In 2002, the state authorities had notified the Shivalik Elephant Reserve after acquiring permission from the Centre. There are 14 forest divisions inside this reserve.
THE UTTARAKHAND State Wildlife Board on Tuesday cleared a proposal to cancel the notification of Shivalik Elephant Reserve, which is unfold over 5,409 sq. km, within the state. The formal order for canceling the notification shall be issued by the state forest division.
Sources stated the board handed the proposal at a gathering chaired by Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat as forest officers argued that the notification for elephant reserve was creating hurdles in improvement work in that space.
The officers stated on the assembly that the elephant reserve has no authorized sanctity and there’s no provision for it in forest and wildlife Acts.
In 2002, the state authorities had notified the Shivalik Elephant Reserve after acquiring permission from the Centre. There are 14 forest divisions inside this reserve.
Chief Wildlife Warden JS Suhag confirmed the board’s choice and stated even after the notification is canceled, the realm will stay a reserve forest and guidelines of Forest Conservation Act will stay relevant there.
One other official stated an elephant reserve is not like a tiger reserve the place there are specific restrictions and provision of punishment for violating them. “Sure formalities of acquiring clearances for improvement work will get decreased after cancellation of the notification,” the official stated.
Suhag stated the board’s choice has no reference to the enlargement of the Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun. In October, the Ministry of Surroundings and Forests had requested the state authorities to contemplate avoiding delicate areas of Shivalik Elephant Reserve whereas exploring land for enlargement of the Jolly Grant airport. The forest conservation division of MoEF made the commentary in response to a state authorities proposal for diversion of 87 hectare of forest land for the venture.
The board additionally permitted a proposal to permit 100 vacationers and 20 autos a day to Nilong Valley, positioned close to China border in Uttarkashi district. Until now, 25 vacationers and 5 autos are allowed in that space a day.
