Report by the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board to the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Tapeshwar Singh Bhati Vs Commissioner, Nagar Nigam (North) Kota and Others dated 25/07/2023.

The matter related to whether a proposed solid waste transfer facility is within the wetland or the 'zone of influence of Ummed Ganj Pakshi Vihar Conservation Reserve wetland. The reserve is situated in the village of Ummedganj within the Ladpura tehsil of Kota district.

The wet and dry waste (segregated) collected from 18 wards through tippers shall be carried to this transfer station. Only a transfer station will be established at this site, there will be no material recovery facility (MRF). As per the submission of Nagar Nigam (North) Kota construction of transfer station shall be carried out as per norms of Solid Waste Management Rules 2016 and solid waste would be transferred scientifically without any contact with the ground surface - due to which no air or water pollution will result from the transfer station.

The joint committee report said that the aerial distance between the proposed solid waste transfer station of Nagar Nigam and the reserve is around 720 meters. Generally the 'zone of influence' in case of declared wetlands is 100 meters. Thus, the proposed solid waste transfer station lies outside the 'zone of influence' of Ummed Ganj Pakshi Vihar Conservation Reserve. The reserve is already being managed as per Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

The report also carried information about the reserve. Ummed Ganj Pakshi Vihar Conservation Reserve hosts a rich variety of avian species. With 223 species (54 resident migratory, 42 migratory and 127 resident species which includes some of endangered species like Sarus Crane) of birds making it their residence, as well as being a breeding ground for migratory birds. The park attracts avian visitors from diverse parts of India and abroad.