Jaipur: National Green Tribunal’s Central Zone Bench in Bhopal has disposed of an environmental case against the Taj hotel project near Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary, holding that Rajasthan High Court has already conclusively decided the issues.In its Aug 6 order, NGT said the application concerned the construction by Kanha Hotels and Spa Pvt. Ltd. on Khasra Nos. 54, 55 and 56 at Chimanpura village in Amer tehsil. The matter had earlier been kept pending indefinitely because the same dispute was before Rajasthan High Court. It was revived after HC delivered its judgement on April 27, 2026.The application alleged environmental violations by the hotel project, located about 95-97 metres from the Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary boundary within the notified eco-sensitive zone. The dispute centred on whether the project required prior approval from the standing committee of National Board for Wildlife, whether it complied with 2017 environmental clearance, and whether the hotel could operate without NBWL clearance.The high court examined the project’s regulatory record and found the land was converted from agricultural to industrial use in 1994 and the project had secured major statutory approvals over the years. These included tourism department approval, JDA building plan approval, environmental clearance in June 2017, consent to establish and consent to operate from Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board, fire safety clearance and a completion certificate.The court also cited an inspection report by Deputy Conservator of Forests, which said the project had no adverse impact on the sanctuary or any wildlife corridor and recommended wildlife clearance.The High Court held that the hotel qualified as an “existing unit” under the 2019 ESZ notification and the later zonal master plan, as it had obtained the required approvals before the notification came into force. It ruled that restrictions meant for new hotels could not be applied retrospectively.It also held that the NBWL standing committee wrongly treated the project as a new hotel proposal rather than a completed and operational establishment. The court said the panel overlooked recommendations of state wildlife authorities, ignored earlier statutory approvals, denied a hearing and passed a non-speaking order, and quashed the committee’s decision.The judgement records that the five-star hotel is operated in collaboration with the Taj (Tata) Group under Indian Hotels Company Limited. It has about 250 rooms, restaurants, banquet facilities, parking for around 180 vehicles, employs about 350 people and contributes substantial tax revenue.Taking note of the high court’s findings, NGT disposed of the application in terms of that judgement. Counsel for the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change told the tribunal that an appeal against the high court order had been filed. The bench granted liberty to parties to initiate fresh proceedings or seek reopening if any issue survives after the competent court finally decides the appeal. Pending interlocutory applications were also disposed of.
