Sultanpur National Park was declared a Ramsar site in 2021, signifying its international importance as a wetland. However, concerns about illegal constructions in the restricted zones surrounding the park have raised alarms among environmental authorities.
Monitoring Illegal Activities
In March, a committee was formed to monitor illegal construction activities around the national park. It was discovered that several unauthorized colonies are being developed in the Farukhnagar area, violating the regulations set for sensitive zones.
Action Plan and Reporting
Anand Mohan Sharan, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of Forest and Wildlife, has directed the district administration to submit a comprehensive report on illegal constructions to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF & CC). He emphasized that such activities within sensitive zones are a direct violation of the zonal master plan for economically sensitive areas.
ACS’s Directives to District Administration
In a meeting held on Friday, ACS Sharan stated unequivocally that illegal construction in the restricted zones around Sultanpur National Park would not be tolerated. He instructed Deputy Commissioner Ajay Kumar to:
- Oversee the status of illegal constructions.
- Take stringent action against violators.
- Ensure compliance with structural construction regulations in the area.
Importance of Environmental Compliance
Sharan highlighted the commitment of both state and central governments to environmentally friendly initiatives. He stressed the need for public awareness about the value of preserving the environment and the strict enforcement of regulations to protect sensitive zones.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
1. When was Sultanpur National Park declared a Ramsar site?
- A) 2019
- B) 2020
- C) 2021
- D) 2022
Answer: C) 2021
2. What was the purpose of the committee formed in March?
- A) To promote tourism in the area
- B) To monitor illegal construction activities
- C) To develop new colonies around the park
- D) To revise the zonal master plan
Answer: B) To monitor illegal construction activities
3. Who is responsible for submitting the report on illegal constructions to the MoEF & CC?
- A) Deputy Commissioner Ajay Kumar
- B) Additional Chief Secretary Anand Mohan Sharan
- C) Local residents of Farukhnagar
- D) State Government Officials
Answer: A) Deputy Commissioner Ajay Kumar
4. What does illegal construction around Sultanpur National Park violate?
- A) The Ramsar agreement
- B) The zonal master plan of economically sensitive zones
- C) The Wildlife Protection Act
- D) State construction codes
Answer: B) The zonal master plan of economically sensitive zones
5. What did ACS Sharan emphasize about state and central governments?
- A) They are indifferent to environmental issues.
- B) They are focused on economic development over environmental protection.
- C) They are committed to environmentally friendly work.
- D) They are revising the Ramsar declaration.
Answer: C) They are committed to environmentally friendly work.