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Delhi: Forest department sends notice to DJB, IGL for ‘encroaching’ Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary land

29-03-2021

The Delhi Forest Department has issued a notice to the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL), and Department of Irrigation and Flood Control for ‘encroaching’ Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary area. According to officials, the notice was issued by the forest department earlier this month for an apparent violation of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 by the agencies, which constructed the road through the wildlife sanctuary. The statement issued in this regard is for laying water and gas pipelines and to the irrigation and flood control department for constructing a road in the sanctuary. According to the report, the forest department has found an apparent violation of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 by the agencies at the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary. The forest land survey in 2018 led to the tracking of violations in laying water and gas pipelines and road constructions. As per an official, “A residential colony was to be developed in the sanctuary area under the Twenty Point Programme. Pipelines and road were to cater to this colony. A hearing on this has been underway since 2013 by the forest settlement officer," as quoted by the IE. The official also added that details have been sought out from the Indraprastha Gas Limited and Delhi Jal Board for laying water and gas pipelines. The forest department has also asked the irrigation department about permission received for construction in the area. In response to queries, according to the Delhi Jal Board officials, the department is yet to receive a letter on those lines. According to the report, the officials said that as per the notification in 1994 under section 4 of the Indian Forest Act 1927, the Delhi Ridge is declared to be a reserved forest. The officials also added that a notification under Section 20 of the 1927 Act has to be issued to make it a reserved forest.