The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to multiple government authorities over large-scale commercial construction allegedly taking place inside Jharkhand's Netarhat eco-sensitive zone and the Palamu Tiger Reserve, flagging the matter as a serious environmental concern. The case, triggered by a petition from environmental activist Govind Pathak, was taken up by the eastern zonal bench of the Kolkata-based tribunal on 25 May 2025, with the next hearing scheduled for 8 July.

What the Petition Alleges

According to the petition, around 59 hotels and resorts are currently under construction within the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ), with two of these structures reportedly located inside the Palamu Wildlife Sanctuary itself. The petitioner contends that these projects are being executed without adherence to mandatory environmental regulations. The construction activity spans areas including Betla National Park, Netarhat, and the Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary — all ecologically sensitive forest and wildlife corridors.

Key Regulatory Gaps Highlighted

A particularly pointed allegation in the petition is the complete absence of a zonal master plan, tourism master plan, or monitoring committee — all of which are required under the ESZ notification — even as construction activities continue unabated. Critics argue this reflects a systemic failure of oversight by both state and central authorities tasked with protecting these habitats.

NGT Bench and Notices Issued

The bench, comprising judicial member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member Ishwar Singh, found the petition fit for hearing and directed notices to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the Chief Secretary of Jharkhand, the Field Director of the Palamu Tiger Reserve, and other concerned officials. All parties have been asked to submit their responses within one month.

What the Petitioner Has Demanded

Activist Govind Pathak has urged the NGT to impose an immediate ban on illegal constructions, order the demolition of structures built in violation of rules, and fix accountability of the officials responsible. The demands reflect growing concern among conservationists that India's protected area framework is being eroded by commercial interests, often with tacit administrative inaction.

Why This Case Matters

The Palamu Tiger Reserve is one of the original nine reserves notified under Project Tiger in 1973 and is home to a critically low tiger population that conservationists have long flagged as vulnerable. Unchecked tourism infrastructure within and around such reserves risks habitat fragmentation, increased human-wildlife conflict, and long-term damage to biodiversity corridors. This comes amid a broader national pattern of ESZ violations that have drawn repeated judicial scrutiny. The NGT's intervention signals that the issue can no longer remain confined to local administrative channels.