Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Vinaykumar Vithalrao Jatha Vs State of Maharashtra & Others dated 05/12/2019 regarding establishment of a 26 MW Co-generation unit on a land bearing Gut No. 52/2 in village Limpangaon, Taluk Shrigonda, District Ahmednagar, Maharashtra on the ground that the project falls within the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of the Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary. Also, the land (Gut No. 52/2) is a forest land which cannot be diverted for non-forest activity without clearance under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.

The NGT directed constitution of a committee comprising of (i) the Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Pune, Maharashtra; (ii) the District Collector, Ahmednagar; (iii) Conservator of Forests of the concerned circle/area, and (iv) a senior representative of the State Pollution Control Board.

The Committee would visit the area in question, verify on the factual aspects set out in the original application and at the site in the light of the records available in respect of the area and submit a report. In the event the allegations are found to be correct, appropriate action in accordance with law should be be taken and an action taken report submitted, the NGT said.