BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha government has requested the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to amend the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) notification of Balukhand wildlife sanctuary in Puri to facilitate construction of Shree Swaminarayan temple along the Puri-Konark Marine Drive.
The proposal has been moved by no less than Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who has written a letter to Union minister Bhupender Yadav urging him to consider reducing the ESZ boundary from existing 500 metre to 50 metre or grant environment clearance to the project while maintaining the integrity and conservation objectives of the sanctuary.
In response to the CM’s letter, Yadav has sought a detailed proposal for consideration of the matter.
The letter to Yadav stated that the Shree Swaminarayan Temple Trust at Puri had purchased a land on Puri-Konark Marine Drive road within Balukhand mouza for development of a temple and civic amenities. However, the current ESZ notification of sanctuary posed impediment to the project’s progress.
As per the notification, published on May 19, 2017, the ESZ of Balukhand ranges from 0 metre to 500 metre from the sanctuary boundary. “However, the selected site for development of Swaminarayan temple lies in close proximity to the sanctuary and currently falls within the ESZ which poses a statutory constraint on the proposed construction,” the letter stated.
Stating the temple project will be undertaken with full commitment to environmental safeguards, Majhi urged Yadav to consider amending the ESZ boundary of the sanctuary. “Necessary measures will be taken to ensure minimal ecological disturbance and adherence to all norms laid down by the MoEFCC,” he assured.
Yadav, in his response, stated that ESZs around the protected areas are declared based on proposals received from the state governments in accordance with guidelines formulated by the ministry, and the same has been followed for ESZ notification of Balukhand-Konark wildlife sanctuary. “A detailed proposal for the amendment is required to be furnished by the state government for necessary action depending on the merits of the case. Once it is received, the same will be duly examined for necessary action as deemed appropriate,” Yadav stated.
The CM said Swaminarayan temple, being a symbol of devotion, peace and social service, is envisioned to serve as a centre of spiritual and cultural landmark, offering a space for worship, community service, social welfare and charitable activities for thousands of devotees and citizens.
Spread over 87 sq km area, the Balukhand-Konark wildlife sanctuary plays a significant role in protecting biodiversity of the coastal region in Puri and is habitat to many wildlife species. It had sustained extensive damage during Cyclone Fani in 2019.