Dehradun: The forest department has asked Wildlife Institute of India (WII) to study the impact of helicopters on flora and fauna in the eco-sensitive Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS). The National Green Tribunal has already expressed concern over the illegal operation of helicopters in the area, many of which fly without the mandatory no-objection certificates from the forest department.
Forest minister Dinesh Aggarwal said, "Owing to the controversy on this issue, I have asked WII to study the impact of helicopters on the biodiversity of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary."
Akash Verma, who was recently removed as divisional forest official of KWLS, had submitted a report in 2013 to the chief wildlife warden of the state saying that ever since the Kedarnath yatra resumed from May 10, 2013, helicopters using the airspace above the sanctuary between 6 am and 6 pm were creating a noise that soared above 80 decibels, perceived as the levels that disturb even human beings. Animals living in the higher reaches found the noise levels exceedingly disturbing. Comparative surveys conducted before the yatra (in April) and afterwards found that many endangered species like musk deer, Himalayan thar, monal and griffon vultures, found in relatively large numbers in Naikhanda, abandoned the area once flights began to ferry pilgrims who prefer not to trek the 16 km to the Kedarnath temple.
28/08/15 Seema Sharma/Times of India
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Forest minister Dinesh Aggarwal said, "Owing to the controversy on this issue, I have asked WII to study the impact of helicopters on the biodiversity of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary."
Akash Verma, who was recently removed as divisional forest official of KWLS, had submitted a report in 2013 to the chief wildlife warden of the state saying that ever since the Kedarnath yatra resumed from May 10, 2013, helicopters using the airspace above the sanctuary between 6 am and 6 pm were creating a noise that soared above 80 decibels, perceived as the levels that disturb even human beings. Animals living in the higher reaches found the noise levels exceedingly disturbing. Comparative surveys conducted before the yatra (in April) and afterwards found that many endangered species like musk deer, Himalayan thar, monal and griffon vultures, found in relatively large numbers in Naikhanda, abandoned the area once flights began to ferry pilgrims who prefer not to trek the 16 km to the Kedarnath temple.
28/08/15 Seema Sharma/Times of India
