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Source-This post on Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH) is based on the article “Explained: The history of Supreme Court orders against illegal mining in Sariska reserve” published in “The Indian Express” on 22nd May 2024.
Why in the News?
Recently, the Supreme Court directed the Rajasthan government to close 68 mines that are operating within a 1-kilometer radius of the critical tiger habitat (CTH) of the Sariska reserve.
About Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH)
1. About Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH): CWLHs are designated areas within National Parks and Sanctuaries deemed necessary to remain ‘inviolate’ for wildlife conservation.
They are also known as the core areas of tiger reserves. They are designated under the Wild Life Protection Act (WLPA) of 1972.
2. These areas are scientifically identified to be maintained as inviolate zones for tiger conservation, ensuring that the rights of the Scheduled Tribes and other forest dwellers are not affected.
3. It includes two main components within a tiger reserve:
i) Core or Critical Tiger Habitat: This area has National Park or Sanctuary status and is essential for the survival of tigers.
ii) Buffer or Peripheral Area: Surrounds the core habitat and provides additional support for tiger conservation.
4. The core habitat is specifically designated to ensure the long-term viability of tiger populations without compromising the rights of Scheduled Tribes or other forest dwellers.
5. Tigers are territorial animals, so their core habitat is distinct from the broader “critical wildlife habitat” applicable to other wild species.
6. Purpose and Criteria for CWLHs:
a) Identification of CWLHs is a scientific process conducted on a case-by-case basis, involving Forest Departments and scientific institutions.
b) Declaration of CWLHs involves settling the rights of tribals and other traditional forest dwellers first.
7. Consultation and Consent Process: The notification of CTH is done by the state government in consultation with the expert committee constituted for the purpose.
About Sariska Tiger Reserve
| Specifications | Details |
| Location | 1. It is situated in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, within the Aravali Hills. 2. It is renowned for being the first reserve globally to have successfully relocated tigers. |
| History | It was originally a royal hunting preserve for the Maharaja of Alwar. It was designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and upgraded to a national park in 1979. |
| River | The Ruparel River flows through the Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan, India. |
| Terrain | It is characterized by rocky landscapes, arid scrub thorn forests, grasslands, cliffs, and semi-deciduous forests. |
| Flora | It is dominated by dhok trees, covering 90% of the area. Other species present include salar, kadaya, gol, ber, banyan, gugal, bamboo, kair, adusta, etc. |
| Fauna | It supports a diverse array of animals such as tigers, leopards, sambhar, chital, nilgai, four-horned antelope, wild boar, rhesus macaque, langur, hyena, and jungle cats. |
UPSC Syllabus: Environment
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