Illegal commercial activities found at ropeway station on forest land in Jaipur
A field inspection conducted by the assistant conservator of forests (ACF), Nahargarh Biological Park, revealed serious violations of multiple environmental and forest laws.
The ropeway operator was granted permission to use 0.8735 hectares of forest land under conditions laid down by the ministry of environment, forest, and climate change. However, the field report — in possession of TOI — suggests that more land than sanctioned is being utilised, and a range of activities far beyond the scope of the original approval are underway.
Calling the activities "a serious violation" of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, the Rajasthan Forest Act, 1953, the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the Environment Protection Act, 1986 and the Rajasthan Ropeway Act, 1996, the ACF recommended legal action against the company and immediate enforcement of compliance with all applicable regulations to safeguard forest land, wildlife and the surrounding environment.
In a detailed report dated July 7, the ACF flagged at least 15 major irregularities, including the unauthorised construction and operation of a restaurant where food is cooked using open flames, sale of plastic-packaged food items, overpriced bottled water, and the absence of a proper waste disposal system. High-wattage halogen lights were found installed at both the upper and lower ropeway stations, in violation of prescribed norms for forest areas.
An official said, "The inspection also found that high-risk adventure activities like a 360° zipline cycle ride were being conducted for an additional fee, without any legal clearance. Moreover, the report noted the use of plastic cups, plates, and packaging within the forest premises — a clear contravention of environmental guidelines."
Environmental activists have expressed alarm over the findings. "Running commercial spas, restaurants, and plastic-heavy food stalls inside a notified forest area is a direct violation of the Forest (Conservation) Act and other environmental laws. Such misuse of diverted land undermines the very objective of conservation. We will also take the matter to the NGT," said Rajendra Tiwari, who runs an NGO working to protect the Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary.
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