Maharashtra: NTCA get complaint of illegal tree cutting in Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve

Amid COVID-19 lockdown,  National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) received a complaint regarding illegal construction of roads and tree cutting inside premises of Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve (NNTR) in Bhandardara and Gondia district. As per reports, Secretary of People for Animals (PFA) and Horary district animal welfare officer of Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) Sachin Rangari filed complaint. 

Speaking to news ncy ANI, Rangari stated that according to information that y have received, when all government works were stopped during lockdown, a total of 400 to 500 trees were cut in Tiger Reserve.

"One JCB machine and two tractors were brought inside to carry out work in restricted areas. This is violation of laws related to Tiger Conservation and Forest Conservation. se activities in core zone of Tiger Reserve violate provisions of Forest Act, 1927, Forest Conservation Act, 1972 (amended in 2006). se illegal activities started from March onwards," he said. 

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He furr added that with help of JCB machines, around 55 to 60 trees were cut in compartment . 97. " of those trees would be around 25 to 50 years. areas in which trees were cut were core areas of forest and are habitat of tigers. authorities who are responsible for all se illegal activities must be suspended immediately," he added.

Sachin Rangari also said that authorities have also done Murum excavation. As per reports, JCB driver and two men who guarded Tiger Reserve gate have also confirmed excavation and illegal cutting of trees. According to driver, excavation work went on for 15 to 20 days and around 50 to 60 trees were uprooted. 

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NNTR denies activities 

However, Field Director of NNTR RM Ramanujam has denied any sort of illegal activity inside Tiger Reserve. He said that around 20 trees have been uprooted on May 31 because of storm.

Speaking to news ncy ANI, Ramanujam said, "We have received a complaint regarding core area of NNTR being destroyed. After receiving complaint, officials were sent for inspection to investigate. y roamed around forest and found that trees were uprooted because of storm caused by cyclone on May 31. That day, re was a heavy downpour also. person has mainly complained about illegal cutting of trees in compartment 97, where around 20-25 trees have fallen due to strong winds."

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(With ANI Inputs)