NGT Issues Notice Over Construction in Palamu Tiger Reserve, Netarhat Eco-Sensitive Zone

Ranchi (IANS): The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is now reviewing a case regarding hotel and resort construction in Jharkhand’s Netarhat eco-sensitive zone and Palamu Tiger Reserve.

Environmental activist Govind Pathak filed a petition alleging that developers are executing large-scale commercial construction within the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) in direct violation of prescribed norms.

The Kolkata-based eastern zonal bench of the NGT took cognisance of the matter, deemed the petition fit for hearing, and issued notices to the concerned parties. The tribunal has scheduled the next hearing for July 8.

The controversy centres on the rapid construction activities in and around the Palamu Tiger Reserve, Betla National Park, Netarhat, and the Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary. Pathak’s petition alleges that developers are building several hotels and resorts in these ecologically sensitive forest and wildlife areas without adhering to mandatory environmental regulations.

Judicial member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member Ishwar Singh heard the case on May 25.

Treating the issue as a serious environmental concern, the NGT issued notices seeking responses within a month from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the Chief Secretary of Jharkhand, other relevant officials, and the Field Director of the Palamu Tiger Reserve.

The petition claims that builders are currently constructing around 59 hotels and resorts within the ESZ, including two reportedly located inside the Palamu Wildlife Sanctuary itself. It further states that authorities have failed to establish a zonal master plan, a tourism master plan, or a monitoring committee despite ESZ notification requirements, even as builders continue construction activities.

The petitioner urges the NGT to immediately ban illegal constructions, demolish structures that violate the rules, and hold the responsible officials accountable.