Bhubaneswar: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has asked the state government to look into possible encroachments on the flood plains of the Mahanadi river in Cuttack district.
A two-judge bench tribunal was hearing a case on encroachment on Mahanadi riverbed at Rantilo in the district when it took suo motu congnizance of the matter and expanded the hearing to more such areas in the district and asked the government to inquire into the matter and inform them accordingly.
The NGT has asked the government to examine if the areas close to the new campus of SCB Medical College and Bali Yatra Ground are reporting encroachments and illegal structures in contravention of the law.
“During the hearing, it also transpired that such encroachments may be taking place at other locations of the flood plains, including near the Cuttack Medical College or near Bali Yatra Ground,” the order of NGT said.
“Let these aspects be looked into by a committee and a further factual and action taken report furnished within three months,” it said.
The court meanwhile asked the government to take action against erring parties as per law. It also went through a Joint Inspection Report of the Joint Committee.
“…It is clear that the committee has found violations of law in raising construction in the active flood plain area or no development zone of the river. However, there is no action taken report. If the state authorities have found violations, it is for them to take remedial measures to enforce the law,” it said.
All new projects of the government and private bodies on the flood plains of the river Mahanadi and adjoining areas have come under the lens of the watchdog.
Earlier, while hearing a case of encroachment on the Mahanadi riverbed, the NGT sought formation of a joint panel and asked them to visit the site and give their report to the NGT.
The joint inspection report by the district administration, State Pollution Control Board, Central Pollution Control admitted existence of illegal structures on the areas.
