JAIPUR: Even as urban land sharks backed by powerful connections keep targeting a precious reserve forest and sanctuary near Jaipur, the forest department is taking action to protect the land by preventing encroachments.
The department has issued notices to nine commercial establishments, including hotels and a mall, for their involvement in illegal construction activities on the reserve forest and Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary (NWLS) land. The department has pointed out that these constructions blatantly disregard the terms of wildlife clearance and No-Objection Certificate (NOC), thus violating the Wildlife Act of 1972 and the Forest Conservation Act of 1980. The department now awaits a response from the offenders and is considering confiscation or demolition of the properties.
“Several influential individuals have encroached upon the reserve forest and sanctuary land by carrying out construction activities. It matters little to them that commercial activities are strictly prohibited on forest land. The department must take prompt action to discourage such practices; otherwise, there will soon be no forest land left near urban areas,” said Rajendra Tiwari, an RTI activist and whistle-blower.
A forest official said entities engaged in illegal construction had been given a five-day period to file a reply. “However, no one has come forward yet. Further warning notices will be issued before action is taken as per law,” he said.
The notices mention that proposals involving projects located within 10 km of national park/wildlife sanctuary wherein eco-sensitive zone has not been finally notified, and activities/projects falling outside protected areas will require prior clearance from the standing committee of National Board of Wildlife (NBWL). No new commercial construction is permitted within 1 km from the boundary of the protected area.
The department has issued notices to nine commercial establishments, including hotels and a mall, for their involvement in illegal construction activities on the reserve forest and Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary (NWLS) land. The department has pointed out that these constructions blatantly disregard the terms of wildlife clearance and No-Objection Certificate (NOC), thus violating the Wildlife Act of 1972 and the Forest Conservation Act of 1980. The department now awaits a response from the offenders and is considering confiscation or demolition of the properties.
“Several influential individuals have encroached upon the reserve forest and sanctuary land by carrying out construction activities. It matters little to them that commercial activities are strictly prohibited on forest land. The department must take prompt action to discourage such practices; otherwise, there will soon be no forest land left near urban areas,” said Rajendra Tiwari, an RTI activist and whistle-blower.
A forest official said entities engaged in illegal construction had been given a five-day period to file a reply. “However, no one has come forward yet. Further warning notices will be issued before action is taken as per law,” he said.
The notices mention that proposals involving projects located within 10 km of national park/wildlife sanctuary wherein eco-sensitive zone has not been finally notified, and activities/projects falling outside protected areas will require prior clearance from the standing committee of National Board of Wildlife (NBWL). No new commercial construction is permitted within 1 km from the boundary of the protected area.
