Wildlife board clears land for Adani power lines

In what the greens dub as a major setback to the Gujarat’s wildlife and environment conservation, the National Wildlife Board has cleared the state government's proposal to 'divert' 331.33 hectares of land in the Wild Ass Sanctuary. The decision was taken at the Board's meeting on Wednesday.

The state wildlife board had cleared this controversial proposal at its meeting in July last. The diversion has been sought for installation of power transmission lines of Adani Power Ltd on 89.74 hectares and that of Power Grid Corporation on 241.59 hectares. "We felt the proposed high tension lines do not in any way obstruct the activity of the wild ass or the birds. However, we have put a rider that the lines must have bird reflectors," board member Divyabhanusinh Chavda told DNA.

No decision was taken on other pending proposals like diverting land from Velavadar Blackbuck Sanctuary in Bhavnagar, Ginar Ropeway Project, BSNL's requirement from Balaram-Ambaji Sanctuary, and Vodafone's requirement in Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary in Kutch. "An inspection team will be sent to Girnar ropeway site. Inspection has been ordered on some other sites too," principal chief conservator of forest, Pradeep Khanna said.

An alternative ropeway route has been proposed by activists for Girnar ropeway project, citing severe damage to vulture population in the region. This proposal is reportedly being examined in detail by the board.

Following the developments very closely, a delegation of top forest officials were in Delhi for the meeting.