VII.19 Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (India)
The Committee took note of the site visit to Manas, jointly undertaken by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MOEF) of India and the World Heritage Centre, between 20 and 23 January 1997 and of the report on the state of conservation submitted to the Bureau at its twenty-first session in June 1997. MOEF and the State Government of Assam had elaborated a 2-3 year rehabilitation plan, at a total cost of US$ 2,135,000, of which US$ 235,000 was requested as emergency assistance from the World Heritage Fund. The Bureau at its twentyfirst session approved an initial grant of US$ 75,000, for the purchase of three vehicles, two boats and 55 wireless communication sets and recommended that the Committee consider approving additional amounts of the US$ 235,000 requested by the Indian authorities subject to satisfactory use of the US$ 75,000 provided, and written documentation on counterpart Indian funds disbursed for strengthening the conservation of Manas Wildlife Sanctuary. The Centre and the Observer of India informed the Committee that this information has been provided by facsimile of 10 November 1997.
The Committee took note of this information on progress with regard to the implementation of the emergency assistance project and referred the discussion concerning the approval of additional amounts of the US$ 235,000 requested by the Indian authorities as emergency assistance to Item 10 of the Provisional Agenda (International Assistance). The Committee decided to retain Manas Wildlife Sanctuary in the List of World Heritage in Danger.