Illegal construction of hotels and other commercial facilities in Netarhat, Jharkhand’s crown jewel and the famed “Queen of Chotanagpur,” has triggered a deep environmental, social and legal crisis, locals said.
Known for its calm weather, stunning sunrise and sunset views, dense forests and rich biodiversity, the hill station is now witnessing rapid and unchecked construction activity that threatens to permanently damage its fragile ecosystem.
Netarhat falls within the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of the Palamu Tiger Reserve, where the Government of India’s 2019 Gazette Notification clearly prohibits the construction of new commercial hotels and resorts.
The Supreme Court has also declared that any new construction within ESZ boundaries without environmental clearance is illegal. Yet the reality on the ground tells an entirely different story.
In recent months, several new hotels and resorts have sprung up around the extremely sensitive areas of Sunset Point and Koel View Point. Local residents allege that most of these structures have neither environmental clearance nor any official NOC.
Many of the projects are being driven by outside investors, and almost all stand in direct violation of the ESZ norms. Despite the Gazette stating that no hotels or resorts can come up within one kilometre of sanctuary or national park boundaries, and that large commercial structures are not ordinarily permissible within ESZs, construction continues unhindered.
Concerns are rising over the methods used to acquire land for these projects. Reports suggest that outside developers have been obtaining tribal land through questionable agreements and misleading contracts.
In several cases, villagers were pressured or misinformed, resulting in the loss of their ancestral land. Such practices violate CNT/SPT Acts and pose a serious threat to the identity and livelihood of the local tribal population.
What makes the situation even more alarming is the open defiance of Supreme Court orders, which categorically bar construction in Eco-Sensitive Zones without prior environmental approval and warn that commercial activity near protected areas is harmful to biodiversity.
The environmental impact of this unregulated construction is already visible. Experts warn that deforestation, destruction of wildlife corridors, damage to water sources and increased tourist pressure will irreparably harm Netarhat’s delicate ecosystem.
Residents say the region’s climate has changed drastically; a place once known for its cool weather throughout the year now requires air conditioning as early as March. Many believe that illegal construction, tree felling and the growing presence of concrete structures are major contributors to this alarming rise in temperature.
The ESZ Gazette clearly states that new commercial hotels and resorts within one kilometre of protected forests are completely prohibited, that large hotels inside ESZs are generally not permissible, that existing hotels cannot be expanded and that only local residents may build houses for personal use.
Much of Netarhat lies adjacent to the Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary, Palamu Tiger Reserve and Betla National Park, placing it firmly within the ESZ limits. This makes most ongoing construction in the area not only harmful but also legally untenable.
Despite clear legal restrictions and visible environmental damage, construction continues, monitoring by the forest and tourism departments remains weak and tribal land continues to be at risk.
Local residents and activists are now questioning whether the administration will finally act to stop the illegal structures, investigate land deals and promote sustainable eco-tourism models such as homestays instead of large commercial resorts.
Also read: Ranchi police track man impersonating CM Soren
Follow us
