Firing range near Sariska to be closed

JAIPUR: Sariska���s gain may be the army���s loss. A field firing range near the tiger reserve is likely to be closed down following the relocation of big cats from Ranthambore National Park.

Rajasthan���s forest department has refused to give a ���no objection certificate��� to renew the lease of the firing range in Alwar district adjoining the reserve.

The army, which has a medium field firing range at Rajgarh, applied for its renewal after the lease ended. The range is situated on a plot of 998.6 hectares.

"The forest department has refused to give the ���no objection certificate���, which is essential for the renewal of the lease," said additional chief secretary (forest), Parmesh Chandra. "After much consultation it was decided that the range should be shifted."

Sources said the lease will now have to be cancelled. The army had sent a letter to the state government sometime last year seeking renewal of the lease. The need of an increased area once the relocated tigers give birth to cubs is cited as the reason for refusing to renew the lease. ������When the population of tigers increase at the reserve, the firing range may come in their way. They may also get hurt,������ Chandra said.

The army has 10 field firing ranges in the state, including those at Kota, Bikaner, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer. The sources said if the army still insists it wants a firing range in Alwar itself, an alternative site could be chosen.