Chandigarh, 3 December 2024: The Punjab Forest Department has announced a public hearing on December 4 to address objections from residents of Kansal and Karoran villages regarding the proposed eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) around the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary. The draft proposal, with a variable ESZ width ranging from 100 meters to 3 kilometers, awaits Cabinet approval.
Under the plan, the ESZ on the Kansal side is set at one kilometer, encompassing only Kansal village. Acknowledging the area’s dense population, the department has proposed dividing the ESZ into three sub-zones:
Sub-zone 1: No construction allowed.
Sub-zone 2: Permits buildings with 50% ground coverage and a maximum height of 7 meters.
Sub-zone 3: Allows buildings with 50% ground coverage and a maximum height of 10 meters.
On the Karoran side, the ESZ width ranges from 1 to 3 kilometers, aligning with the natural boundary. All developments must adhere to the Eco Tourism Development Policy.
The hearing, mandated by the Supreme Court, will be presided over by a panel comprising Forest Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, Local Bodies Minister Ravjot Singh, and Housing Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian.
Opposition to the proposal has intensified, with Punjab BJP leader Vineet Joshi raising concerns about the impact on Kansal, Karoran, and Nada villages. He warned that if the Cabinet approves the alignment, numerous houses, shops, hospitals, religious sites, and hotels in areas under the Nayagaon Municipal Committee in Mohali district could face demolition.
The Supreme Court is also reviewing a related petition filed by Tarsem Lal, a resident of Nada village, challenging a 1998 notification that designated parts of the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary on land claimed by Punjab. The notice was issued to the Punjab Government, Chandigarh Administration, and Union Government after the state moved its ESZ proposal to the Cabinet.
The hearing is expected to draw significant public participation as residents and stakeholders voice their objections and concerns.
