PA UPDATE 24, April 2000

(Formerly JPAM UPDATE: News on Action towards Joint Protected Area Management)



No. 24April  2000


1
Protected Area Update 24April 2000

EDITORIAL



NEWS FROM INDIAN STATES



Assam
Tea gardens pose threat to Kaziranga
IAS officer caught for poaching in Kaziranga
Veterinary and human care camp at Orang
Gujarat
'Friends of Gir' forum set up

SC permits limited mining in Narayan Sarovar
Marine Park in IUCN Red Data Book
Himachal Pradesh

20,000 trees to be axed near Darlaghat
Cement plant near Bandli rejected
Jammu & Kashmir
Panel set up to amend state wildlife act

Karnataka
SC stays removal of timber from PAs
No to tourism resort inside Nagarhole

Nagarhole to be declared Tiger Reserve
Timber smuggled from Nagarhole
Ecodevelopment programme in Nagarhole draws flak from Project Tiger Steering Committee
Protest against displacement from Anshi/Dandeli
Petition seeking squashing of Bhadra
Illegal mining in Bannerghatta affects elephants
Kerala

Sabrimala pilgrimage impacts Periyar
Maharashtra
Meeting in Nagzira

PA coordination committee for Vidarbha
HC: clear Sanjay Gandhi NP of encroachers
Meghalaya

Land acquisition scam in Balpakhram
Orissa

Field day for timber mafia in Satkosia
Mass nesting of turtles in Gahirmatha
Punjab
Threats to Harike




Rajasthan
Padayatra for the Great Indian Bustard
Sikkim
Biosphere reserve for Kanchendzonga

Tamil Nadu
Petrochem park to adversely affect Pulicat
Traditional graziers affected in Srivilliputhur

Uttar Pradesh
One more elephant death in Rajaji

Airstrip near Valley of Flowers?

NATIONAL NEWS FROM INDIA


10 new Ramsar sites


NEWS FROM SOUTH ASIA


Transboundary Peace Parks proposed

Regional meeting on community based conservation


Bangladesh

New National Garden created
New Ramsar site in Bangladesh

Global Tiger Forum meeting held
Nepal

Locals deprived of compensation at Koshi Tappu
Grass Cutting in Sukhla Phanta scares wildlife
Large scale rhino deaths in Chitwan
Sri Lanka
GEF funding for conservation projects

New biodiversity parks to be set up

UPCOMING


4th Consultation on Wildlife Conservation and People' Livelihood Rights

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Asian Elephant Fund invites proposals
Task Force on Local Communities and PAs
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan
WHAT'S AVAILABLE ?

Illustrated Hand Guide to the Insects of Pench National Park
Collaborative Management of Protected Areas in the Asian Region
'Khichri Ek Khoj / In Search of Khichri'


APPEAL



CORRESPONDENCE



From Roy David on Nagarahole
From Karnasingh Ghorpade on hunting
EDITORIAL



Of Clinton-mania, legalities, and hunting

We would like to express our opposition and anguish at the way preparations were made for the visit of the American president Bill Clinton to the Ranthambhore National Park. While we have no problem in entertaining guests who want to see our wildlife, surely there must be some concern when all norms are thrown to the winds for this? Are national parks for conservation, or for tourists, the more high profile the better?  A convoy of dozens of jeeps and open air trucks, two helicopters hovering over the convoy, engaging the services of dozens of staff just so that Clinton could 'safely' see a tiger: is all this justified? It is a shame that nobody in India's conservation community thought it right to protest against this madness. What we have on the contrary is chest-thumping on the success in 'showing' Clinton a wild tiger. We are congratulating ourselves that we now have some American converts to the cause of India's wildlife, and expressing gratitude that some more American dollars will come our way. Never mind that the US Government continues to be the driving force behind destructive agencies like the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and myriad multinational corporations, and does little to reduce the obscenely destructive consumerism of its own citizens. Never mind that in this very trip, corporate executives accompanying Clinton signed a deal with the private sector S. Kumars to help build the Maheshwar Dam in Madhya Pradesh, which will displace thousands of people and submerge vital aquatic wildlife habitat. If Clinton had announced any basic changes in the way the American state conducts its globally destructive business, we would indeed have applauded.
We can very well do without such tamashas. If we are really worried about saving India's ecosystems and wildlife, it would be much more beneficial to put all this attention into involving local people and the wider Indian public, in creative paths of conservation.
The importance of paying more attention to local communities is highlighted by some of the stories carried in this issue. There continues to be confusion on the legal status of people's rights in protected areas. Despite policy pronouncements to the contrary, there are regular reports from all over the country related to the planned displacement of people from protected areas. This has, as expected, given rise to a lot of opposition and resistance from communities. In Anshi / Dandeli (see NEWS FROM INDIAN STATES, Karnataka) there have been strong people's protests, whereas in Bhadra (see same section), the High Court has been approached by locals to have the sanctuary denotified! One of the main problems has been the lack of effective communication by both the Forest Departments and NGOs, particularly to local communities,  regarding the purpose and need for protected areas. Another root cause is that people are not guaranteed their basic survival resources (not fancy urban infrastructure, but just access to bona fide needs) as rights. Unless these steps are taken, there is no chance of getting this vital constituency on the side of conservation, and demands such as those of the Bhadra villagers will encourage commercial forces waiting for just such an opportunity.
Regarding the correspondence received from Karnasingh Ghorpade on the issue of hunting (see CORRESPONDENCE), we would like to encourage other readers to join in the debate.



NEWS FROM INDIAN STATES



ASSAM
Tea gardens pose threat to Kaziranga

Wildlife experts and forest officials have warned tea gardens in the vicinity of Kaziranga National Park against using pesticides harmful to flora and fauna.
A preliminary study has revealed that waterbodies in the area contain a high percentage of organophosphates and other harmful chemicals, which are detrimental to the ecosystem of the park. It has been recommended that as a first step, the tea gardens should be directed not to use pesticides with organophosphates as the active chemical.
The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) Dehradun, has already shown willingness to conduct research on the harmful effects of pesticides on flora and fauna in Kaziranga National Park, which is also under threat from effluents of the Numaligarh Refinery in Golaghat district.

Source: Anirban Roy. 'Tea garden effluents pose threat to Kaziranga', Telegraph, 24/11/1999.

IAS officer caught for poaching in Kaziranga

B Lai Sekhach, a senior IAS officer, also Secretary, Art and Culture, Govt. of Nagaland, along with five associates, was remanded to 14 days judicial custody for the killing of Schedule I animals in Kaziranga National Park. Volunteers of the organisation 'People for Animals', helped in the arrests by blocking the roads and preventing the offenders from driving away.
Phuleshwar Saikia, Officer in Charge, Bokakhat Police Station and PS Das, Divisional Forest Officer of the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division played an important role in the arrest and detention of the offenders inspite of severe pressure from top officials of Assam and Nagaland.

Source: 'IAS officer, associates remanded for killing Kaziranga animals', Indian Express, 15/02/2000.
Contact: PS Das, DFO, Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, PO Bokakhat -785612, Assam.

Veterinary and human care camp at Orang

The Guwahati based NGO, Early Birds, organised a veterinary cum human care camp in and around Orang National Park in the Darrang district of Assam. The camp which was held for the sixth consecutive year was organised in association with another NGO, the Refinery Employees' Trekkers' Guild.

Source: Letter from Moloy Baruah to PA Update dated 24/01/2000.
Contact: Moloy Baruah, Early Birds, 26, Surujmukhi, PO Silpukhri, Guwahati - 781003, Assam. Tel: 0361 - 546353.
Chief Wildlife Warden - Assam, Rehabari, Guwahati - 781008, Assam.

GUJARAT

'Friends of Gir' forum set up


An internet and e-mail forum called the 'Friends of Gir' has been set up to develop an interest group which will act as a watch dog on the happenings in Gir and also provide scientific support in the shaping of future policies. The website of the group is at http://www.egroups.com/group/gir-lions/
This forum is being supported by the Network of Indian Environment Professionals.

Contact: Chandra Kishore. rosydas@vsnl.com

SC permits limited mining in Narayan Sarovar

The Supreme Court has permitted 'limited' mining from within the Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary and has asked the State government to set up a high level committee to study its impacts.
The court additionally restrained the government from permitting others to carry out mining operations or to put up cement plant within an area of 10 Km from the periphery of the old sanctuary without obtaining orders from the court.(also see PA Update 22, and JPAM Updates 19,12, 11, 10 & 9)

Source: 'SC permits limited mining in sanctuary', Indian Express, 20/02/2000.
Contact: Sarbani Sarkar, Center for Law and Environment, 15-B, Gangaram Hospital Road, New Delhi - 110060. Tel. / Fax: 011 - 5717162. Email: sarbani@vsnl.com

Marine Park in IUCN Red Data Book

The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) has placed the Marine National Park in the Gulf of Kutch in its 'Red Data Book'.
There have been several threats to the park like the recent oil spill, the denotification of the park and the proposed Bharat Oman Refineries limited (BORL).
Source: Manas Dasgupta. 'Human activity poses threat to marine life', The Hindu, 29/02/2000.
Contact: Harshad Kumari, INTACH-Gujarat, Pratap Vilas Palace, Palace Road, Jamnagar- 361008, Gujarat. Tel: 0288-558746.
Chief Wildlife Warden - Gujarat, Block 14, Dr, Jivraj Mehta Bhavan, Old Sachivalaya, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Tel: 02712-30007. Fax: 21097.

HIMACHAL PRADESH


20,000 trees to be axed near Darlaghat

The Union Environment Ministry has given a green signal to the State government proposal for the leasing out of 1285 bighas of land near the Darlaghat Sanctuary to M/s Gujarat Ambuja Cement for limestone mining. It is feared that at least 20,000 green trees will get axed in the process.
The factory authorities have said that they have already paid Rs. 71 lakhs for the lease and compensatory plantation elsewhere. It was pointed out that the agreement for mining in the area had been signed in 1992 and the compensation was deposited with the government in 1995.
It will be recalled that in 1991, the government had denotified Darlaghat Wildlife Sanctuary for setting up the cement factory.
Meanwhile, residents of the area too are reported to be annoyed over the step because it will lead to the loss of green cover. Various environmentalists have also lodged a protest with the Prime Minister in this regard.

Source: SP Sharma. '20,000 green trees to be axed', Tribune, 04/11/1999.

Cement plant near Bandli rejected


The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), has rejected the proposal for the setting up of a cement plant at Sundernagar on the ground that it was too close to the Bandli Wildlife Sanctuary. The plant site was only 500m from the boundary of the sanctuary and the mining area too fell in its close proximity.

Source: 'Centre rejects cement plant proposal', Tribune, 18/12/99.
Contact: Chief Wildlife Warden - HP, Mistchamber, Khalini, Shimla - 171002, Himachal Pradesh. Tel: 0177-201660 / 223030.

JAMMU & KASHMIR


Panel set up to amend state wildlife act


The J&K government has set up a committee to examine what amendments were needed to the state's wildlife protection act to update it. Last year, the J&K Wildlife Department too had formulated a proposal envisaging amendments to the act. J&K is the only state in the country where killing of endangered species is allowed for the payment of a royalty fee (also see PA Update 20).

Source: 'J&K govt. sets up panel to update wildlife act', The Times of India, 04/03/2000.
Contact: Chief Wildlife Warden - J&K, T.R.C., Srinagar - 190001, J&K. Tel: 0191 - 544575, 0194 - 452469.

KARNATAKA


SC stays removal of timber from PAs


The Karnataka state government move to allow commercial extraction of timber from national parks and wildlife sanctuaries was stayed by the Supreme Court which found the order to be violative of the Wild Life (Protection) Act (WLPA) - 1972. The state government had allowed this extraction by the promulgation of a blanket order on December 2, 1999.
The order of the SC restrains all states and union territories from removing dead, diseased, dying or windfallen trees as well as driftwood and grass from any PA or forest. It further clarifies that if any state government has already passed such an order, the execution of the same stands stayed with immediate effect.
Various groups had opposed the move of the state government. These included Wildlife First, Wildlife Watch, Nature Conservation Guild, Green Watchers, Coorg Wildlife Society, Arohana, Wildlife Action Group, and Kalpavriksh among others.

Source: 'Govt. should reconsider order allowing felling of trees', The Hindu, 14/02/2000.
'SC stays Govt. move to allow timber felling in forests', The Hindu, 20/02/2000.
'SC bans felling of trees in forests', Indian Express, 02/03/2000.

No to tourism resort inside Nagarhole


The Centre has once again turned down the Karnataka State government appeal to reconsider its decision to cancel the permission given to M/s Gateway Hotels and Gateway Resorts for a tourist complex within the core area of the Rajiv Gandhi (Nagarhole) National Park as an ecotourism venture.
In a recent communication to the State Government, the Assistant Inspector General of Forests in the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), RK Gupta said that there was no justification for such a large tourist complex in the core area of the park. He further directed that the state government should immediately take possession of the forest area along with the structures that had been leased out (see also PA Update 22, JPAM Updates 17 & 13).

Source: Vinay Madhav. 'Central Government seals the fate of Gateway eco-venture', Indian Express, 23/02/99.
Contact: RK Gupta, Asst. IGF, MoEF, Paryavaran Bhavan, CGO Complex, Lodi Estate, New Delhi - 110003. Tel: 011 - 4360627
SR Hiremath, Samaj Parivartana Samudaya, Ashadeep Jayanagar Cross, Saptapur,  Dharwad - 580001, Karnataka. Tel: 0836 - 773038. Fax: 778653. Email: srh@sps.ilban.ernet.in

Nagarhole to be declared Tiger Reserve

The Nagarhole National Park is to be declared a Project Tiger Reserve, making it the third such reserve in the state. This will result in integrating projects like Project Tiger, the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve and the Beneficiary Oriented Tribal Development Scheme under the same umbrella.

Source: S Bharath Kumar. 'Nagarhole park to be declared Tiger reserve', The Hindu, 17/02/2000.

Timber smuggled from Nagarhole

Timber of an estimated value of over Rs. 18 lakhs (estimated quantity 35 cu. m.) was recently smuggled out from the Kolangere section of the Kallalla range of the Nagarhole National Park. Large quantities of cheap liquor bottles and meat masala packets found at the site indicate that the smugglers had set up camp for at least a few weeks and that the operation was carried in connivance with some forest department staff. KM Chinnappa, a retired Range Forest Officer of the park and the Budakattu Krishikara Sangha (BKS) a tribal organisation working in the park were instrumental in bringing this destruction to light. The BKS had alerted the Asst. Conservator of Forests in December 1999, but an enquiry by him revealed nothing. The BKS then informed the Deputy Commissioner, following which the Forest Mobile Squad combed the area and located the area of the destruction in February.
Subsequently four forest officials (the Range Forest Officer (RFO) of the Kallalla range, forester, two senior guards) were suspended on charges of dereliction of duty.

Source: K J Chinnappa. 'Plunder of precious timber comes as a shock', The Hindu, 26/02/2000.
'RFO suspended in teak smuggling case', The Hindu, 22/03/2000
Contact: KM Chinnappa, Wildlife First, 249, 4th Main, Chamarajpet. Bangalore - 560018
Ecodevelopment programme in Nagarhole draws flak from Project Tiger Steering Committee

The Project Tiger Steering Committee (PTSC) has pointed out that the World Bank - GEF funded Ecodevelopment project (EDP) at Nagarhole has done more damage to the park than benefitting it. The Committee which visited the park recently found that protection (vigilance) work at the park was being carried out by only 25% of the required staff strength, making the park vulnerable to illegal activities like illicit felling (see earlier news item) and poaching. The main reason for this was that the EDP has drawn staff involved in protection work for programme implementation, violating the directive of the central government that 'no protection staff should be used for eco-development projects'.

Source: 'Staff shortage hits work at Nagarhole National Park', Indian Express, 28/02/2000.
Contact: Valmik Thapar, Ranthambhore Foundation, 19, Kautilya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi - 110 021. Tel: 011- 3016261. Fax: 3019457. Email: tiger@vsnl.com

Protest Against displacement from Anshi / Dandeli

Tribal inhabitants of the forests comprising Anshi National Park (ANP) and Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary along with NGOs like the Vriksha Laksha Andolan, the Gowli Bhoomi Samrakshana Samiti and the Anshi Parisara Samiti recently held demonstrations against their displacement. They alleged that over 4000 tribal people would be rendered homeless as they were to be evicted by the FD.
The Deputy Conservator of Forests (Wildlife Division) has clarified that the area of the ANP is inhabited by only 21 families and only these will have to be moved. However this seems to contradict the earlier reported decision of the Karnataka govt. to avoid displacement of people from ANP by converting the inhabited areas into a sanctuary (see PA Update 22)

Source: RS Habbu. 'Dandeli tribal people refuse to move out' The Hindu, 10/03/2000.

Petition seeking squashing of Bhadra

The Bhadra Abhayaranya Santhrastha Gramasthara Hitrakshana Samiti (BASGHS) recently filed a peition in the Karnataka High Court asking the initial and final notifications of 1974 and 1998 respectively, related to the formation of the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, be squashed as this has prevented the development of the region and its people.
The petitioner, HM Shankara, President, BASGHS pointed out that since 1974, when the initial notification was issued, public works like construction of roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, public transport facilities, drinking water etc. had come to a standstill. He further noted that 24 years were spent before the final notification was issued and no attempts were made by the government to conduct a proper enquiry.
The petitioner pointed out that the villagers were not being provided any rehabilitation because of the sanctuary, while vast areas of dense forests in the region were not covered by the notifications to spare the large holdings of planters.
A division bench of the court, admitted the petition only on the grounds of rehabilitation and directed the government to state the steps taken in this regard.

Source: 'HC asks Govt to state rehabilitation measures', Deccan Herald, 04/01/2000.

Illegal mining in Bannerghatta affects elephants

Illegal quarrying around the Bannerghata National Park is adversely affecting elephants in the park, and this in turn is affecting the neighbouring villages. Affected by the quarrying, the elephants often run amock causing damage in these villages.
It is estimated that there are nearly 40 such illegal quarries operating in the area. Recently, various animal rights organisations came together to deal with the issue and have formed a group called the Protection of Elephants and Care of the Environment (PEACE).

Source: Kanak Hirani. 'Elephants affected by illegal quarrying', The Times of India, 23/02/2000.
Contact: Chief Wildlife Warden - Karnataka, 2nd Floor, 18th Cross, Malleshwaram, Bangalore - 560003, Karnataka. Tel: 080-3341993.

KERALA


Sabrimala pilgrimage impacts Periyar

The forests and wildlife of the Periyar Tiger Reserve are facing serious impacts from the annual pilgrimage to the Sabrimala shrine that is located inside the reserve.  The temple attracts around 60 million pilgrims during the 60 day season at the year end and nets some Rs. 50 crores in revenue. It is also estimated that around 900 tonnes of night soil, 500 tonnes of coconut shells, 10 tonnes of plastic, paper and various other packing materials are generated here during the pilgrimage season, every year. The Devaswom Board and the shopkeepers estimate that over 150 tonnes of firewood is consumed in the same period.
There have been reports of the death of number of wild animals here in the last few years. This happens either because of constipation resulting from the consumption of non-degradable materials like plastics or poisoning from the intake of bacteria infested food and water. The latest victim has been a cow elephant that died close to the shrine because of suspected poisoning from the intake of contaminated food and water.
The river Pampa has been badly polluted and all the streams and waterholes in areas along the pilgrimage route from Kozhikkanam to Uppupara are allegedly contaminated with faeces and putrefying food materials making them unfit for wildlife.
Some attempts, however, are being made to rectify the situation. The Project Tiger authorities have decided that firewood would not be supplied for the next season. Instead, the several hundred tonnes of coconut shells and other such matter will be used and this will be supplemented with supplies of Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG). Efforts are also being made to persuade the government to allow the ecodevelopment committees formed of locals and tribals as part of the World Bank funded project, to manage the main routes to Sabrimala. There are also other recommendations: setting up of a sewage plant and water purifier for the pilgrims, disallowing tree cutting for firewood and preventing camping within a 10 kms radius of the temple (also see PA Updates 23& 21 JPAM Update 20,).

Source: PK Surendran. 'Sabarimala's vicinity dangerously polluted', The Times of India, 28/12/99.
B Prathapan. 'Elephant dies after taking contaminated water', The Hindu, 07/02/2000
'Degradation plays fatal role in Periyar tiger reserve', Indian Express, 09/02/2000.
Contact: Field Director - Periyar TR, Aranya Bhavan, Forest Complex, SH Mount, PO Kottayam - 686006, Kerala. Tel / Fax: 0481-565940. Email: root@trperiy.ren.nic.in
Chief Wildlife Warden - Kerala, Vazhudacaud, Trivandrum - 695014, Kerala. Tel: 0471-322217 / 204896. Fax: 325804.

MAHARASHTRA


Meeting in Nagzira


A one day meeting on 'Community participation in wildlife conservation' in Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary was held on March 1. The meeting was called by the Asst. Conservator of Forests in charge of the sanctuary and was attended by the local villagers and conservationists.

Source: Circular of the Forest Department dated 25/02/2000
Personal communication received from Adv. Sanjeev Gajbhiye
Contact: AM Anjankar, ACF - Nagzira Wildlfe Sanctuary, At and Post Sakoli, Dist. Gondia, Maharashtra.
Adv. Sanjeev Gajbhiye, Mahal Road, Bhandara - 441904, Maharashtra. Tel: 07184 - 52023

PA coordination committee for Vidarbha

NGOs working in protected areas in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra have decided to set up a Vidarbha level PA coordination committee. It will comprise of the Vidarbha Nature Conservation Society (VNCS), Youth for Unity and Voluntary Action (YUVA), KHOJ and Srujan. This decision was taken in a meeting held in Nagpur on March 17 - 18. The issue of settlement of rights of people in protected areas will be taken up on a priority and a larger region level meeting has been planned for the middle of May. Outside NGOs like Kalpavriksh are also assisting this process.

Contact: Dilip Gode, VNCS, Tidke Ashram, Ganeshpeth, Nagpur - 440018, Maharashtra. Tel: 0712-728942 / 722748 / 727363. Fax: 722748. Email: vncs@nagpur.dot.net.in
Sachit Bhandarkar, YUVA, Kamgar Bhavan, 2nd Floor, Baidnath Square, Rambag, Nagpur - 440009, Maharashtra. Tel: 0712 - 740024 / 231169. Email: yuvan@nagpur.dot.net.in
Purnima Upadhayay, KHOJ, C/o Sri PM Khandelwal, Near Govind Lodge, Gujari Bazar, Paratwada - 444805, Maharashtra. Tel: 07223 - 20425.
Ajay Dolke, Srujan, C/o Adv. Bibekar, Pandhar Kawda, Yavatmal - 445302, Maharashtra.

HC: clear Sanjay Gandhi NP of encroachers

The Bombay High Court ordered the state government to persuade those encroachers who are eligible under its rehabilitation plan to join the scheme or face eviction on March 21. The eviction was to be carried out with the help of two companies of the State Reserve Police (SRP). The ultimatum was issued in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the Bombay Environment Action Group (BEAG, which alleged that there were as many as 33,000 illegal hutments inside the national park.  (also see PA Updates 23 & 22).
According to reports received at the time of going to press, the demolition of the encroachments was going on. However DFO AR Bharati, the person responsible for the demolitions was threatened by a group of people incluiding some of the encroachers and the MLA of the area.

Source: 'Govt. told to clear Sanjay Gandhi Park of encroachers by March 21', The Times of India 06/03/2000.
'Sloganeering slumdwellers bundled out of court', The Times of India, 14/03/2000.
Email from Latha Warrier <latha@airandadventure.com>  dated 28/03/2000
Contact: Debi Goenka, BEAG, Kalbadevi Municipal School, No. 54, 2nd Floor, Mumbai - 400002, Maharashtra. Tel: 022-2423126. Fax: 2426385. Email: debi.beag@softhome.net
DFO, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivli (E), Mumbai - 400066, Maharashtra

MEGHALAYA


Land acquisition scam in Balpakhram


There has been a huge scam involving acquisition of land for the Balpakhram National Park. The land tenure system in the state is such that the government does not own any land. To create sanctuaries or national parks, the government has to purchase land from private people. Crores of rupees have been given for the acquisition of the land for the park, but the ownership of the land has not been transferred to the park authorities. Whereas the official documents say that the area of the park is 425 sq. kms, a survey in 1998 by the then Chief Wildlife Warden of the state, SB Singh revealed that the actual area was only 169 sq. kms.
Singh's findings have clearly indicated that a massive fraud had taken place over the years, in which unscrupulous politicians, hand in glove with landowners and government officials, had allegedly siphoned off crores of rupees in the name of purchasing land for the park.
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) had been filed in the matter before the Guwahati High Court. The petitioner however withdrew the case when it was learnt that the Government of Meghalaya was to hand over the issue to the Central Bureau for Investigation (CBI) and the Chief Minister had assured the same. The Court thus dismissed the case, but the State Government too went back on its promise and though many months have passed there is no sign of the promised CBI enquiry. The government had not even prepared the chargesheet which is mandatory before the CBI steps in.

Source: Linda Chhakchhuak. 'An elephantine question', Grassroots Options, Autumn 1999.
Contact: Chief Wildlife Warden, Govt. of Meghalaya, Lower Luchimiere, Risa Colony, Shillong - 793001, Meghalaya.

ORISSA


Field day for timber mafia in Satkosia

Reports suggest that timber merchants and some saw mill owners and others engaged in the timber trade have benefited greatly by dealing in the timber from the trees that were uprooted in the super cyclone that recently struck Orissa. The Satkosia Sanctuary encompassing forests of Nayagarh, Boudh, Cuttack and Angul districts has been one of the main targets of the timber mafia. Armed gangs who had shifted their presence from the Angul division after the murder of a forest guard are reported to have returned to the area. According to a senior forest official, the gangs enter the sanctuary in large numbers making it difficult to check their entry.

Source: 'Field day for timber mafia', Statesman, 22/11/1999.

Mass nesting of turtles in Gahirmatha


Over seven lakh Olive Ridley turtles are reported to have nested at the Nasi and Babubali islands on the Gahirmatha coast of Orissa. This is the highest number of turtles seen here since recording of their arrivals was started nearly 15 years ago. Nearly three lakh turtles had nested here last year, and there had been no mass nesting in 1997 and 1998.

Source: Prafulla Das. 'Seven lakh Olive Ridleys arrive to nest in Orissa', The Hindu, 27/03/2000.
Rajaram Satapathy. 'Orissa awaits birth of Olive Ridleys in thousands' The Times of India, 29/03/2000.
Contact: Biswajit Mohanty, Wildlife Society of Orissa, Shantikunj, Link Road, Cuttack - 753012, Orissa. Tel: 0671 - 611513 / 610980. Fax: 610980. Email: biswajit@cal.vsnl.net.in
Chief Wildlife Warden - Orissa, Plot No. 8, Shahid Nagar, Bhubaneshwar - 751007, Orissa. Tel: 0674-513134 / 515840. Fax: 512502.

PUNJAB


Threats to Harike


Large scale fishing and poaching of ducks from the Harike Lake Wildlife Sanctuary is seriously affecting this Ramsar site in Punjab.
Three contractors were issued licenses for fishing in the lake by the Fisheries Department on November 17, 1999, just one day before the final notification regarding the boundaries of the sanctuary was issued. This is in violation of the Wild life (Protection) Act (WLPA) - 1972. However, when wildlife officials obstructed the fishing in the lake the contractors filed a suit with the additional civil judge. The court granted an interim order restraining the authorities from taking any action against the contractors who had already paid a substantial part of their license fee of Rs. 60 lakhs to the government.
Till last year the waters falling within the Harike Sanctuary were excluded from fishing rights, but this year this has been reversed. The Chief Wildlife Warden of the state is planning to move the high court against the interim order of the subordinate court.
Simultaneously, poaching of wildfowl in the lake has also increased dramatically. Various methods are used to trap and / or kill the birds. These include blinding of the bird with powerful search lights and then clubbing them with a lathi. The tubers that the ducks eat are poisoned with the help of Furatex, a common pesticide, and others use shotguns with their barrels sawn off.

Source: Surinder Awasthi. 'Fishing in Harike sanctuary defies Act', The Times of India, 13/01/2000.
Vikram Jit Singh. 'A duck from wildlife sanctuary for Rs. 30 only', Indian Express, 17/01/2000.
Contact: Chief Wildlife Warden -Punjab, SCD, 2463 - 64, Sector B-C, Chandigarh. Tel: 0172 - 705828.

RAJASTHAN


Padayatra for the Great Indian Bustard


A team of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) led by the Director Dr. Asad Rahmani conducted a padayatra in February early this year for the conservation of the Great Indian Bustard. The padayatra was over a period of 10 days and covered a distance of 335 Kms.

Source: 'BNHS padayatra', Indian Express, 17/02/2000.
Contact: Dr.Asad Rahmani, BNHS, Hornbill House, Dr.Salim Ali Chowk, Shahid Bhagat Singh Marg, Mumbai - 400023, Maharashtra. Tel: 022 - 2821811. Fax: 2837615. Email: bnhs@bom3.vsnl.net.in

SIKKIM

Biosphere reserve for Kanchendzonga


The Kanchendzonga Mountain and its surrounding areas are to be notified as a biosphere reserve. The proposal is to create a 2200 sq. kms. reserve which will include about 1700 sq. kms. of the Kanchendzonga National Park.

Source: 'Kancehnjunga biosphere reserve', Indian Express, 13/03/2000.
Contact: Pema Bhutia, KCC, PO Yuksam, West Sikkim - 737113, Sikkim.
AP Krishna, GB Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Sikkim Unit, Tadong, Gangtok, Sikkim


TAMIL NADU


Petrochem park to adversely affect Pulicat

An expert panel has suggested that the major industrial projects on the coastal stretch at Ennore near Chennai be scrapped. The panel reported that Ennore and its neighbourhood were on the verge of an ecological disaster and if the Pulicat lake was to be saved, the petrochemical plant and proposed liquid natural gas (LNG) terminal should not be commissioned. The report also says that all the projects were in violation of coastal area laws as the entire Ennore area fell under CRZ - I classification.
The panel was headed by the Mr H Suresh, a retired judge of the Bombay High Court. The other members included A Srinivasan, former joint director (research) of the State Fisheries Department, Dr Vasanthi Devi, former vice-chancellor of the Manonmaniam Sundaranar University and Dr. M Arunachalam, an environmental scientist.

Source: 'Green Panel against petrochem park', Business Standard, 03/03/2000.

Traditional graziers affected in Srivilliputhur


Over than 500 traditional grazier families who are dependant on the forests of the Srivilliputhur region (Virudhunagar dist.) including the Grizzled Giant Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary are being denied access to the grazing ground for their cattle, resulting in severe hardships for them. The graziers practice a traditional cattle penning system called 'kedai'  which has helped conserve local breeds of cattle and provide income for landless families. The herders follow a rotational system of grazing forest and fallow lands in the monsoon period and the non agricultural system respectively.
Forest officials of the wildlife sanctuary have begun to allegedly harass the herders by taking them into custody and not releasing them until penalties ranging from Rs, 3,000 to Rs. 12,000 are not paid. They are also known to collect additional money without issuing receipts for the same.

Source: Email to helpasia@egroups.com  dated 25/02/2000.
Contact: S Rengaswamy, Watrap Block Herders Association, Kansapuram, Srivilliputhur Taluka, Virudhunagar Dist, Tamil Nadu.
Chief Wildlife Warden-TN, 6D, Panagal Building, Jeenis Road, Saidapet, Chennai -600022, Tamil Nadu. Tel: 044 - 4321738.

UTTAR PRADESH


One more elephant death in Rajaji


One more elephant, this time a calf, was killed by a speeding train in Rajaji National Park in early January this year. Meanwhile a senior level meeting of the railway authorities led by their Northern India chief, PC Sharma and the Forest Department (FD) led by the Additional Inspector General (Addl. IG) - Forests, SC Sharma was held to find a solution to this problem. No consensus could however be reached.
The railway authorities have said that the Forest Department demand for the slowing down of the trains in the 15 Kms through the national park was 'unreasonable and economically unviable'. The wildlife authorities have dismissed as 'totally impractical' the railway's suggestions to dig ditches along the track, and set up observation towers at strategic points to alert the approaching trains. (also see PA Updates 23, 21, and 20).

Source: Ajay Suri. 'Railways, Forest Department lock horns as elephants die on tracks', Indian Express, 29/01/2000.
Contact: PC Goyal, Director, Rajaji National Park, Shivalik House, Dehradun- 248001, Uttar Pradesh.
SC Sharma, Addl. IGF, MoEF, Paryavaran Bhavan, CGO Complex, Lodi Estate, New Delhi - 110003. Tel: 011- 4362285.

Airstrip near Valley of Flowers?

Environmentalists have opposed the Uttar Pradesh government proposal for the construction of an airstrip near the Valley of Flowers National PArk. The construction is aimed at providing additional  facilities to pilgrims as well as tourists visiting the area. This plan is in addition to the recent proposal of the International Khalsa Foundation to build a 20 km road from Govindghat to Hemkunt, a 500 serai and a bus stand in Chamoli. (also see PA Update 20).

Source: 'Plan to construct airstrip annoys environmentalists', The Times of India, 30/01/2000.
Contact: Om Prakash Bhatt, Dasholi Gram Swarajya Mandal, Gopeshwar, Dist. Chamoli - 246401, Uttar Pradesh.  Uttar Pradesh.
Chief Wildlife Warden-UP, 17, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow - 226001, Uttar Pradesh. Tel: 0522-283864. Fax: 283868.


NATIONAL NEWS



10 new Ramsar sites

The Union Ministry of environment and forests has designated 10 more wetland areas as Ramsar sites, covering an area of nearly 11 lakh hectares. The sites are Tse Morari (Jammu and Kashmir), Lali Sanctuary (Arunachal Pradesh), Dipor Beel (Assam), Pong Dam (Himachal Pradesh), Kabar Tal ( Bihar), East Calcutta wetlands (West Bengal), Bhitarkanika Sanctuary (Orissa), Point Calimere Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu), Pulicat Lake (Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh) and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Ramsar sites are those wetlands that are designated to be of global importance under an international agreement on wetlands of international importance that was signed in Ramsar, Iran.

Source: 'Govt spots 10 wetlands for development', Business Standard, 03/02/2000

National Biodiversity Action Plan being launched

The central Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) is launching, on 11 April 2000, the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) process. India is required, under the Convention on Biological Diversity, to prepare such a plan. The thrust of the NBSAP would be to prepare, in specific detail, the kind of steps needed to conserve biodiversity, sustainably use biological resources, and equitably share the benefits of such use. Interestingly, the MoEF has entrusted the task of directing the process to a Technical and Policy Core Group (TPCG), headed by the NGO Kalpavriksh. The TPCG has prepared a detailed Process Outline, which envisages an extremely widespread process of involvement from all sectors, starting with grassroots organisations and people's movements across the country. The planning process is to happen at various levels: sub-state (districts or regions), state, thematic, ecoregional, and national.

Contact: Ashish Kothari, Kalpavriksh, Coordinator TPCG, c/o C. Renuka, BCIL, Kundan House 4th Floor, 16 Nehru Place, New Delhi 110019. Tel: 011-6415385, 6474641; Fax: 6219541; Email: bcil@nda.vsnl.net.in or ashish@nda.vsnl.net.in.


SOUTH ASIA



Transboundary Peace Parks proposed

WWF - International has proposed 'Peace Parks' to ensure contiguous forest areas across borders for the movement of wildlife in South Asian countries.
According to WWF - International President, S. Babar Ali, there are at least seven Indian National Parks and reserve forests in India adjoining Nepal, Burma, Bangladesh and Pakistan. These include Dudhwa National Park, Katernia Wildlife Sanctuary, Suhelwa Sanctuary, Sobebarwa Sanctuary, Valmiki Tiger Reserve, Singhalila National Park and the Sundarbans in India and Royal Chitwan National Park, Royal Bardia National Park, Royal Sukhlaphanta Wildlife Reserve and Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in Nepal and the Sundarbans in Bangladesh (see JPAM Update 20,).
The concept of Peace Parks involves an improved dialogue regarding park management between the countries to avoid damage to the animal habitat.

Source: Poornima Joshi. 'Peace Parks by WWF - International'. Hindustan Times,

Regional meeting on community based conservation

On 20-21st March, 2000, a South Asian regional meeting on community based conservation and natural resource management was organised by the IUCN Sustainable Use Specialist Group, INTACH, and Kalpavriksh, in New Delhi. Amongst other topics, community involvement in protected area management was a major focus. Participants from each country presented case studies where such involvement is taking place, and the kind of institutional and policy changes that are needed to enable further spread of this model of conservation.

Contact: Javed Ahmed, Sustainable Use Specialist Group, IUCN, House 26, St. 87, G-6/3 Islamabad, Pakistan. Tel: 92-51-270686; Fax: 270688; Email: jahmed@susg.sdnpk.undp.org.
BANGLADESH


New National Garden created

The Ministry of Environment and Forests, Bangladesh has declared two reserved forest areas in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) as 'National Garden' for the protection of biodiversity and the environment.
2,924.7 acres of reserved forests in Kamaphuli Forest Range and 2,540.08 acres in Kaptai Forest Range of Chittagong Hill Tracts South Forest Division have been included and a comprehensive plan for Taka 9.98 crore has been prepared for the development of the garden at Kaptai.

Source: '5,465 acres of reserved forest declared new National Garden'. Bangladesh Observer. 13/10/1999.

New Ramsar site in Bangladesh


Tanguar Haor, the biggest wetland in Bangladesh is to be declared a Ramsar Site. The wetland that is spread over 10,000 hectares is located in the eastern Sunamganj district and had been declared an 'ecologically critical area' in 1996 under the country's relevant law.

Source: Nirmal Ghosh on email to nathistory-india@lists.princeton.edu dated 14/01/2000.

Global Tiger Forum meeting held

The first General Assembly of the Global Tiger Forum was held in Bangladesh in January. A 10 point 'Dhaka Declaration on Tiger Conservation' was adopted on the occasion. A decision was also taken to promote inter-state protocols to save the big cat and the forests of the Sundarbans, Royal Chitwan / Valmiki / Parsa / and Bardia / Sohelwa, the May Urang and Chin Hills, and Royal Manas and Phipsoo were earmarked for this purpose. The meeting was attended by representatives of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Vietnam, Russia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal and United Kingdom and observers from the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES), and World Wide Fund of Nature (WWF) - International.

Source: 'Bid to protect 7,436 tigers in 14 countries', Bangladesh Observer, 21/01/2000.
'Tiger to be extinct by 2010?', The Observor of Business and Politics, 27/01/2000.

NEPAL


Locals deprived of compensation at Koshi Tappu

Residents of Sunsari district living in the east of the Sapta Koshi river have alleged that the government has not provided compensation for their land which is being used by Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve for about three decades.
Although the wildlife authorities had said that compensation would be paid gradually, this has not been done and the people are being forced to live as landless dwellers on public land.
This problem of compensation reportedly became a big issue in the recent general election. All political parties and candidates had promised that the problem would be resolved, but nothing had happened even three months after the elections.

Source: 'Locals deprived of compensation'. Kathmandu Post. 01/10/99.

Grass Cutting in Sukhla Phanta scares wildlife

The Royal Sukhla Phanta Wildlife Reserve was opened to surrounding villagers for grass cutting for 5 days in January. This annual event which occurs over 7 days every year was reduced to 5 this time. Some forest officials are of the opinion that this activity not only benefits the villagers but also helps them in managing the grasslands here. Other officials and some conservationists, however, are of the opinion that this is adversely affecting the wildlife. Besides collecting grass, villagers have also been taking away timber and at times have been found setting fire in the park.

Source: Chitranga Thapa. 'Grass-cutting chore scares wildlife', Kathmandu Post, 21/01/2000.

Large scale rhino deaths in Chitwan


At least 42 rhinos were reported to have died in and around the Royal Chitwan National Park in the last fifteen months. This is the largest number of deaths in recent times and has shocked the conservation community. The deaths have been attributed to conflict within the dense rhino population in the park and the conflict with villagers living around the park. Officials have said that of the 42, 31 rhinos died of natural causes while the other 11 were killed either by poachers or villagers. Reason for this also is the fact, that while the population of the animals has continued to increase, the size of their habitat has decreased.
To curb problems arising due to over-population in Chitwan, the Nepalese authorities have so far translocated four dozen rhinos to the Royal Bardia National Park. There are also plans to translocate some rhinos to the Sukhla Phanta Wildlife Reserve in the far western region of Nepal.

Source: Surendra Phuyal. 'Rhinoceroses' death rate shocking', Kathmandu Post, 24/11/2000.
Deepak Gajurel. 'Chitwan Park launches investigation into rhino loss', Environment News Service, Kathmandu, 14/12/99.
Surendra Phuyal. 'Rhinos threatened againthanks to rising population', Kathmandu Post, 16/12/99.
'Moving rhinos for their survival', Zoo's Print, March 2000.
Contact: Director, Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation,PO Box 860, Babarmahal, Kathmandu, Nepal. Tel: + 977 1 227675. Fax: 250850.

SRI LANKA


GEF funding for conservation projects


The Washington based Global Environment Facility (GEF) has pledged grant assistance to the value of US$ 1.85 million to three environment related projects in Sri Lanka.
The projects managed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) include the conservation of the 10,139 hectares Kanneliya Dediyagala and Nakiyadeniya (KDN) forest complex, the conservation of the biodiversity in the Rekawa, Ussangoda and Kalametiya coastal ecosystems and assistance to non-governmental and community based organisations.
The project for NGOs and community based organisations is to address four areas of global significance (concerning land degradation) - destruction to global diversity, climate change, ozone depletion and pollution of international waters.

Source: Paneetha Ameresekere. 'GEF funds for environment conservation projects'. Sunday Observer. 05/12/99.

New biodiversity parks to be set up

The Forestry and Environment Ministry, Sri Lanka will establish four biodiversity parks to promote and conserve the country's flora and fauna, indigenous to particular localities in the island.
The programme will be implemented in two stages. Under the first stage, two biodiversity parks will be established in Akuressa Oliyagankelle and Gannoruwakelle in Kandy.  The other two locations for the parks are still being studied.
The park scheme is expected to be beneficial in ascertaining valuable data on flora and fauna of specified areas as well as for keeping tabs on plants and animals that are likely to come under some form of threat. The parks will be also utilised for research and tourism.
According to another report a wildlife park is also to be established at Kahalla - Pallekelle.

Source: Tharika Goonathilake. 'Four parks to conserve indigenous flora and fauna'. Daily News. 22/12/1999.
'New wildlife park in Kahalla - Pallekelle', The Island, 01/01/2000.
Contact: Director, Dept. of Wildlife Conservation, 18 Gregory's Road, Colombo - 7. Tel: + 94 1 698086. Fax: 581540


UPCOMING




4th National Consultation on Wildlife Conservation and People's Livelihood Rights

Venue: Vivekananda Girijana Kalyan Kendra (VGKK), Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Sanctuary, BR Hills, Karnataka.
Dates: April 15 - 17, 2000.

For details see PA Update 23, January 2000

Contact: Pankaj Sekhsaria, at the editorial address below.
              Dr. H Sudarshan, VGKK, BR Hills, Chamrajnagar - 571441, Karnataka. Ph: 08226-44018.Fax: 44025. Email: vgkk@vsnl.com


ANNOUNCEMENTS




Asian Elephant Conservation Fund invites proposals

The Asian Elephant Conservation Fund (AsECF) of United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has invited funding proposals for the year 2000. The program will support projects which will develop local ability to manage, conserve, research or protect the Asian elephant through provision of funding, training and equipment.
Funding is available for one year or less and preference will be given to those requesting $50,000 or less, though higher amounts can also be requested.

Contact: Dr. Karl AK Stromayer, Office of International Affairs, USFWS, 4401 North Fairfax Drive, ARLSQ 730, Arlington, VA 22203 - 1622, USA. Tel: 703-358-1754. Fax: 703-358-2849. Email: Karl_Stromayer@fws.gov

IUCN Task Force on Local Communities and Protected Areas

IUCN- The World Conservation Union has established a Task Force (TF) on Local Communities and Protected Areas, which will straddle two of its expert commissions, the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) and the Commission on Environmental Economics and Social Policy (CEESP). The Terms of Reference of this TF include promoting greater understanding and application of initiatives involving communities in PA management in various countries, and to provide a lead in organising a workshop on this issue at the 5th World Parks Congress in 2002. The TF is headed by Ashish Kothari of Kalpavriksh, Pune.

Contact: Ashish Kothari, at editorial address.


WHAT'S AVAILABLE




Vidarbha Nature Conservation Society (VNCS), Nagpur and Forest Department, Maharashtra State. Illustrated Hand Guide to the Insects of Pench National Park.

A compilation of around 100 insects found in the National Park, along with photocopied colour plates.

Contact: VNCS, Tidke Ashram, Ganeshpeth,
Nagpur - 440018. Maharashtra.
Tel:  0712 - 727363/ 728942.  540274 Fax : 0712-722748 Email: vncs@nagpur.dot.net.in

Oli, Krishna Prasad (ed.). Collaborative Management of Protected Areas in the Asian Region. IUCN, Nepal.

The book is a compilation of the proceedings of the a workshop on 'Collaborative Management of Protected Areas in the Asian Region' held at the Royal Chitwan National Park in Nepal from May 25-28, 1998.

Contact: IUCN Nepal, PO Box 3923, Kathmandu, Nepal

Adajania, Nancy, 'Khichri Ek Khoj / In Search of Khichri'. 2000

This is a video documentary film that explores the problem of malnutrition among the children of the Korku adivasi population living in and around Melghat. The issue was complicated because of the fact that Melghat is an important tiger reserve where the imperatives of wildlife conservation and economic development compete for attention.

Contact: Nancy Adajania, 1, Sea View, 14 / A Road, Khar, Mumbai - 400052, Maharashtra. Tel: 022 - 6463173
Email: nancyadajania@yahoo.com



APPEAL


The Protected Area Update urgently needs funds. Life subscriptions (Rs. 1000) and  donations are most welcome. Also we have been in the process of streamlining our mailing system to be more efficient and cost effective. If there are readers who can receive the Update via email, rather than hard copies, please let us know.

Contact: Pankaj Sekhsaria, at the editorial address below

CORRESPONDENCE


VS Roy David writes:

"We feel that the PA Update must give leverage to the People's Struggles in protected areas to safeguard their traditional rights and cultural identities. This comment is in light of the your Karnataka related news in PA Update No. 23 of January 2000, where you have importantly quoted the statements of the government officials, but mentioned nothing about the ongoing struggle by the people of Nagarhole, other than giving some addresses of contact for availing "controversies" as well as to refer to issue No. 22. On the whole it appears that the state position is given justification and importance and the ongoing people's struggles have been underrated. And then, we understand that Kalpavriksh stands for the developmental aspirations of the people in PAs. In short, such manner of information dissemination would have negative implications on the ongoing indigenous / tribal process rather than strengthening their solidarity process.
We hope however that you will understand the spirit behind this comment and we assure you all our support in your efforts for the poor and downtrodden indigenous / tribal population of the country."

Contact: VS Roy David, CORD, 119 / 1, 4th Block, Kushalnagar - 571234, Karnataka. Tel: 08276-74487/73287. Fax: 74091. Email: david@giasbl01.vsnl.net.in

(Ed. We would like to restate the fact that the main job of the Update is the reporting of news related to PAs in South Asia. It is a newsletter for information and not the mouthpiece of Kalpavriksh or any other group. We report news as it is reported to us (in newspapers, by NGOs/officials, etc.), rather than put our own bias into it. However, if we know that there is another point of view, we attempt to provide the relevant contact details. This issue has been dealt with by us earlier as well (see 'Verification Problems', PA Update 22)

Karnasingh Ghorpade writes:

With reference to the news item 'Eco-tourism promotion by limited hunting' in Madhya Pradesh, (PA Update 23, January 2000), I would like to state that the concept is not as far-fetched as it seems, but several ground realities and pros and cons need to be taken into account
1. Nothing can be done until suitable amendments are made to the WLPA. The MP government cannot take an unilateral decision on this.
2. The conditions in East Africa may be different, but those in southern Africa are similar (to those in Madhya Pradesh). Neither do the same hunting methods have to be copied as countries other than Africa (including Nepal and Pakistan) have international sport hunting and each has adapted the style and method to suit the local conditions and traditions.
3. It is unlikely that State Government officers are likely to have the relevant knowledge and exposure to modern sustainable use models. They will have to call upon the experience of countries like Zimbabwe, US Fish and Wildlife Services and organisations like the Safari Club International and the British Association of Shooting and Conservation.
4. It is unlikely that the CM (of Madhya Pradesh) is suggesting hunting in national parks. What needs to be considered is hunting in non protected forest and revenue areas and buffer areas.
5. Such systems do succeed in retaining or adding to wildlife habitat which would otherwise have been diverted to other use. One needs to look at the Campfire programme of Zimbabwe which also takes into account the needs of local communities and other socio-economic factors which are not very different from ours. A recent issue of Sanctuary magazine too reported that fishing communities are becoming active and aggressive protectors of marine habitats. The reason is without doubt the fact that they have an economic stake in the marine life and not out of any sentiment for fish in general.

Contact: Karnasingh Ghorpade, Dattawad House, 334 E, Shahpuri, Kolhapur - 416001, Maharashtra. Tel: 0231 - 654443. Email: ghorpade@bom4.vsnl.net.in

(Ed: We think that there is a clear difference in hunting (and fishing) by traditional communities for personal consumption or for protection of self and property, and hunting that is done for sport or commercial reasons. While there may be a justification for the former to be allowed so long as it does not endanger species, the latter continues to provoke justified ethical and managerial objections in the Indian context. These need extensive debate before a final view can be taken. We urge readers to join in the debate.


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Protected Area Update 23
January 2000


PA Update is produced every two months as a follow-up to the workshop on Exploring the Possibilities of Joint Protected Area Management (JPAM), organised at the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi, in September 1994.

PA Update 24 was prepared by Pankaj Sekhsaria, Anuprita Patel and Ashish Kothari.
Several news items were accessed from Centre for Science and Environment's Green File, but have been credited to their original sources.
Ideas, comments, news and information may please be sent to the editorial address:

KALPAVRIKSH

Apartment 5, Shri Dutta Krupa, 908 Deccan Gymkhana, Pune 411004, Maharashtra, India.
 Tel/Fax: 020 - 5654239 Email: kvriksh@vsnl.com

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Protected Area Update 23
January 2000
URL: http://www-int.stsci.edu/~yogesh/wildlife/jpam24.shtml

Last modified on: Tue Apr 5 15:40:06 2005