Wild life board rescinds order to grant forest land to temple trust

New Delhi: In a rare case, the standing committee of National Board of Wild Life (NBWL) has revoked the permission granted to a temple trust to use 0.35 hectares of land inside a Gujarat wildlife sanctuary. It has also set up a panel to frame protocol for green permissions to religious institutions in forest areas.

The move follows concerns raised by a wild life board member over allowing 'religious use' of the sanctuary land. In view of several 'sacred caves and religious places' in forests and wildlife areas and 'mentions in religious texts', a panel has been set up on the issue, as per the minutes of the October 9 meeting of the standing committee chaired by environment minister Bhupender Yadav.

The panel will formulate a standard operating procedure for such religious bodies, prescribe applications and documents required to be submitted along with applications seeking recommendations of the standing committee - in accordance with the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, as per the minutes.

Mukundpuriji Maharaj Seva Trust, based in Gujarat's Banaskantha district, had sought permission from Balaram Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary to use 0.3501 ha (revised from 0.95 ha) of forest land for 'religious purpose'. The cave temple located in Hathigada area of Ukarda village is said to be over 125-year-old and commands considerable following in the area.

Gujarat's forest department and wildlife board had okayed the proposal and sent it for NBWL clearance, which was given in its July 31 meeting. But NBWL member and former Gujarat forest service officer HS Singh sought reconsideration of the decision, as per the minutes.

He pointed out that the proposal by the applicant was for acquiring land for 'religious purposes' within a wildlife sanctuary. "This is a first case in which allotment of the sanctuary land has been considered, which may act as a precedence regarding demand of the Protected Area lands for religious or any such purpose," Singh is recorded to have red flagged, seeking reconsideration of the decision.

Singh observed the process of notification of any sanctuary/reserved forest involves enquiring into rights and claims that are recognised in the final notification. However, Mukundpuriji Maharaj Seva Trust was not recognised or recorded in the forest settlement report or any other government records, he pointed out.

Yadav noted that sacred caves and religious places inside forest areas also find mention in religious texts and often followers decide to develop them as a 'matter of faith'. He, accordingly, suggested that a clear SOP be drawn up for such places.

Inspector general of forests, environment ministry, said there are several sanctuaries and national parks where such rights and claims have not been settled and all states must be asked to do so and issue notification on the same at the earliest.