Press Release on this Stay order by NGT

             15th July 2015

Green Tribunal Stayed Construction and Tree Felling in Shamuka Project, Sipasarubali, Puri

Ref: Case no- 49/2015

Upon hearing a petition filed by Mr Prafulla Samantara, The Eastern Zone Bench of National Green Tribunal restrained the IDCO and District Collector from tree felling and construction activity for Shamuka Tourism Project in Sipasarubali Mouza, Puri.

The Shamuka Tourism Project, the ambitious and dream project of state tourism department for construction of luxurious hotels and golf course in an area of 920 acre in ecologically sensitive coastal areas of Puri.

The Counsel Mr Sankar Prasad Pani, appearing for the petitioner argued that the ongoing construction work and tree felling in Sipasarubali for Shamuka Project is illegal as the project has not been granted Coastal Regulation Zone and Environment Clearance under Environment Protection Act 1986.

The petition further contends that around 28 percent of the total land is covered with trees which used to act as a barrier against cyclonic storms and coastal erosion and if the project is allowed then it will wreck havoc on the ecology of the area. The IDCO has started tree felling for approach road and boundary wall from 5th June 2015, ironically being the world environment day.

Upon hearing the case, Justice P. K. Ray and Professor P. C Mishra admitted the case and asked the Chief Secretary, Odisha, District Collector and Superintendent of Police Puri, Divisional Forest Officer, Puri to file status report and reply to the petition with in four weeks.

In the meantime all the construction as well as tree felling in the proposed Shamuka project area is being stayed till further order

The matter is adjourned to 21st August 2015

I urge the the state govt to release all villagers including Batkrunsha and protect these land and forest in the interest of people and environment after this stay order by NGT.
Prafulla samantara
president, Lok shakti Abhiyan