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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 After a public hue and cry and initiative shown by local law makers teh project was finally withdrawn..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
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Missing cubs of dead Bandhavgarh tigeress found., future uncertain
Central Chronicle reports the forest rangers having located 2 of the 3 cubs who had wandered off after their mother died of poisoning couple of days back in the Bandhavgarh national park. The cubs are too small to survive on their own in the jungle so most likely they will end up cooling their heels in a cage rest of their lives. Unfortunate in a country which likes to uphold freedom as its shining beacon.
Missing cubs found |
Surprise Surprise - Mah Zoo Minster cleared of violating law
Making a mockery of justice, the Zoo authorities in Nagpur appointed to investigate the minister entering a tiger cage and harrassing the cub has cleared the law maker of any violation. The zoo controller apparently means that rules are made only for common citizens and politicians and their ilk are above law. Although central MOEF Jairam ramesh has taken serious note of the incident it seems highly likely that this incident willsoon die its natural death. Afterall politicians in India get away with much worse than petting a tiger cub.
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Friday, August 21, 2009
India loosing Tigers at alarming rate as another found dead in Bandavgarh
Even India's showpiece tiger reserve known for the maximum density of big cats cant prevent the killings. A tigress was found dead in Bandhavgarh National Park in MP apparently poisoned though post mortem reports are still awaited. The tigersse's death means survival of its 3 cubs in the wild is also under cloud so in a sense this one death will mean a loss of 4 tigers. This incident comes a few months after anothe tiger cub was killed in the park when the driver of a tourist vehicle ran it over apparently trying to get this clients a better view of the feline hinding under the car. Another alarming report by a prominent NGO based on statistics collected from various parts of country, counts 66 tigers dead in 2009. The TOI story also cites the report attributing 23 of these deaths to poaching. Going by the normal underreporting of such incidents in our country it would be safe to assume that the real figure of tigers lost would be closer to twice the figure which means more than 125 cats lost in just 7 months. For a full year this will translate to almost 200 deaths. With new tiger births showing little signs of increase, the rate of deaths will soon take the population to a tipping point when any conservation effort will stop making a difference. So if there is atime to save the tigers it is now.
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MP forest officers transferred enmasse
Temptations of the political class to shunt around bureaucracy at its whims and fancy is taking heavy toll on country;s wildlife and forests. In another incident smacking of high handedness as per a report in Central Chronicle MP govt today transferred 27 IFS officers at one stroke. This comes on the heels of Maharashtra Forest minister last month shunting a whopping 350 forest officers at one go including some posted in sensitive wildlife regions wihout providing for suitable replacements. Read our earlier post on this (http://planettiger.blogspot.com/2009/07/another-minister-with-blinkers-on.html)
Given the lack of sensitivity being shown by state wildlife officials and minsters across the board it seems the centre will have to play a larger part in protection of not just wild life but also protecting the bureaucracy from political interference. It isnt surprising that some state forest officials are resisting signing a tripartite agreement with teh centre. Till such time they are not shielded from political interference, expecting them to be fully accountable for protection of reserves will be a non starter.
27 IFS officers transferred
Assam signs Tripartite act for tiger conservation with Centre as MP drags its feet
On a day of mixed developments Assam became the 3rd state after Rajasthan and Kerala to ink the recently formulated tripartite agreement between Centre, State govt and Forest reserve. The agreement makes field director of tiger reserves more accountable and makes release of funds contigent to the efforts being put in by the local official and state govt. Read our earlier post on the topic ( http://planettiger.blogspot.com/2009/07/new-ntca-guidelines-to-hold-field.html)
Apart from signing of the agreement Assam forest minister also announced setting up of a second battalion of force to protect forests and wildlife.
On the other hand, a state which should be at the forefront of tiger protection and take the lead in setting precedents for others to follow is dragging its feet in helping the centre make tiger conservation efforts more meaningful. A report by Zee News says MP govt officials yesterday raised objections to signing the tripartite act wary of the responsibility it affixes on field directors of reseves. This coming from a state which has witnessed the shameful loss of all tigers in Panna and almost all in Sanjay National park. Appartently field directors are concerned that once the agreement is signed they will be accountable for their actions. The Minister MOEF Jairam Ramesh being a determined man has asked for NTCA to meet with the field directors to remove their apprehensions and get the agreement signed at the earliest. If there is a chance for the MP govt to bury the past and ensure protection of its tigers for future generations this can be teh first real meaninful step they can take.
Tripartite pact on Project Tiger
Big cats find healthy habitat at Kaziranga
MP not keen to sign pact for tiger conservation
Railways insensitivity killing wildlife
In another incident of its kind a deer was run over by a train in the Dushwa national park region in UP as per a report by PTI. The report also cites another such case of a tiger being killed by a speeding train last year in teh same region. Despite detailed guidlines reg speed of trains in various sections, teh railways has summarily failed to implement steps to be taken to prevent loss of wildlife
Deer overrun by speeding train
NTCA teams to visit Tiger parks on verge of loosing their jewels
As per a TOI report today, NTCA has constituted various teams drawn from wildlife NGOs to visit tiger reserves showing signs of rapid decline. First reserve to get a visit will be Valmiki Reserve in Bihar which as per the report has lost more than 60% of big cats in the last couple of years. A recent post on this blog (http://planettiger.blogspot.com/2009/08/tiger-cubs-sighted-in-valimiki-tiger.html) had noted slopiness of state officials in ignoring to adhere to basic guidlines related to demarcation of core and buffer areas of the park. Given the poor track record of state govts in acting to save protected areas time is runing out before the park becomes another Siriska. Apart from Valimiki Palamu in Jharkhand, Manas in Assam and Indravati in Chhattisgarh, Dampa Tiger Reserve in Mizoram, Buxa Tiger Reserve in West Bengal, Namdapha Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve in Andhra Pradesh are the other reserves the teams are likely to visit. It may be noted that all these reserves have been on the NTCA radar for a while due to a whole host of problems ranging from naxalism to poor ground level protection. One hopes the NTCA visits will initiate a series of workable steps to stem the rapid decline of these forest areas.
NTCA team to inspect Valmiki Tiger Reserve
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Similipal Tiger Reserve being plundered - Act before all tigers vanish
Reports from Similipal Tiger reserve in Orrisa are getting worse. After the reported incidents of maoists and poaching mafia having taken over the reserve comes news of large scale hunting going on inside the park. Local activists have reported sighting rampant tree felling and daily killing of wild animals from within the reserve and some doubt whether any tigers are left inside the park. At last count there were found to be 61 tigers in the park in January this year down from almost 100 a couple of years back.
Our recent posts on Similipal had cited media reports of the deteriorating situation in the reserve and if the govt doenst do something in a hurry to stem the rot another siriska is unfolding right in front of our eyes.
Disaster in waiting - Similipal - exposed by local activistshttp://planettiger.blogspot.com/2009/07/disaster-in-waiting-similipal-exposed.html
Maharashtra Minister found guilty
As per a report in DNA today the forest ministry has found the minister who entered a tiger cage in Nagpur guitly of having flouted wildlife rules. The ministry has also decided to take action against Zoo officials who encouraged the minister to enter the cage. With the minsiter belonging to the ruling party and from an important state which goes to election this year it will be interesting to see if the centre has any will to take action against him or as usually happens low level zoo officials will be made scapegoats and the matter buried.
Minister guilty of molesting tiger
Tadoba man-animal conflict takes deadly turn again
After the lull of a few months when no incidents of tigers attacking humans were reported in the latest one a Leopard attacked and injured 5 people on the outskirts of the tiger reserve. This comes on the back of another reported incident of a tiger killing a man around the reserve last week (http://planettiger.blogspot.com/2009/08/man-animal-conflict-at-tadoba.html)
It doesnt seem the wildlife officials have any plan to prevent these incidents from repeating. After the numerous incidents of the last few years one would expect the forest dept to have learnt some lessons and found out a way of stopping these attacks. But it seems they are just waiting for the villagers to poison and kill these beasts to prevent these attacks. If there is an area taht needs urgent attention on Chandrapur apart from revoking licences for mining it is figuring out a way of preventing these conflits as they can cause serious harm to the wildlife inthe long run
Leopard wreaks havoc in Chandrapur, five injured
Two more poachers arrested - The killing continues
As per a TOI report, two men with the skin of a young tiger were caught by the TN state wildlife officials. Though cases of poachers/traders being netted are coming to light often there seems to be little concerted effort to break the back of poaching mafia across the country. As this blog has been saying the central ministry needs to set up crime investigation and prosectution for wildlife cases on the lines of CBI. A nodal body which works closely with states and looks at a pan india picture. With wildlife crime becoming an inter state phenomenon only a central body with mandate to operate across state borders can put a lid on the continuing killing of wild animals.
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Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Minister MOEF wants tigers in Gujarat
A report in Indian Express today cites a letter sent by Jairam Ramesh to Gujrat forest minister proposing relocating tigers into the state. Tigers used to raom in the state as recently as 10 years back the repopulating the state will expand the tiger conservation efforts significantly by brining in new areas under protection. Apart from Gujarat the minister should look at other such areas/states which have forest cover to be able to hold sustainable tiger population. Spreading the animal far and wide and involving local communities in protection will go a long way in keeping our national pride from extinction.
Jairam plans to get tigers to Gujarat
Bihar leads the way in calousness
A report in TOI cites how valmiki tiger reserve in Bihar is gradually loosing its protection force due to non payment of salaries to guards for the past few months. With the centre keen to provide monetary assistance to state govt, state officials have not signed the MOU with NTCA which will make them eligible to receive these funds. Such criminal negligence smacks might lead to the reserve loosing its tigers soon if affective steps are not taken immediately. Though the report also quotes state forest minster saying the MOUwill be signed soon, one wonders whether our lawmakers stand for protection of forest areas or are siding with poaching mafias and helping them tear down green corridors by simply ensuring delays in signing such agreements.
State fails to get Central aid for tiger reserve
Orrisa CM wants central forces for forest protection
Given the large scale violence being perpetrated by maoists across the red corridor and the collateral damage it is causing to tiger reserves in affected states Orissa CMs demand yesterday for CRPF to be deployed at Similipal might initiate a debate on how best to protect these parks. It is worth noting that Similipal in Orrisa has borne the brunt of maoists as well as land mafia in recent months. With forest protection staff driven out by crime syndiate media reports have cited a free for all inside the park with poaching, tree felling going on rampantly. Asking for CRPF protection might be a desperate cry for help but central forest ministry might want to pay heed to such demands. Recently at the Tiger conservation meet at Sariska, NTCA head had proposed taking off those reserves off list which are affected by serious maoist violence and where both counting and protection has not been carried out at all. Rather than leaving these areas to their own the ministry should work along side Home ministry to chalk out a action plan to protect these areas. With the home ministry planning a full scale offensive against the red brigade post monsoon it might betime for the MOEF to get into the picture and move in to take steps towards protecting forest areas.
Naveen urges centre to deploy CRPF at sanctuaries , national parks in state
Jairam Rames wants caged minister investogated
Minister MOEF has asked for central Zoo authority to investigate the matter relating to Maharashtra Agriculture minister entering a tiger cage and petting the cub. Given the laxity with which laws are implemented and invetigations carried out in our country it wont be surprising if nothing comes out of it. All the media attention has atleast ensured no one would want to repeat the act again in front of cameras.
Environmental clearances new licence raj, says Manmohan
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Centre to transfer funds directly to Tiger Reserves
In a move initiated by the centre that could potentially alter the nature of continous fund squeeze faced by tiger reserves the forest ministry has decided to transfer the money directly to the parks through a new fund to be set up rather than routing it through govt department based in state capitals. As per the story in Telegraph This move could well cut the time it takes for money to get to ground level and more importantly it will ensure some money gets their as state governments across the country have shown very little will to put forest and tiger protection on top of their priority list.
Fast funds for tiger reserves
'Minister in cage' defends his actions as govt officials wake up
Forest dept officials after two days of media ruckus have woken up to the illegality of allowing minister and his cronies to enter a tiger cub's cage. They have sought a report from teh Zoo officials on the incident while the minister himself initially defending his actions. even more bizarre is a statement attributed to the envioronment minister of Maharashtra who compared teh cub petting incident to visting a friends house and petting his children. Mr Minister if such is your love of wildlife and animals how come protected areas in the state are loosing their precious jewels under your watch. How come you have been championing the cause of mining in Tadoba while knowing fully well the dangers it poses to teh tiger reserve in teh area. Unfortunately as other incidents this too will be soon covered up & forgotten and we will get back to business as usual. Till such time our law makers at all levels wake up to the need of protecting wildlife and forests it will be an uphill battle to save the environment from further degradation.
Minister in tiger cub’s cage: Report sought
Monday, August 17, 2009
Minister makes a mockery of rules
In a bizarre incident Agriculture minister of Maharashtra entered a cage for tigers to pose with the cubs on Saturday. Though our country is known for lawmakers believing they are above it but such incidents in full media glare put a question mark on the sincerity of our political class to lead by example.
Minister enters tiger cage, activists cry foul
Man Animal conflict at Tadoba increasing again
After the lull of the last few months, a report by PTI cites a sheperd being killed inside the park. It is relevant to note Tadoba's prominence in the last few years grew owing to increased tiger attacks on human beings. These attacks suddenly came to a stop in January this year making wildlife activists to conclude large scale poaching for the reason behind sudden stopping of conflicts. This new how ever brings to fore the serious problem again and the park authorities would do well to chalk out a detailed plan to prevent recurrance less tigers in this area too are lost soon.
Tiger kills shepherd in Tadoba Andhari tiger reserve
Kerala second state to ink new pact with Centre on Tiger conservation
After Rajasthan, kerala has become the 2nd state to have inked the tripartite pact (http://planettiger.blogspot.com/2009/07/new-ntca-guidelines-to-hold-field.html) making all the state, centre and park management party to a legally binding contract with regards to conservation of flaura and fauna inside the sanctuary. The centre would be well advised to push all other states especailly MP to sign the pact in a time bound manner so that it comes into force immediately.
Kerala inks pact with Centre for tiger conservation
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Adani Mines issue - PCCF slams forest officials
A report in TOI today cites PCCF Maharashtra who recently rejected the proposal to clear mines for Adani corp slamming lower rung officials in the state wildlife dept forhaving cleared the project in the first place. It is no surprise that large corporates in India are capable of getting rulings invariably in their favour esp when it comes to cases involving government officials. With the PCCF rejecting to clear the mining proposal there is now hope that the project will be killed for good.
Reports damn Adani coal project
Tiger cubs Satpura Park in MP
In a welcome news for conservationists, a report in Hindu says officials in the Satpura Tiger reserve in MP recently sighted 9 tiger cubs. This comes on teh back of recent disaster in Panna where despite years of evidence the govt finally conceeded that the reserve had lost all its tigers probably to poaching. The challenge for the govts both state and centre is to ensure protection of these new cubs lest they go they same was as some of their unfortunate precedssesors.
Nine tiger cubs sighted in Satpur Reserve
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Goa govt looks the other way as wildlife is butchered
After the bizzare case of tiger killing and the susequent attempts at a cover up by state wildlife officials Dajiworld.com reports m0re animals namley deer and sambhar were recently found dead inside state;s wildlife sanctuaries. With wildlife protection becoming increasingly symbolic of saving forests the lax attitude of state departments towards their job doesnt augur well. It might be pertinent to note that a tiger was killed in March this year inside the same sanctuary and for a few weeks the state officials undertook a series of bizzare apparently to cover up both the presence of a tiger in the reserve and its killing. Till date no conclusive invetigation has been undetaken in the case and an accused who was arrested it also out on bail. These latest cases of killings again highlight the sloppiness of officialdom in the state. As we have been suggesting in this blog, teh centre should create a nodal investigative body, an equivalent of a CBI which should investigate every wildlife crime in the country.
Panaji: Forest Department to Initiate Probe into the Killings of Animals
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
First step towards burying Tadoba - Adani Mines - State govt Forest dept rejects company plan
In a welcome news, the Principal Chief conservator of Forests Maharasthra has rejected Adani Power's plan to set up coal mines in Chandrapur Distt to feed their upcoming Power Plant in Gondia. It might be worth mention that Minister MOEF Jairam Ramesh had recently assured local activists protesting against the mines that he will ensure no damage is caused to the surrounding environment and tiger habitats. With numerous open cast mines in the areas Chandrapur is already one of the most polluted and hot cities in India and the project would have caused further irreversible damage to the Tiger Sanctuary. Though this is the first step towards cancellation of the mining license granted to the company but given that Adani power has support in some political quarters esp one the constituents of the ruling parties in Maharashtra one would expect them to push for clearance again sooner than later. This first step though could be an important milestone in stopping the project from taking off.
Coal mine plan shot down over green concerns
New Tiger census method being adopted in Jharkhand
After scientists recently concluded Tiger scat identification to be a good way of determining population, Palamau Tiger reserve in Jharkhand has started using the method for its census. The method is being cited as even more robust than camera traps and can provide a very accurate estimation of tiger population.
Tiger, tiger, still burning bright?
- 45 scat samples sent to Hyderabad to freeze on number of big cats in PalamauPoachers 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.
Three held with deer skin, tiger paw
Wildlife crime control detectives unearth poaching ring
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
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