Ahmedabad: The state govt last week constituted a high-level committee to complete the survey and settlement process at the wild ass sanctuary and address concerns of agariyas and other local communities. The move is expected to resolve one of Gujarat’s longest-pending conservation and land rights issues. According to a govt resolution, the newly formed committee will undertake a detailed examination of survey and settlement issues, including the claims of agariyas — traditional salt workers who have been seeking legal recognition of their rights within the Little Rann — as well as those of other residents. It will then recommend a permanent and comprehensive solution and complete the process on behalf of the state govt.The 4,953.7 sq km sanctuary comprises the Little Rann of Kutch and adjoining govt wastelands spread across Kutch, Banaskantha, Patan, Mehsana, Surendranagar, Morbi and Rajkot districts.The sanctuary was notified under Section 18 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Officials said that before a final notification can be issued, the law requires verification of the rights and traditional claims of local inhabitants and completion of the survey and settlement process. The exercise has remained pending for decades.The panel will be headed by additional chief secretary of the revenue and forest & environment departments. Members include the head of Forest Force, chief wildlife warden, secretary (land reforms), settlement commissioner, director of agriculture, joint industries commissioner (salt), collectors of the affected districts, senior forest officials, district inspector of land records, fisheries superintendent of Morbi, besides other revenue and wildlife officials. The chief conservator of forests (Wildlife Circle), Gandhinagar, will serve as the member secretary.The committee is expected to pave the way for finalising the sanctuary’s survey and settlement process while balancing wildlife conservation with the livelihood rights of Agariyas and other traditional users of the Little Rann.
