Summary:
SV Krishna Chaitanya ByExpress News ServiceCHENNAI: In a surprise move, the State forest department has proposed to reduce the buffer zone of Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary to allow construction activity. Vedanthangal lake was notified as bird sanctuary on July 8, 1998, with an area of 30 hectares of main tank area and surrounding 5 km zonation comprising revenue area. Forest officials claim that over the years, it has been observed that birds in Vedanthangal have been nesting only in the sanctuary lake and not in the buffer zone. However, the decision is drawing flak from environmentalists, who say denotifying the outer 2 km of buffer area will allow rampant construction activity which would compromise the flow of water to the lake. 5-km zone prohibits any sort of non-forestry activity unless permitted by Chief Wildlife Warden in consultation with the State and NBWL.