Recently, Union Cabinet approved continuation of Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) for the 15th Finance Commission cycle.
- While strengthening existing fundamental & core components of scheme, the scheme envisages boosting technological interventions in different thematic areas in tiger and wildlife-bearing forests
About IDWH
- Objective: It is a centrally sponsored umbrella scheme launched by Ministry of Environment for development of wildlife habitat in India.
- Components of IDWH
- Support to protected areas (national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, conservation reserves, and community reserves).
- Protection of wildlife outside protected areas.
- Recovery programs for saving critically endangered species and habitats.
- So far, 22 species have been identified under the Species recovery program.
- Sub-schemes Under IDWH
- Project Tiger (1973): It benefits a total of 55 Tiger Reserves spread across 18 tiger range states, distributed in 5 landscapes of the country.
- It also supports the ambitious Project Cheetah in the country.
- Development of Wildlife Habitats: Project Dolphin and Project Lion are implemented under this sub-scheme.
- Project Elephant (1992): To protect elephants, their habitat, & corridors to address issues of human-animal conflict and welfare of captive elephants.
- It is being implemented in 22 elephant range states/UTs.
- Project Tiger (1973): It benefits a total of 55 Tiger Reserves spread across 18 tiger range states, distributed in 5 landscapes of the country.
Note: Project Tiger and Project Elephant schemes have been merged w.e.f. FY 2023-24 and now known as Project Tiger & Elephant.