UPSC Prelims 2018 Question:

Consider the following statements:

1. The definition of "Critical Wildlife Habitat" is incorporated in the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
2. For the first time in India, Baigas have been given Habitat Rights.
3. Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change officially decides and declares Habitat Rights for Primitive and Vulnerable Tribal Groups in any part of India.
   
   

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Explanation:

• The phrase ‘Critical Wildlife Habitat’ is defined only in the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006. So, statement 1 is correct.
  
  
• The phrase ‘Core or Critical Tiger Habitat’ is mentioned only in the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
  
  
• The Government of Madhya Pradesh, for the first time, had recognised the habitat rights of the Baigas community, residing in the villages of Dindori district of the state. So, statement 2 is correct.
  
  
• To initiate the process of recognition habitat rights of Primitive and Vulnerable Tribal Groups. A meeting is held of the District Level Committee regarding this. It is followed by a preparatory meeting with the local NGOs/ Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) officials and District Level Committee members where the guideline and methodology on the Habitat Rights claim making process was discussed.  So, statement 3 is not correct.
  
  

Therefore, option (1) is the correct answer.

Subject: Environment | Protected Areas