NGT clamps fresh ban on sand mining in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district
The existing interim DSR, which was being used to justify sand mining, was invalid as it had not been submitted to SEIAA for approval, the NGT reiterated in the order.
Authorities of Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) claimed to have intensified surveillance in the forest in view of the tribal ritual of ‘Akhand Shikar’ scheduled to commence from 14 April.
It is a major headache for the forest and wildlife department of Mayurbhanj district after precautionary measures of fire rage in the forests. Hundreds of people of nearby village, mostly tribal sneak into the forest during this time every year for hunting wildlife as part of a ritualistic practice.
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This is an annual affair and takes place during ‘Pana Sankranti’ which is schedule to be held on 14 April. Regional Chief Conservator of Forest (RCCF) and Director of Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) M Mohan said “Akhanda Shikar’ is a mass hunting practice where in a large number of poachers from several forest areas in the district like Udala, Kaptipada, Dukura, Pithabata under Baripada ranges and poachers from Karanjia and Rairangpur forest divisions sneak inside the Similipal Tiger Reserve and kill animals as part of their religious ritual.”
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The tribals disregard the law due to their firm belief in the religious event. Fear of arrest does not deter them, he added. Mr Mohan said the departmetn will organise a meeting on 11 April where all officers will attend to chalk out a plan of action against the Akhand Shikar.
He said besides the meeting, the department will commence five-day long flag march in and outside the Similipal forest that will start from12 April in Rairangpur division and STR core area.
Drone cameras the technical devices and M-STiPE App will be used as the part of prevention measure to spot the hunters as well as poachers, he said.
“We have also asked to the village heads and priests to try and dissuade tribals from Akhand Shikar,” said the RCCF.The Similipal Tiger Reserve is spreading over 2,750 sq km with Baripada, Karanjia, Rairangpur and STR Core and 272 sq km of Kuldiha wildlife sanctuary in Balasore district.
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