Make development policies keeping in mind the wildlife and environment: Chief Minister

Ranchi: Chief Minister Raghubar Das in a meeting of the state wildlife board directed that development policies should be formed by
giving priority to the environment and wildlife. Mr Das said that North Karanpura coal block is located in the route of the wild animals and this area is also linked with Palamu Tiger project and Hazaribagh wildlife sanctuary while the main area of the Damodar River is also located in this area therefore wildlife and local population which is dependent on forest produce should be accorded priority in development.

The Chief Minister directed that in the rules which have been identified as those used by the elephants for their movement in large number bamboo trees should be planted and big reservoirs should be built for their food and water. The board also held a detailed discussion on the holistic wildlife management scheme made for the North Karanpura coal block as this coal block
is spread across 5 districts comprising Hazaribagh Chatra Latehar Ranchi and Ramgarh and to ensure that no harmful impact is caused on the environment and normal life, therefore, this holistic wildlife management scheme has been formulated.

The Chief Minister said that the Holistic wildlife management scheme would be sent to the standing committee of the national wildlife Council for discussion and after the approval is received from the standing committee of the national wildlife Council science specific plans would be made and on that the forest department would execute schemes. A sum of Rs 2090 crore is expected to be given by the coal companies for their work in this coal block to the forest department which would be used through CAMPA funds for development of local life which is dependent on wildlife and forest produce.