The wild buffaloes, third biggest mammal on land, are facing extinction and are a step away from the point of no return if measures to protect them are not taken. The startling revelation was made during the visit by Kishor Rithe of Satpuda Foundation and Bivash Pandav, programme leader, tiger and other big cats, WWF-International, Nepal, to Sitanadi-Udanti Tiger Reserve (SUTR) in Chattisgarh and Sunabeda-Khariar Tiger Reserve in Orissa.
“Udanti is one of the homes of last remaining wild Buffaloes in central India. We were shocked to see the situation of the animal here,” said Rithe. Bivash Pandav who is in charge of 11 countries to co-ordinate WWF International’s tiger and other big cats programme, said, “Wild buffaloes are found only in north-east region and in Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra in central India. The species, listed under the Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, needs to be protected at any cost as these are ancestors of all domestic buffaloes and are must to maintain century old gene pool.” The population of wild buffaloes has drastically dropped to seven from 35 in 2002. Surprisingly, there is not a single male among the seven surviving animals in wild. During the visit to SUTR, the team recorded presence of hyena and a pair of Jackals near village Sankara and chital, sambar and blue bull in the sanctuary. However there was virtually no evidence of presence of wild buffalo. The visit to Udanti WLS of SUTR was also shocking. “We visited the enclosure where a wild buffalo and a nine-month old calf have been kept. Though the field protection is good, there is no increase in the wild buffalo population,” Rithe said.
Terming the situation of wild buffalo in Udanti as very critical Pandav said, “The time seems to be running out for the animal in Udanti and just a step away from the point of no return. This is not the time to do any kind of experiment. Only clear and concerted action by all genies involved would save this mega herbivore species.” There are doubts about origin of the only female wild buffalo in an enclosure. There is an urgent need to conduct the DNA analysis to ascertain the same. Kishor Rithe opined that that captive breeding programme should be implemented under the guidance of experts in wild buffaloes to increase the population of the animal.
The wild Asian buffalo is the ancestor of the domestic water buffalo. The wild Asian buffalo has been domesticated for thousands of years and bred around the world into various, mostly smaller, breeds of less than 500 kg (1100 lb). The domesticated water buffalo is now found in most tropical and subtropical regions.
The most important threats to wild Asian buffalo are interbreeding with feral and domestic buffalo, habitat degradation, and hunting. Diseases and parasites (transmitted by domestic livestock) and competition for food and water between wild buffalo and domestic stock are also serious threats.
The wild Asian buffalo originally ranged from eastern Nepal, and India, east to Vietnam and south to Malaysia. By 1963, it had been substantially reduced numerically and eliminated from the greater part of its former range.
At that time it was thought to be restricted to three zones - the Brahmaputra Valley in Assam, the lower reaches of the Godavari River at the confluence of the borders of the states of Orissa, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh and the Saptkosi River, Nepal, close to the border with India. As of 1990, remnant populations were thought to occur in Assam and Orissa in India, in Nepal, and in two sanctuaries in Thailand.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
sparrow for sex?? come on!! give me a break!!
Sparrow meat is the latest fad among rich and famous of the city and that too for enhancing sexual power. As a result, landed thousands of sparrows from all over the city at notorious Crawford Market and are being sold openly.
Though some hakims in the city are making merry by selling the medicine made from sparrow meat, the experts have written off the claims.
According to Karim Khan, founder president of People in Defence of Animals (PIDA), the demand for the bird shot up suddenly after some hakims managed to prepare a medicine claimed to enhance sexual power. “The medicine, made from the flesh of male sparrow has suddenly become hot cake and most of the wealthy people in the city are the biggest consumers,” Khan said. The hakims in Pydhonie, Bhendi Bazar, Nagpada and Mohammed Ali Road are known to prepare the medicine and cliental include industrialists and film stars, Khan said. It is learnt that the birds are trapped from various parts of the city using nylon nets. “Since the size of the bird is small, large number of birds is required to make the medicine sufficient for one regimen,” Khan said.
Noted sexologist Dr Prkash Kothari has ridiculed the claim saying that there no medicine is available on the planate that can guarantee enhanced sexual power. “Sparrows and pigeons are supposed to be very hot blooded birds and hence highly prone to such myths. The entire thinking works on sexual signatures like swift movements of the birds. People assume that since the bird moves so swiftly, it would work on their sex organs too,” Dr Kothari said. According to Dr Ketan Parmar from Borivali, the good companion is the only sex enhancer. “It is all myths exist due to mass appeal,” Dr Parmar said.
The matter came to fore when volunteers of Plant and Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), Mumbai stumbled upon the trade during routine visit to the market last week.
“I was surprised to see strikingly high number of House Sparrows in cages at the market during the visit last week. All the birds were in bad condition and were for sale,” said Sunish Subramanian of PAWS, Mumbai. It is alarming that on one hand some people in the city are trying to save the bird as its population is going down drastically and on the other, thousands of were being sold openly, Subramanian added.
PAWS volunteers posing as customers even purchased at Rs 40 per bird from a shop named Home Living World in the market, where three cages full of sparrows were kept for sale. “Being cramped in small cages, most of the birds were had severe injuries all over the body due to fighting,” he said.
The news has shocked animal lovers of the city also. “Sale of House Sparrow is really shocking news. I am not at all in favour of any kind of bird sale in those pathetic conditions at that market or any market for that matter,” said naturalist Sunjoy Monga. For a species on a shocking decline in so many areas, this kind of sale must be stopped immediately and it doesn’t matter what the status position of the species is. It sets a bad and disturbing precedent, Monga said.
Though some hakims in the city are making merry by selling the medicine made from sparrow meat, the experts have written off the claims.
According to Karim Khan, founder president of People in Defence of Animals (PIDA), the demand for the bird shot up suddenly after some hakims managed to prepare a medicine claimed to enhance sexual power. “The medicine, made from the flesh of male sparrow has suddenly become hot cake and most of the wealthy people in the city are the biggest consumers,” Khan said. The hakims in Pydhonie, Bhendi Bazar, Nagpada and Mohammed Ali Road are known to prepare the medicine and cliental include industrialists and film stars, Khan said. It is learnt that the birds are trapped from various parts of the city using nylon nets. “Since the size of the bird is small, large number of birds is required to make the medicine sufficient for one regimen,” Khan said.
Noted sexologist Dr Prkash Kothari has ridiculed the claim saying that there no medicine is available on the planate that can guarantee enhanced sexual power. “Sparrows and pigeons are supposed to be very hot blooded birds and hence highly prone to such myths. The entire thinking works on sexual signatures like swift movements of the birds. People assume that since the bird moves so swiftly, it would work on their sex organs too,” Dr Kothari said. According to Dr Ketan Parmar from Borivali, the good companion is the only sex enhancer. “It is all myths exist due to mass appeal,” Dr Parmar said.
The matter came to fore when volunteers of Plant and Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), Mumbai stumbled upon the trade during routine visit to the market last week.
“I was surprised to see strikingly high number of House Sparrows in cages at the market during the visit last week. All the birds were in bad condition and were for sale,” said Sunish Subramanian of PAWS, Mumbai. It is alarming that on one hand some people in the city are trying to save the bird as its population is going down drastically and on the other, thousands of were being sold openly, Subramanian added.
PAWS volunteers posing as customers even purchased at Rs 40 per bird from a shop named Home Living World in the market, where three cages full of sparrows were kept for sale. “Being cramped in small cages, most of the birds were had severe injuries all over the body due to fighting,” he said.
The news has shocked animal lovers of the city also. “Sale of House Sparrow is really shocking news. I am not at all in favour of any kind of bird sale in those pathetic conditions at that market or any market for that matter,” said naturalist Sunjoy Monga. For a species on a shocking decline in so many areas, this kind of sale must be stopped immediately and it doesn’t matter what the status position of the species is. It sets a bad and disturbing precedent, Monga said.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Environment and development
Environment and development are equally important. As development is inevitable, there has to be a balance between the both. According to Dr Shreerang Kadrekar, noted scientist and former vice-chancellor of Dapoli Agriculture University, people should not oppose developmental project for the sake of opposition.
“The state is currently reeling under acute power shortage. And enhanced power generation is the only solution to the problem. But unfortunately, people tend to oppose such projects in the name of environment and other problems blown out of proportion,” Dr Kadrekar said.
The founder member of the Indian Society of Environmental Science and Technology (ISEST), Dr Kadrekar is also instrumental in creating awareness among young generation about importance of both development and environment.
He feels that power plants do not necessarily result in huge air and soil pollution. On the contrary, if managed mindfully, a power plant can become a role model in environment conservation. “The Dahanu Thermal Power Station (DTPS), for example, has set many bench marks not only in power generation but environment conservation also,” Dr Kadrekar said. A power plant can help the society in many ways and when such activities are done meticulously, results can be fabulous, he said. Today, corporate houses have become more conscious about environment protection and have undertaken many conservation measures, which is definitely a good sign, he added.
“The biggest reason for opposition to any thermal power plant is air pollution due to smoke and fly ash. But not many people know that flay ash can be used as fertilizer, pesticide and also to construct buildings and roads,” Dr Kadrekar said. People should obtain complete information about functioning of any project before opposing, he added. In view of the current power crisis in the state, society should support setting up new power plants and upgradation of existing ones. “If managed on the lines of DTPS, pollution can be kept well under control and at the same time, green cover around the plant can be increased manifold,” he said.
Some problems to environment are bound to occur due to developmental projects. But environmentalists and policy makers should try to mitigate the consequences rather than opposing the projects. These projects can also become highly socially responsible if allowed to function properly, Dr Kadrekar added. Despite the DTPS being functional to the fullest for over a decade now, there is virtually no effect on the environment of Dahanu, he said. Whatever claims are being made for the environmental impact of DTPS on farming, especially, chikku farms, the root cause is mismanagement and not the power plant, Dr Kadrekar said.
“The state is currently reeling under acute power shortage. And enhanced power generation is the only solution to the problem. But unfortunately, people tend to oppose such projects in the name of environment and other problems blown out of proportion,” Dr Kadrekar said.
The founder member of the Indian Society of Environmental Science and Technology (ISEST), Dr Kadrekar is also instrumental in creating awareness among young generation about importance of both development and environment.
He feels that power plants do not necessarily result in huge air and soil pollution. On the contrary, if managed mindfully, a power plant can become a role model in environment conservation. “The Dahanu Thermal Power Station (DTPS), for example, has set many bench marks not only in power generation but environment conservation also,” Dr Kadrekar said. A power plant can help the society in many ways and when such activities are done meticulously, results can be fabulous, he said. Today, corporate houses have become more conscious about environment protection and have undertaken many conservation measures, which is definitely a good sign, he added.
“The biggest reason for opposition to any thermal power plant is air pollution due to smoke and fly ash. But not many people know that flay ash can be used as fertilizer, pesticide and also to construct buildings and roads,” Dr Kadrekar said. People should obtain complete information about functioning of any project before opposing, he added. In view of the current power crisis in the state, society should support setting up new power plants and upgradation of existing ones. “If managed on the lines of DTPS, pollution can be kept well under control and at the same time, green cover around the plant can be increased manifold,” he said.
Some problems to environment are bound to occur due to developmental projects. But environmentalists and policy makers should try to mitigate the consequences rather than opposing the projects. These projects can also become highly socially responsible if allowed to function properly, Dr Kadrekar added. Despite the DTPS being functional to the fullest for over a decade now, there is virtually no effect on the environment of Dahanu, he said. Whatever claims are being made for the environmental impact of DTPS on farming, especially, chikku farms, the root cause is mismanagement and not the power plant, Dr Kadrekar said.
Climate change
The BBC World News and Synovate survey has revealed a shift in attitudes to climate change. Significantly, India is among seven countries that show the largest increases in levels of concern, with 72 per cent population concerned about climate change as compared to just 59 per cent last year.
Surprisingly, in the United States of America, the highest increase in the population concerned for climate change was recorded. According to the findings of the survey conducted in 2007, only 57 per cent population was concerned about climate change while in 2008, it has increased to 80 per cent.
The key findings of the second global opinion survey carried out by the international market research company in conjunction with the international news channel were announced recently. The survey, which was carried out across 22 markets on six continents, looks at global attitudes towards climate change. Areas covered include levels of concern, what people are doing about climate change and who they believe is responsible.
The results show that respondents’ attitudes to climate change have shifted since the same survey was conducted last year. This is especially apparent in the United States of America where levels of concern have dramatically increased from 57 per cent in 2007 to 80 per cent this year.
The countries that show the largest increases in levels of concern from last year are India and France with a rise of 11 per cent in the population concerned about climate change, Denmark with a rise of 17 per cent, France having 13 per cent increase in the population concerned about climate change, Poland and United Kingdom, where the percentage of people concerned about climate change has increased by 11 percent over last one year, whereas Russia has shown 14 per cent increase in the population concerned about climate change.
Jeremy Nye, Head of Audience Insight at BBC World News says, “These results reflect what our audiences have been telling us with regard to their levels of concern about global warming. In nearly all markets, citizens believe it is up to ordinary people to change their behaviour.” Steve Garton, Executive Director, Media at Synovate says, “We first conducted this survey in 2007 and saw high levels of concern about climate change across the globe. After a year, it seems that extra focus has had an impact.”
There has been a significant shift in concern over climate change, translating through to many facets of consumer behaviour. Compared to 68 per cent in 2007, this year 72 per cent of respondents were concerned about climate change. While the overall increase in concern was not huge, individual countries show significant changes. Interestingly, the majority of respondents in the USA still nominated their own country as the most responsible for climate change. An overall belief is that human causes and pollution are the root causes for climate change.
Surprisingly, in the United States of America, the highest increase in the population concerned for climate change was recorded. According to the findings of the survey conducted in 2007, only 57 per cent population was concerned about climate change while in 2008, it has increased to 80 per cent.
The key findings of the second global opinion survey carried out by the international market research company in conjunction with the international news channel were announced recently. The survey, which was carried out across 22 markets on six continents, looks at global attitudes towards climate change. Areas covered include levels of concern, what people are doing about climate change and who they believe is responsible.
The results show that respondents’ attitudes to climate change have shifted since the same survey was conducted last year. This is especially apparent in the United States of America where levels of concern have dramatically increased from 57 per cent in 2007 to 80 per cent this year.
The countries that show the largest increases in levels of concern from last year are India and France with a rise of 11 per cent in the population concerned about climate change, Denmark with a rise of 17 per cent, France having 13 per cent increase in the population concerned about climate change, Poland and United Kingdom, where the percentage of people concerned about climate change has increased by 11 percent over last one year, whereas Russia has shown 14 per cent increase in the population concerned about climate change.
Jeremy Nye, Head of Audience Insight at BBC World News says, “These results reflect what our audiences have been telling us with regard to their levels of concern about global warming. In nearly all markets, citizens believe it is up to ordinary people to change their behaviour.” Steve Garton, Executive Director, Media at Synovate says, “We first conducted this survey in 2007 and saw high levels of concern about climate change across the globe. After a year, it seems that extra focus has had an impact.”
There has been a significant shift in concern over climate change, translating through to many facets of consumer behaviour. Compared to 68 per cent in 2007, this year 72 per cent of respondents were concerned about climate change. While the overall increase in concern was not huge, individual countries show significant changes. Interestingly, the majority of respondents in the USA still nominated their own country as the most responsible for climate change. An overall belief is that human causes and pollution are the root causes for climate change.
Mumbai is sinking
A city full of paradoxes, Mumbai is mini India in many ways. And it is fast being pushed towards the path marked with destruction through development. While environmentalists are trying their best to achieve sustainable development, bureaucracy and politics is the major hindrance to it.
As a result of mindless development and subsequent large scale tree felling coupled with ever increasing population the acute problem of environmental degradation has relegated into oblivion. On July 26, 2005, city witnessed biggest ever disaster solely resulting due to environmental abuse. Despite the devastation, the policymakers have not learnt a lesson and continued with the developmental activities. The authorities have failed to foresee the consequences of tampering with the environment.
Mangroves are an integral part of the landscape of Mumbai. And the worst hit by the development and lack of political will power to protect it. The city has lost almost 40 per cent of mangrove forest over the recent past.
According to Debi Goenka of Conservation Action Trust, despite the statutory protection since February 19, 1991, when the CRZ notification came into force, mangroves have been systematically destroyed, very often with the active connivance of the agencies that are supposed to protect them. “Mangrove destruction is going on despite the order of court. Fortunately, because of court orders, we have been successful in getting 5,500 hectares of mangroves declared as protected forests,” he said.
Goenka feels that the air quality in the city actually improved four years ago when the High Court orders to convert taxis to CNG and to phase out commercial vehicles that were more than 8 years old, came into effect. “Unfortunately, all the gains made by these orders have been offset by the increase in the vehicle population. There is a serious need to enforce restrictions in the use of private vehicles in the island city,” Goenka said. The frequency of the suburban trains also needs to be increased. One air conditioned compartment should also be attached to every local train, he feels.
The rampant and unchecked construction activities in Mumbai have placed an intolerable stress on the infrastructure and have resulted in increased air and noise pollution. “Our few remaining hills are being ruthlessly destroyed. Our ponds and water bodies are being systematically reclaimed. And the Mumbaikar is totally apathetic to this open rape of the environment,” Goenka said. This is the ultimate tragedy. If people expressed their concerns, Government would be forced to take action, he added.
As a result of mindless development and subsequent large scale tree felling coupled with ever increasing population the acute problem of environmental degradation has relegated into oblivion. On July 26, 2005, city witnessed biggest ever disaster solely resulting due to environmental abuse. Despite the devastation, the policymakers have not learnt a lesson and continued with the developmental activities. The authorities have failed to foresee the consequences of tampering with the environment.
Mangroves are an integral part of the landscape of Mumbai. And the worst hit by the development and lack of political will power to protect it. The city has lost almost 40 per cent of mangrove forest over the recent past.
According to Debi Goenka of Conservation Action Trust, despite the statutory protection since February 19, 1991, when the CRZ notification came into force, mangroves have been systematically destroyed, very often with the active connivance of the agencies that are supposed to protect them. “Mangrove destruction is going on despite the order of court. Fortunately, because of court orders, we have been successful in getting 5,500 hectares of mangroves declared as protected forests,” he said.
Goenka feels that the air quality in the city actually improved four years ago when the High Court orders to convert taxis to CNG and to phase out commercial vehicles that were more than 8 years old, came into effect. “Unfortunately, all the gains made by these orders have been offset by the increase in the vehicle population. There is a serious need to enforce restrictions in the use of private vehicles in the island city,” Goenka said. The frequency of the suburban trains also needs to be increased. One air conditioned compartment should also be attached to every local train, he feels.
The rampant and unchecked construction activities in Mumbai have placed an intolerable stress on the infrastructure and have resulted in increased air and noise pollution. “Our few remaining hills are being ruthlessly destroyed. Our ponds and water bodies are being systematically reclaimed. And the Mumbaikar is totally apathetic to this open rape of the environment,” Goenka said. This is the ultimate tragedy. If people expressed their concerns, Government would be forced to take action, he added.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
When are we going to learn????
We are aware that our national animal is under serious threat to its very existence due to rampant poaching. But how many of us know that the real threat to the magnificent wild cat called Tiger, our national animal, faces even more threat from those who are supposed to protect it?
Yes. Tiger faces equal threat from the forest department, across all the states. The forest department is indirectly responsible in pushing the big cat close to danger at equal pace that of the poachers. The biggest example is killing of a full grown male tiger by police on the orders of forest department on November 30 last year near Talodhi in Chandrapur district.
The tiger that was eventually shot down was credited with 23 human kills in as many months. Local villagers and political leaders virtually held the forest department for ransom to kill the wild cat. Every one blamed the tiger for human kills, which according to the wild cat was nothing but defending its prey. Rampant poaching and habitat destruction in the region has left the tiger with no choice but to resort to cattle kill and humans got killed when they tried to snatch the cattle from the tiger’s claws and the wild cat tried to protect its prey.
The first human kill was reported from the area in January 2006 and after that it became almost monthly event in Brahmapuri division of Chandrapur district. People and politicians even proclaimed the tiger to be man-eater, despite the fact it never ate any human being after killing. They unanimously wanted it to be killed at any cost and eventually succeeded. But no one gave a thought to the reason of such behaviour of otherwise illusive animal. People continued to kill herbivorous animals in the area and cut trees as per their wishes and whims. People in the area could get desired quantity of wild boar and peacock meat on demand and the wild cat, who had a legitimate right on it, was being starved. And the forest department officials responsible to check such activities had turned a blind eye to rampant poaching and tree cutting in the area.
Bogged down by ever mounting pressure from public and politicians, finally the department got a tiger shot dead. The nation lost one full grown magnificent male tiger on November 30, 2007, this time to the bullets fired by the orders of none other than the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife). Forest department officials had a sigh of relief and claimed that the problem animal was killed and people in the area could live happily again. But the worst fears expressed by environmentalists came true in just six days after the animal was killed. The wild cat struck again on December 6, and killed a 22-year-old youth. Ironically, the forest department officials ignored caution bells rang by environmentalists and refused to do anything to revive prey base in the area, which is an ideal tiger habitat.
Unfortunately, the human kills have not stopped even after ‘killing the man-eater of Brahmapuri’. After the tiger was killed, the territory has now been occupied by another tiger and human kills still continues. And the wild cat has claimed nine lives since taking the total to 37 human kills in 31 months. The counting is not yet stopped and the number is bound to go up in days to come. Proper wildlife management in the area holds the key to solution and unless it is done, the man-animal conflict will continue and the forest department will shoot even more tigers. Who knows?
Prerna, I don’t have the dates of human kills before December 2007. Here is the record I have.
December 6, 2007 – Tanaji Raut, a resident of Navtala was killed when he had gone to graze cattle at Madnagarh in Chimur Range.
January 10, 2008 - The incident took place at compartment number 301, Kolsa Range of TATR. The deceased has been identified as Jhingaji Kulmethe, 65, a resident of village Doni. He had gone to cut fire wood in the nullah.
January 29, 2008 - Janabai Kashinath Gurnule, 60, a resident of village Kawadpeth was killed when she had gone to answer nature’s call. This is the third human kill in the area during last month.
March 24, 2008 - Kashinath Suryavanshi, 45, a resident of village Jhankapur had gone to forest along with six other people from the village to collect Mahua leaves.
May 29, 2008 - Monali Baban Neware, 9 and Sitabai Dadaji Gedam, 50, both residents of village Kitadi Bormara. The incident took place at around 8 am on Wednesday at compartment number 29 of reserved forest in Nagbhid range of Brahmapuri division.
June 19, 2008 - Dhrupada Kumre, 51, a resident of Sonoli. Dhrupada had gone to the forest adjoining the village to collect mahua seeds when the tiger attacked her.
July 26, 2008 - Ramesh Ichkape and Rajeshwar Kumre, both from Jankapur village in Nagbhid taluka of Chandrapur district. The duo was killed while grazing cattle in the forest.
Yes. Tiger faces equal threat from the forest department, across all the states. The forest department is indirectly responsible in pushing the big cat close to danger at equal pace that of the poachers. The biggest example is killing of a full grown male tiger by police on the orders of forest department on November 30 last year near Talodhi in Chandrapur district.
The tiger that was eventually shot down was credited with 23 human kills in as many months. Local villagers and political leaders virtually held the forest department for ransom to kill the wild cat. Every one blamed the tiger for human kills, which according to the wild cat was nothing but defending its prey. Rampant poaching and habitat destruction in the region has left the tiger with no choice but to resort to cattle kill and humans got killed when they tried to snatch the cattle from the tiger’s claws and the wild cat tried to protect its prey.
The first human kill was reported from the area in January 2006 and after that it became almost monthly event in Brahmapuri division of Chandrapur district. People and politicians even proclaimed the tiger to be man-eater, despite the fact it never ate any human being after killing. They unanimously wanted it to be killed at any cost and eventually succeeded. But no one gave a thought to the reason of such behaviour of otherwise illusive animal. People continued to kill herbivorous animals in the area and cut trees as per their wishes and whims. People in the area could get desired quantity of wild boar and peacock meat on demand and the wild cat, who had a legitimate right on it, was being starved. And the forest department officials responsible to check such activities had turned a blind eye to rampant poaching and tree cutting in the area.
Bogged down by ever mounting pressure from public and politicians, finally the department got a tiger shot dead. The nation lost one full grown magnificent male tiger on November 30, 2007, this time to the bullets fired by the orders of none other than the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife). Forest department officials had a sigh of relief and claimed that the problem animal was killed and people in the area could live happily again. But the worst fears expressed by environmentalists came true in just six days after the animal was killed. The wild cat struck again on December 6, and killed a 22-year-old youth. Ironically, the forest department officials ignored caution bells rang by environmentalists and refused to do anything to revive prey base in the area, which is an ideal tiger habitat.
Unfortunately, the human kills have not stopped even after ‘killing the man-eater of Brahmapuri’. After the tiger was killed, the territory has now been occupied by another tiger and human kills still continues. And the wild cat has claimed nine lives since taking the total to 37 human kills in 31 months. The counting is not yet stopped and the number is bound to go up in days to come. Proper wildlife management in the area holds the key to solution and unless it is done, the man-animal conflict will continue and the forest department will shoot even more tigers. Who knows?
Prerna, I don’t have the dates of human kills before December 2007. Here is the record I have.
December 6, 2007 – Tanaji Raut, a resident of Navtala was killed when he had gone to graze cattle at Madnagarh in Chimur Range.
January 10, 2008 - The incident took place at compartment number 301, Kolsa Range of TATR. The deceased has been identified as Jhingaji Kulmethe, 65, a resident of village Doni. He had gone to cut fire wood in the nullah.
January 29, 2008 - Janabai Kashinath Gurnule, 60, a resident of village Kawadpeth was killed when she had gone to answer nature’s call. This is the third human kill in the area during last month.
March 24, 2008 - Kashinath Suryavanshi, 45, a resident of village Jhankapur had gone to forest along with six other people from the village to collect Mahua leaves.
May 29, 2008 - Monali Baban Neware, 9 and Sitabai Dadaji Gedam, 50, both residents of village Kitadi Bormara. The incident took place at around 8 am on Wednesday at compartment number 29 of reserved forest in Nagbhid range of Brahmapuri division.
June 19, 2008 - Dhrupada Kumre, 51, a resident of Sonoli. Dhrupada had gone to the forest adjoining the village to collect mahua seeds when the tiger attacked her.
July 26, 2008 - Ramesh Ichkape and Rajeshwar Kumre, both from Jankapur village in Nagbhid taluka of Chandrapur district. The duo was killed while grazing cattle in the forest.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Mumbai sitting on e-waste
Ever though of what happens to a discarded personal computer or a cell phone or any other electronic and electrical gadget for that matter? It heads straight to illegal disposal. The raw material used to manufacture these gadgets then turns into the biggest hazard for the society.
“Mumbai generates 1000 tones of e-waste every month which is posing a grave threat for soil, trees and environment,” says Rajkumar Sharma, convener of Clean-sweep Forum, a city based NGO working to create awareness about e-waste. The NGO had recently organised a seminar in the city to create awareness on e-waste.
“It is high time we acted to find out appropriate solutions to the problem before it turned un-manageable like the solid waste. Most importantly, people must come to terms with so called donations from developed countries,” Sharma said. Many developed countries are dumping their e-waste in third world countries in the name of donations, he added.
“E-waste or Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) is a waste type consisting of any broken or unwanted electrical or electronic device. Some define e-waste to include all secondary computers, entertainment devices, electronics, mobile phones and other items, whether they have been sold, donated, or discarded by their original owner,” says Abhishek Pratap, Toxins Campaigner of Greenpeace. Pratap feels that if treated properly, electronic waste is a valuable source for secondary raw materials. Otherwise it is a major source of toxins and carcinogens. Toxic substances in electronic waste may include lead, mercury, and cadmium. The un-sustainability of discarding electronics and computer technology is another reason for the need to reuse electronic waste, Pratap says.
“Uncontrolled burning, disassembly, and disposal are causing environmental and health problems, including occupational safety and health effects among those directly involved, due to the methods of processing the waste,” Pratap said. Experts feel that if the estimated amount of e-waste generated every year would be put into containers on a train it would go once around the world.
E-waste now makes up five percent of all municipal solid waste worldwide, nearly the same amount as all plastic packaging, but it is much more hazardous.
“Mobile phones and computers are causing the biggest problem because they are replaced most often,” Pratap said.
“There is an urgent need of proper co-ordination among the entire stake holders like the MPCB, BMC and forest department to find out best possible solution to the problem,” Sharma said. Clean sweep will soon launch a mass awareness programme on e-waste. “We feel that scientific disposal of electronic and electrical gadget is the responsibility of the manufacturers. They must take back discarded products for appropriate disposal or recycling,” Sharma said.
“Mumbai generates 1000 tones of e-waste every month which is posing a grave threat for soil, trees and environment,” says Rajkumar Sharma, convener of Clean-sweep Forum, a city based NGO working to create awareness about e-waste. The NGO had recently organised a seminar in the city to create awareness on e-waste.
“It is high time we acted to find out appropriate solutions to the problem before it turned un-manageable like the solid waste. Most importantly, people must come to terms with so called donations from developed countries,” Sharma said. Many developed countries are dumping their e-waste in third world countries in the name of donations, he added.
“E-waste or Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) is a waste type consisting of any broken or unwanted electrical or electronic device. Some define e-waste to include all secondary computers, entertainment devices, electronics, mobile phones and other items, whether they have been sold, donated, or discarded by their original owner,” says Abhishek Pratap, Toxins Campaigner of Greenpeace. Pratap feels that if treated properly, electronic waste is a valuable source for secondary raw materials. Otherwise it is a major source of toxins and carcinogens. Toxic substances in electronic waste may include lead, mercury, and cadmium. The un-sustainability of discarding electronics and computer technology is another reason for the need to reuse electronic waste, Pratap says.
“Uncontrolled burning, disassembly, and disposal are causing environmental and health problems, including occupational safety and health effects among those directly involved, due to the methods of processing the waste,” Pratap said. Experts feel that if the estimated amount of e-waste generated every year would be put into containers on a train it would go once around the world.
E-waste now makes up five percent of all municipal solid waste worldwide, nearly the same amount as all plastic packaging, but it is much more hazardous.
“Mobile phones and computers are causing the biggest problem because they are replaced most often,” Pratap said.
“There is an urgent need of proper co-ordination among the entire stake holders like the MPCB, BMC and forest department to find out best possible solution to the problem,” Sharma said. Clean sweep will soon launch a mass awareness programme on e-waste. “We feel that scientific disposal of electronic and electrical gadget is the responsibility of the manufacturers. They must take back discarded products for appropriate disposal or recycling,” Sharma said.
Snakes smuggling under the nose of forest dept officials.
In a major break through, the forest officials at Ahmedangar busted venom and illegal snake trade racket. The officials have arrested a self-proclaimed snake rescuer identified as Yusuf Khan, a resident of Paanch Peer Chavdi, Ahmednagar.
Acting on the information provided by Mumbai based Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) People in Defence of Animals (PIDA) a team of Ahmednagar forest department led by Range Forest Officer (Vigilance) DK Kapse raided the house of Yusuf Khan early morning on Tuesday.
In the initial search operation in the house forest officials seized few snakes like sand boa and tusker. But the officials got a shock of their life when it was revealed that some more snakes were kept in the basement of the house. After initial hesitation, the accused unlocked the room only to reveal 15 brown cobras and five kraits kept in boxes.
The news of the raid spread in the area like wildfire, and hundreds of people led by local corporator gathered at the house. The accused Yusuf Khan during preliminary interrogation claimed that he was supplier of Haffkine Institute and regularly supplied venom and live snakes to the institute. However, the public relations officer of the institute LS Patil could not be reached for his versions despite repeated efforts.
The situation in the area turned volatile when the forest officials seized all the snakes and arrested the accused. When the team was on its way back, local politicians intercepted the vehicle and even tried to manhandle forest officials. The founder president of PIDA Karim Khan said, “We had concrete information about the illegal trade being operated from Ahmednagar. After conducting investigations on our level, the information was passed on to the forest department officials.” There is much more into the matter than what meets the eyes. Thorough investigations can reveal a much bigger nexus of illegal venom and snake trade, Khan added. The divisional forest officer, Ahmednagar DD Gujela said, “It is definitely a serious matter. We will not leave any stone unturned to eradicate the nexus.” According to Karim Khan, the operators are involved in illegal sale of live reptiles like cobra, krait, python and even crocodile. “The cliental of the illegal snake traders is spread all over the country and even abroad. People from the cities like Mumbai, Pune and Chennai are regular clients,” Khan said. A famous film personality also possessed a python till recently. PIDA volunteers had prepared to raid the house. But the reptile was released in the forest when the information about the raid was leaked, Khan said.
Acting on the information provided by Mumbai based Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) People in Defence of Animals (PIDA) a team of Ahmednagar forest department led by Range Forest Officer (Vigilance) DK Kapse raided the house of Yusuf Khan early morning on Tuesday.
In the initial search operation in the house forest officials seized few snakes like sand boa and tusker. But the officials got a shock of their life when it was revealed that some more snakes were kept in the basement of the house. After initial hesitation, the accused unlocked the room only to reveal 15 brown cobras and five kraits kept in boxes.
The news of the raid spread in the area like wildfire, and hundreds of people led by local corporator gathered at the house. The accused Yusuf Khan during preliminary interrogation claimed that he was supplier of Haffkine Institute and regularly supplied venom and live snakes to the institute. However, the public relations officer of the institute LS Patil could not be reached for his versions despite repeated efforts.
The situation in the area turned volatile when the forest officials seized all the snakes and arrested the accused. When the team was on its way back, local politicians intercepted the vehicle and even tried to manhandle forest officials. The founder president of PIDA Karim Khan said, “We had concrete information about the illegal trade being operated from Ahmednagar. After conducting investigations on our level, the information was passed on to the forest department officials.” There is much more into the matter than what meets the eyes. Thorough investigations can reveal a much bigger nexus of illegal venom and snake trade, Khan added. The divisional forest officer, Ahmednagar DD Gujela said, “It is definitely a serious matter. We will not leave any stone unturned to eradicate the nexus.” According to Karim Khan, the operators are involved in illegal sale of live reptiles like cobra, krait, python and even crocodile. “The cliental of the illegal snake traders is spread all over the country and even abroad. People from the cities like Mumbai, Pune and Chennai are regular clients,” Khan said. A famous film personality also possessed a python till recently. PIDA volunteers had prepared to raid the house. But the reptile was released in the forest when the information about the raid was leaked, Khan said.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Illegal beef in mumbai
In a blatant violation of municipal laws, thousands of kg beef is smuggled in the city every day. Shockingly, it is the flesh of immature calves below the age of six months.
According to information, illegal beef is smuggled in the city from Ahmednagar, Sangamner, Baramati, Faltan and Daund. “This is violation of municipal laws prohibiting supply of beef from outside the city BMC limits. The illegal trade needs to be stopped immediately as it poses a grave threat to human lives as well,” said Karim Khan, founder president of People in Defence of Animals (PIDA). Ahmednagar and Sangamner are major centres where immature calves are slaughtered illegally and the flesh is sent to Mumbai. Sources said that three illegal slaughter houses are operating in Sangamner and two in Ahmednagar. Abdul Haq and one Wahid are owners of two illegal slaughter houses in Ahmednagar while Haji Sabir, Shahid Sheikh and Abdul Karim, all residents of Bharat Nagar in Sangamner own the three illegal slaughter houses there.
The syndicate involved in illegal trade of calf beef operates highly systematically in nexus with police and octroi department officials of BMC. One of the traders from Sangamner, who is active in the business since last 15 years said that the animals for slaughter are purchased from villages and in some cases, even stolen from cattle-shades. “The animals are brought in Sangamner and slaughtered at three places. The flesh is ready to be transported to Mumbai by 5 pm and the trucks carrying the beef reach the city by 11 pm,” the trader said. In all nine trucks carrying around 2 tone beef each come to Mumbai every day, the trader revealed. “We have an understanding with BMC and Mumbai police which facilitate smooth movement of trucks to and from Mumbai,” the trader said. If he is to be believed, a hefty sum is paid to BMC and police officials every month.
Sources said that the trucks carrying illegal beef are parked at Mastan Talao, Nagpada, Dongri, Chaval Galli, Nalbazar, opposite to Saifee Ambulance Services in Bori Mohalla, Bhindi Bazar, Lucky Compound in Madanpura and Shivaji Nagar in Govandi till 4 am and then the beef is distributed to legal as well as illegal shops at Reay Road, Dock Yard Road and Madanpura. “We sale beef to traders in Mumbai at Rs 78 per kg who supply it to retail market at Rs 100-110 per kg,” said the trader from Sangamner. According to him Sabir Bhajiwale from Dongri, Mohammed Qureshi from Nagpada, Riyaz Qureshi from Madanpura and Farid Qureshi from Govandi are the main trades in Mumbai. “Sabir and Mohammed Qureshi purchase two trucks each while others purchase one truck each every day,” said Karim Khan. The beef is sold at more than 50 shops in the city, Khan said. “It is not just Ahmednagar or Sangamner. Huge quantity of illegal beef is smuggled in the city from Baramati, Faltan and Daund also. We have information that animals are slaughtered in forests around Pune,” Khan added. Repeated complaints with the police since last four years have proved futile. “We have even lodged complaints with the chief minister and the director general of police. But they have failed to control the smuggling,” Karim Khan said.
According to information, illegal beef is smuggled in the city from Ahmednagar, Sangamner, Baramati, Faltan and Daund. “This is violation of municipal laws prohibiting supply of beef from outside the city BMC limits. The illegal trade needs to be stopped immediately as it poses a grave threat to human lives as well,” said Karim Khan, founder president of People in Defence of Animals (PIDA). Ahmednagar and Sangamner are major centres where immature calves are slaughtered illegally and the flesh is sent to Mumbai. Sources said that three illegal slaughter houses are operating in Sangamner and two in Ahmednagar. Abdul Haq and one Wahid are owners of two illegal slaughter houses in Ahmednagar while Haji Sabir, Shahid Sheikh and Abdul Karim, all residents of Bharat Nagar in Sangamner own the three illegal slaughter houses there.
The syndicate involved in illegal trade of calf beef operates highly systematically in nexus with police and octroi department officials of BMC. One of the traders from Sangamner, who is active in the business since last 15 years said that the animals for slaughter are purchased from villages and in some cases, even stolen from cattle-shades. “The animals are brought in Sangamner and slaughtered at three places. The flesh is ready to be transported to Mumbai by 5 pm and the trucks carrying the beef reach the city by 11 pm,” the trader said. In all nine trucks carrying around 2 tone beef each come to Mumbai every day, the trader revealed. “We have an understanding with BMC and Mumbai police which facilitate smooth movement of trucks to and from Mumbai,” the trader said. If he is to be believed, a hefty sum is paid to BMC and police officials every month.
Sources said that the trucks carrying illegal beef are parked at Mastan Talao, Nagpada, Dongri, Chaval Galli, Nalbazar, opposite to Saifee Ambulance Services in Bori Mohalla, Bhindi Bazar, Lucky Compound in Madanpura and Shivaji Nagar in Govandi till 4 am and then the beef is distributed to legal as well as illegal shops at Reay Road, Dock Yard Road and Madanpura. “We sale beef to traders in Mumbai at Rs 78 per kg who supply it to retail market at Rs 100-110 per kg,” said the trader from Sangamner. According to him Sabir Bhajiwale from Dongri, Mohammed Qureshi from Nagpada, Riyaz Qureshi from Madanpura and Farid Qureshi from Govandi are the main trades in Mumbai. “Sabir and Mohammed Qureshi purchase two trucks each while others purchase one truck each every day,” said Karim Khan. The beef is sold at more than 50 shops in the city, Khan said. “It is not just Ahmednagar or Sangamner. Huge quantity of illegal beef is smuggled in the city from Baramati, Faltan and Daund also. We have information that animals are slaughtered in forests around Pune,” Khan added. Repeated complaints with the police since last four years have proved futile. “We have even lodged complaints with the chief minister and the director general of police. But they have failed to control the smuggling,” Karim Khan said.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Flamingos are here!!!!!!!! At Mithi River for the first time!!!
Whether the desilting and deepening of Mithi river by Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has helped humans would be ascertained as the monsoon advances. But the work has definitely helped the winged visitors of the city, the flamingos.
For the first time, a flock of 11 lesser flamingos has camped at Mithi river since last three days. “It is the sign of rejuvenating ecology of the river. Now that the birds have arrived here, we must protect them,” said Avinash Kubal, deputy director of Maharashtra Nature Park and winner of Best Practical Wildlifer award of Wildlife Institute of India. The flock is most likely to stay here as lesser flamingos have become resident to many parts of the region over last few years, Kubal said.
“There are no records of flamingos visiting Mithi river. This is possibly for the first time ever that the birds are camping there,” said Adesh Shivkar, a bird expert.
The desilting and deepening of the river has resulted in increasing the quantity of sea water flowing in during high tide. As a result, many marine plants and algae also entered the river. “The blue-green algae grow in sea is the food of flamingos. Form ecological point of view, it is definitely encouraging development,” Kubal said.
The high level of pollution and degradation of the river had resulted in complete destruction of ecosystem. The situation started to deteriorate when the municipal corporation started dumping solid waste along the banks of the river around three decades back. “Since then, the winged visitors had stopped visiting Mithi river and there are no records of their visit during this period,” Kubal said.
The flock is currently restricted to a small portion behind Maharashtra Nature Park. The area on one side the river being densely populated and heavy development underway on the other, flamingos have no option but to remain in the small portion. “Given the trend in the known flamingo areas like Uran in Navi Mumbai, the flock at Mithi river is at grave risk of being poached.
Not only flamingos, even the lesser whistling ducks and brahmini ducks had also camped at the river for the first time last year, Shivkar said. “These birds are indicators of water pollution and status of ecology. The fact that these birds have started camping at Mithi river, is an indicator of reducing pollution in the river, he said. “This year flamingos camped at Worli village where they were never seen before. This is probably, due to formation of muddy beaches as a result of siltation,” Shivkar said. According to him, the juveniles and weak adults called as non-breeding residents can not fly back and prefer to stay here. “They are in constant search of muddy beaches to feed and camp at,” he said.
For the first time, a flock of 11 lesser flamingos has camped at Mithi river since last three days. “It is the sign of rejuvenating ecology of the river. Now that the birds have arrived here, we must protect them,” said Avinash Kubal, deputy director of Maharashtra Nature Park and winner of Best Practical Wildlifer award of Wildlife Institute of India. The flock is most likely to stay here as lesser flamingos have become resident to many parts of the region over last few years, Kubal said.
“There are no records of flamingos visiting Mithi river. This is possibly for the first time ever that the birds are camping there,” said Adesh Shivkar, a bird expert.
The desilting and deepening of the river has resulted in increasing the quantity of sea water flowing in during high tide. As a result, many marine plants and algae also entered the river. “The blue-green algae grow in sea is the food of flamingos. Form ecological point of view, it is definitely encouraging development,” Kubal said.
The high level of pollution and degradation of the river had resulted in complete destruction of ecosystem. The situation started to deteriorate when the municipal corporation started dumping solid waste along the banks of the river around three decades back. “Since then, the winged visitors had stopped visiting Mithi river and there are no records of their visit during this period,” Kubal said.
The flock is currently restricted to a small portion behind Maharashtra Nature Park. The area on one side the river being densely populated and heavy development underway on the other, flamingos have no option but to remain in the small portion. “Given the trend in the known flamingo areas like Uran in Navi Mumbai, the flock at Mithi river is at grave risk of being poached.
Not only flamingos, even the lesser whistling ducks and brahmini ducks had also camped at the river for the first time last year, Shivkar said. “These birds are indicators of water pollution and status of ecology. The fact that these birds have started camping at Mithi river, is an indicator of reducing pollution in the river, he said. “This year flamingos camped at Worli village where they were never seen before. This is probably, due to formation of muddy beaches as a result of siltation,” Shivkar said. According to him, the juveniles and weak adults called as non-breeding residents can not fly back and prefer to stay here. “They are in constant search of muddy beaches to feed and camp at,” he said.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Poor Deer!!!!!
The fate of 70-odd spotted deers in captivity since last four decades at Powai garden hangs in balance. Lack of coordination between the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and state forest department officials regarding relocation of the animals has only added to miseries of the animals.
Despite repeated assurances to shift the deers out of the garden, the authorities have failed to do so. “Shifting spotted deers is a tricky business as it is very difficult to tranquilise them. There is very risk of mortality while transporting tranquilised deers over a long distance,” said a senior forest official.
The forest department officials have now decided to shift the deers to Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary that is over 70 km from Powai garden. “Shifting of the spotted deers from Powai garden to Sanjay Gandhi National Park can not be allowed as the SGNP is very unique forest and I am not ready to take any risk about it,” said B Majumdar, PCCF (Wildlife). The animals at Powai garden are not totally fit to be released in SGNP. They might contract diseases among animals there, he said.
Surprisingly, the forest department officials booked an offence against BMC officials in 2006 for illegal detention of wildlife and confiscated 120 kg of shed antlers from the garden. But no further action has been taken in the matter till date. “Ideally, all the deers should have been relocated immediately after the action. It is a serious violation of Wildlife Protection Act,” said Debi Goenka of Conservation Action Trust (CAT).
The BMC has started ambitious Rs 40 Cr renovation project at the garden. Environmentalists feel that due to the renovation project animals will land in serious trouble. “The spotted deers at the garden are in dire state and the situation turns really serious during monsoon every year. They are at the God’s mercy every year as whenever Powai lake overflows, the deers are worst hit,” said Elsie Gabriel, founder president of Young Environmentalist Programme Trust, a Powai based NGO.
“The municipal corporation will pay Rs 9.5 lakh to the forest department for relocation of the animals to Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. The process of relocation will being once the payment is made and necessary arrangements are made at the sanctuary, that is likely to take three months,” said Madhukar Kamble, chief hydraulic engineer, BMC.
Environmentalists have strongly opposed the decision to relocate the deers to Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. “We strongly object relocation of the deers at Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. Given the distance of the sanctuary from Powai garden, it is not a viable idea,” said Sunish Subramanian of Plant and Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), Mumbai. PAWS had repeatedly raised objection over illegal detention of spotted deers at the garden. “The deers should be first placed under rehabilitation and gradually released in forest,” he said. “Shifting spotted deers to Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary will only increase the risk of poaching as the deers in Powai garden are used to human proximity,” said Krishna Tiwari of BNHS.
Despite repeated assurances to shift the deers out of the garden, the authorities have failed to do so. “Shifting spotted deers is a tricky business as it is very difficult to tranquilise them. There is very risk of mortality while transporting tranquilised deers over a long distance,” said a senior forest official.
The forest department officials have now decided to shift the deers to Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary that is over 70 km from Powai garden. “Shifting of the spotted deers from Powai garden to Sanjay Gandhi National Park can not be allowed as the SGNP is very unique forest and I am not ready to take any risk about it,” said B Majumdar, PCCF (Wildlife). The animals at Powai garden are not totally fit to be released in SGNP. They might contract diseases among animals there, he said.
Surprisingly, the forest department officials booked an offence against BMC officials in 2006 for illegal detention of wildlife and confiscated 120 kg of shed antlers from the garden. But no further action has been taken in the matter till date. “Ideally, all the deers should have been relocated immediately after the action. It is a serious violation of Wildlife Protection Act,” said Debi Goenka of Conservation Action Trust (CAT).
The BMC has started ambitious Rs 40 Cr renovation project at the garden. Environmentalists feel that due to the renovation project animals will land in serious trouble. “The spotted deers at the garden are in dire state and the situation turns really serious during monsoon every year. They are at the God’s mercy every year as whenever Powai lake overflows, the deers are worst hit,” said Elsie Gabriel, founder president of Young Environmentalist Programme Trust, a Powai based NGO.
“The municipal corporation will pay Rs 9.5 lakh to the forest department for relocation of the animals to Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. The process of relocation will being once the payment is made and necessary arrangements are made at the sanctuary, that is likely to take three months,” said Madhukar Kamble, chief hydraulic engineer, BMC.
Environmentalists have strongly opposed the decision to relocate the deers to Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. “We strongly object relocation of the deers at Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. Given the distance of the sanctuary from Powai garden, it is not a viable idea,” said Sunish Subramanian of Plant and Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), Mumbai. PAWS had repeatedly raised objection over illegal detention of spotted deers at the garden. “The deers should be first placed under rehabilitation and gradually released in forest,” he said. “Shifting spotted deers to Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary will only increase the risk of poaching as the deers in Powai garden are used to human proximity,” said Krishna Tiwari of BNHS.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Tiger is here to stay!!!!! Long live the king!!!!
After the Wildlife Institute of India released the report on tiger population in the country, a can of worms was opened and the biggest conservation success story was turned into the biggest failure overnight.
However, the central and state governments immediately jumped into action and took corrective measures to ensure safety of the big cat. As a result many tiger reserves in the country have shown encouraging results, Ranthambhore being one of them having increased the tiger population to 41 from 22. Belinda Wright, executive director of Wildlife Protection Society of India feel that given the efforts of central as well as state governments, the big cat has a bright future in the country.
Q. Would the nation see tigers after 50 years from now?
A. “Let me put it like this. 50 years ago, when I was five years old, we never saw as many tigers as people see today. The big cat survived tremendous pressure it was reeling under five decades ago. It has an ability to bounce back and overcome disasters.” The tiger will stay here. “I am optimistic about it.”
Q. How poachers manage to kill the tiger and transport the body out of the country right under the nose of government?
A. It is not that the government or the forest departments were not warned. NGOs and environmentalists persistently highlighted the organised tiger poaching syndicate. However, the policy makers continued to deny the facts until we came to know that tigers have been wiped out from Sariska in 2003. General public or the NGOs have access to some part of tiger reserves. But it is not the case with poachers. They can penetrate to any part of the reserve. They are much more sophisticated than the forest department officials.
Q. What should the government do to protect the national animal?
A. The only best way is to keep poachers away from tigers. The turn around at Ranthambhore is the result of dedicated and whole hearted efforts. The park administration there has been successful in driving poachers away. The result is visible now. Despite adverse conditions tiger reserves like Nagarhole in Karnataka, Ranthambhore in Rajasthan and Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra are doing well and the big cat is in safe hands here.
Q. What attracts the poachers to this magnificent animal?
A. Money offcourse. Huge money is involved in tiger trade with demand for its parts from all over the world especially China. Tiger is worth far more when dead than when alive. Villagers are used for much larger networks of organised wildlife criminals. Field investigators working for the WPSI have uncovered an incredible degree of sophistication among hardcore wildlife criminals. Large sums of money have been recovered from arrested criminals, along with mobile phones and modern firearms.
Q. What is your opinion about the demand of Chinese government to allow trade in tiger parts?
A. The world must oppose it strongly. It will pose even more threat to the wild cat. They claim to have around 5000 tigers in breeding farms across China. But the demand is so high that poachers will target tigers in India.
Q. Would the fund of Rs 50 crore earmarked by Finance Minister for tiger protection be any help?
A. Yes definitely. Though meagre, but we must feel happy that for the first time after independence, tiger had a mention in budget speech of finance minister.
Q. Can Sariska revive?
A. Yes. Tiger has tremendous ability to overcome all odds and given enough protection, Sariska can regain the lost glory.
Q. What is the destination of tiger parts?
A. Tiger parts are destined solely for foreign countries – largely China. Skins are in demand for coat trimmings, while bones and other parts are used in traditional medicines in different parts of the world. The demand has led wildlife criminals in India to collaborate closely with their counterparts in neighbouring countries like Nepal and Tibet.
However, the central and state governments immediately jumped into action and took corrective measures to ensure safety of the big cat. As a result many tiger reserves in the country have shown encouraging results, Ranthambhore being one of them having increased the tiger population to 41 from 22. Belinda Wright, executive director of Wildlife Protection Society of India feel that given the efforts of central as well as state governments, the big cat has a bright future in the country.
Q. Would the nation see tigers after 50 years from now?
A. “Let me put it like this. 50 years ago, when I was five years old, we never saw as many tigers as people see today. The big cat survived tremendous pressure it was reeling under five decades ago. It has an ability to bounce back and overcome disasters.” The tiger will stay here. “I am optimistic about it.”
Q. How poachers manage to kill the tiger and transport the body out of the country right under the nose of government?
A. It is not that the government or the forest departments were not warned. NGOs and environmentalists persistently highlighted the organised tiger poaching syndicate. However, the policy makers continued to deny the facts until we came to know that tigers have been wiped out from Sariska in 2003. General public or the NGOs have access to some part of tiger reserves. But it is not the case with poachers. They can penetrate to any part of the reserve. They are much more sophisticated than the forest department officials.
Q. What should the government do to protect the national animal?
A. The only best way is to keep poachers away from tigers. The turn around at Ranthambhore is the result of dedicated and whole hearted efforts. The park administration there has been successful in driving poachers away. The result is visible now. Despite adverse conditions tiger reserves like Nagarhole in Karnataka, Ranthambhore in Rajasthan and Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra are doing well and the big cat is in safe hands here.
Q. What attracts the poachers to this magnificent animal?
A. Money offcourse. Huge money is involved in tiger trade with demand for its parts from all over the world especially China. Tiger is worth far more when dead than when alive. Villagers are used for much larger networks of organised wildlife criminals. Field investigators working for the WPSI have uncovered an incredible degree of sophistication among hardcore wildlife criminals. Large sums of money have been recovered from arrested criminals, along with mobile phones and modern firearms.
Q. What is your opinion about the demand of Chinese government to allow trade in tiger parts?
A. The world must oppose it strongly. It will pose even more threat to the wild cat. They claim to have around 5000 tigers in breeding farms across China. But the demand is so high that poachers will target tigers in India.
Q. Would the fund of Rs 50 crore earmarked by Finance Minister for tiger protection be any help?
A. Yes definitely. Though meagre, but we must feel happy that for the first time after independence, tiger had a mention in budget speech of finance minister.
Q. Can Sariska revive?
A. Yes. Tiger has tremendous ability to overcome all odds and given enough protection, Sariska can regain the lost glory.
Q. What is the destination of tiger parts?
A. Tiger parts are destined solely for foreign countries – largely China. Skins are in demand for coat trimmings, while bones and other parts are used in traditional medicines in different parts of the world. The demand has led wildlife criminals in India to collaborate closely with their counterparts in neighbouring countries like Nepal and Tibet.
Monday, June 16, 2008
After over a decade since I first went to forest, unlike others, tiger sighting is the last thing on my agenda. But the situation is different when someone who has never seen a tiger despite regularly visiting forest and that too during season, is with you and having ‘assured’ tiger sighting.
I have done this many times earlier. But last time I visited Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, the things were different. Taking a friend along is definitely different than taking a senior journalist, my guru to show tigers. Especially when he is a known personality when it comes to report on wildlife and forest. Despite regularly visiting forest, he had hardly seen tigers.
So this time when I went on vacation, we decided to go to Tadoba. Before starting from Nagpur I assured him tiger sighting. An army of tourist guides, forest guards and other department officials informed me that a tigress with four cubs was being regularly seen at a waterhole in the area called Shivanzari.
Right from the moment we entered the forest, he started asking for tiger. Every couple of kilometre, he would ask, “Where is the tiger, what happened?” and I kept on assuring him, with fingers crossed off course! that he will get to see a tiger.
My friends in the forest informed me that a tigress with two cubs was seen near water hole number 7. I went straight to the spot and strategically parked the vehicle so that we didn’t miss her even if she comes there from any direction. After waiting for around 15 minutes, I jumped with joy when tiger call from a peacock and sambar came. Both calling simultaneously means the tigress has to be there. Now it was just a matter of her coming out in open. Everyone in the car was on the edge of seat. They started getting depressed with each passing moment and I started getting restless as pressure kept on mounting. At last the patience paid and the tigress came out of the bamboo shrubs. Waiting for a moment to judge people there, the tigress signalled her cubs who promptly joined her. And they went to the water hole. I was the most relieved person on this planate as the tigress was sitting there with her two cubs. I had kept my word to show him tiger. While at the water hole, I was informed that a tigress with four cubs was seen at Shivanjhari. And everyone including the guru wanted to see the tigress with four cubs seen at a place named Shivanjhari. “Isn’t he asking for too much now?” I thought.
I have done this many times earlier. But last time I visited Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, the things were different. Taking a friend along is definitely different than taking a senior journalist, my guru to show tigers. Especially when he is a known personality when it comes to report on wildlife and forest. Despite regularly visiting forest, he had hardly seen tigers.
So this time when I went on vacation, we decided to go to Tadoba. Before starting from Nagpur I assured him tiger sighting. An army of tourist guides, forest guards and other department officials informed me that a tigress with four cubs was being regularly seen at a waterhole in the area called Shivanzari.
Right from the moment we entered the forest, he started asking for tiger. Every couple of kilometre, he would ask, “Where is the tiger, what happened?” and I kept on assuring him, with fingers crossed off course! that he will get to see a tiger.
My friends in the forest informed me that a tigress with two cubs was seen near water hole number 7. I went straight to the spot and strategically parked the vehicle so that we didn’t miss her even if she comes there from any direction. After waiting for around 15 minutes, I jumped with joy when tiger call from a peacock and sambar came. Both calling simultaneously means the tigress has to be there. Now it was just a matter of her coming out in open. Everyone in the car was on the edge of seat. They started getting depressed with each passing moment and I started getting restless as pressure kept on mounting. At last the patience paid and the tigress came out of the bamboo shrubs. Waiting for a moment to judge people there, the tigress signalled her cubs who promptly joined her. And they went to the water hole. I was the most relieved person on this planate as the tigress was sitting there with her two cubs. I had kept my word to show him tiger. While at the water hole, I was informed that a tigress with four cubs was seen at Shivanjhari. And everyone including the guru wanted to see the tigress with four cubs seen at a place named Shivanjhari. “Isn’t he asking for too much now?” I thought.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Dreams are something, one wants to share with near and dear ones. It is the first thing most of us discuss in the morning. But off late, I have stopped doing that. I mean discussing my dreams with wife. The reason is simple. She is never a part of my dream. All the space is occupied by tigers, leopards, bison, deer and every creature in the wild, but my wife.
Initially, she listened to me with total attention perhaps hoping to find some place in my dreams sooner or later. But when she realised that it was hopeless, she started cutting me brutally, the moment I began saying…… what a beautiful dream it was…. she would immediately open newspaper and start reading. Now I have stopped talking about my dreams or if I do, I make it a point to ‘include’ her in it. But she is cleaver enough to make it out.
Since last 15 years, when I first toured Melghat Tiger Reserve, my life changed and while all my friends used to dream about some or the other girl in the class, I was poles apart from them, always wondering in the forest looking for some or the other animal, plant, insect or reptile. Working for forest and tiger conservation for one-and-half decade and reporting on it since last seven years, I never realised when nature crept in and dominated every aspect of my life, including the dreams. I have now started dreaming that even in Mumbai, concrete jungle is being replaced by the real one, increased incidents of leopards and tigers straying in human settlement. However, there is no man animal conflict, may be because I am an avid wildlife lover. Recently I dreamt about visiting office of an environmentalist in Mumbai. Till I went inside everything was fine but when I stepped out of the office the world was changed. The building was transformed into a heritage-like structure with no elevators, no swanky flooring and ceiling with fancy lighting. That was not all. When started climbing down the steps from the sixth floor of the building, the journey to the ground floor got harder and harder with every step. Walls were covered by creepers, birds had nested there and reptiles passed by occasionally. Though I could not sleep after that, a strange feeling of being in a dense forest gripped me and a desperate urge to run away to forest dominated me again. As it is a frequent phenomenon that I strongly feel like heading straight to my favourite forest – Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve.
Initially, she listened to me with total attention perhaps hoping to find some place in my dreams sooner or later. But when she realised that it was hopeless, she started cutting me brutally, the moment I began saying…… what a beautiful dream it was…. she would immediately open newspaper and start reading. Now I have stopped talking about my dreams or if I do, I make it a point to ‘include’ her in it. But she is cleaver enough to make it out.
Since last 15 years, when I first toured Melghat Tiger Reserve, my life changed and while all my friends used to dream about some or the other girl in the class, I was poles apart from them, always wondering in the forest looking for some or the other animal, plant, insect or reptile. Working for forest and tiger conservation for one-and-half decade and reporting on it since last seven years, I never realised when nature crept in and dominated every aspect of my life, including the dreams. I have now started dreaming that even in Mumbai, concrete jungle is being replaced by the real one, increased incidents of leopards and tigers straying in human settlement. However, there is no man animal conflict, may be because I am an avid wildlife lover. Recently I dreamt about visiting office of an environmentalist in Mumbai. Till I went inside everything was fine but when I stepped out of the office the world was changed. The building was transformed into a heritage-like structure with no elevators, no swanky flooring and ceiling with fancy lighting. That was not all. When started climbing down the steps from the sixth floor of the building, the journey to the ground floor got harder and harder with every step. Walls were covered by creepers, birds had nested there and reptiles passed by occasionally. Though I could not sleep after that, a strange feeling of being in a dense forest gripped me and a desperate urge to run away to forest dominated me again. As it is a frequent phenomenon that I strongly feel like heading straight to my favourite forest – Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve.
Monday, April 28, 2008
To be built over an area of 452 ha., it will help create awareness about the importance of mangrovesWith the state forest minister Babanrao Pachpute announcing the world’s largest mangrove wetland centre in the city on Saturday, environmentalists have reason to celebrate.The Conservation Action Trust will develop the centre in association with the state forest department.The centre, first in India, is the brainchild of the trust and a result of the efforts of Vivek Kulkarni of Conservation Action Trust. It will be developed over 452 hectares at Bhandup along Eastern Express Highway.“Mumbai cannot survive without mangroves. Despite their importance, mangrove forests are being neglected by a majority of the population. The centre aims to reach out to every resident of the city and increase awareness on the importance of mangroves,” said Debi Goenka of Conservation Action Trust. The centre would not just be an educational hub. It will have recreational value as well, Goenka added. The centre would be ready in next three years, he said.The project also aims at providing employment to local people. “The success of a project depends on the support and involvement of local people. We have decided to involve local fisher folk in activities related to the centre, such as being a guide to the visitors,” said Kulkarni.The key features of the centre include state-of-the-art visitor centre, orientation centre, information hubs, nature trails, bird ponds, boat rides, flamingo watch and curriculum based education modules and exhibits for children.“The idea was conceived in 2001 with the objectives of mangrove protection by involving locals and to provide recreational space to Mumbaikars,” Kulkarni said. In all, 22 ponds would be developed to attract different kinds of birds, he said.“Every year, around 1.5 million migratory birds visit the area. Over 200 species have been recorded from here,” Kulkarni said. Birds like flamingos, Ibis, Openbill Stork, Brahmani Duck, Teal, Steppe Eagle and Imperial Eagle visit the area.“The centre is being developed on the lines of the Hong Kong Wetland Centre,” Kulkarni said. There are two mangrove wetland centres in the world - one at Hong Kong and the other at Singapore. The area of these centres is 80 acres and 60 hectares respectively.Romulus Whitaker, the man who developed Crocodile Park in Chennai, will provide guidance on the species of reptiles found in the area, Kulkarni said. “We aim to include Thane creek under the Ramsal Convention for Wetlands, which was signed by 140 countries, including India, in 1971 to save wetlands all over the world,” he said.
Enviornmental awareness has grown over the years. But do enough people put it into practice in their daily lives? Do adults care enough to change their lifeforbiddens? Or is it up to our children to save the planet? Ashwin Aghor reports
MUMBAI: Preserving the environment has been a hotly discussed issue for some time now. The implications of global warming and climate change have taken centre stage on the agenda of every environmentalist. These environmentalists have been trying hard to create awareness among the general public about the dangers that our planet faces.
Rajesh Sachdev from Wild Mumbai Nature Conservation feels that though people are enthusiastic about environmental issues, they hardly know about the environment.
?People have the least idea about the environment, specially the coast and the forests around Mumbai,? says Sachdev. He feels that the only way to bring about a change is to keep reminding people about the importance of the environment.Abhijit Avaslekar, technical officer in the research and development wing of Asian Paints and a birder, feels that the situation has worsened in the past decade. ?Rampant tree cutting is causing irreparable damage to environment, which is a serious cause for concern,? says Avaslekar. ?Despite efforts by environmentalists and NGOs, awareness is not to the required level.?
The civic administration seems to be least bothered about the environment. That much is evident from the number of old trees that the city has lost, and is losing, to the rapid construction and developmental activities. Land sharks are eyeing land with thick green cover and have been getting the requisite approvals from the civic administration.
This has come as a major blow to the efforts of the environmentalists. To top it all, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is ready with its plan to ?modernise? the 150-year-old Jijamata Udyan, which, environmentalists say, will entail the destruction of several old trees.
The mindless development that has taken place, especially over the past five years, has severely affected the city?s green cover. Though there may be a quantitative increase in the green cover, the city has suffered hugely on the qualitative front.
All native trees have fallen prey to development and been replaced by exotic trees. ?The exotic trees that are planted all over the city for compensating the loss due to development are nothing but an eyewash,? says naturalist Sunjoy Monga. "These trees are of no use to the ecosystem and the city."
The exotic trees, also known as avenue trees, have undoubtedly added to the beauty of the locality, but they neither attract birds nor insects. According to experts, these trees actually create problems for the ecosystem. Due to their speed of growth, they absorb huge nutrients from the soil, thereby degrading it. As they grow rapidly, their lifespan is shorter, but their rate of decomposition is slow. Moreover, these trees are of no use as wood.
?The Sanjay Gandhi National Park and government lands like Navy Nagar are the last hope for native trees in the city,? says Monga.
The city has also lost a considerable amount of mangrove cover to development. The mangroves, which serve as a barrier between the sea and land, are most vulnerable as they are difficult to replant.
Even the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, which is considered the city?s biggest lung, is facing the heat. With encroachments and habitat destruction, the forest has come under severe threat. Uncontrolled encroachment in areas like Malad, Goregaon, and Aarey Milk Colony have caused enormous loss of green cover.
Political interference in the removal of encroachments from Sanjay Gandhi National Park has worsened the situation. ?The state government lacks the political will to clear encroachments from the national park,? says Debi Goenka of the Conservation Action Trust. ?The future of the city is being ruined for short-term gains, that too for politicians and the land mafia.?
Rapid development over the past few years has definitely robbed the city of some of its finest endemic and old giant trees and several splendid exotic trees such as the baobab. ?Any species, be it flora or fauna, that vanishes from any region, including the city, is a permanent loss, which is almost impossible to repair,? says Monga.
?Though environmental awareness has increased over the past two decades, no significant justice has been served to the environment,? says Dr Anish Andheria, chief naturalist from Kids for Tigers.
The silver lining is that more and more youngsters are taking up environmental studies and playing a pivotal role in saving the future. Many non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have taken up the task and started roping in schoolchildren for various environmental activities. NGOs like Kids for Tigers, Young Rangers, and Young Environmentalists, have been successful in effectively involving children in activities to save the environment.
These NGOs conduct activities like nature trails, planting trees and saving existing ones, saving forests, and wildlife contests, which have become a regular feature at many schools in the city. Schools have also encouraged these activities. As a result, there has been a tremendous growth in environmental awareness among schoolchildren. ?Children not only understand the problem, but also adopt preventive measures quickly as compared to adults,? says Monga.
Andheria says youngsters are the only hope as adults are a lost cause. ?The city will be worst hit by climate change and the ever degrading environment,? he says
MUMBAI: Preserving the environment has been a hotly discussed issue for some time now. The implications of global warming and climate change have taken centre stage on the agenda of every environmentalist. These environmentalists have been trying hard to create awareness among the general public about the dangers that our planet faces.
Rajesh Sachdev from Wild Mumbai Nature Conservation feels that though people are enthusiastic about environmental issues, they hardly know about the environment.
?People have the least idea about the environment, specially the coast and the forests around Mumbai,? says Sachdev. He feels that the only way to bring about a change is to keep reminding people about the importance of the environment.Abhijit Avaslekar, technical officer in the research and development wing of Asian Paints and a birder, feels that the situation has worsened in the past decade. ?Rampant tree cutting is causing irreparable damage to environment, which is a serious cause for concern,? says Avaslekar. ?Despite efforts by environmentalists and NGOs, awareness is not to the required level.?
The civic administration seems to be least bothered about the environment. That much is evident from the number of old trees that the city has lost, and is losing, to the rapid construction and developmental activities. Land sharks are eyeing land with thick green cover and have been getting the requisite approvals from the civic administration.
This has come as a major blow to the efforts of the environmentalists. To top it all, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is ready with its plan to ?modernise? the 150-year-old Jijamata Udyan, which, environmentalists say, will entail the destruction of several old trees.
The mindless development that has taken place, especially over the past five years, has severely affected the city?s green cover. Though there may be a quantitative increase in the green cover, the city has suffered hugely on the qualitative front.
All native trees have fallen prey to development and been replaced by exotic trees. ?The exotic trees that are planted all over the city for compensating the loss due to development are nothing but an eyewash,? says naturalist Sunjoy Monga. "These trees are of no use to the ecosystem and the city."
The exotic trees, also known as avenue trees, have undoubtedly added to the beauty of the locality, but they neither attract birds nor insects. According to experts, these trees actually create problems for the ecosystem. Due to their speed of growth, they absorb huge nutrients from the soil, thereby degrading it. As they grow rapidly, their lifespan is shorter, but their rate of decomposition is slow. Moreover, these trees are of no use as wood.
?The Sanjay Gandhi National Park and government lands like Navy Nagar are the last hope for native trees in the city,? says Monga.
The city has also lost a considerable amount of mangrove cover to development. The mangroves, which serve as a barrier between the sea and land, are most vulnerable as they are difficult to replant.
Even the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, which is considered the city?s biggest lung, is facing the heat. With encroachments and habitat destruction, the forest has come under severe threat. Uncontrolled encroachment in areas like Malad, Goregaon, and Aarey Milk Colony have caused enormous loss of green cover.
Political interference in the removal of encroachments from Sanjay Gandhi National Park has worsened the situation. ?The state government lacks the political will to clear encroachments from the national park,? says Debi Goenka of the Conservation Action Trust. ?The future of the city is being ruined for short-term gains, that too for politicians and the land mafia.?
Rapid development over the past few years has definitely robbed the city of some of its finest endemic and old giant trees and several splendid exotic trees such as the baobab. ?Any species, be it flora or fauna, that vanishes from any region, including the city, is a permanent loss, which is almost impossible to repair,? says Monga.
?Though environmental awareness has increased over the past two decades, no significant justice has been served to the environment,? says Dr Anish Andheria, chief naturalist from Kids for Tigers.
The silver lining is that more and more youngsters are taking up environmental studies and playing a pivotal role in saving the future. Many non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have taken up the task and started roping in schoolchildren for various environmental activities. NGOs like Kids for Tigers, Young Rangers, and Young Environmentalists, have been successful in effectively involving children in activities to save the environment.
These NGOs conduct activities like nature trails, planting trees and saving existing ones, saving forests, and wildlife contests, which have become a regular feature at many schools in the city. Schools have also encouraged these activities. As a result, there has been a tremendous growth in environmental awareness among schoolchildren. ?Children not only understand the problem, but also adopt preventive measures quickly as compared to adults,? says Monga.
Andheria says youngsters are the only hope as adults are a lost cause. ?The city will be worst hit by climate change and the ever degrading environment,? he says
At 7am, while Mumbai was still waking up to a lazy Sunday morning, about 300 kilometres away from the city, a lone man walked with determination along the sandy stretch of Velas beach in Ratnagiri district. Keeping a vigil on the shore, Bhau Katdare walked towards the water and gently placed a little turtle — the size of a clenched fist — on the sand. As if on cue, guided by the light reflecting from the sea waves, the hatchling made its way to the sea. “Twelve years later, the hatchling, which will become an adult female turtle, will reappear to nest and lay about 200 eggs in the exact spot where it was born,” said Katdare. Katdare, 45, has been saving the lives of thousands of Olive Ridley turtles for over six years now. Thanks to an enterprising initiative of the Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra, a Chiplun-based NGO founded by Katdare and a few like-minded people, the Olive Ridley turtle, one of the most endangered species of turtles in India, will continue to make its annual trip to Velas for the next 100 years. What makes the Olive Ridley turtle unique is that unlike other reptiles, it nests and lays eggs at the exact spot where it was born. It all began in 2002, when Vijay Mahabal, a nature-lover and a member of Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra, on a visit to Velas village found a large number of broken egg shells on the seashore. Mahabal found out that Velas is the most preferred nesting place of the Olive Ridley. Of the 110 nests found on the 720-km coastline of the state, 32 are located at Velas. But Mahabal was shocked to know that for generations, some villagers had been illegally poaching and selling the eggs. “While the turtle eggs were sold in three neighbouring villages for a mere 75 paise per egg, the turtles were poached for their meat,” recalled Bal Upadhye, a resident of Velas. Mahabal rushed to Katdare, secretary of Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra, who came up with the idea of a turtle conservation project. The project is now a success story spread over 30 villages on the state’s entire coastline. The NGO chose a few locals to keep a round-the-clock vigil and collect eggs from the nests and shift them to specially-made hatcheries on the beach. When the eggs hatch about 45-50 days later, they are carefully released into the sea. “We decided to enlist local support by offering the locals a monthly remuneration, which was double the amount they earned by selling eggs,” recalled Katdare. The idea worked and today some of the biggest poachers of turtles in the village have become conservationists. The two-day annual turtle festival started by the NGO two years ago, in which information about the turtle’s ecological importance is conveyed, has become one of the most anticipated events by nature lovers. Over 500 people from places like Mumbai, Pune, Jalgaon, and Sangli attended the festival
Amidst much hue and cry created over probable disaster due to the proposed Sewri-Nhava sea link, Srushti Dnyan, a city based Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) has come forward with the solutions to the problem.
In a meeting with senior forest department officials to discuss conservation activities in the area, the NGO has proposed to declare the three square km Sewri-Mahul coastal wetland area as Protected Area under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. “The coastal wetland of Sewri is an important habitat for flamingos, other migratory and local bird species due to the availability of blue-green algae and crustacean animals as food,” said Prashant Shinde, executive director of Srushti Dnyan.
“Flamingos and other migratory birds are precious and they must be protected. It is high time that any concrete step was taken to protect the avian fauna,” said SA Thorat, chief conservator of forests (wildlife), Mumbai. “The proposed trans-harbour sea link will destroy the food chain on which all the birds depend. The disaster can very well be averted if the sea link is realigned around 800 meters to south from its current location,” said Shinde. The NGO has also proposed creation of permanent conservation and education centre, developing educational literature and teaching aid, mangrove trail, field study visit, bird watching for conservation of avian fauna.
The NGO is actively involved in conservation of birds in Sewri and has recorded presence of 131 species of birds including Indian cormorant, grey heron, greater and lesser flamingos, black-headed, godwits, plovers, sandpipers, red shanks, green shanks, gulls, terns, curlew, kite shikra, osprey, eagle. Wetlands are considered as one of the richest bio-diversity areas in the world. The coast of Sewri and Mahul is known as one of the important coastal wetland areas, Shinde said. “The suggestions by the NGO are excellent and would be sent to the Ministry of Environment and Forest after minor changes,” Thorat said.
In a meeting with senior forest department officials to discuss conservation activities in the area, the NGO has proposed to declare the three square km Sewri-Mahul coastal wetland area as Protected Area under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. “The coastal wetland of Sewri is an important habitat for flamingos, other migratory and local bird species due to the availability of blue-green algae and crustacean animals as food,” said Prashant Shinde, executive director of Srushti Dnyan.
“Flamingos and other migratory birds are precious and they must be protected. It is high time that any concrete step was taken to protect the avian fauna,” said SA Thorat, chief conservator of forests (wildlife), Mumbai. “The proposed trans-harbour sea link will destroy the food chain on which all the birds depend. The disaster can very well be averted if the sea link is realigned around 800 meters to south from its current location,” said Shinde. The NGO has also proposed creation of permanent conservation and education centre, developing educational literature and teaching aid, mangrove trail, field study visit, bird watching for conservation of avian fauna.
The NGO is actively involved in conservation of birds in Sewri and has recorded presence of 131 species of birds including Indian cormorant, grey heron, greater and lesser flamingos, black-headed, godwits, plovers, sandpipers, red shanks, green shanks, gulls, terns, curlew, kite shikra, osprey, eagle. Wetlands are considered as one of the richest bio-diversity areas in the world. The coast of Sewri and Mahul is known as one of the important coastal wetland areas, Shinde said. “The suggestions by the NGO are excellent and would be sent to the Ministry of Environment and Forest after minor changes,” Thorat said.
The principal chief conservators of forests, senior police officials of various states, parliamentary force officers and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) met in New Delhi last week to discuss the formation of a force to check poaching. While there was near unanimous decision that locals should be recruited in the force, the policy makers completely ignored the core issue of empowering existing ground staff.
The forest department officials who are actually working on grass root level to take on the poachers are reeling under severe problems. The irony is that the range forest officers are allotted fire arms but can not use them after 6 pm. Moreover, they are liable to be prosecuted under section 302 of the IPC which is for murder, if someone is killed during any operation. “I got the weapon around five years back and opened fire, that too in air, only once that too in self defence. No one wants to land in serious trouble by using the weapon,” said a range forest officer attached to wildlife wing of the department.
“The policy makers should first decide whether the force would act post-poaching or pre-poaching. The parameters of a sensitive tiger reserve must be identified well in advance for smooth operation of the force to obtained desired results,” said Kishor Rithe of Satpuda Foundation. Ideally the force should be stationed permanently in sensitive tiger reserves.
It is now proven beyond doubt that poachers are far more advanced than the forest department and it is virtually impossible for the department to take them on with the available infrastructure. “The forest department is no where even in picture when it comes to taking on the poachers. For us it is like fighting a loosing battle,” confessed a senior forest department official. He said that local staff must be strengthened to discharge their duties. “The government expects us to perform in all adverse conditions with virtually no support. We are under severe risks like threat to life if we fight poachers and risk of being prosecuted if a poacher is killed,” the official said.
Central India director of Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI) Nitin Desai opined that wildlife crime needs to be tackled with a holistic view and policy makers must formulate ways to empower ground staff to take on poachers.
The forest department officials who are actually working on grass root level to take on the poachers are reeling under severe problems. The irony is that the range forest officers are allotted fire arms but can not use them after 6 pm. Moreover, they are liable to be prosecuted under section 302 of the IPC which is for murder, if someone is killed during any operation. “I got the weapon around five years back and opened fire, that too in air, only once that too in self defence. No one wants to land in serious trouble by using the weapon,” said a range forest officer attached to wildlife wing of the department.
“The policy makers should first decide whether the force would act post-poaching or pre-poaching. The parameters of a sensitive tiger reserve must be identified well in advance for smooth operation of the force to obtained desired results,” said Kishor Rithe of Satpuda Foundation. Ideally the force should be stationed permanently in sensitive tiger reserves.
It is now proven beyond doubt that poachers are far more advanced than the forest department and it is virtually impossible for the department to take them on with the available infrastructure. “The forest department is no where even in picture when it comes to taking on the poachers. For us it is like fighting a loosing battle,” confessed a senior forest department official. He said that local staff must be strengthened to discharge their duties. “The government expects us to perform in all adverse conditions with virtually no support. We are under severe risks like threat to life if we fight poachers and risk of being prosecuted if a poacher is killed,” the official said.
Central India director of Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI) Nitin Desai opined that wildlife crime needs to be tackled with a holistic view and policy makers must formulate ways to empower ground staff to take on poachers.
private forest land in mumbai........
The builders and residents of the buildings on private forest land, suffered a blow on Monday when the state government failed to submit the affidavit in the Supreme Court and at the same time, all the Special Leave Petitions (SLPs) filed against the interim order of the Bombay High Court on the private forest land issue were dismissed.
However, the court has given 12 week’s time to the residents to challenge the Bombay High Court order. The Hillside Residents Welfare Association (HIRWA) has decided to file a fresh SLP challenging the Bombay High Court order in the Supreme Court on Tuesday. The next hearing is scheduled on May 5. “The dismissal of the SLPs would not affect our movement against the high court decision. The SLPs were bound to be dismissed as they were filed to challenge an interim order by the Bombay High Court and would not stand once a final order is passed,” said Prakash Padikkal, president of HIRWA. The association will file a fresh SLP to continue its fight against the decision, he added.
In all six SLPs were filed against the interim order by the HC in 2006. In its interim order passed on a petition filed by Runwal Constructions against the state of Maharashtra on July 25, 2006, the Bombay High Court had granted interim relief subject to the final orders in the petition. The court had also made it clear that the petitioners or persons claiming through them will claim no equity.
Meanwhile, People’s Power of Nation (PPN), a city based NGO which is fighting for the cause jointly convened a meeting of residents of affected buildings on Sunday and unanimously rejected the chief minister’s formula of levying penalty on them. “We are not encroachers and accepting to pay the penalty will amount to accept that it is actually forest land,” said Anmol Bhushan, president of PPN. The NGO will file a special leave petition challenging the HC order on April 30, Bhushan added. “Our sole intention is to protect the residents at any cost. The state government is cheating people. It even failed to file the affidavit as per the assurance of chief minister and forest minister,” said former BJP member of Parliament Kirit Somaya. The formula suggested by the chief minister is baseless and will only add to the miseries of people. “As per the formula, ownership of the land will remain with the forest department and it will be a way to regularise encroachments. The state government must take a clear stand on the entire issue,” Somaya said. Referring to the issue of penalty, Padikkal said it was pre-mature to comment on who will pay the penalty.
The SLPs filed in the Supreme Court in 2006:-
1. SLP (C) No.: 17967 of 2006 - Oberoi Constructions vs State of Maha
2. SLP (C) No.: 18134 of 2006 - Godrej and Boyce vs State of Maha
3. SLP (C) No.: 20542 of 2006 - Nanabhoy - Jeejeebhoy Pvt. Ltd. vs State of Maha
4. SLP (C) No.: 14068 of 2006 - State of Maha vs Runwal Constructions
5. SLP (C) No.: 14072 of 2006 - State of Maha vs Atithi Builders
6. SLP (C) No.: 14073 of 2006 - State of Maha vs HIRWA
However, the court has given 12 week’s time to the residents to challenge the Bombay High Court order. The Hillside Residents Welfare Association (HIRWA) has decided to file a fresh SLP challenging the Bombay High Court order in the Supreme Court on Tuesday. The next hearing is scheduled on May 5. “The dismissal of the SLPs would not affect our movement against the high court decision. The SLPs were bound to be dismissed as they were filed to challenge an interim order by the Bombay High Court and would not stand once a final order is passed,” said Prakash Padikkal, president of HIRWA. The association will file a fresh SLP to continue its fight against the decision, he added.
In all six SLPs were filed against the interim order by the HC in 2006. In its interim order passed on a petition filed by Runwal Constructions against the state of Maharashtra on July 25, 2006, the Bombay High Court had granted interim relief subject to the final orders in the petition. The court had also made it clear that the petitioners or persons claiming through them will claim no equity.
Meanwhile, People’s Power of Nation (PPN), a city based NGO which is fighting for the cause jointly convened a meeting of residents of affected buildings on Sunday and unanimously rejected the chief minister’s formula of levying penalty on them. “We are not encroachers and accepting to pay the penalty will amount to accept that it is actually forest land,” said Anmol Bhushan, president of PPN. The NGO will file a special leave petition challenging the HC order on April 30, Bhushan added. “Our sole intention is to protect the residents at any cost. The state government is cheating people. It even failed to file the affidavit as per the assurance of chief minister and forest minister,” said former BJP member of Parliament Kirit Somaya. The formula suggested by the chief minister is baseless and will only add to the miseries of people. “As per the formula, ownership of the land will remain with the forest department and it will be a way to regularise encroachments. The state government must take a clear stand on the entire issue,” Somaya said. Referring to the issue of penalty, Padikkal said it was pre-mature to comment on who will pay the penalty.
The SLPs filed in the Supreme Court in 2006:-
1. SLP (C) No.: 17967 of 2006 - Oberoi Constructions vs State of Maha
2. SLP (C) No.: 18134 of 2006 - Godrej and Boyce vs State of Maha
3. SLP (C) No.: 20542 of 2006 - Nanabhoy - Jeejeebhoy Pvt. Ltd. vs State of Maha
4. SLP (C) No.: 14068 of 2006 - State of Maha vs Runwal Constructions
5. SLP (C) No.: 14072 of 2006 - State of Maha vs Atithi Builders
6. SLP (C) No.: 14073 of 2006 - State of Maha vs HIRWA
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