Uttarakhand Tourism Expansion and Corbett Tiger Translocation Plan
Source:thestatesman ↗
Why It Matters
Directly relates to Uttarakhand's state-specific geography, wildlife management (Project Tiger/Corbett and Rajaji reserves), and tourism economy, which are core focus areas for UKPSC PCS Prelims.
Summary
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami directed state officials to explore and identify new tourist destinations to diversify tourism and promote balanced regional development. Additionally, preparations are underway to begin tiger translocation from the Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) to other reserve habitats in the state as part of wildlife management and conservation efforts.
Key Points
- Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami directed officials to identify and develop new tourist destinations across the state to ease congestion and promote offbeat locations.
- The tiger translocation program from the Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) to other designated wildlife areas in Uttarakhand is set to commence soon to manage tiger density and wildlife conservation.
- Emphasis is being laid on boosting infrastructure, homestay schemes, and sustainable ecotourism to generate employment for local youth in rural and remote hill areas.
Important Terms
Project Tiger
A nationwide wildlife conservation project launched in 1973 by the Government of India to protect the endangered Bengal tiger and its natural habitats through designated tiger reserves.
UPSC context
Important for UKPSC Paper III (Environment, Biodiversity, and Wildlife Conservation), testing knowledge of national conservation projects and protected area management.
Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board
The nodal executive body of the Uttarakhand government responsible for formulating tourism policy, developing infrastructure, and promoting sustainable tourism across the state.
UPSC context
Important for UKPSC Paper V (Uttarakhand Economy and Geography), testing governance, tourism policy, and regional development initiatives.
Prelims Trap
Uttarakhand state forest department can independently execute tiger translocations from Corbett Tiger Reserve to other reserves.
Aspirants often assume state governments have sole authority to translocate tigers, overlooking the mandatory statutory clearance required from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
Static Concepts Connected
What are the key statutory bodies and guidelines governing Tiger Reserves in India?
- Statutory Origin: Established under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, following the launch of Project Tiger in 1973.
- NTCA Role: A statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, providing oversight for tiger conservation.
- NTCA Approval: Mandatory for any translocation of tigers between reserves, ensuring ecological viability and genetic health.
Cross-Topic Patterns
Tiger Translocation vs Tourism Pressures
Corbett's high tiger density forces translocations to Rajaji, intersecting state tourism promotion near wildlife corridors with eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) regulations.
Homestay Schemes and Reverse Migration
Deen Dayal Upadhyay Home-Stay scheme connects rural development targets with efforts to stem outward migration from hill districts.
Expect statement-based questions on NTCA's role in tiger translocation between Corbett and Rajaji, plus homestay scheme financial caps.
Linked PYQs · 4
Linked PYQs · 4
- 2024UKPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Which of the following National Park of Uttarakhand has been included in Project Tiger Scheme in 2015 ?
- 2007UKPSC_PRELIMSGS1
In Uttarakhand which of the following wild life reserve is a Tiger Reserve?
- 2016UKPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Which of the following National Parks of Uttarakhand has been included in 'Project Tiger Scheme' in 2016?
- 2024UKPSC_PRELIMSGS1
UTDB is established in Uttarakhand to promote:
