Palamau Tiger Reserve (PTR), one of the oldest tiger reserves in India facing severe fund crunch can soon look for a prosperous financial stability as a sum ranging around Rs 4 crore have been sanctioned by the central government for this national wildlife arena.
Sharing the details about this financial grant, Jharkhand’s Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Wildlife AK Mishra told The Pioneer, “We have received a proposal from National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) on August 21 mentioning sanction of around Rs 4 crores for Palamau Tiger Reserve.” According to Mishra, about half of the fund will be managed by Central Government whereas the other half percent is to be given by the state government.
“Within a week, we will forward the proposal to the State government for their take,” added Mishra. However, he was unable to say the tentative time when exactly PTR would receive the said amount. Confirming the news of this assigned money, Tiger Project Field Director at PTR SEH Kazami said, “Yes, we have got the assurance and are hoping to get it at the earliest.”
In the current financial year, PTR did not get any fund to feed the animals or buy petrol and diesel to run its vehicles. “As many as 200 daily wagers are devoid of their salaries since the month of April. We are helpless in giving them the compensation as well because of which managing the wild animals is becoming difficult day by day,” Kazami said.
Few days back the managers here were compelled to procure fodder and fuel on credit from the market.
Media Statement of a daily wage staff of this national park quotes that the credits under the head of petrol and daily wages has gone up to Rs 50 and Rs 40 lakh respectively as on August 6.
The reserve located in tri- junction of Palamau, Garhwa and latehar districts owns various Big cats, Deer, Bisons, Neelgai, Elephants and Wild Dogs. Unlike other parks across India, PTR does not have its own Authority causing inability to get fund on time and also face fund lapse.
“The process to set up the Authority is on the hands of state government right now,” Mishra said. Hopefully, as soon as this authority is formed, there will be no dearth of funds. In the present system, the fund usually fails as it is not spent in the specific financial year due to approval at the eleventh hour.