Cuttack: In compliance with an earlier directive of the Orissa High Court, collectors of Khurda, Ganjam, Puri and Kendrapara districts Monday submitted affidavits in the court in connection with protection of the two wetlands, Chilika and Bhitarkanika, in the state.
In their affidavits, the collectors have made several recommendations and proposals for protection and conservation of the wetlands.
The HC itself had filed a public interest litigation (PIL) on the basis of a ruling of the Supreme Court over conservation of wetlands. During the hearing, a bench of Chief Justice Vineet Saran and Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi had directed the collectors to submit the affidavits.
Notably, the Supreme Court had asked the Centre to inform about various measures being taken to preserve the wetlands in the country. Subsequently, the Centre had informed the apex court that there were 26 wetlands in 15 states of which two wetlands are situated in Orissa.
The apex court had directed the Chief Justices of 15 states to file public interest litigations (PILs) in this regard. In compliance with the direction, the Chief Justice of Orissa had filed the PIL.
The HC had earlier appointed advocate Mohit Agarwal as an amicus curiae and directed Orissa High Court Bar Association president and senior lawyer Ashok Kumar Parija to assist him in the case.
During the hearing, the court had ruled that any individual or official could voluntarily implead them as party to the case. Later, revenue and disaster management secretary, fisheries department secretary and officials of other departments had impleaded themselves as parties to the case.
During further hearing, the Chilika development authority had submitted an affidavit regarding preservation of wetlands. In the petition, the development authority stated that several proposals have been made for development works of Chilika and demolition of illegal prawn enclosures.
Amicus curiae Agarwal and his associate Parija had also made several proposals and recommendations for preservation of the wetlands. Agarwal told the court that illegal prawn enclosures pollute the water in Chilika and recommended demolition of the same. He also informed the court that the oil released from motorised boats at Chilika and Bhitarkanika pollute the water and recommended its prevention.
PNN