DHENKANAL: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has declared 12,550 hectares of area around Kapilash sanctuary as eco-sensitive zone. It covers nine reserved forests of the district including 30 villages. Besides, six villages of Cuttack and Satalundi protected forest of Jajpur will also be covered under the zone.
With the notification, commercial mining, felling of trees, setting up saw mills and industries causing air, water and soil pollution besides establishment of hotels, restaurants and commercial use of firewood have been prohibited in the area.
Activities like rainwater harvesting and organic farming have been permitted in the area while widening of roads and movement of vehicles at night would be regulated.
The declaration has been made with an objective to protect wildlife and endangered species besides conserving environment. DFO PK Sahoo said the biodiversity of Kapilash, declared as a sanctuary in 2011, would be studied. The master plan of the sanctuary was approved by the State Government and later, the Centre too gave its approval. Fund flow may start soon, Sahoo told this paper. Government has not declared any objection by people or any forum in this connection before notification.
Monitoring Committee will be constituted with inclusion of senior bureaucrats of the State and representatives of the district as per the guidelines of the Centre for strict monitoring of the zone, he added.
