SELECTING ELECTION COMMISSIONERS
- Anoop Baranwal initiated a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in 2015, urging the Supreme Court to establish an independent system resembling the collegium for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs).
- In March 2023, the Supreme Court noted the absence of parliamentary legislation over the past 73 years regarding the appointment of the CEC and ECs since the Constitution's adoption.
- Acknowledging the vital role of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in ensuring fair elections for a robust democracy, the court referenced various independent mechanisms in other constitutional institutions such as the National and State Human Rights Commission, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Information Commission, and Lokpal.
- Previously, the Dinesh Goswami Committee on Electoral Reforms (1990) and the Law Commission's 255th report on Electoral Reforms (2015) had proposed a committee comprising the Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India (CJI), and the Leader of the Opposition or the largest Opposition party in the Lok Sabha for the appointment of the CEC and ECs.
- Taking these suggestions into account, the Supreme Court, utilizing its authority under Article 142 to ensure 'complete justice,' mandated that the committee responsible for appointing the CEC and ECs would consist of the Prime Minister, CJI, and the Leader of the Opposition or the largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha. This directive will stand until Parliament formulates a specific law on this issue
-
The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Bill, 2023, was introduced in Rajya Sabha on August 10, 2023. It repeals the Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991.
-
Election Commission: As per Article 324 of the Constitution, the Election Commission consists of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and such number of other Election Commissioners (ECs), as the President may decide. The CEC and other ECs are appointed by the President. The Bill specifies the same composition of the Election Commission. It adds that the CEC and other ECs will be appointed by the President on the recommendation of a Selection Committee.
-
Selection Committee: The Selection Committee will consist of (i) the Prime Minister as Chairperson, (ii) the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha as a member, and (iii) a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister as a member. If the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha has not been recognized, the leader of the single largest opposition party in Lok Sabha will assume the role.
-
Search Committee: A Search Committee will prepare a panel of five persons for the consideration of the Selection Committee. The Search Committee will be headed by the Cabinet Secretary. It will have two other members, not below the rank of Secretary to the central government, having knowledge and experience in matters related to elections. The Selection Committee may also consider candidates who have not been included in the panel prepared by the Search Committee.
-
Qualification of CEC and ECs: Persons who are holding or have held posts equivalent to the rank of Secretary to the central government will be eligible to be appointed as CEC and ECs. Such persons must have expertise in managing and conducting elections.
-
Salary and allowances: The 1991 Act provides that the salary of the ECs will be equal to that of a Supreme Court judge. The Bill provides that the salary, allowance, and service conditions of the CEC and other ECs will be the same as that of the Cabinet Secretary.
-
Term of office: The 1991 Act mandates that the CEC and other ECs will hold office for a term of six years or until they reach the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. If an EC is appointed as the CEC, his total term cannot exceed six years. The Bill retains the same tenure. Further, under the Bill, the CEC and other ECs will not be eligible for re-appointment.
-
Conduct of business: All business of the Election Commission is to be conducted unanimously. In case of a difference of opinion between the CEC and the other ECs on any matter, it shall be decided through the majority.
-
Removal and resignation: Under Article 324 of the Constitution, the CEC can only be removed from his office in a manner similar to that of a Supreme Court judge. This is done through an order of the President, based on a motion passed by both Houses of Parliament in the same session. The motion for removal must be adopted with (i) majority support of total membership of each House, and (ii) at least two-thirds support from members present and voting. An EC can only be removed from office on the recommendation of the CEC. The Bill retains this removal procedure.
-
Further, the 1991 Act provides that the CEC and other ECs may submit their resignation to the President. The Bill has the same provision.
|
Constitution Says-
Article 324 provides for the composition of the Election Commission of India (ECI). It consists of the CEC and two other ECs. The Constitution provides that the appointment of the CEC and EC shall, subject to the provisions of any law made by Parliament, be made by the President. While the existing parliamentary law provides for their conditions of service, it is silent with respect to appointments. The appointments till date are made by the President, that is the Central Government and there is no mechanism for ensuring independence during the appointment process
|
- The process of selecting and appointing members to electoral bodies varies internationally across democracies. For instance, in South Africa, involvement includes the President of the Constitutional Court, representatives from the Human Rights Court, and advocates for gender equality. In the United Kingdom, candidates receive approval from the House of Commons, while in the United States, the President nominates them, and the Senate confirms the appointments.
- Although the proposed Bill shifts the appointment process from a sole executive decision to a committee-based selection, it still leans in favor of the existing government.
- The Supreme Court took into account recommendations from diverse committees and the appointment mechanisms for certain independent bodies like the CBI, involving the Chief Justice of India (CJI), while establishing its selection procedure.
- While Parliament holds the authority to legislate on this matter, it might have been prudent to include the CJI in the selection committee to ensure the highest level of independence.
- Nonetheless, it's highly probable that the Bill will become law in its current shape. It would be commendable and foster public trust in the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI) if, at the very least, selections under the new law are made unanimously by the proposed selection committee
|
For Prelims: Election Commission of India, President, Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Article 324, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs). For Mains 1. The Election Commission of India is often hailed as the guardian of democracy. Discuss the constitutional provisions and the various measures it takes to ensure free and fair elections in the country. (250 words). 2. Examine the role of the Election Commission of India in regulating the influence of money in politics. How effective have its measures been in curbing electoral malpractice related to campaign finance? (250 words). |
Previous year Questions1. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2017) 1. The Election Commission of India is a five-member body. 2. Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections. 3. Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognised political parties. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 3 only Answer: D 2.With reference to the Constitution of India, prohibitions or limitations or provisions contained in ordinary laws cannot act as prohibitions or limitations on the constitutional powers under Article 142. It could mean which one of the following? (UPSC CSE 2019) Answer (b) 1.In the light of recent controversy regarding the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), what are the challenges before the Election Commission of India to ensure the trustworthiness of elections in India? (UPSC Mains GS2, 2018) |
EU'S ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ACT
1. Context
2. What is the EU AI Act?
- The AI Act is a proposed European law on artificial intelligence (AI) – the first law on AI by a major regulator anywhere.
- The law assigns applications of AI to three risk categories. First, applications and systems that create an unacceptable risk, such as government-run social scoring of the type used in China, are banned. Second, high-risk applications, such as a CV-scanning tool that ranks job applicants, are subject to specific legal requirements.
- Lastly, applications not explicitly banned or listed as high-risk are largely left unregulated
3. Why should we regulate Artificial Intelligence?
- As artificial intelligence technologies become omnipresent and their algorithms more advanced capable of performing a wide variety of tasks including voice assistance, recommending music, driving cars, detecting cancer, and even deciding whether you get shortlisted for a job the risks and uncertainties associated with them have also ballooned.
- Many AI tools are essentially black boxes, meaning even those who designed them cannot explain what goes on inside them to generate a particular output.
- Complex and unexplainable AI tools have already manifested in wrongful arrests due to AI-enabled facial recognition; discrimination and societal biases seeping into AI outputs; and most recently, in how chatbots based on large language models (LLMs) like Generative Pretrained Transformer3 (GPT3) and 4 can generate versatile, human competitive and genuine looking content, which may be inaccurate or copyrighted material.
4. How was the AI Act formed?
- The legislation was drafted in 2021 to bring transparency, trust, and accountability to AI and create a framework to mitigate risks to the safety, health, fundamental rights, and democratic values of the EU.
- It also aims to address ethical questions and implementation challenges in various sectors ranging from healthcare and education to finance and energy.
- The legislation seeks to strike a balance between promoting “the uptake of AI while mitigating or preventing harms associated with certain uses of the technology”.
- Similar to how the EU’s 2018 General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) made it an industry leader in the global data protection regime, the AI law aims to “strengthen Europe’s position as a global hub of excellence in AI from the lab to the market” and ensure that AI in Europe respects the 27country bloc’s values and rules.
5. What does the draft document entail?
- The draft of the AI Act broadly defines AI as “software that is developed with one or more of the techniques that can, for a given set of human defined objectives, generate outputs such as content, predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing the environments they interact with”.
- It identifies AI tools based on machine learning, deep learning, and knowledge as well as logicbased and statistical approaches.
- The Act’s central approach is the classification of AI tech based on the level of risk they pose to the “health and safety or fundamental rights” of a person.
- There are four risk categories in the Act unacceptable, high, limited, and minimal.
- The Act prohibits using technologies in the unacceptable risk category with little exception.
- These include the use of realtime facial and biometric identification systems in public spaces; systems of social scoring of citizens by governments leading to “unjustified and disproportionate detrimental treatment”; subliminal techniques to distort a person’s behavior; and technologies that can exploit vulnerabilities of the young or elderly, or persons with disabilities.
- The Act lays substantial focus on AI in the highrisk category, prescribing several preand postmarket requirements for developers and users of such systems.
- Some systems that fall under this category include biometric identification and categorization of natural persons.
- AI is used in healthcare, education, employment (recruitment), law enforcement, justice delivery systems, and tools that provide access to essential private and public services (including access to financial services such as loan approval systems).
- The Act envisages establishing a EU wide database of highrisk AI systems and setting parameters so that future technologies or those under development can be included if they meet the high risk criteria.
6. What is the recent proposal on general-purpose AI like ChatGPT?
- As recently as February this year, general-purpose AI such as the language model based ChatGPT, used for a plethora of tasks from summarising concepts on the internet to serving up poems, news reports, and even a Colombian court judgment did not feature in the EU lawmakers’ Plans for regulating AI technologies.
- The bloc’s 108page proposal for the AI Act published two years earlier, included only one mention of the word “chatbot.”
- By midApril, however, members of the European Parliament were racing to update those rules to catch up with an explosion of interest in generative AI, which has provoked awe and anxiety since OpenAI unveiled ChatGPT six months ago.
- Lawmakers now target the use of copyrighted material by companies deploying generative AI tools such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT or image generator Midjourney, as these tools train themselves from large sets of text and visual data on the internet.
- They will have to disclose any copyrighted material used to develop their systems.
7. AI Governance in the USA and China
- The rapidly evolving pace of AI development has led to diverging global views on how to regulate these technologies.
- The U.S. currently does not have comprehensive AI regulation and has taken a fairly handsoff approach.
- The Biden administration released a blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights (AIBoR).
- Developed by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), the AIBoR outlines the harms of AI to economic and civil rights and lays down five principles for mitigating these harms.
- The blueprint, instead of a horizontal approach like the EU endorses a sector specific approach to AI governance, with policy interventions for individual sectors such as health, labor, and education, leaving it to sectoral federal agencies to come out with their plans.
- On the other end of the spectrum, China over the last year came out with some of the world’s first nationally binding regulations targeting specific types of algorithms and AI.
- It enacted a law to regulate recommendation algorithms with a focus on how they disseminate information.
|
For Prelims: Artificial Intelligence, Chat GPT, European law on artificial intelligence (AI), large language models (LLMs) like Generative Pretrained Transformer3 (GPT3) and 4 , EU’s 2018 General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), AI Bill of Rights (AIBoR), and Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP).
For Mains: 1. What is the EU AI Act? Discuss Why should we regulate Artificial Intelligence?
|
Previous year Question1. With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following? ( UPSC 2020)1. Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units
2. Create meaningful short stories and songs
3. Disease diagnosis
4. Text-to-Speech Conversion
5. Wireless transmission of electrical energy
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1, 2, 3, and 5 only
B. 1, 3, and 4 only
C. 2, 4, and 5 only
D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Answer: B
|
CRISPR
Imagine a future where genetic anomalies can be precisely targeted and corrected using genome editing – a giant leap from our ability to sequence or read human genomes two decades ago. The world of medicine is currently abuzz with news of regulatory agencies’ approval for two highly anticipated CRISPR-based therapies for sickle-cell disease and -thalassaemia in the U.K. and the U.S. The approval is groundbreaking because it signals an era that could transform the lives of millions of patients and families grappling with these inherited blood disorders. To put this in perspective, more than a million people worldwide suffer from thalassemia, of whom 100,000 depend on regular blood transfusions. Another 20 million people around the world are estimated to be suffering from sickle-cell anaemia
2. About CRISPR
- The journey to uncover the CRISPR system spanned nearly thirty years of dedicated academic pursuit. Initially identified in 1993 by Spanish researchers in archaea, these DNA elements, known as Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR), were later observed in various bacterial genomes.
- Comprising genetic material fragments from viruses attacking bacteria, along with CRISPR-associated proteins known as Cas, these elements intrigued researchers aiming to comprehend their impact on antiviral immunity. By 2005, it became evident that the collaboration between CRISPR and Cas proteins formed a defensive system in bacteria, enabling them to resist viral infections.
- The pivotal breakthroughs occurred subsequently: in 2010, scientists demonstrated that CRISPR, when paired with specific Cas9 proteins, possessed the capability to precisely cut double-stranded DNA at defined points.
- They also unveiled RNA molecules guiding Cas9 to specific positions within a genome. Further progress emerged in 2012 when researchers devised synthetic RNA that could bind to Cas9, directing it to edit DNA at specified locations.
- Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna led this groundbreaking research, earning the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their contributions. Shortly after, Virginijus Siksnys and colleagues published similar findings, proposing that Cas9 could be guided to specific genome spots by CRISPR RNA.
- Collectively, these studies showcased the CRISPR-Cas9 system's potential as a customizable 'molecular scissor,' precisely cutting DNA at designated spots. Altering the crRNA enabled scientists to target specific genomic locations accurately. The subsequent year, teams led by Feng Zhang and George Church demonstrated the use of CRISPR-Cas9 for genome editing in eukaryotic organisms.
- This innovation sparked a multitude of applications, from targeted genetic therapies to advancements in agriculture. The 2020 Nobel Prize not only recognized these researchers but also marked the onset of an era where manipulating human genetic code went beyond reading, potentially revolutionising medicine and genetic engineering
CRISPR technology has introduced transformative possibilities in medicine due to its precision in altering genetic material. Here are some ways it's proving beneficial:
Gene Therapy: CRISPR enables precise modifications in genes associated with hereditary diseases. It offers a potential avenue for treating genetic disorders by editing or replacing problematic genes with healthy ones.
Cancer Treatment: CRISPR is being explored to target and modify cancer-related genes. It may assist in creating more effective and personalized treatments, such as enhancing the immune system's ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
Infectious Diseases: Researchers are investigating CRISPR's potential to combat viruses like HIV or herpes by editing the viral DNA within infected cells, potentially leading to a cure or long-term viral suppression.
Drug Development: CRISPR aids in understanding the genetic basis of diseases, enabling more accurate modeling of diseases in the lab. This understanding is crucial for developing and testing new drugs and treatments.
Organ Transplants: By editing genes related to organ rejection, CRISPR might help generate organs more compatible with a recipient's body, potentially reducing rejection rates.
Rare Diseases: CRISPR offers hope for treating rare genetic disorders that have no existing cures or treatments. It can target the specific genetic defects causing these conditions.
Diagnostic Tools: CRISPR-based systems, such as CRISPR-Cas detection, are being developed as highly sensitive diagnostic tools to identify diseases more efficiently and accurately.
The precision, versatility, and potential to target specific genes make CRISPR technology a groundbreaking tool in medicine, paving the way for more effective treatments and therapies across various diseases and conditions
3. Way forward
None of these technologies are without caveats. Researchers have already reported several safety and accuracy issues. An important one is off-target events: where a CRISPR-Cas9 system becomes inaccurate and edits some other part of the genome, with unintended consequences.So while there is enormous potential for these technologies, the risk needs to be balanced with both short- and long-term benefits. Many of these therapies are also too early in their development cycle. Continued scrutiny and surveillance may yet reveal ‘side effects’ that we aren’t aware of today
|
For Prelims: CRISPR cas9 technology, Nano Technology For Mains: General Studies III: Science & Technology, The era of CRISPR therapeutics |
|
Previous Year Questions 1.What is the Cas9 protein that is often mentioned in news? (UPSC CSE 2019) A.A molecular scissors used in targeted gene editing B. A biosensor used in the accurate detection of pathogens in patients C. A gene that makes plants pest-resistant D. A herbicidal substance synthesized in genetically modified crops Answer (A) |
Source: The Hindu
Impact on Federalism
- The lead judgment highlighted that Jammu and Kashmir had relinquished any 'element of sovereignty' post the execution of the Instrument of Accession in 1947.
- Constitutional experts believe these observations will significantly impact federalism, a fundamental aspect of the Indian Constitution.
- Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Sanjiv Khanna concurred with the lead judgment, solidifying the unanimous stance of the Supreme Court on the matter.
- Legal experts anticipate a lasting impact on federalism, considering it a basic feature of the Indian Constitution.
- The judgment's interpretation of J&K's historical context and its relation to the Union could set a precedent for future federalism-related cases.
- The Supreme Court dismissed the petitioners' arguments, reasoning that challenging the irreversibility of presidential actions could paralyze everyday administrative functions.
- It emphasized that the exercise of such power must have a reasonable connection to the objective of the Presidential Proclamation.
- The burden of proof was placed on those challenging the President's actions during an emergency to establish a 'mala fide or extraneous exercise of power.'
- The court referred to the precedent set in S. R. Bommai versus Union of India (1994), defining the scope of powers exercisable during the President's rule. This legal reference added weight to the court's justification for upholding the President's authority in the J&K case.
3. Conversion of State to Union Territory
The Supreme Court's recent ruling on Article 370 raises a crucial question: can a state be converted into a Union Territory in India? While the court avoided a definitive answer, it offered some key insights:
Court's Observations
- The court upheld the carving out of Ladakh from J&K, deeming it permissible under Article 3.
- The court did not address the validity of J&K's conversion due to the promised restoration of statehood.
- Views of the state legislature regarding such reorganization are only recommendations, not binding on Parliament.
Concerns and Cautions
- The Chief Justice warned of the negative consequences for autonomy, historical context, and federalism principles.
- Justice Khanna emphasized the "grave consequences" of lost elected government and diminished federalism. Strong and convincing grounds are required for such a conversion.
The Supreme Court's ruling significantly diminishes the state's role in the context of abrogating Article 370.
- The Court upheld the President's ability to unilaterally notify the cessation of Article 370 under Article 370(3). This bypasses the consultation requirement with the state government stipulated in Article 370(1)(d).
- The justification lies in the perceived equivalence of effects. Applying all Indian Constitution provisions through Article 370(1)(d) is seen as achieving the same outcome as issuing a notification under Article 370(3) to cease its existence. In both cases, the full Indian Constitution applies, rendering the State Constitution inoperative.
- While consultation is deemed irrelevant in this scenario, it would still be required if applying Indian Constitution provisions involved amending the State Constitution.
- The Court's ruling clarifies the President's power in abrogating Article 370, addressing concerns about its dependence on the J&K Constituent Assembly, which dissolved in 1957:
- Despite the Assembly's absence, the Court ruled that the President's power to abrogate Article 370 under Article 370(3) remains and can be exercised "unilaterally."
- Chief Justice Chandrachud argued that restricting the power after the Assembly's dissolution would "freeze the integration" of J&K into India, contradicting Article 370's intended purpose of gradual assimilation.
- Article 370 aimed to bring J&K in line with other states over time, making the Assembly's recommendation secondary to this larger objective.
- This ruling grants the President significant unilateral authority in abrogating Article 370, even without the Assembly's input, raising questions about the balance of power and potential impact on J&K's autonomy.
"Asymmetric federalism" refers to a system of federal government where different states within the federation possess varying degrees of autonomy and power. This means that not all states are created equal in terms of their relationship with the central government.
The Supreme Court's verdict on Article 370 clarifies its stance on Jammu and Kashmir's special status within the Indian federation:
- Unlike India's Constitution, the Court argues, J&K's own Constitution lacks any mention of "sovereignty." Therefore, Article 370 is understood as simply a particular arrangement within the broader framework of "asymmetric federalism."
- The Court compares Article 370 to provisions like Articles 371A-371J, which offer special arrangements for specific states. This emphasizes that J&K's status isn't unique but part of a wider pattern of accommodating state-specific needs.
- Accepting J&K's sovereignty based on Article 370, the Court argues, would imply similar claims for other states with special arrangements. This contradicts the fundamental principle of India's federalism, where all states possess the same core characteristic of being part of a single, sovereign nation.
- While acknowledging varying degrees of autonomy among states, the Court underlines that these variations are in "degree," not "kind." All states remain part of the same federal structure, sharing fundamental obligations and benefits.
|
For Prelims: Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir, Asymmetric Federalism, Article 356, President Rule, S. R. Bommai versus Union of India
For Mains:
1. Discuss the concept of "asymmetric federalism" and its relevance in the context of the J&K issue. Does the Supreme Court's ruling strengthen or weaken this principle? (250 Words)
2. Critically analyze the Supreme Court's recent judgment upholding the abrogation of Article 370. How does it impact the concept of federalism in India? (250 Words)
|
|
Previous Year Questions
1. When did the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir come into force? (UPSC CAPF 2016) A.26th January 1957 B. 15th August 1947 C. 25th July 1956 D.14th November 1947
2. State Legislature of Jammu and Kashmir can confer special rights and privileges on permanent residents of J and K with respect to - (MPSC 2019) Find the correct options below. (a) Employment under State Government (b) Settlement in the state (c) Acquisition of immovable property (d) Right to Scholarship (e) Right to entry into heritage sites A. (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) B. (a), (b), (c), (d) C. (a), (b), (c) D. (a), (b) Answers: 1-A, 2-B |
NATIONAL TIGER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY (NTCA)
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body of the Government of India, established in 2005 to oversee the implementation of the Project Tiger initiative and ensure the conservation and protection of tigers and their habitats across the country. The NTCA operates under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, and its organizational structure includes a Governing Body, a Standing Committee, and a small Secretariat to facilitate day-to-day operations.
Key Objectives
- The primary objective of NTCA is to formulate policies and implement programs for the conservation of tigers, their prey species, and the ecosystems they inhabit.
- NTCA plays a central role in the implementation of Project Tiger, which was launched in 1973 to conserve India's national animal and its habitats.
- NTCA is responsible for monitoring and assessing the status of tigers in India, including conducting tiger censuses, assessing the effectiveness of conservation measures, and collecting data on tiger populations.
- NTCA ensures compliance with the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and other relevant laws to combat wildlife crimes, including poaching and illegal trade of tiger parts.
Key Functions
- NTCA oversees the management of tiger reserves across the country, coordinating with state governments and relevant authorities to ensure effective conservation practices.
- NTCA provides financial and technical support to tiger reserves for habitat management, anti-poaching efforts, community involvement, and other conservation initiatives.
- While the primary focus is on tigers, NTCA also contributes to the conservation of biodiversity within tiger reserves, recognizing the interconnectedness of species and ecosystems.
- NTCA promotes research activities related to tiger conservation and wildlife ecology. It also emphasizes capacity building for forest officials, field staff, and local communities involved in tiger conservation efforts.
Challenges and Initiatives
- NTCA addresses challenges related to human-wildlife conflict by developing strategies for coexistence, compensating affected communities, and implementing mitigation measures.
- Conservation initiatives involve addressing habitat degradation issues, afforestation programs, and sustainable development practices to maintain viable tiger habitats.
- NTCA works on strengthening anti-poaching measures and collaborating with law enforcement agencies to combat illegal wildlife trade and activities threatening tiger populations.
- The Canopy Walk Tourism Project, funded by the Karnataka Tourism Department, was executed in the vicinity of Kuveshi within the Castlerock Wildlife Range, a component of the Dandeli Wildlife Reserve.
- To enhance protection and administration, the jurisdiction over this region has been entrusted to the Director of the Kali Tiger Project.
- Spanning a distance of 240 meters and elevated approximately 30 feet above the ground, the canopy walkway offers a unique experience.
- Opened to the public in 2021, the project aims to promote tourism and environmental appreciation in the area.
- Residents argue that the project violates the 1980 Act by diverting forest land for eco-tourism without being part of the management plan or tiger conservatory plan.
- Karnataka Tourism Policy prohibiting new tourist facilities in wildlife-protected areas, aligning with the Wildlife Protection Act and Supreme Court directives.
- Residents point out that the project contradicts section 38(O)(1)(c) of the Wildlife Protection Act by introducing new tourism infrastructure (except for minor homestay alterations) in and around tiger reserves.
- The constructions allowed by the Court within tiger reserves are limited to those essential for protection or within approved management plans, neither of which applies to the Canopy Walk.
- While the area falls in the approved tourism zone of the Kali Tiger Project plan, details regarding the Canopy Walk and its permissibility for tourism are absent.
- The project, along with the Jungle Safari, has significantly increased tourism pressure in the Castlerock region, exceeding allowed activities like trekking and bird watching.
Dandeli Wildlife Reserve, located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India, stands as a testament to the region's rich biodiversity and ecological significance. Nestled along the Western Ghats, this sanctuary is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, pristine landscapes, and the Kali River that meanders through its expanse.
- Geographical Features: Situated in the Western Ghats, Dandeli Wildlife Reserve is part of the larger Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve and spans an area of approximately 834.16 square kilometres. The reserve is traversed by the Kali River, enhancing its ecological diversity and serving as a lifeline for numerous species of flora and fauna.
- Flora: The reserve boasts a lush and varied vegetation cover, including dense deciduous and evergreen forests. The diverse plant life supports a range of wildlife habitats, contributing to the overall ecological balance.
- Fauna: Dandeli Wildlife Reserve is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, leopards, black panthers, deer species like sambar and spotted deer, Indian bison, and various species of primates. The sanctuary is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 200 avian species, including the Malabar pied hornbill, great hornbill, Indian grey hornbill, and several species of eagles, making it an ornithologist's paradise.
- Activities: The reserve offers visitors an opportunity to explore its natural beauty through wildlife safaris, providing a chance to observe the resident fauna in their natural habitats. The Kali River also offers thrilling opportunities for river rafting, attracting adventure enthusiasts. Nature trails and trekking routes lead visitors through the heart of the reserve, offering a more immersive experience amid the wilderness.
- Conservation Efforts: Dandeli Wildlife Reserve plays a crucial role in conservation efforts, contributing to the protection of endangered species and maintaining the ecological balance of the Western Ghats. The reserve is part of the Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve, reflecting its commitment to preserving the region's flagship species.
- Challenges and Conservation Initiatives: While the reserve thrives with biodiversity, it faces challenges such as habitat degradation and human-wildlife conflicts. Conservation initiatives, including community involvement, habitat restoration, and sustainable tourism practices, are crucial for addressing these challenges and ensuring the long-term health of the ecosystem.
|
For Prelims: National Tiger Conservation Authority, Dandeli Wildlife Reserve, Western Ghats, Kali River, Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, Project Tiger, Karnataka Tourism Policy, flora, fauna
For Mains:
1. Discuss the challenges and potential solutions for balancing tourism development with wildlife conservation in protected areas. (250 Words)
|
|
Previous Year Questions
1. The term ‘M-STRIPES’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of (UPSC 2017) (a) Captive breeding of Wild Fauna (b) Maintenance of Tiger Reserves (c) Indigenous Satellite Navigation System (d) Security of National Highways
2. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2014) 1. Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act, of 1986.
2. National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body.
3. National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired by the Prime Minister.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
3. Which one of the following is the well-publicized wildlife campaign in the world launched in 1973? (BPSC 2023) A. Sunderbans B. Project Project C. Tiger Lion Project D. More than one of the above E. None of the above
4. Which one of the following tiger reserves of India has ‘Bhoorsingh the Barasingha’ as its official mascot? (UPSC CAPF 2017)
A. Nameri tiger reserve
B. Ranthambhore tiger reserve
C. Panna tiger reserve
D. Kanha tiger reserve
5. From the ecological point of view, which one of the following assumes importance in being a good link between the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats?(UPSC CSE 2017)
(a) Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (b) Nallamala Forest (c) Nagarhole National Park (d) Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve
6. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which of the following states? (SSC CHSL2021)
A. Kerala B. Karnataka C. Jharkhand D. Sikkim
7. Which of the following Protected Areas are located in Cauvery basin? (upsc 2020)
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
8. According to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which of the following animals cannot be hunted by any person except under some provisions provided by law? (UPSC 2017)
1. Gharial
2. Indian wild ass
3. Wild buffalo
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
9. With reference to Indian laws about wildlife protection, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2022)
1. Wild animals are the sole property of the government.
2. When a wild animal is declared protected, such animal is entitled for equal protection whether it is found in protected areas or outside.
3. Apprehension of a protected wild animal becoming a danger to human life is sufficient ground for its capture or killing.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A.1 and 2 B. 2 only C.1 and 3 D. 3 only
10. In the field of tourism, which one of the following Indian States is described as 'One State Many Worlds'? (CDS GK 2020)
A. Assam B. West Bengal C. Karnataka D. Rajasthan
Answers: 1-B, 2-B, 3-B, 4-D, 5-A, 6-B, 7-C, 8-D, 9-A, 10-C
|
