Sambhar Festival : NGT Orders Rajasthan For Addressing Grievance Impacting The Migratory Birds

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Wednesday directed the authorities in Rajasthan for addressing the grievance regarding the proposed 3-days for Sambhar festival adversely impacting the migratory birds and their natural habitat.

Therefore, the tribunal directed the authorities, including the Rajasthan’s chief secretary, to shift the festival’s location if detrimental effect is found. The green panel was hearing a petition that alleged that the festival’s activities, including kite flying, paragliding and motorcycle expedition, would ”adversely affect migratory birds and natural habitat of the lake which is a Ramsar site, particularly on account of the use of loudspeakers”. The festival is scheduled to take place at Sambhar Lake near Jaipur from February 17-19. The bench of Chairperson Justice AK Goel stated that ”We find it necessary to direct the chief secretary, Rajasthan, to address the grievance in coordination with State Wetland Authority, principal chief conservator of forest (wildlife), district magistrate, Jaipur, and integrated regional office of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change at Jaipur.”

The bench comprising of Judicial Members Justice Sudhir Agarwal, Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi & Expert Member Afroz Ahmad, said if it’s found that the festival at the proposed location will negatively impact the birds or the lake’s natural habitat, the festivities may get shifted to any other site.
The bench stated that the ”Decision in the matter may be taken and placed on the website of the state by 5 pm on February 16.” The green panel also directed a copy of the order to be sent to the concerned authorities.