In response to the heightened scrutiny by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), local authorities have intensified their vigilance regarding the eco-sensitive zone encompassing Sajjangarh Century and Fateh Sagar. This past Saturday on 16 September 2023, a collaborative team comprising members from the Revenue Department, UIT, and the Forest Department embarked on a survey mission. Their objective was to investigate potential illegal business activities occurring within this eco-sensitive region.

On the inaugural day of this operation, the survey covered an expansive radius, spanning approximately 11 km. This area extended from the Dewali end of Fateh Sagar to Badi area, then onward to Shourya Garh and Shilpgram. Notably, during this comprehensive survey, authorities identified a total of nine business establishments within this zone. However, the status of these establishments, whether they are operating within the bounds of the law or not, remains undisclosed at this time.

This concerted effort by local authorities underscores their commitment to upholding environmental regulations and preserving the integrity of the eco-sensitive areas within the vicinity of Sajjangarh Century and Fateh Sagar. Further developments in this matter are eagerly anticipated.

A significant development has emerged regarding the commercial activities within the eco-sensitive zone, dating back to 2017. Following the recent survey, there is now a looming threat for these commercial centers. On the orders of the Collector, bulldozers could be deployed in this area at any time, pending the completion of the 15-day survey. Additionally, the upcoming survey will extend its focus to identify handicraft establishments within the region. 

It is worth noting that the issue of escalating commercial activities in these areas was raised during the previous Eco-Sensitive Zone meeting. In response, District Collector Arvind Kumar Poswal assembled a dedicated team for this investigation, comprising Badgaon Tehsildar Parvat Singh Rathod, Ranger Ganesh Gothwal, Manoj Mali, Rajesh Mehta, Girdawar Rajendra Sen, Bhagwati Lal, Kavya, and Patwari Surpal Singh from UIT.

This concerted effort aims to address concerns about the environmental impact and ensure the preservation of the eco-sensitive zone. Further updates will be awaited with keen interest. Presently, the recent actions taken by the Collector have also ignited discussions. It is noteworthy that the gazette notification pertaining to the Eco Sensitive Zone was officially issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change on January 6, 2020. This notification came into effect retrospectively from February 14, 2017, underlining the legal framework within which these actions are being undertaken.