Haryana

• 17 Dec 2024

Illegal Construction Near Sultanpur National Park

Why in News? 

Recently, The Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of Forest and Wildlife directed the district administration to submit a report to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF & CC) regarding illegal constructions near Sultanpur National Park and their current status. 

 Key Points 

• Committee to Monitor Illegal Construction: 
  • In March 2024, a committee was formed to monitor illegal construction activities in the restricted zone surrounding the national park. 
  • It was found that several illegal colonies are being developed in the Farukhnagar areas near Sultanpur National Park. 
    • Construction activities within the sensitive zones violate the provisions of the zonal master plan for eco- sensitive zones. 
• Compliance with Regulations: 
  • Officials were instructed to ensure strict compliance with structural construction regulations in the areas surrounding the national park. 
  • Action should be taken against those who fail to comply with these regulations. 

 Sultanpur National Park  

• About:  
  • Sultanpur National Park is a bird paradise for bird watchers. It is famous for its migratory as well as resident birds.  
    • Migratory birds start arriving in the park in September. Birds use the park as a resting place till the following March-April.  
    • During summer and monsoon months the park is inhabited by many local bird species.  
  • In April 1971, the Sultanpur Jheel inside the park (an area of 1.21 sq. Km.) was accorded Sanctuary status under section 8 of the Punjab Wildlife Preservation Act, 1959.  
  • The status of the park was upgraded to National Park under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 in July 1991.  
• Location:  
  • It is situated in Gurgaon district of Haryana. The distance of the park is around 50 Km from Delhi and 15km from Gurgaon.  
• Important Fauna at the Park:  
  • Mammals: Blackbuck, Nilgai, Hog deer, Sambar, Leopard etc.  
  • Birds: Siberian Cranes, Greater Flamingo, Demoiselle Crane etc. 

NGT Forms Panel in Faridabad

Why in News? 

The National Green Tribunal has formed a panel to investigate the alleged illegal felling of several Pipal (Sacred Fig) trees on the premises of the animal husbandry and dairying's office in Haryana's Faridabad. 

 Key Points 

• Destruction of Heritage Pipal Trees: 
  • The plea stated that heritage Pipal trees had been destroyed, but their roots still existed. 
  • Despite complaints to the concerned authorities, no action was taken. 
• NGT's Observations: 
  • According to the application permission was granted to cut Shisham (Indian Rosewood) and miscellaneous trees, but no permission was given for felling Pipal trees. 
  • The plea alleged illegal felling of trees by the deputy director, range officer, and contractor. 
  • The tribunal issued notices to Faridabad’s Divisional Forest Officer and Haryana’s Department of Forest and Animal Husbandry. 
  • A joint committee was appointed to verify the allegations and submit the report to the tribunal within eight weeks. 
  • Members include representatives from: 
    • Member Secretary, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). 
    • Regional Office of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in Chandigarh.