Guwahati: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has raised serious concerns about the construction of proposed five-star hotels in the vicinity of Assam’s Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The bench, comprising Judicial Members Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi, along with Expert Member Dr. A Senthil Vel, has taken suo motu cognizance of a report published in Mongabay on July 31, 2024, and subsequently registered a case (No. 1049/2024).
The matter is scheduled for hearing on August 7, 2024.
Despite objections from peasants’ bodies and environmental activists, the Assam government on August 3 entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tata Group subsidiaries to develop a Taj Resort and Spa at a cost of Rs 120 crore in Kaziranga.
Additionally, Hyatt Hotels Corporation is eyeing the Hathikuli Inglay Pothar area, known as an elephant playground, for its luxury hotel project.
Both projects have faced intense opposition from environmentalists, wildlife activists, and local people. The Assam Environmental NGO Forum has written to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, urging a reconsideration of the proposed sites.
Dr. Sanjib Kumar Borkakoti, an expert on cultural heritage, has expressed apprehensions about the potential ecological impact of these projects.
The Jeepal Krishak Samiti, a local farmers’ organization, has warned of catastrophic consequences for both the environment and the livelihoods of the people.