The National Green Tribunal has requested an action-oriented report from various authorities in the state of Rajasthan in response to a petition addressing the issue of potential environmental harm caused by proposed activities during the “Maru Mahotsav” in the first week of February. In an order issued at the principal bench in New Delhi, NGT chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel stated that the authorities may take necessary action in the matter relating to the desert festival, scheduled for February 2–5, to comply with the Rule of Law and to protect wildlife, the environment, and the Desert National Park without waiting for further orders.
“To further consider the aforementioned issues, we want a factual and action-oriented report in the matter from PCCF Wildlife, Rajasthan, the Chairman, the State PCB, and the District Magistrate, Jaisalmer, by February 3, 2023,” the bench stated.
The authorities may take whatever action is necessary in the matter to conform with the Rule of Law and to conserve wildlife, the environment, and the Desert National Park without waiting for further orders, the court directed. The programme will take place at Sum and Khuhdi Dunes near Jaisalmer, close to the Desert National Park (DNP) and 200–400 metres from the bird sanctuary where the endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB) lives also known as Godawan. According to the applicant, the proposed actions will have a negative impact on wildlife, the bird sanctuary, and the environment.
The proposed actions will have a negative impact on the animals, bird sanctuary, and ecosystem. The Deputy Conservator of Forest, Wildlife Forest, has also expressed worry over the above issue, but the Rajasthan Tourism Department is proceeding with it in contravention of the Wildlife Act, 1972. The NGT stated, “We are satisfied that major environmental issue has arisen that may necessitate the intervention of Tribunal under Section 15 under the Act, 2010.”
Aside from the disturbance to animals and the dunes eco system caused by fireworks, laser shows, and loud music, to which the wildlife department has objected, sanitation and hygiene must be ensured when such a large group gathers. The order further stated that the harmful impact of unregulated vehicle use, including the formation of dust and smoke as well as the impact on camels, must be investigated.
 has ordered action-oriented reports from various authorities in the state of Rajasthan regarding potential environmental harm during the "Maru Mahotsav" festival.){kind=link}