CM asks Centre to withdraw notification on eco-sensitive zone

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna today asked the Centre to withdraw the notification declaring 4179.59 sq km area from Gaumukh to Uttarkashi as an eco-sensitive zone.
The notification would retard the development of the backward border area and deal a blow to tourism, he said.
Bahuguna, who led a delegation of Uttarakhand MPs and ministers to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, conveyed to him his Cabinet's unanimous view that the notification would deal a blow to tourist activities in the strategically-important border region.
He said the notification was issued despite objections raised by the state government to its draft, according to an official release.

"Rural economy depends on Char-dham yatra and Gangotri is an integral part of this yatra which falls in the notified area.
"Restricting the flow of pilgrims on the Char-dham route, especially, Gangotri, in the garb of eco-sensitive zone will not only ruin Uttarakhand's economy but will also hurt the sentiments of crores of devotees," Bahuguna said.
He reminded the Prime Minister of a resolution passed by the state assembly asking the Centre not to go ahead with any such declaration considering opposition of the locals to the proposal.
"This notification is incorrect or defective from the strategic point of view and will adversely affect construction of roads by the Border Roads Organisation," Bahuguna said.