BHUBANESWAR | Nov 14, 2017: Even as lack of connectivity between tiger reserves remains a big hurdle for re-population of big cats, the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has given an in-principle approval to Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC)’s proposal for mineral prospecting in Kathpal chromite mines which is barely 7.5 km from Similipal-Satkosia tiger corridor.Finding the proposed site close to the tiger corridor, the Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) had sought comments of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
The NTCA, in its comments, acknowledged that the exploratory site is indeed “very close” to the corridor between Similipal and Satkosia Tiger Reserves. It also said development activities in the region would have a negative effect on the corridor, especially, if resource bio-extraction or transportation increases.
The OMC proposal was to use 3.6 hectare of forest land within the mining lease area of 264.4 hectare in Kathpal which is located in Dhenkanal’s Kankadahada tehsil. It is part of Kamakshyanagar (East) Forest Range. The PSU wants to drill 40 boreholes for mineral prospecting and construct a road.
The NTCA recommended the project after stipulating a slew of mitigation measures. It said that infrastructure development activities such as civil construction associated with mining should not be allowed towards northern end of the forest land since the tiger corridor is closer to that direction. It has also barred transportation across the corridor while imposing a ban on labour settlements. While stating that no bio resources must be used from neighbouring forests, the NTCA said the mining company would be held responsible and would face legal action, if hunting by labourers is reported.
The FAC, in its recommendation on October 26, said no tree or vegetation would be allowed to be removed or felled during prospecting and no temporary road constructed for movement of the equipment. The existing forest roads would be used for the prospecting works.Although the area is not part of any wildlife sanctuary, elephant corridor, biosphere reserve or national park, it has a native population of fox, common langur, jackal, sloth bear, hyena, cobra and python.
The decision may raise hackles of the wildlife activists since Satkosia Tiger Reserve is reeling under a crisis with its large cat population dwindling to about just two at present. A major reason has been its disconnect with other tiger bearing areas of the State such as Similipal.Tiger corridors do not just help repopulate, they are key to genetic development of the big cats.
(Source: http://www.newindianexpress.com/)