Forest department revises limits for Wild Ass sanctuary

Forest department has completed study and survey of Little Rann of Kutch (LRK) and completed fixation of boundaries for Wild Ass sanctuary. Claiming this, top state government official said, “We have completed the study and survey of LRK and have also fixed new boundaries for the sanctuary. The findings have been forwarded to revenue department for the endorsement which we expect to be done before the end of 2012.”

Addressing an open house meeting of ISMA, principal secretary, forest and environment, Dr SK Nanda said that the Wild Ass sanctuary area is around 4953.71 square kilometres of area in LRK and it adjoins Surendranagar, Rajkot, Banaskatha district.

“The area has not been reduced. It is exactly the same as per the British map. However, the boundary limits on various parts have changed. We have just redrafted the map,” he added.

However, announcement of fixation of boundaries evoked mixed response from salt producers. While the salt lease land owners already operating in the area welcomed the announcement, the others weren’t happy as they may not get new land in the area.  “It will resolve our long standing demand of renewal of leases. It will also ease our renewal procedure as in future we will not need to get a no objection certificate from the forest department,” said Hingore Rabari, a salt producer from the area.

Producers were demanding allotment of 404 square kilometres of area falling under the sanctuary to give a boost to salt production to meet rising demand. However, with demarcation of new boundaries it seems difficult that land will be available for them.

“We will need to address this issue on a separate forum. With new boundaries it seems there won’t be any land for new producers. But we need the land and will have to pursue state government for the same,” president of ISMA, P N Rao said.