NGT Halts Construction of Red Category Industry Near Chittorgarh Forest
The National Green Tribunal's central zone bench in Bhopal has issued a crucial order. It has stopped all further construction work on a red category industrial unit. This unit allegedly sits within the buffer zone of the Bada Magra–Gangarar Reserved Forest in Chittorgarh district.
Villagers File Application Against Violations
The tribunal passed these directions while hearing an application. Suresh Rawat and other affected villagers filed this plea. They alleged that M/s Ishan Copper Industries was being developed illegally. The villagers claimed the company violated statutory safeguards and buffer zone norms meant for protected forest areas.
The applicants provided specific details. They stated that heavy construction machinery operated near the reserved forest. Civil works were also carried out in close proximity to the protected area.
Inspection Report Reveals Critical Distance Violation
A joint committee conducted a detailed inspection. This committee included officials from the district collector's office and the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board. The committee submitted its report directly to the tribunal.
The inspection report contained damning findings. It confirmed the industrial unit was situated only 362 metres from the reserved forest boundary. This is a clear violation of central government norms.
Under a Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notification from January 29, 2025, red category industries must maintain a minimum distance of 500 metres from reserved forests. The unit fell short by 138 metres.
The committee also recorded another serious issue. It found that unauthorised construction was actively taking place within the prohibited area.
Tribunal Bench Expresses Strong Concerns
The NGT bench comprised Justice Sheo Kumar Singh, the Judicial Member, and Ishwar Singh, the Expert Member. The bench made a significant observation about the ongoing construction.
They stated that allowing construction to continue would create a fait accompli. This means the completed construction would present a finished fact that undermines environmental protections. The tribunal decided immediate intervention was necessary.
Specific Directions Issued to State Authorities
The tribunal issued clear and direct orders to two key state bodies. It directed the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board and the Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation to ensure compliance.
The primary directive is straightforward: no further construction can occur within the prohibited zone. The authorities must initiate appropriate action if any violations are detected.
The tribunal also set a strict deadline for the pollution control board. RSPCB must file an action taken report within three weeks. This report will detail the steps taken to enforce the tribunal's order.
The applicant in the case confirmed the next hearing date. The matter is listed for further hearing on March 30. On that date, the tribunal will review compliance and regulatory action taken by the authorities.
This case highlights the ongoing tension between industrial development and forest conservation in Rajasthan. The NGT's order reinforces the importance of strictly maintaining buffer zones around ecologically sensitive areas.
