SC Approves Forest Land Diversion for Sunni Dam, Clarifies Eco-Sensitive Zone Rules, Extends Structure Listing Deadline.

The SC appointed an additional Amicus Curiae and permitted the diversion of 397.8863 hectares of forest land for the Sunni Dam project, subject to environmental conditions. It clarified eco-sensitive zone regulations around certain parks, acknowledging flexibility in "no development zones," and extended the deadline for listing structures in ESZs by four months.

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Issues:
1. Appointment of Amicus Curiae
2. Diversion of forest land for construction
3. Clarification on eco-sensitive zones around National Parks
4. Extension of time for preparing list of structures in ESZs

Analysis:
1. Appointment of Amicus Curiae:
The Supreme Court appointed Mr. K. Parmeswar as an Amicus Curiae in addition to other Amicus Curiae already appointed. The Registry was directed to provide Paper Books of pending I.As. to Mr. K. Parmeswar for further assistance.

2. Diversion of Forest Land for Construction:
An application was allowed permitting the diversion of 397.8863 hectares of forest land in Himachal Pradesh for the construction of the Sunni Dam Hydroelectric Project. This permission was subject to the conditions specified in the Environment and Forest Clearance, leading to the disposal of the relevant IAs.

3. Clarification on Eco-Sensitive Zones around National Parks:
An application was filed seeking clarification of a previous judgment regarding eco-sensitive zones (ESZs) around Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Thane Flamingo Creek Sanctuary. It was argued that the notifications for ESZs around these areas had already been issued after due process. The Court acknowledged that a one-kilometer wide "no development zone" may not be feasible in all cases and granted the requested clarification, disposing of the relevant IAs.

4. Extension of Time for Preparing List of Structures in ESZs:
Another application sought an extension of time to prepare a list of subsisting structures and other relevant details within the respective ESZs. The Court allowed this application, extending the time for preparation by a further four months.

Overall, the judgment addressed various environmental and construction-related issues, ensuring compliance with regulations and providing necessary clarifications where required.

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