CHAPTER 1

SECURITY OF SAHYADRI RESERVE

1.00 Background – Introduction to the Area – and are located in the Northern ranges of , called Sahyadris. The CNP is on the fringes of 4 districts of – (18 villages), (11 villages), (3 villages) and (1 village), spread over 317.67 Sq.Kms while the KWLS is located in and is spread over 50 villages and the area of 423.55 sq. km.

Eastern side of Sahyadri ranges shows gentle slope with dense forest cover, whereas western side shows steep slope. On the western aspects of the Sahyadri ranges well grown tree cover is observed both in forest and private areas. At the same time there is no major industrial development in the region. River Warna in Chandoli National Park forming the Vasantsagar reservoir is the main river and the Protected Area forms the Catchment Area of Chandoli Dam which is a tributary of River Krishna.

River Koyna is considered as the vein of Maharashtra, as is constructed over this river is of 95 TMC capacity reservoir called Shivsagar and is a main source for hydroelectricity in Maharashtra State.

The entire PA of Chandoli National Park is located in the catchment area of Warna Dam, situated on either side of Vasantsagar Reservoir. The backwater stretches to a distance of about 25 to 30 km, which is East to West. The dam protects the core area from the eastern side creating a large water body, and steep hills of Western Ghats protect the western side. Remote and highly undulating hilly ranges protect the North and South sides, which makes the National Park area inaccessible.

The Koyana Wildlife Sanctuary has the entire Protected Area in the catchment area of Koyana Dam on either side of Shivsagar reservoir. The backwater stretches as long as 55 km, extending to the foothills of , which runs North to South. Western side of this sanctuary is protected by very steep and inaccessible hill ranges of Western Ghats and on Eastern side, the height of hill ranges is comparatively low and in patches interrupted by

1 | P a g e plateaus of rocky portion of Vele, Kusavade, Gojegaon and Nahimbe villages. There are 60 villages in the buffer zone spread over the districts of Satara, Sangli and Kolhapur districts. At present Bufffer Zone area outside the P.A. is in the possession of Territorial Divisions & hence not considered for Security Plan.

The Western Ghats is one of the ecologically richest region of , The Sahyadri Tiger Reserve lies between Longitude - 73° 31' 33'' to 73° 55' 12'' East and Latitude- 16° 58' 05'' to 17° 49' 14'' North. The mountains vary in height from 500 M. to 1200 M. Above MSL. The North-South run of Western Ghats is about 100 kms and average breadth of 20kms. The districts of Satara, Kolhapur and Sangli form part of the western Maharashtra, and the southern limit of Sahyadris.

1.1 Location by other features

i) State :- Maharashtra.

ii) Districts (Tahsil) :- Kolhapur (Shahuvadi), Sangli () , Satara (Patan, Javali, Mahabaleshwar), Ratnagiri (Sangameshwar)

iii) Wildlife Circle :- The Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Western region, Borivali, .

iv) Wildlife Division :- The Chief Conservator of Forests, Kolhapur Wildlife Division, Kolhapur.

The area of CNP was declared as Wildlife Sanctuary in 1985, later as the National Park on 14th May 2004 (adding 1 more village into it) and further was notified as Sahyadri Tiger Reserve on 5th January 2010 along with the area of the KWLS.

1.2 The details of the area proposed as the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve under the are as under : Chandoli National Park - 317.67 Sq.Km.

Koyana Wildlife Sanctuary - 423.55 Sq.Km.

Total - 741.22 Sq.Km. Buffer area (including corridor) - 565.34 Sq.kms

TOTAL STR 1165.34 sq.kms.

This entire area needs to be considered for Security Plan.

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An area (308.97 sq.km.) which was notified as Chandoli Wildlife Sanctuary in the year 1985, later has been notified in May 2004 as Chandoli National Park over an area (317.67 sq.km.) which includes the earlier notified area and the area of one additional village.

The details of the notified area are as under: Sr.No Name of the area Notified by govt. vide Area notified

1 Chandoli National Park (earlier 14th May 2004 317.67 sq. km. as wildlife sanctuary in 1985)

2 Koyna wildlife sanctuary 16th September 1985 423.55 sq. km.

3 STR notified 5th January 2010 741.22 sq.kms.

4 Core & Buffer for STR notified 21st August 2012 1165.34 sq.kms

1.3. Earlier Security Practices - Earlier, the area Security practices were going on as per the working plan by Shri B.P.Desai. No separate Security Plan was there. The forest areas were worked as per Selection cum improvement working system. No emphasis was given on wildlife security. But since declaration of the wildlife Sanctuary in 1985 the protected area was excluded from working plan and felling operations and extraction of M.F.P. were stopped. Then after, emphasis was given to wildlife conservation. Annual census of major animals was carried out by the respective forest divisions.

Since 1993, after the creation of Kolhapur (wildlife) Division, the Security of Chandoli National Park and Koyna WLS came under control of Kolhapur (Wildlife) Division. Since then the various habitat developmental and conservative works were taken up and it resulted in improved sightings of wild animals in the P.A.

1.4. Objectives of the Security Plan - This comprehensive Security plan has been prepared with a view to secure the bio-diversity for posterity and to protect the PA on scientific lines. Based on the Generic Guidelines for Preparation of Security plan for Tiger Reserves by National Tiger Conservation Authority, the objectives of this Security plan are also to conserve the bio-diversity of the protected Area and to create nature conservation awareness among the people in the buffer zone area and tourists. The present plan covers a period of ten years with effect from 01-04-2013 to 31-03-2023 with a provision for midterm review after five years. 3 | P a g e

Since this is the first Security plan prepared for the STR, the principle strategies are protection to the area by development of infrastructure, effective patrolling, creation of information network, controlling diseases and epidemics (Health conservation), reducing dependency of the people on PA, regulating the wildlife tourism, Staff Capacity development, and to develop monitoring techniques at various levels.

Efforts will be made to expedite the final declaration of the Protected Area as per section 26A, of wildlife (protection) Act, and the external boundary will be maintained by following one-fifth demarcation scheme.

1.5. Protection Camps - A map showing the location of patrolling/ anti-poaching/ monitoring wildlife signs camps is attached. Such camps are known as protection camps. In Chandoli National Park camps have been established (Khundlapur, Zolambi, Nivale (Sangli), Male, Chandel, Udgiri, Nivale (Kolhapur), Rundiv, Siddheshwar, Pandhar Pani (Atoli)). This will provide the effective protection camps at 10 Km. intervals. Five checking gates have been constructed at Male, Kolane, Pandhar pani, Nivale Khind and Udgiri. Barriers have been erected and are maintained at Khundalapur, Zolambi, Kolane, Nivale (Kolhapur Distt.) and Dhakale. This will provide the effective protection to prevent illegal vehicular traffic, while camps at 10 km. interval provide halting facilities to the staff. Strategies adopted are to send messages regularly in the morning and evening by wireless to range headquarter, regular morning and evening patrolling in these allotted areas, altering the duties of the daily wage watchmen at the interval of 15 days, frequent visits to the areas by supervisory staff are some of the strategies adopted in Chandoli National Park. Each Forest Guard is provided with 2-3 watchmen for patrolling and to monitor the movements of animals. However, heavy rains and inaccessible areas hinder the movement for effective patrolling of the area.

In KWLS, 9 protection huts have been ercted (Vele, Raghuveer Ghat, Met Indavli, Awasari, Takvali, Karanjavade, Rohine, Zungati). In the coming years, more protection camps are proposed to be set up at Maldeo, Pali, Dalavi Vasti (Vele), Mhalunge, Kusavade (Ambavade), Turiche sapat (Dicholi), Adoshi places. Plans are on the anvil to establish two more check nakas at Ozarde and Ghatmatha. In nutshell this will provide effective protection camps at the interval of about 10 to 12 km. However, the camp facilities at Awsari and Met indoli are functional whereas other camps are not functional now. However, one camp at Vele and one at Raghuveer Ghat are functional with one watchman and one guard patrolling the area to prevent illegal entries into the area. Other strategies adopted in the CNP were also being adopted in KWLS but for want of proper infrastructure, land disputes and delayed

4 | P a g e rehabilitation it is not functional in full strength and it is being planned to be taken up here afterwards.

1.6. Roads - In CNP, effective road network of about 110 km. exists. It needs annual maintenance as well as special repairs wherever necessary on an urgent basis. The CNP is also approachable at various points from the external public road network – Mandur, Uklu, Udgiri, Paneri, Moragiri and Nav. No more new roads are proposed inside CNP.

In KWLS there is shortage of road network for patrolling. The road from Ghatmatha to Jungati, in the earlier days was being made for coupe works, but needs special repairs and maintained for effective patrolling and monitoring of wildlife in uphill area, which would be of great help to the field staff. Major transportation media is through waters of Shivsagar and the back waters of Koyna hydroelectric project. The western side of KWLS is protected naturally by the deep valleys and steep slopes towards Region. There are few entry points at the villages of Adoshi, Nageshwar, Maldeo, Pali, Zungati, Dicholi, Valvan(Ambavali), Morani and on the eastern side Vakat. These points are to be regularly monitored by the beat guards with the help of daily wage watchmen. Presently, there are 2 launches and 4 boats available in KWLS for transportation, in the coming years, 2 more speed boats and 2 all season launches needs to be added to reach the sites quickly for effective protection.

1.7 Wireless network - KWLS has a wireless repeater station at Vele (Dhen) and 3 base stations at Bamnoli, Koyana and Awasari Via 2 Wireless Towers. Two more base stations are essential, one at Met Indoli and another at Raghuveer Ghat needs to be provided. This repeater station has good contact with Male base station of Chandoli NP and Mahabaleshwar plateau. In CNP one repeater station at Udgiri and 5 base stations (Range office - Mandur, Nivale (Sangli and Kolhapur Distt.), Chandel and Khundlapur. However, heavy rains for almost 4-5 months i.e. from June to October in the area, and steep hilly area with rugged terrain poses a major hurdle to continue operations for wireless communication. At camps, solar charging facility is required. The wireless system needs to be strengthened and wherever possible to be supported by cellular phone system. To strengthen the wireless system base station at Dicholi (Turiche Sapat) is suggested. It is also suggested that providing a base and repeater station at Wilson Point of Mahabaleshwar Range of Satara Forest Territorial Division will strengthen the wireless communication. Details regarding strengthening Wireless VHF network have been considered in a separate chapter.

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1.8 Foot Patrolling - The importance of foot patrolling needs to be understood by frontline staff. It is really effective for protection and monitoring of the STR. There are a number of strategic entry points on Konkan slope and at other places which can be accessed on foot only. Some of the important strategic points are Maldeo, Karanjwade, Dicholi, Pali, Parvat, Chakadeo,, Udagiri and Paneri, Kasani Rundiv, Gothane, Satar and they need to be monitored by protection squads on foot and 2-3 points of entry from the eastern side need to be monitored for poachers. For want of staff we are currently unable to check all these exit points, but in the future planning is made to block these points effectively to check the entry/ exit to STR. The same squads will also monitor the evidences of animals for records.

The new Check posts and repairs to camping buildings at different places are proposed during the plan period for effective protection to the area. The fire lines are proposed to be taken up, to create more edges by cleaning the compartment boundaries so as to create eco-tones. During the plan period, a total of 150 km. of fair weather roads (110 km. in CNP and 40 km. in KWLS) will be maintained and special repairs at an interval of 3-4 years. It is proposed to take up about 50 new culverts during the plan period as per the site requirements. Wireless network will be strengthened and if possible, mobile phone network is proposed to be established. Camera Traps shall be strengthened and other advance technologies like C.C.TVs is proposed to be introduced both for protection and monitoring of wildlife and to identify the trespassers and poachers. Required vehicles need to be procured for effective patrolling and wildlife Security. Pickup-vans shall be procured to provide emergency medical facility to the field staff and to labourers staying inside the PA. Motor launches of greater capacity and speed will be procured for traversing the dam reservoir for efficient protection. Proposal for constructing new quarters for staff for their accommodation will be made and the required accommodation for staff bearers will be made available during plan period. If the proposed rationalization and deletion of area comes into existence, the scenario is expected to change and more efforts will have to take to check illegal entries from the eastern side of KWLS.

Developmental works taken under the scheme of village eco-development will be continued. Efforts will be made to fulfil the additional staff requirement for better security and protection of PA also for security from tourism activities. Regular/ periodic training and exposure field tours for staff are proposed. Incentives and rewards will be made an annual feature to motivate to staff members for efficient functioning.

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If the proposed Security plan will be fully implemented, it will be helpful to enrich the bio- diversity of the STR and will result in the over-all development of the region.

1.9 Review of Offences in Chandoli National Park and Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary -

Statistics for last 5 years of offences registered in CNP and KWLS

A – Chandoli National Park

Sr. No. Period No. of Details Compensation Cases offences received disposed off 1 2007-08 13 1.Fire – 7 2.Trespass- 5 Rs. 4650/- 13 3.Grazing – 1 2 2008-09 19 1.Fire – 15 2.Trespass- 0 Rs. 3700/- 19 3.Grazing – 4 3 2009-10 4 1.Fire – 4 2.Trespass- 0 0 4 3.Grazing – 0 4 2010-11 19 1.Fire – 16 1900 19 2.Trespass- 3 3.Grazing – 0 5 2011-12 35 1.Fire – 07 1500 1 2.Trespass-23 3.Grazing – 0 4. Illicit -05

B – Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary

Sr.No. Period No.of Details Compensation Cases offences received disposed off

1.Fire - 6 14510 21 2.Trespass- 5 1 2007-08 21 3.Grazing - 1 4.I.Cutting - 9

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1.Fire - 0 27134 14 2.Trespass- 8 2 2008-09 14 3.Grazing - 3 4.I.Cutting - 3 1.Fire - 4 16183 26 2.Trespass- 9 3 2009-10 26 3.Grazing - 0 4.I.Cutting - 13 1.Fire – 03 17700 27 2.Hunting -01 4 2010-11 41 3.Grazing – 02 4.Illicit -11 5.Trespass-24 1.Fire – 00 4000 14 5 2011-12 18 4.Illicit -04 5.Trespass-14

1.10 SWOT ANALYSIS - On the basis of the situations mentioned above the SWOT analysis for STR is discussed as under -

STRENGTHS -

1. Given the highest legal status of PA – The area being declared as a Tiger Reserve since 5th January 2010, has been accorded the highest legal status of PA and is being identified and status is being reviewed at the national level. 2. Area spread over 4 districts - The area being spread over fringes of districts; the political and financial resources are available from all these 4 districts. 3. The common people from these districts are generally educated, politically strong and financially in better condition. Non-tribal area, hence direct dependency on PA is low except for grazing and firewood by the nearby people. 4. Remote, hilly and mostly inaccessible area does not allow an easy approach to the miscreants. Hence commercial poaching is not easily possible. 5. Rehabilitation of 30 villages out of 45 villages completed. A big step attained towards making the PA inviolate. 6. Rich – PA is known to have rich bio diversity and hence, the area is a paradise for researchers.

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7. Abundant water availability as water is spread all over the STR.

WEAKNESSES-

1. No scope for compounding of offence cases - The PA being declared as a Tiger Reserve since 5th January 2010, it does not allow composition/ compounding of minor offence cases like trespassing, grazing etc. Depending upon the merit of the case, powers for composition/ compounding of minor offence cases, like trespass, grazing etc., needs to be placed at the level of A.C.F. by necessary amendments in the law for better management of the STR.

2. Area spread over 4 districts – the area being spread over fringes of 4 districts, results into 7 tahasils, 4 forest divisions, 9 forest ranges, 9 Assembly & 3 LokSabha Constituencies, 7 judicial areas of JMFC & Sessions Courts levels, consumes too much time and labour and money in the official and courtesy transactions at all these levels in view of poor Officer/ Staff strength made available with the management of STR.

3. Untrained and scarce staff - Chandoli National Park spread over 317.67 sq.kms area is at present managed with the help of 19 guards, 2 foresters and 1 RFO only. At least 32 Guards, 5 foresters & 2 RFOs are essential for better monitoring. KWLS spread over 423.55sq.kms area is at present managed with the help of 19 guards, 2 foresters and 2 RFOs only. For more effective protection and management of the STR at least 79 Guards, 9 foresters and 4 RFOs are essential, as per the proposal has been already sent vide this office letter no. A/Desk -11/Survey/reorganization/ 898 dt. 04.03.2010. 19 additional posts of Forest Guards have been provided vide Government letter no. cont/ 2011/ pr.kr.243/ f-1 dt. 1 Nov. 2011. Majority of staff, right from Forest Guard to A.C.F. are untrained in special wildlife management which is mandatory in view of the specialised job they are expected to deliver. Majority of staff is above 50 years in age and so they need to attend their family and personal health problems. All these forest personnel are eligible for the one-step above pay scale like in the Police Department and all other facilities given in the tribal area be extended to wildlife personnel which will increase the interest of the staff in working. Also working environment and day to day facilities need to be improved. At least a proportion of 50% staff be trained in wildlife management and frontline staff needs to be below age of 30 years for delivering the duties of Wildlife protection and management efficiently. Also, the offices at all levels - CCF, DFO, ACF, RFO needs to be provided with essential ministerial staff and peons for effective functioning and timely delivery of the essential duties.

4. Slow process of Village Rehabilitation – Though in STR out of 45 villages, 30 villages have been relocated, the actual process of rehabilitation started since 1995, after opening a 9 | P a g e separate wildlife division in 1993. The process is related with many departments spread over 4 districts and also flow of funds was not continual basis. An additional staff is essential for the STR to expedite the process (1 Special Land Acquisition Officer, 2 Surveyors, 1 Accountant, 2 Clerks, 2 peons, 1 driver and 1 jeep) as the entire process is vast and is outside the regular works of the Forest Department. It requires a continuous interaction with District Collectors, other line departments, villagers, NGOs and the People’s representatives which require a high number of expected and unexpected meetings which is an impossible task within the available current machinery. Also, this has to be supplemented by the sufficient funds are needed to be provided in time.

5 . Remote, Hilly slopes and mostly inaccessible area – Hence the local labourers for protection and intelligence gathering not easily available. Mandur, the Range Headquarter being on the Eastern end of the park, while the last point of the park village Kolne is 40 km. from Mandur by radial distance and 125 km. by road via as no other route is available. This remoteness creates psychological boredom, lonely feeling among the on duty frontline staff after 4/5 days of stay. All the food and materials of domestic use needs to be procured in advance. Transport facilities and communication means need to be upgraded. Number of vehicles needs to be increased. The same condition applies to KWLS.

4. Grazing – The PA is having about 70 villages along the borders and 35 relocated villages inside. Fringe villages from the outside PA along with the feral cattle inside PAs, cause grazing problem and competition with the wild animals for the habitat factors in the STR. These stray cattle needs to be shifted out of PA by creating awareness and strict compliance of the provisions of Wildlife Protection Act.

5. Roads - About 150 km. internal roads needs to be maintained regularly every year, but until now about 40 km. roads have been repaired and maintained. Hilly area needs more number of CD works to be constructed. It is seriously affecting the frontline staff to their destination in time and monitoring by supervisory staff. Adequate funds and staff to monitor the work will be useful for these works.

6. Maintenance of old approach roads - The interconnecting roads and footpaths of relocated villages have been invaded by karvi and other bushy growths. The movement of wild animals have been obstructed and the routes need to be cleaned every year as per need for effective movement.

7. Bifurcation of the area due to big water bodies - The Chandoli National park forms the watershed of 32 TMC storage of Chandoli Irrigation Dam. The dam waterbody is about 2 km. 10 | P a g e width and 20 km. in length. Due to this, patrolling and monitoring of the area becomes unapproachable and difficult, hence the need for reorganisation into one more new range. The Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary forms the watershed of 105 TMC storage of Koyna Irrigation Dam. The dam water body is about 2 to 5 km. in width and 50 km. in length passes through the KWLS. This obstructs the easy movement of wildlife as well as staff.

OPPORTUNITIES

The STR, gifted by the rich biodiversity, claims number of opportunities. Some of them are discussed as below.

1. Proper estimation and monitoring - Proper estimation for existing big cats and assessment of potential for their probable increase and their sustained living. To take suitable measures to increase the prey base by providing protection, fodder availability and water to Sambar, , Langurs and Wild Boar. 2. To make available facilities for Survey, Research & Monitoring – for all type of biodiversity i.e. from micro to mega species. The STR has a potential and thus can work as a main center for Western Ghats region for the above purpose. 3. To increase Eco-awareness in the Landscape - Eco–awareness can be developed among the villagers of Buffer and Corridor zone, the tourists and other residents of the 4 districts i.e. Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara and Ratnagiri and in addition the which is rich in Forests and Wildlife. For this, necessary nature- awareness and publicity campaigns with the help from NGOs and Media would be mobilised. With such efforts, this landscape can very well be transformed into a haven from the Eco-tourism point of view. 4. Wildlife Education Centre for Forest Personnel - The STR can be treated as a good wildlife Education Centre for the forest personnel working particularly in Western Ghats part of Maharashtra. 5. Increase in reservoir life of Chandoli & Koyna Dams – The nala bunding works in the STR and buffer will stop siltation resulting in the increased life of Chandoli & Koyna Dams. It will directly benefit Ratnagiri, Sangli, Satara and Kolhapur Districts and further the adjoining states depending on the waters of . 6. In Koyna Sanctuary, the road from Raghuveer Ghat to Morni in Mahabaleshvar Tahsil and Chalakewadi to Gawdewadi in Patan Tahasil needs to be repaired and allowed with a regulating their travel between Sunrise to Sunset will facilitate in mobilizing the active support in protection from these villagers.

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THREATS

1. Dissatisfaction among the wildlife frontline Staff – It would result in the lack of proper and timely field information useful for monitoring. 2. Buffer and Corridor area must be placed with the unified control of STR at the earliest to facilitate in the effective management of STR. The felling of trees in private area of buffer and Corridor zone is going on relentlessly, as no protection cost for the protected trees is being paid to the private owners, the felling is resulting in the decreasing of shelter in these adjoining areas. 3. No compounding power for minor offences in the Act results into loss of intimacy for the project. 3. Windmills needs to be restricted to the plateaus which are common to the PA and territorial division and at least 1 km. away from STR boundary. 4. The normal threats of grazing, fire, epidemics do exist for STR but they can be controlled with proper timely measures. 5. An early declaration of the eco-sensitive zone around the STR will help in minimizing threats to the PA.

Proper timely decisions, providing adequate manpower, regular and sustained funding and morale boosting of the working personnel will diminish the effects of the threats.

1.11 BIOTIC INTERFERENCE - There is biotic interference to certain extent from outside STR along the external boundary of PA, grazing by outside cattle is the problem but and can be minimized by erecting live hedge fencing along the boundary of CNP at places, and by public awareness in the proposed buffer zone area along with penal action. The area of Ambaiwada of village Ukhalu in and the areas of Jinti, Kachani, Satar and Paneri villages of Satara district need to be included in STR. PA is accessible along northern, eastern and southern boundary. So to keep control on entry of people, 8 check nakas exist. The locations are at Khundalapur, Ambole, Kolane, and at Udgiri for CNP and Ghatmatha, Navja, Raghuvir Ghat and Bamnoli for KWLS. But these are not sufficient. Four more check nakas, at Male, , Kundi and Chandoli Khurd (Pandharpani) are required to be erected for CNP and at Choravane, Tivare, Vele, Kathi Tek and Vatole, Jamrukh (Dalavi Vasti) are required for KWLS to control entry of people and effective checking in the areas. All these existing and proposed Check Posts are very important for Monsoon Protection also. Wireless network

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is erected but needs to be strengthened. Vehicles are inadequate, present staff strength is very much inadequate to manage and to protect the P.A. Now the STR is becoming devoid of human residence therefore creation of camping facilities for protective staff are necessary. So it is required to repair old school buildings which are at Chandel, Dhakale, Nivale(Kolhapur), Sonarli and Zolambi in the CNP, and Zadoli, Dicholi, Shirshinge in KWLS. Now traversing the area is a problem as maintenance of road length about 150 kms. every year is essential where as special repairs are required to the road from Ghatmatha-Navaja-Dicholi- Karanjvade, so that effective vigilance and better protection to the area will be possible. Tourism is not yet fully developed in STR area.

If the Wildlife personnel are less in number, unenthusiastic, lack of funds for protection and development and monitoring works of PA, there will be irreparable loss to biodiversity, ecology, flora and fauna, water and soil of the STR and the landscape.

1.12 Evaluation of Chandoli National Park and Koyana Wildlife Sanctuary (STR)

 What are the areas with higher spatial occupancy of , co-predators, and prey in the area? The area with higher spatial occupancy of tigers and its co-predators i.e. panthers and wild dogs prevail all over the park area, but tiger movement is confined to Western crest line area i.e. area between Udgiri at South, and Chakdeo, Parvat at North. The eastern part of the N.P. i.e. Karde, Nivale, (Sangli) Zolambi, Nandoli, Kusavade, Ambeghar, Vele beats are devoid of tigers. The total area of tiger movement is spread over 15 beats out of 22 beats at present estimated 400 sq. km. out of 741.22 sq. km. of STR.  What are the important human made features, (villages, tanks, roads, 11 KV overhead electric lines, etc) around such areas of high tiger, co-predator and prey density? a) Villages - There are 34 villages around the tiger occupancy area and 20 villages inside. Out of 34 villages around 28 villages have no direct impact over the tiger movement as the area is down below the crest line, lies in Konkan region, Tahsils Sangameshwar, Chiplun and Khed District Ratnagiri. The village of Udagiri is in Shahuvadi Tahsil of Kolhapur District on the southern boundary of the CNP. There are 4 inside villages in CNP which are proposed for rehabilitation. In Udgiri, Bauxite mining is going on which is permitted up to 2028 which is the major issue of disturbance. In between CNP and KWLS, the corridor of 9 villages – Dhankal, Nechal, Waghane, Gothane, Nav, Bopoli, Khemse, Shivandeshwar and 13 | P a g e

carries a significant role in the movement of Tiger. Other villages of Ghatmatha, Humbarli, Navja in the part of STR that has Tiger movement. b) Roads - A State Highway no.76 Pandharpur – – passes for about 10 km. length straight in the middle of STR from Rasati to Ghatmatha. Another tar road passing through the PA is Koyna to Navja which then passes to Alore which is maintained by irrigation.

There are 6 roads newly formed after 2005 joining the main road & villages. c) Electric Line 440 KV line from Alore to Ogalevadi (Karad). d) Wind mills – 206 Windmills erected in Kusawade, Gojegaon and Aral of KWLS has created a number of Kachha roads which have no alignments. The humming sound of windmills is all the time prevailing in the surrounding area, and lights throughout the night and traffic of the maintenance vehicles have caused severe habitat destruction particularly for the mega animals in Monsoon. Same is happening in the adjacent area of Zolambi (CNP) at village Kasani (a village of proposed buffer). e) Resorts – 9 resorts have come up in village Humbarli (Deshmukhwadi) in STR and many places have been occupied by outsiders in proposed buffer area. But these are placed very close to each other and the number of resorts if not increased in future, will be helpful for ecotourism.

 What are the main and secondary roads in around the TR? Which roads are fair-weather and which are Usable round the year/ What are the alternate routes connecting key locations and the distances between them, important bridges etc. on the way etc. (important for emergency evacuation, sending in Strike Forces etc.) 1. Koynanagar to Navaja 9 Km. 2. Khed to Raghuvir Ghat – Morni 60 Km. 3. Helvak to Kolane 10 Km. 4. Patan to Male 10 Km. 5. Satara to Bamnoli 40 Km. 6. Islampur to Mandur 65 Km.  What other alternate routes of conveyance such as river, canals etc. are available in the area? Which areas do they connect? Are they seasonal or perennial? The CNP area is the catchment of Chandoli dam which is built on River Warna. So the back water of the dam plays an important alternative route by launch for patrolling

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and to reach back water portions earlier than road. The tributaries of Warna are Tanali, Ramnadi, Revale are not accessible as they flow on steep portions of CNP. The KWLS area is the catchment of Koyna dam which is built on River Koyna. So the back waters of the dam plays an important and perhaps, at present the only route by launch for patrolling and to reach back water portions earlier than road. The tributaries of Koyna are Kandati, Morna are accessible for 1-2 km. and then they flow on steep portions of KWLS.

 Which areas have suffered poaching of important species of wildlife in the last five years? The area near (Kolhapur) Nivale and Dhakale in Kolhapur district near Udgiri had only one case of poaching in 2007 and that of hare. No major animal poaching has occurred. The boundary along Satara district, i.e. from Satara to Gothane is also sensitive once and needs vigilant patrolling. In KWLS the villages to be shifted, which will solve many issues.

Which areas inside the TR or its vicinity have populations of traditional hunting communities or their temporary camps? Or past history of traditional poachers visiting such areas. Most traditional poachers love travelling by train, including narrow gauge, even if the journey takes longer. The nearest railway station from their comp could be as far as 50 + km. This vital information needs to be documented under this plan. No community along or inside the STR have traditional hunting. Traditional hunters were Maharajas of the area and they have given up the habit for conservation of Wildlife. The nearest railway stations are Chiplun on Konkan Railway (30 km.) and Karad on Central Railway (60 km.) from STR.

 Who are the well known poachers of the area and where do they live? Who are their key associates and where do they live in the vicinity of the TR? The best way to keep track of such poachers or potential poachers is to make a area- wise list of the accused and co-accused in poaching cases for the past ten years, and to keep a close watch on them. The majority of people is dependent on agriculture and is not traditional hunters. The list of area wise hunters is prepared and is kept in the range offices. However, the frontline staff needs to be cautious and should update the list if unfortunately such incidences occur.

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 Which localities have a higher concentration of licensed firearms? What is the trend of consumption of cartridges in such areas? No such information found available.  Which are the areas which suffer from high human-wildlife conflict, especially with respect to species like tiger, or the elephant? The cropping pattern of adjoining areas plays a major role in seasonal migration of prey sps. followed by predators, who often walk into snares or live electric wires set as a crop protection measure and also for poaching. The crop in the area generally matures from September to December. The Gaur and Wild boar damage the field areas. But, there are no incidences for species like Tiger or Leopard for snaring or live electric wires set as crop protection. The normal method for crop protection in the area is “Dabba Method” and “Crackers”.  Which are the water bodies, close to the periphery of the TR that attract wild animals especially during summer? There are about 30 perennial water holes in the STR and the major water body is Chandoli Dam which is encircled by the CNP. Almost same is the condition for KWLS. So, the water body attracting wild animals is under strict vigilance and no poaching is possible.  Daily monitoring system to follow the movement of Tigers. At present there are 22 beats out of which in 15 beats, Tiger movement has been observed. These 15 beats are interior ones in the western part of the STR and are remote. The staff i.e. one Forest Guard and 2-3 daily wage laborers go for 6-12 days patrolling and then the duty changes. The daily wages laborers by changing duty, by rotation continues protection and the beat guard comes after three days gap. The Tiger movement in composite territory is along the Udgiri area of Kolhapur, along Konkan region boundary i.e. Ratanagiri district and up to Chakdeo in Mahabaleshvar Tahasil of Satara district. At present there are no joint patrolling staff with territorial staff but once unified control of the Buffer and Corridor zone is kept under the Field Director, STR, joint patrolling and effective protection will be possible.  Security Map A Map showing- a. High risk areas –The high risk areas are the areas where tiger and man movement takes place throughout the year. Such areas are Male, Kolane Patharpunj, Chandoli Kh., Dhakale, Nivale (Kolhapur), Gothane, Navaja, Ghatmatha, Humbarli, Arav, Valvan, Mahalunge, Shindi, Morni.

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b. Seasonal High Risk Areas – The Seasonal high risk areas are areas which are not accessible during the rainy season i.e. generally from 1st June to 15th October. Such areas are Rundiv, Javali, Ambole, Chandel, Nivale (Sangli), Lotiv, Gave, Sidheshwar, Dicholi, Shirshinge, Zadoli, Karanjawade, Jungti, Maldev, Pali, Kusapur c. Moderate risk areas – The moderate risk areas are where occurrence of mega animals is there but occurrence of tiger is not found in these areas also human interference is less. Vetti, Takale, Zolambi, Devare, Petlond, Bhogiv, Sonarli, Durgewadi, Wadi hudunb, Tanali, d. Low risk areas – The low risk areas are areas where occurrence of mega animals is very less. Such areas are Kusawade, Ambeghar, Tambave, Karade, Khundalapur, Chandoli Bk.  Resource mapping – Human and physical resource available with the STR manager are at present are given in Core zone plan annexures. a. Human Resources – Annexure-XV b. Physical Resources – Annexure-II  Police Stations – Kokrud Police Station – 24 Km. from Mandur of CNP. Shahuwadi Police Station – 45 Km, from Mandur of CNP. Police Station – 110 Km. from Mandur of CNP. Koyna Police Station – At the Range headquarters of Koyna Range Patan Police Station - 25 km. from Range headquarters of Koyna Range Shirgaon Police Station - 30 km. from Range headquarters of Koyna Range Medha Police Station - 65 km. from Range headquarters of Bamnoli Range.

Satara Police Station - 40 km. from Range headquarters of Bamnoli Range.

Mahabaleshvar Police Station - 40 km. from Range headquarters of Bamnoli Range.

Khed Police Station – 35 km. from Raghuveer Ghat of Bamnoli Range. Chiplun Police Station - 40 km. from Range headquarters of Koyna Range.

Customs - Satara 40 km. from Bamnoli and 100km. from Koyna. Mahabaleshwar - 40km. from Bamnoli. Ratnagiri - 140 Km. From Koyna and Chandoli. - 70 km. from Raghuveer Ghat. 17 | P a g e

 Medical aid- Primary health centers - Mandur, Koyna, Bamnoli - at Range head quarters. Cottage hospitals – 45 km. Shirala from Range head quarters of Chandoli Range. 25 km. Patan from Range head quarters of Koyna Range. 40 km. Satara from Range head quarters of Bamnoli Range.

 Important officials – 1. Revenue and Police officers Designation of the officers Head Distance from Quarter Range head quarters in km. District Magistrate and Collector, Sangli Sangli 100 District Magistrate and Collector, Kolhapur Kolhapur 90 District Magistrate and Collector, Satara Satara 100 District Magistrate and Collector, Ratnagiri Ratnagiri 120 District Superintendant of Police, Sangli Sangli 100 District Superintendant of Police, Kolhapur Kolhapur 90 District Superintendant of Police, Satara Satara 100 District Superintendant of Police, Ratnagiri Ratnagiri 120

The Sub divisional offices both for police and Revenue are located at Islampur, Kolhapur, Karad and Chiplun and Wai.

Forest officers – The Office of the Chief Conservator of Forests (Territorial) Kolhapur Circle is located at Kolhapur. Conservator of Forests (Working Plan) for Kolhapur Circle is also at Kolhapur. Deputy Conservators of Forests are at Kolhapur, Satara and Divisional Forest Officers at Sangli & Chipalun. The Range Forest Officers in surrounding are located at Shirala (45 km.), Shahuwadi (45 km.), Ratnagiri (120 km.), Chiplun (40 km.), Dapoli (100 km.) Karad (50 km.), Patan (25 km.), Dhebewadi (70 km.), Satara (40 km.), Medha (65 km.), Mahabaleshwar (40 km.).

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List and location of electrical sub-stations and transmission lines and contact details of officials - 1. There are five lines crossing through STR which all originate from Pophali (Koyna Hydro Electric Project) towards Patan & Karad. These are major 440 Kw lines. The main station is located at Pophali & another at Koynanagar. It may be noted that there is no record involving accidental or premeditated deaths or injuries to wild animals or human beings due to electrocutions in the PA. 2. List and location of irrigation offices & contact details of officials –The main station for Koyna Hydro Electric Project – Irrigation Department is at Koyna Nagar while for CNP the main irrigation office is at Islampur & sub division office is at Mandur. The construction work of the Koyna Dam was completed in 1962 as of Chandoli Dam completed in 1985. No canal passes through the STR. 3. List and location of public transport installations such as bus and railway stations, taxi stands etc. The bus service is available all around the periphery of the park. Even the bus service is up to Khundalapur, Koynanagar, Navaja which are situated inside the protected area. Nearest Railway stations are 1. Karad which is 70 km. away from Chandoli park area. 2. Chiplun which is 40 km. away. 4. Location and contact details of heavy duty cranes and earth moving equipments- the annexure is not attached as the heavy duty cranes and earth moving equipments are easily available at Kolhapur, Islampur and Karad. 5. List, locations and existing details of patrolling camps and other safety installations – Please refer annexure no.1. 6. List and locations of transport equipments available with the STR- at present nil.

1.13 Preventions and detections – Sahyadri Tiger Reserve with respect to its 741.22 sq km. area has very meagre staff, only 38 beat guards, 4 round officers & 3 range officers and 2 ACFs. During rainy season i.e is from June to September end the PA is closed due to heavy rains - about 4000 to 6000 mm annual rain fall. During winter and summer seasons 40-50 daily wage labourers are engaged including check posts, Actually 100 members crew is required besides of daily wagers. Details of sanctioned and required staff with headquarters is given in annexure no.2.

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1.14 PATROLLING PLAN –

Day to day protocol has been prepared with due discussion with frontline staff circulated and is being executed.

The availability of field staff including daily wages labourers, a party of one Forest Guard and 2 daily wage labourers is formed during accessible season i.e., from October to till rains begin. The staff of remote 15 beats work on 15 days rotations while the staff of 7 beats towards eastern part (7 beats) i.e in Nandoli, Zolambi, Karade, Nivale (Kolhapur),Kusavade, Ambeghar, Vele work on 7 days rotation.

GPS are available with the ranges. An attempt is to provide a GPS to every protection squad to know their positions and area every day patrolled.

No ammunitions are currently available with the STR.

Two deep search metal detectors are available with the STR. The field staff has been trained to handle the same and are being used as and when necessary. 4-wheel drive jeeps are essential for RFOs and ACFs. For the STR, 12 jeeps are required. Considering the Monsoon patrolling, 8 launches with good stability and speed are essential to carry 15-20 persons at a time.

a. INTELLEGENCE GATHERING – The intelligence networking is gathered with the help of the local police patils and youth clubs and daily wage labourers in association with beat guards.

It is necessary to ensure that there a regular process of gathering the intelligence information. Range as a unit and RFO to be the in charge, the units have to be headed by respective Range Officers including mobile squads and ACFs of the area would supervise the operation. Foresters and Forest Guards should be given responsibility of gathering intelligence on wildlife offences and coordinating with reliable agents/ informers. Necessary secret fund must be made available to RFOsvel. Apart from building up an effective intelligence network to monitor, prevent and pre-empt illegal wildlife activities/ offences, these units should also raid and seize illegal wildlife products, and do market survey/ checking and general surveillance, including surprise checking of barriers, bus stands, check gates, hotels and tourist points when essential. A confidential dossier/ list of suspects/ criminals with previous crime history with their photographs should also be meticulously prepared and regularly updated for continuous direct or

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indirect surveillance. The progress of these units should be regularly reviewed by the respective ACFs. However, the outside villagers are not dependent on the protected area, due to less interaction with them, perfect intelligence network does not exist. So creation of eco development committees in buffer zone villages will also be effective source for gathering the intelligence in future. Unified control for both core and buffer zone is essential.

1.15 COMMUNICATION – At present, the communication within the intelligence is by mobile phones or by direct meeting. Wireless communication system has been established and is properly working since last 4 years. Necessary funding is available for the equipments. However, it is essential a regular maintenance service by technical experts which is many a times not available in the vicinity. Also regular wireless operators need to be appointed for effective communication and reporting.

1.16 FIRE ARMS – At present, STR has no fire arms. To start with, it is required to provide revolvers (RFOs & ACFs - 5) to superior officers and SLRs (Foresters and Forest Guards - 26) to front line staff. All field staff would be provided with the necessary arms training and firing practice in association with the Police authorities as per the Police norms.

Necessary immunity/ protection have also been provided vide Government of Maharashtra G.R. no. TRS1095/CR112/F-6 dt. 19th September 2006 authorizing the forest personnel (Forest Guard and above) to use firearms provided by the department for self-defence while protecting Government property.

COLLABOARATION WITH OTHER ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES

An effective linkage at all levels like Range to Police stations, DFO to DSP level and Field Director to IG level would facilitate for smooth coordination and collaboration. Regular meetings of Tiger Cells at district levels will be essential to overview the coordination and protection status regularly.

1.17. MEDIA COORDINATION

There are 4-5 major district-level/ regional news papers with at least 4 electronic media networks operating in the area who are interested in the activities of STR. So to tackle their undue criticism and to improve transparency, STR management has to provide information to the media periodically. It would be proper to authorize an officer to be spokes person with the media and thereby sweeping statements could be avoided. If field exposure

21 | P a g e visits are essential, then necessary facilities may be provided keeping in to account the other field activities going on and laws of the land.

1.18 CONTINGENCY PLAN

Situations of urgency of the following type are considered as follows.

a. Poaching - Wherever any poaching incidence is noticed, the patrolling party should report it to their senior officer immediately. Then the Range officer should take all necessary steps for making available the veterinary officer, vehicle and any other help as necessary for panchanama and investigation such as local Police help. Also it should be immediately intimated to the respective ACF for further guidance and steps to be taken. The steps expected are 1. Information/ Seizure/ Dead Animal/ Body Parts at Site. 2. Collection of evidences at site at the earliest. 3. Booking of offence and prosecution process. 4. Supervision must be at the level of Range Forest Officer.

b. Fire – wherever any fire incidence occurs, all possible steps to extinguish it would be taken. The fire lines are taken in time and at proper places is the better preventive measure. Separate Fire Protection plan depending on last 3 years experiences should be prepared annually and to be followed. Such plan is separately attached as alongwith.

c. Disease – Threats –

1. Due to heavy rainfall in the region, during rainy season and post-monsoon continuation of rains, humidity in the area remains higher. The decaying plant residues and animal residues act as source of bacterial and fungal infection. 2. Due to heavy rainfall, minerals in the soil get drained and ultimately the wild animals suffer from mineral deficiency. This mineral deficiency leads to immunity breakdown. 3. Heavy tick infestations on wild animals cause protozoan infestation leading to systemic diseases. 4. Open water reservoirs particularly in scarcity days during summer acts as the source of infection. 5. Improper disposal of dead animals leads to spread of diseases. The bony carcasses act as source of infection due to chewing habit of animals. 22 | P a g e

6. Local residents may carry the foot and mouth disease virus thru’ their animals while grazing as well as while travelling from one village to other.

1.19 Preventive measures suggested –

1. Regular Haemorregic septicaemia + Black quarter (HS+BQ) combined vaccination programme before monsoon, to prevent pasturella and clostridium bacterial infection. 2. Regular Foot and mouth disease prevention programme through inoculation of annual booster dosage during post monsoon season. 3. Ticks prevention programme through periodical anti-tick dusting or spray. 4. Regular deworming at the interval of 3 months using fenbendazole or Albendazole. 5. Mineral mixture supplementation through the diet. 6. Training for proper disposal of Dead animals. Wherever any diseased animal is noticed the patrolling party should immediately report it to their senior officer immediately. Then, the Range officer should take all necessary steps for the availability of veterinary officer and vehicle. Also, it should be immediately intimated to ACF for further guidance and steps to be taken. The preventive steps expected are- 1. Precautionary treatment of water hole. 2. Annual vaccination of cattle in adjoining areas. 3. Proper disposal by burning of dead bodies. 4. Treatments if possible. 5. The territorial veterinary officer for the areas needs to be instructed from Veterinary Department for earliest help to the wildlife authorities at the need. One Veterinary Officer needs to be permanently appointed by the department for STR management. Flood – The area suffers from high rainfall up to 6000 mm. and needs culvert constructions at about 50 places, annual maintenance of road of 150 km. length, at least 2 four wheel drive vehicles, maintained wireless communication, regular supply of ration during rainy season. The staff should be provided with good shelter, good torches, raincoats, rain shoes and water filters in protection huts and check posts. Steps for drainage of excess water at places and vaccination for possible diseases, should be taken.

1.20 ENTRY POINTS – At present, there are 7 check nakas located at Udgiri, Khundlapur, Kolne and Uklu, Ghatmatha, Humbarli, Raghuveer Ghat. These nakas will be maintained and in addition to these a check naka at Male, Chandoli khurd, Bhairavgad, Vatole, Kathi Tek, Vele will be constructed to check the entry of trackers from Northern, Eastern and Western 23 | P a g e side of PA. Also check posts is essential with speed boat along with 2 Forest guards and 4 watchers are required at Jamrukh (Dalavi Vasti).

1.21 GENERAL SUGGESTIONS :

a. ILLICIT CUTTING/ POACHING

The status of illegal activities is not serious at present. Illicit cutting of trees for firewood is much more restricted at peripheral area of villages. To curb the activities of illicit cutting of trees and poaching of wild animals -

1. The mobility of staff in these areas is very essential. Supervisory staff should take steps accordingly. 2. Staff should investigate whether the crop protection guns are utilized by the license holders for purpose of poaching. In such cases, steps should be taken to see that the crop protection license will be cancelled. 3. Deployment of additional staff and wireless fitted vehicles will strengthen the protection works. 4. Camping sites will be created in the vulnerable area.

b. GRAZING – Regular watch and ward can tackle the problem of grazing in the peripheral area. Now, inside grazing is limited only to the villages which are yet to be relocated out of PA. The grazing is very much limited to private areas. This will also be reduced, as the habitations are shifted out of STR. The feral cattle should be captured, removed outside the PA and auctioned with due notice to the adjoining villages.

c. ENCROACHMENT - Encroachment over Forest lands is not a serious problem in the PA. At present no encroachment is noticed in protected area. There is only one case of encroachment noticed in Vajegaon village where judicial procedure is in progress. Further, the following measures are suggested to prevent any peripheral encroachment – 1. Clear-cut demarcation of the PA and boundary marks should be erected and needs to be maintained from time to time, as per 5-year plan. 2. Alertness and mobility of staff will suffice the need.

1.22 MAN-ANIMAL CONFLICT ISSUES - Domestic cattle killing and agricultural crop raiding usually creates an adverse impact on the economic condition of the local 24 | P a g e

people which may flare up people’s anguish against wildlife and management. If not addressed properly, this may result in the revenge poisoning/ killing of wild animals. The villagers in and around the PA face such problems of loss of their agricultural crops, cattle kill and human injuries. To reduce conflict issues,

1. People in and around the PA should be made aware about provisions of compensation for cattle kill or human injury. 2. Prevalent system of paying compensation for cattle kill and human injury will be continued. 3. The staff will have to visit the villages frequently and establish dialogues and contacts with villagers. 4. Unified control over core, buffer and corridor will help in addressing the problems of local people by providing them prompt compensation and will create intimacy regarding STR management.

1.23 TRAINING TO THE STAFF Besides the formal trainings obtained by the staff, the STR management would impart regular trainings to the front line staff annually for 3-4 days duration on the refresher courses so as to make them know about the advance technologies and changes in the acts and laws. Also, field exposure visits to other tiger reserves would provide them the on-the-job training about the wildlife management techniques. Other topics suitable for the training program are,

 Speedy trials of wildlife cases.  Prohibitive actions against poachers/ smugglers.  Pendency of wildlife cases and its disposal.  Training of frontline staff with the police.

1.24. Law Enforcement : Considering the ever-increasing biotic pressures on wildlife protected areas, the STR Management should ensure a very close working relationship with the police and judiciary to put across the government's point of view more effectively. This will ensure that the law enforcing officers/ staff of the STR get well-acquainted with and updated on the various forest and wildlife Acts, such as the Indian Forest Act, 1927; the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (as amended upto 2006) and the Forest Conservation Act, 1980.

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The government has empowered various ranks of wildlife staff to take cognizance of offences relating to forest and wildlife. The STR Management should ensure that the staff remains trained and updated on the latest amendments to the concerning Acts, and for this periodic Legal Workshops and discussions should be organized, involving resource persons from the judiciary and the police department to guide the staff in the proper investigation of forest offences, procedural norms, and to simplify the intricacies of the laws. The staff would be benefited by such arrangements, as these interactions point out the various shortcomings/ mistakes in the entire procedure which render the cases weak, increasing the possibility of criminals going scot-free.

Such discussions and workshops would build the confidence of the staff in the following:

 Arrest or apprehension of persons/ offenders engaged in illegal acts inside the Tiger Reserve.  Proper documentation of illegal activities for court proceedings, including evidence in the form of confiscated wildlife articles, relevant photographs, signed statements, and reports.  Proper seizure of items prohibited under the Laws, or required as evidence to testify to an illegal act.  Simple legal procedures in delivering the arrested offenders to the police/ court, and filing charges.

1.25 Protection camps/ Check Posts 1. All protection huts/ check posts should be as much near to strategic points for protection but away from a water hole and path way used by wild animals to avoid any disturbance to them. 2. The distance between 2 protection huts may not be more than 5 km. 3. R.C.C. construction to be encouraged. If due to unavailability of water and remoteness, then only tin/ steel sheet readymade constructions be carried out. To avoid unavailability of water, constructions should be carried out before December as far as possible.

4. All protection huts/ check posts must have the facility of toilet block and water storage facility.

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5. All protection huts/ check posts must have barbed wire fenced/ walled compound and gate with lock arrangement. Those built earlier should also be equipped accordingly.Wireless base station/ walkie-talkie/ mobile phone/ solar light arrangement/ water purifier/ Carpet / aluminum trunk for storage of food and clothes/ 1 table and 4 chairs/ 4 sleeping bags/ 1-2 binoculars etc., equipments must be provided to each check post/ protection hut. 6.All protection huts/ check posts must keep record registers for the movement, duty Change, wireless messages, wild animals and any notable incidences seen or found.

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CHAPTER – 2

STEPS TO BE TAKEN AS PER NTCA GUIDELINES

2.0 For security plan, some more steps needs to be taken as discussed below.-

1 Planning for all seasons

2 Boundary fixation & demarcation

3 Infrastructure Development

I Protection Huts – with compound and toilet, solar/ electrification, communication, II Check Posts and Entry points III Strengthening of communication a. Wireless network – Tarang Service, Mobile Network, Long range surveillance, Internet protocol, satellite telephones. b. C.C. cameras c. Strengthening of the road network d. Jeeps, Launches, Out-board Engine Speed boats

4 Creation of Public awareness I. I Boards at public places II. II Public meetings III. III Nature Interpretation centers IV. Penal actions V. Tiger Protection Force VI. Eco-Development Committees and their involvement VII. Monsoon Protection VIII. Fire Protection IX. Staff availability & deployment X. Creation of new posts XI. Identification, verification of arms within 10 Km. around the STR. XII. Unified control of the Core, Buffer and Corridor zone.

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2.1 A. Mobile Squads: There should be at least two well-equipped Mobile Squads in the STR with adequate vehicular mobility. These well-staffed mobile squads forces should look after their respective areas, and be provided with necessary route-chart and other logistics. Ideally, the STR Management should ensure that these 2 strike forces are stationed at the headquarters at Chandoli and at Patan. The progress of these Mobile Squads should be critically reviewed at monthly meetings. These mobile squads be entrusted with the following responsibilities.

 Ensuring an effective intelligence network to monitor, prevent and pre-empt illegal activities in the STR.  Undertaking intensive night patrols throughout the protected area, and the villages surrounding it.  Raid and seizure of illegal wildlife products.  Weekly market checking and general surveillance.  Periodic checking of village level crime registers and updating crime maps. The overall patrolling strategy in the STR should include the following features:

 Staff/ camps listed with duty allocation and route chart.  The teams are equipped with mobile wireless sets and firearms.  The patrolling teams systematically cover the area allotted to them.  Special instructions/ provisions for squads:

o Surveillance: hotels, tourist points, vehicles, bus stands and markets.

o Surveillance: traditional hunters etc. o Coordination with the local police. o Labourers for patrolling. o Networking and Intelligence gathering. o Issuance of special FOR books. o Preparation of daily schedule. o Surprise checking of barriers. o Preparation of “crime maps” with periodic updating. o Monitoring the cattle and human kills/ injury incidences. o Monitoring issues relating to compensation. o Monitoring water points near habitation. o Preparation of crime gang dossiers. 29 | P a g e

o Preparation of individual crime dossiers. o Conveying progress to Field Director/ Dy. Director on a daily basis through wireless. o Deviating from routine schedule during emergencies. o Taking note of offences registered in local police station. o Using tape recorder/ camera etc. to record evidences.

B Intensive Patrolling of Beats: The STR is poor in strategically located patrolling camps. A forest guard will be in-charge of a patrolling camp, and is assisted by 2 camp watchers. This staff should be made responsible for patrolling their beat intensively and for round-the-clock alertness to deal with any eventuality. Each beat should be intensively patrolled daily for snares, traps, poisoning, intrusion, illicit felling, illicit grazing, and chances for electrocution etc. The description of daily patrols should be clearly entered into the prescribed camp registers and be checked by officers from time to time.

C Monsoon Strategy: This special protection strategy should be adopted during the rainy season and its preparations, including the assignment of duties for the review of progress should be completed by the end of May every year. During the rains most of the protected area is more or less rendered inaccessible for regular patrolling by vehicles. The people of the villages in and around the STR know perfectly well about the difficulties of the Management. Besides, the probability of intrusion/ pilferage in the peripheral areas increases manifold. The monsoon strategy should include the following: Surveillance of Footpaths and Sensitive Areas: The intrusion of the people of the surrounding villages should be effectively controlled during rains by the frontline staff. Offenders/ criminals tend to use footpaths/ tracks to intrude into the STR during the monsoon to spare themselves the difficulties of rain affected terrains and hindrances and obstructions of shrubs and bushes. Therefore, it is of vital importance that all these tracks and footpaths leading into the STR are continually kept under surveillance. Besides, there are many identified sensitive areas that need special patrols by the frontline staff and labourers. These sensitive areas should be intensively patrolled at least 15 days a month. Besides, as appended, officers should also join these patrols every month, and the strategy is reviewed periodically under a definite format.

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For KWLS during monsoon, frontline staff is helpless due to lack of all season launches which can withstand stormy situation in Shivasagar lake. At least 2 such launches need to be provided in KWLS.

D GRAZING : Control on Illicit Grazing: The availability of ample fodder in the STR particularly along the north boundary of CNP, during the monsoon attracts the cattle of the surrounding villages for grazing. Besides, the people of these villages also tend to drive their livestock into the STR to make the most of this productive season. The STR Management should enforce strict control on illicit grazing by apprehending the cattle and recovering penalties for illicit grazing or even may sell out them. The STR management should engage sufficient labourers to assist the frontline staff for the effective control of grazing by livestock.

E Temporary Patrolling Camps : The STR Management should identify such far-flung areas in the PA that become sensitive due to their relative inaccessibility. Temporary patrolling camps should be established in such areas during the monsoon so that no part of the STR is left unprotected. The supervising officers should ensure to stay overnight at these camps periodically. Such camps are suggested in summer from October to 15th of June at Pali, Jungti, Maldev, Shirshinge, Dicholi of KWLS & Kundi Ghat, Junction at Rundiv, Chandoli Kh., Satarkhind in CNP. Other places which deem fit may be identified from time to time.

F Routine Foot Patrolling : Regular foot patrols enable the frontline staff to stay close to ground realities. It is only during these foot patrols that the incidents of snaring, trapping, the poisoning of saltlicks and water pools and laying out of wires for electrocution come to light. The frontline staff should realize the importance of regular foot patrolling. Besides inspiring the patrolling staff, this also lends a psychological restraint over the surrounding villages. In view of the above, Forest Guards along with labourers should patrol their respective beats regularly. These patrols should also be joined by various ranks of officers from time to time.

G Night Patrolling : If patrols are not conducted at nights, the protected area may have to incur serious losses despite effective protection in the day time. The STR Management ensures that the frontline staff including officers also remain active for a few nights every month. The mobile squads will also have effective major role in and

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monitoring night patrolling. Night patrols in and around the boundaries of the STR should comprise the following:  On Foot: At strategic places, as per intelligence news, to check all the vulnerable spot/ sites/ activities.  By Vehicles: At least 4 hours per night after 6 pm to 6 am to check barriers, watch tower, foot paths and patrolling camps, surprise checking by the Mobile Squad.  Night Halt at Camps: The night stays at patrolling camps lends confidence to the staff and provides a chance to understand the protected area at night.

H. Footpath Surveillance : The footpaths and tracks in the protected area are kept under continual surveillance by the Frontline staff. The people of the surrounding villages tend to try their luck at sneaking into the PA and grabbing their hands on any wildlife produce saleable in the market to fetch their day-to-day requirements. Therefore, surveillance is conducted specially before the market days to discourage such tendency.

I. Checking of the Saltlicks : The beat guards keep the list of natural saltlick spots where herbivores aggregate frequently. Habitual poachers have very good knowledge of such spots. The poachers urinate over these spots to enhance their odour and attract wild ungulates. They also mix capsules of poison with soil. The wild ungulates either get killed by swallowing poisoned capsules or get trapped and are physically killed by poachers. Such spots should be very frequently checked by the frontline staff and any such attempts should be checked well in time.

J. Checking of the Waterholes : As the water bodies of the PA attracts all types of animals, water samples should be frequently analyzed for poison and other fatal toxicities. The Forest Guards should list of all such sensitive waterholes and always have an updated map. All these sensitive waterholes should be frequently checked in the pinch period by the STR staff to prevent poaching and the poisoning of these restricted waters.

K. Electrocution - The front line staff should ensure that the areas of transmission line, particularly in Koyana and Navaja beats are frequently patrolled so that the poachers may not kill the animals through electrocution. Besides, efforts should also be made at

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the higher level to have the entire such lengths of electric line insulated and coordination at inter-departmental level is ensured.

2.3 Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF)/ Ex-army Men Squad: Ex-army personnel needs to be deployed in the STR for intensive patrolling. Presently, there are about 40 daily wages labourers’ assisting the beat guards but that is not enough and is without fixed responsibility. Such personnel, which include 4 Supervisors, 8 Gunmen, and 32 Jawans. (per range, 1-2-8). They will be accompanied by local guard/forester in their respective area. The forest guards will help the force and may take help also when essential. This force will work under the guidance of the ACFs of the area and will report through their supervisor weekly to the concerned RFO and ACF. Each STPF unit is provided with a bolero and a launch. While the units will be required to undertake foot patrolling in their respective areas, vehicles will be used to carry personnel, tents, mess items etc. and to reach distant places of their stay within their respective areas. The progress of the STPF should be critically reviewed regularly.

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CHAPTER - 3

FIRE PROTECTION PLAN :

In order to provide adequate protection to wild fauna and flora in forests, these areas need careful fire protection. Fires cause quite damage to young regenerated crop, old trees, natural habitat of wild animals and cause them to leave the territory. Fires also accelerate soil erosion by destroying the soil cover and humus. As a result of this, soil gets hardened, there is less of moisture absorption and more run off. The fire protection measure should, therefore be more vigorous and more funds should be made available. For this purpose keeping in view fire damages, and the difficult terrain of STR, the rigid annual fire protection measures to protect the area against Fires are suggested.

FIRE PROTECTION MEASURES – STR area will be isolated from the surrounding area by means of external fire line. Total under growth below 20 cm. girth, dead trees and grasses in a belt of 10 mtr., width will be cut and burnt every year similarly. This should be avoided in between forest and on Sada areas and on boundaries of steep slopes particularly on the Konkan boundary.

1. Fire tracing along boundaries of villages (unit boundaries) i.e. compartment boundaries to a width of 6 mtr. will be carried out. The under growth in the strip as prescribed in point no. 1 above will be cut burnt every year. Stringent care will be needed for the Core zone of STR in view of the area being inviolate and more habitat use by the wild animals. 2. Fire tracing will be carried out on either side of road to a width of 15 mtr. in the fire prone area. 3. The boundaries of plantations, experimental plots will be fire traced up to a width of 6 mtr. 4. The necessary work study for fireline clearing and tracing works is essential as labourers comes from outside and passes through large distance on foot. Sufficient funding is essential considering the remoteness of the area, providing ration and working period limit. (Early in the morning or late in the evening). 5. All operations of Fire tracing such as cutting guide lines and burning the fire lines should be over by 15th of February every year. 6. Adequate squads of Fire watchers to keep watch and patrol the area should be employed with prior approval of Field Director, STR. Vehicle be made available and all other staff and vehicles to be used for extinguishing the fire.

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7. New fire lines will not be made without the sanction Field Director, STR. 8. At strategic places such as at junction point of villages Nivale/ Udgiri/ Gothane borders, fire watch towers will be erected. 9. Effective wireless communication plays a very important role in the fire season. The RFOs should ensure that maximum number of fixed wireless sets remain operational throughout the fire season. 10. All the labourers in the fire season should be drawn from the peripheral villages, and this is a source of livelihood to them during the summer months, and hence also qualifies as an important eco-development intervention. 11. Elementary precautions to be taken to educate public opinion not to cause fires co-operation and good will of the neighboring villagers will give success in effective protection of the STR. 12. To make the public conscious about Forest Fires large boards bearing “no Fires” should be fixed at suitable places near the entry points. 13. Suitably drafted handbills may be distributed in the neighboring villages, and visitors visiting STR before commencement of Fire season. 14. Carelessness in burning fire lines and protect the area against fires should be dealt with severely. 15. An up to date record of 1. Name and length of Fire lines burnt with cost. 2. The incidence of fires will be maintained in RFO’s and ACF’s office. 3. Fire maps for a plan period will be prepared to show fire incidences and each year a detail note of fire causes will be prepared and kept in CCF.’s office. This will facilitate to have further better protection to the STR.

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CHAPTER – 4

STRENGTHENING OF VHF RADIO COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS IN SAHYADRI TIGER RESERVE

4.0 INTRODUCTION:-

This report includes an introduction to VHF radio communication application and use of such system, observations and recommendation based on the actual trials taken to check the possibilities of VHF communication in the area of operation of Sahyadri Tiger Reserve Project.

4.1 OBJECTIVES OF VHF COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

The VHF communication system required by Chief Conservator of Forest, wild life, Kolhapur is for having reliable and efficient communication between all over sahyadri tiger reserve project

In view of above requirement use of fixed stations and vehicular mounted setup and Hand Held sets will form a versatile network to serve the purpose.

The communication network will be aiding the day to day operation of project. The network is also useful for efficient management & Security of project and official works.

As can be seen from the layout proposed network the use of mobile and hand held sets has extended the flexibility and utility of communication network which will helpful for project in considerable saving of Vehicular fuel and most valuable Man hours , National resources, Security and for any kind of Disaster Management.

4.3 STRENGTHENING OF COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

As you know to Sahyadri Tiger reserve project is located in Koyna and Chandoli dam back water area which is part of Deccan hilly region and dense forest which effects transportation and communication between our offices and officials. To overcome this problem we have already installed VHF Communication System in Koyna and Chandoli area but this system is not sufficient to control this area.

Existing Network in Koyna is based on one Repeater Station at Vele which is not sufficient to control entire Koyna area if we are adding two Repeater station at 1) Mahableshwar (

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Wilson Point). 2) Deshmukhwadi (Koyna dam) area which will help us entire Koyna region and Chandoli wireless network.

Existing wireless network in Chandoli is based on Kolhapur Nivale Repeater which is not sufficient to control entire Chandoli area if we are adding one more Repeater station at Male which will help us to connect all station as well as Koyna wireless network.

If we are adding one more Repeater station at Panhala we can communicate all station based in Koyna & Chandoli region including Walkie-Talkie, Base staion,Mobile staion,Man pack units which will help us to control entire Sahyadri Tiger reserve from Kolhapur to Mahableshwar.

For your quick reference Block Diagram attach with this Report.

4.4 TOWERS FOR REPEATOR STATIONS

Available Towers and building of other Department can be used initially. Details are as follows: ---

1. For Vele Repeater existing Tower can be used or we can share windmill tower and building with concern agencies. 2. For Nivale Repeater existing Tower can be shifted to new building. 3. Unused Tower and building of other Govt. authority can be used for Mahableshwar and Panhala Repeaters.(Collector Satara, Kolhapur) 4. New Tower at Male is recommended.

4.5 SCOPE OF PLAN

Scope of the survey is limited to carry out VHF communication feasibility test covering the area of operation of the sahyadri tiger reserve (Koyna and Chandoli) project and recommend the type of system, type of equipment and accessories to suit the requirement.

Following steps were involved to carry out and complete this test survey. a. Preliminary discussion with Chief conservator of forest, wild life, Kolhapur. b. Topographic maps of concerned area were studied by us to have initial idea of Geography of the area. c. Conduction of actual tests

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4.6 RESULTS

It is observed from the survey that very good communication is possible from Project office to all other station such as all posts & CCF office etc as well as communication is possible from traveling mobile with these sites. An efficient communication link can be established in the area of operation of the sahyadri tiger reserve.

4.7 USERS TRAINING

General information of VHF radio.

System components:- VHF sets antenna, antenna tower,feeder cable, power supply.

Actual operating :- Transmitting a message and Receiving a message.

Day to Day preventive maintenance of the equipment .

Action to be taken during Breakdowns.

4.8 CONCLUSION

Going through above notes, we hope that we have covered all the factors regarding establishment of VHF network in area of operations of sahyadri tiger reserve. We have taken almost care to make this plan as complete as possible.

4.9 SPECIFICATIONS

Sr Particulars Technical Specification No

1 Hand Sets 136 t0 174Mhz ,5 wattpower o/p

2 Base station 136 t0 174Mhz ,55 wattpower o/p

3 Repeater station 136 t0 174Mhz ,25 wattpower o/p

4 Coaxial cable Rg 213 u 50 ohms with end connectors 30 mtr long.

5 Antenna for base Telelink make Gp 5/8 high gain, water proof, 50 ohms ,100 station watt power. cut to operating frequency. with 1:1.5 swr

6 Antenna for vehicles 50 ohms,100 watt, ½ antenna

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7 Tubular battery Exide make 150 Ah 12 volts

8 Coaxial cable Rg 213 u 50 ohms

9 Solar pannal 16v74 watt

10 Batteries 12v 150Ah

4.10 Minimum Essential New Items Spotwise

Sr Name of Station Base Repeater Walkie Tower Solar Solar no station station Talkies Pannals Pannals (60ft) 74w 20w

1 Kolhapur ccf office 1no 1no

2 Panhala Repeater 1no 1no 1no

3 Kolhapur nivli 1no 1no

4 Male Repeater 1no 1no 1no

5 Deshmukh wadi 2no 1no 1no

6 Vele 1no 1no 1no

7 Mahabaleshwer 2no 1no 1no

8 Koyna wild life 10no 20no 10no

9 Chandoli wildlife 10no 10no 10no

TOTAL 22 no 6 no 30 no 4 no 7 no 20 no

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4.11 Schematic Diagram of Proposed Network

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4.12 VHF BUDGET

Non -Recurring

S. no Description Qty Rate Amount

1 Base station with necessary accessoriesVHF 22no 50,000/- 11,00,000/- transceiver 136 to 174 Mhz band ,25 w power out put, power cable , microphone , mounting kit . 12volt 15 Amp power supply cum battery charger. 6db hi gain GP antenna RG 213 RF cable 30 mtr long with end connectors.12 volt 88 Ah lead acid battery and Installation of vhf station.etc.

2 Repeater station with necessary accessories 6 1,00,000/- 6,00,000/- Repeater station contain One vhf repeater unit (136 to 174 Mhz freq,25 watt pwr o/p) , One12v15Amp Power supply cum battery charger, Two high gain 5/8 GP antenna, Two Rg213 RF cable(30mtr long with end connectors ,Lightning suppresser,12 volt 150 Ah lead acid battery and Installation charges of vhf station.etc.

3 Hand held (Walkie Talkies)vhf transceiver 136 to 30no 17000/- 5,10,000/- 174 Mhz band , 5 w power out put , with battery charger

4 Solar panel for hand held battery20w14v with 20no 7000/- 1,40,000/- charge controller for Nimh battery

5 Solar Panel 74w18v with charge controller for 7no 20000/- 1,40,000/- 12v88 Battery for Base station./Repeater station.

6 60ft (18mtr) self supported Galvanize tubular 4no 3,00,000 12,00,000/- tower with foundation charges

7 License Fee /Royalty charges (WPC)per annum 5,00,000/-

TOTAL 41,90,000/-

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8 Installation charges 3,10,000/-

Grand total 45,00,000/-

Recurring Expenditure (10% Rise each year)

1 Technical Team visit+ B, C grade components(Except Amplifires 1,20,000/- /Microprocessers like A grade components) at 30 places(Base Stations & repeaters places) 3 to 4 visit at each place Rs.1000 visit.

2 Purchase of Spare Parts/ Items 2,00,000/-LS

3 License Fee /Royalty charges (WPC)per annum 5,00,000/-

Total 8,20,000/-

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