Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed principal chief conservator of forest to constitute a committee, which will submit suggestions for regulating the religious yatra in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in four weeks. Besides, principal secretary, forest, has also been directed to look into matter.
RTI activist Ajay Dubey had raised an environmental question concerning the permission granted by field officer Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve for Darshan Yatra proposed to be organised by Shri Sadguru Kabir Dharmdas Sahab Vanshavali.
As per petition, taking out yatra in the core area of Bandhavgarh National Park will threaten its fragile ecosystem, endanger its rich biodiversity and will violate provisions of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, and Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Bandhavgarh National Park is a critical tiger habitat.
The core zone of the park is designed to provide a sanctuary for endangered species particularly tigers and to maintain ecological balance. Any human activity including religious yatra in this core zone will disrupt fragile equilibrium, leading to habitat destruction, disturbance to wildlife, and irreparable environmental degradation.
Advocate Harshwardhan Tiwari who appeared on behalf of petitioner, said, “This is a policy matter to be decided by state government. Thus, NGT has directed principal secretary (forest) to consider the letter dated October 18, 2022, submitted by principal chief conservator of forest to regulate the mela in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.”
