Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements:
Once the Central Government notifies an area as a ‘Community Reserve’:
The Chief Wildlife Warden of the State becomes the governing authority of such forest.
Hunting is not allowed in such area.
People of such area are allowed to collect non-timber forest produce.
People of such area are allowed traditional agricultural practices.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
Only one
Only two
Only three
All four
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Solution
Under Section 36C of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, a Community Reserve may be declared over private or community land that is not already part of a National Park, Sanctuary or Conservation Reserve, where an individual or community has volunteered to conserve wildlife and its habitat.
Under the Act, a Community Reserve is declared by the State Government.
Statement 1 is incorrect. The Chief Wildlife Warden does not become the governing authority of a Community Reserve. Under Section 36D, the State Government constitutes a Community Reserve Management Committee.
The Committee:
Is responsible for conservation and management of the Community Reserve.
Is the competent authority to prepare and implement its management plan.
Takes measures necessary for protecting wildlife and its habitat.
Includes representatives of the Gram Panchayat or Gram Sabha and a representative of the State Forest or Wildlife Department.
Elects a chairperson who serves as the Honorary Wildlife Warden of the Community Reserve.
Statement 2 is correct. A Community Reserve is a protected area, and hunting is not permitted under the Wild Life (Protection) Act. Section 9 generally prohibits the hunting of scheduled wild animals except in narrowly defined circumstances authorised by the Act.
Statement 3 is correct. Community Reserves are based on community participation, conservation and sustainable use. Subject to the management plan and rules framed by the Management Committee, local people may continue collecting non-timber forest produce.
Non-timber forest produce may include honey, bamboo, medicinal plants, fruits, seeds, leaves and gums.
Statement 4 is correct. Community Reserves are generally created over community-owned or private land. Pre-existing traditional agricultural activities may continue subject to the management plan.
However, after notification, the land-use pattern cannot be changed without a resolution of the Community Reserve Management Committee and approval of the State Government.