The National Green Tribunal has directed the West Bengal government to close all hotels and restaurants or camping stations inside the Buxa Tiger Reserve in the northern part of the State within two months, stating that the conversion of forest villages to revenue ones cannot be allowed to permit commercial activities in such areas.
The NGT's eastern bench also directed that a facility run by the State tourism department be closed down and turned into an interpretation centre, which if not done within two months will have to be demolished.
In its order on May 30, the tribunal mentioned that the stand of the State government is hotels, restaurants/camping stations are not permissible in the forest area.
