All questions of Protected Area Network for BPSC (Bihar) Exam

Protected Areas and Entry Permissions:

In order to enter a protected area such as a sanctuary or national park, certain permissions and conditions need to be fulfilled. Let's break down each statement given in the question and analyze them:

1. A public servant on duty:
- This statement implies that a public servant who is on official duty is allowed to enter a protected area.
- Public servants such as forest officers, wildlife officers, or any other authorized personnel who are performing their duties within the protected area can enter without any additional permissions.

2. A person who has been permitted by the Chief Wildlife Warden or the authorized officer to reside within the limits of the sanctuary/National Park:
- This statement indicates that individuals who have obtained specific permission from the Chief Wildlife Warden or any authorized officer are allowed to reside within the limits of the sanctuary or national park.
- Such permission might be granted to researchers, scientists, or other individuals who require prolonged access to the protected area for their work or studies.

3. A person who has any right over immovable property within the limits of the sanctuary/National Park:
- According to this statement, individuals who possess any right over immovable property within the boundaries of the sanctuary or national park can enter the protected area.
- This might include individuals who own land or property within the protected area and require access to their property.

Combining the Statements:
- The correct answer to the question is option 'D', which states that all three statements are correct.
- Therefore, all of the mentioned individuals can enter into a protected area.
- It is important to note that even though these individuals have the permission to enter the protected area, they still need to follow the rules and regulations set by the concerned authorities.
- Additionally, the entry permissions might be subject to certain conditions and limitations, such as the purpose of entry, duration of stay, and compliance with conservation guidelines.

Overall, the entry into a protected area is regulated to ensure the conservation of biodiversity and natural resources while allowing necessary access for authorized personnel and individuals with specific permissions.

Statement 1: The State Government may, where the community or an individual has volunteered to conserve wildlife and its habitat, declare the area by notification as a community reserve.
This statement is correct. According to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the State Government has the authority to declare an area as a community reserve if the community or an individual has volunteered to conserve wildlife and its habitat. This can be done through a notification issued by the State Government.

Statement 2: No change in land use pattern shall be made within the Community Reserve, except in accordance with a resolution passed by the Management Committee and approval of the same by the State Government.
This statement is also correct. Once an area is declared as a community reserve, there are restrictions on changing the land use pattern within that area. Any change in land use can only be made if it is in accordance with a resolution passed by the Management Committee of the community reserve and approved by the State Government.

Explanation:
The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 recognizes the importance of involving local communities in wildlife conservation. It provides for the declaration of community reserves, where the community or an individual voluntarily agrees to conserve wildlife and its habitat. The State Government has the authority to declare an area as a community reserve through a notification.

Once an area is declared as a community reserve, certain restrictions are imposed on changing the land use pattern within that area. These restrictions are in place to ensure that the conservation objectives of the community reserve are not compromised. Any change in land use can only be made if it is in accordance with a resolution passed by the Management Committee of the community reserve and approved by the State Government.

The establishment of community reserves is a way to involve local communities in conservation efforts and promote sustainable use of natural resources. It allows communities to actively participate in wildlife conservation and management, while also providing them with certain rights and benefits. Community reserves can help in the protection of wildlife and their habitats, as well as in promoting ecotourism and sustainable livelihoods for the local communities.

Therefore, both statements are correct. Statement 1 explains the process of declaring an area as a community reserve, and statement 2 highlights the restrictions on changing the land use pattern within the community reserve.

The correct answer is option 'A', which means statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is incorrect. Let's understand why.

1. The Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme is an Intergovernmental Scientific Programme aiming to set a scientific basis for the improvement of the relationships between people and their environment globally.

The Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme is indeed an Intergovernmental Scientific Programme. It was launched by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) in 1971. The primary goal of this program is to promote sustainable development by improving the relationships between people and their environment globally. It focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources while considering the social, economic, and cultural aspects of human interaction with the environment. The MAB Programme aims to provide a scientific basis for sustainable development through research, capacity-building, and knowledge-sharing.

2. The agenda of the MAB Programme is defined by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

This statement is incorrect. The agenda of the MAB Programme is not defined by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). While the IUCN is a partner organization of the MAB Programme, it does not have the authority to define the agenda. The MAB Programme's agenda is determined by the Member States participating in the program, who are represented by their respective National Committees. These National Committees, in consultation with other stakeholders, set the agenda and priorities for the MAB Programme at the national and regional levels.

In conclusion, statement 1 is correct as the MAB Programme is an Intergovernmental Scientific Programme aiming to improve the relationships between people and their environment globally. However, statement 2 is incorrect as the agenda of the MAB Programme is not defined by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

The correct answer is option 'A' - 1 only.

Explanation:
Statement 1: The State Government may, after having consultations with the local communities, declare any area owned by the Government as a conservation reserve.

This statement is correct. According to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the State Government has the power to declare any area owned by the Government as a conservation reserve. A conservation reserve is an area where the wildlife and its habitat are protected and conserved. It is intended to promote biodiversity and provide suitable conditions for the habitat and conservation of fauna.

The State Government, before declaring an area as a conservation reserve, is required to have consultations with the local communities. This is done to ensure that the interests and concerns of the local communities are taken into account, as they are often directly affected by such declarations.

Statement 2: Tiruppadaimarathur conservation reserve in Tirunelveli, Kerala is the first conservation reserve established in the Country.

This statement is incorrect. Tiruppadaimarathur conservation reserve is not in Kerala but in Tamil Nadu. It is located in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. It was established in 1998 and covers an area of 46.98 square kilometers. It is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to various species of flora and fauna.

Although Tiruppadaimarathur conservation reserve is one of the earliest conservation reserves established in India, it is not the first. The first conservation reserve in the country is the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan, which was established in 1971.

In conclusion, statement 1 is correct as the State Government has the power to declare any area owned by the Government as a conservation reserve after consultations with the local communities. However, statement 2 is incorrect as Tiruppadaimarathur conservation reserve is in Tamil Nadu and not Kerala, and it is not the first conservation reserve in the country.

Biodiversity hot spot concept was put forth by Norman Myers in 1988. Indian Biodiversity Hot Spots: There are 4 biodiversity hot spots present in India. They are 1. Himalayas 2. Indo- Burma and 3. The Western Ghats & Sri Lanka 4. Sunderland

Sacred groves, also known as sacred forests or temple forests, are patches of protected forests that are dedicated to various deities and are considered sacred by local communities in India. These groves play a significant role in conserving biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance. Let us analyze the given statements regarding the sacred groves of India.

1. The Garo and the Khasi tribes of northeastern India completely prohibit any human interference in the sacred groves:
The statement is correct. The Garo and Khasi tribes in Meghalaya, a northeastern state of India, have a strong belief in nature worship. They consider the sacred groves as the abode of their deities and believe that these groves should be kept undisturbed. As a result, they strictly prohibit any human interference, including logging, hunting, or even picking up fallen leaves or twigs. This practice has helped in preserving the biodiversity and maintaining the unique ecology of these groves.

2. The Gonds of central India prohibit the cutting of a tree:
The statement is correct. The Gonds, a tribal community predominantly found in the central parts of India, have a deep connection with nature. They believe that every tree has a spirit and cutting down a tree is equivalent to killing a living being. Therefore, they strictly prohibit the cutting of any tree, including those within their sacred groves. This practice not only helps in preserving the trees but also contributes to the conservation of the entire forest ecosystem.

In conclusion, both statements are correct. The Garo and Khasi tribes of northeastern India completely prohibit any human interference in the sacred groves, while the Gonds of central India prohibit the cutting of a tree. These practices reflect the deep cultural and religious significance of sacred groves in India and contribute to the conservation of biodiversity and ecological balance.