Consider the following statements: Once the Central Government notifies an area as a ‘Community Reserve’
1. the Chief Wildlife Warden of the State becomes the governing authority of such forest
2. hunting is not allowed in such area
3. people of such area are allowed to collect non-timber forest produce
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
3 only
1, 2 and 3
Answer is Right!
Answer is Wrong!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2023
Statement 1 is incorrect. According to Section 36C(1)(a) of the Act, where the State Government declares any community land or private land as a Community Reserve, the area shall be constituted and managed by a Community Reserve Management Committee. While the Chief Wildlife Warden plays a crucial administrative and oversight role, the ‘governing authority’ of the reserve is the Management Committee.Statement 2 is correct. Hunting is strictly prohibited in a Community Reserve (Section 36C(3)(a)). This is a fundamental protective measure under the Act.
Statement 3 is correct. The Act allows for traditional practices, including the collection of non-timber forest produce, that are consistent with the conservation of wildlife and its habitat, provided they do not adversely affect the wildlife therein. The notification process and management involve consulting the community and incorporating their customary rights and practices where compatible with conservation. (See Section 36C(3)(b) and the intent behind involving local communities).
– Community Reserves are declared under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
– They are managed by a Community Reserve Management Committee.
– Hunting is prohibited.
– Traditional uses like NTFP collection are allowed if compatible with conservation.