HC directs wildlife body to decide chemical company’s plea on salt plant

The Gujarat High Court, on Monday, directed the National Board for Wildlife to decide on the representation made by Kanoria Chemicals about incorporating 300 acres of the latter’s salt manufacturing unit in the proposed wild ass sanctuary in Jungi village of Kutch district.

The Gujarat High Court, on Monday, directed the National Board for Wildlife to decide on the representation made by Kanoria Chemicals about incorporating 300 acres of the latter’s salt manufacturing unit in the proposed wild ass sanctuary in Jungi village of Kutch district.

Directing the Central wildlife authorities to decide on the representation within four weeks from the date of receipt of the order, Justice Anant S Dave asked both parties to maintain the status quo. Wildlife officials have to ensure that coercive measures are not taken against the company, while the company should also not cause any damage to the land till a final decision is taken.

This is the second time that the High Court has asked wildlife authorities to decide on the representation of the company, which has sought permission to continue its activities. The company had the leasehold right for 20 years, which is due to expire in mid-2009. Wildlife authorities, however, failed to take any decision on the court order that expired on November 21, 2008.

The company had moved the court after the Wildlife Department issued a communication, stating that Kanoria Chemicals had no right over the land in question, falling in survey number 1,039 of Jungi village, as the area had been declared a part of the wildlife sanctuary to protect wild asses.

The state government, had in January, 1973, issued a notification declaring certain areas of Kutch district as part of the Ghudkar Wildlife Sanctuary. In December 2006, the Additional Collector in charge of the sanctuary had also rejected the company’s claim over the land in Jungi village beyond mid-2009.