The National Green Tribunal’s Central Zone Bench in Bhopal has sent notices to the Union of India and others following claims of environmental breaches in the construction and operation of Ananta Spa and Resort near the Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan’s Alwar district. The resort, as per the application, has been built close to the reserve without the necessary environmental clearances. It is reported to have over 75 rooms, banquet halls, swimming pools, and other amenities, surpassing 20,000 square meters in area, thus requiring prior Environmental Clearance under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification.
The application further alleges that the project has started construction and is functioning without the essential environmental approvals, consent to establish and operate from the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board, wildlife clearance from the National Board for Wildlife, and a No Objection Certificate from the Central Ground Water Authority for groundwater extraction. It is also claimed that a part of the construction encroaches upon land marked as a natural drainage channel (“Gair Mumkin Naala”), leading to concerns about safeguarding natural water resources.
After reviewing the case, the Tribunal acknowledged the significant environmental concerns raised in the application and accepted it for review. The Bench has instructed the respondents to submit their responses within the stipulated time frame. Additionally, a Joint Committee has been formed, comprising representatives from various authorities, to conduct a site inspection and present a detailed report within six weeks.
The Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board has been tasked as the coordinating agency for ensuring compliance. The Tribunal has refrained from expressing any opinion on the allegations’ validity, leaving them open for further legal examination.
