NGT issues notice to Centre, state on eco-tourism in Satkosia Tiger Reserve

Cuttack: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notice to the Central and state governments to respond to a plea seeking their intervention against the activities going on inside the Satkosia Tiger Reserve and Satkosia gorge of the Mahanadi river “under the guise of eco-tourism”. Has asked for.

The Eastern Zone bench of the NGT in Kolkata issued the notice on Thursday noting that the Satkosia is one of the largest river valleys in the state, with a length of about 14 miles that passes through the tiger reserve. Additionally, it is a natural habitat for approximately 500 endangered crocodiles that use the sand banks to lay eggs.
The area was declared a Ramsar site in 2021. The petition states that more than 16 cottage tents, seven of which have AC facilities with attendant dining huts, are set up during the tourist season for eight months from October to May, known as ‘Badamul Sand Resort’. Known as. ,
Wildlife Society of Orissa filed the application challenging the erection of tents and sheds for tourists in an ecologically sensitive area on the grounds that it would cause irreparable damage to the local environment and biodiversity. A bench of B Amit Sthalekar (judicial member) and Arun Kumar Verma (expert member) said, “The matter requires consideration. Issue notice, to be returned within four weeks. List on May 10, 2024.”