Zilla Parishad asked to explain Pongezara lapse

The Gondia forest division has sought an explanation from the zilla parishad on violation of Forest Conservation Act 1980 in Pongezara
reserve forest bordering Nagzira wildlife sanctuary, 30 kms from Gondia.


On April 22, TOI had exposed how cementing and concreting work was being done in compartment 402 of the territorial forest to construct a drain, besides digging soil for pillaring and renovating a temple. Shockingly, the work was being carried with Rs 36 lakh government money sanctioned by Gondia Zilla Parishad under tourism development plan.


Mukesh Ganatra, deputy conservator of forests (DCF) Gondia, told TOI he had sought explanation from ZP as to how estimates were sanctioned for foest area where no construction can be legally carried out. Abishek Krishna, chief executive officer (CEO) of Gondia zilla parishad, said he had not seen any such letter.


After TOI exposure, the construction work had stopped but restarted after a gap of one month in June allegedly in connivance with the Gondia forest officials. After this newspaper reported the matter again, Nandkishore, chief conservator of forests (CCF) for Nagpur wildlife circle, and also holding the additional charge of CCF (territorial), visited the spot and ordered stoppage of work and a probe.


Ganatra had filed a primary offence report (POR) in the matter but no FIR was lodged against those involved in violations. The work was carried out by contractor Vijay Rane, who heads the temple trust and is also Gondia district chief of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Sources said the work was going on in connivance with the forest officials and the trustees. "How can over 100 labourers, concreting machines and JCB enter the forest when two guards are posted round the clock at Pongezara gate?" they asked. It is also apparent from the lackadaisical manner in which local forest officials are taking action even after the expose.


TOI sources said that although work had stopped, sand and gravel were still lying at the site leading to suspicion that it might be started after monsoon. Over 30 electric poles were still lying near the gate. Four months ago, Ganatra had said he had asked the authorities to remove the poles but did not pursue the matter. The trustees had planned to install poles over 2.5 km stretch to bring electricity to the temple. Conservationists fear a power line would be a boon for poachers and used to kill wild animals that frequent the area.


The perennial water hole at the spot has also been damaged by the trust. The water hole is a source of drinking water for endangered animals like tiger, leopard, gaurs and sloth bear. Same water was used for construction work also.


However, Ganatra says no work would be allowed. "After we receive the explanation we will forward it to the CCF who will decide further action. There is a provision of 15 days' jail for violation of FCA," he informed.


The deputy conservator said prima facie zilla parishad was at fault. As per the forest settlement rights 1969, villagers were given rights to only use the area for prayers but there was no mention of any construction activity. He admitted that the construction already carried out had not been dismantled.


ZP CEO Krishna, on the other hand, claims he was kept in the dark on violations. "It is for the first time that I am hearing of the issue. Now I will investigate and issue appropriate orders. I learn from them that the trustees had sought formal sanction from the forest department," he told TOI. Earlier, the trustees had admitted that they were working in good faith with the forest officials.


Conservationists say violation was serious as Pongezara shared a border with Nagzira sanctuary, a critical wildlife habitat (CWH) that would now be treated as part of the Pench tiger reserve.


SERIOUS VIOLATION


* Construction in forest will destroy tiger habitat


* More tourists/devotees will increase disturbance, pollution


* Concreting will destroy the natural beauty


* Facilities not needed as there is no traffic


* Poaching threat will go up as Nagzira is close by