Bhubaneswar, March 15: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed Odisha government authorities to respond to allegations of illegal laterite stone extraction and tree felling in Khordha's Ramachandrapur area. The NGT issued notices on March 11, following a petition by residents alleging unauthorized quarrying at the Ramachandrapur Laterite Stone Quarry-2 since January, without necessary environmental clearances.

The NGT bench, consisting of Judicial Member Arun Kumar Tyagi and Expert Member A Senthil Vel, noted that the petition raised significant environmental concerns under the provisions of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010. In their observation, they emphasized the need for statutory approvals in line with environmental regulations.

As a result, the tribunal has issued notices to key authorities, including the Chief Secretary of Odisha, the Khurda District Collector and Magistrate, the Director of Mines and Geology, the Tehsildar of Tangi, the Deputy Director of Mines (Khurda Circle), the Member Secretary of the Odisha State Pollution Control Board, the Member Secretary of the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority, and the Superintendent of Police, Khurda.

The case has been scheduled for a follow-up hearing on April 16.