The Haldwani Forest Division has finally submitted a management plan for the development of Nandhaur wildlife sanctuary that was accorded the status of wildlife sanctuary about three years ago. Mention worthy that with no funds in hands even after declaring the Nandhaur valley as wildlife sanctuary, much has not yet been done for the conservation of flora and fauna in this area.
Delay in submission of the management plan has only complicated things for flow of funds. However, it is believed that the submission of the management plan will now pave way for release of funds for development of this wildlife sanctuary. The management plan has formally been submitted to the Government for 10 years, said PC Arya, SDO, the Nandhaur wildlife Sanctuary and he hoped that this will pave way for release of adequate funds for the development of the valley.
Earlier, a proposal was also mooted to bring the same sanctuary under the category of a Tiger Reserve to seek funds. Since special funds are granted for Tiger Reserve parks, and more importantly, Nandhaur sanctuary is also known for its huge natural resources and rich presence of tigers, therefore, the officials concerned of the Haldwani forest division had proposed to get Tiger Reserve status for this sanctuary. But nothing has been done on this front.
Earlier the Nandhaur valley was just a reserve area. Since it has now been declared a wildlife sanctuary, its guidelines are different as far as wildlife conservation is concerned. To meet these guidelines and challenges, adequate fund is a must, maintain wildlife experts. Not only presence of a variety of forests produces like Sal, Shisham, Bamboo, Teak, Chir Pine and riverine , the sanctuary is also home to big animals like tiger, leopard, elephant, Sloth Bear, Mahaseer and Great Pied Hornbill.