Guwahati: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to the Assam government, Kaziranga National Park (KNP) authorities, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), and the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) over the construction of luxury hotels in the vicinity of Kaziranga.
The notices come following a suo motu case registered by the NGT last week, following a news report that raised concerns about potential threats to wildlife and local livelihoods posed by these hotel projects.
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During a hearing on August 7, the principal bench of the NGT directed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Assam, the Field Director of KNP, NTCA, and MoEF to respond to the allegations within one week before the next hearing of the case.
The case has since been transferred to the NGT’s Eastern Zonal Bench in Kolkata for further proceedings.
“Since the matter relates to the Eastern Zonal Bench, Kolkata, the Original Application (OA) is transferred to the Eastern Zonal Bench for appropriate further action. Let the original record of this OA be transferred to the Eastern Zonal Bench, Kolkata,” the NGT order stated.
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The NGT expressed concern over the potential negative environmental impacts and the displacement of wildlife, particularly in the Ingle Pothar area, known as an elephant haven. The tribunal also noted questions about the legality of acquiring land for these projects and potential violations of environmental laws.
The order mentioned that Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the one-horned rhinoceros, and plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. The proposed hotels, the order mentioned, could disrupt this delicate ecosystem and lead to increased human-wildlife conflict.
The NGT has scheduled the next hearing before the Eastern Zonal Bench in Kolkata on September 30, 2024.
This development comes amid growing opposition to the hotel projects from local residents and environmental activists, who argue that the construction of luxury hotels would adversely impact the region’s biodiversity and the livelihoods of dependent people. The Assam Environmental NGO Forum has written to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, urging a reconsideration of the proposed sites.
Additionally, the Jeepal Krishak Samiti, a local farmers’ organization, has warned of catastrophic consequences for both the environment and the livelihoods of the people.
Pranab Doley, president of the Greater Kaziranga Land and Human Rights Protection Committee, claimed that nearly 60 bighas (20 acres) of public land used by 45 families for cultivation and grazing had been converted and transferred for a five-star property at Ingle Pothar.
On August 3, the Assam government signed 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.