Q98. Consider the following statements: Once the Central Government notifies an area as a ‘Community Reserve’
1. The Chief Wildlife Warden of the State becomes the governing authority of such forest.
2. Hunting is not allowed in such area.
3. People of such area are allowed to collect non-timber forest produce
4. People of such area are allowed traditional agricultural practices
How many of the above statements are correct?
a. Only one
b. Only two
c. Only three
d. All four
Correct Answer: b. Only two (Official UPSC Answer)
Question from UPSC Prelims 2023 GS Paper
Explanation :
Note: Explanation requires update after official answer key released.
Correct Answer – a. Only One
Statement 1 – The Chief Wildlife Warden of the State does not become the governing authority of such forest. Instead, a Community Reserve Management Committee is constituted to manage the reserve.
wild_act_02 (chandigarhforest.gov.in)
Source – India Code: Section Details
Statement 2,4 – The village councils in Nagaland are autonomous bodies that enter into the MoU after convincing the land owners that declaring a particular patch of forest will be good for conservation, Alemwapang T Imchen, assistant conservator of forests, Mangmetong village, told DTE.
“After a forest has been made into a community reserve, people cannot hunt there, nor can they use it for agricultural practices, leave alone jhum cultivation,” he added.
Statement 3 – Statement 1,2,4 are incorrect. So Answer is a. Only One