CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court on Monday expressed displeasure that no criminal case has been initiated by the Collectors of Ganjam, Puri and Kendrapara against illegal prawn culture farmers.
Taking up hearing in the case relating to protection of Chilika and Bhitarkanika wetlands, the bench comprising Chief Justice Vineet Saran and Justice Dr BR Sarangi and directed the Collectors to take steps to initiate criminal cases and file an affidavit indicating the names and addresses of persons carrying out illegal prawn culture and have been evicted.
When Ganjam Collector stated that he has completed eviction process in Chilika under Ganjam district, it was disputed by Amicus Curiae Mohit Agarwal who submitted that illegal prawn culture still exists and there are illegal generators, transformers and paddle boats using which the illegal culture is underway.
The High Court took note of the statement and directed that on the next date of hearing on July 24, further affidavit be filed.
In pursuance of an earlier direction of the court, Ganjam Collector filed an affidavit before the HC annexing the letters from the office of Minister of Fisheries and Animal Resources Department and MLAs of Brahmagiri and Chhatrapur.A communication from Private Secretary of the Minister was submitted, wherein it was mentioned that after coming to know that the matter was pending before the High Court, no decision was taken in the Minister’s June 23 meeting which is why no minutes were recorded. The bench observed that the Amicus Curiae can respond to the same on the next date.