NGT upheld its ban on beach camping near Ganga in Rishikesh

The Times of India , Friday, December 11, 2015
Correspondent : Seema Sharma
DEHRADUN: In a big blow to beach camp owners who were hoping for a reprieve, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Thursday upheld its ban on beach camping near the Ganga from Kaudiyala to Rishikes in Uttarakhand, an order which it had passed in March. The tribunal, which had in August cancelled fresh permission for beach camps, also asked the state forest department to constitute a committee to frame policy and, conduct a report on capacity building of the area and, spots suitable for the camping sites.

The committee has been given timeline of three weeks to submit its report to Ministry of Environment and Forests and Climate Change. The Environment ministry has to take decision on the issue in three weeks's time from the date of submission . This way Tribunal has charted out a road map of six weeks to make final decision on this issue.

Vikram Tongad, founder president of (SAFE) which filed this plea in NGT said, "We are somewhat satisfied with the NGT's decision as we wanted regulations and guidelines to put in place for these beach camps which have mushroomed in the stretch from Rishikesh to Kaudiyala flouting all environmental norms.

However Yusuf, rafting and beach camp operator said, "There is no point in doing carrying capacity and other related impact study when the beach camps are not in operation. The delay in giving permission to peach camps has put livelihood of those connected with this activity in jeopardy."

The bench said, the state government can not shirk away from its responsibility to protect envionrmnet, forest and rivers on the plea of earning revenue. State is failing its supervisory duties and private entrepreneurs in complying with the conditions of the permission granted to them accordance with the law.

The order says that no camping activity shall be carried out in the entire belt of Kaudiyala to Rishikesh and the Government would abide by its statement made before the Tribunal on 31st. March that no fresh licenses should be issued, till the regulatory regime in terms of this Judgement comes into force and is effectively implemented. Tribunal permitted rafting with immidiete effect saying that it not cause any serious pollution of river or environment.

It also directed to form a committee of officers not below the rank of joint secretary of the MOEF, secretary of forest department of Uttarakhand, member secretary of Central Pollution Control Board, chief conservator of the forest of the concerned area.

Director of Wildlife Institute of India or his nominee of a very senior rank. Committee will suggest curative and prevention measures for least disturbance to wildlife and least impact on environment and ecology . Carrying capacity as per the fragile ecology of the region. After preparation of this report which should be prepared within 3 weeks from the pronouncement of this

Judgement, the State of Uttarakhand through Secretary, Forests would submit a Comprehensive Management Plan cum proposal for approval to MoEF.

The Committee shall ensure that it not only identifies the sites which can be appropriately used for camping activity but also the manner and methodology in which such sites should be put to use to carry such activities. It is only these sites which will be decided in the committee report will be form part of the management plan to be submitted by state of Uttarakhand to MOEF. After grant of approval, the state will give permit as per section 2 of the state shall issue an order under section 2 of the Forest Conservation Act and will give permit in terms of its policy.

No permanent, temporary structure are allowed to be built. The person licensed for camps will be responsible to collect the waste and dump it properly from the camping site. Complete prohibition on use of any sort of plastic material has also been imposed on the beaches.

The bench also directed that no camping site will be built in the mid of the river or river bed or any area which is less than 100 meters measured from the middle of the river upto 2 meter beyond boundary of Rishikesh upstream and not less than 200 meters measured from middle of the river onward till boundary of Haridwar downstream.

 
SOURCE : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/pollution/NGT-upheld-its-ban-on-beach-camping-near-Ganga-in-Rishikesh/articleshow/50127661.cms
 


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