The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : Members differ on buffer zone

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Aug 07, 2007
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Kerala

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Members differ on buffer zone

Nod for second tiger reserve

Wildlife Crime Bureau office to be expanded
Function to declare buffer zone for Silent Valley

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State Wildlife Board, chaired by Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan, has formally approved the proposals for the formation of the second Tiger Reserve in the State covering the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary and the Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu).

It discussed the details of the core zone and buffer zone for the Reserve and appointed a sub-committee headed by the Chief Wildlife Warden to decide whether the Kollamgode range should be included in the buffer zone of the Reserve. There was dissent in the Board about inclusion of the Thoothampara estate in the buffer zone. The officials in the Board opposed the proposal pointing out that the interests of the workers of the estate would be harmed. But non-official members suggested that workers could be accommodated as watchers.

Talking to reporters after the meeting, Forest Minister Benoy Viswom said the sub-committee would examine and report on whether inclusion of the Kollamkode range would affect local populations.

The Wildlife Crime Bureau office in Kochi would be expanded as a regional unit for crime fighting. It would have jurisdiction over Kerala, Karnataka and Andamans.

The Minister said the Forest Department had apprehended poachers with inter-State and international connection. It had also found that some of the tiger skins being traded by the poachers were fake. The Department had conducted raids in five places. But, three of the five skins seized at Kottackal were fake. In another case, all the three tiger skins seized were fakes.

Mr. Viswom said the Board had decided to organise a function in connection with the formal declaration of buffer zone for Silent Valley. It would be a national event with a variety of programmes. A function would also be organised in connection with the formal declaration of the pea fowl sanctuary.

He said the Board had also decided to form a community reserve at Kadalundy, which is visited by migratory birds. The reserve would be maintained with community participation. The local panchayats had favoured the proposal. The Government would take steps to take over land for removing hindrances in elephant corridors. The Board had also recommended strict implementation of the captive elephant rules and sanctioning of staff for the purpose. It had also sought a report on arms licences issued in the past for protecting crops. Though wild animals could no more be shot legally, some of the licence holders were reported to be using the guns for poaching.

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