The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Friday directed the Assam Government to clarify its stand on eco-sensitive zones and its permission to large-scale hotel projects in and
around the Kaziranga National Park, famed for Asian one-horned rhinos.
“To put to rest any doubts, we direct that the State of Assam shall submit its clear stand in relation to declaration of Eco Sensitive Zone, Pattas which were primarily for agricultural purposes and at best incidental residential construction; and how it has resulted in State permitting large scale hotels projects in and around the Kaziranga National Park,” said the bench headed by NGT chairperson Swatanter Kumar.
The bench also directed the secretary, Department of Environment and Forest of Assam Government and Director, Kaziranga National Park to appear before the tribunal on the next date of hearing on November 26 and explain the steps taken regarding the eco-sensitive zone around the park.
The bench also asked the Assam Government to explain its stand on Kaziranga National Park being a protected area and indicate the proper delineation of the boundary of the national park clearly showing prohibited and regulatory zones with respect to Supreme Court’s verdict.
The counsel for Assam informed the tribunal that the State has already moved a proposal for issuance of Eco Sensitive Zone Notification, which is pending before the Environment Ministry.
The hearing was in the wake of a plea filed by environmentalist Rohit Choudhury that opposes expansion of NH-37 connecting Jakhalabandha to Bokakhat and passing through the Kaziranga Park. Earlier, the green panel on September 30, had pulled up the Assam Government for delay in preparing a project report on measures to curb growing wildlife casualties due to vehicular movement on the national highway passing through Kaziranga.