Maharashtra Wildlife Board clears 12 new Conservation Reserves, two new sanctuaries

The 18th State Wildlife Board meeting on Monday chaired by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray approved 12 new conservation reserves that will cover an area of 692.74 sq km and two new sanctuaries (including a flamingo sanctuary) covering an area of 298.61 sq km. In addition, the board also cleared the extension of Lonar wildlife sanctuary area and 10 endangered wildlife habitats.

Further, the board also approved construction activity for the water supply scheme to Aurangabad in the Jayakwadi bird sanctuary. This is important when Aurangabad, which is the state’s tourism capital, is currently facing acute water shortage as residents are getting potable water once a week. The CM asked the board to immediately submit the proposal in this regard to the National Wildlife Board for its consent.

Tourism and Environment Minister Aaditya Thackeray said, “The MVA government has embarked on the agenda of sustainable development in urban and rural areas, along with increasing forest cover and biodiversity protection.”

The new conservation reserves include Chivatibar (66.04 sq km), Aladari (100.56 sq km), Kalwan (84.21 sq km), Muragad (42.87 sq km), Raigad (47.62 sq km), Roha (27.30 sq km), Bhor (28.44 sq km), Dre Khurd (Mahadare), Butterfly (1.07 sq km), Masai Pathar (5.34 sq km), Mogarkasa (103.92 sq km), Trimbakeshwar (96.97 sq km) and Igatpuri (88.499 sq km).

Further, the board also discussed allowing road development works in the forest areas. Aaditya said due care should be taken especially of the wildlife routes and special attention should be paid on tiger projects.

As far as the destruction of agriculture and horticulture in Dodamard in Sindhudurg district by wild elephants, the board has approved a study to be conducted in two months to suggest a permanent solution. Besides, a proposal will be prepared to increase the fund for providing compensation for the damage caused by elephants in the area.