The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the concerned authorities of Uttrakhand state to shut down illegal establishments in the Chilla Range of Rajaji National Park.
The NGT said all commercial activity in the forest in violation of the judgement of the Supreme Court is to be stopped. The State PCB, District Magistrates, and the Director of Rajaji Tiger Reserve will be responsible for carrying out these directives.
The directions of the NGT were passed on 10 October by the Bench headed by its Chief Justice, Adarsh Kumar Goel, while hearing a plea moved by the All India Youth Lawyer Association against the alleged illegal functioning of hotels, resorts, pubs, clubs, and ashrams and other illegal commercial activities in the Chilla Range of Rajaji National Park.
The Tribunal in July sought a factual and action-taken report from a joint committee of the District Magistrate, Haridwar, State PCB, Director, Rajaji Tiger Reserve and nominee of the District Legal Services Authority, Haridwar.
The concern report stated that around 19 establishments were violating the environmental norms.
