The amount will be obtained from the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) established by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), which is usually awarded to the state government as compensation for using forest land. The fund will be used to commission water-harvesting projects and regenerate the aquatic ecology of the park.
A World Heritage Site, Keoladeo has suffered successive droughts and a ceding water table over the past few years and has been abandoned by some of its regular migratory visitors. Its most famous visitor, the Siberian Crane has not visited the park since 2002. Though the decision has not been conveyed to the park authorities officially, the funds should start flowing soon.
Following a visit by the Planning Commission on August 8th, a proposal to construct a 17.1 km. pipeline from the Govardhan drain to the park at a total project cost of Rs. 65 crores was made. This will supply approximately 350 mcft. water in July and August in time for the nesting season. Rajesh Gupta, Field Director, Keoladeo National Park, said that, “presently, the park has received around 400 mcft. of water from the Ajan Bund (the total requirement is 550 mcft. approx.). The nesting of Painted Storks, egrets, Open-billed Storks, cormorants, herons, darters and a few spoonbills and Sarus Cranes has taken place." How the funds will be utilised is key to the future of the birds of Bharatpur.
October 2008
