Three held with deer skin, tiger paw
Wildlife crime control detectives unearth poaching ring
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Poachers running amok as law fails to keep pace
Two unrelated reports in papers today point to continued wildlife poaching and smuggling going on rampantly in India. In one instance a smuggler was caught on the India-Nepal border with Tiger skin and another one caught in Coimbatore trying to sell Tiger Paw. As we can all imagine before selling/smuggling a skin would have gone through various hands before being poached in the wild. The fact that none of those crimes was detecated clearly indicats on going poaching in our wild life sanctuaries and continued trading in tiger parts in large centres like Delhi and Nagpur. Till the government busts these trading rings and takes them on like organised Drug crime just catching a few operatives trying to sell or smuggle the goods will not help.
Monday, August 10, 2009
World Tiger summit in Ranthambore next year
The first ever World Tiger Summit is likely to be held at Ranthambore which the goverment believes is the best run tiger sanctuary in the country. Well the state and central governments would do well to address chronic problems of understaffing and slopiness if they want to showcase the best to the world.
World Tiger Summit in Ranthambore next year
Southern western Ghats have max Tiger population
The NTCA has delcared the Nagarhole-Mudhumalai-Bandipur-Wyanad region as the most-populated tiger reserve. A report in Deccan Herald today cites the NTCA suggesting that the region be retained as an inter state tiger reserve which will allow easy and free movement of animals within the region. It is worth noting that a highway passing through Bandipur sanctuary was recently shut to night traffic owing to large number of animals being killed in nightime accidents.
Protecting big cats, govt’s new priority
To save Tiger we need to save all 6 populations
An interesting report in The Indian Express today cites a study conducted by the WII which found 6 distinct Tiger populations across the country. These populations have evolved as a result of adaptations to local conditions. so for instanc Tiger population in the himalyan region will be very different from teh ones in western ghats of South India. The study suggests avioding misxing of these populations less we end up with progeny which is not adapted to survive local conditions.
Don’t mix tiger populations: study
Little change on the ground despite all hype and hoopla
A report in TOI today cites how poorly managed Ranthambore's tiger protection system is. The guards at the park are all almost 50 years old with no new recuruitments having taken place in the last few years. If this is the situation at one of the most well known and 'better' protected parks one can imagine what is happening in other lesser known reserves. Ever since Sariska lost all its tigers in 2004, tiger conservation has been top of the agenda items for new media outlets. Forest officials, state govt wildlife mandarins never miss a chance to be in the limelight but when it comes to improving situation on the ground it seems we are still stuck in the sovient era. The report also notes that Ranthambore is one of the fortunate parks where tiger population has been growing despite lack of proper facilities for forest guards.
Old guards plague Ranthambore
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Passing off money as rehabilitation not enough
A recent post in this blog had highlighted problems faced by locals residing in forest areas for generations. Most complain about the lack of irrigation facilities and other means of earning livelihood as basic reason for not being happy with the package being offered by the Govt. Though on paper the policy does provide for the state officials to ensure all amenities are provided, on ground how ever aparthy combined with corruyption is threatning to undo the well thought out initiative. A report in Indian Express today cites similar problems being faced by families residing in Anamlai Tiger Reserve in TamilNadu where locals are finding it tough to surive in the new alloted areas. The Rs. 10 lac per family package and land is by no means enough for families with little of no education to survive in new areas. What the govt needs to do is create employment opportunities for adults in teh families to be able to earn arespectable living. The bestway to do it is to involve them in forest protection and use their local knowledge to benefit the sanctuaries. along side providing education to the children of these families should be priority so that their dependence upon forest and its produce it obliterated in the long run. Only then would these rehabilitatoin packages become successful.
Tiger cubs sighted in Valimiki tiger reserve in Bihar
Good news apart, the disturbing news is that no one can ensure their safety what with the park authorities and state government not even bothering to notify core areas of the park for access to more protection and funds from the centre.
2 more cubs sighted in Bihar tiger reserve
Comprehensive piece in TOI today on Tiger Status - Good read
What is noteworthy is how southern states esp Karnataka seem to have taken a huge leap in ensuring tiger protection. Perhaps it is related to their overall lead on development indices too as compared to their northern counterparts like UP, MP Bihar.
This may be the last time you see a tiger
Dudhwa tiger census to include counts in peripheral areas
According to a TOI report, WWF has appointed a local NGO to carry out tiger census in fields surrounding Dudhwa Tiger sanctuary near India - Nepal border. It is pertinent to note that a national tiger census is also going tobe carried out across 28 national parks in India in October this year following the first scientific camera trap method based census carried out in 2007 which put the tiger numbers in the country at around 1400.
WWF appoints local NGO for counting tigers in Dudhwa |
Friday, August 7, 2009
Adani power project to also affect Nagzira
As if the potential damage mines allocated to Adani Power to Tadoba wasnt catastrophic enough, state Wildlife officials now want to study the effect the power plant will have on another wildlife sanctuary east of Nagpur called Nagzira. What is interesting is that thepower plant is already under construction and one wonders what these 'concerned' officials were doing when approvals were being given and the project was being planned. Some one has suddenly woken up to the grave detrimental effects the power plant will have on surrounding forests which give shelter to tigers, panthers. leopards and other wildlife. It is unlikley that an under construction power plant will be asked to relocate now but what is important is now to ensure the damage it causes to the environment is minimal. The govt officials should carry out a detailed survey of affects of the project and ways to reduce any collateral damage.
MoEF official to study Adani plant's impact on Nagzira
One more arrested from poacher family
TOI report today carries arrest story of brother of dreaded wildlife poacher Sansar Chand. After many failed attempts at arresting Narayan the cops finally got hold him of him outside the court in Delhi of all the places. The gentleman apparently has attended court hearings in the past too and managed to give the cops a slip. The incident also speaks volumes about the will shown by the state so far to prosecute known wildlife criminals, Imagine wanted criminals escaping from courts for years with the cops looking the other way. A similar story in MP had come to light recently where another dreaded poacher was netted after having rum amok for years causing incalculable damage to the country's wildlife. (http://planettiger.blogspot.com/2009/07/another-dreaded-poacher-caught.html)
In Sansar Chand's case the story says his entire family is still at large and continuing with their ancestoral family business in wildlife trading. The sooner cops act on it the better. What is also important in such cases is tomake bail provisions very stringent and prosecute efficiently so as to not allow the criminal to bypass the law and continue his activities.
Sariska poacher Sansar Chand's brother arrested
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Centre embarks upon Similipal survey
After recent reports of rampant tree felling and poaching activities going on inside Similipal Tiger Reserves in Orrisa, the centre has sent a team of wildlife officials to the reserve to get a first hand account of the ground situation. Our recent blog http://planettiger.blogspot.com/2009/07/disaster-in-waiting-similipal-exposed.html had also pointed out to media reports from the reserve citing gross damage being caused to the wildlife inside the park with state forest officials on the run on account of threats from maoists and mafia alike. With the state government refusing to act in time there is a real threat of the tiger reserve being caused irreversible damage before corrective stteps are taken. A central team is now there to access the damange first hand and suggest immediate steps to be taken to stem teh rot. The important issue here will be the will of state forest dept as protection of the tiger reserve is their responsibility. The minister MOEF should personally intervene in teh matter and speak with teh chief minster to ensure no further damage is caused to the reserve.
Wildlife team checks Similipal
Tadoba misery continues - Villager relocation plan goes awry
An excellent piece in Down to Earth details hwo villagers who had readily agreed to vacate their land inside the Tadoba Tiger sanctuary have become victims of official apathy and corruption. It is incumbent upon the government to ensure populations that are relocated are given adequate means to earn their livelihood. However in case of villagers who were shifted out of the core areas of TATR were left to efnd for themselves as the land given to them as part of compensation package had no means of irrigation. Depsite many request and protests, as happens in our country, officials kept passing the buck. When the villagers finally went back to TATR to protest, they were arrested. Rather than sit with them and listen and address their genuine demands, officials took extreme steps to stop them from addressing their genuine demands. It is most likely that money provided for creating irrigation facilities has been siphoned off by corrupt officials and a cover up is going on to prevent the truth from coming out. The Minister MOEF has recently done a good job by increasing the monetary compensation available to each family being relocated out of a tiger sanctuary to Rs. 10 lacs. This shoould go a long way in addressing some of the issues that crop up during relocation.
| Relocation by half measure | |
Tadoba suffers due to official apathy
A report in TOI today cites 50 forest labourers going on strike from today for non payment of salaries due 4 months. For all the tall claims of central forest officials and state govt alike, funds some how either vanish before they reach the grassroot level or take inordinately long. The forest department in Maharashtra has been working at a snails pace to address issues related to wildlife protection with the forest department first clearing mining projects around the tiger sanctuary and now ensuring that money doesnt reach its protectors. In the last one year Tadoba has had to face multiple crisis with the chief forest officer threatning to shut down the park in December 2008 on account of lack of staff to manage the park. Recently, the state wildlife office transferred forest officials across the state, in some cases shunting them within a few months after they had taken charge. Tadoba was again the worst hit with old officials removed and new ones to take charge not announced thus leaving critical posts related to forest protectoin unoccupied. It seems the state forest officials are hell bent upon inflicting grave damage to the wildlife sanctuary which its own tourism department calls 'Jewel of Vidharba'. It is time the centre releases a white paper on all individual tiger sanctuaries, issues each of them is facing and what is the plan to protect those areas. The centre would do well to draw up a 10 year plan for tiger protection in teh country rather than rely on ad hoc announcements.
TATR protection hit as van majoors go on strike
Now Gujarat might get Tigers
In a move aimed at repopulating the state with striped cats, minister MOEF recently asked Gujarat Govt to explore reintroducing the big cat in the state. Given the relatively better record Gujarat has had in conserving wildlife and protecting Lions from poaching, the step should bring hope to wildlife enthusiasts. Gujarat is the only western state with no tiger population with the last known cat having vanished in 1997 as per a report in Indian Express. Given the rate at which forest areas esp tiger habitats across the country are shriking, the move should augur well for expanding wildlife population habitats across teh country.
Centre for introduction of tigers in Gujarat; state not ready to trade its ‘pride’
Monday, August 3, 2009
Sonia Gandhi takes note of Tadoba Adani mines as local activist ends fast
According to reports in TOI today, Sonia Gandhi has responded to a letter written to her by Congress MP Vilas Muttemwar, saying she is concerned about the damage the porject will cause to the environment and is going to have the matter looked into. The project as split the Congress - NCP alliance in the state, with NCP pushing hard for the project and congress opposing it. With assembly elections around the corner and Congress having an upper hand for the time being it seems the project might not take off atleast till the elections are over. In the meanwhile a team of local activists met Minister MOEF Jairam Ramesh in Delhi requesting him to widthdraw the mininng permisson given to the project by the state govt. Post the meeting local activist Bhanu Dhotre who had been on a fast for 2 weeks ended his strike. With the PM, Minister MOEF and now Sonia Gandhi's attention being drawn to the agitation it seems the project will find it hard to take off anytime soon.
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Saturday, August 1, 2009
Goa forests need protection
As per a TOI report today cites a committe set up on agriculture and forests recommended a study to ascertain presence of endangered species and notificaton of forest areas. After the recent killing of a tiger in the area and the subsequent cover up by forest officials apparently at the behest land mafia to keep forest areas away from being notified under the forest act, there is an urgent need for the government to act. If the state, which lies right between the contigous forest areas of Karnataka and Mahrashatra wants to save some of its remaining tigers (evidence of a tigeress with a cub was found last week in the form of pugmarks) then centre should also intervene immediately to get the state to map green areas and protect themfrom land and real estate sharks. with forest areas in the country dwindling at an alarming rate it is incumbent upon the state and central govt to act swiftly in such cases and protect further damage to teh environment.
Big boost for tiger conservation
Thursday, July 30, 2009
BNHS rubbishes report of Radio Collars causing tiger deaths
In a stinging rebuke to so called State wildlife Intelligence reports citing Radio Collars some how being responsible for tiger deaths, Bombay Natural History Society has strongly come out in support of the practice.Citing figures and data, BNHS Director has defended the technique which has been used across the world for many decades to study wild animals. It has also blamed the state wildlife office for being callous in its approach and trying to shift blame to cover its own shortcomings.
| Wildlife group says radio-collars did not kill tigers | |
MPs unite to oppose Tadoba Mining project
A day after local politicos cutting across party lines came out to support a bandh organised by local NGOs in chandrapur against the mining lease granted to Adani, Vidharba MPs from Congress, BJP & Shiv Sena have written a joint letter to the Prime Minister asking for the mining license to be revoked. A TOI report today spells out names of MPs who have signed the letter. If our Members of Parliament can get together in such fashion more often then a lot of problem that afllict our country can be solved. Recently the issue of widening of Nagpur-Jabalpur highway through Pench Tiger resrerve got highlighted when Rajya sabha MP from Maharashtra Mr Vijay Darda himself wrote to the PM and Congress President Sonia Gandhi. The plan was subsequently dropped. One hopes after the hue and cry raised by local citizes, NGOs and now law makers, the mining lease will be cancelled.
Vidarbha MPs join hands, write to PM on Adani mine issue
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Shot in the arm for Tadoba activists
As per a TOI report today, Minister MOEF Jairam Ramesh has made it clear that no further mining activity will be allowed around the Chandrapur forests. Local activists, NGOs and people from civil society have been running a campaign for months asking for the state govt to withdraw new mining licenses granted to corporate like Adani. As per the report, the minister made this assurance during the 2 day meet of Wildlife wardens that took place in Sarika over the last weekend.
No mining near Tadoba: Ramesh
Minister promises Wildlife Act Amendment
To deter poaching and illegal activties related to environment destruction Minister MOEF has proposed making laws under the Wildlife Act more stringent. Makes sense especially since so many cases have come to light recenltly where known poaches have been roaming out on bail on account of weak laws and even weaker enfrocement. Apart from making the law more stringent, the central ministry will also have to ensure application of laws in co rodination with local governments. The recent idea of NTCa to set up tiger protection force within every tiger reserve is again a welcome move but park rangers will have to be given more authority, training and equipment to firmly deal with gangs of poaching and timber mafia.
Wildlife Act to be amended: Jairam
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Nepal tiger population estimation done - Protection needed
As per newspaper reports, Nepal's four tiger breeding sancturies have been found to be home to some 121 tigers. The next step for the Nepalese govt will be to ensure these cats are protected for which they will need will at both centre and local level. Unfortunately india doesnt seem like a good example to learn from as our own record on tiger conservation has been appalling. But with the new Minister MOEF taking steps to undo the damage of teh last few decades, hopefully by the time his term ends we might have something to write home about on our tiger conservation efforts in the 21st Century.
121 breeding tigers in Nepal spells new ray of hope for the species
Finally politicians rally to save Todoba from mines
In a rare show of solidarity and coming togther, local politicos cutting across party lines have opposed granting of mining license to Adani in areas surroudning Todoba Tiger sanctuary. On Monday the police acted forcibly to end the fast by local activist Bandu Dhotre. All politial parties in the area have decided to support the bandh called by local NGOs. It is interesting to note that NCP ministers in the state have been pushing for the mines whereas Congress and Shiv Sena MPs have been against it. Given that Congress and NCP have a tie up at the state level it might not be surprising if one of the parties changes their stance on the issue post elections in the state in November.
Cong, Sena say no to Adani mines |
7 naxal affected Tiger reserves need help NOT denotification
According to news paper reports today, NTCA head Rajesh Gopal has suggested 7 tiger resrves which are seriously affected by naxalism and have very low tiger density to be denotified. Denotification of a park would then lift the responsbility of the park off NTCA shoulders. Given the serious nature of problems related to access and protection these parks face the NTCA's suggestion is undertandable but the need of the hour is to find a way of helping these areas rather than washing your hands off them. The Minister MOEF should personally meet with the Chief Ministers and concerned state officials regarding these reserves and find a way out of the problem. Given that the home ministry is planning to launch a full fledged assault againsts maoists post monsoon some of these areas might become accessible and hence could be protected. If we leave these areas are their mercy tehn sooner or later we will also loose the gene pool of tigers residing in these areas which will be in an incalculable loss to our wildlife heritage.
Reserves not clear on tiger numbers, one may be denotified
High court stays traffic ban withdrawl order in Bandipore sanctuary
Acting expediciously, the Karnataka High Court reversed the recent order of state officials to restire trarffic movement through Bandipore Wildlife sanctuary which was banned on account to increasing animal deaths due to accidents. According to a report in Deccan Herald, on Jue 3rd this year the Deputy Commission of Chamrajanagar had ordered ban on vehicular movement inside park after sunset but the order was withdrawn within a week owing to pressure from politicians and traders lobby. Given that the court has not stepped in chances are the ban will stay, atleast for the time being.
Night travel ban through Bandipur restored
Evidence of tigers found in two more forest areas
Accodring to forest officials in MP and Goa, tiger pug marks were found in Madhav national park in Shivpuri distt in MP and Mhadie Sanctuary in Goa. The need of the hour will be to ensure protection of these cats before they fal prey to poachers or wonder out of the protected habitats to be killed by other ferocious animals like Homo Sapiens settled around reserves.
Fresh tiger pug marks spotted in Goa reserve
Evidence of tigers' presence found in Madhav national park
Disaster in waiting - Similipal - exposed by local activists
In a damning report on the a local wildlife and environment activist forum has exposed the callous and conniving attitude of the local Orrsia govt towards protection the state's premier tiger reserve. The Chief Minister has himself on National television sometime back contested the low figures of tiger population released in the latest census and vowed to protect the reserve. Now in a startling relevation sure to embarass the government if any one cares, activists have released footage of rampant tree felling and poaching taking place inside the reserve. According to a report in The Statesman, local mafia has been threatening govt official after maoists drove them out after laying siege to large forest areas. With the government looking the other way, goons and thugs are having a free run inside the forest stripping it off all its valuable assets. Mr Patnaik needs to show similar resolve as he did while disputing tiger census numbers if he doesnt want to see this priceless jewel becoming the next Sariska.
Govt sleeps, crime grows in Similipal
Another tiger reserve crying out for help
An Indian express yesterday details out Tigers in Srsailam Tiger Reserve on the border of Andhra & Orrisa
facing poaching problems as local communities find it more and more difficult to just live off forest produce.
Involving local communities in protection and provinding livelyhood is the key to protecting forests and tigers habitats and
reserves such as these are perfect places for setting up centres for expriment.
Survived Maoists, but tigers could fall prey to tribals
37 tiger sancturies in the country, 25 dont classify as 'Good'
In an honest fact based admission, NTCA head Rajesh Gopal during a presentation over the weekend at Sariska admitted in front of the minister MOEF that only 12 out of 37 tiger santuries in the country classify to be in good condition. As per the report on The Hindu, 9 others we found to be satisfactory, what ever that means and another 9 were foudn to be in 'poor' condition. Given that only 30% of tiger habitats in the country are found to be in good condition it is imperative that centre spend more resources in protecting comparitievly unknown reserves before they too go the Panna/Sarika way. Before tourist and media spotlight reaches some of the reseves, tigers might completely disappear from some other santuries hence hte key is to protect them before it happnes. Simplipal is the perfect expample of what needs to be done and what should not be done. The centre needs to act now in the 25 cases.
Celebration at Sariska
Sunny SebastianCentre to have special protection force for tigers
In a welcome development the Minister MOEF Jairam Ramesh as per TOI report has announced setting up of a Special Protection force dedicated to the task of saving the big cats from doing a complete disappearing act. This initiative extends on from the recently annoucned setting up Tiger protection force at Corbett after the minister's recent visit to the park. Apparently he has decided to extend it to 13 other tiger parks across the coutry with salaries of personnel engaged in teh task being paid by the centre so that sancturies do not have to depend upon bankrupt state government for money.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS/City/Jaipur/Change-in-Tiger-Protection-Force-mooted/articleshow/4821208.cms
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Rajasthan inks tripartite pact with NTCA - Others should follow suit immediately
Taking the lead, Rajasthan has become the first state to sign the recently ratified tripartite agreement between the ressrve, state govt and NTCA. As we had mentioned in this blog on the subject recently (http://planettiger.blogspot.com/2009/07/new-ntca-guidelines-to-hold-field.html)
it is a well aimed move making the various stake holders more accountable. One hopes other states will follow suit sooner than later.
Rajasthan 1st state to ink tripartite pact on saving tigers
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Forbes says privatise forests - But will it help ?
The latest edition of Forbes india proposes privatising tiger sanctuaries to protect them from destruction. Though on the face of if the writer doespresent a cogent argument about how it might help raise the needed resources and will to tackle loss of tiger habitats and the tigers themselves. But one only has to look around in cities like Mumbai and in fact all over india where public land and areas given to private business for bulding, clubs, schools, hospitals,parks etc is being used only for private interests with public access being limited. One doesnt want tiger sancturies of the country to become elitist reserves where only people with money can visit. The need is for the govt to involve private business in contributing significantly towards the cause rather than turning them over into private hands.
A Wild Idea: Privatise the Jungles
Privatising India’s jungles may help in saving wildlife
MOEF realises need for action
A report on DNA today cites officials sitting in MOEF in Delhi to have realised the need for local intelligence units inside tiger sanctuaries to prevent poaching. After having lost more than 60% of the tiger population in the last few years perhaps the realisation has come a tad late. Apparently hitherto the intelligence teams have been sitting in Delhi and co ordinating work from their main offices passing on what ever information they used toget to the state wild life offices and vistingparks for surprise checks once in a while. State officers would in turn send memos to the forest warden. With an antiquated system like this given the time lag one wont be surpised if by time information reached ground level poachers would have make their kill and fled the area. The need of the hour is to completely overhaul the system and show a sense of urgency to correct the flaws. Incremental steps might not be enough if we have to keep from losing our forests.
Now, a wildlife intelligence unit to fight poachers
Forest linking plan ambitious but is it viable
Readers of this blog will remember a project envisaged and initiated by the NDA govt under PM A B Vajpayee to link all rivers in the country to remove chronic problems of flooding and drought at the same time in different areas of the country. The project never took off as there was never a scientific consensus on whether it was a good idea or that it was feasible. Linking up tiger sancturies in the country though is a more feasible plan. And as we can all imagine before the population explosion of the last century destroyed key wildlife habitats large parts of the country formed one contigous forest cover wherein animal could roam freely. Bringing agenda to the table is a noble cause and a TOI report today cites it to be on the agenda of an MOEF meet at Sariska where the minister Jairam ramesh is likely to spell our further steps on conservation of critical tiger habitats. Before we talk about linking of sanctuaries though the govt would be well advised to be reminded that tiger parks themselves are under serious pressure and strain from various lobbies and population expansion.Case in point the Tadoba tiger area in maharashtra where the state govt has allowed mining to be expanded on a mindless scale and to top it shuffled offers fromkey posts as if to invite pochers to come in a finish the remainin wild life so that it becomes easier for the minigng lobby to take over the forests. If there arent any animals left to protect within the so called protected areas then little will be achieved out of connecting forest areas. The focus as of now should be maknig security inside tiger areas in the country foolproof so that further loss of animal can be stopped immediately.
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Friday, July 24, 2009
Goa tiger killing case moving at a snails pace
A TOI report of yesterday cites a gun siezed in the case from near the field where some tiger parts were found in June. The tiger was apparently killed some time in February and the forest department was forced to investigate when pictures of the carcass appeared in a local newspaper. Even after that local politicos and goverment wildlife officails tried to cover up the incident by putting the onus of proving the killing on the person who clicked the pictures. If that wasnt bizzare enough there has been little headway made in the case in the last 6 months and the person who was arrested as an accused was let off on bail as per the newspaper report. It does seem like a systematic attempt to destory evidence and the central government officals which dont normally shy away from providing a media byte are completely tight lipped about it.
Rampant cases of tiger killings are being reported with disturbing regularity across the country but apart from ad hoc investigations being ordered by state government to fix accountability and investigate causes there is little being done to streamline the entire process top to bottom. Except for the NTCA guidelines released recently regarding postmortems to be carried out in cases of tiger caracasse being found in and around sanctuaries, the centreal government has been slow in formulating a comprehensive policy on forest and tiger conservation. A broad umbrella approach broken down into specific steps is the need of the hour rather than quick fixes.
Gun seized in Keri tiger casein Keri
More protests against Tadoba Mines
Conservationists gathered together yesterday at Chandrapur to lend solidarity to the ongoing protests by local activists against the granting of mining lease license to Adani and other companes around Chandrapur forests. The Hindi and TOI reported Magsaysay award recipient Rajendra Singh joining in the protests. Citizen voice might be the only means to now avoid a disaster from taking place as officials and politicians in connivance with big business have made up their mind to destroy the ecology of the area. With legal avenues in India too cumbersome, expensive and sometimes weak, large scale protests by concerned citizens seems to be the only way to force the government to revoke the decision.
Magsaysay winner joins protest against TATR mine allotment
Wildlife activists take out symbolic funeral procession
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Panel formed to conserve tigers - Indian Express
To conserve tigers in Uttar Pradesh, a state-level steering committee has been formed under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mayawati.
The 12-member committee will look into various aspects of tiger conservation including areas like prey base for the tiger and its habitat.
“The committee will be primarily for tiger conservation. It will look into its protection, conservation, monitoring, internal coordination and providing a better habitat,” said B K Patnaik, Chief Wildlife Warden, Uttar Pradesh.
Adhering to the guidelines of the National Tiger Conservation Authority, the notification for the committee was issued on July 15 under Section 38 U of the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972. The Act was amended in 2006.
The committee includes the state forest minister as the vice-chairman, chief wildlife warden as
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Sunderbans Prey base survey should be replicated across India
After a tiger was found dead in Sunderbands a few days ago with two cobras in its stomach, wildlife officials in Sunderbans have ordered a survey of prey numbres as per a TOI report today. Officials suspect dwindling prey base to be the reason for the tiger going on to swallow the cobras. Similar counts should be carried out across all forest areas in teh country and scientific mapping shoould be done to gauge populations of fauna to arrive a potential sustainable tiger numbers. It will help govt draw up plans for long terms distribution of tiger populations.
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Save Todoba !
Despite the statement made by Maharashatra State MInister for Forest Conservation in teh assembly last December not much has been done to reverse the decision granting mining license to Adani and other companies in and around Chandrapur forests. Our recent post on 8th Julycited had cited reports of forest officials ignoring reports related to the damage these mines will cause to the environment and trying to push through approvals. (
Now it turns out that our minister has not actioned a pledge he made to the law makers. A report in DNA today states Bandu Dhotre, president of Eco-Pro, a Chandrapur-based non governmental organisation (NGO) going on a hunger strike asking the government to recall the license granted the mines. It is a commendable effort on part of Dhotre to throw himself headlong into this fight to save the state forest cover. If only our lawmakers were as aware and sensitive.
NGO raises pitch for ban on Lohara mining project
New NTCA guidelines to hold Field Directors more accountable
A TOI report today cites the new Tripartite agreement between Centre, State and the Park recently cleared by the cabinet making Field Directors of the reserves personally responsible for each tiger loss. The new guidelines also lay out strick monitoring and fund release instructions so that money is utislised in a timely and wise manner. Though it is a welcome move to bring in more accountablility system but only holding Field Directors responsible without any part of the responsibiity affixed on the mandarins in the state goverment will only be a quick fix at best. Field Directos in parks are shunted around at the whims of politial and bureaucratic machinaries and unless rampant politicisation of forest department in states is countered not much might come out of these new guidelines. A case in point Panna in MP where the field directors were changed repeatedly over the last few years and as per recent reports all tigers have vanished from teh sanctuary. Unless officials who take over the park are allowed to settle down and put a plan of action in place it would be unfair to blame them for losses. The centre should similarly fix a minimun tenure requirement for field directors and any shiftings before time should happen only in urgent cases and with the centre's approval. Though forest conservation is a state subject but given the urgent importance of the issue and that it affects the long terms sustainability of forest areas and wildlife habitats there is an urgent need for the centre to play increasingly larger roles in Forest conservation than leave them to the whims and fancies or sometimes corrupt and inept state officials. Like the Supreme court mandaded committee on Police reforms, the centre should set up a committee to review the working of state forest departments and release a detailed set of dont and donts vis a vis people, funds and processes so as that streamline the efforts of governments across states. Only then there is hope that we will be able to salvage what is left of our wildlife heritage. Else releasing new guidelines will only tackle parts of the problem and the larger issues will keep corroding the system
Field director to be punished for tiger loss
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Increase in compensation package
Minister MOEF has announced a recent policy decision in the Rajya sabha to increase compensation package for families to be relocated out of wildlife sancturies. The amount will now be Rs. 10 lacs as compared to Rs. 1 lac per family earlier. Though the increase is welcome and much needed, what is also needed urgently is to implement these packages in a fair, transparent and credible manner and ensure the money reaches the intended recepients. And for that the ministry should set up a committe of eminent people to oversee implementation else chances are that funds might be siphoned off and dislocate families will get very little of what they deserve.
Another dreaded poacher caught
The MP Forest officials caught a dreaded poacher in Katni couple of days back says a TOI report. What is interesting is that the history sheeter has been running amock killing lions, tigers and other wildlife for a few years now with the state officials busy protecting their own turn rather than doing their jobs. In fact this poachers father has also been a well known poacher who has been arrested a few times only to be let out on bail and carry on with his murky trade. The need of the hour is to have a central law enforcement agency with the powers of a CBI to investigate and prosecute wild life related criminals. Left it to state police and forest deprtements, wildlife will soon disppear in front of our eyes.
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.
Orissa’s denial exposed, tiger numbers down by half
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
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Will there be justice in the Goa Tiger killing case
After much dilly dallying the forest department arreseted a person in connection with the killing as per a TOI report today. Given how the case has gone on so far it will not be surprising if the case dies a natural death since months have passed between the killing of the big cat and arrest of a suspect. One can safely assume that all material evidence linked to the killing would have been destroyed by now. If the miniter MOEF is serious about protection tiger populations across the country he should either ensure cases of suspect killing are handed over tothe CBI to uncover the mafias behind these deaths or should bring in a law in the parliament to give a CBI kind of status to Wildlife crime investigation bodies. Unless any of this is done it will be mightly tough for local law enforcement or Forest officials who are the mercy of local mafias to prevent further killings.
Bail plea of alleged tiger killer rejected
Field Directors meet at Sariska - Release of timely funds major issue
According to a TOI report, the field directors meet called for on 25/26th July in Sariska is likely to see presentations being made by directors pf parks in the presence of MOEF Minister Jairam Ramesh. As per the report, 'Sources said the meet will focus on tripartite memorandum of understandings (MoUs), enforcement, intelligence gathering, progress on special tiger protection force (STPF) deployment and protection, disturbance due to Naxal and extremists' presence in the reserves. ' The centre needs to play an aggressive role in tiger conservation and not wait for states to address tricky issues before it is too late. Couple of prominent reasons cited for lack of security in parks has been non appointment of senior officials in time and lack of timely release of funds by centre for security related activities. Without adequate funds, parks are unable generally to hire locals to work on daily patraolling related jobs which hinders protection programmes. Since the minister has been showing increasing concern about vanishing forests and tigers he might well be advised to take immediate action to address these two points with urgency.
Will mining issue be raised at Sariska meet?
Friday, July 17, 2009
Is Radio Collaring behind tiger deaths ?
According to a report carried by Zee News online a wildlfe intelligence report has blamed Radio Collars for tiger death. Citing carelessness on part of forest officials in collaring the tigers and the susequent strain it created on the beast it says collars restricted movements of tigers due to their weight and caused infections in the neck in some cases leading to fatalities. Though there isnt any conclusive evidence to prove it but the report also suggests that some poachers might have got hold of the radio frequency of the collars hence making it very easy for them to track down the cats. Radio Collars have been widely used in wildlife projects to understand animal behaviour but as this case shows lack of understanding coupled with official apathy can lead to significant damage though apparently rules might have been followed.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Contributing our bit !
A report in DNA today cites an investgitation by a central team into tiger deaths which concluded that there was evidence of tiger deaths taking place in Panna due to tranquilising. After all the hue and cry raised by centre and state and the buck passing that has taken place over the last few months it seems we are no where near to ascretaining the real cause of tiger deaths. And unless we get a definitive fix on the reasons it is impossible to afix responsibility and take preventive steps for future preventition. Apart from other actions the MOEF shoould make it mandatory for the WWF and NTCA to investigate disappearance of every single tiger and for that to happen each animal in the country needs to be identified and tracked. Without this is going to be very tough to know how many tigers existed in a particular sanctuary and whether the numbers are headed up or down.
Did tranquillisers kill Panna tigers?
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
More distressing news - Another reserve looses its tigers
According to today's newspaper reports another reserve, this time a lesser known Sanjay Tiger Reserve in MP has also lost all its big cats. The reports cite the ex director of the park saying during a recently concluded census no tiger was spotted. Even more shockingly the MP govt tabled a report in the state assembly two days back on the status of tigers. Curiously the report doesnt even mention the name of the reserve although it used to be apremier reserve in the once undivided Madhya Pradesh with upto 36 tigers in 1992.
No tiger in Sanjay Tiger Reserve also, says official
Living in denial
Yesterday during a debate in the MP assemby the minister of Forests squarely passed the blame of Panna Fiasco on the centre. Citing NTCA guidelines for tiger protection and that many other reserves in the country were faring no better, the minister proudly claimed that MP govt has done there was needed to and if there was a lapse it was on part of the NTCA and the rules framed by the body. Why else, he questioned, would other states too loose tigers as all ofthem have been followig NTCA protocols. Though there is some merit int he argument but to stretch it to absolve its own officials borders on apathy and criminal conspiracy. Tiger consrvation clearly has been a state subject with forest areas under the jurisdiction of state govt. NTCA has so far been drawing out guidelines for states to follow but that doesnt mean the state govts themselves shut their eyes to what is needed beyond the stated guidelines. It is akin to saying The centre told us to set up hospitals but didnt inform us that patients need to be treated to save lives hence state government cant be blamed. The longer this buck passing goes on lesser the chances that anything worthwhile will be done soon to repair the immense damage that has been caused to wildlife in the country in recent years. Madhya Pradesh is not just the heart of the country as their campaign claims, it is also the torch bearer of wildlife prjects in the country and if the premier state doesnt take lead in protecting tigers the hopes of saving big cats from extinction dont brighten up considerably. Rather than indulging in a blame game with the centre, the state government should rather focus their energies on what they can do to aviod Panna like fiascos in teh future. The need of the hour is to streamline the system and strengthen political will. For a senior govt functionary to make such a statement in the assembly doesnt just show callousness on this part but also displays a total lack of sensitivity to what is expected of him as the state's supreme guardian of wildlife. One can only hope that the state government learns from its mistakes and takes corrective steps soon to prevent further loss of tigers in the state.
MP refuses to take Panna blame, tells tiger authority to change policy
Monday, July 13, 2009
Shocking case of money power being used to twist rules
A piece carried in The Organiser by Sangeet Verma exposes the mis deeds of private resort owners in Satpura national park. According to the story resort owners have been appaently promoting acvities that are not allowed within the boudaries of the park. Obvisouly it has been going on with the connivance of local forest officials who have been looking the other way and worse still have benefitted illegally from such activities. With rampant politicisation of forest departments in states, it it hardly difficult to lure guards and officials who are already low on morale into either looking the other way to getting them to conspire into breaking rules of the jungle. The incident comes on the heels of a report owner cruching a tiger cub under the wheels of his jeep inside bandhavgarh forest a few months back ostensibly to provide a better dekho to his foreign clients. State governments need to de politicise forest departments to allow them function in the interests of convervation rather than for private ones. Increasing cases of laws being broken with impunity by people who can afford to buy them are making a mockery of forest conservation efforts. The centre could also pitch in by instituting a central body which closely investigates every incident within national parks. If it means changing the laws to make forest conservation and joint State and centre subject then it should be done at the earliest. Leaving this important issue under the domain of state goverments alone is clrealy causing immense damage.
Plunder of biodiversity
Bio-smugglers target MP forests
By Sangeet Verma
Bio-smugglers target MP forests
By Sangeet Verma
Can we have some real action now !
The minister MOEF Jairam Ramesh has today spoken about making laws related to wildlife esp Tiger poaching much more stringent. Though no one can deny the need for such a step the key is to convert this talk into action urgently. A report in The Hindu today quotes P K Sen, former director of NTCA saying greens have been pushing for a such a provision for over two decades now without much result. As the case two days back of the female poacher in UP having been finally sent behind bars after comitting two decades of wildlife crimes shows, the need to push for reform in wildlife law is desperate. For every day we delay wildlife across the country falls prey to poaching mafia and with no one to ensure speedy justice, criminals are having a free run in India's supposedly well protected sanctuaries.
The Hindi report also states the minister having disussed the matter with Harish Salve Amicus Curae for Supreme Court on environment matters and one hopes the process of converting talk into action doesnt take too long.
Centre planning legislation for speedy conviction of poachers
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Better security infrastructure in parks key to tiger protection
Today's DNA carries an on ground report about a recently recruited ex army forest guard going through the grinds of protecting the Ranthambore Tigers against poachers on foot and with a stick in his hands. Though the report exposes nothing new about the pathetic state of reqources available to forest officials to fight well armed gangs of poches but it does highlight the continuing gap between lip serive being paidby the state and central governments and action on ground. Till such time we donot equip and pay our forces better it is unfair for us toexpect them to be able to do a good job. We cant imagine stick carrying ex army officers worried about their next meal to be fully committed to fighting well armed gangs of international poachers. This incident also goes on to hightlight in some ways the deep rooted corruption in the government departments entrusted with forest consevation. Despite ever increasin budgets being allocated for tiger conservation if this is the best we can gie to out forest guards in one of the best known reserves of the country close tothe National capital and one can well imagine the complete apathy that pervades efforts across other lesser know forest areas.
Armed with a stick, Pappu protects the tigers
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