The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has released ₹20.70 crore as the second instalment under Project Tiger & Elephant Scheme for Assam in the current financial year 2025–26.

Key details of the release

  • The funds will be utilised exclusively by all four tiger reserves of Assam:
    • Kaziranga Tiger Reserve, Orang Tiger Reserve, Nameri Tiger Reserve & Manas Tiger  Reserve (MONK)

The grant is released under the centrally sponsored Project Tiger & Elephant Scheme, implemented through the National Tiger Conservation Authority.

Project Tiger & Elephant Scheme

It is a centrally sponsored wildlife conservation programme of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, aimed at protecting India’s flagship species—tigers and elephants—along with their habitats.

  • Project Tiger was launched in 1973 to ensure the survival of the Bengal tiger by conserving core habitats, strengthening protection, and reducing human–wildlife conflict. 
    • It is implemented through the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
  • Project Elephant, started in 1992, focuses on the conservation of Asian elephants, their migration corridors, and welfare, while addressing issues like human–elephant conflict.

Both the schemes were merged in mid 2023. Under the merged Project Tiger & Elephant Scheme, the Centre provides financial assistance to states for: 

  • Habitat management and restoration, Anti-poaching and surveillance, Eco-development and community participation, Conflict mitigation and compensation, Scientific monitoring using technology, including satellite imagery

Funds are released in installments and must be used strictly as per approved conservation plans, with mandatory reporting and monitoring to ensure accountability.

Conditions attached to the grant

  • Funds must be spent strictly as per the approved Tiger Conservation Plan, focusing on habitat improvement, protection, monitoring and welfare of wildlife.
  • Utilisation must follow the MoU signed between the Union Ministry and the field directors of the respective reserves.
  • The Assam government must:
    • Use the funds before the end of the financial year.
    • Refund any unspent balance to the Centre.
    • Submit a performance-cum-achievement report by March 31, 2026.
  • Authorities must provide satellite photographs with date, latitude and longitude, showing the condition before and after completion of works—ensuring transparency and accountability.

Significance

  • Assam hosts a significant share of India’s tiger and elephant population, making sustained financial support crucial.
  • The funding strengthens anti-poaching measures, habitat conservation, and human–wildlife conflict mitigation.
  • It reinforces India’s commitment to science-based conservation, monitoring and outcomes under flagship wildlife programmes.

Exam Hook

Q. Which of the following tiger reserves received funding under the Project Tiger & Elephant Scheme in Assam?

  1. Kaziranga
  2. Orang
  3. Nameri
  4. Manas

Select the correct answer using the code below:
 (a) 1 and 2 only
 (b) 1, 2 and 3 only
 (c) 1, 2, 3 and 4
 (d) 2 and 4 only

Correct answer: (c)

One-line takeaway:
 The Centre’s ₹20.70 crore release strengthens Assam’s flagship tiger reserves through targeted, accountable conservation funding.

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