Current Affairs

Uttarakhand Tiger Translocation from CTR and New Tourism Sites Planned

Source:thestatesman ↗

Why It Matters

Directly relevant to Uttarakhand's administrative initiatives in wildlife conservation (Corbett Tiger Reserve) and state economic development through tourism diversification, mirroring frequent UKPSC exam themes.

Summary

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has instructed officials to explore and identify new tourist destinations across the state to expand the tourism sector and generate employment. Additionally, preparations for the tiger translocation from the Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) are set to begin soon, aiming to optimize wildlife management and conservation balance in the region.

Key Points

  • Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami directed officials to identify new tourist destinations across the state to boost local employment and economic growth.
  • Preparations are underway for the tiger translocation from Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) to other designated zones or reserves within Uttarakhand to manage tiger density and safeguard wildlife corridors.
  • The state government is placing significant emphasis on diversifying tourism beyond traditional circuits, enhancing infrastructure, and balancing ecological conservation with sustainable development.

Important Terms

Project Tiger

India's flagship centrally sponsored wildlife conservation program launched in 1973 to protect and maintain viable populations of the Bengal tiger in designated reserves across the country.

UPSC context

UKPSC Paper III (Environment & Ecology); tests knowledge of wildlife protection acts, conservation projects, and national parks.

Source
Corbett Tiger Reserve

India's first national park, established in 1936 as Hailey National Park in Uttarakhand, renowned for its rich biodiversity and high density of Bengal tigers.

UPSC context

UKPSC Prelims/Mains (Uttarakhand Geography & Biodiversity); tests awareness of state protected areas, ecotourism, and wildlife corridors.

Source
Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board

The apex state-level statutory body in Uttarakhand responsible for planning, developing, promoting, and regulating the tourism sector in an eco-friendly manner.

UPSC context

UKPSC Paper V (Uttarakhand Economy & Tourism); tests policy measures for state economic growth, employment generation, and homestay schemes.

Source

Prelims Trap

tiger translocation from Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) to other designated zones or reserves within Uttarakhand

Aspirants often assume tiger translocation means moving tigers out of Uttarakhand, whereas it typically involves intra-state movement between reserves like Corbett and Rajaji to manage density.

Static Concepts Connected

Environment & Wildlife Conservation

What are the key statutory bodies and guidelines governing Tiger Conservation in India?

  • NTCA Mandate: Statutory body established under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, providing funding and guidelines for tiger reserves.
  • Project Tiger: Launched in 1973 by the Government of India to ensure a viable tiger population for scientific, economic, and aesthetic values.
  • Corbett History: Established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, later renamed Jim Corbett, becoming India's first tiger reserve in 1973.

Cross-Topic Patterns

  • Tiger Translocation & Eco-tourism Carrying Capacity

    Balancing high tiger density in core zones like CTR with eco-tourism expansion requires strict adherence to NTCA wildlife corridors and carrying capacity norms.

UKPSC loves wildlife conservation stats: expect matching questions on Uttarakhand tiger census counts and translocation reserve pairs.

Linked PYQs · 2

Linked PYQs · 2

  • 2024UKPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    Which of the following National Park of Uttarakhand has been included in Project Tiger Scheme in 2015 ?

  • 2024UKPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    UTDB is established in Uttarakhand to promote: