Consider the following statements :
Once the Central Government notifies an area as a 'Community Reserve' :
1.

Question

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?

Accepted Answer

Community Reserves are established under the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002. They are areas that are already under community ownership or management. The management of a Community Reserve is vested in the community, often overseen by a Management Committee. Hunting is prohibited in these areas to protect wildlife. However, the collection of non-timber forest produce and the continuation of traditional agricultural practices are generally permitted, provided they are sustainable and do not harm the ecological integrity of the reserve. The Chief Wildlife Warden's role is supervisory, not direct governance of the reserve itself.