Guwahati: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has raised serious concerns about the construction of proposed five-star hotels in the vicinity of Assam’s Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The bench, comprising Judicial Members Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi, along with Expert Member Dr. A Senthil Vel, has taken suo motu cognizance of a report published in Mongabay on July 31, 2024, and subsequently registered a case (No. 1049/2024).
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The matter is scheduled for hearing on August 7, 2024.
Despite objections from peasants’ bodies and environmental activists, the Assam government on August 3 entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tata Group subsidiaries to develop a Taj Resort and Spa at a cost of Rs 120 crore in Kaziranga.
Additionally, Hyatt Hotels Corporation is eyeing the Hathikuli Inglay Pothar area, known as an elephant playground, for its luxury hotel project.
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Both projects have faced intense opposition from environmentalists, wildlife activists, and local people. The Assam Environmental NGO Forum has written to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, urging a reconsideration of the proposed sites.
Dr. Sanjib Kumar Borkakoti, an expert on cultural heritage, has expressed apprehensions about the potential ecological impact of these projects.
The Jeepal Krishak Samiti, a local farmers’ organization, has warned of catastrophic consequences for both the environment and the livelihoods of the people.