A report in DNA today states that despite objections from the green brigade and their own officals the state government esp the Forest Minister seems keen on pushing the project through without proper impact assessment.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Adani mines in Chandrapur get another lease of life
After the recent annoucement by the Cabinet Minister Jai Ram Ramesh about getting tough with environmental clearances for industrial proects here comes the shocking news of Maharashtra Forest officials trying to push through a highly controversial mining projects in the forests adjoining Tadoba Tiger Reserve. The project has been in news for the last years for the immense potential damage it can cause to the forests around the area and the tiger reserve. But the lure of quick big money is too much to resist for some and despite all the obvious dangers the project just keeps getting a fresh lease of life every now and then. If there was a time to convert words in deeds for the new MOEF this is the best opportunity to ensure tiger habitats are not lost to industry and land mafia. The minister should immediately step in a put the project on hold untill a comprehensive study is carried out to access the impact of the project on the surroinding areas by a well know independent team of researchers and scientists.
Still living in denial - MP govt says only 4 tigers in Panna lost to poaching !!
If things werent bad enough already, the minister of forests for MP made a statement in the assembly citing age, rivalry and poisoning as the main causes for tigers disappering from Panna. Read between the lines and the message is that the goverment doesnt think there is a serious problem which means there isnt any need for forceful corrective measures to be taken. Imagine all the rucus of the last few years and we still have law makers either turning a blind eye to the problem or worse still acting in concert with the land/poaching/industry mafia to rid the states of forest cover.
Its taken years to accept, how many more for action
The MOEF minister in the Rajya sabha yesterday finally accepted that the tiger is in serious trouble in the country. Imagine all the media hype and pressure from the green brigade being brought on the govt has taken 3 years after the Sarika disaster coming to light to accept this. If this is the pace of things to come then one wonders how many years before the government takes credible action to sustain tiger population in the country and whether the big cat will survive in the wild till then. It is all fine to make statements in the parliament accepting there is a problem but what we have not seen being tabled by the minister or his predecessor are steps being taken by the govt to put an end to poaching and loss of tiger habitats. Apart from shfting the blame on state governments and tiger reserves there is need for the centre to get more actively involved in the protecting the national treasure. It is like saving the Taj Mahal. If the monument was in danger, the centre would not wait for the UP govt to act. MOEF needs to show similar leadership in saving the tiger before it is too late.
Ramesh expresses concern over tiger population
Sujay Mehdudia
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