Ban in 2 km area around 3 sanctuaries in MP

Ujjain, MP, Feb 27: In a bid to conserve the avian wild life industrial, residential and commercial activities have been banned within 2 km of area surrounding three sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh.

The decision was taken in a meeting presided by Divisional Commissioner (Ujjain) S K Vashishth under the directives of Supreme Court and Madhya Pradesh government yesterday.

Official sources said such activities were prohibited around the division's Gandhi Sagar, Khiwani and Kharmour sanctuary.

Mandsaur district-based Gandhisagar sanctuary, sprawled over 368 sq km area, was a haven for myriad significant birds, including endangered specie of vulture. Besides, avian life it also had murals, Takhaji temple and Hinglajgarh fort.

Similarly, Dewas-based Khiwani sanctuary, sprawled over 134 km sq km area, was also rich in bio-diversity. While, Ratlam district-based Kharmou Sanctuary, sprawled over 12 sq km area, served as habitats for rare Kharmour bird.

The meeting decided that besides mining, any factory, hotel, malls, would not be set up within the prohibited area.

Discussions were also made and directions have been issued in the meeting to make a buffer zone to check sheep from grazing the crop at Malwanchal region at Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan border.

UNI