Union environment ministry seeks report on Canopy Walk project in Dandeli Wildlife Reserve

Background

Canopy Walk Tourism Project was implemented with the financial aid provided by the Karnataka Tourism Department. The project was taken up near Kuveshi in Castlerock Wildlife Range which is part of Dandeli Wildlife Reserve. However, for better protection and management, the administrative control of the area is vested with the Director, Kali Tiger Project.

The canopy is a 240-metre walkway at around 30 feet above the ground. The walk was thrown open to the public in 2021.

Objections

However, local residents of Uttara Kannada district claim that the Canopy Walk Tourism Project violates the Forest Conservation Act of 1980.

“Forest Conservation Act of 1980 prohibits diversion of forest land for eco-tourism purposes if the Eco-tourism activity is not part of Management Plan/Tiger Conservatory Plan. Circular issued by Forest Conservation Wing of Ministry of Environment and Forest, Bengaluru Regional Office on July 15, 2009 stated that it has come to its notice that a lot of construction activities have either started or under consideration with funds particularly from Tourism Department in the name of up gradation / renovation of existing structures or in some other name primarily to promote tourism. As per the guidelines issued under Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, the Central Government will not entertain any proposals for diversion of forest land for construction of residential or dwelling houses. Diversion of forest land for construction of other buildings also will not be normally considered. Wherever it is inevitable to take up such works in the forest area, then the same may be started after obtaining necessary approval under Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980,” a local resident said on the condition of anonymity.

Karnataka Tourism Policy and Guidelines 2015-2020 also states that no new tourist facilities are to be set up on Wildlife Protected Areas. This is in compliance with the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and the directives of the Supreme Court. Comprehensive Guidelines for tiger conservation and tourism as provided under section 38 (O) (1) (c) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 also state that no new infrastructure for tourism (except for minor alterations in existing modest home stays) shall be allowed to be developed in and around tiger reserve.

The resident further pointed out, “As per Honorable Supreme Court Orders, roads and bridges for protection can be constructed. Further any activity which is in the approved management plan/Tiger Conservatory Plan can be undertaken as long as it is not for commercial purpose. However, it is important to note that although the said area where the Canopy Bridge is located is part of the approved tourism zone of the Tiger Conservatory Plan (TCP) of Kali Tiger Project, there is no mention about the prescriptions on tourism permits for the construction of bridge i.e., Canopy Walk. The activities allowed as per TCP is trekking and bird watching only. But the Forest Department took up the construction and now the Canopy Walk is also part of Jungle Safari in the Castlerock area. Surprisingly, the Jungle Safari too is not mentioned in TCP of Kali Tiger Project.”

In August 2017, the NTCA Southern Zone favoured the construction of Canopy Walk. In its report it stated that the area where the Canopy Walk Project has been implemented is part of a Tourism Zone hence no separate approval is needed under TCP. It further mentioned that official procedures were followed for this project and officials have not violated any rules and action should not be taken against such officials who have acted in good faith as per Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.

The resident said that though it was highlighted that the Canopy Walk project would increase tourism pressure in the Castlerock region, both the Karnataka Forest Department and NTCA failed to act on time. “It is necessary to probe how the then Inspector General of Forests, NTCA gave a report that no separate approval is needed under TCP? Did he not know about the TCP provisions? Now, as a result, the Castlerock area is witnessing too much tourism pressure because of Jungle Safari and Canopy Walk, both projects themselves being illegal. The local residents of the Western Ghats demand that the structures should be demolished immediately.”

A wildlife expert from Bengaluru, on the condition of anonymity, said, “Nowadays on major issues, NTCA which is a statutory body has limited its role to seeking factual reports on violations rather than taking action. Seeking factual reports once or twice is fine but for many times will NTCA keep seeking the reports? Being a statutory authority, it is the responsibility of NTCA to act on illegal tourism constructions and activities. However, in this case, till now NTCA has failed to take action and more shockingly, the authority itself had given a favourable report in favour of the Canopy Walk Project which is a clear case of violation. It is high time that illegal constructions are demolished and safari is stopped immediately. It is more important to take action against erring officials of both NTCA and State Forest Department for taking up the activities illegally”.

Speaking with The Indian Express, Inspector General of Forest, NTCA, Bengaluru, NS Murali said, “I will look into the report of the NTCA which favoured the project. As far as the NTCA is concerned it is important to note that we seek a report from the state government if violations are brought to our notice and we pursue it relentlessly with the officials.”