Jaipur: National Green Tribunal (NGT) Thursday disposed of a petition alleging unchecked growth of hotels and resorts around Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR), holding the application was not maintainable as the issues raised largely involved land title disputes and matters pending before civil courts.The application, filed by Devidas Khatri, claimed that despite Supreme Court directions issued nearly two decades ago, Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Sariska has not been notified, enabling resorts to come up without mandatory approvals and threatening wildlife and biodiversity.Advocate Bhagwan Singh Nathawat, appearing for private respondents, said, “During the proceedings, NGT considered replies from Union Environment Ministry, Rajasthan govt, Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB) and private hotel operators. A joint committee constituted by the tribunal carried out site inspections and submitted a factual report.”The committee noted the final ESZ notification is pending though a draft was issued on Nov 2, 2023, and said the state is proceeding with rationalisation of Critical Tiger Habitat. It identified 62 hotels within 1 km of the habitat; 46 lacked land conversion approvals. Six were within sanctuary limits, making NBWL clearance mandatory, but none had it. “The RSPCB reported that 17 hotels possess valid Consent to Operate,” an official said, adding notices were issued to 43.The tribunal, however, observed that several disputes regarding land ownership, encroachments and legality of hotel properties in the region are pending before Rajasthan High Court, revenue authorities and other competent courts. NGT said title disputes fall outside its jurisdiction and the plea was premature.
