NEW DELHI: Giving a boost to tiger conservation in the country, the government on Thursday approved the creation of four posts in the rank of Inspector General of Forests for the three regional offices and headquarters of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
This move, in conjunction with the recent decision to set up three regional offices of the NTCA in Nagpur, Guwahati and Bengaluru, is expected to give a major boost to India's tiger conservation efforts, ministry of environment and forests said in a statement here.
The decision approved by the Union Cabinet would benefit all 39 tiger reserves falling in 17 tiger range states. The decision is expected to lead to "close monitoring at the regional level resulting in strengthened tiger conservation."
Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh welcomed the decision. "This is a great step forward. There was a crying need for decentralisation so that we can enhance the monitoring of our conservation efforts and improve the quality and timeliness of support we give the field directors of our 39 tiger reserves," the minister said.
"There is no doubt that today's decision will strengthen the capacity of NTCA to deliver on its mandate, and provide new teeth to our tiger conservation efforts," Ramesh added.
The government has revamped its tiger conservation efforts through setting up of NTCA by amending the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, in 2006, based on the recommendations of the Tiger Task Force constituted by the National Board for Wildlife under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister.
"The strengthening of the headquarter set-up and creation of three regional offices of the NTCA would facilitate guidance to states and monitoring in an ongoing manner at the regional level for addressing the ecological and administrative concerns relating to tiger conservation," said the release.
The implementation at the national level would be done by the NTCA headquarters, assisted by the three regional offices at Nagpur, Guwahati and Bengaluru, covering the 17 tiger states (39 tiger reserves), it said.
Project Tiger is an ongoing centrally-sponsored scheme of the ministry launched in 1973. Over the years, the project coverage has expanded from the initial nine reserves (1,400 sq km) to 39 reserves encompassing around 46,388.22 sq km.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Cameras for tiger study capture poachers at Orang
Caught on camera: A poacher sneaks into Orang
Guwahati, Jan. 13: Camera traps, which up to now have clicked pictures of wildlife in Assam, have now for the first time taken pictures showing poachers at Orang National Park.
Revealing this at a news conference today, Assam principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife), Suresh Chand, said pictures taken by camera traps hung on trees have been able to take pictures of a group of poachers who had killed a rhino on January 9. “Cameras which were placed in the trees got the pictures of poachers who were moving in the area. The poachers had come with an intent to kill a rhino,” Chand said.
The poachers were carrying .303 rifles.
Camera trapping is being done by Aaranyak, a wildlife NGO, at Orang National Park for tiger estimation. Around 70 cameras have been put up at strategic locations in the park.
Chand said the poachers, who are believed to be the same, came on January 5. They, however, succeeded in killing a rhino on January 9.
Chand said on January 9, the poachers had changed their route and were successful in killing the rhino.
Divisional forest officer of Orang National Park S.K. Daila said the poachers had adopted a new strategy of shooting the rhino at night. “We have seen poachers striking at dusk or in the wee hours. However, these poachers shot the rhino around 1.30am. They fired from very close range,” he said.
The staff on duty on January 9, N. Chamua, will be put under suspension. “We suspect that he was conniving with the poachers,” Chand said.
The official said the poachers were from outside the area and the pictures have been sent to nearby police stations.
“The forest department has announced a reward of Rs 25,000 for identifying the poachers,” he said.
Chand said the killing of a rhino in Orang took place after a year.
In the entire state in 2010, there were seven instances of rhino poaching while in 2009 there were 14 cases.
In 2009, the number of rhinos in Orang was 64 rhinos while in 2006, 68 rhinos were recorded.
Firoz Ahmed of Aaranyak, who has been looking after the tiger trapping exercise through cameras in Orang, said the poachers came in coincidentally when the cameras were on. “The cameras are placed strategically so that pictures can be taken and are not meant to take pictures of poachers specifically,” Ahmed said.
In the 2009 tiger camera trapping report of Aaranyak in collaboration with forest department, seven tigers, including two males and five females,were recorded in Orang National Park.
Two poachers were killed in an encounter with forestguards in July last year and several arms and ammunition were recovered from them. Another poacher was killed in March last year.
Chand said an elephant census would be held simultaneously with neighbouring states like Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and West Bengal. The dates have been fixed for February 21-26.
Guwahati, Jan. 13: Camera traps, which up to now have clicked pictures of wildlife in Assam, have now for the first time taken pictures showing poachers at Orang National Park.
Revealing this at a news conference today, Assam principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife), Suresh Chand, said pictures taken by camera traps hung on trees have been able to take pictures of a group of poachers who had killed a rhino on January 9. “Cameras which were placed in the trees got the pictures of poachers who were moving in the area. The poachers had come with an intent to kill a rhino,” Chand said.
The poachers were carrying .303 rifles.
Camera trapping is being done by Aaranyak, a wildlife NGO, at Orang National Park for tiger estimation. Around 70 cameras have been put up at strategic locations in the park.
Chand said the poachers, who are believed to be the same, came on January 5. They, however, succeeded in killing a rhino on January 9.
Chand said on January 9, the poachers had changed their route and were successful in killing the rhino.
Divisional forest officer of Orang National Park S.K. Daila said the poachers had adopted a new strategy of shooting the rhino at night. “We have seen poachers striking at dusk or in the wee hours. However, these poachers shot the rhino around 1.30am. They fired from very close range,” he said.
The staff on duty on January 9, N. Chamua, will be put under suspension. “We suspect that he was conniving with the poachers,” Chand said.
The official said the poachers were from outside the area and the pictures have been sent to nearby police stations.
“The forest department has announced a reward of Rs 25,000 for identifying the poachers,” he said.
Chand said the killing of a rhino in Orang took place after a year.
In the entire state in 2010, there were seven instances of rhino poaching while in 2009 there were 14 cases.
In 2009, the number of rhinos in Orang was 64 rhinos while in 2006, 68 rhinos were recorded.
Firoz Ahmed of Aaranyak, who has been looking after the tiger trapping exercise through cameras in Orang, said the poachers came in coincidentally when the cameras were on. “The cameras are placed strategically so that pictures can be taken and are not meant to take pictures of poachers specifically,” Ahmed said.
In the 2009 tiger camera trapping report of Aaranyak in collaboration with forest department, seven tigers, including two males and five females,were recorded in Orang National Park.
Two poachers were killed in an encounter with forestguards in July last year and several arms and ammunition were recovered from them. Another poacher was killed in March last year.
Chand said an elephant census would be held simultaneously with neighbouring states like Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and West Bengal. The dates have been fixed for February 21-26.
Bahraich killings not by one tiger, say officials
The state forest department has said the three attacks on humans over the last week in Bahraich were not made by a single tiger. So it was wrong to assume that a tiger had turned man-killer.
B K Patnaik, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Wildlife, said the attacks took place in the mating season, when tigers turn unusually aggressive. The increase in the human population around the forests and their dependence on forests for fuel and livelihood had added to the man-animal conflict.
“There are around 36 villages in the core tiger habitat area in Katarniya Ghat alone,” Patnaik said. “We are trying to reduce these incidents but a long-term plan, supported by the Centre, is needed.”
Over the last ten months, 16 people have died and 22 injured in Uttar Pradesh ¿ the increasing instances of man-animal conflict. The department has formed four special teams to track the movement of 110 tigers and 208 leopards in the three core tiger areas of the state ¿ Dudhwa National Park, Katarniaghat and Pilibhit Forest Reserve.
“We are doing our best to manage the problem with the limited resources we have ¿ getting trenches dug manually on the boundaries of these national parks and will be planting cactus to ensure that the animals don’t move out of the forest area,” said Patnaik.
He said there is a need for cooperation between various departments. Citing an example, he said the Railways had not paid heed to the Forest Department’s demands for diverting about 70 km of tracks that pass through core forest areas.
... contd.
B K Patnaik, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Wildlife, said the attacks took place in the mating season, when tigers turn unusually aggressive. The increase in the human population around the forests and their dependence on forests for fuel and livelihood had added to the man-animal conflict.
“There are around 36 villages in the core tiger habitat area in Katarniya Ghat alone,” Patnaik said. “We are trying to reduce these incidents but a long-term plan, supported by the Centre, is needed.”
Over the last ten months, 16 people have died and 22 injured in Uttar Pradesh ¿ the increasing instances of man-animal conflict. The department has formed four special teams to track the movement of 110 tigers and 208 leopards in the three core tiger areas of the state ¿ Dudhwa National Park, Katarniaghat and Pilibhit Forest Reserve.
“We are doing our best to manage the problem with the limited resources we have ¿ getting trenches dug manually on the boundaries of these national parks and will be planting cactus to ensure that the animals don’t move out of the forest area,” said Patnaik.
He said there is a need for cooperation between various departments. Citing an example, he said the Railways had not paid heed to the Forest Department’s demands for diverting about 70 km of tracks that pass through core forest areas.
... contd.
Cabinet overrules Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister on new tiger reserve
New Delhi: Ignoring Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's strong opposition, the Union Cabinet today gave "in-principle" go ahead to convert the state's Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary into a tiger reserve along with four other sanctuaries in the country.
"In-principle approval has been accorded for creation of five more tiger reserves," said Ministry of Environment and Forests in a release.
Ratapani in Madhya Pradesh, Sunabeda in Orissa, Pilibhit in Uttar Pradesh, Biligiri Ranganatha Temple in Karnataka and Mukundara Hills in Rajasthan are the wildlife sancturies which would be converted as new tiger reserves.
Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh's plan to convert Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary into a tiger reserve, the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister had said that it would call for shifting many villages.
While addressing the 15th national conference of Akhil Bhartiya Adivasi Vikas Parishad in Bhopal, Chouhan had said "Madhya Pradesh is a tiger state. We are not averse to tiger and its protection. But we do not want it at the cost of the poor, especially tribals. Many villages will need to be shifted for turning Ratapani into a tiger reserve."
The land of tribals cannot be taken away in Madhya Pradesh which has tough laws to check it, the Chief Minister had stated.
Meanwhile, the National Tiger Conservation Authority has suggested the states create tiger reserves in Satyamangalam forests in Tamil Nadu, Nagzira-Navegaon and Bor in Maharashtra and Suhelwa in Uttar Pradesh.
"In-principle approval has been accorded for creation of five more tiger reserves," said Ministry of Environment and Forests in a release.
Ratapani in Madhya Pradesh, Sunabeda in Orissa, Pilibhit in Uttar Pradesh, Biligiri Ranganatha Temple in Karnataka and Mukundara Hills in Rajasthan are the wildlife sancturies which would be converted as new tiger reserves.
Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh's plan to convert Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary into a tiger reserve, the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister had said that it would call for shifting many villages.
While addressing the 15th national conference of Akhil Bhartiya Adivasi Vikas Parishad in Bhopal, Chouhan had said "Madhya Pradesh is a tiger state. We are not averse to tiger and its protection. But we do not want it at the cost of the poor, especially tribals. Many villages will need to be shifted for turning Ratapani into a tiger reserve."
The land of tribals cannot be taken away in Madhya Pradesh which has tough laws to check it, the Chief Minister had stated.
Meanwhile, the National Tiger Conservation Authority has suggested the states create tiger reserves in Satyamangalam forests in Tamil Nadu, Nagzira-Navegaon and Bor in Maharashtra and Suhelwa in Uttar Pradesh.
Do Not Tame the Tiger, Your Compensation is Doubled
The livestock of villagers living close to the borders of Ranthambore National Park have often become a meal to the roaming tiger of the National Park. In retaliation villagers have avenged the death of their livestock by killing the big cat either by poisoning or setting up a trap and killing it.
About a month ago a male tiger called ST-1 from Sariska National Park also in Rajasthan had killed a buffalo. The villagers took revenge of their loss by smearing the half eaten carcass of the buffalo with poison when the tiger was away.
This vengeful attitude of the villagers is greatly worrying the forest officials. When a villager’s animal is killed by any of the wild animals of a National Park, they are given compensation for the same. At present the compensation rates is Rs. 300 for a goat and Rs. 3000 for a cow or buffalo.
However now to further pacify the villagers over the loss of their livestock, the Rajasthan government is thinking of giving double or even more compensation then the present amount. "We had given such a proposal some time ago. The proposal is under consideration," confirmed H M Bhatia, chief wildlife warden, Rajasthan. The proposal is under the consideration of the state finance department and may soon be approved.
At present Ranthambore forest officials are worried about the fate of a tigress T-13, who has ventured out of the National Park along the route of the Chambal River with her two cubs. The tigress had killed a bull a few days ago. The forest officials settled the matter when they visited the owner of the bull and the village sarpanch, to ensure the provision of compensation for the loss and also asked them not to graze cattle in that area for some time now. However till date the only compensation the owner received was Rs. 5000 from an NGO.
However the fate of T- 13 and her cubs is still in danger as she is still lurking in that area, which is about two kms from human habitation and forest officials are afraid she may possibly add another livestock kill to her victim portfolio. The forest officials are afraid that if this happens, T-13 and her cubs may soon meet the same fate, they meted out to others.
It is with this intention in mind to save the majestic tiger that forest officials are leaving no stone unturned to ensure the tiger’s safety.
"It is high time for the forest department to revise compensation rates for villagers whose livestock is eaten by tigers. The sum can hardly be compared with market rates of animals which is somewhere around 10 times the amount. Also, the process for giving this sum needs to be simplified. Currently, the department takes a very long time to hand over the cheque to the villager," said Rajpal Singh, member, state wildlife board. It is due to this paltry sum that tigers are often poisoned by villagers. However in spite of all the straight forwardness of the situation, there are complications underneath. Villagers who stay within the boundaries of the sanctuaries are allocated compensation for relocation outside the National Parks. But the livestock of the villagers is not allowed to graze within the confines of the sanctuary. If the livestock is killed within the sanctuary area, no compensation is given. Only if a tiger strays out of the National Park and kills the livestock outside the sanctuary area or in the periphery of the forest area, is compensation granted.
This complexity which is defined by boundaries may thus continue to danger the lives of wild animals in Ranthambore and Sariska National Park.
Already Sariska National Park suffers from a haunted past, where it lost all its tigers due to poaching and other reasons. Since the past few years, the state forest department has been trying to introduce tigers in Sariska by relocating a few tigers and tigresses from Ranthambore National Park. Forest officials are hopeful that the transferred animals will breed a new generation and thus populate Sariska with the majestic tigers again.
About a month ago a male tiger called ST-1 from Sariska National Park also in Rajasthan had killed a buffalo. The villagers took revenge of their loss by smearing the half eaten carcass of the buffalo with poison when the tiger was away.
This vengeful attitude of the villagers is greatly worrying the forest officials. When a villager’s animal is killed by any of the wild animals of a National Park, they are given compensation for the same. At present the compensation rates is Rs. 300 for a goat and Rs. 3000 for a cow or buffalo.
However now to further pacify the villagers over the loss of their livestock, the Rajasthan government is thinking of giving double or even more compensation then the present amount. "We had given such a proposal some time ago. The proposal is under consideration," confirmed H M Bhatia, chief wildlife warden, Rajasthan. The proposal is under the consideration of the state finance department and may soon be approved.
At present Ranthambore forest officials are worried about the fate of a tigress T-13, who has ventured out of the National Park along the route of the Chambal River with her two cubs. The tigress had killed a bull a few days ago. The forest officials settled the matter when they visited the owner of the bull and the village sarpanch, to ensure the provision of compensation for the loss and also asked them not to graze cattle in that area for some time now. However till date the only compensation the owner received was Rs. 5000 from an NGO.
However the fate of T- 13 and her cubs is still in danger as she is still lurking in that area, which is about two kms from human habitation and forest officials are afraid she may possibly add another livestock kill to her victim portfolio. The forest officials are afraid that if this happens, T-13 and her cubs may soon meet the same fate, they meted out to others.
It is with this intention in mind to save the majestic tiger that forest officials are leaving no stone unturned to ensure the tiger’s safety.
"It is high time for the forest department to revise compensation rates for villagers whose livestock is eaten by tigers. The sum can hardly be compared with market rates of animals which is somewhere around 10 times the amount. Also, the process for giving this sum needs to be simplified. Currently, the department takes a very long time to hand over the cheque to the villager," said Rajpal Singh, member, state wildlife board. It is due to this paltry sum that tigers are often poisoned by villagers. However in spite of all the straight forwardness of the situation, there are complications underneath. Villagers who stay within the boundaries of the sanctuaries are allocated compensation for relocation outside the National Parks. But the livestock of the villagers is not allowed to graze within the confines of the sanctuary. If the livestock is killed within the sanctuary area, no compensation is given. Only if a tiger strays out of the National Park and kills the livestock outside the sanctuary area or in the periphery of the forest area, is compensation granted.
This complexity which is defined by boundaries may thus continue to danger the lives of wild animals in Ranthambore and Sariska National Park.
Already Sariska National Park suffers from a haunted past, where it lost all its tigers due to poaching and other reasons. Since the past few years, the state forest department has been trying to introduce tigers in Sariska by relocating a few tigers and tigresses from Ranthambore National Park. Forest officials are hopeful that the transferred animals will breed a new generation and thus populate Sariska with the majestic tigers again.
Big cat leaves forest officials confused
LUCKNOW: Even after three lives were lost in the man-animal conflict in the killing fields of Katarniaghat and Nishangadha, the forest department is yet to wake up from its slumber.
The department is yet to identify the big cat, which made the killings. On one hand, department's preliminary findings indicate it to be a "tigress with a cub". On the other hand, pugmarks show them to be three different big cats behind three killings made over a week-long period. "We are trying to identify, because prima facie it appears to be three different tigers," said BK Patnaik, chief wildlife warden, UP on Thursday.
The pugmarks were found only in the first and last killing. In the case of second killing there were no pugmarks. The killings have been made in two ranges -- Nishangadha and Katarniaghat. The department is making Pugmark Impression Pads (PIPs) along tracks and water holes. This is being done to track the movement of the tigers in the area and also to identify the real man-eater.
The mobile veterinary unit has been stationed in the area, so that it could be called in for rescue as and when required. The tranquillising team from Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) has also been called in along with a tiger biologist to watch the behaviour of the tigers.
Three teams comprising forest officers have been put on the job to patrol the area for tracking the big cats. "This is a mating season for tigers and they are known to be aggressive during this period," said Patnaik. The locals in the area are being informed about the same. They are being told not to go to forest to collect firewood or grass.
But has the department made any arrangements to meet such requirements of villagers? The department has no clear cut answers on this. Meanwhile, gram pradhans in the area have been given the phone numbers of forest officers, so that they can immediately inform officers in case they spot a big cat in vicinity.
The department has not branded any of the three killings to be a man-eating incident. In the last incident, however, the tiger was spotted around the body of its victim, though villagers tried to chase it away. But forest officers said that it was a natural behaviour of tiger that it does not leave its kill.
The department is yet to identify the big cat, which made the killings. On one hand, department's preliminary findings indicate it to be a "tigress with a cub". On the other hand, pugmarks show them to be three different big cats behind three killings made over a week-long period. "We are trying to identify, because prima facie it appears to be three different tigers," said BK Patnaik, chief wildlife warden, UP on Thursday.
The pugmarks were found only in the first and last killing. In the case of second killing there were no pugmarks. The killings have been made in two ranges -- Nishangadha and Katarniaghat. The department is making Pugmark Impression Pads (PIPs) along tracks and water holes. This is being done to track the movement of the tigers in the area and also to identify the real man-eater.
The mobile veterinary unit has been stationed in the area, so that it could be called in for rescue as and when required. The tranquillising team from Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) has also been called in along with a tiger biologist to watch the behaviour of the tigers.
Three teams comprising forest officers have been put on the job to patrol the area for tracking the big cats. "This is a mating season for tigers and they are known to be aggressive during this period," said Patnaik. The locals in the area are being informed about the same. They are being told not to go to forest to collect firewood or grass.
But has the department made any arrangements to meet such requirements of villagers? The department has no clear cut answers on this. Meanwhile, gram pradhans in the area have been given the phone numbers of forest officers, so that they can immediately inform officers in case they spot a big cat in vicinity.
The department has not branded any of the three killings to be a man-eating incident. In the last incident, however, the tiger was spotted around the body of its victim, though villagers tried to chase it away. But forest officers said that it was a natural behaviour of tiger that it does not leave its kill.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Tiger Project area fraught with risks
DALTONGANJ: A high power transmission line between Betla and Chipadohar in Palamu Tiger Reserve cuts through Betla National Park and the line wires sags dangerously.
There have been five deaths of tuskers since 1998-2010 when their trunk came in contact with the low-level high transmission line wire. The Project Tiger officials kept reminding the electricity department to increase the height of the wire of the high transmission but to no avail.
The Tiger Project is fraught with risks like this as railway lines also truncate the entire tiger reserve.
According to a member of the Government of India s National Tiger Conservation Authority Management, Effective Evaluation East and North East, D S Srivastava, the railway line falls on the migratory route of the elephants in compartment one and two of Saidupe.
There have been five deaths of tuskers since 1998-2010 when their trunk came in contact with the low-level high transmission line wire. The Project Tiger officials kept reminding the electricity department to increase the height of the wire of the high transmission but to no avail.
The Tiger Project is fraught with risks like this as railway lines also truncate the entire tiger reserve.
According to a member of the Government of India s National Tiger Conservation Authority Management, Effective Evaluation East and North East, D S Srivastava, the railway line falls on the migratory route of the elephants in compartment one and two of Saidupe.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Man-eater tiger killed one more woman in CTR
Rishikesh, Jan 11 (PTI) A woman was killed by a man-eater big cat in Corbett Tiger Reserve, the fourth such incident in the area since past two months, officials said.
The incident took place yesterday near Bulwa Nallah in Sunderkhal area when the woman had gone to fetch firewood, Jim Corbett National Park Deputy Director C K Kavidayal said.
The body with biting wounds on neck was today recovered by forest officials from the area, he said.
Forest officials believe that it is the same tiger which had killed three women during the past two months.
Chief Wildlife Warden Srikant Chandola had declared the tiger man-eater and issued orders to shoot it on December 30.
However, the animal has not been identified as yet.
The incident took place yesterday near Bulwa Nallah in Sunderkhal area when the woman had gone to fetch firewood, Jim Corbett National Park Deputy Director C K Kavidayal said.
The body with biting wounds on neck was today recovered by forest officials from the area, he said.
Forest officials believe that it is the same tiger which had killed three women during the past two months.
Chief Wildlife Warden Srikant Chandola had declared the tiger man-eater and issued orders to shoot it on December 30.
However, the animal has not been identified as yet.
Mansinghdeo suffers one last blow
NAGPUR: Before turning into a protected area for wildlife the newly-formed Mansinghdeo sanctuary adjoining Pench Tiger reserve suffered a final blow, ironically, from its owner itself. Large-scale tree felling and bamboo extraction across Block A and B of sanctuary compartments owned by Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited (FDCM), a government company engaged in forestry and allied activities, days before its handing over to wildlife department has raised many eyebrows.
The huge ecological damage to the sanctuary was caused by the FDCM despite state government notifying the sanctuary on November 2, 2010. The FDCM officials say it was not felling but thinning under silviculture operations, approved by the ministry of environment and forest (MoEF) office at Bhopal.
On Saturday, during a visit to the 'Block A' compartments of sanctuary in Nagulwadi and Saleghat ranges of the FDCM, it was found that truckloads of bamboo and teak was extracted from two Nagulwadi compartments 697 and 698, and 12 Saleghat and Risala compartments viz. 624, 630, 642, 644, 625, 631, 643, 645, 657, 658, 659 and 660. Felling has also been done in nine Paoni compartments viz. 558, 559, 605, 592, 599, 600, 603, 604 and 606 in Block B of the sanctuary.
According to official sources, on July 19, 2010, FDCM had sought thinning permission from MoEF. On September 9, MoEF granted permission to the FDCM to fell trees in 19,900 hectares in the area owned by it. Similarly, nod was given to extract bamboo from 17,365 hectares. Of this, teak from 3,800 hectares and bamboo from 1,700 hectares were to be extracted from Nagpur Division comprising Nagulwadi, Saleghat, Paoni (all in Mansinghdeo), Hiwra, Umred and Kuhi ranges.
It should have, however, stopped felling on November 2 when Mansinghdeo became a protected area. FDCM is now hiding under a technicality. S G Tembhurnikar, incharge of the area and regional manager of FDCM, told TOI that although sanctuary notification was issued on November 2, it came to them only on December 20, i.e. 48 days after the notification.
"On December 20, when CCF (Territorial), Nagpur Circle, circulated a letter to stop felling owing to sanctuary notification, we stopped our operation being carried out as per approved management plan and MoEF permission," Tembhurnikar said. Mansinghdeo notification was widely reported in the media but FDCM officials took no cognizance of it.
"The only work you see now is of logging and removing branch wood. In fact, we took out only 25-30% of the crop when we learnt about the sanctuary notification. We are now transporting the material already felled. We are ready to hand over the area to wildlife wing any moment," Tembhurnikar said.
D C Pant, principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife), Maharashtra, said: "When the notification was issued, I was on leave, but when I joined, I made it a point to convey to the officials concerned over phone about it. They should have followed the orders." He did not explain why it took 48 days for a paper to travel from one office to another in same city.
Pant further said a meeting has been called on January 15 to discuss modalities to take over the sanctuary. Felling of trees is not allowed after notification, but must have been done during transition period. "No one will breach the law. Yet, I will review the situation," he stated.
TOI found that in compartment no. 660, entire bamboo clusters were cut. As per norms, at least 4-5 shoots are left untouched in each cluster to help regeneration. The most vulnerable compartments were 660, 697 and 698, that share border with Pench National Park from the west side.
FDCM officials are sticking to their guns: "Thinning improves growth of the forests without breaking canopy. The soil has limited capacity to support moisture and food for trees. Hence, excess trees need to be removed to allow others to grow," FDCM officials said seeking anonymity.
On reports of similar felling in Nagpur Territorial Division area, N Rambabu, conservator of forests, said, "Mansinghdeo compartments have not been touched. Some 250 trees were felled with prior permission until January 5 in sanctuary's 10 km eco-sensitive zone. After the direction, felling of trees has been stopped."
The huge ecological damage to the sanctuary was caused by the FDCM despite state government notifying the sanctuary on November 2, 2010. The FDCM officials say it was not felling but thinning under silviculture operations, approved by the ministry of environment and forest (MoEF) office at Bhopal.
On Saturday, during a visit to the 'Block A' compartments of sanctuary in Nagulwadi and Saleghat ranges of the FDCM, it was found that truckloads of bamboo and teak was extracted from two Nagulwadi compartments 697 and 698, and 12 Saleghat and Risala compartments viz. 624, 630, 642, 644, 625, 631, 643, 645, 657, 658, 659 and 660. Felling has also been done in nine Paoni compartments viz. 558, 559, 605, 592, 599, 600, 603, 604 and 606 in Block B of the sanctuary.
According to official sources, on July 19, 2010, FDCM had sought thinning permission from MoEF. On September 9, MoEF granted permission to the FDCM to fell trees in 19,900 hectares in the area owned by it. Similarly, nod was given to extract bamboo from 17,365 hectares. Of this, teak from 3,800 hectares and bamboo from 1,700 hectares were to be extracted from Nagpur Division comprising Nagulwadi, Saleghat, Paoni (all in Mansinghdeo), Hiwra, Umred and Kuhi ranges.
It should have, however, stopped felling on November 2 when Mansinghdeo became a protected area. FDCM is now hiding under a technicality. S G Tembhurnikar, incharge of the area and regional manager of FDCM, told TOI that although sanctuary notification was issued on November 2, it came to them only on December 20, i.e. 48 days after the notification.
"On December 20, when CCF (Territorial), Nagpur Circle, circulated a letter to stop felling owing to sanctuary notification, we stopped our operation being carried out as per approved management plan and MoEF permission," Tembhurnikar said. Mansinghdeo notification was widely reported in the media but FDCM officials took no cognizance of it.
"The only work you see now is of logging and removing branch wood. In fact, we took out only 25-30% of the crop when we learnt about the sanctuary notification. We are now transporting the material already felled. We are ready to hand over the area to wildlife wing any moment," Tembhurnikar said.
D C Pant, principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife), Maharashtra, said: "When the notification was issued, I was on leave, but when I joined, I made it a point to convey to the officials concerned over phone about it. They should have followed the orders." He did not explain why it took 48 days for a paper to travel from one office to another in same city.
Pant further said a meeting has been called on January 15 to discuss modalities to take over the sanctuary. Felling of trees is not allowed after notification, but must have been done during transition period. "No one will breach the law. Yet, I will review the situation," he stated.
TOI found that in compartment no. 660, entire bamboo clusters were cut. As per norms, at least 4-5 shoots are left untouched in each cluster to help regeneration. The most vulnerable compartments were 660, 697 and 698, that share border with Pench National Park from the west side.
FDCM officials are sticking to their guns: "Thinning improves growth of the forests without breaking canopy. The soil has limited capacity to support moisture and food for trees. Hence, excess trees need to be removed to allow others to grow," FDCM officials said seeking anonymity.
On reports of similar felling in Nagpur Territorial Division area, N Rambabu, conservator of forests, said, "Mansinghdeo compartments have not been touched. Some 250 trees were felled with prior permission until January 5 in sanctuary's 10 km eco-sensitive zone. After the direction, felling of trees has been stopped."
Another falls prey to tiger in Katranighat
BAHRAICH: A man was killed by a tiger near the Katarniaghat forest reserve on Tuesday. This is the third incident of human kill within a week. The body of the victim, identified as Duber, was recovered from the fields on the periphery of the forest reserve at 5.30 pm.
Duber, a resident of Durgagauri village, had left his house in the morning to collect wood. Family members said that he was missing ever since. Talking to TOI, divisional forest officer (DFO) RK Singh said that efforts were underway to identify the killer.
He, however, declined to confirm that Duber was killed by the same feline that had killed 60-year-old Saligram and 55-year old Jagmal. "As of now, we cannot confirm whether it is the same big cat or not. The bodies of two victims were recovered on January 6 and January 8 last," he said and added that forest department experts were still looking for the pugmarks of the tiger that killed Jagmal, the second victim.
Saligram was killed by a tigress. His body recovered from sugarcane field in Sadar beat of Katarniaghat was not eaten by the big cat. The pugmarks around the body were that of the tigress. On the other hand, Jagmal's body was recovered a day after from the dense part of Katarniaghat forest. Jagmal's right foot was missing and believed to be eaten by the wild animal. Forest officers did not confirm if the body was eaten by tiger or any other wild animal. The two bodies were recovered from spots about 12 kms apart from each other.
Duber, a resident of Durgagauri village, had left his house in the morning to collect wood. Family members said that he was missing ever since. Talking to TOI, divisional forest officer (DFO) RK Singh said that efforts were underway to identify the killer.
He, however, declined to confirm that Duber was killed by the same feline that had killed 60-year-old Saligram and 55-year old Jagmal. "As of now, we cannot confirm whether it is the same big cat or not. The bodies of two victims were recovered on January 6 and January 8 last," he said and added that forest department experts were still looking for the pugmarks of the tiger that killed Jagmal, the second victim.
Saligram was killed by a tigress. His body recovered from sugarcane field in Sadar beat of Katarniaghat was not eaten by the big cat. The pugmarks around the body were that of the tigress. On the other hand, Jagmal's body was recovered a day after from the dense part of Katarniaghat forest. Jagmal's right foot was missing and believed to be eaten by the wild animal. Forest officers did not confirm if the body was eaten by tiger or any other wild animal. The two bodies were recovered from spots about 12 kms apart from each other.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Tiger spotted in Temni village
GONDIA: A tiger was spotted by some villagers in village Temni, about 5 km from Gondia, in the wee hours on Saturday.
Shashikumar Rahangdale, an environment expert at the Kanha National Reserve Forest and a resident of the village viewed the pug marks and confirmed that they were of a tiger.
"The pug marks are those of a male tiger which may be old. The beast might be from the nearby forest on the Madya Pradesh border. Due to old age he may be wandering in search of a safe place," said Rahangdale.
A few days ago, villagers of Dasgaon saw a tiger on the banks of the river Vainganga, about 20 km from Gondia. However, there was no official confirmation.
Shashikumar Rahangdale, an environment expert at the Kanha National Reserve Forest and a resident of the village viewed the pug marks and confirmed that they were of a tiger.
"The pug marks are those of a male tiger which may be old. The beast might be from the nearby forest on the Madya Pradesh border. Due to old age he may be wandering in search of a safe place," said Rahangdale.
A few days ago, villagers of Dasgaon saw a tiger on the banks of the river Vainganga, about 20 km from Gondia. However, there was no official confirmation.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Govt to curb revenge killings' with double compensation
JAIPUR: The Rajasthan government is mulling increase in compensation to villagers in case wild animals kill their livestock. The amount may be doubled or even more in some cases.
The move follows bid by the government to check revenge killings' by the villagers, whose livestock often fall victim to wild animals.
Sources said the proposal is being considered by the state finance department and may soon be approved. The current amount is very little as it was fixed years ago. The compensation at present is Rs 300 for a goat and Rs 3,000 for a cow or a buffalo.
"We had given such a proposal some time ago. The proposal is under consideration," confirmed H M Bhatia, chief wildlife warden, Rajasthan.
"It is high time for the forest department to revise compensation rates for villagers whose livestock is eaten by tigers. The sum can hardly be compared with market rates of animals which is somewhere around 10 times the amount. Also, the process for giving this sum needs to be simplified. Currently, the department takes a very long time to hand over the cheque to the villager," said Rajpal Singh, member, state wildlife board. It is due to this paltry sum that tigers are often poisoned by villagers.
A month ago, a male tiger ST-1 that killed a buffalo in Sariska was later poisoned. Sources said the villagers smeared poison on the half-eaten carcass of the buffalo when the tiger was away.
A similar fear looms large over the fate of tigress T-13 which ventured out of the Ranthambore national park towards the Chambal river along with its cubs and killed a bull some days days ago.
While R P Gupta, DFO Ranthambore, maintains, "We have visited the village and met the sarpanch and the owner of the bull. We have assured them of a compensation soon and asked them not to graze their cattle in that area anymore." But this assurance may not prove beneficial in case T-13 makes another kill as it is just 2 km from human habitation.
The only immediate relief that came to the villager was when an NGO paid the owner of the bull Rs 5,000.
Adding to the complications of the current system of compensation is the fact that while the forest department recognises villagers staying in sanctuaries and even pays them a sum for relocation, it does not pay any compensation when their livestock is killed while grazing as this is not permitted in sanctuaries. Compensation is given only when a tiger strays out of the forest and kills livestock of villagers on the periphery of the forest.
The move follows bid by the government to check revenge killings' by the villagers, whose livestock often fall victim to wild animals.
Sources said the proposal is being considered by the state finance department and may soon be approved. The current amount is very little as it was fixed years ago. The compensation at present is Rs 300 for a goat and Rs 3,000 for a cow or a buffalo.
"We had given such a proposal some time ago. The proposal is under consideration," confirmed H M Bhatia, chief wildlife warden, Rajasthan.
"It is high time for the forest department to revise compensation rates for villagers whose livestock is eaten by tigers. The sum can hardly be compared with market rates of animals which is somewhere around 10 times the amount. Also, the process for giving this sum needs to be simplified. Currently, the department takes a very long time to hand over the cheque to the villager," said Rajpal Singh, member, state wildlife board. It is due to this paltry sum that tigers are often poisoned by villagers.
A month ago, a male tiger ST-1 that killed a buffalo in Sariska was later poisoned. Sources said the villagers smeared poison on the half-eaten carcass of the buffalo when the tiger was away.
A similar fear looms large over the fate of tigress T-13 which ventured out of the Ranthambore national park towards the Chambal river along with its cubs and killed a bull some days days ago.
While R P Gupta, DFO Ranthambore, maintains, "We have visited the village and met the sarpanch and the owner of the bull. We have assured them of a compensation soon and asked them not to graze their cattle in that area anymore." But this assurance may not prove beneficial in case T-13 makes another kill as it is just 2 km from human habitation.
The only immediate relief that came to the villager was when an NGO paid the owner of the bull Rs 5,000.
Adding to the complications of the current system of compensation is the fact that while the forest department recognises villagers staying in sanctuaries and even pays them a sum for relocation, it does not pay any compensation when their livestock is killed while grazing as this is not permitted in sanctuaries. Compensation is given only when a tiger strays out of the forest and kills livestock of villagers on the periphery of the forest.
Tigress strays out of Ranthambhore national park with cubs
A Ranthambhore wild cat.
They are said to be in grave danger because they are moving around in crop fields, about 5 km away from the protected park.
Wildlife experts said the tigress must have moved out of her territory after sensing a serious threat to her cubs from tigers in the vicinity. Otherwise, it was unusual for a wild cat to desert its territory, they added.
"This shows the state of the sanctuary. It has become so overcrowded that it has led to a rise in territorial fights," Rajpal Singh, an expert with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), said.
Singh said the tigress moved out of Ranthambhore about 10 days ago along the overflow of the Mansarovar lake fed by the Chambal river. "The lives of the tigress and her two cubs are in danger as they have ventured into the man-animal conflict zone. Just three days ago, she hunted a bull in an agricultural field. Her continued presence in that area could provoke the villagers," Singh said.
Nonetheless, the forest staff has been keeping a watch on the predator and was trying to attract it back to the park by using baits, sources said.
The tigress had been untraceable for some days till forest officials recently discovered her pugmarks and those of her cubs along the Mansarovar lake.
In March last year, two adolescent tigers strayed from the park along with their mother. They were killed by shepherds using poisonous baits near Talwara village, about 15 km from the park's core zone.
So far, about a dozen tigers, including T13 and her two cubs, have reportedly strayed out of the park owing to overpopulation in the core area.
Some of the tigers were found to have moved at least 150 to 200 km away.
Going by the size of the park, it can accommodate about 28 tigers. But, it currently has about 40 tigers.
They are said to be in grave danger because they are moving around in crop fields, about 5 km away from the protected park.
Wildlife experts said the tigress must have moved out of her territory after sensing a serious threat to her cubs from tigers in the vicinity. Otherwise, it was unusual for a wild cat to desert its territory, they added.
"This shows the state of the sanctuary. It has become so overcrowded that it has led to a rise in territorial fights," Rajpal Singh, an expert with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), said.
Singh said the tigress moved out of Ranthambhore about 10 days ago along the overflow of the Mansarovar lake fed by the Chambal river. "The lives of the tigress and her two cubs are in danger as they have ventured into the man-animal conflict zone. Just three days ago, she hunted a bull in an agricultural field. Her continued presence in that area could provoke the villagers," Singh said.
Nonetheless, the forest staff has been keeping a watch on the predator and was trying to attract it back to the park by using baits, sources said.
The tigress had been untraceable for some days till forest officials recently discovered her pugmarks and those of her cubs along the Mansarovar lake.
In March last year, two adolescent tigers strayed from the park along with their mother. They were killed by shepherds using poisonous baits near Talwara village, about 15 km from the park's core zone.
So far, about a dozen tigers, including T13 and her two cubs, have reportedly strayed out of the park owing to overpopulation in the core area.
Some of the tigers were found to have moved at least 150 to 200 km away.
Going by the size of the park, it can accommodate about 28 tigers. But, it currently has about 40 tigers.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Another man killed by tiger in eastern UP
LUCKNOW: A second killing in as many days inside the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, near Bahraich on the Nepal border, has set alarm bells ringing in the state forest department. The latest victim is a 55-year-old man, who was killed in a village situated inside the sanctuary on Friday.
Jagmal's partially eaten body was recovered from a dense forest on Saturday. The incident took place in Jamunia village, situated inside the sanctuary and is almost adjacent to the core area, an ideal tiger habitat.
Earlier, on Thursday, another villager Saligram, 60, was reportedly killed by the tiger when he had gone to work in his sugarcane field. The forest area from where Jagmal's body was recovered is about 12 km from the place where Saligram's body was found. ''The pugmarks found around Saligram's body were that of a tigress," said Katarniaghat range officer M K Shukla.
Read more: Another man killed by tiger in eastern UP - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Another-man-killed-by-tiger-in-eastern-UP/articleshow/7244880.cms#ixzz1AW3w8kJ7
Jagmal's partially eaten body was recovered from a dense forest on Saturday. The incident took place in Jamunia village, situated inside the sanctuary and is almost adjacent to the core area, an ideal tiger habitat.
Earlier, on Thursday, another villager Saligram, 60, was reportedly killed by the tiger when he had gone to work in his sugarcane field. The forest area from where Jagmal's body was recovered is about 12 km from the place where Saligram's body was found. ''The pugmarks found around Saligram's body were that of a tigress," said Katarniaghat range officer M K Shukla.
Read more: Another man killed by tiger in eastern UP - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Another-man-killed-by-tiger-in-eastern-UP/articleshow/7244880.cms#ixzz1AW3w8kJ7
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Tiger mauls one
LUCKNOW: The man-animal conflict has once again raised its ugly head. A 60-year-old man is the latest casualty to the big cat.
According to officials, the incident took place in Katarniaghat on Thursday morning. The fact that the body was intact and not consumed by the big cat gives some sense of respite to forest officers in the area.
"This is not a case of man-eating," said MK Shukla, Range Officer, Katarniaghat. 60-year-old Saligram, resident of Belahanpura village, was killed at around 10:30 on Thursday morning, when he had gone to work in his sugarcane field. The man had gone alone to the field.
The pugmarks found around the body appear to be of a tigress. In all possibilities, the tigress was already present in the dense sugarcane field, when the man reached the spot and was attacked by the tigress in retaliation.
The man had injury marks on his neck and died of excessive bleeding. A compensation of Rs 10,000 was released immediately to his family. Another Rs 1 lakh as compensation will be given by the state government once the formalities are done. The incident took place in compartment 4 of Sadar beat near Girijapuri barrage. The incident of this nature has not occurred in the area in recent past.
But the villagers have been alerted to follow precautions while venturing into sugarcane fields, especially when alone. When men move in groups, they mostly alert the tiger of their presence and in that case the big cat will avoid coming close to them.
Katarniaghat has a sizable population of big cats, both tigers and leopards. The tigers being present in sugarcane field is a common phenomenon in terai belt. Mostly, tigress with cubs are present in the fields. The killings taking place during the day are mostly the ones where tigers charge in retaliation when they are consciously or unconsciously disturbed.
In most of the incidents, where tigers have killed men in the recent past, big cats have not ventured out of the forest area. On the contrary, men have entered forests and got killed.
The officers said that since tigers live in the core area of the forests, they do not venture out of forest unless they turn into compulsive maneaters.
The forest department has increased the vigil in the area in order to avoid even the remotest chance of a similar incident happening again. The area has some villages in its vicinity.
According to officials, the incident took place in Katarniaghat on Thursday morning. The fact that the body was intact and not consumed by the big cat gives some sense of respite to forest officers in the area.
"This is not a case of man-eating," said MK Shukla, Range Officer, Katarniaghat. 60-year-old Saligram, resident of Belahanpura village, was killed at around 10:30 on Thursday morning, when he had gone to work in his sugarcane field. The man had gone alone to the field.
The pugmarks found around the body appear to be of a tigress. In all possibilities, the tigress was already present in the dense sugarcane field, when the man reached the spot and was attacked by the tigress in retaliation.
The man had injury marks on his neck and died of excessive bleeding. A compensation of Rs 10,000 was released immediately to his family. Another Rs 1 lakh as compensation will be given by the state government once the formalities are done. The incident took place in compartment 4 of Sadar beat near Girijapuri barrage. The incident of this nature has not occurred in the area in recent past.
But the villagers have been alerted to follow precautions while venturing into sugarcane fields, especially when alone. When men move in groups, they mostly alert the tiger of their presence and in that case the big cat will avoid coming close to them.
Katarniaghat has a sizable population of big cats, both tigers and leopards. The tigers being present in sugarcane field is a common phenomenon in terai belt. Mostly, tigress with cubs are present in the fields. The killings taking place during the day are mostly the ones where tigers charge in retaliation when they are consciously or unconsciously disturbed.
In most of the incidents, where tigers have killed men in the recent past, big cats have not ventured out of the forest area. On the contrary, men have entered forests and got killed.
The officers said that since tigers live in the core area of the forests, they do not venture out of forest unless they turn into compulsive maneaters.
The forest department has increased the vigil in the area in order to avoid even the remotest chance of a similar incident happening again. The area has some villages in its vicinity.
After tigers, Pilibhit forest to see survey for other fauna
The forest cover of Pilibhit in Western Uttar Pradesh — its tigers and the rich reserve of flora and fauna — has become a hub for wildlife enthusiasts.
A team of experts from the Wildlife Research Institute (WRI) will be camping in the region to understand and survey the fauna of the Terai region. This is the third team which will be studying this region in the last six months. Earlier too, teams from the Wildlife Trust of India have surveyed the area to assess the tiger habitat.
According to official information, the team is headed by Dr Barry Richard Noon, a professor in the department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, College of Natural Resources, Colorado State University, Fort Collins. A Fulbright scholar, he lecturing on Data Collection and Analysis for Wildlife Conservation at WTI at Dehradun.
The two-member team, which will be spending nearly a month in the region, will be studying Ungulate herbivore species of antelopes and deer like the Rusa Unicolour (Sambhar), Hard hoofed swamp deer (Barahsingha), Four-horned Antelope (Chausingha or Tetracerus quadricornis) and Hog Deer (Axis porcinus). The study will determine their presence, population and also, the suitable environment for their breeding. It will correlate the presence of these species with the increasing area of the tigers in the region.
This is the first time that so many teams will be surveying the forest in the district. Giving details, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Pilibhit, VK Singh, said: “We have had one or two teams which were so far understanding the region as a tiger terrain. But recent findings have shown that there is a good population of smaller animals like deer, which primarily are also the prey for the tigers, in the region. Hence, experts have started coming in from various institutes to study all these factors.”
A team of experts from the Wildlife Research Institute (WRI) will be camping in the region to understand and survey the fauna of the Terai region. This is the third team which will be studying this region in the last six months. Earlier too, teams from the Wildlife Trust of India have surveyed the area to assess the tiger habitat.
According to official information, the team is headed by Dr Barry Richard Noon, a professor in the department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, College of Natural Resources, Colorado State University, Fort Collins. A Fulbright scholar, he lecturing on Data Collection and Analysis for Wildlife Conservation at WTI at Dehradun.
The two-member team, which will be spending nearly a month in the region, will be studying Ungulate herbivore species of antelopes and deer like the Rusa Unicolour (Sambhar), Hard hoofed swamp deer (Barahsingha), Four-horned Antelope (Chausingha or Tetracerus quadricornis) and Hog Deer (Axis porcinus). The study will determine their presence, population and also, the suitable environment for their breeding. It will correlate the presence of these species with the increasing area of the tigers in the region.
This is the first time that so many teams will be surveying the forest in the district. Giving details, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Pilibhit, VK Singh, said: “We have had one or two teams which were so far understanding the region as a tiger terrain. But recent findings have shown that there is a good population of smaller animals like deer, which primarily are also the prey for the tigers, in the region. Hence, experts have started coming in from various institutes to study all these factors.”
Friday, January 7, 2011
NTCA releases Rs 18 cr to resettle Melghat villages
NAGPUR: In a big boost to relocation of villages from inside the Melghat Tiger Reserve (MTR), the ministry of environment and forest ( MoEF) has released Rs 18 crore for the purpose. The amount will help resettle at least two villages.
According to sources, the funds were released a few days ago, however, the state government will have to come out with another GR to actually release the money for the relocation.
The principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) had sent a proposal to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) for Rs 75.50 crore to resettle 22 villages from inside the Melghat reserve. Out of this amount, the NTCA has released Rs 18 crore.
In addition to this, as promised by chief minister Prithiviraj Chavan, Rs 2 crore has been released for relocation of Vairat village. The funds will also be utilised at Ghatladki in Amravati district, where the villagers are being shifted.
Melghat, spread over 2,000 sq km, is under tremendous pressure from domestic cattle of 22 villages inside the core area. Till now only four villages; Koha, Kund, Bori (2001-02) and Churni (2009-10) have been resettled. Half of Vairat village has been shifted while the remaining families are under process of being shifted.
Sources said that it was not an easy job to get the money released. Satpuda Foundation chief Kishor Rithe had raised the issue with environment minister Jairam Ramesh. He promised to do the needful and accordingly issued directives to NTCA. Besides, there was continuos follow-up by chief wildlife warden DC Pant, field director AK Mishra and Amravati divisional commissioner Praveen Pardeshi.
After relocating the three villages, the government will have actually freed 75 sq km area around the core of the reserve - Gugamal National Park. "Reduction in grazing pressure has actually encouraged the prey population to bounce back here. Today, we see tigers in these places," said Rithe.
Plans are now afoot to relocate as many villages as possible with the Rs 18 crore. As per the new norms, the relocation package has been enhanced from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. "The first village to be taken up for relocation will be Pastalai. It will give a big boost for tigers in Gugamal National Park," an official said.
According to sources, the funds were released a few days ago, however, the state government will have to come out with another GR to actually release the money for the relocation.
The principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) had sent a proposal to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) for Rs 75.50 crore to resettle 22 villages from inside the Melghat reserve. Out of this amount, the NTCA has released Rs 18 crore.
In addition to this, as promised by chief minister Prithiviraj Chavan, Rs 2 crore has been released for relocation of Vairat village. The funds will also be utilised at Ghatladki in Amravati district, where the villagers are being shifted.
Melghat, spread over 2,000 sq km, is under tremendous pressure from domestic cattle of 22 villages inside the core area. Till now only four villages; Koha, Kund, Bori (2001-02) and Churni (2009-10) have been resettled. Half of Vairat village has been shifted while the remaining families are under process of being shifted.
Sources said that it was not an easy job to get the money released. Satpuda Foundation chief Kishor Rithe had raised the issue with environment minister Jairam Ramesh. He promised to do the needful and accordingly issued directives to NTCA. Besides, there was continuos follow-up by chief wildlife warden DC Pant, field director AK Mishra and Amravati divisional commissioner Praveen Pardeshi.
After relocating the three villages, the government will have actually freed 75 sq km area around the core of the reserve - Gugamal National Park. "Reduction in grazing pressure has actually encouraged the prey population to bounce back here. Today, we see tigers in these places," said Rithe.
Plans are now afoot to relocate as many villages as possible with the Rs 18 crore. As per the new norms, the relocation package has been enhanced from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. "The first village to be taken up for relocation will be Pastalai. It will give a big boost for tigers in Gugamal National Park," an official said.
Panel to frame tourism norms for tiger sanctuaries
LUCKNOW: Tigers will soon have a peaceful existence in wildlife sanctuaries during the tourist season. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has constituted an eco-tourism committee to formulate tourism guidelines for tiger reserves. The idea is to protect tiger sanctuaries from any interference or disturbance by tourists.
Even at present, the state forest department follows some 'do-not-disturb-tiger' guidelines and strictly adhere to the advisories issued by the NTCA from time to time. The tourists are allowed to visit tiger reserves only in morning and evening shifts.
"We ensure that timings are followed besides telling tourists not to litter or play music inside the park," said an official in Dudhwa National Park. The park is open for tourists from November 15 to June 15. Tourists can only visit those parts of the park which are identified as tourist spots. Besides, blowing of horns is a strict 'no'.
The NTCA has issued advisories to the field directors of all tiger reserves in the past as well with respect to tourism in the area.
In August, the NTCA had issued a letter to all field directors which said: "The patrolling amps/chowkis/ watch towers inside a tiger reserve (core as well as buffer) should not be used for accommodating tourists or facilitating tourism."
The letter read further: "As these structures have been constructed under Project Tiger for the sole purpose of accommodating the front line field staff (at places with wireless), it needs to be ensured that they are solely used for patrolling/anti-poaching work."
Even at present, the state forest department follows some 'do-not-disturb-tiger' guidelines and strictly adhere to the advisories issued by the NTCA from time to time. The tourists are allowed to visit tiger reserves only in morning and evening shifts.
"We ensure that timings are followed besides telling tourists not to litter or play music inside the park," said an official in Dudhwa National Park. The park is open for tourists from November 15 to June 15. Tourists can only visit those parts of the park which are identified as tourist spots. Besides, blowing of horns is a strict 'no'.
The NTCA has issued advisories to the field directors of all tiger reserves in the past as well with respect to tourism in the area.
In August, the NTCA had issued a letter to all field directors which said: "The patrolling amps/chowkis/ watch towers inside a tiger reserve (core as well as buffer) should not be used for accommodating tourists or facilitating tourism."
The letter read further: "As these structures have been constructed under Project Tiger for the sole purpose of accommodating the front line field staff (at places with wireless), it needs to be ensured that they are solely used for patrolling/anti-poaching work."
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Tigress found dead in Periyar Tiger Reserve
A tigress was found dead in Thekkady Lake on Wednesday.
The forest area adjoining the lake is part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
The carcass of the nearly three-year-old animal was found floating in the lake. No external injuries could be seen on the body, officials said.
A team of experts including K.K. Ramachandran, Head of the Wildlife Biology Department of the Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, two veterinarians of the Kerala State Forest Department and a local veterinarian, had inspected the carcass.
Experts suspect disease as the cause of death. Toxicology studies will be held on samples from the carcass. The exact cause of death could be ascertained only after obtaining post mortem report. The carcass will be burned after completing the mandatory steps, officials said.
The forest area adjoining the lake is part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
The carcass of the nearly three-year-old animal was found floating in the lake. No external injuries could be seen on the body, officials said.
A team of experts including K.K. Ramachandran, Head of the Wildlife Biology Department of the Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, two veterinarians of the Kerala State Forest Department and a local veterinarian, had inspected the carcass.
Experts suspect disease as the cause of death. Toxicology studies will be held on samples from the carcass. The exact cause of death could be ascertained only after obtaining post mortem report. The carcass will be burned after completing the mandatory steps, officials said.
Viability of Kanha-Pench Tiger Corridor questioned in PIL
06.01.2011 | 13:46
Jabalpur
Supriya Amber
The First Bench of Chief Justice SR Alam and Justice RS Jha have issued notice in a matter pertaining to Kanha Pench Tiger corridor. A petition in the nature of public interest litigation was filed by three individuals pointing out impracticality of the tiger corridor. Raising questions on the design of the corridor as well as its impact on population as well as the wild-life the petition seeks restriction of commercial activities in the area as well as other safeguards for safety of the wild-life.
The bench issued notices to Union of India through ministry of environment and forest, state forest department, national tiger conservation authority, project tiger directorate, Satpura foundation through its managing director and collector Seoni to file reply within 3 weeks.
Senior counsel Adarsh Muni Trivedi appeared for petitioner.
Jabalpur
Supriya Amber
The First Bench of Chief Justice SR Alam and Justice RS Jha have issued notice in a matter pertaining to Kanha Pench Tiger corridor. A petition in the nature of public interest litigation was filed by three individuals pointing out impracticality of the tiger corridor. Raising questions on the design of the corridor as well as its impact on population as well as the wild-life the petition seeks restriction of commercial activities in the area as well as other safeguards for safety of the wild-life.
The bench issued notices to Union of India through ministry of environment and forest, state forest department, national tiger conservation authority, project tiger directorate, Satpura foundation through its managing director and collector Seoni to file reply within 3 weeks.
Senior counsel Adarsh Muni Trivedi appeared for petitioner.
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