Kolhapur minister and MLAs oppose proposed forest corridor for Sahyadri Tiger Reserve

Kolhapur: Prakash Abitkar, the guardian minister for Kolhapur, has said he would formally request the state chief minister and the forest minister to reject the proposal for a corridor for Sahyadri Tiger Reserve.The proposal was submitted to the Central govt for approval two years ago. The guardian minister underscored that since the project has the potential to affect over 550 villages spanning Kolhapur and neighbouring districts, it would further exacerbate the hardships faced by farmers, who are already plagued by the menace of wild animal.A special review meeting was held at the district collectorate on Monday evening over the proposed ‘corridor' for Sahyadri Tiger Reserve. Present in person at this significant meeting were MP Shahu Chhatrapati, MP Dhairyasheel Mane, MLA Vinay Kore, MLA Shivaji Patil, district collector Dr Vijay Rathod, chief conservator of forests, Kolhapur, Shreelakshmi Annabathula, deputy conservator of forests Dhairyasheel Patil, field director of Sahyadri Tiger Reserve Tushar Chavan, resident deputy collector Gajanan Gurav and other officials.Meanwhile, the state principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) Srinivas Reddy, the deputy director of Koyna Wildlife Division Kiran Jagtap and the managing director of the Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board participated via an online platform.Addressing the meeting, minister Abitkar said, "Transparency is paramount when implementing projects, and making decisions without providing prior intimation regarding restrictions is contrary to democratic principles. The lives of people residing in this remote region for generations are already fraught with struggle; the proposed new corridor would impose severe restrictions on their daily lives and fundamental rights."MP Shahu Chhatrapati expressed deep concern regarding the infringement upon the rights of the citizens. Similarly, MP Dhairyasheel Mane raised questions regarding the technical blueprint and geographical scope of the project. Taking into account the resentment among the locals, Mane emphatically demanded that the administration consider the actual ground realities rather than merely formulating theoretical plans. The participation of locals in the development process is mandatory, and no decision running counter to their interests should be imposed upon them.MLA Vinay Kore suggested that it is essential to pass a formal resolution regarding the new demarcation of the tiger Reserve and submit it to the concerned department. Expressing his displeasure with the operational methodology adopted, MLA Shivaji Patil observed that the decision to keep information regarding the project under wraps has created an atmosphere of fear and apprehension among the general public. The forest department must safeguard the interests of the local population and, rather than merely imposing restrictions, should prioritise the concept of coexistence.