APIIC proposed pulp and paper industry in Khammam

Hyderabad, Sept 17 : The State Board for Wildlife which met under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy today decided to recommend for establishment of a Pulp and Paper Industry at Palvancha division in Khammam District.

The APIIC has requested for 300 Ha. of Forest land in Kistasagar Reserve Forest area in Palvancha division in Khammam District for establishment of Pulp and Paper Industry by ITC Ltd. The industry is supposed to provide direct and indirect employment to the local people. Further the industry will create market for pulp wood for the local farmers with land holding of nearly 6,000 acres.

The Conservator of Forests, Khammam has recommended the proposal with certain conditions like retention of growth above 90cm girth of all species and bamboo except Eucalyptus, Annual payment of 1 per cent of profit after tax or Rs 50lakhs/year which ever is minimum. 50 per cent of the above will be utilised for development of Kinnerasani Sanctuary and 50 per cent for development of Flora and Fauna around 10 kms from the proposed diverted land for industry. The area for diversion falls at a distance of 5.66 kms from boundary of Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary, within the proposed boundary of eco-sensitive zone.

To protect and improve the wildlife and forests in the eco-sensitive zone as well as in Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary an annual investment of Rs 50.00 lakhs to Rs 100 lakhs is required. The ITC BPL shall be directed to make a one-time deposit of Rs 8.00 crs and the interest derived from this capital will be utilized for developing the forests and wildlife in the vicinity of the factory. Hence the proposal is placed before the State Board for Wildlife.

Meanwhile the Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary on October 6. It is proposed to organize a five day celebration through various programmes highlighting the contributions made by individuals in establishing the Nehru Zoological Park (NZP), Hyderabad and its progress, in a befitting manner. It is proposed to flag off a Zoo Run on October 2 at NZP, Hyderabad through distinguished sports personnel.

Minister for Forests Satrucherla Vijayarama Raju, Special Chief Secretary, Forests, M Samuel, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, B S S Reddy, Additional PCCF, P K Sharma, Special Secretary, Forests, Chief Wildlife Warden, Mr Joseph, CMD, Singareni Collieries in-charge, K Vijayanand, Director, Animal Husbandry, Members of the State Board for Wildlife and other officials attended the meeting. INN