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Monday, August 24, 2009
Pench Tiger reserve forest cover up
A report in TOI today cites a study being conducted by Florida based researchers to conclude that area under forest cover in the Pench reserve has gone up to 87% from 78% in 3 decades ending 2007. It is pertinent to note that the ministry of roads and transport in the earlier UPA govt had initiated a project to widen the Nagpur-Jabalpur highway which cuts right throught hte middle of the reserve and would have seriously affected wildlife in and around the park. After a public hue and cry and initiative shown by local law makers teh project was finally withdrawn..
Corbett needs money but will have to wait
Ever since the new tripartite agreement to be signed between centre, state and sanctuary was unvieled it has divided state forest departments across the spectrum. Surprisingly states that should be at the forefront of protection and vigilance are dithering from signing the agreement. Last week MP govt officials expressed concerns in signing the agreement as per a a report today, Uttrakhand govt is asking for funds to be released for conservation without signing the papers yet. Though the minister has made it clear no money will be released till the agreement is singed but with difficult govt holding out the centre will have to penalise the state govts in some form to get them to act. Given the lethargy shown by states in taking the lead in tiger protection, the centre will have to take the initiative. Not releasing funds in time will only hurt protection initiatives even further which is no good for any one.
No money for U'khand tiger conservation plan till it inks pact
Maha Minister apologises to prty brass, seems to have gotten away
Media reports yesterday cited Maharashtra Agriculture Minister having met wtih Minister MOEF Jairam Ramesh and apologised to him for having entered a tiger cage and harassinga cub. The change of heart apparently came after scathing criticism of his actions by the civit society and more importantly after a investigation intot he incident was ordered by the central minster himself. Wildlife laws are strict though implementation has always been very lax. Poachers and mafia are rarely brought to book in our country, petting a tiger cub that too by a ruling party minister seems like a minor misdemeanor.
Maharashtra minister apologises to Environment Ministry for entering tiger cage
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