Order of the National Green Tribunal (Eastern Zone Bench, Kolkata) in the matter of Swarup Kumar Rath Vs Union of India & Others dated 31/08/2023.

The Original Application had been filed by the applicant on the allegation that some people have closed the mouth of river Sukapaika (a branch of river Mahanadi in Odisha). This has obstructed the free flow of perennial water source of river Sukapaika by creation of a dry island and this has led to encroachment of the river bed by land grabbers. It was also alleged that sand is being collected illegally by the encroachers and the entire bed has also become a dumping ground for garbage and solid and liquid waste, thereby polluting the entire area.

The NGT, September 28, 2022 had directed the state authorities that in case the proposed budgetary allocation of Rs. 4967.13 lakhs for rejuvenation of Sukapaika drainage channel has not been made by the government, the same should be made within a period of one month. The authorities were also directed to complete the entire project for  rejuvenation of Sukapaika river drainage channel by March 13, 2023 and file an affidavit of compliance.

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The NGT, August 31, 2023 noted that the compliance report has not been filed by the state respondents. The NGT directed the Collector, Cuttack to file a compliance report within four weeks and listed the matter for September 27, 2023.