Bhubaneswar, Feb. 6 -- The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Eastern Zone Bench, Kolkata, has directed government agencies in Puri district, Odisha, to constitute a joint committee to investigate alleged deforestation and construction activities in the eco-sensitive zones of Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary, which are reportedly causing ecological damage to the fragile ecosystem.
Akhand, the counsel representing the petitioners, had drawn the attention of the tribunal regarding the wanton tree felling, deforestation, land clearing and permanent construction within the Sanctuary and its eco-sensitive zone without permission from the competent authority, causing destruction of natural habitat and violation of the Environment (Protection) Act...