In a bid to expedite projects like laying of water pipeline in forest areas which need National Board for Wildlife's sanction, the Gujarat government today said it will send a proposal to the body for transfer of powers to state governments in implementing such projects.
The decision was taken at the 11th meeting of Gujarat State Board for Wildlife, chaired by Chief Minister Anandiben Patel at Gandhinagar.
At present, departments engaged in laying drinking water pipeline need to take permission of state as well as national wildlife board for laying such pipeline in any wildlife sanctuary or national park in the state.
"To avoid the delay in acquiring this permission, especially from NBWL (National Board of Wildlife), it has been decided in the meeting that the state board will send a proposal to NBWL, requesting it to transfer the powers to state governments to expedite the process of giving permission for such projects," an official release stated.
"If NBWL accepts the proposal of the Gujarat government, it will also help other state governments in resolving the problem of drinking water in forest areas," it said.
In today's meeting, six different projects were given clearance, including laying of 11-Kv electricity line near Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary in Kutch region. Many BSF posts along the Indo-Pak border would get electricity through this project, the release said.
Other projects that were approved included building check dams in Balaram-Ambaji Sanctuary in Banaskantha district, laying of water pipeline in Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary in Kutch and setting up a water treatment plant in that region.
The CM expressed confidence the pipeline and check dam projects would provide ample water to the wild animals as well as people living in that region.
