Bangiriposi: A controversy is raging over plantation of saplings on a patch of land leased out to three private parties under Mundabani and Kumbhamunda mouza in Bangiriposi tehsil of Mayurbhanj district.
Lakhs of rupees spent on the plantation of saplings will certainly go down the drain when the company will be damaging the trees and start granite stone excavation at the place.
Even as locals and environmentalists raised questions on the intention of the forest department over plantation on the leased out land, the department has passed the buck to the revenue department.
According to reports, Ambilipata Thakurani hill in Rajalok-2 (Kalabadia) area has been leased out to Bibhendu Das, L&T and Anush Project Pvt Ltd for quarrying of black stones.
Surprisingly, following instruction from the authorities of Deuli forest range and Kuliana forester, thousands of saplings have been planted at the place under MGNREGS.
“Lakhs of rupees were spent on plantation. But the leaseholders will damage the trees. Besides, old trees have been chopped off and replaced with new ones. We fail to understand why this has been done,” locals lamented. Locals have taken up the matter with
district collector Rajesh Prabhakar Patil.
Meanwhile, Bangiriposi tehsildar Abhimanayu Panda made an on-the-spot investigation and has reportedly submitted his report (1921/23/07/2016), recommending to ADM Surathchandra Mallick for action in this regard.
As for the issue, Deuli ranger Ashok Kumar Das said, “We have planted saplings on
revenue department’s land at many places.”
But, Bangiriposi tehsildar made it clear, “Plantation on revenue department land without its permission is illegal. The parties who have taken lease of the land will acquire it and start quarrying, which will lead to destruction of trees.”
Locals questioned the real intention and integrity of the forest department in implementation of MGNREGS project on the revenue land.
A couple of days ago, a meeting was held at Mundabani where villagers condemned the act of forest department and alleged lakhs of rupees were misappropriated through plantation.
Basudev Singh, president of Mundabani Gramaya Jungle Surakhya Samiti, warned of an agitation if no action is taken against the guilty. PNN
