NGT issues notices to govt, hotel for flouting ESZ norms

Jaipur: After the ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEFCC) rejected the proposal for constructing a luxury hotel in the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) issued notices to the additional chief secretary (forest and environment), the district collector, the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA), and others, seeking a reply within six weeks.
The order dated July 5 states, “The grievance of the applicant is that the MoEFCC, via a letter dated March 4, 2024, rejected the proposal for the construction of Kanha Hotels and Spa Private Limited at Khasra No. 54, 55, and 56, village Chimanpura, tehsil Amer, district Jaipur, Rajasthan, which is 95 metre from the boundary of Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary. Despite this rejection, the project proponent has constructed the unit in an unauthorized manner, violating environmental rules,”
The applicant and advocate, Vaibhav Pancholy, said, “The local forest department officers recommended clearance and permitted the construction without any permission from the National Wildlife Board (NWB). This means the construction was completed first, and only then was the proposal moved for approval. Thus, the unauthorised construction deserves to be demolished forthwith. When this issue came before the NGT, after hearing the applicant, the NGT issued notices to the respondents, directing them to file their replies before next date of listing.”