NGT issues notice over construction in Palamu Tiger Reserve, Netarhat eco-sensitive zone
Ranchi, May 28
A case related to the construction of hotels and resorts in Jharkhand's Netarhat eco-sensitive zone and Palamu Tiger Reserve has now reached the National Green Tribunal.
According to a petition filed by environmental activist Govind Pathak, large-scale commercial construction is being carried out within the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) in violation of prescribed norms.
Taking cognisance of the matter, the eastern zonal bench of the Kolkata-based NGT has found the petition fit for hearing and has issued notices to the parties concerned. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for July 8.
The issue is about the rapid construction activities in and around the Palamu Tiger Reserve, Betla National Park, Netarhat and the Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary.
The petition alleges that several hotels and resorts are being built in these ecologically sensitive forest and wildlife areas without adhering to mandatory environmental regulations.
The case was heard on May 25 by a bench comprising judicial member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member Ishwar Singh.
Treating the issue as a serious environmental concern, the NGT has issued notices to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the Chief Secretary of Jharkhand, other officials concerned, and the Field Director of the Palamu Tiger Reserve, seeking responses within a month.
The petition claims that around 59 hotels and resorts are currently under construction within the ESZ, out of which two are reportedly located within the Palamu Wildlife Sanctuary.
It further states that despite the requirement under ESZ notification, no zonal master plan, tourism master plan, or monitoring committee has been put in place so far, even as construction activities continue.
The petitioner has urged the NGT to impose an immediate ban on illegal constructions, demolish structures built in violation of rules, and fix accountability of the officials concerned while taking appropriate action.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While I agree conservation is important, we also need to think about local livelihoods. Many families depend on tourism in Netarhat. Instead of blanket demolition, NGT should work with state government to create a proper sustainable tourism plan that balances ecology with economy. Banning everything isn't always the solution.
This is what happens when politicians and builders are hand in glove. They don't care about our forests or tigers. Netarhat and Palamu are our heritage. I hope NGT takes strict action against all those involved, including the officials who cleared these projects. Enough is enough! 🙏
I visited Netarhat last year and was shocked to see so many construction sites. The whole beauty of that place is its pristine forests. What's the point of having eco-sensitive zones if no one follows rules? Good that NGT has stepped in. But I'm worried, by the time hearing happens on July 8, more damage will be done. Need urgent stay on construction immediately.
It's saddening to see another tiger reserve under threat from unregulated development. India's wildlife is world heritage. The fact that 59 hotels are coming up without proper master plan shows complete disregard for environment laws. I hope NTCA and Jharkhand government take this seriously. Tigers need undisturbed corridors to survive.
Typical Indian bureaucracy - rules exist only on paper. Everyone knows construction is happening illegally but no one stops it until some activist files a petition. We need stronger local monitoring committees in all eco-sensitive zones. Also, why is tourism master plan not
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