National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)

Recently, the Supreme Court of India has sought responses from the Centre, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), and other concerned parties regarding a Public Interest Litigation (PIL). This PIL seeks a CBI probe into an alleged organised tiger-poaching and illegal wildlife trade racket operating in states like Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

About the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body created to provide statutory authority to the Project Tiger initiative. Established under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (WPA 1972), it plays a pivotal role in tiger conservation in India.

Establishment & Authority:

• Year Established: 2006

• Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC)

Key Objectives:

1. Statutory Support for Project Tiger: The NTCA provides a legal framework to the Project Tiger scheme, ensuring that directives are legally binding.

2. Support for Tiger Range States: It provides financial support and strategic guidance to states for the in-situ conservation of tigers in designated tiger reserves.

3. Accountability and Coordination: The NTCA fosters coordination between the Center and State for managing tiger reserves and ensuring accountability in conservation efforts.

4. Livelihood Support for Local Communities: It addresses the livelihood needs of local populations in and around tiger reserves, balancing conservation with local economic needs.

5. Parliamentary Oversight: NTCA ensures parliamentary oversight for tiger conservation initiatives.

Composition of the NTCA

The NTCA is a multi-tiered body with representation from various sectors of the government:

• Chairperson: The Minister in charge of MoEFCC.

• Vice-Chairperson: The Minister of State in MoEFCC.

• Other Members: Three members from Parliament, the Secretary of MoEFCC, and additional members with expertise in various areas related to wildlife conservation.

Powers and Functions of NTCA

The NTCA has a comprehensive mandate under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (amended in 2006), focusing on ensuring the long-term conservation of tigers and their habitats.

Key Functions:

1. Approval of Conservation Plans: It approves the tiger conservation plans proposed by state governments to ensure their alignment with national objectives.

2. Protection and Habitat Management:

   • Ensures that tiger reserves and adjoining areas are protected from ecologically unsustainable activities, such as mining and industrial development.

   • Regulates tourism activities in tiger reserves to ensure they are sustainable.

3. Conflict Management:

   • Focuses on mitigating human-wildlife conflicts, especially between local communities and tigers, outside protected areas.

4. Research and Monitoring:

   • Facilitates research on tigers, co-predators, prey species, and related ecological factors. It also monitors tiger populations, prey densities, and habitat quality.

5. Capacity Building:

   • It runs training and capacity-building programs for forest officials and other stakeholders to enhance their skills in tiger conservation and management.

6. Sustainable Eco-Development:

   • Promotes eco-development activities around tiger reserves, supporting local communities with alternative livelihoods that do not conflict with conservation goals.

7. Issue Directions for Protection:

   • The NTCA has the authority to issue binding directions to any individual or authority for the protection of tigers and their habitats.

Challenges in Tiger Conservation

The recent PIL regarding poaching and illegal wildlife trade highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the NTCA and other wildlife agencies:

1. Poaching and Illegal Trade: Despite the NTCA’s efforts, illegal poaching of tigers for their skins, bones, and other body parts continues to be a major threat.

2. Human-Wildlife Conflict: In areas with high human populations near tiger reserves, conflicts can arise when tigers stray into villages, leading to both human and animal casualties.

3. Pressure from Development: Infrastructure projects, such as roads and dams, often threaten tiger habitats, leading to fragmentation and loss of connectivity between reserves.

4. Lack of Resources: Despite being a statutory body, the NTCA often faces resource constraints, including limited funding for long-term conservation and monitoring.

Conclusion

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is an essential institution for the protection and management of India's tiger population. Its role is critical not only for ensuring the survival of tigers but also for maintaining the health of the ecosystems they inhabit. The recent Supreme Court petition underlines the need for stronger action against poaching and illegal wildlife trade, which remains a constant challenge. Going forward, the NTCA’s focus on coordinated management, sustainable development, and community involvement will be crucial for the long-term success of Project Tiger.