Home / Environment / NGT Orders Forest Land Probe for Jaipur Ropeway
NGT Orders Forest Land Probe for Jaipur Ropeway
6 Aug
Summary
- NGT directs forest chief to personally monitor ropeway land encroachment action.
- Ropeway infrastructure built on land different from project's approved diversion.
- Violations include restaurants, spas, and ziplines without necessary clearances.
The National Green Tribunal's Central Zone Bench in Bhopal has directed the principal chief conservator of forests to personally oversee actions concerning the alleged encroachment of forest land by the Jaipur ropeway project. This directive comes after over a year of pending action, despite initial confirmation of violations by a joint committee.
The tribunal noted that the ropeway's infrastructure was constructed on land differing from the 0.8735 hectares officially diverted for the project, suggesting encroachment on reserved forest land. Forest department reports detailed 15 violations, including the operation of restaurants, fish spas, and body massage parlors without permission, as well as a zipline within the forest lacking environmental and safety clearances.
Furthermore, the NGT pointed out that the ropeway's upper and lower stations were not situated on the approved land, with survey coordinates deviating from the sanctioned ones. While disciplinary proceedings have begun against some officials, the NGT mandated that the PCCF take direct action, protect forest land, recover possession of any encroached areas, and submit a report within two weeks. A hearing is scheduled for August 31.
