Odisha High Court lens on wetland protection
CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court took up the protection of Chilika and Bhitarkanika wetlands case on Tuesday. In pursuance of the earlier direction of the court, Collectors of Khurda, Ganjam and Kendrapara had been asked to file an affidavit indicating the name and address of persons carrying out illegal prawn culture and those evicted. However, the Additional Government Advocate took one week’s time to file the affidavit citing heavy rains which posed hindrance in obtaining details.
Amicus Curiae Mohit Agarwal filed a report stating that the eviction drive near Palur canal was far from being complete as had been submitted by Ganjam Collector in the last hearing. He also annexed the letter of Forest and Environment department to Ganjam Collector asking him to disconnect electricity supply and remove generators and paddle boats used by persons engaged in illegal prawn culture. Photographs of illegal prawn culture going on near Palur canal was submitted by Agarwal.
The bench of Chief Justice Vineet Saran and Justice Dr BR Sarangi directed Ganjam Collector to file an affidavit in this regard on the next hearing date and also indicate the list of cases where illegal prawn farmers have obtained stay order. The matter has been next posted to August 2.