Guwahati: National Green Tribunal ( NGT ) has directed the ministry of environment, forest & climate change, National Tiger Conservation Authority, Kaziranga National Park and principal chief conservator of forests of Assam to respond to the suo-moto case over the proposed five-star hotel in Kaziranga. They have been directed to respond one week before the next date of hearing. NGT’s principal bench took suo moto cognizance of the case under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 based on media reports.
The principal bench transferred the case to the eastern zonal bench of the tribunal since the matter falls under them and listed the matter on September 30 for hearing. The court noted that the media reports indicate violation of the provisions of the Environment Protection Act, 1986, Biodiversity Act, 2002 and the Forest Conservation Act, 1980. Recently, the Assam govt signed an agreement with the Tata Group to construct a five-star hotel near Kaziranga National Park, a Unesco World Heritage site.
Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) on August 3 signed an MoU with Amalgamated Plantations Pvt Ltd (APPL) and Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL), subsidiaries of Tata Group, to develop the luxury property at a cost of Rs 120 crore. Another five-star hotel project by international chain Hyatt is also underway, which plans to invest Rs 100 crore in a resort near KNP. We also published the following articles recently Five-star Dunith Wellalage spins Sri Lanka to historic series win over India India struggled against Sri Lankan spinners, led by Dunith Wellalage's five-wicket haul, in the final ODI in Colombo.
Chasing 249, India were bowled out for 138 in 26.1 overs, losing by 110 runs. Avishka Fernando's 96 and Kusal Mendis' 59 set a solid foundation for Sri Lanka, securing their first bilateral ODI series win over India since 1997.
High Court takes suo moto action on dangerous Fluoride levels in Gariaband water The Chhattisgarh High Court registered a suo moto public interest litigation after a Times of India report highlighted excessive fluoride levels in Gariaband's water. Despite installing fluoride removal plants in 40 villages for Rs 6 crores, many became non-functional quickly. The court directed health authorities to submit a report within two weeks.
Wayanad landslides: Kerala HC initiates suo motu case The HC started a suo motu case on Wayanad's landslides while reviewing panchayat decisions on quarry licenses. The bench highlighted the need for a comprehensive policy on developmental activities, considering environmental impact and natural resource availability. Regulation of mining and related activities was advised to mitigate future disasters.
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