Consider the following statements : 1. The definition of "Critical Wildlife Habitat" is incorporated in the Forest Rights Act, 2006. 2. For the first time in India, Baigas have been given Habitat Rights. 3. Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change officially decides and declares Habitat Rights for Primitive and Vulnerable Tribal Groups in any part of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
- (a) 1 and 2 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Why the answer is (a)
• Statement 1 is correct: Section 2(b) of the Forest Rights Act, 2006 defines 'critical wildlife habitat' as areas of national parks and sanctuaries kept inviolate for wildlife conservation.
• Statement 2 is correct: in 2016 the Baiga PVTG of Dindori district, Madhya Pradesh, became the first community in India to receive habitat rights under Section 3(1)(e) of the FRA.
• Statement 3 is wrong: habitat rights are recognised by the district-level committee and State Government through the FRA process, not declared by the Union Environment Ministry (the nodal ministry for FRA is Tribal Affairs).
• Hence 1 and 2 only, option (a).
Why the other options are wrong
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- Statement 3 is wrong: MoEFCC does not declare habitat rights.
- (c) 3 only
- Statement 3 is wrong; statements 1 and 2 are correct.
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
- Statement 3 is wrong.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2018, held on 3 June 2018. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.