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The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) scheme for the 15th Finance Commission cycle, with a total outlay of ?2,602.98 crore. This scheme aims to enhance the conservation of wildlife and their habitats across India, building upon the earlier "Assistance for the Development of National Parks and Sanctuaries."

Overview of the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH)

IDWH is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme designed to support various components critical to wildlife conservation. Key aspects of the scheme include:

• Support to Protected Areas: This encompasses national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, conservation reserves, and community reserves.
• Protection of Wildlife Outside Protected Areas: This aims to safeguard wildlife habitats and corridors beyond designated reserves.
• Recovery Programs: These initiatives focus on critically endangered species and their habitats.

Key Projects Under IDWH

The scheme integrates several prominent conservation projects:

1. Project Tiger: Launched in 1973, this initiative seeks to ensure a viable population of Bengal tigers in their natural habitats. It employs advanced technologies such as the M-STrIPES application for effective management and monitoring.
2. Project Elephant: Initiated in 1992, this project focuses on elephant conservation, addressing human-elephant conflicts, and promoting the welfare of domesticated elephants.
3. Development of Wildlife Habitat: This includes Project Dolphin, which utilizes technology like Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) for monitoring dolphin populations, and Project Lion, aimed at strengthening lion conservation efforts in line with the “Lion @ 2047” vision.

Significance of the Scheme

The IDWH scheme promises significant ecological and economic benefits:

• It is projected to generate over 50 lakh man-days of direct employment, alongside indirect job opportunities through eco-tourism and related activities.
• A total of 55 tiger reserves, 33 elephant reserves, and 718 protected areas will benefit from the scheme, enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem health.
• By supporting keystone species such as tigers, elephants, cheetahs, snow leopards, and lions, the scheme contributes to the overall integrity of these ecosystems.

The overall outlay for the three components for the 15th Finance Commission cycle as well as its remaining period:

S.No.                   Name of the Scheme             Central Share                State Share                 Total

1.                        Project Tiger                            1575.00                         955.00                         2530.00

2.                        Project Elephant                      182.58                           54.00                            236.58

3.            Development of Wildlife Habitat           845.4                           273.02                           1118.42

*All figures in Rs. Crores       Total                  2602.98                       1282.02                         3885.00       

Component of EFC                                   2024-25               2025-26

Project Tiger                                            365.00                   365.00     

Project Elephant                                      40.00                      40.12

Development of Wildlife Habitat              195.00                    183.16

*All figures in Rs. Crores       Total       600                         588.28