Govt’s affidavit to SC comes in way of road planned through Sariska | Jaipur News

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Govt’s affidavit to SC comes in way of road planned through Sariska

Jaipur: Forest department’s plan to construct a black-topped road up to Pandupol temple in Sariska Tiger Reserve has encountered a legal roadblock due to a prior commitment made before the Supreme Court. The route to Pandupol passes through the reserve’s core zone, a crucial habitat for tigers and other wildlife, while also serving as a significant pilgrimage corridor, with lakhs of devotees visiting the ancient Hanuman temple every year.To assess feasibility of constructing a paved road in this ecologically sensitive stretch, the Sariska administration sought legal opinion from the additional advocate general (AAG). In response, the AAG categorically stated that the state govt cannot proceed with the plan, having already filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court pledging that no such construction would take place. Any deviation from this assurance, the AAG said, would first require approval from the apex court.An official familiar with the matter said, “The road improvement was initially part of a broader plan to introduce electric bus services within the reserve. To support this initiative, the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) recommended strengthening the route from Sadar Gate and Tehla Gate to the Pandupol temple, while explicitly advising against black-topping. Based on these recommendations, the Sariska administration received a sanction of Rs 7.4 crore to construct high-quality gravel roads along the Sadar–Pandupol and Tehla–Kalighati corridors.Given the legal constraints, the use of alternative, eco-friendly technologies was advised. “In the absence of Supreme Court approval, constructing a tarred road would directly violate the govt’s own sworn affidavit. Instead, it was recommended that techniques such as stabilised soil, gravel surfacing, interlocking paver blocks, or murram be used. These methods are not only environmentally sustainable but have also been effectively implemented in other tiger reserves like Bandhavgarh, Corbett, Kanha, and Kaziranga,” the official added.He further noted that if these alternative techniques later prove inadequate in terms of safety, traffic flow, or long-term durability, the state govt still has the option to file a fresh application before the Supreme Court. “However, the govt will need to convincingly demonstrate that constructing a black-topped road is essential to both ecological balance and public interest,” he said.

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