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Order dated 25.01.2022

11. Vide order dated 25.01.2022, the Tribunal considered the issue of 69 lodges in Buxa Tiger Reserve. The Tribunal noted that 37 villages inside the Tiger Reserve were notified as Revenue villages and were no longer under the control of the Forest Department. The Tribunal directed the State to explain how such conversion had taken place. Relevant part of the order is reproduced below:-

"3. In the affidavit, with regard to the issue relating to 'illegal constructions in the Buxa Tiger Reserve', it is stated that 69 lodges and home stays are operating from different areas under the Buxa Tiger Reserve (East) & (West) Division. It is further stated that the 20 establishments under the Govt. of West Bengal, namely, Tourism, PWD and Irrigation Department at Jayanti and the home stays in Buxa Tiger Reserve have been closed as on date. It is also stated that notices were also issued to private owners of tourist lodges, hotels and restaurants by the Deputy Field Director (East) vide memo no. 2989/18-4 dated 25.09.2017 served through the Superintendent of Police, Alipurduar. After service of the notices what has happened has not been stated. What has been done with regard to the demolition of structures in respect of structures for which notices were issued has also not been clarified. All that has been stated is that three illegal structures have been demolished on 08.12.2021. The demolition of these structures, we may note, have already been considered by this Tribunal in Original Application No. 110/2021/EZ: Tribunal on its Own Motion Re. Unrestricted Hotels and Resorts in Jayanti Vs. State of West Bengal, which has been decided by the Tribunal on 25.01.2022.