The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change and Odisha Forest Department over the construction of cottages on Deomali hilltop in Korpaut district.
Hearing a petition filed by the Wildlife Society of Odisha, the NGT's Kolkata Eastern Zone Bench has also issued notices to the Odisha Biodiversity Board, Koraput Collector, Koraput Forest Division and Semiliguda Forest Ranger.
The peak of Deomali has been selected for a bio diversity heritage place. Deomali is known for its edemic species of flora and fauna with many rare species of plants and animals including 84 precious medicinal plants. However, as per the complaint, the permanent construction work will ruin the biodiversity of the place.
It is alleged that the Forest Department is constructing cottages on Deomali hilltop under Pottangi Block with all-weather cement fiber boards. Cottages for night stay of tourists have been constructed with provisions of a dining hall and two dormitories. The Department has also planted about 1,000 tropical pine saplings brought from Assam for beautification of the landscape of the spot. Due to bauxite deposits on the hilltop, the soil dug up by machines was used to make pits for planting of saplings and other soil was also used to ensure growth of the plants.
It is further alleged that Deomali Project is included under the Centre’s Swadesh Darshan Scheme for development of infrastructure to boost the inflow of tourists. The Project is in addition to Rs 16 crore sanctioned by the Tourism Department for integrated development of the hill. Moreover, Semiliguda Forest Range has prepared a proposal for the Development of Eco-Tourism Complex, at an estimated cost of about Rs 4.5 crore and the same is being executed by the Semiliguda Forest Range Office.
The tribunal has sought replies from the respondents within four weeks. The next hearing of the case will be held on August 23.