NGT orders demolition of roadside shops, dhabas in Kaziranga

The National Green Tribunal has ordered demolition of roadside shops and eateries along the animal corridors near Assam's Kaziranga National Park in the wake of increasing wildlife casualties due to vehicular traffic on the National Highway-37 which passes through it.
A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar directed the Ministry of Environment and Forests to take clear instruction on the issue and file an affidavit within 10 days.
"We make it clear that all the shops and dhabas run within 100 metres from the end of the road of National Highway or located in the forest/protected area, or bridges constructed or within 500 metres of the National Kaziranga Park, would be liable to be demolished," the bench said.

During the proceedings, various dhabas, resorts and other commercial establishments moved applications for appointment of a Local Commissioner to bring on record the actual physical condition of the shops and dhabas run by them.
Director of Kaziranga National Park, M K Yadava, who was directed by the green panel to conduct surprise inspection of the national highway, also submitted his inspection report.
The NGT had earlier directed Assam government to clear its stand on eco-sensitive zones and how it has permitted large-scale hotel projects to come up in and around the Kaziranga National Park, home to the famous one-horned rhinos.

It had asked the state to apprise it about the steps it has taken to prevent animal deaths on the roads by vehicles.
The NGT's direction came during a hearing on a plea filed by environmentalist Rohit Choudhury opposing expansion of NH- 37 which passes from Jakhalabandha to Bokakhat through the Kaziranga Park.
In February last year, the NGT had ordered a ban on roadside shops and eateries along the animal corridors near Kaziranga, among a slew of directions in the wake of increasing wildlife casualties due to vehicular movement on the adjacent highway.