In a significant development concerning urban planning and environmental regulation, the Rajasthan High Court has issued directives to the Municipal Board of Mount Abu to expedite the processing of pending construction applications in accordance with the newly revised Zonal Master Plan 2030 for the Mount Abu Eco-Sensitive Zone. This directive mandates that applicants resubmit their construction proposals within a week, with the Municipal Board required to render decisions on these applications within four weeks thereafter.
Background and Context
Mount Abu, renowned as Rajasthan's sole hill station, holds significant ecological and tourism value. Recognizing its environmental sensitivity, the region was designated as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ), necessitating stringent regulations to balance development with ecological preservation. In 2015, the initial Zonal Master Plan 2030 was introduced to guide sustainable development in the area. However, subsequent observations by environmental bodies and directives from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in 2021 highlighted the need for revisions to address emerging environmental concerns and developmental pressures.
Litigation and Resident Grievances
The delay in revising the Master Plan led to a backlog of construction applications from Mount Abu residents. Many had purchased plots and sought construction permits, only to face rejections or indefinite holds due to the pending Master Plan revisions. Frustrated by the prolonged inaction, residents filed writ petitions in the Rajasthan High Court, seeking redress and the right to develop their properties within a clear regulatory framework.
Court Proceedings and Government Compliance
The High Court, acknowledging the residents' grievances, issued multiple orders urging the state government to expedite the Master Plan's revision. In response, the government submitted compliance reports, culminating in the publication of the revised Zonal Master Plan 2030 for the Mount Abu Eco-Sensitive Zone on December 11, 2024. This publication aimed to provide a definitive framework for evaluating pending and future construction applications, ensuring alignment with updated environmental and developmental guidelines.
High Court's Directive
With the revised Master Plan in place, Justice Vinit Kumar Mathur's bench directed petitioners to resubmit their construction applications in accordance with the new provisions within one week. The Municipal Board, Mount Abu, was instructed to review and decide on these applications within four weeks of submission. This directive seeks to balance the residents' developmental aspirations with the ecological imperatives outlined in the updated Master Plan.
Implications of the Revised Zonal Master Plan 2030
The revised Master Plan introduces several key provisions:
Environmental Safeguards: Enhanced measures to protect Mount Abu's fragile ecosystem, including stricter controls on construction activities, waste management protocols, and preservation of green cover.
Zoning Regulations: Clearly demarcated zones for residential, commercial, and tourism-related activities, ensuring that development occurs in a structured and sustainable manner.
Building Norms: Updated building bylaws that dictate architectural styles, building heights, and materials to maintain the area's aesthetic and environmental integrity.
Infrastructure Development: Plans for improving public utilities and infrastructure, such as water supply, sewage systems, and transportation, to support the growing needs of residents and tourists.
Stakeholder Reactions
The High Court's directive has elicited varied responses:
Residents and Property Owners: Generally view the development as a positive step, hopeful that the clarity provided by the revised Master Plan will facilitate the approval of their long-pending construction applications.
Environmentalists: Maintain a cautious stance, emphasizing the importance of strict adherence to the new guidelines to prevent ecological degradation.
Municipal Authorities: Face the challenge of efficiently processing a potentially large volume of applications within the stipulated timeframe, necessitating adequate resources and streamlined procedures.
Future Outlook
The implementation of the revised Zonal Master Plan 2030 is poised to significantly influence Mount Abu's developmental trajectory. If executed effectively, it promises to harmonize human habitation and tourism with environmental conservation, ensuring that Mount Abu retains its unique charm and ecological balance. The High Court's active involvement underscores the judiciary's role in enforcing environmental regulations and addressing citizen grievances, setting a precedent for similar eco-sensitive regions across India.
Conclusion
The Rajasthan High Court's recent directive marks a pivotal moment in Mount Abu's development discourse. By mandating the prompt processing of construction applications under the revised Master Plan, the Court has sought to resolve a protracted impasse, offering residents a pathway to realize their property development aspirations within a regulated and environmentally conscious framework. The onus now lies on the Municipal Board, residents, and all stakeholders to adhere to the stipulated guidelines, ensuring that development proceeds in a manner that safeguards Mount Abu's ecological and cultural heritage for future generations.
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