NGT Petition Alleges Illegal Tree Felling for Odisha's Rs 28-Crore Baripada Development Project
A significant environmental controversy has erupted in Odisha as alleged large-scale tree felling for a proposed urban development project in Baripada municipality has been brought before the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The petition, filed by Pratap Chandra Mohanty from Kendrapada, seeks immediate judicial intervention to halt what he claims are illegal activities under the Van Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan Adhiniyam 2023.
Details of the Alleged Violations
In his petition filed before the NGT's East Zone Bench through Advocate Sankar Prasad Pani on April 7, Mohanty presented detailed allegations. He claimed that more than 100 trees were systematically cut down using chainsaws starting from April 4, 2024. The tree felling was reportedly conducted for the development of Jubilee Park and Jhinjiri Pond under the Baripada Municipality's jurisdiction.
The petitioner further alleged that the tree stumps were subsequently cleared using heavy machinery, including JCBs, effectively removing evidence of the environmental damage. The project spans approximately nine acres of land that includes areas classified as forest (Jungle), water body (Jalasaya), and wasteland (Patita).
Procedural Lapses and Legal Concerns
Mohanty's petition highlights several procedural violations that raise serious legal questions:
- No prior approval was obtained from the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Baripada before initiating the tree cutting operations
- Violation of a 2011 Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) order that mandates central clearance for projects involving both forest and non-forest land
- Potential breach of provisions under the Biological Diversity Act 2002
The work order for the project was issued by Baripada Municipality, with execution being handled by the National Federation of Farmers' Procurement, Processing and Retailing Cooperatives of India Ltd (NACOF).
Ecological Impact and Local Significance
The environmental implications of this project extend far beyond simple tree removal. The site, locally known as "Pakhi Vihar," has served as a crucial habitat for thousands of birds for many years. Environmental experts have emphasized that this area functioned as a year-round refuge for numerous avian species, making the alleged tree felling particularly devastating to local biodiversity.
The ecological damage could have long-term consequences for regional bird populations and the delicate balance of the local ecosystem, according to conservationists familiar with the area.
Legal Proceedings and Parties Involved
The National Green Tribunal has yet to schedule a hearing for this matter, but the petition has already named several key officials and organizations as parties to the case:
- Additional Chief Secretaries of the Forest and Housing Departments
- Mayurbhanj District Collector
- Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Baripada
- Odisha Biodiversity Board
- Baripada Municipality
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
- National Federation of Farmers' Procurement, Processing and Retailing Cooperatives of India Ltd (NACOF)
The petitioner has specifically requested that the NGT declare the tree felling activities illegal and direct authorities to restore the site to its original condition. This case represents a significant test of environmental protection laws in the context of urban development projects, particularly those involving multiple land classifications and significant ecological value.
