A case regarding the construction of hotels and resorts in Jharkhand’s Netarhat eco-sensitive zone and Palamu Tiger Reserve has been brought before the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The petition, filed by environmental activist Govind Pathak, highlights large-scale commercial construction activities violating prescribed norms within the eco-sensitive zone. The NGT’s eastern zonal bench in Kolkata has deemed the petition suitable for a hearing and has issued notices to the involved parties, with the next hearing scheduled for July 8.
The issue revolves around the extensive construction underway in and around the Palamu Tiger Reserve, Betla National Park, Netarhat, and the Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary. Allegations in the petition suggest that numerous hotels and resorts are being developed in these ecologically sensitive forest and wildlife areas without complying with essential environmental regulations. The case was deliberated on May 25 by a bench comprising judicial member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member Ishwar Singh.
Recognizing the gravity of the environmental concerns raised, the NGT has directed notices to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the Chief Secretary of Jharkhand, other relevant officials, and the Field Director of the Palamu Tiger Reserve, seeking responses within a month. The petition asserts that approximately 59 hotels and resorts are currently under construction within the eco-sensitive zone, with two reportedly situated within the Palamu Wildlife Sanctuary.
The petition further highlights the absence of essential plans and committees mandated under the eco-sensitive zone notification, such as zonal master plans, tourism master plans, and monitoring committees, despite ongoing construction activities. The petitioner has urged the NGT to enforce an immediate halt on illegal constructions, dismantle structures erected in violation of regulations, and hold the responsible officials accountable while taking necessary actions.
