Plotting, construction on Puri sea beach hints at involvement of land mafia; Collector orders probe

It seems that the land mafia has now set its eyes on the vast coastline after it was found that plotting is being carried out at Puri sea beach. Several poles have been installed to earmark the area. Such illegal activities have surfaced near Bela Marg Sterling chhak in Puri.

It is alleged that the land mafia has also arranged some customers from outside Odisha to sell the land on the beach which is a clear violation of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms which is punishable as per law.

After getting information, Puri Konark Development Authority (PKDA) has swung into action. Out of the four classifications as per the CRZ rules, the land close to sea comes under CRZ 1 & 2 class. Under section 3 of Environment Protection Act, 1986, Coastal Regulation Zone, any kind of excavation and construction activities are prohibited and publishable offences.

Puri Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain said, "We got complaint yesterday regarding a person undertaking construction activities in the form of residential complex. Immediately, PKDA officials have asked to stop the construction work."

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Swain further informed that it appears that some portions of the beach land have been settled in records and CRZ permission received on such technical grounds.

“We have asked the Sub Collector to verify under what circumstances the land was settled and take steps to protect the shoreline and rectify the lacuna as no construction work can be undertaken on the beach. Tehsildar has now power in settlement. We have also informed the forest official in-charge of CRZ to undertake a field visit before granting permission so that the shoreline is protected,” the Puri Collector added.