Tree Girdling and Encroachment Threats in Udanti Sitanadi Reserve
Source:Indian Express ↗
આ શા માટે મહત્વનું છે
This incident brings attention to illegal encroachments and destructive practices like tree girdling within protected tiger reserves, directly testing the efficacy of wildlife protection laws and forest management frameworks in India.
સારાંશ
A report highlighting large-scale tree girdling and illegal encroachment inside the Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh, underlining threats to forest ecosystems, wildlife conservation, and protected area management.
મુખ્ય મુદ્દા
- Large-scale tree girdling and illegal encroachment have been reported in the Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh.
- Tree girdling involves stripping bark completely around a tree trunk to kill it deliberately, often done to clear land for farming or occupation.
- Such incidents pose severe threats to critical tiger habitats, wildlife corridors, and forest biodiversity, undermining conservation efforts.
- Encroachments highlight vulnerabilities in local forest governance, enforcement of the Wildlife Protection Act, and tensions regarding forest rights management.
મહત્વપૂર્ણ શબ્દો
Tree Girdling
A forestry practice where a strip of bark is removed completely around the circumference of a tree trunk, interrupting nutrient and water transport to kill the tree intentionally.
UPSC context
Important for GS Paper III (Environment, Protected Area Management); tests illegal forest degradation methods and habitat destruction inside tiger reserves.
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
An overarching statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, established under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, to oversee tiger conservation and Project Tiger.
UPSC context
Crucial for GS Paper III (Biodiversity and Conservation); tests institutional frameworks, statutory bodies, and governance mechanisms for protected areas.
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
A central legislation enacted in 1972 to provide protection to wild animals, birds, and plants, and manage sanctuaries, national parks, and tiger reserves across India.
UPSC context
Fundamental for GS Paper III (Environmental Governance); tests legal provisions governing wildlife crimes, protected area networks, and penalties.
Forest Department of Chhattisgarh
An administrative and law-enforcement body responsible for managing forest resources, wildlife protection, and enforcing environmental laws at the state level in Chhattisgarh.
UPSC context
Relevant to GS Paper III (State-level administration and environmental governance); tests ground-level enforcement challenges against illegal encroachment and timber poaching.
સંલગ્ન સ્થિર ખ્યાલો
What are the legal provisions governing Critical Tiger Habitats (CTHs) in India?
- Notification Process: Declared by the state government in consultation with the NTCA based on scientific evidence.
- Strict Dereservation: No dereservation is permitted except in public interest with NTCA approval and National Board for Wildlife clearance.
- Inviolate Space: Human presence is generally not permitted, and voluntary relocation is carried out with a comprehensive package.
આંતર-વિષય પેટર્ન
Protected Areas vs. Forest Rights Act
Tree girdling and illegal encroachments within tiger reserves test the balance between conservation under the Wildlife Protection Act and livelihood claims under the Forest Rights Act.
NTCA Mandate and Federal Forest Governance
The destruction of critical tiger habitats highlights regulatory enforcement gaps in state-level forest governance and NTCA oversight mechanisms.
Tiger reserve encroachments and CTH management loopholes frequently appear as statement-based questions combining the WLPA and FRA.
સંલગ્ન PYQ · 2
સંલગ્ન PYQ · 2
- 2026PrelimsGS1
With reference to Madhav National Park, which of the following statements is/are correct ? 1. It was declared a Tiger Reserve in India in 2025. 2. Sakhya Sagar, which is designated as a Ramsar Site, is situated within this National Park. 3. Its area is shared between Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Select the answer using the code given below :
- 2020PrelimsGS1
Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under "Critical Tiger Habitat"?
