Monday, July 20, 2009
Now Similipal in Orrisa
One by one skeletons are tumbling out but our political class doesnt seem to care one bit. After Siriska, Panna and Sanjay National Park lost all their tigers Similipal in Orrisa seems to have lost almost half of its big cat population under the 'watchful eyes' of NTCA and state wild life officials. From a stated population of 101 a few years ago, the state govt census conducted recently put the population at 61. This when the reserve used upwards of Rs. 10 crores of grant provided to it by the NTCA. What is more intruiging is that the population of tigers could be much lower with WII last year claiming it to be only 21 after its own round of census. It is to provide a couter to the WII findings that the state instituted its own census and came out with thrice their figure. If the credibility of state governments in conducting Tiger Census over the years is taken into account then the real figure is more likely to be close to the WII number which is extremely disconcerting. Rather than fixing accountabilty for the loss, the state govt is deflecting the issue by floating new numbers and claiming the park to be in good health despite the 40% drop as per its own numbers. MOEF Minister Jairam Ramesh should step in such cases and institute central level enquries for fixing responsibility.
Another minister with blinkers on !
A report in TOI today cites Mahrashatra Forest Minister Baban Rao Panchpute transferring aruond 350 forest officials from across reserves at one stroke. With sanctuaries already understaffed such a massive movement of officials especially during monsoons which is the best time for pocahers will provides further reason for concern. As this blog has been saying, states and centre need to take joint responsbility for protection for parks but a subject as sensitive as protection of tiger sancturies can not be left to states who are the mercy of ill advised, ego driven officials and minsters conniving to destory India's wilflife heritage. The centre should step in to ensure laws are followed properly esp in Maharashtra where the Congress Govt is in power as in the centre. There should be a decree to have a replacement take over before any officials is transferred else it provides ample opportunity for poachers to strike when the park is unmanned at the top. State goverments themselves would do well to show some sensitivity towards the environement by appointing ministers who have not just knowledge of environment but empathise with the cause.
Pachpute ignores wildlife areas again
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