Khurda: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed Khurda Collector to immediately stop the unauthorised construction of a concrete jetty at Gadadwara of Chilika Lake by Vikash Eco Resort Private Limited. The environmental watchdog has also ordered the Collector to ensure the demolition of the illegal jetty and the restoration of the site to its original condition. Observing that the construction violated Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms and caused environmental damage by discharging untreated waste into ecologically sensitive Chilika Lake, the NGT has asked the district Collector to initiate criminal proceedings under the Environment Protection Act.
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Both Chilika Development Authority (CDA) and Vikash Eco Resort Private Limited have been asked to submit a detailed report within four weeks. The illegal construction came to light after Maa Kalijai Motor Boat Workers’ Union lodged complaints first with the local tehsildar and later with the district Collector, opposing the construction in the ecologically sensitive area. With no response from authorities, the union filed a writ petition with the NGT, which took cognisance of the matter and delivered its order August 1. For decades, the government had allowed traditional fisherfolk to operate in Chilika. Though the practice was halted in 2017, the fisherfolk who depend on boats for both fishing and tourism have long demanded a jetty for their livelihood.
However, authorities have reportedly shown little interest. Despite the absence of official approval, Vikash Eco Resort Private Limited began constructing a concrete jetty within the lake, an area falling under the CRZ as demarcated by the Forest and Environment Department. The area is protected under CRZ notifications, and enforcement of these rules lies with the district-level CRZ monitoring committee, headed by the Collector. However, despite multiple complaints and wide media coverage since April 24, the Collector’s office failed to take any action against the illegal construction.
