The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has dismissed its case concerning the development of luxury hotels near Assam’s Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR). This case, numbered originally as 1049/2024/PB and transferred to the Eastern Zone Bench in Kolkata as 175/2024/EZ, began following a news report. The report raised concerns about potential threats to wildlife from proposed tourism projects, including a five-star resort, particularly in the Inle Pothar area known for its elephant population. It highlighted the absence of a declared Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) for KNPTR.
During the February 14, 2025, hearing, the Assam government, represented by Advocate General Devajit Saikia and Counsel Malabika Roy Dey, alongside the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, defended the projects. The state government asserted these developments fall outside the one-kilometer buffer zone and are not within any known animal corridors. Additionally, they declared their commitment to conservation, citing recent efforts in expanding wildlife sanctuaries and establishing animal corridors.
The government further mentioned submitting a comprehensive ESZ proposal for KNPTR and adjacent protected areas, currently under review by the Environment Ministry. They clarified that while agreements with hotel developers exist, no detailed project reports have been filed, promising thorough scrutiny before approvals.
The NGT bench, including Justice B. Amit Sthalekar and Expert Member Dr. Arun Kumar Verma, found the concerns premature given the government’s assurances and ongoing ESZ proposal evaluation. Consequently, they dismissed the case due to a lack of intervention necessity.
Previously, on August 3 last year, Assam inked a Rs 120 crore deal with Tata Group subsidiaries to establish a Taj Resort and Spa in Kaziranga, amplifying ongoing development discussions in this ecologically crucial area.
Original Source: https://nenow.in/north-east-news/assam/assam-ngt-dismisses-suo-motu-case-on-proposed-luxury-hotels-near-kaziranga.html
Category : Assam,Environment,Northeast News,Top News
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-02-21 00:01:00
