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State Government | Orissa - India | PID: 188241
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In a rare situation, the Fisheries Department in Sambalpur got nearly 62 acres of land and pond in the heart of the city, which it plans to make a tourism centre- the first of its kind in Asia. But to its utter surprise, it is seen that the Odisha Water Supply and Sewerage Board (OWSSB) has started construction of a treatment plant in the land
Of course, the Board has got necessary papers of RoR (record of right) for it as told by Rajesh Nayak, the in-charge of the project. But the Fisheries Department here is not aware of these things as the RoR has been changed by some senior level officers in IAS rank with help of the Revenue Department officials
When the work was started a couple of days back, there was a lot of hue and cry in the town as a few people thought that it was done by some influential builders to encroach land. But later it could be ascertained that it was the work of OWSSB
The officials of the Fisheries Department here also drew the attention of the Collector who also swung into action feeling the gravity of the situation
But he was also convinced of the situation
However, the Fisheries Department officials here say that they are not against the treatment plant as the land has been alienated to the OSWSSB, though beyond their knowledge. “But we want relocation of the plant or else, the whole concept of fishery tourism will fizzle out,” said a senior officer
There needs to be a mutual understanding between the two departments so that both purposes could be fulfilled,” he suggested further
After the news spread in Sambalpur, there have been sharp reactions in public also. They also demand relocation of the sewerage treatment plant, as it is also necessary
But under no circumstances, the direction of the Supreme Court as regards to water bodies be violated,” said Prof Dr Santosh Dash, a conscious citizen of the city cum an educationist. “The guidelines and judgement of the Supreme Court must be adhered to,” he demanded
Ranjan Panda, convenor of Water Initiative of Odisha (WIO), also suggests not to misutilise water bodies. “No one is above law, and hence, all should respect the apex court of the country,” Panda said
There are also a number of other people who are getting ready to drag the entire administration and the sewerage board to court of law against violation of SC guidelines on water bodies
| Updated on: 01 - May - 2019
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