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Activists see red over shifting of crocodiles from SoU site
Feb 3, 2019, 00:02 IST Vadodara: Environment activists are seeing red over the move to remove crocodiles from their natural habitats next to world’s tallest statue – the Statue of Unity - near the Sardar Sarovar Dam at Kevadiya colony in Narmada district. On Saturday, city-based Paryavaran Suraksha Samiti (PSS) sent legal notices to the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, principal chief conservator of forest of Gujarat government as well as chief secretary and additional chief secretary of Gujarat demanding that translocation of crocodiles should be immediately stopped. The activists warned that such a move will cause further problems for the nationally vulnerable schedule I species and result in multiple issues within the area for different stakeholders. The notice said that Gujarat forest department has started relocating crocodiles from two ponds near the dam project for which the purported reason given is “tourist safety” but is most likely being done for the proposed seaplane project. Questioning the necessity of translocation of the crocodiles from these ponds, the activists have sought response from the authorities on whether they had taken any scientific advice before starting the move. “The drastic and mindless action of the forest department will result in destruction and degradation of the habitats of many species and undermine the multiple values and ecological services of nature,” the notice issued by PSS said. “The translocation of crocodiles under the pretext of “tourist safety” is neither an apt reason nor a good solution because such translocation means shifting the problem from one place to another. This may necessitate many more translocations in the near future or the species might migrate back to these impoundments in future. Hence, the so-called problem would persist,” the activists warned. PSS said that in absence of unknown number of crocodiles in the present Dyke 3 and 4, it is not possible to claim a crocodile free water body. “Moreover, there is also the possibility of crocodiles entering the dykes from adjoining water bodies that are at the distance of 18-20 km from the Narmada dam and main river course,” the activists said, adding that crocodiles have a strong homing instinct and it tends to come back in original site – which has been scientifically proven. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city...svQq8sFh54 Relocation of crocodiles: Green outfit sends legal notice to CM, Centre The notice urged the recipients to reconsider their decision and follow the guidelines of the Wildlife Protection Act to preserve the crocodile species. By Express News Service |Vadodara | Published: February 3, 2019 5:03:59 am Related News 15 out, 485 more to go: Crocodiles removed for seaplane to Unity statue  *This image is copyright of its original author Govt lines up events at Statue of Unity to give tourism a boost  *This image is copyright of its original author A crocodile is taken away from the Sardar Sarovar dam pond. (Express file photo) Days after The Indian Express reported the state government’s decision to relocate hundreds of crocodiles from Pond 3 and 4 of the Narmada Dam in Kevadia Colony to clear path for the sea plane terminal connecting the Statue of Unity, the Paryavaran Suraksha Samiti (PSS) on Saturday served a legal notice to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Secretary of Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest & Head of Forest Force (HoFF) of Gujarat as well as the chief secretary of the Government of Gujarat to stop the translocation, calling it “drastic and mindless action”. The notice, which has also been sent to Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, called the decision of the state government a “short-sighted (one) with long term impacts”. It also questioned the necessity of the said translocation and demands that it must be made known who made the decision and the consultation sought before executing the translocation of the crocodiles. “On what scientific and technical bases and supervision this action is undertaken? The drastic and mindless action of the Forest Department will result in destruction and degradation of the habitats of many species and undermine the multiple values and ecological services of nature. Let us not overlook the needs and habits of the crocodiles and other food-web species for some selfish, human-centric ends.”  *This image is copyright of its original author The Indian Express report of January 24 The notice urged the recipients to reconsider their decision and follow the guidelines of the Wildlife Protection Act to preserve the crocodile species. It stated, “The purported reason given (for the translocation of crocodiles near the world’s tallest statue) is “Tourist Safety” but most likely this is being done for the proposed ‘Seaplane Project’. We strongly believe that translocation of crocodiles will cause further problems for this nationally vulnerable Schedule I species and result in multiple issues within the area for different stakeholders, including the authorities concerned.” The notice further stated, “In absence of the known number of crocodiles in the present Lake 3 & 4, it is not possible to claim a crocodile-free water body. Moreover, there is also the possibility of crocodiles entering the dykes from adjoining water bodies that are at the distance of 18-20 km from the Narmada Dam and the main river course.” Raising concern over the arbitrary translocation of crocodiles close to their breeding season, the notice stated, “The government’s decision to incarcerate and relocate crocodiles from their natural habitat is against the principles of ‘The Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972’. Especially such an act by the Forest Department which very well knows that this period is the breeding season of the crocodiles raises questions on their role in the management of wildlife and its habitat. More significantly, the importance of this species is illustrated by the multiple legal and policy efforts which have been developed by the Government of India to protect the crocodile’s population. Any activity which is against the survival of the highly protected species without having been approved by the State Wildlife Board and National Wildlife Board and the Government of India is patently illegal. There are established Rules, Regulations, and Policies to be followed before attempting to relocate scheduled species.” According to Rohit Prajapati of the Paryavaran Suraksha Samiti, the organisation will file a petition in the competent court of law if the government continues its exercise to evacuate crocodiles from their natural habitat https://indianexpress.com/article/cities...77dlyor-C0 |
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