Guwahati, August 10, 2024 — The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has initiated a suo motu case concerning the construction of luxury hotels in and around Kaziranga National Park (KNP) in Assam, raising concerns over potential environmental impacts on the UNESCO World Heritage site. The case was registered under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, by the Principal Bench of the NGT in New Delhi following reports highlighting the rapid development in the area.
This legal action follows the Assam government’s recent agreement with the Tata Group to develop a five-star hotel near Kaziranga. The Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Amalgamated Plantations Pvt Ltd (APPL) and Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL), both subsidiaries of Tata Group, to construct the luxury property. The project, estimated to cost ₹120 crore, includes the development of a resort and spa close to the core area of the national park.
Kaziranga National Park, a critical wildlife sanctuary, is home to the world’s largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses, along with other significant species such as tigers, elephants, and various bird species. The park’s largely undisturbed environment is now at the center of a contentious debate between conservationists and developers.
In addition to the Tata Group’s project, international hotel chain Hyatt is also planning to develop a five-star resort near KNP. Last September, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the ATDC would finalize an agreement with the Hyatt Group to build a hotel adjacent to the park, with an investment of ₹100 crore.
The construction of these hotels has sparked significant controversy. The Greater Kaziranga Land and Human Rights Protection Committee has accused authorities of illegally converting a large portion of land near the park to facilitate these projects. The committee alleges that the land was handed over to multinational hospitality groups without conducting the necessary public hearings or Environmental and Social Impact Assessments, leaving 45 affected families in the dark.
The NGT’s decision to step in highlights the growing tension between development initiatives and the need to preserve the ecological integrity of Kaziranga National Park. As the tribunal begins its examination of the case, the future of these luxury hotel projects remains uncertain, with potential implications for both conservation efforts and tourism development in the region.
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