Youths collecting tendu from Nagzira held

Story/Place-Nagpur,
May 9, 2011,
NAGPUR: Three youths were nabbed inside Nagzira wildlife sanctuary while collecting tendu leaves on Sunday. This has put a big question mark over protection inside the sanctuary.

According to sources, the youths from Pitezari village near Nagzira gate, were caught collecting tendu leaves on tiger trail in sanctuary's core area. The spot is several kilometres from the Pitezari gate.

Wildlife laws prohibit collection of tendu from inside a protected area. Actually, no tendu collection can be allowed three kilometres from the sanctuary boundary. Nagzira is set to be upgraded into a full-fledged tiger reserve.

The incident took place when additional principal chief conservator of forests (APCCF) for wildlife A K Saxena and other officials were on a visit of Nagzira on Sunday. Forest officials have not yet filed any primary offence report (POR) against the youths whose names were kept under wraps for being locals. However, the officials are trying to book the contractor who must have prompted the youths to enter the sanctuary to collect tendu leaves.

The youths were caught plucking tendu leaves for the second consecutive day. Sources said the youths entered the sanctuary in the wee hours and collected tendu in area prohibited even for tourists. They moved out after 11 am when tourist movement came to a standstill.

Meanwhile, officials have launch a hunt for accused involved in killing a wild boar on the periphery of Nagzira three days ago. The kingpin, Indrakumar Sahare of Dhanori, is absconding. He was earlier working as daily wager (van majoor) with the sanctuary.

source-timesofindia.indiatimes.com
sourced by jimsjungleretreat.com