HC notices to Madhya Pradesh on IT park in Bargi hills

A division bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has taken a step further in the ongoing suo motu petition related to the allocation of land near Bargi hills in Jabalpur for the construction of an IT park and IT city. Notices have been issued to six additional state government departments, adding them to the list of respondents in this significant case.This development stems from a public interest litigation (PIL) filed in the Madhya Pradesh High Court, challenging the allocation of land for the IT park and IT city in proximity to Bargi hills. The petitioner raised concerns about Bargi hills, a sprawling 100-hectare area known for its wildlife, including leopards, and diverse bird populations. The region has previously seen considerable efforts and expenditure to free the Madan Mahal hills from encroachments.Notably, Bargi hills are situated adjacent to Madan Mahal hills, and the allocation of land for the IT Park and IT city in this ecologically sensitive area has drawn criticism from an environmental standpoint. Despite the petitioner's initial intention to withdraw the case, the court allowed it to continue as a suo motu petition, ensuring that the matter remains under judicial scrutiny.Furthermore, the court has appointed advocate Dinesh Upadhyay as amicus curiae in this significant matter, signaling a commitment to thorough examination of the environmental and legal implications of the land allotment.