NGT issues notice over alleged environment violation by resort near Sariska Tiger Reserve

Jaipur, July 8 (IANS) The Central Zone Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) at Bhopal has issued notices to the Union of India and other respondents on an application alleging environmental violations in the construction and operation of Ananta Spa and Resort at Ajabgarh, near the Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan’s Alwar district.

The matter was registered as Original Application on Tuesday.

According to the application, the resort has been developed within nearly one kilometre of the Sariska Tiger Reserve boundary without obtaining the mandatory environmental approvals.

It is alleged that the project comprises more than 75 rooms, banquet halls, swimming pools and other facilities, with a built-up area exceeding 20,000 square metres, thereby requiring prior Environmental Clearance under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification.

The application also alleges that the project commenced construction and is operating without obtaining environmental clearance, consent to establish and consent to operate from the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board, wildlife clearance from the National Board for Wildlife, and a No Objection Certificate from the Central Ground Water Authority for groundwater extraction.

It has also been alleged that a portion of the construction has been carried out on land recorded as a natural drainage channel (“Gair Mumkin Naala”), raising concerns over the protection of natural water resources.

After hearing the matter, the Tribunal said that the application raises a substantial question relating to the environment and admitted the matter for consideration.

The Bench accordingly issued notices to the respondents, directing them to file their replies within the prescribed period.

The Tribunal also constituted a Joint Committee comprising representatives of the Rajasthan Principal Chief Conservator of Forests; the Alwar District Collector; the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board; and the Central Ground Water Board.

The Committee has been directed to conduct a site inspection and submit a factual and action taken report within six weeks.

The Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board has been designated as the nodal agency for coordination and compliance.

The matter will be taken up for further consideration after the Committee submits its report and the respondents file their replies.

The Tribunal has not expressed any opinion on the merits of the allegations, which remain subject to adjudication.

–IANS

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