NGT directs authorities to demolish hotel constructed in Sundarbans

Sundarbans was a critically vulnerable coastal area (CVCA) under the coastal regulation zone notifications and no construction was permissible in a CVCA, a bench said

The National Green Tribunal has directed authorities in West Bengal to demolish a hotel constructed in Sundarbans in violation of environmental norms.

The tribunal was hearing a matter pertaining to the permissibility of a hotel construction in Sundarbans, for which the West Bengal State Coastal Zone Management Authority (WBCZMA) had raised objections.

A bench of Chairperson Justice A. K. Goel said Sundarbans was a critically vulnerable coastal area (CVCA) under the coastal regulation zone notifications and no construction was permissible in a CVCA.

“We uphold the stand of WBCZMA and declare the constructions made by the project proponent to be illegal. A joint committee of WBSCZMA, district magistrate and senior superintendent of police (SSP) may ensure the demolition of illegal constructions and restoration of the area within three months from today,” the Bench also comprising Justices Sudhir Agarwal and B. Amit Sthalekar along with expert member A. Senthil Vel said. 

The Bench noted that mangroves protect life and property by obstructing strong winds and tidal actions.

"Mangroves... provide important ecosystem services for flood protection in coastal areas and also benefit the region economically and construction of concrete structures near the coast changes its geological characteristics and causes irreversible damage to the mangrove ecosystem," it said.  

Also Read | CAG report highlights gross environmental violations in Ramsar sites, EKW, Sunderbans