Mumbai, Jun 6 (IANS): In a significant move, Maharashtra on Monday announced 12 new wildlife conservation areas spread across 693 square km and three new sanctuaries including an expanded Lonar Sanctuary in Buldhana.

The decisions were taken at the State Wildlife Board's 18th meeting, presided over by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, and it also approved setting up the Jayakwadi Bird Sanctuary in Aurangabad for which a proposal will be submitted to the National Wildlife Board.

The state has notified 15 conservation reserve areas, out of which 8 areas have been approved in the last two years alone and Thackeray expressed satisfaction over the addition of the 12 new conservation areas today.

These are: two in Dhule district at Chivatibawri (66.04 square km), Aladari (100.56 square km), four in Nashik district at Kalvan (84.12 square km), Muragad (42.87 square km), Trimbakeshwar (96.97 square km), Igatpuri (88.499 square km), two in Raigad district at Raigad (47.62 square km) and Roha (27.30 square km), Pune district's Bhor (28.44 square km), Satara district's Dare-Khurd for butterflies (1.07 square km), Kolhapur district's Masai Plateau (5.34 square km) and Nagpur district's Mogarkasa (103.92 square km).

The SWB also approved the proposal to declare Kolamarka, Muktai Bhavani and extended Lonar as wildlife sanctuaries in the state.

Besides, 10 spots have been designated as 'endangered wildlife habitats' in different parts of Maharashtra.

They include: Mayureshwar-Supe (5.15 square km), Bor (62 square km), Navin Bor (61 square km), extended Bor (16 square km), Narnala (12 square km.), Lonar (3.65 square km), Gugamal National Park (361 square km), Yedshi Ramalingaghat Wildlife Sanctuary (22.37 square km), Naigaon-Mayur Wildlife Sanctuary (30 square km) and the tiniest one, Deulgaon-Rehekuri Antelope Sanctuary (2.17 square km).

On the occasion, the CM directed the officials concerned to conduct a study and find out a permanent solution to the problems of wild elephants rampaging in Dodamarg region of Sindhudurg district within two months.

The plans include closing the entry of elephants at Ajra, Chandgad and Tilari areas and providing enhanced compensation to the villagers affected due to the damage caused to their farms and properties due to the elephants herds.

Discuss the rehabilitation of villagers in the forest area and the compensation to be given to them with confidence, he said.

Urging for priority to wildlife conservation efforts, Thackeray urged the officials to take the people affected by including the rehabilitation of the forest dwellers into confidence for its success.

He also asked them to consider all aspects before proposing development works in forests and clear all levels including the SWB before implementing them.

Environment Minister Aditya Thackeray said that care should be taken not to disturb wildlife paths, particularly in sensitive areas with tigers, while granting approval to road development works through jungles, and holding discussions with all stakeholders, experts and local NGOs.