Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary: Haryana Revokes Its Environmental Clearance for a 10-KM Radius

Haryana's State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) has revoked the environmental clearance for a 10-kilometer radius around the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary. Construction activity in the newly developed Sectors 27, 28, 30, DLF of Mansa Devi Complex, Pinjore, Amravati Enclave, many societies of Sector 20 of Panchkula, and Peer Muchalla is likely to be affected by the decision.

In his order, SEIAA chairman Sameer Pal Srow stated that the sanctuary had been harmed as a result of construction within a 10-kilometer radius.

Some residents of Amravati Enclave filed a complaint with the SEIAA regarding environmental clearance, which has been pending for a long time.

Srow canceled the environmental clearance, citing a threat within a 10-kilometer radius of the sanctuary.

The SEIAA is a branch of the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change tasked with implementing a state-level environmental impact assessment notification. All proposals are subject to environmental clearance.

The majority of the 10-kilometer area in Panchkula has been developed, prompting administrative meetings at which officials stated that construction should be permitted at least 300 meters outside the sanctuary.

A committee led by the Panchkula Deputy Commissioner had also submitted a proposal to the government in this regard.

The SEIAA has now established a committee to identify the eco-sensitive zone. After inspecting the area around the sanctuary and identifying the zone, the committee will take further action. The matter will be taken to the National Green Tribunal after the committee submits its report.

It's worth noting that in 2017, Chandigarh, Punjab, and Haryana agreed to send a proposal to the Central Government to declare a one-and-a-half-kilometer area around the sanctuary as an eco-sensitive zone.

What exactly is a wildlife sanctuary?

A wildlife sanctuary is a place where animals' habitats and their surroundings are protected from harm. Animal capture, killing, and poaching are all strictly prohibited in these areas.