Illegal Resorts in Pench Tiger Reserve Linked to Money Laundering

The Pench Tiger Reserve, a critical sanctuary for wildlife located in Madhya Pradesh, has turned into one of the most sought-after investments for money launderers, who are investing their ill-gotten wealth to develop resorts, cottages and restaurants, some even at the border of the core area of the forest reserve.

- ABHINANDAN MISHRA

These illegal investments in an area which are claimed to be highly sensitive and highly protected cannot happen without the connivance of senior officials and local representatives, including those belonging to the Indian Forest Service, the Indian Administrative Service and the Indian Police Service, all of whom are expected to get updated information about such illegal activities.

However, the ease with which benami individuals are able to bypass laws designed to protect both the environment and public interest, all the while contributing to the rapid commercialization of areas meant for conservation, suggests that these officials are, in one way or the other, conniving with them.

The Benami Prohibition Unit (BPU) of the Income Tax Department under the Union Ministry of Finance, has identified at least three instances in Pench Tiger Reserve in the last couple of years which are linked to benami transactions and have been developed into resorts and godowns. These developments include cottages, restaurants, and other amenities designed for tourism, all situated in areas meant to be safeguarded for wildlife.