NTPC told to apply to SC panel for de-reservation of sanctuary land

Had the permission been taken earlier, the Environment Management Plan of the area would already have had a provision for inclusion of an equivalent area in the sanctuary,

which is a mandatory condition for diversion of protected wildlife. However, the EMP is silent on it.

Chief Conservator of Forest, Wildlife, Dr Lalit Mohan confirmed, “We have directed the NTPC to directly apply to the CEC of the Supreme Court, which in the due process of assessing the application.”

Dr Mohan said that the entire process would take a few more months before it becomes clear whether the sanctuary area would be allowed for diversion.

It is mentioned that the Majathal wildlife sanctuary was the name given to the truncated area left over from the Darlaghat Sanctuary after the Government of India had allowed the state government in 1992 to divert some portion of the Darlaghat sanctuary for construction of Ambuja Cement Plant, on the condition that at least 20 sq km of the adjoining area would be added to the sanctuary to make up for the lost land.

The SC’s committee set up to look into cases of diversion had later sought explanation from the state government for its failure to extend the sanctuary area by 20 kilometres.