Order of the National Green Tribunal (Eastern Zone Bench) in the matter of Keshab Ganda Vs State of Odisha & Others dated 25/04/2022. The Original Application has been filed with the allegations that construction of a gram panchayat building is ongoing on plot no.274, khata No.234 in Ichhapura village under Jharigam tehsil, Jaharigaon PS, Nabarangpur district which is the Kisam Bada jungle having area of 0.74 acres without any prior approval from the Central Government for Forest Clearance as required under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.

The court directed the MoEF&CC to file a affidavit within four weeks time in the matter as it relates to grant of forest clearance under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and also consideration under the provisions of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.