The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a notice regarding a complaint about mining within the eco-sensitive zone of Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary in Balasore district, Odisha. Established in 1984, Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary is a significant wildlife habitat situated on the Chota Nagpur Plateau. It connects with Simlipal Reserve through Nato and Sukhupada Hill ranges, featuring mixed deciduous forests and diverse fauna including tigers, elephants, leopards, bison, and more. The NGT, formed under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010, plays a vital role in environmental disputes with a mandate for timely disposal of applications or appeals.
Prelims pointer
- National Green Tribunal (NGT): A specialized judicial body in India established under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010 to address environmental disputes and issues.
- Eco-Sensitive Zone: An area around protected areas, like wildlife sanctuaries, where specific regulations are applied to mitigate human activities’ impact on the ecosystem.
- Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary: A notable wildlife sanctuary in Odisha, rich in biodiversity and located on the Chota Nagpur Plateau region.
- Chota Nagpur Plateau: A large plateau in eastern India, known for its diverse landscapes, minerals, and unique flora and fauna.
- Simlipal Reserve: A nearby protected area, connected to Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its unique biodiversity and as a tiger reserve.
- Mixed Deciduous Forest: A type of forest with a mix of deciduous trees, which shed their leaves seasonally, contributing to the forest’s diverse ecology.
