20 GPS oppose state move on Bhandara forest to FDCM

NAGPUR: The state government’s decision to hand over 200 sqkm high quality forest in Navegaon-Nagzira-Pench tiger corridor to Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra (FDCM), has met with stiff opposition by the locals.
On November 9, forest ministry issued a letter to hand over 200 sqkm area to FDCM. However, at least 20 gram panchayats under Lendezari, Nakadongri and Jamkandri areas have stood up against the move.
The forest patches to be diverted to FDCM have also been included in the proposed tiger conservation plan (TCP) for corridors for Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve (NNTR).
There are 7-8 resident tigers in the said ranges. A recent report by Wildlife Conservation Trust (WCT) and later by SEAT-SEWA (Save Ecosystem & Tigers and Sustaining Environment & Wildlife Assemblage) state that some tigers have dispersed from MP Pench.
In a letter to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, local leaders including JFMC members, sitting panchayat samiti and former members warned of ‘chakka-jaam’ on December 9, on Tumsar-Nakadongri road. They also handed over a memorandum to Tumsar SDO Shilpa Sonale on Tuesday.
Haraksingh Madavi, president of joint forest management committee (JFMC), Lendezari, said, “Over 4,218 hectare area from Lendezari range is being handed over to FDCM. Most of the villagers are tribals and are dependent on forest for livelihood.”
Madavi said state has launched various eco-development schemes to protect forests with community participation. Many locals are getting self-employment by way of skill development initiatives.
“Giving away forest to FDCM will spell doom as the corporation fells entire miscellaneous forest and plants teak. This will deprive locals of jobs and livelihood and will also damage wildlife habitat,” said Prabha Pendam, Chikhli panchayat samiti member.
Not only locals, a massive awareness drive is being spearheaded to oppose state’s move by local wildlife lovers and NGOs.
Why high quality forests are being diverted to the commercial corporation?” asked Shahid Khan of SEAT.