Content:

1. Specific plans/projects in North Eastern Region
2. Project Asiatic Lion

Specific plans/projects in North Eastern Region

Budgetary Allocations under 10% GBS (Gross Budgetary Support)

• The Government of India mandates that 10% of the budget of Central Ministries/Departments be allocated to the development of the North Eastern Region (NER).
• Since 2014-15, a total expenditure of ₹5.74 lakh crores has been incurred under this provision.
• The year-wise budget estimate (BE), revised estimate (RE), and actual expenditure (AE) indicate a steady rise in allocations and spending.
• The highest expenditure was in 2023-24, reaching ₹1,02,749 crores.

Relevance : GS 2(Governance) , GS 3(Infrastructure)

Role of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER)

• The Ministry of DoNER oversees various schemes aimed at the socio-economic development of NER.
• Projects are implemented based on state government proposals and central ministry initiatives.
• The execution timeline varies due to sectoral, geographical, and financial factors.

Key Schemes under MDoNER

(a) PM-DevINE (Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North Eastern Region)

• Total Outlay: ₹6,600 crores (till 31st March 2026).
• Focus Areas:
  • Agriculture & Allied Sectors
  • Livelihood Development
  • Education & Healthcare
  • Irrigation & Flood Control
  • Tourism & Culture
  • Science & Technology
  • Industries & Power
  • Telecommunication & Civil Aviation Infrastructure
  • Sports Development

(b) NESIDS (North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme)

• Divided into two components:
  • NESIDS (Roads) – Focus on road connectivity (₹2,718 crores).
  • NESIDS (OTRI – Other Than Road Infrastructure) – Covers education, healthcare, industries, power, water supply, civil aviation, and telecommunication (₹3,795.91 crores).

(c) Schemes of NEC (North Eastern Council)

• Budget: ₹1,978.77 crores.
• Covers agriculture, higher education, healthcare, watershed management, tourism, and culture.

(d) Special Packages

• Budget: ₹1,250 crores.
• Implemented as per Government of India’s agreements with Territorial Councils.

Key Observations

• Increasing Allocation: Budget for NER has significantly increased over the years, reaching ₹1,00,893 crores in 2024-25.
• Sectoral Focus: Strong emphasis on infrastructure, connectivity, healthcare, and agriculture.
• Utilization Trends: Actual expenditure has consistently been high, indicating effective fund absorption.
• Flexibility in Implementation: Projects are tailored to state-specific needs, ensuring better regional development.

PROJECT ASIATIC LION

Introduction

• Project Lion is a conservation initiative focused on the Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica), primarily found in the Gir landscape, Gujarat.
• It follows a landscape ecology-based approach to conservation, integrating eco-development efforts.

Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology)

Objectives of Project Lion

• Habitat Conservation: Securing and restoring lion habitats to support the species’ growing population.
• Community Engagement: Enhancing local livelihood opportunities and encouraging participation in conservation efforts.
• Scientific Advancements: Establishing India as a global knowledge hub for big cat disease diagnostics and treatment.
• Inclusive Biodiversity Conservation: Integrating the Project Lion initiative with broader biodiversity conservation efforts.

Population Trends of Asiatic Lions

• Conservation efforts have led to a steady increase in the lion population:
  • 2010: 411
  • 2015: 523
  • 2020: 674
• The species was upgraded from ‘Critically Endangered’ (2008) to ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List due to effective conservation strategies.

Financial Allocation for Conservation

• The Gujarat government has progressively increased funding for lion conservation:
  • 2021-22: ₹91.03 crore
  • 2022-23: ₹129.16 crore
  • 2023-24: ₹155.53 crore
• These funds support habitat protection, monitoring, disease control, and local community engagement initiatives.

Key Conservation Measures

• Protected Areas & Buffer Zones: Expansion of Gir National Park and surrounding sanctuaries.
• Wildlife Corridors: Development of wildlife corridors to facilitate genetic diversity and reduce human-wildlife conflict.
• Disease Management: Strengthening disease surveillance and veterinary care for lions.
• Community Involvement: Eco-tourism promotion and sustainable livelihood programs to reduce dependence on forest resources.

Challenges & Future Considerations

• Limited Habitat: Asiatic Lions are restricted to Gujarat, making them vulnerable to epidemics and natural disasters.
• Human-Wildlife Conflict: Increasing encounters between humans and lions due to habitat encroachment.
• Genetic Bottleneck: A single population poses a risk of inbreeding and reduced genetic variability.
• Need for Translocation: Plans for establishing a second habitat in Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh, remain unimplemented due to political and ecological concerns.

Conclusion

• Project Lion has successfully increased the Asiatic Lion population and improved conservation measures.
• Future efforts should focus on habitat expansion, genetic diversity, disease management, and community-driven conservation strategies.
• A multi-state conservation approach, including translocation, could further strengthen the long-term survival of Asiatic Lions.

Additional Information :

Asiatic v/s African Lion:

Asiatic lions are slightly smaller than African lions and have shorter, sparser manes. Asiatic lions also have a longitudinal fold of skin that runs along their belly, which is absent in African lions.

Asiatic lions are found in the Gir Forest, India, while African lions are found in sub-Saharan Africa