Satkosia Tiger Reserve

Source: TH

Context: Satkosia Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha faces human-wildlife conflict as 674 families have been relocated from forest areas under the tiger conservation initiative.

• Despite resettlement efforts, STR remains one of the four notified tiger reserves in India without a single tiger.

About Satkosia Tiger Reserve:

• Location: Spans Angul, Cuttack, Boudh, and Nayagarh districts in Odisha.

• Established: 2007, by merging Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary (1976) and Baisipali Wildlife Sanctuary (1981).

• Total Area: 1,136.70 sq. km.

• Geographical Significance: A transitional zone between Eastern Ghats and Deccan Plateau, promoting rich biodiversity.

• Fauna: Previously home to 12 tigers (2007), but the 2022 census found none; shelters elephants, leopards, mugger crocodiles, wild dogs, and 200+ bird species.

• Flora: Houses 400+ plant species, including Sal, Mahua, Bamboo, and medicinal plants.

• Ramsar Site: Recognized as a wetland of international importance.

• Tiger Reintroduction: Initiated in 2018 with two tigers from Madhya Pradesh; failed due to poaching and mismanagement.

• Human Settlements: 234 villages in the surrounding impact zone, creating conflicts over land and resources.

National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)

What is NTCA?

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), responsible for tiger conservation and habitat management in India.

Established In:

• 2006, under Section 38L of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (Amendment 2006).

Chaired By:

• Union Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change.

• Vice-Chairperson: Minister of State (MoEFCC).

• Members: Includes experts in wildlife, ecology, and environmental law.

Structure of NTCA:

• Chairperson: Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change.

• Vice-Chairperson: Minister of State (MoEFCC).

• Members: –Secretary (MoEFCC), Director General of Forests & Special Secretary, Chief Wildlife Wardens from Tiger Reserve States, Experts from Wildlife, Tribal Affairs, and Environmental Law, NGO Representatives in Wildlife Conservation

Functions & Powers of NTCA:

• Implementation of Project Tiger: -Oversees funding and management of all 58 tiger reserves.

• Approval of Tiger Conservation Plans (TCPs): Ensures scientific management of tiger habitats.

• Habitat Protection & Corridor Development:-Focuses on minimizing human-wildlife conflict and expanding buffer zones.

• Monitoring & Evaluation: -Conducts tiger population assessments every four years using M-STrIPES technology.

• Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation: –Relocation of villages from core zones under voluntary resettlement programs.

• Legal Authority: -Empowers states to declare, demarcate, and manage tiger reserves.

• Public Awareness & Capacity Building: -Promotes eco-tourism, community involvement, and anti-poaching initiatives.