The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed an immediate halt to all construction activities on 93.280 acres of land at Laxmiposi in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha. This order comes amid allegations that ecologically sensitive forest land is being diverted for a private hotel and resort project located near the Simlipal Tiger Reserve.
Petition and Precautionary Principle
Hearing a petition filed by Rakesh Kumar Mohanty, a social worker based in Baripada, the NGT’s East Zone bench invoked the 'precautionary principle' to restrain state authorities and the private party from undertaking any construction on the land. The bench emphasized the need to protect the fragile ecosystem surrounding the tiger reserve.
Allegations of Forest Land Diversion
The petitioner alleged that the land in question is part of an ecologically sensitive area and that its diversion for commercial purposes violates environmental norms. The NGT noted that any construction in such a zone could have irreversible impacts on the biodiversity of Simlipal Tiger Reserve, a protected area known for its rich wildlife.
Order Details
- The NGT bench directed that no construction activity shall be carried out until further orders.
- State authorities, including the Forest Department and the Odisha State Pollution Control Board, have been asked to submit detailed reports on the status of the land and the project.
- The private party involved in the resort project has been restrained from continuing any building work.
The tribunal has scheduled the next hearing for a date to be announced, where it will review the compliance reports and decide on further action.
Impact on Simlipal Tiger Reserve
Simlipal Tiger Reserve is one of India's premier tiger habitats and a crucial biodiversity hotspot. Environmental activists have welcomed the NGT's intervention, stating that it sets a precedent for protecting forest lands from commercial exploitation. The order is seen as a victory for conservation efforts in the region.
