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Zoological Park authorities rubbish settlers’ land claims |
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Dimapur, September 10 (MExN): Authorities of the Nagaland Zoological Park to Rangapahar reiterated that the reserved area was created from well within the Rangapahar Wildlife Sanctuary which is a part of the erstwhile Rangapahar Reserve Forest established way as far back as 1924. The department issued a rejoinder today citing orders and referring to various disposals of the Guwahati High Court.
The Nagaland Zoological Park at Rangapahar was created within the Rangapahar Wildlife Sanctuary which is a part of the erstwhile Rangapahar Reserve Forest established way back in 1924 through a government notification dated January 8, 1924. “The present Zoological Park is situated fully within notified area of the Rangapahar Wildlife Sanctuary. It covers an area of 176 hectares which is completely fenced on all sides. No alteration of original Rangapahar Wildlife Sanctuary has been made. The present encroachment problem is completely inside the fenced Zoological Park area,” the director of Nagaland Zoological Park reiterated in the rejoinder.
With regard to the Public Interest Litigation filed by the settlers in Gauhati High Court, the authorities reminded that the case has been disposed of in the department’s favor through the judgment order dated July 31, 2009.
“The court has not directed the petitioners however they were given the liberty to approach the appropriate civil court for redressal of their grievances,” the Wildlife authorities said.
Further, the rejoinder said, as far as the Civil Suit filed ‘by the petitioners’ is concerned, the case is still pending for disposal in the court of district and Sessions Judge of Dimapur. “The present status quo order was issued in spite of the caveat being admitted. It is observed that the status quo order was inadvertently issued and regularized by the court for which the government has prayed for corrective measure as the court order no. 10/10 dt. 26/02/10 appeared quite contradictory to the DC (J) Nagaland, Dimapur judgment order no. dated 1/2/2010 (Caveat Case No.1/2010),” the authorities said.
“Further status quo order is equally binding on both parties and not the Forest Department alone and therefore should be interpreted likewise. In the meantime and as per the court directive a joint verification was carried out by First Class Magistrate in the presence of representatives from the Department and the petitioners. The matter is still pending with the court for hearing and disposal.”
The rejoinder reiterated that as Nagaland Zoological Park falls within Rangapahar Wildlife Sanctuary the provisions provided under Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 for protection of Wildlife Sanctuary is applicable. “It is the duty of the department to protect the Park from any illegal activities inside a restricted notified area and to deal with the culprits as per the provisions of the said Act,” the Zoo’s authorities stated. (Morung Express)
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