Funds for Kuno wildlife sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh
	18:30 IST

Lok Sabha The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has recommended to set up the Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh as a second home for the Gir lions.The Institute of India conducted a feasibility study for an alternate home for the Asiatic lion during 1993 at three potential sites, viz, Darrah-Jawahar Sagar (Rajasthan), Sitamata (Rajasthan) & Kuno Palpur (Madhya Pradesh). The study had identified Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary with an area of 344.686 Sq.Kms. as the best potential site for reintroduction of lions. Accordingly, in order to improve the habitat before the re-introduction of lions, various management interventions have been taken up in the Sanctuary, that included relocation of villages from the Sanctuary, strengthening protection, habitat improvement, etc. A large number of villages that were inside the Kuno reserve have been resettled.1543 families have received Rs 1453 lakhs so far. Government of Madhya Pradesh sent a proposal to this effect. Central Government, under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme - Development of National Parks and Sanctuaries, has already sanctioned and released Rs.1545 lakh by 2007-08 for the relocation and rehabilitation of families from 24 Revenue villages in Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary. Kuno Palpur is already a Wildlife Sanctuary. It enjoys all the protection as provided under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Minister of State for the Ministry of Environment and Forests (Independent charge) Shri Jairam Ramesh replied in a written question by Shri. Narendra Singh Tomar and Smt. Maneka Gandhi in Lok Sabha today. KP/DB