MP Chief Wildlife Warden favours mining in reserved forest areas

MP Chief Wildlife Warden favours mining in reserved forest areas
May 11, 2011 9:56:38 PM

Keshav Pandey | Gwalior

Chief Wildlife Warden of Madhya Pradesh HS Pabla after visiting the Ghatigaon-based Great Indian Bustard sanctuary advised that mining should be permitted in reserved forest areas.

The suggestion from the top forest official came after the local staff informed him of rampant illegal mining in the reserved forest area.

Pabla directed the Gwalior forest officials to send a proposal to the forest headquarters in this regard.

The Chief Wildlife Warden conducted an intensive inspection of the sanctuary along with Conservator of Forest Bindu Sharma and Superintendent of the Ghatigaon sanctuary VK Shrivastava on Thursday.

First of all, Pabla reached Girvai Naka, where he reviewed various industrial units functioning in the sanctuary area. On this, he said that these industrial units are a threat to the wildlife and the sanctuary. Later, Pabla also inspected Danda Khirakh, Khadi Nala, Surela and Jakhoda, the flashpoints of illegal mining.

The local officers told him that despite many attempts, they are unable to check illegal mining, as the area of the forest is very large and the staff and vehicles are limited. The local officials claimed that with the availability of limited resources, the forest staff is assaulted, whenever it tries to check illegal mining.

At this, Pabla said it is better to allow mining in the forest area, which could help the forest department earn additional revenue of `30 crore. This amount could be utilised in development of nearby villages and to provide gas connections to the villagers, which could save the forests, Pabla said.

The forest officer advised the Conservator of Forest to prepare a proposal in this regard and forward the same to the headquarters.

However, it is not clear as to how the Forest Department would check the activities of the miners, inside the sanctuary area after it legalises the mining activity.

Despite repeated attempts, the Chief Wildlife Warden was not available for comments on the issue. The sources also claimed that the top forest official was scheduled to attend the departmental review conducted by the Chief Minister, but he instead went for a field visit to Gwalior.

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Disgrace !
This is the state of the affairs in our country today.
For every destructive activity income generation is quoted. It is very unfortunate that our precious forests and other invaluable resources are left under the custody of corrupt and indifferent officials and politicians.
People should collectively write against the CWLW of MP for promoting mining in a fragile forest eco-system.

Unfortunate!

He has been in controversy before. In the past he was found to be hand in glove with tourism operators when his email to tourism operators exhorting them to file case against the Govt. policy came out in the open.

He was the one who was responsible for the wiping out of tigers by poachers in Panna. Who is responsible for the vanishing of Panna Genes from the face of the earth? - Indiawilds: Land of the Tiger. Conservation, Wildlife Photography, Communities

He was also in controversy in recent times for the gaur translocation: Gaur translocation a feat or vested interest? - Indiawilds: Land of the Tiger. Conservation, Wildlife Photography, Communities

It seems none of these controversies has an impact on him and he continues with his moves.

Sabyasachi