Scientists and conservationists have been vehemently opposing the project for years now. The Congress government shelved the project in 2012 after a field report by Asad R Rahmani, director of Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), revealed that such a project may cause irreparable damage to the species.
Several trees will be cut to make space for the radar, an approach road and perhaps a helipad too. While surveillance projects cannot be compromised on, any such large project on the tiny Narcondam Island may spell disaster for the already dwindling population of the highly endangered Narcondam Hornbills, Rahmani had concluded. With environment minister Prakash Javadekar reopening the file, declaring it a crucial national security project, the dilemma is once again a matter of concern. Scientists say finding an alternative home for the bird may be nearly impossible. TOI spoke to Rahmani who has recently written to Javadekar advising him on the significance of the species.
How is the project likely to impact the Narcondam Hornbill?
As Narcondam Island is very small, less than 7 sq km, any further development will take away Narcondam Hornbill's space. They live only on this island, nowhere else. The radar can be built elsewhere but where will the Hornbills go?
Do you think the government should reconsider its nod to the project?
A.It is a Sanctuary so any change in the demarcation of protected area (PA) boundary should be agreed upon by the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL). The standing committee of the NBWL had rejected this proposal earlier. The Minister cannot on his own give permission. Let the full Board decide.
If at all the project gets a go ahead, is it possible to introduce the bird in other neighboring islands?
Why attempt to introduce them on different islands when these birds have lived on Narcondam Island for millions of years? We have to leave them with minimum disturbance, and they will survive. At present, there is a small police post of 15-17 policemen on duty. They have very little ecological impact but with the Radar coming up, with staff colony and other constructions, disturbance will go up manifold. I do feel that a possibility of an alternative home for the Narcondam Hornbill should be explored, but not at the cost of habitat protection of Narcondam Island. A good alternative home can be found only when we know more about the ecology, behaviour, habitat requirements, food and breeding requirements of the Narcondam Hornbill. We appreciate need for surveillance but not at the cost of survival of an entire species.
What should the government do immediately to make sure the species don't die out?
Leave the birds alone. They will thrive.
Why should the species be given attention over a national surveillance project?
Every species is important. India is signatory to Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and India hosted Conference of the Parties (COP) 11 of the CBD in 2012. As a host country, Jayanthi Natarajan was selected President of CBD for two years. This year, COP-12 will be held in October in South Korea. As this bird is not found anywhere else in the world, except for 7 sq km island, can't we leave even this small island for biodiversity?
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=The National,Prakash Javadekar,minister,Jayanthi Natarajan,Islands
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