Bhopal, June-28: Preparations for the development of Bhopal as a City-Forest are in their final stages. The development, which will be fulfilled with the aid of the Green India Mission, aims at converting the famous tiger movement area of Mendora and Chandanpura, which lies on the outskirts of Bhopal.
Environmentalists are opposing the proposal given by the state forest department. Environmentalist Rashid Noor argues, “The move is completely against the orders passed by the National Green Tribunal which declared the so-called City-forest area a reserve forest that restricts all constructions that could lead to an increase in human intervention.”
On the other hand, K Raman on behalf of the Green India Mission, clarifies that the tiger movement area and City-Forest, though close-by, are different places. “The tiger movement area is secured with a fence and city-forest will act as a safety cushion for the species.”
Raman said, “The City-Forest was exclusively meant to preserve the vanishing forests near urban areas. Meanwhile, the forest department has also been planning to construct a new road that will connect the city to the City-Forest region.”
“More than 18 tigers have been residing and bred in this region for several decades. So instead of restricting public movement and construction, the forest department is increasing the activities. If such activities increase human intervention in the area, it will pose a danger for the tigers,” Noor added.
Union forest minister, Prakash Javadekar, said, “Bhopal is the only Indian capital where more than 18 tigers roam in the city.”
A senior forest department official revealed that, “the project will only be finalised after the Chief Minister’s approval.”
