Supreme Court Urged to Halt Tourism Expansion in Satkosia Tiger Reserve

The Supreme Court sought responses from various stakeholders on a plea challenging tourism-related constructions in Odisha's Satkosia Tiger Reserve. The plea criticizes certain no-objection certificates granted for infrastructures potentially harmful to the reserve's ecological integrity, arguing they contravene existing wildlife and environmental laws.

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre, Odisha government, and other stakeholders regarding a plea opposing proposed constructions within the Satkosia Tiger Reserve. The plea, presented by advocate Gaurav Kumar Bansal, challenges the legality of no-objection certificates issued for tourism infrastructure development.

The petitioner claims these NOCs were issued in violation of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and other environmental regulations. The plea underscores the ongoing unchecked expansion of tourism infrastructure that threatens the ecological balance of the tiger reserve, a critical habitat for various endangered species.

Bansal's petition requests the Supreme Court to assess the irreparable harm these constructions could cause. Additionally, the plea calls for the withdrawal of an ESZ draft proposal from the Odisha government, arguing it compromises the reserve's ecological integrity.

(With inputs from agencies.)