Bhubaneswar: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has penalised Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) Secretary for providing incomplete information while submitting an affidavit on a case pertaining to alleged destruction of biodiversity at Sikharchandi hills in Odisha capital.

The Eastern Zonal Bench of NGT at Kolkata imposed a penalty of Rs 500 on BDA Secretary Kabindra Kumar Sahoo for providing inadequate information in his affidavit. The NGT bench of Justice Amit Sthalekar (Judicial Member) and Arun Kumar Verma (Expert Member) has asked Sahoo to submit a fresh affidavit within 24 hours in connection with the case, sources said.

Sahoo reportedly did not provide detailed information regarding his designation and department while filing the affidavit. The NGT bench has expressed its displeasure in this regard and rejected the affidavit.

Sachin Mahapatra, a resident of Sikharchandi area, had filed a petition in the NGT while opposing some construction work at the hills by the Water Corporation of Odisha (WATCO). The petitioner claimed that the construction work will cause severe damage to the biodiversity at Sikharchandi.

The BDA Secretary, in his affidavit, claimed that the state government has planned to redevelop a temple at Sikharchandi and develop basic infrastructure in the area by spending around Rs 30 crore.

The BDA Secretary also claimed that Sikharchandi hills are located outside the eco-sensitive zone of Chandaka Sanctuary.