Rajasthan
See if Sambhar fest harmful to lake habitat: NGT to Rajasthan govt | Jaipur News
JAIPUR: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Wednesday directed the state government to address the grievance regarding the proposed three-day Sambhar festival that adversely impacts migratory birds and their natural habitat.
The tribunal also directed the authorities, including the chief secretary, to shift the festival’s location if any adverse effect is found. “Decision in the matter be placed on the website of the state by 5pm on February 16…,” the NGT order said. The festival is scheduled to take place at Sambhar Lake near Jaipur from February 17 to 19.
The green panel was hearing a petition that alleged that the festival’s activities, including kite flying, paragliding and motorcycle expedition, would adversely affect migratory birds and the natural habitat of the lake which is a Ramsar site, particularly on account of the use of loudspeakers.
“We find it necessary to direct the chief secretary to address the grievance in coordination with the State Wetland Authority, principal chief conservator of forest (wildlife), district magistrate, Jaipur, and integrated regional office of the ministry of environment, forest and climate change in Jaipur,” a bench of chairperson Justice AK Goel said.
The bench, also comprising judicial members Justice Sudhir Agarwal and Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member Afroz Ahmad, said if it is found that the festival at the proposed location will adversely impact the birds or the lake’s natural habitat, the festivities may be shifted to any other site.
The tribunal also directed the authorities, including the chief secretary, to shift the festival’s location if any adverse effect is found. “Decision in the matter be placed on the website of the state by 5pm on February 16…,” the NGT order said. The festival is scheduled to take place at Sambhar Lake near Jaipur from February 17 to 19.
The green panel was hearing a petition that alleged that the festival’s activities, including kite flying, paragliding and motorcycle expedition, would adversely affect migratory birds and the natural habitat of the lake which is a Ramsar site, particularly on account of the use of loudspeakers.
“We find it necessary to direct the chief secretary to address the grievance in coordination with the State Wetland Authority, principal chief conservator of forest (wildlife), district magistrate, Jaipur, and integrated regional office of the ministry of environment, forest and climate change in Jaipur,” a bench of chairperson Justice AK Goel said.
The bench, also comprising judicial members Justice Sudhir Agarwal and Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member Afroz Ahmad, said if it is found that the festival at the proposed location will adversely impact the birds or the lake’s natural habitat, the festivities may be shifted to any other site.
