Forest dept cracks down on illegal trade at Ropeway stn
Following a field inspection that revealed multiple violations of environmental and forest laws, the department removed all illegal activities mentioned in the report.
A senior forest official said, "All the activities that were found to be illegal and operational were shut down by the team. A report was prepared and submitted to higher authorities."
A source said, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) also took cognisance of the issue and directed the forest department to take appropriate action.
The ropeway operator was granted permission to use 0.8735 hectare of forest land under strict conditions laid down by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. However, it was found that the operator was using more land than sanctioned, and several activities far beyond the approved scope were underway.
In a detailed report dated July 7, the assistant conservator of forests (ACF) flagged at least fifteen major irregularities, terming them "a serious violation" of multiple laws — including 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.
The inspection also found that high-risk adventure activities, such as a 360° zipline cycle ride, were being conducted for an additional fee without any legal clearance. Additionally, the use of plastic cups, plates, and packaging within forest premises was noted — a clear violation of environmental norms.
Rajendra Tiwari, who runs an NGO working to protect the Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary, said, "As per the rules, the department should impose environmental compensation on private players for any construction carried out on forest land. If they fail to act, we will approach the National Green Tribunal (NGT)."
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