The forthcoming Environment Ministry Budget will be conspicuous for its provisions for wildlife protection, dispelling the notion that forests and wildlife are being ignored to make way for industries.
The issues of man-animal conflict, measures to deal with invasive species, conservation of migratory birds amongst others are expected to find a mention.
In another development, the Ministry is exploring the possibilities of developing two wetlands in Sariska Tiger Reserve to promote conservation of migratory birds. The sources pointed out that these promising water holes can be developed to attract more migratory birds.
According to sources in the Ministry, many of these programmes have been planned with the Budget in mind, which would be presented on February 28. They said that a substantial increase in Budget has been sought, as compared to the last Budget of about Rs2,000 crore. Man-animal conflict will be handled on priority basis especially in critical States like Assam, Karnataka, Odisha amongst others.
In a bid to boost the conservation of migratory birds, two spots Mansarover and Magalsa in Sariska, will be developed as wetlands. A team of experts from the Environment Ministry was recently there to assess the prospects and undertake water census. The team was pleased with their initial findings having spotted more than 60 avian species and over 10,000 birds.
The two lakes are soon likely find a place in the list of prominent wetlands in the country. The sources pointed out that efforts are on to develop the water holes such that the migratory birds breed here. For this, fishing needs to be stopped or regulated to create appropriate conditions for nesting and breeding, they added.
The sources added that these measures are being worked out to create balance between wildlife and forest with industries and environmental clearances.