Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding waterbody encroachment in Sarbasukha Mouza, Paschim Medinipur district, West Bengal, 11/06/2020
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Ranjan Sarkar & Others Vs State of West Bengal & Others dated 11/06/2020. The matter relates to environmental degradation of a doba (water body/lake) under Sarbasukha Mouza in the district of Paschim Medinipur that was being filled up illegally without having statutory clearances.
Two reports filed in response to the NGT order to look into the matter revealed waterbody encroachment by construction on the Northern portion commencing from North-East corner of DAG No. 2991 of Ramjibanpur Mouza and North-West corner of DAG No. 80 of Sarbasukha Mouza. Shops were constructed without getting the necessary permission under the West Bengal Land Reforms Act, 1955. Also no permission was taken under The West Bengal Inland Fisheries Act, 1984.
Taking into consideration the reports, the NGT directed the District Magistrate to ensure that all encroachments are removed in accordance with law. “If shops and permanent structures have been raised within such area, the same be demolished by following due process,” the order said. The entire exercise has to be completed within three months.