National Green Tribunal orders strict action over forest land encroachment by Jaipur Ropeway Project
Jaipur, Aug 5 (IANS) The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Central Zone Bench, Bhopal, has issued stringent directions in connection with alleged illegal commercial activities and encroachment on forest land linked to the Jaipur ropeway project, said officials on Wednesday.
During the hearing held in Original Application No. 103/2025 (CZ) on Monday, the Tribunal took note of serious findings emerging from reports submitted by the Forest Department and the Joint Committee.
According to the reports, key ropeway infrastructure, including the upper station, lower station, and sections of the ropeway corridor, appears to have been constructed outside the forest land legally diverted for the project and within reserved forest areas.
The Tribunal also considered multiple violations reported by the Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF). These include the operation of unauthorised restaurants, fish spas and body massage parlours, the use of open flames for cooking, improper disposal of plastic waste, unauthorised lighting installations, and the operation of a zipline cycle ride without obtaining the requisite environmental and safety clearances.
Observing that the matter has remained pending for more than a year without effective remedial action, the Tribunal directed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Rajasthan, to personally monitor compliance. It also noted that the PCCF has initiated disciplinary proceedings against the officials concerned.
The NGT directed the Forest Department to safeguard forest land beyond the area legally diverted for the ropeway project, take possession of any forest land found to be under unauthorised occupation, and initiate appropriate action against officials responsible for the alleged violations.
The Tribunal further ordered the PCCF, or an officer not below the rank of Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) authorised by the PCCF, to submit an Action Taken Report by way of an affidavit within two weeks. The matter is scheduled for its next hearing on August 31, 2026.
–IANS
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