SC seeks Centre, state replies on illegal constructions in Satkosia

The Supreme Court Wednesday sought responses from various stakeholders, including the Centre and Odisha government, on a plea against the alleged proposed constructions inside the Satkosia Tiger Reserve (STR) in the state.

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

A bench comprising Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justices K Vinod Chandran and NV Anjaria took note of the submissions of advocate Gaurav Kumar Bansal while also asking the response of a central empowered committee.

Bansal sought quashing of the no-objection certificates (NOCs) granted by district Collectors of Angul, Nayagarh, Boudh and Cuttack for the construction and development activities in and around the tiger reserve.

His plea alleged unchecked expansion of tourism infrastructure and other proposed constructions in the ecologically-sensitive tiger reserve.

The petitioner also questioned the legality of directions issued by the district Collectors, pointing out the provisional NOCs were granted without jurisdiction and in violation of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, besides forest and environmental laws.

“The district Collector has issued such permissions for construction of an ecotourism spot. How can this be permitted,” Bansal asked.