The National Green Tribunal has ordered demolition of roadside shops and eateries along the animal corridors near Assam’s Kaziranga National Park in the wake of increasing wildlife casualties due to vehicular traffic on the National Highway-37 which passes through it.
A Bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar directed the Ministry of Environment and Forests to take clear instruction and file an affidavit within 10 days.
The Bench said that all the shops and dhabas run within 100 metres from the end of the road of National Highway or located in the forest/protected area, or bridges constructed or within 500 metres of Kaziranga, would be liable to be demolished.
During the hearing , owners of various commercial establishments including eateries, hotels etc. moved applications for appointment of a local Commissioner to bring on record the existing situation of the shops run by them.