The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has banned construction works in the areas of Kaliyasot and Kerwa where tiger is roaming. The ban would continue till the issue of variance area and territory of tiger is not solved. Besides, the NGT has told the district administration to consider imposing of section 144 in Kaliyasot and Kerwa area so that movement of people in the tiger zone could be restricted.
The NGT decision came after hearing over the issue of tigers coming out of Ratapani and Samardha forests and roaming in Kaliyasot and Kerwa area of the city. Collector Bhopal and senior officers of the forest department remained present before the commission during the hearing.
The forest officials told the NGT that the tigers roaming in Kaliyasot and Kerwa area are both male and female. There is enough of prey for them in the forests of Ratapani but they are wandering out of the forest for breeding but they are getting perplexed due to the people moving around.
The forest officials also informed the NGT that it is not for the first time that tigers have strayed out in these areas; tigers come and go in these areas.
The NGT after discussing the issue with the forest officials and Collector Bhopal ordered to ban all construction activities in the areas of Ratapani and Kerwa that adjoins the forests of Ratapani. Though the government advocate objected over the NGT order but Justice Dilip Singh rejected his objection.
The NGT has instructed the district administration to take action in the issue as per the Standard Operating Procedure for the states set up by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) so that precautionary measures over the incidences taking place due to tigers could be taken.
The district administration has called a meeting of forest and town and country planning officials on Thursday as per the directives of the NGT to discuss the issue.
Collector Nishant Warwade argued that implementation of section 144 would cause problems in these areas as there are many educational institutes besides residential areas, though he told the NGT that imposition of prohibitory orders would be discussed in the meeting to be held on Thursday.