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Home , Nameri National Park, Pallikaranai

PROTECTED AREA UPDATE

News and Information from protected areas in and South Asia

No. 38 August 2002

EDITORIAL NEWS FROM INDIAN STATES Two new bird sanctuaries to be set up at Reiek Mountain and Tamdil Forest Otters threatened in Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary Orissa Major thrust to eco-tourism in the state Ramsar award for Chilka Defence units, off shore oil projects to affect sea State to initiate various steps for wildlife protection turtle nesting on Orissa coast NGO expresses concern over status of Namdapha Khariar Forests, adjacent to Sunabeda surveyed Sonitpur administration bans Demecron Census reports 70 in Rajasthan Assam may have eco-battalions, private forests Ranthambore villages to move out of park River dolphin population declines alarmingly Kaziranga to seek Project status 11 new PAs proposed in Tamil Nadu Rumble strips on NH 37 to protect animals fleeing Traditional crops of tribals from Anaimalai going from Kaziranga extinct Proposal to scrap Deepor Beel Sanctuary dropped Tribals help curb poaching in Indira Gandhi Elephant survey conducted in Assam (Anaimalai) WLS Central funds for Gibbon WLS Nilgiri Tahr population rises in Indira Gandhi WLS Elephant and cattle treatment camp at Orang, Kani tribals prove successful forest watchers in Laokhowa, Sona Rupai and Nameri Kalakad-Mundanthurai Meeting held on bio-diversity conservation in Assam Heat affecting coral reefs in Gulf of Mannar Proposal to declare the Pallikaranai marsh a Flash floods kill 105 blackbuck in Velavadar 'protected wetland' Proposal to declare island an Night safari proposed in Bannerghata 'environmental heritage site' Journalists arrested for trespassing in Nagarhole Eco-development project in Nagarhole to be Naxalites oppose sanctuary in Mayurjharna extended by a year Sahara project in Sunderbans to start soon Fishermen prevented from fishing in Bhadra Ramsar tag sought for Sunderbans Plan to control wild elephant menace US $ 25 million trust proposed for Sunderbans Tourism Dept. invites bids to develop sanctuaries for eco-friendly tourism KFRI to study possibilities for eco-tourism in Now Available on CD protected areas in state All issues of the WII identifies four crucial forest patches for tiger Protected Area Update conservation in Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh (1994 to 2002) are now available on CD Tiger population declines in state State to set up 'Forest Courts' For details see page 18 inside Balpakhram NP to be remeasured

Protected Area Update 38 1 August2002

Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com) NATIONAL NEWS FROM INDIA Gardens. In God's own Country, Kerala, plans are SC appoints Central Empowered Committee to deal being putting together for opening up of all the 12 with forest cases sanctuaries for tourism. The Kerala Forest Research ZSI project on 'endangered species' fails to take off Institute meanwhile has initiated a World Bank KIOCL surveying new sites for mining funded study to assess the capacities of some PAs for New National Committee on Ecotourism and eco-tourism activities. In the Sunderbans in West Mountains formed Bengal the Sahara India group is putting together a mammoth Rs. 915 crores tourism project which they UPCOMING too are calling 'eco-tourism'. XII World Forestry Congress In the Andaman islands, the Forest International Conference on Sustainable Corporation which is to be shut following recent Development of the orders of the Supreme Court is reinventing itself through the eco-tourism route. For the last three PA UPDATE MATTERS decades all that the Corporation has done in the islands is cut trees. Suddenly now, there is also PA Update now available on CD expertise to start and sustain an ecotourism operation. Index of Protected Areas in the PA Update A few issues ago we had reported of the proposed opening up of the Nandadevi Biosphere Reserve and National Park for tourism and EDITORIAL mountaineering activities. While local communities are not allowed to access the park areas for collection of resources for their bonafide needs, the State Forest

Minister had promised that they would be allowed The Eco-Tourism Juggernaut jobs as porters and guides when tourism starts.

It is not eco-tourism per se that is the From Kerala to Uttaranchal, from Maharashtra to problem and we have said that before. It should be West Bengal, one of the most striking and prominent done in way that is ecologically and socially sensitive developments in our protected areas seems to be the coming in, or rather the bringing in, of eco-tourism. and based on the consent, participation and even Everybody seems to be getting involved, be it the ownership of the local communities among other things. What is worrying, however, is that everyone State Tourism Development Corporations, State is conveniently climbing on to this bandwagon to do Forest Development Corporations, State Industrial what they want. There is little debate or even Development Corporations and the State Forest discussion on what eco-tourism is and what it should Departments in addition to the hospitality industry not be. Yet everyone is doing eco-tourism! and the private sector. Everybody sees a cake and We also seem to have forgotten the very everybody wants to have a piece of it as well. basic purpose of the creation of the protected area This is not the first time that tourism is the network of the country. It has to be conservation, not subject of the editorial of the PA Update. The reason tourism promotion. It has to be primarily used to why it is so again is the number of eco-tourism ensure the livelihood securities of the local stories in this particular issue. One just gets the overwhelming feeling of a juggernaut, the eco- communities and the environmental security of the tourism juggernaut, being on the roll. Particularly so, country, not just as a cash cow that benefits the fortunate few. because almost everything and anything is being

passed off as eco-tourism, an excellent sampling of which is offered in this issue. In Andhra Pradesh the major players for NEWS FROM INDIAN STATES eco-tourism development are going to be the AP Tourism Development Corporation and the AP Forest Development Corporation. The Forest ANDHRA PRADESH Corporation has been designated as the nodal agency for the implementation of tourism projects in 12 Otters threatened in Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary sanctuaries and three zoological parks in the state. Last year, ironically, key wildlife posts in the state Increased poaching and habitat destruction has fell vacant and some protected areas were left imperiled the existence of otters in the Coringa headless because senior officers were transferred to Wildlife Sanctuary along the Godavari-Goutami the Forest Corporation to take up eco-tourism Rivers in East Godavari district. These are the projects. In Karnataka, a Rs. 100 crore night safari preliminary findings of an University Grants project with a 300 room luxury ‘international resort’ Commission funded study titled 'Habitat Ecology, in tow is being planned in the Bannerghata National conservation and management of otters at Coringa Park with the help of the Singapore Zoological Wildlife Sanctuary', that has been undertaken by Prof

Protected Area Update 38 2 August2002

Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com) MV Subba Rao of the Dept. of Environmental ARUNACHAL PRADESH Sciences in Andhra University. Major threats include exploitation of the State to initiate various steps for wildlife mangroves for fuel, wood, construction material and protection fodder for cattle and hunting for partial subsistence by the local population. The otters, particularly the The Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department (FD) is young ones are relished by the local population for initiating a number of steps for wildlife protection in their meat, andalso for their supposed medical value the state. The communication network has been for curing ailments like asthama, TB and jaundice. improved through installation of Very High The main aim of the study is to establish the Frequency (VHF) sets to strengthen anti-poaching status and distribution of otters in the region, habitat activities and the wildlife headquarters at are evaluation in relation to the floral and faunal to be connected with all divisional headquarters by composition, breeding ecology and behavioural the end of the financial year aspects, sociological status of human impacts, The proposal of the FD for the procurement conservation programmes and management of arms and ammunition has been approved by the strategies. MoEF and a final approval from the Defence The Forest Department is already reported Ministry for the same is awaited. Field staff has also to have initiated steps for the conservation of otters been deputed to the Police Training Centre at and for the afforestation of mangroves in the Banderdewa for training for use of the arms. sanctuary. Additionally, the FD has formulated a proposal for the creation of a mobile protection force Source: 'Otters' habitat faces extinction', Newstime, to prevent poaching, trafficking and illegal wildlife 22/04/02. trade. It is proposed to set up three mobile protection Contact: MV Subba Rao, Head, Dept. of circles for the entire state - western, eastern and Environmental Science, Andhra University, central circles. Visakhapatnam - 530003, Andhra Pradesh. Some ecodevelopment schemes are also Tel: 0891- 554871 / 290. Fax: 555547 been contemplated and proposed.

Major thrust to eco-tourism in the state Source: 'Arunachal steps against poachers', The Sentinel, 16/06/02. A major thrust is being provided for the development Contact: CWLW, Forest Department, PO Itanagar - of eco-tourism in Andhra Pradesh, with two State 719111, Arunachal Pradesh. Government Corporations initiating projects in this direction. The Andhra Pradesh Tourism NGO expresses concern over status of Namdapha Development Corporation (APTDC) and the Andhra Pradesh Forest Development Corporation (APFDC) Early Birds, an NGO based in has recently have both adopted their own strategies and are also written a letter to the Chief Minister of Arunachal likely to work together in select projects. Pradesh expressing concerns over the status and APTDC has decided to develop eco-tourism future of . in three aspects: natural wonders such as caves and The issues that they have raised include the waterfalls; wilderness camping and trekking; and shortage of forest staff for the patrolling and wildlife tourism. The wildlife areas being focussed protection of the park. They have also pointed out at, are Farhabad near Srisailam and in the and that members of the organisation while participating Nelapattu Bird Sanctuaries. in the recent tiger census in the park noticed that The APFDC has decided to develop tourism poisoned food items were being used to poison and jointly with the private sector. The State Government kill wild animals along the banks of the Naodihing had already issued a Government Order (GO) in River. Additionally they also found a number of 2001 to promote eco-tourism with private sector poisoned arrows and field tripping devices that are participation. The AFPDC was designated to allegedly installed by the Lisu tribals here. implement the projects identified in 12 sanctuaries The letter also states that the tribals are and three zoological parks. They include those at occupying 25 hectares of pristine land within the park Manjeera, Nelapattu, Pulicat, Kolleru and Coringa and this needs to be vacated immediately and that the Wildlife Sanctuaries. active role of the Indian army should be sought in the protection of this park. Source: M Somasekhar. 'State shifts focus to eco- tourism', Hindu Business Line, 23/07/02. Source: Moloy Baruah. Letter to the CM of Arunachal Pradesh. 31/01/02. Contact: Moloy Baruah, Early Birds, 26, Surujmukhi, PO Silpukhri, Guwahati-

Protected Area Update 38 3 August2002

Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com) 781003, Assam. Tel. 0361-666353. Fax: loss and large scale silt deposition due to erosion in 550158. Email: [email protected] the upper reaches of the rivers also adversely affect Field Director, Namdapha NP, PO Miao - the dolphins, as does large scale fishing. 792122, Arunachal Pradesh. Tel: 03807- Fear has also been expressed that the large 22249 scale dam construction proposals on the rivers in the North East will badly impact dolphin populations by ASSAM population fragmentation and obstruction in the main drainage channels of the rivers. Sonitpur administration bans Demecron In the River Kulsi river bed sand extraction was one of the major causes and the DCS has The administration has prohibited appealed to the state government to declare a the sale and purchase of organophosphorous 'Dolphin Sanctuary' here. It has also been suggested pesticide called Demecron throughout the district that a 'Project Dolphin' needs to be started on the with immediate effect. The order was issued in view lines of '' to ensure the protection of of a number of cases of death of wild elephants due these endangered creatures. to the consuming of the pesticide in in Assam and the adjoining Pakhui Wildlife Source: 'Dolphin population declining alarmingly', Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh (See PA Update 33). The Assam Tribune, 22/04/02. Contact: Sujit Bairagi. Dolphin Conservation Source: 'Pesticide banned', The Assam Tribune, Society, Blue Hills, Jyoti Nagar. Guwahati- 05/07/02 781021, Assam. Tel: 0361-552564 Mobile: 098640-67428. Email: Assam may have eco-battalions, private forests [email protected]; [email protected]. The Assam Forest Minister has suggested a number of steps to deal with the fast depleting forest cover of Kaziranga to seek Project Tiger status the state and heavy encroachments over the years. These include a) raising two eco-battalions, The Director of the (KNP), one each for lower and upper Assam, with the Mr. NK Vasu has said that Project Tiger status has responsibility to plant trees and regenerate forests; b) been sought for the park. The park has the highest coming up with a comprehensive eviction policy and density of tigers in the country at 16.8 tigers per 100 to regenerate the areas cleared from encroachers and sq. kms. The total number of tigers in Kaziranga c) examine the possibility of leasing out forest lands excluding cubs is said to be 85. If cubs are also to private parties to grow trees and sell the timber on included the density is much higher at 22.4 tigers per payment of royalty to the state government. 100 sq. kms. The process is at a very nascent stage and It is hoped that once KNP is included into the minister is reported to be engaging in Project Tiger it would help in greater fund flows, consultations regarding these suggestions with NGOs besides boosting tourism. and serving and former forest officials and NGOs. The tourist arrivals to KNP have in any case been high this year, with 45,000 domestic and 2000 Source: 'And now, Assam may have pvt. Forests, foreign tourists arriving here till March 2002. Till eco-battalion', The Sentinel, 14/06/02. that date the park had already earned Rs. 33.12 lakhs from tourists which is much higher than Rs. 32 lakhs River dolphin population declines alarmingly earned in the previous season.

The 2002 River Dolphin census carried out in Assam Source: PP Singh. 'Kaziranga park roars with tigers', by the Dolphin Conservation Society (DCS) with the The Times of India, 29/04/02. help of WWF - India has revealed a decline in their Barun Das Gupta. 'More tigers in Kaziranga numbers. 198 dolphins were recorded in the Park' , 16/06/02. Brahmaputra river, with 89 adults, 60 adolescents Contact: Director, Kaziranga National Park, PO and 49 calves. The previous census in 1997 had Bokakhat, Dist. Golaghat – 785612, Assam. counted 218 dolphins. In the Kulsi river there were 25 dolphins in 1993 but the number has now fallen to Rumble strips on NH 37 to protect animals fleeing only 11. from Kaziranga The fall in the numbers of the dolphin has been mainly attributed to large-scale poaching for its The Central Government is reported to have allowed oil and accidental killings through entanglement in rumble strips on National Highway (NH) 37 to under-water gill nets. Dolphin oil has several uses, regulate speed of traffic and protect animals from the the most important being its use as fish bait. Habitat

Protected Area Update 38 4 August2002

Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com) Kaziranga National Park (KNP) being killed by done away with without making alternative speeding vehicles. arrangements. NH 37 runs along the southern boundary of The notification for scrapping of the the national park and cuts important corridors sanctuary, however evoked strong responses from between the park and its extensions in the foothills of other sections including a large number of the Karbi Anglong hills. This becomes particularly environmental and wildlife groups in the state. These important in the monsoons, when flooding of the low included Aaranyak, Nature's Beckon, Assam Science, lying regions of the park forces animals to cross NH Technology and Environment Council (ASTEC) and 37 in search of higher ground. Nature's Bonyapran. Taking cognizance of these This year too a large number of animals protests the State Forest Minister has said that the including a tigress, a and several deer have status quo regarding Deepor Beel will be maintained been killed by speeding vehicles while crossing the for the time being and there was a need for a highway. coordinated and comprehensive approach to resolve Through a recent notification, the Central the matter. The Kamrup Deputy Commissioner, Government has directed the state Public Works Absar Hazarika has now been entrusted the job of Department (PWD) to ensure 15-20 strips - to be preparing a feasibility study for declaring the Deepar marked with thermoplastic paint- on suitable Beel as a wildlife sanctuary. locations on the highway near Kaziranga. This would be supplemented with limiting the speed to 20 kmph Source: 'Deepar Beel proposal dropped', The Assam in the section and with cautioning signboards in Tribune, 30/07/02. adequate numbers. 'Govt. for status quo on Deepar Beel', The Wildlife experts have suggested the Assam Tribune, 05/08/02. installation of the rumble strips in three places - the Contact: Aaranyak, Ever Green, Samanwoy Path, eight km Burhapahar - Kanchanjuri corridor, the two Survey Beltola, Guwahati – 781028. Tel: km Haldibari corridor and the four km Panbari 0361-228418 / 222976. Fax: 266087. Email: corridor. [email protected]; [email protected] Source: 'KNP animals slowly migrating before Prof. PC Bhattacharjee Dept. of Zoology, floods, speed limit clamped;, The Sentinel, Gauhati University, Guwahati – 781014, 20/06/02. Assam. Tel: 0361-636768. Fax: 570133. Shankhadeep Choudhury. 'Rumble strips to Email: [email protected] check animal killings in Kaziranga park', The Times of India, 17/07/02. Elephant survey conducted in Assam Prabin Kalita. 'Floods driving animals to death under wheels', Hindustan Times, A recent survey conducted by the Assam Forest 26/07/02. Department has put the total population of elephants Contact: Director, Kaziranga NP, see above. in the state at 5246. This includes 1048 elephants in Dr. Anwaruddin Choudhury, Hon. Chief Kaziranga, 500 in Manas, 113 in Nameri, 324 in Executive C/o The Assam Company Ltd., Dibru-Saikhowa, 156 in Sonai-Rupai and 220 in G Bordoloi Path, Bamuni Maidan, East Karbi Anglong. Guwahati 781021 Assam. Tel: 0361- The survey that was conducted in all the 663339. Email: [email protected] forest divisions and protected areas in the state was completed in seven days. Proposal to scrap Deepor Beel Sanctuary dropped Source: 'Elephant population goes up', The Assam The Assam Forest Department recently issued a Tribune, 08/08/02. notification (dated May 29, 2002) to scrap the 1989 draft notification declaring Deepor Beel as a wildlife Central funds for Gibbon WLS sanctuary. The justification for this was the fact that a large number of people who were dependant on the The Central Government has recently approved a Beel for their survival were opposed to the sanctuary. five year plan submitted by the Assam Forest The May 2002 notification was prompted Department (FD) for the Gibbon Wildlife by a January 1994 report of the Deputy Sanctuary. The plan includes infrastructural Commissioner, Kamrup, who in his capacity as the development like construction of internal roads, District Collector had examined the prevailing facilities for tourists and 'beautification of the condition in and around the wetland. He had sanctuary'. concluded that the sanctuary would affect the 400 The Rajya Sabha MP from the region Mr. fishermen families who live in and around the beel BK Handique is also contributing funds from the and that their livelihoods could not be summarily MP's fund.

Protected Area Update 38 5 August2002

Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com) nearby Kalubha and Maleshiri dams to open the Source: 'Central Govt. Funds Gibbon Wildlife emergency floodgates. Sanctuary', Sentinel, 08/05/02. Officials clarified that the park authorities were not prepared with a contingency plan, as Elephant and cattle treatment camp at Orang, flooding of this kind was a rare occurrence in the Laokhowa, Sona Rupai and Nameri region.

The NGO, Early Birds (EB) organised an elephant Source: '105 blackbucks die trapped after heavy rain and cattle treatment camp at Rajiv Gandhi (Orang) in Bhavnagar', Indian Express, 03/07/02. National Park from June 16-18. All the 19 Contact: Bharat Pathak, CF (Wildlife) Junagadh, departmental elephants were examined throughly Sardar Bag, Junagadh, Gujarat. Tel: 0285 - and FMD vaccines were administered to them. 631678/ 630051. Fax: 632900 Domestic cattle from nearby villages of Nalbari and Chief Wildlife Warden - Gujarat, Block 14, Bezimari were also treated and given FMD vaccines Dr. Jivraj Mehta Bhavan, Old Sachivalaya, for the first time. Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Tel: 02712-30007. A similar pre-flood and vaccination camp Fax: 21097 for cattle was held around Laokhowa WLS on July 6 and 7, and between July 13 and 15 around the KARNATAKA Sonai Rupai WLS and the Nameri National Park. The work is being done as part of a grant Night safari proposed in Bannerghata received by EB from the US Fish and Wildlife Services for the purpose. The Karnataka State Cabinet is reported to have agreed to a proposal to start a night safari in the Source: Moloy Baruah. Emails to Kalpavriksh dated Bannerghata National Park. A team of officials from 20/06/02, 17/07/02 & 18/07/02. the Singapore Zoological Gardens, let by its Chief Contact: Moloy Baruah, Early Birds, see above Executive Officer, Bernard Harrison, recently made a presentation to the State Tourism Minister in this Meeting held on bio-diversity conservation in regard. The project would take about two years to Assam come up from the time of clearance, would need about 50 acres of land and would be run on corporate A three day meeting from April 26 to 28, 2002 was lines. organised in Bedeti, Sonitpur to discuss issues of It is estimated to cost Rs. 100 crores, with forests and bio-diversity conservation in Assam in the Centre and the State having a stake of Rs. 25 general and the Behali Reserved Forest in particular. crore each and rest to be borne by a joint venture. The meeting was organised by the NGO, Nature's The project would include a 300 room international Bonyapran. resort which would cost about Rs. 50 crores. The A resolution was also passed at the end of Tourism Minister has sought a detailed project report the meeting that called for the protection of the on the proposal. Behali Reserved Forest as it was an important The proposal for the night safari is one wildlife habitat and also part of the proposed among many others cleared by the state in an attempt Kameng Sonitpur Interstate Elephant Reserve. to promote tourism in the state. These include Palace- on-wheels, development of Badami, Pattadakal and Contact: RP Sharma, Nature's Bonyapran, Gauhati Aihole, improving Brindavan Gardens, Jog falls and High Court, Guwahati - 781001, Assam. other historical sites. All these proposals are part of a Rs. 126 crores investment package approved by the Chief Wildlife Warden – Assam, Rehabari, State Cabinet for the promotion of tourism. Guwahati – 781008, Assam. Source: 'State plans to invest Rs. 126 cr. In tourism', GUJARAT The Hindu, 19/04/02. 'Night safari proposed in Bannerghata', The Flash floods kill 105 blackbuck in Velavadar Hindu, 03/05/02.

A rare monsoon flood in and around Bhavnagar's Journalists arrested for trespassing in Nagarhole Velavadar National Park killed at least 105 blackbuck in the first week of July. The animals were The DCF Forests, Mr. Annaiah, incharge of the found trapped in a low lying area outside the park recently arrested two under water six to seven feet high. A rising water journalists and their car driver for tresspassing into level after heavy rains had forced officials of the the core area of the Nagarhole National Park. The incident occurred on the 29th of April.

Protected Area Update 38 6 August2002

Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com) Even residents of the area including reported to have obtained licenses from the Tourism resort owners came out in support of the Fisheries Department, and they have said that the action taken by Mr. Annaiah, who has a reputation FD is harassing them and has filed 'false' cases for strictly following the rules. against them saying that they had indulged in smuggling of sandalwood from the forests. Source: 'Arrest of scribes: villagers support forest official', The Hindu, 02/05/02 Source: 'Fishermen complain against forest officials', The Hindu, 20/05/02. Eco-development project in Nagarhole to be extended by a year Plan to control wild elephant menace

The World Bank Team that made a three day visit The State Forest Minister, Mr. KH Ranganath starting May 17, to the Nagarhole (Rajiv Gandhi) recently stated in the legislative assembly that the National Park has indicated that the World Bank State government is planning a series of measures to sponsored 'Eco-Development Program' may be deal with the increasing menace of wild elephants extended for another year. The team reviewed the that is resulting in an increasing loss of human lives progress of the Eco-Development program and is and destruction of property. reported to have expressed its overall satisfaction The suggestions include raising jackfruit and with its implementation. banana plantations in and around wild elephant Of the Rs. 39.49 crores that had been habitats to dissuade the animals from coming into earmarked under various heads, a sum of Rs. 23.93 villages. 200 watchers and 100 guards are also to be crores had been spent till January 2002. Rs. 13.15 recruited to assist forest officials in patrolling. He crores has been spent on Improved Protected Area said that rules would be amended to relax fitness and Management (IPAM), Rs. 9.74 crores were spent on age clauses to facilitate the recruitment of tribals who the Village. Eco-Development Plan (VEDP), Rs. had a good idea of elephant behaviour. Installation of 60.12 lakhs on environment education and awareness solar fences was also being considered and the programme (EEAP), Rs. 33.36 lakhs on Impact Minister suggested that the farmers, rather than the Monitoring and Research (IM&R), and Rs. 10.62 Forest Department could install these fences and the lakhs on information technology (IT). government would grant a subsidy for this. The project was started in 1997-98, by the It has been reported that 31 people have died end of which Rs. 59.99 lakhs had been spent. Rs. and 21 were injured in Kodagu alone in elephant 3.77 crores were spent in 98-99, Rs. 7.1 crores in 99- attacks in the last six years. Over 50 elephants and 2000, Rs. 7.25 crores in 2000-01 and Rs. 5.19 crores nine calves too have died in Virajpet division due to in 2001-02 (upto January 2002) various reasons like gun shots, poisoning and Under the IPAM, 155 tribal families were electrocution. A recent survey of people in the region rehabilitated at Veeranahosalli in Hunsur taluka and has revealed that inspite of the elephant menace, each family was provided with two hectares of people largely believed that the animals had a right to agricultural land, a house, electricity, water, seeds, exist. Most people believed that non availability of fertilisers and facilities for the education of children. fodder in the forests and a preference for crops were Under the VEDP, 78 villages were identified where the main reasons for crop raiding. Elephant capture, selected NGOs were entrusted with the job of taming and elephant proof trenches were suggested as apprising villages of the eco-development plan, the most suitable methods to reduce the conflict and following which eco-development committees were 19 % of those surveyed had even suggested culling as established in the villages. a solution. As far as solar powered fences were Source: K Jeevan Chinnappa. 'More time sought to concerned, it was found that pressure from local complete Eco-Development Project', The people requiring access to forests for fuelwood and Hindu, 03/05/02. grazing cattle was responsible for its failure and there 'WB may extend eco-project in Nagarhole was also concern expressed over the sub-standard park', The Hindu, 01/0602. solar fencing that had been erected by the FD. Contact: DCF (WL), Hunsur, Forest Department, Hunsur PO, Mysore - 571 105, Karnataka Source: Jeevan Chinnappa. 'Elephant menace: Who is to blame?', The Hindu, 09/07/02 Fishermen prevented from fishing in Bhadra 'Elephant menace: Plan to install fences', The Hindu, 19/07/02 The Bhadra Fishermen Co-operative Association Contact: Deputy Director, , has alleged that officials of the Forest Department Gundlupet, Chamrajnagar 571 111, were not allowing their members from fishing in the Karnataka Bhadra reservoir. 50 members of the association are

Protected Area Update 38 7 August2002

Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com) Chief Wildlife Warden - Karnataka, 2nd Chief Wildlife Warden – Kerala, Floor, 18th Cross, Malleshwaram, Bangalore Vazhudacaud, Trivandrum – 695014, – 560003, Karnataka. Tel: 080-3341993. Kerala. Tel: 0471-322217 / 204896. Fax: 325804. KERALA MADHYA PRADESH Tourism Dept. invites bids to develop sanctuaries for eco-friendly tourism WII identifies four crucial forest patches for tiger conservation in Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh. In an advertisement in national newspapers, the Kerala Departments of Tourism and Forests had In a study entitled “Spatial pattern analysis of invited prequalification bids from consultants having forested landscape between experience and expertise in preparing ecotourism and (Madhya Pradesh) and Achanakmar Wildlife wildlife master plans, particularly for the twelve Sanctuary (Chattisgarh) for identification and wildlife sanctuaries in the state. evaluation of wildlife corridors” scientists at the The deadline for sending in these bids was Wildlife Institute of India have identified four July 10, 2002, following which the short listed forested patches: i) Motinala RF (71.1 km2), ii) North consultants were to be sent detailed tender Phen RF (49.68 km2), iii) Marpha RF (35.1 km2) and documents. Further details are not known. iv) Dhaba-Bijora RF (80.91 km2) crucial for tiger In addition the Tourism Department has also conservation in the Kanha – Achanakmar Landscape issued notices for the development of tourism master (KAL). The KAL has been subjected to increased plans for Thrissur District and the hill station of habitat fragmentation due to mounting biotic Ponmudi. pressures. Earlier, a workshop on 'Development Of The patches were identified by a study that Ecofriendly Practices In Tourism Industry In Kerala' combined remote sensing, GIS technology and field had been organised by the Tourism Department on studies to characterize the landscape in terms of 19th April 2002 at Thiruvananthapuram. The various forest cover, forest patches, biotic pressure and ideas that emerged during the workshop have been connectivity between forest patches and their compiled and published on the web (in the home suitability as a habitat for tiger and prey species. The page of official website of Kerala Tourism total area of the Kanha – Achannakmar Landscape is www.keralatourism.org) under the heading about 14,000 sq. km. of which approximately 50% is 'Ecofriendly practices in Tourism Industry in Kerala' under forest cover. The Department intends to put together a "Practical The study has also pointed out that one of Ready Reckoner", which will benefit tourism the major factors which affected tiger conservation industry as a whole. adversely was the rapidly expanding road network, which caused corridor breaks, leading to habitat Contact: Director, Department of Tourism, Park fragmentation and increased road induced wild View, Thiruvananthapuram - 695033, animal mortality. The study was carried out by Drs. Kerala. Tel: 0471 - 326812. Fax: 322279 V.B. Mathur, S.A. Raven and A.M.Dixit.

KFRI to study possibilities for eco-tourism in Source: 'Great potential for tiger conservation efforts protected areas in state in some parts of India', Indian Express, 11/03/02 The Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) has Contact: Dr. VB Mathur. WII, PO Box 18, embarked on a World Bank funded study aimed at Chandrabani, Dehradun – 248001, selectively opening some wildlife sanctuaries in the Uttaranchal. Tel: 0135-640111 – 15. Fax: state for tourism. The study is focusing on visitor 640117 Email: [email protected] management strategies and priorities for Ervikulam National Park in Munnar, and Parambikulam and CWLW, MP, Van Bhawan, Tulsi Nagar, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuaries in Palakkad and Bhopal 462003, Madhya Pradesh. Tel: Thiruvananthapuram respectively. 0755-557371/ 550391. Fax: 011- 761102. Further details of the study are not available. MAHARASHTRA Source: CJ Punnathara. 'Eco-tourism set to take root in Kerala', Hindu Business Line, 18/06/02. Tiger population declines in state Contact: KFRI, Peechi – 680653, Kerala. Tel: 0487 – 282365 / 884 /037/ 061-4. Fax: 282249. The 2001 census in Maharashtra has reported a Email: [email protected] decline in the tiger population in the state. 238 tigers were counted this time as against 276 in 1993 and

Protected Area Update 38 8 August2002

Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com) 257 in 1997. 15 of the 31 protected areas in the state FD has said that the price of Rs. 25 lakhs that was reported tiger populations. Of these Tiger quoted by the SI to do the survey was too steep Reserve has 70 - 75 tigers, Tadoba Andhari, 36-40 According to the latest information however, and Pench 12-15. the State Government has decided to provide the Significantly more than half the tigers (total required amount for the resurvey. The Survey Of number 155) in the state have been reported from India would now start the work after the monsoons outside protected areas. are over and on receipt of the funds from the State Govt. Source: 'Tiger population in state declines', Free . Press Journal, 01/04/02 Source: 'Govt. orders Resurvey', Grassroots Options, Spring 2002 State to set up 'Forest Courts' Contact:TTC Marak, CF (WL), Forest Department, Lower Lachumiere, - The Maharashtra Forest Department has proposed the 793001, Meghalaya. Email: setting up of special forest courts in Nagpur and [email protected] Thane for conducting a more efficient and speedy trial of forest offences. There are presently more than MIZORAM 7000 forest related cases pending before the courts and more than two lakh cases before the forest Two new bird sanctuaries to be set up at Reiek officials empowered with quasi-judicial powers. Mountain and Tamdil Forest Forest officials say that these special courts will help in the quick disposal of the pending cases and further The Mizoram Forest Department (FD) has proposed help curb violations of the Indian Forest Act, the to set up two new bird sanctuaries at Reiek Mountain Forest Conservation Act and the Wildlife Protection and the Tamdil Forests. The two sites are located at Act. 1485 m and about 1000 m above sea level If the proposal comes through, Maharashtra respectively and are home to many endangered will be the first state in the country to have such species of birds and 10 species of wild animals. special 'forest courts'. The State FD has completed the survey of the two areas and is now planning a project to plant Source: 'Forest crimes need special courts: dept.', fruit bearing trees in these two areas. Indian Express, 20/04/02. Prafulla Marpakwar. 'Govt. to set up forest Source: '2 bird havens to be set up in Mizoram', The courts', Indian Express, 24/07/02. Assam Tribune, 06/07/02. Contact: Chief Wildlife Warden, Forest Chief Wildlife Warden – Maharashtra, Department, Government of Mizoram, Jaika Building, Civil Lines, Nagpur – Aizwal- 796 001 Mizoram. 440001, Maharashtra. Tel: 0712 – 526758 / 530126. ORISSA

MEGHALAYA Ramsar award for Chilka

Balpakhram NP to be remeasured The Chilka Development Authority (CDA) has been selected for the Ramsar Wetland Conservation The Government of Meghalaya has asked the Survey Award for 2002 for its outstanding achievements in of India to re-measure the area of the Balpakhram restoration and wise use of wetlands as well as the National Park to lay to rest the controversy over the impressive way in which local communities have exact size of the park. been included in the these activities. A massive scandal had broken out in the The award, that has been constituted by the state in 1995 after the State Forest Department Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is to be presented at survey by the then Chief Wildlife Warden, Mr. SB the Conference of Parties (COP) to be held in Singh revealed during a routine check that the area of Valencia, Spain, in November later this year. the park was 50% short of what was officially There are two other winners of this award recorded. Since the land was acquired at a rate of Rs. for 2002. One is a consortium of NGOs working in 60 lakhs / sq. km, the amount of money that may the Morava Dyle Floodplain Transboundary region in have been fraudulently paid for non existent land ran Europe. The other is an Australian company, for its into a few crores. outstanding achievement in restoration and wise use The state government has finally given the of wetlands on its own property, public awareness go ahead to the Forest Department which in turn has and the sponsorship of wetland conservation in approached the Survey of India (SI). However the Australia and also other countries.

Protected Area Update 38 9 August2002

Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com) Contact: Basanta Kumar Kar. Wild Orissa, Plot Source: 'Ramsar award for Chilka', The Hindu, 3A, Janpath, Satyanagar, Bhubaneshwar – 23/06/02 751007, Orissa. Tel: 0674-512044. Email: Contact: AK Patnaik, Chilka Development [email protected] Authority, BJ-45, BJB Nagar, Bhubaneshwar, Orissa. Fax: 0674-434485. Chief Wildlife Warden – Orissa, Plot No. Email: [email protected] Website: 8, Shahid Nagar, Bhubaneshwar – 751007, www.chilika.com Orissa. Tel: 0674-513134 / 515840. Fax: 512502 Defence units, off-shore oil projects to affect sea turtle nesting on Orissa coast RAJASTHAN

Bright illumination by the DRDO's missile test range Census reports 70 tigers in Rajasthan on the Wheeler island close to the Gahirmatha beach is said to be one of the major factors for the Olive The latest census of wild animals in protected areas Ridley Turtles skipping the annual mass nesting this in Rajasthan has reported a total of 70 tigers, an year. increase of about half a dozen animals in the last New threats include the off shore oil three years. projects that are coming up here. One of the seven 30-35 tigers were reported in Ranthambore, offshore blocks in the coastal Orissa and Bengal while the count for Sariska was 24-26. Five to six basin bagged by the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation tigers were counted in the Kailadevi sanctuary in (ONGC) and Oil India Limited (OIL) under the New Karauli district and two in the Sawai Man Singh Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP) falls right Sanctuary in Sawaimadhopur district. along the path usually taken by Olive Ridley Turtles to reach the nesting sites at Gahirmatha (See PA Source: 'Wildlife census reports 70 tigers', Indian Update 25). Express, 05/07/02 Once exploration and production of gas starts, the turtles would be increasingly exposed to Ranthambore villages to move out of park the danger of an oil slick and flaring, apart from the noise emanating from routine oil and gas exploration The four villages of Padra, Khatoli, Mordungri and activities. It is also feared that the normal use of high Indala have reportedly agreed to move out of the tech gadgets and the continued presence of human Ranthambhore National Park. The first village to beings in the region would have an additional move out from the buffer zone of the park will be adverse impact on the turtles. Padra. The lone village in the core area, Indala, which has 20 families that are dependant on rainfed Source: 'Defence units a threat to Olive Ridleys', agriculture and animal husbandary will however need Statesman, 10/06/02. some more time as the residents want to be relocated Prasanta Kaul. 'Olive ridley turtles face at two different sites. danger from offshore oil projects', Deccan The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Herald, 02/04/02. Rajasthan, Mr. RG Soni has said that the villagers are desperate to come out of the forests. There are no Khariar Forests, adjacent to Sunabeda surveyed schools for their children, no avenues for employment and they felt that their development was The NGO, Wild Orissa recently surveyed the Khariar being hindered. The package for rehabilitation and forests adjoining the Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary as relocation was prepared by the state government in part of their attempt to get the area declared a Tiger 2001, and clearance for the relocation is also being Reserve. The five day survey found that the forests sought from the World Bank as there is a Bank here were in very good shape and supported a large funded Eco-development project that is presently diveristy of wild fauna, prompting the suggestion that going on here. these forests too should be included under Project The shifting of the villages would be carried Tiger along with Sunabeda. out partly with the funds from the Centrally It was also found that these forests were Sponsored Schemes. An expense of Rs. 1 lakh is linked to the forests of the Udanti and Sitanadi likely to be incurred on each family for this process. Wildlife Sanctuaries and there was proof that the The previous relocation of villages from highly endangered wild buffalo from these two PAs Ranthambore was made in 1976, when the residents were also frequenting the Khariar forests. of 16 villages were moved out to Ganesh Nagar and Kailashpuri near the Khandar division. The new Source: Basanta Kumar Kar. Email to Kalpavriksh relocated villages are also to come up near Ganesh dated 06/08/02. Nagar.

Protected Area Update 38 10 August2002

Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com) Source: Sunny Sebastian. 'Ranthambore villages to locations in the sanctuary. Each camp is manned by be shifted out', The Hindu, 07/07/02. a forester, four forest guards and an equal number of Contact: GV Reddy, DCF and Dy. Field Director tribal watchers. (Core Area), Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, The involvement of the tribals in the Sawai Madhopur - 322 001, Rajasthan. operations has reported to have yielded double benefits: the jobless tribal youth have been weaned Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, , away from felling and poaching, and have also been Government of Rajasthan, Jaipur - 302001, profitably employed. Rajasthan. Recent incidents have however pointed to the necessity to strength these camps. Threats from TAMIL NADU poachers need to be dealt with and recently one of temporary camps was destroyed by elephants. The 11 new PAs proposed in Tamil Nadu FD is also planning to increase the number of the anti-poaching camps so that at least one person from The Tamil Nadu Forest Minister, P Mohan recently each of the 36 settlements will get employment. announced in the state assembly that there was a There is also a proposal for the setting up of mobile proposal for the creation of 11 new protected areas. anti-poaching camps. Though full details are not available, the areas that The tribal watchers too have some are proposed include those at Krishnapuram in complaints. This includes the fact that there was no Villupuram district, Sujalkuttai at Bhavanisagar increase in pay even three years after their (Erode), Meghmalai (Theni) and the Suchindram induction, and the need for more schools in addition Teroor Bird Sanctuary. to the one at Top Slip, so that children have easy access to school and do have to miss classes, like is Source: '11 more wildlife, bird sanctuaries', The presently happening. Hindu, 30/04/02. Source: P Oppili. 'Tribals help to curb poaching in Traditional crops of tribals from Anaimalai going Indira Gandhi Sanctuary', The Hindu, extinct 30/06/02. Contact: Wildlife Warden, Indira Gandhi Wildlife The Wildlife Warden of the Indira Gandhi Sanctuary, see above (Anaimalai) Wildlife Sanctuary has reported that some of the traditional crops grown by the tribal Nilgiri Tahr population rises in Indira Gandhi communities who live in the forests of the sanctuary WLS are going extinct, particularly in the plains. The forests here are home to about 5000 The population of the Nilgiri Tahr, the state animal tribals belonging to six groups; the Malasar, Malai of Tamil Nadu has registered a 15 % growth in the Malasar, Kadar, Muduvar, Ervallars and Pulayar. Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary in the Anaimalai These crops that are cultivated under rain fed forests. A recent census counted 507 animals this conditions and without the use of chemicals include year as against 441 last year. rice, ragi, samai, seed amaranth, thenai, kudiravali, At the IGWLS, 50 potential tahr habitats avarai, poosani and manathakkali, have been identified and the IGWLS and the The Wildlife Warden has suggested that neighbouring Ervikulam National Park in Kerala there was the need for the documentation of the form the most significant conservation unit for this traditional knowledge and the wisdom of the tribals. animal.

Source: 'Tribal crops of Anaimalai plains becoming Source: VS Palaniappan. ‘Rise in Nilgiris Tahr extinct', The New Indian Express, 04/06/02. population’, The Hindu. 01/04/02. Contact: Wildlife Warden, Indira Gandhi WLS 178, Fisheries Dept. Road, Govt. Timber Kani tribals prove successful forest watchers in Depot, Pollachi 642 001, Tamil Nadu. Kalakad-Mundanthurai

Tribals help curb poaching in Indira Gandhi According to the officials of the Forest Department (Anaimalai) WLS (FD), the Kani tribals who were employed as forest watchers in the forests of Tirunelveli and The involvement of the local tribals in the anti- Kanyakumari districts including the Kalakad poaching squads has helped bring down the Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) are doing a incidence of poaching and felling in the Indira very good job of forest protection. Some of these Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary (IGWLS). Anti- individuals were appointed way back in 1992 and poaching camps have been set up at 19 vulnerable

Protected Area Update 38 11 August2002

Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com) 1994. Presently there are 34 of them employed in marsh have threatened the system. The marsh that KMTR. was once spread out over an area of 40 sq. kms has The FD had infact, relaxed minimum now been reduced to a shallow water body choked qualifications, both educational and physical, when by grass, reed and sedges. It has been greatly they were appointed in the early 90s. The tribals affected by organic waste disposal and have benefitted because they now all earn in the contamination, indicated by high levels of chlorine, range of Rs. 4000 per month and have been able to sulphates and even mercury. educate their children as well. Their intimate The report has suggested that the marsh be knowledge of the forest area and skills have made trifurcated into a critical zone, a sensitive zone and a them an asset for the FD. controlled zone. While the first two zones should be The job of the forest watcher is to assist completely cordoned off to prevent any further the forest guard, and a team of one guard and one damage, eco-restoration could be taken up watcher is given a beat of a minimum of 5000 extensively in the controlled zone. At a recent hectares for patrolling. The guard is armed with a meeting attended by the Corporation, 0.315 rifle and a walkie-talkie. Metrowater, the Forest Department, Onyx (a private company involved in conservancy operations in the Source: Gladwin Emmanuel. 'Kaani tribals prove city) and the TNPCB, a decision was taken to stop their mettle as forest watchers', The New all activities detrimental to the lake. Indian Express, 19/06/02. Source: 'Move to make Pallikaranai marsh Heat affecting coral reefs in Gulf of Mannar 'protected wetland', The Hindu, 16/07/02 Contact: Chairperson, TNPCB, , Opp. A four-year study undertaken by the Madurai TN Dr. MGR Medical University, , Kamaraj University has found that the Coral reefs Chennai - 600025, Tamil Nadu. Tel: 044- in the Gulf of Mannar have been adversely 2353076.E-mail: impacted because of the heat wave sweeping across [email protected]. the southern parts of the country and El-Nino southern oscillation. Normally corals here lose their Proposal to declare Kattupalli island an colour during April and May but this year the 'environmental heritage site' phenomenon was reported in March and continued till June, when 80% of the corals were reported to A proposal for preserving the Kattupalli island as an have got bleached. 'Environmental Heritage site' has been forwarded by the Pulicat Environment Protection Forum Source: 'Heat affecting coral reefs in Gulf of (EPEPF) to the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board Mannar: Study', The Times of India, (TNPCB). 20/07/02 A recent study has pointed out that the Contact: Dr. AK Kumaraguru, Professor & Head, vegetation here is a rare combination of diverse School of Energy, Environment & Natural types with about 290 species of plants belonging to Resources, Kamaraj University, Madurai - 210 genera and 82 families of angiosperms, one 625021, Tamil Nadu. Tel: 0452-859080 pterydophyte and nine aquatic algae. Additionally (O), 0452-661199. Fax: 0452-858261. the island is also rich in fauna and olive ridley Email: [email protected] turtles are reported to nest on the beach here. It would be recollected that there was Proposal to declare the Pallikaranai marsh a proposal to develop this island into a Petroproducts 'protected wetland' Park, but fortunately the plan was shelved (see PA Update 24) The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has decided to approach the Central Government to Source: Akila Dinkar. 'Proposal to preserve declare the Pallikaranai marsh located near Kattupalli as environment heritage', The Chennai, as a 'protected wetland'. A local NGO, Hindu, 25/07/02. Care Earth has recently conducted a base line study Contact: Dr. P. J. Sanjeeva Raj 17/1724, 21st Main of the marsh, the findings of which were released Road, , Chennai - 600 040, recently. Tamil Nadu. Tel: 044-6l8 5l88. Email: The marsh is reported to be home to 61 [email protected] naturally occuring species of plants, 46 species of fish, 106 species of birds, 21 species of reptiles and seven species of butterflies. However indiscriminate dumping of garbage on the adjacent landfill and letting out of untreated garbage into the

Protected Area Update 38 12 August2002

Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com) WEST BENGAL Ramsar tag sought for Sunderbans

Naxalites oppose sanctuary in Mayurjharna A proposal is being put forward by the State Forest Department (FD) to declare the mangroves of Naxalites operating in South Bengal are against the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve (STR), a Ramsar site. The Forest Department move of declaring the forests of Ramsar Convention on Wetlands lists high priority Mayurjharna as an elephant sanctuary. The ruling conservation zones in countries which are its party in the state, too has asked the FD not to go signatories. India has been a member since 1971 and ahead with the notification, as they fear the issue will presently has 8 sites listed under the convention. be turned into a political one. The Bangladesh Sunderbans were recently The Wildlife Advisory Board of the state declared a Ramsar site (see PA Update 32) and the which met recently is reported to have suggested officials are hoping that as a result of this, it should going ahead with an alternative, 'intensive habitat not be difficult for Indian Sunderbans to be so management' program here. declared as well.

Source: 'Naxalite hurdle to elephant haven', The Source: 'Ramsar tag sought for Sunderbans', Telegraph, 17/03/02. Telegraph, 02/06/02. Contact: Field Director, Tiger Reserve, Sahara tourism project in Sunderbans to start PO Canning, Dist. South 24 Parganas soon 743329, West Bengal

The Rs. 915 crore tourism project of the Sahara India US $ 25 million trust proposed for Sunderbans Group in the Sunderbans is expected to be started soon. The land surveys for these are reported to have The regional advisor to the United Nations been completed and the company is expecting to Development Program (UNDP), Dr. MS receive all the necessary clearances from the state Swaminathan has suggested the creation of a Centre government very soon. The project is expected to be for Eco-enterpreneurship for economic development commissioned by the end of 2005. of the masses in the Sunderbans area. He has The project is being carried out by a Sahara suggested the formation of a trust with US $ 25 group company called Sahara India Commercial million for providing seed money for eco-jobs. The Corporation Ltd and the West Bengal State suggestions were made during a workshop titled, government is expected to take up a token equity 'Sunderbans: Dimensions and Strategies' that had participation through the West Bengal Industrial been organised in Kolkata in April 2002 by Nature Development Corporation. Environment and Wildlife Society (NEWS). The proposal here is to develop the The meeting was also attended by the Chief Sunderbans into a major tourist hub with floating Minister of West Bengal, Mr. Buddhadeb vessels and world class facilities. It is also proposed Bhattacharya, Forest Minister, Mr. Jogesh Burman. that different types of vessels with five-star facilities It has also been reported that a new department for will ferry the tourists to and from Kolkota. A new the area has been created in the state government, jetty on the Hooghly River is also to be constructed with Mr. Kanti Ganguly being appointed as the as a part of this project. (Also see PA Updates 33 and Minister for Sunderbans development. 30) In response to this news item, sources in the Source: '$ 25m trust planned to fund eco-jobs' West Bengal Forest Department have issued the Statesman, 22/04/02. following clarifications: ' The news report is wrong. CWLW, Government of West Bengal, Sahara India is trying to develop a private eco- Vikas Bhawan, North Block, Salt Lake, tourism project in non-forest areas of Sunderbans. Calcutta 700 091, West Bengal. Tel: 033- There is no question of allowing unsustainable 3346900/3583208. Fax: 3345946. Email: tourism project in Tiger Project area or Sunderban [email protected] mangrove forests. Forest Conservation Act and Supreme Court's order are quite rigorous in this respect. They will require clearances from NATIONAL NEWS FROM INDIA Environment Dept also erg CRZ regulations. The project is still in the discussion stage.

SC appoints Central Empowered Committee to Source: Kohinoor Mandal. 'Sahara expects deal with forest cases Sunderbans project to be cleared soon',

Hindu Business Line, 13/06/02. The Supreme Court has through its order dated May

9, 2002 constituted a Central Empowered Committee

Protected Area Update 38 13 August2002

Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com) (CEC) to look into issues of forests in the context of and and the marine island systems in two ongoing writ petitions. These are the Writ Lakshadweep and the Andaman & Nicobar islands. Petitions (Civil) Nos. 202 of 1995 and 171 of 1996. An additional 17 areas were to have been The Committee that was constituted by the surveyed by 1996. These included the biosphere MoEF on June 3, 2002 has the following members: reserves in the Nilgiris and Nandadevi; the wetlands Sri PV Jayakrishnan (presently Secretary, MoEF), Sri of Asthamudi (Kerala), Ujni (Maharashtra), Osman NK Joshi (presently Addl. Director General of Sagar (Andhra Pradesh), Dal & Wullar (J&K), Forests), Sri Valmik Thapar (Ranthambhore Gobind Sagar (Punjab), Loktak () and Foundation), and Sri Mahendra Vyas (Supreme estuarine and brackish water systems in the Krishna - Court Advocate). Sri MK Jiwrajka, presently Godavari delta in Andhra Pradesh, Chilka, Mahanadi Inspector General of Forests, MoEF, is the Member Delta and Rushikulya in Orissa, Sunderbans & Secretary of the Committee. Hooghly- Malta in West Bengal and the mangroves Anyone having any grievance against any of the Sundarbans and in the Andamans. steps taken by the government or any other authority However the survey has been completed in in purported compliance with orders passed by the only three areas - , Rajasthan, and SC will be at liberty to move the Committee for Lakshadweep in the first block and only five - seeking suitable relief. The Committee has the Ashtamudi, Ujni, Osman Sagar, Hooghly-Malta and authority to dispose off any application in conformity Mahanadi Delta in the second. with orders passed by the court. Source: P Sunderarajan. 'Project on 'endangered Source: Notification issued by the MoEF dated species' yet to take off, The Hindu, 12/04/02 03/06/02. Contact: MK Jiwarajka, Member Secretary, Central KIOCL surveying new sites for mining Empowered Committee, Room No. 106, Paryavaran Bhavan, CGO Complex, Lodi The Iron Ore Company Limited Road, New Delhi - 110003. Tel: 011- (KIOCL) is now surveying new sites for mining. 4361297 Chairman, Mr Murari recently issued a statement saying that the survey of sites was being carried out ZSI project on 'endangered species' fails to take in , Orissa and Tumkur and Bellary in off Karnataka

An ambitious project of the Zoological Survey of Source: 'Kudremukh surveying new sites for mining', India (ZSI) to assess the status of a number of Canara Times, 08/06/02. threatened and endangered species from across the Contact: S Murari, Chairman, KIOCL, 2nd Block, country has failed to achieve the targets that had been Koramangala, Sarjapur Road, Bangalore- initially set. 560034, Karnataka. Tel: 080-5531322 Fax: The Ministry of Environment and Forests 5521584 (MoEF) had in 1987, directed the ZSI to conduct a survey to find out the status of 77 species of New National Committee on Ecotourism and mammals, 46 of birds, 15 of reptiles, three of Mountains formed amphibians and a large number of invertebrates that were reported to be endangered. The ZSI has A new National Committee on Ecotourism and however initiated the survey with regard to only 11 Mountains that is chaired by the Central Minister for mammal species and even this truncated programme Tourism has been recently formed. There are 42 remains incomplete. The survey of just eight members in this committee which had its first mammals has been completed. These details were meeting in May, earlier this year. There are 12 pointed out in a report submitted recently to the special invitees to this official dominated committee parliament by the Comptroller and Auditor General that also has representatives of industry, the Indian (CAG) of India. Mountaineering Federation and the Himalayan In addition the CAG has also pulled up the Environment Trust. ZSI for being way behind schedule in terms of The first meeting of the Committee was survey of various ecosystems in the country for their attended by Chief Secretaries of Uttaranchal, , faunal resources. The ZSI was to have surveyed 12 Sikkim and the Andaman and Nicobar islands. One areas by 1993. These included the tropical rainforests of the main tasks of this committee is to create a five in the Western Ghats and North Eastern States, the year rolling plan for ecotourism and conducting a Himalayan Ecosystem in , Uttar periodical action audit and review. Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh; the desert ecosystems in Rajasthan, Gujarat Source: 'Ecotourism funds linked to action', The Times of India, 11/05/02.

Protected Area Update 38 14 August2002

Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com) International Conference on Sustainable UPCOMING Development of the Himalayas

The German Development Corporation (gtz), the

Himachal Pradesh Eco-Development Society and XII World Forestry Congress CSK - Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vidyalaya are jointly

organising an 'International Conference on The XII World Forestry Congress, organised under Challenges and Options for sustainable Development the auspices of the Food and Agriculture of the Himalayas - Beyond 2002', in Palampur, Organisation is to be held in Quebec, Canada from Himachal Pradesh from October 1-4, 2002. September 21-28, 2003. The program for the

Congress covers three broad areas: a) Forests for Contact: Dr. Rajan Kotru, Indo-German Changar people; b) Forests for the planet and c) People and Eco-Development Project, Post Box 25, forests in harmony. Palampur, Dist. Kangra - 170061, Himachal

Pradesh. Tel: 01894-30567. Fax: 30695. Contact: Secretariat, 2003 World Forestry Congress, th Email: [email protected]; 800 Place d'Youville, 18 Floor, Quebec, Canada G1R3P4. Tel: (418) 6942424. Fax: [email protected] (418) 6949922. AK Gulati, CCF (Projects), HP Forest Department, Talland, Shimla, Himachal Email: [email protected]. Pradesh. Tel: 0177-225036. Email: Website: www.wfc2003.org [email protected]

.

SOME PUBLICATIONS FROM KALPAVRIKSH

 Where Communities Care: Community Wildlife and Ecosystem Management in South Asia . Ashish Kothari, Neema Pathak, Farhad Vania  Sharing the benefits of Biodiversity: The Kani - TGBRI Deal in Kerala. (2000). RV Anuradha  Pelicans and People: The Two- Tier Village of Kokkare Bellur, Karnataka, India K. Manu and Sara Jolly.  Coastal Conservation through Enterprise: A Case Study of Rekawa Lagoon. Sri Lanka (2000) S.U.K Ekaratne, S.S Jinendradasa,. M.D Abeysisrigunawardana and J. Davenport.  Forest Revival and Water Harvesting: Community-Based Conservation at Bhonta Kolyala, Rajasthan, Swati Shresth and Shridhar Devidas  Tribal Self Rule and Natural Resource Management: Community-Based Conservation at Mendha-Lekha, Maharastra, India.(2000). Neema Pathak and Vivek Gour Broome  Protected Areas in India: A Profile. Roshni Kutty and Ashish Kothari  Joint Protected Area Management: A Simple Guide (2000). Tejaswini Apte & Ashish Kothari  Does Community based Conservation make Economic sense? Lessons from India., Sushil Saigal  Source Book on Community-Based Conservation in South Asia(2000): People, Policies and Publications Community Based Conservation in South Asia: No. 10  UNDeePer in the Techno-Corporate Mire (2002). Eds. Smitu Kothari & Michelle Chawla  Customs and Conservation: Cases of traditional and Modern Law in India and Nepal (2002). Ruchi Pant  Treasured Islands: An environmental Handbook for Teachers in the A&N islands (1999). Sunita Rao  Troubled Islands: Writings on Indegenous peoples and environment of the A&N islands (2002). Pankaj Sekhsaria

Protected Area Update 38 15 August2002

Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com) INDEX OF PROTECTED AREAS PROTECTED AREA UPDATE 1- 38

ANDHRA PRADESH DELHI JAMMU & KASHMIR Coringa: 38 Asola: 34, 32 City Forest (Salim Ali): 27, Kambalakonda: 34, 33 GOA 26, 23, 21, 19 Kasu Brahamanand Reddy: Cotigao: 33 Dachigam: 32 33, 32, 30, 26 Madei: 33, 30 Gharana : 34, 25 Kolleru: 29, 20, 19 Netravali: 33, 30 Hemis High Altitude: 22 Mrugavani: 33 Salim Ai (Chorao): 33, 32 : 17 Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam: GUJARAT Wular: 27 30, 19, 18, 17, 15,14 Balaram Ambaji: 27 JHARKHAND Nelapattu: 34 Barda: 26 Betla (Palamau): 36, 30, Papikonda: 30 Dhrangadhra Wild Ass: 36, 27, 23, 20, 16 Pulicat : 34, 29 33, 21, 12 Dalma : 36, 34, 25, 21, 12, Uppalapadu: 34 Great Rann: 27 11, 9 ARUNACHAL Gir: 36, 34, 33, 32, 30, 29, Hazaribagh: 33, 26 PRADESH 27, 26, 25, 24, 23, 22, 19, KARNATAKA Namdapha: 38, 30, 23, 21 17, 16, 10, 4, 2 Anshi / Dandeli: 36, 33,32, ASSAM Hingolgadh: 4 24, 23, 22, 21, 18, 14 : Bhalukpong: 30 Jambughoda: 34 Bandipur : 36, 33, 30, 26, Burachapori: 30 Kutch Marine: 34, 32, 30, 23, 22 Chakrashila: 12 29, 27, 26, 25, 24, 23, 21, Bannerghatta: 38, 36, 33, Deepor Beel: 38, 36, 32, 17 30, 27, 26, 25, 24 30, 26, 25 Nalsarovar: 27, 22 Bhadra: 38, 30, 24, 23, 18, Dibru-Saikhowa: 30, 29, Narayan Sarovar: 24, 22, 15 19 19, 10 Brahmagiri: 36, 30 Garampani: 34 Purna: 29 BRT: 8, 6 Joyedhing: 29 Ratanmahal: 34 Cauvery: 15 Karbi Anglong: 29 Shoolpaneshwar: 29, 16, 9, Gudvi: 34 Kaziranga: 38, 36, 34, 32, 8, 4 Kudremukh: 34, 32, 30, 29, 30, 29, 27, 26, 24, 23, 22, Thol: 22 27, 26,25, 23, 22, 21, 20, 21, 20, 19, 18 Vansada: 27 18, 14 Laokhowa: 38, 30 Velavadar: 38 Mandagadde: 33 Manas : 34, 30, 29, 27, 26, Nagarhole: 38, 36, 34, 32, 21, 20 Abushahr: 29 30, 27, 26, 25, 24, 23, 22, Nambar: 34 Bhindawas: 34, 20 21, 20, 17, 14, 13, 9 Nameri: 38, 36, 33, 32, 30 Bir Bara Ban: 37, 29 Puspagiri: 30 Orang: 38, 36, 30, 29, 27, Chhilchhila: 29, 22 Ranganthithu: 36, 34, 27, 26, 24, 21 Khaparhwas: 30 26 Pobitara: 36, 34, 33 : 36, 29 Kokare Bellur 14 Kakoijana: 29, 26, 25, 20 Saraswathi: 36, 29 KERALA Sonai-Rupai: 38, 30 Sukhna: 29 Chinnar: 27 Sultanpur: 29, 20 Ervikulam: 25 Kaimur: 32 HIMACHAL PRADESH Idukki: 26 Kawar Lake: 26 Bandli: 30, 24 Neyyar: 33 Lavalong: 26 Darlaghat: 24 Parambikulam: 34 Mahuadarn: 25 Great Himalayan: 25, 23, Peechi Vazani: 18 Valmiki: 36, 34, 26 21, 11 Periyar : 36, 34, 30, 29, 27, CHATTISGARH Kalatop-Khajjar: 36 26, 24, 23, 21, 20 14 Indravati: 34, 27 Pong Dam: 30, 29 Shendurney: 33 Pamed: 34 Renuka: 32 Silent Valley: 34, 32 Udanti: 30 Wayanad: 30, 29

Protected Area Update 38 16 August2002

Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com) MADHYA PRADESH MEGHALAYA Mukurthi: 16 Achankmar: 7 Balphakram: 38, 24 Kalakad Munduntharai: 38, Bandavgarh: 34, 33 MIZORAM 20, 15, 14 Bori: 26, 7 Dampa: 36 Koonthankulam: 36, 25 Ghatigaon GIB: 22, 10 Palak: 34 Guindy: 37 Kanerghatti: 23 Thorang: 34 Gulf of Mannar: 38, 36, 30, Kanha: 32, 27, 26, 21, 15, ORISSA 25, 22 4 Badrama: 32 Karikili Karera GI Bustard: 14 Barabara: 36 Point Calimere: 23 Kuno Palpur; 36, 34, 33, 29 Bhitarkanika: 36, 34, 33, Pulicat: 27, 24, Madhav: 34, 22, 21, 15 32, 30, 29, 27, 26, 25, 23, Srivilliputhur: 24 Pachmarhi: 21 20, 19, 18, 17, 14, 13, 10 Kattupalli: 38 Panna; 25, 23 Chandka: 33, 32, 29, 27, 26, Pallikaranai: 38 Panpatha: 34 25, 23 UTTARANCHAL Pench: 16, 13, 12 Chilka (Nalaban): 38, 36, Rajaji: 36, 34, 32, 29, 26, Satpura: 7 34, 32, 30, 29, 27, 26, 23, 25, 24, 23, 21, 20, 15, 12, MAHARASHTRA 22, 21, 20, 19, 16 11, 9, Andhari: 33 Gahirmatha: 38, 36, 34, 30, Corbett: 36, 34, 33, 30, 29, Bhimashankar: 26, 17, 6, 5, 27 25, 22, 21, 17, 51, 14 4 Kuldiha: 36 Nanda Devi: 34, 33, 32, 17 Chandoli: 36, 32 Satkosia Gorge: 32, 30, 26, Deulgaon-Rehekuri Black 25, 24, 23, 21 Chambal: 34, 32 Buck: 25, 16 Simlipal: 27, 26, 25, 21, 17 Chandraprabha: 34 Dnyanaganga: 20 Sunabeda: 38, 26 Dudhwa : 36, 34, 20., 14 Karnala Fort Bird: 20 PUNJAB Govind Pashu Vihar: 27 Koyna: 36, 27, 20, 4 Abohar: 34, 32, 29 Hastinapur: 27, 25, 23, 19, Melghat : 36, 34, 33, 30, Harike Lake: 34, 32, 30, 15 25, 22, 21, 18, 17, 16 26, 24, 18 Kaimur: 29 Nagzira: 33, 24 Takhni: 29 Katerniaghat: 37, 34, 20 Nannaj: 29 RAJASTHAN Nawabganj: 34, 20 Nandur Madhmeshwar: 17 : 14 Rajaji: 7, 4 Nawegaon: 23 Jamwa Ramgarh: 23, 19, 5, Ranipur: 27, Pench: 24, 22, 17 4 Sohelwa: 37, 30, 20 Radhanagari: 36, 32, 17, Keladevi: 14, 13, 12, 7 Valley of Flowers: 24, 20 16, 4 Keoladeo Ghana: 34, 26, WEST BENGAL Rajmachi: 27 21, 20,19, 4 Buxa: 34, 32, 29, 21 Sagareshwar: 36, 34, 32, Phulwari-ki-nal: 4 Chapramari: 36, 32, 34, 29 30 Ranthambore: 38, 29, 27, Gorumara: 34, 33, 32, 29, Sanjay Gandhi (Borivli): 26, 25, 22, 21, 8, 4 22 36, 33, 30, 29, 27, 26, 25, Sariska : 27, 26, 25, 20, 19, Jaldapara: 34, 33, 32, 29, 24, 22, 21, 20. 19, 17, 15, 13, 6, 4 27 14, 4 Sambar: 22, 21 Mahananda: 32, 29 Tamini-Sudhgarh: 27 SIKKIM Neora: 34 Tansa: 17 Khangchendzonga: 34, 33, Raiganj: 36 Tadoba: 33, 18 24 Santragachi: 34 Tipeshwar: 33 TAMIL NADU Singalila: 34 MANIPUR Annamalai: 38, 36, 33, 30, Sunderbans : 38, 36, 34, Keibul Lamjao: 36, 30, 29, 26 33, 30, 29, 27, 26, 25, 21, 27, 25, 21 Mudumalai: 36, 33, 30, 23, 20, 14 21, 20, 16

Protected Area Update 38 17 August2002

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Protected Area (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. We acknowledge the support of the Foundation for Ecological Security in the compiling and production of PA Update 38 The issue has been prepared and edited by Pankaj Sekhsaria.

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Protected Area Update 38 18 August2002

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