Forest Dept seeks compensation from NTPC Shimla: The Forest Department has sought adequate compensation from the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), executing the 800 MW Kol Dam project, to rejuvenate the prime habitat of the “cheer pheasant” which is likely to be submerged under the dam water in Bilaspur. About 9 sq km of the 39.38 sq km Majithal forest area, considered the birthplace and main refuge of the “cheer pheasant”, is likely to be submerged under the dam water. Even as wildlife experts and forest officials admit that alternative measures to rejuvenate the forest and recreate the ideal habitat desired by the winged creatures are next to impossible, with more funds at its disposal, afforestation can be undertaken on a large scale. With the cost of the project, being executed by the NTPC on the Sutlej, likely to cross Rs 1,400 crore, the Forest Department is hoping to get at least 5 per cent of the total project cost. Officials are also trying to impress upon the Ministry of Forest and Environment and the Power Ministry to get a substantial amount of compensation to take alternative steps. “The coming up of the dam will definitely play havoc with the habitat of the “cheer pheasant” which figures in the Schedule I species of the Wildlife Protection Act, but now at this advanced stage any major change seems unlikely; so our strategy will be to get the maximum possible money,” said an official. The Forest Department has already echoed its concern about losing of the “cheer pheasant” habitat, which is already facing the threat of extinction. The wildlife wing of the Forest Department has started a conservation and breeding programme of the “cheer pheasant” at Chail, near here. The Kol Dam will lead to the submergence of over 49,000 trees, including 1,600 saplings. The proposal for a reduction in the height of the dam by two or four metres is unlikely to make much of a difference and considering the escalting cost, it is not being viewed as economically viable. While on the one hand the forest authorities are making efforts to breed “cheer pheasants” in captivity as part of their conservation project, the submergence of a major habitat of the bird will be a big blow to all their endeavours.