The Palamu Tiger Reserve in Jharkhand has introduced a community-driven programme titled ‘Vanjeevi Didi’ to strengthen wildlife protection through women’s participation. Launched in February 2026 in the Garu forest range, the initiative identifies educated women from nearby villages to serve as conservation ambassadors. These selected participants will promote awareness about forest preservation, discourage poaching and illegal tree felling, and encourage sustainable practices within local communities. By directly involving women at the grassroots level, the reserve aims to build stronger public support for biodiversity conservation while improving communication between forest officials and residents living near protected areas.
What is the Vanjeevi Didi Scheme?
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The Vanjeevi Didi Scheme is a community-based wildlife conservation initiative launched at the Palamu Tiger Reserve.
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It was introduced in February 2026 in the Garu forest range to strengthen grassroots participation in forest protection.
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The programme focuses on involving local educated women from villages surrounding the tiger reserve.
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Around 18 women from each of 17 nearby villages were selected in the initial phase.
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These women are appointed as “Vanjeevi Didis", serving as community ambassadors for biodiversity conservation.
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Their responsibilities include spreading awareness about wildlife protection and discouraging illegal activities such as poaching and tree felling.
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They encourage sustainable forest use and responsible community behaviour.
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The initiative recognises the influential role women play within households and rural communities.
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Each selected participant receives a monthly honorarium as financial support.
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Apart from conservation, they also promote education, government welfare schemes, and social awareness.
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The scheme aims to build trust between forest authorities and villagers living near protected areas.
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Overall, it represents an inclusive approach to conservation by combining environmental protection with women’s empowerment.
Best PYQs on Tiger Reserve
| Exam / Year | Question | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPSC Prelims 2012 | Consider the following protected areas: 1. Bandipur 2. Bhitarkanika 3. Manas 4. Sunderbans Which of the above are declared Tiger Reserves? |
(A) 1 and 2 only (B) 1, 3 and 4 only (C) 2, 3 and 4 only (D) 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
(B) 1, 3 and 4 only |
| UPSC Prelims 2020 | Among the following tiger reserves, which one has the largest area under critical tiger habitat? | (A) Corbett (B) Ranthambore (C) Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam (D) Sunderbans |
(C) Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam |
| UPSC Prelims 2013 | The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) was constituted under which Act? | (A) Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (B) Forest Conservation Act, 1980 (C) Environment Protection Act, 1986 (D) Biological Diversity Act, 2002 |
(A) Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 |
| UPSC Prelims 2015 | “Project Tiger” is administered by which of the following? | (A) Ministry of Agriculture (B) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (C) Ministry of Rural Development (D) NITI Aayog |
(B) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change |
| UPSC Prelims 2018 | Which of the following are tiger reserves located in Karnataka? 1. Bandipur 2. Nagarhole 3. Bhadra |
(A) 1 and 2 only (B) 2 and 3 only (C) 1, 2 and 3 (D) 1 only |
(C) 1, 2 and 3 |
| UPSC Prelims 2021 | “Dampa Tiger Reserve” is located in which state? | (A) Mizoram (B) Tripura (C) Assam (D) Manipur |
(A) Mizoram |
Conclusion (Palamu Tiger Reserve Launches 'Vanjeevi Didi')
The ‘Vanjeevi Didi’ initiative at Palamu Tiger Reserve marks a meaningful step toward community-led conservation. By empowering local women to protect forests and spread awareness, the programme strengthens wildlife protection while promoting social responsibility. It reflects a balanced approach, where environmental sustainability and women’s participation move forward together.
