Despite the clear indications from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (WL), about the adverse effects of mining project in Lohara forest, the state forest minister seems to be determined to overlook the letter and continue with the mining proposal of Adani Power Limited.
The high level of opposition from environmentalists to the project was evident during the first and probably the last meeting of 10-member study group formed to recommend measures to reduce effects of mining on the flora and fauna around Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR), held at Chandrapur on Friday. The meeting was convened at the office of conservator of forest, North Chandrapur forest circle.
Amidst strong protests, two of the 10-member study group resigned while another one walked out of the meeting questioning the basic motive behind constituting the committee.
"The methodology adopted by the study group is an eyewash, a mere formality to hush the voice of protesting conservationists. The basic question, which I pressed through hunger strike during last assembly winter session, of not allowing the project in Lohara near Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) was not discussed at all," said Bandu Dhotre, president of Eco-Pro, a Chandrapur based NGO.
During the meeting, APL officials tried their level to convince how the mine and flora and fauna in Lohara jungles can co-exist, which is a streak contrast to his demand, Dhotre pointed out. "While the APL officers in the group are trying hard to convince their point, the forest officials, who should be expressing concern regarding the possible eco-disturbance that might occur due to the project, appeared to be mere spectators," Dhotre said.
He resigned from the study group and walked out of the meeting as a mark of protest. Eco-Pro has filed a PIL which is pending with Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court and hence taking up proceedings regarding government level clearance to the mine without intimating the judicial bench will be held as contempt of court, Dhotre claimed.
Suresh Chopne of Green Planet Society, who is member of the study group, submitted a letter saying how the mine would be destructive for the environmental balance and the flora and fauna in Lohara forest and walked out of the meeting.
"Hence forth, I will not participate in the proceedings of the study group. I have already voiced my opinion on the issue in writing before the CCF and nodal officer Shailendra Bahadur," Chopne declared adding that the struggle against the mine in Lohara jungle would continue.
Registering strong protest against the mine another member of the study group Swananad Soni, of Srushti, a Nagpur based NGO said, "I have already raised questions over the wildlife conservation plan presented by APL officials and sought some explanations. I will be resigning from the study group." Another NGO member Arvind Sovani too questioned the motive behind constituting the study group and lodged protest against the mining project in Lohara forest.
When contacted, Bahadur, who is convener of the study group, claimed that proceedings of the meeting were running smoothly but admitted to the fact that a member had resignation. "Dhotre needs to forward his resignation from the group to the government, as I have no power of accepting such resignation. Jayant Kulkarni of NGO Envirosearch has presented the Adani's wildlife conservation plan and suggestions, queries raised by all the members are being recorded," said Bahadur.
The forest department officials, apparently appear to be in a great hurry to rush Adani coal mine project in Lohara jungle. According to social activist Rajendra Vaidya, the study group was to proceed on field visit only after the APL officials had finished with their complete presentation of wildlife conservation report. However, while only one phase of the report was presented before lunch, other members led by convener Shailendra Bahadur rushed to the field visit skipping the second phase of the meeting where the second part of the report was to be presented. Vaidya returned for post lunch sessions of the meeting as per the schedule only to find that the group had left for the field visit skipping. "Bahadur did not even have the courtesy of informing me about their decision of calling off the meeting," Vaidya protested.
The first meeting of the study group turned out to be the last one as no more meetings of the group will be held in future. CCF and convener of study group Shailendra Bahadur said, "Nearly 90% work of the group is accomplished. The suggestions and objection of the members of the group have been recorded. The phase of field visit and interaction with local people, different forest committees and officers will be accomplished on Saturday. Later the five days long formality of detailed study of wildlife conservation plan will be accomplished before tabling the final report of the study group entailed with the suggestions and objections from the members before PCCF (wildlife)," said Bahadur adding that no more meeting of the study group would be held any further.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
E Waste recycling facility for Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Ashwin Aghor
The Mumbai metropolitan region will soon be relieved of the ever growing problem of e-waste. The state government will start a first of its kind plant for scientific recycling of e-waste generated in the region.
“E-waste has become a serious cause of concern for the society and the problem needs to be addressed effectively on priority,” said environment secretary Valsa Nair. The environment department of the state government along with MMRDA will soon start a formal e-waste recycling facility in the region through public private partnership. “The pre-feasibility study conducted by IRG Systems has given highly encouraging results. The report submitted two weeks back, shows that such facility, if created in the MMR, would be highly feasible,” Nair said.
According to research conducted by Greenpeace, Mumbai tops the country with around 50,000 tones of e-waste every year, projected to increase to three lakh tones per annum by the year 2011. The entire e-waste is recycled in un-organised sector under highly hazardous conditions. “The manner in which e-waste is presently recycled, is highly harmful for environment and human health as well,” Nair said. At present total e-waste generation in Mumbai and Pune is to the tune of five lakh metric tones per annum.
Nair said that currently, e-waste is recycled by only two steps like dismentaling and segregating, while recovery of valuable metals and resource recovery are not at all happening. “The major reason for this is that resource recovery facility is available only in Belgium, which proves to be very costly for the recyclers,” Nair said.
The state environment department has completed the study and now MMRDA will invite tenders to set up the facility. “MPCB and the department of environment provided technical support while MMRDA will take care of inviting tenders and providing land for the plant,” Nair said. Tenders will be invited by the end of July and the plant is expected to be completely functional by next year. The plant has become one of the urgent needs of the region as e-waste generation in MMR is expected to be doubled by the year 2050, Nair said.
“The project will be implemented in phased manner. In the first phase, the capacity of the plant would be 7500 tones per annum, which would be increased later. We have plans to start resource recovery facility at the plant in future,” Nair said.
Once the plant is functional, the contractor will establish e-waste collection channel in the region.
Box:
What is E-waste
Electronic waste, e-waste is a waste type consisting of any broken or unwanted electrical or electronic device. Some define electronic 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. This definition includes used electronics which are destined for reuse, resale, salvage, recycling or disposal.
How and why is e-waste hazardous?
If treated properly, electronic waste is a valuable source for secondary raw materials. However, if not treated properly, it is a major source of toxins and carcinogens. Toxic substances in electronic waste may include lead, mercury, and cadmium. Carcinogenic substances in electronic waste may include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Up to thirty-eight separate chemical elements are incorporated into electronic waste items. The un-sustainability of discarding electronics and computer technology is another reason for the need to recycle – or perhaps more practically, reuse – electronic waste. Guiyu in the Shantou region of China, and Delhi and Bangalore in India, all have electronic waste processing areas. 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.
The Mumbai metropolitan region will soon be relieved of the ever growing problem of e-waste. The state government will start a first of its kind plant for scientific recycling of e-waste generated in the region.
“E-waste has become a serious cause of concern for the society and the problem needs to be addressed effectively on priority,” said environment secretary Valsa Nair. The environment department of the state government along with MMRDA will soon start a formal e-waste recycling facility in the region through public private partnership. “The pre-feasibility study conducted by IRG Systems has given highly encouraging results. The report submitted two weeks back, shows that such facility, if created in the MMR, would be highly feasible,” Nair said.
According to research conducted by Greenpeace, Mumbai tops the country with around 50,000 tones of e-waste every year, projected to increase to three lakh tones per annum by the year 2011. The entire e-waste is recycled in un-organised sector under highly hazardous conditions. “The manner in which e-waste is presently recycled, is highly harmful for environment and human health as well,” Nair said. At present total e-waste generation in Mumbai and Pune is to the tune of five lakh metric tones per annum.
Nair said that currently, e-waste is recycled by only two steps like dismentaling and segregating, while recovery of valuable metals and resource recovery are not at all happening. “The major reason for this is that resource recovery facility is available only in Belgium, which proves to be very costly for the recyclers,” Nair said.
The state environment department has completed the study and now MMRDA will invite tenders to set up the facility. “MPCB and the department of environment provided technical support while MMRDA will take care of inviting tenders and providing land for the plant,” Nair said. Tenders will be invited by the end of July and the plant is expected to be completely functional by next year. The plant has become one of the urgent needs of the region as e-waste generation in MMR is expected to be doubled by the year 2050, Nair said.
“The project will be implemented in phased manner. In the first phase, the capacity of the plant would be 7500 tones per annum, which would be increased later. We have plans to start resource recovery facility at the plant in future,” Nair said.
Once the plant is functional, the contractor will establish e-waste collection channel in the region.
Box:
What is E-waste
Electronic waste, e-waste is a waste type consisting of any broken or unwanted electrical or electronic device. Some define electronic 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. This definition includes used electronics which are destined for reuse, resale, salvage, recycling or disposal.
How and why is e-waste hazardous?
If treated properly, electronic waste is a valuable source for secondary raw materials. However, if not treated properly, it is a major source of toxins and carcinogens. Toxic substances in electronic waste may include lead, mercury, and cadmium. Carcinogenic substances in electronic waste may include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Up to thirty-eight separate chemical elements are incorporated into electronic waste items. The un-sustainability of discarding electronics and computer technology is another reason for the need to recycle – or perhaps more practically, reuse – electronic waste. Guiyu in the Shantou region of China, and Delhi and Bangalore in India, all have electronic waste processing areas. 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.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Snow leopard at Kargil!!!!
After the first photographic evidence of black leopard near Kolhapur, its cousin snow leopard has been photographed for the first time in Kargil. The WWF-India researcher Aishwarya Maheshwari encountered the elusive cat on June 13.
“This is the first photographic evidence of snow leopard in Kargil and Drass sector of Jammu and Kashmir. Though locals claim to have seen the animal, there was no evidence of presence of the big cat,” said Ameen Ahmed, senior communications manager, WWF-India. According to him, till date, there was no study of wildlife in the area. “WWF-India has undertaken the base line study of wildlife in Kargil and Drass sector for the first time,” Ahmed said.
“I was on the frontier of India’s remotest wildness, to study wildlife. Kargil, among largest districts of India, is best known in recent history for the major military conflict that occurred here in 1999. This unfortunately overshadowed the region’s rich wildlife. For, it is here that one of world’s most elusive creatures- the snow leopard, roams wild and free,” said Maheshwari. During his interaction with locals, Maheshwari learnt about the tremendous decline in wildlife sightings, post-1999 Kargil war. So much so that even the common resident birds had disappeared.
“It was on June 13, I was observing Kargil’s hills like any other day. This day, started at 7:30 am from the village Kanji, located 3850 meter above sea level and some 70 km from Kargil town. I was on my way up field assistants - three local youth, one of whom was a forest guard.” Maheshwari said. Four km into the trek they came across a herd of Asiatic Ibex, a species of mountain goat. As they moved along the dusty, rocky path, indirect evidences of the presence of carnivores like pug marks and scat of snow leopard and Tibetan wolf like started coming up.
“At around 4:40pm, a huge cloud of dust rose from where the Ibex were grazing. The view through my binoculars suddenly became hazy. All I could see was the wild goats running helter-skelter, in almost every direction. I wanted to find the reason and desperately panned my binoculars in all directions. But, the dust that arose made it difficult to find the cause of this commotion,” Maheshwari said.
He was excited at something rarely experienced. “Amidst confusion, I was trying to get a clear view with trembling hands and spotted a tail in the speaks of dust, and it was not a wolf,” he said. It was snow leopard, that had silently stalked the herd. But the goats actually outsmarted it and gave it a miss and reappeared on a nearby ridge. After the failed attempt, the snow leopard went to a cliff, looked down on a vast valley of stones and rocks. Soon everyone in the group wanted to have a glimpse of one of the world’s rarest cats. “Though they were locals, the field assistants, surprisingly, had never seen one before. The guard had seen it six years ago, but that was probably for just a second,” Maheshwari said.
The Snow Leopard stayed put in front of the group for seven minutes. “As it was barely 300-400 meter away, I was tempted to go closer and capture the animal in camera. At the end of the shortest seven minutes of my life, it got up and went to the other side of the hill out of our sight,” Maheshwari said. Still hopeful of seeing it, he followed the Ibex herd anticipating that the wild cat would comeback to hunt them. “Early next morning, fresh scat and unclear pug marks were found on the same path. I climbed the same hill, which I had ascended last evening, but there was no snow leopard,” he said.
“This is the first photographic evidence of snow leopard in Kargil and Drass sector of Jammu and Kashmir. Though locals claim to have seen the animal, there was no evidence of presence of the big cat,” said Ameen Ahmed, senior communications manager, WWF-India. According to him, till date, there was no study of wildlife in the area. “WWF-India has undertaken the base line study of wildlife in Kargil and Drass sector for the first time,” Ahmed said.
“I was on the frontier of India’s remotest wildness, to study wildlife. Kargil, among largest districts of India, is best known in recent history for the major military conflict that occurred here in 1999. This unfortunately overshadowed the region’s rich wildlife. For, it is here that one of world’s most elusive creatures- the snow leopard, roams wild and free,” said Maheshwari. During his interaction with locals, Maheshwari learnt about the tremendous decline in wildlife sightings, post-1999 Kargil war. So much so that even the common resident birds had disappeared.
“It was on June 13, I was observing Kargil’s hills like any other day. This day, started at 7:30 am from the village Kanji, located 3850 meter above sea level and some 70 km from Kargil town. I was on my way up field assistants - three local youth, one of whom was a forest guard.” Maheshwari said. Four km into the trek they came across a herd of Asiatic Ibex, a species of mountain goat. As they moved along the dusty, rocky path, indirect evidences of the presence of carnivores like pug marks and scat of snow leopard and Tibetan wolf like started coming up.
“At around 4:40pm, a huge cloud of dust rose from where the Ibex were grazing. The view through my binoculars suddenly became hazy. All I could see was the wild goats running helter-skelter, in almost every direction. I wanted to find the reason and desperately panned my binoculars in all directions. But, the dust that arose made it difficult to find the cause of this commotion,” Maheshwari said.
He was excited at something rarely experienced. “Amidst confusion, I was trying to get a clear view with trembling hands and spotted a tail in the speaks of dust, and it was not a wolf,” he said. It was snow leopard, that had silently stalked the herd. But the goats actually outsmarted it and gave it a miss and reappeared on a nearby ridge. After the failed attempt, the snow leopard went to a cliff, looked down on a vast valley of stones and rocks. Soon everyone in the group wanted to have a glimpse of one of the world’s rarest cats. “Though they were locals, the field assistants, surprisingly, had never seen one before. The guard had seen it six years ago, but that was probably for just a second,” Maheshwari said.
The Snow Leopard stayed put in front of the group for seven minutes. “As it was barely 300-400 meter away, I was tempted to go closer and capture the animal in camera. At the end of the shortest seven minutes of my life, it got up and went to the other side of the hill out of our sight,” Maheshwari said. Still hopeful of seeing it, he followed the Ibex herd anticipating that the wild cat would comeback to hunt them. “Early next morning, fresh scat and unclear pug marks were found on the same path. I climbed the same hill, which I had ascended last evening, but there was no snow leopard,” he said.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Black Leopard near Kolhapur
Ashwin Aghor
Amidst reports of habitat destruction causing extinction of many species, environmentalists and wildlife enthusiasts have a reason to rejoice. Two trekkers have claimed to have seen a black leopard in Sindhudurg district. And this is for the first time since 1942, that black leopard was seen in the region.
Sachin Kondekar and Abhijit Yadav, from Kolhapur had gone to Manohar Mansantosh, the twin forts between Amboli and Padgaon on June 3. “While we were following a regular trail, both of us noticed movement of a strange animal at around 7.45 am on the hill nearby,” said Kondekar. Initially, both of them were confused about the creature climbing down the hill. “After a closer look from binoculars, we both were thrilled to know that it was indeed a black leopard,” Kondekar said.
Regular trekkers, Yadav and Kondekar have encountered many wild animals like bison, antelopes and even snakes, in the forests of Kolhapur district. “But, this time we were lucky to see a black leopard, which was last seen 67 years back. Infact, the last black leopard seen in the region was hunted by Chhatrapati Rajaram in the forests of Radhanagri Dajipur in 1942,” Kondekar said. The stuffed trophy of the animal is currently on display at New Palace belonging to the royal family of Kolhapur.
The conservator of forests (wildlife), Kolhapur MK Rao confirmed the report. “There were reports of black leopard sighting from the area around Amboli and Padgaon. But till date we did not have any evidence. Though the pictures of the animal are taken from very long distance, from the characteristics of the animal visible in the image, we can very well ascertain that it is a black leopard,” Rao said. He said that there were reports of black leopard sighting near Tilhari Dam in Chandgad taluka in 1985. But the same could not be confirmed as there was no concrete evidence, he added.
According to naturalist Sunjoy Monga, there are records of presence of black leopards in the forests of Dandeli on Karnataka-Maharashtra border. “It is a melanistic form which is found in high density forests of Western Ghats and north India,” Monga said. Environmental designer Vibhas Amonkar had seen black leopard near Mahabaleshwar in 2002. “It was during one of my trips to Mahabaleshwar to prepare development master plan for the town. I encountered black leopard while on walk,” Amonkar said.
Box:
Melanism is an increased amount of black or nearly black pigmentation of skin, feathers or hair, resulting from presence of melanin. More technically, it refers to a phenotype in which the pigmentation of an organism is entirely, or nearly entirely, expressed. Melanism is often the result of genetic mutation, but can result from other stimuli, such as exposure to abnormal temperature changes during gestation which transiently alter gene transcript. Melanism has been shown to occur in a variety of animals, including mammals like squirrels and many felines, reptiles like coral snakes and insects like peppered moth.
Melanism among felines is due to changes in the agouti gene which controls banding of black and light areas on the hair shaft. Leopards and jaguars with this condition are often called black panther. One good example of melanism expressed within a certain animal community is that of the leopard population in Malaysia, South East Asia, in which case up to 50% of the population has melanism. That is apparently due to them being more cryptic in their dusky rainforest habitat. In the leopard, melanism is due to a recessive gene mutation meaning that two spotted leopards carrying the gene may produce black cubs, but black leopards will breed true when mated together.
Amidst reports of habitat destruction causing extinction of many species, environmentalists and wildlife enthusiasts have a reason to rejoice. Two trekkers have claimed to have seen a black leopard in Sindhudurg district. And this is for the first time since 1942, that black leopard was seen in the region.
Sachin Kondekar and Abhijit Yadav, from Kolhapur had gone to Manohar Mansantosh, the twin forts between Amboli and Padgaon on June 3. “While we were following a regular trail, both of us noticed movement of a strange animal at around 7.45 am on the hill nearby,” said Kondekar. Initially, both of them were confused about the creature climbing down the hill. “After a closer look from binoculars, we both were thrilled to know that it was indeed a black leopard,” Kondekar said.
Regular trekkers, Yadav and Kondekar have encountered many wild animals like bison, antelopes and even snakes, in the forests of Kolhapur district. “But, this time we were lucky to see a black leopard, which was last seen 67 years back. Infact, the last black leopard seen in the region was hunted by Chhatrapati Rajaram in the forests of Radhanagri Dajipur in 1942,” Kondekar said. The stuffed trophy of the animal is currently on display at New Palace belonging to the royal family of Kolhapur.
The conservator of forests (wildlife), Kolhapur MK Rao confirmed the report. “There were reports of black leopard sighting from the area around Amboli and Padgaon. But till date we did not have any evidence. Though the pictures of the animal are taken from very long distance, from the characteristics of the animal visible in the image, we can very well ascertain that it is a black leopard,” Rao said. He said that there were reports of black leopard sighting near Tilhari Dam in Chandgad taluka in 1985. But the same could not be confirmed as there was no concrete evidence, he added.
According to naturalist Sunjoy Monga, there are records of presence of black leopards in the forests of Dandeli on Karnataka-Maharashtra border. “It is a melanistic form which is found in high density forests of Western Ghats and north India,” Monga said. Environmental designer Vibhas Amonkar had seen black leopard near Mahabaleshwar in 2002. “It was during one of my trips to Mahabaleshwar to prepare development master plan for the town. I encountered black leopard while on walk,” Amonkar said.
Box:
Melanism is an increased amount of black or nearly black pigmentation of skin, feathers or hair, resulting from presence of melanin. More technically, it refers to a phenotype in which the pigmentation of an organism is entirely, or nearly entirely, expressed. Melanism is often the result of genetic mutation, but can result from other stimuli, such as exposure to abnormal temperature changes during gestation which transiently alter gene transcript. Melanism has been shown to occur in a variety of animals, including mammals like squirrels and many felines, reptiles like coral snakes and insects like peppered moth.
Melanism among felines is due to changes in the agouti gene which controls banding of black and light areas on the hair shaft. Leopards and jaguars with this condition are often called black panther. One good example of melanism expressed within a certain animal community is that of the leopard population in Malaysia, South East Asia, in which case up to 50% of the population has melanism. That is apparently due to them being more cryptic in their dusky rainforest habitat. In the leopard, melanism is due to a recessive gene mutation meaning that two spotted leopards carrying the gene may produce black cubs, but black leopards will breed true when mated together.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Katni Gang killed two sloth bears
The Katni gang of poachers has struck again in forests of Vidarbha. This time the gang managed to poach two sloth bears and decamped with their paws and bile. The incident took place at Gangazari in Tiroda range of Gondia. The wildlife in Vidarbha is reeling under severe threat. After poisoning of two deers and other animals near Bhandara on Thursday and fears of 20 tigers having poached outside Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, poaching of two sloth bears has come as a major blow to the forest department.
“It is a clear case of electrocution. The matter came to light on the morning of May 19 when people came to farms. It seems to be work of local people,” said deputy conservator of forests, Gondia, Mukesh Ganatra. Ruling out involvement of outsiders, Ganatra claimed that all the outsiders were under strict watch. “Whenever, we come across any outsiders moving in the area, they are forced out after taking their details,” Ganatra said. He said that the spot where bodies were found is surrounded by agricultural land. “We are investigating the matter and the offenders would soon be arrested,” he added.
The bodies were found in farm pond in the land owned by one Lalsingh Pusan. Sources said that after the animals died, poachers decamped with all the eight paws and bile. The bears are estimated to be three years old. It is learnt that there is a machan near the spot were the bears were electrocuted. Probably erected to keep a watch on movement of wild animals.
Sources said that the modus operendi strikingly resembles to that of the Katni gang. “The bears must have fallen prey to the huge bear bile trade. Earlier also Katni gang has killed bears at Gothangaon near Navegaon National park,” said Kishor Rithe, president of Satpuda Foundation, an NGO working for forest conservation in central India. Bear bile has huge demand for its alleged medicinal values in the countries like China, Thailand and Hong Kong. “The trade is anticipated to run in millions of dollars,” Rithe said.
Box:
Meanwhile, following the report about 20 tigers feared poached in non protected area outside Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, the state government has sought explanation from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife). Forest department sources said a letter has been sent to the PCCF (WL) seeking immediate explanation. “The letter to this effect was sent on Wednesday and the PCCF (WL) has been asked to send reply immediately,” sources said.
When contacted, additional PCCF (Human Resource Management) SK Sood, who is holding additional charge of PCCF (WL) said confirmed the receipt of letter. “The letter was received yesterday. Since I have taken charge of the office just three days back, the reply will be sent after collecting all the required information,” Sood said.
“It is a clear case of electrocution. The matter came to light on the morning of May 19 when people came to farms. It seems to be work of local people,” said deputy conservator of forests, Gondia, Mukesh Ganatra. Ruling out involvement of outsiders, Ganatra claimed that all the outsiders were under strict watch. “Whenever, we come across any outsiders moving in the area, they are forced out after taking their details,” Ganatra said. He said that the spot where bodies were found is surrounded by agricultural land. “We are investigating the matter and the offenders would soon be arrested,” he added.
The bodies were found in farm pond in the land owned by one Lalsingh Pusan. Sources said that after the animals died, poachers decamped with all the eight paws and bile. The bears are estimated to be three years old. It is learnt that there is a machan near the spot were the bears were electrocuted. Probably erected to keep a watch on movement of wild animals.
Sources said that the modus operendi strikingly resembles to that of the Katni gang. “The bears must have fallen prey to the huge bear bile trade. Earlier also Katni gang has killed bears at Gothangaon near Navegaon National park,” said Kishor Rithe, president of Satpuda Foundation, an NGO working for forest conservation in central India. Bear bile has huge demand for its alleged medicinal values in the countries like China, Thailand and Hong Kong. “The trade is anticipated to run in millions of dollars,” Rithe said.
Box:
Meanwhile, following the report about 20 tigers feared poached in non protected area outside Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, the state government has sought explanation from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife). Forest department sources said a letter has been sent to the PCCF (WL) seeking immediate explanation. “The letter to this effect was sent on Wednesday and the PCCF (WL) has been asked to send reply immediately,” sources said.
When contacted, additional PCCF (Human Resource Management) SK Sood, who is holding additional charge of PCCF (WL) said confirmed the receipt of letter. “The letter was received yesterday. Since I have taken charge of the office just three days back, the reply will be sent after collecting all the required information,” Sood said.
Flamongos might not be seen this year in Mumbai
While Mumbai is preparing to provide affordable housing to thousands of people, the home to winged visitors of the city – just 60 km away - is on verge of complete destruction.
Around 60 hectare wetland near village Phunde in Uran has been vanished posing a grave threat to very existence of the birds. Uran is known for rich avifauna like Flamingos, Painted storks, Oriental white ibis, Grey heron and others.
According to Kamini Thakur, an intern with WWF-India, who is doing a research on wetland, “The bird habitat near Phunde has virtually been wiped out due to large scale reclamation. Around 60 hectare wetland has vanished in last ten days.” Surprised by the development, Thakur approached CIDCO, the owner of land. But was advised to submit an application to get information about the reclamation. “The land is apparently allotted for SEZ and the reclamation is part of the same,” Thakur said.
Dr Goldin Quadros, Education Officer and Interim State Director, WWF-India, MSO said, “The large scale dumping is bound to destroy the wetlands which will eventually result in serious problems for birds coming there.” The wetland in and around Uran is home to winged visitors of the city and a most sought after destination of birders. But the reclamation that began around ten days back, has destroyed it, Quadros said, adding, “If the authorities fail to check the reclamation, the winged visitors of the city will be lost forever.”
Around 60 hectare wetland near village Phunde in Uran has been vanished posing a grave threat to very existence of the birds. Uran is known for rich avifauna like Flamingos, Painted storks, Oriental white ibis, Grey heron and others.
According to Kamini Thakur, an intern with WWF-India, who is doing a research on wetland, “The bird habitat near Phunde has virtually been wiped out due to large scale reclamation. Around 60 hectare wetland has vanished in last ten days.” Surprised by the development, Thakur approached CIDCO, the owner of land. But was advised to submit an application to get information about the reclamation. “The land is apparently allotted for SEZ and the reclamation is part of the same,” Thakur said.
Dr Goldin Quadros, Education Officer and Interim State Director, WWF-India, MSO said, “The large scale dumping is bound to destroy the wetlands which will eventually result in serious problems for birds coming there.” The wetland in and around Uran is home to winged visitors of the city and a most sought after destination of birders. But the reclamation that began around ten days back, has destroyed it, Quadros said, adding, “If the authorities fail to check the reclamation, the winged visitors of the city will be lost forever.”
Only seven Wild Buffalos remaining in India
The decision of the state forest department to declare the wild buffalo area in Gadchiroli district as a conservation reserve has invited ire from environmentalists as formation of conservation reserve will not serve the purpose to conserve wild buffalos.
The Kamlapur range in Alapalli division and Asarali range in Sironcha division in Gadchiroli district would be converted into conservation reserve.
“We have been demanding a wildlife sanctuary in the area to conserve wild buffalos. But formation of a conservation reserve will defeat the purpose and the third largest mammal on the earth will get extinct,” said Kishor Rithe, president of Satpuda Foundation, an NGO working for forest conservation in central India.
“The wild buffaloes, third biggest mammal on land, are facing extinction in India and are a step away from the point of no return. The entire milk industry of India is at stake as domestic breed of buffaloes have only come from the wild and it is urgent to save the wild breed of buffaloes for survival of Indian milk industry. There are only six wild buffalo males and one disputed female left in Udanti Tiger Reserve of Chattisgarh. Another home of wild buffalo is Indravati Tiger Reserve in Chattisgarh. However the wild buffaloes of Indravati have no legal and physical protection towards Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district.
Satpuda Foundation and BNHS had done the extensive survey from 2000 to 2003 and helped Maharashtra Wildlife department to prepare the sanctuary proposal in Gadchiroli district. However Government is sitting on the proposal since then saying “there is nuxal problem”.
Kishor Rithe who had worked for preparing the sanctuary proposal and President of Satpuda Foundation is upset on the stand of PCCF (WL) office. He stated that the Government has diverted 374.90 ha of good wildlife potential forest from Gadchiroli district to Mining Iron Ore company and also not peaking a word against several dams coming on the border of Gadchiroli district(including Inchampalli), taking away your fragile forests, even when nuxals are there. But PCCF’s (WL) office is annoyed of creating a sanctuary because of “nuxal presence”.
If it is the case then we should withdraw the forest staff serving in this forest and drawing the salary for forest protection, Rithe commented. It is to be noted that earlier Wildlife Institute of India, state Wildlife Board of Maharashtra and recently WWF International had also recommended this area to be declared as sanctuary. Satpuda Foundation today issued a press release to open up the issue
before sensible readers. SF said that on one hand we have the example of having Pench Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra (Nagpur district) and Pench Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh (Seoni district) so that the wildlife should enjoy similar legal and physical protection from both states. Same time how can CWLW of Maharashtra justify his denial of making a sanctuary and later on Tiger Reserve to the area in Gadchiroli district which is bordering Indravati tiger Reserve.
Bivash Pandav, programme leader, tiger and other big cats, WWF-International, Nepal, had given a stress on declaring the area as sanctuary during his visit in Winter 2008. Mr. Pandav said that the species like wild buffalo, 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 gene pool 100 years down the line. There are enough highly important catchments and watersheds of high conservation values in Maharashtra which can be declared as
conservation reserves, if CWLW’s office is so interested in creating conservation reserves. But the wildlife potential area which supports highly threatened and endangered species like Wild buffalo should be brought only under “Sanctuary” status, Rithe reiterated his demand.
The Kamlapur range in Alapalli division and Asarali range in Sironcha division in Gadchiroli district would be converted into conservation reserve.
“We have been demanding a wildlife sanctuary in the area to conserve wild buffalos. But formation of a conservation reserve will defeat the purpose and the third largest mammal on the earth will get extinct,” said Kishor Rithe, president of Satpuda Foundation, an NGO working for forest conservation in central India.
“The wild buffaloes, third biggest mammal on land, are facing extinction in India and are a step away from the point of no return. The entire milk industry of India is at stake as domestic breed of buffaloes have only come from the wild and it is urgent to save the wild breed of buffaloes for survival of Indian milk industry. There are only six wild buffalo males and one disputed female left in Udanti Tiger Reserve of Chattisgarh. Another home of wild buffalo is Indravati Tiger Reserve in Chattisgarh. However the wild buffaloes of Indravati have no legal and physical protection towards Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district.
Satpuda Foundation and BNHS had done the extensive survey from 2000 to 2003 and helped Maharashtra Wildlife department to prepare the sanctuary proposal in Gadchiroli district. However Government is sitting on the proposal since then saying “there is nuxal problem”.
Kishor Rithe who had worked for preparing the sanctuary proposal and President of Satpuda Foundation is upset on the stand of PCCF (WL) office. He stated that the Government has diverted 374.90 ha of good wildlife potential forest from Gadchiroli district to Mining Iron Ore company and also not peaking a word against several dams coming on the border of Gadchiroli district(including Inchampalli), taking away your fragile forests, even when nuxals are there. But PCCF’s (WL) office is annoyed of creating a sanctuary because of “nuxal presence”.
If it is the case then we should withdraw the forest staff serving in this forest and drawing the salary for forest protection, Rithe commented. It is to be noted that earlier Wildlife Institute of India, state Wildlife Board of Maharashtra and recently WWF International had also recommended this area to be declared as sanctuary. Satpuda Foundation today issued a press release to open up the issue
before sensible readers. SF said that on one hand we have the example of having Pench Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra (Nagpur district) and Pench Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh (Seoni district) so that the wildlife should enjoy similar legal and physical protection from both states. Same time how can CWLW of Maharashtra justify his denial of making a sanctuary and later on Tiger Reserve to the area in Gadchiroli district which is bordering Indravati tiger Reserve.
Bivash Pandav, programme leader, tiger and other big cats, WWF-International, Nepal, had given a stress on declaring the area as sanctuary during his visit in Winter 2008. Mr. Pandav said that the species like wild buffalo, 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 gene pool 100 years down the line. There are enough highly important catchments and watersheds of high conservation values in Maharashtra which can be declared as
conservation reserves, if CWLW’s office is so interested in creating conservation reserves. But the wildlife potential area which supports highly threatened and endangered species like Wild buffalo should be brought only under “Sanctuary” status, Rithe reiterated his demand.
Tyger Tyger no more burning bright!!
The wild cat is in serious trouble around Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) the most glorious tiger reserve of the state. Something unseemly appears to the be haunting the Chandrapur forest over past five months. The man-tiger conflict in the area that has gained alarming proportions over last three years, has suddenly come to an end. And this is the biggest worry of environmentalists.
“The sudden end to the conflict should be taken as seriously since it is an indication that the tigers in the conflict area are in serious trouble,” said Kishor Rithe, president of Satpuda Foundation, an NGO working for forest conservation in central India. The man-tiger conflict in Chandrapur district had become serious with 11 human deaths in 2006, 13 in 2007 and more than 26 in 2008. Surprisingly only one incident of human death – on January 21 - has been reported this year. There could be three reasons for this, either the tigers have decided to stay away from humans, or tigers and humans in the conflict area have arrived at a consensus not to invade in each other's domain or all the tigers in conflict area have been wiped out. “First two possibilities are out of question and there are more chances of all the tigers in the area are wiped out,” he said, adding, “Tigers have no future outside TATR in Chandrapur district.
Even the forest department officials are accepting the fact. A senior forest official, talking to DNA agreed that the tigers in the area must have been poached. “We have information that the organised poaching syndicate from Katni in Madhya Pradesh is active around Bhandara and Gondia. According to the official, there are around 40 tigers outside TATR and available information indicates that eight tigers have been poached leading to either death of three cubs and removal of two cubs from the forest, out of them one later died at Maharajbaugh Zoo in Nagpur.
According to a senior forest department official, there was an urgent need of undertaking 'know your tiger' exercise to create a data base. “Since poachers are far more advanced that forest department, we should at least have detail information about the tigers in the region. The poachers must have killed around 20 tigers in the region in last five months,” the official said.
Two cubs were rescued from village Mendki on November 1, 2008. The mother of the cubs is still missing. Similarly, three cubs were rescued from Junona near Chandrapur on January 23 this year and their mother is also missing till date. A full grown pair of tigers went missing from Adhyalmendha in Chandrapur district on March 28 and their three cubs were found dead. One sub adult tiger was found dead near village Chiroli in Chandrapur on May 6. Though the forest department officials claim it was hit by some speeding vehicle, the post-mortem report indicates that the animal died because to injuries due to 'some sharp objective'. One tiger was poached in Bhandara division in January this year while forest officials recovered tiger claws in Bhadravati division in March this year. While the latest incident of tiger death was reported from Ughdagota water-hole just outside TATR.
“One of the cubs rescued near Mandki died at Maharajbaugh Zoo. Since the department has failed to trace missing tigers, they must have been poached,” the official said, adding, “The department is aware of the loss of 17 tigers to poaching and removal from the forests. But there is no doubt that 10 other cases of tiger poaching have gone unnoticed.”
“The sudden end to the conflict should be taken as seriously since it is an indication that the tigers in the conflict area are in serious trouble,” said Kishor Rithe, president of Satpuda Foundation, an NGO working for forest conservation in central India. The man-tiger conflict in Chandrapur district had become serious with 11 human deaths in 2006, 13 in 2007 and more than 26 in 2008. Surprisingly only one incident of human death – on January 21 - has been reported this year. There could be three reasons for this, either the tigers have decided to stay away from humans, or tigers and humans in the conflict area have arrived at a consensus not to invade in each other's domain or all the tigers in conflict area have been wiped out. “First two possibilities are out of question and there are more chances of all the tigers in the area are wiped out,” he said, adding, “Tigers have no future outside TATR in Chandrapur district.
Even the forest department officials are accepting the fact. A senior forest official, talking to DNA agreed that the tigers in the area must have been poached. “We have information that the organised poaching syndicate from Katni in Madhya Pradesh is active around Bhandara and Gondia. According to the official, there are around 40 tigers outside TATR and available information indicates that eight tigers have been poached leading to either death of three cubs and removal of two cubs from the forest, out of them one later died at Maharajbaugh Zoo in Nagpur.
According to a senior forest department official, there was an urgent need of undertaking 'know your tiger' exercise to create a data base. “Since poachers are far more advanced that forest department, we should at least have detail information about the tigers in the region. The poachers must have killed around 20 tigers in the region in last five months,” the official said.
Two cubs were rescued from village Mendki on November 1, 2008. The mother of the cubs is still missing. Similarly, three cubs were rescued from Junona near Chandrapur on January 23 this year and their mother is also missing till date. A full grown pair of tigers went missing from Adhyalmendha in Chandrapur district on March 28 and their three cubs were found dead. One sub adult tiger was found dead near village Chiroli in Chandrapur on May 6. Though the forest department officials claim it was hit by some speeding vehicle, the post-mortem report indicates that the animal died because to injuries due to 'some sharp objective'. One tiger was poached in Bhandara division in January this year while forest officials recovered tiger claws in Bhadravati division in March this year. While the latest incident of tiger death was reported from Ughdagota water-hole just outside TATR.
“One of the cubs rescued near Mandki died at Maharajbaugh Zoo. Since the department has failed to trace missing tigers, they must have been poached,” the official said, adding, “The department is aware of the loss of 17 tigers to poaching and removal from the forests. But there is no doubt that 10 other cases of tiger poaching have gone unnoticed.”
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Indian Swiftlets......... saved??
The Konkan coast line known for its rich marine life and avifauna has become one of the major attractions for wildlife enthusiasts. But till recently the situation in the region was not at all encouraging as the birds like Indian Swiftlet, white bellied sea eagle and white backed vultures were under severe threat due to poaching and habitat destruction.
However, dedicated efforts and hard work put in by the activists of Sahyadri Nisarg Mitra (SNM) has virtually retrieved these species from being extinct. So much so that because of the NGO, Indian Swiftlet is now in Schedule I of endangered species.
The crusade began when the activists of SNM visited Vengurla Rocks for bird watching. “When we visited Vengurla Rocks on April 8, 2001 all of us were delighted to see Indian swiftlet flying near the skyline and at the sea-side of entrance of the cave on Bandra Rocks,” said Vishwas Katdare, founder of SNM.
However, the joy of having seen thousands of nests was short lived as the cave was full of bamboo scaffolding erected by poachers. “The poachers were not interested in the bird or its eggs. Their target was the nest, which had great demand outside India,” Katdare recalled. On being informed, forest department officials raided the caves and arrested poachers red handed on April 17, 2001 and the follow up by the NGO resulted in inclusion of the species in Schedule I, the list of critically endangered animals. The situation changed within a one year the cave was full of nests and almost all the nests had one or two eggs. “It was moment of immense satisfaction to see the cave full of nests having eggs. Now the local people, whom we trained, are protecting the nests,” said Katdare.
It is not just the Indian Swiftlet, but white bellied sea eagle and white backed vulture population has also increased remarkable due to efforts of SNM. “The major threats were habitat destruction. These birds were being deprived of food resulting in death,” Katdare said. The NGO involved local people in the activities and brought about remarkable increase in the population of white bellied sea eagle and white backed vultures.
However, dedicated efforts and hard work put in by the activists of Sahyadri Nisarg Mitra (SNM) has virtually retrieved these species from being extinct. So much so that because of the NGO, Indian Swiftlet is now in Schedule I of endangered species.
The crusade began when the activists of SNM visited Vengurla Rocks for bird watching. “When we visited Vengurla Rocks on April 8, 2001 all of us were delighted to see Indian swiftlet flying near the skyline and at the sea-side of entrance of the cave on Bandra Rocks,” said Vishwas Katdare, founder of SNM.
However, the joy of having seen thousands of nests was short lived as the cave was full of bamboo scaffolding erected by poachers. “The poachers were not interested in the bird or its eggs. Their target was the nest, which had great demand outside India,” Katdare recalled. On being informed, forest department officials raided the caves and arrested poachers red handed on April 17, 2001 and the follow up by the NGO resulted in inclusion of the species in Schedule I, the list of critically endangered animals. The situation changed within a one year the cave was full of nests and almost all the nests had one or two eggs. “It was moment of immense satisfaction to see the cave full of nests having eggs. Now the local people, whom we trained, are protecting the nests,” said Katdare.
It is not just the Indian Swiftlet, but white bellied sea eagle and white backed vulture population has also increased remarkable due to efforts of SNM. “The major threats were habitat destruction. These birds were being deprived of food resulting in death,” Katdare said. The NGO involved local people in the activities and brought about remarkable increase in the population of white bellied sea eagle and white backed vultures.
Pls save Mumbai's lungs.......... before its too late
The state forest department that did not leave any stone unturned to reclaim the private forest land and demolish the buildings, has, ironically, forgot its prime duty to protect the forests.
The ever increasing encroachments in Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), considered being Mumbai’s lungs, have always been a crucial problem to tackle. While, the officials are trying to remove the encroachments inside the park, new encroachments are taking place in the 104 sq km park virtually every day. The latest in the series of encroachment are the hutments that have come up along the boundary wall behind Yogi Hills, Mulund.
Though there are only two huts, claimed to be owned by tribals, hundreds of daily wagers have made make-shift living arrangements inside the park. Even the tribals living there have migrated from various parts like Palghar and Ghansoli. “We are living here since last 20 years. Earlier we used to live at Ghansoli, but when our hutments were demolished for development, we shifted here,” said Chandrakant Varthe, who claimed to be a tribal. He said that around 100 daily wagers, who are not tribal, use the land to sleep. “They are not tribals. But they come here in the evening spend night here and go to work in the morning,” Varthe said. According to him, forest department officials visit the area frequently. But nothing is done except for taking photographs and recording few statements, Varthe said.
Prakash Padikkal, president of Hillside Residents’ Welfare Association (HIRWA) said, “Encroachment in reserved forest is a serious matter and should be taken care of. If not checked in time, it is likely to spread to other parts.” The encroachers are involved in illicit tree cutting also which will snowball into disaster. The matter should be on top priority of the forest department and an additional staff should be deployed to control this, he added.
The assistant conservator of forest (ACF) VL Rathod claimed that since the huts belonged to tribals, they were protected. “We are conducting a survey in the area to identify encroachments,” Rathod said. Surprisingly, the officials have not done anything against an illegal temple constructed in the park, which serves as picnic spot for many people. Illicit tree felling in the area has increased manifold in recent past. So much so that people have fenced a patch of land on a hill to store timber and the officials were in dark about it.
The ever increasing encroachments in Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), considered being Mumbai’s lungs, have always been a crucial problem to tackle. While, the officials are trying to remove the encroachments inside the park, new encroachments are taking place in the 104 sq km park virtually every day. The latest in the series of encroachment are the hutments that have come up along the boundary wall behind Yogi Hills, Mulund.
Though there are only two huts, claimed to be owned by tribals, hundreds of daily wagers have made make-shift living arrangements inside the park. Even the tribals living there have migrated from various parts like Palghar and Ghansoli. “We are living here since last 20 years. Earlier we used to live at Ghansoli, but when our hutments were demolished for development, we shifted here,” said Chandrakant Varthe, who claimed to be a tribal. He said that around 100 daily wagers, who are not tribal, use the land to sleep. “They are not tribals. But they come here in the evening spend night here and go to work in the morning,” Varthe said. According to him, forest department officials visit the area frequently. But nothing is done except for taking photographs and recording few statements, Varthe said.
Prakash Padikkal, president of Hillside Residents’ Welfare Association (HIRWA) said, “Encroachment in reserved forest is a serious matter and should be taken care of. If not checked in time, it is likely to spread to other parts.” The encroachers are involved in illicit tree cutting also which will snowball into disaster. The matter should be on top priority of the forest department and an additional staff should be deployed to control this, he added.
The assistant conservator of forest (ACF) VL Rathod claimed that since the huts belonged to tribals, they were protected. “We are conducting a survey in the area to identify encroachments,” Rathod said. Surprisingly, the officials have not done anything against an illegal temple constructed in the park, which serves as picnic spot for many people. Illicit tree felling in the area has increased manifold in recent past. So much so that people have fenced a patch of land on a hill to store timber and the officials were in dark about it.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Tiger Poaching
The forest department officials have arrested three persons and recovered tiger parts and poaching equipments from them.
The accused have been identified as Praful Vishwanath Shedmake from village Kolsa, Hanuman Pundlik Jumnake, from village Saiwan and, from Jhari, in Chandrapur district.
Umesh Dhotekar, Range Forest Officer (RFO), Bhadravati, said, “WE got tip off from Wildlife Protection Society of India activist about a person possessing tiger claws was trying to sell them at village Saiwan on march 18. Following the information, we set a trap in the village and arrested Praful Shedmake.”
The officials recovered 10 tiger claws from him. When put to interrogation, Shedmake revealed that he got the claws from Janpat Kumre. “As per the information received, we raided house of Janpat Kumre and arrested him. His interrogation led us to one Shalik Gedam, a resident of village Doni,” Dhotekar said.
However, by the time, forest officials reached Doni, Gedam managed to escape. During the search of the house, officials recovered one-and-half kg of dried meat, three chital trophies, three molars, 86 wire traps and one suspected tiger lucky (collar) bone. “The poaching equipments recovered from the house of Gedam indicate that he is a regular poacher,” Dhotekar said. The search for other tiger parts is on. The accused were produced in the court and sent to jail.
The accused have been identified as Praful Vishwanath Shedmake from village Kolsa, Hanuman Pundlik Jumnake, from village Saiwan and, from Jhari, in Chandrapur district.
Umesh Dhotekar, Range Forest Officer (RFO), Bhadravati, said, “WE got tip off from Wildlife Protection Society of India activist about a person possessing tiger claws was trying to sell them at village Saiwan on march 18. Following the information, we set a trap in the village and arrested Praful Shedmake.”
The officials recovered 10 tiger claws from him. When put to interrogation, Shedmake revealed that he got the claws from Janpat Kumre. “As per the information received, we raided house of Janpat Kumre and arrested him. His interrogation led us to one Shalik Gedam, a resident of village Doni,” Dhotekar said.
However, by the time, forest officials reached Doni, Gedam managed to escape. During the search of the house, officials recovered one-and-half kg of dried meat, three chital trophies, three molars, 86 wire traps and one suspected tiger lucky (collar) bone. “The poaching equipments recovered from the house of Gedam indicate that he is a regular poacher,” Dhotekar said. The search for other tiger parts is on. The accused were produced in the court and sent to jail.
Tiger kill or murder spree??
The man-animal conflict in Chandrapur district has taken a shocking turn as two human beings claimed to be killed by wild cats turned out to be murders.
Growing number of humans killed by tigers and leopards in the forests adjoining Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve in Chandrapur district seem to have become a source of earning huge money for villagers, as state government pays compensation of Rs 2 lakh to family members of those killed by tiger or leopard.
“Few human kills attributed to wild cat in the region are doubtful as the bodies recovered from forest contradict the claims. Possibilities of murders attributed to wild cats to earn the compensation can not be ruled out,” said a senior forest department official.
The Chandrapur police is also on alert when a case of tiger or leopard attack is reported. “We are highly cautious while investigating these cases. All the possibilities are taken into consideration before arriving to any conclusion,” said Chhering Dorje, superintendent of police, Chandrapur. According to sources, four incidents of alleged tiger kill since January this year have turned out to be murders and the forest department had held back the compensation to be paid to families. He said that a body was recovered from the forest of Junona a fortnight ago. “Initially considered to be a case of tiger attack, thorough investigations revealed that the youth was murdered and the killers abandoned the body in the forest,” Dorje said. The police later arrested six persons in connection with the murder, he added.
Band Dhotre of Ecopro, a Chandrapur based NGO said, “The authorities are trying to windup investigations as fast as possible due to tremendous political pressure. There are around four cases of murder which are attributed to wild cat,” Dhotre said. Since the onset of man-animal conflict in the region, local political leaders are trying to gain political mileage out of it and pressuring authorities to
Body of a 70-yar-old man was found in the forest adjoining village Kajalsar near Chimur around 10 days back. “According to the information gathered by our volunteers, the deceased was a known black magician and was killed over some dispute,” Dhotre said. The body, when recovered, was covered with sticks and tree branches, which is highly unlikely to be done by a tiger or a leopard, Dhotre claimed. Similarly, body of a woman found near Mul indicated a murder as it was clearly evident that her hands were cut by some sharp weapon. “Such a precision is not seen when wild cat rips apart the body,” Dhotre said.
Growing number of humans killed by tigers and leopards in the forests adjoining Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve in Chandrapur district seem to have become a source of earning huge money for villagers, as state government pays compensation of Rs 2 lakh to family members of those killed by tiger or leopard.
“Few human kills attributed to wild cat in the region are doubtful as the bodies recovered from forest contradict the claims. Possibilities of murders attributed to wild cats to earn the compensation can not be ruled out,” said a senior forest department official.
The Chandrapur police is also on alert when a case of tiger or leopard attack is reported. “We are highly cautious while investigating these cases. All the possibilities are taken into consideration before arriving to any conclusion,” said Chhering Dorje, superintendent of police, Chandrapur. According to sources, four incidents of alleged tiger kill since January this year have turned out to be murders and the forest department had held back the compensation to be paid to families. He said that a body was recovered from the forest of Junona a fortnight ago. “Initially considered to be a case of tiger attack, thorough investigations revealed that the youth was murdered and the killers abandoned the body in the forest,” Dorje said. The police later arrested six persons in connection with the murder, he added.
Band Dhotre of Ecopro, a Chandrapur based NGO said, “The authorities are trying to windup investigations as fast as possible due to tremendous political pressure. There are around four cases of murder which are attributed to wild cat,” Dhotre said. Since the onset of man-animal conflict in the region, local political leaders are trying to gain political mileage out of it and pressuring authorities to
Body of a 70-yar-old man was found in the forest adjoining village Kajalsar near Chimur around 10 days back. “According to the information gathered by our volunteers, the deceased was a known black magician and was killed over some dispute,” Dhotre said. The body, when recovered, was covered with sticks and tree branches, which is highly unlikely to be done by a tiger or a leopard, Dhotre claimed. Similarly, body of a woman found near Mul indicated a murder as it was clearly evident that her hands were cut by some sharp weapon. “Such a precision is not seen when wild cat rips apart the body,” Dhotre said.
Monday, March 16, 2009
tutrle festival!!!!
Sahyadri Nisarg Mitra (SNM), Chiplun will organise Turtle Festival on March 22 and 23 Velas, taluka Mandangad, district Ratnagiri.
The main objective of the festival is to spread awareness about turtle protection and conservation and also about the Turtle Protection and Conservation Project started six years back. Marine turtles are under threat though out the world. They are getting extinct year by year. Large scale fishing business, increasing marine pollution and poaching are affecting the growth of marine turtles. “The turtle needs to be protected since it plays an important role in marine ecology,” said Viswas Katdare of SNM. SNM started project at Velas six years back and began turtle conservation on the entire coast line of the state. “We have successfully released more than 16000 hatchlings from 384 nests in the sea safely during last six years. The project is now being implemented at 20 villages on coastal area of Maharashtra,” Katdare said.
Thanks to an enterprising initiative of the SNM, 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 years to come. 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 SNM, 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.
Mahabal rushed to Katdare, 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 main objective of the festival is to spread awareness about turtle protection and conservation and also about the Turtle Protection and Conservation Project started six years back. Marine turtles are under threat though out the world. They are getting extinct year by year. Large scale fishing business, increasing marine pollution and poaching are affecting the growth of marine turtles. “The turtle needs to be protected since it plays an important role in marine ecology,” said Viswas Katdare of SNM. SNM started project at Velas six years back and began turtle conservation on the entire coast line of the state. “We have successfully released more than 16000 hatchlings from 384 nests in the sea safely during last six years. The project is now being implemented at 20 villages on coastal area of Maharashtra,” Katdare said.
Thanks to an enterprising initiative of the SNM, 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 years to come. 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 SNM, 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.
Mahabal rushed to Katdare, 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.
Karnala is on verge of getting destroyed
The most sought after destination Karnala Bird Sanctuary some 60 km south-west of Mumbai is on verge of being destroyed. Courtesy the state wildlife board that approved widening of National Highway number 17.
The state wildlife board met after one-and-half years on Friday to discuss various issues related to forest and wildlife in the city. Approval to proposal to widen the highway was one of the topics and surprisingly, despite strong objection from members, the resolution was passed.
“I opposed the resolution to widen the highway which will eventually destroy already tiny heaven of birds. The government should explore alternative ways and divert the highway,” said Harshawardhan Dhanvate, a member of state wildlife board. Another member Dr Dilip Yardi also strongly opposed the proposal. The sanctuary spread over 12 sq km is already under pressure of illegal grazing and encroachments.
The additional chief secretary, revenue and forest JP Dange ruled out the opposition claiming that the widening was necessary as the national highway should not have curves. Sources said that there is strong opposition to the proposal. There is scope for realignment of the highway which is economically viable and will solve all the problems of the sanctuary as well. “It will not be an easy task to get approval for the widening since the National Tiger Conservation Authority is strongly opposing similar proposal about widening of National Highway number 6 that cuts through Pench Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh,” sources said. The sate forest department has already registered strong objection to the proposal. JP Dange could not be reached for his version.
Naturalist Sunjoy Monga opined that one of the greatest threats to the last surviving protected areas and their edges is the development onslaught that continues unabated. “The sad part of this process is that the developmental lobby often does not even try to make an attempt to look at alternatives that would save any bit of wilderness but look for the easier option to cut right through. I do seriously hope that Karnala, already a tiny, almost a pint-sized bird-haven is not further fragmented and that it requires a slightly longer diversion we should explore the same if it can result in overall ecological good.”
Forest minister Babanrao Pachpute said, “There is no alternative for realignment of the highway. However, we will thoroughly study the effects of the widening on the sanctuary and try to mitigate the same.”
The state wildlife board met after one-and-half years on Friday to discuss various issues related to forest and wildlife in the city. Approval to proposal to widen the highway was one of the topics and surprisingly, despite strong objection from members, the resolution was passed.
“I opposed the resolution to widen the highway which will eventually destroy already tiny heaven of birds. The government should explore alternative ways and divert the highway,” said Harshawardhan Dhanvate, a member of state wildlife board. Another member Dr Dilip Yardi also strongly opposed the proposal. The sanctuary spread over 12 sq km is already under pressure of illegal grazing and encroachments.
The additional chief secretary, revenue and forest JP Dange ruled out the opposition claiming that the widening was necessary as the national highway should not have curves. Sources said that there is strong opposition to the proposal. There is scope for realignment of the highway which is economically viable and will solve all the problems of the sanctuary as well. “It will not be an easy task to get approval for the widening since the National Tiger Conservation Authority is strongly opposing similar proposal about widening of National Highway number 6 that cuts through Pench Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh,” sources said. The sate forest department has already registered strong objection to the proposal. JP Dange could not be reached for his version.
Naturalist Sunjoy Monga opined that one of the greatest threats to the last surviving protected areas and their edges is the development onslaught that continues unabated. “The sad part of this process is that the developmental lobby often does not even try to make an attempt to look at alternatives that would save any bit of wilderness but look for the easier option to cut right through. I do seriously hope that Karnala, already a tiny, almost a pint-sized bird-haven is not further fragmented and that it requires a slightly longer diversion we should explore the same if it can result in overall ecological good.”
Forest minister Babanrao Pachpute said, “There is no alternative for realignment of the highway. However, we will thoroughly study the effects of the widening on the sanctuary and try to mitigate the same.”
Mining to destroy rich forest in Chandrapur district
If you thought the mining project of Adani Mining Private Limited was the only threat to the dense forest cover around Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR), get ready for a shock.
The Adani mining project is just a tip of iceberg as five companies have been allotted coal blocks in the area which would prove to be the last nail in the coffin of the most glamorous tiger reserve of the state. Surprisingly, state government undertaking Maharashtra State Mining Corporation is one of the companies lobbying for mining permissions in the area. Interestingly, the area, the Corporation is eyeing is within the buffer zone of TATR.
The major coal blocks in the vicinity of TATR are Agarzari Coal Block and Lohara (East) coal block both admeasuring 800 hectares. Lohara (East) Coal Block was allotted to ACC in 1999. But the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) rejected the proposal on the grounds that the proposed mining site is close to TATR and mining activities would destroy the tiger reserve. The coal block is not allotted to Murli Agro Products Limited and Grace Industries Limited.
“There are around eight companies that have been allotted coal blocks in the Wardha Valley Coal Field spread in Chandrapur Ballarshah belt,” said Swanand Sovani of Shrushti Paryavaran Mandal, Nagpur. It is hard to believe that the same coal block where the MoEF rejected mining permission few years back has once again been allotted for mining, Sovani added.
According to information the extractable coal reserve of the area is to the tune of 309.832 metric tones. “All the other companies are waiting for approval to Adani Mining to start their process. If allowed, mining would destroy over 17,000 hectare of rich forest cover in the region,” alleged Dr SM Chopne, president of Green Planate, a Chandrapur based NGO.
The Adani mining project is just a tip of iceberg as five companies have been allotted coal blocks in the area which would prove to be the last nail in the coffin of the most glamorous tiger reserve of the state. Surprisingly, state government undertaking Maharashtra State Mining Corporation is one of the companies lobbying for mining permissions in the area. Interestingly, the area, the Corporation is eyeing is within the buffer zone of TATR.
The major coal blocks in the vicinity of TATR are Agarzari Coal Block and Lohara (East) coal block both admeasuring 800 hectares. Lohara (East) Coal Block was allotted to ACC in 1999. But the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) rejected the proposal on the grounds that the proposed mining site is close to TATR and mining activities would destroy the tiger reserve. The coal block is not allotted to Murli Agro Products Limited and Grace Industries Limited.
“There are around eight companies that have been allotted coal blocks in the Wardha Valley Coal Field spread in Chandrapur Ballarshah belt,” said Swanand Sovani of Shrushti Paryavaran Mandal, Nagpur. It is hard to believe that the same coal block where the MoEF rejected mining permission few years back has once again been allotted for mining, Sovani added.
According to information the extractable coal reserve of the area is to the tune of 309.832 metric tones. “All the other companies are waiting for approval to Adani Mining to start their process. If allowed, mining would destroy over 17,000 hectare of rich forest cover in the region,” alleged Dr SM Chopne, president of Green Planate, a Chandrapur based NGO.
Have Flamingos skipped the city this year???
The arrival of winged visitors of the city – flamingos - seems to have deferred this year. Though the number of the number is remarkably low till this month, ornithologists have kept their fingers crossed anticipating more flocks by next month.
“Flamingos are major attraction of birders and other people. But this year there has been a great level of disappointment for them,” said naturalist Sunjoy Monga. The arrival of flamingos has been delayed over last four years, which is a serious cause of concern, he added.
Monga feels that all the organic and other discharge, the effluents and possibly the release of warm waters from the varied, extensive high-end industry on two sides could have played a major role in influencing the ecology of this Sweri Bay. “Call it something going against traditional conservation wisdom, in that, the very sights and smells here defy conservation logic,” Monga said.
Gujarat is said to have the largest number of wintering Lesser Flamingos – over three lakh birds. Even there, the numbers were very low during January this year. It is obvious that most of these flamingos do not breed there and so there is an urgent need to monitor this species.
“It would be premature to comment on the number as arrival of flamingos continues till March. Let us hope for better and wait till March,” said Prashant Shinde of Shrishti Dnyan Mandal. According to Shinde, around 6,000 flamingos have made it to Sewri Bay and the number might increase in days to come. The situation at Mahul creek is relatively dismal. Last year around 25,000 flamingos had come here. But this year the number has gone down to around 8,000. “The situation this year is bleak majority of the birds arrived last month,” said Waman Koli, local fisherman from Mahul.
“The fact that up to 20000 flamingos come to Mumbai during winter, indicates the importance that the region locally holds for this species,” Monga said.
The Bay is home not only to thousands of flamingos for over seven months but also sustains plenty of other marine biodiversity, and an estimated quarter of a million other migratory waders like sandpipers, plovers and others, besides numerous terns, gulls and others. Nearly 150 species of birds have been recorded on the Bay and its immediate surrounds.
“Flamingos are major attraction of birders and other people. But this year there has been a great level of disappointment for them,” said naturalist Sunjoy Monga. The arrival of flamingos has been delayed over last four years, which is a serious cause of concern, he added.
Monga feels that all the organic and other discharge, the effluents and possibly the release of warm waters from the varied, extensive high-end industry on two sides could have played a major role in influencing the ecology of this Sweri Bay. “Call it something going against traditional conservation wisdom, in that, the very sights and smells here defy conservation logic,” Monga said.
Gujarat is said to have the largest number of wintering Lesser Flamingos – over three lakh birds. Even there, the numbers were very low during January this year. It is obvious that most of these flamingos do not breed there and so there is an urgent need to monitor this species.
“It would be premature to comment on the number as arrival of flamingos continues till March. Let us hope for better and wait till March,” said Prashant Shinde of Shrishti Dnyan Mandal. According to Shinde, around 6,000 flamingos have made it to Sewri Bay and the number might increase in days to come. The situation at Mahul creek is relatively dismal. Last year around 25,000 flamingos had come here. But this year the number has gone down to around 8,000. “The situation this year is bleak majority of the birds arrived last month,” said Waman Koli, local fisherman from Mahul.
“The fact that up to 20000 flamingos come to Mumbai during winter, indicates the importance that the region locally holds for this species,” Monga said.
The Bay is home not only to thousands of flamingos for over seven months but also sustains plenty of other marine biodiversity, and an estimated quarter of a million other migratory waders like sandpipers, plovers and others, besides numerous terns, gulls and others. Nearly 150 species of birds have been recorded on the Bay and its immediate surrounds.
Forest Minister or Mining Minister??
It is probably the first incident in the state that in a bid to support a project, a cabinet minister has gone to the extent of threatening Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) of dire consequences of opposing the project.
The activists of Shrushti Paryavaran Mandal, Nagpur were stunned when state forest minister Babanrao Pachpute got angry over objection to proposed coal mine of Adani Mining Limited on the periphery of Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. So much so that Pachpute went to the extent of cautioning the activists not to try his faith on non-violence.
The stand taken by forest minister to support a mining project has even shocked senior forest department officials.
It was during a meeting of the NGOs and representatives of Adani Mining Limited held at Nagpur on January 20. The minister asked the NGOs to suggest measures to reduce impact of mining on the surrounding forest and even proposed to form a committee for the purpose. Reacting to the proposal, NGOs demanded that the proposal per se should be scrapped and the question of discussions on ways to reduce adverse impact of mining did not arise at all.
Sources said that the minister was visibly angry in the meeting and came down heavily on the activists opposing the project. He indicated to resort to violence to curb the opposition saying, “Me ahimsavadi aahe. Majhya ahimsechay maryadanche tumhi ullaghan karat aahat.” (I am a believer of non-violence. You are crossing the limits), sources, who were present at the meeting said.
The statement came as a major blow to the NGOs and even the forest department officials present in the meeting were shocked. “It was not at all expected from a minister. We had a hard time to come to the terms with situation after he made the statement,” said a senior forest department official.
When contacted Babanrao Pachpute said, “I had made it clear right in the beginning that no one should oppose development. The meeting was called to discuss the wildlife conservation plan. We have formed a committee to discuss ways to mitigate adverse effects of mining on the forest.”
A ten-member committee headed by nodal officer Conservator of Forest Shailendra Bahadur has been formed to discuss the ways to minimise the effects of mine on the forest. However Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF), Wildlife B Majumdar has strongly opposed appointment of Shailendra Bahadur on the committee as he is nodal officer who is part of the process of paper work for the proposed mine.
Swanand Soni of Shrushti Paryavaran Mandal, Nagpur said, “We are not against power generation. But the company should explore other sources of coal. We will oppose the mine till last breath.” Soni, who was appointed on the committee without consent, has opted out of it.
The activists of Shrushti Paryavaran Mandal, Nagpur were stunned when state forest minister Babanrao Pachpute got angry over objection to proposed coal mine of Adani Mining Limited on the periphery of Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. So much so that Pachpute went to the extent of cautioning the activists not to try his faith on non-violence.
The stand taken by forest minister to support a mining project has even shocked senior forest department officials.
It was during a meeting of the NGOs and representatives of Adani Mining Limited held at Nagpur on January 20. The minister asked the NGOs to suggest measures to reduce impact of mining on the surrounding forest and even proposed to form a committee for the purpose. Reacting to the proposal, NGOs demanded that the proposal per se should be scrapped and the question of discussions on ways to reduce adverse impact of mining did not arise at all.
Sources said that the minister was visibly angry in the meeting and came down heavily on the activists opposing the project. He indicated to resort to violence to curb the opposition saying, “Me ahimsavadi aahe. Majhya ahimsechay maryadanche tumhi ullaghan karat aahat.” (I am a believer of non-violence. You are crossing the limits), sources, who were present at the meeting said.
The statement came as a major blow to the NGOs and even the forest department officials present in the meeting were shocked. “It was not at all expected from a minister. We had a hard time to come to the terms with situation after he made the statement,” said a senior forest department official.
When contacted Babanrao Pachpute said, “I had made it clear right in the beginning that no one should oppose development. The meeting was called to discuss the wildlife conservation plan. We have formed a committee to discuss ways to mitigate adverse effects of mining on the forest.”
A ten-member committee headed by nodal officer Conservator of Forest Shailendra Bahadur has been formed to discuss the ways to minimise the effects of mine on the forest. However Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF), Wildlife B Majumdar has strongly opposed appointment of Shailendra Bahadur on the committee as he is nodal officer who is part of the process of paper work for the proposed mine.
Swanand Soni of Shrushti Paryavaran Mandal, Nagpur said, “We are not against power generation. But the company should explore other sources of coal. We will oppose the mine till last breath.” Soni, who was appointed on the committee without consent, has opted out of it.
India lost 21 tigers in last 3 months
The total number of tigers – India’s national animal – has gone down by 21 during last three months.
According to the information collected by the Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI), three tigers were poached in the country between November 2008 and January 2009. Of these, one tiger was electrocuted in Kanha Tiger Reserve in November 2008, one tiger was poisoned at Wynad, Kerala in December 2008 and another tiger was reportedly electrocuted near Sakoli in Bhandara district of Maharashtra this month.
The WPSI has seized seven tiger skins and a skeleton during the same period from various places in the country like Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
The death count is most likely to increase as some tigers are missing and their fate unknown, this include two tigresses those are missing from Chandrapur district.
According to various forest departments in the country, 17 tigers found dead in various protected areas were killed by other tigers over territory fight. This include one each in Corbett tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh, Mysore in Karnataka, four cubs and two adult tigers were found dead in Kanha Tiger Reserve, seven tigers were found dead in Kaziranga Tiger Reserve in Assam, while one tiger died during tranquilisation in the Sunderbans in December 2008. Three tiger cubs were recently rescued near Junona in Chandrapur district, which are currently at Maharajbag Zoo in Nagpur along with a cub rescued from forest near Chandrapur.
“The rescued cubs should also be treated as loss since they will never return to the wild. However, the records are sufficient enough to claim that forests have lost 21 tigers,” said Nitin Desai, central India director of WPSI.
According to the information collected by the Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI), three tigers were poached in the country between November 2008 and January 2009. Of these, one tiger was electrocuted in Kanha Tiger Reserve in November 2008, one tiger was poisoned at Wynad, Kerala in December 2008 and another tiger was reportedly electrocuted near Sakoli in Bhandara district of Maharashtra this month.
The WPSI has seized seven tiger skins and a skeleton during the same period from various places in the country like Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
The death count is most likely to increase as some tigers are missing and their fate unknown, this include two tigresses those are missing from Chandrapur district.
According to various forest departments in the country, 17 tigers found dead in various protected areas were killed by other tigers over territory fight. This include one each in Corbett tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh, Mysore in Karnataka, four cubs and two adult tigers were found dead in Kanha Tiger Reserve, seven tigers were found dead in Kaziranga Tiger Reserve in Assam, while one tiger died during tranquilisation in the Sunderbans in December 2008. Three tiger cubs were recently rescued near Junona in Chandrapur district, which are currently at Maharajbag Zoo in Nagpur along with a cub rescued from forest near Chandrapur.
“The rescued cubs should also be treated as loss since they will never return to the wild. However, the records are sufficient enough to claim that forests have lost 21 tigers,” said Nitin Desai, central India director of WPSI.
Bird Smuggling
The anti poaching squad of the state forest department has arrested three persons and recovered two wild birds – one black winged kite and two hawks - from them. The black winged kite was seized from domestic airport while the other two birds were seized from a shop in Crawford Market.
The black winged kite, seized, can easily be trained to hunt and even spying. The Indian armed forces had recently captured one such bird on India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan that was reportedly sent for spying.
Identified as Mohammed Siddiq Sayyad alias Javed, 25 and Farhan Anwar Khan, 23, the accused are residents of Dongri, while Ashfaq Momin, a resident fo Jogeshwari owns a pet shop at Crawford Market.
Siddiq Sayyad had posted an advertisement on a website on January 19 to sale black winged kite. “We received information about the advertisement and possible sale of the birds in the city on January 20,” said assistant conservator of forest SG Phale. Following the information, the officials immediately jumped into action and started surveillance of the accused. After watching his activities for almost a week, forest department officials decided to trap Mohammed Siddiq Sayyad.
Meanwhile, officials got information that he was coming to domestic airport to sale the bird to a person on January 31. Accordingly, a trap was set with the help of activists of Plant and Animals Welfare Society (PAWS), Mumbai and Mohammed Sayyad and his friend Farhan Khan were arrested when they took out the bird from the car at around 5 pm on January 31.
The duo was booked under sections 9, 39, 40, 42, 44, 48(a), 49 and 51 of Wildlife Protection Act. During interrogation, the duo confessed that the bird was procured from Ashfaq Momin. “Momin owns Royal Pet Shop at Crawford Market. The shop was raided on February 5 on information given by Sayyad,” Phale said. M
The black winged kite, seized, can easily be trained to hunt and even spying. The Indian armed forces had recently captured one such bird on India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan that was reportedly sent for spying.
Identified as Mohammed Siddiq Sayyad alias Javed, 25 and Farhan Anwar Khan, 23, the accused are residents of Dongri, while Ashfaq Momin, a resident fo Jogeshwari owns a pet shop at Crawford Market.
Siddiq Sayyad had posted an advertisement on a website on January 19 to sale black winged kite. “We received information about the advertisement and possible sale of the birds in the city on January 20,” said assistant conservator of forest SG Phale. Following the information, the officials immediately jumped into action and started surveillance of the accused. After watching his activities for almost a week, forest department officials decided to trap Mohammed Siddiq Sayyad.
Meanwhile, officials got information that he was coming to domestic airport to sale the bird to a person on January 31. Accordingly, a trap was set with the help of activists of Plant and Animals Welfare Society (PAWS), Mumbai and Mohammed Sayyad and his friend Farhan Khan were arrested when they took out the bird from the car at around 5 pm on January 31.
The duo was booked under sections 9, 39, 40, 42, 44, 48(a), 49 and 51 of Wildlife Protection Act. During interrogation, the duo confessed that the bird was procured from Ashfaq Momin. “Momin owns Royal Pet Shop at Crawford Market. The shop was raided on February 5 on information given by Sayyad,” Phale said. M
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Elephant died........... overdose of tranquiliser???
The state has lost an elephant as a result of mindless policies of state forest department and irresponsible implementing officials. The incident took place on January 12 at Savantvadi.
Lack of experience on part of forest department officials to tranquilise animals once again proved fatal for a 35-year-old female elephant. The state forest department, as a part of the drive to relieve people of Savantvadi and adjoining villages of the elephant maniac, decided to tame wild elephants and domesticate them.
The Principal Chief Conservator of
It is claimed that officials concerned were given proper training to tranquilise the animal and tame it. Even an elephant expert from
According to sources, a team of forest department led by divisional forest officer Naresh Zurmure went on the mission to tranquilise the female elephant on Saturday morning and after searching for some time, fired tranquiliser at the animal. When the animal fell down in afternoon, it was dragged to an open space with the help of domesticated elephants. After reaching the spot around a km away, the elephant was chained there.
Though the animal was stable initially, its condition deteriorated on Sunday. Sources said that hypovolumic shock resulting out of stress for being in captivity led to the death of the animal. However, actual cause of death could only be ascertained after the viscera report expected next week, sources said.
When contacted, state forest minister Babanrao Pachpute said, “Any conclusion in the matter could be drawn only after thorough inquiry into the matter which would begin soon.” The DFO Naresh Zurmure refused to comment on the issue claiming to be busy in meeting.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
