"The sanctuaries this UNESCO World Heritage Site have at present are Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary, covering an area of over 362 square kilometres, Lothian Wildlife Sanctuary, spread over 38 square kilometres area and Haliday, covering six square kilometres. If the proposal gets a nod green light in tomorrow's meeting it will be the largest sanctuary in Sunderbans," said a forest department official, who didn't want to be quoted.
According to the official, the meeting will discuss another important agenda of the no.3 of Monday's meeting is regarding the formation of the new wildlife sanctuary in the mangroves, comprising Dhulibhashani 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8 and Chulkathi 1 to 8 compartments.
"The proposed wildlife sanctuary will have Dhulibhashani 1 to its north, Bay of Bengal to its south and rivers Matla and Thakuran to its east and west respectively," said the official, adding that while 224.26 square kilometres will fall under Dhulibhashani, 238.13 square kilometres will come under Chulkathi.
While some conservationists felt the move saying this would will restrict illegal entry into the forests, a section of experts was bothered about the lack of infrastructure for proper maintenance of the new sanctuary. Read the full report here.
Source: Times News Network, Kolkata.
