Ranthambore Canal Work Continues Despite Rejection by the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)

The canal work in full swing
Dharmendra Khandal
The canal will destroy one of the most important corridors between Ranthambhore National Park and Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary.

In a gross violation of Wildlife Protection Act and Forest Conservation Act, construction activity continues despite the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) ban earlier this year.

In a letter to Mr. M. K. Jiwrajka, Member Secretary, Central Empowered Committee (CEC), conservation biologist Dharmendra Khandal of Tiger Watch working in the area writes:

“You have already advised the Rajasthan state government for no construction activity in Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve (file no. 1-26/CEC/SC/2010-PC.XXXVIII, Dated: 8th March 2011). However, recently there is new construction happening right inside Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. This is going to destroy an important corridor area between Ranthambhore National Park and Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary. The exact area is in between Khushalidarra and Mansarovar lake where a new water diversion canal is being constructed in prime tiger habitat. This will stop the natural flow of Khushalidarra nallha. In a sudden 20-day spurt, they have managed to uproot more than 20,000 dhonk trees in a 5-kilometre area with heavy excavator machines. This is a 100 feet wide and up to 5-7 km long canal.

At this moment I am not aware whether they have the permission of doing this and up to what extent, this is to bring to your notice.”

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