NBWF for traffic restriction in ecologically sensitive areas

[Mrudul Godbole]

NBWF for traffic restriction in ecologically sensitive areas
PTI | 12:08 PM,Aug 12,2012

New Delhi, Aug 12 (PTI) Plans are afoot to restrict traffic on the roads along ecologically sensitive areas like tiger reserves, wildlife sanctuaries and national parks across the country. A draft guideline for linear infrastructure intrusions in natural areas, prepared by National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), also speaks about closure of a highway through tribal reserves in Andaman and Nicobar Islands to end exploitation of Jarawa tribals. "In the case of certain critical conservation areas, such as National Parks and Tiger Reserves, a complete ban on night traffic along roads may be implemented using existing provisions in the law," the guideline says. "Roads passing through highly sensitive areas with indigenous and sensitive tribal communities, especially through tribal reserves in Andaman and Nicobar such as the Jarawa Reserve, shall be closed for general traffic in consonance with the orders of the Supreme Court," it says. The apex court had recently banned tourism activity near the habitat of Jarawas. Activists like Aruna Roy had sought NAC Chairperson Sonia Gandhi's intervention to ensure closure of the Andaman Trunk Road which allegedly led to widespread encroachment, poaching and commercial exploitation of Jarawa lands. The guideline also suggests measures to prevent unauthorised stopping of vehicles and people within protected areas. It says that "off-roading shall be strictly banned" in all natural areas to minimise disturbance to areas such as Kaas plateau, mountain grasslands of Western Ghats, thorn forest and semi-desert, hot and cold desert areas, alpine meadows and steppe. There should be provision of speed breakers at every 400 m of roads passing through natural areas to regulate vehicular speed so as to avoid accidental death of wild animals, the guideline says. Many wild animals were killed in Assam during this year's floods when they were fatally knocked down by vehicles on highway while fleeing from advancing flood waters.

[Sabyasachi Patra]

Roads are the main culprit as far as fragmentation of habitat is concerned. For many species roads completely divide and restrict them to one part of their former habitat. It is not only true in India, but also for every wilderness area in the world.

In the past there have been many complaints and requests to world bank sponsored projects where by the World Bank has been urged to look at funding of projects and include a clause that it should not dissect wildlife habitats. World Bank has not shown any interest in this respect. Similarly, our planning agencies, officials etc are not at all interested in looking at alternate alignments of roads and railways to stop them from passing through our wilderness areas. Everytime we look at the shortest distance.

Perhaps, the forest department authorities should stop permission to repair roads in stretches passing through the forest. Only when the road becomes worse, motorists will forcibly look at alternate roads.

Sabyasachi