The mud from the forest reserve area is being continuously lifted by the poachers from the conserved area of Rajaji tiger reserve and Shyampur forest range, alleged a city based non-profit organisation, People for Animals. The organisation has complained to the chief forest conservator asking the official to conduct a probe in the matter and take appropriate action against the culprits. The organisation has also demanded that action be taken against the officials under whose nose the activities are being carried out.
In a letter addressed to the chief conservator of forests, Aditya Sharma of People for Animals (Uttarakhand) organisation, had said that illegally tonnes of mud have been lifted from Shyampur range of Haridwar forest division to make a bridge which is under construction and for the broadening work of the road.
Speaking to The Pioneer, Aditya said, “The broadening work on the road which traverses through Roshanabad to Biharigarh passing through Anneki village is underway. For the same, the range officer of the area connived with mafia people to engage mechanical excavators for removing the mud by uprooting the trees from the forest reserve.” In Motichur region as well of the Rajaji Tiger Reserve, in Majra beat of the forest near Basanti Mata Mandir in Sainik Colony, a lot of mud was lifted using mechanical excavators, added Aditya. This has disturbed the biodiversity of the region since many trees are on the verge of getting wilted.
It is a big loss of revenue to the irrigation department when illegal mining is being carried out in the tiger reserve, added the PFA member.
He further alleged that earlier also it had been brought to notice of the forest range officers that mud is being lifted from the national park area illegally. Complaint was made to the national park director and wildlife conservator but no action has been taken by the national park authorities, he averred.