Standard Operating Procedure’ for disposing tiger/leopard carcass/body parts has been issued. 34. A Standard Operating Procedure has been issued to deal with orphaned / abandoned tiger cubs and old / injured tigers in the wild. 35. A ‘Standard Operating Procedure’ has been issued to deal with tiger depredation on livestock. 36. A ‘Standard Operating Procedure’ has been issued for active management towards rehabilitation of tigers from source areas at landscape level. 37. Launching of Phase-IV tiger reserve level, continuous monitoring of tigers using camera traps and building up data on photo captures of individual tigers. 38. Launching the creation of a national repository of camera trap photo IDs of individual tigers.

39. In-principle approval for use of CAMPA funds towards village relocation from core areas. 40. Under active management, permission accorded for translocation of wilded / straying tigers / tigresses from high to low density reserves within States. 41. Field level workshops for capacity building of field officers to deal with straying tigers. Recent Steps 42. On completion of e-surveillance project in Corbett Tiger Reserve (Uttarakhand), central assistance (100%) has been provided for installing 24X7 e-surveillance at Kaziranga Tiger Reserve (Assam) and fringe of Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary (Madhya Pradesh). 43. Economic Valuation of six tiger reserves done in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Forest Management. 44. Trial of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for monitoring done in the Panna Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh), in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India and now has plan to extend to other tiger reserves too. 45. Assessment of Status, Density and Change in Forest Cover in and around tiger reserves of the Shivalik Gangetic Plain Landscape done in collaboration with the Forest Survey of India. 46. A Rhino Task Force has suggested measures to strengthen rhino protection in the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve. 47. In-principle approval has been accorded for creation of Rhino Protection Force at Kaziranga Tiger Reserve. 48. Supporting a health insurance scheme for forest guards in Kaziranga Tiger Reserve. 49. Fostering a voluntary group “Friends for Rhino” for eliciting public support for rhino conservation with active local participation around Kaziranga Tiger Reserve.

50. Initiative taken for collaboration with National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) towards evolving an alert system in tiger reserves prone to natural disasters. 51. A joint report with Nepal has been brought out on the assessment of tiger status in the terai arc landscape. 52. Initiative taken for collaboration of National Tiger Conservation Authority and Wildlife Crime Control Bureau towards an online tiger / wildlife crime tracking / reporting system in tiger reserves.

***


RAJYA SABHA


Number of lions in the country

835. SHRI K.C. TYAGI: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in western Gujarat

is the only habitat for the asiatic lion; (b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) what is the census figures of living wild animals particularly lions in the country, State-

wise and forest-wise?


(a)and (b) The Asiatic lions are found in Gir Protected Areas including Gir, Paniya, Mitiyala and Girnar Sanctuaries and Gir National Park in Gujarat.

(c) The census of all wild animals is not undertaken in the country. However census of tiger is undertaken at the national level once every four years and census of a few other major flagship species is undertaken at the State-level by the respective State/Union Territory governments. As per the latest census, the estimated population of tiger, elephant, lion and rhinoceros as received from the States is given in the Annexure.

***

ANNEXURE

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (c) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 835 REGARDING ‘NUMBER OF LIONS IN THE COUNTRY’BY SHRI K.C. TYAGI DUE FOR REPLY ON 07.12.2015. Estimated landscape level population of tiger Name of State Tiger population Shivalik-Gangetic Plain Landscape complex Uttarakhand 340 Uttar Pradesh 117 Bihar 28 Shivalik-Gangetic 485(427-543) Central Indian Landscape Complex and Eastern Ghats Landscape Complex

Andhra Pradesh (including Telangana) 68 Chhattisgarh 46 Madhya Pradesh 308 Maharashtra 190 Odisha 28 Rajasthan 45 Jharkhand** 3+ Central India 688(596-780) Western Ghats Landscape Complex Karnataka 406 Kerala 136 Tamil Nadu 229 Goa 5 Western Ghats 776 (685-861) North Eastern Hills and Brahmaputra Flood Plains

Assam 167 Arunachal Pradesh 28* Mizoram 3+ North West Bengal 3 North East Hills and Brahmaputra 201(174-212) Sunderbans 76(92-96) TOTAL 2226(1945-2491

+ -From scat DNA *- From Camera trap data and scat DNA. **- Much of the tiger occupied areas could not be surveyed owing to Naxal problem

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (c) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 835 REGARDING ‘NUMBER OF LIONS IN THE COUNTRY’BY DUE FOR REPLY ON 07.12.2015.

Estimated Population of Rhinoceros as reported by State

Name of the State No. of Rhinoceros (year of census)

Assam 2505 (2012) Uttar Pradesh 30 West Bengal 229 (2013)

Estimated Population of Lion as reported by the state Government of Gujarat

Name of state Population of Lion Gujarat 523 (2015)

Population of Rhinoceros as reported by State

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (c) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 835 REGARDING ‘NUMBER OF LIONS IN THE COUNTRY’BY DUE FOR REPLY ON 07.12.2015.

Population of wild elephants as reported by State

* Meghalaya and Uttarakhand has not conducted elephant census after 2007. Therefore the figure of 2007 has been maintained for 2012 as well.

***

Sl. No. States Elephant population 2012

1. Arunachal Pradesh 890 2. Assam 5620 3. Meghalaya 1811 * 4. Nagaland 212 5. Tripura 59 6. West Bengal 647 7. Jharkhand 688 8. Orissa 1930 9. Chhattisgarh 247 10. Uttarakhand 1346 * 11. Uttar Pradesh 291 12. Tamil Nadu 4015 13. Karnataka 5648-6488 14. Kerala 5942-6422 15. Andhra Pradesh 41 16. Maharashtra 4

29391 - 30711


RAJYA SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 2741


Human-wildlife conflict in country

2741. DR. R. LAKSHMANAN: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state: (a) whether Government undertook any study/survey regarding Human - Wildlife Conflict

(HWC) in the country, particularly in Tamil Nadu, if so, the details thereof; (b) whether Government has formulated any Farmer Support Services (FSS) out of these

study/survey; and

(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?


(a) to (c)

Incidences of human-wildlife conflict are reported in various parts of the country from time to time. As the management of forest and wildlife is the responsibility of State/Union Territory Governments, studies on human-wildlife conflict has not been undertaken at the national level. Whereas, various organizations/institutes undertake studies on human-wildlife conflict of diverse nature in different States/regions. Ministry has not received any report of the study/survey conducted by State Government of Tamilnadu human-wildlife conflict. In order to support farmers and victims of depredations/attacks by wild animals, State Governments provide ex-gratia relief for farmers in respect of damage to crops and loss of human lives from their own funds as well from the assistance provided by Central Government. The amount of ex-gratia relief eligible for assistance under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes for payment to the victims of predation/depredation by wild animals is at Annexure I. The rates of compensation to the victims of predation/depredation by wild animals in Tamilnadu is at Annexure II.

Further, the Central Government provides financial assistance to State/Union Territory Governments under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes of 'Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats', 'Project Tiger' and ’Project Elephant' for the management of wildlife and its habitats in the country, which inter alia helps in preventing human-animal conflict and supports the farmers. The activities supported under the Schemes inter alia include construction /erection of physical barriers, such as barbed wire fence, solar powered electric fence, bio-fencing using cactus, boundary walls etc. to prevent the entry of wild animals into crop fields; improvement of wildlife habitat of wild animals by augmenting the availability of food and water in forest areas to reduce the entry of animals from forests to habitations and setting up of anti-depredation squads to drive away problematic animals.

*****

ANNEXURE I

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (B) AND (C) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2741 REGARDING HUMAN-WILDLIFE CONFLICT IN COUNTRY BY DR. R. LAKSHMANAN DUE FOR REPLY ON 13.08.2015

Sl. No.

Nature of damage caused by wild animals

Amount of ex-gratia relief

(a) Death or permanent incapacitation

Rs. 2,00,000/-

(b) Grievous injury 30% of (a) (c) Minor injury Cost of treatment (d) Loss of property Value of loss/damage as assessed by

authorized officer

ANNEXURE II

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (B) AND (C) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2741 REGARDING HUMAN-WILDLIFE CONFLICT IN COUNTRY BY DR. R. LAKSHMANAN DUE FOR REPLY ON 13.08.2015

Sl. No. Item of damages Eligible Compensation amount (Rs. in lakhs)

1. Human death or Permanent incapacitation 3.00 2. Major injury 0.30 3. Crop damage per acre 0.25

Coconut tree 1 No. 0.005 4. Damage to tiled / RCC House/ Thatched

house Fully damaged house

i) Pucca house 0.35 ii) Kucha house 0.10

Severely damaged house i) Pucca house 0.05 ii) Kucha house 0.025

Partially damaged house 0.015 5. Damage to Vehicle, loss of cattle or live stock

i) Milch cattle 0.10 ii) Bullock 0.10 iii) Goat 0.02 iv) Sheep 0.015 v) Poultry per bird 0.001 vi) Pig 0.01

6. Cloth/ House hold articles other house hold 0.02 7. Damage to shop 0.04 8. Damage to irrigation or drinking water wells,

electric motor 0.02

9. Vehicle compensation 0.02 ***


RAJYA SABHA


Solution to hardships of human beings and wild animals 1934. SHRI C.P. NARAYANAN: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state: (a) whether it is a fact that population of most of wild animals has increased substantially in

last two decades and if so, the details of main animals; (b) whether human and wild animals conflicts are on the rise leading to serious injuries and

deaths as well as substantial crop damage, if so, the details thereof; (c) whether it is a fact that wild animals too face hardships such as dearth of water and food

as also insecurity; and (d) in what manner Government intends to look a solution to hardships to both the human

beings and wild animals?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR) (a)

Estimates of population of major wild animal’s indicates that there has been an increase in number of animals. The number of Asiatic lion has increased from 304 in 1995 to 523 in 2015, Tiger has increased from 1411 in 2006 to 2226 in 2014 and the Elephants from 25569 in 1993 to 29391-30711 in 2012.

(b) Incidences of loss of human lives and damage to crops by wild animals are reported in various parts of the country from time to time. As such data of such incidents are not collated in the Ministry. However, the reports received from the States in National Tiger Conservation Authority and Project Elephant indicate the following data on human death due to Tiger and Elephant.

Tiger Elephant 2012-13 22 371 2013-14 24 335 2014-15 26 63 Current Year Not available Not available Total 72 769

(c) Degradation of the habitat including, depletion of water and food availability is considered some of the reasons for wild animals to come out of its natural habitat.

(d) Wildlife management primarily focuses on improvement of habitats of wild animals by augmenting the availability of food and water in forest areas to reduce the entry of animals from forests to habitations. The Central Government provides financial assistance to State/Union Territory Governments under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes of 'Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats', 'Project Tiger' and ’Project Elephant', for augmenting their efforts for management of wildlife and their habitats. The assistance is also provided to the States for payment of ex-gratia relief, management of wildlife conflict situations and construction/erection of physical barriers, such as barbed wire fence, solar powered electric fence, bio-fencing, boundary walls etc. wherever feasible. In many parts of the country, anti-depredation squads have also been set up to drive away problematic animals. Keeping in view the losses to crops inflicted by the wild animals, this Ministry, on 24th December, 2014 issued an advisory to the States highlighting the legal provisions under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 to deal with the human-wildlife conflict situations. Vide this advisory, Ministry has also sought proposals from State/Union Territory Governments, after objective assessment of the situation with details of the areas in which notification under section 62 of the Act, declaring any wild animals as vermin for specified period, could be helpful in management of conflict. The same advisory has also been sent to the Chief Minister’s and Environment and Forest Minister’s of all the States/Union Territory Governments and also to all the Council of Minister’s in the Government of India. Further, Ministry has also issued a detailed advisory on 1st June, 2015 to the State/Union Territory Governments regarding the priority actions for management of human wildlife conflict. The State/UT Governments have been requested to institute a ‘Human Wildlife Management Strategy’ along with other suggested measures for the proper management and prevention of human wildlife conflict situations.

*****


RAJYA SABHA


Compensation for elephant death

1943. SHRI SANTIUSE KUJUR:


(a) whether it is a fact that there are so many fatal human-elephant conflicts in Assam and if

so, the details thereof;

(b) how many people killed in the last five years, year-wise, district-wise, how many elephants killed in the last five years, year-wise, district-wise, how many houses damaged in the last five years, year-wise, district-wise;

(c) the total amount of compensation given in the last five years, district-wise; and

(d) whether any measures/steps are taken by Government to increase the compensation

amount for such type of conflicts?

ANSWER


(SHRI PRAKESH JAVADEKAR):

(a) Yes sir, incidents of human-elephant conflicts in Assam are recorded from time to time, the details are given in Annexure.

(b) & (c) The information is given in Annexure.

(d) Central government has increased compensation amount to be paid to victim of

human-elephant conflict on 21.11.2012.

********

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) (b) & (c) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRRED QUESTION NO. 1943 RAISED BY SHRI SANTIUSE KUJUR REGARDING ‘COMPENSATION FOR ELEPHANT DEATH' DUE FOR REPLY ON 06.08.2015.

Annexure

Division wise/ Yearwise Statement Showing for Human Death, Elephant, House Damage & compensation during the last 5 years. Sl. No. Name of Division 2010‐11 2011‐12 2012‐13 2013‐14 2014‐15 Human

death House

damage Elephant

death Compensation (in

lakhs) Human death

House damage

Elephant death

Compensation (in lakhs)

Human death

House damage

Elephant death


Human death

House damage

Elephant death


Human death

House damage

Elephant death


1 DFO,Sonitpur East 7 46 4.74 18 49 19.58 8 36 6.645 2 100 2 4.5333 10 1 0.35 2 DFO,Sonitpur West 3 93 6.18 2 36 3.77 6 30 8.10 16 23 18.6658 1.30 3 DFO,Sivsagar 2 101 3.49 1 41 1 3.3185 2 2.00 59 2.29 3 5 3.20 4 DFO,Golaghat 13 109 7.455 10 192 1 13.085 3 82 1 5.9835 7 1 9.596 2 3.39 5 DFO,Nagaon WL 2 0.30 1 1.10 1.25 0.482 6 DFO,Nagaon (T) 5 385 16.324 6 363 17.06 5 176 11.052 126 5.155 4 4.00 7 DFO,Nagaon South 6 90 6.288 1030 19.636 3 3.00 2 282 9.806 7 7.70 8 DFO,EAWL, Bokakhat 2 217 3.28 2 510 21.19 229 6.756 9 DFO,WAWL, Tezpur 10 DFO,Jorhat 11 994 1 32.701 5 1128 29.4905 3 1097 24.1775 2 245 7.20 1 1.00

11 DFO,Lakhimpur 1 6 0.70 4 45 1 5.82 1 1 1.00 3 26 4.0935 1 2 1.15 12 DFO,Dhemaji 3 2 0.04 2 1 2.05 3 3.00 13 DFO,Doomdooma 27 0.33 5 7 3.59 75 3.14 7 59 10.2454 5 1081 6.119 14 DFO,Digboi 1 24 1.23 2 94 5.916 0.20 2 73 1 4.6175 15 DFO,Tinsukia WL 1 1 5 0.53 1 1 1 16 DFO,Dibrughar 317 1 11.206 4 1310 17.38 390 5.668 206 4.71 200 3.728 17 DFO,Karimganj 4 57 4.75 10 0.10 18 DFO,N.C Hills 1 1.00 1 1.00 19 DFO,K.A East Diphu 7 3.60 1 1.00 1 1.40 20 DFO,K.A West, Diphu 1 0.40 21 DFO,Hamren 2 2.00 136 6.761 1 1.00 22 DFO,Silchar 23 DFO,Mangaldoi WL 2 2.40 24 DFO,Dhansiri 3 104 5.595 16 587 38.353 8 461 1 28.902 18 69 22.984 2 2.40 25 DFO,Baksa 7 216 5.0995 10 164 15.62 1 81 6.19 26 DFO,Chirang 2 2.00 27 Director, FDTP Manas 28 DFO,Kokrajhar WL 29 DFO,Kachugaon 1 30 DFO,Dhubri 3 3.00 17 1.045 31 DFO,Goalpara 2 335 8.8015 5 382 12.188 7 69 8.337 10 104 11.9675 4 4.50 32 DFO,Kamrup West 33 DFO,Kamrup East 2 0.48 2 1.80 2 6 2.21 1 1.00 34 DFO,Guwahati WL 2 0.15 2 2.24 2 3 2.885 35 DFO,North Kamrup

Total 78 3068 3 120.35 92 5974 3 229.998 61 2590 5 130.175 79 1709 5 140 35 1293 7 45.719


RAJYA SABHA


Introduction of new tranquilizers

1265. SHRI A.K. SELVARAJ: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the elephant darting experts have suggested the introduction of new tranquilizers and involvement of a host of officials in mob control measures while restive animals are being darted and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether it is a fact that though several new drugs were used worldwide for tranquilizing wild animals, including elephants, many of them were still not used or available in India; and

(c) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by Government in this regard?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR) (a) No suggestions/reports have been received in the Ministry regarding new tranquilizers

and techniques for darting of elephants. (b) & (c) Drugs for tranquilising of wild animals, including elephants, are either available in the

country or are imported in required quantities as and when required, as per national and international regulations.

**********


RAJYA SABHA


Wild Life Census

775. SHRI KIRANMAY NANDA: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

(a) whether wild life census is carried out by Government at regular intervals; and (b) if so, the detailed list of animals as per the last two census carried out, State-wise and if

not, the reasons therefor?


(a)&(b) The census of tiger is undertaken at the national level once every four years and census of a few other major flagship species is undertaken at the State-level by the respective State/Union Territory governments from time to time. Details of population estimates of tiger, elephant, lion and rhinoceros as received from the States is given below:

Name of the Species

Estimated population (year)

Tiger 1706(2010) 1945-2491 (2014) Elephant 27657-27682 (2007) 29391-30711 (2012) Lion 359+ 10(2005) 411 (2010) Rhinoceros 1855(2006) 2810 (2013)

*****


RAJYA SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 597

ANSWERED ON 27.02.2015

DEATHS OF ELEPHANTS AND OTHER WILD ANIMALS

597. SHRI BAISHNAB PARIDA: Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state: (a) whether the deaths of elephants and other wild animals under running trains/rail tracks has been mounting up in the country, if so, the details thereof; and (b) whether the Supreme Court has asked Government for evolving suitable measures to control such deaths, if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER


(SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

(a) No, Sir. The number of deaths caused to elephants and other wild animals on rail tracks was

nine (5+4) in the year 2014 as against 26 in the year 2013. In the current year (upto Feb. 2015),

only two elephants have reportedly died on railway tracks.

(b) The measures highlighted by the Supreme Court to control incidences of deaths of elephants

on rail tracks are identification of path/corridors, which the elephants take to cross the railway

tracks, by Ministry of Environment and Forest in coordination with Railways, provision of

trenches and underpasses on the identified corridors, identification of areas where trains could be

directed to move at low speeds.

Use of Modern Wireless Animal tracking devices to track the movement of elephants, Satellite

Space Navigation Systems to pre warn drivers and Battlefield Surveillance Radar System to avoid

accidents have also been advised.

***


RAJYA SABHA


Legal protection for elephants reserves

2854. SHRI AVINASH RAI KHANNA: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

(a) whether several eminent environmentalists have expressed concern on the poaching and accidental deaths of elephants and have sought legal protection for their reserves and corridors across the country and if so, the details thereof;

(b) the number of elephants killed during the past two years across the country with reasons therefor; and

(c) to what extent the setting up of elephants reserves and corridors will protect elephants from killing?

ANSWER


(a) Yes Sir. Shri Shakti Prasad Nayak has filed Writ Petition (Civil) No. 107 of 2013 in

Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, seeking issue of directions to the Government for taking appropriate steps to prevent death of elephants due to train accidents.

(b) Details of elephants mortality due to electrocution, poaching, poisoning and train accidents during the last two years across the Country is as under.

Electrocution Poaching Poisoning Train

Accidents Total

2012-13 62 7 6 16 91 2013-14 24 24 2 13 63

Total 86 31 8 29 154

(c) Elephant Reserves and Corridors facilitate (i) protection and improvement of elephant

habitats and (ii) facilitate movement of elephants within their range. However, these do not provide legal protection to elephants.

*****


RAJYA SABHA


Population of tigers, lions, and elephants

2862. SHRI PARIMAL NATHWANI: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

(a) the steps being taken by the Forest Department to increase the population of precious animals like tigers, lions and Elephants;

(b) the population figures of all the three precious animals spread over in different forests in the country;

(c) the amount that Government plans to spend on these three animals in different forests every year and how does it propose to utilise it;

(d) the steps that are being taken by Forest Department to protect wild animals; and (e) whether Government mull opening up the modern and world class diagnostic

facilities for the animal hospitals?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT,FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)

(a) to (c) The protection and conservation of the wildlife including lions, tiger and elephant is the responsibility of the concerned State governments. The Central government provides assistance to the State governments under Centrally Sponsored Scheme of ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats”, ‘Project Tiger’ and ‘Project Elephant’ for taking activities related to conservation and protection of wildlife and habitats. The assistance is provided in accordance with the Annual Plans of Operations submitted by the States / Union Territories wherein they list activities in accordance with the Scheme as well as specific requirement. The Central assistance is also subject to availability of funds in the Scheme.

The country level assessment of population of tigers, elephants and lions conducted periodically has shown an increasing trend.

Comparative estimated population of tigers, elephants and lions in the country, as available with the Ministry, is as given below:

Name of the Species

Estimated population

Tiger 1411(2006) 1706(2010) Elephant 27669-27719(2007) 29391-30711(2012) Lion 359+ 10(2005) 411 (2010)

Details of funds released under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes of ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats’, ‘Project Tiger’ and ‘Project Elephant’ for protection of wildlife including lions, tigers and elephants during XII Plan Period is given in the Annexure.

(d) The Government has taken following steps for protection of wild animals including tigers, elephants and lions in the country:

i. Protected Areas, covering important habitats of lions, tigers and elephants have been created in the States under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

ii. Financial and technical assistance is provided to the State Government under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes of ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats”, ‘Project Tiger’ and ‘Project Elephant’ for providing better protection to wild animals including lions, tigers and elephants.

iii. The Asiatic lion has been identified for taking up activities under the “Recovery Programs for Saving Critically Endangered Species and Habitats” component of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme – “Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats”.

iv. Highest level of legal protection has been provided to lions, tigers and elephants against hunting and commercial exploitation under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 by listing them under Schedule I.

v. In addition to provision of stringent punishment for the offenders, the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 also provides for forfeiture of any equipment, vehicle or weapon that is used for committing wildlife offence(s).

vi. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been empowered under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 to apprehend and prosecute wildlife offenders.

vii. The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau has been set up to ensure co-ordination among various officers and State Governments in connection with the enforcement of law for control of poaching and illegal trade in wildlife and its products.

(e) The Central Govt does not have any plan for opening up diagnostic facilities for animal hospitals for wild animals. However, the facilities available with Veterinary Departments in the States as well as those with various Universities / Institutes are utilised by the State Governments whenever the need arises.

***

ANNEXURE ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a),(b)AND(c) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2862 REGARDING “POPULATION OF TIGERS, LIONS, AND ELEPHANTS” BY SHRI PARIMAL NATHWANI FOR REPLY ON 18.12.2014

Funds Released under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes (RS IN LAKHS)

State/UT 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 (as on 11.12.2014)

CSS - Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats 1 A& N Islands 109.50 150.00 0.00 2 Andhra Pradesh 180.34 0.00 63.31 3 Arunachal Pradesh 162.38 220.44 0.00 4 Assam 146.00 138.88 149.11 5 Bihar 64.69 34.87 85.25 6 Chandigarh 0.00 0.00 0.00 7 Chhattisgarh 449.57 408.74 482.12 8 Dadra & Nagar Haveli 0.00 0.00 0.00 9 Daman & Diu 0.00 0.00 0.00

10 Goa 148.12 0.00 0.00 11 Gujarat 517.93 537.84 634.94 12 Haryana 52.00 0.00 14.71 13 Himachal Pradesh 318.97 475.85 430.35 14 Jammu & Kashmir 515.96 485.75 506.76 15 Jharkhand 81.62 97.77 101.00 16 Karnataka 434.50 351.00 483.78 17 Kerala 1210.08 505.78 818.49 18 Madhya Pradesh 467.71 454.35 371.35 19 Maharashtra 425.88 470.77 402.72 20 Manipur 73.93 80.80 129.19 21 Meghalaya 22.08 25.56 44.87 22 Mizoram 96.39 210.33 105.05 23 Nagaland 25.86 15.38 85.16 24 Odisha 368.21 341.74 350.32 25 Punjab 0.00 0.00 0.00 26 Rajasthan 478.25 430.88 367.30 27 Sikkim 177.58 129.28 169.16 28 Tamil Nadu 258.48 277.79 280.63 29 Tripura 0.00 0.00 0.00 30 Uttar Pradesh 319.09 323.53 224.90 31 Uttarakhand 220.27 326.28 141.12 32 West Bengal 164.14 184.37 0.00 TOTAL 7489.53 6678.00 6441.57

CSS - Project Tiger Sl. No

Name of Tiger Range State

2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 (as on 3.12.2014)

1 Andhra Pradesh 404.89 211.78 184.14 2 Arunachal Pradesh 420.09 757.17 527.02 3 Assam 373.89 808.97 381.17 4 Bihar 311.06 285.09 296.56 5 Chhattisgarh 532.46 583.06 575.98 6 Karnataka 933.53 2016.03 1565.77 7 Kerala 514.84 489.30 499.18 8 Jharkhand 107.44 251.17 84.04 9 Madhya Pradesh 5772.36 4815.73 4335.12 10 Maharashtra 848.41 3453.35 3086.33 11 Mizoram 468.31 233.68 77.89 12 Orissa 163.76 786.90 707.39 13 Rajasthan 4090.57 512.85 418.32 14 Tamil Nadu 445.98 763.26 864.32 15 Uttarakhand 160.69 384.05 365.38 16 Uttar Pradesh 334.06 525.88 451.81 17 West Bengal 404.92 348.52 456.54 19. Goa 0.00 2.05 0.00

Total 16287.25 17228.81 14876.96 *****

CSS - Project Elephant S. No

STATES 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 (as on 21.11.2014)

1 Andhra Pradesh 11.28 0.00 0.00 2 Arunachal Pradesh 0.00 83.48 0.00 3 Assam 250.00 173.00 236.66 4 Chhatisgarh 60.29 49.62 43.75 5 Haryana 0.00 0.00 0.00 6 Jharkhand 59.51 65.66 88.43 7 Karnataka 240.30 325.41 169.18 8 Kerala 294.89 195.01 236.72 9 Maharashtra 20.47 18.68 8.00 10 Meghalaya 106.88 101.00 95.07 11 Nagaland 18.75 17.40 14.22 12 Orissa 210.00 206.00 119.33 13 Tamilnadu 250.31 211.00 200.01 14 Tripura 5.77 9.77 3.91 15 U.P. 14.76 0.00 5.16 16 Uttarakhand 161.46 115.07 103.91 17 W. Bengal 91.87 97.63 81.15

Total 1796.53 1668.72 1405.50


RAJYA SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-2319 ANSWERED ON-12.12.2014

Measure taken following elephant deaths on railway tracks in North Bengal

2319 . Shri Derek O Brien (a) the measures taken following the rise in deaths of elephants on railway tracks in North Bengal; (b) the funds allocated for diversion of trains away from elephant corridors; and (c) the time-line for completion of diverted railway tracks in vulnerable sports of elephant corridors?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI MANOJ SINHA) (a) The measures taken to curb the elephant deaths on railway tracks in North Bengal include imposition of speed restrictions, clearance of vegetation on the side of railway track, provision of signage boards to pre-warn the train drivers, sensitizing train Drivers and Guards, keeping railway track free from food waste that attracts elephants, flow of communication from forest official to railway control, construction of under passes between Chalsa and Nagrakata station, construction of two ramps between Madarihat and Hasimara station, construction of girder bridge between Gulma and Sevok station to prevent the entry of elephants into deep cuttings, rail fencing between Sevok and Bagrakot station etc. (b) & (c) There is no proposal to divert railway tracks in vulnerable spots of elephant corridors. As such, no funds have been allocated for such purpose. ***


RAJYA SABHA


Missing of elephants from the license owner

2042. SHRI PANKAJ BORA: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

(a) whether Government has received reports on missing of elephants from the license owner mahouts;

(b) if so, whether Government has recovered all the elephants; and (c) the details of action proposed to take care of the domestic animals by the license holders

thereon?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR) (a) No report regarding missing of elephants from the license owner mahouts has been

received in the Ministry. (b) Does not arise. (c) Detailed guidelines for care and management of captive elephants have been issued by the

Ministry vide No. 9-5/2003-PE dated 08.01.2008.

*****


RAJYA SABHA


Poaching of wildlife around National Parks

1699 . Smt. Sasikala Pushpa (a) whether it is a fact that large scale poaching of wildlife is going on in and around the National Parks and zoos in the country during the last two years: (b) if so, the details thereof, year-wise, category-wise, national park-wise; and (c) the action being taken to protect wildlife and to punish the guilty?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR) (a) and (b) The management and protection of wild animals in and around the National Parks in the country is carried out by the concerned State/Union Territory Governments. National Park-wise details of poaching of wild animals are not collated in the Ministry. Further as per information available in the Ministry there has been no poaching of wildlife in the zoos of the country for the last two years except one incident at the Biological Park, Itanagar on 24th September 2012 wherein killing of one female Bengal Tiger was reported. (c) The State Government of Arunachal Pradesh has recommended the said case to Special Investigation Team of Police. Further, the Central Zoo Authority has issued an alert to all Zoos in the country to keep necessary vigil regarding any such attempts. In addition, the important steps taken by the Government for protection of wild animals in the country includes: i. Endangered species of animals including Tiger, Elephants, Lion, Rhino, etc are listed under Schedule –I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 thereby according them highest degree of protection. ii. Legal protection has been provided to wild animals against hunting and commercial exploitation under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. iii. The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, has been amended and made more stringent. The punishments for offences have been enhanced. The Act also provides for forfeiture of any equipment, vehicle or weapon that is used for committing wildlife offence(s). iv. Protected Areas, viz., National Parks, Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves covering important wildlife habitats have been created all over the country under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 to conserve wild animals and their habitats. v. Financial and technical assistance is provided to the State/ Union Territory Governments under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes of ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats'', ‘Project Tiger’ and ‘Project Elephant’ for providing better protection to wildlife and improvement of its habitat.

vi. The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau has been set up to strengthen the enforcement of law for control of poaching and illegal trade in wildlife and its products. vii. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been empowered under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 to apprehend and prosecute wildlife offenders. viii. The State/Union Territory Governments have been requested to strengthen the field formations and intensify patrolling in and around the Protected Areas. *****

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA


RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 923


Tiger reserves under Project Tiger 923. DR. V. MAITREYAN:


(a) the list of Tiger reserves under Project Tiger and Project Elephant in the country and whether

Government has plans to initiate any new Tiger and Elephant reserves in the country; (b) the details of the funds allocated and disbursed to Project Elephant and Project Tiger in the last

five years, year-wise; and (c) the details of the progress made in these important Projects?

ANSWER


(a) There are 46 tiger reserves in the country, spread over in 18 States, encompassing a total area of 68518.8 sq.km. The details are at Annexure-I. There are 28 elephant reserves in the country and the details are at Annexure-II. Further, concurrence has been accorded for creation of four more elephant reserves (two in Odisha, one in Meghalaya and one in Chhattisgarh). In-principle approval has been accorded by the National Tiger Conservation Authority for creation of two new tiger reserves, and the sites are: Ratapani (Madhya Pradesh) and Sunabeda (Odisha). Final approval has been accorded to Kudremukh (Karnataka), Rajaji (Uttarakhand) and Bor (Maharashtra) for declaring as a tiger reserve. The State Governments have been advised to send proposals for declaring the following areas as tiger reserves: (i) Suhelwa (Uttar Pradesh), (ii) Guru Ghasidas National Park (Chhattisgarh), (iii) Mhadei Sanctuary (Goa), (iv) Srivilliputhur Grizzled Giant Squirrel / Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuaries / Varushanadu Valley (Tamil Nadu) and Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary (Arunachal Pradesh).

(b) The details of funds / grants allocated to Project Elephant and Project Tiger, and disbursed to the States during the last five years, year-wise, are at Annexures-III and IV respectively.

(c) The milestone initiatives taken by the Government of India for protection of tigers are at Annexure-V.

***

ANNEXURE-I

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 923 ON TIGER RESERVES UNDER PROJECT TIGER DUE FOR REPLY ON 17.07.2014.

List of Core and Buffer areas of Tiger Reserves in India, notified under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2006

(as on 07.07.2014)

Sl. No. Name of Tiger Reserve State Area of the core / critical tiger habitat (In Sq. Kms.)

Area of the buffer /

peripheral (In Sq. Kms.)

Total area (In Sq.Kms.)

1 Bandipur Karnataka 872.24 584.06 1456.3 2 Corbett Uttarakhand 821.99 466.32 1288.31

Amangarh (buffer of Corbett TR)

Uttar Pradesh - 80.60 80.60

3 Kanha Madhya Pradesh 917.43 1134.361 2051.791 4 Manas Assam 840.04 2310.88 3150.92 5 Melghat Maharashtra 1500.49 1268.03 2768.52 6 Palamau Jharkhand 414.08 715.85 1129.93 7 Ranthambore Rajasthan 1113.364 297.9265 1411.291 8 Similipal Odisha 1194.75 1555.25 2750.00 9 Sunderbans West Bengal 1699.62 885.27 2584.89 10 Periyar Kerala 881.00 44.00 925.00 11 Sariska Rajasthan 881.1124 332.23 1213.342 12 Buxa West Bengal 390.5813 367.3225 757.9038 13 Indravati Chhattisgarh 1258.37 1540.70 2799.07 14 Namdapha Arunachal Pradesh 1807.82 245.00 2052.82 15 Dudhwa Uttar Pradesh 1093.79 1107.9848 2201.7748 16 Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tamil Nadu 895.00 706.542 1601.542

17 Valmiki Bihar 598.45 300.93 899.38 18 Pench Madhya Pradesh 411.33 768.30225 1179.63225 19 Tadoba-Andhari Maharashtra 625.82 1101.7711 1727.5911 20 Bandhavgarh Madhya Pradesh 716.903 820.03509 1536.938 21 Panna Madhya Pradesh 576.13 1002.42 1578.55 22 Dampa Mizoram 500.00 488.00 988.00 23 Bhadra Karnataka 492.46 571.83 1064.29 24 Pench Maharashtra 257.26 483.96 741.22 25 Pakke Arunachal Pradesh 683.45 515.00 1198.45 26 Nameri Assam 200.00 144.00 344.00 27 Satpura Madhya Pradesh 1339.264 794.04397 2133.30797

28 Anamalai Tamil Nadu 958.59 521.28 1479.87 29 Udanti-Sitanadi Chattisgarh 851.09 991.45 1842.54

30 Satkosia Odisha 523.61 440.26 963.87

31 Kaziranga Assam 625.58 548.00 1173.58

32 Achanakmar Chattisgarh 626.195 287.822 914.017

33 Dandeli-Anshi Karnataka 814.884 282.63 1097.514

34 Sanjay-Dubri Madhya Pradesh 812.571 861.931 1674.502 35 Mudumalai Tamil Nadu 321.00 367.59 688.59 36 Nagarahole Karnataka 643.35 562.41 1205.76 37 Parambikulam Kerala 390.89 252.772 643.662 38 Sahyadri Maharashtra 600.12 565.45 1165.57 39 Biligiri Ranganatha Temple Karnataka 359.10 215.72 574.82 40 Kawal Telangana 893.23 1125.89 2019.12 41 Sathyamangalam Tamil Nadu 793.49 614.91 1408.40 42 Mukandra Hills Rajasthan 417.17 342.82 759.99 43 Nawegaon-Nagzira Maharashtra 653.674 - 653.674 44 Nagarjunsagar Srisailam

(part)* Andhra Pradesh 2595.72* 700.59* 3296.31*

45 Nagarjunasagar Srisailam (part) *

Telangana 2166.37* 445.02* 2611.39*

46 Pilibhit Uttar Pradesh 602.7980 127.4518 730.2498 TOTAL 38632.18 29886.62

68518.8

*Revised area details are awaited from the State Governments concerned after reorganization.

***

ANNEXURE-II

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 923 ON TIGER RESERVES UNDER PROJECT TIGER DUE FOR REPLY ON 17.07.2014.

Details of elephant reserves in the country

Sl. No

Elephant Range Elephant Reserve with date of notification State Total Area

(Sq. Km) I Eastern India

(South West Bengal- Jharkhand-Odisha)

1. Mayurjharna ER(24.10.02) W. Bengal 414 2. Singhbhum ER (26.9.01) Jharkhand 4530 3. Mayurbhanj ER (29.9.01) Odisha 3214 4. Mahanadi ER (20.7.02) Odisha 1038 5. Sambalpur ER (27.3.02) Odisha 427

6. Badalkhol-Tamorpingla (15.9.2011)

Chhattisgarh 1048.30

Total 10671.30 II North Brahamputra

(Arunachal – Assam) 7. Kameng ER (19.6.02) Arunachal 1892 8. Sonitpur ER (6.3.03) Assam 1420

Total 3312

III South Brahamputra (Assam- Arunachal)

9. Dihing-Patkai ER (17.4.03) Assam 937 10. South Arunachal ER

( 29-2-08 ) Arunachal 1957.50

Total 2894.50

IV Kaziranga (Assam- Nagaland)

11. Kaziranga – Karbi Anglong ER (17.4.03)

Assam 3270

12. Dhansiri-Lungding ER (19.4.03) Assam 2740 13. Intanki ER (28.2.05) Nagaland 202

Total 6212 V Eastern Dooars

(Assam- W. Bengal) 14. Chirang-Ripu ER (7.3.03) Assam 2600 15. Eastern Dooars ER (28.8.02) W. Bengal 978

Total 3578 VI E. Himalayas (Meghalaya) 16. Garo Hills ER (31.10.01) Meghalaya 3,500 Total 3500 VII Nilgiri –Eastern Ghat

(Karnataka- Kerala- Tamilnadu-Andhra)

17. Mysore ER (25.11.02) Karnataka, 6724 18. Wayanad ER (2.4.02) Kerala 1200 19. Nilgiri ER (19.9.03) Tamil nadu 4663 20. Rayala ER (9.12.03) Andhra 766

Total 13353 VIII South Nilgiri

(Kerala- Tamilnadu) 21. Nilambur ER (2.4.02) Kerala 1419 22. Coimbatore ER (19.9.03) Tamilnadu 566

Total 1985 IX Western Ghat

(Tamilnadu- Kerala) 23. Anamalai ER (19.9.03) Tamilnadu 1457 24. Anamudi ER (2.4.02) Kerala 3728

Total 5185 X Periyar

(Kerala- Tamilnadu) 25. Periyar (2.4.02) Kerala 3742 26. Srivilliputtur ER(19.9.03) Tamilnadu 1249

Total 4991 XI Northern India (Uttarakhand-U.P.) 27. Shivalik ER (28.10.02) Uttarakhand 5405

28. Uttar Pradesh ER ( 9.9.09) U.P. 744 Total 6149

TOTAL 61830.80

***

ANNEXURE-III

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (b) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 923 ON TIGER RESERVES UNDER PROJECT TIGER DUE FOR REPLY ON 17.07.2014. Details of grants allocated and disbursed under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Project Elephant during last five years, year-wise

(Rs. in crore)

Year Allocation Disbursed to States

2009-10 21.50 20.83 2010-11 21.50 21.97 2011-12 21.50 20.93 2012-13 22.58 17.96 2013-14 32.58 18.43

***

ANNEXURE-IV

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (b) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 923 ON TIGER RESERVES UNDER PROJECT TIGER DUE FOR REPLY ON 17.07.2014. Details of grants allocated and disbursed under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Project Tiger during last five years, year-wise

(Rs. in crore)

Year Allocation Disbursed to States

2009-10 201.53 201.53 2010-11 178.72 178.72 2011-12 160.63 160.63 2012-13 166.70 162.87 2013-14 172.29 172.29

***

ANNEXURE-V

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (c) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 923 ON TIGER RESERVES UNDER PROJECT TIGER DUE FOR REPLY ON 17.07.2014. Milestone initiatives taken by the Government of India for protection of tigers in the country Legal steps 1. Amendment of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 in 2006 to provide enabling provisions for constituting the National Tiger Conservation Authority and the Tiger and Other Endangered Species Crime Control Bureau. 2. Enhancement of punishment for offence in relation to the core area of a tiger reserve or where the offence relate to hunting in the tiger reserves or altering the boundaries of tiger reserves, etc. Administrative steps 3. Strengthening of antipoaching activities, including special strategy for monsoon patrolling, by providing funding support to tiger reserve States, as proposed by them, for deployment of antipoaching squads involving ex-army personnel or home guards, apart from workforce comprising of local people, in addition to strengthening of communication and wireless facilities. 4. Constitution of the National Tiger Conservation Authority with effect from the 4th September, 2006, for strengthening tiger conservation by, interalia, ensuring normative standards in tiger reserve management, preparation of reserve specific tiger conservation plan, laying down annual audit report before Parliament, constituting State level Steering Committees under the Chairmanship of Chief Ministers and establishment of Tiger Conservation Foundation. 5. Constitution of a multidisciplinary Tiger and Other Endangered Species Crime Control Bureau (Wildlife Crime Control Bureau) with effect from the 6th June, 2007 to effectively control illegal trade in wildlife. 6. The in-principle approval has been accorded by the National Tiger Conservation Authority for creation of two new tiger reserves, and the sites are: Ratapani (Madhya Pradesh) and Sunabeda (Odisha). Final approval has been accorded to Kudremukh (Karnataka), Rajaji (Uttarakhand) and Bor (Maharashtra) for declaring as a tiger reserve. The State Governments have been advised to send proposals for declaring the following areas as tiger reserves: (i) Suhelwa (Uttar Pradesh), (ii) Guru Ghasidas National Park (Chhattisgarh), (iii) Mhadei Sanctuary (Goa), (iv) Srivilliputhur Grizzled Giant Squirrel / Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuaries / Varushanadu Valley (Tamil Nadu) and Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary (Arunachal Pradesh). 7. The revised Project Tiger guidelines have been issued to State Governments for strengthening tiger conservation, which apart from ongoing activities, inter alia, include financial support to States for enhanced village relocation or rehabilitation package for people living in core or critical tiger habitats (from Rs. 1 lakh per family to Rs. 10 lakhs per family), rehabilitation or resettlement of communities involved in traditional hunting, mainstreaming livelihood and wildlife concerns in forests outside tiger reserves and fostering corridor conservation through restorative strategy to arrest habitat fragmentation. 8. A scientific methodology for estimating tiger (including co-predators, prey animals and assessment of habitat status) has been evolved and mainstreamed. The findings of this estimation and assessment are bench marks for future tiger conservation strategy.

9. The 18 tiger States have notified the core/critical tiger habitat (38632.18 sq. km.), and the buffer/peripheral area (29886.62 sq.km.) of all the 46 tiger reserves in the country, under section 38V of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2006. Financial steps 10. Financial and technical help is provided to the State Governments under various Centrally Sponsored Schemes, such as Project Tiger and Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats for enhancing the capacity and infrastructure of the State Governments for providing effective protection to wild animals. International Cooperation 11. India has a bilateral understanding with Nepal on controlling trans-boundary illegal trade in wildlife and conservation, apart from a protocol on tiger conservation with China. 12. A protocol has been signed in September, 2011 with Bangladesh for conservation of the Royal Bengal Tiger of the Sunderban. 13. A sub-group on tiger and leopard conservation has been constituted for cooperation with the Russian Federation. 14. A Global Tiger Forum of Tiger Range Countries has been created for addressing international issues related to tiger conservation. 15. During the 14th meeting of the Conference of Parties to CITES, which was held from 3rd to 15th June, 2007 at The Hague, India introduced a resolution along with China, Nepal and the Russian Federation, with direction to Parties with operations breeding tigers on a commercial scale, for restricting such captive populations to a level supportive only to conserving wild tigers. The resolution was adopted as a decision with minor amendments. Further, India made an intervention appealing to China to phase out tiger farming and eliminate stockpiles of Asian big cats body parts and derivatives. The importance of continuing the ban on trade of body parts of tigers was emphasized. 16. Based on India's strong intervention during the 62nd meeting of the Standing Committee of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) at Geneva from 23-27 July, 2012, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora Secretariat has issued a notification No. 2012/054 dated the 3rd September, 2012 to Parties to fully implement Decision 14.69 and report to the Secretariat by 25 September, 2012 (Progress made on restricting captive breeding operations of tigers etc.). 17. As a part of active management to rebuild Sariska and Panna Tiger Reserves where tigers have become locally extinct, reintroduction of tigers and tigresses have been done. The successful reintroduction of wild tigers in Sariska is a unique exercise and is the first of its kind in the world. A reintroduced tigress has recently littered and two cubs have also been camera trapped. The tiger reintroduction initiative at Panna (MP) has also been very successful and reintroduced tigers are breeding. 18. Special advisories issued for in-situ build up of prey base and tiger population through active management in tiger reserves having low population status of tiger and its prey.

Creation of Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) 19. The policy initiatives announced by the Finance Minister in his Budget Speech of the 29th February, 2008, inter alia, contains action points relating to tiger protection. Based on the one time grant of Rs. 50.00 crore provided to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) for raising, arming and deploying a Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF), the proposal for the said force has been approved by the competent authority for 13 tiger reserves. The States of Karnataka, Maharashtra and Odisha have already created and deployed the STPF. 20. In collaboration with TRAFFIC-INDIA, an online tiger crime data base has been launched, and Generic Guidelines for preparation of reserve specific Security Plan has been evolved. Recent initiatives 21. Implementing a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with tiger States, linked to fund flows for effective implementation of tiger conservation initiatives. 22. Special crack teams sent to tiger reserves affected by left wing extremism and low population status of tiger and its prey. 23. Chief Ministers of States having tiger reserves affected by left wing extremism and low population status of tiger and its prey addressed for taking special initiatives. 24. Steps taken for modernizing the infrastructure and field protection, besides launching 'Monitoring system for Tigers' Intensive Protection and Ecological Status (M-STrIPES)' for effective field patrolling and monitoring. 25. Steps taken for involvement of Non-Governmental Experts in the ongoing all India tiger estimation. 26. Initiatives taken for improving the field delivery through capacity building of field officials, apart from providing incentives. 27. The second round of country level tiger status assessment completed in 2010, with the findings indicating an increase with a tiger population estimate of 1706, lower and upper limits being 1520 and 1909 respectively, as compared to the last country level estimation of 2006, with an estimate of 1411, lower and upper limits being 1165 and 1657, respectively. At present, India has the maximum number of tigers and its source areas amongst the 13 tiger range countries in the world, owing to its long history of conserving the species through Project Tiger (2.06% of country's geographical area spread out in 46 tiger reserves in 18 States). 28. A report on Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) of Tiger Reserves was released on 28th July, 2011, containing the second round of independent assessment based on refined criteria done in 2010-11 for 39 tiger reserves. Out of 39 tiger reserves, 15 were rated as 'very good', 12 as 'good', 8 as 'satisfactory' and 4 as 'poor'. 29. Providing special assistance for mitigation of human-tiger conflicts in problematic areas. 30. Regional Offices of the National Tiger Conservation Authority are operational at Nagpur, Bengaluru and Guwahati. 31. A 'Standard Operating Procedure' for dealing with tiger deaths has been issued, based on advisories of Project Tiger / National Tiger Conservation Authority, with inputs from Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, State officials and experts, fine tuned to meet the present challenges.

32. A ‘Standard Operating Procedure’ for dealing with straying tigers in human dominated landscape has been issued. 33. A ‘Standard Operating Procedure’ for disposing tiger/leopard carcass/body parts has been issued. 34. The Revised Cost Estimates for Project Tiger was approved on 11.8.2011 for an upward revision of the cost estimates for the ongoing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Project Tiger during the XIth Plan period from 650 crore to Rs. 1216.86 crore of central assistance to support States in village relocation from core areas of tiger reserves. Several new components were added to the Project, viz.: (i) Change in the funding pattern in respect of North Eastern States (90:10) (ii) Raising compensation for man-animal conflict to Rs. 2 lakhs (iii) Acquisition of private land for making the core/critical tiger habitat inviolate (iv) Establishment of Tiger Safari, interpretation/awareness centres under the existing component

of 'co-existence agenda in buffer/fringe areas', and management of such centres through the respective Panchayati Raj Institutions

(v) Re-introduction of Cheetah 35. Launching of Phase-IV tiger reserve level, continuous monitoring of tigers using camera traps and building up data on photo captures of individual tigers. 36. Launching the creation of a national repository of camera trap photo IDs of individual tigers. 37. In-principle approval for use of CAMPA funds towards village relocation from core areas. 38. Completion of e-surveillance project in Corbett. 39. Comprehensive guidelines under section 38O 1 (c) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 issued for Project Tiger and Tourism in Tiger Reserves on 15th October, 2012. 40. Under active management, permission accorded for translocation of wilded / straying tigers / tigresses from high to low density reserves within States. 41. A bilateral arrangement has been recently formalized with Bangladesh on tiger conservation. Our delegations are interacting with Nepal and China within the framework of existing bilateral arrangements. A sub-group on tiger/leopard conservation has been constituted for cooperation with the Russian Federation, which has met recently. 42. Field level workshops for capacity building of field officers to deal with straying tigers have been organized at Tadoba and Dudhwa Tiger Reserves (2013). 43. NTCA teams sent for field appraisal of tiger deaths, Project Tiger implementation etc. 44. Process underway for providing enabling provisions in the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, to strengthen our implementation of the CITES and towards enhancement of penalties for contravention of provisions of the Act. 45. Kawal (Telangana), Sathyamangalam (Tamil Nadu), Mukandra Hills (Rajasthan), Nawegaon-Nagzira (Maharashtra), Nagarjunasagar Srisailam (Telangana) and Pilibhit (Uttar Pradesh) have been notified by the State Governments as Tiger Reserve. 46. The next round (2014) of country level status assessment of tiger, co-predators, prey and habitat, using the refined methodology, in collaboration with tiger States and the Wildlife Institute of India has been initiated.

47. The next round (2014) of Independent Management Effectiveness Evaluation of Tiger Reserves has been initiated. 48. Economic Valuation of some tiger reserves initiated in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Forest Management. 49. Trial of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for monitoring done in the Panna Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh), in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India. 50. Assessment of Status, Density and Change in Forest Cover in and around tiger reserves of the Shivalik Gangetic Plain Landscape initiated in collaboration with the Forest Survey of India.

***


RAJYA SABHA


Damage due to wild animals

2823. SHRIMATI RENUBALA PRDHAN: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

(a) the number of persons killed in the country in the last five years in attack of the wild animals, the details thereof,

State-wise and the name of the killer animals in last five years; (b) the area of standing crops damaged due to the wild animals during the same period, State-wise; (c) the amount of compensation paid to the victims during the same period, State-wise; and (d) whether any steps are taken by Government to reduce of depredation of the wild animals in the country, the

details in specifically/particularly for the State of Odisha?

ANSWER MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (DR. M. VEERAPPA MOILY)

(a),(b)&(c) State-wise details of the number of persons killed in attack of the wild animals, name of killer animals, area of standing crops damaged by wild animals and compensation paid to the victims during last five years, as per the information provided by the State/Union Territory Governments is given in the Annexure-I and II.

(d) The following steps have been taken by the Central Government to reduce depredation of wild animals in country including in the State of Odisha:

1. Financial assistance is provided by the Ministry to the State/Union Territory Governments under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes of ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats’, ‘Project Tiger’ and ‘Project Elephant’ inter alia for the following activities:

a. Improvement of the habitat of wild animals by augmenting the availability of food and water in forest areas to reduce the migration of animals from forests to habitations.

b. Construction of physical barriers like boundary walls and solar-powered electric fences in sensitive areas to prevent wild animal attacks.

c. Payment of ex-gratia relief to the victims of wild animal attacks and depredation.

d. Development of necessary infrastructure and support facilities for tranquilization of the identified problematic animals and their relocation to the natural habitat or rehabilitation in rescue centers.

e. Setting up of anti-depredation squads to drive away problematic animals.

f. Setting up of patrolling squads to track the movement of wild animals especially elephants and to inform the local residents about their presence.

2. The Chief Wildlife Wardens of the States/Union Territories are empowered to permit hunting of identified problematic animals under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, if required.

3. Assistance can also be used to launch programmes to sensitize people and create awareness about the Do's and Don’ts in case of incidents of wild animals scare and attacks.

4. Eco-development activities are undertaken in villages around Protected Areas to elicit the cooperation of communities in management of the Protected Areas, which includes actions to address the grievances of people regarding human-wildlife conflicts.

5. Training programmes are conducted for forest and police staff to address the problems of human-wildlife conflict.

*****

ANNEXURE

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a),(b)AND(c) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 2823 REGARDING ‘DAMAGE DUE TO WILD ANIMALS’ BY SHRIMATI RENUBALA PRDHAN DUE FOR REPLY ON 20.2.2014.

Sl. No.

State Number of persons killed Animal involved 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

1. Andhra Pradesh Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Elephant Nil Nil Nil 2. Arunachal

Pradesh 2 Nil Nil 1 Nil Elephant Nil Nil Elephant Nil

3. Assam 74 62 64 86 71 Tiger, Elephant, Leopard, Wolf, Rhino

Tiger, Elephant, Leopard, Wolf Rhino

Elephant, Leopard

Elephant, Leopard, Rhino, Buffalo

Elephant, Buffalo

4. Bihar 7 Nil 1 1 3 Tiger, Elephant Wolf

Nil Leopard

Bear Bear

5. Chhattisgarh 66 76 57 68 59 Elephant, Bear Wolf, Wild Boar Jackal/hyena, Bison

Tiger, Elephant Leopard, Bear Wolf, Wild Boar, Jackal/hyena, Bison, Crocodile

Elephant, Leopard, Bear, Wild Boar, Jackal/hyena, Bison

Elephant, Leopard, Bear, Wild Boar, Jackal/hyena

Elephant, Leopard, Bear, Wild Boar, Jackal/hyna

6. Goa 1 Nil Nil Nil Nil Elephant Nil Nil Nil Nil 7. Haryana - - 2 - - - - leopard - - 8. Himachal

Pradesh 5 12 5 3 5 Leopard, Wild

Boar Leopard, Bear, Wild Boar

Leopard, Bear Leopard, Bear

9. Karnataka 31 29 41 22 50 Elephant, Leopard, Bear

Elephant, Leopard, Wild Boar

Elephant, Leopard, Bear, Wild Boar

Elephant, Leopard, Bear, Wolf, Bison

Tiger, Elephant, Wolf, Wild Boar, Panther, Crocodile

10. Madhya Pradesh 34 63 55 51 Nil Tiger, Elephant, Leopard, Bear, Wolf

Tiger, Elephant, Leopard, Bear, Wolf




11. Manipur Nil 1 Nil Nil Nil Nil Bear Nil Nil Nil

12. Meghalaya 14 7 7 10 2 Elephant Elephant Elephant, Leopard

Elephant Elephant

13. Mizoram Nil 4 2 Nil Nil Nil Snake Snake Nil Nil 14. Nagaland Nil 3 Nil Nil Nil Nil Elephant Nil Nil Nil 15. Rajasthan 2 5 4 7 7 Leopard, Hyena Tiger, Leopard,

Bear, Hyena Tiger, Leopard Tiger, Leopard,

Bear, Hyena Tiger, Leopard, Bear, Crocodile

16. Sikkim Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 17. Tamil Nadu 6 4 11 6 7 Elephant Elephant Elephant Elephant Elephant 18. Tripura Nil Nil Nil Nil 1 Nil Nil Nil Nil Wild Pig/Hog 19. Uttar Pradesh 26 14 21 18 22 Tiger, Elephant,

Leopard, Bear, Wolf, Wild Pig, Hyena, Crocodile, Jackal

Tiger, Elephant, Leopard, Bear, Wolf, Crocodile


Tiger, Elephant, Leopard, Bear, Wolf, Hyena, Crocodile

Tiger, Elephant, Leopard, Bear, Wolf, Wild Pig, Crocodile

20. Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Nil Nil Nil 2 2 Nil Nil Nil Salt Water Crocodile

Salt Water Crocodile

21. Delhi Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil

ANNEXURE-II

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a),(b)AND(c) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 2823 REGARDING ‘DAMAGE DUE TO WILD ANIMALS’ BY SHRIMATI RENUBALA PRDHAN DUE FOR REPLY ON 20.2.2014.

Sl. No.

State Area of standing crop damage (Ha/Area) Amount of compensation paid 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

1. Andhra Pradesh

1081 1225 1923.5 788.7 777 46,31,008 25,88,988 40,23,467 39,74,052 26,52,183

2. Arunachal Pradesh

785.4 795.25 528.4 871.23 1404.58 26,00,000 8,49,000 Nil 24,88,000 Nil

3. Assam 3496 (Area in bigha)

3990.5 (Area in bigha)

4617 (Area in bigha)



1,43,03,500 74,05,500 1,08,86,000 2,40,29,800 Nil

4. Bihar 39.523 1 18.676 0 90.299 1,00,000 70,000 1,00,000 1,60,000 5,00,000 5. Chhattisgarh Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 3,20,46,215 3,24,71,270 3,51,21,394 4,03,36,216 4,95,20,584 6. Goa 17.80.91

07.00 01.50.61 11.67.05 06.50 07.00

04.91.97 10.00

(S) 37.1685 (N) 49.04 1.33.28 24.12.23

17.71 6.87.31 15.75

5,00,000

31,500 20,703

5,000 68,000

4,72,775 2,83,462

7. Haryana Nil Nil 2 1 4 16,700 37,300 31,900 10,100 3,600 8. Himachal

Pradesh Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil

9. Karnataka 5123.6 3264.25 7572.05 2288.29 1900.37 4,79,55,215 4,41,24,337 9,90,11,851 7,32,53,234 13,53,61,233 10. Madhya

Pradesh Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 16,88,000 27,03,000 39,69,000 55,66,000 20,42,000

11. Manipur Nil Nil Nil Nil 100 Nil Nil Nil Nil 3000 12. Meghalaya 957.299 746.604 437.260 573.386 268.943 23,10,543 32,96,580 32,76,346 53,81,860 61,10,000 13. Mizoram Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 23,47,000 29,02,000 21,55,000 Nil Nil 14. Nagaland 1081 1225 1923.5 788.7 777 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 15. Rajasthan Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 2,11,000 12,03,000 9,54,000 21,25,000 21,66,000 16. Sikkim 10 40 70 80 52 13,50,000 3,00,000 2,00,000 4,00,000 4,00,000 17. Tamil Nadu 28 34 26 34 39 6,93,500 5,41,000 15,41,500 8,77,700 22,08,350 18. Tripura 5.43 22.37 25.75 34.2 11.325 23,300 70,100 29,385 58,460 41,000 19. Uttar Pradesh 179.748 168.758 203.8796 226.6004 141.02445 12,33,630 10,95,954 15,49,185 16,66,421 16,15,114

20. Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 21,020 10,400 3,800 2,07,500 2,41,000

21. Delhi Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINES

RAJYA SABHA


Allocation of iron ore mines to private companies in Jharkhand

1946. Shri Prabhat Jha Shri Arvind Kumar Singh Smt. Kusum Rai (a) whether iron ore mines have been allocated to some private companies in Saranda forests in Singhbhum district of Jharkhand; (b) whether there is elephant corridor which passes through Saranda forests; (c) if so, whether elephant corridor was considered while allocating these iron ore mines to private companies; (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; (e) whether Government would de-allocated these iron ore mines, in view of the elephant corridor; and (f) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER As per the information received from the Government of Jharkhand, there are 30 mining leases for iron ore in West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand in favour of private companies. (b) to (f): Ministry of Environment & Forests examines the impact of the mining proposals on the flora and fauna and stipulates conditions to mitigate the impact of projects on the forest land and for conservation of wildlife in the area before according requisite statutory clearances. For the conservation of wildlife, including elephants, in the Saranda region of Jharkhand, an Intergrated Wildlife Management land is being finalized for the entire Saranda Region in the West Singhbhum District, which will be implemented by the State Government Mining lessees will be sharing the cost of the Wildlife management Plan for its implementation on pro-rata basis. Saranda region of West Singhbhum District is a part of Singhbhum Elephant Reserve. ********


RAJYA SABHA


Elephant killed by train hit

*105. SHRI ANIL DESAI: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that a number of elephants are killed in north-east due to train hit;

(b) the number of elephants killed during the last two years and the States where it had

happened along with steps taken to save elephants from accidents; and

(c) whether the matter has been taken up with the Ministry of Railways, if so, their reaction

thereto?

ANSWER



******

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) to (c) OF THE RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO *105 TITLED ‘ELEPHANT KILLED BY TRAIN HIT’ DUE FOR REPLY ON 12.12.2013. (a) & (b) The number of elephants killed during the last two years in the North-Eastern States,

State-wise is as follows:-

State 2011-12 2012-13 2013 -14 (till date)

Assam 7 0 0

However, the number of elephants killed in the same period in North Bengal, which falls in the same region, under North East Frontier Railway is as follows:-

State 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14

(till date) West Bengal 3 4 9


(i) A general advisory was issued jointly to all the railway zones suggesting measures to prevent collision of trains with wild elephants. A permanent coordination committee has been constituted jointly by the Ministry of Railways and Ministry of Environment and Forests to share information and monitor the implementation of the advisory.

(ii) Ministry of Railways has also been requested to regulate the speed of trains in identified vulnerable sections.

(iii) Nodal officers have been designated in State Forest Departments and Railways in the vulnerable sections to facilitate quick sharing of information.

(v) The Ministry of Environment and Forests has been releasing financial assistance to the State Government of West Bengal under Centrally Sponsored Scheme-‘Project Elephant’ for construction of RCC watch towers, provision of heavy duty solar lights, high beam search lights, engagement of personnel to man watch towers, and clearing of bushes on the sides of railway tracks for improving visibility to monitor the movement of elephants near the railway tracks with the objective of preventing collision of elephants with trains.

*******


RAJYA SABHA


Killing of elephants

822. SHRI SUKHENDU SEKHAR ROY: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

(a) how many elephants mowed down by Assam bound Kaviguru Express in Dooars area of North Bengal on November 13, 2013;

(b) whether the train was running at a speed of 80km/hr killing the elephants by violating the speed limit stipulated by the Ministry;

(c) whether earlier directive for diversion of trains through alternative routes between Siliguri-Coochbehar via Falakata adhead to;

(d) what penal measures initiated by the Ministry against persons for such irresponsible and inhumane acts resulting to killing of elephants; and

(e) whether Government proposes to refer the menace of ‘Killer Trains’ in Environment Tribunal, if not reasons therefor?

ANSWER


(a) Six elephants were killed in the rail accident by Assam bound Kaviguru Express in Dooars area of North Bengal on November 13, 2013.

(b) As informed by the State Forest Department, the train may have been running at a speed of 70-80km/hr at the time of accident. The location of accident is not a part of the identified and advised portions of the railway track for speed restriction.

(c) No such directive has been issued in this regard.

(d) An FIR has been lodged by State Forest Department at Banarhat Police Station and Malbazar Government Railway Police.

(e) No Sir. The Standing Committee of Parliament on Railways is already seized of

the matter.

******


RAJYA SABHA

STARRED QUESTION NO.*120 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12.12.2013

Increase in population of lions and elephants

*120. DR. K.V.P. RAMACHANDRA RAO: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the population of major species like lions and elephants in the

country has increased, if so, the details thereof; and (b) the steps being taken to protect and provide sufficient forest cover so that they do not enter

into the human habitats?


(a)&(b) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

*****

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) AND (b) OF THE RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO *120 REGARDING ‘INCREASE IN POPULATION OF LIONS AND ELEPHANTS’ BY DR. K.V.P. RAMACHANDRA RAO DUE FOR REPLY ON 12.12.2013.

(a) Yes, Sir. As per the latest information available in the Ministry, the population of major species like Lions, tigers, elephants and rhinos has increased in the country. The estimated population of lions has increased from 359+10 in 2005 to 411 in 2010. The population of tiger has increased from 1411 in 2006 to 1706 in 2010. The population of elephants has increased from 27657-27682 to 29391-30711 in 2012 and the population of rhino has increased from 1817 in 1998-99 to 2414 in 2009.

(b) The important steps taken by the Government to protect and provide sufficient forest cover so that wild animals do not enter into the human habitats include:

i. A total of 670 Protected Areas, viz., National Parks, Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves have been created under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 to provide higher protection to wild fauna and flora covering important wildlife habitats. These areas generally have high importance from bio-diversity point of view and are some of the best habitats for wildlife. They are spread over about 1,61,228 sq km and cover about 20.6 percent of total forest area and about 4.9 percent of total area of the country.

ii. Legal protection has been provided to wild animals against hunting and commercial exploitation through the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

iii. The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 provides stringent punishment for offences under the Act. The Act also provides for forfeiture of equipment, vehicle or weapon used in committing wildlife offence(s).

iv. In order to provide specific focus on the conservation of tiger and elephant, Project Tiger and Project Elephant are functional in the respective Range States. Under this strategy, 44 Tiger Reserves and 28 Elephant Reserves have been set up.

v. Financial assistance is provided to the State/ Union Territory Governments under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes of ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats' , ‘Project Tiger’ and ‘Project Elephant’ for improvement of forest and wildlife areas like the national parks and sanctuaries to augment food and water availability in forests which can reduce migration of animals from forests to the habitations.

vi. Financial assistance is also provided for construction of barriers like boundary walls and solar-powered electric fences around the sensitive areas to prevent migration of wild animals including elephants from forests to habitation.

*****



Elephant Conservation Parks

21. SHRI A.A. JINNAH: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

a) Whether Government proposes to establish Elephant Conservation Parks in the country; b) if so, the details thereof, location-wise and State-wise including Tamil Nadu; c) the funds allocated or proposed to be allocated to the said parks; and d) the time by which these parks are likely to be established?

ANSWER


(a) No, Sir.

(b) (c) & (d) Does not arise in view of the reply to part (a) of the question.

***


RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 34


Plan to maintain Tiger Reserves 34. DR. V. MAITREYAN:

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state: (a) whether Government has any plans to extend support to Tamil Nadu State Government to

improve and maintain the four Tiger Reserves which support sizable population of tigers, 10 wildlife sanctuaries, 14 Birds sanctuaries, 5 National Parks, one conservation reserve and four elephant reserves;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the amount allocated and disbursed in the last three years, year-wise and project-wise;

(c) whether Government is providing financial assistance from external funding agencies and from abroad to improve the Zoological Parks and Bird sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and the funds provided to each project?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN) (a) & (b) Yes Sir. Under the ongoing Centrally Sponsored Schemes of Project Tiger,

Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats and Project Elephant, funding support is provided to States, including Tamil Nadu, for wildlife conservation. Details of funding support provided under the said schemes to tiger reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, birds sanctuaries, national parks, conservation reserve and elephant reserves of Tamil Nadu, during the last three financial years, are at Annexures-I(a), I(b) and I(c).

(c) No Sir. (d) Question does not arise.

***

Annexure-I (a)

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) & (b) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 34 ON PLAN TO MAINTAIN TIGER RESERVES DUE FOR REPLY ON 05.12.2013. Funding assistance provided under the ongoing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Project Tiger to the State of Tamil Nadu, during the last three years

(Rs. in lakhs)

Sl. No. Name of Tiger Reserve 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

1. Kalakad Mundanthurai 119.270 209.8250 143.997

2. Mudumalai 269.792 191.5830 138.795

3. Anamalai 131.725 204.5560 163.191

4. Sathyamangalam* -- -- --

TOTAL 520.787 605.964 445.983

* The Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve got notified recently in the year 2013-14.

***

Annexure-I(b)

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) & (b) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 34 ON PLAN TO MAINTAIN TIGER RESERVES DUE FOR REPLY ON 05.12.2013. Funding assistance provided under the ongoing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats to the State of Tamil Nadu, during the last three years (Rs. in lakhs)

Sl. No. Name of the Sanctuary and National Park

2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

1 Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary 11.43 12.06 7.77 2 Grizzled Giant Squirrel Sanctuary 31.655 17.54 17.08 3 Guindy National Park 25.37 20.175 19.225 4 Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park 28.064 36.082 26.12 5 Koonthakulam Bird Sanctuary 10.45 6.99 7.44 6 Karanjirakulam Bird Sanctuary 8 8.54 8.82 7 Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary 30.04 15.59 19.19 8 Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary 8.85 5.87 5.44 9 Karikilli Bird Sanctuary 7.44 6.11 7.00 10 Melaselvanoor and Keelaselvanoor Bird

Sanctuary 10.27 5.565 5.45

11 Mukuthi National Park 15.67 9.97 8.64 12 Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary 21.66 16.94 15.644 13 Pulicate Bird Sanctuary 10.60 14.78 16.14 14 Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary 13.27 13.73 16.40 15 Udayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary 14.55 19.23 23.80 16 Vaduvoor Bird Sanctuary 9.12 5.97 17 Vedanthangal Wildlife Sanctuary 12.26 2.40 6.76 18 Vellanadu Black Buck Sanctuary 21.96 7.20 4.45 19 Vellod bird Sanctuary 7.28 9.19 9.9 20 Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary 11.40 9.73 2.53 21 Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary 16.36 8.56 12.11 22 Therthangal Bird Wildlife Sanctuary 1.75 5.63 7.16 23 Thirumpudaimaruthur Bird Conservation

Reserve 7 4.16 5.44

Total 334.449 256.027 258.479

***

Annexure-I(c)

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) & (b) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 34 ON PLAN TO MAINTAIN TIGER RESERVES DUE FOR REPLY ON 05.12.2013. Funding assistance provided under the ongoing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Project Elephant to the State of Tamil Nadu to four Elephant Reserves (ER), viz. Coimbatore ER, Anamalai ER, Srivilliputtur ER and Nilgiri ER, during the last three years

(Rs. in lakhs)

Sl. No. State 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

1. Tamil Nadu 226.879 228.49 250.312

***


RAJYA SABHA


Details of elephants and tiger figures as per latest census 2030. SHRI MOHD. ALI KHAN: SHRIMATI T. RATNA BAI:

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state: (a) whether Government has the detailed figures of the elephants and tigers and its related

projects as per the latest census; and (b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise including Andhra Pradesh and if not, the reasons

therefor?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN) (a) & (b) The details of recent (2010) country level assessment of tiger, done once in every

four years, using the refined methodology, are at Annexure-I. The details of elephant population, as reported by States, are at Annexure-II.

***

Annexure-I

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) & (b) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2030 ON DETAILS OF ELEPHANTS AND TIGER FIGURES AS PER LATEST CENSUS DUE FOR REPLY ON 29.08.2013.

Details of country level assessment of tiger (2010)

State Tiger Population 2010

Estimate (Number)

Statistical Lower Limit Statistical Upper Limit

Shivalik-Gangetic Plain Landscape Complex

Uttarakhand 227 199 256 Uttar Pradesh 118 113 124 Bihar 8 (-)*** (-)*** (-)*** Shivalik-Gangetic landscape 353

320 388

Central Indian Landscape Complex and Eastern Ghats Landscape Complex

Andhra Pradesh 72 65 79 Chhattisgarh 26 24 27 Madhya Pradesh 257 213 301 Maharashtra 169 155 183 Odisha 32 20 44 Rajasthan 36 35 37 Jharkhand 10 6 14

Central Indian landscape 601 518 685 Western Ghats Landscape Complex Karnataka 300 280 320 Kerala 71 67 75 Tamil Nadu 163 153 173 Western Ghats landscape 534 500 568 North Eastern Hills and Brahmaputra Flood Plains Assam 143 113 173 Arunachal Pradesh Not assessed Not assessed Not assessed

Mizoram 5 (-)*** (-)*** (-)*** Northern West Bengal Not assessed Not assessed Not assessed


148

118 178

Sundarbans 70

64 90

TOTAL 1706 1520 1909 *** Statistical lower / upper limits could not be ascertained owing to small size of the population.

***

Annexure-II

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) & (b) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2030 ON DETAILS OF ELEPHANTS AND TIGER FIGURES AS PER LATEST CENSUS DUE FOR REPLY ON 29.08.2013.

Details of elephant population, as reported by States

Sl. No. States Year 2007 2012

1. Arunachal Pradesh 1690 890 2. Assam 5281 5620 3. Meghalaya 1811 1811 * 4. Nagaland 152 212 5. Tripura 59 59 6. West Bengal 325-350 647 7. Jharkhand 624 688 8. Odisha 1862 1930 9. Chhattisgarh 122 247 10. Uttarakhand 1346 1346 * 11. Uttar Pradesh 380 291 12. Tamil Nadu 3867 4015 13. Karnataka 4035 5648-6488 14. Kerala 6068 5942-6422 15. Andhra Pradesh 28 41 16. Maharashtra 7 4

27657-27682 29391-30711

* Meghalaya and Uttarakhand have not conducted elephant census after 2007. Therefore the figure of 2007 has been maintained for 2012 as well.

***

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA


RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *270


Killing of animals by human beings

*270. SHRI RAMA CHANDRA KHUNTIA:


(a) whether it is a fact that a number of tigers, leopards, elephants and other animals are being killed by human beings;

(b) whether it is also a fact that in many places elephants, tigers and rhinos are killed for bone and horn and elephants in large number are also dying in Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and Bengal in rail accidents; and

(c) if so, the details of the steps being taken by Government to avoid this conflict between human beings and animals?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN) (a), (b) & (c):- A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

*****

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a), (b) & (c) OF THE RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *270 ON KILLING OF ANIMALS BY HUMAN BEINGS DUE FOR REPLY ON 29.08.2013. (a) & (b) Details of tiger mortality and elephant deaths due to train hits, as reported by States,

are at Annexures-I(a) & I(b). Mortality of other animals is not collated at the Government of India level.

(c) Funding assistance is provided to States under the ongoing Centrally Sponsored Schemes of ‘Project Tiger’, ‘Project Elephant’ and ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats’ for conservation of tiger, elephant and other wild animals, interalia, including protection and mitigation of human-wildlife conflicts.

*****

Annexure-I(a)

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) & (b) OF THE RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *270 ON KILLING OF ANIMALS BY HUMAN BEINGS DUE FOR REPLY ON 29.08.2013.

Details of tiger mortality during the current year, as reported by States (as on 26.08.2013)

Sl. No.

Name of State Natural & other causes

Poaching including seizure

Under Scrutiny

TOTAL

1. Assam 0 0 5 5 2. Karnataka 0 3 10 13 3. Kerala 1 1 2 4 4. Madhya

Pradesh 1 2 4 7

5. Maharashtra 2 2 5 9 6. Odisha 0 0 1 1 7. Tamil Nadu 1 0 1 2 8. Uttarakhand 0 0 7 7 9. Uttar Pradesh 0 0 1 1 10. West Bengal 1 0 0 1 11. Rajasthan 0 0 1 1 TOTAL 6 8 37 51

***

Annexure-I(b)

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) & (b) OF THE RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *270 ON KILLING OF ANIMALS BY HUMAN BEINGS DUE FOR REPLY ON 29.08.2013.

Details of elephant death due to train hits during 2012-13, as reported by States

Sl. No. Name of State Number of Elephant

1. Odisha 10 2. West Bengal 4 3. Uttar Pradesh 0 TOTAL 14

Note: During the current financial year (2013-14), reports of casualties of elephant due to train hits, as reported by States, are as below:

i) West Bengal: 3 elephants were reported to have died in a train accident on 30.05.2013 between Banarhat and Binnaguri Railway Station.

ii) Uttar Pradesh: 1 elephant was reported to have died in a train accident on 22.08.2013 near Manjhra East railway station at Katerniaghat Sanctuary area in Bahraich district.

***


RAJYA SABHA


Killing of elephants in train accidents

1683 . Shri Baishnab Parida (a) whether a large number of elephants are killed under running trains in Odisha rail corridor; (b) whether this figure is going unabated; (c) whether Railways have issued instructions to drivers and other staff concerned with the operation of trains to limit the speed of trains in this sector to control killings of elephants under trains; (d) if so, the details thereof; and (e) whether any other such instructions have been issued to railway staff in the above matter, and if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI KOTLA JAYA SURYA PRAKASH REDDY) (a) to (e) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House. **** STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1683 BY SHRI BAISHNAB PARIDA TO BE ANSWERED IN RAJYA SABHA ON 23.08.2013 REGARDING KILLING OF ELEPHANTS IN TRAIN ACCIDENTS. (a) Yes, Sir. Data of elephant killed under running trains is maintained railway zone-wise and not State-wise. State of Odisha falls under East Coast Railway (ECoR) and South Eastern Railway (SER). Since 2011, eight elephants have died in four separate incidents in East Coast Railway in the State of Odisha. One incident happened in 2012, killing two elephants in South Eastern Railway in the State of Odisha. However, there is no further case of elephant killing in this area since February, 2013. (b) No, Sir.

(c) to (e): Yes, Sir. Elephant corridors have been identified by the Forest Department, and on such corridors, speed restrictions have been imposed. Details of speed restrictions imposed are as under: Railway Name of Route/

Section Length of Caution (in KM)

Details of Temporary Speed Restriction

Remarks

East Coast Railway

Rambha-Ganjam 557-568 Blow whistle. Speed restriction of 50 KMPH on the advice of Forest Department.

Byre-Kapilas 385/32/-30 Occasionally Charbatia-Salagaon 402/18-20 Occasionally

South Eastern Railway

Howrah-Nagpur-Chakradharpur-Rourkela-Sonua-Jaraikela (UP)

332/25-384/11 Blow Whistle, sharp look out

Howrah-Nagpur-Chakradharpur-Rourkela-Sonua-Jaraikela ((DN)

384/11-332/25 Blow Whistle, sharp look out

Bimalgarh-Kiruburu-Karampada-Kiriburu

454-494 20 KMPH (from KM 487 to KM494)

Rajkharswan-Dongaposi-Jinkpani-Singhpokharia (UP)

321/34-32 Sharp look out

Dongaposi-Rajkharsawan-Singhpokharia-Jinkpani(DN)

321/34-32 Sharp look out

Rajkharsawan-Dongaposi-Barbil-Maluka-Noamundi (UP)

356/19-374/5 Sharp look out. Blow long whistle.

During night only

Barbil-Dongaposi-Rajkharsawan-Noamundi-Maluka (DN)

374/6-356/20 Sharp look out. Blow long whistle.

During night only

Padapahar-Jakhapura-Padapahar-Jamkundia(UP)

371/19-379/39 40 KMPH. Sharp look out. Blow long whistle.

During night only

Jakhpura-Padapahar-Jamkundia-Padapahar (DN)

379/40-371/30 40 KMPH. Sharp look out. Blow long whistle.

During night only

Padapahar-Jakhapur- 412/11-20 20 KMPH. Sharp During night

Jaroli-Nayagarh look out. Blow long whistle.

only

Advisory to Zonal Railways has been issued to sensitise Train Crew and Station Masters on a regular basis. Signage boards have been provided to pre-warn the train drivers. Instructions have also been issued for need based clearance of vegetation on the sides of the train within railway land.

***


RAJYA SABHA


Elephant mowed down by trains

1414. DR. CHANDAN MITRA: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

(a) the number of elephants mowed down by trains in Uttarakhand, Odisha and West Bengal during the last three years, year-wise;

(b) whether Government has identified certain jumbo killer zones in the States mentioned above in order to observe the speed limit of train in order to avoid jumbo killings; if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the further steps taken by Government to prevent mowing down of jumbos by trains across the country?

ANSWER


(a) The number of elephant deaths in train accidents in the States of Uttarakhand, Odisha and West Bengal for last three years, year-wise, as reported by the States are as follows;

STATE 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 TOTAL

ODISHA 0 2 10 12

WEST BENGAL 12 3 4 19

UTTARAKHAND 0 0 2 2

(b) Yes sir, the Government has identified vulnerable stretches of railways in respect of train-elephant accidents, the detail of which are at Annexure.

(c) The Government has taken following measures to prevent accidental deaths of wild

animals, especially elephants:

(i) Ministry of Railways in consultation with the Ministry of Environment and Forests had issued a general advisory to all the railway zones suggesting measures to prevent collision of trains with wild elephants. A permanent coordination team has been constituted jointly by the Ministry of Railways and Ministry of Environment and Forests to share information and monitor the implementation of the advisory. (ii) Ministry of Railways has also been requested to regulate the speed of trains in vulnerable sections. (iii) Nodal officers have been designated in the vulnerable sections to facilitate quick sharing of information. (v) The Ministry of Environment and Forests has been releasing financial assistance to the State Government of West Bengal under Centrally Sponsored Scheme-‘Project Elephant’ for construction of RCC watch towers, provision of heavy duty solar lights, high beam search lights, engagement of personnel to man watch towers, and clearing of bushes on the sides of railway tracks for improving visibility to monitor the movement of elephants near the railway tracks with the objective of preventing collision of elephants with trains. (vi) In consultation with the Ministry of Environment & Forest (MoEF) and Forest Departments of the State Governments, Railways is also attempting to find a more lasting solution in the matter through deposit works consisting of measures such as construction of ramps and underpasses etc.

******

Annexure

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (b) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 1414 REGARDING ‘ELEPHANTS MOWED DOWN BY TRAINS’ FOR REPLY ON 22.08.2013

Vulnerable stretches of Railway tracks in Odisha Section/Division Location Length Keonjhar Forest Division

8 E railway Post No.380/58/1 to 415/5.

35 kms.

Eco. Railway: railway post No. 16/6 to 23/11 7 kms

Athgarh Forest Division

Rai- Athgarh to Chhagaon Railway station 10 kms

Rai- Athgarh to Joranda Road Railway station 12 kms

Rai- Athgarh to Ghantikhal Railway station 10 kms

Berhampur Forest Division

Starting point : Railway post 557/19-20

Midpoints : Railway post 559/11-12, 561/32-33, 563/09-10, 564/17-88

End point :Railway post 568/07-08

Angul Forest Division

Purunagarh Range : Talcher road to Angul

12 kms

Talcher Range : Talcher to Kaniha Buda Panka

18 kms

Durga Range : Jarpada to Kerjeng 6 kms

Dhenkanal Forest Division

Raj-athgarh to Hindol 40 kms

Cuttack Forest Division

Byree to Jhadeswar kadei railway station (Railway post no 385/9 to 385/12)

100 mtrs

Slagaon to Charabatia (railway post no 403/20 to 403/28 and 404/17 to 404/24)

400 mtrs.

Atthamalik Forest Division

Dalimura to Jhinkibhal 14.00 kms

Vulnerable Stretches of Railway tracks in West Bengal

Division

Location Length

Buxa Tiger Reserve Mahananda River- Bagrakote Railway Station

Railway Post 16/5 - 33/9

17.4 Km.

Damdin R.S – New Mall Junction


1.3 Km.

Murti River – Jaldhaka River Railway Post 65/7 - 72/7

7.0 Km.

Chengmari RS – Banaghat Junction

Railway Post 86/2 – 86/8

0.6 Km

Banarhat – Binnaguri Railway Post 95/1 - 96/6

1.5 Km.

Binnaguri R.S - Dalgaon Railway Station


0.5 Km.

Madarihat – Torsa River Railway Post 128/3 – 130/7

2.4 Km.

Hasimara Rail Gate – Damanpur N.H. crossing

Railway Post 131 - 163

32.0 km.

Vulnerable stretches of Railway tracks in Uttarakhand

Division Range Location Length

Rajaji National Park

Kansrao Range

Culvert 139 Railway Pillar 52/2 to 43/9

9.00 Km.

Motichur Range

Railway Pillar No. 43/9 to 40/9 3.00 Km.


Haridwar Range


*****


RAJYA SABHA


Elephant corridor project at Puspagiri in Karnataka

179. DR. PRABHAKAR KORE: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the proposed Elephant Corridor Project at Puspagiri Sanctuary

in Karnataka was opposed by the local people;


(c) whether Government has taken steps to resolve the issue through consultations with

local people and State Government authorities; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and the stand of Government in this regard?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN): (a) (b) (c) & (d) There is no proposal for Elephant Corridor project pertaining to Pushpagiri

Sanctuary in Karnataka.

*******


RAJYA SABHA

STARRED QUESTION NO. 244 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.12.2012

Tiger and elephant projects in Odisha

*244. SHRIMATI RENUBALA PRADHAN:


(a) the number of elephants and tigers in the country as per the latest census, State-wise; (b) the years in which the latest census and the previous census was conducted; (c) whether population of tigers and elephants has increased; (d) the number of elephants and tigers killed during the last three years and reasons

therefor; (e) whether Government has any proposal to declare more number of tiger and elephant

projects in Odisha; and (f) the number of tiger and elephant projects functioning in Odisha at present?

ANSWER


(a) to (f) :- A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

*****

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) & (f) OF THE RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *244 ON TIGER AND ELEPHANT PROJECTS IN ODISHA DUE FOR REPLY ON 11.12.2012. (a), (b) & (c) The country level tiger population has shown an increasing trend with a population

estimate of 1706, lower and upper limits being 1520 and 1909 respectively in the recent all India tiger estimation (2010), as compared to the last country level estimation of 2006, with an estimate of 1411, lower and upper limits being 1165 and 1657 respectively. The details of tiger estimation for the year 2006 and 2010 are at Annexure-I(a). The details of elephant population in the country as per the last estimation conducted in 2007, State-wise, are at Annexure-I(b). The elephant estimation is conducted at an interval of 5 years and action has been initiated for the next round of such country level assessment (2012).

(d) As reported by States, details of tiger mortality during the last three years and current year, along with reasons, are at Annexure-II(a). Details of elephant mortality for the last three years, as reported by States, along with reasons are at II(b).

(e) & (f) There are only two tiger reserves in Odisha, namely, Similipal and Satkosia. ‘In-principle’ approval has been accorded by the National Tiger Conservation Authority for declaring the Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary as a tiger reserve. There are three Elephant Reserves in the State, viz. Mayurbhanj, Mahanadi, and Sambalpur, and no new proposal in this regard is under consideration at the level of Government of India.

*****

Annexure-I(a)

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a), (b) & (c) OF THE RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *244 ON TIGER AND ELEPHANT PROJECTS IN ODISHA DUE FOR REPLY ON 11.12.2012.


State Tiger Population 2006 2010 Increase/

Decrease/ Stable Estimate



Estimate (Number)



Shivalik-Gangetic Plain Landscape Complex Uttarakhand 178 161 195 227 199 256 Increase Uttar Pradesh 109 91 127 118 113 124 Stable Bihar 10 7 13 8 (-)*** (-)*** (-)*** Stable Shivalik-Gangetic landscape

297 259 335 353

320 388 Stable

Central Indian Landscape Complex and Eastern Ghats Landscape Complex Andhra Pradesh 95 84 107 72 65 79 Decrease Chhattisgarh 26 23 28 26 24 27 Stable Madhya Pradesh 300 236 364 257 213 301 Stable Maharashtra 103 76 131 169 155 183 Increase Odisha 45 37 53 32 20 44 Stable Rajasthan 32 30 35 36 35 37 Stable Jharkhand Not

assessed 10 6 14 Could not be

compared since it was not assessed in 2006.


601 486 718 601 518 685 Stable

Western Ghats Landscape Complex Karnataka 290 241 339 300 280 320 Stable Kerala 46 39 53 71 67 75 Increase Tamil Nadu 76 56 95 163 153 173 Increase Western Ghats landscape

402 336 487 534 500 568 Increase

North Eastern Hills and Brahmaputra Flood Plains Assam 70 60 80 143 113 173 Increase Arunachal Pradesh 14

12 18 Not

assessed Not assessed

Not assessed Could not be compared since it was not assessed in 2010.

Mizoram 6 4 8 5 (-)*** (-)*** (-)*** Stable Northern West Bengal


Not assessed

Not assessed Could not be compared since it was not assessed in 2010.


100

84 118 148

118 178 Increase


Not assessed

Not assessed 70

64 90 Could not be compared since it was not assessed in 2006.

TOTAL 1411 1165 1657 1706 1520 1909 *** Statistical lower / upper limits could not be ascertained owing to small size of the population.

*****

Annexure-I(b)

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a), (b) & (c) OF THE RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *244 ON TIGER AND ELEPHANT PROJECTS IN ODISHA DUE FOR REPLY ON 11.12.2012.

Population of wild elephants as reported by States REGION STATE ELEPHANT POPULATION

1993 1997 2002 2007 North-East Arunachal

Pradesh 2102 1800 1607 1690


186 250 292 300-350


11027 9482 9243 9305-9355


14 26 36 25


Total for East

2314 2444 2649 2633


875 1200 1667 1726


Pradesh 46 57 74 28


11353 12716 12814 14005

Islands Andaman & Nicobar

35 35 40 -

GRAND TOTAL

25604 25877 26413 27669-27719

*****

Annexure-II(a)

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (d) OF THE RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *244 ON TIGER AND ELEPHANT PROJECTS IN ODISHA DUE FOR REPLY ON 11.12.2012.

Details of tiger mortality, as reported by States, during last three years and current year Sl. No.

State 2009

2010 2011 2012 (as on 03.12.2012)


Natural & other causes







1 Andhra Pradesh

2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2 Arunachal Pradesh

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

3 Assam 1 9 2 6 3 3 1 3 4 Bihar 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 5 Chhattisgarh 0 0 2 0 2 0 1 0 6 Jharkhand 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 Karnataka 2 9 5 2 3 3 10 4 8 Kerala 0 1 2 1 1 3 4 1* 9 Madhya

Pradesh 4 11 3 5 0 5 8 5

10 Maharashtra 4 1 5 3 4 2 10 4 11 Mizoram 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 Orissa 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 13 Rajasthan 0 3 3 1 0 1 0 0 14 Tamil Nadu 1 0 2 2 0 3 5 2 15 Uttarakhand 1 8 1 4 2 0 6 6 16 Uttar Pradesh 1 2 1 1 1 15 5 1 17 West Bengal 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 2

18 Haryana 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 19 Delhi 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 Goa 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

TOTAL 21 45 28 25 16 40 53 29 * Includes one tiger eliminated by the Forest Department, Kerala

*****

Annexure-II(b)

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (d) OF THE RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *244 ON TIGER AND ELEPHANT PROJECTS IN ODISHA DUE FOR REPLY ON 11.12.2012.

Details of elephant mortality during last three years, as reported by States Year Train Accident Poisoning Electrocution Poaching 2009-10 13 05 47 18 2010-11 17 00 38 26 2011-12 04 01 30 13

Elephant casualties in train accidents State 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 Assam 8 2 0 West Bengal 1 13 2 Tamil Nadu 1 0 0 Jharkhand 0 1 1 Kerala 3 0 0 Orissa 0 0 1 Tripura 0 1 0 Total 13 17 04

Elephant death due to poaching State 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 Andhra Pradesh 0 0 0 Arunachal Pradesh 0 0 0 Assam 4 2 0 West Bengal 1 0 0 Uttarakhand 0 0 0 Uttar Pradesh 0 0 0 Tamil Nadu 3 0 1 Jharkhand 0 0 1 Kerala 4 0 Orissa 3 17 8 Karnataka 3 7 3 Nagaland 0 0 0 Meghalaya 0 0 0 TOTAL 18 26 13

Elephant death due to poisoning State 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 Andhra Pradesh 0 0 0 Assam 0 0 0 Karnataka 0 0 0 Kerala 0 0 0 Meghalaya 0 0 0 Orissa 0 0 0 Tripura 0 0 0 West Bengal 1 0 0 Jharkhand 0 0 1 Uttarakhand 0 0 0 TOTAL 1 0 1 * Information on elephant mortality during 2012-13 has not been collated.

*****

OIH


RAJYA SABHA


Conservation of tigers and other wild animals

501. SHRI BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI:

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state: (a) the number of tiger reserves in the country including the present tiger population in

these reserves; (b) the number of cases of killing/hunting of tigers and other animals in the forest areas of

the country which came to light during the last three years, State-wise; (c) whether Government has provided funds for the protection of tigers and other wild

animals during the said period; and (d) if so, the details thereof along with the strategy adopted by Government to protect

tigers and other animals in forest areas of the country, State-wise?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN) (a) A list of tiger reserves in the country is at Annexure-I. The details of recent

(2010) country level estimation of tiger population, done once in four years, using the refined methodology, are at Annexure-II.

(b) As reported by States, details of mortality of some major wild animals (tiger, elephant, lion and rhino) during the last three years and the current year, are at Annexures-III(a), III(b), III(c) & III(d) respectively.

(c) & (d) Funding support is provided to States under the ongoing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Project Tiger, Project Elephant and Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats, and the details of central assistance provided to States during the last three years and the current year are at Annexure-IV, V and VI respectively. The milestone initiatives taken by the Government of India for protection of tigers and other wild animals are at Annexure-VII.

*****

Annexure-I

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 501 ON CONSERVATION OF TIGERS AND OTHER WILD ANIMALS DUE FOR REPLY ON 27.11.2012.

List of Tiger Reserves in India

Sl. No. Name of Tiger Reserve State 1 Bandipur Karnataka 2 Corbett Uttarakhand 3 Kanha Madhya Pradesh 4 Manas Assam 5 Melghat Maharashtra 6 Palamau Jharkhand 7 Ranthambore Rajasthan 8 Similipal Orissa 9 Sunderbans West Bengal 10 Periyar Kerala 11 Sariska Rajasthan 12 Buxa West Bengal 13 Indravati Chhattisgarh 14 Nagarjunsagar Andhra Pradesh 15 Namdapha Arunachal Pradesh 16 Dudhwa Uttar Pradesh 17 Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tamil Nadu 18 Valmiki Bihar 19 Pench Madhya Pradesh 20 Tadoba-Andhari Maharashtra 21 Bandhavgarh Madhya Pradesh 22 Panna Madhya Pradesh 23 Dampa Mizoram 24 Bhadra Karnataka 25 Pench Maharashtra 26 Pakke Arunachal Pradesh 27 Nameri Assam 28 Satpura Madhya Pradesh 29 Anamalai Tamil Nadu 30 Udanti-Sitanadi Chattisgarh 31 Satkosia Orissa 32 Kaziranga Assam 33 Achanakmar Chattisgarh 34 Dandeli-Anshi Karnataka 35 Sanjay-Dubri Madhya Pradesh 36 Mudumalai Tamil Nadu

37 Nagarahole Karnataka 38 Parambikulam Kerala 39 Sahyadri Maharashtra 40 Biligiri Ranganatha Temple Karnataka 41. Kawal Andhra Pradesh

*****

Annexure-II

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 501 ON CONSERVATION OF TIGERS AND OTHER WILD ANIMALS DUE FOR REPLY ON 27.11.2012.



2006 2010 Increase/ Decrease/ Stable

Estimate (Number)



Estimate (Number)



Shivalik-Gangetic Plain Landscape Complex Uttarakhand 178 161 195 227 199 256 Increase Uttar Pradesh 109 91 127 118 113 124 Stable Bihar 10 7 13 8 (-)*** (-)*** (-)*** Stable Shivalik-Gangetic landscape

297 259 335 353

320 388 Stable

Central Indian Landscape Complex and Eastern Ghats Landscape Complex Andhra Pradesh

95 84 107 72 65 79 Decrease

Chhattisgarh 26 23 28 26 24 27 Stable Madhya Pradesh

300 236 364 257 213 301 Stable

Maharashtra 103 76 131 169 155 183 Increase Odisha 45 37 53 32 20 44 Stable Rajasthan 32 30 35 36 35 37 Stable Jharkhand Not

assessed 10 6 14 Could not be

compared since it was not assessed in 2006.


601 486 718 601 518 685 Stable

Western Ghats Landscape Complex Karnataka 290 241 339 300 280 320 Stable Kerala 46 39 53 71 67 75 Increase Tamil Nadu 76 56 95 163 153 173 Increase Western Ghats landscape

402 336 487 534 500 568 Increase

North Eastern Hills and Brahmaputra Flood Plains Assam 70 60 80 143 113 173 Increase Arunachal Pradesh

14

12 18 Not assessed

Not assessed

Not assessed

Could not be compared since it was not assessed in 2010.

Mizoram 6 4 8 5 (-)*** (-)*** (-)*** Stable Northern West Bengal


Not assessed

Not assessed

Could not be compared since it was not assessed in 2010.


100

84 118 148

118 178 Increase


Not assessed

Not assessed

70

64 90 Could not be compared since it was not assessed in 2006.

TOTAL 1411 1165 1657 1706 1520 1909 *** Statistical lower / upper limits could not be ascertained owing to small size of the population.

*****

Annexure-III(a)

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (b) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 501 ON CONSERVATION OF TIGERS AND OTHER WILD ANIMALS DUE FOR REPLY ON 27.11.2012. Details of tiger mortality, as reported by States, during the last three years and current

year Sl. No.

State 2009

2010 2011 2012 (as on

22.11.2012) Poach

ing including seizure








1 Andhra Pradesh

2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2 Arunachal Pradesh

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

3 Assam 1 9 2 6 3 3 1 3 4 Bihar 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 5 Chhattisgar

h 0 0 2 0 2 0 1 0

6 Jharkhand 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 Karnataka 2 9 5 2 3 3 9 4 8 Kerala 0 1 2 1 1 3 3 0 9 Madhya

Pradesh 4 11 3 5 0 5 8 5

10 Maharashtra 4 1 5 3 4 2 10 4 11 Mizoram 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 Orissa 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 13 Rajasthan 0 3 3 1 0 1 0 0 14 Tamil Nadu 1 0 2 2 0 3 4 2 15 Uttarakhand 1 8 1 4 2 0 6 6 16 Uttar

Pradesh 1 2 1 1 1 15 5 1

17 West Bengal

1 1 1 0 0 0 1 2

18 Haryana 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 19 Delhi 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 Goa 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

TOTAL 21 45 28 25 16 40 50 28

*****

Annexure-III(b)

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (b) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 501 ON CONSERVATION OF TIGERS AND OTHER WILD ANIMALS DUE FOR REPLY ON 27.11.2012.

Details of elephant mortality for the last three years and current year, as reported by States

Elephant casualties in train accidents

S. No. State 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

1. Assam 8 2 0 2. West Bengal 1 13 2 3. Tamil Nadu 1 0 0 4. Jharkhand 0 1 1 5. Kerala 3 0 0 6. Odisha 0 0 1 7. Tripura 0 1 0 TOTAL 13 17 4

Elephant death due to poaching

S. No. State 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 1. Andhra Pradesh 0 0 0 2. Arunachal Pradesh 0 0 0 3. Assam 4 2 0 4. West Bengal 1 0 0 5. Uttarakhand 0 0 0 6. Uttar Pradesh 0 0 0 7. Tamil Nadu 3 0 1 8. Jharkhand 0 0 1 9. Kerala 4 0 0 10. Odisha 3 17 8 11. Karnataka 3 7 3 12. Nagaland 0 0 0 13. Meghalaya - 0 0

TOTAL 18 26 13

Note: Details of elephant casualties in train accident and poaching deaths have not been collated for 2012-13.

*****

Annexure-III(c)


Details of lion mortality for the last three years and current year, as reported by the

State (Gujarat)

Year Natural death

Accidental Electrocution Poaching Falling in well

Self defence

Total

2009-10 42 2 1 0 1 2 48 2010-11 37 0 1 0 4 0 42 2011-12 41 0 2 0 3 0 46 2012-13 (up to October)

34 1 1 1 1 0 38

*****

Annexure-III(d)


Details of rhino mortality for the last three years and current year, as reported by

States Sl. No.

State 2009 2010 2011 2012 (as on

22.11.2012) Natura

l & other

causes

Poaching

Natural &

other causes

Poaching

Natural &

other causes

Poaching

Natural &

other causes

Poaching

1. Assam 64 14 75 8 69 7 96 13 2. West

Bengal 3 1 2 0 7 0 1 0

3. Uttar Pradesh

Nil Nil Nil Nil 3 0 Nil Nil

*****

Annexure-IV

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (c) & (d) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 501 ON CONSERVATION OF TIGERS AND OTHER WILD ANIMALS DUE FOR REPLY ON 27.11.2012.

Details of funds released to States under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme “Project

Tiger” for the last three years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12) and current year (2012-13)

(Rs. in lakhs)

Sl. No.

States Release 2009 -10

Release 2010-11

Release 2011-12

Release 2012-13

(as on 22.11.2012)

1 Andhra Pradesh 138.2540 155.6450 154.4060 404.8904

2 Arunachal Pradesh 64.7100 226.7020 236.7857 420.0872

3 Assam 194.2900 1509.4720 947.5088 123.608

4 Bihar 8.8560 158.3550 172.1930 247.792

5 Chhattisgarh 1383.5020 1813.7250 702.7260 425.5284

6 Jharkhand 117.1386 130.6160 156.3465 82.6878

7 Karnataka 657.0620 1660.0500 1830.6500 708.4337

8 Kerala 311.4200 323.4600 429.7700 411.868

9 Madhya Pradesh 2582.4762 3962.730 5352.710 5357.2446

10 Maharashtra 373.5170 2789.0600 3622.3420 513.941

11 Mizoram 2171.000 187.6900 225.2880 192.9848

12 Orissa 221.7400 815.2900 555.0761 142.956

13 Rajasthan 10694.1700

2368.925 67.210 2943.543

14 Tamil Nadu 258.3540 520.9450 605.9640 323.4878

15 Uttaranchal 246.2050 339.9450 399.7600 89.435

16 Uttar Pradesh 431.5170 407.4600 446.1258 234.508

17 West Bengal 298.7850 502.4800 157.6600 404.916

Total 20,152.997 17,872.391 16,062.522 13,027.9117

*****

Annexure-V

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (c) & (d) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 501 ON CONSERVATION OF TIGERS AND OTHER WILD ANIMALS DUE FOR REPLY ON 27.11.2012. Details of funds released under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme “Development National Parks and Sanctuaries (Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats)” for the last three years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12) and current year (2012-13)

(Rs. in lakhs))

Sl. No.

Name of the State/UTs

2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 (upto

20.11.2012) 1. A& N Islands 85.91 87.872 127.06 109.50 2. Andhra Pradesh 102.02 64.341 71.50 00 3. Arunachal Pradesh 193.14 213.197 168.11 00 4. Assam 114.79 186.63 234.17 146.00 5. Bihar 42.29 19.889 00 64.685 6. Chhattisgarh 851.15 281.966 241.783 348.63 7. Chandigarh 00 12.29 19.98 00 8. Dadra & Nagar

Haveli 14.88 00 00 00

9. Goa 71.03 32.879 21.458 148.12 10. Gujarat 426.10 1106.749 1126.589 517.926 11. Haryana 17.22 15.114 28.70 37.60 12. Himachal Pradesh 265.92 253.80 242.1104 318.9688 13. Jammu & Kashmir 375.397 537.336 445.085 426.077 14. Jharkhand 80.267 63.64 64.2615 81.6195 15. Karnataka 566.71 412.252 335.851 309.5835 16. Kerala 432.48 366.786 941.79 330.36 17. Madhya Pradesh 541.98 635.366 506.164 467.707 18. Maharashtra 273.679 343.32 322.391 353.601 19. Manipur 118.31 88.316 86.65 22.41 20. Meghalaya 59.75 58.03 43.80 00 21. Mizoram 186.85 707.763 153.445 00 22. Nagaland 34.115 33.595 30.333 25.855 23. Odisha 390.95 315.331 331.2651 368.2084 24. Punjab 36.26 25.12 00 00 25. Rajasthan 496.746 348.068 291.387 413.00 26. Sikkim 240.93 183.78 131.793 177.579 27. Tamil Nadu 518.67 334.449 256.027 237.66 28. Tripura 13.00 2.84 00 00 29. Uttar Pradesh 274.45 296.179 204.371 263.78 30. Uttarakhand 145.08 134.90 201.144 00

*****

31. West Bengal 381.318 276.385 246.425 164.135 32. Daman & Diu 6.05 00 00 00

TOTAL 7357.442 7438.183 6873.643 5333.005

Annexure-VI

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (c) & (d) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 501 ON CONSERVATION OF TIGERS AND OTHER WILD ANIMALS DUE FOR REPLY ON 27.11.2012. Details of funds released under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Project Elephant for the last three years (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12) and current year (2012-13)

*****

Sl. No.

Name of the State/UTs

2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 (as on

20.11.2012) 1. Andhra Pradesh 17.85 15.00 - 11.28 2. Arunachal Pradesh 60.00 10.00 55.00 - 3. Assam 160.26 139.55 200.00 250.00 4. Chhattisgarh 111.22 75.00 150.00 48.00 5. Jharkhand 80.00 80.00 105.87 59.512 6. Karnataka 247.16 300.76 261.83 192.00 7. Kerala 286.70 265.39 282.55 236.00 8. Maharashtra 49.18 29.00 20.29 16.00 9. Meghlaya 80.483 103.838 128.52 - 10. Nagaland 50.00 41.30 25.00 15.00 11. Odisha 100.00 113.50 214.60 168.00 12. Tamil Nadu 358.582 226.879 228.49 200.00 13. Tripura 14.80 - 6.00 5.77 14. Uttar Pradesh 38.45 80.15 49.30 7.27 15. Uttarakhand 221.55 206.82 141.99 125.98 16. West Bengal 207.064 410.206 224.50 66.455 17. Haryana - 100.00 - -

TOTAL 2083.299 2197.393 2093.94 1401.267

Annexure-VII

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (c) & (d) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 501 ON CONSERVATION OF TIGERS AND OTHER WILD ANIMALS DUE FOR REPLY ON 27.11.2012. Milestone initiatives taken by the Government of India for protection of tigers and other wild animals Legal steps 1. Amendment of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 making enabling provisions for constituting the National Tiger Conservation Authority and the Tiger and Other Endangered Species Crime Control Bureau.

2. Enhancement of punishment for offence in relation to the core area of a tiger reserve or where the offence relate to hunting in the tiger reserves or altering the boundaries of tiger reserves, etc. Administrative steps 3. Strengthening of antipoaching activities, including special strategy for monsoon patrolling, by providing funding support to tiger reserve States, as proposed by them, for deployment of antipoaching squads involving ex-army personnel or home guards, apart from workforce comprising of local people, in addition to strengthening of communication and wireless facilities. 4. Constitution of the National Tiger Conservation Authority with effect from the 4th

September, 2006, for strengthening tiger conservation by, inter alia, ensuring normative standards in tiger reserve management, preparation of reserve specific tiger conservation plan, laying down annual audit report before Parliament, constituting State level Steering Committees under the Chairmanship of Chief Ministers and establishment of Tiger Conservation Foundation. 5. Constitution of a multidisciplinary Tiger and Other Endangered Species Crime Control Bureau (Wildlife Crime Control Bureau) with effect from the 6th June, 2007 to effectively control illegal trade in wildlife. 6. The in-principle approval has been accorded by the National Tiger Conservation Authority for creation of five new tiger reserves, and the sites are:, Pilibhit (Uttar Pradesh), Ratapani (Madhya Pradesh), Sunabeda (Odisha), Mukundara Hills (including Darrah, Jawahar Sagar and Chambal Wildlife Sanctuaries) (Rajasthan) and Satyamangalam (Tamil Nadu). Final approval has been accorded to Kudremukh (Karnataka) for declaring as a tiger reserve. The State Governments have been advised to send proposals for declaring the following areas as tiger reserves: (i) Bor (Maharashtra), (ii) Suhelwa (Uttar Pradesh), (iii) Nagzira-Navegaon (Maharashtra), (iv) Guru Ghasidas National Park (Chhattisgarh), (v) Mhadei Sanctuary (Goa) and (vi) Srivilliputhur Grizzled Giant Squirrel / Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuaries / Varushanadu Valley (Tamil Nadu).

7. The revised Project Tiger guidelines have been issued to State Governments for strengthening tiger conservation, which apart from ongoing activities, inter alia, include financial support to States for enhanced village relocation or rehabilitation package for people living in core or critical tiger habitats (from Rs. 1 lakh per family to Rs. 10 lakhs per family), rehabilitation or resettlement of communities involved in traditional hunting, mainstreaming livelihood and wildlife concerns in forests outside tiger reserves and fostering corridor conservation through restorative strategy to arrest habitat fragmentation. 8. A scientific methodology for estimating tiger (including co-predators, prey animals and assessment of habitat status) has been evolved and mainstreamed. The findings of this estimation and assessment are bench marks for future tiger conservation strategy. 9. The 17 tiger States have notified the core/critical tiger habitat (35123.9547 sq. km.), and the buffer/peripheral area (28750.73421 sq.km.) of all the 41 tiger reserves in the country, under section 38V of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2006. Financial steps 10. Financial and technical help is provided to the State Governments under various Centrally Sponsored Schemes, such as Project Tiger and Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats for enhancing the capacity and infrastructure of the State Governments for providing effective protection to wild animals. International Cooperation 11. India has a bilateral understanding with Nepal on controlling trans-boundary illegal trade in wildlife and conservation, apart from a protocol on tiger conservation with China.

12. A protocol has been signed in September, 2011 with Bangladesh for conservation of the Royal Bengal Tiger of the Sunderban.

13. A sub-group on tiger and leopard conservation has been constituted for cooperation with the Russian Federation.

14. A Global Tiger Forum of Tiger Range Countries has been created for addressing international issues related to tiger conservation. 15. During the 14th meeting of the Conference of Parties to CITES, which was held from 3rd to 15th June, 2007 at The Hague, India introduced a resolution along with China, Nepal and the Russian Federation, with direction to Parties with operations breeding tigers on a commercial scale, for restricting such captive populations to a level supportive only to conserving wild tigers. The resolution was adopted as a decision with minor amendments. Further, India made an intervention appealing to China to phase out tiger farming and eliminate stockpiles of Asian big cats body parts and derivatives. The importance of continuing the ban on trade of body parts of tigers was emphasized. 16. Based on India’s strong intervention during the 62nd meeting of the Standing Committee of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) at Geneva from 23-27 July, 2012, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora Secretariat has issued a notification No.

2012/054 dated the 3rd September, 2012 to Parties to fully implement Decision 14.69 and report to the Secretariat by 25 September, 2012 (Progress made on restricting captive breeding operations of tigers etc.). 17. As a part of active management to rebuild Sariska and Panna Tiger Reserves where tigers have become locally extinct, reintroduction of tigers and tigresses have been done. 18. Special advisories issued for in-situ build up of prey base and tiger population through active management in tiger reserves having low population status of tiger and its prey. Creation of Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) 19. The policy initiatives announced by the Finance Minister in his Budget Speech of the 29th February, 2008, inter alia, contains action points relating to tiger protection. Based on the one time grant of Rs. 50.00 crore provided to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) for raising, arming and deploying a Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF), the proposal for the said force has been approved by the competent authority for 13 tiger reserves. The States of Karnataka and Maharashtra have already created and deployed the STPF. 20. In collaboration with TRAFFIC-INDIA, an online tiger crime data base has been launched, and Generic Guidelines for preparation of reserve specific Security Plan has been evolved. Recent initiatives 21. Implementing a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with tiger States, linked to fund flows for effective implementation of tiger conservation initiatives. 22. Rapid assessment of tiger reserves done. 23. Special crack teams sent to tiger reserves affected by left wing extremism and low population status of tiger and its prey. 24. Chief Ministers of States having tiger reserves affected by left wing extremism and low population status of tiger and its prey addressed for taking special initiatives. 25. Steps taken for modernizing the infrastructure and field protection, besides launching ‘Monitoring system for Tigers’ Intensive Protection and Ecological Status (M-STrIPES)’ for effective field patrolling and monitoring. 26. Steps taken for involvement of Non-Governmental Experts in the ongoing all India tiger estimation. 27. Initiatives taken for improving the field delivery through capacity building of field officials, apart from providing incentives. 28. Action initiated for using Information Technology to strengthen surveillance in tiger reserves.

29. The second round of country level tiger status assessment completed in 2010, with the findings indicating an increase with a tiger population estimate of 1706, lower and upper limits being 1520 and 1909 respectively, as compared to the last country level estimation of 2006, with an estimate of 1411, lower and upper limits being 1165 and 1657, respectively. 30. The second round of independent assessment of Management Effectiveness Evaluation of Tiger Reserves done in 2010-2011 for 39 tiger reserves based on globally used framework. 31. Increase in the allocation for Project Tiger with additional components. 32. Providing special assistance for mitigation of human-tiger conflicts in problematic areas. 33. As an outcome of the fourth Trans-border Consultative Group Meeting held in New Delhi, a joint resolution has been signed with Nepal for biodiversity and tiger conservation. 34. Regional Offices of the National Tiger Conservation Authority sanctioned at Nagpur, Bengaluru and Guwahati. 35. Launching of Phase-IV tiger reserve level monitoring.

*****



Man-animal conflict

491. SHRIMATI T. RATNA BAI: SHRI MOHD. ALI KHAN: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

(a) whether Government is finding a solution to man-animal conflict; (b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) if not, by when the steps will be taken in this direction in consultation with State

Government and other NGOs?

ANSWER


(a),(b)&(c) Increase in human population coupled with shrinkage in wildlife habitats has led to a conflict situation. Forests and wildlife management strategy inter alia includes taking up of long term as well as short term measures through the State Governments in consultation with NGOs for mitigation of man-animal conflict. The Central Government has taken following steps to mitigate the man-animal conflict:

1. In the Centrally Sponsored Schemes, viz., ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats’, ‘Project Tiger’ and ‘Project Elephant’ financial assistance is provided to the State Governments for improvement of forest and wildlife areas like the national parks and sanctuaries to augment food and water availability in forests which can reduce migration of animals from forests to the habitations.

2. Construction of barriers like boundary walls and solar-powered electric fences around the sensitive areas to prevent the wild animal attacks.

3. Payment of ex-gratia relief to the victims of wild animal attacks and depredation.

4. Development of necessary infrastructure and support facilities

for immobilization of the identified problematic animals through tranquilization, and their relocation to the natural habitat or rehabilitation in rescue centers.

5. The Chief Wildlife Wardens of the States/Union Territories are empowered to permit hunting of problematic animals under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

6. Programmes are launched to sensitize people and create awareness

about the Do's and Don’ts in case of wild animals scare and attacks.

7. Eco-development activities are undertaken in villages around Protected Areas to elicit the cooperation of communities in management of the Protected Areas, which includes actions to address the grievances of people regarding human-wildlife conflicts.

8. Training programmes are conducted for forest and police staff to address the problems of human-wildlife conflict.

9. Involvement of the research and academic institutions and leading voluntary organizations having expertise in managing human-wildlife conflict situations.

******************

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA


RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *222


Wildlife reserves affected by floods

*222. SHRIMATI KANIMOZHI:


(a) the damage caused to animals, especially rhinos, due to the flooding of river Brahmaputra in July, 2012;

(b) whether Government has been able to provide adequate relief measures to the surviving animals and, if so, the details thereof; and

(c) whether Government would provide additional funds to wildlife reserves which are affected by natural disasters in the coming years?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN) (a), (b) & (c) : A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

*****

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a), (b) & (c) OF THE RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *222 ON WILDLIFE RESERVES AFFECTED BY FLOODS DUE FOR REPLY ON 28.08.2012. (a) Mortality of wild animals due to flood has been reported during the year only in the

Kaziranga Tiger Reserve (Assam). As reported by the State, a total of 631 animal deaths including 19 rhinos have occurred in Kaziranga due to the excess water brought by the flood during June-July, 2012, which was more than the ecological requirement of the flood plains of the Kaziranga. The details of mortality are at Annexure-I.

(b) Flood is a recurring natural phenomenon in Kaziranga which creates a variety of habitats suitable for different species. However, the current flood brought excess water than the ecological requirement of the floodplains of Kaziranga National Park, resulting into mortality of wild animals as well as damage to infrastructure like, roads, anti-poaching camps, artificial high ground etc. Similar high floods of 1988 and 1998 recorded animal mortality of 1203 and 652 respectively. Under the ongoing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Project Tiger, funding support is provided to the reserve, which, interalia, includes flood mitigation measures.

(c) Funding assistance is provided to States under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes of “Project Tiger”, “Project Elephant” and “Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats” to protect and foster wildlife conservation.

*****

Annexure-I

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) OF THE RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *222 ON WILDLIFE RESERVES AFFECTED BY FLOODS DUE FOR REPLY ON 28.08.2012. Details of animal death recorded during high flood in Kaziranga Tiger Reserve during

June-July, 2012 (as reported by State)

Sl. No. Species Total

1. Rhino 19

2. Elephant 1

3. Swamp deer 11

4. Buffallo 4

5. Hog deer 529

6. Sambar 22

7. Wild boar 34

8. Porcupine 5

9. Hog badger 3

10. Python 2

11. Fox 1

TOTAL 631

***


RAJYA SABHA


Measures for checking extinction of wildlife

4987. SHRI RAMA CHANDRA KHUNTIA: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

(a) the details of steps taken by Government to check the extinction of wildlife in the country; and

(b) whether it is a fact that the provisions of the Wildlife Act, 1972 have no teeth to check the poachers and wildlife parts smugglers?


(a) The Government has taken the following steps to check the extinction of wild life in the country:

i) A network of 668 Protected Areas, viz., National Parks, Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves has been created in the country under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 to provide for in situ conservation of wildlife and its habitats.

ii) A network of Zoos has been created in the country, which are financially

supported and statutorily regulated by the Central Zoo Authority, to ensure ex situ conservation of important species of wild animals, including undertaking conservation breeding programmes for such species.

iii) The Centrally Sponsored Scheme of 'Integrated Development of Wildlife

Habitats' includes the component 'Recovery Programmes for Saving Critically Endangered Species and Habitats' to provide for special measures to support such species. Presently, 16 species have been identified for support under this component which include Snow Leopard, Bustards (including Floricans), Dolphin, Hangul, Nilgiri Tahr, Marine Turtles, Dugongs and coral reefs, Edible Nest Swiftlet, Asian Wild Buffalo, Nicobar Megapode, Manipur Brow-antlered Deer, Vultures, Malabar Civet, Indian Rhinoceros, Asiatic Lion, Swamp Deer and Jerdon’s Courser.

iv) Legal protection has been provided to endangered species of wild animals and plants against hunting and commercial exploitation under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

v) The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, has been amended and made more

stringent. The punishments in cases of offences have been enhanced. The Act also provides for forfeiture of any equipment, vehicle or weapon that is used for committing wildlife offence.

vi) Financial and technical assistance is extended to the State Governments

under various Centrally Sponsored Schemes, viz., ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats', ‘Project Tiger’ and ‘Project Elephant’ for providing better protection and conservation to wildlife.

vii) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been empowered under

the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 to apprehend and prosecute wildlife offenders.

viii) The State Governments have been requested to strengthen the field

formations and intensify patrolling in and around the Protected Areas. ix) The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau has been set up for control of

poaching and illegal trade in wildlife and its products.

(b) No, Sir.

*********




Conservation of elephants and tigers

3440. SHRI MOHAMMED ADEEB: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state: (a) whether Government has any proposal to set up National Elephant Conservation

Authority; (b) if so, the time by when; and (c) the details of measures taken to check the decreasing number of tigers?

ANSWER


(a)&(b) The Task Force on Project Elephant constituted by the Ministry during 2010 has recommended in its report that Project Elephant should be converted into a statutory agency on the lines of National Tiger Conservation Authority for a more effective conservation and management regime for the elephant in India. It has suggested relevant amendments in the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 for the purpose. The Government has not taken a final decision in the matter.

(c) The details of important measures taken by the Government for protection of tigers and other wildlife are given in the Annexure.

***

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (c) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 3440 REGARDING ‘CONSERVATION OF ELEPHANTS AND TIGERS’ BY SHRI MOHAMMED ADEEB DUE FOR REPLY ON 08.05.2012

Important initiatives taken by the Government of India for protection of tigers and other

wildlife Legal steps 1. Amendment of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 for providing enabling provisions towards constituting the National Tiger Conservation Authority and the Tiger and Other Endangered Species Crime Control Bureau.

2. Enhancement of punishment in cases of offence relating to a tiger reserve or its core area.

Administrative steps 3. Strengthening of antipoaching activities, including special strategy for monsoon patrolling, by providing funding support to Tiger Reserve States, as proposed by them, for deployment of antipoaching squads involving ex-army personnel / home guards, apart from workforce comprising of local people, in addition to strengthening of communication / wireless facilities. 4. Constitution of the National Tiger Conservation Authority with effect from 4.09.2006, for strengthening tiger conservation by, interalia, ensuring normative standards in tiger reserve management, preparation of reserve specific tiger conservation plan, laying down annual audit report before Parliament, constituting State level Steering Committees under the Chairmanship of Chief Ministers and establishment of Tiger Conservation Foundation. 5. Constitution of a multidisciplinary Tiger and Other Endangered Species Crime Control Bureau (Wildlife Crime Control Bureau) with effect from 6.6.2007 to effectively control illegal trade in wildlife.

6. The in-principle approval has been accorded by the National Tiger Conservation Authority for creation of four new tiger reserves, and the sites are:, Pilibhit (Uttar Pradesh), Ratapani (Madhya Pradesh), Sunabeda (Orissa) and Mukundara Hills (including Darrah, Jawahar Sagar and Chambal Wildlife Sanctuaries) (Rajasthan). Final approval has been accorded to Kudremukh (Karnataka) for declaring as Tiger Reserve. Besides, the States have been advised to send proposals for declaring the following areas as Tiger Reserves: (i) Bor (Maharashtra), (ii) Suhelwa (Uttar Pradesh), (iii) Nagzira-Navegaon (Maharashtra), (iv) Satyamangalam (Tamil Nadu), (v) Guru Ghasidas National Park (Chhattisgarh), (vi) Mhadei Sanctuary (Goa) and (vii) Srivilliputhur Grizzled Giant Squirrel / Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuaries / Varushanadu Valley (Tamil Nadu). 7. The revised Project Tiger guidelines have been issued to States for strengthening tiger conservation, which apart from ongoing activities, interalia, include funding support to States for

enhanced village relocation/rehabilitation package for people living in core or critical tiger habitats (from Rs. 1 lakh/family to Rs. 10 lakhs/family), rehabilitation/resettlement of communities involved in traditional hunting, mainstreaming livelihood and wildlife concerns in forests outside tiger reserves and fostering corridor conservation through restorative strategy to arrest habitat fragmentation. 8. A scientific methodology for estimating tiger (including co-predators, prey animals and assessment of habitat status) has been evolved and mainstreamed. The findings of this estimation/assessment are bench marks for future tiger conservation strategy. 9. An area of 33472.01 sq. km. has been notified by 16 Tiger States (out of 17) as core or critical tiger habitat under section 38V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2006 (Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Orissa, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal). The State of Bihar has taken a decision for notifying the core or critical tiger habitat of Valmiki Tiger Reserve. Financial steps 10. Financial and technical help is provided to the States under various Centrally Sponsored Schemes, viz. Project Tiger and Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats for enhancing the capacity and infrastructure of the States for providing effective protection to wild animals. International Cooperation 11. India has a Memorandum of Understanding with Nepal on controlling trans-boundary illegal trade in wildlife and conservation, apart from a protocol on tiger conservation with China. 12. A Global Tiger Forum of Tiger Range Countries has been created for addressing international issues related to tiger conservation. 13. During the 14th meeting of the Conference of Parties to CITES, which was held from 3rd to 15th June, 2007 at The Hague, India introduced a resolution along with China, Nepal and the Russian Federation, with directions to Parties with operations breeding tigers on a commercial scale, for restricting such captive populations to a level supportive only to conserving wild tigers. The resolution was adopted as a decision with minor amendments. Further, India made an intervention appealing to China to phase out tiger farming, and eliminate stockpiles of Asian big cats body parts and derivatives. The importance of continuing the ban on trade of body parts of tigers was emphasized. 14. Based on India’s strong intervention during the 58th meeting of the Standing Committee of the CITES at Geneva from 6th to 10th July, 2009, the CITES Secretariat has issued a notification to Parties to submit reports relating to compliance of Decisions 14.69 and 14.65 within 90 days with effect from 20.10.2009 (Progress made on restricting captive breeding operations of tigers etc.).

Reintroduction of Tigers 15. As a part of active management to rebuild Sariska and Panna Tiger Reserves where tigers have become locally extinct, reintroduction of tigers / tigresses have been done. 16. Special advisories issued for in-situ build up of prey base and tiger population through active management in tiger reserves having low population status of tiger and its prey. Creation of Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF)

17. The policy initiatives announced by the Finance Minister in his Budget Speech of 29.2.2008, interalia, contains action points relating to tiger protection. Based on the one time grant of Rs. 50.00 crore provided to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) for raising, arming and deploying a Special Tiger Protection Force, the proposal for the said force has been approved by the competent authority for 13 tiger reserves. Rs. 93 lakhs each has been released to Corbett, Ranthambhore & Dudhwa Tiger Reserve for creation of STPF during 2008-09. Since then, the guidelines of the STPF have been revised for deploying forest personnel in place of Police as an option-II, with scope for involving local people like the Van Gujjars. During the year 2011-12, an amount of Rs. 3 crores has been provided to the Similipal Tiger Reserve for raising, arming and deploying the STPF. 18. In collaboration with TRAFFIC-INDIA, an online tiger crime data base has been launched, and Generic Guidelines for preparation of reserve specific Security Plan has been evolved. Recent initiatives 1. Implementing a tripartite MOU with tiger States, linked to fund flows for effective implementation of tiger conservation initiatives. 2. Rapid assessment of tiger reserves done. 3. Special crack teams sent to tiger reserves affected by left wing extremism and low population status of tiger and its prey. 4. Chief Ministers of States having tiger reserves affected by left wing extremism and low population status of tiger and its prey addressed for taking special initiatives. 5. Steps taken for modernizing the infrastructure and field protection, besides launching ‘M-STrIPES’ for effective field patrolling and monitoring. 6. Steps taken for involvement of Non-Governmental Experts in the ongoing all India tiger estimation. 7. Initiatives taken for improving the field delivery through capacity building of field officials, apart from providing incentives.

8. Action initiated for using Information Technology to strengthen surveillance in tiger reserves (e-Eye). 9. The second round of country level tiger status assessment completed in 2010, with the findings indicating an increase with a tiger population estimate of 1706, lower and upper limits being 1520 and 1909 respectively, as compared to the last country level estimation of 2006, with an estimate of 1411, lower and upper limits being 1165 and 1657 respectively. 10. The second round of independent assessment of Management Effectiveness Evaluation of Tiger Reserves done in 2010-11 for 39 tiger reserves based on globally used framework. 11. The allocation for the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Project Tiger has been enhanced with additional new components, viz. change in funding pattern in respect of North Eastern States (90:10), raising compensation for man-animal conflict to Rs. 2 lakhs, acquisition of private land for making the core/critical tiger habitat inviolate, establishment of Tiger Safari, interpretation / awareness centres under the existing component of ‘co-existence agenda in buffer / fringe areas’ and management of such centers through the respective Panchayati Raj Institutions, and re-introduction of Cheetah. 12. Regional Offices of the National Tiger Conservation Authority sanctioned at Nagpur, Bengaluru and Guwahati. 13. As an outcome of the fourth Trans-border Consultative Group Meeting held in New Delhi, a joint resolution has been signed with Nepal for biodiversity / tiger conservation. 14. Tiger Reserve level monitoring launched (Phase-IV) to keep track of tiger source populations, besides developing a National Repository of Camera Trap Photographs of Tigers (NRCTPT).

***


RAJYA SABHA


Relocation of elephant herds in Hassan district, Karnataka

7 . Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar

(a) whether Government has prepared any action plan to relocate the elephant herds in Hassan district in Karnataka to larger elephant habitats or elephant camps;

(b) if not, by when this is likely to happen; and

(c) the areas that have been declared as elephant corridors?

ANSWER


(a) and (b)The management of elephant herds in States is dealt with by the State Government. Permission to capture and translocate the elephants to alternative suitable habitats for their scientific management is accorded by the Central Government under section 12 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 upon receipt of requests in this regard from the concerned State Governments. For a plan of relocation of elephants in Hassan District in Karnataka, permission was granted during November, 2011 to the Government of Karnataka to capture and translocate 25 elephants, subject to laid down conditions, in Alur range of Hassan division. No action in furtherance to the permission has, however, been taken by the State Government in view of the orders passed by the Hon’ble High court of Karnataka in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 14029 of 2008.

(c) Elephant corridors are identified and declared by the concerned State Governments. No elephant corridors have been declared by the Government of Karnataka so far.

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Glimpses of Initiatives taken for Elephant Conservation in India...

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