Lemru Elephant Reserve

Question: On 15th August, 2019 Chief Minister of which state announced the formation of Lemru Elephant Reserve?
(a) Maharashtra
(b) Chattisgarh
(c) Karnataka
(d) Assam
Answer: (b)
Related facts:

  • On 15th August, 2019; Chattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel announced the formation of Lemru Elephant Reserve in the State.
  • As per press release of Chattisgarh Government, Lemru Elephant Reserve (LER) is being set up over an area spanning 450 square kilometers.
  • This reserve is aimed at minimizing human-elephant conflict and destruction of property in addition to providing a permanent habitat for the wild tuskers.
  • The reserve will be set-up as per the report and recommendations of Special High-Power Technical Committee (SHPTC) which was constituted by the Government of India.

SHPTC report: Advantages of the Reserve:

  • The Reserve would provide a huge protected area for the conservation of wild elephants and will provide abundant amount of water, food and other facilities to the tuskers.
  • This reserve would also help in protecting the populated areas as wild elephants will venture less towards human population and reducing the number of man-elephant conflicts.
  • Lesser damage of crops, property and human lives as well

Central Government’s Consent:

  • It should be noted that in October 2007, the Union Government had given its consent to form two elephant reserves in the State.
  • These were to be formed in Chattisgarh in the areas of Bandalkhol and Tamor Pingla forests and the second one as Lemru Elephant Reserve.
  • Chhattisgarh government had also formed Sarguja-Jashpur Elephant Reserve in 2011.

Links:
https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/chhattisgarh-cm-announces-formation-of-lemru-elephant-reserve20190817222554/
https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/chhattisgarh-cm-announces-formation-of-lemru-elephant-reserve-119081701013_1.html