Forest Clearance Faux Pas: Odisha's Ekalavya School Under Scrutiny
The Environment Ministry has flagged an unauthorized construction of an Ekalavya Model School in Odisha. Built without required forest clearance, officials are under investigation for procedural lapses. The Forest Advisory Committee demands possible penalties and corrective measures while supporting the public utility project.
- Country:
- India
The Union environment ministry has raised concerns regarding unauthorized construction of an Ekalavya Model Residential School on forest land in Keonjhar district, Odisha, without the necessary forest clearance.
Constructed on 1.80 hectares of forest land, the school was built without prior approval according to the Forest Conservation Act. The district administration cited reliance on outdated land records as the primary cause for the lapse.
The Forest Advisory Committee has called for potential penalties and disciplinary action against responsible officials, urging regularization of the infraction given the school's public utility status as part of a broader initiative to educate tribal children.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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