Odisha: NGT issues notice to Forest dept, district admin on eco-tourism at Deomali
The order comes in response to a petition by the WSO in 2018 citing detrimental impact on Deomali's ecosystem triggered by construction of cottages at the site.
Koraput: Trouble seems to be mounting for eco-tourism at the famed Deomali in Odisha’s Koraput district with the National Green Tribunal issuing notice to the State Forest department, the Collector and Koraput Forest Division to respond to allegations of environmental damage by the Wildlife Society of Odisha (WSO) within four weeks of receipt of the notice.
The order comes in response to a petition by the WSO in 2018 citing detrimental impact on Deomali’s ecosystem triggered by construction of cottages at the site. The petition opposed the eco-tourism measures citing that nearly 25 acre forest land was being used for concrete constructions.
The original allegations in the application had stated that Deomali in Pottangi block of Koraput is known for endemic species of flora and fauna which is why the forest land there is known as reserve forest. However, the Forest department is constructing cottages on the hill top with all-weather cement fibre boards and the soil is being dug up for plantation of pine saplings due to bauxite deposits.
As per the petition, the Deomali Project is included under the Centre’s Swadesh Darshan Scheme for development of infrastructure to boost inflow of tourists. The Project is in addition to Rs.16 crores sanctioned by the Tourism Department for integrated development of the hill. It is also alleged that similarly Semiliguda Forest Range has prepared a proposal for Development of Eco-Tourism Complex, at an estimated cost about Rs.4.5 Crores and the same is being executed by the Semiliguda Forest Range Office, Koraput District. Further,
the DFO, Koraput Wildlife Division, has issued tender notice for Rs.3.95 Crores for Civil Works at Deomali and Semiliguda Forest Range Project is stated to be spread over 10.4 hectares or 26 acres of Forest land and requires prior approval under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
In the present proposal for Eco-tourism, there has been no involvement of the local community or indigenous knowledge of making house and household articles which is in violation of MoEF&CC letter dated
19.09.2018 stating the policy for Eco-tourism in Forest and Wildlife area, the petitioner had claimed.
In response, the apex green panel stated that the matter requires urgent attention and asked all respondents to file counter-affidavits within four weeks.
The next hearing is scheduled on August 23.
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