Chopper services in Kedarnath: NGT notice to Centre, U’khand

Concerned over the “looming threat” to flora and fauna in the eco-sensitive Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary from helicopter was expressed by an environmental group, leading the green tribunal to seek responses from the <g data-gr-id="19">Enviroment</g> Ministry and the Uttarakhand government.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has sought responses from the Environment and Forests Ministry, state government, National Board of Wild Life and others, on an NGO’ s plea raising concern over the looming threat to the flora and fauna due to regular operation of helicopters in the eco-sensitive zone in the state.

A Bench, headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar, has sought their replies by September 2. The matter was mentioned before the Bench prior to the commencement of hearing in the listed cases in the Tribunal.

A large number of pilgrims, intending to avoid the 16-km trek to visit the Kedarnath shrine in Rudraprayag district, opt for the chopper services to reach the destination.

NGO Doaba Paryavaran Samiti has contended that helicopter operations in this area for religious tourism has “seriously disturbed the eco-system and fauna of Kedarnath Sanctuary”. In its plea, filed through advocate Gaurav Bansal, the NGO has said that even a top forest official wrote to the authorities citing the impact of helicopters over the sanctuary, forcing endangered species like musk deer and Himalayan Tahr (like wild goats) to abandon their habitat.