THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, Jan. 4: Mahuadnr wolf sanctuary is well known but less famous than Betla National Park.
Tourists’ first choice is Betla National Park; their heartfelt desire is to see a tiger!
The wolf sanctuary is wild and essential in the ecosystem but is left to its fate. Tourists do not come here in hordes. They trickle in only.
The Jharkhand Story spoke to Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden Kulwant Singh concerning the Mahuadanr wolf sanctuary and Palamu Tiger Reserve. Excerpts:
Q: Mahuadanr wolf sanctuary is left out. It’s a piece of neglect. Why?
A: No, no. It’s an important one for us. It has its value. We keep monitoring and tracking it. The problem is that tourists want to see the tiger. Other wildlife comes next. The tiger is the flag bearer of the tiger reserve. Sighting wolves is quite rare. It comes out at night. Tourists need more patience to wait for its sighting.
Q: It was in 1976 that Mahuadanr wolf sanctuary was notified. It is said to be 63 sq km. Its precious land is allegedly encroached upon by the land mafiosi. How?
A: If it is, then it’s a severe issue. It’s a matter of grave concern. Let me find out first the ground situation.
Q: The CO Mahuadanr may be asked to furnish details in this regard as the CO does the land boundary and is empowered to remove encroachments, too.
A: I will be right on this issue. Let me talk to my officers. If necessary, the PTR will write to the civil administration Mahuadanr for the needful.
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Q: Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary is a poorly marketed sanctuary in terms of tourism. Tourists need to be told by the PTR that a world of wolves exists in the PTR and must visit it.
A: Yes, I agree. We need to create awareness about it among the tourists. The tourists are briefed about it. It will usher in a busy road to Wolf Sanctuary then. I will ask my officers to popularise this wolf sanctuary.
Q: Are decks being cleared to bring 300 extra animals from Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park to PTR to replenish its depleting prey base?
A: There is a significant progress in it. The NTCA has permitted this. We are to obtain permission from the Central Zoo Authority of India. These extra animals will be translocated here once we are armed with the CZA approval. The extra animals will be brought in as per translocation protocol. The new arrivals here will be quarantined.
Q: A good number of herbivores is a prerequisite for the carnivores. It’s short in count here.
A: Yes, there is a correlation between herbivores and carnivores. If for the carnivores, herbivores are in plenty, then for the herbivores, there be sufficient grasslands. My emphasis is on adding to the grasslands here in the PTR.
Q: PTR has seen high faulting rhetoric in the past. You look down to earth. So, how do you plan to improve the PTR?
A: I need the active cooperation of all the stakeholders. The villagers around the PTR should help us. We ask our workforce to do the right thing for the PTR.
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