Maharashtra Govt allows leisure sites near sanctuaries

Mumbai: In a significant development, the urban development department has allowed the construction of recreational facilities within a 5km radius of wildlife sanctuaries in the state. However, the urban department has stated that the facility should not exceed one hectare in area. Environmental activists have welcomed the restriction, and demanded that footfall should also be controlled. 

Notification issued by the government on the matter read, “For the lands situated within 5km distance from the boundaries of wildlife sanctuaries and national park if the land owners applies for development permission for eco-tourism, nature tourism, adventure tourism same may be allowed provided the land under construction has a minimum area of one hectare in a contiguous manner (sic).” 

Recreation facilities were allowed in eco-sensitive zones earlier, but the onehectare condition  has just been introduced. According to environmentalists, the condition will restrict haphazard development and allow the public to enjoy tourist activities. 

The notification also said that this should apply to privately owned lands falling under agriculture or no development zones situated within 5km distance from the boundaries of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. It permitted construction of tourist homes, resorts and hotels along with ancillary structures such as covered parking and watchmen’s quarters. The notice further read, “The tourism area must follow norms such as being environment friendly, low height, natural cross ventilation and effective sewage discharge. Plastic used within the area should be recycled.” 

Environmentalist D. Stalin of NGO Vanashakti said that the conditions should be followed. “I am not against the people visiting buffer zones. The forests would be preserved if the people visit them. The safeguards put by the government are necessary to conserve the area. It is also an incentive for the owners who have land in buffer zones. They will conserve the forest area if allowed to earn money via 
ecotourism.”