NGT issues notices to Collector, CMC over construction of slums near Birupa River

Bhubaneswar: The National Green tribunal, Kolkata has issued a notice to the District Collector, Cuttack, Commissioner Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC), Secretary State Pollution Control Board and Secretary Urban Development over illegal construction of slums near Birupa River and Jagatput. The tribunal has sought the reply and directed them to file a reply. Later, after it will pass a interim stay.
Arguing the matter Advocate Lalitendu Mishra stated that the applicant is the president of the Association (OARS) which organizes and fosters Rowing and Sculling sports in Odisha and it carry forward all the national and international events of rowing sports in the interest of people of Odisha since 2001.
Mishra in his argument stated that the applicant filed an original application bearing O.A. No.46 of 2020 EZ in the interest of the all the people of Odisha before NGT, Kolkata, who are likely to be affected by the arbitrary and illegal action of the CMC in planning to settle the people of slum area as part of SCB expansion program to near Birupa River and Jagatpur water sports complex.
He said, also by affecting the rowing course and the works for the international event, which is not only in violation of provision of law but also is a violation of various fundamental and constitutional rights which are enshrined and guaranteed to the citizens in the Constitution of India.
Mishra stated that applicant came to know about this arbitrary action when the CMC through its letter dated 31.01.2020 called for a tender notice dated 31/01/2020 and started construction of slums and toilets.