Hurdles galore for central funds to reach PTR

TNN | Feb 22, 2012, 06.23AM IST DALTONGANJ: Cash-starved Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) has taken a loan of Rs 49.66 lakh from the authorities of Birsa Biological Park and the State Forest Development Corporation. Principal chief conservator of forest-cum-chief wildlife warden A K Malhotra said, "I am in favour of setting up a Tiger Foundation in the state where funds will be received directly from the National Tiger Conservation Authority of Delhi. However, there are some obstacles like lack of notification of the buffer area spreading over more than 700 sq km of the 1,026-sq km of PTR and sanctioning of the tiger conservation plan." Malhotra hoped these would be sorted out soon and there would be no dearth of funds in the future. The DFO (buffer) said the loans will have to be returned by the end of this financial year as soon as funds arrive from the NTCA. Sources said NTCA has sent more than Rs 1 crore for PTR to the state government but it has not been released yet. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ranchi/Hurdles-galore-for-central-funds-to-reach-PTR/articleshow/11985994.cms