The Tampara Lake Beautification Project underway in Ganjam district on behalf of the Odisha government has suffered a jolt as the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the state government to stop the project work immediately.
Challenging the ongoing large-scale construction work in Tamapara Lake, the Wildlife Society of Odisha had brought the attention of the NGT.
Expressing its concern, the NGT has directed for immediate suspension of any kind of construction work in the lake, a protected Ramsar site. No construction work can be carried out within the 50-meter radius of the lake, it ordered.
This apart, a high-level committee comprising the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Ganjam district Collector and director environment has been formed to conduct an investigation.
The committee has been asked to submit its report once the investigation is over.
Notably, September 13 has been fixed as the next date for the hearing.
It is pertinent to mention here that last year Tampara Lake and two others-Hirakud reservoir in Sambalpur district and Ansupa Lake in Cuttack-were recognised as wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar convention.