Since 2016, the National Board of Wildlife has cleared 26 construction projects of the eco-sensitive zone in Sanjay Gandhi National Park, but developers haven’t paid for the mandatory conservation fund. They collectively owe SGNP Rs 177 crore, information obtained by mid-day under RTI has revealed. The park’s eco-sensitive zone spreads up to 4 km from its boundary. 

Projects in this zone must adhere to certain conditions. As per the rules laid down by the National Board of Wildlife, a developer has to pay 2 per cent of the cost of a project, in the eco-sensitive zone, to SGNP for wildlife conservation. While the money has to be paid soon after the clearance from the apex body, developers often disregard the condition.