wildlife at all the 22 sanctuaries

Super shield for wildlife

Eco-sensitive zones to protect wildlife at all the 22 sanctuaries, including Nal Sarovar, in Gujarat

DILIP PATEL


In a bid to protect wildlife, the state government has decided to develop eco-sensitive zones on the periphery of all the 22 sanctuaries in Gujarat.
The proposals to develop the environmentfriendly zones along the perimeter of Girnar, Narayan Sarovar, Purna, Ratanmahal and Jambughoda sanctuaries have been sent to the Centre. Plans are afoot to develop similar shields for birds and animals at Nal Sarovar, Marine National Park and Gir sanctuary.
Environment and Forests Department Secretary SK Nanda said: “Migratory birds come to Nal Sarovar every year. In a bid to protect them, we will develop eco-friendly zone on its periphery.”
The eco-sensitive zone will stretch between 2 km and 10 km along the perimeter of the bird sanctuary near Ahmedabad. Nanda said a survey would be conducted around Nal Sarovar to check the pollution level. Based on that, a proposal would be drafted and sent to the Centre, said Nanda.
The eco-sensitive zones are being developed along the sanctuaries to protect the wildlife from industrial pollution. “Mining and triggering blasts using dynamites are a strict no-no in eco sensitive zones. As houses and industries cannot be built in those areas, water and air near the sanctuaries will remain clean,” Nanda said.
Admitting that colonies near Nal Sarovar, or for that matter near any sanctuary, would be a threat to wildlife, Nanda said: “Societies should not be developed near any sanctuary. They can lead to air and water pollution.”
Sources said Regional Forest Officer of Nal Sarovar had sent a proposal on developing the eco-sensitive zone on its periphery two years ago. But the forest department had rejected it because it had earmarked 1-km area under the zone in some areas. “The forest department had instructed him to redo the plan because the zone should stretch at least 2 km. But no new proposal has been drafted yet,” said a source