Check illegal activities at Manas, Soni tells Gogoi

Despite the efforts of the central and state governments, which started a comprehensive rehabilitation plan in the area in 1997, the sanctuary has continued to be on the danger list, the only Indian World

Heritage site to be so categorised. India has 27 World Heritage sites, with the Red Fort being the latest inclusion, earlier this year.

In a letter to Gogoi last week, Soni said that when both the central and state governments were trying to get the sanctuary removed from the danger list, such reports of illegal activities in the area were a major cause of concern.

“This is of very serious concern for all of us. I will request your personal intervention in the matter to check the illegal activities in the Manas Wildlife Sanctuary,” Soni wrote.

“The government of Assam is required to take strong measures so as to get the

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary removed from the Danger List. I assure you the full support of my ministry in the efforts of government of Assam in doing so,” she said.

Soni said she had also directed the Archeological Survey of India to “take whatever steps necessary on their part to enable us to get this World Heritage Site off the Danger List.”