The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to examine a plea highlighting alleged illegal constructions within the Satkosia Tiger Reserve in Odisha, a critical ecological zone home to endangered wildlife.
A bench led by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, along with Justices K.V. Viswanathan and Joymalya Bagchi, acknowledged the urgency of the matter after advocate Gaurav Kumar Bansal urged the court to take cognisance of the issue. The bench assured that the matter would be heard on a later date.
Bansal raised concerns about permissions reportedly granted by the local administration for the development of eco-tourism infrastructure within the protected forest area. “The district collector has issued such permissions for construction of an eco-tourism spot. How can this be permitted?” Bansal questioned during the hearing, asserting his commitment to the conservation of forest ecosystems. “I am just fighting for forests,” he added.
The Satkosia Tiger Reserve spans the districts of Angul, Cuttack, Nayagarh, and Boudh and is known for its rich biodiversity, serving as a vital habitat for tigers, elephants, and several endangered species. Conservationists have often warned that unchecked development and tourism activities could threaten the fragile balance of the region’s ecosystem.
