Environment & Ecology MCQs

National Parks in India are primarily designated and managed under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. This act provides for the protection of wild animals, birds, and plants and for matters connected therewith or ancillary or incidental thereto.

Dihing Patkai National Park, located in Assam and designated in 2021, is often called the 'Amazon of the East' due to its dense rainforests, diverse flora and fauna, and significant elephant population. It is a crucial biodiversity hotspot.

In June 2021, Assam designated Raimona National Park and Dihing Patkai National Park, bringing the total number of National Parks in the state to seven. These additions are crucial for protecting the region's rich biodiversity.

As of late 2023, India has 54 officially designated tiger reserves. The latest addition was Dholpur-Karauli Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan, notified in August 2023.

Project Tiger was launched on April 1, 1973, with the objective of ensuring a viable population of Bengal tigers in their natural habitats and to protect them from extinction.

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) was constituted in December 2005, following a recommendation of the Tiger Task Force, and was given statutory status by the amendment of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, in 2006.

The Forest Survey of India (FSI), an organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, conducts the forest inventory and assessment.

There is an increasing emphasis on improving the quality of forests, including enhancing biodiversity and ecological health, rather than solely focusing on the increase in forest cover area.

The reports have consistently shown a modest increase in India's forest and tree cover over the years, indicating positive conservation efforts.

The Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change is the ex-officio Chairperson of the National Wildlife Board.