MP officials face music over building near tiger reserve sans Centre’s nod
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, September 1
The Environment Ministry has pulled up Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department for carrying out tourism-related construction at a tiger corridor without obtaining its clearance. The area where a building was constructed lies in close proximity to the Sanjay tiger reserve, that has a confirmed presence of tigers, leopards, wolves and jackals.
The Centre has ordered disciplinary action against the officials. According to the Environment Ministry, the MP Tourism Department has constructed a building with 16 rooms, reception and other construction works in the Son Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary. The ministry has ordered the demolition of the building and has asked the state government to seek explanation from the tourism secretary and district collector under whose tenure violations took place.
According to the Forest Conservation (Amendment) Act, 1980, any project that falls in the forest area needs the clearance of Environment Ministry. Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav has expressed displeasure over the development and recommended the standing committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) to take action against officials. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) had recommended the NBWL in July to form a team that would study the impact of the project.
“The construction of the rooms and other development work inside the sanctuary lies in the area important for the critically endangered gharial and the vulnerable marsh crocodile. Also, the area is important for species such as Indian flapshell turtles, smooth-coated otters, Indian Skimmer and a variety of fish species,” the NTCA said.
It added: “The landscape holds good potential habitat for many species, therefore it is essential to conduct a thorough site assessment to understand the probable impacts of the proposed construction. Therefore, it is recommended that NBWL may constitute a team to conduct a comprehensive site appraisal.”