Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding constructions in and around the Kumbhalgarh Wild Life Sanctuary, Rajasthan, 19/05/2023
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Bhera Lal Goyal & Others Vs Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change & Others dated 19/05/2022.
The applicants have requested that directions be issued to ensure that no constructions are carried out in khasra no. 4603, village Sadri, tehsil Desuri, district Pali, Rajasthan situated within Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of Kumbhalgarh Wild Life Sanctuary (KWLS) - having area of 610.528 sq.km carved out of Udaipur, Rajsamand and Pali districts in the state of Rajasthan.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change informed the court that draft notification for declaration of Eco Sensitive Zone of Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary was issued by the government of Rajasthan but the same was not finalized and has lapsed and MoEF&CC has issued number of letters to the government of Rajasthan but no action has been taken on the same.
Counsel for the applicants have submitted that the Government of Rajasthan has vide order, May 13, 2016 had prohibited mining, commercial activities and change of land use within one kilometer of Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary and permissions granted to respondents no 8 and 9 (Indu Kumari and Lake Ranakpur Resorts) are not valid.
The NGT directed the Chief Wildlife Warden, Rajasthan and Divisional Commissioner Office to file their response on the matter. The court also directed the District Collector, Pali and the Superintendent of Police, Pali, Rajasthan to take appropriate steps for ensuring that no raising of construction takes place on the land in question.