Baglinga project proves tiger reserves buffer no hurdle in development

NAGPUR: Many politicians and project proponents see buffer zones around tiger reserves as a hurdle in development but clearance to Baglinga minor irrigation project in Melghat by the National Board for Wild Life (NBWL) shows that genuine development is permissible in such zones.


The standing Committee of NBWL on March 20 recommended Baglinga in the buffer of Melghat Tiger Reserve (MTR). The proposal to construct the said project at Chikhaldara in Amravati district was placed for consideration in the 23rd meeting of the NBWL held on October 14, 2011 and was discussed in its 25th meeting on June 13, 2012.

The proposal involves construction of Baglinga project in compartment number 26 in East Melghat division and within 10 km of Melghat sanctuary in the buffer of Melghat Tiger Reserve (MTR). The project requires 14.75 hectare of forest involving 709 trees. The project location is 8.5 km from MTR.

Two members of NBWL Kishor Rithe and Asad Rahmani were asked to do a site inspection and submit a report to the board. The committee submitted the report which was discussed by the NBWL and recommended clearance to the project on certain conditions.

Baglinga's example proves those lobbying to stall buffer zones around tiger reserves wrong. The conditions while clearing the project are also very reasonable. The chief wildlife warden of Maharashtra is also in agreement with the conditions suggested in the site inspection report.

""It is really painful when politicians mislead people by saying that people cannot even construct a house in the buffer of any tiger reserve, specially when wildlife department has clarified several times that it is not true,"" said Kishor Rithe, member of NBWL. He adds there are some vested interest behind such wrong propaganda by political leaders.

Basically, buffer zones provide cushion to core areas and address the genuine developmental requirements of local communities living there, Rithe stated.

Basis of clearance

* The proposal should be strictly treated as minor irrigation project and should not be used for other projects like hydel etc. which may impact the tiger reserve.

* The project proponent promised that for soil and moisture conservation works in the catchment area, 2% of the project cost will be provided by water resources department (WRD).

* The money will be deposited with the Melghat Tiger Conservation Foundation. The WRD will provide expertise to develop stream based water resources around villages in buffer of MTR.

* As most of the affected tribal families are marginal land holders, project proponent will pay compensation to secure agriculture based livelihood.

* Land acquisition process should not lead to encroachment on forest land.

* The irrigation department will hand over one abandoned irrigation colony for village relocation from core area of MTR.