Activists file case in NGT against encroachments on Kaas plateau in Satara
Pune: Petition against over 100 people including Satara District Collector, Pollution Control Board Satara, Environmental Ministry for increasing illegal construction at Kaas Plateau was filed at National Green Tribunal Pune on 29 March.
The Kaas plateau in western Maharashtra at Satara has become a victim of unchecked encroachment, threatening its status as a natural tourist spot and the environment in the surrounding areas. To counter this environmental threat, an application has been filed with the National Green Tribunal in Pune to prevent the loss of biodiversity and protect the environment. These details were shared by Advocate Seema Sarode during a press conference on Saturday. The petition was filed by activist Sujit Ambekar, social activist Sushant More, and advocate Shreya Avale.
According to Sarode, the Kaas plateau is home to about 850 species of flowers, 39 of which are rare, and over 65,000 species of birds, animals, and insects.
The plateau was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2012 due to the presence of many endangered species. However, the Kaas plateau has been subjected to illegal construction for the past several years, with unauthorized buildings such as farmhouses, guesthouses, and hotels being built within 15 kilometers of the plateau.
Sarode said, “After our petition we came to know that CM Shinde decided to legalise all illegal construction constructed at Kaas Pathar. But under which law is he doing this? ”
These constructions have not received any environmental clearance and have consequently become a major threat to the local environment. As a result, the district administration of Satara and the Environment and Climate Change Department have been continuously monitoring the situation and appealing to the authorities to take action against the encroachment.
