The Supreme Court, while hearing a case challenging the environmental clearance given to an industrial unit located within the 10-kilometre radius of Dadra and Nagar Haveli Wildlife Sanctuary, noted that “It is extremely surprising that the 10-kms eco-sensitive zone has been reduced by the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) to 100 metres. Since an order of this nature is capable of destroying national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the country, we would like to examine the validity of this reduction,” a bench of justices MB Lokur and Deepak Gupta said.
“Prima facie, it appears to us, a complete arbitrary exercise of power by the Ministry of Environment and Forest,” it said. The bench tagged the case with another pending matter related to environmental issues, which is listed for hearing on September 18, 2017. It questioned additional solicitor general ANS Nandkarni, appearing for the centre, as to whether the government wants to destroy wildlife, reserved forests, rivers and sanctuaries in the country. “You (centre) have to satisfy us, on the point as to how you intend to protect the wildlife and environment. Has the concept of ‘protected areas’ become irrelevant now?” the bench asked.
See also: NGT asks ministry of environment to not act under new notification
The Wildlife Board of India had, in 2002, adopted the Wildlife Conservation Strategy, under which it was stated that land falling within a 10-km radius of the boundaries of the national parks/wildlife sanctuaries, should be notified as Eco-Fragile Zones, under the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act. The apex court had endorsed the stand of the centre, earmarking a 10-km radius as buffer zone, around national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. However, since 2015, the MoEF, by several notifications, has reduced the buffer zone radius from 10 kms to upto 100 metres.
The National Green Tribunal, in 2013, had banned construction and halted 49 residential projects being built within a 10-km radius of Okhla Bird Sanctuary. It had also pulled up the Noida Authority and the MoEF, for their failure to take action against the violators.
Press Trust of India (PTI), headquartered in New Delhi, is India’s largest news agency. It was registered in 1947 and started operations in 1949. PTI has more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers, who generate more than 2,000 stories and 200 photographs every day. Subscribers to PTI’s feed include the mainstream media, research groups, specialised presses, companies, government organisations and NGOs.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PressTrustofIndia
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PTI_News
Email: [email protected]
Related Posts
SC stays environment clearance requirement for Railway, metro rail projects.
SC defreezes three bank accounts of Mumbai’s Adarsh Society.
Rainwater harvesting: SC stays NGT’s penalty of Rs 5 lakhs each on educational institutions.
Supertech twin towers demolished at SC order.
Centre notifies new Wetland Conservation Rules, asks states and union territories to set up authorities.
Noida Draft Master Plan 2031: SC allows NGO to raise objections to alteration in plan.
