NGT stays Puri Shamuka project works

The Eastern Zone Bench of the National Green Tribunal has stayed tree felling and construction activity under the Shamuka tourism project in Sipasarubali mouza at Puri.

The NGT put this restriction while hearing a petition filed by lok  Shakti Abhiyan president Prafulla Samantara.Notably, the State Tourism Department had proposed to construct luxurious hotels and a golf course in an area of 920 acre in the ecologically sensitive coastal area.

Samantara’s counsel Sankar Prasad Pani argued before the bench that the ongoing construction work and tree felling in Sipasarubali is illegal as the Shamuka project has not been granted coastal regulation zone and environment clearance under the Environment Protection Act 1986.

The petition had contended that around 28 per cent of the total land is covered with trees, which used to act as a barrier against cyclonic storms and coastal erosion, and if the project is allowed then it would wreck havoc on the ecology of the area. The Idco has started tree felling for construction of approach road and boundary wall since June 5, 2015, which is the world environment day.

The bench, comprising Justice PK Ray and Professor PC Mishra, asked the Chief Secretary and the district Collector, SP and the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Puri to file status report and reply to the petition in four weeks’ time.The matter has been adjourned till August 21.

Meanwhile, Samantara has urged the State Government to release all villagers, including Batkrunsha, and protect the concerned lands and forests in the interest of people and environment in view of the NGT order.