June 23, 2025
Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH)
Why in News? A recent plan to rationalize the boundary of Sariska Tiger Reserve’s Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH) offers a potential lifeline to over 50 marble and dolomite mines closed last year due to a Supreme Court order.
Relevance : UPSC Pre & Mains
Prelims : CTH/ SC-NBWL
Mains : GS 3/ Environment.
Key Points:
Revised Boundaries:
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- The Rajasthan government has proposed to redefine the boundaries of the Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH) in the Sariska Tiger Reserve.
- Approximately 48.39 square kilometers of land, referred to as “peripheral degraded areas,” are being considered for exclusion from the CTH.
- The move aims to exclude areas with ongoing mining activities from CTH designation.
Proposed Plan:
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- The proposal suggests specific areas like Shyampura, Samra, Baldeogarh, Palpur, Mallana, and Gordhanpura be excluded from the CTH.
- Mining blocks and other areas within a one-kilometer radius of the CTH are also being considered for exclusion.
Double-Engine Push:
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- The state government’s initiative will be discussed by the Standing Committee of the National Board of Wildlife (SC-NBWL).
- The SC-NBWL meeting was initially scheduled for June 11 but has been deferred to June 26 to incorporate suggestions.
- Rajasthan has added 881.89 square kilometers of land to the Sariska CTH since 2008, but the status of certain areas is pending legal scrutiny.
Benefits:
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- The reclassification of these areas will facilitate mining and other human activities without violating wildlife protection laws.
- It is expected to improve relations between local communities and tiger reserve management by resolving land-use conflicts.
Field Impacts:
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- Sariska has over 100 marble, dolomite, and other mines, with 54 active and 46 inactive due to legal or permitting issues.
- The changes will benefit these industries while maintaining the protected core area for tiger conservation.
On the Ground:
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- Sariska Tiger Reserve spans approximately 777.63 square kilometers.
- The proposed plan will focus on protecting the core habitat while allowing sustainable use of less critical areas.
| About Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH):
Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH) refers to areas within tiger reserves that are legally notified under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, for the exclusive purpose of tiger conservation. These areas are specifically demarcated to provide the best possible environment for tiger populations to thrive. Key Features of Critical Tiger Habitat: Legal Framework: · CTHs are notified under Section 38V of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. · They are established as inviolate areas, meaning human activities like mining, logging, and human settlements are prohibited to ensure tiger survival. Purpose: · To conserve tigers and their prey species by protecting their habitats. · To maintain ecological balance and ensure biodiversity. Identification Process: · Scientific studies are conducted to identify critical areas for tigers based on population density, prey base, and habitat quality. · Recommendations are made by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). · The final notification is issued by the respective state government. Human Settlements: · If there are human settlements within the CTH, the government may relocate these communities under a voluntary resettlement scheme. · Rehabilitation programs offer alternate lands, monetary compensation, and other facilities for affected families. Core and Buffer Zones: Core Zone: Comprises the CTH; strictly protected with no human disturbances. Buffer Zone: Surrounds the core and allows limited human activity to reduce pressure on the core area. Monitoring:
Examples of CTH in India: Sariska Tiger Reserve (Rajasthan):
Corbett Tiger Reserve (Uttarakhand):
Sundarbans Tiger Reserve (West Bengal):
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