0.1281 Hectares of Forest Land Diverted to Adani Total Gas Limited to Expand Natural Gas Distribution Network Across Amravati City and Nearby Areas

Mumbai: In a major boost to clean energy infrastructure in Vidarbha, the Revenue and Forest Department of the Government of Maharashtra has granted final approval for the diversion of 0.1281 hectares of forest land in Amravati District. The decision facilitates the laying of an underground 12-inch diameter steel natural gas pipeline to establish a city gas distribution network connecting SV-20 Bori Village to the Amravati Bus Depot, servicing Amravati City and its surrounding localities.

The final approval was granted to user agency M/s Adani Total Gas Limited, Amravati, under Section 2 of the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980. This follows the fulfillment of compliance requirements previously stipulated in the state’s in-principle approval, as verified by the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Nodal Officer, Nagpur. The total land area of 1,280.80 square meters spans reserved and identified forest patches across several locations, including Mund Nishankrao, Shirpur, Mahuli Chor, Waruda, Badnera, Kasba, and Wadali.

Strict Environmental Safeguards and Legal Compliance Mandated

The diversion order is subject to stringent conditions to ensure environmental protection and regulatory oversight. Unhindered access must be provided to local forest officials for continuous monitoring; any obstruction by the user agency will lead to the immediate withdrawal of the diversion permission. The Chief Conservator of Forests, Amravati, must reconfirm that necessary clearances under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, are maintained.

Furthermore, strict adherence to all terms in the government orders and rules under the forest conservation law is mandatory. Any non-compliance will be treated as a direct violation of the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, triggering strict legal proceedings.

Public Notification and Local Display Requirements

To maintain complete transparency, the state government has directed Adani Total Gas Limited to publish the complete clearance order verbatim in two widely circulated daily newspapers one in English and one in the local Marathi language detailing survey numbers, land areas, legal status, and imposed safeguards.

Additionally, the Collector of Amravati, the Chief Executive Officer of the Zilla Parishad, and the Deputy Conservator of Forests have been instructed to display copies of the order on the official notice boards of relevant government offices, local self-government bodies, municipal authorities, and local panchayats for public inspection for a period of 30 days.