19th Meeting of NTCA

Current Context: The 19th Meeting of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) was held recently.

• It was held under the chairmanship of the Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav.
• The meeting observed the discussions about the tiger which is considered to be an endangered species and so various measures are to be adopted to protect and conserve these species.
• In order to have effective management of the tiger population, it is vital to have a reliable estimate of tiger number at Tiger Reserve & Landscape Level.
• In this regard, the 5th cycle of All India Tiger Estimation is being carried out in order to frame correct policy decision.
• In the meeting, it was mentioned that 51 Tiger Reserves are there in India which are undertaking efforts to protect tiger species. These reserves not only protect tigers but are equally vital because more than 35 rivers originate from these areas which are crucial for water security.
• At the meeting, an action plan to protect and conserve 7 major big cats including cheetah was also discussed.
• He mentioned that 14 Tiger Reserves are accredited under Conservation Assured Tiger Standards (CA|TS) and NTCA is working on getting other Tiger Reserves evaluated for CA|TS accreditation.
• He also released a Water Atlas, mapping all the water bodies in the tiger-bearing areas of India.

Question: 

Q.1 Who among the following chaired the 19th Meeting of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)?
a. Narayan Rane
b. Bhupender Yadav
c. Sarbananda Sonowal
d. Smriti Irani