Subject: Protected Area Update 22. 

Some readers were kind enough to point out mistakes and distortions that
had crept into the last issue; such responses, and any others regarding the
content and style of the newsletter, would be most welcome. 

Ashish 

Kalpavriksh
Apartment 5, Shree Dutta Krupa
908 Deccan Gymkhana
Pune 411 004, India

Ph. and fax: ++91-20-565 4239
Email: ashish@nda.vsnl.net.in

PROTECTED AREA Update

(Formerly JPAM UPDATE: News on Action towards Joint Protected Area
Management)

No. 22                                                   	
OCTOBER 1999	

CONTENTS

EDITORIAL

NEWS FROM INDIAN STATES
Assam
Eviction drive stopped in Kaziranga NP
Goa
New PAs opposed
Gujarat
Poaching at the Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary
SC panel on Narayan Sarovar WLS
Marine NP Denotification?
Water shortage affects Gir NP 
Conflict over water in Thol Sanctuary
Haryana
Chhilchhila Lake Sanctuary to be deleted?
Jammu & Kashmir
Plan for the Hemis NP
Karnataka
Controversies in Nagarhole NP
Forest fires in Nagarhole NP
Taj resort inside Nagarhole NP
Proposal for new sanctuary and biosphere reserve
Boundary rationalisation at Anshi and Dandeli
Foot and mouth disease in Bandipur NP
Poll boycott in Kudremukh NP
Mining in Kudremukh NP
Kerala
Multi-crore scam in constructions inside PAs
Madhya Pradesh
Plan to create largest tiger habitat in the country
Bustard numbers increase in Ghatigaon
Part of Madhav NP deleted
Maharashtra
Meet on tribal issues
High Court orders related to Borivili NP
Chikhaldara Project recommended for rejection
Tourism development in PAs in Vidarbha
Pench Tiger Reserve 
Orissa
Solidarity march in Chilka 
Rajasthan
Threat to Sambhar Lake
Tiger-Watch and Ranthambhore TR 
Tamil Nadu
Habitat development in Karaivetti–Vettakudi Bird Sanctuary
Shipping canal threatens Gulf of Mannar NP
Uttar Pradesh
Eco-development plan for UP
NGO project around Corbett TR
HC orders return of land to Corbett TR
Operation Monsoon in Corbett TR
West Bengal
Insurance cover for damage by wild elephants
Tree cutting inside Singalila NP

Obituary: S. Deb Roy 

NATIONAL NEWS FROM INDIA
Govt. proposes 'green guards' for forests
Database on corridors for the Asian elephant

NEWS FROM SOUTH ASIA
Bangladesh
No oil and gas exploration in the Sundarbans
Pakistan
Gas exploration threatens Kirthar NP
Sri Lanka
Teak trees to be cut in national parks

UPCOMING
Nature education camps in PAs
Global Biodiversity Forum, South Asia
National consultations on ecodevelopment
Consultation on foreign funding for conservation

WHAT'S AVAILABLE
Melvyagraha
Socio-economic study in Tadoba Andhari TR
Report of Joint Mission on MP Forestry Project

CORRESPONDENCE

APPEAL


EDITORIAL

There's good news and bad. After much campaigning by local and national
NGOs, the Chikhaldara Pumped Storage Project, which would have drowned
forests and valleys adjacent to the Melghat Tiger Reserve (See NEWS FROM
INDIAN STATES, Maharashtra), has been recommended for rejection by the
environmental appraisal committee for river valley's of the Ministry of
Environment and Forests (MoEF). The Ministry can still over-rule it, but
will find it difficult to go against its expert advice. 

There is other good news, from Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh
in India, and from Sundarbans in Bangladesh. But there are also the usual
dark linings: denotifications proposed in Haryana and Karnataka;
'developmental' threats in most states in India and in the neighbouring
countries of Pakistan and Sri Lanka; and continued confusion and conflicts
created by the Supreme Court order on settlement of rights. 

This last issue has featured regularly in the Update, till we are beginning
to sound like a stuck record. However, this time around, at least we can
highlight what seems a most sensible decision taken by the Karnataka state
government. From available reports, it appears to have decided to transfer
the inhabited areas of Anshi National Park to the adjacent Dandeli
Sanctuary, and to add uninhabited areas from Dandeli to Anshi (See NEWS
FROM INDIAN STATES, Karnataka). The reason: to avoid having to shift out
the few villages that inhabit Anshi, and thereby also avoid unnecessary
conflict. Indeed, the move could well be based on the bold stand taken by
the DFO of Anshi/Dandeli, that these villages were his major allies against
poaching and illegal felling, and should on no account be displaced. This
only reinforces our stand that as far as possible, provisions of the Wild
Life Act that allow people's survival rights to continue, should be
utilised in the process of settlement, and a situation of conflict turned
into one of cooperation and joint management. One wishes many more forest
officers would take such pro-active positions. 

Perhaps such a stance would have helped avoid the unnecessary and
unfortunate controversy that has come up with regard to Goa's new
sanctuaries (See NEWS FROM INDIAN STATES, Goa; see also Update 21). Not
having taken local villagers into confidence, not having assured them that
eviction was not on the cards, wildlifers have opened themselves to
allegations of wanting to take away the rights and perhaps even displace
these villagers. It is, of course, an open secret that most of those behind
the opposition to these sanctuaries are politicians and mine-owners whose
commercial interests are at stake. But nevertheless, once again a top-down
conservation strategy is back-firing. One only hopes that Goa's wildlife
officials can move quickly to dispel false notions, and can bring in a
genuinely participatory form of sanctuary management into these areas. We
can all do without new conflicts erupting. 

We would like to dedicate this issue to the memory of S. Deb Roy, an
extraordinary conservationist who lived and breathed wildlife till the end.
We may have had our differences with him on strategies of achieving
conservation, but we were also inspired by his single-minded devotion, and
affected by his pain at the mindless ecological destruction around us. May
he find the same peace now that he must have at one time, while living
amidst the wondrous natural environs of Manas and other reserves. 


NEWS FROM INDIAN STATES

ASSAM

Eviction drive stopped in Kaziranga NP

A massive eviction drive in Kaziranga National Park in the Sonitpur
district in July had to be stopped midway, after resistance by local people
who were allegedly being supported by politicians trying to gain mileage
for the present elections. The eviction drive was being conducted by the
police and district authorities of Sonitpur along with officials of 
Kaziranga NP in response to the Guwahati High Court order dated 29/06/99
and the Supreme Court interim orders dated 22/08/97 and 17/07/99.  MLAs in
the state had also appealed to the Chief Minister of the state to stop the
eviction drive.

Source: Bibhab Talukdar. 'The Current Status of Eviction in the Kaziranga
NP: A report' received by email in August 1999.
Contact: Bibhab Talukdar, Aranyak Nature Club, Samanwoy Path (Survey) PO
Beltola, Guwahati-781028, Assam. Tel / Fax: 0361-566087. Email:
bibhab@gw1.dot.net.in

GOA

New PAs opposed

The recently notified sanctuaries in Goa (See Update 21) have come in for
strong opposition from various quarters in the state, particularly many
political parties. The Bhartiya Janata Party has made the issue a part of
their election manifesto and have promised to denotify selective areas. The
former Chief Minister of Goa, Pratap Singh Rane, who reportedly has large
properties in the now notified areas, too has opposed the sanctuaries
saying that they would have disastrous effects on the people living there.
	Environmental groups across the country have however opposed these demands
to denotify these areas. They have also written letters of support to the
state administration for their decision to declare the new sanctuaries. 
Groups like Kalpavriksh have urged, however, that a participatory model
should be adapted for the management of these PAs, as otherwise it would
lead to conflicts. 
 
Source: Sanjay Banerjee. 'Goa's protected wilds evoke growls', The Times of
India, 23/09/99.
Contact: Chief Wildlife Warden - Goa, Junta House, 3rd Floor,
Panaji-403001, Goa. Tel / Fax: 0832-224747.
Durgesh Kasbekar / Vishweshwar Madhav, 1, Matruchaya, off Gulmohar Cross
Road No.6, JVPD Scheme, Mumbai – 400049, Maharashtra, Tel: 022-6250262.
Email: vishum@bom3.vsnl.net.in

GUJARAT

Poaching at the Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary

Taking a serious view of the poaching of birds in the Nal Sarovar, the
Gujarat Forest Department decided to take action against three local staff
members and also transferred the administrative control of the sanctuary
from the Gandhinagar circle to the Ahmedabad circle.
	The FD has also decided to augment the protection measures in the
sanctuary. It is proposed to increase the present strength of the local
forest staff at the sanctuary, create a fool – proof wireless communication
system, and introduce new mobile vans and patrol boats

Source: Bashir Pathan. 'Three face action in bird poaching case', Indian
Express, 10/06/99.

SC panel on Narayan Sarovar WLS

The Supreme Court (SC) has ordered the appointment of a 10 member
independent expert committee to look into the importance of the Narayan
Sarovar Sanctuary, in the context of its earlier denotification allowing
Sanghi Cement to quarry limestone. It is estimated that 1200 to 1500
chinkaras are found in this sanctuary, apart from other rare and endangered
wildlife.
	The state assembly had reduced the sanctuary to 444.23 sq. kms. from its
original 765.79 sq. kms in 1995. The present case was filed in 1996 in the
SC. The sanctuary area has always been eyed by industry since it accounts
for roughly 10% of the total limestone deposits of the state, and many
industrial houses have shown interest in setting up their plants here to
take the benefit of the soft limestone found here.
	The committee was chaired by PK Sen, Director, Project Tiger, and has
recently submitted its report to the court, a copy of which was not
available at the time of going to press. (See Updates 9,10,11)

Source: Shyam Parekh. 'SC panel to study chinkara sanctuary's importance',
The Times of India, 22/05/99.
Sarbani Sarkar, Centre for Law and Environment, 15B Gangaram Hospital Rd.,
New Delhi-110060. Ph: 011-5744002 Email: sarbani@del3.vsnl.net.in

Marine National Park Denotification? 

The Marine National Park located in the Gulf of Kutch, already affected by
oil spills and haphazard industrial development (including the Oil India
and Reliance refineries; See Update 21), is now facing the threat of
denotification. It seems that the Prime Minister's office is putting
pressure on the state government to denotify those parts of the Park
through which the proposed Bharat-Oman pipeline is to be laid. The pipeline
will take oil coming from Oman, off-loaded at the terminal near Jamnagar,
to Bina in M.P. and Allahabad in U.P. The state Forest Department is
believed to be opposed to this move. 
	In letters to the Prime Minister, Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS),
Kalpavriksh, and other NGOs have expressed concern, noting that the
pipeline would violate the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) regulations and
the Forest Conservation Act, (FCA) 1980. BNHS has appealed for support from
other NGOs in the matter. 

Sources: Shyam Parekh. 'Oil spills threaten to choke marine park', The
Times of India, 27/07/99.
	'Centre favours partial denotification', The Times of India, 31/08/99. 	
JC Daniel, Letter dated to 22/09/99 to the Prime Minister, Atal Bihari
Vajpayee. 
Contact: S. Asad Akhtar, BNHS, Hornbill House, Mumbai – 400023,
Maharashtra. Tel: 022-2821811. Fax: 2837615. Email: bnhs@bom4.vsnl.net.in
 	Harshad Kumari, INTACH-Gujarat, Pratap Vilas Palace, Palace Road,
Jamnagar-361008, Gujarat. Tel: 0288-558746. 

Water shortage affects Gir NP 

Gir National Park is facing a serious water shortage. All the seven rivers
flowing through it have started drying up, and there is no water in the
four major dams and 200 check dams across the 1,412 sq. kms area of the
park. 
There are reports that wild animals including lions and spotted deer are
already moving out of the park in search of water. Chances are that the
lions that migrate to the periphery of the park might get poisoned by
scared villagers. Water shortage has already led to the death of one lion
cub near Devalia and officials have said that more cubs have died
elsewhere. The Forest Department is planning to dig some 600 artificial
water holes to deal with the situation, under a master plan which will
commence on October 1.
The FD is also worried about the spread of diseases from domestic cattle to
the wild animals. In a similar drought condition in 1989, a large number of
wild animals died due to foot and mouth disease spread from domestic cattle
left behind by their owners. As a precautionary measure, the forest
authorities have already started vaccinating the cattle in the human
settlements that border the park. 

In another development the Gujarat Govt. is believed to have put its foot
down on any move to shift to Madhya Pradesh some of the lions as part of
the lion relocation project that is being planned in the Kuno Palpur
Sanctuary. The state is also believed to be looking at Barda forest near
Porbandar as another lion relocation site within the state. (For more
information on various issues of Gir see Updates 5,6,10,11,14,16,17 19, and
20).

Source: 	Manas Dasgupta. 'Gir animals threatened by water crisis', The
Hindu, 21/09/99.
Manas Dasgupta. 'Gujarat Govt. against move to shift Asiatic Lions', The
Hindu, 22/09/99.
Janyala Sreenivas. 'Saurashtra's summer sends thirsty lions out of Gir',
Indian Express, 23/09/99.
Contact: Mahesh Singh, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Wildlife Division,
Sasan, Junagadh-363125, Gujarat.
HS Singh, Gujarat Ecological Education and Research Foundation (GEER), G1,
194 / 3, Sector 30, Gandhinagar-382030, Gujarat. Tel: 02712-21385 / 20560 
For more information on the lion relocation project contact Ravi Chellam,
Wildlife Institute of India, PO Box. Chandrabani, Dehradun-248001, UP. 

Conflict over  water in Thol Sanctuary

A severe drought situation in the Mehsana district has created a conflict
over release of water from the Thol reservoir which was declared a bird
sanctuary in 1998. Thousands of farmers marched to the Thol reservoir
demanding that water be released to save the parched crops. 
	There had been an understanding between the irrigation and forest
departments that water would not be withdrawn from the reservoir below a
level of four feet. Presently the water level was below one-and-a-half
feet. However considering the pressure from the large number of farmers the
water had to be released.
	Thol plays host to thousands of waterfowl, but this year, the number is
expected to be much less.

Source: Prerna Bindra. 'Thol sanctuary water released for farming' The
Times of India, 05/10/99.
Contact: HS Singh, GEER (See above)

(General contact for Gujarat) 
Chief Wildlife Warden - Gujarat, Block 14, Dr. Jivraj Mehta Bhavan, Old
Sachivalaya, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Tel: 02712-30007. Fax: 21097.
	
HARYANA

Chhilchhila Lake Sanctuary to be deleted?

The Chhilchhila Lake Bird Sanctuary in the Kurukshetra district of Haryana
is faced with a typical problem, the solution of which could mean the
sanctuary may be denotified.
The area of the lake belongs to the village panchayat which had leased it
to the State Forest Department for a thirty year period. The lease is
coming to an end and the villagers do not mind if the lake remains a
sanctuary if they can be provided cash compensation for the land. However
according to the authorities the department does not have enough cash for
this and the only option left may be to completely delete the sanctuary.

Source: Letter dated 24/09/99 to PA Update from  Suresh Sharma and Vincent
Van Ross.
Contact: Chief Wildlife Warden - Haryana, C–18, Forest Complex, Sec- 6,
Panchkula, Haryana 134109. Tel: 0172-561224 / 561213.
Suresh Sharma and Vincent Van Ross, Sonipat Garden Society, Gokul Nagar,
Rohtak Road, Sonipat– 131001, Haryana

JAMMU AND KASHMIR

Plan for the Hemis NP

The J&K government has formulated a Rs. 1.36  crores project for the Hemis
National Park, which is situated 40 kms. south-east of Leh in one of the
coldest regions in the country. The park is home to a number of rare
mammalian species including the blue sheep, known locally as the bharal.

Source: 'Funds for J&K park', Down to Earth, 30/09/99
Contact: Chief Wildlife Warden - J&K, T.R.C., Srinagar 190001, Jammu and
Kashmir. Tel: 0191-544575 / 0194-452469.

KARNATAKA

Controversies in Nagarhole National Park 

Controversies continue to dog Nagarhole NP. On 20/09/99, Roy David of the
Coorg Organisation of Rural Development (CORD) and S Sreekant of DEED were
arrested by the police on charges of assault against some Forest Department
officials. The incident occurred when the two were in Nagarhole to extend
solidarity and support to the ongoing dharna of the tribals at Nagarhole
against plans to evacuate them from the park.  According to the FD they had
assaulted the forest staff when the latter were trying to take pictures of
the tribals staging the protest.
David and Sreekant have said the cases filed against them are false and
they have demanded a judicial enquiry into the incident. They are also
demanding unconditional bail and suspension of the forest officials and the
Sub-Inspector of the police station, who they alleged had registered the
false case.
	A communication received from the Living Inspiration for Tribals (LIFT),
another local NGO that claims to be helping tribals who want to relocate
from the Nagarhole NP, has criticised the role of CORD and DEED in trying
to prevent the development of the tribals. Some organisations of the
adivasis themselves, such as the Nagarahole Budakattu Janara Hakkustapana
Samithi, have protested against the arrests. 

Source: Emails dated 20/09/99 and 22/09/99 from CORD.
	'NGO leaders continue fast in jail, say its a false case', The Times of
India, 24/09/99
	Email dated 26/09/99 from LIFT
Contact: CORD, 119 / 1, 4th Block, Kushalnagar-571234, Karnataka. Tel:
08276-74487 / 73287. Fax: 74091. Email: david@giasbl01.vsnl.net.in
	LIFT, Kabbinagade Girijana Colony, Rangasamudra Village & PO via
Kushalnagar-571234, Karnataka. Email: lift_nhole@hotmail.com

Forest fires in Nagarhole NP 

Pictures taken by the Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS) have shown that
the fire that broke out in Nagarhole in the period March- April earlier
this year has affected over 90 sq. kms (25,000 hectares) of the of the
park. The forest department had claimed that the area affected was only in
the range of 1000 acres. It will also be recalled that the state forest
minister had asserted that the damage was not extensive and that it was the
handiwork of some of the NGOs working in the area. (See Update 21). 
	The satellite picture shows that at least 10.84 sq. kms. of the forest
show signs of severe damage, another 53.03 sq. kms. have suffered moderate
destruction and in the remaining  26.18 sq. kms. the damage is
comparatively minor.

Source: Vinay Madhav. 'Forest fires: Satellite picture nails Govt lie',
Indian Express, 05/08/99.

Taj resort inside Nagarhole NP

The land at Murkal inside the Nagarhole NP, which had been leased to the
Gateway Hotels and Resorts Ltd., has still not been taken over by the
forest department in spite of court orders as well as the directions given
by the Principal Forest Secretary of state and the Chief Conservator of
Forests (Central) in 1998.
	On the contrary, in May 1999, the State Forest Minister had written to the
Union Minister of Environment and Forests suggesting that the government
should consider again the proposal for the setting up holiday resorts. The
Hubli based Jan Vikas Andolan (JVA) has written to the Union Minister
criticising the state Forest Minister's stand in favour of the Taj group.
They have urged the Union Minister to direct the Karnataka government to
take over the said land inside the park, reject the misleading letter of
the state Forest Minister, and initiate immediate prosecution of involved
officials.

Source: 'Minister's letter over holiday resorts to Centre raise hackles',
The Times of India, 16/09/99.
'Prosecute officials in Nagarhole scam: Greens', Indian Express, 16/09/99.
Letter written to the Union Minister of Environment and Forests, Suresh
Prabhu by the JVA dated 12/09/99.
Contact: SR Hiremath,  Samaj Parivartana Samudaya, Ashadeep, Jayanagar
Cross, Saptapur, Dharwad-580001, Karnataka. 

Proposal for new sanctuary and interstate biosphere reserve

The Karnataka State Forest Department has proposed the creation of a new
wildlife sanctuary (Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary) and a biosphere reserve
encompassing forests in Belgaum, Uttara Kannada, Goa and parts of
Maharashtra. There is also a proposal to convert the Bhadra Wildlife
Sanctuary into a national park. The proposal for the biosphere reserve has
been sent to the Indian Man and Biosphere (MAB) committee for approval.
Several national and international NGOs had been lobbying for the creation
of the Bhimgad sanctuary. This includes the Nature Lover's Club, Belgaum,
the Bombay Natural History Society, WWF- India, Flora and Fauna
International, UK, and Bat Conservation International Inc., Texas. 
Other groups, including the National Committee for Protection of Common
Land Resources (NCPCLR), Dharwad, Centre for Tribal Conscientization,
Kalpavriksh and Econet (all Pune) had recently appealed to the Ministry of
Environment and Forests to declare areas of the western ghats bordering the
states of Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra as an ecosensitive zone under the
Environment Protection Act (EPA) and also as a biosphere reserve. 

Source: R Krishna Kumar. 'Biosphere Reserve to ensure wildlife protection
ensured', The Hindu, 20/09/99.
Letter from NCPCLR dated 19/08/99
Contact: Durgesh Kasbekar / Vishweshwar Madhav, (see above Goa, New PAs
opposed)
Nature Lover's Club, C/o GS Science College, Tilakwadi, Belgaum-590006,
Karnataka. Tel: 0831-480353 / 21193. Fax: 022-6253969. Email:
natureclub@hotmail.com
SR Hiremath, (See above)

Boundary rationalisation at Anshi NP and Dandeli WLS

The Karnataka Forest Department has proposed to rationalise the boundaries
of the Anshi National Park and the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary in an effort
to minimise the conflict with the local inhabitants residing inside the
national park.  The process would entail transfer of inhabited areas coming
under Anshi National Park to Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, and transfer of
some uninhabited areas of Dandeli to the Anshi NP. This would now entail a
displacement of only four hamlets comprising 17 families or khatedars
(owners of patta land), and acquisition of 48 acres of land.
	The boundary rationalisation will affect 250 sq. kms of the total forest
area but the net forest area of Dandeli (475 sq. kms.) and Anshi (250 sq.
kms.) will remain unchanged.
	This proposal of the FD is to be now put up before the Boundary
Rationalisation Committee, It is not clear if it will have then to be
ratified by the state assembly and the Indian Board for Wildlife, since
these steps are necessary only for areas already fully notified under the
Wild Life Act.
	
Source: R Krishna Kumar. 'Boundary rationalisation at Anshi, Dandeli
national parks mooted.', The Hindu, 02/10/99.

Foot and mouth disease in Bandipur NP

Carcasses of deer and sambhar recovered in the Gundre forest range of the
Bandipur National Park indicate that the park is affected by the deadly
foot and mouth disease which is transmitted to wild animals by domestic
cattle. The Conservator of Forests has said that steps had been taken to
check the spread of the disease by innoculating the cattle. Aggravation of
the disease in Bandipur has also caused concern among the Tamil Nadu forest
officials since wildlife from Bandipur crosses over into the adjacent
Mudumalai National Park.

Source: 'Foot and mouth disease reported in Bandipur National Park', Indian
Express, 24/09/99

Poll boycott in Kudremukh National Park

Nearly 20,000 people in the Kudremukh National Park in the Chikmaglur
district decided to boycott the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections protesting
against the threat of their being evicted from the park. This was a joint
decision of six organistions, the Karnataka Vimochana Ranga, the Adivasi
Girijana Hitarakshana Samithi, the Nellibeedu Samrakshana Samithi, the
Belthangadi Refugees association, the Karnataka Rajya Raith Sangh and the
Girijana Mahila Sangh. The main demands included that the inhabitants would
not be evicted from the park and that permission for mining to the
Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited be withdrawn.
	The boycott call had some success in the Sringeri taluk, but in other
areas the response was not very good. According to the Environment Support
Group, based on information from Shamanna Benekal, a leading dalit activist
working in Chickmaglur district, the initiative of raising the issue was
not with the genuine interest of the tribals. Most of the leaders involved
were individuals with large land holdings which have now been threatened
because of the declaration of the park. The tribals have only small land
holdings and will be more affected by the socio-economic repurcussions of
displacement rather than by the loss of land. 
	It has also been reported that one farmer with 30 acres of land committed
suicide last year on receiving notice for acquisition of land as part of
the national park declaration exercise.
 
Source: 'Poll: 20,000 in Kudremukh plan boycott', The Hindu, 04/09/99
Contact: Environment Support Group (ESG), Reservoir road, Basavanagudi,
Bangalore 560004. Telefax: 080-6657995. Email: admin@leo.ilban.ernet.in;
esg@bgl.vsnl.net.in;  Website: http://www.cfar.umd.edu/~venu.

Mining in Kudremukh National Park

The Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited (KIOCL) has applied to the state to
exclude areas leased to it by the government for mining, from the purview
of the Kudremukh National Park. It may be recalled that a temporary
extension had been given to KIOCL to continue mining for a year or until
final notification of the national park, whichever is earlier (See Update
21). 
	The Forest Department is opposed to the exclusion of the mine from the
purview of the park. NGOs are also considering legal intervention in the
matter.

Source: Naazreen P Bhura. 'Don't include mining land in national park:
KIOCL', The Asian Age, 02/10/99.
Contact: Environment Support Group (See above)

	(General contact for Karnataka) 
Chief Wildlife Warden - Karnataka, Aranya Bhavan, 2nd Floor, 18th Cross,
Malleshwaram, Bangalore-560003, Karnataka. Tel: 080-3341993, Fax: 3346389.

KERALA

Multi-crore scam in construction work inside PAs 

The Vigilance and Anti–Corruption Bureau has recommended the prosecution of
the present Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Mr. PK Surendranathan
Achary and seven other top Forest Department Officials in the multi –crore
scam relating to the construction of 115 buildings in various sanctuaries
including Peppara and Neyyar.
	The scam involved the alleged diversion of Rs. 15 crores from the World
Bank funds meant for a social forestry project.

Source: N Narendran. 'Kerala sits on ACB report on forest scam; officials
roam free', Indian Express, 05/05/99

MADHYA PRADESH

Plan to declare largest tiger habitat in the country

The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests is planning to declare the
largest tiger habitat in the country covering more than 5000 sq. kms in
central India. It has been suggested by the Ministry to declare the Satpura
NP, and Bori and Panchmari Sanctuaries, in Madhya Pradesh, as a tiger
reserve (TR), thereby providing an important link between Melghat TR in
Maharashtra and the Kanha TR in MP. The other PAs to be included are the
Achanakmar and Phen Wildlife Sanctuaries and the Bandhavgarh National Park.

Source: 'MP Govt. plans forest corridor for tiger protection', The Hindu,
31/05/99
Satyen Mohapatra. 'Forestry Ministry planning to create largest tiger
habitat', The Hindustan Times, 11/08/99
Contact: P.K. Sen, Director, Project Tiger. MoEF, Annexure No. 5, Bikaner
House, Shah Jahan Road, New Delhi-110001. Tel: 011-3389645. Email:
dirpt@envfor.delhi.nic.in

Bustard numbers increase in Ghatigaon

After many years a large number of Great Indian bustards were sighted in
the Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary in Ghatigaon near Gwalior. 
	In June, earlier this year, at least eight of this highly threatened birds
were seen. This 512 sq. kms sanctuary has been in the news in the recent
past for the strong opposition it has faced from the local villagers, who
have complained that they are forced to face hardships because of the PA.
(See Update 20, Whats Available, Sonchiriya ka atank )

Source: 'Save-bustard efforts pay off, eight sighted', Madhya Pradesh
Chronicle, 18/06/99. 
Contact: Dr. Asad Rahmani, Director, BNHS (See above, Gujarat, Threats to
Marine National Park). 

Part of Madhav NP deleted

2062.05 hectares (20.6 sq. kms.) of land falling on the western bank of the
Sindh river, have been deleted from the Madhav National Park to make way
for the Mohini Sagar Irrigation Project. The order was passed on March 18
earlier this year by the Sub-Divisional Officer, Revenue, in Shivpuri
district. The Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife)
and the Director of the Madhav NP have reportedly stated that the exclusion
of this forest area would not adversely affect wildlife.

Source: 'Row over legal status of forest land', The Hindu, 21/04/99

(General contact for Madhya Pradesh)
	Chief Wildlife Warden, M.P.
Van Bhawan, Tulsi Nagar
Bhopal 462 003,  Madhya Pradesh
Tel: 0755-557371/ 550391

MAHARASHTRA

Meet on tribal issues

The Maharashtra Tribal Forum, a platform for voluntary groups working in
adivasi areas of Maharashtra, organised a symposium on tribal issues in
Maharashtra, at Chikhaldara, bordering Melghat Tiger Reserve, on August
29-30, 1999.  Participants included representatives of various NGOs, social
activists, researchers, journalists and government officials. Among the
issues discussed were – Malnutrition and related child mortality, Tribal
self rule with respect to the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act
1996, issues related to Protected Areas, Nistar rights and Joint Forest
Management,  Land Acquisition Act and the Rehabilitation Policy. 
The discussion on protected areas primarily focussed on the issues of
people in Melghat Tiger Reserve–the settlement of rights process,
displacement etc. Besides the social and wildlife groups working in the
region, also participating in this discussion were Mr. Patki, Field
Director, and Mr. Wankhede, Deputy Field Director, of the Tiger Reserve.
There was some disagreement on whether people in most of the 22 villages
inside the sanctuary wish to move out or not. To better  understand this
situation, all participants agreed to meet with residents of one or more
village. This will be on October 30, 1999. 

Contact: Neeraj Vagholikar, at the editorial address
Maharashtra Tribal Forum, c/o KHOJ, Shivkrupa, Near Govind Lodge, Gujri
Bazar, Paratwada–444805, District Amravati, Maharashtra.  

High Court orders related to Borivili NP

The Bombay High Court ordered the setting up of three committees to monitor
the rehabilitation of those who have encroached the Sanjay Gandhi National
Park at Borivili. The first committee will monitor and ensure the
relocation of the slum dwellers who are eligible for relocation, the second
committee will function as a grievance redressal committee, and the third
would monitor and submit a report every two months about the progress of
the implementation of its order. The order was passed following a public
interest litigation which was filed by the Bombay Environment Action Group
(BEAG) in 1995, challenging the large scale encroachments in the park. (See
Update 15)

In another case related to the park the Court has asked the state
government for details of the proposed Nisarg Vihar Kendra within the park
at Mulund. The court said that though the project was laudable no
construction activity can take place till the plans are detailed and
approved. The order was in response to a petition filed in the Bombay High
Court by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) against the construction of
the Nisarg Vihar, which is proposed to be built over 50 acres on the Mulund
side of the park (See Updates 20 & 21).

Source: ''Court prods govt. on Borivli park settlers', The Times of India,
10/07/99.
'HC orders panels to monitor resettlement of park encroachers', The Times
of India, 17/07/99.
'HC asks state for exact plans of nature centre in National Park', The
Times of India, 23/08/99.
Contact: Divisional Forest Officer, Sanjay Gandhi Rashtriya Udyan, Borivli
(E), Mumbai-400066, Maharashtra. 
Bombay Environmental Action Group, Kalbadevi Municipal School, 2nd Floor,
Room No. 54, Mumbai-400002, Maharashtra. Email: debi@ilbom.ernet.in
WWF – I, Maharashtra State Office, 204, National Insurance Building, 2nd
Floor, Dadabhoy Naoroji Road, Fort, Mumbai – 400001,Maharashtra.  Tel:
022-2048105

Chikhaldara Project recommended for rejection

The Chikhaldara Pumped Storage Project which envisaged the construction of
two dams just outside the Melghat Tiger Reserve has been recommended for
rejection. The decision was taken on August 27 by the River Valley Project
Appraisal Committee of the Ministry of Environment and Forests. The project
would have destroyed prime forest areas and vital habitats for many
endangered species including the tiger.

Source: 	Email dated 28/08/99 from Bittu Sahgal 
Contact: Bittu Sahgal, Sanctuary Magazine, 602 Maker Chambers V, Nariman
Point, Mumbai – 400021, Maharashtra. Tel: 022-2830061 / 81, Fax: 2874380.
Email: bittu@giasbm01.vsnl.net.in

Tourism development in PAs in Vidarbha

A master plan is being prepared to develop basic facilities at 14 tourist
destinations in the Vidarbha region. Protected areas on this list include
Navegaon NP, Tadoba NP, and the Nagzira WLS. It has been suggested that
once the facilities have been developed they would be handed over private
parties for operation and maintenance. Grants have been sanctioned by the
Central government for this purpose.
	One wonders whether Vidarbha's PAs can actually take this new pressure? 

Source: '14 Vidarbha tourist spots identified for revamp', Indian Express,
02/07/99.

Pench Tiger Reserve 

About 257.26 sq. kms of forests on the Maharashtra Madhya Pradesh border
was brought under Project Tiger on June 29 this year. This is thus the
first inter-state tiger reserve. Already 758 sq. kms. of the Madhya Pradesh
area of the forest had been declared a tiger reserve in 1992-93, with the
creation of the Pench Tiger Reserve.
Contact:  Shree Bhagwan, Conservator of Forests (WL), Near Govt. Press,
Zero Miles, Civil Lines, Nagpur, Maharashtra. Tel: 0712-528953 / 539226.
Fax: 552518. Email: cf@wildlife-vidarbha.org 

(General contact for Maharashtra)
	Chief Wildlife Warden - Maharashtra, Jaika Building, Civil Lines,
Nagpur-440001, Maharashtra. Tel: 0712-526758 / 530126

ORISSA

Solidarity march in Chilka 

Representatives of the National Fishworkers' Forum (NFF) along with other
friends and supporters held a march from August 11 to 15 through the
villages of Chilka to express their solidarity in the fight against the
illegal prawn mafia. The march culminated on 15th August in the village of
Sorona, where four persons from the fishing community were shot dead and 22
were injured in police firings on May 29. (See Update 21). A huge public
meeting was held.
	In related developments, the promise made by the state Chief Minister to
the public and before the Assembly House Committee, that all prawn farms
would be banned, has still not been fulfilled. Encouraged by this, the
mafia has continued its reign of terror, by snatching boats, beating and
even kidnapping fisherfolk. 
	The NFF has also declared the World Fisheries day (21st November ) as Save
Chilka Day.

Source: World Forum of Fish – harvesters and Fishworkers (WFF) on Email
dated 21/08/99 and letter dated 15/09/99.
Contact: Thomas Kocherry, WFF, Velankanny Junction, Valiathura,
Thiruvananthapuram – 695008, Kerala. Tel / Fax: 0471-501376. Email:
nff@md2.vsnl.net.in
Chief Wildlife Warden - Orissa, Plot No. 8, Shahid Nagar, Bhubaneshwar
751007. Tel: 0674-513134 / 515840. Fax: 512502.
Banka Behary Das Orissa Krushak Mahasangh, 14, Ashok Nagar,
Bhubaneshwar–751009, Orissa.

RAJASTHAN

Threat to Sambhar Lake

A status report on the Sambhar lake prepared by Harkirat Singh Sangha of
the World Wide Fund for Nature – India (WWF-I), Rajasthan has warned that
the lake is under severe threat from commercial activities like salt making
and the construction of various checkdams on the rivers, particularly
Mendha and Rupengarh that drain into the lake. The salt making units here
are also digging up the clay from the main lake to spread over their salt
pans. As a result the lake which was absolutely flat till 1992, has
hundreds of clay pits now.
	The report notes that the disturbance of the watershed, along with
overgrazing and removal of the forest cover, pose a serious threat to the
lake. Sangha points out that in February this year the lake had completely
dried up while even in the late 1970's it would remain wet throughout the
summer.
	He also warned against schemes that are being suggested for the
construction of a dam on the main lake bed to retain the water for a longer
period- in order to prolong the stay of the flamingoes. 
	The study recommends that the proposed and ongoing schemes on the rivers
Mendha and Rupengarh should be reviewed and the removal of clay from the
lake bed must be stopped. (See Update 21)

Source: 'Threat to eco-system of Sambhar Lake', The Hindu, 03/05/99.
Contact: Harkirat Singh Sangha, C/o WWF-I, Rajasthan State Office, Anokhi
Premises, Tilak Marg (C-Scheme), Jaipur-302005, Rajasthan. Tel: 0141-380539
/ 48817 / 46129

Tiger-Watch and Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve

Following the report in 21 on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed
between the NGO Tiger-Watch and Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, we have
received the MoU of from Tiger-Watch. There had been controversy of the
nature of the MoU and it had been reported in various sections of the
press, that the Tiger Reserve had been handed over to NGO (See Update 21).
It is clear from the MoU that this is not the case and that Tiger-Watch 
will financially assist the Forest Department for the purposes of the
preservation and protection of the tiger and its habitat in the park.
Activities that Tiger-Watch  would support include training for personnel,
villagers and nature guides, supply of uniforms and equipment, rewards to
forest staff and villagers for their work in the field, rehabilitation and
economic upliftment of the Mogiya tribe, development of an education and
interpretation centre, anti- poaching activities, establishment of a
volunteer legal cell for the reserve, insurance scheme for the forest
staff, cattle and crop compensation schemes and cattle breed improvement
programes. 
	The MoU is also clear that all the activities will be implemented only
after gaining approval from the Govt. of Rajasthan; separate agreements
will be signed for each project; they would be executed transparently under
the supervision of the Field Director of the reserve and that it will not
give Tiger-Watch any right of ownership, management etc. of the Tiger
reserve or its part.

Contact: AK Mahadevia, Tiger-Watch, 16-17, Hansaraj Damodar Bldg., 12/14
Goa Street, Ballard Estate, Mumbai-400001, Maharashtra. Tel: 022-2674191 /
2666295. Fax: 2671043.
Chief Wildlife Warden - Rajasthan, Van Bhawan, Vaniki Path, Deorali,
Jaipur-302005, Rajasthan. Tel: 0141-380832. Fax: 380496.
	
TAMIL NADU

Habitat development in Karaivetti – Vettakudi Bird Sanctuary

Extensive habitat development work has been undertaken in the Karaivetti –
Vettakudi Bird Sanctuary, located in the Perambalur district. A proposal of
Rs. 25 lakhs for eco-development and eco-tourism has been submitted by the
state Forest Department to the Ministry of Environment and Forests for
Central funding. The proposed work would include tree plantation, watch
towers, view points, and cemented benches.

Source: 'Habitat development in bird sanctuary', The Hindu, 22/07/99

Shipping canal threatens Gulf of Mannar NP

Environmental groups have opposed the plan for the construction of the
Sethu Samudran Ship Canal Project that will pass through the Gulf of Mannar
National Park. In a letter to the Prime Minister the Bombay Natural History
Society (BNHS) has warned that the project will not only destroy the
livelihood of the thousands of people living along the coast here, it will
also adversely affect the unique marine ecosystem of the park through
constant dredging and other activities related to the shipping lane.
	This area which supports many endangered sea creatures like the dugong and
sea turtles is also a marine biosphere reserve, and already under severe
stress from the increasing number of industries on the coast which includes
the Tuticorin Thermal Power Station, and the Tuticorin Salt Marine
Chemicals.
	The BNHS has appealed to all concerned groups to protest against this
proposal. 

Source: Letter to the Prime Minister by JC Daniel, BNHS, dated 12/08/99
Contact: S.Asad Akhtar, (See above, Gujarat, Threats to Marine National
Park).
 
(general contact for T.N.)
	Chief Wildlife Warden - Tamil Nadu, 6D, Panagal Building, Jeenis Road,
Saidapet, Chennai-600002, Tamil Nadu. Tel: 044-4321738.

UTTAR PRADESH

Eco-development plan for UP

In response to the problems and conflicts around protected areas, the UP
State Forest Department has expanded the eco-development programme being
implemented under the World Bank aided state Forestry Project.
	So far the department has prepared micro-plans for eco-development along
the boundary of the following PAs: Corbett, Dudhwa and Nandadevi National
Parks, and Binsar, Hastinapur, Katerniaghat, Chambal, Kaimur Sanctuaries.
In the current year, the target of 224 microplans is expected to be
reached. 
	To aid in this, the state has issued a Government Order (GO), in mid-1999.
This GO will make it possible to extend the programme to areas other than
those covered by the U.P. Forestry Project. Operational guidelines are
being issued for use by village level Eco-development Committees and forest
staff, and an ambitious capacity-building exercise has been undertaken for
NGOs, villagers, and staff. 

Source: 'UP formulates eco-development plan', Madhya Pradesh Chronicle,
26/06/99.
	Letter to Update from Rajiv Bhartari, IFS, 07/10/99. 

NGO project around Corbett Tiger Reserve

Operation Eye of the Tiger – India (OET- I), a Dehradun-based NGO has
recently launched a programme around Corbett TR to reduce the dependence of
the surrounding villagers on the park. 238 families on the northern
boundary have been given a one time assistance of Rs. 1000 each to get LPG
connections to meet their fuel needs. OET- I has also organised free
medical camps for the villagers.

Source: 'Doon-based NGO working in Corbett Tiger Reserve in Kumaon', Indian
Express, 05/07/99.

HC orders return of land to Corbett TR

In another development, in response to a public interest litigation filed
by the Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI), the Lucknow High Court
ordered that the Irrigation Department should hand back 800 hectares of
land to the Forest Dept. that had been taken from the Corbett TR for the
Kalagarh dam in 1966. The court has ordered that the removal of the
encroachments and the transfer of land should be completed by 15/11/99.

Source: Aqueel Farooqi on email dated 13/08/99
Contact: WPSI, Thapar House, 124 Janpath, New Delhi - 110001 Tel: 011 -
6213864 / 6238710. Fax: 6464918. Email: wpsi@nde.vsnl.net.in
Aqueel Farooqi, aqueelfarooqi@hotmail.com 

Operation Monsoon in Corbett TR

A three month drive to control poaching was launched during the period
starting July 15, during the closed season for tourists.
	Called Operation Monsoon, it is aimed at keeping a stringent check on
poachers, who earlier used to take advantage of the time the park was left
unguarded. Latest information on this is awaited.

Source: 'Operation Monsoon in Corbett Reserve', Indian Express, 24/07/99.
Contact: Director, Corbett TR, Corbett Tiger Reserve, Ramnagar 244715,
Dist. Nainital, Uttar Pradesh. Tel: 05947-85489. Fax: 85376. 

(General contact for UP)
Chief Wildlife Warden - Uttar Pradesh, 17, Rana Pratap Marg,
Lucknow-226001, Uttar Pradesh. Tel: 0522-283864. Fax: 283868.

WEST BENGAL

Insurance cover for damage by wild elephants

Villages in the vicinity of the Garumara National Park in the Dooars of the
Jalpaiguri district have insured their lives and properties against
killings and destruction of their hutments by elephants.
	Only 15 days after the insurance six hutments were damaged by wild
elephants at Hajipara village. The New India Assurance Company, after
assessment had agreed to release the money in the last week of September.
This endevour is the first of its kind in North Bengal, and there is the
possibility that it can be replicated all over North Bengal, where about 50
people are killed and about 1000 hutments are destroyed every year.

Source: 'Insurance cover for (destruction by) elephants', Indian Express,
28/09/99.

Tree cutting inside Singalila NP

The Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council has been found guilty of cutting 10
silver fir trees inside the Singalila National Park in the southern range
of the park at Molley. The place is located on the Sandakphu – Rimbick
trekking route and the cutting of the trees was apparently for the
construction of a trekker's hut here.
	Illegal felling has already posed a major threat to this park,
particularly during the Gorkhaland agitation when felling was at its
maximum.

Source: Niraj Lama. 'DGHC flouts SC order, fells trees', Statesman,
04/05/99. 

Contact:	(general contact for West Bengal) 
Chief Wildlife Warden - West Bengal, Bikash Bhavan (North Bengal), 3rd
Floor Salt Lake City, Calcutta – 700091, West Bengal. Tel: 033-3346900 /
3583208. Fax: 3345946 Email: wildlife@cal.vsnl.net.in.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Obituary: S. Deb Roy 

Sanjay Deb Roy, member of the steering committee of Project Tiger, the
Indian Board for Wildlife and one of India's best known and respected
wildlife officials, passed away recently in New Delhi. He was 65 and is
survived by his wife and two sons.

Mr.Deb Roy was Field Director of Kaziranga and Manas National Parks in
Assam. He was Chief Wildlife Warden of Assam until 1989, when he came to
the Central Ministry of Environment and Forests as the first Inspector
General of Forests (Wildlife). He continued his active involvement in
wildlife conservation even after he retired in 1992, including with the
group Corbett Foundation.

Kalpavriksh members would like to express their shock and sadness at Mr.
Deb Roy's departure, and their heartfelt condolences to his family members.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

NATIONAL NEWS FROM INDIA

Govt. proposes 'green guards' for forests

The Centre has proposed to constitute 'green guards' in villages
surrounding protected areas to enable active involvement of local people in
the protection and maintenance of forests. The Union Minister for
Environment and Forests Mr. Suresh Prabhu said that suitable amendments
would be made to the Wild Life (Protection) Act to involve local people in
the protection of the forests.
	The Minister was speaking after launching the 'Wildlife Watch Programme'
launched by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) – India and the Nehru Yuva
Kendra Sanghatan (NYKS) on the eve of World Environment Day (June 6, 1999)
in Delhi.

Source: 'Govt. proposes 'green guards for forests', The Observer of
Business and Politics, 05/06/99.

Database on corridors for the Asian elephant

A Geographical Information Systems (GIS) database for conservation of
Project Elephant reserves has identified the Sathyamangalam forest
division, the Indira Gandhi Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu), the Bandipur Tiger
Reserve and the Hunsur forest division (Karnataka) as having high elephant
distribution areas and 'conservation values'.  The database has been
brought out by the Asian Elephant Conservation Centre (AECC) at the Indian
Institute of Science in Bangalore. 
	The elephant habitat spread across the Nilgiris and Eastern Ghats abutting
the borders of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, spread over 12,000 sq.
kms., has the single largest elephant population unit in Asia: between
6,300 to 10,400 elephants. Within this zone the GIS has identified four
important areas – the Brahmagiri hills covering parts of Karnataka and
Kerala (Wynad north division), the Nagarhole, Bandipur, Wynad, Mudumalai
protected areas and the Nilgiri north division, the Biligiri Rangaswamy
Sanctuary, Karnataka, and a 100 kms. tract along the Cauvery river spread
across Kollegal, Hosur and Dharmapuri divisions of Karnataka.
	The report also noted that the Wynad Sanctuary in Kerala was a critical
area as a refuge for wildlife from the adjacent sanctuaries during the dry
period from January to June.

Source: R Krishna Kumar. 'Database on corridors to protect Asian
elephants', The Hindu, 22/07/99.
Contact: AERCC, C/o Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of
Science, Bangalore-560012, Karnataka. Tel: 080-3092786. Fax: 3311280.
Email: aecc@ces.iisc.ernet.in

NEWS FROM SOUTH ASIA

BANGLADESH

No oil and gas exploration in the Sundarbans

Following discussions between the Energy ministry, and oil companies Shell,
Unocal and Petrobangla, it has been decided there will be no exploration in
the areas of the Sundarbans that have been declared as a World Heritage
site. This includes areas of Block 5 and Block 7. As per the discussions
Shell will not explore oil and gas within 20 kms of the protected forest
termed as 'impact area'.

Source: 'Shell, Unocal, Bangladesh government agree on Sundarbans', The
Daily Star, 01/09/99

PAKISTAN

Gas exploration threatens Kirthar NP

The Kirthar National Park in the southern Pakistani province of Sindh is
threatened as natural gas exploration is to be allowed here. The park is
one of the last homes of the reclusive Sindh Ibex. Besides the area also
supports a quarter of a million pastoral people who are refusing to give up
their way of life.
	It was in July 1997 that the Pakistani government decided to open up the
park and invited the British Premier Oil to search for the gas that is
supposed to be trapped here in the porous rocks. Later in 1998, Premier Oil
merged with Shell Oil.
Earlier the World Conservation Union (IUCN) had opposed the proposed gas
exploration but subsequently the opposition has been toned down with IUCN
joining a committee that would be looking into ways to explore gas with
minimum damage to the park's environment. 
	In May, earlier this year the Governor of Sindh also reiterated that gas
exploration would go ahead in the park and the government would even change
laws if needed.

Source: 'Natural gas plant endangers wildlife park in Sindh', The Sentinel,
10/06/99 

SRI LANKA

Teak trees to be cut in national parks

A committee appointed by the President of Sri Lanka has suggested that the
government could earn Rs. 2.5 billion (US$ 35 million) by cutting and
selling the teak from inside the national parks of the country. The
committee has also recommended that the laws should be changed to allow the
felling of 70% of the teak trees in the parks.
Environmentalists have been vehemently opposing the proposal.

Source: Dilshika Jayamaha. 'Cash starved Sri Lanka to cut teak trees in
national parks', The Times of India, 01/09/99

UPCOMING

Nature education camps in PAs

A number of organisations and groups regularly conduct nature education
camps in various PAs across the country. The Nature Club of Sabar,
Ahmedabad has sent information of its nature camps which are as follows.

Panchmari. 11/11/99 to 19/11/99
Nalsarovar. Jan- Feb, 2000

Contact: Manish Vaidya, Nature Club of Sabar, B-60, Harshnagar Society, D
Cabin, Sabarmati, Ahmedabad-380019, Gujarat. Tel: 079-7509174. Fax: 7508252

Global Biodiversity Forum, South Asia

A regional session of the Global Biodiversity Forum, a series of workshops
which are held in conjunction with important international meetings related
to biodiversity, is being held in Colombo, on October 24-26, 1999. Parallel
workshops will discuss Ecosystem Approach to Conservation; Sustainable Use;
Alien and Invasive Species;  Biodiversity-friendly Technologies; and
National Biodiversity Action Plans. 

Contact: P. Balakrishna, GBF-SSEA, IUCN –World Conservation Union, 48,
Vajira Road, Colombo 5, Sri Lanka. Fax: 94-1-580202; Email:
pbala@sltnet.lk.

National consultations on ecodevelopment

WWF-India in association with other groups is planning to organise two
national level consultations on the future of ecodevelopment, one in Delhi
and the other in Bangalore. These are slated for October and December. 

Contact: S.S. Rizvi, Consultant, WWF-India, 172 B Lodhi Estate, New Delhi
110003. Tel: 011-4693744; Fax: 4626837.

Consultation on foreign funding for conservation

With increasing funding coming in for forestry, wildlife, and
ecodevelopment projects, there is a need to critically assess its impacts.
This meeting is slated for late November 1999, in Delhi. 

Contact: Gautam Bandopadhyay, Ekta Parishad, O3, Anupam Nagar, Shankar
Nagar, Raipur-492007, Madhya Pradesh. Tel: 0771-421926.  Fax: 510465

WHAT'S AVAILABLE?

Melvyagraha

Quarterly newsletter of Melghat Tiger Project, Maharashtra, with news and
views in English and Marathi. Edited by the Field Director, Melghat.

Contact: Field Director, Project Tiger, Melghat, Amravati-444602,
Maharashtra. Tel: 0721-662792 / 662680. Fax: 0721-662792.

Ghate, Rucha. 1998. Socio-Economic Study of six villages in Tadoba-Andhari
Tiger Reserve

The report has detailed socio-economic data of the six villages in the
Tadoba-Andhari TR. The information was collected by the Nagpur based
organisation 'Shodh'. The data collected has been tabulated and analysed,
and people's dependence has been quantified in monetary terms.

Contact: 'Shodh', 134, Ramnagar, Opp.Corporation School, Nagpur-440010,
Maharashtra. Email: ruchaghate@hotmail.com.

Report of the Joint Mission on Madhya Pradesh Forestry Project, September
1999

The report is based on the findings of the Mission that comprised of
representatives of the World Bank, Madhya Pradesh tribal organisations
(MTOs) and the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department (MPFD). The mission had its
first meeting in Bhopal on 20/03/99 and made field visits during March and
May to sites selected by the MTOs in the districts of Hoshangabad, Betul,
Badwani, Khandwa, Shehdol and Sidhi.  It visited the Satpura National Park,
Bori Sanctuary, Bandavgarh National Park, and the Sanjay National Park.
According to Ekta Parishad, this was to be a consensus report of the joint
team, but the Bank has backed out of signing it at the last minute. 

Contact: Gautam Bandopadhyay (see above, UPCOMING). 
Sunil, Kisan Adivasi Sangathan, At / PO Kesla, via Itarsi,
Hoshangabad-461111, Madhya Pradesh. Tel: 07572-72171
World Bank, 70 Lodi Estate, New Delhi 110003. Tel: 011-4617241/4619491;
Fax: 011-4619393. 


CORRESPONDENCE

Name change: Several people have written in supporting our change of name
from JPAM Update to PA Update, noting that it reflected the somewhat larger
ambit of news and views we are carrying. 

News veracity: Critical comments also came with regard to the veracity of
information we are carrying (pl. see box "Verification Problems"). 

Cattle compensation scheme: Arun Jindal from Rajasthan writes: "It was
reported in the PA Update 21, that the WWF- Tiger Conservation Program's
cattle compensation scheme has been extended to the Kailadevi Sanctuary. I
want to clarify that the cattle compensation scheme has not yet been
extended to Kailadevi. I would however like to appeal that the scheme be
extended to Kailadevi WLS." 
Contact: Arun Jindal,  Society for Sustainable Development, Shah Inayat
Khirkiya, Karauli-322241, Rajasthan. Tel / Fax: 07464-21065.

All such correspondence is eagerly solicited by the editors. 

------------------------------------------------------------
Millennium Awards

Sanctuary Magazine announces a series of awards: 

Lifetime Service Award: An individual whose life has been devoted to
protection of wildlife species/ habitats on the Indian subcontinent. Award:
Rs. 1,00,000.
Wildlife Service Award: Individuals working in the field, who have
displayed extraordinary courage, dedication and determination in the field
of wildlife conservation. Five awards: Rs. 15,000 each.
Wildlife Photographer Award: Images taken in the wild.  1st Prize: Rs.
25,000; 2nd: Rs. 15,000; 3rd: Rs.10,000. 
Natural History Writer Award: An original essay, between 1,000 to 2,000
words, titled Call of the Wild. 
1st Prize: Rs. 25,000; 2nd: Rs. 15,000; 3rd: Rs.10,000. 

Nominations and entries are invited (by December 31) on a given format,
which can be obtained from: Sanctuary Millenium Awards, 602 Maker Chambers
V, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021. Fax: 022- 2874380. E-mail:
sanctuary@vsnl.com. 
-----------------------------------------------------------

APPEAL

Support / Funds needed for the Update

The PA Update has grown substantially in the last couple of years, both in
terms of its reach and also the news and information that we are able to
provide. It also goes out to all interested free of cost and has survived
so far on the infrastructure and resources provided by Kalpavriksh and some
funding from the WWF. We are however in urgent needs of funds to sustain
the effort and are seeking financial support for it. Two kinds of funding
is solicited: 

1.	Grants and donations of any amount. 
2.	A life subscription of Rs. 1000. 

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Verification Problems

Update 21 evoked some concern from a couple of our readers, regarding what
was seen as the publication of unverified and false information. It was
pointed out that the closure of the Ranthambhore National Park was not for
the BBC shoot as was reported in PA Update 21 and also that the allegation
that the Wildlife (Protection) Act –1972 had been violated was incorrect.
M.G. Gogate, Chief Wildlife Warden of Maharashtra, noted that several items
related to this state gave the impression that the wildlife officials were
breaking wildlife laws (Nisarg Vihar in Sanjay Gandhi National Park),
opening up PAs for commercial use (Melghat denotification), or taking a
back-seat while NGOs initiated anti-poaching measures (Melghat arrests). He
expressed concern that the sources used in the Update were inaccurate,
biased, and lacked professional ethics. 
We are thankful to them for raising these issues and conveying them to us.
There are undoubtedly errors that creep into the Update while relying on
newspaper reports or oral accounts, which we have to. There are those that
we should be able to notice (such as 'arrests of poachers by NGOs in
Melghat'), and it is our carelessness if we don't. The editors would like
to extend the most sincere apologies to those who may have been wronged by
these mistakes. 
Ideally, all stories that are reported by us should be verified and
cross-checked, especially when we would know independent sources who can do
this. We need to be more careful about this in future. However, there are
limits to the extent this is possible: very often, verification from
official sources or from grassroots sources takes inordinately long, and
would endanger the timeliness of the Update. It is for this reason that we
strive not to put our own bias into the reporting, and make it a point to
always cite the original source and give relevant contact addresses. 
One final clarification. This newsletter is not an NGO mouthpiece. News is
reported equally, whether it comes from official sources or NGOs, from
conservation agencies or social activists. For instance, in the same issue
in which some state Forest Departments appeared to have been portrayed in a
bad light, there was news critical of the mass hunt by tribals in Bihar.
This could have evoked a reaction from tribal rights activists there
(though it didn't). The problem is, some actors are simply not as
communicative as others, hence tend to get under-represented. The more
transparent all sources of information will be, the more they will get
reflected in the Update. 
Any suggestions on how we can reduce our margin of error and bias would be
most welcome. In particular, we would welcome offers from readers, to be
independent sources of information and verification for particular states,
regions, or thematic areas. 
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PROTECTED AREA  Update is produced by Kalpavriksh every two months as a
follow-up to the workshop on Exploring the Possibilities of Joint Protected
Area Management (JPAM), organised at the Indian Institute of Public
Administration (IIPA), New Delhi, in September 1994.
 PA Update 22 was prepared by Pankaj Sekhsaria and Ashish Kothari. 
Several news items were accessed from Centre for Science and Environment's
Green File, but have been credited to their original sources. 
Ideas, comments, news and information may please be sent to the editorial
address:
KALPAVRIKSH 
Apartment 5, Shri Dutta Krupa, 908 Deccan Gymkhana, Pune 411 004,
Maharashtra, India.
Tel/Fax: 91-20-5654 239  Email: ashish@nda.vsnl.net.in