Chhattisgarh to alter sanctuary boundaries for anti-naxal operations

In order to enhance security measures against Naxalites, Centre has agreed to Chhattisgarh government’s proposal to de-notify over 3,485 hectares of the Pamed Wildlife Sanctuary and add 3,535 hectares from nearby areas.

The alteration of the boundary is done to establish Jungle warfare college and also one Battalion Camping site by Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) inside the sanctuary to combat Naxals.

The de-notification of the forest can only be done after seeking the wildlife clearance from the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL). The Centre will take a call on Wednesday.

“It may be brought to notice that the basis for recommendation of the proposal has beenthat due to persistent Naxalite activities, maintaining security in the Pamed Wild Buffalo Sanctuary has become highly challenging, disrupting survey, tourism, and patrolling operations. The situation also causes difficulties for local residents and officials in commuting, forest protection, and wildlife conservation, thereby hampering development and administrative efforts,” the Chhattisgarh government has said in its proposal.

As the area is severely affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE), a CRPF communication dated June 30 has requested 700 acres of land near Tadpalli, which is at the Telangana border.

“The core objective of the sanctuary remains to mitigate Naxalite influence while ensuring the protection of wild buffalo and their habitat. The sanctuary area is geographically inaccessible and affected by Naxalite activities, thereby making wildlife protection operations extremely risky. Management-related surveys and patrolling activities are difficult to conduct under the prevailing circumstances. In view of this, alteration/rationalisation of the boundaries of Pamed Wildlife Sanctuary, Bijapur District, is considered necessary,” as per the official documents accessed by The Tribune.

The Union Ministry has directed Chhattisgarh government to notify the newly added 3,534.964 ha and lay emphasis on strengthening anti-poaching measures, eco-restoration, and protection of Wild Buffalo habitats.

Moreover, the State should also include a module on biodiversity conservation in the training course of the Jungle Warfare College for security personnel.