Puri: The district administration will not allow people to build commercial complexes and apartments in the eco-sensitive zone near Balukhand sanctuary here.
However, the administration will permit locals to construct residential buildings in the zone. The Puri-Konark Development Authority (PKDA) has been asked to approve plans for residential buildings in the environmentally sensitive area near the sanctuary, sources said.
The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) had declared a 21.5 sq km area near Balukhand as an eco-sensitive zone May 19. The ministry had imposed restrictions on the construction of buildings in the zone.
The Centre has constituted a 10-member monitoring committee under the chairmanship of the collector to keep an eye on the fragile eco-system. “Some people had received no-objection certificates for construction of commercial complexes near Balukhand before the Centre’s notification declaring the area as an eco-sensitive zone. We will raise the issue with MoEF and seek its suggestions,” said a district administration official.
Sources said the administration has decided to take action against people who dump garbage in the prohibited zone. It will also remove hoardings near the sensitive zone. “There will be restrictions on the mutation of plots near the sanctuary. The administration will prepare a master plan to preserve the area,” added the official.
Sources said the administration will consult the Forest and Environment, Urban Development, Tourism, Agriculture and Revenue departments to prepare the master plan. “We will also seek the views of the Orissa State Pollution Control Board and the city municipal body while preparing the master plan. Any violation of MoEF norms will invite action as per the Environment Protection Act, 1986,” said the official.
The Balukhand sanctuary, spread over 87 square km, was famous for blackbucks. However, recent animal censuses confirmed that the endangered species faced extinction in the sanctuary.
“Now, we can find species like spotted deer, wild cat, porcupine, hyena and rabbits in the sanctuary. Moreover, Balukhand is well known for its reptiles,” said a forest official.
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