Supreme Court Lifts Construction Ban in Pachmarhi, Transforming Lives of Local Residents
In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India has lifted a 25-year-old ban on construction in Pachmarhi, a picturesque hill station in Madhya Pradesh. This ruling has been met with widespread approval from the approximately 1,200 families residing in the cantonment area, who view it as a significant step toward improving their living conditions and economic prospects.
A Long-Awaited Decision
On Wednesday, a bench led by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran granted permission for residents to construct buildings up to four stories high. This decision marks a pivotal moment for the local community, which has long struggled with the limitations imposed by the construction ban. Senior advocate Vivek Tankha, representing the Pachmarhi Cantonment Board, argued that the average plot size in the area is only 300 square feet, making systematic construction nearly impossible.
Advocate Uttam Anand Sharma, who collaborated with Tankha on the case, emphasized the positive implications of the ruling, stating, “The court’s decision will improve the economic prospects of locals.”
Voices from the Community
Local residents have expressed their relief and optimism following the Supreme Court’s ruling. Sanjay Pal, a resident of Pachmarhi, shared his sentiments: “We were living in dilapidated houses due to this ban. More than 1,200 families were affected. The Supreme Court’s permission will change the lives of people from Pachmarhi.”
The Pachmarhi Special Area Development Authority (SADA) also welcomed the decision, highlighting the long struggle of the community. Former chairman Kamal Dhoot remarked, “The people of the hill station fought a long battle. Now people will be able to fulfill their dream of living in a pucca house.”
Environmental Concerns
While the ruling has been celebrated by many, it has also raised alarms among wildlife experts and environmental activists. They caution against unchecked construction in this ecologically sensitive area. Ajay Dubey, a state wildlife activist, warned, “The state government should keep a check on construction as Pachmarhi is the only hill station of the state. With its rare plant species in hilly areas, the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is spread across nearly 5,000 square kilometers. Like Uttarakhand, disaster may happen here due to unplanned construction work.”
Historical Context
The Supreme Court’s decision follows a series of developments that began with the Madhya Pradesh government’s decision on May 6, 2025, to exclude 395.95 hectares of land from the Pachmarhi Sanctuary. This sanctuary was originally established in 1977 under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. The reclassification of this land allows for legal transactions, including purchase, sale, and development, which had been previously restricted.
For decades, residents faced challenges in maintaining or repairing their homes due to the construction ban imposed by the Madhya Pradesh High Court in 2000. The sanctuary notification lacked clear demarcation, leading to confusion and restrictions on development. The high court’s order was a response to a petition against the construction of hotels and other buildings within the sanctuary area.
In 2004, the high court issued an interim order that directed the exclusion of the cantonment and civil/nazul areas of the hill town, along with 33 revenue villages, from the Pachmarhi sanctuary. The Supreme Court has now accepted the recommendations of a six-member committee that suggested excluding 395.939 hectares of civil/nazul land from the sanctuary.
The Evolution of Pachmarhi
Pachmarhi’s history dates back to 1857 when Captain James Forsyth of the Madras Infantry and Subhedar Major Nathoo Ramji Powar discovered the plateau while en route to Jhansi. Initially developed as a sanatorium for British troops, Pachmarhi served as the summer capital for the Central Province until 1967. Today, it remains a small community, with most of its land under the administration of the army’s cantonment board.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s decision to lift the construction ban in Pachmarhi represents a significant turning point for the local community, offering them the opportunity to improve their living conditions and economic prospects. However, the ruling also brings to the forefront the need for careful planning and environmental considerations in this ecologically sensitive region. As residents look forward to a brighter future, the balance between development and conservation will be crucial in shaping the destiny of Pachmarhi.
