Ambazari works started sans any plan, reveals RTI

Nagpur: The forest department has started various ecotourism for 'Ambazari Forest Garden' without any development plan and requisite permissions under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.

Ambazari, under Hingna forest range, is a reserve forest and any non-forestry works attract FCA. The state government, at the behest of BJP MLC Parinay Fukey, had on July 14, 2017, set up a committee to monitor various works which were going at a slow pace.

The soil conservation and forest garden stone was laid by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis in March 2016.

Though senior forest officials have denied that no non-forestry works are being carried out at Ambazari reserve forest, they refused to share information with RTI activist Abhay Kolarkar regarding development plan, GR on forest garden, minutes of committee meetings, copy of work order etc, thus raising suspicion among nature and bird lovers about mega development plans.

Nagpur chief conservator of forests (CCF) Sanjeev Gaur says only forestry works like construction of towers, natural regeneration (NR), removing of grass to get rid of forest fires, habitat development etc are being undertaken.

"We will not allow any activities which are not in conformity with existing forest legislations of either state or Central governments," said Gaur.

However, RTI applicant Kolarkar asked if forestry activities are being undertaken in Ambazari, what role NMC commissioner and corporator Parineeta Fukey has to play in the committee?

"If there is transparency, why development plan and minutes of meetings, copy of work order were not shared under RTI," asked Kolarkar.

Parineeta said, "I am in the committee as I represent the area. We want to expedite works like ponds and cycle tracks. A hi-tech nursery is also being developed. The panel was set up with Parinay's efforts."

However, Sanjay Deshpande, president of Srushti Paryavaran Mandal, alleged that under the garb of forest garden entire habitat for grassland birds has being destroyed. While presence of migratory birds have reduced, many resident birds like peacocks, quails and partridges have also vanished."

"Huge five three-storied concrete towers have been constructed for tourism under the garb of watch towers. Painted tyres have been placed as sittings near the towers. Besides, frequent use of JCB machines has destroyed eggs of grassland birds. A cactus garden is being created, which is not a native species," said Deshpande.

When pointed out, Gaur says minutes of meeting can be shared under RTI. Grass is an inflammable material and hence removed. If there is problem, painted tyres can also be removed. "The

"All works are routine as per working plan and hence FCA clearance has not been taken. We will surely take clearance when needed," said Gaur.

Kolarkar said, as per RTI at least 2 crore will be spent on ecotourism works. These works include over 17 steel and concrete towers, bridges, culverts, roads, benches.

"Many of these works are not forestry activities. Even in Gorewada reserve forest development has been initiated only after FCA clearance. Same regulations should apply for Ambazari," said bird watcher Krishna Lanjewar.