: The ‘Yuva O Shrama Bikash Mancha’ (YSBM) demanded to stop the work of the slurry pipeline in the Sadar and Ghatgaon range areas of Keonjhar Forest Division area on Wednesday. In this regard, the forum submitted a memorandum to the Collector and DFO Keonjhar with copies sent to the Secretary, Forest and Environment Department and the National Green Tribunal.
 
As the construction work is going on along the wildlife corridor in the right of way (ROW) of National Highway-20 along with extensive cutting of trees for the slurry pipe, it has created a problem for the illegal movement of wildlife. The Manch alleged that despite several reports published and complaints lodged, no action has been taken. Not even show cause notice is being served against the violator.
 
Alleging that the Forest Department showed great favour despite violation of forest laws and threat to wild animals, the forum demanded an immediate halt to the work, apart from initiating a high-level inquiry into the issue.
 
“If the proper action is not taken in the coming days, we will be forced to launch a stir,” the forum warned. 
 
Notably, the pipeline work is going on to transport iron ore lumps mixed with water from Joda mining area to Paradip. The work of digging trenches and laying pipes is going on. These trenches are being dug in the forest as well as the wild animal corridor area under Sadar and Ghatgaon ranges close to NH 20 causing danger to wildlife and common people. Even after the slurry pipe is laid down, the trenches are not properly levelled.  Consequently, there is a risk of wild animals falling in the trenches during their movement.
 
"The company that is digging and laying the pipe is doing it in the most casual manner allegedly violating the rules and regulations. Due to lack of supervision by the concerned Government department in many places, the condition is horrible," said Mancha president Ranjan Kumar Behera and vice president Jayakrishna Naik, along with others who lodged a complaint to take immediate steps against the violations and protect the wildlife. During the handing over of the memorandum, Collector Keonjhar Bishal Singh and DFO Keonjhar Dhanraj HD assured them of taking appropriate measures.