Bengaluru: The Karnataka’s youngest tiger reserve – the Dandeli-Anshi will be soon axed despite a ban on such activities by the National Tiger Conservatory Authority (NTCA).
Reportedly the forest department’s decision to lay down a new road and construct a bridge within the limits of the tiger reserve, irrespective of the ban, has brought in great trouble to the wildlife in the area.
“The construction of a new road has been taken up between Bargadda and Goyar. The work has been going on in full swing since February 19 in the Anshi Wildlife Range within the limits of the tiger reserve”, said sources in the forest department.
“While a new bridge across the Sakali stream in the same range, has also been commenced at the cost of Rs 1.85 crore. The bridge connects the Dandeli-Anshi tiger reserve with the Karwar Territorial division,” the official said.
A conservationist working at the tiger reserve said, “A few months ago, the assistant inspector general of forests, NTCA Southern Range, invoked the NTCA advisory, Forest (Conservation) Act 1980, Wildlife Protection Act (1972) and the direction of SC in his report against the illegal widening of roads and other developmental activities inside the reserve. Yet, the forest department appears to be in deep slumber and continues to ignore the wildlife population in core areas of the tiger reserve.”
Sources said that the contractors had obtained no prior permission from the authorities concerned. Interestingly, neither has any authority initiated legal action against the goings-on nor were the agencies associated with conservation aware of the issues.
“The subcommittee on guidelines for roads in protected areas has recommended that no new roads shall be planned in these areas. Officials have not taken permission from the NTCA either. Despite repeated complaints to the PCCF (Wildlife) and additional chief secretary, the works are still being carried out illegally,” another wildlife activist said.
The issue evoked surprise among the senior forest officers. Commenting on the developments, Vinay Luthra – principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF) – said, “Laying a new road or widening an existing road inside a protected area or tiger reserve is completely illegal. We have permission only to carry out maintenance work on existing roads. Even for repairs or asphalting, we need permission.” He said the ongoing works had not been brought to his notice despite his regularly monitoring the reserves and protected areas. He promised to seek reports and check for violations. He said severe action against errant officials and contractors would follow.
(Inputs: BM)
