Approval Granted for Defence Infrastructure Projects in Protected Areas

Defence Infrastructure Development in Wildlife Zones

New Delhi, July 11: The National Board for Wildlife's Standing Committee, led by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, has approved 32 proposals aimed at developing defence infrastructure. These projects will involve the diversion of land from protected regions and eco-sensitive zones in states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Ladakh, and Sikkim.

The sanctioned initiatives encompass the establishment of vital infrastructure, including strategic roadways, helipads, training facilities, ammunition storage sites, and troop housing. A considerable portion of these developments is focused on the ecologically sensitive Karakoram and Changthang wildlife sanctuaries in Ladakh.

In Arunachal Pradesh, the committee has authorized two significant projects proposed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) within the Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary. These include the 56-kilometer Malinye-Balua-Kapuda road, which will necessitate the diversion of 111.29 hectares of forest land and 9.73 hectares from the Eco-Sensitive Zone, as well as the 20.88-kilometer Kapuda-Phuphu road, which will involve 44.13 hectares of forest land.

During discussions regarding the Malinye-Balua-Kapuda road project, NBWL member R Sukumar emphasized the importance of an animal passage plan to facilitate wildlife movement within the sanctuary.

The committee stipulated that the user agency must implement the animal passage and mitigation plans submitted with the proposals, ensuring that the structures for wildlife movement are sufficient for both terrestrial and arboreal mammals, as well as reptiles.

All approved projects are subject to specific conditions, including the development and enforcement of mitigation strategies, operational timing and area restrictions, waste management plans, and ongoing compliance reporting.

In Gujarat's Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary, two projects received clearance: one for a Border Out Post (BOP) link road covering 5.586 hectares and another for a helipad, living quarters, and training area at RodasarLakki, spanning 19.83 hectares.

In Ladakh, the committee approved over two dozen proposals, primarily located within the Karakoram (Nubra-Shayok) and Changthang Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuaries.

These include allocations of 33.4 hectares for an artillery regiment and field hospital at Bogdang; 47.6 hectares for a forward aviation base at Shyok; 25.1 hectares for housing Short Range Surface to Air Missile systems; 31 hectares for an ammunition storage facility at Gapshan; and 40.47 hectares for an Army regiment at Nidder.