Lok Shakti Abhiyan president Prafulla Samantara on Friday severely criticised the State Government for giving approval for construction of the proposed Gopalpur-Digha Coastal Highway saying that the project would pose a threat to environment and prevention of climate change.
“If the coastal highway is constructed, saline forests will be destroyed and biodiversity, wild animals and marine life will be affected. Impact of natural calamities will be multiplied. Fishermen will lose livelihood. Any type of bridge constructed over the Chilika lake will damage its natural geography. Birds taking shelter in the lake would be severely affected,” pointed out Samantara.
Stating that the Ministry of Forests and Environment had opposed the project citing scientific reasons, Samatnra said, “Now, both the BJD and the BJP Governments have together planned the project for the benefit of companies and contractors.”
He noted that Bhitarkanika park and the Chilika lake should be protected for prevention of climate change. He urged upon political parties, social organisations and activists to get united to protest the proposed coastal highway for protection of marine resources and natural environment of the State.
