Ministry of Forest and Environment has rejected the proposal for making Srisailam road into four lanes and a national highway stating that it would spell a doom for the big cat. It also recommends curbs against undesired growth of town ship in Sundipenta in the Nagarjunsagar Srisailam Tiger reserve.
There are two state highways passing through the tiger reserve. One is 140 km stretch from Mannanur to Dornala and other is 50 km stretch from Nallaguntala to Bairlutty. It said that Mannanur-Dornala Road is a serious concern as the presence of breeding tigress with cubs has been well documented close to this road. The proposed conversion of state highway from Hyderabad to Nandyal via Srisailam, Dornala and Atmakur, of 354 km to national highway will be stalled.
"The proposed four lane will pose a big threat to sanctuary. State government should take immediate steps to divert the traffic to alternate highway for Guntur-Kurnool state highway which divides NTSR and Gundla Brahmeswara Sanctuary. This involves only additional distance of 25 kilometre. All nigh traffic shall be stopped. the irrigation township of Sundipenta in the NSTR is expanding rapidly and it must be contained," Ministry and Wild Life Institute of India report suggested.
It also said that are several encroachments in Nagarjunasagar side of North East part where the tiger reserves damaged to large extent. Ministry suggested State not to yield to pressure of removal fo speed
breakers on Doranala road for VIp movement and also not ease nigh traffic.
In the Management Effectiveness Evaluation of tiger projects in red corridor Centre rated NSTR as 'good'. NSTR is spread over 3568 square kilometres and there are around 200 villages including 24 in core area.
Centre asked State government to take measures to notify 1140 square kilometre Gundla Brahmeswaram Sanctuary as part of the tiger reserve core.
It also suggested to work on removing the bottle neck that exists at Siddavatam to ensure connectivity to Srivenkateswara Wild Life Sanctuary.
ends..sudha..9 35pm
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