Eco Retreat work halted at Pentha Beach in Odisha’s Bhitarkanika over lack of clearance

The construction work for the annual Eco Retreat at Pentha Beach in Odisha’s Kendrapara district has been stopped by the Forest Department for reportedly proceeding without the necessary environmental and wildlife clearances.

Officials have also seized construction materials from the site following the intervention.

The Odisha Tourism Department has been hosting the Eco Retreat at Pentha for the past four years as part of its flagship initiative to promote sustainable tourism in scenic and eco-sensitive regions like Bhitarkanika National Park.

However, this year, preparations hit a major roadblock after forest officials discovered that the ongoing setup lacked mandatory approval from the State Wildlife Board and the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) authorities.

Forest Department said Pentha Beach lies within the eco-sensitive zone of Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary and close to the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, both known for their rich biodiversity. Any form of construction, in such regions requires prior permission under wildlife and coastal zone regulations.

Also Read: Operation Olivia: How it is protecting Olive Ridley turtles along Odisha coastline

Pentha Beach also serves as a nesting ground for endangered Olive Ridley turtles, which have been sporadically laying eggs there since 2010. Environmentalists have frequently raised concerns that the bright lights, music, and human activity during the Eco Retreat could disrupt the turtles’ breeding cycle.

Locals Responds to the Halt

Local residents expressed disappointment over the stoppage, saying the event had not only boosted tourism but also created seasonal employment for villagers. With just weeks remaining for the tourist season, uncertainty prevails over whether the fifth edition of the Pentha Eco Retreat will take place this year.

“This is very saddening as the company that has taken the tender for the eco retreat is very haphazard. As they had been doing like this in the previous BJD government’s tenure, they thought they could bypass laws this year too. However, the new forest officer abides by law and found that they had no clearance. So, he stopped it which is very good because they need to take permission first,” stated a local, Jagannath Das.

When contacted, Rajnagar Divisional Forest Officer Bhardraj Gaonkar said, “The work was going on without clearance from the competent authorities. So, we had directed the immediate suspension of all activities. However, now they have got all the required permission and will go ahead with the work.”