Being built by the state tourism department inside the forest office complex, the two-storey, upcoming structure stands within ten feet of a sweet water pond frequented by wild animals, including tigers and experts fear it could endanger both animals and tourists.
A site survey was conducted by senior forest officials led by Sunderban Tiger Reserve (STR) director Subrat Mukherjee and a report is expected next week. On Friday, ToI had reported how the structure — claimed by the tourism department to be just an extension of the existing lodge — threatens to disrupt the movement of animals and the ecological stability of the mangrove forest.
"Our officials are now conducting a survey to check if there has been a violation of the rules. In case any breach of law is detected we will take corrective measures immediately," said Pradip Vyas, director, Sundarban Biosphere Reserve. Asked if the new structure could be demolished, Vyas said a decision will be taken on the basis of the report.
Environment activists and NGOs working in the forest hailed the decision. It would have been a disaster if the lodge was constructed in the heart of tiger territory, they said. "It is inexplicable how the forest department could allow the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation (WBTDC) to go ahead with the construction. The Sajnekhali forest complex already has a two-storey structure which is bad enough. This lodge would have spelt doom for tigers and animals in the area," said Mrinal Chatterjee of the Institute of Climbers and Nature-lovers, an NGO. In the last fortnight, two tigers had sneaked into the forest office complex. Read the full report here.
Source: TNN, Kolkata
