Why in news?
The Rajasthan High Court has overturned a decision by the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) that denied wildlife clearance to the Taj Amber, a five‑star hotel project located about 97 metres from the boundary of the Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary. The court ruled that the project qualifies as an existing unit because it received multiple approvals before cut‑off dates and directed authorities to reconsider the clearance.
About Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Established in 1980, the Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary lies about 20 kilometres north of Jaipur in Rajasthan. Covering roughly 50–52 square kilometres, it forms part of the ancient Aravalli range. The sanctuary is named after Nahargarh Fort, built in the 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II.
Physical features and biodiversity
- Terrain: Rugged hills and valleys with seasonal streams. The vegetation is dry deciduous forest and thorn scrub, typical of Rajasthan’s semi‑arid environment.
- Flora: Dominant trees include dhok (Anogeissus pendula), babool (Acacia nilotica), khejri (Prosopis cineraria) and ber (Ziziphus mauritiana).
- Fauna: The sanctuary hosts leopards, sloth bears, wild boars, jackals, hyenas and various species of deer. Over 285 species of birds have been recorded, such as peacocks, owls, eagles and the rare white‑naped tit. Reptiles include Indian rock pythons and monitor lizards.
- Nahargarh Biological Park: A 720‑hectare zoo and rescue centre within the sanctuary houses Bengal tigers, Asiatic lions and sloth bears. It promotes conservation and education.
- Connectivity: Nahargarh connects ecologically with other forested areas such as the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, forming a corridor for wildlife movement.
The Taj Amber case
- Project history: The company acquired land at Chimanpura, Amer, in the mid‑1990s. The district collector converted the land for industrial use in 1994, and tourism authorities approved a star‑category hotel in 2007. The Jaipur Development Authority approved the building plan in 2011, later extended to 2020.
- Environmental clearance: An environmental assessment in 2017 concluded that the project would not adversely affect wildlife or corridors. The fire department and pollution control board issued no‑objection certificates, and the project obtained “Consent to Operate” in 2022.
- NBWL rejection: In February 2024 the NBWL’s standing committee denied clearance, arguing that the hotel lies within the eco‑sensitive zone. The High Court found this decision arbitrary because prior approvals had been granted and the project was considered an existing unit.
Implications
- Balance between development and conservation: The case highlights how courts must weigh existing approvals against environmental rules. It suggests that projects with prior clearances may still proceed if they do not harm wildlife corridors.
- Need for clear policies: Discrepancies between sanctuary boundaries and eco‑sensitive zone maps can create uncertainty. Updating zoning maps and enforcing regulations uniformly can prevent such disputes.
Conclusion
Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary is a small but vital green space near Jaipur. The High Court’s ruling on Taj Amber underscores the complexities of development within eco‑sensitive zones. Protecting habitats while respecting lawful approvals requires careful planning and transparent procedures.
Source: Times of India
