Unregulated chopper service to Kedarnath: NGT notice to state
NEW DELHI/DEHRADUN: The National Green Tribunal Tuesday issued notices to the Union and the Uttarakhand governments seeking their response on a plea raising concern over the unregulated operation of helicopters “creating a threat” to the flora and fauna in the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary.
A bench headed by NGT chairperson justice Swatanter Kumar issued notices to the ministry of environment and forests , state government, National Board for Wildlife (NBL) and others.
The tribunal was hearing a plea filed by environment activist Kavita Ashok seeking directions to frame an aviation policy for the eco-sensitive zone. The petitioner said she learnt through an RTI response that Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has recommended to the government to shift the Sersi helipad near Sonprayag.
HT was first to report on April 20 the findings WII report that highlighted how the noise from low-flying choppers was disturbing the wildlife in the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. It was also reported that WII has suggested shifting of helipad as an interim measure. A large number of pilgrims, intending to avoid the 16-km trek to Kedarnath shrine in Rudraprayag district, opt for the chopper services. More people started opting for the service after the flash floods of 2013.
In her plea, the petitioner had sought execution of the NGT’s December 10, 2015 order. The NGT had directed the state to issue directions in consonance with the aviation policy with specific reference to the sanctuary in relation to the height and level of noise that the helicopters should be permitted to generate.
The petitioner, who has also sought imposition of penalty for non-compliance of the order, contendedthathelicopteroperations in the area for religious tourism have “seriously disturbed the eco-system and fauna of Kedarnath Sanctuary”.
She alleged that the authorities have till date neither acted on the interim measures as suggested by the WII, nor have declared the eco sensitive zone for the sanctuary. PTI INPUTS