The Union Cabinet has recently approved the continuation of Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) scheme with a financial outlay of ₹2,602.98 crore for the 15th Finance Commission cycle.
About the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats:
- A centrally sponsored umbrella scheme to enhance wildlife habitats, support species conservation, and promote technological interventions.
- Initiated by: The Ministry of Environment.
Key Components:
- Project Tiger:
- Focus: Conservation of tigers across 55 tiger reserves in 18 states.
- Technological Tools: Utilizes M-STrIPES for monitoring and AI for species identification.
- Project Elephant: Conservation of elephants, addressing human-elephant conflict, and protecting their habitats.
- Development of Wildlife Habitat:
- Projects Included: Project Dolphin and Project Lion.
- Support for equipment like Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) for dolphin enumeration.
Technological Interventions:
- The scheme aims to integrate technology in wildlife conservation efforts.
- M-STrIPES: A mobile application for day-to-day management and ecological data collection.
- AI Utilization: Employed in All-India Tiger Estimation for species identification.
Benefits of the Scheme:
- Protected Areas: Supports 55 tiger reserves, 33 elephant reserves, and 718 protected areas.
- Climate Change Resilience: Forests serve as a bulwark against climate change and ensure water security.
- Biodiversity Protection: Focus on keystone species like tigers, elephants, and lions as indicators of ecosystem health.
Sub-Schemes Under IDWH:
- Project Tiger (1973): Aims to benefit tigers and their habitats.
- Project Elephant (1992):
- Aims to protect elephants, their habitats, and corridors.
- Addresses human-animal conflict and welfare of captive elephants.
- Implemented in 22 elephant range states and Union Territories.
- Species Recovery Program: Supports recovery of 22 critically endangered species.
Recent Developments:
- Merging of Projects: As of FY 2023-24, Project Tiger and Project Elephant have been merged under a single initiative.
- Human-Elephant Conflict Mitigation: Plans to leverage information and communication technology for broader deployment of conflict resolution strategies.
Ref: Source
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Frequently Asked Question:
What is the IDWH scheme?
The Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) is a centrally sponsored scheme for enhancing wildlife habitats and species conservation.
What are the key components of the IDWH scheme?
The key components are Project Tiger, Project Elephant, and wildlife habitat development, including Project Dolphin and Project Lion.
What technological tools are used in the IDWH scheme?
The scheme uses tools like M-STrIPES for tiger monitoring and AI for species identification.
How does the IDWH scheme benefit biodiversity?
The scheme helps protect keystone species like tigers, elephants, and lions, which serve as indicators of ecosystem health.
What is the financial outlay for the IDWH scheme in the 15th Finance Commission cycle?
The financial outlay for the IDWH scheme is ₹2,602.98 crore for the current cycle.