Consider the following statements:
Once the Central Government notifies an area as a 'Community Reserve'
- The Chief Wildlife Warden of the State becomes the governing authority of such forest
- hunting is not allowed in such area
- people of such area are allowed to collect non-timber forest produce
- people of such area are allowed traditional agricultural practices
How many of the above statements are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — Only two
Community Reserves are protected areas in India that act as buffer zones or migration corridors between established national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Among the four statements given, only two are correct regarding the governance and permitted activities in Community Reserves.
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: The Chief Wildlife Warden does not become the governing authority. As per Section 36D of the Wildlife Protection Act, the State Government constitutes a Community Reserve Management Committee which is the responsible authority for managing the community reserve. The committee elects a Chairman who acts as the Honorary Wildlife Warden.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Hunting is strictly prohibited in Community Reserves once an area is notified as such under the Wildlife Protection Act.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: People living in and around Community Reserves are permitted to collect non-timber forest produce (NTFP) as part of their traditional rights and livelihood activities.
❌ Statement 4 – Incorrect: Traditional agricultural practices, including shifting cultivation (jhum), are not allowed in Community Reserves to protect the ecological integrity of these areas.
📝 Short Notes: Community Reserves under Wildlife Protection Act
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Provision | Section 36A to 36D of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 |
| Declaration Authority | State Government notifies an area as Community Reserve on request from community or suo motu |
| Management Authority | Community Reserve Management Committee (not Chief Wildlife Warden) |
| Chairman | Elected by the committee; acts as Honorary Wildlife Warden |
| Purpose | Buffer zones, corridors between national parks/sanctuaries, and linking habitats |
| Hunting | Prohibited |
| NTFP Collection | Allowed for local communities |
| Agriculture/Jhum | Not permitted to maintain ecological balance |
Question 1 of 5 Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves
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