Goa Directed to Establish Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary as Tiger Reserve

सही उत्तर: B

Statement 1 is correct: The NTCA was constituted under Section 38L(1) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2006, making it a statutory body. Statement 2 is incorrect: The State Government notifies a Tiger Reserve on the recommendation of the NTCA. While land acquisition or changes in land use might involve legislative processes, the notification of a Tiger Reserve itself does not typically require State Legislative Assembly approval, but rather a decision by the State Government based on NTCA's advice. Statement 3 is correct: Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Goa, which is part of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot. Therefore, statements 1 and 3 are correct.

सही उत्तर: A

Statement A is NOT correct: Critical Tiger Habitats (CTHs) are identified and notified by the *State Governments* in consultation with the expert committee constituted for the purpose and with the approval of the NTCA. The process involves consultation with local communities, but the notification authority lies with the State Government, not the Central Government. Statement B is correct: Project Tiger was indeed launched in 1973 to protect tigers and their habitats. Statement C is correct: One of the key functions of the NTCA is to approve Tiger Conservation Plans prepared by the State Governments. Statement D is correct: M-STrIPES (Monitoring System for Tigers – Intensive Protection and Ecological Status) is an important tool for tiger monitoring and protection.

सही उत्तर: C

Statement 1 is correct: The news explicitly mentions Mhadei as a crucial tiger corridor connecting to Anshi-Dandeli Tiger Reserve, which is vital for maintaining genetic diversity and long-term tiger survival. Statement 2 is correct: The Western Ghats are indeed one of the world's 36 biodiversity hotspots, known for their high levels of endemism and rich biodiversity. Statement 3 is incorrect: While relocation of human settlements is often required from 'core areas' of Tiger Reserves to minimize human-wildlife conflict and ensure inviolate space for tigers, it is not necessarily mandated for 'buffer zones'. Buffer zones are managed for conservation-oriented land use and often involve local communities in eco-development and sustainable resource management, rather than complete relocation. The process of relocation from core areas also involves rehabilitation packages and is not always 'complete' or immediate. Therefore, statements 1 and 2 are correct.