Home / Environment / NGT Halts Illegal Forest Land Transfer Amidst Felling Fears
NGT Halts Illegal Forest Land Transfer Amidst Felling Fears
7 Sep
Summary
- NGT directed Rourkela DFO to prevent illegal tree felling.
- 6.36 acres of Sundargarh forest land allegedly transferred to companies.
- Final hearing scheduled for October 14 regarding the disputed land.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a critical directive to the divisional forest officer of Rourkela, mandating the prevention of any "illegal felling" of trees. This action concerns approximately 6.36 acres of forest land situated in the Sundargarh district. The NGT's east zone bench issued this order on September 3, responding to allegations that the land was unlawfully transferred to private companies for industrial development.
Local residents filed an application seeking an immediate halt to tree marking, felling, and construction activities on the disputed land. While the tribunal acknowledged the urgency, it decided to address the interim plea alongside the main application, which is slated for final hearing on October 14, to avoid delays. However, the NGT emphasized that forest protection remains paramount and instructed the DFO to ensure no illegal tree felling occurs until the case is concluded.
Petitioners contend that the Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) provisionally allotted village forest land at Kalokudar to two companies for steel and ferro-alloy units. They assert this allotment proceeded without the required central government approval under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, and allegedly violated related environmental laws. Despite prior directives from the DFO to cease construction, petitioners claim work continued, leading to the NGT's intervention.
