Complete demarcation of Nahargarh sanctuary: NGT
2
Jaipur:
National Green Tribunal
(NGT) has directed the state govt to finalise demarcation and digitisation of land in Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary and its Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) amid growing concerns over illegal constructions, encroachments and disputes regarding land rights.
The matter pertains to the land of VanKhand Amer-54, which was notified as part of the sanctuary through govt notifications issued in 1961 and 1980. The NGT's Central Zone Bench in Bhopal, comprising Justice Sheo Kumar Singh and expert member Dr Afroz Ahmad, heard the case between Kamal Tiwari and the Union of India & others via video conferencing on May 27.
The tribunal was informed of several serious issues, including the absence of clear demarcation, unauthorised constructions and failure to mutate the land in favour of the forest department.
"Disputes also arose between individuals claiming rights over the land and authorities seeking to remove illegal structures from the forest area," the order states.
The tribunal was apprised of the urgent need to prepare a digital map based on original forest notifications, land records, and khasra-scale mapping.
"The process involves assessing the current status of notified forest land, revenue land, and other categories through physical verification and village-wise justification," said a senior forest official.
The tribunal also took note of recent directions from Supreme Court in a related matter, wherein all States and Union Territories were instructed to prepare a consolidated record of forest land—including forest-like areas identified by expert committees—within one year. The Supreme Court further directed the Union of India to issue necessary circulars for compliance and digitization of forest land.
In compliance with these directions, Rajasthan's principal chief conservator of forests and chief wildlife warden convened a high-level meeting. A committee of more than nine members was formed to undertake the demarcation exercise.
"A preliminary report was submitted and is currently under verification by wildlife department. The matter will now be heard on Sept 8, 2025," said an official.
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