The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Central Zone Bench in Bhopal, has ordered a suspension of the construction work on the airstrip expansion project at Pachmarhi, a hill station situated approximately 210 kilometers from Bhopal. This directive follows concerns that the project is in breach of environmental regulations and lacks the necessary statutory approvals.

The NGT has taken a firm stance against the agencies involved in the expansion, citing their failure to follow environmental and wildlife protection laws. The tribunal’s decision comes in the wake of an official complaint by Captain Brajesh Bharadwaj, who alleged serious violations in the expansion process.

The construction, which involves extending the airstrip from 400 meters to 1,800 meters, has been criticized for proceeding without mandatory clearances. Specifically, the project lacks approvals related to environmental, wildlife, and eco-sensitive zone regulations. The Pachmarhi airstrip, a British-era infrastructure, is situated within close proximity to the Satpura Tiger Reserve, a protected area designated under the Eco-sensitive Zone (ESZ) notification.

The NGT has reprimanded several agencies for their inaction and non-compliance, including the Director General (Forest), Madhya Pradesh Chief Wildlife Warden, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the Principal Secretary of Civil Aviation, the Field Director of the Satpura Tiger Reserve, and the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board. These bodies have been summoned as respondents in the tribunal’s proceedings.

Justice Sheo Kumar Singh and Dr. Afroz Ahmad, an expert member at the NGT, highlighted the statutory requirements that were not met before the commencement of construction. The tribunal emphasized that the project needs comprehensive statutory permissions, which were evidently overlooked.

In its order, the NGT has mandated the public works department (PWD), the project proponent, to undertake detailed studies assessing the impact of flight operations on both terrestrial and aerial wildlife within the ESZ. This study must be conducted by a reputable institution such as the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore, or the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI). The cost of these assessments and the implementation of their recommendations will be borne by the project proponent.

Furthermore, the NGT has directed the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) to develop a standard operating procedure for such projects to ensure compliance with environmental norms in the future.

The expansion project is part of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) UDAN 5.0, launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The scheme aims to improve air connectivity in regional areas by enhancing aviation infrastructure. The Pachmarhi airstrip was selected for expansion under this initiative, but the execution of the project has raised significant environmental concerns.

The site in question is located within 200 meters of the protected boundary of the Satpura Tiger Reserve, an area that falls within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Pachmarhi. The reserve, which spans over 2,133 square kilometers, includes core critical habitats and buffer zones essential for the survival of various endangered species. The ESZ extends over 1,079 square kilometers, incorporating the buffer areas of the reserve and surrounding forest divisions.

The Satpura Tiger Reserve is crucial for the conservation of tigers and other wildlife. It forms part of the largest contiguous tiger habitat globally, extending over 10,000 square kilometers across multiple districts in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. This region supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, including endangered species such as the flying squirrel, Indian giant squirrel, and leaf-nosed bats.

According to the ESZ notification, construction activities, especially those related to commercial infrastructure, are either prohibited or heavily regulated within one kilometer of the protected area boundary. The nearest core zone pillar to the airstrip is only 162 meters away, underscoring the project’s potential impact on the sensitive habitat.

The NGT’s order reflects growing concerns about the environmental implications of infrastructure projects in ecologically sensitive regions. By halting the expansion and demanding further studies, the tribunal aims to ensure that future developments adhere to environmental laws and safeguard the integrity of protected areas.

The NGT’s decision underscores the importance of adhering to environmental regulations and balancing development with ecological conservation.