In a recent development, the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) revoked its plan to merge four key environmental bodies in India – the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Forest Survey of India (FSI), Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), and Central Zoo Authority (CZA). This decision follows a period of public debate and criticism over the potential implications of the merger. This article explores the functions of each organization, the rationale behind the proposed merger, the criticisms it faced, and the subsequent reversal decision.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
Established in 2005 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, the NTCA aims to provide legal authority to Project Tiger and enhance accountability in tiger reserve management. It approves conservation plans, prevents ecologically unsustainable use of tiger reserves, and conducts tiger census across India every four years.
Forest Survey of India (FSI)
Founded in 1981, FSI assesses the country’s forest cover using remote sensing satellite data and publishes biennial ‘State of Forest Report’ (SFR). It contributes to informed forest management through its data-driven insights and provides training to forestry officials across states.
Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB)
Established in 2007 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, WCCB gathers intelligence on organized wildlife crimes, coordinates enforcement actions, and assists international efforts against wildlife crime. It plays a pivotal role in combating illegal activities threatening India’s diverse fauna.
Central Zoo Authority (CZA)
Founded in 1992, CZA complements national biodiversity conservation efforts, ensuring that zoos meet defined standards. It facilitates technical and financial assistance, implements breeding programs, and guides animal transfers among zoos.
Rationale behind the Proposed Merger
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the government proposed merging these organizations into a single entity. The intention was to centralize operations into 19 regional offices, streamlining functions. However, this proposal drew intense criticism from environmental activists who argued that merging such diverse bodies could weaken their individual mandates.
Critics’ Concerns and Merger Implications
The proposed merger was met with concerns over the potential loss of the distinct mandates of these organizations. Critics argued that it could undermine the ability of bodies like NTCA to challenge projects that threatened protected areas. The merger would have placed NTCA under the Deputy Director General of Forests, raising fears of diminished autonomy.
Reversal Decision and Possible Reasons
In June 2023, the MoEF&CC abandoned the merger plan, likely due to technical and administrative challenges in executing such a significant reorganization. This decision was applauded by environmentalists, who emphasized the importance of maintaining the specialized functions of these bodies.
UPSC Mains Questions
- What were the main objectives of the National Tiger Conservation Authority, and how does it contribute to tiger conservation in India?
- Explain the role of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau in combating wildlife crimes. How does it collaborate with other enforcement agencies?
- Analyze the potential benefits and drawbacks of centralizing operations of NTCA, FSI, WCCB, and CZA into regional offices. How might this centralization affect their collaborative efforts and autonomy?
