Rajasthan sanctuary crisis on Tourism radar

Says Tourism Minister Renuka Chowdhury: ‘‘I am going to appeal to the Chief Minister to stem the rot before it sets in, because it is very difficult to resurrect a tourist destination and regenerate interest once a place falls into disrepute. I don’t think I have to remind the CM of the economic potential tourism holds—from huge revenue generation, to maximum employment potential. I will underline this fact when we have the chief ministers’ conference on tourism very soon. Unfortunately, my ministry can only advise the state government, we can only hope they are equally sensitive to the problem.’’

The CM, in turn, blames the state’s water situation and has turned the spotlight back on the Centre, saying, ‘‘let the Government of India take action immediately.’’

Raje is also facing flak from wildlife groups and conservationists over her government’s ‘‘indifference’’ to the growing disaster. For instance, they allege that the government has refused to release water to the Keoladeo park from the Panchana Dam on the Gambhiri River, as farmers in the area have threatened to commit suicide if water meant for irrigation is given to the park.

Raje’s firm in her reply: ‘‘If the issue is between people and animals, do I have a choice on what my priority is? Farmers in the area have threatened a shootout if we release water.” She says the only solution is ‘‘to get a line from neighbouring River Chambal, to feed the park… Let the Government of India take action immediately to release funds to divert the Chambal waters. This is not a new problem and they should have taken action.’’

Wildlife experts insist the survival of the wetlands depend on the immediate release of water—the proposed pipeline from Chambal will take at least two years. But Raje insists the drying up of the lake has been an annual phenomenon: ‘‘We’ve had five-six years of drought, can I help it if there is no water to feed Lake Pichola?’’

Under fire, Raje today told the Assembly that her government has set up a six-member task force. Replying to a motion moved by a Congress MLA, Hari Mohan Sharma, Raje said the task force would give its recommendations within three months, and the government would try to implement the same as early as possible.

Terms of reference have been laid out, and enough funds would be provided to the task force for making quick recommendations, Raje said. Apart from scanning the wildlife crisis, the task force would also look into the problems of tourism mismanagement and is empowered to invite any individual for advice and peruse all relevant government records.

The chief wildlife warden would be the member-secretary. Other members include V.P. Singh, member of Parliament, wildlife experts Valmik Thapar and Belinda Wright.

(With ENS inputs)