NGT Issues Notice to Centre, State on Puri Airport Project

ACTING on a petition alleging large-scale violation of environmental laws for establishment of the proposed Shree Jagannath International Airport at Puri, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to both the Centre and state government.

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The bench comprising Judicial Member Arun Kumar Tyagi and Expert Member Dr Afroz Ahmad has also issued notice to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ministry of Civil Aviation, state Commerce and Transport department, Forest and Environment department, collector and DFO of Puri. They have been directed to file their responses within four weeks. The next hearing is scheduled for October 10.

A group of residents of Puri, led by one Surendra Tapasu, have approached the NGT seeking an immediate halt to the ongoing construction activities for the airport. They alleged large-scale ecological violations, including indiscriminate tree felling and construction in an ecologically sensitive zone without mandatory clearances.