Forest authorities at Panna Tiger Reserve have sought an explanation from senior Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer B. Srinivas Kumar and his wife, Himani Sarad, who works at the Supreme Court, following allegations that the couple constructed a resort within the reserve’s eco-sensitive zone.
The matter came to light after wildlife activist Ajay Dubey lodged a complaint, demanding a Special Investigation Team (SIT) inquiry into the alleged resort construction. Acting on the complaint, Panna Field Director Naresh Kumar Yadav carried out a site inspection on September 3 and later submitted an action-taken report to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests in Bhopal on September 9. During the visit, forest staff seized a saw machine from the premises and issued notices to the couple, asking them to respond within seven days.
Couple Denies Resort Allegations
In their reply, Kumar and Sarad strongly refuted claims of running a commercial venture. They clarified that the property in question was not a resort but their private residence. According to them, the land was legally converted from agricultural to residential use and all requisite fees and taxes had been paid to local authorities.
“This is not a hotel or resort; it is our home constructed on duly registered and demarcated residential land. No commercial activity is being undertaken,” their written response stated. They further said that if, in the future, they ever chose to operate a small homestay or farm stay, it would be done only after securing all statutory approvals.
Allegations of Harassment
Sarad alleged that the inspection team intimidated their staff in their absence. “I sold my home in Delhi and have no other house. This is my post-retirement home, where I planned to teach local girls. The officials threatened our staff when we were not in Panna. We have even lodged police complaints against this harassment,” she said.
On the seizure of the saw machine, Sarad clarified that it was a wood planer that had never been used or installed. “It was still in its original packaging, and we had even listed it for sale. The team could see that no wood had been used in the construction of our home,” she added.
Eco-Sensitive Zone Rules
According to Ministry of Environment and Forests guidelines, eco-sensitive zones extend up to 10 km around national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, serving as protective “shock absorbers” for biodiversity. Activities such as mining, saw mill operations, large-scale industries, and certain tourism projects are prohibited. Hotels and resorts in these zones are strictly regulated and must conform to approved masterplans that safeguard wildlife habitats.
The Panna Tiger Reserve authorities are expected to examine the couple’s explanation before deciding the next course of action.
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