Rajasthan govt to allow construction in eco-sensitive zone of Mt Abu

The Rajasthan government is improving the Zonal Master Plan-2030 to enable construction in the notified eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) of Mt Abu. The local civic body has begun deliberations to modify the land use norm from no construction zone in the region between Nakki Lake and the popular Dilwara temples to a permitted construction zone for the advantage of powerful interests who have massive pieces of land in the region. On June 18, the directorate of local bodies (DLB) issued an order to Mt Abu municipality to begin the process for improving Mt Abu (ESZ) building bylaws, 2019, to carry out development in the restricted area. Following this, on July 2, the municipality invited suggestions and objections from the public within 15 days. The issue got highlighted after the proposal to change the land use was tabled at the municipality board meeting on August 4. Saurabh Gangadia, ex-member of the Mt Abu eco-sensitive zone, claimed that the entire process was manipulated and the civic body did not publish the advertisement inviting suggestions and objections in the local newspapers. Additionally, information was not available on the municipality notice board, and people did not know about the move. He told the media that the move to change the status of land usage in the Zonal Master Plan-2030 for Mt Abu will be against the orders of the Supreme Court and high court. Municipality sources told the media that it would benefit local residents of Mt Abu. However, in the master plan areas, those who are already residing in the area are allowed construction. Image Source