Latest news with #MangeshTate
Hindustan Times
13-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
Forest dept. unveils eco-revival plan for Bhigwan wetland
While the Bhigwan wetland – known for its vibrant avian life including seasonal visits by migratory species such as flamingos, herons and migratory ducks – has attracted thousands of birdwatchers and wildlife photographers over the years, this 'Bharatpur of Maharashtra' is now on the cusp of a major ecological and tourism-focused transformation. Recently on July 7, the forest department has presented to the Pune district collector an ambitious eco-restoration plan for Bhigwan aimed at long-term conservation plus sustainable tourism. These interventions are designed to attract species such as herons, egrets, and other waders. (HT) The plan revolves around improving the habitat for migratory and resident birds while ensuring the ecological integrity of the wetland system. Among the key measures included are installation of bamboo perching poles and floating platforms across water bodies to provide essential resting and feeding spots for visiting birds; and construction of earthen mounds within the wetland as also installation of raised nesting shelves along the embankments to further support nesting and breeding. These interventions are designed to attract species such as herons, egrets, and other waders. The proposal also highlights the importance of reintroducing native vegetation wherein local wetland-friendly grass species such as Vetiver, Typha and Saccharum will be planted along the bunds to stabilise soil, improve water retention, and enhance habitat structure. Furthermore, invasive species such as water hyacinth and Prosopis Juliflora that have disrupted the natural biodiversity of the wetland in recent years will be removed. Additionally, efforts will be made to restock the waters with small native fish species—an essential part of the wetland's food chain supporting both birdlife and aquatic health. As far as improving the overall visitor experience goes, the plan includes the development of eco-sensitive tourism infrastructure. Watch towers, interpretation boards, and shelters will be installed at strategic observation points whereas a Nature interpretation centre will help educate tourists about the ecological importance of Bhigwan. Basic tourist amenities such as toilets and changing rooms are also part of the proposal, aimed at making the eco-tourism site more family-friendly. According to Mangesh Tate, assistant conservator of forests, Pune, the most vital aspect of the plan is the active involvement of the local community. By training and equipping local youth, farmers, and fishermen as birding guides, the project aims to build a grassroots' network of conservation stewards. This integration of community and conservation, Tate believes, will ensure Bhigwan's sustainable future both as a sanctuary and as a model for eco-tourism.
Hindustan Times
11-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
Forest dept plans to make grassland safaris model of ecotourism in Maha
PUNE: Encouraged by the enthusiastic response from Nature lovers and tourists, the Pune forest department has proposed a detailed plan for further development of its year-round grassland safari projects at Kadbanwadi in Indapur tehsil and Shirsuphal in Baramati tehsil. The proposal, submitted on July 7 to the district administration, comes with an estimated budget of ₹5 to ₹6 crore. The project aims to further strengthen ecotourism in the region while ensuring conservation of Pune's rare and under-recognised grassland system. Encouraged by enthusiastic response from nature lovers and tourists, Pune forest department plans year-round grassland safari projects at Kadbanwadi in Indapur and Shirsuphal in Baramati. (HT) The new plan outlines several enhancements to enrich the visitor experience and strengthen infrastructure. According to assistant conservator of forests, Mangesh Tate, the forest department will develop management areas near the entry points at both safari locations that will include open information centres showcasing replicas of grassland animals, informative panels on the local flora and fauna, and audiovisual displays specially designed for educational visits by school students. Bamboo gazebos, selfie points, and birdwatching hideouts will be created to make the safari more tourist-friendly. Given the open terrain of Kadbanwadi, a telescope will be installed to offer visitors a unique stargazing experience after sunset. Furthermore, CCTV cameras will be installed at strategic locations apart from wooden and iron railings to ensure tourist safety. Internal control barriers will be developed to manage movement within the safari area while avoiding disturbance to wildlife. New safari routes will be created, and the current fleet of eight-seater vehicles will be expanded to handle the increasing tourist numbers. However, with portions of the land at Kadbanwadi falling under private ownership and the main connecting road to the safari area passing through reserve forest leading in turn to interference in wildlife movement, the forest department is offering compensation to landowners while assuring them that their legal rights will not be affected. Plans are also afoot for an alternative route for locals so as to reduce human activity in ecologically sensitive zones. The grassland safari project was first launched in October 2023 as part of Pune's broader grassland management initiative. Unlike tiger safaris that are closed during the monsoon, grassland safaris remain open throughout the year, offering unique experiences in each season. The project highlights the biodiversity of semi-arid grasslands that are home to wolves, hyenas, chinkaras (Indian gazelles), Indian foxes, reptiles, and several species of grassland birds. The safaris have also succeeded in generating consistent employment for trained local guides and in supporting local businesses, making them a robust model of community-based ecotourism. An online booking system is already in place to facilitate safari access. According to official data shared by the forest department, a total 4,296 safaris have been conducted so far across both Kadbanwadi and Shirsuphal, attracting around 15,036 visitors. The project has generated ₹49.04 lakh in revenue out of which, ₹21.47 lakh has been earned by tour guides alone. Anuj Khare, former honorary wildlife warden and a key advocate of the project, said that the safaris offer a one-of-a-kind experience in terms of observing grassland species that are often overlooked in mainstream wildlife tourism. He said that with the new development plan, tourists will enjoy an even better experience. Khare recommended that the forest department consider promoting local homestay facilities so that visitors can explore nearby attractions like the Bhigwan bird sanctuary along with the Kadbanwadi and Shirsuphal safaris. With this expansion plan, the forest department hopes to further balance tourism, education and conservation, making the grassland safari project a model for year-round sustainable ecotourism in Maharashtra.
Time of India
16-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Forest dept again intensifies leopard rescue operation at airport
Pune: The forest department this week again intensified its operation to rescue the fully-grown male leopard spotted on the airport premises — a part of the Indian Air Force base — on April 28. The department was unable to capture or get camera trap pictures of the leopard last week because of security protocols. A few IAF (Indian Air Force) personnel spotted the leopard on Thursday. They could see only hazy visuals, though. This sighting prompted the forest department to install trap doors on a tunnel between the runway and the colony within the premises, where he was seen passing by. The leopard was using the tunnel, only around 20 feet in length, to move in the area, an official of the forest department said. Two automatic trap doors, with sensory cameras capturing any movement of the leopard, have been installed on both openings of the tunnel. The cameras, upon sensing movement of the leopard nearby, will immediately shut te trap doors and confine the cat within the tunnel. "The tunnel is near a road between the airway and the colonies. We have resumed vigilant monitoring in the area and will work on capturing the leopard soon. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like China Power: Washington's loss, Beijing's gain as Chinese students shun the US for SE Asia? CNA Read More Undo A few IAF personnel did see him, but we don't have camera trap images to confirm it. Since the leopard is not collared, we do not know of his movements from within to outside of the premises. He might be doing so as well," said Mangesh Tate, assistant conservator of forests, Pune. Experts criticised the operation's delay, stressing that it could increase risks to both humans and the leopard. "Our monitoring area is small and the premises are very big, so we cannot constantly determine his movement. We have relocated the camera traps. We will be taking the dog squad in to locate fresh scat and leopard tracks, and then try our operation there," said Tate. "It might be possible that he is moving between the large forest area adjacent to the airport premises and coming back in. It is a huge landmass within," said Aditya Paranjape, honorary wildlife warden, Pune. The forest officials are also looking at possible methods to move the leopard out of the premises as it poses a threat to humans and the animal itself. "We are brainstorming ideas to move him to another location. Currently, the leopard is surviving on stray dogs and we are trying to capture him as soon as possible," said deputy conservator of forests Tushar Chavan. Pune: The forest department this week again intensified its operation to rescue the fully-grown male leopard spotted on the airport premises — a part of the Indian Air Force base — on April 28. The department was unable to capture or get camera trap pictures of the leopard last week because of security protocols. A few IAF (Indian Air Force) personnel spotted the leopard on Thursday. They could see only hazy visuals, though. This sighting prompted the forest department to install trap doors on a tunnel between the runway and the colony within the premises, where he was seen passing by. The leopard was using the tunnel, only around 20 feet in length, to move in the area, an official of the forest department said. Two automatic trap doors, with sensory cameras capturing any movement of the leopard, have been installed on both openings of the tunnel. The cameras, upon sensing movement of the leopard nearby, will immediately shut te trap doors and confine the cat within the tunnel. "The tunnel is near a road between the airway and the colonies. We have resumed vigilant monitoring in the area and will work on capturing the leopard soon. A few IAF personnel did see him, but we don't have camera trap images to confirm it. Since the leopard is not collared, we do not know of his movements from within to outside of the premises. He might be doing so as well," said Mangesh Tate, assistant conservator of forests, Pune. Experts criticised the operation's delay, stressing that it could increase risks to both humans and the leopard. "Our monitoring area is small and the premises are very big, so we cannot constantly determine his movement. We have relocated the camera traps. We will be taking the dog squad in to locate fresh scat and leopard tracks, and then try our operation there," said Tate. "It might be possible that he is moving between the large forest area adjacent to the airport premises and coming back in. It is a huge landmass within," said Aditya Paranjape, honorary wildlife warden, Pune. The forest officials are also looking at possible methods to move the leopard out of the premises as it poses a threat to humans and the animal itself. "We are brainstorming ideas to move him to another location. Currently, the leopard is surviving on stray dogs and we are trying to capture him as soon as possible," said deputy conservator of forests Tushar Chavan.
