A joint team of various departments of the district administration has dug deep trenches using earth-moving machines to block unauthorised entry and exit routes leading to roadside commercial establishments, including restaurants and dhabas, in the eco-sensitive zones of Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary and Kalesar National Park in Yamunanagar district. The action, carried out along the Jagadhri-Paonta Sahib National Highway in areas of Faizpur, Tajewala, Hathni Kund and Kalesar villages, targeted illegal access points that pose safety and environmental concerns.
Crackdown on Unauthorised Access Points
The drive was conducted over the past two days under the supervision of Chhachhrauli SDM Jaspal Singh Gill. The team blocked unauthorised access points of six commercial establishments by digging deep trenches in front of them. According to Gill, most of these establishments fall within the eco-sensitive zone of the sanctuary. He further stated that about 24 commercial establishments had been identified that lie in the eco-sensitive zones of both the Sanctuary and the National Park.
Reasons Behind the Action
The action was taken following strict regulations applicable to eco-sensitive zones, where unauthorised road cuts and access points are prohibited. Owners of restaurants, dhabas, farmhouses and other commercial establishments had created illegal approach roads to divert tourist traffic to their businesses. These access routes reportedly posed risks to road safety and the environment.
Administration's Stance
“The action is aimed at ensuring road safety, preventing illegal encroachments and protecting the environmentally sensitive area of the Sanctuary and National Park. This drive will continue in the future too,” said SDM Jaspal Singh Gill. He emphasised that commercial construction activities in eco-sensitive zones surrounding the Sanctuary and National Park are prohibited as these areas serve as a vital protective shield for wildlife.
Environmental and Legal Context
The eco-sensitive zones of Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary and Kalesar National Park are protected under environmental laws. Unauthorised construction and access points not only violate these regulations but also threaten the habitat of wildlife. The administration's crackdown aims to restore the integrity of these zones and deter future violations.
