Abohar Centre demarcates eco-sensitive zone, lauds local Bishnois for preserving area

The local Bishnoi community was credited by the government with respect to its immense contribution towards maintaining the area spread over 13 villages of Abohar

Lauding the efforts of the Bishnoi community in Abohar in Fazilka district, the Centre on Friday declared an 186 so km of private and open wildlife sanctuary as the eco-sensitive zone. Notification to this effect has been done under environment protection act-1986, informed DC Fazilka Isha Kalia.

The local Bishnoi community was credited by the government with respect to its immense contribution towards maintaining the area spread over 13 villages of Abohar. The village residents protect the wildlife from poachers and participate in its upkeep.

"With the area declared eco-sensitive, there will be no mining in this area and within 100 metres radius of this sanctuary," said district forest officer Charanjeet Singh. "No new industry that can deplete water quality or cause any type of pollution will be allowed to be established in this area and around."

An Eco-tourism master plan will, however, be made according to which people will be encouraged to visit the sanctuary. "But at the same time, the ecosystem will be preserved and efforts will be made to not encourage hotels and related industry. Tourism will be controlled," he added.

The wildlife sanctuary has over 3500 black bucks, Neel Gai and other wild animals also roam around freely in this private wild life sanctuary.

A private monitoring committee will be made to look into irregularities if any and also to increase the wildlife in this sanctuary, informed DC Kalia.

The area residents have expressed happiness over the Centre's announcement

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Benefits of TAPI Gas Pipeline to Fazilka, Punjab

Delhi March 16, 2016 Last Updated at 00:20 IST

The Minister of State (I/C) for Petroleum & Natural Gas Shri Dharmendra Pradhan informed the Rajya Sabha in a written reply today that the on 13th December 2015, the Ground Breaking ceremony to start the work on the Turkmen leg of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline was held at Mary, Turkmenistan. Earlier in November 2014, the Pipeline Consortium, TAPI Pipeline Company Limited (TPCL) was incorporated in Isle of Man, a British Crown dependency. The Share Holders Agreement of TPCL was also signed on 13th December 2015. The shareholding percentage in the TPCL would be Turkmenistan 85%, India 5%, Pakistan 5% and Afghanistan 5%. 

With the Ground Breaking Ceremony on 13th December, 2015 work has begun on the Turkmen leg of the pipeline. The technical study of the TAPI project has estimated an overall project duration of 6? years from the start of the Front End Engineering Design (FEED) process till handing over of the pipeline for commercial operation. 

The Pipeline will enter India at Fazilka, Punjab. The gas available from the project is expected to boost development of industrial and commercial activities in Fazilka district, including start of CNG and City gas distribution and associated employment generation.

http://www.business-standard.com/article/government-press-release/benefits-of-tapi-gas-pipeline-to-fazilka-punjab-116031600801_1.html