50% families inside TATR opt for Rs 10L cash relief

TNN | Dec 17, 2011, 01.55AM IST CHANDRAPUR: Almost 50% of the families living in two villages inside Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) set for relocation have opted for a cash compensation of Rs 10 lakh instead of seeking rehabilitation benefits. The rehabilitation process of village Navegaon (Ramdegi) and Jamni inside TATR has begun and the work on felling and land levelling is underway at the sites selected for relocation. With the high court setting a deadline of one year for relocation, the government machinery has expedited process in the second phase of rehabilitation. Navegaon village will be rehabilitated in compartment number 29 in Chimur forest range near village Khadsangi while Jamni village in number 42 of Chimur range near Dablapur. Villagers themselves have selected both the sites for rehabilitation. Authorities have identified 240 beneficiary families in Navegaon and 222 families in Jamni for rehabilitation. The government has put two options before the beneficiaries under Rs 10 lakh compensation package for rehabilitation. In the first case, the beneficiary takes the entire compensation amount denying rehabilitation. However, the administration will ensure that such beneficiaries aptly utilize the compensation amount. In the second case, the sum will be deposited with the administration and it will arrange for all residential and farming facilities at the rehabilitation site. CCF and field director of TATR Vinaykumar Sinha said, "129 families, including 110 landowners and 19 landless families in Navegaon (Ramdegi), have opted for seeking cash benefits. Similarly, 107 families, including 88 landowner and 19 landless families in Jamni, have decided to go for a cash benefit of Rs 10 lakh under the rehabilitation package." The remaining 111 families in Navegaon and 115 families in Jamni have agreed to avail rehabilitation benefits, he added. Meanwhile, the land record office in Chimur has completed the measurement of relocation site of both the villages. The town planning department has prepared gaothan map of the rehabilitation site of Navegaon village. The process of preparing gaothan map for relocation site of Jamni is underway. The work on tree felling and levelling of land at Navegaon site is in progress. At Jamni site, it is stalled due to lack of labourers, officials said. District collector Vijay Waghmare reviewed the progress of rehabilitation work in the meeting held on Wednesday. He said that the administration is hard-pressed to complete the work early following the high court directives. Better offer TATR had a total of six villages including Botezari, Kolsa, Navegaon (Ramdegi), Jamni, Rantalodhi and Kolsa inside the core area. Earlier in first phase of rehabilitation, entire Botezari village and part of Kolsa village was rehabilitated out of TATR at the site now known as Bhagwanpur in Mul forest range four years back. However, over 90 families of Kolsa had refused to move at the last moment citing lack of amenities at the rehabilitation site. The first phase of rehabilitation was carried out under the Rs 1 lakh rehabilitation package. However, to pursue the remaining villagers of Kolsa inside TATR, the government offered Rs 10 lakh rehabilitation package. TATR authorities and NGOs are negotiating and pursuing Kolsa villagers to move out of the tiger reserve. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/50-families-inside-TATR-opt-for-Rs-10L-cash-relief/articleshow/11138208.cms

Tiger wounded in fight with wild animals

PTI | 03:12 PM,Dec 16,2011 Udhagamandalam,Dec 16 (PTI) A 14-year-old male tiger, believed to have been injured during a fight with wild animals, is being treated at the Elephant camp near here, forest department officials said today. The wounded tiger was noticed by some villagers near Bokkapuram in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. Three veterinarians staying at the Elephant camp in Theppakkadu brought the animal to the camp. The tiger's condition is normal now, forest department sources said.

Phase IV of tiger census to be 45-days long

Mazhar Ali, TNN | Dec 16, 2011 CHANDRAPUR: Authorities of Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) have geared up to carry out phase IV of its tiger monitoring, an extended programme of three earlier phases of tiger estimation exercise, in January and February next year. However, compared earlier phases, it would be an extensive exercise lasting for 45 days, covering tiger reserve, buffer zone and tiger pockets in regular forest areas in Chandrapur circle. Funded by NTCA, phase IV would be carried out in the areas of tiger presence under the supervision of chief wildlife warden. This annual exercise would help to re-ascertain the number of tigers in the reserve and areas around it, their breeding and dispersal pattern. Phase IV monitoring will include eight days of protocol documentation of sign survey, followed by extensive capture-recapture exercise with the help of camera traps and line transact assessment to ascertain the tiger population. "It is 45 days long extensive monitoring programme to access of tiger population. A least three pairs of camera traps would be placed in each beat of forest area. The presence of tigers in particular area will be established by capturing images and it would be verified by recapturing the same tiger's images in camera trap during the exercise," said CCF, TATR, Vinay Sinha. He explained that distance method would be used in transact line assessment and new lines would be made in the areas being freshly accessed for wildlife population. "Phase IV tiger monitoring would be carried out in tiger reserves, its buffer areas and tiger pockets falling in the regular forest areas around tiger reserve. NGO activist would be involved in the monitoring exercise during line transact assessment," he said. He claimed their draft plan and modality for phase IV is ready and they intended to execute monitoring exercise in January and February next years. He however did not give the exact dates of execution of the programme. Sinha claimed that a training programme at officer level has been organized at Panna tiger reserve on December 28 and 29. Officers up to RFO level would be guided in this training programme and they would in turn train the staffers under them at local level for the phase IV tiger monitoring exercise. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Phase-IV-of-tiger-census-to-be-45-days-long/articleshow/11125454.cms

Three tiger cubs dead in two days, toll 17

HT Correspondent, Hindustan Times Dehradun, December 16, 2011 Three tiger cubs have died in different parts of Uttarakhand in the last two days, taking the death toll so far this year to 17 — up from the seven recorded last year. Alarmed wildlife authorities have sought immediate submission of postmortem reports to shore up conservation plans. On Tuesday, the bodies of a male and a female cub were found in Kilpura range of Terai east forest division. Another female cub was found dead in Dhela range of Corbett Tiger Reserve on Wednesday night. According to forest department officials, the cubs might have been separated from their mothers and succumbed to the cold conditions. But officials are not ruling out any possibilities.   Uttarakhand chief wildlife warden SS Sharma said, "I have asked forest officials to submit the postmortem report to me at the earliest. After analysing the reasons for these deaths, I will be in a better position to frame a plan of action for conservation." Earlier this month, HT had reported the rise in tiger deaths in the state.  Rajendra Agarwal, state head of the Wildlife Protection Society of India, said, "It’s surprising that within two days, three tiger cubs have died… If it continues, we could face an alarming situation." http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NorthIndia/Three-tiger-cubs-dead-in-two-days-toll-17/Article1-782995.aspx

'Power plants will choke Vidarbha development'

Aparna Nair, TNN | Dec 16, 2011, 12.50AM IST NAGPUR: Tiger mascots were prominently displayed as green organisations came together on Thursday to protest the large number of thermal power plants coming up in Vidarbha that would further degrade the environment of the region. Their main demand included the cancelling permissions to 49 power plants slated to come up in Vidarbha. "What is the need of these when we are already self-sufficient in power and exporting energy," asked R B Goenka, convenor Vidarbha Environment Action Group (VEAG). He said that such a large number of thermal plants would affect environment drastically. "The water table will further lower. Water and air pollution will rise drastically. In satellite images you cannot see vegetation in 10 km radius of power plants because of harmful effects," he said. Greenpeace also supported this agitation held near Hislop College through its Junglistan campaign. "Forest around Tadoba are already degrading due to the opencast mines and the power plants. We are questioning the ministry on the need of so many plants in a small region," said Preethi Herman, campaigner, Greenpeace. These power plants may prove to be the doom for Nagpur's development. Paramjit Ahuja, founder member, VEAG said, "In future, each country will have limits on carbon emission. Thus, every region will have its quota. Because of the large number of thermal power plants in the area, the carbon emissions will already be high, prompting the government to stop industrialization in the region." Sudhir Paliwal of VEAG said that the expansion of the Koradi power plant is another matter of concern. "Coal in our country is radioactive and contains heavy metals like mercury. So even after burning, the contamination remains in the ash which is not disposed of properly. Government needs to be conscious about the radioactivity and finalise its acceptable level in coal," he said. Clearly Vidarbha is being made sacrificial goat for other region's development. "These plants are not even going to generate much employment. Parts of the Nagpur metro regions are being demanded for mining. Then how is the city going to be developed," asks Pradeep Behere, president, Srushti Paryavaran Mandal. Vrushali Shrirang of Green Vigil said that quest for sustainable development was the need and resources should be used to meet demand and not to produce surplus. Alternative actions possible The activists said that they were not against development. In order to meet power demands, they suggested alternative ways that would have lower environmental impact and would not be biased against some region's interests. 1. Power plants should be set up where there is requirement of power or near places having coal reserves 2. Go in for 100 MW plants that use air cooling. Thus water used for cooling could be saved 3. Set up underground transmission cables 4. Set up infrastructure corridors http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Power-plants-will-choke-Vidarbha-development/articleshow/11125091.cms

50-yr-old man killed by tiger

TNN | Dec 14, 2011, 10.27PM IST BAHRAICH: A 50-year-old man was killed when he was attacked by a tiger at Bagulahia farm in Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary here on Wednesday. Divisonal Forest Officer (DFO) Wildlife RK Singh told that the Mahant Yadav went to the forest area on Tuesday to get some fodder when he was attacked by the animal, they said adding he died instantly. According to figures provided by the DFO, 12 people have been killed in attacks by leopards and tigers in the region. 65 people have been killed and 95 were injured in the incidents of leopard and tiger attacks in the villages around Katarniaghat wildlife sanctuary in three years. There are 9 forest gram sabhas and 21 gram sabhas under the Katarniaghat forest where the movement of the leopards and tigers are frequently seen. The leopards and tigers enter these villages quite often in the search of food and water where they not only make prey to the cattles of the villagers but the villagers also fall prey to them occassionally. The recent incident which occurred at Ameersingh purwa of Karikot where a leopard attacked on a four years old girl and ate it alive. This incident has not only created terror in the forest areas but also in the whole district. The workplans were chalked out many at times in order to secure the gram sabhas of around the forests but they were never implemented. Recently the district magistrate (DM)Bahraich pinky jowel held the meeting with the villagers, he had assured them that every possible effort would be made to protect the villagers. For this he had also ordered to prepare a workplan for constructing a ditch around the villages and planting the thorny bushes in it. The work was to be executed by MNREGA. What to mention of executing the work, even the workplan could not be approved. However the entry of the wild animals in the villages has gone up and many persons lost their life.

Manas Tiger Reserve set to regain past glory-PTI

Manas: Battered by militant activities in the early nineties resulting in its listing as a world heritage site in danger, the picturesque Manas tiger reserve is all set to regain its pristine glory, thanks to astute forest and infrastructure management. Conservation initiatives are going in the right direction and the park is all set to attract animal lovers and tourist as it had done two decades back, says Field Director, Anindya Swargiary. The park recently organised a function called "Logistic support for Manas Tiger reserve" that was held in association with WWF where the WWF officials handed over various vital logistic items to the park authorities. Acknowledging that militant activities had taken the park hundred years back in terms of management system, the park director said serious effort was make to bring it back to order. Although the park was one of the biggest tiger reserves in the country, its unique location offers a difference than other parks. Expressing the hope that tiger population had increased, Swargiary said recently nine big cats were traced during a survey by the Wildlife Institute of India while a fresh survey is underway. Alongwith forest officials, several organisations and NGOs are working in tandem to develop and preserve the park in a coherent manner, he said. The field director felt that as the park shares an international boundary with neighbouring Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, coordination with that country's forest authroties was necessary. Infact only the Manas river running through the park is the boundary line with the otherside known as Royal Bhutan tiger reserve. A meeting between forest officials of the two countries was held recently to bring about coordination in the effort to protect forest and wildlife, says Swargiary. Urging Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), the administrators of the area, to sanction more fund, the forest official said a detailed report will be finalised soon outlining all aspects of preservation. Council head of the department of NTC, G C Basumatary says recognition by the world community in bringing back the world heritage site status to Manas was possible due to untiring efforts of the authorities. During the event, Dipankar Ghosh, programme coordinator of WWF stressed on the need to raise the profile of Manas in national and international levels. Assuring all effort from WWF side to help revive the park, Ghosh congratulated the forest authorities for helping the park to develop. Giving a detail account of the activities in the park, BTC deputy chief Khampha Borgoyary says a probe committee has been set up after skeleton of a Rhino which was translocated from the Pabitora wildlife sanctuary was found inside the park. During the event, eight motorcycles, 20 binoculars, 500 mosquito nets, 1000 shoes, 500 jackets and caps, 500 sweaters, 60 torches and 10 charge lights were handed over to the forest staff. Swargiary says plans are on the anvil to develop accomodation and travelling facilities for the tourists to the park. Admitting that of late the park had very few visitors due to lack of transport facilities, the park director says an amibitous plan is being made by the BTC to easy acess to the visitors to the park and their comfortable stay. Meanwhile, local villagers who are living in the fringe of the park are being educated and made aware of the need to protect the environment and wildlife.

Controversy over killing of tiger in KNP continues

 BOKAKHAT, Dec 14 – The resentment over the killing of a Royal Bengal tiger at Bochagaon by police constables on December 5 took a new turn with NGOs, police and Forest department differing on the matter. It may be mentioned that the Royal Bengal tiger had created panic in the fringe villages of the Kaziranga National Park since the last two weeks as a result of which the persons had to suffer losses. Later, the tiger was reportedly killed by police constables in self-defence and to protect the life and property of the villagers. After going through the proper investigation and post mortem by concerned Forest official and Veterinary doctors the carcass of the tiger was burnt. Meanwhile, the Kaziranga National Park and the National Tiger Conservation Authority of India have launched an inquiry into the incident. Local people lodged complaints that the Kaziranga Park authorities had been informed about the panic created by the tiger for the last 15 days but the Forest department did not take any positive steps due to which the unwanted situation took place. On the other hand, local people including leading citizens and dignitaries of different socio-cultural organisations of Kaziranga and Bokakhat have expressed strong resentment over the news published in some newspapers acusing the villagers as the killers of the Royal Bengal tiger in the park area. They clarified in a press meet that neither the police nor the local people intentionally killed the tiger but only under compulsion. Hema Borah, president of the Four-Lane Demand Committee, spoke against the Government decision for not connecting Bokakhat and Jakhalabandha with the Four-lane plea. Addressing the mediapersons, most of the dignaitaries representing their organisations vehemently opposed the decision of the Government for declaring KNP as another project Tiger site. Dipak Hazarika, joint secretary of AJYCP’s central committee, Bitupan Saikia, secretary of Bokakhat subdivisional unit of AASU, Lila Tamuli, president of Kaziranga Sports Association, Nagen Saikia of Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti, Deva Pratim Borah of Four-Lane Demand Committee and Tulshi Bordoloi of Kaziranga Jeep Safari Union addressed the meet and appealed to the media to write in the greater interest of the Kaziranga area, highlighting the major problem and facts. Nilu Acharjee, Swapan Nath and Achyut Hazarika from among the scribes presented short speeches in response to the situation. http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=dec1511/state07

Political posturing, encroachments are eating into Mhadei's tiger territory Paul Fernandes, Rajendra P Kerkar & Murari Shetye, TNN

Caranzol: The issue of settlements and encroachments within the Mhadei wildlife sanctuary and its fringes, coupled with political posturing, is slowly eating into tiger territory. In 1999, the official appointed to hear stakeholders affected by the sanctuary's notification received a total of 117 claims from residents of villages falling within the sanctuary. A few years later, figures provided in the North Goa working plan indicated encroachments of around 1,539.71 ha in 21 villages under the Valpoi range and four villages under the Keri range of the sanctuary. "Though there are no proper records regarding encroachments, the satellite imagery (with 1999 as cut-off) can be used to determine fresh incursions within the sanctuary's limits," a government official said. On June 3, 1999, the government notified 44 sq km of the Mhadei wildlife sanctuary's 208 sq km area under Section 26A of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. This area had been earlier declared a reserve forest and was clear of encumbrances. The remainder 164 sq km was notified under Section 18 of the same Act as it included encroachments. "Notifying the area under this mode meant the claims of those interested in the land could be heard," an official explained. P V Savant was appointed as the revenue officer and collector for the sanctuary and was directed to hear claims of aggrieved stakeholders. He received 10 claims, including eight from individual families, two separately from a group of 96 villagers from Zarme and 13 from Thane-Dongurli and Ivrem-Buzuruco of Thane Dongurli panchayat, staking claim to forest lands. In their deposition, the claimants stated they had developed and brought specific areas in forest land under cashew plantation. They were in possession of the land for two to four decades and sustained their families on cashew and other produce, they informed Savant. Some prayed that they should be granted occupancy right as per the land revenue code and rules, even though they could not produce documentary evidence. The form I & XIV they produced to support their cases indicated that they were classified encroachers on government land. Savant observed, among other remarks, that the state should review the proposal of including Zarme and Ivrem-Buzuruco in the sanctuary as lots of land was occupied by encroachers. The government had, incidentally, granted occupancy rights to 104 persons during 1983, 1984 and 1985. Of these, 99 cases are in the sanctuary. The extent of area granted under occupancy rights varies from 850 sq m to 1,5250 sq m. While the government has granted rights to some farmers, a process of regularization is still in progress by the revenue department, say sources. As per records, sanads (occupancy rights) were issued in 42 cases prior to 1980 in Ivrem Buzuruco. While survey numbers were mentioned in the sanads in respect of one person in two cases, none were mentioned in the other 40 cases. Savant had noted in an order: "...considering the ground reality of large areas of proposed sanctuary under cashew plantations the state is advised to review the sanctuary proposal." He further urged the government to prevent further encroachments by demarcating old and new encroachments. But forest officials say that doing this will change the boundaries of the sanctuary. The government subsequently appointed a committee headed by Hemant Karapurkar to examine the rationale for de-notification of the two sanctuaries (Neturlim wildlife sanctuary in Sanguem had been notified along with Mhadei). The Karapurkar committee had stated in its report that 1,826 families are affected by the proposal in Mhadei. "However, the committee did not provide either the list of the persons or the survey numbers of those claiming to be affected," alleges Claude Alvares, director, NGO Goa Foundation. Forest minister Felipe Neri Rodrigues was not available for comment, while additional principal conservator of forests Shashi Kumar avoided any discussion on the issue. The government's indecision is only aggravating the problem, forest officials and greens both agree. A forest official conceded, "It is not helping the cause of the tiger nor the people in keeping the issue burning." Environmentalists suggest that the government has to decide the issue of encroachments within the sanctuary. Fixing a cut-off period to draw a line between old and new encroachments is advisable, they say. "The government has to approach the Supreme Court and seek its advice on the matter," says Talulah D'Silva of Mission Green, Goa. This NGO had initiated an e-petition with an appeal to declare the Mhadei wildlife sanctuary as a tiger reserve and a second one, seeking local support for it. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Political-posturing-encroachments-are-eating-into-Mhadeis-tiger-territory/articleshow/11116262.cms

Two tiger cubs found dead

PTI | 09:12 PM,Dec 13,2011 Rishikesh, Dec 13 [PTI] Two tiger cubs were today found dead in Kilpuri range of the Terai East forest division in Haldwani area of Nainital district in Uttarakhand, forest officials said. A postmortem of the tiger cubs, one male and another female, is being conducted, they said. Both the cubs were one and half year old and were apparently siblings, Chief Wildlife Warden S S Sharma said. Meanwhile, honorary Corbett Wildlife warden Bijendra Singh asked the authorities to take proper care of the elusive tigers. http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/two-tiger-cubs-found-dead/928218.html

Greens highlight mining threat near Tadoba

Mazhar Ali, TNN | Dec 14, 2011, 04.58AM IST CHANDRAPUR: Conservationists and wildlife activists in Chandrapur have joined hands to protect forest from the threat posed by large scale mining around Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. In the backdrop of fact-finding report prepared by NGO Greenpeace India on deterioration of tiger corridors of TATR due to extensive mining, massive awareness campaign was launched by group of NGOs in the town. Half a dozen tiger mascots accompanied by hundreds of students marched along the streets on Monday carrying placards about saving tiger and conserving forests. Students even painted their faces in stripped pattern of tigers to convey strong massage for protection of forest and tigers. Wildlife activists connected to Green Planet Society, Eco-Pro organization, Wildlife Protection Society of India and campaigner, Greenpeace India, Preeti Harman joined the awareness rally. Harman said, "A total of 2,058 hectares of forest land has been given for mining in Chandrapur since year 2000. Even as coal block allocation to Adani mine in Lohara forest has been canceled after strong protest, the threat of the same block being allotted to others looms large. The wildlife corridors connected Tadoba forests with Chaprala, Indravati, Bor, Navegaon, Kanha and Melghat have been cut off due to growing mines. TATR has turned into a island of tigers from where they have not route left to move to the adjoining habitats."She warned that allocation of more coal blocks around Tadoba is in the offing, as coal ministry has plans to allocate mining blocks even in no-go zones. She claimed that deterioration of forest corridors is one other reason for rise in wild man-animal conflict in Chandrapur district. She alleged the government of not being serious towards protection of forests and demanded for formulation of concrete wildlife policy. She informed that fact finding report 'Undermining Tadoba's Tiger' prepared by Greenpeace was recently released in Delhi and copy of the same was submitted to forest and environment minister and coal minister. Bandu Dhotre of Eco-Pro pointed out that mining in Durgapur and Padmapur coal mines, mining projects in Chichpalli, expansion projects of Durgapur and Padmapur, coal blocks in Lohara and Agarzari pose threat to corridors leading southwards of Tadoba. Similarly Murpar mine, proposed mines in Bandar, Surmanjiri, Bhansuli, Bhagwanpur, Nand-I and Nand-II and expansion Murpar mine threatens the northward corridor of Tadoba. The proposed Human dam project and Gosikhurd right bank canal threatens to block entire the North-East corridor leading out of Tadoba forest, he warned. Suresh Chopne, president of Green Planet Society, said that they intend to raise strong opposition to proposed mines around the TATR. "We will try to get support of politicians and forest department."for sake of tigers and forests. We are ready to take to roads to protest against the mines and even knock the doors of court of law if situation demands," he said. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Greens-highlight-mining-threat-near-Tadoba/articleshow/11101625.cms

Tribals protest eviction move

TNN | Dec 14, 2011, 04.58AM IST ADILABAD: Tribals under the aegis of various Adivasi organisations took out a huge rally in Jannaram mandal headquarters in protest against the government proposal to develop Kawal wildlife sanctuary as a Tiger reserve forest by evicting adivasis dwelling there for a long time. The Tribals gathered in huge numbers in the mandal headquarters and raised slogans against the government decision to evict them from their native habitations. They threatened to intensify their agitation if the government failed to withdraw its proposal. The adivasi leaders blamed the district administration for declaring Kawal wildlife sanctuary as a second tiger reserve in the state and the 41th in the country without taking the opinion of adivasis residing in the sanctuary into consideration. They said tribals would not survive if they are evacuated from forests, as they would face a livelihood problem and lose their constitutional safeguards. Adivasis do not have pattas for the forest land they have been cultivating for a long time in the sanctuary, they said and added that if they are evacuated, they will not get compensation for their land. If the place of rehabilitation is in a non-scheduled area, Adivasis will lose their constitutional rights under Schedule V, they said. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Tribals-protest-eviction-move/articleshow/11101629.cms

Tiger kills man

PTI | 03:12 PM,Dec 12,2011 Bahraich (UP), Dec 12 (PTI) A 50-year-old man was killed when he was attacked by a tiger at Bagulahia farm in Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary here, officials said today. Mahant Yadav went to the forest area yesterday to get some fodder when he was attacked by the animal, they said adding he died instantly. According to figures provided by the Forest department, 12 people have been killed in attacks by leopards and tigers in the region. PTI CORR ABN SG

‘Rajaji National Park should be made a tiger park'

SUNDAY, 11 DECEMBER 2011 22:45 PARITOSH KIMOTHI | DEHRADUN HITS: 105 The Rajaji National Park should be made a tiger park considering the rising big cat population and the fact that a thriving prey base and healthy environment makes it an ideal habitat for both predators and herbivores. The World Bank programme director for the Global Tiger Initiative (GTI), Keshav Varma said this while talking to The Pioneer on the sidelines of the international conference on eco-engineering for connecting wildlife corridors. Though the Corbett National Park is famous for its high density of tiger population, the population of big cats has also been rising in Rajaji which is known for elephants. According to Varma, the tiger population in Rajaji has increased from about 3.2 per 100 sq km to 6 per 100 sq km. In addition to tigers, there are more than 200 leopards in this national park which is due to the rich prey base here. “There are 72 ungulate species per sq km in Rajaji which can sustain a healthy population of predators. The tiger is also a politically important animal in India so it is easier to elicit focus and efforts for tiger conservation, which in turn will benefit all wildlife. The biotic pressure faced here will increase further in the future considering which it is important to make Rajaji a tiger park”, stressed Varma. He further said that the GTI could talk to the National Tiger Conservation Authority in this regard and also assist in facilitation of capacity building and training if the national park is made a tiger park. Focus on this issue will also facilitate the movement of tigers and elephants between Corbett and Rajaji, he added. http://www.dailypioneer.com/state-editions/dehradun/27105-rajaji-national-park-should-be-made-a-tiger-park.html

Magisterial probe ordered into Bandhavgarh row

TNN | Dec 13, 2011, 05.29AM IST BHOPAL: A magisterial inquiry has been ordered on Monday into the causes of commotion at the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Umaria two days ago during a religious gathering. The park field director has been booked on criminal charges and for allegedly hurting the sentiments of dalits. Additional district magistrate Ashkrit Tiwari told The TOI that Manpur area sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Mangal Singh Marabi has been entrusted with the probe and he has been asked to complete the inquiry within a month. A case has been registered against field director C K Patil on the charge of obscene acts, disturbing religious gathering and defamation and relevant sections of scheduled castes and tribes (prevention of atrocities) act 1989 on the complaint of former MP Public Works Department Minister Babulal Malviya, police said. "We are investigating the matter. Arrest of Patil is possible only after a detailed probe, superintendent of police Manohar Singh Jhamara said. According to complaint lodged with Police, Patil allegedly misbehaved with Kabir Panthi sect's renowned Seer Prakash Muni Naam Saheb and made casteist remarks against him on December 10. The seer was the state guest and had come to take part in the religious programme of faithfuls at Bandhavgarh where there is a "Kabir cave" near a fort. Patil asked the members of the congregation not to photograph the area and also avoid using the pond in the reserve. After the field director had a spat with Kabir Panth Seer, more than 14,000 faithful lost their cool but swift action by police and revenue officials calmed their tempers. On behalf of Patil, the officials reportedly apologized to the member of Kabir sect so as to ensure no untoward incident take place. When contacted over phone, Patil denied having misbehaved or passed any caste based remarks. "I only requested the seer to descend from the fort on the hilltop so that his 7000-odd disciples follow him before 5 pm," he added. He said that timing for them to be inside the park was upto 5 pm. "I made the request around 2.30 pm", he added. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhopal/Magisterial-probe-ordered-into-Bandhavgarh-row/articleshow/11089140.cms

Who is to be blamed for the Mhadei wildlife sanctuary not being declared a tiger reserve?

TNN | Dec 12, 2011, 05.42AM IST PANAJI: The Goa government is to be blamed for not taking necessary and timely steps for declaring the Mhadei wildlife sanctuary as a tiger reserve. The forest department for more than a decade has failed miserably in generating awareness to garner support for transforming this tiger habitat, known for the rich and varied biodiversity, into the Mhadei tiger reserve. The proposed tiger reserve will not only protect the big cat but will help in safeguarding the water resources for posterity in our land. It is some one with a mining interest that is trying to stop the department from declaring the Mhadei wildlife sanctuary it as a tiger reserve. They want to convert the place into a mining area. I have been to Vagheri for a trek and have taken photos of tiger pugmarks. Obviously, the state government and the forest department must be blamed for the Mhadei sanctuary not being declared as a tiger reserve in Goa. The present politicians are mining tycoons and sick politicians. The known fact is that maximum number of tigers are in Mhadei area and everybody knows it. However its surprising that the government is still unaware about the fact. I am all for declaring the Mhadei sanctuary as a tiger reserve. It is our duty to protect the tigers to prevent their extinction. The mining lobby is probably influencing the delay in declaring the sanctuary as a tiger reserve. Fr Alfred Vaz director, Diocesan catechetical centre, Old Goa http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Who-is-to-be-blamed-for-the-Mhadei-wildlife-sanctuary-not-being-declared-a-tiger-reserve/articleshow/11076917.cms

Rs 3.59Cr central aid for Bihar Tiger Reserve

The only tiger reserve of the state would be developed as tourists’ spot with this central funding Submitted on 12/12/2011 - 12:13:27 PM Patna: The Bihar government has chalked out a detailed plan to develop Valmikinagar Tiger Reserve (VTR) in West Champaran district. Tourism Minister Sunil Kumar Pintoo said the central government has sanctioned Rs 3.59 crore for the development of the VTR, the only tiger reserve in the state. The first installment was received by the state government recently. The Minister said the Building Construction Department has been entrusted the task of sanitation, landscaping, approach road, signage, electric work and wall. The VTR would be developed in such a manner that it would attract a large number of tourists not only from the country but also from the globe. As per the plan, a mini auditorium and illustrated museum would be constructed at an estimated const of Rs 45 lakh. Twelve-room tourist lounge would be renovated at a cost of Rs 23 lakh. In addition, an amount of Rs 13.70 lakh would be used for construction of bridges and roads. In a view to increase the number of animals, grass land management would be developed as per the eco tourism. http://www.igovernment.in/site/rs-3.59cr-central-aid-bihar-tiger-reserve

Reconstitution of NTCA

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has been reconstituted vide Notification No. 15-25/09NTCA dated 4th September, 2009, since the term of the said Authority as constituted earlier expired on 3.9.2009. The Powers and Functions of the National Tiger Conservation Authority are provided under section 38O (1) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as indicated at Annexure-I. The composition of the reconstituted National Tiger Conservation Authority is at Annexure-II. There are 40 tiger reserves in the country which come under the purview of the said Authority. As per the findings of the recent All India tiger estimation in 2010 using the refined methodology, the total country-level population of tiger is 1706 (mid value); the lower and upper limits being 1520 and 1909 respectively. The State-wise tiger population and area of tiger occupied landscapes are indicated in Annexure-III. http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=78501

Who is to be blamed for the Mhadei wildlife sanctuary not being declared a tiger reserve?

TNN | Dec 12, 2011, 05.42AM IST PANAJI: The Goa government is to be blamed for not taking necessary and timely steps for declaring the Mhadei wildlife sanctuary as a tiger reserve. The forest department for more than a decade has failed miserably in generating awareness to garner support for transforming this tiger habitat, known for the rich and varied biodiversity, into the Mhadei tiger reserve. The proposed tiger reserve will not only protect the big cat but will help in safeguarding the water resources for posterity in our land. Priyavanda Parab human resources executive, Aravale-Sanquelim It is some one with a mining interest that is trying to stop the department from declaring the Mhadei wildlife sanctuary it as a tiger reserve. They want to convert the place into a mining area. I have been to Vagheri for a trek and have taken photos of tiger pugmarks. Anand Masur associate professor, Margao Obviously, the state government and the forest department must be blamed for the Mhadei sanctuary not being declared as a tiger reserve in Goa. The present politicians are mining tycoons and sick politicians. The known fact is that maximum number of tigers are in Mhadei area and everybody knows it. However its surprising that the government is still unaware about the fact. Swapnil Sabnis engineer, Sanquelim I am all for declaring the Mhadei sanctuary as a tiger reserve. It is our duty to protect the tigers to prevent their extinction. The mining lobby is probably influencing the delay in declaring the sanctuary as a tiger reserve. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Who-is-to-be-blamed-for-the-Mhadei-wildlife-sanctuary-not-being-declared-a-tiger-reserve/articleshow/11076917.cms

Pench's anti-poaching squad defunct since two years

Vijay Pinjarkar, TNN | Dec 12, 2011, 03.30AM IST NAGPUR: The anti-poaching squad attached to the Pench Tiger Reserve seems to have virtually been poached! The squad is allegedly non-functional for the past over two years with its in charge-officer handling dual charges. With the anti-poaching squad becoming defunct, illegal fishing in Totladoh reservoir inside the tiger reserve has increased. On November 29, 13 villagers from Fulzari were arrested for poisoning Pench waters for getting better fish yield. However, A Ashraf, chief conservator of forests (CCF), Pench, denies that the squad has become defunct. As per the Supreme Court orders, fishing in Pench tiger reserve is prohibited. Yet, it continues rampantly. The fishermen, residing on the periphery of Pench reserve, enter the reservoir in the evening and are involved in fishing throughout the night. Huge cache of fish is shifted outside the reserve early morning and despatched to Nagpur in private vehicles. Sporadic action by the officials has failed to deter fishermen, for whom fishing is the only source of easy livelihood. The squad comprises one range forest officer (RFO) and two forest guards. RFO KG Patil, who heads the squad, is in additional charge of East Pench range since April 20, 2009 after S T Londhe was shifted to Kuhi. Since then Patil is holding dual charge of a range as well as the squad. The two guards with the anti-poaching squad sit idle at Nagpur office. Ashraf admits that a squad of three is too meagre to take on many fishermen. "Yet, we do patrolling in the wee hours, a fact which cannot be noticed by the outsiders. You have to see it to believe it. As the RFO concerned stays at Pench, it helps to control fishing," he says. However, the fact remains that there is no action against the culprits by the anti-poaching squad. The patrolling boats at Pench are lying idle and fishing is going on right under the nose of the squad - even near the dam wall where the squad is posted. The fishing activity has caused lot of disturbance in the park affecting wildlife. The issue calls for a proper posting policy. The new incumbent, A D Kulkarni from Beed district, who has been posted to East Pench in August, is left with just 16 months to retire. He is on leave due to family problems but is expected to join on December 18. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Penchs-anti-poaching-squad-defunct-since-two-years/articleshow/11076049.cms