FCC

Haryana plans housing projects near Sultanpur National park

2022-06-01

The Haryana government has suggested building a private hospital and two low-cost housing projects close to the eco-sensitive zone of Sultanpur National Park. The two residential developments have been suggested at a distance of 5 km from the park's boundaries, whilst a new campus of the SGT Hospital is being built on 21.2 hectares just 1.4 km away. On June 17, a government delegation and the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) standing committee met to discuss the projects.

The additional chief secretary (forest department) stated that plans had been developed to deal with garbage from the proposed hospital.

22 communities make up a total of 15 revenue estates that are included in the government's designated 5 km eco-sensitive zone. On June 18 of last year, the region received notice of a master plan. In accordance with that, development is prohibited up to a distance of 500 m from the forest and new high-tension transmission wires cannot be laid closer than 300 m. Brick kilns and polluting industries are prohibited within 3 km of the park boundary, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

In the eco-sensitive zone between 300 m and 500 m, no structures taller than two stories (30ft) may be built. Within 3 km of the park, no new commercial development is permitted, and any mining or stone quarrying is prohibited up to 5 km.