(Tribune)
A plea seeking execution of the National Green Tribunal’s order to frame an aviation policy for the eco-sensitive Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarakhand today prompted the green panel to seek responses from the Environment Ministry and the state government.A Bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar issued notices to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Uttarakhand government, National Board of Wildlife and others on a plea raising concern over the looming threat to the flora and fauna due to regular operation of helicopters in the eco-sensitive zone in the state.
The wildlife preserve is known for its dense forests, which has trees like oak, chir, pine, birch, alpine, besides rhododendron meadows and numerous flowering plants of Himalayas. It is also a home for endangered and rare species like Musk Deer and Himalayan Tahr (a type of wild goat).
