NGT panel to probe encroachment on Mahanadi river bed in Odisha
Cuttack: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has constituted a joint committee to probe allegations of encroachment in the form of construction on the Mahanadi river bed in Kanhipur, Bhagamba, Bhadimula, Gatiraupatna and Diha Sahi in the city.
The petition was filed by Shailesh Sahu of Cuttack after which the NGT principal bench in New Delhi ordered a probe into the matter. Sahu had sought intervention into the inaction by the authorities on illegal constructions in the river bed and areas along its banks within Chauliaganj and CRRI police limits.
A bench of Arun Kumar Tyagi (judicial member) and Dr Afroz Ahmed (expert member) said on February 19 that the allegations made in the application prima facie raise important questions related to the environment falling under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.
“In view of the averments made in the application, we also consider it appropriate that a joint committee be constituted to verify the factual position and suggest appropriate remedial action,” the bench said.
The joint committee comprises representatives of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Integrated Regional Office of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhubaneswar, Principal Secretary State Water Resources Department, Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) and District Magistrate, Cuttack. ,
The bench directed the joint committee to meet within two weeks, visit the site, look into the grievances of the applicant, engage representatives of the applicant and the concerned project proponents, verify the factual position and suggest appropriate remedial action to the concerned authorities. Gave instructions. ,
Since the facts and circumstances of the case and the actual cause of action fall within the jurisdiction of the East Zone bench of the NGT, the Principal Bench transferred the matter for listing before that bench on April 23. The joint committee should be filed before the Eastern Region bench in Kolkata,” the bench directed, adding that OSPCB will be the nodal agency for coordination and compliance.
