Governments often don’t think twice before chopping trees, clearing forests and sanctuaries in the name of development. But how often do authorities, take a step back for the flora and fauna of our country? Well, Jharkhand saved an important elephant corridor by putting off the building of the Dhalbhumgarh airport. The airport sought to clear 100 hectares of forests in Jharkhand which served as a corridor for elephants migrating between Jharkhand and West Bengal. But the authorities weighed in the possible damage to the flora and fauna and decided to not proceed with this project for the time being.
What’s In It?
Elephants are an endangered species and also India’s national heritage animal. They are usually threatened by developmental projects. But Jharkhand has decided to take a different route when it came to building the Dhalbhumgarh airport at the cost of the elephant corridor. Indian government’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) had an expert panel where they decided to defer the project and noted down that it could result in an increase in human-elephant conflict in that area. They have decided to seek further information before reconsidering the proposal.
The Dhalbhumgarh airport site situated 60 km from the industrial area of Jamshedpur, is actually an abandoned World War II airfield. At the time being the surface of the runway at the airport site is unsuitable for operations and no other facilities are present at the airport. A reputed global news agency stated that the new runway dimensions suitable for ATR 72 type of aircraft would be developed along with the provision of turning pad at both ends. The minutes of the EAC meeting revealed that there would be the construction of a terminal building to handle 75 arrival and 75 departure passengers at any given point of time. But the project is awaiting Centre clearance.
Also Read: 3.44 Lakh Trees To Be Cut Down in Jharkhand’s Palamau Tiger Reserve
What’s More?
Under the Forest Conservation Act 1980, diversion of forest lands for non-forestry use occurs in 2 stages. The construction of the boundary walls will take place after receiving the clearance for Stage 1. A major portion of the land belong to the forest department, so the clearance from authorities needs to be given. The DFO stated that while there is elephant movement from Jharkhand to West Bengal, it’s not an elephant corridor necessarily.
The project is deemed to benefit the state’s Kolhan division and areas bordering West Bengal and Odisha as per an official release. The airport project will be developed on forest land on receiving the No Objection Certificate from the forest department. Well, time will tell if there will be an airport or if the elephant corridor can be retained. But for now, it’s delayed keeping the animals’ natural habitat in mind. Did you know Assam Will Soon Have The Longest Fly Over In India At The Kaziranga National Park?