SARISKA (RAJASTHAN), SEPT 12: A people's movement to protect the tiger will be initiated soon in the famous wildlife sanctuary here in the wake of serial deaths which claimed the lives of more than a dozen big cats in the Nandankanan Zoo of Orissa this July.Christened `Sariska Parliament', the proposed endeavour would receive financial assistance from the Centre, a wildlife workshop here, in Alwar district, was told."The Central Government will be allotting funds to the tune of Rs 50 lakh a year for the scheme," Union Government's Wildlife Inspector General of Police S C Sharma said while addressing the three-day symposium on `Protection of tigers and wildlife'.The delegates at the event, which concluded on Sunday, adopted a resolution demanding a three-month closure of this sanctuary as is being followed in other conserved wildlife areas in the country. Such a break - from July to September - would coincide with the general period of reproduction of its fauna, the experts noted.Project Tiger director P K Sen declared in New Delhi on Monday after participating in the workshop that he would issue orders for the closure of the Sariska Sanctuary for the period sought.The colloquium, held under the initiative of environmentalist Rajendra Singh who was instrumental in reviving the water-level of the once dried-up Aravari river of this district, also took up a resolution seeking immediate ban on mining activities in the vicinity of all sanctuaries in the country. During one of the sessions, Irish Ambassador to India Mac Donald said that he has impressed upon his Government to extend financial help for the cause of Sariska Sanctuary. "My Government has agreed to it. The package is expected to reach soon," he said.Expressing concern over declining forest area and water-table in Sariska region, Planning Commission member and former Union minister Sompal said the trend could be curbed with people's participation.Wildlife expert Valmik Thapar demanded immediate closure of Jamvaramgarh mine situated in the proximity of this sanctuary. He strongly objected entry of motor vehicles into the sanctuary and its surroundings. "It is sad that political parties and other organisations take up only religious matters there care little for the protection of the wildlife and environment," he lamented.Sariska Sanctuary field director Tejveer Singh suggested constitution of voluntary security forces with the help of the villagers for the protection of the environment. He was of the view that inhabitants of the villages located in the sanctuary area should be rehabilitated and adequate financial package be offered to them.Other experts at the workshop felt that forest officials alone cannot protect wildlife, and that a joint-action group comprising people of the area should be formed so as to be consulted while taking decisions on related issues and implementing them.
