In an alleged attempt to capitalise on visitors to the Rajaji National Park in Kharkhari beat of Haridwar forest range, some attempts are being made to beautify the place and commercially use it as a picnic spot.
It has been observed for the past couple of days that some stone and tile laying work has begun in the protected area of Rajaji National Park near Ansaldham Ashram in Kharkhari area of Haridwar. A local activist has alleged that the construction of a room was started by a joint nexus of forest department officials and villagers.
Speaking to this correspondent, activist Aditya Sharma said, “Behind the Ansaldham Ashram, a few metres inside the forest area past railway track in Kharkhari, some people were seen laying tiles near the natural water spring. It seemed they were trying to build a room and make that place commercial. We have asked the forest department officials to take necessary action and explain with whose permission the activity was started.” He further added that the place had also become unsafe for the elephants which use it as a corridor while moving in the forest area. In the past too, elephant deaths have been reported after the pachyderms came in contact with high tension power lines. Notably, an electricity wire was drawn from the village for the construction activity which could harm the wildlife, alleged Sharma.
When asked about this, the director of Rajaji national park P K Patro said, “It was brought to my notice in the morning and I have stopped the activity in the beat area. The range officer concerned has been directed to give valid reason as to how he allowed such activity in his beat to go on. Action would be taken against the person concerned if he is found guilty of having facilitated the action deliberately.”