NGT orders probe into alleged deforestation in Balukhand-Konark wildlife Sanctuary

Bhubaneswar, Feb 6: The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Eastern Zone Bench, Kolkata, has directed government agencies in Puri district, Odisha, to constitute a joint committee to investigate alleged deforestation and construction activities in the eco-sensitive zones of Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary, which are reportedly causing ecological damage to the fragile ecosystem.
Akhand, the counsel representing the petitioners, had drawn the attention of the tribunal regarding the wanton tree felling, deforestation, land clearing and permanent construction within the Sanctuary and its eco-sensitive zone without permission from the competent authority, causing destruction of natural habitat and violation of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
Balukhand-Konark wildlife sanctuary, an ecological hotspot with luxuriant flora and fauna, used to provide a protective barrier to thickly populated human settlements against tidal surge and cyclonic fury. Prima facie, the averments made in the application raise substantial questions relating to the environment arising out of the implementation of the enactments specified in Schedule I to the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, the NGT stated in an order.
“In view of the averments made in the application, we also consider it appropriate that a Joint Committee be constituted to verify the factual position and suggest appropriate remedial action”, the order noted. Accordingly, we constitute a Joint Committee comprising of representatives of OSPCB; the Collector and District Magistrate, Puri and the Divisional Forest Officer, Puri Wildlife Division, Puri, and direct the same to meet within two weeks, undertake visits to the site, look into the grievances of the applicant, associate the applicant and representative of the concerned project proponent, verify the factual position and suggest appropriate remedial action. The Collector and District Magistrate, Puri will be the nodal agency for coordination and compliance, NGT ruled while seeking compliance of the report within one month.