NGT seeks affidavit stating no recreational activity in eco-park

Pune: The National Green Tribunal (western bench) on Wednesday directed the forest department to file an additional affidavit within two weeks stating that no recreational activity other than plantation of trees shall be carried out at the reserve forest land on Survey No. 49 in Wanowrie.The principal bench of the National Green Tribunal had taken a suo motu cognizance of the alleged cutting of trees for development of an eco-tourism park on the reserve forest land in Wanowrie through an article titled, “Trees felled for eco park leaves behind barren land” published by TOI on January 12 this year. The case was then transferred to the western bench for further hearing.

The forest department had previously decided to build an eco-tourism park with several amenities on the reserve forest land located in Wanowrie. However, after repeated objections, the forest department stated that it can consider not carrying out any construction for recreational activities, except plantation on the spot.The bench of Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh and expert member Vijay Kulkarni said that if the forest department considers continuing with the project, they will direct an environmental impact study. The next hearing is scheduled for August 14 this year.The counsel representing the department submitted the working plan approved by the Union govtwhich allows felling of gliricidia trees in a phase-wise manner and replacing them with native indigenous tree species and saplings.The department claimed that only 88 gliricidia trees were felled in the eco-park and tha plantation had already started. The applicant has been asked to read the working plan and file a reply by the next hearing.“I will go through the plan and raise objections to some of the statements made in it,” said lawyer Kshitija Sarang.Meanwhile, lawyer D.M. Gupta, representing the forest department, said, “We will consider the suggestions and file an affidavit, if necessary.”The bench also took notice of the absence of any counsel from the Maharashtra Eco-Tourism Board based in Nagpur and sought a a reply affidavit from the board within two weeks. The bench will levy a fine on the board, if any additional time is requested.Mahadev Mohite, the deputy conservator of forests, said there has been a miscommunication that occurred between the department and the local residents. “We will have to see the recreational amenities we have planned. Some people we know had expressed interest in this, while some didn’t. So, we will consider both these views and then proceed. For now, we are conducting a plantation on the landscape,” he said.