In total defiance of the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) order against construction in an area covering 928 acres falling under Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ-I), the Naveen Patnaik Government is continuing with its much-hyped Shamuka tourism project near Puri.
“The Odisha Government does not bother about judicial orders. It is carrying on construction of boundary wall in the Shamuka project in total defiance of NGT’s order,” Odisha Chasi Mulia Sangh secretary Srikant Mohanty alleged.
The NGT comprising judicial member Justice Pratap Kumar Ray and expert member Dr PC Mishra, in its order last week said, “Having regard to the gravity of the issue relating to the felling of trees illegally and violation of environmental norms over the land falling under CRZ-I under mouza Sipasarubali in Puri, there will be an injunction restraining the concerned respondents from further tree felling and construction in the area.”
The Shamuka tourism project launched 25 years ago was to come up on around 3,000 acres of land near Sipasarubali, about 10 km south of Puri on public-private partnership (PPP) mode. The State Government had lined up an investment of Rs 120 crore on external infrastructure like water supply, electricity and roads for the project. The Culture and Tourism Department has decided to execute the Shamuka tourism complex in a phased manner.
In the first phase, bids were planned to be invited for four five star hotels and a golf course after obtaining necessary approval from the appropriate authority.
The three five-star hotels will be spread over an area of 20 acres each while the fourth one will be established on 40 acres of land.
Similarly, bids will be invited for a golf course with golf villas covering 304 acres of land in the first phase of implementation.
Apart from the star hotels, the Shamuka complex would have facilities like a convention centre of international standard with a seating capacity of nearly 1,500, boutique hotels, international spa and wellness centres, an entertainment zone and sports facilities.
Petitioner and environmentalist Prafulla Samantray complained before the NGT that the project did not obtain any clearance from the Coastal Regulatory Zone Authority. He also alleged that no environmental clearance was granted by the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) to undertake such project. As evidence, he submitted photographs to show felling of many trees for land clearance as illegal.
He also informed the tribunal that despite protests and representations filed to the district Collector and also District Forest Officer of Puri, nothing as yet has been done and the work is in progress.
“Having regard to the contention made, we are satisfied that a substantial environmental issue has been raised. Considering that aspect of the matter, the application is admitted for hearing,” the bench observed.
The tribunal also directed the Odisha Chief Secretary and the Puri Collector to “make all endeavours to implement the order forthwith”.
It also asked them to submit a status report and action taken report within a month.
The Bench restrained the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) Managing Director to take further construction and also felling of trees without leave of the tribunal.