Forest Deptt drops plan to develop sanctuary in Chhindwara after villagers’ opposition
| Date :01-Oct-2019 |
Staff Reporter :
Opposing the proposal of developing wildlife sanctuary in Bichua-Silewani beat of Chhindwara district, villagers refused relocation offer and other restrictions under Wildlife Protection Act 1972. MP Forest Department earlier proposed to develop ten wildlife sanctuaries and five national parks in Madhya Pradesh, including Chhindwara district. Sources said that locals of 113 villages under the district filed complaint with Chief Minister Kamal Nath regarding the issue.
They said that they do not want go through the process of village relocation. Concerned over the demand of villagers, forest officials decided to withdraw the proposal of wildlife sanctuary in Chhindwara. In a bid to increase the tourism activities across Madhya Pradesh, Forest Department earlier proposed the Government for development of ten new wildlife sanctuaries and five national parks around the state. This proposal included wildlife sanctuary in Bichua-Silewani beat of Chhindwara forest. A proposal regarding the place identification, spot inspection, etc was sent to the local forest division of Chhindwara. Field officers of Forest Department also visited the area and sent report to the head office for further development. When villagers came to know about the proposal, they approached the Chief Minister and opposed the development of wildlife sanctuary.
They said that they are not ready for village relocation. Chief Conservator of Chhindwara K K Gurwani said, “Proposal of the land has been sent on the direction of Forest Department but there is no recommendation for developing wildlife sanctuary as there are about 113 villages in the area.” Locals of the area said several restrictions will be applicable in the area under Wildlife Protection Act 1972. Villages would be relocated and several restricts would be made on villagers for sale and purchase of land. Sources said that Government is looking a way to generate revenue with special focus on tourism sector.
Forest Department is also playing important role along with the tourism corporation to find out more tourism activities in forest areas. The department has proposed Government to set up new wildlife sanctuaries at different locations in coming years. Concerned District Forest Officers have been also asked to identify the possible areas in their districts where wildlife sanctuaries and parks cab be developed. The department has directed at least 200 hectare of land for each sanctuary. Currently, Madhya Pradesh has ten national parks and 25 sanctuaries. It generates revenue of about Rs 27 crore every year to the Government. Proposal has been made to increase the revenue from tourism activities by 200 crore.
Continuing with the aim of boosting revenue from tourism, new wildlife sanctuaries along with wildlife entertainment zone has been proposed. Initiative for the same has been also started on ministry level. “Population of herbivore would be increased at higher pace after developing new wildlife sanctuaries. It would also help for better conservation and population of carnivore like tiger, leopard, etc that are dependent on these animals. Efforts are being made to develop more wildlife sanctuaries.” Alok Kumar, Additional Principal Chief Conservator, Wildlife. District Forest Officers have been asked to identify the area in their districts and send detail plan to the wildlife head office for further forwarding to the Government. The proposal of developing wildlife sanctuaries includes districts like Balaghat, Sheopur, Mandla, Chhindwara, Shahdol, Dindori, Sagar, Khandwa, Jabalpur, Indore, Seoni and Hoshangabad. There is also discussion to develop Ratapani and Mandhata (Shivpuri) as National Park. A separate proposal has been sent to the Government.