While, the nation is celebrating increase in the tiger population, the environmentalists and experts are not ready to buy the theory, claiming that the figures announced by the government can be challenged on various levels.
“The entire exercise is nothing but eyewash. The very procedure to estimate tiger population in the country is faulty. The estimated figure of 1706 which shows an increase of 295 tigers over last year, can be challenged on various levels,” said Nitin Desai, central India director of Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI). He also challenged the extrapolation theory adopted by the officials to arrive to the conclusion. According to the extrapolation theory, the tiger population in a designated area with camera traps is used as base to determine the same in another near identical area. Tiger population in one area can not be the basis of calculating the same in other area, Desai says.
The another major issue in the entire exercise, according to Desai, is malfunctioning of around 300 out of 500 camera traps used across the country. “It is serious issue that these many camera traps malfunctioned during the process. Though they were replaced, one can not be sure about the results produced at the end,” Desai said.
Sources said that around 60 cameras installed in Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) malfunctioned during the pre-monsoon camera trapping. Similarly, eight camera traps at Radhanagri Wildlife Sanctuary in Kolhapur district were not working for over a week. “If this was the state of affairs in celebrated tiger reserves like TATR, less is better for other areas. Even a considerable portion, where there is considerable tiger population, of TATR was not covered. We fail to understand that how the tiger population in Tadoba landscape went down to 60 this year from 92 during the last census,” Desai said. As far as Maharashtra is concerned, the ground level staff at the forest department is ill equipped to undertake such an exercise. There are all possibilities of wrong data having provided by them which was ultimately used as basis for the further estimation. The core issues such as protection and relocation of villages from forests remain neglected, he said.
According to Debi Goenka, executive trustee of Conservation Action Trust, “There are various short comings in the census methodology. Apart from camera trap malfunctioning, the basic issue remains that the state government data can not be considered authentic for such a massive exercise.” Above all, the estimation of tiger population in non protected areas remains a major concern.
“The total number of tigers has gone up obviously because the area covered during this census is more than double that was covered last year. Moreover, many areas like Sahyadri Tiger Reserve have been added recently,” Desai said. According to Bittu Sahgal, editor Sanctuary magazine and member, national board for wildlife, the new figure represents a course correction over the last enumeration when several large tiger landscapes could not be assessed. “The loss of 20,000 sq kms of tiger habitat is the real story and is more critical to the future of tiger than any periodic ups and downs in numbers. Also that many habitats that we had hoped tigers would move into using corridors we are working protect are being wiped out,” Sahgal said. Nevertheless, many source populations have indeed been well protected and for this due credit must go to the field staff for the rise in tiger numbers. But overall the future of even such populations is more threatened than ever before because lands surrounding natal areas are being rapidly converted to agriculture, mines, dams, roads and other uses that render the habitat unsuitable for tigers. We have less money to protect tigers against the wildlife trade, while budgets to exploit coal and iron ore from tiger habitats have gone up. This will have the effect of wiping even more tiger habitats out, which will inevitably push tiger numbers down permanently, Sahgal feels.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
After Great Indian Bustard (Maldhok), its Owl's turn......... long live human greed!!
Man is considered to be the most intelligent of all the species ever evolved on this planet. The human intelligence is proved by various researches and developments achieved till date. But at the same times, I feel that all the intellect and common sense of self proclaimed intelligence of man goes for a toss when people strive for flesh, bones, organs and even blood of other animals and birds. The so-called status symbol to have a wildlife trophy in the drawing room, consume flesh of birds as aphrodisiac and some birds as pets to ward off evil.
I always wonder, if sparrow had that great sexual abilities to enhance those in humans, why is it in danger today? Why the bird is not able to cope with dwindling numbers due to threat from other birds and animals? And people consume flesh of male sparrow to increase their sexual power!
Similarly, if owl had abilities to ward off evil, it would have never fallen prey to poachers. The recent investigation by TRAFFIC the NGO working to eliminate wildlife trade, the bird is sold for as high as Rs 80,000 to Rs 3 lakh. Ironically, Nagpur, the tiger capital of India has become the hub of illicit trade. According to WPSI Nagpur and Raipur, being close to Satpura range, are the main centres of owl trade. Mominpura is the centre of trade in Nagpur, which attracts several buyers and sellers of the bird. Majority of the sellers are tribals who have made it their main source of earning. The bird is in really high demand for the powers it never had. The black magicians – the main culprits have been taking undue advantages of hidden fear among people to fill their coffers and the poor, helpless bird is at the receiving end. The situation has come to a point of almost no return with inclusion of the bird in the list of endangered species including tiger.
I am really looking forward to the day when one of these animals will evolve to the capacity to teach humans a lesson for their deeds. Amen!
I always wonder, if sparrow had that great sexual abilities to enhance those in humans, why is it in danger today? Why the bird is not able to cope with dwindling numbers due to threat from other birds and animals? And people consume flesh of male sparrow to increase their sexual power!
Similarly, if owl had abilities to ward off evil, it would have never fallen prey to poachers. The recent investigation by TRAFFIC the NGO working to eliminate wildlife trade, the bird is sold for as high as Rs 80,000 to Rs 3 lakh. Ironically, Nagpur, the tiger capital of India has become the hub of illicit trade. According to WPSI Nagpur and Raipur, being close to Satpura range, are the main centres of owl trade. Mominpura is the centre of trade in Nagpur, which attracts several buyers and sellers of the bird. Majority of the sellers are tribals who have made it their main source of earning. The bird is in really high demand for the powers it never had. The black magicians – the main culprits have been taking undue advantages of hidden fear among people to fill their coffers and the poor, helpless bird is at the receiving end. The situation has come to a point of almost no return with inclusion of the bird in the list of endangered species including tiger.
I am really looking forward to the day when one of these animals will evolve to the capacity to teach humans a lesson for their deeds. Amen!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Tribute to Great Indian Bustard!!!
The inevitable has happened. Man has hit the last nail in the coffin of yet another species. After enormous species of plants, animals, birds and insects, human greed has pushed Great Indian Bustard to the point of no return. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and BirdLife International has listed the bird as critically endangered. It will also feature in September 2011 issue of Red List, the book of critically endangered species.
The bird found in India and Pakistan only had very few places it could call home. Unlike other animals and birds, the GIB had only six places in entire India as his ‘official’ home, always under threat. The places included few protected areas in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The number of the bird had been drastically declining since 1980, from 1500-2000, it came down to 300 in 2010.
Let’s hope that the ‘up-gradation’ of the status of GIB prompts the policy makers to take steps to protect the bird! This is high time that government acted to protect the bird and started a conservation programme for it on the lines of Project Tiger. Unfortunately, one can not expect any such decision from the policy makers who cut down the funds allocated to Project Tiger, leaving the national animal to the mercy of God!
Till the end of 2010, the GIB was listed as endangered because of its fragmented population. As is the case of extinction of all the species, except humans, hunting and habitat destruction have played a pivotal role in threat to very existence of the bird. The bird has lost its territory to cultivation, use of pesticide to a dangerous level.
The experts from the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), Wildlife Institute of India (WII), after thorough study of the habitat proposed that the GIB should be upgraded to critically endangered category.
The population of the adult birds has drastically declined from 21 in 2009 to mere nine in 2010 in the bustard sanctuary at Nannaj in Solapur district of Maharashtra. Hunting remains one of the major reasons for the decline in numbers as people take pride in boasting of hunting the bird. The breeding of the bird completely stopped in the sanctuary due to habitat destruction.
The bird found in India and Pakistan only had very few places it could call home. Unlike other animals and birds, the GIB had only six places in entire India as his ‘official’ home, always under threat. The places included few protected areas in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The number of the bird had been drastically declining since 1980, from 1500-2000, it came down to 300 in 2010.
Let’s hope that the ‘up-gradation’ of the status of GIB prompts the policy makers to take steps to protect the bird! This is high time that government acted to protect the bird and started a conservation programme for it on the lines of Project Tiger. Unfortunately, one can not expect any such decision from the policy makers who cut down the funds allocated to Project Tiger, leaving the national animal to the mercy of God!
Till the end of 2010, the GIB was listed as endangered because of its fragmented population. As is the case of extinction of all the species, except humans, hunting and habitat destruction have played a pivotal role in threat to very existence of the bird. The bird has lost its territory to cultivation, use of pesticide to a dangerous level.
The experts from the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), Wildlife Institute of India (WII), after thorough study of the habitat proposed that the GIB should be upgraded to critically endangered category.
The population of the adult birds has drastically declined from 21 in 2009 to mere nine in 2010 in the bustard sanctuary at Nannaj in Solapur district of Maharashtra. Hunting remains one of the major reasons for the decline in numbers as people take pride in boasting of hunting the bird. The breeding of the bird completely stopped in the sanctuary due to habitat destruction.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sand Mafia in MMR
After the brutal murder of Yashvant Sonavane, additional district collector, by oil mafia, the illicit trade and heinous political nexus hit the head lines. Though the government cracked down on the mafia and arrested hundreds of people involved in the trade, senior officials and environmentalists feel that it’s just a tip of iceberg.
Like oil mafia, the sand mafia operational in Thane district is yet another major issue which needs to be strictly dealt with. Every creek in Thane district is today controlled by sand mafia and the administration has turned a blind eye to the blatant violation for obvious reasons. Dozens of dredgers are operating in the creeks in the district and several thousand truck loads of sand is being excavated illegally every day. According to an estimate around 50,000 tones of sand is being illegally excavated in Thane district daily which is supplied to several construction projects going on in Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai including Raigad. Thane district has emerged as a major hub of illegal sand dredging as all the major construction activities are centred in the region. The Vasai creek along Ghodbunder Road in Thane is the centre of illegal sand dredging which is going on unabated due to the political patronage.
The sand dredging has become illegal especially after the recent amendment in CRZ notification which has banned excavation up to 12 nautical miles seawards. Even the Bombay High Court had completely banned large scale mechanised sand excavation. The sand excavation has only become worst in the name of shortage. It is just a gimmick to earn more money since it is a highly lucrative business. Mechanised sand dredging is going on uncontrolled in the areas like Vasai, Virar, Thane,Thakurli Bunder in Kalyan, Mumbra creek, Navi Mumbai and Raigad district. The cases of threatening and assaulting people who oppose them are reported regularly. Hundreds of truck loads of sand illegally excavated from the creeks and rivers in the district is being sent to various construction sites in Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai everyday, the official said. Though officials take action against the culprits regularly, it is not sufficient. Nothing can be done without adequate support from the government. More than 600 sand trucks could be doing daily trip from the creeks in Palghar, Vasai, Kalyan, Bhiwandi and Thane talukas to various construction sites.
As far as sand business in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) is considered, daily income of a handful of locally influential leaders runs into several lakhs of rupees everyday. The anti social elements have grown larger than life with the political patronage they enjoy. The sand mafia in the state are directly connected to the political leaders. All the political leaders having influence in their areas, irrespective of their parties, support sand mafia. The sand mafia is hardly scared of police since their business is controlled by revenue department. Even in revenue department, officials on the posts of circle inspector and above are in their direct contact. As far as Mumbai Metropolitan Region is concerned, influential leaders in respective areas support the illegal sand excavation business. Those in the business have even become strong political leaders.
According to sources, the current rates of sand are in the range of Rs 8000 to Rs 12000 per brass. One brass comprises four ton. Going by the calculation the cost of a truck load of sand costs in the range of Rs 40,000 to Rs 60,000 if considered that a truck carries 20 ton sand.
One in every five sand trucks entering Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane is unloaded at the sand depots owned by locally influential political leader. The scale of the benefit these leaders are getting can be gauged by the fact that around 15000 truck loads of sand is the daily requirement of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Some political leaders influential in sand rich areas of Thane, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Raigad district are earning in the range of Rs 150,00,000 everyday. Even if we consider at least one political leader from five sand rich areas in MMR, each leader is earning a whooping Rs 30,000 lakh per day.
The sand mafia in the state is confident of all the protection for their political bosses. Several Congress and NCP leaders are shielding these people.
Honest officials are harassed by sand mafia and their political fathers to such an extent that one has to even face fabricated charges even like molestation. When some official shows courage to take action against sand mafia, there is no support from the government. Such officials are systematically thrown out and transferred to remote areas and non-executive postings.
Like oil mafia, the sand mafia operational in Thane district is yet another major issue which needs to be strictly dealt with. Every creek in Thane district is today controlled by sand mafia and the administration has turned a blind eye to the blatant violation for obvious reasons. Dozens of dredgers are operating in the creeks in the district and several thousand truck loads of sand is being excavated illegally every day. According to an estimate around 50,000 tones of sand is being illegally excavated in Thane district daily which is supplied to several construction projects going on in Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai including Raigad. Thane district has emerged as a major hub of illegal sand dredging as all the major construction activities are centred in the region. The Vasai creek along Ghodbunder Road in Thane is the centre of illegal sand dredging which is going on unabated due to the political patronage.
The sand dredging has become illegal especially after the recent amendment in CRZ notification which has banned excavation up to 12 nautical miles seawards. Even the Bombay High Court had completely banned large scale mechanised sand excavation. The sand excavation has only become worst in the name of shortage. It is just a gimmick to earn more money since it is a highly lucrative business. Mechanised sand dredging is going on uncontrolled in the areas like Vasai, Virar, Thane,Thakurli Bunder in Kalyan, Mumbra creek, Navi Mumbai and Raigad district. The cases of threatening and assaulting people who oppose them are reported regularly. Hundreds of truck loads of sand illegally excavated from the creeks and rivers in the district is being sent to various construction sites in Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai everyday, the official said. Though officials take action against the culprits regularly, it is not sufficient. Nothing can be done without adequate support from the government. More than 600 sand trucks could be doing daily trip from the creeks in Palghar, Vasai, Kalyan, Bhiwandi and Thane talukas to various construction sites.
As far as sand business in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) is considered, daily income of a handful of locally influential leaders runs into several lakhs of rupees everyday. The anti social elements have grown larger than life with the political patronage they enjoy. The sand mafia in the state are directly connected to the political leaders. All the political leaders having influence in their areas, irrespective of their parties, support sand mafia. The sand mafia is hardly scared of police since their business is controlled by revenue department. Even in revenue department, officials on the posts of circle inspector and above are in their direct contact. As far as Mumbai Metropolitan Region is concerned, influential leaders in respective areas support the illegal sand excavation business. Those in the business have even become strong political leaders.
According to sources, the current rates of sand are in the range of Rs 8000 to Rs 12000 per brass. One brass comprises four ton. Going by the calculation the cost of a truck load of sand costs in the range of Rs 40,000 to Rs 60,000 if considered that a truck carries 20 ton sand.
One in every five sand trucks entering Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane is unloaded at the sand depots owned by locally influential political leader. The scale of the benefit these leaders are getting can be gauged by the fact that around 15000 truck loads of sand is the daily requirement of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Some political leaders influential in sand rich areas of Thane, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Raigad district are earning in the range of Rs 150,00,000 everyday. Even if we consider at least one political leader from five sand rich areas in MMR, each leader is earning a whooping Rs 30,000 lakh per day.
The sand mafia in the state is confident of all the protection for their political bosses. Several Congress and NCP leaders are shielding these people.
Honest officials are harassed by sand mafia and their political fathers to such an extent that one has to even face fabricated charges even like molestation. When some official shows courage to take action against sand mafia, there is no support from the government. Such officials are systematically thrown out and transferred to remote areas and non-executive postings.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Aurangabad police or Afghanistan police (Read Taliban)
The inspector general, Aurangabad Range finally submitted the preliminary report on Harshawardhan Jadhav thrashing, sought more time for further investigations and final report. And once again it is proved that police officials are shielding their clan and honourable Home minister RR Patil who claims to punish the guilty has found himself helpless as ever.
Ironically, the media has completed the investigations and has even reported that PI Kokne who had old revelry with Jadhav was instrumental in the brutal thrashing which can only be compared to Taliban.
The honourable, self proclaimed clean, honest and upright Home minister of the state, made tall assurances as usual after the incident. And as usual, nothing concrete will come out. Not a single officer will ever be punished. This is the track record of beloved RR Aaba.
The police brutality to this extent is new to the state and shocking for common man. If people’s representatives are not safe in the state, are we – common men of the state – really safe?? The answer is no. Jadhav thrashing is just a tip of ice berg. Similar incidents are taking place every day across the state. Inebriated police constables abused and thrashed three youths who were eating at a road side eatery in Navi Mumbai last week. The youths lodged complaints with the CP, DGP and beloved RR Aaba. Nothing has been done till date.
If the recent incidents are any indications, it is clear as sun light that beloved RR Aaba has completely lost control on the police department. A senior inspector dares to break open a flat sealed by Bombay High Court to rape a minor and then remains untraceable for considerable period of time till he is found dead near railway track, a PSI illegally detains a lady abetting her suicide in custody and remains untraceable for over five days, five to six police officers including lady officers brutally thrash a MLA and still no offence against them. Beloved RR Aaba, if you happen to read can I hope for some action from you? It is altogether a different case to expect strict action from a Home minister who was terrified to the core when Kasab and Co was on rampage in the city. I want to ask you a question Aaba. Did your self proclaimed efficient and brave police officials even slap Kasab after he was arrested for killing thousands of innocent people and three really dare devil police officials? Do they have that much courage? But I am sure that your brave police officers dared to brutally thrash Jadhav because they know that you can not act against them.
Ironically, the media has completed the investigations and has even reported that PI Kokne who had old revelry with Jadhav was instrumental in the brutal thrashing which can only be compared to Taliban.
The honourable, self proclaimed clean, honest and upright Home minister of the state, made tall assurances as usual after the incident. And as usual, nothing concrete will come out. Not a single officer will ever be punished. This is the track record of beloved RR Aaba.
The police brutality to this extent is new to the state and shocking for common man. If people’s representatives are not safe in the state, are we – common men of the state – really safe?? The answer is no. Jadhav thrashing is just a tip of ice berg. Similar incidents are taking place every day across the state. Inebriated police constables abused and thrashed three youths who were eating at a road side eatery in Navi Mumbai last week. The youths lodged complaints with the CP, DGP and beloved RR Aaba. Nothing has been done till date.
If the recent incidents are any indications, it is clear as sun light that beloved RR Aaba has completely lost control on the police department. A senior inspector dares to break open a flat sealed by Bombay High Court to rape a minor and then remains untraceable for considerable period of time till he is found dead near railway track, a PSI illegally detains a lady abetting her suicide in custody and remains untraceable for over five days, five to six police officers including lady officers brutally thrash a MLA and still no offence against them. Beloved RR Aaba, if you happen to read can I hope for some action from you? It is altogether a different case to expect strict action from a Home minister who was terrified to the core when Kasab and Co was on rampage in the city. I want to ask you a question Aaba. Did your self proclaimed efficient and brave police officials even slap Kasab after he was arrested for killing thousands of innocent people and three really dare devil police officials? Do they have that much courage? But I am sure that your brave police officers dared to brutally thrash Jadhav because they know that you can not act against them.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
RTI - Right To Information or to get killed????
Anna Hajare should once again go on fast. Here is a classical reason for this. The near fatal assault on RTI activist from Lonawala Arun Mane and the murder of five others over last one year or so.
Though Mane later withdrew his complaint and filed an affidavit saying that it was a fake attack and he had lost mental balance, it does not end the matter. In my opinion, Mane must be under tremendous pressure from the people he was fighting against which forced him to withdraw the complaint. The reason, why I think so is that Mane and his friend Suresh Shetty, who was murdered some months back, had sought some information about land deals involving a corporate house close to Nationalist Congress Party leadership. So, it is quite possible that the party which holds the Home ministry and controls the police force of entire state must have found its friends in serious trouble due the information sought by the RTI activists.
Given the track record of NCP leadership, there are all possibilities of involvement of top leaders in misappropriations in the deals on which Shetty and Mane had sought information about. The situation in the state during the regimen of RR Patil as home minister has been going from bad to worse. Every other crime is committed by NCP men. Let it be murder of Pavanraje Nimbalkar, where a NCP leader had allegedly reached the spot even before local police, or rape and subsequent murder of a married lady near Hinjwadi in Pune or the alleged rape and robbery of a class one lady officer on Pune – Ahmadnagar road. In all these cases, NCP has found its way to the culprits.
Are we heading the UP or Bihar way??
Though Mane later withdrew his complaint and filed an affidavit saying that it was a fake attack and he had lost mental balance, it does not end the matter. In my opinion, Mane must be under tremendous pressure from the people he was fighting against which forced him to withdraw the complaint. The reason, why I think so is that Mane and his friend Suresh Shetty, who was murdered some months back, had sought some information about land deals involving a corporate house close to Nationalist Congress Party leadership. So, it is quite possible that the party which holds the Home ministry and controls the police force of entire state must have found its friends in serious trouble due the information sought by the RTI activists.
Given the track record of NCP leadership, there are all possibilities of involvement of top leaders in misappropriations in the deals on which Shetty and Mane had sought information about. The situation in the state during the regimen of RR Patil as home minister has been going from bad to worse. Every other crime is committed by NCP men. Let it be murder of Pavanraje Nimbalkar, where a NCP leader had allegedly reached the spot even before local police, or rape and subsequent murder of a married lady near Hinjwadi in Pune or the alleged rape and robbery of a class one lady officer on Pune – Ahmadnagar road. In all these cases, NCP has found its way to the culprits.
Are we heading the UP or Bihar way??
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Navi Mumbai Airport!!!!
After approvals to Navi Mumbai International Airport and Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant, the state has suddenly hit the international headlines. A welcome decision from congestion at Mumbai airport and acute power shortage in the state – point of view.
For both the projects, there is support and opposition, as it is in case of any such project. The government has finally had its way in both the projects but the policy makers seem to have ignored the long term effects of these projects. It is a fact that the state needs both the projects. But at what cost? As environmentalists say, both the projects will turn out to be death nails.
The city needs an airport that can carry 1 million passengers. The second airport at Navi Mumbai will meet the needs, as they say it. But the Prafull Patel and Co has completely ignored the possible environmental conditions by the time the airport is ready for actual take off and landing. Given the sea level rise and uninterrupted environmental degradation, there are all possibilities that the sea level will rise to the level of run way which will eventually gulp it. The experts feel that this will happen in next three decades and once it happens, the airport will be rendered useless. That means Rs 16,000 crore to be spent on the project will virtually go in water.
Another aspect of the airport is that the unavoidable effects on Matheran and Elephanta Caves. The flights landing and taking off from the airport will certainly have massive effect on these places. Matheran will lose its identity as hill station and Elephanta Caves face a threat to its very existence. Even if, we manage to save these places, what about the fact that the entire infrastructure would be rendered useless when it would really be needed by the country and state?
For both the projects, there is support and opposition, as it is in case of any such project. The government has finally had its way in both the projects but the policy makers seem to have ignored the long term effects of these projects. It is a fact that the state needs both the projects. But at what cost? As environmentalists say, both the projects will turn out to be death nails.
The city needs an airport that can carry 1 million passengers. The second airport at Navi Mumbai will meet the needs, as they say it. But the Prafull Patel and Co has completely ignored the possible environmental conditions by the time the airport is ready for actual take off and landing. Given the sea level rise and uninterrupted environmental degradation, there are all possibilities that the sea level will rise to the level of run way which will eventually gulp it. The experts feel that this will happen in next three decades and once it happens, the airport will be rendered useless. That means Rs 16,000 crore to be spent on the project will virtually go in water.
Another aspect of the airport is that the unavoidable effects on Matheran and Elephanta Caves. The flights landing and taking off from the airport will certainly have massive effect on these places. Matheran will lose its identity as hill station and Elephanta Caves face a threat to its very existence. Even if, we manage to save these places, what about the fact that the entire infrastructure would be rendered useless when it would really be needed by the country and state?
Monday, November 29, 2010
Claim to Shame!!!!
They have already wrote it off claiming it to be a normal practice of journalists. But the conversations say it all. Now the question is that, do these self proclaimed larger than life journalists – Barkha Dutt and Vir Sanghvi – who do not miss a single opportunity to go overboard and 'cut the politicians to size' – really have a face to anchor talk shows and write full page articles on serious issues of national importance?
In my opinion, no. They do not have right to do that. While the entire nation is doubting their integrity as journalists – which in my opinion Ms Dutt lost long back when she aired the combat plan of Indian Army during Kargil War while working for Star News – should at once stop coming on screen or in print. Given their proximity with the power centre of the nation, no wonder they are honoured with the civil award such as Padmashree.
Surprisingly, when people on streets, buses and local trains of Mumbai were discussing the conversations, Ms Dutt was anchoring the talk show on the topic of huge money wasted as the opposition has stalled the Parliament over demand of constituting JPC to probe telecom scam.
Mr Roy, if you want to save whatever TRP NDTC has, please stop Ms Dutt from being even mentioned about on your channel.
The electronic media, especially self proclaimed elite English and the rowdy Hindi – should concentrate on better stories than wasting time and money on projecting how they are great and everyone else is stupid.
In my opinion, no. They do not have right to do that. While the entire nation is doubting their integrity as journalists – which in my opinion Ms Dutt lost long back when she aired the combat plan of Indian Army during Kargil War while working for Star News – should at once stop coming on screen or in print. Given their proximity with the power centre of the nation, no wonder they are honoured with the civil award such as Padmashree.
Surprisingly, when people on streets, buses and local trains of Mumbai were discussing the conversations, Ms Dutt was anchoring the talk show on the topic of huge money wasted as the opposition has stalled the Parliament over demand of constituting JPC to probe telecom scam.
Mr Roy, if you want to save whatever TRP NDTC has, please stop Ms Dutt from being even mentioned about on your channel.
The electronic media, especially self proclaimed elite English and the rowdy Hindi – should concentrate on better stories than wasting time and money on projecting how they are great and everyone else is stupid.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Forest department doing the job of mining department
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.
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.
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.
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