Forest encroachment in Malkangiri: National Green Tribunal takes suo motu cognizance

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo motu cognizance of the alleged encroachment of 100 acres of forest land in the Motu area of Malkangiri district.

The petition is registered suo-motu on the basis of a media report published on 30.09.2024.

NGT has also issued notices to Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Forest Department and Malkangiri district Collector by putting the question mark on how roads, buildings, wire fencing and other infrastructure were constructed by funding it through various government schemes, including the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). 

The respondents have been asked to file their response/reply by way of affidavit before the Eastern Zonal Bench of the Tribunal at least one week before the next date of hearing. 

“If any respondent directly files the reply without routing it through his advocate then the said respondent will remain virtually present to assist the Tribunal,” read the notification issued by NGT.

Furthermore, it is alleged that large ponds were excavated, warehouses built, and transformers installed, indicating extensive use of state resources. 

The development indicated Bench violation of the provisions of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980 and Environment Protection Act, 1986.

Since the matter relates to the Eastern Zonal Bench, Kolkata, therefore, the Bench transferred the matter to the Eastern Zonal Bench for appropriate further action. The office is directed by the NGT to transfer the original record to the Eastern Zonal Bench and the matter is listed on 03.12.2024.

Notably, politics was intensified in Odisha over the alleged encroachment of the forest land in Malkangiri some days back. BJD had alleged involvement of the previous government in the incident. However, BJD refuted the allegations.

“The National Green Tribunal has taken suo motu cognizance of a specific story. Hearing over the particular case in Malkangiri will be conducted on December 3, 2024. The matter has been transferred to Kolkata Bench,” said lawyer Shankar Pani.