Karnataka has taken a significant step towards combating wildlife crimes with the launch of Garudakshi, an innovative online First Information Report (FIR) system. This initiative empowers citizens to report forest-related offenses seamlessly, marking a notable collaboration between the state government and the Wildlife Trust of India.
What Is Garudakshi?
Definition:
Garudakshi is a specialized software system designed to facilitate the online filing of FIRs for forest offenses.
Purpose:
Aimed at curbing wildlife crimes, it offers a platform for quick reporting and efficient action against offenses threatening wildlife and forest ecosystems.
Features:
Accessible via mobile phones or email addresses.
User-friendly interface tailored for public participation.
Modeled on the Police Department’s online FIR systems, ensuring familiarity and ease of use.
Key Collaborators
Developed in partnership with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), a leading organization dedicated to wildlife conservation across India.
Part of Karnataka’s broader agenda to strengthen forest governance and wildlife protection.
Importance of Garudakshi
Tackling Wildlife Crimes:
Wildlife offenses, including poaching, illegal logging, and wildlife trafficking, are major threats to biodiversity.
Garudakshi ensures timely reporting and investigation, reducing delays in enforcement.
Empowering Citizens:
Provides a platform for public involvement, encouraging communities to act as guardians of wildlife.
Digital Integration:
Supports the government’s vision of Digital India by integrating digital solutions into forest governance.
Wildlife Conservation Goals:
Aligns with international commitments like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and national laws such as the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Additional Insights for UPSC Aspirants
Legal Frameworks on Wildlife:
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Provides the legal foundation for wildlife crime enforcement in India.
Forest Rights Act, 2006: Empowers forest-dwelling communities while ensuring ecological balance.
International Conventions:
CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) ensures regulated trade in wildlife.
CMS (Convention on Migratory Species) focuses on migratory wildlife protection.
Government Initiatives:
Project Tiger and Project Elephant: Conservation programs addressing flagship species.
Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs): Buffer areas for wildlife protection.
Role of Technology:
Garudakshi exemplifies the integration of digital tools in environmental governance, setting a precedent for other states.
Practice Question
Consider the following statements regarding Garudakshi:
It is an online FIR system launched to report wildlife crimes in Karnataka.
It was developed independently by the Karnataka Forest Department without external collaboration.
The Wildlife Trust of India contributed to its development.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
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