New Delhi, 8 May 2012

The central government is yet to take a decision on Gujarat government’s proposal to construct Ghaduli-Santalpur state highway through Kutch desert wildlife sanctuary and wile ass sanctuary.

When asked by Gujarat MP in Lok Sabha: ‘whether the Government has received a proposal for diversion of land in Kutch Desert Sanctuary and Wild Ass Sanctuary, Gujarat for construction of road from Godhuli- Santalpur; if so, the details thereof; and the response of the Government thereto in view of the strategic and security importance of this area?’ Minister ofstate (independent charge) for Enviornment and Forests smt Jayanthi Natarajan replied, “the Ministry of Environment and Forests had received a proposal from the Government of Gujarat for diversion of 79.474 ha of forest land in Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary and Wild Ass Sanctuary for construction of Ghaduli to Hajipur-Odma-Khavda-Kunaria-Dholavira-Maovana-Gadakbet-Santalpur Road (state highway road).”

She said, “the proposal involves development of border roads to meet security needs of the Border Security Forces (BSF).”

“Since the proposal involves diversion of land from Wildlife Sanctuary, it was placed for consideration of the Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife in its meeting held on 25th April 2011 wherein it was decided to carry out a site inspection before taking a view in the matter”, she further said.

“The site inspection report has since been received in the Ministry and would be placed before the Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife for its consideration. However, no final decision on this proposal has been taken so far,” the minister said.

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