Consider the following statements:
1. The definition of "Critical Wildlife Habitat" is incorporated in the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
2. For the first time in India, Baigas have been given Habitat Rights.
3. Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change officially decides and declares Habitat Rights for Primitive and Vulnerable Tribal Groups in any part of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A
1 and 2 only
B
2 and 3 only
C
3 only
D
1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: Option A
Explanation
1. Statement 1 is correct. The definition of 'Critical Wildlife Habitat' is indeed incorporated in the Forest Rights Act, 2006 under Section 2(b).
2. Statement 2 is correct. In 2016, the Baigas tribe in Madhya Pradesh became one of the first communities in India to be given Habitat Rights under the Forest Rights Act.
3. Statement 3 is incorrect. The power to decide and declare Habitat Rights for Primitive and Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) under the Forest Rights Act rests with the District Level Committee, following recommendations from the Gram Sabha and Sub-Divisional Level Committee. The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is involved in the notification of Critical Wildlife Habitats, not the declaration of Habitat Rights for PVTGs. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is the nodal agency for FRA implementation.