New shield

Ranchi, May 9: Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary will soon get an eco-sensitive ring to protect it from the stress of pollution unleashed by rampant mining and constructions on its periphery at present.

The absence of a protective zone around the forest has also adversely affected movement of elephants in the lone jumbo abode of the state.

According to forest department officials, a 10-km wide eco-sensitive zone will be created around the sanctuary. A draft proposal to this effect was sent to Delhi a couple of months ago and the Union ministry of forest and environment has given its go-ahead in principle, though an official notification is awaited.

Speaking to The Telegraph, principal chief conservator of forest J.B. Jauher said the decision, when implemented, will set a precedent for other sanctuaries in the state.

“Dalma is a sanctuary, but like elsewhere, there are no rules and regulations for areas outside its immediate boundary. So, activities like mining, construction and other forms of land and forest abuse have a direct and adverse effect on the wildlife and environment. Once, the Centre declares it an eco-sensitive zone, a host of regulation will fall in place,” said Jauher.

A senior official in the Union ministry, who is also an active member of the National Wildlife Advisory Board, said the formal notification was expected within a month.

Dalma is a rainfall catchment area, which helps recharge aquifers and protects rivers and streams against siltation by minimising soil erosion. Also, the sanctuary is home to a network of 159 streams, of which 82 are perennial or semi-perennial and 77 are of seasonal nature, which feed the Subarnarekha river and Dimna Lake.

However, due to excessive cutting of trees, construction activity and vehicular movement on the periphery of the forest, a number of ecological problems are arising. Forest officials said the eco-sensitive zone would protect the sanctuary from such havoc.

According to the draft, the eco-zone would cover an area of 522.98sqkm of which 377.89sqkm would be in East Singhbhum and 145.09sqkm in Seraikela-Kharsawan.

Once the zone is declared, polluting industries of any form will not be permitted to operate in the marked area, construction and quarrying will be banned, as would be felling of trees on forest or private land, without the state government’s permission.

Moreover, tourism will only be allowed be allowed in accordance with the master plan, with an emphasis on eco-tourism and eco-development.