After ‘Balle Balle Dhaba’ & Kusuma Cottage Row, Hotel Near Bhitarkanika In Odisha Comes Under Scanner

Kendrapada: After witnessing a series of controversies over ‘Balle Balle Dhaba’ and Kusuma Cottage controversies in Jajpur, Odisha is now rocked by a fresh row over a restaurant and hotel located in Kendrapada district.

As per information, the authorities have swung into action after it was alleged that several structures have been illegally constructed near Bhitarkanika National Park in Rajnagar area of Kendrapada district with the support of an influential BJD leader.

Following allegations from different quarters about construction taking place in the area in blatant violation of forest land regulations, the district administration seems to have initiated steps to examine the situation.

Sources said that officials of the district administration have started measurement of land allegedly encroached upon by Swad Restaurant in Rajnagar area of Pattamundai in the coastal district.

The measurement work was reportedly conducted by a team in the presence of Additional District Magistrate (ADM), Tehsildar and Forest Department officials.

Locals alleged that the restaurant was constructed with the support of BJD leader and Rajkanika MLA Dhruba Charan Sahoo. Congress has also brought allegations of land grabbing by Sahoo in the district.

While it is alleged that the restaurant has been constructed in an illegal manner in gross violation of rules, a three-storey building has also reportedly come up on the forest land near the Bhitarkanika sanctuary.

Local residents and some organiations, including Bhitarkanika Suraksha Samiti, had lodged complaints with the Kendrapada district Collector on the issue.

Bhitarkanika Suraksha Samiti activists claimed that a person, who owns only 24 decimals of land, has encroached upon government and forest land as well as a cremation ground. They accused Sahoo of being involved in the whole racket.

Speaking on the development, Tehsildar Ajit Mohanty reportedly stated that some areas in Bhitarkanika appeared to have been encroached upon and a preliminary investigation into the matter has been initiated.

Some people have encroached upon the forest land and constructed commercial establishments and houses. After detailed measurement, demarcation of the lands will be done. A pond has been dug and a park has been built by the hotel on some encroached land and a probe is underway.

Dhruba Charan Sahoo was not immediately available for comment.