Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Katiya Haidarali Ahmadbhai & Others Vs Union of India & Others dated 23/09/2020. The matter related to illegal encroachment in Wild Ass Sanctuary, Little Rann of Kutch.

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It was said that thousands of illegal salt industries were running in the sanctuary and within 10 kilometers (kms) radius of the sanctuary. Rivers flowing in the area were blocked as they had constructed bit road/para in the sanctuary area and destroyed mangroves and other sea plants. The illegal activities had badly affected the fishing occupations of the petitioners and other fishermen and caused injury to migratory birds and ecological imbalance.

The NGT directed that the authorities should ensure that there was no illegal encroachment of the wildlife sanctuary. Also no grant of lease in the said sanctuary area without consent of the standing Committee of the National Board of Wildlife and from the Forest and Environment Department, Gujarat. It was further directed that no activities should be permitted within the radius of 10 kms or within the parameter as prescribed by the rules for any activities not permitted under the law.