7 March 2020

Introduction:

A total of 40.59 per cent of the crimes related to environment in the country were committed in Rajasthan during 2014-16, according to a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) . The CAG report, for the year ended March 31, 2018, was tabled in the assembly on 6^th March 2020.

Highlight of the Report:

• The report  state-level interagency coordination committee and wildlife crime control units to combat wildlife crimes were not established in the state.
• The crimes were mostly related to violation of the Forest (Conservation) Act — such as uses of forest land for non-forest purposes without approval of government — and Wildlife Protect Act — capturing, poisoning, snaring or trapping of wild animals
• The report mentions that 15,723 cases of crimes related to environment were registered in the country during 2014-16 and the number of cases in the state during this period was 6,382, which is 40.59 per cent.

About the Ranthambore and Sariska Reserves:

• Tourist activities in Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve (RTR) and Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR) could not be regulated in the absence of local advisory committee (LAC) which caused disturbance to wild animals.
• Most zones of the RTR during monsoon season (July-September) during 2015-2018, remained open defying the regulations.
• The CAG report also stated that the site selected for construction of the Abheda Biological park in Kota was not conducive due to adjoining garbage dumping yard, industrial areas, firing range of the Army, existence of slums nearby.
• The measures taken to curb illegal mining have not been successful.
• Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve is located in Sawai Madhopur district, while Sariska is in Alwar district.