National tiger body opposes nod to optical fibre work in Chhattisgarh reserve

Despite objections by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), an apex tiger body under the Environment Ministry, against the laying down of optical fibre cable (OFC) within the core and buffer zones of Achanakmar Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh, the wildlife panel of the ministry has cleared the proposal.

As part of Centre’s flagship telecom project, Bharatnet, the Chhattisgarh Government sought the permission of the Union Environment Ministry to utilise more than three hectares of tiger reserve for the laying down of the OFC. The aim was to provide broadband connectivity to villages located around the core zone of the tiger reserve.

The NTCA in its observations told the ministry that the proposed OFC was to be laid in the area located within the core and buffer zones of the tiger reserve with approximately 90 per cent of the alignment passing through the core and 10 per cent through the buffer zone of the reserve. It said any infrastructure activity inside a tiger reserve would cause significant disturbance and needed careful evaluation.

“The 2022 cycle of the All India Tiger Estimation confirms the presence of endangered species in and around Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, including tiger, leopard, dhole, sloth bear and gaur. Achanakmar is an integral part of the Central Indian Tiger Landscape and connects with the Kanha Tiger Reserve through forested corridors, making it critical for gene flow and dispersal of wide-ranging species. The reserve''s diverse terrain and forest types support a wide range of endemic and threatened flora and fauna,” the NTCA said.

Although the proposed underground OFC laying project under BharatNet, Phase II, utilises the existing right of way along roads, any infrastructure activity inside a tiger reserve, especially within the core zone will cause significant disturbance and needs careful evaluation.

The apex tiger body said voluntary relocation of villagers should be prioritised rather than allowing construction inside the tiger reserve.

“Since the targeted villages are located within the core area of the reserve, priority should be given to its incentivised voluntary resettlement, as per the NTCA''s relocation guidelines and schemes, in order to strengthen core area integrity and reduce anthropogenic pressure. Given the critical importance of minimising anthropogenic pressure on the critical tiger habitat, the OFC alignment inside the core area is not recommended,” the NTCA said.