Government-owned Jungle Lodges and Resorts (JLR), a unit involved in eco-tourism, is planning to raise permanent structures at its resort on the fringes of Bandipur Tiger Sanctuary in gross violation of norms pertaining to eco-sensitive zones.
As per the guidelines and rules worked out by the ministry of forest
and environment and Project Tiger authorities, no commercial activity
can be taken up in eco-sensitive zones. Even the raising of permanent
structures related to commercial ventures is prohibited. If villagers or
locals plan to build/ alter their houses/ bungalows, they have to seek
permission of a committee constituted for the purpose.
But in
violation of all such norms and guidelines, JLR authorities at
Melkamanahalli unit are planning to build staff quarters and other
structures to improve the facilities for tourists and resort employees.
There are also plans to build a compound and parking unit for vehicles.
When contacted, Bandipur Tiger Sanctuary director Kumar Pushkar said
according to a communication received by him, JLR authorities have
decided to drop the construction of staff quarters with the plan going
against the norms on eco-sensitive zones. "Earlier, they had decided to
build the quarters and started related works. But they have stopped
now," he said, adding that no commercial activity or work related to
commercial ventures will be allowed in 3-6-km radius of the sanctuary.
However, JLR MD Anu Reddy tried to defend himself, saying that they are
going ahead with work on the staff quarters. "Building staff quarters
is not a commercial activity," he said, adding: "We have dropped the
idea of building a compound wall. We have now decided to put chicken
mesh around the resort and create parking space at a place adjoining the
resort." He said Chamarajanagar district administration has allotted
the land for the purpose. "We are not violating any rule related to eco-sensitive zones," he said.
Source By : Times of india
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