Bhubaneswar: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to the Odisha government and multiple authorities over allegations of illegal construction on encroached forest land in Odisha’s Nayagada district.
The tribunal’s Eastern Zone Bench, Kolkata issued the notices pertaining to a complaint filed against construction of a resort and park without requisite permissions at Kotagada in Ranpur tehsil of the district.
The complaint was filed by environmental activist Dilip Kumar Samanataray against Jai Santoshi Maa Hillside Park and Resorts and others.
The complainant alleged that the resort’s proprietor carried out construction and commercial activities without mandatory permissions, cutting trees on more than 1.5 acres of forest land and encroaching upon a two‑acre water body for commercial use.
Appearing for the applicant, advocate Akhand argued that the resort had not obtained the mandatory Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) from the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB).
NGT has formed a joint committee to investigate forest encroachment, tree felling and unauthorised commercial activity to determine whether the resort violated forest and environmental laws.
The tribunal also served notices to the resort’s proprietor, the MoEF&CC, Odisha Forest Department Secretary, OSPCB, Nayagada Collector, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Khordha, and Ranpur tehsildar.