Scanner on 'illegal' hotels & buildings near Bhitarkanika National Park

Twisting and tweaking the forest land regulations, a hotel has been constructed near Bhitarkanika National Park (BNP), alleged the Bhitarkanika Suraksha Samiti and some local residents on Saturday. 

The above-mentioned hotel is allegedly constructed with the support of BJD’s Rajkanika MLA Dhruba Sahu. 

“A person who owns only 24 decimal land had encroached upon government land, forest land and cremation ground and was enjoying them. The man who was behind him is present MLA Dhruba Charan Sahu,” alleged Sahadeb Sahu, a member of Bhitarkanika Suraksha Samiti.

While the construction of the hotel is alleged to be illegal, a three-storey building has also been constructed on the forest land near the BNP.
“There are as many as five hotels constructed on the jungle kisam land inside the BNP. They don’t have even an inch of land of their own,” said Suryanarayan Lenka, a hotel owner. 

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When contacted, Kendrapara district Collector Suryawanshi Mayur Vikash said an enquiry would be ordered to find the veracity of the allegations. 

“We have received complaints. There are lands belonging to the Forest department and tehsil. So, an enquiry will be initiated and then only I can say anything about it,” said the Collector. 

No comments were received from MLA Dhruba Sahu.