NAGPUR: In a big boost to relocation of villages from inside the Melghat Tiger Reserve (MTR), the ministry of environment and forest ( MoEF) has released Rs 18 crore for the purpose. The amount will help resettle at least two villages.
According to sources, the funds were released a few days ago, however, the state government will have to come out with another GR to actually release the money for the relocation.
The principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) had sent a proposal to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) for Rs 75.50 crore to resettle 22 villages from inside the Melghat reserve. Out of this amount, the NTCA has released Rs 18 crore.
In addition to this, as promised by chief minister Prithiviraj Chavan, Rs 2 crore has been released for relocation of Vairat village. The funds will also be utilised at Ghatladki in Amravati district, where the villagers are being shifted.
Melghat, spread over 2,000 sq km, is under tremendous pressure from domestic cattle of 22 villages inside the core area. Till now only four villages; Koha, Kund, Bori (2001-02) and Churni (2009-10) have been resettled. Half of Vairat village has been shifted while the remaining families are under process of being shifted.
Sources said that it was not an easy job to get the money released. Satpuda Foundation chief Kishor Rithe had raised the issue with environment minister Jairam Ramesh. He promised to do the needful and accordingly issued directives to NTCA. Besides, there was continuos follow-up by chief wildlife warden DC Pant, field director AK Mishra and Amravati divisional commissioner Praveen Pardeshi.
After relocating the three villages, the government will have actually freed 75 sq km area around the core of the reserve - Gugamal National Park. "Reduction in grazing pressure has actually encouraged the prey population to bounce back here. Today, we see tigers in these places," said Rithe.
Plans are now afoot to relocate as many villages as possible with the Rs 18 crore. As per the new norms, the relocation package has been enhanced from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. "The first village to be taken up for relocation will be Pastalai. It will give a big boost for tigers in Gugamal National Park," an official said.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Panel to frame tourism norms for tiger sanctuaries
LUCKNOW: Tigers will soon have a peaceful existence in wildlife sanctuaries during the tourist season. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has constituted an eco-tourism committee to formulate tourism guidelines for tiger reserves. The idea is to protect tiger sanctuaries from any interference or disturbance by tourists.
Even at present, the state forest department follows some 'do-not-disturb-tiger' guidelines and strictly adhere to the advisories issued by the NTCA from time to time. The tourists are allowed to visit tiger reserves only in morning and evening shifts.
"We ensure that timings are followed besides telling tourists not to litter or play music inside the park," said an official in Dudhwa National Park. The park is open for tourists from November 15 to June 15. Tourists can only visit those parts of the park which are identified as tourist spots. Besides, blowing of horns is a strict 'no'.
The NTCA has issued advisories to the field directors of all tiger reserves in the past as well with respect to tourism in the area.
In August, the NTCA had issued a letter to all field directors which said: "The patrolling amps/chowkis/ watch towers inside a tiger reserve (core as well as buffer) should not be used for accommodating tourists or facilitating tourism."
The letter read further: "As these structures have been constructed under Project Tiger for the sole purpose of accommodating the front line field staff (at places with wireless), it needs to be ensured that they are solely used for patrolling/anti-poaching work."
Even at present, the state forest department follows some 'do-not-disturb-tiger' guidelines and strictly adhere to the advisories issued by the NTCA from time to time. The tourists are allowed to visit tiger reserves only in morning and evening shifts.
"We ensure that timings are followed besides telling tourists not to litter or play music inside the park," said an official in Dudhwa National Park. The park is open for tourists from November 15 to June 15. Tourists can only visit those parts of the park which are identified as tourist spots. Besides, blowing of horns is a strict 'no'.
The NTCA has issued advisories to the field directors of all tiger reserves in the past as well with respect to tourism in the area.
In August, the NTCA had issued a letter to all field directors which said: "The patrolling amps/chowkis/ watch towers inside a tiger reserve (core as well as buffer) should not be used for accommodating tourists or facilitating tourism."
The letter read further: "As these structures have been constructed under Project Tiger for the sole purpose of accommodating the front line field staff (at places with wireless), it needs to be ensured that they are solely used for patrolling/anti-poaching work."
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