Bhubaneswar: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo motu cognizance of the alleged encroachment of 100 acres of forest land in the Motu area of Malkangiri district, Odisha, to establish a settlement named Islamnagar. The petition was registered based on a news article dated 30 September 2024.
The NGT has issued notices to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), the Forest Department, and the Malkangiri District Collector, seeking clarification on how infrastructure such as roads, buildings, wire fencing, and other constructions were developed using funds from various government schemes, including the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA).
Respondents are required to submit their replies via affidavit to the Tribunal’s Eastern Zonal Bench at least one week before the next hearing. According to the NGT notification, if any respondent submits their reply directly without going through their advocate, they must be present virtually to assist the Tribunal.
Allegations also include the excavation of large ponds, construction of warehouses, and installation of transformers, indicating significant utilisation of state resources. These developments reportedly violate the Forest Conservation Act of 1980 and the Environment Protection Act of 1986.
Given the jurisdiction of the Eastern Zonal Bench in Kolkata, the matter has been transferred accordingly, with the NGT directing the office to send the original records to the Eastern Zonal Bench. The hearing is scheduled for 3 December 2024.
It mat be noted tha t in September, a shocking incident emerged in Malkangiri district involving the alleged encroachment of approximately 100 acres of forest land in the Motu area, where Islamnagar has been constructed. This situation had raised suspicions of complicity among local authorities. The incident occurred during the tenure of the previous BJD government, prompting concerns about possible collusion and misuse of power.
Islamnagar has been illegally established on forest land just 2-3 km from National Highway 326, surrounded by dense forests along the Saberi riverbank. The construction process involved building a mud road and erecting wire fencing.
Mohammad Masoom Khan is at the centre of the controversy surrounding the alleged illegal occupation of around 100 acres of forest land, where he has reportedly built Islamnagar. Khan is accused of unlawfully establishing a vast empire, with claims that he received protection and encouragement from the former BJD government.
Local BJP leaders have characterised this act as “Land Jihad”. They assert that occupying 100 acres of forest land, clearing trees, and constructing large high-rise buildings cannot occur without political support. Furthermore, they argue that building a road under the Mahatma Gandhi NREGA scheme, constructing a large reservoir with funds from the Agriculture and Fisheries Department, and installing a significant transformer by the Electricity Department would also require political backing. They contend that this extensive illegal activity has happened with the full protection and encouragement of the Biju Janata Dal, particularly former MP Pradeep Majhi. For political reasons, the administration has allegedly overlooked these actions, providing support and cooperation in this illegal endeavour.
