National Tiger Conservation Authority

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) was founded in India in December 2005, based on a recommendation put forth by the Tiger Task Force. The Prime Minister of India established the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to streamline the management of Project Tiger and numerous Tiger Reserves of India.

Background
In 1973, the Government of India, in collaboration with the WWF, initiated a conservation program known as the Tiger Protection Program, commonly referred to as Project Tiger.

In June 2010, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) conducted a comprehensive survey utilizing camera traps for tiger population estimation, diverging from the conventional method of footprint counting (pugmarks). The report titled Status of the Tigers, Co-predators, and Prey in India, published by the National Tiger Conservation Authority, revealed a significant discrepancy from previous estimates, suggesting that the tiger population in India might have been overestimated. The survey indicated the presence of approximately 1411 adult tigers in India, with additional uncensused tigers in the Sundarbans region.

For instance, across 16 reserves spanning Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh, the tiger population is estimated to be approximately 490, marking a significant decline of 60% from the previously estimated 1,233 tigers in these areas in 2002. The 2002 survey had suggested a total tiger population of 3,500 in India, while the recent survey indicates a reduced figure of just 1,400 remaining tigers nationwide.

Translocating villagers out of tiger reserves can be considered an effective strategy, provided it is carried out with sensitivity. This approach offers villagers improved access to education and healthcare while enabling them to engage in farming without the risk of tiger attacks. Additionally, the absence of human disturbance allows the tiger's prey to thrive, while making it more challenging for poachers to operate.

In China, despite a ban on domestic trade in tiger body parts instituted 14 years ago, reports suggest that approximately 5,000 tigers are confined to small cages, primarily for exhibition purposes. A recent investigation conducted by EIA with assistance from WPSI revealed that the illegal trade in tiger skins and bones persists in Tibet and China. Owners of these captive tigers, which are often inbred and unfit for survival in the wild, appear to be aiming to monopolize this clandestine business once wild tigers are declared extinct. Such captive tigers, if released into the wild, would likely contribute to the demise of the species in its natural habitat.

Farmers openly acknowledge that tigers are hunted for their body parts, which are sought after for use in Traditional Medicine. During the CITES conference in June, China proposed an amendment to the Convention text regulating the trade in tiger parts. This proposal aimed to authorize China to trade in 'parts and derivatives' obtained from captive-bred tigers. However, the proposal was rejected by the CITES Parties. Instead, a significant decision was made stating that 'tigers should not be bred for trade in their parts and derivatives'.

The most recent audit conducted by the Authority in 2018 estimated the population of wild tigers at 2967, marking an increase of 33% since 2014.

Organisation
The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 underwent an amendment in 2006, establishing the National Tiger Conservation Authority responsible for implementing the Project Tiger plan aimed at safeguarding endangered tigers. Chaired by the Minister for Environment and Forests, the Authority comprises eight experts or professionals with qualifications and experience in wildlife conservation and the welfare of local communities, including tribal populations. Additionally, three Members of Parliament, two elected by the House of the People and one by the Council of States, serve on the Authority. The Inspector General of Forests, overseeing Project Tiger, holds the position of ex-officio Member Secretary.

The Authority is tasked with establishing normative standards and guidelines for tiger conservation within Tiger Reserves, as well as National Parks and Sanctuaries. Its responsibilities include providing information on protection measures such as conservation plans, tiger estimation, disease surveillance, mortality surveys, patrolling activities, and reports on any untoward incidents. Additionally, it oversees various management aspects related to conservation planning.

The Authority also facilitates and supports tiger reserve management in the States by promoting eco-development and encouraging people's participation in line with approved management plans. It extends support to similar initiatives in neighboring areas, ensuring alignment with both Central and state laws.

The Tiger Conservation Authority is mandated to prepare an Annual Report, which is subsequently presented in Parliament alongside the Audit Report for scrutiny.

State-level Steering Committees are established in the Tiger States, chaired by their respective Chief Ministers. This measure, proposed by the Tiger Task Force established by the Prime Minister, aims to enhance coordination, monitoring, and protection efforts for tigers within the states.

Provisions are in place for state governments to formulate a comprehensive Tiger Conservation Plan. This plan encompasses staff training and deployment to ensure the safeguarding and development of tiger reserves, while also ensuring sustainable forestry practices in surrounding areas. Additionally, measures are in place to safeguard the agricultural, livelihood, and developmental interests of communities residing within or near forested areas and tiger reserves. Clear delineation of core and buffer areas helps prevent ambiguity in management and conservation efforts.

States will have the opportunity to establish Tiger Conservation Foundations, drawing from successful models implemented in various tiger reserves. These foundations will operate as trusts, established in accordance with relevant state laws. They will be granted administrative autonomy by the state government to generate funds and promote activities such as eco-tourism and eco-development in collaboration with local communities.

The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2006
The Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2006 (No. 39 of 2006) became effective on September 4, 2006. This legislation establishes the National Tiger Conservation Authority and the Tiger and Other Endangered Species Crime Control Bureau, also known as the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau.

Over the years, the necessity for a Statutory Authority with legal authority to enforce tiger conservation measures has become apparent. Following recommendations from the National Board for Wildlife, a Task Force was established to address the challenges facing tiger conservation in the country. Among its recommendations, the Task Force proposed enhancing Project Tiger by granting it statutory and administrative authority, along with establishing the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau. Additionally, it suggested the submission of an annual report to the Central Government for presentation in Parliament, to ensure ongoing commitment to Project Tiger and address local community concerns.

The National Tiger Conservation Authority will facilitate Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with States within the federal system for tiger conservation efforts. It will also provide oversight by Parliament. Additionally, it will address the livelihood interests of local communities in areas surrounding Tiger Reserves, ensuring that the rights of Scheduled Tribes and other residents are not infringed upon or adversely affected. Clear definitions have been established for core (critical) and buffer (peripheral) areas while safeguarding the interests of Scheduled Tribes and other forest dwellers.

The functions and powers of the Authority include, among others: approving Tiger Conservation Plans prepared by States, setting normative standards for tiger conservation, providing information on various aspects such as protection measures, tiger estimation, and patrolling, addressing human-wildlife conflicts and promoting coexistence with local communities, preparing annual reports for presentation to Parliament, establishing Steering Committees by States, overseeing the preparation of tiger protection and conservation plans by States, safeguarding the agricultural and livelihood interests of people residing in and around Tiger Reserves, and assisting States in establishing tiger conservation foundations to support their development efforts.

The National Tiger Conservation Authority was notified on September 4, 2006, initially for a three-year period. The Authority is chaired by the Minister for Environment and Forests, with the Minister of State for Environment and Forests serving as the vice-chairperson. Official members include representatives from various ministries such as Environment and Forests, Tribal Affairs, Social Justice and Empowerment, as well as from commissions related to Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes. Additionally, members from the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Wildlife Preservation department are part of the Authority, along with six chief wildlife wardens from Tiger Reserve States on a rotational basis. Three Members of Parliament are nominated by the Parliament, and an officer from the Ministry of Law and Justice is also nominated. The Ministry of Environment and Forests is responsible for selecting eight non-official experts or professionals with specified qualifications and experience, including at least two from the field of tribal development. The Inspector General of Forests in charge of Project Tiger serves as the Member Secretary of the Authority.

The ministry is currently establishing the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, in accordance with provisions outlined in recent amendments. The Bureau's functions include gathering intelligence on wildlife crime, coordinating with State Governments and other relevant authorities, developing infrastructure, and enhancing capacity for scientific and professional investigation of wildlife crimes. Additionally, it will support State Governments in prosecuting such crimes effectively.

The penalty for offenses related to the core area of a tiger reserve or hunting within the reserve has been elevated. A first conviction in such offenses carries a sentence of imprisonment ranging from three to seven years, along with a fine ranging from fifty thousand to two lakh rupees. Subsequent convictions entail imprisonment of no less than seven years, and a fine of no less than five lakh rupees, which may extend to fifty lakh rupees.