Executive Summary:
This document summarizes the Indian government's response to questions regarding conservation efforts in the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve in Andhra Pradesh. It details measures taken to protect endangered species, scientific studies conducted, and funds allocated for habitat preservation and community involvement. The document references financial allocations for the fiscal years 2024-25 and 2025-26.
Key Points / Main Content:
Conservation Measures and Habitat Restoration:
* The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change provides financial support to States/UTs for wildlife habitat development, focusing on protected areas, wildlife conservation outside these areas, and the recovery of endangered species.
* Supported activities include management planning, research and awareness, anti-poaching measures, protection infrastructure, habitat improvement, ecodevelopment, human-wildlife conflict management, and capacity building.
* The State Government of Andhra Pradesh has undertaken conservation initiatives and habitat restoration measures within the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve in an integrated manner.
* The Andhra Pradesh government conducted a population estimation of Slender Loris in the Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary, part of the Biosphere Reserve.
Scientific Studies and Biodiversity Monitoring:
* The Zoological Survey of India is conducting research on the faunal diversity of the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve.
* The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research is conducting bird surveys using bioacoustic technology.
Funding and Community Participation:
* The Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF) Act, 2016, and Rules, 2018, aim to mitigate the loss of forest cover and associated ecosystem services.
* INR 58.68 crore and INR 62.95 crore have been approved for the Andhra Pradesh State CAMPA Authority during the financial years 2024-25 and 2025-26, respectively, to strengthen patrolling, prevent habitat encroachment, and promote community participation in wildlife conservation.
Impact Analysis:
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change:
* Impact: Responsible for providing financial assistance and guidance for conservation and management efforts.
* Action Required: Continue providing financial assistance under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme Development of Wildlife Habitats based on the Annual Plan of Operations received from States/UTs.
State Government of Andhra Pradesh:
* Impact: Responsible for implementing conservation measures, conducting studies, and managing funds allocated for the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve.
* Action Required: Utilize funds from CAMPA to strengthen patrolling, prevent habitat encroachment, promote community participation, and continue conservation efforts.
Zoological Survey of India and Indian Institute of Science Education and Research:
* Impact: Conducting research and surveys to assess the biodiversity and faunal diversity of the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve.
* Action Required: Continue ongoing research activities and provide findings to support conservation efforts.
Andhra Pradesh State CAMPA Authority:
* Impact: Responsible for managing and utilizing the allocated funds to strengthen patrolling, prevent habitat encroachment, and promote community participation in wildlife conservation.
* Action Required: Effectively utilize the approved funds to implement conservation projects and ensure community involvement in wildlife conservation.
Key Entities Referenced
Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve: A biosphere reserve located in Andhra Pradesh, India, and the subject of the parliamentary question.
Andhra Pradesh: A state in India where the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve is located.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change: The Indian government ministry responsible for environmental protection and conservation.
Slender Loris: An endangered species found in the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve.
Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA): An authority that manages funds for compensatory afforestation and related activities.
Development of Wildlife Habitats: A Centrally Sponsored Scheme for conservation and management of protected areas.
Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary: A wildlife sanctuary located within the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve.
Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF) Act, 2016: Indian legislation that aims to mitigate the loss of forest cover.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4017
TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.08.2025
Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve in Andhra Pradesh
4017. SHRI MADDILA GURUMOORTHY:
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to
state:
(a) the specific conservation, habitat restoration and protection measures undertaken by the
Government to ensure the survival of several endangered and rare species such as the
Golden Gecko (Calodactylodes Aureus), Slender Loris, Indian Giant Squirrel, Mouse
Deer (Mushika Jinka) and Yellow-throated Bulbul in Sesha chalam Biosphere Reserve in
Andhra Pradesh;
(b) whether any scientific studies, biodiversity monitoring programmes or eco-development
initiatives have been taken up in the reserve to support species recovery; and
(c) whether the Government has allocated or proposes to allocate funds under the
Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA)
Scheme or any other Schemes to strengthen patrolling, prevent habitat encroachment and
promote community participation in wildlife conservation, if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND
CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)
(a) The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change provides financial
assistance to the States/UTs under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme “Development of
Wildlife Habitats” for conservation and management of protected areas, conservation of
wildlife outside protected areas, and recovery of critically endangered species and their
habitats as per the Annual Plan of Operations received from States/UTs. The activities
supported under the scheme includes management planning, strengthening research and
awareness, anti-poaching measures, strengthening of protection infrastructure, habitat
improvement, eco-development, management of human-wildlife conflict and capacity
building.
All the conservation initiatives, habitat restoration and protection measures have been
undertaken in Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve by the State Government. In addition,
conservation measures for the entire ecosystems of the Biosphere Reserve have been carried
out in an integrated manner. Further, the State Government of Andhra Pradesh has conducted
population estimation of Slender Loris in Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a
part of Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve.
(b) As per the information received from the State Government of Andhra Pradesh,
Zoological Survey of India is conducting research study on faunal diversity of SeshachalamBiosphere Reserve. Besides, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research is also
conducting bird’s survey, using bio-acoustic technology.
(c) The Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF) Act, 2016 and Rules, 2018 aims to
mitigate the loss of forest cover and associated ecosystem services resulting from the
diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes through activities such as compensatory
afforestation, restoration of degraded forests, enhancement of wildlife habitats and
biodiversity conservation. In order to strengthen patrolling, prevent habitat encroachment and
promote community participation in wildlife conservation in the State of Andhra Pradesh, a
total of ₹58.68 crore and ₹62.95 crore have been approved during the financial years 2024-25
and 2025-26, respectively to the Andhra Pradesh State CAMPA Authority.
***