Govt's affidavit to SC comes in way of road planned through Sariska
The route to Pandupol passes through the reserve's core zone, a crucial habitat for tigers and other wildlife, while also serving as a significant pilgrimage corridor, with lakhs of devotees visiting the ancient Hanuman temple every year.
To assess feasibility of constructing a paved road in this ecologically sensitive stretch, the Sariska administration sought legal opinion from the additional advocate general (AAG).
In response, the AAG categorically stated that the state govt cannot proceed with the plan, having already filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court pledging that no such construction would take place. Any deviation from this assurance, the AAG said, would first require approval from the apex court.
An official familiar with the matter said, "The road improvement was initially part of a broader plan to introduce electric bus services within the reserve.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025
Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List
Undo
To support this initiative, the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) recommended strengthening the route from Sadar Gate and Tehla Gate to the Pandupol temple, while explicitly advising against black-topping. Based on these recommendations, the Sariska administration received a sanction of Rs 7.4 crore to construct high-quality gravel roads along the Sadar–Pandupol and Tehla–Kalighati corridors.
"
Given the legal constraints, the use of alternative, eco-friendly technologies was advised.
"In the absence of Supreme Court approval, constructing a tarred road would directly violate the govt's own sworn affidavit. Instead, it was recommended that techniques such as stabilised soil, gravel surfacing, interlocking paver blocks, or murram be used. These methods are not only environmentally sustainable but have also been effectively implemented in other tiger reserves like Bandhavgarh, Corbett, Kanha, and Kaziranga," the official added.
He further noted that if these alternative techniques later prove inadequate in terms of safety, traffic flow, or long-term durability, the state govt still has the option to file a fresh application before the Supreme Court. "However, the govt will need to convincingly demonstrate that constructing a black-topped road is essential to both ecological balance and public interest," he said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Wayanad, one year on: Gaps remain in post-landslide support
Kozhikode: A year after the devastating Chooralmala–Mundakkai landslide in Wayanad, a ground-level review of post-landslide interventions by NGO People's Foundation, which was also active in relief and rehabilitation efforts, presents a mixed picture. It acknowledges the state's efforts in terms of rental and livelihood handouts and ensuring continuity in sectors like education, but cites critical gaps in long-term rehabilitation. The independent survey was conducted using GPS mapping and direct interviews with 552 landslide survivors, and this data was later correlated with local govt records and satellite survey data. It identifies 586 inhabited infrastructure units in the Mundakkai-Chooralmala region affected by the landslide, as against the 402 beneficiaries identified by the govt for the township project. "While the govt response has reached most affected families (almost 70%), a significant proportion — especially from marginalised groups and those relying on rented or under-construction dwellings — remain unsupported," it says. A majority of affected families (91.3%) are now residing in rental accommodation, and 83.3% of these families are receiving rental assistance of Rs 6,000 from the govt. However, over 56% of these families pay more than what the govt provides as rent, and 6% pay double the amount due to higher rates in the area. Over 88.2% of victim families receive some form of assistance, with the majority (71%) receiving the Rs 300 daily assistance for each of two family members and 17.2% receiving it for one family member. However, 11.8% of families don't get this due to documentary issues, eligibility criteria or administrative oversight. The survey finds that 30.2% of families in the region have at least one member wounded in the disaster, and only 49.6% of those wounded have fully recovered. Govt assistance for follow-up treatment reaches only 26% of families with wounded members. The review also points to economic distress, with over 75% of families in a precarious situation — 56.1% with just one earning member and 19.6% without any earning member. It finds that 41.3% were forced to change jobs post-disaster. Mental health remains another concern, with around 58% of respondents experiencing post-disaster psychological issues, ranging from sleep discomfort to anxiety and depression. At least 8.3% of them had no psychological support. The one area of notable continuity has been education. As the two displaced schools at Meppadi were reopened soon, 80.9% of students continued without disruption. Still, 18.2% had to change schools, and 2% have dropped out.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
No OCs to building owners for illegal disposal of debris
Hyderabad: Building owners may be denied occupancy certificates (OCs) if they fail to properly dispose of construction and demolition (C&D) waste as Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is set to implement stricter regulations to tackle the issue soon. In this regard, the state govt has decided to introduce mandatory requirements for building owners to submit their C&D waste disposal certificate while applying for occupancy certificates with GHMC. The authorities are expected to issue a GO on these regulations within the next few weeks. Officials emphasise that the move would help reduce illegal dumping on roads, vacant plots, and water bodies, which has become a major environmental concern. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad The processed C&D waste could be recycled into construction materials like paver blocks and sand substitutes. "Under the proposed rules, property owners must engage C&D waste collection agencies to transport debris to designated processing facilities. They will need to maintain proper documentation showing the quantity of waste generated and its disposal method. This certificate will become a mandatory requirement for obtaining the occupancy certificate from GHMC. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brain tumor has left my son feeling miserable; please help! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo We will also increase the penalties against the improper disposal of C&D waste," a senior official in the sanitation wing, GHMC, said. As per the estimates, Hyderabad generates approximately 2,000 metric tonnes of C&D waste per day. There are four C&D waste processing plants in the city at Jeedimetla, Fathullaguda, Shamshabad, and Thumukunta, where citizens could deposit their waste. At present, a fine amounting to 5,000 is imposed on individual households, while a penalty of 25,000 is enforced on bulk waste producers, including builders, work contractors, institutions, and commercial establishments, for each violation where C&D waste is transported or disposed of in an unauthorised or hazardous condition. GHMC would also conduct regular monitoring and impose penalties on violators found disposing of debris improperly. Building owners who fail to comply with the new norms would face delays or rejection of their occupancy certificates. Meanwhile, under a comprehensive challan management system (CCMS), GHMC has issued nearly 4,000 penalties worth 70 lakh to residents and commercial establishments for various littering offences.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
CM launches drive to plant 50cr trees in 5 years
Jhunjhunu/Jaipur: Chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma Sunday launched a massive statewide green drive, declaring the goal to plant 50 crore trees in five years under the Mission Hariyalo Rajasthan. Addressing a large public gathering at the district-level Van Mahotsav held at Mandawara village in Sikar, the chief minister reiterated his govt's commitment to turning Rajasthan into a greener and more prosperous state. The campaign takes inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam', launched last year on World Environment Day, and is now gaining momentum across the state. Sharma said that 10 crore saplings will be planted this year alone through public participation. He added that a record 2.5 crore saplings will be planted in a single day on the occasion of Hariyali Teej. "Last year, we planted over seven crore saplings. PM Modi appreciated our efforts in his Mann Ki Baat. Our work was blessed by nature too, with rains filling dams across the state," said Sharma. He also underlined how the state is reviving the traditional reverence for nature, recalling the legacy of Amrita Devi, who sacrificed her life with her daughters to save trees in the 18th century. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Flights, Rentals & Accommodations Hotel Deals | Search Ads Browse Now Undo The CM also announced the establishment of 22 Urban Forests (Nagar Vans) across the state with support from the central govt, with proposals for 18 more already sent. These urban green spaces aim to improve air quality and provide natural havens in densely populated towns. To preserve biodiversity, the state is implementing the One District One Species program, promoting native flora. Under the Aravalli Green Development Project, ₹250 crore is being spent in 19 Aravalli districts to carry out soil works over 3,700 hectares, followed by plantation next year. Special efforts are also being made to green desert districts like Barmer and Jaisalmer. CM Sharma emphasized that the role of every citizen is vital in protecting the environment. "Planting a tree in your mother's name is not just a gesture—it's a movement that can define our future," he said.
