Tractors plying on cement road in Gir

09-10-2009
Tractors plying on cement road in Gir
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/Tractors-plying-on-cement-road-in-Gir/articleshow/5107232.cms

In what seems like a gross violation of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, a cement concrete road is coming up in a part of Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary near Junagadh city.

The 2.5-km, 10-feet-wide road on Datar Hill is already constructed, but work is still on. Heavy vehicles like tractors are also plying on the road. Unfortunately, no one seems to care about this.

The road starts from Wellingdon Dam and goes to Hathipaga on Datar Hills. It's parallel to the steps going to Datar Hill and while constructing it many trees would have been cut.

However, forest department officials seem unaware of this. On being asked, deputy conservator of forests (DCF) Anita Karne said, "We are not aware of this but will inquire into the matter and do the needful."

"This road has come up in gross violation of wildlife protection laws. This can't be allowed," said a local who has been fighting for the conservation of Gir forest.