Lok Sabha Question No. 2351 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-04
Subject: Safeguard of Endangered Species
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Shri Rao Rajendra Singh

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## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2351

TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.08.2025

## Safeguard of Endangered Species

## 2351.  SHRI RAO RAJENDRA SINGH:

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

- (a) the steps taken/being taken to safeguard endangered species in the country, particularly in the context of climate change;
- (b) the steps taken/being taken in order to encourage local communities to participate in biodiversity conservation;
- (c) whether there  is any  devolution  of funds,  specifically for  increasing  protected  areas and wildlife corridors in critical ecosystems; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  ENVIRONMENT,  FOREST  AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

- (a) to (d) The Government has taken various measures for protection and conservation of wildlife including endangered species. The important measures are as follows:

i. Creation of Protected Areas (National Parks, Sanctuaries, Community Reserves and  Conservation  Reserves)  under  the  provisions  of  the  Wild  Life  (Protection) Act, 1972 for the conservation of wildlife and its habitats.

ii.  Eco-Sensitive  Zones  (ESZs)  have  been  notified  around  National  parks  and Sanctuaries under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

iii.  The  Coastal  Regulation  Zone  (CRZ)  Notification,  2019,  promulgated  under Environment  (Protection)  Act  1986,  has  special  focus  on  conservation  and management  plans  of  Ecologically  Sensitive  Areas  (ESAs),  like  mangroves, seagrasses, sand dunes, corals and coral reefs, biologically active mudflats, turtle nesting grounds, and horse shoe crabs' habitats.

iv. Financial assistance is provided to State Governments and UT Administrations for management of wildlife and development of its habitat under the  Centrally  sponsored  scheme  'Development  of  Wildlife  Habitats',  'Project Tiger and Elephant'. The local communities are engaged in activities supported under  the  schemes  such  as  protection,  monitoring  wildlife,  human  wildlife conflict mitigation, management of ecotourism, awareness campaigns, etc.

v. The Ministry also provides financial assistance for promoting afforestation and forest conservation in the country, which include the National Mission for  a  Green  India  (GIM),  which    aims  to  protect,  restore  and  enhance India's forest cover and respond to climate change. vi. A  specific component of 'Recovery programme for saving critically endangered  species  and  habitats'  is  provided  under  the  Centrally  Sponsored Scheme 'Development of Wildlife Habitats' for focused conservation action on identified 24 critically endangered species. Biodiversity Management  Committees  (BMCs)  and  preparation  of  People's  Biodiversity traditional vii. Biological Diversity Act, 2002, provides for creation of Register (PBR)  for documentation of biological resources and knowledge involving local community in biodiversity conservation.

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