Archive · 25 Jul 2025
Court Takes Action Over Resort in Pench Tiger Reserve's ESZ
A court is looking into a resort built too close to a tiger reserve.
The resort is in a protected area called an Eco-Sensitive Zone, violating rules meant to protect the environment.
Someone complained that the resort was built too near the tiger reserve's core area and water source.
The owner says it's not a resort, but a farmhouse, and that it's not on forest land.
The owner claims they had permission from the district government.
The court is now reviewing the case to see if any laws were broken and if the area should be protected.
Court takes cognizance of a resort's operation within the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR).
The resort, owned by Dr. Sayed Azhar Ali, was allegedly operating in violation of ESZ regulations from November 2019.
Captain Brijesh Bharadwaj filed complaints to district administration, PCCF, and NTCA starting in 2021.
The resort is located within 308 meters of the core area and 100 meters of the water reservoir of the PTR.
The owner claims the property is a farmhouse registered with MP Tourism and denies it is forest land.
- Who
- Dr. Sayed Azhar Ali, owner of the resort, Captain Brijesh Bharadwaj (complainant).
- What
- Court took cognizance over a resort's operation in Eco-Sensitive Zone of Pench Tiger Reserve.
- When
- Construction went on despite warnings in 2021, with complaints starting the same year.
- Where
- Chhindwara district, Madhya Pradesh, Pench Tiger Reserve.
- Why
- The resort was operating in an Eco-Sensitive Zone, violating environmental regulations.
Environmentalists/Complainant
Resort Owner
Land Use
Environmentalists/Complainant
The resort violates ESZ rules designed to protect the tiger reserve.
Resort Owner
The owner disputes the classification, stating it is revenue land with district panchayat permission.
- Location
- Pench Tiger Reserve, Chhindwara district
- Owner
- Dr. Sayed Azhar Ali
- Complainant
- Captain Brijesh Bharadwaj
- Violation
- ESZ regulations
- Proximity
- 308m of core area, 100m of water reservoir
- Land Status
- Owner claims revenue land, not forest land