Govt nod to black buck reserve in Sangam city by month end

It is good news for wildlife lovers. A Wildlife Conservation Reserve is all set to come up in Shankergarh development block of Allahabad within a month to save the endangered species of Blackbuck (antilope cervicapra) mainly found in India and in some parts of Pakistan and Nepal.

The proposal for setting up of the wildlife reserve for Black Buck has already been placed before the state government and a green signal is expected by the month end.

According to district magistrate Sanjay Kumar, the Wildlife Conservation Reserve will be established in a 350 acre land in Chandkhamaria area of Shankergarh block, which would have proper food and water facilities for the endangered species. It would also give visitors a chance to observe the antelope from close quarters.

“The proposal has been presented before the government and is expected to receive a green signal by this month end. At present watch towers, solar pumps for providing water for the endangered species have already been installed,” he said.

Talking to Hindustan Times, divisional forest officer Divya said around 88 hectares of land had been acquired from two gram sabhas including Chand Khamaria and Mahuli while 38 hectare land was provided by the forest department.

“Due to efforts of the district magistrate, NTPC provided basic requirements for the wildlife conservation reserve including watch towers, water holes, solar pumps, etc. A small information centre is also on the cards for providing information about the endangered species to visitors. Roughly around 400 black bucks, as claimed by local villagers are present in the area,” she said.