Section 36D of WLPA : Section 36D: Community Reserve Management Committee

Explanation using Example

Imagine a village named Sunderban located near a forest area that is home to various wildlife species. The forest is not a declared protected area, but the local community values the wildlife and wants to ensure its protection. The State Government recognizes the community's efforts and decides to declare the area as a 'Community Reserve' under The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

To manage this Community Reserve, the State Government forms a management committee as per Section 36D of the Act. The committee includes five representatives from Sunderban's Village Panchayat, as there is no Gram Sabha, and one representative from the State Forests or Wild Life Department.

This committee is tasked with creating a management plan that includes measures for wildlife conservation, habitat protection, and possibly eco-tourism guidelines that benefit both the wildlife and the local community. They elect a respected villager as the Chairman, who also serves as the Honorary Wild Life Warden, overseeing the implementation of their plans and ensuring the community adheres to the rules set for the reserve.

The committee conducts regular meetings, maintains records of their decisions, and works closely with the State Forest Department to manage the Community Reserve effectively, demonstrating the practical application of Section 36D in the conservation of wildlife through community participation.