Mail News Service
Jamshedpur, August 10: A significant expansion of the eco-sensitive zone surrounding Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary and adjacent areas has ignited a firestorm of controversy in Jamshedpur. The Forest Department has identified 624 houses and structures that now fall within the newly demarcated boundaries set by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), a dramatic increase from the initial estimate of 250 properties.
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Saba Alam Ansari has issued notices to all affected property owners under the Environment (Protection) Act, triggering widespread concern and unrest among local residents. The notices demand that property owners provide detailed documentation, including land papers and information about any business activities conducted on the premises.
“We are conducting this survey in compliance with NGT orders,” explained DFO Ansari. “An Special Investigation Team has been formed to oversee the process. We’re scrutinizing all construction work from 2012 to the present day. Structures predating 2012 may potentially be granted some relief, but this is still under consideration.”
The affected areas span a wide swath of Jamshedpur and its outskirts, including Dimna, Baliguma, Kandrabeda, Mirzadih, Pardih, Asanbani, Shahrabeda, and parts of Mango. Notably, the notices have not been limited to residential properties; several hotels and other commercial establishments have also been served, amplifying the economic implications of this zoning change.
The Forest Department has scheduled hearings for the second week of August, where property owners or their representatives must present their case. “If an individual or their representative fails to appear at the specified time, legal action may be initiated against them,” warned DFO Ansari. “The hearing will be conducted in light of decisions made by the monitoring committee of the Dalma Eco-Sensitive Zone.”
This sudden expansion of the eco-sensitive zone has raised numerous questions about urban planning, environmental conservation, and property rights. Many residents are concerned about the potential impact on their livelihoods and investments, while environmentalists argue that stricter zoning is necessary to protect the delicate ecosystem around Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary.
Local authorities are now grappling with the challenge of balancing ecological preservation with the needs of a growing urban population. The outcome of these hearings and subsequent actions by the Forest Department could set a precedent for how other cities in India manage the often-conflicting demands of development and environmental protection.
As the situation unfolds, tensions continue to rise in Jamshedpur. Residents are organizing community meetings to discuss their options, and some are considering legal action to challenge the notices. Meanwhile, environmental groups are rallying support for the expanded eco-sensitive zone, arguing that it’s a necessary step to safeguard the region’s biodiversity.
