Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:-

(a) the total number of poaching cases detected in Kaziranga Sanctuary this year so far:

(b) the total budget allotted for the operation of this sanctuary and also for all the forest parks/sanctuaries with details for each; and

(c) the steps being taken by Government to prevent poaching and protect wildlife in the sanctuary ?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS
(SHRI S. REGUPATHY)

(a) As per the information received from the State Government, four cases of poaching have been detected in Kaziranga National Park in 2008.

(b) Government of India provides financial and technical assistance to State/UT Governments for conservation and protection of wildlife in the national parks and sanctuaries under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes viz.-“Assistance for Development of National Parks and Sanctuaries”, “Project Tiger” and “Project Elephant”. The funds released during 2007-08 under various Centrally Sponsored Schemes are at Annexure. During 2007-08, an amount of Rs. 36.60 lakhs were released for Kaziranga National Park. under the Scheme -“Assistance for Development of National Parks and Sanctuaries”.

(c) The steps taken by Government of India to protect wildlife and prevent poaching in the sanctuary, inter alia, include the following:

1. The Central Government has enacted the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 to deal with the issues of wildlife conservation including wildlife crime. Stringent penalties are imposed on the offenders for the contravention of the provisions of the Act.
2. Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, with a network of five Regional and three Sub Regional Offices, has been set up to control wildlife crime.
3. Financial support is being provided under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes viz. –Development of National Parks and Sanctuaries, Protect Tiger and Project Elephant to State/UT Governments for the conservation and protection of wildlife and its habitats in the sanctuary.
4. Intensive patrolling in sensitive protected areas is carried out in coordination with other law enforcement agencies.
5. Nature awareness campaigns for the public are conducted regularly.

Annexure

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (b) OF THE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3266 DUE FOR REPLY ON 24.4.2008 REGARDING “KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK”

Details of the funds released during 2007-08 under various Centrally Sponsored Schemes

Rs. In Lakhs