The Forest Department has decided to initiate departmental proceedings against the forest officials for not reporting the alleged unauthorised encroachment of forestland by Ind Barath Energy Utkal ltd (IBEUl) at its coal-based thermal power project site at Sahajbahal in Jharsuguda district to it.
The company has allegedly taken up illegal construction of boiler, turbine and chimney on the encroached land. The project involves setting up of 2 x 350 mw units of pulverised coal-fired reheat type of boilers.
Sources said, the Forest Department has, in a recent missive, asked the Jharsuguda DFO to provide details of the illegal constructions and details of FRA compliance, if any.
“It may be specifically indicated whether construction activities, if undertaken on forestland, has been stopped by the project proponent. It may also be indicated whether project activities on non-forestland is going on without forest clearance in violation of FC Act guidelines. If so, details of action taken to prevent such construction activities may be indicated,” said the letter. It also asked the project proponent to vacate the forestland occupied by them without proper authorisation.
The letter further said, “Full details of violation along with the area and land schedule may be furnished to this department so as to inform the MoEF, to keep the environment clearance in abeyance,” said the letter. Action will be taken against the defaulting officials by January 5, sources said.