NGT Takes Suo Moto Cognizance Of Alleged Construction Of Luxury Hotels Around Kaziranga National Park Threatening Wildlife

The principal bench of National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken Suo Moto cognizance of upcoming tourism infrastructure projects in the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) in Assam which could allegedly threaten the wildlife and impact environment.

The development came after the Tribunal took note of a news item titled "Proposed luxury hotels in and around Kaziranga threaten wildlife conservation livelihood" in Mongabay published in July.

A bench of Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and Dr. A. Senthil Vel said that, "the news item raises substantial issue relating to compliance of the environmental norms and implementation of the provisions of scheduled enactment" and since the matter was pertaining to Eastern Zonal Bench Kolkata, the bench transferred to it.

According to the article, it was alleged that the KNPTR project in Assam could threat to wildlife, resulting in displacement, negative environmental impact and the movement of wild animals, especially in the Inle Pothar area which has traditionally been a haven for elephants.

The article highlighted that KNPTR is spread across 1,300 square kilometres and is a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to the one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, tigers, wild buffaloes and wild boars among other species.

The news item also stated that in 2023, the Assam CM announced that Kaziranga would soon have a five-star resort to attract tourists from across the world. Later the Assam government also disclosed that three hospitality projects are being developed in and around Kaziranga in collaboration with the Department of Tourism.

The article alleged that while it is unclear what the final projects are going to be or who the developers are, land has already been barricaded and farmers have been displaced for it, the NGT noted.

It opined that the news item indicates violation of the provisions of the Environment Protection Act, 1986, Biodiversity Act, 2002 and the Forest Conservation Act, 1980.

The NGT also impleaded Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Assam, Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, National Tiger Conservation Authority, Ministry of Environment and Forest, Through its Regional Office Integrated Regional Office as respondents.

While issuing notice to the newly impleaded respondents, the bench said, "Since the matter relates to the Eastern Zonal Bench, Kolkata, therefore, OA is transferred to the Eastern Zonal Bench for appropriate further action."

The matter is listed for September 30, before Eastern Bench for further consideration.

Title: News Item titled "Proposed luxury hotels in and around Kaziranga threaten wildlife conservation livelihood" appearing in Mongabay dated 31.07.2024

Click here to read/download the order