Peeved over the construction of roads in forest areas in violation of the Forest (Conservation) Act 1980, the Forest Department is said to have registered cases against several officials and staff of the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) and Roads and Buildings Department. It has also issued summons to officials for taking up unauthorised construction of roads in tribal areas, besides asking them to stop the construction of a road between Kalingapatnam and Parlakhemundi.
According to sources, the R&B officials had sought permissions from the Forest Department only after starting the works. They were in need of forest land near Saravakota for laying a road between the two towns to ensure better connectivity between AP and Odisha. The Forest Department refused to permit laying road in the ‘unauthorised’ habitations in the ITDA jurisdiction.
Sources said despite pressure from contractors and public representatives, road works in many areas including Jambada, Mettuguda waterfalls, Bejji and others were not permitted as it would have an adverse impact on wildlife . “We can permit to lay road, only if the ITDA officials give legal sanctity to the unauthorised habitations,” said a forest official.
The ITDA officials, meanwhile, argue that they are expected to ensure transport facility to tribal people. They said tribal people struggle to reach the town by travelling long distances, owing to poor connectivity .
However, the Forest Department counters the argument with a suggestion that their ITDA counterparts should approach the District Level Committee headed by the Collector for permission for the projects.
