From pugmarks@VSNL.COM Sun Sep 12 19:58:38 2004
Date: Mon, 6 Sep 2004 18:56:37 -0700
From: pugmarks society 
To: nathistory-india@Princeton.EDU
Subject: [iso-8859-1] "The East - West Corridor" in North Bengal, India


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Sub:     ^ÓThe East ^Ö West Corridor^Ô in North Bengal ^Ö a six-lane
highway project undertaken by the National Highways Authority of India ^Ö
a global issue to save the pristine forest of North Bengal, India

 

The construction of a six-lane highway with a middle divider named the
East West Corridor will run through the pristine forest of North Bengal
and cause irreplaceable destruction of nearly 200 hectors of forest land
is a forthcoming project of the National Highways Authority of India with
the funding by the Asian Development Bank. This highway is planned to run
through the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary,
Chapmari Wildlife Sanctuary, Gorumara National Park, Buxa Tiger Reserve,
Jalpaiguri Forest Division and Himalayan foothills of the Kalimpong
Forest Division. This six-lane highway running through one National Park,
three wildlife sanctuaries, one Tiger Reserve and vast area of Protected
Forest will cause devastation of the rich and unique biodiversity of the
pristine forest of North Bengal. The diverse forest types of this area
exhibit a range of natural habitats of low forested foothills, luxuriant
duars, mixed^Ödeciduous forests, sal forest, semi^Öevergreen and
evergreen trees and stretches of moist savannah. This forest area is the
last refuge for a number of highly endangered endemic species of mammals
and birds. The mammals involved are One^Öhorned Rhinoceros, Asian
Elephant, Tiger, Leopard, Hog^Ödeer, leopard^ÖCat, Large Indian Civet.
Almost 400 species of birds occur in this region and many of them are
near extinction.

 

During the meeting of the wildlife Advisory Board, West Bengal on March
21,2003 the Minister ^Öin^ÖCharge, Forest, all members of the Board and
the District Magistrate, Jalpaiguri express their serious concern for the
matter. They brought it to the notice of the Government of India,
Ministry of Environment and Forests and the National Board of Wildlife to
change the alignment and follow an alternate route, which will avoid
forest altogether.

 

The alternate route will not touch any forest area and is quite possible,
practical and economical. This route is Siliguri, Jalpaiguri, Mainaguri,
Dhupguri, Falakata, Kuchbari, Toofanganj, Assam. This route is also
shorter than the proposed route.

 

Apart from the destruction the forest few more negative points are
involved. For the reason of passing over rivers with very high gradients
this will result into serious problem of erosion and siltation. It would
pass through sparsely populated areas thus not benefiting the local
people and urban entrants. It could be susceptible to militant attack. It
will pass through the hills of Kalimpong, which are susceptible to
landslides. It would encroach upon tea estates.

 

Please voice your opinion in support of this plea by writing to the
President of India, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Asian
Development Bank or to CEMO (Co-ordination for Ecological Movement) who
initiated this issue to save the pristine forest of North Bengal, India
directly or through this site. 

 

 

 

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