Gujarat State Board for Wildlife approves 6 proposals

Gandhinagar: Permission of chief wildlife warden at state level will be enough to lay drinking water pipeline in sanctuary and wildlife areas in Gujarat. At present permissions have to be sought from state board for wildlife as well as national board for wildlife for laying of drinking water pipeline through sanctuary and national park areas which creates situation of delay. Now Gujarat government is proposing to transfer the power regarding this to chief wildlife warden who functions under state government.

A decision pertaining to this was taken in 11th State Board for Wildlife meeting chaired by Gujarat Chief Minister in capital Gandhinagar today. It was decided in this meeting that proposal in this regard will be presented before state baord and national board.

The meeting opined that if this proposal is accepted, Gujarat will be in position to show path to solution of drinking water problem in the areas located near forests.

Today’s meeting gave approval to six proposals that include 1.68 hectare area check dam construction work in Balaram-Ambaji sanctuary area, Dolatpar-Godhatad dam drinking water pipeline laying work through Narayan Sarovar sanctuary in Kutch combined with water treatment plant and 11 KV electric line parallel to Lakki-Nada road.DeshGujarat

Official note: Gandhinagar, June 27, 2016: In a novel initiative, Gujarat Government would soon send a memorandum to the National Wildlife Board with a request to transfer the powers of laying pipelines to through wildlife sanctuaries and national parks to respective State Boards on an urgent basis.

Presiding over the 11 th State Board for Wildlife here today, Chief Minister Anandiben Patel said it is easier for the State Boards to provide and maintain waterholes, check dams and adequate food for birds and animals in their respective areas. At present, the State Boards have to seek the permission of the National Board to lay pipelines through the sanctuaries. The delay in the process could be reduced if the State Boards go directly to address the issue.

In another noteworthy initiative, Mrs. Patel suggested creating more water bodies, else than bird sanctuaries, to attract more and more migratory birds, and also update the census of variety of species and number of migratory birds.

At the same time, she said, it should be the responsibility of Forest Department to simultaneously provide basic infrastructure facilities like paved roads, drinking water, electricity, schools and health centres for human habitations living in the periphery of wildlife sanctuaries. She suggested organizing special camps for the children at the nearest Model Residential Schools and Eklavya Schools, run by the Tribal Welfare Department.

The State Board approved ongoing six major works, including a check dam on 1.68 hectare in Balaram-Ambaji Sanctuary in Banaskantha district laying water pipeline from Dolatpar to Godhatad dam and constructing a water treatment plant in Narayan Sarovar in Kutch and laying 11kv electricity line along Lakki Nala Road.

Members of the State Board, besides Forest Minister Mangubhai Patel, Minister of State Bachubhai Khabad, Principal Secretaries and other senior officers of the Forest Department took part in the discussion.